Assessing geospatial models to explain the occurrence of clandestine graves in Mexico.

We present an assessment of several geospatial layers proposed as models for detecting clandestine graves in Mexico. The analyses were based on adapting the classical ROC curves to geospatial data (gROC) using the fraction of the predicted area instead of the false positive rate. Grave locations were obtained for ten Mexican states that represent the most conflicting regions in Mexico, and 30 layers were computed to represent geospatial models for grave detection. The gROC analysis confirmed that the travel time from urban streets to grave locations was the most critical variable for detecting graves, followed by nighttime light brightness and population density, whereas, contrary to the rationale, a previously proposed visibility index is less correlated with grave locations. We were also able to deduce which variables are most relevant in each state and to determine optimal thresholds for the selected variables.

Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) levels as potential early biomarker of cardiovascular disease in a Mexican population.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. In recent years, follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) has been proposed as an emerging potential clinical biomarker of CVD, since its concentration is upregulated in heart failure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of FSTL1 levels and classic biomarkers with the risk of CVD in Mexican population. A case-control study was carried out in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), arterial hypertension, but not CVD (cardiovascular risk factor-CRF), and healthy controls (control group) from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Lipid profile, homocysteine (Hcys), serum amyloid A (SAA), FSTL1 concentration, PON1 concentration and activities [Arylesterase (ARE), and Lactonase (LAC)] were evaluated. High levels of FSTL1 were found in the CRF group and a positive association of FSTL1 (OR = 4.55; 95% CI 1.29-16.04, p = 0.02) with the presence of arterial hypertension, as well as Hcys (OR, 3.09; 95% CI 1.23-7.76, p = 0.02) and SAA (OR, 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05, p < 0.01) with the presence of CVD. LAC activity (OR, 0.26; 95% CI 0.07-0.94, p = 0.04) and PON1 concentration (OR, 0.17; 95% CI 0.05-0.62, p = 0.01) were associated with a decrease in OR belonging to the group with CVD. Our results suggest that FSTL1 may be a useful biomarker for monitoring cardiovascular risk in clinical settings. However, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate how FSTL1 could influence the association of PON1 activity and Hcys with CVD.

Diet therapy and metabolic control among Chilean adults with a neonatal diagnosis of Phenylketonuria

Abstract Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive defect affecting the metabolic pathway of phenylalanine (Phe), causing hyperphenylalaninemia and neurotoxicity. Diagnosis must occur in the neonatal period and treatment should begin as early as possible. Evidence implies that treatment adherence declines as age advances. The aim was to describe the diet of a subgroup of Chilean adults with PKU currently in follow-up. Fifty-three subjects (49% women) followed up between January 2021 to April 2023 were considered. The concentration of Phe (PheC) in dried blood spots measured by fluorometry and 24-hour dietary recalls were analyzed. The median PheC of the sample was 438µmol/L (interquartile range(IQR):351-585µmol/L). A protein intake of 1.35±0.3 gr/Kg/d was observed of which 87% came from the protein substitute without Phe. Participants had a median Phe intake of 459mg/d (IQR:327-976) and 13.1g/d of fiber intake. Most participants, 51% and 92% reported consuming fruits and vegetables, respectively, and 32% consumed Low-Protein foods. Regarding micronutrients, all participants exceeded 90% adequacy according to recommendations. For vitamin-D and vitamin-B12, 100% is provided by the protein substitute. According to our results, it is mandatory to establish transition programs toward adulthood, to constantly maintain good metabolic control, and to adapt diet therapy to their new lifestyle.

Preliminary survey of the occurrence of mycotoxins in cereals and estimated exposure in a northwestern region of Mexico.

