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We report here the complete genome sequence of a WU polyomavirus (WUPyV) isolate, also known as human polyomavirus 4, collected in 2016 from a patient in Arkansas with an acute respiratory infection. Isolate hPyV4/USA/AR001/2016 has a double-stranded DNA genome of 5,229 bp in length.

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Using target capture of viral nucleic acid and next-generation sequencing, we generated the complete genomes of two novel human parainfluenza virus 1 isolates. Isolates AR001 (accession no. KX570602) and NM001 (accession no. KX639498) were collected 3 months apart from pediatric patients with acute respiratory infection from Arkansas and New Mexico, respectively.

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Abstract: The information system on chronic diseases is an electronic system that was recently established in Mexico to monitor new cases and cumulative chronic diseases that are increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative consistency of the electronic record of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia, in contrast to what was found in the medical records through a validation system exprofeso data. It followed up on 3,293 diseases recorded and compared with the pathologies registered in the files, these were higher than the records (n = 4,188). It was found that there is an electronic sub-register of diseases recorded in medical units with a differential in the quality standards of care. Our results reveal that to increase the effectiveness of electronic health information it is required a mechanism of annual or biennial review by a systematic validation and based on clinical records. This system also enables validation mechanisms and promotes greater adherence to treatment in the management of chronic diseases, contributing to quality improvement and cost containment in health.

Resumen: El sistema de información en enfermedades crónicas, es un sistema electrónico que se estableció en México recientemente para el monitoreo de los casos nuevos y acumulados de enfermedades crónicas que van en aumento. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la consistencia cualitativa y cuantitativa del registro electrónico de enfermedades como la diabetes, obesidad, hipertensión arterial y dislipidemias, en contraste con lo encontrado en el expediente clínico a través de un sistema de validación de datos exprofeso. Se dio seguimiento a 3,293 patologías registradas y se compararon con las patologías registradas en los expedientes las cuales fueron mayores a los registros en los expedientes (n = 4,188). Se encontró que existe un sub-registro electrónico de las enfermedades registradas en las unidades médicas con un diferencial en los estándares de calidad de la atención. Nuestros resultados dejan ver que para incrementar la efectividad de un sistema de información electrónica en salud se requiere de un mecanismo de revisión anual o bianual a través de una validación sistematizada y basada en los expedientes clínicos. Este sistema de validación también permite y promueve mecanismos de mayor adherencia al tratamiento en el manejo de las enfermedades crónicas contribuyendo a mejoras en la calidad y en la contención de costos en salud.

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AIM: To describe the physical activity (PA) prescribing behaviour of Mexican primary care physicians and determine if the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) explains this behaviour. METHODS: 633 physicians (56% male, mean age 38 years) from 305 primary care clinics in Jalisco, Mexico self-reported PA prescription behaviour, PA involvement, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention related to PA prescription behaviour. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed. RESULTS: 48% of physicians reported they always ask patients about their PA, 33% provide verbal prescriptions, 6% provide written prescriptions, 8% refer patients to PA resources and 4% assess patient fitness. SEM analysis showed that the fit of the TPB model was satisfactory (RMSEA = 0.05, CFI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.05). The model explained 79% of the variance on intention (r(2) = 0.79, p < 0.05), and 14% of the variance on prescription behaviour (r(2) = 0.14, p < 0.05). Subjective norm (ß = 0.73, p < 0.05) and attitude (ß = 0.16, p < 0.05) explained behavioural intention, while PBC (ß = 0.38, p < 0.05) and physician PA (ß = 0.15, p < 0.05) explained prescription behaviour. DISCUSSION: The TPB provided useful insight into physician prescription behaviour, although not all the theory tenets were supported. More research testing the TPB and other theories is needed to better understand psychosocial predictors of this behaviour. CONCLUSION: Strategies aimed at improving physicians' perceived ability to prescribe PA and their own PA involvement seem worthwhile.

