Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in Latin America.

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), namely Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have increased in Latin America over the past few decades. Although incidence is accelerating in some countries in the region, other areas in Latin America are already transitioning into the next epidemiological stage-ie, compounding prevalence-with a similar epidemiological profile to the western world. Consequently, more attention must be given to the diagnosis and management of IBD in Latin America. In this Review, we provide an overview of epidemiology, potential local environmental risk factors, challenges in the management of IBD, and limitations due to the heterogenity of health-care systems, both public and private, in Latin America. Unresolved issues in the region include inadequate access to diagnostic resources, biological therapies, tight disease monitoring (including treat to target therapy, surveillance and prevention of complications, drug monitoring), and specialised IBD surgery. Local guidelines are an important effort to overcome barriers in IBD management. Advancements in long-term health-care policies will be important to promote early diagnosis, access to new treatments, and improvements in research in Latin America. These improvements will not only affect overall health care but will also lead to optimal prioritisation of IBD-related costs and resources and enhance the quality of life of people with IBD in Latin America.

Analytical reference framework to analyze non-COVID-19 events.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the healthcare system, leading to delays in detection of other non-COVID-19 diseases. This paper presents ANE Framework (Analytics for Non-COVID-19 Events), a reliable and user-friendly analytical forecasting framework designed to predict the number of patients with non-COVID-19 diseases. Prior to 2020, there were analytical models focused on specific illnesses and contexts. Then, most models have focused on understanding COVID-19 behavior. There is a lack of analytical frameworks that enable disease forecasting for non-COVID-19 diseases. METHODS: The ANE Framework utilizes time series analysis to generate forecasting models. The framework leverages daily data from official government sources and employs SARIMA models to forecast the number of non-COVID-19 cases, such as tuberculosis and suicide attempts. RESULTS: The framework was tested on five different non-COVID-19 events. The framework performs well across all events, including tuberculosis and suicide attempts, with a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of up to 20% and the consistency remains independent of the behavior of each event. Moreover, a pairwise comparison of averages can lead to over or underestimation of the impact. The disruption caused by the pandemic resulted in a 17% gap (2383 cases) between expected and reported tuberculosis cases, and a 19% gap (2464 cases) for suicide attempts. These gaps varied between 20 and 64% across different cities and regions. The ANE Framework has proven to be reliable for analyzing several diseases and exhibits the flexibility to incorporate new data from various sources. Regular updates and the inclusion of new associated data enhance the framework's effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Current pandemic shows the necessity of developing flexible models to be adapted to different illness data. The framework developed proved to be reliable for the different diseases analyzed, presenting enough flexibility to update with new data or even include new data from different databases. To keep updated on the result of the project allows the inclusion of new data associated with it. Similarly, the proposed strategy in the ANE framework allows for improving the quality of the obtained results with news events.

Medical Education During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Face-to-Face Traditional Learning Versus Online Digital Education of Basic Sciences for Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, internet-based learning modalities and online classes became a tool for the continuous learning process for medical students. The aim of this study was to compare medical student performance in both online versus offline instructional methods. METHODS: The study was conducted on 213 medical students of the basic science program at the American University of Antigua, College of Medicine (AUACOM), who completed the four semesters consecutively between Spring 2018 and Fall 2020. Two cohorts of students were considered in the study: cohort 1 (those who completed years 1 and 2 using traditional offline teaching modality) and cohort 2 (those who completed year 1 offline and year 2 online). The years 1 and 2 National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) summative assessment scores of the students were used to determine which instructional modality generated better student performance outcomes for the two groups. Additionally, we evaluated the score variabilities between genders to determine if teaching modality had an impact on a specific group. All statistical comparisons were done using two-tailed t-tests. RESULTS: The study involves 213 students (112 in cohort 1, 101 in cohort 2). There was no significant difference in student performance between offline and online learners overall (74 ± 2.3 vs. 73 ± 1.3; p = 0.537) or with respect to gender (73 ± 3.8 vs. 73 ± 3.0; p = 0.709). CONCLUSION: In this comparative effectiveness study of traditional offline education versus online instructional modality, we observed no statistical difference in student performance evaluated with NBME summative assessment scores. Online classes were well-accepted by our students. These data show a significant and promising potential for the future of medical education using online teaching modalities. Remote online teaching could be used again in the future without detriment to student education if face-to-face (F2F) learning is not possible.

Assessing long-term impacts of cover crops on soil organic carbon in the central US Midwestern agroecosystems.