Mycotoxins have several toxicological implications. In the present study, we evaluate the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and fumonisin (FB1) in paddy rice, polished rice, and maize from the fields and markets in Nayarit State (Mexico). The results indicated the presence of AFB1 in 21.21% of paddy rice samples and 11.11% of market maize samples. OTA was present in only 3.03% (one sample) of paddy rice samples. FB1 was detected in 87.50% and 88.88% of maize samples from field and market, respectively. The estimated human exposure was calculated for FB1 using the probable daily intake (PDI), which suggested that FB1 could contribute to the development of diseases through the consumption of contaminated maize. Positive samples indicated that some rice and maize samples were not suitable for human consumption. Further efforts are needed to continue monitoring mycotoxins and update national legislation on mycotoxins accordingly.

Resolución de hipertrofia de labios menores mediante técnicas simples / Resolution of hypertrophy of the labia minora using simple techniques

Introducción. La hipertrofia de los labios menores se define como tejido labial que sobresale más allá de los labios mayores, puede afectar de manera uni- o bilateral y resultar en dispareunia, interferencia con los deportes, dificultades con la limpieza, irritación e infecciones crónicas del tracto urinario, incomodidad para el uso de prendas ajustadas, además de trastornos psicológicos. Todos estos motivos llevan a las mujeres a la consulta. La reducción de labios menores es el procedimiento estético genital femenino más común. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar técnicas de baja complejidad para resolver diferentes grados de hipertrofia de labios menores. Materiales y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, observacional que comprendió 3 pacientes entre el periodo de marzo del 2019 a febrero 2020 que Incluyó a pacientes con hipertrofias leves y moderadas. Resultados. En 2 pacientes se realizó escisión directa y en 1, técnica del desepitelizado más lipotransferencia de labios mayores, sin evidenciar complicaciones mayores. Discusión. Si bien en la literatura se han reportado un gran número de técnicas quirúrgicas, cada una de ellas debe adecuarse al tipo de hipertrofia labial. La técnica del desepitelizado permite conservar un borde natural, con conservación de la coloración y textura original de la paciente, aporte neurovascular, pero no es conveniente utilizarla en pacientes de grados mayores de hipertrofia. La escisión directa proporciona una técnica simple para la escisión del exceso de tejido en pacientes con mayor tamaño de sus labios menores, pero elimina el contorno, la coloración y la textura naturales del borde libre, aun así, las pacientes resultan conformes con su nuevo aspecto. Conclusión. La reconstrucción de los labios menores, utilizando las técnicas de desepitelización y escisión directa, es confiable y da un resultado cosmético y funcional exitoso. Estas técnicas son de baja complejidad, tiempo operatorio breve, técnicamente reproducibles, dando gran conformidad y resultando un método seguro

Introduction. Hypertrophy of the labia minora is defined as lip tissue that protrudes beyond the labia majora, can affect unilaterally or bilaterally and result in dyspareunia, interference with sports, difficulties with cleaning, irritation and chronic infections of the urinal tract, discomfort for wearing tight clothes, in addition to psychological disorders. All these reasons lead women to the consultation. Labia minora reduction is the most common female genital cosmetic procedure. This work aims to present low complexity techniques to resolve different degrees of hypertrophy of the labia minora. Materials and methods: retrospective, observational study that comprised 3 patients between the period of March 2019 to February 2020 that included patients with mild and moderate hypertrophy. Results: Direct excision was performed in 2 patients and in 1, de-epithelialization technique plus lipotransference of the labia majora. Without showing major complications. Discussion: Although a large number of surgical techniques have been reported in the literature, each of them must be adapted to the type of lip hypertrophy. The de-epithelialization technique allows a natural border to be preserved, with preservation of the patient's original color and texture, neurovascular supply, but it is not convenient to use it in patients with higher degrees of hypertrophy. Direct excision provides a simple technique for excision of excess tissue in patients with larger labia minora, but removes the natural contour, coloration and texture of the free edge, yet patients are still satisfied with their new appearance. Conclusion. The reconstruction of the labia minora, using de-epithelialization and direct excision techniques is reliable and gives a successful cosmetic and functional result. These are low complexity techniques, short operating time, technically reproducible, giving great conformity and resulting in a safe method

