Machine Learning Applications in Optical Fiber Sensing: A Research Agenda.

The constant monitoring and control of various health, infrastructure, and natural factors have led to the design and development of technological devices in a wide range of fields. This has resulted in the creation of different types of sensors that can be used to monitor and control different environments, such as fire, water, temperature, and movement, among others. These sensors detect anomalies in the input data to the system, allowing alerts to be generated for early risk detection. The advancement of artificial intelligence has led to improved sensor systems and networks, resulting in devices with better performance and more precise results by incorporating various features. The aim of this work is to conduct a bibliometric analysis using the PRISMA 2020 set to identify research trends in the development of machine learning applications in fiber optic sensors. This methodology facilitates the analysis of a dataset comprised of documents obtained from Scopus and Web of Science databases. It enables the evaluation of both the quantity and quality of publications in the study area based on specific criteria, such as trends, key concepts, and advances in concepts over time. The study found that deep learning techniques and fiber Bragg gratings have been extensively researched in infrastructure, with a focus on using fiber optic sensors for structural health monitoring in future research. One of the main limitations is the lack of research on the use of novel materials, such as graphite, for designing fiber optic sensors. One of the main limitations is the lack of research on the use of novel materials, such as graphite, for designing fiber optic sensors. This presents an opportunity for future studies.

Comparación de pruebas moleculares para el diagnóstico de Leishmania spp. en lesiones cutáneas con baja carga parasitaria

Introducción: La leishmaniasis cutánea (LC) es un problema grave de salud pública en Panamá. El diagnóstico de esta parasitosis ha sido siempre desafiante, no sólo debido a su similitud con otras infecciones dérmicas, sino también a características particulares de las lesiones, como cargas parasitarias bajas. ​Materiales y Métodos: En este estudio, se evaluaron mediante cuatro métodos moleculares, 235 muestras de ADN procedentes de lesiones con frotis negativos por LC obtenidas durante el período 2015-2019. Resultados: Los resultados señalan que las sensibilidades encontradas fueron de 75.6% (IC 0.6234-0.8709) para la PCR kDNA-Género específico, de 66.7% (IC 0.5359-0.776) para la PCR Hsp70-Género específico y de 77.6% (IC 0.645-0.8949) para la qPCR 18S ribosomal. Todas las pruebas obtuvieron un valor predictivo positivo de 100%, mientras que el valor predictivo negativo más alto fue con la qPCR (80.58%) y el más bajo con el PCR Hsp70-Género específico (73.2%). En cuanto a la precisión de diagnóstico se obtuvo un rango mayor del 82% en todas las pruebas evaluadas. Conclusión: Este estudio confirma la buena sensibilidad de la PCR kDNA-Viannia para el análisis de lesiones de LC con baja carga parasitaria. Esta metodología es relativamente fácil de estandarizar, por lo que se recomienda su uso en laboratorios clínicos regionales de Panamá. Aun cuando la qPCR 18S ribosomal presentó una sensibilidad relativamente menor, el uso de esta metodología debe ser también considerada por su facilidad de uso, menor tiempo de ejecución y capacidad de cuantificación. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a serious public health problem in Panama. The diagnosis of this parasitosis has always been challenging, not only because of its similarity to other dermal infections, but also because of characteristics of the lesions, such as low parasite loads. Materials and Methods: In this study, 235 DNA samples from smear-negative lesions by LC obtained during the period 2015-2019 were evaluated by four molecular methods. Results: The results indicate that the sensitivities found were 75.6% (CI 0.6234-0.8709) for kDNA-Gene-specific PCR, 66.7% (CI 0.5359-0.776) for Hsp70-Gene-specific PCR and 77.6% (CI 0.645-0.8949) for 18S ribosomal qPCR. All tests obtained a positive predictive value of 100%, while the highest negative predictive value was with qPCR (80.58%) and the lowest with Hsp70-Gene-specific PCR (73.2%). In terms of diagnostic accuracy, a range greater than 82% was obtained in all the tests evaluated. Conclusion: This study confirms the good sensitivity of kDNA-Viannia PCR for the analysis of LC lesions with low parasite load. This methodology is relatively easy to standardize, so it is recommended for use in regional clinical laboratories in Panama. Although 18S ribosomal qPCR showed a relatively lower sensitivity, the use of this methodology should also be considered because of its ease of use, shorter execution time and quantification capacity. (provided by Infomedic International)

