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Background: Fleas and ticks serve as vectors of multiple pathogens in the genera Rickettsia and Bartonellathat cause diseases in humans and other animals. Although human rickettsiosis and bartonellosis have been reported in all countries in Central America, limited research has been conducted to investigate the natural cycles of flea- and tick-borne rickettsiosis and bartonellosis, especially in Guatemala. Methods: We evaluated dog parasites as sentinels for zoonotic disease risk in rural Guatemala by sampling ticks and fleas from dogs, which were then identified and individually screened for Rickettsia and Bartonella. Results: A total of 77 households were surveyed and 80.52% of them had dogs. Overall, 133 dogs were examined for fleas and ticks, of which 68.42% had fleas and 35.34% had ticks. A total of 433 fleas and 181 ticks were collected from the infested dogs, with an additional 33 ticks collected from house walls. Three flea species were identified: Ctenocephalides felis (70%), Echidnophaga gallinacea(11.8%), and Pulex sp. (17.8%). Among the collected ticks, 97% were Rhipicephalus sanguineus with the rest being Amyblyomma cajennense, A. auricularium, and A. ovale. Rickettsia felis were detected in six C. felis, in one Pulex sp., and in two R. sanguineus, while Candidatus R. senegalensis was detected in one C. felis. Bartonella was detected only in fleas, including three Pulexsp. infected with B. vinsonii subsp. Berkhoffii, B. henselae, and Bartonella sp., respectively, and 11 C. felis infected with B. henselae. Conclusions: This study reports Candidatus R. senegalensis and B. vinsonii subsp. Berkhoffiiin Guatemala for the first time, and indicates the potential risk of human and dog exposure to Rickettsia and Bartonella species. These results show that dogs provide critical information relevant to managing human potential exposure to flea- and tick-borne pathogens in rural Guatemala.

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This work proposes for the first time protecting-reflecting on both sides of plated mirrors and a solution to polycarbonate surface vulnerability to weathering and scratching using tungsten disulfide (WS2) by mechanical polishing. The ability of the dynamic chemical plating (DCP) technique to deposit Ag films at the nanometer scale on a polycarbonate (PC) substrate and its characteristics to be metallized is also shown. These deposits hold significant promise for concentrated solar power (CSP) applications. Complementarily, the application of WS2 as a reflective film for CSP by mechanical polishing on smooth polycarbonate surfaces is both novel and practical. This technique is innovative and scalable without needing reactants or electrical potential, making it highly applicable in real-world scenarios, including, potentially, on-site maintenance. The effects of surface morphology and adhesion, and the reflectivity parameters of the silver metallic surfaces were investigated. Wettability was investigated because it is important for polymeric surfaces in the activation and metal deposition immediately after redox reactions. The flame technique improved wettability by modifying the surface with carbonyl and carboxyl functional groups, with PC among the few industrial polymers that resisted such a part of the process. The change in the chemical composition, roughness, and wettability of the surfaces effectively improved the adhesion between the Ag film and the PC substrate. However, it did not significantly affect the adhesion between PC and WS2 and showed its possible implementation as a first surface mirror. Overall, this work provides a scalable, innovative method for improving the durability and reflectivity of polycarbonate-based mirrors, with significant implications for CSP applications.

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The global circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has been extensively documented, yet the dynamics within Central America, particularly Nicaragua, remain underexplored. This study characterizes the genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Nicaragua from March 2020 through December 2022, utilizing 1064 genomes obtained via next-generation sequencing. These sequences were selected nationwide and analyzed for variant classification, lineage predominance, and phylogenetic diversity. We employed both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies for all sequencing procedures. Results indicated a temporal and spatial shift in dominant lineages, initially from B.1 and A.2 in early 2020 to various Omicron subvariants towards the study's end. Significant lineage shifts correlated with changes in COVID-19 positivity rates, underscoring the epidemiological impact of variant dissemination. The comparative analysis with regional data underscored the low diversity of circulating lineages in Nicaragua and their delayed introduction compared to other countries in the Central American region. The study also linked specific viral mutations with hospitalization rates, emphasizing the clinical relevance of genomic surveillance. This research advances the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 evolution in Nicaragua and provide valuable information regarding its genetic diversity for public health officials in Central America. We highlight the critical role of ongoing genomic surveillance in identifying emergent lineages and informing public health strategies.

