Sensitivity comparison for the Leishmania spp. detection in different canine tissues using PCR-HRM.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by a parasite protozoon from the genus Leishmania. Among the molecular techniques applied for detecting these parasites, real-time PCR with High Resolution Melting (PCR-HRM) proved advantageous since it simultaneously determines both the presence and species of the pathogen in one step, through amplification and later analysis of curves generated by melting temperature. METHODS: Based on this molecular technique, the goal of this study was to estimate the PCR-HRM sensitivity for Leishmania spp. detection in different canine tissues by evaluating biological samples obtained from popliteal, submandibular, and pre-scapular lymph nodes, from bone marrow and ear pinnae of 28 stray dogs captured in the metropolitan area of Asunción (Paraguay). RESULTS: The rk39 immunochromatographic test showed that 25/28 tested dogs (89%) presented antibodies against L. infantum. In 20/25 dogs that tested positive for rk39 (80%), it was possible to detect Leishmania spp. by PCR-HRM and determine that the species corresponded entirely to L. infantum. Regarding the analysis of different tissues, the parasite was detected in all popliteal lymph node samples, followed by high detection in submandibular (at 95%) and pre-scapular lymph nodes (at 90%), bone marrow (at 85%), and ear pinnae (at 85%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the use of real-time PCR-HRM using the molecular marker hsp70 was a highly sensitive method for simultaneously detecting and identifying Leishmania species in different tissues taken from infected dogs. In addition, the usefulness of ear pinnae as easily accessible tissue for molecular diagnosis was emphasized.

Sensitivity comparison for the Leishmania spp. detection in different canine tissues using PCR-HRM

ABSTRACT Background: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by a parasite protozoon from the genus Leishmania. Among the molecular techniques applied for detecting these parasites, real-time PCR with High Resolution Melting (PCR-HRM) proved advantageous since it simultaneously determines both the presence and species of the pathogen in one step, through amplification and later analysis of curves generated by melting temperature. Methods: Based on this molecular technique, the goal of this study was to estimate the PCR-HRM sensitivity for Leishmania spp. detection in different canine tissues by evaluating biological samples obtained from popliteal, submandibular, and pre-scapular lymph nodes, from bone marrow and ear pinnae of 28 stray dogs captured in the metropolitan area of Asunción (Paraguay). Results: The rk39 immunochromatographic test showed that 25/28 tested dogs (89%) presented antibodies against L. infantum. In 20/25 dogs that tested positive for rk39 (80%), it was possible to detect Leishmania spp. by PCR-HRM and determine that the species corresponded entirely to L. infantum. Regarding the analysis of different tissues, the parasite was detected in all popliteal lymph node samples, followed by high detection in submandibular (at 95%) and pre-scapular lymph nodes (at 90%), bone marrow (at 85%), and ear pinnae (at 85%). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the use of real-time PCR-HRM using the molecular marker hsp70 was a highly sensitive method for simultaneously detecting and identifying Leishmania species in different tissues taken from infected dogs. In addition, the usefulness of ear pinnae as easily accessible tissue for molecular diagnosis was emphasized.

Oxygen Reduction Reaction at Penta-Coordinated Co Phthalocyanines.

From the early 60s, Co complexes, especially Co phthalocyanines (CoPc) have been extensively studied as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Generally, they promote the 2-electron reduction of O2 to give peroxide whereas the 4-electron reduction is preferred for fuel cell applications. Still, Co complexes are of interest because depending on the chemical environment of the Co metal centers either promote the 2-electron transfer process or the 4-electron transfer. In this study, we synthetized 3 different Co catalysts where Co is coordinated to 5 N atoms using CoN4 phthalocyanines with a pyridine axial linker anchored to carbon nanotubes. We tested complexes with electro-withdrawing or electro-donating residues on the N4 phthalocyanine ligand. The catalysts were characterized by EPR and XPS spectroscopy. Ab initio calculations, Koutecky-Levich extrapolation and Tafel plots confirm that the pyridine back ligand increases the Co-O2 binding energy, and therefore promotes the 4-electron reduction of O2. But the presence of electron withdrawing residues, in the plane of the tetra N atoms coordinating the Co, does not further increase the activity of the compounds because of pull-push electronic effects.

