Pine needle abortions in cattle due to consumption of Pinus ponderosa in Argentina: Case reports.

Two outbreaks of pine needle abortions in cattle are here reported for the first time in Argentina. The cases occurred in Chubut and Neuquén provinces in the Patagonia region, causing 29.6% and 9% of abortions in each herd respectively. In both outbreaks, the dams were in the last third of gestation, and, due to a period of cold, snow and lack of available forage, they gained access to Pinus ponderosa and Pinus contorta forests. No pathological lesions, serological, molecular, or microbiological evidence of infectious causes were observed in any of the six fetuses analyzed. Microhistological analysis of feces confirmed higher presence of fragments of Pinus spp. needles in the diet of affected dams than in that of non-affected ones (12.2 vs 3.0%). Moreover, toxicological analysis showed higher tetrahydroagathic acid in the sera of affected dams than in that of non-affected ones (10.05 vs 2.81 ppm). In addition, this acid was detected in different fetal fluids (3.6-8.1 ppm) of the six fetuses analyzed. Interestingly, isocupressic acid was detected only in needles of P. ponderosa, and its content was lower than that found in other areas of the world (0.31 and 0.5% in Chubut and Neuquén respectively). These results confirm that the consumption of P. ponderosa by dams could have been the cause of these abortion outbreaks, a fact that should be considered as differential diagnosis in abortions of cattle, especially in silvopastoral systems of Argentina.

Historical and projected changes in hydrological and sediment connectivity under climate change in a tropical catchment of Mexico.

Hydrological and erosion dynamics are prone to change due to natural factors, human activities, or climate change. These changes are mainly related to modifications of land use and cover and can be assessed through the concept of connectivity, which analyzes how the spatial distribution of the elements facilitates runoff and sediment transport. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in hydrological and sediment connectivity over 42 years and projected under a climate change scenario in the tropical Santa Cruz catchment in Aquismón, S.L.P., Mexico. The index of connectivity (IC) was computed using SedInConnect version 2.3 and the ArcSWAT model to estimate runoff. Hydrological connectivity and runoff were projected for 2027 using the MPI ECHAM 5 in the A2 climate change scenario. The results indicated that spatio-temporal changes in land use/cover, in conjunction with geomorphological features and expected climate change, would modify hydrological and sediment connectivity, especially in flat areas, where conversion of natural vegetation to cropland was steadily increasing over the years. Under future conditions, runoff and sediment transport are likely to increase, which will impact soil erosion and vulnerability to flooding but will not necessarily be negative. The study shows how spatial-temporal integration of runoff, sediments, landforms, land use cover and change, and connectivity can improve our understanding of catchment dynamics and the importance of analyses that characterize their evolution. The results can subsequently be applied and replicated in other catchments for management and restoration purposes.

Worldwide use of HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening.

An increasing body of evidence supports the validity of self-sampling as an alternative to clinician collection for primary Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening. Self-sampling effectively reaches underscreened women and can be a powerful strategy in low- and high-resource settings for all target ages. This work aims to summarize the current use of HPV self-sampling worldwide. It is part of a larger project that describes cervical cancer screening programmes and produces standardized coverage estimates worldwide. A systematic review of the literature and official documents supplemented with a formal World Health Organisation country consultation was conducted. Findings show that the global use of HPV self-sampling is still limited. Only 17 (12%) of countries with identified screening programs recommend its use, nine as the primary collection method, and eight to reach underscreened populations. We identified 10 pilots evaluating the switch to self-sampling in well-established screening programs. The global use of self-sampling is likely to increase in the coming years. COVID-19's pandemic has prompted efforts to accelerate HPV self-sampling introduction globally, and it is now considered a key element in scaling up screening coverage. The information generated by the early experiences can be beneficial for decision-making in both new and existing programs.

