Importancia cultural de la flora empleada por la comunidad nativa Asheninka Sheremashe, Ucayali, Perú / Cultural importance of the flora used by the Asheninka Sheremashe native community, Ucayali, Peru

The cultural significance of the flora used by the native Asheninka Sheremashe community in Ucayali, Peru was determined. To do this, a fieldwork of over 4 months was conducted, involving semi-structured interviews with 106 residents through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The community utilizes 139 plant species in their daily lives, belonging to 120 genera and 52 families, with the most abundant being Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Malvaceae, Solanaceae, Poaceae, and Rutaceae. Furthermore, 25.9% of the species are of significant importance to theinhabitants according to the Cultural Index (CI), such as Manihot esculenta, Theobroma cacao, Bixa orellana, Musa paradisiaca, Ficus insipida, among others. It can be concluded that the flora plays a prominent role in the life of the community, with the categories reporting the highest number of species being: food (29.35%), medicine (28.36%), culture (9.95%), construction (9.45%), lumber (6.97%), commerce (3.48%), craftsmanship (2.49%), toxic (2.49%), and other uses (7.46%)

Se determinó la importancia cultural de la flora empleada por la comunidad nativa Asheninka Sheremashe, en Ucayali, Perú. Para ello, se realizó un trabajo de campo de más de 4 meses, donde se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 106 habitantes mediante un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. La comunidad emplea 139 especies vegetales en su día a día, pertenecientes a 120 géneros y 52 familias; siendo las más abundantes las Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Malvaceae, Solanaceae, Poaceae y Rutaceae. Además, el 25.9% de las especies tiene gran importancia para los pobladores según el Índice Cultural (IC): Manihot esculenta, Theobroma cacao, Bixa orellana, Musa paradisiaca, Ficus insipida, entre otras. Se concluye que la flora tiene un rol preponderante en la vida de la comunidad, siendo las categorías que presentaron mayor reporte de especies: alimentación (29.35%), medicina (28.36%), cultura (9.95%), construcción (9.45%), aserrío (6.97%), comercio (3.48%), artesanía (2.49%), tóxico (2.49%) y otros usos (7.46%)

Association between gamma glutamyl transpeptidase to HDL-Cholesterol (GGT/HDL-C) ratio and metabolic syndrome resolution after sleeve gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between GGT/HDL-C ratio and resolution of MetS in adults after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using secondary data from a Peruvian bariatric center. The study population consisted of adults aged 18 and above who underwent laparoscopic SG and were diagnosed with MetS prior to the surgery. The main outcome measured was MetS resolution 6 months post-surgery and the exposure variable was the GGT/HDL-C ratio. RESULTS: We analyzed 137 patients with a mean age of 38.9 ± 10.9 years; 64.2% were females. The median GGT/HDL-C ratio was 1.1 [0.7 - 1.5], and 83.9% of patients experienced resolution of MetS. Furthermore, both the middle tertile of GGT/HDL-C (aRR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.58; p = .019) and the lowest tertile (aRR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.60; p = .038) showed a significant association with the resolution of MetS. CONCLUSION: Eight out of 10 patients undergoing SG experience resolution of MetS within 6 months after surgery. Patients in the middle and lower tertiles of the GGT/HDL-C were more likely to achieve this outcome. Therefore, the GGT/HDL-C ratio should be considered a valuable and efficient biomarker for preoperative assessment of bariatric surgery candidates.

