Título del artículo:

Role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. How are we in Pediatrics?

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Colombiana de Cardiologia

Título del artículo:

Improving surgical quality in Colombia through indicators

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

The Lancet Global Health

Título del artículo:

Antifungal effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on Colletotrichum sp., causal agent of anthracnose in coffee crops

Coffee cultivation around the world is affected by phytopathogenic fungi, among them Colletotrichum sp., the causative agent of anthracnose. In the present work, therefore, an in vitro study was carried out on the antifungal effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) obtained by a chemical route on Colletotrichum sp. To this end, the area of growth of the fungus exposed to the action of concentrations of 9 mmolL−1 (730 ppm), 12 mmolL−1 (980 ppm), and 15 mmolL−1 (1200 ppm) of ZnO-NPs was monitored and their behavior was compared with the effect of the fungicide, ciproconazole (positive control) as well as with a sample of the fungus that grew normally (negative control). The ZnO-NPs showed an appreciable percent inhibition of fungal growth, ~96% for the concentration of 15 mmolL−1 at 6 days, causing loss in the continuity of some hyphae and the formation of groups of hyphal structures. Additionally, the ZnO-NPs favored the formation of structures of compact appearance (similar to vacuoles) within the hypha, as well as decreasing the cytoplasmic space.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology

Título del artículo:

The relationship between hamstring muscle length and low back pain: A systematic review

Background and aim: Eighty percent of the population has experienced low back pain (LBP). Worldwide, LBP causes huge social and economic impact; among the deficiencies related to the presence of LBP is shortening of the hamstring muscles (HM), which, due to their insertion in the ischial tuberosity, can generate posterior pelvic tilt and flattening lumbar lordosis, overloading the lumbopelvic region, favouring the onset of LBP. A possible biomechanical link has been described between HM shortening and LBP, with inconclusive literature. The aim of this article is: to analyse the literature systematically and establish whether there is a relationship between HM shortening and presence of LBP. Materials and methods: Following the recommendations of the PRISMA statement, a search was carried out for articles in different databases, between August and September 2018, applying the inclusion criteria. After screening and secondary search, the methodological quality of selected articles was evaluated, through STROBE Declaration (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). Results: A database search returned 102 articles, 12 of them, met methodological quality to be included in the review, 33.3% with very good quality and 66.7% with good quality. The tests used to evaluate HM length in the included studies were straight leg raise and active knee extension. Eight articles analysed found differences in HM length in people with LBP and the control group and four did not find differences. Conclusion: There is not enough scientific support to establish whether HM shortening is a cause or a consequence of LBP. That is why studies with more methodological rigour are required.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Fisioterapia

Título del artículo:

Self-reported prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases in relation to socioeconomic and educational factors in colombia: A community-based study in 11 departments

Background: Chronic non-communicable diseases are prevalent conditions in developing countries, such as Colombia. Several socioeconomic and educational factors have been associated with these pathologies. However, there is little country-specific information regarding the self-reported prevalence of chronic diseases and their association with the aforementioned factors in Colombia. Objectives: To evaluate the current situation of chronic non-transmissible diseases in Colombia by self-report and to analyze its potential relationship with sociodemographic, economic and educational factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional baseline sub-analysis from the prospective, standardized collaborative PURE study in Colombia. Participants were recruited between 2005 to 2009, in 11 departments of the country, and included 7,485 subjects of 35 to 70 years old. Questionnaires of self-reported chronic non-communicable diseases, and demographic, socioeconomic and educational variables were applied. Results: Hypertension was the most prevalent chronic condition reported with a prevalence of 22.2% (21.2%-23.1%, 95% CI), followed by diabetes with a prevalence of 5.7% (5.1%-6.2%, 95% CI), asthma 2.7% (2.2%-3.0%, 95% CI), coronary heart disease 2.4% (2.0%-2.7%, 95% CI), stroke and heart failure 1.5% (1.2%-1.8%, 95% CI) each, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 1.2% (0.6%-1.5%, 95% CI), and cancer 1.2% (1.0%-1.5%, 95% CI). Among the study sample, 23.3% (22.4%-24.3%, 95% CI) reported having one chronic NCDs, and 6.4% (5.9%-7.0%, 95% CI) reported having multiple chronic NCDs. The prevalence of multiple NCDs increased significantly with age, was more common in those from households with higher income, whereas it was significantly lower in persons with high education. The central and central-east regions of the country are those with the higher prevalence of self-reported NCDs. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate the presence of socioeconomic and educational inequalities in the distribution of chronic NCDs in the Colombian population.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Global Heart

