Biodiversity patterns of the benthic macrofaunal communities across the intertidal sedimentary shores of two Antarctic islands.

Antarctic benthic ecosystems support a unique fauna characterized by high levels of diversity and endemism. However, our knowledge of the macrofauna communities across the Antarctic intertidal sedimentary shore is limited, and their fundamental ecological features, including spatial variability, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the abundance, community structure (i.e. taxa-specific abundance), and biodiversity patterns (α-, ß-, and λ-diversity) of benthic macrofauna communities on intertidal sedimentary shores of two Antarctic islands (South Shetland archipelago, N of Antarctic Peninsula): Livingston and Deception. We conducted a quantitative sampling during two Austral summer campaigns (2004 and 2005), studying eleven intertidal sites, with five sites located on Livingston and six on Deception. Our results demonstrated a significantly higher abundance of intertidal benthic macrofauna communities on Livingston than on Deception. Furthermore, significant differences in community structure were observed between the two islands. In terms of biodiversity patterns, there were no significant differences in the number of taxa within communities (α-diversity) between the two islands. However, significant differences in the variation of community composition (determined by the number and identity of taxa) between intertidal sites (ß-diversity) were observed, shedding light on the higher total taxa count (λ-diversity) on Livingston compared to Deception. We suggest that the island-specific characteristics (e.g., granulometric characteristics, ice disturbance, sedimentation rates, and geothermal activity) determine the differences observed in macrofauna communities. However, other ecological processes and factors are operating on different spatial and temporal scales (e.g., population dynamics, biotic interactions, oceanographic conditions, and climate change) that influence the occurrence and abundance of macrofaunal taxa. Our findings contribute to the fundamental understanding of the spatial variability of these communities and provide essential information for better management decisions and conservation practices in Antarctic coastal ecosystems.

Heart rate measurement through carotid pulse by primary school children / Medición de la frecuencia cardíaca mediante pulso carotídeo por niños de primaria

This study aimed to determine whether primaryschool children can accurately monitor their heart rate (HR) through manual pulse measurement. Children aged 9 to 12 years manually assessed their HR through the carotid pulse three times in a physical education session; lying down, after submaximal effort and one minute later. Simultaneously, HR was measured by pulsometers. Of 417 children (10.58±0.93 years, 44.8% girls), 40% provided accurate values (<10% error). Concordance analysis showed wide limits of agreement (95% of measurements between 44.76% below and 78.64% above actual HR values). Sex, age and level of effort had no significant influence on the results. Primary school children are not able to accurately measure their HR through the carotid pulse (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivodeterminar si los niños de primaria pueden controlar con precisión su frecuencia cardíaca (FC)mediante la medición manual del pulso. Niños de 9 a 12 años evaluaron manualmente su FC a través del pulso carotídeo tres veces en una sesión deeducación física; tumbados, trasun esfuerzo submáximo y un minuto después. Simultáneamente, se midió la FC mediante pulsómetros. De 417 niños (rango de edad 9 a 12 años, 44,8% niñas), un40% proporcionóvalores precisos (<10% de error). El análisis de concordancia mostró amplios límites de acuerdo (95% de las mediciones situadas entre un 44,76% por debajo y un 78,64% por encima de los valores reales de la FC). El sexo, la edad y el nivel de esfuerzo no tuvieron una influencia significativa en los resultados. Los niños de primaria no son capaces de medir con precisión su FC a través del pulso carotídeo (AU)

Efectos de un programa de rehabilitación temprana en el desarrollo y adquisición de hitos motores en un niño con síndrome de Down: un estudio de caso / Effects of an early rehabilitation program on the development and acquisition of motor milestones in a child with Down syndrome: A case study

