Caracterización por microscopía electrónica de barrido de mascarillas de protección respiratoria utilizadas por la población costarricense en la época de la pandemia COVID-19.

Dada la pandemia COVID-19 y la obligatoriedad en el uso de mascarillas de protección respiratoria, se presentó una oportunidad de negocio para industrias y emprendedores en la confección y venta de las mismas.  Con base en esto, se supone que han existido en el mercado, mascarillas que no son confeccionadas en las condiciones óptimas de calidad y según las normas; ofreciendo una falsa protección respiratoria a los ciudadanos, lo cual pone en riesgo a la población, favoreciendo la propagación del virus SARS-CoV-2. Adicional a lo anterior un etiquetado erróneo referente a la cantidad de capas, tamaños de poro y la protección luego de ciclos de lavado en el caso de las mascarillas reutilizables. La generación de evidencia científica, es de suma importancia para corroborar los aspectos anteriormente mencionados, dado el impacto que tiene sobre la salud pública, por lo que se ha utilizado la microscopía electrónica de barrido, como herramienta de análisis, para realizar una caracterización de las capas, tamaños de poro y morfología y dar soporte a la hipótesis planteada, demostrando el incumplimiento en algunos casos, de los requisitos mínimos para ofrecer una protección real ante la propagación del agente viral y brinda un antecedente para tomar en consideración en futuros casos necesarios de la obligatoriedad del uso de mascarillas con el fin de proteger a la población ante otro brote de COVID-19 o algún otro virus que requiera este tipo de protección

EL LABORATORIO DE INVESTIGACIÓN Y SU APORTE EN FAVOR DE LA BIODIVERSIDAD COSTARRICENSE

Costa Rica is a privileged country in terms of its abundant flora and fauna which houses its rich ecological niches an exuberant nature of which we value ourselves at a international. Despite beinga small country in where really in a few hours, we can go from coast at the coast and from border to border, the number of species of plants and animals that we possess constitute a true example ofliving nature. Of this we can attest those who by reason of our studies, which we will summarize later, we had the privilege to observe.Costa Rica es un país privilegiado en cuanto a su abundante flora y fauna la cual alberga en sus ricos nichos ecológicos una exuberante naturaleza de la que nos preciamos a nivel internacional. A pesar de ser un país pequeño en donde realmente en pocas horas, podemos ir de costa a costa y de frontera a frontera, la cantidad de especies de plantas y de animales que poseemos constituyen un verdadero ejemplo de naturaleza viviente. De esto podemos dar fe quienes por razón de nuestros estudios, que luego resumiremos, hemos tenido el privilegio de observar.&nbsp

Polyphenol Iongel Patches with Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

There is an actual need for developing materials for wound healing applications with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or antibacterial properties in order to improve the healing performance. In this work, we report the preparation and characterization of soft and bioactive iongel materials for patches, based on polymeric poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and four ionic liquids containing the cholinium cation and different phenolic acid anions, namely cholinium salicylate ([Ch][Sal]), cholinium gallate ([Ch][Ga]), cholinium vanillate ([Ch][Van]), and cholinium caffeate ([Ch][Caff]). Within the iongels, the phenolic motif in the ionic liquids plays a dual role, acting as a PVA crosslinker and a bioactive compound. The obtained iongels are flexible, elastic, ionic conducting, and thermoreversible materials. Moreover, the iongels demonstrated high biocompatibility, non-hemolytic activity, and non-agglutination in mice blood, which are key-sought material specifications in wound healing applications. All the iongels have shown antibacterial properties, being PVA-[Ch][Sal], the one with higher inhibition halo for Escherichia Coli. The iongels also revealed high values of antioxidant activity due to the presence of the polyphenol, with the PVA-[Ch][Van] iongel having the highest activity. Finally, the iongels show a decrease in NO production in LPS-stimulated macrophages, with the PVA-[Ch][Sal] iongel displaying the best anti-inflammatory activity (>63% at 200 µg/mL).This work was funding by Marie Sklodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchanges (RISE) under the grant agreement No 823989 “IONBIKE”, CONICET (PIP 11220200101353CO), ANPCyT (PICT-2020-03156), and the National University of the Litoral (C.A.I. + D 50620190100117LI), and Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (2020.01555.CEECIND, UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020)

