Cuarenta años: un canto a la transformación y la trayectoria de la Terapia Ocupacional / Forty years: An ode to the transformation and trajectory of Occupational Therapy / Quarenta anos: um canto à transformação e à trajetória da Terapia Ocupacional

La Revista Ocupación Humana ha sido un importante medio de divulgación del conocimiento en Terapia Ocupacional y en los estudios sobre ocupación humana. Su primera edición, emitida el 24 de octubre de 1984, significó un hito para Colombia y para Latinoamérica, al constituirse en referente para el ejercicio profesional y el desarrollo disciplinar. Inicialmente, se orientó a comprender las áreas del desempeño profesional, a socializar investigaciones, a promover la discusión y la proyección de la profesión en ciencia y tecnología, y a conocer y difundir la emergente participación en escenarios de incidencia comunitaria, social y política. Después de una pausa editorial de cinco años, en el año 2013, se retoma la publicación. Desde entonces, se ha trabajado en su fortalecimiento, visibilidad y apertura, proceso en el que se ha contado con la participación de colegas de Colombia y otros países hermanos. En este aniversario, el Comité Editorial desea que la revista siga consolidándose como medio fundamental para que las y los terapeutas ocupacionales sigan escuchándose, conociéndose, conectándose con los debates profesionales y fortaleciéndose como gremio. Por eso, celebra e invita a celebrar con un canto estos cuarenta años de retos y a dar la bienvenida a los que vendrán

The Revista Ocupación Humana has been an essential medium in disseminating knowledge in Occupational Therapy and studies on human occupation. Its first edition, released on 24 October 1984, marked a milestone for Colombia and Latin America, becoming a benchmark for professional practice and disciplinary development. Initially, it focused on understanding areas of professional performance, disseminating research, promoting discussion, and projecting the profession in science and technology, and understanding and spreading the emerging participation in community, social, and political-impact scenarios. After a five-year editorial break, in 2013, the publication resumed. Since then, work has been undertaken to strengthen its visibility and openness, with the participation of colleagues from Colombia and other sister countries. On this anniversary, the Editorial Board hopes that the magazine will continue to consolidate itself as a key means for occupational therapists to continue listening to each other, get to know each other, engage in professional debates, and strengthen themselves as a body. As such, it celebrates and invites you to celebrate these forty years of challenges and welcome those that will come.

A Revista Ocupación Humana tem sido um importante meio de divulgação do conhecimento em Terapia Ocupacional e em estudos sobre ocupação humana. Sua primeira edição, emitida em 24 de outubro de 1984, significou um marco para a Colômbia e para a América Latina, ao se constituir como referência para a prática profissional e o desenvolvimento disciplinar. Inicialmente, dedicou-se a compreender as áreas do desempenho profissional, a socializar pesquisas, a promover a discussão e a projeção da profissão em ciência e tecnologia, a conhecer e difundir a emergente participação em cenários de incidência comunitária, social e política. Após uma pausa editorial de cinco anos, em 2013, retomou-se a publicação. Desde então, tem-se trabalhado no seu fortalecimento, visibilidade e abertura, processo no qual se conta com a participação de colegas da Colômbia e de outros países irmãos. Neste aniversário, o Comitê Editorial deseja que a revista continue a se consolidar como meio fundamental para que as e os terapeutas ocupacionais continuem ouvindo-se, conhecendo-se, conectando-se com os debates profissionais e fortalecendo-se no coletivo. Por isso, celebra e convida a celebrar com um canto estes quarenta anos de desafios, bem como a dar as boas-vindas aos que virão.

Environmental, socioeconomic, and health factors associated with gut microbiome species and strains in isolated Honduras villages.

Despite a growing interest in the gut microbiome of non-industrialized countries, data linking deeply sequenced microbiomes from such settings to diverse host phenotypes and situational factors remain uncommon. Using metagenomic data from a community-based cohort of 1,871 people from 19 isolated villages in the Mesoamerican highlands of western Honduras, we report associations between bacterial species and human phenotypes and factors. Among them, socioeconomic factors account for 51.44% of the total associations. Meta-analysis of species-level profiles across several datasets identified several species associated with body mass index, consistent with previous findings. Furthermore, the inclusion of strain-phylogenetic information modifies the overall relationship between the gut microbiome and the phenotypes, especially for some factors like household wealth (e.g., wealthier individuals harbor different strains of Eubacterium rectale). Our analysis suggests a role that gut microbiome surveillance can play in understanding broad features of individual and public health.

