ABSTRACT Vegetation indices are a quick and practical alternative for monitoring crops due to the availability of satellite images on various platforms for free, allowing a quick analysis of the vegetative state of the crop and interventions in the field in case of signs of diseases and pests. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the vegetative state of the coffee crop using vegetation indices (NDVI, SAVI, ARVI, EVI, and VDVI) in an agricultural year. The study was carried out on a commercial farm using satellite images from the Planet platform, during an agricultural coffee growing season (2021/2022). The indices selected for the study were the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index (ARVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and Visible Difference Vegetation Index (VDVI). The index data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, classification/interpretation proposal, and the Kappa index. NDVI and SAVI are efficient in monitoring coffee cultivation in an agricultural year, as the Kappa index was higher than 90%. ARVI and EVI had Kappa index values close to 90% and can be used to monitor the crop. VDVI was inefficient, with a low Kappa index value when compared to the others. The proposed classification for vegetation indices based on NDVI classes and values consisted of an important tool for classifying and interpreting the values of these indices, assisting monitoring and management of coffee cultivation.

Abstract In two indigenous communities, Koriñahui and Carmen Alto, located above 3910 meters above sea level, in the northern region of Puno, Peru, a qualitative research study was conducted from 2015 to 2017. This research had a hermeneutic phenomenological approach and involved the use of in-depth interviews and other techniques with farmers over the age of 44. The study explored nine categories of traditional knowledge related to climate change adaptation from the perspective of these communities: 1) Perception of climate extremes, 2) Soil, 3) Water, 4) Plant health, 5) Hail, 6) Frost, 7) Hail and frost, 8) Rituals and organic practices, 9) Tolerant varieties. Hail, frost, and drought were identified as the most recurrent climate extremes in these communities. The diverse practices and knowledge within these categories are currently used within the observed communities. These practices are predominantly preventive, with some having a restorative nature. While the current climate change is of anthropogenic origin, the holistic indigenous perspective underscores that the fundamental cause is the loss of respect for nature, the sacred, and relationships among human beings. The various identified practices contribute to the concepts of ecological resilience and social resilience, making these communities less vulnerable to the effects of climate change in high-altitude agriculture.

Resumen En dos comunidades indígenas, Koriñahui y Carmen Alto, encima de 3910 m s. n. m., en el norte de la región de Puno en Perú, de 2015 a 2017, se realizó una investigación cualitativa con enfoque fenomenológico hermenéutico y con el uso de la entrevista a profundidad y otras técnicas con personas agricultoras mayores de 44 años. Desde la visión de las comunidades, se abordó nueve categorías de conocimientos tradicionales ligadas a adaptación al cambio climático: 1) percepción de los extremos climáticos, 2) suelo, 3) agua, 4) sanidad vegetal, 5) granizada, 6) helada, 7) granizada y helada, 8) ritualidad y organicidad y 9) variedades tolerantes. Se identificó a la granizada, la helada y la sequía como los extremos climáticos más recurrentes en esas comunidades. La diversidad de prácticas o saberes en las categorías descritas se usan actualmente en las comunidades observadas, son de carácter preventivo y algunos son restaurativos. Aunque el cambio climático actual tiene origen antrópico, desde la vivencia holística indígena se subraya -como causa fundamental- la pérdida de respeto a la naturaleza, a lo sagrado y entre seres humanos. Las diferentes prácticas identificadas contribuyen a la noción de resiliencia ecológica y resiliencia social, haciéndolas menos vulnerables a los efectos del cambio climático en agricultura de alta montaña.

Résumé Entre 2015 et 2017, nous avons mené une qualitative sous une approche phénoménologique moyennant l’entretien en profondeur et d’autres techniques avec des agriculteurs de plus de 44 qui habitent dans deux communautés, Koriñahui et Carmen Alto qui se trouvent à 3910 mètres au-dessus sur le niveau de la mer, dans le nord de la région de Puno au Pérou. À partir de la vision des communautés, nous avons abordé neuf catégories des connaissances traditionnelles liées à l’adaptation au changement climatique: 1) la perception des événements climatiques extrêmes, 2) le sol, 3) l’eau, 4) la santé des végétaux, 6) la grêle, 5) le gel, 7) la grêle et les gelées, 8) le rituel et l’organicité et 9) les variétés rendues tolérantes. Nous avons identifié la grêle, le gel et la sécheresse comme les événements climatiques extrêmes les plus fréquents dans ces communautés. La diversité des pratiques ou des savoirs dans les catégories décrites s’emploient actuellement dans les communautés observées et elles sont à caractère préventif et réparateur. Bien que le changement climatique de nos jours possède une origine anthropique, dès la perspective holistique indigène, elle remarque comme cause fondamentale la perte du respect de la nature, du sacré et parmi les êtres humains. Les différences pratiques identifiées contribuent à la notion de résilience écologique et de résilience sociale lesquelles les rendent moins vulnérables aux effets du changement climatique dans l’agriculture de haute.

