Chlorpyrifos toxicity and detoxifying enzymes activities in three native-aquatic species of macroinvertebrates from an agricultural area.

Non-target species from agricultural areas might be exposed to sublethal pesticide concentrations favoring survival and reproduction of the resistance individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate chlorpyrifos toxicity and detoxification enzymatic activities on three species (Hyalella curvispina, Heleobia parchappii and Girardia tigrina) from a drain channel with history of insecticide contamination (EF) and the Neuquén river (NR) in Argentina. Chlorpyrifos toxicity on amphipods (H. curvispina) and planarians (G. tigrina) from NR was about six- and two-fold higher than that of their counterparts from EF. Mean carboxylesterases (CarE) activities determined in the three species from NR were significantly different from EF, whereas mean glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were no significantly different. Finally, planarians from EF showed significantly higher mean 7-ethoxycoumarine O-deethylase (ECOD) activity than those from NR. Amphipods from both sites displayed similar ECOD activities. The present results suggest that chlorpyrifos resistance in amphipods from EF is not conferred by increased detoxification.

DNA polymerase θ protects leukemia cells from metabolically induced DNA damage.

Leukemia cells accumulate DNA damage, but altered DNA repair mechanisms protect them from apoptosis. We showed here that formaldehyde generated by serine/1-carbon cycle metabolism contributed to the accumulation of toxic DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) in leukemia cells, especially in driver clones harboring oncogenic tyrosine kinases (OTKs: FLT3(internal tandem duplication [ITD]), JAK2(V617F), BCR-ABL1). To counteract this effect, OTKs enhanced the expression of DNA polymerase theta (POLθ) via ERK1/2 serine/threonine kinase-dependent inhibition of c-CBL E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination of POLθ and its proteasomal degradation. Overexpression of POLθ in OTK-positive cells resulted in the efficient repair of DPC-containing DNA double-strand breaks by POLθ-mediated end-joining. The transforming activities of OTKs and other leukemia-inducing oncogenes, especially of those causing the inhibition of BRCA1/2-mediated homologous recombination with and without concomitant inhibition of DNA-PK-dependent nonhomologous end-joining, was abrogated in Polq-/- murine bone marrow cells. Genetic and pharmacological targeting of POLθ polymerase and helicase activities revealed that both activities are promising targets in leukemia cells. Moreover, OTK inhibitors or DPC-inducing drug etoposide enhanced the antileukemia effect of POLθ inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we demonstrated that POLθ plays an essential role in protecting leukemia cells from metabolically induced toxic DNA lesions triggered by formaldehyde, and it can be targeted to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Efecto de la deforestación ribereña sobre la materia orgánica particulada gruesa en quebradas con influencia ganadera de la región Andina de Colombia / Effect of riparian deforestation on coarse particulate organic matter in streams with livestock influence in the Andean region of Colombia

Introducción: La materia orgánica particulada gruesa originada en la vegetación ribereña es la fuente principal de energía en muchas cuencas de cabecera. Sin embargo, la transferencia de dicha materia es alterada por la destrucción de los bosques. Objetivo: Evaluar diferencias en la materia orgánica en quebradas con bosques y con pastizales. Métodos: Comparar las entradas, el almacenamiento y la exportación de esta materia orgánica en el cauce de quebradas con bosques y con pastizales, en la región central de los Andes de Colombia. En cada quebrada, se midieron los aportes verticales y laterales de hojarasca con canastas; hojarasca del lecho de las quebradas con cuadrantes, y la exportación de material con redes de deriva, con un alcance de 100 m. Resultados: Las quebradas con bosques ribereños recibieron un promedio anual de 915 g m-2 de materia orgánica particulada gruesa, exportando un total de 334 g m-3 y almacenando 732 g m-2, valores que fueron significativamente más altos que en quebradas con pastizales, donde los valores correspondientes fueron: 125.4 g m-2; 128 g m-3 y 205.5 g m-2. Conclusiones: La remoción de cobertura boscosa de la zona ribereña reduce la materia orgánica en estas cuencas de cabecera en Colombia.