Loss of heterozygosity impacts MHC expression on the immune microenvironment in CDK12-mutated prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: In prostate cancer (PCa), well-established biomarkers such as MSI status, TMB high, and PDL1 expression serve as reliable indicators for favorable responses to immunotherapy. Recent studies have suggested a potential association between CDK12 mutations and immunotherapy response; however, the precise mechanisms through which CDK12 mutation may influence immune response remain unclear. A plausible explanation for immune evasion in this subset of CDK12-mutated PCa may be reduced MHC expression. RESULTS: Using genomic data of CDK12-mutated PCa from 48 primary and 10 metastatic public domain samples and a retrospective cohort of 53 low-intermediate risk primary PCa, we investigated how variation in the expression of the MHC genes affected associated downstream pathways. We classified the patients based on gene expression quartiles of MHC-related genes and categorized the tumors into "High" and "Low" expression levels. CDK12-mutated tumors with higher MHC-expressed pathways were associated with the immune system and elevated PD-L1, IDO1, and TIM3 expression. Consistent with an inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME) phenotype, digital cytometric analyses identified increased CD8 + T cells, B cells, γδ T cells, and M1 Macrophages in this group. In contrast, CDK12-mutated tumors with lower MHC expression exhibited features consistent with an immune cold TME phenotype and immunoediting. Significantly, low MHC expression was also associated with chromosome 6 loss of heterozygosity (LOH) affecting the entire HLA gene cluster. These LOH events were observed in both major clonal and minor subclonal populations of tumor cells. In our retrospective study of 53 primary PCa cases from this Institute, we found a 4% (2/53) prevalence of CDK12 mutations, with the confirmation of this defect in one tumor through Sanger sequencing. In keeping with our analysis of public domain data this tumor exhibited low MHC expression at the RNA level. More extensive studies will be required to determine whether reduced HLA expression is generally associated with primary tumors or is a specific feature of CDK12 mutated PCa. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that analysis of CDK12 alteration, in the context of MHC expression levels, and LOH status may offer improved predictive value for outcomes in this potentially actionable genomic subgroup of PCa. In addition, these findings highlight the need to explore novel therapeutic strategies to enhance MHC expression in CDK12-defective PCa to improve immunotherapy responses.

The prevalence and demographic associations of headache in the adult population of Peru: a national cross-sectional population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The Global Campaign against Headache is conducting a series of population-based studies to fill the large geographical gaps in knowledge of headache prevalence and attributable burden. One major region not until now included is South America. Here we present a study from Peru, a country of 32.4 million inhabitants located at the west coast of South America, notable for its high Andes mountains. METHODS: The study was conducted in accordance with the standardized methodology used by the Global Campaign. It was a cross-sectional survey using cluster randomised sampling in five regions to derive a nationally representative sample, visiting households unannounced, and interviewing one randomly selected adult member (aged 18-65 years) of each using the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire translated into South American Spanish. The neutral screening question ("Have you had headache in the last year?") was followed by diagnostic questions based on ICHD-3 and demographic enquiry. RESULTS: The study included 2,149 participants from 2,385 eligible households (participating proportion 90.1%): 1,065 males and 1,084 females, mean age 42.0 ± 13.7 years. The observed 1-year prevalence of all headache was 64.6% [95% CI: 62.5-66.6], with age-, gender- and habitation-adjusted prevalences of 22.8% [21.0-24.6] for migraine (definite + probable), 38.9% [36.8-41.0] for tension-type headache (TTH: also definite + probable), 1.2% [0.8-1.8] for probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) and 2.7% [2.1-3.5] for other headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15+). One-day prevalence of headache (reported headache yesterday) was 12.1%. Migraine was almost twice as prevalent among females (28.2%) as males (16.4%; aOR = 2.1; p < 0.001), and strongly associated with living at very high altitude (aOR = 2.5 for > 3,500 versus < 350 m). CONCLUSION: The Global Campaign's first population-based study in South America found headache disorders to be common in Peru, with prevalence estimates for both migraine and TTH substantially exceeding global estimates. H15 + was also common, but with fewer than one third of cases diagnosed as pMOH. The association between migraine and altitude was confirmed, and found to be strengthened at very high altitude. This association demands further study.

