A case of acute non-typeable Hemophilus influenza infective endocarditis in a patient with hypocomplementemia.

Hemophilus influenzae is a gram-negative bacteria responsible for significant cases of invasive infections, especially in the pediatric population and in immunosuppressed adult patients. Before vaccination, most cases were frequently caused by capsulated or typeable variants. Due to the absence of effective vaccination against the nontypeable variant, it is now responsible for most invasive infections. Predisposing risk factors in adults include asplenia, hypocomplementemia, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and chronic cardiopulmonary disease. Immunity to the nontypeable variants causing disease is perplexing and not yet wholly described as they are genetically diverse. Infective endocarditis (IE) is a cardiac infection with devastating consequences if not detected earlier and treated appropriately. Gram-positive bacteria are the primary cause of IE overall, followed by gram-negative bacteria. Hemophilus species belong to the HACEK group of gram-negative bacteria responsible for causing IE in the pediatric population more than in adults. Hemophilus species, especially the nontypeable variant, is a rare cause of IE in adults. Here we present a case of IE due to Nontypeable Hemophilus influenzae in a 49-year-old caucasian male with hypocomplementemia.

Cardiotoxicities of Novel Therapies in Hematological Malignancies: Monoclonal Antibodies and Enzyme Inhibitors.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAB) selectively target leukemia surface antigens and work by either blocking cell surface receptors or triggering the target cell's destruction. Similarly, enzyme inhibitors bind to complex molecular platforms and induce downstream mechanisms that trigger cell death. These are used in a variety of hematologic malignancies. Yet, they also elicit severe immune-mediated reactions as biological agents that require careful monitoring. Cardiovascular effects include cardiomyopathy, ventricular dysfunction, cardiac arrest, and acute coronary syndrome. While there have been scattered reviews of mAB and enzyme inhibitors, a consolidated resource regarding their cardiovascular risk profile is lacking. We provide general recommendations for initial screening and serial monitoring based on the literature.

Low dose thymoglobulin versus basiliximab in cytomegalovirus positive kidney transplant recipients: Effectiveness of preemptive cytomegalovirus modified strategy / Timoglobulina en dosis bajas vs. basiliximab en receptores de trasplante renal positivos para citomegalovirus: efectividad de una estrategia preventiva modificada

Background: We performed a retrospective trial to determine asymptomatic CMV reactivation and CMV disease in kidney allograft recipients with positive CMV serostatus. Methods: Preemptive modified strategy under low dose thymoglobulin versus basiliximab induction was evaluated. Patients were monitored by CMV-polymerase chain reaction (PCR); if the viral load was >4000copies/μl, they received valganciclovir adjusted for their renal function. Results: 132 recipients were included in the study, 84 and 48 receiving basiliximab and thymoglobulin induction respectively, and followed up for 12 months. Asymptomatic CMV reactivation was significantly higher for thymoglobulin (77.1% vs. 16.7%, p<0.001). Treatment groups had similar rates of CMV disease (3.6% vs. 2.1%, p 0.538). The significant difference in asymptomatic CMV reactivation between two treatment groups did not have any impact on 1 year graft function (71±26ml/min vs. 74±19ml/min; p=0.475) and no histological differences in protocol biopsies were observed among patients with asymptomatic CMV reactivation vs those without CMV reactivation. Conclusions: Due to the high asymptomatic CMV reactivation incidence in patients who received thymoglobulin induction, our results suggest that valganciclovir prophylaxis may be advantageous in CMV seropositive renal transplant recipients after low dose thymoglobulin induction. A preemptive strategy appeared to significantly reduce the likelihood of CMV disease in both groups. Rejection risk and negative impact in renal function associated with asymptomatic CMV reactivation was not found in our series. (AU)

