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Bio-impedance Spectroscopy (BIS) is a technique that allows tissue analysis to diagnose a variety of diseases, such as medical imaging, cancer diagnosis, muscle fatigue detection, glucose measurement, and others under research. The development of CMOS integrated circuit front-ends for bioimpedance analysis is required by the increasing use of wearable devices in the healthcare field, as they offer key features for battery-powered wearable devices. These features include high miniaturization, low power consumption, and low voltage power supply. A key circuit in BIS systems is the current source, and one of the most common topology is the Enhanced Howland Current Source (EHCS). EHCS is also used when the current driver is driven by a pseudo-random signal like discrete interval binary sequences (DIBS), which, due to its broadband nature, requires high performance operational amplifiers. These facts lead to the need for a current source more compatible with DIBS signals, ultra-low power supply, standard CMOS integrated circuit, output current amplitude independent of input voltage amplitude, high output impedance, high load capability, high output voltage swing, and the possibility of tetra-polar BIS analysis, that is a pseudotetra-polar in the case of EHCS. The objective of this work is to evaluate the performance of the Switching CMOS Current Source (SCMOSCS) over EHCS using a Cole-skin model as a load using SPICE simulations (DC and AC sweeps and transient analysis). The SCMOSCS demonstrated an output impedance of more than 20 MΩ, a ± 2.5 V output voltage swing from a +3.3 V supply, a 275 µA current consumption, and a 10 kΩ load capacity. These results contrast with the + 1.5 V output voltage swing, the 3 kΩ load capacity, and the 4.9 mA current of the EHCS case.

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Apesar de ser uma complicação recorrente em gestações, o abortamento pode gerar consequências bastante danosas à saúde física e mental da gestante, bem como de seu parceiro, especialmente em casos de abortamento recorrente. Este trabalho objetivou revisar as principais características epidemiológicas e fatores de risco descritos em relação ao abortamento recorrente. A respeito da metodologia, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da bibliografia, tendo como foco os trabalhos que possuíssem os descritores "aborto", "recorrente" e "epidemiologia". Os artigos selecionados foram publicados entre os anos de 2016 e 2023, em português ou inglês. Em nossa pesquisa, observamos que a etiologia dos abortamentos é bastante diversa, incluindo fatores desconhecidos. É válido ressaltar que quanto maior o número de abortos espontâneos recorrentes antecedentes, maior parece ser a chance de nova perda de gestação. Não obstante, existem diferenças regionais determinantes para as etiologias e fatores de risco, sendo necessário compreender qual a causa do abortamento recorrente para que haja tratamento efetivo.

Despite being a recurrent complication in pregnancies, abortions can lead to harmful consequences for the physical and psychological health of the pregnant woman, as well as her partner's, especially in cases of recurrent miscarriage. This article aimed to review the main epidemiological characteristics and risk factors described in relation to recurrent miscarriage. About the methodology, it was developed a systematic review of pre-existing bibliography, focusing on papers that had the descriptors "abortion", "recurrent" and "epidemiology". The selected works were published between the years of 2016 and 2023, in Portuguese or English. In our research, we noticed that the etiology of miscarriages is quite diverse, including unknown factors. It is important to note that the higher the historical number of recurrent spontaneous miscarriages, the greater seems to be the chance of new pregnancy loss. However, there are regional differences that determine etiologies and risk factors. It is essential to understand what is causing the recurrent miscarriage in order to offer effective treatment.

