Culture-negative TB: clinical characteristics, risk factors and treatment outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although culture remains the standard for TB diagnosis, 15-20% of patients diagnosed and treated for TB are culture-negative. We explored clinical characteristics, risk factors and treatment outcomes for culture-negative TB in a Peruvian cohort.METHODS: We recruited 4,500 index TB patients and 10,160 household contacts in Lima, Peru, and enrolled 692 secondary patients diagnosed with TB during follow-up of household contacts. We analyzed smear and culture status, sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics and TB treatment outcomes to compare culture-negative and positive patients.RESULTS: Of the 4,880 adult patients, 915 (18.8%) were culture-negative. Culture-negative patients were less likely to report symptoms of TB disease and disease of longer duration. A multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant difference in loss to follow-up, treatment failure or recurrence between the culture-negative and -positive groups but a higher rate of death among culture-negative patients with an adjusted OR of 1.65 (95% CI 1.05-2.60). In a multivariate analysis of determinants of culture negativity, older age, substance use and being a secondary case were associated with culture status.CONCLUSIONS: More recognition and awareness of culture-negative TB is key for early and correct diagnosis to reduce transmission and improve treatment outcomes.

Integrated screening and testing for TB and COVID-19 in Peru.

We describe the experience of integrating COVID-19 screening and testing into a mobile TB screening unit in Lima, Peru. All attendees received chest radiographs, which were analysed using CAD4TB and CAD4COVID; Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra was used to test for TB, and antibody and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2. One Xpert-positive TB case was diagnosed per 168 people screened, one person with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies per 3 people screened, and one PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection per 8 people screened. Integrated screening can help to avoid delays in the diagnosis of both TB and COVID-19.

Nous décrivons l'expérience de l'intégration du dépistage et du test COVID-19 dans une unité mobile de dépistage de la TB à Lima, au Pérou. Toutes les personnes présentes ont reçu des radiographies pulmonaires, qui ont été analysées à l'aide de CAD4TB et CAD4COVID ; Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra a été utilisé pour le dépistage de la TB, et les anticorps et la réaction en chaîne par polymérase (PCR) pour le SARS-CoV-2. Un cas de TB Xpert-positif a été diagnostiqué pour 168 personnes dépistées, une personne présentant des anticorps du SARS-CoV-2 pour 3 personnes dépistées et une infection du SARS-CoV-2 confirmée par PCR pour 8 personnes dépistées. Le dépistage intégré peut contribuer à éviter les retards dans le diagnostic de la TB et du COVID-19.

Occurrence, distribution and dynamics of perchlorate in soil, water, fertilizers, vegetables and fruits and associated human exposure in Chile.

Perchlorate (ClO4-) has been identified as a persistent environmental contaminant of concern. Perchlorate exposure is a potential health concern because it interferes with hormone production by thyroid gland. Food (fruits and vegetables) and drinking water are an important source of human exposure to perchlorate. However, little is known about the occurrence of perchlorate in Chile. The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of perchlorate in 145 samples (soil, drinking water, surface water, groundwater, fertilizers, fruits and vegetables) collected across Chile and estimate associated exposure to consumers. Our results show that perchlorate was detected in soil (median: 22.2 ng g-1), drinking water (median: 3.0 ng mL-1), fruits (median: 0.91 ng g-1 fresh weight [FW]), lettuce (median: 5.0 ng g-1 FW) and chard (median: 4.15 ng g-1 FW). Interestingly, perchlorate concentrations detected in drinking water from three regions (Serena, Copiapo and Illapel) exceeded the USEPA interim drinking water health advisory level of 15 ng mL-1. Median concentrations of perchlorate in non-nitrogenous fertilizers (3.1 mg kg-1) were higher than those in nitrogenous fertilizers (1.3 mg kg-1). Estimated daily intake (EDI) of perchlorate via drinking water was lower than the USEPA's reference dose (7000 ng kg-1 bw day-1). The EDI of perchlorate via vegetables (chard and lettuce) produced in northern Chile was three times higher than those produced in other regions. The results of this study provide information about perchlorate sources in Chile, which will be helpful in modifying current regulations.

