Significados y prácticas de salud como ausencia de enfermedad en universitarios / Significados e práticas de saúde como ausência de adoecimento em universitários / Meanings and practices of health as absenceof disease in university students

Introducción: Los jóvenes universitarios están expuestos acambios y transiciones que marcarán su salud en la adultez.Sus decisiones se traducen en comportamientos que puedenser saludables o no, y dependen del significado de saludque se construye de conocimientos adquiridos, tradicioneso costumbres culturales.Objetivo: Comprender la influencia que tiene la culturauniversitaria en la construcción del significado y prácticasde salud en estudiantes de pregrado de una sede, en unauniversidad privada en Colombia.Metodología: Estudio cualitativo, tipo etnografía. Participaron15 estudiantes, 11 profesores y profesionales de BienestarUniversitario. Se aplicó una entrevista semiestructuradavirtual, se procesaron los datos, y se sometieron a auditoría.Resultados: El significado de salud responde a una perspectivaindividual y biopsicosocial; existe una fuerte influencia delentorno cercano y universitario en la significación y lasprácticas de salud. Los hallazgos tienen similitud con otrosestudios del ámbito internacional.Conclusiones: Se logró comprender la alta importanciaque se da a la salud, entendiéndola principalmente comoausencia de enfermedad, reflejada en creencias, valores yprácticas. Se proponen unos retos, necesarios enfrentar, parahacer a las universidades promotoras del concepto amplioy renovado de la salud.(AU)

Introduction: Young university students are exposedto changes and transitions that will influence theirhealth in adulthood. Their decisions translate intobehaviors that may or may not be healthy and aredependent on their meaning of health that is built uponacquired knowledge, traditions, or cultural customs.The objective of this study is to understand howuniversity cul-ture influences undergraduate studentsin establishing health practices and the meaning ofhealth at a private university in Colombia.Methodology: In this ethnographic, qualitative study, 15students, 11 professors, and UW (University Wellfare)professionals were included. A virtual semi-structuredinterview was used and data were coded and audited.Results: The results show the meaning of health dependson individual and biopsychosocial perspectives; thereis a strong influence of the immediate environment,such as family and university on the meaning andpractices of health. The findings are similar to otherinternational studies.Conclusions: It was possible to understand the highimportance given to health, which is mainly under-stood as the absence of disease, reflected in beliefs,values and practices. Some necessary challenges areproposed to be faced to make universities promotersof the broad and renewed concept of health.(AU)

Introdução: Jovens universitários estão expostos amudanças e transições que influenciarão sua saúdena vida adulta. Suas decisões se traduzem emcomportamentos que podem ou não ser saudáveise dependem de seu significado de saúde construídoa partir de conhecimentos adquiridos, tradições oucostumes culturais.Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é compreender comoa cultura universitária influencia os estudantes degraduação no estabelecimento de práticas de saúde eo significado de saúde em uma universidade privadana Colômbia.Metodologia: Neste estudo etnográfico, qualitativo,foram incluídos 15 alunos, 11 professores e profissionaisda UW (University Wellfare). Foi utilizada umaentrevista virtual semiestruturada e os dados foramcodificados e auditados.Resultados: Os resultados mostram que o significadode saúde depende de perspectivas individuais ebiopsicossociais; há forte influência do ambienteimediato e universitário no significado e nas práticasde saúde. Os resultados são semelhantes a outrosestudos internacionais.Conclusões: Foi possível compreender a elevadaimportância dada à saúde, entendendo-a principalmentecomo ausência de doença, refletida em crenças, valorese práticas. Propõem-se alguns desafios necessáriosa serem enfrentados para tornar as universidadespromotoras do conceito amplo e renovado de saúde.(AU)

Taxanes for the treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy: an international cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The addition of taxanes to anthracycline-based chemotherapy is considered standard of care in the treatment of breast cancer. However, there are insufficient data regarding the safety of taxanes during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of obstetric and neonatal adverse events associated with the use of taxane-containing chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy. METHODS: This is a multicenter, international cohort study of breast cancer patients treated with taxanes during pregnancy. A descriptive analysis was undertaken to synthetize available data. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were included, most of whom were treated with paclitaxel and anthracyclines given in sequence during gestation (90.1%). The median gestational age at taxane initiation was 28 weeks (range = 12-37 weeks). Grade 3-4 adverse events were reported in 7 of 103 (6.8%) patients. The most common reported obstetric complications were intrauterine growth restriction (n = 8 of 94, 8.5%) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (n = 5 of 94, 5.3%). The live birth rate was 92 of 94 (97.9%), and the median gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks (range = 32-40 weeks). Admission to an intensive care unit was reported in 14 of 88 (15.9%) neonates, and 17 of 70 (24.3%) live births resulted in small for gestational age neonates. Congenital malformations were reported in 2 of 93 (2.2%). CONCLUSION: Obstetric and neonatal outcomes after taxane exposure during pregnancy were generally favorable and did not seem to differ from those reported in the literature with standard anthracycline-based regimens. This study supports the use of taxanes during gestation when clinically indicated.

