Simultaneous Identification of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen and Its Adulterants by Multiplex Allele-specific PCR / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo optimize and establish a multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR） system to simultaneously identify Ziziphi Spinosae Semen （ZSS），Hovenia acerba semen （HAS），and Ziziphi Mauritianae Semen （ZMS）， etermine their content to solve the problem of adulteration of ZSS pieces and its preparations. MethodAfter the analysis and comparison of the internal transcribed spacer （ITS） sequence differences of ZSS and its adulterants，specific single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） sites were found，and specific primers for identification were designed. The samples of ZSS，HAS， and ZMS from different sources were specifically amplified under the conditions of optimized annealing temperature，the number of cycles， and concentration of primers，as well as different polymerases and PCR systems after evaluation. Identification was carried out according to the size of specific amplification bands，and the lower limit of detection （LOD） and adulteration LOD were studied. ResultWhen the annealing temperature was 63 ℃ and the number of cycles was 23，549，169，389 bp specific bands were amplified from ZSS，HAS， and ZMS. The lower LOD of this method was 0.24 ng and 1.2 ng for ZSS and HAS， respectively. The adulteration LOD for ZSS，HAS， and ZMS was 0.5%，2%， and 2% respectively. ConclusionThe established multiplex allele-specific PCR identification method can accurately identify ZSS，HAS， and ZMS at the same time，which can provide a basis for solving the problem of adulteration of ZSS and references for controlling the quality，security， and clinical application of ZSS.

Research progress on the application of deep learning in cephalometric analysis / 口腔疾病防治

@#In orthodontic and orthognathic practice, cephalometric analysis is an integral tool throughout the clinical process. However, as landmark identification is still unautomated, both the conventional and semiautomated approaches are open to considerable subjectivity and could be time-consuming for inexperienced clinicians. Deep learning (DL), a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) technique, is highly effective in image recognition. In recent years, many studies have focused on the application of DL in cephalometric analysis, including automated landmark detection, automated diagnosis, cervical vertebral maturation stage determination, adenoid hypertrophy analysis and upper airway identification. Studies show that DL can effectively improve the efficiency of cephalometric analysis. In most studies, the accuracy of DL can reach more than 80%, and its difference from the gold standard is clinically acceptable, demonstrating good potential for future applications. However, most studies are limited to landmark detection, and the broadness and richness of the training dataset are limited. Future studies should broaden the research scope, improve the algorithm, elevate the richness of the datasets, and combine DL with other AI algorithms to improve its accuracy, stability and generalizability.

Dificultades en la identificación de cadáveres y restos óseos por Odontología Forense en Costa Rica: Análisis de 165 autopsias / Difficulties in the identification of corpses and skeletal remains by Forensic Odontology in Costa Rica: Analysis of 165 autopsies

Resumen Introducción: En Costa Rica la elaboración del expediente odontológico o ficha clínica no se realiza de manera habitual en todos los pacientes como ocurre en muchos países donde es exigido por ley. La realización del expediente únicamente está normada en el Código de Ética del Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas de Costa Rica, es decir que no realizarlo se considera una falta ético-disciplinaria con pocas repercusiones para la persona profesional; sin embargo, tiene consecuencias graves en los esfuerzos para identificar a un ser humano. Este estudio tiene como propósito describir el impacto de la ausencia o la mala calidad de datos odontológicos antemortem en los casos de identificación realizados por la Unidad de Odontología Forense del Departamento de Medicina Legal en un período de casi ocho años (2015-2022). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión detallada en la base de datos del Sistema de Medicina Legal (SIMEL) del Departamento de Medicina Legal del Organismo de Investigación Judicial de la totalidad de solicitudes de interconsulta de la Sección de Patología Forense desde enero de 2015 hasta agosto de 2022. La información recopilada fue tabulada en Excel e incluyó tanto los resultados del análisis pericial como las características de la información antemortem disponible. Resultados: El análisis de los datos permitió determinar que en un período de casi 8 años se realizaron 165 valoraciones con fines de identificación, de las cuales se identificaron positivamente 51 individuos, 9 casos presentaron información insuficiente y 105 no contaban con expediente odontológico. Conclusiones: el expediente odontológico completo es indispensable para lograr una identificación positiva, un expediente incompleto o inexistente anula la posibilidad de identificar a un ser humano. La necesidad de contar con legislación que convierta la realización y preservación de los expedientes odontológicos de forma obligatoria con fines de identificación es necesaria en Costa Rica.

Abstract Introduction: In Costa Rica the elaboration of dental records or clinical files is not performed routinely in all patients as it is required by law in many countries. The completion of the dental record is only regulated by the Code of Ethics of the Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas de Costa Rica (Board of Dental Surgeons of Costa Rica), which means that failure to do so is considered an ethical-disciplinary offense with few consequences for the professional; however, it has serious consequences in the efforts to identify a person. This study aims to describe the impact of the absence or poor quality of antemortem data in identification cases performed by the Forensic Odontology Unit of the Department of Legal Medicine over a period of almost eight years (2015-2022). Materials and Methods: A detailed review was performed in the database of the Forensic Medicine System (SIMEL) of the Legal Medicine Department of the Judicial Investigation Organism of the totality of interconsultation requests of the Forensic Pathology Section from January 2015 to August 2022. The information collected was tabulated in Excel and included both the results of the expert analysis and the characteristics of the available antemortem information. Results: The analysis of the data made it possible to determine that in a period of almost 8 years 165 assessments were carried out for identification purposes, of which 51 individuals were identified, 9 cases presented insufficient information and 105 had no dental files. Conclusions: A complete dental record is indispensable for a positive identification; an incomplete or non-existent record nullifies the possibility of identifying a human being.

