Windborne long-distance migration of malaria mosquitoes in the Sahel.

Over the past two decades efforts to control malaria have halved the number of cases globally, yet burdens remain high in much of Africa and the elimination of malaria has not been achieved even in areas where extreme reductions have been sustained, such as South Africa1,2. Studies seeking to understand the paradoxical persistence of malaria in areas in which surface water is absent for 3-8 months of the year have suggested that some species of Anopheles mosquito use long-distance migration3. Here we confirm this hypothesis through aerial sampling of mosquitoes at 40-290 m above ground level and provide-to our knowledge-the first evidence of windborne migration of African malaria vectors, and consequently of the pathogens that they transmit. Ten species, including the primary malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii, were identified among 235 anopheline mosquitoes that were captured during 617 nocturnal aerial collections in the Sahel of Mali. Notably, females accounted for more than 80% of all of the mosquitoes that we collected. Of these, 90% had taken a blood meal before their migration, which implies that pathogens are probably transported over long distances by migrating females. The likelihood of capturing Anopheles species increased with altitude (the height of the sampling panel above ground level) and during the wet seasons, but variation between years and localities was minimal. Simulated trajectories of mosquito flights indicated that there would be mean nightly displacements of up to 300 km for 9-h flight durations. Annually, the estimated numbers of mosquitoes at altitude that cross a 100-km line perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction included 81,000 Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto, 6 million A. coluzzii and 44 million Anopheles squamosus. These results provide compelling evidence that millions of malaria vectors that have previously fed on blood frequently migrate over hundreds of kilometres, and thus almost certainly spread malaria over these distances. The successful elimination of malaria may therefore depend on whether the sources of migrant vectors can be identified and controlled.

Invasion and spread of the neotropical leafhopper Curtara insularis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Africa and North America and the role of high-altitude windborne migration in invasive insects.

Invasive insects threaten ecosystem stability, public health, and food security. Documenting newly invasive species and understanding how they reach into new territories, establish populations, and interact with other species remain vitally important. Here, we report on the invasion of the South American leafhopper, Curtara insularis into Africa, where it has established populations in Ghana, encroaching inland at least 350 km off the coast. Importantly, 80% of the specimens collected were intercepted between 160 and 190 m above ground. Further, the fraction of this species among all insects collected was also higher at altitude, demonstrating its propensity to engage in high-altitude windborne dispersal. Its aerial densities at altitude translate into millions of migrants/km over a year, representing massive propagule pressure. Given the predominant south-westerly winds, these sightings suggest an introduction of C. insularis into at least one of the Gulf of Guinea ports. To assess the contribution of windborne dispersal to its spread in a new territory, we examine records of C. insularis range-expansion in the USA. Reported first in 2004 from central Florida, it reached north Florida (Panhandle) by 2008-2011 and subsequently spread across the southeastern and south-central US. Its expansion fits a "diffusion-like" process with 200-300 km long "annual displacement steps"-a pattern consistent with autonomous dispersal rather than vehicular transport. Most "steps" are consistent with common wind trajectories from the nearest documented population, assuming 2-8 hours of wind-assisted flight at altitude. Curtara insularis has been intercepted at US ports and on trucks. Thus, it uses multiple dispersal modalities, yet its rapid overland spread is better explained by its massive propagule pressure linked with its high-altitude windborne dispersal. We propose that high-altitude windborne dispersal is common yet under-appreciated in invasive insect species.

Detección y seguimiento de pacientes según resultados de la prueba de FINDRISK en Atención Primaria

Introducción: la diabetes mellitus es una patología prevalente y por ello la implementación de estrategias prácticas para su diagnóstico son importantes desde la Atención Primaria. Objetivo: determinar los parámetros laboratoriales de los pacientes de la Unidad de Salud Familiar del barrio Chaipe (Encarnación, Paraguay) con moderado a muy alto riesgo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 según la prueba de FINDRISK. Metodología: estudio prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo, transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años que acudieron a consultar en la Unidad de Salud Familiar del barrio Chaipe desde setiembre del 2022 a febrero del 2023. Se aplicó la prueba de FINDRISK para seleccionar a aquellos con moderado a muy alto riesgo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 para las determinaciones laboratoriales. Resultados: la muestra estuvo conformada por 142 pacientes, con rango de edad menor a 45 años y predominio del sexo femenino. El 42,96 % tenía índice de masa corporal aumentado y 62,68 % circunferencia abdominal de riesgo. El 52,11 % no realizaba actividad física y el 27,46 % no consumía frutas y verduras diariamente. El 25,35 % eran hipertensos, el 11,97 % presentó en alguna oportunidad glicemia elevada y el 56,34 % tenía familiares con diabetes mellitus. El 4,93 % presentó glicemia ≥ 126 mg/dl y el 10,56 % valores de hemoglobina glicosilada (HBA1C) ≥ 6,5 %. El 14,08 % presentó colesterol total ≥ 200 mg/dl y 19,72 % triglicéridos ≥ 150 mg/dl. El 26,65 % presentó 3 o más criterios para síndrome metabólico y se encontró una relación significativa con el riesgo de diabetes mellitus. Conclusiones: se encontró una proporción significativa de pacientes con parámetros laboratoriales de glicemia, HBA1C, colesterol y triglicéridos aumentados.