A pesar de ser una complicación recurrente en los embarazos, el aborto puede tener consecuencias perjudiciales para la salud física y mental de la mujer embarazada, así como para su pareja, especialmente en casos de aborto recurrente. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo revisar las principales características epidemiológicas y factores de riesgo descritos en relación con el aborto recurrente. En cuanto a la metodologia, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía, centrándose en los trabajos que tenían los descriptores "aborto", "recurrente" y "epidemiología". Los artículos seleccionados se publicaron entre los años 2016 y 2023, en portugués o inglés. En nuestra investigación observamos que la etiología de los abortos es muy diversa, incluyendo factores desconocidos. Es válido destacar que a mayor número de abortos espontáneos recurrentes previos, parece aumentar la probabilidad de una nueva pérdida del embarazo. Sin embargo, existen diferencias regionales determinantes en las etiologías y factores de riesgo, siendo necesario comprender la causa del aborto recurrente para un tratamiento efectivo.

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Carotenoids produced by bacteria, yeasts, algae and plants inactivate Free Radicals (FR). However, FR may inactivate carotenoids and even turn them into free radicals. Oxidative metabolism is a source of the highly motile Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). To evaluate carotenoid interactions with ROS, the yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was grown in dextrose (YPD), a fermentative substrate where low rates of oxygen consumption and low carotenoid expression were observed, or in lactate (YPLac), a mitochondrial oxidative-phosphorylation (OxPhos) substrate, which supports high respiratory activity and carotenoid production. ROS were high in YPLac-grown cells and these were unmasked by the carotenoid production-inhibitor diphenylamine (DPA). In contrast, in YPD-grown cells ROS were almost absent. It is proposed that YPLac cells are under oxidative stress. In addition, YPLac-grown cells were more sensitive than YPD-grown cells to menadione (MD), a FR-releasing agent. To test whether carotenoids from cells grown in YPLac had been modified by ROS, carotenoids from each, YPD- and YPLac-grown cells were isolated and added back to cells, evaluating protection from MD. Remarkably, carotenoids extracted from cells grown in YPLac medium inhibited growth, while in contrast extracts from YPD-grown cells were innocuous or mildly protective. Results suggest that carotenoid-synthesis in YPLac-cells is a response to OxPhos-produced ROS. However, upon reacting with FR, carotenoids themselves may be inactivated or even become prooxidant themselves.

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Objective: To identify and analyze antibiotics' prescription patterns and associated factors among terminally ill patients at a hospital in southern Peru. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on adult patients who died in Hospital III Daniel Alcides Carrion in Tacna, Peru, 2023. Data were collected from electronic medical records, focusing on antibiotic use during the last hospitalization. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression to adjust for potential confounders. Results: The study included 239 patients with an average age of 76. Antibiotics were administered to 93.72% of patients, with 42.46% lacking an identified infectious focus. Ceftriaxone, Meropenem, and Vancomycin were the most used antibiotics. A lower use of antibiotics within 72 hours prior to death was associated with hospitalizations longer than 18 days and having 2 or more comorbidities. Conclusion: The high prevalence of antibiotic use at the end of life, often without an infectious focus, suggests a need for better guidelines and education on palliative care to avoid inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Improved communication between healthcare providers, patients, and families is essential for optimizing end-of-life care.

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Around 2 billion people utilize a water source contaminated with fecal-origin microorganisms, used for both human consumption and irrigation of crops. In Colombia, the water from the Bogotá River is employed for irrigating agricultural products, including raw-consumption foods like strawberries and lettuce. This poses a risk to the end consumer, as these foods are marketed as fresh products ready for direct consumption without undergoing any disinfection or cooking treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the origin of fecal contamination in strawberries and lettuce irrigated with surface waters from Cundinamarca, Colombia, using non-human and human molecular markers, along with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). A total of 50 samples were collected, 25 of strawberries and 25 of lettuce, taken from crops, markets, and supermarkets. Microbiological indicators (bacterial and viral) were detected through cultivation techniques, and Microbial Source Tracking (MST) markers and H. pylori were detected through PCR. The results of our study demonstrate the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) (12.5 %), Enterococcus (≥25 %), spores and vegetative forms of Spores of sulphite-reducing Clostridia (SRC) (≥37.5 %), coliphages (≥12.5 %), and Salmonella sp. (≥12.5 %), in both strawberries and lettuce. In the different samples analyzed, molecular markers were detected to differentiate the source of fecal contamination above 12.5 % (HF187, CF128, ADO and DEN) and H. pylori between 0 % and 25 %, highlighting deficiencies in the production chain. of food, and the risks they pose to food security. Highlighting deficiencies in the food production chain and the risks they pose to food safety.