O Guia Alimentar para População Brasileira (GAPB): uma análise à luz da teoria social / The Food Guide for The Brazilian Population: an analysis in the light of social theory

Resumo O Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira (GAPB) é um documento oficial que aborda princípios e recomendações de uma alimentação adequada e saudável e se configura como um instrumento de apoio às ações de educação alimentar e nutricional (EAN). O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o conteúdo do guia, que é um dos principais instrumentos das políticas públicas relacionadas à alimentação no Brasil, à luz de conceitos da teoria social, em especial teorias da modernidade, da identidade e dos riscos. Na análise minuciosa do conteúdo do guia, foi constatado que o texto considerou a diversidade alimentar cultural e biológica das regiões brasileiras. Teve base de referência os alimentos e não os nutrientes, tornando a compreensão das recomendações ilustrativas fáceis de serem assimiladas pelo público. Preocupou-se em evitar os riscos alimentares, levando em consideração a questão da aquisição de alimentos adequados e saudáveis. Entretanto, identificou-se dois riscos não abordados: o problema dos alimentos processados e ultraprocessados (UP); e a omissão de alerta referente aos alimentos transgênicos (OGMs). Embora construído de forma inovadora, estimulando tempo, atenção e companhia à mesa, o GAPB necessita uma revisão.

Abstract The Food Guide for the Brazilian Population (GAPB) is an official document that addresses principles and recommendations for an adequate and healthy diet, and it is configured as a support tool for food and nutrition education actions. This article aims to analyze the guide content, which is one of the main instruments of public policies related to food in Brazil, in the light of the concepts of social theory, especially theories of modernity, identity, and risks. In the detailed analysis of the guide content, we found that the document considered the cultural and biological food diversity of Brazilian regions. It is based on food not on nutrients, making illustrative recommendations easy to public understanding. It avoided food risks, considering the issue of acquiring adequate and healthy food. However, two risks were not addressed: the problem of processed and ultra-processed foods (PU); and the omission of warnings regarding transgenic foods (GMOs). Although the guide has been designed in an innovative way, stimulating time, attention, and companionship at the table, the GAPB needs revision.

Protocolo para la certificación por conformidad genética de clones en jardines de propagación de caucho (Hevea brasiliensis) / Protocol for the certification by genetic conformity of clones in rubber propagation gardens (Hevea brasiliensis)

RESUMEN A partir de visualización por electroforesis capilar de 9 regiones micro-satélites amplificadas con cebadores fluoromarcados se determinó el polimorfismo de los marcadores Hmct5, 102, HV 30, 548, HV 15, 416, m574, 103 y 358 identificados en el ADN de muestras de tejido foliar de 12 clones de caucho (Hevea brasiliensis) conservados en jardines clonales de AGROSAVIA en Colombia y 25 clones en jardines clonales de origen en Brasil. Con base en los resultados del análisis se consolidó una base de datos que permite corroborar la identidad por conformidad de clones de caucho a partir de muestras foliares. El protocolo establecido consiste en una aproximación metodológica para la amplificación de dichas regiones micro-satélites por PCR punto final y la visualización de los fragmentos obtenidos de este procedimiento por electroforesis capilar multiplexada, reduciendo costos y optimizando el tiempo en laboratorio. Adicionalmente se encontraron discrepancias entre el perfil electroforético obtenido del clon FX 3864 muestreado en Colombia con el obtenido en Brasil. Se propone considerar la necesidad de corroborar la identidad de los clones reproducidos en jardines clonales para su comercialización en Colombia, utilizando metodologías sensibles y reproducibles, como la estandarizada en este estudio.

ABSTRACT The polymorphism of 9 regions identified in the DNA of leaf tissue sampled from 12 rubber clones conserved in clonal gardens of AGROSAVIA in Colombia and 25 clones in clonal gardens of origin in Brazil was visualized by capillary electrophoresis after amplification with the fluorolabeled primer microsatellite markers Hmct5, 102, HV 30, 548, HV 15, 416, m574, 103 and 358. Upon the results analysis, a database was consolidated that allows to corroborate the genetical identity by conformity with 37 rubber clones from leaf samples. The established protocol is a methodological approach using end-point PCR towards the amplification by multiplexed capillary electrophoresis of micro-satellite regions and their visualization, reducing costs and optimizing time in the laboratory. Additionally, discrepancies were found between the electrophoretic profile obtained from clone FX 3864 sampled in Colombia with that obtained in Brazil. It is proposed to consider the need to corroborate the identity of the clones reproduced in clonal gardens for their commercialization in Colombia, using sensitive and reproducible methodologies, such as the one standardized in this study.

House dust mite fauna characterization in the city of Rio de Janeiro and its importance in allergy diagnosis / Caracterização da fauna dos ácaros de poeira na cidade do Rio de Janeiro e sua importância em diagnósticos de alergias

Introduction: The home environment is one of the most favorable spaces for the development of mites because of its low light, humidity, and temperature. Thus, it contributes to the growing cases of allergies among atopic individuals. Objective: To investigate the faunal profile of house dust mites in the city of Rio de Janeiro and the allergenic potential in this region. Methods: Thirty dust samples were collected from homes in the city of Rio de Janeiro, and the species found were classified according to their morphology, family, and genus by classification key. For the collection region, the total protein level was assessed by the Lowry method and electrophoresis under denaturing conditions (SDSPAGE). Results: There was a predominance of Pyroglyphidae mites, accounting for 84.9% of samples; Tyrophagus putrescentiae accounted for 8%, Blomia tropicalis for 6%, Cheyletus malaccensis for 1%, and Acarus siro for 0.1%. The allergen protein content of the samples was the following: group 1 ­ 25 kDa (Der 1, Der p 1, and Blo t 1), group 2 ­ 15 kDa (Der f 2, Der 2, Tyr p 2, and Blo t 2), and group 3 ­ 29-30 kDa (Der f 3 and Blo t 3), which indicates that people in this region are susceptible to sensitization to these mites. Conclusion: Knowledge of the mite fauna in the region under study allows the guidance of health care professionals to perform skin tests for specific mites and conduct treatment according to the pool of mite extracts containing antigens, making immunotherapy more effective.

