Spatial patterns associated with the distribution of immature stages of Aedes aegypti in three dengue high-risk municipalities of Southwestern Colombia.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the main vector of human arbovirosis in tropical and subtropical areas. Their adaptation to urban and rural environments generates infestations inside households. Therefore, entomological surveillance associated with spatio-temporal analysis is an innovative approach for vector control and dengue management. Here, our main aim was to inspect immature pupal stages in households belonging to municipalities at high risk of dengue in Cauca, Colombia, by implementing entomological indices and relating how they influence adult mosquitos' density. We provide novel data for the geographical distribution of 3,806 immature pupal stages of Ae. aegypti. We also report entomological indices and spatial characterization. Our results suggest that, for Ae. aegypti species, pupal productivity generates high densities of adult mosquitos in neighbouring households, evidencing seasonal behaviour. Our dataset is essential as it provides an innovative strategy for mitigating vector-borne diseases using vector spatial patterns. It also delineates the association between these vector spatial patterns, entomological indicators, and breeding sites in high-risk neighbourhoods.

Spatial patterns associated with the distribution of immature stages of Aedes aegypti in three high-risk dengue municipalities of Southwestern Colombia / Patrones espaciales asociados a la distribución de estadios inmaduros de Aedes aegypti en tres municipios de alto riesgo para el departamento del Cauca, Colombia

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the main vector of human arbovirosis in tropical and subtropical areas.  Its adaptation to urban and rural environments generates infestations inside households. Therefore, entomological surveillance in association with spatio-temporal analysis is an innovative approach to vector control and dengue management. The main aim was to inspect immature pupal stages in households belonging to municipalities at high risk of dengue in Cauca, Colombia by implementing entomological indices and relating how they influence adult mosquito density. Here, we provide novel data for the geographical distribution of 3,806 immature pupal stages of Ae. aegypti. We also report entomological indices and spatial characterization. The results suggest that for Ae. aegypti species, pupal productivity generates high densities of adults in neighbouring households, evidencing seasonal behaviour. This dataset is of great importance as it provides an innovative strategy for vector-borne disease mitigation using vector spatial patterns and their association with entomological indicators and breeding sites in high-risk neighbourhoods.

Los mosquitos Aedes aegypti son el principal vector de las arbovirosis humanas en zonas tropicales y subtropicales. Su adaptación a entornos urbanos y rurales genera infestaciones en el intradomicilio de las viviendas. De aquí que, la vigilancia entomológica en asociación con el análisis espacial y el análisis espacio-temporal sean un enfoque innovador para el control de vectores y la gestión del dengue.El objetivo principal de la investigación fue realizar una comparación de la vigilancia entomológica, mediante el uso de índices cuantitativos de pupas y de adultos en tres municipios de alto riesgo de dengue Patía (El Bordo), Miranda y Piamonte del departamento del Cauca, con el fin de examinar cómo influye la productividad de pupas, entre índices entomológicos, en la densidad de mosquitos adultos y otros patrones espaciales y temporales. Ae. aegypti , sus índices entomológicos y su caracterización espacial. Los resultados sugieren que, para las especies de Ae. aegypti , la productividad de pupas genera altas densidades de adultos en las viviendas vecinas, evidenciando un comportamiento estacional.Estos resultados son de gran importancia ya que proporciona una estrategia innovadora para la mitigación de enfermedades transmitidas por vectores utilizando patrones espaciales de los vectores y su asociación con indicadores entomológicos y lugares de cría en barrios de alto riesgo para la transmisión del dengue.

Spatial Analysis of Dengue Clusters at Department, Municipality and Local Scales in the Southwest of Colombia, 2014-2019.

Dengue is an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes and is one of the 15 main public health problems in the world, including Colombia. Where limited financial resources create a problem for management, there is a need for the department to prioritize target areas for public health implementation. This study focuses on a spatio-temporal analysis to determine the targeted area to manage the public health problems related to dengue cases. To this end, three phases at three different scales were carried out. First, for the departmental scale, four risk clusters were identified in Cauca (RR ≥ 1.49) using the Poisson model, and three clusters were identified through Getis-Ord Gi* hotspots analysis; among them, Patía municipality presented significantly high incidence rates in the time window (2014-2018). Second, on the municipality scale, altitude and minimum temperature were observed to be more relevant than precipitation; considering posterior means, no spatial autocorrelation for the Markov Chain Monte Carlo was found (Moran test ˂ 1.0), and convergence was reached for b1-b105 with 20,000 iterations. Finally, on the local scale, a clustered pattern was observed for dengue cases distribution (nearest neighbour index, NNI = 0.202819) and the accumulated number of pupae (G = 0.70007). Two neighbourhoods showed higher concentrations of both epidemiological and entomological hotspots. In conclusion, the municipality of Patía is in an operational scenario of a high transmission of dengue.

