Resumen Introducción: Los ensilajes del pasto king grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) y cáscaras de piña (Ananas comosus) son alternativas de alimento para ganado en condiciones de escasez alimentaria. Objetivo: Describir las dinámicas de la microbiota presente en los ensilajes de king grass y piña durante el proceso de fermentación usando secuenciación de próxima generación (NGS) y evaluar el efecto de protección de Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 como inoculante de ensilaje ante Listeria monocytogenes. Métodos: Usamos un diseño aleatorio no restringido para caracterizar la microbiota presente en ensilajes de king Grass cosechados 70 días después de rebrote y de cáscaras de piña. Inoculamos mezclas de pasto y cáscara con L. paracasei_6714 o L. monocytogenes, o ambos, con un tratamiento control sin inocular. El perfil nutricional y de fermentación fue evaluado luego de 30 días. Después de 15 y 30 días de fermentación, usamos un análisis de para determinar la dinámicas y diversidad de la microbiota en los ensilajes inoculados y control. Resultados: Los contenidos de materia seca y digestibilidad, no difirieron significativamente; sin embargo, hubo diferencias en proteína cruda, pH y ácidos orgánicos. Obtuvimos 4 432 secuencias variantes de amplicon de Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes y de Patescibacteria. La abundancia relativa de cada filo vario dependiendo del material y periodo de fermentación. Similitudes de filo fueron mayores al 70 % (pero no mayor que 50 % con Bray-Curtis a nivel de especie). Conclusión: Estas comunidades bacterianas parecen cumplir un papel importante durante la fermentación del ensilaje. Un manejo apropiado del proceso de ensilaje puede reducir o eliminar baterías patogénicas.

Abstract Introduction: King grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) and pineapple peel (Ananas comosus) silages are food alternatives for livestock in conditions of feed shortage. Objective: To describe the dynamics of the microbiota present in king grass and pineapple silage during the fermentation process using next generation sequencing (NGS) and to evaluate the protective effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 as a silage inoculum against Listeria monocytogenes. Methods: We used an unrestricted randomized design to characterize the microbiota present in silages made from king grass harvested 70 days after regrowth and pineapple peel. We inoculated mixtures of grass and peel with L. paracasei_6714 or L. monocytogenes, or both, with a non-inoculated treatment as control. The nutritional and fermentative profile was evaluated after 30 days. After 15 and 30 days of fermentation, we used 16S rRNA analysis to determine the dynamics and diversity of the microbiota in the inoculated and control silages. Result: Dry matter content and digestibility did not differ significantly; however, there were differences in crude protein, pH and organic acids. We obtained 4432 amplicon sequence variants of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Patescibacteria. The relative abundance of each phylum varied depending on the material and fermentation period. Phylum similarity was over 70 % (but not greater than 50 % with Bray-Curtis at the species level). Conclusion: These bacterial communities seem to have an important role during silage fermentation. Proper management of silage processing can reduce or eliminate pathogenic bacteria.

Resumen Introducción. Lactobacillus casei se caracteriza por adaptarse al medio durante el proceso fermentativo. Objetivo. Caracterizar con tipificación de secuencias multilocus (MTLS), aislamientos de L. casei presentes en ensilados de cáscara de piña con niveles crecientes de urea. Materiales y métodos. Durante 2017 y con un diseño irrestricto al azar se prepararon veinte silos (2 kg). Cada cinco bolsas, se adicionaron 0, 0,5, 1 y 1,5 % de urea (p/p en base fresca). Después de treinta días, se tomó una muestra de cada repetición para realizar análisis bromatológicos. Se analizó materia seca (MS), proteína cruda (PC), carbohidratos no fibrosos, fibra en detergente ácido (FDA), fibra en detergente neutro (FDN), digestibilidad in vitro de la materia seca (DIVMS), hemicelulosa, extracto etéreo (EE), cenizas, nitrógeno amoniacal y pH. Se determinó el recuento de bacterias ácido-lácticas (BAL) para cada uno de los tratamientos. La identificación de las BAL se realizó con la secuencia del ARNr 16S. Los aislamientos de L. casei fueron analizados con MTLS. Resultados. Los cuatro tratamientos evaluados no presentaron diferencias significativas en la MS (12,10 a 12,86%), FDA (31,44 a 32,18 %), FDN (58,46 a 58,56 %), hemicelulosa (26,36 a 27,02 %), EE (2,45 a 2,96 %), cenizas (4,96 a 5,12%), nitrógeno amoniacal (0,45 a 0,49 %) y pH (3,36 a 3,48). No así, en PC (6,94 a 9,12 %) y DIVMS (82,84 a 84,72 %). La adición de urea se asoció a cambios en las poblaciones de BAL (6,56 a 6,90 UFC). Siete aislamientos de L. casei se identificaron y tipificaron con cinco genes distintos. Se encontraron entre dos (polA) y cinco (nrdD, pgm, mutL) alelos; esto permitió identificar un total de seis secuencias tipo (ST) distintas en los aislados de Costa Rica. Conclusión. Los aislamientos de L. casei se encontraron emparentados a bacterias del tracto gastrointestinal en humanos.

