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Resumen Objetivo: Presentar un algoritmo estable que determina, a partir de mediciones electroencefalográficas, los parámetros de fuentes de tipo dipolar asociadas a focos epilépticos ubicados sobre la superficie de la corteza cerebral. Metodología: Se utiliza un problema de contorno para establecer correlaciones entre la fuente y la medición. El problema se divide en dos subproblemas lineales y en cada uno de ellos, se utilizan el método de mínimos cuadrados y la regularización de Tikhonov para encontrar soluciones estables. Estos subproblemas son problemas mal planteados en el sentido de Hadamard, debido a la inestabilidad numérica que presentan, es decir, pequeños cambios en las mediciones pueden producir grandes variaciones en la solución de cada problema. El parámetro de regularización de Tikhonov fue elegido usando el método de la curva L. Para hallar la solución del problema de contorno se utiliza el método de las series de Fourier y el Método del Elemento Finito. Resultados: Se propuso un tipo de fuente para representar a los focos epilépticos en la corteza cerebral y un algoritmo estable para el problema de identificación de los parámetros de dichas fuentes. Se desarrollaron ejemplos sintéticos y programas en MATLAB para el caso de geometría simple bidimensional. Originalidad: La separación del problema original en dos subproblemas así como los ejemplos sintéticos son producto de esta investigación. Conclusión general: Se propuso un algoritmo estable que determina a los parámetros de fuentes de corriente dipolar definidas en la corteza cerebral.
Abstract Objective: To present a stable algorithm that determines, from electroencephalographic measurements, the parameters of dipolar sources associated with epileptic foci located on the cerebral cortex. Methodology: A boundary value problem is used to establish correlations between the sources and the measurements. The problem is divided into two linear subproblems and in each one, the method of Minimum Square and the Tikhonov regularization are used for finding stables solutions. These subproblems are an ill-posed problem in the Hadamard sense, which is due to the numerical instability, that is, small changes in the data can produce substantial variations in the solution of each problem. The Tikhonov regularization parameter was chosen using the L curve method. To find the solution of the boundary value problem are used the Fourier series method and the Finite Element Method. Results: A type of source that represents the epileptic foci on the cerebral cortex and a stable algorithm for finding the parameter of these sources were proposed. Synthetics examples and MATLAB programs were developed for the case of bidimensional geometry. Originality: The separation of the original problem into two subproblems and the synthetics examples are a product of this research. Conclusion: A stable algorithm was proposed for determining the parameters of the dipolar current defined on the cerebral cortex.
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Before weaning, breast milk is the physiological form of neonatal nutrition, providing pups with all nutrient requirements. Maternal low-protein diet (LPD) during pregnancy and lactation induces adverse changes in key maternal organs, which have negative effects on pup development. We studied the effects of maternal LPD on liver weight, mammary gland (MG) cell differentiation, milk composition and production and pup development throughout lactation. We fed rats with control (C) or LPD (R) during pregnancy and lactation. At 7 d early, 14 d mid and 21 d late lactation stages, maternal biochemical parameters, body, liver and MG weights were analysed. MG cell differentiation was analysed by haematoxylin and eosin staining; milk nutrient composition and production were studied; pup body, liver and brain weights, hippocampal arachidonic acid (AA) and DHA were quantified. Results showed lower body and liver weights, minor MG cell differentiation and lower serum insulin and TAG in R compared with C. R milk contained less protein and higher AA at early and mid stages compared with C. R pup milk and fat intake were lower at all stages. R protein intake at early and mid stages and DHA intake at mid and late stages were lower compared with C. In R pups, lower body, liver and brain weights were associated with decreased hippocampal AA and DHA. We conclude that maternal LPD impairs liver and MG function and induces significant changes in maternal milk composition, pup milk intake and organ development.
