Diagnosis of Taeniosis in rural Venezuelan communities: Preliminary characterization of a Taenia solium specific monoclonal (VP-1) Coproantigen ELISA.

The objective of this study was to identify and treat carriers of adult Taenia solium present in two rural Venezuelan communities through examination of faecal samples by coproscopical analysis, and by the application of a polyclonal and a monoclonal (VP-1) coproantigen ELISA. Both the polyclonal and monoclonal ELISA's were negative when tested with soluble extracts of adults of Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana and Trichuris trichura. The polyclonal ELISA was positive for soluble extracts adults of T. solium and T. saginata, whereas the monoclonal ELISA, which recognizes a glycoprotein, was restricted to T. solium, and was also negative with faecal samples from five cases of T. saginata adult infections. In the first community studied, Potrero Largo (Total population: 300), of 248 faecal samples examined, 2 individuals were positive for Taenia spp eggs by coproscopical analysis and the VP-1 ELISA, and yielded T. solium adults upon purging. In contrast, when the polyclonal coproAg ELISA was applied to the same 248 faecal samples, there were a considerable number of positives. Indeed, seven patients highly positive in the polyclonal ELISA did not yield a Taenia spp upon purging and were negative in the VP-1 ELISA. In the second community studied La Yuca (Total population 560), none of the 333 individuals who donated faeces was positive for Taenia spp eggs. Many, however, were infected with a range of intestinal helminth and protozoan parasites. A total of 76 faecal samples with representative intestinal parasite were then tested in the polyclonal and VP-1 assays. Of these, many gave an unacceptable number of significant optical densities in the polyclonal coproAg ELISA. In contrast, all were negative in the VP-1 ELISA, thus providing evidence for the species specificity of the VP-1 ELISA in faecal samples. These results with the VP-1 coproAg ELISA, although preliminary, justify further validation through the testing of more faecal samples from T. solium and T. saginata adult infected individuals.

Short communication: Four cases of Taenia saginata taeniasis in urban Venezuelan communities.

We report four cases of Taenia saginata taeniasis in different urban communities of Aragua state, Venezuela. After subsequent treatment with praziquantel and a saline purge, adult tapeworms were collected from all four patients and demonstrated to be T. saginata by morphological and molecular characterization. The finding of T. saginata in four distinct and separate urban municipalities of the Aragua state indicates the pertinence of rigorous meat inspection, and the importance of establishing parasite prevalence in human and bovine Venezuelan populations.

Transmission of porcine cysticercosis in the Portuguesa state of Venezuela.

The aim of this study was to assess transmission of Taenia solium cysticercosis in Palmarito Arriba, a small village in the rural area of the Portuguesa state of Venezuela, through (1) an evaluation of T. solium transmission risk factors present in the community and (2) serological detection of the secreted metacestode HP10 antigen (HP10 Ag) and of anti-metacestode antibodies in sera from rural pigs. Risk factors associated with transmission of cysticercosis were the following: 100% (23/23) of the households lacked piped water, 87.0% (20/23) of households lacked latrines, 88.0% (100/114) of inhabitants routinely defecated in the open/air, 19.05% (12/63) of the interviewed population had observed proglottids in their stools. More significantly, 9/13 householders breeding pigs reported seeing proglottids in their stools. Of the 25 pigs available for bleeding and serological testing, 64% (16/25) were free roaming and 36% (9/25) were "backyard" animals; 28% (7/25) were seropositive for both the HP10 Ag and antibody, 20.0% (5/25) were seropositive for HP10 Ag alone, and 36.0% (9/25) were seropositive for antibody alone. Given this clear evidence of endemic porcine cysticercosis, further studies are needed to assess and control the level of porcine and human taeniasis and cysticercosis in this and neighboring communities.

Variations in the Prevalence of Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease in Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil: A Comparative Analysis between 2002 and 2014 / Variações na Prevalência dos Fatores de Risco para Doença Arterial Coronariana no Rio Grande do Sul: Uma Análise Comparativa entre 2002-2014

Abstract Background: Due to the importance of coronary artery disease (CAD), continuous investigation of the risk factors (RFs) is needed. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of RFs for CAD in cities in Rio Grande do Sul State, and compare it with that reported in a similar study conducted in the same cities in 2002. Methods: Cross-sectional study on 1,056 healthy adults, investigating the prevalence and absolute and relative frequencies of the following RFs for CAD: obesity, systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), dyslipidemias, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes mellitus, and family history, as well as age and sex. Data was collected in 19 cities, host of the Offices of the Regional Coordinators of Health, as in the 2002 study. Results: Twenty-six percent of the sample consisted of older adults and 57% were women. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was 44%, history family 50%, smoking 23%, overweight/obesity 68%, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol levels) 43%, SAH 40%, and diabetes 11%. When compared to the 2002 study, the prevalence of active smoking and sedentary behavior decreased, whereas the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity increased. Obesity is the most prevalent RF in women, and SAH the most prevalent in men. Conclusions: The prevalence of RFs for CAD in Rio Grande do Sul State remains high. Hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia are still prevalent and require major prevention programs. Smoking and physical inactivity have decreased in the state, suggesting the efficacy of related campaigns.

