Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete plastid genome of Theobroma bicolor (Malvaceae) from Peru.

Theobroma bicolor Bonpl. 1806 is distributed in the Neotropics from southern Mexico to the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon. High-throughput sequencing of T. bicolor from Peru (KUELAP2926) resulted in the assembly of its complete plastid genome (GenBank accession number OQ557154). The chloroplast genome of T. bicolor is A + T-rich (62.97%), having 160,317 bp in size and containing 130 genes; including a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 25,462 bp separated by a large single copy region (LSC) of 89,221 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 20,172 bp. This plastid genome is similar in length, content, and organization to other members of the genus Theobroma. Phylogenetic analyses of T. bicolor support its sistership to the clade comprising T. cacao and T. grandiflorum. This study may contribute valuable information to the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Theobroma.

Revised classification of the Cyanidiophyceae based on plastid genome data with descriptions of the Cavernulicolales ord. nov. and Galdieriales ord. nov. (Rhodophyta).

The Cyanidiophyceae, an extremophilic red algal class, is distributed worldwide in extreme environments. Species grow either in acidic hot environments or in dim light conditions (e.g., "cave Cyanidium"). The taxonomy and classification systems are currently based on morphological, eco-physiological, and molecular phylogenetic characters; however, previous phylogenetic results showed hidden diversity of the Cyanidiophyceae and suggested a revision of the classification system. To clarify phylogenetic relationships within this red algal class, we employ a phylogenomic approach based on 15 plastomes (10 new) and 15 mitogenomes (seven new). Our phylogenies show consistent relationships among four lineages (Galdieria, "cave Cyanidium", Cyanidium, and Cyanidioschyzon lineages). Each lineage is distinguished by organellar genome characteristics. The "cave Cyanidium" lineage is a distinct clade that diverged after the Galdieria clade but within a larger monophyletic clade that included the Cyanidium and Cyanidioschyzon lineages. Because the "cave Cyanidium" lineage is a mesophilic lineage that differs substantially from the other three thermoacidophilic lineages, we describe it as a new order (Cavernulicolales). Based on this evidence, we reclassified the Cyanidiophyceae into four orders: Cyanidiales, Cyanidioschyzonales, Cavernulicolales ord. nov., and Galdieriales ord. nov. The genetic distance among these four orders is comparable to, or greater than, the distances found between other red algal orders and subclasses. Three new genera (Cavernulicola, Gronococcus, Sciadococcus), five new species (Galdieria javensis, Galdieria phlegrea, Galdieria yellowstonensis, Gronococcus sybilensis, Sciadococcus taiwanensis), and a new nomenclatural combination (Cavernulicola chilensis) are proposed.

Analysis of the complete plastidial genome of the newly highland papaya Vasconcellea carvalhoae (Caricaceae) from Peru.

Especially in South American Andean communities, Vasconcellea carvalhoae D. Tineo & D.E. Bustamante 2020 is a significant highland papaya with agronomic promise. High-throughput sequencing of the holotype specimen of V. carvalhoae from Peru (KUELAP227) resulted in the assembly of its complete plastid genome (GenBank accession number ON764441). The plastid genome of this highland papaya is 158,723 bp and contains 130 genes. This plastid genome is similar in length, content, and organization to other members of Caricaceae, except for the absence of the pseudogene infA. Phylogenetic analyses of V. carvalhoae support its sistership to V. pubescens.

Exploring the diversity of andean berries from northern Peru based on molecular analyses.

