Prevalence and effect of intramammary infection due to coagulase-negative staphylococcal (CNS) species in somatic cell counts in milk from Holstein dairy cows in Boyaca, Colombia / Prevalencia y efecto de la infección intramamaria debida a especies de estafilococos coagulasa negativo (ECN) en el conteo de células somáticas en leche de vacas Holstein en Boyacá, Colombia

ABSTRACT Mastitis is one of the most important illnesses in specialized dairy herds worldwide due to the effects on production and animal health. The types caused by CNS has a special importance in a production where the main pathogens are controlled. The objective of the present work is to determine the prevalence of CNS in a dairy herd in Boyaca and also quantify the effects of every species of CNS in SCC. 40 cows were selected and sampled during 6 months, CMT was performed, and results from 1 to trace were sampled. The routine bacteriological test was also performed for CNS identification, and the isolating of CNS was performed through rpoB gene identification and through the type of strain using the pulse gel electrophoresis procedure. Out of 960 samples, 619 were positive for CNS growth. The most prevalent species were Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. chromogenes, S. sciuri, S. simulaans, S. haemolyticus and S. capitis. The results that were found here are similar to the results observed in different parts of the world, which confirms that they are pathogens that must be constantly evaluated because they can go unnoticed in routine controls, especially in those farms where major pathogens are not a serious problem. The results determined in this study demonstrate that CNS generates a slight increase in somatic cells.

RESUMEN La mastitis es una de las enfermedades más importantes en los rebaños lecheros especializados alrededor de todo el mundo debido a los efectos sobre la producción y la salud animal. Los tipos ocasionados por estafilococos coagualasa negativo (ECN) tienen una importancia especial en una producción en la que los principales patógenos están controlados. El objetivo del presente trabajo es determinar la prevalência del ECN en un hato lechero en Boyacá y cuantificar los efectos de cada especie de ECN en el conteo de células somáticas (CCS). Se seleccionaron 40 vacas y se tomaron muestras durante 6 meses, se realizó california mastitis test (CMT) y se tomaron muestras de los resultados desde 1 hasta donde hubo trazas. También se realizó la prueba bacteriológica de rutina para la identificación del ECN y el aislamiento del ECN se realizó mediante la identificación del gen rpoB y del tipo de cepa, usando el procedimiento de electroforesis en gel de pulso. De 960 muestras, 619 fueron positivas para el crecimiento del ECN. Las especies más prevalentes fueron Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. chromogenes, S. sciuri, S. simulans, S. haemolyticus y S. capitis. Los resultados encontrados aquí son similares a resultados en diferentes partes del mundo, lo que confirma que son patógenos que deben ser evaluados constantemente porque pueden pasar desapercibidos en los controles de rutina, especialmente en aquellas fincas donde los patógenos mayores no son un problema grave. Los resultados determinados en este estudio demuestran que el SNC genera un ligero aumento de células somáticas.

Thirty-day suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the Spanish adult general population during the first wave of the Spain COVID-19 pandemic.

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB; i.e. suicidal ideation, plans or attempts) in the Spanish adult general population during the first wave of the Spain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March-July, 2020), and to investigate the individual- and population-level impact of relevant distal and proximal STB risk factor domains. METHODS: Cross-sectional study design using data from the baseline assessment of an observational cohort study (MIND/COVID project). A nationally representative sample of 3500 non-institutionalised Spanish adults (51.5% female; mean age = 49.6 [s.d. = 17.0]) was taken using dual-frame random digit dialing, stratified for age, sex and geographical area. Professional interviewers carried out computer-assisted telephone interviews (1-30 June 2020). Thirty-day STB was assessed using modified items from the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Distal (i.e. pre-pandemic) risk factors included sociodemographic variables, number of physical health conditions and pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorders; proximal (i.e. pandemic) risk factors included current mental disorders and a range of adverse events-experiences related to the pandemic. Logistic regression was used to investigate individual-level associations (odds ratios [OR]) and population-level associations (population attributable risk proportions [PARP]) between risk factors and 30-day STB. All data were weighted using post-stratification survey weights. RESULTS: Estimated prevalence of 30-day STB was 4.5% (1.8% active suicidal ideation; n = 5 [0.1%] suicide attempts). STB was 9.7% among the 34.3% of respondents with pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorders, and 1.8% among the 65.7% without any pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorder. Factors significantly associated with STB were pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorders (total PARP = 49.1%) and current mental disorders (total PARP = 58.4%), i.e. major depressive disorder (OR = 6.0; PARP = 39.2%), generalised anxiety disorder (OR = 5.6; PARP = 36.3%), post-traumatic stress disorder (OR = 4.6; PARP = 26.6%), panic attacks (OR = 6.7; PARP = 36.6%) and alcohol/substance use disorder (OR = 3.3; PARP = 5.9%). Pandemic-related adverse events-experiences associated with STB were lack of social support, interpersonal stress, stress about personal health and about the health of loved ones (PARPs 32.7-42.6%%), and having loved ones infected with COVID-19 (OR = 1.7; PARP = 18.8%). Up to 74.1% of STB is potentially attributable to the joint effects of mental disorders and adverse events-experiences related to the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: STB at the end of the first wave of the Spain COVID-19 pandemic was high, and large proportions of STB are potentially attributable to mental disorders and adverse events-experiences related to the pandemic, including health-related stress, lack of social support and interpersonal stress. There is an urgent need to allocate resources to increase access to adequate mental healthcare, even in times of healthcare system overload. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04556565.