Introdução: O ambiente domiciliar é um dos espaços favoráveis para o desenvolvimento de ácaros, tendo em vista a baixa luminosidade, umidade e temperatura, o que contribui para os crescentes casos de alergias em indivíduos atópicos. Objetivo: Investigar o perfil faunístico dos ácaros na cidade do Rio de Janeiro e o potencial alergêncio para essa região. Métodos: Foram coletadas 30 amostras de poeira em residências na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, e as espécies encontradas foram classificadas quanto à morfologia, família e o gênero por chave de classificação. Para as regiões das coletas, a carga total de proteínas contendo os alérgenos foi determinada pelo método de Lowry e eletroforese em condições desnaturantes (SDS-PAGE). Resultados: Os resultados mostram a predominância de 84,9% de ácaros da família Pyroglyphidae; para os demais ácaros o percentual corresponde a 8% Tyrophagus putrescentiae, 6% Blomia tropicalis, 1% Cheyletus malaccensis, e 0,1% de Acarus siro. O conteúdo proteico alergêncio constituinte das amostras foram, grupo 1: 25 kDa (Der 1, Der p 1 e Blo t 1); grupo 2: 15 kDa (Der f 2, Der 2, Tyr p 2 e Blo t 2); e para o grupo 3: 29-30 kDa (Der f 3 e Blo t 3), o que indica uma região passível à sensibilização de indivíduos por estes ácaros. Conclusão: O conhecimento da acarofauna nas regiões em estudo permite orientar a comunidade médica quanto à realização de testes cutâneos, além da terapêutica a partir do pool de extratos de ácaros contendo os antígenos, a fim de tornar a imunoterapia mais eficaz.

Competencias específicas del especialista de medicina general integral para enfrentar la conducta violenta / Specific competences of the specialist in family and community medicine to confront violent behavior

Introducción: Las competencias específicas, igualmente llamadas técnicas o especializadas, tienen que ver con lo propio de determinadas ocupaciones. Designan aquellas relativas al campo disciplinario, de formación y de experiencia del participante. Son la base particular del ejercicio profesional y están vinculadas a condiciones específicas de ejecución. Objetivo: Determinar las competencias específicas del especialista de medicina general integral para enfrentar la conducta violenta. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y de corte transversal durante el primer semestre de 2020. Se desarrolló un trabajo de grupo con informantes clave que ofrecían atención especializada a las víctimas de situaciones violentas en el Centro Comunitario de Salud Mental del municipio Playa. Se aplicaron diferentes técnicas grupales, entre las que se destacaron: la tormenta y la escritura de ideas, las cuales, unidas a la experiencia y el conocimiento de cada participante, propiciaron el logro del objetivo propuesto. Resultados: Como principal aporte teórico se determinó un conjunto de competencias que permitieron al especialista de medicina general integral enfrentar las conductas violentas, orientadas esencialmente a la prevención y la detección temprana de esta compleja problemática de salud. Conclusiones: Resultó pertinente determinar un sistema de competencias, en términos de conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes, que permitieran al especialista de medicina general integral enfrentar el comportamiento violento, al considerar que la asistencia a las víctimas dependería de la capacidad de estos profesionales para reconocer, comprender y responder a situaciones violentas(AU)

Introduction: Specific competences, also called technical or specialized, have to do with what is specific to certain occupations. They refer to those related to the disciplinary, training and expertise area of the participant. They are the particular basis of professional practice and are linked to specific performance conditions. Objective: To determine the specific competences of the family and community medicine specialist to deal with violent behavior. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out during the first semester of 2020. A group work was developed with key informants who provided specialized care to victims of violent situations in the Community Center for Mental Health of Playa Municipality, Havana, Cuba. Different group techniques were applied, with a special interest in brainstorming and writing of ideas, which, together with the experience and knowledge of each participant, favored the achievement of the proposed objective. Results: As the main theoretical contribution, a set of competences was determined that allowed the specialist in family and community medicine to face violent behaviors, oriented essentially to the prevention and early identification of this complex health concern. Conclusions: It was pertinent to determine a system of competences, in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes, that would allow the specialist in family and community medicine to face violent behavior; upon considering that assistance to victims would depend on the professionals' ability to recognize, understand and respond to violent situations(AU)

Percepción de la utilidad de los registros dentales como método de identificación humana en profesiones de alto riesgo: el caso de las personas investigadoras del OIJ / Perception of the usefulness of dental records as a method of human identification in high-risk professions: the case of the OIJ investigators

Resumen Introducción: Las personas que laboran en investigación criminal se exponen a un alto riesgo de sufrir lesiones o fallecer durante operaciones contra el crimen organizado que pueden provocar condiciones que dificulten su identificación por métodos convencionales. La presente investigación fue realizada en las personas investigadoras del Organismo de Investigación Judicial para establecer la percepción de la utilidad de los registros dentales como método de identificación y elaborar un formato único de información odontológica antemortem. Materiales y métodos: Un cuestionario piloto fue diseñado y aplicado a 10 personas para ser calibrado y validado. Posteriormente se generó un cuestionario electrónico final en la plataforma Google Forms que fue enviado vía correo electrónico institucional a la totalidad de personas investigadoras constituida por 1200 individuos, de los cuales 807 respondieron en el período del 21 de junio al 20 de julio de 2021. Los resultados fueron analizados mediante las distribuciones de frecuencia, cruce de variables, comparación de medias con base en el análisis de variancia. El nivel mínimo de confianza para las comparaciones fue del 95%. Resultados: El cuestionario fue realizado por 807 personas, 79% hombres y 21% mujeres. La edad promedio fue de 37,8 años (IC95%: 37,3 - 38,48) sin que se encontrara diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p=0,419). El 80% labora en la Región Central del país, 78% indica que visitaron al odontólogo hace un año o menos y el 69% refiere que en algún momento les han tomado una radiografía panorámica, un 89% dice tener tratamientos dentales como coronas, puentes o implantes; y el 88% considera de gran utilidad los registros dentales como método de identificación, y lo ubican en tercer lugar de conocimiento (95,5%) al compararlo con ADN (99,6%) y dactiloscopia (98,7%). Conclusiones: Las personas investigadoras del Organismo de Investigación Judicial consideran que los registros odontológicos son útiles en la identificación de seres humanos y cuentan con información antemortem útil para dicho efecto.

