Production and performance evaluation of chitosan/collagen/honey nanofibrous membranes for wound dressing applications.

Persistent bacterial infections are the leading risk factor that complicates the healing of chronic wounds. In this work, we formulate mixtures of polyvinyl alcohol (P), chitosan (CH), collagen (C), and honey (H) to produce nanofibrous membranes with healing properties. The honey effect at concentrations of 0 % (PCH and PCHC), 5 % (PCHC-5H), 10 % (PCHC-10H), and 15 % (PCHC-15H) on the physicochemical, antibacterial, and biological properties of the developed nanofibers was investigated. Morphological analysis by SEM demonstrated that PCH and PCHC nanofibers had a uniform and homogeneous distribution on their surfaces. However, the increase in honey content increased the fiber diameter (118.11-420.10) and drastically reduced the porosity of the membranes (15.79-92.62 nm). The addition of honey reduces the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and the adsorption properties of the membranes. Mechanical tests revealed that nanofibers were more flexible and elastic when honey was added, specifically the PCHC-15H nanofibers with the lowest modulus of elasticity (15 MPa) and the highest elongation at break (220 %). Also, honey significantly improved the antibacterial efficiency of the nanofibers, mainly PCHC-15H nanofibers, which presented the best bacterial reduction rates against Staphylococcus aureus (59.84 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (47.27 %), Escherichia coli (65.07 %), and Listeria monocytogenes (49.58 %). In vitro tests with cell cultures suggest that nanofibers were not cytotoxic and exhibited excellent biocompatibility with human fibroblasts (HFb) and keratinocytes (HaCaT), since all treatments showed higher or similar cell viability as opposed to the cell control. Based on the findings, PVA-chitosan-collagen-honey nanofibrous membranes have promise as an antibacterial dressing substitute.

Swim Bladder of Farmed Totoaba macdonaldi: A Source of Value-Added Collagen.

Finding strategies to use the swim bladder of farmed totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is of the utmost need to reduce waste. Fish swim bladders are rich in collagen; hence, extracting collagen is a promising alternative with benefits for aquaculture of totoaba and the environment. The elemental biochemical composition of totoaba swim bladders, including their proximate and amino acid compositions, was determined. Pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) was used to extract collagen from swim bladders, and its characteristics were analyzed. Alcalase and papain were used for the preparation of collagen hydrolysates. Swim bladders contained 95% protein, 2.4% fat, and 0.8% ash (on a dry basis). The essential amino acid content was low, but the functional amino acid content was high. The PSC yield was high, at 68% (dry weight). The amino acid composition profile, electrophoretic pattern, and structural integrity analyses of the isolated collagen suggested it is a typical type-I collagen with high purity. The denaturalization temperature was 32.5 °C, probably attributable to the imino acid content (205 residues/1000 residues). Papain-hydrolysates (≤3 kDa) of this collagen exhibited higher radical scavenging activity than Alcalase-hydrolysates. The swim bladder from the farmed totoaba could be an ideal source to produce high-quality type I collagen and may be considered an alternative to conventional collagen sources or bioactive peptides.

Asociación entre obesidad y síntomas de depresión en adolescentes en Querétaro, México

Objetivo: Identificar la asociación entre obesidad y síntomas de depresión en adolescentes atendidos en una unidad de salud familiar. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal comparativo en adolescentes mexicanos de 10 a 19 años, se integraron dos grupos de comparación, adolescentes con obesidad y sin obesidad. El tamaño de la muestra fue de 97 adolescentes por cada grupo, se empleó muestreo no probabilístico por cuota. La depresión se evaluó con la versión revisada de la Escala de Depresión del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos (CESD-R). El análisis estadístico incluyó promedios, porcentajes, desviaciones estándar, prueba chi cuadrado, razón de momios (RM), e intervalos de confianza para RM. Resultados: En el grupo de adolescentes con obesidad 48,5% presentaron síntomas depresivos y en el grupo de adolescentes sin obesidad 33% también presentaron síntomas depresivos (p=0,02), RM de 1,90 (IC 95%: 1,06-3,41). Conclusiones: Se encontró asociación entre obesidad y síntomas de depresión en adolescentes.