Antecedentes y objetivo: La rehabilitación temprana en el síndrome de Down (SD) es una estrategia fisioterápica de utilidad, si bien la evidencia científica al respecto no es muy amplia. Este estudio de caso tuvo como objetivo aportar información sobre los efectos de un programa de rehabilitación temprana en el perfil de desarrollo y adquisición de hitos de un niño con SD. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de caso único de medidas repetidas, en el que un niño con SD de 22 meses de edad realizó un programa de rehabilitación psicomotriz. Los contenidos incluyeron actividades de motricidad gruesa y fina, así como tareas de estimulación cognitiva. Para determinar los efectos del programa en el perfil de desarrollo y la adquisición de hitos motores, se emplearon el Inventario de Batelle y la batería «Peabody Motor Developmental Scale», respectivamente. Resultados: Tras completar un total de 10 sesiones se observó una evolución en las áreas personal/social, motoras, comunicativas y cognitiva del niño. El programa tuvo efectos positivos en la motricidad gruesa, si bien su impacto en la motricidad fina fue mucho menor (mejoras en 4 de los 8 ítems valorados). Conclusiones: La realización de un programa de rehabilitación temprana se tradujo en cambios positivos en el desarrollo y en la adquisición de hitos de la motricidad gruesa en un niño de 22 meses de edad con SD. Las mejoras en la motricidad fina son más complejas de lograr mediante este tipo de programas. (AU)

Background and objective: Early rehabilitation in Down syndrome (DS) is a useful physiotherapy strategy, although the scientific evidence in this respect is not very extensive. This case study aimed to provide information on the effects of an early rehabilitation program on the developmental profile and milestones’ acquisition in a child with DS. Materials and methods: A single case study of repeated measures was conducted, in which a 22-month-old child with DS underwent a psychomotor rehabilitation program. Sessions’ contents included gross and fine motor activities, as well as cognitive stimulation tasks. The Batelle Inventory and the Peabody Motor Developmental Scale Battery were used to determine the effects of the program on the developmental profile and the acquisition of motor milestones, respectively. Results: After completing a total of 10 sessions, a progressive evolution was observed in the personal/social, motor, communication and cognitive areas of the child. The program had positive effects on gross motor skills, although its impact on fine motor skills was minor (improvements in 4 of the 8 items assessed). Conclusions: The implementation of an early rehabilitation program resulted in positive developmental changes and in the acquisition of gross motor milestones in a 22-month-old child with DS. Improvements in fine motor skills are more complex to achieve through this type of programs. (AU)

Effects of exercise training on obesity-related parameters in people with intellectual disabilities: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to synthesise existing knowledge concerning the effects of exercise interventions on obesity (i.e. changes in body weight and composition) have been made, but scientific evidence in this matter is still limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify and critically analyse the best available evidence regarding the use of physical exercise as a strategy to attenuate obesity through its effects on adiposity-related anthropometric parameters in people with intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library through specific keywords up to July 2020. The search adhered to the population, intervention, comparison and outcome strategy. Randomised controlled trials addressing the effects of the exercise intervention on adiposity-related anthropometric parameters (body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, fat percentage or body weight) in children, adolescents and adults with ID were included. The methodological quality of the studies found was evaluated through the PEDro scale. RESULTS: A total of nine investigations with children and/or adolescents (10-19 years) and 10 investigations with adults (18-70 years) were selected, mostly experiencing mild and moderate ID. Methodological quality was fair in 13 of these publications, good in five and excellent in one. Seventeen trials reported comparable baseline and post-intervention data for the intervention and control groups and were included in the meta-analysis. In nine studies, the intervention group performed a cardiovascular training programme. Five papers described a combined training programme. Two trials executed whole-body vibration training programmes, and one publication proposed balance training as the primary intervention. According to the meta-analysis results, the reviewed studies proposed exercise modalities that, in comparison with the activities performed by the participants' in the respective control groups, did not have a greater impact on the variables assessed. CONCLUSIONS: While physical exercise can contribute to adiposity-related anthropometric parameters in people with mild and moderate ID, these findings show that exercise alone is not sufficient to manage obesity in this population. Multicomponent interventions appear to be the best choice when they incorporate dietary deficit, physical activity increase and behaviour change strategies. Finding the most effective modality of physical exercise can only aid weight loss interventions. Future research would benefit from comparing the effects of different exercise modalities within the framework of a multicomponent weight management intervention.

