ABSTRACT Purpose: To report the clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes in a series of patients with vitreous metastasis from cutaneous melanoma. Methods: This single-center, retrospective, interventional case series included patients with biopsy-confirmed vitreous metastasis from cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between 1997 and 2020. Standard 23- or 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed for diagnostic sampling. Sclerotomies were treated with double or triple freeze-thaw cryotherapy. Perioperative intravitreal injections of melphalan (32 µg/0.075 mL) were administered, when indicated. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and systemic and ocular treatment responses were reported. Results: Five eyes of five patients with unilateral vitreous metastasis from cutaneous melanoma were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 84 (range, 37-88) years. The median follow-up after ophthalmic diagnosis was 28 (8.5-36) months; one patient did not have a follow-up. The initial visual acuity ranged from 20/30 to hand motions. Baseline clinical findings included pigmented or non-pigmented cellular infiltration of the vitreous (5/5), anterior segment (4/5), and retina (3/5). Four patients had secondary glaucoma. Systemic therapy included checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (n=3, all with partial/complete response), systemic chemotherapy (n=2), surgical resection (n=3), and radiation (n=2). The median time from primary diagnosis to vitreous metastasis was 2 (2-15) years. One patient had an active systemic disease at the time of vitreous metastasis. The final visual acuity ranged from 20/40 to no light perception. Ophthalmic treatment included vitrectomy in all five patients, intravitreal administration of melphalan in three, and intravitreal administration of methotrexate in one. One patient required enucleation, and histopathology revealed extensive invasion by melanoma cells. Conclusions: Vitreous metastasis from cutaneous melanoma can present as a diffuse infiltration of pigmented or non-pigmented cells into the vitreous and may be misdiagnosed as uveitis. Diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy and periodic intravitreal chemotherapy may be indicated.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os achados clínicos, tratamentos, e desfechos em uma série de pacientes com me tástases vítreas de melanoma cutâneo. Métodos: Série retrospectiva de casos de único centro com intervenção. Pacientes incluídos tiveram seu diagnóstico de MVMC confirmado por biópsia entre 1997 e 2020. Vitrectomia via pars plana com 23 ou 25 gauge foram realizadas para obter espécimens. Esclerotomias foram tratadas com crioterapia em duplo ou triplo congelamento. Injeção intravítrea perioperatória de melfalano (32 ug/0,075 mL) foi administrada quando necessário. Foram relatados acuidade visual, pressão intraocular, resposta terapêutica sistêmica e ocular. Resultados: Cinco olhos de 5 pacientes com metástases vítreas de melanoma cutâneo unilateral foram identificados. Idade média de diagnóstico foi 84 anos (variando de 37-88). Seguimento médio após diagnóstico oftalmológico foi 28 (8,5-36) meses; 1 paciente não teve acompanhamento. Acuidade visual inicial variou de 20/30 a movimentos de mão. Achados clínicos iniciais incluíram infiltração de células pigmentadas e não-pigmentadas no vítreo (5/5), segmento anterior (4/5), e retina (3/5). Quatro pacientes tiveram glaucoma secundário. Tratamento sistêmico incluiu imunoterapia com inibidores da via de sinalização (3 - todos com resposta parcial/completa), quimioterapia sistêmica (2), ressecção cirúrgica (3), e irradiação (2). Intervalo médio entre diagnóstico primário e metástases vítreas foi 2 (2-15) anos. Um paciente teve doença sistêmica ativa simultânea as metástases vítreas. Acuidade visual final variou entre 20/40 e SPL. Tratamento oftalmológico incluiu vitrectomia nos 5 pacientes, melfalano intravítreo em 3 e metotrexato intravítreo em 1. Um paciente precisou de enucleação. A histopatologia revelou invasão celular extensa de melanoma. Conclusões: Metástases vítreas de melanoma cutâneo pode se manifestar como uma infiltração difusa de células pigmentadas e não-pigmentadas no vítreo e erroneamente diagnosticada como uveites. Vitrectomia diagnóstica e quimioterapia intravítrea periódica podem estar indicadas.