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Food fortification is the most effective and sustainable strategy to combat iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The objective of this was to evaluate the effectiveness of a precooked corn-based cereal (Nutricrema®) fortified with ferrous gluconate stabilized with glycine or ferrous bisglycinate chelate on iron status in of preschool children. A prospective, double-blind, cluster-randomized trial was conducted in a rural and indigenous area of Panama. During a six month period, 36 rural community soup-kitchens were divided into two groups randomly assigned to receive either: Group-A: 90 g of cereal with 10 mg of iron as ferrous gluconate stabilized with glycine; or Group-B (n=129): 90 g of cereal with 10 mg of iron as ferrous bisglycinate chelate. A total of 393 children aged 24 to 59 months of both sexes were recruited. Before and after the fortification trial iron status was evaluated. Two hundred and fifty-four children ended the follow-up (125 and 129 in groups A and B, respectively). Prevalence of IDA in group A was 29.6% and 26.4% (NS) before and after the trial, respectively; the corresponding figure for group B was 32.6% and 10.9% (p <0.05), respectively. In conclusion, the precooked corn-based cereal fortified with ferrous bisglycinate is effective in reducing the prevalence of IDA, while the cereal fortified with ferrous gluconate stabilized with glycine did not have a significant effect on the prevalence of IDA.

La fortificación de los alimentos es la estrategia más efectiva y sustentable para combatir la anemia por deficiencia de hierro (ADH). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de un alimento basado en maíz precocido (Nutricrema®) fortificado con gluconato ferroso estabilizado con glicina o bisglicinato ferroso sobre la nutrición de hierro de preescolares. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo aleatorizado por grupos, doble ciego, en un área rural indígena de Panamá. Treinta y seis comedores infantiles se asignaron aleatoriamente en dos grupos para que los niños recibieran, durante 6meses, 90 g de cereal fortificado con 10 mg de hierro como gluconato ferroso estabilizado con glicina (grupo comedores A) o con 10 mg como bisglicinato ferroso (grupo comedores B). Se reclutaron 393 niños de 24 a 59 meses de ambos sexos. Se evaluó la nutrición de hierro antes y después de la intervención. Doscientos cincuenta y cuatro niños finalizaron el estudio (125 y129 en los grupos A y B). La prevalencia de ADH en el grupo A fue 29,6% y 26,4% (NS) antes y después de la intervención; las prevalencias correspondientes en el grupo B fueron 32,6% y 10,9% (p <0,05). En conclusión, el cereal precocido basado en maíz fortificado con bisglicinato ferroso es efectivo en reducir la prevalencia de ADH, mientras el fortificado con gluconato ferroso estabilizado con glicina no tuvo un impacto significativo sobre la prevalencia de ADH.

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Background. The physical activity transition is contributing to an increase in childhood obesity and a decrease in fitness worldwide. This study compared body composition and fitness measures in children from three countries and examined intercountry differences in the relationship between these variables. Methods. Participants consisted of 736 Canadian, 193 Mexican, and 179 Kenyan children aged 9-13 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, triceps skinfolds, aerobic fitness, and muscular fitness were measured. Linear regression was used to examine associations between variables. Results. The prevalence of obesity was the highest in Mexican children (9.2% boys, 8.4% girls) and the lowest in Kenyan children (0.9% boys, 2.8% girls). Aerobic fitness (VO2max in mL/kg/min) was the highest in Kenyan children (50.2 boys, 46.7 girls) and the lowest in Canadian children (41.3 boys, 38.3 girls). Aerobic fitness was negatively associated with body composition measures irrespective of country and sex. Mexican children with low aerobic fitness had higher body composition measures than Canadian and Kenyan children. Muscular fitness was not associated with the body composition measures in Kenyan children but was a weak positive correlate of BMI and waist circumference in Canadian and Mexican children. Conclusion. The current study provides some evidence to support the physical activity transition hypothesis.

