Metazoan parasite communities of the Pacific red snapper, Lutjanus peru (Perciformes: Lutjanidae): interannual variations in parasite communities.

Metazoan parasite communities can experience temporal structural changes related to seasonal and/or local variations in several biotic and abiotic environmental factors. However, few studies have addressed this issue in tropical regions, where changes in water temperature are less extreme than in temperate regions, so the factors or processes that can generate variations in these parasite communities are as yet unclear. We quantified and analysed the parasite communities of 421 Lutjanus peru (Nichols & Murphy, 1922) collected from Acapulco Bay in Guerrero, Mexico, over a four-year period (August 2018 to April 2021), to identify any interannual variation due to local biotic and abiotic factors influenced by natural oceanographic phenomena, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation, or La Niña. Twenty-five metazoan parasite taxa were recovered and identified: seven Digenea species; two Monogenea; one Cestoda; one Acanthocephala; four Nematoda; and ten of Crustacea (seven Copepoda and three Isopoda). The digeneans and copepods were the best represented parasite groups. The parasite communities were characterized by a high numerical dominance of helminth larvae. Species richness at the component community level (13 to 19 species) was similar to reported richness in other Lutjanus spp. The parasite communities of L. peru had a high variability in species composition, but low aggregate variability (e.g. species diversity), suggesting that structure of these communities may be quite stable over time. A clear interannual variation pattern was not observed, suggesting that parasite species of this host may respond differently to variations in environmental factors. Interannual variations were possibly caused by a combination of biotic (i.e. host feeding behaviour and body size) and local abiotic factors (influenced by climatic anomalies) which generated notable changes in the infection levels of several component species.

Aplicación piloto de un programa de reminiscencia positiva para personas mayores institucionalizadas / Pilot application of a positive reminiscence program for institutionalized older people

Resumen Los conocimientos actuales sobre la salud de las personas mayores permiten afirmar que es posible mejorar su calidad de vida, especialmente a través del uso de técnicas no farmacológicas de carácter preventivo. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una aplicación piloto de un Programa de Reminiscencia Positiva (REMPOS) que en otros países como España y México han demostrado ser efectivo en personas mayores con deterioro cognitivo leve y en población normal institucionalizadas. La población fue de 60 personas mayores pertenecientes a un centro de Larga Estudia del Gran Concepción. La muestra estuvo constituida por 5 personas mayores que aceptaron participar y que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Instrumentos: se usó el MOCA y Mini Mental para evaluar deterioro leve y normalidad. Procedimiento: se seleccionaron sesiones del REMPOS que podrían tener un sesgo transcultural. Resultados: se encontró que varias de las sesiones necesitaban cambios especialmente con relación a la presencia de analfabetismo funcional, limitación motora y sensorial (vista y oído) en las personas mayores. Se discute la adaptación del programa y las implicaciones derivadas de la institucionalización.

Current knowledge about the health of older people, allows us to affirm that it is possible to improve their quality of life, especially with preventive non-pharmacological techniques. The objective of this article is to present a pilot Application of a Positive Reminiscence Program (REMPOS) which in other countries such as Spain and Mexico have been shown to be effective in older people with mild cognitive impairment and in normal institutionalized populations. The population was 60 older adults belonging to a Long Study center of the Great Conception. The sample consisted of 5 older adults who agreed to participate and who met the inclusion criteria. Instruments MOCA and Mini Mental were used to assess mild impairment and normality. Procedure REMPOS sessions were selected that could have a cross-cultural bias. Results It was found that several of the sessions needed changes especially in relation to the presence of functional illiteracy, motor and sensory limitation (sight and hearing) in older people. Program adaptation and institutionalization are discussed.

Riesgos psicosociales y calidad de vida en trabajadores de servicios oncológicos públicos / Psychosocial risks and quality of life among workers of public oncology services / Riscos psicossociais e qualidade de vida em trabalhadores de serviços públicos de oncologia

RESUMEN Introducción El trabajo desempeñado por personal de centros oncológicos genera impacto sobre ellos debido a situaciones a las que se ven expuestos, esto puede trascender en su calidad de vida. Objetivo Determinar la relación entre las variables biodemográficas, laborales, riesgos psicosociales, carga mental de trabajo y calidad de vida relacionada con salud en trabajadores de servicios oncológicos. Métodos Estudio correlacional en 113 trabajadores de servicios oncológicos de cuatro hospitales chilenos. Cuestionarios aplicados: Variables biodemográficas y laborales, Calidad de Vida Relacionada con Salud SF-36, Evaluación de riesgos psicosociales SUSESO-ISTAS 21 y Escala subjetiva de carga mental de trabajo. Resultados Variables sexo y turnos laborales presentaron correlación significativa con algún componente de la calidad de vida (p <0.05). Consulta médica (p <0.01), licencia médica (p <0.01) y problema de salud diagnosticado (p <0.05) manifestaron bajos niveles de calidad de vida. Se encontró correlación negativa tanto en los riesgos psicosociales con calidad de vida (p <0.05) como entre la carga mental de trabajo global con el componente de salud mental (p <0.01). Discusión Los trabajadores en centros oncológicos están expuestos a un mayor nivel de riesgo por las condiciones de la organización del trabajo, esto representan un riesgo a su salud. Conclusión Existe asociación entre algunas variables biodemográficas y laborales, riesgos psicosociales y carga mental con la calidad de vida relacionada con salud en trabajadores de servicios de oncología de hospitales públicos chilenos. Las organizaciones deberían implementar estrategias que permitan detectar y prevenir la exposición a riesgos psicosociales y sobrecarga mental de trabajo.

