COVID-19associated exfoliative shock syndrome / Síndrome de shock exfoliativo por covid-19

RESUMEN El síndrome de shock exfoliativo(SSE) asociado a COVID- 19 es una enfermedad recientemente descrita con características superpuestas de síndrome de shock tóxico (SST) y síndrome de la piel escaldada estafilocócica (SSSS, por sus siglas en inglés). Clínicamente se presenta con fiebre, hipotensión y erupción cutánea exfoliativa.Se expone un caso en donde las lesiones cutáneas por COVID-19 precedieron a las manifestaciones respiratorias.

ABSTRACT The exfoliative shock syndrome (ESS) associated with COVID-19 is a recently described disease with overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome(SSSS). Clinically it presents with fever, hypotension, and exfoliative skin rash. A case is presented in which the skin lesions by COVID-19 preceded the respiratory manifestations.

Análisis comparativo del micro-rayado en estrías de proyectiles calibre 7. 65 milímetros y 32 de fabricación Indumil: disparados con revólver Llama Cassidy calibre 32 largo / Comparative analysis of a micro-Grove 7. 65 and 32 millimeter projectile of Indumil manufacture, shot by a Cassidy 32 long Llama revolver / A análise comparativa de micro-aranhões em estrias dos projetils calibre 7. 65 milímetros e 32 da manufatura Indumil: atirados com revólver Llama Cassidy calibre 32 longo

Resumen El perito en balística de la Policía Nacional de Colombia, dentro de sus funciones, realiza el procedimiento de cotejo microscópico de vainillas y proyectiles disparados con armas de fuego, dentro del cual se encuentra el análisis de las características de clase, subclase e identidad a proyectiles cuya constitución no es la misma, como es el caso que se ha evidenciado, donde los cartuchos calibre 7.65 mm (para pistola) son utilizados en los revólveres calibre .32 largo; el objetivo del estudio es efectuar un análisis comparativo del micro-rayado de las estrías entre dichos proyectiles; se utilizó el método de observación científica, con enfoque cuantitativo de tipo comparativo, el cual permitió evidenciar que el nivel de uniprocedencias, al realizar cotejos entre estrías de proyectiles calibre 7.65 mm encamisado y .32 largo en plomo, es muy bajo; este resultado se logró documentar y consolidar en una tabla de datos, que al someterla al sistema estadístico obtuvo la cuantificación, disposición y análisis de las observaciones. Se llegó a la conclusión de que no es viable realizar cotejos microscópicos de proyectiles cuyas constituciones sean diferentes, como es el caso de las balas calibre 7.65 mm (encamisado) y .32 largo (plomo); de esta manera se orientan los procedimientos de los profesionales en balística.

Abstract The expert in ballistics of the National Police of Colombia, among its functions is in charge of performing performs the procedure of microscopic comparison of vanillas and projectiles shot with firearms, within which is the analysis of the class, subclass and identity features of projectiles with a constitution differing from each other like in the case having been demonstrated, where 7.65 mm caliber cartridges (for pistols) are used in .32 long caliber revolvers. The objective of the study is to carry out a comparative analysis between micro-scratching present in these projectiles; the scientific observation method was used with a quantitative approach allowing for demonstrating that the level of uni procedences or uni provenances at the time of making comparisons between out grooves of out comparing among to 7.65 mm jacketed he grooves said projectiles; the scientific observation was used, with a quantitative approach of a comparative type, which showed that the level of uni procedences or uni provenances at the time of carrying out en projectiles caliber 7.65 mm jacketed and .32 long lead, is very low; this result was documented and consolidated in a data table, which when subjected to the statistical system obtained the quantification, disposition and analysis of the observations. It was concluded that it is not feasible to perform microscopic comparisons of projectiles whose constitutions are different, as is the case with bullets caliber 7.65 mm (jacketed) and .32 long (lead); in this way the procedures of ballistics professionals are oriented.