Cover crops have been reported as one of the most effective practices to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) for agroecosystems. Impacts of cover crops on SOC change vary depending on soil properties, climate, and management practices, but it remains unclear how these control factors affect SOC benefits from cover crops, as well as which management practices can maximize SOC benefits. To address these questions, we used an advanced process-based agroecosystem model, ecosys, to assess the impacts of winter cover cropping on SOC accumulation under different environmental and management conditions. We aimed to answer the following questions: (1) To what extent do cover crops benefit SOC accumulation, and how do SOC benefits from cover crops vary with different factors (i.e., initial soil properties, cover crop types, climate during the cover crop growth period, and cover crop planting and terminating time)? (2) How can we enhance SOC benefits from cover crops under different cover crop management options? Specifically, we first calibrated and validated the ecosys model at two long-term field experiment sites with SOC measurements in Illinois. We then applied the ecosys model to six cover crop field experiment sites spanning across Illinois to assess the impacts of different factors on SOC accumulation. Our modeling results revealed the following findings: (1) Growing cover crops can bring SOC benefits by 0.33 ± 0.06 MgC ha-1  year-1 in six cover crop field experiment sites across Illinois, and the SOC benefits are species specific to legume and non-legume cover crops. (2) Initial SOC stocks and clay contents had overall small influences on SOC benefits from cover crops. During the cover crop growth period (i.e., winter and spring in the US Midwest), high temperature increased SOC benefits from cover crops, while the impacts from larger precipitation on SOC benefits varied field by field. (3) The SOC benefits from cover crops can be maximized by optimizing cover crop management practices (e.g., selecting cover crop types and controlling cover crop growth period) for the US Midwestern maize-soybean rotation system. Finally, we discussed the economic and policy implications of adopting cover crops in the US Midwest, including that current economic incentives to grow cover crops may not be sufficient to cover costs. This study systematically assessed cover crop impacts for SOC change in the US Midwest context, while also demonstrating that the ecosys model, with rigorous validation using field experiment data, can be an effective tool to guide the adaptive management of cover crops and quantify SOC benefits from cover crops. The study thus provides practical tools and insights for practitioners and policy-makers to design cover crop related government agricultural policies and incentive programs for farmers and agri-food related industries.

Discapacidad intelectual y derechos sexuales: revisión narrativa de la literatura / Intellectual Disability and Sexual Rights: Narrative Review of the Literature / Deficiência intelectual e direitos sexuais: uma revisão narrativa da literatura

Introducción: Se requiere contar con referentes éticos y conceptuales para fortalecer la educación sexual de las personas con discapacidad intelectual. Objetivo: Caracterizar, desde los derechos sexuales, los estudios sobre sexualidad de personas con discapacidad intelectual. Métodos: Revisión narrativa, analizando 34 estudios publicados entre 2008 y 2022. Se presenta una panorámica basada en la investigación global, a fin de ampliar la comprensión de las realidades implicadas en la sexualidad de las personas con discapacidad desde una mirada de derechos. Resultados: Surgieron, a partir del análisis, cuatro temáticas generales: "Las personas con discapacidad intelectual frente a la sexualidad y la reproducción", "Relaciones afectivas", "Actitudes y percepciones de familias y proveedo-res de servicios" y "Problemáticas de salud sexual y salud reproductiva en la discapacidad intelectual". Se develan desigualdades de género y una tensión entre la perspectiva proteccionista y la de derechos en el abordaje a la sexualidad de este grupo humano. Conclusiones: En la educación sexual es necesario trabajar en el cambio de paradigmas, entendiendo que es una estrategia importante que las personas con discapacidad intelectual se empoderen sobre sus derechos sexuales para enfrentar la exclusión, el abuso sexual y la violencia en este ámbito

Introduction: It is necessary to have ethical and conceptual references to strengthen the sexual edu-cation of people with intellectual disabilities. Objective: Carry out a characterization, from sexual rights, of studies on the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities.Methods: A narrative review was carried out, analyzing 34 studies published between 2008 and 2022. An overview is presented based on global research seeking to broaden the understanding of the realities involved in the sexuality of people with disabilities from a rights perspective. Results: Four general themes emerged from the analysis: "People with intellectual disabilities facing sexuality and reproduction," "Affective relationships," "Attitudes and perceptions of families and service providers" and "Problems of sexual health and health reproductive in intellectual disability." Gender inequalities and a tension between the protectionist perspective and the rights perspective are revealed in the approach to the sexuality of this human group. Conclusions: In sexual education it is necessary to work on changing paradigms, understanding that the empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities about their sexual rights is an important strategy to deal with exclusion, sexual abuse and violence in this area.