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The frequency of isolation of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) from primary tissue cultures and organs from bovine foetuses was studied between 1992 and 1994. Around 25% of primary tissue cultures were BVDV positive. Primary testis cultures were inoculated with homogenates of spleen, kidney, lung and liver from 52 foetuses. Cells were passaged twice and BVDV antigen investigated by indirect immunofluorescence. Non-cytopathic BVDV was detected in at least one organ in 11/52 foetuses (21.2%): 6/10 spleens, 4/7 kidneys, 7/9 lungs and 3/5 livers. Cytopathic BVDV was detected in lung and kidney from two foetuses. Since only gamma-irradiated sera are used in the laboratory and only inactivated BVDV vaccines are applied in Argentina, it was concluded that these isolations represented field infections. In addition to the 11 virus positive foetuses, two foetuses were positive for BVDV antibodies, which suggested a 25% prevalence of infection. These results stress the need for disease control on a herd basis and the requirement for biological reagents of bovine origin for the detection of BVDV.

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Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a new disease of cattle first described in the United Kingdom in November 1986. BSE belongs to the scrapie-related group of diseases. The epidemiological studies performed in the United Kingdom demonstrate that the BSE epidemic was caused by feeding cattle with ruminant-derived protein contaminated by a scrapie-like agent. Until June 1994, the disease had been detected in indigenous cattle in Ireland, Switzerland and France. Three cases reported in Germany, two in the Sultanate of Oman, and single cases in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Denmark, Portugal and Canada occurred in animals imported from the United Kingdom. Several countries have implemented surveillance programmes analysing the risk factors involved in the epidemic. An analysis of risk factors conducted in Argentina shows that it is highly unlikely that BSE or scrapie exist in the country, or will arise via feed in the future. As a continuation of the analysis of risk factors, a surveillance programme was implemented in the field and in abattoirs. Specialised personnel were trained in the clinical, histopathological and biochemical detection of the disease through a network of laboratories which covered 85% of the total cattle population and 100% of the high-risk group (dairy cows over five years of age). By using a statistical procedure with reference to the bovine population in nine provinces, 1,019 brains from animals belonging to the high-risk group were selected and studied by histopathological and biochemical analyses for BSE detection. The results were negative in all cases. It can be concluded from this analysis (with a sensitivity of detection of 2.95 per 1,000, and 95% statistical confidence) that Argentina may be regarded as BSE-free, and that the importation of infected animals or by-products may represent the sole potential source of introduction of BSE infection into the country in the future.

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Epidemiological studies conducted in the United Kingdom have revealed the risk factors involved in the epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This has facilitated a detailed study of risk factors associated with the possible introduction of BSE into Argentina. An analysis has been made of the numbers and geographical distribution of cattle in the country, the structure of the Veterinary Services responsible for controlling animal diseases, the way in which cattle and sheep are slaughtered, and the use of slaughter waste in the feed industry. The results of this analysis form the basis of a discussion of whether scrapie or BSE could become endemic in Argentina through contaminated feed or another route. The authors conclude that Argentina may be regarded as free from BSE, and that the importation of infected bovines is the sole potential risk for introduction of BSE in the future.

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In order to establish the prevalence of viral infections of the bovine fetus in Argentina, a serological survey for antibodies against viral agents currently affecting cattle in this country was conducted. Antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), bovine leukaemia virus (BLV), bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and parainfluenza-3 (PI-3) were investigated in a total of 315 fetal serum samples. Conventional techniques were used: indirect immunofluorescence (FMDV, BHV-1, BVDV and BCV), radial immunodiffusion (BLV), ELISA (BRV) and haemagglutination inhibition (PI-3). Antibodies against BHV-1, BVDV and PI-3 were detected in samples from fetuses in the second and third trimester of gestation, with a prevalence of 1.21 per cent (two of 165), 2.03 per cent (four of 197) and 5.08 per cent (nine of 177), respectively. Either antibodies or non-antibody factors able to bind to BRV and BCV antigens were detected with a prevalence of 2.44 per cent (five of 205) and 4.54 per cent (five of 110), respectively. In addition, 14.68 per cent of non-specific inhibitors of PI-3 mediated haemagglutination were found. No seropositives against FMDV and BLV were detected.