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Plasma focus devices represent a class of hot and dense plasma sources that serve a dual role in fundamental plasma research and practical applications. These devices allow the observation of various phenomena, including the z-pinch effect, nuclear fusion reactions, plasma filaments, bursts, shocks, jets, X-rays, neutron pulses, ions, and electron beams. In recent years, considerable efforts have been directed toward miniaturizing plasma focus devices, driven by the pursuit of both basic studies and technological advancements. In this paper, we present the design and construction of a compact, portable pulsed plasma source based on plasma focus technology, operating at the ~2-4 Joule energy range for versatile applications (PF-2J: 120 nF capacitance, 6-9 kV charging voltage, 40 nH inductance, 2.16-4.86 J stored energy, and 10-15 kA maximum current at short circuit). The components of the device, including capacitors, spark gaps, discharge chambers, and power supplies, are transportable within hand luggage. The electrical characteristics of the discharge were thoroughly characterized using voltage and current derivative monitoring techniques. A peak current of 15 kiloamperes was achieved within 110 nanoseconds in a short-circuit configuration at a 9 kV charging voltage. Plasma dynamics were captured through optical refractive diagnostics employing a pulsed Nd-YAG laser with a 170-picosecond pulse duration. Clear evidence of the z-pinch effect was observed during discharges in a deuterium atmosphere at 4 millibars and 6 kilovolts. The measured pinch length and radius were approximately 0.8 mm and less than 100 µm, respectively. Additionally, we explore the potential applications of this compact pulsed plasma source. These include its use as a plasma shock irradiation device for analyzing materials intended for the first wall of nuclear fusion reactors, its capability in material film deposition, and its utility as an educational tool in experimental plasma physics. We also show its potential as a pulsed plasma thruster for nanosatellites, showcasing the advantages of miniaturized plasma focus technology.

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Resumen La presión arterial media es un indicador indirecto del grado de perfusión orgánica, la cual podría variar en pacientes con y sin diabetes mellitus-2. El objetivo fue determinar las diferencias y riesgo de alteraciones en la presión arterial media de adultos con y sin diabetes mellitus-2 de la población peruana según datos de la encuesta demográfica de salud familiar. Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo y transversal;. Los datos provinieron de la encuesta demográfica y de salud familiar-2022 (ENDES-2022), se incluyó adultos diabéticos y no diabéticos. Las variables fueron: presión arterial media, diabetes mellitus-2, sexo y se incluyeron las variables: edad, consumo de alcohol, nivel educativo e índice de masa corporal para el análisis multivariado. Se realizó la prueba de Chi-cuadrado de Pearson, la prueba T student para muestras independientes, Odds Ratio crudo y ajustado mediante regresión logística binaria. El promedio de presión arterial media en diabéticos fue de 94,81 y 93,52 mmHg en la primera y segunda medición y en no diabéticos de 89,18 y 88,02 mmHg. La presión arterial media alta fue más frecuente en diabéticos que en no diabéticos; En el modelo logístico, incluyendo las variables sexo y edad, los diabéticos tuvieron un riesgo 2 veces mayor que los no diabéticos de alteraciones en la presión arterial media tanto en la primera como en la segunda medición. En conclusión, la diabetes mellitus-2 incrementa la presión arterial media y representa un factor de riesgo para la elevación de la presión arterial media en la población peruana.