Variables de medición del desempeño para la toma de decisiones en organizaciones deportivas: una revisión sistemática de literatura

R E S U M E N En el campo de estudio de la gestión organizacional, la medición del desempeño es de gran relevancia, ya que mide la capacidad de las organizaciones para cumplir sus objetivos. De esta forma, las directivas de la empresa pueden analizar desde diferentes niveles su gestión en relación con los procesos, objetivos, recursos, estrategias y cultura. Sin embargo, las organizaciones deportivas cuentan con diferentes públicos de interés, así como diversos tipos de análisis de acuerdo con su estructura y comportamiento organizacional, lo cual genera disparidad en los procesos de verificación y control asociados a la medición del desempeño para el logro de los objetivos organizacionales. Es por esto por lo que se hace necesario generar conocimiento en esta área. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo identificar variables de medición del desempeño aplicables a las organizaciones deportivas, que contribuya al fortalecimiento de la toma de decisiones. La metodología utilizada fue una revisión sistemática de literatura, posteriormente un análisis a través del software NVivo. Como resultado principal, se encontró el hallazgo de siete principales variables de medición del desempeño aplicables a las organizaciones deportivas: la creatividad, la innovación, la productividad, la eficiencia, la eficacia, la competitividad y la rentabilidad.

In the field of study of organizational management, performance measurement is of great relevance, since it measures the capacity of organizations to meet their objectives. In this way company directors can analyze their management from different levels in relation to processes, objectives, resources, strategies and culture. However; sports organizations have different publics of interest, as well as various types of analysis according to their structure and organizational behavior; which generates disparity in the verification and control processes associated with performance measurement for the achievement of objectives. organizational goals. This is why it is necessary to generate knowledge in this area. This research aims to identify performance measurement variables applicable to sports organizations, which contributes to the strengthening of decision-making. The methodology used was a systematic literature review, followed by an analysis using the NVivo software. As a main result, the finding of seven main performance measurement variables applicable to sports organizations was found: creativity innovation, productivity, efficiency effectiveness, competitiveness and profitability.

No campo da gestão organizacional, a medição do desempenho é de grande relevância, pois mede a capacidade das organizações de atingir seus objetivos. Desta forma, a administração da empresa pode analisar sua gestão em diferentes níveis em relação a processos, objetivos, recursos, estratégias e cultura. Entretanto, as organizações esportivas têm diferentes públicos de interesse e diferentes tipos de análise de acordo com sua estrutura e comportamento organizacional, o que gera disparidade nos processos de verificação e controle associados à medição de desempenho para a realização dos objetivos organizacionais. É por isso que é necessário gerar conhecimento nesta área. Esta pesquisa visa identificar variáveis de medição de desempenho aplicáveis às organizações esportivas que contribuem para fortalecer a tomada de decisões. A metodologia utilizada foi uma revisão sistemática da literatura, seguida por uma análise utilizando o software NVivo. O principal resultado foi a descoberta de sete variáveis principais de medição de desempenho aplicáveis às organizações esportivas: criatividade, inovação, produtividade, eficiência, eficácia, competitividade e lucratividade.

Insights into the Genetic Diversity of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis in Panama, Inferred via Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST).

