Basic physical properties and potential application of graphene oxide fibers synthesized from rice husk.

The synthesis method and correlation between compositional, vibrational, and electrical properties in graphene oxide fibers (GOF) are presented and discussed here, as well as a potential application through the development of a heater device based on GOF. The GOF samples were synthesized from rice husk (RH), via a thermal decomposition method, employing an automated pyrolysis system with a controlled nitrogen atmosphere, varying carbonization temperature (TCA) from 773 to 1273 K. The compositional analysis shows peaks in the XPS spectrum associated with C1s and O1s, with presence of hydroxyl and epoxy bridges; the oxide concentration (OC) of samples varied from 0.21 to 0.28, influenced by TCA. The GOF samples exhibit fiber morphology, vibrational characteristics which are typical of graphene oxide multilayers, and electrical behavior that scales with OC. The electrical response shows that OC decreases and increases electrical conductivity at the polycrystalline phase, possibly attributed to the desorption of some oxides and organic compounds. In addition, physical correlations between OC and its vibrational response showed that decreasing OC increases edge defect density and decreases crystal size as a result of thermal decomposition processes. The correlation between OC and physical properties suggests that by controlling the OC in GOF, it was possible to modify vibrational and electrical properties of great interest in fabrication of advanced electronics; consequently, we show a potential application of GOF samples by developing an electrically controlled heater device.

Comportamiento de las principales infecciones de transmisión sexual bacterianas durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 / Epidemiologic Profile of the Main Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Introducción y objetivo Entre 2020-2021 hemos sufrido una pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Debido a los cambios sociales por la pandemia, nos hemos propuesto estudiar el comportamiento epidemiológico de las principales infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) bacterianas (clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis) durante este periodo y compararlo con periodos previos. Material y método Se recogieron las muestras mensuales de clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis entre los años 2018-2021 y las muestras positivas mensuales de SARS-CoV-2 entre los años 2020-2021 del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, analizadas por técnica PCR Multiplex. Se recogieron datos clínicos y demográficos de los pacientes con ITS. Resultados Durante los años 2020-2021 (pandemia) se diagnosticaron más casos de ITS total (664) que durante los años 2018-2019 (prepandemia) (570), con tasas de incidencia superiores y tasas de positividad similares. Se ha observado una correlación cronológica negativa entre las muestras positivas de SARS-CoV-2 y las muestras positivas de ITS. La edad media de los pacientes con diagnóstico de clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis fue de 29,64 (IC 95% 19,33-41,14), 30,86 (IC 95% 20,24-42,45) y 37,04 (IC 95% 26,01-51,00) años, respectivamente. El número de casos de clamidia en varones ha aumentado un 13,85% (IC 95% 6,39-21,08; p=0,0003) en los años de pandemia. Conclusión Durante los años de pandemia, ha existido una correlación negativa entre los casos de SARS-CoV-2 y los casos de ITS, con más casos de clamidia en varones. Las ITS han aumentado en los 2 últimos años, por lo que son un importante problema de salud en la población joven y adulta que merece especial atención. (AU)

Introduction and objective The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought about social changes in 2020 and 2021. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic profiles of the main sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of bacterial origin (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) diagnosed during this period and compare them to findings from previous years. Material and methods Drawing on data from Hospital General Universitario in Valencia, Spain, we recorded the number of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases diagnosed monthly by multiplex PCR in 2018-2021 and the number of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases diagnosed monthly in 2020-2021. We also collected clinical and demographic information on all patients diagnosed with STIs during the years studied. Results The total number of STIs diagnosed increased from 570 in 2018-2019 to 664 in 2020-2021. PCR positivity rates were similar in the 2 periods, but the incidence rates were higher during the pandemic. The chronologic correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and STI positivity was negative. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.64 years (95% CI, 19.33-41.14) for chlamydia, 30.86 years (95% CI, 20.24-42.45) for gonorrhea, and 37.04 years (95% CI, 26.01-51.00) for syphilis. The number of men diagnosed with chlamydia increased by 13.85% (95% CI, 6.39-21.08; P=.0003) during the pandemic. Conclusions We observed a negative correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infections and STIs during the pandemic and an increase in chlamydia cases among men. STI cases rose during 2020-2021, indicating that they remain a significant problem that needs to be addressed in young and adult populations. (AU)