Resumo O perito na balística da Policia Nacional da Colômbia, dentro das suas funções, faz o procedimento de comparação microscópica dos cartuchos e os projéteis disparados com armas de fogo, dentro da qual está a análise das características da classe, subclasse e da identidade aos projéteis cuja constituição não é a mesma, como é o caso que foi demonstrado, onde os cartuchos calibre 7.65 milímetros (para a pistola) são usados nos revólveres calibre .32 longo; o objetivo do estudo é realizar uma análise comparativa dos micro-aranhões das estrias entre estes projéteis; o método usado foi a observação científica, com aproximação quantitativa do tipo comparativo, que permitiu demonstrar que o nível das uni-procedências, quando fazer comparações entre estrias dos projéteis calibre 7.65 milímetros encamisado e .32 longo em chumbo, é muito baixo; este resultado logrou-se documentar e consolidar em uma tabela dos dados, que quando é submetida ao sistema estatístico obteve-se a quantificação, a disposição e a análise das observações. A conclusão foi que não é viável fazer comparações microscópicas dos projéteis cujas constituições são diferentes, como é o caso das balas calibre 7.65 milímetros (encamisado) e .32 longo (chumbo); assim os procedimentos dos profissionais na balística são orientados.

Detection and molecular characterization of chicken astrovirus associated with chicks that have an unusual condition known as "white chicks" in Brazil.

Chicken astrovirus (CAstV) is one of many viruses related to enteric diseases in poultry that are associated with Runting-Stunting Syndrome (RSS), which affects young chickens. CAstV was also recently associated with an unusual condition in chicks called "white chicks." Some hatcheries in certain states of Brazil have reported several incubation problems, mortality, and the presence of chicks with white plumages over the past several months. These chicks were termed locally as "white chicks." The present work investigated 30 chicks with this unusual condition using a multidisciplinary approach. Postmortem examination of each chick showed enlarged livers and intestines that were full of liquid and gas (30/30). The pancreas, kidneys, and spleen were pale (30/30). The other organs did not show any macroscopic alterations. CAstV, chicken parvovirus (ChPV), avian nephritis virus (ANV), avian rotavirus (ARtV), avian reovirus (AReoV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and fowl adenovirus group I (FAdV-1) were tested in the intestines, pancreas, proventriculus, gizzard, liver, spleen, bursa, kidneys, thymus, lung, heart, brain, and yolk sac in each chick. All organs and yolk sacs were positive for CAstV in different titres and negative for the other tested viruses. The partial molecular characterization of the ORF 1b gene of CAstV using 28 sequences revealed a high similarity of the nucleotides and amino acids with sequences of CAstV from North America, Europe, and Asia, and our CAstV sequences clustered into a unique group that was separate from the other sequences. These results demonstrated that CAstV was associated with the white chick condition in Brazil. The virus was distributed in most organs, including the brain and yolk sac. These results suggest that the virus could be transmitted vertically. The molecular characterization also revealed that the CAstV associated with white chick condition was molecularly related to other CAstV sequences found worldwide.

Molecular detection of chicken parvovirus in broilers with enteric disorders presenting curving of duodenal loop, pancreatic atrophy, and mesenteritis.

Enteric disorders are an important cause of economic losses in broiler chickens worldwide. Several agents have been associated with enteric problems, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. In this study, broiler chickens showing signs of enteric disorders were subjected to molecular diagnosis for several viral agents and also for pathological examination for elucidating this problem. Thus, the chickens were screened for avian nephritis virus (ANV), chicken astrovirus (CAstV), avian rotavirus (ArtV), avian reovirus (AReoV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), fowl adenovirus group I (FAdV-1), and chicken parvovirus (ChPV). Postmortem examinations revealed a curving of the duodenal loop (J-like appearance) and intestines filled with liquid and gaseous content. Histopathological analysis of the duodenal loop showed pancreatic atrophy, acute mesenteritis, and enteritis. PCR results showed that ChPV was the sole viral agent detected in samples with lesions such as the curved duodenal loop and pancreatic atrophy. Molecular characterization of the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences revealed a high similarity with other strains of ChPV from Brazil, Canada, United States, Europe, and Asia. These findings suggest an association between ChPV and the development of enteritis, pancreatitis, and pancreatic atrophy, which may lead to curling of the duodenal loop. Together, these alterations may disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system, diminishing digestion and the absorption of dietary nutrients and consequently leading to reduced weight gain, flock impairment, dwarfism, and an elevated feed conversion rate.

A Mayan founder mutation is a common cause of deafness in Guatemala.