Abstract Mean arterial pressure is an indirect indicator of the degree of organ perfusion, which could vary in diabetics and non-diabetics. The objective of this research was to determine the differences and risk of alterations in the mean arterial pressure of adults with and without diabetes mellitus-2 of the Peruvian population according to data from the family health demographic survey. An observational, analytical, retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out. The data came from the demographic and family health survey-2022 (ENDES-2022). Diabetic and non-diabetic adults were included. The variables were mean arterial pressure, diabetes mellitus-2, sex, and the variables age, alcohol consumption, educational level, and body mass index were included for multivariate analysis. Pearson's Chi-square test, student's T test for independent samples, crude Odds Ratio and adjusted by binary logistic regression were performed. The mean arterial pressure in diabetics was 94.81 and 93.52 mmHg in the first and second measurements, and in non-diabetics it was 89.18 and 88.02 mmHg. High mean arterial pressure was more frequent in diabetics than in non-diabetics. In the logistic model, including the variables sex and age, diabetics had a risk twice as high as non-diabetics for alterations in mean arterial pressure in both the first and second measurements. In conclusion, diabetes mellitus-2 increases mean arterial pressure and represents a risk factor for elevated mean arterial pressure in the Peruvian population.

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El estudio tuvo por finalidad explicar de qué manera se correlaciona la ejecución de gasto público y la fuente de financiamiento de la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo del periodo 2013 al 2023, Perú. Se optó por un diseño metodológico no experimental, longitudinal, cuantitativo y contraste Rho de Spearman. Los resultados identificaron que la ejecución de gasto público se correlaciona significativa y positivamente con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos ordinarios [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos directamente recaudados [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001] y, con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos determinados [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. Se concluye que, ejecutar eficazmente las intervenciones priorizadas por la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo están ligadas a los lineamientos del Presupuesto Público y normatividad del sector con transparencia.

The purpose of the study was to explain how the execution of public spending and the source of financing of the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are correlated from the period 2013 to 2023, Peru. A non-experimental, longitudinal, quantitative methodological design and Spearman's Rho contrast was chosen. The results identified that the execution of public spending is significantly and positively correlated with the source of financing through ordinary resources [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], with the source of financing being directly raised resources [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001], and with the source of financing for determined resources [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. It is concluded that, effectively executing the interventions prioritized by the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are linked to the guidelines of the Public Budget and regulations of the sector with transparency

O objetivo do estudo foi explicar como a execução dos gastos públicos e a fonte de financiamento da Diretoria da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo estão correlacionadas no período de 2013 a 2023, Peru. Optou-se por um desenho metodológico não experimental, longitudinal, quantitativo e contraste Rho de Spearman. Os resultados identificaram que a execução dos gastos públicos está significativa e positivamente correlacionada com a fonte de financiamento através de recursos ordinários [rho (11) =0,77; p < 0,001], sendo a fonte de financiamento recursos captados diretamente [rho (11) =0,83; p < 0,001], e com a fonte de financiamento de determinados recursos [rho (11) =0,74; p < 0,001]. Conclui-se que a execução eficaz das intervenções priorizadas pela Direção da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo está vinculada às diretrizes do Orçamento Público e à regulamentação do setor com transparência

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El estudio tuvo por finalidad explicar de qué manera se correlaciona la ejecución de gasto público y la fuente de financiamiento de la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo del periodo 2013 al 2023, Perú. Se optó por un diseño metodológico no experimental, longitudinal, cuantitativo y contraste Rho de Spearman. Los resultados identificaron que la ejecución de gasto público se correlaciona significativa y positivamente con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos ordinarios [rho (11)=0.77; p < 0,001], con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos directamente recaudados [rho (11)=0.83; p < 0,001] y, con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos determinados [rho (11)=0.74; p < 0,001]. Se concluye que, ejecutar eficazmente las intervenciones priorizadas por la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo están ligadas a los lineamientos del Presupuesto Público y normatividad del sector con transparencia.