Introduction: Coarse particulate organic matter originated in riparian vegetation is the main source of energy in many headwater streams. However, the transfer of such material is altered by the destruction of forests. Objective: To assess flow differences of this organic matter in streams with forests and grasslands. Methods: We compared input, storage and export of this organic matter in the riparian belts of streams with forests, and streams with grasslands, in the central Andean region of Colombia. For each stream, we measured vertical and lateral litter with baskets; stream bed litter with a quadrant, and matter export with drift nets, in a 100 m reach. Results: The streams with riparian forest received an average of 915 g m-2 of coarse particulate organic matter annually, exported a total of 334 g m-3 and stored 732 g m-2, values that were significantly higher than in grassland streams, where the corresponding values were: 125.4 g m-2; 128 g m-3 and 205.5 g m-2. Conclusions: The removal of tree cover from the riparian zone reduced the organic matter in these headwater streams of Colombia.

Preceding anti-spike IgG levels predicted risk and severity of COVID-19 during the Omicron-dominant wave in Santa Fe city, Argentina.

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has increased infectivity and immune escape compared with previous variants, and caused the surge of massive COVID-19 waves globally. Despite a vast majority (~90%) of the population of Santa Fe city, Argentina had been vaccinated and/or had been infected by SARS-CoV-2 when Omicron emerged, the epidemic wave that followed its arrival was by far the largest one experienced in the city. A serosurvey conducted prior to the arrival of Omicron allowed to assess the acquired humoral defences preceding the wave and to conduct a longitudinal study to provide individual-level real-world data linking antibody levels and protection against COVID-19 during the wave. A very large proportion of 1455 sampled individuals had immunological memory against COVID-19 at the arrival of Omicron (almost 90%), and about half (48.9%) had high anti-spike immunoglobulin G levels (>200 UI/ml). However, the antibody titres varied greatly among the participants, and such variability depended mainly on the vaccine platform received, on having had COVID-19 previously and on the number of days elapsed since last antigen exposure (vaccine shot or natural infection). A follow-up of 514 participants provided real-world evidence of antibody-mediated protection against COVID-19 during a period of high risk of exposure to an immune-escaping highly transmissible variant. Pre-wave antibody titres were strongly negatively associated with COVID-19 incidence and severity of symptoms during the wave. Also, receiving a vaccine shot during the follow-up period reduced the COVID-19 risk drastically (15-fold). These results highlight the importance of maintaining high defences through vaccination at times of high risk of exposure to immune-escaping variants.

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the city of Puerto Madryn: Underdiagnosis and relevance of children in the pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Reported cases of COVID-19 may be underestimated due to mild or asymptomatic cases and a low testing rate in the general population. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population and how it compares with the data on SARS-CoV-2 cases reported by a national health surveillance system (SNVS 2.0). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a population-based, seroepidemiological, cross-sectional study in the city of Puerto Madryn, a middle size city in the Province of Chubut, Argentina. The study period was between March 3 and April 17, 2021. The sample size was calculated using the technique of calculation of confidence intervals for a proportion. Participants were selected using stratified and cluster probability sampling. A total of 1405 subjects were invited to participate in the study. Participants were divided into the following four age groups: 1) 0 to 14, 2) 15 to 39, 3) 40 to 64, and 4) 65 or older. After informed consent was obtained, a blood sample was taken by puncture of the fingertip, and a structured questionnaire was administered to evaluate demographics, socioeconomic status, level of education, comorbidities and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. COVID-19 seroprevalence was documented using an immunoenzymatic test for the in vitro detection of IgG antibodies specific to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: A total of 987 participants completed the survey. Seropositivity in the full study population was 39,2% and in those under 15 years of age, 47.1%. Cases reported by the SNSV 2.0 amounted to 9.35% of the total population and 1.4% of those under 15 years of age. INTERPRETATION: The prevalence of COVID-19 infection in the general population is four times higher than the number of cases reported by the SNVS 2.0 in the city of Puerto Madryn. For each child under the age of 15 identified by the SNVS 2.0 with COVID-19, there are more than 30 unrecognized infections. Seroepidemiological studies are important to define the real extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a particular community. Children may play a significant role in the progression of the current pandemic.

Surgical multicenter collaborative studies: ¿What happen in Latin America?

