Abstract: This article begins by posing the question of how to re-elaborate stories that respond to our different sets of crises, by enquiring into the urban development of New Faisalnagar: an informal settlement in the outskirts of Ahmedabad (India), which is investigated through an infrastructural lens. By doing so, it recognizes the inventive value found in the creation of ‘Jugaad’ systems (jugaad understood as a Hindi word denoting an ad-hoc, clever solution to a problem) which is then tied to incorporating this within the disciplinary realm of design, from a perspective of responsible experimentation. The artlicle reviews different contemporary architectural cases that display similar appointments, and hence proposes this condition of participative, citizen-led infrastructural improvisation as a hopeful future of practice. Resumen: Este artículo comienza planteando la cuestión de cómo reelaborar historias que respondan a nuestras distintas crisis, indagando en el desarrollo urbano de New Faisalnagar: un asentamiento informal en las afueras de Ahmedabad (India), que se investiga a través de un lente infraestructural. Al hacer esto, reconoce el valor inventivo que se encuentra en la creación de sistemas 'Jugaad' (jugaad entendido como una palabra hindi que denota una solución ad-hoc e ingeniosa a un problema) que luego se busca incorporar dentro del ámbito disciplinario del diseño, desde una perspectiva de experimentación responsable. El artículo revisa diferentes casos arquitectónicos contemporáneos que demuestran metodologías similares y, posteriormente, propone esta condición de improvisación infraestructural participativa y dirigida por los ciudadanos como un futuro esperanzador de la práctica profesional.

Abstract: Objectives: The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of different clinical signs of trachoma and identify possible factors associated with TF. Methodology: Following the approval of the study protocol by the ethics committee, a cross- sectional study was conducted in Vaupe’s, a department of the Colombian Amazon, between the years 2012 and 2013 in two districts. Based on the records obtained from a standardized format for the clinical evaluation of the participants and the factors associated with follicular trachoma, an excel database was built and debugged, which was analyzed using IBM SPSS, Statistics Version 23 and Stata STATA (Version 14, 2015, StataCorp LLC, Texas, USA). Results: The records of 13,091 individuals was collected from 216 rural indigenous communities, of which 12,080 were examined (92.3%); 7,274 in the Western and 4,806 in the Eastern districts. A prevalence of trachomatous inflammation–follicular (TF) of 21.7% (n = 599; 95% CI 20.2–23.3) in the Western and 24.9% (n = 483; 95% CI 23.1–26.9) in the Eastern district was found in children aged 1 to 9 years. Regarding trachomatous trichiasis (TT), 77 cases were found, of which 14 belonged to the Western district (prevalence 0.3%, CI 95% 0.2–0.5) and 63 to the Eastern district (1.8%, CI 95% 1.4–2.4). Children aged between 1 to 9 years were significantly more likely to have TF when there was the presence of secretions on the face (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 2.6–3.9). Conclusions: Trachoma is a public health problem in Vaupes that requires the implementation of the SAFE strategy (S = Surgery, A = Antibiotics, F = Face Washing, E = Environment) in the Eastern and Western districts, for at least 3 consecutive years, in accordance with WHO recommendations. Resumen: Objetivos: Los objetivos del estudio fueron estimar la prevalencia de diferentes signos clínicos de tracoma e identificar posibles factores asociados al TF. Metodología: Tras la aprobación del protocolo de estudio por parte del comité de ética, se realizó un estudio transversal en Vaupés, departamento de la Amazonía colombiana, entre los años 2012 y 2013 en dos distritos. A partir de los registros obtenidos de un formato estandarizado para la evaluación clínica de los participantes y los factores asociados al tracoma folicular, se construyó y depuró una base de datos en Excel, la cual fue analizada utilizando IBM SPSS, Statistics Versión 23 y Stata STATA (Versión 14, 2015, StataCorp LLC, Texas, EE. UU.). Resultados: Se recolectaron los registros de 13.091 individuos de 216 comunidades indígenas rurales, de los cuales se examinaron 12.080 (92,3%); 7.274 en los distritos occidentales y 4.806 en los orientales. Se encontró una prevalencia de inflamación tracomatosa-folicular (TF) del 21,7% (n = 599; IC del 95% 20,2-23,3) en el occidental y del 24,9% (n = 483; IC del 95% 23,1-26,9) en el distrito del oriental en niños de 1 a 9 años. En cuanto a la triquiasis tracomatosa (TT), se encontraron 77 casos, de los cuales 14 pertenecían al distrito occidental (prevalencia 0,3%, IC 95% 0,2-0,5) y 63 al distrito oriental (1,8%, IC 95% 1,4-2,4). Los niños de entre 1 y 9 años tenían una probabilidad significativamente mayor de tener TF cuando había presencia de secreciones en la cara (OR: 3,2; IC del 95%: 2,6–3,9). Conclusiones: El tracoma es un problema de salud pública en Vaupés que requiere la implementación de la estrategia SAFE (S = Cirugía, A = Antibióticos, F = Lavado de Cara, E = Medio Ambiente) en los distritos oriental y occidental, por al menos 3 años consecutivos de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de la OMS.