HLA-DR-DQ associations, combined with PLASMIC score, are reliable predictors of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) and aid in differentiating aTTP from other thrombotic microangiopathies.

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) are a group of disorders with overlapping clinical features that require urgent intervention. Treatment is based on the recognition of the TMA type, which is often challenging. The aim of this study was to identify specific HLA associations with different TMA types to aid rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment, since the HLA assay can be completed within five hours. METHODS: All 86 consecutive patients who presented to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences between May 2013 and January 2021 with a presumptive diagnosis of TMA were included in this study. HLA typing was performed and correlated with other clinical and laboratory studies. RESULTS: In comparison with other types of TMA, patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) showed increased frequencies of HLA-DRB1*11, HLA-DQB1*03:01/19, HLA-DRB1*08 and HLA-DRB3. Combining the presence of these HLA associations with a PLASMIC score of 6 or more achieved a higher positive predictive value (90%) for identifying aTTP than the PLASMIC score alone (69%). In comparison with other TMA types, patients with aTTP showed decreased frequencies of HLA-DRB4, HLA-DRB1*07, HLA-DQB1*02. The HLA-DRB1*07/DQB1*02 was not observed in any aTTP patients (negative predictive value: 100%), and thus the presence of this haplotype essentially rules out aTTP. Further, HLA-DRB1*11/DQB1*03:01/19 was absent in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome patients. CONCLUSION: HLA alleles can be used as an adjunct for the rapid assessment of TMA and can help to differentiate it from other primary and secondary forms of TMA, allowing for earlier definitive therapy.

Survey on Drosophila suzukii and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Drosophilidae, Tephritidae) and Associated Eucoilinae Species (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) in Northwestern Argentina. First Record of Dicerataspis grenadensis and Leptopilina boulardi as Parasitoids of D. suzukii.

The Southeast Asian-native Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), also known as "spotted-wing Drosophila," is one of the most globally invasive agricultural species. Although D. suzukii is a pest spread throughout all the Argentinian fruit-growing regions, few information has been published on its impact on local fruit production. Parasitoid species associated with D. suzukii in Argentina belong to Pteromalidae (Chalcidoidea), Diapriidae (Diaprioidea), both attacking host pupae, and Figitidae (Cynipoidea), which attack host larvae. Nine Eucoilinae (Figitidae) species, belonging to Dicerataspis, Dieucoila, Euxestophaga, Ganaspis, Hexacola, and Leptopilina genera, have been associated with D. suzukii in Argentina. Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), commonly known as "medfly," is native to Africa and has a worldwide distribution, covering many tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. In Argentina, C. capitata has been associated with several native hymenopterous parasitoids belonging to Braconidae (Ichneumonioidea), Eulophidae (Chalcidoidea), Pteromalidae, Diapriidae, and Figitidae families. Only two eucoline species, Ganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes) and Leptopilina haywardi (Blanchard) have been related to medfly in Argentina. We report new trophic associations between the parasitoids Dicerataspis grenadensis Ashmead and Leptopilina boulardi (Barbotin, Carton and Kelner-Pillault) and D. suzukii, and between the parasitoid Odontosema albinerve Kieffer and C. capitata, after surveys conducted in Tucumán, northwestern Argentina. An annotated checklist and a taxonomic key of Eucoilinae associated with both invasive pests, in Argentina, are also provided.

