Organophosphate Detoxification and Acetylcholinesterase Reactivation Triggered by Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Structural Degradation.

Organophosphate (OP) toxicity is related to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which plays a key role in the neurotransmission process. In this work, we report the ability of different zinc zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) to behave as potential antidotes against OP poisoning. The Zn-L coordination bond (L = purine, benzimidazole, imidazole, or 2-methylimidazole) is sensitive to the G-type nerve agent model compounds diisopropylfluorophosphate (DIFP) and diisopropylchlorophosphate, leading to P-X (X = F or Cl) bond breakdown into nontoxic diisopropylphosphate. P-X hydrolysis is accompanied by ZIF structural degradation (Zn-imidazolate bond hydrolysis), with the concomitant release of the imidazolate linkers and zinc ions representing up to 95% of ZIF particle dissolution. The delivered imidazolate nucleophilic attack on the OP@AChE adduct gives rise to the recovery of AChE enzymatic function. P-X bond breakdown, ZIF structural degradation, and AChE reactivation are dependent on imidazolate linker nucleophilicity, framework topology, and particle size. The best performance is obtained for 20 nm nanoparticles (NPs) of Zn(2-methylimidazolate)2 (sod ZIF-8) exhibiting a DIFP degradation half-life of 2.6 min and full recovery of AChE activity within 1 h. 20 nm sod ZIF-8 NPs are not neurotoxic, as proven by in vitro neuroblastoma cell culture viability tests.

Parásitos en un venado de cola blanca silvestre en Cajamarca, Perú

En el presente estudio se informa sobre los parásitos encontrados en un venado de cola blanca, Odocoileus virginianus peruvianus, capturado en el bosque seco del distrito de Paccha, provincia de Chota, departamento de Cajamarca. El Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre recuperó los parásitos de un espécimen macho adulto y las remitió al Centro de Investigación en Medicina Tropical de la Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca para la identificación taxonómica de helmintos y artrópodos, y análisis coproparasitológico. Se identificaron dos metacéstodos correspondientes a Cysticercus tenuicollis. En los análisis coproparasitológicos cualitativos se hallaron huevos de Nematodirus spp. en una carga de 10 por gramo de heces (h.p.g.) y 40 h.p.g. tipo Strongílidos que no pudieron diferenciarse por la baja carga en el coprocultivo. No se detectaron huevos de trematodos en la sedimentación. De ectoparásitos, se identificaron ocho garrapatas duras Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus y cinco piojos chupadores Solenopotes binipilosus. Varios de los ejemplares fueron depositados en el Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima. Los hallazgos representan el primer reporte formal de la garrapata común del ganado en esta subespecie de cérvido. Además, se registra por primera vez la presencia del piojo Solenopotes binipilosus en territorio peruano.

In the present study, findings regarding parasites discovered in a white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus peruvianus, captured in the dry forest of the Paccha district, Chota province, Cajamarca department, are reported. The Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre recovered parasites from an adult male specimen and forwarded them to the Tropical Medicine Research Center at the Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca for taxonomic identification of helminths and arthropods, as well as coproparasitological analysis. Two metacestodes corresponding to Cysticercus tenuicollis were identified. Qualitative coproparasitological analyses revealed Nematodirus spp. eggs at a concentration of 10 eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and 40 EPG of Strongylid type that could not be differentiated due to low counts in the coproculture. No trematode eggs were detected in the sedimentation. Among ectoparasites, eight hard ticks Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and five sucking lice Solenopotes binipilosus were identified. Several specimens were deposited in the Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima. These findings represent the first formal report of the common cattle tick in this subspecies of cervid. Additionally, the presence of the Solenopotes binipilosus louse in Peruvian territory is reported for the first time.

The Effect of an Abdominal Binder on Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair­A Multicenter, Randomized Pilot Trial (ABIHR-I) of the Intraperitoneal Onlay-Mesh Technique.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernias with apertures measuring less than 7 cm can generally be treated adequately with the laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay-mesh (IPOM) technique. The wearing of an abdominal binder after surgery is often recommended in order to promote wound healing and prevent recurrent herniation. We carried out a multicenter, randomized pilot trial to evaluate the utility of abdominal binders. METHODS: The trial was conducted from May 2019 to December 2020. Persons with a laparoscopic IPOM procedure for treatment of an incisional hernia were included in the trial and randomized preoperatively (1:1). The patients in the abdominal binder group wore an abdominal binder during the day for 14 days after surgery, while those in the control group wore no binder. The primary endpoint was pain at rest on postoperative days 1, 2, and 14, as measured on a visual analog scale. The secondary endpoints were overall subjective well-being, the rates of wound infection, recurrence, and complications, mobility, and the rate and size of postoperative seromas (on postoperative days 1, 2, and 14). RESULTS: Forty patients were included. Three were excluded because of conversion to an open surgical technique. The biometric and perioperative data of the abdominal binder group (n = 18) and the control group (n = 19) did not differ to any statistically significant extent. The patients in the binder group had significantly less postoperative pain (F [dfn, dfd]) 4.44, 95% confidence interval [1; 35]; p = 0.042).The patients in the binder group also had better overall subjective well-being and a higher rate of postoperative seroma formation, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. There was less limitation of mobility than in the control group; however, this difference also did not attain statistical significance. CONCLUSION: An abdominal binder may reduce pain after incisional hernia repair with the IPOM technique. The postoperative use of analgesic medication was not measured.