25 Hydroxy Vitamin D Level, Bone Health, Vitamin D and Calcium Intake in Chilean Patients with Phenylketonuria and Hyperphenylalaninemias

Abstract It has been shown that there is a decrease in the concentrations of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) in their follow-up. Our objective was to determine concentrations of 25-OHD in subjects with PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA). Transversal analytical study considered three groups: G1-PKU with neonatal diagnosis and formula intake without Phe; G2-HPA, without specific treatment and G3-C control group. Sixteen patients per group (aged 6-23) were included. Levels of 25-OHD, lumbar spine (L2-L4), femur and total BMD, intact parathormone (PTH) and vitamin D (VitD) and calcium intake were calculated. The Kruskal-Wallis statistical test was applied (p-value<0,05). Significant differences were detected in concentrations of 25-OHD between G1-PKU and G2-HPA (38.9 ng/mL; 28 ng/mL, respectively) (NV: >30 ng/mL). G1-PKU had a higher intake of VitD, with differences among groups. There were no significant differences among groups in relation to BMD and intact PTH. In conclusion, G1-PKU under treatment and with good adherence, does not present VitD deficiency and no BMD alterations are observed. In contrast, G2-HPA had a lower intake of VitD and decreased 25-OHD concentrations which could affect the bone architecture in the long term. Further studies on the G2-HPA are suggested.

Update on Dietary Compliance, Nutritional Status, and Neuropsychological Functioning in the Chilean Phenylketonuria cohort

Abstract Since 1992, Chile has had a Newborn Screening Program for Phenylketonuria (PKU), which currently has an incidence of 1:18,916 newborns. The objective of the current study was to describe the 2020 follow up of the Chilean PKU cohort. The variables analyzed were: nutritional status, dietary compliance and neuropsychological functioning. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional statistical analysis. The 271 subjects with PKU had an average age of diagnosis of 17±8 days and a phenylalanine (Phe) level of 1122±546 umol/L. Approximately 80% of protein requirement came from a protein substitute. For those <18 years of age, 80% had good dietary compliance with Phe level between 120-360 umol/L and those >18 years had a median of 522 umol/L (95%CI 468 - 636). Forty-four percent of the active PKU cohort had overweight/obesity. Eighty-five percent of the cohort >4 years of age had a normal intelligence quotient (IQ) (score 80-120). We observed a negative correlation (p <0.001; 95% CI: - 0.5, -0.2) between IQ score and Phe level. The Chilean protocol and protein substitute subsidy for life, together with the follow-up and continuous education carried out by the clinical team has encouraged compliance.

Quimioterapia Neoadyuvante en Tumores Luminales Experiencia del Hospital Oncológico Marie Curie / Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Luminal Tumors Experience of the Marie Curie Cancer Hospital