More than 12,000 species have been listed under the category of berries, and most of them belong to the orders Ericales and Rosales. Recent phylogenetic studies using molecular data have revealed disagreements with morphological approaches mainly due to diverse floral arrangements, which has proven to be a problem when recognizing species. Therefore, the use of multilocus sequence data is essential to establish robust species boundaries. Although berries are common in Andean cloud forests, diversity of these taxa has not been extensively evaluated in the current context of DNA-based techniques. In this regard, this study characterized morphologically and constructed multilocus phylogenies using four molecular markers, two chloroplast markers (matK and rbcL) and two nuclear markers (ITS and GBSSI-2). Specimens did not show diagnostic features to delimit species of berries. A total of 125 DNA-barcodes of andean berries were newly generated for the four molecular markers. The multilocus phylogenies constructed from these markers allowed the identification of 24 species grouped into the order Ericales (Cavendishia = 1, Clethra = 2, Disterigma = 2, Gaultheria = 4, Thibaudia = 4, Vaccinium = 3) and Rosales (Rubus = 8), incorporating into the Peruvian flora four new records (Disterigma ecuadorense, Disterigma synanthum, Vaccinium meridionale and Rubus glabratus) and revealing the genus Rubus as the most diverse group of berries in the Amazonas region. The results of this study showed congruence in all the multilocus phylogenies, with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) showing the best resolution to distinguish the species. These species were found in coniferous forests, dry and humid forests, rocky slopes, and grasslands at 2,506-3,019 masl from Amazonas region. The integration of morphological and DNA-based methods is recommended to understand the diversity of berries along the Peruvian Andean cloud forest. Abstract in Quechua language Qhawarqan astawan chunka iskayniyuq waranqa especiekuna bayasmanta huch'uy mit'a maypichus hatun rak'i chayaqi ordenkunata Ericaleswan Rosaleswan. Chayraqpi Khuski filogeneticamanta rurachiy allincharqan chanikuna molecularkuna willarqan ayñi rikunawanta morfologicokunamanta, qaylla llapan rantichay t'ika tiktutaywan ñawray, ima kay kaqta qhawacgirqan kay huk champay pachaman riqsiypa especiekunamanta. Hina kaqtintaq, chanikuna qatikipaykunamanta multilocus hat'alliy tiksipmi takyachiypaq saywakuna sinchikuna especiekunamanta. Pana bayaskuna kanku allatinkuna sach'a-sach'api phuyusqa anti runap, ñawran manan karqan achka kamaykuy kunan pacha allwiyaraykupi takyasqakuna ADN. Chayrayku, Noqanchispa taqwi allincharqan huk filogenia multilocus, rarachikupúnmi tawa molecular marcadorkuna, caspa iskay markadorkunawan cloroplastomanta (matK, rbcL) iskay markadorkunawan nuclearkunamanta (ITS, GBSSI-2). Kaykunawan filogeniamanta huniqamuran kikinchay iskay chunka tawayoq especies ima tantaqamuran q'anchis generospi (Cavendishia=1, Clethra=2, Disterigma=2, Gaultheria=4, Thibaudia=4, Vaccinium=3, Rubus=8), kaykunata huñuyqamuranta piruwanu llacha kamay tawa musuq quillqakamachikuta (Disterigma ecuadorense, Disterigma synanthum, Vaccinium meridionale, Rubus glabratus). Nocaykuq lluqsisqan kuwirinti rikuchirurqan llapankuna filogeniaspi multilocusmanta, kaspa espaciador transcrito interno (ITS) pi rikuchina kutuwi mihur rantichay riqsiypaq especiekunata. Abstract in Awajun language Dekanauwai juú weantug 12000 sag nagkaikiut, júna nejég tente ainawai nuintushkam kuashtai Ericales nuigtu Rosales weantui. Molecularesjai takasmaug juki filogeneticos augtus yamá dekai antugnaiñasmauwa nuna Morfologicosjai disa umikmaug, juka waignawai kuashag yagkunum, juwai dekaata tamanum kuashat utugchata ama nunuka. Nunui asamtai multilocus takasmauwa nujai dekanui wajukut ainawa pipish tumaig aidaush. Tujashkam kuashtai tentee nejég ainaug ikam naig yujagkim amuamua nunuig, wajupá kuashtakit tusajig ashi dekapasjig ADNjain dischamui. Nuni tamaugmak, ii augtusag duka takasé filogenia multilocus dekamua nujai, takasji ipák usumat marcadores molecularesjai, jimag marcadores cloroplastosjai (matK nuigtu rbcL) nuigtu jimag marcadores nuclearesjai (ITS nuigtu GBSSI-2). Juu filogenias dekaji 24 sag nagkaikiut tuwaka 7 generosnug tuwaka awa nunu (Cavendishia=1, Clethra=2, Disterigma=2, Gaultheria=4, Thibaudia=4, Vaccinium=3, Rubus=8), juui dekanai yamajam ipák usumat ajag perunum awanunu (Disterigma ecuadorense, Disterigma synanthum, Vaccinium meridionale nuigtu Rubus glabratus).

