Spectral measure of color variation of black-orange-black (BOB) pattern in small parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a statistical approach

Small parasitoid wasps are abundant and extremely diverse, yet their colors have not been analyzed. One of the more common color patterns observed in these wasps is a black-orange-black pattern, which is especially common among neotropical species of Scelionidae ranging in size from 2 to 10 mm. Due to the methodological challenges involved in extracting and analyzing pigments from small-sized insects, other methods for examining colors need to be explored. In this work, we propose the use of microspectrophotometry in combination with statistical analysis methods in order to 8 study the spectral properties in such cases. We examined 8 scelionid genera and 1 genus from a distantly related family (Evaniidae), all showing the black-orange-black pattern. Functional Data Analysis and statistical analysis of Euclidean distances for color components were applied to study color differences both between and within genera. The Functional Data Analysis proved to be a better method for treating the reflectance data because it gave a better representation of the physical information. Also, the reflectance spectra were separated into spectral color component contributions and each component was labeled according to its own dominant wavelength at the maximum of the spectrum: Red, Green and Blue. When comparing spectral components curves, the spectral blue components of the orange and black colors, independent of the genera being compared, result almost identical, suggesting that there is a common compound for the pigments. The results also suggest that cuticle from different genera, but with the same color might have a similar chemical composition. This is the first time that the black and orange colors in small parasitoid wasps has been analyzed and our results provide a basis for future research on the color patterns of an abundant but neglected group of insects.Universidad de Costa Rica/[801-B5-A50]/UCR/Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica/[111-B2-A51]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Biología Celular y Molecular (CIBCM)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales (CICIMA)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de BiologíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de FísicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Puras y Aplicadas (CIMPA)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Sociales::Facultad de Ciencias Económicas::Escuela de Estadístic

Síntomas depresivos en el adulto mayor: una revisión sistemática

The current systematic review aimed to characterize the depressive symptoms which constitute the domains of depression in older adults. Pubmed, Scopus and Scielo databases were used to search the articles with language restriction. Cross-sectional, longitudinal, and retrospective studies were included, and their quality was assessed using the STROBE instrument for observational studies. The Cochrane Collaboration standards were adopted for conducting this review. A total of 3337 articles were identified in the electronic databases, including 15 articles for qualitative synthesis, which have a good methodological quality. Sleep disorders, lack of energy, and low mood are frequent symptoms of depression reported by older adults. Besides, suicidal ideation is among the symptoms that best explains depression in this population, although it is not as reported. Although the GDS is the instrument more used to assess depression in the elderly, it does not consider somatic symptoms. It is concluded that geriatric depression is multidimensional; therefore, it is necessary to have instruments that integrate the symptoms identified in the literature review.La presente revisión sistemática tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la sintomatología depresiva que compone los dominios de la depresión en los adultos mayores. Para la búsqueda de los artículos se utilizaron las bases de datos Pubmed, Scopus y Scielo, con restricción en el idioma; se incluyeron estudios transversales, longitudinales y retrospectivos, cuya calidad fue evaluada usando el instrumento STROBE para estudios observacionales. Los criterios publicados por la Colaboración Cochrane fueron adoptados para esta revisión. Un total de 3337 artículos fueron identificados en las bases de datos electrónicas, incluyéndose 15 artículos para la síntesis cualitativa, los cuales cuentan con una buena calidad metodológica. Se encontró que los desórdenes del sueño, la falta de energía y un bajo estado anímico son síntomas de la depresión frecuentemente reportados por los adultos mayores; además, la ideación suicida se encuentra entre los síntomas que mejor explica la depresión en esta población, aunque no es tan reportado. El GDS es el instrumento más utilizado para evaluar la depresión en el adulto mayor, pero no tiene en cuenta los síntomas somáticos. Se concluye que la depresión geriátrica es multidimensional; por lo tanto, es necesario tener instrumentos que integren los síntomas identificados en esta revisión de la literatura

Microalbuminuria in systolic and diastolic chronic heart failure patients

Background: Microalbuminuria is considered a major risk factor predisposing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Microalbuminuria levels in patients with or without diabetes have been associated with a higher risk of chronic heart failure (HF). However, there are limited data regarding prevalence of microalbuminuria in chronic heart failure and its prognostic value. The aim of this study was to assess the occurence of microalbuminuria in chronic heart failure patients as well as its association with clinical, echocardiographic, and body composition markers. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we included 72 chronic heart failure patients (NYHA I-III) on standard HF therapy. All patients had an echocardiogram and body composition by vector bioelectric impedance analysis (measured by Body Stat Quad Scan). Results: The studied population consisted of 64% men at mean age of 62.6 ± 15.1 years. Patients were divided into systolic and diastolic HF groups. Microalbuminuria was observed in 40% of diastolic and 24% systolic HF patients (p = 0.04). Microalbuminuria was present in more patients with volume overload (80 vs. 21.9%, p = 0.002), with a worse phase angle and lower serum albumin (4.7 vs. 5.9° and 3.5 vs. 4.0 mg/dl, p = 0.02) and higher pulmonary arterial pressure compared with patients without microalbuminuria in systolic HF patients. There was no significant association between frequency of microalbuminuria and ejection fraction. In the diastolic HF group, the presence of microalbuminuria was not associated with any known risk factor. Conclusions: Microalbuminuria was more frequent in diastolic than systolic HF patients. In systolic HF patients microalbuminuria was associated with factors known to be markers of worse prognosis. (Cardiol J 2008; 15: 143-149

