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The complexity of the agroecosystem can also be assessed by the different land uses in the system and the surroundings, being a relevant way to assess the heterogeneity of the landscape and the effects on the community of interest, in this case, entomofauna. Thus, the objective of this work is to verify how the use of soil in the surroundings of Chilean lettuce horticultural systems, in the Coquimbo Region, alters the entomological community of the crop. Insect sampling was conducted (February 2021 to March 2022) using yellow pan traps. Two sites will be sampled on each of the seven studied lettuce crops. Land use and land cover classes were defined: Forests, water bodies, shrub vegetation, grasslands, barren lands, impermeable surfaces, and urban areas. After land use and land cover classification, buffers of 500 to 5,000 m were created around each data collection point. For data analysis, the percentages of land use of different classes were compared with the ecological attributes: Abundance of insects, abundance of insect pests, richness of entomological families and types of oral apparatus (licker-sucker, mandible, picker-sucker, and sucker). Land uses at different distances from horticultural systems affected the entomological community.

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The French grunt, Haemulon flavolineatum, is an abundant fish and a good model for studying parasite communities. Specimens were collected at 4 localities between the Campeche Bank (within the Gulf of Mexico) and the Mexican Caribbean Sea to describe and compare the differences and similarities between localities and regions in the communities of parasitic helminths. Thus, we calculated the Hill numbers associated with species richness (q = 0) and the dominance estimator (q = 2) using rarefaction and extrapolation curves to provide asymptotic estimators of diversity. A 2-way PERMANOVA was used to determine whether there was a significant difference in parasite assemblage structure between localities or regions. A total of 11 helminth taxa (species level) were recorded in 104 individuals of H. flavolineatum, consisting of 8 digenean trematodes species, 2 acanthocephalan species, and 1 nematode species. Our findings include new reports of 7 parasite taxa and new geographical records for some parasites in H. flavolineatum. The highest dissimilarities in parasite composition were observed between the most distant locations (Banco Chinchorro vs. Cayo Arcas) that were each located in different regions. Species richness was similar between regions, although the most dominant helminths were Postmonorchis orthopristis and Dollfustrema sp. in the Mexican Caribbean and Campeche Bank regions, respectively. Future studies should explore how patterns in parasite community structure are affected by currents running south to north by the Yucatan Current through the Yucatan Channel and easterly to Campeche Bank.

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In this work we have collected a set of 30 trypanosomicidal naphthoquinones and developed pharmacophoric and 3D-QSAR models as tools for the design of new potential anti-Chagasic compounds. Firstly, qualitative information was obtained from SAR and pharmacophoric models identifying some fragments around the 2-aryloxynaphthoquinone scaffold important for the antiparasitic activity. Then, 3D-QSAR CoMFA and CoMSIA models were developed. The models showed adequate statistical parameters where the steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic features explain the trypanosomicidal effect. Therefore, to validate our models, we carried out the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation on T. cruzi epimastigotes of five new compounds (33a-e). According to CoMFA model, three out of five compounds showed pIC50 values within one logarithmic unit of deviation. The two compounds that did not fit the predictions were those with high lipophilicity, which agreed with the SAR and pharmacophore models. Docking and molecular dynamic studies were performed on T. cruzi trypanothione reductase, in a proposed binding site for this type of naphthoquinone. Interestingly, 33a-e showed the same interaction pattern as a naphthoquinone inhibitor (2). Finally, predicted drug-likeness properties indicated that 33a-e have optimal oral bioavailability. Thus, this study provides new in silico models for obtaining novel trypanosomicidal compounds.