Serum levels of anti-inflammatory/proinflammatory adipocytokines, and copper levels in overweight and obese women in an adult Mexican population.

BACKGROUND: An imbalance between adipokines and micronutrient concentrations, such as those of copper (Cu), has been linked to dysregulation of energy homeostasis leading to weight gain and the development of other comorbidities; however, information on this issue remains limited. Our aim was to investigate the correlation between Cu status and serum adipokine levels and their relationship in normal-weight, overweight, and obese adult women. METHODS: Sixty patients were evaluated and classified according to their body mass index (BMI) and biochemical parameters; adipokines and Cu were measured at fasting. RESULTS: Leptin (Lep) and resistin (Res) levels were elevated, whereas adiponectin (Adpn) and ghrelin (Ghr) values were decreased in overweight and obese women (p = 0.001). The mean Adpn/Lep ratio was <0.5 in overweight and obese subjects, while the Lep/Ghr ratio increased significantly in relation to weight gain, suggesting an inverse link between the ratios of these hormones in the regulation of obesity. The analysis revealed a positive association between BMI and Cu levels in obese women. Moreover, a negative association between Cu and Res in normal-weight subjects was found. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating fasting Res levels are negatively associated with serum Cu concentration in normal-weight adult women. We also observed a close relationship between Adpn/Lep and Lep/Ghr ratios with obesity. However, more observational studies are required to confirm these results in future research.

ROP16-mediated activation of STAT6 enhances cyst development of type III Toxoplasma gondii in neurons.

Toxoplasma gondii establishes a long-lived latent infection in the central nervous system (CNS) of its hosts. Reactivation in immunocompromised individuals can lead to life threatening disease. Latent infection is driven by the ability of the parasite to convert from the acute-stage tachyzoite to the latent-stage bradyzoite which resides in long-lived intracellular cysts. While much work has focused on the parasitic factors that drive cyst development, the host factors that influence encystment are not well defined. Here we show that a polymorphic secreted parasite kinase (ROP16), that phosphorylates host cell proteins, mediates efficient encystment of T. gondii in a stress-induced model of encystment and primary neuronal cell cultures (PNCs) in a strain-specific manner. Using short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdowns in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and PNCs from transgenic mice, we determined that ROP16's cyst enhancing abilities are mediated, in part, by phosphorylation-and therefore activation-of the host cell transcription factor STAT6. To test the role of STAT6 in vivo, we infected wild-type (WT) and STAT6KO mice, finding that, compared to WT mice, STAT6KO mice have a decrease in CNS cyst burden but not overall parasite burden or dissemination to the CNS. Finally, we found a similar ROP16-dependent encystment defect in human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Together, these findings identify a host cell factor (STAT6) that T. gondii manipulates in a strain-specific manner to generate a favorable encystment environment.

Embarazo en la adolescencia: diseño y validación de un instrumento para medir el trabajo intersectorial / Pregnancy in adolescence: design and validation of an instrument for measuring intersectoral work / Gravidez na adolescência: desenho e validação dum instrumento para medir o trabalho intersetorial

Resumen El trabajo intersectorial en la promoción de la salud es ampliamente reconocido; sin embargo, la literatura consultada evidenció ausencia de instrumentos válidos y confiables en esta área. Objetivo: diseñar y validar un instrumento para medir el trabajo intersectorial en funcionarios públicos que participaron en una Estrategia Nacional de Prevención del Embarazo en la Adolescencia (EPEA). Metodología: 1. Diseño del instrumento a partir de revisión de literatura, antecedentes de trabajo intersectorial en Colombia y experiencia del equipo investigador; 2. Validación facial para medir precisión, pertinencia, claridad y comprensión de los ítems con muestra por conveniencia de 12 personas; 3. Validación del constructo mediante modelo Rasch, sobre muestra de 132 funcionarios públicos. Resultados: el instrumento final conformado por 21 ítems, presentó buenas propiedades de validez facial y de constructo. La consistencia interna fue de 0,92; en el análisis Rasch se excluyeron personas e ítems que no se ajustaron al modelo, logrando correlaciones positivas entre ítems y medidas mayores a 0,47, unidimensionalidad con una varianza explicada por las medidas de 44,6 %; la varianza explicada en el primer contraste de los residuales fue de 5,7 %, la separación de personas fue de 2,07 y de ítems de 4,51 y la dificultad de los ítems estuvo entre -3,14 y 3,69 lógitos. Ninguno de los ítems presentó funcionamiento diferencial. Conclusiones: se cuenta con un instrumento válido y confiable con 21 ítems para la evaluación de competencias en trabajo intersectorial de funcionarios públicos que trabajan en prevención del embarazo en la adolescencia.