Antecedentes: Llevamos a cabo un estudio retrospectivo para determinar la reactivación y enfermedad por CMV en receptores de trasplante renal CMV seropositivos bajo diferentes esquemas de inducción. Métodos: Una estrategia preventiva modificada bajo inducción con basiliximab y timoglobulina en dosis bajas fue evaluada. Se llevó a cabo un seguimiento de la carga viral-reacción de cadena de la polimerasa-CMV; los valores mayores de 4000 copias/μl recibieron valganciclovir ajustado a la función renal. Resultados: Un total de 132 receptores de trasplante renal fueron incluidos; 84 y 48 recibieron inducción con basiliximab y timoglobulina respectivamente. Seguimiento hasta el mes 12 postrasplante. La reactivación asintomática de CMV fue significativamente mayor para timoglobulina (77,1% vs. 16,7%, p<0,001). La tasa de enfermedad por CMV fue similar en ambos grupos de tratamiento (3,6% vs. 2,1%, p=0,538). Ningún impacto en la función renal un año postrasplante fue encontrado entre los grupos a pesar de la diferencia significativa en reactivación asintomática de CMV (71±26ml/min vs. 74±19ml/min; p=0,475); igualmente, no encontramos diferencias en los hallazgos histológicos en biopsias por protocolo entre receptores con reactivación asintomática por CMV y aquellos sin reactivación. Conclusiones: La alta incidencia de reactivación asintomática por CMV en receptores seropositivos a pesar del uso de bajas dosis de timoglobulina sugiere que la profilaxis con valganciclovir es una estrategia apropiada en este grupo; sin embargo, una estrategia preventiva reduce significativamente la probabilidad de enfermedad por CMV en ambos grupos de tratamiento. El riesgo de rechazo y el impacto negativo en la función renal asociado a la reactivación asintomática por CMV no fue encontrado en nuestra experiencia.

A case of spontaneous pneumothorax due to paragonimiasis in North America with literature review.

The species, Paragonimus kellicotti , causes human paragonimiasis in North America. As a foodborne disease, human infection with P. kellicotti occurs after eating raw or undercooked crayfish containing metacercariae. Many risk factors have been described in the literature, including young adult age, male, alcohol consumption, outdoor activities involving rivers within Missouri, and ingesting raw or partially cooked crayfish. Here, we report a case of a 41-year-old male with a 5-year history of cough who presented with acute shortness of breath. Further workup showed mild eosinophilia and spontaneous pneumothorax. A definitive diagnosis was made with a lung biopsy, which showed P. kellicotti eggs. Further questioning revealed that the patient took a hunting and river rafting trip on a river in Missouri 5 years ago, though the history was negative for any crayfish consumption. Paragonimiasis should be considered in those with associated clinical features, including cough and eosinophilia, with a history of a river raft float trip in Missouri, even if the history is negative for crayfish ingestion or travel.

Low dose thymoglobulin versus basiliximab in cytomegalovirus positive kidney transplant recipients: Effectiveness of preemptive cytomegalovirus modified strategy.

BACKGROUND: We performed a retrospective trial to determine asymptomatic CMV reactivation and CMV disease in kidney allograft recipients with positive CMV serostatus. METHODS: Preemptive modified strategy under low dose thymoglobulin versus basiliximab induction was evaluated. Patients were monitored by CMV-polymerase chain reaction (PCR); if the viral load was >4000copies/µl, they received valganciclovir adjusted for their renal function. RESULTS: 132 recipients were included in the study, 84 and 48 receiving basiliximab and thymoglobulin induction respectively, and followed up for 12 months. Asymptomatic CMV reactivation was significantly higher for thymoglobulin (77.1% vs. 16.7%, p<0.001). Treatment groups had similar rates of CMV disease (3.6% vs. 2.1%, p 0.538). The significant difference in asymptomatic CMV reactivation between two treatment groups did not have any impact on 1 year graft function (71±26ml/min vs. 74±19ml/min; p=0.475) and no histological differences in protocol biopsies were observed among patients with asymptomatic CMV reactivation vs those without CMV reactivation. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the high asymptomatic CMV reactivation incidence in patients who received thymoglobulin induction, our results suggest that valganciclovir prophylaxis may be advantageous in CMV seropositive renal transplant recipients after low dose thymoglobulin induction. A preemptive strategy appeared to significantly reduce the likelihood of CMV disease in both groups. Rejection risk and negative impact in renal function associated with asymptomatic CMV reactivation was not found in our series.

Acute disseminated actinomycosis presenting as pneumonia with bilateral pulmonary nodules and pelvic osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient.