Over 5% of the world's population has varying degrees of hearing loss. Mutations in GJB2 are the most common cause of autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNHL) in many populations. The frequency and type of mutations are influenced by ethnicity. Guatemala is a multi-ethnic country with four major populations: Maya, Ladino, Xinca, and Garifuna. To determine the mutation profile of GJB2 in a ARNHL population from Guatemala, we sequenced both exons of GJB2 in 133 unrelated families. A total of six pathogenic variants were detected. The most frequent pathogenic variant is c.131G>A (p.Trp44*) detected in 21 of 266 alleles. We show that c.131G>A is associated with a conserved haplotype in Guatemala suggesting a single founder. The majority of Mayan population lives in the west region of the country from where all c.131G>A carriers originated. Further analysis of genome-wide variation of individuals carrying the c.131G>A mutation compared with those of Native American, European, and African populations shows a close match with the Mayan population.

Survey of Aspergillus section Flavi presence in agricultural soils and effect of glyphosate on nontoxigenic A. flavus growth on soil-based medium.

AIMS: To evaluate the cultivable mycobiota from agricultural soils exposed to pesticides, the aflatoxigenic capacity of Aspergillus section Flavi strains and the effect of glyphosate on lag phase and growth rates of native nontoxigenic Aspergillus flavus under different water potential (MPa) conditions on soil-based medium. METHODS AND RESULTS: Culturable mycobiota analysis from different agricultural soils was performed by the surface spread method. The effect of glyphosate (0-20 mmol l(-1)) on the growth of A. flavus strains was evaluated on a soil extract solid medium. Mycobiota analysis of crop soils showed the presence of twenty-one genera of filamentous fungi. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger aggregate strains were isolated from the three soil types. Ninety-two per cent of A. flavus strains were toxigenic. In vitro assay results showed that at -0·70 MPa, a significant increase in growth rate in all strains was recorded at 5 and 20 mmol l(-1) of glyphosate. At -2·78 MPa, this parameter remained constant at all glyphosate concentrations, except in GM4 strain where an increase in growth rate was recorded with increasing pesticide concentrations. At -7·06 MPa, a significant increase in growth rate has also been observed in GM 3 strain with 5 mmol l(-1) and in GM 4 strain with 10 and 20 mmol l(-1). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the imperfecti fungi Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Trichoderma spp., Cladosporium spp. and Paecilomyces spp. are isolated as prevalent groups in agricultural soil exposed to pesticides, and the capacity of nontoxigenic A. flavus strains to tolerate different glyphosate concentrations under different water potential (MPa) conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This manuscript makes a contribution to the knowledge of cultivable fungal populations from agricultural soils exposed to pesticides and the glyphosate tolerance of A. flavus strains.

Evaluation of the role of angiogenic factors in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is one disease produced by helminths, which affect many people in tropical areas. Granuloma formation is the main mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Experimental studies have demonstrated angiogenesis (blood vessels formation from pre-existing vessels) in the initial phase of granuloma formation. In the present work, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) levels were analyzed in sera from people diagnosed with different helminthic infections. Patients with schistosomiasis and filariasis had significantly high VEGF levels in compared with healthy people and patients diagnosed with hookworms. In addition, the effects of angiogenesis inhibition using anti-angiogenic factors (endostatin) were evaluated in a schistosomiasis murine model. A lesion decrease was observed in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni and treated with endostatin. Finally, mechanisms of angiogenesis induction were studied and observed that cercariae antigens stimulated the angiogenic factors by host alveolar macrophages.

Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in domestic ruminants in Gran Canaria Island, Spain.

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever, a zoonosis with worldwide occurrence. In the Canary Islands, the overall seroprevalence in humans has been estimated to be 21.5%. Gran Canaria island concentrates the highest ruminant population in the archipelago and the prevalence of the human infection is 23.5%. To evaluate the seroprevalence in livestock and the affected areas in Gran Canaria island, a total of 1249 ruminants were randomly selected for this study (733 goats, 369 sheep and 147 cattle). The samples were evaluated using an indirect ELISA Kit. The results showed seroprevalences of 60.4%, 31.7% and 12.2% in goats, sheep and cattle, respectively. Based on these results, Q fever could be considered as endemic in Gran Canaria island. Sanitary measures should be taken at the farm level to minimize the risk of exposure of C. burnetii to humans.