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the association of epilation before surgery on the surgical outcome in trachomatous trichiasis (TT) patients. Methods: As a secondary data analysis, 1452 patients enrolled in the STAR trial were categorized according to preoperative epilation status. The main outcome was recurrent trichiasis after surgery. We used multivariable analysis, time-to-event analysis, and Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Those who epilated prior to surgery tended to be older and female, with worse entropion at baseline. The proportion with postoperative trichiasis was 7.7%, 8.8% in those who epilated versus 5.3% in those who did not (P ¼ 0.03). Adjusting for age and sex, the risk of postoperative TT with epilation was 1.71 (P value ¼ 0.02). Although entropion may be in the biological pathway from epilation to postoperative TT, we adjusted for entropion, and the risk of postoperative TT with epilation was 1.41 (P ¼ 0.14). Conclusions: The study suggests that preoperative epilation may increase the risk of postoperative trichiasis. Further research is needed to confirm the finding. Translational Relevance: Patients with TT often self-treat, epilating their inturned eyelashes. The World Health Organization recommends surgery to treat TT, but when patients refuse the procedure or mild trichiasis is present, epilation is often recommended. There is some evidence that repetitive or improper epilation can be harmful to the lid and hair follicles. If there is damage to the lid margin, any subsequent surgery could have deleterious outcomes. Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación de la depilación antes de la cirugía con el resultado quirúrgico en pacientes con triquiasis tracomatosa (TT). Métodos: Se realizó un análisis secundario de datos, 1452 pacientes del estudio STAR se clasificaron según el estado de depilación preoperatoria. El resultado principal fue la triquiasis recurrente después de cirugía. Utilizamos análisis multivariable, análisis de tiempo transcurrido hasta el evento y modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados: Aquellos que se depilaron antes de la cirugía tendieron a ser mayores y mujeres, con entropión más severo al inicio del estudio. La proporción con triquiasis postoperatoria fue del 7,7%, 8,8% en los que se depilaron frente al 5,3% en los que no (P = 0,03). Ajustando por edad y sexo, el riesgo de TT postoperatoria con depilación fue de 1,71 (valor de p = 0,02). Aunque el entropión puede estar en la vía biológica desde la depilación hasta el TT posoperatorio, ajustamos el entropión y el riesgo de TT postoperatorio con depilación fue de 1,41 (p = 0,14). Conclusiones: El estudio sugiere que la depilación preoperatoria puede incrementar el riesgo de triquiasis postoperatoria. Se necesita más investigación para confirmar este hallazgo. Relevancia traslacional: los pacientes con TT a menudo se autotratan, depilando sus pestañas dirigidas hacia adentro. La Organización Mundial de la Salud recomienda la cirugía para tratar la TT, pero cuando los pacientes rechazan el procedimiento o hay una triquiasis leve, a menudo se recomienda la depilación. Existe alguna evidencia de que la depilación repetitiva o incorrecta puede ser dañina para el párpado y los folículos pilosos. Si hay daño en el margen del párpado, cualquier cirugía posterior podría tener resultados perjudiciales.

