Título del artículo:

Molecular detection and characterization of novel lipase genes of the lipolytic yeast Candida palmioleophila

In this study we analyzed the genetic variability of lipase gene sequences from eight oil and grease-degrading strains of Candida palmioleophila and to relate it to their degrading ability. The genetic variability of lipase genes was analyzed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and low-stringency single specific primer- PCR (LSSP-PCR), in order to obtain specific DNA fingerprints from each strain, which were subsequently compared by bioinformatic programs. DNA fingerprints were contrasted to the ability of each strain to remove palm oil in liquid culture. The results showed that at least three genes encoding lipases are present in C. palmioleophila, two of them resembling the LIP2 and LIP6 genes of C. albicans. DNA fingerprints obtained by LSSP-PCR revealed differences in the sequences of C. palmioleophila lipase genes, which allowed to group the strains according to their degrading activity. C. palmioleophila strains SACL05, SACL08 and SACL11, which showed the highest removal of palm oil after 72 h (77 to 79 % removal), were grouped in a single clade in dendrograms. Similarly, strains SACL01, SACL03, SACL06 and SACL09, which showed intermediate removal activity of palm oil (54 to 76%) grouped in a different clade. This suggests the genetic variability in lipase genes is directly related to the differences found in the efficiency of degradation of oils. On the other hand, DNA fingerprints obtained by PCR-RFLP did not allow to differentiate the strains and did not generate changes in the bands patterns between the analyzed strains. In conclusion, this study reported for the first time the detection and characterization of lipase genes from the lipolytic yeast Candida palmioleophila, and their association to the degradation of oils.

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Chemical Engineering Transactions

Título del artículo:

Functional metagenomic analysis of the coffee (coffea arabica) fermentation

This study focused on studying the influence of the temperature and time on the functional diversity of the microbial populations involved in coffee (Coffea arabica) fermentation, using a shotgun metagenomic approach. Fermentations of depulped coffee grains were carried out under controlled and non-controlled temperature conditions for 24 h. Paired-end whole genome sequencing from mucilage samples was performed using an Illumina Hiseq 2x150 platform. Global and specific gene abundance was analyzed using the KEGG orthology (KO). Results showed a predominance of genes involved in carbohydrate and aminoacid metabolism during fermentations. The abundance of genes involved in glycolysis / gluconeogenesis, lactate fermentation and mixed acids were higher during fermentation conducted under non-controlled temperature conditions; however, fermentations carried out at 11 °C induced a significant increase in the abundance of genes involved in the synthesis of aminoacid, lipids and organic acids, as well as protein secretion systems. We concluded that different temperatures and conditions in fermentations produce appreciable changes on the functional potential of both aminoacid and carbohydrate metabolism, especially in the abundance of N-acetyl-lysine deacetylase, pyruvate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphofructokinase genes, which in turn could greatly affect the taste and quality of coffee. This information, together with the results from coffee cupping, provided valuable insights into the role microorganisms involved in coffee fermentation play in obtaining better taste attributes, as well to identify key genes and potential metabolic pathways associated with these special attributes.

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Chemical Engineering Transactions

Título del artículo:

Differential protein profiles of the lipolytic yeast candida palmioleophila under different growth conditions

