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BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD), caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is the most important endemic anthropozoonosis in Argentina. Since 2010, the World Health Organization has highlighted the urgent need to validate diagnostic systems that allow rapid detection of T. cruzi, infection in primary healthcare centers. Serological rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for T. cruzi, infection could be used to improve case management, as RDTs do not require specialized laboratories or highly trained staff to use them. We aimed to generate unbiased performance data of RDTs in Argentina, to evaluate their usefulness for improving T. cruzi, diagnosis rates. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This is a retrospective, laboratory-based, diagnostic evaluation study to estimate the clinical sensitivity/specificity of four commercially available RDTs for T. cruzi, using the Chagas disease diagnostic algorithm currently used in Argentina as the reference standard. In total, 400 serum samples were tested, 200 from individuals with chronic T. cruzi infection and 200 from individuals not infected with T. cruzi. All results were registered as the agreement of at least two operators who were blinded to the reference standard results. The sensitivity estimates ranged from 92.5-100% (95% confidence interval (CI) lower bound 87.9-98.2%); for specificity, the range was 76-96% (95% CI lower bound 69.5-92.3%). Most RDTs evaluated showed performances comparable with the reference standard method, showing almost perfect concordance (Kappa 0.76-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that, under controlled laboratory conditions, commercially available RDTs for CD have a performance comparable to the Argentinian diagnostic algorithm, which is based on laboratory-based serological tests. For the next stage of our work, the RDTs will be evaluated in real-world settings.

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Multiple species of Phlebotominae are vectors of Leishmania (Protozoa: Trypanosomatidae), which causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). To describe the Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) related to the environments of black and gold howler monkeys Alouatta caraya (Humbodlt, 1812) (Primates: Atelidae), potential vectors were sampled in different landscapes and vertical strata of sleeping trees. Phlebotomine captured between December 2011 and March 2012 (2365 individuals) belonged to eight species, of which Nyssomyia neivai (Pinto, 1926) (61.4%) and Migonemyia migonei (França, 1920) (18.73%) were the most abundant, and Ny. withmani was recorded for the first time in the Chaco province. In the 'peri-domestic' landscape, the phlebotomine were mainly captured in henhouses (78.7%), whereas the tree canopy in 'rural' and 'wild' landscapes yielded 31.2% and 29.1% of the phlebotomine, respectively. A significant association between the type of landscape and the species of phlebotomine was observed by multivariate analysis. Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) and Mg. migonei were associated with 'peri-domestic' landscape, and Ny. neivai was associated with the 'wild' landscape. The results of this prospective study suggest that the interaction between phlebotomine and A. caraya could be a key factor with respect to understanding the epidemiology of leishmaniasis.

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The spatiotemporal population dynamics of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae) were evaluated in a city in Argentina in which visceral leishmaniasis is endemic. Over 14 sampling sessions, 5244 specimens of five species of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) were captured, of which 2458 (46.87%) specimens were L. longipalpis. Generalized linear models were constructed to evaluate the associations between L. longipalpis abundance and explanatory variables derived from satellite images. The spatial variable 'stratum' and the temporal variable 'season' were also included in the models. Three variables were found to have significant associations: the normalized difference vegetation index; land surface temperature, and low urban coverage. The last two of these were associated with L. longipalpis abundance only during summer and winter, respectively. This variation between seasons supports the development of models that include temporal variables because models of distributions of the abundance of a species may show different critical variables according to the climatic period of the year. Abundance decreased gradually towards the downtown area, which suggests that L. longipalpis responds to a meta-population structure, in which rural-periurban source populations that persist over time may colonize adjacent areas. This information allows for a spatiotemporal stratification of risk, which provides public health authorities with a valuable tool to help optimize prevention measures against visceral leishmaniasis.

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The aim of this work was to study the distribution of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psycodidade) abundance in time and space in an area in northeastern Argentina with vector transmission of visceral and tegumentary leishmaniasis. For this, 51 households were selected using a 'worst scenario' criterion where one light trap was set during two consecutive nights in peridomiciles in the transitions between the four seasons, and the environment was surveyed simultaneously. The relationships of phlebotomine assemblage structure and the most abundant species with seasonality and environmental variables were evaluated using a canonical correspondence analysis and generalized linear mixed models, respectively. A total of 5110 individuals were captured. Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) and Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) were the most abundant species captured in all samplings (98.3% of the total capture). The period of highest abundance of Lu. longipalpis was early autumn, and it was distributed in the most urbanized areas. Nyssomyia whitmani occupied mainly the less urbanized areas, showing peaks of abundance in early spring and summer. Other species were captured in low numbers and showed seasonal-spatial variations similar to those of Ny. whitmani. We confirmed Leishmania spp. vector persistence throughout the year in spatial patches of high abundance even during the less favorable season.