Development and Pilot-Testing of an Optimized Conversational Agent or "Chatbot" for Peruvian Adolescents Living With HIV to Facilitate Mental Health Screening, Education, Self-Help, and Linkage to Care: Protocol for a Mixed Methods, Community-Engaged Study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents living with HIV are disproportionally affected by depression, which worsens antiretroviral therapy adherence, increases viral load, and doubles the risk of mortality. Because most adolescents living with HIV live in low- and middle-income countries, few receive depression treatment due to a lack of mental health services and specialists in low-resource settings. Chatbot technology, used increasingly in health service delivery, is a promising approach for delivering low-intensity depression care to adolescents living with HIV in resource-constrained settings. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to develop and pilot-test for the feasibility and acceptability of a prototype, optimized conversational agent (chatbot) to provide mental health education, self-help skills, and care linkage for adolescents living with HIV. METHODS: Chatbot development comprises 3 phases conducted over 2 years. In the first phase (year 1), formative research will be conducted to understand the views, opinions, and preferences of up to 48 youths aged 10-19 years (6 focus groups of up to 8 adolescents living with HIV per group), their caregivers (5 in-depth interviews), and HIV program personnel (5 in-depth interviews) regarding depression among adolescents living with HIV. We will also investigate the perceived acceptability of a mental health chatbot, including barriers and facilitators to accessing and using a chatbot for depression care by adolescents living with HIV. In the second phase (year 1), we will iteratively program a chatbot using the SmartBot360 software with successive versions (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3), meeting regularly with a Youth Advisory Board comprised of adolescents living with HIV who will guide and inform the chatbot development and content to arrive at a prototype version (version 1.0) for pilot-testing. In the third phase (year 2), we will pilot-test the prototype chatbot among 50 adolescents living with HIV naïve to its development. Participants will interact with the chatbot for up to 2 weeks, and data will be collected on the acceptability of the chatbot-delivered depression education and self-help strategies, depression knowledge changes, and intention to seek care linkage. RESULTS: The study was awarded in April 2022, received institutional review board approval in November 2022, received funding in December 2022, and commenced recruitment in March 2023. By the completion of study phases 1 and 2, we expect our chatbot to incorporate key needs and preferences gathered from focus groups and interviews to develop the chatbot. By the completion of study phase 3, we will have assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the prototype chatbot. Study phase 3 began in April 2024. Final results are expected by January 2025 and published thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: The study will produce a prototype mental health chatbot developed with and for adolescents living with HIV that will be ready for efficacy testing in a subsequent, larger study. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/55559.

Boosting self-efficacy and improving practices for smoking prevention and cessation among South American cancer care providers with a web-based algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Digital technologies have positively impacted the availability and usability of clinical algorithms through the advancement in mobile health. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if a web-based algorithm designed to support the decision-making process of cancer care providers (CCPs) differentially impacted their self-reported self-efficacy and practices for providing smoking prevention and cessation services in Peru and Colombia. METHODS: A simple decision-making tree algorithm was built in REDCap using information from an extensive review of the currently available smoking prevention and cessation resources. We employed a pre-post study design with a mixed-methods approach among 53 CCPs in Peru and Colombia for pilot-testing the web-based algorithm during a 3-month period. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the CCPs' self-efficacy and practices before and after using the web-based algorithm. The usability of the web-based algorithm was quantitatively measured with the system usability scale (SUS), as well as qualitatively through the analysis of four focus groups conducted among the participating CCPs. RESULTS: The pre-post assessments indicated that the CCPs significantly improved their self-efficacy and practices toward smoking prevention and cessation services after using the web-based algorithm. The overall average SUS score obtained among study participants was 82.9 (± 9.33) [Peru 81.5; Colombia 84.1]. After completing the qualitative analysis of the focus groups transcripts, four themes emerged: limited resources currently available for smoking prevention and cessation in oncology settings, merits of the web-based algorithm, challenges with the web-based algorithm, and suggestions for improving this web-based decision-making tool. CONCLUSION: The web-based algorithm showed high usability and was well-received by the CCPs in Colombia and Peru, promoting a preliminary improvement in their smoking prevention and cessation self-efficacy and practices.

