Urbanization favors the proliferation of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus in urban areas of Miami-Dade County, Florida

Urbanization processes are increasing globally. Anthropogenic alterations in the environment have profound effects on biodiversity. Decreased biodiversity due to biotic homogenization processes as a consequence of urbanization often result in increased levels of mosquito vector species and vector-borne pathogen transmission. Understanding how anthropogenic alterations in the environment will affect the abundance, richness, and composition of vector mosquito species is crucial for the implementation of effective and targeted mosquito control strategies. We hypothesized that anthropogenic alterations in the environment are responsible for increasing the abundance of mosquito species that are adapted to urban environments such as Aedesaegypti and Culexquinquefasciatus. Therefore, our objective was to survey mosquito relative abundance, richness, and community composition in Miami-Dade County, Florida, in areas with different levels of urbanization. We selected 24 areas, 16 remote areas comprised of natural and rural areas, and 8 urban areas comprised of residential and touristic areas in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Mosquitoes were collected weekly in each area for 24 h for 5 consecutive weeks from August to October 2020 using BG-Sentinel traps baited with dry ice. A total of 36,645 mosquitoes were collected, from which 34,048 were collected in the remote areas and 2,597 in the urban areas. Our results show a clear and well-defined pattern of abundance, richness, and community composition according to anthropogenic modifications in land use and land cover. The more urbanized a given area the fewer species were found and those were primary vectors of arboviruses, Ae.aegypti and Cx.quinquefasciatus

Diel activity patterns of vector mosquito species in the urban environment: Implications for vector control strategies

Mathematical models have been widely used to study the population dynamics of mosquitoes as well as to test and validate the effectiveness of arbovirus outbreak responses and mosquito control strategies. The objective of this study is to assess the diel activity of mosquitoes in Miami-Dade, Florida, and Brownsville, Texas, the most affected areas during the Zika outbreak in 2016–2017, and to evaluate the effectiveness of simulated adulticide treatments on local mosquito populations. To assess variations in the diel activity patterns, mosquitoes were collected hourly for 96 hours once a month from May through November 2019 in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Brownsville, Texas. We then performed a PERMANOVA followed by a SIMPER analysis to assess whether the abundance and species richness significantly varies at different hours of the day. Finally, we used a mathematical model to simulate the population dynamics of 5 mosquito vector species and evaluate the effectiveness of the simulated adulticide applications. A total of 14,502 mosquitoes comprising 17 species were collected in Brownsville and 10,948 mosquitoes comprising 19 species were collected in Miami-Dade County. Aedes aegypti was the most common mosquito species collected every hour in both cities and peaking in abundance in the morning and the evening. Our modeling results indicate that the effectiveness of adulticide applications varied greatly depending on the hour of the treatment. In both study locations, 9 PM was the best time for adulticide applications targeting all mosquito vector species; mornings/afternoons (9 AM– 5 PM) yielded low effectiveness, especially for Culex species, while at night (12 AM– 6 AM) the effectiveness was particularly low for Aedes species. Our results indicate that the timing of adulticide spraying interventions should be carefully considered by local authorities based on the ecology of the target mosquito species in the focus area

Diel activity patterns of two distinct populations of Aedes aegypti in Miami, FL and Brownsville, TX

The diel biting activity of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L) populations was extensively investigated in the early 1900s to gain more information on the biology of Ae. aegypti, and this information was used to devise effective approaches to controlling populations of this species and protect the human population from widespread arbovirus outbreaks. However, few contemporary studies are available regarding the diel activity patterns of Ae. aegypti. To assess the diel activity patterns of Ae. aegypti in southern Florida and Texas, we conducted 96-h uninterrupted mosquito collections once each month from May through November 2019 in Miami, Florida, and Brownsville, Texas, using BG-Sentinel 2 Traps. The overall diel activity pattern in both cities was bimodal with morning and evening peak activity between 7:00 and 8:00 and between 19:00 and 20:00. There were significant daily, monthly, seasonal, and site-specific differences in activity patterns, but these differences did not affect the overall peak activity times. These differences suggest daily, monthly, seasonal, and site-specific variations in human exposure to Ae. aegypti. Our observations can be used in planning and executing Ae. aegypti vector control activities in southern Florida and southern Texas, specifically those targeting the adult mosquito populations

Insights into molecular mechanisms of disease in Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation; unifying theories.