Prevaléncia de tremátodos y algunos factores de riesgo en vacas lecheras en Paipa, Boyacá (Colombia) / Prevalence of trematodes and some risk factors in dairy cows in Paipa Boyacá (Colombia)

RESUMEN Este estudio se llevó a cabo para establecer la prevalencia e identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con las infestaciones por trematodos en ganado lechero Holstein en el valle de Paipa, Boyacá. Las muestras fecales recogidas de 100 bovinos seleccionados aleatoriamente se examinaron utilizando una técnica de sedimentación simple para el recuento diferencial de huevos de trematodos. Se buscaron huevos de tres grupos de trematodos: Fasciola hepatica, Paramphistomum spp., y Cotylophorum spp. La prevalencia específica de trematodos para cada grupo fue del 12, 9 y 4%, respectivamente. Se observó una superposición sustancial en el recuento de F. hepatica y Paramphistomum spp. La prevalencia de los tres trematodos identificados en este estudio se asoció significativamente (P < 0,05) con la condición corporal y la raza, mientras que la prevalencia de Fasciola hepatica y Paramphistomum spp., se asoció con la edad. La prevalencia de los tres principales trematodos de importancia para la salud animal con una alta tasa de infestación mixta junto con una mala condición corporal, sugiere una pérdida económica sustancial incurrida debido a la reducción de la productividad del ganado en el área de estudio.

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to establish the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with trematode infestations in Holstein dairy cattle in the Paipa-Boyacá valley. Fecal samples collected from 100 randomly selected cattle were examined using a simple sedimentation technique for differential trematode egg count. Eggs were sought from three groups of trematodes: Fasciola hepatica, Paramphistomum spp., and Cotylophorum spp. The specific prevalence was 12, 9 and 4%, respectively. Substantial overlap was observed in the count of F. hepatica and Paramphistomum spp. The prevalence of the three flukes identified in this study was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with body condition and race, while the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica and Paramphistomum spp., was associated with age. The prevalence of the three main trematodes of importance for animal health with a high rate of mixed infestation together with a poor body condition, suggests a substantial economic loss incurred due to the reduction of livestock productivity in the study area.

Detección de aflatoxina M1 en muestras de leche cruda de vacas en tanques de enfriamiento en Boyacá (Colombia) / Detection of aflatoxin M1 in raw cow milk samples in cooling tanks in Boyacá (Colombia)