This work aimed to stablish the influence of different carbon and nitrogen sources, including vegetable oils, on the variability of the protein profiles of an oil and grease-degrading strain of Candida palmioleophila. Production of biomass and protein by C. palmioleophila strain SACL11 was evaluated under eight different culture conditions, which provided palm oil or sunflower oil as sole carbon source and ammonium sulfate as sole nitrogen source, during 48 h at 30 °C. Protein profiles from C. palmioleophila crude extracts were obtained by SDS-PAGE every 12 h and analyzed with bioinformatic programs. The results showed that treatments providing the highest concentrations of each of the carbon and nitrogen sources resulted in a higher biomass production, with sunflower oil being the carbon source that produced the highest values and an overall faster growth. Proteins of approximately 63 KDa and 28 KDa were detected only in protein extracts obtained from media containing palm or sunflower oil as carbon source, suggesting a key role of these proteins in the hydrolysis of oils. Furthermore, the molecular weights of these proteins were similar to several reported lipases and esterases from Candida rugosa and other related species, reinforcing their possible function. In conclusion, this work identified and reported for the first time differential protein profiles of the lipolytic yeast C. palmioleophila in response to different growth conditions, and found evidence of the involvement of lipase-like proteins during the metabolism of vegetable oils. This give insight about the enzymes involved in grease metabolism and reinforces the potential of this promising microorganism to be used as an excellent bioremediation agent in fat, oil and grease-polluted environments.

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Chemical Engineering Transactions

Título del artículo:

Intellectual Capital: A comparative view between enterprises and universities

This paper analyses the approaches of intellectual capital in enterprises and universities. It aims to the conceptualization, classification, and measurement of intellectual capital, and then it compares both approaches. The research is supported by the theories of Fazlagic, Alama, Molina, Sanchez, Elena and Castrillo, Pazdzior and Pazdzior and Bratianu. The study is done through bibliometrics, using a kind of descriptive, documentary research; with a non-experimental, and transversal design. The population is finite and represented by papers, conference proceedings, and thesis published between 2005-2014. To collect the primary data was used the direct observation technique, through concept analysis. We conclude, based on the results, generally, enterprises use the paradigm of fixed capital, focus on relational capital, while in universities the paradigms changed to the dynamic, Newtonian, integrating and transformational intellectual capital, based on human capital. Additionally, that as much as in the universities as in the enterprises the intellectual capital improved the performance of the organization, thus, the revision of the literature states that the results generated by the effective management of the intellectual capital are sustained in the time because of its immaterial nature. Moreover, in the enterprises, the predominant components correspond to the relational capital such as clients, suppliers, strategic alliances and the company reputation in front of the clients, which are essential for the generation of knowledge and the development of innovation.

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International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology

Título del artículo:

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in bovines of cesar state, Colombia

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in bovines from the department of Cesar, Colombia. Faecal samples were collected (n=862) from 27 dual-purpose cattle farms in two municipalities. The animals were stratified into three age groups: 0-12, 12-24 and >24 months. The samples were processed using the coprological techniques of McMaster, Dennis and Baermann. The genera of the parasites were identified according to the morphology of their eggs or infective larvae. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 83.2%, with the highest values for Eimeria sp (77.9%), Strongyloides sp (10.8%) and Haemonchus sp (8.5%). No statistical association was found due to effect of the municipalities, but it was observed due to the effect of the age group on the prevalence of Eimeria sp, Strongyloides, Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus (p<0.05).

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Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru

Título del artículo:

Prevalence of cystoisospora suis in piglets and sows in Venezuela

The prevalence of Cystoisospora suis in lactating piglets and their dams in pig farms in the central region of Venezuela was determined. The study was conducted in farms of three sizes with a history of neonatal diarrhea: small (<150 sows), medium (150-500 sows) and large (>500 sows) farms. A total of 572 litters and their mothers were examined. Samples were cultured in 2.5% potassium dichromate and latter processed by the flotation-centrifugation technique using a NaCl saturaded solution. C. suis was found in 55 farms (82.1%) and 210 litters (36.7%), with the highest prevalence values in the first two weeks of life (p<0.05), but without statistical differences between farm sizes. Moreover, 9.4% of the sows were infected and of these, 89% of the litters were positive to C. suis, giving a significant correlation between the positivity of piglets and their mothers (r=0.55; p <0.05). The results show that C. suis is widely distributed in the central region of Venezuela, regardless of farm size.

