Aging-related biomarkers in testicular cancer survivors after different oncologic treatments.

PURPOSE: Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) exposed to chemotherapy have an increased expression of CDKN2A/p16INK4a and a lymphocyte phenotype associated with immunosenescence. We seek to define whether the immunosenescent phenotype is associated with chemotherapy. METHODS: Case-control study of TCS, disease-free ≥3 months and stratified by primary treatment modality into orchiectomy only, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplant (BMT). Each group was compared with age-matched healthy controls (HC). We measured the relative proportions of lymphocyte subpopulations using flow cytometry, levels of C-reactive protein, and relative expression of CDKN2A/p16INK4a quantified by qPCR. RESULTS: We included 65 patients; 19 were treated with orchiectomy only, 35 received different doses of chemotherapy, and 11 underwent BMT. The chemotherapy and BMT groups had decreased naïve CD4 cells compared to HC. The chemotherapy group showed increased central and effector memory CD4 cells, as well as effector and terminally differentiated CD8 cells, compared to HC. Chemotherapy (chemotherapy 1.84 vs. HC 0.92; p < 0.01) and BMT (BMT 6.96 vs. HC 1.25; p < 0.005) groups had higher expression of CDKN2A/p16INK4a compared to HC. The orchiectomy group showed no significant difference with HC (orchiectomy 1.73 vs. HC 1.01; p = 0.17). CRP levels were higher in all groups when compared with HC; in the orchiectomy group, they were only marginally increased (chemotherapy 0.22 vs. HC 0.06; p < 0.01; BMT 0.26 vs. HC 0.06; p < 0.01; orchiectomy 0.09 vs. HC 0.07; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Among TCS, only patients exposed to cytotoxic agents developed an immunosenescent phenotype. This finding supports the attribution of this alteration to the cytotoxic treatment.

Genome sequence of an Acinetobacter pittii strain obtained from a red-lored parrot with pneumonia.

Acinetobacter pittii 978-A_19 was obtained from a parrot with pneumonia. It is resistant to ampicillin, carbenicillin, cephalosporins, clindamycin, and trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole. The genome encodes a new blaADC allele, a blaOXA-502 gene, possesses several virulence genes related to adherence and biofilm formation, and has types I, II, and IV secretion systems.

Climate change and long-term human behaviour in the Neotropics: an archaeological view from the Global South.

In this paper, we argue for the inclusion of archaeology in discussions about how humans have contributed to and dealt with climate change, especially in the long term. We suggest Niche Construction Theory as a suitable framework to that end. In order to take into account both human and environmental variability, we also advocate for a situated perspective that includes the Global South as a source of knowledge production, and the Neotropics as a relevant case study to consider. To illustrate this, we review the mid-Holocene Hypsithermal period in the southern Puna and continental Patagonia, both in southern South America, by assessing the challenges posed by this climate period and the archaeological signatures of the time from a Niche Construction Theory perspective. Finally, we emphasize the importance of these considerations for policymaking. This article is part of the theme issue 'Climate change adaptation needs a science of culture'.

Isolation and molecular identification of native As-resistant bacteria: As(III) and As(V) removal capacity and possible mechanism of detoxification.

The study of arsenic (As)-resistant microorganisms with high As removal capacity is fundamental for the development of economically sustainable technologies used for the treatment of water contaminated with metalloid. In the current study, four bacterial strains were isolated from As-contaminated water samples of the Xichu region, Mexico. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the isolated strains, Rhodococcus gordoniae, Microbacterium hydrocarbonoxydans, Exiguobacterium indicum, and Pseudomonas kribbensis were identified as potential As removal strains. R. gordoniae shows the highest growth capacity in both As(III) and As(V). R. gordoniae, M. hydrocarbonoxydans, and E. indicum removed approximately 81.6, 79.9, and 61.7% of As(III), as well as 77.2, 68.9, and 74.8% of As(V), respectively. P. kribbensis removed only about 80.2% of As(V). This study contributes to the possible detoxification mechanisms employed by these bacteria. Such insight could be crucial in the successful implementation of in situ bioremediation programs using these little-known bacteria.

Venous thromboembolism incidence in cancer patients with germline BRCA mutations.

