Ventricular predominance in biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: Should new subtype criteria be recognized?

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a biventricular disease in which the effect on the left ventricle can be either equivalent to or more severe than that on the right ventricle. It is a rare disease due to its low reported prevalence and typically becomes clinically evident during the second to fourth decade of life. It represents 4% of sudden cardiac death cases referred for autopsy and 10% of cases of unexplained cardiac arrest. We present a challenging case report of a 68-year-old man who arrived at the emergency room with chest discomfort, palpitations, and light-headedness before a syncopal episode with urinary incontinence. During monitoring, ventricular tachycardia was detected and was treated with cardioversion. However, a follow-up electrocardiogram revealed low QRS voltages in limb leads and T-wave inversion in the left precordial leads. The patient underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram and a gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging study to evaluate the possibility of acute decompensated heart failure. Both imaging studies revealed low ejection fraction and systolic dysfunction in both right and left ventricles. Furthermore, in the late gadolinium enhancement study, extensive left ventricular subepicardial enhancement with septal predominance in a ring pattern and an irregular morphology of the right ventricular free wall were observed. A diagnosis of biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy was established based on the 2020 Padua Criteria. Although there is not a recognized classification within these criteria to establish its subtype, in our case there was a left ventricular predominance due to the presence of additional left ventricular categories.

Coronary-cameral fistula in an infant patient: An incidental diagnosis.

Coronary artery fistula is a rare abnormal connection between the heart arteries. Patients may remain asymptomatic until adulthood, potentially experiencing life-threatening complications. Adequate monitoring and therapeutic management are essential.

mHealth Monitoring of Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients: A Community-Based Implementation Study.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a global health problem. Compelled by the protracted healing process, initial and final outcomes of treatment are determined at 90 and 180 days, respectively, after initiation of treatment. Loss to follow-up during these intervals is substantial. Consequently, the effectiveness of treatment is largely unknown. We conducted an effectiveness-implementation hybrid design study of a community-based mobile health (mHealth) strategy to monitor adherence to anti-leishmanial treatment, adverse drug reactions, and therapeutic response compared with standard of care in two rural communities of Colombia. Three implementation outcomes were evaluated: usability and acceptability by qualitative methods and fidelity using quantitative methods. Fifty-seven patients were prospectively included in the mHealth intervention and 48 in the standard-of-care group. In addition, 24 community health leaders (CHLs), health workers, and patients participated in qualitative evaluations. The intervention significantly increased the proportion of patients having follow-up of therapeutic outcomes 90 and 180 days after initiating treatment from 4.2% (standard of care) to 82.5% (intervention), P < 0.001. The proportion of patients having records of treatment adherence, adverse drug reactions, and therapeutic response also increased significantly (P < 0.001). Fidelity to the intervention (recording of treatment adherence, adverse drug reactions, lesion photographs, and evaluation of therapeutic response) was 70-100%. The app was highly accepted by CHLs, health workers, and patients, who perceived that the app improved case identification and follow-up and met a public health need. Although usability was high, low connectivity affected real-time transmission of data. This community-based mHealth strategy facilitated access to health care for CL in rural areas and knowledge of treatment effectiveness.

Routinary PET/CT imaging for oncological surveillance accompanied by echocardiography may identify early atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A case report.

Atherosclerosis is a disease where plaque builds up in arteries, resulting in harmful cardiovascular events. Inflammation has a significant role in its progression, starting from the initial stages. Cancer patients, due to their constant exposure to inflammatory processes caused by treatments or illnesses, are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Arterial inflammation can be quantified with 18 F-FDG PET/CT imaging. In this case report, we propose that routinary PET/CT imaging for oncological surveillance could be useful for cardiovascular risk stratification by reviewing a case of a patient with breast cancer whose imaging study revealed arterial inflammation and a subsequent echocardiogram evidenced grade II diastolic dysfunction (potentially, an initial manifestation of the ischemic cascade).

Randomized trial evaluating an mHealth intervention for the early community-based detection and follow-up of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural Colombia.