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by sand fly vectors. Tegumentary leishmaniasis is the most prevalent clinical outcome in Latin America, afflicting people from 18 countries. In Panama, the annual incidence rate of leishmaniasis is as high as 3000 cases, representing a major public health problem. In endemic regions, L. panamensis is responsible for almost eighty percent of human cases that present different clinical outcomes. These differences in disease outcomes could be the result of the local interplay between L. panamensis variants and human hosts with different genetic backgrounds. The genetic diversity of L. panamensis in Panama has only been partially explored, and the variability reported for this species is based on few studies restricted to small populations and/or with poor resolutive markers at low taxonomic levels. Accordingly, in this study, we explored the genetic diversity of sixty-nine L. panamensis isolates from different endemic regions of Panama, using an MLST approach based on four housekeeping genes (Aconitase, ALAT, GPI and HSP70). Two to seven haplotypes per locus were identified, and regional differences in the genetic diversity of L. panamensis were observed. A genotype analysis evidenced the circulation of thirteen L. panamensis genotypes, a fact that might have important implications for the local control of the disease.

Detection of Leishmania RNA Virus 1 in Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis Isolates, Panama.

We detected Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1) in 11 isolates of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis collected during 2014-2019 from patients from different geographic areas in Panama. The distribution suggested a spread of LRV1 in L. (V.) panamensis parasites. We found no association between LRV1 and an increase in clinical pathology.

Genomic diversity and genetic variation of Leishmania panamensis within its endemic range.

Species belonging to the Leishmania (Viannia) subgenus are important causative agents of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Central and South America. These parasites possess several distinctive biological features that are influenced by their genetics, population structure, and genome instability. To date, several studies have revealed varying degrees of genetic diversity within Leishmania species. Particularly, in species of the L. (Viannia) subgenus, a generalized high intraspecific genetic diversity has been reported, although, conflicting conclusions have been drawn using different molecular techniques. Despite being the most common Leishmania species circulating in Panama and Colombia, few studies have analyzed clinical samples of Leishmania panamensis using whole-genome sequencing, and their restricted number of samples has limited the information they can provide to understand the population structure of L. panamensis. Here, we used next generation sequencing (NGS) to explore the genetic diversity of L. panamensis within its endemic range, analyzing data from 43 isolates of Colombian and Panamanian origin. Our results show the occurrence of three well-defined geographically correlated groups, and suggests the possible occurrence of additional phylogeographic groups. Furthermore, these results support the existence of a mixed mode of reproduction in L. panamensis, with varying frequencies of events of genetic recombination occurring primarily within subpopulations of closely related strains. This study offers important insights into the population genetics and reproduction mode of L. panamensis, paving the way to better understand their population structure and the emergence and maintenance of key eco-epidemiological traits.

First report of imported canine visceral leishmaniasis cases in Panama, Central America: Public health implications.

According to the last leishmaniasis report from the Pan American Health Organization (2021) so far Panama is considered free of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Although the presence of potential vectors and reservoirs involved in the VL transmission cycle have been described in some rural regions of the country, no cases have been reported in humans and domestic or wild animals. Dogs play an important role in the urban transmission of VL; therefore, it is important to detect possible cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in the country. In this sense,this study reports for the first time the Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum infection in imported dogs in Panama. Eleven dogs with clinical suspicion of CVL were evaluated by parasitological (bone marrow aspirate smear), serological (indirect immunofluorescence and/or reference immunochromatographic rapid test) and molecular tests (conventional PCR). The dogs included in this study were analyzed during the period from 2013 to 2020. All dogs presented clinical manifestations compatible with CVL. The samples were initially evaluated by smears and/or rapid serological tests by private practice veterinarians, and later confirmed by serological and/or molecular tests at the national reference laboratory for Leishmania diagnosis. The diagnosis was confirmed in 5/11 dogs by serological, parasitological and/or conventionals PCR targeting kDNA minicircle and Hsp70 gene. Leishmania (L.) infantum species was identified in 3/5 dogs by PCR-RFLP and by sequencing Hsp70-PCR products. This study evidenced the need to increase awareness of private practitioners as well as public health veterinarians on visceral leishmaniasis (VL), and to consider this parasitosis in the differential diagnosis of dogs with clinical and epidemiological characteristics compatible with the disease.

Genetic Diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi in Panama Inferred by Multi-locus Sequence Typing of Mitochondrial Genes.

