Point pattern analysis and classification on compact two-point homogeneous spaces evolving time.

This paper introduces a new modeling framework for the statistical analysis of point patterns on a manifold Md, defined by a connected and compact two-point homogeneous space, including the special case of the sphere. The presented approach is based on temporal Cox processes driven by a L2(Md)-valued log-intensity. Different aggregation schemes on the manifold of the spatiotemporal point-referenced data are implemented in terms of the time-varying discrete Jacobi polynomial transform of the log-risk process. The n-dimensional microscale point pattern evolution in time at different manifold spatial scales is then characterized from such a transform. The simulation study undertaken illustrates the construction of spherical point process models displaying aggregation at low Legendre polynomial transform frequencies (large scale), while regularity is observed at high frequencies (small scale). K-function analysis supports these results under temporal short, intermediate and long range dependence of the log-risk process.

Trastornos alimentarios de los enfermos de Alzheimer. Pautas para detección e intervención / Eating disorders in alzheimer´s disease patients: guidelines for detection and response

Los trastornos alimentarios que se producen en los enfermos de Alzheimer, algunos desde épocas muy tempranas, van a influir de forma muy importante en la satisfacción del resto de las necesidades básicas de los enfermos. Este estudio ha perseguido identificar los trastornos alimentarios de mayor incidencia en este tipo de pacientes, cuáles se deben a trastornos del comportamiento alimentario y evidenciar, con grupos de familiares cuidadores, los más característicos de cada fase del proceso demencial. Se realizaron dos sesiones de trabajo con tres grupos focales de familiares cuidadores de enfermos de Alzheimer, pertenecientes a la Asociación de Málaga. Se desprende del análisis de resultados que los familiares cuidadores han normalizado estos problemas nutricionales inadecuados, no estableciendo la correlación peligrosa con otros problemas de mayor calado. Los profesionales enfermeros debemos intervenir de forma precoz con acciones formativas especialmente para evitar la progresión de estos trastornos (AU)

Molecular genetics of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Mexico.

Several studies carried out between 1965 and 1985 showed that G-6-PD deficiency in Mexico is heterogeneous at the biochemical level and that the G-6-PD A- phenotype is relatively common. We have now investigated the molecular basis of G-6-PD deficiency in Mexico. Up-to-date 60 chromosomes with G6PD mutations have been studied, 16 in previous studies and 44 in the present work. Molecular analysis of DNA from G-6-PD deficient Mexican mestizos and their relatives show that G-6-PD A- genotypes are relatively common but also that in Mexico G-6-PD deficiency is heterogeneous at the DNA level. Thus, five different genotypes have been observed: G-6-PD A-(202A/376G) (41 chromosomes), G-6-PD A-(376G/968C) (14 chromosomes), G-6-PD Seattle844C (3 chromosomes), G-6-PD "Mexico City"680A (1 chromosome) and G-6-PD Guadalajara1159T (1 chromosome). The G-6-PD A-(202A/376G), G-6-PD A-(376G/968C) and G-6-PD Seattle844C mutations in Mexico are on the same Pvu II/ Pst I/ 1311 / Nla III haplotypes as found in individuals from Africa, Spain and the Canary Islands. Consequently, these mutations were probably imported to Mexico through African slaves and/or the Spanish immigrants during and after the colonization.

Molecular heterogeneity of G-6-PD deficiency in Mexico.

DNA samples from seven G-6-PD deficient Mexican mestizo patients were analyzed. Three different G-6-PD genotypes were observed: G-6-PD A-202A/376G (three patients), G-6-PD A-376G/968C (three patients) and G-6-PD Seattle844C. The present results, along with previous reports, suggest not only G-6-PD A-genotypes are relatively common but also G-6-PD deficiency seems to be heterogeneous at DNA level in Mexico.

Effects of G-6-PD deficiency, experimentally induced or genetically transmitted, on the sorbitol pathway activity. In vitro and in vivo studies.

Aldose reductase catalyzes the NADPH-linked reduction of hexoses to their respective sugar-alcohols, which are involved in the pathogenesis of "sugar-cataracts". In the lenses, the reaction catalyzed by G-6-PD is the source of NADPH supply blocking sugar-alcohol formation and consequently prevents or delays the onset of "sugar-cataracts". We have investigated the effect of G-6-PD deficiency, either experimentally induced or genetically transmitted, on the sorbitol accumulation in whole cells incubated in high glucose media and on the "sugar-cataracts" formation in a galactosemic rat model. We also screened 31 Negro male adults with diabetes mellitus for red cell G-6-PD deficiency. G-6-PD deficiency produced a significant inhibition on sorbitol accumulation in rat lenses and human red cells incubated in 50 mM glucose. In the galactosemic rat model G-6-PD deficiency experimentally induced with acetaminophen delayed the development of cataracts. Finally, two diabetic individuals were G-6-PD deficient and did not show cataracts whereas cataracts were identified in six other diabetic patients.

