Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection damages intestine brush board cells and could negatively impact postabsorptive parameters of Santa Ines lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate histological, digestive and postabsorptive physiological parameters in Santa Ines lambs infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis and fed different levels of phosphorus. Therefore, eighteen Santa Ines, castrated male, six-month old, healthy lambs (initial body weight 22.4 ± 2.7 kg) were distributed in one of four treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 split-plot arrangement: Sufficient dietary P level and uninfected (SPui; n = 4), Sufficient dietary P level and infected (SPi; n = 5), Deficient dietary P level and uninfected (DPui; n = 4), Deficient dietary P level and infected (DPi; n = 5). Infected lambs received, orally, a single pulse dose of 40.000 T. colubriformis infective larval stage (L3). Animals were fed Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon ssp.; 60%), and cassava meal and maize gluten meal (40%). Measurement of nutrient apparent digestibility and nitrogen metabolism were performed in individual metabolic stalls. To achieve the trial results, it was measured methane emissions in respiratory chambers, urine purine derivatives, ruminal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), histological cuts of duodenal mucosal tissues and passage rates fluxes, analyzed by external (Yb, Cr, and Co) and internal (iNDF) markers. Statistical procedures were performed in R studio. The fixed main effects of treatment and the interactions were tested by ANOVA, and means compared by Duncan's test at 5% significance. Apparent digestibility was not affected by treatments, however, nitrogen retained decreased (P < 0.01) and urinary nitrogen losses increased (P < 0.01) in infected animals. Small intestine digesta content, empty segment weight, and length were higher in infected animals (P < 0.05). Passage rate was not majorly affected by infection or dietary P levels. Methane emissions, SCFA concentrations, and purine derivative excretion were also not affected by treatments. Regarding the histology, the vilosity weight (P < 0.05), and crypt depth (P < 0.01) decreased in infected animals. In conclusion, T. colubriformis infection can damage intestinal mucosa and affect nitrogen metabolism, but did not affect the digesta transit, and nutrient digestibility. The P dietary levels did not promote any modification in GIT physiological parameters tested in this study.

One-year outcomes of two community-based mental health interventions for Afro-Colombian survivors of the armed conflict and displacement.

The objective of the study is to assess the middle-term effects (1 year after intervention) of two community-based mental health interventions, Common Elements Treatment Approach intervention, CETA, and Narrative Community Group Therapy intervention, NCGT, in two cities of the Colombian Pacific region (Buenaventura and Quibdó). A follow-up study was conducted on a cohort of trial participants. In this trial, the positive effects of two mental health interventions were evaluated; assessment was carried out in separate groups (CETA arm, NCGT arm and a control group) of the reduction of symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and function impaired mentality. The participants were Afro-Colombian survivors of the armed conflict and displacement living in Buenaventura and Quibdó. They were surveyed using the same instrument used in the original trial. Intent-to-treat analyses were performed, and longitudinal mixed-effects regression models with random effects were used to analyse the middle-term effects of the interventions. At 1-year post-intervention, participants in Buenaventura who received the CETA intervention experienced a decrease in depression (-0.23; p = 0.02), post-traumatic stress symptoms (-0.23; p = 0.02) and total mental health symptoms (-0.14; p = 0.048). In Quibdó, the NCGT intervention significantly improved function impairment (-0.30; p = 0.005). CETA and NCGT interventions have the potential to maintain a reduction of mental health symptoms in participants from the Colombian Pacific region.

Mental health Narrative Community-Based Group Therapy in violence-displaced Afro-Colombians: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a mental health Narrative Community-Based Group Therapy (NCGT) in Afro-Colombian violence survivors. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Buenaventura and Quibdó, Colombia. Afro-Colombian adults (n=521) were randomly allocated to a NCGT (n1=175), a wait-control group (n2=171) or a Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA, n3=175). The CETA was described separately given conceptual/methodological differences. Lay psychosocial community workers delivered the NCGT. Symptoms were assessed before and after intervention/wait with culturally adapted mental health symptoms and gender-specific functionality scales. Intent to treat analysis and mean difference of differences were used for comparisons. In Buenaventura, a significant reduction in functional impairment (mean difference: -0.30, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: -0.55, -0.05) and depression (mean difference: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.42, -0.07) were found, with small and moderate effect size, respectively. In Quibdó, functionality improved significantly (mean difference: -0.29, 95% CI: -0.54, -0.04, small effect size). Even though differences in depression and anxiety were not significant, there were reductions in symptoms. The NCGT is effective in improving daily functioning among violence victims in the Colombian Pacific and has the potential to reduce symptoms of depression. Further exploration is required to understand the effects of a narrative group therapy for mental health in Afro-Colombian populations.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01856673 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01856673).

Autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction surgery for short bowel syndrome: the cornerstone for intestinal rehabilitation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Intestinal failure (IF) evolved from being the last recognized organ failure, to become one of the most progressive fields in terms of therapeutic alternatives and results. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the main cause of IF in adults and children. The use of surgery allowed patients with unfavorable anatomy type and length to be wean off parenteral nutrition. We aim to evaluate its current impact on intestinal rehabilitation. RECENT FINDINGS: Autologous gastro-intestinal reconstructive surgery (AGIRS), including bowel lengthening contributes by converting patient's anatomy to a more favorable one, improving quality of life, and modifying the natural history of the disease, allowing to recover intestinal autonomy in approximately 70% of the adults and 50% of the children's with SBS-IF. The current use of postsurgical medical rehabilitation strategies including the use of enterohormones complement the path to sufficiency, increasing the chances of success in both age group of patients. SUMMARY: The development of AGIRS has changed the outcome of SBS-IF patients, becoming the main surgical procedure prescribed in multidisciplinary units, allowing to enhance the number of patients achieving intestinal autonomy throughout rehabilitation, leaving transplantation as the last surgical alternative.

Homicide Epidemic in Cali, Colombia: A Surveillance System Data Analysis, 1993‒2018.

Objectives. To examine homicide rates in Cali, Colombia, during the 1993-2018 period, using information derived from an interagency surveillance system. Methods. We used homicide data from Cali's Epidemiological Surveillance System to examine homicide trends by victim's age and sex, time, and type of method used. We estimated trend changes and the annual percentage changes using joinpoint regression analyses. Results. Homicide rates per 100 000 inhabitants dropped from 102 in 1993 to 47.8 in 2018. We observed reductions in homicide rates across age and sex groups. Most homicide victims were men aged 20 to 39 years from poor, marginalized areas. Firearms were used in 84.9% of all cases. The average annual percentage change for the entire period was -3.6 (95% confidence interval = -6.7, -0.4). Conclusions. Fluctuations in homicide rates in Cali show a clear epidemic pattern, occurring concurrently with the "crack epidemic" in different countries. Reliable and timely information provided by an Epidemiological Surveillance System allowed opportune formulation of public policies to reduce the impact of violence in Cali.

Impacts of violence on the mental health of Afro-descendant survivors in Colombia.

The Colombian armed conflict has disproportionately affected minorities, especially afro-Colombian communities. However, there is a lack of evidence about mental health of victims. This study aims to describe the prevalence of mental illness and its associated factors in Afro-descendant violence survivors in Buenaventura and Quibdó, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was carried out using data from a previous trial which aimed to reduce mental health symptoms (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01856673). Data of 710 adults identified through a snowball sampling technique was analysed. Diagnoses of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dysfunction were established using adapted versions of the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, plus variables identified in a qualitative study. Multivariate regressions were used to identify associated factors with these diagnoses. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and PTSD in both cities was 26.62% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 20.30;23.89), 36.53% (95%CI: 30.63;42.36), and 39.15% (95%CI: 33.36;44.83), respectively. Being married and having registered with the government as victim of the conflict were found to be protective factors for depression and PTSD, respectively. Psychological trauma, unemployment, and traumatic experiences, amongst others, were found as risk factors. The Colombian armed conflict, plus disparities and social exclusion, may be associated with mental health morbidity.

Depressive symptoms and compromised parenting in low-income mothers of infants and toddlers: distal and proximal risks.