Designing a cyber-physical robotic platform to assist speech-language pathologists.

This research focused on the development of a cyber-physical robotic platform to assist speech-language pathologists who are related to articulation disorders in education environments. The first goal was the design and development of the system. The second goal was the qualitative initial validation of the platform with robotics and mobile device functionalities drawing on the participation of real patients and speech-language pathologists (SLP). The research method is based on qualitative data. The first phase was the application of engineering requirements and agile techniques to build the robotic system. The second phase was to execute test sessions of the robotic platform with speech-language pathologists supervision and analyzing the experience of real male and female patients collecting data by in-depth interviews and video recordings at Heredia Special Education Center in Costa Rica. The practical approach of the cyber-physical platform has preliminarily support. Testing with SLPs and 3 other older individuals suggests that it may become a useful tool to assist professionals in the treatment of some types of articulation disorders. The time savings and data collection possibilities should be included in future investigations of efficacy.

Publishing data to support the fight against human vector-borne diseases.

Vector-borne diseases are responsible for more than 17% of human cases of infectious diseases. In most situations, effective control of debilitating and deadly vector-bone diseases (VBDs), such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika and Chagas requires up-to-date, robust and comprehensive information on the presence, diversity, ecology, bionomics and geographic spread of the organisms that carry and transmit the infectious agents. Huge gaps exist in the information related to these vectors, creating an essential need for campaigns to mobilise and share data. The publication of data papers is an effective tool for overcoming this challenge. These peer-reviewed articles provide scholarly credit for researchers whose vital work of assembling and publishing well-described, properly-formatted datasets often fails to receive appropriate recognition. To address this, GigaScience's sister journal GigaByte partnered with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to publish a series of data papers, with support from the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Here we outline the initial results of this targeted approach to sharing data and describe its importance for controlling VBDs and improving public health.

Lung ultrasound as a screening tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection in surgical patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound (LUS) in screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients requiring surgery. METHODS: Patients underwent a LUS protocol that included a scoring system for screening COVID-19 pneumonia as well as RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was determined for the relationship between LUS score and PCR test results for COVID-19. The optimal threshold for the best discrimination between non-COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 patients was calculated. RESULTS: Among 203 patients enrolled (mean age 48 years; 82 males), 8.3% were COVID-19-positive; 4.9% were diagnosed via the initial RT-PCR test. Of the patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, 64.7% required in-hospital management and 17.6% died. The most common ultrasound findings were B lines (19.7%) and a thickened pleura (19.2%). The AUC of the ROC curve of the relationship of LUS score with a cutoff value >8 versus RT-PCR test for the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia was 0.75 (95% CI 0.61-0.89; sensitivity 52.9%; specificity 91%; LR (+) 6.15, LR (-) 0.51). CONCLUSION: The LUS score in surgical patients is not a useful tool for screening patients with potential COVID-19 infection. LUS score shows a high specificity with a cut-off value of 8.

Arbovirus vectors in municipalities with a high risk of dengue in Cauca, Southwestern Colombia.

The Culicidae family has two of the most important disease vector genus: Aedes spp. and Culex spp. Both of these are involved in the transmission of arboviruses. Here, we provide novel data for the geographical distribution of 2,383 specimens in the Culicidae family. We also report the percentage of houses infested with these vectors, and Shannon and Simpson diversity indices in three municipalities located in Cauca, Colombia. This dataset is relevant for research on vector-borne diseases because Aedes spp. can transmit arboviruses such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya, and Culex spp. is a well-known vector of West Nile virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis.

Opportunistic pathogens are associated with deteriorated clinical parameters in peri-implant disease.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between Gram-negative enteric rods and Pseudomonas with the clinical parameters in peri-implant disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with implants and diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis and/or peri-implantitis participate in this cross-sectional research. Unusual microorganisms from the implants were recognized using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Linear regression models were applied. RESULTS: A total of 103 implants were evaluated in thirty-one participants. Gram-negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas were observed in 47 implants (46%). Interestingly, there were differences in probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CA), and bleeding on probing (BOP) between the groups, where implants with the presence of Gram-negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas presented deteriorated clinical parameters (p < .0001). The crude and adjusted linear regression models for PPD in peri-implant mucositis, PPD in peri-implantitis, CA in peri-implantitis, and BOP in peri-implant disease present significant ßs, demonstrating deteriorated parameters (p < .0001) in the presence of Gram-negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas. Besides, the model for CA in peri-implantitis showed that cemented restored reconstructions were statistically significant (p = .009). Additionally, the R2 value in most models indicated a high degree of correlation (>85%). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of Gram-negative enteric rods and Pseudomonas was associated with deteriorated clinical parameters in patients with peri-implant disease.

