Involving citizen scientists in monitoring arthropod vectors of human and zoonotic diseases: The case of Mosquito Alert in Italy.

Citizen science has been particularly effective in gathering reliable, timely, large-scale data on the presence and distributions of animal species, including mosquito vectors of human and zoonotic pathogens. This involves the participation of citizen scientists in research projects, with success strongly dependent on the capacity to disseminate project information and engage citizen scientists to contribute their time. Mosquito Alert is a citizen science that aids in the system surveillances of vector mosquitoes. It involves citizen scientists providing expert-validated photos of targeted mosquitoes, along with records of bites and breeding sites. Since 2020 the system has been disseminated throughout Europe. This article uses models to analyze the effect of promotion activities carried out by the Mosquito Alert ITALIA team from October 2020 to December 2022 on the number of citizen scientists recruited and engaged in the project, and their performance in mosquito identification. Results show a high level of citizen scientist recruitment (N > 18.000; 37 % of overall European participants). This was achieved mostly through articles generated by ad hoc press releases detailing the app's goals and functioning. Press releases were more effective when carried out at the beginning and end of the mosquito season and when mosquito's public health significance was emphasized. Despite the high number of records received (N > 20.000), only 30 % of registered participants sent records, and the probability of a participant sending a record dropped off quickly over time after first registering. Among participants who contributed, ∼50 % sent 1 record, ∼30 % ≥3 and 4 % >10 records. Participants showed good capacity to identify mosquitoes and improve identification skills with app usage. The results will be valuable for anyone interested in evaluating citizen science, as participation and engagement are seldom quantitatively assessed. Our results are also useful for designing dissemination and education strategies in citizen science projects associated with arthropod vector monitoring.

Modifications of the readiness assessment for pragmatic trials tool for appropriate use with Indigenous populations.

BACKGROUND: Inequities in health access and outcomes exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Embedded pragmatic randomized, controlled trials (ePCTs) can test the real-world effectiveness of health care interventions. Assessing readiness for ePCT, with tools such as the Readiness Assessment for Pragmatic Trials (RAPT) model, is an important component. Although equity must be explicitly incorporated in the design, testing, and widespread implementation of any health care intervention to achieve equity, RAPT does not explicitly consider equity. This study aimed to identify adaptions necessary for the application of the 'Readiness Assessment for Pragmatic Trials' (RAPT) tool in embedded pragmatic randomized, controlled trials (ePCTs) with Indigenous communities. METHODS: We surveyed and interviewed participants (researchers with experience in research involving Indigenous communities) over three phases (July-December 2022) in this mixed-methods study to explore the appropriateness and recommended adaptions of current RAPT domains and to identify new domains that would be appropriate to include. We thematically analyzed responses and used an iterative process to modify RAPT. RESULTS: The 21 participants identified that RAPT needed to be modified to strengthen readiness assessment in Indigenous research. In addition, five new domains were proposed to support Indigenous communities' power within the research processes: Indigenous Data Sovereignty; Acceptability - Indigenous Communities; Risk of Research; Research Team Experience; Established Partnership). We propose a modified tool, RAPT-Indigenous (RAPT-I) for use in research with Indigenous communities to increase the robustness and cultural appropriateness of readiness assessment for ePCT. In addition to producing a tool for use, it outlines a methodological approach to adopting research tools for use in and with Indigenous communities by drawing on the experience of researchers who are part of, and/or working with, Indigenous communities to undertake interventional research, as well as those with expertise in health equity, implementation science, and public health. CONCLUSION: RAPT-I has the potential to provide a useful framework for readiness assessment prior to ePCT in Indigenous communities. RAPT-I also has potential use by bodies charged with critically reviewing proposed pragmatic research including funding and ethics review boards.