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In Puerto Iguazú City, Argentina, human and canine Visceral Leishmaniasis cases have been recorded since the year 2010, with Leishmania infantum as the etiological agent and Lutzomyia longipalpis as its main vector. In the present study, polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were used to detect L. infantum DNA in 3.9% of the female sandflies captured in Puerto Iguazú City. This is the first report of L. infantum DNA detection in Micropygomyia quinquefer, and the second one in Lu. longipalpis and Nyssomyia whitmani for Argentina. Although the detection of Leishmania DNA itself is not enough to determine a Phlebotomine species as a vector, these results are significant in setting the direction of further investigations of vectorial competence and capacity, necessary to define the roles of different sandflies species as specific or permissive vectors in the transmission VL cycle.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of insecticide-impregnated curtains against the entry of phlebotomine (Diptera: Psychodidae) flies into experimental slatted hen houses in an area endemic for American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). Three treatments in experimental dwellings containing three chickens each were applied using, respectively, an impregnated curtain (IC), a non-impregnated curtain (NIC) and no curtain (NC). A control site without chickens (WC) was included. The study used permethrin at 0.05 g/m2 . During each month for 1 year, each experimental hen house randomly received all treatments. Phlebotomine sandflies were captured using REDILA BL traps placed inside the hen house. Significant differences in abundances of phlebotomine flies/trap/night were observed between treatments (χ2 = 17853.58, d.f. = 3, P < 0.0001): 59.7% of phlebotomines were captured in the NC treatment, 26.3% in the NIC treatment, 8.0% in the IC treatment and 6.1% in the WC condition. Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho) was the most abundant species in all collections (89.9%). These results showed a lower abundance of phlebotomines in the experimental hen house in the IC condition than in the hen house in the NC condition (P < 0.05) and that the presence of NIC represents an effective physical barrier against phlebotomines (P < 0.05). Therefore, the use of curtains may be an alternative eco-friendly method for the prevention of indoor ACL transmission in slatted dwellings, which represent a common house type in northeast Argentina.

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El objetivo de este estudio fue implementar los entornos virtuales (blended learning) en la enseñanza superior de enfermería y describir la adherencia de los alumnos de la cátedra de administración en enfermería a las nuevas estrategias didácticas. Material y Método: trabajo retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional. Se reviso la base del Centro de innovación tecnología y pedagogía de la UBA (CITEP) de 210 alumnos inscriptos en la cátedra de administración en enfermería distribuidos en 3 comisiones desde marzo a diciembre del 2015. Se describieron los datos sociodemográficos, las experiencias previas en entornos virtuales, articulación de los contenidos (áulicos con los virtuales) y la Organización de la enseñanza. Resultados: La población estudiada 210 usuarios estuvo representada por sexo femenino 80% y 20% masculino. La Edad media fue de 28 años con un rango entre 20-48 años, la edad no constituyó una variable asociada a la no adherencia de los entornos virtuales en un 96% de los usuarios. El 55% n: 114 de los alumnos manifestó trabajar, el trabajo asociado a ámbitos de la salud estuvo presente en un 21% y el 33% manifestó trabajar en ámbitos fuera de la salud. El 63% de los usuarios tuvo alguna experiencia previa con los entornos virtuales durante el desarrollo de la carrera de Enfermería. El 86% de la población en estudio N:(180) refirió que la articulación de los contenidos áulicos con los virtuales les resulto practico N: (136) y muy práctico N: (44). El 90% N: (189) de los usuarios refirió que los contenido ofrecidos por los docentes en la plataforma virtual fueron útiles y muy útiles. El 63% N: (132) de la población incorporó el uso de la plataforma blended learning como herramienta pedagógica para el desarrollo del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje. El 83% de los alumnos recomendaron el espacio virtual a sus compañeros. Se observa el beneficio de las Estrategias didácticas innovadoras en la enseñanza superior de enfermería a través de los espacios virtuales blended learning (AU)

