Genomic characterization of a WHO critical priority isolate Enterobacter kobei ST2070 harboring OXA-10, KPC-2, and CTX-M-12 recovered from a water irrigation channel in Ecuador.

The discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater can have detrimental impacts on the quality of water bodies, posing a significant threat to public health and the environment. In Ecuador, previous research indicates a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in surface waters affected by human activities, including irrigation channels. In this study, we analyzed sediment samples collected from an irrigation channel utilized for agricultural purposes in northern Ecuador, using microbiological techniques and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Our investigation revealed the first documented occurrence of E. kobei in Ecuador and the initial report of environmental E. kobei ST2070. Furthermore, we identified the coexistence of OXA-10-type class D ß-lactamase and KPC-2-type class A ß-lactamase in the E. kobei isolate (UTA41), representing the first report of such a phenomenon in this species. Additionally, we detected various antibiotic resistance genes in the E. kobei UTA41 isolate, including blaCTX-M-12, fosA, aac(6')-lb, sul2, msr(E), and mph(A), as well as virulence genes such as bacterial efflux pump and siderophore biosynthesis genes. We also identified two intact prophage regions (Entero_186 and Klebsi_phiKO2) in the isolate. Our study presents the first evidence of E. kobei isolate containing two carbapenemase-encoding genes in environmental samples from Latin America. This finding indicates the potential spread of critical-priority bacteria in water samples originating from anthropogenic sources, such as urban wastewater discharges and livestock facilities.

Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from inpatient and outpatient samples, Ecuador, 2018.

Objective: To compare the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from inpatient and outpatient samples in Ecuador. Methods: A secondary analysis was done of data on bacteria isolated from inpatient and outpatient samples. Data were taken from the 2018 national antimicrobial resistance surveillance database of the National Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance. The variables included were: age, sex, inpatient versus outpatient setting, type of specimen, bacterial species identified, pattern of resistance to antibiotics, and geographic area. Results: Data from 57 305 bacterial isolates were included in the study: 48.8% were from hospitalized patients, 55.7% were from women, and 60.1% were from patients older than 45 years. Urine (42.9%) and blood (12.4%) were the most common clinical samples. Overall, 77.1% of bacterial isolates were gram-negative (83% and 71% in outpatients and inpatients, respectively). The most common gram-positive and gram-negative species were Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance levels were high (up to 80% for some antimicrobial drugs), and were higher in hospitalized patients compared with outpatients. A variety of carbapenemases were found to confer resistance to carbapenems (antibiotics of last resort) in gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions: The study findings provide an important baseline on antimicrobial resistance in Ecuador. This will allow the strengthening of guidelines of the surveillance system, the creation of public policies for standardization of laboratory methodologies, the proper handling of information, and the development of empirical therapy guidelines based on local epidemiology.

Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from inpatient and outpatient samples, Ecuador, 2018 / Características epidemiológicas de la resistencia antimicrobiana en cepas bacterianas aisladas en pacientes de servicios hospitalarios y ambulatorios de Ecuador, 2018 / Epidemiologia da resistência aos antimicrobianos em bactérias isoladas de amostras hospitalares e ambulatoriais no Equador, 2018