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Dieta con Restricción de Proteínas/efectos adversos , Lactancia/fisiología , Leche/química , Animales , Ácido Araquidónico/análisis , Peso Corporal , Encéfalo/crecimiento & desarrollo , Ácidos Docosahexaenoicos/análisis , Femenino , Hipocampo/química , Hígado/crecimiento & desarrollo , Glándulas Mamarias Animales/anatomía & histología , Glándulas Mamarias Animales/crecimiento & desarrollo , Fenómenos Fisiologicos Nutricionales Maternos , Tamaño de los Órganos , Embarazo , Ratas , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
Prebiotic effects of Agave salmiana fructans at five different doses were evaluated by the growth of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Clostridium strains and SCFA production in the cecum and proximal colon of healthy Wistar rats. Mucosal integrity, bacterial proliferation, and inflammatory response were also examined. Growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains was improved by 12.5% doses of fructans in both cecum and proximal colon tissues, and a significant decrease of Clostridium (Pâ¯<â¯0.05) was observed. Increases in mucosal thickness, proliferation, and cell adhesion were mainly observed in the cecum. High concentration of butyric acid and total SCFA were contained in the 12.5% doses. This study provides direct evidence of the prebiotic effects of Agave salmiana fructans, demonstrating that a diet supplemented with a 12.5% dose of fructans promotes major growth of probiotic bacteria and could be used as a potential prebiotic ingredient under the conditions used in this study. Taken together, these results further indicate the significance of Agave salmiana fructans as a prebiotic ingredient in the regulation and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, as well as for the design of functional foods.
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Agave/química , Ciego/efectos de los fármacos , Colon/efectos de los fármacos , Fructanos/farmacología , Prebióticos , Animales , Ciego/metabolismo , Ciego/microbiología , Colon/metabolismo , Colon/microbiología , Suplementos Dietéticos , Ácidos Grasos Volátiles/biosíntesis , Bacterias Grampositivas/efectos de los fármacos , Bacterias Grampositivas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Inflamación/metabolismo , Inflamación/microbiología , Mucosa Intestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Mucosa Intestinal/metabolismo , Mucosa Intestinal/microbiología , Ratas , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Our aim is to describe the state of the art about the role of telomeres and telomerase in the clinical management of CRC and its potential utility as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and targets of new treatments. Telomere length could be a new diagnostic marker as an anomalous behavior is observed in peripheral blood cells when CRC patients and healthy people are compared. Moreover, telomeres and telomerase may be used as diagnostic markers considering that universal changes appear along the CRC process. Currently, new therapeutic cancer approaches are focused on inhibiting the maintenance of telomere length, choosing as targets telomerase -or its subunits- or the Shelterin complex. The goal of these therapies is the shortening of telomeres and the induction of cell senescence. Telomeres and telomerase emerge as useful molecular tools in the clinical management of CRC.
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Biomarcadores de Tumor/análisis , Neoplasias Colorrectales/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Colorrectales/terapia , Telomerasa/metabolismo , Telómero/genética , Neoplasias Colorrectales/enzimología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/genética , HumanosRESUMEN
In this work an experimental investigation was carried out to study the effect that positron range has over positron emission tomography (PET) scans through measurements of the line spread function (LSF) in tissue-equivalent materials. Line-sources consisted of thin capillary tubes filled with (18)F, (13)N or (68)Ga water-solution inserted along the axis of symmetry of cylindrical phantoms constructed with the tissue-equivalent materials: lung (inhale and exhale), adipose tissue, solid water, trabecular and cortical bone. PET scans were performed with a commercial small-animal PET scanner and image reconstruction was carried out with filtered-backprojection. Line-source distributions were analyzed using radial profiles taken on axial slices from which the spatial resolution was determined through the full-width at half-maximum, tenth-maximum, twentieth-maximum and fiftieth-maximum. A double-Gaussian model of the LSFs was used to fit experimental data which can be incorporated into iterative reconstruction methods. In addition, the maximum activity concentration in the line-sources was determined from reconstructed images and compared to the known values for each case. The experimental data indicates that positron range in different materials has a strong effect on both spatial resolution and activity concentration quantification in PET scans. Consequently, extra care should be taken when computing standard-uptake values in PET scans, in particular when the radiopharmaceutical is taken up by different tissues in the body, and more even so with high-energy positron emitters.