Primer registro de trauma en Chile: análisis de 2 años en un hospital público / First trauma registry in Chile: 2 years analysis in a public hospital

Resumen Introducción: El trauma representa un verdadero reto para los sistemas sanitarios por ser un gran problema de salud pública. En Chile se desconoce el manejo del paciente politraumatizado. Objetivo: Describir los resultados del primer registro de trauma (RT) en línea, en los pacientes que se atienden en el Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río durante los primeros dos años de la implementación. Materiales y Método: Se recoge información prospectiva en un registro en red, sobre pacientes víctimas de trauma, ingresados al Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río durante dos años. Estas variables involucran todo el proceso de atención clínica desde el ingreso al alta o fallecimiento. Resultados: En dos años, se registran 3.515 ingresos de pacientes víctima de trauma. Entre estos, el 81,3% son hombres. El 27% sufre trauma penetrante y 59% cerrado. Destacan más lesiones por arma de fuego que por arma blanca. El 18,4% de los pacientes ingresados tiene un el Injury Severity Score (ISS) mayor a 15 puntos. 34 pacientes ingresan en paro cardiorrespiratorio y 7,3 % lo hace hipotenso. Se realizan 1.856 tomografías y el 54,4% requiere cirugía de urgencia. Ingresan 692 traumas torácicos, 654 abdominales, 1.550 de extremidades, 687 lesiones en cráneo y 190 traumas cervicales. Se activa el protocolo de transfusión masiva en el 3,1% de los ingresos. El 8,3% utiliza la unidad de paciente crítico y la mortalidad es de 2,9%, teniendo como primera causa el trauma encéfalocraneano y segunda el shock hemorrágico. Conclusiones: Nuestro hospital tiene una gran incidencia de trauma. La implementación de un RT permite conocer la dimensión y evaluar el proceso asistencial en torno al paciente víctima de trauma. Es necesario dirigir recursos e implementar capacitación en los centros de alto volumen de trauma, además, de continuar con la extensión de la herramienta como estrategia de monitorización multicéntrica.

Introduction: Trauma represents a real challenge for health systems because is a major public health problem. In Chile, the management of polytrauma patients is unknown. Aim: Describe the results of the first online trauma registry; in patients treated at the Dr. Sótero del Río Hospital during the first two years of implementation. Materials and Method: Prospective information is collected in a network registry, about trauma victims, admitted to Dr. Sótero del Río Hospital for two years. These variables involve the entire clinical care process from admission to discharge or death. Results: 3.515 admissions of trauma victims are registered in two years. Among these, 81.3% are men. 27% suffered penetrating trauma and 59% closed. They emphasize larger injuries by firearm than by bladed weapon. 18.4% of admitted patients have ISS greater than 15 points. 34 patients enter cardio-respiratory arrest and 7.3% make it hypotensive. 1,856 CT scans are performed and 54.4% require emergency surgery. They admitted 692 thoracic trauma, 654 abdominal, 1550 limb, 687 skull injuries and 190 cervical trauma. The massive transfusion protocol is activated at 3.1% of the admissions. 8.3% use the critical patient unit and mortality is 2.9%, with cranial brain trauma as the first cause and hemorrhagic shock as a second cause. Conclusions: Our hospital has a high incidence of trauma. The RT implementation allows us to know the dimension and assess the care process about the trauma patient. It is necessary to direct resources and implement training in high-volume trauma centers, as well as continuing with the extension of the tool as a multi-center monitoring strategy.

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.

Sources and fates of perchlorate in soils in Chile: A case study of perchlorate dynamics in soil-crop systems using lettuce (Lactuca sativa) fields.

Perchlorate occurs naturally in the environment in deposits of nitrate and can be formed in the atmosphere and precipitate into soil. However, little is known about the occurrence and levels of perchlorate in soils and fertilizers in Chile and its impacts on agricultural systems and food safety. In this study, concentrations of perchlorate were determined in 101 surface soils and 17 fertilizers [nitrogenous (n = 8), nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK; n = 3), phosphate (n = 2) and non-nitrogenous (n = 4)] collected across Chile from 2017 to 2018. Our results show that perchlorate was detected mainly in agricultural soils (mean: 0.32 ng g-1), grassland rotation sites (0.41 ngg-1) and urban locations (0.38 ng g-1). Interestingly, elevated concentrations of perchlorate (9.66 and 54.0 ng g-1) were found in agricultural soils. All fertilizers contained perchlorate: nitrogenous fertilizers (mean: 32.6 mg kg-1), NPK (mean: 12.6 mg kg-1), non-nitrogenous fertilizers (mean: 10.2 mg kg-1) and phosphates (mean: 11.5 mg kg-1). Only one type of nitrogenous fertilizer (KNO3: 95.3 mg kg-1) exceeded the international regulation limit (50 mg kg-1). For two agronomic practices, the content of perchlorate in lettuce increased as the fertilizer application rate increased, with fertigation promoting a more significant accumulation. However, the concentrations generally remained below regulatory values. Our results suggest that fertilizers constitute an important source of perchlorate in soils.