Objective: To identify the association between obesity and depression symptoms in adolescents attended in a family health center. Materials and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, comparative study of Mexican adolescents aged 10 to 19 years integrated two comparison groups, adolescents with obesity and without obesity. The sample size was 97 adolescents per group, non-probabilistic sampling per quota was used. Depression was evaluated with the revised version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies (CESD-R) Depression Scale. The statistical analysis included averages, percentages, standard deviations, chi square test, odds ratio (OR), and confidence intervals for OR. Results: In the group of adolescents with obesity 48,5% presented depressive symptoms and in the group of adolescents without obesity 33% also presented depressive symptoms (p=0,02), RM was 1,90 (95%CI; 1,06-3,41). Conclusions: We found an association between obesity and depression symptoms in adolescents.

Creencias de enfermedad, creencias de medicación y adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con hipertensión arterial / Disease belief, medication belief and adherence to treatment in patients with high blood pressure

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar las creencias de enfermedad y las creencias de medicación con la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con hipertensión arterial. Método: Diseño transversal comparativo en población hipertensa sin diabetes mellitus, grupo de 137 pacientes adherentes y grupo de 129 pacientes no adherentes. Se evaluaron las creencias de la enfermedad y las creencias de la medicación. El análisis estadístico incluyó prueba de ji al cuadrado, razón de momios e intervalo de confianza para razón de momios. Resultados: En el grupo de pacientes adherentes, el 71.5% tienen creencias adecuadas de la enfermedad, y en el grupo de pacientes no adherentes el 43.4% también tienen creencias adecuadas de la enfermedad (p = 0.000). Cuando se agrupan las creencias de la enfermedad y las creencias sobre la medicación existe una asociación con la adherencia al tratamiento en los pacientes hipertensos. Conclusiones: Existe asociación entre las creencias de la enfermedad y las creencias de la medicación con la adherencia al tratamiento antihipertensivo.

Abstract Objective: Compare disease beliefs and medication beliefs with adherence to treatment in patients with hypertension without diabetes mellitus. Method: Comparative transverse design in hypertensive population, a group of 137 adherent patients and a group of 129 non-adherent patients. The beliefs of the disease and beliefs about the medication were evaluated. The statistical analysis included chi squared, odds ratio and confidence interval for odds ratio. Results: In the group of adherent patients, 71.5% have an adequate belief of the disease and in the group of non-adherent patients, 43.4% also have an adequate belief of the disease (p = 0.000). When the belief of the disease and beliefs about the medication are grouped, there is an association with adherence to treatment in hypertensive patients. Conclusions: There is an association between beliefs about the disease and medication with adherence to antihypertensive treatment.

Disease belief, medication belief and adherence to treatment in patients with high blood pressure / Creencias de enfermedad, creencias de medicación y adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con hipertensión arterial

Objective: Compare disease beliefs and medication beliefs with adherence to treatment in patients with hypertension without diabetes mellitus. Method: Comparative transverse design in hypertensive population, a group of 137 adherent patients and a group of 129 non-adherent patients. The beliefs of the disease and beliefs about the medication were evaluated. The statistical analysis included chi squared, odds ratio and confidence interval for odds ratio. Results: In the group of adherent patients, 71.5% have an adequate belief of the disease and in the group of non-adherent patients, 43.4% also have an adequate belief of the disease (p = 0.000). When the belief of the disease and beliefs about the medication are grouped, there is an association with adherence to treatment in hypertensive patients. Conclusions: There is an association between beliefs about the disease and medication with adherence to antihypertensive treatment.

