Nivel de conocimiento sobre VPH en estudiantes de la Universidad del Pacífico

Introducción. El virus del papiloma humano (VPH) es una infección viral más habitual del aparato reproductor y causa diversos trastornos, tanto en hombres como en mujeres, y se considera como el principal agente para el desarrollo del cáncer cervicouterino. Objetivo. Determinar el nivel de conocimiento sobre el VPH de las alumnas del segundo año de las diferentes carreras de la Universidad del Pacífico Sede Asunción en el año 2023. Materiales y Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal en alumnas del segundo año de las diferentes carreras de la Universidad del Pacifico en el 2023, mediante una encuesta de conocimiento, influencia y métodos para evitar el contagio del VPH. Se aplicó la estadística descriptiva utilizando el programa EpiDat 4.2. Resultados. Participaron 95 alumnas, el 49,92% conoce que el VPH es una infección viral, el 87,37% que su síntoma más común son las verrugas genitales, el 91,58% sabe que la infección por VPH afecta a ambos sexos, el 90,53% que se puede transmitir por vía sexual, 71,58% sabe que puede producir cáncer de cuello uterino y el 86,32% conoce que la vacunación es la principal medida de prevención. El 48% de las estudiantes tuvieron un buen nivel de conocimiento global sobre el VPH. Conclusión. El nivel insuficiente de conocimiento sobre VHP refleja la necesidad de realizar fortalecer el programa educativo universitario y campañas educativas con respecto al VPH y el cáncer de cuello uterino.

Introduction. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, causes various disorders in both men and women, and it is considered to be the main agent for the development of cervical cancer. Objective. To determine the level of knowledge about HPV among students in the second year of the different careers of the Universidad del Pacífico, Asunción, 2023. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study was carried out with 2nd year students of the different careers of the Universidad del Pacifico in 2023, by means of a survey of knowledge about HPV, influence, and methods to prevent infection. Descriptive statistics using EpiDat 4.2 software were applied. Results. Of the 95 female students surveyed, 49.92% knew that HPV was a viral infection, 87.37% knew that the most common symptom was genital warts, 91.58% knew that HPV disease affects both sexes, 90.53% knew that it can be transmitted sexually, 71.58% knew that it could cause cervical cancer, and 86.32% knew that vaccination was the main prevention measure, 48% of the students have a good global knowledge about HPV. Conclusion. The insufficient level of knowledge about HPV reflects the need to strengthen the university educational program and educational campaigns regarding HPV and cervical cancer.

Epidemiological characterization of ischemic heart disease at different altitudes: A nationwide population-based analysis from 2011 to 2021 in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease, are the leading cause of premature death and disability worldwide. While traditional risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and diabetes have been thoroughly investigated, non-traditional risk factors like high-altitude exposure remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the incidence and mortality rates of ischemic heart disease over the past decade in Ecuador, a country with a diverse altitude profile spanning from 0 to 4,300 meters. METHODS: We conducted a geographic distribution analysis of ischemic heart disease in Ecuador, utilizing hospital discharge and mortality data from the National Institute of Census and Statistics for the years 2011-2021. Altitude exposure was categorized according to two distinct classifications: the traditional division into low (< 2,500 m) and high (> 2,500 m) altitudes, as well as the classification proposed by the International Society of Mountain Medicine, which delineates low (< 1,500 m), moderate (1,500-2,500 m), high (2,500-3,500 m), and very high (3,500-5,800 m) altitudes. FINDINGS: From 2011-2021, we analyzed 49,765 IHD-related hospital admissions and 62,620 deaths. Men had an age-adjusted incidence rate of 55.08/100,000 and a mortality rate of 47.2/100,000, compared to 20.77/100,000 and 34.8/100,000 in women. Incidence and mortality surged in 2020 by 83% in men and 75% in women. Altitudinal stratification revealed higher IHD rates at lower altitudes (<2500 m), averaging 61.65 and 121.8 per 100,000 for incidence and mortality, which declined to 25.9 and 38.5 at elevations >2500 m. Men had more pronounced rates across altitudes, exhibiting 138.7% and 150.0% higher incidence at low and high altitudes respectively, and mortality rates increased by 48.3% at low altitudes and 23.2% at high altitudes relative to women. CONCLUSION: Ecuador bears a significant burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD), with men being more affected than women in terms of incidence. However, women have a higher percentage of mortality post-hospital admission. Regarding elevation, our analysis, using two different altitude cutoff points, reveals higher mortality rates in low-altitude regions compared to high-altitude areas, suggesting a potential protective effect of high elevation on IHD risk. Nevertheless, a definitive dose-response relationship between high altitude and reduced IHD risk could not be conclusively established.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha polymorphism -308 G/a and its protein in subjects with gingivitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) (-308 G/A) polymorphism and gingivitis, and serum and salivary TNF- α levels, in a Mexican population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study enrolled 171 subjects, divided into two groups: healthy subjects and gingivitis patients. TNF- α (-308 G/A) gene polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP assay. Salivary and serum samples were used to measure cytokine levels through the ELISA technique. RESULTS: TNF- α (-308 G/A) polymorphism was shown to have a protective effect in carriers of the A/A genotype and allele A. The G/A genotype is associated with an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the gingivitis group. Healthy individuals had higher levels of salivary TNF- α and HDL-C, and increased salivary flow. Triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased in the gingivitis group. No statistical differences were found in serum TNF- α levels. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that the TNF- α -308 A/A genotype exerts a protective effect against gingivitis. Moreover, oral conditions are associated with some biochemical parameters.