Implantación intraabdominal de un injerto renal con dos arterias renales en un receptor pediátrico de bajo peso. Primer caso reportado en el Paraguay / Intra-abdominal implantation of a kidney graft with two renal arteries in a low-weight pediatric recipient. First case reported in Paraguay

El trasplante renal de órganos provenientes de donantes adultos implantados en una cavidad anatómica estrecha en pacientes pediátricos de bajo peso, ofrece importantes desafíos médicos y quirúrgicos a ser considerados. En esta publicación reportamos el primer caso en el Paraguay de un riñón con dos arterias renales injertado a la aorta y vena cava inferior, dentro de la cavidad abdominal de un paciente pediátrico de 12 kilogramos de peso, evaluando las dificultades médicas, anatómicas y quirúrgicas enfrentadas, así como las opciones de tratamiento instituidas para llevar a cabo este procedimiento de manera exitosa

Kidney transplantation of organs from adult donors implanted into a narrow anatomical cavity in underweight pediatric patients offers significant medical and surgical challenges to be considered. In this publication we report the first case in Paraguay of a kidney with two renal arteries, grafted to the aorta and inferior vena cava within the abdominal cavity, on a 12 kilogram pediatric patient, evaluating the medical, anatomical and surgical conditions faced, as well as the treatment options instituted to successfully carry out this procedure

Valoración del cociente Theta/Beta en el electroencefalograma cuantificado de los trastornos por déficit de atención e hiperactividad / Measurement of the theta / beta ratio with the quantified electroencephalogram in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders

El cociente Theta-Beta (T/B) del electroencefalograma cuantificado (EEGQ) de los pacientes con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) constituye una variable del EEG característica del trastorno primario con una precisión global del 89%. El objetivo de este estudio es medir el cociente T/B de una población de con TDAH y los efectos del tratamiento farmacológico con psicoestimulantes y no psicoestimulantes sobre el cociente T/B. La muestra estaba formada por 85 sujetos de entre 6 y los 18 años (68 niños y 17 niñas) con el diagnóstico de TDAH de subtipo inatento y combinado, según los criterios del DSM-V. Se les realizó un EEGQ con medición del cociente T/B antes y después de 6 meses de tratamiento con fármacos psicoestimulantes y no psicoestimulantes. Se compararon ambos grupos mediante la prueba de rangos con signo de Wilcoxon para muestras relacionadas. En el 86% de los casos el cociente T/B fue elevado respecto de los valores normales para la edad. La reducción en el cociente T/B fue significativa en el grupo tratado con psicoestimulantes aunque la reducción con los no psicoestimulantes no fue significativa. En conclusión, se confirma la elevación del cociente T/B en los pacientes con TDAH. Los fármacos psicoestimulantes disminuyen de forma significativa el cociente T/B elevado en los pacientes con TDAH tras 6 meses de tratamiento.

Theta-Beta (T / B) ratio of the quantified electroencephalogram (EEGQ) in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) constitutes a characteristic EEG variable of the primary disorder with an overall accuracy of 89%. The objective of this study was to measure the T/B ratio in a sample of patients with ADHD and the effects of the treatment with psychostimulants and non-psychostimulants on the T/B ratio. The sample consisted of 85 children between 6 and 18 years (68 males and 17 females) with the diagnosis of the inattentive and combined subtype of ADHD, according to the criteria of the DSM-V. An EEGQ was performed with measurement of the T/B ratio before and after 6 months of treatment with psychostimulant and non-psychostimulant drugs. Both groups were compared using the Wilcoxon signed range test for related samples. The results showed that 86% of the cases had a T/B ratio above the normal values for the age of them. The reduction in the T/B ratio was statistically significant in the group of patients treated with psychostimulants. The reduction of non-psychostimulants was not significant. In conclusion, we confirmed the high T/B ratio in patients with ADHD. Psychostimulant drugs decrease the elevated T/B ratio in patients with ADHD after 6 months of treatment.

Cancer screening risk literacy of physicians in training: An experimental study.

We investigated what factors may foster or hinder physicians' cancer screening risk literacy-specifically the ability to understand evidence regarding screening effectiveness and make evidence-based recommendations to patients. In an experiment, physicians in training (interns and residents) read statistical information about outcomes from screening for cancer, and had to decide whether to recommend it to a patient. We manipulated the effectiveness of the screening (effective vs. ineffective at reducing mortality) and the demand of the patient to get screened (demand vs. no demand). We assessed participants' comprehension of the presented evidence and recommendation to the patient, as well as a-priori screening beliefs (e.g., that screening is always a good choice), numeracy, science literacy, knowledge of screening statistics, statistical education, and demographics. Stronger positive a-priori screening beliefs, lower knowledge of screening statistics, and lower numeracy were related to worse comprehension of the evidence. Physicians recommended against the ineffective screening but only if they showed good comprehension of the evidence. Physicians' recommendations were further based on the perceived benefits from screening but not on perceived harms, nor the patient's demands. The current study demonstrates that comprehension of cancer screening statistics and the ability to infer the potential benefits for patients are essential for evidence-based recommendations. However, strong beliefs in favor of screening fostered by promotion campaigns may influence how physicians evaluate evidence about specific screenings. Fostering physician numeracy skills could help counteract such biases and provide evidence-based recommendations to patients.

