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PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with house infestation by Triatoma dimidiata as well as with Trypanosoma cruzi infection in humans and owned dogs in two rural communities from the municipality of Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico. METHODS: One hundred and 16 human blood samples and 34 dog blood samples were collected. The presence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies was determined using four different ELISA assays. Moreover, reactive ELISA sera from humans and dogs were processed by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) to confirm the presence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies. RESULTS: Serologic tests for T. cruzi infection showed a prevalence of 5.1% (6/116) in humans and of 50% (17/34) in owned dogs. CONCLUSION: The presence of animals (dogs, chickens and wild animals), as well as some characteristics of house construction were identified as risk factors for infestation and infection. Complementary studies must be carried out to allow a better understanding of the transmission dynamics in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, and the implementation of adequate control programs.

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The Atacama Desert represents the highest levels of mining exploitation in Chile, which inexorably results in high levels of pollution. Raptors, and particularly scavengers, have shown their usefulness to evaluate exposure to environmental contaminants in polluted scenarios. In this study, we used primary feathers from a local avian scavenger, turkey vulture Cathartes aura, to evaluate the exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in two locations from the southern Atacama Desert (coastal and inland) and a third location from the bordering semiarid region, in northern Chile. All metals were detected in all analyzed samples (n = 54). Mean concentrations in Coastal Atacama were 0.68 ± 0.84 ppm for Cd; 1.97 ± 2.01 ppm for Pb; 59.11 ± 80.69 ppm for Cu; and 107.96 ± 51.00 ppm for Zn, while mean concentrations in Inland Atacama were 0.55 ± 0.42 ppm for Cd; 3.37 ± 2.61 ppm for Pb; 91.66 ± 77.74 ppm for Cu; and 214.03 ± 99.08 ppm for Zn. Mean concentrations in Coastal Coquimbo were 0.63 ± 0.69 ppm for Cd; 1.57 ± 0.92 ppm for Pb; 18.09 ± 6.12 ppm for Cu; and 149.37 ± 105.56 ppm for Zn. These differences could be explained by differences on abundance of mining settlements among areas. According to the literature, these values are very high for all metals, exceeding in some cases those values referred as responsible of health disorders in birds. We strongly recommend further research looking at potential adverse effects caused by heavy metal pollution on the health of human and wildlife populations in the southern Atacama Desert.

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Emissions of metals and metalloids (Hg; Cd; Cr; Cu; Pb; Ni; Zn; Fe; Mn; As; Se) generated by natural (e.g., geothermal activity) or anthropic causes (eg., industry or mining) represent a worldwide contamination problem, especially in developing countries. Exposure to high concentrations of these elements is harmful to living beings, including humans. Information on this type of contamination is scarce and fragmented, limiting research which could benefit from these data. To know the state of the research, we reviewed the studies of environmental pollution by metals and metalloids carried out on animal species in Latin America. The use of animals as biomonitors of contamination by metals and metalloids is a continuously expanding practice that allows for early detection of problems. With this work, we were able to identify the most studied areas in Latin America (Amazon, Gulf of California, coastal area between Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis and River Plate Estuary). Moreover, we provide information on the most studied metals (Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) and wild species, which evidence the use of endangered species. The data reviewed should help researchers to direct their efforts towards sparsely researched areas and facilitate bibliographic consultation of scientific information on exposure to metals and metalloids in Latin America.

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PURPOSE: A great proportion of the heritability of colorectal cancer (CRC) still remains unexplained, and rare variants, as well as copy number changes, have been proposed as potential candidates to explain the so-called 'missing heritability'. We aimed to identify rare high-to-moderately penetrant copy number variants (CNVs) in patients suspected of having hereditary CRC due to an early onset. METHODS/PATIENTS: We have selected for genome-wide copy number analysis, 27 MMR-proficient early onset CRC patients (<50 years) without identifiable germline mutations in Mendelian genes related to this phenotype. Rare CNVs were selected by removing all CNVs detected at MAF >1% in the in-house control CNV database (n = 629 healthy controls). Copy number assignment was checked by duplex real-time quantitative PCR or multiplex ligation probe amplification. Somatic mutation analysis in candidate genes included: loss of heterozygosity studies, point mutation screening, and methylation status of the promoter. RESULTS: We have identified two rare germline deletions involving the AK3 and SLIT2 genes in two patients. The search for a second somatic mutational event in the corresponding CRC tumors showed loss of heterozygosity in AK3, and promoter hypermethylation in SLIT2. Both genes have been previously related to colorectal carcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that AK3 and SLIT2 may be potential candidates involved in genetic susceptibility to CRC.

