Reporte de caso clínico: embarazo en el istmo cervical posterior a fertilización in vitro

El embarazo ectópico de implantación baja incluye al embarazo cervical, localizado entre el istmo y la cicatriz de cesárea. Se caracteriza por la implantación del blastocisto fuera de la cavidad uterina. Esta condición se presenta entre 1% y 2% de todos los embarazos y es la principal causa de muerte materna en el primer trimestre de gestación. Tiene baja incidencia en comparación con otras localizaciones, y alto riesgo de morbilidad materna debido a la probabilidad de sangrado durante la intervención. Se presenta un caso en el Hospital Militar Central de Bogotá de un embarazo ectópico ístmico cervical posterior al proceso de fertilización in vitro en mujer de 37 años con antecedente cesárea, ultima hace 17 años, y esterilización quirúrgica. El objetivo es documentar el proceso y las intervenciones, ya que el manejo de esta patología depende de las condiciones clínica y el deseo de reproducción de la mujer. (provided by Infomedic Intl).

Low implantation ectopic pregnancy includes cervical pregnancy, located between the isthmus and the cesarean scar. It is characterized by implantation of the blastocyst outside the uterine cavity. This condition occurs in 1% to 2% of all pregnancies and is the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester of gestation. It has a low incidence compared to other locations, and a high risk of maternal morbidity due to the probability of bleeding during the intervention. We present a case of a cervical isthmic ectopic pregnancy following in vitro fertilization in a 37 year old woman with a history of cesarean section, last 17 years ago, and surgical sterilization at the Hospital Militar Central de Bogotá. The objective is to document the process and the interventions, since the management of this pathology depends on the clinical conditions and the woman's desire to reproduce. (provided by Infomedic Intl).

Risk factors associated with enzootic bovine leukosis in Boyacá and Cundinamarca municipalities, Colombia.

Background: Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder caused by the bovine leukemia virus (BLV), a virus of the Retroviridae family. The infection is distributed worldwide, and a high percentage of animals infected by the BLV are asymptomatic and act as carriers of the virus in many cattle populations. Aim: To identify the risk factors associated with EBL in the municipalities of Boyacá and Cundinamarca (Colombia). Methods: A simple descriptive cross-sectional study with random sampling was conducted. A total of 1,140 blood samples were taken from cattle (females and males) from the municipalities of Chiquinquirá, Ubaté, and San Miguel de Sema of different breeds and age groups. The samples were processed using the commercial ELISA SERELISA® BLV Ab Mono Blocking kit (sensitivity 97%, specificity 98%). The data were processed with the statistical programs WinEpi and Epi Info® version 7.2.4.0, estimating the prevalence ratio, implementing the chi-square test (p ≤ 0.05) and logistic regression. Results: A true prevalence (TP) and apparent prevalence (AP) of 23.61% and 22.7% in Ubaté, 19.22% and 18.1% in Chiquinquirá, and 15.61% and 14.3% in San Miguel de Sema, respectively, were established. Bovines 2-4 years old were the most prevalent in Ubaté and Chiquinquirá (37.5% and 21.21%, respectively), while in San Miguel de Sema individuals >4 years had the highest percentage of antibodies (18.3%). The Holstein breed had a higher prevalence in Ubaté and San Miguel de Sema (26.02% and 19.67%), and crossbreeds were more BLV-seroprevalence in Chiquinquirá (20.20%). In Ubaté, re-use of needles was identified as a risk factor, contaminated blood in needles is considered one of the main routes of transmission. On the other hand, manual milking was identified as a risk factor in San Miguel de Sema. Conclusion: The non-implementation of an individual needle per animal in Ubaté; the Holstein breed and manual milking in San Miguel de Sema were identified as risk factors for the presence of antibodies against the disease. EBL prevention and control plans should be established that focus on the implementation of management and sanitary practices based on herd biosecurity.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine fasciolosis in the municipalities of Colombia.