BACKGROUND: In Latin America, cutaneous leishmaniasis primarily affects dispersed rural communities, that have limited access to the public health system and medical attention. Mobile health (mHealth) strategies have shown potential to improve clinical management and epidemiological surveillance of neglected tropical diseases, particularly those of the skin. METHODS: The Guaral +ST app for Android was designed to monitor cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment and assess therapeutic response. We carried out a randomized trial in the coastal municipality of Tumaco in southwestern Colombia, with parallel arms comparing a) follow-up aided by the app to b) standard institution-based follow-up. Treatment was prescribed according to national guidelines. Follow-up of therapeutic response was scheduled at the end of treatment and at 7, 13 and 26 weeks after the start of treatment. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants who were monitored at or around week 26, allowing outcome and effectiveness of treatment to be determined. RESULTS: Follow-up of treatment and outcome assessment was achieved in significantly more patients in the intervention arm than the controls, Of the 75 participants in the two randomized arms, 74 had information on whether or not treatment was followed and outcome determined at or around week 26. Among these, 26/49 (53.1%) were evaluated in the intervention arm, and none (0/25, 0%) in the control arm (difference = 53.1%, 95% confidence interval 39.1-67.0%, p<0.001). Of the 26 participants evaluated at or around week 26 in the intervention arm, 22 (84.6%) had cured. There were no serious adverse events, nor events of severe intensity among patients monitored by CHW using the app. CONCLUSION: This study provides proof of concept for mHealth to monitor treatment of CL in remote and complex settings, deliver improved care and to provide information to the health system on the effectiveness of treatment as it is delivered to affected populations. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN54865992.

Identification of Promising Drug Candidates against Prostate Cancer through Computationally-Driven Drug Repurposing.

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common types of cancer in males. Although early stages of PC are generally associated with favorable outcomes, advanced phases of the disease present a significantly poorer prognosis. Moreover, currently available therapeutic options for the treatment of PC are still limited, being mainly focused on androgen deprivation therapies and being characterized by low efficacy in patients. As a consequence, there is a pressing need to identify alternative and more effective therapeutics. In this study, we performed large-scale 2D and 3D similarity analyses between compounds reported in the DrugBank database and ChEMBL molecules with reported anti-proliferative activity on various PC cell lines. The analyses included also the identification of biological targets of ligands with potent activity on PC cells, as well as investigations on the activity annotations and clinical data associated with the more relevant compounds emerging from the ligand-based similarity results. The results led to the prioritization of a set of drugs and/or clinically tested candidates potentially useful in drug repurposing against PC.

Positron emission tomography and its role in the assessment of vulnerable plaques in comparison to other imaging modalities.

The diagnosis and management of vulnerable plaques are topics of high interest in the cardiovascular field. Although imaging techniques like computed tomography angiography (MCTA) and ultrasonography (USG) can structurally evaluate atherosclerotic plaques, they are limited in examining internal cellular processes. Positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging, on the other hand, can highlight these cellular processes, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and lipid oxidation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also a valuable non-invasive imaging technique that can provide detailed anatomical and functional information on the cardiovascular system. In this review, we compare the advantages and drawbacks of MCTA, USG and MRI imaging techniques with PET molecular imaging in evaluating vulnerable plaques. PET imaging allows physicians to measure different pathophysiological events within the plaque using intravenous radiotracers, of which 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) is the most validated one. By using 18F-FDG, physicians can understand the formation of the plaque, assess the accumulation of macrophages, and predict major cardiovascular events. However, some limitations exist in using 18F-FDG, including myocardial uptake and low sensitivity in imaging coronary arteries. We also mention other radiotracers that can help in evaluating vulnerable plaques, including 18F-NaF. Although PET imaging is still challenging, it has shown promise in evaluating vulnerable plaques and could be used to intervene in high-risk patients before major cardiovascular events occur.