Abstract: This research emerged out from the gap between the value added to collaborative governance and the empirical evidence of such benefits in Colombia. Despite the fact that there is not monitoring indicators that clearly illustrate how collaboration improves the implementation of complex public policies, national government has been promoting this strategy, ignoring the disparities among local and regional government, thus actual outcomes of multi-level governance. In particular, the paper observes the case of capital cities agreement for implementing Victims’ and Land Restitution law, as the more tangible case of a collaborative initiative boosted by local entities. Beyond the traditional input-output analysis, the paper explores into drivers, motivations and organizational dynamics among cities. The theoretical lenses used are the ones of Network governance and collaborative public management theories. The study’s findings suggest that the speech of collaboration has progressed faster than the institutional mechanisms for doing so. The vagueness means for acting collectively blurs how collaboration can clearly contribute to improve local governments tasks when it comes to social policies. Findings also identify and explain how exchanges took place in the case of capital cities agreement, illustrating the impact of power imbalances and motivations when conducting a collaboration.

Abstract: Anodic porous alumina (AAO) are used in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The heat treatments during fabrication, characterization, or device performance, can change their thermal properties. It was found that the thermal conductivity of AAO is highly dependent on the temperature at which the sample was exposed. Different AAO templates produced in the most common electrolytes: sulfuric, oxalic, and phosphoric acids. They were heated from RT up to 1100 °C and were analyzed at RT using 3ω-Scanning Thermal Microscopy (3ω-SThM). It was concluded that at low temperatures of heat treatment, below 100 °C, the AAOs lose water, which explains the reduction of their thermal conductivity. The minimum value of thermal conductivity was found for AAO samples prepared in sulfuric acid and heated at 100 °C (0.78 ± 0.19 W m−1 K−1), which corresponds to a 50% reduction from the original value. It has also been found that for AAO annealed above 950 °C, the variations in the thermal conductivity are mainly related to phase transitions from amorphous to crystalline alumina and gas evolution of CO2, or SO2 and SO, depending on the electrolyte used during the anodization. The thermal conductivity values of the AAO can reach values as high as 4.82 ± 0.36 W m−1 K−1 for AAO samples prepared in oxalic acid and heated up to 1300 °C. The understanding of the changes in their thermal conductivity can explain the different values found in the literature for AAOs. Resumen: Aluminas anódicas porosas (AAO) son usadas en nanociencia y nanotecnología. Los tratamientos de calor durante la fabricación, caracterización o desarrollo de dispositivos, pueden cambiar sus propiedades térmicas. Se ha encontrado que la conductividad térmica de las AAO es altamente dependiente de la temperatura a la cual la muestra ha sido expuesta. Diferentes plantillas de AAO fueron producidas en los electrolitos más comunes: ácidos sulfúrico, oxálico y fosfórico y calentadas desde temperatura ambiente hasta 1100 °C; fueron analizadas a temperatura ambiente usando la técnica 3ω-Microscopía Térmica de Barrido (3ω-SThM). Se concluye que, en tratamientos a baja temperatura, por debajo de 100 ºC, las AAO pierden agua, y esto explica la reducción de la conductividad térmica. El valor mínimo de conductividad térmica encontrado es para las muestras de AAO preparadas en ácido súlfurico y calentadas a 100 ºC (0.78 ± 0.19 W m−1 K−1), el cual corresponde a una reducción del 50% del valor original. También se ha encontrado para AAO calentadas sobre 950 ºC, variaciones en la conductividad térmica que son principalmente relacionadas con transiciones de fase desde amorfo hasta alumina cristalina y evolución de los gases CO2, SO2 y SO, dependiendo del electrolito usado durante la anodización. Los valores de conductividad térmica de AAOs pueden ser tan altos como 4.82 ± 0.36 W m−1 K−1 para muestras preparadas en ácido oxálico y calentadas hasta 1300 °C. El entendimiento de los cambios en conductividad puede explicar porque en la literatura se encuentran diferentes valores para la conductividad térmica de las AAOs.

