Hedonic perception of odors in children aged 5-8 years is similar across 18 countries: Preliminary data.

OBJECTIVE: Olfactory preference emerges very early in life, and the sense of smell in children rapidly develops until the second decade of life. It is still unclear whether hedonic perception of odors is shared in children inhabiting different regions of the globe. METHODS: Five-hundred ten healthy children (N = 510; ngirls = 256; nboys = 254) aged from 5 to 8 years from 18 countries rated the pleasantness of 17 odors. RESULTS: The hedonic perception of odors in children aged between 5 and 8 years was rather consistent across 18 countries and mainly driven by the qualities of an odor and the overall ability of children to label odorants. CONCLUSION: Conclusions from this study, being a secondary analysis, are limited to the presented set of odors that were initially selected for the development of U-Sniff test and present null findings for the cross-cultural variability in hedonic perception of odors across 18 countries. These two major issues should be addressed in the future to either contradict or replicate the results presented herewith. This research lays fundament for posing further research questions about the developmental aspects of hedonic perception of odors and opens a new door for investigating cross-cultural differences in chemosensory perception of children.

Performance of a deep neural network in teledermatology: a single-centre prospective diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for the diagnosis of skin diseases has shown promise in experimental settings but has not been yet tested in real-life conditions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance and potential clinical utility of a 174-multiclass AI algorithm in a real-life telemedicine setting. METHODS: Prospective, diagnostic accuracy study including consecutive patients who submitted images for teledermatology evaluation. The treating dermatologist chose a single image to upload to a web application during teleconsultation. A follow-up reader study including nine healthcare providers (3 dermatologists, 3 dermatology residents and 3 general practitioners) was performed. RESULTS: A total of 340 cases from 281 patients met study inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) age of patients was 33.7 (17.5) years; 63% (n = 177) were female. Exposure to the AI algorithm results was considered useful in 11.8% of visits (n = 40) and the teledermatologist correctly modified the real-time diagnosis in 0.6% (n = 2) of cases. The overall top-1 accuracy of the algorithm (41.2%) was lower than that of the dermatologists (60.1%), residents (57.8%) and general practitioners (49.3%) (all comparisons P < 0.05, in the reader study). When the analysis was limited to the diagnoses on which the algorithm had been explicitly trained, the balanced top-1 accuracy of the algorithm (47.6%) was comparable to the dermatologists (49.7%) and residents (47.7%) but superior to the general practitioners (39.7%; P = 0.049). Algorithm performance was associated with patient skin type and image quality. CONCLUSIONS: A 174-disease class AI algorithm appears to be a promising tool in the triage and evaluation of lesions with patient-taken photographs via telemedicine.

Caracterización general de los pacientes con EPOC de la Región del Maule: resultados preliminares del estudio MaulEPOC / General characterization of COPD patients from the Maule Region, Chile: preliminary results of the MaulEPOC study

El objetivo de esta comunicación fue evaluar el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes con Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (EPOC) de la Región del Maule. Para ello, se contó con 127 pacientes EPOC clínicamente estables derivados por parte del neumólogo o que fueron atendidos en el centro de diagnóstico terapéutico del Hospital Regional de Talca durante el año 2016. Los pacientes fueron sometidos a una serie de pruebas de función pulmonar y debieron contestar un cuestionario para conocer antecedentes clínicos y epidemiológicos. Tras el estudio, fueron clasificados de acuerdo al criterio GOLD que integra medidas de síntomas, disnea, espirometría y riesgo de exacerbaciones. El 56% de los pacientes fueron varones y el promedio de edad en ambos sexos fue de 71,4 años (IC 95% 67,89-71,28). Un 27% tuvieron un nivel de escolarización ≤ 4 años. El 25% fueron clasificados como GOLD A, el 33% B, el 9% C y el 33% D. El 61% de los pacientes presentaron una exposición significativa simultánea a humo de cigarrillo y humo de biomasa. Los pacientes EPOC de la Región del Maule son fundamentalmente varones, adultos mayores y, frecuentemente, con bajo nivel de escolaridad. Los principales factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de la enfermedad en esta cohorte fueron la exposición simultánea a humo de tabaco y de combustibles de biomasa. La mayoría de los pacientes se encuentran en los estadios más leves de la enfermedad. Nuestros hallazgos identificaron las principales áreas que deben ser intervenidas para mejorar el manejo de la EPOC en la Región del Maule.