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Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru

Título del artículo:

Aspect of the dynamic of infection of Cystoisospora suis in piglets of pilot farm from Carabobo State, Venezuela

Cystoisospora suis is a protozoan with cosmopolitan distribution and can cause significant economic losses due to yellowish diarrhea and dehydration in suckling piglets. It was carried out an investigation from September 2015 to August 2016 with the aim to determine aspects of the infection dynamics of Cystoisospora suis in suckling piglets raised in pilot farm located at Parish of Güigue, Carlos Arvelo Municipality, Carabobo State, Venezuela. For parasitic determination, 480 fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum in litters (fourty monthly fecal samples) and epidemiological survey was applied for each sampling or survey. Stool samples were cultured in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution and later processed by flotation-concentration technique, using a NaCL saturated solution enriched with sugar solution (1 L of saturated solution of NaCl + 500 g of sugar). The results indicated that C. suis was present throughout the study period with 52.08% of prevalence in suckling piglets, with biggest values in the second weeks of life. Regarding to sampling month, no statistical significance (P > 0.05) was found between the meteorological constants and C. suis prevalence, which could indicate that the environment had no effect on the presence of the protozoan. Data collected from the epidemiological survey were analyzed using a Spearman correlation test, and was determined a significant association (P < 0.05) between prevalence and Veterinary presence, protocol N° 3 of disinfection and use of Baycox to 5%. It is concluded that protozoan was present during the study period, with biggest values in suckling piglets with two weeks of life, and no statistical significance was found between the meteorological constants and the prevalence of C. suis, which could indicate that the meteorological conditions recorded during the period studied were optimal for the sporulation process to occur, and therefore to maintain viable oocysts throughout the year.

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Revista Cientifica de la Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias de la Universidad del Zulia

Título del artículo:

Technology strategies in private universities based on balanced score card

Universities need to have among its management and control tools, a system that allows them to measure and evaluate the results of the strategies applied in the exercise of its mission as an educational entity. The appropriate and effective usage of technological tools, increases the chances of achieving a higher academic, scientific, cultural quality and community outreach as well, to facilitate the process leading to competitiveness and leadership of a demanding market, where supply tends to exceed demand.

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Espacios

Título del artículo:

Process of extraction and storage of characteristics from images of bite prints in the development of software for the identification of people through digital image processing

Results obtained from the implementation of mathematical processes are presented when developing a software that, through algorithms for digital processing of high level images, performs the extraction of fundamental characteristics of a bite print image and then stores them in a table of results. Sophisticated image processing techniques were used at different stages.

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Espacios

Título del artículo:

Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 in a university hospital of Colombia

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus type 1 is an autoimmune disease caused by the interaction of multiple environmental and genetic factors leading to the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic B cells producers of insulin. The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 1 vary considerably all around the world. OBJECTIVE: To establish the clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of diabetes mellitus type 1. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study that included patients with diabetes type 1 who entered to a university hospital of Colombia from 2012 to 2016. Then, a statistical analysis was done according to variables. RESULTS: Intrahospitalary prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 1 was of 19 cases for each 100,000 patients older tan 13 years. It was more frequent in women with 61.3%; the mean age at diagnosis was of 14.89 years. Diagnosis was established in a clinical manner without autoimmunity studies, they were patients with not-controlled disease with a mean HbA1c of 11.5%; the frequent complications were: diabetic cetoacidosis with 46.6%, as well as hypoglycemia. The most frequently prescribed insulin in these patients was glargine, glulisine and regular insulin. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that some characteristics of diabetes mellitus 1 could be similar and some different to that reported in other studies; however, some possible investigations may be considered taking these results as basement.

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Medicina Interna de Mexico

Título del artículo:

Knowledge management in an engineering research group

This paper presents a diagnosis of knowledge management in a research group. This work analyzes the vision of management; knowledge management processes and coding structures. The researchers considered Nonaka; Takeuchi (1999), Perez; Loyal; Barceló; Leon (2013), Straccia (2013); and Marulanda; Lopez (2013). The research is descriptive, not experimental and transactional. The group shows strengths in management and distribution processes and knowledge creation. However, the group presents difficulties in planning and structuring of the coding structures. We recommend investing in technology and policy incentives for productivity.