Identification of bacterial DNA in the peripheral blood of patients with active hidradenitis suppurativa.

Bacterial translocation may have a role in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory conditions. A prospective analytical case-control study was designed to assess the presence of bacterial DNA in the peripheral blood of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). An age- and gender-matched control population was recruited from healthy blood donors. Demographic and HS-related data were also collected. We took fasting blood samples from each participant and determined the presence of bacterial DNA (including bacterial species identification) and levels TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-17A. We included 50 patients with HS and 50 healthy controls. Bacterial DNA was present in 17 (34.0%) cases vs. 2 (4.0%) controls (P < 0.001); 14/17 (82.4%) bacterial species identified in HS patients were Gram-negative bacilli, especially Escherichia coli. The presence of bacterial DNA in patients with HS was associated with elevated levels of TNF-α (P < 0.001), IL-1ß (P = 0.01) and IL-17 (P < 0.001); however, it was not associated with disease severity or disease location. BactDNA in the peripheral blood of patients with active HS is more common that in healthy controls, and it is associated with higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that BT from the skin/intestinal lumen may play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of HS.

Experiences of advanced dementia care in seven European countries: implications for educating the workforce.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of robust research concerning the care experiences of peoplewith advanced dementia within Europe. It is essential to understand these experiences if weare to address care inequalities and create impactful dementia policies to improve servicesthat support individuals and enable family caring. OBJECTIVES: To identify the strengths and weaknesses in daily life perceived by people with dementia and family caring across Europe by exemplifying experiences and the range of typical care settings for advanced dementia care in seven partner countries. METHODS: Twenty two in-depth qualitative case studies were completed in seven European countries across a range of care settings considered typical within that country. Narrative accounts of care illuminated a unique set of experiences and highlighted what was working well (strengths or positive aspects) and not so well (weaknesses or negative aspects) for people with advanced dementia and family caring. A constant comparative method of analysis through thematic synthesis was used to identify the common themes. RESULTS: Eight key themes were identified; Early diagnosis, good coordination between service providers, future planning, support and education for carers, enabling the person with dementia to live thebest life possible and education on advanced dementia for professional and family caregiverswere all significant and recurring issues considered important for care experiences to bepositive. CONCLUSION: People with advanced dementia may have limited opportunities for self-realization and become increasingly reliant on the support of others to maximize their health and well-being. Careful attention must be given to their psychosocial well-being, living environment and family caring to enable them to live the best life possible. Building on what the case studies tell us about what works well, we discuss the potential for integrating the findings into interprofesional learning solutions for the professional workforce across Europe to champion practice-based change.

From home care to care home: a phenomenological case study approach to examining the transition of older people to long-term care in Spain.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It has been the tradition in Spain until recently for families to take care of their own older relatives, but this is now changing, especially in urban areas where caring roles are also shifting. This study aims to examine the Spanish care transitions of older people moving from being traditionally a family-centred and gender-based cultural phenomenon to one that is moving gradually into professional care settings. METHOD: A phenomenological case study approach was adopted, involving 15 cases exemplifying the care experience in typical primary care settings in one region of Spain, and examined how the transition from home care is happening. In-depth interviews with older people and carers with lived experience regarding the phenomenon took place. RESULTS: Seven themes were identified portraying the current picture of the phenomenon, evidencing that care of older people is still culturally assumed as family-centred care and a gender-based responsibility, care homes have a negative social image, there are differences between rural and urban areas, there is a lack of training for professional and family carers, and family income and dependency level accelerate the transition. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a lack of care services for older people in Spain, inconsistencies in service provision, as well as a lack of professional and non-professional training.