Role of the Antioxidant Activity of Melatonin in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a common problem in the age of interventional cardiology; it is primarily mediated by oxidative stress and reactive agents. Melatonin has antioxidative properties that make its use promising for treating ischemia-reperfusion injury. Multiple experimental studies in murine and porcine models have been performed with good results. Clinical trials have also been conducted but given their heterogeneity, no conclusive results can be made. Melatonin pharmacokinetic properties are not ideal; therefore, many analogs have been proposed with improved characteristics, and some studies have evaluated their efficacy in animal models, but clinical trials are needed to recommend their use. In this review, we expose the results of the most impactful studies regarding melatonin use in ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Data management plan for a community-level study of the hidden burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease whose lasting scars can cause stigmatization and depressive symptoms. It is endemic in remote rural areas and its incidence is under-reported, while the effectiveness, as opposed to efficacy, of its treatments is largely unknown. Here we present the data management plan (DMP) of a project which includes mHealth tools to address these knowledge gaps in Colombia. The objectives of the DMP are to specify the tools and procedures for data collection, data transfer, data entry, creation of analysis dataset, monitoring and archiving. RESULTS: The DMP includes data from two mobile apps: one implements a clinical prediction rule, and the other is for follow-up and treatment of confirmed cases. A desktop interface integrates these data and facilitates their linkage with other sources which include routine surveillance as well as paper and electronic case report forms. Multiple user and programming interfaces are used, as well as multiple relational and non-relational database engines. This DMP describes the successful integration of heterogeneous data sources and technologies. However the complexity of the project meant that the DMP took longer to develop than expected. We describe lessons learned which could be useful for future mHealth projects.

Taxonomic Distribution of Neoplasia Among Non-Domestic Felid Species Under Managed Care.

As evidenced by numerous case reports from zoos, neoplasia in felids is common, but most reports are limited to Panthera species in North America or Europe. In order to obtain a wider epidemiologic understanding of neoplasia distribution, necropsy records at seven facilities (USA, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil) were evaluated. In contrast to others, this study population (195 cases, 16 species), included many non-Panthera felids. Overall neoplasia prevalence was 28.2% (55/195). Panthera species had a higher prevalence of neoplasia than non-Panthera species (52.5%; vs. 13.0%). Lions (66.7%), jaguars (55.0%), and tigers (31.3%) had the highest species-specific prevalence of neoplasia. Neoplasms in Panthera species were more frequently malignant than in non-Panthera (86.1% vs. 55.6%). The systems most commonly affected were the reproductive, hematolymphoid, and respiratory. The range of management conditions and more varied genetic backgrounds support a robust taxonomic pattern and suggest that the reported propensity for neoplasia in jaguars may have a genetic basis at a taxonomic level higher than species, as lions and tigers also have high prevalence. Given the high prevalence of neoplasia and high likelihood of malignancy, routine medical exams in all nondomestic felids, but Panthera species in particular, should include thorough assessments of any clinical signs of neoplasia.

Concentraciones basales de plomo en sangre de catártidos en cautiverio / Basal concentrations of lead in the blood of birds from the New World vulture (Cathartidae) family in captivity / Concentrações basais de chumbo em sangue de catárticos em cativeiro

Resumen El plomo es uno de los metales pesados más tóxicos para los seres vivos, lo cual constituye una problemática a escala global. Este metal se encuentra de manera natural en el medio ambiente. Puede permanecer por largos periodos en tejidos animales y producir alteraciones fisiológicas, comportamentales e incluso la muerte. Uno de los grupos taxonómicos más afectados son las aves, especialmente aquellas especies que se encuentran en la parte superior de la cadena alimenticia, debido a su susceptibilidad a la bioacumulación de metales pesados. Sin embargo, en Suramérica existe escasa información sobre la exposición de plomo en catártidos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar concentraciones basales de plomo en catártidos mantenidos en condiciones de cautiverio en Colombia. Para ello se analizaron muestras sanguíneas de 9 reyes gallinazos (Sarcoramphus papa) y 7 cóndores de los Andes (Vultur gryphus) de tres zoológicos por medio de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. Los resultados sugieren que 15 de 16 ejemplares contienen concentraciones de plomo. El zoológico B tuvo el mayor promedio (2,65 ± 1,00 µg/dL), seguido del zoológico C (1,87 ± 0,63 µg/dL) y del zoológico A (0,8 ± 0,89 µg/dL). El promedio para S. papa fue de 2,11 ± 0,42 µg/dL, mientras que el de V. gryphus fue de 1,89 ± 1,52 µg/dL. Se concluye que aunque existe una diferencia significativa (p = 0,01) entre los zoológicos muestreados y se detectaron concentraciones de plomo en el 93,75 % de la población, estas son bajas comparadas con las reportadas por los estudios.