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Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador/métodos , Fantasmas de Imagen , Tomografía de Emisión de Positrones/métodos , Radiofármacos/farmacocinética , Tejido Adiposo/diagnóstico por imagen , Animales , Hueso Esponjoso/diagnóstico por imagen , Hueso Cortical/diagnóstico por imagen , Electrones , Pulmón/diagnóstico por imagen , Distribución Tisular , Agua/químicaRESUMEN
Este artículo busca problematizar concepciones corrientes sobre las mujeres víctimas de violencia, pobreza y exclusión, quienes en el rol materno replican en sus hijos las conductas aprendidas en los diferentes sistemas que las afectaron, desde el macro hasta el microsistema, los cuales se perciben cargados de violencia y exclusión. El estudio se fundamentó en la teoría ecológica de Bronfenbrenner, teniendo una visión sistémica del problema y se analizó desde autores como Martín-Baró, Foucault y Wernicke, entre otros. Luego de reconocer las características sociodemográficas y las relaciones interpersonales, se estableció la correlación entre ser víctima de violencia y el moldeamiento de las características psicológicas que se observan en las mujeres transmutándose de víctimas a victimarias en perjuicio de sus hijos, reproduciéndose la violencia en una espiral que es vista como natural en distintos entornos sociales. Se encontró una diferencia entre la mujer del ámbito urbano y la desplazada proveniente del ámbito rural, en cuanto al uso de los servicios que proveen las instituciones y la relación con las demás personas, siendo estas últimas más desconfiadas y prevenidas.
This article seeks to problematize current views on women who are victims of violence, poverty and exclusion. Mothers learn these behaviors from diverse systems, from the macrosystem to the microsystem, which are perceived to be loaded with violence and exclusion; and they replicate these behaviors on their children. The study was based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory, taking a systemic approach to the problem and analyzed from authors such as Colombo, Martin-Baró, Foucault and Wernicke, among others. After recognizing the socio-demographic characteristics and interpersonal relationships, a correlation was established between being a victim of violence and the shaping of psychological characteristics observed in women, who transition from being victims to victimizers, to the detriment of their children. This suggests that violence is perpetuated in a spiral, which it is regarded as natural in different social environments. A difference between women of urban areas and displaced from the rural areas was found in the use of services provided by institutions and the relationship with others, the latter being more suspicious and prevented.
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Maternal obesity programmes offspring development. We addressed maternal obesity effects induced by high-fat diets on maternal mammary gland (MG) structure and function and offspring brain, liver and fat outcomes. Mothers were fed control (C, n 5) or obesogenic (MO, n 5) diet from the time they were weaned through pregnancy beginning at 120 d, through lactation. At offspring postnatal day (PND) 20, milk leptin and nutrients were determined. At the end of lactation, maternal liver and MG fatty acid profile were measured. Desaturase (Δ6D and Δ5D) and elongase (ELOVL 5 and ELOVL 2) protein was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting (WB) in the liver and WB in the MG. In mothers, liver, MG and milk fat content were higher in MO than in C. Liver arachidonic acid (AA) and EPA and MG EPA were lower in MO than in C. Liver desaturases were higher in MO. The MG was heavier in MO than in C, with decreased Δ5D expression in MO. Desaturases and elongases were immunolocalised in parenchymal cells of both groups. Milk yield, water, carbohydrate content, EPA and DHA were lower, whereas milk leptin and AA were higher in MO than in C. At PND 21 and 36, brain weight was less and fat depots were greater in MO offspring than in C. MO decreased male absolute brain weight but not female absolute brain weight. In conclusion, maternal obesity induced by an obesogenic diet negatively affects maternal liver and MG function with the production of significant changes in milk composition. Maternal obesity adversely affects offspring metabolism and development.
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Dieta Alta en Grasa , Leche/química , Obesidad/metabolismo , Acetiltransferasas/metabolismo , Tejido Adiposo/metabolismo , Animales , Ácido Araquidónico/metabolismo , Glucemia/metabolismo , delta-5 Desaturasa de Ácido Graso , Ácidos Docosahexaenoicos/metabolismo , Ácido Eicosapentaenoico/metabolismo , Ácido Graso Desaturasas/metabolismo , Elongasas de Ácidos Grasos , Femenino , Lactancia , Leptina/metabolismo , Hígado/metabolismo , Masculino , Glándulas Mamarias Animales/metabolismo , Fenómenos Fisiologicos Nutricionales Maternos , Tamaño de los Órganos , Embarazo , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Estearoil-CoA Desaturasa/metabolismoRESUMEN
Predisposition to offspring metabolic dysfunction due to poor maternal nutrition differs with the developmental stage at exposure. Post-weaning nutrition also influences offspring phenotype in either adverse or beneficial ways. We studied a well-established rat maternal protein-restriction model to determine whether post-weaning dietary intervention improves adverse outcomes produced by a deficient maternal nutritional environment in pregnancy. Pregnant rats were fed a controlled diet (C, 20% casein) during pregnancy and lactation (CC) or were fed a restricted diet (R, 10% casein isocaloric diet) during pregnancy and C diet during lactation (RC). After weaning, the offspring were fed the C diet. At postnatal day (PND) 70 (young adulthood), female offspring either continued with the C diet (CCC and RCC) or were fed commercial Chow Purina 5001 (I) to further divide the animals into dietary intervention groups CCI and RCI. Another group of mothers and offspring were fed I throughout (III). Offspring food intake was averaged between PND 95-110 and 235-250 and carcass and liver compositions were measured at PND 25 and 250. Leptin (PND 110 and 250) and serum glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol (PND 250) levels were measured. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA. At PND 25, body and liver weights were similar between groups; however, CCC and RCC carcass protein:fat ratios were lower compared with III diet. At PND 110 and 250, offspring CCC and RCC had higher body weight, food intake and serum leptin compared with CCI and RCI. CCI had lower carcass fat and increased protein compared with CCC and improved fasting glucose and triglycerides. Adult dietary intervention partially overcomes adverse effects of programming. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms involved.