Abstract Even though intersectoral work in health promotion is widely recognized, the literature consulted showed an absence of valid and reliable instruments in this area. Objective: to design and validate an instrument to measure intersectoral work in public officials who participated in a National Strategy for the Prevention of Pregnancy in Adolescence (EPEA in Spanish). Materials and methods: 1. Design of the instrument based on a literature review, history of intersectoral work in Colombia and experience of the research team; 2. Facial validation to measure precision, relevance, clarity and understanding of the items with a convenience sample of 12 people; 3. Validation of the construct using the Rasch model, on a sample of 132 public officials. Results: The final instrument, made up of 21 Items, presented good facial and construct validity properties. The internal consistency was 0.92. In the Rasch analysis, people and items that did not fit the model were excluded, achieving positive correlations between items and linearity measures greater than 0.47 with a variance explained by the measures of 44.6%. The variance explained in the first contrast of the residuals was 5.7%, the separation of people was 2.07 and of items was 4.51 and the difficulty of the items was between -3.14 and 3.69 logits. None of the items presented differential functioning. Conclusions: there is a valid and reliable instrument with 21 items, for the evaluation of competencies in intersectoral work of public officials who work in prevention of pregnancy in adolescence.

Resumo O trabalho intersetorial na promoção da saúde é amplamente reconhecido; porém, a literatura consultada evidenciou ausência de instrumentos válidos e confiáveis nesta área. Objetivo: desenhar e validar um instrumento para medir o trabalho intersetorial em funcionários públicos que participaram em uma Estratégia Nacional de Prevenção da Gravidez na Adolescência (EPEA). Metodologia: 1. Desenho do instrumento a partir de revisão de literatura, antecedentes de trabalho intersetorial na Colômbia e experiência da equipe investigador; 2. Validação facial para medir precisão, pertinência, claridade e compreensão dos itens com amostra por conveniência de 12 pessoas; 3. Validação do constructo mediante modelo Rasch, sobre amostra de 132 funcionários públicos. Resultados: o instrumento final conformado por 21 itens, apresentou boas propriedades de validez facial e de constructo. A consistência interna foi de 0,92; na análise Rasch se excluíram pessoas e itens que não se ajustaram ao modelo, logrando correlações positivas entre itens e medidas maiores a 0,47, unidimensionalidade com uma variância explicada pelas medidas de 44,6 %; a variância explicada no primer contraste dos residuais foi de 5,7 %, a separação de pessoas foi de 2,07 e de itens de 4,51 e a dificuldade dos itens esteve entre -3,14 e 3,69 lógitos. Nenhum dos itens apresentou funcionamento diferencial. Conclusões: conta-se com um instrumento válido e confiável com 21 itens para a avaliação de competências em trabalho intersetorial de funcionários públicos que trabalham em prevenção da gravidez na adolescência.

Proteomic and Functional Analysis of the Effects of Quinoxaline Derivatives on Entamoeba histolytica.

Quinoxalines are heterocyclic compounds that contain a benzene ring and a pyrazine ring. The oxidation of both nitrogen of the pyrazine ring results in quinoxaline derivatives (QdNO), which exhibit a variety of biological properties, including antiparasitic activity. However, its activity against Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan that causes human amebiasis, is poorly understood. Recently, our group reported that various QdNOs produce morphological changes in E. histolytica trophozoites, increase reactive oxygen species, and inhibit thioredoxin reductase activity. Notably, T-001 and T-017 derivatives were among the QdNOs with the best activity. In order to contribute to the characterization of the antiamebic effect of QdNOs, in this work we analyzed the proteomic profile of E. histolytica trophozoites treated with the QdNOs T-001 and T-017, and the results were correlated with functional assays. A total number of 163 deregulated proteins were found in trophozoites treated with T-001, and 131 in those treated with T-017. A set of 21 overexpressed and 24 under-expressed proteins was identified, which were mainly related to cytoskeleton and intracellular traffic, nucleic acid transcription, translation and binding, and redox homeostasis. Furthermore, T-001 and T-017 modified the virulence of trophozoites, since they altered their erythrophagocytosis, migration, adhesion and cytolytic capacity. Our results show that in addition to alter reactive oxygen species, and thioredoxin reductase activity, T-001 and T-017 affect essential functions related to the actin cytoskeleton, which eventually affects E. histolytica virulence and survival.

Bioactivity of Natural Polyphenols as Antiparasitic Agents and their Biochemical Targets.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are diseases that affect public health worldwide due to their high incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Available treatments are costly, prolonged, and toxic, not to mention the problem of parasite resistance. The development of alternative treatments is justified and polyphenols show promising activity. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this mini-review was to analyze the most promising phenolic compounds with reported antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity as well as their mechanisms of action. RESULTS: We found that the mode of action of these natural compounds, mainly lignans, neolignans, and flavonoids depends on the organism they act on and includes macrophage activation, induction of morphological changes such as chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, accumulation of acidocalcisomes, and glycosomes, Golgi damage and mitochondrial dysfunction as well as negative regulation of mitochondrial enzymes and other essential enzymes for parasite survival such as arginase. This gives a wide scope for future research toward the rational development of anti-kinetoplastid drugs. CONCLUSION: Although the specific molecular targets, bioavailability, route of administration, and dosages of some of these natural compounds need to be determined, polyphenols and their combinations represent a very promising and safe strategy to be considered for use against Leishmania spp and Trypanosoma spp. In addition, these compounds may provide a scaffold for developing new, more potent, and more selective antiprotozoal agents.

Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathy in Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Treatment-resistant major depression (TRD), defined as an insufficient response to at least two antidepressant treatments, is usually treated with antidepressants, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation or combinations of these. However, the response rate is modest and, on many occasions, insufficient or nonexistent. Here, we describe the case of a 19-year-old woman with a history of TRD, treated for depression since the age of five years. Her symptoms were resistant to fluoxetine, escitalopram, atomoxetine, and psychotherapy. Individualized homeopathic treatment with Staphisagria, Nux vomica, Arsenicum album, and Lachesis trigonocephalus was started. Posology was carried out in 200CH dynamizations. Treatment was prescribed for four months. This led to an immediate improvement in mood and a sustained and gradual reduction of depressive symptoms and, consequently, a reduction and then cessation of medication with antidepressants and psychotherapy. At follow-up eight months later, the patient is free of depression and medication. This case study reconfirms the usefulness of homeopathy in the treatment of depression. It also suggests that individualized homeopathic treatment may be useful in cases of treatment-resistant depression.

Impact of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine on Nasopharyngeal Carriage Rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae in a Rural Community in the Dominican Republic.

BACKGROUND: Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) leads to thousands of pediatric deaths annually. Pneumococcal colonization precedes IPD. In 2013, the Dominican Republic introduced the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) into its routine infant immunization program, with doses at ages 2, 4, and 12 months. Prevalence of pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization was evaluated post-PCV13 introduction. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 125 children aged 2-35 months was conducted in a rural Dominican Republic community November 2016 through July 2017. Nasopharyngeal swabs and clinical and vaccination data were collected at enrollment and 4-6 months later. Serotypes included in PCV13 were defined as vaccine-type. Colonization rates and serotype distribution were compared at baseline and follow-up, and the association between colonization and vaccination status among the entire cohort was evaluated at each time point. RESULTS: Of 125 children enrolled, 118 (94%) completed follow-up. Overall and vaccine-type pneumococcal colonization rates were 62% and 25%, respectively, at baseline and 60% and 28% at follow-up. Among children age-eligible for 3 doses, 50% and 51% were fully vaccinated at baseline and follow-up, respectively. At baseline assessment, children up-to-date for age for PCV13 were less likely to be colonized with vaccine-type pneumococci than children not up-to-date, and the same was found for fully vaccinated children (3 doses) compared to those not fully vaccinated (odds ratios [ORs], 0.38 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .18-.79], and 0.14 [95% CI, .04-.45], respectively). The same associations were not found at follow-up assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Three years post -PCV13 introduction, vaccine-type colonization rates remained high. Low vaccination coverage for 3 PCV13 doses may have contributed. The protective effect of PCV13 on vaccine-type carriage suggests an increase in PCV13 coverage could lead to substantial declines in pneumococcal vaccine-type carriage.

High Prevalence of Vaccine-Type Infections Among Children with Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Effusion After 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Introduction in the Dominican Republic.

BACKGROUND: In 2013, the Dominican Republic introduced 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) using a 3-dose schedule (at 2, 4 and 12 months of age). We evaluated the impact of PCV13 on serotypes causing pneumococcal pneumonia with pleural effusion. METHODS: Surveillance data after PCV13 introduction (July 2014 to June 2016) were compared with data before PCV13 introduction (July 2009 to June 2011). Cases were defined as radiologic evidence of pneumonia with pleural effusion in a child aged <15 years. Pneumococcus was detected in pleural fluid by either culture or polymerase chain reaction, and serotyping was performed. The Ministry of Health's PCV13 uptake data for 2014-2016 were obtained. RESULTS: The prevalence of pneumococcus among cases was similar before and after PCV13 introduction (56.4% and 52.8%, respectively). The proportion of pneumococcal cases caused by vaccine serotypes was 86% for children <2 years old both before and PCV13 introduction. Compared with before PCV13, serotype 14 accounted for a smaller (28% vs 13%, respectively; P = .02) and serotype 1 for a larger (23% vs 37%; P = .09) proportion of pneumococcal cases after PCV13 introduction. National uptake for the first, second, and third PCV13 doses was 94%, 81%, and 28%, respectively, in 2014 and 75%, 61%, and 26% in 2015. DISCUSSION: While the decrease in pneumococcal pneumonia with pleural effusion caused by serotype 14 may reflect an early effect of PCV13 implementation, other vaccine serotypes, including serotype 1, are not well controlled. Better PCV13 coverage for all 3 doses is needed.

