Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Severity Is Related to Plasma Pro-Oxidative Biomarkers Rather Than Liver Tissue-Measured Nitrogen Metabolism Biomarkers in Population with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with an increased production of nitrogen metabolites and elevated oxidative stress, which favors progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Subjects with the phenotype known as metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) meet most of the MS cardiometabolic risk criteria and show a higher risk of advanced NAFLD severity, compared with the so-widely known metabolically healthy obese (MHO). Obese individuals with MS are more susceptible to abnormal lipid accumulation in different tissues, whereas oxidative stress and nitrogen metabolites are increased in MS and/or obesity. This study aimed to explore whether plasma- or liver tissue-determined biomarkers of nitrogen metabolism and oxidative stress relate to NAFLD severity and/or metabolic phenotype. Methods: This cross-sectional study included candidates for bariatric surgery with biopsy-proven NAFLD diagnosis and staging. For comparison, the study population was divided according to NAFLD damage (steatohepatitis F0-F1 vs. steatohepatitis F2-F4) and metabolic phenotype (MHO vs MUO, based on the MS criteria). Hepatic and plasma concentrations of nitrogen metabolites and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined by enzymatic kinetics assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Greiss reaction. Results: The study population (N = 45) was constituted by patients with obesity and higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. According to plasma biomarkers, MUO phenotype was related to higher cardiometabolic risk; meanwhile, advanced NAFLD damage was related to higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and triglycerides. Elevated hepatic concentrations of ammonium, nitrites, arginine, and citrulline were found in MUO phenotype, but only higher plasma concentration of malondialdehyde was found as specifically related to advanced NAFLD damage. Conclusions: Circulating biomarkers of redox state were selectively related to advanced NAFLD damage, suggesting prognostic and therapeutic targets. Hepatic concentrations of nitrogen metabolism biomarkers may be more related to cardiometabolic risk.

The metabolic phenotype of the patient influences the reduction in carotid intima-media thickness achieved following metabolic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether metabolic phenotype is associated with the change in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients undergoing bariatric /metabolic surgery (BMS). METHODS: We performed a case-control study of BMS candidates who had metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) or metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). We measured the change in CIMT during the 9 months following BMS. The plasma tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, adiponectin, leptin, nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and malondialdehyde concentrations were determined, adipocyte area was measured histologically, and adipose tissue area was estimated using computed tomography. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (mean age 44.5 years, mean body mass index 44.9 kg/m2, 53% women, and 53% had MUO) were studied. Nine months following BMS, the MUO phenotype was not associated with a significant reduction in CIMT, and that of the MHO group was larger. In addition, fewer participants achieved a 10% reduction in CIMT in the MUO group. A CIMT reduction was associated with lower VEGF-A and NO in the MUO group, while that in the MHO group was associated with a higher NO concentration. CONCLUSION: The metabolic phenotype of patients may influence their change in CIMT following BMS, probably through circulating vasodilatory and pro-inflammatory molecules.

Interdigital concept in photonic sensors based on an array of lossy mode resonances.

Multi-parameter detection is key in the domain of sensors. Here it is demonstrated that an indium tin oxide (ITO) nanocoating can be used to generate multiple lossy mode resonances (LMRs) in the optical spectrum. To achieve this, a nanocoating with a gradient in thickness is generated on the surface of a planar waveguide, permitting broadening of the LMR because the position of an LMR in the optical spectrum is directly related to the nanocoating thickness. The nanocoating with a gradient in thickness contributes multiple LMRs, each one centred at a different wavelength. With a further etching or deposition using a mask, a pattern of deposited and non-deposited regions can be created, resulting in isolation of the LMRs by preventing LMR overlap. This enables tracking of each central wavelength separately, which can be tuned through control of the gradient or nanocoating pattern. The array of LMR-based sensors is a photonics analogue to the interdigital concept in electronics, enabling multiple resonances to be used for multiparameter sensing.

