[Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pregnant women in seven hospitals in Buenos Aires area. Comparison 2006 vs. 2017]. / Prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii en embarazadas en siete hospitales de Buenos Aires. Comparación entre 2006 y 2017.

We analyzed the presence of IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii, as a measure of infection, in pregnant women attending seven hospitals in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires during 2006 and 2017. T. gondii seroprevalence in 2006 vs. 2017, was: Hospital Alemán: 22 and 17% (p = 0.004), Hospital Fiorito: 44 and 33% (p < 0.001), Hospital Gandulfo: 30 and 34% (p 0.025), Hospital Grierson 60 and 44% (p < 0.001), Hospital Rivadavia: 59 and 51% (p = 0.003), Hospital Sardá: 47 and 39% (p < 0.001), and Hospital Thompson: 61 and 51% (p < 0.001). The comparison showed a significant decrease in seroprevalence in six hospitals. We also observed a significant decrease in the reactivity for IgM in 2017 compared to 2006 and in the seroprevalence for T. gondii in the overall population of pregnant women in the study. This means that a greater number of women are susceptible to develop acute infection during pregnancy.

Se analizó de forma retrospectiva la presencia de anticuerpos séricos IgG e IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii en las embarazadas que concurrieron a siete hospitales del área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires durante 2006 y 2017. La prevalencia de infección, medida como presencia de anticuerpos, en 2006 vs. 2017, fue: Hospital Alemán: 22 y 17% (p = 0.004), Hospital Fiorito: 44 y 33% (p < 0.001), Hospital Gandulfo: 30 y 34% (p 0.025), Hospital Grierson: 60 y 44% (p < 0.001), Hospital Rivadavia: 59 y 51% (p=0.003), Maternidad Sardá 47 y 39% (p < 0.001) y Hospital Thompson: 61 y 51% (p < 0.001). La comparación demostró una disminución estadísticamente significativa de la seroprevalencia en seis hos pitales. También disminuyeron significativamente la reactividad para IgM en 2017 respecto de 2006 y la seroprevalencia para T. gondii en el total de la población de embarazadas estudiadas, lo que significa un mayor número de mujeres susceptible de desarrollar infección aguda durante el embarazo.

Prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii en embarazadas en siete hospitales de Buenos Aires: Comparación entre 2006 y 2017 / Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pregnant women in seven hospitals in Buenos Aires area. Comparison 2006 vs. 2017

Se analizó; de forma retrospectiva la presencia de anticuerpos só;©ricos IgG e IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii en las embarazadas que concurrieron a siete hospitales del ó;rea Metropolitana de Buenos Aires durante 2006 y 2017. La prevalencia de infecció;n, medida como presencia de anticuerpos, en 2006 vs. 2017, fue: Hospital Alemán: 22 y 17% (p = 0.004), Hospital Fiorito: 44 y 33% (p < 0.001), Hospital Gandulfo: 30 y 34% (p 0.025), Hospital Grierson: 60 y 44% (p < 0.001), Hospital Rivadavia: 59 y 51% (p=0.003), Maternidad Sardá 47 y 39% (p < 0.001) y Hospital Thompson: 61 y 51% (p < 0.001). La comparació;n demostró; una disminució;n estadísticamente significativa de la seroprevalencia en seis hos pitales. Tambín disminuyeron significativamente la reactividad para IgM en 2017 respecto de 2006 y la seroprevalencia para T. gondii en el total de la població;n de embarazadas estudiadas, lo que significa un mayor nó;ºmero de mujeres susceptible de desarrollar infecció;n aguda durante el embarazo.

We analyzed the presence of IgG and IgM anti- Toxoplasma gondii, as a measure of infection, in pregnant women attending seven hospitals in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires during 2006 and 2017. T. gondii seroprevalence in 2006 vs. 2017, was: Hospital Alemán: 22 and 17% (p = 0.004), Hospital Fiorito: 44 and 33% (p < 0.001), Hospital Gandulfo: 30 and 34% (p 0.025), Hospital Grierson 60 and 44% (p < 0.001), Hospital Rivadavia: 59 and 51% (p = 0.003), Hospital Sardá: 47 and 39% (p < 0. 001), and Hospital Thompson: 61 and 51% (p < 0.001). The comparison showed a significant decrease in seroprevalence in six hospitals. We also observed a significant decrease in the reactivity for IgM in 2017 compared to 2006 and in the seroprevalence for T. gondii in the overall population of pregnant women in the study. This means that a greater number of women are susceptible to develop acute infection during pregnancy.

Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antitumor activities of the red propolis Alagoas / Triagem fitoquimico e atividade antibacteriana, antifúngica, antioxidante e antitumoral in vitro da propólis vermelha de Alagoas

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, toxicity and phytochemical screening of the Red Propolis Alagoas. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method. Determination of antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH assay (1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FTC (ferric thiocyanate) and determination of phenolic compounds by Follin method. Toxicity was performed by the method of Artemia salina and cytotoxicity by MTT method. The phytochemical screening for the detection of allelochemicals was performed. The ethanol extract of propolis of Alagoas showed significant results for antimicrobial activity, and inhibitory activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida krusei. The antioxidant activity of the FTC method was 80% to 108.3% hydrogen peroxide kidnapping, the DPPH method showed an EC50 3.97 mg/mL, the content of total phenolic compounds was determined by calibration curve gallic acid, resulting from 0.0005 mg/100 g of gallic acid equivalent. The extract was non-toxic by A. salina method. The propolis extract showed high activity with a higher percentage than 75% inhibition of tumor cells OVCAR-8, SF-295 and HCT116. Chemical constituents were observed as flavonones, xanthones, flavonols, and Chalcones Auronas, Catechins and leucoanthocyanidins. It is concluded that the extract can be tested is considered a potential source of bioactive metabolites.

Resumo O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana, antioxidante, a toxicidade e a prospecção fitoquímica da Própolis Vermelha de Alagoas. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada pelo método de difusão em disco. A determinação do potencial antioxidante foi realizada utilizando o método de DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazil), FTC (Tiocianato Férrico) e determinação de compostos fenólicos pelo método de Follin. A toxicidade foi realizada pelo método de Artemia salina e a citotoxicidade pelo método do MTT. Foi realizada a prospecção fitoquímica para a pesquisa de aleloquímicos. O extrato etanólico da própolis vermelha de Alagoas apresentou resultados significantes para atividade antimicrobiana, tendo a atividade inibitória para Staphylococcus aureus e Candida krusei. Quanto a atividade antioxidante o método de FTC teve 80% a 108,3% de sequestro de peróxido de hidrogênio, o método de DPPH apresentou um CE50 de 3,97 μg/mL, o teor de compostos fenólicos totais foi determinado mediante curva de calibração do ácido gálico, tendo resultado de 0,0005 mg/100 g equivalente de ácido gálico. O extrato foi atóxico pelo método de A. salina. O extrato da própolis mostrou elevada atividade com percentual de inibição maior que 75% sobre células tumorais OVCAR-8, SF-295 e HCT116. Foram observados constituintes químicos como flavononas, xantonas, flavonóis, Chalconas e Auronas, Catequinas e Leucoantocianidinas. Conclui-se que o extrato testado pode ser considerado é uma fonte potencial de metabólitos bioativos.

Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antitumor activities of the red propolis Alagoas.

The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, toxicity and phytochemical screening of the Red Propolis Alagoas. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method. Determination of antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH assay (1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FTC (ferric thiocyanate) and determination of phenolic compounds by Follin method. Toxicity was performed by the method of Artemia salina and cytotoxicity by MTT method. The phytochemical screening for the detection of allelochemicals was performed. The ethanol extract of propolis of Alagoas showed significant results for antimicrobial activity, and inhibitory activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida krusei. The antioxidant activity of the FTC method was 80% to 108.3% hydrogen peroxide kidnapping, the DPPH method showed an EC50 3.97 mg/mL, the content of total phenolic compounds was determined by calibration curve gallic acid, resulting from 0.0005 mg/100 g of gallic acid equivalent. The extract was non-toxic by A. salina method. The propolis extract showed high activity with a higher percentage than 75% inhibition of tumor cells OVCAR-8, SF-295 and HCT116. Chemical constituents were observed as flavonones, xanthones, flavonols, and Chalcones Auronas, Catechins and leucoanthocyanidins. It is concluded that the extract can be tested is considered a potential source of bioactive metabolites.