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Dietoterapia/métodos , Desnutrición/dietoterapia , Fenómenos Fisiologicos de la Nutrición Prenatal , Animales , Peso Corporal , Dieta , Proteínas en la Dieta , Femenino , Lactancia , Leptina/sangre , Hígado/metabolismo , Masculino , Desnutrición/etiología , Embarazo , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Maternal obesity (MO) impairs maternal and offspring health. Mechanisms and interventions to prevent adverse maternal and offspring outcomes need to be determined. Human studies are confounded by socio-economic status providing the rationale for controlled animal data on effects of maternal exercise (MEx) intervention on maternal (F0) and offspring (F1) outcomes in MO. HYPOTHESIS: MO produces metabolic and endocrine dysfunction, increases maternal and offspring glucocorticoid exposure, oxidative stress and adverse offspring outcomes by postnatal day (PND) 36. MEx in part prevents these outcomes. METHODS: F0 female rats ate either control or obesogenic diet from weaning through lactation. Half of each group wheel ran (from day 90 of life through pregnancy beginning day 120) providing four groups (n=8/group)--(i) controls, (ii) obese, (iii) exercised controls and (iv) exercised obese. After weaning, PND 21, F1 offspring ate a control diet. Metabolic parameters of F0 prepregnancy and end of lactation and F1 offspring at PND 36 were analyzed. RESULTS: Exercise did not change maternal weight. Before breeding, MO elevated F0 glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, leptin, fat and oxidative stress. Exercise completely prevented the triglyceride rise and partially increases glucose, insulin, cholesterol and oxidative stress. MO decreased fertility, recovered by exercise. At the end of lactation, exercise returned all metabolic variables except leptin to control levels. Exercise partially prevented MO elevated corticosterone. F1 offspring weights were similar at birth. At PND 36, MO increased F1 male but not female offspring leptin, triglycerides and fat mass. In controls, exercise reduced male and female offspring glucose, prevented the offspring leptin increase and partially the triglyceride rise. CONCLUSIONS: MEx before and during pregnancy has beneficial effects on the maternal and offspring metabolism and endocrine function occurring with no weight change in mothers and offspring indicating the importance of body composition rather than weight in evaluations of metabolic status.
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Lactancia/metabolismo , Leptina/sangre , Obesidad/metabolismo , Preñez , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal/metabolismo , Adiposidad , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales de los Animales , Animales , Glucemia/metabolismo , Dieta Alta en Grasa , Femenino , Resistencia a la Insulina/fisiología , Masculino , Fenómenos Fisiologicos Nutricionales Maternos , Condicionamiento Físico Animal , Embarazo , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , DesteteRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Increasing evidence exists that maternal obesity (MO) and overnutrition during pregnancy and lactation have long-lasting consequences for progeny metabolism, cardiovascular and endocrine function. Data on effects of MO on offspring reproduction are limited. We hypothesized that MO during pregnancy and lactation in founder F(0) rat mothers would increase testicular and sperm oxidative stress (OS) and adversely impact male fertility in their F(1) offspring. METHODS: We induced pre-pregnancy MO by feeding F(0) females a high-fat diet from weaning through pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, all F(1) rats ate control (C) diet. We determined serum testosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in F(1) testes and sperm at postnatal days (PNDs) 110, 450 and 650. RESULTS: At PNDs 450 and 650, MO offspring had lower luteinizing hormone while testosterone levels were lower at all ages. Testicular MDA and ROS concentrations and SOD and GPx activity were higher in MO F(1) at all ages. Nitrotyrosine immunostaining was higher at all ages in MO F(1) testes than C F(1). At PNDs 450 and 650, MO F(1) spermatozoa showed higher MDA concentrations and lower SOD and GPx activity with reduced sperm concentration, viability and motility, and more sperm abnormalities. Fertility rate was not affected at PND 110 but was lower in MO F(1) at PNDs 450 and 650. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that MO during pregnancy and lactation increases F(1) testicular and sperm OS leading to premature aging of reproductive capacity.