ABSTRACT Introduction The activities which workers carry out in centers of oncology can have importants impacts on their quality of life. Objective To determine the associations among biodemographical and work-related variables, psychosocial risks, work-related mental load, and health-related quality of life among workers of services of oncology. Methods This is a correlational study with 113 workers of oncology services in 4 hospitals in Chile. The questionnaires used were: Biodemographical and work-related variables, Health-Related Quality of Life SF-36, Assessment of psychosocial risks SUSESO-ISTAS 21, and the Subjective scale of mental load from work. Results The variables sex and working shifts showed a significant correlation with some components of quality of life (p <0.05), medical consultation (p <0.01), medial license (p <0.01), and diagnosed health problems (p <0.05) showed low levels in quality of life. A negative correlation was found in psychosocial risks with quality of life (p <0.05), and mental load and mental health (p <0.01). Discussion Workers in centers of oncology have a higher health risk as a result of the conditions of their jobs. Conclusion There are associations among some biodemographical and work-related variables, psychosocial risks, mental load, and health-related quality of life, in terms of health among workers in services of oncology in public hospitals of Chile. Organizations should implement strategies aimed at detecting and preventing exposure to psychosocial risks and mental overload.

RESUMO Introdução O trabalho realizado pelos funcionários do centro oncológico gera impacto neles devido às situações a que estão expostos, isso pode transcender na sua qualidade de vida. Objetivo Determinar a relação entre variáveis biodemográficas, laborais, riscos psicossociais, carga mental de trabalho e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em trabalhadores de serviços de oncologia. Métodos Estudo correlacional em 113 trabalhadores de serviços oncológicos de quatro hospitais chilenos. Questionários aplicados: Variáveis biodemográficas e laborais, Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde SF-36, Avaliação de riscos psicossociais SUSESO-ISTAS 21 e Escala de carga mental subjetiva. Resultados As variáveis sexo e turnos de trabalho apresentaram correlação significativa com algum componente da qualidade de vida (p <0.05). Consulta médica (p <0.01), licença médica (p <0.01) e problema de saúde diagnosticado (p <0.05) apresentaram baixos níveis de qualidade de vida. Foi encontrada correlação negativa tanto nos riscos psicossociais com a qualidade de vida (p <0.05) quanto entre a carga de trabalho mental geral e o componente de saúde mental (p <0.01). Discussão Os trabalhadores dos centros oncológicos estão expostos a um maior nível de risco devido às condições de organização do trabalho, o que representa um risco para a sua saúde. Conclusão Existe associação entre algumas variáveis biodemográficas e laborais, riscos psicossociais e carga de trabalho mental com a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em trabalhadores de serviços de oncologia de hospitais públicos chilenos. As organizações devem implementar estratégias para detectar e prevenir a exposição a riscos psicossociais e sobrecarga mental de trabalho.

Efecto genotóxico del material particulado PM2.5 recolectado en la zona urbana de Cuenca - Ecuador sobre la línea celular de ovario de hámster chino CHO-K1 / Genotoxic effect of PM2.5 particulate material collected in the urban area of the city of Cuenca - Ecuador in the Chinese hamster ovary cells line CHO-K1

Estudios toxicológicos y epidemiológicos ponen de manifiesto que el material particulado (PM) específicamente el PM2.5 tiene efectos negativos significativos en la salud humana, asociado con mortalidad, insuficiencia cardíaca, trastornos respiratorios, enfermedades pulmonares y cáncer. La toxicidad y el efecto inflamatorio de estas partículas están relacionados con su tamaño y características químicas. En este estudio se determinaron las características químicas de las fracciones acuosas y orgánicas solubles del PM2.5 recolectado en tres sitios de monitoreo del área urbana de la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador y se evaluó su actividad genotóxica mediante el ensayo del cometa en la línea celular de ovario de hámster chino, CHO-K1. El análisis gravimétrico de las muestras reveló que dos de los sitios de estudio superaron el límite de 25 mig/m3 establecido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. En la caracterización de las fracciones acuosas y orgánicas se determinó la presencia de metales como el hierro y zinc e hidrocarburos aromáticos tales como el benzo(a) antraceno respectivamente. Las células fueron expuestas a 3,26 m3 de aire /mL de los extractos acuosos y 1,63 m3 de aire/mL de los extractos orgánicos. Finalmente se observó que los extractos obtenidos de PM2.5 inducen daño genotóxico en la longitud del largo de cola medido mediante el ensayo del cometa; este tipo de daño pueden atribuirse a la combinación de las especies químicas detectadas