This study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of subjects from the Maule Region (Chile) suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We recruited 127 stable-COPD patients who were attended by a pulmonologist or treated at Hospital Regional de Talca during 2016. All patients underwent lung functional tests and answered a standardized questionnaire to obtain clinical and epidemiological data. Patients were classified according to the GOLD combined COPD assessment criteria, which included symptomatic assessment with the patient's spirometric classification and risk of exacerbations. GOLD A, B, C and D categories consisted of 25%, 33%, 9% and 33% of patients respectively. The mean age was 71.4 years (CI 95% 64.7-73.7) and 56% of the patients were male. A 27% of subjects completed 4 or less years of schooling. 61% of patients showed a significant combined exposure to both cigarette and biomass smoke. COPD patients from the Maule Region are mostly elderly male, often showing a low educational level. The main COPD risk factor in this cohort was the simultaneous exposure to cigarette and biomass smoke. Most patients are in the milder stages of COPD. Our findings identified the main areas that can be intervened to improve COPD management in the Maule Region.

Strongyloidiasis in Latin American immigrants: a pilot study.

The United States of America (USA) has the largest international population of any nation in the world. Immigrants from Latin American countries, where intestinal parasites are endemic, comprise more than half of this population. This study aims to determine the prevalence of strongyloidiasis, a potentially deadly parasitic infection, in foreign-born individuals. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Washington, DC, to determine the seroprevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection using an NIE-ELISA IgG antibody assay. Multi-parallel quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed in stool samples of NIE-ELISA-positive patients to investigate possible polyparasitism. The NIE-ELISA assay detected an S. stercoralis prevalence of 4.2% in a group of 119 volunteers. Combining NIE-ELISA and qPCR detected a parasite prevalence of 5.0%. Our results underscore the relevance of systematic testing for gastrointestinal parasites in individuals from endemic regions. It also makes a case for a survey in the USA to identify immigrants' risk for strongyloidiasis and other gastrointestinal parasitic infections.

Actualización en el tratamiento de bronquiolitis aguda: menos es más / Update in the treatment of acute bronchiolitis: less is more

Viral bronchiolitis is a major worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality in children under two years old. Evidence-based management guidelines suggest that there is no effective treatment for bronchiolitis and that supportive care - hydration and oxygenation - remains the cornerstone of clinical management. In this review we describe the current guidelines of treatment with emphasis in the limitation of unnecessary testing and intervention. Also, we discuss the future directions in the research of new therapies for bronchiolitis.

La bronquiolitis viral es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en niños de menos de dos años de edad en todo el mundo. Las guías clínicas basadas en la evidencia sugieren que no existe un tratamiento efectivo para la bronquiolitis y que la hidratación y una adecuada oxigenación, siguen siendo la base del manejo clínico. En esta revisión, se describen las actuales guías de tratamiento haciendo énfasis en limitar los exámenes e intervenciones innecesarias. También discutimos la investigación en nuevas terapias para la bronquiolitis.

Estudio EPOCA sobre el impacto de los problemas de conducta en niños menores de 12 años y sus familias / Impact of behavioral problems in children under 12 and their families: the EPOCA study