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Fertilidad , Obesidad/metabolismo , Hipernutrición/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo , Complicaciones del Embarazo/metabolismo , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal/metabolismo , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales de los Animales , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Dieta Alta en Grasa , Femenino , Infertilidad/etiología , Lactancia , Masculino , Fenómenos Fisiologicos Nutricionales Maternos , Obesidad/complicaciones , Obesidad/etiología , Hipernutrición/complicaciones , Embarazo , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Factores SexualesRESUMEN
Developmental programming resulting from a suboptimal intrauterine environment can predispose offspring to a wide-range of lifelong health complications. Little is known about the effects maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and/or lactation has on offspring neurodevelopment. We hypothesized that maternal isocaloric low protein diet during pregnancy and/or lactation would negatively influence male offspring affect and risk assessment behaviors as measured by elevated plus maze and open field tests. Control mothers received 20% casein (C) and restricted mothers (R) 10% casein to provide four groups: CC, RR, CR, and RC (first letter pregnancy diet and second letter lactation diet) to evaluate effects of maternal diet on offspring risk assessment, anxiety and exploratory behaviors. Elevated plus maze results showed an effect of pre- and/or postnatal diet manipulation in open arm time (p<0.05) with increases seen in the RR (157±22.7s), CR (137±23.2s) and RC (146.8±10.8s) offspring relative to CC (52±8.6s) offspring. This behavior indicates decreased avoidance (less anxiety) and increased exploration by experimental groups. However, in the open field test the RR (17±4.2 entries) offspring entered the center zone less than the CC (35±6.6 entries) offspring thus exhibiting increased anxiety with no other groups showing effects. Elevated levels of corticosterone were measured before, during and after immobilization in the RR compared to CC offspring. These findings show protein restriction during critical periods of development negatively program offspring behavior. The underlying anatomical structures affected remain to be elucidated.
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Ansiedad/fisiopatología , Conducta Animal/fisiología , Dieta con Restricción de Proteínas , Conducta Exploratoria/fisiología , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal/fisiopatología , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Femenino , Masculino , Actividad Motora/fisiología , Embarazo , RatasRESUMEN
Maternal protein deficiencies can developmentally program offspring to lifelong dysfunction of many physiological systems. We hypothesized that maternal isocaloric low protein diet during fetal and early postnatal development would negatively affect female offspring anxiety, exploration, associative learning and motivation as measured by the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), operant conditioning and the progressive ratio task, respectively. Control mothers (C) received a 20% casein diet and restricted mothers (R) a 10% casein diet to provide four groups: CC, RR, CR, and RC (first letter pregnancy diet and second lactation diet) to enable evaluation of offspring effects influenced by maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation. Maternal protein restriction decreased open arm time and distance in RR and RC offspring, increased anxiety behavior, in the EPM. In the OFT, the RR and RC offspring displayed decreased exploration (increased stress) as indexed by decreased distance in the center zone. These behaviors in the EPM and OFT was associated with increased corticosterone levels during an immobilization test in the RR offspring with intermediary effects in the RC offspring. Learning impairment was observed in the RR, CR and RC offspring during fixed ratio 5 schedule of reinforcement. Motivational effects were measured in RR offspring responding less, decreased motivation, and CR offspring making more responses, increased motivation, than CC offspring. These findings reveal the negative effects of developmental protein restriction on female offspring behavior. The underlying basis for these negative outcomes remains to be elucidated.
