Gender Disparities Among Academic Vitreoretinal Specialists in the United States With Regard to Scholarly Impact and Academic Rank.

Background and objective While men outnumber women in the specialty of ophthalmology in general, the subspecialty of vitreoretinal surgery in particular has the highest percentage of men across all ophthalmic subspecialties. This study aimed to analyze the gender disparities regarding the publication productivity and academic rank of academic vitreoretinal specialists in the United States (US). Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated 116 ophthalmology residency programs in the US participating in the 2022 San Francisco Match. The academic vitreoretinal faculty from each ophthalmology residency program was included. The information on gender, academic rank, and publication activity in terms of the h-index were collected from institutional websites, the Scopus database, and the National Library of Medicine PubMed website. Results A total of 467 academic vitreoretinal specialists were identified. Among them, 345 (73.9%) were men, and 122 (26.1%) were women (p<0.001). When the academic ranks were analyzed, a higher number of men (43.8%) were found to hold the rank of full professor as compared to women. Furthermore, a higher number of women (47.5%) were found to hold the rank of assistant professor as compared to their male colleagues. Regarding the number of publications, in all academic rank categories, women had a significantly lower number of publications compared to men (p<0.001). Men also had a higher publication productivity or scholarly impact [h-index=15.2 ± 0.82 standard error of the mean (SEM)] compared to women (h-index=12.8 ± 0.99 SEM) (p=0.0004). Higher h-index correlated with higher academic rank, from assistant professor through full professor (p<0.001). Conclusion The field of vitreoretinal surgery has significantly fewer women compared to men, with women producing fewer publications and having less scholarly impact. H-index and total number of publications are also associated with a higher academic rank. Furthermore, full professors are more likely to be men, while assistant professors are more likely to be women. Future efforts should be aimed at reducing the gender disparity in vitreoretinal surgery.

Data mining techniques for predicting teacher evaluation in higher education: A systematic literature review.

Teacher evaluation is presented as an object of study of great interest, where multiple efforts converge to establish models from the association of heterogeneous data from academic actors, one of these is the students' community, who stands out for their contribution with rich data information for the establishment of teacher evaluation in higher education. This study aims to present the search results for references on the prediction of teacher evaluation based on the associated data provided by the performance of university students. For this purpose, a systematic literature review was carried out, established by the phases of planning (search objective, research questions, inclusion and exclusion criteria), search and selection (literature control group and keywords, the definition of the search string, results filtering), and extraction (synthesis of the contributions). As a result, a set of references on the application of predictions is obtained, focused on educational data mining techniques, such as Fuzzy logic, Fuzzy clustering, Fuzzy Neural Network (FNN), Neural networks, multilayer perceptron (MLP), Decision Trees, Logistic Regression, Random Forest Classifier, Naïve Bayes Classifier, Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest-Neighbor (KNN), and Associative classification model. In conclusion, prediction and mining techniques have been widely explored; however, teacher evaluation is in the process of growth with particular emphasis on fuzzy principles, considering that human decision-making is developed with uncertainty, which is strongly related to human behavior.

Características clínicas y genéticas de un paciente con síndrome de Noonan y una mutación de novo en el gen MAP2K1: Reporte de caso

Introducción: El síndrome de Noonan es un trastorno genético relacionado principalmente con la mutación del gen PTPN11. Reporte del caso: Recién nacido varón de 34 semanas de edad gestacional con ultrasonidos obstétricos que muestran higroma quístico, hidronefrosis renal bilateral, y polihidramnios. Al nacimiento, presentó edema nucal, puente nasal ancho, pabellón auricular de implantación baja, y criptorquidia derecha. Además, defecto del tabique auricular, ausencia de vena cava inferior, hipertensión pulmonar, conducto arterioso persistente y dificultad respiratoria. El resultado del análisis del panel de 14 genes mostró una mutación del gen MAP2K1 y una variante de significado incierto en el gen CBL, confirmando el diagnóstico del síndrome de Noonan negativo para PTPN11. Durante el seguimiento, también se le diagnosticó blefaroptosis izquierda y reflujo gastroesofágico. Conclusión: El presente caso destaca la amplia variedad de características fenotípicas en un paciente con síndrome de Noonan, con sospecha al nacimiento y confirmado durante el seguimiento.