ABSTRACT Objective. To compare the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from inpatient and outpatient samples in Ecuador. Methods. A secondary analysis was done of data on bacteria isolated from inpatient and outpatient samples. Data were taken from the 2018 national antimicrobial resistance surveillance database of the National Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance. The variables included were: age, sex, inpatient versus outpatient setting, type of specimen, bacterial species identified, pattern of resistance to antibiotics, and geographic area. Results. Data from 57 305 bacterial isolates were included in the study: 48.8% were from hospitalized patients, 55.7% were from women, and 60.1% were from patients older than 45 years. Urine (42.9%) and blood (12.4%) were the most common clinical samples. Overall, 77.1% of bacterial isolates were gram-negative (83% and 71% in outpatients and inpatients, respectively). The most common gram-positive and gram-negative species were Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance levels were high (up to 80% for some antimicrobial drugs), and were higher in hospitalized patients compared with outpatients. A variety of carbapenemases were found to confer resistance to carbapenems (antibiotics of last resort) in gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions. The study findings provide an important baseline on antimicrobial resistance in Ecuador. This will allow the strengthening of guidelines of the surveillance system, the creation of public policies for standardization of laboratory methodologies, the proper handling of information, and the development of empirical therapy guidelines based on local epidemiology.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Comparar las características epidemiológicas de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos en cepas bacterianas aisladas de muestras de pacientes de servicios hospitalarios y ambulatorios en Ecuador. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis secundario de los datos sobre cepas bacterianas aisladas en muestras de pacientes de servicios hospitalarios y ambulatorios. Se recogieron los datos de la base de datos nacional del 2018 para la vigilancia de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos del Centro de Referencia Nacional para la Resistencia a los Antimicrobianos. Las variables incluidas fueron: edad, sexo, entorno hospitalario frente a entorno ambulatorio, tipo de muestra, especies bacterianas detectadas, patrón de resistencia a los antibióticos y zona geográfica. Resultados. En el estudio se incluyeron datos de 57 305 cepas aislamientos bacterianos: 48,8% fueron de pacientes hospitalizados, 55,7% fueron de mujeres y 60,1% fueron de pacientes mayores de 45 años. La orina (42,9%) y la sangre (12,4%) fueron las muestras clínicas más comunes. En general, 77,1% de las cepas bacterianas aisladas fueron gramnegativas (83% y 71% en pacientes de servicios ambulatorios y hospitalarios, respectivamente). Las especies grampositivas y gramnegativas más comunes fueron Staphylococcus aureus y Escherichia coli, respectivamente. Los niveles de resistencia a los antimicrobianos fueron elevados (hasta 80% en el caso de algunos fármacos antimicrobianos) y fueron más elevados en los pacientes de servicios hospitalarios en comparación con los pacientes de servicios ambulatorios. Se encontró que una variedad de carbapenemasas confiere resistencia a los carbapenémicos (antibióticos de último recurso) en bacterias gramnegativas. Conclusiones. Los resultados del estudio proporcionan una línea de base importante sobre la resistencia a los antimicrobianos en Ecuador, que permitirá el fortalecimiento de las directrices del sistema de vigilancia, la creación de políticas públicas para la estandarización de los métodos de laboratorio, una adecuada gestión de la información y la elaboración de orientaciones de tratamiento empírico basadas en las características epidemiológicas locales.

RESUMO Objetivo. Comparar a epidemiologia da resistência aos antimicrobianos em bactérias isoladas de amostras hospitalares e ambulatoriais no Equador. Métodos. Foi feita uma análise secundária de dados sobre bactérias isoladas de amostras hospitalares e ambulatoriais. Os dados foram obtidos do banco de dados nacional de vigilância da resistência aos antimicrobianos de 2018 do Centro Nacional de Referência para a Resistência aos Antimicrobianos. As variáveis incluídas foram: idade, sexo, ambiente hospitalar versus ambiente ambulatorial, tipo de espécime, espécies bacterianas identificadas, padrão de resistência a antibióticos e área geográfica. Resultados. Foram incluídos no estudo os dados de 57 305 isolados bacterianos: 48,8% eram de pacientes hospitalizados, 55,7% eram de mulheres e 60,1% eram de pacientes com mais de 45 anos. As amostras clínicas mais comuns foram urina (42,9%) e sangue (12,4%). No total, 77,1% dos isolados bacterianos eram gram-negativos (83% e 71% em pacientes ambulatoriais e pacientes internados, respectivamente). As espécies gram-positivas e gram-negativas mais comuns foram Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli, respectivamente. Os níveis de resistência aos antimicrobianos foram elevados (até 80% para alguns antimicrobianos) e foram mais elevados em pacientes hospitalizados em comparação com pacientes ambulatoriais. Foram encontradas várias carbapenemases que conferem resistência aos carbapenêmicos (antibióticos de último recurso) em bactérias gram-negativas. Conclusões. Os resultados do estudo fornecem uma importante linha de base sobre a resistência aos antimicrobianos no Equador. Isto permitirá o fortalecimento das diretrizes do sistema de vigilância, a criação de políticas públicas para padronização de metodologias laboratoriais, o manejo adequado de informações e o desenvolvimento de diretrizes para a antibioticoterapia empírica com base na epidemiologia local.

Characterization of the genetic structure of mcr-1 gene among Escherichia coli isolates recovered from surface waters and sediments from Ecuador.

