Photorhabdus antumapuensis sp. nov., a novel symbiotic bacterial species associated with Heterorhabditis atacamensis entomopathogenic nematodes.

One motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped symbiotic bacterium, strain UCH-936T, was isolated from Heterorhabditis atacamensis nematodes. Results of biochemical, physiological, molecular and genomic analyses suggest that it represents a new species, which we propose to name Photorhabdus antumapuensis sp. nov. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization shows that strain UCH-936T is more closely related to Photorhabdus kleinii DSM 23513T, but shares solely 50.5 % similarity, which is below the 70% cut-off value that delimits species boundaries in bacteria. Phylogenetic reconstructions using whole-genome sequences show that strain UCH-936T forms a unique clade, suggesting its novel and distinct taxonomic status again. Similarly, comparative genomic analyses shows that the virulence factor flagella-related gene fleR, the type IV pili-related gene pilL and the vibriobactin-related gene vibE are present in the genome of strain UCH-936T but absent in the genomes of its closest relatives. Biochemically and physiologically, UCH-936T differs also from all closely related Photorhabdus species. Therefore, Photorhabdus antumapuensis sp. nov. is proposed as a new species with the type strain UCH-936T (CCCT 21.06T=CCM 9188T=CCOS 1991T).

Transparency of Financial Reporting on Greenhouse Gas Emission Allowances: The Influence of Regulation.

This study focuses on the transparency of financial reporting on emission allowances (EA) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). In particular, the different accounting treatments adopted by standard setters and professionals were analyzed to evaluate the influence of regulation in the transparency of financial reporting on EA and GHG emissions. Based on a sample of 85 companies registered with the Portuguese, Spanish, and French National Plans of Allocation (NPAs), data collected from the annual reports were analyzed for the 2008-2014 period. The results were obtained based on descriptive, logistic regressions and panel data statistical techniques, and they show that better levels of transparency of financial reporting on EA and GHG emissions are conditioned by a variety of accounting policies, which compromises the comparability of the financial information. The adoption of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) standards set lead to a greater dispersion in the choice of the accounting approach and a higher probability of not disclosing any information, as well as adopting off-balance sheet policies. Therefore, the regulatory factor is a determinant of the level of transparency of financial reporting on EA and GHG emissions, contributing to reduce strategies of omission.

Entomopathogenic nematology in Latin America: A brief history, current research and future prospects.

Since the 1980s, research into entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in Latin America has produced many remarkable discoveries. In fact, 16 out of the 117 recognized species of EPNs have been recovered and described in the subcontinent, with many more endemic species and/or strains remaining to be discovered and identified. In addition, from an applied perspective, numerous technological innovations have been accomplished in relation to their implementation in biocontrol. EPNs have been evaluated against over 170 species of agricultural and urban insects, mites, and plant-parasitic nematodes under laboratory and field conditions. While much success has been recorded, many accomplishments remain obscure, due to their publication in non-English journals, thesis dissertations, conference proceedings, and other non-readily available sources. The present review provides a brief history of EPNs in Latin America, including current findings and future perspectives.

Gestión de RRHH, Departamento de Enfermería, SMI / Human Resources Management, Nursing Department, SMI

El Servicio Médico Integral es una de las más importantes empresas prestadoras de servicios de salud integrales en Uruguay, con un sanatorio de referencia nacional y regional que cuenta con múltiples servicios especializados que lo posicionan como uno de los más completos centros de asistencia del país. Asimismo cuenta con Policlínicos descentralizados, así como con Sanatorio Prado, lo cual facilita la accesibilidad de los servicios de salud a todo el padrón social, abarcando así el departamento de Montevideo y Ciudad de la Costa, con cobertura de 24 horas, los 365 días del año.- El Departamento de Enfermería, en armonía con la política institucional, tiene entre sus cometidos, ofrecer una atención integral, calificada y oportuna, procurando el mayor nivel de calidad de atención posible acorde a las características socioculturales así como a las demandas emergentes del conjunto de su masa social.- En el presente estudio se hará referencia a la dotación definida y a las necesidades actuales, así como a las dificultades que surgen en el momento de reclutar y seleccionar personal y se enfocará en aquellas áreas que requieren de una formación específica para el cuidado de calidad de los usuarios: emergencia, maternidad, pediatría y cuidados intensivos, entre otros, dado que dichos servicios requieren de un mayor esfuerzo tanto del funcionario como de la institución para mantener un nivel de conocimientos y experticia, necesarios para acompasar las innovaciones permanentes en el ámbito de la atención de salud.- Asimismo se presentará una caracterización general del personal de enfermería de la institución, los porcentajes de ausentismo y el índice de rotación de los mismos en el periodo 2014-2016. (AU)