Low-income mothers develop depressive symptoms at higher rates than the general population, adding to the existing risk that economic hardship places on their infants and toddlers. Emphasizing a few key intervention targets, an approach that is especially relevant to mothers when depressive symptoms compromise their energy and concentration, can improve interventions with populations facing adversity. The goal of this study was to identify contextual risk factors that significantly contributed to depressive symptoms and that, in combination with depressive symptoms, were associated with compromised parenting. Using baseline data from 251 ethnically diverse mothers from six Early Head Start programs in the Northeastern and Southeastern US, who were recruited for a clinical trial of an in-home intervention, Belsky's ecological framework of distal to proximal levels of influence was used to organize risk factors for depressive symptoms in hierarchical regression models. Under stress, mothers of toddlers reported more severe depressive symptoms than mothers of infants, supporting the need for depressive symptom screening and monitoring past the immediate postpartum period. Multivariate models revealed intervention targets that can focus depression prevention and intervention efforts, including helping mothers reduce chronic day-to-day stressors and conflicts with significant others, and to effectively handle challenging toddler behaviors, especially in the face of regional disciplinary norms. Presence of a live-in partner was linked to more effective parenting, regardless of participants' depressive symptom severity.

Serum albumin level during intestinal exfoliative rejection: a potential predictor of graft recovery and patient outcome.

Exfoliative rejection is a severe complication after intestinal transplant. The assessment of mucosa histology is restricted to the area reached by endoscopy. We aim to evaluate the serum albumin (SA) value as a parameter of graft damage and clinical prognosis in intestinal exfoliative rejection (ExR). The present study is a retrospective analysis of 11 episodes of ExR occurred in a cohort of 26 patients. SA levels were measured 24 h after diagnosis and twice a week thereafter and then correlated with parameters of clinical and graft histological recovery (HR). During ExR, all patients had very low SA levels, reaching a minimum average of 1.9 ± 0.3 g/dL. According to the value of albumin levels at ExR diagnosis, the patients were grouped finding a correlation with their clinical evolution. Six ExR episodes presented with severe hipoalbuminemia (<2.2 g/dL; p < 0.05) that correlated with worse patient and graft outcome, ranging from graft loss and need for re-transplantation to delayed clinical and HR. SA at ExR diagnosis may be an indicator of the severity of the ExR process, and it could also be used as an early predictor of patient and graft outcome.

[Study on drug use among students in the province of Valencia, Spain]. / Estudio sobre el consumo de drogas en estudiantes de la provincia de Valencia, España.

Drug use among youth has increased in recent years dramatically during adolescence, a key phase in the integral development of the individual. The main aim of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to assess the current drug use trends, as a function of age and gender among secondary education students from representative centers in the Valencia province during the school year 2009-2010. A total of 328 adolescents, 44.8% (n=147) males and 55.2% (n=181) females, with a mean age of 15.61 (SD 2.5) years, divided in three age groups: 12-14 years old (n=134, 40.9%), 14-18 years old (n=123, 37.5%), and older than 18 years of age (n=71, 21.6%) participated in the study. Alcohol and tobacco, followed by cannabis, were the substances more commonly used by the secondary education students. There were statistically significant differences between the three age groups in lifetime use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and tranquilizers. The highest prevalences were observed in students older than 18 years of age, therefore evidencing a common pattern of increase in substance use with age. Alcohol and tobacco use were significantly higher among girls compared to boys, while males more commonly used inhalants and opioids. Therefore, it appears essential to promote prevention campaigns at earlier ages, when adolescents are more vulnerable to initial substance use, and adapted to the specific needs of the diverse populations of school age children.

Single serine on TSC2 exerts biased control over mTORC1 activation mediated by ERK1/2 but not Akt.

Tuberous sclerosis complex-2 (TSC2) negatively regulates mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), and its activity is reduced by protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular response kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation to activate mTORC1. Serine 1364 (human) on TSC2 bidirectionally modifies mTORC1 activation by pathological growth factors or hemodynamic stress but has no impact on resting activity. We now show this modification biases to ERK1/2 but not Akt-dependent TSC2-mTORC1 activation. Endothelin-1-stimulated mTORC1 requires ERK1/2 activation and is bidirectionally modified by phospho-mimetic (S1364E) or phospho-silenced (S1364A) mutations. However, mTORC1 activation by Akt-dependent stimuli (insulin or PDGF) is unaltered by S1364 modification. Thrombin stimulates both pathways, yet only the ERK1/2 component is modulated by S1364. S1364 also has negligible impact on mTORC1 regulation by energy or nutrient status. In vivo, diet-induced obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver couple to Akt activation and are also unaltered by TSC2 S1364 mutations. This contrasts to prior reports showing a marked impact of both on pathological pressure-stress. Thus, S1364 provides ERK1/2-selective mTORC1 control and a genetic means to modify pathological versus physiological mTOR stimuli.

Carcinoma del cístico, a propósito de un caso.