Proportion of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists on the population attributable fraction (PAF) of cancer cases and deaths in Latin America. In Peru several studies have been published regarding the PAF of various risk factors and their associated diseases. The objective of this study was to estimate the fraction of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in Peru in 2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic in the population of 15 years old and older. METHODS: An ecological study was conducted using the prevalence of exposure of the Peruvian population to modifiable risk factors for cancer, the relative risk associated with each factor, and the number of cancer cases and deaths in 2018 as inputs. We used the Parkin formula with a Montecarlo statistical simulation model to calculate the PAF and confidence intervals. The number of new cancer cases and deaths attributed to each risk factor was determined by multiplying the number of cases and deaths in each gender by the PAF of each risk factor. FINDINGS: In Peru, 38.5% of new cases (34.5% in men and 42% in women) and 43.4% of cancer-related deaths (43.4% in men and 43.4% in women) were attributable to modifiable risk factors. The number of cancers attributable was 25,308 (10,439 in men and 14,869 in women) and the number of deaths attributable to cancer was 14,839 (6,953 in men and 7,886 in women). The predominant modifiable risk factors contributing to the highest number of cases and deaths were HPV infection (4,563 cases, 2,409 deaths), current tobacco use (3,348 cases, 2,180 deaths), and helicobacter pylori infection (2,677 cases, 1,873 deaths). Among the risk factors, oncogenic infections constituted the group with the highest PAF (16.6% for cases, 19.2% for deaths) followed by other unhealthy lifestyle factors (14.2% for cases, 16.7% for deaths), tobacco (7.2% for cases, 7.2% for deaths) and ultraviolet radiation (0.5% for cases, 0.3% for deaths). CONCLUSIONS: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 38.5% of cancer cases and 43.4% of cancer-related deaths in Peru were linked to modifiable risk factors in the population of 15 years old and older. Most preventable cancer cases and deaths were related to oncogenic infections, primarily caused by HPV and helicobacter pylori, followed by tobacco and obesity.

Sampling is decisive to determination of Leishmania (Viannia) species.

BACKGROUND: Accuracy of molecular tools for the identification of parasites that cause human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) could largely depend on the sampling method. Non-invasive or less-invasive sampling methods such as filter paper imprints and cotton swabs are preferred over punch biopsies and lancet scrapings for detection methods of Leishmania based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) because they are painless, simple, and inexpensive, and of benefit to military and civilian patients to ensure timely treatment. However, different types of samples can generate false negatives and there is a clear need to demonstrate which sample is more proper for molecular assays. METHODOLOGY: Here, we compared the sensitivity of molecular identification of different Leishmania (Viannia) species from Peru, using three types of sampling: punch biopsy, filter paper imprint and lancet scraping. Different composite reference standards and latent class models allowed to evaluate the accuracy of the molecular tools. Additionally, a quantitative PCR assessed variations in the results and parasite load in each type of sample. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Different composite reference standards and latent class models determined higher sensitivity when lancet scrapings were used for sampling in the identification and determination of Leishmania (Viannia) species through PCR-based assays. This was consistent for genus identification through kinetoplastid DNA-PCR and for the determination of species using FRET probes-based Nested Real-Time PCR. Lack of species identification in some samples correlated with the low intensity of the PCR electrophoretic band, which reflects the low parasite load in samples. CONCLUSIONS: The type of clinical sample can directly influence the detection and identification of Leishmania (Viannia) species. Here, we demonstrated that lancet scraping samples consistently allowed the identification of more leishmaniasis cases compared to filter paper imprints or biopsies. This procedure is inexpensive, painless, and easy to implement at the point of care and avoids the need for anesthesia, surgery, and hospitalization and therefore could be used in resource limited settings for both military and civilian populations.

Lung Cancer Clinical Trials in Latin America in the Era of Cooperative Groups: A 20-Year Analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to characterize lung cancer treatment clinical trials in Latin America before (January 2001-December 2011) and after (January 2012-December 2021) the organization of major Latin American oncology cooperative groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interventional clinical trials were identified in ClinicalTrials.gov using the search terms "lung cancer," country filters for 20 Latin American countries, and study start dates January 1, 2001-December 31, 2011, and January 1, 2012-December 31, 2021. Clinical trials were categorized as either originating in Latin America (LA) or outside Latin America (non-LA) with participation of Latin American countries. Descriptive statistics, two-sided Z-scores, and chi-square analyses with 95% CIs were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 273 clinical trials involving Latin American countries between 2001 and 2021 were identified. Comparing 2001-2011 with 2012-2021, there was an increase in total clinical trials (100 v 173; P < .001). Only 9% (26 of 273) of all trials were LA trials. There was a marked decrease in the proportion of LA trials (14% v 7%, P = .058) and estimated enrollment to LA trials (3,245 v 1,190 patients; P < .001). Recruiting of patients with EGFR (29% v 7%; P < .01) and KRAS (18% v 2%; P < .01) driver mutations also decreased. Trial participation was highest in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Peru and increased over time: Brazil (61 v 108; 77% increase), Mexico (40 v 88; 120% increase), Argentina (50 v 78; 56% increase), Chile (25 v 57; 128% increase), and Peru (14 v 37; 164% increase). CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in clinical trial participation by Latin American countries, from 2001-2011 to 2012-2021. However, there were few clinical trials which originated in Latin America or focused on patients with driver mutations.