Fracturas intraarticulares de radio distal: reducción bajo fluoroscopía versus asistencia artroscópica. Revisión sistemática / Distal radius intraarticular fractures: fluoroscopy reduction versus arthroscopic assistance. Systematic review

Resumen: Introducción: Las fracturas intraarticulares de radio distal son un desafío terapéutico para el cirujano ortopedista. Hay estudios que avalan el uso de la fluoroscopía y otros promueven la artroscopia. Con este trabajo intentamos resumir la evidencia, para determinar si la asistencia artroscópica aporta beneficios adicionales para evitar incongruencias articulares en comparación con los resultados obtenidos bajo asistencia fluoroscópica. Material y métodos: Búsqueda sistemática de estudios prospectivos, retrospectivos, de cohortes, seguimiento, ensayos clínicos en PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Scielo, Embase, Google Scholar y otras fuentes nacionales, incluyendo como palabras clave los términos: intraarticular distal radius fracture, wrist arthroscopy, arthroscopy, fluoroscopy. Los valores medios y desvíos estándar para cada característica, obtenidos de los trabajos seleccionados fueron analizados usando estadística descriptiva y gráficos ilustrativos. Resultados: Fueron evaluados 463 pacientes (256 mujeres y 207 hombres), con una edad promedio de 48.29 años y rango de 39 a 64 años. Los dos tratamientos (A y F) fueron homogéneos en cuanto a la edad de los pacientes que reportan (p = 0.5820) y el tiempo de seguimiento promedio (p = 0.9597). Sólo la desviación cubital y el DASH, para las cuales el grupo de artroscopía tuvo mejor desempeño, en las variables restantes las diferencias no fueron significativas. Conclusión: La evidencia disponible hasta la fecha es controvertida y no permite hacer recomendaciones a favor o en contra de estas intervenciones, encontrando otros factores que podrían influir en la toma de decisiones.

Abstract: Introduction: Intraarticular distal radius fractures are a therapeutic challenge for the orthopedist surgeon there are studies that support the use of fluoroscopy, and others promote arthroscopy, with this work we try to summarize the evidence, to determine whether arthroscopic assistance provides additional benefits to avoid joint incongruities compared to results obtained under fluoroscopic assistance. Material and methods: Systematic search for prospective, retrospective, cohort, follow-up, clinical trials on PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Scielo, Embase, Google Scholar and other national sources, including as keywords the terms: «intra-articular distal radius fracture¼, «wrist arthroscopy¼, «arthroscopy¼, «fluoroscopy¼. The average values and standard offsets for each characteristic, obtained from the selected works, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and illustrative graphs. Results: 463 patients (256 women and 207 men) were evaluated, with an average age of 48.29 years and range from 39 to 64 years. The two treatments (A and F) were homogeneous in terms of the age of the patients reporting (p = 0.5820) and the average follow-up time (p = 0.9597). Only the ulnar deviation and DASH score, for which the arthroscopy group performed best, in the remaining variables the differences were not significant. Conclusion: The evidence available to date is conflicting, and does not allow recommendations to be made for or against these interventions, finding other factors that could influence decision-making.

[Sensitivity and specificity of three complementary methods in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome]. / Sensibilidad y especificidad de tres métodos complementarios para el diagnóstico de síndrome de túnel carpiano.

INTRODUCTION: Currently there is no universally accepted standard of reference for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome so it is considered a «latent class¼ pathology, that is, it lacks any diagnostic tests that absolutely certain the presence of disease. METHODS: Prospective, observational and analytical study evaluating the three diagnostic methods used for carpal tunnel syndrome (clinical examination, ultrasound and electromyography). Normality values were set for each diagnostic method. RESULTS: 50 people (14 men and 36 women) were evaluated. The clinical examination showed a positive and significant correlation with the diameter of the affected median nerve (ecography) (R = 0.694, p = 0.032). The values of the under the curve area (UCA) for median nerve conduction speed (MNCS), cubital nerve conduction speed (CNCS), and distal latency (DL) by electromyography were 0.60, 0.519 and less than 0.50 respectively. This states that the diagnostic value of electromyography characteristics is bad. CONCLUSION: Our work establishes clinical examination as a good quality tool being the most sensitive method for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. If there was a need for diagnostic confirmation, the ultrasound proved to be a highly satisfactory study generating less stress, pain and invasion to the patient, decreasing health expenditure and speeding up the process.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Actualmente, no existe un estándar de referencia aceptado universalmente para el diagnóstico del síndrome de túnel carpiano, por lo que se le considera una patología de «clase latente¼, es decir, que carece de alguna prueba diagnóstica que dé certeza absoluta de la presencia de la enfermedad. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, observacional y analítico en el cual se evaluaron los tres métodos diagnósticos utilizados para el síndrome de túnel carpiano (examen clínico, ecografía y electromiografía). En él, se establecieron valores de normalidad para cada método diagnóstico. RESULTADOS: Se evaluó un total de 50 personas (14 hombres y 36 mujeres). El examen clínico presentó correlación positiva y significativa con el diámetro del nervio mediano afectado (ecografía) (R = 0.694 y p = 0.032). Los valores del área bajo la curva (AUC, por sus siglas en inglés) para la velocidad de conducción del nervio mediano (VCNM), velocidad de conducción de nervio cubital (VCNC) y latencia distal motora (LDM) por electromiografía fueron de 0.60, 0.519 y. CONCLUSIÓN: < 0.50, respectivamente, lo cual determinó que el valor diagnóstico de las características por electromiografía es malo. Nuestro trabajo establece al examen clínico como una herramienta de buena calidad, siendo el método más sensible para el diagnóstico de síndrome de túnel carpiano. Si existiera la necesidad de realizar una confirmación diagnóstica, la ecografía mostró ser un estudio altamente satisfactorio, el cual genera menos estrés, dolor e invasión al paciente, disminuyendo, a su vez, el gasto de salud y agilizando el proceso.