Background and Aim: Bovine fasciolosis is a reemerging neglected disease with a worldwide distribution caused by the trematode Fasciola spp., which parasitize various hosts. Bovine fasciolosis is responsible for large economic losses in the bovine livestock sector. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine fasciolosis in the municipalities of Colombia. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling conducted on 1140 cattle from the municipalities of Chiquinquirá, San Miguel de Sema, and Ubaté for a duration of 3 months. Serum samples were processed using the commercial Fasciola hepatica Antibody Test Kit IDEXX® Fasciolosis Verification (IDEXX, United States), which identified immunoglobulin G antibodies for gf2 antigen purified from Fasciola extracts. The f2 antigen is extremely immunogenic and highly specific for F. hepatica. An epidemiological survey was performed to record variables related to the sampled animals and herd management practices. Data were processed using the statistical program Epi Info® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). The prevalence ratio was estimated to evaluate the association between fasciolosis and the hypothesized causal factors and the significance of this association using Pearson's Chi-square test. Finally, a logistic regression model was developed. Results: The overall seroprevalence was 72.3%. The seroprevalence was 83.9% (323/385) in Chiquinquirá, 68.17% (257/377) in Ubaté, and 64.55% (244/378) in San Miguel de Sema. The seroprevalence was higher in male animals in Chiquinquirá and in female animals in San Miguel de Sema and Ubaté. Similarly, sex showed a statistically significant association with disease prevalence in Ubaté. The highest prevalence was found in cattle aged >2 years. The Holstein breed showed maximum seroprevalence in Chiquinquirá (p ≤ 0.05) and San Miguel de Sema, whereas crossbreed showed higher seroprevalence in Ubaté. Similarly, in Chiquinquirá, the association between the seroprevalence of fasciolosis and the presence of other species was statistically significant (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9601-3.4944; p = 0.0448). In Ubaté, the disease presentation was also associated with pasture rental (95% CI: 0.4047-1.0023; p = 0.003) and attendance to livestock expositions (95% CI: 0.2313-1.0636; p = 0.044). However, in San Miguel de Sema, water from the stream showed a statistically significant association with disease presentation (95% CI: 0.5209-1.0985; p = 0.00649785). Female sex and diarrhea occurrence were considered risk factors for fasciolosis. Conclusion: A high seroprevalence of antibodies to Fasciola spp. was detected in cattle in the study municipalities, indicating a high parasite distribution in these areas. Female sex and diarrhea were established as risk factors associated with fasciolosis in Ubaté and San Miguel de Sema, respectively. Further, research is necessary to establish prevention and control programs against parasitosis.

Unique Immune Blood Markers Between Severe Dengue and Sepsis in Children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric dengue and sepsis share clinical and pathophysiologic aspects. Multiple inflammatory and regulatory cytokines, decoy receptors and vascular permeability factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both diseases. The differential pattern and dynamic of these soluble factors, and the relationship with clinical severity between pediatric dengue and sepsis could offer new diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. METHODS: We evaluated the concentration levels of 11 soluble factors with proinflammatory, regulatory and vascular permeability involvement, in plasma from children with dengue or sepsis, both clinically ranging from mild to severe, in the early, late and convalescence phases of the disease. RESULTS: During early acute infection, children with sepsis exhibited specific higher concentration levels of IL-6, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and its soluble decoy receptor II (sVEGFR2) and lower concentration levels of IL-10 and the soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR2), in comparison with children with severe dengue. In addition, the circulating amounts of soluble ST2, and VEGF/sVEGFR2 were widely associated with clinical and laboratory indicators of dengue severity, whereas secondary dengue virus infections were characterized by an enhanced cytokine response, relative to primary infections. In severe forms of dengue, or sepsis, the kinetics and the cytokines response during the late and convalescence phases of the disease also differentiate. CONCLUSIONS: Dengue virus infection and septic processes in children are characterized by cytokine responses of a specific magnitude, pattern and kinetics, which are implicated in the pathophysiology and clinical outcome of these diseases.

Hipoacusia Neurosensorial en el síndrome de Alport: Una revisión Sistemática / Sensorineural hearing loss in Alport syndrome: A systematic review

El Síndrome de Alport (SA) es un desorden genético originado por mutaciones en el colágeno tipo IV que es el constituyente principal de las membranas basales. Clínicamente, se caracteriza por nefropatía hereditaria progresiva. En el oído interno, el colágeno IV se encuentra ubicado en la membrana basilar y en el ligamento espiral, por lo que las mutaciones en los genes codificadores provocan hipoacusia de tipo neurosensorial. La presente investigación tiene por objetivo caracterizar el comportamiento de la pérdida de audición en personas diagnosticadas con SA, mediante la revisión de estudios de la literatura. Se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos con los criterios de inclusión establecidos, incorporando un total de siete artículos para su análisis. Teniendo en cuenta los hallazgos de las diversas investigaciones recopiladas, se concluye que la pérdida auditiva secundaria al SA es heterogénea. No hay un patrón común de presentación pues depende del modo de herencia y del tipo de mutación de la enfermedad, además su grado de severidad y progresión va paralelo a la función renal. Sin embargo, independientemente del momento en que se manifieste el deterioro auditivo, es de vital importancia una intervención audiológica oportuna, con el fin de detectar la hipoacusia lo más temprano posible, hacer un seguimiento riguroso de la funcionalidad auditiva y, en caso de ser necesario, adaptar ayudas auditivas de acuerdo con las necesidades comunicativas del paciente