El carcinoma primario en el conducto cístico es un tumor raro y abarca del 0.1% al 0.2% de los carcinomas del tracto gastrointestinal. Presentamos el caso de un varón con pérdida de peso e ictericia, en el que se demuestra por imagen una dilatación de vías intrahepática y extrahepática condicionada por una compresión extrínseca del colédoco. Se realiza colangiografía pancreática retrógrada endoscópica que confirma la compresión, por lo que se lleva a cabo una exploración quirúrgica que evidencia una tumoración del conducto cístico. Se realiza colecistectomía con resección de ganglios linfáticos, además de anastomosis hepatoyeyunal. La tumoración se reporta como carcinoma del conducto cístico sin involucro ganglionar.Primary cystic duct carcinoma is a rare tumor and comprises 0.1% to 0.2% of carcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract. We present a case of a male with weight loss and jaundice. Evidence is shown by imaging of intrahepatic and extrahepatic duct dilatation conditioned by extrinsic bile duct compression. An endoscopic retrograde pancreatic cholangiography was performed confirming the compression, so a surgical exploration was preformed showing a tumor of the cystic duct, a cholecystectomy with resection of regional lymph nodes, as well as a hepatic-jejunal anastomosis. The tumor is reported as cystic duct carcinoma without lymph node involvement.

The Potential Link between Episodes of Diverticulitis or Hemorrhoidal Proctitis and Diets with Selected Plant Foods: A Case-Control Study.

Diverticulitis and hemorrhoidal proctitis in the population are significant public health problems. We studied the potential association between the intake of certain plant foods and diverticulitis or hemorrhoidal episodes through a case-control study including 410 cases and 401 controls. We used a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The intake was additionally quantified according to a 24 h recall. The plant foods or derived food products were categorized by their main chemical components into ethanol, caffeine/theine/theobromine, capsaicin, alliin, acids, eugenol, and miscellaneous foods such as curcumin. The mean score for overall intake of plant foods under consideration was 6.3 points, and this was significantly higher in cases (8.5) than in controls (4.1). Overall intake was similar in cases presenting with diverticulitis or hemorrhoidal proctitis. Cases had 13 times the odds of being in the upper quartile for overall intake (>7 points), compared to controls. Explanatory logistic regression models showed that the strongest association with diverticulitis and hemorrhoidal proctitis was shown by the chemical food group of capsaicin, followed by ethanol, eugenol, caffeine/theine/theobromine, and acids. Neither alliin nor miscellaneous food groups showed any association. High, frequent consumption of capsaicin, followed by ethanol, eugenol, caffeine/theine/theobromine, and acids increase the risk of diverticulitis and hemorrhoidal proctitis.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for treatment biliopleural fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Biliopleural fistula is a rare communication between the biliary system and the pleural space secondary to ruptured hydatid cysts, hepatobiliary surgeries or penetrating wounds. There is not so much of the subject in the literature, so there is no standardized protocol for its management. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to determine advantages and disadvantages of the use of ERCP as a conservative initial treatment for biliopleural fistulas. METHOD: Our retrospective study included patients with a diagnosis of biliopleural fistula who underwent ERCP as initial treatment, older than 18 years in a period from August 2016 to August 2019. RESULTS: Eight patients with a diagnosis of biliopleural fistula were included, 75% men and 25% women with a mean age of 24.5 years; the traumatic etiology was predominant in our group (89%), the diagnosis was made between days 3 and 14 after chest tube placement and we were successful in treating the fistula with ERCP in 87.5% of our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ERCP as initial treatment for biliopleural fistula should be considered as the initial tool in the algorithm of management of this entity.

ANTECEDENTES: La fístula biliopleural es una comunicación poco frecuente entre el sistema biliar y el espacio pleural secundario a ruptura de quistes hidatídicos, cirugías hepatobiliares o heridas penetrantes Existe poco sobre el tema en la literatura por lo que no existe un protocolo estandarizado para su manejo. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar ventajas y desventajas del uso de CPRE como tratamiento inicial conservador para fístulas biliopleurales. MÉTODO: Nuestro estudio retrospectivo incluyó pacientes con diagnóstico de fístula biliopleural quienes fueron sometidos a CPRE como tratamiento inicial, mayores de 18 años en un período de Agosto de 2016 a Agosto de 2019. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 8 pacientes con diagnístico de fístula biliopleural, 75% hombres y 25% mujeres con una media de edad de 24.5 años; la etiología traumática fue a predominante en nuestro grupo (89%), el diagnóstico se realizó entre los días 3 y 14 post colocación de sonda torácica y obtuvimos éxito en el tratamiento de la fístula con CPRE en el 87.5% de nuestros pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de CPRE como tratamiento inicial para fístula biliopleural debe ser considerada como la herramienta inicial en el algoritmo de manejo de esta entidad.