Organelle Genome Variation in the Red Algal Genus Ahnfeltia (Florideophyceae).

The agarophyte Ahnfeltia (Ahnfeltiales, Rhodophyta) is a globally widespread genus with 11 accepted species names. Two of the most widespread species in this genus, A. plicata and A. fastigiata, may have diverged genetically due to past geographic changes and subsequent geographic isolation. To investigate this genomic and genetic diversity, we generated new plastid (ptDNAs) and mitochondrial genomes (mtDNAs) of these Ahnfeltia species from four different regions (A. plicata - Chile and UK and A. fastigiata - Korea and Oregon). Two architecture variations were found in the Ahnfeltia genomes: in ptDNA of A. fastigiata Oregon, the hypothetical pseudogene region was translocated, likely due to recombination with palindromic repeats or a gene transfer from a red algal plasmid. In mtDNA of A. fastigiata Korea, the composition of the group II intronic ORFs was distinct from others suggesting different scenarios of gain and loss of group II intronic ORFs. These features resulted in genome size differences between the two species. Overall gene contents of organelle genomes of Ahnfeltia were conserved. Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated genes from ptDNAs and mtDNAs supported the monophyly of the Ahnfeltiophycidae. The most probable individual gene trees showed that the Ahnfeltia populations were genetically diversified. These trees, the cox1 haplotype network, and a dN/dS analysis all supported the theory that these Ahnfeltia populations have diversified genetically in accordance with geographic distribution.

Type specimen sequencing, multilocus analyses, and species delimitation methods recognize the cosmopolitan Corallina berteroi and establish the northern Japanese C. yendoi sp. nov. (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta).

A partial rbcL sequence of the lectotype specimen of Corallina berteroi shows that it is the earliest available name for C. ferreyrae. Multilocus species delimitation analyses (ABGD, SPN, GMYC, bPTP, and BPP) using independent or concatenated COI, psbA, and rbcL sequences recognized one, two, or three species in this complex, but only with weak support for each species hypothesis. Conservatively, we recognize a single worldwide species in this complex of what appears to be multiple, evolving populations. Included in this species, besides C. ferreyrae, are C. caespitosa, the morphologically distinct C. melobesioides, and, based on a partial rbcL sequence of the holotype specimen, C. pinnatifolia. Corallina berteroi, not C. officinalis, is the cosmopolitan temperate species found thus far in the NE Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, warm temperate NW Atlantic and NE Pacific, cold temperate SW Atlantic (Falkland Islands), cold and warm temperate SE Pacific, NW Pacific and southern Australia. Also proposed is C. yendoi sp. nov. from Hokkaido, Japan, which was recognized as distinct by 10 of the 13 species discrimination analyses, including the multilocus BPP.

Three new species of Trichoderma in the Harzianum and Longibrachiatum lineages from Peruvian cacao crop soils based on an integrative approach.

The hyperdiverse genus Trichoderma is one of most useful groups of microbes for a number of human activities, and their accurate identification is crucial. The structural simplicity and lack of distinctive phenotypic variation in this group enable the use of DNA-based species delimitation methods in combination with phylogenies (and morphology when feasible) to establish well-supported boundaries among species. Our study employed a multilocus phylogeny and four DNA-based methods (automated barcode gap discovery [ABGD], statistical parsimony [SPN], generalized mixed Yule coalescent [GMYC], and Bayesian phylogenetics and phylogeography [BPP]) for four molecular markers (acl1, act, rpb2, and tef1) to delimit species of two lineages of Trichoderma. Although incongruence among these methods was observed in our analyses, the genetic distance (ABGD) and coalescence (BPP) methods and the multilocus phylogeny strongly supported and confirmed recognition of 108 and 39 different species in the Harzianum and Longibrachiatum lineages, including three new species associated with cacao farms in northern Peru, namely, T.awajun, sp. nov., T.jaklitschii, sp. nov., and T.peruvianum, sp. nov. Morphological distinctions between the new species and their close relatives are primarily related to growth rates, colony appearance, and size of phialides and conidia. This study confirmed that an integrative approach (DNA-based methods, multilocus phylogeny, and phenotype) is more likely to reliably verify supported species boundaries in Trichoderma.

