Protein‐free synthetic surfactant for the prevention and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in neonates

Q1Q11-9This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To evaluate the effectiveness of intratracheal administration of synthetic protein‐free pulmonary surfactant in neonates at risk of developing RDS or with established RDS. Comparison 1: Does intratracheal administration of synthetic protein‐free pulmonary surfactant compared to air placebo or normal saline or no treatment reduce mortality and other complications of preterm birth in preterm infants at risk of developing RDS? Comparison 2: Does intratracheal administration of synthetic protein‐free pulmonary surfactant compared to air placebo or normal saline or no treatment reduce mortality and other complications of preterm birth in preterm infants with clinical and/or radiologic evidence of respiratory distress syndrome requiring assisted ventilation

Chocolate consumption and cardiometabolic disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate the association of chocolate consumption with the risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with the presence of bovine leptospirosis in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Colombia

Background: Bovine leptospirosis is a zoonotic, infectious, and cosmopolitan disease of worldwide distribution, caused by the spirochete Leptospira spp., which has been diagnosed in humans; domestic mammals, such as dogs, sheep, goats, swine, horses and cattle; and wild animals. It is considered a significant cause of economic losses in livestock because it causes infertility, abortion and reduced milk production. Aim: To establish the prevalence and the main risk factors associated with Leptospira spp. in cattle in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Colombia. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was carried out. 1,000 cattle of Ayrshire, Holstein, Jersey, Normande, Zebu, and crossbreeds were sampled. Blood samples were taken by coccygeal venipuncture and processed by microscopic agglutination technique; animals were considered positive when titers were ≥1:100. The data obtained were processed with the statistical program EpiInfo®. Results: A general apparent prevalence (AP) of 16% (160/1,000) was established, where the crossbreeds (20.5% AP), the 2–4 years age group (17% AP), and the serovars Leptospira interrogans serogroup Pomona (5.1%) and L. interrogans serogroup Sjroe serovar Hardjo (3.4%) presented the highest seropositivity. The variables barnyard, artificial insemination, and use of certified semen were identified as protective factors against the disease, while diarrhea was considered a risk factor. Conclusion: The prevalence in this study is within the range of those reported at the national level; however, it is essential to establish plans to control and prevent the disease

Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cattle from Sotaquirá, Colombia

Worldwide distributed Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) represents a high risk of infection in most bovine farms, in which it is associated with gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive diseases. The purpose of this research was to establish the seroprevalence and the main risk factors associated with the presentation of BVDV in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Colombia. Samples were taken from 1000 cattle of Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, Normande Gyr and Holstein x Gyr. Epidemiological surveys were implemented, reproductive and management variables were taken into consideration. Indirect ELISA was performed to detect specific antibodies against BVDV using the commercial kit SERELISA® BVD p80 Ab Mono Blocking. The overall seroprevalence of antibodies against BVDV was 42.5% (425/1000), where the Gyr breed (59.1% apparent prevalence (AP); 60.3% real prevalence (PR)) and the age group > 4 years (53.0% PA; 54.4% PR) presented the highest seroprevalences. A significant statistical association was found for the breed, age, management practices evaluated and the presentation of PI3 (p ≤ 0.05). Age group > 4 years, Normande breed, presentation of PI3 and grazing lease were established as risk factors associated with BVDV in the herds. These infections are mainly associated with dairy cattle and herds with many animals, so it is important to consider vaccination plans as a preventive system and follow up on the most common diseases

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine herpesvirus 1 in dairy herds of Colombia

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is an infectious disease widely distributed globally and is considered the main cause of various reproductive and respiratory tract diseases in cattle and buffaloes. This study aimed to estimate seroprevalence and determine risk factors associated with the presentation of IBR in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Boyacá (Colombia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was performed, and the sample size was 1,000 cattle. Blood samples were obtained by coccygeal venipuncture and processed through indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the Synbiotics(®) kit (Zoetis, New Jersey, USA) with a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 98%, respectively. Data were processed using the statistical program EpiInfo(®) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). RESULTS: A high seroprevalence of 57.5% was established. Seroprevalence was the highest in cattle >4 years of age (65.0% apparent seroprevalence [AS]; 67% true seroprevalence [TS]) and in the Holstein breed (65.5% AS; 67.8% TS). The breed and age of the animals were significantly associated with each other. The Holstein breed, age group >4 years, uncertified semen, and fetal death were established as risk factors for IBR. In comparison, the age groups of <1 and 1–2 years and the Normande breed were established as protective factors against the bovine herpesvirus-1 virus. CONCLUSION: Management factors, such as livestock from other owners and animal purchases, which affect disease presentation, are evident. The implementation and development of novel prevention and control measures for IBR at the national level are necessary

