Nasolacrimal sac foreign body extraction using vitreoretinal forceps in 28 dogs.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel technique of nasolacrimal foreign body extraction in dogs by using a 20G vitreoretinal forceps introduced through the superior lacrimal punctum. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of dogs with dacryocystitis due to nasolacrimal foreign bodies between the years 2001 and 2022 was performed. We recorded the breed, age, affected eye, type and number of foreign bodies, concomitant diseases, and the use of imaging techniques. All animals underwent the same procedure of a 20G vitreoretinal forceps insertion through the upper canaliculus reaching the lacrimal sac and retrograde extraction of the foreign bodies. RESULTS: A total of 28 dogs were included, 16 males and 12 females, with a mean (±SD) age of 4.7 (±3.2) years. The most common breeds were Wire-Haired Dachshund (4/28; 14.29%) and Labrador Retriever (3/28; 10.71%). Additional imaging techniques were used, such as orbital ultrasound in 13 cases (13/28; 46.43%) and computed tomography in one case (1/28; 3.57%). The most common type of foreign body retrieved was grass awns, although seeds and plant debris were also found. Dacryocystitis resolved after removal of the foreign body and appropriate medical therapy was ensured in all cases in the 1-month postprocedure follow-up. CONCLUSION: Extraction of nasolacrimal foreign bodies with vitreoretinal forceps is a novel, noninvasive, and easily applicable technique that, although not successful in all cases, can be attempted before performing more aggressive surgery.

Excess Mortality During 2020 in Spain: The Most Affected Population, Age, and Educational Group by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to study mortality increase in Spain during the first and second academic semesters of 2020, coinciding with the first 2 waves of the Covid-19 pandemic; by sex, age, and education. METHODS: An observational study was carried out, using linked populations and deaths' data from 2017 to 2020. The mortality rates from all causes and leading causes other than Covid-19 during each semester of 2020, compared to the 2017-2019 averages for the same semester, was also estimated. Mortality rate ratios (MRR) and differences were used for comparison. RESULTS: All-cause mortality rates increased in 2020 compared to pre-covid, except among working-age, (25-64 years) highly-educated women. Such increases were larger in lower-educated people between the working age range, in both 2020 semesters, but not at other ages. In the elderly, the MMR in the first semester in women and men were respectively, 1.14, and 1.25 among lower-educated people, and 1.28 and 1.23 among highly-educated people. In the second semester, the MMR were 1.12 in both sexes among lower-educated people and 1.13 in women and 1.16 in men among highly-educated people. CONCLUSION: Lower-educated people within working age and highly-educated people at older ages showed the greatest increase in all-cause mortality in 2020, compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Socioeconomic Patterns in the Frequency of Doctor Visits in Germany and Spain in Subjects With and Without Chronic Diseases.

The objective of universal health care systems is to achieve equality in the use of health services at the same level of care need. This study evaluates the relationship of socioeconomic position with the frequency of doctor visits in subjects with and without chronic diseases in Germany and Spain. The dependent variables included number of consultations and if a medical consultation occurred. The socioeconomic factors were income and education. The magnitude of the relationship between socioeconomic position and medical consultation frequency was estimated by calculating the percentage ratio using binomial regression and by calculating the difference in consultations by analysis of the covariance, in the case of number of visits. Statistically significant findings according to education were not observed. The percentage ratio in the medical consultations among those with lower and higher income was 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.88) in Germany and 1.11 (95% CI 1.03-1.20) in Spain among subjects with any of the studied chronic conditions. Also, in Germany the difference in the average number of consultations comparing lower income subjects with higher was 3.98 (95% CI 2.40-5.57) in those with chronic conditions. In both countries, there were no differences in the frequency of doctor visits according to education. However, a pro-inequality trend exists in favor of subjects with lower income.

Heavy Drinking by Occupation in Spain: Differences Between Weekdays and the Weekend.