Although anthropogenic activities contribute to the selection and spread of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments, limited information is available from countries with absent or incomplete sewage treatment systems and the impact of their discharges onto water bodies. This study therefore aimed to characterize the genetic structure of colistin resistance (mcr) genes among Escherichia coli isolates recovered from surface waters and sediments in Ecuador. Out of 459 isolates, four Escherichia coli showed multidrug-resistant phenotypes, which harbored the mcr-1 gene and ß-lactamases, such as blaTEM, blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-55, or blaCTX-M-65 genes. Three E. coli isolates (U20, U30 and U144) shared a similar genetic environment surrounding the mcr-1 gene, which was located on plasmids. Only one E. coli isolate (U175) showed that the mcr-1 gene was chromosomally located. Moreover, the core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) analysis revealed that these isolates belong to different lineages. This study represents the first detection of the mcr-1 gene in multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates from environmental samples in Ecuador.

Violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (WHO Code) in two Ecuadorian cities.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (World Health Organization [WHO] Code) in Ecuador's two main cities, Quito and Guayaquil. METHODS: The WHO Net Code Protocol was applied. It examines compliance with the WHO Code by: (1) Interviews with health professionals and mothers of children <24 mo in randomly selected health facilities (HFs); (2) Surveillance of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) points of sale (POS); (3) Assessment of BMS labels; and (4) Mass media monitoring. RESULTS: Most HFs were contacted by BMS company representatives. BMS promotional materials were found in one of every four HFs. Almost 50% of health personnel knew about the WHO Code. At least 48.5% of mothers received advice on feeding their children BMS. The varied advice came from several sources. Of POS, 68% failed to comply with the WHO Code in several ways (e.g., giving gifts, promotional packaging, and informational materials) and by reducing the price of BMS. More than half of the BMS labels contained texts or images that idealized their use. More than $1 million of BMS advertising expenses were identified in the media. CONCLUSION: The fact that the WHO Code was violated many times in Quito and Guayaquil strengthens the need for regulatory mechanisms and for the promotion of breastfeeding by multiple sectors.

Bordetella pertussis, a reemerging pathogen in pediatric respiratory infections. A study in Quito, Ecuador.

Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of pertussis, which mainly affects unvaccinated children, while Bordetella parapertussis causes a disease presenting clinical characteristics that are indistinguishable from whooping cough. Despite high vaccination coverage, pertussis remains a public health concern worldwide, with approximately 140000 cases reported annually. Here we determined the prevalence of B. pertussis and B. parapertussis infection among infants under one year of age by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); our aim being to identify whether the data obtained relates to the relevant sociodemographic and clinical data. The study included 86 samples of nasopharyngeal swabs from infants aged between 0-12 months, who were reported as probable cases of whooping cough by the health centers around the Ecuadorian highlands, from August 2016 to July 2017. The nasopharyngeal swabs were cultured and microbiological and molecular analyses were performed. B. pertussis was identified by PCR in 41% of the samples (30/86), more than half of which corresponded to infants aged between 0-3 months. Moreover, a statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) between the identification of bacteria in culture and the catarrhal stage of the disease was observed. The results obtained from the study highlighted the need for an active national surveillance of pertussis, in particular for laboratory testing, to provide a highly sensitive and more specific diagnosis of Bordetella infection.

Mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the extracranial carotid artery, a severe and rare disease, a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the carotid artery is a severe and rare disease. When it ruptures, it can produce severe morbidity and high mortality. It presents clinically as a pulsatile mass, usually diagnosable by computed tomography angiography with definitive confirmation achieved by establishing the presence of the pathogen in the tissue sample. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 68-year-old male patient with a history of total laryngectomy. He presented with painful and pulsatile mass in his neck and, after precise evaluation, a ruptured carotid mycotic pseudoaneurysm was promptly detected and treated. After a surgical intervention and an adequate course of antibiotics, the patient successfully recovered. CONCLUSIONS: Mycotic pseudoaneurysms of the extracranial carotid artery are uncommon and should always be surgically treated. Due to the high risk of potential complications, restoration of the arterial flow should be attempted in all occasions. High clinical awareness is imperative when approaching a mycotic pseudoaneurysm due to its wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, and must always be considered when diagnosing tumors of the neck. Despite its rarity, early detection and prompt treatment are critical to minimize the possibility of a fatal outcome.

Antibiotic resistance of Salmonella strains from layer poultry farms in central Ecuador.