RESUMEN Una de las principales formas de contaminación de la leche con micotoxinas es el consumo de alimentos fermentados que se encuentran contaminados con mohos principalmente de Aspergillus spp., los cuales producen toxinas que pueden llegar a constituirse como un problema para la salud publica debido a su estabilidad térmica y química. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue detectar las concentraciones de aflatoxina M1 en muestras de leche de vacas en tanques de enfriamiento en cuatro municipios del departamento de Boyacá durante un año, determinando las variaciones de acuerdo con la temporada. Se realizó un estudio de corte longitudinal, descriptivo cuantitativo. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente cuatro tanques de enfriamiento de cuatro municipios distintos del departamento; cada uno se muestreó dos veces al mes durante todo el período de estudio y se procesaron mediante metodología Charm Ez Lite . Se realizó un ANDEVA para determinar las diferencias estadísticas entre las concentraciones de la aflatoxina M1 por cada trimestre. Se determinaron diferencias estadísticas entre cada uno de los trimestres del estudio encontrando un porcentaje de positividad de 74,06% del total de muestras positivas en los trimestres de verano. 28,12% (108) de las muestras tomadas durante todo el estudio fueron positivas, con concentraciones de la toxina que oscilaron entre 0,5 y 2,0 μg/Kg de leche. Se determinó por primera vez en el departamento de Boyacá las concentraciones y variaciones estacionales de aflatoxina M1 en muestras de tanques de enfriamiento de leche, encontrando las mayores concentraciones y número de casos positivos de aflatoxina M1 en los meses de verano.

ABSTRACT One of the main forms of contamination of milk with mycotoxins is the consumption of fermented foods that are contaminated with mold, mainly Aspergillus spp, which produce toxins that can become a public health problem due to their thermal and chemical stability. The objective of the present work was to detect aflatoxin M1 concentrations in cows' milk samples in cooling tanks in four municipalities of the department of Boyacá for one year, determining the variations according to the season. A longitudinal, quantitative descriptive study was carried out, four cooling tanks from four different municipalities in the department were randomly selected, each tank, in each municipality, was sampled twice a month throughout the study period and processed using Charm methodology Ez Lite®, an ANDEVA was performed to determine the statistical differences between aflatoxin M1 concentrations for each quarter. Statistical differences were determined between each of the quarters of the study, finding a positivity percentage of 74.06% of the total positive samples in the summer quarters. 28.12% (108) of the samples taken throughout the study were positive, with toxin concentrations ranging between 0.5 and 2.0 μg/Kg of milk. Seasonal concentrations and variations of aflatoxin M1 in milk cooling tank samples were determined for the first time in the department of Boyacá, finding the highest concentrations and number of positive cases of aflatoxin M1 in the summer months.

Neuroimagen funcional en el diagnóstico de pacientes con síndrome parkinsoniano: actualización y recomendaciones para el uso clínico / Functional neuroimaging in the diagnosis of patients with Parkinsonism: Update and recommendations for clinical use

Las técnicas de neuroimagen funcional se han utilizado tradicionalmente en la investigación de los pacientes que presentan un síndrome parkinsoniano. Sin embargo, la aparición de radiofármacos comerciales junto a la disponibilidad de equipos de tomografía por emisión de fotón único (SPECT) y más recientemente de la tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET), han permitido su empleo rutinario en la práctica clínica. Precisamente el desarrollo y grado de evidencia clínica alcanzado por los biomarcadores de neuroimagen durante las 2 últimas décadas ha conllevado que progresivamente se estén incluyendo en los criterios clínicos de diagnóstico de enfermedades neurodegenerativas que cursan con un síndrome parkinsoniano. No obstante, la diversidad de radiofármacos que permiten evaluar la funcionalidad de las vías anatómicas involucradas en la neurodegeneración presente en los diferentes síndromes parkinsonianos (vía nigroestriatal dopaminérgica, actividad neuronal de los ganglios basales y la corteza, inervación simpática miocárdica), junto a las técnicas de neuroimagen (gammagrafía, SPECT y PET) han originado cierta controversia con respecto a la indicación de las pruebas de neuroimagen como exploración complementaria. En esta revisión realizada por un panel de expertos en medicina nuclear y neurología se analizan las técnicas de neuroimagen funcional disponibles haciendo especial énfasis en las consideraciones prácticas del diagnóstico de pacientes con un síndrome parkinsoniano de origen incierto y la valoración de la progresión de la enfermedad de Parkinson (AU)