Introdução: São necessárias referências éticas e conceituais para fortalecer a educação sexual para pessoas com deficiências intelectuais. Objetivo: Caracterizar, a partir de uma perspectiva de direitos sexuais, estudos sobre a sexualidade de pessoas com deficiências intelectuais. Métodos: revisão narrativa, analisando 34 estudos publicados entre 2008 e 2022. É apresentada uma visão geral baseada em pesquisas globais para ampliar a compreensão das realidades envolvidas na sexualidade de pessoas com deficiência a partir de uma perspectiva baseada em direitos. Resultados: Quatro temas gerais emergiram da análise: "Pessoas com deficiência intelectual em relação à sexualidade e à reprodução", "Relacionamentos afetivos", "Atitudes e percepções das famí-lias e dos prestadores de serviços" e "Questões de saúde sexual e reprodutiva na deficiência intelec-tual". Foram reveladas as desigualdades de gênero e a tensão entre a perspectiva protecionista e a dos direitos na abordagem da sexualidade desse grupo humano. Conclusões: Na educação sexual, é necessário trabalhar na mudança de paradigmas, entendendo que essa é uma estratégia importante para que as pessoas com deficiência intelectual se empoderem sobre seus direitos sexuais, a fim de enfrentar a exclusão, o abuso sexual e a violência nesse campo.

Amaranth as a natural food colorant source: Survey of germplasm and optimization of extraction methods for betalain pigments.

Growing consumer demands for healthier foods have evoked trends in the food industry to replace synthetically produced colorants with naturally derived alternatives. Anthocyanins currently comprise the bulk of the natural colorant market, but betalains offer advantages where anthocyanins have limits. Amaranthus species are appealing betalain sources given their extensive pigmentation patterns and recognized food status around the world. An advantage of amaranths as natural food colorants is that, when grown as leafy vegetables, water extracts would be compliant with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines as "vegetable juice" colorants. Thus, we developed a methodology based on U.S. FDA guidelines to investigate betalain diversity among forty-eight amaranth accessions grown as leafy vegetables. Total betacyanin concentrations ranged from 4.7 to 478.8 mg/100 g dry weight, with amaranthin and isoamaranthin identified as major constituents. Our findings will guide future research on amaranths to determine economic viability and suitability for growing natural colorant markets.

Pharmacophore-Based Discovery of Viral RNA Conformational Modulators.

New RNA-binding small-molecule scaffolds are needed to unleash the pharmacological potential of RNA targets. Here we have applied a pharmacophore-based virtual screening approach, seldom used in the RNA recognition field, to identify novel conformational inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site. The conformational effect of the screening hits was assessed with a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay, and the affinity, specificity, and binding site of the ligands were determined using a combination of fluorescence intensity and NMR spectroscopy experiments. The results indicate that this strategy can be successfully applied to discover RNA conformational inhibitors bearing substantially less positive charge than the reference ligands. This methodology can potentially be accommodated to other RNA motifs of pharmacological interest, facilitating the discovery of novel RNA-targeted molecules.

[Humanized prenatal care in Latin America: a stat of the art]. / Atención prenatal humanizada en américa latina: un estado del arte.

Objetive: To identify contributions of the scientific literature produced in the 2009-2019 period in Latin America on humanized prenatal care. Data sources:Articles produced in Latin America that addressed humanized prenatal care, published between 2009 and 2019 in indexed journals (reported in MIAR) and located in recognized databases, were selected. Study selection: A selection based on the source, quality and relevance of the studies was taken into account, excluding gray literature. After applying filters, 26 articles were obtained. Data extraction: The data was recorded, subsequently using an analytical matrix for its coding. Data: the studies, especially from Colombia and Brazil, were largely qualitative. It is established that the quality of care is reflected in the accessibility and satisfaction of the users with the services. Humanized prenatal care affects maternal-perinatal health. The recognition of the particular needs of pregnant women is relevant. The studies recommend qualifying health personnel to strengthen humanized prenatal care, assuming pregnant women as protagonists of the process, dispelling their doubts and concerns, and providing evidence on the relationship humanized prenatal care / reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: The studies carried out recognize the pregnant woman as the protagonist and her needs as the starting point for humanized prenatal care, conceived as an essential reference for the quality of services with a positive impact on the satisfaction of pregnant women and maternal outcomes. Training of health personnel is required.