"Valha-nos a Providência!": festas e ritos católicos em tempos epidêmicos, Salvador-BA, Brasil, 1918-1919 / "God for us!": Catholic festivals and rites in times of epidemics, Salvador-BA, Brasil, 1918-1919

Resumo O artigo analisa as reações dos católicos vinculados às associações leigas na cidade do Salvador, no período da gripe espanhola (1918) e da varíola (1919). Os jornais foram as principais fontes utilizadas para a identificação das festas e dos ritos, tanto dos praticados para pedir a intercessão dos santos quanto daqueles que foram suspensos em função da necessidade de isolamento social. Apesar de ambas as doenças serem transmissíveis e do curto espaço de tempo entre as duas epidemias, a análise das fontes evidenciou diferentes reações dos fiéis quanto às medidas de proteção e busca da cura.

Abstract This article analyzes the reactions of Catholics linked to lay associations in the city of Salvador, in the period of the Spanish flu (1918) and smallpox (1919). Newspapers were the main sources used to identify the festivals and rites, both those practiced to ask for the intercession of the saints, and those that were suspended due to the need for social isolation. In spite of both diseases being transmissible and the short interval between the two epidemics, the analysis of the sources showed different reactions from the faithful regarding the measures of protection and the search for a cure.

Associações de mães e familiares afetados pela síndrome congênita de Zika vírus: perfil e principais discussões relacionadas / Associations of mothers and family members affected by congenital Zika virus syndrome: profile and main related discussions

Resumo No Brasil, o impacto de emergências sanitárias consecutivas nos últimos cinco anos, como a epidemia de zika (2015) e a pandemia de Covid-19 (2020), atingiu de forma aguda as famílias de crianças com síndrome congênita do zika (SCZ). Este artigo explora processos epidêmicos que replicam as intersecções de deficiência, cuidado, gênero, classe e raça, e propõe a construção de um perfil das associações civis de mães e familiares de crianças com SCZ, bem como suas mobilizações, sobretudo da União Mães de Anjos (UMA). A partir da literatura sobre o tema, realização de entrevistas e oficinas com as mães de crianças com SCZ ligadas às associações em diferentes partes do Brasil, observou-se que as epidemias produzem impactos desiguais em relação a idade, raça, classe, gênero, localidade e deficiência. Embora os impactos das emergências de saúde possam ser contínuos para as pessoas que vivem na intersecção de múltiplas opressões, destacamos a resistência na forma de capacidade organizacional para navegar no acesso a direitos e reconfigurar dinâmicas de poder.

Abstract No Brasil, o impacto de emergências sanitárias consecutivas nos últimos cinco anos, como a epidemia de zika (2015) e a pandemia de COVID-19 (2020), atingiu de forma aguda as famílias de crianças com síndrome congênita do zika (SCZ). Este artigo explora processos epidêmicos que replicam as intersecções de deficiência, cuidado, gênero, classe e raça, e propõe a construção de um perfil das associações civis de mães e familiares de crianças com SCZ, bem como suas mobilizações, sobretudo da União Mães de Anjos (UMA). A partir da literatura sobre o tema, realização de entrevistas e oficinas com as mães de crianças com SCZ ligadas às associações em diferentes partes do Brasil, observou-se que as epidemias produzem impactos desiguais em relação a idade, raça, classe, gênero, localidade e deficiência. Embora os impactos das emergências de saúde possam ser contínuos para as pessoas que vivem na intersecção de múltiplas opressões, destacamos a resistência na forma de capacidade organizacional para navegar no acesso a direitos e reconfigurar dinâmicas de poder.Abstract: In Brazil, the impact of consecutive health emergencies in the last five years, such as the Zika epidemic (2015) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), acutely affected families of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). This article explores epidemic processes that replicate the intersections of disability, care, gender, class and race, and proposes the construction of a profile of civil associations of mothers and families of children with CZS, as well as their mobilizations, especially the União Mães de Anjos (UMA). Based on the literature on the topic, interviews and workshops with mothers of children with CZS linked to associations in different parts of Brazil, it was observed that epidemics produce unequal impacts in relation to age, race, class, gender, location and disability. While the impacts of health emergencies can be ongoing for people living at the intersection of multiple oppressions, we highlight resistance in the form of organizational capacity to navigate access to rights and reconfigure power dynamics.