Identification of adipose tissue-related predictors of the reduction in cardiovascular risk induced by metabolic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine whether parameters associated with adipose tissue (adipocyte density and the circulating concentrations of markers of adipose tissue pathology) predict cardiovascular risk (CVR) modification after metabolic surgery (MS). METHODS: We performed a case-control study of patients with morbid obesity who were candidates for MS. CVR was defined using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), which were measured during the 9 months following MS. Subgroups of CVR reduction were defined using the following cut-offs: CIMT 10% and/or a two-fold increase in FMD. RESULTS: We studied 40 patients with morbid obesity (mean age 44.5 years, 75% women, mean body mass index 46.4 kg/m2) and high prevalences of the metabolically unhealthy obesity phenotype, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. A significant reduction in CVR was associated with lower vascular endothelial growth factor-A concentration (6.20 vs. 1.59 pg/mL, respectively), low adipocyte density in visceral adipose tissue (100 vs. 80 cells/field), low infiltration with CD68+ cells (18 vs. 8 cells/field) and higher concentrations of lipid peroxidation markers and malondialdehyde (313.7 vs. 405.7 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: The characteristics of adipose tissue and the circulating concentrations of markers of adipose pathology might represent useful predictors of the reduction in CVR following MS.Clinical trial registration number: NCT0356198 (https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Dually nanocoated planar waveguides towards multi-parameter sensing.

The incidence of light on the edge of a glass coverslip for a microscope slide, deposited with a thin film on both faces, permits exciting two resonances in each polarisation state of the input light, TE and TM. This dually nanocoated waveguide can be used for detecting simultaneously two different parameters on the basis of a further deposition of suitable materials on each face. As an example, the possibility of detecting temperature and humidity by using polydimethylsiloxane and agarose coatings, respectively, was demonstrated, which opens the path for the development of other dual-parameter sensors, and for even more parameters in cases in which each face of the coverslip is patterned. Moreover, the device was optimised in order to position two resonances in the near infrared (NIR) and two resonances in the visible region, with sensitivities of 0.34 nm/°C and 0.23 nm/%RH in the visible region and 1.16 nm/°C and 0.34 nm/%RH in the NIR, respectively, demonstrating the possibility of using the device in both spectral ranges and opening the path for the development of sensors based on multiple resonances, each one related to a different parameter to be detected.

Enlarged adipocytes from subcutaneous vs. visceral adipose tissue differentially contribute to metabolic dysfunction and atherogenic risk of patients with obesity.

Morphological characteristics and source of adipose tissue as well as adipokines may increase cardiometabolic risk. This study aimed to explore whether adipose tissue characteristics may impact metabolic and atherogenic risks. Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT), Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) and peripheral blood were obtained from obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery. Adipose tissue (morphometry), plasma adiponectin, TNF-α, resistin (multiplexing) and biochemical chemistry were analyzed; as well as endothelial dysfunction (Flow Mediated Dilation, FMD) and atherogenesis (Carotid Intima Media Thickness, CIMT). Subgroups divided by adipocyte size and source were compared; as well as correlation and multivariate analysis. Sixty patients 36.6% males, aged 44 years-old, BMI 46.7 kg/m2 were included. SAT's adipocytes showed a lower range of size expandability than VAT's adipocytes. Independent from their source, larger adipocytes were associated with higher glucose, lower adiponectin and higher CIMT. Particularly, larger adipocytes from SAT were associated with higher blood pressure, lower insulin and HDL-cholesterol; and showed positive correlation with glucose, HbA1c, systolic/diastolic values, and negatively correlated with insulin and adiponectin. VAT's larger adipocytes particularly associated with lower resistin and lower FMD values. Gender and Diabetes Mellitus significantly impacted the relation of adipocyte size/source with the metabolic and atherogenic risk. Multivariable analysis suggested hypertension-resistin-HbA1c interactions associated with SAT's larger adipocytes; whereas potential insulin-adiponectin associations were observed for VAT's larger adipocytes. Adipocyte morphology and source are differentially related with cardiometabolic and atherogenic risk in population with obesity, which are potentially affected by gender and Diabetes Mellitus.

Improving the width of lossy mode resonances in a reflection configuration D-shaped fiber by nanocoating laser ablation.

The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of lossy mode resonances (LMRs) in the optical spectrum depends on the homogeneity of the thin film deposited. In this Letter, a method for improving the FWHM is applied for an LMR generated by a D-shaped optical fiber in reflection configuration. For this purpose, three samples with different attenuation were deposited with DC sputtering thin films of SnO2-x, and a further controlled immersion of the samples in water was performed. A laser-cleaner method was used to improve the FWHM characteristics of one of the samples from 106 to 53 nm. This improvement can be applied to thin-film-based sensors where there is a problem with the inhomogeneity of the coating thickness. Moreover, with this technique, it was proved that a coated length of just 3-4 mm permits the generation of an LMR, with implications for the miniaturization of the final device.