Objetivo: Identificar aportes de la literatura científica producida en el periodo 2009-2019 en América Latina sobre atención prenatal humanizada. Fuentes de datos: Se seleccionaron artículos producidos en América Latina que abordaran la atención prenatal humanizada, publicados entre 2009 y 2019 en revistas indexadas (reportadas en MIAR) y localizados en bases de datos reconocidas. Selección de los estudios: Se tuvo en cuenta una selección basada en la fuente, calidad y pertinencia de los estudios, excluyendo la literatura gris. Luego de aplicar filtros se obtuvieron 26 artículos. Extracción de datos: Los datos fueron fichados, utilizando posteriormente una matriz analítica para su codificación. Datos: los estudios, sobre todo provenientes de Colombia y Brasil, fueron en buena parte cualitativos. Se establece que la calidad de la atención se refleja en la accesibilidad y la satisfacción de las usuarias con los servicios. El cuidado prenatal humanizado incide en la salud materno-perinatal. Es relevante el reconocimiento de las necesidades particulares de las gestantes. Los estudios recomiendan cualificar el personal de salud para fortalecer el cuidado prenatal humanizado, asumir las gestantes como protagonistas del proceso, disipando sus dudas y preocupaciones y aportar evidencia sobre la relación atención prenatal humanizada/reducción de la morbimortalidad materna. Conclusiones: Los estudios realizados reconocen a la gestante como protagonista y sus necesidades como el punto de partida para la atención prenatal humanizada, concebida como referente esencial de la calidad de los servicios con impacto positivo sobre la satisfacción de las gestantes y los resultados maternos. Se requiere formar al personal de salud.

Limited Impacts of Cover Cropping on Soil N-Cycling Microbial Communities of Long-Term Corn Monocultures.

Cover cropping (CC) is a promising in-field practice to mitigate soil health degradation and nitrogen (N) losses from excessive N fertilization. Soil N-cycling microbial communities are the fundamental drivers of these processes, but how they respond to CC under field conditions is poorly documented for typical agricultural systems. Our objective was to investigate this relationship for a long-term (36 years) corn [Zea mays L.] monocultures under three N fertilizer rates (N0, N202, and N269; kg N/ha), where a mixture of cereal rye [Secale cereale L.] and hairy vetch [Vicia villosa Roth.] was introduced for two consecutive years, using winter fallows as controls (BF). A 3 × 2 split-plot arrangement of N rates and CC treatments in a randomized complete block design with three replications was deployed. Soil chemical and physical properties and potential nitrification (PNR) and denitrification (PDR) rates were measured along with functional genes, including nifH, archaeal and bacterial amoA, nirK, nirS, and nosZ-I, sequenced in Illumina MiSeq system and quantified in high-throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The abundances of nifH, archaeal amoA, and nirS decreased with N fertilization (by 7.9, 4.8, and 38.9 times, respectively), and correlated positively with soil pH. Bacterial amoA increased by 2.4 times with CC within N269 and correlated positively with soil nitrate. CC increased the abundance of nirK by 1.5 times when fertilized. For both bacterial amoA and nirK, N202 and N269 did not differ from N0 within BF. Treatments had no significant effects on nosZ-I. The reported changes did not translate into differences in functionality as PNR and PDR did not respond to treatments. These results suggested that N fertilization disrupts the soil N-cycling communities of this system primarily through soil acidification and high nutrient availability. Two years of CC may not be enough to change the N-cycling communities that adapted to decades of disruption from N fertilization in corn monoculture. This is valuable primary information to understand the potentials and limitations of CC when introduced into long-term agricultural systems.

Identificación y secuenciación de SARS-CoV-2 en una leona africana (Panthera leo), bajo el cuidado técnico profesional, en Colombia

Objetivo Identificar y caracterizar el virus SARS-CoV-2 en una leona africana (Panthera leo), hembra, de edad avanzada, que presentó por varios meses signos relacionados con enfermedad respiratoria atípica. Métodos Se tomaron muestras de hisopados nasales 23 días después de haber reportado secreción nasal inicial. Se realizó la detección del virus SARS-Cov2 mediante RT-qPCR y posteriormente se caracterizó el genoma completo mediante secuencia Illumina. Resultados Desde el punto de vista clínico, los resultados encontrados en las muestras de sangre no mostraron cambios evidentes que se pudieran relacionar con el virus o con todos los signos descritos desde el inicio del caso. Para la secuenciación genómica los análisis mostraron una alineación múltiple comparativa entre los tres genomas (muestra Leona, FIP u NC_045512 [Wu han]) por medio de Mauve, centrado en los genes Spike, E y M (archivo complementario, parte B). Se logró identificar 5 segmentos muy similares entre Leona y NC_045512 (Wuhan). Conclusiones Es necesario adelantar más investigaciones para estandarizar el diagnóstico de esta patología en los animales. Así mismo, se requieren estudios genómicos en estas especies. Además, se evidenció con la revisión del estado de la cuestión que existen muchos vacíos del conocimiento en la implicación zoonótica de la pandemia y en el conocimiento de este virus en animales domésticos y silvestres, lo que supone un reto importante para las investigaciones de aquí en adelante.