AIMS: This study evaluated the antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica strains from layer poultry farms in central Ecuador isolated during 2017. This geographical area is responsible for around 60% of total domestic egg production, yet, as of 2019, no reports had been published on the phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance patterns of Salmonella in the layer poultry farms of this area. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-one isolates from layer poultry farms in central Ecuador obtained during 2017 were evaluated. The resistance profiles exhibited considerable differences in serovar and sample origin, grouping into nine clades by phenotype. S. Infantis strains were of the MDR phenotype in 94·4% of isolates. S. Typhimurium strains were of a reduced antimicrobial resistance phenotype and 50% showed resistance to one antimicrobial compound. One of the S. enterica nontyped strains had an MDR profile to 11 of the 20 antibiotics evaluated (eight groups). And the two remaining S. enterica nontyped strains showed resistance to two and three antibiotics respectively. The ESBL phenotype, which is resistant to clinically notable antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, ampicillin and cefepime, was observed only in S. Infantis (15/18). These strains harbour the emerging blaCTX-M-65 gene, and co-harbour tetA and sul1 resistance genes in four strains. Additional ß-lactamase genes, carbapenemase-producing genes (blaIMP, blaVIM , blaOXA48 , blaKPC , blaNDM ) and colistin-mobile resistance gene mcr-1 were not detected. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the potential role of layer poultry farm environments in central Ecuador as reservoirs of MDR Salmonella strains. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results suggest the necessity of reinforcing biosecurity practices to reduce the probability of transmission of MDR Salmonella across the food chain.

Frequency of subgroups of the antigen "a" among volunteer donors / Frecuencia de subgrupos del antígeno A en donantes voluntarios de sangre.

Introduction: The presence of weak variants of blood type A represents a challenge in the practice of immunohematology for discrepancies in the time of the classification. It is common in blood banks to perform a forward and reverse typing for the purpose of confirming the blood type, but not all the people with a subgroup A2 have developed anti-A1 antibodies. Objective: We present a descriptive, observational and transversal study that establishes the proportion of subgroups of A antigen with the analysis of manual tube technique and monoclonal antibodies like anti-A, anti-A1 (Dolichus biflorus lectins extract) and anti-H. Methods: The analysis involved a total of 818 samples of voluntary blood donor, selected by random sampling, which were initially classified as 737 of Type A, and 81 as Type AB, with a confidence level of 95% (alpha error of 5% and 3% of precision). Results: The present study evaluated the existence of the subgroups A1, A2, A1B, A2B, A intermediate and A intB. Conclusions: It is recommended the identification of subgroups in different types of blood in the laboratory and blood banks.

Introducción: La presencia de variantes débiles del grupo sanguíneo A representa un desafío en la práctica de la inmunohematología por las discrepancias en el momento de la tipificación. Es común en bancos de sangre realizar una tipificación directa e inversa con el objetivo de confirmar el grupo sanguíneo; sin embargo, no todas las personas que presentan un subgrupo sanguíneo A2 han desarrollado anticuerpos anti-A1, lo que dificulta la identificación de subgrupos de A. Objetivo: El presente estudio es descriptivo, observacional y transversal, y tiene el objetivo de establecer la proporción de los subgrupos del antígeno A en donantes de sangre mediante la técnica manual en tubo con reactivos hemoclasificadores monoclonales: anti A, anti-A1 (extracto de las lectinas Dolichus biflorus) y anti-H. Métodos: Se analizaron un total de 818 muestras provenientes de donantes de sangre (muestreo aleatorio estratificado), de los cuales 737 fueron tipificados inicialmente como A y 81 como AB, con un grado de confianza del 95% (error alfa del 5% y precisión del 3%). Resultados: Se identificó la existencia de los subgrupos A1, A2, A1B, A2B, A intermedio y A intB en donantes de sangre ecuatorianos. Conclusión: Se recomienda la implementación de la identificación de los subgrupos de A en laboratorios clínicos y bancos de sangre.