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Trastornos de Ansiedad/fisiopatología , Trastornos Nutricionales en el Feto/fisiopatología , Discapacidades para el Aprendizaje/fisiopatología , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal/fisiopatología , Deficiencia de Proteína/fisiopatología , Animales , Trastornos de Ansiedad/etiología , Conducta Animal/fisiología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Femenino , Lactancia/fisiología , Discapacidades para el Aprendizaje/etiología , Embarazo , RatasRESUMEN
In Peru, there is a lack of information on molecular analysis in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. At present, the mother-to-child transmission rate is estimated at approximately 2-4%. The objective of this study was to assess the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in infected children. Children with suspected or confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis were evaluated at two public hospitals between 2002 and 2007. Whole blood samples were obtained from 90 HIV-positive children, who were confirmed to be positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. The specimens were subjected to envelope heteroduplex mobility assay (env HMA) followed by gag and pol gene region sequence analysis. Subtype B was found in 88 (98%) of 90 children and 2 (2%) children were subtype BF recombinants. This is the first report of recombinant HIV strains in HIV-infected children in Peru. Understanding the origin, diversity, and spread of HIV strains worldwide will be necessary for the development of an effective vaccine that targets pediatric populations throughout the world.
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Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/virología , VIH-1/genética , Niño , Preescolar , ADN Viral/análisis , ADN Viral/genética , Variación Genética , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Humanos , Lactante , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Perú/epidemiología , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Tuberculosis Pulmonar/etiología , Productos del Gen gag del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/análisis , Productos del Gen gag del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/genética , Productos del Gen pol del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/análisis , Productos del Gen pol del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this work was to establish a potential correlation between specific polymorphisms and presence of hepatic fibrosis in Mexican patients with established liver fibrosis (ELF). Second, necroinflammatory index improvement was correlated with Pirfenidone (PFD) treatment response and the same polymorphisms. METHODS: We analyzed TGF-beta polymorphisms in codon 25, a single basepair guanine insertion-deletion polymorphism (4G/5G) for PAI-1 and angiotensin AT-6 single nucleotide polymorphism located in -6 promoter region. Twenty patients infected with either hepatitis C virus (HCV) (n = 13) or affected by alcohol consumption (n= 7) were included. Thirty subjects with no hepatic damage were included in control group. Blood samples for genomic DNA were obtained and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 polymorphisms were done by polymerase chain reaction-artificial introduction of a restriction site, TGF-beta by polymerase chain reaction-amplification refractory mutation system and AT by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Liver biopsies were obtained at baseline and after 12 months of PFD treatment. RESULTS: Established liver fibrosis patients had the homozygote G/G TGF-beta genotype, which has been associated with increased development of fibrosis. None of our patients had the G/C genotype. All pure HCV and pure alcohol abuse subjects carried G/G TGF-beta genotype (100% vs 37% control) (P = 0.0006). The odds of having TGF-beta G/G genotype was 19.5 for HCV patients and 10.83 for alcohol consumption patients as compared with healthy subjects (P < 0.001). Established liver fibrosis patients had an improvement in necroinflammatory index after PFD treatment when correlated with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and angiotensinogen-6 genotypes. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that a combination of inherited polymorphisms increased the risk of advanced fibrosis in ELF patients. Pure HCV and pure alcohol consumption patients which were homozygous G/G carriers had 19.5- and 10.8-fold higher risk to develop advanced fibrosis respectively.
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Angiotensinógeno/genética , Cirrosis Hepática/genética , Inhibidor 1 de Activador Plasminogénico/genética , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/genética , Adulto , Anciano , Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/uso terapéutico , Secuencia de Bases , Cartilla de ADN/genética , Femenino , Hepatitis C/tratamiento farmacológico , Hepatitis C/genética , Humanos , Cirrosis Hepática/tratamiento farmacológico , Cirrosis Hepática Alcohólica/tratamiento farmacológico , Cirrosis Hepática Alcohólica/genética , Masculino , México , Persona de Mediana Edad , Polimorfismo Genético , Piridonas/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
A cross-sectional anonymous study of 261 STD (sexually transmitted diseases) outpatients and 288 outpatients from other hospital departments was conducted at four major city hospitals in Buenos Aires. High prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (14.5%) and syphilis (30.2%) was noted. Fifty-two persons were diagnosed with both HIV and syphilis. Of the 87 HIV cases observed, 52 (59.7%) were co-infected with syphilis. Stratified analysis by gender showed that the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and HIV/syphilis co-infection was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in men than women (HIV: 20.1% vs. 4.6%; syphilis: 39.3% vs. 17.4%; co-infection: 13.6% vs. 1.7%). Integrated HIV/STD intervention programs and more effective surveillance are required in Argentina.
