Lipoprotein (a) is a predictor of non-achievement of LDL-C goals in patients with chronic heart disease. / Lipoproteína (a) es un factor predictor de no consecución de objetivos de C-LDL en pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica crónica.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] concentration influences serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. How it influences the achievement of LDL-C targets established in the guidelines is not well studied. Our aim was to know the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) levels in patients with coronary artery disease, and to assess its influence on the achievement of LDL-C targets. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a cardiology department in Spain. A total of 870 patients with stable coronary artery disease had their lipid profile determined, including Lp(a). Patients were stratified into 2 groups according to Lp(a)>50mg/dL and Lp(a)≤50mg/dL. The association of Lp(a)>50mg/dL with achievement of LDL-C targets was assessed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of Lp(a)>50mg/dL was 30.8%. Patients with Lp(a)>50mg/dL had higher baseline (142.30±47.54 vs. 130.47±40.75mg/dL; p=0.0001) and current (72.91±26.44 vs. 64.72±25.30mg/dL; p=0.0001), despite the fact that they were treated with more high-potency statins (77.2 vs. 70.9%; p=0.058) and more combination lipid-lowering therapy (37.7 vs. 25.7%; p=0.001). The proportion of patients achieving target LDL-C was lower in those with Lp(a)>50mg/dL. Independent predictors of having elevated Lp(a) levels>50mg/dL were the use of high-potency statins (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.08-2.14), combination lipid-lowering therapy with ezetimibe (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.45-2.73) and failure to achieve a LDL-C ≤55mg/dL (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.63-3.23). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated Lp(a) levels influence LDL-C levels and hinder the achievement of targets in patients at very high cardiovascular risk. New drugs that act directly on Lp(a) are needed in these patients.

Validation of a Latin-American Spanish version of the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA-LA) in Colombian and Nicaraguan adults.

BACKGROUND: Body dissatisfaction (BD) is a growing concern in Latin America; reliable and culturally appropriate scales are necessary to support body image research in Spanish speaking Latin American countries. We sought to validate a Latin-American Spanish version of the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA; Mendelson et al. 2001). METHODS: The BESAA was translated, culturally adapted, and validated in a sample of adults in Colombia (N = 525, 65% women, Mage 24.4, SD = 9.28). We assessed factor structure (using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and exploratory structural equation model (ESEM)), internal reliability (using Cronbach's alpha and omega), validity (using the Body Appreciation Scale BAS and Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire SATAQ), test-retest stability in a small subsample (N = 84, using Intraclass correlations ICC) and measurement invariance across gender. To evaluate the generalizability of the scale, we assessed reliability, validity, and factor structure in a second sample from rural Nicaragua (N = 102, 73% women, Mage 22.2, SD = 4.72), and assessed measurement invariance across Nicaraguan and Colombian participants. RESULTS: The scale showed good internal reliability and validity in both samples, and there was evidence of adequate test-retest stability in the Colombian sample. EFA showed a three-factor structure with subscales we labelled 'appearance-positive', 'appearance-negative' and 'weight', that was confirmed using CFA and ESEM in the Colombian sample. Measurement invariance was confirmed across the Colombian and Nicaraguan samples, and across gender within the Colombian sample. CONCLUSION: The Latin-American Spanish version of the BESAA (BESAA-LA) appears to be a psychometrically sound measure with good reliability, validity and invariance across gender and countries. These results support the use of this scale to measure body satisfaction/dissatisfaction in Latin American adult populations.

