Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in University Students at the University of Extremadura: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. The aim of our study was to detect people susceptible to DM among a university population aged 18 to 45 years and analyze the existence of modifiable risk factors in order to implement prevention programs, in addition to analyzing BMI data related to the variables under study. We proposed a descriptive, cross-sectional study following the recommendations of cross-sectional studies (STROBE), with a sample of 341 subjects, students enrolled at the University of Extremadura, carried out by two researchers. The research protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the University of Extremadura (165/2021). The study considered the Findrisk questionnaire in Spanish, validated by the Blackboard Study, a stadiometer to measure height, a bioimpedance meter to evaluate weight and body composition parameters, and a blood pressure monitor to measure blood pressure. The results indicated that the participants had a low risk of suffering T2DM. The highest Findrisk test scores were found in those with a BMI value above 25, lower physical activity, poor dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, and increased fat mass. Our future research will be the implementation of T2DM prevention programs, acting on modifiable factors.

Assessment of Diabetic Foot Prevention by Nurses.

Diabetic foot is a severe complication of diabetes, with serious consequences such as amputations and high mortality rates as well as elevated economic costs. To evaluate whether or not nursing staff follow the recommendations of national and international organizations regarding diabetic foot prevention, a cross-sectional and observational descriptive study was carried out using an ad hoc self-administered questionnaire validated by seven experts, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.731. Of the total 164 participants, 157 met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed that 96.58% asked their patients to remove their footwear, 78.34% performed thorough examinations, and 80.25% assessed the risk of developing diabetic foot. Participants educated their patients in self-care and evaluated skills related to diabetic foot control either frequently (84.07%) or very frequently (62.42%), and only 19.11% of them carried out group activity workshops. Significant statistical differences were found in the performance of activities in the groups by participant age intervals, whether working in primary health care or a hospital, having specific training, and the participant's DM patient ratio. We obtained high percentages of compliance in the assessed activities in comparison to other studies. Nevertheless, we believe it is necessary to encourage screening in specialized care, skills testing, and the implementation of educational group activities and workshops.

Onychomycosis in Two Populations with Different Socioeconomic Resources in an Urban Nucleus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Onychomycosis is one of the most common foot conditions. Mixed onychomycosis and onychomycosis caused by non-dermatophyte moulds are increasing in incidence, especially in vulnerable populations, hence the importance of this study, which presents the prevalence of onychomycosis in a population of homeless people, comparing the findings with a sample of a well-resourced population. The total sample consisted of 70 participants, divided into two separate groups, a homeless population and a second group in which we included people attending a private clinic. The average age of the sample is [49.19 ± 28.81] with an age range of 18 to 78 years. In the homeless group, the most prevalent infectious agents were non-dermatophyte fungi, with a total of 48%, compared to 28% in the group housed. The most common site of infection in both groups was the nail of the first finger. We, therefore, conclude that there is a difference in the infecting agent in the homeless population and the population with homes.

Efficacy of an Online Educational Intervention in Reducing Body Weight in the Pre-Diabetic Population of 18-45 Years Old, a Randomized Trial Protocol.

Aim: to analyze the efficacy of an educational online intervention focused on lifestyle changes in reducing body weight from baseline to 6 months in the pre-diabetic population of 18−45 years old in Extremadura (Spain). Methods: a single-blind, multicenter randomized parallel-comparison trial with two intervention groups in a 1:1 ratio will be carried out. Participants will be randomly assigned to intervention A or B with 37 cases in each group according to inclusion criteria of being enrolled or working at Extremadura University, scoring >7 points on the Findrisc test and not having diagnosed diabetes mellitus or physical disabilities. Intervention-A group will have access to online information about healthy diet and exercise. Intervention-B group will have access to a six-session educational program regarding behavioral changes in diet and exercise habits. They will complete follow-up activities and have a personal trainer and motivation. The primary outcome will be identifying changes in body weight from baseline to 1 and 6 months and between groups. The secondary outcomes will be accomplishing regular physical activity (>30 min/day or >4 h/week), decreasing sugary food intake or avoiding it altogether, increasing vegetable/fruit intake and lowering HbA1c levels to non-diabetic status when necessary.