Small-scale farmers' attitudes and perceptions toward associations: an exploratory analysis at the central zone of Chile / Atitudes e percepções de pequenos agricultores em relação a associatividade: um estudo exploratório da zona central do Chile

Small-scale farmers are essential food suppliers, especially in developing countries, but they face many constraints that limit their productivity and returns. Associating with other farmers (for instance, through cooperatives) has been shown to be a strategy to mitigate these constraints; however, there are limitations in farmers' participation and commitment to associations. This research explored small-scale farmers' attitudes and perceptions of associations. This paper considered the district of Cauquenes, a rural area in central Chile. A total of 71 small-scale farmers were surveyed. The data were processed using descriptive, multivariate, and qualitative techniques. The results showed that the farmers had limited knowledge of and experience with associations. They also did not see participation in an association as necessary for improving their business outcomes. They were also reluctant to accept a possible loss in decision-making power or the possibility of being scammed or tricked. The factors underlying farmers' attitudes toward associations were "Uncertainty of economic benefits" (23.3% of variance), "Technical-economic limitations perception" (15.2%), "Distrust" (10.8%), and "Individualism" (9.8%). These results suggested that policies are needed to improve farmers' experience with and knowledge of associations, considering the cultural variables that affect distrust and focusing on existing uncertainties. The associative processes need to allow for progressive commitment, expedite tangible results, and provide continuous technical and motivational support.

Os pequenos agricultores são essenciais para o abastecimento de alimentos, especialmente nos países em desenvolvimento, mas enfrentam muitas restrições que limitam sua produtividade e retorno. A associação com outros agricultores (por exemplo, por cooperativas) tem se mostrado uma estratégia para mitigar essas deficiências, no entanto, há entraves na participação e comprometimento dos agricultores com as associações. O objetivo desta pesquisa é explorar as atitudes e percepções dos pequenos agricultores em relação às associações. Para isso, consideramos o caso do distrito de Cauquenes, uma área rural no centro do Chile, em que se entrevistou um total de 71 pequenos agricultores. Os dados foram processados por meio de técnicas descritivas, multivariadas e qualitativas. Como resultados, os agricultores têm um conhecimento e experiência limitados sobre as associações e, além disso, não entendem a relevância do vínculo social como uma alternativa para melhorar o seu desempenho. Por outro lado, relutam em uma possível perda de poder decisório, bem como em serem enganados. Os fatores subjacentes às atitudes dos agricultores em relação às associações foram "incerteza dos benefícios econômicos" (23,3%), "percepção de limitações técnico-econômicas" (15,2%), "desconfiança" (10,8%) e "individualismo" (9,8%). Esses resultados nos demonstram serem necessárias políticas que promovam o conhecimento direto, concreto e experiencial dos agricultores sobre o associativismo, com foco nas incertezas existentes. Os processos associativos devem estar atrelados a compromissos progressivos, com foco em resultados tangíveis e suporte contínuo, não apenas técnico, mas também motivacional.

Honduras HIV cohort: HLA class I and CCR5-Δ32 profiles and their associations with HIV disease outcome.

IMPORTANCE: We identify both canonical and novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-HIV associations, providing a first step toward improved understanding of HIV immune control among the understudied Honduras Mestizo population. Our results are relevant to understanding the protective or detrimental effects of HLA subtypes in Latin America because their unique HLA diversity poses challenges for designing vaccines against HIV and interpreting results from such vaccine trials. Likewise, the description of the HLA profile in an understudied population that shows a unique HLA immunogenetic background is not only relevant for HIV immunology but also relevant in population genetics, molecular anthropology, susceptibility to other infections, autoimmune diseases, and allograft transplantation.

A Combination of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Glutamic Acid, Calcium, Thiamine, Pyridoxine, and Cyanocobalamin vs Ginger Extract in the Management of Chronic Motion Sickness: A Clinical Evaluation.