Incidence of Recurrent High-Grade Anal Dysplasia in HIV-1-Infected Men and Women Following Infrared Coagulation Ablation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This single-center, retrospective cohort study sought to estimate the cumulative incidence in HIV-1-infected patients of biopsy-proven high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HGAIN) recurrence after infrared coagulation (IRC) treatment. The study was based on data from a prospectively compiled database of 665 HIV-1-infected outpatients who attended a hospital Clinical Proctology/HIV Unit between January 2012 and December 2015. Patient records were checked to see which ones had received IRC treatment but later experienced a recurrence of HGAIN. Cytology samples were also checked for the presence of human papilloma virus (HPV). A total of 81 of the 665 patients (12%, 95%CI: 10-15%), of whom 65 were men and 16 women, were diagnosed with HGAIN and again treated with IRC. Of these 81, 20 (25%) experienced recurrent HGAIN, this incidence being true of both men (16/65, 95%CI: 19-57%) and women (4/16, 95%CI: 10-50%). The median time to recurrence was 6 (2-19) months overall, 6 (2-19) months in men, and 4 (2-6) months in women. HPV infection was detected in all patients except two, with HPV-16 being the most common genotype. This rate of incidence of recurrent HGAIN following IRC treatment is consistent with other reports and highlights the importance of continued post-treatment surveillance, particularly in the first year.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Targets in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease in Extremadura (Spain): LYNX Registry.

BACKGROUND: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) contributes decisively to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the LYNX registry we determined the rate of achievement of the target value of LDL-C, the use of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) and the predictive factors of not reaching the target in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: LYNX included consecutive patients with stable CHD treated at the University Hospital of Caceres, Extremadura (Spain) from September 2016 to September 2018, and those who must have an LDL-C target below 70 mg/dL according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2016 guidelines. The variables independently associated with the breach of the LDL-C objective were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 674 patients with stable CHD were included. The average LDL-C levels were 68.3 ± 24.5 mg/dL, with 56.7% showing a level below 70 mg/dL. LLT was used by 96.7% of patients, 71.7% were treated with high-powered statins and 30.1% with ezetimibe. The risk of not reaching the target value of LDL-C was higher in women, in active smokers, and in those who had multivessel CHD or had atrial fibrillation. Patients with diabetes mellitus, those who took potent statins or co-administration treatment with ezetimibe were more likely to reach the target level of LDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with chronic CHD remains suboptimal; however, an increasing number of very high-risk patients achieve the LDL-C objective, although there is still enormous potential to improve cardiovascular outcome through the use of more intensive LLT.

Early life history of the Caribbean coral Orbicella faveolata (Scleractinia: Merulinidae)

Introduction: Rehabilitation of hermatypic coral species that have declined in the Caribbean in recent decades is a priority. Production of sexual recruits is considered the best restoration method to aid affected populations. Objective: To gain knowledge of early life stages of Orbicella faveolata and to enhance production of new sexual recruits. Methods: Gamete bundles from the coral species O. faveolata were collected over two years (2018 and 2019) from Los Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo Natural National Park, Cartagena, Colombia. Assisted fertilization, larval rearing, settlement (onto crustose coralline algae, CCA) and post settlement survival in laboratory conditions were monitored. Results: Embryonic and larval development were documented over 55 hours after the first cleavage, when larvae were fully developed and started pre-settlement behavior. Settlement began 7 days after first cleavage and after 37 days polyps had acquired zooxanthellae. Larval settlement was higher on Lythophyllum congestum and Titanoderma prototypum than in response to Porolithon pachydermum, Neogoniolithon sp., Hydrolithon sp., and Lythophyllum sp. Larvae did not settle on dead coral or on the negative control (sterilized seawater). After the first week post settlement survival was 59 % amongst O. faveolata recruits. During the second week, survival dropped to 42 %, and was further reduced to 0 % at the end of the third week. Conclusions: O. faveolata larvae require cues from certain CCA species to settle, they do not settle in absence of CCA. Increased larvae availability is possible through assisted fertilization in the laboratory, however, due to the high mortality in early post-settlement phases, additional research needs to be conducted in order to scale up larvae production and improve understanding of the cues that enhance settlement and the factors which cause post-settlement mortality.