FFQ for the adult population of the capital of Ecuador (FFQ-Quito): development, reliability and validity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability and validity of a semi-quantitative FFQ designed to evaluate the usual nutrient intake of adults in Quito, Ecuador. DESIGN: Dietary data using 24 h recalls (24hR) were used to design a list of commonly consumed foods. The relative validity of a 111-item FFQ was evaluated by comparing nutrient intakes against three non-consecutive 24hR. All nutrients were energy-adjusted. Reliability was assessed using two FFQ (FFQ1 and FFQ2) and assessed by the intra-class correlation coefficient. The comparisons between the FFQ and the 24hR were assessed by the de-attenuated Pearson correlation coefficient, weighted kappa and by Bland-Altman plots. SETTING: Quito, Ecuador. SUBJECTS: Overall, 345 adults were enrolled in the present study. Two hundred and fifty participated in FFQ development and ninety-five participated in the FFQ validity and reliability. RESULTS: The FFQ produced higher energy and nutrient intakes. Reliability correlation coefficients after adjusting for energy ranged from 0·62 to 0·88 for protein and Ca, respectively. For the validity study, energy-adjusted and de-attenuated correlation coefficients between the questionnaire and the 24hR ranged from 0·21 for fat to 0·65 for Ca. Only 4 % of the participants were grossly misclassified and 46 % had weighted kappa higher than 0·42. The Bland-Altman plot showed a constant bias with a tendency to increase according to the intake level. CONCLUSIONS: The FFQ showed reasonably good relative validity and reliable measurements, especially for nutrients considered protective and risk markers of non-communicable disease, and can be used to assess usual nutrient intake in this population.

The double burden of undernutrition and excess body weight in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Ecuador's current nutrition policies have not taken adequate notice of the double burden of malnutrition and continue to focus on stunting and to a lesser extent on overweight, without addressing the simultaneous presence of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight or obesity (OW/OB). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to describe the prevalence and distribution of undernutrition (stunting, anemia, and zinc deficiency), overweight, and obesity in Ecuador to explore the evolving double burden of malnutrition at the national, household, and individual levels and to discuss whether current public health policies are addressing the double burden. DESIGN: Data from the 2012 Ecuadorian National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT-ECU) was used to estimate the dual burden of malnutrition at the national, household, and individual levels in children <5 y old, school-aged children, and women of reproductive age. RESULTS: In 13.1% of households, mothers with excess body weight coexist with a stunted child <5 y old. Moreover, among households with overweight or obese mothers, 12.6% have an anemic child and 14% have a zinc-deficient child. At the individual levels, the coexistence of OW/OB and stunting, anemia, or zinc deficiency was found in 2.8%, 0.7%, and 8.4% of school-aged children, respectively. In addition, 8.9% and 32.6% of women aged 12-49 y have excess body weight and anemia or zinc deficiency, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This article shows the coexistence of high rates of undernutrition and OW/OB at the individual, household, and national levels in Ecuador. Although integrated approaches to address the emerging double burden are required, public health policies to date have not responded adequately.

Role of the subcommissural organ in the pathogenesis of congenital hydrocephalus in the HTx rat.

The present investigation was designed to clarify the role of the subcommissural organ (SCO) in the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus occurring in the HTx rat. The brains of non-affected and hydrocephalic HTx rats from embryonic day 15 (E15) to postnatal day 10 (PN10) were processed for electron microscopy, lectin binding and immunocytochemistry by using a series of antibodies. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of non-affected and hydrocephalic HTx rats were collected at PN1, PN7 and PN30 and analysed by one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis, immunoblotting and nanoLC-ESI-MS/MS. A distinct malformation of the SCO is present as early as E15. Since stenosis of the Sylvius aqueduct (SA) occurs at E18 and dilation of the lateral ventricles starts at E19, the malformation of the SCO clearly precedes the onset of hydrocephalus. In the affected rats, the cephalic and caudal thirds of the SCO showed high secretory activity with all methods used, whereas the middle third showed no signs of secretion. At E18, the middle non-secretory third of the SCO progressively fused with the ventral wall of SA, resulting in marked aqueduct stenosis and severe hydrocephalus. The abnormal development of the SCO resulted in the permanent absence of Reissner's fibre (RF) and led to changes in the protein composition of the CSF. Since the SCO is the source of a large mass of sialilated glycoproteins that form the RF and of those that remain CSF-soluble, we hypothesize that the absence of this large mass of negatively charged molecules from the SA domain results in SA stenosis and impairs the bulk flow of CSF through the aqueduct.

Identification of antioxidative flavonols and anthocyanins in Sicana odorifera fruit peel.