Feasibility and reliability of the Functional Movement Screen battery in adults with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility and reliability of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) battery for predicting injury risk have been widely studied in athletic, military, public service and healthy populations. However, scant research has been carried out in people with disabilities. This study aimed at identifying the feasibility and reliability of the FMS battery when administered to adults with intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: Adults from a residential and day care centre over 18 years of age, diagnosed with ID and able to follow simple instructions, were included in the study. All participants with behavioural or health problems that prevented the completion of the FMS battery were excluded. All exercises were video recorded to assure proper scoring. Three assessors (one trained and two novices) scored each of the FMS subtests performed separately from the videos. Feasibility was based on completion rates. Reliability of the composite test scores was analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS: A total of 30 people with ID (mean age: 35.5 ± 7.12 years; 33.3% women) completed all assessments. The battery showed to be feasible, although difficulties when performing two of the subtests were observed among those with moderate and severe ID. Mean total scores from the three assessors ranged from 7.83 to 8.90. An inverse trend was observed indicating that the higher the ID level, the lower the total FMS score. Test-retest reliability was good for the trained assessor (ICC = 0.89) and mostly moderate for both novice assessors (ICC range: 0.60 to 0.76). Moderate to good inter-rater reliability was observed (ICC range: 0.65 to 0.80). CONCLUSION: The FMS battery is a reliable tool that can be performed by people with ID, albeit with certain difficulties, especially in those with moderate to severe impairment. The battery does not seem to be useful for identifying people with ID at risk of suffering a sport injury. Adequately powered, well-designed studies are required to determine if the FMS battery is appropriate for identifying changes in functional performance in this population.

Fiabilidad y validez del cuestionario SAPF y del pictograma de Stunkard en población mayor española / Reliability and validity of the SAPF questionnaire and the Stunkard rating scale amongst elderly Spanish people

Fundamento: El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar lafiabilidad y validez del cuestionario SAPF y del pictogra-ma de Stunkard para conocer la forma física autopercibi-da y el grado de insatisfacción corporal en un grupo depersonas mayores españolas. Método: Ambos instrumentos se adaptaron al castellanoy se administraron dos veces a un grupo de 86 personasmayores. Su fiabilidad y validez se evaluaron con el ín-dice de correlación intraclase (CCI), el alfa de Cronbachy el coeficiente rho de Spearman, a partir del nivel deforma física de los participantes y de su índice de masacorporal (IMC). La comparación de las variables con dis-tribución normal se realizó mediante ANOVA. Resultados: El cuestionario y el pictograma mostraronuna buena fiabilidad test-retest (CCI = 0,78 y CCI = 0,8respectivamente). La puntuación del SAPF y el nivel deforma física mostraron asociación débil (rho = 0,424) yla autopercepción de la propia composición corporaly el IMC, moderadamente fuerte (rho = 0,727). La formafísica autopercibida del 59,5 % de la muestra fue nor-mal, del 11,4 % mala y del 29,1 % buena. Solo el 27,06 %se mostró satisfecho con su imagen corporal, el restomostró su deseo de bajar de peso el equivalente a uno(47,1 %), dos (22,4 %) o tres o más puntos (3,5 %) en elpictograma. Conclusiones: La adaptación al castellano de los dos ins-trumentos mostró fiabilidad y validez, permitiendo cono-cer que gran parte de la muestra se mostró insatisfechacon su imagen corporal, aspecto sobre el que el IMC ejer-ció una influencia significativa

Background: The aim of the study was to identify the re-liability and validity of the SAPF questionnaire and theStunkard rating scale in determining self-perceived phys-ical appearance and the degree of body dissatisfaction ina group of elderly Spanish people. Methods: Both instruments were adapted to Spanishpeople and were administered twice to a group of 86 el-derly people. Their reliability and validity were assessedby means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC),Cronbach’s alpha and Spearman’s rho coefficient, fromthe physical fitness level of the participants and theirbody mass index (BMI). ANOVA test was carried out tocompare the variables with normal distribution. Results: The questionnaire and the Stunkard ratingscale showed a good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.78 andICC = 0.8, respectively). SAPF and fitness level showed asignificant, albeit weak, association (rho = 0.424), while theassociation between self-perception of body compositionand BMI was moderately strong (rho = 0.727). The self-per-ceived physical appearance of 59.5 % of the sample wasacknowledged to be normal, 11.4 % perceived it as bad and29.1 % as good. Only 27.1 % were satisfied with their bodyimage, while the other participants showed a desire tolose the equivalent weight of one (47.06 %), two (22.35 %)or three or more (3.5 %) points in the Stunkard scale. Conclusion: The versions of both instruments adaptedto Spanish persons showed reliability and validity, andshowed that it was possible to determine that a large partof the sample was dissatisfied with their body image. BMIhad a significant influence in this regard.(AU)

[Reliability and validity of the SAPF questionnaire and the Stunkard rating scale amongst elderly Spanish people].