Congenital human toxoplasmosis caused by non-clonal Toxoplasma gondii genotypes in Argentina.

Toxoplasmosis, a worldwide distributed zoonosis, can be transmitted congenitally affecting fetuses and developing variable clinical signs. Different Toxoplasma gondii genotypes and infective dose are related factors with different clinical manifestations. Several studies indicate that atypical strains could produce more severe clinical manifestations compared to typical strains. Umbilical cord blood (n = 37) and placenta (n = 19) were collected at birth from women with acute T. gondii infection and processed for isolation by mice bioassay. Six isolates were obtained and identified as TgHm14-4Arg, TgHm15-02Arg, TgHm16-01Arg, TgHm16-02Arg, TgHm17-01Arg and TgHm17-02Arg. Three genotypes described previously on Toxo-DB were identified: #138 identified in chickens from Brazil, #182 isolated from eared doves from Brazil, #14 from wallaby kangaroos and chickens from Argentina, chickens from Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Venezuela, cats and dogs from Brazil and Colombia and also coyotes from USA indicating worldwide distribution of these genotypes. Two new allele combinations were obtained showing high genotypes diversity in Argentina. Four of the isolates (TgHm14-4Arg, TgHm15-02Arg, TgHm16-01Arg, TgHm16-02Arg) and two of them (TgHm17-01Arg, TgHm17-02Arg) produced chronic and acute infections in mice, respectively. Until now, seven T. gondii isolates have been obtained from humans in Argentina, and all were atypical or non-clonal genotypes. The identification of atypical strains causing congenital toxoplasmosis and circulating in our region, make important to perform the serological screenings according Argentine Consensus of Toxoplasmosis and to apply and monitoring treatments earlier in pregnancy. To achieve this aim, it is necessary to inform general population about T. gondii infection, diagnostics and control measures. These results should serve to generate awareness about congenital toxoplasmosis in South America.

Characterization of demographics and NS5A genetic diversity for hepatitis C virus genotype 4-infected patients with or without cirrhosis treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 (GT4) is genetically diverse with 17 confirmed and 4 provisional subtypes. In this report, HCV GT4-infected patient samples from Phase 2/3 clinical studies were analysed to characterize global demographics and genetic diversity of GT4 infection among patients treated with ombitasvir (OBV, NS5A inhibitor) plus paritaprevir/r (NS3/4A inhibitor codosed with ritonavir). Among 17 subtypes isolated from GT4-infected patients in the PEARL-I and AGATE-I studies, subtype prevalence by country of enrolment and country of origin suggested that subtypes 4a and 4d were likely circulating in Europe, while heterogeneous GT4 subtypes and a portion of GT4a detected in European and North American countries were likely due to immigration of HCV-infected patients from Africa. The distributions of birth cohort and race were also significantly different across GT4 subtypes 4a, 4d, and non-4a/4d. In addition, phylogenetic analyses of NS5A sequences revealed clustering within subtype 4a which segregated by the patient-reported country of origin and the presence of the L30R/S polymorphism. HCV NS5A sequences derived from GT4a-infected patients who originated from Europe and the United States clustered separately from sequences derived from patients who originated from Egypt, suggesting that genetically distinct strains of subtype 4a may be circulating globally. Finally, NS5A baseline polymorphisms were frequently detected at amino acid positions of interest for the inhibitor-class and OBV retained activity against 37 of 39 NS5A GT4 clinical isolates, with no impact on treatment outcome in the PEARL-I and AGATE-I studies.

Efficacy and safety results of patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin (QUARTZ II-III).