Development of a genomic DNA reference material for Salmonella enteritidis detection using polymerase chain reaction.

Several rapid methods based on nucleic acids can detect foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella spp. However, a common reference that enables metrological traceability among measurement results is not available. Reference materials (RM) are thus key to guarantee methodological comparability. This study developed a candidate genomic DNA reference material for Salmonella enteritidis quantification to establish performance conditions and reference values for normalized RM production. The growth of Salmonella enteritidis ATCC® 13076 in Rappaport Vassiliadis selective medium was characterized, and we optimized a method of DNA extraction using cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) and LiCl. In a first stage six concentrations of DNA were prepared with and without yeast RNA (40 ng/µL) to evaluate its effect as a stabilizer in terms of homogeneity and short-term stability. Based on the findings, in a second stage two DNA concentrations were prepared and a reference value with its uncertainty was assigned based on the results of characterization, homogeneity, and stability studies using digital polymerase chain reaction and the gene targets, invA, ttr, and hilA. The material was stable for 9 months at 4 °C, with a expanded uncertainty contribution range of 11%-14%. The novel candidate RM is the first to be developed nationwide and will improve the quality of measurements in the area of food safety.

An integrative approach reveals five new species of highland papayas (Caricaceae, Vasconcellea) from northern Peru.

The assignment of accurate species names is crucial, especially for those with confirmed agronomic potential such as highland papayas. The use of additional methodologies and data sets is recommended to establish well-supported boundaries among species of Vasconcellea. Accordingly, six chloroplast (trnL-trnF, rpl20-rps12, psbA-trnH intergenic spacers, matK and rbcL genes) and nuclear (ITS) markers were used to delimit species in the genus Vasconcellea using phylogeny and four DNA-based methods. Our results demonstrated congruence among different methodologies applied in this integrative study (i.e., morphology, multilocus phylogeny, genetic distance, coalescence methods). Genetic distance (ABGD, SPN), a coalescence method (BPP), and the multilocus phylogeny supported 22-25 different species of Vasconcellea, including the following five new species from northern Peru: V. badilloi sp. nov., V. carvalhoae sp. nov., V. chachapoyensis sp. nov., V. pentalobis sp. nov., and V. peruviensis sp. nov. Genetic markers that gave better resolution for distinguishing species were ITS and trnL-trnF. Phylogenetic diversity and DNA-species delimitation methods could be used to discover taxa within traditionally defined species.

Validation of Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction for Salmonella spp. Quantification.

Salmonellosis is a foodborne disease caused by Salmonella spp. Although cell culture is the gold standard for its identification, validated molecular methods are becoming an alternative, because of their rapidity, selectivity, and specificity. A simplex and duplex droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR)-based method for the identification and quantification of Salmonella using ttr, invA, hilA, spaQ, and siiA gene sequences was validated. The method has high specificity, working interval between 8 and 8,000 cp/µL in ddPCR reaction, a limit of detection of 0.5 copies/µL, and precision ranging between 5 and 10% measured as a repeatability standard deviation. The relative standard measurement uncertainty was between 2 and 12%. This tool will improve food safety in national consumption products and will increase the competitiveness in agricultural product trade.

The complete mitochondrial and plastid genomes of the invasive marine red alga Caulacanthus okamurae (Caulacanthaceae, Rhodophyta) from Moss Landing, California, USA.

