Evaluación del desempeño de una celda de combustible microbiana con electrodo de grafito modificado para el tratamiento de agua residual del procesamiento del café / Evaluation of the performance of a microbial fuel cell with modified graphite electrode for the treatment of wastewater from coffee processing / Avaliação do desempenho de uma célula combustível microbial com eletrodo de grafite modificado para o tratamento de águas residuais do processamento de café

Resumen La actividad cafetalera en Costa Rica procesa aproximadamente 69.000 toneladas de café mediante la técnica de beneficiado húmedo. Esta actividad conlleva un alto impacto ambiental debido a la generación de8Lde agua residual/kg de café oro producido. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo utilizar el agua residual del procesamiento de café como sustrato en celdas combustibles microbianas (CCM), con el propósito de generar energía eléctrica a través de su uso y, a la vez, disminuir la carga orgánica del residuo. La CCM empleó un cátodo modificado con ftalocianinas de hierro (FePc), generó una eficiencia coulómbica de 0,7% y una densidad de potencia de 89 UW/ cm2 en un ciclo de operación de cinco días. Además, se determinó que la CCM disminuye la demanda química de oxígeno (DQO) del residuo hasta en 27% bajo las condiciones de operación nativas del sustrato, a temperatura ambiente, sin mediadores químicos para la reacción anódica y con el uso de electrodos de platino para el cátodo. El estudio confirma la oportunidad de emplear el sustrato con una flora microbiana nativa apta para la operación de la tecnología de la CCM, y así perfilar el dispositivo como una opción novedosa para el tratamiento de este residuo en Costa Rica.

Abstract In Costa Rica coffee production is the most traditional agroindustrial activity, each year approximately 69,000 tons of coffee are processed through the technique of wet processing. The process has a high environmental impact since it generates eight liters of wastewater/kg of produced coffee. Consequently, the main goal of this research was to evaluate the electric generation of a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) with two chambers, using coffee wastewater as a substrate, which would generate a sustainable solution with an added economic value to this waste in Costa Rica. The MFC with a cathode modified with iron phthalocyanines (FePc) generated a coulombic efficiency of 0.7% and a power density of 89 -uW/cm2 in a 5-day operation cycle. In addition, it was determined that the MFC decreases the COD of the waste by up to 27% under native substrate conditions, without the use of high temperatures, or chemical mediators for the anodic reaction and platinum electrodes for the cathode chamber. The efficiency of the device can be improved with changes at design level that reduce the ohmic internal resistance and improve electrical generation, the study confirms the potential of the substrate with a native microorganism suitable for the use of MFC technology, shaping the device as a novelty option for the treatment of the waste in Costa Rica.

Resumo A indústria do café na Costa Rica processa cerca de 69 000 toneladas de café por meio da técnica de moagem úmida, o que acarreta um alto impacto ambiental devido à geração de 8 L de água residual / kg de café dourado. O objetivo deste trabalho era usar águas residuais do processamento do café como substrato em Células de Combustível Microbianas (CCM) a fim de gerar energia elétrica por meio do seu aproveitamento e ao mesmo tempo reduzir a carga orgânica do resíduo. CCM usando cátodo modificado com ftalocianinas de ferro (FePc) gerou uma eficiência coulômbica de 0,7% e uma densidade de potência de 89 uW/cm2 em um ciclo operacional de cinco dias. Além disso, foi determinado que o CCM reduz a Demanda Química de Oxigénio (DQO) do resíduo em até 27% nas condições nativas de operação do substrato, à temperatura ambiente, sem mediadores químicos para a reação anódica e com a utilização de eletrodos de platina para o cátodo. O estudo confirma a oportunidade de utilizar o substrato com flora microbiana nativa adequada para o funcionamento da tecnologia CCM e, assim, delinear o dispositivo como uma nova opção para o tratamento desses resíduos na Costa Rica.