Deferred primary anastomosis versus diversion in patients with severe secondary peritonitis managed with staged laparotomies.

BACKGROUND: There is inconclusive data on whether critically ill individuals with severe secondary peritonitis requiring multiple staged laparotomies may became eligible candidates for deferred primary anastomoses (DPA). We sought to compare a protocol for DPA against a protocol for diversion in severely ill critical patients with intra-abdominal sepsis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed examining 112 patients admitted through an ICU between 2002 and 2006, with diagnosis of secondary peritonitis and managed with staged laparotomies whom required small- or large-bowel segment resections. Patients were categorized and compared according to the surgical treatment necessitated to resolve the secondary peritonitis (DPA versus diversion). Outcome measures were days on mechanical ventilation, days required in ICU, days required in hospital, incidence of fistulas/leakages, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality. RESULTS: There were 34 patients subjected to DPA and 78 to diversion. Fistulas/leakages developed in three patients (8.8%) with DPA and four patients (5.1%) with diversion (p = 0.359). ARDS was present in 6 patients (17.6%) with DPA and 24 patients (30.8%) with diversion (p = 0.149). There were 30 patients (88.2%) with DPA and 65 patients (83.3%) with diversion discharged alive (p = 0.51). There were not statistical significant differences between groups among survivors regarding hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, and days on mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find significant differences in morbidity or mortality when we compared DPA versus diversion surgical treatment. It is feasible to perform a primary anastomosis in critically ill patients with severe secondary peritonitis managed with staged laparotomies.

Corneal endothelial cell loss after trabeculectomy or after phacoemulsification, IOL implantation and trabeculectomy in 1 or 2 steps.

BACKGROUND: To assess endothelial cell damage after glaucoma surgery and combined glaucoma and cataract surgery in one or two steps using confocal biomicroscopy. METHODS: This is an observational retrospective study. Eighty eyes from 62 patients between 60 and 83 years of age were studied. Eyes fell into a control group (n = 21) and three experimental groups, in which trabeculectomy (group 1; n = 21) or trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation had been performed, in one (group 2; n = 21) or two (group 3; n = 17) steps between 6 months and 5 years before. RESULTS: In the control group, mean corneal endothelial cell density (+/-SD) was 2,619 +/- 319 cells/mm(2), whereas in the experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 it was 2,447 +/- 425, 1,968 +/- 342 and 1,551 +/- 323 cells/mm(2) respectively. Cell densities found in the combined surgery groups were significantly smaller than the densities of the control or trabeculectomy groups. The variation coefficient of the endothelial cell area (+/-SD) was 41.19 +/- 7.46% in the control group and 38.9 +/- 6.02, 42.37 +/- 9.53 and 45.71 +/- 11.96% in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively, differences that were not statistically significant. The percentage of hexagonality (+/-SD) was 51.10 +/- 8.41% in the control group and 51.4 +/- 6.88, 45.13 +/- 8.40 and 42.37 +/- 9.53% in the experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively, but again there were no significant differences between them. CONCLUSIONS: Combined trabeculectomy, phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation causes more endothelial cell damage than trabeculectomy alone, and the two-step combined procedure causes more damage to the endothelium than the one-step combined procedure.

Neurotransmitters and Behavioral Alterations Induced by Nickel Exposure.

BACKGROUND: Nickel ions (Ni2+) are a heavy metal with wide industrial uses. Environmental and occupational exposures to Ni are potential risk factors for brain dysfunction and behavioral and neurological symptoms in humans. METHODS: We reviewed the current evidence about neurochemical and behavioral alterations associated with Ni exposure in laboratory animals and humans. RESULTS: Ni2+ exposure can alter (both inhibition and stimulation) dopamine release and inhibit glutamate NMDA receptors. Few reports claim an effect of Ni2+ at the level of GBA and serotonin neurotransmission. At behavioral levels, exposure to Ni2+ in rodents alters motor activity, learning and memory as well as anxiety and depressive-like symptoms. However, no analysis of the dose-dependent relationship has been carried out regarding these effects and the levels of the Ni2+ in the brain, in blood or urine. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to correlate the concentration of Ni2+ in biological fluids with specific symptoms/deficits. Future studies addressing the impact of Ni2+ under environmental or occupational exposure should consider the administration protocols to find Ni2+ levels similar in the general population or occupationally exposed workers.