Introducción: El objetivo del estudio EPOCA fue conocer el impacto de los problemas de conducta en el estado de salud y la calidad de vida (CV) de la población pediátrica, así como el tipo de recomendaciones no farmacológicas que realiza el pediatra en este tipo de consultas. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico y observacional de niños de entre 6 y 12 años de edad, sin patología neurológica y/o psiquiátrica conocida, que acudieron a la consulta del pediatra y refirieron problemas de conducta. Se compararon los datos basales de la muestra con los de población infantil de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de España (ENSE 2011), los resultados basales frente a los obtenidos al cabo de 3 meses, y también las diferencias a los 3 meses según las medidas recomendadas por el pediatra, en un grupo al que se le recomendó un suplemento alimentario a base de ácidos grasos (AG) omega-3 y otro grupo sin esta recomendación. Resultados: Las puntuaciones basales mostraron que el 67,8% de los participantes presentaban «probables» problemas de salud mental, además de una puntuación menor en la calidad de vida (CV) respecto a la muestra de la ENSE. La CV de los padres también se vio afectada en función de la presencia o no de problemas de conducta en sus hijos. Entre las medidas recomendadas por el pediatra, la complementación con AG omega-3 durante 3 meses se asoció a un porcentaje de mejora significativamente mayor en las puntuaciones de salud mental (el 35,1 vs. 25,5%; p= 0,019), de problemas de conducta (el 40,9 vs. 29,3%; p= 0,017) y de hiperactividad (el 35,9 vs. 24,1%; p= 0,017). La misma tendencia se observó en los resultados sobre «prestar atención» y «sentirse lleno de energía» » (p <0,05; 79,7 ± 103,6 vs. 65,2 ± 98,3, y 20,1 ± 80 vs. 13,3 ± 94,5, respectivamente). Conclusiones: En general, los niños con problemas de conducta presentan un peor estado de salud y una peor CV que los de la población general. La CV de los padres también se ve notablemente afectada por los problemas de conducta de sus hijos. La suplementación de la dieta con AG omega-3 parece tener efectos positivos en distintos factores relacionados con el estado de salud de los niños que refieren problemas de conducta. Las medidas no farmacológicas recomendadas por el pediatra, incluido el uso de un suplemento a base de omega-3, muestran un efecto positivo y sumatorio en la mejoría de tales problemas (AU)

Introduction: The EPOCA study aimed to assess the impact of behavioural problems on health and quality of life (QoL) of pediatric population and to know the non-pharmacological recommendations of pediatrician in such cases. Methods: Observational multicentre study of children aged 6-12 years (without neurological and/or psychiatric diagnosis) whom parents reported behavioral problems during a standard medical visit. Baseline data of EPOCA's participants was compared with those reported for pediatric population of the 2011 Spanish National Health Survey (SNHS). Other analyzes included comparisons of different outcomes at 3-months according to pediatrician recommendations between a group of patients who received dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and another group without this recommendation. Results: Baseline scores showed that 67.8% of children were considered with «probable» mental health problems, while a lower score on QoL regarding sample of SNHS was also observed. Parents' QoL also was affected depending on the presence or not of behavioural problems in their progeny. Among the recommendations of pediatricians, supplementation with omega-3 for 3 months was associated with significantly improvements on mental health (35.1 vs. 25.5%; p= 0.019), on behavioral problems (40.9 vs. 29.3%; p= 0.017) and on hyperactivity (35.9 vs. 24.1%; p= 0.017). The same trend was observed on 'paying attention' and 'feel full of energy' (p <0.05; 79.7 ± 103.6 vs. 65.2 ± 98.3, and 20.1 ± 80 vs. 13.3 ± 94.5, respectively). Conclusions: Globally, children with behavioural problems have shown worse scores of health and QoL compared with children of the general population. Parents' QoL was also significantly affected by the behavioral problems of their children. Overall, paediatricians' recommendations, including dietary supplementation with omega-3 PUFA, seems to have positive effects on different factors associated with health in children with behavioral problems (AU)