The objective of this study was to provide information on Trypanosoma cruzi genetic diversity among isolates obtained from different biological sources circulating in endemic areas of Panama. Initial discrete typing units (DTUs) assignment was performed evaluating three single locus molecular markers (mini-exon, heat shock protein 60 and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase genes). Further diversity within TcI lineages was explored using a multi-locus sequence typing approach with six maxicircle genes. Haplotype network analysis and evolutionary divergency estimations were conducted to investigate the genetic relatedness between Panamanian TcI isolates and isolates from different endemic regions in the Americas. Our molecular approach validated that TcI is the predominant DTU circulating in Panama across different hosts and vector species, but also confirmed the presence of TcIII and TcVI circulating in the country. The phylogenetic tree topography for most Panamanian TcI isolates displayed a high level of genetic homogeneity between them. The haplotype network analysis inferred a higher genetic diversity within Panamanian TcI isolates, displaying eight different haplotypes circulating in endemic regions of the country, and revealed geographical structuring among TcI from different endemic regions in the Americas. This study adds novelty on the genetic diversity of T. cruzi circulating in Panama and complements regional phylogeographic studies regarding intra-TcI variations.

Surveillance and genotype characterization of zoonotic trypanosomatidae in Didelphis marsupialis in two endemic sites of rural Panama.

Didelphis marsupialis has been reported as a competent reservoir for trypanosomatid parasites infections. The aim of this study was to measure Trypanosoma cruzi, T. rangeli, and Leishmania spp. infection rates and to characterize discrete typing units (DTUs) of T. cruzi in D. marsupialis from two Chagas disease endemic sites in Panama. Blood from 57 wild-caught D. marsupialis were examined from two rural communities, Las Pavas (N = 18) and Trinidad de las Minas (N = 39). Twenty-two (38.60%) opossums were positive for flagellates by general hemoculture. T. cruzi infection was confirmed by positive hemoculture and/or kDNA based PCR performed in 31/57 (54.39%) blood samples from opossums. T. rangeli infection was confirmed by hemoculture and/or TrF/R2-Primer PCR assay applied on 12/57 (21.05%) blood samples. Nine (15.79%) D. marsupialis harbored T. cruzi/T. rangeli coinfections. All opossums tested negative for Leishmania spp. by PCR assays based on kDNA and HSP70 gene amplification. There was a significant association between T. cruzi infection and site (Fisher exact test, p = 0.02), with a higher proportion of T. cruzi infected opossums in Las Pavas (77.78%, n = 14/18) compared to Trinidad de las Minas (43.59%, n = 17/39). A significant association was found between habitat type and T. cruzi infection in opossums across both communities, (X2 = 6.91, p = 0.01, df = 1), with a higher proportion of T. cruzi infection in opossums captured in forest remnants (76%, 19/25) compared to peridomestic areas (37.5%, 12/32). T. rangeli detection, but not T. cruzi detection, may be improved by culture followed by PCR. TcI was the only DTU detected in 22 T. cruzi samples using conventional and real-time PCR. Eight T. rangeli positive samples were characterized as KP1(-)/lineage C. Trypanosome infection data from this common synanthropic mammal provides important information for improved surveillance and management of Chagas disease in endemic regions of Panama.

[Fulminant amebic colitis with fatal outcome in a patient with probable SARS-CoV-2 infection]. / Colitis amebiana fulminante con desenlace fatal en un paciente con probable infección por SARS-CoV-2.

We report the case of a 62-year-old male with cough and abdominal pain for two weeks, associated with pulmonary tomographic findings compatible with probable infection by SARS-CoV-2, and who received high doses of early corticotherapy as an outpatient. The patient showed clinical deterioration, was hospitalized and died in the immediate postoperative period due to acute surgical abdomen. The anatomopathological study showed parasitic structures with characteristics compatible with amebae, which was pointed to as the cause of a complicated acute fulminant colitis, with multiple perforations and acute peritonitis. Acute fulminant colitis due to intestinal amebiasis in the context of a patient with probable COVID-19 had not been previously reported in Peru. It is important to highlight the fulminant presentation with fatal outcome of this prevalent parasitic infection, in the context of corticosteroids use in a probable SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary infection.

