Conservação ex situ do elefante africano (Loxodonta africana): caraterização da maior reserva de elefantes da América Latina

The drastic decline in wild populations of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) over the last 50 years has forced us to complement in situ conservation programmes with human-maintained populations that act as a gene bank and raise awareness of the loss of the species. In partnership with the International Elephant Foundation (IEF), Africam Safari participates in the conservation of African elephants by supporting and funding projects aimed at preserving the species and maintaining the largest herd of elephants in Latin America at its facilities. The following report aims to characterise the main processes carried out at Africam Safari that have led to the effective reproduction of specimens and the subsequent birth of more than 10 African elephant calves in the last 6 years.La drástica disminución de poblaciones salvajes del elefante africano (Loxodonta africana) en los últimos 50 años, nos ha obligado a complementar los programas de conservación in situ con poblaciones bajo cuidado humano, las cuales funcionan como banco genético y sensibilizan a la comunidad respecto a la pérdida de la especie. En conjunto con la Fundación Internacional de Elefantes (IEF), el parque de conservación de vida silvestre Africam Safari participa en la conservación del elefante africano apoyando y financiando proyectos que buscan preservar la especie y manteniendo en sus instalaciones a la manada de elefantes más grande de Latinoamérica. El siguiente reporte tiene como objetivo caracterizar los principales procesos realizados dentro de Africam Safari, mediante los cuales se logró la reproducción efectiva de los ejemplares y el posterior nacimiento de más de 10 crías de elefante africano en los últimos 6 años.O drástico declínio das populações selvagens do elefante africano (Loxodonta africana) nos últimos 50 anos obrigou-nos a complementar os programas de conservação in situ com populações sob cuidados humanos, que funcionam como um banco de genes e sensibilizam a comunidade para a perda da espécie. Em conjunto com a International Elephant Foundation (IEF), o parque de conservação da vida selvagem Africam Safari participa na conservação do elefante africano, apoiando e financiando projectos que visam a preservação da espécie e mantendo nas suas instalações a maior manada de elefantes da América Latina. O relatório que se segue pretende caraterizar os principais processos levados a cabo no Africam Safari, através dos quais se conseguiu a reprodução efectiva dos exemplares e o subsequente nascimento de mais de 10 crias de elefante africano nos últimos 6 anos

Seroprevalence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in domestic dogs and cats and its relationship with COVID-19 cases in the city of Villavicencio, Colombia [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]

Background: Since the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, different animal species have been implicated as possible intermediate hosts that could facilitate the transmission of the virus between species. The detection of these hosts has intensified, reporting wild, zoo, farm, and pet animals. The goal of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins (IgG) in domestic dogs and cats and its epidemiological association with the frequency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Villavicencio, Colombia. Methods: 300 dogs and 135 cats were randomly selected in a two-stage distribution by clusters according to COVID-19 cases (positive RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2) within the human population distributed within the eight communes of Villavicencio. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was applied in order to determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in sera samples. Kernel density estimation was used to compare the prevalence of COVID-19 cases with the seropositivity of dogs and cats. Results: The overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was 4.6% (95% CI=3.2-7.4). In canines, 3.67% (95% CI=2.1-6.4) and felines 6.67% (95% CI=3.6-12.18). Kernel density estimation indicated that seropositive cases were concentrated in the southwest region of the city. There was a positive association between SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pet animals and their habitat in Commune 2 (adjusted OR=5.84; 95% CI=1.1-30.88). Spearman's correlation coefficients were weakly positive (p=0.32) between the ratio of COVID-19 cases in November 2020 and the results for domestic dogs and cats from the eight communes of Villavicencio. Conclusions: In the present research cats were more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection than dogs. This study provides the first positive results of anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA serological tests in domestic dogs and cats in Colombia with information about the virus transmission dynamics in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic

Crustal velocity field in Baza and Galera faults: A new estimation from GPS position time series in 2009 - 2018 time span

