Recent Submissions

  • Design of Spanish for specific purposes academic programs

    Long, Mary K.; Bendezú, Miluska Benavides (Taylor and Francis, 2025-02-11)
    This chapter explores the design of academic programs in the area of Spanish for Specific Purposes (SSP) in a global context. After a thorough review of the history and evolution of the fundamental concepts that have shaped the field, the chapter presents the current state of SSP through curricular and institutional lenses from within the US, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Focusing on the design of academic programs, this chapter examines the ways programs modify common threads of SSP to accommodate local needs. In addition, the chapter considers the disciplinary and institutional implications for the category of "Spanish major" in the United States and "Majors in literature, linguistics and/or philology" in universities in Latin America and Spain. The role of translation and interculturality studies within the SSP academic program also will be explored. The chapter concludes with predictions and suggestions for future directions for academic programs in SSP in a global context that will necessarily bring together Spanish second language learners from diverse native languages (English, indigenous languages, Asian languages, other European languages), heritage speakers of Spanish in countries where Spanish is a minoritized language, and native speakers of Spanish from Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Fairtrade in Peru: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable and Equitable Agricultural Development

    Lozano Paredes, Dina Lucila; Okada Saavedra, Hiromi; Moscoso Cuaresma, Julio Ricardo; Azabache Moran, Carlos Alberto; Katherine Norma del Pilar, Yesquén Delgado; Diaz Cruz, Mirella Esther; Salazar Seminario, Vania Lucia; Pastor Pinto, Jhosep; Amer Layseca, Tarek (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-01-01)
    Fairtrade, present in Peru since 1990, has been widely studied for its impact on agri-food production. This research, based on convenience surveys conducted with leaders and members of cooperatives and agri-exporting companies during the 2024 Peruvian Expoalimentaria fair, examines the benefits and challenges faced by producers in their pursuit of sustainable and equitable development. The results were statistically analysed using Cronbach’s alpha, factor analysis, and the ordinal logistic regression model. These methods revealed that not all the dimensions evaluated reached statistical significance. However, the dimensions of agricultural sustainability and social justice emerged as the most significant, driven by the adoption of sustainable technologies and democratic participation in cooperatives. Nonetheless, these dimensions require additional external conditions to ensure well-being, such as market incentives, which did not achieve statistical significance, suggesting the influence of contextual factors not accounted for in the study. This research not only enriches the existing literature but also provides recommendations for implementing Fairtrade initiatives in Peru to promote more equitable and sustainable agricultural development that improves the socio-economic and socio-political conditions of the most disadvantaged producers. Furthermore, this study highlights the need to expand the theoretical development of unexplored variables, such as association models, sustainable practices, and economic growth in rural communities. In this way, it serves as an exploratory foundation for future public policies and strategies in the agri-food sector.
  • Agri-food competitiveness in the Andean Community: a study of revealed comparative advantage indices

    Llerena Tapia, Rubén Francisco; Beraun Alegre, Gianella Alexa; Carrasco Garcia, Britaly Briggete; Barja Otero, Carlos; Flores Lamas, Miguel Alexander; Moscoso Cuaresma, Julio Ricardo (Cogent OA, 2025-01-01)
    Despite growth and trade agreements in the Andean Community, the competitiveness of agri-food exports from member countries has not been fully assessed. This study quantifies the competitiveness of these exports during the period 2013-2023 by applying the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) index and a subsequent statistical correlation test to validate the robustness of the data. The results highlight Ecuador as the only country with a significant degree of competitiveness in its agri-food exports. Throughout the period analysed, the countries of the Andean Community show differences in the competitiveness of their agri-food exports, which are mainly reflected in their RCA indices. Ecuador stands out for its high RCA, indicating strong competitiveness, while other countries such as Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru have indices below 1, indicating challenges in innovation and diversification that affect their position in the global agri-food market.
    Acceso abierto
  • Does the origin of tourism matter for poverty reduction? Evidence from Peruvian’s department, 2003–2022