Toxicological and epidemiological studies have a manifesto that particulate matter (PM), specifically PM2.5 has negative effects on human health, associated with mortality, heart failure, respiratory disorders, lung diseases, and cancer. The toxicity and inflammatory effect of these particles are related to their size and chemical characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of the soluble aqueous and organic fractions of the particulate material PM 2.5 collected in the monitoring sites of the urban area of ​​the city of Cuenca-Ecuador and to evaluate its genotoxic activity by means of the test of the comet of in the Chinese hamster ovary cells line CHO-K1. The gravimetric analysis of the samples revealed that two of the study sites exceeded the limit of 25 ug / m3 established by the WHO. In the characterization of water and organic fractions, the presence of metals such as Fe and Zn and aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo(a) anthracene determined, respectively. Cells were exposed to 3,26 m3 of air /mL of aqueous extracts and 1,63 m3 of air/ mL of organic extracts. Finally, it was observed that the extracts obtained from PM2.5 induce genotoxic in the length of tail length measured by the comet assay; this type of damage can be attributed to the combination of the detected chemical species

Evaluation of the effect of 1,3-bis-(4-phenyl-[1,2,3] triazole-1-il)2-propanol in comparison with metronidazole in an in vitro culture of Blastocystis in samples of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Metronidazole is the most-used pharmaceutical for the treatment of infection by Blastocystis. However, studies have reported resistance of the microorganism towards this pharmaceutical. In Mexico, studies concerning the prevalence of this parasite and its relationship to Irritable Bowel Syndrome have been carried out. To evaluate the in vitro effect of metronidazole and the compound 1,3-bis-(4-phenyl-[1,2,3] triazole-1-il)2-propanol over Blastocystis, as well as the prevalence of Blastocystis in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A prospective, transversal design study (April 2016-April 2017) of 51 samples of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, obtained from the ISSEMyM Medical Center in Toluca, Mexico. For the identification of Blastocystis was done in three serial stool samples through direct microscopic examination and the Ritchie technique. The in vitro susceptibility test towards metronidazole and the triazolic compound was done through a microculture in concentrations of 1 to 1000 µg/mL, each one in triplicate. A 31.3% prevalence of Blastocystis was observed in the population, with greater prevalence in women (30.2%) than in men (25%). In the susceptibility test, a CL50 of 64 µg/mL was obtained for metronidazole, in comparison to the CL50 of 250 µg/mL for 1,3-bis-(4-phenyl-[1,2,3] triazole-1-il)2-propanol. This molecule in development has an effect for the treatment of infection by Blastocystis in vitro in patients with IBS and therefore, more studies should be performed.

Oral health and obesity in the SAYCARE study: reliability and internal validity of diagnostic methods.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to address the reliability, internal validity and viability of oral health methods used in the South American Youth/Child cARdiovascular and Environmental study. METHODS: South American Youth/Child cARdiovascular and Environmental study was a multicentre feasibility observational study and conducted in seven South American cities. The training sessions were performed in two steps before data collection: the first verified the inter-rater reproducibility between the examiners of the six centres in relation to the gold standard, and the second one verified the inter-rater reproducibility between the examiners at each centre in relation to the main rater. The diagnostic methods used were International Caries Detection and Assessment System II and Pulpal Involvement, Ulceration, Fistula and Abscess for dental caries and Periodontal Screening and Recording and Index Plaque for periodontal disease. Anthropometric variables were measured and used to calculate the body mass index and were classified according to the cut-off points defined by the International Obesity Task Force. Cohen's kappa coefficient and proportions of agreement were calculated to report inter-rater and intra-rater reliability in the calibration process and pilot study. RESULTS: The inter-rater weight kappa ranged from 0.78 to 0.88 and proportion of agreement from 96.07% to 98.10% for the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II and for the Periodontal Screening and Recording, 0.68 to 0.95 and 94.40% to 98.33%, respectively, in the calibration process. At the pilot study, a total of 490 children (40.8% overweight and 12.9% obese) and 364 adolescents (23.4% overweight and 4.3% obese) were examined. The prevalence of dental caries was 66% in children and 78% in adolescents, and gingival bleeding was 49% and 58.20%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated good reliability and internal validity after the examiners were trained, as well as the feasibility of using the methods chosen for this multicentre study.