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Espacios

Título del artículo:

A process innovation based on activities, types and characteristics

This paper aims the innovation at services in commercial textiles companies and health care services. The project reviews the types of innovation and the characteristics present at the both sectors. The results establish the textile trade and health care services have low dynamism in innovation activities. This work proposes a cyclical process for the development of innovation at services: analysis, focus goals, equipment, partnerships, project tracking, feedback, deployment and implementation; supported in the organizational culture. This work proposes a management tool for companies inspired by the theoretical study of characteristics of innovation and the empirical study at the service sector.

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Espacios

Título del artículo:

Heart rate variability in young people, associated with prematurity

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Iatreia

Título del artículo:

Heart rate variability in medical students with chronic sleep deprivation

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Iatreia

Título del artículo:

Reliability of the barriers scale for cardiac rehabilitation

Introduction: The barriers scale for cardiac rehabilitation was designed to evaluate participation barriers and patient adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs as used in Canadian studies. The cultural adaptation and validation of its contents to the Colombian context was previously evaluated before assessing its reliability. Objective: To determine the internal consistency and the test-retest reproducibility of the barriers scale for cardiac rehabilitation in a Colombian population. Methods: The study included 30 patients (66.6% male, mean age = 67.0 ± 11.0 years), who were subjected to a percutaneous revascularisation in the Bucaramanga Los Comuneros University Hospital, Colombia, completed the scale at two times, with an interval of two months between them. The Cronbach-alpha coefficients and the intra-class coefficients (ICC) were calculated. Results: The internal consistency of the Colombian version of the scale and the barriers scale for cardiac rehabilitation was good (Cronbach-alpha = 0.84). The ICC found was 0.711 (95% CI; 0.423-0.860). The reproducibility by domains was as follows: for the logistic factor (ICC: 0.76; 95% CI; 0.56-0.88); for the comorbidities/functional state (ICC: 0.73; 95% CI; 0.51-0.86); for the health perception factor (ICC: 0.66; 95% CI; 0.38-0.83; and finally for the work/time conflicts factor (ICC: 0.56; 95% CI; 0.29-0.78). The mean score per patient was 2.3 ± 0.7 and 2.0 ± 0.7 in the first and second evaluation, respectively (p =.0071). Conclusion: The barriers scale for cardiac rehabilitation has an acceptable reliability in the Colombian population evaluated. The identification of barriers using this scale will help to develop strategies to increase the participation and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs focused on the real needs of the patients.

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Revista Colombiana de Cardiologia

Título del artículo:

Human predecidual stromal cells have distinctive characteristics of pericytes: Cell contractility, chemotactic activity, and expression of pericyte markers and angiogenic factors

Introduction Human decidual stromal cells (DSCs) play a key role in maternal–fetal interactions. Precursors of DSCs (preDSCs) localize around vessels in both the endometrium and decidua. Previous studies suggested a relationship between preDSCs and pericytes because these cells share a perivascular location, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SM actin) expression and the ability to contract under the effects of cytokines. Methods To further study this relationship, we established 15 human preDSC lines and 3 preDSC clones. The preDSC lines and clones were tested by flow cytometry with a panel of 29 monoclonal antibodies, 14 of which are pericyte markers. The expression of angiogenic factors was determined by RT-PCR, chemotactic activity was studied with the migration assay, and cell contractility was evaluated with the collagen cell contraction assay. Confocal microscopy was used to study decidual sections. Results Under the effect of progesterone and cAMP, these lines decidualized in vitro: the cells became rounder and secreted prolactin, a marker of physiological DSC differentiation (decidualization). The antigen phenotype of these preDSC lines and clones was fully compatible with that reported for pericytes. PreDSC lines displayed pericyte characteristics: they expressed angiogenic factors and showed chemotactic and cytokine-induced contractile activity. Confocal microscopic examination of decidual sections revealed the expression of antigens detected in preDSC lines: α-SM actin colocalized with CD146, CD140b, MFG-E8, nestin, and STRO-1 (all of which are pericyte markers) in cells located around the vessels, a distinctive location of preDSCs and pericytes. Discussion Taken together, our results show that preDSCs are pericyte-like cells.