Doramectin efficacy against Psoroptes ovis in sheep: Evaluation of pharmacological strategies.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of two injectable formulations of doramectin (DRM) against Psoroptes ovis in sheep infested under controlled experimental conditions and to characterize the DRM plasma disposition kinetics in the infested animals. To this end, sheep were experimentally infested with a P. ovis strain from a farm with a history of treatment failure, and then treated either with DRM 1% (traditional preparation) on days 0 and 7 or with DRM 3.15% (long-acting formulation) on day 0. The efficacy of each treatment was calculated by counting live mites in skin scrapings. Plasma samples were obtained from each animal and DRM concentrations were measured by HPLC. After the two doses of DRM 1%, the maximum efficacy (98.8%) was reached on day 28, whereas after the single dose of DRM 3.15%, the maximum efficacy (100%) was reached on day 35 and ratified on day 42. The long-acting formulation allowed obtaining higher exposure and more sustained concentrations of DRM than the traditional preparation. Although both DRM formulations studied were effective according to international protocols, they did not reach 100% effectiveness in the time required for approved pharmaceutical products against sheep scab, according to Argentine regulations.

Connectivity and hydrological efficiency dynamics at active volcanoes, Mexico.

Connectivity is an emergent property that describes how complex topography favors or impedes sediment transfer processes. In active volcanic areas, high connectivity may lead to extremely efficient processes, such as lahars. The aim of the present study is to examine the behavior (activation-deactivation) of sub-basins affected by volcanic and anthropogenic processes by studying the changes in connectivity and hydrological efficiency. Two volcanic zones in Mexico were selected: Volcán de Colima and Popocatépetl volcano, the two most active and dangerous volcanoes in the country. The joint index of connectivity (ICJ) and lateral hydrological efficiency index (LHEI) were calculated for both volcanic areas in basins recently affected by eruptive activity (Volcán de Colima) and co-seismic landslides (Popocatépetl). The analyses enabled the identification of eleven recently activated sub-basins (3.82 km2) at the Volcán de Colima and fifteen (3.77 km2) at the Popocatepetl volcano, as a consequence of natural processes and economic activities. Critical thresholds indicating the percentage area of land cover/use at which a sub-basin reaches high or very high LHEI values and the percentage of land cover/use change required for a sub-basin to modify its behavior (activation-deactivation) were identified using classification trees. The holistic capacity of the concepts of connectivity and hydrological efficiency permits analyzing the spatiotemporal variations of sediment transport based on the interactions between the hydrogeomorphological dynamics of volcanic processes and the territorial impact of socio-economical activities. Through this approach, new active areas have been identified in both volcanoes; the knowledge of the processes that occurred in these areas represents a key factor for hazard and risk assessment for the population in the near future.

