Taxonomic descriptions of mantis (MANTODEA) from department of Atlántico, Colombia and comments on their distribution

Se realizó una revisión de caracteres taxonómicos en 98 ejemplares de mántidos depositados en las colecciones biológicas (UARC-135) de la Universidad del Atlántico, con el objetivo de contribuir al conocimiento del orden Mantodea en el territorio colombiano. La identificación de las especies se basó en un análisis exhaustivo de caracteres morfológicos y genitales masculinos de algunos especímenes. Se presentan por primera vez descripciones taxonómicas y apuntes de distribución de 15 especies de mántidos en ecosistemas de bosque seco tropical (Bs-T) del departamento del Atlántico, ampliando de esta forma el conocimiento sobre la diversidad del orden en el Caribe colombiano.Taxonomic revision of 98 mantids specimens stored in the biological collections (UARC-135) from Atlántico University was performed in order to contribute to the knowledge of mantodea order present in Colombia. The species identification was based on a thorough analysis of morphological characters and male genitalia of some specimens. We present for the first time taxonomic descriptions and distribution notes of 15 mantids species in dry tropical forest (Dt-F) ecosystem from Atlántico department, thus expanding knowledge of the Mantodea diversity in the Caribbean region

Análisis físico-químico y fitoplanctónico de la ciénaga Puerto Caimán, vertiente Caribe, Colombia

The environmental conditions in the Puerto Caiman marsh, Caribbean slope, Colombia, were evaluated, taking into account the physical-chemical variables and their influence on the taxocenosis of the marsh's phytoplankton. Five stations were established, taking into account general characteristics of the body of water (stream and seawater entry, morphology and extension). In each of the stations, 24 L of surface water were filtered, with a pore diameter mesh of 24 μm for the phytoplankton collection, additionally physical-chemical variables were registered in situ and environmental pollution indices evaluated. The behavior of physico-chemical variables such as alkalinity, conductivity, total suspended solids, pH, dissolved oxygen and water temperature showed variation in the body of water. The composition of the phytoplankton recorded changes in richness y density. The highest density (1045 Cél.mL-1) was observed in the third sample, dominated by Nitzschia acicularis (994 Cél.mL-1), species with the highest density in all the samplings (1031 Cél.mL-1), followed by Entomoneis alata (243 Cél.mL-1) and Anabaena flos-aquae (181 Cél.mL-1). environmental pollution indices evidenced contamination in the Puerto Caiman marsh due to the effects of total suspended solids (ICOSUS), mineralization (ICOMI) and anthropogenic effects such as livestock, destruction of riparian vegetation and domestic dumping. The Puerto Caiman marsh is a polluted-eutrophied environment, characterized by several species of phytoplankton previously reported for some authors as an indicator of polluted water.Se evaluaron las condiciones ambientales en la ciénaga de Puerto Caimán, vertiente Caribe, Colombia, teniendo en cuenta las variables físico-químicas y su influencia en la taxocenosis del fitoplancton de la ciénaga. Cinco estaciones fueron establecidas, teniendo en cuenta algunas características del cuerpo de agua (entrada de arroyos y agua de mar, morfología y extensión). En cada una de las estaciones, se filtraron 24 L de agua superficial, con una malla de diámetro de poro de 24 μm para la recolección de fitoplancton. Adicionalmente, se registraron in situ variables físico-químicas y se evaluaron índices de contaminación ambiental (ICOS). El comportamiento de variables físico-químicas tales como alcalinidad, conductividad, sólidos totales suspendidos, pH, oxígeno disuelto y temperatura superficial del agua mostró variación espacio-temporal en el cuerpo de agua. La composición del fitoplancton registró cambios en la riqueza y densidad. La mayor densidad (1,045 Cél.mL-1) se observó en el tercer muestreo. Nitzschia acicularis presentó la mayor densidad en todos los muestreos (994 Cél.mL-1), seguida por Entomoneis alata (243 Cél.mL-1) y Anabaena flos-aquae (181 Cél.mL-1). Los ICOS, por su parte, evidenciaron contaminación en la ciénaga de Puerto Caimán por efectos de los sólidos totales suspendidos (ICOSUS), la mineralización (ICOMI) y efectos antrópicos tales como la ganadería, destrucción de la vegetación ribereña y vertimientos domésticos. La ciénaga de Puerto Caimán es un ambiente contaminado-eutrofizado, caracterizado por especies de fitoplancton que han sido reportadas como indicadores de aguas contaminadas