[Antiparasitic drugs. Review of the useful drugs in the treatment of classic and emergent parasitic diseases]. / Antiparasitarios. Revisión de los fármacos útiles en el tratamiento de parasitosis clásicas y emergentes.

INTRODUCTION: In the 10 last years, the increase of international travels and immigration from low income countries to Spain was related with an increased of prevalence of parasitic diseases. SOURCE: Critical review of the literature. STRUCTURE: Firstly, several general considerations were made on the antiparasitic drugs revised in this paper. Chemical structures and mechanisms of action of the main drugs with antiparasitic effect were considered in the second part of the review. Further, antiparasitic spectrum of selected drugs, main pharmacokinetical characteristics, usual posology, possible side effects and contraindications were detailed. Finally, some practical aspects, such as interactions and the methods for practical obtention of these drugs are indicated. This information is relevant because in Spain many anti-parasitic drugs may be obtained using non conventional methods. CONCLUSION: In Spain, the increase of parasitic diseases necessitates an update on antiparasitics drugs for their treatment.

A framework for in vivo quantification of regional brain folding in premature neonates.

This paper describes and compares novel approaches to in vivo 3D measurement of brain surface folding in clinically acquired neonatal MR image data, which allows regional folding evaluation. Most of the current measures of folding are not independent of the area of the surface they are derived from. Therefore, applying them to whole-brain surfaces or subregions of different sizes results in differences which may or may not reflect true differences in folding. We address this problem by proposing new measures to quantify gyrification and two approaches to normalize previously defined measures. The method was applied to twelve premature infants (age 28-37 weeks) from which cerebrospinal fluid/gray matter and gray matter/white matter interface surfaces were extracted. Experimental results show that previous folding measures are sensitive to the area of the surface of analysis and that the area-independent measures proposed here provide significant improvements. Such a system provides a tool that facilitates the study of structural development in the neonatal brain within specific functional subregions, which may be critical in identifying later neurological impairment.

A new PCR-based approach for the specific amplification of DNA from different Schistosoma species applicable to human urine samples.

Currently available methods for the diagnosis of human schistosomiasis often lack enough sensitivity and specificity. Recently, several authors have developed more specific and sensitive diagnostic methods, mainly based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Nevertheless, these have been only applied for the diagnosis of 1 out of 4 Schistosoma species affecting man (S. mansoni). Additionally, application of specific PCR has been exclusively used for blood or faecal patients' samples. Here, we develop a new, high sensitive PCR approach that allows the genus- and species-specific amplification of the main 4 Schistosoma species causing disease in man plus S. bovis. We further successfully apply this technique for the detection of parasite DNA in easy-to-handle urine samples from patients with schistosomiasis. With these samples, we have found 94.4% sensitivity and 99.9% specificity when applying a genus-specific (Schistosoma spp.) primer pair, and 100% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity in a species-specific (S. mansoni) PCR.

Environmental health assessment of deltamethrin in a malarious area of Mexico: environmental persistence, toxicokinetics, and genotoxicity in exposed children.

We reported previously that children are exposed to deltamethrin in malarious areas. In the present work we explored the levels of this insecticide in soil samples and also obtained relevant toxicokinetic data of deltamethrin in exposed children. Results show that, after spraying, indoor levels of deltamethrin in soil samples were higher than outdoor levels. The mean half-life estimated with these data was 15.5 days for outdoor samples and 15.4 days for indoor samples. Children's exposure to deltamethrin was assessed using as biomarkers the urinary concentrations of the metabolites 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) and cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (Br2CA). The mean level of both biomarkers reached a peak within the first 24 hr postexposure; 6 months after the initial exposure, urinary levels of 3-PBA and Br2CA were found at levels observed before exposure. Approximately 91% of the total 3-PBA or Br2CA was excreted during the first 3 days after exposure. Therefore, we estimated a half-life for this period, the values for 3-PBA and Br2CA being almost identical (13.5 vs. 14.5 hr). Finally, considering reports about the genotoxicity of deltamethrin, we assessed DNA damage in children before and 24 hr after indoor spraying of deltamethrin; we found no differences in the comet assay end points. In conclusion, we observed exposure to deltamethrin in children, but we did not find any relationship between soil concentrations of deltamethrin and urinary levels of the metabolites. At least for genotoxicity, the exposed children appeared not to be at risk.

A novel approach to high resolution fetal brain MR imaging.