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The aim of this study was to assess the exposure to organochlorine compounds (OC) in 91 primary wing feathers of avian scavengers, Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), American black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and Southern crested caracaras (Polyborus plancus) from the southern tip of South America, in the Argentinean Patagonia. We analyzed for a series of OC including hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, endosulfan, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p'-DDD), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), heptachlor and heptachlor-epoxide. This is the first study on OC in feathers of three terrestrial top carnivores from South America. OC concentrations found in the studied species were much higher than those found in feathers of raptors from Europe and Asia, which likely indicate their high use in the region, specifically in agriculture, and other possible uses of OC in this area. ∑HCH had the highest median concentration, followed by ∑Drins, ∑DDT, ∑Heptachlor, and ∑Endosulfan, similar to those reported in several food samples in Argentina. On the other hand, differences in OC profiles between species and areas may be related to feeding and migratory habits, as well as the molt period. Three individuals showed ∑DDT (DDT, DDD and DDE) concentrations in feathers related to sublethal effects. However, this comparison should be used with caution due to problems with extrapolating such data across tissues and species.

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OBJECTIVES: To better understand the paradox in the Dominican Republic of a relatively high maternal mortality ratio despite nearly universal institutionalized deliveries with trained attendants, a rapid assessment using an adaptation of the strategic assessment method was conducted. METHODS: A multi-disciplinary team reviewed national statistics and hospital records, inventoried facilities, and observed peripartum client-provider interactions at 14 facilities. RESULTS: The major referral hospitals, where more than 40% of births in the country occur, were overcrowded and understaffed, with inexperienced residents overseeing care provided by medical students, interns and nurses. Uncomplicated labor and deliveries were overmedicalized, while complicated ones were not managed appropriately; emergencies were not dealt with in a timely fashion. In the peripheral hospitals physicians were seldom present and clients were either turned away or delivered by unprepared nursing staff. Providers in the busiest facilities suffered from compassion fatigue, and were demoralized and overworked. In all facilities, quality of care was lacking and the delivery and birthing process was dehumanized. CONCLUSIONS: Access and availability of institutional delivery alone is not enough to decrease MMR, it is also the quality of emergency obstetric care that saves lives.

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The atmospheric particulates from the Caracus Valley in Venezuela and the fluvial particulates transported by the Tuy River into the Caribbean sea have been evaluated for Pb, Cu and Zn with the purpose of determining the contamination levels in the study area. The atmospheric particulate samples were collected in the city of Caracas using a low volume sampler whereas the fluvial particulate were collected at the mouth of the Tuy River. The particulate samples were analysed by flame or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry depending upon the concentration levels of the heavy metal under study. The results obtained for the fluvial particulates enabled estimates to be made of the total anthropogenic flux of Cu (383 ton year(-1)), Pb (528 ton year(-1)) and Zn (865 ton year(-1)). These results yield annual per capita inputs for Cu (96 g),Pb (132 g) and Zn (216 g) which greatly exceed those from global anthropogenic emissions. The weighted average concentration of Pb (1.13 %) found in the atmospheric particulates was much higher than those for Cu (140 mg kg(-1)) and Zn (200 mg kg(-1)) and reflects the high motor car traffic in the Caracas Valley. The anthropogenic/natural ratios estimated in this study were as follows: 2.6 for Pb; 1.5 for Cu and 1.5 for Zn. This indicates that anthropogenic inputs for Cu, Pb, and Zn in the study area exceed those from natural sources, cars being the major source for Pb and industrial activities the major sources for Cu and Zn.

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Fueron estudiadas 21 cepas de Corynebacterium urealyticum aisladas de distintos pacientes: 19 (90,5 por ciento) de infecciones urinarias, 1 de un cálculo renal y la restante de un absceso retroperitoneal. Sobre 15 cepas tomadas al azar, se determinó la CIM de 10 antibióticos: vancomicina, ciprofloxacina, rifampicina, penicilina, cefalotina, ceftriaxona, imipenem, amikacina, gentamicina y cotrimoxazol. En 18 (85,7 ciento por ciento) pacientes los cultivos fueron monomicrobianos y en 3 (14,3 por ciento), asociados a otras bacterias. La totalidad de las cepas fueron catalasa y ureasa positivas. Ninguna redujo los nitratos ni fermentó los hidratos de carbono. Las 15 cepas sobre las que se determinó la CIM fueron totalmente sensibles a vancomicina y parcialmente sensibles a ciprofloxacina y rifampicina. La producción de ureasa y la no fermentación de la glucosa, asociadas a la multirresistencia, conforman elementos de inestimable valor para la identificación presuntiva del C. urealyticum (AU)

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Fueron estudiadas 21 cepas de Corynebacterium urealyticum aisladas de distintos pacientes: 19 (90,5 por ciento) de infecciones urinarias, 1 de un cálculo renal y la restante de un absceso retroperitoneal. Sobre 15 cepas tomadas al azar, se determinó la CIM de 10 antibióticos: vancomicina, ciprofloxacina, rifampicina, penicilina, cefalotina, ceftriaxona, imipenem, amikacina, gentamicina y cotrimoxazol. En 18 (85,7 ciento por ciento) pacientes los cultivos fueron monomicrobianos y en 3 (14,3 por ciento), asociados a otras bacterias. La totalidad de las cepas fueron catalasa y ureasa positivas. Ninguna redujo los nitratos ni fermentó los hidratos de carbono. Las 15 cepas sobre las que se determinó la CIM fueron totalmente sensibles a vancomicina y parcialmente sensibles a ciprofloxacina y rifampicina. La producción de ureasa y la no fermentación de la glucosa, asociadas a la multirresistencia, conforman elementos de inestimable valor para la identificación presuntiva del C. urealyticum