La dinámica del comercio ilegal de armas de fuego en Lima, Perú / The dynamics of the illegal firearms trade in Lima, Peru / A dinâmica do comércio ilegal de armas de fogo em Lima, Peru

El comercio ilegal de armas de fuego representa un problema significativo para mantener el orden y la seguridad del país, pues conlleva la adquisición de armas y municiones sin cumplir la normatividad y las regulaciones proporcionadas por el Estado, desviando la utilización de dichos equipos hacia la delincuencia. La investigación tiene como propósito analizar la dinámica del comercio ilegal de armas de fuego en Lima, Perú, mediante una metodología cualitativa y de diseño fenomenológico hermenéutico. La muestra incluye veinte funcionarios de la Policía Nacional del Perú (PNP) y la Superintendencia Nacional de Control de Servicios de Seguridad, Armas, Municiones y Explosivos de Uso Civil (Sucamec). La información se recolectó por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas. El estudio concluye que el comercio ilegal de armas de fuego se estructura en tres fases clave: la primera fase determinada por la filtración o desvío de armas del mercado legal al ilegal, debido a la falta de control y fiscalización por las autoridades pertinentes. La segunda fase implica la creación de un mercado ilegal en espacios itinerantes, donde participan diversos actores, como intermediarios y compradores. La tercera y última fase comprende la consumación del delito, incluye la entrega del arma y el pago bajo estrictas medidas de seguridad para asegurar la impunidad de los involucrados.

The illegal trade in firearms represents a significant problem for the maintenance of order and security in the country, as it leads to the acquisition of arms and ammunition without complying with the norms and regulations provided by the State, diverting the use of such equipment towards crime. The purpose of this research is to analyse the dynamics of the illegal firearms trade in Lima, Peru, using a qualitative methodology and a hermeneutic phenomenological design. The sample includes twenty officers from the Peruvian National Police (PNP) and the National Superintendence for the Control of Security Services, firearms, Ammunition and Explosives for Civilian Use (Sucamec). The information was collected through semi-structured interviews. The study concludes that the illegal firearms trade is structured in three key phases: the first phase determined by the leakage or diversion of arms from the legal to the illegal market, due to the lack of control and oversight by the relevant authorities. The second phase involves the creation of an illegal market in itinerant spaces, where various actors, such as intermediaries and buyers, participate. The third and final phase involves the consummation of the crime, including the delivery of the weapon and payment under strict security measures to ensure the impunity of those involved.

O comércio ilegal de armas de fogo representa um problema significativo para a manutenção da ordem e da segurança no país, pois leva à aquisição de armas e munições sem o cumprimento das normas e regulamentos fornecidos pelo Estado, desviando o uso desses equipamentos para o crime. O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar a dinâmica do comércio ilegal de armas de fogo em Lima, Peru, usando uma metodologia qualitativa e um desenho fenomenológico hermenêutico. A amostra inclui vinte policiais da Polícia Nacional do Peru (PNP) e da Superintendência Nacional de Controle de Serviços de Segurança, Armas, Munições e Explosivos para Uso Civil (Sucamec). As informações foram coletadas por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. O estudo conclui que o comércio ilegal de armas de fogo está estruturado em três fases principais: a primeira fase é determinada pelo vazamento ou desvio de armas do mercado legal para o ilegal, devido à falta de controle e fiscalização por parte das autoridades competentes. A segunda fase envolve a criação de um mercado ilegal em espaços itinerantes, onde vários atores, como intermediários e compradores, participam. A terceira e última fase envolve a consumação do crime, incluindo a entrega da arma e o pagamento sob rigorosas medidas de segurança para garantir a impunidade dos envolvidos.

Integrated plasma proteomics identifies tuberculosis-specific diagnostic biomarkers.