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Major dengue epidemics throughout Nicaragua's history have been dominated by 1 of 4 dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1-4). To examine serotypes during the dengue epidemic in Nicaragua in 2022, we performed real-time genomic surveillance in-country and documented cocirculation of all 4 serotypes. We observed a shift toward co-dominance of DENV-1 and DENV-4 over previously dominant DENV-2. By analyzing 135 new full-length DENV sequences, we found that introductions underlay the resurgence: DENV-1 clustered with viruses from Ecuador in 2014 rather than those previously seen in Nicaragua; DENV-3, which last circulated locally in 2014, grouped instead with Southeast Asia strains expanding into Florida and Cuba in 2022; and new DENV-4 strains clustered within a South America lineage spreading to Florida in 2022. In contrast, DENV-2 persisted from the formerly dominant Nicaragua clade. We posit that the resurgence emerged from travel after the COVID-19 pandemic and that the resultant intensifying hyperendemicity could affect future dengue immunity and severity.

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Aedes mosquitoes, as vectors of medically important arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), constitute a major public health threat that requires entomological and epidemiological surveillance to guide vector control programs to prevent and reduce disease transmission. In this study, we present the collaborative effort of one year of mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance in two geographically distinct regions of Latin America (Nicaragua and Ecuador). Adult female mosquitoes were collected using backpack aspirators in over 2,800 randomly selected households (Nicaragua, Ecuador) and 100 key sites (Nicaragua) from eight distinct communities (Nicaragua: 2, Ecuador: 6). A total of 1,358 mosquito female pools were processed for RNA extraction and viral RNA detection using real-time RT-PCR. Ten positive dengue virus (DENV) pools were detected (3 in Nicaragua and 7 in Ecuador), all of which were found during the rainy season and matched the serotypes found in humans (Nicaragua: DENV-1 and DENV-4; Ecuador: DENV-2). Infection rates ranged from 1.13 to 23.13, with the Nicaraguan communities having the lowest infection rates. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of detecting DENV-infected Aedes mosquitoes in low-resource settings and underscore the need for targeted mosquito arbovirus sampling and testing, providing valuable insights for future surveillance programs in the Latin American region.

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Current and thorough information on the ecotoxicological consequences of pharmaceuticals is accessible globally. However, there remains a substantial gap in knowledge concerning the potentially toxic effects of COVID-19 used drugs, individually and combined, on aquatic organisms. Given the factors above, our investigation assumes pivotal importance in elucidating whether or not paracetamol, dexamethasone, metformin, and their tertiary mixtures might prompt histological impairment, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the liver of zebrafish. The findings indicated that all treatments, except paracetamol, augmented the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAD), along with elevating the levels of oxidative biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation (LPX), hydroperoxides (HPC), and protein carbonyl content (PCC). Paracetamol prompted a reduction in the activities SOD and CAT and exhibited the most pronounced toxic response when compared to the other treatments. The gene expression patterns paralleled those of oxidative stress, with all treatments demonstrating overexpression of bax, bcl2, and p53. The above suggested a probable apoptotic response in the liver of the fish. Nevertheless, our histological examinations revealed that none of the treatments induced an apoptotic or inflammatory response in the hepatocytes. Instead, the observed tissue alterations encompassed leukocyte infiltration, sinusoidal dilatation, pyknosis, fatty degeneration, diffuse congestion, and vacuolization. In summary, the hepatic toxicity elicited by COVID-19 drugs in zebrafish was less pronounced than anticipated. This attenuation could be attributed to metformin's antioxidant and hormetic effects.

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BACKGROUND: Dengue virus, a major global health threat, consists of four serotypes (DENV1-4) that cause a range of clinical manifestations from mild to severe and potentially fatal disease. METHODS: This study, based on 19 years of data from the Pediatric Dengue Cohort Study and Pediatric Dengue Hospital-based Study in Managua, Nicaragua, investigates the relationship of serotype and immune status with dengue severity. Dengue cases were confirmed by molecular, serological, and/or virological methods, and sudy participants 6 months to 17 years old were followed during their hospital stay or as ambulatory patients. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 15,266 participants, of whom 3,227 (21%) were positive for DENV infection. Of 2,630 cases with serotype result by RT-PCR, 557 corresponded to DENV1, 992 to DENV2, 759 to DENV3 and 322 to DENV4. Severe disease was more prevalent among secondary DENV2 and DENV4 cases, while similar disease severity was observed in both primary and secondary DENV1 and DENV3 cases. According to the 1997 World Health Organization (WHO) severity classification, both DENV2 and DENV3 caused a higher proportion of severe disease compared to other serotypes, whereas DENV3 caused the greatest percentage of severity according to the WHO-2009 classification. DENV2 was associated with increased odds of pleural effusion and low platelet count, while DENV3 was associated with both hypotensive and compensated shock. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate differences in dengue severity by serotype and immune status and emphasize the critical need for a dengue vaccine with balanced effectiveness against all four serotypes, particularly as existing vaccines show variable efficacy by serotype and serostatus.