Diagnóstico de parásitos gastrointestinales en bovinos del departamento de Boyacá, Colombia

Parasitic diseases are considered to be one of the most prevalent pathologies worldwide. They are characterized as one of the most critical sanitary problems in cattle, causing a decrease in the productive capacity of parasitized animals, which translates into economic losses. Intestinal parasitism in cattle is caused by protozoa and helminths, and its manifestation is generally multi-etiological. Clinical signs in gastrointestinal parasitism may vary depending on parasite load, parasite species, and host immunity. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of the main parasitic families affecting cattle in the central province of the department of Boyacá. A cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was carried out, where 716 fecal samples were taken and processed using a modified Ritchie technique. An overall prevalence of 95,6% was determined, and the most prevalent families were Trichostrongylidae, Eimeriidae, Taeniidae, and Trichuridae. The age showed no significant statistical association with most of the parasitic families, except for the Strongyloididae family. The breeds showed a correlation with the Trichostrongylidae, Eimeriidae, Strongylidae, Chabertiidae, and Taeniidae families. The results show the high prevalence of GIP (gastrointestinal parasites) in cattle of the central province of the department of Boyacá.Las enfermedades parasitarias son consideradas como una de las patologías más prevalentes alrededor del mundo. Se caracterizan por ser uno de los problemas sanitarios de mayor importancia en los bovinos, causando una disminución en la capacidad productiva de los animales parasitados, lo cual se traduce en pérdidas económicas. El parasitismo gastrointestinal en bovinos es causado por protozoos y helmintos, y generalmente su presentación es multietiológica. Los signos clínicos en el parasitismo gastrointestinal pueden variar dependiendo de la carga parasitaria, la especie parasitaria  y la inmunidad del huésped. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la prevalencia de las principales familias parasitarias que afectan a los bovinos de la provincia central del departamento de Boyacá. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal con muestreo aleatorio simple, en el cual se tomaron 716 muestras de materia fecal que fueron procesadas mediante la técnica de Ritchie modificada. Se determinó una prevalencia general de 95,6 %, en donde las familias más prevalentes fueron Trichostrongylidae, Eimeriidae, Taeniidae y Trichuridae. La edad no presentó asociación estadística significativa con la mayoría de las familias parasitarias, a excepción de la familia Strongyloididae. La raza mostró asociación con las familias Trichostrongylidae, Eimeriidae, Strongylidae, Chabertiidae y Taeniidae. Los resultados muestran una alta prevalencia de PGI (parásitos gastrointestinales) en la provincia central de Boyacá

Diagnóstico coproparasitológico de fascioliasis en ovinos y caprinos de Boavita, Boyacá (Colombia)

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica through coprological analysis and to identify risk factors associated with the presentation of the parasite in sheep and goats in the municipality of Boavita, Boyacá. The study was observational, descriptive, cross-sectional with simple random sampling. Faecal samples were taken from 297 sheep and 337 goats to identify parasite eggs. The general prevalence was 8.0% (51/634), being 9.1% for sheep and 7.1% for goats. The prevalence in sheep was higher in males (14.8%) than in females (8.5%), likewise, sheep less than one year old (9.3%) and Criolla (11.1%) presented the highest prevalence. In goats, the prevalence was higher in females (7.3%) than in males (5.6%), and those less than one year old (10.5%) and the Alpine breed (8%) presented the greater prevalence. No significant statistical association was found between females and males. The Creole breed was established as a risk factor for sheep.El objetivo del estudio fue establecer la prevalencia de Fasciola hepatica mediante análisis coprológico e identificar factores de riesgo asociados a la presentación del parásito en ovinos y caprinos del municipio de Boavita, Boyacá. El estudio fue observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal con muestreo aleatorio simple. Se tomaron muestras de materia fecal a 297 ovinos y 337 caprinos para identificar los huevos del parásito. La prevalencia general fue de 8.0% (51/634), siendo de 9.1% para ovejas y de 7.1% para cabras. La prevalencia en ovinos fue mayor en machos (14.8%) que en hembras (8.5%); asimismo, los ovinos menores a un año (9.3%) y de Criolla (11.1%) presentaron las prevalencias más altas. En las cabras, la prevalencia fue mayor en hembras (7.3%) que en machos (5.6%), y los menores a un año (10.5%) y de la raza Alpina (8%) presentaron las prevalencias más altas. No se encontró asociación estadística significativa entre hembras y machos. La raza Criolla se estableció como factor de riesgo para los ovinos

