Evaluation of the Removal and Effects of Cylindrospermopsin on Ripened Slow Sand Filters.

The occurrence of toxic blooms of cyanobacteria has been a matter of public health interest due to the cyanotoxins produced by these microorganisms. Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a cyanotoxin of particular concern due to its toxic effects on humans. This study investigated the removal and effects of CYN in ripened slow sand filters (SSFs) treating water from Paranoá Lake, Brasilia, Brazil. Four pilot-scale SSFs were ripened and operated for 74 days. Two contamination peaks with CYN were applied along the filtration run. The improvement of any of the evaluated water quality parameters was not affected by the presence of CYN in the raw water. The SSFs efficiently removed CYN, presenting concentrations lower than 0.8 µg/L in the filtered water. The microbiota of the SSFs were dominated by protozoa of the genus Euglypha and amoebas of the genera Arcella, Centropyxis, and Amoeba, together with some groups of rotifers. These microorganisms played a crucial role in removing total coliforms and E. coli. In addition, CYN was not identified as a determining factor in the microbiota composition.

Factores de riesgo para complicaciones en pacientes con tuberculosis en una institución de tercer nivel de la ciudad de Bogotá / Risk factors for complications in tuberculosis patients in a third-level institution in Bogotá city

Introducción: la tuberculosis es considerada como un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial, siendo la decimotercera causa de muerte y la enfermedad infecciosa más mortífera detrás del COVID-19 y por encima de la infección por VIH, llegando a un total de 1.5 millones de muertes en el 2020. Colombia es el quinto país de la región con mayor carga de casos de tuberculosis, reportándose en el Programa Nacional de Tuberculosis un total de 13.037 casos preliminares en el 2020, representando una importante carga para el Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional de corte retrospectivo con una población de 130 pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis en una institución de tercer nivel en la ciudad de Bogotá, con el fin de identificar posibles factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de complicaciones en estos pacientes. Resultados y discusión: en el grupo total encontramos que la presencia de desnutrición es un factor de riesgo independiente para presentar complicaciones asociadas a la infección por tuberculosis; mediante análisis de regresión condicionada por método exacto se identifica un HR de 2.53 [1.008;6.378] (p 0.002) y HR ajustado de 1.47 [0.400-2.556] (p 0.007). El resto de condiciones no presentaron asociación estadísticamente significativa con el desarrollo de complicaciones en pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis. Conclusiones: en los pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis que asistieron al hospital Santa Clara entre 2017 y 2018, encontramos que un estado nutricional inadecuado tuvo una asociación significativa a la presencia de complicaciones relacionadas con infección por tuberculosis. Otros factores como el nivel de educación, estrato socioeconómico o la presencia de comorbilidades no demostraron una influencia significativa en el objetivo del estudio.

Introduction: Tuberculosis is considered a public health problem worldwide, being the thirteenth cause of death and the deadliest infectious disease behind COVID-19 and above HIV infection, reaching a total of 1, 5 million deaths in 2020. Colombia is the fifth country in the region with the highest burden of tuberculosis cases, reporting a total of 13,037 preliminary cases in 2020 in the National Tuberculosis Program, representing a significant burden for the General System of Social Security in Health. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out with a population of 130 patients diagnosed with tuberculosis in a third level institution at Bogotá city, to identify factors associated with the development of complications in tuberculosis patients. Results and discussion: In the total group, the presence of malnutrition is found to be an independent risk factor for tuberculosis complications by means of a conditioned regression analysis using the exact method we found an OR of 2.53 [1.008;6.378] (p 0.00202) and adjusted OR of 1.47 [0.400-2.556] (p 0.007), neither of the other conditions can't be associated with the presence of complications in patients diagnosed with tuberculosis. Conclusions: In patients diagnosed with tuberculosis who attended the Santa Clara hospital between 2017 and 2018, we found that an inadequate nutritional status is associated with the presence of major complications. Other factors such as level of education, socioeconomic status or the presence of comorbidities do not show a significant influence on the objective of the study.

Copy number variation profiling in pharmacogenetics CYP-450 and GST genes in Colombian population.