Functional Neuroimaging has been traditionally used in research for patients with different Parkinsonian syndromes. However, the emergence of commercial radiotracers together with the availability of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and, more recently, positron emission tomography (PET) have made them available for clinical practice. Particularly, the development of clinical evidence achieved by functional neuroimaging techniques over the past two decades have motivated a progressive inclusion of several biomarkers in the clinical diagnostic criteria for neurodegenerative diseases that occur with Parkinsonism. However, the wide range of radiotracers designed to assess the involvement of different pathways in the neurodegenerative process underlying Parkinsonian syndromes (dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway integrity, basal ganglia and cortical neuronal activity, myocardial sympathetic innervation), and the different neuroimaging techniques currently available (scintigraphy, SPECT and PET), have generated some controversy concerning the best neuroimaging test that should be indicated for the differential diagnosis of Parkinsonism. In this article, a panel of nuclear medicine and neurology experts has evaluated the functional neuroimaging techniques emphazising practical considerations related to the diagnosis of patients with uncertain origin parkinsonism and the assessment Parkinson’s disease progression (AU)

[Functional neuroimaging in the diagnosis of patients with Parkinsonism: Update and recommendations for clinical use]. / Neuroimagen funcional en el diagnóstico de pacientes con síndrome parkinsoniano: actualización y recomendaciones para el uso clínico.

Functional Neuroimaging has been traditionally used in research for patients with different Parkinsonian syndromes. However, the emergence of commercial radiotracers together with the availability of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and, more recently, positron emission tomography (PET) have made them available for clinical practice. Particularly, the development of clinical evidence achieved by functional neuroimaging techniques over the past two decades have motivated a progressive inclusion of several biomarkers in the clinical diagnostic criteria for neurodegenerative diseases that occur with Parkinsonism. However, the wide range of radiotracers designed to assess the involvement of different pathways in the neurodegenerative process underlying Parkinsonian syndromes (dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway integrity, basal ganglia and cortical neuronal activity, myocardial sympathetic innervation), and the different neuroimaging techniques currently available (scintigraphy, SPECT and PET), have generated some controversy concerning the best neuroimaging test that should be indicated for the differential diagnosis of Parkinsonism. In this article, a panel of nuclear medicine and neurology experts has evaluated the functional neuroimaging techniques emphazising practical considerations related to the diagnosis of patients with uncertain origin parkinsonism and the assessment Parkinson's disease progression.

Enfermedad mental, rasgos de personalidad y calidad de vida en epilepsia: estudio control de pacientes con epilepsia mioclónica juvenil y otras epilepsias / Mental illness, personality traits and quality of life in epilepsy: control study of patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and other epilepsies

Introducción. La asociación de epilepsia con enfermedad mental está descrita desde hace años. En la actualidad, se intenta relacionar ciertas epilepsias, como la epilepsia mioclónica juvenil (EMJ), con determinados rasgos de personalidad marcados por la inestabilidad afectiva. Sujetos y métodos. Se estudia un grupo de pacientes con EMJ y su estado mental, con especial interés sobre los rasgos de personalidad, la presencia de clínica de ansiedad o depresión, y la calidad de vida, junto con otros pacientes diagnosticados de otras epilepsias, así como frente a un grupo control. Resultados. Los pacientes con epilepsia presentan rasgos de personalidad más marcados, así como síntomas de ansiedad y depresión, y realizan una valoración más negativa de su calidad de vida respecto al grupo control. Los pacientes con otras epilepsias presentan una mayor alteración de la personalidad y una peor percepción de su calidad de vida que los pacientes con EMJ. Conclusiones. Se obtienen diferencias entre los pacientes con epilepsia y el grupo control en todas las variables analizadas (personalidad, ansiedad, depresión y calidad de vida). Los pacientes con EMJ presentan mejores puntuaciones en personalidad y calidad de vida que los pertenecientes al grupo de otras epilepsias (AU)

Introduction. The association of epilepsy with mental illness is described for years. Current is trying to relate certain epilepsies, such as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) with certain personality traits marked by emotional instability. Subjects and methods. We study a group of patients with JME and his mental state, with emphasis on the personality traits, presence of clinical anxiety or depression and quality of life, with other epilepsy patients versus a control group. Results. Patients with epilepsy have more marked personality traits and symptoms of anxiety and depression, making a more negative assessment of their quality of life than the control group. Patients with others epilepsy have a higher other personality disorder and a poorer perception of their quality of life than patients with JME. Conclusions. Differences are obtained among patients with epilepsy and control groups in all the variables analyzed (personality, anxiety, depression and quality of life). JME patients have better scores on personality and quality of life than those in the other group of epilepsies (AU)

