ExplorePipolin: reconstruction and annotation of piPolB-encoding bacterial mobile elements from draft genomes.

Motivation: Detailed and accurate analysis of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in bacteria is essential to deal with the current threat of multiresistant microbes. The overwhelming use of draft, contig-based genomes hinder the delineation of the genetic structure of these plastic and variable genomic stretches, as in the case of pipolins, a superfamily of MGEs that spans diverse integrative and plasmidic elements, characterized by the presence of a primer-independent DNA polymerase. Results: ExplorePipolin is a Python-based pipeline that screens for the presence of the element and performs its reconstruction and annotation. The pipeline can be used on virtually any genome from diverse organisms and of diverse quality, obtaining the highest-scored possible structure and reconstructed out of different contigs if necessary. Then, predicted pipolin boundaries and pipolin encoded genes are subsequently annotated using a custom database, returning the standard file formats suitable for comparative genomics of this mobile element. Availability and implementation: All code is available and can be accessed here: github.com/pipolinlab/ExplorePipolin. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.

Public health response to an outbreak of SARS-CoV2 infection in a Barcelona prison.

An outbreak of SARS-CoV2 infection in a Barcelona prison was studied. One hundred and forty-eight inmates and 36 prison staff were evaluated by rt-PCR, and 24.1% (40 prisoners, two health workers and four non-health workers) tested positive. In all, 94.8% of cases were asymptomatic. The inmates were isolated in prison module 4, which was converted into an emergency COVID unit. There were no deaths. Generalised screening and the isolation and evaluation of the people infected were key measures. Symptom-based surveillance must be supplemented by rapid contact-based monitoring in order to avoid asymptomatic spread among prisoners and the community at large.

Consenso chileno para la atención integral de niños y adultos con fibrosis quística

Resumen La Fibrosis Quística (FQ) es la enfermedad hereditaria de pronóstico reservado más frecuente en raza blanca. Desde el año 2003, Chile inicia un Programa Nacional de Fibrosis Quística, de carácter integral, dirigido por la Unidad de Salud Respiratoria del Ministerio de Salud. Hasta la fecha, los principales resultados del Programa registran una significativa mayor sobrevida (promedio 27 años) y una significativa reducción en la edad de diagnóstico de los pacientes ingresados desde 2006 en adelante. El acceso a la canasta GES (Garantías Explícitas en Salud), la implementación del tamizaje neonatal en algunas regiones del país, la organización y la constitución de equipos entrenados en FQ de diversas especialidades, ha contribuido a mejorar los resultados. Si bien las principales manifestaciones son del aparato respiratorio y digestivo, el carácter multisistémico de la FQ obliga a conocer los distintos aspectos involucrados en su manejo, a fin de optimizar los resultados del tratamiento y los recursos invertidos, tanto en el sector público como privado. Este documento es una revisión y actualización sobre los principales aspectos del diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de las manifestaciones respiratorias y no respiratorias de la FQ.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent hereditary disease in whites, with a reserved prognosis. Since 2003, Chile began a comprehensive National Cystic Fibrosis Program, directed by the Respiratory Health Unit of the Ministry of Health. To date, the main results of the Program record a significantly longer survival (average 27 years) and a significant reduction in the age of diagnosis of patients admitted from 2006 onwards. Access to Chilean Explicit Health Guarantees, the implementation of neonatal screening in some regions of the country, the organization and setting up of CF-trained teams of various specialties, has contributed to improving results. Although the main manifestations are of the respiratory and digestive system, the multisystemic nature of CF makes it necessary to know the different aspects involved in its management, in order to optimize the results of the treatment and the resources invested, both in the public and private sectors. This document is a review and an update on the main aspects of the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of the respiratory and non-respiratory manifestations of CF.

Consenso chileno para la atención integral de niños y adultos con fibrosis quística / Chilean consensus for the integral care of children and adults with cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent hereditary disease in whites, with a reserved prognosis. Since 2003, Chile began a comprehensive National Cystic Fibrosis Program, directed by the Respiratory Health Unit of the Ministry of Health. To date, the main results of the Program record a significantly longer survival (average 27 years) and a significant reduction in the age of diagnosis of patients admitted from 2006 onwards. Access to Chilean Explicit Health Guarantees, the implementation of neonatal screening in some regions of the country, the organization and setting up of CF-trained teams of various specialties, has contributed to improving results. Although the main manifestations are of the respiratory and digestive system, the multisystemic nature of CF makes it necessary to know the different aspects involved in its management, in order to optimize the results of the treatment and the resources invested, both in the public and private sectors. This document is a review and an update on the main aspects of the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of the respiratory and non-respiratory manifestations of CF.