    Sánchez-Dávila, Elmer; García, Leidy Y. (Routledge, 2025-01-01)
    The aim of this paper is to study whether the origin of tourism, either domestic or foreign, has varying effects on poverty reduction. Therefore, the paper employs a Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) model for 24 Peruvian departments from 2003 to 2022 to analyze that impact of tourism arrivals, both domestic and foreign, on poverty reduction. Despite the fact that on average, foreign tourism stays longer in a touristic destination than national tourism, our results show that domestic tourism contributes more significantly to poverty reduction than foreign tourism. This is primarily due to the higher volume of domestic tourist compared to international tourist. Additionally, our findings indicate that economic growth is the most influential variable in explaining poverty reduction; while the impact of public spending is relatively minor. In terms of policy implications, these findings highlight the importance of focusing on domestic tourism development in poverty reduction policies.
  • Decision analysis on sustainable manufacturing practices: cross country perspective

    Li, Yongbo; Palaniappan, Murugesan; Alsaleh, Naser; Kumar, D. Thresh; Elfar, Abdullah A.; Pinto, Mark Christhian Barrueta; Torres, Adriana Montenegro (Springer, 2025-02-01)
    Increasing concerns about climate change and waste management pressure manufacturers to innovate their practices, focusing on the environment and society without impacting the economic returns. Such concerns brought a new realm to manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, which is a combination of economy, environment and society. Though several studies have attempted to integrate sustainability in manufacturing successfully, very few studies have been reported on sustainable manufacturing practices. Even these existing studies failed to explore the difference between implementing sustainable manufacturing in different geographical contexts. To fill this gap, this study considers four different geographical context Saudi Arabia, India, Peru and China to understand their preferences of achieving sustainable development in manufacturing through sustainable manufacturing practices. At first, common sustainable manufacturing practices were collected from literature and the same has been evaluated with case industries from Saudi Arabia, India, Peru and China. Totally 15 practices under three different dimensions have been considered in this study. From the obtained results, it can be confounded that “Integrate efficient technologies into core manufacturing system” (SP4) has been identified as key influential practices irrespective of the considered geographies. With the enlighten of these obtained results, practitioners and researchers can understood various in-depth insights on how different nations following different strategies for implementing sustainable development in manufacturing sector. Such clarity improves inhouse policy making which leads to better decision making for faster transition towards sustainable manufacturing.
  • Transformative social performance. A cultural pragmatics of social meaning change

    Gauna, Aníbal; Sánchez Dávila, Mario (Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025-01-01)
    This article explores the process of social meaning change within the Strong Program in Cultural Sociology, shifting focus from the reproduction of culture to transformative social performance (TSP) in public displays. Social life often generates identifiable narrative patterns, where certain storylines are elevated to dominant or even official interpretations. In response, counternarrative patterns, iterated through a TSP, emerge to challenge and transform these storylines. TSPs refer to social enactments and performative displays of collective representations that shape social life through meaning-making dynamics, including the de-fusion/re-fusion of dramatic or narrative elements, as well as the displacement and condensation of meaning. Conceptually, TSP theory blends narrative genre theory with social performance theory. This paper highlights two ideal types, or categories, of TSP: the heretic/heretical, which challenges dominant narratives by elevating marginalized signifiers; and the apostate/apostatic, which introduces new central signifiers, portraying the past as dark or traumatic. Through these heretical and apostatic performances, TSPs serve as a form of societal catharsis, particularly in contexts of repression or when dominant narratives lose their relevance. Drawing on Susy Díaz’s vindication of Chicha culture in Peru and Mohamed Bouazizi’s immolation in Tunisia as case studies, this article provides methodological criteria for analyzing TSP. Furthermore, it demonstrates cathartic power of TSPs, emphasizing their critical role in driving social and political change by addressing social inertia or repression.
  • The Post-Referendum (21F) Situation in Bolivia: Radical Democracy and Institutionalism

