A New Species of \u3ci\u3eOryzomys\u3c/i\u3e (Rodentia: Muridae) from an Isolated Pocket of Cerrado in Eastern Bolivia

Reliable characterization of a species is an essential step toward eventual reconstruction of phylogenetic alliances among related taxa (Musser et al. 1998). Although characterization of species within the genus Oryzomys has met with some confusion in the past, significant work has taken place to help better define specific limits within this group (Musser et al. 1998; Bonvicino and Moreira 2001; Langguth and Bonvicino 2002). In spite of several recent surveys performed in the eastern Bolivian Panhandle (Emmons 1993; Taber et al. 1997; Brooks et al. 2002), our knowledge of the mammalian fauna in this region is still incomplete, and further studies are warranted. For example, of 1,259 collecting localities in Bolivia analyzed by Anderson (1997), less than two percent are from the eastern panhandle of Santa Cruz Department. Thus, this region constitutes a priority for mammalian exploration and conservation. In mid-April 1999, during an expedition to the eastern Bolivian panhandle (Brooks et al. 2002), we collected a single specimen of the genus Oryzomys that could not be assigned to any known species previously reported for the region in former studies (e.g., Anderson 1993, 1997). Extensive morphological comparisons with deposited voucher specimens revealed that this specimen may represent an undescribed species most closely related to the O. subflavus group (Guy Musser, pers. comm.). To confirm this taxonomic hypothesis, molecular analyses using a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene were perfonned to establish phylogenetic relationships. Molecular data supported our conclusion that this specimen represents a new taxon within the genus. In this study, we describe a new form of Oryzomys from the Department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Comparative pan-genome analysis of Piscirickettsia salmonis reveals genomic divergences within genogroups

Indexación: Scopus.Piscirickettsia salmonis is the etiological agent of salmonid rickettsial septicemia, a disease that seriously affects the salmonid industry. Despite efforts to genomically characterize P. salmonis, functional information on the life cycle, pathogenesis mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and control of this fish pathogen remain lacking. To address this knowledge gap, the present study conducted an in silico pan-genome analysis of 19 P. salmonis strains from distinct geographic locations and genogroups. Results revealed an expected open pan-genome of 3,463 genes and a core-genome of 1,732 genes. Two marked genogroups were identified, as confirmed by phylogenetic and phylogenomic relationships to the LF-89 and EM-90 reference strains, as well as by assessments of genomic structures. Different structural configurations were found for the six identified copies of the ribosomal operon in the P. salmonis genome, indicating translocation throughout the genetic material. Chromosomal divergences in genomic localization and quantity of genetic cassettes were also found for the Dot/Icm type IVB secretion system. To determine divergences between core-genomes, additional pan-genome descriptions were compiled for the so-termed LF and EM genogroups. Open pan-genomes composed of 2,924 and 2,778 genes and core-genomes composed of 2,170 and 2,228 genes were respectively found for the LF and EM genogroups. The core-genomes were functionally annotated using the Gene Ontology, KEGG, and Virulence Factor databases, revealing the presence of several shared groups of genes related to basic function of intracellular survival and bacterial pathogenesis. Additionally, the specific pan-genomes for the LF and EM genogroups were defined, resulting in the identification of 148 and 273 exclusive proteins, respectively. Notably, specific virulence factors linked to adherence, colonization, invasion factors, and endotoxins were established. The obtained data suggest that these genes could be directly associated with inter-genogroup differences in pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions, information that could be useful in designing novel strategies for diagnosing and controlling P. salmonis infection. © 2017 Nourdin-Galindo, Sánchez, Molina, Espinoza-Rojas, Oliver, Ruiz, Vargas-Chacoff, Cárcamo, Figueroa, Mancilla, Maracaja-Coutinho and Yañez.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2017.00459/ful

Costs and consequences of chronic pain due to musculoskeletal disorders from a health system perspective in Chile

Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The International Association for the Study of Pain. Background: Chronic pain is a prevalent and distressing condition caused by an unceasing pain lasting more than 3 months or a pain that persists beyond the normal healing time. There is evidence of inadequate management partly explained by the unawareness regarding the magnitude of the problem. Objectives: To estimate the annual expected costs and consequences of chronic pain caused by musculoskeletal diseases from the health system perspective in Chile. Methods: A Markov cohort model was built to represent chronic pain and estimate expected costs and consequences over 1-year time horizon. Transition probabilities were obtained through expert elicitation. Consequences examined were: years lost to disability (YLD), depression, anxiety, and productivity losses. Direct health care costs were estimated using local sources. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed to characterize second-order uncertainty. Results: The annual expected cost due to musculoskeletal chronic pain was estimated in USD $1387.2 million, equivalent to 0.417$94 million (Bayesian credibility interval 95% $49.1-$156.26). Productivity losses were also important cost, although early retirement and presenteeism were not measured. Chronic pain causes 137,037 YLDs. Conclusion: Chronic pain is not only an important cause of disability but also responsible for high social and financial burden in Chile. Public health programs focused on managing chronic pain may decrease burden of disease and possibly reduce costs.

Use of Wastewater and Electrogenic Bacteria to Generate Eco-Friendly Electricity through Microbial Fuel Cells

Power generation and wastewater treatment are two great challenges for sustainable development. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a sustainable alternative that can generate bioelectricity in the bioremediation process of wastewater. For this reason, the objective of this research was to generate bioelectricity through double-chamber microbial-combustion cell systems from wastewater from the Covicorti Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTARC) in the anodic chamber and electrogenic bacteria such as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter bereziniae, and Achromobacteria xylosoxidans in the cathode chamber, respectively. Measurements of the voltage, current, power density, current density, and optical density of the bacteria and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were made. In addition, a metagenomic analysis of the wastewater sample was performed. It was shown that the MFC with A. xylosoxidans generated the highest voltage peak (1.01 ± 0.06 V) on day 24, while the MFC with S. maltophilia generated the highest current value (0.71 ± 0.02 mA). The pH levels were slightly alkaline, and the maximum anodic conductivity value was presented by the MFC with A. cerevisiae, with a peak value of 81 ± 2 mS/cm on day 24. On the other hand, a maximum power density and current density of 195,493 ± 4717 mW/m2 and 4987 A/cm2, respectively, were obtained in the MFC with A. xylosoxidans. Finally, the metagenomic analysis identified the predominant phyla of Proteobacteria present in wastewater samples capable of generating electrical energy as Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, Actinomyketone, and Campylobacterota

A Mixed Heterobimetallic Y/Eu-MOF for the Cyanosilylation and Hydroboration of Carbonyls

