Characterization of the Mercury pulsed power x-ray source spectrum using multichannel density aerogel Cherenkov detectors.

The Aerogel Cherenkov Detector for Cygnus (ACD/C) is a time-dependent, x-ray spectral detector that uses SiO2 aerogels spanning an index of refraction (n = 1.02-1.07) corresponding to a 1.1-2.3 MeV x-ray energy threshold. The ACD/C was developed for pulsed power x-ray sources like Cygnus located at the Nevada National Site and Mercury located at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Aerogels sit between the measurement capabilities of gas (>2 MeV) and solids such as fused silica (>0.3 MeV). The detector uses an aluminum converter to Compton scatter incoming x-rays and create relativistic electrons, which produce Cherenkov light in an aerogel or a fused silica medium. The ACD/C was fielded at the NRL when Mercury was tuned to produce up to 4.8 MeV endpoint bremsstrahlung. Despite a high radiation and electromagnetic interference background, the ACD/C was able to achieve high signal over noise across five aerogel densities and fused silica, including a signal to noise for a 1.1 MeV aerogel threshold. Previous experiments at Cygnus observed a signal that was comparable to the noise (1×) at the same threshold. The ACD/C observed time-resolved rise and fall times for different energy thresholds of the photon spectrum. Monte Carlo simulations of the ACD/C's aerogel response curves were folded with a simulation of Mercury's photon energy spectrum and agree within the error to the observed result.

Presencia del marcador lmp-1 del virus epstein-barr en linfomas de caninos / Presence of lmp-1 protein of epstein-barr virus in lymphomas of canine origin

RESUMEN El virus Epstein-Barr (EBV) es un virus de alta prevalencia en humanos que se asocia con tumores de la línea linfoide B. En caninos se dispone de pocos reportes sobre la presencia del EBV y su rol en esta especie. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la presencia de la proteína latente de membrana del EBV (LMP-1) en tejidos obtenidos de 20 linfomas de caninos cuyo diagnóstico se había realizado durante un periodo de 10 años, entre 2004 y 2014. Los linfomas se reclasificaron mediante las nuevas clasificaciones histopatológicas para linfomas y se sometieron a inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) con los anticuerpos anti-CD79a, anti-CD3, anticuerpos específicos para linfocitos B y T, además de un anti-LMP-1 como marcador de la presencia del EBV. Se encontró que el linfoma más común fue el linfoma nodal de zona T con un 75% de los casos. Al realizar la inmunomarcación se encontraron 18 casos positivos a CD3, 2 casos positivos a CD79a y 6 casos positivos a LMP-1, lo que representa el 30% de positividad del EBV en linfomas. El análisis Ji cuadrado demostró significancia estadística entre la presencia del virus y la presencia del linfoma lo que sugiere, no solamente que el virus está circulando en la población canina, sino que además puede tener relación con la ocurrencia de esta neoplasia. Con relación a las variables demográficas, sólo en la raza Golden Retriever se demostró relación con la presencia del linfoma, pero no con la presencia del virus.

ABSTRACT Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a human high prevalent virus associated with lymphoid B cells tumors development. In canines, few reports have been published regarding the presence of the virus in dogs but its role in this species remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of LMP-1 protein of EBV in 20 canine lymphomas tissues which were previously diagnosed in a period of time between 2004 -2014. Lymphomas were reclassified in accordance with the new histopathological classifications for lymphomas and were stained by IHQ with anti-CD79a, anti-CD3 and anti-LMP-1; in addition, specific antibodies for B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and EBV biomarker, respectively. It was found that the most common lymphoma was T-zone lymphoma in 75% of the cases of the study. The distribution of the cases regarding the immunostaining was: 18 positive cases with anti-CD3, 2 positive cases with anti-CD79a and 6 positive cases with anti- LMP-1. Positive cases of LMP-1 as a biomarker of the presence of EBV corresponded to the 30% of the cases of the study. Chi-square test showed statistical significance between the presence of the virus and the presence of lymphomas, which suggests not only that the virus is circulating in the canine population but also that could have implications in the development of the disease. Regarding demographic parameters, only the Golden Retriever breed showed a relationship with the presence of lymphoma, but not with the presence of the virus.