Hipertrigliceridemia asociada a sobrepeso y obesidad en médicos del hospital San Francisco del IESS, en la ciudad de Quito: una alerta para los profesionales médicos / Hypertriglyceridemia associated with overweight and obesity in doctors at the San Francisco del IESS hospital, in the city of Quito: an alert for medical professionals

Contexto: la OMS menciona que la alteración del estado nutricional será notorio en países en vías de desarrollo, en los cuales se experimentará cambios acelerados en los regímenes alimentarios y el modo de vida de su población, y será una respuesta a "la industrialización, la urbanización, el desarrollo económico y la globalización de los mercados"; en Ecuador la población aumentó el consumo de productos alimenticios de rápida disponibilidad, saturados en grasas y con un gran contenido calórico; y según estadísticas actuales en la última década en Ecuador se ha demostrado un notable cambio nutricional. Y es por eso que, al existir estos nuevos accesos se debe tomar en cuenta a la Hipertrigliceridemia como factor de riesgo a futuro de Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles especialmente cardiovasculares. Objetivo: describir la tasa de prevalencia de Hipertrigliceridemia en relación con el sobrepeso y obesidad en médicos del Hospital San Francisco del IESS en la ciudad de Quito del período 2015 ­ 2016. Sujetos y métodos: Se realizó un estudio Epidemiológico Descriptivo de conjunto para describir la tasa de prevalencia de Hipertrigliceridemia y su relación con el estado nutricional del personal médico, para lo cual se utilizó el I.M.C. y nivel de triglicéridos en sangre. Mediciones principales: estado nutricional, triglicéridos. Resultados: se estudiaron 90 profesionales médicos, de los cuales el 60% IC95% 49,67 ­ 69,51% fueron mujeres con una media de edad de 37,96 ± 5,95 años y el 40% IC95% 30,49 ­ 50,33% fueron hombres de 40,94 ± 7,53 años de edad. Se observó que la prevalencia de Hipertrigliceridemia fue de 34,44% IC95% 25,45 ­ 44,72%, según el sexo fue de 22,22% IC95% 13,20 ­ 34,94% en mujeres y de 52,78% IC95% 37,01 ­ 68,01% en hombres. La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad fue de 52,2% IC95% 37,76 ­ 57,98 %, por sexo fue de 42,59% IC95% 30,33 ­ 55,84% en mujeres y de 66,67% IC95% 50,33 ­ 79,79% en hombres. El 23,26% IC95% 13,15 ­ 37,74% de los 43 sujetos con sobrepeso u obesidad fueron hipertrigliceridémicos, es decir, representa una tasa de Hipertrigliceridemia de 232,6 x cada 1000 habitantes con sobrepeso. Conclusiones: 5 de cada 10 médicos tuvieron obesidad. 3 de cada 10 médicos presentaron hipertrigliceridemia. Aproximadamente la cuarta parte de los sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad tienen hipertrigliceridemia. La hipertrigliceridemia se relaciona con el sobrepeso y la obesidad. Los profesionales de la salud tienen una alta prevalencia de hipertrigliceridemia con sobrepesou obesidad, lo que los expone a desarrollar enfermedades de riesgo cardiovascular. (AU)

Context: the World Health Organisation has mentioned that accelerated changes in the food regime and lifestyles of the population will cause noticeable alterations in the nutritional conditions of people in developing countries occurring as a response to the "industrialization, urbanisation, economic development and globalization of markets". In Ecuador, people have increased their consumption of readily available food products which are high in saturated fats and are distinctly calorific; and thus, according to current statistics, in the past ten years a noticeable nutritional shift has taken place. It is therefore imperative to consider Hypertriglyceridemia as a future risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases, especially cardiovascular ones. Objective: to describe the rate of prevalence of Hypertriglyceridemia in relation to excess weight and obesity in doctors working for IESS (National Health Service) San Francisco Hospital in Quito during the 2015 ­ 2016 period. Subjects and methods: this is an epidemiological descriptive set of studies using BMI and triglyceride counts, aimed at describing the prevalence of Hypertriglyceridemia and its relation to the nutritional conditions of medical personnel. Main measurements: nutritional conditions, triglycerides Results: a total of 90 medical staff took part: 60% IC95% 49.67 ­ 69.51% were female with an average age of 37.96 ± 5.95 years, and 40% IC95% 30.49 ­ 50.33% were male ranging 40.94 ± 7.53 years of age. The prevalence of Hypertriglyceridemia was 34.44% IC95% 25.45 ­ 44.72%, and according to gender: 22.22% IC95% 13.20 ­ 34.94% in women and 52.78% IC95% 37.01 ­ 68.01% in men. The prevalence of excess weight and obesity was 52.2% IC95% 37.76 ­ 57.98 %: in terms of gender 42.59% IC95% 30.33 ­ 55.84% in women and 66.67% IC95% 50.33 ­ 79.79% in men. The results indicated that 23.26% IC95% 13.15 ­ 37.74% of the 43 subjects suffering excess weight or obesity are hypertriglyceridemic: this is equal to a hypertriglyceridemic rate of 232.6 x per every 1000 overweight persons. Conclusion: five of every 10 doctors are obese, and 3 out of every 10 present Hypertriglyceridemia. Approximately a quarter of the persons suffering excess weight and obesity have Hypertriglyceridemia which is a disease that is directly related to excess weight and obesity. Medical professionals have a high prevalence of Hypertriglyceridemia due to being overweight and obese, and are therefore at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.(AU)

Molecular Characterization and In Silico Analysis of the Pheromone-Binding Protein of the European Grapevine Moth Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae).