Broad immunogenicity to prior SARS-CoV-2 strains and JN.1 variant elicited by XBB.1.5 vaccination in nursing home residents.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has reduced hospitalization and mortality for nursing home residents (NHRs). However, emerging variants coupled with waning immunity, immunosenescence, and variability of vaccine efficacy undermine vaccine effectiveness. We therefore need to update our understanding of the immunogenicity of the most recent XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine to variant strains among NHRs. Methods: The current study focuses on a subset of participants from a longitudinal study of consented NHRs and HCWs who have received serial blood draws to assess immunogenicity with each SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine dose. We report data on participants who received the XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine after FDA approval in Fall 2023. NHRs were classified based on whether they had an interval SARS-CoV-2 infection between their first bivalent vaccine dose and their XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccination. Results: The sample included 61 NHRs [median age 76 (IQR 68-86), 51% female] and 28 HCWs [median age 45 (IQR 31-58), 46% female). Following XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccination, there was a robust geometric mean fold rise (GMFR) in XBB.1.5-specific neutralizing antibody titers of 17.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.3, 32.4) and 11.3 (95% CI 5, 25.4) in NHRs with and without interval infection, respectively. The GMFR in HCWs was 13.6 (95% CI 8.4,22). Similarly, we noted a robust GMFR in JN.1-specific neutralizing antibody titers of 14.9 (95% CI 7.9, 28) and 6.5 (95% CI 3.3, 13.1) among NHRs with and without interval infection, and a GMFR of 11.4 (95% CI 6.2, 20.9) in HCWs. NHRs with interval SARS-CoV-2 infection had higher neutralizing antibody titers across all analyzed strains following XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccination, compared to NHRs without interval infection. Conclusion: The XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine significantly elevates Omicron-specific neutralizing antibody titers to XBB.1.5 and JN.1 strains in both NHRs and HCWs. This response was more pronounced in individuals known to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 since bivalent vaccination. Impact Statement: All authors certify that this work entitled " Broad immunogenicity to prior strains and JN.1 variant elicited by XBB.1.5 vaccination in nursing home residents " is novel. It shows that the XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine significantly elevates Omicron-specific neutralizing antibody titers in both nursing home residents and healthcare workers to XBB and BA.28.6/JN.1 strains. This work is important since JN.1 increased from less than 0.1% to 94% of COVID-19 cases from October 2023 to February 2024 in the US. This information is timely given the CDC's latest recommendation that adults age 65 and older receive a Spring 2024 XBB booster. Since the XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine produces compelling immunogenicity to the most prevalent circulating JN.1 strain in nursing home residents, our findings add important support and rationale to encourage vaccine uptake. Key Points: Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants together with waning immunity, immunosenescence, and variable vaccine efficacy reduce SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness in nursing home residents.XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccination elicited robust response in both XBB.1.5 and JN.1 neutralizing antibodies in nursing home residents and healthcare workers, although the absolute titers to JN.1 were less than titers to XBB.1.5Why does this paper matter? Among nursing home residents, the XBB.1.5 monovalent SARS-CoV-2 vaccine produces compelling immunogenicity to the JN.1 strain, which represents 94% of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S. as of February 2024.

Ready or Not: A Conceptual Model of Organizational Readiness for Embedded Pragmatic Dementia Research.

The National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Implementation Milestones emphasize the need for implementation research that maximizes up-take and scale-up of evidence-based dementia care practices across settings, diverse populations, and disease trajectories. Organizational readiness for implementation is a salient consideration when planning and conducting embedded pragmatic trials, in which interventions are implemented by provider staff. The current article examines the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of organizational readiness for implementation and the operationalization of this construct. We offer a preliminary conceptual model for explicating and measuring organizational readiness and describe the unique characteristics and demands of implementing evidence-based interventions targeting persons with dementia and/or their care partners. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(3), 149-160.].

Deep-learning model for background parenchymal enhancement classification in contrast-enhanced mammography.

Background.Breast background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) is correlated with the risk of breast cancer. BPE level is currently assessed by radiologists in contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) using 4 classes: minimal, mild, moderate and marked, as described inbreast imaging reporting and data system(BI-RADS). However, BPE classification remains subject to intra- and inter-reader variability. Fully automated methods to assess BPE level have already been developed in breast contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) and have been shown to provide accurate and repeatable BPE level classification. However, to our knowledge, no BPE level classification tool is available in the literature for CEM.Materials and methods.A BPE level classification tool based on deep learning has been trained and optimized on 7012 CEM image pairs (low-energy and recombined images) and evaluated on a dataset of 1013 image pairs. The impact of image resolution, backbone architecture and loss function were analyzed, as well as the influence of lesion presence and type on BPE assessment. The evaluation of the model performance was conducted using different metrics including 4-class balanced accuracy and mean absolute error. The results of the optimized model for a binary classification: minimal/mild versus moderate/marked, were also investigated.Results.The optimized model achieved a 4-class balanced accuracy of 71.5% (95% CI: 71.2-71.9) with 98.8% of classification errors between adjacent classes. For binary classification, the accuracy reached 93.0%. A slight decrease in model accuracy is observed in the presence of lesions, but it is not statistically significant, suggesting that our model is robust to the presence of lesions in the image for a classification task. Visual assessment also confirms that the model is more affected by non-mass enhancements than by mass-like enhancements.Conclusion.The proposed BPE classification tool for CEM achieves similar results than what is published in the literature for CE-MRI.

Protein interactors of Spindle Pole Body (SPB) components and septal proteins in fungus Neurospora crassa: A mass spectrometry-based dataset.