BACKGROUND: GlobalSurg is an international group of researchers whose purpose is to conduct and disseminate robust collaborative, international and multicenter studies. OBJECTIVE: To expose the necessary strategies and the barriers crossed in conducting massive multicenter studies in surgery. METHOD: During the second semester of 2020, the study Surg-Week Prospective International Cohort Study was carried out. Surg-Week has been the largest international study in the field of surgery to date, with 141,582 patients included. A total of 4975 mini-teams, of between 1 and 5 members, collected data from 116 countries on all continents. RESULTS: The creation of an official website for the study, reports with relevant information via email or groups via WhatsApp, formation of a Dissemination Committee of the protocol, delivery of webinars on recent team publications, appointment of leaders at the national and international level, and outreach through partnerships, were the strategies used for the development of the research. However, the barriers turned out to involve different aspects. CONCLUSIONS: Collaborative work allows establishing networks between different professionals with the goal of improving the quality of management, health policies and care of our patients in a timely manner of constant change.

ANTECEDENTES: GlobalSurg es un grupo internacional de investigadores que tiene como propósito la conducción y la diseminación de robustos estudios colaborativos, internacionales y multicéntricos. OBJETIVO: Exponer las estrategias necesarias y las barreras encontradas en la conducción de estudios multicéntricos masivos en cirugía. MÉTODO: Durante el segundo semestre del año 2020 se llevó a cabo el estudio Surg-Week Prospective International Cohort Study, hasta la fecha el estudio internacional más grande en el campo de la cirugía, con 141,582 pacientes incluidos. Un total de 4975 miniequipos, de uno a cinco integrantes, recopilaron datos de 116 países de todos los continentes. RESULTADOS: La creación de un sitio web oficial del estudio, reportes con información relevante vía e-mail o grupos vía WhatsApp, conformación de un comité de diseminación del protocolo, dictado de webinars sobre publicaciones recientes del equipo, designación de líderes nacionales e internacionales, y la divulgación por medio de sociedades, fueron las estrategias utilizadas para el desarrollo de la investigación. Sin embargo, las barreras detectadas para llevar a cabo el estudio multicéntrico fueron variadas. CONCLUSIONES: Los trabajos colaborativos permiten establecer redes entre diferentes profesionales con el fin de mejorar la calidad de la gestión, las políticas sanitarias y la atención a los pacientes en tiempos de constante cambio.

Clinical presentation and outcomes of the first patients with COVID-19 in Argentina: Results of 207079 cases from a national database.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Latin America. We present findings from a nationwide study in Argentina. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is disease severity measures and risk factors are associated with admission to an intensive care unit and mortality? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the COVID-19 database of the Integrated Argentina Health Information System, encompassing the period of March 3rd to October 2nd, 2020, using a standardized case report form that included information on contact history, clinical signs and symptoms, and clinical diagnosis. Information was collected at the initial site of care and follow-up conducted through calls by the regional healthcare authorities. A confirmed case of COVID-19 was defined as having a positive result through sequencing or real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay of nasal and pharyngeal swab specimens. RESULTS: RT-PCR testing was positive in 738,776 cases. Complete datasets were available for analysis in 207,079 cases. Mean age was 42.9±18.8 years, 50.0% were males. Frequent co-existing conditions included hypertension (19.2%), diabetes (9.7%), asthma (6.1%) and obesity (5.2%). Most common symptoms included fever (58.5%), cough (58.0%), headache (45.4%), and sore throat (42.1%). Death or ICU admission were independently associated with older age, male, coma, dyspnea or tachypnea, and seizures, with underlying co-morbidities such as immunodeficiency, chronic renal failure, and liver disease showing the strongest effects. INTERPRETATION: Most cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Argentina were mild and had a favorable outcome, but fatality rates were relatively elevated. Risk factors for adverse outcome included older age, male sex, coma and seizures, and the concurrent presence of several morbidities. These data may be useful for healthcare providers and healthcare policy makers of low-middle income and Latin American countries to guide decisions toward optimized care during the pandemic.

Use of ecosystem health indicators for assessing anthropogenic impacts on freshwaters in Argentina: a review.