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Placenta

Título del artículo:

Design and baseline characteristics of participants in the Researching cardiovascular Events with a Weekly INcretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial on the cardiovascular effects of dulaglutide

The aim was to determine the effects of dulaglutide, a synthetic once-weekly, injectable human glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue that lowers blood glucose, body weight, appetite and blood pressure, on cardiovascular outcomes. People with type 2 diabetes, aged ≥50 years, with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≤9.5%, and either a previous cardiovascular event, evidence of cardiovascular disease or ≥2 cardiovascular risk factors were randomly allocated to a weekly subcutaneous injection of either dulaglutide (1.5 mg) or placebo and followed within the ongoing Researching cardiovascular Events with a Weekly INcretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial every 3 to 6 months. The primary cardiovascular outcome is the first occurrence of the composite of cardiovascular death or non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes include each component of the primary composite cardiovascular outcome, a composite clinical microvascular outcome comprising retinal or renal disease, hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure requiring hospitalization or an urgent heart failure visit, and all-cause mortality. Follow-up will continue until the accrual of 1200 confirmed primary outcomes. Recruitment of 9901 participants (mean age 66 years, 46% women) occurred in 370 sites located in 24 countries over a period of 2 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 10 years, mean baseline HbA1c was 7.3%, and 31% had prior cardiovascular disease. The REWIND trial\'s international scope, high proportion of women, high proportion of people without prior cardiovascular disease and inclusion of participants whose mean baseline HbA1c was 7.3% suggests that its cardiovascular and safety findings will be directly relevant to the typical middle-aged patient seen in general practice throughout the world.

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Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism

Título del artículo:

Design of a residential microgrid in Lagos del Cacique, Bucaramanga, Colombia

In this paper is presented a model that analyses the options to provide energy to an interconnected house in Lagos del Cacique, Bucaramanga, Colombia. Three power supplies were considered: photovoltaic, 1 kW wind turbine, and a 2.6kW gasoline generator, as well as a battery for energy storage. The variables considered for the sensitivity analysis correspond to the price of gasoline and the variation in loads. The simulation results suggest an optimal configuration of microgrids in generator-photovoltaic panel-battery. Sensitivity variables were specified in order to evaluate the effect of uncertainty. The simulation was done through the Homer software and the results of the combinations of sources are suggestions of the same.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

The effect of physical activity on mortality and cardiovascular disease in 130 000 people from 17 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: the PURE study