The efficacy and safety of an investigational combination of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r) plus sofosbuvir (SOF) ± ribavirin (RBV) in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection with or without cirrhosis was evaluated. Patients with HCV genotype 3 infection without cirrhosis were randomized to receive OBV/PTV/r + SOF ± RBV for 12 weeks; OBV/PTV/r + SOF + RBV was administered to genotype 3-infected patients with cirrhosis for 12 weeks and to genotype 2-infected patients without cirrhosis for either 6 or 8 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by sustained virologic response [HCV RNA <25 IU/mL] 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12). Safety was assessed in all treated patients. In patients with genotype 3 infection with or without cirrhosis treated with 12 weeks of OBV/PTV/r + SOF ± RBV, the overall SVR12 rate was 98% (50/51), with no virologic failures. Patients with genotype 2 infection treated with OBV/PTV/r + SOF + RBV had SVR12 rates of 90% (9/10) and 44% (4/9) following 8- and 6-week treatment durations, respectively; failure to achieve SVR12 for these patients was due to relapse without baseline or treatment-emergent resistance-associated substitutions. Thus, the investigational combination of OBV/PTV/r with SOF ± RBV was well tolerated and achieved high SVR rates with no virologic failures in patients with genotype 3 infection. Combining direct-acting antivirals with complementary mechanisms of action and different viral targets may be an effective treatment strategy that may allow for shorter durations of therapy.

[Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in blood donors in Buenos Aires city, from 1967 to 2017]. / Prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii en hemodonantes en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, desde 1967 a 2017.

A prevalence study of antibodies anti Toxoplasma gondii in voluntary blood donors who attended the hemotherapy service at the Hospital Alemán during the first four months of the years 1997, 2007 and 2017 was carried out and the results were compared to the study carried out in 1967. The sera where processed with the Sabin Feldman Dye Test. The global average seroprevalence in 1967 was 67.0% (CI95%, 64.4%-69.6%); in 1997, 35.0% (CI95%, 33.3%-38.3%); in 2007, 31.9% (CI95%, 29.6%-34.2%) and in 2017, 21.2% (CI95%, 19.0%-23.3%). In the fifty years covered by the study the decline in prevalence was 45.8%, which represents an average annual decline of 0.9%.The decline was statistically significant between 1967 and 1997, and between 2007 and 2017. The four studies demonstrate that infection prevalence increased depending on age. The infection rate for 1967 was 1.0% per year and declined in the next studies to 0.8% in 1997, 0.8% in 2007, and 0.5% in 2017. Donors from the last study responded to a survey that showed a statistically significant correlation between seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and lack of tap water, unfinished secondary studies or residence in the western or southern part of the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. No significant association was found with having a cat as a pet, the consumption of undercooked meat or the practice of gardening.

Prevalencia de anticuerpos anti Toxoplasma gondii en hemodonantes en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, desde 1967 a 2017 / Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in blood donors in Buenos Aires city, from 1967 to 2017

Se estudió la prevalencia de anticuerpos anti Toxoplasma gondii a los dadores voluntarios de sangre que concurrieron durante el primer cuatrimestre de los años 1997, 2007 y 2017 al Servicio de Hemoterapia del Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires y se compararon los resultados con el estudio efectuado en el año 1967. Los sueros fueron procesados con el Sabin Feldman Dye Test. La seroprevalencia promedio en 1967 fue 67.0% (IC95%, 64.4%-69.6%), en 1997, 35% (IC95%, 33.3%-38.3%), en 2007, 31.9 % (IC95%, 29.6%-34.2%) y en 2017, 21.2% (IC95%, 19.0%-23.3%). En los cincuenta años que abarca el estudio la disminución de la prevalencia fue de 45.8%, que representa una declinación anual promedio del 0.9%. El descenso fue estadísticamente significativo entre los años 1967 y 1997 y entre 2007 y 2017. En los cuatro estudios se observó un incremento de la prevalencia de infección en función de la edad. La tasa de infección calculada para el año 1967 fue 1.0% y disminuyó en los estudios posteriores, a 0.8% en 1997, 0.7% en 2007 y 0.5% en 2017. Los donantes del último estudio respondieron una encuesta que mostró una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre seroprevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii y la carencia de agua corriente, estudios secundarios no concluidos o la residencia en zona oeste o sur del conurbano bonaerense. No se encontró una asociación significativa con tener un gato como mascota, consumo de carne poco cocida o práctica de jardinería.