Abstract Álvarez, M. A; F. M. Correa Uriburu, M. C. Barrera, R. J. Enrico, A. R. Andrada, G. M. Silenzi Usandivaras, V. A. Páez, M. S. Caro, I. C. Zampini & M. I. Isla. 2023. Comparison of two morphotypes of Zuccagnia punctata (Fabaceae) from Valles Calchaquíes in Argentina. Darwiniana, nueva serie 11(1): 139-154. Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabaceae) is a medicinal aromatic shrub, a monotypic species with a wide distribution in Argentina. Two morphotypes were found in Valles Calchaquíes, one with yellow fruits (YF) and other with red-brown fruits (RBF). The color of fruits varies between individuals within a population, with some plants producing red-brown fruits and other yellow fruits. The cytogenetic differentiation was determined using root tips. Leaves and fruits were used to analyze chemical composition by HPLC-DAD and HPLC/MS/MS. The number of chromosome (2n = 24) was reported for the first time for the genus. The yellow fruits and red-brown fruits morphotypes showed different karyotypes. The compounds common to both morphotypes were identified in leaves and fruits as chalcones, compounds with biological activity and biomarkers used for quality control of Z. punctata products. Two chemotypes related to the color of the fruits, were detected. An anthocyanin, cyanidin 3-glucoside was found in red-brown fruits (4.75 mg.g-1 fruits) but not in yellow fruits. These is the first report on yellow fruits morphotype of Z. punctata and on presence of anthocyanins in Z. punctata red-brown fruits morphotype. This work contributes to the knowledge of Z. punctata, a native plant from Argentina with high economic potential to promote the regional economy.

Resumen Álvarez, M. A; F. M. Correa Uriburu, M. C. Barrera, R. J. Enrico, A. R. Andrada, G. M. Silenzi Usandivaras, V. A. Páez, M. S. Caro, I. C. Zampini & M. I. Isla. 2023. Comparación de dos morfotipos de Zuccagnia punctata (Fabaceae) en los Valles Calchaquíes en Argentina. Darwiniana, nueva serie 11(1): 139-154. Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabaceae) es un arbusto aromático medicinal monotípico con amplia distribución en Argentina. En los Valles Calchaquíes se encontraron dos morfotipos, uno con frutos amarillos y otro con frutos marrón rojizo. El color de los frutos varía entre individuos de una misma población, observándose plantas que tienen frutos de color marrón rojizo y otras con frutos de color amarillo. La diferenciación citogenética fue determinada usando puntas de raíces mientras que las hojas y frutos se usaron para analizar la composición química por HPLC-DAD y HPLC/MS/MS. Se informó por primera vez el número cromosómico (2n = 24) para el género Zuccagnia. Ambos morfotipos mostraron diferentes cariotipos. Se identificaron chalconas como compuestos comunes en las hojas y frutos de ambos morfotipos. Las chalconas son consideradas biomarcadores en el control de calidad de productos a base de Z. punctata. Se detectaron dos quimiotipos relacionados al color de los frutos. La antocianina, cianidin 3-glucosido se encontró en frutos marrón rojizos (4.75 mg.g-1 fruto) pero no en frutos amarillos. Este es el primer informe sobre un morfotipo de Z. punctata con frutos amarillos y sobre la presencia de antocianinas en el morfotipo de frutos rojos. Este trabajo contribuye al conocimiento de Z. punctata, una planta nativa de Argentina con alto potencial económico para promover el desarrollo regional.

Abstract Background: A high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) has been reported in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in critical care units and those undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The introduction of dexamethasone (DXM) as treatment for severe COVID-19 has improved mortality, but its effects in other organs remain under study. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between DXM and AKI in COVID-19. Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study, we evaluated the incidence of AKI in critically ill COVID-19 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, and the association of DXM treatment with the incidence, severity, and outcomes of AKI. The association between DXM treatment and AKI was evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. The association of the combination of DXM treatment and AKI on mortality was evaluated by Cox-regression analysis. Results: We included 552 patients. AKI was diagnosed in 311 (56%), of which 196 (63%) corresponded to severe (stage 2 or 3) AKI, and 46 (14.8%) received kidney replacement therapy. Two hundred and sixty-seven (48%) patients were treated with DXM. This treatment was associated to lower incidence of AKI (Odds Radio 0.34, 95% Confidence intervals [CI] 0.22-0.52, p < 0.001) after adjusting for age, body mass index, laboratory parameters, SOFA score, and vasopressor use. DXM treatment significantly reduced mortality in patients with severe AKI (HR 0.63, 95%CI 0.41-0.96, p = 0.032). Conclusions: The incidence of AKI is high in COVID-19 patients under IMV. DXM treatment is associated with a lower incidence of AKI and a lower mortality in the group with severe AKI.

