Factors associated with prevalence and intensity of the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) in commercial poultry farms of Argentina.

The haematophagous mite Ornithonyssus sylviarum may cause important economic losses in commercial poultry farms whilst also potentially affecting the health of farm workers. The dynamics of this ectoparasite has been linked to several factors, including wild birds, fomites, farm workers, management of hen houses, and host traits. Along two consecutive years, we carried out systematic sampling at three laying hen farms located in Santa Fe province, Argentina, with the aim of identifying factors that may influence O. sylviarum prevalence and intensity. We found that the density of feathers around the hen vent area and the presence of Menoponidae lice were negatively associated with mite abundance. We also found that the density of hens in the cages was negatively associated with mite prevalence, suggesting a possible dilution effect, whereas prior reports found a positive association with hen density. In addition, summer was the season with minimum mite prevalences and intensities, contrary to previous studies in northern farms where warm weather appeared to prompt an increase in mite populations. Another factor associated with mite intensity was age, but this effect varied depending on the season, which hints that the association between hen's age and mites is complex. Basic epidemiological knowledge on O. sylviarum in poultry farms from South America may aid in a more efficient and integrative approach to its control.

Intestinal α-glycosidase transcriptional responses during development and diet adjustment in altricial birds.

We describe developmental changes in maltasic activity and its mRNA until adulthood, and in response to an increase in dietary starch. We studied house sparrows (Passer domesticus), which undergo a natural switch from insects to a starch-containing seed diet during development, and zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), which have a relatively fixed starchy seed diet during development. In zebra finches, in which maltasic activity increased with age but not with dietary starch, α-glycosidase (AG) mRNA was not affected by either age or dietary starch level. In house sparrow nestlings, in which maltasic activity increased with age and with added starch, AG mRNA was higher when birds were fed a diet with added starch but did not increase with age. These results are consistent with the idea that the apparent programmed developmental increase in maltasic activity is not mainly under transcriptional control of AG mRNA, whereas induction of maltasic activity by increased dietary starch is.

Acrosomal Swelling Is Triggered by cAMP Downstream of the Opening of Store-Operated Calcium Channels During Acrosomal Exocytosis in Human Sperm.

Acrosomal exocytosis in mammalian sperm is a regulated secretion with unusual characteristics. One of its most striking features is the postfusion loss of the outer acrosomal membrane and the overlying plasma membrane as hybrid vesicles. We have previously reported in human sperm that, by preventing the release of calcium from the acrosome, the exocytic process can be arrested at a stage where the acrosomes are profusely swollen, with invaginations of the outer acrosomal membrane. In this report, we show by transmission electron microcopy swelling with similar characteristics without arresting the exocytic process. Acrosomal swelling was observed when secretion was promoted by pharmacological and physiological inducers of the acrosome reaction that trigger exocytosis by different mechanisms. We show that progesterone- and thapsigargin-induced swelling depended on a calcium influx from the extracellular medium through store-operated calcium channels. However, calcium was dispensable when sperm were stimulated with cAMP analogs. KH7, an inhibitor of the soluble adenylyl cyclase, blocked progesterone-induced swelling. Our results indicate that swelling is a required process for acrosomal exocytosis triggered by activation of an adenylyl cyclase downstream of the opening of store-operated calcium channels.

Mesostigmatid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) at the domestic-wildlife interface: Poultry and passerine birds of central Argentina.

Wild birds may be considered a possible source of parasitic mesostigmatid mites for poultry, but only few studies explored this hypothesis. In addition, there is very little information about the parasitic mites present in commercial poultry systems from southern South America. To contribute with data on parasitic mesostigmatid mites at the domestic-wildlife interface, we conducted a study in which samples were systematically collected from laying hens and wild birds (adults and nestlings), for two years at three commercial laying hen farms. The occurrence of mesostigmatid mites were compared among hosts. A proportion of the collected mites were morphologically identified to the species level, finding that host preference varied greatly depending on mite species: laying hens were only parasitized by Ornithonyssus sylviarum, wild bird nestlings were mostly parasitized by Ornithonyssus bursa, and in small proportion, by O. sylviarum, while adult passerines were parasitized by both Ornithonyssus species, and sporadically by Pellonyssus cf. reedi and Dermanyssus cf. triscutatus. In laying hens, there was intra- and inter-annual variability in mite occurrence, but no consistent seasonal pattern, whereas in adult wild birds, mites showed the highest prevalence in spring and the lowest in summer. Not coinciding with this general pattern, the occurrence of O. bursa matched the reproductive activity of wild birds. A phylogenetic analysis based on a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene was carried out for a subsample of the mites collected, showing that the O. sylviarum mites present on adult wild birds and laying hens had the same haplotype (100% identity). Additionally, mites obtained from wild birds morphologically identified as O. bursa presented two distinctive haplotypes (89.8% identity), one phylogenetically related to O. sylviarum and the other to O. monteiroi. These findings show that in central Argentina commercial laying hens are parasitized mainly by O. sylviarum while wild birds are also hosts to other mite species. Adult wild passerines, especially house sparrows, may be a source of O. sylviarum for commercial poultry.