Field study on the uptake, accumulation and risk assessment of perchlorate in a soil-chard/spinach system: Impact of agronomic practices and fertilization.

The application of excessive fertilizer represents a primary source of entry for perchlorate into crop systems and thus has raised widespread concern regarding food safety. Several studies have reported the occurrence of perchlorate in vegetables. However, limited information is available on the fate of perchlorate in the soil-plant system. In this study, we performed field experiments to evaluate the effects of the application rate of Chilean nitrate fertilizer and the type of fertilization (manual or fertigation) on the uptake of perchlorate by plants grown in open fields. Interestingly, in the control, chard and spinach accumulated 21.3 and 25.9 µg kg-1, respectively. For both agronomic practices, the content of perchlorate in chard and spinach increased as the fertilizer application rate increased, with fertigation promoting more significant accumulations. Spinach accumulated almost two times more perchlorate than chard for all treatments; however, the concentrations generally remained below regulatory values. The intake of spinach and chard presented a low risk to human health for all age groups. These findings enhance our understanding of the environmental impact of the use of fertilizers in agriculture and food safety.

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.

Prevalence of pyrazinamide resistance and Wayne assay performance analysis in a tuberculosis cohort in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) regimens often contain pyrazinamide (PZA) even if susceptibility to the drug has not been confirmed. This gap is due to the limited availability and reliability of PZA susceptibility testing. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of PZA resistance using the Wayne assay among TB patients in Lima, Peru, to describe characteristics associated with PZA resistance and to compare the performance of Wayne with that of BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960. METHODS: PZA susceptibility using the Wayne assay was tested in patients diagnosed with culture-positive pulmonary TB from September 2009 to August 2012. Factors associated with PZA resistance were evaluated. We compared the performance of the Wayne assay to that of MGIT 960 in a convenience sample. RESULTS: The prevalence of PZA resistance was 6.6% (95%CI 5.8-7.5) among 3277 patients, and 47.7% (95%CI 42.7-52.6) among a subset of 405 MDR-TB patients. In multivariable analysis, MDR-TB (OR 86.0, 95%CI 54.0-136.9) and Latin American-Mediterranean lineage (OR 3.40, 95%CI 2.33-4.96) were associated with PZA resistance. The Wayne assay was in agreement with MGIT 960 in 83.9% of samples (κ 0.66, 95%CI 0.56-0.76). CONCLUSION: PZA resistance was detected using the Wayne assay in nearly half of MDR-TB patients in Lima. This test can inform the selection and composition of regimens, especially those dependent on additional resistance.

Pharmacokinetic Evidence from the HIRIF Trial To Support Increased Doses of Rifampin for Tuberculosis.

Rifamycins exhibit concentration-dependent killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; higher exposures potentially induce better outcomes. We randomized 180 tuberculosis patients in Peru to receive rifampin at 10, 15, or 20 mg/kg/day. A total of 168 had noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analyses; 67% were sampled twice, and 33% were sampled six times. The doses administered were well tolerated. The median area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 6 h (interquartile range) was 24.9 (17.6 to 32.1), 43.1 (30.3 to 57.5), or 55.5 (35.7 to 73.2) h · µg/ml. The median maximum drug concentration in serum in the experimental arms reached the target of 8 µg/ml. Continued investigation of higher rifampin doses is warranted. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01408914.).

A review of perchlorate (ClO4-) occurrence in fruits and vegetables.

Since the 1990s, a large number of studies around the world have reported the presence of perchlorate in different types of environmental matrices. In view of their inherent characteristics, such as high solubility, mobility, persistence, and low affinity for the surface of soil, perchlorates are mobilized through the water-soil system and accumulate in edible plant species of high human consumption. However, the ingestion of food products containing perchlorate represents a potential health risk to people due to their adverse effects on thyroid, hormone, and neuronal development, mainly in infants and fetuses. At present, research has been centered on determining sources, fates, and remediation methods and not on its real extension in vegetables under farming conditions. This review presents a comprehensive overview and update of the frequent detection of perchlorate in fruits and vegetables produced and marketed around the world. Additionally, the impact of fertilizer on the potential addition of perchlorate to soil and its mobility in the water-soil-plant system is discussed. This review is organized into the following sections: sources of perchlorate, mobility in the water-soil system, presence in fruits and vegetables in different countries, international regulations, and toxicological studies. Finally, recommendations for future studies concerning perchlorate in fruits and vegetables are presented.

