Isolation, Characterization and Virulence Potential of Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi in Salmonid Cultures in Chile.

In this study, we isolated, identified and characterized isolates of Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farmed in Chile for the first time. In 2010 and 2014, mortalities were observed in Atlantic salmon (average weight 25-30 and 480-520 g, respectively) at an aquaculture centre in Puerto Montt, Chile. Severe tail rots, frayed fins and, in some cases, damaged gills were detected. Wet smear analyses of these lesions revealed a high occurrence of Gram-negative, filamentous bacteria. Microbiological analysis of infected gill and tail tissues yielded six bacterial isolates. All were identified as T. dicentrarchi through polyphasic taxonomy, which included phenotypic characterization, 16S rRNA sequencing and multilocus sequence typing. The latter method revealed a close relationship of the Chilean genotype with the T. dicentrarchi type strain and two Norwegian Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) isolates. The pathogenic potential of the TdChD05 isolate was assessed by challenging Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) for one hour, which resulted in mean cumulative mortality rates of 65% and 93%, respectively, as well as clinical signs 14 days post-challenge. However, challenged Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) presented no mortalities or clinical signs of infection. These findings indicate that the geographical and host distribution of T. dicentrarchi is wider than previously established and that this bacterium may have negative impacts on salmonid cultures.

The influence of low birth weight body proportionality and postnatal weight gain on anthropometric measures of 8-year-old children: a cohort study in Northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Low birth weight (LBW) and rapid postnatal weight gain are associated with future high body adiposity; however, the cumulative effect of LBW and postnatal weight gain remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of body proportionality of LBW infants and postnatal weight gain on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) of 8-year-old children. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A nested cross-sectional study was conducted in a cohort of children followed from birth to 6 months and reassessed at 8 years of age. The sample consisted of 167 children born at full term (67 with LBW and 100 with appropriate birth weight). Stunted LBW was defined as length <-2 z-score and wasted LBW as length ⩾ -2 z- score and Ponderal Index <2.5. Rapid growth was defined as weight gain greater than 0.67 s.d. score from birth to 6 months. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to investigate the net effect of LBW and postnatal weight gain on BMI and WC, controlled for sex, total breastfeeding, socioeconomic status and maternal nutrition. RESULTS: The stunted and wasted LBW contributed significantly to the reduction of BMI and WC, and together explained 10% of the variation of these measurements. Rapid weight gain in the first 6 months of life, shorter total breastfeeding duration, higher socioeconomic status and maternal BMI significantly explained the increase in child BMI and WC. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that LBW led to lower body measurements, whereas rapid postnatal weight gain determined higher BMI and WC among school age children.

Risk factors associated with hepatic steatosis: a study in patients in the Northeast Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Although there are several studies in the international literature regarding hepatic steatosis, few large-scale studies of risk factors are available. OBJECTIVE: To verify potential risk factors associated with hepatic steatosis, such as: alcohol consumption, overweight, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This is a case series study including a control group (without hepatic steatosis), carried out at the gastroenterology outpatient clinic in Northeast Brazil. The sample was composed of 219 patients with hepatic steatosis and 82 without the disease. RESULTS: There was an association between hepatic steatosis and socioeconomic status. Prevalence Ratio (PR) for family income ≤ 2 minimum wage was (PR = 1.35 CI 95%, 1.18-1.54) and education level < primary education (PR = 1.44, CI 95%,1.27-1.64). Regarding anthropometric and clinical characteristics and lipid profile, there was an association with overweight (PR = 1.59, CI 95%, 1.38-1.83), abdominal circumference in the range of very high risk (PR = 2.28, IC 95%,1.68-3.09), hypertension (PR = 1.30, CI 95%, 1.15-1.48) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (PR = 1.23, CI 95%, 1.07-1.64), low HDL-cholesterol (PR = 1,96, CI 95%, 1.55-2.48), hypertriglyceridemia (PR = 2.10, CI 95%, 1.64-2.68). In the regression model three variables remained independently associated to hepatic steatosis, abdominal circumference in the range of very high risk (PRadjusted = 1.74), low HDL-cholesterol (PRadjusted = 1.39) and overweight (PRadjusted = 1.28). CONCLUSION: The results showed an association of hepatic steatosis with some risk factors, being abdominal circumference (very high risk) the most strongly associated, followed by low HDL-cholesterol and overweight.