Treatment with tocilizumab or corticosteroids for COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammatory state: a multicentre cohort study (SAM-COVID-19)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the association between tocilizumab or corticosteroids and the risk of intubation or death in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) with a hyperinflammatory state according to clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods: A cohort study was performed in 60 Spanish hospitals including 778 patients with COVID-19 and clinical and laboratory data indicative of a hyperinflammatory state. Treatment was mainly with tocilizumab, an intermediate-high dose of corticosteroids (IHDC), a pulse dose of corticosteroids (PDC), combination therapy, or no treatment. Primary outcome was intubation or death; follow-up was 21 days. Propensity score-adjusted estimations using Cox regression (logistic regression if needed) were calculated. Propensity scores were used as confounders, matching variables and for the inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTWs). Results: In all, 88, 117, 78 and 151 patients treated with tocilizumab, IHDC, PDC, and combination therapy, respectively, were compared with 344 untreated patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 10 (11.4%), 27 (23.1%), 12 (15.4%), 40 (25.6%) and 69 (21.1%), respectively. The IPTW-based hazard ratios (odds ratio for combination therapy) for the primary endpoint were 0.32 (95%CI 0.22-0.47; p < 0.001) for tocilizumab, 0.82 (0.71-1.30; p 0.82) for IHDC, 0.61 (0.43-0.86; p 0.006) for PDC, and 1.17 (0.86-1.58; p 0.30) for combination therapy. Other applications of the propensity score provided similar results, but were not significant for PDC. Tocilizumab was also associated with lower hazard of death alone in IPTW analysis (0.07; 0.02-0.17; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Tocilizumab might be useful in COVID-19 patients with a hyperinflammatory state and should be prioritized for randomized trials in this situatio

Higher COVID-19 pneumonia risk associated with anti-IFN-α than with anti-IFN-ω auto-Abs in children

We found that 19 (10.4%) of 183 unvaccinated children hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia had autoantibodies (auto-Abs) neutralizing type I IFNs (IFN-alpha 2 in 10 patients: IFN-alpha 2 only in three, IFN-alpha 2 plus IFN-omega in five, and IFN-alpha 2, IFN-omega plus IFN-beta in two; IFN-omega only in nine patients). Seven children (3.8%) had Abs neutralizing at least 10 ng/ml of one IFN, whereas the other 12 (6.6%) had Abs neutralizing only 100 pg/ml. The auto-Abs neutralized both unglycosylated and glycosylated IFNs. We also detected auto-Abs neutralizing 100 pg/ml IFN-alpha 2 in 4 of 2,267 uninfected children (0.2%) and auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-omega in 45 children (2%). The odds ratios (ORs) for life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia were, therefore, higher for auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-alpha 2 only (OR [95% CI] = 67.6 [5.7-9,196.6]) than for auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-. only (OR [95% CI] = 2.6 [1.2-5.3]). ORs were also higher for auto-Abs neutralizing high concentrations (OR [95% CI] = 12.9 [4.6-35.9]) than for those neutralizing low concentrations (OR [95% CI] = 5.5 [3.1-9.6]) of IFN-omega and/or IFN-alpha 2

Gestión del conocimiento. Perspectiva multidisciplinaria. Volumen 17

El libro “Gestión del Conocimiento. Perspectiva Multidisciplinaria”, Volumen 17 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

Dementia in Latin America : paving the way towards a regional action plan

Regional challenges faced by Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACs) to fight dementia, such as heterogeneity, diversity, political instabilities, and socioeconomic disparities, can be addressed more effectively grounded in a collaborative setting based on the open exchange of knowledge. In this work, the Latin American and Caribbean Consortium on Dementia (LAC-CD) proposes an agenda for integration to deliver a Knowledge to Action Framework (KtAF). First, we summarize evidence-based strategies (epidemiology, genetics, biomarkers, clinical trials, nonpharmacological interventions, networking and translational research) and align them to current global strategies to translate regional knowledge into actions with transformative power. Then, by characterizing genetic isolates, admixture in populations, environmental factors, and barriers to effective interventions and mapping these to the above challenges, we provide the basic mosaics of knowledge that will pave the way towards a KtAF. We describe strategies supporting the knowledge creation stage that underpins the translational impact of KtAF

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Toxic effects induced by nonylphenol (NP) and ethoxylated nonylphenol (NP-9) in Caenorhabditis elegans