Neoadyuvancia cnn imatinib en el manejo de gist gigante del tabique rectovaginal / Neo-adjuvant treatment with imatinib for a rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Introducción: Los tumores estromales gastrointestinales (GIST) del recto son muy raros. En la última década se ha planteado la neoadyuvancia con imatinib en los casos de tumores localmente avanzados o inicialmente irresecables. Caso clínico: Se presenta una paciente portadora de un GIST maligno del tabique rectovaginal inicialmente considerado irresecable que fue sometido a neoadyuvancia con Imatinib como terapia de inducción durante 3 meses, logrando una respuesta clínica notable que permitió realizar una resección local exitosa por vía endoanal. La presencia de factores pronósticos deletéreos (tamaño tumoral mayor de 5 cm y 13 mitosis por 50 campos de aumento mayor) determinó la mantención del tratamiento con Imatinib por 15 meses luego de la cirugía con el fin de reducir el riesgo de recidiva local. Luego de 20 meses de seguimiento la paciente está libre de enfermedad, con continencia fecal plena, ha recuperado la actividad sexual, aunque persisten algunos efectos residuales de la droga que están en franca disminución. Conclusión: La neoadyuvancia con imatinib se considera actualmente la terapia estándar en el manejo de los GIST localmente avanzados y/o irresecables.

Background: Rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare. Neo-adjuvant therapy with imatinib is recommended for locally advanced or non-resectable tumors. Case report: We report a 63 years old woman with a malignant GIST located in the recto-vaginal septum which was initially considered non-resectable. The patient was treated with imatinib as induction therapy for three months. After this lapse the tumor was successfully excised using an endo-anal approach. Due to a tumor size over 5 cm and the presence of 13 mitoses per 50 high power fields, two bad prognostic factors, treatment with imatinib was maintained for 15 months after surgery. After 20 months of follow up, the patient is free of disease with complete fecal continence and with an adequate sexual life. Secondary effects of imatinib are gradually subsiding.

Lessons learned from microsatellite development for nonmodel organisms using 454 pyrosequencing.

Microsatellites, also known as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), are among the most commonly used marker types in evolutionary and ecological studies. Next Generation Sequencing techniques such as 454 pyrosequencing allow the rapid development of microsatellite markers in nonmodel organisms. 454 pyrosequencing is a straightforward approach to develop a high number of microsatellite markers. Therefore, developing microsatellites using 454 pyrosequencing has become the method of choice for marker development. Here, we describe a user friendly way of microsatellite development from 454 pyrosequencing data and analyse data sets of 17 nonmodel species (plants, fungi, invertebrates, birds and a mammal) for microsatellite repeats and flanking regions suitable for primer development. We then compare the numbers of successfully lab-tested microsatellite markers for the various species and furthermore describe diverse challenges that might arise in different study species, for example, large genome size or nonpure extraction of genomic DNA. Successful primer identification was feasible for all species. We found that in species for which large repeat numbers are uncommon, such as fungi, polymorphic markers can nevertheless be developed from 454 pyrosequencing reads containing small repeat numbers (five to six repeats). Furthermore, the development of microsatellite markers for species with large genomes was also with Next Generation Sequencing techniques more cost and time-consuming than for species with smaller genomes. In this study, we showed that depending on the species, a different amount of 454 pyrosequencing data might be required for successful identification of a sufficient number of microsatellite markers for ecological genetic studies.

Maternal care in the soft tick Antricola marginatus.

Among spiders, scorpions, and whip spiders, a common type of maternal care consists of females carrying newly hatched offspring on their body for a few days until they are able to live independently. While this maternal care has been suggested to occur in different argasid tick species, it has been recorded only once, for Antricola marginatus in Cuba; however, this earlier record only superficially mentioned the occurrence of this behavior, with no further details. Here we report the occurrence of maternal care in the argasid tick A. marginatus under natural conditions in a cave at Yucatan, Mexico, where 8 A. marginatus females, while walking on bat guano, had their body entirely covered by a mean number of 305 ± 112 conspecific unfed larvae (range: 105-466). Larvae covered the entire idiosoma of the female tick, where they were motionless or displayed just slight movement. This result substantially expands the number of unique characters that have been found only in Antricola spp. ticks, when compared to the other tick genera. Our findings also indicate that maternal care evolved independently in different taxa of Arachnida, since it has been reported for species of Araneae, Scorpiones, and Amblypygi, and here for an Acari species.