Introduction: diabetes mellitus is a prevalent pathology and therefore the implementation of practical strategies for its diagnosis are important from Primary Care. Objective: to determine the laboratory parameters of patients from the United Family Healthcare of the Chaipe neighborhood (Encarnación, Paraguay) with moderate to very high risk of diabetes mellitus type 2 according to the FINDRISK test. Methodology: prospective, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Patients over 18 years of age who came to consult at the United Family Healthcare in the Chaipe neighborhood from September 2022 to February 2023 were included. The FINDRISK test was applied to select those with moderate to very high risk of diabetes mellitus type 2 for the laboratory's determinations. Results: the sample was made up of 142 patients, with an age range of less than 45 years and a predominance of the female sex. 42.96 % had an increased body mass index and 62.68 % had an abdominal circumference at risk. 52.11 % did not do physical activity and 27.46 % did not consume fruits and vegetables daily. 25.35 % were hypertensive, 11.97 % had high blood glucose at some point and 56.34 % had family members with diabetes mellitus. 4.93 % had blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl and 10.56 % had glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1C) values ​​≥ 6.5 %. 14.08 % had total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dl and 19.72 % had triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl. 26.65 % presented 3 or more criteria for metabolic syndrome and a significant relationship was found with the risk of diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: a significant proportion of patients with increased laboratory parameters of glycemia, HBA1C, cholesterol and triglycerides were found.

El test de FINDRISK como primera acción en atención primaria en salud para identificar el riesgo de desarrollo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en la población general

Introducción: la búsqueda del riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2, abordándolo desde los factores de riesgo, tendría un impacto en la salud y calidad de vida del individuo y por ello, escalas de riesgo como el test de FINDRISK, se constituyen como una herramienta práctica y costo-efectiva en el ámbito ambulatorio. Objetivos: determinar el riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2 según el test de FINDRISK en la población adulta de la Unidad de Salud Familiar del barrio Chaipe de la ciudad de Encarnación, Itapúa, Paraguay. Además, detallar las características sociodemográficas. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, observacional, de corte transversal, desde el mes de marzo a julio del 2022. El muestreo fue no probabilístico por conveniencia a través de la aplicación del test de FINDRISK. Resultados: la muestra estuvo conformada por 460 pacientes. El 71,74% presenta algún riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2. La muestra fue de predominio femenino. El 64,34% tenía IMC aumentado y 55,43% de los hombres y 80,16% de las mujeres presentaron circunferencia abdominal de riesgo. El 47,82% no realiza actividad física y 25,43% no consume frutas y verduras de manera diaria. El 18,26% tenía diagnóstico agregado de hipertensión arterial, 8,91% presentó en alguna oportunidad cifras de glicemia elevada y 44,34% refirió familiares de primer o segundo grado con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus. Conclusiones: la muestra presenta algún riesgo de padecer diabetes mellitus en los próximos 10 años, entonces, desde la atención primaria de salud, se puede establecer el primer contacto con el paciente, determinar el riesgo, y una vez identificado, tomar acciones oportunas que permitan retardar el inicio de la enfermedad o disminuir la aparición de casos nuevos.