Alport Syndrome (AS) is a genetic disorder originated by mutations in the collagen type IV which is the main constituent of the basal membranes. Clinically, is characterized by progressive hereditary nephropathy. In the inner ear, the collagen IV is ubicated in the basilar membrane and in the spiral ligament, whereby the mutations in the codifier gens, cause neurosensorial hearing loss. The aim of this investigation is to characterize how hearing loss behaves in people diagnosed with AS, by presenting a reviewing of reported studies in the literature. A database search was performed with the established criteria of inclusion and a total of seven articles were incorporated for its analysis. Considering the findings by the several investigations collected the conclusion is that the secondary hearing loss to AS is heterogenous. There is no a common pattern of presentation as it depends on the mode of heredity and the type of mutation of the disease, and besides of the degree of severity and progression that goes along with the renal function. Nevertheless, regardless of the moment that the auditive impair appears, it is of vital importance an opportune audiological intervention, aiming at detecting an alteration as soon as possible, make a rigorous tracking of the auditive functionality and, if necessary, incorporate hearing aids in accordance with the communicative needs of the patients

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine herpesvirus 1 in dairy herds of Colombia.

Background and Aim: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is an infectious disease widely distributed globally and is considered the main cause of various reproductive and respiratory tract diseases in cattle and buffaloes. This study aimed to estimate seroprevalence and determine risk factors associated with the presentation of IBR in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Boyacá (Colombia). Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was performed, and the sample size was 1,000 cattle. Blood samples were obtained by coccygeal venipuncture and processed through indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the Synbiotics® kit (Zoetis, New Jersey, USA) with a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 98%, respectively. Data were processed using the statistical program EpiInfo® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). Results: A high seroprevalence of 57.5% was established. Seroprevalence was the highest in cattle >4 years of age (65.0% apparent seroprevalence [AS]; 67% true seroprevalence [TS]) and in the Holstein breed (65.5% AS; 67.8% TS). The breed and age of the animals were significantly associated with each other. The Holstein breed, age group >4 years, uncertified semen, and fetal death were established as risk factors for IBR. In comparison, the age groups of <1 and 1-2 years and the Normande breed were established as protective factors against the bovine herpesvirus-1 virus. Conclusion: Management factors, such as livestock from other owners and animal purchases, which affect disease presentation, are evident. The implementation and development of novel prevention and control measures for IBR at the national level are necessary.

Serodiagnosis and Risk Factors Associated with Infectious Agents of Reproductive Diseases in Bovines of Chiquinquirá, District of Boyacá (Colombia).

The productivity of cattle farms is affected by infectious and noninfectious factors that generate economic losses and cause reproductive failure represented by low conception rates, embryonic mortality, abortions, and fetal mummification. The infectious agents that most impact the reproductive health of the bovine species from conception to birth are bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) causing infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI3), Neospora caninum and Leptospira spp. The objective of this study was to diagnose the presence of BoHV-1, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), PI3, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira spp. by serology and identify the risk factors associated with infectious agents of reproductive interest in bovines of Boyacá (Colombia). A descriptive cross-sectional study was developed, with simple random sampling, where a sample size of 601 female cattle of Holstein, Jersey, and Normande breeds of different age groups was determined. Blood samples were taken and processed using the indirect ELISA technique (SYNBIOTICS®, SERELISA® BVD p80 Ab Mono Blocking, Ingezim R.12.NC.K, PRIMACHECK VPI-3®) and the MAT test for the diagnosis of bovine leptospirosis. The data were processed with the statistical program Epi Info™. The highest apparent seroprevalence was established for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (61.1%), followed by BVD (37.6%), PI3 (40.9%), neosporosis (51.1%), and leptospirosis (14.8%). Variables such as age >4 years and Holstein breed for IBR and >4 years for BVD were established risk factors. Considering our results, we suggest implementing prevention and control plans that include vaccination as a prophylactic measure and biosecurity tools that reduce the probability of contagion and transmission of pathogens.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with the presence of bovine leptospirosis in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Colombia.