Abstract Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metals for living beings, which is a problem on a global scale. This metal is found naturally in the environment. It can remain for long periods in animal tissues, and produce physiological and behavioral alterations, even death. One of the most affected taxonomic groups are birds, especially those species that are at the top of the food chain, due to their susceptibility to the bioaccumulation of heavy metals. However, in South America, there is little information on lead exposure in birds from the New World vulture (Cathartidae) family. This research aimed to determine basal concentration levels of lead in birds from the Cathartidae family kept in captivity conditions in Colombia. To the effect, blood samples of nine king vultures (Sarcoramphus papa) and seven Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) were analyzed from three zoos using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results suggest that 15 out of 16 specimens contain blood lead concentrations. Zoo B had the highest average (2.65 ± 1.00 μg/dL), followed by Zoo C (1.87 ± 0.63 μg/dL), and zoo A (0.8 ± 0.89 μg/dL). The average for S. papa was 2.11 ± 0.42 μg/dL, while for V. gryphus it was 1.89 ± 1.52 μg/dL. It is concluded that although there is a significant difference (p = 0.01) among the sampled zoos, and lead concentrations were detected in 93.75% of the population, these are low compared to levels reported by other studies.

Resumo O chumbo é um dos metais pesados mais tóxicos para os seres vivos, o qual constitui uma problemática na escala global. Este metal se encontra naturalmente no meio ambiente. Pode permanecer por longos períodos em tecidos animais e produzir alterações fisiológicas, comportamentais e inclusive a morte. Um dos grupos taxonômicos mais afetados são as aves, especialmente aquelas espécies que se encontram na parte superior da cadeia alimentícia, devido a sua suscetibilidade à bioacumulação de metais pesados. No entanto, na América do Sul existe escassa informação sobre a exposição de chumbo em catárticos. O objetivo desta investigação foi determinar concentrações basais de chumbo em catárticos mantidos em condições de cativeiro na Colômbia. Para isso foram analisadas amostras sanguíneas de 9 urubus reis (Sarcoramphus papa) e 7 condores dos Andes (Vultur gryphus) de três zoológicos por média de espectrofotometria de absorção atômica. Os resultados sugerem que 15 de 16 exemplares contém concentrações de chumbo. O zoológico B teve a maior média (2,65 ± 1,00 µg/dL), seguida do zoológico C (1,87 ± 0,63 µg/dL) e do zoológico A (0,8 ± 0,89 µg/dL). A média para S. papa foi de 2,11 ± 0,42 µg/dL, enquanto que o de V. gryphus foi de 1,89 ± 1,52 µg/dL. Se conclui que ainda existe uma diferença significativa (p = 0,01) entre os zoológicos amostrados e se detectaram concentrações de chumbo no 93,75 % da população, estas são baixas comparadas com as relatadas pelos estudos.

Comparative seroprevalence of Leptospira interrogans in Colombian mammals along a climatic gradient.

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease with well-established impacts on human health in tropical and subtropical regions. Although Leptospira spp. are known to readily infect many wildlife species, the understanding of interspecies and climatic variability in patterns of infection in Neotropical mammals is limited. To improve the understanding of this interplay, 85 mammals representing 17 species were sampled from four Colombian zoos along a climatic gradient. Prevalence of the 21 primary serovars against Leptospira interrogans was determined using the microagglutination test. Individuals were considered positive for a given serovar if antibodies were observable at a 1:100 dilution or greater. Overall prevalence was 9.52%, with positive titers to serovar hurstbridge in Carnivora (Canidae); serovar sarmin in Primata (Atelidae); and serovars australis, mini, autumnalis, pomona, icterohaemorrhagiae, and seramanga in Primata (Cebidae). Prevalence was positively correlated with humidity and temperature, with significantly higher prevalence at the site characterized by high humidity, severe flooding because of rainfall, and warm weather throughout the year. All positive animals were classified as clinically asymptomatic, meaning that antibodies from a current or past infection were detected but no overt symptoms were apparent. The diversity of serovars observed and the taxon-specific nature of these associations suggest that the epidemiology of Leptospira transmission is likely to be complex and multidimensional. The strong association observed between prevalence and climate suggests that the important role of climate as an indicator of Leptospira infection risk in humans may also be applicable to wildlife. Future studies in both wild and captive populations of Neotropical wildlife will further elucidate this disease interplay.