Gram-negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas colonization in mucositis and peri-implantitis of implants restored with cemented and screwed reconstructions: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between Gram-negative enteric rods and Pseudomonas with mucositis and peri-implantitis, in implants restored with cemented and screw-retained reconstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals treated with implants, diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis and or peri-implantitis, participated in this study. Microbiota from the implant and the gingival sulcus of two neighboring teeth were also studied. The microorganisms were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: A total of 52 and 51 implants cemented and screwed restored were evaluated in 31 patients. The presence of Gram-negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas (P = .01) was significantly higher in the cemented restored implants. When the unit of analysis was the implant, the presence of Gram-negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas was associated with cemented restored implants after adjustment for possible confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7; 95% CI, 1.4-10; P = .01); besides, peri-implantitis was statistically significant in the multivariate model (P = .008). Considering the patient as a unit of analysis, peri-implantitis was associated with cemented restored implants (OR = 9.4; 95% CI, 2-46; P = .006); this statistically significant association remained after adjusting for potential confounders (OR = 6.8; 95% CI, 1.3-37; P = .02). CONCLUSION: The presence of Gram-negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas was associated with cemented restored implants; besides, peri-implantitis was associated with cemented restored implants.

Desafíos hacia la eliminación de la malaria urbana/peri en Guapi (Colombia), 2016 / Challenges towards elimination of urban/peri-urban malaria in Guapi (Colombia), 2016 / Desafios para a eliminação da malária urbana / peri em Guapi (Colombia), 2016

RESUMEN I: Para mantener la reducción de la malaria, se promueven iniciativas que aceleren la eliminación. En años recientes con la reducción sostenida de la malaria, Colombia hacia el 2021 propone su eliminación en áreas urbanas por lo cual se requieren investigaciones para este desafío O: Establecer la situación epidemiológica de la transmisión de malaria urbana/peri en Guapi 2011-2015 y describir los desafíos en capacidad vectorial, receptividad, infectividad y vulnerabilidad. M: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, se obtuvieron datos epidemiológicos, entomológicos, parasitológicos, de servicios de salud y socio económicos mediante entrevistas y fuentes secundarias. Con la información se realizaron análisis uni y bivariados, se aplicaron formatos de eliminación de malaria propuestos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y se analizaron brechas. R: Se notificaron 1097 casos, 39,5% se registraron en el área urbana/peri, y a su vez, el 68% de éstos se concentraron en tres barrios. En capacidad vectorial se identificó como vector primario a anopheles albimanus, con susceptibilidad a los insecticidas, múltiples criaderos y estrategias de instalación de mosquiteros con altas coberturas; en infectividad se encontró predominio de infecciones por p, falciparum, oportunidad de consulta en las primeras 48 horas del 48,1% y automedicación; en vulnerabilidad los casos no urbanos representaron 60,5 % del total. C: La malaria se caracterizó por ser de baja intensidad, focalizada y con picos. Hay significativa receptividad, en infectividad hay retrasos de oportunidad de consulta y existe alta vulnerabilidad por población migrante.

ABSTRACT I: To maintain the reduction of malaria, initiatives that accelerate the elimination are promoted. In recent years with the sustained reduction of malaria, Colombia by 2021 proposes its elimination in urban areas, which requires research for this challenge O: Establish the epidemiological situation of transmission of urban / peri malaria in Guapi 2011-2015 and describe the challenges in vector capacity, receptivity, infectivity and vulnerability. M: A descriptive study was conducted, epidemiological, entomological, parasitological, health and socioeconomic services were obtained through interviews and secondary sources. With the information, univariate and bivariate analyzes were carried out, malaria elimination formats proposed by the World Health Organization were applied and gaps were analyzed. A: 1097 cases were notified, 39.5% were registered in the urban / peri area, and in turn, 68% of these were concentrated in three neighborhoods. In vectorial capacity anopheles albimanus was identified as the primary vector with susceptibility to insecticides, multiple hatcheries and strategies for installing mosquito nets with high coverage; In infectivity, predominance of p. falciparum, 48.1% consultation opportunity in the first 48 hours and self-medication; in vulnerability, non-urban cases represented 60.5% of the total. C: Malaria was characterized by being of low intensity, focused and with spikes. There is significant receptivity, in infectiousness there are delays in the opportunity of consultation and there is high vulnerability due to migrant population.

