Prevalencia de virus de ARN en tubérculos-semilla certificados de Solanum tuberosum cv. Diacol Capiro de la sabana Cundiboyacense

La papa (Solanum tuberosum) Diacol Capiro es uno de los cultivares con mayor producción y consumo interno en Colombia, siendo los departamentos de Cundinamarca y Boyacá, los principales productores. Este cultivo, se ve afectado por un complejo de virus, que disminuye la calidad de los tubérculos y los rendimientos. En este trabajo, se evaluó la prevalencia de los virus de ARN: PLRV, PVY, PVX, PVS, PVV, PYVV, PMTV y PVB, en brotes de tubérculos-semilla certificados, provenientes de la sabana Cundiboyacense, mediante RT-qPCR. Los resultados revelan la ocurrencia de siete de los ochos virus en las muestras, con niveles de infección de 100 % (PVS, PVX y PYVV), 75 % (PLRV), 50 % (PVY), 37,5 % (PMTV) y 12,5 % (PVB). Adicionalmente, con el fin de obtener información de los genomas de los virus detectados, se utilizó secuenciación de alto rendimiento (HTS), de una muestra compuesta (bulk) de brotes, siendo posible obtener el genoma completo del PLRV y el genoma parcial del PVY. Los análisis filogenéticos realizados con dichas secuencias ubicaron a los virus PLRV y PVY en clados, conformados por aislamientos colombianos, con niveles de identidad superiores al 97 %. Estos hallazgos evidencian la necesidad de fortalecer los programas de certificación de tubérculos-semilla de papa en el país, mediante la utilización de pruebas moleculares de detección viral.

Diacol-Capiro is one of the most important potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars in Colombia with most production concentrated in the provinces of Cundinamarca and Boyacá. Unfortunately, this crop is seriously affected by several viruses that compromise the quality of tubers and yields. In this work, it was evaluated the prevalence of the RNA viruses: PLRV, PVY, PVX, PVS, PVV, PYVV, PMTV, and PVB in certified tuber-seed sprouts produced in the highlands of Cundinamarca and Boyacá by RT-qPCR. Results revealed a prevalence of 100 % for PVS, PVX, and PYVV; 75 % for PLRV, 50 % for PVY, 37.5 % for PMTV, and 12.5 % for PVB. Additionally, high-throughput sequencing from a sprout´s bulk sample was used to gather genomic information of infecting viruses, which resulted in a partial PVY sequence, and a complete PLRV genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both assemblies cluster within clades comprising other Colombian isolates with more than 97 % nucleotide sequence identity. These findings highlight the need to update potato seed-tuber certification programs in Colombia with the implementation of more sensitive molecular tests.

A Modified Semi-Lithotomy Position for Approach to Tibial Plateau Complex Fractures: A Technical Note.

There is no agreement on the best surgical strategy to manage multicolumnar tibial plateau fracture. The combined approach used by many investigators has been found to be an effective method. However, combined approaches call for repositioning the patient which lengthens the operation time. The sterility of the field of surgery might be jeopardized by repositioning. Intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging is hard to adjust to both parts of the combined positions. To tackle these problems without sacrificing the concept of three-column tibial plateau, we have started to use a combined medial and lateral approach without repositioning the patients using a modified semi-lithotomy position.

Design, delivery, and evaluation of seminars and hands-on courses worldwide on intraoperative imaging in orthopedic trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Although intraoperative imaging is important for assessing the quality of several steps during fracture fixation, most trainees and surgeons have received little formal education on this topic and report they learn "on the job" and "through practice". A planning committee of orthopedic trauma surgeons was established to design a curriculum using "backward planning" to identify patient problems, identify gaps in surgeons' knowledge and skills, and define competencies as a framework for education in order to optimize patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The committee defined 8 competencies related to intraoperative imaging, with detailed learning objectives for each one (e.g. select the imaging modality, set up the operating room). An interactive, case-based half-day seminar to deliver these objectives for 2-D and 3-D intraoperative imaging during the fixation of common fractures was designed. The seminar was delivered in several locations worldwide over a 6-year period and evaluation and assessment data were gathered online. A full-day procedures course was added and delivered 6 times to address the skills component of competencies. RESULTS: 17 seminars and 6 courses were delivered and attended by an average of 26 and 17 participants respectively (ranges 13-42 and 13-20). Pre-event gap analysis and assessment question scores confirmed needs and motivation to learn in all events. 97% of the 442 seminar participants and 98% of the 100 course participants would recommend the events to colleagues. An average of 88% and 90% respectively learned something new and plan to use it in their practice (range 63%-100%). Commitment to change (CTC) statements showed intended practice improvements related to all competencies. DISCUSSION: The large percentages of high impact ratings for all events suggest the content met the needs of many participants. Post-event reduction in gap scores and an increase in the desired level of ability for most competencies suggests the content addressed many gaps. CONCLUSIONS: Case-based, interactive seminars and courses addressing knowledge, skills, and attitudes to optimize the use of intraoperative imaging during the fixation of common fractures help address unmet educational needs for trainees and complements existing formal training.