Evolución del hábito tabáquico en embarazadas del Área de Gestión Sanitaria de Jerez / Evolution of smoking habit in pregnant women of the Health Management Area of Jerez

Objetivo.Existe poca información actualizada sobre el consumo de tabaco durante el embarazo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de tabaquismo durante el embarazo en mujeres que se atienden en los distintos centros de salud dentro del Área de Gestión Sanitaria Jerez, costa noreste y sierra de Cádiz. Material y método.Estudio transversal mediante entrevistas de gestantes captadas en la visita realizada durante el primer trimestre del embarazo. El cuestionario incluía preguntas sobre características sociode mográficas, edad, antecedentes obstétricos, consumo de tabaco anterior al embarazo y abandono durante la gestación, así como hábito tabáquico en la pareja. Resultados. Se obtuvieron respuestas de 1.173 pacientes con edad media de 31 años. Se confesaron fumadoras activas el 31,2% de ellas, siendo exfumadoras el 9,5% y nunca fumadoras el 59,3%. El consumo medio de cigarrillos fue de 11 ± 7 diarios. Al conocer su estado de gestación dejaron su hábito el 50,8% (abandono espontáneo, n = 186). El porcentaje de fumadora durante la gestación asciende a un 15,5% del global,con un consumo medio de cigarrillos de 5 ± 4/día. En cuanto a las parejas el porcentaje de fumadores activos fue del 41,4%. Aunque solo un 12,4% de estas parejas refirieron seguir fumando en el domicilio conyugal,únicamente el 2,07 % consiguió cesar el consumo por completo. La prevalencia de tabaquismo respecto a un estudio previo en 2009 se redujo significativamente (18,9vs. 15,5 %, p < 0,009).Conclusión.Fumar durante el embarazo sigue siendoun comportamiento frecuente en nuestra área sanitaria. A pesar de que las gestantes reducen su consumo, solo la mitad abandona por completo su hábito. Este comportamiento es muy inferior si consideramos a sus parejas, donde el porcentaje de cesación es ínfimo. (AU)

Objetive. There is little up-to-date information on tobacco 11 use during pregnancy. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy in women who are cared for in the different Health Centers within the Jerez Health Management Area, northeast coast and sierra of Cadiz. Material and method. Cross-sectional study through interviews of pregnant women enrolled duringthe visit during the first trimester of pregnancy. The questionnaire included questions about sociodemo-graphic characteristics, age, obstetric history, tobacco consumption prior to pregnancy and cessation during pregnancy, as well as smoking habits in the couple. Results. Responses were obtained from 1,173 patients,with a mean age of 31 years. 31.2% of them confessed to being active smokers, 9.5% being ex-smokers and 59.3% never smokers. The average consumption ofcigarettes was 11 ± 7 per day. When knowing theirstate of pregnancy, 50.8% of them quit their habit(spontaneous quitters, n = 186). The percentage ofsmokers during pregnancy amounts to 15.5% of theglobal with an average cigarette consumption of 5 ±4/day. As for couples, the percentage of active smokerswas 41.4%. Although only 12.4% of these couples reported continuing to smoke at their marital home,only 2.07% managed to stop using them completely.The prevalence of smoking compared to a previousstudy in 2009 was significantly reduced (18.9 vs.15.5%, p < 0.009).Conclusion.Smoking during pregnancy continues tobe a frequent behavior in our healthcare area. Despitethe fact that pregnant women reduce their consump-tion, only half abandon their habit completely. Thisbehavior is much lower if we consider their partnerswhere the percentage of cessation is negligible. (AU)

Superconducting imprint of magnetic textures in ferromagnets with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy.

Research on proximity effects in superconductor/ferromagnetic hybrids has most often focused on how superconducting properties are affected-and can be controlled-by the effects of the ferromagnet's exchange or magnetic fringe fields. The opposite, namely the possibility to craft, tailor and stabilize the magnetic texture in a ferromagnet by exploiting superconducting effects, has been more seldom explored. Here we show that the magnetic flux trapped in high-temperature superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-δ microstructures can be used to modify the magnetic reversal of a hard ferromagnet-a cobalt/platinum multilayer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy-and to imprint unusual magnetic domain distributions in a controlled manner via the magnetic field history. The domain distributions imprinted in the superconducting state remain stable, in absence of an external magnetic field, even after increasing the temperature well above the superconducting critical temperature, at variance to what has been observed for soft ferromagnets with in-plane magnetic anisotropy. This opens the possibility of having non-trivial magnetic configuration textures at room temperature after being tailored below the superconducting transition temperature. The observed effects are well explained by micromagnetic simulations that demonstrate the role played by the magnetic field from the superconductor on the nucleation, propagation, and stabilization of magnetic domains.