[Translated article] Epidemiologic Profile of the Main Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic / Comportamiento de las principales infecciones de transmisión sexual bacterianas durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2

Background and objective The COVID-19 pandemic brought about social changes in 2020 and 2021. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic profiles of the main sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of bacterial origin (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) diagnosed during this period and compare them to findings from previous years. Material and methods Drawing on data from Hospital General Universitario in Valencia, Spain, we recorded the number of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases diagnosed monthly by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 2018–2021 and the number of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases diagnosed monthly in 2020–2021. We also collected clinical and demographic information on all patients diagnosed with STIs during the years studied. Results The total number of STIs diagnosed increased from 570 in 2018–2019 to 664 in 2020–2021. PCR positivity rates were similar in the 2 periods, but the incidence rates were higher during the pandemic. The chronologic correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and STI positivity was negative. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.64 years (95% CI, 19.33–41.14 years) for chlamydia, 30.86 years (95% CI, 20.24–42.45 years) for gonorrhea, and 37.04 years (95% CI, 26.01–51.00 years) for syphilis. The number of men diagnosed with chlamydia increased by 13.85% (95% CI, 6.39–21.08; p=.0003) during the pandemic.Conclusions We observed a negative correlation between SARS-CoV2 infections and STIs during the pandemic and an increase in chlamydia cases among men. STI cases rose during 2020–2021, indicating that they remain a significant problem that needs to be addressed in young and adult populations. (AU)

Introducción y objetivo Entre 2020-2021 hemos sufrido una pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Debido a los cambios sociales por la pandemia, nos hemos propuesto estudiar el comportamiento epidemiológico de las principales infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) bacterianas (clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis) durante este periodo y compararlo con periodos previos. Material y métodos Se recogieron las muestras mensuales de clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis entre los años 2018-2021 y las muestras positivas mensuales de SARS-CoV-2 entre los años 2020-2021 del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, analizadas por técnica PCR Multiplex. Se recogieron datos clínicos y demográficos de los pacientes con ITS. Resultados Durante los años 2020-2021 (pandemia) se diagnosticaron más casos de ITS total (664) que durante los años 2018-2019 (prepandemia) (570), con tasas de incidencia superiores y tasas de positividad similares. Se ha observado una correlación cronológica negativa entre las muestras positivas de SARS-CoV-2 y las muestras positivas de ITS. La edad media de los pacientes con diagnóstico de clamidia, gonorrea y sífilis fue de 29,64 (IC 95% 19,33-41,14), 30,86 (IC 95% 20,24-42,45) y 37,04 (IC 95% 26,01-51,00) años, respectivamente. El número de casos de clamidia en varones ha aumentado 13,85% (IC 95% 6,39-21,08; p=0,0003) en los años de pandemia. Conclusiones Durante los años de pandemia ha existido una correlación negativa entre los casos de SARS-CoV-2 y los casos de ITS, con más casos de clamidia en varones. Las ITS han aumentado en los dos últimos años, por lo que son un importante problema de salud en la población joven y adulta que merece especial atención. (AU)

