Labile haemoglobin as a glycaemic biomarker for patient-specific monitoring of diabetes: mathematical modelling approach.

Diabetes mellitus constitutes a major health problem and its clinical presentation and progression may vary considerably. A number of standardized diagnostic and monitoring tests are currently used for diabetes. They are based on measuring either plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin or both. Their main goal is to assess the average blood glucose concentration. There are several sources of interference that can lead to discordances between measured plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels. These include haemoglobinopathies, conditions associated with increased red blood cell turnover or the administration of some therapies, to name a few. Therefore, there is a need to provide new diagnostic tools for diabetes that employ clinically accessible biomarkers which, at the same time, can offer additional information allowing us to detect possible conflicting cases and to yield more reliable evaluations of the average blood glucose level concentration. We put forward a biomathematical model to describe the kinetics of two patient-specific glycaemic biomarkers to track the emergence and evolution of diabetes: glycated haemoglobin and its labile fraction. Our method incorporates erythrocyte age distribution and utilizes a large cohort of clinical data from blood tests to support its usefulness for diabetes monitoring.

Evaluation of the trypanocidal, cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of styrylquinoline analogs.

Styrylquinolines isolated from Galipea longiflora have shown leishmanicidal, trypanocidal, nematocidal and antimalarial activity. Here, we propose to use analogs of these styrylquinolines to enhance the activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. Three compounds in a reduced and oxidized state were synthesized, and the activity against epimastigotes and trypomastigotes was evaluated. in addition, the cytotoxic activity and genotoxic effect were also determined. The results indicated that epimastigotes from different T. cruzi I stocks were highly sensitive to the three compounds. The PQM4 compound presented promising activity against trypomastigotes and low cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Finally, we observed that the doublebond reduction of the lateral chain of the three carbons made on these compounds improved the activity and substantially diminished the toxicity of the compounds.

Y-chromosome haplotype analysis in Antioquia (Colombia).

Allele frequencies and haplotype analysis have been performed for eight Y-chromosome STRs (DYS19, DYS385 I and II, DYS389 I and II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393). Population data was obtained from a sample of 400 unrelated individuals living in Antioquia (Colombia). A total of 270 different haplotypes were found, and the haplotype diversity was 0.989. The first and second most frequent haplotypes where shared by 8 and 6% of the individuals, respectively.

Molecular characterisation of Trypanosoma rangeli strains isolated from Rhodnius ecuadoriensis in Peru, R. colombiensis in Colombia and R. pallescens in Panama, supports a co-evolutionary association between parasites and vectors.

We present data on the molecular characterisation of strains of Trypanosoma rangeli isolated from naturally infected Rhodnius ecuadoriensis in Peru, from Rhodnius colombiensis, Rhodnius pallescens and Rhodnius prolixus in Colombia, and from Rhodnius pallescens in Panama. Strain characterisation involved a duplex PCR with S35/S36/KP1L primers. Mini-exon gene analysis was also carried out using TrINT-1/TrINT-2 oligonucleotides. kDNA and mini-exon amplification indicated dimorphism within both DNA sequences: (i) KP1, KP2 and KP3 or (ii) KP2 and KP3 products for kDNA, and 380 bp or 340 bp products for the mini-exon. All T. rangeli strains isolated from R. prolixus presented KP1, KP2 and KP3 products with the 340 bp mini-exon product. By contrast, all T. rangeli strains isolated from R. ecuadoriensis, R. pallescens and R. colombiensis, presented profiles with KP2 and KP3 kDNA products and the 380 bp mini-exon product. Combined with other studies, these results provide evidence of co-evolution of T. rangeli strains associated with different Rhodnius species groups east and west of the Andean mountains.

Chromatin and histones from Giardia lamblia: a new puzzle in primitive eukaryotes.

The three deepest eukaryote lineages in small subunit ribosomal RNA phylogenies are the amitochondriate Microsporidia, Metamonada, and Parabasalia. They are followed by either the Euglenozoa (e.g., Euglena and Trypanosoma) or the Percolozoa as the first mitochondria-containing eukaryotes. Considering the great divergence of histone proteins in protozoa we have extended our studies of histones from Trypanosomes (Trypanosoma cruzi, Crithidia fasciculata and Leishmania mexicana) to the Metamonada Giardia lamblia, since Giardia is thought to be one of the most primitive eukaryotes. In the present work, the structure of G. lamblia chromatin and the histone content of the soluble chromatin were investigated and compared with that of higher eukaryotes, represented by calf thymus. The chromatin is present as nucleosome filaments which resemble the calf thymus array in that they show a more regular arrangement than those described for Trypanosoma. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and protein characterization revealed that the four core histones described in Giardia are in the same range of divergence with the histones from other lower eukaryotes. In addition, G. lamblia presented an H1 histone with electrophoretic mobility resembling the H1 of higher eukaryotes, in spite of the fact that H1 has a different molecular mass in calf thymus. Giardia also presents a basic protein which was identified as an HU-like DNA-binding protein usually present in eubacteria, indicating a chimaeric composition for the DNA-binding protein set in this species. Finally, the phylogenetic analysis of selected core histone protein sequences place Giardia divergence before Trypanosoma, despite the fact that Trypanosoma branch shows an acceleration in the evolutionary rate pointing to an unusual evolutionary behavior in this lineage.