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Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Sífilis/complicaciones , Sífilis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Argentina , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Hospitales , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Población UrbanaRESUMEN
Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infections are associated with varying degrees of HTLV-1 viral load and spasticity. Increased viral load is associated with higher risk of developing HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The authors performed a cross-sectional study of 24 people with HAM/TSP in Lima, Perú, to determine if higher HTLV-1 viral load was correlated with increased muscle tone, measured with a device providing quantitative spasticity assessment (QSA). Median HTLV-1 viral load was 17.0 copies/100 peripheral blood mononuclear cells and QSA value was 39.9 Newton-meters/radian. HTLV-1 viral load was significantly correlated with QSA value (Spearman rho = .48, P = .02), suggesting viral load may play a role in expression of symptomatic neurologic disease. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine if treatments that reduce viral load will reduce muscle tone.
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Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 1 Humano/aislamiento & purificación , Tono Muscular/fisiología , Paraparesia Espástica Tropical/virología , Carga Viral , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Leucocitos Mononucleares/virología , Masculino , Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Paraparesia Espástica Tropical/fisiopatología , Perú , Reacción en Cadena de la PolimerasaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Assessment of HIV prevalence and associated risk behaviours among female commercial sex workers (FCSW) across major cities in South America. METHODS: Seroepidemiological, cross sectional studies of 13 600 FCSW were conducted in nine countries of South America during the years 1999-2002. Participants were recruited in brothels, massage parlours, hotels, and streets where anonymous questionnaires and blood samples were collected. HIV infection was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening and western blot confirmatory tests. RESULTS: The overall HIV seroprevalence was 1.2% (range 0.0%-4.5%). The highest HIV seroprevalences were reported in Argentina (4.5%) and Paraguay (2.6%); no HIV infected FCSW were detected in Venezuela and Chile. Consistent predictors of HIV seropositivity were: (1) a previous history of sexually transmitted infections (STI, AORs = 3.8-8.3), and (2) 10 years or more in commercial sex work (AORs = 2.2-24.8). In addition, multiple (> or =3) sexual contacts (AOR = 5.0), sex with foreigners (AOR = 6.9), use of illegal drugs (AOR = 3.2), and marijuana use (AOR = 8.2) were associated with HIV seropositivity in Southern Cone countries. CONCLUSIONS: Consistently low HIV seroprevalences were detected among FCSW in South America, particularly in the Andean region. Predictors of HIV infection across the continent were STI and length of commercial sex work; however, use of illegal drugs, especially marijuana, and sexual contacts with foreigners were also found to be associated risk factors in the Southern Cone region. Interventions for the control of HIV and other STI need to be region and country specific; drug use appears to have an ever increasing role in the spread of HIV among heterosexually active populations.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Seroprevalencia de VIH , VIH-1 , Trabajo Sexual/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto , Western Blotting , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Métodos Epidemiológicos , Femenino , Humanos , Factores de Riesgo , América del Sur/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the commonest helminthic CNS infection and the main cause of adult-onset seizures in developing countries, also frequent in industrialized countries because of immigration from endemic zones. Although NCC is commonly seen in individuals with seizures in endemic areas, its role as a cause of epilepsy has been questioned on the basis of the poor methodology of published studies. OBJECTIVE: To determine, in a cysticercosis-endemic area of the northern Peruvian coast, the frequency of 1) epileptic seizures, 2) serum antibodies to Taenia solium, 3) NCC-compatible findings on brain CT, and 4) the associations between these variables. METHODS: A community-wide screening survey for possible seizure cases was performed using a validated questionnaire. Positive respondents were later examined in the field by neurologists. Seizure cases were categorized as single seizure, active epilepsy, or inactive epilepsy. Serology was performed for all consenting individuals using immunoblot. Noncontrast brain CT scans were performed in all individuals with seizures and two groups of control subjects without seizures (seropositive and seronegative). RESULTS: The screening survey was applied to 903 permanent residents. Most positive respondents (114/137 [83.2%]) were examined by neurologists. The overall prevalence of epilepsy was 32.1 per 1,000 and that of active epilepsy was 16.6 per 1,000. Seroprevalence was 24.2% (200/825). Seroprevalence was associated with seizures (odds ratio 2.14; p = 0.026). Brain CT abnormalities compatible with NCC were more frequent in individuals with seizures and in those seropositive. CONCLUSION: In this hyperendemic area, an important proportion of seizure cases are associated with neurocysticercosis as demonstrated by serology or brain CT.