Título del artículo:

Association of egg intake with blood lipids, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in 177,000 people in 50 countries

Eggs are a rich source of essential nutrients, but they are also a source of dietary cholesterol. Therefore, some guidelines recommend limiting egg consumption. However, there is contradictory evidence on the impact of eggs on diseases, largely based on studies conducted in high-income countries. Objectives: Our aim was to assess the association of egg consumption with blood lipids, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality in large global studies involving populations from low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Methods: We studied 146,011 individuals from 21 countries in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. Egg consumption was recorded using country-specific validated FFQs. We also studied 31,544 patients with vascular disease in 2 multinational prospective studies: ONTARGET (Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global End Point Trial) and TRANSCEND (Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in ACEI Intolerant Subjects with Cardiovascular Disease). We calculated HRs using multivariable Cox frailty models with random intercepts to account for clustering by study center separately within each study. Results: In the PURE study, we recorded 14,700 composite events (8932 deaths and 8477 CVD events). In the PURE study, after excluding those with history of CVD, higher intake of egg (≥7 egg/wk compared with <1 egg/wk intake) was not significantly associated with blood lipids, composite outcome (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.04; P-trend = 0.74), total mortality (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.15; P-trend = 0.38), or major CVD (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.83, 1.01; P-trend = 0.20). Similar results were observed in ONTARGET/TRANSCEND studies for composite outcome (HR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.76, 1.25; P-trend = 0.09), total mortality (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.62, 1.24; P-trend = 0.55), and major CVD (HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.73, 1.29; P-trend = 0.12). Conclusions: In 3 large international prospective studies including ∼177,000 individuals, 12,701 deaths, and 13,658 CVD events from 50 countries in 6 continents, we did not find significant associations between egg intake and blood lipids, mortality, or major CVD events. The ONTARGET and TRANSCEND trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00153101. The PURE trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03225586.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Título del artículo:

First report of furuncular myiasis in a domestic dog caused by Dermatobia hominis (Linnaeus, 1781) in Colombia

This paper reports a case of furuncular myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis in a domestic dog from Colombia. A male domestic dog, German shepherd breed, of approximately 2 years old was brought for medical consultation. The reason was the presence of one furuncular lesion and discomfort in the patient. Clinical examination revealed a wound over the sacral area similar to an inflammatory papule, with a central punctum exuding a serosanguinous discharge. In the medical examination was applied pressure around the wound, that allowed evidencing a larva inside the tissue. The applied treatment was surgical removal of the larva in the dog. Treatment was complemented with Cephalexin (20 mg / kg, twice a day orally for 7 days), Meloxicam (0.2 mg / kg, once a day orally for 3 days) and cleaning with chlorhexidine, three times a day until removal of points 7 days later. The larva was sent to Parasitology laboratory of the UDES for morphology identification. The larva was identified as Dermatobia hominis.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports

Título del artículo:

Perceived facilitators and barriers to physical activity in adolescents in Piedecuesta (Santander), in 2016: Qualitative analysis

Objective: Describe the perception of adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years, in Piedecuesta (Santander), in 2016, about the facilitators and barriers that influence physical activity. Methodology:. Qualitative analysis from a phenomenological approach, with the participation of 20 adolescents who talked about the practice, benefits, environments, influence and company in connection with physical activity, to identify barriers and facilitators, through semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Results: Physical activity was limited to physical education classes in most cases. The main companion in extracurricular physical activity was the parent of the same sex. Physical activity represented an opportunity for enjoyment, improvement of physical and mental health, as well as body composition, and to have a break in their daily routine. Lack of time due to academic commitments was the main reason for not doing physical activity. Public places were not always available and they were often not considered to be safe. Space and facilities at school were inadequate, and their use was restricted. Conclusions: The school is an important point of convergence for doing physical activity, suggesting the need to strengthen the curriculum in this respect; this environment is a potential facilitator to increasing the level of physical activity in adolescents. It can also be seen as a barrier, given that the practice interferes with academic activities. Improvements in safety and aesthetic appeal in the surrounding community are seen as a facilitator to promoting physical activity.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Facultad Nacional de Salud Publica

Título del artículo:

Variations in common diseases, hospital admissions, and deaths in middle-aged adults in 21 countries from five continents (PURE): a prospective cohort study