BACKGROUND: Germline BRCA (gBRCA) mutations predispose to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer among other neoplasms. Recently, several genomic alterations such as ALK and ROS-1 rearrangements have been described as molecular drivers of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The association of gBRCA mutations and VTE is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an observational, retrospective, single-center study to determine the VTE incidence in consecutive patients with gBRCA mutations and cancer diagnosis attended in the multidisciplinary heredofamiliar cancer unit (HFCU) of Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Spain, from 2010 to 2019. RESULTS: One-hundred and forty-one patients were included in the analysis. The overall VTE incidence was 12.8%. The highest incidence was reported in ovarian cancer patients (20.0%), followed by patients with both ovarian and breast cancers (16.6%) and the lowest was found in breast cancer (4.9%). No difference in the type of gBRCA mutation (1 or 2) in terms of VTE rate was observed. Sixty one percent of the patients were receiving anti-cancer therapy at the time of VTE diagnosis and the majority of the events (83.3%) were diagnosed in ambulatory setting. Khorana score was of limited value to detect high-risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: The VTE incidence observed in our study is consistent with prior data described in general population of breast and ovarian cancer. The risk of VTE in these patients seems to be driven by the type of cancer. We have not observed any significant interaction of gBRCA mutation status and cancer-associated thrombosis.

Patient profiles as an aim to optimize selection in the second line setting: the role of aflibercept.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. For metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients, it is recommended, as first-line treatment, chemotherapy (CT) based on doublet cytotoxic combinations of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) and fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). In addition to CT, biological (targeted agents) are indicated in the first-line treatment, unless contraindicated. In this context, most of mCRC patients are likely to progress and to change from first line to second line treatment when they develop resistance to first-line treatment options. It is in this second line setting where Aflibercept offers an alternative and effective therapeutic option, thought its specific mechanism of action for different patient's profile: RAS mutant, RAS wild-type (wt), BRAF mutant, potentially resectable and elderly patients. In this paper, a panel of experienced oncologists specialized in the management of mCRC experts have reviewed and selected scientific evidence focused on Aflibercept as an alternative treatment.

Primer registro de trauma en Chile: análisis de 2 años en un hospital público / First trauma registry in Chile: 2 years analysis in a public hospital

Resumen Introducción: El trauma representa un verdadero reto para los sistemas sanitarios por ser un gran problema de salud pública. En Chile se desconoce el manejo del paciente politraumatizado. Objetivo: Describir los resultados del primer registro de trauma (RT) en línea, en los pacientes que se atienden en el Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río durante los primeros dos años de la implementación. Materiales y Método: Se recoge información prospectiva en un registro en red, sobre pacientes víctimas de trauma, ingresados al Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río durante dos años. Estas variables involucran todo el proceso de atención clínica desde el ingreso al alta o fallecimiento. Resultados: En dos años, se registran 3.515 ingresos de pacientes víctima de trauma. Entre estos, el 81,3% son hombres. El 27% sufre trauma penetrante y 59% cerrado. Destacan más lesiones por arma de fuego que por arma blanca. El 18,4% de los pacientes ingresados tiene un el Injury Severity Score (ISS) mayor a 15 puntos. 34 pacientes ingresan en paro cardiorrespiratorio y 7,3 % lo hace hipotenso. Se realizan 1.856 tomografías y el 54,4% requiere cirugía de urgencia. Ingresan 692 traumas torácicos, 654 abdominales, 1.550 de extremidades, 687 lesiones en cráneo y 190 traumas cervicales. Se activa el protocolo de transfusión masiva en el 3,1% de los ingresos. El 8,3% utiliza la unidad de paciente crítico y la mortalidad es de 2,9%, teniendo como primera causa el trauma encéfalocraneano y segunda el shock hemorrágico. Conclusiones: Nuestro hospital tiene una gran incidencia de trauma. La implementación de un RT permite conocer la dimensión y evaluar el proceso asistencial en torno al paciente víctima de trauma. Es necesario dirigir recursos e implementar capacitación en los centros de alto volumen de trauma, además, de continuar con la extensión de la herramienta como estrategia de monitorización multicéntrica.