Leadership as a Facilitator of Evidence Implementation by Nurse Managers: A Metasynthesis.

Evidence-based practice is often not implemented in nursing for reasons relating to leadership. This article aims to cast light on the factors that facilitate nursing evidence implementation perceived by nurse managers in their practical experiences of this implementation. It is a qualitative, narrative metasynthesis of primary studies on nurse managers' leadership-related facilitation experiences, following the Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregative approach and the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) model. Eleven primary studies were included and three general categories were identified as leadership-related factors facilitating evidence implementation: teamwork (communication between managers and staff nurses), organizational structures (strategic governance), and transformational leadership (influence on evidence application and readiness for change among leaders). Nurse managers act as facilitators of evidence-based practices by transforming contexts to motivate their staff and move toward a shared vision of change. Always providing support as managers and colleagues, sharing their experience in the clinic environment.

Impacto de una intervención educacional sobre la calidad de la dieta mediterránea, la actividad física y el estado ponderal en adolescentes: ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Impact of an educational intervention on the quality of the Mediterranean diet, physical activity and weight status in adolescents: Randomised clinical trial

OBJETIVOS: Analizar el impacto de una intervención educacional sobre la calidad de la dieta mediterránea (DM), la actividad física y el estado ponderal en adolescentes. MÉTODO: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado y controlado con intervención educacional multimodal (grupo control [n=36] y grupo experimental [n=46]). Recogida de datos, al inicio y al final del estudio, en población adolescente de la ciudad de Cáceres. En ambos grupos se determinaron medidas antropométricas y datos sociodemográficos. Se evaluó la calidad de la DM mediante el test KIDMED, el grado de actividad física a través del cuestionario PAQ-A y el estado ponderal con las tablas de crecimiento de la Fundación Faustino Orbegozo Eizaguirre. RESULTADOS: Obtuvimos un aumento significativo en el grupo experimental en el cuestionario PAQ-A que valora la actividad física (p = 0,029). No se observaron diferencias significativas entre grupos en el estado ponderal (p = 0,916). Al comparar la calidad de la DM (calidad alta vs moderada o baja) con la actividad física (pcontrol=0,730; pexperimental=0,495) y con el estado ponderal (pcontrol=0,838; pexperimental=0,372), no se observaron diferencias significativas. CONCLUSIONES: La intervención educacional no mejoró la calidad de la DM ni la actividad física, aunque la mayoría de nuestra muestra presentaba normopeso y actividad física aceptable. Debemos continuar mejorando el patrón alimentario saludable de nuestros adolescentes para garantizar un estado de salud adecuado en el futuro

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the impact of an educational intervention on the quality of the Mediterranean diet, physical activity and weight status in adolescents. METHOD: Randomised clinical trial (RCT), controlled with a multimodal educational intervention (control group [n=36] and experimental group [n=46]). Data collection at the beginning and end of the study, in teenagers from Cáceres, Spain. In both groups anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic data were determined. The quality of the Mediterranean diet was assessed through the KIDMED test, the degree of physical activity through the PAQ-A questionnaire and weight status with the growth charts of the Faustino Orbegozo Eizaguirre Foundation. RESULTS: We obtained a significant increase in the experimental group in the PAQ-A questionnaire that assesses physical activity (P=.029). No significant differences were observed between groups in the weight status (P=.916). When comparing the quality of the Mediterranean diet (high vs moderate or low quality) with physical activity (Pcontrol=.730; experimental P=.495) and with weight status (Pcontrol=.838; experimental P=.372), No significant differences are observed. CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention did not improve the quality of the Mediterranean diet or physical activity, although most of our sample had normal weight and acceptable physical activity. We must continue to improve the healthy eating pattern of our adolescents, to ensure an adequate state of health in the future