Current status of quinoxaline and quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxides derivatives as potential antiparasitic agents.

Parasitic diseases are a public health problem, especially in developing countries where millions of people are affected every year. Current treatments have several drawbacks: emerging resistance to the existing drugs, lack of efficacy, and toxic side effects. Therefore, new antiparasitic drugs are urgently needed to treat and control diseases that affect human health, such as malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, amebiasis, giardiasis schistosomiasis, and filariasis, among others. Quinoxaline is a compound containing a benzene ring and a pyrazine ring. The oxidation of both pyrazine ring nitrogens allows the obtention of quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxides (QdNOs) derivatives. By modifying the chemical structure of these compounds, it is possible to obtain a wide variety of biological properties. This review investigated the activity of quinoxaline derivatives and QdNOs against different protozoan parasites and helminths. We also cover the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and summarize the main findings related to their mechanisms of action from published works in recent years. However, further studies are needed to determine specific molecular targets. This review aims to highlight the new development of antiparasitic drugs with better pharmacological profiles than current treatments.

The direct effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on invasive pneumococcal disease in children in the Latin American and Caribbean region (SIREVA 2006-17): a multicentre, retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from patients with invasive pneumococcal disease has been subjected to laboratory-based surveillance in Latin American and Caribbean countries since 1993. Invasive pneumococcal diseases remain a major cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in children. We therefore aimed to assess the direct effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) on the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease in children younger than 5 years before and after PCV introduction. METHODS: We did a multicentre, retrospective observational study in eight countries that had introduced PCV (ie, PCV countries) in the Latin American and Caribbean region: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Cuba and Venezuela were also included as non-PCV countries. Isolate data for Streptococcus pneumoniae were obtained between 2006 and 2017 from children younger than 5 years with an invasive pneumococcal disease from local laboratories or hospitals. Species' confirmation and capsular serotyping were done by the respective national reference laboratories. Databases from the Sistema Regional de Vacunas (SIREVA) participating countries were managed and cleaned in a unified database using Microsoft Excel 2016 and the program R (version 3.6.1). Analysis involved percentage change in vaccine serotypes between pre-PCV and post-PCV periods and the annual reporting rate of invasive pneumococcal diseases per 100 000 children younger than 5 years, which was used as a population reference to calculate percentage vaccine type reduction. FINDINGS: Between 2006 and 2017, 12 269 isolates of invasive pneumococcal disease were collected from children younger than 5 years in the ten Latin American and Caribbean countries. The ten serotypes included in ten-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) decreased significantly (p<0·0001) after any PCV introduction, except for the Dominican Republic. The percentage change for the ten vaccine serotypes in PCV10 countries was -91·6% in Brazil (530 [72·9%] of 727 before, 27 [6·1%] of 441 after); -85·0% in Chile (613 [72·6%] of 844 before, 44 [10·9%] of 404] after); -84·7% in Colombia (231 [63·1%] of 366 before, 34 [9·7%] of 352 after); and -73·8% in Paraguay (127 [77·0%] of 165 before, 22 [20·2%] of 109 after). In the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) countries, the percentage change for the 13 vaccine serotypes was -59·6% in Argentina (853 [85·0%] of 1003 before, 149 [34·3%] of 434 after); -16·5% in the Dominican Republic (95 [80·5%] of 118 before, 39 [67·2%] of 58 after); -43·7% in Mexico (202 [73·2%] of 276 before, 63 [41·2%] of 153 after); and -45·9% in Uruguay (138 [80·7%] of 171 before, 38 [43·7%] of 87 after). Annual reporting rates showed a reduction from -82·5% (6·21 before vs 1·09 after per 100 000, 95% CI -61·6 to -92·0) to -94·7% (1·15 vs 0·06 per 100 000, -89·7 to -97·3) for PCV10 countries, and -58·8% (2·98 vs 1·23 per 100 000, -21·4 to -78·4) to -82·9% (7·80 vs 1·33 per 100 000, -76·9 to -87·4) for PCV13 countries. An increase in the amount of non-vaccine types was observed in the eight countries after PCV introduction together with an increase in their percentage in relation to total invasive strains in the post-PCV period. INTERPRETATION: SIREVA laboratory surveillance was able to confirm the effect of PCV vaccine on serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease in the eight PCV countries. Improved monitoring of the effect and trends in vaccine type as well as in non-vaccine type isolates is needed, as this information will be relevant for future decisions associated with new PCVs. FUNDING: None. TRANSLATIONS: For the Portuguese and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Assessment of the impact of inpatient infectious events in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia at Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Children's Hospital, Dominican Republic.

