Serologically Confirmed Human Leptospirosis in Colombia, 2015-2020.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with infected animals or contaminated water sources, imposes a substantial health burden in Colombia. Since 2007, the National Institute of Health (INS) has mandated the notification and confirmation of all suspected leptospirosis cases. This passive surveillance program employs the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) on serum samples to ascertain confirmed cases of leptospirosis infection. However, the absence of a robust surveillance system has hindered our comprehensive understanding of the morbidity, mortality, geographical distribution, species/serovars, and strains responsible for severe disease. Our study aimed to provide an epidemiological overview of MAT-confirmed human leptospirosis cases reported over 6 years (2015-2020) in Colombia. In addition, we offer insights into the status of leptospirosis in the country, focusing on risk factors and proposing potential improvements for diagnosis and disease management. During the 6-year surveillance period, the laboratory at the INS received 3,535 serum samples from suspected human leptospirosis cases, with 880 (25%) confirmed through MAT. The incidence of leptospirosis was calculated at 1.9 cases per 100,000 people, with a higher prevalence among men (82.1%). Furthermore, 54 (6.1%) deaths were confirmed as leptospirosis, and cases were documented across nearly all regions of Colombia. Our findings emphasize the urgent need to strengthen leptospirosis laboratory surveillance, implement effective prevention measures, and enhance diagnostic capabilities in Colombia. The analysis conducted in this study provides the groundwork for estimating the impact of leptospirosis and raises awareness of its significance in public health.

Fatal acute undifferentiated febrile illness among clinically suspected leptospirosis cases in Colombia, 2016-2019.

BACKGROUND: Acute undifferentiated febrile illness is a common challenge for clinicians, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Incorrect or delayed diagnosis of febrile patients may result in medical complications or preventable deaths. Common causes of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in Colombia include leptospirosis, rickettsioses, dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, and Zika virus infection. In this study, we described the acute undifferentiated febrile illness in postmortem patients reported as suspected cases of leptospirosis through the national leptospirosis surveillance in Colombia, 2016-2019. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We retrospectively analyze human fresh and formalin-fixed tissue samples from fatal suspected leptospirosis cases reported by the Public Health Laboratories in Colombia. Leptospirosis confirmation was made by immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the tissue samples. In some cases, the serum sample was used for confirmation by Microagglutination test (MAT). Simultaneously, tissue samples were tested by PCR for the most common viral (dengue, Zika, and chikungunya), bacterial (Brucella spp., and Rickettsia spp.), and parasitic (malaria). Fresh tissue samples from 92 fatal suspected leptospirosis cases were reported to the National Reference Laboratory from 22/32 departments in Colombia. We confirmed leptospirosis in 27% (25/92) of cases. Other pathogens identified by real-time PCR were Brucella spp. (10.9%), Rickettsia spp. (14.1%), and dengue (2.2%). Dengue (6.9%), hepatitis (3.5%), and Yellow Fever cases (2.2%) were detected by the pathology. All patients were negative for chikungunya and Plasmodium spp. Most cases were classified as undifferentiated febrile illnesses (45.7%; 42/92). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study underscores the importance of early and accurate recognition of leptospirosis to prevent mortalities. Moreover, it draws attention to the existence of other febrile syndromes in Colombia, including rickettsiosis and brucellosis, that currently lack sufficient human surveillance and regular reporting. Expanding laboratory surveillance to include viruses such as Hantavirus, Mayaro virus, Oropouche virus, and West Nile virus is crucial.

Recovery and Characterization of Spermatozoa in a Neotropical, Terrestrial, Direct-Developing Riparian Frog (Craugastor evanesco) through Hormonal Stimulation.