Resumo Resíduos de agrotóxicos que contaminam o meio ambiente circulam no ciclo hidrológico, podendo se acumular na cadeia alimentar e causar problemas tanto à saúde ambiental quanto humana. Por sua vez, microrganismos são bem conhecidos por sua versatilidade metabólica e capacidade de degradar substâncias quimicamente estáveis, incluindo xenobióticos recalcitrantes. O estudo atual se concentrou na bioprospecção nos solos da floresta amazônica para encontrar novas linhagens de fungos capazes de degradar com eficiência o herbicida onipresente na agricultura e no meio ambiente, o glifosato. Entre os 50 fungos isolados (usando meio de cultura suplementado com glifosato como única fonte de carbono), a maioria eram isolados do gênero Penicillium (60%) e os outros eram isolados de Aspergillus e Trichoderma (26 e 8%, respectivamente). Todos os 50 isolados de fungos foram capazes de usar glifosato como fonte de fósforo. Oito desses isolados cresceram melhor em meio suplementado com glifosato do que em meio Czapek Dox regular. LC-MS revelou que a degradação do glifosato por Penicillium 4A21 resultou nos metabólitos sarcosina e ácido aminometilfosfônico.

Abstract Pesticide residues that contaminate the environment circulate within the hydrological cycle can accumulate within the food chain and cause problems to both environmental and human health. Microbes, however, are well known for their metabolic versatility and the ability to degrade chemically stable substances, including recalcitrant xenobiotics. The current study focused on bio-prospecting within Amazonian rainforest soils to find novel strains fungi capable of efficiently degrading the agriculturally and environmentally ubiquitous herbicide, glyphosate. Of 50 fungal strains isolated (using culture media supplemented with glyphosate as the sole carbon-substrate), the majority were Penicillium strains (60%) and the others were Aspergillus and Trichoderma strains (26 and 8%, respectively). All 50 fungal isolates could use glyphosate as a phosphorous source. Eight of these isolates grew better on glyphosate-supplemented media than on regular Czapek Dox medium. LC-MS revealed that glyphosate degradation by Penicillium 4A21 resulted in sarcosine and aminomethylphosphonic acid.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os achados clínicos, tratamentos, e desfechos em uma série de pacientes com me tástases vítreas de melanoma cutâneo. Métodos: Série retrospectiva de casos de único centro com intervenção. Pacientes incluídos tiveram seu diagnóstico de MVMC confirmado por biópsia entre 1997 e 2020. Vitrectomia via pars plana com 23 ou 25 gauge foram realizadas para obter espécimens. Esclerotomias foram tratadas com crioterapia em duplo ou triplo congelamento. Injeção intravítrea perioperatória de melfalano (32 ug/0,075 mL) foi administrada quando necessário. Foram relatados acuidade visual, pressão intraocular, resposta terapêutica sistêmica e ocular. Resultados: Cinco olhos de 5 pacientes com metástases vítreas de melanoma cutâneo unilateral foram identificados. Idade média de diagnóstico foi 84 anos (variando de 37-88). Seguimento médio após diagnóstico oftalmológico foi 28 (8,5-36) meses; 1 paciente não teve acompanhamento. Acuidade visual inicial variou de 20/30 a movimentos de mão. Achados clínicos iniciais incluíram infiltração de células