The Baza and Galera faults are two active geologic structures located in the central area of the Betic Cordillera (Southern Spain). The goal of our research is to constrain the activity of this faults from high quality GPS measurements to obtain precise deformation rates. In 2008 a GPS survey – mode network was installed to monitor this area. In previous works, we presented a velocity field based on the analysis of some GPS campaigns. Here we show the new results computed from nine GPS campaigns in the timespan 2009-2018. The measurements were done in September 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018. The data process and analysis were performed in Precise Point Positioning by using GIPSYX 1.6 software. GIPSY is a GNSS-inferred positioning software developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Then, the new estimation of the crustal velocity field is computed from the IGb14 time series by SARI software. The model applied to the original time series, using weighted least squares, consists of an intercept, a site rate and an offset to account for an antenna change. The error term is composed of white noise and temporally correlated random error. The colored noise is described by a random-walk process. We have assumed a typical magnitude for this process of 1.0 mm/√yr. Finally, we discuss the implications of the new results for the tectonic setting and seismic hazard assessment of this key tectonic area of the Betic Cordillera.This work has been funded by Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía 2014-2020 - call made by University of Jaen in 2018, Ref. 1263446, POAIUJA 2021/2022, CEACTEMA, and RNM148 and RNM282 research groups of Junta de Andalucía

Clinical and Sociodemographic Determinants of Adherence to World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) Recommendations in Breast Cancer Survivors-Health-EpiGEICAM Study

Breast cancer (BC) survivors are advised to follow the WCRF/AICR cancer prevention recommendations, given their high risk of developing a second tumour. We aimed to explore compliance with these recommendations in BC survivors and to identify potentially associated clinical and sociodemographic factors. A total of 420 BC survivors, aged 31-80, was recruited from 16 Spanish hospitals. Epidemiological, dietary and physical activity information was collected through questionnaires. A 7-item score to measure compliance with the recommendations was built according to the 2018 WCRF/AICR scoring criteria. Standardized prevalences and standardized prevalence ratios of moderate and high compliance across participant characteristics were estimated using multinomial and binary logistic regression models. The mean score was 3.9 (SD: 1.0) out of 7 points. Recommendations with the worst adherence were those of limiting consumption of red/processed meats (12% of compliance, 95% CI: 8.2-15.0) and high fibre intake (22% of compliance, 95% CI: 17.6-27.0), while the best compliance was observed for the consumption of fruits and vegetables (73% of compliance, 95% CI: 69.2-77.7). Overall, adherence was worse in women with university education and in those with first-degree relatives with BC. This information may be of interest to design and implement personalized preventive measures adapted to the characteristics of these patients.This research was funded by the Fundación Científica Asociación Española Contra el Cancer (AECC) (Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association against Cancer 2016). This article presents independent research. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Carlos III Institute of Health.S

Healthcare workers hospitalized due to COVID-19 have no higher risk of death than general population. Data from the Spanish SEMI-COVID-19 Registry

Aim To determine whether healthcare workers (HCW) hospitalized in Spain due to COVID-19 have a worse prognosis than non-healthcare workers (NHCW). Methods Observational cohort study based on the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry, a nationwide registry that collects sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data on patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Spain. Patients aged 20-65 years were selected. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with mortality. Results As of 22 May 2020, 4393 patients were included, of whom 419 (9.5%) were HCW. Median (interquartile range) age of HCW was 52 (15) years and 62.4% were women. Prevalence of comorbidities and severe radiological findings upon admission were less frequent in HCW. There were no difference in need of respiratory support and admission to intensive care unit, but occurrence of sepsis and in-hospital mortality was lower in HCW (1.7% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.024 and 0.7% vs. 4.8%; p<0.001 respectively). Age, male sex and comorbidity, were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and healthcare working with lower mortality (OR 0.211, 95%CI 0.067-0.667, p = 0.008). 30-days survival was higher in HCW (0.968 vs. 0.851 p<0.001). Conclusions Hospitalized COVID-19 HCW had fewer comorbidities and a better prognosis than NHCW. Our results suggest that professional exposure to COVID-19 in HCW does not carry more clinical severity nor mortality