Abstract: The present study validates growth models based on logistic equations to predict and analyze the use of fish viscera hydrolysates as a source of protein for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diet. The study examines zootechnical variables such as body weight, total length, and biomass in the fingerling and rearing phases, during seven months of production. The treatments consist of isoproteic and isoenergetic diets with a content of 10%, 15%, and 20% of viscera hydrolysates. A commercial diet is used as a control. The results show that the logistic model explained more than 97% of the variation of the field data, proving to be adequate for assessing the efficiency of using 20% replacement hydrolyzed fish viscera. It is concluded that the logistic model developed here is a useful tool for diagnosing the effectiveness and quality of biological diets in each of the production phases of rainbow trout.

Resumen: El presente estudio valida modelos de crecimiento basados en la ecuación logística para predecir y analizar la utilización de hidrolizados de vísceras de pescado como fuente de proteína de dietas de trucha arcoíris (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Se examinan las variables zootécnicas de peso corporal, longitud total y biomasa en las fases de alevinaje y levante, durante siete meses de producción. Como tratamientos, se analizan dietas isoproteicas e isoenergéticas con un contenido de 10%, 15% y 20% de hidrolizados de vísceras, así como una dieta comercial usada como control. El modelo logístico explica más del 97% de la variación de los datos de campo, demostrando ser adecuado para evaluar la eficiencia de la utilización de vísceras hidrolizadas de pescado en cantidades de 20% de reemplazo. Se concluye que el modelo logístico desarrollado aquí es una herramienta útil para diagnosticar la efectividad de la calidad biológica de las dietas en cada una de las fases de producción de la trucha arcoíris.

RESUMEN La elefantiasis escrotal es una condición que ha sido históricamente descripta en áreas endémicas de filariasis, pero es menos frecuente su presentación idiopática o asociada a otras entidades. Presentamos un caso de elefantiasis escrotal gigante de causa adquirida idiopática, al que se le practicó la exéresis de la estructura linfedematosa y la reconstrucción del defecto con colgajos locales y autoinjerto cutáneo. El motivo de su divulgación radica en que se trata de un caso muy poco frecuente, ya sea por la baja incidencia y etiología, así como por la importante magnitud del problema para el individuo. El objetivo principal en el tratamiento del linfedema, en el caso presentado, fue devolverle al paciente funciones primarias y elementales de vida, además de disminuir la morbilidad y otorgarle una mejor calidad de vida.

ABSTRACT Scrotal elephantiasis is a condition that has been historically described in areas where filariasis is endemic, but idiopathic cases or those associated with other entities are rare. We report a case of a patient with idiopathic acquired giant scrotal elephantiasis who underwent excision of the lymphedematous structure and reconstruction of the defect with local flaps and skin autograft. The reason for this presentation is the uncommon nature of the case due to its low incidence, rare etiology and the magnitude of the problem experienced by the patient. The main goal in the treatment of lymphedema in this case was to restore primary and elementary functions of life to the patient, reduce morbidity and provide him with a better quality of life.

Hematological problems are associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Respiratory impairment is the higher point studied, although without experimental studies related to the oxygen transport performed by erythrocytes. Therefore, we decided to investigate if erythrocytes from COVID-19 patients have their functionality changed. The case-control study included hospitalized patients with a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result admitted to University Hospital. Volunteers (negative RT-PCR results) were recruited as a control group. Thus, we assessed different erythrocytes parameters, oxidative stress markers, and biophysical studies using whole blood and isolated hemoglobin. We found a decrease of 51% in oxygen uptake and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Raman spectrometry showed structural changes in the hemoglobin and lipids of the erythrocytes from COVID-19 patients; thus, these results were consolidated with an increase in Young’s modulus in erythrocytes followed by morphology changes. Besides, isolated hemoglobin from COVID-19 patients has a distinct interaction profile using a ligand model compared to the control. COVID-19 leads to structural, functional, and morphological damage to human erythrocytes. Our data showed structural and molecular changes and induction of oxidative stress in erythrocytes by COVID-19, a new perspective on the contribution of erythrocytes to a respiratory commitment in COVID-19.