NRF2 as a therapeutic opportunity to impact in the molecular roadmap of ALS.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating heterogeneous disease with still no convincing therapy. To identify the most strategically significant hallmarks for therapeutic intervention, we have performed a comprehensive transcriptomics analysis of dysregulated pathways, comparing datasets from ALS patients and healthy donors. We have identified crucial alterations in RNA metabolism, intracellular transport, vascular system, redox homeostasis, proteostasis and inflammatory responses. Interestingly, the transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) has significant effects in modulating these pathways. NRF2 has been classically considered as the master regulator of the antioxidant cellular response, although it is currently considered as a key component of the transduction machinery to maintain coordinated control of protein quality, inflammation, and redox homeostasis. Herein, we will summarize the data from NRF2 activators in ALS pre-clinical models as well as those that are being studied in clinical trials. As we will discuss, NRF2 is a promising target to build a coordinated transcriptional response to motor neuron injury, highlighting its therapeutic potential to combat ALS.

Relative Yield Loss From Stem Borers (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Rice Water Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Rice.

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, is the most important economic pest of rice in the United States with the ability to substantially reduce rice yields. Stem borers, including the Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar), are emerging as more consistent pests in Louisiana and Texas, but the relationship between blanked panicles (whiteheads) caused by stem borer feeding and yield loss is not well understood. A series of field trials was conducted in Louisiana from 2019 to 2020 to determine the relative yield loss by manipulating infestations of both pests with selective insecticides. Results indicate losses from L. oryzophilus infestations are greater than those for E. loftini in early planted rice. In contrast, relative yield losses were approximately equal in later planted rice in 2019, in which E. loftini infestations were high. Additive impacts of the root-feeding L. oryzophilus and the stem-feeding E. loftini were not observed in our study. Linear regression revealed that each increase of one whitehead per square meter is associated with a 1.7% loss in yield. Results from ratoon rice suggest that protection from L. oryzophilus in the main crop also improves yield in the second crop. Collectively, results demonstrate the continued need for effective L. oryzophilus management programs to prevent economic losses. Conversely, findings suggest that benefits of E. loftini control may be minimal in many instances. Control of E. loftini is most likely to be economical under conditions where high populations are anticipated such as in late-planted fields or regions that previously had high infestations.

An international survey in Latin America on the practice of interventional cardiology during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: A reduction in the number of interventional cardiology procedures has emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was performed to quantify this decrease and the impact on the management of myocardial infarction in Latin America. METHODS: A telematic survey was conducted for all countries in Latin America. Diagnostic catheterisations, coronary and structural interventions, as well as the incidence and delay to reperfusion therapy of myocardial infarction (STEMI), were recorded. Two periods were compared: from 24 February to 8 March 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and another 2­week period that varied according to country (COVID-19). RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 79 centres in 20 countries. There was a significant decrease in the number of diagnostic procedures (-65.2%), coronary interventions (-59.4%), structural therapeutics (-86.1%) and STEMI care (-51.2%). A decrease was noted in the incidence of STEMI, but also a delay in the time to STEMI reperfusion. While there was a variation in activity in interventional cardiology between countries, patient behaviour was rather homogeneous. CONCLUSIONS: A significant reduction in healthcare activity has been noted during the COVID-19 pandemic, including STEMI care, with the risk of increased mortality and/or morbidity following STEMI. Healthcare providers should encourage patients with suspected symptoms of STEMI to call for emergency care to ensure rapid diagnosis and timely reperfusion treatment.

Expression of CD47 antigen in Reed-Sternberg cells as a new potential biomarker for classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: CD47 over expression has been reported in several tumor subtypes. CD47 interacts with SIRPalpha on macrophages inhibiting phagocytic signal, providing a survival advantage to tumor. CD47, therefore, represents a valuable target for immunotherapy and is currently under clinical investigation. We aimed to study CD47 expression in Hodgkin Reed Sternberg cells (HRS). METHODS: We tested a polyclonal CD47 antibody (LifeSpan Biosciences, Seattle, WA) expression along with classical HRS cell markers on a tissue array of 16 classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHL) tumor biopsies obtained from newly diagnosed, non-selected patients (8 Female, 8 Male patients) in our institution from October 2016 to January 2018. Histologic subtypes were nodular sclerosis in 11 cases, mixed Cellularity in 3 cases and lymphocyte rich in 2 additional cases. Median age was 53 years (Range: 8, 74). Early stage disease was found in three patients without unfavorable prognostic factors according to EORTC and GHSG criteria, one patient with unfavorable prognostic factors and nine patients had advanced disease. Bulk disease was present in one patient. Normal lymphoid tissue and normal prostate epithelium were used as normal controls as recommended by manufacturer. Approval from the Local Ethical committee was obtained before any analysis. RESULTS: CD47 was overexpressed on all HRS cells with a characteristic dot-like pattern in 13/13 cases of CHL. HRS clearly expressed CD47 more intensely than infiltrating T and stromal cells. DISCUSSION: We propose that HRS cells, by up-regulating CD47, might avoid innate immunity check on tumor growth, which could be circumvented using blocking monoclonal antibodies.