    Del Águila, Irma (Universidad del Pacifico Press, 2025-01-27)
    This essay undertakes a discursive analysis of three statements made by former vice-president García Linera in the post-referendum juncture. There, it was assumed that the reelection of President Morales was indispensable as he «sutures» the popular field. In the present essay it is stated that the re-election project as a political imperative implied an antagonistic confrontation that could not be solved in the field of the «political”. Under a scenario of radical heterogeneity, the perspective of an extreme dislocation of the institutional «floor» was seen as a minor consideration, subordinated to the advance of the «constituent power”. This essay reflects about the role and value of the institutional order in processes where a struggle for radical democracy was at stake.
    Acceso abierto
  • Communication and Learning: Social Representations of Religion: The Lord of Miracles and the Virgin of Guadalupe

    Caramutti De La Piedra, Rosalía Del Pilar; Villaseca Flores, Claudia (HISIN (History of Information Systems), 2025-01-02)
    Introduction: In Lima and Mexico we analyze the social representations of religion as an expression of communication in the case of El Señor de los Milagros, in the first, and the Virgin of Guadalupe, in the second. Methodology: Qualitative, non-experimental design, we apply the interview technique to Peruvian and Mexican citizens who are believers and devotees of both deities and finally, to specialists in the subject of Catholic religion. Results: The social representations of religion are framed in communication processes with common elements such as: faith, prayer, devotion, security, miracles, protection, support, dogma, collective resource and sense of belonging. Discussion: The deities studied transcend time and culture multidimensionally; The collective's roots in them channel the expression of their feelings in religious practices such as pilgrimage, faith and miracle. Conclusions: The social representations of religion are expressions of communication processes through their devotion: the procession in El Señor de los Milagros, and the pilgrimage in the Virgin of Guadalupe. They are spaces of interaction and expression of their religious beliefs and are transmitted to their families and communities intergenerationally.
  • ChatGPT in the healthcare field: A reality or a viable alternative?

    Gamero, Aldo Medina; Chamorro, Mónica Regalado (Ediciones Doyma, S.L., 2025-01-01)
    No tiene resumen
  • Principles of Surgical Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcomas

    Gonzalez, Marcos R.; Mendez-Guerra, Carolina; Goh, Megan H.; Pretell-Mazzini, Juan (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-02-01)
    Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a group of highly heterogeneous tumors of mesenchymal origin that have variable primary site locations and clinical behavior. Despite the broad diversity of STS, the standard of care involves surgical resection with or without radiation therapy (RT) to control local recurrence and systemic treatment in select cases. The complexities of STS require a critical understanding of the preoperative work-up process, surgical treatment, and postoperative management. Advanced imaging plays a vital role in the characterization of the soft tissue mass, preoperative biopsy planning, and disease staging. Surgical treatment prioritizes wide resection with negative margins, supported by newer margin classification systems for better prognosis. Further, advancements in surgical technique have enabled limb-salvage surgery to largely replace amputation in the management of these tumors. Additional surgical considerations, such as nerve preservation, vascular reconstruction, and complex tissue closure, further highlight the complexity of STS management. Lastly, postoperative follow-up is critical for the early detection of local or distant recurrences. For complex cases, such as unplanned excisions or invasive tumors, strategies like re-resection may be beneficial. Ongoing research into imaging, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies will further refine management strategies, especially in complex and recurrent cases. This review highlights the essential aspects of STS surgical management and underscores the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary care to enhance both survival and quality of life for affected patients.
    Acceso abierto
  • Relationship between butyrylcholinesterase activity and hepatic transaminases: a cross-sectional study in agricultural workers from Peru

    Ortiz-Delgado, Emily; Bendezu-Quispe, Guido; Soncco-Llulluy, Fernando; Li, Jair; Rosales-Rimache, Jaime (BioMed Central Ltd, 2025-12-01)
    Introduction: Chronic exposure to pesticides causes various adverse health effects, mainly at a neurological level. However, there is little evidence focused on liver tissue injury and transaminase activity as indicators of effect. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed based on medical-occupational records of workers from an agro-export company in Peru to associate the levels of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) transaminases (ALT and AST). Occupational medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic and occupational information and laboratory values of BChE activity and transaminases. Results: We evaluated 459 records, and 69.9% were men. The mean age was 34.9 ± 11.5 years. BChE, ALT, and AST levels were 6238.8 ± 709.1 U/l, 34.4 ± 12.5 U/l, and 22.4 ± 8.5 U/l, respectively. The proportion of inhibited BCHE and elevated transaminase levels was 15.3% and 21.6%, respectively. We found a significant association between BChE inhibition and elevation of transaminases (AST: PR = 0.798, 95%CI: 0.716–0.889; ALT: PR = 0.419, 95%CI: 0.239–0.736). Conclusion: The potential usefulness of transaminases is shown as a biomarker of exposure and monitoring in occupational health programs for the agro-industry.
    Acceso abierto
  • Measurement of Risk Factors Associated With bereavement Severity and Deterioration by COVID-19: A Spanish Validation Study of the Pandemic Grief Risk Factors