Background Physical activity has a protective effect against cardiovascular disease (CVD) in high-income countries, where physical activity is mainly recreational, but it is not known if this is also observed in lower-income countries, where physical activity is mainly non-recreational. We examined whether different amounts and types of physical activity are associated with lower mortality and CVD in countries at different economic levels. Methods In this prospective cohort study, we recruited participants from 17 countries (Canada, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Poland, Turkey, Malaysia, South Africa, China, Colombia, Iran, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe). Within each country, urban and rural areas in and around selected cities and towns were identified to reflect the geographical diversity. Within these communities, we invited individuals aged between 35 and 70 years who intended to live at their current address for at least another 4 years. Total physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPQA). Participants with pre-existing CVD were excluded from the analyses. Mortality and CVD were recorded during a mean of 6·9 years of follow-up. Primary clinical outcomes during follow-up were mortality plus major CVD (CVD mortality, incident myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure), either as a composite or separately. The effects of physical activity on mortality and CVD were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and other risk factors taking into account household, community, and country clustering. Findings Between Jan 1, 2003, and Dec 31, 2010, 168 916 participants were enrolled, of whom 141 945 completed the IPAQ. Analyses were limited to the 130 843 participants without pre-existing CVD. Compared with low physical activity (<600 metabolic equivalents [MET] × minutes per week or <150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity), moderate (600–3000 MET × minutes or 150–750 minutes per week) and high physical activity (>3000 MET × minutes or >750 minutes per week) were associated with graded reduction in mortality (hazard ratio 0·80, 95% CI 0·74–0·87 and 0·65, 0·60–0·71; p<0·0001 for trend), and major CVD (0·86, 0·78–0·93; p<0·001 for trend). Higher physical activity was associated with lower risk of CVD and mortality in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries. The adjusted population attributable fraction for not meeting the physical activity guidelines was 8·0% for mortality and 4·6% for major CVD, and for not meeting high physical activity was 13·0% for mortality and 9·5% for major CVD. Both recreational and non-recreational physical activity were associated with benefits. Interpretation Higher recreational and non-recreational physical activity was associated with a lower risk of mortality and CVD events in individuals from low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. Increasing physical activity is a simple, widely applicable, low cost global strategy that could reduce deaths and CVD in middle age. Funding Population Health Research Institute, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Ontario SPOR Support Unit, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, AstraZeneca, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Servier, GSK, Novartis, King Pharma, and national and local organisations in participating countries that are listed at the end of the Article.

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The Lancet

Título del artículo:

Environmental and socio-economic determinants associated with the occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the northeast of Colombia

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease that is widely distributed in most tropical regions. Colombia has experienced an important increase in its incidence during the last decade. There are CL transmission foci in the Colombian departments of Santander and Norte de Santander. Objectives: To identify environmental and socio-economic variables associated with CL incidence in the municipalities of the northeast of Colombia between 2007 and 2016. Methods: This was an ecological study of CL cases aggregated by municipality. The cases reported during the study period were analyzed with a negative binomial regression to obtain the adjusted incident rate ratio for environmental and socio-economic variables. Findings: During the study period, 10 924 cases of CL were reported, and 110 (86.6%) municipalities reported at least one CL case. The coverages of forest (aIRR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07), heterogeneous agricultural zones (aIRR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06) and permanent crops (aIRR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12) were associated with a higher incidence of CL. Conversely, urban functionality (aIRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.96), minimal-altitude above sea level (aIRR 0.84, 95% CI 0.79-0.90) and shrub coverage (aIRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95-1.0) were negatively associated with the incidence of CL in the municipality. Main conclusions: Our results confirm the importance of environmental determinants, such as height above sea level, and coverage of forest, permanent crops and heterogeneous agricultural zones, for the occurrence of CL; these findings also suggest the importance of shrub coverage. Furthermore, urban functionality was a socio-economic determinant independently associated with CL incidence.

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Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Título del artículo:

Risk factors for health care–associated infection in hospitalized adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Health care–associated infections (HAIs) are a public health problem that increase health care costs. This article aimed to systematically review the literature and meta-analyze studies investigating risk factors (RFs) independently associated with HAIs in hospitalized adults. Methods Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS) were searched to identify studies from 2009-2016. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and compared across the groups. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Results Of 867 studies, 65 met the criteria for review, and the data of 18 were summarized in the meta-analysis. The major RFs independently associated with HAIs were diabetes mellitus (RR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.27-2.44), immunosuppression (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.47), body temperature (MD, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.83), surgery time in minutes (MD, 34.53; 95% CI, 22.17-46.89), reoperation (RR, 7.94; 95% CI, 5.49-11.48), cephalosporin exposure (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.30-2.42), days of exposure to central venous catheter (MD, 5.20; 95% CI, 4.91-5.48), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (RR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.79-7.92), ICU stay in days (MD, 21.30; 95% CI, 19.81-22.79), and mechanical ventilation (OR, 12.95; 95% CI, 6.28-26.73). Conclusions Identifying RFs that contribute to develop HAIs may support the implementation of strategies for their prevention, therefore maximizing patient safety.