Características del consumo de tabaco, dependencia y motivación para el cambio de los especialistas internos residentes de Andalucía (España) / Characteristics of smoking, nicotine dependence and motivation for change in specialists training in health sciences (residents) in Andalusia (Spain)

Objetivo. Existen pocos trabajos sobre el consumo de tabaco entre los especialistas en formación en ciencias de la salud (residentes), por lo que se desea conocer la prevalencia del tabaquismo, la dependencia nicotínica y la motivación para el cambio, así como su relación con otras variables personales, laborales y de consumo de otras drogas. Material y métodos. Estudio multicéntrico transversal mediante cuestionario en el año 2012. Participan los residentes de todos los centros sanitarios docentes de Andalucía (España) mediante un cuestionario enviado por correo electrónico, recogiendo la edad, el sexo, la especialidad, el país de origen, el consumo cualitativo-cuantitativo de tabaco, la edad de inicio/abandono, el test de Fagerström y el estadio de cambio (Proschaka). Resultados. Dos mil seiscientos sesenta y siete residentes (63% del total). Edad media 29,1 años(± 5,2), 69% mujeres, 89% españoles, 86% médicos. El 17% fuman (patrón diario:47%, intermitente: 41%, asociado al ocio: 3%), inicio con 17,4 años(± 3,5) y media de 7,5 cigarrillos/día (± 7,1), superior en especialidades médicas (p = 0,067 ANOVA) y en hombres (p = 0,074 «t» de Student). El 82% con baja dependencia nicotínica, siendo mayor en especialidades médicas hospitalarias (p = 0,078, Chi cuadrado). El 7% son exfumadores y el 48% quieren dejar de fumar (contemplación 38%, preparación 10%). Mediante análisis multivariante se aprecia una relación entre el tabaquismo y el consumo de alcohol (OR: 2,84) y drogas ilegales (OR: 3,57), sin diferencias por edad ni país. Conclusiones. El consumo de tabaco es inferior a la población general, con una baja dependencia y buena predisposición para el cambio, por lo que sería aconsejable realizar actividades preventivas en los residentes para conseguir el cese del consumo de tabaco (AU)

Objective. As there are few studies on the smoking habits of specialists training in health sciences (residents), it is of interest to determine the prevalence of smoking, nicotine dependence and motivation for change, and their relationship with other variables (personal, work and consumption of other drugs). Material and methods. A multicentre, cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted in 2012. All the residents who were studying in Teaching Health Centres in Andalusia (Spain) completed a questionnaire, which was sent by e-mail, collecting: age, sex, specialty, country of origin, qualitative-quantitative consumption of tobacco, age of onset/cessation, Fagerström test and stage of change (Proschaka). Results. A total of 2667 residents (63% of total) completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 29.1 years (± 5.2), 69% female, 89% Spanish, and 86% physicians. Of the 17% who smoked (daily pattern-47%, intermittently-41%, related to leisure-3%), starting at 17.4 years (± 3.5) and mean of 7.5 cigarettes per day (± 7.1), higher medical specialties (P = .067 ANOVA), and in men (P = .074, Student-t). More than three-quarters (82%) had a low nicotine dependence, being higher in hospital medical specialties (P = .078 χ2). Of the total, 7% were former smokers, and 48% wanted to quit smoking (contemplation 38%, preparation 10%). In the multivariate analysis there was a link between smoking and alcohol consumption (OR 2.84) and illegal drugs (OR 3.57). There were no differences by age or country. Conclusions. The consumption of tobacco in residents is less than the general population, with a low dependence and better willingness to change. The period of specialised training is a good time to offer tobacco interventions (AU)

[Characteristics of smoking, nicotine dependence and motivation for change in specialists training in health sciences (residents) in Andalusia (Spain)]. / Características del consumo de tabaco, dependencia y motivación para el cambio de los especialistas internos residentes de Andalucía (España).