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is a group of disorders characterised by dystonia, parkinsonism and spasticity. Iron accumulates in the basal ganglia and may be accompanied by Lewy bodies, axonal swellings and hyperphosphorylated tau depending on NBIA subtype. Mutations in 10 genes have been associated with NBIA that include Ceruloplasmin (Cp) and Ferritin Light Chain (FTL), both directly involved in iron homeostasis, as well as Pantothenate Kinase 2 (PANK2), Phospholipase A2 group 6 (PLA2G6), Fatty acid hydroxylase 2 (FA2H), Coenzyme A synthase (COASY), C19orf12, WDR45 and DCAF17 (C2orf37). These genes are involved in seemingly unrelated cellular pathways, such as lipid metabolism, Coenzyme A synthesis and autophagy. A greater understanding of the cellular pathways that link these genes and the disease mechanisms leading to iron dyshomeostasis is needed. Additionally, the major overlap seen between NBIA and more common neurodegenerative diseases may highlight conserved disease processes. In this review, we will discuss clinical and pathological findings for each NBIA-related gene, discuss proposed disease mechanisms such as mitochondrial health, oxidative damage, autophagy/mitophagy and iron homeostasis and speculate potential overlap between NBIA subtypes

Concurso de cuento científico ¡Imagino la ciencia y te la cuento!

Este libro es una muestra del desarrollo del “Evento de Divulgación Tecnológica” EDT, denominado 2° Concurso de Cuento Científico ¡Imagino la Ciencia y te la Cuento!, donde se evidencia la apropiación de las habilidades lingüísticas, comunicativas y competencias lectoras, dentro de los lineamientos STEAM y habilidades para el siglo XXI; como resultado se obtiene la creatividad e imaginación de los niños de 16 instituciones educativas beneficiarias de la estrategia de Tecnoacademia Itinerante Boyacá, quienes, desde su perspectiva y diferentes vivencias, expresan el gusto por la lectura y la escritura, materializada en la construcción de cuentos que fueron leídos por un equipo de profesionales interdisciplinario y donde fueron seleccionados algunos cuentos y dibujos para esta publicación.El primer niño que fue a la luna -- El gran descubrimiento -- Hacia el futuro -- Un amor entre dos mundos -- La aventura de mis sueños -- La felicidad siempre nos espera -- Valiente valentina -- Un sueño perdido -- El científico loco -- El extraterrestre que quería vivir en la tierra -- El mejor líder -- Arkade un juego sin fin -- Experimento d-037 – Robotsing -- El viejo científico -- Fiesta en la luna -- El guardián del bosque -- 20 años de silencio -- Niveles de organización -- De los seres vivos -- Doña Lila y doña Justa -- Proyecto de inclusiòn -- Tecnoacademia “Pintando protejo la naturaleza”na123 página

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field

Masculinidad y feminidad en hombres jóvenes mexicanos. ¿Un asunto de orientación sexual?

La investigación de la masculinidad y feminidad en función de la orientación sexual es un asunto escasamente analizado en la Ciudad de México. En este estudio fueron comparados los resultados obtenidos de la aplicación del Inventario de Masculinidad y Feminidad (IMAFE) a dos muestras de varones: una homosexual y otra heterosexual, ambas con edades entre los 17 y los 25 años. La primera, constó de 56 y la segunda de 57 sujetos, para un total de 113 personas. La selección de los participantes fue por medio de un muestreo no probabilístico arbitrario intencional. En su mayoría, participaron estudiantes de licenciatura y un porcentaje mínimo de bachillerato. El tipo de estudio fue descriptivo y el diseño no experimental, se observó el fenómeno en su contexto. Después de calificar cada una de las pruebas se procedió a analizar los datos mediante la prueba de comparación t de Student. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0.50) en las escalas del IMAFE. Se concluye que no hay diferencias en la masculinidad y feminidad de los sujetos en función de su orientación sexual, aunque se observa una tendencia a la androginia. Los hallazgos de esta exploración podrán utilizarse como aspectos que contribuyan a una educación que favorezca la tolerancia a la diversidad y, por ende, el desmantelamiento de obcecaciones en torno a las personas homosexuales.The relationship between masculinity and femininity in terms of sexual orientation is scarcely analyzed in Mexico City. This study compared the results obtained from the application of the Masculinity and Femininity Inventory (IMAFE) to two samples of men: one homosexual, and one heterosexual; both groups aged between 17 and 25 years. The first sample consisted of 56 subjects, and the second one was of 57, for a total of 113 people. Most of them had a degree, and a minimum percentage of the participants had an associate’s degree. After grading the tests, the data were analyzed by using the Student’s t-test. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the IMAFE scales. It is concluded that there are no differences in the masculinity and femininity of the subjects according to their sexual orientation, although a tendency to androgyny is observed. The findings of this exploration can be used as aspects contributing to an education that favors the tolerance to the diversity and, therefore, the dismantling of obscenities toward the homosexual people