Hemorragia digestiva baja recurrente secundaria a GIST de yeyuno / Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding caused by a jejunal GIST

We report a 39 years old male with a history of three episodes of hematochezia and severe anemia. Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies were normal. Labeled red blood cell scan, selective angiography and abdominal CAT scan identified a bleeding solid jejunal mass that was excised. The pathological report showed a gastrointestinal stromal tumor measuring 6 cm in diameter, with medium malignancy (two mitoses in 50 high magnification fields). Immunohistochemistry showed that it was CD 117 positive and CD 34 negative, smooth muscle actin and S 100 were positive in the malignant cells. After eight years of follow up, the patient is disease free.

La hemorragia digestiva baja (HDB) representa la forma clínica de presentación más frecuente de los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST) del segmento yeyuno-íleon. El diagnóstico es complejo por las dificultades para acceder a este nivel del tubo digestivo y habitualmente se efectúa después de varias hospitalizaciones. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 39 años con tres episodios de hDb con anemia intensa (Hto 18 por ciento) cuyo estudio endoscópico alto y bajo no reveló anormalidades. La cintigrafía con glóbulos rojos marcados con Tc 99, la arteriografía selectiva y la tomografía computada de abdomen permitieron identificar una masa sólida de 5 cm en la zona paravertebral izquierda a nivel de L5, la que fue intervenida con el diagnóstico probable de GIST de intestino delgado. Se efectuó una pequeña resección yeyunal con anastomosis manual y el estudio histopatológico confirmó la presencia de un GIST de malignidad intermedia (6 cm, 2 mitosis en 50 campos de aumento mayor); IHQ compatible: CD 117: positivo; CD 34 negativo; Actina músculo liso y S 100: positivo focal en las células neoplásicas). Evolución alejada sin complicaciones luego de 8 años de seguimiento. El método diagnóstico más relevante en la actualidad es el Angio-TAC.

A species-specific real-time PCR assay for identification of three lichen-forming fungi, Lobaria pulmonaria, Lobaria immixta and Lobaria macaronesica.

We present a multiplex real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous identification of three morphologically similar species of lichen-forming fungi, Lobaria pulmonaria, Lobaria immixta and Lobaria macaronesica. Based on TaqMan MGB (minor groove binding) probes targeting the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS nrDNA) region, our assay unambiguously identifies known samples from all the three species, thus providing a powerful alternative to the more expensive DNA-sequencing techniques.

Exacerbation of psoriatic skin lesions in a patient with psoriatic arthritis receiving adalimumab.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a patient with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) receiving adalimumab, who developed an exacerbation of palmoplantaris pustulosa psoriasis. CASE SUMMARY: A 38-year-old woman diagnosed with PsA had received treatment with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Two months prior to admission, the patient had a Disease Activity Score of 3.8; diclofenac therapy was suspended and physicians considered treatment with adalimumab. Chest X-rays were normal and the tuberculin skin test was negative. Treatment with adalimumab was started. After the third dose of adalimumab, the patient developed an exacerbation of psoriatic skin lesions on palms and soles. The clinical course was consistent with an exacerbation of palmoplantaris pustulosa psoriasis. Adalimumab treatment was suspended. The patient was treated with oral methotrexate 2.5 mg once weekly. One month after methrotexate was started, the patient developed a severe alopecia. Methrotexate therapy was suspended. Three months later, the patient continued with psoriatic skin lesions on palms and soles. Treatment with Psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy was initiated and the patient condition improved without occurrence of psoriatic skin lesions in the next 4 months. DISCUSSION: Cases of worsening or exacerbation of psoriatic skin lesions induced by anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents in patients diagnosed PsA are infrequently described in the literature. The most likely cause of the exacerbation of palmoplantaris pustulosa psoriasis in this case was considered to be adalimumab because of the close temporal relationship between exposure to the drug and onset of symptoms. Adalimumab was the only identifiable precipitant that the patient encountered before the exacerbation of psoriasis developed. In accordance with the data obtained and based on the Naranjo algorithm, the adverse reaction could be considered probable. CONCLUSIONS: Patients initiated on adalimumab therapy should be closely monitored for the development of exacerbation of psoriasis. Clinicians should be aware of this rare adverse effect of this anti-TNF drug.