A prevalence study of antibodies anti Toxoplasma gondii in voluntary blood donors who attended the hemotherapy service at the Hospital Alemán during the first four months of the years 1997, 2007 and 2017 was carried out and the results were compared to the study carried out in 1967. The sera where processed with the Sabin Feldman Dye Test. The global average seroprevalence in 1967 was 67.0% (CI95%, 64.4%-69.6%); in 1997, 35.0% (CI95%, 33.3%-38.3%); in 2007, 31.9% (CI95%, 29.6%-34.2%) and in 2017, 21.2% (CI95%, 19.0%-23.3%). In the fifty years covered by the study the decline in prevalence was 45.8%, which represents an average annual decline of 0.9%.The decline was statistically significant between 1967 and 1997, and between 2007 and 2017. The four studies demonstrate that infection prevalence increased depending on age. The infection rate for 1967 was 1.0% per year and declined in the next studies to 0.8% in 1997, 0.8% in 2007, and 0.5% in 2017. Donors from the last study responded to a survey that showed a statistically significant correlation between seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and lack of tap water, unfinished secondary studies or residence in the western or southern part of the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. No significant association was found with having a cat as a pet, the consumption of undercooked meat or the practice of gardening.

Expansion of CD25-Negative Forkhead Box P3-Positive T Cells during HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection.

Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV alter the immune system, and coinfected (HIV-TB) individuals usually present deregulations of T-lymphocytic immune response. We previously observed an increased frequency of "unconventional" CD4+CD25-FoxP3+ Treg (uTreg) population during HIV-TB disease. Therefore, we aimed to explore the phenotype and function of uTreg and conventional CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg subsets (cTreg) in this context. We evaluated the expression of CD39, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR), and the effector/memory distribution by flow cytometry in cTreg and uTreg. Also, IL-10, TGF-ß, IFN-γ production, and the suppressor capacity of uTregs were analyzed in cocultures with effector lymphocytes and compared with the effect of regulatory T cells (Tregs). We found diminished expression of CD39 and higher levels of PD1 on uTreg compared to cTreg in both HIV-TB and healthy donors (HD). In addition, uTreg and cTreg showed differences in maturation status in both HIV-TB and HD groups, due to the expansion of effector memory uTregs. Interestingly, both HIV-TB and HD showed a pronounced production of IFN-γ in uTreg population, though no significant differences were observed for IL-10 and TGF-ß production between uTreg and cTreg. Moreover, IFN-γ+ cells were restricted to the CD39- uTreg population. Finally, when the suppressor capacity was evaluated, both uTreg and cTreg inhibited polyclonal T cell-proliferation and IFN-γ production in a similar extent. These findings suggest that uTregs, which are expanded during HIV-TB coinfection, exert regulatory functions in a similar way to cTregs despite an altered surface expression of Treg characteristic markers and differences in cytokine production.

Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antitumor activities of the red propolis Alagoas

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, toxicity and phytochemical screening of the Red Propolis Alagoas. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method. Determination of antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH assay (1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FTC (ferric thiocyanate) and determination of phenolic compounds by Follin method. Toxicity was performed by the method of Artemia salina and cytotoxicity by MTT method. The phytochemical screening for the detection of allelochemicals was performed. The ethanol extract of propolis of Alagoas showed significant results for antimicrobial activity, and inhibitory activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida krusei. The antioxidant activity of the FTC method was 80% to 108.3% hydrogen peroxide kidnapping, the DPPH method showed an EC50 3.97 mg/mL, the content of total phenolic compounds was determined by calibration curve gallic acid, resulting from 0.0005 mg/100 g of gallic acid equivalent. The extract was non-toxic by A. salina method. The propolis extract showed high activity with a higher percentage than 75% inhibition of tumor cells OVCAR-8, SF-295 and HCT116. Chemical constituents were observed as flavonones, xanthones, flavonols, and Chalcones Auronas, Catechins and leucoanthocyanidins. It is concluded that the extract can be tested is considered a potential source of bioactive metabolites.