Introducción La quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QTn) es una herramienta de uso cada vez más frecuente en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama. su repercusión es objetivada a partir de parámetros clínicos (examen físico y estudios por imagen) y parámetros anatomo-patológicos sobre la pieza quirúrgica. Existe variabilidad en el impacto de la Qt según el subtipo molecular. Este estudio evalúa el grado de respuesta (clínica y patológica) a la QTn de las pacientes con cáncer de mama subtipo luminal y la tasa de cirugías conservadoras en este subgrupo. Objetivo Describir la tasa de respuesta clínica y patológica obtenida en el subgrupo de pacientes luminales y evaluar la tasa de conversión a cirugía conservadora luego del tratamiento neoadyuvante. Material y método Se analizaron 220 historias clínicas pertenecientes a pacientes que realizaron neoadyuvancia en el periodo 2014-2017 en el Servicio de Patología Mamaria del Hospital Oncológico Marie Curie. Se incluyeron 78 pacientes con diagnóstico de carcinoma invasor subtipo luminal A y B, Her 2 negativas. Se evaluó la tasa de respuesta clínica, patológica y la tasa de cirugía conservadora. Resultados Se clasificaron como Luminal A el 26.9% (n=21) de las 78 pacientes, y Luminal B el 73.1% (n=57). La distribución por tamaño tumoral fue: T1 en el 1.25% (n= 1); T2 en 46.1% (n= 36); T3 en 37.2% (n=29) y T4 en el 15.4% (n=12) de los casos. No presentaban compromiso axilar (N0) el 24.3% de las pacientes (n=19), y se vio afectación ganglionar el 75.5 % (n= 59). El Estadio clínico más frecuente fue el III A (32% = 25 pacientes). El 60.3% (47 pacientes) de los casos tenía indicación de mastectomía de inicio y el 39.7% (41 pacientes) eran candidatas a cirugía conservadora. Posterior a la quimioterapia, se indicaron cirugías conservadoras en el 52.6 % (n=41) y mastectomía en el 47.4% (n=37), con una tasa de conversión a cirugía conservadora del 24.4%. La respuesta clínica completa fue del 28.2% (n=22) y la respuesta patológica completa del 16.6%. Conclusión Se observó una respuesta clínica y patológica acorde a la experiencia de otros centros, sobre todo en el subtipo luminal B, con una alta tasa de conversión a cirugía conservadora del 24.4%. Esto nos permite considerar la quimioterapia neoadyuvante como una opción de tratamiento válida para aquellas pacientes con cáncer de mama subtipo luminal B- Her 2 negativa.

Introduction Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (QTn) is a tool that is increasingly used in the treatment of breast cancer. its repercussion is objectified based on clinical parameters (physical examination and imaging studies) and anatomo-pathological parameters on the surgical specimen. There is variability in the impact of Qt according to the molecular subtype. This study evaluates the degree of response (clinical and pathological) to the QTn of patients with luminal subtype breast cancer and the rate of conservative surgeries in this subgroup. Objective To describe the clinical and pathological response rate in the subgroup of luminous patients and to evaluate the conversion rate in a conservative surgery after neoadjuvant treatment. Material and method We will analyze 220 clinical records belonging to patients that developed during the 2014-2017 period in the Breast Pathology Service of the Marie Curie Oncology Hospital. We included 78 patients with a diagnosis of invasive carcinoma luminal subtype A and B, their 2 negative. The clinical and pathological response rate and the rate of conservative surgery in each group were evaluated. Results Luminal A was classified as 26.9% (n = 21) of the 78 patients, and Luminal B was 73.1% (n = 57). The distribution by tumor size was: T1 at 1.25% (n = 1); T2 at 46.1% (n = 36); T3 in 37.2% (n = 29) and T4 in 15.4% (n = 12) of the cases. There is no axillary involvement (N0) in 24.3% of the patients (n = 19), and the ganglion was affected 75.5% (n = 59). The most frequent clinical stage was III A (32% = 25 patients). Sixty-three percent (47 patients) of the cases had an initial mastectomy indication and 39.7% (41 patients) were candidates for conservative surgery. After chemotherapy, conservative surgeries were indicated in 52.6% (n = 41) and mastectomy in 47.4% (n = 37), with a conversion rate to conservative surgery of 24.4%. The complete clinical response was 28.2% (n = 22) and the complete pathological response was 16.6%. Conclusion A clinical and pathological response was observed according to the experience of other centers, especially in luminal subtype B, with a high conversion rate to conservative surgery of 24.4%. This allows us to consider neoadjuvant chemotherapy as a valid treatment option for those patients with luminal B-Her 2 negative breast cancer.