[Vaginal Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma in patient with previous urinary tract carcinoma. Case Report].

INTRODUCTION: follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDC sarcoma) is an uncommon neoplasm derived from FDC present in lymphoid follicles. It usually presents in lymph nodes, being extranodal location a very unusual event. CASE REPORT: A 78 year old female, with prior left nephrectomy for invasive urothelial carcinoma, consulted for genitorragia. At examination, a polypoid vaginal lesion, measuring 3.5 cm in diameter was discovered. It was reported as squamous cell carcinoma in incisional biopsy. A polipectomy was performed. Examination of resected specimen showed a tumor having pushing edges, arranged in a solid pattern with spindle and epithelioid cells, having a syncytial appearance, diffusely sprinkled with numerous lymphocytes and granulocytes. At immunohistochemistry neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin, CD 68, CD 21 and fascine, and focally positive for S-100 and CD45. Occasional scattered neoplastic cells expressed CD30 and CD 23. They were negative for CD3, CD20, myeloperoxidase, AE1 / AE3, EMA, HMB45, Melan A, desmin, Chromogranin, CD1a and CD35. Infiltrating lymphocites were mainly of T cell lineage (CD3 +). DISCUSSION: We report a case of FDC sarcoma in an unusual location, being to our knowledge, the first one at this site. The fact of having a prior neoplasia posed additional difficulties in differential diagnosis. Histological findings with expression of a specific marker of FDC (in this case CD21) allowed us to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Mesotelioma maligno peritoneal con células «en anillo de sello». A propósito de un caso / Peritoneal signet ring cell mesothelioma. A case report

El mesotelioma de la cavidad peritoneal es una neoplasia extremadamente infrecuente. Se presenta generalmente en forma de múltiples lesiones generalizadas, y tiene un pronóstico desalentador. Debido a su baja frecuencia y superposición de características con otros tumores malignos, su diagnóstico suele ser dificultoso. El presente artículo es la comunicación de un caso de mesotelioma peritoneal con un patrón de células «en anillo de sello», por lo poco común de esta entidad y por las dificultades diagnósticas. El caso corresponde a una mujer de 48 años con antecedentes de dolor abdominal crónico. La ecografía y la tomografía computarizada mostraron ascitis e imágenes tumorales, en ambos anexos. Los niveles de CA-125 fueron hasta 1.025 U/ml. Una laparotomía exploratoria encontró múltiples lesiones tumorales extensas en anexos y en peritoneo. Se realizó ooforectomía derecha con muestreo de las lesiones peritoneales. La pieza de ooforectomía presentaba múltiples lesiones sólidas y quísticas nodulares blanquecinas superficiales, que medían hasta 2,5 cm. Los cortes histológicos mostraron una neoplasia maligna con diferenciación glandular y un patrón de células en anillo de sello llamativo. El estudio inmunohistoquímico resultó positivo para citoqueratinas (CK) 7 y 5/6, WT1, CA-125, calretinina y D2-40, y negativos para CK20, CEA Pax8 y CDX2, como también para receptores de estrógeno y progesterona y vimentina, favoreciendo el diagnóstico de mesotelioma peritoneal con células «en anillo de sello». Esta entidad debe ser diferenciada de los carcinomas metastásicos y de los carcinomas ováricos mucinosos y serosos. El patrón de crecimiento, diseminación y el perfil de inmunohistoquímica ayudaron a establecer un diagnóstico preciso (AU)