The purpose of the study was to explain how the execution of public spending and the source of financing of the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are correlated from the period 2013 to 2023, Peru. A non-experimental, longitudinal, quantitative methodological design and Spearman's Rho contrast was chosen. The results identified that the execution of public spending is significantly and positively correlated with the source of financing through ordinary resources [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], with the source of financing being directly raised resources [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001], and with the source of financing for determined resources [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. It is concluded that, effectively executing the interventions prioritized by the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are linked to the guidelines of the Public Budget and regulations of the sector with transparency.

O objetivo do estudo foi explicar como a execução dos gastos públicos e a fonte de financiamento da Diretoria da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo estão correlacionadas no período de 2013 a 2023, Peru. Optou-se por um desenho metodológico não experimental, longitudinal, quantitativo e contraste Rho de Spearman. Os resultados identificaram que a execução dos gastos públicos está significativa e positivamente correlacionada com a fonte de financiamento através de recursos ordinários [rho (11) =0,77; p < 0,001], sendo a fonte de financiamento recursos captados diretamente [rho (11) =0,83; p < 0,001], e com a fonte de financiamento de determinados recursos [rho (11) =0,74; p < 0,001]. Conclui-se que a execução eficaz das intervenções priorizadas pela Direção da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo está vinculada às diretrizes do Orçamento Público e à regulamentação do setor com transparência.

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Considering that follicular development is an energy-dependent process, supplementation of the culture medium with energy substrates, such as lactose, would improve follicle viability and growth. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactose on morphology, development, glutathione (GSH) concentration, mitochondrial activity, DNA fragmentation, and meiotic resumption of oocytes from sheep secondary follicles cultured in vitro. Secondary follicles were isolated from the cortex of ovine ovaries and cultured individually for 18 days in α-MEM supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA), insulin, glutamine, hypoxanthine, transferrin, selenium and ascorbic acid (control medium: α-MEM+) or in α-MEM+ plus different concentrations of lactose (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 M). After culture, some of the oocytes were subjected to TUNEL assay and in vitro maturation (IVM). Follicular morphology, glutathione (GSH) concentration and mitochondrial activity were evaluated at the end of the culture. At the day 18, the percentage of morphologically normal follicles was greater (P<0.05) in the treatment of 0.025 M lactose (92.5 %) compared to the control group (75.55 %). In addition, GSH concentrations increased (P<0.05) in treatment containing 0.025 M lactose compared to the other treatments. Furthermore, oocytes cultured in 0.025 M lactose had greater (P<0.05) mitochondrial activity levels than in α-MEM+ and 0.1 M lactose. The group α-MEM+ presented a increase of TUNEL-positive oocytes (35.09 %) compared to 0.025 lactose (9.09 %). The percentage of meiotic resumption was greater (P<0.05) in oocytes from secondary follicles cultured in 0.025 M lactose (54.5 %) than in α-MEM+ (45.5 %). In conclusion, 0.025 M lactose improved survival, GSH and active mitochondria levels and meiotic resumption of oocytes from in vitro cultured secondary follicles. Supplementation of the culture medium of preantral follicles with lactose can gradually provide energy to follicular cells, potentially enhancing the production of viable oocytes for biotechniques such as IVM and in vitro fertilization.

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BACKGROUND: Few studies regarding infectious causes of febrile neutropenia (FN) in Mexico are available. AIMS: We aimed to describe clinical and microbiological characteristics of FN episodes during induction chemotherapy in adults with acute leukemia. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective cohort from a Mexican tertiary care center included adults with newly diagnosed acute leukemia between January 2014, and December 2018. Clinical and microbiological characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics. Univariate analyses for associations between clinical characteristics and FN and/or death were made; logistic regression analysis was performed to assess relationships with FN. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were modeled for antimicrobial prophylaxis and FN. Ninety-five patients were included. Median age was 28 (IQR 20-43), 49 (52%) were males, and 74 (78%) developed FN (74/95). Among these, 98% had an identified source of infection (73/74) and 65% had >1. Common infections were urinary tract infection (24%), bacterial sinusitis (20%), and bacterial pneumonia (19%). Gram-negatives were the most frequently isolated microorganisms (69%), followed by Gram-positives (21%), and fungi (9%). Antimicrobial prophylaxis was inversely associated with FN (aOR = 0.07, CI 0.008-0.060, p = 0.02). Invasive fungal diseases were associated with 30-day mortality (aOR = 9.46, 95% CI 1.66-54.05). CONCLUSION: Infections caused 98% of the FN episodes. Gram-negative bacteria are the most common pathogens.