La Fibrosis Quística (FQ) es la enfermedad hereditaria de pronóstico reservado más frecuente en raza blanca. Desde el año 2003, Chile inicia un Programa Nacional de Fibrosis Quística, de carácter integral, dirigido por la Unidad de Salud Respiratoria del Ministerio de Salud. Hasta la fecha, los principales resultados del Programa registran una significativa mayor sobrevida (promedio 27 años) y una significativa reducción en la edad de diagnóstico de los pacientes ingresados desde 2006 en adelante. El acceso a la canasta GES (Garantías Explícitas en Salud), la implementación del tamizaje neonatal en algunas regiones del país, la organización y la constitución de equipos entrenados en FQ de diversas especialidades, ha contribuido a mejorar los resultados. Si bien las principales manifestaciones son del aparato respiratorio y digestivo, el carácter multisistémico de la FQ obliga a conocer los distintos aspectos involucrados en su manejo, a fin de optimizar los resultados del tratamiento y los recursos invertidos, tanto en el sector público como privado. Este documento es una revisión y actualización sobre los principales aspectos del diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de las manifestaciones respiratorias y no respiratorias de la FQ.

Nivel de conocimiento sobre manejo de acné de los médicos del primer nivel de atención de la provincia de chiclayo durante el período agosto-noviembre de 2016 / Level of knowledge about acne management in primary care physicians at the province of chiclayo during the period august-november 2016

RESUMEN Objetivo : identificar el nivel de conocimiento sobre manejo de acné, de los médicos del primer nivel de atención de la provincia de Chiclayo, durante el período Agosto-Noviembre de 2016. Método : estudio descriptivo transversal, en el que se utilizó como instrumento un cuestionario de 12 preguntas previamente validado, aplicado a una muestra de 98 médicos del primer nivel de atención de la Red de Salud Chiclayo. Para el análisis estadístico utilizamos frecuencias absolutas y relativas, medidas de tendencia central y Chi cuadrado (p<0,05 y nivel de confianza: 95%). Resultados : se obtuvo un nivel de conocimiento alto en 27 (27.6%) médicos, medio en 66 (67.3%) y bajo en 5 (5.1%). En relación a las preguntas de medidas generales, 30 (30.6%) médicos respondieron correctamente las 5 preguntas. El número de médicos que respondió correctamente al tratamiento de primera línea, en el tipo de acné comedogénico y el tipo de acné pápulo-pustuloso moderado fue de 38 (39%) y 48 (49%), respectivamente. El promedio de años de egresado en los médicos con nivel de conocimiento alto fue de 5.6 años, medio 8.7 y bajo 15 años. Conclusión : se obtuvo un nivel de conocimiento alto en manejo de acné, en el 27.6% de los médicos de atención primaria del Ministerio de Salud, de la región Lambayeque. Al evaluar las medidas generales sobre manejo de acné, se encontró que sólo 30 (30.6%) médicos de atención primaria, acertaron todas las preguntas de dicha sección. Menos de la mitad de médicos respondió correctamente al tratamiento de primera línea, en el tipo de acné comedogénico y el tipo de acné pápulo-pustuloso moderado.

SUMMARY Objective: identify the level of knowledge in management of acne among primary care physicians in Chiclayo province during the period August-November 2016. Methods : this study is cross - sectional descriptive. A questionnaire of 12 questions previously validated was applied in a sample of 98 physicians of primary care in Chiclayo province. For statistical analysis we used absolute and relative frequencies, measures of central tendency and Chi-square. Results: a high level of knowledge was obtained in 27 (27.6%) physicians, a mean level in 66 (67.3%) and a low level in 5 (5.1%). Regarding the five questions of general measures, 30 (30.6%) doctors answered correctly all of them. The amount of physicians who responded correctly to first-line treatments in comedogenic acne and moderate papulopustular acne were 38 (39%) and 48 (49%), respectively. The average number of years from graduation in physicians with a high level of knowledge was 5.6 years, mean level 8.7 years and low level 15 years. Conclusion: a high level of knowledge in acne management was obtained in 27 (27.6%) primary care physicians in Chiclayo province. When evaluating general measures on acne management, only 30 (30.6%) primary care physicians answered correctly to all of the questions in that section. Less than half of physicians knew first-line treatments in the comedogenic and the moderate papulopustular acne types.