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Infecciones parasitarias del coyote, Canis latrans (Carnivora: Canidae) en un Parque Nacional y una zona agrícola en Costa Rica Parasitic infections of coyote, Canis latrans (Carnivora: Canidae) in a Costa Rican National Park and a surrounding agricultural area

Conforme las poblaciones humanas se expanden hacia los hábitats silvestres con sus mascotas y ganado, el potencial de transmisión de enfermedades hacia los animales silvestres -y viceversa- aumenta, y hace necesario identificar interacciones zoonóticas potenciales. Los cánidos domésticos y silvestres pueden funcionar como reservorios o diseminadores de enfermedades infecciosas (se incluyen parásitos), por lo que el coyote (Canis latrans) puede también servir como indicador de la salud ecológica. Asimismo, se estudiaron los parásitos de 209 muestras de heces de coyotes en una zona mixta de área silvestre protegida y campo agrícola del Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú (PNVI) en Costa Rica. La recolección fue realizada mensualmente durante un año en tres sub-áreas denominadas: Irazú (la más cercana al volcán), papales (por el cultivo de papas), y Prusia (un sector del PNVI). Entonces, se empleó examen directo y concentración mecánica, se obtuvo 36.84% de muestras positivas por al menos un helminto. La presencia de parásitos fue muy similar para ambos sectores boscosos del PNVI (33.3% en Prusia y 37.4% en Irazú), pero contrastó con el 63.63% observado en los papales. También, se identificaron uncinarias (probablemente Ancylostoma caninum), estrongilidios (posiblemente Strongyloides sp.), Toxocara canis, Trichuris sp. y Taenia pisiformis, así como Hymenolepis diminuta, probablemente un parásito espurio proveniente de roedores ingeridos por los coyotes. Se comenta la importancia de estos primeros hallazgos y se concluye que las estaciones seca y lluviosa influyen en la presencia de los parásitos.Parasitic infections of coyote, Canis latrans (Carnivora: Canidae) in a Costa Rican National Park and a surrounding agricultural area. As human populations expand into wild habitats with their pets and livestock, the potential spread of disease to wildlife or vice versa increases. Because, wild and domestic canids may pose as reservoirs or disseminators of infectious diseases (including parasites), coyotes (Canis latrans) may also serve as indicators of ecological health. In Costa Rica, little information exists on coyote parasites, making research necessary to identify potential zoonotic interactions. For this reason, a survey of the coyote parasites was performed in a mixed area of protected woodland and agricultural land, surrounding Irazu Volcano National Park (IVNP) in Cartago, Costa Rica. Over a one-year period, 209 fecal samples were collected directly from the ground. Collection took place on a monthly basis in a trail sectioned into three sub-areas named Irazú (closest to the volcano), potato fields (where potatoes were cultivated), and Prusia (a protected sector of IVNP). Sectioning the trail allowed separate collection and analysis of the samples, where 99 were obtained from Irazú, 11 from potato fields and 99 from Prusia. Using direct examination and mechanical concentration 36.84% positive samples containing at least one helminth were found. The presence of parasites was similar for both woodland areas (33.3% in Prusia and 37.4% in Irazú), but differed from the 63.6% observed in the potato fields. Hookworm parasites (probably Ancylostoma caninum), threadworms (possibly Strongyloides sp.), Toxocara canis, Trichuris sp. and Taenia pisiformis were identified, as well as Hymenolepis diminuta, possible spurious parasite resulting from the ingestion of rodents by coyotes. Seasonal details are discussed, concluding that wet and dry seasons affect presence of parasites. Some remarks are made on the importance of these first findings for Costa Rica, especially considering the systematic way in which the collection of samples was carried out. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (2): 799-808. Epub 2012 June 01

La Reserva Biológica Alberto Manuel Brenes (ReBAMB): fuente de una relación fructífera en logros profesionales e instititucionales