Background: Bovine leptospirosis is a zoonotic, infectious, and cosmopolitan disease of worldwide distribution, caused by the spirochete Leptospira spp., which has been diagnosed in humans; domestic mammals, such as dogs, sheep, goats, swine, horses and cattle; and wild animals. It is considered a significant cause of economic losses in livestock because it causes infertility, abortion and reduced milk production. Aim: To establish the prevalence and the main risk factors associated with Leptospira spp. in cattle in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Colombia. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was carried out. 1,000 cattle of Ayrshire, Holstein, Jersey, Normande, Zebu, and crossbreeds were sampled. Blood samples were taken by coccygeal venipuncture and processed by microscopic agglutination technique; animals were considered positive when titers were ≥1:100. The data obtained were processed with the statistical program EpiInfo®. Results: A general apparent prevalence (AP) of 16% (160/1,000) was established, where the crossbreeds (20.5% AP), the 2-4 years age group (17% AP), and the serovars Leptospira interrogans serogroup Pomona (5.1%) and L. interrogans serogroup Sjroe serovar Hardjo (3.4%) presented the highest seropositivity. The variables barnyard, artificial insemination, and use of certified semen were identified as protective factors against the disease, while diarrhea was considered a risk factor. Conclusion: The prevalence in this study is within the range of those reported at the national level; however, it is essential to establish plans to control and prevent the disease.

Determinación de anticuerpos antidiarrea viral bovina (DVB) en vacas lecheras de un municipio de Boyacá (Colombia) / Determination of Antibodies against Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) in Diry Cows in a Municipality of Boyacá (Colombia)

Resumen La diarrea viral bovina (DVB) es una patología infecciosa generada por un pestivirus de distribución mundial, causante de problemas reproductivos y pérdidas económicas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer la positividad al virus de diarrea viral bovina (vDVB) en vacas del municipio de Tuta (Boyacá, Colombia), y analizar los grupos etarios, raciales y las variables reproductivas y de manejo como posibles factores de riesgo. Se tomaron 374 muestras de sangre, a las cuales se les realizó la prueba ELISA indirecta, implementando el kit Serelisa® BVD p80 Ab Mono Blocking; los datos se procesaron con EpiInfo®. Se encontró una seroprevalencia del 41,7 %. Los cruces raciales y los bovinos >4 años presentaron la seroprevalencia más alta. Los animales >4 años (p= 0,0000001922) presentaron asociación estadística con la presencia de la enfermedad, y se consideró factor de riesgo para vDVB. Se deben establecer programas de control y prevención que dificulten su diseminación en la zona.

Abstract Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is an infectious pathology generated by a pestivirus of worldwide distribution, which causes reproductive problems and economic losses. The objective of this study was to establish bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) positivity in cows from the municipality of Tuta (Boyacá, Colombia), and to analyze age and racial groups and reproductive and management variables as possible risk factors. A total of 374 blood samples were taken and the indirect ELISA test was performed using the Serelisa® BVD p80 Ab Mono Blocking kit; the data were processed with EpiInfo®. A seroprevalence of 41.7% was found. Crossbreds and cattle >4 years had the highest seroprevalence. Animals >4 years old (p= 0.0000001922) were statistically associated with the presence of the disease and were considered a risk factor for BVDV. Control and prevention programs should be established to hinder its dissemination in the area.

Identification of Multiple Blastocystis Subtypes in Domestic Animals From Colombia Using Amplicon-Based Next Generation Sequencing.