Masculinity and Feminity in Mexican Young Men: A Matter of Sexual Orientation?

La investigación de la masculinidad y feminidad en función de la orientación sexual es un asunto escasamente analizado en la Ciudad de México. En este estudio fueron comparados los resultados obtenidos de la aplicación del Inventario de Masculinidad y Feminidad (IMAFE) a dos muestras de varones: una homosexual y otra heterosexual, ambas con edades entre los 17 y los 25 años. La primera, constó de 56 y la segunda de 57 sujetos, para un total de 113 personas. La selección de los participantes fue por medio de un muestreo no probabilístico arbitrario intencional. En su mayoría, participaron estudiantes de licenciatura y un porcentaje mínimo de bachillerato. El tipo de estudio fue descriptivo y el diseño no experimental, se observó el fenómeno en su contexto. Después de calificar cada una de las pruebas se procedió a analizar los datos mediante la prueba de comparación t de Student. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p &lt; 0.50) en las escalas del IMAFE. Se concluye que no hay diferencias en la masculinidad y feminidad de los sujetos en función de su orientación sexual, aunque se observa una tendencia a la androginia. Los hallazgos de esta exploración podrán utilizarse como aspectos que contribuyan a una educación que favorezca la tolerancia a la diversidad y, por ende, el desmantelamiento de obcecaciones en torno a las personas homosexuales.The relationship between masculinity and femininity in terms of sexual orientation is scarcely analyzed in Mexico City. This study compared the results obtained from the application of the Masculinity and Femininity Inventory (IMAFE) to two samples of men: one homosexual, and one heterosexual; both groups aged between 17 and 25 years. The first sample consisted of 56 subjects, and the second one was of 57, for a total of 113 people. Most of them had a degree, and a minimum percentage of the participants had an associate’s degree. After grading the tests, the data were analyzed by using the Student’s t-test. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the IMAFE scales. It is concluded that there are no differences in the masculinity and femininity of the subjects according to their sexual orientation, although a tendency to androgyny is observed. The findings of this exploration can be used as aspects contributing to an education that favors the tolerance to the diversity and, therefore, the dismantling of obscenities toward the homosexual people

Evaluation of the effectiveness of BG-Sentinel and CDC light traps in assessing the abundance, richness, and community composition of mosquitoes in rural and natural areas

Vector-borne diseases are a major burden to public health. Controlling mosquitoes is considered the most effective way to prevent vector-borne disease transmission. Mosquito surveillance is a core component of integrated vector management, as surveillance programs are often the cornerstone for the development of mosquito control operations. Two traps are the most commonly used for the surveillance of adult mosquitoes: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light trap (CDC light trap) and BG-Sentinel trap (BioGents, Regensburg, Germany). However, despite the importance of the BG-Sentinel trap in surveillance programs in the United States, especially in the Southern states, its effectiveness in consistently and reliably collecting mosquitoes in rural and natural areas is still unknown. We hypothesized that BG-Sentinel and CDC light traps would be more attractive to specific mosquito species present in rural and natural areas. Therefore, our objective was to compare the relative abundance, species richness, and community composition of mosquitoes collected in natural and rural areas by BG-Sentinel and CDC light traps. Mosquitoes were collected from October 2020 to March 2021 using BG-Sentinel and CDC light traps baited with dry ice, totaling 105 trap-nights. The BG-Sentinel traps collected 195,115 mosquitoes comprising 23 species from eight genera, and the CDC light traps collected 188,594 mosquitoes comprising 23 species from eight genera. The results from the permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and generalized estimating equation model for repeated measures indicate the BG-Sentinel and CDC light traps had similar sampling power. Even though BG-Sentinel traps had a slightly better performance, the difference was not statistically significant indicating that both traps are suitable to be used in mosquito surveillance in rural and natural areas