Se reporta el caso de un varón de 62 años quien presentó tos y dolor abdominal por dos semanas, con hallazgos tomográficos pulmonares compatibles con probable infección por SARS-CoV-2, que recibió tempranamente corticoterapia a dosis altas y de manera ambulatoria. El paciente presentó evolución tórpida, fue hospitalizado y falleció en el posoperatorio inmediato por un cuadro de abdomen agudo quirúrgico. El estudio anatomopatológico mostró estructuras parasitarias con características compatibles con amebas, como causa de una colitis aguda fulminante complicada, con perforación múltiple y peritonitis aguda. La colitis aguda fulminante por amebiasis intestinal en el contexto de un paciente con probable COVID-19 no había sido reportada en el Perú. Resulta importante resaltar la presentación fulminante con desenlace fatal de esta infección parasitaria prevalente en nuestro medio, en el contexto del uso de corticoides ante una probable infección pulmonar por COVID-19.

Colitis amebiana fulminante con desenlace fatal en un paciente con probable infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Fulminant amebic colitis with fatal outcome in a patient with probable SARS-CoV-2 infection

RESUMEN Se reporta el caso de un varón de 62 años quien presentó tos y dolor abdominal por dos semanas, con hallazgos tomográficos pulmonares compatibles con probable infección por SARS-CoV-2, que recibió tempranamente corticoterapia a dosis altas y de manera ambulatoria. El paciente presentó evolución tórpida, fue hospitalizado y falleció en el posoperatorio inmediato por un cuadro de abdomen agudo quirúrgico. El estudio anatomopatológico mostró estructuras parasitarias con características compatibles con amebas, como causa de una colitis aguda fulminante complicada, con perforación múltiple y peritonitis aguda. La colitis aguda fulminante por amebiasis intestinal en el contexto de un paciente con probable COVID-19 no había sido reportada en el Perú. Resulta importante resaltar la presentación fulminante con desenlace fatal de esta infección parasitaria prevalente en nuestro medio, en el contexto del uso de corticoides ante una probable infección pulmonar por COVID-19.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 62-year-old male with cough and abdominal pain for two weeks, associated with pulmonary tomographic findings compatible with probable infection by SARS-CoV-2, and who received high doses of early corticotherapy as an outpatient. The patient showed clinical deterioration, was hospitalized and died in the immediate postoperative period due to acute surgical abdomen. The anatomopathological study showed parasitic structures with characteristics compatible with amebae, which was pointed to as the cause of a complicated acute fulminant colitis, with multiple perforations and acute peritonitis. Acute fulminant colitis due to intestinal amebiasis in the context of a patient with probable COVID-19 had not been previously reported in Peru. It is important to highlight the fulminant presentation with fatal outcome of this prevalent parasitic infection, in the context of corticosteroids use in a probable SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary infection.

Evaluation of cytochrome b sequence to identify Leishmania species and variants: the case of Panama.

BACKGROUND: The genetic heterogeneity of Leishmania parasites is a major factor responsible for the wide variety of Leishmania-associated manifestations. Consequently, understanding the genetic make-up of Leishmania species using suitable molecular markers is an important component of realising local and regional scale disease risk. The cytochrome b (cytb) is frequently used to type New World Leishmania species. However, its potential to discriminate Leishmania species and variants requires further evaluation. OBJECTIVES: To explore the capacity of cytb gene to identify New World Leishmania species and variants and to develop an approach able to type local Leishmania species and variants. METHODS: We retrieved 360 partial and complete Leishmania cytb gene sequences publicly available in GenBank database to study all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the cytb gene that differentiate New World Leishmania species. This information was used to develop an approach based upon the polymorphisms found in a DNA segment of 948bp. We also compared the typing results found with this technique with the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) profiling obtained using HSP70 gene as target. One hundred Panamanian isolates were used to both typed Leishmania species and assess local genetic variability. FINDINGS: We found complete agreement between our cytb approach and the PCR-RFLP profiling method based on HSP70 for Leishmania species identification. Ninety-two isolates were identified as L. panamensis, although other Viannia species were found circulating at a lower frequency. Three L. panamensis haplotypes were identified in Panamanian provinces. We also provide an initial report of L. guyanensis haplotypes circulating in Panama. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Cytb gene sequence encompasses key main SNPs that aid to identify Leishmania species. The cytb approach developed with this information was able to identify and assess genetic variability of local Leishmania species found in this study.