Investigaciones sobre envejecimiento realizadas por estudiantes universitarios en el Perú / Research about aging carried out by university students in Peru

Introducción: La promoción de la investigación a nivel universitario ofrece múltiples beneficios para los estudiantes y es considerada reflejo de la calidad educativa de las universidades. Objetivo: Describir las características de la investigación sobre envejecimiento realizada por estudiantes universitarios en el Perú. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de las tesis de pre y post grado sobre envejecimiento realizadas en el Perú entre los años 1980 al 2013. Se realizó la búsqueda por palabras claves en las bases de datos de universidades del país y en bases de datos electrónicas nacionales y Latinoamericanas con la selección basada en el cumplimiento del proceso metodológico de investigación. Resultados: Se identificaron 500 tesis; la mayoría de pregrado (74,4 por ciento) y relativas al área geriátrica (78 por ciento). El tema social fue el más estudiado (12,8 por ciento) en el área gerontologico y el quirúrgico (8,1 por ciento) en el geriátrico. La mayor proporción de las tesis fueron descriptivas (92 por ciento), de corte transversal (69,6 por ciento) y relativas al área geriátrica (78 por ciento), tanto en pre como en postgrado. Durante el periodo estudiado la proporción de tesis realizadas muestra un aumento progresivo con un incremento significativo en el número de estudios analíticos y de corte prospectivo. Conclusión: La investigación desarrollada por estudiantes universitarios sobre envejecimiento en el Perú es principalmente de tipo transversal, relativa al área geriatrica y muestra un incremento significativo en el periodo estudiado(AU)

Introduction: The promotion of research at the university level offers multiple benefits to students and is indicative of educational quality of universities. Objective: To describe the characteristics of research about aging carried out by university students in Peru. Methods: Descriptive study of the diploma papers and postgraduate theses about aging presented in Peru between 1980 and 2013. The search was carried out by keywords in the databases in the of country's universities and in electronic databases both national and from Latin American, the selection being based on compliance with the research methodological process. Results: We identified 500 works, most of which were diploma papers (74.4 percent) and on the topic of the geriatric field (78 percent). The social issue was the most studied (12.8 percent) in the gerontological field. The surgical topic was the most studied (8.1 percent) in the geriatric field. The majority of the works were descriptive (92 percent), cross-sectional (69.6 percent) and associated with the geriatric field (78 percent), both in the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. During the period under study, the proportion of papers and theses research carried out shows a progressive increase, with a significant increase in the number of analytical and prospective studies. Conclusion: Research developed by university students about aging in Peru is mainly cross-sectional and associated with to the geriatric field. In the period studied, it shows a significant increase(AU)

Factores asociados a velocidad de marcha lenta en adultos mayores de un distrito en Lima, Perú / Factors associated with slow walking speed in older adults of a district in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar los factores asociados a velocidad de marcha lenta en adultos mayores de la comunidad residentes en un distrito de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de análisis de base de datos secundario. Se incluyó a los adultos mayores de 60 años y se excluyó aquellos con condiciones que no garantizaban la evaluación de la marcha. La variable dependiente fue la velocidad de marcha lenta, menor a 1 m/s, y las variables independientes fueron sociodemográficas, clínicas y de valoración geriátrica integral. Se calcularon las razones de prevalencia (RP) crudas y ajustadas con intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%). Resultados. Se incluyeron 416 adultos mayores, el rango de edad fue de 60 a 99 años y un 41% presentaba velocidad de marcha lenta. Se encontró que los factores asociados a una velocidad de marcha lenta en adultos mayores de la comunidad son el sexo femenino (RP 1,45, IC95%: 1,13-1,88), la edad mayor de 70 años (RP 1,73, IC95%: 1,30-2,30), un menor grado de instrucción (RP. 2.07, IC95%: 1,20-3,55), la presencia de problema socio familiar (RP 1,66, IC95%: 1,08-2,54), la presencia de diabetes mellitus (RP 1,35, IC95%: 1,01-1,80) y de depresión (RP: 1.41, IC95%: 1,02-1,95). Conclusiones. Los factores modificables asociados a una velocidad de marcha lenta en el adulto mayor en la comunidad son tanto clínicos como sociofamiliares, susceptibles de intervención desde etapas precoces en el curso de la vida.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To determine the factors associated with slow walking speed in older adults living in a district of Lima, Peru. Materials and methods. Analysis of secondary data. Adults older than 60 years were included in the study, while adults with physical conditions who did not allow the evaluation of the walking speed were excluded. The dependent variable was slow walking speed (less than 1 m/s), and the independent variables were sociodemographic, clinical, and geriatric data. Raw and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results. The study sample included 416 older adults aged 60 to 99 years, and 41% of the participants met the slow walking speed criterion. The factors associated with slow walking speed in this sample were female gender (PR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.88), age > 70 years (PR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.30- 2.30), lower level of education (PR, 2.07, 95% CI, 1.20-3.55), social-familial problems (PR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.08-2.54), diabetes mellitus (PR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.01-1.80), and depression (PR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02-1.95). Conclusions. The modifiable factors associated with slow walking speed in older adults included clinical and social-familial problems, and these factors are susceptible to interventions from the early stages of life.