Microtubule Organizing Centers (MTOC) are subcellular structures in eukaryotic cells where nucleation of microtubules (MTs) takes place and represents the filament's minus end. Their localization depends on the species, cell type, and cell cycle stage. Along the fungal kingdom, the Spindle Pole Body (SPB) in the nucleus (an equivalent to Centrosomes in animal cells) is the principal MTOC. Other MTOCs have been identified in filamentous fungi, such as the Spitzenkörper in the hyphal tips of Schizosaccharomyces pombe or the septal pore of Aspergillus nidulans. However, in the fungal-model organism Neurospora crassa, these alternative MTOCs have not been recognized. Here, we present a Mass spectrometry-based dataset of proteins interacting with four MTOC components of N. crassa tagged with fluorescent proteins: γ-Tubulin-sGFP (main nucleator at the SPB), MZT-1-sGFP (structural SPB microprotein), APS-2-dRFP (septal protein and recognized SPB component), and SPA-10-sGFP (septal MTOC protein). A WT and a cytosolic GFP expressing strain were included as controls. The protein interactors were pulled down by Co-IP1, using GFP-Magnetic agarose that captures recombinant GFP proteins (including GFP-derivatives) in their native state. Bounded proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and identified by nano LC-MS/MS2. The protein annotation was done using the N. crassa protein database.

Factores relacionados a candidiasis oral en niños y adolescentes con VIH, caracterización de especies y susceptibilidad antifúngica / Factors related to oral candidiasis in HIV children and adolescents, species characterization and antifungal susceptibility

Resumen Introducción: Se desconocen los factores asociados a la candidiasis oral en población pediátrica con infección por VIH de los países en desarrollo. Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la colonización por Candida, candidiasis oral y la susceptibilidad in vitro a antifúngicos, en niños y adolescentes con infección por VIH institucionalizados en la ciudad de Tijuana, México. Materiales y Métodos: Se examinó la cavidad oral de 30 niños y adolescentes con infección por VIH, se obtuvo una muestra de la mucosa oral para identificar las especies de Candida mediante cultivo y auxonograma. La susceptibilidad a los antifúngicos se determinó de acuerdo al CLSI. Los indicadores del estado inmunológico y falla virológica se clasificaron conforme a la OMS. Resultados: Se identificaron seis especies de Candida, 53% colonizantes y 47% causantes de candidiasis. Los factores asociados a candidiasis fueron alta carga viral (p = 0,001), menor recuento de LTCD4+ (p = 0,002) y esquema TARAA (p ≤ 0,014). La especie prevalente fue C. glabrata (33%); sin embargo, C. albicans (27%) fue más resistente a fluconazol (p = 0,001). Las especies resistentes a itraconazol se identificaron en esquemas que incluyen un INNTR (p = 0,041). Conclusiones: Los niños y adolescentes con infección por VIH institucionalizados mostraron una prevalencia elevada de Candida spp. colonizante y resistencia a los antifúngicos relacionada con los INNTR .

Background: Factors associated with candidiasis and colonization in HIV-positive children and adolescents in developing countries are not well understood. Aim: To identify the factors associated with oral Candida colonization and candidiasis in institutionalized HIV-positive children and adolescents in Tijuana, México, as well as the response of the isolates to antifungals. Materials and Methods: Sample of the oral mucosa of 30 HIV positive children and adolescents were obtained to isolate and identify Candida species by culture and metabolic profile. Antifungal drugs susceptibility was determined according to CLSI. Indicators of immunological and virologic failure were classified in accordance to WHO criteria. Results: Six Candida species were identified from oral mucosa, 53% colonizers and 47% in candidiasis. Factors associated with candidiasis and oral colonization were viral load (p = 0,001), CD4+ counts (p = 0,002) and HAART regimen (p ≤ 0,014). The most prevalent species was C. glabrata (33%), but C. albicans (27%) was more resistant to fluconazole (p = 0,001). Itraconazol resistant species were identified in regimens that include an NNRTI (p = 0,041). Conclusion: HIV-positive children and adolescents living in an orphanage showed high prevalence of colonizing Candida spp. and resistance to antifungals, related to NNRTI.

Diagnóstico ecográfico prenatal y resultados neonatales de la malformación adenomatoidea quística pulmonar / Antenatal ultrasound diagnosis and neonatal results of the congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung

INTRODUCCIÓN: La malformación adenomatoidea quística (MAQ) es una patología congénita del pulmón poco frecuente y su diagnóstico prenatal es factible en la mayoría de los casos. Existen discrepancias en cuanto al manejo prenatal y tratamiento postparto. OBJETIVO: Analizar una serie de casos de MAQ diagnosticados prenatalmente, evaluando los hallazgos ecográficos y la evolución fetal y post natal. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de todos los casos diagnosticados prenatalmente por ecografìa entre 2005 y 2016 en dos hospitales de referencia. Los exámenes de ultrasonido fueron realizados utilizando ecógrafos de alta resolución, Toshiba Xario y Voluson 730 Expert Pro, con seguimiento desde el diagnóstico hasta el parto. Las variables analizadas incluyeron la edad gestacional en el momento del diagnóstico, las características de la lesión pulmonar, las malformaciones asocia das, el estudio citogenético, la evolución del embarazo, el tipo de parto, presencia de distrés respira torio, necesidad de pruebas de imagen complementarias, evolución clínica pediátrica y tratamientos postnatales necesarios. Se consideró resolución la desaparición total de la lesión ecográfica prenatal o que la radiografía torácica postnatal no mostrara lesión alguna. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron pre natalmente 17 casos. La evolución varía desde la resolución prenatal de la lesión hasta la persistencia de la misma tras el nacimiento. Tres pacientes decidieron abortar voluntariamente por hallazgos ecográficos de mal pronóstico. De los catorce casos restantes no hubo ningún caso de muerte fetal ni neonatal, un caso requirió cirugía tras el nacimiento y cuatro pacientes presentaron sintomatología leve durante el primer año de vida. Se ha reportado un caso de falso negativo con muerte neonatal, que la necropsia informó como MAQ tipo 0. CONCLUSIONES: Esta malformación pulmonar presenta buen pronóstico, excluyendo los casos con hidrops fetal. La ecografía bidimensional suele ser suficiente para el diagnóstico y el seguimiento. La tomografía computarizada es la técnica de elección para confirmar la resolución de las lesiones tras el nacimiento. El tratamiento quirúrgico es preferible sobre el manejo conservador, aunque se desconoce si las complicaciones potenciales de esta patología, aun siendo asintomática, justifican la morbilidad quirúrgica.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare congenital lung di sease, and in the most of cases, prenatal diagnosis is feasible. There are discrepancies regarding pre natal management and postpartum treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze prenatally diagnosed CCAM in our hospitals, in order to evaluate ultrasound findings with fetal and postnatal evolution. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective study of all cases diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound between 2005 and 2016 in two reference hospitals. The ultrasounds were performed using high-resolution ultrasound scanners, Toshiba Xario and Voluson 730 Expert Pro, with follow-up from diagnosis to delivery. The variables analyzed included gestational age at diagnosis, the characteristics of the lung lesion, associated malformations, cytogenetic study, the evolution of pregnancy, type of delivery, presence of respiratory distress, need for complementary imaging tests, pediatric clinical course, and necessary postnatal treatments. It was considered a resolution the total disappearance of the lesion in the pre natal ultrasound or that the postnatal chest X-ray showed no lesion. RESULTS: 17 cases were prenatally diagnosed. The evolution ranges from the prenatal resolution of the lesion to the persistence after bir th. Three patients voluntarily decided to have an abortion due to ultrasound findings of poor progno sis. Of the fourteen remaining cases there were no cases of fetal or neonatal deaths, one case required surgery after birth and four patients had mild symptoms during the first year of life. One case of false negative with neonatal death has been reported which necropsy reported as CCAM type 0. CONCLUSIONS: This pulmonary malformation presents good prognosis, excluding cases with fetal hydrops. Two-dimensional ultrasound is usually enough for diagnosis and follow-up. Computed tomography is the technique of choice to confirm the resolution of lesions after birth. Surgical treatment is pre ferable over conservative management, although it is unknown if the potential complications of this disease, even when asymptomatic, justify surgical morbidity.

Evolución y aspectos ecográficos del desprendimiento crónico de placenta / Evolution and ultrasound aspects of chronic placental abruption

El desprendimiento crónico de placenta se caracteriza por la aparición de un sangrado venoso crónico intra o retroplacentario que produce la separación paulatina de la misma. Es poco frecuente y se puede presentar en pacientes sin factores de riesgo. La imagen ecográfica plantea diagnóstico diferencial con la corioamnionitis. El pronóstico fetal es malo especialmente si se asocia con oligoamnios. Se presentan cuatro casos caracterizados por imagen ecográfica característica, retraso del crecimiento fetal, alteración del Doppler, y confirmación anatomopatológica.

Chronic placental abruption is due to intra or retroplacental insidious bleeding that causes progressive separation from the uterine wall. It is a rare condition and can occur in low risk patients. Chronic abruption imaging poses differential diagnosis with infectious TORCH chorioamnionitis. Fetal prognosis is ominous especially in the presence of oligohydramnios. We present four cases with a common ultrasound appearance, fetal growth restriction, Doppler abnormalities and pathological confirmation.

Marcadores séricos del primer trimestre y riesgo obstétrico en una población con alta prevalencia de obesidad / First-trimester serum markers and obstetric risk in a population with a high prevalence of obesity

Objetivo: La detección precoz del riesgo de complicaciones de la gestación como preeclampsia, parto pretérmino, y aborto, permitiría evitar morbimortalidad y secuelas. Hemos estudiado la relación entre niveles bajos de PAPP-A y BhCG con malos resultados obstétricos en una población con alta prevalencia de obesidad. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte de pacientes que acudieron para tamizaje de aneuploidías el I trimestre. Los casos fueron las pacientes con MoM PAPPA y/o BhCG por debajo del percentil 5 y el grupo control una muestra aleatorizada de pacientes con marcadores normales. Se ajustó por obesidad, edad, paridad, tabaquismo, y técnicas de reproducción. Resultados: La cohorte estuvo formada por 9111 pacientes. Se obtuvieron 382 casos con MoM PAPP-A inferior al percentil 5 y 325 con MoM BhCG por debajo del percentil 5, y 50 casos con ambos marcadores por debajo del percentil 5. Se tomaron 1417 controles. La prevalencia de obesidad fue del 20,7% y de sobrepeso el 28,4%. Los niveles bajos de PAPP-A se relacionaron con abortos, preeclampsia, crecimiento intrauterino retardado, pequeños para la edad gestacional, parto pretérmino y diabetes gestacional. Los niveles de BhCG por debajo del percentil 5 se relacionaron con la enfermedad hipertensiva gestacional. Los niveles de ambos marcadores por debajo del percentil 5 tuvieron relación significativa con aborto, preeclampsia precoz y parto pretérmino. Conclusión: Los niveles bajos de PAPP-A y BhCG se relacionan con malos resultados obstétricos en una población de alta prevalencia de obesidad.