Blastocystis is frequently reported in fecal samples from animals and humans worldwide, and a variety of subtypes (STs) have been observed in wild and domestic animals. In Colombia, few studies have focused on the transmission dynamics and epidemiological importance of Blastocystis in animals. In this study, we characterized the frequency and subtypes of Blastocystis in fecal samples of domestic animals including pigs, minipigs, cows, dogs, horses, goats, sheep, and llama from three departments of Colombia. Of the 118 fecal samples included in this study 81.4% (n = 96) were positive for Blastocystis using a PCR that amplifies a fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. PCR positive samples were sequenced by next generation amplicon sequencing (NGS) to determine subtypes. Eleven subtypes were detected, ten previously reported, ST5 (50.7%), ST10 (47.8%), ST25 (34.3%), ST26 (29.8%), ST21 (22.4%), ST23 (22.4%), ST1 (17.9%), ST14 (16.4%), ST24 (14.9%), ST3 (7.5%), and a novel subtype, named ST32 (3.0%). Mixed infection and/or intra -subtype variations were identified in most of the samples. Novel ST32 was observed in two samples from a goat and a cow. To support novel subtype designation, a MinION based sequencing strategy was used to generate the full-length of the SSU rRNA gene. Comparison of full-length nucleotide sequences with those from current valid subtypes supported the designation of ST32. This is the first study in Colombia using NGS to molecularly characterize subtypes of Blastocystis in farm animals. A great diversity of subtypes was observed in domestic animals including subtypes previously identified in humans. Additionally, subtype overlap between the different hosts examined in this study were observed. These findings highlight the presence of Blastocystis subtypes with zoonotic potential in farm animals indicating that farm animals could play a role in transmission to humans.

Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cattle from Sotaquirá, Colombia.

Worldwide distributed Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) represents a high risk of infection in most bovine farms, in which it is associated with gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive diseases. The purpose of this research was to establish the seroprevalence and the main risk factors associated with the presentation of BVDV in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Colombia. Samples were taken from 1000 cattle of Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, Normande Gyr and Holstein x Gyr. Epidemiological surveys were implemented, reproductive and management variables were taken into consideration. Indirect ELISA was performed to detect specific antibodies against BVDV using the commercial kit SERELISA® BVD p80 Ab Mono Blocking. The overall seroprevalence of antibodies against BVDV was 42.5% (425/1000), where the Gyr breed (59.1% apparent prevalence (AP); 60.3% real prevalence (PR)) and the age group > 4 years (53.0% PA; 54.4% PR) presented the highest seroprevalences. A significant statistical association was found for the breed, age, management practices evaluated and the presentation of PI3 (p ≤ 0.05). Age group > 4 years, Normande breed, presentation of PI3 and grazing lease were established as risk factors associated with BVDV in the herds. These infections are mainly associated with dairy cattle and herds with many animals, so it is important to consider vaccination plans as a preventive system and follow up on the most common diseases.

Seropositivity and risk factors associated with the presentation of bovine leukosis virus in Sotaquirá, Colombia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Enzootic bovine leukosis is a disease economically important to the dairy farming industry worldwide. The virus is of the Deltaretrovirus genus and is primarily transmitted iatrogenically. Most bovines infected with the virus remain asymptomatic with only 5-10% of cattle having lymphomas. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of bovine leukosis virus (BLV) in Sotaquirá, Boyacá, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, observational epidemiological cross-sectional study using the simple random sampling method with a sample size of 1000. Blood samples from random bovine were processed using the SERELISA® BLV Ab Mono Blocking indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (Zoetis, USA). The assay had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 98%. The collected data were processed using Epi Info® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). From the study, we could determine a high seroprevalence of BLV in Sotaquirá. RESULTS: We established a high seroprevalence on BLV in the municipality, with 31.1% apparent seroprevalence and 30.6% real seroprevalence rate. We found that male cattle more than 4 years old (39.4%) and the Ayrshire breed (45.5%) had the highest prevalence rates of the virus. In this study, we could establish statistically significant associations according to breed, age, and gender of the cattle under study. Moreover, we identified the risk factors for BLV infection. We found that in cattle aged <1 year and those older than 4 years of age and those of the Holstein breed, the presentation of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, mucosal secretions, mastitis, fetal death, the presence of a corral, and the implementation of artificial insemination practices were risk factors for BLV infection. CONCLUSION: Determining the prevalence of BLV within the herd and identifying the associated risk factors for the disease are fundamental in developing efficient programs for the control and eradication of BLV within herds.

Describing the intestinal microbiota of Holstein Fasciola-positive and -negative cattle from a hyperendemic area of fascioliasis in central Colombia.