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Thirty-one documented acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases occurred in Panama during 1984-1987. Twenty-three (74%) patients were homosexual males and all but 2 patients recognized prior to June 1987 have died. To identify risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection, 287 male homosexual residents of Panama City were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Nine had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody. Travel to the United States, homosexual relations with United States nationals in Panama, and sexual contacts in Panamanian clubs and bars were associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection by logistic regression analysis. Number of different male sex partners per year was identified but did not enter the logistic model at a significant level. To estimate seroprevalence in other high risk populations, 183 Panama City female prostitutes and 55 homosexual males from the rural Azuero peninsula were screened; none were seropositive. Eighty-four percent of Panamanian hemophiliacs had antibody; infection was related to factor VIII transfusions. Two of 182 sickle cell anemia patients and 15 of 7,720 volunteer blood donors were positive.

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The effects of histamine H1- and H2-receptor antagonists on the pituitary-thyroid axis were studied in normal and thyroxine (T4)-treated rats. Acute administration (120 min before the test) of the H2 antagonist cimetidine induced a significant (P less than 0.01) increase in the TSH response to TRH, whereas treatment with histamine (30 min before the test) or with the H1-receptor blocker diphenhydramine (120 min before the test) was without effect. Treatment with cimetidine or ranitidine (another H2-receptor antagonist) for 5 days induced a marked decrease in basal plasma TSH concentrations (P less than 0.01), with no changes in pituitary concentrations of TSH. Plasma prolactin concentrations were similarly decreased by cimetidine (P less than 0.01), though not by ranitidine. Neither antihistaminic altered pituitary prolactin concentrations. Despite decreasing basal concentrations of plasma TSH, cimetidine augmented the response to TRH above baseline values (P less than 0.01) in control rats as well as in animals with T4-induced suppression of plasma TSH. Administration of cimetidine or ranitidine for 5 days was followed by a reduced concentration of plasma T4 and triiodothyronine (T3) (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.01 respectively), perhaps as a result of the declining plasma TSH levels. These results provide the first evidence for the reduction of plasma TSH concentrations by H2-receptor blockers, and may indicate that histamine can physiologically regulate TSH and prolactin secretion through H2 receptors in the anterior pituitary.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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In the present work the effects of oestradiol benzoate (EB) on pituitary and plasma concentrations of TSH, plasma T4 and T3, and thyroidal activity of male and female rats have been studied. Wistar rats weighing between 150 to 200 g were injected sc with varying doses of EB in corn oil for 9 or 30 days. The animals were exsanguinated by cardiac puncture and the hypophyses removed and individually homogenized at 4 degrees C in 200 microliters PBS buffer. Pituitary and plasma TSH were measured by radioimmunoassay. Thyroidal activity was evaluated by a 4 h 131I uptake and by 48 h thyroidal release plasma slopes derived form the ratio PB[125I] (from thyroidal secretion) to PB[131I] (from exogenous [131I]T4). In both male and female rats the 10 and 25 micrograms doses of EB produced a significant decrease in pituitary TSH content; this effect was more pronounced when the 25 micrograms dose was given over 30 days. Plasma T4 decreased significantly; plasma T3 was moderately elevated in all groups (NS) and significantly increased in female rats treated with 25 micrograms EB (P less than 0.01). It is concluded that EB induced a marked depression of intrapituitary TSH, probably due to a decrease in synthesis, without affecting the release of TSH into the circulation. Moreover, EB accelerated peripheral T4 kinetics and thyroid gland activity, albeit to a moderate degree.

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