Survival rates for pediatric acute leukemia vary dramatically worldwide. Infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and the impact is amplified in low and middle-income countries. Defining the epidemiology of infection in a specific health care setting is paramount to developing effective interventions. This study aimed to define the epidemiology of and outcomes from infection in children with acute leukemia treated in a large public pediatric hospital in the Dominican Republic. A retrospective cohort was assembled of children newly diagnosed with acute leukemia between July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2017 at Hospital Infantil Dr. Robert Reid Cabral in Santo Domingo. Patients were identified from the Pediatric Oncology Network Database (PONDTM) and hospital admissions from the Oncology admissions logbook. Medical records and microbiology results were reviewed to identify all inpatient invasive infections. Distance from a child's home to the hospital was determined using ArcGIS by Esri. Infection rates were described in discrete time periods after diagnosis and risk factors for invasive infection were explored using negative binomial regression. Overall, invasive infections were common and a prominent source of death in this cohort. Rates were highest in the first 60 days after diagnosis. Gastroenteritis/colitis, cellulitis, and pneumonia were most frequent, with bacteremia common early on. Multidrug resistant bacteria were prevalent among a small number of positive cultures. In a multivariate negative binomial regression model, age ≥ 10 years and distance from the hospital > 100 km were each protective against invasive infection in the first 180 days after diagnosis, findings that were unexpected and warrant further investigation. Over one-third of patient deaths were related to infection. Interventions aimed at reducing infection should target the first 60 days after diagnosis, improved supportive care inside and outside the hospital, and increased antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control measures.

Evaluación de fijadores biológicos de nitrógeno libres sobre el crecimiento de gramíneas en suelo degradado / Evaluation of free nitrogen biological fixers on the growth of grasses on degraded soil

RESUMEN Los problemas de degradación del suelo que se presentan actualmente permiten que los fijadores biológicos de nitrógeno libre (FBNL), tengan potencial como microorganismos regeneradores de este recurso. Con el objetivo de evaluar su capacidad como grupo funcional, se buscó el aislamiento en medios selectivos Ashby y FBN. Luego de su caracterización morfológica y bioquímica; se inocularon dos tipos de semillas, Zea mays y Brachiaria decumbens; sembradas en un suelo degradado (predio La Ortega de la Universidad de Medellín). Se realizaron 4 tratamientos con 5 repeticiones, durante 36 días en invernadero. Los resultados más destacados los presentó la Brachiaria decumbens al incrementar el peso seco y la longitud de sus raíces gracias a un aislado FBNL (AshAssm4); lo que sugiere su potencial utilización para mejorar los procesos de revegetalización.

ABSTRACT Due to the problems of soil degradation that currently occur, the free nitrogen biological fixers (FNBF), have potential as regenerating microorganisms of this resource. With the objective of evaluating its capacity as a functional group, isolation was sought in selective media Ashby and FBN; after its morphological and biochemical characterization; two types of seeds were inoculated, Zea mays and Brachiaria decumbens; planted in degraded soil (La Ortega property of the Universidad de Medellín). Four treatments were performed with 5 repetitions, during 36 days in the greenhouse. The most outstanding results are those described by Brachiaria decumbens by increasing the dry weight and the length of its roots thanks to a FNBF isolate (AshAssm4); which suggests its potential use to improve revegetalization processes.

Molecular characterization of Latin American invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A isolates.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially among children and the elderly. S. pneumoniae serotype 19A has emerged as a major cause of invasive disease in many countries, regardless of whether pneumococcal conjugate vaccines are used. The aim of this study was molecular characterization of invasive S. pneumoniae serotype 19A isolates recovered between 2000 and 2015 from 13 National Laboratories through the laboratory-based surveillance of invasive S. pneumoniae program SIREVA II in Latin American countries. The isolates were submitted with antimicrobial susceptibility tests and were genotyped by a combination of pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 185 isolates assayed, notable rates of resistance to penicillin (MIC ≥ 0.125 µg/mL; 68.6%), tetracycline (63.7%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (63.2%), and erythromycin (43.2%) were observed, while 44.3% of isolates were multidrug resistant. The most frequently observed sequence types (ST) were ST320 (32.4%), ST199 (14.1%), ST172 (10.8%) and ST5204 (7.1%). The distribution of STs indicated regional differences in the epidemiology of the clonal groups. The present study showed a diverse genetic background of the pneumococcal population in Latin American countries. Continuous surveillance of the pneumococcal serotype 19A population in the region will be necessary to obtain information about geographical differences and changes in the spread and the establishment of particular clones.