Falla en la eficacia de dos formulaciones de ivermectina contra Psoroptes ovis (Hering, 1838) en ovinos / Failure of efficacy of two ivermectin formulations against Psoroptes ovis (Hering, 1838) in sheep

Resumen El presente trabajo evaluó la relación entre la eficacia y la farmacocinética de dos formulaciones comerciales inyectables de ivermectina (IVM) en ovinos merino adultos artificialmente infestados con Psoroptes ovis. Los animales fueron tratados por vía subcutánea con IVM 1 % en dos dosis con un intervalo de aplicación de 7 días, (0.2 mg/kg) o con una única dosis de IVM 3.15%, (1.05 mg/kg). Se realizaron conteos semanales de ácaros vivos mediante raspajes de piel entre el día 0 y 28 post-tratamiento para determinar la eficacia de los tratamientos, y se tomaron muestras de sangre para medir las concentraciones de IVM en plasma. Se observó una disminución significativa en los conteos de ácaros a partir del día 14 post-tratamiento, sin embargo, se encontraron ácaros vivos en todos los muestreos para ambos grupos. En el Grupo IVM 1%, la máxima eficacia se observó el día 28 post tratamiento (93.3%), mientras que en el Grupo IVM 3,15% este registro se obtuvo el día 21 (95.9%). Mayores concentraciones de IVM fueron observadas en los animales tratados con la formulación 3.15 %. La falla para obtener una cura parasitológica tras el tratamiento con ambas formulaciones de IVM puede ser indicativo de la presencia de ácaros resistentes a este principio activo.

Abstract The current work evaluated the relationship between efficacy and pharmacokinetics of two commercial injectable formulations of ivermectin (IVM) in adult merino sheep artificially infested with Psoroptes ovis. Animals were treated subcutaneously with IVM 1% formulation (two doses on days 0 and 7) at 0.2 mg / kg or with a single dose of IVM 3.15% preparation at 1.05 mg / kg. Live mites were counted weekly by performing skin scrapings between days 0 and 28 post-treatment to determine the efficacy of each IVM formulation. Blood samples were taken up to 35 days post-treatment to measure IVM plasma concentrations. A significant decrease in mite counts was observed from day 14 post-treatment. However, live mites were found in all samples for both groups throughout the entire trial. After IVM 1% administration, the highest effcacy was observed on day 28 (93.3% whereas in the IVM 3,15% group was obtained on day 21 post treatment (95.9%). Higher IVM plasma concentrations were observed in animals treated with the IVM 3.15% formulation. Failure to obtain a parasitological cure after treatment with both IVM formulations may reflect the presence of resistant mites to this drug.

[Distal radius intraarticular fractures: fluoroscopy reduction versus arthroscopic assistance. Systematic review]. / Fracturas intraarticulares de radio distal: reducción bajo fluoroscopía versus asistencia artroscópica. Revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Intraarticular distal radius fractures are a therapeutic challenge for the orthopedist surgeon there are studies that support the use of fluoroscopy, and others promote arthroscopy, with this work we try to summarize the evidence, to determine whether arthroscopic assistance provides additional benefits to avoid joint incongruities compared to results obtained under fluoroscopic assistance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic search for prospective, retrospective, cohort, follow-up, clinical trials on PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Scielo, Embase, Google Scholar and other national sources, including as keywords the terms: "intra-articular distal radius fracture", "wrist arthroscopy", "arthroscopy", "fluoroscopy". The average values and standard offsets for each characteristic, obtained from the selected works, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and illustrative graphs. RESULTS: 463 patients (256 women and 207 men) were evaluated, with an average age of 48.29 years and range from 39 to 64 years. The two treatments (A and F) were homogeneous in terms of the age of the patients reporting (p = 0.5820) and the average follow-up time (p = 0.9597). Only the ulnar deviation and DASH score, for which the arthroscopy group performed best, in the remaining variables the differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: The evidence available to date is conflicting, and does not allow recommendations to be made for or against these interventions, finding other factors that could influence decision-making.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas intraarticulares de radio distal son un desafío terapéutico para el cirujano ortopedista. Hay estudios que avalan el uso de la fluoroscopía y otros promueven la artroscopia. Con este trabajo intentamos resumir la evidencia, para determinar si la asistencia artroscópica aporta beneficios adicionales para evitar incongruencias articulares en comparación con los resultados obtenidos bajo asistencia fluoroscópica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Búsqueda sistemática de estudios prospectivos, retrospectivos, de cohortes, seguimiento, ensayos clínicos en PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Scielo, Embase, Google Scholar y otras fuentes nacionales, incluyendo como palabras clave los términos. RESULTADOS: intraarticular distal radius fracture, wrist arthroscopy, arthroscopy, fluoroscopy. Los valores medios y desvíos estándar para cada característica, obtenidos de los trabajos seleccionados fueron analizados usando estadística descriptiva y gráficos ilustrativos. Fueron evaluados 463 pacientes (256 mujeres y 207 hombres), con una edad promedio de 48.29 años y rango de 39 a 64 años. Los dos tratamientos (A y F) fueron homogéneos en cuanto a la edad de los pacientes que reportan (p = 0.5820) y el tiempo de seguimiento promedio (p = 0.9597). Sólo la desviación cubital y el DASH, para las cuales el grupo de artroscopía tuvo mejor desempeño, en las variables restantes las diferencias no fueron significativas. CONCLUSIÓN: La evidencia disponible hasta la fecha es controvertida y no permite hacer recomendaciones a favor o en contra de estas intervenciones, encontrando otros factores que podrían influir en la toma de decisiones.