Impact of an educational intervention on the quality of the Mediterranean diet, physical activity and weight status in adolescents: Randomised clinical trial. / Impacto de una intervención educacional sobre la calidad de la dieta mediterránea, la actividad física y el estado ponderal en adolescentes: ensayo clínico aleatorizado.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the impact of an educational intervention on the quality of the Mediterranean diet, physical activity and weight status in adolescents. METHOD: Randomised clinical trial (RCT), controlled with a multimodal educational intervention (control group [n=36] and experimental group [n=46]). Data collection at the beginning and end of the study, in teenagers from Cáceres, Spain. In both groups anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic data were determined. The quality of the Mediterranean diet was assessed through the KIDMED test, the degree of physical activity through the PAQ-A questionnaire and weight status with the growth charts of the Faustino Orbegozo Eizaguirre Foundation. RESULTS: We obtained a significant increase in the experimental group in the PAQ-A questionnaire that assesses physical activity (P=.029). No significant differences were observed between groups in the weight status (P=.916). When comparing the quality of the Mediterranean diet (high vs moderate or low quality) with physical activity (Pcontrol=.730; experimental P=.495) and with weight status (Pcontrol=.838; experimental P=.372), No significant differences are observed. CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention did not improve the quality of the Mediterranean diet or physical activity, although most of our sample had normal weight and acceptable physical activity. We must continue to improve the healthy eating pattern of our adolescents, to ensure an adequate state of health in the future.

Method for Malaria Diagnosis Based on Extractions of Samples Using Non-Invasive Techniques: An Opportunity for the Nursing Clinical Practice.

Malaria has been for millennia one of the best known and most destructive diseases affecting humans. Its high impact has aroused great interest for the development of new effective and reliable diagnostic techniques. Recently it has been recently published that hairs from mammal hosts are able to capture, hold and finally remove foreign DNA sequences of Leishmania parasites. The aim of this study was to check if Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) DNA remains stable in blood samples deposited in Whatman paper after suffering different transport and storage conditions, and to compare the sensitivity of these results with those offered by thick a smear and Rapid Diagnostic Test, and besides to examine whether P. falciparum DNA would be detected and quantified by Real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) from hairs of people with different types of malaria. P. falciparum Histidine Repeat Protein II (pHRP-II) antigen detection and P. falciparum DNA were detected in 18 of 19 dry blood samples adhered to Whatman paper (94.74%), besides, Plasmodium DNA was also detected in seven out of 19 hair samples analyzed (36.84%), remaining stable until analysis for several months under the exposure to different environmental conditions. Although the sensitivity of PCR for the diagnosis of malaria in hair samples is not as high as blood analysis, the study of Plasmodium DNA presence in blood and hair could constitute a complementary tool with numerous advantages in sample collection, transport and storage. We suggest that the method could be also applied to medical, forensic and paleo-parasitological diagnosis, not only for malaria but also for searching many other pathogens in hair samples.

Impacto de la fractura de cadera intervenida quirúrgicamente sobre la calidad de vida, el estado funcional y el estado de ánimo del anciano / Impact of surgically operated hip fracture on the quality of life, functional status and mood of the elderly