Can We Make Simple In Situ Decompression of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow Still Easier?

BACKGROUND: In situ decompression and transposition are equally effective in cubital tunnel syndrome treatment. Both are traditionally performed in the supine position. OBJECTIVE: To validate our surgical technique for in situ decompression in the lateral decubitus position, comparing results with other techniques used in our institutions. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed from January 2009 to February 2016, of 188 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome 115 males, 73 females; mean age, 53.44 ± 12.12 years standard deviation (range, 18-84 years) treated with in situ decompression in the lateral or supine positions or transposition (subcutaneous or submuscular). The lateral decubitus group received local anesthesia and the remainder received a brachial plexus block. Clinical and electrophysiologic results between these 4 groups were compared. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant demographic differences between groups. Results were better in in situ decompression groups compared with transpositions. Mean follow-up was 1511.1 ± 770.57 days standard deviation (range, 310-4203 days). There were no recurrences or residual elbow pain/dysesthesia/anesthetic scar/hyperesthesia/neuroma in the lateral decubitus group. Complication and recurrence rates were in direct correlation to incision size. The worst results were seen in transpositions, particularly in the submuscular group. In situ decompression in the supine position had better results than transpositions but worse than those performed in lateral decubitus. Smaller surgical wound correlates with a reduction in operating time, costs, complication rates, and time out of work. CONCLUSIONS: In situ decompression is equally as effective as ulnar nerve transpositions but with fewer complications and recurrences. In the lateral decubitus position, the retroepicondylar tunnel is more accessible, allowing smaller incisions and better results.

Frecuencia de factores asociados a hipoglicemia en el adulto mayor diabético admitido en el servicio de emergencia de un hospital nacional / Frequency of factors associated to hypoglycemia in elder patients with diabetes admitted to the emergency room of a national hospital

Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de los factores asociados a hipoglicemia en el adulto mayor diabético atendido en el servicio de emergencia de un hospital general. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal de una serie de casos de adultos mayores diabéticos con hipoglicemia admitidos al servicio de emergencia del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, durante enero y febrero del 2015. Se registraron los siguientes datos: edad, sexo, comorbilidades, polifarmacia, exámenes de laboratorio (urea, creatinina, transaminasas, albúmina, HbA1c), escalas geriátricas para evaluar el nivel funcional, cognitivo, social, afectivo y nutricional, a través de las escalas de: Barthel, Pfeiffer, Guijón, Yesavage y MNA, respectivamente. Los datos fueron ingresados en una tabla en Microsoft Excel 2010 y analizados con el programa SPSS 9.0. Resultados: Se evaluaron a 52 pacientes, 42,3% fueron varones, media de edad 70 años, promedio de glicemia de ingreso 32,23 mg/dL. El 46% contaron con HbA1c, con una media de 6,76%. Los factores asociados a hipoglicemia más frecuentes fueron: 94,2% dependencia funcional, 78,8% comorbilidad, 63,5% deterioro cognitivo, 61.5% riesgo de depresión, 59,6% riesgo de malnutrición, 57,7% riesgo de problema social y 51% polifarmacia. Conclusiones: Los adultos mayores que ingresan por hipoglicemia presentan una alta frecuencia de factores asociados tales como alteraciones cognitivas, dependencia funcional, depresión, malnutrición, comorbilidades, polifarmacia y problemas sociales. Los valores de HbA1c son bajos en promedio con respecto a las recomendaciones internacionales para adultos mayores. (AU)

Objectives: To determine the frequency of factors associated with hypoglycemia in elder patients admitted to the emergency room of a national hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional study of elder patients with diabetes admitted to the emergency room of Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza from January to February 2015. Information on age, gender, comorbidities, concomitant medications, laboratory examinations (urea, creatinine, transaminases, serum albumin, HbA1c), scores to evaluate functional, cognitive, social, affective and nutritional levels by using Barthel, Pfeiffer, Guijon, Yesavage and MNA scales. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed using SPPS 9.0. Results: 52 patients were evaluated; 42.3% were males; mean age was 70 years; mean serum glucose at admission was 32, 23 mg/dl; 46% had HbA1c values with a mean of 6.76%. Factors associated with hypoglycemia were functional dependence (94.2%); comorbidities (78.8%); cognitive deterioration (65.3%); risk of depression (61.5%); risk of malnutrition (56.9%); risk of social problems (57.7%) and use of multiple medications (51%). Conclusions: Elder patients admitted with hypoglycemia have multiple associated factors such as cognitive alterations, functional dependence, depression, malnutrition, comorbidities, use multiple medications and have social problems. HbA1c values were low in comparison to internationally accepted values for elder patients. (AU)

Do chromosome numbers reflect phylogeny? New counts for Bombacoideae and a review of Malvaceae s.l.