pigmentadas e não-pigmentadas no vítreo (5/5), segmento anterior (4/5), e retina (3/5). Quatro pacientes tiveram glaucoma secundário. Tratamento sistêmico incluiu imunoterapia com inibidores da via de sinalização (3 - todos com resposta parcial/completa), quimioterapia sistêmica (2), ressecção cirúrgica (3), e irradiação (2). Intervalo médio entre diagnóstico primário e metástases vítreas foi 2 (2-15) anos. Um paciente teve doença sistêmica ativa simultânea as metástases vítreas. Acuidade visual final variou entre 20/40 e SPL. Tratamento oftalmológico incluiu vitrectomia nos 5 pacientes, melfalano intravítreo em 3 e metotrexato intravítreo em 1. Um paciente precisou de enucleação. A histopatologia revelou invasão celular extensa de melanoma. Conclusões: Metástases vítreas de melanoma cutâneo pode se manifestar como uma infiltração difusa de células pigmentadas e não-pigmentadas no vítreo e erroneamente diagnosticada como uveites. Vitrectomia diagnóstica e quimioterapia intravítrea periódica podem estar indicadas.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report the clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes in a series of patients with vitreous metastasis from cutaneous melanoma. Methods: This single-center, retrospective, interventional case series included patients with biopsy-confirmed vitreous metastasis from cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between 1997 and 2020. Standard 23- or 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed for diagnostic sampling. Sclerotomies were treated with double or triple freeze-thaw cryotherapy. Perioperative intravitreal injections of melphalan (32 µg/0.075 mL) were administered, when indicated. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and systemic and ocular treatment responses were reported. Results: Five eyes of five patients with unilateral vitreous metastasis from cutaneous melanoma were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 84 (range, 37-88) years. The median follow-up after ophthalmic diagnosis was 28 (8.5-36) months; one patient did not have a follow-up. The initial visual acuity ranged from 20/30 to hand motions. Baseline clinical findings included pigmented or non-pigmented cellular infiltration of the vitreous (5/5), anterior segment (4/5), and retina (3/5). Four patients had secondary glaucoma. Systemic therapy included checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (n=3, all with partial/complete response), systemic chemotherapy (n=2), surgical resection (n=3), and radiation (n=2). The median time from primary diagnosis to vitreous metastasis was 2 (2-15) years. One patient had an active systemic disease at the time of vitreous metastasis. The final visual acuity ranged from 20/40 to no light perception. Ophthalmic treatment included vitrectomy in all five patients, intravitreal administration of melphalan in three, and intravitreal administration of methotrexate in one. One patient required enucleation, and histopathology revealed extensive invasion by melanoma cells. Conclusions: Vitreous metastasis from cutaneous melanoma can present as a diffuse infiltration of pigmented or non-pigmented cells into the vitreous and may be misdiagnosed as uveitis. Diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy and periodic intravitreal chemotherapy may be indicated.