OBJETIVO: Determinar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, la capacidad funcional y el estado de ánimo previo a la fractura de cadera y al mes de la intervención quirúrgica. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo desarrollado desde enero de 2015 a enero de 2016 en el Hospital Campo Arañuelo (Navalmoral de la Mata, Cáceres). Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, capacidad funcional (índice de Barthel), dependencia (escala de Lawton y Brody), calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (cuestionario Euroqol-5D) y estado de ánimo (escala de depresión geriátrica de Yesavage) con anterioridad a la fractura de cadera y al mes de la intervención. RESULTADOS: En 96 pacientes mayores de 65años se produjo un descenso significativo de la capacidad funcional: la media fue de 86,66 antes de la fractura frente a 58,72 al mes de la intervención (p < 0,001). La dependencia media fue de 4,95, y al mes, de 2,24 (p < 0,001). Las puntuaciones medias sobre calidad de vida basal y posterior a la intervención en EQ-5D fue de 72,95 vs 59,45, respectivamente (p = 0,004). Aunque antes de la fractura el 94,10% no tenían alteración del estado de ánimo, al mes de la intervención presentaban probable depresión el 20,50% y depresión establecida el 11%. CONCLUSIONES: La fractura de cadera afecta a la funcionalidad de los ancianos y provoca dependencia para las actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria. También afecta a la calidad de vida, y esta disminuye de forma significativa al mes de la intervención quirúrgica. El estado de ánimo depresivo está inversamente relacionado con la calidad de vida percibida

OBJECTIVES: To determine the quality of life related to health, functional capacity and mood to hip fracture and one month after surgery. METHOD: Prospective and descriptive study developed from January 2015 to January 2016 in Campo Arañuelo Hospital (Navalmoral de la Mata, Cáceres, Spain). Sociodemographic variables, functional capacity (Barthel Index), dependence (Lawton and Brody Scale), quality of life related to health (Questionnaire Euroqol-5D) and on mood (Yesavage geriatric depression scale GDS15) were collected, prior to the hip fracture and one month after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant decrease in functional capacity (Barthel), the mean score was 86.66 before the fracture, compared to 58.72 at the month after surgery (P<.001). Regarding the Lawton and Brody Scale, the mean was 4.95 and at 2.24months (P<.001). The mean scores on health related quality of life, baseline and post-intervention in the analog visual scale of the EQ-5D questionnaire were 72.95 vs 59.45 respectively (P=.004). Although before the fracture, 94.10% had no alteration in mood, one month after the intervention there was a possible depression of 20.50% and an established depression of 11%. CONCLUSIONS: The fracture of the head affects the functionality of the elderly, causing dependence for the basic and instrumental activities of daily life. It also affects the quality of life related to health and this decreases significantly in the month after surgery. Depressive mood is inversely related to perceived perceived quality of life

Context as a Facilitator of the Implementation of Evidence-based Nursing: A Meta-synthesis.

Nurses have numerous difficulties in implementing science due to obstacles related to the work context. The aim is to explore the work-context-related facilitators of the application of evidence in clinical practice by nursing professionals. Qualitative meta-synthesis of primary studies on nurses' experiences of work-context-related facilitators, as defined by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services model. Using the Qualitative Appraisal and Review Instrument of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Of the total 57 primary research articles included, an explanatory model of the facilitating factors related to the work context was generated on the basis of four general categories: institutional support (leadership), multidisciplinary support (teamwork and communication), culture of improving quality of care (nursing professionals' attitudes towards change) and use of research (valuing research). Action can be taken on the facilitating factors of the evidence-based practice application in nursing clinical environments, providing resources and motivation from the organization.

Impact of surgically operated hip fracture on the quality of life, functional status and mood of the elderly. / Impacto de la fractura de cadera intervenida quirúrgicamente sobre la calidad de vida, el estado funcional y el estado de ánimo del anciano.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the quality of life related to health, functional capacity and mood to hip fracture and one month after surgery. METHOD: Prospective and descriptive study developed from January 2015 to January 2016 in Campo Arañuelo Hospital (Navalmoral de la Mata, Cáceres, Spain). Sociodemographic variables, functional capacity (Barthel Index), dependence (Lawton and Brody Scale), quality of life related to health (Questionnaire Euroqol-5D) and on mood (Yesavage geriatric depression scale GDS15) were collected, prior to the hip fracture and one month after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant decrease in functional capacity (Barthel), the mean score was 86.66 before the fracture, compared to 58.72 at the month after surgery (P<.001). Regarding the Lawton and Brody Scale, the mean was 4.95 and at 2.24months (P<.001). The mean scores on health related quality of life, baseline and post-intervention in the analog visual scale of the EQ-5D questionnaire were 72.95 vs 59.45 respectively (P=.004). Although before the fracture, 94.10% had no alteration in mood, one month after the intervention there was a possible depression of 20.50% and an established depression of 11%. CONCLUSIONS: The fracture of the head affects the functionality of the elderly, causing dependence for the basic and instrumental activities of daily life. It also affects the quality of life related to health and this decreases significantly in the month after surgery. Depressive mood is inversely related to perceived perceived quality of life.