Resumen Introducción. En Costa Rica, el maíz (Zea mays) forma parte de la dieta de la población. Sin embargo, se ha reducido el área de siembra, debido a políticas comerciales y al reducido conocimiento del manejo agronómico del cultivo. Objetivo. Analizar el efecto de dosis de N y densidades de siembra sobre la productividad de maíz variedad Los Diamantes 8843, en Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó entre agosto y diciembre 2018, en la Finca Experimental de Santa Cruz, Universidad de Costa Rica. En un diseño de bloques completos al azar, se evaluaron tres densidades de siembra: 50 000, 57 143 y 66 666 plantas/ha y cuatro dosis crecientes de N: 0, 100, 200 y 300 kg ha-1. Se cuantificó la altura, peso fresco de la planta, grosor del tallo, calidad de mazorca, absorción de nutrientes y rendimiento. Para cada variable se ajustó un análisis de varianza. Resultados. Hubo efecto significativo de la dosis de N sobre las variables altura, peso seco, número de granos por fila, número de mazorcas por parcela útil y absorción de nutrimentos, estas variables fueron mayores con dosis elevadas de N. Hubo efecto significativo de la densidad de siembra sobre la altura, número de mazorcas y absorción de nutrimentos, estas alcanzaron valores mayores en las densidades altas. Mayores índices de eficiencia se alcanzaron en las dosis de 100 kg ha-1 y la densidad de 50 000 plantas/ha. El rendimiento fue menor en todas las densidades evaluadas cuando no se aplicó N. Las dosis de 100 y 200 kg ha-1 presentaron los mayores rendimientos, independiente de la densidad de siembra. Conclusión. La dosis de 100 kg ha-1 de N y la densidad de 57 143 plantas/ha mostró los valores más altos para los índices de eficiencia y la mayor producción.

Abstract Introduction. In Costa Rica, maize (Zea mays) is an important component of the population’s diet. However, the planting area has been reduced due to marketing policies and reduced knowledge of agronomic management of the crop. Objective. To analyze the effect of N doses and planting densities on the productivity of maize variety Los Diamantes 8843 in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Materials and methods. The study was carried out between August and December 2018 at the Santa Cruz Experimental Farm, Universidad de Costa Rica. In a randomized complete block design, three planting densities: 50,000, 57,143, and 66,666 plants/ha and four increasing doses of N: 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1 were evaluated. Plant height, plant fresh weight, stem thickness, cob quality, nutrient uptake and yield were quantified. An analysis of variance was adjusted for each variable. Results. There was a significant effect of N dose over the variables height, dry weight, number of grains per row, number of ears per useful plot, and nutrient uptake. In general, these variables were higher at high N doses. There was significant effect of planting density on height, number of ears, and nutrient uptake, these variables reached higher values at high densities. Higher efficiency rates were achieved at 100 kg ha-1 and at a density of 50,000 plants/ha. The yield was lower in any of the evaluated densities, when N was not applied. The doses of 100 and 200 kg ha-1 showed the highest yields, regardless of planting density. Conclusion. The dose of 100 kg ha-1 of N and the density of 57 143 plants/ha showed the highest values for the efficiency indices and the highest yield.

Resumen Las hojas de yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St. Hil) y jarilla (Larrea divaricata Cav.) se usan comúnmente como infusión de té en algunos países de América Latina. Este estudio se realizó para evaluar la actividad antioxidante (FRAP, ABTS y DPPH) y el potencial inhibitorio de los extractos de yerba mate y jarilla sobre la proteasa 3CL (Mpro) de coronavirus SARS-COV-2 por enfoque de acoplamiento molecular. Los principales compuestos bioactivos presentes en los extractos de plantas fueron identificados por HPLC-MS. De acuerdo con los resultados, los extractos polifenólicos de yerba mate y jarilla presentaron alta actividad antioxidante en los ensayos DPPH (> 91 %), ABTS (> 90 %) y FRAP (> 47 mg TE/g). Además, los compuestos fenólicos presentes en la yerba mate, quercetina-3-O-rutinósido (rutina) (-9,60 kcal/ mol) y ácido 3,4-dicafeoilquínico (- 8,20 kcal/mol) han demostrado ser más efectivos (en Mpro) que los medicamentos antivirales remdesivir y ribavirin. Los compuestos rutina y ácido 3,4-dicafeoilquínico tienen alta afinidad e interacción con uno de los residuos catalíticos Cys145 de Mpro. Estos resultados sugieren que las hojas de yerba mate y jarilla podrían potenciar las defensas antioxidantes del organismo y podrían beneficiar la salud.