Abstract Cowpea is one of the main crops in family agriculture, especially in the Northeastern region of Brazil, and it is expanding to other regions in Brazil. The use of seeds with low physiological and health quality is reflected in the plant development and consequently yield, making it important to study the seed physiological and health quality. The objective of the present study was to assess the physiology and health of traditional and biofortified cowpea seeds. The traditional cowpea varieties (Angelim, Mercado and Manteguinha) and the biofortified cowpea cultivars (BRS Aracê, BRS Xique-Xique and BRS Tumucumaque) were assessed for the following physiological parameters: water content (WC), first count (FC), germination test (G), germination speed index (GSI), seedling emergence in the greenhouse (E), emergence speed index (ESI), seedling aerial part and root length (APL and RL) and electric conductivity test (EC). The seed health quality was assessed by the Blotter Test. The water content present in the seeds of the traditional and biofortified varieties ranged from 10% to 14%. All the traditional and biofortified varieties showed high germination and emergence value in the greenhouse. The germination and emergence speed indexes indicated the BRS Aracê and BRS Xique-Xique cultivars as the most vigorous. In the health tests the highest indexes were the storage fungi Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp. and Penicillium sp., with the highest prevalence in the BRS Tumucumaque variety, which was probably related to the higher water content present in this variety.

Resumo O feijão-caupi é uma das principais culturas da agricultura familiar, especialmente da região Nordeste, e encontra-se em expansão para as demais regiões do Brasil. O uso de sementes com baixa qualidade fisiológica e sanitária refletem no desenvolvimento das plantas e consequentemente na produtividade. Desse modo ressalta-se a importância do estudo da qualidade fisiológica e sanitária das sementes. Esse trabalho objetivou avaliar a fisiologia e sanidade de sementes tradicionais e biofortificadas de feijão-caupi. As variedades tradicionais (Angelim, Mercado e Manteguinha) e as biofortificadas (BRS Aracê, BRS Xique-Xique e BRS Tumucumaque) de feijão-caupi foram avaliadas quanto aos seguintes parâmetros fisiológicos: Teor de água (T.A), Primeira contagem (PC), Teste de germinação (G), Índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), Emergência de plântulas em casa de vegetação (E), Índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE) Comprimento da parte aérea e raiz da mudas (CPA e CR) e Teste de Condutividade Elétrica (CE). Para avaliação da qualidade sanitária das sementes foi adotado o Blotter Test. O teor de água presente nas sementes das variedades tradicionais e biofortificadas, encontra-se entre 10% a 14%. Todas as variedades tradicionais e biofortificadas apresentaram alto valor de germinação e emergência em casa de vegetação. O índice de velocidade de germinação e emergência indicaram as cultivares BRS Aracê e BRS Xique-Xique as mais vigorosas. Nos testes de sanidade a maior incidência foram dos fungos de armazenamento Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp. e o Penicillium sp., com maior prevalência na variedade BRS Tumucumaque, provavelmente relacionado ao maior teor de água presente nessa variedade.

Abstract We report on a functional Fabry-Perot mode interferometer and its application for absolute displacement sensing. The proposed device consists of two well-cleaved tips of standard optical fibers that were introduced into a microcapillary glass with an inner diameter of ∼ 125.5 um; one tip was stuck to the capillary by the application of an electric arc from a standard splice machine, while the other tip was free to be longitudinally moved. The transmission spectrum of the interferometric device exhibited an interferometric pattern due to the reflections of the fundamental mode on the two partial reflecting tip surfaces of the standard optical fibers. The period and the intensity level of the interference pattern depend strongly on the separation between the optical fiber tips caused by the displacement of the free optical fiber tip. This dependence allows for the use of either period or intensity changes for length displacement sensing interrogation. For the period interrogation, the length can be accurately calculated and measured by taking the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the detected interference pattern. For intensity interrogation, a simple photodetector can determine the distance that separates the optical fiber tips.

Abstract: In this article we present the results of the design, development and characterization of an extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields generator to carry out experiments with small animals. For the design of the exposure system, we took into account that its configuration should allow the application of a electromagnetic fields that meets uniformity and field intensity criteria, while making it possible to observe, manipulate and locate the sample easily, a fact that imposes accessibility requirements. For the application of different electromagnetic fields exposure protocols in the future, the generator must allow calibrated and homogeneous emissions, under known exposure conditions. Results of the constructive process are presented, in which the proposed materials and methods are analyzed, as well as the system performance results.

Resumen: En este trabajo presentamos los resultados del diseño, desarrollo y caracterización de un generador de Campos Electromagnéticos de Frecuencia Extremadamente Baja CEM-FEB para la realización de experimentos con pequeños animales. Para el diseño del sistema de exposición se tuvo como premisa que la configuración permita aplicar a la muestra un CEM que cumpla con criterios de uniformidad e intensidad de campo requeridos pero que además haga posible observar, manipular y ubicar la muestra fácilmente, lo cual impone requisitos de accesibilidad. Para la aplicación futura de distintos protocolos de exposición a CEM, el generador debe permitir realizar emisiones calibradas y homogéneas, bajo condiciones de exposición conocidas. Se presentan resultados del proceso constructivo, en los que se analizan materiales y métodos propuestos, así como de estudios de desempeño del sistema.

