Universidad de Costa Rica

Abstract Understanding the weather and climate of Mesoamerica and the Caribbean remains challenging due to complex hydroclimate interactions, limited observations, and poor representation of regional processes in global models. We introduce the Mesoamerica Affinity Group (MAAG), a National Science Foundation (NSF) National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and community initiative that fosters research collaboration to advance weather and climate science, develop convection-permitting datasets, and promote knowledge exchange. MAAG’s first major contribution is a 2-week convection-permitting simulation of Hurricane Maria (2017) using Model for Prediction Across Scales–Atmosphere (MPAS-A), featuring a novel regional 15- to 3-km variable-resolution mesh over the region. Initial evaluation shows that MPAS-A captures key features like precipitation patterns, the intertropical convergence zone, and low-level jets. Some biases remain, particularly in enhanced land convection and slight deviations in Maria’s track. This novel dataset, now publicly available through NCAR’s Data Archive, supports studies of other extreme events and mesoscale convective systems active during the same period. It offers a valuable resource for the research community. MAAG is a new but rapidly growing initiative achieving notable milestones in a short time. It serves as a collaborative platform for codesigning high-resolution modeling experiments aimed at producing actionable weather and climate information. We invite the community to join MAAG, explore this initial dataset, and advance regional weather and climate research. Significance Statement The Mesoamerica Affinity Group (MAAG), a National Science Foundation (NSF) National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and community initiative, aims at addressing the complex challenges of understanding weather and climate in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean. MAAG’s first major achievement is a 2-week convection-permitting simulation of Hurricane Maria (2017) using a novel 15- to 3-km variable-resolution mesh. This dataset accurately captures key regional features and is publicly available through NCAR’s Data Archive. By fostering collaboration through data production and sharing, monthly group meetings that serve as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange, and the development of advanced high-resolution datasets, MAAG provides a vital resource for advancing regional weather and climate science. The initiative is rapidly growing, serving as a platform for codesigned modeling experiments aimed at producing actionable climate information for academia and different sectors. We invite the scientific community to join MAAG and advance research in this critical region.

The objective of this paper is to evaluate how archives have become tools and inputs for the architectural production, in particular, for one interested in combining practices within history and theory of architecture along with design practices. Therefore, this discussion sequentially examines the relationship between archives and Architecture by reviewing concepts, case studies, and drawing on teaching experience at the School of Architecture, University of Costa Rica. As a conclusion, it is determined that archives allow for experimental attitudes towards Architecture, particularly when studying the past, not to replicate or copy it, but to find speculative conditions about its present and future.

Two-toed sloths are larger than three-toed forms and potentially have the capacity for greater strength and power associated with their high frequency of suspensory behaviors. However, fiber architecture and whole muscle functional capacities remain completely unknown for either species of Choloepus. Part two of this study provides novel quantifications of muscle architectural properties in the forelimb of Hoffmann's two-toed sloth (C. hoffmanni). A suite of geometric measurements, including muscle mass, belly length, fascicle length, and pennation angle, were used to calculate physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) and estimate isometric force, joint torque, and instantaneous power. In general, the musculature becomes progressively more pennate from the extrinsic to the distal intrinsic regions of the forelimb, and all flexors are larger than their counterpart extensors. Except for a few pairs of small joint stabilizer muscles, the majority of bellies in each region of the forelimb have greater ability for shortening but limited ability for sized-scaled force production. Nonetheless, several large, strong shoulder (e.g., m. latissimus dorsi) and elbow (e.g., m. brachioradialis) flexors are capable of applying large joint torques over an extended range of contractile excursion by having elongated moment arms. Modification to limb muscle gearing is further exemplified by pairs of synergistic muscles with opposing fast joint rotational velocity versus mechanical advantage arrangements in each functional group. Lastly, the digital flexors have variable architectural properties, but their collectively large PCSA and estimated maximum force production capability (~2.2× bodyweight force) indicates exceptional grip strength. The muscle functional properties determined herein match well with the observed myological traits in Choloepus and provide further evidence of their abilities for frequent and prolonged suspension that are divergent from three-toed sloths.

The days of television have repeatedly been deemed over. Today, we are told, television is a dying medium replaced by viral and new digital platforms like TikTok where millions gather every day to consume content. This paper is an extended literature review of television and TikTok scholarship to highlight similarities and differences amongst key concepts in both fields. By focusing on political economy, textual analysis, and audience/reception studies, we unpack the connections and tensions between TikTok and the visual styles, aesthetic elements, cultural configurations, intertextual references, and genre formations that have established television as a recognizable technology and cultural form. We also draw on a case study of TikTok therapy content and television talk shows to further demonstrate how these entities occur. Moreover, the paper outlines the analytical benefits of considering digital platforms such as TikTok as a continuity of prior media developments, rather than being fundamental disruptions.