Estimating occupational disparity in heavy drinking jointly for weekdays and the weekend may be misleading for prevention purposes, because reasons for disparity in both periods may differ. The main objective was to assess occupational disparity in heavy average drinking (HAD) by week period and sex. 42,108 employees aged 16-64 were recruited from national surveys in Spain between 2011 and 2020. The outcome was HAD, defined as daily alcohol intake over 20 g (men) or 10 g (women). Occupation was classified in 15 categories. HAD adjusted prevalence ratios (HAD-aPRs) taking all occupations as reference, and relative adjusted excess prevalences (HAD-aEPs) comparing the weekend to weekdays in each occupation, were estimated using Poisson regression models with robust variance adjusted for sociodemographic and health covariates. The HAD-aPRs comparing each occupation with all occupations ranged 0.63-1.92 on weekdays and 0.65-1.45 on the weekend, with the highest aPRs on weekdays in construction, hospitality and primary-sector workers (1.92-1.62). The weekend-weekdays HAD-aEPs by occupation ranged 2.60-8.33, with the highest values in technicians/administrators, other professionals, teachers and health professionals (8.33-6.44). The global aEP was higher in women (6.04) than in men (3.92), especially in occupations just mentioned (8.70-11.73 in women vs. 3.64-6.32 in men). There was a considerable relative disparity in HAD risk between occupations on weekdays, with the highest risks in certain low-skilled occupations. Such disparity decreased on the weekend. The relative weekend increase in HAD risk was greater in women and in certain high-skilled occupations. This should be considered when designing prevention interventions on harmful drinking.

Preocupación por el consumo de drogas entre hombres gais, bisexuales y otros hombres que tienen sexo con hombres usuarios de chemsex en España / Concern about Drug Use Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men Engaged in Chemsex Sessions in Spain

El chemsex, una actividad recreativa y ocasional para la mayoría de los hombres gais,bisexuales y otros hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (GBHSH) que lo practican, se ha asociado aconsecuencias negativas en distintas esferas de la salud. Sin embargo, apenas existe evidencia sobre lapreocupación por el consumo de drogas entre usuarios de chemsex. Objetivos: Estimar la proporciónde hombres GBHSH usuarios de chemsex preocupados por su consumo de drogas e identificar susprincipales determinantes, así como las drogas asociadas a mayor preocupación. Materiales y métodos:Se realizó un estudio online entre mayo y julio de 2020, en el que se analizaron 779 hombres GBHSHque habían participado en sesiones de chemsex en los últimos 12 meses. Se estimó la prevalencia depreocupación por consumo de drogas y se realizó un análisis multivariante para identificar los factoresasociados mediante regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta. Resultados: La preocupación porconsumo de drogas en los últimos 12 meses (31,6%) se asoció de forma independiente con: tenermenos de 40 años, haber pagado dinero a cambio de sexo, el consumo de las drogas más asociadascon la práctica del chemsex, así como con el consumo regular y la inyección de drogas en cualquiercircunstancia. Metanfetamina y mefedrona fueron las drogas que más preocuparon a los usuariosde chemsex. Conclusión: Se evidencia la necesidad de implementar medidas dirigidas a identificar yfavorecer el acceso de los usuarios de chemsex preocupados por su consumo de drogas a los recursossociosanitarios. Asimismo, es importante incrementar la conciencia acerca de los riesgos asociados alconsumo de drogas en esta población, especialmente entre los usuarios con patrones potencialmenteproblemáticos como el uso regular o inyectado de drogas. (AU)