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to identify the reliability and validity of the SAPF questionnaire and the Stunkard rating scale in determining self-perceived physical appearance and the degree of body dissatisfaction in a group of elderly Spanish people. METHODS: Both instruments were adapted to Spanish people and were administered twice to a group of 86 elderly people. Their reliability and validity were assessed by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's rho coefficient, from the physical fitness level of the participants and their body mass index (BMI). ANOVA test was carried out to compare the variables with normal distribution. RESULTS: The questionnaire and the Stunkard rating scale showed a good test-retest reliability (ICC=0.78 and ICC=0.8, respectively). SAPF and fitness level showed a significant, albeit weak, association (rho=0.424), while the association between self-perception of body composition and BMI was moderately strong (rho=0.727). The self-perceived physical appearance of 59.5% of the sample was acknowledged to be normal, 11.4% perceived it as bad and 29.1% as good. Only 27.1% were satisfied with their body image, while the other participants showed a desire to lose the equivalent weight of one (47.06%), two (22.35%) or three or more (3.5%) points in the Stunkard scale. CONCLUSION: The versions of both instruments adapted to Spanish persons showed reliability and validity, and showed that it was possible to determine that a large part of the sample was dissatisfied with their body image. BMI had a significant influence in this regard.

Síndrome HELLP: controversias y pronóstico / HELLP syndrome: controversies and prognosis

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Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using brown algae Cystoseira baccata: Its activity in colon cancer cells.

This study is the first dealt with the use of brown macroalgae Cystoseira baccata (CB) extracts in obtaining gold nanoparticles (Au@CB) through an eco-friendly, fast, one-pot synthetic route. The formation of spherical, stable, polycrystalline nanoparticles with mean diameter of 8.4±2.2nm was demonstrated by UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, HRTEM, STEM and zeta potential measurements. The extract appears to act as a protective agent where the particles are embedded, keeping them separated, avoiding aggregation and coalescence. The EELS and EDS analyses confirmed the elemental composition of the extract and nanoparticles. Moreover, the functional group of biomolecules present in CB and Au@CB were characterized by FTIR. The effects of CB extract and Au@CB were tested in vitro on the colon cancer cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2, as well as on normal primary neonatal dermal fibroblast cell line PCS-201-010. Results show a stronger cytotoxic effect against HT-29 than that on Caco-2; interestingly, a lack of toxicity on PCS-201-010 was obtained. Finally, the apoptotic activity was determined; Au@CB is able to induce apoptosis activation by the extrinsic and mitochondrial pathway in our CRC in vitro model. These encouraging results suggest that Au@CB has a significant potential for the treatment of colon rectal cancer.

Urinary leukotriene and Bcl I polymorphism of glucocorticoid receptor gene in preschoolers with recurrent wheezing and high risk of asthma

BACKGROUND: Urinary leukotriene (LTE4) is an important marker of airway inflammation presence. A relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) gene promoter (Bcl I polymorphism), development of asthma and sensitivity to glucocorticoids has been hypothesised. OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible association between the Bcl I polymorphism and baseline levels of urinary LTE4 in preschoolers with recurrent wheezing episodes. We prospectively enrolled and classified 86 preschoolers based on the risk of developing asthma (by the Asthma Predictive Index [API]). METHODS: At admission standardised questionnaires for demographics and respiratory illness characteristics were completed. The Bcl I polymorphism of the GCR was determined by a PCR-RFLP assay from blood samples, and urinary leukotriene was assessed from urine samples by an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: We enrolled 86 preschoolers (46 with positive API and 40 with negative API). There were no statistical differences in demographic, respiratory illnesses and wheezing episodes characteristics between both groups. Also, the prevalence of Bcl I polymorphism was similar between positive vs. negative API groups (34.8% vs. 38.9% for homozygote GG, 56.5% vs. 52.8% for heterozygote GC, 8.7% vs. 8.3% for homozygote CC, respectively, p = 0.94). However, urinary LTE4 (median [IQR]) was higher in preschoolers with positive than negative API (7.18 [5.57-8.96 pg/ml] vs. 6.42 [3.96-8.07 pg/ml], p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In our population, wheezing preschoolers with positive API exhibit higher levels of urinary LTE4 than those with negative API; but there were no differences in Bcl I polymorphism of the GCR