Embolisation of prostate arteries in benign prostatic hyperplasia in non-surgical patients. / Embolización de arterias prostáticas en la hiperplasia benigna de la próstata en pacientes no quirúrgicos.

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of a multidisciplinary study of two tertiary hospitals, together with urology services, on 102 consecutive patients not candidates for surgery treated for more than 6 years, in whom prostatic arteries were embolised for the treatment of benign hyperplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From December 2012 to February 2019, 102 patients with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) not candidates for surgery or who explicitly rejected surgery, with an average age of 73.9 years (range 47.5-94.5), underwent prostatic artery embolisation. The patients were followed up by questionnaires on urinary symptoms, sexual function and impact on quality of life, as well as measurement of prostate volume, uroflowmetry and prostate specific antigen (PSA) at one, 3 and 6 months and one year following the procedure. RESULTS: The technique was successful in 96% of patients (76.2% bilateral and 19.8% unilateral). The mean duration of the procedure was 92minutes and of the radioscopy 35.2minutes. Statistically significant changes were demonstrated (p <.05) in PSA, peak urinary flow, QoL (quality of life) questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function (IPSS). PSA had reduced by 58% from baseline at 3 months. Similarly, the Qmax had increased significantly by 63% in the third month following embolisation. A significant improvement in the QoL and IPSS tests was achieved, with a reduction of 3.7 points and a mean 13.5 points, respectively, at one year's follow-up. Prostate volume showed a non-statistically significant decrease at follow-up of one year following treatment. A series of minor complications was collected, no case of which required hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: Prostatic embolisation for the treatment of BPH proved an effective and safe technique in patients who were not candidates for surgery.

Frecuencia cardiaca y actividad física en niños con obesidad del Sur de Sonora / Heart rate and physical activity among obese children in south Sonora / Frequência cardíaca e atividade física em crianças com obesidade do Sul de Sonora

Introducción La obesidad infantil provoca una alteración en la modulación autonómica cardiaca. Se ha señalado que la reducción de la acción protectora del sistema nervioso parasimpático cardiaco, manifestada en una frecuencia cardiaca más acelerada tras la actividad física en este grupo de pacientes, podría representar un dato temprano de disfunción cardiovascular. Objetivo Determinar diferencias en la Frecuencia cardiaca en reposo y tras actividad física en escolares con y sin obesidad, adscritos al servicio de pediatría de un Hospital de Segundo Nivel de Atención. Material y método Bajo un diseño transversal, y un muestreo no probabilístico; se estudiaron niños en edad escolar que asistían a consulta externa de pediatría, se categorizó estado nutricional mediante score Z de IMC e índice cintura-estatura, se midió frecuencia cardiaca en tres momentos: reposo, posterior a actividad y en reposo tras actividad. Se realizó análisis descriptivo de las variables, coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, Kruskal Wallis y U de Mann Whitney, para medir asociación y diferencia de frecuencias cardiacas entre los grupos estudiados. Resultados Se estudiaron 106 niños en edad escolar, el 53% presentaba obesidad abdominal y el 66% sobrepeso/obesidad. Se encontraron diferencias de medias estadísticamente significativas en las frecuencias cardiacas post actividad y tras reposo post actividad, entre pacientes con y sin obesidad. Discusión y Conclusiones Los niños con sobrepeso y obesidad deberían tener un seguimiento estrecho, ya que el marcado aumento de la FC después de la actividad física, debe ser tomado en cuenta como signo de alarma temprano de disfunción cardiovascular.

