Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever among Physicians in a Highly Endemic Region-Mexicali, Mexico.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a potentially fatal tickborne disease caused by the bacterium, Rickettsia rickettsii and transmitted primarily by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) in the southwestern United States and Mexico. RMSF can be rapidly fatal if not treated early with doxycycline, making healthcare worker awareness and education critical to reduce morbidity and mortality. During 2008-2019, Mexicali experienced a RMSF epidemic with 779 confirmed cases, and an 11-year case-fatality rate of 18% (N = 140). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 290 physicians and physicians-in-training across 12 medical facilities in Mexicali. They were asked to complete a 23-item questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices for clinical, epidemiologic, and preventive aspects of RMSF. Half of participants were female, the largest age group was aged 25 to 44 (47%), and median time in practice was 6 years (interquartile rate: 1-21.5). Less than half (48%) surveyed were confident where diagnostic testing could be performed, and two-thirds did not regularly order serology (67%) or molecular diagnostic (66%) tests for RMSF when a patient presented with fever. Sixty-four percent knew doxycycline as first-line treatment of children < 8 years with suspected RMSF. When comparing healthcare workers with < 6 years of experience to those with ≥ 6 years, more experience was associated with greater confidence in where to have diagnostic testing performed (prevalence odds ratio [prevalence odds ratios [pOR]] = 2.3; P = 0.004), and frequency of ordering laboratory tests (serology, pOR = 3.3; P = 0.002; polymerase chain reaction, pOR = 3.9; P = 0.001). Continued education, including information on diagnostic testing is key to reducing morbidity and mortality from RMSF.

Selección de pareja y tiempo de relación en padres de familia / Mate selection and relationship time in parents

Introducción: la selección de pareja es un proceso complejo donde se involucran factores biológicos, psicológicos, personales, sociales y emocionales. Objetivo: determinar los criterios para la selección de pareja según el tiempo de relación en los padres de estudiantes de la Unidad Educativa Vigotsky en la ciudad de Riobamba. Metodología: se hizo un estudio con enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo observacional descriptivo. La población estuvo integrada por padres de familia mayores de 20 años, cuyos hijos estudiaban en la institución mencionada, a partir de cual se seleccionó una muestra de 170 individuos mediante la técnica del tipo bola de nieve. los datos se recolectaron mediante la Escala de Selección de Pareja de Romero. Resultados: según los involucrados, los criterios más relevantes para la selección de pareja fueron los rasgos de personalidad (61,8%) y satisfacción de necesidades (65,3%); mientras que, los menos considerados fueron el atractivo (80,0%) y la similitud de intereses personales (48,2%). Conclusiones: la comparación del nivel de importancia de los criterios de selección de pareja según al tiempo de relación posibilitó determinar que el nivel bajo predominó en los aspectos no verbales en aquellas con menos de 10 años de unión. Además, el tiempo de relación se asoció significativa-mente con las dimensiones: aspectos no verbales, rasgos de personalidad y satisfacción de necesidades

Introduction: mate selection is a complex process involving biological, psychological, personal, social and emotional factors. Objective: to determine the criteria for mate selection according to the relationship time in the parents of students of the Vigotsky Educational Unit in the city of Riobamba. Methodology: a study was carried out with a quantitative approach, of a descriptive observational type. The population was made up of parents over 20 years of age, whose children studied at the aforementioned institution. A sample of 170 individuals was selected using the snowball-type technique. Data were collected using the Romero Mate Selection Scale. Results: The most relevant criteria for partner selection were personality traits (61.8%) and satisfaction of needs (65.3%. On the other hand, attractiveness (80.0%) and the similarity of personal interests (48.2%) were the least considered. Conclusions: It was determined that the low level prevailed in the non-verbal aspects in those ones with less than 10 years of union based on the comparison of the level of importance of the mate selection criteria according to the time of the relationship. In addition, the relationship time was significantly associated with the dimensions: non-verbal aspects, personality traits and needs satisfaction.

An exploratory analysis of demography and movement patterns of dogs: New insights in the ecology of endemic Rocky Mountain-Spotted Fever in Mexicali, Mexico.

An outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) has emerged as a major human and animal health concern in Mexicali, Mexico. Due to high rates of brown dog tick infestation, susceptibility, and association with humans, dogs serve as sentinels and have a key role in the ecology of RMSF. A cross-sectional household questionnaire study was conducted in six rural and urban locations to characterize dog ecology and demography in RMSF high-and low-risk areas of Mexicali. In addition, we tracked movement patterns of 16 dogs using a GPS data logger. Of 253 households, 73% owned dogs, and dog ownership tended to be higher in high-risk areas, with a mean dog:human ratio of 0.43, compared with 0.3 in low-risk areas. Dogs in high-risk areas had higher fecundity and roamed more, but the dog density and numbers of free-roaming dogs were comparable. There was a higher proportion of younger dogs and lower proportion of older dogs in high-risk areas. The high proportion of immunologically naïve puppies in high risk areas could result in a lack of herd immunity leading to a more vulnerable dog and human population. The marked increase of space use of free-roaming dogs in high-risk areas suggests that unrestrained dogs could play an important role in spreading ticks and pathogens. As means to limit RMSF risk, practical changes could include increased efforts for spay-neuter and policies encouraging dog restraint to limit canine roaming and spread of ticks across communities; due to dog density is less impactful such policies may be more useful than restrictions on the number of owned dogs.

Unbiased Assessment of Abundance of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato Ticks, Canine Exposure to Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia, and Risk Factors in Mexicali, México.

An epidemic of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is ongoing in Mexicali, México. We visited 100 neighborhoods with diagnosed human cases and 100 control neighborhoods to evaluate knowledge of the epidemic; obtain data on the spatial distribution of dogs, canine seroprevalence and active infection, tick infestations, and presence of rickettsial DNA in ticks; and evaluate risk factors for human cases, seropositivity, and tick infestation within an unbiased study design. The majority (80%) of residents had heard of RMSF, but only 48% used acaricides in the home or on dogs. Case neighborhoods and those with high canine seroprevalence tended to be on the city periphery or in the agricultural valley. No dogs were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for Rickettsia rickettsii, and the overall seroprevalence was 65% (titers from 64 to 1,024). PCR prevalence in ticks was 0.70%, confirmed by DNA sequencing as R. rickettsii; neighborhood prevalence ranged from 0.7% to 6.1%. Twelve percent of dogs had high tick burdens, and all ticks were Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Epidemiologically significant risk factors were ground covering for a neighborhood having a human case; dogs having poor body condition and weighing < 10 kg for canine seropositivity; dogs living at the home for the number of ticks in the environment; and being near canals, having trash on the patio, and a dog being thin for tick burdens on dogs. A One Health approach is crucial to understanding RMSF and brown dog ticks.

Encefalitis por enterovirus: análisis clínico y paraclínico en pacientes pediátricos de un hospital de tercer nivel en Quito-Ecuador, de enero a diciembre de 2016 / Enterovirus encephalitis: clinical and paraclinical analysis in pediatric patients in a tertiary hospital in Quito-Ecuador, from January to December 2016

La encefalitis es una entidad rara con manifestaciones clínicas variables. En los niños es usualmente leve y autolimitada. En 30 a 75% se desconoce la etiología y cuando el patógeno se identifica por PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa), el 80% son enterovirus. En América Latina no están disponibles métodos específicos de diagnóstico. En nuestro país muy pocos centros realizan el examen y tampoco están disponibles estadísticas reales de su incidencia. Objetivo: correlacionar la etiología con los síntomas, resultados de laboratorio, imagen y electroencefalograma. Métodos: estudio transversal; de enero a diciembre de 2016 se revisaron las historias clínicas de 63 niños de 0 a 18 años hospitalizados con sospecha de encefalitis. Una vez identificado el enterovirus por PCR, se correlacionó con los hallazgos de los exámenes de laboratorio e imagen. Resultados: se confirmó encefalitis viral en 35 pacientes, enterovirus en 49%, predominio en la edad preescolar. Síntomas más comunes: fiebre, cefalea, signos meníngeos y síntomas digestivos, 24% alteraciones de la conciencia. Biometría hemática normal en 71%, proteina C reactiva alterada en 71%. De los pacientes con estudios de imagen, 6% tuvo resultado anormal y en aquellos con electroencefalograma 80% fue anormal. Se utilizó la U de Mann Whitney para el análisis estadístico, la relación entre enterovirus y alteración de estado de conciencia y síntomas digestivos fue significativa (p=0.029). Conclusión: en los pacientes con diagnóstico de encefalitis que presenten síntomas digestivos y alteración del estado de conciencia, se debe sospechar que el enterovirus es el agente etiológico.