Supplementary Materials The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/catal12030299/s1. Table S1: Elemental analysis of compounds Y/Eu-MOF. Table S2: ICP-AES results of compound Y/Eu-MOF. Table S3: Crystallographic data and structure refinement details of compound Y/Eu-MOF. Table S4: Selected bond lengths (Å) and angles (°) for compound Y/Eu-MOF. Table S5: Table of the continuous Shape Measurements for the MN3O6 coordination environment. Table S6: Table of the continuous Shape Measurements for the MO8 coordination environment. Table S7: Electrophoretic mobility and ζ-potential dependence, with the pH of the Y/Eu-MOFs particles dispersed in water. Conductivity fixed at 330 µS/cm. Table S8: Optimization of the reaction conditions in the hydroboration reaction. Table S9: Green metrics calculated for Y/Eu-MOF catalyst. Table S10: Catalytic cyanosilylation of benzaldehyde performances of Ln-MOFs, as reported in the literature. Figure S1: Figure of the pattern matching analysis and experimental PXRD for Y/Eu-MOF. Figure S2: Figure of the infrared spectra of the ligand and Y/Eu-MOF. Figure S3: SEM and EDS mapping of bulk material of Y/Eu-MOF. Figure S4: Images and particle size distribution (an overall of 250 particles) in the deposited fraction of Y/Eu-MOF catalyst non-suspended in water (about a 68% of the total amount), determined from optical microscope images. Figure S5: Images and particle size distribution (an overall of 250 particles) of Y/Eu-MOF crystals in the fraction steadily suspended in water (about a 32% of the total amount), determined from optical microscope images. Figure S6: Comparation of the particle size distribution of Y/Eu-MOF in the fraction steadily suspended in water and the non-suspended, determined from optical microscope images. Figure S7: Calibration line of conductivity (µS/cm) vs [NaCl] (mol/L). Figure S8: ζ-potential (mV) dependence with the pH of the Y/Eu-MOF. All the measurements were performed with constant conductivity of 330 µS/cm. Figure S9: Electrophoretic mobility (µm·cm/V·s) dependence with the pH of the Y/Eu-MOF. All the measurements were performed with constant conductivity of 330 µS/cm. Figure S10: Study of the recyclability of Y/Eu-MOF (0.5 mol%) catalyst on the cyanosilylation and hydroboration reaction of acetophenone as carbonyl substrate. Figure S11: Analysis of the TOF (h−1) obtained in the cyanosilylation reaction of acetophenone at different times of reaction with Y/Eu-MOF (0.5 mol%), with the optimized reaction conditions. Figure S12: Analysis of the TOF (h−1) obtained in the hydroboration reaction acetophenone at different times of reaction with Y/Eu-MOF (0.5 mol%), with the optimized reaction conditions. Scheme S1: Reaction conditions used for the study of recyclability of Y/Eu-MOF catalysts in the cyanosilylation reaction. Scheme S2: Reaction conditions used for the study of recyclability of Y/Eu-MOF catalysts in the hydroboration reaction. Scheme S3: Leaching test, carried out after the first and second cycles.Funding: This research has been funded by the State Research Agency (grants CTQ2017-84334-R and PGC2018-102052-B-C21) of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the European Union (European Regional Development Fund—ERDF), Junta de Andalucía (P20_01041, UAL2020-AGR-B1781, B-FQM-734-UGR20 and FQM-394). E.E., S.R., and J.P. acknowledge the Government of the Basque Country, Juan de la Cierva Incorporación (grant no. IJC2019-038894-I) and University of Almeria (grant no. HIPATIA2021_04) for their respective fellowsHerein, to the best of our knowledge, the first heterobimetallic Y/Eu porous metal–organic framework (MOF), based on 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (H2L) ligand, with the following formulae {[Y3.5Eu1.5L6(OH)3(H2O)3]·12DMF}n (in advance, namely Y/Eu-MOF), is described. The three-dimensional structure has been synthesized by solvothermal routes and thoroughly characterized, by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, electronic microscopy, ICP-AES, electrophoretic mobility, and FTIR spectra. Intriguingly, the porous nature allows for coordinated solvent molecules displacement, yielding unsaturated metal centers, which can act as a Lewis acid catalyst. This novel supramolecular entity has been tested in cyanosilylation and hydroboration reactions on carbonyl substrates of a diverse nature, exhibiting an extraordinary activity.Cierva Incorporación IJC2019-038894-IState Research Agency CTQ2017-84334-R, PGC2018-102052-B-C21University of Almeria HIPATIA2021_04Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y UniversidadesEuropean CommissionEuropean Regional Development FundJunta de Andalucía B-FQM-734-UGR20, FQM-394, IJC2019-038894-I, P20_01041, UAL2020-AGR-B178

The prevalence of axial spondyloarthritis in the UK: a cross-sectional cohort study

Background: Accurate prevalence data are important when interpreting diagnostic tests and planning for the health needs of a population, yet no such data exist for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in the UK. In this cross-sectional cohort study we aimed to estimate the prevalence of axSpA in a UK primary care population. Methods: A validated self-completed questionnaire was used to screen primary care patients with low back pain for inflammatory back pain (IBP). Patients with a verifiable pre-existing diagnosis of axSpA were included as positive cases. All other patients meeting the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) IBP criteria were invited to undergo further assessment including MRI scanning, allowing classification according to the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) and ASAS axSpA criteria, and the modified New York (mNY) criteria for ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Results: Of 978 questionnaires sent to potential participants 505 were returned (response rate 51.6 %). Six subjects had a prior diagnosis of axSpA, 4 of whom met mNY criteria. Thirty eight of 75 subjects meeting ASAS IBP criteria attended review (mean age 53.5 years, 37 % male). The number of subjects satisfying classification criteria was 23 for ESSG, 3 for ASAS (2 clinical, 1 radiological) and 1 for mNY criteria. This equates to a prevalence of 5.3 % (95 % CI 4.0, 6.8) using ESSG, 1.3 % (95 % CI 0.8, 2.3) using ASAS, 0.66 % (95 % CI 0.28, 1.3) using mNY criteria in chronic back pain patients, and 1.2 % (95 % CI 0.9, 1.4) using ESSG, 0.3 % (95 % CI 0.13, 0.48) using ASAS, 0.15 % (95 % CI 0.02, 0.27) using mNY criteria in the general adult primary care population. Conclusions: These are the first prevalence estimates for axSpA in the UK, and will be of importance in planning for the future healthcare needs of this population. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN7687321