Gestión del conocimiento: perspectiva multidisciplinaria. Volumen 13

El libro “Gestión del Conocimiento. Perspectiva Multidisciplinaria”, Volumen 13 de la Colección Unión Global, es resultado de investigaciones. Los capítulos del libro, son resultados de investigaciones desarrolladas por sus autores. El libro es una publicación internacional, seriada, continua, arbitrada, de acceso abierto a todas las áreas del conocimiento, orientada a contribuir con procesos de gestión del conocimiento científico, tecnológico y humanístico. Con esta colección, se aspira contribuir con el cultivo, la comprensión, la recopilación y la apropiación social del conocimiento en cuanto a patrimonio intangible de la humanidad, con el propósito de hacer aportes con la transformación de las relaciones socioculturales que sustentan la construcción social de los saberes y su reconocimiento como bien público. El libro “Gestión del Conocimiento. Perspectiva Multidisciplinaria”, Volumen 13, de la Colección Unión Global, es resultado de investigaciones. Los capítulos del libro, son resultados de investigaciones desarrolladas por sus autores. El libro cuenta con el apoyo de los grupos de investigación: Universidad Sur del Lago “Jesús María Semprúm” (UNESUR) - Zulia – Venezuela; Universidad Politécnica Territorial de Falcón Alonso Gamero (UPTFAG) - Falcón – Venezuela; Universidad Politécnica Territorial de Mérida Kléber Ramírez (UPTM) - Mérida - Venezuela; Universidad Guanajuato (UG) - Campus Celaya - Salvatierra - Cuerpo Académico de Biodesarrollo y Bioeconomía en las Organizaciones y Políticas Públicas (CABBOPP) - Guanajuato – México; Centro de Altos Estudios de Venezuela (CEALEVE) - Zulia – Venezuela, Centro Integral de Formación Educativa Especializada del Sur (CIFE - SUR) - Zulia – Venezuela; Centro de Investigaciones Internacionales SAS (CEDINTER) - Antioquia – Colombia y diferentes grupos de investigación del ámbito nacional e internacional que hoy se unen para estrechar vínculos investigativos, para que sus aportes científicos formen parte de los libros que se publiquen en formatos digital e impreso

Identification of genetic variants associated with Huntington's disease progression: a genome-wide association study

Background Huntington's disease is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, HTT. Age at onset has been used as a quantitative phenotype in genetic analysis looking for Huntington's disease modifiers, but is hard to define and not always available. Therefore, we aimed to generate a novel measure of disease progression and to identify genetic markers associated with this progression measure. Methods We generated a progression score on the basis of principal component analysis of prospectively acquired longitudinal changes in motor, cognitive, and imaging measures in the 218 indivduals in the TRACK-HD cohort of Huntington's disease gene mutation carriers (data collected 2008–11). We generated a parallel progression score using data from 1773 previously genotyped participants from the European Huntington's Disease Network REGISTRY study of Huntington's disease mutation carriers (data collected 2003–13). We did a genome-wide association analyses in terms of progression for 216 TRACK-HD participants and 1773 REGISTRY participants, then a meta-analysis of these results was undertaken. Findings Longitudinal motor, cognitive, and imaging scores were correlated with each other in TRACK-HD participants, justifying use of a single, cross-domain measure of disease progression in both studies. The TRACK-HD and REGISTRY progression measures were correlated with each other (r=0·674), and with age at onset (TRACK-HD, r=0·315; REGISTRY, r=0·234). The meta-analysis of progression in TRACK-HD and REGISTRY gave a genome-wide significant signal (p=1·12 × 10−10) on chromosome 5 spanning three genes: MSH3, DHFR, and MTRNR2L2. The genes in this locus were associated with progression in TRACK-HD (MSH3 p=2·94 × 10−8 DHFR p=8·37 × 10−7 MTRNR2L2 p=2·15 × 10−9) and to a lesser extent in REGISTRY (MSH3 p=9·36 × 10−4 DHFR p=8·45 × 10−4 MTRNR2L2 p=1·20 × 10−3). The lead single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in TRACK-HD (rs557874766) was genome-wide significant in the meta-analysis (p=1·58 × 10−8), and encodes an aminoacid change (Pro67Ala) in MSH3. In TRACK-HD, each copy of the minor allele at this SNP was associated with a 0·4 units per year (95% CI 0·16–0·66) reduction in the rate of change of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) Total Motor Score, and a reduction of 0·12 units per year (95% CI 0·06–0·18) in the rate of change of UHDRS Total Functional Capacity score. These associations remained significant after adjusting for age of onset. Interpretation The multidomain progression measure in TRACK-HD was associated with a functional variant that was genome-wide significant in our meta-analysis. The association in only 216 participants implies that the progression measure is a sensitive reflection of disease burden, that the effect size at this locus is large, or both. Knockout of Msh3 reduces somatic expansion in Huntington's disease mouse models, suggesting this mechanism as an area for future therapeutic investigation

Seroprevalencia de SARS-CoV-2 en caninos y felinos domésticos de la ciudad de Villavicencio: correlación entre la frecuencia de COVID-19 en pobladores de las 8 comunas de la ciudad de Villavicencio con la seropositividad IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 en animales de compañía