The aim of this study was to develop an online learning environment (blended learning) in postgraduate education for nurses and to describe adherence to the new teaching strategies of the pupils of the course of management in nursing. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, observational study was conducted. The data base of the Center for Innovative Technology and Educational Sciences of the University of Buenos Aires (CITEP) of 210 pupils enrolled in the course of management in nursing distributed over 3 classes from March to December 2015 was reviewed. Sociodemographic data, previous experience with online education, content coordination (between face-to-face classroom practices and computer-mediated activities), and the organization of education were evaluated. Results: The study population consisted of 210 pupils of whom 80% were female and 20% male. Mean age was 28 years with a range from 20 to 48 years. The variable of age was not associated with nonadherence to the on-line education in 96% of the users. Overall, 55% N: 114 of the pupils reported to be currently working; 21% was working in health-care-related areas, and 33% was working in areas not related to health care. Of all users, 63% had some previous experience with on-line education during their nursing studies. Of the study population 86% N:(180) considered the content coordination between classroom practices and on-line activities practical N: (136) and very practical N: (44).Overall, 90% N: (189)of the users reported the contents offered by the teachers in the on-line platform to be useful and very useful; 63% N: (132) of the population incorporated the blended learning platform as an educational tool for the development of the learning process. Of all pupils, 83% recommended the on-line education to their colleagues. A clear benefit of the innovating teaching strategies in post-graduate courses in nursing through on-line blended learning was observed (AU)

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The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the presence of gaps at the interface between filling material and three root-end filling materials. Thirty human upper molars disto-buccal roots were instrumented and filled with gutta-percha and eugenol-based sealer. The apicoectomy was performed 2 mm from the apex and retrograde cavities were prepared with ultrasonic points (3 mm in deep). The samples were divided into three experimental groups (n = 10): Group I-white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA); Group II-Super EBA; and Group III-Portland cement. The root-end filling materials were inserted into the retocavities using a MTA carrier. After 48 h, the roots were transversally sectioned in order to obtain the apical 5 mm. Next, each specimen was prepared longitudinally with crescent granulation of abrasives water-wet sandpapers in order to expose the filling and root-end filling materials. Then, the specimens were subjected to slow dehydration with silica gel, mounted onto specific stubs and coated with paladium coverage for SEM analysis of the interface between filling and root-end filling materials. The percentage of gaps at the interfacial area was calculated by using Image Tool 3.0 software. Super EBA presented the higher percentage of gaps (1.5 ± 0.67%), whereas MTA presented the lowest values (0.33 ± 0.20%; p = 0.0004). Despite the statistical differences observed between Super EBA and MTA, all the root-end filling materials presented great adaptation to the filling material, presenting small amount of gaps.

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AIM: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of different diameters and surface characteristics of a glass fiber post on the fracture resistance of teeth restored with fiber posts. METHODS: Eighty single-rooted bovine teeth were prepared, embedded in a PVC cylinder using acrylic resin, and allocated into 8 groups (N.=10) according to post diameter and shape: (smooth double-tapered fiber post) G1, G2, G3, and G4 with cervical diameters of 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2 mm, respectively; (double-tapered fiber posts with coronal grooves) G5, G6, G7, and G8 with cervical diameters of 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2 mm, respectively. A self-adhesive cement was used for post cementation, and the core build-up was standardized and made with composite resin. Specimens were stored for 7 days and then submitted to the mechanical fatigue testing (load=50 N., angle= 45°, frequency=1 Hz, temperature=37 ± 1 °C, number of cycles=1000000); the specimens that survived were submitted to static resistance testing (1 mm/min, 45°). The fracture loads and fracture modes was recorded. Data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey test and Pearson Correlation analysis. RESULTS: The cervical diameter of the post (P<0.0001) and surface characteristics (P=0.01013) significantly affected the fracture resistance (2-way ANOVA). Grooves reduced the fracture resistance when post diameter was 1.4 mm (G1 and G5). A moderate positive correlation was found between the fracture resistance and the fiber post diameter (r2=0.4445; P<0.0001) (Pearson correlation test). CONCLUSION: It appears that there is a direct relation between the diameter of the fiber post and the fracture strength of roots restored with fiber posts. But other factors may have influenced the fracture strength such as the reduction of intracanal dentin by the preparation for placement of wider fiber posts, since no difference was found for smooth fiber posts with different diameter. Otherwise, grooves at coronal part of the fiber post can damage the fracture resistance.