Models of human psoriasis: Zebrafish the newly appointed player.

Psoriasis is a human chronic, immune disease with severe cutaneous and systemic manifestations. Its prevalence, among the world population, highly varies with ethnicity and geography, but not sex from remarkable low levels in Asia to 2.3% in Spain, or an impressive 11.5% in Norway. The pathogenesis of psoriasis derives from complex genetic and environmental interactions, which creates aberrant crosstalk between keratinocytes and variated immune cell, resulting in open amplified inflammatory and pro-proliferative circuits. Both, innate and adaptive immune systems are known to be involved in the response at the cellular and humoral levels. Nevertheless, the exact molecular mechanisms are still under debate. Therefore, discovering useful therapeutic targets to stretch the molecular gaps in psoriasis pathogenesis and its associated comorbidities is still mandatory. So far, some mutagenic or pharmacological studies in vitro or using comparative vertebrate models have provided critical molecular insights and directed the human research. Although highly feasible in rodents, the versatile physiology, genetic similarity to humans and outstanding molecular toolbox available, suggest that elaborate forward genetic screenings are far easier to be conducted using the zebrafish model. Thus, in this review, we intend to briefly overview psoriasis and revise in a digested fashion the preclinical research models available, emphasizing the zebrafish as a powerful tool in the study of immune effectors on the same, and how it supports the discovering of new therapies that may help in controlling this widespread disease around the globe.

Sellar region: magnetic resonance imaging assessment of uncommon tumors and pseudotumors. / Región selar: evaluación mediante resonancia magnética de lesiones tumorales y pseudotumorales de baja frecuencia.

OBJECTIVE: To show the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in the anatomic and pathologic characterization of the sellar region, emphasizing the differential diagnosis of uncommon non-adenomatous tumors and pseudotumors studied in our institution. CONCLUSION: The sellar region is a complex anatomic space with diverse types of tissues from which a wide spectrum of diseases can arise. Magnetic resonance imaging's high tissue resolution and ability to characterize the patterns of tumor growth and biological behavior make it the best imaging technique to study this region.

[Functional results of bipolar hemiarthroplasty in patients over 65 years of age with intracapsular hip fractures]. / Resultados funcionales de hemiartroplastía bipolar en pacientes mayores de 65 años con fracturas intracapsulares de cadera.

INTRODUCTION: Bipolar hemiarthroplasty is an alternative for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients with low functional demand and associated comorbidities. The goal was to describe functionality in patients over 65 years of age with intracapsular fractures of the hip. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients over 65 years of age between January 2012 and May 2017. It was evaluated with the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Oxford scale at six months and the year after surgery. Complications and mortality were documented during the first post-surgical year. RESULTS: 48 cases (12 men; 36 women), average age of 80.8 ± 7.7 years. Most common diseases: high blood pressure (77.1%), osteoporosis (37.5%), diabetes (33.3%) hypothyroidism (29.2%). The percentage of associated postoperative complications was 8.3% (four cases). The median HHS at six and 12 months was: 90.5 (DE: 77.5-96.0) and 96 (DE: 92-98), respectively. The Oxford scale was 45.5 (DE: 38.5-48.0) at six months and 47.0 (DE: 43.5-48.0) per postoperative year. 4.2% (two cases) died during the first post-surgical year and none were associated with the procedure. DISCUSSION: HA provides good functional outcomes in patients over 65 years of age, with a low rate of complications. No mortality associated with the surgical procedure was observed in our series and in the short term.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hemiartroplastía bipolar (HA) es una alternativa para el tratamiento de las fracturas desplazadas de cuello femoral en pacientes de edad avanzada con baja demanda funcional y comorbilidades asociadas. El objetivo fue describir la funcionalidad en pacientes mayores de 65 años con fracturas intracapsulares de cadera tratados con HA. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes mayores de 65 años entre Enero de 2012 y Mayo de 2017. Se evaluó con la escala de Harris (HHS) y Oxford a los seis meses y al año posterior a la cirugía. Se documentaron las complicaciones y la mortalidad durante el primer año postquirúrgico. RESULTADOS: 48 casos (12 hombres; 36 mujeres), edad promedio de 80.8 ± 7.7 años. Comorbilidades más frecuentes: hipertensión arterial (77.1%), osteoporosis (37.5%), diabetes (33.3%) e hipotiroidismo (29.2%). El porcentaje de complicaciones postoperatorias asociadas fue de 8.3% (cuatro casos). La mediana del HHS a los seis y 12 meses fue de: 90.5 (DE: 77.5-96.0) y 96 (DE: 92-98), respectivamente. La escala de Oxford fue de 45.5 (DE: 38.5-48.0) a los seis meses y de 47.0 (DE: 43.5-48) al año postoperatorio. El 4.2% (dos casos) fallecieron durante el primer año postquirúrgico y ninguno estuvo asociado al procedimiento. DISCUSIÓN: La HA ofrece buenos resultados funcionales en pacientes mayores de 65 años, con una tasa baja de complicaciones. En nuestra serie y en el corto plazo no se observó mortalidad asociada al procedimiento quirúrgico.