Background: Noonan syndrome is a genetic disorder mostly related to PTPN11 gene mutation. Report Case: Newborn male of 34 weeks of gestational age with obstetric ultrasounds showing cystic hygroma, bilateral renal hydronephrosis, and polyhydramnios. At born, he presented nuchal edema, wide nose, low-set ears, and right cryptorchidism. Additionally, he presented atrial septum defect, absence of inferior vena cava, mild pulmonary hypertension, persistent ductus arteriosus, and respiratory distress. The result of the 14-gene panel analysis showed a MAP2K1 gene mutation and a variation of uncertain significance in the CBL gene, confirming the diagnosis of PTPN11- negative Noonan syndrome. During the follow-up, he was additionally diagnosed with blepharoptosis of left eye and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Conclusion:This report highlights the wide variety of phenotypical characteristics in a Noonan syndrome patient, which was suspected upon birth and developed during the follow-up.

The Efficacy of CPAP in Neonates with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be more beneficial compared to endotracheal intubation (ETI). We evaluated the efficacy of CPAP in neonates with MAS. METHODS: Four engines were used to search randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We used relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) to assess the effect on dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively. In addition, we used the Paule-Mandel (PM) random effects model due to the anticipated lack of events. RESULTS: Three RCTs were included (n = 432). No significant difference was found in mortality (RR = 0.82; 95%CI = 0.54-1.25; I2 = 71%; p = 0.36), need for ventilation (RR = 0.49; 95%CI = 0.15-1.56; I2 = 71%; p = 0.57), and incidence of pneumothorax (RR = 1.24; 95%CI = 0.30-5.12; I2 = 0%; p = 0.77) in the CPAP group compared to the ETI group. Regarding secondary outcomes, compared to the ETI group, no significant differences were found in APGAR at one minute (MD = -1.01; 95%CI -2.97 to 0.94; I2 = 98%; p = 0.31), APGAR at 5 min (MD = -1.00; 95%CI = -2.96 to 0.95; I2 = 99%; p = 0.32), days of hospitalization (MD = -0.52; 95%CI = -1.46 to 0.42; I2 = 94%; p = 0.28), and cord pH (MD = 0.003; 95%CI = -0.01 to 0.02; I2 = 0%; p = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with MAS, there is no significant effect of CPAP use compared to ETI on primary, specifically on mortality, need for ventilation, the incidence of pneumothorax, and secondary outcomes.

Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis in a Post-COVID-19 Patient from Peru.

Mucormycosis has been reported increasingly in patients affected by COVID-19, especially in India where the first cases were described. In Latin America, there is limited information about this association, mainly coming from Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. Herein, we report the case of a 66-year-old female that presented with rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, and COVID-19. The patient had the compromise of all the sinuses, orbital invasion, and intracranial extension. Isavuconazole was promptly initiated because amphotericin B was not available. She had a single open surgical debridement of necrotic tissues at the beginning of the diagnosis then multiple manual sessions to clear the residual or recurrent disease during approximately 5 months. Isavuconazole was effective and well-tolerated for 10 months without side effects. We highlight the importance of considering mucormycosis in post-COVID-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes. The report emphasizes the favorable outcome of isavuconazole as an alternative therapy.

Apendicitis aguda en malrotación intestinal. Reporte de caso / Acute Appendicitis In Intestinal Malrotation. Case Report

La malrotación intestinal es una anormalidad congénita de la rotación embriológica del intestino, se estima que más del 90% de pacientes con malrotación intestinal se presentará en los primeros 12 meses de vida. La presentación clínica en adultos se manifiesta de forma progresiva que ocurre generalmente durante el periodo postprandial, presentándose: vómitos intermitentes, dolor abdominal, pérdida de peso, diarrea crónica, peritonitis, intolerancia alimentaria, entre otros. El tratamiento dependerá de la presentación, ya sea aguda o crónica, requiriendo laparotomía de emergencia para determinar la causa. Se presenta un caso de abdomen agudo quirúrgico por apendicitis aguda en una paciente mujer de 27 años con malrotación intestinal, con presentación clínica inicial de dolor abdominal intenso, diarrea, puño percusión lumbar positiva, que finalmente llegó a una resolución adecuada y un buen pronóstico.