OBJECTIVE: As there are few studies on the smoking habits of specialists training in health sciences (residents), it is of interest to determine the prevalence of smoking, nicotine dependence and motivation for change, and their relationship with other variables (personal, work and consumption of other drugs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentre, cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted in 2012. All the residents who were studying in Teaching Health Centres in Andalusia (Spain) completed a questionnaire, which was sent by e-mail, collecting: age, sex, specialty, country of origin, qualitative-quantitative consumption of tobacco, age of onset/cessation, Fagerström test and stage of change (Proschaka). RESULTS: A total of 2667 residents (63% of total) completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 29.1 years (± 5.2), 69% female, 89% Spanish, and 86% physicians. Of the 17% who smoked (daily pattern-47%, intermittently-41%, related to leisure-3%), starting at 17.4 years (±3.5) and mean of 7.5 cigarettes per day (±7.1), higher medical specialties (P=.067 ANOVA), and in men (P=.074, Student-t). More than three-quarters (82%) had a low nicotine dependence, being higher in hospital medical specialties (P=.078 χ(2)). Of the total, 7% were former smokers, and 48% wanted to quit smoking (contemplation 38%, preparation 10%). In the multivariate analysis there was a link between smoking and alcohol consumption (OR 2.84) and illegal drugs (OR 3.57). There were no differences by age or country. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of tobacco in residents is less than the general population, with a low dependence and better willingness to change. The period of specialised training is a good time to offer tobacco interventions.

Cáncer de cuello uterino: factores de riesgo y prevención / Cervical cancer: risk factors and prevention

El Cáncer de Cuello Uterino (CaCU) es uno de los problemas de salud pública de mayor importancia en el mundo debido a las altas tasas de morbi-mortalidad presentadas en los últimos años. En este documento se hace una revisión sobre el cáncer cervico-uterino y su relación con el Virus del Papiloma Humano (VPH), las lesiones producidas en el cérvix por este agente infeccioso, los factores de riesgo relacionados con su presentación y las medidas de prevención. Finalmente se discute la importancia de las vacunas como método preventivo de la infección por VPH y de la citología como prueba de detección precoz aunada a un tratamiento adecuado y oportuno.

Cervical Cancer (CC) is one of public health issues of greatest importance in the world due to high rates of morbidity and mortality presented in recent years. This paper provides a review of cervical-uterine cancer and its relation to human papilloma virus (HPV), lesions in the cervix caused by this infectious agent, the risk factors associated with their presentation and prevention measures. Finally, the discussion about the importance of vaccines as a preventive method for HPV infection and cytology, as a screening test coupled with an adequate and timely treatment.

Efecto del ácido ascórbico sobre la respuesta de los peces ante condiciones de estrés: [revisión] / Effect of ascorbic acid on the fish response of stress condition: [review]

El creciente desarrollo de la acuicultura ha generado la intensificación de los sistemas de producción, aumentando así los problemas de estrés ocasionados por las prácticas rutinarias de manejo; por este motivo es necesario investigar sobre estrategias que contribuyan a disminuir el impacto de los diferentes factores estresantes a los que son sometidos los peces durante su proceso de producción en cautiverio. Este documento contiene una revisión acerca de la vitamina C (ácido ascórbico) y su posible efecto benéfico sobre el crecimiento, inmunidad, resistencia al estrés y supervivencia de los peces, a fin de dar a conocer posibles estrategias de suplementación que contribuyan a mejorar las respuestas productivas de las diferentes especies susceptibles de ser cultivadas.

The increasing development of aquaculture has generated the intensification of the production systems, increasing therefore the problems of stress caused by the routine practices of handling, for this reason it is necessary to implement strategies that contribute to diminish the impact of the different stress or factors to which the fish during their process of production in captivity are put under. This document contains a revision about vitamin C, and its possible beneficial effect on the growth, the immunity, the resistance to the stress or factors and survival of fish. The aim of review is present strategies suplementatción that they contribute to improve the productive answers of the different species from susceptible fish of operation in captivity.

Desorption isotherms of salted minced pork using K-lactate as a substitute for NaCl.

The aim of this study was to obtain and compare water desorption isotherms of ground meat containing NaCl (0.107kg NaCl/kg raw-meat dry matter) and/or K-lactate as NaCl substitute at two different levels of molar substitution (30% and 100%). A thin layer of salted ground meat was dried and sampled at pre-determined times. The moisture content of the samples and their water activities (a(w)) were measured at 5°C and 25°C. Results showed that ground meat with NaCl and/or different K-lactate contents had a similar water desorption isotherm for a(w) ranging from 0.7 to 1.0. Below 0.7, the water equilibrium content fell with small decreases in a(w) faster for meat with NaCl than for meat with K-lactate. K-lactate could reduce the excessive hardening at the surface of salted meat products. Experimental desorption isotherms were compared to those estimated using two approaches of the Ross equation. Models provided a good fit for the experimental data.