Author Correction: Lossy mode resonance sensors based on lateral light incidence in nanocoated planar waveguides.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Generation of lossy mode resonances with different nanocoatings deposited on coverslips.

The generation of lossy mode resonances (LMRs) with a setup based on lateral incidence of light in coverslips is a simple platform that can be used for sensing. Here the versatility of this platform is proved by studying the deposition of different coating materials. The devices were characterized with both SEM and AFM microscopy, as well as ellipsometry, which allowed obtaining the main parameters of the coatings (thickness, refractive index and extinction coefficient) and relating them with the different sensitivities to refractive index attained with each material. In this way it was possible to confirm and complete the basic rules observed with lossy mode resonance based optical fiber sensors towards the design of simpler and more compact applications in domains such as chemical sensors or biosensors.

Lossy mode resonance sensors based on lateral light incidence in nanocoated planar waveguides.

The deposition of an indium oxide (In2O3) thin film on conventional planar waveguides (a coverslip and a glass slide) allows generating lossy mode resonances (LMR) by lateral incidence of light on the waveguide and by registering the optical spectrum in a spectrometer. This novel sensing system becomes an alternative to optical fibre, the substrate where LMR-based sensors have been developed so far, since it is easier to handle and more robust. An additional advantage is that cost effective waveguides, such as slides or coverslips, can be used in a platform that resembles surface plasmon resonance-based sensors in the Kretschmann configuration but without the need for a coupling prism and with the advantage of being able to generate TE and TM LMR resonances with metallic oxide or polymer thin films. The results are corroborated with simulations, which provide in-depth understanding of the phenomena involved in the sensing system. As a proof-of-concept for the optical platform, two refractometers were developed, one with low sensitivity and for a wide range of refractive indices, and the other with higher sensitivity but for a narrower refractive index range. The sensors presented here open up the path for the development of LMR-based chemical sensors, environmental sensors, biosensors, or even the generation of other optical phenomena with the deposition of multilayer structures, gratings or nanostructures, which is much easier in a planar waveguide than in an optical fibre.

Influence of Formulation Factors on the Aerosol Performance and Stability of Lysozyme Powders: a Systematic Approach.

With the growing interest in developing biologics for pulmonary delivery, systematic fast screening methods are needed for rapid development of formulations. Due to the labile nature of macromolecules, the development of stable, biologically active formulations with desired aerosol performance imposes several challenges both from a formulation and processing perspective. In this study, spray-freeze-drying was used to develop respirable protein powders. In order to systematically map the selected design space, lysozyme aqueous pre-formulations were prepared based on a constrained mixture design of experiment. The physicochemical properties of the resulting powders were characterized and the effects of formulation factors on aerosol performance and protein stability were systematically screened using a logic flow chart. Our results elucidated several relevant formulation attributes (density, total solid content, protein:sugars ratio) required to achieve a stable lysozyme powder with desirable characteristics for pulmonary delivery. A similar logical fast screening strategy could be used to delineate the appropriate design space for different types of proteins and guide the development of powders with pre-determined aerodynamic properties.

Sensitivity Enhancement in Low Cutoff Wavelength Long-Period Fiber Gratings by Cladding Diameter Reduction.

The diameter of long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) fabricated in optical fibers with a low cutoff wavelength was be reduced by hydrofluoric acid etching, enhancing the sensitivity to refractive index by more than a factor of 3, to 2611 nm/refractive index unit in the range from 1.333 to 1.4278. The grating period selected for the LPFGs allowed access to the dispersion turning point at wavelengths close to the visible range of the optical spectrum, where optical equipment is less expensive. As an example of an application, a pH sensor based on the deposition of a polymeric coating was analyzed in two situations: with an LPFG without diameter reduction and with an LPFG with diameter reduction. Again, a sensitivity increase of a factor of near 3 was obtained, demonstrating the ability of this method to enhance the sensitivity of thin-film-coated LPFG chemical sensors.