Abstract Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St. Hil) and jarilla (Larrea divaricata Cav.) leaves are commonly used as tea infusions in some Latin American countries. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity (FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH) and the inhibitory potential of yerba mate and jarilla extracts on the 3CL protease (Mpro) from coronavirus SARS-COV-2 by a molecular docking approach. The main bioactive compounds present in the plant extracts were identified by HPLC-MS. According to the results, the extracts of yerba mate and jarilla showed high antioxidant activity in DPPH (> 91 %), ABTS (> 90 %), and FRAP (> 47 mg TE/g) assays. Additionally, the phenolic compounds present in yerba mate, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin) (-9.60 kcal/mol) and 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (- 8.20 kcal/mol) were more effective on Mpro than the antiviral drugs remdesivir and ribavirin. The compounds rutin and 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid have a high affinity and interaction with one of the catalytic residues Cys145 of Mpro. The glycosylation of phenolic compounds affects biological activities: positively anti-COVID-19 and negatively antioxidant. The results suggest that extracts of yerba mate and jarilla leaves could enhance the body’s antioxidant defenses and can be used to improve health.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir los resultados maternos y perinatales de pacientes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis atendidos en un centro de referencia obstétrica de Medellín. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, llevado a cabo en la Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana en fetos con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis desde el 1 de enero de 2010 hasta el 31 de julio de 2021. Resultados: Se identificaron 54 gestantes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis. En el 63% era su primer embarazo y el 27,8% eran adolescentes. La duración promedio de la gestación fue de 35 semanas y 6 días. La cesárea fue la vía más común (98,1%) y la indicación más frecuente fue sufrimiento de asa 66,7%. El 55,6% de los neonatos requirieron más de una intervención quirúrgica para el cierre de la pared abdominal. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron anemia (66,7%) e íleo posoperatorio (72,2%). La mortalidad fue del 13%. Conclusiones: Se evidencian algunas características similares a las reportadas en otras series. La mayor presentación fue en primer embarazo, la causa de finalización de la gestación fue sufrimiento de asas (demostrando la importancia del seguimiento ecográfico), y las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron anemia e íleo posoperatorio presentados por la prematuridad. La mortalidad comparada con la de otras instituciones locales fue menor.

Abstract Objective: To describe the outcomes of maternal and perinatal in patients diagnosed with prenatal gastroschisis that received medical care at an obstetric reference center in Medellin. Method: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study in fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis performed in the Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana between January 1st 2010 and July 31st 2021. Results: Were included 54 pregnant women with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis. The 63% were their first pregnancy and 27,8% were adolescents. The average duration of gestation was 35 weeks and 6 days. Cesarean section was the most common way of delivery (98,1%) and the most frequent indication was suffering from loop (66,7%). The 55,6% of neonates required more than one surgical intervention for closure of the abdominal wall. The most frequent complications were anemia (66,7%) and postoperative ileus (72,2%). A mortality of 13% was presented. Conclusions: Some characteristics like reported in other series are evident. The greatest presentation was in the first pregnancy, the cause of termination of pregnancy was suffering from loops (demonstrating the importance of ultrasound monitoring) and the most frequent complications were anemia and postoperative ileus presented by prematurity. Mortality, compared to other local institutions, was lower.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated forage-free diets supplemented with sodium bicarbonate (SB) based on ground flint corn on intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal parameters, and N balance. Four rumen-cannulatedDorper × Santa Inês lambs, with a body weight of 43.4 ± 0.85 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were used. The experimental design was a 4×4 Latin square. Each experimental period lasted 21 days. Experimental diets were: positive control, a diet without SB containing 400 g/kg DM of soybean hulls (CONT), and three diets based on ground flint corn, containing 10 (10SB), 20 (20SB) or 30 (30SB) g/kg DM of SB. Intake of neutral and acid detergent fiber was greater for CONT (P < 0.01) when compared to SB. Intake and apparent nutrient digestibility of dry and organic matter, ether extract, and crude protein did not differ. Intake (P = 0.01) and digestibility (P < 0.01) of non-fiber carbohydrates were greater for SB diets and neutral detergent fiber digestibility was greater (P = 0.03) for CONT. The total digestible nutrients and metabolizable energy were greater for SB (P = 0.04). Rumen concentrations of acetate (P < 0.01), isobutyrate (P < 0.01), butyrate (P < 0.01), isovalerate (P < 0.01), and total short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.01) were greater for CONT. Ruminal pH showed a quadratic (P = 0.05) response to SB levels, with greater values for 20SB. Sodium bicarbonate was efficient in increasing ruminal pH at the level of 20 g/kg DM without interfering with the intake and apparent nutrient digestibility characteristics.