Depressed Mood after Stroke: Predictive Factors at Six Months Follow-Up.

We aimed to know the prevalence of post-stroke depression (PSD) in our context, identify the variables that could predict post-stroke depression, by using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, occurring within six months after stroke, and identify patients at high risk for PSD. METHODS: descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study. We included 173 patients with stroke (transient ischemic attack (TIA) included) and collected sociodemographic and clinical variables. We used the Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS) for depression assessment and Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) for functional assessment. The neurological severity was evaluated by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). RESULTS: 35.5% were women, aged 71.16 (±12.3). Depression was present in 42.2% patients (n = 73) at six months after stroke. The following variables were significantly associated with PSD: diagnosis of previous depression (p = 0.005), the modified Rankin Scale at discharge (p = 0.032) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: PSD is highly prevalent after stroke and is associated with the severity, left location of the stroke, and the degree of disability at discharge. Its impact justifies the evaluation and early treatment that still continues to be a challenge today.

Application of qPCR method to hair and cerumen samples for the diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis in Araçatuba, Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) remains a serious public health problem in Brazil. Dogs are the main hosts of the parasite, developing canine leishmaniosis (CanL), hence the importance of an accurate diagnosis of the animals. Recently, the application of qPCR method to non-invasive samples obtained from dogs with CanL has shown high sensitivity. Thus, we analyzed by qPCR blood, hair (from healthy zones and cutaneous lesions) and cerumen of 16 dogs with confirmed leishmaniosis from Araçatuba, a Brazilian endemic area. Cerumen-qPCR showed the highest sensitivity (87.5%), followed by hair (lesions: 78.57%, healthy skin: 62.5%), and blood (68.75%). We also analyzed blood, hair and cerumen of 5 healthy dogs from a non-endemic area, obtaining 100% of specificity in all samples. The use of cerumen and hair for qPCR analysis provides high reliability, taking into account the sensitivity and total specificity of the method. The non-invasive sampling procedure without the need of specific conditions of storage and transport support the usefulness of hair and cerumen for the diagnosis of CanL.

Enfermedades importadas en España: dificultades en la atención sanitaria / Imported diseases in Spain: difficulties in health care

Introducción: En España, desde el 2000 hasta el 2010, existían medidas que fomentaban la igualdad en salud y acceso a los servicios sanitarios de la población inmigrante. Con el inicio de la crisis y las reducciones del gasto público en salud, se instauraron medidas, que no solo tienen consecuencias negativas para este colectivo sino también para la salud pública en general, viéndose en aumento el número de casos de enfermedades importadas, también relacionadas con el aumento de viajes internacionales.Objetivos: Evaluar la presencia de enfermedades importadas en España y conocer la problemática del inmigrante en el Sistema Sanitario. Método: Revisión bibliográfica de estudios en lengua inglesa y castellana publicados entre 2007 y 2017 recogidos varias bases de datos y en informes de instituciones y organizaciones científicas.Resultados: Se obtuvo un total de 173 artículos indexados en las bases de datos. De estos, 32 se ajustaron a los criterios de inclusión, de los que se seleccionaron 15 para responder a los objetivos.15 producciones se adaptaron al objetivo del presente estudio. Los estudios afirman que los movimientos poblacionales como migraciones o a viajes internacionales, elevan la presencia de enfermedad importada en España. Esto junto con las medidas legislativas impuestas por el gobierno en materia de sanidad, dificultan al inmigrante irregular la posibilidad de acceder al Sistema Sanitario español. Destacan además otras dificultades para el inmigrante como son el idioma y el desconocimiento del correcto acceso y uso de las prestaciones sanitarias.Conclusión: Todo esto, crea desconfianza en el inmigrante, el cual aplaza el contacto con el servicio sanitario, pudiendo llegar a ocasionar un grave problema en la salud pública, principalmente por el retraso en el diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de enfermedades infecciosas importadas