Background: To our knowledge, no previous study has prospectively documented the incidence of common diseases and related mortality in high-income countries (HICs), middle-income countries (MICs), and low-income countries (LICs) with standardised approaches. Such information is key to developing global and context-specific health strategies. In our analysis of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, we aimed to evaluate differences in the incidence of common diseases, related hospital admissions, and related mortality in a large contemporary cohort of adults from 21 HICs, MICs, and LICs across five continents by use of standardised approaches. Methods: The PURE study is a prospective, population-based cohort study of individuals aged 35–70 years who have been enrolled from 21 countries across five continents. The key outcomes were the incidence of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular diseases, cancers, injuries, respiratory diseases, and hospital admissions, and we calculated the age-standardised and sex-standardised incidence of these events per 1000 person-years. Findings: This analysis assesses the incidence of events in 162 534 participants who were enrolled in the first two phases of the PURE core study, between Jan 6, 2005, and Dec 4, 2016, and who were assessed for a median of 9·5 years (IQR 8·5–10·9). During follow-up, 11 307 (7·0%) participants died, 9329 (5·7%) participants had cardiovascular disease, 5151 (3·2%) participants had a cancer, 4386 (2·7%) participants had injuries requiring hospital admission, 2911 (1·8%) participants had pneumonia, and 1830 (1·1%) participants had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cardiovascular disease occurred more often in LICs (7·1 cases per 1000 person-years) and in MICs (6·8 cases per 1000 person-years) than in HICs (4·3 cases per 1000 person-years). However, incident cancers, injuries, COPD, and pneumonia were most common in HICs and least common in LICs. Overall mortality rates in LICs (13·3 deaths per 1000 person-years) were double those in MICs (6·9 deaths per 1000 person-years) and four times higher than in HICs (3·4 deaths per 1000 person-years). This pattern of the highest mortality in LICs and the lowest in HICs was observed for all causes of death except cancer, where mortality was similar across country income levels. Cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of deaths overall (40%) but accounted for only 23% of deaths in HICs (vs 41% in MICs and 43% in LICs), despite more cardiovascular disease risk factors (as judged by INTERHEART risk scores) in HICs and the fewest such risk factors in LICs. The ratio of deaths from cardiovascular disease to those from cancer was 0·4 in HICs, 1·3 in MICs, and 3·0 in LICs, and four upper-MICs (Argentina, Chile, Turkey, and Poland) showed ratios similar to the HICs. Rates of first hospital admission and cardiovascular disease medication use were lowest in LICs and highest in HICs. Interpretation: Among adults aged 35–70 years, cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality globally. However, in HICs and some upper-MICs, deaths from cancer are now more common than those from cardiovascular disease, indicating a transition in the predominant causes of deaths in middle-age. As cardiovascular disease decreases in many countries, mortality from cancer will probably become the leading cause of death. The high mortality in poorer countries is not related to risk factors, but it might be related to poorer access to health care. Funding: Full funding sources are listed at the end of the paper (see Acknowledgments).

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

The Lancet

Título del artículo:

Modifiable risk factors, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in 155 722 individuals from 21 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries (PURE): a prospective cohort study