Contamination of heavy metals in birds from Embalse La Florida (San Luis, Argentina).

Embalse La Florida is an artificial lake located in midwestern Argentina's San Luis province. It provides drinking water to approximately 70% of the province's human population and approximately 20% of the province is irrigated with water from the reservoir. The presence of heavy metals in Embalse La Florida's water has previously been reported. Nevertheless, no information about the levels of these contaminants in birds is available for this region. The aim of this study, therefore, is to (1) establish baseline data on lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels in birds from Embalse La Florida, (2) assess metal accumulation patterns between organs and bird species, and (3) evaluate the potential risk that these heavy metals pose for the local avifauna. We measured Pb and Cd in bone, pectoralis muscle, liver, gonad, and brain of three bird species representative of the Embalse La Florida ecosystem: Podiceps major (Great Grebe), Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Neotropic Cormorant), both of which are piscivorous, and Pitangus sulphuratus (Great Kiskadee), which is omnivorous. We also measured both heavy metals in Great Grebe eggs. Pb and Cd were detected in all of the tissues we assayed, and Pb concentrations were significantly higher than those for Cd in all tissues. The patterns of Pb and Cd accumulation differed between tissues, however. In general, gonads had the highest concentrations of Pb while Cd tended to accumulate in the liver. An interspecific analysis revealed that the omnivorous species had higher levels of both metals in bone, liver, and brain compared to both piscivorous species. There were no differences in Pb and Cd concentrations between males and females. The highest liver level of Pb (4.69 ppm wet weight) detected in Great Kiskadee, was comparable to those associated with toxic effects in birds, and Pb concentrations found in the liver of two females and two males (2.07 to 2.32 ppm wet weight) were also similar to those that could be physiologically detrimental in other species. In all birds assayed, Cd levels in liver tissue were lower than those typically shown to be harmful. Our results indicate that Great Kiskadees are highly polluted by Pb and their exposure to this contaminant exceeds the level reported to trigger adverse effects. This is the first study to assay heavy metals in birds from midwest Argentina and provides a starting point for studies examining the impact that these metals have on both wildlife and humans in the region.

Predictive factors of a poor outcome following revascularization for critical limb ischemia: implications for practice.

BACKGROUND: Advancements in open and endovascular techniques have brought a widespread indication of revascularization in the majority of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). However, some cases still have a dismal short-term outcome. Identifying preoperative variables that characterize these patients could be important to prevent futile decisions. The aim of this study was to define predictive risk factors of mortality and/or major amputation after revascularization for CLI. METHODS: Retrospective study of 515 consecutive patients (mean age=73 years; 73% males) undergoing open (N.=228; 44.3%) or endovascular (N.=287; 55.7%) surgery for CLI between 2005 and 2015. Neither redo-procedures (ipsilateral or contralateral) nor acute limb ischemia patients were included as new cases. RESULTS: Thirty-day amputation, mortality or combined event rates were 1.4% (N.=7), 4.5% (N.=23) and 5.6% (N.=29), while at 90 days were 4.1 (N.=21), 9.1% (N.=47) and 12.8% (N.=66), respectively. We found no significant differences between open or endovascular surgery. Risk factors associated with a 90-day combined event were age (OR=1.04, P=0.014), preoperative hemoglobin (OR=0.80; P=0.003), history of acute myocardial infarction (OR=2.68; P=0.007), ischemic ulcers (OR=2.57; P=0.014) and below-the-knee revascularization (OR=2.20; P=0.007). The discrimination of the model was good (area under ROC curve=0.75). Model predicted probabilities of the combined death and/or lower limb major amputation end-point ranged (95% interval) from 1.1% to 38.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Certain preoperative variables can predict satisfactorily the short-term outcome after revascularization for CLI, although they are not sufficiently useful to identify the patient in whom revascularization can be clearly futile. Further research is needed to refine a predictive model suitable for decision-making.