Background: Early identification of pregnant women at risk of developing intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, preterm birth, stillbirth, among other complications would allow more intensive surveillance to reduce the risk of severe disease. We aimed to study whether low levels of maternal serum markers PAPP-A and BHCG are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in an obese population. Methods: Cases were obtained from a cohort of 9111 patients who attended first trimester screening. We included women with PAPP-A and/or BHCG below the 5th percentile. A randomized group of women with serum markers above the 5th percentile was used as control group. Results were adjusted for age, parity, smoking status, BMI or reproductive techniques. Results: Prevalence of obesity was 20,7%. We found 382 women with PAPP-A below the 5th percentile, 325 with BHCG below the 5th percentile, 50 with both markers low, and recruited 1417 controls. The cases with low PAPP-A were significantly more likely to experience abortion, preeclampsia, low birth weight, preterm birth, or gestational diabetes. Low BHCG was significantly associated with gestational hypertension. Low BHCG and PAPP-A in the same patient correlated with abortion, early preeclampsia and preterm birth. Conclusions: Low levels of maternal serum markers correlate with adverse pregnancy outcomes in an obese population. We recommend to develop further calculators of obstetric risk to improve positive predictive value and to establish a maternal-fetal surveillance plan.

Molecular characterization of neuropathogenic Equine Herpesvirus 1 Brazilian isolates / Caracterização molecular de isolados brasileiros de herpesvírus equino 1

Este trabalho descreve a caracterização molecular de oito amostras de herpesvírus equino 1 isoladas do sistema nervoso central de equinos que morreram com sinais neurológicos no estado de Minas Gerais. As amostras de EHV-1 foram isoladas em cultivo celular, e a caracterização molecular foi feita por genotipagem e identificação do marcador neuropatogênico por meio das técnicas de PCR, restrição enzimática e sequenciamento. A caracterização molecular desses isolados pode ser a base para o desenvolvimento de novas formulações vacinais com maior eficácia para a prevenção de doença neurológica causada pelo EHV-1.(AU)

Diagnóstico etiológico de enfermidades do sistema nervoso central de equinos no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Etiologic diagnosis of diseases of the central nervous system of horses in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

O Brasil possui o quarto maior rebanho equino do mundo, e o Estado de Minas Gerais detém o maior número de equinos do país. Portanto, um diagnóstico preciso das doenças neurológicas dos equinos é prioridade no estado. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, utilizando a Reação em Cadeia pela Polimerase (PCR), os agentes infecciosos responsáveis por enfermidades que afetam o sistema nervoso central (SNC) de equinos. De janeiro de 2009 a janeiro de 2011, foi realizado um levantamento dos casos de encefalites e encefalomielites em equinos no Estado de Minas Gerais, utilizando-se amostras de SNC de equinos que morreram com sinais neurológicos. Das 217 amostras de SNC, 47 (21,7%) foram positivas para o vírus da raiva pelo método de imunofluorescência indireta e inoculação em camundongos. Nas 170 amostras negativas para o vírus da raiva, o herpes-vírus equino-1 (EHV-1) foi diagnosticado em 20 (11,8%) e o herpes-vírus suíno-1 (SHV-1), em uma amostra por meio de PCR, e o vírus encefalite de Saint Louis (SLEV), em outra amostra, através de transcrição reversa (RT) e PCR (RT-PCR). Constatou-se que o vírus da raiva é o principal agente causador de encefalite em equinos, apesar do crescente número de casos de encefalomielite associados ao EHV-1 no Estado de Minas Gerais.(AU)

Brazil has the fourth largest equine herd in the world and the State of Minas Gerais has the largest equine population in the country. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis of cases of neurologic diseases is a priority in Minas Gerais. The aim of this study was to identify by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) infectious agents associated with neurological disease in the central nervous system (CNS) of horses. A survey of encephalitis and encephalomyelitis in horses in Minas Gerais State was performed on samples of CNS from horses that died with neurological signs from January 2009 to January 2011. Forty seven CNS samples from 217 (21.7%) horses were positive for rabies virus by the indirect immunofluorescence assay and mouse inoculation. Among the 170 samples that were negative for rabies, EHV-1 was detected in 20 (11.8%) and the swine herpesvirus-1 (SHV-1) was detected in one sample by PCR, and the Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) was identified in another sample by reverse transcription (RT) and PCR (RT-PCR). Rabies virus is the most common causative agent of encephalitis in horses, despite the increasing number of cases of encephalitis associated with EHV-1 in the State of Minas Gerais.(AU)