Background: Global estimates of the effect of common modifiable risk factors on cardiovascular disease and mortality are largely based on data from separate studies, using different methodologies. The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study overcomes these limitations by using similar methods to prospectively measure the effect of modifiable risk factors on cardiovascular disease and mortality across 21 countries (spanning five continents) grouped by different economic levels. Methods: In this multinational, prospective cohort study, we examined associations for 14 potentially modifiable risk factors with mortality and cardiovascular disease in 155 722 participants without a prior history of cardiovascular disease from 21 high-income, middle-income, or low-income countries (HICs, MICs, or LICs). The primary outcomes for this paper were composites of cardiovascular disease events (defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure) and mortality. We describe the prevalence, hazard ratios (HRs), and population-attributable fractions (PAFs) for cardiovascular disease and mortality associated with a cluster of behavioural factors (ie, tobacco use, alcohol, diet, physical activity, and sodium intake), metabolic factors (ie, lipids, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity), socioeconomic and psychosocial factors (ie, education, symptoms of depression), grip strength, and household and ambient pollution. Associations between risk factors and the outcomes were established using multivariable Cox frailty models and using PAFs for the entire cohort, and also by countries grouped by income level. Associations are presented as HRs and PAFs with 95% CIs. Findings: Between Jan 6, 2005, and Dec 4, 2016, 155 722 participants were enrolled and followed up for measurement of risk factors. 17 249 (11·1%) participants were from HICs, 102 680 (65·9%) were from MICs, and 35 793 (23·0%) from LICs. Approximately 70% of cardiovascular disease cases and deaths in the overall study population were attributed to modifiable risk factors. Metabolic factors were the predominant risk factors for cardiovascular disease (41·2% of the PAF), with hypertension being the largest (22·3% of the PAF). As a cluster, behavioural risk factors contributed most to deaths (26·3% of the PAF), although the single largest risk factor was a low education level (12·5% of the PAF). Ambient air pollution was associated with 13·9% of the PAF for cardiovascular disease, although different statistical methods were used for this analysis. In MICs and LICs, household air pollution, poor diet, low education, and low grip strength had stronger effects on cardiovascular disease or mortality than in HICs. Interpretation: Most cardiovascular disease cases and deaths can be attributed to a small number of common, modifiable risk factors. While some factors have extensive global effects (eg, hypertension and education), others (eg, household air pollution and poor diet) vary by a country\'s economic level. Health policies should focus on risk factors that have the greatest effects on averting cardiovascular disease and death globally, with additional emphasis on risk factors of greatest importance in specific groups of countries. Funding: Full funding sources are listed at the end of the paper (see Acknowledgments).

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

The Lancet

Título del artículo:

Experience and perception of risk associated with knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue in Riohacha, Colombia

Recognition of the determinants of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP), which could be conditioned by the experiences and perceptions of the population at risk, is essential for the control of dengue. The scope of this article is to estimate the relationship between the risk perception and dengue diagnosis experiences with KAPs on dengue in an endemic Colombian population. A cross-sectional study with multi-stage random sampling was conducted. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were estimated using regression models as measures of association. Of the 206 families interviewed, 7% know dengue is caused by a virus and less than 40% recognize other symptoms besides fever. As control strategies, 31% eliminate hatchery sites and 58% use fumigation, though 73% perceive the risk of dengue. The association was identified between the perception of the risk of dengue and knowledge about the vector (aPR = 3.32 CI95% 1.06–10.36), and the experience of diagnosis of dengue with the attitude towards dengue control (aPR = 1.61 CI95% 1.09–2.37). Risk perception and experience with dengue could become determinants of KAPs in relation to this disease.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Ciencia e Saude Coletiva

Título del artículo:

Temporal lagged relationship between a vegetation index and cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in Colombia: an analysis implementing a distributed lag nonlinear model

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease with a strong environmental component. The aim of this research was to implement a distributed lag nonlinear model to explore the temporal lagged relationship between a vegetation index and cutaneous leishmaniasis cases. In this ecological study, a time series of weekly cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis reported between 2007 and 2016 in the five municipalities in Colombia with the most cases of the disease and a vegetation index was analyzed. During the study period, a total of 16,321 cases were reported in these five municipalities. Two municipalities showed a lagged nonlinear positive association between the risk of occurrence of new cases and the magnitude of the vegetation index; two municipalities showed a negative association; and in the remaining municipality, the risk was associated with the vegetation index but its confidence interval was not significant. Our results show different patterns and magnitudes of the lagged relationship between the vegetation index and cutaneous leishmaniasis cases and suggest the possibility of using the lag pattern of the vegetation index in the development of an early warning system where a lagged positive relationship is identified.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Parasitology Research

Título del artículo:

Thermodynamic assessment of the integrated gasification-power plant operating in the sawmill industry: An energy and exergy analysis

Biomass thermochemical conversion into heat and electricity is a promising technological alternative for the management of the biomass residues from the sawmill process. In this study, an energetic and exergetic analysis for syngas production from biomass gasification has been performed, including its potential use for heat and power generation. A stoichiometric model of biomass gasification with air as gasifying agent was accomplished to evaluate the syngas production and the potential energy recovery from pinewood chips residues. From the thermodynamic analysis of the biomass residues gasification process and syngas production, it was observed that a cold-gas and hot-gas efficiencies close to 74.5% and 84.6% could be achieved by considering an ER ratio of 0.34, respectively; while energy losses represented 15.3% of the total energy input to the gasifier. Furthermore, an exergy balance of the integrated gasification-power plant (IGPP) was considered. Biomass gasification and power generation processes showed a higher contribution to the total destroyed exergy; reaching values of 42.4% and 45.5% of the total destroyed exergy, respectively. According to energy balance, the IGPP and heat recovery from exhaust gases could supply 52.6% of electricity and 38.9% of thermal energy requirements for the sawmill process.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Renewable Energy