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BACKGROUND: In the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has promoted initiatives that aim at the elimination of mother-to-child transmitted diseases for over two decades. Although Guatemala has assumed the commitment to improve access and coverage of reproductive and perinatal services, the goals have not yet been reached. Often, the implementation of these efforts is hampered by complexities rooted in social, cultural, and environmental intersections. The objective of this work is to share our experience applying gender intersectionality as a methodological and analytical tool in a participatory research project that aims to improve access to maternal and child health screening services. The study shows the novel strategy that incorporates intersectionality contributing to evidence on how it can be applied to strengthen public health efforts around the implementation of the EMTCT Plus (Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Chagas disease) framework, in the mostly rural municipality of Comapa, in Guatemala. METHODS: We applied a participatory methodology, integrating theoretical and methodological frameworks to have an intersectional understanding of health services delivered by both, midwives, and the public health institution, for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Chagas. The data was collected by conducting interviews, focus groups, workshops, and reviewing laboratory databases, guided by five strategies from a cultural appropriateness framework. RESULTS: The intersectional analysis shed light on the synergies and gaps of the current efforts and protocols implemented by both the midwives and the Ministry of Health. The services offered for the four diseases were often delivered independently from each other, and a comprehensive educational and communication material strategy was absent. However, our findings will be used to inform consistent, locally relevant, and culturally appropriate educational content for the local population, also following the national policy guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Using intersectionality as a method and as an analytical tool allowed us to understand the (1) interrelation of diverse social, cultural, and environmental determinants which influence the delivery of health services, as well as (2) the dynamics between the traditional and institutional health systems. (3) Community engagement and the participation of different stakeholders in a consultative process have been fundamental for the conceptual and methodological tenets of this research. (4) Finally, giving a more prominent role to midwives can strengthen sustainability and cultural appropriateness, which is complementary to the delivery of institutional health services.

RESUMEN: ANTECEDENTES: La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) ha impulsado iniciativas que buscan la eliminación de las enfermedades de transmisión materno infantil en las Américas desde hace más de dos décadas. Si bien Guatemala ha asumido el compromiso de mejorar el acceso y la cobertura de los servicios reproductivos y perinatales, las metas aún no se han alcanzado. Muchas veces, la implementación de estos esfuerzos se ve obstaculizada por complejidades arraigadas en intersecciones sociales, culturales y ambientales. Este estudio muestra una estrategia novedosa que incorpora la interseccionalidad como un componente metodológico y analítico. Esto contribuye a evidenciar la manera en que la interseccionalidad y la participación comunitaria pueden ser aplicadas para fortalecer los esfuerzos de salud pública en torno a la implementación de la estrategia ETMI Plus (Eliminación de la transmisión materno infantil del VIH, sífilis, hepatitis B y enfermedad de Chagas), en el municipio de Comapa, en Guatemala, el cual es mayoritariamente rural. MéTODOS: Implementamos una metodología participativa, integrando marcos teóricos y metodológicos para comprender la prestación de servicios de salud, tanto por parte de comadronas como de la institución de salud pública, desde una perspectiva interseccional para la prevención, diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de VIH, sífilis, hepatitis B y Chagas. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas, grupos focales, talleres y tras la revisión de bases de datos de laboratorio, y nos guiamos por cinco estrategias propuestas en un marco para pertinencia cultural. RESULTADOS: El análisis interseccional permitió entender las sinergias y brechas de los esfuerzos y los protocolos que se implementan actualmente, tanto por parte de las comadronas como por el Ministerio de Salud. Encontramos que los servicios que actualmente se prestan para las cuatro enfermedades son en su mayoría independientes entre sí, y no se contaba con una estrategia integral de material educativo y de comunicación. Sin embargo, nuestros resultados se utilizarán como base para una estrategia de comunicación que sea coherente, localmente relevante y culturalmente apropiada para la población local, y también siga las regulaciones de las políticas nacionales. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de la interseccionalidad como método y como herramienta analítica nos permitió comprender (1) la interrelación de diversos determinantes sociales, culturales y ambientales que influyen en la prestación de servicios de salud, así como (2) la dinámica entre los sistemas de salud tradicional e institucional. (3) El compromiso de la comunidad y la participación de las diferentes partes interesadas en un proceso consultivo han sido fundamentales para los principios conceptuales y metodológicos de esta investigación. (4) Por último, otorgar un papel más destacado a las matronas puede reforzar la sostenibilidad y la adecuación cultural, que es complementaria a la prestación de servicios de salud institucionales.