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American Journal of Infection Control

Título del artículo:

Secondary CV Prevention in South America in a Community Setting: The PURE Study

Background Despite the availability of evidence-based therapies, there is no information on the use of medications for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in urban and rural community settings in South America. Objectives This study sought to assess the use, and its predictors, of effective secondary prevention therapies in individuals with a history of coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke. Methods In the PURE (Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological) study, we enrolled 24,713 individuals from South America ages 35 to 70 years from 97 rural and urban communities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. We assessed the use of proven therapies with standardized questionnaires. We report estimates of drug use at national, community, and individual levels and the independent predictors of their utilization through a multivariable analysis model. Results Of 24,713 individuals, 910 had a self-reported CHD event (at a median of 5 years earlier) and 407 had stroke (6 years earlier). The proportions of individuals with CHD who received antiplatelet medications (30.1%), beta-blockers (34.2%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin-receptor blockers (36.0%), or statins (18.0%) were low; with even lower proportions among stroke patients (antiplatelets 24.3%, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blockers 37.6%, statins 9.8%). A substantial proportion of patients did not receive any proven therapy (CHD 31%, stroke 54%). A minority of patients received either all 4 (4.1%) or 3 proven therapies (3.3%). Male sex, age >60 years, better education, more wealth, urban location, diabetes, and obesity were associated with higher rates of medication use. In a multivariable model, markers of wealth had the largest impact in secondary prevention. Conclusions There are large gaps in the use of proven medications for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in South America. Strategies to improve the sustained use of these medications will likely reduce cardiovascular disease burden substantially.

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Global Heart

Título del artículo:

Reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain using two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking: Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Introduction Advanced echocardiography techniques, such as the global longitudinal strain using two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking, have been proposed for the detection of early changes in the left ventricular systolic function. The evaluation of the reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain is essential for its clinical application in different scenarios. Objective To determine the reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain in individuals from a Brazil cohort study. Methods The reproducibility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain was evaluated by the reading and analysis of echocardiograph images of a random sample of 50 participants of the baseline Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Results The mean age of the participants was 49.7 ± 7.3 years, of whom 54% were women, and the mean global longitudinal strain was –19.5% ± 1.9%. The inter-observer reproducibility of the mean global longitudinal strain, had a coefficient of variation of 7.4%, and an intra-class correlation of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61 – 0.86). The analysis of the inter-observer agreement of the global longitudinal strain measurements using the Bland and Altman method showed a mean differences of 0.1% ± 1.4%, and upper and lower limits of agreement of 2.9 and –2.7, respectively. Conclusions There was adequate reproducibility of the left ventricular global longitudinal strain measurements in participants of the ELSA-Brasil study, and the values were similar to those reported in other longitudinal epidemiological studies. The findings reinforce the use of the global longitudinal strain as a clinical marker of myocardial deformation, capable of detecting subclinical changes in myocardial contractility.

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Revista Colombiana de Cardiologia

Título del artículo:

Fruit, vegetable, and legume intake, and cardiovascular disease and deaths in 18 countries (PURE): a prospective cohort study