Objetivo: Comparar las creencias de enfermedad y las creencias de medicación con la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con hipertensión arterial. Método: Diseño transversal comparativo en población hipertensa sin diabetes mellitus, grupo de 137 pacientes adherentes y grupo de 129 pacientes no adherentes. Se evaluaron las creencias de la enfermedad y las creencias de la medicación. El análisis estadístico incluyó prueba de ji al cuadrado, razón de momios e intervalo de confianza para razón de momios. Resultados: En el grupo de pacientes adherentes, el 71.5% tienen creencias adecuadas de la enfermedad, y en el grupo de pacientes no adherentes el 43.4% también tienen creencias adecuadas de la enfermedad (p = 0.000). Cuando se agrupan las creencias de la enfermedad y las creencias sobre la medicación existe una asociación con la adherencia al tratamiento en los pacientes hipertensos. Conclusiones: Existe asociación entre las creencias de la enfermedad y las creencias de la medicación con la adherencia al tratamiento antihipertensivo.

Prevalencia del uso de medicina tradicional herbolaria y el perfil de uso en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 de una zona urbana

RESUMEN En México la interculturalidad en salud se plantea como una integración de dos sistemas de conocimiento, el conocimiento ancestral carente de bases científicas y que se transmite a través de las generaciones, y el modelo médico convencional. En múltiples estudios se describe que existe un gran porcentaje de médicos que han recibido pacientes que hacen uso de esta terapéutica. El objetivo fue identificar la prevalencia del uso de medicina tradicional herbolaria y el perfil de uso en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en una zona urbana. Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal descriptivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, pertenecientes a un sistema de seguridad social de la ciudad de Querétaro, en un periodo mayor a 6 meses. El plan de análisis estadístico incluyó promedios, porcentajes, intervalos de confianza para promedios e intervalos de confianza para porcentajes. Se identificó que la prevalencia de uso de la medicina tradicional herbolaria era de 22.2%, con una edad promedio de 60.98 años, con predominio en el sexo femenino y una escolaridad secundaria o menos, la planta más utilizada fue moringa en un 45%, el uso más frecuente para el control glucémico en un 97% y su consumo era como agua de tiempo en la mayoría de las plantas. En este estudio se pudo describir la prevalencia de uso en una zona urbana, así como el perfil de las personas que hacen uso de esta terapéutica, con la finalidad de generar nuevas informaciones y promover el estudio de estas prácticas.

ABSTRACT In Mexico the interculturality in health is posed as an integration of the two systems of knowledge, the ancient knowledge lacking scientific bases which is transmitted through generations, and the conventional medical model. In multiple studies, the existence of a great percentage of medical doctors that have received patients using this therapy is described. The objective was to identify the prevalence of the use of herbal traditional medicine and the profile of use in patients with diabetes type 2 in an urban zone. This was an observational, transversal descriptive study performed in patients with diagnostic of diabetes mellitus type 2, belonging to a system of social security in Queretaro city, in a period greater than 6 months. The plan of statistical analysis included averages, percentages, confidence intervals for averages and percentages. The prevalence of use of the herbal traditional medicine was 22.2% with and average age of 60.98 years old, with predominance of the female sex and a scholarship of middle school or less, the plant mostly used was moringa in a 45%, the most frequent use was the glycemic control in 97% and the consumption was as natural water in most plants. In this study, it was described the prevalence of the use in an urban zone, as well as the profile of the people that use this therapy, with the purpose of generate new information and promote the study of these practices.

Comparison of collagen characteristic from the skin and swim bladder of Gulf corvina (Cynoscion othonopterus).

Collagens extracted from different tissues and fish species display different physicochemical properties, thus novel sources require characterization. Gulf corvina (Cynoscion othonopterus) is processed industrially for food. Of the by-products, the swim bladder is used for fish maw, but other tissues are treated as waste. In the present study, pepsin-soluble collagen from Gulf corvina skin and swim bladder was extracted and characterized. Skin produced a higher collagen yield (82 ± 1.53 %) than swim bladder (69 ± 1.60 %). Both collagens exhibited electrophoresis bands corresponding to ([α1(I)]2α2(I)) and ß chains, all characteristic of type I collagen. Spectra analysis showed the collagens to maintain their triple-helix structure. The skin collagen had a lower denaturation temperature (29.8 °C) than the swim bladder collagen (32.5 °C), due to its relatively low imino acid content (168 vs. 190 /1000 residues, respectively). Both collagens were highly soluble in acidic pH ranges; Zeta potential values were 5.5 for the skin collagen and 6.2 for the swim bladder collagen. Gulf corvina skin and swim bladder are excellent sources of type I collagen with similar physicochemical properties.