RESUMO I: Para manter a redução da malária, são promovidas iniciativas que aceleram a eliminação. Nos últimos anos, com a redução sustentada da malária, a Colômbia propõe, até 2021, sua eliminação nas áreas urbanas, o que requer pesquisa para esse desafio O: Estabelecer a situação epidemiológica da transmissão da malária urbana / peri-Guapi 2011-2015 e descrever os desafios em capacidade de vetores, receptividade, infecciosidade e vulnerabilidade. M: Estudo descritivo, epidemiológico, entomológico, parasitológico, de saúde e socioeconómico, obtido por meio de entrevistas e fontes secundárias. Com as informações, foram realizadas análises univariadas e bivariadas, os formatos de eliminação de malária propostos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde foram aplicados e as lacunas foram analisadas. R: 1097 casos foram notificados, 39,5% foram registrados na área urbana / peri e, por sua vez, 68% destes foram concentrados em três bairros. Em capacidade vetorial, anopheles albimanus foi identificado como vetor primário, com suscetibilidade a inseticidas, múltiplos incubatórios e estratégias para a instalação de redes mosquiteiras com alta cobertura; Na infectividade, predomínio de p. falciparum, 48,1% de oportunidade de consulta nas primeiras 48 horas e automedicação; em vulnerabilidade, os casos não urbanos representaram 60,5% do total. C: A malária foi caracterizada por ser de baixa intensidade, focada e com picos. Há uma receptividade significativa, na infecciosidade há atrasos na oportunidade de consulta e há alta vulnerabilidade devido à população migrante.

Temporomandibular joint meniscopexy with Mitek mini anchors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to show long-term results with the use of Mitek mini anchors (DePuy Mitek, Raynham, MA) in the surgical treatment (meniscopexy or discoplasty) of internal derangements that lead to a dysfunctional temporomandibular joint (TMJ). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 50 patients, 32 women and 18 men, ranging in age from 19 to 53 years, with a mean age of 33.5 years. All patients included in the study were diagnosed with anterior disc displacement without reduction. Each patient underwent surgical meniscopexy and placement of Mitek mini anchors with No. 2-0 nylon monofilament sutures. The variables taken into account in this study include range of mouth opening, painful symptoms (evaluated with the visual analog verbal scale), and the presence of any clicks in the TMJ. RESULTS: Preoperative analysis showed painful symptoms in 100% of evaluated patients, the presence of clicks of the TMJ in 76%, and a mean mouth opening range of 23.5 mm. Postoperative analysis showed that 92% of the patients had no painful symptoms, 90% did not have any associated clicks in the TMJ, and the mean mouth opening range on postoperative evaluation was 38.3 mm, with a mean increase of 14.8 mm. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that surgical placement of Mitek mini anchors represents an alternative that can be considered a tool of great utility for discoplasty procedures, showing evident clinical improvement.

Conjuntivitis alérgica / Allergic conjunctivitis

La conjuntivitis alérgica es una de las causas más comunes de consulta externa en oftalmología y tiene una muy alta relación con las reacciones alérgicas sistémicas. La fisiopatología de las reacciones de hipersensibilidad nos hace entender los cuadros clínicos característicos de esta patología y sus diferentes grados de severidad. El diagnostico diferencial es amplio, sin embargo hay claves diagnosticas que nos orientan rápidamente al diagnostico correcto. El tratamiento se enfoca en las medidas farmacológicas y no farmacológicas, utilizándolas en conjunto para disminuir la recurrencia del cuadro y prevenir secuelas visuales.

Ocular allergies are the one of the most common pathologies in ophthalmology and have high association with systemic allergic reactions. The physiopathology of the hypersensitivity reactions make us understand the different manifestations and severity of this pathology. Differential diagnosis is wide but many diagnostic clues guide us quickly to the right disease. Treatment basis are pharmacological and non pharmacological, using them together to prevent relapses and visual sequelae.