Actinomycosis is an indolent human infectious disease caused by gram-positive anaerobic filamentous bacteria Actinomyces. Despite its sluggish growth, clinical manifestations can be acute or chronic. Over the last five decades, a significant incidence decline in the western world is due to the discovery of effective antimicrobials and improved oral hygiene. Actinomycosis is now rarely encountered and often misdiagnosed as its manifestations mimic malignancy and other infectious diseases. Due to prior use of antimicrobials, laboratory diagnostic processes often fail to isolate the organism making it arduous to establish the diagnosis. Clinical classification is based on the geographical distribution of the disease as oro-cervicofacial, thoracic, abdominopelvic, neurologic, musculoskeletal, and disseminated. Disseminated and pulmonary actinomycosis in an immunocompetent individual is extremely rare. Here we present a 53-year-old healthy male presenting with acute disseminated actinomycosis with bilateral pulmonary nodules, right upper lobe pneumonia, and pelvic osteomyelitis from Actinomyces odontolyticus infection.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and In Vitro and In Silico Antifungal Evaluation of Azo-Azomethine Pyrazoles (PhN2(PhOH)CHN(C3N2(CH3)3)PhR, R = H or NO2).

The azo-azomethine imines, R1-N=N-R2-CH=N-R3, are a class of active pharmacological ligands that have been prominent antifungal, antibacterial, and antitumor agents. In this study, four new azo-azomethines, R1 = Ph, R2 = phenol, and R3 = pyrazol-Ph-R' (R = H or NO2), have been synthesized, structurally characterized using X-ray, IR, NMR and UV-Vis techniques, and their antifungal activity evaluated against certified strains of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. The antifungal tests revealed a high to moderate inhibitory activity towards both strains, which is regulated as a function of both the presence and the location of the nitro group in the aromatic ring of the series. These biological assays were further complemented with molecular docking studies against three different molecular targets from each fungus strain. Molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations were performed on the two best molecular docking results for each fungus strain. Better affinity for active sites for nitro compounds at the "meta" and "para" positions was found, making them promising building blocks for the development of new Schiff bases with high antifungal activity.

Prepatellar Bursitis with Abscess due to Corynebacterium ulcerans.

Corynebacteria are ubiquitous and reside as skin and mucosa commensals in animals. They are considered contaminants in clinical specimens, but significant clinical data points to their virulence and pathogenic potential over the last two decades. Corynebacteria can cause both community-acquired and nosocomial infections. Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae) responsible for diphtheria has declined over the previous two decades with an increase in a similar clinical syndrome by Corynebacterium ulcerans (C. ulcerans) in Europe. As per recent studies, C. ulcerans shares similar virulence factors with C. diphtheriae. C. ulcerans has been implicated in airway infections, skin and soft tissue infections, lymphadenitis, wound infections, and rarely necrotizing fasciitis. Pet or farm animals have been the source of these infections to humans, as per recent reports. Strains can be either toxigenic or nontoxigenic. Due to recent advances, methods to characterize strains have become easier with mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is a must for definite treatment as C. ulcerans can be resistant to first-line antibiotic therapy. If resources are available, it is prudent to find if there is any toxin production. Here, we describe a rural farmer in central Missouri presenting with acute-onset right knee pain diagnosed with right prepatellar bursitis with abscess due to C. ulcerans infection. He recovered with surgical debridement and antimicrobial therapy. This is the first case of C. ulcerans causing prepatellar bursitis with an abscess as per medical literature review.

Recomendaciones de la Asociación Colombiana de Nefrología en casos de trasplante renal durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Recommendations of the Colombian Association of Nephrology in renal transplantation during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19)

Resumen Introducción: los pacientes con trasplante renal y COVID-19 tienen alto riesgo de complicaciones y mortalidad dado que con mayor frecuencia presentan compromiso respiratorio. Hasta el momento, en Colombia no existen protocolos establecidos sobre el manejo de la inmunosupresión de base ni sobre estrategias de tratamiento en esta población, por lo que es necesario establecer recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia disponible y en el consenso de expertos para que sean aplicadas a nivel local. Objetivo: desarrollar mediante un consenso de expertos y una revisión de la literatura una serie de recomendaciones para diagnosticar y prevenir el contagio de SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con trasplante renal, así como para darles un manejo adecuado. Materiales y métodos: se formularon una serie de preguntas sobre infección por SARS-CoV-2 en trasplante renal con énfasis en comportamiento clínico, frecuencia de la infección, prevención, diagnóstico, manejo de la inmunosupresión y tratamiento, a partir de las cuales se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en las bases de datos PubMed y EMBASE y en los portales web de algunas sociedades científicas y se consultó a un grupo de especialistas en nefrología y cirugía. La discusión de las preguntas, las respuestas y lo encontrado en la literatura se realizó entre el 23 de abril y el 10 de mayo de 2020. Resultados: se realizó un panel de discusión donde los expertos discutieron y evaluaron la calidad de la evidencia para emitir una recomendación final sobre cada punto evaluado. Asimismo, se realizó un consolidado de las principales series de casos de infección por SARS-CoV2 en población con trasplante renal y sus desenlaces clínicos publicados hasta el momento. Conclusiones: se establecieron unas recomendaciones para la prevención, el diagnóstico y el manejo de pacientes con trasplante renal y COVID-19, las cuales hacen énfasis en el manejo inmunosupresor de base y resaltan la importancia de las interacciones farmacológicas de los tratamientos disponibles para el SARS-CoV-2 con la terapia inmunosupresora. Igualmente se dan recomendaciones para realizar trasplantes de forma segura durante la pandemia.