Chronic feeding with 3% dried raw blueberries (V. corymbosum) reduces apomorphine-induced rotations and striatal dopaminergic loss in hemiparkinsonian rats.

Blueberries (BB) are rich in antioxidant polyphenols, and their intake could prevent Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we assessed whether rats chronically fed dried raw BB develop resistance to dopaminergic denervation and motor disorders caused by unilateral intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a dopaminergic neurotoxin acting mainly by inducing oxidative stress. Male rats were fed either with LabDiet® alone or supplemented with 3% lyophilized raw BB for 2 weeks before and 3 weeks after injecting 6-OHDA (day 0) or vehicle (mock lesion) into the right striatum. The cylinder test was performed on days -14, -7, -1, +7, +14, and +21; the percentage of ipsilateral forepaw (IF) use asymmetry was determined by counting the wall contacts made with either forepaw or with both. Apomorphine (0.25 mg/kg, s.c.)-induced rotation was performed on days -1, +7, +14, and +21. Full contralateral rotations were counted in 3-min periods, every 15 min, up to 90 min. Striatal slices were immunostained for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the ionized calcium-binding protein-1 adapter (Iba1) [immunoreactive area or microglia count in right striatum expressed as % of the left striatum]. Antioxidants in BB methanolic extracts neutralized the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl in a concentration-dependent manner. Anthocyanins have been reported as the most abundant polyphenols in BB. Using the pH differential method, the total anthocyanin content (malvidin-3-glucoside equivalents) in raw BB averaged 21.04 mg/g dry weight. The range of anthocyanin intake by rats throughout the study varied from 37.7 to 72.2 mg/kg body weight. The time and food type factors, as well as their interaction were significant according to two-way RM-ANOVA in both the apomorphine-induced rotations and the cylinder test. Compared with LabDiet® alone, chronic supplementation with 3% dried raw BB decreased apomorphine-induced rotations on days +14 and +21 (p < 0.001) and produced a 46% reduction in total rotations post-surgery (p < 0.05), but only caused a partial, non-significant, decrease of IF asymmetry. BB supplementation reduced TH loss in the striatum (p < 0.05) but did not attenuate the increase of Iba1+ microglia. The consumption of 3% dried raw blueberries attenuates dopaminergic denervation and partially reverses motor disorders in the 6-OHDA-induced PD model in rats. The phytochemicals of raw blueberries that contribute to the observed neuroprotective effect are yet to be identified.

Effect of the addition of Enterolobium cyclocarpum pods and Gliricidia sepium forage to Brachiaria brizantha on dry matter degradation, volatile fatty acid concentration, and in vitro methane production.

The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro fermentation and methane (CH4) production in the grass Brachiaria brizantha (B) alone or when mixed with Gliricidia sepium forage (G) and/or Enterolobium cyclocarpum pods (E). Theses substrates were incubated in the following proportions: B100 (B100%), B85E15 (B85% + E15%), B85G15 (B85% + G15%), B85GE15 (B85% + G7.5% + E7.5%), and B70GE30 (B70% + G15% + E15%). Dry matter degradation (DMD), volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, and CH4 production were measured at 12, 24, and 48 h of incubation. Experimental design was a randomized complete block. At 48-h incubation, DMD ranged between 46.5 and 51.2% (P = 0.0015). The lowest cumulative gas production (CGP) was observed in B85E15 and B85G15 (160 mL CGP/g organic matter, on average). At 48 h, B85G15 and B100 produced 28.8 and 30.2 mg CH4/g DMD, respectively, while B85E15 or the mixtures, 33.5 mg CH4/g DMD, on average (P ≤ 0.05). B85E15 and B70G30 had the highest concentration of total VFA (P ≤ 0.05). Results showed that B85E15 and B70GE30 favor DMD and increased total production of VFA and CH4 at 48 h. Supplementing livestock feed with legume forages and pods allows improves the nutritional quality of the diet and the fermentation patterns.