    Caycho-Rodríguez, Tomás; Lee, Sherman A.; Vilca, Lindsey W.; Carbajal-León, Carlos; Reyes-Bossio, Mario; Delgado-Campusano, Mariel; Gallegos, Miguel; Carranza Esteban, Renzo; Noe-Grijalva, Martin (SAGE Publications Inc., 2025-03-01)
    The present study translated and evaluated the psychometric evidence of the Pandemic Grief Risk Factors (PGRF) in a sample of 363 people from the general population of Peru who suffered the death of a loved one by COVID-19 (63-4% women and 36.6% men, where 78.5% were between 18 and 29 years old). The findings indicated that the PGRF is a unidimensional and reliable measure. The PGRF items can differentiate between individuals with different levels of risk factors and thus cover a wide range of the latent construct. Also, a greater sense of distress for each of the risk factors for pandemic grief is necessary to answer the higher response categories. Risk factors significantly and positively predict COVID-19-associated dysfunctional grief. The results indicated that the PGRF in Spanish is a measure with adequate psychometric properties to measure risk factors for pandemic grief.
  • What Abductor Repair Technique Provides the Best Functional Outcomes After Proximal Femur Endoprosthetic Reconstruction for Oncologic Indications? A Systematic Review

    Mendez-Guerra, Carolina; Gonzalez, Marcos R.; Pretell-Mazzini, Juan (Elsevier B.V., 2025-03-01)
    Background: There is conflicting data regarding the optimal abductor mechanism (AM) repair technique after resection of proximal femur tumors. We sought to compare functional outcomes following tumor resection and reconstruction with proximal femoral replacement based on the AM repair technique utilized. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We established two study groups based on AM repair technique as follows: soft-tissue reattachment (STr) and greater trochanter preservation (GTp). In the STr group, the gluteus medius and minimus muscles were reattached to the endoprosthesis, whereas in the GTp group, the greater trochanter and gluteal tendons were preserved. The STr group was further subdivided into direct and indirect reattachments. Weighted means adjusting for sample size were calculated. Results: A total of 658 patients from 12 articles were included. Patients who had STr displayed higher Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores (75 versus 67.3%, P < 0.001), lower rates of Trendelenburg gait (33.9 versus 52.4%, P < 0.01), and ambulation with assistive devices (30.4 versus 54.9%, P < 0.001) compared to the GTp group. Within the STr group, indirect reattachment was associated with higher Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores (87.2 versus 70.1%, P < 0.001) and lower rates of Trendelenburg gait (3.8 versus 36.3%, P < 0.001) and ambulation with assistive devices (0 versus 42.4%, P < 0.001) compared to direct reattachment. The reattachment hardware failure rate in GTp was 15%. Conclusion: A STr provided superior functional outcomes compared to GTp in tumor-related proximal femoral replacement. From a functional outcome perspective, the use of indirect STr was better compared to direct STr. Level of Evidence: III.
  • Novel Intermediate ATXN10 Alleles in the Healthy Peruvian Population: A Matter of Indigenous American Ethnic Origin