Abstract Introduction: People who work in criminal investigations are exposed to a high risk of suffering injuries or dying during operations against organized crime that can cause conditions that make identification difficult by conventional methods. This research was carried out in the investigators of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (Judicial Investigation Agency) to establish the perception of the usefulness of dental records as a method of identification and to elaborate a unique format of dental information antemortem. Materials and methods: A pilot questionnaire was designed and applied to 10 people to be calibrated and validated. Subsequently, a final electronic questionnaire was generated on the Google Forms platform that was sent via institutional email to all the investigators consisting of 1200 individuals, of which 807 responded in the period of the June 21 to July 20, 2021. The results were analyzed by frequency distributions, crossing of variables, comparison of means based on the analysis of variance. The minimum confidence level for comparisons was 95%. Results: The questionnaire was conducted by 807 people, 79% men and 21% women. The mean age was 37.8 years (95% CI: 37.3 - 38.48) with no statistically significant difference (p=0.419), 80% work in the Central Region of the country, 78% indicate that they visited the dentist a year or less ago and 69% report that at some point they have taken a panoramic X-ray, 89% say they have dental treatments such as crowns, bridges or implants; and 88% consider dental records as a method of identification very useful, and place it in third place in knowledge (95.5%) when compared with DNA (99.6%) and dactyloscopy (98.7%). Conclusions: The investigators of the Judicial Investigation Agency consider that dental records are useful in the identification of human beings and have useful antemortem information for this purpose.

Evaluation of microsatellite allelic patterns to DNA fingerprinting in rubber tree clones

The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is native to the Amazon region, and it is widely exploited due to natural rubber produced from latex. There are many clonal varieties, without certification tests. In order to determine a genetic certification, 15 clones were genotyped to identify their genetic pattern. Ten microsatellites were used to determine a subset of alleles exclusive for each genetic profile. The genetic estimates obtained were: number of alleles per locus (N), expected (HE) and observed (HO) heterozygosity, Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) and Discriminatory Power (DP). The number of alleles (N) ranged from five to 14, with an average of 9.2. The HE mean (0.80) was higher than HO (0.60), indicating a selection for homozygotes. The locus informativeness was verified with PIC (0.77) and DP (0.90) means showing high polymorphism. The dendrogram represented the formation of three groups related to geographical origin. Clone MDF 180 presented the highest genetic divergence. Two genic pools represented the genetic composition of genotypes. Based on allelic profiles, a set of two microsatellites (A2365 and A2368) was able to distinguish all examined clones. The genetic certification using microsatellite fingerprinting proved to be an alternative to morphological traits.

Correlation between the anatomical morphology of palatal rugae and sex / Correlación entre la morfología anatómica de las rugas palatinas y el sexo

SUMMARY: To investigate the correlation between the anatomical morphology of palatal rugae and sex. The study sample consisted of 120 students studying from Shanxi Medical University, of which 60 were females and 60 were males. The digital model of the palatal rugae was obtained by the 3 Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner. And the shapes of palatal rugae were recorded. Association between palatal rugae shape and sex were tested using Chi-square analysis. And logistic regression analysis (LRA) was carried out to calculate the accuracy of gender prediction using rugae shapes. There was a statistically significant difference between males and females in terms of the distribution of wavy and circular palate rugae. The use of logistic regression analysis obtained a sex predictive value of 65 % when all the rugae shapes were analyzed. Digital images of the palatal rugae morphology contribute to more accurate and convenient for data collection and transformation. It was found that rugae patterns can moderately identify the sex of the specific population when multivariate statistics such as LRA is applied. The palatal rugae morphology can be utilized as an assistant measure for sex identification.

RESUMEN: Investigar la correlación entre la morfología anatómica de las rugas palatinas y el sexo. En la muestra de este estudio se incluyeron 120 estudiantes de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi, (60 mujeres y 60 hombres). El modelo digital de las rugas palatinas se obtuvo mediante escáner intraoral 3 Shape TRIOS, y se registraron las formas de las rugas palatinas. La asociación entre la forma de las rugas palatinas y el sexo se evaluó mediante un análisis de Chi-cuadrado; para calcular la precisión de la predicción de sexo se llevó a cabo un análisis de regresión logística (ARL) Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre hombres y mujeres en términos de la distribución de las rugas palatinas onduladas y circulares. El uso de análisis de regresión logística obtuvo un valor predictivo de sexo del 65 % cuando se analizaron todas las formas de las rugas. Las imágenes digitales de la morfología de las rugas palatinas contribuyen a una recopilación de datos más precisa. En este análisis se determinó que los patrones de rugas pueden identificar relativamente el sexo de una población específica, cuando se aplican estadísticas multivariadas como ARL. La morfología de las rugas palatinas se puede utilizar como medida de ayuda para la identificación de sexo.