Molecular Identification of Parasites Causing Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Panama.

Isolates from 475 cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients from three endemic regions were studied by three typing techniques. The molecular analysis from lesion scrapings based on hsp70 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) showed that 78.1% (371/475) restriction patterns corresponded to Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis, 19% (90/475) to Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis, and 3.0% (14/475) to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Promastigotes isolated by culture from lesions of 228 patients (48.0%, 228/475) were identified by multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis. Of them, 95.2% (217/228) were typified as L. (V.) panamensis, 1.3% (3/228) as L. (V.) guyanensis, 2.2% (5/228) as L. (V.) braziliensis, and 1.3% (3/228) as hybrids (L. [V.] braziliensis/L. [V.] panamensis). However, a partial sequencing analysis of the hsp70 gene from 77 selected samples showed 16.9% (13/77) typified as L. (V.) panamensis, 68.8% (53/77) as Leishmania (V.) sp., 1, 3.9% (3/77) as L. (V.) guyanensis, 1.3% (1/77) as L. (V.) braziliensis outlier, 2.6% (2/77) as Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi, 2.6% as (2/77) Leishmania (V.) sp., and 2 and 3.9% (3/77) hybrid isolates of L. (V.) braziliensis/L. (V.) guyanensis. These results confirm L. (V.) panamensis as the predominant species and cause of CL lesions in Panama and that L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) braziliensis, and L. (V.) naiffi are circulating to a lower degree. Furthermore, the determination of parasite isolates belonging to atypical clusters and hybrid isolates suggests the circulation of genetic variants with important implications for the epidemiology and clinical follow-up of CL in Panama. No evidence of the existence of parasites of the Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana complex in Panamanian territory was found in this study.

Evaluation of cytochrome b sequence to identify Leishmania species and variants: the case of Panama

BACKGROUND The genetic heterogeneity of Leishmania parasites is a major factor responsible for the wide variety of Leishmania-associated manifestations. Consequently, understanding the genetic make-up of Leishmania species using suitable molecular markers is an important component of realising local and regional scale disease risk. The cytochrome b (cytb) is frequently used to type New World Leishmania species. However, its potential to discriminate Leishmania species and variants requires further evaluation. OBJECTIVES To explore the capacity of cytb gene to identify New World Leishmania species and variants and to develop an approach able to type local Leishmania species and variants. METHODS We retrieved 360 partial and complete Leishmania cytb gene sequences publicly available in GenBank database to study all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the cytb gene that differentiate New World Leishmania species. This information was used to develop an approach based upon the polymorphisms found in a DNA segment of 948bp. We also compared the typing results found with this technique with the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) profiling obtained using HSP70 gene as target. One hundred Panamanian isolates were used to both typed Leishmania species and assess local genetic variability. FINDINGS We found complete agreement between our cytb approach and the PCR-RFLP profiling method based on HSP70 for Leishmania species identification. Ninety-two isolates were identified as L. panamensis, although other Viannia species were found circulating at a lower frequency. Three L. panamensis haplotypes were identified in Panamanian provinces. We also provide an initial report of L. guyanensis haplotypes circulating in Panama. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Cytb gene sequence encompasses key main SNPs that aid to identify Leishmania species. The cytb approach developed with this information was able to identify and assess genetic variability of local Leishmania species found in this study.

A darker chromatic variation of Rhodnius pallescens infected by specific genetic groups of Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma cruzi from Panama.