BACKGROUNDNovel biomarkers to identify infectious patients transmitting Mycobacterium tuberculosis are urgently needed to control the global tuberculosis (TB) pandemic. We hypothesized that proteins released into the plasma in active pulmonary TB are clinically useful biomarkers to distinguish TB cases from healthy individuals and patients with other respiratory infections.METHODSWe applied a highly sensitive non-depletion tandem mass spectrometry discovery approach to investigate plasma protein expression in pulmonary TB cases compared to healthy controls in South African and Peruvian cohorts. Bioinformatic analysis using linear modeling and network correlation analyses identified 118 differentially expressed proteins, significant through 3 complementary analytical pipelines. Candidate biomarkers were subsequently analyzed in 2 validation cohorts of differing ethnicity using antibody-based proximity extension assays.RESULTSTB-specific host biomarkers were confirmed. A 6-protein diagnostic panel, comprising FETUB, FCGR3B, LRG1, SELL, CD14, and ADA2, differentiated patients with pulmonary TB from healthy controls and patients with other respiratory infections with high sensitivity and specificity in both cohorts.CONCLUSIONThis biomarker panel exceeds the World Health Organization Target Product Profile specificity criteria for a triage test for TB. The new biomarkers have potential for further development as near-patient TB screening assays, thereby helping to close the case-detection gap that fuels the global pandemic.FUNDINGMedical Research Council (MRC) (MR/R001065/1, MR/S024220/1, MR/P023754/1, and MR/W025728/1); the MRC and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office; the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR); the Wellcome Trust (094000, 203135, and CC2112); Starter Grant for Clinical Lecturers (Academy of Medical Sciences UK); the British Infection Association; the Program for Advanced Research Capacities for AIDS in Peru at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (D43TW00976301) from the Fogarty International Center at the US NIH; the UK Technology Strategy Board/Innovate UK (101556); the Francis Crick Institute, which receives funding from UKRI-MRC (CC2112); Cancer Research UK (CC2112); and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre of Imperial College NHS.

Otariid gammaherpesvirus 1 in South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) and a novel related herpesvirus in free-ranging South American sea lions (Otaria byronia): Prevalence and effects of age, sex, and sample type.

Otariid gammaherpesvirus 1 (OtGHV1) is associated with high rates of urogenital carcinoma in free-ranging California sea lions (Zalophus californianus; CSL), and until recently was reported only in the Northern Hemisphere. The objective of this study was to survey free-ranging South American sea lions (Otaria byronia; SASL) and South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis: SAFS) in Punta San Juan, Peru for OtGHV1 and to determine prevalence characteristics. Twenty-one percent (14/67) of urogenital swabs collected over three years (2011, 2014, 2015) from live pinnipeds of both species tested positive with a pan-herpesvirus conventional PCR. Sequencing of SAFS amplicons revealed 100% homology to OtGHV1 at the DNA polymerase, glycoprotein B, and viral bcl2-like genes. Sequencing of SASL amplicons revealed a novel related virus, herein called Otariid gammaherpesvirus 8 (OtGHV8). For comparison of sample sites, urogenital, conjunctival, and oropharyngeal swabs collected from 136 live pinnipeds of both species at Punta San Juan between 2011-2018 were then assayed using quantitative PCR for a segment of the OtGHV1/8 DNA polymerase gene using a qPCR assay now determined to cross-react between the two viruses. In total, across both species, 38.6% (51/132) of urogenital swabs, 5.6% (4/71) of conjunctival swabs, and 1.1% (1/90) of oropharyngeal swabs were positive for OtGHV1/8, with SASL only positive on urogenital swabs. Results from SASL were complicated by the finding of OtGHV8, necessitating further study to determine prevalence of OtGHV1 versus OtGHV8 using an alternate assay. Results from SAFS suggest a potential relationship between OtGHV1 in SAFS and CSL. Though necropsy surveillance in SAFS is very limited, geographic patterns of OtGHV1-associated urogenital carcinoma in CSL and the tendency of herpesviruses to cause more detrimental disease in aberrant hosts suggests that it is possible that SAFS may be the definitive host of OtGHV1, which gives further insight into the diversity and phyogeography of this clade of related gammaherpesviruses.

Demographic Characteristics and Low Iron Status Markers Are Associated with Hemoglobin Levels and Anemia among Children Living at High Elevation in Cusco, Peru.