Daily zero-reporting for suspect Ebola using short message service (SMS) in Guinea-Bissau.

OBJECTIVE: Intensified surveillance will be vital in the elimination phase to verify Ebola-free status and mitigate potential reemergence of the disease in West Africa. Zero-reporting from high-risk districts is a key strategy for surveillance. Our objective was to implement a pilot investigation to assess the feasibility of using short message service (SMS) texting for daily reporting of Ebola cases under investigation (CUI) in Guinea-Bissau in the context of an ongoing emergency-response training program known as Surveillance Training for Ebola Preparedness (STEP). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort (pilot investigation) METHODS: The reporting period for the SMS pilot was January 24-March 24, 2015. STEP was conducted for two sequential groups during January 19-March 27, 2015 in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Training on SMS daily reporting occurred over one hour during the first week of didactic training of each group. Fourteen participants (nine from the first group and five from the second), including one surveillance officer from each of the 13 regions in Guinea-Bissau and one from the national laboratory, were selected as reporters, receiving a simple cell phone for sending SMS indicating the number of CUI for Ebola. The WHO suspect Ebola case definition was used initially and then modified on day 32 of the pilot. The text message was sent to the WiFi-connected smartphone at the Instituto Nacional Saúde Pública (INASA). The smartphone utilised an SMS-gateway application (Ushahidi SMSsync Android App) to upload the data to the Magpi cloud application. RESULTS: The average daily reporting from the first group was 7.7 of 9 (86%) and for the second group was 4.1 of 5 (82%). For the two groups combined, the reporting rate was 85%. Among the 14 reporters the median reporting rate was 85% (range 36%-100%). No cases meeting the definition for an Ebola CUI were reported during the 60 days. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time, SMS-based, daily zero-reporting can be implemented in a rapid, simple way in a low resource country. We believe that the high compliance rates were due to the simplicity and familiarity of SMS and heightened sensitivity that resulted from STEP to the importance of zero-reporting in the midst of an Ebola epidemic in neighbouring countries. This model could be useful for rapid scale-up and implementation of alert systems in other outbreaks and public health emergencies.

Escleritis necrotizante c-ANCA positivo y esclerosis múltiple compatible con Wegener ocular: tratamiento con rituximab / C-ANCA positive necrotising scleritis and multiple sclerosis compatible with ocular Wegener: treatment with rituximab

CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente diagnosticada de escleritis necrotizante c-ANCA+, seudotumor orbitario y posible esclerosis múltiple; en 2003 realizó tratamiento con ciclofosfamida oral y esteroides con respuesta parcial. Entre 2005-2010 sufrió episodios oculares autolimitados. En 2010 se realizó un primer trasplante escleral, con mala evolución. Se inició tratamiento con rituximab y se realizó segundo injerto con buena evolución. A los 12 meses no se observaron cambios en resonancia magnética y el segundo injerto cicatrizó. DISCUSIÓN: La enfermedad de Wegener con afectación limitada a la órbita y/o el ojo es una entidad poco frecuente. La anatomía patológica, analítica de sangre, clínica y buena respuesta al tratamiento son clave para su diagnóstico

CASE REPORT: A patient diagnosed with necrotizing scleritis, c-ANCA + an orbital pseudotumour, and possible multiple sclerosis in 2003 was treated with oral cyclophosphamide and steroids with partial response. Between 2005-2010 she suffered self-limited episodes. In 2010 a first scleral transplant was performed with poor outcome. She was treated with rituximab, and a second graft was performed with good results. At 12 months there was no change in magnetic resonance and the second graft healed. DISCUSSION: Wegener's disease with limited involvement of the orbit and/or the eye is a rare condition. The histopathology, blood analysis, symptoms and good response to treatment are the key to its diagnosis

[C-ANCA positive necrotising scleritis and multiple sclerosis compatible with ocular Wegener: treatment with rituximab]. / Escleritis necrotizante c-ANCA positivo y esclerosis múltiple compatible con Wegener ocular: tratamiento con rituximab.