UNLABELLED: • PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Whole genome duplication (WGD) and specific polyploidy events marked turning points for angiosperm genome structure and evolution. Therefore, cytogenetic studies of polyploidy-prone groups such as the tropical Malvaceae and plant formations such as as the Brazilian Cerrado have gained further importance. We present new chromosome counts for Cerrado Bombacoideae and revised chromosome numbers for the Malvaceae s.l., compare these between subfamilies, and relate them to phylogenetic signal.• METHODS: We studied the chromosome number of Eriotheca candolleana, E. gracilipes, E. pubescens, Pachira glabra, Pseudobombax longiflorum, and P. tomentosum. We also compared Eriotheca species ploidy levels using flow cytometry. We compiled chromosome numbers for 557 species of Malvaceae s.l., including 37 Bombacoideae species. We included this information in a phylogenetic reconstruction based on chloroplast matK-trnK DNA to evaluate chromosome evolution of the Malvaceae s.l. and the Bombacoideae in particular.• KEY RESULTS: The Cerrado Bombacoideae presented consistently high chromosome numbers. Numbers for Eriotheca species were among the highest and varied among populations. Flow cytometry analyses showed similar 1Cx DNA for all cytotypes and indicated neopolyploidy. Chromosome numbers differed between subfamilies, with the lowest numbers in the Malvoideae and Byttnerioideae and the highest in Tilioideae. Chromosome numbers had significant phylogenetic signal for Bombacoideae but not for Malvoideae or Malvaceae s.l.• CONCLUSIONS: Clearly distinct chromosome numbers allied to monophyly provide some support for a circumscription of the Bombacoideae and distinction within the Malvaceae. The phylogenetic signal for chromosome number supports the idea of an ancient WGD and further neopolyploidy events as important evolutionary trends for the Bombacoideae.

Frecuencia de síndrome metabólico en adultos mayores del Distrito de San Martin de Porres de Lima, Perú según los criterios de ATP III y de la IDF / Frequency of syndrome in older adults in the District of San Martin de Porres in Lima, Peru according to the criteria of ATP III and IDF

Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia del Síndrome metabólico en los adultos mayores de la comunidad del distrito de San Martín de Porres de Lima, Perú. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de análisis secundario de base de datos del estudio "Perfil Clínico del Adulto Mayor que habita en la comunidad de San Martín de Porres", el cual se realizó por muestreo probabilístico entre los meses de febrero y mayo de 2013. Resultados: Se incluyeron a 312 adultos mayores. La frecuencia del síndrome metabólico según los criterios ATP III fue 28,2% y según los criterios de la IDF 35,3%, siendo más frecuente en mujeres que en varones. La frecuencia de obesidad según el índice de masa corporal fue 19,2%, y la frecuencia de obesidad abdominal según los criterios del ATP III fue 65,4%, siendo mayor en mujeres, mientras que según los criterios de la IDF fueron 32,1% y 59,3% en hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. Conclusiones: La frecuencia del síndrome metabólico en la población adulta mayor es alta, obteniendose cifras mayores usuando los criterios de la IDF en comparación con ATP III, presentándose con mayor frecuencia en mujeres...

Objectives: To determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome in the elderly living in San Martin de Porres district of Lima. Methods: Descriptive study that used data from the Clinical Profile of the Elderly livig in San MArtin de Porres, a probabilistic sample between February and May 2013 was undertaken. Results: 312 elder patients were included. The frequency of metabolic syndrome following ATP III and IDF was 28.2% and 35.3%, respectively, being more frequent in females than in males. The frequency of obesity based on body mass index and the frequency of abdominal obesity based on ATP III criteria were 19.2% and 65.4%, being more frequent in females, while the values following IDF criteria were 32.1% and 59.3% respectively and were more frequent in males. Conclusions: The frequency of metabolic syndrome in the elderly in this setting is high, particularly among females, with higher values following IDF criteria compared to ATP II criteria...

Oxfendazole flukicidal activity in pigs.

Although oxfendazole (OFZ) is a well know broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic, the assessment of its potential trematodicidal activity remains unexplored. OFZ administration at single high doses has been recommended to control Taenia solium cysticercus in pigs. The current study investigated the flukicidal activity obtained after a single high (30mg/kg) oral dose of OFZ in pigs harbouring a natural Fasciola hepatica infection. Sixteen (16) local ecotype pigs were randomly allocated into two (2) experimental groups of 8 animals each named as follow: Untreated control and OFZ treated, in which animals received OFZ (Synanthic(®), Merial Ltd., 9.06% suspension) orally at 30mg/kg. At seven (7) days post-treatment, all the animals were sacrificed and direct adult liver fluke counts were performed following the WAAVP guidelines. None of the animals involved in this experiment showed any adverse event during the study. OFZ treatment as a single 30mg/kg oral dose showed a 100% efficacy against F. hepatica. In conclusion, the trial described here demonstrated an excellent OFZ activity against F. hepatica in naturally infected pigs, after its administration at a single oral dose of 30mg/kg.

An evolutionary analysis of flightin reveals a conserved motif unique and widespread in Pancrustacea.