First Report of Heterorhabditis amazonensis from Venezuela and Characterization of Three Populations.

During a survey in western Venezuela in 2011, three new populations of Heterorhabditis amazonensis (LPV081, LPV156, and LPV498) were isolated. Some differences were found in terms of morphometry compared with the original description; however, the distance from the anterior end to the excretory pore is the most variable character; significantly shorter in all infective juveniles and in other developmental stages depending on the population. According to a Principal Component Analysis, LPV498 possesses more differences in morphometric characteristics and can be separated from the other two. Those intraspecific differences could be attributed to the geographic origin of the nematode. Molecular studies of ITS regions demonstrated that the sequences of the Venezuelan strains were identical to those of the type species originally isolated in the Brazilian Amazonian forest. This is an interesting fact because in several studies on heterorhabditids, intraspecific variability has been recorded. Herein, we present the first report of H. amazonensis in Venezuela and the characterization of three populations of this species.

Steinernema goweni n. sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), a new entomopathogenic nematode from Zulia State, Venezuela.

A nematode from the genus Steinernema was isolated in Zulia state (North-western, Venezuela). Morphological, morphometric and molecular studies indicated that this nematode belongs to the "bicornutum" group and is described herein as Steinernema goweni n. sp. Steinernema goweni n. sp. is characterised by morphometrics of its infective juveniles, with body length 640 (531-719) µm, pharynx length of 119 (109-126) µm, tail of 67 (59-89) µm, c ratio = 9 (6-11) and E% = 77 (48-94). First generation male specimens can be recognised by the shape and size of spicules (55 (50-57) µm long) and gubernaculum (35 (30-40) µm long), and %D value 42 (28-59), which is at the lower limit within the "bicornutum" group. The number of genital papillae in males is also distinctive for S. goweni n. sp. presenting up to 27 (13 pairs + 1) papillae in 15% of specimens. The phasmids can be seen in scanning electron microscopy in all stages, characters not previously reported within the "bicornutum" group. Phylogenetic analyses of the "bicornutum" group based on both ITS and D2D3 regions showed a clear separation of S. goweni n. sp. from the other species. In both analyses S. goweni n. sp. formed a strongly supported group of American species.

Social and clinical comparison between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder type I with psychosis in Costa Rica.

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia (SC) and bipolar disorder (BP) are two of the most severe and incapacitating mental disorders. It has been questioned whether these two conditions designate distinct illnesses with different etiologies or whether they represent different ends of a clinical spectrum with a common etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study compares social and clinical characteristics of 84 SC and 84 BP subjects from the Costa Rican Central Valley (CRCV) using information from the DIGS, FIGS and psychiatric records. Each of these subjects had a best estimate lifetime consensus diagnosis of either bipolar type I or SC. RESULTS: Subjects with SC differed from subjects with BP in social adjustment measures like marital and employment status, and number of children. Both groups were very similar in years of education, age of onset of their illness, history of other psychiatric co-morbidities, and treatment received. DISCUSSION: The high percentage of psychosis in the BP group (97.6%) may largely explain the similarities found between groups in their clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION: The differences in social and functional decline support the original dichotomy described by Kraepelin based on chronicity and periodicity between these two psychotic disorders.