Resumo O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana, antioxidante, a toxicidade e a prospecção fitoquímica da Própolis Vermelha de Alagoas. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada pelo método de difusão em disco. A determinação do potencial antioxidante foi realizada utilizando o método de DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazil), FTC (Tiocianato Férrico) e determinação de compostos fenólicos pelo método de Follin. A toxicidade foi realizada pelo método de Artemia salina e a citotoxicidade pelo método do MTT. Foi realizada a prospecção fitoquímica para a pesquisa de aleloquímicos. O extrato etanólico da própolis vermelha de Alagoas apresentou resultados significantes para atividade antimicrobiana, tendo a atividade inibitória para Staphylococcus aureus e Candida krusei. Quanto a atividade antioxidante o método de FTC teve 80% a 108,3% de sequestro de peróxido de hidrogênio, o método de DPPH apresentou um CE50 de 3,97 g/mL, o teor de compostos fenólicos totais foi determinado mediante curva de calibração do ácido gálico, tendo resultado de 0,0005 mg/100 g equivalente de ácido gálico. O extrato foi atóxico pelo método de A. salina. O extrato da própolis mostrou elevada atividade com percentual de inibição maior que 75% sobre células tumorais OVCAR-8, SF-295 e HCT116. Foram observados constituintes químicos como flavononas, xantonas, flavonóis, Chalconas e Auronas, Catequinas e Leucoantocianidinas. Conclui-se que o extrato testado pode ser considerado é uma fonte potencial de metabólitos bioativos.

Riesgo y edad vascular en una población citadina / Risk and Aging Vascular in a city population

Objetivo: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares que cada año tienen mayor prevalencia en el país, son producto de factores de riesgo, muchos de ellos modificables y que se pueden prevenir. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido conocer y analizar los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y determinar la edad vascular en la población de Lima. Material y métodos: Es un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, realizado en el mes de marzo 2016, en los conos sur, norte y este de Lima Metropolitana, en mayores de 30 años y menores de 75 años, La encuesta estructurada para el estudio, recopilaba las siguientes variables: género, edad, hipertensión arterial, tabaquismo, diabetes, nivel de actividad física y el tipo de dieta. Se registró la presión arterial, peso y talla. Resultados: En total fueron incluidos 485 participantes, 197 varones y 288 mujeres. La edad fue 49,5±9,9 años. El factor de riesgo más frecuente fue la dieta no saludable (47,6%), seguido por el sedentarismo (42,5%). La hipertensión arterial se evidenció en un 20,8%, siendo más frecuente en los varones. El 85,2% no fumaban y el sobrepeso se encontró en un 47,2%, siendo su frecuencia mayor en las mujeres. El bajo riesgo se determinó en un 60,4% y predominó en el sexo femenino, mientras que el alto riesgo fue 18,6% y caracterizó a los varones. La edad vascular promedio fue mayor en 1,4 años que la edad cronológica, siendo más marcada en los varones, en quienes la diferencia fue de 5,8 años entre los 50 a 59 años. Conclusiones: El factor de riesgo cardiovascular más frecuente ha sido la dieta no saludable seguida por el sedentarismo. El alto riesgo fue un 18,6%, predominando en los varones. Los hombres entre los 50 a 59 años tiene una edad vascular 5,8 años mayor que la cronológica.