Efectividad del cambio de tratamiento desde Metadona a Buprenorfina/Naloxona en dependientes a opiáceos, Bilbao - España / Effectiveness of treatment change from methadone to Buprenorphine / Naloxone in opiate dependents, Bilbao - Spain

A nivel mundial la dependencia a opiáceos es un problema vigente, y los pacientes afectados por esta condición requieren programas de tratamiento sustitutivo farmacológico, que utilizan tradicionalmente Metadona. Actualmente, existe debate sobre el hecho de que la Buprenorfina/Naloxona podria ser utilizada como un reemplazo adecuado del fármaco tradicional. Las investigaciones aún no son totalmente concluyentes, faltando estudios que prueben los resultados en la práctica clínica. Objetivos: Determinar la efectividad del tratamiento con Buprenorfina/Naloxona como reemplazo de la metadona en pacientes dependientes de opiáceos tratados en un Módulo de Asistencia Psicosocial en la ciudad de Bilbao, España. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, cuantitativo, longitudinal, prospectivo, con 21 pacientes dependientes de opiáceos que formaban parte del Programa de mantenimiento con Metadona con dosis inferiores o iguales a 40 mg/día, en quienes se sustituyó ese tratamiento por el de Buprenorfina/Naloxona (8mg/2mg) siguiendo para esto los criterios de la Guía para el tratamiento de la adicción a opiáceos con Buprenorfina/Naloxona de la Sociedad Científica Española de estudios sobre alcohol, el alcoholismo y otras toxicomanías del 2010. Resultados: Después de tres meses de cambio de terapéutica a Buprenorfina/Naloxona se evidencio una reducción estadísticamente significativa en el consumo de opiáceos ilegales, medido a través de los controles de substancias en orina desde un promedio de 2,67 controles positivos con metadona, a 2,24 controles con Buprenorfina/Naloxona. La adherencia, se mantuvo similar a la previa, presentando además una retención del 100% de los pacientes. La calidad de vida, medida con el Test TECVASP, presento una mejora estadísticamente significativa, desde una puntuación de 76,76 cuando recibían Metadona (DE 6,41) hasta 90,33 (DE 5,77 ) con la nueva terapéutica. Conclusiones: Cambiar la terapia de mantenimiento con Metadona, en pacientes dependientes de opioides, por buprenorfina/naloxona es una buena opción, ya que tiene una efectividad similar en términos de adherencia y retención, y produce una mayor reducción en el uso de opiáceos ilegales, al tiempo que mejora la calidad de vida del paciente.

At the global level, opioid dependence is an ongoing problem, and patients with this condition require pharmacological substitution treatment programs, which traditionally use methadone. Currently there is debate over whether Buprenorphine / Naloxone could be used as a suitable replacement for the traditional drug. The investigations are not yet totally conclusive, lacking studies that prove the results in the clinical practice. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of treatment with Buprenorphine / Naloxone as a replacement for Methadone in opioid dependent patients treated in a Psychosocial Assistance Module in the city of Bilbao, Spain. Methods: A quasi-experimental, quantitative, longitudinal, prospective study was conducted with 21 opioid-dependent patients that were part of the maintenance program with Methadone at doses lower than or equal to 40 mg / day, in which treatment was replaced by that of Buprenorphine / Naloxone (8 mg/2 mg) following for this the criteria of the Guide for the treatment of the addiction to opiates with Buprenorphine / Naloxone of the Spanish Scientific Society of studies on alcohol, alcoholism and other drug addictions of 2010. Results: After a three-month change in therapy to Buprenorphine / Naloxone, a statistically significant reduction in illegal opioid use was observed, measured through urine substance controls from an average of 2.67 methadone-positive controls 2.24 controls with Buprenorphine / Naloxone. The Adherence remained similar to the previous one, presenting a retention of 100% of the patients. Quality of life, measured with the TECVASP test, showed a statistically significant improvement, from a score of 76.76 when receiving Methadone (DE 6.41) to 90.33 (DE 5.77) with the new therapy. Conclusions: Changing maintenance therapy with methadone, in opioid-dependent patients, by buprenorphine/naloxone is a good option, because it has a similar effectiveness in terms of adherence and retention, and produces a greater reduction in the use of illegal opiates, and the same time improves the quality of life of the patient.

Genetic variability of Triatoma flavida and Triatoma bruneri (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) by RAPD-PCR technique.