Intestinal malrotation is a congenital abnormality of the embryological rotation of the intestine, it is estimated that more than 90% of patients with intestinal malrotation will be presented in the first 12 months of life. The clinical presentation in adults is manifested in a progressive way that usually occurs during the postprandial period, presenting: intermittent vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, peritonitis, food intolerance, among Another. Treatment will depend on presentation, either acute or chronic, requiring emergency laparotomy to determine the cause. There is a case of acute surgical abdomen for acute appendicitis in a 27-year-old patient with intestinal malrotation, with initial clinical presentation of severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, positive lumbar percussion fist, which finally reached a Proper resolution and a good prognosis.

Enhancement of Immune Responses by Guanosine-Based Particles in DNA Plasmid Formulations against Infectious Diseases.

Immunogenicity of DNA vaccines can be efficiently improved by adding adjuvants into their formulations. In this regard, the application of nano- and microparticles as vaccines adjuvants, or delivery systems, provides a powerful tool in designing modern vaccines. In the present study, we examined the role of "Supramolecular Hacky Sacks" (SHS) particles, made via the hierarchical self-assembly of a guanosine derivative, as a novel immunomodulator for DNA plasmid preparations. These plasmids code for the proteins HIV-1 Gag (pGag), the wild-type vaccinia virus Western Reserve A27 (pA27L), or a codon-optimized version of the latter (pOD1A27Lopt), which is also linked to the sequence of the outer domain-1 (OD1) from HIV-1 gp120 protein. We evaluated the enhancement of the immune responses generated by our DNA plasmid formulations in a murine model through ELISpot and ELISA assays. The SHS particles increased the frequencies of IFN-γ-producing cells in mice independently immunized with pGag and pA27L plasmids. Moreover, the addition of SHS to pGag and pA27L DNA plasmid formulations enhanced the production of IFN-γ (Th1-type) over IL-4 (Th2-type) cellular immune responses. Furthermore, pGag and pA27L plasmids formulated with SHS, triggered the production of antigen-specific IgG in mice, especially the IgG2a isotype. However, no improvement of either of those adaptive immune responses was observed in mice receiving pOD1A27Lopt+SHS. Here, we demonstrated that SHS particles have the ability to improve both arms of adaptive immunity of plasmid coding "wild-type" antigens without additional strategies to boost their immunogenicity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of SHS guanosine-based particles as DNA plasmid adjuvants.

Pseudopoliposis colónica en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Colonic pseudopolyposis in inflammatory bowel disease

No disponible

Multiple cag genotypes of Helicobacter pylori isolates colonize the oesophagus in individual hosts in a Venezuelan population.

PURPOSE: Multiple Helicobacter pylori strains colonize and coexist in the stomach of one single patient, carrying heterogeneous distributions of cag genotypes. The oesophagus provides a niche for H. pylori colonization; however, little is known about its adaptive role. METHODOLOGY: Using PCR for cagA, cagE and virB11 genes from cag-pathogenicity island (PAI) and Etest for antimicrobial susceptibility test, we determined cag-PAI genotypes associated with H. pylori virulence, when positive cultures were matching in both the stomach and the oesophagus (96 isolates; 8 out of 80 dyspeptic patients). RESULTS: The stomach showed complete cag-PAI islands in 77 % of the isolates, whereas the oesophagus showed complete cag-PAI islands only in 44 % of the isolates. Expression of CagA and interleukin 8 correlated with inflammatory processes and histopathological changes in the stomach, but not in the oesophagus. Different cag-PAI profiles were found in both mucosae of an individual host, and at least one oesophagus profile corresponded to one profile identified in stomach. The antibiotic resistance profiles showed variability in the colonization by single or mixed H. pylori isolates in the gastric and oesophageal mucosa both intra- and inter-individuals. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate colonization with multiple H. pylori isolates in the oesophageal mucosa, like those found in the stomach of individual hosts. H. pylori was characterized by a dominant partial island, low interleukin 8 induction with lower histopathological damage and lower antibiotic resistance, suggesting that the microenvironmental changes in individual hosts select less virulent isolates in the oesophagus than in the stomach. New approaches to ensure effective eradication therapy in multi-resistant H. pylori strains must be developed.

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Rural and Urban Dyspeptic Patients from Venezuela.