Caracterización de un grupo de pacientes con esquizofrenia en el Valle Central de Costa Rica / Characterization of a group of schizophrenic in the Central Valley of Costa Rica

Justificación y objetivo: la esquizofrenia es una enfermedad crónica con importantes repercusiones sociales que afecta al 1 por ciento de la población mundial. Se describe las características de la esquizofrenia en una muestra de pacientes del Valle Central de Costa Rica. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, transversal en esquizofrénicos diagnosticados a través del proceso de mejor estimado diagnostico según la cuarta edición del Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales, DSMIV. Resultados: de 260 esquizofrénicos, 186, 71.5 por ciento son varones y 74, 28.5 por ciento mujeres, la edad promedio de entrevista es 38.95 años, Desviación Standard, DS: 11.37, menor en los varones, 37.54 años, DS: 10.46, que en las mujeres, 42.49, DS:12.81, p<0.05, el 44.96 por ciento presenta el subtipo indiferenciada, 29.07 por ciento paranoide, 15.89 por ciento desorganizada y 10.08 por ciento para otros subtipos. La edad de inicio es en promedio 21.39 años, DS: 7.21, y la edad del primer tratamiento es 22.26 años, DS: 6.55, sin diferencia significativa entre hombres y mujeres, 159, 85 por ciento de varones nunca se ha casado versus 47, 63 por ciento de mujeres, p<0.05. El 54.1 por ciento de las mujeres son laboralmente activas en comparación con el 23.1 por ciento de los varones, p<0.05 a pesar de una similar escolaridad 7.82 años, DS: 3.68, p>0.05. El número de hospitalizaciones es en promedio 5.49, DS: 5.24, p>0.05, los sujetos solteros presentan tendencia a un mayor número de ingresos, 17.25 internamientos. El 49.6 por ciento ha sufrido al menos un síndrome depresivo mayor, 7.5 por ciento de los varones presenta abuso y el 22.0 por ciento dependencia al alcohol; 7.7 por ciento de sujetos presenta abuso y el 7.3 por ciento dependencia a sustancias p>0.05. Discusión: Nuestros pacientes...

Malic enzyme 2 and susceptibility to psychosis and mania.

Previous studies have identified a putative gene locus for both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in the chromosome 18q21 region. To identify candidate genes associated with these disorders we completed fine mapping analyses (using microsatellite markers) in 152 families from the Central Valley of Costa Rica (CVCR) (376 total subjects, 151 with a history of psychosis, 97 with a history of mania). Microsatellite analyses showed evidence of association at two contiguous markers, both located at the same genetic distance and spanning approximately 11 known genes. In a corollary gene expression study, one of these genes, malic enzyme 2 (ME2), showed levels of gene expression 5.6-fold lower in anterior cingulate tissue from post-mortem bipolar brains. Subsequent analysis of individual SNPs in strong linkage disequilibrium with the ME2 gene revealed one SNP and one haplotype associated with the phenotype of psychosis in the CVCR sample. ME2 interacts directly with the malate shuttle system, which has been shown to be altered in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and has roles in neuronal synthesis of glutamate and gamma-amino butyric acid. The present study suggests that genetic variation in or near the ME2 gene is associated with both psychotic and manic disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

A novel missense mutation in the transmembrane domain of neuregulin 1 is associated with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Although genetic factors are known to play an important role in schizophrenia, the identification of genes involved in this disorder has remained elusive. The neuregulin 1 gene is among the few candidate genes to have been implicated in schizophrenia susceptibility in several populations. However, no causal mutations within this gene have been identified. METHODS: In attempts to identify polymorphisms within the neuregulin 1 gene, we performed DNA sequencing using 12 subjects with a history of psychosis from the Central Valley of Costa Rica. DNA genotyping and association studies were then performed in an extended cohort of 142 affected individuals and their relatives from the same population. RESULTS: We identified a novel missense mutation (Val to Leu) in exon 11, which codes for the transmembrane region of the neuregulin 1 protein. Association analysis by the Family Based Association Test (FBAT) revealed that this mutation is associated with psychosis (p = .0049) and schizophrenia (p = .0191) in this population. CONCLUSIONS: We report the finding of a missense mutation in the neuregulin 1 gene associated with schizophrenia. Additional analyses of an independent sample as well as detailed functional studies should be performed to determine the relevance of this novel polymorphism to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.