The European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) is an economically important insect in Europe. The species invaded vineyards in Chile, Argentina, and California during 2008-2010 causing severe problems. A major component of the sex pheromone, (E,Z)-7,9-dodecadienyl acetate (E7,Z9-12:Ac), is used in a mating disruption technique when grapevine moth populations are low or to monitor pest numbers. It is thought that these sexual pheromones are blends of volatiles that typically are specific to a species and are transported in the insect antenna by pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) across the sensillar lymph to the olfactory receptors. Currently, an increasing number of Lepidopteran PBPs are being identified and cloned. However, there are no studies of the olfactory system and of proteins involved in the olfactory perception of L. botrana at the molecular level. In the present study, we report, for the first time, the sequence of a PBP from L. botrana (LbotPBP), which was determined using reverse transcription technology. Homology modeling was used to generate the three-dimensional protein structure. The model suggests that PBP consists of six α-helices as follows: Lys2-Met23 (α1), Thr28-Phe36 (α2), Arg46-Leu59 (α3), His70-Asn80 (α4), Glu84-Asn100 (α5), and Cys108-Lys125 (α6), held together by three disulfide bridges, Cys19-Cys54, Cys50-Cys108, and Cys97-Cys117. Docking simulations based on this model suggested that Trp114 is a key residue in the recognition of acetate pheromones, such as E7,Z9-12:Ac. In silico results in this study are consistent with previous findings in which E7,Z9-12:Ac acts as the most active compound in behavioral and electroantennographic assays.

Farmacocinética de la ulamina administrada en perros como prueba aguda intravenosa e intramuscular / Pharmacokinetic disposition of ulamina in dogs administered as intravenous and intramuscular acute test

Se realizó una investigación con el objeto de describir la disposición farmacocinética del antimonial pentavalente genérico ulamina en 8 perros sanos, como prueba aguda intravenosa e intramuscular, después de administrar una dosis de 25 mg/kg. Las curvas obtenidas para ambas vías muestran un descenso de las concentraciones plasmáticas de 184,91± 86,06 μg/mL a 86,06±39,24 μg/mL y 164,61 ± 23,80 μg/mL a 100,94 ± 45,3 μg/mL, hasta la hora 4,0 para las vía IV e IM, respectivamente, que corresponden a la fase alfa de distribución. Seguidamente se aprecia un descenso lento, con antimonio detectable más allá de la hora 24 para ambas vías, denominada fase beta o de eliminación. La droga se absorbe rápidamente y mostró alta biodisponibilidad. La vida media (t1/2β) IV fue de 8,1 horas y t1/2 β IM fue 13,35 horas. El volumen de distribución (Vd) IV fue de 0,17 L/Kg e IM fue de 0,23 L/Kg. No se encontraron diferencias significativas al comparar AUC y t1/2β, después de administrar ulamina IV e IM, proponiéndose esta última como ruta de administración por resultar más práctica y segura. La ulamina constituiría una opción terapéutica para el tratamiento de la leishmaniasis humana y canina, por lo que se sugiere la aplicación de ensayos con dosis múltiples para evaluar la fase de eliminación y determinar si hay acumulación de antimonio, lo cual justificaría una disminución de la dosis.

A study was carried out to describe the pharmacokinetic disposition of pentavalent antimony generic ulamina in 8 healthy dogs in acute intravenous and intramuscular test after a dose of 25mg/Kg. The curves obtained for both routes show a decrease in plasma concentrations of 184.91 ± 86.06 μ g / mL to 86.06 ± 39.24 μ g / mL and 164.61 ± 23.80 μ g / mL to 100.94 ± 45.3, μ g / mL to 4.0 hours for the IM and IV, respectively, corresponding to the alpha phase distribution. There was a decrease slowly, with antimony detectable beyond 24.0 hours for both routes, called beta or disposal. The drug is rapidly absorbed and showed high bioavailability. The half life (t1/2β) IV was 8.1 hours and t1/2β IM was 13.35 hours. The volume of distribution (Vd) IV was 0.17 L /Kg and MI was 0.23 L /Kg. No significant differences were found when comparing AUC, and t1/2β, after IV and IM administration ulamina, proposing the latter as a more practical and safe administration route. The ulamina may be a therapeutic option for the treatment of human and canine leishmaniasis, as it is suggested by the application of multiple dose trials to evaluate the phase of removal and to determine if there is an accumulation of antimony, which would warrant a dose reduction.

Nonlinear signatures of entangled polymer solutions in active microbead rheology.