Flightin is a thick filament protein that in Drosophila melanogaster is uniquely expressed in the asynchronous, indirect flight muscles (IFM). Flightin is required for the structure and function of the IFM and is indispensable for flight in Drosophila. Given the importance of flight acquisition in the evolutionary history of insects, here we study the phylogeny and distribution of flightin. Flightin was identified in 69 species of hexapods in classes Collembola (springtails), Protura, Diplura, and insect orders Thysanura (silverfish), Dictyoptera (roaches), Orthoptera (grasshoppers), Pthiraptera (lice), Hemiptera (true bugs), Coleoptera (beetles), Neuroptera (green lacewing), Hymenoptera (bees, ants, and wasps), Lepidoptera (moths), and Diptera (flies and mosquitoes). Flightin was also found in 14 species of crustaceans in orders Anostraca (water flea), Cladocera (brine shrimp), Isopoda (pill bugs), Amphipoda (scuds, sideswimmers), and Decapoda (lobsters, crabs, and shrimps). Flightin was not identified in representatives of chelicerates, myriapods, or any species outside Pancrustacea (Tetraconata, sensu Dohle). Alignment of amino acid sequences revealed a conserved region of 52 amino acids, referred herein as WYR, that is bound by strictly conserved tryptophan (W) and arginine (R) and an intervening sequence with a high content of tyrosines (Y). This motif has no homologs in GenBank or PROSITE and is unique to flightin and paraflightin, a putative flightin paralog identified in decapods. A third motif of unclear affinities to pancrustacean WYR was observed in chelicerates. Phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences of the conserved motif suggests that paraflightin originated before the divergence of amphipods, isopods, and decapods. We conclude that flightin originated de novo in the ancestor of Pancrustacea > 500 MYA, well before the divergence of insects (~400 MYA) and the origin of flight (~325 MYA), and that its IFM-specific function in Drosophila is a more recent adaptation. Furthermore, we propose that WYR represents a novel myosin coiled-coil binding motif.

Malnutrición del adulto mayor y factores asociados en el distrito de Masma Chicche, Junín, Perú / Malnutrition and associated factors in the elder population of Masma Chicche, Junin, Peru

Objetivo: Determinar el estado nutricional y los factores asociados a malnutrición en el adulto mayor en la comunidad de Masma Chicche, Junín. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado en personas mayores de 60 años distrito de Masma Chicche, Junín, Perú. Se utilizó el Mini Nutritional Assesment (MNA) para la evaluación nutricional e instrumentos de valoración geriátrica integral para establecer la presencia de depresión (Yesavage), estado funcional (Katz), deterioro cognitivo (Pfeiffer), salud oral (GOHA) y estado social (Guijon). Se realizó estadística descriptiva, chi cuadrado y ANOVA para determinar asociación entre las variables. Se consideró un p < 0,05 como significativo. Resultados: Se encuestaron a 72 personas. La prevalencia de malnutrición fue 29,9%; 57,9% en riesgo de malnutrición. El 69,4% presentaban depresión y riesgo de la misma; 27,8% mostró deterioro cognitivo; 93,1% presentaba percepción negativa de su salud oral; 51,4% eran dependientes funcionales y el 100% poseía algún problema social. Se encontró asociación de malnutrición con las variables, sexo masculino y presencia de depresión. Conclusiones: En la comunidad de Masma Chicche, alrededor de la tercera parte de la población tiene malnutrición la que está asociada con el sexo masculino y la presencia de depresión.

Objective: Determine the nutritional status and factors associated to malnutrition in the elder population of Masma Chicche, Junin. Methods: Cross-sectional study in persons above 60 years of age in the district of Masma Chicche, Junin. The nutritional evaluation was performed using the mini nutritional assessment method (MNA); depression was evaluated using an integral geriatric valoration scale (Yesavage); functional status was evaluated using the Katz´s method; cognitive deterioration was measured by the Pfeiffer´s method; oral health was evaluated by the GOHA´s method and social status by the Guijon´s method. Descriptive statistics, Chi square and ANOVA tests were used to contrast variables, a p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: 72 elder persons were evaluated; the prevalence of malnutrition was 29.9%; 57.9% were at risk for malnutrition. Prevalence of depression was 69.4%; 27.8% had cognitive deterioration; 93.1% had negative perception of their oral health; 51.4% were functionally dependant and 100% had any kind of social problem. Malnutrition was associated with age, male gender and depression. Conclusions: Almost one third of the elder population of Masma Chicche has malnutrition, which is associated with male gender and depression.

Perfil clínico del adulto mayor atendido ambulatoriamente en un hospital general / Clinical profile of elder patients attending an outpatient setting of a general hospital

Objetivo: Describir el perfil clínico del adulto mayor atendido ambulatoriamente en un hospital general. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, realizado a través de encuestas aplicadas a pacientes en la consulta ambulatoria de geriatría del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia (HNCH), entre agosto de 2011 y enero 2012. Resultados: Se evaluaron 290 pacientes, el 69,3% fueron mujeres; el 65,5% tenía entre 60 y 79 años. La hipertensión arterial fue el diagnóstico más frecuente (55,5%). El 83,1% consumía algún tipo de medicamento y el 45% más de 3 fármacos. En la valoración por esferas: el 83,5% era autónomo, el 18,1% tenía deterioro cognitivo, el 7,7% depresión, el 79,3% riesgo social, el 23,8% disfunción familiar, el 31,4% riesgo de malnutrición, el 23,4% obesidad, el 96% mala higiene del sueño y el 4,9% riesgo de caídas. El síndrome geriátrico más frecuente fue caídas en 23,8% y de los problemas geriátricos, el edentulismo en 77,6%; 17,4% eran frágiles según la velocidad de la marcha; se encontró asociación entre fragilidad y edad avanzada, género femenino y la presencia de riesgo social. Conclusión: Los pacientes que acuden a la consulta externa de Geriatría fueron mayoritariamente mujeres, funcionalmente autónomos, sin deterioro cognitivo, con riesgo social y adecuada funcionalidad familiar, prefrágiles y con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles principalmente.