Objective To identify and characterize the SARS-CoV-2 virus in an elderly African lioness (Panthera leo) that presented signs related to atypical respiratory disease for several months. Methods Nasal swab samples were taken 23 days after infection. have reported initial nasal discharge. Results The SARS-Cov2 virus was detected by RT-qPCR and the complete genome was subsequently characterized by Illumina sequencing. The results found in the blood samples did not show obvious changes that could be related to the virus or to the signs described from the beginning of the case. For genomic sequencing the analyzes showed a comparative multiple alignment between the three genomes (sample Leona, FIP or NC_045512 (Wu han)) by means of Mauve, focusing on the Spike, E and M genes (Supplementary file, part B); 5 very similar segments between Leona and NC_045512 (Wuhan) was identified. Conclusions It is necessary to carry out more research to standardize the diagnosis of this pathology in animals and guarantee access to it. Also, genomic studies in these species. Additionally, it was evidenced with the literature review that there are many knowledge gaps in the zoonotic implication of the Pandemic and in the knowledge of this virus in domestic and wild animals, which represents an important challenge for research from now on.

Efecto de los cultivos de cobertura invernales sobre el microbioma del suelo: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Effect of winter cover crops on the soil microbiome: a systematic literature review

Resumen La inclusión de cultivos de cobertura invernales (CCI) en un sistema de siembra directa (SD) en reemplazo del barbecho constituye una alternativa promisoria para mejorar la salud del suelo y contribuir a la sustentabilidad ambiental de los sistemas agrícolas. Esta revisión ofrece un panorama integral de los efectos sobre el microbioma del suelo que tiene la introducción de CCI en rotación con cultivos de verano en sistemas de SD vs. el barbecho desnudo. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura que reporta los efectos de los CCI sobre los parámetros de abundancia, actividad y diversidad microbiana del suelo. Combinando 7 criterios de búsqueda se seleccionaron y analizaron 22 trabajos. El conjunto de resultados de esos trabajos muestra que la actividad enzimática del suelo se ve favorecida con la inclusión de CCI en la rotación, principalmente si estos se componen de leguminosas y mezclas de especies. Más de la mitad de esos trabajos reportan una mayor biomasa microbiana con CCI que con barbecho. Además, se advierte que los efectos de los CCI sobre los parámetros microbianos son independientes de la duración de los ensayos. Sin embargo, aún se necesitan más investigaciones básicas que permitan reducir la heterogeneidad entre estudios y comprender las complejas interacciones que ocurren entre los CCI y el microbioma del suelo.

Abstract The inclusion of winter cover crops (WCC) in no-till (NT) systems in replacement of bare fallow is a promising alternative to improve soil health and consequently, contribute to environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of the use of WCC in rotation with summer cash crops under NT systems on the soil microbiome versus bare fallows. A systematic literature search was conducted to evaluate the impact of WCC on microbial parameters indicative of abundance, activity and diversity. Twenty-two papers were selected based on seven combined criteria. The results of this review show that enzyme activities in soil are enhanced with the inclusion of WCC in the rotation, particularly those that include legumes and mix of species. ln general, more than half of the analyzed papers report higher microbial biomass in soils with WCC than in bare fallow. Interestingly, the effects of WCC on microbial parameters are independent of the duration of the experiments. However, more basic research is necessary to reduce the heterogeneity of the studies and to better understand the complexity of the interactions between WCC and the soil microbiome.

[Effect of winter cover crops on the soil microbiome: a systematic literature review]. / Efecto de los cultivos de cobertura invernales sobre el microbioma del suelo: revisión sistemática de la literatura.

The inclusion of winter cover crops (WCC) in no-till (NT) systems in replacement of bare fallow is a promising alternative to improve soil health and consequently, contribute to environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of the use of WCC in rotation with summer cash crops under NT systems on the soil microbiome versus bare fallows. A systematic literature search was conducted to evaluate the impact of WCC on microbial parameters indicative of abundance, activity and diversity. Twenty-two papers were selected based on seven combined criteria. The results of this review show that enzyme activities in soil are enhanced with the inclusion of WCC in the rotation, particularly those that include legumes and mix of species. In general, more than half of the analyzed papers report higher microbial biomass in soils with WCC than in bare fallow. Interestingly, the effects of WCC on microbial parameters are independent of the duration of the experiments. However, more basic research is necessary to reduce the heterogeneity of the studies and to better understand the complexity of the interactions between WCC and the soil microbiome.

Ammonia Oxidizing Prokaryotes Respond Differently to Fertilization and Termination Methods in Common Oat's Rhizosphere.