Objective: With the increased use of imaging techniques in pediatric care, a population considered more radiosensitive than adults, the optimization of contrast-enhanced radiological studies is essential. The objective was to describe the experience with specialized pediatric contrast-enhanced radiological studies performed at the Radiology Department of the Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera National Children's Hospital and to compare clinical practice with international benchmarks. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study, recording all procedures performed, including their technical and procedural parameters, from March 15 to June 15, 2023. Information was collected on the types of procedures, the number of images generated per study, patient age, and fluoroscopy time. Fluoroscopy time and number of images generated per study were defined based on the distribution of the median values ​​for fluoroscopy time and number of images. The tabulated data, classified by study type and age range, were compared with values ​​reported by international references, obtained through a targeted literature review. A separate literature review of international and national theoretical frameworks on radiation protection was also conducted to develop a proposal for technical optimization. Results: A total of 511 pediatric special contrast radiological studies were included: 167 voiding cystourethrograms, 126 gastrointestinal tract studies, 124 esophagograms and 94 contrast enemas. With serial voiding cystourethrography, an average of 35.8 images were recorded, with an average fluoroscopy time of 17 seconds and an exposure time ranging from 2 to 195 seconds, with a median of 12 seconds. For the other barium contrast studies, the average number of images acquired was 93.6, with an average fluoroscopy time of 31.2 seconds, ranging from 1 to 229 seconds; specifically, the median was 22 seconds for the barium enema and 20.5 seconds for the esophagogram. Comparisons with all reference studies consistently showed shorter fluoroscopy times and a higher number of images generated per study in Costa Rica. A series of 14 actions was compiled to guide protection strategies. Conclusions: Fluoroscopy times used in the country are shorter than those typically employed in other contexts for the selected studies; however, the number of intraprocedural radiographs taken locally was higher. As part of the strategy to improve radiation protection, it is suggested that fluoroscopy times be slightly increased to reduce the number of radiographs, thereby optimizing the balance between diagnostic quality and radiation exposure.

Malaria in Latin America is largely caused by Plasmodium vivax, but the closely related monkey parasite Plasmodium simium has recently been observed in humans, thus raising new public health concerns. By screening 719 monkey samples from five Latin America countries, we identified 23 Plasmodium-positives. However, only four samples yielded sufficient mitochondrial DNA sequencing data to allow reliable species identification, and their inclusion in genome-wide population analyses. Using whole-genome variation data from these samples together with whole genome variations of 19 P. simium and 405 P. vivax isolates, we investigated their evolutionary history and population genetics. P. vivax, typically restricted to humans, was identified in three Colombian and one Brazilian monkeys, suggesting possible host niche expansion. Genetic analyses reveal recent genetic exchanges between both species and indicate that P. simium originated from a host jump approximately one to two centuries ago. Also other alternatives are possible, this host shift may have followed P. vivax migration from Central/North America to Brazil. Genome-wide scans revealed signals of positive selection in P. simium genes implicated in interactions with primate hosts, including PvRBP2a and PvRBP1b, as well as genes involved in interactions with mosquito vectors, such as PvCMRP1, PvPAT, and Pvs47. These findings shed light on P. simium evolutionary history. They also underscore the zoonotic risks, and the need to include monkeys in malaria prevention measures while ensuring human-wildlife coexistence.

Introduction: Aspergillosis affects mainly immunosuppressed patients, especially those with neutropenia. A decreased susceptibility of antifungals used in the treatment of this disease has been reported in the last decade. At present, in Costa Rica there is a lack of studies concerning the antifungal activity of clinical Aspergillus isolates. Thus, the purpose of the present investigation was to determine the in vitro susceptibility patterns of clinical Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, A. terreus and A. versicolor. Methods: The susceptibility of 42 Aspergillus spp. to amphotericin B, itraconazole and voriconazole was evaluated using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution M38-A guideline for filamentous fungi. Results: The mean minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for A. fumigatus was 1,64 µg mL-1 for amphotericin B, 1,38 µg mL-1 for itraconazole and 3.52 µg mL-1 for voriconazole, and 33,3 % of the isolates were resistant to voriconazole. For the other species tested, the mean MIC was 7,19 µg mL-1 for amphotericin B, 0,46 µg mL-1 for itraconazole and 1,58 µg mL-1 for voriconazole. Conclusions: MIC values for amphotericin B and itraconazole of most A. fumigatus isolates were comparable to those of wild-type strains. However, a significant percentage of the isolates were resistant to voriconazole, the first line treatment for aspergillosis. Further, A. flavus, A. niger, A. terreus and A. versicolor demonstrated high MIC values for amphotericin B; thus, it is recommended to performed susceptibility testing in these cases if there is a poor response to therapy.