Adiposity indices in the prediction of insulin resistance in prepubertal Colombian children

248-255OBJECTIVE: To compare BMI with abdominal skinfold thickness (ASF), waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in the prediction of insulin resistance (IR) in prepubertal Colombian children. DESIGN: We calculated age- and sex-specific Z-scores for BMI, ASF, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and three other skinfold-thickness sites. Logistic regression with stepwise selection (P = 0·80 for entry and P = 0·05 for retention) was performed to identify predictors of IR and extreme IR, which were determined by age- and sex-specific Z-scores to identify the ≥ 90th and ≥ 95th percentile of homeostasis model assessment (HOMAIR), respectively. We used receiver operating characteristic curves to compare the area under the curve between models. SETTING: Bucaramanga, Colombia. SUBJECTS: Children (n 1261) aged 6-10 years in Tanner stage 1 from a population-based study. RESULTS: A total of 127 children (seventy girls and fifty-seven boys) were classified with IR, including sixty-three children (thirty-three girls and thirty boys) classified with extreme IR. Only ASF and BMI Z-scores were retained as predictors of IR by stepwise selection. Adding ASF Z-score to BMI Z-score improved the area under the curve from 0·794 (95 % CI 0·752, 0·837) to 0·811 (95 % CI 0·770, 0·851; P for contrast = 0·01). In predicting extreme IR, the addition of ASF Z-score to BMI Z-score improved the area under the curve from 0·837 (95 % CI 0·790, 0·884) to 0·864 (95 % CI 0·823, 0·905; P for contrast = 0·01). CONCLUSIONS: ASF Z-score predicted IR independent of BMI Z-score in our population of prepubertal children. ASF and BMI Z-scores together improved IR risk stratification compared with BMI Z-score alone, opening new perspectives in the prediction of cardiometabolic risk in prepubertal children

Achieved systolic blood pressure in older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: It remains unclear into which level the systolic blood pressure (SBP) should be lowered in order to provide the best cardiovascular protection among older people. Hypertension guidelines recommendation on attaining SBP levels 33,600 participants) were included. Compared with attaining SBP levels ≥140 mmHg, levels of 130 to <140 mmHg were not associated with lower risk of outcomes in the meta-analysis of RCTs, whereas there was an associated reduction of cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.88) and all-cause mortality (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.99) in the meta-analysis of post-hoc analyses or subanalyses of RCTs. Limited and conflicting data were available for the SBP levels of <130 mmHg and 140 to <150 mmHg. Conclusions: Among older people, there is suggestive evidence that achieving SBP levels of 130 to <140 mmHg is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Future trials are required to confirm these findings and to provide additional evidence regarding the <130 and 140 to <150 mmHg SBP levels

Double blind, randomized controlled trial, to evaluate the effectiveness of a controlled nitric oxide releasing patch versus meglumine antimoniate in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis [NCT00317629]

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a worldwide disease, endemic in 88 countries, that has shown an increasing incidence over the last two decades. So far, pentavalent antimony compounds have been considered the treatment of choice, with a percentage of cure of about 85%. However, the high efficacy of these drugs is counteracted by their many disadvantages and adverse events. Previous studies have shown nitric oxide to be a potential alternative treatment when administered topically with no serious adverse events. However, due to the unstable nitric oxide release, the topical donors needed to be applied frequently, making the adherence to the treatment difficult. The electrospinning technique has allowed the production of a multilayer transdermal patch that produces a continuous and stable nitric oxide release. The main objective of this study is to evaluate this novel nitric oxide topical donor for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS AND DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial, including 620 patients from endemic areas for Leishmaniasis in Colombia was designed to investigate whether this patch is as effective as meglumine antimoniate for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis but with less adverse events. Subjects with ulcers characteristic of cutaneous leishmaniasis will be medically evaluated and laboratory tests and parasitological confirmation performed. After checking the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. During 20 days Group 1 will receive simultaneously meglumine antimoniate and placebo of nitric oxide patches while Group 2 will receive placebo of meglumine antimoniate and active nitric oxide patches. During the treatment visits, the medications will be daily administered and the presence of adverse events assessed. During the follow-up, the research group will visit the patients at days 21, 45, 90 and 180. The healing process of the ulcer, the health of the participants, recidivisms and/or reinfection will also be assessed. The evolution of the ulcers will be photographically registered. In case that the effectiveness of the patches is demonstrated, a novel and safe therapeutic alternative for one of the most important public health problems in many countries will be available to patients