Introduction: In Spain, from 2000 to 2010, there were measures that promoted equality in health and permitted access to health services for the immigrant population. Because of the economic crisis and the reductions in public expenditure on health, security measures were put in place, which not only had negative consequences for this group, also for public health in general. Therefore, the number of imported diseases cases have increased in direct relation to international travels.Objectives: To evaluate the presence of imported diseases in Spain and to know the problem of the immigrant in the Health System.Method: the literature review of studies in English and Spanish published between 2007 and 2017, including several databases and reports from institutions and scientific organizations.Results: A total of 173 articles indexed in the databases were obtained. 32 of these articles were adjusted to the inclusion criteria, of which 15 were selected to respond to the objectives. The studies affirm that population movements such as migrations or international trips, increase the presence of imported diseases in Spain. In addition, legislative measures imposed by the government on health matters, complicate access to the Spanish Health System for irregular immigrants. They also highlight other difficulties for the immigrant, such as the language and the lack of knowledge of the correct access and use of health services.Conclusion: The sum of all the above mentioned, creates lack of confidence in the immigrant, which postpones contact with the health service, and may lead to a serious problem in public health, mainly due to the delay in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of imported infectious diseases

Valoración de la calidad de vida, estigma social y adhesión al tratamiento en pacientes con epilepsia del Área de Salud de Cáceres: estudio transversal / Evaluation of quality of life, social stigma and treatment adherence in patients with epilepsy in the Cáceres Healthcare Area: a cross-sectional study

Introducción. La epilepsia es una enfermedad crónica, con elevada prevalencia. La repercusión de la epilepsia en la calidad de vida de las personas que la padecen se ve influida por factores como las características de la enfermedad, la presencia de comorbilidad, la percepción de estigma social y la adhesión al tratamiento. Objetivo. Valorar la calidad de vida, el estigma social y la adhesión al tratamiento de pacientes con epilepsia de nuestra área. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos y clínicos. Analizamos datos sobre la calidad de vida (Quality of Life in Epilepsy-10), el estigma social y la adhesión al tratamiento a través de diferentes cuestionarios. Resultados. Se estudió a 40 pacientes, con una media de edad de 42,43 ± 17,2 años y una media de edad de inicio de la epilepsia de 25,88 ± 16,81 años. El 55% fueron mujeres. La puntuación en el cuestionario sobre calidad de vida fue de 19,28 ± 8,03 puntos para los hombres y 17,00 ± 7,69 para las mujeres, y esta diferencia no fue significativa. Tampoco se observaron diferencias significativas para el estigma social: media de 11,50 ± 13,47 puntos para los hombres y 6,00 ± 10,36 para las mujeres (p = 0,152). Según el cuestionario de adhesión terapéutica (Morisky-Green), el 70% de los pacientes fue cumplidor del tratamiento. Conclusiones. Los pacientes con epilepsia tienen una buena calidad de vida, que creemos atribuible a la buena adhesión y el cumplimiento del tratamiento. Se detecta una baja percepción de estigma social, pero los pacientes tienden a ocultar el diagnóstico