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Urinary leukotriene and Bcl I polymorphism of glucocorticoid receptor gene in preschoolers with recurrent wheezing and high risk of asthma.

BACKGROUND: Urinary leukotriene (LTE4) is an important marker of airway inflammation presence. A relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) gene promoter (Bcl I polymorphism), development of asthma and sensitivity to glucocorticoids has been hypothesised. OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible association between the Bcl I polymorphism and baseline levels of urinary LTE4 in preschoolers with recurrent wheezing episodes. We prospectively enrolled and classified 86 preschoolers based on the risk of developing asthma (by the Asthma Predictive Index [API]). METHODS: At admission standardised questionnaires for demographics and respiratory illness characteristics were completed. The Bcl I polymorphism of the GCR was determined by a PCR-RFLP assay from blood samples, and urinary leukotriene was assessed from urine samples by an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: We enrolled 86 preschoolers (46 with positive API and 40 with negative API). There were no statistical differences in demographic, respiratory illnesses and wheezing episodes characteristics between both groups. Also, the prevalence of Bcl I polymorphism was similar between positive vs. negative API groups (34.8% vs. 38.9% for homozygote GG, 56.5% vs. 52.8% for heterozygote GC, 8.7% vs. 8.3% for homozygote CC, respectively, p=0.94). However, urinary LTE4 (median [IQR]) was higher in preschoolers with positive than negative API (7.18 [5.57-8.96pg/ml] vs. 6.42 [3.96-8.07pg/ml], p=0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In our population, wheezing preschoolers with positive API exhibit higher levels of urinary LTE4 than those with negative API; but there were no differences in Bcl I polymorphism of the GCR.

Tautomerizable ß-ketonitrile copolymers for bone tissue engineering: Studies of biocompatibility and cytotoxicity.

ß-Ketonitrile tautomeric copolymers have demonstrated tunable hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity properties according to surrounding environment, and mechanical properties similar to those of human bone tissue. Both characteristic properties make them promising candidates as biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. Based on this knowledge we have designed two scaffolds based on ß-ketonitrile tautomeric copolymers which differ in chemical composition and surface morphology. Two of them were nanostructured, using an anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template, and the other two obtained by solvent casting methodology. They were used to evaluate the effect of the composition and their structural modifications on the biocompatibility, cytotoxicity and degradation properties. Our results showed that the nanostructured scaffolds exhibited higher degradation rate by macrophages than casted scaffolds (6 and 2.5% of degradation for nanostructured and casted scaffolds, respectively), a degradation rate compatible with bone regeneration times. We also demonstrated that the ß-ketonitrile tautomeric based scaffolds supported osteoblastic cell proliferation and differentiation without cytotoxic effects, suggesting that these biomaterials could be useful in the bone tissue engineering field.

Genetic variations in host IL28B links to the detection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells-associated hepatitis C virus RNA in chronically infected patients.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mainly hepatotropic; however, several reports document the presence of genomic viral RNA in extrahepatic sites including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In this study, the presence of HCV RNA was initially evaluated in the plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 53 HCV-infected patients who were treated per protocol. PBMC-associated HCV RNA was detectable in 79% of patients. Early virological response to combined pegylated interferon-α (PegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in patients with undetectable levels of PBMCs-associated HCV RNA was 100%, while it was 60% (P = 0.003) in those who had detectable levels of PBMC-associated HCV RNA. A sustained virological response was observed in 35% of patients with detectable PBMC-associated HCV RNA, but was 70% in patients with undetectable levels of PBMC-associated HCV RNA (P = 0.07). In a multivariate analysis incorporating parameters such as HCV genotype, viral load, presence of cirrhosis and absence of PBMC-associated HCV RNA, a significant relationship was observed between the detection of PBMC-associated HCV RNA and the sustained virological response (OR 19.4, 95% CI: 2.1-486.2, P = 0.0061). The association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in IL28B, known predictor of antiviral therapy outcome, and the occurrence of HCV RNA in PBMC in 84 chronically infected patients was then evaluated. Results suggest that the presence of a G allele in rs8099917, known to associate to a poor response to PegIFN/RBV therapy, also predicts an increased association of HCV RNA with PBMC (OR: 3.564; 95% CI: 1.114-11.40, P = 0.0437).