PON1 status and homocysteine levels as potential biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death. The mainly risks factors for CVD are diabetes, hypertension and high levels of homocysteine (Hcys), among others. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has been proposed as an antiatherogenic target for its ability to hydrolyzing oxi-Low-Density-Lipoproteins (LDL) and Hcys-thiolactone. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of Hcys levels, and the activities and concentration of PON1, as well as vitamin B from the diet with a risk for CVD. METHODS: A case-control study was carry out in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), Arterial hypertension, but not CVD (AH), and in healthy controls (control group) from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Lipid profile, intake of vitamin B, Hcys, serum amyloid A (SAA), PON1 concentration, and PON1 activities (Arylesterase activity (ARE), Lactonase activity (LAC), and CMPA activity (CMPA)) were evaluated. RESULTS: The CVD group had the highest concentration of Hcys and SAA than in the AH and control groups (p < 0.01). ARE, LAC, and CMPA activities and PON1 concentration were lowest in the CVD group. A positive-independent association between Hcys levels and CVD was found (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.69-2.56) and this increase when it was adjusted by age, BMI, ApoA1, vitamin B intake, SAA, and PON1 (OR = 14.41; 95% CI: 1.75-118.71). LAC and CMPA, as well as PON1 concentration, were inversely associated with CVD. CONCLUSION: LAC activity, PON1 concentration, and Hcys levels might be good biomarkers for CVD and their association could be modified by the intake of vitamin B.

Correction to: Spatial Analysis of Presence, Injury, and Economic Impact of the Melolonthidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) Complex in Avocado Crops.

In order to properly acknowledge the institute at which the research was performed, the affiliations of the authors should have been stated in full in the original publication.

PON1 lactonase activity and its association with cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is important in the development of atherosclerosis, and it has become the subject of intensive research. Our aim was to evaluate the association of serum PON1 activity and polymorphisms with cardiovascular disease (CVD) using four different substrates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Activity of PON1-related to arylesterase (AREase and 4-CMPAse), paraoxonase (PONase), and lactonase (LACase), and polymorphisms (A-162G, T-108C, L55M, and Q192R) were evaluated in subjects with CVD, cardiovascular risk factor (CFR), and controls. An ordered logistic-regression analysis of PON1 phenotypes was performed in the CVD group with respect to the control group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Logistic-regression analysis showed that CC-108 genotype was associated with CRF and CVD. The CVD group had the lowest activities of PON1. The LACase might be a better biomarker for CVD (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.44-0.61) followed by CMPAse (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.77-0.86), AREase (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99) and PONase (OR, 0.99, 95% CI, 0.99-0.99). Logistic regression of PON1 phenotypes by haplotypes showed that LACase activity was not influenced by the polymorphisms and that it could be a new potential biomarker in the development of CVD. Larger scale longitudinal studies are required.

Spatial Analysis of Presence, Injury, and Economic Impact of the Melolonthidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) Complex in Avocado Crops.

Beetle insect species classified within the Melolonthidae complex (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) are a serious pest in several crops around the world including avocado (Persea americana Mill). The present work focused on determining the spatial behavior of the Melolonthidae complex of beetles and determined the economic impact in avocado crops in Antioquia, Colombia, South America. Beetle presence and damage produced in both foliage and fruits were quantified during 3 years for each avocado tree tested in two planted lots located in different places. The indexes of Cambardella, Morisita, and economic losses were calculated with data obtained. Our results strongly suggest that beetles present an isotropic movement in the lots with the damage beginning by the borders. Once insects enter the lots, they move in any direction inside the crop area with weak or moderate spatial dependence and low or null aggregation. Strong preference for fruits rather than foliage was observed. Economic analysis indicates that damage in fruit skin causes major losses. From observed results, it is proposed that integrated pest control should be directed mainly to fruits from the very early stages of growth and development and traps should be localized strategically and following the spatial and temporal distribution of insects for both prevention and control.