Identificación directa de microorganismos a partir de hemocultivos positivos utilizando espectrometría de masas (MALDI-TOF MS) / Direct identification of microorganisms in positive blood culture bottles by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)

Resumen La espectrometría de masas (MALDI-TOF MS) permite la identificación de microorganismos directamente de las colonias en pocos minutos. En este estudio se ha desarrollado y evaluado un protocolo reducido para identificar microorganismos directamente de las botellas de hemocultivos positivos en 30 minutos con una alta sensibilidad y especificidad, utilizando MALDITOF. Un total de 2535 hemocultivos positivos fueron estudiados por el método directo de MALDI-TOF MS, a partir de una alícuota de sangre de las botellas y el método de colonia, utilizando los cultivos desarrollados en medios sólidos. Del total de hemocultivos positivos incluidos en este estudio, 2381 (93,9%) fueron monomicrobianos y 146 (5,8%) polimicrobianos. Mil trescientos treinta (55,9%) de los aislamientos correspondieron a cocos gram positivos, 922 (38,7%) a bacilos gram negativos, 60 (2,5%) a anaerobios, 36 (1,5%) a bacilos gram positivos y 13 a levaduras. La concordancia global entre ambos métodos fue del 81,7% a nivel de especie (90,0% para bacilos gram negativos, 76,7% para cocos gram positivos y 33,3% para bacilos gram positivos). Se identificó al menos un germen en el 88% de las botellas positivas con desarrollo polimicrobiano. Los resultados del presente estudio demostraron que el protocolo basado en MALDI-TOF MS permite la identificación microbiana directamente de hemocultivos positivos en un tiempo corto, con una alta precisión, con excepción de los bacilos gram positivos.

Abstract Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) enables the identification of microorganisms directly from colonies within minutes. In this study this technology was adapted and tested for use with blood culture bottles, thus allowing identification in 30 minutes once the blood culture is detected as positive by the automate. A total of 2535 blood culture bottles reported as positive were tested by MALDI-TOF MS directly from positive blood culture bottles and colonies. A total of 2381 (93.9%) and 146 (5.8%) of the positive blood cultures were monomicrobial and polymicrobial, respectively. And 1330 (55.9%), 922 (38.7%), 60 (2.5%), 36 (1.5%) and 13 of the isolates were gram-positive cocci (GPC), gram-negative bacilli (GNB), anaerobic bacteria, gram-positive bacilli (GPB) and yeast respectively. Concordance between both methods was 81.7% (76.7% of GPC, 90% of GNB, 74.2% of anaerobic bacteria and 33.3% of GPB) in monomicrobial cultures. Eighty eight per cent of the polymicrobial cultures were identified correctly in at least one of the two bacteria. The results of the present study show that this fast, MALDI-TOF MS based method allows microbial identification directly from positive blood culture in a short time, with a high accuracy, with the exception of gram-positive bacilli.

Resumo A espectrometria de massa (MALDI-TOF MS) permite a identificação de microorganismos diretamente das colônias em minutos. Nesse estudo, foi desenvolvido um protocolo reduzido para identificar microrganismos diretamente das garrafas de hemoculturas positivas em 30 minutos com alta sensibilidade e especificidade, utilizando MALDI-TOF. Um total de 2535 hemoculturas positivas foram relatadas -o método direto de MALDI-TOF MS, a partir de uma alíquota de sangue dos vidros e o método de colônia, a partir das culturas desenvolvidas em meios sólidos. Do total de hemoculturas positivas incluídas neste estudo, 2.381 (93,9%) eram monomicrobianas e 146 (5,8%) eram polimicrobianas. Mil trezentos e trinta (55,9%) dos isolados corresponderam a cocos gram-positivos, 922 (38,7%) bacilos gram-negativos, 60 (2,5%) anaeróbios, 36 (1,5%) bacilos gram-positivos e 13 leveduras. A concordância geral entre os dois métodos foi de 81,7% em nivel de especie (90,0% para bacilos gram-negativos, 76,7% para cocos gram-positivos e 33,3% para bacilos gram-positivos). Pelo menos um germe foi identificado em 88% dos vidros positivos com desenvolvimento polimicrobiano. Os resultados do presente estudo demonstraram que o protocolo baseado em MALDI-TOF MS permite a identificação microbiana diretamente de hemoculturas positivas em um curto espaço de tempo, com alta precisão, com exceção de bacilos gram-positivos.

Comparative Study of Morphology and Developmental Biology of Two Agriculturally Important Whitefly Species Bemisia tabaci (Asia II 5) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum from North-Western Himalayan Region of India

Abstract: Bemisia tabaci (Asia II 5) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum are the two devastating species of whiteflies infesting a wide range of vegetable crops in the North-Western Himalayan region. Therefore, the present investigation deals with a comparative study of the morphology and developmental biology of these two whitefly species. The total developmental period from egg to adult was 22.82 and 23.40 days for B. tabaci (Asia II 5) and T. vaporariorum, respectively, which did not differ significantly. The adult longevity, fecundity, and adult emergence in T. vaporariorum is quite higher than B. tabaci (Asia II 5) which were observed as 10.40 days, 118.00 eggs/female, 90.69 per cent and 6.80 days, 73.33 eggs/female, 86.59 per cent, respectively. Similarly, the egg hatching and the survival rate is higher in T. vaporariorum than in B. tabaci (Asia II 5) (95.11, 81.44 per cent and 91.68, 78.09 per cent). Morphological characters such as marginal setae, abdominal setae, vasiform orifice, lingula, and antennae, which were reliable characters for the identification of both whitefly species and diagnostics of the two whiteflies, were explicated in a comparative discussion.

Taxonomy of the Neotropical species of Calythea (Anthomyiidae: Diptera), with description of two new species from South America

ABSTRACT Calythea Schnabl & Dziedzicki has 15 known species distributed worldwide, including three species in the neotropics. The species of Calythea can be easily identified by having bright silvery grey-dusting on the thorax and abdomen, forming a contrasting pattern with the dark body. Herein, we describe two new species from the Neotropical region and present new records of the genus for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. We also redescribe Calythea comis (Stein). In addition, we present an identification key for the Neotropical species and drawings of the terminalia and habitus images of the new species, C. comis, C. crenata (Bigot) and C. micropteryx (Thomson).