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PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different strategies for post cementation on the pullout bond strength of a double-tapered glass fiber post cemented into a root canal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root canals of 70 single-rooted bovine teeth (16 mm-length) were prepared to 9 mm using the preparation drill of a double-tapered glass fiber post system (White Post DC, FGM). Each specimen was embedded in a plastic cylinder using acrylic resin up to 3 mm of the most coronal portion of the specimen and allocated into one of seven groups (n=10) based on strategies for cementation: Gr1-ScotchBond Multi Purpose plus (SBMP) + Relyx ARC resin cement; Gr2-Single Bond + Relyx ARC; Gr3-ED Primer + Panavia F resin cement; Gr4-SBMP + AllCem resin cement; Gr5-Relyx ARC; Gr6-Relyx Unicem resin cement; Gr7-Relyx Luting 2 glass ionomer cement. After cementation, the specimens were stored for seven days (in a humid environment at 37 degrees C) and submitted to pullout bond strength testing (the inferior part of each specimen was fixed and the fiber post was pulled out). The data (Kgf) were submitted to statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests, alpha=.05). The tested specimens were analyzed under the microscope and SEM for fracture analysis. RESULTS: The strategy for post cementation affected the pullout retentive strength (Kgf) (p<0.0001) significantly. Gr6 (37.7 +/- 8a), Gr1 (37.4 +/- 5.7a) and Gr4 (31.6 +/- 6.6ab) presented the highest pullout bond strengths. Gr2 (12.2 +/- 5.6c), Gr3 (6.5 +/- 5.2c) and Gr7 (5.1 +/- 2.8c) presented the lowest pullout bond strengths. Gr5 (24.2 +/- 7.4b) was similar to Gr4 and inferior to Gr6 and Gr1. CONCLUSION: The use of a three-step etch-&-rinse adhesive system appears to be effective. The application of other adhesive systems (single-bottle etch-&-rinse and self-etch adhesive systems) did not present high pullout strength values. The simplified self-adhesive resin cement (without adhesive application) presented good retentive performance. Further studies should be conducted.

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AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate fracture resistance of bovine teeth restored with glass fiber posts of different diameter and shape. METHODS: Eighty single-rooted bovine teeth were prepared, embedded in a PVC cylinder using acrylic resin, and allocated into eight groups (N.=10) based on the post diameter (White Post DC) and shape: smooth double-tapered fiber post -- G1, G2, G3, and G4 with cervical diameters of 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2 mm, respectively; double-tapered fiber post with coronal macroretentions -- G5, G6, G7, and G8 with cervical diameters of 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2 mm, respectively. A three-step etch-and.rinse adhesive and resin cement system was used for postcementation. Afterwards, the core build-up was standardized with composite resin (Oppalis). The specimens were stored for seven days and later submitted to monotonic load at a crosshead speed of 0.05 cm/min (45 degrees ) until failure. The fracture loads were determined and the fracture mode was recorded. RESULTS: The post diameter (P=0.0007) and post-surface characteristic (P=0.0149) factors affected the fracture resistance results significantly (2-way ANOVA). Low fracture strength values were noted in the group with narrower diameter and macroretentions (G5). The macroretentions damaged the fracture resistance results when post diameter was 1.4 mm (G1 and G5). On fiber posts having diameters of 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2 mm, macroretentions did not impair fracture strengths significantly. CONCLUSIONS: A direct relation between the diameter of the fiber post and the fracture strength seems likely. Coronal macroretentions reduced fracture strength in thinner fiber posts.

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Foram analisadas 10 amostras de vegetais e hortaliças minimamente processadas, comercializadas em hipermercados da cidade de Londrina-PR. As análises microbiológicas realizadas foram a determinação de coliformes totais e fecais, através da técnica do Numero Mais Provável (NMP) e presença de Escherichia coli através de análises bioquímicas de identificação. Os resultados obtidos para bactérias do grupo dos coliformes mostraram que 100 por cento das amostras estavam contaminadas por estes microrganismos, sendo que 80 por cento apresentaram-se fora do padrão estabelecido para coliformes fecais. Foi constatada a presença de E. coli em 80 por cento das amostras analisadas. Proteus e Enterobacter foram detectados em 20 por cento.(AU)

Were analysed 10 samples of minimally processed raw vegetables comercialyzed in Londrina-PR. The analysis of total and fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli, was realized with Most Problable Number and bioquimical identification. The results obtained for total coliform and fecal showed that 100% of the samples was contaminated, and 80% found out of the standard. E. coli was present in 80% of the samples, Proteus and Enterobacter was in 20%. (AU)

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Foram analisadas 10 amostras de vegetais e hortaliças minimamente processadas, comercializadas em hipermercados da cidade de Londrina-PR. As análises microbiológicas realizadas foram a determinação de coliformes totais e fecais, através da técnica do Numero Mais Provável (NMP) e presença de Escherichia coli através de análises bioquímicas de identificação. Os resultados obtidos para bactérias do grupo dos coliformes mostraram que 100 por cento das amostras estavam contaminadas por estes microrganismos, sendo que 80 por cento apresentaram-se fora do padrão estabelecido para coliformes fecais. Foi constatada a presença de E. coli em 80 por cento das amostras analisadas. Proteus e Enterobacter foram detectados em 20 por cento.