BACKGROUND: Copy Number variation (CNVs) in genes related to drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) are relevant in the interindividual variability of drug response. Studies of the CNVs in ADME genes in Latin America population are lacking. The objective of the study was to identify the genetic variability of CNVs in CYP-450 and GST genes in a subgroup of individuals of Colombian origin. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from 123 healthy individuals from a Colombian population. Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) was performed for the identification of CNVs in 40 genomic regions of 11 CYP-450 and 3 GST genes. The genetic variability, allelic and genotypic frequencies were analyzed. RESULTS: We found that 13 out of 14 genes had CNVs: 5 (35.7%) exhibited deletions and duplications, while 8 (57.1%) presented either deletions or duplications.. 33.3% of individuals carried deletions and duplications while 49.6% had a unique type of CNV (deletion or duplication). The allelic frequencies of the CYP and GST genes were 0 to 47.6% (allele null), 0 to 17.5% (duplicated alleles) and 37 to 100% (normal alleles). CONCLUSIONS: Our results describe, for the first time, the genomic profile of CNVs in a subgroup of Colombian population in GST and CYP-450 genes. GST genes indicated greater genetic variability than CYP-450 genes. The data obtained contributes to the knowledge of genetic profiles in Latin American subgroups. Although the clinical relevance of CNVs has not been fully established, it is a valuable source of pharmacogenetic variability data with potential involvement in the response to medications.

Predictive quantitative ultrasound radiomic markers associated with treatment response in head and neck cancer.

AIM: We aimed to identify quantitative ultrasound (QUS)-radiomic markers to predict radiotherapy response in metastatic lymph nodes of head and neck cancer. MATERIALS & METHODS: Node-positive head and neck cancer patients underwent pretreatment QUS imaging of their metastatic lymph nodes. Imaging features were extracted using the QUS spectral form, and second-order texture parameters. Machine-learning classifiers were used for predictive modeling, which included a logistic regression, naive Bayes, and k-nearest neighbor classifiers. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the pretreatment QUS-radiomic parameters between radiological complete responders versus partial responders (p < 0.05). The univariable model that demonstrated the greatest classification accuracy included: spectral intercept (SI)-contrast (area under the curve = 0.741). Multivariable models were also computed and showed that the SI-contrast + SI-homogeneity demonstrated an area under the curve = 0.870. The three-feature model demonstrated that the spectral slope-correlation + SI-contrast + SI-homogeneity-predicted response with accuracy of 87.5%. CONCLUSION: Multivariable QUS-radiomic features of metastatic lymph nodes can predict treatment response a priori.

Exploring virus release as a bottleneck for the spread of influenza A virus infection in vitro and the implications for antiviral therapy with neuraminidase inhibitors.

Mathematical models (MMs) have been used to study the kinetics of influenza A virus infections under antiviral therapy, and to characterize the efficacy of antivirals such as neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs). NAIs prevent viral neuraminidase from cleaving sialic acid receptors that bind virus progeny to the surface of infected cells, thereby inhibiting their release, suppressing infection spread. When used to study treatment with NAIs, MMs represent viral release implicitly as part of viral replication. Consequently, NAIs in such MMs do not act specifically and exclusively on virus release. We compared a MM with an explicit representation of viral release (i.e., distinct from virus production) to a simple MM without explicit release, and investigated whether parameter estimation and the estimation of NAI efficacy were affected by the use of a simple MM. Since the release rate of influenza A virus is not well-known, a broad range of release rates were considered. If the virus release rate is greater than ∼0.1 h-1, the simple MM provides accurate estimates of infection parameters, but underestimates NAI efficacy, which could lead to underdosing and the emergence of NAI resistance. In contrast, when release is slower than ∼0.1 h-1, the simple MM accurately estimates NAI efficacy, but it can significantly overestimate the infectious lifespan (i.e., the time a cell remains infectious and producing free virus), and it will significantly underestimate the total virus yield and thus the likelihood of resistance emergence. We discuss the properties of, and a possible lower bound for, the influenza A virus release rate.

Students4Kids: Winning Project, Growing the Tree against Hunger (Ensete ventricosum) in Zambia.

Brief description of the idea. The main idea is to develop a food and income system, which can benefit not only Zambia, but every community suffering from hidden hunger. Food security will be achieved by growing Ensete ventricosum (false banana) intercropped with beans, and/or other protein rich seeds and coffee, which can grow in the shadow and benefit from the false banana. Income will be generated by growing and selling coffee. A total of 98% of the farmers in an area of Ethiopia ranked coffee to be the major cash source followed by livestock.