Integración de plataformas tecnológicas por productos, entre la Universidad de Carabobo y el Sistema Público Nacional de Salud, mediante la estrategia de comunidades virtuales / Integration of technology platforms for products from the Carabobo University and National Public health system, through Virtual Communities Strategy

Esta investigación, propone la integración sistemática de las plataformas tecnológicas de la Universidad de Carabobo, en su Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud-Sede Aragua, con la del Sistema Público Nacional de Salud, a través del desarrollo de productos de las Nuevas Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación, en este caso, haciendo uso de la estrategia de comunidades virtuales. Las comunidades virtuales, constituyen espacios propicios de desarrollo de las redes sociales, que con la llegada de la Internet permiten su creación y progreso más allá del contexto físico. Se empleó la modalidad de proyecto factible, para el diseño de un prototipo de curso on line, considerado como experiencia piloto, para la enseñanza de la estrategia de comunidades virtuales, Grupos Yahoo - Facebook, como recurso de mediación de experiencias de aprendizaje en las Pasantías de Ejercicio Profesional en Ciencias de la Salud. Fundamentan la propuesta, principios de convergencia tecnológica, de encuentro de saberes, la necesidad de construcción de la ciudadanía digital en salud, la búsqueda de representaciones sociales de la tecnología, la inclusión digital de las comunidades para su autonomía y bienestar, implicando también el desarrollo de espacios virtuales de emancipación, que finalmente asienten una tecnología supeditada a lo humano, a la justicia social.

The research proposes the systematic integration of technology platforms at the Carabobo University, in its Health Sciences Faculty, Aragua headquarters with the National Public Health System, through out development by informational and communication technologies products. Also virtual community strategy was involved. Virtual communities constitute appropriate spaces for the development of social networks, that with the advent of the Internet allows the creation and development beyond the physical context. This approach used the feasible project modality. Here, it was developed an online course for teaching virtual communities strategy, as a learning mediation resource experiences in the Professional Internships Health Sciences Practice. Characterize the proposed system, the principles of technological convergence, the coming together of knowledge, the construction of digital citizenship and health technology search social representations, digital community inclusion destiny to their autonomy and welfare, virtual emancipation spaces development, finally settled all technology subject to the humanity and social justice.

Procedencia de pacientes diagnosticados en la unidad proyecto aragua: importancia para el programa de fibrosis quística / Origin of patients diagnosed in the proyect init aragua: relevace for cystic fibrosis program

La fibrosis quística es una enfermedad con patrón de herencia autosómico recesivo que afecta los sistemas respiratorio y digestivo en forma crónica y casi siempre subletal. En Venezuela han documentado que la frecuencia de la enfermedad es baja y la distribución no es homogénea. Este trabajo presenta la información sobre la procedencia geográfica según frecuencia de casos con Fibrosis Quística diagnosticados en la Unidad Proyecto Aragua de la Universidad de Carabobo, desde junio de 1993 a junio de 2008. A partir de la revisión de las historias clínicas de los pacientes que acudieron para la indagación de dicha enfermedad se tomaron los datos sobre sexo del paciente, edad al momento del diagnóstico, lugar de nacimiento de padres, abuelos y bisabuelos. Se diseñó el Índice de Procedencia para Fibrosis Quística. Se obtuvo 3,96% de positividad en los casos referidos y 76,2% se encuentran en edades entre 0 - 4 años. Se recibió referencia de 22 estados del país. El Indice de Procedencia de los estados de mayor a menor resultó en este orden Apure, Portuguesa, Anzoátegui, Lara, Trujillo, Guárico, Yaracuy, Carabobo y Aragua. Aparecieron otros focos: Siqui- Siqui en Lara, San Fernando y San Juan de Payara en Apure y Yaritagua, Aroa y Salom en Yaracuy. Las evidencias de epidemiología genética encontrados, pueden ser considerados por el Programa Nacional de Fibrosis Quística del Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud para el establecimiento de centros diagnósticos y el eventual programa de identificación.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease with autosomal recessive patron that affects the digestive and respiratory systems in chronic and almost always in sublethal form. Epidemiological studies in Venezuela have documented that the incidence of the disease is low and the distribution is not homogeneous. This paper presents information on the geographical origin of patients diagnosed in the Unidad Proyecto Aragua (UPA) of Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua (University of Carabobo, Aragua Campus), from June of 1993 to June 2008. After reviewing medical records of patients who came for the detection of CF data were taken from the patient's sex, age at diagnosis, birthplace of parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Was design the provenance index (IP) of CF. Was obtained 3,96% of positivity to CF in referred cases and 76,2% are aged 0 to 4 years. Reference was received from 22 states in the country. the (IP) of the states from high to low provenance result: Apure, Portuguesa, Anzoátegui, Lara, Trujillo, Guárico, Yaracuy, Carabobo and Aragua. Others outbreaks appeared: Siqui-Siqui in Barquisimeto, San Fernando, San Juan de Payara in Apure and Yaritagua, Aroa and Salom in Yaracuy. Arguments of genetic epidemiology found must be considered by the National Program for Cystic Fibrosis of the Ministry of People's Power for Health for the establishment of diagnosis centers and eventual neonatal identification program in areas of greater frequency that showed the study.