Indicators of ecosystem health are effective tools to assess freshwater ecosystem impairment. However, they are scarcely used as a monitoring tool by local environmental agencies in Argentina. Here, we review the literature to analyze the use of ecosystem health indicators in freshwaters from Argentina. We found 91 scientific articles relating to the use of ecological indices to assess the impact of different environmental stressors in aquatic environments published between 1996 and 2019. We generated Google Earth map where we deployed the sampling sites and type of indices reported by each article. As biological indices were the most used, we also surveyed bioindication experts to gather information on their application. We found that most studies were concentrated mainly in Pampas (34%), Dry Chaco (20%), Espinal (12%), and Patagonian Steppe (10%) ecoregions. Biological indices (mainly with invertebrates) were more used than geomorphological or physico-chemical indices. Indices resulted useful to evaluate the impact of stressors in 63% of cases, being land use the most studied stressor. However, sampling design varied greatly among studies, making their comparison difficult. The information compiled here could help to the design of monitoring protocols, the adoption of regional indices, and the creation of a national inventory of ecosystem health status, which are mandatory to propose well-grounded conservation and management policies for freshwaters in Argentina.

Microbialite-like structures in Cladophora sp. (Ulvophyceae) mats from a subtropical Andean basin: ecological implications / Estructuras de tipo microbialito en Cladophora sp. (Ulvophyceae) de una cuenca andina subtropical: implicaciones ecológicas

Abstract The solubility equilibrium of calcite is influenced by physicochemical, climatic and biological factors. Annual cycles of exceptionally prolonged drought, in conjunction with naturally occurring diffuse organic pollution, generate the unique conditions for the precipitation of lithified carbonate structures (microbialites). The aim of this article is to analyze the possible implications of calcite precipitation produced in mats of Cladophora sp. in an Andean subtropical basin, considering it is the first time this phenomenon is described for the region. We collected samples from selected sites at the Lules River Basin, in four sampling dates between the years 2003 and 2004, within a monitoring work of 15 years. Samples were analyzed using an electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. We found that Gomphonema sp. attached to Cladophora sp. contributes to precipitation of calcite and formation of microbialite like structures, in the studied area. This work presents an initial discussion of the discovery of microbialites-like structures attached to Cladophora sp. mats in a subtropical Andean stream and the environmental conditions that lead to their production, as well as the possible ecological implications of these microbialites.(AU)

Resumen La fase sólida de las sales de los cuerpos de agua juega un papel importante en la concentración de los elementos mayoritarios. El equilibrio de solubilidad de la calcita está influenciado por factores fisicoquímicos, climáticos y biológicos. Los ciclos anuales de sequía excepcionalmente prolongada, junto con la contaminación orgánica difusa de origen natural, generan condiciones únicas para la precipitación de estructuras de carbonato litificado (microbialitos). El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las posibles implicaciones de la precipitación de calcita producida en Cladophora sp. en una cuenca subtropical andina, considerando que es la primera vez que se describe este fenómeno para la región. Recolectamos muestras en sitios seleccionados en la Cuenca del Río Lules, en cuatro fechas de muestreo entre 2003 y 2004, en el marco de un trabajo de monitoreo de quince años. Usamos red Surber para realizar los muestreos. Las muestras de algas, una vez libres de macroinvertebrados, se secaron y pesaron. Analizamos utilizando microscopía electrónica y difracción de rayos X. Encontramos que Gomphonema sp. unido a Cladophora contribuye a la precipitación de calcita y la formación de estructuras similares a microbialitos, en el área estudiada. Este trabajo presenta una discusión inicial sobre el descubrimiento de estructuras similares a microbialitos unidas a filamentos de Cladophora sp. en una cuenca andina subtropical y las condiciones ambientales que conducen a su producción, así como las posibles implicaciones ecológicas de lo mencionado anteriormente.(AU)

Prácticas en enfermería para prevenir la mortalidad materna de la mujer en edad fértil / Nursing Care to Women in Fertile Age: Practices to Prevent Maternal Mortality

