Erratum to : Analysis of the mitochondrial maxicircle of Trypanosoma lewisi, a neglected human pathogen

BACKGROUND The haemoflagellate Trypanosoma lewisi is a kinetoplastid parasite which, as it has been recently reported to cause human disease, deserves increased attention. Characteristic features of all kinetoplastid flagellates are a uniquely structured mitochondrial DNA or kinetoplast, comprised of a network of catenated DNA circles, and RNA editing of mitochondrial transcripts. The aim of this study was to describe the kinetoplast DNA of T. lewisi. METHODS/RESULTS In this study, purified kinetoplast DNA from T. lewisi was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing in combination with sequencing of PCR amplicons. This allowed the assembly of the T. lewisi kinetoplast maxicircle DNA, which is a homologue of the mitochondrial genome in other eukaryotes. The assembly of 23,745 bp comprises the non-coding and coding regions. Comparative analysis of the maxicircle sequence of T. lewisi with Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma rangeli, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania tarentolae revealed that it shares 78 %, 77 %, 74 % and 66 % sequence identity with these parasites, respectively. The high GC content in at least 9 maxicircle genes of T. lewisi (ATPase6; NADH dehydrogenase subunits ND3, ND7, ND8 and ND9; G-rich regions GR3 and GR4; cytochrome oxidase subunit COIII and ribosomal protein RPS12) implies that their products may be extensively edited. A detailed analysis of the non-coding region revealed that it contains numerous repeat motifs and palindromes. CONCLUSIONS We have sequenced and comprehensively annotated the kinetoplast maxicircle of T. lewisi. Our analysis reveals that T. lewisi is closely related to T. cruzi and T. brucei, and may share similar RNA editing patterns with them rather than with L. tarentolae. These findings provide novel insight into the biological features of this emerging human pathogen

Using community engagement to create a telecoaching intervention to improve self-management in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis: Qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at risk for deviating from their daily treatment regimen due to significant time burden, complicated daily therapies, and life stressors. Developing patient-centric, effective, engaging, and practical behavioral interventions is vital to help sustain therapeutically meaningful self-management. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to devise and refine a patient-centered telecoaching intervention to foster self-management in AYA with CF using a combination of intervention development approaches, including an evidence- and theory-based approach (ie, applying existing theories and research evidence for behavior change) and a target population-centered approach (ie, intervention refinement based on the perspectives and actions of those individuals who will use it). METHODS: AYA with CF, their caregivers, and health professionals from their CF care teams were recruited to take part in focus groups (or individual qualitative interviews) through a video call interface to (1) obtain perspectives on the overall structure and logistics of the intervention (ie, Step 1) and (2) refine the overall framework of the intervention and obtain feedback on feasibility, content, materials, and coach training (ie, Step 2). Qualitative data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis process. Results were used to create and then modify the intervention structure and content in response to community partner input. RESULTS: For Step 1, a total of 31 AYA and 20 clinicians took part in focus groups or interviews, resulting in 2 broad themes: (1) video call experience and (2) logistics and content of intervention. For Step 2, a total of 22 AYA, 18 clinicians, and 11 caregivers completed focus groups or interviews, yielding 3 major themes: (1) intervention structure, (2) intervention materials, and (3) session-specific feedback. Our Step 1 qualitative findings helped inform the structure (eg, telecoaching session frequency and duration) and approach of the telecoaching intervention. Step 2 qualitative results generally suggested that community partners perceived the feasibility and practicality of the proposed telecoaching intervention in promoting self-management in the face of complex treatment regimens. Extensive specific feedback was used to refine our telecoaching intervention before its efficacy testing in subsequent research. The diverse community partner input was critical in optimizing and tailoring our telecoaching intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents the methods and results for engaging key community partners in creating an evidence-based behavioral intervention to promote self-management in AYA with CF. Incorporating the lived experiences and perspectives of community partners is essential when devising tailored and patient-centered interventions

Fenomenología del resentimiento: expresiones en mujeres con cáncer terminal y de mama