Abstract Introduction. Lactobacillus casei is characterized by adapting to the environment during the fermentation process. Objective. To characterize with multilocus typing sequences (MTLS) isolates of L. casei present in pineapple peel silage with increasing levels of urea. Materials and methods. During 2017 and using an unrestricted random design, twenty silos (2kg) were prepared. Every five bags, 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 % urea (w/w on fresh basis) were added. After thirty days, a sample was taken from each repetition for bromatological analysis. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (PC), non-fibrous carbohydrates, fiber in acid detergent (ADF), fiber in neutral detergent (NDF), in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDDM), hemicellulose, ethereal extract (EE), ashes, ammonia nitrogen, and pH. The Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) count was determined for each one of the treatments. Identification of LABs was carried out using the 16S rRNA sequence. The isolates of L. casei were analyzed using MTLS. Results. The four evaluated treatments did not present significant differences in DM (12.10 to 12.86 %), ADF (31.44 to 32.18 %), NDF (58.46 to 58.56 %), hemicellulose (26.36 to 27.02 %), EE (2.45 to 2.96 %), ash (4.96 to 5.12 %), ammonia nitrogen (0.45 to 0.49 %) and pH (3.36 at 3.48). Not so, in CP (6.94 to 9.12 %), and IVDDMS (82.84 to 84.72 %). The addition of urea was associated with changes in the BAL populations (6.56 to 6.90 CFU). Seven isolates of L. casei were identified and typed with five different genes. Between two (polA) and five (nrdD, pgm, mutL) alleles were found. This allowed the identification of a total of six different type sequences (ST) in the Costa Rican isolates. Conclusion. The L. casei isolates were found to be related to bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract in humans.

Resumen Desde inicios del decenio de 1990 y de manera casi simultánea, se empezaron a observar afecciones desconocidas en numerosos cultivos, sobre todo en regiones tropicales y subtropicales. Dichas enfermedades eran causadas por begomovirus hasta entonces poco estudiados. Su vector es la mosca blanca Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), de la que no se habían registrado poblaciones tan desmedidas en áreas agrícolas. Ello originó una seria crisis de producción a nivel mundial, con pérdidas millonarias para los agricultores de numerosos países, incluyendo la región de Mesoamérica. Por fortuna, en Costa Rica, algunos centros de investigación, con la colaboración de especialistas extranjeros, han podido profundizar en las causas de este fenómeno, para buscar soluciones fundamentadas en información de carácter epidemiológico. Además de la especie de B. tabaci New World (NW), nativa y previamente conocida, en años recientes han ingresado sendas especies del Mediterráneo (MED) y el Medio Oriente-Asia Menor 1 (MEAM1). Asimismo, se ha detectado la presencia de begomovirus bipartitas, nativos y exóticos, especialmente en frijol común, cucurbitáceas, tomate y chile; además, se detectó el begomovirus monopartito conocido a nivel mundial Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) en tomate. Con base en el conocimiento biológico y ecológico acumulado hasta ahora, en la presente revisión se aporta una panorámica del dinamismo con que se han expresado en Costa Rica las interacciones entre las diferentes especies vectoras y los distintos begomovirus, con énfasis en patosistemas de hortalizas. Se espera que la información aquí presentada permita mejorar el tipo de respuestas prácticas y eficaces de parte de agricultores, extensionistas agrícolas e investigadores involucrados en la producción de hortalizas, frente a problemas actuales o imprevistos.

