Abstract Inefficient treated wastewaters are a critical factor for public health due to can be a dissemination vehicle for pathogens such as enteric viruses; nevertheless, the enteric viral circulation has been poorly studied in our region. This work aims to study the presence of five enteric virus, in parallel with operative parameters, in affluents and effluents of five wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) located in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica in 2013. The viral pathogens studied were enterovirus, hepatitis A virus, rotavirus A, and norovirus GI and GII (determined by end point PCR technique); since basic control parameters analyzed were biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, settable solids, fats and oils, blue methylene active substances, and fecal coliforms. All wastewater treatment plants showed acceptable removal of physicochemical parameters, but with microbial parameters, its efficiency was low; all enteric viruses were detected year-round at effluents and influents of the WWTP, with a predominance during the dry season. The most frequently detected virus was rotavirus, followed by norovirus G1. In conclusion, the studied wastewater treatment plants are efficient to remove physicochemical parameters; the year circulation of enteric virus in Costa Rica was demonstrated, and finally, a wastewater treatment plant improvement it is necessary to achieved treated waters safety discharges.

Resumen Las aguas residuales inadecuadamente tratadas son un factor de riesgo para la salud pública dado que son un vehículo de diseminación de microorganismos patógenos como virus entéricos. Sin embargo, la circulación de patógenos virales en esta matriz ha sido poco estudiada en la región. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la presencia de cinco virus enteropatógenos y parámetros operativos básicos, en afluentes y efluentes de cinco plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales (PTAR) con sistemas de lodos activados, ubicadas en el Gran Área Metropolitana de Costa Rica durante el 2013. Los patógenos virales estudiados fueron: enterovirus, virus de hepatitis A, rotavirus A, norovirus G1 y norovirus G2 (determinados por PCR punto final); mientras que los parámetros de control de rendimiento analizados incluyeron disponibilidad bioquímica de oxígeno, disponibilidad química de oxígeno, sólidos suspendidos, sólidos sedimentables, grasas y aceites, sustancias activas al azul de metileno y coliformes fecales. A nivel fisicoquímico todas las plantas mostraron un rendimiento aceptable, caso contrario a los parámetros microbiológicos, todos los virus investigados fueron detectados en aguas tratadas y no tratadas durante todo el año, siendo más frecuentes durante la época seca. El virus más frecuente fue rotavirus, seguido por norovirus G1. En conclusión, este estudio describe que durante el periodo estudiado las PTAR fueron eficientes en la remoción de parámetros fisicoquímicos, y que la circulación de virus entéricos es común en las PTAR estudiadas. Por ello, es necesaria la inclusión de procesos de desinfección adicionales para una descarga segura de las aguas tratadas.

RESUMEN: En los últimos años se han incrementado las publicaciones específicas sobre escuela rural, una temática relegada a segundo plano. El propósito del estudio ha sido analizar y describir la producción científica en Iberoamérica relacionada con la escuela rural en el periodo 2000 al 2020. Mediante un diseño metodológico de corte descriptivo, se lleva a cabo un estudio bibliométrico y temático de artículos indexados en las bases de datos con mayor repercusión de idioma español, organizando el proceso en dos fases: 1) búsqueda inicial con descriptores y 2) análisis según criterios y variables establecidas. Los resultados muestran que la tipología documental más frecuente es el artículo, con una tasa de crecimiento del 500% en los últimos 20 años, procediendo en su mayoría de instituciones universitarias. Las conclusiones indican que es una temática con escasa producción científica, aunque con un aumento considerable, siendo la mayoría de investigaciones de tipo cualitativo.

ABSTRACT: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of specific publications on rural schools, a subject that has been relegated to the background. The purpose of this study was to analyse and describe the scientific production in Ibero-America related to rural schools in the period 2000 to 2020. Using a descriptive methodological design, a bibliometric and thematic study of articles indexed in the databases with the greatest impact in Spanish was carried out, organising the process in two phases: 1) initial search with descriptors and 2) analysis according to established criteria and variables. The results show that the most frequent documentary typology is the article, with a growth rate of 500% in the last 20 years, coming mostly from universities. The conclusions indicate that this is a subject area with little scientific production, although with a considerable increase.

Abstract: This article reports results from an interview to twelve academics who teach in an English Teaching Program at a Chilean university. The aim was to determine the genres that students are required to read and write during their undergraduate training, as well as the main difficulties they show in both skills. Through content analysis, various genres of assigned readings but few for writing were identified; practice and explicit teaching of writing genres appeared limited. The main weaknesses reported included limited mastery of vocabulary in both L1 and L2 and lack of reading and writing habits and strategies, and difficulty for students to express ideas in written form. This information is relevant for the planning of reading and writing activities that aid these future teachers to overcome the problems identified.