    Milla-Neyra, Karina; Araujo-Aliaga, Ismael; Manrique-Enciso, Carla; Sarapura-Castro, Elison; Illanes-Manrique, Maryenela; Veliz-Otani, Diego; Saldarriaga-Mayo, Ana; Medina-Colque, Angel; Rios-Pinto, Julia; Cornejo-Herrera, Ivan; Rivera-Valdivia, Andrea; F. Mata, Ignacio; Loesch, Douglas; Lozano-Vasquez, Leonel; Bordia, Tanuja; O’Connor, Timothy; Schüle, Birgitt; Cornejo-Olivas, Mario (Springer, 2025-04-01)
    Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 (SCA10) is a neurodegenerative disease predominant in Latin American individuals with Indigenous American ancestry. SCA10 is caused by an expansion of ATTCT repeat within the ATXN10 gene. Healthy individuals carry 9–32 ATTCT repeats, whereas SCA10 patients carry an expansion of 280 repeats and higher. Recently, intermediate alleles (over than 32 repeats) have been identified in healthy Peruvian Indigenous American individuals, with unclear significance. This study aims to characterize the variability of the ATTCT repeats within the ATXN10 gene across self-declared Indigenous American and Mestizo subpopulations from Peru. A total of 871 samples (754 Mestizo and 117 Indigenous American) were analyzed using PCR, and RP-PCR when suspecting apparent homozygosity due to larger alleles. 8.7% of the total of healthy individuals (76/871) carry at least one intermediate allele. The 14-repeat allele being the most common for both subpopulations (41.5%). Intermediate alleles were detected in the Peruvian population (4.5%) with a significantly higher frequency among self-declared Indigenous American compared to Mestizo, suggesting a possible association with the ethnic origin. The G allele at the SNP rs41524547 had a frequency of 51.39% in individuals with intermediate alleles, with not significantly difference between subpopulations. Further analysis should be performed to confirm the size and composition of ATTCT repeat tract, as well as the contribution of rs41524547 in SCA10.
  • Methodological and reporting quality of Latin American randomized controlled trials in surgery from 2012 to 2022: a meta-research study

    Lozada-Martinez, Ivan D.; Visconti-Lopez, Fabriccio J.; Rojas-Cueva, Alexandra C.; Ausejo, Franco; Castrillón-Lozano, Jorge; Cañas Pedroza, Nicolas A.; Yela Ordoñez, Ruth L.; García, Alexandra Mutis; Santana, Benjamin Ortiz; Diazgranados-García, Maria C.; Acevedo-Parrales, Danilo; Delgado, Patricia (Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2025-02-01)
    Background: Latin America is a region where an increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in surgery are being conducted. However, there is no evidence regarding the methodological and reporting quality of this studies. Methods: Meta-research study, including RCTs conducted in general surgery and subspecialties, conducted in Latin American centers and published from 2012 to 2022 with inclusion in PubMed and Scopus databases. The CONSORT and Joanna Briggs Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials tools were used. Results: 83 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. 67.5% (n = 56) were conducted in Brazil. 74.7% (n = 62) of RCTs demonstrated high methodological quality, while only 31.7% (n = 26) exhibited high reporting quality. Out of the 13 methodological quality items, 3 were not fulfilled in more than 50% of the RCTs. Meanwhile, of the 37 reporting quality items, only 15 were met in more than 75% of the RCTs. Conclusions: While the methodological quality of Latin American RCTs in surgery included in PubMed and Scopus is relatively high, there is a predominance of moderate reporting quality. The common failure to comply with specific items in this sample is a phenomenon of great interest for surgical meta-research that warrants deeper exploration. These shortcomings the falsifiability and reproducibility of Latin American RCTs in surgery, which could be improved through scientific training.
  • The Lupus Foundation of America Rapid Evaluation of Activity in Lupus Patient-Reported Outcome Predicts Health-Related Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Work Productivity Impairment: Data From the Almenara Lupus Cohort