Anogenital distance and reproductive outcomes in 9- to 11-year-old boys: the INMA-Granada cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Studies examining the association of anogenital distance (AGD), a biomarker of prenatal androgen exposure, with sexual development in children are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between AGD measures and reproductive outcomes, including puberty onset, testicular volume, reproductive hormone levels, and urogenital malformations in boys aged 9-11 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children belonging to the Spanish Environment and Childhood (INMA) Project, a population-based birth cohort study. The present sample included 279 boys for whom data were available on AGD, pubertal stage, testicular volume, and relevant covariates. Out of the boys with AGD data, 187 provided a blood sample for hormone analysis. AGD was measured from the center of the anus to the base of the scrotum. Pubertal development was assessed according to Tanner stage of genital development (G1-G5), and testicular volume was measured with an orchidometer. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis showed that AGD was positively associated with testicular volume but not with Tanner stage (>G1 vs. G1), serum hormone levels, or undescended testis. Regardless of their age, body mass index, and Tanner stage (G1 or >G1), boys with longer AGD showed increased odds of a testicular volume >3 mL (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.00-1.19 per 10% increment in AGD; and OR = 3.14, 95%CI = 0.99-9.94 for AGD >42 mm vs. <33 mm). DISCUSSION: Longer AGD was associated with testicular growth, an indicator of gonadarche, but not with other reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although AGD was positively associated with testicular volume, it remains unclear whether AGD predicts testis size at puberty or is related to puberty onset.

The Geographic Structure of Viruses in the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin, a Unique Oasis in Northern Mexico, Reveals a Highly Diverse Population on a Small Geographic Scale.

The Cuatro Ciénegas Basin (CCB) is located in the Chihuahuan desert in the Mexican state of Coahuila; it has been characterized as a site with high biological diversity despite its extreme oligotrophic conditions. It has the greatest number of endemic species in North America, containing abundant living microbialites (including stromatolites and microbial mats) and diverse microbial communities. With the hypothesis that this high biodiversity and the geographic structure should be reflected in the virome, the viral communities in 11 different locations of three drainage systems, Churince, La Becerra, and Pozas Rojas, and in the intestinal contents of 3 different fish species, were analyzed for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic RNA and DNA viruses using next-generation sequencing methods. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus families were the most abundant (72.5% of reads), followed by single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses (2.9%) and ssRNA and dsRNA virus families (0.5%). Thirteen families had dsDNA genomes, five had ssDNA, three had dsRNA, and 16 had ssRNA. A highly diverse viral community was found, with an ample range of hosts and a strong geographical structure, with very even distributions and signals of endemicity in the phylogenetic trees from several different virus families. The majority of viruses found were bacteriophages but eukaryotic viruses were also frequent, and the large diversity of viruses related to algae were a surprise, since algae are not evident in the previously analyzed aquatic systems of this ecosystem. Animal viruses were also frequently found, showing the large diversity of aquatic animals in this oasis, where plants, protozoa, and archaea are rare.IMPORTANCE In this study, we tested whether the high biodiversity and geographic structure of CCB is reflected in its virome. CCB is an extraordinarily biodiverse oasis in the Chihuahuan desert, where a previous virome study suggested that viruses had followed the marine ancestry of the marine bacteria and, as a result of their long isolation, became endemic to the site. In this study, which includes a larger sequencing coverage and water samples from other sites within the valley, we confirmed the high virus biodiversity and uniqueness as well as the strong biogeographical diversification of the CCB. In addition, we also analyzed fish intestinal contents, finding that each fish species eats different prey and, as a result, presents different viral compositions even if they coexist in the same pond. These facts highlight the high and novel virus diversity of CCB and its "lost world" status.

Establishment and cryptic transmission of Zika virus in Brazil and the Americas.

Transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas was first confirmed in May 2015 in northeast Brazil. Brazil has had the highest number of reported ZIKV cases worldwide (more than 200,000 by 24 December 2016) and the most cases associated with microcephaly and other birth defects (2,366 confirmed by 31 December 2016). Since the initial detection of ZIKV in Brazil, more than 45 countries in the Americas have reported local ZIKV transmission, with 24 of these reporting severe ZIKV-associated disease. However, the origin and epidemic history of ZIKV in Brazil and the Americas remain poorly understood, despite the value of this information for interpreting observed trends in reported microcephaly. Here we address this issue by generating 54 complete or partial ZIKV genomes, mostly from Brazil, and reporting data generated by a mobile genomics laboratory that travelled across northeast Brazil in 2016. One sequence represents the earliest confirmed ZIKV infection in Brazil. Analyses of viral genomes with ecological and epidemiological data yield an estimate that ZIKV was present in northeast Brazil by February 2014 and is likely to have disseminated from there, nationally and internationally, before the first detection of ZIKV in the Americas. Estimated dates for the international spread of ZIKV from Brazil indicate the duration of pre-detection cryptic transmission in recipient regions. The role of northeast Brazil in the establishment of ZIKV in the Americas is further supported by geographic analysis of ZIKV transmission potential and by estimates of the basic reproduction number of the virus.

