Tracing the genetic history of the 'Cañaris' from Ecuador and Peru using uniparental DNA markers.

BACKGROUND: According to history, in the pre-Hispanic period, during the conquest and Inka expansion in Ecuador, many Andean families of the Cañar region would have been displaced to several places of Tawantinsuyu, including Kañaris, a Quechua-speaking community located at the highlands of the Province of Ferreñafe, Lambayeque (Peru). Other families were probably taken from the Central Andes to a place close to Kañaris, named Inkawasi. Evidence of this migration comes from the presence near the Kañaris-Inkawasi communities of a village, a former Inka camp, which persists until the present day. This scenario could explain these toponyms, but it is still controversial. To clarify this historical question, the study presented here focused on the inference of the genetic relationship between 'Cañaris' populations, particularly of Cañar and Ferreñafe, compared to other highland populations. We analysed native patrilineal Y chromosome haplotypes composed of 15 short tandem repeats, a set of SNPs, and maternal mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of control region sequences. RESULTS: After the genetic comparisons of local populations-three from Ecuador and seven from Peru-, Y chromosome analyses (n = 376) indicated that individuals from the Cañar region do not share Y haplotypes with the Kañaris, or even with those of the Inkawasi. However, some Y haplotypes of Ecuadorian 'Cañaris' were associated with haplotypes of the Peruvian populations of Cajamarca, Chivay (Arequipa), Cusco and Lake Titicaca, an observation that is congruent with colonial records. Within the Kañaris and Inkawasi communities there are at least five clans in which several individuals share haplotypes, indicating that they have recent common ancestors. Despite their relative isolation, most individuals of both communities are related to those of the Cajamarca and Chachapoyas in Peru, consistent with the spoken Quechua and their geographic proximity. With respect to mitochondrial DNA haplotypes (n = 379), with the exception of a shared haplotype of the D1 lineage between the Cañar and Kañaris, there are no genetic affinities. CONCLUSION: Although there is no close genetic relationship between the Peruvian Kañaris (including Inkawasi) and Ecuadorian Cañar populations, our results showed some congruence with historical records.

[Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a single disease?] / Linfoma difuso de células B grandes: ¿una sola enfermedad?

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are common and comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounting for more than 60% of cases. Moreover, DLBCL presents with a variety of clinical characteristics, genetic profiles, and therapeutic responses. We aimed to improve progression-free survival, total survival, and objective results in an DLBCL subgroup. However, another subgroup demonstrated poor responses. Therefore, it is necessary to design treatment programs based on clinical, immunohistochemical, and genetic profiles, grouping cases properly to identify correct therapeutic modalities for each lymphoma subtype. Currently, these neoplasms are classified as high- and low-risk lymphomas, and therapeutic regimens are being developed to complement conventional R-CHOP, such as R-DA-EPOCH, R2CHOP, IR-CHOP, VR-CHOP, and eveRCHOP, which are expected to improve outcomes.

Los linfomas no Hodgkin, trastornos hematológicos de alta incidencia, constituyen a su vez, un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias, dentro de las cuales los linfomas difusos de células B grandes (LDCBG) representan un porcentaje superior al 60% en la mayoría de las series nacionales e internacionales. Estos LDCBG, a su vez, se presentan con características clínicas, perfiles genéticos y respuestas terapéuticas variadas, apreciándose específicamente en relación a su respuesta, que en un subgrupo de ellos se obtienen tasas de sobrevidas libre de progresión, sobrevidas totales y respuestas objetivas adecuadas, y en otro subgrupo se obtienen respuestas de calidad inferior. Por lo que es necesario el diseño de esquemas de tratamiento basados en criterios clínicos, inmunohistoquímicos y de perfil genético, que los agrupen adecuadamente para identificar modalidades terapéuticas diferenciadas para cada uno de ellos y así mejorar e igualar las tasas de respuesta mencionadas. En la actualidad, estas neoplasias son catalogadas como linfomas de alto y bajo riesgo y se están desarrollando esquemas terapéuticos diferentes al R-CHOP convencional, como el R-DA-EPOCH, R2CHOP, IR-CHOP, VR-CHOP y el eveRCHOP que se espera que presenten resultados alentadores.