Chemsex, a recreational and occasional activity for the majority of gay, bisexual, and othermen who have sex with men (GBMSM) who engage in it, has been associated with negative consequences in various health spheres. However, there is scarce evidence regarding concerns about drug useamong chemsex users. Objectives: To estimate the proportion of GBMSM engaged in chemsex who areconcerned about their drug use and identify its main determinants, as well as the drugs associated withgreater concern. Materials and Methods: An online study was conducted between May and July 2020,analyzing 779 GBMSM engaged in chemsex sessions in the last 12 months. The prevalence of concernabout drug use was estimated, and a multivariate analysis was performed to identify associated factorsusing Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: Concern about drug use in the last 12 months(31.6%) was independently associated with being under 40 years old, having paid for sex, the use ofdrugs most associated with chemsex practice, as well as regular drug use and drug injection in any circumstance. Methamphetamine and mephedrone were the drugs that most concerned chemsex users.Conclusion: These results show the need to implement measures aimed at identifying and promotingthe access of chemsex users concerned about their drug use to social and health resources. Likewise, itis important to increase awareness about the risks associated with drug use in this population, especiallyamong users with potentially problematic patterns such as regular or injecting drug use. (AU)

Is Surgery for Hepatic Echinococcosis Appropriate in a Low-Volume Center?

Background: Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic disease that develops in endemic areas due to the transmission of Echinococcus granulosus. The liver is the organ most affected. The most frequent symptoms include pain, palpable mass, jaundice, and fever. Diagnosis is based on epidemiologic history, examination, imaging, and serologic tests. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with hepatic echinococcosis diagnosed in our center. We collected data from our patients regarding personal history, cyst characteristics, surgery performed, and post-operative complications. Results: Sixteen patients were diagnosed with hepatic echinococcosis, 11 of whom underwent surgery. We found multiple cysts in six patients (37.5%) and a single cyst in 10 (62.5%). In 14 patients the cysts were found only in the right hepatic lobe (87.5%) and in two patients they were found in both lobes (12.5%). Segment 4 was affected in seven cases. The sizes ranged from 2.7 to 20 cm. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was prior to surgery in five patients. The interventions performed were partial cyst-pericystectomies in eight patients, a total cyst-pericystectomy in one case, and drains were placed in two cases of rupture. Post-operative fistulas were evident in five patients, four of which were closed. The fifth, which occurred after emergency surgery for rupture of the cyst, has maintained suppuration. The mean follow-up was 3.5 years. There was no post-operative mortality or recurrence to date. Conclusions: We can state that center without highly specialized hepato-biliary surgery units can assume the surgery of hydatid liver cysts excluding those with well-defined characteristics. The establishment of recommendations for the referral of patients with complex hydatid cysts may help in the optimal management of this pathology.

Trends and equity in the use of health services in Spain and Germany around austerity in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Following the 2008 economic crisis many countries implemented austerity policies, including reducing public spending on health services. This paper evaluates the trends and equity in the use of health services during and after that period in Spain - a country with austerity policies - and in Germany - a country without restriction on healthcare spending. METHODS: Data from several National Surveys in Spain and several waves of the Socio-Economic Panel in Germany, carried out between 2009 and 2017, were used. The dependent variables were number of doctor's consultations and whether or not a hospital admission occurred. The measure of socioeconomic position was education. In each year, the estimates were made for people with and without pre-existing health problems. First, the average number of doctor's consultations and the percentage of respondents who had had been hospitalized were calculated. Second, the relationship between education and use of those health services was estimated by calculating the difference in consultations using covariance analysis - in the case of number of consultations - and by calculating the percentage ratio using binomial regression - in the case of hospitalization. RESULTS: The annual mean number of consultations went down in both countries. In Spain the average was 14.2 in 2009 and 10.4 in 2017 for patients with chronic conditions; 16.6 and 13.5 for those with a mental illness; and 6.4 and 5.9 for those without a defined illness. In Germany, the averages were 13.8 (2009) and 12.9 (2017) for the chronic group; 21.1 and 17.0 for mental illness; and 8.7 and 7.5 with no defined illness. The hospitalization frequency also decreased in both countries. The majority of the analyses presented no significant differences in relation to education. CONCLUSION: In both Spain and Germany, service use decreased between 2009 and 2017. In the first few years, this reduction coincided with a period of austerity in Spain. In general, we did not find socioeconomic differences in health service use.