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OBJETIVO: Realizar una caracterización clínica y por imágenes a pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 y analizar si existen predictores de riesgo asociados con una mayor gravedad. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19, entre abril y julio de 2020. Se registraron datos demográficos, comorbilidades, exámenes de laboratorio, tipo de compromiso en tomografía computada (TC) de tórax, terapias recibidas y tipo de soporte respiratorio. En el análisis estadístico para identificar factores de riesgo se utilizó test χ2 de Pearson o test de Fisher para comparar variables categóricas y test de Mann-Whitney para comparar variables continuas. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 164 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 57 años (rango 21 a 89). 111 pacientes (68%) de género masculino y mediana de 7 días de síntomas previo al ingreso (rango 1 a 23). 68 pacientes (41%) tienen obesidad (significativamente mayor en pacientes < 60 años, p = 0,026), 56 (34%) hipertensión arterial (HTA) y 43 (26%) diabetes. El patrón predominante en la TC de ingreso fue de vidrio esmerilado (VE) con "crazy paving" (35%) y luego VE puro (28%). Como indicador de gravedad se tomó en cuenta el tipo de soporte ventilatorio requerido: 51 pacientes (31%) requieren soporte ventilatorio no invasivo (cánula nasal de alto flujo o VMNI) y 19 (11%) ventilación invasiva (VMI). Las variables predictoras de gravedad, estadísticamente significativas, fueron: HTA (p = 0,001), Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0,001) y Obesidad. (p = 0,002). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID 19 con mayor riesgo de evolución tórpida, del punto de vista respiratorio, fueron los pacientes obesos, hipertensos y diabéticos.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a clinical and imaging characterization in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and to analyze whether there are risk predictors associated with greater severity of the condition. METHOD: Observational, retrospective study. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were included between April and July 2020. Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory tests, tomographic pattern in thorax tomography (TC), therapies received, and type of respiratory support were recorded. In the statistical analysis to identify risk factors, we used Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's test to compare categorical variables and Mann-Whitney test to compare continuous variables. RESULTS: 164 patients were analyzed. Median age was 57 years (21 to 89). 111 patients (68%) were male and a median of 7 days of symptoms prior to admission (1 to 23). 68 patients (41%) have obesity (significantly higher in patients < 60 years, p = 0.026), 56 (34%) arterial hypertension (HT) and 43 (26%) with diabetes mellitus. The predominant pattern in the admission CT scan was ground glass opacity (GGO) with "crazy paving" (35%) and then pure GGO (28%). Type of ventilatory support required was considered as an indicator of severity. 51 patients (31%) require non-invasive ventilatory support (high-flow nasal cannula or NIMV) and 19 (11%) invasive ventilation (IMV). The statistically significant predictor variables of severity were HT (p = 0.001), Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0.001) and Obesity. (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients hospitalized for COVID 19 with the highest risk of respiratory torpid evolution were obese, hypertensive and diabetic patients

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In Latin-America, with 603 million inhabitants, the average prevalence of asthma is estimated at 17%, but with wide fluctuations, ranging from 5% in some cities (Mexico) to 30% in Costa Rica. The risk of severe exacerbations seems to be higher in Latin America compared with other regions. A majority of patients uses daily quick-relief medication, with the belief that it is the most important treatment because of its rapid onset of action; without treating the underlying inflammation. Overuse of short-acting beta2 agonists (SABAs) is associated with increased risk of asthma deaths in a dose-response manner. Beta2 agonists increase the severity of asthma through enhanced bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reduced lung function. Also, it has been shown that overreliance on SABA delays recognition of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack. We believe that overreliance on SABA in asthma is also an important public health issue. The fact that SABA use in GINA is not supported by a randomized trial but by an anonymous paper; makes us guess that we use SABA just because we are used to do so. In 2019 GINA strategy introduces one of the most important changes in the management of Asthma in the past 30 years, highlighting anti-inflammatory reliever therapy. A combination of low dose ICS/fast action bronchodilator will not only treat symptoms, but more importantly the underlying inflammation, protecting patients from preventable asthma attacks. After 50 years of a SABA centric approach in asthma management, it is time to leave behind a treatment based just on the bronchodilation and tackle the inflammation.