BACKGROUND: Rhodnius pallescens, the only species of this genus reported in Panama, has a wide geographical distribution and is associated with most cases of Chagas disease and human infections with Trypanosoma rangeli in this country. Thus far, no phenotypic variants of this triatomine have been registered. Similarly, genotyping of the trypanosomes that infect this vector has only been partially evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 347 specimens of R. pallescens were collected in Attalea butyracea palm trees located near a mountainous community of the district of Santa Fe, province of Veraguas. Bugs were slightly longer and had a darker coloration compared to that reported for this species. Infection rates for trypanosomes performed with three PCR analyses showed that 41.3% of the adult triatomines were positive for T. cruzi, 52.4% were positive for T. rangeli and 28.6% had mixed T. cruzi/T. rangeli infections. Based on cox2 analysis, TcI was the single T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) detected, and a genetic variant of KP1(-)/lineage C was the only genetic group found for T. rangeli. CONCLUSIONS: A darker chromatic variation of R. pallescens predominates in a mountainous region of Panama. These triatomines show high trypanosome infection rates, especially with T. rangeli. Regarding T. rangeli genetic diversity, complementary studies using other molecular markers are necessary to better define its phylogenetic position.

Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Rhodnius pallescens (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) Infesting Coyol Palms in the Dry Arch of Panamá.

Ecoepidemiological scenarios for Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas transmission are partially shaped by kissing bug vector ecology. The presence of Attalea butyracea Kunth, the 'royal palm', is a major risk factor for Chagas disease transmission in Panamá given their frequent infestations by Rhodnius pallescens Barber, a major neotropical T. cruzi vector. It was assumed that in Panamá this relationship was very close and unique, limiting the niche of R. pallescens to that of Att. butyracea. However, here we present observations about T. cruzi-infected R. pallescens infesting coyol palms, Acrocomia aculeata Jacquin, in Pedasí district, Los Santos Province, Panamá. Between May 2015 and August 2016, we sampled kissing bugs from 83 coyol palms using mice-baited traps placed at the crown of each palm during the dry and wet season. We collected 62 R. pallescens and one Eratyrus cuspidatus Stål kissing bugs. Using logistic regression, we found that the probability of kissing bug infestation in coyol palms increased during the rainy season, with infructescence number and palm height. We examined adult R. pallescens bugs (n = 30) and found T. cruzi in 67% of the samples. We were able to isolate and characterize T. cruzi from parasites present in the feces from R. pallescens, all parasites belonging to the TC I lineage. We found that green fronds number and house proximity increased T. cruzi infection probability in kissing bugs collected in coyol palms. These results highlight coyol palms as a potential risk factor for Chagas disease transmission in the dry arch of Panamá.

Oral Manifestations Associated to Paracoccidioidomicosis and Histoplasmosis

Objective: To determine the frequency and clinical forms of oral manifestations associated to Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and Histoplasmosis. Material and Methods: 481 medical records of outpatients referred to the Medical Mycology Department were reviewed since 2009 to 2016. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: 47 (9.77%) cases had oral manifestations, 29 (61.70%) were associated to PCM and 18 (38.29%) to histoplasmosis. For PCM, male-female ratio was 8:1 and 1:1 for histoplasmosis. The average age for PCM was 48 years old and 53 for histoplasmosis. All the PCM patients had more than 1 oral structure affected: 44.82% were gingival lesions and 27.58% palate. In patients with histoplasmosis, 6 (33.33%) were lesions affecting palate and 6 (33.33%) involving tongue. For both entities, painful ulcers and granulomatous-like lesions were the most prevalent clinical forms; however, we observed a wide range of other oral manifestations. Regarding PCM patient's comorbidities, 3 (10.34%) cases had HIV/AIDS, 8 (27.58%) histoplasmosis and 2 (6.89%) carcinomas. Whereas the comorbidities of patients with histoplasmosis, 2 (11.11%) had HIV/AIDS and 1 (5.55%) had carcinoma. Conclusion: In endemic countries for both mycoses, dentists must be aware of patients with mouth lesions, take advantage of epidemiologic clues that suggest risk factors and be acquainted with all the current diagnostic tests in order to make a quick diagnosis and treatment in highly suspicious cases.