Introduction: Trauma represents a real challenge for health systems because is a major public health problem. In Chile, the management of polytrauma patients is unknown. Aim: Describe the results of the first online trauma registry; in patients treated at the Dr. Sótero del Río Hospital during the first two years of implementation. Materials and Method: Prospective information is collected in a network registry, about trauma victims, admitted to Dr. Sótero del Río Hospital for two years. These variables involve the entire clinical care process from admission to discharge or death. Results: 3.515 admissions of trauma victims are registered in two years. Among these, 81.3% are men. 27% suffered penetrating trauma and 59% closed. They emphasize larger injuries by firearm than by bladed weapon. 18.4% of admitted patients have ISS greater than 15 points. 34 patients enter cardio-respiratory arrest and 7.3% make it hypotensive. 1,856 CT scans are performed and 54.4% require emergency surgery. They admitted 692 thoracic trauma, 654 abdominal, 1550 limb, 687 skull injuries and 190 cervical trauma. The massive transfusion protocol is activated at 3.1% of the admissions. 8.3% use the critical patient unit and mortality is 2.9%, with cranial brain trauma as the first cause and hemorrhagic shock as a second cause. Conclusions: Our hospital has a high incidence of trauma. The RT implementation allows us to know the dimension and assess the care process about the trauma patient. It is necessary to direct resources and implement training in high-volume trauma centers, as well as continuing with the extension of the tool as a multi-center monitoring strategy.

Rolling away from the Wall into Granular Matter.

The sedimentation of solid objects into granular matter near boundaries is an almost virgin field of research. Here we describe in detail the penetration dynamics of a cylindrical object into a quasi-2D granular medium. By tracking the trajectory of the cylinder as it penetrates the granular bed, we characterize two distinct kinds of motion: its center of mass moves horizontally away from the lateral wall, and it rotates around its symmetry axis. While the repulsion is caused by the loading of force chains between the intruder and the wall, the rotation can be associated to the frictional forces between the grains and the intruder. Finally, we show the analogies between the sedimentation of twin intruders released far from any boundaries, and that of one intruder released near a vertical wall.

Molecular diversity of Alphacoronavirus 1 in dogs and cats in Colombia.

Alphacoronavirus 1 (subgenus Tegacovirus, genus Alphacoronavirus, family Coronaviridae), which encompasses transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), feline coronavirus (FCoV) and canine coronavirus (CCoV), is an important pathogen that can cause severe gastroenteritis and is distributed worldwide. CCoV has two different genotypes: CCoV type I, which has a high identity with FCoV-I, and CCoV type II, which is divided into two subtypes, CCoV IIa (pantropic) and CCoV IIb, which is related to FCoV-II and has been involved in multiple recombination events. Between 2014 and 2018, 43 fecal samples from puppies and young dogs under 1 year of age with hemorrhagic enteritis and from 5 cats under 2 years of age with ascites or thoracic effusion were collected by a private veterinary practice in Bogotá, Colombia. A screening for Coronavirus via RT-PCR (nsp12) and PCR amplification of Canine protoparvovirus (VP1) revealed 27.1% (13/49) and 72.9% (35/49) positive samples, respectively. Positive samples for coronavirus were tested for M, N, S and the sequences grouped in the FCoV, CCoV-I and CCoV-IIb clusters that were distant from the pantropic type (IIa). The N gene formed two clusters, one exclusively with samples from this study in subtype II and another with strains in subtype I. For gene S (subtype I), the samples clustered with the Brazilian samples, while samples positive for S subtype IIb grouped into a cluster distinct from the other reference sequences. The prevalence of coronaviruses identified in this study is within the range reported by different countries worldwide.

Prevalencia del virus de la rinotraqueitis infecciosa bovina en el departamento del Caquetá, Amazonía Colombiana / Prevalence of bovine infectious rhinotracheitis virus in Caquetá department, Colombian Amazon