Ten flavonols and three anthocyanins were identified in the fruit peel of melón de olor (Sicana odorifera), and their structures were established by spectrometric and spectroscopic (ESI-MS and NMR) techniques. One of the identified flavonols, quercetin 3-O-(6''-O-malonyl)-ß-D-glucopyranoside 4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, has not been reported before in the plant kingdom. Although quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranoside-4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside had been reported before in literature and structure elucidation was done by comparison of NMR data with published data, to the best of our knowledge complete 1D and 2D NMR data have not been not delineated so far. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of pure compounds was measured by ABTS assay. It was established that quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-(6''-malonyl)-glucopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, and quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside-4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside contribute significantly to the antioxidant activity exhibited by the fruit peel methanolic extract.

Validación del cuestionario de auto-reporte de comportamiento antisocial en adolescentes: CACSA / Validação de questionário de auto-relato de comportamento anti-social em adolescentes: CACSA / Validation of a self-report questionnaire addressing antisocial behavior in adolescents: CACSA

El estudio tiene por objetivo presentar la validación de un instrumento formulado racionalmente para evaluar, mediante auto-reporte, el comportamiento social en adolescentes chilenos (CACSA) y describir el comportamiento social de dos grupos: adolescentes escolarizados (N=1914) y adolescentes infractores de ley (N=264). El cuestionario posee 56 ítemes que exploran tres dimensiones generales, a) Comportamiento Prosocial (CPRO), b) Comportamiento Antisocial Total (CAT); y c) Víctima de Abuso de Poder (VAP); CAT contiene seis dimensiones específicas: Delitos (D), Transgresiones Contra la Propiedad (TPRO), Transgresiones Contra las Personas (TPER), Comportamiento Abusivo con Pares (CAP), Consumo de Alcohol y Drogas (OHD); y Transgresiones Sociales Leves (TSL). El estudio incluye también una escala de deseabilidad social y otra actitudinal. Los resultados revelan importantes fortalezas psicométricas del instrumento y capacidad de discriminación entre adolescentes escolarizados e infractores de ley. Se discute la importancia de reconocer por auto-reporte la prevalencia de comportamientos antisociales y la relación entre conductas prosociales y antisociales en adolescentes chilenos.

O estudo tem por objetivos apresentar a validação de um instrumento formulado racionalmente para avaliar, mediante auto-relato, o comportamento social de adolescentes chilenos (CACSA) e descrever o comportamento social de dois grupos: adolescentes escolarizados (N=1914) e adolescentes infratores da lei (N=264). O questionário consiste de 56 itens que exploram três dimensões gerais: a) Comportamento Pró-social (CPRO), b) Anti-Social (CAT) c) Vítimas de Abuso de Poder (VAP). CAT contém seis dimensões específicas: Delitos (D), Transgressões de Ofensa à Propriedade (TPRO), Transgressões Contra as Pessoas (TPER), Comportamentos Abusivos entre Pares (CAP), Consumo do Álcool e Drogas (OHD) e Transgressões Sociais Leves (TSL). O estudo incluiu também uma escala de desejabilidade social e outra atitudinal. Os resultados revelam que o instrumento mostra excelentes qualidades psicométricas e capacidade de discriminação entre os adolescentes escolarizados e os infratores da lei. Discute-se a importância de reconhecer a prevalência de comportamentos anti-sociais por meio de auto-relato e a relação entre condutas pró-sociais e anti-sociais em adolescentes chilenos.

This paper reports the validation of a rationally built self-report instrument to assess social behavior in Chilean adolescents (CACSA) and presents the findings on social behavior from two samples: school attending adolescents (N=1914) and juvenile offenders (N=264). The questionnaire consists of 56 items, which explore three general behavioral dimensions: Prosocial (CPRO) and Antisocial (CAT) behavior, and Victims of Abuse of Power (VAP); CAT contains six specific dimensions: Crimes (D), Transgressions Against Property (TPRO), Transgressions Against Persons (TPER); Abusive Behavior with Peers (CAP), Substance Abuse (OHD); and Minor Social Transgressions (TSL). The study also includes a social desirability scale and an attitudinal scale. Results revealed the questionnaire has important psychometric strengths, as well as discriminative properties between the school attending adolescents and the juvenile offenders. The importance and reliability of self-report data for building indices of antisocial behavior is discussed, as well as the relationship between prosocial and antisocial behavior among Chilean adolescents.

