Classification of Severity of Lung Parenchyma Using Saliency and Discrete Cosine Transform Energy in Computed Tomography of Patients With COVID-19.

This study proposes an automated system for assessing lung damage severity in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients using computed tomography (CT) images. These preprocessed CT images identify the extent of pulmonary parenchyma (PP) and ground-glass opacity and pulmonary infiltrates (GGO-PIs). Two types of images-saliency () image and discrete cosine transform (DCT) energy image-were generated from these images.

First Report of Causing Soft Rot in Bananas in Ecuador.

Bananas are Ecuador's second largest non-oil export product, and the quality of its fruit has established a strong presence in international markets. One-third of the world's banana exports originate from Ecuador. The Ecuadorian banana market is diversified, exporting fruit to various countries worldwide, making it a vital socio-economic and food security support for the country.

Evaluation of the transmission of Anaplasma marginale by Amblyomma tonelliae.

This study aimed to evaluate A. marginale transstadial (TST) and transovarial transmission (TOT) by Amblyomma tonelliae through vector competence assays and analysis of natural infection in free-living ticks. This three-host tick species was chosen as model because it is a usual parasite of cattle in all their parasitic stages, making them potential vectors through TST or TOT.

Established populations of Ixodes silvanus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Chaco Serrano, Argentina.

The aim of the study was to report the occurrence of Ixodes silvanus outside its distribution range, in the Chaco Serrano vegetation unit of the Chaco Phytogeographic Province, central Argentina. Ticks were collected from vegetation and on birds between November 2021 and December 2023. A possible seasonal activity was observed in the immature stages of I.

Serovar Infantis KPC-2 Producer: First Isolate Reported in Ecuador.

Antimicrobial resistance is currently considered a public health threat. Carbapenems are antimicrobials for hospital use, and Enterobacterales resistant to these β-lactams have spread alarmingly in recent years, especially those that cause health care-associated infections. The gene is considered one of the most important genetic determinants disseminated by plasmids, promoting horizontal gene transfer.

Wild birds as hosts of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and Anaplasmataceae (Rickettsiales) in the Atlantic rainforest ecoregion, Argentina.

This study aimed to assess the presence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia species infecting wild birds and their associated ticks in two localities: Moconá Provincial Park (MPP) and Piñalito Provincial Park (PPP), within the Atlantic rainforest ecoregion of Argentina. A total of 142 birds were captured representing 34 species, 28 genera, 15 families and five orders. Ticks were collected from 33 of these birds, comprising 19 species, 14 genera and one order.

Electrographic seizures during low-current thalamic deep brain stimulation in mice.

Background: Deep brain stimulation of the central thalamus (CT-DBS) has potential for modulating states of consciousness, but it can also trigger electrographic seizures, including poly-spike-wave trains (PSWT).

Objectives: To report the probability of inducing PSWTs during CT-DBS in awake, freely-moving mice.

Methods: Mice were implanted with electrodes to deliver unilateral and bilateral CT-DBS at different frequencies while recording electroencephalogram (EEG).

A multi-orbital Hund's rules-based ionic Hamiltonian for transition metal atoms: high-order equation of motion method approach and Kondo resonances.

A multi-orbital ionic Hamiltonian is presented to analyze the many-body properties of the d-transition metal atoms. This Hamiltonian considers all the atomic states obeying the first Hund's rule and also includes all orbital degeneracy, as well as the interaction of the atom with a metal. We analyze the solution of this ionic Hamiltonian by means of the equation of Motion method up to the fourth order,, in the atom-metal interaction.

Exergames as an Effective Alternative to Real Environmental Tennis Training for Adolescents.

(1) Background: The popularity of motion-sensing computer-based games, like virtual reality (VR) exergames, is increasing among adolescents. However, their efficacy compared to conventional physical training methods remains unclear. This study investigated whether VR exergames produce effects on reaction time (RT) comparable to traditional tennis training in school-aged adolescents.

Complete genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of a newly discovered fusagra-like virus infecting Carica papaya in Ecuador.

A new fusagra-like virus infecting papaya (Carica papaya L.) was genetically characterized. The genome of the virus, provisionally named "papaya sticky fruit-associated virus" (PSFaV), is a single molecule of double-stranded RNA, 9,199 nucleotides (nt) in length, containing two discontinuous open reading frames.

A 10-week play-based after-school program to improve coordinative abilities and physical fitness capabilities among adolescents: a randomized trial.

The average levels of physical activity in children are below the ideal, which may influence children's health and motor competence levels. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of a 10-week play-based after-school program on 50 twelve-year-old students' anthropometric characteristics (body height and body weight), coordinative abilities (flamingo balance test and T-test agility), and physical fitness (sit and reach, 20-m sprint test, SLJ, CMJ, and handgrip). After baseline assessments, the students were randomly divided into two groups: one participating in a play-based after-school program (experimental group) and the other attending regular PE classes (control group).