Epidemiologic Profile of the Main Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. / Comportamiento de las principales infecciones de transmisión sexual bacterianas durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought about social changes in 2020 and 2021. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic profiles of the main sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of bacterial origin (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) diagnosed during this period and compare them to findings from previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Drawing on data from Hospital General Universitario in Valencia, Spain, we recorded the number of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases diagnosed monthly by multiplex PCR in 2018-2021 and the number of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases diagnosed monthly in 2020-2021. We also collected clinical and demographic information on all patients diagnosed with STIs during the years studied. RESULTS: The total number of STIs diagnosed increased from 570 in 2018-2019 to 664 in 2020-2021. PCR positivity rates were similar in the 2 periods, but the incidence rates were higher during the pandemic. The chronologic correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and STI positivity was negative. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.64 years (95% CI, 19.33-41.14) for chlamydia, 30.86 years (95% CI, 20.24-42.45) for gonorrhea, and 37.04 years (95% CI, 26.01-51.00) for syphilis. The number of men diagnosed with chlamydia increased by 13.85% (95% CI, 6.39-21.08; P=.0003) during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a negative correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infections and STIs during the pandemic and an increase in chlamydia cases among men. STI cases rose during 2020-2021, indicating that they remain a significant problem that needs to be addressed in young and adult populations.

Modificación de la prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano en los condilomas acuminados tras la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica / Changes in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Genital Warts Since the Introduction of Prophylactic Vaccines

Introducción El condiloma acuminado está causado por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH), cuyos genotipos se han descrito tradicionalmente como de bajo y alto riesgo (AR) oncogénico. Clásicamente, los genotipos más frecuentes son el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 18, incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Nuestro objetivo es valorar cambios en la prevalencia de estos genotipos tras 10 años desde la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica en nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo realizado en la UITS de un Servicio de Dermatología entre enero de 2016 y junio de 2019, seleccionando posteriormente a los pacientes diagnosticados de condilomas acuminados. Resultados Se han diagnosticado 362 pacientes con condilomas acuminados, realizándose genotipado en 212 pacientes (58,6%). Se han detectado 32 genotipos distintos, siendo los más frecuentes el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 42. En el 93,9% la detección de VPH fue positiva, detectándose hasta 299 genotipos, lo que corresponde a 1,5 por paciente. En el 26,6% de pacientes se detectaron más de un genotipo distinto de VPH. En el 24,1% se detectó al menos un genotipo de AR. No se observó asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia de un genotipo de AR y las variables estudiadas. En el 91,4% de las lesiones se aisló al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos cubiertos por las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Conclusiones La prevalencia de los genotipos de VPH incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas profilácticas desarrolladas ha disminuido. La implicación de al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos más frecuentes se ha mantenido estable con respecto a hace 10 años. Las infecciones por múltiples genotipos y la presencia de al menos un genotipo de AR oncogénico ha aumentado ligeramente (AU)

Background and objective Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), whose genotypes have traditionally been classified as low risk or high risk (oncogenic). The first 2 prophylactic vaccines included the most common genotypes at the time: HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV types in our setting 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines. Material and methods Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with genital warts at the sexually transmitted infection unit of a dermatology department between January 2016 and June 2019. Results In total, 362 patients were diagnosed with genital warts during the study period, and 212 (58.6%) underwent genotyping. Thirty-two distinct HPV types were observed, the most common being HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-42. HPV DNA was detected in 93.9% of the samples analyzed, and there were 299 genotypes (mean, 1.5 per patient). Overall, 26.6% of patients had more than a single HPV genotype, while 24.1% had at least 1 high-risk type. No significant associations were found between the presence of high-risk HPV types and any of the study variables. At least 2 of the 4 HPV types targeted in the original vaccines were detected in 94.1% of lesions. Conclusions Compared to 10 years ago, the prevalences of HPV types included in the first 2 prophylactic vaccines have decreased, while the proportion of patients with at least 1 of the 4 most common types has remained unchanged. We also observed a slight increase in infections with multiple HPV types or at least 1 high-risk type (AU)

[Translated article] Changes in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Genital Warts Since the Introduction of Prophylactic Vaccines / Modificación de la prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano en los condilomas acuminados tras la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica

Background and objective Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), whose genotypes have traditionally been classified as low risk or high risk (oncogenic). The first 2 prophylactic vaccines included the most common genotypes at the time: HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV types in our setting 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines. Material and methods Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with genital warts at the sexually transmitted infection unit of a dermatology department between January 2016 and June 2019. Results In total, 362 patients were diagnosed with genital warts during the study period, and 212 (58.6%) underwent genotyping. Thirty-two distinct HPV types were observed, the most common being HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-42. HPV DNA was detected in 93.9% of the samples analyzed, and there were 299 genotypes (mean, 1.5 per patient). Overall, 26.6% of patients had more than a single HPV genotype, while 24.1% had at least 1 high-risk type. No significant associations were found between the presence of high-risk HPV types and any of the study variables. At least 2 of the 4 HPV types targeted in the original vaccines were detected in 94.1% of lesions. Conclusions Compared to 10 years ago, the prevalences of HPV types included in the first 2 prophylactic vaccines have decreased, while the proportion of patients with at least 1 of the 4 most common types has remained unchanged. We also observed a slight increase in infections with multiple HPV types or at least 1 high-risk type (AU)

Introducción El condiloma acuminado está causado por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH), cuyos genotipos se han descrito tradicionalmente como de bajo y alto riesgo (AR) oncogénico. Clásicamente, los genotipos más frecuentes son el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 18, incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Nuestro objetivo es valorar cambios en la prevalencia de estos genotipos tras 10 años desde la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica en nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo realizado en la UITS de un Servicio de Dermatología entre enero de 2016 y junio de 2019, seleccionando posteriormente a los pacientes diagnosticados de condilomas acuminados. Resultados Se han diagnosticado 362 pacientes con condilomas acuminados, realizándose genotipado en 212 pacientes (58,6%). Se han detectado 32 genotipos distintos, siendo los más frecuentes el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 42. En el 93,9% la detección de VPH fue positiva, detectándose hasta 299 genotipos, lo que corresponde a 1,5 por paciente. En el 26,6% de pacientes se detectaron más de un genotipo distinto de VPH. En el 24,1% se detectó al menos un genotipo de AR. No se observó asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia de un genotipo de AR y las variables estudiadas. En el 91,4% de las lesiones se aisló al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos cubiertos por las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Conclusiones La prevalencia de los genotipos de VPH incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas profilácticas desarrolladas ha disminuido. La implicación de al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos más frecuentes se ha mantenido estable con respecto a hace 10 años. Las infecciones por múltiples genotipos y la presencia de al menos un genotipo de AR oncogénico ha aumentado ligeramente (AU)

Changes in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Genital Warts Since the Introduction of Prophylactic Vaccines. / Modificación de la prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano en los condilomas acuminados tras la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), whose genotypes have traditionally been classified as low risk or high risk (oncogenic). The first 2 prophylactic vaccines included the most common genotypes at the time: HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV types in our setting 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with genital warts at the sexually transmitted infection unit of a dermatology department between January 2016 and June 2019. RESULTS: In total, 362 patients were diagnosed with genital warts during the study period, and 212 (58.6%) underwent genotyping. Thirty-two distinct HPV types were observed, the most common being HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-42. HPV DNA was detected in 93.9% of the samples analyzed, and there were 299 genotypes (mean, 1.5 per patient). Overall, 26.6% of patients had more than a single HPV genotype, while 24.1% had at least 1 high-risk type. No significant associations were found between the presence of high-risk HPV types and any of the study variables. At least 2 of the 4 HPV types targeted in the original vaccines were detected in 94.1% of lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to 10 years ago, the prevalences of HPV types included in the first 2 prophylactic vaccines have decreased, while the proportion of patients with at least 1 of the 4 most common types has remained unchanged. We also observed a slight increase in infections with multiple HPV types or at least 1 high-risk type.