Introduction. Epilepsy is a chronic disease with high prevalence. Its impact in the quality of life is infl uenced by factors like disease characteristics, comorbidities, stigma perception and treatment adherence. Aim. To assess the quality of life, the social stigma and the treatment adherence of patients with epilepsy in our area. Patients and methods. Descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. We analyzed data on quality of life (QUOLIE-10), social stigma and treatment adherence through different questionnaires. Results. 40 patients were studied. The mean age was 42.43 ± 17.20 years, and the onset of epilepsy was 25.88 ± 16.81 years. 55% were women. The score in the quality of life questionnaire was 19.28 ± 8.03 points in men and 17.00 ± 7.69 for women, this difference being not significant. There were also no significant differences for social stigma, with a mean of 11.50 ± 13.47 points in men and 6.00 ± 10.36 points for women (p = 0.152). According to the treatment adherence questionnaire (Morisky-Green), 70% of the patients studied were compliant with the treatment. Conclusions. Patients with epilepsy in our environment have a good quality of life, probably related to good treatment adherence and compliance. There is low perceived social stigma but people with epilepsy still trend to hide their condition

First detection of Leishmania kDNA in canine cerumen samples by qPCR.

Nowadays, searching for alternative non-invasive methods for molecular diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniosis is getting increasingly important. We previously described the presence of Leishmania kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) in canine hair; in this case we hypothesized whether foreign DNA might be present in cerumen of dogs with leishmaniosis, and be detected by Real time quantitative PCR (qPCR). A population of 38 dogs that lived in Leishmania endemic areas was divided in two groups: A (33 dogs with confirmed leishmaniosis by serological techniques) and B (5 healthy dogs). Blood, lymph node, bone marrow and cerumen samples from all animals were tested for the presence of parasite kDNA. Our method was 100% specific, and in dogs from group A, Leishmania infantum kDNA was detected and quantified in the 100% of lymph node samples, in 90.9% of cerumen samples, in 88.5% of the bone marrow samples and in 57.6% of the blood samples. The qPCR-cerumen is a new non-invasive method that shows a high potential for the diagnosis of zoonotic visceral leishmaniosis.

Detection and chronology of parasitic kinetoplast DNA presence in hair of experimental Leishmania major infected BALB/c mice by Real Time PCR.

Hair can accumulate foreign chemical or biological substances. Recently, it has been reported that parasite DNA can also be detected in the hair of Leishmania infantum infected dogs. The aim of this work has been to find out whether parasite DNA incorporates in the hair of Leishmania major experimentally infected animals. For this purpose, a group of 4 BALB/c mice, intradermally inoculated in both ears with 1000 L. major V1 strain promastigote forms, was monitored for parameters associated to the infection during 35 days. Weekly, ear swelling was measured, and hair samples from ears and leg were collected. Blood samples were obtained before challenge and at day 35 post infection, when parasite load was measured in ear, lymph node and spleen by limit dilution. Ear swelling and other parameters observed in the infected mice were consistent with those described for this model. The presence of parasite kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) was detected by Real Time PCR in all ear and leg hair samples at the final timepoint. These data suggests that hair is a specialized tissue in the sequestration and removal of foreign DNA. Detection of DNA in hair could be, therefore, a useful tool to chronologically record the infection process during experimental mice assays.

First detection of Leishmania infantum kinetoplast DNA in hair of wild mammals: application of qPCR method to determine potential parasite reservoirs.

The data presented in this paper describe the application of a method for a reliable and non-invasive diagnosis of leishmaniosis in wild reservoirs, based on the detection of Leishmania infantum kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) in hair samples by Real Time PCR (qPCR). The study has been performed on 68 ear/leg hair samples from 5 different wild species (Vulpes vulpes, Canis lupus, Martes foina, Rattus norvegicus and Erinaceus europaeus) from several geographic areas of West and North Spain. The presence of Leishmania kDNA was detected in 14 of the 68 analyzed samples, being the highest quantity of DNA observed in foxes. This is the first report of the presence of Leishmania in a hedgehog. The kDNA remained stable under the exposure of hair to different environmental conditions (freezing or high temperature, ultraviolet rays or treatment with tanning salts). This detection method could constitute a suitable alternative for the search of the parasite in wild hosts, due to the numerous advantages that hair samples present for collection, transport and storage processes.