We present experimental data and numerical modeling of a nonlinear phenomenon in active magnetic microbead rheology that appears to be common to entangled polymer solutions (EPS). Dynamic experiments in a modest range of magnetic forces show: 1. a short-lived high viscosity plateau, followed by 2. a bead acceleration phase with a sharp drop in apparent viscosity, and 3. a terminal steady state that we show resides on the shear-thinning slope of the steady-state flow curve from cone and plate data. This latter feature implies a new protocol to access the nonlinear steady-state flow curve for many biological EPS only available in microliter-scale volumes. We solve the moment-closure form of the Rolie-Poly kinetic model for EPS hydrodynamics, together with a decoupling approximation that obviates the need for a full 3D flow solver, and show that the model qualitatively reproduces the dynamic experimental sequence above. In this way, we explain the phenomenon in terms of entangled polymer physics, and show how the nonlinear event (acceleration and termination on the shear-thinning response curve) is tunable by the interplay between molecular-scale mechanisms (relaxation via reptation and chain retraction) and magnetic force controls. The experimental conditions mimic movement of cilia tips, bacteria, and sperm in mucus barriers, implying a physiological relevance of the phenomenon, and compelling further development of the fully coupled, 3D flow-microstructure model to achieve quantitative accuracy.

Implementation effects of GFATM-supported HIV/AIDS projects on the health sector, civil society and affected communities in Peru 2004-2007.

The emergence of opportunities for support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) for HIV-related projects has so far generated funding of over US$75 million for three proposals in Peru. The size of this investment creates the need for close monitoring to ensure a reasonable impact. This paper describes the effects of collaboration with the GFATM on key actors involved in HIV-related activities and on decision-making processes; on health sector divisions; on policies and sources of financing; on equity of access; and on stigma and discrimination of vulnerable and affected populations. Data analysed included primary data collected through interviews with key informants, in-depth interviews and group discussions with vulnerable and affected populations, as well as several public documents. Multisectorality, encouraged by the GFATM, is incipient; centralist proposals with limited consultation, a lack of consensus and short preparation times prevail. No accountability mechanisms operate at the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) level regarding CCM members or society as a whole. GFATM-funded activities have required significant input from the public sector, sometimes beyond the capacity of its human resources. A significant increase in HIV funding, in absolute amounts and in fractions of the total budget, has been observed from several sources including the National Treasury, and it is unclear whether this has implied reductions in the budget for other priorities. Patterns of social exclusion of people living with HIV/AIDS are diverse: children and women are more valued; while transgender persons and sex workers are often excluded.

Melanocortin-4 receptor gene variants in Chilean families: association with childhood obesity and eating behavior.

OBJECTIVE: To screen for mutations in the coding region of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene and to assess the association between the rs17782313 variant near MC4R with childhood obesity and eating behavior. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 221 obese Chilean children and 268 parents were incorporated in the study to assemble 134 case-parent trios. We performed direct sequencing of the MC4R coding region while the rs17782313 variant was genotyped by a Taqman assay. Eating behavior scores were calculated using the Child Eating Behavior and Three Factor Eating Questionnaires adapted for Chilean families. RESULTS: A low frequency of genetic variation in the coding region of MC4R was found in Chilean obese children (Thr150Ile mutation and polymorphisms Ile251Leu and Val103Ile). The rs17782313 variant is possibly associated with satiety responsiveness (P = 0.01) and enjoyment of food scores (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The rs17782313 variant may influence eating behavior in obese children.

Descripción histológica e histoquímica del hígado de cobayo (Cavia porcellus) / Histological and histochemical description of the liver of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Si bien se han realizado estudios en el hígado de variadas especies, hay pocas investigaciones en cobayo, un roedor de fácil manejo y usado como animal de experimentación. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir en el hígado de cobayo, algunos aspectos histológicos e histoquímicos, lo cual permitiría realizar estudios experimentales. Se utilizaron 7 cobayos (Cavia porcellus) machos, obtenidos del Bioterio de la Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile. Las muestras fueron fijadas en formalina tamponada y procesadas para su inclusión en paraplast. Se realizaron cortes seriados de 5 um, los que fueron teñidos para estudios histológico e histoquímico. El hígado presentó una arquitectura lobulillar con límites poco definidos y espacios porta constituidos por estructuras vasculares y canaliculares biliares. Los cordones parenquimatosos estaban constituidos por hepatocitos de aspecto cuboide a poligonal que se disponían en forma radial desde la vena centro lobulillar. En las células hepáticas se demostró la presencia de glucógeno, mucinas neutras y hemosiderina. El diámetro medio del hepatocito fue de 17,25 um y el del núcleo fue de 7,31 um. El hígado de cobayo presenta similitudes con otras especies; sin embargo, para determinar parámetros morfológicos, se deben considerar: la edad, las condiciones medioambientales, la alimentación, etc.