Linfoma difuso de células B grandes: ¿una sola enfermedad? / Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a single disease?

RESUMEN Los linfomas no Hodgkin, trastornos hematológicos de alta incidencia, constituyen a su vez, un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias, dentro de las cuales los linfomas difusos de células B grandes (LDCBG) representan un porcentaje superior al 60% en la mayoría de las series nacionales e internacionales. Estos LDCBG, a su vez, se presentan con características clínicas, perfiles genéticos y respuestas terapéuticas variadas, apreciándose específicamente en relación a su respuesta, que en un subgrupo de ellos se obtienen tasas de sobrevidas libre de progresión, sobrevidas totales y respuestas objetivas adecuadas, y en otro subgrupo se obtienen respuestas de calidad inferior. Por lo que es necesario el diseño de esquemas de tratamiento basados en criterios clínicos, inmunohistoquímicos y de perfil genético, que los agrupen adecuadamente para identificar modalidades terapéuticas diferenciadas para cada uno de ellos y así mejorar e igualar las tasas de respuesta mencionadas. En la actualidad, estas neoplasias son catalogadas como linfomas de alto y bajo riesgo y se están desarrollando esquemas terapéuticos diferentes al R-CHOP convencional, como el R-DA-EPOCH, R2CHOP, IR-CHOP, VR-CHOP y el eveRCHOP que se espera que presenten resultados alentadores.

ABSTRACT Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are common and comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounting for more than 60% of cases. Moreover, DLBCL presents with a variety of clinical characteristics, genetic profiles, and therapeutic responses. We aimed to improve progression-free survival, total survival, and objective results in an DLBCL subgroup. However, another subgroup demonstrated poor responses. Therefore, it is necessary to design treatment programs based on clinical, immunohistochemical, and genetic profiles, grouping cases properly to identify correct therapeutic modalities for each lymphoma subtype. Currently, these neoplasms are classified as high- and low-risk lymphomas, and therapeutic regimens are being developed to complement conventional R-CHOP, such as R-DA-EPOCH, R2CHOP, IR-CHOP, VR-CHOP, and eveRCHOP, which are expected to improve outcomes.

The Genetic History of Peruvian Quechua-Lamistas and Chankas: Uniparental DNA Patterns among Autochthonous Amazonian and Andean Populations.

This study focuses on the genetic history of the Quechua-Lamistas, inhabitants of the Lamas Province in the San Martin Department, Peru, who speak their own distinct variety of the Quechua family of languages. It has been suggested that different pre-Columbian ethnic groups from the Peruvian Amazonia, like the Motilones or "shaven heads", assimilated the Quechua language and then formed the current native population of Lamas. However, many Quechua-Lamistas claim to be direct descendants of the Chankas, a famous pre-Columbian indigenous group that escaped from Inca rule in the Andes. To investigate the Quechua-Lamistas and Chankas' ancestries, we compared uniparental genetic profiles (17 STRs of Q-M3 Y-chromosome and mtDNA complete control region haplotypes) among autochthonous Amazonian and Andean populations from Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. The phylogeographic and population genetic analyses indicate a fairly heterogeneous ancestry for the Quechua-Lamistas, while they are closely related to their neighbours who speak Amazonian languages, presenting no direct relationships with populations from the region where the ancient Chankas lived. On the other hand, the genetic profiles of self-identified Chanka descendants living in Andahuaylas (located in the Apurimac Department, Peru, in the Central Andes) were closely related to those living in Huancavelica and the assumed Chanka Confederation area before the Inca expansion.