Introduction: The search for the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, approaching it from the risk factors, would have an impact on the health and quality of life of the individual and therefore, risk scales such as the FINDRISK test are practical and cost-effective tools in the outpatient setting. Objectives: To determine the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus according to the FINDRISK test in the adult population of the Family Health Unit of the Chaipe neighborhood of the city of Encarnación, Itapúa, Paraguay. In addition, to detail the sociodemographic characteristics of this population. Methodology: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study, from March to July 2022. Non-probabilistic convenience sampling through the application of the FINDRISK test. Results: The sample consisted of 460 patients, 71.74% of them presented some risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. The sample was predominantly female, 64.34% had an increased BMI and 55.43% of the men and 80.16% of the women presented abdominal circumference at risk. Forty-seven point eight two percent did not perform physical activity and 25.43% did not consume fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, 18.26% had an aggregate diagnosis of arterial hypertension, 8.91% had high blood glucose levels at some point and 44.34% referred first or second degree relatives with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The sample presents some risk of suffering from diabetes mellitus in the next 10 years. Therefore, from the primary health care, it is possible to establish the first contact with the patient, determine the risk, and once identified, take timely actions that allow the delay of the disease onset or decrease the appearance of new cases.

Automedicación en Itapúa: nuestra realidad / Self-medication in Itapúa: our reality

Introducción: la automedicación es aquella situación en la que los pacientes consiguen y utilizan los medicamentos sin ninguna intervención por parte del médico. Objetivos: determinar la prevalencia de automedicación y condiciones asociadas a la misma en pobladores del Departamento de Itapúa (Paraguay). Material y método: estudio prospectivo, descriptivo, de corte trasverso. Se aplicó una encuesta cerrada y autocompletada en 9 distritos de zonas rurales y urbanas del Departamento de Itapúa. Además de las variables sociodemográficas se indagó problemas de salud relacionados, razones para no asistir al médico y las consecuencias. Resultados: de 2321 encuestados, 57,1% eran mujeres, la edad promedio 30,85 ±12,98 años, 81,6% provenía de zonas urbanas, 41% había culminado sus estudios secundarios. El 92,8% de la muestra se ha automedicado y ha acudido a la farmacia en 50%. El 40,8% de los mismo ha aconsejado alguna vez consumir algún medicamento a alguno de sus parientes cercanos. Valorando la permeabilidad a los métodos publicitarios, 50,8% respondió que nunca ha consumido un medicamento en base a los mismos. La cefalea y los síntomas gripales fueron la causa de la automedicación. La mayoría de los pacientes que se automedican (54,2%) no ha acudido al médico por falta de tiempo. El 33,9% de la población desconoce el efecto que la automedicación pueda tener sobre la salud de la comunidad frente a un 31,8% que sostiene el mal efecto que pudiera tener la misma. A mayor nivel de instrucción mayor porcentaje de automedicación (p<0,05). Conclusión: la automedicación es una práctica muy frecuente en nuestro Departamento, coincidiendo con series de investigaciones similares en Latinoamérica. Se halló una relación significativa entre el nivel de instrucción y el porcentaje de automedicación. Es un problema de salud pública importante y deberíamos optimizar estrategias a fin de poder reducirla. Creemos que esta investigación podría reflejar de alguna forma la realidad de un país con una política salud pública que aún presenta falencias y que resulta asistencialmente insuficiente.

Introduction: self-medication is a situation in which patients get and use drugs without any intervention by the physician. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of self-medication and conditions associated with it on people in the Department of Itapúa (Paraguay). Material and Methods : a prospective, descriptive study of trasverse court. A closed auto-completed in 9 districts in rural and urban areas of the Department of Itapúa survey was conducted. In addition to sociodemographic variables related health problems, we investigated reasons for not attending doctor and consequences. Results: of 2321 respondents, 57.1% were women, average age 30.85 ± 12.98 years, 81.6% came from urban areas, 41% had completed high school. 92.8% of the sample was self-medicated and has come to the pharmacy in 50%. 40.8% of the sample had advised to consume some drugs to their close relatives. Assessing permeability advertising methods, 50.8% said they have never used a drug based on them. Headache and flu-like symptoms were the cause of self-medication. Most patients who self-medicate (54.2%) has not seen a doctor for lack of time. 33.9% of the population is unaware of the effect that self-medication may have on the health of the community against 31.8% knowing the bad effect that would have on them. A higher level of education higher percentage of self-medication (p <0.05). Conclusion: self-medication is a common practice in our Department, coinciding with a series of similar investigations in Latin America. A significant relationship between educational attainment and the percentage of self-medication was found. It is a major public health problem and should optimize strategies in order to reduce it. We believe that this research could somehow reflect the reality of a country with a public health policy that still has shortcomings and that it asistencialmente insufficient.