A sequential account of a whole scientific relationship is made between the Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve (ReBAMB) and the University of Medical Sciences (UCIMED). In this review of the work done, we first discuss how the scientific relationship between the working groups of both institutions is established. The following are the projects carried out in which a basic methodology is outlined, the details of which guide the reader to the publications generated as a result of this alliance. These publications are listed below by quantity, by subject and by research stage, Prior stage of relationship between groups Subject of study, Biological and health characteristics of primates from Costa Rica with a total of 17 publications, all cited in the references, Research stage in the ReBAMB, First subject of study, Search of active chemical components against parasitosis with 5 publications, Second research topic, Study of the endofauna of some small animals of the ReBAMB with 4 relevant publications, as two of them present the report of 3 new protozoa in the world, Eimeria rebambensis, E. melanomytis and E. caliginosa, parasitizing the rodent Melanomys caliginosus. In addition the report of a new wild transmitter of Trypanosoma cruzi, parasite that causes Chagas disease. It highlights the importance of ReBAMB as an inexhaustible source of scientific production and the positive experience it means in science, the union of two universities, one public and one private.Se realiza un relato secuencial de toda una relación científica entre la Reserva Biológica Alberto Manuel Brenes (ReBAMB) y la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas (UCIMED). En esta revisión del trabajo realizado, se comenta en primer lugar, cómo se establece la relación científica entre los grupos de trabajo de ambas instituciones. De seguido seindican los proyectos en los que se esquematiza una metodología básica, desde cuyos detalles se orienta al lector hacia las publicaciones generadas como resultado de esta alianza. Se enumeran luego dichas publicaciones; por cantidad, por tema y por etapa de investigación son las siguientes: Etapa previa de relación entre los grupos. Tema de estudio. Características biológicas y de salud de los primates de Costa Rica con un total de 17 publicaciones, todas citadas en las referencias. Etapa de investigación en la ReBAMB. Primer tema de estudio. Búsqueda de componentes químicos activos contra parasitosis, con 5 publicaciones, el segundo fue el estudio de la endofauna de algunos animales pequeños de la ReBAMB con 4 publicaciones relevantes, pues en dos de ellas se presenta el reporte de 3 protozoarios nuevos en el mundo, Eimeria rebambensis, E. melanomytis y E. caliginosa, parasitando al roedor Melanomys caliginosus. Además el reporte de un nuevo trasmisor silvestre del Trypanosoma cruzi, parásito causante de la Enfermedad de Chagas. Se resalta la importancia de la ReBAMB como fuente inagotable de producción científica y la experiencia positiva que significa en la ciencia, la unión de dos universidades, una pública y otra privada

Parasitosis intestinal en monos capuchinos cariblancos Cebus capucinus (Primates: Cebidae) de un área protegida en la provincia de Limón, noreste de Costa Rica

La deforestación de bosques tropicales está amenazando la biodiversidad de las especies de primates y su estado de salud, dependiente de un lugar ecológicamente equilibrado. Con el fin de evaluar esta relación, se analizó la presencia de parásitos en los intestinos de esta especie. El estudio se realizó en la Estación Biológica La Suerte (EBLS), Limón, Costa Rica. El grupo de monos capuchinos cariblancos (Cebus capucinus) fue observado entre marzo y diciembre de 2006. Se recolectaron 75 muestras de heces a las que se les identificó las plantas ingeridas, y se procesaron en el laboratorio para evaluar la prevalencia de parásitos. Moraceae fue la familia de plantas más reportada. Strongyloides spp. y acantocéfalos fueron los más comunes. La distribución positiva de las mismas fue similar independientemente del sexo y la edad. Microsporidios se reportaron mayoritariamente en heces asociadas con la familia Piperaceae. Fue encontrada una baja existencia de éstos parásitos en muestras asociadas con Myrtaceae en cuyo género Psidium, se han reportado compuestos activos antiparasitarios. La aparición de parásitos fue relativamente mayor en la EBLS, comparado con muestras de otras regiones más secas de Costa Rica. Por lo tanto, esa expresión parasitaria puede deberse al hecho de ser la EBLS una selva lluviosa, además de estar rodeada por zonas con actividades antrópicas. Se sugiere incrementar las investigaciones de parasitología de campo en primates neotropicales con el fin de entender plenamente las relaciones parásitos-hospederos, para en un largo plazo poder comprender los ecosistemas donde conviven, y en consecuencia, preservar la diversidad biológica.<br>Intestinal parasites in white-faced capuchin monkeys Cebus capucinus Primates: Cebidae) inhabiting a protected area in the Limón province of Northeastern Costa Rica. Deforestation of tropical forests is threatening monkey biodiversity and their health status, dependent of an ecologically undisturbed area. To asses this relationship, we analyzed parasite occurrence in their intestines. The study was conducted at the Estación Biológica La Suerte (EBLS), Limón, Costa Rica. The group of white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) was observed between March and December of 2006. A total of 75 feces samples were obtained. Once a sample was collected, the eaten plant type was identified to family and species level, and feces were processed in the laboratory to determine parasite incidence. Results showed that Moraceae was the most represented family in the samples. Among parasites, Strongyloides spp. and Acanthocephala were the most common. Positive prevalence of parasites was found similar and independent of sex and age of capuchin individuals. Microsporids were mainly reported in feces associated with Piperaceae. A low presence of these parasites was found in samples associated with Myrtaceae, with possible anti-parasite active components. The occurrence of parasites was relatively high in EBLS, when compared to other regions in Costa Rica. The higher occurrence of parasites observed in capuchins at EBLS may be due to the fact that this rain forest is surrounded by areas affected by human activities. We suggest the promotion of research in neotropical primates parasitology, for a better comprehension of the parasite-host relationship, and in a long term, being able to understand the ecosystems where they coexist, and consequently, preserve the biodiversity of the whole region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1335-1346. Epub 2010 December 01