The Vanishing Rainfrog (Craugastor evanesco) is an endemic and critically endangered frog species of Panama. It is suspected that 90% of the population has disappeared from the wild. Frogs were collected from the wild and brought to a Captive Breeding Program; however, accomplishing regular reproductive events for this species has been difficult. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of hormonal stimulation on the production and quality of C. evanesco spermatozoa, aiming to develop an efficient and safe sperm collection protocol as a tool to help reproduce this endangered species. Mature males received intra-peritoneal injections with one of six hormone treatments, including des-Gly10, D-Ala6, Pro-NHEt9-GnRH-A, Amphiplex or hCG. Urine samples were collected at 10 different time points post-injection. Quality assessments included sperm concentration, percentage motility, percentage forward progressive motility (FPM), osmolality, pH and morphology analysis. Our results indicate that the optimal treatment for the collection of highly concentrated sperm samples of C. evanesco is 4 µg/gbw GnRH, followed by Amphiplex and 2 µg/gbw GnRH as sub-optimal treatments and finally, 6 µg/gbw GnRH and 5 and 10 IU/gbw hCG as non-optimal treatments. GnRH-A at 4 µg/gbw and Amphiplex stimulated the production of samples with the highest sperm concentrations and quality, despite Amphiplex producing lower percentages of intact acrosome and tail. In contrast, hCG concentrations were not reliable inducers of sperm production, consistently showing lower concentrations, higher percentages of sperm abnormalities and more acidic spermic urine than that induced by Amphiplex and GnRH-A. Morphological assessments revealed that C. evanesco spermatozoa have a filiform shape with a large acrosome on the anterior part of an elongated head, a small midpiece and a long tail with two filaments joined together by an undulating membrane.

Demographic and clinical risk factors associated with severity of lab-confirmed human leptospirosis in Colombia, 2015-2020.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a common zoonoses and is a major global public health threat. Most cases are mild, typically presenting as a non-specific acute febrile illness. However, leptospirosis can have life-threatening manifestations, including pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome, and acute kidney injury. In Colombia, notification and lab-confirmation of suspected human cases are mandatory. However, little is known about the demographic and clinical factors associated with severe leptospirosis, which could help to reduce clinical complications and mortality. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with severe leptospirosis, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality in lab-confirmed cases in Colombia, 2015-2020. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We analyzed 201 lab-confirmed human leptospirosis cases by microagglutination test. We used a logistic regression to identify the demographic and clinical risk factors associated with severe leptospirosis, admission to ICU, and death. Most leptospirosis confirmed cases occurred in men (85.6%); the mean age was 36.7 years. We classified severe cases (43.3%) by clinical manifestations as renal (29.9%) and liver (27.4%) failure, multiple-organ failure (24.4%), septic shock (24.4%), Weil syndrome (18.4%), pulmonary hemorrhage (18.4%), and meningitis (2.5%), admitted to the ICU (30.3%), and fatal (8.5%). Clinical conditions associated with severe leptospirosis were dyspnea (OR: 5.54; 95% CI: 1.46 to 20.98), tachycardia (OR:9.69; 95% CI: 15.96 to 58.8), and rash (OR: 10.25; 95% CI: 25.01 to 42.08). CONCLUSIONS: We identified demographic characteristics and clinical symptoms associated with severe leptospirosis in Colombia. We hope these results can support clinicians in providing timely treatment to leptospirosis patients to avoid preventable medical complications or deaths.

Photovoltaic Glass Waste Recycling in the Development of Glass Substrates for Photovoltaic Applications.

Because of the increasing demand for photovoltaic energy and the generation of end-of-life photovoltaic waste forecast, the feasibility to produce glass substrates for photovoltaic application by recycling photovoltaic glass waste (PVWG) material was analyzed. PVWG was recovered from photovoltaic house roof panels for developing windows glass substrates; PVWG was used as the main material mixed with other industrial waste materials (wSG). The glass was casted by air quenching, annealed, and polished to obtain transparent substrates samples. Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) was deposited as back contact on the glass substrates by spray pyrolysis. The chemical composition of the glass materials was evaluated by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), the thermal stability was measured by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and the transmittance was determined by UV-VIS spectroscopy. The surface of the glass substrates and the deposited FTO were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the amorphous or crystalline state of the specimens were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the sheet resistance was evaluated by the four-point probe method. The sheet resistance of the deposited FTO on the wSG substrate was 7.84 ± 3.11 Ω/□, lower than that deposited on commercial soda-lime glass (8.48 ± 3.67 Ω/□), meaning that this material could present improved conduction of the produced electrons by the photovoltaic effect. This process may represent an alternative to produce glass substrates from waste materials that could be destined for photovoltaic applications, especially the production of ecological photovoltaic windows.