Resumo Fundamento: Diante da importância da doença arterial coronariana (DAC), é necessário pesquisar continuamente seus fatores de risco (FR). Objetivo: Conhecer a prevalência dos FR da DAC em cidades do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), e compará-la com a encontrada em pesquisa semelhante realizada nas mesmas cidades em 2002. Métodos: Estudo transversal de uma amostra de 1056 indivíduos adultos, em que se pesquisou a prevalência e frequências absolutas e relativas dos seguintes FR para a DAC: obesidade, hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), dislipidemias, tabagismo, sedentarismo, diabetes mellitus, e antecedentes familiares de cardiopatia isquêmica, além de idade e gênero. A coleta de dados foi realizada em 19 cidades sede das Coordenadorias Regionais de Saúde do RS, como feito em 2002. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída de 26% de idosos e 57% de mulheres. As prevalências dos FR foram de 44% de sedentarismo, 50% de antecedentes familiares, 23% de tabagismo, 68% de sobrepeso/obesidade, 43% de dislipidemia (colesterol elevado), 40% de HAS, e 11% de diabetes. Quando comparado ao estudo de 2002, verificou-se que a população de fumantes ativos e sedentários diminuiu, e a de hipertensos, dislipidêmicos e obesos aumentou. A obesidade é o FR mais prevalente em mulheres, e a HAS o mais prevalente em homens. Conclusão: A prevalência dos FR da DAC no RS continua alta. Fatores como hipertensão, obesidade, dislipidemia continuam elevados e demandam maiores programas de prevenção. O hábito de fumar e a inatividade física têm diminuído no estado, sugerindo a eficácia das campanhas relacionadas.

Variations in the Prevalence of Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease in Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil: A Comparative Analysis between 2002 and 2014.

BACKGROUND: Due to the importance of coronary artery disease (CAD), continuous investigation of the risk factors (RFs) is needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of RFs for CAD in cities in Rio Grande do Sul State, and compare it with that reported in a similar study conducted in the same cities in 2002. METHODS: Cross-sectional study on 1,056 healthy adults, investigating the prevalence and absolute and relative frequencies of the following RFs for CAD: obesity, systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), dyslipidemias, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes mellitus, and family history, as well as age and sex. Data was collected in 19 cities, host of the Offices of the Regional Coordinators of Health, as in the 2002 study. RESULTS: Twenty-six percent of the sample consisted of older adults and 57% were women. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was 44%, history family 50%, smoking 23%, overweight/obesity 68%, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol levels) 43%, SAH 40%, and diabetes 11%. When compared to the 2002 study, the prevalence of active smoking and sedentary behavior decreased, whereas the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity increased. Obesity is the most prevalent RF in women, and SAH the most prevalent in men. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of RFs for CAD in Rio Grande do Sul State remains high. Hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia are still prevalent and require major prevention programs. Smoking and physical inactivity have decreased in the state, suggesting the efficacy of related campaigns.

Infección por Hymenolepis diminuta en infante del municipio Girardot, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela / Infection by Hymenolepis diminuta in infant from the Girardot municipality, Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela

Se presenta un caso inusual de infección por Hymenolepis diminuta en infante de un año de edad residente en Maracay, estado Aragua. El hallazgo se realizó de manera fortuita por el personal del Laboratorio de Parasitosis Intestinales y Serología de Esquistosomiasis de la Dirección General de Salud Ambiental del Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud, a donde fueron remitidos ejemplares adultos del parásito eliminado de forma espontánea por el paciente. Antes de la expulsión del parásito, el paciente presentó sintomatología digestiva, fiebre y manifestaciones alérgicas. La representante del infante refirió la presencia de ratas y ratones en el jardín de la vivienda. Este caso se constituye en el primer informe de infección por H. diminuta en el estado Aragua. Se sugiere realizar investigación epidemiológica más rigurosa para determinar la prevalencia de himenolepiosis.

Presentation of an unusual case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a one-year old infant residing at Maracay, Aragua State. The finding occurred fortuitously by the staff of the Intestinal Parasites and Schistosomiasis Serology Laboratory of the General Direction of Environmental Health of the Ministerio del Poder Popular para La Salud, who received two adult forms of the parasite eliminated spontaneously by the patient. Before the expulsion of the parasite, the patient had digestive symptoms, fever and allergic reactions. The infant’s guardian referred the presence of rats and mice in the garden of the house. This case is the first report of this type of infection by H. diminuta in Aragua State. A more rigorous epidemiological investigation is suggested to determine the prevalence of himenolepiosis.