Introducción: En el sector salud es conocido que las enfermeras son las profesionales que mayor contacto tienen con la mujer en los momentos de atención de su vida fértil. Esta circunstancia les permite llevar a cabo diversas prácticas que buscan prevenir la muerte materna desde la preconcepción y garantizar el nacimiento seguro. Objetivo: Describir las prácticas realizadas en torno a la prevención de la mortalidad materna desde el ejercicio profesional de la enfermera, en tres instituciones de salud en Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo transversal. El muestreo fue no probabilístico por conveniencia. Durante la recolección de la información 60 enfermeras diligenciaron un cuestionario constituido de cuatro módulos (conocimiento del sujeto de cuidado, trabajo mutidisciplinario, gestión y fundamentación normativa, y educación continuada) que fue diseñado y validado para el presente estudio. Resultados: Se identificó una correlación moderada entre el conocimiento del sujeto de cuidado y el trabajo multidisciplinario (rs=0,631, p= <0,01), el trabajo multidisciplinario y la gestión del cuidado (rs=0,648, p= <0,01), la gestión del cuidado y la educación continuada (rs=, 665, p =<0,01), y una asociación estadísticamente significativa (χ²= <0,05) entre el servicio y nivel de complejidad de la institución donde se trabaja, con respecto a la implementación de estas prácticas. Conclusiones: La ejecución de prácticas que contrarrestan la mortalidad materna es mayor cuando las enfermeras tienen un conocimiento actualizado, que las lleva a desarrollar un mejor trabajo multidisciplinario; y por ende una mayor gestión del cuidado(AU)

Introduction: Professional nurses have more contact with women during the assistance moments of their fertile life. These circumstances allow carrying on diverse practices to prevent the maternal mortality since the preconception and to guarantee a secure birth. Objective: To describe practices developed on prevention of maternal mortality from the nursing professional praxis in three health institutions in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: It corresponds to a quantitative, descriptive, transversal design. Sixty nurses took part. We gathered information by means a questionnaire conformed in four modules (knowledge of the subject of care, multidisciplinary work, care management and normative foundation and continuing education) designed and valid for this study. Results: This study identified moderate correlation between the knowledge of the subject of care and the multidisciplinary work (rs=, 631, p=<0, 01). We also found correlation between the multidisciplinary work and the nursing care management (rs=, 648, p=<0, 01), the nursing care management and the continuing education (rs=, 665, p=<0, 01), and one meaningful statistical association (?²=<0, 05) between the service and complexity level where they work and fulfil these practices. Conclusions: The implementation of practices that counteract maternal mortality is better when nurses have updated knowledge that leads to develop better multidisciplinary work; and therefore better care management(AU)

Análisis de costo-efectividad de tres intervenciones para la detección de casos de Tuberculosis en la ciudad de Santa Fe / Cost-effectiveness analysis of three interventions for the detection of tuberculosis cases in the city of Santa Fe

INTRODUCCIÓN La búsqueda activa de casos puede resultar costo-efectiva debido a los grandes beneficios potenciales a largo plazo de prevenir nuevos casos, acortar la duración de la morbilidad y minimizar el riesgo de muerte. OBJETIVO Evaluar la relación costo-efectividad de tres estrategias de detección de casos de tuberculosis en la ciudad de Santa Fe durante el período de un año. MÉTODOS A partir de datos primarios, secundarios, y del diseño y aplicación de un modelo analítico de decisión estática para evaluar la efectividad, los costos y la relación costo-efectividad incremental (CEI), se analizó y comparó, la búsqueda activa de casos en la comunidad (BAC) y la investigación de contactos en el hogar (ICH) con la búsqueda pasiva de casos (BPC) utilizada como práctica habitual en el contexto de los programas de control de la tuberculosis en el país. RESULTADOS El beneficio adicional de la BPC comparado con una 'no-intervención', para el período de un año en la ciudad de Santa Fe, fue de 55 casos de TB a un costo de U$D 2.386,93 por caso. El beneficio adicional de sumar la ICH a la BPC fue de 2 casos de TB, a un costo adicional de U$D 23.487,51 por caso adicional detectado. Al sumar la BAC a la estrategia BAC+ICH, no se obtuvo un beneficio adicional en término de casos, ya que no se encontraron casos positivos mediante BAC, aunque sí su aplicación implicó un costo de U$D 139,26, adicional a los costos de la estrategia anterior. DISCUSIÓN Considerando el umbral de decisión establecido para el estudio, la estrategia BPC+ICH se encontró dentro del rango de valores que la califica como costo-efectiva. Al no haberse encontrado casos adicionales con la BAC, no se pudo calcular el CEI asociado a la tercera estrategia, sin embargo, al haber tenido ésta un costo adicional asociado a la aplicación de la BAC, se pudo considerar una estrategia menos costo-efectiva