Septic shock and community-acquired pneumonia associated with etanercept therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of septic shock and community-acquired pneumonia in a patient with psoriatic arthritis receiving treatment with etanercept. PATIENT DETAILS: A 65-year-old woman diagnosed as having psoriatic arthritis had received treatment with etanercept. Chest X-ray studies were normal and the tuberculin skin test was negative. Two months after etanercept therapy, the patient presented to our emergency department with fever, cough, chest pain and generalized weakness. Chest radiography revealed a right pulmonary infiltrate. Her condition rapidly deteriorated and she went into shock with a further drop in her blood pressure, tachycardia and tachypnea. She was intubated, mechanically ventilated and was treated with fluids, cardioversion and amiodarone. Empiric therapy with levofloxacin, amikacin and cefepime were initiated. In the urinalysis, the result of a rapid test for Streptococcus pneumoniae was positive. Etanercept treatment was suspended due to a possible adverse reaction associated with this drug. At the start of therapy her clinical condition improved slowly. On Day 28, the patient was afebrile and she was discharged from the intensive care unit. DISCUSSION: Most of the infections associated with etanercept therapy have been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Based on our observations, etanercept was the possible offender in the development of septic shock and respiratory failure in community-acquired pneumonia. There was a temporal relationship between exposure to the drug and onset of symptoms. Etanercept was the only drug administered before the septic shock developed. Based on the Naranjo algorithm, the adverse reaction could be considered possible. CONCLUSION: Patients initiated on etanercept should be counseled and receive appropriate screening before drug initiation. All febrile and newly occurring concomitant illnesses should be promptly evaluated. General practitioners should discontinue etanercept treatment and institute prompt and aggressive intervention if infection develops.

Enfermedad de Castleman rectal: reporte de un caso del tipo hialino-vascular / Castleman disease of the rectum: report of one case

El 70 por ciento de los casos de la Enfermedad de Castleman (EC) se presentan como masas ganglionares que afectan el mediastino. El compromiso del tubo digestivo de la EC es muy raro. Se presenta un caso excepcional de EC ubicado en el espesor de la pared rectal que fue sometida a una resección anterior baja con la sospecha clínica de una endometriosis. El estudio histopatológico demostró una EC del tipo hialino-vascular y la paciente está asintomática luego de 2 años de seguimiento. Se reconoce una variedad hialino-vascular de la EC, que es generalmente asintomática y que se presenta como lesiones solitarias. La variedad de células plasmáticas de la EC, en cambio, tiende a ser multicéntrica, con compromiso sistémico y en el 18 por ciento de los casos puede ocurrir la transformación a un linfoma maligno o un sarcoma de Kaposi. El diagnóstico preoperatorio de la EC localizada en el abdomen o en la pelvis es muy difícil. Como el estudio por imágenes no permite descartar un tumor maligno, habitualmente se requiere una exploración quirúrgica con el fin de realizar una resección completa o, al menos, una biopsia incisional diagnóstica. Las lesiones solitarias que son resecadas en forma completa tienen un pronóstico excelente y no hay casos de recidiva publicados. La variedad multicéntrica de la EC, en cambio, tiene un pronóstico reservado y requiere de un manejo multidisciplinario.

Catleman disease usually presents as mediastinal lymph nodes and gastrointestinal involvement is exceptional. We report a 49 years old female with a vascularized mass located in the sigmoid colon. The mass was excised and the pathological study showed a Castleman disease, hyaline vascular variety. The patient is free of symptoms after two years of follow up. This variety of Castleman disease usually presents as solitary asymptomatic masses and if it is completely excised, the prognosis is good.

Phylogeography of the high alpine plant Senecio halleri (Asteraceae) in the European Alps: in situ glacial survival with postglacial stepwise dispersal into peripheral areas.