This paper describes a novel approach to forming high resolution MR images of the human fetal brain. It addresses the key problem of motion of the fetus by proposing a registration refined compounding of multiple sets of orthogonal fast 2D MRI slices, that are currently acquired for clinical studies, into a single high resolution MRI volume. A robust multi-resolution slice alignment is applied iteratively to the data to correct motion of the fetus that occurs between 2D acquisitions. This is combined with an intensity correction step and a super resolution reconstruction step, to form a single high isotropic resolution volume of the fetal brain. Experimental validation on synthetic image data with known motion types and underlying anatomy, together with retrospective application to sets of clinical acquisitions are included. Results indicate the method promises a unique route to acquiring high resolution MRI of the fetal brain in vivo allowing comparable quality to that of neonatal MRI. Such data is highly valuable in allowing a clinically applicable window into the process of normal and abnormal brain development.

Utility of Schistosoma bovis adult worm antigens for diagnosis of human schistosomiasis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and electroimmunotransfer blot techniques.

Immunodiagnostic methods based on the detection of antibodies continue to be the most effective and practical methods for the diagnosis of imported schistosomiasis. Schistosoma bovis is a species whose final natural hosts are bovines, ovines, caprines, and small wild ruminants. Different studies have demonstrated the analogies existing between S. bovis and other Schistosoma species which affect humans. The objective of this work was to evaluate the utility of S. bovis adult worm antigens (AWA) for the diagnosis of imported human schistosomiasis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and electroimmunotransfer blotting (EITB) techniques. By detecting eggs, the ELISA for S. bovis AWA was able to definitively detect imported cases with a sensitivity of 94%. The specificity of the ELISA for S. bovis AWA was 97%. There were no differences between the results of the S. bovis AWA ELISA for patients infected with Schistosoma mansoni and those infected with Schistosoma haematobium. The EITB technique showed bands of 85, 37, and 20 kDa, which are characteristic of infections with Schistosoma spp. Specific bands to indicate infection by different species of Schistosoma have not been detected. The combined use of the ELISA for S. bovis AWA and EITB increased the global sensitivity of the study to 97%. Our findings suggest that the ELISA for S. bovis AWA is a useful test for the immunodiagnosis of imported schistosomiasis and that EITB for detecting S. bovis AWA permits the confirmation of diagnosis when the ELISA for S. bovis AWA is positive.

[Eoshinophilia: a practical approach]. / Manejo práctico de una eosinofilia.

In this first part of this paper we review the definition of eosinophilia and their classification according to the degree of elevation of eosinophils/microL. Aetiological factors related with eosinophilia were described in three groups of patients: a). autochthonous non-infected by HIV; b). HIV-infected; and c). arrived from tropical countries (imported eosinophilia). We included an algorithmic approach to the diagnosis, including the diagnostic studies that should be performed in patients with or without organ involvement. Pathological consequences of eosinophilia are indicated in the next part of the paper. Finally, therapeutical options used in patients with eosinophilia are reviewed, with an special emphasis on antihelminthic therapies and the management of the hypereosinophilic syndromes.

A homogeneous method to measure aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase aminoacylation activity using scintillation proximity assay technology.

A new method to measure the aminoacylation of tRNA based upon the use of the scintillation proximity assay (SPA) technology has been developed. The assay detects incorporation of radiolabeled amino acids into cognate tRNA, catalyzed by a specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS). Under acidic conditions, uncoated yttrium silicate SPA beads were found to bind tRNA aggregates, while the radiolabeled amino acid substrate remains in solution, resulting in good signal discrimination of these two species in the absence of any separation steps. The usefulness of this approach was demonstrated by measurement of steady-state kinetic constants and inhibitor binding constants for a range of aaRS enzymes in comparison with data from standard, trichloroacetic acid-precipitation-based assays. In all cases, the data were quantitatively comparable. Although the radioisotopic counting efficiency of the SPA method was less than that of standard liquid scintillation counting, the statistical performance (i.e., signal to background, variability, stability) of the SPA assays was at least equivalent to the separation-based methods. The assay was also shown to work well in miniaturized 384-well microtiter plate formats, resulting in considerable reagent savings. In summary, a new method to characterize aaRS activity is described that is faster and more amenable to high-throughput screening than traditional methods.