Comportamiento de variables clínico epidemiológicas en la atención prenatal / The Characteristics of Clinical-Epidemiological Variables in Prenatal Care

Introducción: La atención prenatal a cada embarazada establece una asistencia médica integral y particularizada, que posibilita determinar y accionar precozmente sobre los factores de riesgo modificables, mediante la vigilancia continua. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento de la atención prenatal según variables clínico epidemiológicas. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo en el policlínico Pedro del Toro, entre 2014 y 2018. Incluyó 2761 pacientes que representan el total de gestantes en el periodo de estudio que cumplieron los criterios señalados. La información se obtuvo mediante revisión de la base de datos del programa materno infantil, con lo cual se delimitaron las variables que permitieron procesar los datos en una hoja de cálculo EXCEL, utilizando parámetros estadísticos a nivel descriptivo. Resultados: Las gestantes captadas antes de 12 semanas (2442 para 88,44 por ciento) fueron mayoría, primó el rango de 18,9 hasta 25,5 kg/m2 en índice de masa corporal (1657 para 60,01 por ciento). En el parto predominaron gestantes que tenían entre 37 y 41,6 semanas (2531 para 91,66 por ciento) y el rango de peso del recién nacido más relevante fue entre 2500 y 4000 gramos (2443 para 88,48 por ciento). Las edades comprendidas entre 21 a 29 años fueron representativas (1438 para 52,08 por ciento). Conclusiones: De la captación precoz de las embarazadas dependerá, en gran medida, la efectividad de la atención prenatal, a través de la detección oportuna y el seguimiento de todos los elementos que influyen en el bienestar materno fetal(AU)

Introduction: Prenatal care to each pregnant woman establishes a comprehensive and particularized medical assistance, which makes it possible to determine and act early on modifiable risk factors through continuous surveillance. Objective: To describe the characteristics of prenatal care according to clinical-epidemiological variables. Methods: Descriptive and observational study carried out at Pedro del Toro outpatient polyclinic between 2014 and 2018, with 2,761 patients, which represented the total number of pregnant women in the study period who met the indicated criteria. The information was obtained by reviewing the database of the mother and infant program, which permitted to define the variables for processing the data in an Excel worksheet, using statistical parameters at a descriptive level. Results: The pregnant women diagnosed before the twelfth weeks (2442; 88.44 percent) were the majority, with a body mass index range of 18.9 to 25.5 kg/m2 (1657; 60.01 percent). Regarding delivery, pregnant women between 37 and 41.6 weeks predominated (2531; 91.66 percent) and the most relevant newborn weight range was between 2500 and 4000 grams (2443; 88.48 percent). Ages between 21 to 29 years were representative (1438; 52.08 percent). Conclusions: The effectiveness of prenatal care through timely detection and follow-up of all the elements that influence maternal and fetal well-being will depend, to a large extent, on early detection of pregnant women(AU)

Plagues, past, and futures for the Yagan canoe people of Cape Horn, southern Chile.

The manner in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the indigenous Yagan people of Navarino Island in southern Chile is the topic of this paper. Like other First Nation communities, these nomadic people suffered decimation and disease in successive encounters with Europeans, and then, in the mid-twentieth century, forced sedentarization by the Chilean State. More recently, the Yagan have fought the expansion of salmon aquaculture to the Island. Making use of a sociomaterial approach, we examine how the threat of past and present viruses and diseases, added to the tragic effects of colonization, become part of a broader sociohistorical debate on the right of coastal peoples to their maritories. Paradoxically, our results suggest that COVID-19 has become part of an assemblage of ethnic revitalization, opening possibilities for the Yagan clans to make some of their envisioned futures possible.

Ramsey hunt syndrome after antimonial treatment for American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Abstract Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS), also known as herpes zoster oticus, is caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. Herein, we report a case of Ramsey Hunt Syndrome in a patient after antimonial treatment for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. The patient presented with microvesicles grouped on an erythematous base, starting in the neck and ascending towards the scalp margin on the right side of the head. The patient also developed grade V peripheral facial palsy the day after initiating the herpes zoster treatment, this outcome corroborated the assumption of Ramsey Hunt Syndrome.