Objetive: Cardiovascular diseases that every year have more prevalence in the country, are the product of risky factors, many of them modifiable and preventable. The objective of the present study has been to know and analyze the factors of cardiovascular risk and determine the vascular age in the population of Lima. Material and methods: A descriptive cross sectional study, carried out in March 2016, in the southern, northern and eastern cones of Metropolitan Lima, in people older than 30 and younger than 75 years old. The survey structured for the study collected the following variables: gender, age, arterial hypertension, smoking, diabetes, physical activity and type of diet. Blood presure, weight and tall were recorded. Results: In total, 485 participants were included, 197 men and 288 women. The age was 49,5± 9,9 years old. The more frequent risky factor was the unhealthy diet (47,6%), followed by sedentary lifestyle (42,5%). Arterial hypertension was observed in 20,8%, being more frequent in men. 85.2% did not smoke and overweight was found in 47.2%, being its frequency higher in women. The low risk was determined in 60,4% and it was predominant in women, while higher risk was 18.6% in men. The average cardiovascular age was higher in 1,4 years compared to the chronological age beign more marked in men, in whom the difference was 5,8 years between 50 and 59 years old. Conclusions: The more frecuente cardiovascular risk has been unhealthy diet followed by sedentary lifestyle. The high risk was 18,6% predominating in men. Men between 50 and 59 years old have a cardiovascular age 5,8 years higher than the chronological age.

HIV-TB coinfection impairs CD8(+) T-cell differentiation and function while dehydroepiandrosterone improves cytotoxic antitubercular immune responses.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death among HIV-positive patients. The decreasing frequencies of terminal effector (TTE ) CD8(+) T cells may increase reactivation risk in persons latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). We have previously shown that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases the protective antitubercular immune responses in HIV-TB patients. Here, we aimed to study Mtb-specific cytotoxicity, IFN-γ secretion, memory status of CD8(+) T cells, and their modulation by DHEA during HIV-TB coinfection. CD8(+) T cells from HIV-TB patients showed a more differentiated phenotype with diminished naïve and higher effector memory and TTE T-cell frequencies compared to healthy donors both in total and Mtb-specific CD8(+) T cells. Notably, CD8(+) T cells from HIV-TB patients displayed higher Terminal Effector (TTE ) CD45RA(dim) proportions with lower CD45RA expression levels, suggesting a not fully differentiated phenotype. Also, PD-1 expression levels on CD8(+) T cells from HIV-TB patients increased although restricted to the CD27(+) population. Interestingly, DHEA plasma levels positively correlated with TTE in CD8(+) T cells and in vitro DHEA treatment enhanced Mtb-specific cytotoxic responses and terminal differentiation in CD8(+) T cells from HIV-TB patients. Our data suggest that HIV-TB coinfection promotes a deficient CD8(+) T-cell differentiation, whereas DHEA may contribute to improving antitubercular immunity by enhancing CD8(+) T-cell functions during HIV-TB coinfection.

Polymorphisms in the pertussis toxin promoter in Bordetella bronchiseptica veterinary isolates from Argentina.

Five restriction patterns (including a novel one) could be defined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism on the pertussis toxin (PT) promoter region in local veterinary isolates, suggesting that PT gene analysis is a potential molecular marker for Bordetella bronchiseptica detection and typing.

[Acute megaloblastic anemia caused by inhalation of nitrous oxide in a patient with multiple autoimmune pathology]. / Anemia megaloblástica aguda por inalação de óxido nitroso em doente com patologia autoimune múltipla.

Although megaloblastic anemias are generally regarded as chronic conditions of insidious appearance, a megaloblastic state can arise over the course of only a few days due to acute folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. One of the most common causes, though seldom reported, is the nitrous oxide (N02) action in tissue. In fact N02, a volatile substance commonly used in anaesthesia, destroys methylcobalamin, leading to the rapid development of a megaloblastic haematopoiesis. This phenomenon may occur in patients without previous vitamin B12 deficit, but is more frequent and severe when there is a pre-existent deficiency state. A case report is described of a patient with femoral fracture who developed acute anemia after surgery and a latent pernicious anemia was revealed upon investigation.

Prevalence of TT virus infection in US blood donors and populations at risk for acquiring parenterally transmitted viruses.