AgTC and AgETL: open-source tools to enhance data collection and management for plant science research

Advancements in phenotyping technology have enabled plant science researchers to gather large volumes of information from their experiments, especially those that evaluate multiple genotypes. To fully leverage these complex and often heterogeneous data sets (i.e. those that differ in format and structure), scientists must invest considerable time in data processing, and data management has emerged as a considerable barrier for downstream application. Here, we propose a pipeline to enhance data collection, processing, and management from plant science studies comprising of two newly developed open-source programs. The first, called AgTC, is a series of programming functions that generates comma-separated values file templates to collect data in a standard format using either a lab-based computer or a mobile device. The second series of functions, AgETL, executes steps for an Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) data integration process where data are extracted from heterogeneously formatted files, transformed to meet standard criteria, and loaded into a database. There, data are stored and can be accessed for data analysis-related processes, including dynamic data visualization through web-based tools. Both AgTC and AgETL are flexible for application across plant science experiments without programming knowledge on the part of the domain scientist, and their functions are executed on Jupyter Notebook, a browser-based interactive development environment. Additionally, all parameters are easily customized from central configuration files written in the human-readable YAML format. Using three experiments from research laboratories in university and non-government organization (NGO) settings as test cases, we demonstrate the utility of AgTC and AgETL to streamline critical steps from data collection to analysis in the plant sciences

Phenotypic Characteristics and Copy Number Variants in a Cohort of Colombian Patients with VACTERL Association

VACTERL association (OMIM 192350) is a heterogeneous clinical condition characterized by congenital structural defects that include at least 3 of the following features: vertebral abnormalities, anal atresia, heart defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal malformations, and limb defects. The nonrandom occurrence of these malformations and some familial cases suggest a possible association with genetic factors such as chromosomal alterations, gene mutations, and inherited syndromes such as Fanconi anemia (FA). In this study, the clinical phenotype and its relationship with the presence of chromosomal abnormalities and FA were evaluated in 18 patients with VACTERL association. For this, a G-banded karyotype, array-comparative genomic hybridization, and chromosomal fragility test for FA were performed. All patients (10 female and 8 male) showed a broad clinical spectrum: 13 (72.2%) had vertebral abnormalities, 8 (44.4%) had anal atresia, 14 (77.8%) had heart defects, 8 (44.4%) had esophageal atresia, 10 (55.6%) had renal abnormalities, and 10 (55.6%) had limb defects. Chromosomal abnormalities and FA were ruled out. In 2 cases, the finding of microalterations, namely del(15)(q11.2) and dup(17)(q12), explained the phenotype; in 8 cases, copy number variations were classified as variants of unknown significance and as not yet described in VACTERL. These variants comprise genes related to important cellular functions and embryonic development

Phenotypic characteristics and copy number variants in a cohort of colombian patients with vacterl association

Q4Q2VACTERL association (OMIM 192350) is a heterogeneous clinical condition characterized by congenital structural defects that include at least 3 of the following features: vertebral abnormalities, anal atresia, heart defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal malformations, and limb defects. The nonrandom occurrence of these malformations and some familial cases suggest a possible association with genetic factors such as chromosomal alterations, gene mutations, and inherited syndromes such as Fanconi anemia (FA). In this study, the clinical phenotype and its relationship with the presence of chromosomal abnormalities and FA were evaluated in 18 patients with VACTERL association. For this, a G-banded karyotype, array-comparative genomic hybridization, and chromosomal fragility test for FA were performed. All patients (10 female and 8 male) showed a broad clinical spectrum: 13 (72.2%) had vertebral abnormalities, 8 (44.4%) had anal atresia, 14 (77.8%) had heart defects, 8 (44.4%) had esophageal atresia, 10 (55.6%) had renal abnormalities, and 10 (55.6%) had limb defects. Chromosomal abnormalities and FA were ruled out. In 2 cases, the finding of microalterations, namely del(15)(q11.2) and dup(17)(q12), explained the phenotype; in 8 cases, copy number variations were classified as variants of unknown significance and as not yet described in VACTERL. These variants comprise genes related to important cellular functions and embryonic development.N/