Estudio de la tuberculosis aviar en un zoológico de la sabana de Bogotá, mediante la técnica de la tuberculinización y la vigilancia epidemiológica activa / Study of avian tuberculosis in a zoo at the Bogota savannah through tuberculin testing and active epidemiologic surveillance

El flujo de aves silvestres constituye una debilidad en la vigilancia epidemiológica, pues se desconoce su potencial como fuente de diseminación de enfermedades. Se hizo un seguimiento epidemiológico de la población aviar existente en un encierro mixto silvestre de un zoológico ubicado en la Sabana de Bogotá, donde tres aves murieron con diagnóstico presuntivo de tuberculosis. A fin de comprobar la presencia de Mycobacterium avium y proyectar las medidas para evitar los factores de riesgo, se utilizó un grupo control de exposición previa de cinco aves domésticas raza Hy line Brown, un grupo centinela de diez aves domésticas del mismo lote del grupo control, un grupo control externo, constituido por 102 aves de los encierros vecinos al área problema. Se realizaron estudios retrospectivos y prospectivos, mediante análisis histopatológicos, microbiológicos, epidemiológicos y moleculares. El 100% de las aves del encierro original que murieron se les confirmó genotípicamente tuberculosis, causada por Mycobacterium avium. Del grupo centinela, 35,5% resultaron afectadas por Mycobacterium avium, 28,6% por Mycobacterium gordonae, 14,3% por Mycobacterium chelonae y un 21,4% por una micobacteria de difícil clasificación. Los animales de fuera del encierro no mostraron ningún indicio de infección. Se concluye que el encierro problema se encuentra afectado por tuberculosis aviar y se constituye en un foco de alto riesgo, tanto para aves como para los humanos. También, las aves domésticas utilizadas como centinelas son muy buenos detectores de agentes infecciosos, en particular, de las microbacterias presentes en el medio ambiente y la prueba de tuberculinización es un buen indicador de infección con este tipo de microorganismos en aves domésticas.

The flow of wild birds is a weakness in epidemiologic surveillance because of its unknown potential as a source of disease dissemination. The investigation focused on an epidemiological tracking of the mixed wild bird population in a zoo in the Bogota Savannah, where three birds died with a presumptive diagnosis of tuberculosis. In order to verify the presence of Mycobacterium avium and to plan the required measures to avoid risk factors, a control group of five poultry birds of the Hy Line Brown variety that had already been exposed was used, as well as a sentinel group of the poultry birds from the same batch as the control group, and an external control group of 102 birds from cages near the area of the problem. Retrospective and prospective studies were carried out through histopathological, microbiological, epidemiological and molecular analysis. One hundred percent (100%) of the birds from the original cages that died were genotypically diagnosed with tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium avium. Thirty-five percent (35.5%) of the sentinel group was affected by Mycobacterium avium, 28.6% by Mycobacterium gordonae, 14.3% by Mycobacterium chelonae and 21.4% by a mycobacterium that is very difficult to classify. The other animals outside the cage showed no evidence of infection. It is concluded that the problematic enclosure is affected by avian tuberculosis, which is of high risk both for birds and for humans. The poultry used as sentinels are excellent infective agent detectors, particularly of mycobacteria present in the environment, and the tuberculin test is a good indicator of infection with this type of microorganisms in poultry.