Alta prevalencia de IgG anti citomegalovirus en 583 embarazos: Hospital Padre Hurtado / High prevalence of IgG anti cytomegalovirus in 583 pregnancies: Hospital Padre Hurtado

ANTECEDENTES: Citomegalovirus (CMV) es la infección congénita más frecuente, demostrado en el 1% de recién nacidos en países desarrollados. Es la primera causa de sordera y alteraciones del desarrollo neuro-lógico infantil. Recientes estudios han demostrado que la seropositividad no evita una reinfección materna ni la enfermedad congénita, por lo que la caracterización de la seroprevalencia permite saber si la infección congénita proviene mayoritariamente de primoinfección o de reinfección. OBJETIVOS: Conocer la seroprevalencia al parto en 583 mujeres beneficiarías del Hospital Padre Hurtado durante mayo y junio del 2006. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, en que se estudio la presencia de IgG anti CMV en sangre materna al parto. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo una seroprevalencia de 95%, sin casos de infección sintomática al nacer. CONCLUSIÓN: La seroprevalencia es elevada, lo que sugiere que la reinfección sería la forma principal de infección congénita. Un estudio en recién nacidos con cultivos virales o PCR permitiría conocer la tasa de infección congénita real, y no un estudio basado en seroconversión pues omitiría todos los casos que reinfección, que serían mayoritarios.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus is the most frequent congenital infection, affecting 1% of the population in developed countries, and the leading cause of deafness and brain development abnormalities in children. Recent studies have demonstrated that seropositivity do not avoid reinfection and congenital disease. OBJECTIVE: To study the seroprevalence in 583 pregnant women at delivery at Padre Hurtado Hospital, during 2006. METHODS: Prospective, observational study, in which maternal blood at delivery was studied for the presence of anti CMV IgG. RESULTS: There was 95% seroprevalence, without any case of symptomatic infection. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence supports that most of the cases of congenital disease would occur in seropositive women, supporting that reinfection is the main way of neonatal compromise. This supports that a study with direct detection in liveborns would be suitable to reveal the impact of cytomegalovirus in our population and not that of seroconversión.

Epidural analgesia in children: planning, organization and development of a new program.

BACKGROUND: The goal of the present work is to describe the development and results of the pediatric epidural analgesia program at the ''Hospital Nacional de Pediatria Prof. Dr. J. P. Garrahan'' in Argentina. METHODS: Patients with thoracotomy, abdominal surgery, osteotomy, amputations or severe trauma were included in the program. The program provided training to the entire staff, control and record of pain treatment and its consequences, 24 h a day availability of anesthesia staff and standard polices and procedures. RESULTS: One hundred fifty children under 16 years of age (median age 11 years, median weight 35 kg) were included in the program during the first 18 months. The median of maximum pain reported during activity was 1 (interquartile range 1 to 4 points) using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Objective Pain Scale (OPS). Eighty seven children (CI 95% 50% to 67%) presented with postoperative nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, itching, motor blockade or sedation. No patient presented with respiratory depression, hypotension, local anaesthetic toxicity, epidural catheter related infection or death during the program evaluation. The postoperative care program enabled a 98-day reduction in treatment in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: The safe use of pediatric epidural analgesia in general wards may require the careful selection of patients, systematic assessment by trained personnel, training of medical and nursing personnel, clear distribution of responsibilities, use of printed indications, systematic record of pain, sedation and complications, information and education of patients and parents, supply of systems for airway resuscitation and management and continuous quality control and revision of the methods.

Actividades biológicas de Xenophyllum poposum Phil. (Asteraceae), planta del altiplano chileno / No disponible

No disponible

Determinants of mental and motor development at 12 months in a low income population: a cohort study in northeast Brazil.

AIM: To identify biological and environmental factors associated with poorer mental and motor development at age 12 mo in urban communities in northeast Brazil. METHODS: A cohort of 245 infants born during January August 1998 in six hospitals in the interior of Pernambuco was followed twice weekly from birth until 12 mo of age. Socio-economic, demographic and environmental data were collected, together with daily information on morbidity and feeding patterns. Gestational age, birth anthropometry and nutritional status at 12 mo were measured. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify variables that had independent effects on mental and motor development assessed at 12 mo of age with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. RESULTS: Environmental factors explained about 21% and 19% of the variance in mental and motor development, respectively. Of these, the most important were poverty-related. Significant biological factors associated with mental development were birthweight and infant sex. For motor development, the biological factors were weight-for-age and haemoglobin concentration. Biological factors explained only 6% and 5% of the variance in mental and motor development, respectively. CONCLUSION: Of the variables examined, environmental factors had a greater detrimental effect on child development than biological factors in this population. Interventions that enhance social capital and alleviate poverty are advocated.