First description of Echinococcus ortleppi and cystic echinococcosis infection status in Chile

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a parasitic disease caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), is a worldwide zoonotic infection. Although endemic in Chile, information on the molecular characteristics of CE in livestock remains scarce. Therefore we aimed to describe the status of infection with E. granulosus s.l. in cattle from central Chile and also to contribute to the study of the molecular epidemiology of this parasite. According to our results, the prevalence of CE is 18.84% in cattle, similar to previous reports from Chile, suggesting that the prevalence in Santiago Metropolitan area has not changed in the last 30 years. Most of the cysts were found only in lungs (51%), followed by concurrent infection in liver and lungs (30%), and only liver (19%). Molecular characterization of the genetic diversity and population structure of E. granulosus s.l. from cattle in central Chile was performed using a section of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) mitochondrial gene. E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) (G1-G3 genotypes) was confirmed by RFLP-PCR to be the dominant species affecting cattle (284 samples/290 samples); we also report for the first time in Chile the presence of E. ortleppi (G5 genotype) (2 samples/61 samples). The Chilean E. granulosus s.s. parsimony network displayed 1 main haplotype. Additional studies using isolates from many locations across Chile and different intermediate hosts will provide more data on the molecular structure of E. granulosus s.s. within this region. Likewise, investigations of the importance of E. ortleppi in human infection in Chile deserve future attention

Phenol photocatalytic degradation over Fe-TiO2 materials synthesized by different methods

The photocatalytic activity and stability of 3% Fe-TiO2 materials synthesized by incipient wet impregnation (% Fe-TiO2-DP25) and sol-gel (3% Fe-TiO2-sol-gel) were studied using the phenol degradation as test reaction. The effects of various operation parameters including photocatalyst concentration, solution pH and initial H2O2 concentration on phenol degradation were also investigated. The higher phenol degradation was achieved using 26 mg of photocatalyst, H2O2 initial concentration of 600 mg/l and initial pH of 3.0 with both materials. It was found that 3% Fe-TiO2-DP25 enhanced activity, achieving a 99% phenol degradation, in comparison with 70% phenol degradation with the 3% Fe-TiO2-sol-gel. Notwithstanding, the material prepared by incipient wet impregnation method, evidenced leaching of iron ions from the material surface. Therefore, this catalyst is not suitable for the phenol degradation for environmental and economic reasons. The catalyst prepared by the sol-gel method did not show iron leaching during the reaction and maintain its catalytic activity after several reuses.Se estudió la actividad fotocatalítica y estabilidad de materiales 3% Fe/TiO2 sintetizados por impregnación húmeda incipiente (3% Fe/TiO2-DP25) y sol-gel (3% Fe/TiO2-sol-gel), usando fenol como molécula modelo. Se evaluó el efecto de parámetros de operación como concentración de fotocatalizador, H2O2 y pH de la solución. Los mayores porcentajes de degradación de fenol con ambos materiales se lograron utilizando 26 mg de fotocatalizador y 600 Mg/Ll de H2O2 a un pH de 3.0. El mejor porcentaje de degradación de fenol (99%) se obtuvo usando el catalizador 3% Fe/TiO2-DP25, en comparación a un 70% con el material 3% Fe/TiO2-sol-gel. No obstante, el material preparado por impregnación húmeda incipiente fue inestable evidenciando lixiviación de hierro. Por lo tantio, este catalizador no es adecuado para la degradación de fenol debido a razones ambientales y económicas. El catalizador preparado por sol-gel no mostró lixiviación de hierro durante la reacción y mantuvo su actividad y estabilidad catalítica después de varios reúsos

New insights of the local immune response against both fertile and infertile hydatid cysts