Reduction of NaCl content in restructured dry-cured hams: Post-resting temperature and drying level effects on physicochemical and sensory parameters.

The effects of post-resting temperature (5°C, 15°C and 25°C) and drying level (low and high, corresponding to final water contents (w/w) of 57% and 50%, respectively) were evaluated in restructured dry-cured hams. The reduction of NaCl content, with and without the addition of K-lactate as NaCl substitute was also evaluated. Physicochemical and instrumental colour and texture (Stress Relaxation test) parameters and sensory attributes were measured. The main effects of reducing the NaCl addition from 30g/kg to 15g/kg in restructured dry-cured hams were the reduction of saltiness and the increase of a(w), proteolysis and softness. The addition of K-lactate (19.7g/kg) contributed to reduce these effects. Hams from high drying level had a longer processing time and a higher proteolysis index, but lower water content and harder texture. The increase of post-resting temperature to above 5°C reduced the processing time and the metallic flavour, but at 25°C restructured hams were spoiled. Therefore, the problems due to the reduction of NaCl to 15g/kg in restructured dry-cured hams can be reduced by adding K-lactate and drying at 15°C (after 3.5months of resting at 5°C) until a final weight loss of around 45% is reached.

Selected quality characteristics of fresh-cut sweet potatoes coated with chitosan during 17-day refrigerated storage.

Selected quality characteristics of fresh-cut sweet potatoes (FCSP) coated with chitosan were evaluated during 17-d refrigerated storage. The FCSP cubes were coated with a solution (1%, w/v) of chitosan having 470 or 1110 kDa. Color (L*, a*, b*) values of uncoated and chitosan-coated FCSP during storage were generally affected by storage time as well as coating treatments (P < 0.05). No significant changes in color lightness (L*) of 470 kDa-coated FCSP were observed during the 17-d storage. During days 3 to 17, 470 kDa-coated FCSP had significantly higher redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values than did uncoated and 1110 kDa-coated FCSP. Texture firmness of uncoated and chitosan-coated FCSP exhibited minimal changes during the 17-d storage. Although actual weight loss values (%) of uncoated and chitosan-coated FCSP were not significantly different at day 17, the weight loss difference (%) between day 3 and day 17 for uncoated FCSP (3.02%) was slightly higher compared to those (2.24% to 2.26%) of chitosan-coated FCSP. The initial total aerobic count was 4.7 log(10) CFU/g which then gradually increased to 8.54 and 9.67 log(10) CFU/g after 17 d of storage for 470 kDa-coated and uncoated FCSP, respectively. After day 6, the total aerobic counts of uncoated FCSP were higher than those of 470 kDa-coated FCSP. The yeast and mold count of chitosan-coated FCSP was about 2.5 log(10) CFU/g at day 17. Overall, consumers could not differentiate between 470 kDa-coated FCSP at day 17 and uncoated FCSP at day 0.

Prevalencia de leishmaniasis visceral canina en municipios de Huila - Colombia / Prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in municipalities of Huila, Colombia

Con el propósito de establecer la prevalencia de leishmaniasis canina se efectuó un estudio descriptivo en 307 caninos, ubicados en 17 veredas de los municipios de Neiva, Tello y Algeciras, a los cuales se les practicó examen clínico, punción y aspiración del ganglio linfático poplíteo para extendido y coloración en lámina; toma de sangre completa por venopunción para análisis mediante la técnica de inmunofluorescencia indirecta. La población canina estuvo conformada por perros mestizos con edad promedio de tres años: el 30,6/100 fueron hembras y el 69,4/100 machos. En el examen físico de los caninos se observó enflaquecimiento, 31/100; onicogrifosis, 29.3/100; linfadenitis de ganglio popliteo 3,2/100; areas alopécicas 21,8/100; lesiones eritematosas 11,5/100 y úlceras cutáneas 3,3/100. El 1,4/100 de los caninos analizados presentaron amastigotes en el aspirado y el 17,2/100 fueron seropositivos. La prevalencia de anticuerpos contra L.chagasi es alta comparada con otros estudios realizados en colombia y otros paises, corroborando la endemicidad de la enfermedad en el área. Por consiguiente, es necesario fortalecer las estrategias de vigilancia epidemiológica y la búsqueda activa de casos humanos.