CASE REPORT: A patient diagnosed with necrotizing scleritis, c-ANCA+ an orbital pseudotumour, and possible multiple sclerosis in 2003 was treated with oral cyclophosphamide and steroids with partial response. Between 2005-2010 she suffered self-limited episodes. In 2010 a first scleral transplant was performed with poor outcome. She was treated with rituximab, and a second graft was performed with good results. At 12 months there was no change in magnetic resonance and the second graft healed. DISCUSSION: Wegener's disease with limited involvement of the orbit and/or the eye is a rare condition. The histopathology, blood analysis, symptoms and good response to treatment are the key to its diagnosis.

Anticoncepción de emergencia hormonal: conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en estudiantes universitarias: estudio de corte transversal: Colombia, 2008 / Hormonal emergency contraception: knowledge, attitudes and practices in university students: cross section study: Colombia, 2008

Introducción: anualmente se realizan cerca de 20 millones de abortos inseguros globalmente como consecuencia de gestaciones no planeadas que causan más de 80.000 muertes maternas. La anticoncepción de emergencia hormonal (AEH) es una útil herramienta para minimizar embarazos no planeados después de una relación sexual sin protección. Objetivo: determinar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre AEH en estudiantes de carreras de salud en una universidad de Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal. Población: mujeres estudiantes de las carreras de salud de una universidad en Colombia. Tamaño muestral: 496 encuestas con base en supuesto conocimiento sobre anticoncepción de emergencia hormonal del 2%, con peor aceptable del 0.1% e intervalo de confianza del 99,99%. Procedimiento: encuesta anónima de autodiligenciamiento, para evaluar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas. Resultados: edad promedio: 22.5 años (rango 16-28). El 96% de las estudiantes son solteras, 2% casadas, 2% unión libre y 6% ya tienen hijos. El 76% ya inició vida sexual; 27% utilizan condón, 15% inyectables mensuales, 12% anticonceptivos orales combinados y 5% métodos naturales. En los últimos tres meses, 6 de cada 10 han tenido relaciones sexuales pero la tercera parte no ha utilizado ningún método anticonceptivo. Aunque 90% conocen la AEH, sólo la tercera parte identifica el verdadero mecanismo de acción. El 25% manifiesta no saber la efectividad de la AEH y sólo el 2% conoce el tiempo límite de uso. Dos de cada 10 mujeres no están de acuerdo con su uso. Seis de cada 10 estudiantes la han utilizado alguna vez, 2% la ha utilizado hasta 4 veces, y el 17% ha cambiado su método rutinario por utilizar AEH. El 80% la adquirió directamente en droguerías y el 12% en Profamilia. El 88% utilizó AEH de sólo progestina, 11% Yuzpe y 1% DIU. La gran brecha encontrada entre conocimientos, actitudesy práctica sobre AEH en las encuestadas permite sugerir una intervención educativa sobre AEH.

Estudio epidemiológico de la incidencia de la sobreexposición de HER2 en pacientes portadoras de cáncer de mama de reciente diagnóstico en estados iniciales / An epidemiological study of the incidente of HER2 overexpression in recently diagnosed inicial-stage breast cancer patients