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The exploration potential within deep-water petroliferous basins holds great promise for oil and gas resources. However, the dearth of geochemical and isotopic data poses a formidable challenge in comprehending the intricate hydrocarbon charging processes, thereby impeding the comprehensive understanding of hydrocarbon accumulation mechanisms and models. Consequently, the establishment of robust source-reservoir relationships in deep-water petroliferous basins represents a pivotal challenge that significantly influences the exploration strategies and the comprehension of hydrocarbon enrichment dynamics within such basins. In this study, we introduce a novel approach, termed the "source-reservoir dynamic evaluation method," tailored to investigate reservoir accumulation models in deep-water petroliferous basins. This method uses basin simulation technology to recover the thermal evolution history and hydrocarbon generation and expulsion history of source rocks, and on this basis delimits the hydrocarbon kitchen range. At the same time, the maturity of source rocks corresponding to crude oil and natural gas in typical reservoirs is calculated. Then, when the thermal evolution degree of source rocks adjacent to the reservoir reaches this maturity, the corresponding geological period is the main charging period of hydrocarbon. As a typical deep-water petroliferous basin, the Santos Basin in Brazil has abundant oil and gas reservoirs under the thick salt rock, but there are still some fundamental problems such as unclear oil-gas accumulation process and model. Therefore, in this paper, the main charging periods of typical hydrocarbon reservoirs are determined based on the internal relationship between the thermal evolution history of the main source rocks and the maturity of crude oil and natural gas, and then the hydrocarbon accumulation process is analyzed and the dynamic accumulation model is established. Finally, the favorable prospecting direction is pointed out. The results show that the oil and gas in the Barra Velha Formation in the Santos basin are mainly derived from the Itapema Formation lacustrine shale source rock, and the source rock is mainly developed in the Eastern Sag of the Central Depression, and its main hydrocarbon generation period is from the deposition period of Florianopolis Formation to the deposition period of Santos Formation. The main hydrocarbon expulsion period was from the deposition period of the Santos Formation to the Early deposition of the Iguape Formation. The oil and gas in the Barra Velha Formation were mainly charged from the Late deposition period of the Santos Formation to the Early deposition period of the Iguape Formation. During this period, the hydrocarbon migrated vertically along the normal fault formed in the rift period to the trap of the adjacent inheritance structural highs and accumulated in the reservoir, which was dominated by the accumulation model of the "lower generation-upper reservoir-salt cap". Since the Barra Velha Formation has the characteristics of near-source accumulation, based on the hydrocarbon expulsion center and hydrocarbon expulsion intensity of the source rock of the Itapema Formation, the distribution ranges of 85% and 50% Pre-salt accumulation probability in the Santos basin were calculated by using the quantitative analysis model of the hydrocarbon distribution threshold. It is suggested that the next oil and gas exploration should be carried out in the paleo-structural highs and slope of Class I favorable area (the hydrocarbon accumulation probability is more than 85%) and Class II favorable area (the hydrocarbon accumulation probability is 85-50%).