Cigarette smoking among tuberculosis patients increases risk of transmission to child contacts.

SETTING: Observational cohort study in Lima, Peru. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between exposure to a smoking tuberculosis (TB) case and latent tuberculous infection (LTBI). METHOD: Between September 2009 and August 2012, we identified 2132 patients with drug-susceptible TB and their 2054 child household contacts. Data were collected on active and secondhand smoking status and other risk factors for infection specific to the index case, the household and the exposed contacts. Contacts underwent a tuberculin skin test (TST) to determine their tuberculous infection status at baseline, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. We estimated the association between exposure to a smoking index case and LTBI using a modified Poisson regression model. RESULTS: The 21 children (age â©¿15 years) exposed to smoking index TB patients were more likely to be TST-positive at baseline (RR 2.64, 95%CI 1.78-3.91), by 6 months (RR 1.91, 95%CI 1.40-2.60) and by 12 months (RR 1.48, 95%CI 1.07-2.06), than those who were not exposed. TST positivity among children at these time points did not vary with secondhand smoke exposure. CONCLUSIONS: TB patients who smoke may be more likely to transmit infection to their contacts. Interventions designed to reduce smoking among TB patients may minimise further spread of the disease.

Perchlorate levels in soil and waters from the Atacama Desert.

Perchlorate is an anion that originates as a contaminant in ground and surface waters. The presence of perchlorate in soil and water samples from northern Chile (Atacama Desert) was investigated by ion chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry. Results indicated that perchlorate was found in five of seven soils (cultivated and uncultivated) ranging from 290 ± 1 to 2,565 ± 2 µg/kg. The greatest concentration of perchlorate was detected in Humberstone soil (2,565 ± 2 µg/kg) associated with nitrate deposits. Perchlorate levels in Chilean soils are greater than those reported for uncultivated soils in the United States. Perchlorate was also found in superficial running water ranging from 744 ± 0.01 to 1,480 ± 0.02 µg/L. Perchlorate water concentration is 30-60 times greater than levels established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (24.5 µg/L) for drinking.

Urothelial endocytic vesicle recycling and lysosomal degradative pathway regulated by lipid membrane composition.

The urothelium, a specialized epithelium that covers the mucosa cell surface of the urinary bladder, undergoes dramatic morphological changes during the micturition cycle that involve a membrane apical traffic. This traffic was first described as a lysosomal pathway, in addition to the known endocytosis/exocytosis membrane recycling. In an attempt to understand the role of membrane lipid composition in those effects, we previously described the lipid-dependent leakage of the endocytosed vesicle content. In this work, we demonstrated clear differences in the traffic of both the fluid probe and the membrane-bound probe in urothelial umbrella cells by using spectrofluorometry and/or confocal and epifluorescence microscopy. Different membrane lipid compositions were established by using three diet formulae enriched in oleic acid, linoleic acid and a commercial formula. Between three and five animals for each dietary treatment were used for each analysis. The decreased endocytosis of both fluid and membrane-bound probes (approximately 32 and 49 % lower, respectively) in oleic acid-derived umbrella cells was concomitant with an increased recycling (approximately 4.0 and 3.7 times, respectively) and diminished sorting to the lysosome (approximately 23 and 37 %, respectively) when compared with the control umbrella cells. The higher intravesicular pH and the impairment of the lysosomal pathway of oleic acid diet-derived vesicles compared to linoleic acid diet-derived vesicles and control diet-derived vesicles correlate with our findings of a lower V-ATPase activity previously reported. We integrated the results obtained in the present and previous work to determine the sorting of endocytosed material (fluid and membrane-bound probes) into the different cell compartments. Finally, the weighted average effect of the individual alterations on the intracellular distribution was evaluated. The results shown in this work add evidences for the modulatory role of the membrane lipid composition on sorting of the endocytosed material. This suggests that changes in the membrane organization can be one of the underlying mechanisms for regulating the endocytosis/exocytosis processes and membrane intracellular trafficking.