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A polyantigenic immunomodulator (PAI), previously known as polyantigenic vaccine, which consists of a mixture of antigens of inactivated bacteria with antigens of influenza virus in a peanut-oil-arlacel-A-aluminium monoesterate emulsion, increased tumor resistance and induced tumor regression in tumor bearing mice. This report presents clinical and laboratory data that demonstrate the effect of PAI in long term prolongation of disease free state in HIV positive patients. A total of 40 patients, 35 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 41.1 +/- 10.5 years, ranging from 28 to 68 years, HIV positive by (ELISA and Western Blot), with no restriction on the CD4 + T lymphocytes counts, were included in this open study. The PAI regimen was one subcutaneous injection per week for patients with < 400 CD4 + lymphocytes and one monthly injection for patients with CD4 + count > 400. All patients were monitored at different intervals for lymphocyte counts, clinical condition and treatment toxicity. After a follow up of eight years 81% of the patients were alive and 47% were free of disease. In patients without AIDS, the weight was 153.9 +/- 28 pounds pre-PAI and 164.6 +/- 27 (P = 1.2 x 10(-4); the CD4 + lymphocyte count was 795 +/- 421 pre-PAI and 585 +/- 279 post PAI (P = 0.08). In patients alive with AIDS, the weight was 159.5 +/- 32 pre-PAI and 163.9 +/- 32 pounds post-PAI (P = 0.8); the CD4 + lymphocyte counts was 491 +/- 255 pre-PAI and 298 +/- 142 post-PAI (P = 0.08); and five AIDS-related infections occurred in five patients. In patients who died the weight was 157.7 +/- 23 pre and 146.8 +/- 30 post (P = 0.10); and the CD4 count was 340.7 +/- 149 pre and 103.4 +/- 88 post (P = 0.0057). All died with infection. No toxicity with the use of PAI was reported. PAI improves disease free survival and quality of life in HIV + patients.

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A polyantigenic immunomodulator (PAI), previously known as polyantigenic vaccine, which consists of a mixture of antigens of inactivated bacteria with antigens of influenza virus in a peanut-oil-arlacel-A-aluminium monoesterate emulsion, increased tumor resistance and induced tumor regression in tumor bearing mice. This report presents clinical and laboratory data that demonstrate the effect of PAI in long term prolongation of disease free state in HIV positive patients. A total of 40 patients, 35 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 41.1 +/- 10.5 years, ranging from 28 to 68 years, HIV positive by (ELISA and Western Blot), with no restriction on the CD4 + T lymphocytes counts, were included in this open study. The PAI regimen was one subcutaneous injection per week for patients with < 400 CD4 + lymphocytes and one monthly injection for patients with CD4 + count > 400. All patients were monitored at different intervals for lymphocyte counts, clinical condition and treatment toxicity. After a follow up of eight years 81 percent of the patients were alive and 47 percent were free of disease. In patients without AIDS, the weight was 153.9 +/- 28 pounds pre-PAI and 164.6 +/- 27 (P = 1.2 x 10(-4); the CD4 + lymphocyte count was 795 +/- 421 pre-PAI and 585 +/- 279 post PAI (P = 0.08). In patients alive with AIDS, the weight was 159.5 +/- 32 pre-PAI and 163.9 +/- 32 pounds post-PAI (P = 0.8); the CD4 + lymphocyte counts was 491 +/- 255 pre-PAI and 298 +/- 142 post-PAI (P = 0.08); and five AIDS-related infections occurred in five patients. In patients who died the weight was 157.7 +/- 23 pre and 146.8 +/- 30 post (P = 0.10); and the CD4 count was 340.7 +/- 149 pre and 103.4 +/- 88 post (P = 0.0057). All died with infection. No toxicity with the use of PAI was reported. PAI improves disease free survival and quality of life in HIV + patients

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