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Leptospirosis is an anthropozoonosis of economic and public health importance, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Horses are deemed important in its transmission chain due to their proximity to humans, and because the species is often asymptomatic, making these animals potential silent reservoirs. In this context, the objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of seropositive horses for Leptospira spp., and to identify the presence of Leptospira spp. serogroups and antibody titers, the occurrence of areas with higher density of infection cases and demographic characteristics associated with seropositivity in the states of Paraíba (PB), Pernambuco (PE), Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and Ceará (CE), in the Northeast region of Brazil, during rainy (May and June) and dry (October and November) seasons from 2017 to 2019. Using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 1152 equine serum samples from 225 municipalities were analyzed. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in 23.9 % (95 % CI= 21.4 - 26.3 %) of the samples in the three-year period, with a frequency of 30.4 % (95 % CI= 26.7 - 34.2 %) during the rainy period (with greater emphasis on the Ballum serogroup) and 17.4 % (95 % CI= 14.3 - 20.5 %) in the dry period (with greater emphasis on the Sejroe serogroup). Age of horses ≥ 6 years (6-10 years, 11-15 years and ≥ 16 years), rainy season, and animal belonging to Pernambuco state were factors with higher seropositivities. Regarding spatial distribution, a higher percentage of seropositive animals was observed in Pernambuco (P < 0.05), in interstate border areas, and large urban centers, with a spatial cluster detected in the dry season of 2018 with relative risk of 2.8 (P = 0.049) times higher in municipalities within the cluster. It is suggested that measures for controlling rodents and contact with wild animals in equine farming, both in rainy and dry periods, combined with care regarding the use of pastures shared with cattle and the adoption of immunoprophylaxis are important in preventing and controlling leptospirosis in horses in the Northeast region of Brazil.

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Triatomines of the species Triatoma sherlocki are considered sylvatic; however, household invasion appears imminent, potentially carrying Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to report the first occurrence of a colony of T. sherlocki infected by T. cruzi in a subsistence pig farm. Triatomines collected underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for T. cruzi detection and determination of blood meal source. The 19 triatomines collected in the pig farm were of the species T. sherlocki, comprising 26.3% nymphs (5/19), 52.6% males (10/19) and 21.1% females (4/19). PCR showed that 15.8% (3/19) of triatomines were infected by T. cruzi. The only detected blood meal source in triatomines (n = 11) was the domestic mammal Sus scrofa, commonly known as domestic pig, indicating that T. sherlocki is an opportunist, feeding on available vertebrates in the environment, including domestic animals such as pigs. These results highlight the possibility of domiciliation of the species T. sherlocki and its potential role in bridging the transmission of T. cruzi between sylvatic and domestic environments.

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The secreted aspartic peptidases (Saps) of Candida albicans play crucial roles in various steps of fungal-host interactions. Using a flow cytometry approach, this study investigated the expression of Saps1-3 antigens after (i) incubation with soluble proteins, (ii) interaction with mammalian cells, and (iii) infection in immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. Supplementation strategies involving increasing concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) added to yeast carbon base (YCB) medium as the sole nitrogenous source revealed a positive and significant correlation between BSA concentration and both the growth rate and the percentage of fluorescent cells (%FC) labeled with anti-Saps1-3 antibodies. Supplementing the YCB medium with various soluble proteins significantly modulated the expression of Saps1-3 antigens in C. albicans. Specifically, immunoglobulin G, gelatin, and total bovine/human sera significantly reduced the %FC, while laminin, human serum albumin, fibrinogen, hemoglobin, and mucin considerably increased the %FC compared to BSA. Furthermore, co-cultivating C. albicans yeasts with either live epithelial or macrophage cells induced the expression of Saps1-3 antigens in 78% (mean fluorescence intensity [MFI] = 152.1) and 82.7% (MFI = 178.2) of the yeast cells, respectively, compared to BSA, which resulted in 29.3% fluorescent cells (MFI = 50.9). Lastly, the yeasts recovered from the kidneys of infected immunosuppressed mice demonstrated a 4.8-fold increase in the production of Saps1-3 antigens (MFI = 246.6) compared to BSA, with 95.5% of yeasts labeled with anti-Saps1-3 antibodies. Altogether, these results demonstrated the positive modulation of Saps' expression in C. albicans by various key host proteinaceous components, as well as by in vitro and in vivo host challenges.