Background The association between intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes with cardiovascular disease and deaths has been investigated extensively in Europe, the USA, Japan, and China, but little or no data are available from the Middle East, South America, Africa, or south Asia. Methods We did a prospective cohort study (Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology [PURE] in 135 335 individuals aged 35 to 70 years without cardiovascular disease from 613 communities in 18 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries in seven geographical regions: North America and Europe, South America, the Middle East, south Asia, China, southeast Asia, and Africa. We documented their diet using country-specific food frequency questionnaires at baseline. Standardised questionnaires were used to collect information about demographic factors, socioeconomic status (education, income, and employment), lifestyle (smoking, physical activity, and alcohol intake), health history and medication use, and family history of cardiovascular disease. The follow-up period varied based on the date when recruitment began at each site or country. The main clinical outcomes were major cardiovascular disease (defined as death from cardiovascular causes and non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure), fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, fatal and non-fatal strokes, cardiovascular mortality, non-cardiovascular mortality, and total mortality. Cox frailty models with random effects were used to assess associations between fruit, vegetable, and legume consumption with risk of cardiovascular disease events and mortality. Findings Participants were enrolled into the study between Jan 1, 2003, and March 31, 2013. For the current analysis, we included all unrefuted outcome events in the PURE study database through March 31, 2017. Overall, combined mean fruit, vegetable and legume intake was 3·91 (SD 2·77) servings per day. During a median 7·4 years (5·5–9·3) of follow-up, 4784 major cardiovascular disease events, 1649 cardiovascular deaths, and 5796 total deaths were documented. Higher total fruit, vegetable, and legume intake was inversely associated with major cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular mortality, non-cardiovascular mortality, and total mortality in the models adjusted for age, sex, and centre (random effect). The estimates were substantially attenuated in the multivariable adjusted models for major cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio [HR] 0·90, 95% CI 0·74–1·10, ptrend=0·1301), myocardial infarction (0·99, 0·74–1·31; ptrend=0·2033), stroke (0·92, 0·67–1·25; ptrend=0·7092), cardiovascular mortality (0·73, 0·53–1·02; ptrend=0·0568), non-cardiovascular mortality (0·84, 0·68–1·04; ptrend =0·0038), and total mortality (0·81, 0·68–0·96; ptrend<0·0001). The HR for total mortality was lowest for three to four servings per day (0·78, 95% CI 0·69–0·88) compared with the reference group, with no further apparent decrease in HR with higher consumption. When examined separately, fruit intake was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular, and total mortality, while legume intake was inversely associated with non-cardiovascular death and total mortality (in fully adjusted models). For vegetables, raw vegetable intake was strongly associated with a lower risk of total mortality, whereas cooked vegetable intake showed a modest benefit against mortality. Interpretation Higher fruit, vegetable, and legume consumption was associated with a lower risk of non-cardiovascular, and total mortality. Benefits appear to be maximum for both non-cardiovascular mortality and total mortality at three to four servings per day (equivalent to 375–500 g/day). Funding Full funding sources listed at the end of the paper (see Acknowledgments).

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The Lancet

Título del artículo:

Interaction between epidemiological risk factors associated with Cystoisospora suis infection in swine intensive herís

It was carried out an investigation in Venezuela during 2016 with the aim to determine statistical association between some risk factor\'s and Cystoisospora suis in swine intensive herds. Sixty-seven farms with a history of neonatal diarrhea were selected. 10% of the litters were sampled, and from each selected litter, 4 to 5 piglets were selected. A hyssop were introduced by rectal way with the purpose of causing stimulation and collect the stool sample. An epidemiological survey was applied on each farm. The stool samples were cultivated in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution during 24 h and later processed with a concentration - flotation technique. The results indicate that C. suis was found on 55 farms (82.1%). According to the bivariate analysis, statistical association (P < 0.05) were found between negative values with respect to the type of floors, disinfection programs and Veterinary presence. The size and type of farm had no statistical effect. According to the multivariate analysis, statistical association was determined between protocol 1 applied to plastic pallet floors in farms with good hygiene, as well as the permanence of the Veterinary, which are modalities that were associated with them and with the group of farms that were negative to C. suis. It is concluded that the multivariate analysis allows to evaluate the relationship between epidemiological factors that minimize the possibilities of proliferation and dissemination of the parasite in the herd, and should be considered in the control programs.

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Revista Electronica de Veterinaria