Prevalence, awareness, and control of systemic arterial hypertension in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly of systemic arterial hypertension, in the adult population of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, in addition to the public's level of awareness, hypertensive control, and associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study with random sampling from a population pool was carried out with 918 patients older than 20 years from 1999 to 2000. Systemic arterial hypertension was defined as blood pressure > or = 140/90 or current use of antihypertensive drugs. RESULTS: The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension was 33.7% (n = 309), and 49.2% of the individuals were unaware of their hypertensive condition; 10.4% knew they were hypertensive, but did not undergo treatment; 30.1% underwent antihypertensive treatment, but did not have adequate control; and 10.4% underwent antihypertensive treatment with adequate control. Based on multivariate analysis, the following variables were found to be significantly associated with the presence of systemic arterial hypertension: age (OR = 1.06), obesity (OR = 3.03), and low educational level (OR = 1.82). These same variables were associated with unawareness of the hypertensive condition: age (OR = 1.05), obesity (OR = 2.46), and low educational level (OR = 2.17). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension in the state of Rio Grande do Sul has been remained at constant levels for the past decades, and the population's level of awareness of it has improved slightly. However, the control level of systemic arterial hypertension has not increased. This study allowed the definition of a target group -- elderly, obese individuals with low educational level -- for both diagnostic campaigns and better control of blood pressure levels.

Prevalence, awareness, and control of systemic arterial hypertension in the state of Rio Grande do Sul / Prevalência, reconhecimento e controle da hipertensão arterial sistêmica no estado do Rio Grande do Sul

OBJETIVO: Descrever a prevalência dos fatores de risco das doenças cardiovasculares, em particular, a hipertensão arterial sistêmica na população adulta do RS, seu nível de reconhecimento e controle, além dos fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, de base populacional, com amostragem aleatória por conglomerado, em 918 adultos >20 anos, realizada de 1999-2000, tendo hipertensão arterial sistêmica definida como pressão arterial >140/90 ou uso atual de anti-hipertensivos. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica foi de 33,7 por cento (n=309), sendo que 49,2 por cento desconheciam ser hipertensos; 10,4 por cento tinham conhecimento de ser hipertensos, mas não seguiam o tratamento; 30,1 por cento seguiam o tratamento, mas não apresentavam controle adequado e 10,4 por cento seguiam tratamento anti-hipertensivo com bom controle. Após análise multivariada, as características associadas significativamente com a presença de hipertensão arterial sistêmica foram: idade (OR=1,06), obesidade (OR=3,03) e baixa escolaridade (OR=1,82); as mesmas características foram associadas à falta de reconhecimento da hipertensão: idade (OR=1,05), obesidade (OR=2,46) e baixa escolaridade (OR=2,17). CONCLUSAO: A prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica no RS manteve-se em níveis constantes nas últimas décadas, e seu grau de reconhecimento apresentou discreta melhora. Entretanto, o nível de controle da hipertensão arterial sistêmica não apresentou crescimento. Este estudo permitiu definir um grupo-alvo - pessoas de maior idade, obesas e de baixa escolaridade - tanto para campanhas diagnósticas, como para a obtenção de maior controle de níveis pressóricos.

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica em unidades do programa de saúde da família no estado do Rio Grande do Sul / The high blood pressure in the unities of health of the family program in Rio Grande do Sul

O objeto deste estudo foi a avaliação das equipes de programa de saúde da família (psf) com mais de um ano de atividade em junho de 2002, em municípios com 100% da população acompanhada, quanto à abordagem de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS). Foi realizado o censo de todas as equipes que preencheram estes critérios através de questionário aplicado aos enfermeiros das mesmas, desde que estivessem em atividade nas equipes há no mínimo três meses...

Prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease in the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors prevalence for coronary artery disease in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and to identify their relation with the age bracket. METHODS: We carried out an observational, cross-sectional study of 1,066 adults older than 20 years in the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul. We investigated the risk factors: familial antecedents, systemic arterial hypertension, high levels of cholesterol and glycemia, overweight/obesity, smoking and sedentary lifestyle. A standardized questionnaire completed at the patients' dwellings by health agents were used; the data were stored in an EPI-INFO software database. The results were expressed with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The sample composition was of 51.8% females. The risk factors prevalences were: 1) sedentary lifestyle 71.3%; 2) familial antecedents: 57.3%; 3) overweight/obesity (body mass index >25): 54.7%; 4) smokers: 33.9%; 5) hypertension: 31.6% (considering >140/90 mm Hg) and 14.4% (considering >160/95 mm Hg); 6) high glycemia (>126 mg/dL): 7%; 7) high cholesterol >240 mg/dL): 5.6%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the major risk factors for coronary artery disease in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul could be determined in a study that integrated public and private institutions.