Introduction Childhood obesity provokes alterations in the cardiac autonomic modulation; and it has been pointed that disturbances to cardiac parasympathetic system, manifested as faster heart rate after physical activity, in this group of patients, could represent an early sign of cardiovascular disfunction. Objective To determine differences in heart rate at rest and after physical activity among school children, with and without obesity, attending to a pediatric service in a Second Level of Attention Hospital. Materials and method Under a transversal study design, and non-probabilistic sampling, school children attending to pediatric service were studied. The nutritional status was assessed through BMI Z scores, and a waist/height index. Heart rate were measured at three times: rest, after some physical activity, and at rest after such physical activity. A descriptive analysis was performed, and Pearson correlation coefficient, and Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests were calculated to assess cardiac-related associations and differences between the two groups. Results 106 school children were studied. 53% showed abdominal obesity and 66% overweight/obesity. Statistically significant mean differences were found in the cardiac frequencies post activity and at rest post activity between the patients with and without obesity. Discussion and conclusion Considering the notorious increases in cardiac frequencies after physical activity, children with overweight and obesity should to be closely monitored for possible signs of cardiovascular disfunction.

Introdução A obesidade infantil provoca uma alteração na modulação autonómica cardíaca. Foi apontado que a redução da ação protetora do sistema nervoso parassimpático cardíaco, manifestada em uma fre quência cardíaca mais acelerada após a atividade física neste grupo de pacientes, poderia representar um dado precoce de disfunção cardiovascular neles. Objetivo Determinar diferenças na Frequência cardíaca em repouso e após da atividade física em estu dantes com e sem obesidade, vinculados ao serviço de pediatria de um Hospital de Segundo Nível de Atenção. Material e método Sob um desenho transversal, e uma amostra não probabilística; estudaram-se crianças em idade escolar que assistiam a consulta externa de pediatria, categorizou-se estado nutricional mediante score Z de IMC e índice cinto-estatura, mediu-se frequência cardíaca em três momentos: repouso, posterior à atividade e em repouso após a atividade. Realizou-se análise descritiva das variáveis, coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, Kruskal Wallis e U de Mann Whitney, para medir associação e diferença de frequências cardíacas entre os grupos estudados. Resultados Estudaram-se 106 crianças em idade escolar, o 53% apresentava obesidade abdominal e o 66% sobrepeso/obesidade. Encontraram-se diferenças de médias estatisticamente significativas nas frequên cias cardíacas post atividade e após repouso post atividade, entre os pacientes com e sem obesidade. Discussão e Conclusões As crianças com sobrepeso e obesidade deveriam ter um acompanhamento maior, já que o marcado aumento da FC depois da atividade física é um signo de alarme, que deve ser tomado em conta como signo precoce de disfunção cardiovascular.

Electrical bioimpedance spectroscopy as biosensor technique to identify cells lineages and cell differentiation process.

The identification and characterization of diverse cells types and cell differentiation process requires complex techniques as flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and the exploration of molecular markers; such techniques require infrastructure and qualified personnel. The objective of this study was to analyze the use of Electrical Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (EBIS) measurements as a non-complex alternative technique to identify populations of undifferentiated mouse Pluripotent Stem Cells (mPSCs), Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts (MEFs) and the differentiation process from preadipocytes (3T3-L1) to mature adipocytes. EBIS measurements were compared in populations of cells which were characterized previously using microscopy. The results indicate that EBIS technique has a potential sensitivity at certain frequency range to discriminate between both evaluated cell populations and some differentiation process. Additional studies with different concentrations to evaluate quantitatively the sensitivity and specificity of the proposed technique are recommended.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas asociados a diarrea aguda en la zona norte de Bucaramanga. Estudio observacional analítico, 2014-2015 / Knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with acute diarrhea in the northern zone of Bucaramanga. An observational analytic study. 2014 to 2015