Plant attributes and their relationship to the germination response to different temperatures of 18 species from central Mexico.

Germination responses of non-dormant seeds to temperature and thermal requirements are affected by the geoclimatic origin of the species, along with specific attributes such as life form, life cycle or seed size. We evaluated the relationship of these attributes and temperature to germination in 18 species that inhabit a convergence area of two biogeographic realms. Seeds were sown at different constant temperatures. Base temperature (Tb ) and thermal time for 50% germination (θT(50) ) were determined. For Tb , θT(50) and seed size, we performed a cluster analysis and then applied a discriminant analysis (DA). DA was also performed using geoclimatic origin, life form and life cycle as grouping variables. Seed that did not germinate were transferred to the benefit temperature for germination. Finally, ethylene was applied to the remaining seeds that did not germinate. Temperature significantly affected final germination. Tb varied between 5 and 13 °C in 15 species and 19.0-21.5 °C in the remainder; θT(50) was 7-30 °Cd in eight species and 50-109 °Cd in the remainder. Cluster analysis showed three groups, and DA evidenced the relevance of Tb and θT(50) for this separation. Differences in life cycle were related to θT(50) . The geoclimatic origin was not significant. Thermoinhibition or thermodormancy were found in some species. Tb overlaps with environmental temperature of the growth season. Thermal traits for germination mainly reflect the species' life cycle, which is related to the main differences in reproductive performance among annuals and perennials. Local adaptation might mask the effect of geoclimatic origin of a species.

Biodegradable multi-walled carbon nanotubes trigger anti-tumoral effects.

Carbon nanotubes are of huge biotechnological interest because they can penetrate most biological barriers and, inside cells, can biomimetically interact with the cytoskeletal filaments, triggering anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects in highly dividing cells. Unfortunately, their intrinsic properties and bio-persistence represent a putative hazard that relapses their application as therapies against cancer. Here we investigate mild oxidation treatments to improve the intracellular enzymatic digestion of MWCNTs, but preserving their morphology, responsible for their intrinsic cytotoxic properties. Cell imaging techniques and confocal Raman spectroscopic signature analysis revealed that cultured macrophages can degrade bundles of oxidized MWCNTs (o-MWCNTs) in a few days. The isolation of nanotubes from these phagocytes 96 hours after exposure confirmed a significant reduction of approximately 30% in the total length of these filaments compared to the control o-MWCNTs extracted from the cell culture medium, or the intracellular pristine MWCNTs. More interestingly, in vivo single intratumoral injections of o-MWCNTs triggered ca. 30% solid melanoma tumour growth-inhibitory effects while displaying significant signs of biodegradation at the tumoral/peri-tumoral tissues a week after the therapy has had the effect. These results support the potential use of o-MWCNTs as antitumoral agents and reveal interesting clues of how to enhance the efficient clearance of in vivo carbon nanotubes.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la parasitación intestinal por Blastocystis hominis / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of intestinal parasite infection by Blastocystis hominis