Abstract Since the early 1990s, and almost simultaneously, unknown diseases started to be observed in many crops, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases were predominantly caused by begomoviruses, which were poorly known at that time. Their vector, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), often reached unprecedented huge populations in agricultural areas. This elicited a serious production crisis worldwide, that caused losses of millions of dollars for farmers in many countries, including the Mesoamerican region. Fortunately, in Costa Rica, some local research centers, with the collaboration of foreign specialists, have been able to study the causes of this phenomenon, in the search for solutions based on solid epidemiological information. In addition to the previously reported native Bemisia tabaci species, New World (NW), two exotic species, -Mediterranean (MED) and Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1)- were found. Moreover, native and exotic bipartite begomoviruses have been detected, especially in common bean, cucurbits, tomato and sweet pepper, as well as the worldwide spread monopartite begomovirus Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Based upon biological and ecological knowledge accumulated to date, this review offers a comprehensive overview of the very dynamic ways in which the interactions of the different whiteflies and begomovirus species have expressed in Costa Rica, with emphasis on vegetable pathosystems. Hopefully, the information provided in this paper may allow farmers, extension agents, and researchers involved in vegetable production to develop sound practical responses to current and unforeseen problems regarding whiteflies and their associated viruses.

RESUMO A síndrome de burnout (esgotamento) atinge mais de 70% dos médicos residentes em todo o mundo. Apesar dos dados alarmantes, ainda podemos caracterizá-la como uma doença negligenciada. Alguns trabalhos descrevem estratégias de enfrentamento do problema, porém poucos serviços as adotam na prática. Objetivo Determinar a prevalência da síndrome entre residentes de Pediatria de um hospital terciário brasileiro e descrever a estratégia de grupo psicodinâmico implementada localmente com base nos resultados. Metodologia Estudo de prevalência transversal com aplicação da escala Maslach Burnout Inventory aos residentes, seguida de planejamento e execução de um projeto piloto de intervenção, de grupo, na perspectiva Balint. Resultados De 23 residentes de primeiro e segundo ano de Pediatria em dezembro de 2016, 95% eram do sexo feminino, a média de idade era de 27 anos, e a média da carga horária trabalhada era de 75 horas semanais, sendo que apenas três residentes se dedicavam exclusivamente à residência médica. Encontramos uma prevalência de 87% de residentes que apresentavam critérios para síndrome de burnout, sendo 74% com exaustão, 57% com baixa realização profissional e 39% despersonalizados. O grupo de intervenção ocorreu entre maio e dezembro de 2017 com outros seis residentes de primeiro ano que atendiam no Ambulatório Geral de Pediatria às sextas-feiras. A periodicidade foi de uma hora a cada 15 dias. A participação foi voluntária, e os encontros aconteciam segundo o conceito de “espaço protegido”. As discussões eram baseadas em casos clínicos e abordavam também a relação médico-família e as dinâmicas hospitalares. Conclusão A elevada prevalência da síndrome de burnout deste trabalho não foi uma novidade frente aos dados da literatura nacional e internacional. Estabelecemos, porém, uma discussão local que resultou numa estratégia que visa ao bem-estar dos residentes e proporciona oportunidade de aprendizado do reconhecimento das reações pessoais, dos pacientes e de toda a equipe de saúde. Entendemos que os benefícios se dão, finalmente, na qualidade da assistência oferecida aos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Burnout syndrome affects more than 70% of resident physicians worldwide. Despite his alarming statistic, it can still be characterized as a neglected disease. Some studies have described coping strategies, but few services adopt them in practice. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Burnout syndrome among pediatric residents of a Brazilian tertiary hospital, and to describe a psychodynamic group strategy that was implemented locally, based on the results. Methodology a cross-sectional prevalence study using the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale, followed by the planning and execution of a pilot intervention group, from the Balint perspective. Results of 23 first and second year pediatric residents in December 2016, 95% were female; the mean age was 27 years, and the average workload was 75 hours per week. Only 3 residents were exclusively dedicated to the medical residency. The prevalence of burnout syndrome was 87%, with exhaustion in 74%, low professional achievement in 57%, and depersonalization in 39%. The intervention group took place between May and December 2017, with six other first-year residents attending the General Pediatric Outpatient Clinic on Fridays. Meetings of the group took place every 15 days, lasted one hour, and adhered to the concept of “protected space”. Participation in the meetings was voluntary. The discussions were based on clinical cases, also addressing the doctor-family relationship and the hospital dynamics. Conclusion The high prevalence of burnout syndrome found in this study was comparable to data from national and international literature. However, our study established a local discussion that resulted in a strategy aimed at the well-being of residents and provided an opportunity to learn to recognize personal reactions, as well as those of patients and the whole healthcare team. We also hope this study will bring benefits for the quality of care provided to patients.