Introducción: la posibilidad de identificar pacientes HER2 positivo y poder ofrecerles una terapia específica ha cambiado el pronóstico y la evolución de las mismas, es por ello que la determinación de sobreexpresión de HER2 es una factor clave para la toma de decisiones en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama. Objetivo: recolectar datos locales de la incidencia de la sobreexpresión de HER2 en la población con cáncer de mama de reciente diagnóstico y datos de anatomía patológica y la relación de los mismos con la sobreexpresión de HER2. Materiales y método: estudio epidemiológico que recolecta datos de las fichas de anatomía patológica y de las historias clínicas de pacientes con cáncer de mama operadas entre agosto de 2006 y agosto de 2007. De las biopsias previamente realizadas de rutina en pacientes operadas, se tomó un extendido para la determinación de HER2 por inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) con un anticuerpo policlonal anti HER2 (Dako), recuperación antigénica en microondas, sistema de detección En Vision (Dako) y revelado con diaminobenzidina. Para interpretar los resultados se usó el score de ASCO/CAP. Resultados: ingresaron 342 pacientes, HER negativo, 285 pacientes (83%); dudoso, 19 pacientes (6%); y HER2 positivo, 38 pacientes (11%). La edad promedio fue de 63,7 años. Se compararon las características clínicas y anatomopatológicas de ambas poblaciones (Tabla I). Conclusiones: la incidencia de HER2 positivo fue inferior (11%) a las reportadas en otras series, probablemente influida por el tamaño de la muestra o por el estadio inicial de las pacientes.

Estudio epidemiológico de la incidencia de la sobreexposición de HER2 en pacientes portadoras de cáncer de mama de reciente diagnóstico en estados iniciales / An epidemiological study of the incidente of HER2 overexpression in recently diagnosed inicial-stage breast cancer patients

Introducción: la posibilidad de identificar pacientes HER2 positivo y poder ofrecerles una terapia específica ha cambiado el pronóstico y la evolución de las mismas, es por ello que la determinación de sobreexpresión de HER2 es una factor clave para la toma de decisiones en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama. Objetivo: recolectar datos locales de la incidencia de la sobreexpresión de HER2 en la población con cáncer de mama de reciente diagnóstico y datos de anatomía patológica y la relación de los mismos con la sobreexpresión de HER2. Materiales y método: estudio epidemiológico que recolecta datos de las fichas de anatomía patológica y de las historias clínicas de pacientes con cáncer de mama operadas entre agosto de 2006 y agosto de 2007. De las biopsias previamente realizadas de rutina en pacientes operadas, se tomó un extendido para la determinación de HER2 por inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) con un anticuerpo policlonal anti HER2 (Dako), recuperación antigénica en microondas, sistema de detección En Vision (Dako) y revelado con diaminobenzidina. Para interpretar los resultados se usó el score de ASCO/CAP. Resultados: ingresaron 342 pacientes, HER negativo, 285 pacientes (83%); dudoso, 19 pacientes (6%); y HER2 positivo, 38 pacientes (11%). La edad promedio fue de 63,7 años. Se compararon las características clínicas y anatomopatológicas de ambas poblaciones (Tabla I). Conclusiones: la incidencia de HER2 positivo fue inferior (11%) a las reportadas en otras series, probablemente influida por el tamaño de la muestra o por el estadio inicial de las pacientes.

Shipboard testing of the efficacy of SeaKleen as a ballast water treatment to eliminate non-indigenous species aboard a working tanker in Pacific waters.

Trials were conducted aboard the tanker Seabulk Mariner to test a natural product, SeaKleen, as a biocide controlling non-indigenous populations of plankton and bacteria in ballast water. SeaKleen was dosed into matched ballast tanks at two different concentrations, 0.8 mg L(-1) active ingredient (a.i.) and 1.6 mg L(-1) a.i. during ballasting off the Oregon coast during a three-day passage to Prince William Sound, Alaska. Live organism counts from treated ballast water were compared with those from untreated (control tank) water collected from the same source location. Shipboard chemical analyses were made to verify dose and quantify chemical degradation and residuals following dilution. Results indicated that both SeaKleen doses resulted in complete zooplankton and phytoplankton mortality and that the higher dose (1.6 mg L(-1) a.i.) caused a two-log removal of culturable bacteria over a 92 h grow-out period. Spectrophotometry confirmed initial dosing to within 5% of nominal values. Shipboard bioassays were conducted using larval fish (Cyprinodon variegatus), brine shrimp (Artemia salina) and the bioluminescent dinoflagellate Pyrocystis lunula. Exposure of the test organisms to water drawn from treated ballast tanks 48 h after SeaKleen was added to the tanks resulted in 100% mortalities in Cyprinodon and Pyrocystis at both doses. Corresponding mortalities for Artemia larvae were 100% and 60% for high and low SeaKleen doses, respectively. Toxicity testing of treated water, subjected to varying dilutions, indicated that residual toxicity to even the most sensitive organisms would be eliminated once the discharge had dispersed beyond 100 feet from the vessel.