Resultados perinatales en fetos con flujo umbilical diastólico ausente / Perinatal outcome in fetuses with absent end diastolic umbilical flow

Objetivo: Estudiar los resultados perinatales de fetos diagnosticados con flujo umbilical ausente en diástole en el Hospital Universitario de Canarias, España. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de gestantes con Doppler fetal umbilical con flujo diastólico ausente entre 2004 y 2011, excluyendo embarazos gemelares. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad y enfermedades maternas, edad gestacional al diagnóstico y parto, vía de parto, Apgar y estado del recién nacido. Resultados: Se recogieron 57 casos. Hubo un 43 por ciento de gestantes hipertensas y 19 por ciento de diabéticas. La edad gestacional media al diagnóstico fue de 30+4 semanas. En el 89% de los casos se observó redistribución del flujo y en el 21 por ciento el Doppler umbilical fue reverso. El 28 por ciento se acompañó de oligoamnios y en el 26 por ciento el peso fetal estimado inferior al percentil 3. Hubo 3 muertes fetales. En el 80 por ciento de los casos la vía de parto fue por cesárea. La supervivencia fue del 83 por ciento con una tasa de mortalidad perinatal del 17 por ciento. En el seguimiento entre 1 y 6 años encontramos un 35 por ciento de niños sin secuelas. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, el Doppler con flujo umbilical ausente en diástole se relaciona con alto riesgo de morbimortalidad perinatal. El 65 por ciento de los niños tendrán secuelas de algún tipo en el seguimiento entre 1 a 6 años. El momento óptimo para la extracción fetal debe ser individualizado y resuelto junto con el consejo pediátrico y participación de los padres.

Objective: To determine the perinatal outcome in fetal growth restriction were umbilical artery Doppler end diastolic flow was absent. Methods: A retrospective study performed at the Canary Islands University Hospital. All consecutive cases between 2004 and 2011 were included. We excluded twin pregnancies. Data was abstracted for maternal age, gestational age at diagnosis and delivery, mode of delivery, Apgar and perinatal adverse outcomes. Results: Fifty seven patients were included. Forty three percent had a pregnancy complicated by hypertension and 19 percent diabetes. Mean gestational age at diagnosis was 30+4 weeks. We found 89 percent and 21 percent absent umbilical artery end diastolic flow and reverse flow respectively. Oligohydramnios was seen in 28 percent of the cases. Fetal weight was below the third percentile in 26 percent of the cases. Fetal demise occurred in 3 cases. Mode of delivery was cesarean section in 80 percent of the cases. We found a rate of 17 percent perinatal mortality. At 1 to 6 years follow up 35 percent of the children had no sequelae. Conclusion: Absent end diastolic umbilical flow is associated with a high risk of perinatal mortality. Up to 65 percent of the children will show some type of sequelae. The optimal gestational date for fetal extraction should be individualized after multidisciplinary counseling.

Detección ecográfica y pronóstico de la ventriculomegalia fetal / Ultrasound detection and prognosis of fetal ventriculomegaly

Antecedentes: La ventriculomegalia fetal es un signo ecográfico muy sensible para las alteraciones del sistema nervioso central fetal. La morbilidad asociada a la misma depende principalmente de la etiología y de la presencia de otras malformaciones asociadas. Si es aislada y no progresiva se puede preveer un resultado posnatal favorable hasta en el 70 por ciento de los casos aunque hay una gran disparidad de cifras entre distintos centros y autores. Objetivo: Establecer la relación entre ventriculomegalia y pronóstico perinatal. Método: Se han revisado 60 casos diagnosticados mediante ecografía prenatal en el Hospital Universitario de Canarias siguiendo los criterios ecográficos de ventriculomegalia (astas posteriores mayores de 10 mm). Se realizaron cariotipos y serología materna y en líquido amniótico para completar el estudio. Resultados: Hubo un total de 23 interrupciones voluntarias de la gestación y 28 recién nacidos sin secuelas (47 por ciento). Un 70 por ciento de las ventriculomegalias aisladas correspondieron a recién nacidos sin secuelas. El 10 por ciento de las ventriculomegalias aparecieron en fetos con aneuploidías. Conclusión: El pronóstico fue favorable en los casos de ventriculomegalia no progresiva y aislada. La medida de la ventriculomegalia no predice el resultado. La variabilidad de resultados en la literatura obliga a cada centro a disponer de sus protocolos y datos para aconsejar a la pareja que ha de tomar una decisión sobre el futuro de su embarazo.