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Agave tequilana stems store fructan polymers, the main carbon source for tequila production. This crop takes six or more years for industrial maturity. In conducive conditions, agave wilt disease increases the incidence of dead plants after the fourth year. Plant susceptibility induced for limited photosynthates for defense is recognized in many crops and is known as "sink-induced loss of resistance". To establish whether A. tequilana is more prone to agave wilt as it ages, because the reduction of water-soluble carbohydrates in roots, as a consequence of greater assembly of highly polymerized fructans, were quantified roots sucrose, fructose, and glucose, as well as fructans in stems of agave plants of different ages. The damage induced by inoculation with Fusarium solani or F. oxysporum in the roots or xylem bundles, respectively, was recorded. As the agave plant accumulated fructans in the stem as the main sink, the amount of these hexoses diminished in the roots of older plants, and root rot severity increased when plants were inoculated with F. solani, as evidence of more susceptibility. This knowledge could help to structure disease management that reduces the dispersion of agave wilt, dead plants, and economic losses at the end of agave's long crop cycle.

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BACKGROUND: This study investigates the contamination level, spatial distribution, pollution sources, potential ecological risks, and human health risks associated with heavy metal(loid)s (i.e., arsenic (As), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in surface soils within the mining region of Matehuala, located in central Mexico. OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives are to estimate the contamination level of heavy metal(loid)s, identify pollution sources, assess potential ecological risks, and evaluate human health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) contamination. METHODS: Soil samples from the study area were analysed using various indices including Igeo, Cf, PLI, mCd, EF, and PERI to evaluate contamination levels. Source apportionment of heavy metal(loid)s was conducted using the APCS-MLR and PMF receptor models. Spatial distribution patterns were determined using the most efficient interpolation technique among five different approaches. The total carcinogenic risk index (TCR) and total non-carcinogenic index (THI) were used in this study to assess the potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards posed by heavy metal(loid)s in surface soil to human health. RESULTS: The study reveals a high contamination level of heavy metal(loid)s in the surface soil, posing considerable ecological risks. As was identified as a priority metal for regulatory control measures. Mining and smelting activities were identified as the primary factors influencing heavy metal(loid) distributions. Based on spatial distribution mapping, concentrations were higher in the northern, western, and central regions of the study area. As and Fe were found to pose considerable and moderate ecological risks, respectively. Health risk evaluation indicated significant levels of carcinogenic risks for both adults and children, with higher risks for children. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the urgent need for monitoring heavy metal(loid) contamination in Matehuala's soils, particularly in regions experiencing strong economic growth, to mitigate potential human health and ecological risks associated with heavy metal(loid) pollution.

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In this study, the relative contributions of main emission sources to the typical ambient concentrations of key pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, were investigated. A previous urban emissions inventory for mobile sources was expanded to include other transportation means and main industrial activities using the EMEP/EEA methodology to achieve this objective. The WRF/CALMET/CALPUFF modeling system was used to simulate the annual spatiotemporal distribution of air pollution in the city. According to the model, NO2 concentrations exceed the yearly value and 1-h Ecuadorian standards (40 and 200 µg/m3) in 1 % and 6 % of the cells of the modeling domain, respectively. These hotspots related to local sources were located in the northwest center of the city. The contributions of the manufacturing sector, thermal power plants, ports, airports, and road traffic were assessed individually, and the results indicated that air quality in the study area was strongly dominated by road traffic. The contributions of NO2, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 at the city level reached 76 %, 96 %, 90 %, and 92 % of the annual mean, respectively. In the case of SO2, the manufacturing sector made the most significant contribution (75 %), followed by thermal power plants (16 %). Furthermore, an analysis at 14 specific locations across Guayaquil identified spatial variations that may support the design and development of an air quality monitoring network for the city.