RESUMO: O presente estudo avaliou a suplementação de bicarbonato de sódio (BS) em dietas sem forragem à base de milho moído sobre o consumo e a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes, os parâmetros ruminais e o balanço de N. Foram utilizados quatro cordeiros Dorper × Santa Inês, com um peso corporal inicial de 43,4 ± 0,85 kg (média ± desvio padrão). O delineamento experimental foi quadrado latino 4×4. Cada período experimental durou 21 dias. As dietas experimentais foram: controle positivo, sem BS, contendo 400 g/kg de MS de casca de soja (CONT) e três dietas à base de milho moído, sem casca de soja, contendo 10 (10BS), 20 (20BS) ou 30 (30BS) g/kg de MS de BS. O consumo de fibra em detergente neutro e ácido foi maior (P < 0,01)para o CONT quando comparado com BS. O consumo e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, extrato etéreo e proteína bruta não diferiram entre os tratamentos. O consumo (P = 0,01) e digestibilidade (P < 0,01) dos carboidratos não fibrosos foram superiores para as dietas contendo BS e a digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro foi maior para o CONT. Os teores de nutrientes digestivos totais e energia metabolizável foram superiores para as dietas contendo BS (P = 0,04). A concentração ruminal de acetato (P < 0,01), isobutirato (P < 0,01), butirato (P < 0,01), isovalerato (P < 0,01) e ácidos graxos totais de cadeia curta (P < 0,01) foram mais elevadas para o CONT. O pHruminal apresentou resposta quadrática (P = 0,05) em relação aos níveis de BS, sendo observado maior pH para os animais alimentados com a dieta 20BS. O BS foi eficiente em aumentar o pHruminal no teor de 20 g/kg MS sem interferir no consumo e na digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes. Portanto, 20 g/kg de MS é a dose indicada de BS em dietas sem forragem para terminação de cordeiros em confinamento.

Abstract Quantification of elastomer content for the ethylene-propylene diene monomer/polybutadiene blend are seldom subjects in the literature, mainly due to rubber compatibility problems. However, suitable blend contents can lead to desirable properties. Infrared spectroscopy can quantify this type of blend even if some bands overlap, which can be resolved with the proper choice of spectrum obtaining mode and non-overlapping analytical bands. This study evaluates the ethylene-propylene diene monomer/polybutadiene blend quantification by transmission, reflection and transflectance infrared. Even though all of the methodologies showed satisfactory results, transmission mode provided better accuracy. The methodology is simple and suited for the rubber industry. The sample with the higher BR content provided the best result. The band at 743 cm-1 is weak and results in even weaker absorptions when measuring samples with low BR content. On the other hand, the developed methodologies provided an accurate determination of low EPDM contents. For infrared spectroscopy researchers, these results not only encourage using different spectra obtaining modes application, including less conventional ones such as transflectance in the near infrared region for quantitative determination, it also contributes to a wide discussion of errors in the developed methodologies, which are also seldom discussed in publications.

Abstract A considerable number of papers have been published to assess self-healing capacity of several materials, as well as several applications in different areas. However, the impact assessment of changing synthesis parameters of microcapsules, hollow fibers or microvascular systems in its final physicochemical properties are still an emerging research field. This current paper presents a synthesis process of PU microcapsules containing TDI as core agent and the characterization of microcapsules physicochemical properties. During the synthesis, the reaction parameter stirring speed was changed to assess the impact that this parameter has in the final microcapsules’ physicochemical properties. Microcapsules were characterized by FT-IR, TGA and image analysis (OM and SEM). Additionally, microcapsules were incorporated to an epoxy matrix (5% weight/weight) to assess the impact in the final physicochemical and mechanical matrix properties. Epoxy-based test specimens were also obtained within aramid and silica, which are traditional reinforcing loads in rubber synthesis. Final mechanical properties of matrixes within aramid and silica were compared to the properties of matrixes within microcapsules to determine what kind of behavior the microcapsules have when incorporated to epoxy matrixes.