Field-based molecular detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in critically endangered Atelopus toads and aquatic habitats in Ecuador.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a lethal fungal species that parasitizes vertebrates and is associated with the worldwide decline of amphibian populations. The development of sensitive, rapid detection methods, particularly DNA-based techniques, is critical for effective management strategies. This study evaluates the efficacy of DNA extraction and a portable PCR device in a mountable field laboratory setup for detecting Bd near the habitats of three critically endangered Atelopus toad species in Ecuador. We collected skin swabs from Atelopus balios, A. nanay, and A. bomolochos, and environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from streams in Andean and coastal regions of Ecuador. For eDNA, a comparison was made with duplicates of the samples that were processed in the field and in a standard university laboratory. Our findings revealed Bd detection in eDNA and swabs from 6 of 12 water samples and 10 of 12 amphibian swab samples. The eDNA results obtained in the field laboratory were concordant with those obtained under campus laboratory conditions. These findings highlight the potential of field DNA-based monitoring techniques for detecting Bd in amphibian populations and their aquatic habitats, particularly in remote areas. Furthermore, this research aligns with the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Ecuadorian Amphibians and contributes to the global effort to control this invasive and deadly fungus.

Dietary Consumption of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Panama: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The macular pigments of the eye increase with a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which are phytochemicals and important for visual health. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the dietary consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin in adults working at the Universidad de Panamá (University of Panama), Panama City. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study with 164 subjects including both men and women >18 y of age and employed at the University of Panama, Panama City, Panama. The data collection was carried out between May and September 2017. A semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was applied with 43 foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which included eggs as the only source of animal protein, 23 vegetables, 15 fruits, and 4 foods prepared with corn as an ingredient. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age was 45.7 ± 12.7 y (72% women). The mean ± SD and median (IQR) lutein consumption were 2.063 ± 2.334 mg/d and 1.512 (1.385) mg/d, respectively; and for zeaxanthin these were 0.858 ± 0.866 mg/d and 0.550 (0.819) mg/d, respectively. The food products that contributed the most dietary lutein and zeaxanthin were tomatoes, corn tortilla, and egg yolk. CONCLUSION: The consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin is low among people working at the University of Panama, and this is not associated with sociodemographic variables.

Factores de riesgo de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en adultos mayores. Hospital Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo / Risk factors of intrahospital mortality in elderly adults. Hospital Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo

Introducción: Con el continuo envejecimiento de la población se hace cada vez más importante poder determinar los factores de riesgo de mortalidad que afectan a los adultos mayores. Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo para la mortalidad intrahospitalaria de adultos mayores en el Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo, 2012. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio analítico de casos y controles. Los datos se recogieron manualmente de las historias clínicas y se vaciaron en una ficha de recolección de datos. Posteriormente fueron analizados a través de la prueba chi cuadrado, asumiendo un nivel se significancia de 0.05, los que resultaron estadísticamente significativos (p<0,05) fueron analizados nuevamente con OR. Resultados: Se encontraron como factores de riesgo: al diagnóstico principal de enfermedades infecciosas (OR = 3,348; IC99% = 1,554 ­ 7,210; p = 0,007), a la Neumonía Intrahospitalaria (OR = 10,545; IC99% = 2,797 ­ 39,757; p = 0,006), a la Arritmia Cardiaca (OR = 2,929; IC95% = 1,066 ­ 8,044; p = 0,032), en un hemograma de ingreso a los leucocitos ≥ 10 000/uL (OR = 2,480, IC95% = 1,193 ­ 5,158, p = 0,040), abastonados ≥ 4% (OR = 2,558; IC95%= 1,193 ­ 5,158; p= 0,016), segmentados ≥ 70 % (OR = 3,378; IC95% = 1,181 ­ 5,538; p = 0,008) y plaquetas < 150 000 (OR = 2,269; IC95% = 1,033 ­ 4,984; p = 0,039). Conclusiones: Los factores de riesgo de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en adultos mayores en el Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo, durante el año 2012, están representados por los factores hospitalarios.

Introduction: With the continued aging of the population, becomes increasingly important to determine the risk factors of mortality that affect elderly adults. Objective: To identify risk factors for hospital mortality of elderly people in Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo Hospital, 2012. Material and Methods: It was make an analytical case-control study. The data was manually collected from the medical histories and emptied in a data collection sheet. Then, they were analyzed by chi square test, assuming a significance level of 0.05, which were statistically significant (p <0.05) were analyzed again with OR. Results: There were found as risk factors: the primary diagnosis of infectious diseases (OR = 3.348; 99% CI = 1.554 to 7.210; p = 0.007), Nosocomial Pneumonia (OR = 10,545; 99% CI = 2.797 to 39.757; p = 0.006), Cardiac Arrhythmia (OR = 2,929; IC95% = 1,066 ­ 8,044; p = 0,032),in an complete blood count, leukocytes ≥ 10,000 / uL(OR = 2.480, 95% CI = 1.193 to 5.158, p = 0.040), band neutrophils ≥ 4% (OR = 2.558; 95% CI = 1.193 to 5.158; p = 0.016), segmented neutrophils ≥ 70% (OR = 3.378; 95% CI = 1.181 to 5.538; p = 0.008) and platelets <150,000 (OR = 2.269; 95% CI = 1.033 to 4.984; p = 0.039). Conclusions: The risk factors for mortality in elderly adults hospitalized in The Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo's National Hospital, during 2012, are represented by the hospital factors.

Perfil clínico, epidemiológico y radiológico de la neumonía en el adulto mayor. Servicio de Geriatría del Hospital Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo, julio 2010-julio 2011 / Clinical, epidemiological and radiological profile of pneumonia in the elderly. Geriatrics Department of Hospital Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo, July 2010-July 2011

Objetivo: Describir el perfil clínico, epidemiológico y radiológico de la neumonía en el adulto mayor. Servicio de Geriatría del Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo, Julio 2010 ­ Julio 2011. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal, se evaluaron 56 historias clínicas de los pacientes adultos mayores con diagnóstico de neumonía en el periodo Julio 2010 ­ Julio 2011. Resultados: población de pacientes mayormente de sexo femenino (73,2%) y un grupo etáreo de 86 a 90 años (41,1%), la mayoría con infrapeso (62,5%) y dependencia física (69,6%).La forma de atención principalmente fue como ingreso referido (55,4%) y lugar de ingreso por emergencia (78,6%). En el perfil clínico, la comorbilidad respiratoria más importante fue EPOC (26,79%) y la HTA (62,5%). La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad fue la más frecuente con 73% de los casos, siendo la forma severa la predominante (66,1%). Los signos y síntomas más frecuentes fueron fiebre (94,75%), tos (94,64%) y expectoración (83,93%). Radiológicamente, se muestra predominio del patrón alveolar y de extensión bilateral (ambos con 48,21%). Conclusiones: Los adultos mayores con neumonía son de mayor frecuencia de procedencia de Chiclayo, sexo femenino, 86 a 90 años, con infrapeso, dependencia física y no presentan vacunación contra Influenza ni contra Neumococo, referido por emergencia, comorbilidad respiratoria de EPOC y no respiratoria de hipertensión arterial. La fiebre, tos, expectoración fueron los signos y síntomas más frecuentes y radiológicamente predominio del patrón alveolar y extensión bilateral.(AU)