The Triatominae (Hemiptera:Reduviidae) contains the principal and potential Chagas disease vectors present in Mexico, Central America and South America. Triatoma flavida and T. bruneri are Cuban species. These species are closely related according to morphology and were considered synonyms until 1981, when they were separated on the grounds of external characters of the body and the morphology of male genitalia. The present study seeks to analyze genetic polymorphism of T. flavida and T. bruneri populations using RAPD techniques, and to assess the genetic relationship between these species. Ten random primers were used to evaluate the genetic variability among species using RAPD-PCR. The genetic flow among them was calculated. The dendrogram based on calculated Jaccard distances showed two clearly distinguishable clusters which coincided with the studied species. Within each species, moderate genetic differentiation (Fst 0.05-0.15) and migration rates (N > 1) were found among populations, that reveal gene flow and genetic homogeneity. Between species, the Fst value showed a high genetic differentiation and the migration rate was insufficient to maintain genetic homogeneity, and confirmed the absence of gene flow between them. Our results confirm the genetic variability among T. flavida and T. bruneri species.

Genetic variability of Triatoma flavida and Triatoma bruneri (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) by RAPD-PCR technique / Variabilidad genética de Triatoma flavida y Triatoma bruneri (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) mediante la técnica de RAPD-PCR

The Triatominae (Hemiptera:Reduviidae) contains the principal and potential Chagas disease vectors present in Mexico, Central America and South America. Triatoma flavida and T. bruneri are Cuban species. These species are closely related according to morphology and were considered synonyms until 1981, when they were separated on the grounds of external characters of the body and the morphology of male genitalia. The present study seeks to analyze genetic polymorphism of T. flavida and T. bruneri populations using RAPD techniques, and to assess the genetic relationship between these species. Ten random primers were used to evaluate the genetic variability among species using RAPD-PCR. The genetic flow among them was calculated. The dendrogram based on calculated Jaccard distances showed two clearly distinguishable clusters which coincided with the studied species. Within each species, moderate genetic differentiation (Fst 0.05-0.15) and migration rates (N > 1) were found among populations, that reveal gene flow and genetic homogeneity. Between species, the Fst value showed a high genetic differentiation and the migration rate was insufficient to maintain genetic homogeneity, and confirmed the absence of gene flow between them. Our results confirm the genetic variability among T. flavida and T. bruneri species.

La subfamilia Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) agrupa a los vectores principales y potenciales de la Enfermedad de Chagas, presente en México, Centroamérica y Sudamérica, Triatoma flavida y T. bruneri son especies autóctonas cubanas. Estas especies están muy relacionadas desde el punto de vista morfológico y por ello fueron consideradas sinonimas hasta el 1981, cuando fueron separadas teniendo en cuenta los caracteres externos del cuerpo y la morfología de la genitalia del macho. El presente trabajo pretende confirmar el polimorfismo genético entre las poblaciones selváticas de T. flavida y domiciliadas de T. bruneri utilizando la técnica de RAPD-PCR. Un total de 10 cebadores al azar fueron usados para evaluar la variabilidad genética entre las especies usando la técnica de RAPD-PCR, calculándose el flujo genético entre las especies. El dendrograma obtenido, basado en la distancia genética de Jaccard, mostró dos grupos que coinciden con las especies estudiadas. Dentro de cada especie estudiada se encontró una moderada diferenciación genética (Fst 0.05-015) y tasas de migración (N > 1) que revelan flujo genético y homogeneidad genética. Entre las especies estudiadas los valores de Fst muestran una alta diferenciación genética y tasas de migración insuficientes para mantener homogeneidad genética y confirman la ausencia de flujo genético entre ellas. Estos resultados confirman la variabilidad genética entre ambas especies.

Estudio de Rodilla Flotante en pacientes del Hospital Clínico Viedma / Floating Knee Study in Patients of Hospital Clínico Viedma

Se denomina "Rodilla Flotante" a la combinación de fractura de fémur y tibia ipsilaterales. La incidencia exacta se desconoce, pero tiene un abordaje terapéutico complejo, una alta tasa de complicaciones y una elevada mortalidad. El presente estudio busca determinar los aspectos relacionados con esta patología en nuestro medio y analizarlos de una manera integral, realizándose para esto un estudio descriptivo y longitudinal retrospectivo abarcando 18 meses (de julio 2008 a diciembre 2009) que incluye a 17 pacientes con diagnóstico de "Rodilla Flotante" ingresados en el Servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología del Hospital Clínico Viedma. Los resultados mostraron que esta lesión equivale al 1,9 % de los casos atendidos por este servicio. Siendo el 82,35% hombres. La edad promedio fue de 34 años. El mecanismo de producción más frecuente: accidentes en motocicleta (41,2%), seguido de atropellados (29,4%). En cuanto a la clasificación la mayor parte fue tipo I de Fraser (68,8%). El tratamiento quirúrgico definitivo se aplicó entre el 5º y 14° día en el 73.3%, mayormente usando clavos centro medulares en fémur y tibia. Los resultados del tratamiento fueron: excelentes 40%, buenos 33.3%, regulares 20% y pobres en el 6,6% según la escala de Karlstrom y Olerud. Las lesiones asociadas:TEC (80%), fracturas de pelvis (60%), trauma abdominal cerrado (60%) y trauma de tórax (33,3%). Dentro de las complicaciones, un paciente falleció por falla multiorgánica, otro concluyó en amputación, y cinco presentaron infección. Por lo que se concluye que en general los aspectos relacionados con esta patología, su presentación y tratamiento en nuestro medio, son similares a los que se encuentran descritos en la literatura médica.  .