Genome-wide analysis of metallothionein gene family in maize to reveal its role in development and stress resistance to heavy metal

Abstract Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is a widely cultivated cereal and has been used as an optimum heavy metal phytoremediation crop. Metallothionein (MT) proteins are small, cysteine-rich, proteins that play important roles in plant growth and development, and the regulation of stress response to heavy metals. However, the MT genes for maize have not been fully analyzed so far. Methods: The putative ZmMT genes were identified by HMMER. The heat map of ZmMT genes spatial expression analysis was generated by using R with the log2 (FPKM + 1). The expression profiles of ZmMT genes under three kinds of heavy metal stresses were quantified by using qRT-PCR. The metallothionein proteins was aligned using MAFFT and phylogenetic analysis were constructed by ClustalX 2.1. The protein theoretical molecular weight and pI, subcellular localization, TFs binding sites, were predicted using ProtParam, PSORT, PlantTFDB, respectively. Results: A total of 9 ZmMT genes were identified in the whole genome of maize. The results showed that eight of the nine ZmMT proteins contained one highly conserved metallothio_2 domain, while ZmMT4 contained a Metallothio_PEC domain. All the ZmMT proteins could be classified into three major groups and located on five chromosomes. The ZmMT promoters contain a large number of hormone regulatory elements and hormone-related transcription factor binding sites. The ZmMT genes exhibited spatiotemporal specific expression patterns in 23 tissues of maize development stages and showed the different expression patterns in response to Cu, Cd, and Pb heavy metal stresses. Conclusions: We identified the 9 ZmMT genes, and explored their conserved motif, tissue expression patterns, evolutionary relationship. The expression profiles of ZmMT genes under three kinds of heavy metal stresses (Cu, Cd, Pb) were analyzed. In summary, the expression of ZmMTs have poteintial to be regulated by hormones. The specific expression of ZmMTs in different tissues of maize and the response to different heavy metal stresses are revealed that the role of MT in plant growth and development, and stress resistance to heavy metals.

Identification and characterization of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients in eastern china from 2009 to 2019 using an identification array system

Abstract Objective Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species are increasingly being isolated and have become a key factor affecting public health by causing pulmonary diseases. Most NTM species do not respond to conventional tuberculosis (TB) drugs. This study aimed to identify NTM isolated from suspected pulmonary TB patients from the Zhejiang province and analyze their distribution in the region. Methods A total of 1,113 NTM isolates from patients suspected to be suffering from acid-fast bacilli-positive tuberculosis were identified at the species level, using the CapitalBio Mycobacterium identification array and polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of 16S-23S gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 16S rRNA, and hsp65. Results Of the 23,138 isolates, we identified 1,102 NTM (4.8%), mainly including Mycobacterium intracellulare (54.81%, 604/1,102), M. chelonae-M. abscessus (16.52%, 182/1,102), M. avium (13.16%, 145/1,102), M. kansasii (8.17%, 90/1,102), and M. gordonae (3.27%, 36/1,102). Conclusion The distribution of NTM species observed in patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis provides guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of NTM pulmonary diseases.

Implantes dentales para la identificación forense en incineraciones: Recomendaciones a partir de una revisión con búsqueda sistemática

Resumen La odontología forense (OF) es reconocida como uno de los métodos primarios para identificación forense. Aunque los dientes son estructuras resistentes a altas temperaturas, condiciones particulares pueden fragilizarlos considerablemente. Los implantes dentales (IDs), de gran empleo en la rehabilitación bucodental actual, son fabricados en materiales aloplásticos con base en titanio, de alta resistencia térmica. Se presenta una revisión con búsqueda sistemática para establecer el potencial uso de IDs en identificación forense. Se identificaron 10 artículos con una importante presencia de investigadores australianos y modelos de identificación apoyados no solo en el cotejo de imágenes, sino también en el uso de software específico o incluso en la implementación de números de serie asegurando su trazabilidad. Si bien la identificación mediante IDs se ha propuesto como una alternativa promisoria, las realidades locales y la relación con las empresas fabricantes han condicionado de manera heterogénea estas posibilidades en OF.

Resumo Odontologia forense (OF) é reconhecida como um dos principais métodos de identificação forense. Embora os dentes sejam estruturas resistentes a altas temperaturas, condições particulares podem torná-los muito frágeis. Os implantes dentários (IDs), amplamente utilizados na atual reabilitação oral, são fabricados em materiais aloplásticos à base de titânio, com alta resistência térmica. Uma revisão de pesquisa sistemática é apresentada para estabelecer o uso potencial de IDs na identificação forense. Foram identificados 10 trabalhos com presença significativa de pesquisadores australianos e modelos de identificação apoiados não só na comparação de imagens, mas também na utilização de softwares específicos ou mesmo na implementação de números de série garantindo sua rastreabilidade. Embora a identificação por meio de IDs tenha sido proposta como uma alternativa promissora, as realidades locais e o relacionamento com as empresas manufatureiras têm condicionado de forma heterogênea essas possibilidades na OF.

Abstract Forensic odontology (FO) is recognized as one of the primary methods for forensic identification. Although teeth are resistant to high temperatures, particular conditions can make them very fragile. Dental implants (DIs), widely used in current oral rehabilitation, are manufactured with alloplastic materials based on titanium and with high thermal resistance. A scoping review is presented to establish the potential use of DIs in forensic identification. We identified ten articles with a significant presence of Australian researchers and identification models supported by image comparison, the use of specific software, and even the implementation of serial numbers that ensure traceability. Identification through DIs has been proposed as a promising alternative. However, local realities and the relationship with manufacturing companies have conditioned these possibilities in FO in several ways.