Introducción: La rehabilitación de las especies de corales hermatípicos del Caribe que han disminuido en las últimas décadas es una prioridad. La producción de reclutas sexuales se considera el mejor método de restauración para ayudar a las poblaciones afectadas. Objetivo: Obtener conocimiento de las primeras etapas de la vida de O. faveolata y mejorar la producción de nuevos reclutas sexuales. Métodos: Por dos años (2018 y 2019), seis días después de luna llena en septiembre, se recolectaron paquetes gaméticos en arrecifes del Parque Nacional Natural Los Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo, Cartagena, Colombia. Se siguió la fertilización asistida, la cría de larvas, el asentamiento y la supervivencia posterior al asentamiento en algas coralinas costrosas (ACC) en condiciones de laboratorio. Resultados: El desarrollo de embriones y larvas se documenta a lo largo de 55 h después del primer clivaje, cuando la larva está desarrollada completamente y comenzó el comportamiento previo al asentamiento. El asentamiento comienza 7 días después del primer clivaje y 37 días después, la mayoría de los pólipos presentan zooxantelas. El asentamiento larval fue más alto en Lythophyllum congestum y Titanoderma prototypum que en respuesta a Porolithon pachydermum, Neogoniolithon sp., Hydrolithon sp., y Lythophyllum sp. No hubo asentamiento sobre coral muerto ni en el control negativo (agua de mar esterilizada). La supervivencia bajó de un 59 % en la primera semana después del asentamiento, a 42 % durante la segunda semana y 0 % para el final de la tercera semana. Conclusiones: Las larvas de O. faveolata requieren señales de ciertas especies de ACC para asentarse, ellas no se asientan en ausencia de ACC. La disponibilidad de larvas es posible mediante la fertilización asistida en laboratorio. Sin embargo, debido a la alta mortalidad en las primeras fases posteriores al asentamiento, queda mucho por hacer para aumentar la producción de larvas y mejorar nuestro conocimiento y comprensión de las señales que mejoran el asentamiento y las que previenen o inhiben la supervivencia del recluta.

ADAR1 function affects HPV replication and is associated to recurrent human papillomavirus-induced dysplasia in HIV coinfected individuals.

Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) alters the microenvironment of keratinocytes as a mechanism to evade the immune system. A-to-I editing by ADAR1 has been reported to regulate innate immunity in response to viral infections. Here, we evaluated the role of ADAR1 in HPV infection in vitro and in vivo. Innate immune activation was characterized in human keratinocyte cell lines constitutively infected or not with HPV. ADAR1 knockdown induced an innate immune response through enhanced expression of RIG-I-like receptors (RLR) signaling cascade, over-production of type-I IFNs and pro-inflammatory cytokines. ADAR1 knockdown enhanced expression of HPV proteins, a process dependent on innate immune function as no A-to-I editing could be identified in HPV transcripts. A genetic association study was performed in a cohort of HPV/HIV infected individuals followed for a median of 6 years (range 0.1-24). We identified the low frequency haplotype AACCAT significantly associated with recurrent HPV dysplasia, suggesting a role of ADAR1 in the outcome of HPV infection in HIV+ individuals. In summary, our results suggest that ADAR1-mediated innate immune activation may influence HPV disease outcome, therefore indicating that modification of innate immune effectors regulated by ADAR1 could be a therapeutic strategy against HPV infection.

Rapid, simultaneous, and in situ authentication and quality assessment of intact bell peppers using near-infrared spectroscopy technology.

BACKGROUND: The ability of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to authenticate individual bell peppers as a function of the growing system (outdoor or greenhouse) was tested using partial least squares discriminant analysis. Bell peppers grown outdoors (130 samples) or in a greenhouse (264 samples) during the 2015 and 2016 seasons were selected for this purpose and analysed using a portable, handheld, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) instrument MicroPhazir (spectral range 1600-2400 nm), working in reflectance. Subsequently, the potential of NIR spectroscopy as a non-destructive sensor for in situ quality (dry matter and soluble solid content) measurements, was investigated. RESULTS: The models correctly classified 89.73% and 88.00% of the samples by growing system, when trained with unbalanced and balanced sets respectively, mainly due to the differences in physical-chemical attributes between bell peppers cultivated in the two growing systems. Separate classification models for bell peppers grouped by ripeness (judged by the colour), allowed the classification of 88.28-91.37% of the samples correctly. The standard error of cross-validation values for the quantitative models were 0.66% fresh weight and 0.75 °Brix for dry matter and soluble solid content, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that NIR spectroscopy can be used successfully for predicting the growing systems used in bell pepper production, which is of particular value to guarantee the authentication of outdoor-grown peppers. Additionally, the results showed that NIR spectroscopy can be used simultaneously as a rapid preliminary screening technique to measure quality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diagnóstico y epidemiología de erosión dental / Diagnosis and epidemiology of dental erosion