Caulacanthus okamurae is an invasive red alga that forms extensive mats in sheltered marine habitats around the world. To determine its genomic structure and genetic relationship to native and other non-native populations of C. okamurae, high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed on an introduced specimen from Bennett Slough, Moss Landing, California, USA. Assembly of 23,146,595 filtered 150 bp paired-end Illumina sequencing reads yielded its complete mitogenome (GenBank accession MT193839) and plastid genome (GenBank accession MT193838). The mitogenome is 25,995 bp in length and contains 50 genes. The plastid genome is 173,516 bp and contains 234 genes. Comparison of the organellar chromosomes to other Gigartinales revealed a high-level of gene synteny. BLAST analysis of marker sequences (rbcL, cox1, cox2) of C. okamurae from Moss Landing identified four identical DNA sequences: one from a specimen from a native population of C. okamurae from South Korea and three from specimens representing invasive populations from France, Spain, and the USA. These genetic results confirm the presence of C. okamurae in central California, USA, and represent the first complete mitogenome and plastid genome from the Caulacanthaceae.

A new record of kelp Lessonia spicata (Suhr) Santelices in the Sub-Antarctic Channels: implications for the conservation of the "huiro negro" in the Chilean coast.

The Katalalixar National Reserve (KNR) lies in an isolated marine protected area of Magellan Sub-Antarctic channels, which represent an important area for marine biodiversity and macroalgal conservation. The present study is the first report of the species Lessonia spicata, "huiro negro", in the Magellan Sub-Antarctic channels. This finding has implications for macroalgal biogeography and conservation concerns in the Chilean coast. In the ecological assessments of the KNR in 2018 we found populations of L. spicata, specifically on rocky shores of Torpedo Island and Castillo Channel. The morphological identification and molecular phylogeny based on nuclear (ITS1) sequences revealed that these populations of Lessonia are within the lineage of L. spicata of central Chile. This report increases the species richness of kelps for the Magellan Sub-Antarctic Channels from two to three confirmed species (L. flavicans, L. searlesiana and L. spicata), and it also extends the southern distribution range of L. spicata. This species has high harvest demand and is moving towards southern Chile; thus, these populations should be considered as essential for macroalgal conservation in high latitudes of South America.

Phylogeny and species delimitations in the entomopathogenic genus Beauveria (Hypocreales, Ascomycota), including the description of B. peruviensis sp. nov.

The genus Beauveria is considered a cosmopolitan anamorphic and teleomorphic genus of soilborne necrotrophic arthropod-pathogenic fungi that includes ecologically and economically important species. Species identification in Beauveria is difficult because of its structural simplicity and the lack of distinctive phenotypic variation. Therefore, the use of multi-locus sequence data is essential to establish robust species boundaries in addition to DNA-based species delimitation methods using genetic distance, coalescent, and genealogical concordance approaches (polyphasic approaches). In this regard, our study used multilocus phylogeny and five DNA-based methods to delimit species in Beauveria using three molecular makers. These polyphasic analyses allowed for the delimitation of 20-28 species in Beauveria, confirming cryptic diversity in five species (i.e. B. amorpha, B. bassiana, B. diapheromeriphila, and B. pseudobassiana) and supporting the description of B. peruviensis as a new taxon from northeastern Peru. The other five species were not evaluated as they did not have enough data (i.e. B. araneola, B. gryllotalpidicola, B. loeiensis, B. medogensis, and B. rudraprayagi). Our results demonstrate that the congruence among different methods in a polyphasic approach (e.g. genetic distance and coalescence methods) is more likely to show reliably supported species boundaries. Among the methods applied in this study, genetic distance, coalescent approaches, and multilocus phylogeny are crucial when establishing species boundaries in Beauveria.

Analysis of the complete organellar genomes of the economically valuable kelp Lessonia spicata (Lessoniaceae, Phaeophyceae) from Chile.

Lessonia spicata (Suhr) Santelices is the most ecologically and economically important kelp from Pacific South America. Here, we contribute to the bioinformatics and evolutionary systematics of the species by performing high throughput sequencing on L. spicata from Valparaiso, Chile. The L. spicata complete mitogenome is 37,097 base pairs (bp) in length and contains 66 genes (GenBank accession MK965907), the complete plastid genome is 130,305 bp and has 173 genes (accession MK965908), and the data assembled 7,630 bp of the nuclear ribosomal cistron (accession MK965909). The organellar genomes are similar in structure and content to others published from the Laminariales.