Experiencia en miringoplastía transcanal con pericondrio tragai inlay / Experience in transcanal myringoplasty with inlay tragal perichondrium

Introducción: La timpanoplastía está orientada a la reconstrucción anatomofuncional del oído medio que realizada en la membrana timpánica se denomina miringoplastía. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados anatomofuncionales de la miringoplastía transcanal con pericondrio tragal inlay en pacientes intervenidos en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital San Camilo entre 2004 y 2009. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de fichas de 56 pacientes entre 7 y 77 años. Universo: 60 oídos, muestra: 48 oídos con edad promedio de 34 años. Se evaluaron resultados anatómicos según sexo, edad, ubicación, causa de perforación y mejoría funcional objetivada por audiometría. Resultados: La integridad anatómica posquirúrgica es de 81,3% sin diferencias según género. Según edad existe diferencia significativa de 93,3% para el tramo 7-19 años respecto del total. Las perforaciones centrales tuvieron un éxito de 100%. La causa más frecuente de perforación fue por otitis media crónica simple (75%) con una integridad posquirúrgica del 80,5%. El 97,6% logró mejorar o mantener el nivel de audición, estableciéndose diferencialmente mejoría funcional en 52,4%, y una mantención en 45,2%. Conclusión: Los mejores resultados para esta técnica se obtienen en menores de 20 años con perforaciones centrales, siendo una técnica ideal que conserva la estructura de la membrana timpánica para futuras intervenciones.

Introduction: Tympanoplasty is orientated to the anatomofunctional reconstruction of the middle ear, which is named myringoplasty, when performed in the tympanic membrane. Aim: To evaluate the anatomofunctional results of transcanal myringoplasty with inlay tragal perichondrium in patients controlled in the Otorhinolaryngology Unit of San Camilo Hospital, between 2004 and 2009. Material and method: Retrospective descriptive study on files of 56 patients between 7 and 77 years of age. Universe: 60 ears, sample: 48 ears with average age 34 years. Anatomical results were evaluated according to sex, age, location, cause of perforation and functional improvement measured by audiometry. Results: The overall anatomical postsurgical integrity is 81,3 % without differences between sexes. According to age there is a significant difference for the section between 7-19 years of age respect of the total (93,3 %). Central perforations had a 100% success rate. The most frequent reason of perforation was simple chronic otitis media (75%) with a postsurgical integrity of 80,5 %. 97,6 % managed to improve or maintain hearing level, (52,4 % gained functional improvement, and 45,2 % maintained hearing level). Conclusion: Using this technique, best results are obtained in patients younger than 20 years of age, with central perforations. It is an ideal method that preserves the structure of the tympanic membrane for future interventions.

Reproduction of Varroa destructor and offspring mortality in worker and drone brood cells of Africanized honey bees.

Varroa destructor is known to be the most serious parasite of Apis mellifera worldwide. In order to reproduce varroa females enter worker or drone brood shortly before the cell is sealed. From March to December 2008, the reproductive rate and offspring mortality (mature and immature stages), focusing on male absence and male mortality of V. destructor, was investigated in naturally infested worker and drone brood of Africanized honey bees (AHB) in Costa Rica. Data were obtained from 388 to 403 single infested worker and drone brood cells, respectively. Mite fertility in worker and drone brood cells was 88.9 and 93.1%, respectively. There was no difference between the groups (X(2) = 3.6, P = 0.06). However, one of the most significant differences in mite reproduction was the higher percentage of mites producing viable offspring in drone cells (64.8%) compared to worker cells (37.6%) (X(2) = 57.2, P < 0.05). A greater proportion of mites in worker brood cells produced non-viable female offspring. Mite offspring mortality in both worker and drone cells was high in the protonymph stage (mobile and immobile). A significant finding was the high rate of male mortality. The worker and drone brood revealed that 23.9 and 6.9%, respectively, of the adult male offspring was found dead. If the absence (missing) of the male and adult male mortality are taken together the percentage of cells increased to 40.0 and 21.3% in worker and drone cells, respectively (X(2) = 28.8, P < 0.05). The absence of the male or male mortality in a considerable number of worker cells naturally infested with varroa is the major factor in our study which reduces the production of viable daughters in AHB colonies in Costa Rica.

[Superficial mycoses in the city of Valparaiso, Chile: period 2007-2009]. / Micosis superficiales en la ciudad de Valparaíso, Chile: Período 2007-2009.