While studies have been conducted in the liver of different species, there is little research on the guinea pig, a rodent of easy handling and used as anexperimentationanimal. The aim was to describe in the guinea pig liver, some histological and histochemical aspects, which would allowexperimental studies to be carried out. We used seven male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) obtained from the Bioterium of the Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile. Samples were fixed in buffered formalin and processed for inclusion in paraplast. Serial thick of 5 um were stained for histological and histochemical studies. The liver presented a lobular architecture vague borders and portal tracts consisting of vascular structures and canalicular bile. Parenchymal cords were composed of hepatocytes with a cuboidal to polygonal appearence, and radially distributed from the central lobular vein. It showed the presence of glucogen liver cells, and hemosiderin neutral mucins. The average diameter of hepatocytes was 17.25 um and the nucleous was of 7.31 um. The guinea pig liver shows similarities with other species, however, to determine morphological parameters, age, environmental conditions of animals, feeding, etc. must be considered.

[Management of community acquired pneumonia in adults following clinical guidelines at a rural hospital]. / Evaluación y manejo del adulto inmunocompetente hospitalizado por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad, en un hospital de baja complejidad, basado en la Guía Clínica Chilena.

BACKGROUND: A National Consensus Guideline published in 2005 established the basis for the diagnostic, severity assessment and treatment of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the adult population. The compliance with pneumonia clinical guidelines has been associated to a reduction in hospital stay healthcare-related costs, morbidity and mortality. AIM: To describe the management and outcome of non-severe CAP in hospitalized adult patients treated in a rural hospital, based on the national clinical guidelines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety six patients aged 74 +/- 13 years (50 males) hospitalized with non-severe pneumonia (group 3) at a community-based primary care center between January 1, 2006, and March 31, 2007, were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty percent of patients had concomitant diseases such as hypertension in 49%, diabetes in 23% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 18%. All were treated with a third generation cephalosporin (ceftriaxone 1-2 g/day TV) as empirical therapy. Only 9% of patients also received a macrolide. Early switch to oral antimicrobial therapy was successful in two third of cases. Mean hospital length of stay was 5.0 +/- 2.5 days, and 30-day mortality was 6.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Following the recommendations of the national clinical guidelines, most of these patients had a favorable response to monotherapy with a beta-lactam antimicrobial. Early switch therapy to oral antibiotic was effective and safe, reducing significantly hospital length of stay as compared to previous national clinical studies.

Tratamiento de las fracturas proximales del fémur provocadas por metástasis de carcinomas / Treatment of proximal femur fracture caused by metastatics of carcinomas

Fueron evaluados 25 pacientes que acudieron a la Unidad de Tumores Óseos y Partes Blandas (UTO-PB) del Hospital "Manuel Núñez Tovar" entre enero de 2002 a enero de 2008, con fracturas de la región proximal del fémur, provocadas por lesiones metastásicas de carcinomas, predomino en el estudio el sexo masculino, las edades de los pacientes estuvieron por encima de los 40 años, con mayor numero en la década de los 50, el cáncer mas importante en el hombre fue el de próstata y en la mujer el de cuello uterino. En todos los procedimientos se seleccionó pacientes con expectativa de vida superior a 4 semanas y se persiguió como objetivo fundamental mejorar calidad de vida, aliviar dolor y reincorporar al paciente a su estilo de vida previo a sufrir la fractura. Se realizó artroplastia para lesiones cervicales y osteosíntesis con clavos intramedulares y sistemas de placas con tornillos deslizantes para la región subtrocantérica e intertrocantérica, obteniéndose mejores resultados funcionales con las artroplastias y menor índice de complicaciones con respecto al uso de clavos intramedulares y a los DCS, DHS.

We evaluated 25 patients who came to the Unit of Bone and soft tissue tumors (UTOPB) Hospital "Manuel Núñez Tovar" between january 2002 and january 2008, with fractures of the proximal femur, lessions caused by metastic carcinoma, predominance in the study males, ages of the patients were above age 40, with the highest number in the 50s, the most important cancer in men was prostate cancer and women in the cervical. All procedures were selected patients with life expectancy greater than 4 weeks and was pursued as a key objective to improve quality of life, alleviate pain and return patients to their lifestyle prior to suffering the fracture. Arthroplasty was performed for cervical lesions and osteosynthesis with intramedullary nails and screws systems with sliding plates for the region subtrocanterica and intertrocanterica, obtained better functional results with arthroplasties and lower complication rate with respect to the use of intramedullary nails and DCS, DHS.