    Ugarte-Gil, Manuel F.; Gamboa-Cárdenas, Rocío V.; Pimentel-Quiroz, Victor R.; Reátegui-Sokolova, Cristina; Elera-Fitzcarrald, Claudia; García-Hirsh, Samira; Pastor-Asurza, César; Rodriguez-Bellido, Zoila; Perich-Campos, Risto; Alarcón, Graciela S. (Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2025-01-01)
    Objective The study aims to evaluate the impact of patient-reported disease activity in other patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods SLE patients from the Almenara Lupus Cohort were included, and visits were performed every 6 months. Disease activity was assessed with the Lupus Foundation of America Rapid Evaluation of Activity in Lupus (LFA-REAL) PRO, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with the LupusQoL, fatigue with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), and work productivity impairment with the work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI). Generalized estimating equations were performed for each domain of the LupusQoL, the FACIT-F, and the WPAI. The LFA-REAL PRO measured at the previous visit; multivariable models were adjusted for possible confounders measured at the same visit as the LFA-REAL PRO. The Β (regression unstandardized coefficient) is reported per an increase of 10 units of the LFA-REAL PRO. Results A total of 316 patients and 1116 visits were included. Mean (SD) LFA-REAL PRO at baseline was 240.9 (182.1). LFA-REAL PRO predicted a worse HRQoL in all domains of the LupusQoL, the WPAI, and the FACIT-F, even after adjustment for confounders. Conclusions A higher patient-reported disease activity predicted a worse HRQoL and fatigue as well as a higher work productivity impairment in SLE patients. Patient-reported disease activity should be included in the evaluation of SLE patients on a regular basis as such provides the patients' own perception of their disease. This may have an impact on their adherence to treatment and may result in better outcomes.
  • Digital Teaching Practices and Student Academic Stress in the Era of Digitalization in Higher Education

    Norabuena-Figueroa, Roger Pedro; Deroncele-Acosta, Angel; Rodríguez-Orellana, Hugo Marino; Norabuena-Figueroa, Emerson Damián; Flores-Chinte, Milagros Catalina; Huamán-Romero, Lourdes Liz; Tarazona-Miranda, Víctor Hilario; Mollo-Flores, Marybel Esther (MDPI AG, 2025-01-31)
    ICT and digitization are transforming higher education, but one aspect that has been little addressed is student academic stress in this context. The objective of this research was to explore the relationship between teaching practices and academic stress in virtual learning environments. A quantitative study based on structural equation modeling was conducted using 6605 students from a public university in Lima. Two scales were applied and validated to assess specific dimensions of teaching practices and levels of academic stress. The scales demonstrated robust psychometric properties. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis allowed the identification of key underlying factors and the validation of the proposed theoretical model. Findings reveal indirect negative influences between teaching practices and academic stress. External factors like overload, distractions, and technological issues disrupt teacher interaction, collaboration, and learning processes. Model fit indices confirm its robustness, emphasizing the need to optimize resources and improve virtual education environments. ICT in education enhances accessibility and personalization but demands addressing academic stress and optimizing virtual learning environments. Future research is called for to delve deeper into the integration of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and virtual reality, as well as mindfulness, digital skills, and mobile self-efficacy, to comprehensively address stress and student well-being.
    Acceso abierto
  • Pangenome analysis of Paenibacillus polymyxa strains reveals the existence of multiple and functionally distinct Paenibacillus species

    Maggi, Federica; Giuliodori, Anna Maria; Brandi, Anna; Cimarelli, Lucia; Alcántara, Roberto; Pallotti, Stefano; Amantini, Consuelo; Petrelli, Dezemona; Fabbretti, Attilio; Spurio, Roberto; Napolioni, Valerio (American Society for Microbiology, 2024-11-20)
    Paenibacillus polymyxa, a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in soil and plant roots, plays an important role in the environment due to its nitrogen-fixing ability and is renowned for producing antibiotics like polymyxin. In this study, we present a robust framework for investigating the evolutionary and taxonomic connections of strains belonging to P. polymyxa available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information, as well as five new additional strains isolated at the University of Camerino (Italy), through pangenome analysis. These strains can produce secondary metabolites active against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Employing techniques such as digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), average nucleotide identity (ANI) estimation, OrthoFinder, and ribosomal multilocus sequence typing, we consistently divided these P. polymyxa strains into four clusters, which differ significantly in terms of ANI and dDDH percentages, both considered as reference indices for separating bacterial species. Moreover, the strains of Cluster 2 were re-classified as belonging to the Paenibacillus ottowii species. By comparing the pangenomes, we identified the core genes of each cluster and analyzed them to recognize distinctive features in terms of biosynthetic/metabolic potential. The comparison of pangenomes also allowed us to pinpoint differences between clusters in terms of genetic variability and the percentage of the genome dedicated to core and accessory genes. In conclusion, the data obtained from our analyses of strains belonging to the P. polymyxa species converge toward a necessary reclassification, which will require a fundamental contribution from microbiologists in the near future.
    Acceso abierto
  • In Situ Treatment of Refractory Perianal Fistulas in Dogs with Low-Dose Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