Incluye figuras y tablas.De 435 animales muestreados en este proyecto, 20 resultaron seropositivos a SARS-CoV-2. En cuanto a la correlación entre la frecuencia de COVID-19 en pobladores de las comunas de la ciudad de Villavicencio con la seropositividad IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 en animales de compañía, se encontró que la única asociación estadísticamente significativa se dio entre la seropositividad de SARS-CoV-2 en animales de compañía y la comuna 2. Adicionalmente, la densidad de casos positivos se concentra en el occidente de la ciudad, siendo las comunas 2 y 4 las de mayores densidades de animales seropositivos a SARS-CoV-2, a diferencia de los casos COVID-19 en humanos, donde se evidencian mayor cantidad de casos positivos en las comunas 5, 7 y 8. Por otro lado, la correlación de Spearman entre la relación de casos positivos COVID-19 RT-qPCR de humanos en noviembre de 2020 frente a los perros y gatos domésticos de las 8 comunas de Villavicencio fue positiva débil. Finalmente, este proyecto de investigación proporciona los primeros resultados positivos de pruebas serológicas ELISA Anti-SARS-CoV-2 en caninos y felinos domésticos de Colombia, aportando información sobre la dinámica de transmisión del virus en Latinoamérica y el mundo, durante la pandemia de COVID-19.Of 435 animals sampled in this project, 20 were seropositive to SARS-CoV-2. Regarding the correlation between the frequency of COVID-19 in residents of the communes of the city of Villavicencio with IgG seropositivity anti-SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals, it was found that the only association statistically significant difference occurred between SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pets and the community 2. Additionally, the density of positive cases is concentrated in the west of the city, with communes 2 and 4 having the highest densities of animals seropositive to SARS-CoV-2, unlike COVID-19 cases in humans, where the greatest number of positive cases are evident in communes 5, 7 and 8. On the other hand, Spearman's correlation between the ratio of positive cases COVID-19 RT-qPCR from humans in November 2020 vs. dogs and cats domestic of the 8 communes of Villavicencio was weakly positive. Finally, this research project provides the first results positive results from ELISA Anti-SARS-CoV-2 serological tests in canines and felines Colombian domestic markets, providing information on the dynamics of transmission of the virus in Latin America and the world, during the COVID-19 pandemic.Lista de figuras. -- Lista de tablas. -- Objetivo General del proyecto de investigación macro: Objetivo Específico. -- Marco teórico. -- Coronavirus y su historial de saltos interfaces COVID-19 y su epidemiología en el mundo, en Colombia, en el Meta y en Villavicencio. -- Salud publica veterinaria en pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. -- Datos epidemiológicos de aislamientos virales SARS-CoV-2 en humanos que hayan sido aislados en animales de compañía. -- Plan de trabajo. -- Población y tipo de estudio. -- Diseño de la muestra. -- Análisis estadístico. -- Resultados. -- Conclusiones. -- Referencias bibliográficas.PregradoMedico(a) Veterinario(a) ZootecnistaMedicina Veterinaria y Zootecni

Revisión sistemática de la situación epidemiológica y análisis genómico del SARS-CoV-2 aislado de perros y gatos domésticos