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BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) have been increasingly performed in recent years. Most of the available evidence, however, comes from specialized centers in Asia, Europe and USA. Data from South America are limited and based on single-center experiences. To date, no multicenter studies evaluated the results of LLR in South America. The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience and results with LLR in South American centers. METHODS: From February to November 2019, a survey about LLR was conducted in 61 hepatobiliary centers in South America, composed by 20 questions concerning demographic characteristics, surgical data, and perioperative results. RESULTS: Fifty-one (83.6%) centers from seven different countries answered the survey. A total of 2887 LLR were performed, as follows: Argentina (928), Brazil (1326), Chile (322), Colombia (210), Paraguay (9), Peru (75), and Uruguay (8). The first program began in 1997; however, the majority (60.7%) started after 2010. The percentage of LLR over open resections was 28.4% (4.4-84%). Of the total, 76.5% were minor hepatectomies and 23.5% major, including 266 right hepatectomies and 343 left hepatectomies. The conversion rate was 9.7%, overall morbidity 13%, and mortality 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study assessing the dissemination and results of LLR in South America. It showed an increasing number of centers performing LLR with the promising perioperative results, aligned with other worldwide excellence centers.

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Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children. Voriconazole is the first-line antifungal choice in the treatment of IFIs like aspergillosis. Voriconazole pharmacokinetics vary widely among patients and voriconazole is metabolized mainly in the liver by the CYP2C19 enzyme, which is highly polymorphic. The CYP2C19*17 allele is characterized by the presence of four single nucleotide polymorphisms expressing an ultra-rapid enzyme phenotype with an accelerated voriconazole metabolism, is associated with low (sub-therapeutic) plasma levels in patients treated with the standard dose. Considering that in our center a high percentage of children have sub-therapeutic levels of voriconazole when treated with standard doses, we sought to determine the frequency of the CYP2C19*17 polymorphism (rs12248560) in a Chilean population and determine the association between voriconazole concentrations and the rs12248560 variant in immunocompromised children. First, we evaluated the frequency of the rs12248560 variant in a group of 232 healthy Chilean children, and we found that 180 children (77.6%) were non-carriers of the rs12248560 variant, 49 children (21.1%) were heterozygous carriers for rs12248560 variant and only 3 children (1.3%) were homozygous carriers for rs12248560 variant, obtaining an allelic frequency of 12% for variant in a Chilean population. To determine the association between voriconazole concentrations and the rs12248560 variant, we analyzed voriconazole plasma concentrations in a second group of 33 children treated with voriconazole. In these patients, carriers of the rs12248560 variant presented significantly lower voriconazole plasma concentrations than non-carriers (p = 0,011). In this study, we show the presence of the rs12248560 variant in a Chilean population and its accelerating effect on the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole in pediatric patients. From these data, it would be advisable to consider the variant of the patient prior to calculating the dosage of voriconazole.

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INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS) es más prevalente en hombres, los estudios poblacionales muestran una relación de 2:1, sin embargo, en los estudios clínicos la frecuencia llega a ser de hasta de 6:1. Estas diferencias en el ambiente clínico puede ser consecuencia de variaciones en el reporte de síntomas en hombres comparados con mujeres. OBJETIVO: Evaluar las diferencias de género en la presentación clínica de apnea obstructiva de sueño. Pacientes: Estudio transversal de pacientes sometidos a una poligrafía respiratoria (PR) con sospecha clínica de SAHOS. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, antropométricos, comorbilidades y las variables de la PR. Se realizó estudio t de student, Mann-Whitney y chi-cuadrado según correspondiera. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 1.044 pacientes: edad promedio 53,2 ± 14 años, 76% hombres. Las mujeres con SAHOS poseen mayor IMC (32,2 ± 6,1 vs 30,8 ± 5,0; p=0,002) y edad (61,4 ± 12,2 vs 52,6 ± 13,9; p < 0,001), pero menor circunferencia de cuello (CC) (38,1 ± 3,6 vs 43,2 ± 3,3; p < 0,001), además, presentan menor IA/H y menor duración de las apneas. No hubo diferencias en los síntomas clásicos de apneas presenciada y somnolencia diurna, sin embargo, describen más frecuentemente insomnio, cefalea matinal, depresión y uso de fármacos hipnóticos. CONCLUSIONES: Las mujeres al momento del diagnóstico son de mayor edad y más obesas, aunque presentan una CC menor, presentan una enfermedad más leve, pero refieren más fatiga, cansancio, cefalea e insomnio. Debemos estar alerta en la presentación clínica diferente de las mujeres para mejorar la sospecha diagnóstica.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more prevalent in men, population studies show a ratio of 2:1, however in clinical studies the frequency is as high as 6:1. These differences in the clinical setting may be a consequence of variations in the reporting of symptoms in men compared to women. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gender differences between women and men with recent diagnosis of OSA. Patients: A cross-sectional, study of patients undergoing home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) with clinical suspicion of OSA. Demographic, anthropometric, comorbidities and HSAT variables were collected. We performed t student analysis, Mann-Whitney test or chi square test as appropriate. RESULTS: 1,044 patients were included: mean age 53.2 ± 14 years, 76% men. Women with OSA have a higher BMI (32.2 ± 6.1 vs 30.8 ± 5.0, p = 0.002), were older (61.4 ± 12.2 vs 52.6 ± 13.9, p <0.001), but have a lower neck circumference (NC) (38.1 ± 3.6 vs. 43.2 ± 3.3, p <0.001). The women presented lower AHI and shorter duration of apneas. Although the classic symptoms of apnea and daytime sleepiness showed no differences, women reported more frequently insomnia, morning headache, depression and use of hypnotic drugs. CONCLUSIONS:: Clinical differences between gender are present at time of diagnosis. Woman are older and more obese, although they have a lower NC. They have a milder disease, but they refer to be more tired, headache, insomnia and depression. We must be alert in the different clinical presentation of women to improve the diagnostic suspicion.