The impact of carbohydrate restriction-induced elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on progression of coronary atherosclerosis: the ketogenic diet trial study design.

Background: Despite innovations in pharmacotherapy to lower lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), ASCVD persists as the leading global cause of mortality. Elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are a well-known risk factor and have been a main target in the treatment of ASCVD. The latest research suggests that ketogenic diets are effective at improving most non-LDL-C/apolipoprotein B cardiometabolic risk factors.

Renal impairment is prevalent in pediatric NAFLD/MASLD and associated with disease severity.

Objectives: Renal impairment is prevalent in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease [MASLD]) and is associated with increased mortality. Pediatric data are limited. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of hyperfiltration or chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children with NAFLD/MASLD and determine links with liver disease severity.

Spike-wave discharges during low-current thalamic deep brain stimulation in mice.

Background: Deep brain stimulation of central thalamus (CT-DBS) has potential for modulating states of consciousness, but it can also trigger spike-wave discharges (SWDs).

Objectives: To report the probability of inducing SWDs during CT-DBS in awake mice.

Methods: Mice were implanted with electrodes to deliver unilateral and bilateral CT-DBS at different frequencies while recording EEG.

Analysis of a new negevirus-like sequence from Bemisia tabaci unveils a potential new taxon linking nelorpi- and centiviruses.

This study presents the complete genome sequence of a novel nege-like virus identified in whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci MEAM1), provisionally designated as whitefly negevirus 1 (WfNgV1). The virus possesses a single-stranded RNA genome comprising 11,848 nucleotides, organized into four open reading frames (ORFs). These ORFs encode the putative RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (RdRp, ORF 1), a glycoprotein (ORF 2), a structural protein with homology to those in the SP24 family, (ORF 3), and a protein of unknown function (ORF 4).

Assessment of sulfonamide contamination in aquatic environments: A first report for Argentina and environmental risk assessment.

The global surge in pharmaceutical consumption, driven by increasing population and the demand for animal proteins, leads to the discharge of diverse pollutants, including antibiotic residues, into water bodies. Sulfonamides, being water-soluble compounds, can readily enter surface run-off, posing potential risks to non-target species despite their low environmental concentrations. Latin America has implemented intensive production systems highly dependent on antimicrobials for productivity and animal health, yet there is a paucity of information regarding their concentration in the region.

Review of Explosive Contamination and Bioremediation: Insights from Microbial and Bio-Omic Approaches.

Soil pollution by TNT(2,4,6-trinitrotoluene), RDX(hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane), and HMX(octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine), resulting from the use of explosives, poses significant challenges, leading to adverse effects such as toxicity and alteration of microbial communities. Consequently, there is a growing need for effective bioremediation strategies to mitigate this damage. This review focuses on Microbial and Bio-omics perspectives within the realm of soil pollution caused by explosive compounds.

Post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety during the 2021 Myanmar conflict: a nationwide population-based survey.

Background: The UN warns that Myanmar faces the 'triple crises' of mass conflict, uncontrolled COVID-19, and economic collapse. Therefore, we aimed to assess the population mental health burden, healthcare needs, and the associated risk factors in Myanmar.

Methods: We established a nationwide random sample and recruited 1038 adults via random digit dialling from July 3-Aug 9, 2021, during the ongoing conflict since Feb 1, 2021, and surge in SARS-CoV-2 infections.

New hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) reports and detection of Rickettsia in ticks from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), located in northern Colombia, is considered a geographical island with high levels of biodiversity and endemism. However, little is known about tick species and their associated microorganisms at the SNSM. In this study we sampled host-seeking ticks in areas of the town of Minca within the SNSM.

Future trends of additive manufacturing in medical applications: An overview.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has recently demonstrated significant medical progress. Due to advancements in materials and methodologies, various processes have been developed to cater to the medical sector's requirements, including bioprinting and 4D, 5D, and 6D printing. However, only a few studies have captured these emerging trends and their medical applications.

Early Detection and Diagnostic Approach Through Automated Hematological Analysis for Plasma Cell Leukemia.

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a clinically aggressive variant of multiple myeloma, characterized by a high burden of circulating plasma cells, necessitating swift and accurate diagnosis due to its poor prognosis. The conventional diagnostic criteria, including the recent recommendation by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) of > 5% circulating plasma cells as positive, have evolved over time. In this context, we present a detailed case report that underscores the pivotal role of the ADVIA 2120 automated hematology counter in detecting plasma cells through cytogram analysis, along with the significance of routine peripheral blood smear analysis and the utility of a large unstained cells (LUCs) threshold of > 4.