Next-generation sequencing yields the complete organellar genomes of kelp Lessonia flavicans (Lessoniaceae, Phaeophyceae) from the Sub-Antarctic ecoregion of Magallanes, Chile.

The generitype Lessonia flavicans Bory is an endemic and important kelp from Sub-Antarctic Magellanic ecoregion that shows affinity to extreme salinity, temperature, and photoperiod conditions. Genomic analysis of L. flavicans from Rinconada Bulnes, Punta Arenas, Chile, resulted in the assembly of its organellar genomes. The L. flavicans complete mitogenome is 37,226 base pairs (bp) in length and contains 66 genes (GenBank accession number MN561186), the complete plastid genome is 130,085 bp and has 173 genes (MN561187) and the data assembled 8205 bp of the nuclear ribosomal cistron (MN561188). The organellar genomes are similar in structure and content to L. spicata (Suhr) Santelices and other Laminariales.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the national bird of Peru: Rupicola peruvianus (Aves, Passeriformes, Cotingidae).

Rupicola peruvianus Latham, known as the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock or locally as Tunqui, is distributed in the Andean cloud forests of South America from Venezuela to Bolivia. Here, we contribute to the bioinformatics and evolutionary systematics of the Cotingidae by performing high-throughput sequencing analysis on R. peruvianus from Luya, Amazonas, Peru. The R. peruvianus mitogenome is 17,035 base pairs (bp) in length and contains 37 genes (GenBank accession No. MN602289). The mitogenome is similar in structure and content to published mitogenomes from the neognathid orders Passeriformes and Falconiformes. Phylogenomic analysis of the R. peruvianus mitogenome situates it in a clade with the Pipridae, sister to the Tyrannidae. We anticipate that further mitogenome sequencing of the parvorder Tyrannida will improve the phylogenetic resolution and our understanding of the evolutionary history of this taxon.

The P-type ATPase CtpG preferentially transports Cd2+ across the Mycobacterium tuberculosis plasma membrane.

P1B-type ATPases are involved in heavy metal transport across the plasma membrane. Some Mycobacterium tuberculosis P-type ATPases are induced during infection, suggesting that this type of transporter could play a critical role in mycobacterial survival. To date, the ion specificity of M. tuberculosis heavy metal-transporting P1B-ATPases is not well understood. In this work, we observed that, although divalent heavy metal cations such as Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+ Cd2+ and Pb2+ stimulate the ATPase activity of the putative P1B-type ATPase CtpG in the plasma membrane, whole cells of M. smegmatis expressing CtpG only tolerate high levels of Cd2+ and Cu2+. As indicator of the catalytic constant, Michaelis-Menten kinetics showed that CtpG embedded in the mycobacterial cell membrane has a V max/K m ratio 7.4-fold higher for Cd2+ than for Cu2+ ions. Thus, although CtpG can accept different substrates in vitro, this P-type ATPase transports Cd2+ more efficiently than other heavy metal cations across the mycobacterial plasma membrane.

Human papillomavirus infection among male clients of female sex workers soliciting sex in brothels in Peru.

The prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) has been reported to be three times higher in female sex workers (FSWs) in Callao, Peru than in the general population of women in Peru. Prevalence of HR-HPV among male clients has not yet been reported. A total of 150 men soliciting intercourse in sex work venues submitted questionnaires, samples for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and self-collected penile samples prior to and following intercourse for HPV genotyping. We identified variables associated with pre-coital HR-HPV, and compared HR-HPV detection pre- and post-coitus. Prior to intercourse, HR-HPV prevalence was 41.9%. Married clients were less likely than unmarried clients to have HR-HPV detected ( p = 0.03). While post-coital HR-HPV prevalence was higher (47.6%), the difference was not statistically significant. However, there was a significant increase in the mean number of HR-HPV DNA strains detected before (0.75) and after (0.94) intercourse ( p = 0.02). No cases of gonorrhoea or syphilis and six (4.1%) cases of chlamydial infection were detected. Despite low prevalence of other STIs, male clients had a high HR-HPV prevalence. The increase in detection of HR-HPV following intercourse demonstrates a potential for transmission of HR-HPV despite high self-reported condom use.