Myxobolus sp., another opportunistic parasite in immunosuppressed patients?

During a study of intestinal parasitic infections in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients, a parasite belonging to the phylum Myxozoa, recently described from human samples, was identified in one sample. When this parasite was stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method, the features of the spores were identified: they were pyriform in shape, had thick walls, and had one suture and two polar capsules, with each one having four or five coils. The suture and two polar capsules were observed with the chromotrope-modified stain. The number of stools passed was more than 30 per day, but oocysts of Isospora belli were also found. Upon reexamination of some formalin- or merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde-preserved samples an identical parasite was found in another sample from a patient presenting with diarrhea. Strongyloides stercoralis larvae and eggs of Hymenolepis nana and Ascaris lumbricoides were also found in this sample. Given that both patients were also infected with other pathogens that cause diarrhea, the possible pathogenic role of this parasite could not be established. The probable route of infection also could not be established.

Current status of onchocerciasis in Colombia.

To assess the current epidemiologic status of onchocerciasis in Colombia two surveys were undertaken in 1995 in a suspected new focus on the border between Colombia and Ecuador and in the known focus located on the Micay River. No new focus was found along the Colombia-Ecuador border. In the known focus, communities along the upper Micay River and its tributaries were surveyed; 655 adults underwent physical examinations and skin biopsies. Infected individuals were found almost exclusively in the community of Naiciona, where prevalence of infection was 40% (36 of 91). Polymerase chain reaction detection of onchocercal DNA in skin snips correlated with the skin-snip biopsy results. The prevalence of punctate keratitis, the only ocular manifestation found, was 33%. A rapid entomologic assessment demonstrated Simulium exiguum infected with Onchocerca volvulus. This is the first finding in Colombia of naturally infected black flies and confirms S. exiguum as a vector species. These data will be used for implementing a control program using periodic ivermectin distribution.

Lagochilascaris minor in a patient from the Colombian amazon: a case report.

A chronic infection (10 years) by Lagochilascaris minor is described in a woman from the amazon region of Colombia. This is the third case of infection by this parasite that has been described so far in Colombia, and only the first one in a person coming from the Colombian Amazon region.

Chemical and 13C NMR studies of Enterolobium cyclocarpum gum and its degradation products.

A structural study of the gum exudate from Enterolobium cyclocarpum has been carried out using chemical methods and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The results reveal that the structure of this gum is essentially a beta-(1-->3)-galactan. Some galactoses are 6-O-linked and others also occur as terminal residues. There is evidence that supports the presence of alpha-L-arabinofuranose and beta-L-arabinopyranose. beta-D-Glucuronic acid may be present as terminal and internal residues, while the 4-O-methyl-alpha-D-glucuronic acid residues exist predominantly in internal positions.

Standardization and evaluation of ELISA for the serodiagnosis of amoebic liver abscess.

An ELISA test for the serological diagnosis of amoebic liver abscess (ALA) was standardized and evaluated in sera from three groups of patients: (1) three patients with diagnosis confirmed by isolation of the parasite, (2) thirty seven patients with diagnosis established by clinical findings and ultrasound studies and (3) seven patients whose diagnosis were established by clinical findings and a positive double immunodifusion test. Ninety one serum samples from healthy subjects and 22 from patients with other liver or parasitic diseases were also included in the study. The optimum concentration of Entamoeba histolytica antigen was 1.25 micrograms/ml and optimum dilutions of serum and anti-human IgG -alkaline phosphatase conjugate were 1:400 and 1:4000 respectively. The cut-off point of the ELISA test in this study was an absorbance value of 0.34. The test parameters were: sensitivity = 95.7%, specificity = 100%, positive predictive value = 100% and negative predictive value = 98.2%. The ELISA test was found to be of great use as a diagnostic tool for the establishment of amoebic etiology in patients with clinical supposition of ALA. The test could also be used for seroepidemiological surveys of the prevalence of invasive amoebiasis in a given population, since it allows the processing of a greater number of samples at a lower cost than other serological tests.