Amiloidosis endobronquial / Tracheobronchial amyloidosis: case report

Amyloidosis is a generic term for a group of diseases that share the common feature of extracelular deposit of pathologic proteins. Systemic and localized forms are recognized. Both can produce pulmonary involvement. The current classification is based on the nature of the precursor of the amyloid. It is an infrequent condition, in USA the incidence is 5.1 to 12.8 per million of people. We present a case of a 32 years old male, obese, light smoker with Diabetes Mellitus 2, asymptomatic, with a pneumonia and poor response to treatment. The first diagnostic approach was a malignant disease and the histological study showed Amyloidosis. The analysis of the case suggest the diagnosis of tracheobronchial amyloidosis.

La amiloidosis es un término genérico para un conjunto de enfermedades que comparten como hecho común el depósito extracelular de proteínas patológicas. A grandes rasgos se divide en sistémica y localizada. Ambas pueden presentar compromiso pulmonar. Actualmente, su clasificación, se basa en las proteínas precursoras del amiloide. Es una patología poco frecuente, reportándose en USA una incidencia de 5,1 a 12,8 por millón de personas. Presentamos un caso de un enfermo de 32 años de edad obeso con antecedentes de tabaquismo y Diabetes Mellitus 2, asintomático que frente a una neumonía con mala respuesta al tratamiento se plantea una patología maligna y el estudio histológico demuestra amiloidosis. El análisis del caso clínico configura el diagnostico de Amiloidosis localizada endobronquial.

Nuevos esquemas de tratamiento con insulina en niños y dolescentes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) en un Hospital Público / New schemes of insulin treatment in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus attending a Public Hospital

En la última década se ha demostrado la importancia del control glicémico en la prevención de las complicaciones microvasculares de la DM1. Para lograr este objetivo se ha propiciado el uso de esquemas terapéuticos de insulina intensificados. Objetivo: Comunicar los nuevos esquemas terapéuticos que se utilizan en niños y adolescentes con DM1 y sus resultados en el control metabólico. Método: Se evaluaron los esquemas insulínicos utilizados por todos los pacientes < 19 años en control durante 2003, clasificándolos en tratamiento intensificado (doble o triple dosis de NPH o Glargina) o convencional (< 2 dosis/día). Se consignaron las dosis utilizadas, la HbA1c promedio, el resultado del programa educativo (conocimiento de cantidad de hidratos de carbono, intercambio de alimentos, cambio de dosis según ingesta de hidratos de carbono (HdC) y proporción Insulina/ HdC) y se compararon los resultados obtenidos con las distintas modalidades de tratamiento. Resultados: Se estudiaron 69 pacientes con DM1 (36 mujeres), de 12,0 ± 3,7 años (2-19 años), 59,7% púberes. Todos utilizaban una insulina basal (69,2% de la dosis diaria) y otra prandial; 87% de los pacientes requirieron tres o más dosis diarias de insulina y 13% utilizaba esquema convencional de dos dosis de NPH. Los pacientes en tratamiento intensificado recibían tres o cuatro dosis diarias de insulina prandial, con los siguientes esquemas de insulina basal: dos dosis diarias de NPH (28%), glargina (10%) y tres dosis diarias de NPH (49%). 88,4% de los pacientes modificaba la dosis de insulina rápida según la glicemia y 46,4% consideraba la ingesta de HC; 27% conocía la relación HdC/insulina y 79,7% se colocaba refuerzos adicionales de insulina al comer fuera de sus horarios. La HbA1C del grupo fue de 8,6 ± 1,4%; 30,4% de los pacientes logró el objetivo de HbA1c establecido en el programa, sin diferencias respecto al esquema de insulinoterapia basal utilizado. Por análisis de ...

