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The study of the adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on microplastics (MPs) has attracted much attention as to how microplastics can act as carriers of these pollutants. Polyurethane (PU) is one of the MPs found in aquatic environments, containing different functional groups it can interact with polar and nonpolar molecules. PAH derivatives (dPAHs) present different properties and thus can be adsorbed by different interactions; thus, this study investigated the adsorption of fluorene (FLN), dibenzothiophene (DBT), dibenzofuran (DBF), and carbazole (CBZ) onto PU MP. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and BET isotherm models were examined, and the BET model best fitted. The adsorption was a nonspontaneous process, exothermic for mono- and multilayer formation for FLN, DBT, and CBZ, and endothermic for DBF monolayer formation. The adsorption monolayer was formed by van der Waals forces, H─bonding, and π─π interactions, while the formation of the multilayer can be explained by π─π and hydrophobic interactions. The pseudo-second-order model proved to be more consistent for the adsorption of dPAHs. The adsorption in artificial seawater shows no significant differences for the monolayer but favored the adsorption multilayer due to the salting-out effect. Due to the existence of several adsorption mechanisms, PU MP interacts with dPAHs in greater quantities when compared to a MP with a simpler structure.

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Background: Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are a diverse group of benign neoplasms that account for a significant proportion of intracranial tumors (13%). The coexistence of PitNET with other intracranial lesions, such as meningiomas and intracranial aneurysms, has been constantly reported in the literature; yet, the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown, and the appropriate management is controversial. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcomes of patients with PitNET with coexisting intracranial lesions in a single healthcare center. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients who underwent surgical treatment for PitNET and another intracranial lesion at our single tertiary referral center over 15 years from January 2008 to May 2023. Results: Among these coexisting lesions, aneurysms were the most commonly found (41.67%), followed by meningiomas (33.33%). Surgical intervention for both lesions was performed in a single-stage procedure for most cases (75%), employing transcranial, endoscopic endonasal, and combined approaches. We found low preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale scores in three patients, with significant differences in functional outcomes. Conclusion: These findings contribute to the limited knowledge about PitNET coexisting with other intracranial lesions and emphasize the importance of patient-tailored, multidisciplinary management in these unusual scenarios.

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Hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus is a very rare condition of which etiology is still inconclusive. It may occur after assisted reproduction, often leading to the death of normal embryos and other serious complications. We report a case of partial hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus after frozen embryo transplantation. More than two months after the patient underwent transplantation with two blastocysts (scored 4AB and 4BC), B-ultrasound showed a single live fetus with a large dense dotted strong echo area. The patient was treated with chemotherapy after the termination of pregnancy due to persistently increased human chorionic gonadotropin levels. Many studies have described trophoblast quality as a strong predictor of pregnancy. In the case in question, in addition to partial hydatidiform mole caused by multiple sperm entering the egg, we also speculate that the condition may be related to the poor quality of the trophoblastic ectoderm of the transferred embryo. In the process of assisted reproduction, the transfer of embryos with poor trophoblastic ectoderm in multiple embryo transfers may adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.

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Abstract Sympatric mud crab species Panopeus americanus and Panopeus austrobesus are found in intertidal environments associated with muddy and rocky habitats in the Western Atlantic coast. Therefore, they are a suitable model system to be used in studies focused on investigating biological coexistence aspects between close species, such as population structure and habitat. The aims of the current study are to describe and compare the distribution of two sympatric mud crab species - P. americanus and P. austrobesus - based on their spatial and temporal distribution, in a low human impact estuarine complex area. The hypothesis that these two species show similar distribution, although one species is more abundant than the other, was herein tested. Sampling was carried out in the intertidal zone of a specific area in Cananeia estuarine complex, São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil, in different periods of time for two years. Both species presented similar pattern distribution and frequency, with predominance in the middle and high intertidal zones, including all demographic categories. However, Panopeus americanus was more abundant and presented smaller mean size in all sampling zones. The pronounced disparity in size between the species suggests divergent dietary preferences, potentially related to prey size allowing the coexistence of these sympatric and syntopic species. The predominance of these two species in the upper intertidal zones was understood as a strategy for avoiding competition with the intertidal alpheid shrimps.