Study of the regional air quality south of Mexico City (Morelos state).

Results from the first study of the regional air quality in Morelos state (located south of Mexico City) are presented. Criteria pollutants concentrations were measured at several sites within Morelos in February and March of 2007 and 2009; meteorological data was also collected along the state for the same time periods; additionally, a coupled meteorology-chemistry model (Mesoscale Climate Chemistry Model, MCCM) was used to gain understanding on the atmospheric processes occurring in the region. In general, concentrations of almost all the monitored pollutants (O(3), NO(x), CO, SO(2), PM) remained below the Mexican air quality standards during the campaign; however, relatively high concentrations of ozone (8-hour average concentrations above the 60 ppb level several times during the campaigns, i.e. exceeding the World Health Organization and the European Union maximum levels) were observed even at sites with very low reported local emissions. In fact, there is evidence that a large percentage of Morelos vegetation was probably exposed to unhealthy ozone levels (estimated AOT40 levels above the 3 ppm h critical limit). The MCCM qualitatively reproduced ozone daily variations in the sites with an urban component; though it consistently overestimated the ozone concentration in all the sites in Morelos. This is probably because the lack of an updated and detailed emission inventory for the state. The main wind patterns in the region corresponded to the mountain-valley system (downslope flows at night and during the first hours of the day, and upslope flows in the afternoon). At times, Morelos was affected by emissions from surrounding states (Distrito Federal or Puebla). The results are indicative of an efficient transport of ozone and its precursors at a regional level. They also suggest that the state is divided in two atmospheric basins by the Sierras de Tepoztlán, Texcal and Monte Negro.

Hepatitis C virus quasispecies in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of treatment naïve chronically infected patients.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 45 treatment naïve, HIV-negative, chronically hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients were analyzed for the presence of HCV RNA. Viral RNA was detected in 73% of the studied patients. Single-strand conformation polymorphism assays and sequence analysis of the HCV 5'untranslated regions amplified from RNA recovered from both Plasma and PBMCs suggested virus compartmentalization in 57.6% of patients studied. In summary, our study presents evidence that HCV RNA can be found in PBMCs of treatment naïve chronically infected patients that are not immunocompromised or co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

Usefulness of PCR strategies for early diagnosis of Chagas' disease reactivation and treatment follow-up in heart transplantation.

Heart transplantation (HTx) is a useful therapy for end-stage Chagas cardiomyopathy; however, Chagas reactivation remains a mayor complication. Parasitological methods offer poor diagnostic sensitivity, and use of more sensitive tools such as the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is usually necessary. In the present study, reactivation incidence and PCR usefulness for early reactivation diagnosis, as well as for treatment response evaluation during follow-up, were analyzed using Strout parasite detection test, in 10 of 222 consecutive HTx patients suffering Chagas cardiomyopathy. PCR strategies targeted to minicircle sequences (kDNA, detection limit 1 parasite/ 10 mL blood) and miniexon genes (SL-DNA, 200 parasite/10 mL) were performed to compare parasite burdens between samples. No patients received prophylactic antiprotozoal therapy (benznidazole). Five patients (50%) exhibited clinical reactivation within a mean period of 71.6 days; positive Strout results were observed in most cases presenting clinical manifestations. kDNA-PCR was positive 38-85 days before reactivation, whereas SLDNA-PCR became positive only 7-21 days later, revealing post-HTx parasitic load enhancement present prior to clinical reactivation development. Reactivations were successfully treated with benznidazole and generated negative PCR results. Results observed in this study indicate the value of PCR testing for an early diagnosis of Chagas reactivation as well as for monitoring treatment efficacy.