A Glycosaminoglycan-Rich Fraction from Sea Cucumber Isostichopus badionotus Has Potent Anti-Inflammatory Properties In Vitro and In Vivo.

Sea cucumber body wall contains several naturally occurring bioactive components that possess health-promoting properties. Isostichopus badionotus from Yucatan, Mexico is heavily fished, but little is known about its bioactive constituents. We previously established that I. badionotus meal had potent anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. We have now screened some of its constituents for anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Glycosaminoglycan and soluble protein preparations reduced 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells while an ethanol extract had a limited effect. The primary glycosaminoglycan (fucosylated chondroitin sulfate; FCS) was purified and tested for anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. FCS modulated the expression of critical genes, including NF-ĸB, TNFα, iNOS, and COX-2, and attenuated inflammation and tissue damage caused by TPA in a mouse ear inflammation model. It also mitigated colonic colitis caused in mice by dextran sodium sulfate. FCS from I. badionotus of the Yucatan Peninsula thus had strong anti-inflammatory properties in vivo.

Hepatoprotective effect of a fucoidan extract from Sargassum fluitans Borgesen against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats.

The in vivo antifibrotic effect of a fucoidan extract (FE) from Sargassum fluitans Borgesen was evaluated in a carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage model in rats over twelve weeks. Chemical analysis showed the FE to contain carbohydrates, sulfates, uronic acids, protein, phenols, and to have a molecular weight of ~60 kDa. Physiological, biochemical, histological and genetic assays were done. Daily oral administration of FE (50 mg/kg) reduced liver enzymatic activity, liver infiltration of inflammatory cells, collagen fiber deposition and gene expression cytokines such as interleukin beta 1 (IL-ß1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1), Smad-3, Smad-2, collagen 1 alpha 1 (col1α1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1). It also increased RNA expression of Smad-7 and metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP2 and MMP9). The fucoidan extract exhibited an antifibrotic effect mediated by the inhibiting TGF-ß1/Smad pathway, as well as anti-inflammatory effects.

Hospitalization and death among patients with influenza, Guatemala, 2008-2012.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is a major cause of respiratory illness resulting in 3-5 million severe cases and 291,243-645,832 deaths annually. Substantial health and financial burden may be averted by annual influenza vaccine application, especially for high risk groups. METHODS: We used an active facility-based surveillance platform for acute respiratory diseases in three hospitals in Guatemala, Central America, to estimate the incidence of laboratory-confirmed hospitalized influenza cases and identify risk factors associated with severe disease (defined as admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or death). We enrolled patients presenting with signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) and obtained naso- and oropharyngeal samples for real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We used multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for ICU admission or death, adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: From May 2008 to July 2012, among 6326 hospitalized ARI cases, 446 (7%) were positive for influenza: of those, 362 (81%) had influenza A and 84 (18%) had influenza B. Fifty nine percent of patients were aged ≤ 5 years, and 10% were aged ≥ 65 years. The median length of hospitalization was 5 days (interquartile range: 5). Eighty of 446 (18%) were admitted to the ICU and 28 (6%) died. Among the 28 deaths, 7% were aged ≤ 6 months, 39% 7-60 months, 21% 5-50 years, and 32% ≥ 50 years. Children aged ≤ 6 months comprised 19% of cases and 22% of ICU admissions. Women of child-bearing age comprised 6% of cases (2 admitted to ICU; 1 death). In multivariable analyses, Santa Rosa site (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2-50), indigenous ethnicity (aOR = 4, 95% CI = 2-13, and radiologically-confirmed pneumonia (aOR = 5, 95% CI = 3-11) were independently associated with severe disease. Adjusted for hospital utilization rate, annual incidence of hospitalized laboratory-confirmed influenza was 24/100,000 overall, 93/100,000 for children aged < 5 years and 50/100,000 for those ≥ 65 years. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza is a major contributor of hospitalization and death due to respiratory diseases in Guatemala. Further application of proven influenza prevention and treatment strategies is warranted.