Ramsey hunt syndrome after antimonial treatment for American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS), also known as herpes zoster oticus, is caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. Herein, we report a case of Ramsey Hunt Syndrome in a patient after antimonial treatment for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. The patient presented with microvesicles grouped on an erythematous base, starting in the neck and ascending towards the scalp margin on the right side of the head. The patient also developed grade V peripheral facial palsy the day after initiating the herpes zoster treatment, this outcome corroborated the assumption of Ramsey Hunt Syndrome.

Fibrilación auricular. Panorámica sobre un tema actualizado / Atrial fibrillation. An update review

La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia más común en el mundo, con altas mortalidad y morbilidad. Es la primera causa de eventos embólicos como: el deterioro cognitivo, los episodios de insuficiencia cardíaca y la disminución de la calidad de vida, con repercusión socioeconómica y sanitaria. Hoy, se conoce que la FA comienza por ráfagas de descargas eléctricas anormales, que activan rápida e irregularmente las aurículas. La reciente clasificación de la FA en paroxística, persistente o permanente, refleja el deterioro evolutivo de la arritmia. En la actualidad, existe una amplia gama de fármacos para tratar esta patología. Sobresalen los antiarrítmicos y anticoagulantes, aunque la técnica moderna de la ablación con catéter se ha incluido en las guías clínicas, como alternativa o complemento de los fármacos antiarrítmicos, en pacientes seleccionados con FA.

Atrial fibrillation (FA) it is the most common arrhythmia today, presenting high mortality and morbility levels. It is the first cause of embolic events and episodes of heart inadequacy, cognitive deteriorate and poor life quality. It also brings socioeconomic and sanitary consecuences. Today, FA trigers blasts of abnormal electric discharges, which activate auricles quickly and irregularly. Recent classification of the FA as sudden, persistent and permanent lead to an evolving arrhythmia deterioration. In present times, this pathology is treated using a wide range of drugs. Antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants stand out, although the modern technique of ablation with catheter has been included in the clinical guides, either alternative or complement of antiarrhythmics, in patients affected by FA.

Examen clínico: un método diagnóstico con dificultades en estudiantes de tercer año de la carrera de medicina / Clinical Method: a diagnosis tool with difficulties in students of third year of the medicine career

Introducción: el método clínico es un proceder científico y sistematizado que el médico ha empleado desde sus inicios y continúa vigente, es el arma primordial para el ejercicio de su profesión, considerado como un sistema de pensamiento lógico, ordenado y científico con la finalidad de establecer un diagnóstico e instaurar un tratamiento. Objetivo: comprobar el dominio y aplicación del método clínico de los estudiantes de tercer año de la carrera de Medicina en Moa, durante la rotación de Propedéutica, durante el curso escolar 2015-2016. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional, con una muestra integrada por 52 estudiantes, los que constituyeron el 100% de la población estudiada. Se consideraron los resultados por los estudiantes en los exámenes prácticos de la asignatura de Propedéutica. Resultados: El 36,5% obtuvo resultados insatisfactorios en los exámenes, con un índice de calidad del 42,4%; el 65,3% presentó dificultades en el interrogatorio, el 57,6% en el examen físico y el 50,0% de los profesores valoró de regular la interrelación entre: interrogatorio, examen físico, resumen sindromológico y complementarios, considerando que el local de los exámenes tenía buena privacidad en el 85,7%, higiene en el 78,5% e iluminación en el 71,4%. Conclusiones: se demostró que existen dificultades en los estudiantes de tercer año de la carrera de medicina para desarrollar habilidades que reflejen dominio y aplicación del método clínico.