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Abstract Introduction Occupational balance has been related to various health and well-being situations. In 2021, the Occupational Balance Questionnaire was translated into Spanish (OBQ-E), however, to date, there are no studies on its application in the Latin American population. Objective To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the OBQ (OBQ-E) in a representative sample of healthy Chilean adults and from them to establish the relationship between occupational balance and self-efficacy and quality of life in this population. Method A cross-sectional observational study has been conducted. A total of 153 healthy adults participated. OBQ-E was applied. Psychometric properties were performed. A correlation analysis was performed to identify the relationship with self-efficacy and quality of life. Results A bifactorial model for OBQ-E is confirmed: occupational pattern and occupational meaning. There is a moderate association between occupational balance and the other two variables: self-efficacy and quality of life, specially related to mental health. Conclusion This study has validated the OBQ-E instrument to be applied in the healthy adult Chilean population, and has determined the statistical relationship between occupational balance, self-efficacy, and quality of life. This research has shown the relevance of occupational balance in a healthy population.

Resumo Introdução O equilíbrio ocupacional tem sido relacionado a diversas situações de saúde e bem-estar. Em 2021, o Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-E) foi traduzido para o espanhol, porém, até o momento não há estudos sobre sua aplicação na população latino-americana. Objetivo Avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da versão em espanhol do OBQ (OBQ-E) em uma amostra de adultos chilenos saudáveis ​​e, a partir disso, estabelecer a relação entre equilíbrio ocupacional, autoeficácia e qualidade de vida nessa população. Método Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal. Participaram 153 adultos saudáveis ​​e o OBQ-E foi aplicado a eles. Propriedades psicométricas foram realizadas. Uma análise de correlação foi realizada para identificar a relação com autoeficácia e qualidade de vida. Resultados Confirma-se um modelo bifatorial para o OBQ-E, com as dimensões padrão ocupacional e significância ocupacional. Existe associação moderada entre o equilíbrio ocupacional e as outras duas variáveis: autoeficácia e qualidade de vida associadas à saúde mental. Conclusão Este estudo validou o instrumento OBQ-E para ser aplicado na população chilena adulta saudável e determinou a relação estatística entre equilíbrio ocupacional, autoeficácia e qualidade de vida. Esta pesquisa demonstrou a relevância do equilíbrio ocupacional em uma população não clínica.

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Community engagement strategies provide tools for sustainable vector-borne disease control. A previous cluster randomized control trial engaged nine intervention communities in seven participatory activities to promote management of the domestic and peri-domestic environment to reduce risk factors for vector-borne Chagas disease. This study aims to assess the adoption of this innovative community-based strategy, which included chickens' management, indoor cleaning practices, and domestic rodent infestation control, using concepts from the Diffusion of Innovations Theory. We used questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to understand perceptions of knowledge gained, intervention adoption level, innovation attributes, and limiting or facilitating factors for adoption. The analysis process focused on five innovation attributes proposed by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Rodent management was highly adopted by participants, as it had a relative advantage regarding the use of poison and was compatible with local practices. The higher complexity was reduced by offering several types of trapping systems and having practical workshops allowed trialability. Observability was limited because the traps were indoors, but information and traps were shared with neighbors. Chicken management was not as widely adopted due to the higher complexity of the method, and lower compatibility with local practices. Using the concepts proposed by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory helped us to identify the enablers and constraints in the implementation of the Chagas vector control strategy. Based on this experience, community engagement and intersectoral collaboration improve the acceptance and adoption of novel and integrated strategies to improve the prevention and control of neglected diseases.