Resumen: Este artículo da cuenta de una entrevista realizada a doce profesores que ejercen docencia en un programa de Pedagogía en Inglés de una universidad chilena, que busca identificar los géneros que solicitan leer y escribir a los estudiantes durante su formación de pregrado, y las principales dificultades detectadas en ambas habilidades. Mediante análisis de contenido se pudo identificar una variedad de géneros en lecturas asignadas, no así en escritura, en donde tanto la práctica como la enseñanza explícita de los géneros apareció limitada. Las principales debilidades declaradas incluyen conocimiento limitado de vocabulario en L1 y L2, falta de hábitos y estrategias de lectura y escritura, y dificultad para expresar ideas en forma escrita. Esta información es relevante para la planificación de actividades de lecto-escritura que ayuden a estos profesores en formación a superar los problemas identificados.

Abstract: The main objective of this research study was to assess the effect of an alginate and ulvan mixture on the productivity of table grapes grown under deficit irrigation conditions. Twenty-four Vitis vinifera var Thompon Seedless plants were randomly selected in a farm field. A mixture of algae polymers (500 g/m3) were added monthly (2019-2020 season) to the soils of half of the plants with normal irrigation and with deficit irrigation. The results show that deficit irrigation along with the addition of algal hydrogel increased grape bunch production and weight by 18.5% and 6.4%, respectively, when compared to plants with deficit irrigation only. The addition of algal hydrogel improved soil fertility and stimulated bacterial and fungal growth mainly in soils without water restriction. It is concluded that algal hydrogel improves vine crop productivity under deficit irrigation conditions.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el efecto de una mezcla de alginato y ulvano sobre la productividad de uva de mesa cultivada bajo riego deficitario. En un predio agrícola, se eligieron al azar 24 plantas de Vitis vinifera var Thompon Seedless. A la mitad de las plantas con riego normal y con riego deficitario se les adicionó mensualmente a sus suelos 500 g/m3 de la mezcla durante toda la temporada 2019-2020. Los resultados muestran que el riego deficitario más la adición de hidrogel algal aumentaron la producción y el peso de los racimos de uva en un 18,5% y un 6,4%, respectivamente, en comparación a las plantas solo con riego deficitario. La adición de hidrogel algal mejoró la fertilidad de los suelos y estimuló el crecimiento de bacterias y hongos, principalmente, en los suelos sin restricción hídrica. Se concluye que el uso de hidrogel algal en el cultivo de vides bajo riego deficitario mejora la productividad del cultivo.

Resumo Introdução: A neoplasia intraepitelial anal é o precursor mais provável do câncer de células escamosas, que representa 90% dos tumores anais. O uso de exames biomoleculares como método de triagem foi ampliado pela ginecologia. Considerando-se as semelhanças entre as apresentações de HPV no trato genital inferior e anorretal, espera-se que os exames de HPV possam fornecer informações para o diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento dos pacientes com neoplasia intraepitelial anal. Objetivo: Comparar o desempenho da citologia anal, Papanicolau, exames para HPV (teste de captura híbrida e Papillocheck) e histologia no diagnóstico de neoplasia intraepitelial anal de baixo e alto grau em grupos de risco. Material e métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal para avaliar métodos de diagnóstico de neoplasia intraepitelial anal de baixo e alto grau em 73 pacientes. Amostras para Papanicolau anal, Papillocheck e captura híbrida foram coletadas de todos os pacientes; independentemente dos resultados desses exames, todos foram submetidos a cromoendoscopia de ampliação (CEA) e biópsia. O desempenho dos exames e seus intervalos de confiança de 95% (95% CI) foram calculados, bem como a razão de verossimilhança para cada teste. Resultados: Dos 73 pacientes, 49 (67%) eram mulheres. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 38 anos. A histologia foi positiva em 38 pacientes (52%), dos quais dez (14%) apresentaram neoplasia intraepitelial anal grau II ou superior. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na sensibilidade ou especificidade para as neoplasias intraepiteliais anal de baixo e alto grau entre qualquer um dos exames. Conclusão: O Papanicolau anal, o teste de captura híbrida (HC2, Qiagen) e o Papillocheck (Greiner Bio One) foram altamente sensíveis, mas não específicos para neoplasia intraepitelial anal de baixo e alto grau. Portanto, uma biópsia deve ser realizada após um resultado positivo em qualquer um dos testes para confirmar o diagnóstico de neoplasia intraepitelial anal e seu grau. A seleção do método de triagem depende da disponibilidade, mas os custos devem ser considerados, uma vez que todos os testes apresentam desempenho semelhante.