Pénfigo vulgar: dificultad en el diagnóstico de un tipo de dermatosis vulvar poco frecuente. Reporte de un caso / Vulgar pemphigus: Difficulty in diagnosis of a infrequent vulvar dermatoses. A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: las alteraciones cutáneas de la vulva suponen un motivo frecuente de consulta a ginecólogos y dermatólogos. Los síntomas suelen ser imprecisos, con prurito y ardor, por lo que las pacientes tardan en acudir a consultar al médico. OBJETIVO: exponer un caso poco frecuente de pénfigo vulgar vulvar; además, revisar la incidencia, manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico y estrategias de tratamiento. CASO CLÍNICO: paciente de 86 años de edad que acudió a consulta por la aparición de lesiones vulvares ulceradas y ardorosas de dos meses de evolución. Se obtuvo una biopsia para el estudio histológico, cuyo resultado fue acantólisis y formación de una vesícula intraepidérmica suprabasal, sin evidencia de disqueratosis o necrosis. Se prescribieron corticoesteroides por vía tópica y oral durante un mes. Después de ese lapso se realizó un estudio de control, esta vez de una lesión más reciente, que evidenció infiltrado inflamatorio linfoplasmocitario con aislados eosinófilos, sin permeación del epitelio. La inmunofluorescencia directa reportó depósitos intercelulares de IgG en todo el espesor de la epidermis y de C3 en los estratos suprabasales, con lo que se confirmó el diagnóstico de pénfigo vulgar. CONCLUSIONES: para establecer el diagnóstico de las dermatosis vulvares poco frecuentes es importante efectuar una correcta correlación clínico-patológica, pues la mayor parte de estas enfermedades se manifiestan casi de forma idéntica.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The skin diseases of the vulva are a frequent reason for consultation with both gynecologists and dermatologists. The clinical symptoms are usually vague as pruritus or stinging and patients usually consult later. OBJECTIVE: To document a case of vulgaris vulvar pemphigus, and review the incidence, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies and treatment. CLINCAL CASE: An 86-year-old patient who came to medical service for ulcerated and burning vulvar lesions of two months of progression. A biopsy was obtained for the histological study, which resulted in acantholysis and suprabasal intraepidermal vesicle, without evidence of dyskeratosis or necrosis. We prescribe topical and oral corticosteroids during a month. Posteriorly, a control study was performed of the most recent lesion that evidenced lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate with eosinophilic isolates, without epithelial permeation. Direct immunofluorescence test reported intercellular deposits, IgG throughout the thickness of the epidermis, and C3 in the suprabasal stratum, thus confirming the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. CONCLUSIONS: For correct diagnosis it is essential the clinic-pathological correlation, because many of these diseases manifest themselves almost identically.

Complete Genome Sequence of Human Coronavirus OC43 Isolated from Mexico.

We report the complete genome sequence of the first Mexican human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43, obtained by new-generation sequencing and a metagenomic approach, isolated from a child hospitalized with pneumonia. The genome is closely related to the other OC43 genome sequences available, ranging from 99.8% to 98.2% nucleotide sequence identity.

Illumina next generation sequencing data and expression microarrays data from retinoblastoma and medulloblastoma tissues.