Effectiveness of implementing an improvement cycle in the identification of critically ill patients / Efectividad de la implantación de un ciclo de mejoría en la identificación del paciente crítico / Efetividade da implantação de um ciclo de melhoria na identificação do paciente crítico

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a quality improvement cycle in the process for identifying critically ill patients in an intensive care center. Methods: The implementation of an observational and interventional improvement cycle, using a before-and-after quasi-experimental design, with a quantitative approach, in an intensive care center. Seven criteria were developed to evaluate the quality of the identification process. The results of the intervention were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The quality of the identification process showed significant improvement in the values referring to compliance with the conformities in the criteria evaluated. Statistical significance was observed in the evaluations of criteria C1, C2, C3, C4, and C6, with increased compliance values after the intervention. Final considerations: The efficacy of the improvement cycle in the quality of the patient identification process was evidenced. It was possible to involve and encourage the participation of the care team and improve organizational processes.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar efectividad de implantación de un ciclo de mejoría de calidad en el proceso de identificación del paciente crítico en un centro de cuidados intensivos. Métodos: Implementación de ciclo de mejoría, observacional e intervención, utilizando diseño cuasi-experimental, antes y después, con abordaje cuantitativo, en un centro de cuidados intensivos. Elaborados siete criterios para evaluación de calidad del proceso de identificación. Los resultados de la intervención fueron sometidos al análisis estadístico. Resultados: La calidad del proceso de identificación presentó mejoría significativa en los valores referentes al cumplimiento de las conformidades en los criterios evaluados. Observada significación estadística en las evaluaciones de los criterios C1, C2, C3, C4 y C6, con aumento en los valores de cumplimiento posintervención. Consideraciones finales: Evidenciado la eficacia del ciclo de mejoría en la calidad del proceso de identificación del paciente. Fue posible involucrar y estimular la participación del equipo asistencial y mejorar los procesos organizacionales.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade da implantação de um ciclo de melhoria da qualidade no processo de identificação do paciente crítico em um centro de cuidados intensivos. Métodos: Trata-se da implementação de ciclo de melhoria, observacional e de intervenção, utilizando desenho quase experimental, antes e depois, com abordagem quantitativa, em um centro de cuidados intensivos. Foram elaborados sete critérios para avaliação da qualidade do processo de identificação. Os resultados da intervenção foram submetidos à análise estatística. Resultados: A qualidade do processo de identificação apresentou melhoria significativa nos valores referentes ao cumprimento das conformidades nos critérios avaliados. Foi observada significância estatística nas avaliações dos critérios C1, C2, C3, C4 e C6, com aumento nos valores de cumprimento após a intervenção. Considerações finais: Evidenciou-se a eficácia do ciclo de melhoria na qualidade do processo de identificação do paciente. Foi possível envolver e estimular a participação da equipe assistencial e melhorar os processos organizacionais.

Ama teu próximo como a ti mesmo: intolerância religiosa sob uma perspectiva psicanalítica / Love thy neighbor as thyself: religious intolerance from a psychoanalytic perspective / Aime ton prochain comme toi-même : l'intolérance religieuse dans une perspective psychanalytique / Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo: intolerancia religiosa desde una perspectiva psicoanalítica

Resumo Este trabalho aborda a problemática da intolerância religiosa sob a concepção de sujeito da psicanálise. Buscaremos investigar, com o sistema conceitual psicanalítico, como o fenômeno da intolerância se articula com a construção de identidade do sujeito. Para tal, faremos uma breve revisão da ideia de narcisismo, das considerações freudianas sobre o envolvimento religioso e das contribuições lacanianas à discussão acerca da religião. Pretendemos demonstrar como as elaborações teóricas se materializam ao longo da história, assim como suas ressonâncias no contemporâneo. Nesse sentido, apontaremos a relação entre a identificação religiosa e a possibilidade de um posicionamento político.

Abstract Based on psychoanalysis' concept of subject, this paper investigates the articulations between religious intolerance and the construction of the subject's identity. For this purpose, the article reviews the idea of narcissism, Freud's considerations on religious involvement and Lacan's contributions to the discussion of religion, demonstrating how theoretical elaborations materialize throughout history and their resonances in the contemporary. In this regard, the text highlights the articulation between religious identification and political position.

Résumé Basé sur le concept de sujet de la psychanalyse, cet article étudie les articulations entre l'intolérance religieuse et la construction de l'identité du sujet. À cette fin, l'article passe en revue l'idée de narcissisme, les considérations de Freud sur l'engagement religieux et les contributions de Lacan à la discussion sur la religion, tout en montrant comment les élaborations théoriques se matérialisent à travers l'histoire et leurs résonances dans le contemporain. A cet égard, le text souligne l'articulation entre identification religieuse et position politique.

Resumen Este trabajo aborda el tema de la intolerancia religiosa bajo el concepto de sujeto del psicoanálisis. A partir de conceptos psicoanalíticos, buscaremos investigar cómo la intolerancia se articula con la construcción de identidad del sujeto. Para ello, revisaremos la idea de narcisismo, las consideraciones freudianas sobre la participación religiosa y las contribuciones lacanianas a la discusión de la religión. Además, pretendemos demostrar cómo las elaboraciones teóricas se materializan a lo largo de la historia, así como sus resonancias en lo contemporáneo. En este sentido, señalaremos la articulación entre la identificación religiosa y la posibilidad de un posicionamiento político.