Sensibilización alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea / Contact Allergy in Patients with Rosacea

Introducción y objetivo La rosácea es una dermatosis acneiforme crónica donde la disrupción de la barrera cutánea puede provocar una facilidad para la sensibilización a distintos alérgenos. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la sensibilización alérgica de contacto en los pacientes con rosácea de nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se realizó estudio de cohortes retrospectivo analizando todos los pacientes parchados en la consulta de Alergia Cutánea de nuestro servicio entre mayo de 1991 hasta mayo de 2019. Resultados Durante el tiempo de estudio han sido remitidos a nuestra consulta un total de 200 pacientes con rosácea, el 2,1% del total de pacientes parchados en este tiempo. El 81% de los pacientes eran mujeres, con una edad media de 44,7años. El 46,5% presentaron al menos un parche positivo, considerándose de relevancia presente (RP) en el 15%. Los parches positivos más frecuentes fueron níquel (26%), seguido de cloruro de cobalto (6,5%), isotiazolinonas (6%), PPDA (5,5%), mezclaII de perfumes (5%) y thiomersal (3,5%). Los parches positivos de RP más frecuentes fueron isotiazolinonas en 10/200 pacientes (5%), PPDA, mezclaII de fragancias, toluensulfonamida formaldehído resina en 4/200 pacientes cada uno (2%), tixocortol y mezclaI de fragancias en 2/200 cada uno (1%). El grupo de sustancias más frecuentemente detectadas fueron los metales, con una RP en el 12,6%, seguido de los fármacos con una RP en el 25,8%. Los conservantes y las fragancias fueron los siguientes grupos de sustancias más frecuentemente positivas, con una RP en el 70,8% y el 43,7%, respectivamente. La fuente de sensibilización más frecuente fueron los cosméticos, seguidos de los fármacos tópicos, destacando los corticoides y los antifúngicos tópicos. Conclusiones Destacamos una elevada prevalencia de dermatitis alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea, lo que sustenta la realización de pruebas epicutáneas (AU)

Background and objective Rosacea is a chronic acneiform skin disorder in which impaired skin barrier function can lead to sensitization to allergens. We aimed to analyze contact allergies in our patients with rosacea. Material and methods Retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent patch testing in our skin allergy clinic between May 1991 and May 2019. Results A total of 200 patients with rosacea were referred to our clinic for patch testing during the study period; they represented 2.1% of all patch tested patients in the period. Eighty-one percent were women (mean age, 44.7years). At least 1positive patch test was recorded for 46.5%; 15% were of current relevance. The most frequent positive reaction was to nickel (26%), followed by cobalt chloride (6.5%), isothiazolinones (6%), p-phenylenediamine (5.5%), fragrance mixII (5%), and thimerosal (3.5%). The most common currently relevant patch test reactions were to isothiazolinones in 10 of the 200 patients (5%); to phenylenediamine, fragrance mixII, and toluensulfonamide formaldehyde resin in 4 patients (2%) each; and to tixocortol and fragrance mixI in 2 patients (1%) each. The allergen groups most often implicated were metals (of current relevance in 12.6%) and drugs (of current relevance in 25.8%). Preservatives and fragrances were the next most common allergen groups, and 70.8% and 43.7% of the positive reactions in these groups, respectively, were of current relevance. Cosmetics were the most frequent source of sensitization, followed by topical medications — notably corticosteroids and antifungal agents. Conclusions We emphasize the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with rosacea, a finding which supports patch testing, especially if eruptions worsen when these patients use cosmetics and topical medications (AU)

[Translated article] Contact Allergy in Patients With Rosacea / Sensibilización alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea

Background and objective Rosacea is a chronic acneiform skin disorder in which impaired skin barrier function can lead to sensitization to allergens. We aimed to analyze contact allergies in our patients with rosacea. Material and methods Retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent patch testing in our skin allergy clinic between May 1991 and May 2019. Results A total of 200 patients with rosacea were referred to our clinic for patch testing during the study period; they represented 2.1% of all patch tested patients in the period. Eighty-one percent were women (mean age, 44.7years). At least 1positive patch test was recorded for 46.5%; 15% were of current relevance. The most frequent positive reaction was to nickel (26%), followed by cobalt chloride (6.5%), isothiazolinones (6%), p-phenylenediamine (5.5%), fragrance mixII (5%), and thimerosal (3.5%). The most common currently relevant patch test reactions were to isothiazolinones in 10 of the 200 patients (5%); to phenylenediamine, fragrance mixII, and toluensulfonamide formaldehyde resin in 4 patients (2%) each; and to tixocortol and fragrance mixI in 2 patients (1%) each. The allergen groups most often implicated were metals (of current relevance in 12.6%) and drugs (of current relevance in 25.8%). Preservatives and fragrances were the next most common allergen groups, and 70.8% and 43.7% of the positive reactions in these groups, respectively, were of current relevance. Cosmetics were the most frequent source of sensitization, followed by topical medications — notably corticosteroids and antifungal agents. Conclusions We emphasize the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with rosacea, a finding which supports patch testing, especially if eruptions worsen when these patients use cosmetics and topical medications (AU)