Introduction: the clinical method is a systematized and scientific practice; the doctor has ever used it up to nowadays. This method is of high importance, since it denotes a system of logical, well-ordered and scientific thought to make a diagnosis and give the treatment. Objective: to check the mastery and application of the clinical method of the students of third year of the career of Medicine in Moa, in the Propaedeutic cycle in 2015-2016 school year. Method: an observational descriptive study was carried out, with a sample of 52 students who represented the 100% of the population. The students´ results achieved in the practical exams of the Propaedeutic subject were considered. Results: insufficient results were obtained in the exam in 36.5% of the students, with an index of quality of 42.4%, 65.3% presented difficulties in the medical interview, 57.6% in the physical exam and. The interrelation among medical interview, physical exam, syndromological summary and complementary were assessed as medium by 50.0% of the professors, considering that the place where the exams were developed had good privacy in 85.7%, hygiene in 78.5% and illumination in 71.4%. Conclusions: the study demonstrated that there were difficulties in the students of third year of the medicine career, to develop abilities that show knowledge and use of the clinical method.

Comparison of the adjuvant activity of emulsions with different physicochemical properties on the antibody response towards the venom of West African carpet viper (Echis ocellatus).

Adjuvant emulsions are widely used to enhance the antibody response of the animals used as immunoglobulin source for producing antivenoms. Usually, the adjuvant activity of emulsions is attributed both to their ability to trigger "danger" signals from cells in which they induce death, and to form depots from which immunogens are slowly released. However, there is contradictory evidence suggesting that adjuvant activity of emulsions is independent of the dispersion type and the rate of immunogen release. In order to test how physical properties of emulsions, composed of mineral oil and water, affect their ability to enhance the antibody response towards snake venoms, we compared water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions prepared at volume ratios of 70/30, 50/50 or 30/70, a 50/50 oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, and a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) multiple emulsion. Comparison included their droplet-size, viscosity, rate of immunogen release and ability to enhance the antibody response of mice immunized with the venom of the African viperid snake Echis ocellatus. It was found that all emulsions released a low amount of venom, and that the 50/50 (W/O) and the multiple emulsion (W/O/W) were those that induced the higher anti-venom antibody response. Our results suggest that the ability of emulsions to enhance the anti-venom response is not associated to their ability to form depots from which the venom is slowly released.

Frequency and molecular characterization of invasive isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 6C and 6D in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Serogroup 6 of Streptococcus pneumoniae initially consisted of the 6A and 6B serotypes, but in recent years, the 6C and 6D serotypes were reported. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and molecular characterization of invasive S. pneumoniae isolates serotypes 6C and 6D in Colombia, from 1994 to 2013. METHODOLOGY: All the isolates recovered during the surveillance from 1994 to 2013, and identified as 6A or 6B, were re-tested to detect the serotypes 6C and 6D. The serotyping was performed using the Quellung reaction and PCR. The susceptibility testing was performed on penicillin, erythromycin, ceftriaxone, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, tetracycline and vancomycin. Molecular typing was performed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing. RESULTS: From a total of 271 and 350 isolates serotyped previously as serotypes 6A and 6B, 61 (22.5%) and 15 (4.3%) were recognized as 6C and 6D, respectively. Isolates presented with low resistance to antimicrobials. Serotype 6C isolates were mainly associated with ST9007 (42.6%) and ST9008 (19.7%), and serotype 6D isolates with ST1135 (80%). CONCLUSION: This study showed the circulation of serotype 6C and 6D in Colombia between 1994 and 2013, information that is important to determine the dynamics of these recently described serotypes.

Algunas consideraciones sobre miasma y homeopatía / Some considerations on miasma and homeopathy

La medicina homeopática, disciplina capaz de ampliar el nivel de conocimiento con una óptica naturista, ayuda a elevar el dominio clínico y terapéutico de profesionales de la salud, a la vez que permite tener una visión más amplia del enfermo a partir de su integración consigo mismo y con el medio. El miasma en homeopatía es la alteración de la energía vital del individuo que lo predispone a padecer determinadas enfermedades. A tales efectos se realizó una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva sobre el tema y se ofrece la interpretación de las definiciones antiguas relacionadas con la concepción actual. Todo lo anterior facilitará el diagnóstico diferencial entre los medicamentos homeopáticos que pueden ser utilizados

The homeopathic medicine, a discipline which widens the knowledge level with a naturist vision, helps to elevate the clinical and therapeutic control of the health professionals, at the same time that allows to have a wider vision of the patient taking into account his integration with himself and with the environment. Miasma in homeopathy is the alteration of the individual's vital energy that predisposes him to suffer certain illnesses. To such effects, an exhaustive literature review on the topic was carried out and the interpretation of the old definitions related to the current conception is offered. All the above-explained will facilitate the differential diagnosis among the homeopathic medications that can be used

Cost of intensive routine control and incremental cost of insecticide-treated curtain deployment in a setting with low Aedes aegypti infestation.