Spanish version of the Kidney Disease Knowledge Survey (KiKS) in Peru: cross-cultural adaptation and validation. / Versión en español, del “Kidney Disease Knowledge Survey” (KiKS) en Perú: adaptación cultural y validación.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 50 million people globally. Several studies show the importance of implementing interventions that enhance patients’ knowledge about their disease. In 2011 the Kidney Disease Knowledge Survey (KiKS) was developed: a questionnaire that assesses the specific knowledge about chronic kidney disease in pre-dialysis patients. OBJECTIVE: To translate to Spanish, culturally adapt and validate the Kidney Disease Knowledge Survey questionnaire in a population of patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease. METHODS: We carried out a Spanish translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Kidney Disease Knowledge Survey questionnaire. Subsequently, we determined its validity and reliability. We determined the validity through construct validity; and reliability by evaluating its internal consistency and its intra-observer reliability (test-retest). RESULTS: We found a good internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson = 0.85). The intra-observer reliability was measured by the intra-class correlation coefficient that yielded a value of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.5-1.0). This value indicated a good reproducibility; also, the mean difference of -1.1 test-retest SD 6.0 (p = 0.369) confirms this finding. CONCLUSION: The translated Spanish version of the Kidney Disease Knowledge Survey is acceptable and equivalent to the original version; it also has a good reliability, validity and reproducibility. Therefore, it can be used in a population of patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad renal crónica afecta a 50 millones de personas en el mundo. Diversos estudios manifiestan la importancia de implementar intervenciones que mejoren el conocimiento de los pacientes respecto a su enfermedad. En 2011 se elaboró el Kidney Disease Knowledge Survey, cuestionario que valora el conocimiento específico respecto de la enfermedad renal crónica en pacientes no dializados. OBJETIVO: Realizar la traducción al español, adaptación cultural y validación del cuestionario Kidney Disease Knowledge Survey en una población de pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en estadios pre-dialíticos. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo la traducción, retraducción y adaptación cultural del cuestionario. Posteriormente, se determinó su validez y fiabilidad. La primera, mediante la validez de constructo y la segunda, valorando su consistencia interna y fiabilidad intra-observador (test-retest). RESULTADOS: Se encontró una buena consistencia interna (Kuder–Richardson=0,85). Respecto de la fiabilidad intra observador, el coeficiente de correlación intraclase obtuvo un valor de 0,78 (intervalo de confianza 95%; 0,5-1,0) que indica una buena reproducibilidad. La diferencia de medias de test-retest de -1,1 DS 6,0 (p= 0,369), confirman lo anterior. DISCUSIÓN: La versión obtenida en español del Kidney Disease Knowledge Survey es aceptable y equivalente a la versión original. Además, tiene buen grado de fiabilidad, validez y reproducibilidad. Por ende, podría ser empleada en una población de pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en estadios pre-dialíticos.

Coinfección de mucormicosis rinocerebral y aspergilosis sinusal / Coinfection of rhinocerebral mucormycosis and sinus aspergillosis

La mucormicosis y la aspergilosis son las causas más frecuentes de infecciones micóticas causadas por hongos filamentosos, la coinfección en un mismo huésped es poco frecuente. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 78 años con debut de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y cetoacidosis, que presenta tumefacción de hemicara derecha, parálisis facial derecha, ptosis palpebral y úlcera necrótica en paladar derecho. La tomografía computarizada de macizo facial evidenció un absceso del seno maxilar derecho, de cuya secreción se cultivó Aspergillus fumigatus. El resultado de anatomía patológica de biopsia de paladar, seno maxilar y hueso etmoidal fue compatible con mucormicosis. El paciente recibió tratamiento con voriconazol, anfotericina B desoxicolato y debridamiento quirúrgico del seno maxilar. Sin embargo, pese al manejo, falleció. La coinfección rinocerebral por mucormicosis y aspergilosis debería ser sospechada en pacientes inmunosuprimidos con el fin de establecer un manejo temprano que permita mejorar el pronóstico de la enfermedad...

Mucormycosis and aspergillosis are the most frequent fungal infections caused by filamentous fungi; coinfection in the same host is rare. We present a case of a 78-year-old male patient with the debut of type 2 diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis, with swelling of the right side of the face, right facial paralysis, ptosis and a necrotic ulcer in the right palate. Facial Computed tomography showed an abscess of the right maxillary sinus. Cultured secretions revealed Aspergillus fumigatus. The pathology result of biopsies of the palate, maxillary sinus and ethmoid bone was consistent with mucormycosis. The patient was treated with voriconazole, amphotericin B deoxycholate, and surgical debridement of the maxillary sinus. The patient died despite the treatment. The coinfection of Rhinocerebral mucormycosis and aspergillosis should be suspected in immunosuppressed patients in order to establish early management that can permit an improved prognosis of the disease...

[Coinfection of rhinocerebral mucormycosis and sinus aspergillosis]. / Coinfección de mucormicosis rinocerebral y aspergilosis sinusal.