Anthropometric and biochemical assessment of nutritional status and dietary intake in school children aged 6-14 years, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. / Estado nutricional antropométrico, bioquímico e ingesta alimentaria en niños escolares de 6 a 14 años, General Pueyrredón, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity is a global epidemic. School age and adolescence are critical stages for the implementation of eating and lifestyle habits. OBJECTIVE: To assess anthropometric and biochemical assessment of nutritional status and dietary intake in children, their relationship with socioeconomic factors and georeferencing. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in schoolchildren aged 6-14 years from the District of General Pueyrredon, during August-November 2013. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall interview, and georeferencing was done using the gvSIG software. RESULTS: A total of 1296 children were included for anthropometric and socioeconomic assessment. A sub-sample included 362 children for intake and biochemical parameters. Overweight was observed in42.97% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.3-45.7) and obesity, in 18.5% (95% CI: 16.320.5). Breakfast was related to a lower risk for overweight (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9) and obesity (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9). Attending high school was related to a lower prevalence of weight excess (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7); male sex posed a higher risk for obesity (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.3). Also, 4.44% of participants had anemia; 19.6%, hypercholesterolemia; and 21.3%, hypertriglyceridemia. Lipid and saturated fat intake was high, whereas dietary cholesterol and fiber intake was low. Geographic distribution was homogeneous. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of overweight was high. The risk for obesity was higher among boys; breakfast appeared as a protective factor against overweight/obesity. A low-fiber and high-fat intake, and high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels reveal that overnutrition is a prevalent public health problem.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La obesidad infantil es una epidemia global. La edad escolar y la adolescencia son etapas cruciales para la implementación de hábitos alimentarios y estilo de vida. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el estado nutricional, antropométrico, bioquímico e ingesta alimentaria de niños, su relación con factores socioeconómicos y georreferenciación. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal en escolares de 6 a 14 años, del Partido de General Pueyrredón, durante agosto-noviembre de 2013. Se evaluó la ingesta por recordatorio de 24 horas; se georreferenció con el programa gvSIG. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 1296 niños para evaluación antropométrica y socioeconómica. Una sub muestra incluyó 362 niños para parámetros bioquímicos e ingesta. El 42,97% (IC 95%: 40,3-45,7) presentó exceso de peso y el 18,5% (IC 95%: 16,3-20,5), obesidad. Desayunar se relacionó con menor riesgo de exceso de peso (OR: 0,7; IC 95%: 0,5-0,9) y obesidad (OR: 0,7; IC 95%: 0,5-0,9). Concurrir al secundario se asoció a menor prevalencia de exceso de peso (OR: 0,45; IC 95%: 0,3-0,7); el sexo masculino presentó mayor riesgo de obesidad (OR: 1,7; IC 95%: 1,3-2,3). Presentaron anemia 4,44%, hipercolesterolemia 19,6% e hipertrigliceridemia 21,3%. La ingesta de lípidos y grasas saturadas fue alta y de colesterol dietario y fibra, baja. La distribución geográfica fue homogénea. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de exceso de peso fue elevada. El riesgo de obesidad fue mayor en varones; el desayuno surgió como factor protector para sobrepeso/obesidad. La baja ingesta de fibras y elevada de grasas, y los niveles altos de colesterol y triglicéridos en sangre, reflejan que la malnutrición por exceso es un problema de salud pública prevalente.

Genotypes of Common Polymorphisms in the PON1 Gene Associated with Paraoxonase Activity as Cardiovascular Risk Factor.