RESUMEN Introducción: la diarrea aguda y la mortalidad por diarrea continúan siendo un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial, especialmente en los países de ingreso medio o bajo. Gran parte de las enfermedades diarreicas son prevenibles mediante el acceso al agua potable y a servicios adecuados de saneamiento e higiene. Objetivo: caracterizar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de cuidadores de niños menores de cinco años asociados a prevalencia de diarrea. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal, realizado durante el periodo 2014-2015. Se realizó un muestreo por conglomerados en la comuna norte de la ciudad de Bucaramanga y se aplicó una encuesta dirigida. Resultados: solo uno de cada diez cuidadores conoce todas las características de la diarrea aguda (cambios en la consistencia, número y duración de los síntomas) y ninguno reconoce totalmente los signos de deshidratación. El uso de remedios caseros y la creencia en causas sobrenaturales y esotéricas como causas de diarrea tuvo una alta prevalencia. La menor edad del cuidador, tener aseguramiento y mayor nivel conocimientos sobre la diarrea se asociaron a un mayor reporte de episodios de diarrea en los últimos seis meses. Conclusiones: el 49% de todos los cuidadores encuestados manifestaron que sus niños han tenido al menos un episodio de diarrea en los últimos seis meses. El nivel de conocimientos de los cuidadores es bajo. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la edad del cuidador, conocimiento de los síntomas diarreicos, régimen de aseguramiento y prevalencia de diarrea en menores de cinco años. MÉD.UIS. 2017;30(1):21-33.

ABSTRACT Introduction: acute diarrhea and mortality from diarrhea remains a public health problem worldwide, particularly in middle-income countries or low. Much of diarrheal diseases are preventable through access to safe water and adequate sanitation and hygiene. Objective: to characterize the knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers of children under five years associated with prevalence of diarrhea. Materials and methods: cross-sectional observational study, made during the period 2014-2015. Cluster sampling was conducted in the northern district of the city of Bucaramanga. A targeted survey was conducted. Results: only one in ten caregivers know all the characteristics (changes in consistency, number and duration of symptoms) of acute diarrhea. None fully recognize the signs of dehydration. The use of home remedies and belief in supernatural and esoteric causes as causes of diarrhea had a high prevalence. Caregiver younger, having higher-level assurance and knowledge on diarrhea associated with increased reporting of episodes of diarrhea in the last six months. Conclusions: 49% of all respondents report that their children caregivers have had at least one episode of diarrhea in the last six months. The level of knowledge of caregivers is low. Age of the caregiver, knowledge about diarrhea symptoms and healthcare affiliation was statistically associated with the onset of diarrhea in children up to five years. MÉD.UIS. 2017;30(1):21-33.

Componentes Principales mediante Espectroscopia FTIR como Técnica de Caracterización Innovadora durante la Diferenciación de Células Madre Pluripotentes a Células Pancreáticas / Principal Components by FTIR Spectroscopy as Innovative Characterization Technique during Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells to Pancreatic Cells

Resumen: Dos de los grandes retos en la biología de las Células Madre (CM) y la Medicina Regenerativa, son el control en la diferenciación de estas células y asegurar la pureza de las células diferenciadas, por lo que es necesario contar con técnicas rápidas, eficientes y precisas para la caracterización de CM y su diferenciación a diferentes linajes celulares. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar Células Madre Pluripotentes (CMP) y Células Pancreáticas Diferenciadas (CPD) mediante espectroscopía Infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) y Análisis de Componentes Principales (ACP). Para ello se diferenciaron CMP a CPD, caracterizando el proceso de diferenciación a los días 0, 11, 17 y 21 mediante microscopía óptica y espectroscopia vibracional. Los espectros FTIR se analizaron con el método multivariado de ACP, utilizando su segunda derivada en las regiones de proteínas, carbohidratos y ribosas. Los resultados indican que el ACP permite caracterizar y discriminar CMP y CPD en sus diferentes etapas de diferenciación en las regiones espectrales analizadas. Con lo anterior concluimos que el ACP permite caracterizar química y estructuralmente CMP y diferentes etapas de su diferenciación en una forma rápida, precisa y no invasiva.

Abstract: Two of the greatest challenges in Stem Cells (SCs) biology and regenerative medicine, are differentiation control of SCs and ensuring the purity of differentiated cells. In this sense, fast, efficient and accurate techniques for SCs characterization and their differentiation into different cell lineages are needed. The aim of this study was to analyse Pluripotent Stem Cells (PSCs) and Differentiated Pancreatic Cells (DPCs) by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). For this purpose, we differentiated PSCs toward DPCs, characterizing the differentiation process at different stages (0, 11, 17 and 21 days) through light microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy. FTIR spectra were analysed with the multivariate method of PCA, using the second derivatives in the protein, carbohydrate and ribose regions. The results indicate that the PCA allows to characterize and discriminate PSCs and DPCs at different stages of differentiation in the analysed spectral regions. From these results, we concluded that the PCA allows the chemically and structural characterization of PSCs and the different stages of their differentiation in a fast, accurate and non-invasive way.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Clostridium perfringens from healthy Merino lambs in Patagonia region, Argentina.