"Floating knee" refers to the combination of fracture of femur and tibia ipsilateral .The exact incidence is unknown, but has a complex therapeutic approach, a high rate of complications and high mortality. This study pretends to determine aspects of this disease in our environment and to analyze them in a comprehensive manner, making this a retrospective descriptive study longitudinal spanning 18 months (from July 2008 to December 2009) includes 17 patients with diagnosis of "Floating knee" entered in the service of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Hospital Clinico Viedma. The results showed that this injury is equivalent to 1.9% of the cases covered by this service. 82.35% corresponds to men.The middle age was 34 years. The most common mechanism: motoreyele accident (41,18%), followed by hasty (29.41%). The most common classification was Fraser type I (68.82%). The definitive surgical treatment apply between 5º and 14° day on the 73.3%, mostly using medullar center nail in femur and tibia. The results of the treatment were: excellent 40%, good 33.3%, regular 20% and poor in 6.6 % according to the scale of Karlstrom and Olerud. Associated injuries: TEC (80%), fracture of pelvis (60%), closed abdominal trauma (60%) and chest trauma (33.3%). In the complications, one patient died of multiorganic fail, another concluded in amputation, and five presented infection. The research group concluded that aspects of this disease, its presentation and treatment in our environment, are in general similar to those that are described in the medical literature.

Detección molecular de patógenos emergentes de importancia médica y veterinaria en garrapatas capturadas sobre caballos domésticos / Molecular detection of emerging pathogens of medical and veterinary importance in ticks found in domestic horses

En la actualidad son varias las especies de patógenos emergentes de importancia médica y veterinaria transmitidos por garrapatas. Los estudios sobre estos agentes y sus enfermedades han sido escasos en Cuba. Conocer la presencia de algunos de estos patógenos en garrapatas cubanas que afectan el ganado equino. Se procesaron 95 garrapatas colectadas de caballos domésticos, conservadas en alcohol e identificadas taxonómicamente según claves convencionales. A cada una se le realizó extracción de ADN y posteriormente diferentes reacciones en cadena de la polimerasa utilizando cebadores específicos para los grupos microbianos Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma-Ehrlichia, y Babesia-Theileria. Cada uno de los productos de las reacciones en cadena de la polimerasa fue sometido a hibridaciones en línea reversa utilizando sondas para cada grupo en cuestión, así como específicas para las principales especies de estos. Las garrapatas estudiadas pertenecían a las especies Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens (60 por ciento), Amblyomma cajennense (38 por ciento) y Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (2 por ciento). Se detectaron 7 garrapatas Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens infectadas con bacterias del grupo Anaplasma/Ehrlichia, y no se pudo identificar la especie en cuestión con las sondas utilizadas. Una de estas garrapatas estaba además coinfectada con Babesia bovis. Se sugiere la circulación de una nueva especie de Anaplasma o Ehrlichia no reportada antes en Cuba, por lo que se necesita estudiar un número mayor de garrapatas, así como la incorporación de nuevas sondas en la hibridación en línea reversa u otras metodologías que permitan conocer con exactitud las especies que pudiesen afectar hoy día los caballos domésticos.

At present, there are several tick-borne emerging pathogen species of medical and veterinary importance. Few studies on these agents and its diseases have been made in Cuba. To determine the presence of some of these pathogens in Cuban ticks existing in the equine cattle. Ninety five ticks collected from domestic use horses were processed, preserved in alcohol and taxonomically identified according to the set classifications. Their DNA was extracted and subjected to several polymerase chain reactions with specific primers for microbial groups Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma-Ehrlichia, y Babesia-Theileria. Each of the products from polymerase chain reactions underwent reverse line blot hybridation using probes for each group as well as specific probes for the main species included in these groups. The studied ticks belonged to Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens (60 percent), Amblyomma cajennense (38 percent) y Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (2 percent). Seven Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens ticks infested with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia bacteria were detected but the species in question could not be detected by the used probes. One of these ticks was also co-infested with Babesia bovis. It is suggested that a new species of Anaplasma o Ehrlichia, not reported in Cuba before now, is circulating, so studying a higher number of ticks is needed and new probes in reverse line blot hybridation or other methodologies must be incorporated to allow exactly determining the species that may affect the Cuban domestic horses at present.