Background: Fetal ventriculomegaly is the most sensitive sonographic sign for central nervous system anomalies. Neonatal morbidity and mortality depends on the etiology of the ventriculomegaly and the presence of other malformations. Isolated non-progressive ventriculomegaly is associated with 70 percent favorable results, with a great disparity among studies. Aims: To establish the relationships between ventriculomegaly and perinatal outcome. Methods: The authors reviewed 60 cases of prenatally diagnosed fetal ventriculomegaly in the Canary Islands University Hospital. An ultrasonographic measurement of the lateral ventricles of 10 mm or more was considered as ventriculomegaly. Fetal and maternal serology was performed as well as fetal karyotyping. Results: 23 patients decided to terminate the pregnancy due to unfavorable prognosis. In 28 cases outcome was favorable. 70 percent of isolated ventriculomegaly corresponded to healthy newborns. 10 percent of the fetuses had aneuploidies. Conclusion: Prognosis is favorable if ventriculomegaly is isolated and non-progressive. Measurement of the lateral ventricle does not predict outcome. Disparity of results in literature makes it necessary for each Hospital to rely on their own data and guidelines to assess parents on the fate of the pregnancy.

Investigação do uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento de indivíduos com diabetes melito na cidade de Herval D' Oeste - SC / Research on medicinal plants in treating individuals with diabetes mellitus in the city of Herval D' Oeste, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

O diabetes melito é uma doença crônica caracterizada pela elevação da glicose no sangue (hiperglicemia), sendo considerada um distúrbio do metabolismo dos carboidratos, lipídios e proteínas, devido à ausência de insulina produzida pelo pâncreas e/ou pela diminuição de sua ação. Tal patologia é a sexta causa de internação como diagnóstico primário e contribui em até 50% para outras causas como cardiopatias, acidente vascular cerebral e hipertensão arterial, entre outras. Uma alternativa de tratamento que nos últimos anos vem recebendo aumento de pesquisas e interesse de uso é a fitoterapia, a qual pode ser igualada e somada à terapia convencional. Com isso, o presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar o uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento de indivíduos com diabetes melito na cidade de Herval D'Oeste-SC e também apresentar a importância da ingestão segura de plantas medicinais. Os resultados obtidos mostram que esse consumo de plantas medicinais ocorre de maneira errônea, onde apenas 19% das plantas citadas tiveram comprovação científica na terapêutica do diabetes. Além disso, grande parte dos usuários de plantas medicinais (89,4%) escolhe as espécies vegetais através da cultura familiar. Portanto, há necessidade de mais pesquisas voltadas a essa terapia, assim como, maiores informações para a população e profissionais da saúde em relação à correta utilização das plantas, bem como a forma de preparo e quantidade a ser ingerida.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia) and is considered a disturbance in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, due to lack of insulin produced by the pancreas and / or reduction in its action. This condition is the sixth leading cause of hospitalization as primary diagnosis and contributes up to 50% to other causes such as heart diseases, stroke and hypertension, among others. An alternative treatment, which in recent years had an increase in interest and research, is the herbal medicine, which can be equalled and added to conventional therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the use of medicinal plants in treating individuals with diabetes mellitus in the city of Herval D' Oeste, Santa Catarina State, Brazil and also present the importance of safe intake of medicinal plants. The obtained results showed that consumption of medicinal plants occurs erroneously, where only 19% of the cited plants had scientific evidence for diabetes therapy. In addition, most users of medicinal plants (89.4%) choose the plant species by family culture. Thus, further research focused on this therapy is needed, as well as further information to the public and health professionals regarding the correct use of plants, preparation and quantity to be ingested.

Hidrops fetal como manifestación ecográfica de una enfermedad familiar: incontinentia pigmenti (síndrome de bloch-sulzberger) / Hydrops fetalis as a echographic manifestations of a familial disease: incontinentia pigmenti (bloch-sulzberger syndrome)

Diagnóstico de un caso de enfermedad familiar a partir de un hidrops fetal. Gestante con 2 abortos previos ocurridos al inicio del segundo trimestre, ambos fetos masculinos. Se detecta en la semana 12 un higroma quístico en el contexto de un hidrops fetal. Estudio serológico (TORCH y parvovirus B12), con resultado negativo y biopsia corial con cariotipo 46 XY. La anamnesis y exploración detallada hacen sospechar una enfermedad ligada al cromosoma X, dado que la paciente y una hermana están afectas de una genodermatosis desde la infancia: Incontinentia Pigmenti.

We revealed a family disease by a fetal anomaly. The patient had a history of two early miscarriages of male fetuses. In the present pregnancy hydrops fetalis was demonstrated by routine ultrasound sean at 12 weeks. Serological tests were negative and chorionic villous sampling revealed normal karyotype, 46XY. We suspected a X-linked disease. Detailed family history leaded to the demonstration that the patient and a sister were affected of a rare genodermatosis: Incontinentia Pigmenti.