Neurophysiological findings of auditory evoked potentials in infants with a history of prematurity.

Background: Auditory evoked potentials (AEPS) constitutes the most commonly used neurophysiological test to assess the functional development of the auditory brainstem in infants and allows the evaluation of hearing for high frequencies. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted. The AEPS results for 186 infants (372 ears) with a history of prematurity were examined. The bioelectrical response, morphology, amplitude, latencies I, III and V, and intervals I-III, III-V and I-V were compared, as well as auditory thresholds between two groups of premature infants < 32 and ≥ 32 weeks of gestational age (WGA). Results: The bioelectrical response, latencies I, III and V, and intervals I-III and III-V were similar between the two groups of premature infants according to their corrected age; no statistically significant differences were found (p > 0.05) for these variables. The amplitude, morphology, and the I-V interval were more affected in the group of premature infants < 32 WGA (p < 0.05). Of the 372 ears evaluated, 275 showed normal hearing and 97 showed some degree of hearing loss for high frequencies, which was more frequent in patients < 32 WGA (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The functional development of the auditory brainstem was similar between the groups of premature infants and within the normal range for the respective corrected age. Prematurity produced a directly proportional and statistically significant increase in the frequency of hearing loss for high frequencies.

Introducción: Los potenciales evocados auditivos (PEA) son la prueba neurofisiológica más utilizada para evaluar el desarrollo funcional del tronco encefálico auditivo en lactantes; además, permiten evaluar la audición para las frecuencias altas. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo. Se evaluaron los resultados de PEA de 186 lactantes (372 oídos) con antecedente de prematuridad. Se compararon la respuesta bioeléctrica, la morfología, la amplitud, las latencias I, III y V, los intervalos I-III, III-V y I-V y los umbrales auditivos en dos grupos de prematuros < 32 y ≥ 32 semanas de edad gestacional (SEG). Resultados: La respuesta bioeléctrica, las latencias I, III y V y los intervalos I-III y III-V fueron similares en los dos grupos de prematuros de acuerdo con su edad corregida; al compararse, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p > 0.05) para estas variables. La amplitud, la morfología y el intervalo I-V estuvieron más afectados en el grupo de prematuros < 32 SEG (p < 0.05). De los 372 oídos evaluados, se encontraron 275 con audición normal y 97 con algún grado de hipoacusia para las frecuencias altas, más frecuente en los pacientes < 32 SEG (p < 0.05). Conclusiones: El desarrollo funcional del tronco cerebral auditivo fue similar entre los grupos de prematuros y dentro del rango normal para la edad corregida respectiva. La prematuridad produjo un incremento directamente proporcional y estadísticamente significativo en la frecuencia de hipoacusia para las frecuencias altas.

Long-term chromium picolinate supplementation improves colostrum profile of Santa Ines ewe.

Chromium (Cr) is a micromineral that is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, ammonia, and nucleic acids; thus, its supplementation can influence the nutritional status of ruminants, and consequently, colostrum profile, since this secretion depends on products secreted by the mammary gland and elements of the maternal bloodstream. The present study investigated the influence of supplementation with Cr bound to organic molecule on the nutritional, immune, and antioxidant quality of ewe colostrum. Thirty-two multiparous Santa Ines ewes (55.3 ± 8.00 kg body weight) were randomly assigned into four groups: T1 (0.0 mg of chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementation per ewe, n = 8), T2 (0.15 mg of CrPic per ewe, n = 9), T3 (0.30 mg of CrPic per ewe, n = 7), and T4 (0.45 mg of CrPic per ewe, n = 8). Supplementation was supplied during the breeding season, pregnancy, and lactation. Shortly after calving, the first milking colostrum was collected to determine its chemical composition, activity of lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, ceruloplasmin, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. The results show that lactoperoxidase activity decreased with CrPic supplementation (P < 0.01), revealing that this micromineral reduces an important component of defense mechanism in the body. Therefore, the results of this work show that supplementation with chromium picolinate influences colostrum quality.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Problems and Needs of Violence Survivors in the Colombian Pacific Coast: A Qualitative Study in Buenaventura and Quibdó.