Presentaciones atípicas de histoplasmosis: anemia hemolítica. Descripción de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Atypical presentations of histoplasmosis: hemolytic anemia. Case report and literature review

La histoplasmosis es una enfermedad granulomatosa, producida por Histoplasma capsulatum. Causa un amplio espectro de manifestaciones clínicas, la más frecuente es la pulmonar. En algunos casos se presentan formas diseminadas, con afectación de uno o múltiples órganos, con características atípicas, difíciles de reconocer. Reporte del caso: Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 70 años de edad, procedente de Barinas, quien trabajó en una granja de gallinas, con diagnóstico de histoplasmosis y anemia hemolítica, las cuales se resolvieron con tratamiento antifúngico. Conclusiones: En Venezuela, zona endémica para esta micosis, el médico está obligado a tener un alto índice de sospecha acerca de la misma, teniendo en cuenta factores como la edad y la epidemiología. A la luz de nuestros conocimientos, es el tercer caso reportado.

Histoplasmosis is a granulomatous disease, produced by Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus causes a wide range of clinical manifestations; the most common is the pulmonary form. In some cases, atypical presentations are described. Case report: a 70 year old male patient, from Barinas, Venezuela, who worked in a chicken farm, with diagnosis of histoplasmosis and hemolytic anemia is described. The patient improved with antifungal treatment. Conclusions: in Venezuela, an endemic area for this mycosis, clinicians must have a high suspicion index for this disease, taking into account risk factors, such as age and epidemiology. To our knowledge, this is the third case report in the literature.

Risk factors associated with Trypanosoma cruzi exposure in domestic dogs from a rural community in Panama.

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is a zoonosis of humans, wild and domestic mammals, including dogs. In Panama, the main T. cruzi vector is Rhodnius pallescens, a triatomine bug whose main natural habitat is the royal palm, Attalea butyracea. In this paper, we present results from three T. cruzi serological tests (immunochromatographic dipstick, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA) performed in 51 dogs from 24 houses in Trinidad de Las Minas, western Panama. We found that nine dogs were seropositive (17.6% prevalence). Dogs were 1.6 times more likely to become T. cruzi seropositive with each year of age and 11.6 times if royal palms where present in the peridomiciliary area of the dog's household or its two nearest neighbours. Mouse-baited-adhesive traps were employed to evaluate 12 peridomestic royal palms. All palms were found infested with R. pallescens with an average of 25.50 triatomines captured per palm. Of 35 adult bugs analysed, 88.6% showed protozoa flagellates in their intestinal contents. In addition, dogs were five times more likely to be infected by the presence of an additional domestic animal species in the dog's peridomiciliary environment. Our results suggest that interventions focused on royal palms might reduce the exposure to T. cruzi infection.

Risk factors associated with Trypanosoma cruziexposure in domestic dogs from a rural community in Panama

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruziinfection, is a zoonosis of humans, wild and domestic mammals, including dogs. In Panama, the main T. cruzivector is Rhodnius pallescens, a triatomine bug whose main natural habitat is the royal palm, Attalea butyracea. In this paper, we present results from three T. cruziserological tests (immunochromatographic dipstick, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA) performed in 51 dogs from 24 houses in Trinidad de Las Minas, western Panama. We found that nine dogs were seropositive (17.6% prevalence). Dogs were 1.6 times more likely to become T. cruziseropositive with each year of age and 11.6 times if royal palms where present in the peridomiciliary area of the dog’s household or its two nearest neighbours. Mouse-baited-adhesive traps were employed to evaluate 12 peridomestic royal palms. All palms were found infested with R. pallescenswith an average of 25.50 triatomines captured per palm. Of 35 adult bugs analysed, 88.6% showed protozoa flagellates in their intestinal contents. In addition, dogs were five times more likely to be infected by the presence of an additional domestic animal species in the dog’s peridomiciliary environment. Our results suggest that interventions focused on royal palms might reduce the exposure to T. cruzi infection.