We present a study of women and the role of unexpressed, negative emotions in the formation of cancer in their bodies. We cite six cases of sick women, with whom we worked in both conscio­ us and unconscious states, based on dream analysis, drawings, representations and symbols. The confrontation and accompaniment given to the women resulted in an attitude change through the recognition of the pathology or resentment; for which we employed the categories fear, rejection, desperation, exclusion, and unloved. The women recognized the recreation of negative fantasies that helped them arrive at a basic revelation that it is possible to change their attitude with positive affirmations. The article builds on philosophical and existential theory studiesPresentamos un estudio realizado con mujeres, quienes a partir de sus emociones no ex­ presadas, favorecieron la formación del cán­cer en sus organismos al resentirse con sentimientos negativos. Citamos seis casos de personas enfermas con las que trabajamos —en estado consciente e inconciente— a partir del análisis de sus sueños y dibujos; así como a través de representaciones y simbolismos, en donde la confrontación y el acom­ pañamiento dieron como resultado un cam­bio de actitud a través del reconocimiento de su patología o resentimiento, para ello, em­pleamos las categorías miedo, rechazo, des­esperanza, exclusión y desamor. Reconocieron lasrecreaciones de fantasías negativas que propiciaron un primer nivel de de­velación de la verdad, pues no sabían que era posible cambiar de actitud con afirmaciones positi­vas. El artículo se fortalece con estudios defilosofía y terapia existencial

Blastulation rate using fresh versus devitrified oocytes using homologous and heterologous sperm in an assisted reproduction clinic in a middle-income country

Background: Assisted reproduction has revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine, giving hope to many couples who face difficulties conceiving naturally. In this case, fresh oocytes and devitrified oocytes play a fundamental role in fertility treatments. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective and observational study in which the records of the HISPAREP reproduction clinic of the Spanish hospital were analyzed in the period from 2020 to 2022. Results: A total of 136 blastocysts that reached day 5 were studied compared to 8 embryos that were blocked before reaching blastulation. Of this, 76 oocytes were fresh, of which 97.4% reached day 5 (74) and the remaining two were blocked. Of the vitrified ones, a total of 68 were devitrified and of these 91.2% reached D5. Of the correctly fertilized oocytes, 96.5% (136) reached blastocysts compared to 5 that were blocked and 3 that were blocked from those that were not fertilized. Regarding the fertilization rate of fresh oocytes, a total of 76 was obtained, which is equivalent to 100%, and of the devitrified oocytes, 65 were fertilized (95.6%) and 3 were not fertilized (4.4%). With a variation of 6.2% in the blastocyst rate, between fresh and devitrified oocytes. Conclusions: There is no significant difference in the reproductive results of fresh and vitrified oocytes. It is necessary to try to carry out more studies with a larger sample size to obtain more conclusive results. The reproductive outcomes of fresh oocytes and oocytes devitrified using fresh sperm and frozen sperm are similar. With this, fresh oocytes have a slightly higher probability of implantation

SELECCIÓN PARA CONTENIDO DE PROTEÍNA DEL GRANO EN TRIGO IRRADIADO CON RAYOS GAMMA DE 60Co

Esta investigación fue realizada por la necesidad de mejorar las variedades de trigo (Triticum aestivum L.) con alta calidad nutritiva. En compuestos irradiados seleccionados en seis ciclos por mayor tamaño y densidad de grano, se efectuó selección para mayor contenido de proteína. Siete compuestos tuvieron dos niveles de irradiación, difirieron en cinco generaciones de irradiación y 74 kr de dosis acumulada, excepto uno cuya diferencia fue de 73 kr, y procedieron de la variedad ‘Salamanca’ irradiada con rayos gamma de cobalto sesenta (60Co). La selección fue hecha en plantas M6y M11, y las líneas seleccionadas fueron evaluadas durante dos ciclos en Montecillo, Estado de México. El contenido de proteína tendió a la normal, con media, intervalo y varianza de 13.1%, 11.6 a 15.8% y 0.45, respectivamente, y ‘Salamanca’ tuvo 11.5%. Con el segundo nivel de irradiación, la media (13.1%), valor máximo (15.8%), varianza (0.51) y número de líneas (9) con más de 14.6% de proteína, superaron a los del primer nivel, cuyos valores fueron 12.9%, 15.0%, 0.41 y 3. Las tres líneas superiores fueron del segundo nivel de irradiación, con proteína de 14.9 a 15.3%, cuyos mínimo y máximo superaron al contenido de proteína de ‘Salamanca’ en 19.2 y 22.4%, respectivamente. La correlación de proteína y rendimiento de grano fue negativa (r = -0.59) y altamente significativa; las líneas de alta proteína rindieron menos que ‘Salamanca’. Las líneas tuvieron mayor volumen y peso de grano que ‘Salamanca’, pero casi la misma densidad