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is an extremely uncommon neoplasm. It usually presents as widespread, multiple lesions and has a poor outcome. Diagnosis may prove difficult due to both its infrequency and the presence of many features common to other tumours. We report a case of peritoneal mesothelioma with a signet ring cell pattern which posed many diagnostic problems. A 48 year old woman presented with a history of chronic upper abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic and computed tomography scan showed ascites and tumoral images in both adnexa. CA-125 levels were raised to 1025 U/ml. An exploratory laparotomy revealed multiple widespread tumoral lesions in both adnexa and peritoneum. Right oophorectomy and sampling of the peritoneal lesions were performed. The oophorectomy specimen presented multiple superficial whitish nodular solid and cystic lesions, measuring up to 2.5 cm. Histological sections showed a malignant neoplasm with a glandular and a striking signet ring cell pattern. Immunohistochemistry was positive for cytokeratins (CK) 7 and 5/6, WT1, CA-125, calretinin and D2-40, and negative for CK20, CEA, Pax8, CDX2 vimentine and receptors for oestrogen and progesterone, favouring a diagnosis of signet ring cell peritoneal mesothelioma. This entity must be differentiated from metastatic carcinoma and primary mucinous or serous ovarian carcinoma. The growth pattern, dissemination and immunohistochemistry profile helped us to establish an accurate diagnosis (AU)

Conociendo la miel de Melipona favosa en la Península de Paraguaná, estado Falcón, Venezuela / Knowing the Melipona favosa honey from Paraguaná Peninsula, Falcon state, Venezuela

Diversas especies de abejas sin aguijón producen miel de botija en Venezuela, la cual no está incluida en las normas venezolanas de calidad. Una de estas especies, la Meli po na favosa, vive en la Península de Paraguaná, donde se conoce como erica o maba. A fin de conocer las mieles de M. favosa, se realizó la determinación de su origen botánico, su caracterización físicoquímica según los métodos de la norma COVENIN 2136-84 para miel de abejas y contenido de nitrógeno por microkjeldahl, y de actividad biológica con métodos espectrofotométricos y de concentración inhibitoria mínima, en seis mieles. Son mieles claras de color ámbar entre 18 y 79 mm Pfund. La composición físicoquímica varió así: acidez libre 12,72-95,86 meq/kg, pH 3,53-4,44, humedad 25,40-32,00 g agua/100 g, 0,01-0.16 g ce ni zas/100g, 10,48-57,55 mgN/100 g, 62,60-69,50 g azúcares reductores/100 g, 0,60-5,10 g sacarosa aparente/100 g, flavonoides 0,10-8,15 mgEQ/100g miel, y polifenoles 51,50-217,19 mgEAG/100 g. La actividad antibac teriana (g miel/100 mL medio de cultivo) fue mayor contra E. coli (12.50-50,00) que contra S. aureus (50,00- 50,00). La actividad antioxidante se ubicó en un rango bajo a alto para mieles, con 45,91-227,92 mmoles equivalentes de Trolox/100 g. El análisis melisopalinológico indicó polen dominante del género Portulaca y la especie Carica papaya.

Diverse species of stingless bees produce por honey in Venezuela,which is not included in the Venezuelan regulations of honey quality. One of these species , the Melipona favosa, lives in the Paraguaná Peninsula, where it is known as erica or maba. In order to know the honeys of M. favosa, the botanical origin was determined, their physicochemical characterization was done according to the methods of the norm COVENIN 2136-84 for honey, the nitrogen content by microkjeldahl, and biological activity by spectrophotometric and minimum inhibitory concentration methods, in six ho neys. They are light honey amber color between 18 and 79 mm Pfund. The physicochemical composition varied as follows: free acidity 12.72- 95.86 meq/kg, pH 3.53-4.44, moisture 25.40-32.00 g water/100 g, 0.01-0.16 g ash/100g, 10.48-57.55 mgN/100 g, 62.60-69.50 g reducing su gars/100 g, 0.60-5.10 g apparent sucrose/100 g, flavonoids 0.10-8.15 mgQE/100g honey, and polyphenols 51.50-217.19 mgGAE/100 g. The antibacterial ac tivity (g ho ney/100 mLculture media) was higher against E. coli (12.50-50.00) than S. aureus (50.00-50.00). The antioxidant activity was in a low to high range for honeys, with 45.91- 227.92 mmoles Trolox equivalents/100 g.