Abstract The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is variable, being associated with worse outcomes. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the incidence, risk factors (considering demographic characteristics, comorbidities, initial clinical presentation and associated complications) and impact of AKI in subjects hospitalized for COVID-19 in two third-level hospitals in Córdoba, Argentina. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. We included 448 adults who were consecutively hospitalized for CO VID-19 between March 3 and October 31, 2020 and were followed throughout the hospitalization. The incidence of AKI was 19% (n = 85; stage I = 43, stage II = 17, and stage III = 25, 18 required renal replacement therapy). In the multivariate analysis, the variables that were independently associated with AKI were: age (for every 10 years, adjusted odd ratio [95%CI] = 1.30 [1.04-1.63], p = 0.022), history of chronic kidney disease -CKD- (9.92 [4.52-21.77], p < 0.001), blood neutrophil count at admission -BNCA- (for every increase of 1000 BNCA, 1.09 [1.01-1.18], p = 0.037) and requirement for mechanical ventilation -MV- (6.69 [2.24-19.90], p = 0.001). AKI was associated with longer hospitalization, higher admission (63.5 vs. 29.7%; p < 0.001) and longer stay in the intensive care unit, a positive association with respiratory bacterial superinfection, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, MV requirement and mortality (mortality without AK I = 12.4% vs with AKI = 47.1%; stage I = 26%, stage II = 41% and stage III = 88%; p < 0.001). AKI was independently associated with higher mortality (3.32 [1.6-6.9], p = 0.001). In conclusion, the incidence of AKI in adults hospitalized for COVID-19 was 19% and had a clear impact on morbidity and mortality. The independent risk factors for AKI were: Age, CKD, BNCA and MV.

Resumen Los objetivos del estudio fueron evaluar la incidencia, los factores de riesgo (consi derando características demográficas, comorbilidades, presentación clínica inicial y complicaciones asociadas) y el impacto de la lesión renal aguda -LRA- en sujetos hospitalizados por COVID-19 en dos instituciones de alta complejidad de Córdoba, Argentina. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Se incluyeron 448 adul tos que fueron hospitalizados por COVID-19 entre el 3 de marzo y el 31 de octubre del 2020 con seguimiento durante toda la hospitalización. La incidencia de LRA fue 19% (estadio I = 43, estadio II = 17 y estadío III = 25, 18 requirieron diálisis). Las variables que se asociaron de manera independiente con el LRA fueron: edad (por cada 10 años, odd ratio ajustado [IC95%] = 1.30 [1.04-1.63], p = 0.022), enfermedad renal crónica -ERC- (9.92 [4.52-21.77], p < 0.001), recuento de neutrófilos sanguíneos al ingreso -NSI- (por cada incremento de 1000 NSI, 1.09 [1.01-1.18], p = 0.037) y asistencia respiratoria mecánica -ARM- (6.69 [2.24-19.90], p = 0.001). Los sujetos con LRA presentaron una internación más prolongada, mayor requerimiento (63.5 vs. 29.7%; p < 0.001) y estadía más prolongada en unidad de cuidados intensivos, una asociación positiva con sobreinfección respi ratoria bacteriana, sepsis, síndrome de distrés respiratorio, requerimiento de ARM y mortalidad (mortalidad sin LRA 12.4% vs. con LRA 47.1%; estadio I = 26%, estadio II = 41% y estadio III = 88%; p < 0.001). LRA se asoció de manera independiente a mayor mortalidad (3.3 [1.6-6.9], p = 0.001). En conclusión, la incidencia de LRA en adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 fue del 19% y tuvo un claro impacto en la morbi-mortalidad. Los factores de riesgo independientes de LRA fueron: edad, ERC, NSI y ARM.

Resumen 18. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la distribución espacial de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en hatos lecheros, y detallar variables ambientales tomadas como referencia de los antecedentes físicos del área de estudio, específicamente aquellas relacionadas con los hatos positivos por MAP-qPCR, ubicados en seis municipios de la región norte de la Provincia de Antioquia (Colombia), de acuerdo con el muestreo ambiental y análisis por qPCR. Los hatos del estudio (n = 386) se ubicaron en 63 distritos diferentes de seis municipios. Los hatos participantes fueron visitados una vez entre junio y octubre (2016) para recolectar una muestra ambiental, y la identificación de MAP se logró utilizando un método de PCR cuantitativa dúplex en tiempo real. Las tendencias de lluvia, la temperatura de la superficie diurna y nocturna, y el índice de cobertura vegetal se tomaron como referencias ambientales del entorno físico del área de estudio. Además, se construye ron mapas de distribución de hatos positivos y negativos a MAP-qPCR, así como mapas de variaciones de temperatura y cobertura vegetal. Como resultado, hubo un aumento en los hatos positivos para MAP en el noroeste, sur y sudeste del área de estudio. Se encontró un régimen general de alta precipitación y las temperaturas superficiales diurnas y nocturnas mostraron variaciones importantes durante los meses de muestreo. No se encontró evidencia de manejo de la cubierta vegetal, tanto en pastizales como en áreas con vegetación nativa, excepto en un área de conservación. En conclusión, se reportan las condiciones ambientales generales, donde es más probable que ocurra la detección de hatos positivos para MAP, considerando enfoques que utilizan el mismo (o uno muy aproximado) método de recolección y manejo de muestras, así como el método de detección molecular.