Two overlapping sets of TT virus (TTV)-specific polymerase chain reaction primers were used to test for presence of TTV, which was found in approximately 10% of US volunteer blood donors, 13% of commercial blood donors, and 17% of intravenous drug abusers. The rate of TTV infection among US non-A, non-B, non-C, non-D, non-E hepatitis patients was only 2%. Among commercial blood donors and intravenous drug abusers, only 1%-3% of the TTV-positive individuals were coinfected with GB virus C (GBV-C), a parenterally transmitted virus. This suggests that GBV-C and TTV may have different routes of transmission. Comparison of the sensitivities of 2 TTV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer sets showed that the majority of samples were detected with only 1 of the 2 sets. Therefore, previous studies in which only a single PCR primer pair was used may have significantly underestimated the true prevalence of TTV.

Molecular and biophysical characterization of TT virus: evidence for a new virus family infecting humans.

The recent isolation of a novel DNA virus from the serum of a Japanese patient (T.T.) has provided the latest possible candidate virus associated with cryptogenic hepatitis. In the present study, we report the complete nucleotide sequence of this virus (TTV) isolated from the serum of a West African. Based on PCR studies designed to amplify overlapping regions of the viral genome and sensitivity to digestion with mung bean nuclease, the viral genome is circular and negative stranded, and comprises 3,852 nt, which is 113 nt longer than the prototype isolate from Japan. Cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation demonstrated banding of the virus at 1.31-1.34 g/ml; filtration studies indicated that TTV had a particle size of 30-50 nm. These results suggest that the virus is similar to the Circoviridae, viruses known to infect plants and vertebrates (e. g., birds and swine); however, sequence similarity searches of available databases did not reveal identity between TTV and other viruses. Phylogenetic analyses of a 260-nt region from 151 globally distributed isolates demonstrated the existence of three major TTV genotypes. Several individuals at high risk for infection with parenterally transmitted viruses were infected with more than one genotype. There was no correlation between genotype and geographic origin. Finally, intravenous inoculation of TTV-positive human serum into chimpanzees demonstrated that TTV can be transmitted to primates; no biochemical or histological evidence for hepatitis was obtained. The distinct biophysical and molecular characteristics of TTV suggest that it is a member of a new family of viruses, which we have tentatively named the Circinoviridae.

GB virus C E2 glycoprotein: expression in CHO cells, purification and characterization.

A 315 amino acid recombinant segment of the GB virus C (GBV-C) E2 envelope glycoprotein (E2-315) was expressed and secreted from CHO cells. E2-315 was purified by affinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody directed to a FLAG sequence genetically engineered onto the C terminus of the recombinant protein. The secreted protein had a molecular mass of 48-56 kDa and was shown to be N-glycosylated. Amino acid sequencing confirmed the expected N-terminal sequence. Purified E2-315 was used to develop an ELISA for detection of E2 antibodies in human sera. Antibodies to GBV-C E2 appeared to be directed toward conformational epitopes since human sera reactivity was detected in ELISA using native E2-315, but it was extremely weak or non-existent with denatured E2 protein. The use of an ELISA which can detect human GBV-C E2 antibodies will be important in further understanding of the clinical significance and epidemiology of GBV-C.

Expression of the GB virus C E2 glycoprotein using the Semliki Forest virus vector system and its utility as a serologic marker.

A 336-amino-acid segment of the GB virus C second envelope protein (E2) has been produced in BHK-21 cells using the Semliki Forest virus vector system. Secretion of this protein was facilitated by deletion of a hydrophobic region at the C-terminus that may represent the membrane anchoring domain. The E2 protein recovered from the culture supernatant exhibited a molecular mass of approximately 52 kDa, with the increase in size relative to the polyprotein backbone being contributed by N-linked glycosylation. A radioimmunoprecipitation assay using GBV-C E2 was developed to test for the presence of antibodies against this protein in human sera. The prevalence of antibodies to E2 was high among injection drug users and other individuals at risk for acquiring parenterally transmitted agents. There was a much higher percentage of anti-E2 seropositivity in GBV-C RT-PCR negative compared to GBV-C RT-PCR positive samples from these populations. In addition, serial samples from patients transfused with blood containing GBV-C showed seroconversion to anti-E2 positivity and loss of GBV-C viremia as measured by RT-PCR within 11 months of transfusion in five of seven individuals. Thus, this system provided a rapid means to identify GBV-C E2 as a useful antigen for the study of GBV-C exposure.