Isoenzymatic characterization of Phlebotomus ariasi and P. perniciosus of canine leishmaniasis foci from Eastern Pyrenean regions and comparison with other populations from Europe.

An entomological survey was carried out in 2007 in two Pyrenean counties of Lleida province (northeastern Spain), where cases of autochthonous canine leishmaniasis have been recently reported. Phlebotomus ariasi and P. perniciosus, vectors of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean area, were captured. The aim of the present study was to compare these phlebotomine populations with others captured in known leishmaniasis foci in Europe. Populations of these species were studied by analysing the polymorphism of seven enzymatic systems (HK, PGI, PGM, MDH, 6PGD, FUM and ACO) and compared with other specimens from endemic regions of France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain captured in other campaigns, and also with previously published results. Phlebotomus ariasi was more polymorphic than P. perniciosus. Only the ACO locus had diagnostic alleles, but some other alleles show high characteristic frequencies for each species. The neighbourjoining trees separated two population groups in both species. On the basis of the isoenzyme study results, sand fly populations of the Pyrenean region in Lleida province are closely related to those of other nearby leishmaniasis endemic regions in France and Spain

Is leishmaniosis spreading to northern areas of the Iberian Peninsula? The examples of Lleida (NE Spain) and Andorra

Podeu consultar el llibre complet a: http://hdl.handle.net/2445/46988The entomological and canine leishmaniosis surveys carried out in the northwest of Catalonia and in Andorra in the context of the European project Emerging Diseases in a changing European eNvironment (EDEN) are summarized. The aim of the study was to obtain data on the presence of leishmaniosis in these areas and the spatial distribution of their vectors

Introducing automation to the molecular diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection: A comparative study of sample treatments, DNA extraction methods and real-time PCR assays

Background Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become a useful tool for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The development of automated DNA extraction methodologies and PCR systems is an important step toward the standardization of protocols in routine diagnosis. To date, there are only two commercially available Real-Time PCR assays for the routine laboratory detection of T. cruzi DNA in clinical samples: TCRUZIDNA.CE (Diagnostic Bioprobes Srl) and RealCycler CHAG (Progenie Molecular). Our aim was to evaluate the RealCycler CHAG assay taking into account the whole process. Methodology/Principal findings We assessed the usefulness of an automated DNA extraction system based on magnetic particles (EZ1 Virus Mini Kit v2.0, Qiagen) combined with a commercially available Real-Time PCR assay targeting satellite DNA (SatDNA) of T. cruzi (RealCycler CHAG), a methodology used for routine diagnosis in our hospital. It was compared with a well-known strategy combining a commercial DNA isolation kit based on silica columns (High Pure PCR Template Preparation Kit, Roche Diagnostics) with an in-house Real-Time PCR targeting SatDNA. The results of the two methodologies were in almost perfect agreement, indicating they can be used interchangeably. However, when variations in protocol factors were applied (sample treatment, extraction method and Real-Time PCR), the results were less convincing. A comprehensive fine-tuning of the whole procedure is the key to successful results. Guanidine EDTA-blood (GEB) samples are not suitable for DNA extraction based on magnetic particles due to inhibition, at least when samples are not processed immediately. Conclusions/Significance This is the first study to evaluate the RealCycler CHAG assay taking into account the overall process, including three variables (sample treatment, extraction method and Real-Time PCR). Our findings may contribute to the harmonization of protocols between laboratories and to a wider application of Real-Time PCR in molecular diagnostic laboratories associated with health centers.Fil: Abras, Alba. Universidad de Barcelona; España. Universidad de Girona; España. Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Ballart, Cristina. Universidad de Barcelona; España. Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Llovet, Teresa. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; España. Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau; EspañaFil: Roig, Carme. Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau; EspañaFil: Gutiérrez, Cristina. Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau; EspañaFil: Tebar, Silvia. Universidad de Barcelona; España. Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Berenguer, Pere. Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau; EspañaFil: Pinazo, María-Jesús. Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Posada, Elizabeth. Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Gascón, Joaquim. Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Schijman, Alejandro Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; ArgentinaFil: Gállego, Montserrat. Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona; España. Universidad de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Muñoz, Carmen. Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau; España. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Españ

Factors influencing the presence of sand flies in Majorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) with special reference to Phlebotomus pernicious, vector of Leishmania infantum