INTRODUCTION: Information regarding the cost of implementing insecticide-treated curtains (ITCs) is scarce. Therefore, we evaluated the ITC implementation cost, in addition to the costs of intensive conventional routine activities of the Aedes control program in the city of Guantanamo, Cuba. METHODS: A cost-analysis study was conducted from the perspective of the Aedes control program, nested in an ITC effectiveness trial, during 2009-2010. Data for this study were obtained from bookkeeping records and activity registers of the Provincial Aedes Control Programme Unit and the account records of the ITC trial. RESULTS: The annual cost of the routine Aedes control program activities was US$16.80 per household (p.h). Among 3,015 households, 6,714 ITCs were distributed. The total average cost per ITC distributed was US$3.42, and 74.3% of this cost was attributed to the cost of purchasing the ITCs. The annualized costs p.h. of ITC implementation was US$3.80. The additional annualized cost for deploying ITCs represented 19% and 48.4% of the total cost of the routine Aedes control and adult-stage Aedes control programs, respectively. The trial did not lead to further reductions in the already relatively low Aedes infestation levels. CONCLUSIONS: At current curtain prices, ITC deployment can hardly be considered an efficient option in Guantanamo and other comparable environments.

Cost of intensive routine control and incremental cost of insecticide-treated curtain deployment in a setting with low Aedes aegypti infestation

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Information regarding the cost of implementing insecticide-treated curtains (ITCs) is scarce. Therefore, we evaluated the ITC implementation cost, in addition to the costs of intensive conventional routine activities of the Aedes control program in the city of Guantanamo, Cuba. METHODS A cost-analysis study was conducted from the perspective of the Aedes control program, nested in an ITC effectiveness trial, during 2009-2010. Data for this study were obtained from bookkeeping records and activity registers of the Provincial Aedes Control Programme Unit and the account records of the ITC trial. RESULTS The annual cost of the routine Aedes control program activities was US$16.80 per household (p.h). Among 3,015 households, 6,714 ITCs were distributed. The total average cost per ITC distributed was US$3.42, and 74.3% of this cost was attributed to the cost of purchasing the ITCs. The annualized costs p.h. of ITC implementation was US$3.80. The additional annualized cost for deploying ITCs represented 19% and 48.4% of the total cost of the routine Aedes control and adult-stage Aedes control programs, respectively. The trial did not lead to further reductions in the already relatively low Aedes infestation levels. CONCLUSIONS At current curtain prices, ITC deployment can hardly be considered an efficient option in Guantanamo and other comparable environments.

Brachial artery Doppler flux parameters before and after hot flush in Mexican postmenopausal women: preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse brachial artery flux parameters in postmenopausal women before and after hot flush. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two groups of postmenopausal women were studied: Group I, without vasomotor symptoms (n = 10) and Group II, with vasomotor symptoms (n = 10). In all them a brachial artery Doppler ultrasound was done, measuring before and after hyperaemic stimulus of the arterial diameter (AD), the pulsatility index (PI), and the resistive index (RI). In Group I, measurements were done at baseline and five minutes after. In Group II, measurements were at baseline, and one and five minutes after the hot-flush. Comparison between the groups was done with Mann-Whitney U test, and within the groups with Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: No differences were found among the groups in Doppler parameters. When comparing each group separately, in Group I, at baseline and at five minutes measurements, the AD was greater after the hyperaemic stimulus than before it. In group II at baseline, the PI was significantly greater after the hyperaemic stimulus than before to it. At the first and fifth minute, the AD was significantly greater after the hyperaemic stimulus than before to it. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were found between those who did not have and those who had hot flushes.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B isolates from Cartagena, Colombia, 2012-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Neisseria meningitidis is one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis. In 2013, an increase in invasive disease caused by N. meningitidis serogroup B occurred in Cartagena, Colombia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize serogroup B isolates recovered from patients with meningococcal meningitis in Cartagena during 2012 and 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five isolates were collected through a national, laboratory-based surveillance, and phenotypic and genotypic characteristics were determined by serosubtyping, serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR). MLST data available were also used. RESULTS: The B:10,15:nt phenotype, associated with clonal complex ST-41/44, was responsible for 68.0% of all cases. CONCLUSION: The clinical, epidemiological and molecular characterization of meningococcal disease is necessary for understanding the spread of virulent meningococcal clones and for facilitating the early detection of cases to reduce epidemic risks.