Objetivos. Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) es uno de los parásitos intestinales más frecuentemente aislados en el ser humano. Puede producir sintomatología gastrointestinal o, en la mayoría de los casos, permanecer asintomático. Existen dudas sobre el carácter patógeno del parásito. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la parasitación por B. hominis, con y sin otras coparasitaciones. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo de aislamientos de B. hominis en heces, desde octubre del 2004 hasta marzo del 2016 en una Unidad de Medicina Tropical. Se revisó a todos los pacientes con parasitación exclusiva, o no, por B. hominis. Resultados. Se estudió a 3.070 pacientes. En 570 (18%) se diagnosticó infección por B. hominis, de los que en 245 (43%) representó el único aislamiento; 325 (57%) presentaron otras coparasitaciones (Entamoeba hystolitica o dispar, Strongyloides stercoralis, uncinarias y Schistosoma sp.). El síntoma principal fue dolor abdominal (41,8%). En un 31,2% el parásito se detectó en el cribado de enfermedades importadas en pacientes asintomáticos. De los que recibieron tratamiento con metronidazol, un 78,2% mejoró y en el 82,6% los parásitos se negativizaron. Conclusiones. La parasitación por B. hominis es una de las enfermedades más frecuentes en nuestra Unidad de Medicina Tropical. La mayoría de los pacientes están asintomáticos o bien la clínica puede ser atribuida a otras parasitaciones. En aquellos casos en los que persisten los síntomas sin poder ser atribuidos a otras causas, es recomendable un tratamiento específico

Objectives. Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is one of the most common intestinal parasites isolated in humans. The parasite can cause gastrointestinal symptoms or, in most cases, remain asymptomatic. There are issues concerning the parasite's pathogenic character. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the parasite infection by B. hominis, with or without other parasitic co-infections. Patients and methods. An observational retrospective study was conducted of B. hominis isolates in faeces from October 2004 to March 2016 in a tropical medicine unit. We reviewed all patients with a parasite infection, exclusively or not by B. hominis. Results. We studied 3070 patients, 570 (18%) of whom were diagnosed with B. hominis infection, which was the only isolate in 245 (43%) of the 570 patients. A total of 325 (57%) patients presented other parasitic co-infections (Entamoeba histolytic or Entamoeba dispar, Strongyloides stercoralis, hookworm and Schistosoma spp.). The main symptom was abdominal pain (41.8%). In 31.2% of cases, the parasite was detected in the imported diseases screening of asymptomatic patients. Of those who underwent treatment with metronidazole, 78.2% improved. The parasite was neutralised in 82.6% of the patients. Conclusions. Parasite infection by B. hominis is one of the most common diseases in our tropical medicine unit. Most patients are asymptomatic, or their symptoms can be attributed to other parasite infections. In those cases in which symptoms persist without being able to attribute them to other causes, a specific treatment is recommended

Tumor Biology as Predictor of Mortality in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary malignant liver tumor, with the Milan criteria considered to be the gold standard for patient selection for liver transplantation (LT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive observational study, reviewing 20 years of experience of LT in patients with HCC in the Fundacion Valle del Lilí in Cali, Colombia. Subgroup analysis was undertaken for periods 1999 to 2007 and 2008 to 2015. RESULTS: Fifty-seven cases with a pretransplant HCC diagnosis were reviewed. In the first period patients within the Milan criteria had a recurrence-free survival at 5 years of 66.6%, and in those who exceeded the Milan criteria, recurrence-free survival was 75%. In the second period, patients within the Milan criteria, recurrence-free survival at 5 years was 93.5%, and in those who exceeded the Milan criteria, recurrence-free survival was 75.7%. No statistically significant difference was found in either period. For patients with mild and moderate tumor differentiation, the relapse survival rate at 5 years was 69.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35.8-87.8) and 74.7% (95% CI 44.5-90), respectively. All patients with poor tumor differentiation relapsed and died within 3 years. CONCLUSION: Global and recurrence-free survival among patients who met and patients who exceeded the Milan criteria was not significantly different, suggesting an expansion of the Milan criteria to include potential recipients who were previously excluded. Obtaining histologic differentiation and identifying vascular invasion will provide a more worthwhile contribution to LT decision making.

Liver Transplantation in Hepatitis C-Infected Patients: Experience From a South American Transplant Center.