Asociación de sobrepeso u obesidad con trastornos del estado de ánimo en adolescentes / Association of overweight or obesity with mood disorders in adolescents Abstract

Determinar la asociación entre sobrepeso-obesidad y trastornos del estado de ánimo en adolescentes, específicamente depresión, ansiedad, baja autoestima y dismorfia corporal. Metodología: Diseño transversal comparativo en adolescentes de 12 a 14 años, se integraron dos grupos el primero con sobrepeso-obesidad y el segundo con normopeso. Los trastornos del estado de ánimo fueron evaluados con Inventario de Depresión de Beck-II, Escala de ansiedad de Hamilton, Escala de autoestima de Rosenberg y Cuestionario de forma corporal de Cooper. El análisis estadístico incluyó chi cuadrada y razón de momios. Resultados: Se encontró asociación de sobrepeso-obesidad con depresión RM 17,94 (IC 95%; 8,17-39,38), ansiedad RM 11,11 (IC 95%; 4,75-25,97), autoestima RM 8,40 (IC 95%; 4,08-17,24) y dismorfia corporal RM 9,64 (IC 95%; 2,14-43,17). Conclusión: Existe asociación entre sobrepeso-obesidad y trastornos del estado de ánimo en adolescentes(AU)

To determine the association between overweight-obesity and mood disorders in adolescents, specifically depression, anxiety, low self- esteem and body dysmorphism. Methodology: Comparative cross-sectional design in adolescents aged 12 to 14 years, two groups were integrated the first with overweight-obesity and the second with normal weight. Mood disorders were evaluated with Beck-II Depression Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Cooper Body Form Questionnaire. The statistical analysis included chi square and odds ratio. Results: Overweight-obesity association with depression was found in OR 17,94 (IC 95% 8,17-39,38), OR 11,11 anxiety (IC 95% 4,75-25,97), OR self-esteem 8,40 (IC 95% 4.08-17.24) and body dysmorphism OR 9.64 (IC 95% 2.14-43.17). Conclusion: There is an association between overweight-obesity and mood disorders in adolescents(AU)

High seroconversion rates in Trypanosoma cruzi chronic infection treated with benznidazole in people under 16 years in Guatemala.

INTRODUCTION:: Geographical, epidemiological, and environmental differences associated with therapeutic response to Chagas etiological treatment have been previously discussed. This study describes high seroconversion rates 72 months after benznidazole treatment in patients under 16 years from a project implemented by Doctors without Borders in Guatemala. METHODS:: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect Trypanosoma cruzi IgG antibodies in capillary blood samples from patients 72 months after treatment. Fisher's exact test was used to establish association between characteristics, such as sex, age, and origin of patients, and final seroconversion. Kappa index determined concordance between laboratory tests. The level of significance was set to 5%. RESULTS:: Ninety-eight patients, aged 6 months to 16 years, were available for follow-up. Sex and origin were not associated with seroconversion. Individuals older than 13 were more prone to maintain a positive result 72 months after treatment, although results were not highly significant. Laboratory tests presented elevated Kappa concordance (95% CI) = 0.8290 (0.4955-1), as well as high (97%) seroconversion rates. CONCLUSIONS:: The high seroconversion rate found in this study emphasizes the importance of access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of individuals affected by Chagas disease. Moreover, it contradicts the idea that it is not possible to achieve a cure with the currently available drugs. This study strongly supports expanding programs for patients infected with T. cruzi in endemic and non-endemic countries.

High seroconversion rates in Trypanosoma cruzi chronic infection treated with benznidazole in people under 16 years in Guatemala

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Geographical, epidemiological, and environmental differences associated with therapeutic response to Chagas etiological treatment have been previously discussed. This study describes high seroconversion rates 72 months after benznidazole treatment in patients under 16 years from a project implemented by Doctors without Borders in Guatemala. METHODS: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect Trypanosoma cruzi IgG antibodies in capillary blood samples from patients 72 months after treatment. Fisher's exact test was used to establish association between characteristics, such as sex, age, and origin of patients, and final seroconversion. Kappa index determined concordance between laboratory tests. The level of significance was set to 5%. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients, aged 6 months to 16 years, were available for follow-up. Sex and origin were not associated with seroconversion. Individuals older than 13 were more prone to maintain a positive result 72 months after treatment, although results were not highly significant. Laboratory tests presented elevated Kappa concordance (95% CI) = 0.8290 (0.4955-1), as well as high (97%) seroconversion rates. CONCLUSIONS: The high seroconversion rate found in this study emphasizes the importance of access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of individuals affected by Chagas disease. Moreover, it contradicts the idea that it is not possible to achieve a cure with the currently available drugs. This study strongly supports expanding programs for patients infected with T. cruzi in endemic and non-endemic countries.