Microbiota periodontal y microorganismos aislados de válvulas cardiacas en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de reemplazo de válvulas en una clínica de Cali, Colombia / Periodontal microbiota and microorganisms isolated from heart valves in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery in a clinic in Cali, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. La periodontitis es una enfermedad infecciosa que afecta los tejidos de soporte del diente y se asocia con diferentes enfermedades sistémicas, incluida la enfermedad cardiovascular. Los estudios microbiológicos permiten detectar microorganismos a partir de muestras subgingivales y cardiovasculares. Objetivo. Describir la microbiota periodontal cultivable y la presencia de microorganismos en válvulas cardiacas de pacientes sometidos a cirugía de reemplazo valvular en una clínica de Cali. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron 30 muestras subgingivales y de tejidos valvulares mediante cultivo en medio bifásico, agar de sangre con suplemento y agar tripticasa de soya con antibiótico. Las muestras de las válvulas se analizaron mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) convencional. Resultados. Los patógenos periodontales aislados de bolsas periodontales fueron Fusobacterium ( 50 % ), Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens (40 %), Campilobacter rectus (40 %), Eikenella corrodens (36,7 %), bacilos entéricos Gram negativos (36,7 %), Porphyromonas gingivalis (33,3 %) y Eubacterium (33,3 %). Los agentes patógenos aislados de la válvula aórtica fueron Propionibacterium acnes (12 %), bacilos entéricos Gram negativos (8 %), Bacteroides merdae (4 %) y Clostridium bifermentans (4 %), y de la válvula mitral, P. acnes y Clostridium beijerinckii. La PCR convencional no arrojó resultados positivos para agentes patógenos orales y solo se detectó ADN bacteriano en dos muestras. Conclusiones. La microbiota periodontal de pacientes sometidos a cirugía de reemplazo valvular estaba conformada por especies Gram negativas que han sido relacionadas con infecciones en tejidos extraorales; sin embargo, no se encontraron agentes patógenos periodontales en los tejidos de las válvulas. Aunque hubo muestras de estos tejidos y subgingivales, positivas para bacilos entéricos Gram negativos, no es posible asegurar que tuvieran el mismo origen filogenético.

Abstract Introduction: Periodontitis is an infectious disease that affects the support tissue of the teeth and it is associated with different systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Microbiological studies facilitate the detection of microorganisms from subgingival and cardiovascular samples. Objective: To describe the cultivable periodontal microbiota and the presence of microorganisms in heart valves from patients undergoing valve replacement surgery in a clinic in Cali. Materials and methods: We analyzed 30 subgingival and valvular tissue samples by means of twophase culture medium, supplemented blood agar and trypticase soy agar with antibiotics. Conventional PCR was performed on samples of valve tissue. Results: The periodontal pathogens isolated from periodontal pockets were: Fusobacterium nucleatum (50%), Prevotella intermedia/ nigrescens (40%), Campylobacter rectus (40%), Eikenella corrodens (36.7%), Gram negative enteric bacilli (36.7%), Porphyromonas gingivalis (33.3%), and Eubacterium spp. (33.3%). The pathogens isolated from the aortic valve were Propionibacterium acnes (12%), Gram negative enteric bacilli (8%), Bacteroides merdae (4%), and Clostridium bifermentans (4%), and from the mitral valve we isolated P. acnes and Clostridium beijerinckii. Conventional PCR did not return positive results for oral pathogens and bacterial DNA was detected only in two samples. Conclusions: Periodontal microbiota of patients undergoing surgery for heart valve replacement consisted of species of Gram-negative bacteria that have been associated with infections in extraoral tissues. However, there is no evidence of the presence of periodontal pathogens in valve tissue, because even though there were valve and subgingival samples positive for Gram-negative enteric bacilli, it is not possible to maintain they corresponded to the same phylogenetic origin.