Nivel de orientación empática en los estudiantes de terapia física y rehabilitación de una universidad estatal / Level of empathic orientation in students of physical therapy and rehabilitation of a state university

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de orientación empática en los estudiantes de Terapia Física y Rehabilitación de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, 2016. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de enfoque cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo-observacional, prospectivo, con diseño no experimental de corte transversal. Realizado en 134 estudiantes de Terapia Física y Rehabilitación del 2do al 5to año de carrera de la Escuela Académico Profesional de Tecnología Médica de la UNMSM; se empleó la Escala de Empatía Médica de Jefferson (EEMJ). Resultados: En general se obtuvo una puntuación media de 114.60±14.424, que corresponde a un nivel alto de orientación empática. Cualitativamente esta categoría está representada por el 85.1%. Respecto a las dimensiones, se obtuvieron puntuaciones medias de "Toma de perspectiva" (61.33, nivel alto [91.0%]), "Atención por compasión" (41.16, nivel alto [82.8%]) y "Capacidad de Ponerse en el Lugar del Paciente" (12.38, nivel medio [61.2%]). No hay diferencias significativas en general ni en las dimensiones según sexo y según edad (p>0.05), pero sí se encuentran diferencias significativas según año de carrera. Conclusión: Los estudiantes de Terapia Física y Rehabilitación de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, presentan del 3er, 4to y 5to año respecto al 2do año de carrera (p≤0.05) una orientación empática favorable; específicamente se muestran prestos a la comprensión de los sentimientos de los pacientes y en poner atención a las experiencias personales de los pacientes como medio terapéutico

Objective: To determine the level of empathic orientation in students of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), 2016. Materials and methods: A quantitative descriptive-observational prospective non-experimental cross-sectional study performed in 134 second- to fifth-year students of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Escuela Académico Profesional de Tecnología Médica of UNMSM. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) was used. Results: In general, a mean score of 114.60 ± 14.424 was obtained, corresponding to a high level of empathic orientation. This category is qualitatively represented by 85.1%. Regarding the dimensions, mean scores were obtained in "Perspective Taking" (61.33, high level [91.0%]), "Compassionate Care" (41.16, high level [82.8%]) and "Standing in the Patient's Shoes" (12.38, mean level [61.2%]). There were no significant differences neither in general terms nor in gender and age (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in the year of the career. Conclusion: Third, fourth and fifth-year students of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos have a favorable empathic orientation compared to second-year students (p≤0.05). They specifically show willingness to understand patients' feelings and pay attention to patients' personal experiences as therapeutic means

Nivel de orientación empática en los estudiantes de Terapia Física y Rehabilitación de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos - 2016 / Level of empathic orientation in the students of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation of the Greater National University of San Marcos - 2016

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de orientación empática en los estudiantes de Terapia Física y Rehabilitación de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, 2016. Material y métodos: Estudio de enfoque cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo-observacional, prospectivo, con diseño no experimental de corte transversal. Realizado en 134 estudiantes de Terapia Física y Rehabilitación del 2do al 5to año de carrera de la Escuela Académico Profesional de Tecnología Médica de la UNMSM; se empleó la Escala de Empatía Médica de Jefferson (EEMJ). Resultados: En general se obtuvo una puntuación media de 114.60±14.424, que corresponde a un nivel alto de orientación empática, cualitativamente esta categoría está representada por el 85.1 por ciento; respecto a las dimensiones; se obtuvieron puntuaciones medias de "Toma de perspectiva" (61.33, nivel alto [91.0 por ciento]), "Atención por compasión" (41.16, nivel alto [82.8 por ciento]), y "Capacidad de Ponerse en el Lugar del Paciente" (12.38, nivel medio [61.2 por ciento]). No hay diferencias significativas en general ni en las dimensiones según sexo y según edad (p>0.05), sí se encuentran diferencias significativas según año de carrera, a favor del 3er, 4to y 5to año respecto al 2do año de carrera (p≤0.05). Conclusión: Los estudiantes de terapia física y Rehabilitación de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, presentan una orientación empática favorable; específicamente se muestran prestos a la comprensión dejos sentimientos de los pacientes y en poner atención a las experiencias personales de los pacientes como medio terapéutico.