INTRODUCTION: Superficial mycoses are infections of the keratinous tissue caused by dermatophytes, yeasts and environmental fungi. OBJECTIVES: To identify the species of dermatophytes, yeasts and environmental fungi that cause superficial mycosis and analyze their differences by sex, age and location of the lesion, in patients from the region of Valparaiso, during 2007-2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1004 patients diagnosed with superficial mycoses were studied. All ages and both genera were included. The study was done using direct microscopic examination with 20% KOH and culture of the lesions. Fungi identification was mainly morphophysiological. RESULTS: Of the 1004 patients studied, 609 were women and 87.7% was 15 years old or younger. Toenail onychomycosis was the most frequent lesion (58.1%), followed by tinea pedis and interdigitalis (16.3%). In patients younger than 8 years old, tinea capitis by Microsporum canis was the most common mycoses. Among dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum (78.9%) predominated in most locations, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (14.9%) and M. canis (5.4%). Candida spp. (95.4%) prevailed among the yeasts causing onychomycosis. There were 27 cases of toenail onychomycosis caused by environmental fungi, mainly Fusarium. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with national and international data, where T. rubrum is the predominant agent of dermatomycoses. We report the emergency of agents not described in Chile or Latin America in these infections.

Micosis superficiales en la ciudad de Valparaíso, Chile: Período 2007-2009 / Superficial mycoses in the city of Valparaiso, Chile: Period 2007-2009

Introduction: Superficial mycoses are infections of the keratinous tissue caused by dermatophytes, yeasts and environmental fungi. Objectives: To identify the species of dermatophytes, yeasts and environmental fungi that cause superficial mycosis and analyze their differences by sex, age and location of the lesion, in patients from the region of Valparaiso, during 2007-2009. Materials and Methods: 1004 patients diagnosed with superficial mycoses were studied. All ages and both genera were included. The study was done using direct microscopic examination with 20 percent KOH and culture of the lesions. Fungi identification was mainly morphophysiological. Results: Of the 1004 patients studied, 609 were women and 87.7 percent was 15 years old or younger. Toenail onychomycosis was the most frequent lesion (58.1 percent), followed by tinea pedis and interdigitalis (16.3 percent). In patients younger than 8 years old, tinea capitis by Microsporum canis was the most common mycoses. Among dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum (78.9 percent) predominated in most locations, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (14.9 percent) and M. canis (5.4 percent). Candida spp. (95.4 percent) prevailed among the yeasts causing onychomycosis. There were 27 cases of toenail onychomycosis caused by environmental fungi, mainly Fusarium. Conclusions: Our results are consistent with national and international data, where T. rubrum is the predominant agent of dermatomycoses. We report the emergency of agents not described in Chile or Latin America in these infections.

Introducción: Las micosis superficiales son infecciones causadas por dermatofitos, levaduras y hongos ambientales en tejidos queratínicos. Objetivos: Conocer las especies de dermatofitos, levaduras y hongos ambientales que causan micosis superficiales, analizar sus diferencias según sexo, edad y localización en pacientes de la Región de Valparaíso durante el período 2007-2009. Materiales y Métodos: Se estudiaron 1.004 pacientes de todas las edades, con diagnóstico de micosis superficiales. Se realizó examen microscópico directo con KOH al 20 por ciento y cultivos de las lesiones. La identificación de los hongos fue principalmente con morfo-fisiología. Resultados: De 1.004 pacientes evaluados, 609 fueron mujeres y 87,7 por ciento tenían sobre 15 años de edad. La onicomicosis de pie fue la lesión más frecuente (58,1 por ciento), seguida de tinea plantar e interdigital (16,3 por ciento). Bajo 8 años de edad, tinea capitis por Microsporum canis fue la lesión más frecuente. Entre los dermatofitos, Trichophyton rubrum (78,9 por ciento) predominó en la mayoría de las localizaciones, seguido por Trichophyton mentagrophytes (14,9 por ciento) y M. canis (5,4 por ciento). Entre las levaduras predominó Candida spp (95,4 por ciento) como causa de onicomicosis. Hubo 27 casos de onicomicosis de pies por hongos filamentosos ambientales, destacando por frecuencia el género Fusarium. Conclusiones: Los datos presentados coinciden en general con los trabajos nacionales e internacionales, donde T. rubrum predomina en la mayoría de las dermatomicosis. Destaca la aparición de agentes no descritos en Chile ni en Latinoamérica en este tipo de infecciones.

Colloidal diffusion inside a spherical cell.

The hydrodynamic hindering of a single-particle dynamics under total confinement is measured by optical microscopy. The three-dimensional trajectories of single-colloidal particles confined in spherical water globules of sizes only a few times the particle's diameter are tracked as they sample the entire volume of the globule. The hydrodynamic interactions between the particle and the spherical wall produce a dependence of the short-time diffusion on the particle's distance to the surface and an asymmetry in the radial and tangential components of the local diffusion coefficient, with the diffusion along the tangential direction being faster than along the radial direction. The latter decreasing close to the wall while the former being practically constant.