Contrast sensitivity visual acuity in REM sleep behavior disorder: a comparison with and without Parkinson disease.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by dream enactment behavior and is a premotoric sign associated with parkinsonism and dementia. We previously found contrast sensitivity visual acuity (CSVA) deficiencies in earliest stages of Parkinson disease (PD), plausibly associated with alpha-synuclein deposits in the inner retinal layers. We speculated that individuals with REM sleep behavior without clinical signs of parkinsonism might also show similar deficiencies. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with RBD and 28 healthy control patients. Eleven with PD and 12 with idiopathic RBD (iRBD). Twelve patients with RBD were re-evaluated after 1 year. Evaluations consisted of CSVA SLOAN low contrast acuity charts, optical coherence topography, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and general neurologic and ophthalmologic examinations. Data analyzed between groups using a one-way analysis of variance, and a paired samples t test for returning patients. RESULTS: Participants were classified into three groups: controls (n = 28), iRBD (n = 12), and RBD+PD (n = 11). Analysis of variance revealed CSVA scores were statistically significantly different between the three groups F2, 50 = 7.037, P = .002. Longitudinal analysis of RBD group showed CSVA decreased significantly at 1 year (P = .0141). To date, PD has developed in three individuals with iRBD based on progression of their UPDRS scores. CONCLUSIONS: CSVA is reduced in individuals with RBD and declines over time. It is plausible that patients with iRBD may show early loss in dopaminergic lateral inhibition in the retina, evidenced by their progressive loss of CSVA. This may represent a global loss of dopaminergic neurons similar to PD.

mRNA Polyadenylation Machineries in Intestinal Protozoan Parasites.

In humans, mRNA polyadenylation involves the participation of about 20 factors in four main complexes that recognize specific RNA sequences. Notably, CFIm25, CPSF73, and PAP have essential roles for poly(A) site selection, mRNA cleavage, and adenosine residues polymerization. Besides the relevance of polyadenylation for gene expression, information is scarce in intestinal protozoan parasites that threaten human health. To better understand polyadenylation in Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Cryptosporidium parvum, which represent leading causes of diarrhea worldwide, genomes were screened for orthologs of human factors. Results showed that Entamoeba histolytica and C. parvum have 16 and 12 proteins out of the 19 human proteins used as queries, respectively, while G. lamblia seems to have the smallest polyadenylation machinery with only six factors. Remarkably, CPSF30, CPSF73, CstF77, PABP2, and PAP, which were found in all parasites, could represent the core polyadenylation machinery. Multiple genes were detected for several proteins in Entamoeba, while gene redundancy is lower in Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Congruently with their relevance in the polyadenylation process, CPSF73 and PAP are present in all parasites, and CFIm25 is only missing in Giardia. They conserve the functional domains and predicted folding of human proteins, suggesting they may have the same roles in polyadenylation.

Biological activity of esters of quinoxaline-7-carboxylate 1,4-di-N-oxide against E. histolytica and their analysis as potential thioredoxin reductase inhibitors.

Amoebiasis is caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica that affects millions of people throughout the world. The standard treatment is metronidazole, however, this drug causes several side effects, and is also mutagenic and carcinogenic. Therefore, the search for therapeutic alternatives is necessary. Quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxides (QdNOs) derivatives have been shown to exhibit activity against different protozoan. In the present study, the effects of esters of quinoxaline-7-carboxylate 1,4-di-N-oxide (7-carboxylate QdNOs) derivatives on E. histolytica proliferation, morphology, ultrastructure, and oxidative stress were evaluated, also their potential as E. histolytica thioredoxin reductase (EhTrxR) inhibitors was analyzed. In vitro tests showed that 12 compounds from n-propyl and isopropyl series, were more active (IC50 = 0.331 to 3.56 µM) than metronidazole (IC50 = 4.5 µM). The compounds with better biological activity have a bulky, trifluoromethyl and isopropyl group at R1-, R2-, and R3-position, respectively. The main alterations found in trophozoites treated with some of these compounds included changes in chromatin, cell granularity, redistribution of vacuoles with cellular debris, and an increase in reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, docking studies suggested that 7-carboxylate QdNOs derivatives could interact with amino acid residues of the NADPH-binding domain and/or the redox-active site of EhTrxR. Enzymatic assays demonstrated that selected 7-carboxylate QdNOs inhibits EhTrxR disulfide reductase activity, and diaphorase activity shows that these compounds could act as electron acceptor substrates for the enzyme. Taken together, these data indicate that among the mechanisms involved in the antiamoebic effect of the 7-carboxylate QdNOs derivatives studied, is the induction of oxidative stress and the inhibition of EhTrxR activity.

Burnout syndrome in gerontological nursing: review of the theoretical and practical perspectives / Síndrome de burnout en enfermería geriátrica: revisión de las perspectivas teóricas y prácticas / Síndrome de Burnout na enfermagem geriátrica: uma revisão das perspectivas teóricas e práticas

Introducción: Analizar las perspectivas teóricas y prácticas que muestran las publicaciones científicas a nivel mundial, con respecto al síndrome de burnout, en el personal de enfermería que ofrece cuidado a la población adulta mayor. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión de literatura en el contexto mundial de artículos publicados en inglés y español, en las bases de datos de ScienceDirect, Biblioteca Virtual en Salud-BVS, Dialnet y Redalyc, en el período de 2013 a 2018. Resultados: 15 publicaciones que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. La mayoría de los artículos originales tenían como objetivo identificar la correlación entre el síndrome de quemarse por el trabajo o estresores laborales; solamente un artículo reporta la evaluación de una intervención. En ninguno de los artículos se hace referencia a la enfermería geriátrica, como parte del constructo en el que se basa el estudio; pero la mayoría sí definen el burnout. Conclusiones: La evidencia científica revisada sobre el burnout en enfermería geriátrica es escasa, lo cual reta a investigar más, así como a publicar. También es necesario hacer explícitos estos dos constructos. Los resultados sugieren mejoras para futuros estudios en relación con los objetivos, la metodología y las intervenciones.

