Micro- and nanoplastics current status: legislation, gaps, limitations and socio-economic prospects for future

The pollution caused by micro- (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) in the planet’s ecosystems has gained significant interest in recent years due to their environmental impact and effects on the health of living organisms. Given this, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the actions required to mitigate their impacts. This paper analyzes existing legislation across different countries and regions, including Europe, North America, China, Russia, India, Brazil, Mexico, and the global initiatives undertaken by the United Nations. Furthermore, it highlights the need for additional measures to mitigate the impact of MP/NP in future years, such as the development of technologies for the separation or degradation of these particles in water intended for human consumption and in wastewater treatment plant effluents, studying plastic particulate material in the air considering meteorological parameters, MP/NP detection protocols in human fluid samples, creating truly biodegradable polymers for use as bioplastics, and establishing institutions responsible for the management of plastic waste. The study also shows the current state of abundance (characterization and quantification) of MP/NP in different environmental matrices based on reports from recent years, and identifies key research opportunities and actions required to evaluate the risks and toxicity associated with MP/NP. Socio-economic aspects are considered, including the impact of MP/NP on different regions, by associating economic and human wellness parameters to plastic waste generation by using available data from 148 countries. As result of this analysis, both the most populated and developed countries contribute to MP/NP generation, however, they have different capacities to address this problem due to social circumstances. The solution to this problem requires efforts from authorities, industry, the scientific community, and the active participation of the population, then, resolving social, political, and economic issues between countries and regions of the world is necessary

Evaluación de la ganancia de peso, en el desarrollo de núcleos de abejas (apis mellífera), mediante alimentación artificial

Food, in the bee is a technique that each day progresses more and more, in the development of new formulations, as well as energy foods, such as in protein foods, looking for the final result of the development of colonies of healthy bees, transcending directly in the nutrition of the colonies and directly influencing the nutrition of the larvae mainly. These larvae are dependent on the protein and the production of the breeding is strongly affected by the availability of this nutrient. The objective of this work was to evaluate the development of cores of bees on the basis of cores of two racks, feeding them with a power supply (Bee Pro), the treated group and a liquid feeding based on sugar, 1:1, the control group. The technique used to evaluate the development of the nuclei, it was through the weight gain (g), at the beginning of the experiment, an intermediate weight and a final weight, after three weeks. The results that were generated, show daily weight gains of 331,158 g for the control group and the control group of 165,248 g. Finally we can mention that the treated group showed significant differences with regard to the interesting witness group, being the supply of protein, essential for the development of cores of bees observing, a higher rate of oviposition by Queen, greater development in the work of beeswax and therefore the greater population. To conclude, the nuclei treaties had to be changed to breeding chambers at the end of the study, reaching the wintering grounds with very good population and observing positive effects on honey harvest of spring, being able to arrive to harvest averages of 32 kg per hive with respect to the untreated who had a production of 18 kg per hive, located in the same geographical area.La alimentación, en la apicultura es una técnica que cada día va avanzando más y más, en el desarrollo de nuevas formulaciones, tanto como alimentos energéticos, como en alimentos proteicos, buscando como resultado final el desarrollo de colonias de abejas sanas, trascendiendo directamente en la nutrición de las colonias e influyendo directamente en la nutrición de las larvas principalmente. Estas larvas son dependientes de las proteínas y la producción de la cría se encuentra fuertemente afectada por la disponibilidad de este nutriente. El objetivo de este trabajo, fue evaluar el desarrollo de núcleos de abejas partiendo de núcleos de dos bastidores, alimentándolos con una alimentación energética (Bee Pro), el grupo tratado y una alimentación liquida a base de azúcar 1:1, el grupo testigo. La técnica empleada para evaluar el desarrollo de los núcleos, fue mediante la ganancia de peso (g), al inicio del experimento, un peso intermedio y un peso final, después de tres semanas. Los resultados que se generaron, muestran ganancias de peso diarias de 331.158 g para el grupo control y para el grupo testigo de 165.248 g. Finalmente podemos mencionar que el grupo tratado mostro diferencias significativas interesantes respecto al grupo testigo, siendo la alimentación proteica, fundamental para el desarrollo de núcleos de abejas observando, una mayor tasa de oviposición por parte de la reina, mayor desarrollo en el trabajo de cera estampada y por lo tanto mayor población. Para concluir, los núcleos tratados tuvieron que ser cambiados a cámaras de cría al final del estudio, llegando a la invernada con muy buena población y observando efectos positivos en la cosecha de miel de primavera, pudiendo llegar a cosechar promedios de 32 kg por colmena con respecto a los no tratados que tuvieron una producción de 18 kg por colmena, situados en la misma zona geográfica