Erosion of universal health coverage and trend in the frequency of physician consultations in Spain.

BACKGROUND: We studied the frequency of physician visits in the native and immigrant populations in Spain before and after implementation of a governmental measure to restrict the use of public healthcare services by undocumented immigrants beginning in 2012. METHODS: Data were taken from the 2009 and 2014 European Health Surveys carried out in Spain. We investigated any physician consultation in the last 4 weeks before the interview, as well as visits to a family physician, public specialist physician and private specialist physician. We estimated the frequency of visits in 2009 and in 2014 in the native and immigrant populations and the difference in the frequency between the two populations, by calculating the percentage ratio estimated by binomial regression and adjusted for different confounders that are indicators of the need for assistance. RESULTS: The percentage of persons who consulted any physician in 2009 and 2014 was 31.7 and 32.9% in the native population, and 25.6 and 30.1% in the immigrant population, respectively. In the immigrant population, the frequency of visits to the general practitioner and public specialist physician increased, whereas in the native population only public specialist physician visits increased. The frequency of private specialist visits remained stable in both populations. After adjusting for the indicators of need for healthcare, no significant differences between the immigrant and native populations were seen in the frequency of visits, except for private specialist consultations, which were less frequent among immigrants. CONCLUSION: The restriction of universal healthcare coverage in Spain did not reduce the frequency of physician visits between 2009 and 2014, as the frequency of these consultations was seen to increase in both the native and immigrant populations.

Laparoscopic surgery in great adrenal malignant masses. / Cirugía laparoscópica en grandes masas suprarrenales malignas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the surgical technique of laparoscopic resection in malignant tumors greater than 10 cm. METHODS: We present two cases, a 63 year old woman with a left adrenal heterogeneous mass of 11 cm in maximum diameter and an 80 year old man with a left adrenal heterogeneous mass 13 cm in maximum diameter. In both cases excision was performed laparoscopically using 4 trocars and the Alexis® wound retractor for specimen extraction. RESULTS: For the 63 year old woman, the histological result was malignant epithelioid angiomyolipoma, while in the case of the 80 year old man was large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with possible pulmonary origin. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that laparoscopic surgery of large masses of malignant behavior depends on the capsular integrity and their relationship to adjacent structures rather than tumor size or the internal characteristics of tumor on imaging tests.

Cirugía laparoscópica en grandes masas suprarrenales malignas / Laparoscopic surgery in great adrenal malignant masses

OBJETIVO: El objetivo es describir la técnica quirúrgica laparoscópica de resección en tumores malignos mayores de 10 cms. MÉTODO: Presentamos dos casos, mujer de 63 años con masa heterogénea suprarrenal izquierda de 11 cms de diámetro máximo y hombre de 80 años con masa heterogénea suprarrenal izquierda de 13 cms de diámetro máximo. En ambos casos se realiza exéresis por vía laparoscópica utilizando 4 trócares y extracción mediante retractor de heridas Alexis®. RESULTADO: En el caso de la mujer de 63 años el resultado histológico fue de angiomiolipoma epitelioide maligno, mientras que en el caso del hombre de 80 años el resultado histológico fue de carcinoma neuroendocrino de células grandes de posible origen pulmonar. CONCLUSIÓN: Pensamos que la cirugía laparoscópica de grandes masas de comportamiento maligno depende de la integridad capsular y relación con estructuras vecinas en las pruebas de imagen y no tanto del tamaño tumoral o de las características internas del tumor en las pruebas de imagen