The presence and molecular characterization of Clostridium perfringens in healthy Merino lambs over a six-month period was investigated in this study. Overall, a high prevalence of C. perfringens was detected, even in day-old lambs. Even though the majority of the isolates were characterized as being of type A, types C and D were also isolated. Furthermore, a high genetic diversity was observed by PFGE among the type A isolates.

Occupational exposure to endocrine disruptors and lymphoma risk in a multi-centric European study.

BACKGROUND: Incidence rates of lymphoma are usually higher in men than in women, and oestrogens may protect against lymphoma. METHODS: We evaluated occupational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) among 2457 controls and 2178 incident lymphoma cases and subtypes from the European Epilymph study. RESULTS: Over 30 years of exposure to EDCs compared to no exposure was associated with a 24% increased risk of mature B-cell neoplasms (P-trend=0.02). Associations were observed among men, but not women. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged occupational exposure to endocrine disruptors seems to be moderately associated with some lymphoma subtypes.

Evaluación de Termografía Tisular Diferenciada en Mama como Potencial Técnica para Asistir la Detección de Cáncer / Evaluation of Thermography Differentiated in Breast Tissue as Potential Technique to Assist Cancer Detection

Diversos grupos han propuesto el procesamiento de imágenes termográficas para detección de Cáncer de Mama (CaMa). Angiogénesis y vascularización dependientes del ciclo menstrual, edad e Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) modifican la temperatura absoluta en la superficie tisular sin estar necesariamente asociadas a malignidad, en éste estudio proponemos la Termografía Tisular Diferenciada (TTD) en mama con respecto a su contralateral en espejo con el fin de observar diferencias térmicas características de malignidad. El presente trabajo evalúa la posibilidad de emplear la TTD como potencial técnica para asistir la detección de CaMa. Se muestrearon 110 mujeres voluntarias entre 40 y 60 años de edad segmentadas en dos grupos experimentales: grupo sanas (n=90) y grupo con CaMa (n=20) previamente diagnosticadas por mastografía e histopatología. Imágenes termográficas de ambas mamas fueron adquiridas con una cámara infrarroja y se estimó la TTD en relación a la mama contralateral de la misma paciente, se realizó un análisis de sensibilidad y especificidad y se comparó con el diagnóstico radiológico a través de curvas ROC tomando como referencia el diagnóstico histopatológico. La TTD en mama mostró rangos dinámicos diferenciables entre condiciones de malignidad respecto a benignidad. El análisis ROC mostró valores de sensibilidad y especificidad para el estimado TTD del 70% y 54% mientras que para el diagnóstico radiológico fue del 70% y 96%, respectivamente. La TTD muestra viabilidad técnica para asistir la detección de CaMa.

Several groups have proposed thermographic image processing for Breast Cancer (BC) detection. Angiogenesis and vascularization of menstrual cycle dependent, as well as age and Body Mass Index change the absolute temperature in the tissue surface without necessarily being associated with malignancy. We have proposed the Differentiated Tissue Thermography (DTT) in breast regarding its contralateral mirror in order to observe differences in temperature characteristics of malignancy. This study evaluates the possibility of using breast DTT as a potential technique to assist the detection of BC. We sampled 110 female volunteers between 40 and 60 years old segmented into two experimental groups: healthy group (n=90) and BC group (n=20), which were diagnosed by mammography and histopathology. Thermal images of both breasts were acquired with an infrared camera and the DTT was estimated relative to its contralateral breast in the same patient. A sensitivity and specificity analysis was developed and the DTT was compared with the radiological diagnosis by ROC curves with the histopathological report as reference. The DTT values showed distinguishable dynamic ranges between malignant and healthy conditions. ROC analysis showed sensitivity and specificity values for DTT of 70% and 54% while for the radiological diagnosis was 70% and 96% respectively. DTT showed technical viability to assist BC detection.