Banda gástrica y gestación / Gastric band and pregnancy

Se presenta un caso de gestación en paciente obesa mórbida portadora de banda gástrica laparoscópica ajustable, que se descomprimió en el primer trimestre. En la evolución de la gestación destaca incremento ponderal de 3 kg y cuadro de suboclusion y marasmo en el tercer trimestre que obligó a la interrupción de la gestación mediante cesárea, produciéndose broncoaspiración y choque séptico secundario. Se revisa las series publicadas de embarazadas portadoras de banda gástrica y las complicaciones descritas en la gestación.

A case report is presented of a patient who became pregnant a year after morbid obesity surgery, the main complications of laparoscopy adjustable gastric band during pregnancy are discussed. In this case, the gastric band was adjusted to prevent first trimester vomiting. We observed the following complications: weight gain during pregnancy was limited to three kilograms and ileus and marasmus developed in the third trimester making pregnancy termination mandatory. During cesarean section the patient suffered aspiration pneumonia and secondary septic shock.

Pharmacology and toxicology of diphenyl diselenide in several biological models

The pharmacology of synthetic organoselenium compounds indicates that they can be used as antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, neuroprotectors, anti-tumor and anti-infectious agents, and immunomodulators. In this review, we focus on the effects of diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) in various biological model organisms. DPDS possesses antioxidant activity, confirmed in several in vitro and in vivo systems, and thus has a protective effect against hepatic, renal and gastric injuries, in addition to its neuroprotective activity. The activity of the compound on the central nervous system has been studied since DPDS has lipophilic characteristics, increasing adenylyl cyclase activity and inhibiting glutamate and MK-801 binding to rat synaptic membranes. Systemic administration facilitates the formation of long-term object recognition memory in mice and has a protective effect against brain ischemia and on reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia in rats. On the other hand, DPDS may be toxic, mainly because of its interaction with thiol groups. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the molecule acts as a pro-oxidant by depleting free glutathione. Administration to mice during cadmium intoxication has the opposite effect, reducing oxidative stress in various tissues. DPDS is a potent inhibitor of d-aminolevulinate dehydratase and chronic exposure to high doses of this compound has central effects on mouse brain, as well as liver and renal toxicity. Genotoxicity of this compound has been assessed in bacteria, haploid and diploid yeast and in a tumor cell line.

Ofidismo: estudio de 30 casos en Brasil / Ophidism. Study of 30 cases in Brazil

Se realizó un estudio de 30 pacientes ingresados por mordedura de cobras, en el Hospital Municipal de Paraiso de Tocantins, Estado de Tocantins, Brasil, en el período comprendido entre 1998-2001. Los resultados arrojaron un predominio del accidente ofídico en pacientes masculinos (76,6 por ciento), con edades entre los 15 y 50 años (80 por ciento). Hubo una participación mayoritaria de reptiles del género Bothrops (63,3 por ciento), que provocó la mayor parte de las mordeduras en los miembros inferiores (80 por ciento). Las manifestaciones clínicas más evidentes fueron el edema y el dolor (93,3 por ciento), de moderado a severo en 63,3 por ciento de ellos, por lo que la dosis media de suero antiofídico utilizada fue de 10 ámpulas en dosis única. El coagulograma reflejó alteración de la coagulación en el 70 por ciento de los pacientes, pero se recuperó totalmente en 48 h. La complicación que más se presentó fue el fallo renal en 9 pacientes, de los cuales 5 se recuperaron en nuestro hospital y 4 fueron remitidos a unidad de terapia intensiva. Fallecieron 2 pacientes (6,6 por ciento), ambos por fallo renal y shock . Del total de pacientes, 25 (83,3 por ciento) tuvieron evolución satisfactoria.

Calazar: estudio de 18 pacientes en Brasil / Kala-azar. Study of 18 patients in Brazil

Se estudiaron 18 pacientes ingresados con calazar. Se evidenció la mayor incidencia de la enfermedad en edades pediátricas y sexo masculino (61 por ciento). Los síntomas más sobresalientes que estuvieron presentes en el 100 por ciento de los pacientes, fueron: la fiebre prolongada y la palidez, acompañadas de esplenomegalia y anemia. Otros elementos clínicos-humorales presentes fueron: tos (44 por ciento); hepatomegalia y distensión abdominal (39 por ciento); íctero, edema y diarrea (17 por ciento); ascitis, epistaxis, petequias, y sangramientos (11 por ciento); leucopenia (94 por ciento); con linfocitosis (100 por ciento) y trombocitopenia (28 por ciento). Se le realizó punción esplénica en busca de leishmanias a los 18 pacientes, y fue positiva en 15 de ellos (85 por ciento); de los negativos, a 1 se le realizó punción medular que resultó positiva. Las complicaciones presentadas fueron las infecciones respiratorias (17 por ciento) y hemorrágicas (11 por ciento). La fiebre, la anemia y la esplenomegalia fueron los elementos clínicos predominantes. La evolución satisfactoria de todos nuestros casos confirmó la efectividad del glucantime como terapia de elección.