Introduction: During the last decade the importance of glycaemic control in the prevention of microvascular complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) has been demostrated. To achieve this goal, different modalities of intensive therapy have been recommended. Objective: To communicate a novel therapeutic modality employed in paedriatric patients and the metabolic control achieved. Methods: All DM patients < 19 years were included. Insulin treatment was consigned and classified as intensive (at least 3 daily doses, 2 or 3 NPH daily doses, or glargin) or conventional (2 or less doses). Number of doses, mean HbA1c during 2003, results of educative programmes were evaluated and compared. Results: 69 patients (36 females) were studied, 59,7% were pubertal, with a mean age of 12,0 ± 3,7 years. All patients used a basal insulin (69,2% daily dose) and a prandial insulin. Intensive therapy was used by 87% of children. Patients with multiple daily doses received 3 or 4 inyections of a short or rapid acting insulin. Basal insulin was glargine in 10%, twice daily NPH in 28% and thrice daily in 49%. Patients modified dose according to glucose level occured in 88,4%, and 46,4% considered carbohydrate intake. 27% knew the carbohydrate/insulin ratio and 79,7% used additional insulin when eating extra carbohydrates. The BbA1c was 8,6 ± 1,4% without differences in terms of insulin modality used. 30,4% achieved the proposed goals of HbA1c. The total and basal insulin usage correlated with the HbA1c. Conclusions: Multiple modalities of insulin therapy are available, no difference in metabolic control between the modalities was detected. We have achieved very good control in 30% of the patients, only insulin daily dose and basal dose correlated significatively with HbA1c.

The reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural purposes in Nicaragua; Central America.

The first subsurface flow wetland (SSFW) system for about 1,000 PE, was constructed in Nicaragua in 1996 to apply this technology in the form of an integral project, combining the treatment of domestic wastewater with its reuse for crop production in small and medium size communities. The SSFW-effluent meets all standards established in the national regulations for wastewater reuse in agriculture, except for faecal coliforms, existent at an average concentration of 7 x 10(4) MPN/100 ml. A conventional surface irrigation method was used to irrigate different crop species selected to establish their risk of contamination. To judge the potential health risk for consumers and farmers, samples of vegetables and fruits harvested in the dry seasons of the years 1997 to 2002, were analyzed for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms like faecal coliforms, salmonella and shigella. In addition, a yield comparison between crops irrigated with well water using chemical fertilizers, and crops irrigated with the effluent of the SSFW-system was made, to analyze the economical benefits of the wastewater reuse.

Persistence of vaccine-derived poliovirus following a mass vaccination campaign in Cuba: implications for stopping polio vaccination after global eradication.

BACKGROUND: With substantial progress made toward polio eradication, developing the appropriate strategy for discontinuing global oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) after global eradication becomes increasingly important. At issue is the theoretical risk of independent circulation of potentially virulent OPV-derived strains. Because Cuba uses OPV only in mass campaigns, it represents an ideal site to assess vaccine-derived poliovirus persistence. METHODS: Infants born after the 1997 biannual mass campaigns were evaluated for past (neutralizing antibody) or current (virus excretion) evidence of vaccine-derived poliovirus exposure. We obtained sera and/or stool specimens from 861 infants; a second serum from 218 infants. RESULTS: All stool specimens were poliovirus negative. Of 762 infants, 113 (14.8%) had initially detectable poliovirus type 1 antibody, 193 (25.3%) type 2, and 94 (12.3%) type 3. A precipitous antibody decline occurred in initially positive sera. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that in a country with high population immunity, vaccine-derived virus is unlikely to establish ongoing circulation.

Sabin monovalent oral polio vaccines: review of past experiences and their potential use after polio eradication.

After global eradication of polio is achieved, there will be a need for stockpiles of vaccine to combat potential outbreaks of poliomyelitis caused by (1) unforeseen release of polioviruses, (2) continued circulation of vaccine-derived strains, or (3) prolonged replication of polioviruses in immunodeficient persons. We conducted a review of the literature to document the immunogenicity and safety of monovalent Sabin vaccines, considered ideal candidates for these situations. The National Library of Medicine archives were searched for the keywords "polio," "monovalent," and "vaccine." Seroconversion rates for monovalent Sabin type 1 ranged from 53% to 100% (median, 95%); for type 2, 77%-100% (median, 93%); and for type 3, 52%-100% (median, 85%). The risk of vaccine-associated poliomyelitis per million persons vaccinated ranged from.05 to 0.99 (type 1), 0-0.65 (type 2), and 1.18-8.91 (type 3). Single-dose monovalent Sabin vaccines are highly immunogenic and safe and should be considered for stockpiles of vaccine to provide an effective response to potential outbreaks of poliomyelitis in the post-eradication period.