Encephalitis is a rare entity with variable clinical manifestations. In children it is usually mild and self-limited. In 30-75% of cases, the etiology is unknown and when the pathogen is identified by PCR (polymerase chain reaction), 80% are enteroviruses. In Latin America specific diagnostic methods are not available. In our country very few centers carry out the specific test, real statistics of their incidence are not available Objective: To correlate etiology with symptoms, laboratory results, imaging and electroencephalogram. Methods: Cross-sectional study, clinical records of 63 children between 0 and 18 years hospitalized with suspected encephalitis from January to December 2016 were reviewed. Once Enterovirus was identified by PCR, it was correlated with the findings of laboratory and imaging tests. Results: Viral encephalitis was confirmed in 35 patients, Enterovirus in 49%, predominance in pre-school age. Most common symptoms: fever, headache, meningeal signs and digestive symptoms, 24% alterations of consciousness. Normal blood count in 71%, Protein C Reactive altered in 71%. In patients with imaging studies, 6% had an abnormal result and in those who underwent electroencephalography, 80% were abnormal. The Mann Whitney U was used for the statistical analysis, the relationship between enterovirus and alteration of consciousness and digestive symptoms was significant (p: 0.029) Conclution: In patients with a diagnosis of encephalitis presenting digestive symptoms and altered state of consciousness, Enterovirus should be suspected as an etiologic agent.

Fatal Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever along the United States-Mexico Border, 2013-2016.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an emerging public health concern near the US-Mexico border, where it has resulted in thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths in the past decade. We identified 4 patients who had acquired RMSF in northern Mexico and subsequently died at US healthcare facilities. Two patients sought care in Mexico before being admitted to US-based hospitals. All patients initially had several nonspecific signs and symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, or myalgia, but deteriorated rapidly without receipt of a tetracycline-class antimicrobial drug. Each patient experienced respiratory failure late in illness. Although transborder cases are not common, early recognition and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment are vital for averting severe illness and death. Clinicians on both sides of the US-Mexico border should consider a diagnosis of RMSF for patients with rapidly progressing febrile illness and recent exposure in northern Mexico.

Diagnóstico de la situación alimentaria y nutricional de niños de tercero a quinto año básico de la comuna de la Reina, Santiago de Chile / Food and nutrition diagnosis of third to fifth grade school-age children from the La Reina neighborhood, Santiago de Chile

RESUMEN Se describe el estado nutricional, consumo, hábitos alimentarios y habilidades culinarias en alumnos de tercero a quinto año básico de colegios municipales de la comuna de La Reina, Santiago, Chile, para proponer intervenciones que conduzcan hacia una alimentación saludable. El estudio es descriptivo, de corte transversal en 617 niños, 349 hombres y 268 mujeres de tercero (n=193), cuarto (n=202) y quinto básico (n=222). El 30,3% de los niños tenía obesidad, mayor que el 24,2% reportado por la Junta Nacional de Auxilio Escolar y Becas (JUNAEB) en primero básico el 2015. Al 66,2% de los niños les gusta cocinar, pero sólo un 20,0% mezcla y aliña verduras, hace sándwich y pela o pica fruta 4 a 5 días en la semana. Todos los niños (100%) toman once, pero sólo un 60,9% cena en la noche. Un 20,7% toma doble desayuno y un 35,7% come doble almuerzo. Casi todos (97%) llevaban dinero o colación de la casa. El 78,4% llevaba golosinas dulces, 60,0% fruta, 50,0% lácteos y 48,4% bebidas o jugos azucarados y un 45,0% lleva $500 a $1.000 por día al colegio. Existe la necesidad de educar en hábitos de alimentación saludable a los alumnos, incorporando padres con apoyo del Ministerio de Educación, para tener una política de Estado en prevención de la obesidad infantil.

ABSTRACT This article describes the nutritional status, food consumption, dietary behavior and culinary skills of third to fifth grade public school students from the La Reina neighborhood, Santiago de Chile, in order to propose healthy eating interventions. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study in 617 children (349 males and 268 females) from third (n= 193), fourth (n= 202) and fifth grade (n= 222). Obesity prevalence was 30.3%, greater than the 24.2% reported by National Board of Scholarships and Grants in first grade in 2015. Most of the children reported liking cooking (66.2%), but just 20.0% cooked mixed or seasoned vegetables, made sandwiches, or peeled or cut 4 or 5 days per week. All children (100%) ate a late snack in the afternoon, but only 60.9% ate dinner at night. A second breakfast was eaten by 20.7% of the children and a second lunch by 35.7%. Almost all children (97%) brought money or a snack from home: 78.4% brought candies, 60.0% fruit, 50.0% dairy products and 48.4% soft drinks or juices with sugar, and 45.0% money (500 to 1000 Chilean pesos). It is necessary to educate children in healthy eating habits, with participation of parents and support from the Ministry of Education to prevent children obesity.