BACKGROUND: Around 2.4% of the world's population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and it is the most common cause of liver transplantation (LT) in the world. Latin America (LA), with nearly 9% of the world population, has had a continuous increase in the number of LTs per year. Yet, due to the lack of mandatory data collection and a well-developed health-care system, access to transplantation is limited in most LA countries. We report the first LA experience of HCV-infected LT patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study by reviewing the medical histories of all HCV-infected LT patients between 1996 and 2016 who acquired HCV before their LT, at the Fundación Valle del Lilí, Cali, Colombia. RESULTS: Between January 1996 and December 2015, a total of 770 LTs were performed, of which 75 had a cirrhotic liver due to HCV infection. With a median follow-up time of 24.4 months (interquartile range [IQR] 4.7-61.2 months), patient survival was 44.9% and 66.9% for the time periods 1996-2006 and 2007-2015, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was present in 30.6% of the patients, and overall postoperative complications had an incidence of 80%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of LT in HCV-infected patients in Colombia and in LA. Our results are comparable to those of other transplant centers worldwide with regard to postoperative complications and patient survival. Patients with LT in the 1996-2006 time frame had higher morbidity and mortality. Studies including larger numbers of patients are needed to determine the reason for this finding.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of intestinal parasite infection by Blastocystis hominis. / Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la parasitación intestinal por Blastocystis hominis.

OBJECTIVES: Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is one of the most common intestinal parasites isolated in humans. The parasite can cause gastrointestinal symptoms or, in most cases, remain asymptomatic. There are issues concerning the parasite's pathogenic character. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the parasite infection by B. hominis, with or without other parasitic co-infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational retrospective study was conducted of B. hominis isolates in faeces from October 2004 to March 2016 in a tropical medicine unit. We reviewed all patients with a parasite infection, exclusively or not by B. hominis. RESULTS: We studied 3070 patients, 570 (18%) of whom were diagnosed with B. hominis infection, which was the only isolate in 245 (43%) of the 570 patients. A total of 325 (57%) patients presented other parasitic co-infections (Entamoeba histolytic or Entamoeba dispar, Strongyloides stercoralis, hookworm and Schistosoma spp.). The main symptom was abdominal pain (41.8%). In 31.2% of cases, the parasite was detected in the imported diseases screening of asymptomatic patients. Of those who underwent treatment with metronidazole, 78.2% improved. The parasite was neutralised in 82.6% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Parasite infection by B. hominis is one of the most common diseases in our tropical medicine unit. Most patients are asymptomatic, or their symptoms can be attributed to other parasite infections. In those cases in which symptoms persist without being able to attribute them to other causes, a specific treatment is recommended.

Asma, rinitis y seguridad vial / Asthma, rhinitis and road safety

Introducción: Las lesiones por accidente de tráfico constituyen uno de los principales problemas de salud de la población mundial en los inicios del siglo XXI. En este estudio nos planteamos estudiar si existe una mayor prevalencia de accidentalidad en la conducción en personas con diagnóstico de asma y/o rinitis. Método: Se eligieron, de forma consecutiva durante un periodo de tres meses, a pacientes que acudieron a consultas de dos centros de Salud sin aquejar patología crónica, todos ellos con un rango de edad entre 18 y 65 años, conductores habituales y a un grupo de enfermos de las consultas de neumología, alergia y ORL de Hospital de Jerez, con diagnóstico de asma/rinitis. A estos pacientes se les entrevistó siguiendo cuestionario preestablecido, recogiéndose datos demográficos, consumo de tabaco antecedentes de siniestralidad en la conducción, características del asma y la rinitis y la escala Goldberg Anxiety-Depression (GADS) para la valoración de la existencia de comorbilidad psiquiátrica. Se calculó la prevalencia de accidentalidad en cada grupo y en los pacientes con diagnóstico de rinitis/asma, también en función de estos diagnósticos y su gravedad. Resultados: Se entrevistó a 424 personas sanas (49,3% mujeres) de 38 años de edad media y a 185 pacientes asmáticos/riníticos (52,4% mujeres), con edad media de 45 años. Un 67,6% de ellos padecían rinitis con o sin asma. Referían haber sufrido accidentes de tráfico un 33,8% del grupo control y el 41,6% de los pacientes asmáticos (p <0,001). Los pacientes que presentaban solamente rinitis (n = 125) concentraron más accidentes que la población sana del grupo control (0,48 ± 0,51 vs 0,34 ± 0,47; p < 0,001). La siniestralidad mostró relación con el grado de control del asma y la gravedad del asma y rinitis. Conclusiones: Existen indicios de una mayor siniestralidad en la conducción entre personas asmáticas y riníticas, que podría estar relacionada con la gravedad de estas patologías