Evaluación y manejo del adulto inmunocompetente hospitalizado por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad, en un hospital de baja complejidad, basado en la Guía Clínica Chilena / Management of community acquired pneumonia in adults following clinical guidelines at a rural hospital

Background: A National Consensus Guideline published in 2005 established the basis for the diagnostic, severity assessment and treatment of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the adult population. The compliance with pneumonia clinical guidelines has been associated to a reduction in hospital stay healthcare-related costs, morbidity and mortality. Aim To describe the management and outcome of non-severe CAP in hospitalized adult patients treated in a rural hospital, based on the national clinical guidelines. Patients and methods: Ninety six patients aged 74 ± 13 years (50 males) hospitalized with non-severe pneumonia (group 3) at a community-based primary care center between January 1, 2006, and March 31, 2007, were evaluated. Results: Eighty percent of patients had concomitant diseases such as hypertension in 49 percent, diabetes in 23 percent and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 18 percent. All were treated with a third generation cephalosporin (ceftriaxone 1-2 g/day TV) as empirical therapy. Only 9 percent of patients also received a macrolide. Early switch to oral antimicrobial therapy was successful in two third of cases. Mean hospital length of stay was 5.0 ± 2.5 days, and 30-day mortality was 6.3 percent. Conclusions: Following the recommendations of the national clinical guidelines, most of these patients had a favorable response to monotherapy with a B-lactam antimicrobial. Early switch therapy to oral antibiotic was effective and safe, reducing significantly hospital length of stay as compared to previous national clinical studies.

Influencia familiar sobre la conducta alimentaria y su relación con la obesidad infantil: [revisão] / Eating behavior and childhood obesity: family influences: [review]

La conducta alimentaria es el conjunto de acciones que establecen la relación del ser humano con los alimentos. Se acepta generalmente que los comportamientos frente a la alimentación se adquieren a través de la experiencia directa con la comida, por la imitación de modelos, la disponibilidad de alimentos, el estatus social, los simbolismos afectivos y las tradiciones culturales. Además de las influencias sociales, se ha señalado que las influencias genéticas y de ambiente familiar compartido, tienen un impacto relevante sobre el patrón de ingesta, la conducta alimentaria y la obesidad infantil. Los estudios sobre ingesta de alimentos en obesidad se han centrado principalmente en determinar la cantidad y tipo de alimentos de la dieta habitual, presentando resultados controversiales. También existe un interés creciente por explorar la relación entre la obesidad y la conducta de alimentación, medida a través de herramientas psicométricas que analizan diferentes dimensiones tales como la alimentación emocional, la alimentación sin control o la restricción cognitiva. Esta revisión aborda la influencia de la familia sobre la conducta alimentaria infantil en relación con la obesidad, tanto desde la perspectiva del ambiente familiar compartido como desde la herencia genética.

Eating behavior involves all actions that define the relation between human beings and food. It is accepted that feeding habits are acquired through eating experiences and practices learned from the familiar and social context in early childhood. Besides the role of the social context, it is also assumed that familiar factors, both common family environment and genetic inheritance, have an important influence on food intake and eating behavior linked with childhood obesity. Research on food intake and childhood obesity has been traditionally focused on the amount and type of foods in the usual diet. However, it is an increasing interest to understand the link between eating behavior and obesity using questionnaires. There are several psychometric tools that have been developed specifically to deal with human eating behavior. This review summarizes the family influences, both genetic and non-genetic, on childhood feeding behavior and their relation to childhood obesity.

Polymorphism C3435T of the MDR1 gene in Central Americans and Spaniards.

The human multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) encodes for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) which is a transmembrane transporter protein that acts as an efflux pump for a number of lypophilic compounds. It plays a protective role for cells against DNA damage. The wobble C3435T polymorphism at exon 26 has been associated with different expression levels and activity. Differences in allele frequency of the C3435T polymorphism have been demonstrated between distinct ethnic groups. In our study we examined these polymorphisms in 433 healthy individuals. From these, 229 were Central American mestizos from Nicaragua (n = 117) and El Salvador (n = 112) to be compared with a group of 204 North Spaniards, with the aim of detecting potential genotypic differences between these populations. The genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. The frequencies of the C allele were very similar among Central Americans (0.53) and Spaniards (0.52), which is consistent with the ethnic origin of Central American individuals (Amerindians and European Caucasians). In comparison to other previously studied populations, the C allele frequency in Central Americans was significantly lower than that found in African populations and higher than that observed in the Indian and Southwest Asian populations. These data may be relevant for dose recommendation of P-gp substrate drugs and also for studies of allele disease association in the Central American population.

[Eating behavior and childhood obesity: family influences]. / Influencia familiar sobre la conducta alimentaria y su relación con la obesidad infantil.

Eating behavior involves all actions that define the relation between human beings and food. It is accepted that feeding habits are acquired through eating experiences and practices learned from the familiar and social context in early childhood. Besides the role of the social context, it is also assumed that familiar factors, both common family environment and genetic inheritance, have an important influence on food intake and eating behavior linked with childhood obesity. Research on food intake and childhood obesity has been traditionally focused on the amount and type of foods in the usual diet. However, it is an increasing interest to understand the link between eating behavior and obesity using questionnaires. There are several psychometric tools that have been developed specifically to deal with human eating behavior. This review summarizes the family influences, both genetic and non-genetic, on childhood feeding behavior and their relation to childhood obesity.