Introducción y objetivo La rosácea es una dermatosis acneiforme crónica donde la disrupción de la barrera cutánea puede provocar una facilidad para la sensibilización a distintos alérgenos. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la sensibilización alérgica de contacto en los pacientes con rosácea de nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se realizó estudio de cohortes retrospectivo analizando todos los pacientes parchados en la consulta de Alergia Cutánea de nuestro servicio entre mayo de 1991 hasta mayo de 2019. Resultados Durante el tiempo de estudio han sido remitidos a nuestra consulta un total de 200 pacientes con rosácea, el 2,1% del total de pacientes parchados en este tiempo. El 81% de los pacientes eran mujeres, con una edad media de 44,7años. El 46,5% presentaron al menos un parche positivo, considerándose de relevancia presente (RP) en el 15%. Los parches positivos más frecuentes fueron níquel (26%), seguido de cloruro de cobalto (6,5%), isotiazolinonas (6%), PPDA (5,5%), mezclaII de perfumes (5%) y thiomersal (3,5%). Los parches positivos de RP más frecuentes fueron isotiazolinonas en 10/200 pacientes (5%), PPDA, mezclaII de fragancias, toluensulfonamida formaldehído resina en 4/200 pacientes cada uno (2%), tixocortol y mezclaI de fragancias en 2/200 cada uno (1%). El grupo de sustancias más frecuentemente detectadas fueron los metales, con una RP en el 12,6%, seguido de los fármacos con una RP en el 25,8%. Los conservantes y las fragancias fueron los siguientes grupos de sustancias más frecuentemente positivas, con una RP en el 70,8% y el 43,7%, respectivamente. La fuente de sensibilización más frecuente fueron los cosméticos, seguidos de los fármacos tópicos, destacando los corticoides y los antifúngicos tópicos. Conclusiones Destacamos una elevada prevalencia de dermatitis alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea, lo que sustenta la realización de pruebas epicutáneas (AU)

Contact Allergy in Patients with Rosacea. / Sensibilización alérgica de contacto en pacientes con rosácea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Rosacea is a chronic acneiform skin disorder in which impaired skin barrier function can lead to sensitization to allergens. We aimed to analyze contact allergies in our patients with rosacea. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent patch testing in our skin allergy clinic between May 1991 and May 2019. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients with rosacea were referred to our clinic for patch testing during the study period; they represented 2.1% of all patch tested patients in the period. Eighty-one percent were women (mean age, 44.7years). At least 1positive patch test was recorded for 46.5%; 15% were of current relevance. The most frequent positive reaction was to nickel (26%), followed by cobalt chloride (6.5%), isothiazolinones (6%), p-phenylenediamine (5.5%), fragrance mixII (5%), and thimerosal (3.5%). The most common currently relevant patch test reactions were to isothiazolinones in 10 of the 200 patients (5%); to phenylenediamine, fragrance mixII, and toluensulfonamide formaldehyde resin in 4 patients (2%) each; and to tixocortol and fragrance mixI in 2 patients (1%) each. The allergen groups most often implicated were metals (of current relevance in 12.6%) and drugs (of current relevance in 25.8%). Preservatives and fragrances were the next most common allergen groups, and 70.8% and 43.7% of the positive reactions in these groups, respectively, were of current relevance. Cosmetics were the most frequent source of sensitization, followed by topical medications - notably corticosteroids and antifungal agents. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with rosacea, a finding which supports patch testing, especially if eruptions worsen when these patients use cosmetics and topical medications.