Anemia is a complex condition associated with diet, chronic infections, and blood loss. Children living at high altitudes have higher absolute hemoglobin levels due to hypoxemia. However, they are exposed to repeated infections and dietary limitations. We conducted a cross-sectional study to identify factors affecting the hemoglobin concentration in children living in high-altitude rural communities in the Anta province of Peru. All children 3-16 years of age attending public schools were invited to participate. We enrolled children 3-16 years old in schools and visited their homes to collect demographic, socioeconomic, medical history, and anthropometric data. Children provided blood and stool samples for complete blood counts, iron status markers, and helminth infection testing. Among the 2,000 children enrolled, the mean age was 9.9 (±3.4) years, 1,004 (50.2%) were female, and the median residence altitude was 3,398 (interquartile range 3,35-3,497) meters. The mean hemoglobin level was 15 (±1.15) mg/dL; 320 (16%) had anemia as defined by WHO. Children with anemia were more likely to have lower serum iron levels (odds ratio [OR] 2.8 [95% CI 2.2-3.6], P <0.001) and serum transferrin saturation (OR 2.8 [95% CI 2-3.9], P <0.001). Younger age (OR 0.85 [95% CI 0.82-0.89], P <0.001), stunting (OR 0.68 [95% CI 0.59-0.79], P <0.001), education of the mother (OR 0.94 [95% CI 0.91-0.98], P <0.005), and low eosinophils (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.26-0.9], P = 0.022) were associated with anemia. Helminth infections were not associated with anemia. Anemia among children at high altitude is multifactorial, but iron deficiency is a contributing factor. Further studies are needed to evaluate iron status and anemia in children living at high altitudes.

Seroprevalence of reproductive and infectious diseases in cattle: the case of Madre de Dios in the Peruvian southeastern tropics.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of reproductive and infectious diseases in tropical cattle in the Tambopata and Tahuamanu Provinces in the department of Madre de Dios, Peru. SAMPLE: 156 bovines from 7 cattle farms were sampled. These farms used exclusive grazing for food and natural mating for reproduction and did not have sanitary or vaccination programs. METHODS: The serum of blood samples was subjected to ELISA with commercial kits for the detection of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP), Leptospira interrogans, pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus-1, retrovirus bovine leukemia virus (BLV), orbivirus bluetongue virus (BTV), and herpesvirus bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV). The data were analyzed by means of association tests with χ2 (P < .05) and Spearman rank correlation (P < .05) in the SPSS v.15.0 software (IBM Corp). RESULTS: A low prevalence of antibodies to L interrogans, N caninum, M avium subsp paratuberculosis, bovine viral diarrhea virus-1 was found, but it was high to BTV, BLV, and BHV (100%, 53.85%, and 72.44%, respectively). The presence of BLV and BHV was higher in the Las Piedras District, bovines less than 5 years old, and cattle with breed characteristics of zebu and crossbred (P < .01). In addition, there was a significant correlation between both infections, showing 83.3% of BLV positivity that were also BHV positive (P < .01). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The high prevalence of antibodies to BTV, BHV, and BLV could be due to livestock management practices, direct contact with infected animals, and variation of the presence of vectors and natural reservoirs in the context of climate change in the tropics.

Field study of an arsenic removal plant for drinking water using activated carbon and iron in a rural community in the province of Pisco, Peru.

The presence of arsenic in Peru is a serious public health problem due to the geographical extension of populations that consume water with arsenic concentrations above the value recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). An arsenic removal plant has been studied in a community of 50 families located in the province of Pisco, Peru, a filter media of activated carbon impregnated with iron (AC-Fe) was applied, the adsorption capacity of the material was studied against As(V) and As(III) species, also, a possible decrease in the adsorption capacity of chloride and sulfate ions. Modifications were made to the plant layout based on filtration columns and workflows. The arsenic level was reduced to levels recommended by the WHO, the plant production was estimated at 9,000 volumes of water bed until reaching its breakpoint. An optimum working flow rate of 1.8 m3 h-1 was found, it was also found that the zeolite column used for suspended solids removal did not contribute to the reduction of arsenic concentration, and the presence of ions did not reduce the arsenic removal capacity.