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Two fatal sepsis cases in two male patients (58 and 14 years old) due to Vibrio cholerae non 01 are described. Their original diseases were hepatic cirrhosis and acute lymphoblastic leukemia in its third complete remission. In this last case, gastroenteritis due to V. cholerae non 01 was also diagnosed. These sepsis presented a rapid evolution and positive hemoculture after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Both strains isolated presented similar biochemical characteristics and did not agglutinate in the presence of the specific serum against V. cholerae. Both strains were susceptible to most of the antibiotics available. Sepsis due to V. cholerae non 01 is usually associated to other original diseases and to immunodepression. Management of these sepsis is difficult and mortality rates are very high.

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Two fatal sepsis cases in two male patients (58 and 14 years old) due to Vibrio cholerae non 01 are described. Their original diseases were hepatic cirrhosis and acute lymphoblastic leukemia in its third complete remission. In this last case, gastroenteritis due to V. cholerae non 01 was also diagnosed. These sepsis presented a rapid evolution and positive hemoculture after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Both strains isolated presented similar biochemical characteristics and did not agglutinate in the presence of the specific serum against V. cholerae. Both strains were susceptible to most of the antibiotics available. Sepsis due to V. cholerae non 01 is usually associated to other original diseases and to immunodepression. Management of these sepsis is difficult and mortality rates are very high.

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The effect of ceftizoxime, a new aminothiazolil-syn-methoxy-iminocephalosporin has been evaluated on 169 strains of Gram negative bacilli isolated from hospitalized patients and compared with that of cefotaxime and of ceftriaxone. The effect of these 3 cephalosporins and of cefalotin was also evaluated on 50 strains of staphylococcus. CIM50 of ceftizoximel was as follows: K. pneumoniae less than .032, aureus and S. epidermidis less than .2 CIM90 for the same species was: K. pneumoniae less than .25, E. coli less than .63, E. Cloacae and S. marcescens less than 8, S. aureus less than 32, S. epidermidis less than 16. The values obtained with cefotaxime and ceftriaxone were similar. Cefalotin was clearly more active on staphylococcus strains with CIM50 and CIM90 for both species of less than .25 and less than .2 respectively.

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The effect of ceftizoxime, a new aminothiazolil-syn-methoxy-iminocephalosporin has been evaluated on 169 strains of Gram negative bacilli isolated from hospitalized patients and compared with that of cefotaxime and of ceftriaxone. The effect of these 3 cephalosporins and of cefalotin was also evaluated on 50 strains of staphylococcus. CIM50 of ceftizoximel was as follows: K. pneumoniae less than .032, aureus and S. epidermidis less than .2 CIM90 for the same species was: K. pneumoniae less than .25, E. coli less than .63, E. Cloacae and S. marcescens less than 8, S. aureus less than 32, S. epidermidis less than 16. The values obtained with cefotaxime and ceftriaxone were similar. Cefalotin was clearly more active on staphylococcus strains with CIM50 and CIM90 for both species of less than .25 and less than .2 respectively.

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Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 22 anos, con una Tetralogia de Fallot que luego de un cateterismo cardiaco padecio una endocarditis infecciosa por un germen anaerobico: Peptostreptococcus sp. Se trato exitosamente con penicilina por via intravenosa durante dos semanas y por via oral durante las siguientes dos semanas. Se senala que la presentacion de endocardites infecciosa por Peptoestreptococcus con puerta de entrada por cateterismo cardiaco no esta referida en la literatura. Se discute el tratamiento por via oral. Se llama la atencion sobre la alta frecuencia con que en la literatura se comunica el aislamiento de germenes anaerobicos en contraste con su rareza en nuestro medio, lo que se atribuye a la metodologia en la recolección, manipuleo y cultivo de las muestras

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Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 22 anos, con una Tetralogia de Fallot que luego de un cateterismo cardiaco padecio una endocarditis infecciosa por un germen anaerobico: Peptostreptococcus sp. Se trato exitosamente con penicilina por via intravenosa durante dos semanas y por via oral durante las siguientes dos semanas. Se senala que la presentacion de endocardites infecciosa por Peptoestreptococcus con puerta de entrada por cateterismo cardiaco no esta referida en la literatura. Se discute el tratamiento por via oral. Se llama la atencion sobre la alta frecuencia con que en la literatura se comunica el aislamiento de germenes anaerobicos en contraste con su rareza en nuestro medio, lo que se atribuye a la metodologia en la recolección, manipuleo y cultivo de las muestras

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