Determinación de anticuerpos de Leptospira spp. En pequeños mamíferos no voladores, en un fragmento de bosque Andino en la montaña del Zoológico Jaime Duque / Antibody determination of Leptospira spp. In small non flying mammals, in a forest sector at the mountain of Jaime Duque´s Zoo

Este estudio se concentró en la búsqueda y determinación de anticuerpos de los serovares L.gryppotiphosa, L. icterohaemorragiae, L. Pomona, L. Bratislava, L. hardjo y L. canicola, en pequeños mamíferos no voladores capturados por medio de trampas tipo Sherman y Tomahawk. Se utilizó la metodología de transectos lineales fijos en un área de 107.800 M2 y el empleo de cebos alimenticios como atrayentes para estas especies; en ocho meses, se capturaron 23 individuos de 7 especies diferentes, que fueron muestreados para la obtención del suero sanguíneo. Este último fue analizado en el laboratorio a través de la técnica de Microaglutinación en placa (MAT). Entre los resultados obtenidos, se destaca que en 16 individuos se encontró evidencias de la presencia de Leptospira que, en términos de prevalencia puntual, equivale a 69,56 por ciento (16/23). Además, todos los serovares mostraron positividad para la mayoría de la población objetivo: para el serovar L. hardjo, 2 fueron positivos; para el L. Pomona, 4; para el L. icterohaemorragiae, 12; para el L. Bratislava, 3; para L. canicola, 5; y para el L. grippotyphosa, 1, encontrando una prevalencia serológica para el seroval L. icterohaemorragiae (44,44 por ciento). Estos resultados nos pueden ofrecer mayores elementos en la comprensión de la leptospirosis, que es una enfermedad que afecta tanto a los animales como a los humanos y en estos últimos puede causar desde signos poco específicos de hemorragia hasta lesiones renales...

Identificación de Mycobacterium sp., en una población de tortugas morrocoy (Geochelone carbonaria) en cautiverio y en su entorno, en un zoológico en la Sabana de Bogotá / Identifyng mycobacterium sp. in a morrocoy turtle (geochelone carbonaria) population kept in captivity and in their environment in a zoo near Bogotá

En un zoológico de la Sabana de Bogotá, se presenta alta mortalidad de aves por tuberculosis aviar, en un encierro en el cual habitaban dos clases de aninales diferentes: reptiles y aves. Se buscó establecer la presencia del Mycobacterium sp, por medio de la identificación molecular (PCR-PRA), en una población de 19 tortugas morrocoy en cautiverio en el zoológico mencionado anteriormente. Se procedió a tuberculinizar a todas las tortugas, las cuales resultaron negativas y se recolectaron muestras de materia fecal y muestras ambientales (agua y suelo) y se cultivaron en medios OK/MSTA, LJ y OK respectivamente realizando baciloscopia para cada una de las muestras.Los hallazgos sugieren la necesidad de una vigilancia continua, que permita la identificación de la presencia de micobacterias; por medio de pruebas de laboratorio apropiadas (baciloscopia, cultivo, pruebas bioquímicas y moleculares)...

Estudio macro y microscópico de la tuberculosis aviar en un zoológico de la Sabaana de Bogotá / Macro and microscopic study of avian tuberculosis at savannah´s Bogotá zoo