Survival according to the site of metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer patients: The Peruvian experience.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding differences in survival associated with the site of metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains limited. Our aim was to analyze the overall survival (OS), distant relapse free survival (DRFS), and survival since the diagnosis of the relapse (MS), according to the side of metastasis. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of TNBC patients with distant metastases at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (Lima, Peru) from 2000 to 2014. Prognostic factors were determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 309 patients were included. Regarding the type of metastasis, visceral metastasis accounted for 41% and the lung was the most frequent first site of metastasis (33.3%). With a median follow-up of 10.2 years, the 5-year DRFS and OS were 10% and 26%, respectively. N staging (N2-N3 vs. N0, HR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.04-2.14), metastasis in visceral sites (vs. bone; HR = 1.55, 95%CI: 0.94-2.56), the central nervous system (vs. bone; HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10-3.22), and multiple sites (vs. bone; HR = 2.55, 95%CI:1.53-4.25) were prognostic factors of OS whereas multiple metastasis (HR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.42-3.72) was a predictor of MS. In terms of DRFS, there were no differences according to metastasis type or solid organ. CONCLUSION: TNBC patients with multiple metastasis and CNS metastasis have an increased risk of death compared to those with bone metastasis in terms of OS and MS.

Characterization of Red Seaweed Chondracanthus Chamissoi from the Coasts of Perú: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity and Functional Properties.

The present investigation finds that Chondracanthus chamissoi seaweed abounding in Peruvian coasts is characterized by its nutritional composition, total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and functional properties such as water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), and swelling capacity (SC). Boiling and steaming were applied before dehydration to evaluate the effect of these thermal treatments, keeping a control sample. The results indicated that the control dried seaweed sample presented 20.2 ± 0.16 g/100 g dw of proteins, 20.0 ± 0.61 g/100 g dw of ash, and 56.6 ± 0.08 g/100 g dw of total dietary fiber. In addition, the control sample presented 1.6 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g of total polyphenol content and 2.4 ± 0.30 mM Trolox mg/g of antioxidant capacity. In boiling samples, the apparent nutrient retention factors for proteins, fat, and dietary fiber are 96, 47 and 74%, respectively. In the steaming sample, the values were 102, 29, and 92%. The boiling before dehydration causes a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in total polyphenols and increases carbohydrates. Steaming before dehydration, a significant (p < 0.05) increase occurs in carbohydrates without significantly altering the concentration of total polyphenols. Regarding the functional properties, C. chamissoi presents 17.6 ± 0.15 g/g of WHC, 2.4 ± 0.78 g/g of OHC, and 9.8 ± 0.75 mL/g of SC. Boiling produces an increase in WHC and OHC; steaming does not affect the properties of the control sample.C. chamissoi seaweed collected from the coasts of Perú is an excellent alternative for use as food and ingredients in processed foods for human consumption.

Estudio etnobotánico de la flora medicinal de la provincia de Trujillo, Perú / Ethnobotanical study of the medicinal flora of the province of Trujillo, Peru

Trujillo, one of the main provinces of Peru, is home to a multicultural population, coming from the Coast, Sierra and Selva; of different ideologies, cultures, and ancestral knowledge about the correct use of medicinal flora. In this sense and in an effort to rescue this ancestral knowledge, the ethnobotanical study of the medicinal flora of the province of Trujillo was carried out. For which 96 semi - structured interviews were applied, using the "snowball" technique; followed by the collection, taxonomic determination and calculation of ethnobotanical indices: Use Value Index (IVU) and Informant Consensus Factor Index (FCI). It is concluded that the inhabitants of Trujillo make use of 102 species of medicinal flora, distributed in 95 genera and 46 families for the treatment and/or cure of 62 diseases. Of the total species, 24 turned out to be the most important (according to their IVU) for the cure of diseases of the Trujillo po pulation.

Trujillo, una de las principales provincias de Perú, alberga una población pluricultural, procedente de la Costa, Sierra y Selv a; de distintas ideologías, culturas, y saberes ancestrales sobre el correcto uso de la flora medicinal. En tal sentido y en el afán de rescatar ese conocimiento ancestral, se realizó el estudio etnobotánico de la flora medicinal de la provincia de Trujill o. Para lo cual se aplicaron 96 entrevistas semiestructuradas, empleando la técnica "bola de nieve"; seguido de la colecta, determinación taxonómica y cálculo de Índices etnobotánicos: Índice de valor de Uso (IVU) e Índice de Factor de Consenso del Informa nte (FCI). Se concluye que los pobladores trujillanos hacen uso de 102 especies de flora medicinal, distribuidas en 95 géneros y 46 familias para el tratamiento y/o cura de 62 enfermedades. Del total de especies, 24 resultaron ser las más importantes (segú n su IVU) para la cura de enfermedades del poblador Trujillano.