Resumo As espécies simpátricas de caranguejo-da-lama Panopeus americanus e Panopeus austrobesus são encontradas em ambientes entremarés associados a habitats lamacentos e rochosos, bem como em simpatria na costa do Atlântico Ocidental. Portanto, constituem um sistema modelo adequado para ser utilizado em estudos focados na investigação de aspectos de coexistência biológica entre espécies semelhantes, como estrutura populacional e habitat. Os objetivos do presente estudo são descrever e comparar a microdistribuição de duas espécies simpátricas de caranguejo-da-lama - P. americanus e P. austrobesus - com base na avaliação de sua distribuição espacial e temporal, em uma área estuarina complexa e com baixo impacto antrópico. A hipótese de que estas duas espécies apresentam microdistribuição semelhante, embora uma espécie seja mais abundante que a outra, foi testada. A amostragem foi realizada na zona entremarés de uma área específica do complexo estuarino de Cananeia, Estado de São Paulo, Sudeste do Brasil, em diferentes períodos durante dois anos. Ambas as espécies apresentaram microdistribuição e frequência semelhantes, principalmente nas zonas entremarés média e alta. Entretanto, Panopeus americanus foi mais abundante e apresentou menor tamanho médio em todas as zonas amostrais. A pronunciada disparidade de tamanho entre as espécies sugere preferências alimentares divergentes, potencialmente relacionadas ao tamanho das presas possibilitando a coexistência dessas espécies simpátricas. A predominância dessas duas espécies nas zonas intermareais superiores também indica uma estratégia para evitar a competição com os camarões alfeídeos.

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RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: Las enfermedades crónicas coexistentes (ECC) tienen mayor prevalencia a medida que se avanza en la edad de la población. El término síndemía refiere a problemas de salud sinérgicos que afectan la salud de una población en el contexto de inequidades sociales y económicas persistentes. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la relación entre COVID-19 y ECC con la mortalidad en la provincia del Neuquén y proponer algunas intervenciones para reducir el impacto de la pandemia (síndemía) en esta población. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional que describe la mortalidad por COVID-19 registrada en la provincia del Neuquén durante el período de marzo a octubre de 2020, según el grupo etario, el sexo, el lugar de residencia y la prevalencia de ECC. RESULTADOS: Se registraron 335 defunciones en el período estudiado (62,7% de hombres y 37,3% de mujeres). El 78,5% de las personas fallecidas tenían 60 y más años y el 68,7% presentaba al menos una comorbilidad, de las cuales las más frecuentes fueron hipertensión arterial (39,2%), diabetes (21,6%) y obesidad (9,8%). DISCUSIÓN: Los casos con formas graves y la tasa de letalidad por COVID-19 aumentan con la edad, y gran parte de las defunciones por COVID-19 se encuentran potenciadas o determinadas por la presencia de las ECC. El riesgo de mayor susceptibilidad se manifiesta en personas que no se mantienen bajo seguimiento clínico y terapéutico con las necesarias adecuaciones según su evolución.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Coexístíng Chroníc Díseases show hígher prevalence as the populatíon age íncreases and the more severe presentatíons and the case-fatalíty rísk of COVID-19 do so líkewíse. The term "syndemíc"refers to synergístíc health problems that have an effect on populatíon health wíthín the context of persístent socíal and economíc ínequalítíes. The objetíve of thís study ís to descríbe the relatíonshíp between COVID-19 and Coexístíng Chroníc Díseases wíth mortalíty ín the provínce of Neuquén, and propose some ínterventíons to reduce the ímpact of the pandemíc (syndemíc) ín thís populatíon. METHODS: Thís observatíonal study descríbes deaths and mortalíty due to COVID-19, occurríng ín the provínce of Neuquén, duríng the March-October 2020 períod, and the frequency and dístríbutíon accordíng to age groups, males and females, place of resídence wíthín the províncíal terrítory and prevalence of rísk factors or coexístíng chroníc díseases ín the study group. RESULTS: Duríng the study períod 335 deaths occurred, of whích 62.7% were men and 37.3% women. 78.5% were íncluded ín de 60 years and over age group, and 68.7% recordedat least one co-morbídíty, beíng mostpredomínant hígh bloodpressure (39.2%), díabetes (21.6%) obesíty (9.8%). DISCUSSION: Severe presentatíons of COVID-19 and case fatalíty íncreases wíth age, and a greater part of the deaths are potentíated or determíned by the presence of coexístíng chroníc díseases. The rísk of hígher susceptíbílíty ís shown ín persons that are not kept under contínuous clínícal and therapeutíc follow-up wíth the necessary adjustments accordíng to the evolvíng progress of dísease.