RESUMEN La rinotraqueitis infecciosa bovina (IBR) es una enfermedad ampliamente difundida en el mundo con gran repercusión socio-económica en las ganaderías bovinas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de IBR en 100 hatos del departamento del Caquetá, para lo cual, se muestrearon 960 bovinos mayores de 36 meses entre enero y marzo de 2016 en predios seleccionados a partir de los criterios: a) tamaño (50-180 hectáreas), b) con más de 10 vacas en ordeño, c) disponibilidad de los productores para cooperar y d) accesibilidad de las vías. Las muestras de suero sanguíneo se remitieron al Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Clínico Veterinario del ICA y se analizaron a través la prueba Elisa de bloqueo (BHV-1) gB. Los sueros con porcentaje de bloqueo superior al 55% se consideraron positivos a anticuerpos para IBR. Se encontró alta seroprevalencia (73,13%), mayor además en machos que en hembras (p < 0,05). A nivel municipal la seroprevalencia fue mayor en los municipios de El Doncello, Puerto Rico y San Vicente del Caguán y se encontró diferencia significativa (p < 0,05) entre los nueve municipios analizados. A nivel de hatos, la prevalencia fue del 99%. En conclusión, la prevalencia del virus de la rinotraqueitis infecciosa bovina (IBR) en bovinos de doble propósito del departamento del Caquetá fue muy alta.

ABSTRACT Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a disease widely spread throughout the world with great socio-economic impact on bovine livestock. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of IBR in 100 herds in Caqueta department, for which 960 cattle older than 36 months between January and March 2016 were sampled in farms selected from the criteria: a) size (50-180 hectares), b) with more than 10 cows in milking, c) availability of producers to cooperate and d) accessibility of roads. Blood serum samples were sent to the ICA veterinary clinical diagnostic laboratory and analyzed using the Elisa blocking test (BHV-1) gB, where sera with blocking percentage greater than 55% were considered as positive for IBR antibodies. High seroprevalence was found (73.13%), being higher in males than in females (p < 0.05). At municipal level, seroprevalence was greater in El Doncello, Puerto Rico and San Vicente del Caguán municipalities, significant difference (p<0.05) was found between the nine municipalities analyzed. At herd level prevalence was of 99%. In conclusion the prevalence of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus in dual-purpose cattle of Caquetá department was very high.

Trauma de vena cava en pacientes politraumatizados: experiencia en el Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río / Vena cava injury in politraumatized patients

Resumen Introducción Por su ubicación retroperitoneal, las lesiones de vena cava (LVC) son infrecuentes, presentándose en el contexto de un paciente con múltiples lesiones intraabdominales y en estado crítico. Objetivo Describir la experiencia de pacientes politraumatizados con LVC sometidos a resolución quirúrgica en Hospital Dr. Sotero del Río. Materiales y Método Análisis retrospectivo de 36 pacientes politraumatizados que dentro de la intervención quirúrgica se evidenció LVC en un período comprendido entre el 2010 y 2017. Resultados La serie estuvo compuesta por 36 pacientes, con LVC. El 88,8% son hombres, en el 97,2% el mecanismo de trauma es penetrante. Dentro de los niveles anatómicos vasculares más frecuentemente lesionados está la cava infrarrenal (41,6%), suprarrenal (25%), yuxtarrenal (22,2%) y la retrohepática e intratorácica (5,5% cada una). Las estructuras lesionadas asociadas más frecuentes fueron intestino delgado (38,8%), otros vasos de gran calibre (36,1%) y riñón (30,5%). Dentro del tipo de resolución quirúrgica, al 15,6% se realizó ligadura de vena cava y al 83,3% rafia simple. En 33,3% fue necesaria una toracotomía para el control vascular, siendo 2 de estas toracotomías resucitadoras. La media de hospitalización fue de 19,8 días. La mortalidad fue de 33,3%. Conclusiones De acuerdo a lo presentado, la alta mortalidad de LVC se encontró en el grupo de pacientes con inestabilidad hemodinámica y número de lesiones asociadas, en especial si involucran otros grandes vasos. Los esfuerzos para optimizar la supervivencia se deberían dirigir al traslado rápido prehospitalario y al entrenamiento de los cirujanos que enfrentan este tipo de lesiones.