Abstract Introduction: Kidney transplant patients are a high-risk population for complications and mortality associated with SARS CoV2 infection. Different reports in the literature have shown a higher frequency of respiratory compromise and mortality, currently don't exist recommendations with an adequate level of evidence regarding the management of base immunosuppression and treatment strategies in this population, for which reason it is necessary from the national scene, build recommendations based on the available evidence and consensus of experts, to be applied at the local level. Objective: To develop, by means of an expert consensus and a review of the available literature, recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and management of transplant patients with SARS Cov2 infection. And give recommendations to continue with the organ procurement and transplant activity in the scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: Questions were asked about SARS Cov2 infection in kidney transplantation, with emphasis on clinical behavior, frequency of infection, prevention, diagnosis, management of immunosuppression and treatment. A search of the literature in Pubmed, Embase and scientific societies was performed to answer each of the questions. The discussion of the answers to each of the questions according to the available evidence and the possibility of adapting them to local practice was carried out by consensus method and panel of experts. Nephrology and transplant surgery specialists from transplant groups in the country participated in the consensus. Results: A panel of experts was held to discuss the questions and answers found in the literature between April 23, 2020 and May 10, 2020, for each question a panel discussion was held where the total of experts discussed and Evaluates the quality of the evidence to issue a final recommendation on each evaluated point. A consolidation of the main series of cases of SARS-CoV2 infection in the kidney transplant population and the clinical outcomes was carried out up to the moment of publication. Conclusions: According to what is found in the literature, recommendations are made for the prevention, diagnosis and management of patients with kidney transplantation and SARS-CoV2 infection, emphasizing behavior with respect to basic immunosuppressive management, and highlighting the importance of the pharmacological interactions of the available treatments for SARS-CoV2 with immunosuppressive therapy, recommendations are also given to implement the procupara and transplant activity safely during the pandemic.

Consenso colombiano de expertos sobre recomendaciones informadas en la evidencia para la prevención, el diagnóstico y el manejo de la lesión renal aguda por SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 / Colombian consensus of experts on recommendations informed in the evidence for the prevention, diagnosis and management of acute kidney injury by SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

Abstract Introduction: Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication in patients with COVID-19 and its occurrence is a potential indicator of multi-organ dysfunction and disease severity. Objective: Develop, through an expert consensus, evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of acute kidney injury in patients with SARS CoV2 / COVID-19 infection. Materials and methods: Based on a rapid systematic review in Embase and Pubmed databases and documents from scientific societies, we made preliminary recommendations and consulted with an expert group through an online tool. Then we defined agreement after at least 70 % consensus approval. Quality evidence was evaluated according to the type of document included. The strength of the recommendations was graded as strong or weak. Results: Fifty clinical experts declared their conflict of interest; the consultation took place between May 2 and 29, 2020. The range of agreement ranged from 75.5 % to 100 %. Recommendations for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute kidney injury in patients with SARS CoV2 infection are presented. Conclusions: Although the good quality information available regarding acute kidney injury in patients with COVID-19 is scarce, the recommendations of clinical experts will guide clinical decision-making and strategies around patients with this complication, guaranteeing care focused on the people, with high quality standards, and the generation of safety, health and wellness policies for multidisciplinary care teams.