ResumenPara caracterizar la población de productores que distribuyen hortalizas orgánicas en la Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM) de Costa Rica, se aplicó una encuesta semi-estructurada a 30 de ellos, ubicados en distintos puntos de venta durante noviembre del 2013 a febrero del 2014. Estos productores fueron categorizados en 3 grupos: el primero, con más de 10 años de experiencia en el sector, está dedicado exclusivamente a esta actividad, utiliza mano de obra familiar, cultiva alrededor de una hectárea, diversifica la producción, se encuentra agremiado y certificado y tiene la escolaridad más baja, comparada con los otros grupos. El productor del segundo grupo se caracteriza por tener alrededor de 7 años en la actividad y dedicación casi exclusiva, hace poco uso de la mano de obra familiar, cultiva menos de media hectárea, no está necesariamente agremiado y/o certificado y posee un nivel de escolaridad intermedio. El tercer grupo corresponde a productores con menos años de experiencia en esta actividad y la más baja dedicación a la misma; hacen menos uso de la mano de obra familiar; tienen el área de cultivo más pequeña y diversifican poco la producción; pueden o no estar agremiados y/o certificados; poseen la más alta escolaridad. Se concluye que la producción de hortalizas orgánicas es un mercado en crecimiento, que requiere apoyo externo en forma de créditos y asistencia técnica para consolidarse, e incluso compensaciones por los servicios ambientales que produce; de cumplirse estas condiciones se podrá asistir en los próximos años a un crecimiento importante del sector.

AbstractTo characterize the population of producers that distribute organic vegetables in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) of Costa Rica, a semi-structured survey was applied to 30 of them in different outlets from November 2013 to February 2014. They were classified into 3 groups: the first, with over 10 years' experience and dedicated exclusively to this activity, uses family labor, plants about one hectare, and diversifies production; they are unionized and certified and have the lowest schooling, as compared to the other groups. The producers of the second group are characterized by around 7 years in the activity and almost exclusive dedication; make little use of family labor; plant less than half a hectare; are not necessarily unionized and / or certified; have an intermediate school level. The third group corresponds to producers with fewer years of experience in this activity and the lowest dedication to it; they make less use of family labor; have a smaller planting area and littlediversified crop production; may or may not be unionized and / or certified and have a higher education level. It is concluded that production of organic vegetables is a growing market, which requires external support in the form of loans and technical assistance in order to consolidate, and even compensation for environmental services produced; if these conditions are fulfilled, it will be possible to witness in coming years an important growth of the sector.

Web blight is one of the main diseases that affects bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivation. It infects diverse organs at any growth stage of the plant and can be present at different altitudes in a humid tropical climate. The causal agent of this disease is Thanatephorus cucumeris in its sexual stage and Rhizoctonia solani in the anamorph. The objective of this investigation was to characterize molecular isolates of R. solani obtained from bean plants from diverse production regions in Costa Rica and determine their virulence. Fifty-one samples of symptomatic bean plants were collected using a global positioning system. Virulence was evaluated using the detached leaf technique. Isolates were identified using AG 1-IA, AG 1-IB, AG 1-IC, AG 1-ID, AG 2-2, AG 2-2IIIB, AG 2-2IV and AG 4 molecular markers. ITS sequences were obtained and analyzed with BLAST, aligned, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. A high degree of virulence and genetic variability between isolates was identified and the anastomosis subgroups of isolates were independent of their geographical origin.