Introduction: injuries from traffic accidents constitute one of the main health problems for the global population in the early 21st century. This study aims to determine if there is a greater prevalence of accident-causing driving among individuals diagnosed with asthma and/or rhinitis. Method: patients visiting two health centers who were not afflicted with chronic disease were recruited consecutively over the course of three months. All participants ranged between 18 and 65 years old, and were habitual drivers. A group of ill patients with a diagnosis of asthma/rhinitis were also recruited from the pulmonology, allergy and ENT departments at the Hospital de Jerez. These patients were interviewed following a predetermined questionnaire, collecting demographic data, tobacco use, history of driving accidents, characteristics of the asthma and rhinitis and the Goldberg Anxiety-Depression Scale (GADS) was used to evaluate the existence of a psychiatric comorbidity. The prevalence of accidents was calculated in each group and among the patients with a diagnosis of rhinitis/asthma, as well as according to diagnosis and severity. Results: 424 healthy individuals (49.3% women) were interviewed with an average age of 38. We also interviewed 185 patients with asthma/rhinitis (52.4% women), with an average age of 45. Of those interviewed, 67.6% suffered from rhinitis with or without asthma. A total of 33.8% of the control group and 41.6% of asthmatic patients (p <0.001) reported having suffered traffic accidents. Patients suffering only from rhinitis (n = 125) had more accidents than the healthy population in the control group (0.48 ± 0.51 vs 0.34 ± 0.47; p < 0.001). Accidents showed a correlation with the level of asthma control and the severity of asthma and rhinitis. Conclusions: there is a higher rate of driving accidents among individuals suffering from asthma and rhinitis, which may be related to the severity of these illnesses

Cervical cancer, human papillomavirus and vaccines: assessment of the information retrieved from general knowledge websites in Chile.

OBJECTIVES: Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecologic malignancy worldwide and is the sixth cause of cancer death in Chile. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for most cervical cancers. Individuals seeking basic information about HPV frequently turn to health information websites. We hypothesized that some of their data may be inaccurate. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative analysis of information. METHODS: We analyze the content of highly accessed websites such as the Spanish version of Wikipedia and Yahoo Answers through the application of a questionnaire, as well as a website managed by the Chilean Ministry of Health (Minsal). The accuracy of each answer was confirmed by comparison with information retrieved from articles published by indexed journals. RESULTS: The information provided by the Spanish version of Wikipedia was accurate; nevertheless a few omissions were detected. The quality of the information provided by the Spanish version of Yahoo Answers was inaccurate and confusing. The Minsal website lacked important information on several topics about HPV even though it is managed and endorsed by the government. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest periodical content reviews to increase the completeness, transparency and correctness of the website.

Immunogenetic profiling of 23 SNPs of cytokine and chemokine receptor genes through a minisequencing technique: Design, development and validation.

The minisequencing technique offers accuracy and robustness to genotyping of polymorphic DNA variants, being an excellent option for the identification and analyses of prognostic/susceptibility markers in human diseases. Two multiplex minisequencing assays were designed and standardized to screen 23 candidate SNPs in cytokine, chemokine receptor and ligand genes previously associated with susceptibility to cancer and autoimmune disorders as well as to infectious diseases outcome. The SNPs were displayed in two separate panels (panel 1-IL2 rs2069762, TNFα rs1800629, rs361525; IL4 rs2243250; IL6 rs1800795; IL10 rs1800896, rs1800872; IL17A rs8193036, rs2275913 and panel 2-CCR3 rs309125, CCR4 rs6770096, rs2228428; CCR6 rs968334; CCR8 rs2853699; CXCR3 rs34334103, rs2280964;CXCR6 rs223435, rs2234358; CCL20 rs13034664, rs6749704; CCL22 rs4359426; CXCL10/IP-10 rs3921, rs56061981). A total of 305 DNA samples from healthy individuals were genotyped by minisequencing. To validate the minisequencing technique and to encompass the majority of the potential genotypes for all 23 SNPs, 20 of these samples were genotyped by Sanger sequencing. The results of both techniques were 100% in agreement. The technique of minisequencing showed high accuracy and robustness, avoiding the need for high quantities of DNA template samples. It was easily to be conducted in bulk samples derived from a highly admixed human population, being therefore an excellent option for immunogenetic studies.