Market value of Brazilian soccer players that played 2020 series A and B of the Brazilian championship: an analysis based on quarters of birth and playing position

Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of RAE in soccer players from different positions in Series A and B in 2020 Brazilian soccer, as well as the impact of RAE on the estimated market value of these players. Methods: Data from 1080 male elite soccer athletes were analyzed. Athletes were grouped according to birth quarters: Q1 (January-March), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-September), and Q4 (October-December) and the competitive level (Series A or B). Chi-square tests (χ2) were performed to compare the birthdates' distribution of athletes according to a competitive level and playing positions. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the market values of players born in each of the quarters of the year across competitive levels and playing positions. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The overall analyses showed the prevalence of RAE in Series A and B, with an overrepresentation of athletes born in the first two quarters of the year. The RAE analysis based on playing positions showed different from expected distributions for forwards, midfielders, and defenders in Series A. In Series B, only midfielders showed a difference from the expected distribution. As for the market values analyses, no differences were found based on the athletes' birth quarters, regardless of competitive level or playing position. Conclusion: Our results indicate that, although RAE is prevalent in Series A and B of elite Brazilian soccer, it does not seem to influence players' estimated market values.

Identification and crop damage assessment of indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) in selected zones of Abbottabad, Pakistan / Avaliação de identificação e dano de cultura de porco-espinho indiano (Hystrix indica) em zonas selecionadas de Abbottabad, Paquistão

Abstract Indian crested porcupine is the largest rodent pest that damages a wide variety of crops, vegetables, and tree species which ultimately causes huge economic loss in Pakistan, which is an agricultural country. It prefers to live in hilly terrain but common in temperate and tropical forests, shrublands, and grasslands. This study focused on the identification and assessment of crops damaged along with the main precautionary measures used by the local farmers. The data was collected from twenty-four villages of two union councils i.e. Chamhad and Slahad of district Abbottabad. Two types of data (primary and secondary) were collected from the study area. Primary data was collected for identification and estimation calculation of total crop damaged through direct field observation by taking random quadrates in each village of the study area. The damage in the crop was assessed by randomly selecting a quadrate of 1x1 m2 for the wheat, pearl millet, and Sorghum fields. While 4x4 m2 quadrates were taken for maize and vegetables. At least three quadrate samples were taken from each field including one quadrate taken from the center of the field area. In union council Chamhad, damage to maize (11.31%) and wheat (0.73%) by the Indian crested porcupine while in union council Salhad, damage of maize (6.95%) and wheat (1.6%) was observed. In the entire study area, overall damage to maize crop (8.01%) and wheat (0.88%) was calculated. Based on information obtained from the farmers, the Indian porcupine inflicted damage to potato, tomato, cauliflower, chili pepper, turnip, radish, pea, and onion, etc. Secondary data obtained through a questionnaire survey to explore the human porcupine conflict and precautionary measures used by the farmers and landowners. Open and close-ended questionnaires (159) highlighted the presence of Indian crested porcupine in the study area and 96% of the respondents have seen porcupine directly. Many types of precautionary measures were used by the farmers such as fencing, night stay, night firing, and dogs to decrease the crop damage, respondents (63.91%) use guns for hunting. however, due to the largely agricultural area and nocturnal behavior of Indian crested porcupine majority of the respondents (51.57%) did not use any precautionary measure. Biological control of Indian porcupine is recommended in the study area. Farmers should be encouraged and provide incentives and killing through current should be banned while proper hunting license should be issued to overcome overhunting. Scientific studies are required to control the reproduction of porcupine specifically in the more damaged areas.

Resumo O porco-espinho indiano é a maior praga de roedores que danifica uma grande variedade de culturas, vegetais e espécies de árvores, o que acaba por causar enormes perdas econômicas no Paquistão, que é um país agrícola. Prefere viver em terrenos montanhosos, mas comuns em florestas temperadas e tropicais, arbustos e pastagens. Este estudo concentrou-se na identificação e avaliação das lavouras danificadas, juntamente com as principais medidas de precaução utilizadas pelos agricultores locais. Os dados foram coletados de 24 aldeias de dois conselhos sindicais, ou seja, Chamhad e Slahad, do distrito de Abbottabad. Dois tipos de dados (primário e secundário) foram coletados da área de estudo. Foram coletados dados primários para identificação e cálculo de estimativa do total da cultura danificada por meio da observação direta do campo, tomando quadrantes aleatórios em cada aldeia da área de estudo. O dano na cultura foi avaliado pela seleção aleatória de um quadrante de 1x1 m2 para os campos de trigo, milheto pérola e sorgo, enquanto quadrantes de 4x4 m2 foram tomados para milho e legumes. Pelo menos três amostras de quadrante foram colhidas de cada campo, incluindo um quadrante retirado do centro da área do campo. No Conselho Sindical de Chamhad, houve danos ao milho (11,31%) e ao trigo (0,73%) pelo porco-espinho indiano, enquanto no Conselho Sindical de Salhad, danos ao milho (6,95%) e ao trigo (1,6%) foram observados. Em toda a área do estudo, danos gerais à cultura do milho (8,01%) e ao trigo (0,88%) foram calculados. Com base em informações obtidas dos agricultores, o porco-espinho indiano infligiu danos à batata, tomate, couve-flor, pimenta, nabo, rabanete, ervilha, cebola, etc. Dados secundários foram obtidos por meio de um questionário para explorar o conflito suíno humano e as medidas de precaução utilizadas pelos agricultores e proprietários de terras. Questionários abertos e fechados (159) destacaram a presença de porco-espinho indiano na área de estudo e 96% dos entrevistados viram o porco-espinho diretamente. Muitos tipos de medidas de precaução foram utilizados pelos agricultores, como esgrima, estadia noturna, fogo noturno e cães para diminuir os danos na lavoura. Dos entrevistados, 63,91% usaram armas para caçar. No entanto, devido à área ser em grande parte agrícola e ao comportamento noturno da maioria dos porcos-espinhos indianos, 51,57% não usaram nenhuma medida de precaução. O controle biológico do porco-espinho indiano é recomendado na área de estudo. Os agricultores devem ser encorajados e fornecer incentivos, e o uso da corrente para matar os animais deve ser banido, assim como deve ser emitida a licença de caça adequada para superar a caça excessiva. Estudos científicos são necessários para controlar a reprodução de porco-espinho, especificamente nas áreas mais danificadas.