Título del artículo:

The household economic burden of non-communicable diseases in 18 countries

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally. In 2014, the United Nations committed to reducing premature mortality from NCDs, including by reducing the burden of healthcare costs. Since 2014, the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) Study has been collecting health expenditure data from households with NCDs in 18 countries. Methods Using data from the PURE Study, we estimated risk of catastrophic health spending and impoverishment among households with at least one person with NCDs (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer and respiratory diseases; n=17 435), with hypertension only (a leading risk factor for NCDs; n=11 831) or with neither (n=22 654) by country income group: high-income countries (Canada and Sweden), upper middle income countries (UMICs: Brazil, Chile, Malaysia, Poland, South Africa and Turkey), lower middle income countries (LMICs: the Philippines, Colombia, India, Iran and the Occupied Palestinian Territory) and low-income countries (LICs: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Tanzania) and China. Results The prevalence of catastrophic spending and impoverishment is highest among households with NCDs in LMICs and China. After adjusting for covariates that might drive health expenditure, the absolute risk of catastrophic spending is higher in households with NCDs compared with no NCDs in LMICs (risk difference=1.71%; 95% CI 0.75 to 2.67), UMICs (0.82%; 95% CI 0.37 to 1.27) and China (7.52%; 95% CI 5.88 to 9.16). A similar pattern is observed in UMICs and China for impoverishment. A high proportion of those with NCDs in LICs, especially women (38.7% compared with 12.6% in men), reported not taking medication due to costs. Conclusions Our findings show that financial protection from healthcare costs for people with NCDs is inadequate, particularly in LMICs and China. While the burden of NCD care may appear greatest in LMICs and China, the burden in LICs may be masked by care foregone due to costs. The high proportion of women reporting foregone care due to cost may in part explain gender inequality in treatment of NCDs.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

BMJ Global Health

Título del artículo:

Measles in pediatrics: The resurgence of a vaccine-preventable disease

Measles is a disease caused by an RNA virus of the Morbillivirus genus, which is part of the Paramyxoviridae family. Measles is highly contagious, but can be preventable by vaccination. In recent years, an increasing number of cases reported in both developed and developing countries, mainly as a consequence of population changes and inadequate vaccination policies and strategies, as well as the rise of anti-vaccine groups. Clinical manifestations are based on four typical stages of the disease. Mortality rates are estimated to be as high as 25%, primarily in children with comorbidities such as malnutrition or vitamin A deficiency. This article reviews and updates the epidemiological, clinical, and measles vaccination aspects, particularly in some Latin American countries. We highlight the need for compliance with immunization policies and strategies, in order to prevent the spread of outbreaks.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Mexicana de Pediatria

Título del artículo:

Ib-M6 antimicrobial peptide: Antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and molecular docking

The Ib-M6 peptide has antibacterial activity against non-pathogenic Escherichia coli K-12 strain. The first part of this study determines the antibacterial activity of Ib-M6 against fourteen pathogenic strains of E. coli O157:H7. Susceptibility assay showed that Ib-M6 had values of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) lower than streptomycin, used as a reference antibiotic. Moreover, to predict the possible interaction between Ib-M6 and outer membrane components of E. coli, we used molecular docking simulations where FhuA protein and its complex with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS–FhuA) were used as targets of the peptide. FhuA/Ib-M6 complexes had energy values between −39.5 and −40.5 Rosetta Energy Units (REU) and only one hydrogen bond. In contrast, complexes between LPS–FhuA and Ib-M6 displayed energy values between −25.6 and −40.6 REU, and the presence of five possible hydrogen bonds. Hence, the antimicrobial activity of Ib-M6 peptide shown in the experimental assays could be caused by its interaction with the outer membrane of E. coli.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Antibiotics

Título del artículo:

Antimicrobial activity of Ib-M peptides against Escherichia coli O157: H7

The development of new antimicrobial peptides has become an attractive alternative to conventional antibiotics due to the increasing rates of microbial drug resistance. Ib-M corresponds to a family of cationic synthetic peptides, 20 amino acids in length, that have shown inhibitory effect against the non-pathogenic strain Escherichia coli K-12. This work evaluated the antimicrobial potential of Ib-M peptides against the pathogenic E. coli O157: H7 using a reference strain and a clinical isolate. The Ib-M peptides showed antibacterial activity against both strains of E. coli O157: H7; the minimum inhibitory concentration of Ib-M peptides ranged from 1.6 to 12.5 μM and the minimum bactericidal concentration ranged from 3.7 to 22.9 μM, being Ib-M1 and Ib-M2 the peptides that presented the highest inhibitory effect. Time-kill kinetics assay showed a reduction of the bacterial population by more than 95% after 4 hours of exposure to 1xMIC of Ib-M1. Low cytotoxicity was observed in VERO cells with 50% cytotoxic concentration in the range from 197.5 to more than 400 μM. All peptides showed a random structure in hydrophilic environments, except Ib-M1, and all of them transitioned to an α-helical structure when the hydrophobicity of the medium was increased. In conclusion, these findings support the in vitro antimicrobial effect of Ib-M peptides against the pathogenic bacteria E. coli O157: H7 and prove to be promising molecules for the development of new therapeutic alternatives.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

PLoS ONE

Título del artículo:

Changes in Torque-Angle Profiles of the Hamstrings and Hamstrings-to-Quadriceps Ratio After Two Hamstring Strengthening Exercise Interventions in Female Hockey Players

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2 hamstring strengthening interventions (Nordic hamstrings [NHE] vs. eccentric leg curl [ELC]) on the hamstring torque-angle profiles and functional hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio (Hecc:Qcon) in female hockey players. Female university-level players were randomly allocated to an NHE group (n59, 19.7±1.4 years; 168.4±4.4 cm; 66.2±7.2 kg, 26.064.4%), an ELC group (n58, 19.5±1.0 years; 168.16 3.4 cm; 66.7±4.5 kg, 24.8±3.5%), or a control (C) group (n58, 19.6±1.4 years; 169.9±7.5 cm; 70.7±13.0 kg, 25.9±5.2%). They performed baseline isokinetic concentric strength tests of the quadriceps (Qcon) and eccentric strength of the hamstrings (Hecc) at 120°s21, followed by a 6-week intervention with exercises (NHE or ELC) performed 3 times weekly, before post-tests. Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to assess the effects of knee position angle (from 90° of knee flexion to 10° close to extension), group, and time on Qcon, Hecc, and Hecc:Qcon. There were no interactions between independent variables. Significant increases in Hecc and Hecc:Qcon were shown after NHE (+29.9 and +27.8%) and ELC (+30.5 and +38.3%) in the nondominant leg only. Furthermore, significant shifts in the hamstring eccentric angle of peak torque toward a longer muscle length were shown in both legs (14.3-28.6%). These findings suggest that NHE and ELC both resulted in significant improvements in peak and muscle-length-specific neuromuscular risk factors in the nondominant (ND) limb, thereby reducing interlimb peak strength asymmetries. Strength and conditioning specialists could therefore use both the NHE and ELC exercises in female hockey players.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Título del artículo:

The effect of dulaglutide on stroke: an exploratory analysis of the REWIND trial

Background: Cardiovascular outcome trials have suggested that glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists might reduce strokes. We analysed the effect of dulaglutide on stroke within the researching cardiovascular events with a weekly incretin in diabetes (REWIND) trial. Methods: REWIND was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done at 371 sites in 24 countries. Men and women (aged ≥50 years) with established or newly detected type 2 diabetes whose HbA1c was 9·5% or less (with no lower limit) on stable doses of up to two oral glucose-lowering drugs with or without basal insulin therapy were eligible if their body-mass index was at least 23 kg/m2. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to weekly subcutaneous injections of either masked dulaglutide 1·5 mg or the same volume of masked placebo (containing the same excipients but without dulaglutide). Randomisation was done by a computer-generated random code with an interactive web response system with stratification by site. Participants, investigators, the trial leadership, and all other personnel were masked to treatment allocation until the trial was completed and the database was locked. During the treatment period, participants in both groups were instructed to inject study drug on the same day at around the same time, each week. Strokes were categorised as fatal or non-fatal, and as either ischaemic, haemorrhagic, or undetermined. Stroke severity was assessed using the modified Rankin scale. Participants were seen at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and then every 3 months for drug dispensing and every 6 months for detailed assessments, until 1200 confirmed primary outcomes accrued. The primary endpoint was the first occurrence of any component of the composite outcome, which comprised non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or death from cardiovascular or unknown causes. All analyses were done according to an intention-to-treat strategy that included all randomly assigned participants, irrespective of adherence. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01394952. Findings: Between Aug 18, 2011, and Aug 14, 2013, we screened 12 133 patients, of whom 9901 with type 2 diabetes and additional cardiovascular risk factors were randomly assigned to either dulaglutide (n=4949) or an equal volume of placebo (n=4952). During a median follow-up of 5·4 years, cerebrovascular and other cardiovascular outcomes were ascertained and adjudicated. 158 (3·2%) of 4949 participants assigned to dulaglutide and 205 (4·1%) of 4952 participants assigned to placebo had a stroke during follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] 0·76, 95% CI 0·62–0·94; p=0·010). Dulaglutide reduced ischaemic stroke (0·75, 0·59–0·94, p=0·012) but had no effect on haemorrhagic stroke (1·05, 0·55–1·99; p=0·89). Dulaglutide also reduced the composite of non-fatal stroke or all-cause death (0·88, 0·79–0·98; p=0·017) and disabling stroke (0·74, 0·56–0·99; p=0·042). The degree of disability after stroke did not differ by treatment group. Interpretation: Long-term dulaglutide use might reduce clinically relevant ischaemic stroke in people with type 2 diabetes but does not affect stroke severity. Funding: Eli Lilly and Company.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology

Título del artículo:

Interchangeability of position tracking technologies; can we merge the data?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the interchangeability of position tracking metrics obtained using global positioning systems (GPS) versus those obtained by a semi-automatic high definition (HD) optical camera system. Methods: Data was collected from a cohort of 29 elite football players (age: 23.1 ± 5.1 years, height: 180.4 ± 5.8 cm, mass: 74.6 ± 6.7 kg) in four matches played in four different stadiums. In two matches 10 Hz GPS (GPS-1, StatSports, Belfast, UK) were used, while in the other two matches augmented 10 Hz GPS (GPS-2, StatSports, Belfast, UK) were used. All four matches were analysed concomitantly using six semi-automated HD motion cameras sampling at 25 Hz (TRACAB, Chyronhego, New York, USA). Results: Mean bias was between 6% and 10% for GPS-1 and 1–4% for GPS-2, respectively. No proportional bias was found (p > 0.184). The SEE within calibration functions (expressed in % to mean) was between 5% and 22% for GPS-1 and 4–14% for GPS-2. While some significant differences existed between GPS-1 and TRACAB (total distance and high-speed), positional tracking variables were highly correlated between GPS-1, GPS-2 and TRACAB (r2> 0.92) with GPS-2 displaying stronger correlations (> r2 = 0.96). Conclusion: In the present study augmented GPS technology (GPS-2) and the TRACAB camera system provided interchangeable measures of positional tracking metrics to allow concurrent assessment and monitoring of training and competition in football players. However, we recommend practitioners evaluate their own systems to identify where errors exist, calculate and apply the regression equations to confidently interchange data.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Science and Medicine in Football

Título del artículo:

Leptospirosis en reservorios animales: Una revisión de tema

Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria Lepstospira spp, of high worldwide prevalence, related to the circulation in multiple domestic and peridomestic reservoirs. The present review aimed to provide data on infection by Leptospira spp in possible animal reservoirs. A narrative review of the literature was developed where maximum prevalence values were found in canines up to 63%, in felines 68%, in swine 86%, in equines 75% and in bovines 89%. According to the prevalence of Leptospirosis, they should be taken into account from the routine diagnosis of pathology in animals

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Lasallista de Investigacion

Título del artículo:

Effect of pre-exposure to progesterone in Nelore postpartum cows submitted to FTA1

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of pre-exposure of progesterone (P4) in Nelore breed cows in the postpartum period, undergoing a fixed-time artificial insemination program (FTAI). 74 multiparous cows with 2,5 body condition, acyclic, were used. For the determination of the state of anestrus, ultrasound scans were performed evaluating the absence of the corpus luteum and taking blood samples in order to verify endogenous P4 levels < 1 ng / mL. The cows were submitted to three experimental groups, being an untreated group and two groups with previous P4 exposure for 3 and 6 days before the start of the estrus synchronization protocol. Animals underwent synchronization protocol based on progesterone, estradiol benzoate, prostaglandin and equine chorion-ic gonadotropin. 45 days after the IA, the pregnancy diagnosis was made. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed between the gestation rates of the experimental groups. In conclusion, pre-synchronization with P4 in Nelore cows in the postpartum anestrus period did not improve pregnancy rates after artificial insemination.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Taurus

Título del artículo:

Can countermovement jump neuromuscular performance qualities differentiate maximal horizontal deceleration ability in team sport athletes?