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the surgical technique of laparoscopic resection in malignant tumors greater than 10 cm. METHODS: We present two cases, a 63 year old woman with a left adrenal heterogeneous mass of 11 cm in maximum diameter and an 80 year old man with a left adrenal heterogeneous mass 13 cm in maximum diameter. In both cases excision was performed laparoscopically using 4 trocars and the Alexis® wound retractor for specimen extraction. RESULTS: For the 63 year old woman, the histological result was malignant epithelioid angiomyolipoma, while in the case of the 80 year old man was large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with possible pulmonary origin. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that laparoscopic surgery of large masses of malignant behavior depends on the capsular integrity and their relationship to adjacent structures rather than tumor size or the internal characteristics of tumor on imaging tests

¿Sigue representando la infiltración arterial un criterio de irresecabilidad en el carcinoma de páncreas? / Is arterial infiltration still a criterion for unresectability in pancreatic adenocarcinoma?

La resección quirúrgica representa en la actualidad la única posibilidad terapéutica para pacientes afectos de carcinoma de páncreas (CP). Procedimientos quirúrgicos agresivos han sido descritos en un intento de incrementar la resecabilidad. La resección venosa representa en la actualidad una técnica quirúrgica aceptada en centros con importante experiencia en cirugía pancreática. Por el contrario, la resección arterial en enfermos afectos de CP sigue siendo una técnica muy controvertida. La infiltración arterial en estos pacientes suele ser considerada un criterio de irresecabilidad. En los últimos años, importantes avances en la técnica quirúrgica y en el tratamiento postoperatorio de estos pacientes han permitido reducir la morbimortalidad de las resecciones pancreáticas. Por otra parte, notables mejoras en el tratamiento neoadyuvante y adyuvante así como un mayor conocimiento en la biología del tumor además de nuevas opciones diagnósticas han permitido mejorar la supervivencia. En el presente artículo, destacamos importantes puntos que un cirujano moderno debe de considerar para tratar a afectados de CP con infiltración arterial

As surgical resection remains the only hope for cure in pancreatic cancer (PC), more aggressive surgical approaches have been advocated to increase resection rates. Venous resection demonstrated to be a feasible technique in experienced centres, increasing survival. In contrast, arterial resection is still an issue of debate, continuing to be considered a general contraindication to resection. In the past few years there have been significant advances in surgical techniques and postoperative management which have dramatically reduced mortality and morbidity of major pancreatic resections. Furthermore, advances in multimodal neo-adjuvant and adjuvant treatments, as well as the better understanding of tumour biology and new diagnostic options have increased overall survival. In this article we highlight some of the important points that a modern pancreatic surgeon should take into account in the management of PC with arterial involvement in light of the recent advances

Is arterial infiltration still a criterion for unresectability in pancreatic adenocarcinoma?

As surgical resection remains the only hope for cure in pancreatic cancer (PC), more aggressive surgical approaches have been advocated to increase resection rates. Venous resection demonstrated to be a feasible technique in experienced centers, increasing survival. In contrast, arterial resection is still an issue of debate, continuing to be considered a general contraindication to resection. In the last years there have been significant advances in surgical techniques and postoperative management which have dramatically reduced mortality and morbidity of major pancreatic resections. Furthermore, advances in multimodal neo-adjuvant and adjuvant treatments, as well as the better understanding of tumor biology and new diagnostic options have increased overall survival. In this article we highlight some of the important points that a modern pancreatic surgeon should take into account in the management of PC with arterial involvement in light of the recent advances.

Long-term follow-up of donor chimerism and tolerance after human liver transplantation.

We aimed to quantify peripheral donor chimerism (DC) and to analyze its association with graft and recipient outcome. Forty-two liver transplant recipients and their respective donors were studied, providing a total of 148 posttransplantation serum samples. DC was assessed with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect polymorphic markers. DC did not decrease with time post-transplantation and was higher in child recipients versus adults and in recipients of deceased donor liver transplants versus recipients of live donor liver transplants. Higher levels of DC were detected in Rh-positive blood group donors, in O blood group recipients versus A blood group recipients, and in recipients with hepatitis C virus versus recipients with alcoholic cirrhosis. High DC was associated with patients with organ damage due to recurrent disease and rejection. Stable, high levels of DC, in the absence of other major clinical events, may thus be a marker of transplantation tolerance, and this knowledge may help to tailor immunosuppressive treatment. In conclusion, qPCR is a useful technique for DC follow-up in liver transplantation, although the evolution of DC levels should be analyzed in accordance with the clinical outcome of the patient.