The ability to identify compositional changes in the intestinal microbiota of parasitized hosts is important for understanding the physiological processes that may affect animal productivity. Within the field of host-parasite interactions, many studies have suggested that helminths can influence the microbial composition of their hosts via their immunomodulatory effects. Bovine fascioliasis is a helminthiasis widely studied by immunologists, but with little information available regarding gut microbial communities. Thus, we aimed to describe the composition of the intestinal microbiota of Holstein Fasciola-positive and -negative cattle using parasitological methods and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Bovine fecal samples (n = 65) were obtained from livestock slaughter plants in the Cundi-Boyacense Colombian highlands (a hyperendemic region for bovine fascioliasis) and studied by amplicon-based next-generation 16S-rRNA and 18S-rRNA gene sequencing. From these samples, 35 were Fasciola hepatica-negative and, 30 were F. hepatica-positive in our detection analysis. Our results showed a reduction in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Ascomycota in the Fasciola-positive samples, along with decreased relative abundances of the commensal taxa previously associated with fermentation and digestion processes. However, metabolomic approaches and functional analyzes of the intestinal microbiota are necessary to support these hypothesis. These findings are a small first step in the development of research aimed at understanding how microbial populations in bovines are modulated in liver helminth infections.

Serodiagnóstico de Paratuberculosis en bovinos del municipio de Sogamoso, Boyacá (Colombia) / Serodiagnosis of Paratuberculosis in cattle of the municipality of Sogamoso, Boyacá (Colombia) / Serodiagnóstico da paratuberculose no gado do municipio de Sogamoso, Boyacá (Colômbia)

RESUMEN La Paratuberculosis Bovina (PTB) o Enfermedad de Johne, es una infección del tracto gastrointestinal causada por Mycobacterium avium, subespecie paratuberculosis (Map), que se caracteriza por generar enteritis granulomatosa crónica y linfadenitis en rumiantes. La preocupación más relevante en relación con la importancia de la PTB es su posible vínculo con la Enfermedad de Crohn (EC) en humanos, sin embargo, esta asociación aún está bajo investigación. Se determinó la seroprevalencia de PTB en el municipio de Sogamoso (Boyacá), donde se recolectaron 604 muestras de sangre, cuyo suero fue procesado mediante la técnica de ELISA indirecta con el kit comercial PARACHEK® 2 KIT (Prionics, Suiza). La seroprevalencia fue de 10,9% (66/604), donde el grupo etario de 2 a 3 años y la raza Jersey fueron los de mayor seroprevalencia. Se encontró asociación estadística significativa (p≤0,05) entre la edad de los individuos evaluados y el suministro de concentrado. La seroprevalencia encontrada indica que se está produciendo una transmisión activa de la enfermedad y que las medidas de control disponibles no están siendo llevadas a cabo o no son lo suficientemente efectivas.

ABSTRACT Bovine Paratuberculosis (BPT), or Johne's Disease, is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused by Mycobacterium avium, subspecies paratuberculosis (Map), which is characterized by chronic granulomatous enteritis and lymphadenitis in ruminants. The most relevant concern regarding the importance of BPT is its possible link to Crohn's disease (CD) in humans, however this association is still under investigation. The seroprevalence of BPT was determined in the municipality of Sogamoso (Boyacá), where 604 blood samples were collected, their serum was processed by the indirect ELISA technique with the commercial PARACHEK® 2 KIT (Prionics, Switzerland), following the manufacturer's instructions. The seroprevalence was 10,9% (66/604), with the 2 to 3 years age group and the Jersey breed having the highest seroprevalence. A significant statistical association was found (p≤0,05) with the age of the individuals tested and the supply of concentrate. The seroprevalence found indicates that active transmission of the disease is taking place, and that the available control measures are not being carried out or are not effective enough.

RESUMO A Paratuberculose Bovina (PTB) ou Doença de Johne é uma infecção do trato gastrointestinal causada pela Mycobacterium avium subespécie paratuberculosis (Map), caracterizada por gerar enterite granulomatosa crónica e linfadenite em ruminantes. A preocupação mais relevante em relação à importância do PTB é seu possível vínculo com a Doença de Crohn (DC) em seres humanos, no entanto, essa associação ainda está sob investigação. A soroprevalência do PTB foi determinada no município de Sogamoso (Boyacá), onde foram coletadas 604 amostras de sangue, cujo soro foi processado pela técnica ELISA indireta com o kit comercial PARACHEK® 2 KIT (Prionics, Suíça). A soroprevalência foi de 10,9% (66/604), onde a faixa etária de 2 a 3 anos e a raça Jersey foram as que apresentaram maior soroprevalência. Foi encontrada associação estatisticamente significante (p≤0,05) com a idade dos indivíduos avaliados e o suprimento de concentrado. A soroprevalência encontrada indica que a transmissão ativa da doença está ocorrendo e que as medidas de controle disponíveis não estão sendo realizadas ou não são eficazes o suficiente.