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a pediatric intraocular malignancy and probably the most robust clinical model on which genetic predisposition to develop cancer has been demonstrated. Since deletions in chromosome 13 have been described in this tumor, we performed next generation sequencing to test whether recurrent losses could be detected in low coverage data. We used Illumina platform for 13 tumor tissue samples: two pools of 4 retinoblastoma cases each and one pool of 5 medulloblastoma cases (raw data can be found at http://www.ebi.ac.uk/ena/data/view/PRJEB6630). We first created an in silico reference profile generated from a human sequenced genome (GRCh37p5). From this data we calculated an integrity score to get an overview of gains and losses in all chromosomes; we next analyzed each chromosome in windows of 40 kb length, calculating for each window the log2 ratio between reads from tumor pool and in silico reference. Finally we generated panoramic maps with all the windows whether lost or gained along each chromosome associated to its cytogenetic bands to facilitate interpretation. Expression microarrays was done for the same samples and a list of over and under expressed genes is presented here. For this detection a significance analysis was done and a log2 fold change was chosen as significant (raw data can be found at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/accession number GSE11488). The complete research article can be found at Cancer Genetics journal (Garcia-Chequer et al., in press) [1]. In summary here we provide an overview with visual graphics of gains and losses chromosome by chromosome in retinoblastoma and medulloblastoma, also the integrity score analysis and a list of genes with relevant expression associated. This material can be useful to researchers that may want to explore gains and losses in other malignant tumors with this approach or compare their data with retinoblastoma.

Overview of recurrent chromosomal losses in retinoblastoma detected by low coverage next generation sequencing.

Genes are frequently lost or gained in malignant tumors and the analysis of these changes can be informative about the underlying tumor biology. Retinoblastoma is a pediatric intraocular malignancy, and since deletions in chromosome 13 have been described in this tumor, we performed genome wide sequencing with the Illumina platform to test whether recurrent losses could be detected in low coverage data from DNA pools of Rb cases. An in silico reference profile for each pool was created from the human genome sequence GRCh37p5; a chromosome integrity score and a graphics 40 Kb window analysis approach, allowed us to identify with high resolution previously reported non random recurrent losses in all chromosomes of these tumors. We also found a pattern of gains and losses associated to clear and dark cytogenetic bands respectively. We further analyze a pool of medulloblastoma and found a more stable genomic profile and previously reported losses in this tumor. This approach facilitates identification of recurrent deletions from many patients that may be biological relevant for tumor development.

Hospitalización diurna como modelo de atención de salud en pacientes adultos inmunocompetentes con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Respiratory day hospital care for immunocompetent adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia

Background: Day hospitals can reduce health care costs without increasing the risks of patients with lower respiratory tract infection. Aim: To report the experience of a respiratory day hospital care delivered to adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a public hospital. Material and Methods: During the fall and winter of 2011 and 2012, adult patients with CAP of intermediate risk categories were assessed in the emergency room, their severity was stratified according to confusion, respiratory rate, blood pressure, 65 years of age or older (CRB-65) score and the Chilean CAP Clinical Guidelines, and were admitted to the respiratory day hospital. Results: One hundred seventeen patients aged 67 ± 16 years, (62% females) with CAP were attended in the respiratory day hospital. Ninety percent had comorbidities, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 58%, heart disease in 32%, diabetes in 16% and asthma in 13%. Their most important risk factors were age over 65 years in 60%, comorbidities in 88%, failure of antibiotic treatment in 17%, loss of autonomy in 21%, vital sign abnormalities in 60%, mental confusion in 5%, multilobar CAP in 23%, pleural effusion in 15%, hypoxemia in 41% and a serum urea nitrogen over 30 mg/dL in 16%. Patients stayed an average of seven days in the day hospital with oxygen, hydration, chest physiotherapy and third-generation cephalosporins (89%) associated with quinolones (52%) or macrolides (4%). Thirteen patients required noninvasive ventilation, eight patients were hospitalized because of clinical deterioration and three died in hospital. Conclusions: Day hospital care reduced hospital admission rates of patients with lower respiratory tract infections.