Background: Motion sickness (kinetosis) is a common and temporarily incapacitant ailment, manageable with behavioral as well as pharmacological measures. Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of a combination of gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, calcium, thiamine, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin (Group A) (n = 170) and extract of Zingiber officinale (ginger) (Group B) (n = 165) in the management of chronic complaints consistent with motion sickness. Methods: Both groups were tested according to the following end points, under self-paired as well as comparative study designs: reduction of ≥20 score points in the total motion sickness assessment questionnaire (MSAQ) score, percentage of patients presenting a reduction of the total MSAQ score, absolute MSAQ score reduction, physician's assessment scores, final overall assessment of study medication, and willingness to continue treatment. Safety was also evaluated. Results: There was a statistically significant better performance under both study designs for Group A (P = 0.05 using different statistical tests) in all end points. Both regimens were safe, with different neurological and gastrointestinal tolerability outcomes. Conclusions: Group A and Group B regimens were effective and safe in the management of chronic complaints consistent with motion sickness and the Group A regimen was more effective than Group B.

Alternative conceptions of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 assumed by Basic Education pre-service teachers. A case study for Universidad Técnica del Norte, Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Almost at the end of 2022, the world is experiencing a relative calm after the rigors imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing the ideas, feelings and procedures used by people in this type of unexpected events, which exceeded all established standards of educational and health actions, can help us be prepared for the possible occurrence of similar events. This study aims to determine the main alternative conceptions that pre-service teachers hold about the pandemic and the post-pandemic within the framework of the four basic pillars of Education. METHODS: A case study was conducted using an ethnographic approach. The unit of analysis was made up of 227 students from the major of Primary Education at Universidad Técnica del Norte. Two research instruments were used to collect the data: a test for verbal associations where participants can express themselves freely with hierarchical, substitution and connotative evocations; and Specialized Analytical Summary sheets to revise and organize specialized scientific texts. The data was analyzed using the IRaMuTeQ software. RESULTS: At first glance, what was expressed in the two contexts, both in the pandemic and in the post-pandemic, show a similar structure; however, a deeper analysis reveals different perspectives. CONCLUSIONS: In the end, the alternative conceptions moved from expressing fear to tranquility.

Liver transplant in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: A retrospective cohort from Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) manifests within a broad ethnic and racial spectrum, reflecting different levels of access to health care. AIM: To evaluate the clinical profile, complications and survival rates of patients with PSC undergoing liver transplantation (LTx) at a Brazilian reference center. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with PSC before or after LTx were included. The medical records were reviewed for demographic and clinical variables, including outcomes and survival. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Our cohort represented 1.6% (n = 34) of the 2113 patients receiving liver grafts at our service over the past two decades. Most were male (n = 19; 56%). The average age (40 ± 14 years) was similar for men and women (P = 0.347). The mean follow-up time from diagnosis to LTx was 68 mo. Most patients had the classic form of PSC. Three women had PSC/autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome, and one patient had small-duct PSC. Alkaline phosphatase levels at diagnosis and pre-LTx model for end-stage liver disease. scores were significantly higher in males. Inflammatory bowel research (IBD) was investigated by colonoscopy in 26/34 (76%) and was present in most cases (18/26; 69%). IBD was less common in women than in men (44.4% vs. 55.6%) (P = 0.692). Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) was diagnosed in 2/34 (5.9%) patients by histopathology of the explant (survival: 3 years 6 mo, and 4 years 11 mo). Two patients had complications requiring a second LTx (one after 7 d due to hepatic artery thrombosis and one after 17 d due to primary graft dysfunction). Five patients (14.7%) developed biliary stricture. The overall median post-LTx survival was 66 mo. Most deaths occurred in the first year (infection n = 2, primary liver graft dysfunction n = 3, unknown cause n = 1). The 1-year and 5-year survival rates of this cohort were 82.3% and 70.6%, respectively, matching the mean overall survival rates of LTx patients at our center (87.1% and 69.43%, respectively) (P = 0.83). CONCLUSION: Survival after 1 and 5 years was similar to that of other LTx indications. The observed CCA survival rate suggests CCA may be an indication for LTx in selected cases.

Ecological and molecular associations between neotropical wild felids and Taenia (Cestoda: Taeniidae) in the Atlantic Forest: a new report for Taenia omissa.