Asunto(s)
Encéfalo/parasitología , Epilepsia/epidemiología , Epilepsia/parasitología , Neurocisticercosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Neurocisticercosis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anticuerpos/sangre , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagen , Encéfalo/patología , Causalidad , Niño , Preescolar , Comorbilidad , Estudios Transversales , Epilepsia/sangre , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Tamizaje Masivo , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neurocisticercosis/patología , Perú/epidemiología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Taenia solium/inmunología , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) constitute a major health problem worldwide where routine screening of blood or blood products is improperly done, and where non-medical injecting medications and/or drug use are prevalent. Prevalence and risk factors vary by geographic location and by the specific TTI (including HIV-1, HBV, HCV and HTLV-I). OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with TTIs among a sample of multi-transfused adult patients in Peru. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional multi-center study was conducted across seven major hospitals in Peru from February 2003 to September 2004. Self-reported behavior information (medical procedures, number of sexual partners, and drug use history) was analyzed, along with a review of exposure history from hospital medical records. Prevalences were calculated by TTI for different exposures, along with unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for infection risk. RESULTS: Overall, 192 (54.7%) of 351 multi-transfused patients were found infected with one or more TTIs. Number of transfusion units, years of transfusion history (6 or more), and number of treatment facilities (2 or more) were associated with HCV infection. Hemodialysis history was a common risk factor associated with HBV, HCV and HTLV-I infection. HIV infection was associated only with total number of transfusion units received. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalences of HBV and HCV infection were found among Peruvian multi-transfused patients and were associated with a past history and number of blood transfusions, as well as with past hemodialysis procedures. TTIs continue to represent a significant public health problem in Peru. Continued vigilant attention to blood safety procedures, including universal screening and health care provider education, is recommended.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Anticuerpos Anti-VIH/sangre , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por HTLV-I/epidemiología , Anticuerpos contra la Hepatitis B/sangre , Hepatitis B/epidemiología , Anticuerpos contra la Hepatitis C/sangre , Hepatitis C/epidemiología , Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 1 Humano/inmunología , Diálisis Renal , Reacción a la Transfusión , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Transmisión de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Femenino , Infecciones por VIH/transmisión , Infecciones por HTLV-I/transmisión , Hepatitis B/transmisión , Hepatitis C/transmisión , Hospitales , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Perú/epidemiología , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Sex among men constitutes an important route of transmission for HIV type 1 (HIV-1) in Latin America. Seeking better understanding of risk behaviours in this region, we determined the seroprevalence, potential risk factors, and geographic distribution of HIV-1 among groups of men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: Seroepidemiological, cross sectional studies of 13,847 MSM were conducted in seven countries of South America during the years 1999-2002. Volunteers were recruited in city venues and streets where anonymous questionnaires and blood samples were obtained. HIV-1 infection was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening and western blot (WB) confirmatory tests. RESULTS: HIV-1 seroprevalence varied widely (overall 12.3%, range 11.0%-20.6%). The highest HIV-1 seroprevalence was noted in Bolivia (20.6%) and the lowest in Peru (11.0%). Predictors of HIV-1 infection varied among countries; however, a history of previous sexually transmitted disease (STD) was associated with a consistent increased risk (ORs=1.9-2.9, AORs=1.8-2.7). Multiple weekly sexual contacts was found to represent a secondary risk factor in Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina (ORs=1.6-2.9, AORs=1.6-3.1), whereas use of drugs such as cocaine was found to increase risk in Bolivia, Uruguay, and Paraguay (ORs=2.5-6.5, AORs=2.6-6.1). CONCLUSION: The results of this study illustrate an elevated HIV-1 seroprevalence among MSM participants from Andean countries. A previous STD history and multiple partners predicted HIV-1 infection in the seven countries of South America. In Southern Cone countries, HIV-1 infection was also associated with use of illegal drugs such as cocaine.