Desviación paroxística de la mirada hacia arriba: estudio de caso / Paroxysmal upgaze deviation: case report / Desvio paroxístico do olhar para cima: estudo de caso

La desviación paroxística de la mirada hacia arriba es un síndrome infantil descrito por primera vez en 1988 y desde entonces solo se registran alrededor de cincuenta reportes en el mundo. Su etiología no es clara y, aunque su pronóstico es variable, la mayoría de los informes señalan que durante el crecimiento los episodios tienden a disminuir en frecuencia y duración hasta desaparecer. El caso que se reporta corresponde a un niño de 16 meses de edad, quien desde los 11 meses presenta episodios de supraversión sostenida de la mirada conjugada de duración variable con flexión cervical compensatoria y nistagmo vertical a la fijación ocular sin alteración del estado de conciencia. Los episodios son de predominio matinal y se exacerban por situaciones de estrés como el ayuno o el insomnio; sin embargo, ceden con la conciliación del sueño. Los exámenes neurológico y oftalmológico resultan normales y a su vez las neuroimágenes y electroencefalograma no tienen hallazgos relevantes.

The paroxysmal upgaze deviation is a syndrome that described in infants for first time in 1988; there are just about 50 case reports worldwide ever since. Its etiology is unclear and though it prognosis is variable; most case reports indicate that during growth the episodes tend to decrease in frequency and duration until they disappear. It describes a 16-months old male child who since 11-months old presented many episodes of variable conjugate upward deviation of the eyes, compensatory neck flexion and down-beat saccades in attempted downgaze. These events are predominantly diurnal, and are exacerbated by stressful situations such as fasting or insomnia, however and improve with sleep. They have normal neurologic and ophthalmologic examination, and neuroimaging and EEG findings are not relevant.

O desvio paroxístico do olhar para cima é um síndrome infantil foi descrito por primeira vez no ano 1988 e desde então só se registram cerca de cinquenta reportes no mundo. Sua etiologia não é clara e, mesmo que seu prognóstico é variável, a maioria dos informes assinalam que durante o crescimento, os episódios tendem a diminuir em frequência e duração até desaparecer. O caso que é reportado corresponde a uma criança de 16 meses de idade, que desde os 11 meses, apresenta episódios de supraversão sustentada do olhar conjugado de duração variável com flexão cervical compensatória e nistagmo vertical à fixação ocular sem alteração do estado de consciência. Os episódios são de predomínio matinal e se exacerbam por situações de estresse como o jejum ou a insônia; no entanto, cedem com a conciliação do sono. Os exames neurológico e oftalmológico resultam normais e a sua vez as neuroimagens e electroencefalograma não têm resultados relevantes.

Bullous, cutaneous, pleomorphic, T cell lymphoma: analysis of integrins and extracellular matrix components

A case of cutaneous, pleomorphic, T cell lymphoma, characterized by wides-pread bullos erupetions, is described. A altered topography of integrin pattern in the skin overlyng the infiltrate was found, possible related to blister formation. In fact, alpha2 and alpha3 chains were detected on the basal surface and alpha6Beta4 comples was observed on the lateral surface of basal keratinocytes, while laminin and type IV collagen were either weakly expressed or absent on the basal membrane. Histology showed an extensive epidermotropic infiltration and lymph node invasion by atypical lymphocytes. Immunological studies showed a T helper "naive" phenotype with loss of several pan-T cell antigens

Thymopentin in Sezari syndrome

Background: Response to the treatment of Sezary syndrome (a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) is poor. Sice patients with this syndrome are elderly, aggressive chemotherapy is poorly tolerated and deep immunodepression may result in fatal opprotunistic infections. Immnunomodulation therapy seems important in the management of Sezary syndrome. Purpose: In a pilot study, we assessed the efficacy of thymopentin (TP-5), a synthetic pentapeptide, correlating clincial responses to the histologic and immunologic effects of the drug. Methods: Twenty Sezary syndrome patients received 50 mg TP-5 intravenously three times a week for a mean time of 16.3 months. Skin and lymph node histology and immunohistochemistry, circulating lymphoid cell subpopulation, and soluble interleukin-2 receptors were evaluated before treatment and during follow-up. Results : Eight complete remissions and seven partial remissions and seven partial remissions were seven partial remissions were obtained (75%). No change was observed in three patients, and disease progression was observed in two patients. The median duration of response was 22 months (complete remission, 25.5 months; partial remission, 14 months). Four-year survical probability was 53.9%. The responses were obtained when circulating Sezary cells were less than 2600/mm3. A significant reduction of CD4+ cells paralleled a CD8+ cell increase. An increase in NK cells (CD16+ and CD56+) was accompanied by significantly longer survival. Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor values were a useful monitor of the clinical course and treatment. Loss of epidermotropism, reduction of Langherhans' cells, and HLA-DR+ keratinocytes were found. Conclusions: TP-5 is potentially useful agent in the treatment of a subgroup of patients with Sezary syndrome; its activity seems to mediated by an effect on a normal NK cell-like subpopulation. Inplications: The biological and clinical role of this therapy in combination with conventional treatments will be the subject of future investigations