Assessment of Jatropha curcas L. biodiesel seed cake toxicity using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo toxicity (ZFET) test.

Consequent to the growing demand for alternative sources of energy, the seeds from Jatropha curcas remain to be the favorite for biodiesel production. However, a significant volume of the residual organic mass (seed cake) is produced during the extraction process, which raises concerns on safe waste disposal. In the present study, we assessed the toxicity of J. curcas seed cake using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryotoxicity test. Within 1-h post-fertilization (hpf), the fertilized eggs were exposed to five mass concentrations of J. curcas seed cake and were followed through 24, 48, and 72 hpf. Toxicity was evaluated based on lethal endpoints induced on zebrafish embryos namely egg coagulation, non-formation of somites, and non-detachment of tail. The lowest concentration tested, 1 g/L, was not able to elicit toxicity on embryos whereas 100 % mortality (based also on lethal endpoints) was recorded at the highest concentration at 2.15 g/L. The computed LC50 for the J. curcas seed cake was 1.61 g/L. No further increase in mortality was observed in the succeeding time points (48 and 72 hpf) indicating that J. curcas seed cake exerted acute toxicity on zebrafish embryos. Sublethal endpoints (yolk sac and pericardial edema) were noted at 72 hpf in zebrafish embryos exposed to higher concentrations. The observed lethal endpoints induced on zebrafish embryos were discussed in relation to the active principles, notably, phorbol esters that have remained in the seed cake even after extraction.

Association of major depressive episode with negative outcomes of tuberculosis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) persists an important contributor to the burden of diseases in developing countries. TB control success is based on the patient's compliance to the treatment. Depressive disorders have been negatively associated with compliance of therapeutic schemes for chronic diseases. This study aimed to estimate the significance and magnitude of major depressive episode as a hazard factor for negative outcomes (NO), including abandon or death in patients receiving TB treatment. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the association of major depressive episode (MDE), as measured by a 5-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) with NO to TB treatment. Patients with confirmed TB were enrolled before the start of TB treatment. Baseline measurements included socio-demographic variables as well as the CES-D, which was also applied every month until the end of the treatment. Death and treatment default were assessed monthly. Survivor function (SF) for NO according to MDE status (CES-D≥6) at baseline (MDEb) was estimated. Cox's Regression was performed for bivariate analyses as well as for the multivariate model. A total of 325 patients accepted to participate in the study, of which 34 where excluded for diagnosis of MDR-TB. NO was observed in 24 patients (8.2%); 109 (37%) presented MDEb. Statistically significant difference was found on the SF of patients with and without MDEb (0.85 vs. 0.96, p-value = 0.002). The hazard ratio for NO, controlled for age, sex, marital status and instruction level was 3.54 (95%CI 1.43-8.75; p-value = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The presence of MDE at baseline is associated to NO of TB treatment. Targeting detection and treatment of MDE may improve TB treatment outcomes.

Excessive sleepiness prevalence in public transportation drivers of a developing country.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of excessive sleepiness (ES) in bus and auto-rickshaw drivers from Lima, Peru. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of Lima's bus and auto-rickshaw drivers to estimate ES prevalence in this population. Survey sites were private transportation companies, systematically selected with a snowball approach. ES was assessed with the Spanish-validated version of the Epworth sleep questionnaire (ESQ) with a cutoff score >10. We obtained relevant demographic information. RESULTS: Four hundred and thirty-four bus and auto-rickshaw drivers were eligible for analysis. The overall ES prevalence was 32.7 percent (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28-37.2). ES prevalence was higher in bus drivers than in auto-rickshaw drivers, 38 percent (95% CI: 31.7-44.2) and 26.9 percent (95% CI: 20.6-33.1), respectively (P = .01). We used data from all subjects to obtain regression equations for ESQ score with several predictors. Being a bus driver, working additional nighttime hours per week, having depression or anxiety, and alcohol abuse had small but significant associations with ESQ scores. CONCLUSION: ES prevalence in Lima's public transportation drivers is in a medium range as suggested by previous regional studies.