PRODUCCIÓN DE PLANTAS DE TOMATE Y CHILE APLICANDO PACLOBUTRAZOL AL FOLLAJE

Esta investigación se hizo para determinar el efecto que produce el paclobutrazol (PBZ) en la altura de plantas de chile, conocer las dosis más adecuadas para retardar crecimiento y producir plantas que por su baja altura resistan más a fuertes vientos y lluvias después de su trasplante en campo, y establecer la mejor etapa fenológica de tomate para retardar crecimiento. La siembra de chile fue hecha el 8 de octubre y la de tomate el 30 de noviembre de 2003, en charolas de poliestireno con 200 cavidades. Las unidades experimentales incluyeron 30 plantas, excepto el testigo que tuvo las 20 restantes en la charola. Los tratamientos fueron 0 (testigo), 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 y 350 mg L-1 de PBZ. Cada dosis fue aplicada mediante 12 disparos con un atomizador, en plantas de chile con dos hojas verdaderas y en tomate con dos, cuatro y seis hojas. Con cada cultivar se estableció un experimento que fue manejado sólo con los riegos necesarios y una aplicación de 1.15 g N L-1 de agua. La altura de plantas fue medida desde la base del tallo hasta la yema apical, 23 días después de la aplicación de PBZ

Multi-technical approach for the characterization of polychrome decorative surfaces at Spanish Mission Churches in Nueva Vizcaya (Chihuahua, Mexico)

An interdisciplinary and multi-institutional group of science and art conservation specialists has provided new insight into the painting materials used in the polychrome walls and wooden ceilings in four seventeenth century Spanish colonial churches of Nueva Vizcaya (Chihuahua, Mexico). A multi-analytical study of the decorative surfaces was performed in situ using spectroscopic approaches (XRF, FORS), False Colour Infrared Reflectography–IRFC, as well as micro sampling (ATR-FTIR, LM, GC/MS). A survey of natural resources and study (ATR-FTIR, LM) was carried out to elucidate the natural occurrence of a select number of materials in the surrounding areas of the churches. The present paper presents a multi-analytical study and characterization of green, red-orange and black colour pigments and binders selected from the decorative surfaces. The aim of this study is to highlight relationships between local materials and those from the original polychrome ceilings, in order to understand the material and technological influences that converged in the Spanish colonial architecture of northern Mexico

Asthma routinization, family asthma management, caregiver depressive symptoms, and medication adherence in Head Start preschool children

IntroductionMedication adherence is suboptimal in childhood asthma. Children rely on caregivers to manage medication administration. It is important to detect families who are at risk for poor adherence or to identify potential areas that can assist families with better adherence to asthma medications in order to improve asthma outcomes. We investigated the association between asthma routines, family asthma management knowledge and skills, and caregiver depressive symptoms with daily controller medication adherence among Head Start preschool children in Baltimore City.MethodsOur study included 256 low-income urban preschool children who were prescribed a daily controller medication. Asthma routinization (by the Asthma Routines Questionnaire), family asthma management [by the Family Asthma Management System Scale (FAMSS)], and caregiver depressive symptoms (by the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression) were assessed at baseline. The medication possession ratio (MPR) to measure adherence to daily controller medications was calculated at baseline and 12 months from pharmacy fill records. Multiple regression models evaluated the relationship between asthma routinization, the FAMSS, the CES-D, and MPR.ResultsResults indicated that only 7% of families had an MPR above 80% at baseline, and 24% of caregivers had clinically significant depressive symptoms. Higher asthma medication routines were associated with higher MPR at baseline (b = 0.05, p = 0.03). Higher family asthma management was associated with higher MPR at both baseline (b = 0.04, p < 0.01) and 12 months (b = 0.05, p < 0.01).DiscussionOur findings highlight the importance of family asthma management and maintaining medication routines over time to improve asthma controller medication adherence

FoodLab: estandarización de proceso y desarrollo de nuevos productos

En este PAP se realizó un trabajo de mejora de procesos y desarrollo de productos dentro de FOODLAB, una empresa dedicada a la elaboración de productos de gomitas. Después de una primera evaluación y juntas con la persona encargada de la empresa, se determinó que se realizarían procedimientos de estandarización de procesos y de desarrollo de nuevos productos. Para el desarrollo de nuevos productos, se trabajó con las Yummy Fruits, realizando diferentes experimentaciones en donde se variaban los agentes gelantes y edulcorantes, así como sus concentraciones, hasta que se obtuvo un producto con características de textura y sabor agradables. Posteriormente se realizaron investigaciones y cotizaciones para ingredientes funcionales y empaques que podrían ser utilizados para el producto final. En cuanto a la estandarización del proceso de producción de Yummy Shots se llevó a cabo la toma de datos de 9 corridas de producción, variando condiciones de temperaturas, presión y °Brix, de las cuales se analizaron los distintos datos obtenidos en cada una de ellas y se concentró la información en una tabla donde se aprecian de mejor manera las distintas variaciones. Además, se actualizó la ficha técnica del producto, obteniendo resultados más completos de análisis fisicoquímicos, microbiológicos y bromatológicos de los Yummy Shots, de los cuales existen 2 tipos: sin chile y con chile.ITESO, A.C