BACKGROUND: Paraoxonase-1(PON1) exhibits hydrolytic activity and prevents the oxidation of high and low-density lipoproteins. Polymorphisms in the PON1 gene have been associated with variations in paraoxonase activity and with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). AIM OF THE STUDY: This study analyzed the association between the frequencies of genotypes of the L55 M and Q192 R SNPs in the PON1 gene with the PON1 activity and with CAD risk factors. METHODS: Women, determined by body composition, biochemical markers, and arylesterase (AREase) and paraoxonase (CMPase) activities were studied. Genotyping of L55 M and Q192 R polymorphisms was performed by TaqMan. Seventeen studies were used in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: A significant decrease in PON1 activity in carrying the LM/MM and QQ genotypes is identified, correlations are found between the AREase activity with glucose, cholesterol and atherogenic risk index. Carriers of the LM or MM genotype were related with obesity (OR = 1.6; p = 0.039), and the MQ haplotype has an effect on the decrease in AREase (ß = â€’22.4; p <0.001) and CMPase (ß = â€’3.8; p <0.001). In addition, a lower proportion of Native American admixture was observed in women with LM or MM genotype, while it was higher for the European proportion compared with the LL genotype (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The LL-L55 M and QR-Q192 R genotypes are identified as the most frequently in the different states or cities of the country, and genotypic proportions are different, probably depending on the genetic structure of the populations. The association that is reported more frequently in the different studies is with enzymatic activity.

Estado nutricional antropométrico, bioquímico e ingesta alimentaria en niños escolares de 6 a 14 años, General Pueyrredón, Buenos Aires, Argentina / Anthropometric and biochemical assessment of nutritional status and dietary intake in school children aged 6-14 years, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Introducción: La obesidad infantil es una epidemia global. La edad escolar y la adolescencia son etapas cruciales para la implementación de hábitos alimentarios y estilo de vida. Objetivo: Evaluar el estado nutricional, antropométrico, bioquímico e ingesta alimentaria de niños, su relación con factores socioeconómicos y georreferenciación. Métodos: Estudio transversal en escolares de 6 a 14 años, del Partido de General Pueyrredón, durante agosto-noviembre de 2013. Se evaluó la ingesta por recordatorio de 24 horas; se georreferenció con el programa gvSIG. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1296 niños para evaluación antropométrica y socioeconómica. Una sub muestra incluyó 362 niños para parámetros bioquímicos e ingesta. El 42,97% (IC 95%: 40,3-45,7) presentó exceso de peso y el 18,5% (IC 95%: 16,3-20,5), obesidad. Desayunar se relacionó con menor riesgo de exceso de peso (OR: 0,7; IC 95%: 0,5-0,9) y obesidad (OR: 0,7; IC 95%: 0,5-0,9). Concurrir al secundario se asoció a menor prevalencia de exceso de peso (OR: 0,45; IC 95%: 0,3-0,7); el sexo masculino presentó mayor riesgo de obesidad (OR: 1,7; IC 95%: 1,3-2,3). Presentaron anemia 4,44%, hipercolesterolemia 19,6% e hipertrigliceridemia 21,3%. La ingesta de lípidos y grasas saturadas fue alta y de colesterol dietario y fibra, baja. La distribución geográfica fue homogénea. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de exceso de peso fue elevada. El riesgo de obesidad fue mayor en varones; el desayuno surgió como factor protector para sobrepeso/obesidad. La baja ingesta de fibras y elevada de grasas, y los niveles altos de colesterol y triglicéridos en sangre, reflejan que la malnutrición por exceso es un problema de salud pública prevalente.

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a global epidemic. School age and adolescence are critical stages for the implementation of eating and lifestyle habits. Objective: To assess anthropometric and biochemical assessment of nutritional status and dietary intake in children, their relationship with socioeconomic factors and georeferencing. Methods: Cross-sectional study in schoolchildren aged 6-14 years from the District of General Pueyrredon, during August-November 2013. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall interview, and georeferencing was done using the gvSIG software. Results: A total of 1296 children were included for anthropometric and socioeconomic assessment. A sub-sample included 362 children for intake and biochemical parameters. Overweight was observed in42.97% (95% confidence interval --#91;CI--#93;: 40.3-45.7) and obesity, in 18.5% (95% CI: 16.320.5). Breakfast was related to a lower risk for overweight (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9) and obesity (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9). Attending high school was related to a lower prevalence of weight excess (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7); male sex posed a higher risk for obesity (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.3). Also, 4.44% of participants had anemia; 19.6%, hypercholesterolemia; and 21.3%, hypertriglyceridemia. Lipid and saturated fat intake was high, whereas dietary cholesterol and fiber intake was low. Geographic distribution was homogeneous. Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight was high. The risk for obesity was higher among boys; breakfast appeared as a protective factor against overweight/obesity. A low-fiber and high-fat intake, and high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels reveal that overnutrition is a prevalent public health problem.