Abstract 14. The present study aimed to describe the spatial distribution of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in dairy herds, and to detail environmental variables taken as reference of the physical background of the study area, specifically those related to MAP-qPCR positive herds located in six municipalities of the northern region of the Province of Antioquia (Colombia), based on environmental sampling and qPCR analysis. The study herds (n= 386) were located in 63 different districts from six municipalities. Participant herds were visited once between June and October (2016) to collect an environmental sample, and identification of MAP was achieved using a duplex quantitative real-time PCR method. Rainfall trends, day and nighttime surface temperature, and vegetation cover index were taken as en vironmental references of the physical background of the study area. In addition, distribution maps of MAP-qPCR positive and negative herds, as well as maps of temperature variations and vegetation cover, were constructed. As a result, there was an increase in MAP-positive herds in the North-West, South, and Southeast of the study area. An overall high rainfall regime was found and day- and nighttime surface temperatures showed important variations during sampling months. No evidence of management of the vegetation cover was found, in both pastures and areas with native vegetation, except for a conservancy area. In conclusion, the general environmental conditions, where the detection of MAP-positive herds is most likely to happen, were reported herein, considering approaches using the same (or a very approximate) sample collection and handling, and molecular detection method.

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Photoacoustic (PA) techniques are useful to identify the structure and optical properties of chemical compounds used in archaeology, among others. In the present study XPS and PA techniques were used to analyze seven samples obtained from the Talavera House, during the conservation and restoration works carried out in the 2012-2013 period. Talavera House is located between the República del Salvador, Talavera and Roldán streets, in the historic center of Mexico City. The objective of this study was to identify the chemical compounds added to the lime when burned in the furnace and its use in the tanneries during the 18th century, both elements located in the second yard, as well as in the construction of the corridor in the 20th century located in the first courtyard. The samples were collected at these points and analyzed by XPS and Photoacoustic (PA) techniques, comparing these results with other excavated sites.

Abstract Nowadays, there is wide variety of dressings because availability of biomaterials and bioactive components, thus a consensus is needed on their classification, to avoid in understanding their usefulness and their proper handling in clinical practice. Therefore, in this paper a bibliographic review is made using the SCOPUS, ScienceDirect and Web of science databases, with search equations which include the keywords of different types of wound dressings. With this information, we found that dressings can be classified according to their complexity, the nature of the polymeric material, its permeability, its biological interaction with the wound and its therapeutic action, in order to have a detailed definition with all the relevant characteristics to make a proper choice of a dressing. Additionally, a review about the healing process and the types of wounds is included, since this have an important influence on the therapeutic purposes and the correct selection of dressings.

Resumen En la actualidad existe un gran número de apósitos dada la amplia disponibilidad de biomateriales y principios bioactivos, por lo cual se hace necesario un consenso acerca de la clasificación de estos, para no generar confusiones a la hora de entender su utilidad y su idóneo manejo en el ambiente clínico. Por este motivo, en el presente artículo se hace una revisión bibliográfica utilizando las bases de datos SCOPUS, ScienceDirect y Web of Science, con ecuaciones de búsqueda que incluían las palabras clave de los diferentes tipos de apósitos. Con esta información se encuentra que los apósitos pueden ser clasificados de acuerdo con su complejidad, la naturaleza del material polimérico, su permeabilidad, su interacción biológica con la herida y su acción terapéutica, lográndose tener una definición detallada con todos las características relevantes para hacer una adecuada elección de un apósito. Adicionalmente, se incluye una revisión acerca del proceso de cicatrización y los tipos de heridas, dado que de esto dependen los fines terapéuticos y la selección de un apósito u otro.