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Mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit continue to place millions of people at risk of infection around the world. Novel methods of vector control are being developed to provide public health officials with the necessary tools to prevent disease transmission and reduce local mosquito populations. However, these methods will require public acceptance for a sustainable approach and evaluations at local settings. We present our efforts in community engagement carried out in colonias of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas for mosquito surveillance, control, and ecological projects. Along the US-Mexico border the term colonia refers to impoverished communities that are usually inhabited by families of Hispanic heritage. The different engagements were carried out from September 2016 to February 2019; during this time, we had three distinct phases for community engagement. In Phase 1 we show the initial approach to the colonias in which we assessed security and willingness to participate; in Phase 2 we carried out the first recruitment procedure involving community meetings and house-to-house recruitment; and in Phase 3 we conducted a modified recruitment procedure based on community members' input. Our findings show that incorporating community members in the development of communication materials and following their suggestions for engagement allowed us to generate culturally sensitive recruitment materials and to better understand the social relationships and power dynamics within these communities. We were able to effectively reach a larger portion of the community and decrease the dropout rate of participants. Progress gained with building trust in the communities allowed us to convey participant risks and benefits of collaborating with our research projects. Community engagement should be viewed as a key component of any local vector control program as well as for any scientific research project related to vector control. Even in the face of budgetary constraints, small efforts in community engagement go a long way.

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the medical nutritional therapy (MNT) of adult non-critically ill hospitalization patients. METHODS: In a retrospective study, adults hospitalized for more than 48 h in non-intensive care unit medical and surgical areas that were classified as being at nutritional risk were included. Malnutrition was defined according to Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients, aged 54.13±18.4 years, who were at risk of malnutrition were included in this study. Of these, 50% were males. Notably, 52.5% received oral nutrition supplementation (ONS), 23.5% enteral nutrition (EN), 15% parenteral nutrition (PN), and 9% received enteral and parenteral nutrition (EPN). Patients with EPN presented the highest frequency of malnutrition (52%), and therefore they received more than 100% of energy and protein requirements. The median length of stay was 25 days. Among patients with nutritional risk receiving EPN, no deaths occurred. Patients, identified at nutritional risk, but without malnutrition according to GLIM, and receiving ONS had significantly lower mortality than patients receiving other MNT. CONCLUSIONS: Oral nutrition supplementation was the more frequent MNT prescribed. The frequency of malnutrition and percentage of prescribed energy and protein were higher in patients receiving PN and EPN compared with those receiving ONS.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the medical nutritional therapy (MNT) of adult non-critically ill hospitalization patients. METHODS: In a retrospective study, adults hospitalized for more than 48 h in non-intensive care unit medical and surgical areas that were classified as being at nutritional risk were included. Malnutrition was defined according to Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients, aged 54.13±18.4 years, who were at risk of malnutrition were included in this study. Of these, 50% were males. Notably, 52.5% received oral nutrition supplementation (ONS), 23.5% enteral nutrition (EN), 15% parenteral nutrition (PN), and 9% received enteral and parenteral nutrition (EPN). Patients with EPN presented the highest frequency of malnutrition (52%), and therefore they received more than 100% of energy and protein requirements. The median length of stay was 25 days. Among patients with nutritional risk receiving EPN, no deaths occurred. Patients, identified at nutritional risk, but without malnutrition according to GLIM, and receiving ONS had significantly lower mortality than patients receiving other MNT. CONCLUSIONS: Oral nutrition supplementation was the more frequent MNT prescribed. The frequency of malnutrition and percentage of prescribed energy and protein were higher in patients receiving PN and EPN compared with those receiving ONS.

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BACKGROUND: The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) is a scoring system used for the evaluation of disease severity and prognosis of critically ill patients. The impedance ratio (Imp-R) is a novel mortality predictor. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the combination of the SOFA + Imp-R in the prediction of mortality in critically ill patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in adult patients with acute illness admitted to the ED of a tertiary-care referral center. Baseline SOFA score and bioelectrical impedance analysis to obtain the Imp-R were performed within the first 24 h after admission to the ED. A Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the mortality risk of the initial SOFA score plus the Imp-R. Harrell's C-statistic and decision curve analyses (DCA) were performed. RESULTS: Out of 325 patients, 240 were included for analysis. Overall mortality was 31.3%. Only 21.3% of non-surviving patients died after hospital discharge, and 78.4% died during their hospital stay. Of the latter, 40.6% died in the ED. The SOFA and Imp-R values were higher in non-survivors and were significantly associated with mortality in all models. The combination of the SOFA + Imp-R significantly predicted 30-day mortality, in-hospital mortality, and ED mortality with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 (95% CI: 74-0.86), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74-0.86) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.66-0.84), respectively. The DCA showed that combining the SOFA + Imp-R improved the prediction of mortality through the lower risk thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of the Imp-R to the baseline SOFA score on admission to the ED improves mortality prediction in severely acutely ill patients admitted to the ED.