Recomendaciones para el uso racional de la prueba 25-hidroxivitamina D Resumen de política

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The exponential increase in the request for laboratory tests of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D or [25 (OH) D has ignited the alarms and generated a strong call for attention, since it may reflect deficiencies in the standardization of clinical practice and in the use non-systematic scientific evidence for decision-making in real life, which allows to analyze the indications of the test, its frequency, interpretation and even to assess the impact for health systems, especially when contrasted with the minimum or almost. No effects of the strategy of screening or supplying indiscriminately to the general population, without considering a comprehensive clinical assessment of risks and needs of people. From a purely public health impact point of view, the consequence of massive and unspecified requests is affecting most of the health systems and institutions at the global level. The primary studies that determined average population intake values have been widely used in the formulation of recommendations in Clinical Practice Guidelines, but unfortunately misinterpreted as cut points to diagnose disease and allow the exaggerated prescription of nutritional substitution. The coefficient of variation in routine tests to measure blood levels of 25 (OH) D is high (28%), decreasing the overall accuracy of the test and simultaneously, increasing both the falsely high and falsely low values. The most recent scientific evidence analyzes and seriously questions the usefulness and the real effect of the massive and indiscriminate practice of prescribing vitamin D without an exhaustive risk analysis. The available evidence is insufficient to recommend a general substitution of vitamin D to prevent fractures, falls, changes in bone mineral density, incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, neoplasms and also to modify the growth curve of mothers' children. They received vitamin D as a substitute during pregnancy. The recommendations presented in the document are based on the critical analysis of current evidence and the principles of good clinical practice and invite to consider a rational use of 25 (OH) D tests in the context of a clinical practice focused on people and a comprehensive assessment of needs and risks. The principles of good practice suggest that clinicians may be able to justify that the results of the 25 (OH) D test strongly influence and define clinical practice and modify the outcomes that interest people and impact their health and wellness. Currently there is no clarity on how to interpret the results, and the relationship between symptoms and 25 (OH) D levels, which may not be consistent with the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency reported. For this reason, it is suggested to review the rationale of the request for tests for systematic monitoring of levels of 25 (OH) D or in all cases where substitution is performed. Consider the use of 25 (OH) D tests within the comprehensive evaluation of people with suspicion or confirmation of the following conditions: rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, hyper or hypoparathyroidism, malabsorption syndromes, sarcopenia, metabolic bone disease.

Mass Gatherings and Diarrheal Disease Transmission Among Rural Communities in Coastal Ecuador.

Mass gatherings exacerbate infectious disease risks by creating crowded, high-contact conditions and straining the capacity of local infrastructure. While mass gatherings have been extensively studied in the context of epidemic disease transmission, the role of gatherings in incidence of high-burden, endemic infections has not been previously studied. Here, we examine diarrheal incidence among 17 communities in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, in relation to recurrent gatherings characterized using ethnographic data collected during and after the epidemiologic surveillance period (2004-2007). Using distributed-lag generalized estimating equations, adjusted for seasonality, trend, and heavy rainfall events, we found significant increases in diarrhea risk in host villages, peaking 2 weeks after an event's conclusion (incidence rate ratio, 1.21; confidence interval, adjusted for false coverage rate of ≤0.05: 1.02, 1.43). Stratified analysis revealed heightened risks associated with events where crowding and travel were most likely (2-week-lag incidence rate ratio, 1.51; confidence interval, adjusted for false coverage rate of ≤0.05: 1.09, 2.10). Our findings suggest that community-scale mass gatherings might play an important role in endemic diarrheal disease transmission and could be an important focus for interventions to improve community health in low-resource settings.

Descripción del uso de ertapenem en un hospital público de alta complejidad en Medellín, Colombia / Description of the use of ertapenem in a high complexity public hospital in Medellin, Colombia

Objetivo: describir el uso de ertapenem y las características clínico-microbiológicas de los pacientes durante la admisión en centro de cuarto nivel de complejidad en Medellín, Colombia entre 2009 y 2012. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en pacientes que recibieron ertapenem como terapia antibiótica. Resultados: 1390 historias clínicas revisadas, 835 cumplieron criterios de selección. Ertapenem se usó un 36,9% para manejo de infecciones urinarias y 28,1% en infección intraabdominal principalmente; en 84% se realizó cultivo microbiológico y en 80% se aisló algún germen, entre ellos 42,5% E. coli, 24,3% K. pneumoniae y 5,8% P. mirabilis. Las cepas Beta Lactamasa de Espectro Extendido de E. coli y K. pneumoniae fueron 39,8% y 57% respectivamente. La susceptibilidad a ertapenem en E. coli fue de 96,6% y K. pneumoniae 94,4%. Conclusiones: ertapenem ofrece resultados clínicos favorablesen el manejo de infecciones urinarias e intraabdominales. Es una alternativa para el manejo empírico de infecciones de origen comunitario y como terapia dirigida en infecciones hospitalarias..(AU)