Evaluación longitudinal del diagnóstico funcional del neurodesarrollo según el método de Munich en niños pretérmino / Longitudinal evaluation of functional neurodevelopmental diagnosis according to the Munich Method in preterm infants

RESUMEN Objetivos La adquisición natural de habilidades motoras en la infancia, puede afectarse por una edad gestacional menor que 40 semanas. La detección temprana favorece el manejo oportuno y la prevención de secuelas, por esto, es necesario contar con una herramienta confiable para la evaluación del desarrollo motor en los niños prematuros. Una herramienta útil para evaluar el neurodesarrollo es el diagnóstico funcional según el método de Munich, el cual evalúa la ontogenia durante el primer año de vida en los niños. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la correlación entre la valoración del desarrollo según el método de Munich y la evaluación clínica con el fin de validar la utilidad de este método en pacientes prematuros. Métodos Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en el cual se evaluaron las historias clínicas de 165 niños con edad corregida entre 0 y 12 meses de edad y antecedentes de edad gestacional menor que 40 semanas. A todos los niños se les aplicó el método durante la consulta de seguimiento realizada en el Instituto Materno Infantil de Bogotá entre 2008 y 2011. Resultados Se evidenció una alta correlación entre la edad corregida y la edad motora obtenida a partir del diagnóstico funcional del desarrollo según el método de Munich. Conclusiones La alta correlación entre cada hito evaluado y la edad corregida de los prematuros demuestra que el método de Múnich, además de ser una prueba corta y de fácil aplicación, es útil para la evaluación del desarrollo motor en niños prematuros.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective The natural acquisition of motor skills during childhood can be affected by a gestational age of less than 40 weeks. Early detection favors timely management and prevention of sequelae, therefore, having a reliable tool for evaluating motor development in preterm children is necessary. A useful tool for this purpose is the Munich functional developmental diagnosis, which evaluates development ontogeny during the first year of life in children. This paper aims at analyzing the correlation between the Munich functional developmental diagnosis and the clinical assessment to determine the usefulness of such method in preterm patients. Methods Descriptive and retrospective study, in which the clinical records of 165 children with corrected age between 0 and 12 months of age and a history of gestational age of less than 40 weeks were evaluated. The method was used with all the children during a follow-up visit at Instituto Materno Infantil in Bogotá, between 2008 and 2011. Results A high correlation between corrected age and motor age obtained was found according to the Munich functional developmental diagnosis method. Conclusions The high correlation between each milestone evaluated and the corrected age of preterm infants makes the Munich method useful for the evaluation of motor development since this is a short test, easy to apply.(AU)

Barriers to Follow-Up for Abnormal Papanicolaou Smears among Female Sex Workers in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Peruvian women. Female sex workers (FSW) in Peru are at elevated risk for HPV infection, and receive annual Papanicolaou screening. The objective of this study was to identify barriers to follow-up for abnormal Pap smears among FSW in Peru. METHODS: 97 FSW attending the Alberto Barton Health Center in Lima were surveyed regarding their STI screening history. 17 women with a history of an abnormal Pap smear were interviewed about their experiences regarding follow-up care. RESULTS: Of the 27 HPV-positive women, only 8 (30%) received follow-up treatment. Of the 19 women who did not receive follow-up, 7 (37%) had not been informed of their abnormal result. Qualitative interviews revealed that the major barrier to follow-up was lack of knowledge about HPV and potential health consequences of an abnormal Pap smear. CONCLUSION: HPV infection is highly prevalent in Peruvian FSW, yet only 30% of FSW with abnormal Pap smears receive follow-up care. The predominant barriers to follow-up were lack of standardization in recording and communicating results and insufficient FSW knowledge regarding health consequences of HPV infection. Standardization of record-keeping and distribution of educational pamphlets have been implemented to improve follow-up for HPV.