Cover crops (CC) have demonstrated beneficial effects on several soil properties yet questions remain regarding their effects on soil microbial communities. Among them, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) have a key role for N cycling in soil and their responses in the rhizosphere of terminated CC deserve further investigation. A greenhouse experiment was established to assess N fertilization (with or without N) and termination methods (glyphosate, mowing, and untreated control) of common oat (Avena sativa L.) as potential drivers of AOA and AOB responses in the rhizosphere. The abundance of amoA genes was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), the community structure was assessed with Illumina amplicon sequencing of these genes, while the function was assessed from potential nitrification activity (PNA). While N fertilization had no influence on AOA, the termination method significantly increased amoA gene copies of AOA in mowed plants relative to glyphosate termination or the untreated control (1.76 and 1.49-fold change, respectively), and shifted AOA community structure (PERMANOVA, p<0.05). Ordination methods indicated a separation between AOA communities from control and glyphosate-terminated plants relative to mowed plants for both UniFrac and Aitchison distance. Converserly, N fertilization significantly increased AOB abundance in the rhizosphere of mowed and control plants, yet not in glyphosate-treated plants. Analyses of community structure showed that AOB changed only in response to N fertilization and not to the termination method. In line with these results, significantly higher PNA values were measured in all fertilized samples, regardless of the termination methods. Overall, the results of this study indicated that bacterial and archaeal nitrifiers have contrasting responses to fertlization and plant termination methods. While AOA were responsive to the termination method, AOB were more sensitive to N additions, although, the stimulative effect of N fertilization on amoA AOB abundance was dependent on the termination method.

The Combined Effect of Weaning Stress and Immune Activation during Pig Gestation on Serum Cytokine and Analyte Concentrations.

Weaning stress can elicit changes in the metabolic, hormone and immune systems of pigs and interact with prolonged disruptions stemming from maternal immune activation (MIA) during gestation. The present study advances the characterization of the combined effects of weaning stress and MIA on blood chemistry, immune and hormone indicators that inform on the health of pigs. Three-week-old female and male offspring of control gilts or gilts infected with the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus were allocated to weaned or nursed groups. The anion gap and bilirubin profiles suggest that MIA enhances tolerance to the effects of weaning stress. Interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 2 were highest among weaned MIA females, and cortisol was higher among weaned relative to nursed pigs across sexes. Canonical discriminant analysis demonstrated that weaned and nursed pigs have distinct chemistry profiles, whereas MIA and control pigs have distinct cytokine profiles. The results from this study can guide management practices that recognize the effects of the interaction between MIA and weaning stress on the performance and health of pigs.

Soil Microbial Indicators within Rotations and Tillage Systems.

Recent advancements in agricultural metagenomics allow for characterizing microbial indicators of soil health brought on by changes in management decisions, which ultimately affect the soil environment. Field-scale studies investigating the microbial taxa from agricultural experiments are sparse, with none investigating the long-term effect of crop rotation and tillage on microbial indicator species. Therefore, our goal was to determine the effect of rotations (continuous corn, CCC; continuous soybean, SSS; and each phase of a corn-soybean rotation, Cs and Sc) and tillage (no-till, NT; and chisel tillage, T) on the soil microbial community composition following 20 years of management. We found that crop rotation and tillage influence the soil environment by altering key soil properties, such as pH and soil organic matter (SOM). Monoculture corn lowered pH compared to SSS (5.9 vs. 6.9, respectively) but increased SOM (5.4% vs. 4.6%, respectively). Bacterial indicator microbes were categorized into two groups: SOM dependent and acidophile vs. N adverse and neutrophile. Fungi preferred the CCC rotation, characterized by low pH. Archaeal indicators were mainly ammonia oxidizers with species occupying niches at contrasting pHs. Numerous indicator microbes are involved with N cycling due to the fertilizer-rich environment, prone to aquatic or gaseous losses.

Biochemistry and Immune Biomarkers Indicate Interacting Effects of Pre- and Postnatal Stressors in Pigs across Sexes.

The effects of maternal immune activation (MIA) elicited by a prenatal stressor and postnatal metabolic or immune stressors on chemical and inflammatory biomarkers were studied in male and female pigs. Pigs exposed to MIA elicited by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and matching controls were assigned at two months of age to fasting stress, immune stress, or a saline group. The serum levels of over 30 chemistry and immune analytes were studied. Significantly low levels of blood urea nitrogen were detected in females exposed to MIA, while the highest creatinine levels were identified in fasting females exposed to MIA. The levels of interferon gamma and interleukin 8 were highest in pigs exposed to postnatal immune challenge. The profiles suggest that MIA may sensitize pigs to postnatal stressors for some indicators while making them more tolerant of other stressors. Effectiveness of practices to ameliorate the impact of postnatal stressors on the physiology of the pig could be enhanced by considering the prenatal stress circumstances.