Factors determining prevalence of maternal antibody to measles virus throughout infancy: a review.

The effectiveness of vaccination against measles, the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in infants globally, is greatly impacted by the level of maternal antibody to measles virus (or "measles maternal antibody"; MMA) during infancy. Variation in the prevalence of maternal antibody to measles virus between infant populations across countries and sociodemographic strata is poorly understood. We reviewed the literature on the prevalence of MMA, focusing on 3 principal determinants: starting level of maternal antibody, placental transfer of maternal antibody, and rate of decay of maternal antibody after birth. Our review identified placental transfer as an important determinant, with greater efficiency found in studies performed in developed countries. Placental transfer was influenced by gestational age, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and malaria. Antibody levels in mothers varied widely between countries, although predictably according to vaccination status within populations. Rates of antibody decay across studies were similar. Future studies should evaluate the utility of the cord blood level of MMA as a predictor of vaccine efficacy in infancy; inclusion of World Health Organization international reference sera will facilitate comparisons. Greater understanding of the determinants of the prevalence of MMA will help national policy makers determine the appropriate age for measles vaccination.

A foodborne outbreak of cyclosporiasis caused by imported raspberries.

BACKGROUND: Cyclospora cayetanensis is a recently recognized parasite that causes prolonged diarrheal illness. Its modes of transmission have not been fully determined, although some investigations before 1996 implicated water. Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the United States in 1996 and 1997 are evidence of the increasing incidence of this disease. This report describes an outbreak of cyclosporiasis in persons who attended a luncheon on May 23, 1996, near Charleston, South Carolina. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we interviewed all 64 luncheon attendees and the chef regarding food and beverage exposures. A case of cyclosporiasis was defined as diarrhea (> or = 3 loose stools per day or > or = 2 loose stools per day if using antimotility drugs) after attending the luncheon. We identified sporadic cases of cyclosporiasis and traced the implicated food. RESULTS: Of 64 luncheon attendees, 38 (59%) met the case definition. Persons who ate raspberries (relative risk [RR] = 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-13.2) or potato salad (RR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.6) were at significantly increased risk for illness. The population attributable risk percentages were 73% for raspberries and 20% for potato salad. Cyclospora oocysts were found in stools from 11 (85%) of the 13 case patients submitting specimens for testing. Implicated raspberries originated in Guatemala. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation is one of the first studies to implicate a specific food (raspberries) as a vehicle for transmission of Cyclospora. Because of the apparent increasing incidence of cyclosporiasis in the United States, family physicians should consider testing for Cyclospora in any patient with prolonged, unexplained diarrhea.

A viral gastroenteritis outbreak associated with person-to-person spread among hospital staff.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the etiologic agent and risk factors associated with a hospital ward outbreak of gastroenteritis. SETTING: A regional referral hospital in upstate South Carolina. METHODS: We reviewed patient charts, surveyed staff, and tested stool from acutely ill persons. A case was defined as diarrhea and vomiting in a staff member or patient from January 5 to 13, 1996. RESULTS: The initial case occurred on January 5 in a staff nurse who subsequently was hospitalized on the ward and visited by many staff colleagues. The staff were at a significantly greater risk for gastroenteritis than were patients (28/89 [31%] vs 10/91 [11%]; relative risk [RR], 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 1.5-5.5). All 10 case-patients had been exposed to case-nurses (assigned nurses who were primary caretakers), and eight had documented exposure to case-nurses 1 to 2 days before their illness. Patients exposed to case-nurses had a significantly increased risk of illness (8/57 [14%] vs 0/32; RR, >4.5; CI95, undefined). Neither staff nor patients had significantly increased risk from food, water, ice, or exposure to case-patients. Electron microscopy identified small round-structured viruses (SRSVs) in nine of nine stool samples. CONCLUSION: This nosocomial outbreak of gastroenteritis was likely caused by SRSVs introduced by a staff member and spread via person-to-person transmission from and among staff. The potential for spread of SRSV-associated gastroenteritis from and among staff should be considered in developing strategies to prevent similar outbreaks in hospital settings.