Objective: to describe the use of ertapenem along with the clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients during their admission to a fourth-level health care facility in Medellin, Colombia between 2009 and 2012. Materials and Methods: a descriptive retrospective study on patients that were given antibiotic therapy with ertapenem.Results: 1390 clinical charts were reviewed, selecting 835 according to selection criteria. Ertapenem was prescribed in 36,9% for urinary tract infections and 28,1% for intraabdominal infections; 60% of the patients were located on general wards at the time of treatment with ertapenem. Microbiological cultures were performed for 84% of patients and 80% of those were positive, with 42,5% E. coli, 24,3% K. pneumoniae and 5,8% P. mirabilis. Extended spectrum betalactamases were found in 39,8% of the E. coli and 57% K. pneumoniae strains. Susceptibility of E. coli strains to ertapenem was 96,6% and 94,4% for K. pneumoniae. Conclusions: ertapenem offers favorable results when used for the treatment of urinary tract and intraabdominal infections. It is an alternative for empirical management of infections acquired outside the hospital setting, and and as directed therapy in hospital infections..(AU)

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma: transcriptional regulation by miR-92a through FOXP1 targeting.

BACKGROUND: Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) shares pathological features with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and molecular features with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). The miR-17~92 oncogenic cluster, located at chromosome 13q31, is a region that is amplified in DLBCL. METHODS: Here we compared the expression of each member of the miR-17~92 oncogenic cluster in samples from 40 PMBL patients versus 20 DLBCL and 20 cHL patients, and studied the target genes linked to deregulated miRNA in PMBL. RESULTS: We found a higher level of miR-92a in PMBL than in DLBCL, but not in cHL. A combination of in silico prediction and transcriptomic analyses enabled us to identify FOXP1 as a main miR-92a target gene in PMBL, a result so far not established. This was confirmed by 3'UTR, and RNA and protein expressions in transduced cell lines. In vivo studies using the transduced cell lines in mice enabled us to demonstrate a tumor suppressor effect of miR-92a and an oncogenic effect of FOXP1.A higher expression of miR-92a and the down-regulation of FOXP1 mRNA and protein expression were also found in human samples of PMBL, while miR-92a expression was low and FOXP1 was high in DLBCL. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded to a post-transcriptional regulation by miR-92a through FOXP1 targeting in PMBL, with a clinico-pathological relevance for better characterisation of PMBL.

Antibiotic Resistance in Animal and Environmental Samples Associated with Small-Scale Poultry Farming in Northwestern Ecuador.

The effects of animal agriculture on the spread of antibiotic resistance (AR) are cross-cutting and thus require a multidisciplinary perspective. Here we use ecological, epidemiological, and ethnographic methods to examine populations of Escherichia coli circulating in the production poultry farming environment versus the domestic environment in rural Ecuador, where small-scale poultry production employing nontherapeutic antibiotics is increasingly common. We sampled 262 "production birds" (commercially raised broiler chickens and laying hens) and 455 "household birds" (raised for domestic use) and household and coop environmental samples from 17 villages between 2010 and 2013. We analyzed data on zones of inhibition from Kirby-Bauer tests, rather than established clinical breakpoints for AR, to distinguish between populations of organisms. We saw significantly higher levels of AR in bacteria from production versus household birds; resistance to either amoxicillin-clavulanate, cephalothin, cefotaxime, and gentamicin was found in 52.8% of production bird isolates and 16% of household ones. A strain jointly resistant to the 4 drugs was exclusive to a subset of isolates from production birds (7.6%) and coop surfaces (6.5%) and was associated with a particular purchase site. The prevalence of AR in production birds declined with bird age (P < 0.01 for all antibiotics tested except tetracycline, sulfisoxazole, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Farming status did not impact AR in domestic environments at the household or village level. Our results suggest that AR associated with small-scale poultry farming is present in the immediate production environment and likely originates from sources outside the study area. These outside sources might be a better place to target control efforts than local management practices. IMPORTANCE In developing countries, small-scale poultry farming employing antibiotics as growth promoters is being advanced as an inexpensive source of protein and income. Here, we present the results of a large ecoepidemiological study examining patterns of antibiotic resistance (AR) in E. coli isolates from small-scale poultry production environments versus domestic environments in rural Ecuador, where such backyard poultry operations have become established over the past decade. Our previous research in the region suggests that introduction of AR bacteria through travel and commerce may be an important source of AR in villages of this region. This report extends the prior analysis by examining small-scale production chicken farming as a potential source of resistant strains. Our results suggest that AR strains associated with poultry production likely originate from sources outside the study area and that these outside sources might be a better place to target control efforts than local management practices.