Genetic variability of Colombian populations of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli.

This paper presents our study of genetic variability of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli strains isolated from different Colombian biological hosts, using multilocus enzyme electrophoresis for 15 enzyme systems and electrophoretic analysis of kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) digested with EcoRI and MspI endonucleases. Isoenzyme profiles were used to determine genotypes for each of the strains. Populations of T. cruzi and T. rangeli were found to have a polymorphic average of 86.7% and 26.7%, respectively. Schyzodeme analysis showed high variability for T. cruzi, since its genetic distance values were found to be greater than 50%, considerably higher than those previously reported for several T. cruzi strains from other countries. These results suggest that Colombian strains should be considered as genetically independent entities and are worth studying independently from each other to clearly establish their biological and clinical characteristics.

Genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships of Colombian Trypanosoma cruzi populations as determined by schizodeme and isoenzyme markers.

Twenty-four Trypanosoma cruzi stocks isolated from vectors and from human and Didelphis marsupialis hosts from highly separated sylvatic localities in Colombia were characterized by isoenzyme and schizodeme analyses. The stocks were collected primarily from sylvatic ecotopes representing areas of low, moderate, and high endemicity for Chagas' diseases in Colombia. Parasites were characterized mainly by schizodeme analysis with the restriction enzyme Eco RI and the isoenzyme analysis was performed at 10 genetic loci. These analyses demonstrated an agreement between the classifications based on the isoenzyme analysis and on the restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns obtained with the Colombian stocks. There is clear evidence of demic subdivision between the eastern (E) and western (W) stocks separated by the Andean Mountains and Magdalena River, which is likely due to the geographic isolation generated by these topographic features. Heterozygosity estimates indicate that the E group could be more ancient than the W group. As was postulated in a previous study, these results are also compatible with the existence of a clonal population structure in Colombian sylvatic T. cruzi. Evidence presented here failed to demonstrate a correlation between the degree of endemy and genetic clustering. Finally, schizodeme and isoenzymatic analyses comparing Colombian T. cruzi stocks with others from Chile confirm that Colombian isolates are genetically related to zymodeme 1 and distant from zymodeme 2.

Clonal population structure of Colombian sylvatic Trypanosoma cruzi.

Isoenzyme variability and evidence of genetic exchange were evaluated in 75 wild stocks of Trypanosoma cruzi obtained from different hosts from 5 geographical regions within the endemic area in Colombia. Cluster analysis of genetic variability was attempted. Thirty-three multilocus enzyme genotypes (clonets) were identified from 75 stocks, 27 of which clustered with zymodeme Z1 and 6 with zymodeme Z3. Two stocks isolated from human infections showed the potential risk to rural communities in Colombia. The stocks exhibited departures from Hardy-Weinberg expectations, including both fixed heterozygote and fixed homozygote demes, where both segregation and recombination were absent. To inspect for population subdivision that might falsely imply clonality in these stocks, Wright's F statistics were calculated. Theta values (Fst) were significantly different from 0 when 33 clonets, 27 Z1-like clonets, and 5 geographical subpopulations were compared; thus, a significant amount of divergence has occurred between and within them. In addition, linkage disequilibrium was detected for most possible pairwise comparisons of loci. In conclusion, the above results all support a scenario of long-term clonal evolution in Colombian sylvatic T. cruzi populations.

Comportamiento de la fecundidad en la provincia Sancti Spíritus: período 1977-1988

Se realizó un análisis de los principales indicadores de fecundidad en la provincia de Sancti Spíritus durante el período 1977-1988. La estructura de la población se vió modificada pasando de relativamente joven a envejecida, dada por una disminución considerable del aporte porcentual de los niños y aumento en la contribución de los ancianos. Por su parte la estructura de la fecundidad indica una mayor concentración entre los 20 y 34 años de edad la cual aumenta con el tiempo. Las madres jóvenes presentan un comportamiento estable con una ligera reducción al concluir el período. En las mujeres de 35 años y más se ve disminuida la contribución a la fecundidad. En cuanto a la intensidad de la fecundidad por grupos de edad, se experimentó un marcado decrecimiento en los valores de las tasas, a excepción del grupo de 30-34 años que incrementó su cifra. La tasa global de fecundidad se redujo en un 27,63 por ciento en el año final con respecto del inicial.(AU)

Comportamiento de la fecundidad en la provincia Sancti Spíritus: período 1977-1988