[Does Ecuadorians with asthma has preferences in the use of information and communication technologies? Pilot study]. / ¿Los ecuatorianos con asma tienen preferencias en el uso de tecnologías de la información y comunicación? Estudio piloto.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate communication between asthmatic patients and their physicians may interfere directly with asthma control. In the last years, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) it has increased in Latin-America. This technology seems to be a good tool to improve communication and management of the asthmatic patient. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the frequency and preference patterns of communication and information technologies in Ecuadorian patients with bronchial asthma. METHODS: We conducted a pilot cross-sectional study to identify the frequency and preferences of ICT in patients with asthma. The Spanish version of the Michigan questionnaire was used. Age and educational level were categorized into 3 groups. We used logistic regression between these groups regarding the frequency of use, interest in seeking and receiving information related to their asthma for the age and educational level of the patients. RESULTS: A total of 222 patients participated in our study. The mean age was 45.6 years (SD 17.4), the most common sex was female with 89.25 %. Almost all patients had a cell phone (87.5 %) and internet access (62.7 %). The three ICTs most likely to be used to search for or receive information about their illness were WhatsApp, Facebook and email (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Information and communication technologies improve the care of asthmatic patients. In our pilot study email and text messages are the most preferred ICT among patients however WhatsApp and Facebook may be appropriate for certain ages especially young asthmatic. Knowledge of preferences can help the development of ICT in a personalized way and improve the outcomes in patients with asthma.

Antecedentes: La comunicación inadecuada entre los pacientes y sus médicos puede interferir directamente con el control del asma. En los últimos años, el uso de tecnologías de la información y comunicación se ha incrementado en Latinoamérica y parece ser un recurso útil para mejorar la comunicación, adherencia y control del paciente con asma. Objetivo: evaluar la frecuencia y patrones de preferencia de las tecnologías de comunicación e información en pacientes ecuatorianos con asma bronquial. Métodos: estudio transversal en el que se utilizó la versión en español del cuestionario Michigan. La edad y el nivel educacional fueron categorizados en tres grupos. Se utilizó regresión logística entre los grupos respecto a la frecuencia de uso e interés en buscar y recibir información relacionada con el asma, según la edad y nivel educativo. Resultados: en nuestro estudio participaron 222 pacientes. La edad media fue de 45.6 ± 17.4 años y el sexo más común fue el femenino, con 89.25 %. Casi todos los pacientes tenían teléfono celular (87.5 %) y acceso a internet (62.7 %). Las tres tecnologías de la información y comunicación con mayor probabilidad de ser usadas con fines de buscar o recibir información acerca de la enfermedad fueron WhatsApp, Facebook y correo electrónico (p < 0.05). Conclusión: el correo electrónico y los mensajes de texto fueron preferidos por los pacientes, sin embargo, WhatsApp y Facebook pueden ser apropiados para ciertos grupos, especialmente para los jóvenes. La selección de TIC adecuadas para la comunicación médico-paciente podría mejorar la adherencia y el control de los pacientes con asma.

Production of Limonoids with Insect Antifeedant Activity in a Two-Stage Bioreactor Process with Cell Suspension Culture of Azadirachta indica.

Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) cell suspension culture is an alternative for the production of limonoids for insect control that overcomes limitations related to the supply of neem seeds. To establish conditions for cell growth and azadiracthin-related limonoid production, the effect of different sucrose concentrations, nitrate and phosphate in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, and the addition of one precursor and three elicitors was evaluated in shake flasks. The process was scaled up to a 3-l stirred tank bioreactor in one- and two-stage batch cultivation. In shake flasks, more than fivefold increase in the production of limonoids with the modified MS medium was observed (increase from 0.77 to 4.52 mg limonoids/g dry cell weight, DCW), while an increase of more than fourfold was achieved by adding the elicitors chitosan, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid together (increase from 1.03 to 4.32 mg limonoids/g DCW). In the bioreactor, the volumetric production of limonoids was increased more than threefold with a two-stage culture in day 18 (13.82 mg limonoids/l in control single-stage process and 41.44 mg/l in two-stage process). The cultivation and operating mode of the bioreactor reported in this study may be adapted and used in optimization and process plant development for production of insect antifeedant limonoids with A. indica cell suspension cultures.

Tobacco smoking in urban neighborhoods: exploring social capital as a protective factor in Santiago, Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Research examining the relationship between social capital and health in Latin America has been limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between social capital and tobacco use in four low-income neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile. METHODS: A multistage probability sample was used to select households in 4 of the 10 poorest neighborhoods in the district of Puente Alto, in Santiago, Chile. A cross-sectional survey of 781 participants (81.2% response rate for households) included sociodemographic variables, questions pertaining to neighborhood social capital, and questions pertaining to tobacco. Main analyses were carried out at the individual level by performing a multiple logistic regression of individual tobacco use on individual perceptions of community social capital. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was 43.9% of the surveyed population. A five-factor structure for social capital was identified, including "perceived trust in neighbors," "perceived trust in organizations," "reciprocity within the neighborhood," "neighborhood integration," and "social participation." An inverse relationship between trust in neighbors and tobacco smoking was statistically significantly with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91-0.99). Trust in neighbors was also significantly inversely associated with the number of cigarettes smoked. DISCUSSION: Tobacco control remains a significant challenge in global health, requiring innovative strategies that address changing social contexts as well as the changing epidemiological profile of developing regions.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein and endothelial function in Chilean patients with history of Kawasaki disease.