This investigation aimed to determine the countermovement jump (CMJ) neuromuscular performance (NMP) qualities that differentiate between athletes with high or low horizontal deceleration ability. Twenty-seven male university team sport athletes performed a CMJ on vertical axis force plates and a maximal horizontal deceleration following a 20 m maximal horizontal sprint acceleration. The instantaneous velocity throughout the maximal horizontal deceleration test was measured using a radar device. The deceleration ability was evaluated using the average deceleration (HDEC, m·s−2 ) and change in momentum—referred to as the horizontal braking impulse (HBI, N·s·kg−1 ). Participants were dichotomised into high and low HDEC and HBI according to a median-split analysis, and CMJ variables calculated for the overall eccentric, eccentric-deceleration and concentric phases. When horizontal deceleration ability was defined by HDEC, the CMJ concentric (effect size (ES) = 0.95) and eccentric (ES = 0.72) peak forces were the variables with the largest difference between groups. However, when defined using HBI, the largest difference was the concentric (ES = 1.15) and eccentric (ES = −1.00) peak velocities. Only the concentric mean power was significantly different between the high and low groups for both HDEC (ES = 0.85) and HBI (ES = 0.96). These findings show that specific eccentric and concentric NMP qualities may underpin the horizontal deceleration abilities characterised by HDEC and HBI. Specific NMP training interventions may be beneficial to target improvements in either of these measures of horizontal deceleration abilities.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Sports

Título del artículo:

Feline histoplasmosis: Report of afatal case

A 4-month-old mixed-breed abandoned was submitted to a veterinary hospital for clinical examination. The patient presented poor conditions: low body condition, shaggy hair, and respiratory symptoms with ocular and bilateral nasal secretions. The physiological parameters showed tachycardia, dyspnea and fever; on auscultation, rales, stridor, wheezing and increased pulmonary dullness were noted. The results of complete blood count showed alterations associated with a regenerative anemia; moderate anisocytosis and polychromatophilia; deviation to the left with presence of bands and thrombocytopenia; intracytoplasmic inclusions compatible with Histoplasma sp. Radiological examinations showed a characteristic interstitial pattern relative to lung disease. Treatment was started with oxytetracycline IV (10 mg/kg/12 h) and ketoconazole PO (10 mg/kg/24 h), the most prescribed antifungal for these infections, as well as symptomatic supportive therapy. Unfortunately, the patient died despite all the efforts. Necropsy was performed. The presence of granulomas together with the histopathological findings confirmed the diagnose of histoplasmosis. The lesions observed microscopically suggest a multifactorial infectious process: first, a neoplastic disease (diffuse large cell lymphoma in bone marrow and lymph node) associated with feline leukemia virus, followed by systemic mycosis (especially in lungs and lymph nodes) caused by Histoplasma sp.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Veterinaria

Título del artículo:

Psychological well-being and sociodemographic characteristics in university students during quarantine by SARS-COV-2

Introduction: In the quarantine situation due to SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), the stressful nature of this experience and its negative effects on the emotional stability and mental health of university students have been recognized; For this reason, it is important to recognize the impact on psychological well- being in this population and the role of sociodemographic characteristics in it. Objective: To analyze the relationships between psychologi- cal well-being and sociodemographic characteristics in uni- versity students during the initial moment of preventive con- finement due to the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic. Methods: The sample consisted of 1631 university students of both sexes, who were characterized sociodemographically and evaluated with the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale (EBP), during the initial period of strict quarantine. Results: The highest levels of Psychological Well-being were associated with the female sex (81.7%), single people (75%) and the high socioeconomic stratum. A significant association was found between having psychiatric treatment and psycho- logical well-being. Most of the students showed medium lev- els of Psychological a lower Well-being, with better levels in Life Purpose, Personal Growth and Self-acceptance. Conclusion: The results show that in the initial isolation due to the pandemic, Psychological Well-being was not negatively affected in the university students in the study, with medium levels of well-being predominating, which could have been contributing to a better coping with the situation. However, this does not rule out that it could be negatively affected later, after a longer confinement time.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Archivos Venezolanos de Farmacologia y Terapeutica