Prostitución femenina y género en el contexto colombiano: un estado del arte (2010-2019) / Female prostitution and gender in the colombian context: a state of the art. (2010-2019)

Introducción: desde el enfoque de género, la prostitución de las mujeres se explica como una expresión del modelo patriarcal. Este enfoque puede aportar elementos sustanciales para la comprensión y el abordaje a la prostitución femenina, de cara a la realidad colombiana, donde se carece de estudios documentales en esta línea conceptual. Método: se realizó un estado del arte de la investigación teórica y aplicada sobre la prostitución femenina, con lectura de género, en el periodo 2010-2019. Resultados: de los estudios analizados, varios situados en Bogotá, se ocupa especialmente la academia. Los autores coinciden en que la prostitución se deriva de la intersección entre desigualdades de género e injusticia social, y causa violencias de género y estigmatización. Políticas sociales para erradicarla, legalización y empoderamiento de las mujeres surgen como opciones para hacerle frente. Conclusión: para nutrir la política pública se requiere avanzar en la comprensión de los aspectos subjetivos implicados en este estilo de vida, profundizar en los discursos, construcciones y significados de género, e incluir la realidad de quienes están inmersas en la modalidad "prepago"

Introduction: According to the gender perspective, the prostitution of women is explained as an expression of the patriarchal model. This approach can provide substantial elements for the understanding and approach to female prostitution, facing the Colombian reality, where there is a lack of documentary studies in this conceptual line. Method: a state of the art of theoretical and applied research on female prostitution was carried out, with a gender reading, in the period 2010-2019, based on 18 studies. Results: Rendering to the studies analyzed, several located in Bogotá, the academy is especially concerned. The authors agree that prostitution stems from the intersection between gender inequalities and social injustice and causes gender violence and stigmatization. Social policies to eradicate it, legalization, and empowerment of women emerge as options to face it. Conclusion: Concerning the above, to nurture public policy, it is necessary to advance in the understanding of the subjective aspects involved in this lifestyle, deepening the discourses, constructions, and gender meanings and including the reality of those who are immersed (women) in the "prepaid" modality

Long-Lasting Impact of Maternal Immune Activation and Interaction With a Second Immune Challenge on Pig Behavior.

The combined effects on pig behavior of maternal immune challenge during gestation followed by a second immune challenge later in life have not been studied. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection during gestation can elicit maternal immune activation (MIA) yet the interactions with the offspring response to a second immune challenge after birth remains unexplored. Knowledge on the response to viral challenges in rodents has been gained through the use of the viral mimetic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)), yet the effects of this immune stimulant on pig behavior have not been assessed. This study advances the understanding of the combined effect of MIA and a second immune challenge later in life on female and male pig behavior. Three complementary experiments enabled the development of an effective Poly(I:C) challenge in pigs, and testing the interaction between PRRSV-elicited MIA, Poly(I:C) challenge at 60 days of age, and sex on behaviors. Individual-level observations on sickness, locomotor, and social behaviors were measured 1-3 h after Poly(I:C) challenge. Vomiting, panting, lethargy, walking, laying, playing, and touching behaviors were analyzed using generalized linear mixed effect models. Results indicated that a Poly(I:C) dose of 1 mg/kg within 1 h after injection increased the incidence of laying and sickness behavior. The Poly(I:C) challenge decreased the incidence of locomotor behaviors and activity levels. Pigs exposed to MIA had lower rates of social behaviors such as playing. The combined effect of PRRSV-elicited MIA and Poly(I:C) immune challenge further sensitized the pigs to behavior disruption across sexes including changes in sternal and lateral laying, walking, lethargy, and touching incidence. Notably, the effects of Poly(I:C) immune challenge alone on behaviors tended to be more extreme in males, whereas the effects of Poly(I:C) following MIA tended to be more extreme in females. Our findings demonstrate that MIA and Poly(I:C) affected behaviors, and the viral mimetic effects shortly after injection can offer insights into the prolonged effect of postnatal viral infections on feeding, social interactions and health status. Management practices that reduce the likelihood of gestational diseases and accommodate for behavioral disruptions in the offspring can minimize the impact of MIA.

La participación de la pareja masculina en el embarazo, parto y posparto: percepciones del equipo de salud en Bogotá / A participação do par masculino na gravidez, parto e pós-parto: percepções da equipe de saúde en Bogotá / Male partner participation in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum: health team members´ perceptions in Bogota