The role of temperature and humidity on seasonal influenza in tropical areas: Guatemala, El Salvador and Panama, 2008-2013.

BACKGROUND: The role of meteorological factors on influenza transmission in the tropics is less defined than in the temperate regions. We assessed the association between influenza activity and temperature, specific humidity and rainfall in 6 study areas that included 11 departments or provinces within 3 tropical Central American countries: Guatemala, El Salvador and Panama. METHOD/FINDINGS: Logistic regression was used to model the weekly proportion of laboratory-confirmed influenza positive samples during 2008 to 2013 (excluding pandemic year 2009). Meteorological data was obtained from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite and the Global Land Data Assimilation System. We found that specific humidity was positively associated with influenza activity in El Salvador (Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval of 1.18 (1.07-1.31) and 1.32 (1.08-1.63)) and Panama (OR = 1.44 (1.08-1.93) and 1.97 (1.34-2.93)), but negatively associated with influenza activity in Guatemala (OR = 0.72 (0.6-0.86) and 0.79 (0.69-0.91)). Temperature was negatively associated with influenza in El Salvador's west-central departments (OR = 0.80 (0.7-0.91)) whilst rainfall was positively associated with influenza in Guatemala's central departments (OR = 1.05 (1.01-1.09)) and Panama province (OR = 1.10 (1.05-1.14)). In 4 out of the 6 locations, specific humidity had the highest contribution to the model as compared to temperature and rainfall. The model performed best in estimating 2013 influenza activity in Panama and west-central El Salvador departments (correlation coefficients: 0.5-0.9). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The findings highlighted the association between influenza activity and specific humidity in these 3 tropical countries. Positive association with humidity was found in El Salvador and Panama. Negative association was found in the more subtropical Guatemala, similar to temperate regions. Of all the study locations, Guatemala had annual mean temperature and specific humidity that were lower than the others.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Hip Outcome Score to the Portuguese language / Tradução e adaptação cultural do Hip Outcome Score para a língua portuguesa

OBJECTIVE: to translate the Hip Outcome Score clinical evaluation questionnaire into Portuguese and culturally adapt it for Brazil. METHODS: the Hip Outcome Score questionnaire was translated into Portuguese following the methodology consisting of the steps of translation, back-translation, pretesting and final translation. RESULTS: the pretesting was applied to 30 patients with hip pain without arthrosis. In the domain relating to activities of daily living, there were no difficulties in comprehending the translated questionnaire. In presenting the final translation of the questionnaire, all the questions were understood by more than 85% of the individuals. CONCLUSION: the Hip Outcome Score questionnaire was translated and adapted to the Portuguese language and can be used in clinical evaluation on the hip. Additional studies are underway with the objective of evaluating the reproducibility and validity of the Brazilian translation...

OBJETIVO: traduzir para o português e adaptar culturalmente para o Brasil o questionário de avaliação clínica Hip Outcome Score (HOS). MÉTODOS: o questionário HOS foi traduzido para o português com metodologia constituída pelas etapas de tradução, retrotradução, pré-teste e tradução final. RESULTADOS: o pré-teste foi aplicado a 30 pacientes com dor no quadril sem artrose. No domínio relacionado a atividades de vida diária, não houve dificuldades de compreensão do questionário traduzido. Na apresentação da tradução final do questionário, todas as questões foram compreendidas por mais de 85% dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: o questionário HOP foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente para a língua portuguesa e pode ser usado na avaliação clínica do quadril. Estudos adicionais estão em andamento com o objetivo de avaliar a reprodutibilidade e validade da tradução brasileira...

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Hip Outcome Score to the Portuguese language.