The aim of the research was to carry out a systematic review about the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats, as well as the genomic analysis of virus samples isolated from dogs and cats worldwide. For this, the systematic review was structured based on PRISMA’s protocol. Articles were obtained using the following keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, dogs, cats, epidemiology, animal transmission, pets, companion animals, animal reservoirs and zoonosis. Additionally, all of SARS-CoV-2 genomes isolated from dogs and cats worldwide, reported in GISAID's EpiCoV™ database, were selected and analyzed through Nextclade’s tool for the generation of the respective phylogenetic trees. The exposure – natural infection with SARS-CoV-2 from January 2020 to October 2021 of 100 dogs and 108 cats positive by the RTq-PCR technique was reported worldwide. Furthermore, 141 SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequences have been isolated from dogs (50) and cats (91), where the following variants monitored by public health organizations were found: the variants of concern (VOC) Alpha, Gamma and Delta, and the variants of interest (VOI) Iota and Lambda. On the other hand, viral lineage B.1. has been predominantly isolated in both dogs and cats (13.3%) and North America is the region with the greatest number of SARS-CoV-2 genomes isolated from both species (43.6%). SARS-CoV-2 has the ability to infect domestic canines and felines, its exposure to VOCs: Alpha, Gamma and Delta, and VOIs: Iota and Lambda being of public health interest; probably due to a "spillover" effect from the human. However, these two species have a low capacity to transmit the virus to other susceptible species, considering that they can act as epidemiological dead-end hosts in the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2.Se realizó una revisión sistemática sobre la epidemiología de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en caninos y felinos domésticos, así como el análisis genómico de las muestras del virus secuenciadas de perros y gatos. La revisión sistemática se estructuró a partir del protocolo PRISMA. Los artículos se obtuvieron empleando las palabras clave SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, perros, gatos, epidemiología, transmisión animal, mascotas, animales de compañía, reservorios animales y zoonosis. Adicionalmente, se seleccionaron todos los genomas del SARS-CoV-2 aislados y secuenciados de perros y gatos reportados en la base de datos EpiCoV™ de la plataforma GISAID. Los genomas se analizaron a través de la herramienta Nextclade para la generación de los árboles filogenéticos respectivos. Los reportes de exposición - infección natural con SARS-CoV-2 abarcaron entre enero de 2020 a octubre de 2021 e incluyeron a 100 perros y 108 gatos positivos a la prueba RTq-PCR. Además, se aislaron 141 secuencias genéticas de SARS-CoV-2 de perros (50) y gatos (91), encontrando las siguientes variantes monitoreadas por las organizaciones de salud pública: las variantes preocupantes (VOC) Alpha, Gamma y Delta, y las variantes de interés (VOI) Iota y Lambda. El linaje viral B.1. ha sido predominantemente aislado y secuenciado tanto en perros como en gatos (13.3%), siendo Norteamérica la región con mayor cantidad de genomas reportados de SARS-CoV-2 en ambas especies (43.6%). El SARS-CoV-2 tiene la capacidad de infectar caninos y felinos domésticos, siendo de interés en salud pública su exposición a VOC: Alpha, Gamma y Delta, y las VOI: Iota y Lambda; probablemente por un efecto “spillover” desde el humano. Sin embargo, estas dos especies tienen baja capacidad de transmitir el virus a otras especies susceptibles, considerando que pueden actuar como un fondo de saco epidemiológico en la dinámica de transmisión del SARS-CoV-2

Fold and fault activity in the Campo de Dalias from GNSS networks

La red GNSS del Campo de Dalias monitoriza desde 2006 la deformación tectónica activa de la zona con mayor sismicidad del límite entre la Cordillera Bética y el Mar de Alborán. Las velocidades de deformación residuales calculadas con respecto a Eurasia oscilan entre 1,7 y 3,0 mm/año. Los desplazamientos son aproximadamente homogéneos hacia el OSO de las estaciones del norte, mientras que las estaciones del sur evidencian desplazamientos irregulares hacia el O y el NO. Este patrón de deformación indica el acortamiento NNO-SSE que desarrolla pliegues ENE-OSO simultáneo a la extensión ENE-OSO, acomodada por fallas normales y oblicuas. Además, los resultados de la red GNSS indican un salto dextro de la falla de Balanegra, con orientación NO-SE, que había sido considerada anteriormente como una falla normal. Las redes GNSS revelan, por primera vez, la interacción actual de la tectónica de roll-back asociada a la subducción Rif-Gibraltar-Bética en la parte occidental del Arco de Gibraltar y la tectónica de indentación que afecta a las zonas oriental y meridional del Mar de Alborán. Además, proporciona nuevos datos para los estudios de peligrosidad sísmica en esta región.The Campo de Dalias GNSS network monitors since 2006 the active tectonic deformation of the most seismic área on the boundary of the Alboran Sea and the Betic Cordillera. The residual deformation rates determined with respect to Eurasia range from 1.7 to 3.0 mm/yr. The displacements are roughly homogenous towards WSW of the northern sites while the southern sites evidence irregular displacements towards the W and NW. This deformation pattern supports simultaneous NNW-SSE shortening that develops ENE-WSW folds and ENE-WSW extension, accommodated by normal and oblique faults. Moreover, the GNSS results point to dextral kinematics of the main NW-SE Balanegra Fault, that was previously considered as a normal fault. These GNSS results thus reveal, for the first time, present-day interaction of the roll-back tectonics of the Rif-Gibraltar-Betics slab in the western part of the Gibraltar Arc with the indentation tectonics affecting the eastern and southern areas, providing new insights for seismic hazard studies in this region.Junta de Andalucía; FEDER: AGORA P18-RT-3275, PAPEL B-RNM-301-UGR18; Programa Operativo FEDER-Andalucía 2014–2020 1263446; Universidad de Jaén. CEACTEMA. POAIUJA 21/22, Junta de Andalucía. RNM-148, RNM-282, RNM-370; V.T.S. FPU (16/04038)