Prevalência dos fatores de risco da doença arterial coronariana no estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul

OBJECTIVE - To determine the risk factors prevalence for coronary artery disease in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and to identify their relation with the age bracket. METHODS - We carried out an observational, cross-sectional study of 1,066 adults older than 20 years in the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul. We investigated the risk factors: familial antecedents, systemic arterial hypertension, high levels of cholesterol and glycemia, overweight/obesity, smoking and sedentary lifestyle. A standardized questionnaire completed at the patients' dwellings by health agents were used; the data were stored in an EPI-INFO software database. The results were expressed with a 95 percent confidence interval. RESULTS - The sample composition was of 51.8 percent females. The risk factors prevalences were: 1) sedentary lifestyle 71.3 percent; 2) familial antecedents: 57.3 percent; 3) overweight/obesity (body mass index >25): 54.7 percent; 4) smokers: 33.9 percent; 5) hypertension: 31.6 percent (considering >140/90mmHg) and 14.4 percent (considering >160/95mmHg); 6) high glycemia (>126 mg/dL): 7 percent; 7) high cholesterol >240 mg/dL): 5.6 percent. CONCLUSION - The prevalence of the major risk factors for coronary artery disease in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul could be determined in a study that integrated public and private institutions

Test de marcha en 6 minutos en niños chilenos sanos / The six minutes walking test in Chilean healthy children

El test de marcha en 6 minutos (TM6min.) es una prueba submaximal simple, objetiva y clínicamente útil que permite estimar la tolerancia al ejercicio en diversas condiciones clínicas de pacientes pediátricos. En la literatura especializada no se han publicado datos de la distancia recorrida (DR) en esta prueba de ejercicio en niños sanos. El objetivo de este estudio fue obtener datos de valores de normalidad en el rendimiento en el TM6min. en un grupo de niños chilenos sanos. Se midió a 294 niños, 158 mujeres y 136 hombres. Para efectos del estudio la muestra se dividió en 3 grupos etarios en ambos sexos: 6 a 8, 9 a 11 y 12 a 14 años, los cuales no mostraron diferencias significativas en la edad y sus características antropométricas (p > 0.05). El test se aplicó una vez en cada sujeto y se registró minuto a minuto la frecuencia cardiaca (FC) y la sensación subjetiva de fatiga (SSF). La DR promedio en mujeres fue de 652.8, 722.9 y 737.2 m para el grupo de 6-8, 9-11 y 12-14 años, respectivamente. En hombres, la DR fue de 650.1, 722.4 y 809.9 m, para el grupo de 6-8, 9-11 y 12-14 años, respectivamente. Tanto en mujeres como en hombres las diferencias de DR entre cada grupo etario son estadísticamente significativas (p < 0.01), excepto entre el grupo etario 9-11 y 12-14 en niñas. Sólo para el grupo mayor se establecieron diferencias significativas (p < 0.01) en la DR entre mujeres y hombres. Al evaluar la asociación entre DR y edad, peso y talla, solamente para DR / edad y DR / talla se encontró en los hombres una correlación alta y significativa (r = 0.70, p < 0.05). El porcentaje de uso de la frecuencia cardiaca de reserva (FCR) fue de una magnitud importante a partir del minuto 1 de ejercicio y al final de la prueba alcanzó valores de 86.3 por ciento y 83.9 por ciento para mujeres y hombres, respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos pueden servir de referencia para interpretar el rendimiento observado al aplicar el TM6min en niños con diversas disfunciones del movimiento y limitación física

Evaluación muscular isocinética del grupo flexo-extensor de rodilla / Evaluation of muscular isokinetec assessment of flexo-extensor knee group

Se presenta la aplicación de la evaluación muscular isocinética del grupo flexo-extensor de rodilla en un grupo de mujeres sedentarias. Se evalúa con un sistema de evaluación muscular isocinético Cybex Norm en tres velocidades: una velocidad lenta (60º/seg), una velocidad intermedia (180º/seg) y una velocidad rápida (270º/seg). En cada velocidad se determinó el torque máximo, el torque máximo como un porcentaje del peso corporal total y la relación entre el torque máximo del grupo fexor y el grupo extensor de rodilla. El torque generado por el grupo extensor fue mayor que el generado por el grupo flexor en todas las velocidades evaluadas (p<0,01). El torque máximo de ambos grupos musculares varió con el incremento de la velocidad angular, obteniéndose valores más altos a velocidad lenta (p<0,01). La relación entre el torque máximo de ambos grupos nos mostró variaciones estadísticamente significativas con el incremento de la velocidad angular (p>0,05)