[Descriptive analysis of the use of atypical antipsychotics under compassionate-use in a health area in Ferrol (La Coruña, Spain)]. / Análisis descriptivo de la prescripción de antipsicóticos atípicos de uso compasivo en el área sanitaria de Ferrol.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although atypical antipsychotics (AA) provoke fewer extra-pyramidal symptoms (ES) than classic antipsychotics, their use in patients greater than or equal to 75 years old with dementia must be under compassionate-use. This is an important limitation. We performed a descriptive analysis of the use of atypical antipsychotics under compassionate-use (AACU) in the Ferrol health area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively assessed all the patients who were receiving an AACU from March, 2004 (that is the date when prescription under compassionate-use of AA came into force in Spain) to November 30, 2008. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-three of 164 patients (63.6% women; median ages, 81.9 ± 4.95 years) were included. Diagnostic aetiologies were: 42.9% Alzheimer's disease, 30.8% Parkinson-dementia/Lewy body disease, and 15.8% vascular/mixed dementia. A total of 68.4% of patients had received other anti-psychotic drugs previously and 32.3% had ES due to antipsychotics. The AACU received were: quetiapine (76.7%), ziprasidone (18.8%), and olanzapine (4.5%). Median follow-up time was 20.25 ± 20.38 months. Side effects were observed in 19.7% of patients. Improvement of NPI (Neuropsychiatric Inventory) was 33.3 ± 24.75 points. Agitation/aggressiveness (5.6 ± 4.55), delirious ideas (4.94 ± 5.07), irritability (4.38 ± 4.94), and anxiety (4.32 ± 4.83) were the symptoms that most improved. Although there were no differences between AACU, quetiapine was associated with significant maintenance in monotherapy (94.1% vs 72% for ziprasidone and 83.3% for olanzapine; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: AACU are effective and well tolerated drugs. Quetiapine was the most frequently used AACU. An excessive percentage of patients previously received other antipsychotics and present with ES.

Análisis descriptivo de la prescripción de antipsicóticos atípicos de uso compasivo en el área sanitaria de Ferrol / Descriptive analysis of the use of atypical antipsychotics under compassionate-use in a health area in Ferrol (La Coruña, Spain)

Objetivos: Aunque quetiapina y ziprasidona producen menos síntomas extrapiramidales (SEP) que otros antipsicóticos, su uso en pacientes mayores de 75 años con demencia se ve condicionado por la obligatoriedad de prescribirlos “por uso compasivo”. Realizamos un análisis descriptivo del uso de antipsicóticos atípicos de uso compasivo (AAUC) en el área sanitaria de Ferrol. Pacientes y métodos: Incluimos a todos los pacientes que recibieran un AAUC desde marzo de 2004 (fecha en que entró en vigor la dispensación de AAUC) hasta el 30-11-2008. Resultados: Se incluyó a 133 de un total de 164 pacientes (el 63,6%, mujeres; media±desviación estándar de edad, 81,9±4,95 años). El 94,1% presentaba demencia (el 42,9%, enfermedad de Alzheimer; el 30,8%, demencia-enfermedad de Parkinson, y el 15,8%, demencia vascular/mixta). El 68,4% había recibido algún otro antipsicótico previo y el 32,3% presentaba SEP secundarios. Los AAUC prescritos fueron: quetiapina (76,7%), ziprasidona (18,8%) y olanzapina (4,5%). La media de tiempo de seguimiento fue 20,25±20,38 meses. El cumplimiento terapéutico fue del 95,5%. El 19,7% presentó efectos secundarios. La media de mejora en la escala NPI (Neuropsychiatric Inventory) fue 33,3±24,75 puntos. La agitación/agresividad (5,6±4,55), las ideas delirantes (4,94±5,07), la irritabilidad (4,38±4,94) y la ansiedad (4,32±4,83) fueron los síntomas que más mejoraron. Aunque no hubo diferencias entre los 3 AAUC, quetiapina conllevó un mayor mantenimiento en monoterapia (el 94,1 frente al 72% de ziprasidona y el 83,3% de olanzapina; p<0,0001). Conclusiones: Los AAUC son fármacos efectivos y bien tolerados. Quetiapina es el AAUC más utilizado. Un porcentaje excesivo de pacientes reciben antes otros antipsicóticos y presentan SEP (AU)