Clinicopathologic Classification of Renal Cell Carcinoma in Patients ≤40 Years Old From Peru.

INTRODUCTION: There are scant data on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from relatively younger patients in South America using contemporary classification. METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutively treated patients with RCC (≤40 years old) were assessed from the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases in Peru from 2008 to 2020 (34 males; 25 females), age range of 13 to 40 years. RESULTS: Most common presenting symptoms were flank pain (n = 40), hematuria (n = 19), and weight loss (n = 12). Associated conditions included 4 patients with proven or presumed tuberous sclerosis and 1 patient with von Hippel Lindau syndrome, all with clear cell RCC. Tumor histopathology was clear cell RCC in 32 of 59 (54%), chromophobe RCC in 6 of 59 (10%), and 5 of 59 (8%) each of papillary RCC and MiT family translocation-associated RCC. Four of 59 (7%) were FH-deficient RCC and 2 of 59 (3%) remained unclassified. The remaining tumors were isolated examples of clear cell papillary renal cell tumor, eosinophilic solid and cystic RCC (ESC RCC), RCC with fibromyomatous stroma, sarcomatoid RCC, and sarcomatoid clear cell RCC. Of the 4 FH-deficient RCCs, none had the classic morphology. The 5 MiT family translocation RCCs had variable morphology. There were 41 tumors without recurrence or metastases, 3 tumors with local recurrence only, 8 tumors with metastases only, and 7 tumors with both local recurrence and metastases. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates the importance of special studies in accurately classifying RCC in younger individuals. The distribution of RCC subtypes in younger individuals is similar between 2 representative large institutions of the United States and Peru.

Relationship Maintenance Scale in Young Couples: Validity Evidence and Reliability of a Short Scale in Peru.

Relationship maintenance has shifted from understudied to extensively researched in the past two decades due to its close association with satisfaction. This study aimed to validate the Relationship Maintenance Scale (EMP) in a sample of young adults in Lima. The sample included 899 participants aged 18-25 (Mean = 20.67, SD = 2.54); 690 females (76.80%) and 209 males (23.20%), all in relationships of at least three months (Mean = 22.05, SD = 19.95). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to determine the EMP's structure, with Omega coefficient (ω) estimating reliability. Results indicated a four-factor structure for EMP, removing items 8, 9, 12, and 14, demonstrating good fit (SRMR = .043; CFI = .977; TLI = .971; RMSEA = .058). EMP showed acceptable reliability across factors: Companionship (ω = .78), Affectivity (ω = .83), Complementarity (ω = .77), and Shared interaction (ω = .70), with the latter being less stable. EMP correlated as expected with relationship satisfaction (r ≥ .50). In conclusion, EMP is a valid and reliable instrument for future Spanish studies, with further research on psychometric properties recommended.

Measuring Socioeconomic Inequalities in HIV Testing During Antenatal Care: A Peruvian National Survey.

Although several Latin American countries have 70% antenatal care coverage, the proportion of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing of Peruvian pregnant women and the socioeconomic inequalities of this preventive measure are unknown. This study aimed to determine socioeconomic inequalities and quantify the contribution of contextual and compositional factors on HIV testing during prenatal care in Peru. A cross-sectional study of the 2021 Demographic and Family Health Survey data was conducted. The outcome variable was HIV testing of pregnant women during prenatal care. An analysis of inequalities was performed including the determination of concentration curves and a decomposition analysis of concentration indices. Of a total of 17521 women aged 15 to 49 years, 91.4% had been tested for HIV during prenatal care. The concentration curves showed that prenatal HIV testing was concentrated among richer women, while the decomposition analysis determined that the main contributors to inequality were having a higher education, residing in an urban area, and in the highlands, belonging to the wealthy quintile, and being exposed to television and newspapers. Strategies focused on improving access, promotion and restructuring of prevention of mother-to-child transmission measures should be prioritized.