Introduction/ProblemFor more than 60 years, Colombia experienced an armed conflict involving government forces, guerrillas, and other illegal armed groups. Violence, including torture and massacres, has caused displacement of entire rural communities to urban areas. Lack of information on the problems displaced communities face and on their perceptions on potential solutions to these problems may prevent programs from delivering appropriate services to these communities. This study explores the problems of Afro-Colombian survivors from two major cities in Colombia; the activities they do to take care of themselves, their families, and their community; and possible solutions to these problems. METHODS: This was a qualitative, interview-based study conducted in Quibdó and Buenaventura (Colombia). Free-list interviews and focus groups explored the problems of survivors and the activities they do to take care of themselves, their families, and their community. Key-informant interviews explored details of the identified mental health problems and possible solutions. RESULTS: In Buenaventura, 24 free-list interviews, one focus group, and 17 key-informant interviews were completed. In Quibdó, 29 free-list interviews, one focus group, and 15 key-informant interviews were completed. Mental health problems identified included: (1) problems related to exposure to torture/violent events; (2) problems with adaptation to the new social context; and (3) problems related to current poverty, lack of employment, and ongoing violence. These problems were similar to trauma symptoms and features of depression and anxiety, as described in other populations. Solutions included psychological help, talking to friends/family, relying on God's help, and getting trained in different task or jobs. CONCLUSION: Afro-Colombian survivors of torture and violence described mental health problems similar to those of other trauma-affected populations. These results suggest that existing interventions that address trauma-related symptoms and current ongoing stressors may be appropriate for improving the mental health of survivors in this population. Santaella-TenorioJ, Bonilla-EscobarFJ, Nieto-GilL, Fandiño-LosadaA, Gutiérrez-MartínezMI, BassJ, BoltonP. Mental health and psychosocial problems and needs of violence survivors in the Colombian Pacific Coast: a qualitative study in Buenaventura and Quibdó. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(6):567-574.

A randomized controlled trial of a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral intervention for Afro-descendants' survivors of systemic violence in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to violence has negative consequences on mental health. Armed-conflict in Colombia has widely affected Afro-descendants in the Pacific region. Evidence regarding effectiveness of mental health interventions is lacking in low-income settings, especially in areas with active conflict. The objective of this study is to evaluate an individualized Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA), a transdiagnostic psychotherapy model based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, for adult trauma survivors. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A referred sample of 521 adult Afro-descendants from Buenaventura and Quibdó, Colombia, experiencing significant sadness, suffering or fear (score>0.77 in Total Mental Health Symptoms), with history of traumatic experiences, and with associated functional impairment were randomly allocated to CETA intervention, standby group without intervention, but under monthly monitoring, or a Narrative Community-Based Group Therapy. CETA was provided by trained Lay Psychosocial Community Workers without previous mental health experience, supervised by psychologists, during 12-14 weekly, 1.5-hour sessions. Symptoms were assessed with a locally validated survey built based on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, the PTSD CheckList-Civilian Version, a qualitative study for additional general symptoms and a gender-specific functional impairment scale. CETA was compared with the control group and the intervention effects were calculated with mixed models using intention to treat analysis. Participant completion of follow-up was 75.1% and 13.2% voluntarily withdrew. Reduction in post-traumatic stress symptoms was significant in both municipalities when comparing intervention and control groups (mean difference), with a with a moderate effect size in Buenaventura (Cohen's d  =  0.70) and a small effect size in Quibdó (d = 0.31). In Buenaventura, the intervention also had significant effects on depression (large effect size d = 1.03), anxiety (large effect size d = 0.80) and functional impairment (moderate effect size d = 0.70). In Quibdó, it had no significant effect on these outcomes. Changes in Total Mental Health Symptoms were not significant in neither city. CONCLUSIONS: This trial suggests that CETA, can be effective in improving depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and function among victims of systematized violence in low-income and active conflict settings. Nonetheless, the difference of effectiveness between the two cities of intervention may indicate that we cannot assume that a mental health intervention known to be effective in one setting will be effective in another, even in similar circumstances and population. This may have special importance when implementing and reproducing these types of intervention in non-controlled circumstances. Further research should address these concerns. Results can be of use by governmental decision-makers when defining mental health programs for survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01856673 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01856673).