BackgroundIn Honduras, research capacity strengthening (RCS) has not received sufficient attention, but an increase in research competencies would enable local scientists to advance knowledge and contribute to national priorities, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).ObjectiveThis project aimed at strengthening research capacity in infectious diseases in Honduras, focusing on the School of Microbiology of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH). The primary objective was the creation of a research-based graduate program for the continued training of researchers. Parallel objectives included institutional strengthening and the facilitation of partnerships and networks.MethodsBased on a multi-stakeholder consultation, an RCS workplan was designed and undertaken from 2007 to 2012. Due to unexpected adverse circumstances, the first 2 years were heavily dedicated to implementing the project's flagship, an MSc program in infectious and zoonotic diseases (MEIZ). In addition, infrastructure improvements and demand-driven continuing education opportunities were facilitated; biosafety and research ethics knowledge and practices were enhanced, and networks fostering collaborative work were created or expanded.ResultsThe project coincided with the peak of UNAH's radical administrative reform and an unprecedented constitutional crisis. Challenges notwithstanding, in September 2009, MEIZ admitted the first cohort of students, all of whom undertook MDG-related projects graduating successfully by 2012. Importantly, MEIZ has been helpful in expanding the School of Microbiology's traditional etiology-based, disciplinary model to infectious disease teaching and research. By fulfilling its objectives, the project contributed to a stronger research culture upholding safety and ethical values at the university.ConclusionsThe resources and strategic vision afforded by the project enhanced UNAH's overall research capacity and its potential contribution to the MDGs. Furthermore, increased research activity and the ensuing improvement in performance indicators at the prime Honduran research institution invoke the need for a national research system in Honduras.
With the objective of strengthening biosafety capacities in Honduras, a technical cooperation program has been established with the School of Microbiology, National Autonomous University of Honduras, where most of the country's infectious disease research and teaching is done. To complete a 2-year cooperation cycle, two significant activities took place in May 2010: the first National Biosafety Meeting in which a Knowledge and Perceptions survey was administered to participants; and secondly, standardized biosafety capacity assessments of several laboratories. Following Emory University Onsite Biosafety Training Program guidelines, assessments evaluated four primary biosafety controls: engineering; personal protective equipment (PPE); standard operating procedures (SOPs); and administrative controls. This technical cooperation program has been successful in revitalizing the school's biosafety committee and garnering institutional interest. The survey revealed that 57% of respondents did not feel safe in their work environment and that 31% were aware of laboratory-acquired infections in their workplace. Assessments of 12 laboratories showed an overall biosafety grade of 72% and the following specific grades by control: engineering, 73%; PPE, 81%; SOPs, 68%; and administrative controls, 66%. Research laboratories scored consistently higher than their teaching counterparts. Recommendations stemming from these findings have been integrated into the school's strategic plan. Among other positive changes, the university has allocated a space for a Biosafety Training Center to be launched in the near future. Other efforts towards strengthening biosafety are also underway within the Honduran Ministry of Health. The time is right for Honduras to coordinate efforts leading to the establishment of a nationwide biosafety culture.
El estudio microestructural de los fósiles ha crecido significativamente en las últimas dos décadas. La recuperación de tejidos blandos y fragmentos de moléculas a partir de la desmineralización de huesos fósiles ha sido reportada por varios autores abriendo nuevas rutas en el estudio de los fósiles. El propósito del presente estudio fue explorar la recuperación de tejidos blandos de restos óseos fósiles de perezosos gigantes recientemente colectados en la zona central del Departamento de Yoro, Honduras. Los fragmentos de hueso esponjoso fueron desmineralizados utilizando EDTA, de los cuales se recuperaron restos de un aparente vaso sanguíneo, además se observaron al microscopio osteocitos y probables restos de glóbulos rojos. Los resultados evidencian tejidos blandos del tejido óseo esponjoso, preservados en medio de las condiciones ambientales que indujeron la fosilización de los huesos, representando una fuente potencial para futuros estudios celulares y moleculares, así como preguntas sobre su conservación a través del tiempo.
Pine is one of the important coniferous genera in America. In Honduras, Pinus oocarpa is the most critical conifer species since it plays an essential role for the country's economy and represents a symbol of national identity. Endophytic fungi are defined as microorganisms that reside in the internal tissues of plants without causing any obvious immediate negative effects and are an integral part of their associated microbial communities. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the endophytic fungi present in the pines of Honduras through the amplification and sequencing of the ribosomal RNA gene's internal transcribed spacer (ITS). A total of 7 pines from the department of El Paraíso in eastern Honduras were analyzed. A total of 14 fungi grouped into 6 genera and 7 species were isolated: Fusarium lateritium, F. pseudocircinatum, Pestalotiopsis pini, P. microspora, Xylaria grammica, Trichoderma atroviride, y Nigrospora oryzae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of endophytic fungal species in pines in Honduras. Although some endophytic fungi may be mutualistic or saprophytic, the present study shows the presence of several genera of endophytic fungi that have been reported as pine pathogens. The presence of these fungi in the pines of Honduras represents a potential threat to the health of the forest. Further research is needed to increase knowledge about the importance of these fungi and the potential impact they could have on pine forests in Honduras. Keywords: Endophytic fungi, Pinus oocarpa, Honduras
Water can act as a vector for several microbes with significant pathogenic potential for both humans and animals. Waterborne infections are a critical public health concern as they cause more than 3.4 million deaths annually. Total and thermotolerant coliforms and intestinal enterococci have traditionally been used to assess the quality and suitability of drinking water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of groundwater from six sub-basins located in the upper Choluteca River basin in Honduras and to determine the E. coli phylogroups isolated in these samples. Our findings show high rates of fecal contamination, which suggests that the groundwater in the basin is unsafe for human consumption. Phylogroups B1 and D were the most frequent among 99 E. coli isolates, while C and F were the least frequent phylogroups. Measures must be taken to raise awareness about sanitation and good practices for the management of household waste as well as the waste generated by agro-industrial activity and livestock.
La Política de investigación científica y tecnológica de la universidad es una herramienta fundamental para el desarrollo de la investigación en la institución, porque establece los lineamientos, las bases y las directrices sobre las cuales debemos desarrollar la investigación en la institución, y eso, desde toda perspectiva, fortalece a los investigadores, fortalece el proceso de investigación y las instancias de investigación.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.