Kawasaki disease (KD) produces endothelial inflammation, which may lead to dilatation and aneurysms of coronary and peripheral arteries. Previous studies have suggested that these patients can present endothelial dysfunction that can predispose to coronary vascular events late after KD. The purpose of this study was to determine the cardiovascular risk profile and endothelial function of Chilean children with history of KD. In a prospective case-control study, 11 patients with history of KD (age 10.6 +/- 2.0 years, interval from initial episode 8.1 +/- 3.6 years) and 11 healthy, age-, gender-, and BMI z score-matched controls were evaluated with blood pressure (BP), a fasting lipid profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery (FMD). One KD patient (9.1%) had persistent coronary aneurysms. There was a significant difference of mean and log-transformed concentrations of hsCRP between case and control groups (2.3 +/- 3.0 vs 0.5 +/- 0.3 mg/l, P = 0.045). None of the patients with elevated hsCRP had persistent coronary arterial lesions. No difference was found in systolic BP z score between the case and control groups. Diastolic BP z score was significantly higher in cases than controls (P = 0.039). There were no significant differences of FMD between cases and controls. Mean fasting total cholesterol, high-density and low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides in cases were normal, with no significant difference vs controls. This study shows that Chilean children with history of KD have increased levels of hsCRP, possibly reflecting persistent low-grade inflammation. The prognostic value of hsCRP in KD patients deserves further investigation.

Fijación percutánea de fracturas sacroiliacas guiada por TAC. Experiencia de 2 años / Iliosacral screw fixation of posterior pelvic ring injuries guided by CT scan

Entre Febrero de 2001 y Noviembre de 2002 se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, tipo serie de casos en los Departamentos de Ortopedia y Traumatología del Hospital de San José, la Clínica Palermo y la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá: 10 pacientes (12 fracturas) con lesiones inestables del anillo pélvico a quienes se les realizó fijación percutánea dirigida por TAC de la porción posterior del anillo pélvico. Seis mujeres (60%) y 4 (40%) hombres, con un promedio de edad de 33.4 años (16 a 54 años). Las fracturas se clasificaron de acuerdo a la clasificación AO / OTA siendo el 50 % tipo B y el 50% tipo C. La causa de la fractura fue accidente de tránsito en 8 pacientes (80%) y caída de altura en 2 pacientes (20%). A todos los pacientes se les realizo fijación de la articulación sacro ilíaca con tornillos canulados de 7.0, bajo anestesia regional o local con sedacion, y no encontramos lesión neurológica o vascular alguna en el pre ni en el post operatorio. Tiempo quirúrgico en promedio de 50 minutos, sangrado de 7cc, corta estancia hospitalaria con un buen manejo del dolor y pronta reintegración a sus actividades diarias. En los controles POP se evaluó a través de RX la consolidación de las fracturas la cual fue del 100% en todos los pacientes.

Reducción indirecta y fijación con placa con invasión mínima de fracturas de tibia en modelo animal: estudio comparativo / Indirect reduction and fixation with plaque with minim invasion of tibial fractures in animal model: comparative study

Se trata de un estudio experimental en modelo animal en el que se realizaron osteosintesis en fracturas cerradas empleando técnica con invasión mínima con placa (MIPO) y se compararon en un grupo control en el que se empleo la técnica convencional de reducción abierta anatómica con placa (RAFI). Se incluyeron veinte conejos machos adultos que se dividieron aleatoramente en dos grupos, en los que se produjeron de la misma manera fracturas diafisiarias de tibia que posteriormente se fijaron con técnica MIPO en diez y RAFI en los diez restantes. En todos los procedimientos se utilizaron placas rectas de 2.7 mm con sus tornillos correspondientes (SYNTHES), siendo los procedimientos realizados por un mismo grupo médico veterinario en todas las ocasiones. A las tres semanas se sacrificaron los conejos y se hizo evaluación histológica de las tibias sometidas a osteosintesis. se realizaron veinte procedimientos y evaluaron en total diecisiete especimenes. Se evaluó el tiempo de consolidación ósea a nivel histológico, encontrandose que en los conejos donde se realizó osteosintesis por técnica de RAFI se tuvo tejido fibrosos en cuatro casos y una mezcla de cartilago y hueso en tres (P<0.001). se tuvieron en cuenta todos los aspectos éticos requeridos por la Sociedad Potectora de Animales para el estudio de técnicas quirúrgicas en animales.