Laboratory strategies for efficient handling of paraffin-embedded tissues for molecular detection of clonality in non-hodgkin lymphomas.

We herein present a technical strategy to optimize DNA isolation from paraffin-embedded tissue (PET). This includes the choice of adequate buffers for proteinase K digestion and multiplex PCR amplifications for assessing the appropriateness of DNA extracts for subsequent PCR assays for detecting clonality. We found that the association of proteinase K digestion in nonionic buffer and subsequent extract dilutions accounted for 79% of successful amplifications. A final efficiency of 88% was achieved by additional organic extractions and/or re-extractions. Comparisons were carried out with control DNA extracts from fresh samples to assess the efficiency of each clonality assay. Immunoglobulin CDRIII rearranged region amplification was more efficient for pregerminal center B-cell lymphomas in contrast to CDRII rearrangement detection, which was more effective for germinal and postgerminal lymphomas. T-cell clonality detection by TCRgamma PCR was less efficient in PET samples than in fresh tissues showing that DNA integrity is more critical for TCR than for IGH amplification. Two inconclusive cases without phenotypic markers and two other atypical lymphoproliferations masked by reactive T cells were diagnosed as plasmablastic lymphomas and as monoclonal B-proliferations, respectively, due to IGH rearrangements.

Colitis ulcerosa crónica en pediatría / Chronic ulcerative colitis in children

La colitis ulcerosa crónica (CUC) es un tema que ha adquirido gran relieve en los últimos años en el plano internacional. En nuestro país no existen publicaciones en cuanto a la real incidencia de esta patología en la edad pediátrica. En el siguiente trabajo, revisaremos el inicio y curso de la colitis ulcerosa diagnósticada en 20 niños de cero a quince años entre 1973 y 1993. La edad promedio de inicio de la enfermedad fue 6,8 años. Los síntomas iniciales más frecuentes fueron rectorragia (95 por ciento), diarrea (75 por ciento) y dolor abdominal (55 por ciento). La duración promedio de inicio de los síntomas fue 10,5 meses. Con respecto a los exámenes paraclínicos 15 pacientes presentaron colon por enema normal mientras que 19 pacientes tuvieron fibrocolonoscopía patológica. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron trastornos de conducta y falla de crecimiento; 11 pacientes no presentaron complicaciones. El tratamiento médico fue realizado fundamentalmente con sulfazalazina (14 pac.). Un solo paciente requirió alimentación parenteral, y un solo paciente requirió cirugía para su tratamiento

Gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea en pediatría / Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in pediatrics

Presentamos un lactante de 7 meses, portador de neumonías recidivantes aspirativas, secundarias a fístula tráqueo esofágica, en el que se realizó como parte de la conducta terapéutica una GASTROSTOMIA ENDOSCOPICA PERCUTANEA (PEG). En 1980, se informó la primera experiencia internacional en la colocación endoscópica de un tubo para gastrostomía. Durante los últimos 15 años se ha usado la PEG para aplicaciones nutricionales y no nutricionales en pacientes de todas las edades. En este informe presentaremos el primer caso en nuestro país, documentado, de gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea en un lactante. Se utilizó la técnica de "arrastre" descrita por los Dres. Ponsky y Gauderer en 1981, en los EEUU. Es una técnica sencilla, que requiere un procedimiento más breve que la gastrostomía quirúrgica, con un intervalo menor entre la colocación y el inicio de la alimentación y con un menor costo. La indicación más frecuente es la inhabilidad total o parcial para deglutir. Las contraindicaciones al procedimiento son: ascitis, RGE masivo, anomalías anatómicas, diálisis peritoneal, entre otras. En un 3 por ciento de los casos pueden aparecer complicaciones mayores como peritonitis, fístulas o necrosis parietal