Breastfeeding and early weaning practices in northeast Brazil: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe breastfeeding practices from 0 to 12 months of age in 4 small towns that are representative of urban northeast Brazil and to identify factors associated with introduction of other milk in the first month of life. METHODS: From January to August 1998, 364 mothers were interviewed at delivery to ascertain antenatal care; delivery room practices; and their intentions regarding breastfeeding, pacifiers, and introduction of water, teas, and other milk. Their perceptions of home support and the advantages of breastfeeding also were assessed. Thereafter, daily information about feeding practices was collected at twice-weekly home visits. When other milk was started, a second interview was conducted to ascertain initial and current breastfeeding problems and use of a pacifier. Reasons for starting other milk were investigated using 5-point Likert scales. RESULTS: Mothers were positive toward breastfeeding, and 99% breastfed their new infant. Few intended to breastfeed exclusively, and in the first week 80% gave water/tea and 56% used a pacifier. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 0 days, and the median age for starting other milk was 24 days. The median duration of breastfeeding was 65 days for mothers who started other milk within 1 month and 165 days for other mothers. After adjustment for confounding variables, the main factors associated with introduction of other milk within 1 month were pacifier use in the first week (odds ratio [OR], 4.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.07-7.78), intention to start other milk in the first month (OR, 3.79; 95% CI: 1.74-8.24), giving water/tea in the first week (OR, 3.07; 95% CI: 1.56-6.03), and leaving the maternity ward before breastfeeding was started (OR, 2.59; 95% CI: 1.34-5.04). CONCLUSION: Although breastfeeding is common in this community, it rarely is exclusive and takes place for a relatively short duration. Identification of risk factors for early introduction of other milk offers potential avenues for future intervention, including improvement of breastfeeding support in antenatal and maternity services.

Prevalence of anemia in children 6-59 months old in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of anemia in children 6-59 months old in Pernambuco, a state in northeastern Brazil, so as to help guide health and nutrition policies there. METHODS: In 1997 a representative sample of 777 young children had their hemoglobin concentration measured. The sampling process was in three stages. First, 18 municipalities were randomly selected to represent the state and its three geographic areas (metropolitan region of Recife, urban interior, and rural interior). Next, using census lists, 45 census sectors were randomly chosen. Finally, 777 children aged 6-59 months old were selected. Blood was collected by venipuncture, and hemoglobin was measured with a portable hemoglobinometer. In the analysis, prevalence was weighted to reflect the census age distribution. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia among children 6-59 months old was 40.9% for the state as a whole. Prevalence in the metropolitan region of Recife was 39.6%, and it was 35.9% in the urban interior. The rural interior had the highest prevalence, 51.4%. Prevalence was twice as high in children aged 6-23 months as among those 24-59 months old, 61.8% vs. 31.0% (chi 2 = 77.9, P < 0.001). The mean hemoglobin concentrations in the younger and older age groups were 10.4 g/dL (standard deviation (SD) = 1.5) and 11.4 g/dL (SD = 1.4), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the sexes in terms of prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first statewide assessment of anemia prevalence among young children in Brazil. Given the very high prevalence of anemia among the children studied in Pernambuco, especially those in the age group of 6-23 months, public health interventions are needed.

Genomic organization of the CC chemokine mip-3alpha/CCL20/larc/exodus/SCYA20, showing gene structure, splice variants, and chromosome localization.

We describe the genomic organization of a recently identified CC chemokine, MIP3alpha/CCL20 (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA20). The MIP-3alpha/CCL20 gene was cloned and sequenced, revealing a four exon, three intron structure, and was localized by FISH analysis to 2q35-q36. Two distinct cDNAs were identified, encoding two forms of MIP-3alpha/CCL20, Ala MIP-3alpha/CCL20 and Ser MIP-3alpha/CCL20, that differ by one amino acid at the predicted signal peptide cleavage site. Examination of the sequence around the boundary of intron 1 and exon 2 showed that use of alternative splice acceptor sites could give rise to Ala MIP-3alpha/CCL20 or Ser MIP-3alpha/CCL20. Both forms of MIP-3alpha/CCL20 were chemically synthesized and tested for biological activity. Both flu antigen plus IL-2-activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphoblasts and cord blood-derived dendritic cells responded to Ser and Ala MIP-3alpha/CCL20. T lymphocytes exposed only to IL-2 responded inconsistently, while no response was detected in naive T lymphocytes, monocytes, or neutrophils. The biological activity of Ser MIP-3alpha/CCL20 and Ala MIP-3alpha/CCL20 and the tissue-specific preference of different splice acceptor sites are not yet known.