The goal of this work was to assess the Helicobacter pylori prevalence in a rural mestizo population and compare it to an urban population from Venezuela. The study was performed in gastric juice samples of 71 dyspeptic patients from Caracas (urban) and 39 from Tucupita (rural), in the Orinoco Delta region. Helicobacter pylori was detected by amplification of 16S rRNA, glmM, and ureA genes in 55.0% patients from urban and 87.2% from rural populations. cagA was found positive in 51% and 62% urban and rural patients, respectively. Non-H. pylori Helicobacter species were not detected in the urban population, but was found in 7.7% of patients in the rural study site. Frequency values of the 16S rRNA, glmM, and ureA genes were higher in the rural population. The odds ratio for each gene was 15.18 for 16S rRNA, 2.34 for glmM, 2.89 for ureA, and 1.53 cagA, showing significant differences except for cagA when gene frequency was compared in both populations. These results demonstrate a higher frequency of H. pylori and gastric non-H. pylori Helicobacter infection in a rural mestizo population with low hygienic standards as compared with city dwellers, representing a potential risk for the development of gastroduodenal diseases.

Heterogeneity of cag genotypes of Helicobacter pylori in the esophageal mucosa of dyspeptic patients and its relation to histopathological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the esophageal mucosa of dyspeptic Venezuelan patients has been reported. We aimed to assess the genetic composition of the cag genotypes of H. pylori and its relation to histopathological outcomes in the gastroesophageal mucosa. METHODS: The presence of cagA, cagE, and virB11 cag pathogenicity island (PAI) genes was detected by PCR in 80 of 150 H. pylori-positive dyspeptic patients in both mucosae. Alterations of the gastroesophageal mucosa were assessed by histological techniques. RESULTS: The frequency of intact, partial, and deleted cag-PAI genes in the stomach of dyspeptic patients was found to be 57.5%, 21.3%, and 21.3%, respectively, whereas in the esophagus, frequencies were 33.8%, 33.8%, and 32.5% respectively. The genetic composition in the stomach was 57.5% cagA-positive, 20.0% cagA-negative, 75.0% cagE, and 77.5% virB11, whereas in the esophagus the distribution was 36.3% cagA-positive, 30.0% cagA-negative, 61.3% cagE, and 63.8% virB11. The gene with the largest difference between the two mucosae was cagA, with 58.8% in the stomach and 37.5% in the esophagus; cagE and virB11 were less variable. The correlation among single and/or mixed cag genotypes with histopathological outcomes in both mucosae from the same patient was higher for intact single cag-PAI genotypes, showing severe alterations. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori may coexist in similar proportions without dominance of one cag genotype, suggesting a heterogeneous distribution in the esophagus. The cagE and virB11 genes can be used as markers of cag-PAI in the esophagus. The single cag-PAI genotype in both mucosae confers an increased risk of developing histological damage.

[Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection by PCR in gastric juice and gastroesophageal biopsies from dyspeptic patients]. / Diagnóstico de la infección por Helicobacter pylori por PCR en jugo gástrico y biopsias gastroesofágicas de pacientes dispéptícos.

Helicobacter pylori is the main bacterial agent implicated in human gastroduodenal inflammatory pathologies; being one of the most common bacterial pathogens, with a high prevalence in Venezuela. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection is performed primarily in gastric biopsies through PCR; however, string-absorbed gastric juice and esophageal biopsies could be also used as alternative specimens to determine the infection. In this study the H. pylori infection was assessed in different specimens of the upper tract digestive of dyspeptic patients, though the detection by PCR of essential genes (glmM and ureA) and genes encoding virulence factors (cagA). Of 104 patients studied, H. pylori was found in 53.8, 69,2 and 58,7% of gastric juice, and gastric and esophageal biopsies, respectively; with predominance of the strains type I (cagA+) in juice and gastric biopsies, and strains type II (cagA-) in esophageal biopsies. The detection of H. pylori in gastric juice and esophageal biopsies showed high sensitivity and specificity, in comparison with the detection in gastric biopsies, suggesting that both types of specimens may be used efficiently for a secure diagnosis of H. pylori infection.