Introduction For its retroperitoneal location, vena cava injuries are infrequent, however, occurring to a patient with multiple intra-abdominal injuries and in critical condition. Aim To describe the experience of polytraumatized patients with VCI who underwent surgical resolution in the Dr. Sotero del Rio hospital. Materials and Method Retrospective analysis of 36 polytraumatized patients that showed VCI during the surgical intervention within 2010 and 2017. Results The series was composed of 36 VCI patients. 88.8% are men, in 97.2% the mechanism of trauma is penetrating. Within the vascular anatomical levels, the most frequently injured are the infra-renal cava (41.6%) suprarenal (25%), yuxta-renal (22.2%) retro-hepatic and intrathoracic (5.5% each). The most frequent associated injured structures were the small intestine (38.8%) other vessels of large caliber (36.1%) and kidney (30.5%). In relation to the type of surgical resolution, 15.6% had a vena cava ligature and 83.3% simple raffia. In 33.3%, a thoracotomy was required for vascular control, two of them were resuscitative procedures. The average of hospitalization was 19.8 days. The mortality was 33.3%. Conclusions According to what presented, the high mortality of VCI was found in the group of patients with hemodynamic instability and the number of associated injuries; specially if other large vessels are involved. To optimize the survival, the efforts should be focused on a fast prehospital transfer and the training for surgeons who face this type of injury.

Presence of a sexually active goat buck enhances ovulation occurrence in seasonally anestrous does after ovulation and luteolysis induction in hormonally-treated goats in seasonal anestrus.

In seasonally anestrous goat does, ovulations can be induced by combining a treatment regimen including progestagen, eCG and prostaglandins. Nonetheless, ovulations occur only once and then does return to a seasonally anestrous state. This study was performed to determine whether the presence of a sexually active buck can stimulate a second ovulation after induced luteolysis using prostaglandins following the first ovulation. Three groups of seasonally anestrous does were treated to induce ovulations using an intra-vaginally inserted sponge containing a progestin combined with eCG and prostaglandin administrations. Goats that had ovulations were treated with a prostaglandin 11 days after progestin sponge removal. After the prostaglandin injection, does continued to be isolated from bucks (n = 8), were penned with a control buck (n = 9), or were penned with a sexually active buck (n = 10). The proportion of goats having ovulations after imposing the ovulation-induction protocol was greater than 80% and did not differ among treatment groups (P >  0.05). The proportion of does having ovulations after injecting prostaglandins was greater when does were penned with a sexually active buck (8/10) than does penned with a control buck (0/9) or that were isolated from bucks (0/8; P < 0.05). It is concluded that in seasonally anestrous goat does induced to have ovulations using a hormonal treatment regimen, the presence of a sexually active buck can induce a second ovulation when there is an induced luteolysis.

Estructura genética poblacional del pez Brycon henni (Characiformes: Characidae) en la región andina de Colombia utilizando marcadores microsatélites

Las especies de peces en Colombia están sujetas a procesos de sobrepesca, introducción de especies exóticas, deterioro de hábitat y fragmentación de ecosistemas, con la consecuente pérdida de conectividad que limita el flujo genético y pudiera llevar a las poblaciones a la extinción. En el presente trabajo se analizó la estructura genética poblacional de Brycon henni, un pez de importancia económica y ecológica, en cuatro cuencas de la región Andina colombiana, mediante el uso de diez marcadores microsatélites en 60 muestras de los ríos Risaralda (RR), Campoalegre (RC), Riofrío (RRf) y Chinchiná (RCh). Se encontró un total de 136 alelos. Con excepción del marcador BoM12, todos fueron altamente informativos y polimórficos y en todos se presentó desviación significativa (P < 0.05) del equilibrio Hardy Weinberg. En RC se observó el mayor número de alelos (81), Número promedio de alelos (8) y alelos privados (34), además una HE de 0.689 ± 0.05. En general, hubo un marcado déficit de heterocigotos con respecto a la población total (FIT = 0.562), dentro de las subpoblaciones (FIS = 0.526) y moderada, pero altamente significativa estructura genética (FST = 0.07). Según la distancia estándar de Nei, la población más divergente fue la del RC con un k = 4, se encontró tendencia a cuatro poblaciones ancestrales. Los resultados sugieren que el flujo genético entre poblaciones naturales de B. henni es limitado, lo cual puede tener efectos negativos sobre su conservación. Los resultados sugieren que las poblaciones pueden estar alcanzando valores críticos de baja densidad, lo cual pone en riesgo su conservación.