Se realizó un análisis de los principales indicadores de fecundidad en la provincia de Sancti Spíritus durante el período 1977-1988. La estructura de la población se vio modificada pasando de relativamente joven a envejecida, dada por una disminución considerable del aporte porcentual de los niños y aumento en la contribución de los ancianos . Por su parte la estructura de la fecundidad indica una mayor concentración entre los 20 y 34 años de edad la cual aumenta con el tiempo. Las madres jóvenes presentan un comportamiento estable con una ligera reducción al concluir el periodo. En las mujeres de 35 años y más se ve disminuida la contribución a la fecundidad . En cuanto a la intensidad de la fecundidad por grupos de edad, se experimentó un marcado decrecimiento en los valores de las tasas, a excepción del grupo de 30-34 años que incrementó su cifra. La tasa global de fecundidad se redujo en un 27,63 por ciento en el año final con respecto del inicial.(AU)

[General methodological guidelines for the study of the different mortality components of a population]. / Orientaciones metodologicas generales para el estudio de los distintos componentes de la mortalidad de la poblacion.

PIP: Methodological aspects of the analysis of mortality using data from death registers are described. Consideration is also given to indirect methods of estimating mortality from inadequate data. Procedures to estimate infant, child, and adult mortality are mentioned, as well as procedures to calculate crude death rates and to evaluate the quality of available data sources. (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)^ieng

[Premature mortality by selected causes, Cuba 1981]. / Mortalidad prematura por algunas causas de defuncion seleccionadas, Cuba 1981.

PIP: The authors estimate premature mortality due to selected causes of death for different age groups, particularly at early ages, using an indicator of potential years of life lost by a population. Premature mortality in Cuba in 1981 is calculated by sex for 10 selected causes of death and for all causes. (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)^ieng

[Abortion as a cause of maternal mortality in three selected provinces, 1979-1982]. / El aborto como causa de mortalidad materna en 3 provincias seleccionadas. Anos 1979-1982.

PIP: Abortion-related mortality in Cuba between 1979 and 1982 is examined. The data are from official sources and surveys on maternal mortality carried out in Havana, Holguin, and Cienfuegos provinces. Induced abortion is identified as the major cause of maternal mortality among those aged 20-34. Furthermore, mortality from this cause increased in relation to the number of abortions performed (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)^ieng

[Infant mortality in the province of Granma, 1977-1984]. / La mortalidad infantil en la provincia Granma. Anos 1977-1984.

PIP: Trends in infant mortality in the Cuban province of Granma between 1977 and 1984 are analyzed. Consideration is given to causes of death, geographic factors, and timing of occurrence of death (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)^ieng

[Estimation of infant mortality in the early ages in the western provinces of Cuba]. / Estimacion de la mortalidad infantil y en edades tempranas en las provincias occidentales de Cuba

PIP: Infant and child mortality in the western provinces of Cuba is analyzed using methods developed by Brass and adapted by Trussell. Consideration is given to regional differences and to differences between rural and urban areas. (summary in ENG, FRE)^ieng

[Socio-demographic aspects of maternal mortality in Havana City, Holguin, and Cienfuegos provinces, 1979-1982]. / Aspectos sociodemograficos de la mortalidad materna en las provincias Ciudad de la Habana, Holguin y Cienfuegos, 1979-1982

PIP: The effect of selected socio-demographic variables on maternal mortality from 1979 to 1982 in three Cuban provinces is investigated. The results indicate the importance of woman's age at pregnancy, educational status, and marital stability. Consideration is also given to causes of maternal mortality, and the impact of abortion is noted. (summary in ENG, FRE)^ieng

[The present situation regarding perinatal mortality]. / Situacion actual de la mortalidad perinatal

PIP: The author examines trends in perinatal mortality in selected countries over the past 10 years. Some international comparisons are made, particularly regarding the contrast between the progress made by industrialized countries in further reducing already low levels of perinatal mortality and the lack of progress in developing countries. The inadequacies of available data are noted, and the high rate of mortality decline in Cuba is discussed. (summary in ENG, FRE, GER, )^ieng

[Recent fertility levels]. / Niveles recientes de fecundidad.

PIP: The author has studied the evolution of 2 fecundity measures, the gross rate of natality and the gross rate of reproduction. The 1st measure decreased 44.8% in the last year of the study (1978) and represented 95,826 less births. It is pointed out how this indicator has decreased in all provinces of the country which usually have high rates of fecundity. In order to establish comparisons among countries, the gross reproduction rate is used, and its evolution in 7 countries is observed during the 1970-78 period. The lower figures are registered in the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). First, all figures of the period below 1 and with the steady decrease are reported, while the GDR shows a certain trend to the recovery of birth rate since 1976. Hungary has the most irregular behavior although the total birth rate again falls since 1976. Graphs from Cuba show a constant fall in fecundity levels which was interrupted only in 1971, until the decrease below 1 came in 1978. Cuba is the country that has the most sensible reduction of fecundity and has shown the most remarkable difference (0.89) between the initial and final rates during the period of analysis. (author's)^ieng