The effect of rural-to-urban migration on social capital and common mental disorders: PERU MIGRANT study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate whether there are differences in the prevalence of common mental disorders and social capital between migrant and non-migrant groups in Peru. METHODOLOGY: The PERU MIGRANT study is a cross-sectional study comprising three groups: an urban group from a shanty town in Lima; a rural group from a community in Ayacucho-Peru; and a migrant group originally from Ayacucho currently living in the same urban shanty town. Common mental disorders were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and social capital was assessed using the Short Social Capital Assessment Tool (SASCAT). Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to estimate prevalence ratios. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of common mental disorders was 39.4%; the highest prevalence was observed in the rural group. Similar patterns were observed for cognitive social capital and structural social capital. However after adjustment for sex, age, family income and education, all but one of the significant relationships was attenuated, suggesting that in this population migration per se does not impact on common mental health disorders or social capital. CONCLUSIONS: In the PERU MIGRANT study, we did not observe a difference in the prevalence of common mental disorders, cognitive and structural social capital between migrant and urban groups. This pattern of associations was also similar in rural and urban groups, except that a higher prevalence ratio of structural social capital was observed in the rural group.

Trastornos del sueño y dolor: Estudio transversal descriptivo en un instituto de medicina de sueño de Lima / Sleep disorders and pain: Cross-sectional descriptive study in a sleep institute of Lima

Objetivo: Determinar la existencia y fuerza de asociación entre síntomas relacionados con trastornos del sueño (ronquidos, pausas respiratorias durante el sueño, somnolencia e insomnio) con presentar dolor expresado como cefalea matutina, tensión muscular y dolor muscular matutino. Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo. Se evaluó cuestionarios de pacientes ambulatorios de Hypnos Instituto del Sueño entre los años 1995 y 2008. Se empleó regresión logística para el análisis multivariado ajustando para edad e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Resultados: Se analizó en total 2140 cuestionarios. El 46% de sujetos fueron varones, la edad promedio fue de 51 años y la media del IMC fue de 25,3. Se encontró una asociación significativa entre somnolencia con cefalea matutina (OR=1,5, IC95%:1,2-1,9), tensión muscular (OR=1,4, IC95%:1,1-1,8) y con dolores musculares matutinos (OR=1,5, IC95%:1,2-2,0). Del mismo modo, se encontró una asociación significativa entre insomnio con cefalea matutina (OR=1,9, IC95%:1,6-2,4), tensión muscular (OR=2,1, IC95%:1,7-2,6) y con dolores musculares matutinos (OR=1,8, IC95%:1,5-2,3). Conclusiones: Existe en nuestra población de estudio una relación de gran intensidad estadística entre síntomas relacionados a trastornos de sueño con cuadros de dolor.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the presence and strength of association between sleep related complaints (snoring, respiratory pauses during sleep, somnolence and insomnia) with pain, assessed as morning headaches, muscle tension and morning muscular pain. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. The questionnaires from outpatients treated at Hypnos Sleep Institute, between 1995 and 2008 were reviewed. Logistic regression was performed adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI) in the multivariate analysis. Results: In total 2140 questionnaires were assessed, 46% were males, the mean age was 51 years and the mean BMI was 25.3. A significant association was found between somnolence with morning headache (OR=1.5, IC95%:1.2-1.9), muscular tension (OR=1.4, IC95%:1.1-1.8) and with morning muscular pain (OR=1.5, IC95%:1.2-2.0). Also, a significant association was found between insomnia with morning headache (OR=1.9, IC95%:1.6-2.4), muscular tension (OR=2.1, IC95%:1.7-2.6) and with morning muscular pain (OR=1.8, IC95%:1.5-2.3). Conclusions: A strong statistical association between sleep disorders related symptoms and pain was found in the studied population.