Effect of ultra-fine friction grinding on the physical and chemical properties of curcuma (Curcuma longa L.) suspensions.

Curcuma longa is a rhizome used for the extraction of curcumin, a yellow colorant that only represents 3 wt% of the dried rhizome. To increase the possibility of using the entire rhizome as a food colorant, in the present investigation, the effect of ultra-fine friction grinding (supermasscolloider) to obtain turmeric suspensions was evaluated. To achieve this goal, two distances between the grinding stones or Gap were evaluated (G of -1 and -1.5), and the obtained suspensions were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and through the determination of curcumin content, color, particle size, sedimentation index, serum cloudiness, and microstructure. The results establish that a lower G contributes to an increase in the release of curcumin in the suspension up to 21%, which is related to a greater tendency for yellow coloration, observed in the increase of the * b coordinate of color (from 61.588 to 66.497). Additionally, it was found that a lower G generates smaller particle sizes, which is related to a lower turbidity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research shows that ultra-fine friction grinding (UFFG) has great potential for the development of turmeric suspensions. The results have applications in the food industry sector, because UFFG could be used to produce different types of vegetable suspensions.

Epidemiology behavior of leptospirosis in Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba (Colombia).

The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology of leptospirosis in rural areas of Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba, Colombia, a convenience sampling was carried out on 13 farms. The sample size was 325 reproductive age cows, 11 canine samples, and 20 humans. The samples were subjected to MAT analysis with 11 serogroups of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. Once the MAT results were received, urine samples were collected from 78 cows, along with 39 water samples, for bacteriological cultures and PCR for the 16S rRNA gene in L. interrogans sensu lato. Positive PCR samples were sequenced to determine the possible genome species. The leptospirosis seroprevalence was 74.5% in the cattle, 70.0% in the dogs, and 45.5% in the humans. Although isolation was not achieved, L. interrogans sensu lato was detected by PCR in three urine samples and in a sample of wastewater. The sequencing confirmed the circulation of pathogenic species. The high prevalence of antibodies for L. interrogans sensu lato and the molecular evidence led to the inference that the rural areas of Ciénaga de Oro are endemic and that cattle can act as renal carriers and contaminate water sources, which increases the risk of contracting leptospirosis.

Hiperplasia nodular linfoide asociada con colitis ulcerativa: descripción de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Lymphoid Nodular Hyperplasia Associated with Ulcerative Colitis: Case Study and Literature Review

La hiperplasia nodular linfoide es una patología del aparato gastrointestinal, poco frecuente en adultos. Se caracteriza por un crecimiento del tejido linfoide mucoso y submucoso como respuesta a diferentes tipos de estímulos nocivos. Se ha descrito asociada con otras patologías como infección por VIH/ Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida, giardiasis, infección por Helicobacter Pylori, enfermedad celíaca, y en pocos casos con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. No tiene una presentación clínica específica y su manejo aún no está claro

Lymphoid nodular hyperplasia is a pathology of the gastrointestinal tract that rarely occurs among adults. It is characterized by growth of submucosal lymphoid tissue and mucosal response to different types of noxious stimuli. It has been described in association with other diseases such as HIV/AIDS, giardiasis, Helicobacter pylori infections, celiac disease, and very rarely with inflammatory bowel disease. At present, there is no specific clinical presentation or treatment

Increased sexual desire with exogenous testosterone administration in men with obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