Estado de salud bucal en pacientes discapacitados del área de salud de Espartaco, municipio Palmira / Oral Health Status of disabled patients. Health Area of Spartacus, Palmira Municipality

Fundamento: las personas discapacitadas presentan condiciones que limitan sus posibilidades para desarrollar la vida cotidiana y por consiguiente requieren de una atención de salud integral; sin embargo se considera que a nivel mundial la mayoría de esta población no recibe atención bucodental acorde a sus requerimientos.Objetivo: determinar el estado de salud bucal en pacientes discapacitados.Métodos: estudio de serie de casos realizado de junio a septiembre de 2015, sobre 88 discapacitados que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se analizó: edad, sexo, nivel de escolaridad, ocupación, clasificación epidemiológica en cuanto a salud bucal, problemas de salud bucal, enfermedades crónicas, factores de riesgo, tratamientos realizados en atención primaria y secundaria. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino sobre el femenino y el grupo de edades de 35 a 59 años; prevalecieron los técnicos medios y los de nivel preuniversitario; el 38, 6 % poseía empleo. Fueron más numerosas las discapacidades mentales. El 72, 2 % padecía de hipertensión arterial. La clasificación epidemiológica del estado de salud bucal mostró que 54, 5 % estaban enfermos; 19, 3 % sanos con riesgo y 26,1 % deficientes discapacitados. Dentro de los factores de riesgo sobresalieron los antecedentes de caries y cepillado incorrecto. En atención primaria predominaron las restauraciones (47,7 % ) y en la atención secundaria la ortodoncia (13,6 %). Conclusiones: la salud bucal en el grupo estudiado fue deficiente, lo que pudiera estar dado porque tanto pacientes como familiares dan más importancia a la condición física como discapacitado que a la salud bucal.

Foundation: Disbale people present conditions which limit their abilties to develop an everyday life and therefore require comprehensive health care; however it is considered that worldwide most of this population does not receive oral care according to their requirements. Objective: To determine status of Oral Health in disabled patients. Methods: A study of case series carried out from june to September 2015, about 88 disabled patients who achieved inclusion criteria. It was analyzed age, sex, scholarship, occupation, epidemiological classification regarding Oral Health, problems of Oral health, chronic diseases, risk factors, recieved treatments in primary and secundary health systems.Results: Male sex prevailed over the female one and age group from 35 to 59 years old; They prevailed technicians and senior high school level;; 38% had an employment. Mental disabilities were more frequent. 72.2% suffered from arterial hypertension. Epidemiological classification of Oral Health State showed that 54.5% were sick.; 19.3% were healthy and 26.1% defficent disabled. Among the risk factors, antecedents of caries and incorrect brushing stood out. In Primary Care restaurations prevailed (47.7%) and in Secondary Health care Orthodontics( 13.6%).Conclusion: There was a deficient oral health in the studied group, which could be given because both patients and relatives give more importance to the physical condition as disabled than to oral health.

Both JNK and apoptosis pathways regulate growth and terminalia rotation during Drosophila genital disc development.

Apoptosis is necessary for the regulation of growth during development, but the precise details of this regulation have not been completely characterized. In this study, we used the Drosophila genital disc as a model to analyze the contribution of apoptosis to growth regulation. We studied the expression or activity of several elements of the apoptotic death pathway such as Drosophila inhibitor of apoptosis1, caspases, the apoptotic genes reaper (rpr) and head involution defective, as well as elements of the Jun-NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. We found that the JNK pathway is active in a dynamic, asymmetric and genitalia-specific manner. Apoptosis, as measured in terms of the expression of a variety of apoptotic molecules, occurs in a JNK-dependent and -independent manner and was detected among engrailed (en) expressing cells. JNK regulation of apoptotic genes is necessary to control growth in both sexes and rotation in males; this regulatory role is necessary to execute en(+) cell death and to activate expression of rpr in these cells. rpr is up-regulated at antero-posterior borders, and this expression appears to be of particular importance in the control of growth, since the balance between cell proliferation and death in those regions appears to depend on the equilibrium between pro- and anti-apoptotic factors at a cellular level.