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Abstract Objective: Epidemiological Characterization of COVID-19 cases presented in the ISSET in the period from March 1st2020 to January 18th2021. Material and method: Descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study at the Social Security Institute of the State of Tabasco from March 1st2020 to January 18th2021. Data collected from the Respiratory Disease Surveillance System Platform. Numerical data were expressed as count proportions in percentages for categorical data. Incidence and case fatality rates were calculated. Results: 4,283 positive cases were registered for SARS-CoV-2, by rt- PCR, with the highest incidence of cases in women with 51.04% of cases aged 50 to 54 years, and 21% corresponding to health personnel entitled. The mortality rate was higher in men aged 60 to 64 years, associated with comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Conclusion: The evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased exponentially since it begin, health personnel have been directly affected. The mortality it presents is high, concentrating mainly in those over 60 years of age and with associated chronic non-communicable diseases, where it has atypical manifestations and catastrophic effects.

Resumen Objetivo: Caracterización epidemiológica de los casos de COVID-19 presentados en el ISSET en el período del 1 de marzo de 2020 al 18 de enero de 2021. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo en el Instituto de Seguridad Social del Estado de Tabasco del 1 de marzo de 2020 al 18 de enero de 2021. Datos recopilados de la plataforma del sistema de vigilancia de enfermedades respiratorias. Los datos numéricos se expresaron como proporciones de recuento en porcentajes para los datos categóricos. Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia y letalidad. Resultados: Se registraron 4.283 casos positivos para SARS-CoV-2, por rt-PCR, con mayor incidencia de casos en mujeres con 51,04% de casos de 50 a 54 años, y 21% correspondiente al personal de salud titulado. La tasa de mortalidad fue mayor en hombres de 60 a 64 años, asociada a comorbilidades, como hipertensión, diabetes y obesidad. Conclusión: La evolución de la pandemia COVID-19 ha aumentado exponencialmente desde que comenzó, el personal de salud se ha visto afectado directamente. La mortalidad que presenta es alta, concentrándose principalmente en los mayores de 60 años y con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles asociadas, donde tiene manifestaciones atípicas y efectos catastróficos.