Whether alpine plant species survived Pleistocene glaciations in situ on high alpine nunatak mountains is still under debate. To test this hypothesis, Senecio halleri, a high alpine and endemic species with a narrow distribution range in the European Alps, was chosen as a model organism. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA PCR-RFLPs) were used in a phylogeographic analysis of 14 populations of S. halleri, covering its total distribution area. The results of haplotype diversity and distribution gave evidence of in situ glacial survival on siliceous central-alpine nunatak mountains in two areas, southwest and northeast of the Aosta valley. According to the absence of genetic differentiation between these two nunatak areas (based on amova), nested clade analysis implied a history of preglacial gene flow, in situ survival and extinction of intermediate populations during glaciation and postglacial stepwise recolonization of peripheral and intermediate areas.

Frecuencia de aspergiloma en pacientes con antecedente de tuberculosis, hemoptisis, radiografía anormal y baciloscopía negativa / Frequency of aspergilloma in patients with history of tuberculosis, hemoptysis, abnormal chest x-ray films and negative sputum smears

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de aspergilomas en pacientes con antecedentes de tuberculosis pulmonar curada,hemoptisis, radiografía de tórax anormal y BK negativo. Materiales y métodos: Se enroló 28 pacientes entre diciembrede 2002 y septiembre de 2004 en el Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue de Lima y Hospital Belén de Trujillo. A los pacientesevaluados en el Hospital Belén se les solicitó tres muestras de esputo, seriadas y consecutivas, mientras que lospacientes evaluados en el Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue y que fueron sometidos a cirugía de tórax, se les colectóuna porción de la pieza quirúrgica tisular pulmonar. Ambas muestras biológicas fueron cultivadas en agar sabourauddextrosa - cloramfenicol 0,05 por ciento e incubados a temperatura ambiente y 37 °C por 15 días. A todos los pacientes se lesextrajo 5 mL de sangre total para realizar la prueba de inmunodifusión contra Aspergillus sp. Resultados: La frecuenciade aspergiloma fue de 43 por ciento (12/28). Se identificó por cultivo Aspergillus fumigatus en cinco casos, Aspergillus sp endos, A. niger en uno, A. flavus en uno y en dos casos positivos por serología no se logró aislar el hongo. En los dospacientes donde se identificó A. niger, no se detectó presencia de anticuerpos contra Aspergillus sp. En el HospitalBelén la frecuencia de aspergiloma fue 39 por ciento (7/18) y en el Hospital Hipólito Unanue 50 por ciento (5/10). Conclusiones: Lafrecuencia de aspergiloma en los 28 pacientes investigados en ambos hospitales fue de 43 por ciento y el principal agenteetiológico fue A. fumigatus.

Objective: To determine the frequency of aspergilloma in patients with history of cured pulmonary tuberculosis, hemoptysis, abnormal chest X-ray films, and negative sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli. Materials and methods: 28 patients were enrolled between December 2002 and September 2004 in Hipolito Unanue National Hospital in Lima and Belen Hospital in Trujillo. Patients from Belen Hospital had three serial and consecutive sputum samples taken, while those patients from Hipolito Unanue Hospital who underwent thoracic surgery had a portion of the surgical specimen collected. Both biological samples were cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar – 0,05% chloramphenicol, and they were incubated at room temperature and at 37° C for 15 days. All patients had a 5-mL blood sample taken in order to perform immunodifusion tests for Aspergillus sp. Results: The frequency of aspergilloma was 43%) (12/28). Aspergillus fumigatus was identified in cultures in five cases, Aspergillus sp. was identified in two cases, A. niger in one, A. flavus in one, and in two cases reported as positive for serological tests the fungus could not be isolated. In the two patients in whom A. niger was identified, no presence of antibodies against Aspergillus sp. was detected. In Belen Hospital the frequency of aspergilloma was 39% (7/18), and in Hipolito Unanue Hospital it was 50% (5/10). Conclusions: Aspergilloma frequency in 28 patients studied in both hospitals was 43%, and the main etiological agent was A. fumigatus.