Fish species in Colombian Andes are subject to processes of overfishing, exotic species invasions, habitat loss, ecosystems fragmentation and low connectivity that limits the genetic flow and leads populations to loss genetic variability and extinction. Genetic variation of B. henni from four basins of the Colombian Andean region (Risaralda, Campoalegre, Riofrío and Chinchiná) was analyzed using ten microsatellites in 60 samples. A total of 136 alleles were found. Except BoM12, all markers were highly informative and polymorphic and presented a significant deviation (P < 0.05) from Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. There was a marked deficiency of heterozygotes (FIS = 0.526). In Campoalegre river basin, the largest allele number, average allele number and private alleles were observed (81, eight and 34 alleles, respectively) and HE 0.689 ± 0.05. Moderate and highly significant genetic structure was evidenced (FST = 0.07). According to the standard distance of Nei (1972), population from Campoalegre River basin was the most divergent. This results suggest that genetic variability of the B. henni in the studied basins may be affected by critical low population density, river pollution and overfishing.

Tomografía de Coherencia Óptica. Uso en Dermatología / Optical Coherence Tomography. Use in Dermatology

RESUMEN La Tomografía de Coherencia Óptica (OCT) ha sido recientemente muy usada en diversas patologías de piel. Es una técnica no invasiva para la investigación morfológica de los tejidos, comparable con una biopsia virtual, capaz de generar imágenes en sección transversal de la microestructura del tejido; esta técnica se basa principalmente en el esparcimiento de la luz en los medios a estudiar y gracias a las fibras de colágeno hace que pueda utilizarse en la piel. Con el uso de OCT, es posible caracterizar la morfología normal y patológica de la piel, similar a la arquitectura del tejido que se observa en la histología de rutina, así como la progresión de la enfermedad, la cual se puede investigar in situ. Representa un enfoque no traumático y eficiente en el tiempo para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de un amplio número de enfermedades dermatológicas.

SUMMARY The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has recently been widely used in various skin pathologies. It is a non-invasive technique for the morphological research of tissues, comparable with a virtual biopsy, capable of generating cross-sectional images of the tissue microstructure; this technique is based mainly on the scattering of light in the media to be studied and thanks to the collagen fibers it can be used on the skin. With the use of OTC, it is possible to characterize the normal and pathological morphology of the skin, similar to the tissue architecture observed in routine histology, as well as the progression of the disease which can be investigated in situ. Representing a non-traumatic and time-efficient approach for the diagnosis and monitoring of a large number of dermatological diseases.

Polledness in Argentinean Creole cattle, five centuries surviving.

Polledness has been shown to have autosomal Mendelian inheritance, with the polled locus being dominant to the horned locus. This trait was mapped to the BTA1 centromeric end in several breeds. One of the distinctive attributes of Creole cattle, such as the Argentinean Creole, is the presence of long, lyre-shaped horns. However, polled native animals were reported before the introduction of modern selected European breeds. Here, we studied the origin of the polled mutation, either independent or introgressed, in a Creole line from the Creole cattle founder group at the IIACS-INTA Leales Experimental Station (northwest Argentina). The study sample (65 animals: 26 horned and 39 polled) was genotyped using high-density SNP microarrays and three previously reported genetic markers (P202 ID , P80kb ID and PG ). A genome-wide association study, selection signatures, linkage disequilibrium analysis and copy number variations were used to detect the responsible region and the segregating haplotypes/alleles. The interval mapped in the Leales herd (1.23-2.13 Mb) overlapped with the region previously reported in several European cattle breeds, suggesting that the same locus could be segregating in this population. The previously reported variants PF and PG were not detected, thus dismissing the Holstein-Friesian and Nellore origins of the polled phenotype in this native breed. Conversely, the presence of the Celtic variant PC suggests an almost complete co-segregation. The cluster analysis rejected the hypothesis of recent introgression, which is compatible with the historical record of polled Creole cattle in northwest Argentina.

An autonomous robot for continuous tracking of millimetric-sized walkers.

The precise and continuous tracking of millimetric-sized walkers-such as ants-is quite important in behavioral studies. However, due to technical limitations, most studies concentrate on trajectories within areas no more than 100 times bigger than the size of the walker or longer trajectories at the expense of either accuracy or continuity. Our work describes a scientific instrument designed to push the boundaries of precise and continuous motion analysis up to 1000 body lengths or more. It consists of a mobile robotic platform that uses digital image processing techniques to track the targets in real time by calculating their spatial position. During the experiments, all the images are stored and afterwards processed to estimate with higher precision the path traced by the walkers. Some preliminary results achieved using the proposed tracking system are presented.

Mapping the Spatial Distribution of Conotrachelus psidii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Factors Associated with the Aggregation of Damage.