OBJECTIVE: to translate the Hip Outcome Score clinical evaluation questionnaire into Portuguese and culturally adapt it for Brazil. METHODS: the Hip Outcome Score questionnaire was translated into Portuguese following the methodology consisting of the steps of translation, back-translation, pretesting and final translation. RESULTS: the pretesting was applied to 30 patients with hip pain without arthrosis. In the domain relating to activities of daily living, there were no difficulties in comprehending the translated questionnaire. In presenting the final translation of the questionnaire, all the questions were understood by more than 85% of the individuals. CONCLUSION: the Hip Outcome Score questionnaire was translated and adapted to the Portuguese language and can be used in clinical evaluation on the hip. Additional studies are underway with the objective of evaluating the reproducibility and validity of the Brazilian translation.

OBJETIVO: traduzir para o português e adaptar culturalmente para o Brasil o questionário de avaliação clínica Hip Outcome Score (HOS). MÉTODOS: o questionário HOS foi traduzido para o português com metodologia constituída pelas etapas de tradução, retrotradução, pré-teste e tradução final. RESULTADOS: o pré-teste foi aplicado a 30 pacientes com dor no quadril sem artrose. No domínio relacionado a atividades de vida diária, não houve dificuldades de compreensão do questionário traduzido. Na apresentação da tradução final do questionário, todas as questões foram compreendidas por mais de 85% dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: o questionário HOP foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente para a língua portuguesa e pode ser usado na avaliação clínica do quadril. Estudos adicionais estão em andamento com o objetivo de avaliar a reprodutibilidade e validade da tradução brasileira.

Diets containing sea cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus) meals are hypocholesterolemic in young rats.

Sea cucumber is widely consumed as a putative functional food. It contains many biologically-active substances, but only limited research on its properties in vivo has been done. The effects of different meals containing Isostichopus badionotus, a sea cucumber from southeast Mexico, on growth performance and body lipid profile in young rats were analyzed. Sea cucumber body wall was either lyophilized, cooked (100 °C, 1 h in water) and lyophilized, or oven-dried (70 °C for 12 h). It was then ground and incorporated into cholesterol-containing diets. I. badionotus meals supported growth and improved lipid profile in rats. In particular, serum cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, triglycerides concentration and atherogenic index values were greatly reduced by some I. badionotus containing diets. Liver total lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol were also reduced. Cooking or heat-treatment of the meals lowered but did not abolish their hypolipidemic potency. Gene expression analysis of several key genes involved in cholesterol and lipid metabolism in liver showed that diets containing I. badionotus repressed the induction of key genes associated with dyslipidemia exerted by cholesterol supplementation. Consumption of I. badionotus from the Yucatan Peninsula is beneficial for dyslipidemia, although biological effect is clearly dependent on preparation method.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian version of the Nonarthritic Hip Score.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE The Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) is a clinical evaluation questionnaire that was developed in the English language to evaluate hip function in young and physically active patients. The aims of this study were to translate this questionnaire into the Brazilian Portuguese language, to adapt it to Brazilian culture and to validate it. DESIGN AND SETTING Cohort study conducted between 2008 and 2010, at Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). METHODS Questions about physical activities and household chores were modified to better fit Brazilian culture. Reproducibility, internal consistency and validity (correlations with the Algofunctional Lequesne Index and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index [WOMAC]) were tested. The NAHS-Brazil, Lequesne and WOMAC questionnaires were applied to 64 young and physically active patients (mean age, 40.9 years; 31 women). RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficient (which measures reproducibility) was 0.837 (P < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots revealed a mean error in the difference between the two measurements of 0.42. The internal consistency was confirmed through a Cronbach alpha of 0.944. The validity between NAHS-Brazil and Lequesne and between NAHS-Brazil and WOMAC showed high correlations, r = 0.7340 and r = 0.9073, respectively. NAHS-Brazil showed good validity with no floor or ceiling effects. CONCLUSION The NAHS was translated into the Brazilian Portuguese language and was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian culture. It was shown to be a useful tool in clinical practice for assessing the quality of life of young and physically active patients with hip pain.