A partir de diagnósticos histopatológicos de casos compatibles con procesos granulomatosos, emitidos por el Laboratorio de Histopatología de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad de La Salle en un alcaraván (Burhinus bistriatus) y en dos tinguas azules (Porphyrula martinica), procedentes de un zoológico de la Sabana de Bogotá, se diseñó una investigación con el fin de comprobar la presencia de Mycobacterium avium, realizar un seguimiento epidemiológico de la población aviar existente en un encierro mixto silvestre y proyectar las medidas para reducir los factores de riesgo, tanto para los animales como para las personas. Se utilizó un grupo control de cinco aves domésticas raza Hy line Brown, un grupo centinela de diez aves del mismo lote del grupo control, un grupo control externo constituido por 102 aves de los encierros vecinos al área problema: 28 patos, 25 guacamayas, 26 loros, 23 aves rapaces y el grupo de aves del encierro problema. Se realizaron estudios retrospectivos y prospectivos mediante estudios morfológicos macro y microscópicos (Hematoxilina-Eosina y Ziehl-Neelsen). Con los estudios morfológicos se comprobó la presencia de lesiones granulomatosas en diversos órganos de los animales muertos de los grupos de aves centinela y del encierro problema, destacándose el hallazgo de lesiones granulomatosas en leptomeninges y sustancia blanca de la médula espinal y la mineralización (calcificación) en algunos granulomas, principalmente de hígado y pulmones. Con la coloración de Ziehl-Neelsen de los tejidos se comprobó la presencia de bacilos ácido-alcohol resistentes y se confirmó el diagnóstico de micobacteriosis en una de las aves centinela y en tres de las aves del encierro problema. Los animales de fuera del encierro no mostraron ningún indicio de enfermedad micobacteriana. Los hallazgos macro y microscópicos de los tejidos junto con los estudios microbiologicos y moleculares (no mostrados en este artículo) permiten concluir que el encierro problema se encuentra afectado por tuberculosis aviar causada por Mycobacterium avium principalmente, constituyéndose en un foco de alto riesgo para las aves de zoológico, silvestres y las comerciales eventualmente en contacto y un riesgo potencial para los humanos, por lo que se recomiendan medidas para su prevención, control y posible erradicación.

Tratamento da dismenorréia / Dysmenorrhea treatment

Este trabalho tem como objetivo comparar as modalidades de tratamento clínico da dismenorréia através de uma revisão da literatura. Realizou-se esta revisão sistemática da literatura, de 1990 até 2003, através do PubMed, utilizando-se as palavras-chave clinic treatment e dysmenorrhea, tendo sido selecionados os trabalhos publicados em periódicos de impacto. As várias modalidades foram avaliadas quanto à efetividade sobre os sintomas e na melhora da qualidade de vida. Quanto às opções medicamentosas que obtiveram bons resultados destacam-se: os antiinflamatórios não esteroidais, representados pelo naproxeno, ibuprofeno, ácidos mefenâmico e tolfenâmico e o ácido acetil salicílico; os anti-inflamatórios inibidores seletivos da ciclooxigenase 2, representados pelo valdecoxib, etoricoxib e rofecoxib. Além destes, verificou-se também os contraceptivos orais de baixa dose, os antagonistas dos receptores da vasopressina, ervas medicinais japonesas (Shakuiyaku e Toki-Shokuyaku), vitamina E, trinitrato de glicerila, extrato da casca de pinheiros franceses, ácido graxo poliinsaturado omega-3 e os antiinflamatórios descetoprofeno e cetoprofeno. Nas opções não medicamentosas tiveram boa efetividade: estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea, microondas diatérmico (relato de um caso), terapia térmica tópica, acupuntura e acupressura. Várias são as opções de tratamento e todas apresentam melhora significativa do quadro clínico da paciente, oferecendo ao médico várias formas de se tratar a dismenorréia, considerando-se ideal aquele que melhor se adapte à paciente

Validación y aplicación de la prueba ELISA para medir cortisol fecal en Jaguar (panthera onca) y puma (puma concolor) durante un programa de enriquecimiento ambiental en el Zoológico Jaime Duque / Validation and application of Elisa test to measure frecal cortisol in jaguar´s (pantera onca) and cougar´s (puma concolor) during an environmental enrichment at Jaime Duque Zoo

El enriquecimiento ambiental busca aumentar el bienestar de los animales cautivos mediante la provisión de estímulos que motiven la realización de comportamientos típicos de la especie. A las poblaciones de jaguares (Panthera onca) y pumas (Puma concolor) presentes en el Zoológico Jaime Duque se les aplicó un programa de enriquecimiento ambiental y con el fin de probar si su bienestar aumentaba, se realizaron mediciones de cortisol en materia fecal mediante la prueba de ELISA, para lo cual hubo necesidad de validar la técnica para cada especie. La prueba utilizada resultó ser válida para ambas especies; sin embargo, los niveles de cortisol se ven influenciados por múltiples variables y no se hizo evidente la reducción de los niveles del mismo con el enriquecimiento ambiental.