Introduction: Analyze the theoretical and practical perspectives shown in global scientific publications, regarding the burnout syndrome in the nursing staff that provide care to the elderly population. Methodology: A review of the literature was made for the global context of published articles in English and Spanish, from the databases of ScienceDirect, the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Dialnet and Redalyc, during the period from 2013 to 2018. Results: 15 publications met the selection criterion. The majority of the original articles had as their objective to identify the correlation between the burnout syndrome and the workload or work stress; only one article reports the evaluation of an intervention. None of the articles refer to gerontological nursing as part of the construct from which their studies are based on; but the majority do define the term burnout. Conclusions: The reviewed scientific evidence about burnout in gerontological nursing is scarce, which encourages to investigate more about the subject, as well as publishing. Also, it is necessary to make these constructs explicit. The results suggest future improvements for studies related to their objectives, the methodology used and the interventions.

Introdução: Analisar as perspectivas teóricas e práticas evidenciadas na literatura científica mundial, relacionada com a síndrome de Burnout no pessoal da enfermagem que presta cuidados na populaçao idosa. Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão de literatura internacional de artigos publicados em inglês e espanhol disponíveis em ScienceDirect, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde-BVS, Dialnet e Redalyc, no período de 2013 ao 2018. Resultados: 15 artigos cumpriram os critérios de elegibilidade. A maioria desses tinham como objetivo identificar a correlação entre o Burnout e situações estressoras no trabalho; somente um artigo reportou a avaliação de uma intervenção. Nenhum fazia referência à enfermagem geriátrica, que a variável de interesse do presente estudo; entretanto a maioria definia o Burnout. Conclusões: A evidência científica revisada relacionada com o Burnout na enfermagem geriátrica é escassa, evidenciando uma área que precisa de pesquisa e de publicação de resultados na mesma. Também precisa-se fazer maior ênfase nessas duas variáveis. Os resultados sugerem melhoras para futuros estudos relacionados com os objetivos, a metodologia e as intervenções.

Gustos, consumo y acceso a los alimentos: opinión de escolares de Santander, Colombia / Tastes, consumption and access to food: opinion of schoolchildren in Santander, Colombia

FUNDAMENTOS: Las investigaciones sobre los hábitos, prácticas o conductas alimentarias en la infancia centran su atención en cuidadores o familiares. El objetivo fue describir el hábito alimentario en términos de gustos, consumo y acceso desde la opinión de la población infantil (4 a 12 años) de instituciones educativas públicas en 22 municipios del departamento de Santander, Colombia. MÉTODOS: Estudio de corte transversal, muestreo bietápico, se calculó un tamaño de muestra de 1.507 escolares. Se construyó un instrumento que evaluó 3 características de los hábitos alimentarios (gustos, consumo y acceso). RESULTADOS: Participaron 1.615 escolares; el promedio de edad fue 10 DE1,95 años, 50% eran hombres, el 66% residía en zona urbana. El reporte de gusto por alimentos como el pollo fue de 95%, arroz y gelatina 97%, manzana 97%, tomate 87%. La mayoría de alimentos se consumen 1 vez al día, más del 90% reportó la familia como fuente de acceso a los alimentos. CONCLUSIONES: Desde la opinión de escolares, las carnes, los cereales, las raíces, los tubérculos y los plátanos, son los alimentos preferidos; las verduras son menos apreciados. La mayoría de alimentos se consumen 1 vez al día y el hogar es el principal proveedo

BACKGROUND: Research on childhood habits, practices or eating behaviors focuses on caregivers or family members. The objective wasto describe the alimentary habit in terms of tastes, consumption and access from the opinion of the child population (4 to 12 years) of public educational institutions in 22 municipalities of the Department of Santander, Colombia. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, two-stage sampling, a sample size of 1,507 schoolchildren was calculated. It was built an instrument that evaluated 3 characteristics of eating habits (tastes, consumption and access). RESULTS: 1.615 school children participated; the mean age was 10 SD 1,95 years, 50% were men, 66% lived in urban areas. The taste report for foods such as chicken was 95%, rice and gelatin 97%, apple 97%, tomato 87%. Most foods are consumed 1 time a day, more than 90% reported family as a source of access to food. CONCLUSIONS: From the opinion of schoolchildren, meat, cereals, roots, tubers and bananas are the preferred foods; vegetables are the least appreciated. Most foods are consumed 1 time a day and the family is the main provider