Testosterone (T) deficiency, sexual dysfunction, obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common and often coexist. T prescriptions have increased worldwide during the last decade, including to those with undiagnosed or untreated OSA. The effect of T administration on sexual function, neurocognitive performance and quality of life in these men is poorly defined. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of T administration on sexual function, quality of life and neurocognitive performance in obese men with OSA. We also secondarily examined whether baseline T might modify the effects of T treatment by dichotomizing on baseline T levels pre-specified at 8, 11 and 13 nmol/L. This was a randomized placebo-controlled study in which 67 obese men with OSA (mean age 49 ± 1.3 years) were randomized to receive intramuscular injections of either 1000 mg T undecanoate or placebo at baseline, week 6 and week 12. All participants were concurrently enrolled in a weight loss program. General and sleep-related quality of life, neurocognitive performance and subjective sexual function were assessed before and 6, 12 and 18 weeks after therapy. T compared to placebo increased sexual desire (p = 0.004) in all men, irrespective of baseline T levels. There were no differences in erectile function, frequency of sexual attempts, orgasmic ability, general or sleep-related quality of life or neurocognitive function (all p = NS). In those with baseline T levels below 8 nmol/L, T increased vitality (p = 0.004), and reduced reports of feeling down (p = 0.002) and nervousness (p = 0.03). Our findings show that 18 weeks of T therapy increased sexual desire in obese men with OSA independently of baseline T levels whereas improvements in quality of life were evident only in those with T levels below 8 nmol/L. These small improvements would need to be balanced against potentially more serious adverse effects of T therapy on breathing.

Composite fermion-boson mapping for fermionic lattice models.

We present a mapping of elementary fermion operators onto a quadratic form of composite fermionic and bosonic cluster operators. The mapping is an exact isomorphism as long as the physical constraint of one composite particle per cluster is satisfied. This condition is treated on average in a composite particle mean-field approach, which consists of an ansatz that decouples the composite fermionic and bosonic sectors. The theory is tested on the 1D and 2D Hubbard models. Using a Bogoliubov determinant for the composite fermions and either a coherent or Bogoliubov state for the bosons, we obtain a simple and accurate procedure for treating the Mott insulating phase of the Hubbard model with mean-field computational cost.

Estimation of cyanobacteria biovolume in water reservoirs by MERIS sensor.

Planktonic cyanobacteria primarily develop in lentic water bodies, such as lakes and water reservoirs. In certain instances, toxin-producing cyanobacterial populations might dominate the phytoplankton community. Satellite remote sensing is a useful tool for large spatial scale monitoring of cyanobacteria, and the MERIS sensor from the Envisat satellite has taken worldwide images at a high frequency for over 10 years. This short time lapse image collection has provided an extensive record of images for the analysis of variation in the cyanobacterial communities in water reservoirs for management and scientific purposes. The objective of this work is to determine the relationship between measured cyanobacterial biomass as biovolume and the estimations derived from MERIS imagery. This study encompasses two independent studies relying on data from 23 water reservoirs. First, a long-term global limnological research study was conducted that provided a field data collection that included cyanobacterial biovolume, among other variables. Second, a survey was conducted that applied the processed images derived from the Envisat MERIS sensor. The chlorophyll-a (Chl a) content and phycocyanin concentration (PC) were estimated from the MERIS images. The PC estimated by remote sensing and total cyanobacterial biovolume measured from the field samples were found to be significantly correlated (R(2) = 0.6219; p < 0.001). No relevant differences were found among the taxonomical groups, which indicated that this tool provides accurate estimations irrespective of the cyanobacterial group. For validation, the algorithm derived from the entire dataset was applied to the MERIS image dataset of the Rosarito reservoir. An estimated cyanobacterial biovolume time series was performed and compared to the biovolume data collected in an extensive sampling schedule spanning 4 years. The results indicated a strong correlation (R(2) = 0.72; p < 0.001) between the measured and estimated data acquired on the same day.

Entropy-based multichannel measure of stationarity for characterization of motor imagery patterns.

We propose a novel approach for measuring the stationarity level of multichannel time-series. This measure is based on stationarity definition over time-varying spectra and aims to quantify the relationship between local (single-channel dynamics) and global (multichannel dynamics) stationarity. With the purpose of separate among several motor/imagery tasks, we asssume that movement imagination implies an increase on the EEG variability, consequently, as discriminant features, we first compute the non-stationary components of input signals, and we further obtain its stationary level throughout the proposed measure. To assess the separability level of the proposed features, we employ the t-student test. Obtained results evidence that our measure is able to accurately detect brain areas projected on the scalp where motor tasks are performed.