Mutation in CNR1 gene and VEGF expression in esophageal cancer.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Cannabinoid receptors have an impact on gastrointestinal function, but it remains unknown whether mutations may affect tumor susceptibility in patients with esophageal carcinoma. The aim of this study was to determine mutation in the cannabinoid receptor-1 (CNR1) gene and its relation to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression as an angiogenic and poor prognostic factor. METHODS: 179 esophageal tissue samples from 69 patients (29 with esophageal cancer and 40 controls) were studied. CNR1 gene mutation (1359 G --> A in codon 453) was detected with PCR, using the MspI restriction enzyme. VEGF was determined by immunoassay. RESULTS: Genotyping in control patients' samples revealed that 24/40 were G/G wild type and 16/40 were G/A; no samples were A/A. Of the 139 tissue samples from the 29 esophageal cancer patients, 15 were G/G homozygous, 85 G/A heterozygous, 11 had an A/A genotype and 28 were without amplification. In the normal tissue adjacent to tumor, some mutations were observed. The overall survival time was reduced in patients with the A/A type in all their 5 samples, in comparison to G/G type (P = 0.04, chi-square: 4.26). VEGF expression was higher in tumor than nontumor areas (P < 0.025). VEGF expression was not correlated with survival time. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings in esophageal tissue showed a high frequency of G --> A mutation in the CNR1 gene. No correlation between VEGF expression and gene receptor mutation was found. Patients with mutation in all their samples had a reduced survival time.

Genetic parameters related to environmental variability of weight traits in a selection experiment for weight gain in mice; signs of correlated canalised response.

Data from an experimental mice population selected from 18 generations to increase weight gain were used to estimate the genetic parameters associated with environmental variability. The analysis involved three traits: weight at 21 days, weight at 42 days and weight gain between 21 and 42 days. A dataset of 5273 records for males was studied. Data were analysed using Bayesian procedures by comparing the Deviance Information Criterion (DIC) value of two different models: one assuming homogeneous environmental variances and another assuming them as heterogeneous. The model assuming heterogeneity was better in all cases and also showed higher additive genetic variances and lower common environmental variances. The heterogeneity of residual variance was associated with systematic and additive genetic effects thus making reduction by selection possible. Genetic correlations between the additive genetic effects on mean and environmental variance of the traits analysed were always negative, ranging from -0.19 to -0.38. An increase in the heritability of the traits was found when considering the genetic determination of the environmental variability. A suggested correlated canalised response was found in terms of coefficient of variation but it could be insufficient to compensate for the scale effect associated with an increase of the mean.

Origin of Mexican Nahuas (Aztecs) according to HLA genes and their relationships with worldwide populations.

A Nahua Aztec isolated group from Morelos State (Mexico) was studied for their HLA profile. The relationship with other Amerindians and worldwide populations was studied by using 13,818 chromosomes and calculating Nei's chord genetic distances (DA), neighbor-joining dendrograms and correspondence multidimensional values. Three new HLA extended haplotypes were found in our group: A*30-B*49-DRB1*1001-DQB1*0501 (the most frequent one in this population), A*02-B*52-DRB1*1402-DQB1*0301 and A*68-B*61-DRB1*1602-DQB1*0303. Both genetic distances and correspondence analyses clearly show that our Nahua isolated group is genetically close to some of the most ancient groups living in Mexico (Mayans, Zapotecans, Mixtecans). This suggests that Nahua language (Nahuatl) may have been imposed to scattered groups throughout Mexico; otherwise Aztecs may have been living in Mexico long before their postulated immigration in the XII century AD.