Objective: Determine the level of empathic orientation in students of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation of the National University of San Marcos, 2016. Material and methods: quantitative descriptive-type approach observational, prospective, with no design experience of cross section. Conducted on 134 students of physical therapy and rehabilitation of 2 to 5 year career of the Academic Professional School of Medical Technology of San Marcos; Scale of Physician Empathy Jefferson (JSPE) was used. Results: Overall an average score of 114.60 ± 14.424, which corresponds to a high level of empathic orientation, qualitatively this category is represented by 85.1 per cent was obtained; regarding size, mean scores of "Taking perspective" (61.33, high level [91.0 per cent]), "Attention compassion" (41.16, high level [82.8 per cent]), and "Ability to take the place were obtained Patientõ (12.38, midlevel [61.2 per cent]). No significant differences in overall size or by sex and by age (p>0.05), they are significant differences career year, for the 3rd, 4th and 5th year for the 2nd year career (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The students of physical therapy and rehabilitation National University of San Marcos have a favorable empathic orientation; specifically they are ready to understanding the feelings of patients and paying attention to personal experiences of patients as a therapeutic means.

Epinefrina y analgesia epidural en el trabajo de parto inicial / Epinephrine and epidural analgesia in labor and initial labor

En la anestesia epidural caminando, el prolongado inicio de acción de la analgesia es uno sus principales problemas. Los objetivos de este trabajo son comparar la lactancia y duración análgesica de dos dosis de epinefrina (E) asociada a bajas dosis de bupivacaína (B) y sufentanil (S) en la analgesia del trabajo de parto (TP) inicial. Material y Método: Se estudiaron 60 pacientes con embarazo de término ASAI_II en TP inicial y con dilatación cervical menos o igual 4 cm. Grupo EO (Control) (N=20): B 10 mg + S 20 ug en solución fisiológica (SF) hasta completar 20 ml. Grupo E10 (n=20): B 10 mg + S 20 ug +E 10 ug en SF hasta 20 ml. Grupo E20 (n=20); B 10 mg + S 20 ug + E 20 ug en SF hasta 20 ml, epidural. Se midió latencia, duración, calidad analgésica, capacidad para deambular y efectos colaterales. Resultados: Sin diferencia demográficas. La lactancia se redujo significativamente entre los grupos al adicionar E en forma dosis dependiente. La duración fue mayor al adicionar epinefrina. No hubo bloqueo motor y todas caminaron. Hubo 20 por ciento de mareo en los grupos con E y ninguno en el control (p<0.05). El descenso de la PA fue igual y menor a un 15 por ciento entre los grupos. No hubo diferencias en incidencia de prurito, nauseas o vómitos

Bupivacaína 5 versus 10 mg asociados a sufentanil y epinefrina en analgesia epidural en trabajo de parto / Bupivacaine 5 versus 10 mg associated to sufentanil and epinephrine in epidural analgesia during labor

Introducción y Objetivo: El uso cada vez más frecuente de la anestesia epidural caminando en el trabajo de parto, hace necesario la ausencia de bloqueo motor (BM) y una analgesia adecuada. El objetivo es comparar bupivacaína (B)-5 mg y su repercusión en cuanto a latencia, duración, calidad de la analgesia y BM. Material y Método: Se estudiaron 50 pacientes con embarazo de término ASA I-II. Grupo B-5 (n=25): B 5 mg + E 5µg + S 20 µg en solución fisiológica (SF) hasta completar 20 ml. Grupo B-10(n=25): B 10 mg + E 10 µg + S 20 µg en SF hasta 20 ml. Se midió dolor, nivel analgésico, presión arterial bloqueo motor, capacidad de deambular y efectos colaterales. Resultados: Sin diferencias demográficas ni obstétricas. Sin diferencia en duración, prurito, deambulación ni nivel metamérico alcanzado. La EVA inicial fue mayor en B-10. La presión arterial disminuyó aunque menos de un 10 por ciento. Conclusiones: La latencia es menor cuando se usa B-10. La duración es igual. No hay BM con dosis iguales o menores a 10 mg. El mareo es mayor cuando se usa B-10. Hubo descenso de la PAS en ambos grupos menor del 10 por ciento