[Periodontal microbiota and microorganisms isolated from heart valves in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery in a clinic in Cali, Colombia].

INTRODUCTION: Periodontitis is an infectious disease that affects the support tissue of the teeth and it is associated with different systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Microbiological studies facilitate the detection of microorganisms from subgingival and cardiovascular samples. OBJECTIVE: To describe the cultivable periodontal microbiota and the presence of microorganisms in heart valves from patients undergoing valve replacement surgery in a clinic in Cali. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 30 subgingival and valvular tissue samples by means of two-phase culture medium, supplemented blood agar and trypticase soy agar with antibiotics. Conventional PCR was performed on samples of valve tissue. RESULTS: The periodontal pathogens isolated from periodontal pockets were: Fusobacterium nucleatum (50%), Prevotella intermedia/ nigrescens (40%), Campylobacter rectus (40%), Eikenella corrodens (36.7%), Gram negative enteric bacilli (36.7%), Porphyromonas gingivalis (33.3%), and Eubacterium spp. (33.3%). The pathogens isolated from the aortic valve were Propionibacterium acnes (12%), Gram negative enteric bacilli (8%), Bacteroides merdae (4%), and Clostridium bifermentans (4%), and from the mitral valve we isolated P. acnes and Clostridium beijerinckii. Conventional PCR did not return positive results for oral pathogens and bacterial DNA was detected only in two samples. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal microbiota of patients undergoing surgery for heart valve replacement consisted of species of Gram-negative bacteria that have been associated with infections in extraoral tissues. However, there is no evidence of the presence of periodontal pathogens in valve tissue, because even though there were valve and subgingival samples positive for Gram-negative enteric bacilli, it is not possible to maintain they corresponded to the same phylogenetic origin.

Experiencia de articulación territorial para el abordaje integral de la tuberculosis en poblaciones originarias / Experience of territorial articulation for the comprehensive approach to tuberculosis in native populations

En el marco de las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para la atención integral de las personas, los objetivos del Programa Nacional de Tuberculosis (PNTB) y la protección de los derechos de los pueblos originarios, nos propusimos colaborar ante el problema persistente de la tuberculosis (TB), en personas de edades jóvenes (15-29 años), fortaleciendo la participación de las comunidades en sus territorios. La intervención articuló en su diseño; - estrategias cualitativas de investigación / acción participativa desde el Centro de Atención Primaria (CAPS) Natarentaca Com Nalequetegueta de la ciudad de Recreo, provincia de Santa Fe articulándose a la población de "Bº Mocovi"; el CAPS "Nam-Qom" de la ciudad de Formosa y la población del Bº Nam-Qom; - y estrategias cuantitativas de estudios de cohorte de proyectos terapéuticos. RESULTADOS Se discuten las ventajas de estimar la proximidad de los actores participantes y sus redes en los procesos de resolución a sus problemas de salud a fin de transferir información especializada de modo que favorezcan el diseño y gestión efectiva de las políticas públicas de protección de los ciudadanos. Se debe garantizar el monitoreo de los indicadores más allá del cronograma de la intervención a fin de lograr información suficiente para una evaluación completa de la misma debido a sus características y complejidad

Impacto de la diabetes en la dinámica de la transmisíon de la tuberculosis en Argentina / Impact of diabetes on the transmission dynamics of tuberculosis in Argentina

La asociación de la Diabetes y la Tuberculosis si bien se conoce desde hace mucho tiempo. En las últimas décadas adquirió importancia epidemiológica a la luz de la expansión de la epidemia de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en lugares donde la tuberculosis aún es endémica. La coexistencia diabetes y tuberculosis podría tener serias implicaciones para control de la tuberculosis en muchos países en desarrollo y puede transformarse en el próximo reto para el control mundial de la tuberculosis. En este marco, mejorar el conocimiento de la interacción entre ambas enfermedades permitirá abordar con mejores instrumentos su control. Los modelos matemáticos son herramientas que han jugado un papel clave en la formulación de estrategias de control de la tuberculosis y el establecimiento de objetivos intermedios para los programas de intervención. Este trabajo plantea un modelo que recoge los componentes principales de la dinámica de la tuberculosis y permite evaluar si la diabetes puede modificar este comportamiento, determinado un agravamiento en la situación de la tuberculosis. El modelo determinístico poblacional de la clase SEIR se calibró con datos de TB estimados por la OMS y permitió hacer proyecciones para Argentina, conformado distintos escenarios a partir de la evidencia de interacción entre ambas patologías y las medidas de intervención. Los resultados obtenidos son consistentes con la literatura internacional ya que evidencian un impacto negativo del aumento de la diabetes en la situación de la tuberculosis y su control.