B cells naturally induced during dengue virus infection release soluble CD27, the plasma level of which is associated with severe forms of pediatric dengue.

The CD27 and CD38 antigens are highly expressed on the plasmablast surface, and a massive plasmablast response has been described for dengue virus infection. Soluble CD27 and CD38 forms (sCD27 and sCD38, respectively) increase after immune activation. Here, we show increased sCD27 release in cultures of purified polyclonally stimulated B cells. T and B cells isolated from children with dengue spontaneously produced higher levels of sCD27 but not sCD38, compared with healthy children (P=0.03), and sCD27 levels positively correlated with plasmablast frequency in the cultures (rho=0.58, P=0.01). Children with dengue had higher plasma levels of sCD27 and sCD38 than healthy children, which decreased during convalescence. Plasma sCD27 was higher in severe than with mild dengue, but the opposite was observed for sCD38. These findings support a potential new role for B cells in dengue pathogenesis, and sCD27 and sCD38 are novel biomarkers associated with clinical outcome during dengue virus infection.

Altered immune parameters correlate with infection-related hospitalizations in children with Down syndrome.

In addition to previously studied immunological variables, the relative expression of IFNGR2, IFNAR1, CD18, and CD275 (all encoded in chromosome 21) on circulating leucocytes and multifunctional T cells (evaluated by an intracellular cytokine/proliferation assay) were compared between children with Down syndrome (DS) and healthy controls (HC). As previously reported, numbers of lymphocytes, CD4(+) T cells, Treg cells, B cells, and levels of serum IgM were decreased, and levels of IgG and IgA were increased in children with DS. Moreover, the relative expression of CD18 on T and B cells (previously and not previously reported, respectively) were elevated in DS children (p⩽0.01). Age and numbers of B and Treg cells moderately correlated with retrospectively identified infection related hospitalizations (rho: 0.300-0.460, p⩽0.003). Age and the numbers of Treg cells also correlated with prospectively identified infection related hospitalizations. Future studies are necessary to clarify the role of these parameters in the immunity of DS patients.

Viability and Functionality of Cryopreserved Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Pediatric Dengue.

Cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are widely used in studies of dengue. In this disease, elevated frequency of apoptotic PBMCs has been described, and molecules such as soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligands (sTRAIL) are involved. This effect of dengue may affect the efficiency of PBMC cryopreservation. Here, we evaluate the viability (trypan blue dye exclusion and amine-reactive dye staining) and functionality (frequency of gamma interferon [IFN-γ]-producing T cells after polyclonal stimulation) of fresh and cryopreserved PBMCs from children with dengue (in acute and convalescence phases), children with other febrile illnesses, and healthy children as controls. Plasma sTRAIL levels were also evaluated. The frequencies of nonviable PBMCs detected by the two viability assays were positively correlated (r = 0.74; P < 0.0001). Cryopreservation particularly affected the PBMCs of children with dengue, who had a higher frequency of nonviable cells than healthy children and children with other febrile illnesses (P ≤ 0.02), and PBMC viability levels were restored in the convalescent phase. In the acute phase, an increased frequency of CD3+ CD8+ amine-positive cells was found before cryopreservation (P = 0.01). Except for B cells in the acute phase, cryopreservation usually did not affect the relative frequencies of viable PBMC subpopulations. Dengue infection reduced the frequency of IFN-γ-producing CD3+ cells after stimulation compared with healthy controls and convalescent-phase patients (P ≤ 0.003), and plasma sTRAIL correlated with this decreased frequency in dengue (rho = -0.56; P = 0.01). Natural dengue infection in children can affect the viability and functionality of cryopreserved PBMCs.