Ecological associations between wild felids and parasites from the Taeniidae family are related to predator-prey interactions, where felids act as definitive hosts while their prey, herbivores and/or omnivores, act as intermediate hosts. In the Atlantic Forest, six neotropical felid species coexist in sympatry, but the ecological parasite-host interactions remain poorly studied. Taenia omissa is a tapeworm that parasitizes cougars (Puma concolor) as its only definitive host and their ungulate prey as intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was to identify tapeworms present in road-killed fauna using both molecular and morphological characteristics and their predator-prey relationship. Adult tapeworms found in a cougar, a jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), and two ocelots (Leopardus pardalis); and metacestodes found in a red brocket deer (Mazama americana) and a wild guinea pig (Cavia aperea) were analyzed. Through morphological analysis of rostellar hooks and molecular analysis of the mitochondrial genetic marker cox1, Taenia omissa adult individuals were identified in the cougar, and metacestodes in the red brocket deer, proving the existence of a full host-parasite life cycle in the Atlantic Forest region. This new report reveals the southernmost record of T. omissa and broadens its geographic distribution. In addition, isolates of the Taenia genus divergent from those described so far in molecular databases were reported and suggested a wild cycle that involves the jaguarundi and agouti (Dasyprocta asarae) as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. These results highlight the complexity of the tapeworm population in the region and the need to study it with both morphological and molecular approaches.

Metabolic Syndrome: An Overview on Its Genetic Associations and Gene-Diet Interactions.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors that includes central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemias and whose inter-related occurrence may increase the odds of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. MetS has become one of the most studied conditions, nevertheless, due to its complex etiology, this has not been fully elucidated. Recent evidence describes that both genetic and environmental factors play an important role on its development. With the advent of genomic-wide association studies, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have gained special importance. In this review, we present an update of the genetics surrounding MetS as a single entity as well as its corresponding risk factors, considering SNPs and gene-diet interactions related to cardiometabolic markers. In this study, we focus on the conceptual aspects, diagnostic criteria, as well as the role of genetics, particularly on SNPs and polygenic risk scores (PRS) for interindividual analysis. In addition, this review highlights future perspectives of personalized nutrition with regard to the approach of MetS and how individualized multiomics approaches could improve the current outlook.

Genomic signatures of ecological divergence between savanna and forest populations of a Neotropical tree.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In eastern Neotropical South America, the Cerrado, a large savanna vegetation, and the Atlantic Forest harbour high biodiversity levels, and their habitats are rather different from each other. The biomes have intrinsic evolutionary relationships, with high lineage exchange that can be attributed, in part, to a large contact zone between them. The genomic study of ecotypes, i.e. populations adapted to divergent habitats, can be a model to study the genomic signatures of ecological divergence. Here, we investigated two ecotypes of the tree Plathymenia reticulata, one from the Cerrado and the other from the Atlantic Forest, which have a hybrid zone in the ecotonal zone of Atlantic Forest-Cerrado. METHODS: The ecotypes were sampled in the two biomes and their ecotone. The evolutionary history of the divergence of the species was analysed with double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing. The genetic structure and the genotypic composition of the hybrid zone were determined. Genotype-association analyses were performed, and the loci under putative selection and their functions were investigated. KEY RESULTS: High divergence between the two ecotypes was found, and only early-generation hybrids were found in the hybrid zone, suggesting a partial reproductive barrier. Ancient introgression between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest was not detected. The soil and climate were associated with genetic divergence in Plathymenia ecotypes and outlier loci were found to be associated with the stress response, with stomatal and root development and with reproduction. CONCLUSIONS: The high genomic, ecological and morphophysiological divergence between ecotypes, coupled with partial reproductive isolation, indicate that the ecotypes represent two species and should be managed as different evolutionary lineages. We advise that the forest species should be re-evaluated and restated as vulnerable. Our results provide insights into the genomic mechanisms underlying the diversification of species across savanna and forest habitats and the evolutionary forces acting in the species diversification in the Neotropics.

Analysis of spatial correlation networks of carbon emissions in emerging economies.