Background and objective: Although atypical antipsychotics (AA) provoke fewer extra-pyramidal symptoms (ES) than classic antipsychotics, their use in patients greater than or equal to 75 years old with dementia must be under compassionate-use. This is an important limitation. We performed a descriptive analysis of the use of atypical antipsychotics under compassionate-use (AACU) in the Ferrol health area.Patients and methods: We retrospectively assessed all the patients who were receiving an AACU from March, 2004 (that is the date when prescription under compassionate-use of AA came into force in Spain) to November 30, 2008. Results: One hundred and thirty-three of 164 patients (63.6% women; median ages, 81.9 ± 4.95 years) were included. Diagnostic aetiologies were: 42.9% Alzheimer's disease, 30.8% Parkinson-dementia/Lewy body disease, and 15.8% vascular/mixed dementia. A total of 68.4% of patients had received other anti-psychotic drugs previously and 32.3% had ES due to antipsychotics. The AACU received were: quetiapine (76.7%), ziprasidone (18.8%), and olanzapine (4.5%). Median follow-up time was 20.25 ± 20.38 months. Side effects were observed in 19.7% of patients. Improvement of NPI (Neuropsychiatric Inventory) was 33.3 ± 24.75 points. Agitation/aggressiveness (5.6 ± 4.55), delirious ideas (4.94 ± 5.07), irritability (4.38 ± 4.94), and anxiety (4.32 ± 4.83) were the symptoms that most improved. Although there were no differences between AACU, quetiapine was associated with significant maintenance in monotherapy (94.1% vs 72% for ziprasidone and 83.3% for olanzapine; p < 0.0001).Conclusions: AACU are effective and well tolerated drugs. Quetiapine was the most frequently used AACU. An excessive percentage of patients previously received other antipsychotics and present with ES (AU)

Homocysteine and hypertension in persons with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of a convenience sample of locally recruited participants, including both patients and volunteers. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is an association between plasma homocysteine and hypertension in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Service of the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Medical Center (California, United States of America). METHODS: The incidence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and the presence of metabolic syndrome were determined in 168 individuals with SCI (mean age 50.2 +/- 12.8 years). Fasting lipids, insulin, glucose, plasma homocysteine, and anthropometric data was gathered for each subject. RESULTS: Blood pressure values (P < 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (P < 0.05) increased with higher plasma homocysteine levels. Homocysteine values were also significantly greater among individuals with hypertension compared with those who were normotensive or prehypertensive (P < 0.0001). There was an inverse relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma homocysteine levels are elevated in persons with SCI who have hypertension and inversely related to renal function, which suggests that renal dysfunction may be a link between homocysteine and hypertension in persons with SCI. SPONSORSHIP: Funded by the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Merit Review Grant #B2549R.

Retarded gastric acid secretion in rats infected with larval Taenia taeniaeformis.

The influence of hepatic larval Taenia taeniaeformis infection on gastric acid secretory activity and gastric mucosal integrity was investigated. After 12 weeks of infection with 2,000 T. taeniaeformis eggs, the gastric pH values of control and infected rats were 4.1+/-0.6 (mean +/- SD) and 8.4+/-0.2, respectively. There was no difference in the basal acid secretion between control (1.7+/-0.7 micro Eq.H(+)/15 min) and infected (1.9+/-0.3) rats. However, infected rats failed to respond to histamine stimulation, the maximum acid output level being 2.8+/-0.4 in the infected rats, compared to 12.9+/-3.3 in control rats. Larval T. taeniaeformis infection resulted in the suppression of gastric acid secretion leading to hypergastrinemia.

Histopathology and physiopathology of gastric mucous hyperplasia in rats heavily infected with Taenia taeniaeformis.

Rats heavily infected with larval Taenia taeniaeformis show hyperplasia of the gastric mucosa accompanied by mucous cell proliferation, increase in the level of intragastric pH and hypergastrinemia. Sixty one rats were divided into 2 groups designed as infected (36 rats) and control (25 rats) group. These rats were examined with time course of the infection histopathologically and physiopathologically, during 14-112 days postinfection (DPI). In the infected rats, gastric mucosal hyperplasia began to be observed at 56 DPI, and the structural disturbance of zymogenic units in the corpus and mucous units in the antrum had increased with time. However, the degree of these changes in the antrum was weaker than those in the corpus. Alcianblue and/or PAS-positive cells increased in their numbers with time, and 4 types of cells other than typical surface mucous cell and mucous neck cell were observed by electron-microscopy. However, zymogenic and parietal cells decreased in their number after 56 DPI. Further, the infected rats showed changes in the serum concentration of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, glucose and total protein. Some similarities with Menetrier's disease were discussed.