Background: Although the Mediterranean island of Majorca is an endemic area of leishmaniosis, there is a lack of up-to-date data on its sand fly fauna, the last report dating from 1989. The aim of the present study was to provide information on the current sand fly distribution, the potential environmental factors favoring the presence of Phlebotomus perniciosus and which areas are at risk of leishmaniosis. Methods: In July 2008 sand fly captures were carried out in Majorca with sticky castor oil interception traps. The capture stations were distributed in 77 grids (5x5 km2) covering the entire island. A total of 1,882 sticky traps were set among 111 stations. The characteristics of the stations were recorded and maps were designed using ArcGIS 9.2 software. The statistical analysis was carried out using a bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model. Results: The sand fly fauna of Majorca is composed of 4 species: Phlebotomus perniciosus, P sergenti, P. papatasi and Sergentomyia minuta. P. perniciosus, responsible for Leishmania infantum transmission, was captured throughout the island (frequency 69.4 %), from 6 to 772 m above sea level. Through logistic regression we estimated the probability of P. perniciosus presence at each sampling site as a function of environmental and meteorological factors. Although in the initial univariate analyses the probability of P. perniciosus presence appeared to be associated with a wide variety of factors, in the multivariate logistic regression model only altitude, settlement, aspect, drainage hole construction, adjacent flora and the proximity of a sheep farm were retained as positive predictors of the distribution of this species. Conclusions: P. perniciosus was present throughout the island, and thereby the risk of leishmaniosis transmission. The probability of finding P. perniciosus was higher at altitudes ranging from 51 to 150 m.a.s.l., with adjacent garrigue shrub vegetation, at the edge of or between settlements, and in proximity to a sheep farm

Predicting the distribution of canine leishmaniasis in western Europe based on environmental variables.

The domestic dog is the reservoir host of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis endemic in Mediterranean Europe. Targeted control requires predictive risk maps of canine leishmaniasis (CanL), which are now explored. We databased 2187 published and unpublished surveys of CanL in southern Europe. A total of 947 western surveys met inclusion criteria for analysis, including serological identification of infection (504, 369 dogs tested 1971-2006). Seroprevalence was 23 2% overall (median 10%). Logistic regression models within a GIS framework identified the main environmental predictors of CanL seroprevalence in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy, or in France alone. A 10-fold cross-validation approach determined model capacity to predict point-values of seroprevalence and the correct seroprevalence class (20%). Both the four-country and France-only models performed reasonably well for predicting correctly the 20% seroprevalence classes (AUC >0 70). However, the France-only model performed much better for France than the four-country model. The four-country model adequately predicted regions of CanL emergence in northern Italy (<5% seroprevalence). Both models poorly predicted intermediate point seroprevalences (5-20%) within regional foci, because surveys were biased towards known rural foci and Mediterranean bioclimates. Our recommendations for standardizing surveys would permit higher-resolution risk mapping

Estudio de la respuesta dinámica de estructuras sumergidas en un fluido

Este proyecto se ha realizado con el objetivo de estudiar y comparar la respuesta dinámica cuando se sumerge cierta estructura en un fluido de alta densidad. Por una parte, se ha calculado la respuesta de la estructura en aire, caso que se ha considerado como vacío, y en agua. Por otra parte, la estructura completa correspondiente a un conjunto formado por un eje acoplado a un disco se ha descompuesto en sus dos estructuras más simples, para estudiarlas por separado y luego acopladas, para así poder analizar la influencia que estas tienen sobre el conjunto. El estudio se ha centrado en la obtención de diferentes propiedades modales, concretamente las frecuencias naturales y los modos de vibración. La metodología escogida para realizar este trabajo ha sido mediante la simulación numérica computacional con el software ANSYS mediante el método de los elementos finitos, donde primeramente se ha realizado un análisis de la sensibilidad del mallado para poder asegurar la precisión del modelo. Se han realizado dos tipos de cálculos: el análisis modal estructural, en el cual las estructuras se modelan como si estuvieran en el vacío; y el análisis modal acústico, en el que se las estructuras se modelan rodeadas de elementos acústicos que simulan que están sumergidas en agua. Una vez calculados los modos de vibración en las diferentes condiciones, se han comparado los resultados entre ellos mediante el ratio de reducción de la frecuencia para poder sacar conclusiones de la interacción fluido estructura y la masa agregada. También, se han analizado los efectos del acoplamiento entre eje y disco, incluyendo la influencia que tiene en los parámetros modales soportar el eje en diferentes posiciones donde se deberían instalar rodamientos para poner el sistema en rotación. Los resultados obtenidos han sido representativos de los efectos esperados al principio del proyecto. Por una parte, se ha observado que las frecuencias naturales son menores si se sumerge en agua la estructura. Esto es debido al efecto de la masa agregada que debe ser desplazada cuando el fluido que rodea a la estructura no es aire y tiene una elevada densidad. También, se ha observado que este efecto no afecta de la misma manera a los diferentes componentes de la estructura debido a la geometría particular de cada parte. Por último, se ha observado que también existe una cierta diferencia en las frecuencias y modos de vibración según si se analiza la estructura acoplada o si se analizan sus partes por separado