Características de los pacientes adultos con influenza A (H1N1) hospitalizados en un servicio de emergencia de un hospital nacional, en 2009 / Characteristics of adult patients with influenza A (H1N1) infection admitted to the emergency room in a national hospital, in 2009

Objetivo. Determinar las características clínicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico de influenza A (H1N1). Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en los pacientes hospitalizados con sospecha de infección por influenza A (H1N1) en el Servicio de Emergencia del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia (HNCH) de Lima, de mayo a agosto de 2009. La información se tomó de las historias clínicas de los pacientes a su ingreso y se incluyó a pacientes mayores de 14 años con RT-PCR (reacción en cadena de polimerasa en tiempo real) por hisopado nasofaríngeo positivos para influenza A (H1N1). Resultados. De 92 pacientes hospitalizados por sospecha de infección por influenza A (H1N1), 62 fueron positivos. De estos, 40 pacientes fueron varones, la edad promedio fue 35,29 más menos 16,8 años, el tiempo promedio de enfermedad y de hospitalización fueron 5,8 más menos 3,8 y 7,7 más menos 5,7 días, respectivamente. Las principales condiciones médicas asociadas fueron asma, obesidad y gestación. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron fiebre, tos y disnea; asimismo, se halló linfopenia, trombocitosis y aumento de la actividad sérica de lactato deshidrogenasa (DHL). En la radiografía de tórax, el patrón intersticial fue predominante. Sesenta y un pacientes recibieron oseltamivir y cobertura antibiótica; nueve pacientes desarrollaron síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA), de los cuales cinco fallecieron. Conclusión. Influenza A (H1N1) se presentó con más frecuencia en pacientes adultos jóvenes, con asma como condición médica asociada y un patrón intersticial en la radiografía del tórax.

Objective. To determine the clinical characteristics of patients with Influenza A (H1N1) infection admitted to a general hospital. Methods. A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out in patients with suspected Influenza A (H1N1) infection admitted to the emergency room (ER) in Cayetano Heredia National Hospital, Lima, from May to August 2009. A review of clinical records of these patients more and equal than 14 year-old and with a positive nasopharyngeal swabs (rRT)-PCR for influenza A (H1N1) virus was done. Results. A total of 92 patients were hospitalized. Among them, 62 had a positive (rRT)-PCR. Forty patients were male and mean age was 35,2 more less 16,8 year-old. Mean time of illness and hospital stay were 5,8 more less 3,8 and 7,7 more less 5,7 days, respectively. The main associated clinical conditions were asthma, obesity and pregnancy. The most common symptoms were fever, cough and dyspnea. Lymphopenia, thrombocytosis and increased serum activity of LDH were founded. On chest x-ray, interstitial pattern was the most common finding. All of patients received antibiotics and 61 patients were treated with oseltamivir. Nine patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were transferred to intensive care unit (ICU), and five of them died. Conclusion. Influenza A (H1N1) infection was common in young males, with asthma as a comorbid condition, and an interstitial pattern on chest film.

Presencia de bacterias en el estómago de perros domésticos / Presence of bacteria in the stomach of domestic dogs

Una variedad de helicobacterias no-Helicobacter pylori(NHPH, por sus siglas en inglés) pueden infectar el estómago de animales domésticos, como perros, gatos y cerdos; sin embargo, el papel que juegan estas especies bacterianas en las enfermedades gastrointestinales no se conoce con exactitud. La mayoría de las especies bacterianas gástricas son difíciles de cultivar y su identificación depende principalmente de análisis filogenéticos para discriminar entre las mismas especies gástricas. Los resultados de un estudio reciente han revelado la presencia de ADN de NHPH en la mucosa gástrica de perros domésticos de Venezuela, sin encontrar correlación entre la gravedad de la gastritis observada y la presencia de NHPH. A pesar de que las herramientas moleculares empleadas en este estudio no permitieron distinguir entre las especies gástricas (H. felis, H. bizzozeronii, H. salomonis, H. heilmannii s.s., H. cynogastricus y H. baculiformis) encontradas comúnmente en perros y gatos, no se descarta una posible asociación entre una especie de NHPH específica y el grado de gastritis en estos perros domésticos.