Prospective study of diagnostic accuracy in the detection of high-grade prostate cancer in biopsy-naïve patients with clinical suspicion of prostate cancer who underwent the Select MDx test

[Objectives] This study aimed to externally validate the diagnostic accuracy of the Select MDx test for Significant prostate cancer (Sig PCa) (ISUP > 1), in a contemporaneous, prospective, multicenter cohort with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) between 3 and 10 ng/ml and a non-suspicious digital rectal examination.[Methods and Participants] For all enrolled patients, the Select Mdx test, the risk calculator ERSPC3 + DRE, and a prostatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were carried out. Subsequently, a systematic 12-core trans-rectal biopsy and a targeted biopsy, in the case of a prostate imaging–reporting and data system (PIRADS) > 2 lesion (max three lesions), were performed. To assess the accuracy of the Select MDx test in the detection of clinically Sig PCa, the test sensitivity was evaluated. Secondary objectives were specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and area under the curve (AUC). A direct comparison with the ERSPC + DRE risk calculator and MRI were also performed. We also studied the predictive ability to diagnose Sig PCa from the combination of the Select MDx test with MRI using clinical decision-curve analysis.[Results] There were 163 patients enrolled after meeting the inclusion criteria and study protocol. The Select MDx test showed a sensitivity of 76.9% (95% CI, 63.2–87.5), 49.6% specificity (95% CI, 39.9–59.2), 82.09% (95% CI, 70.8–90.4) NPV, and 41.67% (95% CI, 31.7–52.2) PPV for the diagnosis of Sig PCa. COR analysis was also performed, which showed an AUC of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.56–0.71). There were no differences in the accuracy of Select MDx, ERSPC + DRE, or MRI. The combination of Select MDX + MRI showed the highest impact in the decision-curve analysis, with an NPV of 93%.[Conclusion] Our study showed a worse performance for the SelectMdx test than previously reported, within a cohort of patients with a PSA 3–10 ng/ml and a normal DRE, with results similar to those from ERSPC + DRE RC and MRI, but with an improvement in the usual PSA pathway. A combination of the Select Mdx test and MRI could improve accuracy, but studies specifically evaluating this scenario with a cost-effective analysis are needed.This study received grant support from Ferrer to support the test performance, research meetings, and Central Registration Depository and CRO monitoring of the information platform for multicenter studies (AEU-PIEM/2018/0004).Peer reviewe

Spanish cardiac catheterization in congenital heart diseases registry. First official report from the ACI-SEC and the GTH-SECPCC (2020)

Introduction and objectives: The Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (ACI-SEC) and the Spanish Society of Pediatric Cardiology Working Group on Interventional Cardiology (GTH-SECPCC) introduce their annual activity report for 2020, the starting year of the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods: All Spanish centers with cath labs and interventional activity in congenital heart diseases were invited to participate. Data were collected online, and analyzed by an external company together with members from the ACI-SEC and the GTH-SECPCC. Results: A total of 16 centers participated (all of them public) including 30 cath labs experienced in the management of congenital heart diseases, 7 of them (23.3%) dedicated exclusively to pediatric patients. A total of 1046 diagnostic studies, and 1468 interventional cardiac catheterizations were registered. The interventional procedures were considered successful in 93.4% of the cases with rates of major procedural complications and mortality of 2%, and 0.1%, respectively. The most frequent procedures were atrial septal defect closure (377 cases), pulmonary angioplasty (244 cases), and the percutaneous closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (199 cases). Conclusions: This report is the first publication from the Spanish Cardiac Catheterization in Congenital Heart Diseases Registry. The data recorded are conditioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. Diagnostic cardiac catheterization still plays a key role in this field. Most interventional techniques have reported excellent security and efficacy rates

Cerebral Anatomy of the Spider Monkey Ateles Geoffroyi Studied Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. First Report: a Comparative Study with the Human Brain Homo Sapiens