Conocer la vivencia de las maestras de primaria ante el duelo de un niño, en un colegio de entorno rural del Maresme

Objective: Explore the teachers’ experience with a grieving child, identify their emotions in the face of death, learn about the difficulties in talking to children about death, and identify helpful strategies.Method: Qualitative study of interpretative phenomenological design through a focus group of 9 participants, all of them teachers from a rural primary school in the Maresme region.Results: The teachers report fear of the child’s reactions, not knowing how to act and how to face death at school. They feel helpless and transmit avoidance behaviors.They live as an obstacle not knowing the information that the family has given to the suffering child, the taboo of death, the difficulty that results from not having done a previous personal work on death and the interpersonal plurality in relation to death.Conclusions: The results show the need to implement training programs to increase knowledge in coping strategies in the face of death by teachers.Objetivo: Explorar la vivencia de las maestras ante un niño doliente, identificar sus emociones ante la muerte, conocer las dificultades para hablar con los niños sobre la muerte e identificar estrategias de ayuda.Método: Estudio cualitativo de diseño fenomenológico interpretativo mediante grupo focal de 9 participantes, todas ellas maestras de una Escuela rural de primaria de la comarca del Maresme.Resultado: Las maestras refieren miedo las reacciones del niño, a no saber cómo actuar y cómo afrontar la muerte en la escuela. Sienten impotencia y transmiten conductas de evitación.Viven como un obstáculo no conocer la información que ha dado la familia al niño doliente, el tabú de la muerte, la dificultad que resulta de no haber hecho un trabajo previo personal sobre la muerte y la pluralidad interpersonal en relación a la muerte.Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran la necesidad de implementar programas formativos para aumentar los conocimientos en estrategias de afrontamiento ante la muerte por parte de las maestras

Conocer el impacto emocional de los padres ante la notificación del ingreso de su hijo en una unidad de cuidados paliativos pediátricos

Objective: This study intends to know the emotional impact and explore the experience experienced by parents when notified of their child’s admission to a PPCU. Also, detect which strategies used by professionals helped them and which ones did not.Method: Qualitative study of interpretative phenomenological design. 10 pro-genitors of children admitted to the PPCU of Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barce-lona, aged: 41-52 years old.Results: 4 main themes emerged: impact; lack of information; space and time to integrate the news; knowledge of the team / therapeutic alliances, the impact being the most recurrent.Conclusions: Having information about PPCU, the adequate space and time to assimilate the news, establish a relationship of trust and the possibility of an early intervention were shown as key elements to reduce the emotional impact. This study could become a valid tool to create training programs for professionals involved in the process and improve the quality of care in the future.Objetivo: Conocer el impacto emocional y explorar la vivencia de los padres ante la notificación del ingreso de su hijo en una unidad de cuidados paliativos pediátricos. Asimismo, se pretende identificar qué estrategias usadas por los profesio¬nales les fueron útiles, y cuáles no. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo de diseño fenomenológico interpretativo. Participaron 10 progenitores de niños ingresados en UCPP de un Hospital pediátrico público de la ciudad de Barcelona. El rango de edad de los participantes fue de 41 a 52 años. Resultados: Emergieron cuatro temas: impacto; falta de información; espacio y tiempo para integrar la noticia; conocimiento del equipo/alianzas terapéuticas, siendo el impacto el más recurrente. Conclusiones: Tener información sobre UCPP, un espacio adecuado y tiempo para asimilar la noticia, establecer una relación de confianza y una intervención temprana emergieron como elementos clave para disminuir el impacto emocional. Este estudio podría ser una herramienta válida para crear programas de formación destinados a los profesionales, mejorando la calidad de atención en un futuro

Genetic Diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi in the United States of America : The Least Endemic Country for Chagas Disease

Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and endemic in Latin America, has become an emergent health problem in non-endemic countries due to human migration. The United States (US) is the non-Latin American country with the highest CD burden and cannot be considered as non-endemic, since triatomine vectors and reservoir animals have been found. Populations of T. cruzi are divided into genetic subdivisions, which are known as discrete typing units (DTUs): TcI to TcVI and TcBat. Autochthonous human T. cruzi infection in the US is sporadic, but it may change due to environmental factors affecting the geographic distribution of triatomines. We aimed to perform a literature review of the genetic diversity of T. cruzi in triatomine vectors and mammalian hosts, including human cases, in the US. The 34 analyzed studies revealed the presence of T. cruzi in 18 states, which was mainly concentrated in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. TcI and TcIV were the principal DTUs identified, being TcI the most genotyped (42.4%; 917/2164). This study represents a first attempt to compile the molecular epidemiology of T. cruzi in the US, which is fundamental for predicting the progression of the infection in the country and could be of great help in its future management