Efecto de la Cynara scolymus "alcachofa" sobre la lipemia posprandial y perfil lipídico en adultos jóvenes / Effect of the Cynara scolymus

PROBLEMA: ¿Cuál es el efecto de la ingesta de Cynara scolymus sobre la lipemia posprandial y perfil lipídico en adultos jóvenes? OBJETIVO: Determinar el efecto de la ingesta de receptáculo de C. scolymus sobre la lipemia posprandial y perfil lipídico en adultos jóvenes. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Veinte estudiantes fueron asignados en grupos control y experimental. El grupo experimental ingirió durante 6 semanas el receptáculo de alcachofa. Se determinó el perfil lipídico antes, a las 3 y a las 6 semanas de tratamiento. Al grupo experimental se le determinó la lipemia posprandial basal y el efecto agudo de la C. scolymus sobre la lipemia posprandial. La lipemia posprandial se determinó después de la ingesta de 88 ml. de aceite con determinaciones a la 0, 2, 4 y 6 horas. RESULTADOS: La ingesta de 6 semanas de C. scolymus produjo una disminución de los niveles de LDL (9,47%) en grupo experimental siendo las medias: Basal, 86,58 mg/ dl; 3 semanas, 94,88 mg/ dl; 6 semanas, 78.38 mg/ dl. El colesterol tuvo una reducción del 4,8 % en el grupo experimental. Los triglicéridos incrementaron significativamente siendo los valores: basal, 68,6 mg/ dl; a las 3 semanas, 78,6 mg/ dl; a las 6 semanas, 96,1 mg/ dl. El efecto agudo de la C. scolymus no afectó la lipemia posprandial, los valores de triglicéridos basal fue de 80,5 mg/ dl; a las 2 horas fue de 123,2 mg/ dl; a las 4 horas fue de 138 mg/ dl; y a las 6 horas fue de 105,4 mg/ dl. Post ingesta fue de 81,3 mg/ dl; 126,5mg/dl; 154,9 mg/dl; respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: La ingesta crónica de C. scolymus disminuye el LDL, colesterol e incrementa los triglicéridos. La ingesta Aguda de C. scolymus no afecta la lipemia posprandial.

PROBLEM: Which is the effect of the ingestion of Cynara scofymuson posprandial lipemia and lipid profile in young adults? OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of the ingestion of C. scolymus receptacle on postprandial lipemia and lipid profile in young adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty voluntary students were assigned in control and experimental groups. The experimental group ingested during 6 weeks the artichoke receptacle. Lipid profile was determined before the test and 3 and the 6 weeks of treatment. Basal postprandial lipemia was determined at the experimental lipemia group and the acute effect of the C.scolymus on postprandial lipemia. Postprandial lipemia was determined after the ingestion of 88 mililiter of oil with determinations at 0,2,4 and 6 hours. RESULTS: At 6 weeks post ingestion of C. scolymus produced a diminution of the levels of LDL (9,47%) in experimental group, being the averages: 86,58 mg/ dl (Basal); 94,88 mg/ dl (3 weeks); 78.38 mg/ dl (6 weeks). There was a reduction in cholesterol levels of 4.8 % in the experimental group. The triglycerides increased significantly being the values: basal 68,6 mg/ dl; to 3 weeks 78,6 mg/dl; to the 6 weeks 96,1 mg/dl. Acute effect of the e scolymus did not affect the postprandial lipemia. The triglycerides basal values were of 80, 5 mg/ dl; at 2 hours was of 123,2 mg/ dl; to the 4 hours it was of 138 mg/ dl; and to the 6 hours it was of 105,4 mg/dl. Post ingestion was of 81,3 mg/dl; 126,5 mg/dl; 154,9 mg/dl; respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic ingestion of C. scolymus diminishes the LDL, cholesterol and increases the triglycerides levels. Acute ingestion of C. scolymus does not affect postprandial lipemia.