[Study on the accuracy of three portable reflectometers to determine glycaemia levels: Reflolux II, Glucometer II and Glucoscot II]. / Estudio sobre la exactitud de tres reflectómetros portátiles para la determinación de la glucemia: Reflolux II, Glucometer II y Glucoscot II.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of three portable glucoreflectometers (Reflolux II, Glucometer II and Glucoscot II), comparing them with the laboratory (Hitachi 704, exokinase method) and checking their reliability when measurements were repeated. DESIGN: A validity and reliability study. Three methods were evaluated and another used as reference. SETTING: The study was carried out at an urban Health Centre in Albacete. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A sample composed of 102 types I and II diabetic patients included in an adult programme was used. The choice was made on the basis of a simple randomized sampling of the centre's records with no exclusion criteria. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The following correlations were obtained: Reflolux II = 0.94, Glucometer II = 0.85, Glucoscot II = 0.85. The difference of averages between machines and laboratory, using venous blood was: Reflolux II (2.5 +/- 2.9; t = -1.67: p > 0.01), Glucometer II (40.2 +/- 4.8; t = -16.42: p < 0.001), Glucoscot II (32.8 +/- 4.7: p < 0.001). Variation coefficients (n = 30): Reflolux II (8.1%); Glucometer II (8.5%); Glucoscot II (3.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Reflolux II was shown to be a more accurate machine than the other two under study. It is therefore the most suitable for use in Primary Care.

Failure of a synthetic vaccine to protect Aotus lemurinus against asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum.

The hybrid synthetic protein SPf(66), which contains small fragments of the 83-kD, 55-kD, 35-kD, and circumsporozoite antigens of Plasmodium falciparum, was studied to determine its protective capacity against malaria infection in Aotus lemurinus monkeys. Two groups of six monkeys each were immunized six times with this polymer, which was mixed with either Freund's adjuvant or aluminum hydroxide. Two groups of five animals each were used as controls and immunized with saline solution mixed with the same adjuvants. Neither antipeptide nor antimalarial antibodies developed after the six immunization doses. Regardless of this fact, the monkeys were challenged intravenously with 10(5) P. falciparum blood stage parasites, and the resultant parasitemia was followed daily on blood smears. Only one monkey from each of the groups immunized using Freund's adjuvant (both experimental and control) was protected. In those immunized using aluminum hydroxide, one animal was protected in the experimental group, but none were protected in the control group. Anti-parasite antibodies developed during the infection, but did not correlate with protection and failed to recognize SPf(66) peptide in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunization with the polymer did not boost natural antibodies present in two of the monkeys before the experiment. Low levels of gamma-interferon were produced in some animals, but were not correlated with protection.

Efficiency of human Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine candidates in Aotus lemurinus monkeys.

The protective efficacy of several recombinant and a synthetic Plasmodium falciparum protein was assessed in Aotus monkeys. The rp41 aldolase, the 190L fragment of the MSA-1 protein and fusion 190L-CS. T3 protein containing the CS.T3 helper "universal" epitope were emulsified in Freund's adjuvants and injected 3 times in groups of 4-5 monkeys each one. The synthetic polymer Spf (66)30 also emulsified in Freund's adjuvants was injected 6 times. Control groups for both experiments were immunized with saline solution in the same adjuvant following the same schedules. Serology for malaria specific antibodies showed seroconversion in monkeys immunized with the recombinant proteins but not in those immunized with the polymer nor in the controls. Challenge was performed with the 10(5) parasites from the P. falciparum FVO isolate. Neither rp41 nor Spf(66)30 induced protection, whereas 190L induced significant delay of parasitemia. The fusion of the CS.T3 epitope to 190L significantly increased its protective capacity.

Characterization of Leishmania colombiensis sp. n (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), a new parasite infecting humans, animals, and phlebotomine sand flies in Colombia and Panama.

Characterization of Leishmania colombiensis sp.n. is presented, which on the basis of biological and molecular criteria, appears to be a new member of the L. braziliensis complex. A total of nine isolates of the new parasite were made in Colombia and Panama between 1980 and 1986: two from human cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, six from phlebotomine sand flies, and one from a sloth. Although most closely related to L. lainsoni, L. colombiensis sp.n. is clearly distinguishable from other members of the genus by its reactivity with monoclonal antibodies, isoenzyme electrophoresis, and restriction endonuclease fragment patterns of kinetoplast DNA (k-DNA).