Validación del cuestionario de auto-reporte de comportamiento antisocial en adolescentes: CACSA / Validação de questionário de auto-relato de comportamento anti-social em adolescentes: CACSA / Validation of a self-report questionnaire addressing antisocial behavior in adolescents: CACSA

El estudio tiene por objetivo presentar la validación de un instrumento formulado racionalmente para evaluar, mediante auto-reporte, el comportamiento social en adolescentes chilenos (CACSA) y describir el comportamiento social de dos grupos: adolescentes escolarizados (N=1914) y adolescentes infractores de ley (N=264). El cuestionario posee 56 ítemes que exploran tres dimensiones generales, a) Comportamiento Prosocial (CPRO), b) Comportamiento Antisocial Total (CAT); y c) Víctima de Abuso de Poder (VAP); CAT contiene seis dimensiones específicas: Delitos (D), Transgresiones Contra la Propiedad (TPRO), Transgresiones Contra las Personas (TPER), Comportamiento Abusivo con Pares (CAP), Consumo de Alcohol y Drogas (OHD); y Transgresiones Sociales Leves (TSL). El estudio incluye también una escala de deseabilidad social y otra actitudinal. Los resultados revelan importantes fortalezas psicométricas del instrumento y capacidad de discriminación entre adolescentes escolarizados e infractores de ley. Se discute la importancia de reconocer por auto-reporte la prevalencia de comportamientos antisociales y la relación entre conductas prosociales y antisociales en adolescentes chilenos.(AU)

O estudo tem por objetivos apresentar a validação de um instrumento formulado racionalmente para avaliar, mediante auto-relato, o comportamento social de adolescentes chilenos (CACSA) e descrever o comportamento social de dois grupos: adolescentes escolarizados (N=1914) e adolescentes infratores da lei (N=264). O questionário consiste de 56 itens que exploram três dimensões gerais: a) Comportamento Pró-social (CPRO), b) Anti-Social (CAT) c) Vítimas de Abuso de Poder (VAP). CAT contém seis dimensões específicas: Delitos (D), Transgressões de Ofensa à Propriedade (TPRO), Transgressões Contra as Pessoas (TPER), Comportamentos Abusivos entre Pares (CAP), Consumo do Álcool e Drogas (OHD) e Transgressões Sociais Leves (TSL). O estudo incluiu também uma escala de desejabilidade social e outra atitudinal. Os resultados revelam que o instrumento mostra excelentes qualidades psicométricas e capacidade de discriminação entre os adolescentes escolarizados e os infratores da lei. Discute-se a importância de reconhecer a prevalência de comportamentos anti-sociais por meio de auto-relato e a relação entre condutas pró-sociais e anti-sociais em adolescentes chilenos.(AU)

This paper reports the validation of a rationally built self-report instrument to assess social behavior in Chilean adolescents (CACSA) and presents the findings on social behavior from two samples: school attending adolescents (N=1914) and juvenile offenders (N=264). The questionnaire consists of 56 items, which explore three general behavioral dimensions: Prosocial (CPRO) and Antisocial (CAT) behavior, and Victims of Abuse of Power (VAP); CAT contains six specific dimensions: Crimes (D), Transgressions Against Property (TPRO), Transgressions Against Persons (TPER); Abusive Behavior with Peers (CAP), Substance Abuse (OHD); and Minor Social Transgressions (TSL). The study also includes a social desirability scale and an attitudinal scale. Results revealed the questionnaire has important psychometric strengths, as well as discriminative properties between the school attending adolescents and the juvenile offenders. The importance and reliability of self-report data for building indices of antisocial behavior is discussed, as well as the relationship between prosocial and antisocial behavior among Chilean adolescents.(AU)

1H-NMR structures of the Plasmodium falciparum 1758 erythrocyte binding peptide analogues and protection against malaria.

A conserved high activity erythrocyte binding peptide (HAEBP) derived from the 175-erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA-175), coded 1758, was synthesized and analyzed for antigenic and protective activities in Aotus monkeys, together with several of its analogues. Conformational analysis by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in TFE-solution was done for some of them, as well as the 1758 parent peptide. We show that the conserved 1758 HAEBP (being neither immunogenic nor protective) has an alpha helical structure, whilst its analogues contain beta-turn structures. The 13790 peptide (highly immunogenic and protective for some monkeys) shows a type I beta-turn structure distorted in psi(i + 1) psi(i + 2) angles, whilst immunogenic and non-protective (as well as the non-immunogenic and non-protective peptides) have type III' beta-turns. An understanding of native peptide's correlation with altered peptide three-dimensional structure and resulting immunogenicity and protective activity may lead to a more rational design of multi-antigenic, multi-stage P. falciparum subunit based malaria vaccines.