Incidence and risk factors for the development of lung tumors after liver transplantation.

Tobacco and immunosuppression are risk factors for developing upper aerodigestive and lung tumors after transplantation. This study comprises 701 adult recipients who survived more than 2 months after transplant: 276 patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) and 425 for nonalcoholic disease. The aim is to analyze the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcome of patients who develop lung malignancies after OLT. Incidence of lung cancer was 2.1% (15 patients): 4.3% (12 patients) in the alcoholic group and 0.7% (three patients) in the nonalcoholic group (P < 0.001). Mean time from OLT to tumor diagnosis was 86 months. Thirteen patients were smokers; 12 patients were heavy drinkers; and 11 were drinkers and smokers. Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in nine patients, large cell carcinoma in three, adenocarcinoma in two, and broncoalveolar in one. Tumor staging: 10 patients at stage IV; three at stage IIIB; and two at stage IIB. Tumor resection was performed in one patient, and three also received chemotherapy. Mean survival after tumor diagnosis was 5.4 months. There is a higher risk of lung cancer in smoker patients who have undergone OLT for AC, and have a very poor prognosis because tumors are diagnosed at advanced stages.

HLA genes in Cubans and the detection of Amerindian alleles.

Caribbean Islands including Cuba were first inhabited by Meso-American and later by Arawak-speaking Amerindians from nowadays Venezuela. Spanish invaders brought to almost extinction to the Amerindian population after 1492. Black slaves from West Africa were taken into Cuba by Europeans. The degree of admixture among populations is approached. HLA alleles were studied by DNA techniques. Comparison with other worldwide populations (a total of 14.094 chromosomes) included genetic distances, Neighbour-Joining dendrograms, correspondence analyses and calculation of extended haplotypes. While African-European HLA features were clearly found, Amerindian HLA characteristics are less evident, indicating that Amerindian devastation was particularly marked after 1492 AD. However, typical Amerindian alleles have been found in our Cuban sample, i.e. DRB1*0403, DRB1*0404, DRB1*0407, DRB1*0411, DRB1*0802 and DRB1*1602. The presence of Amerindian alleles in Cubans [corrected] may have a bear in the making up of transplantation registries (both for bone marrow and solid organ transplantation) at the regional level and also be important for epidemiological studies of diseases linked to HLA.

HLA non-class II genes may confer type I diabetes susceptibility in a Mapuche (Amerindian) affected family.

A rare case of type I diabetes is studied in an Amerindian (Mapuche) family from Chile, analyzing glutamic acid decarboxylase, islet-cell autoantibodies and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. The affected sib is the only one that has one specific HLA haplotype combination that differs from the other sibs only in the HLA class I genes. It is concluded that HLA diabetes susceptibility factors may be placed outside the class II region or even that susceptibility factors do not exist in the HLA region in this Amerindian family.

HLA genes in Lamas Peruvian-Amazonian Amerindians.

The Lamas Amerindians are the Chancas descents who established before 1532 a.d. (Spanish conquest) at Lamas City, Wayku quarter in a Peruvian-Amazonian province (San Martin). The Lamas HLA profile shows significant differences with other Amerindians HLA profile, i.e.: (a) a higher number of newly found haplotypes compared to other studied Amerindian populations, particularly HLA-A*02-B*48-DRB1*0403-DQB1*0302, A*02-B*48-DRB1*0804-DQB1*0402 and A*02-B*40-DRB1*0407-DQB1*0302; (b) a relative high frequency of HLA-DRB1*0901 (a high frequency southern Asian allele) and HLA-B*48 (a Na-Dene, Siberian and Eskimo allele); both alleles are also found frequently in Quechuas and Aymaras, but not in many other (particularly Meso American) Amerindians and (c) correspondence and neighbor-joining dendrogram analyses show that Lamas (Chancas) may have an origin close to Amazonian Indians that later reached the Andean altiplano.