A new species of Malletia (Bivalvia, Malletiidae) and new records of deep-water bivalves from Pacific Southern Colombia.

In order to enhance the understanding of Pacific Colombia's deep-water marine fauna, a benthic research cruise (2012 TUM Offshore 6 and 7) was conducted off the coast of the Department of Nariño, in southern Colombia. Biological, oceanographic and sediment samples from the continental shelf and slope were collected at depths between 350 and 941 m. A new species of Malletia obtained on that cruise is described and compared with other species from the eastern Pacific. Sixteen species of bivalve mollusks (belonging to 12 families and 15 genera) were identified. Five of them were the first records for Pacific Colombia (Jupiterialobula, Limatulasaturna, Lucinomaheroica, Cuspidariapanamensis, and Dallicordiaalaskana). Four of them had geographic distributions that now extend to Tumaco at the southern end of Nariño.

Deep-water bivalve mollusks collected during the TALUD XV cruise off the west coast of the southern Baja California Peninsula, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: During the TALUD XV research cruise off the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, samples of macro-invertebrates obtained in the deep-sea (296-2136 m) revealed a rich fauna of bivalves (17 species belonging to 10 families). The number of species per station varied from one to five. The richest families were Nuculidae, Nuculanidae, Neilonellidae, Limidae, and Cuspidariidae. Solemyidae, Lucinidae, Poromyidae, Verticordiidae, and Pectinidae were each represented by a single species. Some species groups need a thorough revision and were tentatively identified (Nuculana cf. hamata, Limatula cf. saturna). NEW INFORMATION: Significant new distribution information is provided for two species, both recorded for the first time from off western Mexico: Ennucula panamina with an extension of its known distribution over 20° of latitude north and Jupiteria callimene with an extension of 16° 42' of latitude to the north. One species (Ennucula taeniolata) is reported in shallower depth and one in deeper water (Acesta sphoni). New records are provided for an additional nine species. Environmental and habitat conditions are given for the first time for many of the bivalve species.

Prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections among MSM from three cities in Panama.

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to conduct a biobehavioral survey among men who have sex with men (MSM) in three cities in the Republic of Panama. We estimated the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sociodemographic characteristics, and sexual risk behaviors. Among 603 MSM recruited, RDS-adjusted seroprevalences (95 % confidence intervals) were: HIV-David 6.6 % (2.2-11.4 %), Panama 29.4 % (19.7-39.7 %), and Colon 32.6 % (18.0-47.8 %); active syphilis-David 16.0 % (8.9-24.2 %), Panama 24.7 % (16.7-32.9 %), Colon 31.6 % (14.8-47.5 %); resolved HBV infection-David 10.0 % (4.8-16.8 %), Panama 29.4 % (20.0-38.3 %), and Colon 40.6 % (21.9-54.4 %); herpes simplex virus type 2-David 38.4 % (27.9-48.9 %), Panama 62.6 % (52.8-71.0 %), and Colon 72.9 % (57.4-85.8 %). At least a third of MSM in each city self-identified as heterosexual or bisexual. HIV prevalence is concentrated among MSM. Preventive interventions should focus on increasing HIV and syphilis testing, and increasing promotion of condom awareness and use.

Prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and factors associated with syphilis among female sex workers in Panama.

OBJECTIVES: Biological and behavioural surveillance of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among populations at highest risk have been used to monitor trends in prevalence and in risk behaviours. Sex work in Panama is regulated through registration with the Social Hygiene Programme, Ministry of Health. We estimated prevalence of HIV and STIs, and factors associated with active syphilis among female sex workers (FSWs). METHODS: A cross-sectional study using venue-based, time-space sampling was conducted among FSWs in Panama from 2009 to 2010. FSWs were interviewed about sociodemographic characteristics, sexual risk behaviour, health history and drug use using an anonymous structured questionnaire. Blood was collected for serological testing of HIV and other STIs. Factors associated with active syphilis were studied using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall HIV-1 prevalence of 0.7% varied by FSW category; 1.6% in 379 unregistered, and 0.2% in 620 registered FSWs. Overall prevalence (and 95% CI) of STIs were: syphilis antibody, 3.8% (2.7% to 5.2%); herpes simplex virus type 2 antibody (anti-HSV-2), 74.2% (71.4% to 76.9%); hepatitis B surface antigen, 0.6% (0.2% to 1.3%); hepatitis B core antibody, 8.7% (7.0% to 10.6%); and hepatitis C antibody, 0.2% (0.0% to 0.7%). In multivariate analysis, registration (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.35; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.74), having a history of STI (AOR=2.37; 95% CI 1.01 to 5.58), forced sex (AOR=2.47; 95% CI 1.11 to 5.48), and anti-HSV-2 (AOR=10.05; 95% CI 1.36 to 74.38) were associated with active syphilis. CONCLUSIONS: Although HIV prevalence is low among FSWs in Panama, unregistered FSWs bear a higher burden of HIV and STIs than registered FSWs. Programmes aimed at overcoming obstacles to registration, and HIV, STI and harm reduction among unregistered FSWs is warranted to prevent HIV transmission, and to improve their sexual and reproductive health.

Effects of chronic transfusions on abdominal sonographic abnormalities in children with sickle cell anemia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of chronic erythrocyte transfusions on prevalence of sonographic incidence of organ damage in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA). STUDY DESIGN: Children (N=148; mean age, 13.0 years) with SCA, receiving chronic transfusions (average, 7 years), underwent abdominal sonography at 25 institutions. After central imaging review, spleen, liver, and kidney measurements were compared with published normal values. Potential relations between ultrasound, clinical, and laboratory data were explored via analysis of variance, Student t test, and Cochran-Mantel-Haenzel tests of non-zero correlation. RESULTS: Average spleen length was similar to normal children, but over one-third had spleen volumes >300 mL, 15 had previous splenectomy for splenomegaly, and 24 had abnormal splenic echotexture. Two-thirds had hepatobiliary disease; 37 had prior cholecystectomy, 46 had gallstones, and 16 had gallbladder sludge. Gallbladder disease correlated with older age (P=.002), longer liver length (P<.001), longer duration of transfusions (P=.034), and higher total bilirubin (P<.001). Liver (P<.001) and renal lengths (P≤.005) were larger than published norms. CONCLUSIONS: In children with SCA, long-term transfusion therapy may not prevent development or progression of abdominal organ dysfunction.