Role of host immune response in the occurrence of gastropathy in rats infected with larval Taenia taeniaeformis.

Decrease of spleen weight from peak to control levels together with a corresponding decline of serum IgG level at the onset of gastric hyperplasia in Taenia taeniaeformis-infected euthymic rats, may indicate that a form of down regulation of host immune response during the course of larval T. taeniaeformis infection could facilitate the occurrence of gastropathy in rats. Gastric hyperplasia developed in T. taeniaeformis-infected athymic nude rats, indicating that occurrence of gastropathy associated with larval T. taeniaeformis infection in the rat is T cell independent. Apparently, gastric hyperplasia appeared early in nude rats which suggests that absence of T cell-mediated response could have facilitated its early occurrence.

Abundance and prevalence of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) on some Philippine chicken farms.

In total, 10,067 biting midges of the genus Culicoides comprising 17 species were collected in a light trap survey of 50 chicken farms in the province of Batangas, southern Luzon, Philippines, between 14 September and 5 December 1988. The species of greatest prevalence and abundance were Culicoides effusus Delfinado, Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer, and Culicoides palpifer Sen & Das Gupta. Engorged females of C. effusus, C. peregrinus, C. palpifer, Culicoides oxystoma Kieffer, Culicoides arakawae (Arakawa), Culicoides guttifer (Meijere), Culicoides albibasis Wirth & Hubert, Culicoides huffi Causey, Culicoides clavipalpis Mukerji, and Culicoides wenzeli Delfinado were collected. The abundance and prevalence of C. effusus, C. peregrinus, and C. C. palpifer in the overall sample of farms as well as in farms with previous occurrence of leucocytozoonosis indicated that these species are potential vectors of Culicoides-borne Leucocytozoon caulleryi Mathis & Leger among chickens in this area. Although blood-engorged females of C. arakawae were collected frequently, the prevalence and abundance of this species were limited.

[Saint Louis encephalomyelitis in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Its epidemiology]. / Encefalomielitis de San Luis en Hermosillo, Sonora, México. Su epidemiología.

In a warm desertic and irrigated region, with population 250 000 Northwest of Mexico, in Hermosillo, Sonora, along 8 weeks, 51 patients showed the following clinical data: fever, vomiting, neck rigidity, drowsiness and increase of cells and proteins in the CSF. In 12 patients good correlations were found between positive serologic results using SLE antigen by means of HI, CF and NT. Four paired sera showed fourfold increases in titers to SLE by means of HI or CF. With VEE antigen no such increases were found. The cases were scattered geographically, most of them occurred within an urban area, and affected people in 13 localities. The outbreak developed from August to September, 1974, the attack rate was 22/100 000, 69% of the patients being children under 15 years of age. The case fatality rate was 20%. A prosperous chicken industry existed in the region and epizootics were not reported in either domestic or wild animals at that time.

St. Louis encephalomyelitis in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

This report, which describes an epidemic of St. Louis encephalitis in northwestern Mexico, was prompted by the apparent infrequency of previous Mexican outbreaks of this disease. The site of the epidemic was the Municipality of Hermosillo in the State of Sonora. This municipality, with a population of about 273,000, is situated in a hot flat area which is naturally dry but which is also well-irrigated. Here, over an eithy-week period, 51 persons became ill and were hospitalized with symptoms including fever, vomiting, stiff neck, lethargy, and increased cell/protein levels in their cerebrospinal fluid. Sera from 12 of these patients were tested for SLE antibodies by hemagglutination inhibition, complement fixation, and neutralization. The results of these tests were positive and showed a fairly high degree of correlation. In addition, paired serum samples showed a significant rise in SLE antibody titers. Over half of the cases occurred in the City of Hermosillo, the municipal seat; the remainder occurred in 13 outlying areas, most of them quite nearby. Virtually all of the city dwellers affected were residents of low-income districts. The rate of hospital cases was roughly 19 per 100,000 inhabitants, and the case-fatality rate among these cases was approximately 20 per cent. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.3 to 1; sixty-nine per cent of the patients were under 16 years of age.