Abstract: Accurately assessing groundwater storage changes in Niger is critical for long-term water resource management but is difficult due to sparse field data. We present a study of groundwater storage changes and recharge in Southern Niger, computed using data from NASA Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission. We compute a groundwater storage anomaly estimate by subtracting the surface water anomaly provided by the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) model from the GRACE total water storage anomaly. We use a statistical model to fill gaps in the GRACE data. We analyze the time period from 2002 to 2021, which corresponds to the life span of the GRACE mission, and show that there is little change in groundwater storage from 2002–2010, but a steep rise in storage from 2010–2021, which can partially be explained by a period of increased precipitation. We use the Water Table Fluctuation method to estimate recharge rates over this period and compare these values with previous estimates. We show that for the time range analyzed, groundwater resources in Niger are not being overutilized and could be further developed for beneficial use. Our estimated recharge rates compare favorably to previous estimates and provide managers with the data required to understand how much additional water could be extracted in a sustainable manner.

Abstract: This checklist of oribatid mites of the Republic of Colombia compiles and provides a taxonomic update of all records known up to 2020. It includes 192 entries accounting for 68 named and 47 unnamed species belonging to 73 genera and 58 families of non-astigmatid oribatid mites. Specimens from the brachypyline supercohort were dominant (54.7%), followed by Mixonomata (30.7%). However, current knowledge is far from being complete and distribution patterns show large gaps throughout the country due to this lacking knowledge and most existing investigations only include group specific studies that prevent from any conclusions regarding the real community composition of oribatids in Colombia. From 32 political-administrative departments, oribatids have been reported in 20, but 5 account for 65% of the records. These are: Cundinamarca -including Bogotá D.C.- (24.4%), Magdalena (21.8%), Nariño (6.3%), La Guajira (6.3%), and Quindío (5.9%). Whereas most oribatid reports in the Neotropical region have taken place during the past five decades, a map presented in this document shows that Colombia still lags behind other Latin American countries. Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil, for instance, have reported the highest number of species for the region and are the only nations that possess national oribatid checklists in Latin America. The current work represents a national baseline of oribatids encouraging further study of this clearly underrepresented group.

Abstract: Global importance: Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis worldwide. Mammals (eg, rats, horses, cows, pigs, dogs, cats and aquatic species, such as sea lions and northern elephant seals) can all be infected by leptospires. Infection in animals occurs through contact with urine or water contaminated with the bacteria. In people, the disease is acquired mainly from animal sources or through recreational activities in contaminated water. Practical relevance: Literature on the clinical presentation of leptospirosis in cats is scarce, although it has been demonstrated that cats are susceptible to infection and are capable of developing antibodies. The prevalence of antileptospiral antibodies in cats varies from 4% to 33.3% depending on the geographical location. Urinary shedding of leptospires in naturally infected cats has been reported, with a prevalence of up to 68%. Infection in cats has been associated with the consumption of infected prey, especially rodents. Thus, outdoor cats have a higher risk of becoming infected. Clinical challenges: Clinical presentation of this disease in cats is rare and it is not known what role cats have in the transmission of leptospirosis. Ongoing work is needed to characterise feline leptospirosis. Audience: This review is aimed at all veterinarians, both general practitioners who deal with cats on a daily basis in private practice, as well as feline practitioners, since both groups face the challenge of diagnosing and treating infectious and zoonotic diseases. Evidence base: The current literature on leptospirosis in cats is reviewed. To date, few case reports have been published in the field, and information has mostly been extrapolated from infections in people and dogs. This review is expected to serve as a guide for the diagnosis and management of the disease in cats.