Hyperuricemia and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the role of serum uric acid in cardiovascular events. We studied the prevalence of hyperuricemia and the association between uric acid level and various cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based on a population of patients with hypertension who attended a hypertension clinic in a university hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to investigate the relationship between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: The study population included 444 patients. The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 28.8%. Male gender (OR 2.3), age (OR 1.03), BMI (OR 1.09), triglyceride level (OR 1.005) and low HDL (OR 0.96) were significantly associated with hyperuricemia. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of hyperuricemia is high in patients with hypertension. Serum uric acid is significantly associated with parameters of the metabolic syndrome. Hyperuricemia should be acknowledged and monitored as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Distribution and trends of hematology and oncology research in Latin America: A decade of uncertainty.

BACKGROUND: Although hematology and oncology research is a highly relevant and evolving field, research contributions by Latin American countries, apart from Brazil, remain unclear. METHODS: The authors performed a bibliometric analysis through a methodical search of the Latin American abstracts presented at 4 main hematology and oncology annual scientific meetings from 2000 to 2010. Latin American regional and national productivity was described through distribution and trend analyses; the subsequent percentage of full-text publications was also determined. RESULTS: In total, 2871 abstracts were identified, of which 1972 abstracts (68.7%) were determined to be original Latin American research and were included in the analysis. Brazil produced by far the most abstracts, with 51.1% of the total, followed by Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay. Together, these 6 countries accounted for 95.2% of the abstracts. Latin America had a positive trend, registering an average increase of 21.5 abstracts per year (P < .001). Significant positive growth trends were observed for Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay. Argentina and Uruguay were the most productive countries when considering the rate of abstract presentation per population. The full-text publication rate was 17.9%, and the median time to publication after presentation was 1 year. Brazil prevailed as the leading publishing country (60%), followed by Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Cuba, all of which together published 96% of the full-text articles. CONCLUSIONS: Hematology and oncology research is increasing in Latin America, but this contribution remains limited to a few countries. There is also a low rate of full-text articles derived from annual scientific meetings. More extensive research is recommended.

The combined expression patterns of Ikaros isoforms characterize different hematological tumor subtypes.

A variety of genetic alterations are considered hallmarks of cancer development and progression. The Ikaros gene family, encoding for key transcription factors in hematopoietic development, provides several examples as genetic defects in these genes are associated with the development of different types of leukemia. However, the complex patterns of expression of isoforms in Ikaros family genes has prevented their use as clinical markers. In this study, we propose the use of the expression profiles of the Ikaros isoforms to classify various hematological tumor diseases. We have standardized a quantitative PCR protocol to estimate the expression levels of the Ikaros gene exons. Our analysis reveals that these levels are associated with specific types of leukemia and we have found differences in the levels of expression relative to five interexonic Ikaros regions for all diseases studied. In conclusion, our method has allowed us to precisely discriminate between B-ALL, CLL and MM cases. Differences between the groups of lymphoid and myeloid pathologies were also identified in the same way.

Valor pronóstico de la densidad microvascular y de la expresión del VEGF, EGFR y HIF-1α en pacientes con cáncer de cérvix localmente avanzado tratados con quimiorradiación (ONCOLGroup)§ / Prognostic value of microvascular density and expression of VEGF, EGFR and HIF-1α in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with chemoradiation (ONCOLGroup)§