La erosión dental es la pérdida localizada, crónica y patológica de tejido duro dental. Ésta es causada por soluciones químicas las cuales entran en contacto con los dientes. La apariencia de los dientes erosionados es suave, sedosa y brillante, a veces mate, la superficie del esmalte tiene una ausencia de periquimatíes y esmalte intacto en el margen gingival. Se ha hipotetizado que la banda de esmalte preservado a lo largo del margen vestibular y lingual pudiera ser debido a que algunos remanentes de placa podían actuar como una barrera de difusión para los ácidos. Un diagnóstico temprano de este daño del tejido duro dental es de importancia clínica. El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar algunos aspectos básicos de erosión dental en términos de diagnóstico y epidemiología. Este documento enfatiza sobre factores de riesgo extrínsecos los cuales son discutidos con respecto a su relevancia para el desarrollo de erosión dental. Salud UIS 2011; 43 (2): 179-189.

Dental erosion is a pathologic, chronic, localized loss of dental hard tissue. It is caused by chemical solutions which come into contact with the teeth. The appearance of eroded teeth is smoothing, silky-glazed, sometimes dull, the enamel surface has an absence of perikymata and intact enamel on the gingival margin. It has been hypothesized that the preserved enamel band along the oral and facial gingival margin could be due to some plaque remnants could act as a diffusion barrier for acids. Early diagnosis of this damage of dental hard tissue is of clinical importance. The aim of this article is to show some basic aspects of dental erosion in terms of diagnosis and epidemiology. This paper emphasize on extrinsic risk factors which are discussed with respect to their relevance for the development of dental erosion. Salud UIS 2011; 43 (2): 179-189.

Efecto de medidas preventivas sobre indicadores de riesgo de caries dental

Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue comparar la efectividad de medidas preventivas basadas en riesgo de caries. Metodología: Una cohorte de 157 sujetos quienes asistieron a la Clínica Odontológica fue incluida en esta investigación clínica experimental durante 12 meses. El grupo test y control fueron aleatorizados para recibir prevención basada en no riesgo y riesgo. Al final de este estudio 63 individuos completaron todos estos procedimientos. La valoración del riesgo de caries se hizo a través del "Riesgograma". Resultados: El 100% de los niños tuvieron alto riesgo. Factores de riesgo de caries, tales como, presencia de placa dental, caries dental e ingesta de carbohidratos se presentaron de 95,2% a 100%. La prevención basada en riesgo fue más efectiva que la no basada en riesgo para controlar la incidencia de caries, sin embargo esta diferencia fue estadísticamente no significativa. Conclusiones: La prevención basada en riesgo puede ser un buen mecanismo para controlar la incidencia de caries, aunque es importante tener un mejor entendimiento de los indicadores de riesgo de caries y prevención basada en riesgo para planificar futuros tratamientos preventivos en países subdesarrollados.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of preventive measures based on dental caries risk. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 157 subjects who assisted to Clínica Odontológica was enrolled in this 12 months experimental clinical investigation. Test group and control group were randomized to receive no risk-based prevention and risk based prevention. At the end of this study 63 individuals completed all of these procedures. The caries risk assessment was done through "Riesgograma". Results: The 100% of children had a high risk. Caries risk factors, such as, presence of dental plaque, dental caries and carbohydrates intake were presented from 95.2% to 100%. The risk-based prevention was more effective than no risk-based prevention to control caries incidence, however this difference was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The risk-based prevention may be a good device to control the caries incidence, although it is relevant to have a better understanding of caries risk indicators and risk-based prevention to plan future preventive treatments in under developed countries.