Needs in the field of cleanliness and asepsis have evolved over time. Among the most widely used chemicals in the world today are emerging pollutants. One of these contaminants is nonylphenol ethoxylate (NP-9), also known as Tergitol, and its degradation product, nonylphenol (NP), active ingredients present in nonionic surfactants used as herbicides, cosmetics, paints, plastics, disinfectants and detergents. These chemicals and their metabolites are commonly found in environmental matrices. The objectives of this research work were: 1. To assess the toxicity of NP and NP-9 in C. elegans. 2. To determine the gene expression profile for different toxicity mechanisms in C. elegans. 3. To determine the intergenerational effects caused by exposure to NP-9 in C. elegans. 4. To identify possible intergenerational neurotoxic effects from exposure to NP-9 in C. elegans. Wild-type L4 larvae were exposed to different concentrations of the surfactants to measure functional endpoints like; lethality, length, width, locomotion and lifespan. Transgenic green fluorescent protein (GFP) strains were employed to estimate changes in relative gene expression and promote the activation of toxicity signaling pathways related to mtl-2, gst-1, gpx-4, gpx-6, sod-4, hsp-70 and hsp-4. Additionally, stress response was also assessed using a daf-16::GFP transgenic strain. RT-qPCR was utilized to measure mRNA expression for neurotoxicity-related genes (unc-30, unc-25, dop-3, dat-1, mgl-1, and eat-4). In the results of the first aim, lethality was concentration dependent, with 24-h LC50 of 122 μM and 3215 μM for NP and NP-9, respectively. Both compounds inhibited nematode growth, although NP was more potent; and at non-lethal concentrations, nematode locomotion was reduced. The increase in the expression of tested genes was significant at 10 μM for NP-9 and 0.001 μM for NP, implying a likely role for the activation of oxidative and cellular stress, as well as metabolism pathways. Except for glutathione peroxidase, which has a bimodal concentration-response curve for NP, typical of endocrine disruption, the other curves for this xenobiotic in the strains evaluated were almost flat for most concentrations, until reaching 50–100 μM, where the effect peaked. NP and NP-9 induced the and nuclear translocation of DAF-16, suggesting that transcription of stress-response genes may be mediated by the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway. In contrast, NP-9 induced a concentrationdependent response for the sod-4 hsp-4 mutants, with higher fluorescence induction than NP at similar levels. For the second aim, data were obtained from parent worms (P0) and the first generation (F1). Lethality of the nematode was concentration-dependent, with 48 h-LC50 values of 3215 and 1983 μM in P0 and F1, respectively. Non-lethal concentrations of NP-9 reduced locomotion. Lifespan was also decreased by the xenobiotic, but the negative effect was greater in P0 than in F1. Non-monotonic concentrationresponse curves were observed for body length and width in both generations. The gene expression profile in P0 was different from that registered in F1, although the expression of sod-4, hsp-70, gpx-6 and mtl-2 increased with the surfactant concentration in both generations. None of the tested genes followed a classical concentration-neurotoxicity relationship. In P0, dopamine presented an Inverted-U curve, while GABA and glutamate displayed a bimodal type. However, in F1, inverted U-shaped curves were revealed for these genes. In short, NP and NP-9 affect the physiology of C. elegans and modulate gene expression related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cellular stress and metabolism of xenobiotics. Additionally, the NP-9 isomer induced intergenerational responses in nematode through mechanisms involving ROS, and alterations of the GABA, glutamate, and dopamine pathways.DoctoradoDoctor(a) en Toxicología Ambienta

Consensus-based management protocol (CREVICE protocol) for the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury based on imaging and clinical examination for use when intracranial pressure monitoring is not employed

Globally, intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring use in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is inconsistent and susceptible to resource limitations and clinical philosophies. For situations without monitoring, there is no published comprehensive management algorithm specific to identifying and treating suspected intracranial hypertension (SICH) outside of the one ad hoc Imaging and Clinical Examination (ICE) protocol in the Benchmark Evidence from South American Trials: Treatment of Intracranial Pressure (BEST:TRIP) trial. As part of an ongoing National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported project, a consensus conference involving 43 experienced Latin American Intensivists and Neurosurgeons who routinely care for sTBI patients without ICP monitoring, refined, revised, and augmented the original BEST:TRIP algorithm. Based on BEST:TRIP trial data and pre-meeting polling, 11 issues were targeted for development. We used Delphi-based methodology to codify individual statements and the final algorithm, using a group agreement threshold of 80%. The resulting CREVICE (Consensus REVised ICE) algorithm defines SICH and addresses both general management and specific treatment. SICH treatment modalities are organized into tiers to guide treatment escalation and tapering. Treatment schedules were developed to facilitate targeted management of disease severity. A decision-support model, based on the group's combined practices, is provided to guide this process. This algorithm provides the first comprehensive management algorithm for treating sTBI patients when ICP monitoring is not available. It is intended to provide a framework to guide clinical care and direct future research toward sTBI management. Because of the dearth of relevant literature, it is explicitly consensus based, and is provided solely as a resource (a “consensus-based curbside consult”) to assist in treating sTBI in general intensive care units in resource-limited environments

Dementia in Latin America: Paving the way toward a regional action plan.

Across Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACs), the fight against dementia faces pressing challenges, such as heterogeneity, diversity, political instability, and socioeconomic disparities. These can be addressed more effectively in a collaborative setting that fosters open exchange of knowledge. In this work, the Latin American and Caribbean Consortium on Dementia (LAC-CD) proposes an agenda for integration to deliver a Knowledge to Action Framework (KtAF). First, we summarize evidence-based strategies (epidemiology, genetics, biomarkers, clinical trials, nonpharmacological interventions, networking, and translational research) and align them to current global strategies to translate regional knowledge into transformative actions. Then we characterize key sources of complexity (genetic isolates, admixture in populations, environmental factors, and barriers to effective interventions), map them to the above challenges, and provide the basic mosaics of knowledge toward a KtAF. Finally, we describe strategies supporting the knowledge creation stage that underpins the translational impact of KtAF