Introducción: en Colombia el carcinoma de cuello uterino representa la segunda causa de muerte por cáncer entre las mujeres. Objetivo: describir el valor pronóstico de la densidad microvascular (DMV) y de la expresión proteica de varios genes relacionados con la supervivencia y proliferación del cáncer de cérvix localmente avanzado tratado con quimiorradiación/braquiterapia intracavitaria. Se estimaron la tasa de respuesta global (TRG), la supervivencia libre de progresión (SLP) y la supervivencia global (SG). Resultados: se incluyeron 61 mujeres con una edad media de 52 ± 10 años; todas tenían diagnóstico de cáncer de cérvix localmente avanzado (IIA 2.3%/IIB 47.5%/IIIA 4.9%/IIIB 37.7%/IVA 3.3%/no definido 3.3%), con un volumen tumoral promedio de 6.4cm (DE± 1.8cm) e infección por VPH en 46% de los casos; 58 sujetos (95%) tenían un patrón escamoso, dos fueron adenocarcinomas y >50% presentaba neoplasias moderada o pobremente diferenciadas. Todas fueron tratadas con quimiorradiación (interrupción transitoria de la teleterapia por toxicidad y otras causas en 19 y 21.4%, respectivamente/media de ciclos de platino concomitante 4.8 series ± 1.0) y braquiterapia (77% completaron el tratamiento intracavitario). La mediana para la SLP y global fue de 6.6 meses (4.0-9.1) y 30 meses (1148), respectivamente. Ninguna de las variables tuvo efecto sobre la SLP, mientras el análisis multivariado demostró que los niveles de expresión del VEGF (p=0.026), EGFR (p=0.030), y el volumen tumoral <6 cm (p=0.02) influyeron sobre este desenlace. Conclusión: la tipificación de genes relacionados con angiogénesis y proliferación celular en el cáncer de cérvix localmente avanzado tratado con quimiorradiación basada en platino tiene una influencia positiva sobre el pronóstico. (Acta Med Colomb 2012; 37: 106-117).

Introduction: cervical carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Colombia. Objective: to describe the prognostic value of microvascular density (MVD) and protein expression of several genes related to survival and proliferation of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) treated with chemoradiation / intracavitary brachytherapy. We estimated the overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: we included 61 women with a mean age of 52 ± 10 years; all were diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer (IIA 2.3% / IIB 47.5% / IIIA 4.9% / IIIB 37.7% / IVA 3.3% / 3.3% undefined ), with an average tumor volume of 6.4cm (SD ± 1.8cm) and HPV infection in 46% of cases. 58 subjects (95%) had a squamous pattern; two were adenocarcinomas and >50% had moderate or poorly differentiated neoplasms. All were treated with chemoradiation (temporary interruption of teletherapy due to toxicity, and other causes was documented in 19% and 21.4% respectively / mean of concomitant platinum cycles 4.8 ± 1.0) and brachytherapy (77% completed intracavitary treatment). The median PFS and OS was 6.6 months (4.0-9.1) and 30 months (11-48), respectively. None of the variables had an effect on the PFS, while multivariate analysis demonstrated that the levels of VEGF expression (p = 0.026), EGFR (p = 0.030), and tumor volume <6 cm (p = 0.02) influenced this outcome. Conclusion: the characterization of genes related to angiogenesis and cell proliferation in locally advanced cervical cancer treated with platinum-based chemoradiation had a positive influence on the prognosis. (Acta Med Colomb 2012; 37: 106-117).

Alteración de la marcha en un paciente post-trasplante hepático / Gait disturbance after hepatic trasplantation

Los síndromes linfoproliferativos postrasplante (PTLD, por sus siglas en inglés) constituyen una complicación relativamente frecuente entre los receptores de trasplante de órgano sólido o de médula ósea. Representan un amplio espectro de lesiones, que oscilan desde los cambios histológicos tempranos producidos por la infección del virus de Epstein-Barr hasta las neoplasias de alto grado con respuestas variables a las intervenciones terapéuticas. El compromiso del sistema nervioso central (SNC) se ha descrito hasta en 22% de los casos, 12% de ellos en forma primaria, asociados a un peor pronóstico; en general el abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico no está estandarizado, en parte, debido a la limitación fisiológica que implica la barrera hematoencefálica. El tratamiento tiene opciones limitadas; se acepta el uso de metotrexate a altas dosis o de rituximab intravenoso o intratecal. A continuación, se presenta el caso de un hombre de 76 años, receptor de un trasplante hepático por hemocromatosis, quien a los 6 años postrasplante consulta por alteración de la marcha. Tras documentar una lesión intra-axial, la biopsia por estereotaxia documenta un PTLD tardío, primario con lesión única en SNC. Después de la reducción inicial de la inmunosupresión, el tratamiento con rituximab y metotrexate intravenosos a altas dosis durante cinco ciclos, se logró respuesta parcial en este paciente, con toxicidad renal leve.