[Recommendations of the Study Group for Metabolic Alterations/Secretariat for the National AIDS Plan (GEAM/SPNS) on the management of metabolic and morphologic alterations in patients with HIV infection]. / Recomendaciones de GEAM/SPNS sobre el tratamiento de las alteraciones metabólicas y morfológicas en el paciente con infección por VIH.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an update of the metabolic and morphologic alterations in patients infected with HIV with an in-depth analysis of their clinical management and treatment. METHODS: These recommendations were agreed by consensus by a committee of experts in metabolic alterations and HIV patient care, under the auspices of the Secretariat for the National AIDS Plan. To do this, the latest clinical, epidemiological and physiopathological advances described in studies published in the scientific literature and/or presented in congresses were reviewed. RESULTS: The most frequent metabolic alterations in HIV patients and in antiretroviral treatment (ART) are dyslipidemia with an atherogenic profile and alterations in carbohydrate metabolism/insulin resistance. A high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, especially smoking, has been described. The same criteria for their management as those used in the general population have been employed, with specific nuances. Diet and exercise should be the first therapeutic recommendation. In patients with dyslipidemia who require drug treatment, statins and/or fibrates are indicated. Glitazones have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of insulin resistance. The approach to anomalous fat distribution continues to be controversial. The main approaches at present are a switch of ART, reparative surgery, psychological support and lifestyle changes. Lactic acidosis is an infrequent but highly serious complication, and the first step is withdrawal of ART. In bone metabolism alterations, prevention and early detection are essential, especially in children and perimenopausal women. Sexual dysfunction is a frequent problem in both men and women; because the causes are highly varied, treatment should be individualized. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of metabolic and morphologic alterations has increased since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). Knowledge of the various aspects involved in their diagnosis and treatment is essential for the appropriate care of patients with HIV infection.

[GESIDA/GESITRA-SEIMC, PNS and ONT consensus document on solid organ transplant (SOT) in HIV-infected patients in Spain (March, 2005)]. / Documento de consenso GESIDA/GESITRA-SEIMC, SPNS y ONT sobre trasplante de órgano sólido en pacientes infectados por el VIH en España (marzo 2005).

Solid organ transplant may be the only therapeutic alternative in some HIV-infected patients. Experience in North America and Europe during the last five years shows that survival at three years after an organ transplant is similar to that observed in HIV-negative patients. The criteria agreed upon to select HIV patients for transplant are: no opportunistic infections (except tuberculosis, oesophageal candidiasis or P. jiroveci -previously carinii- pneumonia), CD4 lymphocyte count above 200 cells/.L (100 cells/.L in the case of liver transplant) and an HIV viral load which is undetectable or suppressible with antiretroviral therapy. Another criterion is a two-year abstinence from heroin and cocaine, although the patient may be in a methadone programme. The main problems in the post-transplant period are pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between antiretorivirals and immunosuppressors, rejection and the management of relapse of HCV infection, which is one of the main causes of post-liver transplant mortality. Up to now, experience with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is scarce in this population. The English version of the manuscript is available at http://www.gesidaseimc.com.

[Recommendations from GESIDA/SEFH/PNS to improve adherence to antiviral treatment (2004)]. / Recomendaciones GESIDA/SEFH/PNS para mejorar la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en el año 2004.

Since the early days of antiretroviral therapy, adherence has emerged as the milestone of success; in fact, it is the most potent predictor of effectiveness. The main factors related to adherence include the complexity of the therapeutic regimen, adverse effects, psychological problems, alcoholism and active addiction to drugs, lack of social and family support and the patient's beliefs and attitudes about the treatment. Adherence monitoring should be part of the HIV patient's regular care, and should be done with feasible, easily applied methods adapted to the different clinical settings. The minimally acceptable measures should include use of a validated questionnaire, together with data from the Pharmacy Department's drug dispensation registry. All patients that begin HAART or undergo a change of treatment should participate in a treatment education program imparted by health professionals with knowledge and experience in the management of patients with HIV infection. The health team (doctors, pharmacists and nursing professionals) should offer maximum availability to solve the doubts and problems that may occur during treatment. When sub-optimal adherence is detected, intervention strategies based on psychological therapy, educational efforts and personal advice should be attempted, in order to adapt the treatment scheme to the patient's habits and provide solutions to the problem of non-compliance. In certain situations, co-morbid conditions will also require attention. Treatment adherence, being a multidimensional problem, needs a multidisciplinary team approach. The choice of therapy, only one aspect of the multidimensional problem of adherence, must be a careful and individualized decision; however, simpler regimens with regard to the number of pills and daily dose are desirable.