    Enciso, Nathaly; Enciso-Benavides, Javier; Sandoval, Juan; Enciso, Javier (MDPI AG, 2024-11-16)
    Stem cell therapy in dogs has increased considerably in recent years; however, there are few publications on the treatment of perianal fistulas (PF) in this species. The aim of this open-label clinical trial was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of a new protocol for the in situ administration of low-dose adipose-derived allogeneic stem cells (ASCs) for the treatment of refractory spontaneous perianal fistula. The methodology consisted of applying one to three doses of 5 × 106 cryopreserved allogeneic ASCs to each fistula. The study was performed in 14 dogs regardless of sex, breed, or age, with a clinical diagnosis of refractory PF. Cells diluted in phosphate-buffered saline were applied to five sites of the PF in an amount of 1 × 106 per application site. Efficacy was determined by the complete closure of the fistula, which was observed in 100% of the cases studied one month after therapy, with a subsequent follow-up of 12 to 48 months after therapy. Furthermore, safety was demonstrated by the absence of local or systemic adverse effects. In conclusion, the protocol used in this work demonstrates the efficacy without adverse effects of the in situ application of low doses of allogeneic ASCs, providing a simple, non-invasive, long-lasting and low-cost therapeutic option.
    Acceso abierto
  • 1148 Narcolepsy with Cataplexy in a Pediatric Patient with a Thalamic Mass: A Case Report

    Pietrapiana, Stefano; Sabogal, Carlos (Oxford University Press (OUP), 2024-04-20)
    Introduction: A female adolescent patient with gradual hypersomnolence. Report of case(s) The patient is a 16-year-old with gradual onset of parasomnias, leg cramps, headaches and history of gastroesophageal reflux, and asthma. Her ferritin was low, and a diagnosis of restless legs was made, the patient was started on oral iron supplements without improvement. Intravenous iron replacement therapy was tried with laboratory improvement (>50 ng/ml) but not clinical. Clonazepam and gabapentin were tried without success. Over time, she developed more tiredness and started to fall asleep in class. A sleep study was done which showed primary snoring without evidence of sleep disorder breathing, PLMD index was 4.4, and REM sleep latency was 120 minutes. The headaches got worse, and she was seen by neurology, MRI showed a hyperintense 6mm rounded lesion on the left side of the thalamus. She started pregabalin and remained stable for almost a year. Sleepiness got worse with sleep attacks. She was sleeping 12-14 hours at night with a 1–2-hour nap in the afternoon. A Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) showed no evidence of sleep-onset rapid eye movement periods (SOREMPs), and the mean sleep latency was 9.6 minutes. She was diagnosed with primary hypersomnolence. Modafinil and methylphenidate were tried for hypersomnolence and added duloxetine for headaches without improvement. A repeated sleep study and MSLT, showed a mean sleep latency of 4.9 minutes without SOREMPs, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EPS) of 20. Later she started with jerky legs and tripping/falling in gymnastics practice, diagnosis of narcolepsy with cataplexy was made. Sodium oxybate was started with improvement of hypersomnolence (EPS: 8) and cataplexy. Conclusion: The patient presented with insidious onset of restless legs, migraines, and hypersomnia. In pediatric patients classic narcoleptic symptoms are not always present. Interestingly restless legs and migraines can precede the diagnosis of narcolepsy. Our patient had no SOREMPs on the MSLT on two different occasions but in her last MSLT her mean sleep latency was 4.4 minutes and soon after developed cataplexy. Due to the presence of a thalamic mass, we conclude that this patient has secondary narcolepsy type 1.
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