El objetivo del presente estudio cualitativo fue analizar los aspectos morfológicos de la anatomía cerebral interna utilizando imágenes de resonancia magnética (IRM) en dos especies de primates, El mono Araña (A. geoffroyi) y el humano (H. sapiens), tomando como base un estudio comparativo de las estructuras cerebrales de las dos especies, concentrándose primordialmente en el sistema límbico del cerebro del mono araña. Aunque es una especie común en el hemisferio occidental, es interesante para estudiar dada su organización social y funciones motoras, el mono araña (A. geoffroyi) ha sido poco estudiado en cuanto a su neuroanatomía. Las IRM fueron hechas a un mono araña utilizando un resonador General Electrics Signa 1.5 T. Esta investigación se llevo a cabo conforme a las leyes internacionales para la protección de animales en cautiverio y teniendo en cuenta todas las medidas de protección para el manejo experimental para evitar cualquier efecto residual de índole comportamental o fisiológico. Desde un punto de vista cualitativo, los cerebros del mono araña y el humano tenían estructuras similares. Con respecto a la forma, las estructuras más parecidas fueron encontradas en el sistema límbico, sin embargo la curvatura cervical, la amígdala, el hipocampo, la comisura anterior y el colículo fueron más grandes proporcionalmente en el mono araña que en el humano.The objective of the present qualitative study was to analyze the morphological aspects of the inner cerebral anatomy of two species of primates, using magnetic resonance images (MRI): spider monkey (A. geoffroyi) and human (H. sapiens), on the basis of a comparative study of the cerebral structures of the two species, focusing upon the brain of the spider monkey and, primarily, its limbic system. In spite of being an endemic Western hemisphere species, a fact which is by its own right interesting for research due to this animal’s social organization and motor functions, the spider monkey (A. geoffroyi) has hardly been studied in regard to its neuroanatomy. MRI was carried out, in one spider monkey, employing a General Electric Signa 1.5 T scanner. This investigation was carried in accordance to international regulations for the protection of animals in captivity, taking into account all protective means utilized in experimental handling, and not leaving behind any residual effects, either physiological or behavioral. From a qualitative point of view, the brains of the spider monkey and the human were found to have similar structures. In reference to shape, the most similar structures were found in the limbic system; proportionally, however, cervical curvature, amygdala, hippocampus, anterior commissure and the colliculi, were larger in the spider monkey than in the human

Non-random patterns in viral diversity

It is currently unclear whether changes in viral communities will ever be predictable. Here we investigate whether viral communities in wildlife are inherently structured (inferring predictability) by looking at whether communities are assembled through deterministic (often predictable) or stochastic (not predictable) processes. We sample macaque faeces across nine sites in Bangladesh and use consensus PCR and sequencing to discover 184 viruses from 14 viral families. We then use network modelling and statistical null-hypothesis testing to show the presence of non-random deterministic patterns at different scales, between sites and within individuals. We show that the effects of determinism are not absolute however, as stochastic patterns are also observed. In showing that determinism is an important process in viral community assembly we conclude that it should be possible to forecast changes to some portion of a viral community, however there will always be some portion for which prediction will be unlikely

Actualidad y prospectiva de la investigación científica en el Centro Universitario Amecameca de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México

Con responsabilidad, se organizó un programa cuya finalidad fuera publicitar con transparencia dichos avances, a través de un esfuerzo de rendición de cuentas a la comunidad inmediata, la universitaria, y a la comunidad abierta, la sociedad que la principal referencia para tal efecto. El programa se concretiza a través del presente libro, conformado con una inspiración de investigación multidisciplinaria; sin embargo, para llegar a tal fin, el reto es realizar el proceso de búsqueda y generación de conocimiento transitando hacia la colaboración de los cuerpos académicos, que puedan construir nuevos conocimientos fortalecidos por la convergencia de diferentes campos del saber. En consecuencia, la primera etapa de esta estrategia es la publicidad de los trabajos investigativos ejercidos, para hacer un balance al día, pero también proyectar el futuro de cada campo y área del conocimiento. La organización explicativa está organizada por tres bloques representativos del quehacer en la generación de conocimiento del Centro Universitario, un primer bloque centra el interés en las humanidades, educación y sustentabilidad; el segundo bloque lo integra la reflexión científica sobre la construcción democrática, derechos humanos y equidad de género; en el tercer segmento se destina a la seguridad alimentaria, salud pública y sistemas agropecuarios. La actualidad de la investigación eleva la producción lograda y lo que en el momento se encuentra en construcción y los alcances que produce para la docencia, la investigación misma, y para la sociedad en general. La prospectiva es un área que todos los capítulos desarrollan con el propósito de delinear los alcances innovadores por andar en teoría, metodología e incluso en los saberes mismo

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030