A Petiveria alliacea standardized fraction induces breast adenocarcinoma cell death by modulating glycolytic metabolism.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Folk medicine uses aqueous and alcoholic extracts from Petiveria alliacea (Phytolaccaceae) in leukemia and breast cancer treatment in the Caribbean, Central and South America. Herein, we validated the biological activity of a Petiveria alliacea fraction using a metastatic breast adenocarcinoma model (4T1). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Petiveria alliacea fraction biological activity was determined estimating cell proliferation, cell colony growth capacity and apoptosis (caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential) in 4T1 cells. Petiveria alliacea was used at IC50 concentration (29 µg/mL) and 2 dilutions below, doxorubicin at 0.27 µg/mL (positive control) and dibenzyl disulfide at 2.93 µg/mL (IC50 fraction marker compound). Proteomic estimations were analyzed by LC-MS-MS. Protein level expression was confirmed by RT-PCR. Glucose and lactate levels were measured by enzymatic assays. LD50 was established in BALB/c mice and antitumoral activity evaluated in mice transplanted with GFP-tagged 4T1 cells. Mice were treated with Petiveria alliacea fraction via I.P (182 mg/kg corresponding to 1/8 of LD50 and 2 dilutions below). RESULTS: Petiveria alliacea fraction in vitro induces 4T1 cells apoptosis, caspase-3 activation, DNA fragmentation without mitochondria membrane depolarization, and decreases cell colony growth capacity. Also, changes in glycolytic enzymes expression cause a decrease in glucose uptake and lactate production. Fraction also promotes breast primary tumor regression in BALB/c mice transplanted with GFP-tagged 4T1 cells. CONCLUSION: A fraction of Petiveria alliacea leaves and stems induces in vitro cell death and in vivo tumor regression in a murine breast cancer model. Our results validate in partly, the traditional use of Petiveria alliacea in breast cancer treatment, revealing a new way of envisioning Petiveria alliacea biological activity. The fraction effect on the glycolytic pathway enzymes contributes to explain the antiproliferative and antitumor activities.

Gallotannin-rich Caesalpinia spinosa fraction decreases the primary tumor and factors associated with poor prognosis in a murine breast cancer model.

BACKGROUND: Several treatment alternatives are available for primary breast cancer, although those for metastatic disease or inflammation associated with tumor progression are ineffective. Therefore, there is a great need for new therapeutic alternatives capable of generating an immune response against residual tumor cells, thus contributing to eradication of micrometastases and cancer stem cells. The use of complex natural products is an excellent therapeutic alternative widely used by Chinese, Hindu, Egyptian, and ancestral Latin-American Indian populations. METHODS: The present study evaluated cytotoxic, antitumor, and tumor progression activities of a gallotannin-rich fraction derived from Caesalpinia spinosa (P2Et). The parameters evaluated in vitro were mitochondrial membrane depolarization, phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase 3 activation, DNA fragmentation, and clonogenic activity. The parameters evaluated in vivo were tumor growth, leukocyte number, metastatic cell number, and cytokine production by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The in vitro results showed that the P2Et fraction induced apoptosis with mitochondrial membrane potential loss, phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase 3 activation, DNA fragmentation, and decreased clonogenic capacity of 4T1 cells. In vivo, the P2Et fraction induced primary tumor reduction in terms of diameter and weight in BALB/c mice transplanted with 4T1 cells and decreased numbers of metastatic cells, mainly in the spleen. Furthermore, decreases in the number of peripheral blood leukocytes (leukemoid reaction) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) serum levels were found, which are events associated with a poor prognosis. The P2Et fraction exerts its activity on the primary tumor, reduces cell migration to distant organs, and decreases IL-6 serum levels, implying tumor microenvironment mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the P2Et fraction lessens risk factors associated with tumor progression and diminishes primary tumor size, showing good potential for use as an adjuvant in breast cancer ER(+) treatment.

A gallotannin-rich fraction from Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze displays cytotoxic activity and raises sensitivity to doxorubicin in a leukemia cell line.

BACKGROUND: Enhancement of tumor cell sensitivity may help facilitate a reduction in drug dosage using conventional chemotherapies. Consequently, it is worthwhile to search for adjuvants with the potential of increasing chemotherapeutic drug effectiveness and improving patient quality of life. Natural products are a very good source of such adjuvants. METHODS: The biological activity of a fraction enriched in hydrolysable polyphenols (P2Et) obtained from Caesalpinia spinosa was evaluated using the hematopoietic cell line K562. This fraction was tested alone or in combination with the conventional chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, camptothecin and taxol. The parameters evaluated were mitochondrial depolarization, caspase 3 activation, chromatin condensation and clonogenic activity. RESULTS: We found that the P2Et fraction induced mitochondrial depolarization, activated caspase 3, induced chromatin condensation and decreased the clonogenic capacity of the K562 cell line. When the P2Et fraction was used in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs at sub-lethal concentrations, a fourfold reduction in doxorubicin inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) was seen in the K562 cell line. This finding suggested that P2Et fraction activity is specific for the molecular target of doxorubicin. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a natural fraction extracted from Caesalpinia spinosa in combination with conventional chemotherapy in combination with natural products on leukemia cells may increase therapeutic effectiveness in relation to leukemia.