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Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo sociodemográficos y clínicos relacionados con la mortalidad en pacientes COVID-19 en un Hospital del norte de Perú. Material y Métodos: la investigación se llevó a cabo en un Hospital del norte de Perú. La población la constituyeron 208 Historias Clínicas de pacientes COVID-19 atendidos entre Marzo a Julio del 2020. La variable independiente fueron los factores sociodemográficos tales como la edad, sexo y el estado civil y los factores clínicos como antecedentes epidemiológicos, los factores de riesgo (co-morbilidades) y el estado de salud y la variable dependiente fue la mortalidad Covid-19. Resultados: La mortalidad COVID-19 alcanzó al 46,20 % en pacientes mayores 65 años (51,90 %), de sexo masculino (60,40 %) y casados (65,40 %), con antecedentes epidemiológicos (37,5%), y factores de riesgo (comorbilidad) un 74,50 %, principalmente asociados con hipertensión arterial (8,2%), obesidad (3,4%) y diabetes mellitus II (1,9%), y comorbilidades indeterminadas (Otras) un 6,7%. No se presentó mortalidad en los pacientes cuyo estado de salud era Estable, mientras que los pacientes con estado de salud reservado y fallecieron representaron un 46,2%. Conclusión: La mortalidad por COVID-19 alcanzó un 46,20%; mayores de 65 años (51,90 %), de sexo masculino (60,40 %) y casados (65,40 %). Se encontró relación significativa entre factores sociodemográficos como la edad, factores clínicos (comorbilidad), en su mayoría hipertensión arterial, obesidad y diabetes mellitus II, y pacientes con estado de salud reservado con la mortalidad del COVID-19.

Objetive. To determine the sociodemographic and clinical risk factors related to mortality in COVID-19 patients in a Hospital in northern Peru. Material and Methods: the research was carried out in a Hospital in the north of Peru. The population was made up of 208 Clinical Histories of COVID-19 patients seen between March and July 2020. The independent variable was sociodemographic factors such as age, sex and marital status, and clinical factors such as epidemiological history, risk factors (co-morbidities) and health status and the dependent variable was Covid-19 mortality. Results: COVID-19 mortality reached 46.20% in patients older than 65 years (51.90%), male (60.40%) and married (65.40%), with an epidemiological history (37.5%) , and risk factors (comorbidity) 74.50%, mainly associated with arterial hypertension (8.2%), obesity (3.4%) and diabetes mellitus II (1.9%), and indeterminate comorbidities (Others) 6.7%. There was no mortality in patients whose health status was Stable, while patients with reserved health status and who died represented 46.2%. Conclusion: mortality from COVID-19 reached 46.20%; older than 65 years (51.90%),male(60.40%) and married (65.40%). A significant relationship was found between sociodemographic factors such as age, clinical factors (comorbidity), mostly arterial hypertension, obesity and diabetes mellitus II, and patients with a reserved health status with the mortality of COVID-19.

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In this article, we describe the importance of coexisting medical problems in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is worth noting the role of pediatricians as health care providers trained to assess, test, diagnose, and treat such conditions during childhood. The population diagnosed with ASD is systemically vulnerable. ASD is the name given to a group of symptoms resulting from a systemic, dynamic, chronic encephalopathy according to the model proposed by Martha Herbert, M.D. (Harvard, USA). Based on this model, we may describe the circumstances of patients' families who, in Argentina, are unable to find answers on the coexisting medical problems in the diagnosis of ASD according to the psychoanalytic, genetic, and neurodiversity models. It is necessary to review current models in the setting of humanism in medicine because, so far, results have not been as expected.

Este artículo presenta la importancia de los problemas médicos concomitantes al diagnóstico del trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Se resalta el rol del pediatra como el profesional médico preparado para evaluar, testear, diagnosticar y tratar estos problemas en la niñez. La población con diagnóstico de TEA es vulnerable sistémicamente. TEA es el nombre dado a una sintomatología emergente de una encefalopatía crónica, dinámica y sistémica según el modelo de la doctora Martha Herbert (Harvard, EE. UU.). Basados en este, se plantea la situación de las familias de los pacientes, en la Argentina, que no encuentran respuestas sobre los problemas médicos concomitantes al diagnóstico del TEA con los modelos: psicoanalítico, genético y de las neurodiversidades. Se establece la necesidad de revisar los modelos vigentes, en el marco del humanismo en medicina, debido a que los resultados no son los esperados.

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In epiphytic orchids, distinctive groups of fungi are involved in the symbiotic association. However, little is known about the factors that determine the mycorrhizal community structure. Here, we analyzed the orchid mycorrhizal fungi communities associated with three sympatric Cymbidieae epiphytic tropical orchids (Cyrtochilum flexuosum, Cyrtochilum myanthum, and Maxillaria calantha) at two sites located within the mountain rainforest of southern Ecuador. To characterize these communities at each orchid population, the ITS2 region was analyzed by Illumina MiSeq technology. Fifty-five mycorrhizal fungi operational taxonomic units (OTUs) putatively attributed to members of Serendipitaceae, Ceratobasidiaceae and Tulasnellaceae were identified. Significant differences in mycorrhizal communities were detected between the three sympatric orchid species as well as among sites/populations. Interestingly, some mycorrhizal OTUs overlapped among orchid populations. Our results suggested that populations of studied epiphytic orchids have site-adjusted mycorrhizal communities structured around keystone fungal species. Interaction with multiple mycorrhizal fungi could favor orchid site occurrence and co-existence among several orchid species.

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