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Resumen El síndrome de apnea hipoapnea del sueño (SAHS), está asociado fuertemente a la obesidad. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar las variaciones en el índice de masa corporal (IMC) en pacientes portadores de SAHS luego de un año de tratamiento con CPAP. Resultados: 104 pacientes varones fueron incluidos en este estudio, las variables analizadas fueron: índice de apnea-hipopnea (IAH), índice de masa corporal (IMC) y cuestionario de somnolencia diurna Epworth. Respecto a los datos obtenidos de IMC, se encontró tras un año de tratamiento con CPAP un descenso significativo de esta variable (p < 0,001). En la escala de somnolencia también se obtuvo un descenso significativo. Discusión: La evidencia ha sugerido regularmente que a mayor peso corporal existirían también niveles más elevados de IAH, las mejoras en el IMC referidas en este estudio, resaltan la importancia del correcto tratamiento no solo en el control de los eventos respiratorios, sino que en la disminución del peso corporal.

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) it is highly related to obesity. The main purpose of this study is to determine the variation between Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) and Body Mass Index (BMI) on sleep apnea patients after a year of CPAP treatment on the Linde Sleep Center. Results: 104 male patients were included in this study, the variables analyzed were; AHI, BMI, Epworth daytime somnolence. As for the data obtained from BMI, after one year of treatment with CPAP, the BMI showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001). In the daytime sleepiness scale, a significant decrease was also found between pre and post treatment values. Discussion: Evidence has consistently suggested that higher body weight would also have higher levels of AHI, and the improvements in BMI referred to in this study emphasize the importance of proper treatment not only in control of respiratory events, but in the reduction of body weight.

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The red octopus Octopus maya Voss et Solís-Ramírez, 1966 is an endemic species and one of the most important fishery resources of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Due to its economic importance and the fact that in recent years interest in farming this species has increased, several initiatives have been implemented to study its biology and requirements for cultivation. Parasites represent an important component of the biology of the red octopus, as they can have an impact on both wild and cultivated populations. A total of 44 O. maya specimens were sampled from the fishing ports of Ría Lagartos and Dzilam de Bravo, Yucatán; specimens were measured and subsequently subjected to histological analysis of the buccal masses where cestode larvae (Prochristianella sp.) were found in the anterior salivary glands. Results of a chi-squared test showed that specimen size class and infestation levels (parasite abundance) were significantly correlated, with parasite damage levels more pronounced in larger animals. The damage caused to the anterior salivary glands by this parasite could have serious implications for feeding and reproductive success of O. maya.

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