Detección molecular de patógenos emergentes de importancia médica y veterinaria en garrapatas capturadas sobre caballos domésticos / Molecular detection of emerging pathogens of medical and veterinary importance in ticks found in domestic horses

En la actualidad son varias las especies de patógenos emergentes de importancia médica y veterinaria transmitidos por garrapatas. Los estudios sobre estos agentes y sus enfermedades han sido escasos en Cuba. Conocer la presencia de algunos de estos patógenos en garrapatas cubanas que afectan el ganado equino. Se procesaron 95 garrapatas colectadas de caballos domésticos, conservadas en alcohol e identificadas taxonómicamente según claves convencionales. A cada una se le realizó extracción de ADN y posteriormente diferentes reacciones en cadena de la polimerasa utilizando cebadores específicos para los grupos microbianos Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma-Ehrlichia, y Babesia-Theileria. Cada uno de los productos de las reacciones en cadena de la polimerasa fue sometido a hibridaciones en línea reversa utilizando sondas para cada grupo en cuestión, así como específicas para las principales especies de estos. Las garrapatas estudiadas pertenecían a las especies Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens (60 por ciento), Amblyomma cajennense (38 por ciento) y Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (2 por ciento). Se detectaron 7 garrapatas Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens infectadas con bacterias del grupo Anaplasma/Ehrlichia, y no se pudo identificar la especie en cuestión con las sondas utilizadas. Una de estas garrapatas estaba además coinfectada con Babesia bovis. Se sugiere la circulación de una nueva especie de Anaplasma o Ehrlichia no reportada antes en Cuba, por lo que se necesita estudiar un número mayor de garrapatas, así como la incorporación de nuevas sondas en la hibridación en línea reversa u otras metodologías que permitan conocer con exactitud las especies que pudiesen afectar hoy día los caballos domésticos(AU)

At present, there are several tick-borne emerging pathogen species of medical and veterinary importance. Few studies on these agents and its diseases have been made in Cuba. To determine the presence of some of these pathogens in Cuban ticks existing in the equine cattle. Ninety five ticks collected from domestic use horses were processed, preserved in alcohol and taxonomically identified according to the set classifications. Their DNA was extracted and subjected to several polymerase chain reactions with specific primers for microbial groups Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma-Ehrlichia, y Babesia-Theileria. Each of the products from polymerase chain reactions underwent reverse line blot hybridation using probes for each group as well as specific probes for the main species included in these groups. The studied ticks belonged to Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens (60 percent), Amblyomma cajennense (38 percent) y Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (2 percent). Seven Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens ticks infested with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia bacteria were detected but the species in question could not be detected by the used probes. One of these ticks was also co-infested with Babesia bovis. It is suggested that a new species of Anaplasma o Ehrlichia, not reported in Cuba before now, is circulating, so studying a higher number of ticks is needed and new probes in reverse line blot hybridation or other methodologies must be incorporated to allow exactly determining the species that may affect the Cuban domestic horses at present(AU)

[An inter-sector participatory strategy in Cuba using an ecosystem approach to prevent dengue transmission at the local level]. / Estrategia intersectorial y participativa con enfoque de ecosalud para la prevención de la transmisión de dengue en el nivel local.

Cuba is located among a group of countries with high dengue incidence. Following several epidemics in the last 10 years, the country designed, implemented, and evaluated a participatory strategy based on the Ecohealth approach. The aim was to promote inter-sector ecosystem management to decrease Aedes aegypti infestation and prevent dengue transmission in the municipality of Cotorro, in Havana city. The study adopted a participatory research methodology. The strategy ensured active participation by the community, diverse sectors, and government in the production of healthy ecosystems. Timely and integrated measures for prevention and control were developed, thereby decreasing the risk of vector proliferation and local dengue transmission. The approach allowed holistic problem analysis, priority setting, and administration of solutions. The strategy has been sustained two years after concluding the process.