Recurrence and clearance of hepatitis B surface antigenemia in a dialysis patient infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

Hepatitis B vaccination programs have prevented infection in many dialysis patients, although the antibody response to vaccination is still insufficient in approximately 50%. Reinfection or reactivation of latent hepatitis B infection (HBV) has been reported in certain groups of immunosuppressed patients, including those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). We report the reactivation or reinfection of HBV with resurgence of hepatitis B surface antigen in a dialysis patient coinfected with HIV-1. Thus, in dialysis patients with latent HBV infection, with undetectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels, the potential exists to reactivate during immunosuppression associated with HIV-1 infection and/or end-stage renal disease. Reinfection with a different subtype is also possible. The development of hepatitis B surface antigenemia in this patient population creates a potential for transmission in the dialysis setting. This is of special concern since the number of patients infected with HIV-1 and with evidence of prior hepatitis B infection is increasing in urban units.

Hepatitis C infection in two urban hemodialysis units.

We determined the prevalence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in 90 patients and 37 staff members of two hemodialysis units utilizing a recently developed anti-HCV recombinant based assay. Eleven patients (12%) were anti-HCV(+). Of these, eight (73%) had antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) indicating prior hepatitis B infection; one patient was hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)(+). All staff members were anti-HCV(-), although seven (19%) of them were anti-HBc(+). Alanine aminotransferase elevations were present at the time of the study in four anti-HCV(-) patients and in only one anti-HCV(+) patient. All anti-HCV(+) (mean 59 +/- 74; range 3 to 269 units) and 85% of anti-HCV(-) patients (mean 16 +/- 27; range 0 to 204 units) had received multiple blood transfusions (P = 0.348). Among 50 patients tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 43% of anti-HCV(+) as compared to only 7% anti-HCV(-) were positive (P = 0.003). There was a history of intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) in eight (72%) of the anti-HCV(+) patients and in only seven (9%) of the anti-HCV(-) group (P = 0.00001). The results of this serologic survey suggests that anti-HCV positivity is prevalent, although much less than anti-HBc, among our dialysis patients, whereas it was not detected among staff members. The prevalence rate of anti-HCV was statistically significantly higher among anti-HIV(+) and IVDA patients but not in multi-transfused patients.

Reduced levels of uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase activity in fetal and neonatal human and guinea pig liver.

Uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (UDPGPP) is the first enzyme in the bilirubin conjugation pathway. A study aiming to screen for red blood cell UDPGPP deficiency in newborns with hyperbilirubinemia was carried out. No individuals with severe UDPGPP deficiency were found, however, levels of UDPGPP in premature and at term newborns were lower than in adults. These findings led to the study of UDPGPP in human fetal, neonatal and adult liver, using guinea pig tissues as a parallel control. UDPGPP activities in fetal and neonatal samples were also significantly lower than in adult ones in both species. Therefore, it is postulated that the reduced levels of UDPGPP in fetal and neonatal liver could be a factor which contributes to the pathogenesis of the physiologic jaundice in human newborns.

Veterans Administration cooperative study on hepatitis and dentistry.

Personnel in the VA dental facilities were screened for the detection of viral hepatitis and identification of factors implicating infectivity. A total of 963 personnel from 126 dental facilities throughout the United States voluntarily participated in the study. The rate of seroconversion for any hepatitis B markers was approximately 1% per year. Serial positive tests for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen or antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (or both) were present in 16.2% of dentists and 13.0% of dental auxiliary personnel. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons composed the highest prevalence occupation (24.0%), and clinical personnel composed the lowest prevalence occupation (8.9%). There was a significant association between years in dental environment and serological positivity for viral B infection. The dentists and dental auxiliary personnel had significant linear trends of increasing serological positivity with years in the dental environment. Although a majority of personnel reported wearing gloves while treating high-risk patients or performing invasive procedures, inadequate prophylactic measures were exercised for most patients undergoing a variety of less invasive procedures. The results of the study show the need for an active immunization program against type B viral infection for dental and dental auxiliary personnel, preferably before the initial exposure to the professional environment.