Presencia de bacterias en el estómago de perros domésticos / Presence of bacteria in the stomach of domestic dogs

Una variedad de helicobacterias no-Helicobacter pylori(NHPH, por sus siglas en inglés) pueden infectar el estómago de animales domésticos, como perros, gatos y cerdos; sin embargo, el papel que juegan estas especies bacterianas en las enfermedades gastrointestinales no se conoce con exactitud. La mayoría de las especies bacterianas gástricas son difíciles de cultivar y su identificación depende principalmente de análisis filogenéticos para discriminar entre las mismas especies gástricas. Los resultados de un estudio reciente han revelado la presencia de ADN de NHPH en la mucosa gástrica de perros domésticos de Venezuela, sin encontrar correlación entre la gravedad de la gastritis observada y la presencia de NHPH. A pesar de que las herramientas moleculares empleadas en este estudio no permitieron distinguir entre las especies gástricas (H. felis, H. bizzozeronii, H. salomonis, H. heilmannii s.s., H. cynogastricus y H. baculiformis) encontradas comúnmente en perros y gatos, no se descarta una posible asociación entre una especie de NHPH específica y el grado de gastritis en estos perros domésticos. (AU)

Diagnóstico de la infección por Helicobacter pylori por PCR en jugo gástrico y biopsias gastroesofágicas de pacientes dispépticos / Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection by PCR in gastric juice and gastroesophageal biopsies from dyspeptic patients

Helicobacter pylori es el principal agente bacteriano implicado en lesiones gastroduodenales inflamatorias en humanos y una de las bacterias patógenas más comunes, con una alta prevalencia en Venezuela. El diagnóstico de la infección por H. pylori se realiza frecuentemente en biopsias gástricas mediante PCR; sin embargo, el jugo gástrico y las biopsias esofágicas podrían también ser utilizadas como muestras alternativas para determinar la infección. En el presente trabajo se evalúo la infección por H. pylori en diferentes muestras del tracto digestivo superior de pacientes dispépticos, mediante la detección por PCR de genes esenciales (glmM y ureA) y de virulencia (cagA). De los 104 pacientes estudiados, H. pylori fue encontrado en 53,8; 69,2 y 58,7% de las muestras de jugo gástrico y biopsias gástricas y esofágicas, respectivamente, con una predominancia de cepas tipo I (cagA+) en jugo y biopsias gástricas y cepas tipo II (cagA-) en biopsias esofágicas. La detección de H. pylori en jugo gástrico y biopsias esofágicas mostró una alta sensibilidad y especificidad en relación a la detección en biopsias gástricas, lo cual sugiere que ambos tipos de muestras pueden ser utilizados eficazmente para un diagnóstico seguro de la infección por H. pylori.

Helicobacter pylori is the main bacterial agent implicated in human gastroduodenal inflammatory pathologies; being one of the most common bacterial pathogens, with a high prevalence in Venezuela. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection is performed primarily in gastric biopsies through PCR; however, string-absorbed gastric juice and esophageal biopsies could be also used as alternative specimens to determine the infection. In this study the H. pylori infection was assessed in different specimens of the upper tract digestive of dyspeptic patients, though the detection by PCR of essential genes (glmM and ureA) and genes encoding virulence factors (cagA). Of 104 patients studied, H. pylori was found in 53.8, 69,2 and 58,7% of gastric juice, and gastric and esophageal biopsies, respectively; with predominance of the strains type I (cagA+) in juice and gastric biopsies, and strains type II (cagA-) in esophageal biopsies. The detection of H. pylori in gastric juice and esophageal biopsies showed high sensitivity and specificity, in comparison with the detection in gastric biopsies, suggesting that both types of specimens may be used efficiently for a secure diagnosis of H. pylori infection.