Evaluación de cuatro protocolos de sincronización para inseminación a tiempo fijo en vacas Bos indicus lactantes / Evaluation of four synchronization protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination in Bos indicus lactating cows

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar cuatro protocolos de sincronización para inseminación artificial a tiempo fijo (IATF) en vacas Bos indicus lactantes. Se seleccionaron 120 vacas Brahman entre 45 y 120 días postparto y fueron ubicadas aleatoriamente en uno de cuatro tratamientos. El tratamiento Crestar consistió en un implante auricular de norgestomet y una inyección de norgestomet y valerato de estradiol, el día 9 se retiró el implante y se aplicó eCG; la IATF se realizó 48-52 horas después. El tratamiento GPG consistió en una inyección de gonadorelina, el día 7 una inyección de D-cloprostenol y el día 9 una segunda inyección de gonadorelina e IATF 18-22 horas después. El tratamiento GPE fue similar al tratamiento GPG, excepto que la segunda dosis de GnRH fue reemplazada por benzoato de estradiol (BE) el día 8 e IATF 30-32 horas después. El tratamiento CIDR-B consistió en la aplicación del dispositivo intravaginal más una inyección de BE y otra de progesterona, 7 días después se retiró el dispositivo y se aplicó D-cloprostenol, el día 8 una inyección de BE y la IATF 30-32 horas después. El diagnostico de preñez fue determinado mediante ultrasonografia transrectal 35 días después de la IATF. El tratamiento Crestar tuvo una tasa de preñez superior (P<0,01) a los demás tratamientos (55,7 por ciento versus 19,4 por ciento, 22,5 por ciento y 21,8 por ciento, respectivamente). Los resultados del presente estudio indican que es posible obtener tasas de preñez aceptables con la IATF en vacas B. indicus lactantes y que los tratamientos con dispositivos de liberación de progesterona más eCG pueden mejorar el desempeño reproductivo de las vacas.

The objective of this study was the evaluation of four synchronization protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in Bos indicus lactancting cows. Brahman cows (n=120) between 60 and 120 days postpartum were randomly assigned to one of four syncronization treatments. The Crestar treatment consisted of the aplication of ear implant of norgestomet and an injection of norgestomet and estradiol valerate, on day 9 the implant was removed and the cows received an eCG injection; the FTAI was performed 48-52 hours later. In the GPG treatment the cows received an injection of gonadorelina on day 0, an injection of D-cloprostenol on day 7, a second injection of gonadorelina on day 8 and FTAI 18-22 hours later. The GPE treatment was similar to GPG, but the second dose of gonadorelina was replaced by an estradiol benzoate (EB) injection and the FTAI was performed 30-32 hours later. The CIDR-B treatment consisted of the aplication of intravaginal device, an injection of EB and progesterone, the device was removed 7 days later, at the same time the cows received an injection of D-cloprostenol, on day 8 the cows received an injection of EB and FTAI 30-32 hours later. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography 35 days after TAI. Crestar treatment has a higher pregnancy rate (P<0,01) than the other treatments (55.7 vs 19.4, 22.5 y 21.8% respectively). The findings of this experiment show that is possible to get acceptable pregnancy rates with FTAI in B. indicus lactating cows and progesterone releasing devices plus eCG treatments should improve reproductive performance of cows.

Características y variaciones anatómicas del surco, canal y foramen infraorbitario en un grupo de población colombiana / Characteristics and anatomical variations of the infraorbital foramen, canal and groove in a group of colombian population

ANTECEDENTES: tanto las características como las variaciones anatómicas del surco, canal y foramen infraorbitario, son importantes en la realización de procedimientos quirúrgicos múltiples; sin embargo, han sido poco estudiadas y no se cuenta con estudios previos en población colombiana. OBJETIVO: documentar las características y variaciones anatómicas del surco, canal y foramen infraorbitario en un grupo de población colombiana. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, en el cual se llevó a cabo el análisis de 165 cráneos secos (330 órbitas). Se obtuvieron datos en milímetros relacionados con la longitud del surco, canal infraorbitario y la distancia comprendida desde el centro del foramen infraorbitario hasta el reborde orbitario inferior, plano medio sagital y sutura maxilomalar; adicionalmente, se registró la relación del foramen infraorbitario con dientes maxilares, su forma, y la presencia de foramen infraorbitario accesorio, su número y localización. RESULTADOS: la longitud del surco y canal infraorbitario encontrada fue de 14.3 + 5.76 mm, respectivamente. Con respecto a la distancia comprendida desde el centro del agujero. Infraorbitario hasta el reborde orbitario inferior, plano medio sagital y sutura maxilomalar, los datos obtenidos fueron 6.9 + 318 mm, 26.5 + 3.18 mm y 15.5 + 4.6. La forma más comúnmente encontrada fue oval, que se presentó en el 60/100 de los casos. El segundo premolar se encontró relacionado con el agujero infraorbitario en el 94/100 de los especimenes. Por otra parte, se evidenció la presencia de foramen infraorbitario accesorio en el 24.84/100 de los especimenes, siendo su localización más frecuente la superomedial representada por el 79.26/100. CONCLUSIONES: es necesario tener en cuenta las características y variaciones anatómicas, en la variación de procedimientos invasivos, que involucren esta área.