[Recommendations of the CEVIHP/SEIP/AEP/PNS on antiretroviral treatment in HIV-infected children and teenagers]. / Recomendaciones CEVIHP/SEIP/AEP/PNS respecto al tratamiento antirretroviral en niños y adolescentes infectados por el VIH.

OBJECTIVE: To update antiretroviral recommendations in antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected children and adolescents. METHODS: Theses guidelines have been formulated by a panel of members of the Plan Nacional sobre el SIDA (PNS) and the Asociacion Espanola de Pediatria (AEP) by reviewing the current available evidence of efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics in pediatric studies. Three levels of evidence have been defined according to the source of data: Level A: randomized and controlled studies; Level B: Cohort and case-control studies; Level C: Descriptive studies and experts' opinion. RESULTS: When to start ART should be made on an individual basis, discussed with the family, considering the risk of progression according to age, CD4 and viral load, the ART-related complications and adherence. The ART goal is to reach a maximum and durable viral suppression. This is not always possible, even with clinical and immunologic improvement. The difficulties of permanent adherence and side-effects are resulting in a more conservative trend to initiate ART, and to less toxic and simpler strategies. Currently, combinations of at least three drugs are of first choice both in acute and chronic infection. They must include 2 NA 1 1 NN or 2 NA 1 1 PI. ART is recommended in all symptomatic patients and, with few exceptions, in all infants in the first year of life. Older asymptomatic children should start ART according to CD4 count, especially CD4 percentage, that vary with age. Despite potent salvage therapies, it is common not to reach viral undetectability. Therapeutical options when ART fails are scarce due to cross-resistance. The cause of failure must be identified. Occasionally, there exists clinical and/or immunological progression, and a change of therapy with at least two new drugs still active for the patient, is warranted with the aim of increasing the CD4 count to a lower level of risk. Toxicity and adherence must be regularly monitored. Some aspects about post exposure prophylaxis and coinfection with HCV or HBV are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: A higher level of evidence with regard to ART effectiveness and toxicity in pediatrics is currently available, leading to a more conservative and individualized approach. Clinical symptoms and CD4 count are the main determinants to start and change ART.

[Spanish GESIDA/Nacional AIDS Plan Recommendations for antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected Adults (October 2004)]. / Recomendaciones de GESIDA/Plan Nacional sobre el Sida respecto al tratamiento antirretroviral en pacientes adultos infectados por el VIH (octubre 2004).

OBJECTIVE: This consensus document is an update of antiretroviral therapy (ART) recommendations for adult patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: To formulate these recommendations, a panel composed of members of the Grupo de Estudio de Sida (GESIDA; AIDS Study Group) and the Plan Nacional sobre el Sida (PNS; Spanish AIDS Plan) reviewed the advances in current understanding of the pathophysiology of HIV, the safety and efficacy findings from clinical trials, and the results from cohort and pharmacokinetic studies published in biomedical journals or presented at scientific meetings over the last years. Three levels of evidence were defined according to the source of the data: randomized studies (level A), cohort or case-control studies (level B), and expert opinion (level C). The decision to recommend, consider or not recommend ART was established in each of these situations. RESULTS: ART consisting of at least three drugs is currently the initial treatment of choice for chronic HIV infection. These regimens should include 2 NRTI + 1 NNRTI or 2 NRTI + 1 PI. Initiation of ART is recommended in patients with symptomatic HIV infection. In asymptomatic patients, initiation of ART is recommended on the basis of CD4+ lymphocyte counts per L and plasma viral load, as follows: 1) Therapy should be started in patients with CD4+ counts of < 200 cells/microL; 2) Therapy should be started in most patients with CD4+ counts of 200-350 cells/microL, although it can be delayed when CD4+ count persists at around 350 cells/microL and viral load is low; and 3) Initiation of therapy can be delayed in patients with CD4+ counts of > 350 cells/microL. The initial objective of ART is to achieve an undetectable viral load. Adherence to therapy plays an essential role in maintaining the antiviral response. Because of the development of cross resistance, therapeutic options are limited when ART fails. Genotype studies are useful in these cases. Toxicity is a limiting factor in the use of ART, although the benefits outweigh the risks. In addition, the criteria for the use of ART are discussed in situations of acute infection, pregnancy, and post-exposure prophylaxis, and in the management of co-infection of HIV with HCV or HBV. CONCLUSIONS: CD4+ lymphocyte count is the most important reference factor for initiating ART in asymptomatic patients. The large number of available drugs, the increased sensitivity of tests to monitor viral load, and the possibility to determine viral resistance is leading to a more individualized approach to therapy.