High frequency of Helicobacter pylori in the esophageal mucosa of dyspeptic patients and its possible association with histopathological alterations.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori gastric colonization is known to be high in symptomatic subjects. However, only a few reports on the presence of H. pylori in the esophageal mucosa have been published. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of H. pylori in the esophagus of dyspeptic patients and its association with histopathology. METHODS: The presence of H. pylori in the gastroesophageal mucosa was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and PCR analysis of DNA extracted from gastric and esophageal biopsies of 82 symptomatic patients, using genus- and species-specific PCR primers. Alterations in the gastroesophageal mucosa were assessed by conventional histological techniques. RESULTS: H. pylori in the stomach was detected by PCR and FISH, respectively, in 61% (n=43) and 90% (n=63) of dyspeptic patients, and in the esophagus in 70% (n=44) and 73% (n=46). The prevalence of cagA-positive strains by PCR varied from 50% (n=35) in the gastric mucosa to 65% (n=41) in the esophageal mucosa. By combining the results of both methods, H. pylori was present in the gastroesophageal mucosa in 86% (n=68) of patients. The association of the presence of bacteria, including H. pylori, in the esophageal mucosa with histopathological alterations was statistically significant between microabscesses and bacteria (r=0.656, p<0.0001) and PCR detection and pseudogoblet cells (r=0.25, p<0.047). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the occurrence of H. pylori in the esophageal mucosa from dyspeptic Venezuelan patients. These results demonstrate the high prevalence of H. pylori in the esophagus, and its presence was correlated with signs of inflammation.

High prevalence of DNA from non-H. pylori helicobacters in the gastric mucosa of Venezuelan pet dogs and its histological alterations.

Non-H. pylori helicobacters (NHPH) have been demonstrated as gastric spiral-shaped bacteria in specimens obtained from dogs; however, their roles in the pathogenesis of upper gastrointestinal disease have not yet been clearly established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of NHPH DNA in the gastric mucosa of dogs and its association with histopathology. Helicobacter was detected through histopathological techniques, PCR, and FISH analysis from fundic biopsies of twenty dogs with or without signs of gastrointestinal disease. PCR and FISH were based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequences. Nineteen dogs showed mild to marked gastritis in the fundus, and only one dog had a healthy gastric mucosa. NHPH DNA was detected in 18 dogs with gastritis and one with normal gastric mucosa. However, there was no significant correlation between the presence of NHPH DNA and the degree of gastritis. These results show a high prevalence of NHPH DNA in the gastric mucosa of dogs from Venezuela. Further studies are necessary to determine a possible association between a specific NHPH species and the degree of gastritis.

High prevalence of dna from non-H. pylori helicobacters in the gastric mucosa of venezuelan pet dogs and its histological alterations / Alta prevalencia de ADN de los helicobacteres no-H. pylori en la mucosa gástrica de perros domésticos venezolanos y sus alteraciones histopatológicas

Non-H. pylori helicobacters (NHPH) have been demonstrated as gastric spiral-shaped bacteria in specimens obtained from dogs; however, their roles in the pathogenesis of upper gastrointestinal disease have not yet been clearly established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of NHPH DNA in the gastric mucosa of dogs and its association with histopathology. Helicobacter was detected through histopathological techniques, PCR, and FISH analysis from fundic biopsies of twenty dogs with or without signs of gastrointestinal disease. PCR and FISH were based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequences. Nineteen dogs showed mild to marked gastritis in the fundus, and only one dog had a healthy gastric mucosa. NHPH DNA was detected in 18 dogs with gastritis and one with normal gastric mucosa. However, there was no significant correlation between the presence of NHPH DNA and the degree of gastritis. These results show a high prevalence of NHPH DNA in the gastric mucosa of dogs from Venezuela. Further studies are necessary to determine a possible association between a specific NHPH species and the degree of gastritis.

Los helicobacteres no-H. pylori (NHPH, por sus siglas en inglés) han sido demostrados como bacterias gástricas de forma espiral; sin embargo, sus roles en la patogénesis de la enfermedad gastrointestinal superior no han sido claramente establecidos. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de ADN de los NHPH en la mucosa gástrica de perros y su asociación con histopatología. Helicobacter fue detectado a través de técnicas histopatológicas, análisis de PCR y FISH en biopsias del fundus gástrico de 20 perros con o sin signos de enfermedad gastrointestinal. La PCR y FISH se basaron en secuencias parciales del gen ARNr 16S. Diecinueve perros mostraron gastritis leve a marcada en el fundus gástrico y sólo un perro tuvo una mucosa gástrica sana. El ADN de los NHPH fue detectado en 18 perros con gastritis y uno con mucosa gástrica normal. Sin embargo, no hubo correlación significativa entre la presencia de ADN de los NHPH y el grado de gastritis. Estos resultados demuestran una alta prevalencia de ADN de los NHPH en la mucosa gástrica de perros de Venezuela. Futuros estudios son necesarios para determinar la posible asociación entre una especie específica de los HNPH y el grado de gastritis.