Abstract: Leptospirosis is the most neglected widespread zoonosis worldwide. In Spain, leptospirosis reports in people and animals have increased lately. Cats can become infected with Leptospira, as well as be chronic carriers. The aim of this study was to determine serological antibody prevalence against Leptospira sp., blood DNA, and shedding of DNA from pathogenic Leptospira species in the urine of cats in Spain. Microagglutination tests (MAT) and blood and urine TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed. Leptospira antibodies were detected in 10/244 cats; with 4.1%positive results (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1–7.18%). Titers ranged from 1:20 to 1:320 (serovars Ballum; Bataviae; Bratislava; Cynopteri; Grippotyphosa Mandemakers; Grippotyphosa Moskva; Pomona; and Proechimys). The most common serovar was Cynopteri. Blood samples from 1/89 cats amplified for Leptospira DNA (1.12%; 95% CI: 0.05–5.41%). Urine samples from 4/232 cats amplified for Leptospira DNA (1.72%; 95% CI: 0.55–4.10%). In conclusion, free-roaming cats in Spain can shed pathogenic Leptospira DNA in their urine and may be a source of human infection. Serovars not previously described in cats in Spain were detected; suggesting the presence of at least 4 different species of pathogenic leptospires in the country (L. borgpetersenii ;L. interrogans ;L. kirschneri; and L. noguchii).

Abstract: Entomopathogenic fungi infect insects via spores but also live inside plant tissues as endophytes. Frequently, colonization by entomopathogens provides plants with increased resistance against insects, but the mechanisms are little understood. This study investigated direct, local, and systemic root-mediated interactions between isolates of the fungus Metarhizium brunneum and larvae of the cabbage root fly (CRF) Delia radicum attacking Brassica napus plants. All fungal isolates infected CRF when conidia were present in the soil, leading to 43–93% mortality. Locally, root-associated M. brunneum isolates reduced herbivore damage by 10–20% and in three out of five isolates caused significant insect mortality due to plant-mediated and/or direct effects. A split-root experiment with isolate Gd12 also demonstrated systemic plant resistance with significantly reduced root collar damage by CRF. LC-MS analyses showed that fungal root colonization did not induce changes in phytohormones, while herbivory increased jasmonic acid (JA) and glucosinolate concentrations. Proteinase inhibitor gene expression was also increased. Fungal colonization, however, primed herbivore-induced JA and the expression of the JA-responsive plant defensin 1.2 (PDF1.2) gene. We conclude that root-associated M. brunneum benefits plant health through multiple mechanisms, such as the direct infection of insects, as well as the local and systemic priming of the JA pathway. Resumen: Los hongos entomopatógenos infectan a los insectos a través de esporas, pero también viven en el interior de los tejidos vegetales como endófitos. Con frecuencia, la colonización por entomopatógenos proporciona a las plantas una mayor resistencia contra los insectos, pero los mecanismos son poco conocidos. Este estudio investigó las interacciones directas, locales y sistémicas mediadas por la raíz entre los aislamientos del hongo Metarhizium brunneum y las larvas de la mosca de la raíz de la col (CRF) Delia radicum que atacan las plantas de Brassica napus. Todas las cepas del hongo infectaron a la CRF cuando las conidias estaban presentes en el suelo, provocando una mortalidad del 43-93%. Localmente, las cepas de M. brunneum asociados a la raíz redujeron el daño de los herbívoros en un 10-20% y tres de las cinco cepas causaron una mortalidad significativa de los insectos debido a efectos mediados por la planta y/o directos. Un experimento de raíz dividida con la cepa Gd12 también demostró la resistencia sistémica de la planta con una reducción significativa del daño en el cuello de la raíz por parte de CRF. Los análisis de LC-MS mostraron que la colonización de la raíz por el hongo no indujo cambios en las fitohormonas, mientras que la herbivoría aumentó las concentraciones de ácido jasmónico (JA) y glucosinolato. También aumentó la expresión de genes inhibidores de proteinasas. La colonización fúngica, sin embargo, aumentó el ácido jasmónico inducido por los herbívoros y la expresión del gen de la defensina vegetal 1.2 (PDF1.2) que responde al ácido jasmónico. Concluimos que M. brunneum asociado a las raíces beneficia la salud de las plantas a través de múltiples mecanismos, como la infección directa de los insectos, así como el Priming local y sistémica de la vía de JA.