The link between Diabetes and Tuberculosis has been recognized for long time. In recent decades acquired epidemiological importance in light of the expansion of the epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus in TB-endemic settings. The coexistence of diabetes and tuberculosis could have serious implications on TB control in many developing countries and be the next challenge for the global control of tuberculosis. In this context a better understanding of the interaction between the two diseases will allow better tools to address their control. Mathematical models are tools that have played a key role in strategies for TB control and the establishment of intermediate targets for intervention programs. This work presents a model, which includes the main components of the dynamics of tuberculosis and evaluates the dynamics for diabetes to change this behavior, worsening the situation of tuberculosis. A deterministic population-based model is proposed to analyze the impact of diabetes on the dynamics and treatment of Tuberculosis. The model calibrated with data estimated by WHO TB allowed projecting various scenarios for Argentina, generated from the evidence of interaction between the two conditions and intervention measures. The results are consistent with the international literature as evidence of a negative impact of the increase in diabetes in the situation of tuberculosis and its control.

DISEÑO DE UN SISTEMA DE REHABILITACIÓN PARA MIEMBRO SUPERIOR EN ENTORNO DE REALIDAD VIRTUAL / DESIGN OF A UPPER LIMB REHABILITATION SYSTEM IN VIRTUAL REALITY ENVIRONMENT / PROJETO DO SISTEMA DE REABILITAÇÃO DO MEMBRO SUPERIOR EM AMBIENTE DE REALIDADE VIRTUAL

Este trabajo describe el diseño y desarrollo de un sistema capaz de adquirir señales electromiográficas de superficie, digitalizarlas y procesarlas en una computadora personal, para ser usadas como control de un objeto de realidad virtual que representa al miembro superior. La clasificación de la intencionalidad del usuario se realiza mediante la configuración y entrenamiento de una red neuronal artificial. Luego se presenta en tiempo real la animación en realidad virtual de los movimientos realizados por el miembro superior. Los resultados para los cuatro voluntarios estudiados, indican una tasa de clasificación positiva en promedio del 75% para cada uno de ellos.

This work presents the design and development of a six-channel system for acquisition and conditioning of electromyographic signals collected in the upper limb. The main objective of the work is to create a system that can be used as rehabilitation and training instrument for potential users of myoelectric prostheses. The software developed perform actions of feature extraction, classifier training and design of the mechanical model of the human arm, with the running movements of flexion, extension, pronation and supination of the forearm and the grasp in a reality environment virtual, providing rehabilitation therapy to different patients.

Este trabalho apresenta a concepção e desenvolvimento de um sistema de seis canais para a aquisição e condicionamento de sinais eletromiográficos coletados no membro superior. O principal objetivo do trabalho é criar um sistema que pode ser utilizado como instrumento de reabilitação e treinamento para os potenciais utilizadores de prótese mioelétrica. O software desenvolvido executar ações de extração de características, o treinamento do classificador e design do modelo mecânico do braço humano, com os movimentos da corrida de flexão, extensão, pronação e supinação do antebraço e do alcance em um ambiente de realidade virtual, fornecendo terapia de reabilitação para diferentes pacientes.

Normas técnicas de tuberculosis / Technical standards of tuberculosis

La tuberculosis (TB) es un importante problema de salud por el daño que provoca tanto enMorbilidad (numero de personas que a su vez transmiten la enfermedad) como en mortalidad (personas que mueren como consecuencia directa o indirecta por las secuelas que esta deja). Este daño de enfermedad y muerte es producido por una patología que tiene un diagnostico sencillo y un tratamiento eficaz en la mayoría de los casos