Background Cystic echinococcosis is caused by the metacestode of the zoonotic flatworm Echinococcus granulosus. Within the viscera of the intermediate host, the metacestode grows as a unilocular cyst known as hydatid cyst. This cyst is comprised of two layers of parasite origin: germinal and laminated layers, and one of host origin: the adventitial layer, that encapsulates the parasite. This adventitial layer is composed of collagen fibers, epithelioid cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes. To establish itself inside the host, the germinal layer produces the laminated layer, and to continue its life cycle, generates protoscoleces. Some cysts are unable to produce protoscoleces, and are defined as infertile cysts. The molecular mechanisms involved in cyst fertility are not clear, however, the host immune response could play a crucial role. Methodology/Principal findings We collected hydatid cysts from both liver and lungs of slaughtered cattle, and histological sections of fertile, infertile and small hydatid cysts were stained with haematoxylin-eosin. A common feature observed in infertile cysts was the disorganization of the laminated layer by the infiltration of host immune cells. These infiltrating cells eventually destroy parts of laminated layer. Immunohistochemical analysis of both parasite and host antigens, identify these cells as cattle macrophages and are present inside the cysts associated to germinal layer. Conclusions/Significance This is the first report that indicates to cell from immune system present in adventitial layer of infertile bovine hydatid cysts could disrupt the laminated layer, infiltrating and probably causing the infertility of cyst

Lectura de contexto y abordaje psicosocial desde los enfoques narrativos Dosquebradas.

El presente trabajo es la culminación del diplomado profundización acompañamiento psicosocial en escenarios de violencia, abordando las unidades de la 4 a la 10 y en tema de abordaje de contextos desde los enfoques narrativos, este trabajo se enfatizó en estudio de diferentes relatos de la violencia de manera subjetiva tanto como víctima y victimario, a partir del análisis que cada integrante realizo se selecciona uno como aporte a este trabajo.This work is the culmination of the diploma deepening psychosocial accompaniment in scenarios of violence, addressing the units from 4 to 10 and the subject of addressing contexts from the narrative approaches, this work was emphasized in the study of different accounts of the violence of subjective way as both victim and victimizer, from the analysis that each member made, one is selected as a contribution to this work

Diseño e implementación del proceso de selección de personal aplicados a la academia nacional de aprendizaje “ANDAP” sede Zipaquirá

Anexo 1. Consentimiento informadoResumen La presente investigación busca analizar las técnicas de selección de personal que realiza la Academia Nacional de Aprendizaje “ANDAP” Sede Zipaquirá, mediante la reunión de fuentes primarias, con el fin de diseñar y adaptar un método de selección de personal idóneo de acuerdo a las necesidades que presenta, además se busca minimizar el índice de rotación del personal. En el desarrollo de la investigación se detectó las necesidades de gestión humana frente a su proceso de selección de personal, después de realizar la recolección de información sobre la empresa, analizar los procedimientos usados para realizar la selección de personal y técnicas usadas. Se ha logrado notar las posibles fallas a la hora de realizar estas prácticas, es por eso que se ha tomado la iniciativa de consultar distintos autores que nos brinden las herramientas más utilizadas desde sus experiencias para llevar a cabo una selección de personal adecuada, de tal manera que la empresa consiga aumentar su confiablidad frente a sus posibles clientes y disminuya la rotación de personas ya que esto afecta directamente su economía. De acuerdo con las necesidades anteriormente mencionadas se propone a la Academia Nacional de Aprendizaje (ANDAP) implementar un nuevo proceso de selección de personal basados en el trabajo arduo de analizar, referenciar e investigar posibles soluciones que nos proponen distintos autores, unificando sus teorías para poder presentar en este proyecto un diseño en el cual se determinara el paso a paso más idóneo para establecer un buen proceso de selección de personal. Finalmente se espera que el desarrollo de este trabajo pueda generar un valor agregado a la organización y que el nuevo proceso que se desea implementar cumpla con los lineamientos y requisitos adecuados basados en la ley, determinando un reconocimiento frente a las demás organizaciones de este sector y dando cumplimiento a los objetivos referentes en su misión. Palabras claves: Selección de personal, Gestión del Talento Humano, Procedimientos, Proceso y Rotación de personal.Abstract This investigation seeks to analyze the different personnel selection methods carried out by the company Academia Nacional de Aprendizaje (ANDAP) in the municipality of Zipaquirá by consulting primary sources in order to design and adapt a suitable personnel selection method according to the needs that it currently presents, and it also seeks to minimize the staff turnover rate. In the development of the investigation, the needs of the Human Management department were detected in relation to its personnel selection process, after collecting information about the company, analyzing the procedures used to carry out the recruitment of personnel and techniques used in this selection, we have noticed the possible failures when carrying out these practices, that is why the initiative has been taken to consult different authors who provide us with the most used tools from their experiences to carry out an adequate selection of personnel, in such a way so that the company manages to increase its reliability in front of its potential clients and reduce staff turnover since this directly affects its economy. According to the aforementioned needs, it is proposed to the National Academy of Learning "ANDAP" to implement a new Process of Selection and Hiring of personnel based on the hard work of analyzing, referencing and investigating possible solutions proposed by different authors, unifying their theories. To be able to present in this project a possible design in which the most suitable step-by-step will be determined to establish a good personnel selection process. Finally, it is expected that the development of this work can generate added values to the organization and that the new process to be implemented complies with the appropriate guidelines and requirements based on the law, determining recognition against other organizations in this sector and fulfilling the objectives of its mission. Keywords: Personnel selection, human talent management, procedures, process and personnel rotation