Parasitic infections of coyote, Canis latrans (Carnivora: Canidae) in a Costa Rican National park and a surrounding agricultural area [Infecciones parasitarias del coyote, Canis latrans (Carnivora: Canidae) en un Parque Nacional y una zona agrícola en Costa Rica]

As human populations expand into wild habitats with their pets and livestock, the potential spread of disease to wildlife or vice versa increases. Because, wild and domestic canids may pose as reservoirs or disseminators of infectious diseases (including parasites), coyotes (Canis latrans) may also serve as indicators of ecological health. In Costa Rica, little information exists on coyote parasites, making research necessary to identify potential zoonotic interactions. For this reason, a survey of the coyote parasites was performed in a mixed area of protected woodland and agricultural land, surrounding Irazú Volcano National Park (IVNP) in Cartago, Costa Rica. Over a one-year period, 209 fecal samples were collected directly from the ground. Collection took place on a monthly basis in a trail sectioned into three sub-areas named Irazú (closest to the volcano), potato fields (where potatoes were cultivated), and Prusia (a protected sector of IVNP). Sectioning the trail allowed separate collection and analysis of the samples, where 99 were obtained from Irazú, 11 from potato fields and 99 from Prusia. Using direct examination and mechanical concentration 36.84% positive samples containing at least one helminth were found. The presence of parasites was similar for both woodland areas (33.3% in Prusia and 37.4% in Irazú), but differed from the 63.6% observed in the potato fields. Hookworm parasites (probably Ancylostoma caninum), threadworms (possibly Strongyloides sp.), Toxocara canis, Trichuris sp. and Taenia pisiformis were identified, as well as Hymenolepis diminuta, possible spurious parasite resulting from the ingestion of rodents by coyotes. Seasonal details are discussed, concluding that wet and dry seasons affect presence of parasites. Some remarks are made on the importance of these first findings for Costa Rica, especially considering the systematic way in which the collection of samples was carried out.El rol ecológico del coyote en la cadena alimenticia y el hecho de que constituye un reservorio para varias enfermedades de importancia zoonótica o para animales domésticos los hace adecuados indicadores de salud ambiental, ya que pueden ayudar a identificar y monitorear enfermedades potencialmente patógenas y otros parásitos emergentes en su ambiente. Para buscar posibles fuentes de microorganismos oportunistas, se analizaron heces de coyotes (Canis latrans) del Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú (PNVI) en Costa Rica para microsporidios, Cyclospora sp., Cryptosporidium sp. y otros coccidios. La colecta mensual de heces de coyote se realizó durante un año en tres sub-áreas del Parque: Irazú, papales y Prusia, recogiéndose un total de 209 muestras. Empleando examen directo, concentración mecánica y tinciones especiales para los protozoarios y microorganismos oportunistas estudiados, se obtuvo 46,4% de muestras positivas para al menos un microorganismo. Cryptosporidium sp. se observó en 17,2% de las muestras y Sarcocystis sp. en 7,7%. Adicionalmente se identificó Eimeria sp. (6,7%), Isospora sp., Cyclospora sp., Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana y microsporidios en menos de 3% de las muestras. Se discute el significado de los hallazgos dada su importancia zoonótica, en especial de Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora y microsporidios.Universidad Nacional, Costa RicaEscuela de Medicina Veterinari