Objective: To describe the clinical profile of elder patients attending an outpatient setting of a general hospital. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study performed using surveys applied to patients attending Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia´s elder outpatient clinic between August 2011 and January 2012. Results: 290 patients were evaluated; 69.3% were females; 65.5% had 60-79 years old. Blood hypertension was the most frequent diagnosis in 55.5%. Use of at least one drug was found in 83.1% and 45% used more than three drugs; 83.5% were autonomous; 18.1% had cognitive deterioration; 7.7% had depression; 79.3% had social risk; 23.8% had dysfunctional families; 31.4% were at risk of malnutrition; 23.4% had obesity and 4.9% had risk of falls. Elderly falls was the most frequent geriatric syndrome (23.8%) and edentulism was the most frequent geriatric problem (77.6%); 17.4% were fragile based on walking speed; an association was found between fragility, advanced age, female gender and social risk. Conclusion: The majority of elder patients attending the outpatient setting were functionally autonomous females, with no cognitive deterioration, adequate family functioning, pre-fragile and with chronic non-transmissible diseases.

Absceso Hipofisiario: presentación de un caso / Hypophyseal abscess: A case

Los abscesos hipofisarios se diagnostican en la mayoría de los casos solo después del drenaje transesfenoidal, el abordaje terapéutico de elección; son subdiagnosticados y representan una enfermedad con alta mortalidad sin el tratamiento correcto y oportuno. Este es el caso clínico de una paciente de 38 años de edad con amenorrea de un año de evolución, galactorrea, cefalea y déficit campimétrico manifestado por hemianopsia bitemporal. La resonancia magnética nuclear mostró una imagen compatible con adenoma hipofisario, por lo que se realizó abordaje transesfenoidal confirmándose por reporte histopatológico un absceso cerebral. Se llevó terapia antibiótica empírica con vancomicina, metronidazol y ceftriaxona a dosis meníngeas, sin obtener el agente causal en los cultivos. Se concluyó que los abscesos hipofisiarios son una patología potencialmente curable que al manifestarse como una masa selar la gran mayoría recibe un abordaje terapéutico adecuado por vía transesfenoidal, y en la mayoría de los casos dicho procedimiento arroja el diagnóstico y el tratamiento definitivo al mismo tiempo.

Pituitary abscesses are defined as the affection of the pituitary gland by an intrasellar suppurative process caused by an infectious agent. Pituitary abscesses represent less than 1% of the pathologies of the sellar region, the clinical manifestations are due to pituitary dysfunction or mass effect. The diagnosis in most of the cases is only after transsphenoidal drainage which is the therapeutic approach of choice, being underdiagnosed and becoming a disease with high mortality if the right and appropriate treatment is not instituted. Case report. A case of a 38-year-old-female patient with amenorrhea of one year of evolution, galactorrhea, headache and visual field deficits manifested by bitemporal hemianopsia is reported. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an image compatible with pituitary adenoma, a transsphenoidal approach was performed and histopathologic report confirmed a brain abscess. Antibiotic therapy was empirically started with vancomycin, metronidazole and ceftriaxone at meningeal doses, failed to get the agent in cultures. Conclusions. Pituitary abscesses are a potentially curable disease that present as a sellar mass, most receive the appropriate therapy by transsphenoidal approach and in most of the cases this procedure gives the definitive diagnosis and treatment simultaneously.

Estandarización de la técnica de Western blot para el diagnóstico de la fasciolosis humana utilizando antígenos de excreción-secreción de Fasciola hepática / Western blot technique standardization of the diagnosis of human fasciolosis using Fasciola hepatica excreted-secreted antigens

Objetivos. Evaluar la eficacia de la técnica de electroinmunotransferencia (EITB) o Western blot utilizando antígenos de excreción-secreción de las formas adultas de Fasciola hepatica (Fh E/S Ag) para el diagnóstico de la fasciolosis humana. Materiales y métodos. Los antígenos fueron obtenidos a las 18 horas de incubación en medio Minimum Essential Eagle y preparados a la concentración proteica de 0,15 ug/uL; los cuales, al ser enfrentados con un pool de sueros de pacientes con fasciolosis confirmada por el hallazgo de huevos del parásito en las heces, se detectaron los antígenos de 10, 12, 17, 23, 27, 30, 36, 43, 66 y 136 KDa, con los cuales se desarrolló la técnica de Western blot. La sensibilidad se evaluó empleando sueros de 67 pacientes con fasciolosis, y la especificidad con sueros de 57 pacientes con otras parasitosis y diez sueros de personas no parasitadas. Resultados. De los 67 sueros, 64 reaccionaron con la banda de 23 KDa y 61 con la banda de 17KDa. Estas dos bandas no fueron detectadas por ninguno de los sueros de pacientes con otras parasitosis, ni de personas no parasitadas, siendo por ello consideradas como específicas y diagnósticas. Conclusiones. La sensibilidad de la prueba, utilizando las bandas de 17 y 23 KDa, fue de 95,5 por ciento cuando se presenta reacción positiva en una o en las dos bandas, siendo la especificidad para estos dos antígenos de 100 por ciento con un valor predictivo positivo de 100 por ciento y un valor predictivo negativo de 95,71 por ciento.