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BACKGROUND: Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) are widely used for the prevention and control of malaria. In Guatemala, since 2006, ITNs have been distributed free of charge in the highest risk malaria-endemic areas and constitute one of the primary vector control measures in the country. Despite relying on ITNs for almost 15 years, there is a lack of data to inform the timely replacement of ITNs whose effectiveness becomes diminished by routine use. METHODS: The survivorship, physical integrity, insecticide content and bio-efficacy of ITNs were assessed through cross-sectional surveys conducted at 18, 24 and 32 months after a 2012 distribution of PermaNet® 2.0 in a malaria focus in Guatemala. A working definition of 'LLIN providing adequate protection' was developed based on the combination of the previous parameters and usage of the net. A total of 988 ITNs were analysed (290 at 18 months, 349 at 24 months and 349 at 32 months). RESULTS: The functional survivorship of bed nets decreased over time, from 92% at 18 months, to 81% at 24 months and 69% at 32 months. Independent of the time of the survey, less than 80% of the bed nets that were still present in the household were reported to have been used the night before. The proportion of bed nets categorized as "in good condition" per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of the total hole surface area, diminished from 77% to 18 months to 58% at 32 months. The portion of ITNs with deltamethrin concentration less than 10 mg/m2 increased over time. Among the bed nets for which bioassays were conducted, the percentage that met WHO criteria for efficacy dropped from 90% to 18 months to 52% at 32 months. The proportion of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) providing adequate protection was 38% at 24 months and 21% at 32 months. CONCLUSIONS: At 32 months, only one in five of the LLINs distributed in the campaign provided adequate protection in terms of survivorship, physical integrity, bio-efficacy and usage. Efforts to encourage the community to retain, use, and properly care for the LLINs may improve their impact. Durability assessments should be included in future campaigns.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The long-term conservation of seeds of plant genetic resources is of key importance for food security and preservation of agrobiodiversity. Nevertheless, there is scarce information available about seed longevity of many crops under germplasm bank conditions. METHODS: Through germination experiments as well as the analysis of historical monitoring data, we studied the decline in viability manifested by 1000 maize (Zea mays subsp. mays) seed accessions conserved for an average of 48 years at the CIMMYT germplasm bank, the largest maize seedbank in the world, under two cold storage conditions: an active (-3 °C; intended for seed distribution) and a base conservation chamber (-15 °C; for long-term conservation). KEY RESULTS: Seed lots stored in the active chamber had a significantly lower and more variable seed germination, averaging 81.4 %, as compared with the seed lots conserved in the base chamber, averaging 92.1 %. The average seed viability detected in this study was higher in comparison with that found in other seed longevity studies on maize conserved under similar conditions. A significant difference was detected in seed germination and longevity estimates (e.g. p85 and p50) among accessions. Correlating seed longevity with seed traits and passport data, grain type showed the strongest correlation, with flint varieties being longer lived than floury and dent types. CONCLUSIONS: The more rapid loss of seed viability detected in the active chamber suggests that the seed conservation approach, based on the storage of the same seed accessions in two chambers with different temperatures, might be counterproductive for overall long-term conservation and that base conditions should be applied in both. The significant differences detected in seed longevity among accessions underscores that different viability monitoring and regeneration intervals should be applied to groups of accessions showing different longevity profiles.

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The adoption of novel integrated vector management (IVM) strategies requires proof-of-concept demonstrations. To implement a community-based intervention, for the control of vectors of Chagas disease in Guatemala, we engaged all relevant stakeholder groups. Based on this and previous experiences of the authors on engaged research and community-based interventions, several key factors can help facilitate effective integration of stakeholders in support of area-wide integrated vector management (AW - IVM) programmes. First and foremost, the diversity of stakeholders needs to be engaged early-on in the participatory action research and implementation processes, to provide ownership and contribute ideas on how to design and implement an intervention. Another important component, situational analysis regarding current pest control policies, practices and relevant stakeholders, is generated through interviews with key informants, at both national and local levels (governmental and non-governmental organizations); it can facilitate the joint identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats regarding current pest control strategies and proposing solutions through an AW-IVM approach. In addition, successful AW - IVM can result from identifying locally relevant strategies to implement the proof-of-concept demonstrative project. Further, it is critical to maintain constant communication with the local and national leaders, involving them throughout the implementation and evaluation processes. Flexibility should also be built into the project to allow for community-driven changes in the strategy, through a cyclical joint reflective process. Periodic feedback of project development needs to be scheduled with key stakeholders to maintain rapport. Finally, the results of the evaluation should be shared and discussed with stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability of the programme, intervention, or project. Here we present the citizen engagement procedures used to integrate community members, health officials, and non-governmental organization staff for Chagas disease control in a region of Guatemala. We demonstrate how these methods can be applied to support AW-IVM programmes, so that communities and authorities are actively involved in the development and implementation of a jointly agreed intervention. In 2012, we developed the IVM intervention in an area of Guatemala with persistentTriatoma dimidiata (Latreille) infestation that is associated with the presence of infected rodents (rats and mice), that act as reservoirs of the Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas parasites inside the households. Nine control communities received only the Ministry of Health insecticide application against the vector and nine intervention communities participated in the AW-IVM intervention. The intervention included a programme for rodent control by the community members, together with education about the risk factors for vector infestation, and insecticide application by the Ministry of Health. Entomological evaluations in 2014 and 2015 showed that vector infestation remained significantly lower in both intervention and control communities. In 2015, we found that there was a higher acceptance of vector surveillance activities in the intervention communities compared to control communities, suggesting that participatory activities increase programme sustainability. Finally, we found that there was a significant increase over time in the number of households with infected vectors in the control group, whereas there was no significant increase in the communities that participated in the programme. Thus, an AW-IVM programme including simultaneous rodent and vector control could reduce the risk of Chagas infection in communities with persistent vector infestation.

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