Abstract Introduction: Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is the most likely precursor of squamous cells cancer which represents 90% of anal cancers. The use of biomolecular tests as a screening method has been extended by gynecology. Given the similarities that exist between the HPV disease in the lower genital tract and anorectal sectors, it is expected that HPV tests can provide information for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for AIN-affected patients. Objectives: Comparing the performance of anal cytology, PAP and HPV tests (Hybrid Capture and Papillocheck) against the histology of the diagnosis of low- and high-grade AIN in risk groups. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate diagnostic methods for low- and high-grade AIN in 73 patients. Samples for anal PAP, Papillocheck and Hybrid Capture were taken from all patients who then, regardless of the results, underwent magnifying chromoendoscopy (MCE) along with biopsy. Diagnostic test performances and their 95% confidence intervals (CI: 95%) were calculated as well as the likelihood ratio for each test. Results: Of the 73 patients, 49 (67%) were women. The average age of the patients was 38 years. In 38 patients (52%), the histology was positive with 10 (14%) grade II AIN or higher. There were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity nor in specificity for low- and high-grade AINs between any of the tests. Conclusion: Anal PAP, the Hybrid Capture test (HC2, Qiagen) and PapilloCheck (Greiner Bio One) were highly sensitive but not specific for low- and high-grade AINs. Therefore, a biopsy should be conducted against a positive result of any of the tests to confirm AIN and the degree of dysplasia. The screening method selection depend on the availability but also costs of the test should be considered, since all the diagnostic tests have similar performance.

BACKGROUND As chronic Chagas disease does not have a definitive treatment, the development of alternative therapeutic protocols is a priority. Dipyridamole (DPY) is an alternative to counteract the pathophysiological phenomena involved in Chagas cardiomyopathy. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of DPY associated with nifurtimox (Nfx) in epimastigote axenic cultures and in mice with acute Chagas disease. METHODS NMRI adult male mice were divided into nine groups: three healthy and six Trypanosoma cruzi-infected groups. Mice received vehicle, Nfx or DPY, alone or combined. The doses assayed were Nfx 10 and 40 mg/kg and DPY 30 mg/kg. The treatment efficacy was evaluated by clinical, electrocardiographic, parasitological, biochemical and histopathological methods. FINDINGS In vitro, DPY and Nfx had a trypanocidal effect with IC50 values of 372 ± 52 and 21.53 ± 2.13 µM, respectively; DPY potentiated the Nfx effect. In vivo, Nfx (40 mg/kg) with or without DPY had a therapeutic effect, which was reflected in the 84-92% survival rate and elimination of parasitaemia and heart tissue amastigotes. Nfx (10 mg/kg) had a subtherapeutic effect with no survival and persistence of amastigotes, inflammation and fibrosis in heart tissue; adding DPY increased the survival rate to 85%, and all tested parameters were significantly improved. MAIN CONCLUSION DPY has a trypanocidal effect in vitro and enhances the Nfx therapeutic effect in an in vivo murine model.

A tropical rocky intertidal community in Montepio, southern Veracruz, Mexico, was sampled throughout a year to determine the extent of the changes in species composition and abundance. The study focused on the crustacean community, of which 49 species were identified. The community was characterized by a high species replacement rate, with 38.7% of the species appearing only once, 10% appeared twice, 16.3% were present in three different samples, and the remaining 34.7% were collected in 4 or more monthly samplings. Species diversity (H') varied constantly, while evenness remained relatively high and constant. An ordination analysis indicates that the crustacean community was dominated by the occurrence of rare species (47%). A cluster analysis, based on the Bray-Curtis similarity coefficient, shows that only a maximum of two consecutive samplings can have more than 50% similarity, reflecting the constant changes that occur in this community. When compared to the other numerically important phyla in the community, crustacean densities ranked third after annelids and mollusks. With such highly variable species composition and the absence of defined seasonal patterns, we propose that non-local processes, such as the strong winter winds ("northers") and a long season of tropical storms, are acting upon the community preventing the establishment of species for long periods of time and maintaining the biodiversity.

La comunidad de la zona intermareal rocosa tropical de Montepío, al sur de Veracruz, México, se muestreó por un año para determinar los cambios en la composición de especies y su abundancia. El estudio se enfocó a la comunidad de crustáceos, de la cual se identificaron 49 especies, ésta se caracterizó por un alto reemplazo de especies, con 38.7% de las especies que sólo se presentaron una vez, 10% presentes dos veces, 16.3% se capturaron en tres muestreos y el restante 34.7% fue recolectado en cuatro o más meses. La diversidad de especies (H') varió constantemente, mientras que la equitatividad se mantuvo con valores relativamente altos y constantes. Un análisis de ordenación indicó que la comunidad de crustáceos fue dominada por la presencia de especies raras (47%). El análisis de agrupamiento, basado en el coeficiente de similitud de Bray-Curtis, mostró que sólo un máximo de dos muestreos consecutivos pueden tener más del 50% de similitud, reflejando los constantes cambios que existen en esta comunidad. Cuando se comparó con otros phyla numéricamente importantes en la comunidad, la densidad de crustáceos se ubicó en tercer sitio, después de los anélidos y moluscos. Con una composición de especies tan variable y la ausencia de patrones estacionales definidos, se propone que procesos no locales, como los nortes y una larga temporada de tormentas tropicales, actúan sobre la comunidad evitando el establecimiento de especies por períodos largos de tiempo y manteniendo la diversidad.