Hábitos orales en niños de 6-10 años de la escuela itsin de san juan de pasto

Introducción: Los hábitos orales son acciones repetidas en la cavidad oral, algunas de ellos pueden originar parafunciones. Estos son actos conscientes que pueden pasar a actos inconscientes. Algunos de ellos son innatos del individuo, y otros adquiridos. Según algunas investigaciones, reportes, análisis estadísticos y control de variables de diferentes países, características ambientales, sociales, culturales, pueden influir en la prevalencia de hábitos orales en niños. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de hábitos orales en niños. Metodología: Se diseñó un tipo de estudio descriptivo de corte transversal donde se evaluaron 511 escolares de estrato bajo de 6 a 10 años de la Escuela ITSIN de San Juan de Pasto y se tomaron variables como edad y género. Resultados: 186 niños (36%) tuvieron hábitos orales, de estos 43% fueron niñas y 57% niños. Según edad, los hábitos orales fueron más frecuentes en niños de 8 años. Con respecto a género, la interposición lingual fue más frecuente en niñas y la onicofagia en niños. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de hábitos orales en estos niños fue menor en relación con otras comunidades, sin embargo, se recalca que estos se presentan en mayores edades en comparación con otros estudios.

Introduction: The oral habits are repeated actions in the mouth; some of them might cause parafunctions. They are also conscious acts that could become unconscious at some point. Some of them are innate in the individuals and others are acquired. According to some researches, reports, statistical analysis and variables control in different countries; environmental, social, and cultural characteristics may influence on the prevalence of oral habits in children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral habits in children at ITSIN elementary school from San Juan de Pasto, Nariño. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate 511 low-income children from 6 to 10 years old. Variables such as age and gender were used. Results: 186 children (36%) had oral habits. 43% of these were girls and 57% were boys. According to age, oral habits were more frequent in 8 year-old children. Regarding the gender, tongue thrust was more common in girls and oral habits such as onychophagia was more frequent in boys. Conclusions: The prevalence of oral habits in these children was less than in other communities; however, these habits were presented in older children in comparison to other studies.

Prevalencia de periodontitis apical crónica en dientes tratadosendodónticamente en la comunidad académica de la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Pasto, 2008 / Prevalence of chronic apical periodontitis in endodontically treated teeth in the academic community at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Pasto, 2008

Introducción: determinar la prevalencia de periodontitis apical crónica en dientes tratados endodónticamente en lacomunidad académica de la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Pasto. Métodos: se diseñó un estudio transversal, en donde se incluyeron 37 personas y 49 dientes tratados endodónticamente. Estos fueron evaluados por dos examinadores para determinar la prevalencia de periodontitis apical crónica y variables relacionadas como edad, sexo, dientes, calidad del tratamiento de conducto,caries dental, tipo y calidad de la restauración. El índice de Kappa de Cohen interexaminador fue tomado. Resultados: periodontitis apical crónica (PAC) fue evidente en 79,6% de todos los dientes con tratamiento de conducto. De estos 56,4% pertenecieron ahombres y 43,6% a mujeres. Los dientes premolares obturados tuvieron prevalencia de PAC mayor a molares. De acuerdo con el sellado de las obturaciones, solamente el 24,3% con sellado adecuado no tenía periodontitis apical. El 12,2% de los dientesobturados fueron considerados adecuados técnicamente. Dientes restaurados con resina tuvieron PAC más severa. Conclusiones: este estudio determinó que en esta población hay alta prevalencia de periodontitis apical crónica. Variables como género, tipo dediente, calidad del tratamiento de conducto, caries dental y calidad de la restauración influyen sobre la presencia de PAC.

Introduction: to determine the prevalence of chronic apical periodontitis in endodontically treated teeth in the academic community at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Pasto. Methods: a cross-sectional study was designed where a sample of 37 individuals and 49 endodontically treated teeth were included. They were screened by two examiners to determinethe prevalence of chronic apical periodontitis and related variables such as age, gender, teeth, quality of endodontic filling, dental caries, and type and quality of restoration. Inter-examiner Cohen’s Kappa index was done. Results: chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) was evident in 79.6% of all endodontic treated teeth. Of teeth with CAP, 56.4% belonged to men and 43.6% to women. Premolars had a greater prevalence of chronic apical periodontitis than molars. According to endodontic fillings seal, only 24.3% with adequate seal did not have chronic apical periodontitis. The 12.2% of the endodontically treated teeth were considered technically adequate. Teeth restored with composite had severe CAP. Conclusions: this study determined that in this population there is a high prevalence of chronic apical periodontitis. Variables such as gender, type of tooth, root filling quality, dental caries and restoration quality influence the CAP presence.