Studies have shown that energy consumption from economic development leads to an increase in carbon emissions. Emerging economies, as important sources of carbon emissions with high growth potential, play a crucial role in global decarbonisation efforts. However, the spatial pattern and evolution trend of carbon emissions in emerging economies have not been studied in depth. Therefore, this paper uses the improved gravitational model and carbon emission data from 2000 to 2018 to construct a spatial correlation network of carbon emissions in 30 emerging economies around the world, aiming to reveal the spatial characteristics and influencing factors of carbon emissions at the national level. The results show that the spatial network structure of carbon emissions in emerging economies is closely linked, forming a "big network" of interconnection. Amongst them, Argentina, Brazil, Russia, Estonia, etc. are at the centre of the network and play a leading role. Geographical distance, economic development level, population density, and scientific and technological level have a significant impact on the formation of spatial correlation between carbon emissions. Further use of GeoDetector shows that the explanatory power of two-factor interaction on centrality is greater than that of a single factor, indicating that a single economic development cannot well enhance the influence of countries in the carbon emission network, and needs to be combined with factors such as industrial structure and scientific and technological level. These results are helpful to understand the correlation between carbon emissions between countries from the perspective of the whole and part and provide a reference for optimizing the carbon emission network structure in the future.

The Pandemic in Words: Tracking Fast Semantic Changes via a Large-Scale Word Association Task.

Most words have a variety of senses that can be added, removed, or altered over time. Understanding how they change across different contexts and time periods is crucial for revealing the role of language in social and cultural evolution. In this study we aimed to explore the collective changes in the mental lexicon as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. We performed a large-scale word association experiment in Rioplatense Spanish. The data were obtained in December 2020, and compared with responses previously obtained from the Small World of Words database (SWOW-RP, Cabana et al., 2023). Three different word-association measures detected changes in a word's mental representation from Precovid to Covid. First, significantly more new associations appeared for a set of pandemic-related words. These new associations can be interpreted as incorporating new senses. For example, the word 'isolated' incorporated direct associations with 'coronavirus' and 'quarantine'. Second, when analyzing the distribution of responses, we observed a greater Kullback-Leibler divergence (i.e., relative entropy) between the Precovid and Covid periods for pandemic words. Thus, some words (e.g., 'protocol', or 'virtual') changed their overall association patterns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, using semantic similarity analysis, we evaluated the changes between the Precovid and Covid periods for each cue word's nearest neighbors and the changes in their similarity to certain word senses. We found a larger diachronic difference for pandemic cues where polysemic words like 'immunity' or 'trial' increased their similarity to sanitary/health words during the Covid period. We propose that this novel methodology can be expanded to other scenarios of fast diachronic semantic changes.

Investigating the dark-side of the genome: a barrier to human disease variant discovery?

The human genome contains regions that cannot be adequately assembled or aligned using next generation short-read sequencing technologies. More than 2500 genes are known contain such 'dark' regions. In this study, we investigate the negative consequences of dark regions on gene discovery across a range of disease and study types, showing that dark regions are likely preventing researchers from identifying genetic variants relevant to human disease.

Neurosurgery societies around the world: A study and discussion about its importance.

Background: Harvey Cushing and collaborators created the first society of neurosurgeons in 1920, in the United States of America, the Society of Neurological Surgeons. In 1955, the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) was created in Switzerland to improve neurosurgical care globally through the scientific cooperation of members. The performance of neurosurgical associations today is fundamental to discuss diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches, transforming modern medicine. Although most neurosurgical associations are recognized worldwide, there are some societies that are not recognized internationally due to a lack of regulatory bodies and lack of official digital channels, among other reasons. The main objective of the article is to list the neurosurgical societies and to provide a more integrated view of the interactions between neurosurgical societies in different countries. Methods: We developed a table summarizing the countries recognized by the United Nations, the continents, capitals, name of the present societies, and social networks. We utilized "Country AND (Neurosurgery OR Neurological Surgery) AND (Society OR Association)," in English, and in the native language of the country. Our search included: PubMed, Scopus, Google, Google Scholar, and the WFNS website, without filters. Results: We found 189 neurosurgery associations, from 131 countries and territories; 77 countries did not have their own neurosurgical societies. Conclusion: There is a difference between the number of internationally recognized societies, and the number of societies found in this study. In the future, we should better organize neurosurgical societies in countries that have neurosurgical activity with those without such resources.