Hysteretic adsorption of CO2 onto a Cu2(pzdc)2(bpy) porous coordination polymer and concomitant framework distortion.

The present study focuses on the long-range structural changes that occur in the porous coordination polymer Cu2(pzdc)2(bpy) (pzdc = pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylate, bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine), also known as CPL-2, upon adsorption of CO2 at 25 °C and up to 7 atm. The structural data were gathered using in situ diffraction studies. CPL-2 exhibited an unexpected hysteretic adsorption-desorption process. The onset of hysteresis occurs at a pressure where full occupancy of the volume of the CPL-2 galleries is achieved while the framework retains a structure similar to what is observed under ambient conditions. Moreover, the onset occurs at a CO2 partial pressure larger than 2 atm and could be related to a combination of adsorbate-adsorbent interactions and forces exerted onto the CPL-2 framework. Pore volumes estimated from fits of the Dubinin-Astakhov isotherm model against the CO2 desorption data gathered at 25 and -78.5 °C, respectively, provided further evidence of the aforementioned CPL-2 framework changes. These findings are of relevance to the understanding of adsorption processes in metal organic frameworks or coordination polymers under conditions that are of relevance to gas capture at industrial scale.

Caracterización clínica e histopatológica de los tumores de los anexos oculares / Clinical and histopathological characterization of ocular adnexa tumors

OBJETIVO: determinar las características clínicas e histopatológicas de los tumores en los anexos oculares durante el período 2009 al 2010. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo longitudinal retrospectivo en un grupo de 166 pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor de anexos oculares, escogidos en consulta de Oculoplastia en Holguín. RESULTADOS: predominó la edad comprendida entre 41 a 50 años, con 37,35 %. El sexo más afectado fue el femenino con 53,61 %. La mayor cantidad de lesiones se encontró en los párpados de 114 pacientes. El tipo histológico mayormente identificado fue el nevus con 25,90 %, seguido por el carcinoma basal con 18,07 %. Se obtuvo una concordancia de 83,13 % entre el diagnóstico clínico y el histológico. CONCLUSIONES: en los pacientes estudiados las lesiones tumorales de los anexos se expresan comúnmente en el sexo femenino con una edad riesgosa a partir de la cuarta década de la vida donde los parpados son los más susceptibles. El nevus y el carcinoma basocelular se comportaron como un problema de salud por su predominante frecuencia, con una buena utilidad del método clínico en su diagnóstico.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the clinical and histopathological signs of ocular adnexa tumors detected in the 2009-2010 period. METHODS: retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study of 166 patients presenting with some adnexa tumors, who were chosen at the oculoplasty service located in Holguin province. RESULTS: the 41 to 50 years-old group accounted for 37,35 %. The most affected patients were females with 53,61 %. The greatest amount of injures was found in the eyelids of 114 individuals; the mostly identified histological type was nevus which represented 25,90 % of cases, followed by basal carcinoma with 18,07 %. An agreement of 83,13 % between the clinical and the histopathological diagnosis was reached. CONCLUSIONS: the tumor lesions of adnexa found in the studied patients commonly occur in females at risky ages as of the 40 years when the eyelids are more sensitive. Nevus and basocelular carcinoma became health problems due to their predominant frequency, and they were correctly diagnosed by the clinical method.