Resumen: Introducción: El acompañamiento de la pareja a la gestante obedece a los principios del parto humanizado. Objetivo: Describir la percepción del equipo de salud sobre la participación de la pareja masculina en el embarazo, parto y postparto. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo basado en tres grupos focales, un conversatorio y seis entrevistas a profundidad. Participaron 49 miembros del equipo de salud (médicos, enfermeras, internos de medicina y auxiliares de enfermería). Se realizó un análisis temático con apoyo del software Atlas ti 8. Resultados: Hay una percepción positiva sobre la inclusión de la pareja en el proceso reproductivo, especialmente como apoyo emocional a la gestante. Como limitaciones se destacan barreras culturales asociadas al género en que los hombres son excluidos de los procesos reproductivos y barreras de acceso relacionadas con la infraestructura y ciertos protocolos institucionales. Las mujeres con frecuencia asumen a solas la gestación y parto; los hombres no se sienten apropiados de su papel y temen hacer parte del proceso; hay reticencia en algunos profesionales de salud. Como alternativas se propone: generar cambios culturales e institucionales que incluyan a los hombres en la salud reproductiva, adecuar espacios y recursos, fortalecer procesos de sensibilización al personal de salud y mejorar la información y preparación de los usuarios. Conclusiones: Se requiere una apertura a las nuevas masculinidades en los ámbitos reproductivos, eliminar barreras de acceso que persisten y diseñar estrategias innovadoras de acogida y educación a los hombres basadas en sus necesidades particulares.

Resumo: Introdução: O acompanhamento do casal à gestante obedece aos princípios do parto humanizado. Objetivo: Descrever a perspectiva dos profissionais de saúde sobre a participação do parceiro masculino na gravidez, parto e pós-parto. Método: Estudo qualitativo baseado em três grupos focais, um grupo de conversação e seis entrevistas em profundidade. Participaram 49 membros da equipe de saúde (médicos, enfermeiros, estagiários e auxiliares de enfermagem). A análise temática foi realizada com o apoio do software Atlas ti 8. Resultados: Existe uma percepção positiva da inclusão do parceiro no processo reprodutivo, especialmente como suporte emocional à gestante. Como limitações, destacam-se as barreiras culturais associadas ao gênero, nas quais os homens são excluídos dos processos reprodutivos e algunsas barreiras institucionais de acesso à infraestrutura e alguns protocolos. As mulheres geralmente assumem a gravidez e o parto sozinhos; os homens não se sentem adequados ao seu papel e temem fazer parte do processo; há relutância em alguns profissionais de saúde. As seguintes alternativas são propostas: gerar mudanças culturais e institucionais que incluam homens em saúde reprodutiva, fortalecer processos de conscientização do pessoal de saúde, adaptar espaços e recursos e melhorar as informações e o treinamento dos usuários. Conclusões: É necessária uma abertura a novas masculinidades nos campos reprodutivos, removendo barreiras institucionais de acesso e projectar estratégias inovadoras para acolher e educar homens com base em suas necessidades particulares.

Abstract: Introduction: Partner accompaniment on perinatal health obeys the principles of humanized childbirth. Objective: Describe the health team members perception on the male partner participation in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Method: Qualitative study based on three focus groups, a deliberative forum and six in depth interviews. Participated 49 members of the health team (medicine doctors, nurses, medical interns and nursing assistants). A thematic analysis was carried out with the support of Atlas ti 8 software. Results: There is a positive perception of the male partner participation in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum especially as an emotional support for the pregnant woman. As limitations, cultural barriers associated with traditional gender roles in which men are excluded from reproductive processes, some institutional access barriers related to infrastructure and protocols are relevant. Women often face pregnancy and childbirth alone; men fear and feel that being part of the process is not appropriate to their role; there is reluctance in some health professionals. The following alternatives are proposed: generating cultural and institutional changes to include men in reproductive health, adapting spaces and resources, strengthening awareness processes for health personnel and improving information and training for users. Conclusions: It is required openness to new masculinities in the reproductive field, eliminate access barriers and design innovative strategies for welcoming and educating men based on their particular needs.

Microbial Shifts Following Five Years of Cover Cropping and Tillage Practices in Fertile Agroecosystems.

Metagenomics in agricultural research allows for searching for bioindicators of soil health to characterize changes caused by management practices. Cover cropping (CC) improves soil health by mitigating nutrient losses, yet the benefits depend on the tillage system used. Field studies searching for indicator taxa within these systems are scarce and narrow in their scope. Our goal was to identify bioindicators of soil health from microbes that were responsive to CC (three levels) and tillage (chisel tillage, no-till) treatments after five years under field conditions. We used rRNA gene-based analysis via Illumina HiSeq2500 technology with QIIME 2.0 processing to characterize the microbial communities. Our results indicated that CC and tillage differentially changed the relative abundances (RAs) of the copiotrophic and oligotrophic guilds. Corn-soybean rotations with legume-grass CC increased the RA of copiotrophic decomposers more than rotations with grass CC, whereas rotations with only bare fallows favored stress-tolerant oligotrophs, including nitrifiers and denitrifiers. Unlike bacteria, fewer indicator fungi and archaea were detected; fungi were poorly identified, and their responses were inconsistent, while the archaea RA increased under bare fallow treatments. This is primary information that allows for understanding the potential for managing the soil community compositions using cover crops to reduce nutrient losses to the environment.