The guava weevil, Conotrachelus psidii Marshall, is one of the key pest species of Psidium guajava L. fruit in Colombia. Adults that emerge after completing development on the ground attack the guava fruits in some areas of the crop more than in others. During development, the weevil spends 3-6 months in the soil, suggesting that edaphoclimatic factors may influence its biology, and hence, the spatial distribution and damage pattern caused by weevils within the guava orchard. Understanding this pattern allows specific control practices to be used at crop sites. The trials were performed in a commercial orchard of 3.5 ha. Samples of damaged fruits were taken from each tree, and edaphoclimatic variables such as soil moisture, mechanical resistance, apparent density, texture, precipitation, solar radiation, temperature, and relative humidity were recorded. The data were analyzed using the basic stages of a geostatistical analysis. The findings indicate that the highest numbers of damaged fruits were correlated with areas within the surveyed field where the soil moisture ranged between 27 and 34% in rainy seasons and where the clay content was less than 30% and the silt content was 42% of the surveyed field. A linear model of the infestation was obtained, associated with the climatic variables that determine the environmental conditions and can favor the development of the weevil populations. With the information obtained, localized and efficient management of the guava weevil can be established.

Chronic kidney disease in liver transplantation: Evaluation of kidney function. / Enfermedad renal crónica en el trasplante hepático: evaluación de la función renal.

Chronic kidney disease is one of the main comorbidities affecting liver transplant recipients. Most of those patients have some degree of acute or chronic kidney dysfunction at the time of transplantation, moreover they can also develop de novo chronic kidney disease once transplanted. An important increase in the incidence of chronic kidney disease in the «MELD era¼ has been observed. This phenomenon has partially been attributed to the weight that kidney function carries for organ allocation. In addition, the generalized use of calcineurin inhibitors has also been a contributing factor. It is of the utmost importance for us to be familiar with the current methods for evaluating kidney function before and after a liver transplantation. The two main biomarkers available today for that purpose are serum creatinine and cystatin C. Several equations have been derived from those biomarkers and have been tested in that context with mixed results, due to their biologic variability and the lack of standardization in their measurement. The gold standard continues to be the direct determination of the glomerular filtration rate through different methods; however, that is only done for research purposes. It is also essential to know the current classification of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in order to make early diagnosis. The present review focuses on the recognition, diagnosis, and classification of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury in liver transplantation recipients.

La lente dermatológica… historia y algo más / Dermatological vision lens... history and something else

El microscopio es un instrumento, que desde hace muchos años es herramienta diagnóstica en Dermatología. La evolución del microscopio ha ido en sinergia con el avance de la tecnología, siendo el desarrollo de imágenes microscópicas digitalizadas, fuente de estudio en la época actual. El uso de estas imágenes en Dermatología ha permitido realizar diagnósticos en tiempo real; situación que vence la celeridad diagnóstica y aminora tanto para el médico como para el paciente, la lentitud de otras técnicas. El conocimiento sobre los diferentes métodos que se utilizan actualmente, para confirmar diagnósticos de enfermedades cutáneas, como: la dermatoscopía, la dermatoscopía multiespectral y la microscopía confocal de reflectancia, son imprescindibles para la formación del dermatólogo de hoy en día, ya que, con ellos se resumen pasos para el manejo definitivo de los pacientes. Con esta disertación, realizaremos un breve análisis de la historia de la microscopía, desde sus inicios hasta la era digital y los beneficios que se obtienen, con el uso de cada una de estas técnicas diagnósticas.

The microscope, is an instrument that for many years is used as a diagnostic tool in Dermatology. The evolution of the microscope has gone in synergy with the advancement of technology, being the development of digitized microscopic images a source of study and research in the present time. The use of these images in Dermatology has carried out diagnoses in real time; situation that overcomes the diagnostic speed and reduces for both the doctor and the patient the slowness of other techniques. The knowledge about the different methods currently used to confirm skin diseases, such as dermatoscopy, multispectral dermoscopy and confocal reflectance microscopy, is essential for the formation of today's dermatologist, since they summarize the steps for the definitive management of patients. With this dissertation, we will make a brief analysis of the history of microscopy from its beginnings to the digital age, and the benefits obtained with the use of each of these diagnostic techniques.