Mucormycosis and aspergillosis are the most frequent fungal infections caused by filamentous fungi; coinfection in the same host is rare. We present a case of a 78-year-old male patient with the debut of type 2 diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis, with swelling of the right side of the face, right facial paralysis, ptosis and a necrotic ulcer in the right palate. Facial Computed tomography showed an abscess of the right maxillary sinus. Cultured secretions revealed Aspergillus fumigatus. The pathology result of biopsies of the palate, maxillary sinus and ethmoid bone was consistent with mucormycosis. The patient was treated with voriconazole, amphotericin B deoxycholate, and surgical debridement of the maxillary sinus. The patient died despite the treatment. The coinfection of Rhinocerebral mucormycosis and aspergillosis should be suspected in immunosuppressed patients in order to establish early management that can permit an improved prognosis of the disease.

Asociación entre la adquisición de síndrome gripal y el uso frecuente del transporte público / Association between the acquisition of influenza-like illness and the frequent use of public transport

Introducción. El transporte público en ciudades grandes como Lima puede favorecer el contagio de enfermedades transmitidas por aire, debido al hacinamiento, falta de ventilación y una permanencia prolongada en espacios reducidos. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal en 592 universitarios de Lima para evaluar la relación entre el uso frecuente de transporte público y la presencia de síndrome gripal. Se definió síndrome gripal como el autorreporte de fiebre más dolor de garganta o tos en las últimas dos semanas, se evaluó el tipo de transporte más usado para acudir a la universidad. Se calculó los OR crudos y ajustados usando regresión logística simple y múltiple. Resultados. El 12,0% (71/592) presentó síndrome gripal en las últimas dos semanas. Se encontró asociación con el uso de transporte público (OR=3,6; IC95% 1,2- 10,2) y con tener contacto en la casa con alguien con síndrome gripal (OR=1,8; IC95% 1,1- 3,1) en el modelo de regresión logística múltiple. No se encontró asociación con la edad, vacunación frente a la influenza, vivir con niños, fumar cigarrillo y antecedentes patológicos. Conclusión. El uso de transporte público está asociado con la presencia de síndrome gripal en un grupo de estudiantes universitarios de Lima.

Background: Public transport in big cities like Lima may favor the spread of air-borne diseases due to overcrowding, poor ventilation and a prolonged stay in confined spaces. Material and methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 592 students from a private university in Lima to evaluate the relationship between the frequent use of public transport and the presence of influenza-like illness (ILI). Self-report of ILI was defined as fever plus cough or sore throat in last two weeks, most used type of transport to go to university. OR crude and adjusted were calculated used simple and multiple logistic regression. Results: 12.0% (71/592) had ILI in the past two weeks. Use of public transport (OR = 3.6; 95% CI 1.2 to 10.2) and have contact with someone with ILI at home (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1) were found associated in multiple logistic regression model. No association with age, vaccination against influenza, living with children, smoke and pathological history. In conclusion, the use of public transport is associated with the presence of ILI in a group of university students from Lima.

Estudio global de mercados de drogas ilícitas en Lima Metropolitana / Global study

La necesidad para este estudio, que examina la naturaleza del mercado de drogas ilícitas desde una perspectiva multidisciplinaria, internacional, se basa en la expansión de estos mercados por todo el mundo, así como en el creciente reconocimiento que la dinámica subyacente de tales mercados y los problemas relacionados, debería ser tratado tanto a nivel nacional como a nivel internacional. El proyecto estudia veinte mercados de droga urbanos alrededor del mundo, cada uno en diferente fase de madurez y con características diferentes. El presente estudio da énfasis en las tendencias económicas, sociales y políticas que convierten a la economías urbano-rurales en puntos vulnerables para el tráfico de drogas. El negocio de las drogas en Lima, básicamente se realiza a nivel de individuos o familias para los cuales la venta de sustancias es una actividad cotidiana. El estudio está referido a la situación del mercado de drogas ilícitas en la ciudad de Lima, capital del Perú, y ha sido elaborado por un equipo multidisciplinario de CEDRO, sobre la base de informaciones recogidas de encuestas efectuadas, del análisis de informaciones periodísticas, de la experiencia personal de altos jefes de la Policía que trabajan en la lucha contra las drogas, a consumidores con problemas y a personas involucradas directamente en el narcotráfico

Estudio global de mercados de drogas ilícitas en Lima Metropolitana / Glogal study of street drugs markets in Lima Metropolitana

Referido a la situación del mercado de drogas ilícitas en la ciudad de Lima, redactado por un equipo multidisciplinario de CEDRO sobre la base de informaciones recogidas con anterioridad de encuestas efectuadas expresamente, del análisis de informaciones periodísticas, de la experiencia personal de altos jefes de la policía que trabajan en la lucha contra las drogas y de los resultados de entrevistas efectuadas a jueces de los tribunales especializados en narcotráfico, a consumidores con problemas y a personas involucradas directamente en el narcotráfico