Objectives. To evaluate the performance of the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay (EITB, Western blot) using excretory/secretory antigens from adult forms of Fasciola hepatica (Fh E/S Ag) for the diagnosis of human fasciolosis. Materials and methods. Antigens were obtained after 18 hours of incubation in culture medium Minimum Essential Eagle, prepared at a protein concentration of 0.15 ug/uL and run against a pool of sera of patients with proven fasciolosis (confirmed by the finding of parasite eggs in the stool microscopy). Antigens of 10, 12, 17, 23, 27, 30, 36, 43, 66 and 136 kDa were detected and used to develop the Western blot technique. The sensitivity was evaluated using sera from 67 fasciolosis patients, and the specificity using sera from 57 patients with other parasitic diseases, and 10 from healthy individuals. Results. Out of the 67 sera, 64 reacted with the 23 kDa band and 61 with the one of 17 kDa. These two bands were not detected in sera from patients with other parasitic diseases or in those from healthy volunteers and thus could be considered specific and diagnostic. Conclusions. The sensitivity of the test, using the bands of 17 and 23 kDa, was 95.5 percent for positive reactions to at least one of these two bands, being its specificity 100 percent with a positive predictive value of 100 percent and negative predictive value of 95.71 percent.

La docencia en medicina centrada en el estudiante, con publicaciones periódicas / Teaching in the student-centered medicine, with periodicals

La dinámica de grupos permitió que 77 estudiantes del curso regular de Medicina Tropical, efectuaran durante cuatro años, un ensayo sobre la docencia en medicina centrada en el estudiante, mediante la participación en la publicación de artículos médicos en revistas científicas indexadas. Se publicaron 21 artículos: cuatro de investigación clínica, trece de investigación bibliográfica y cuatro de investigación docente con 27 estudiantes que participaron como autores. Se revisaron 823 referencias bibliográficas en la elaboración de los artículos: 20 por ciento de autores venezolanos y 80 por ciento de extranjeros. La ejecución de la experiencia permitió a los estudiantes adquirir destrezas y habilidades en el manejo eficiente de la información bibliográfica, cuando se elaboraron los artículos médicos. Enseñar medicina significa también aprender a publicar la información que va generando la investigación clínica y docente. El propósito fue el de narrar, evaluar y analizar una experiencia docente en la Cátedra de Medicina Tropical

The group dynamics strategy permitted that 77 students from the regular Tropical Medicine course during a four year period, carry out an assay about Teaching Medicine centered on the student, by means of participating and writing medical papers published in indexed medical journals. Twenty one papers were published: four on clinical investigation, thirteen reviews and four on teaching investigation, with 27 students participating as authors. For the publication of the mentioned papers, 823 references were revised: 20 percent corresponded to Venezuelan authors and 80 percent were from other countries. Participating in this experience permitted to the students the practice of capacities and skills related to reference revision applied to writing medical papers. Teaching medicine means also, learning how to publish the data generated during clinical and the teaching practices. The aim was to describe, analyze and evaluate a teaching experience in the Tropical Medicine Department

Proteomic analysis of propiconazole responses in mouse liver: comparison of genomic and proteomic profiles.

We have performed for the first time a comprehensive profiling of changes in protein expression of soluble proteins in livers from mice treated with the mouse liver tumorigen, propiconazole, to uncover the pathways and networks altered by this fungicide. Utilizing two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS), we identified 62 proteins that were altered. Several of these protein changes detected by 2-DE/MS were verified by Western blot analyses. These differentially expressed proteins were mapped using Ingenuity Pathway Analyses (IPA) canonical pathways and IPA tox lists. Forty-four pathways/lists were identified. IPA was also used to create networks of interacting protein clusters. The protein-generated IPA canonical pathways and IPA tox lists were compared to those pathways and lists previously generated from genomic analyses from livers of mice treated with propiconazole under the same experimental conditions. There was a significant overlap in the specific pathways and lists generated from the proteomic and the genomic data with 27 pathways common to both proteomic and genomic analyses. However, there were also 17 pathways/lists identified only by proteomics analysis and 21 pathways/lists only identified by genomic analysis. The protein network analysis produced interacting subnetworks centered around hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4 alpha), MYC, proteasome subunit type 4 alpha, and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The HNF4 alpha network hub was also identified by genomic analysis. Five GST isoforms were identified by proteomic analysis and GSTs were present in 10 of the 44 protein-based pathways/lists. Hepatic GST activities were compared between mice treated with propiconazole and 2 additional conazoles and higher GST activities were found to be associated with the tumorigenic conazoles. Overall, this comparative proteomic and genomic study has revealed a series of alterations in livers induced by propiconazole: nuclear receptor activation, metabolism of xenobiotics, metabolism of biochemical intermediates, biosynthesis of biochemical intermediates, and oxidative stress in mouse liver. The present study provides novel insights into toxic mechanisms and/or modes of action of propiconazole which are required for human health risk assessment of this environmental chemical.