ABSTRACT A mechanism to convert Fe(III) to Fe(II) by a reduction process could be a solution to the problem of selective separation of metals in extraction processes by using the ion-exchange process. The aim of this research was to reduce Fe(III) to Fe(II) present in leachate from nickel mining waste. Reducing agents used were sodium dithionite and sodium metabisulfite. The potential was decreased in order to quantify the minimum reducing agent that was necessary for conversion. Reaction time, pH, stirring speed and temperature were also studied. Results indicated dithionite was a better reducing agent than metabisulfite and complete conversion was possible by reducing the potential to 590mV at pH 0.5-2 and 240mV at pH 2.5. Stirring speed had no influence on the reduction process at 2 hours; however, conversion decreased after 24 hours, perhaps due to oxygen present in air. The analyses were conducted by ion chromatography and voltammetry.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is determinate the values of cutting speed, feed along and the machining strategy to get optimal values of roughness Ra for the machining of PEEK, polyetheretherketone, to get to get differentiation, proliferation and adhesion for mesenchymal for the development of individualized tailored prosthesis. According to literature to get those cellular process the superficial roughness must have a value Ra of 1 μm to 3 μm, also, if more anisotropic surface, more adhesion of cells. To determinate the recommended roughness Response Surface Methodology was used, the region of operability was: cutting speed 60 m/min to 90 m/min, feed along 900 mm/min to 1500 mm/min and a cutting strategy of Raster and Spiral. In this investigation the conclusion was that the cutting parameter to get the recommended roughness Ra for the elaboration of tailored prosthesis is feed along of 1500 mm/min and cutting speed of 90 m/min, machining with Raster strategy, for those parameters the roughness was of 2,7 μm.

RESUMEN El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar los valores de velocidad de corte, avance y trayectoria (estrategia de mecanizado) en el mecanizado del PEEK que permitan obtener una rugosidad (Ra) recomendada según la literatura para la adecuada diferenciación, proliferación y adhesión de células mesenquimales aplicables en implantes óseos[3,4,6,7,11]. De la revisión del estado del arte se determinó que dichos procesos celulares se obtienen cuando la rugosidad superficial Ra tiene un valor entre 1 μm a 3 μm[9,12], de igual forma, a mayor anisotropía superficial, mayor diferenciación celular se obtendrá[7,8]. Para determinar los parámetros de corte con los que se obtiene una rugosidad Ra óptima se realizó un diseño experimental de superficie de respuesta con rangos de exploración de: velocidad de corte: 60 m/min - 90 m/min y velocidad de avance: 900 mm/min - 1500 mm/min usados para ambas estrategias evaluadas: Raster y Espiral. La investigación concluyó que los parámetros de mecanizado con los cuales se obtiene una rugosidad recomendada Ra para la elaboración de implantes óseos son: velocidad de avance 1500 mm/min y velocidad de corte de 90 m/min mecanizando con una trayectoria (técnica de mecanizado) Raster, con la cual se obtiene una rugosidad Ra de 2,7 μm.

SUMMARY Isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) is the most common pituitary hormone deficiency and, clinically, patients have delayed bone age. High sequence similarity between CYP21A2 gene and CYP21A1P pseudogene poses difficulties for exome sequencing interpretation. A 7.5 year-old boy born to second-degree cousins presented with severe short stature (height SDS −3.7) and bone age of 6 years. Clonidine and combined pituitary stimulation tests revealed GH deficiency. Pituitary MRI was normal. The patient was successfully treated with rGH. Surprisingly, at 10.8 years, his bone age had advanced to 13 years, but physical exam, LH and testosterone levels remained prepubertal. An ACTH stimulation test disclosed a non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency explaining the bone age advancement and, therefore, treatment with cortisone acetate was added. The genetic diagnosis of a homozygous mutation in GHRHR (p.Leu144His), a homozygous CYP21A2 mutation (p.Val282Leu) and CYP21A1P pseudogene duplication was established by Sanger sequencing, MLPA and whole-exome sequencing. We report the unusual clinical presentation of a patient born to consanguineous parents with two recessive endocrine diseases: non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia modifying the classical GH deficiency phenotype. We used a method of paired read mapping aided by neighbouring mis-matches to overcome the challenges of exome-sequencing in the presence of a pseudogene.