ASSOCIATION OF LEPTOSPIRA INFECTION AND REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS IN A LARGE SHEEP FARM IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF PERu

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la asociación entre la infección por Leptospira sp. y la presentación de problemas reproductivos en ovejas de dos localidades de una Sociedad Agrícola de Interés Social (SAIS), en Junín, durante la campaña reproductiva del 2003, a través de un estudio de Caso-Control. Se colectaron muestras de suero de ovejas entre 2 a 10 años de edad que abortaron o que no quedaron gestantes después de uno o dos empadres (grupo Caso: n = 220) y de borregas sin problemas reproductivos (grupo Control: n = 220) para determinar anticuerpos contra Leptospira, serovares pomona, hardjo, canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, grippotyphosa, wolffi, ballum y bratislava, mediante la técnica de microaglutinación. La frecuencia de Leptospira sp. fue de 24.8 ± 4.6%, correspondiendo al grupo Caso 28.6 ± 7.0% y al grupo Control 20.9 ± 5.9%. No se encontró asociación estadística entre las variables presencia de anticuerpos y problemas reproductivos mediante el análisis de Chi Cuadrado. Los serovares detectados con mayor frecuencia fueron ballum con 42.2% (46/109) seguido por icterohaemorrhagiae con 31.2% (34/109). Se detectó animales con anticuerpos contra más de un serovar de Leptospira.The association between leptospiral infection and reproductive problems in ewes from a large sheep enterprise in Junin, Peru, was evaluated in a Case-Control study during the breeding season of 2003. Serum samples from 2-10 year-old ewes with abortion or infertility problems (Case group, n = 220) and from ewes without reproductive problems (Control group, n = 220) were collected for the detection of antibodies against Leptospira serovar: pomona, hardjo, canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, grippotyphosa, wolffi, ballum and bratislava by the microscopic agglutination test. The prevalence of Leptospira sp. was 24.8 ± 4.6%, corresponding 28.6 ± 7.0% to the Case group and 20.9 ± 5.9% to the Control group. No statistic association between leptospiral antibodies and reproductive problems was found by the Chi Square test. The highest serological prevalence (42.2%) was recorded for serovar ballum followed by icterohaemorrhagiae (31.2%). Animals with antibodies to more than one serovar of Leptospira were detected

Examining national and district-level trends in neonatal health in Peru through an equity lens:A success story driven by political will and societal advocacy

Abstract Background Peru has impressively reduced its neonatal mortality rate (NMR). We aimed, for the period 2000–2013, to: (a) describe national and district NMR variations over time; (b) assess NMR trends by wealth quintile and place of residence; (c) describe evolution of mortality causes; (d) assess completeness of registered mortality; (e) assess coverage and equity of NMR-related interventions; and (f) explore underlying driving factors. Methods We compared national NMR time trends from different sources. To describe NMR trends by wealth quintiles, place of residence and districts, we pooled data on births and deaths by calendar year for neonates born to women interviewed in multiple surveys. We disaggregated coverage of NMR-related interventions by wealth quintiles and place of residence. To identify success factors, we ran regression analyses and combined desk reviews with qualitative interviews and group discussions. Results NMR fell by 51 % from 2000 to 2013, second only to Brazil in Latin America. Reduction was higher in rural and poorest segments (52 and 58 %). District NMR change varied by source. Regarding cause-specific NMRs, prematurity decreased from 7.0 to 3.2 per 1,000 live births, intra-partum related events from 2.9 to 1.2, congenital abnormalities from 2.4 to 1.8, sepsis from 1.9 to 0.8, pneumonia from 0.9 to 0.4, and other conditions from 1.2 to 0.7. Under-registration of neonatal deaths decreased recently, more in districts with higher development index and lower rural population. Coverage of family planning, antenatal care and skilled birth attendance increased more in rural areas and in the poorest quintile. Regressions did not show consistent associations between mortality and predictors. During the study period social determinants improved substantially, and dramatic out-of-health-sector and health-sector changes occurred. Rural areas and the poorest quintile experienced greater NMR reduction. This progress was driven, within a context of economic growth and poverty reduction, by a combination of strong societal advocacy and political will, which translated into pro-poor implementation of evidence-based interventions with a rights-based approach. Conclusions Although progress in Peru for reducing NMR has been remarkable, future challenges include closing remaining gaps for urban and rural populations and improving newborn health with qualified staff and intermediate- and intensive-level health facilities

PREVALENCE OF BOVINE LEPTOSPIROSIS AT TWO LOCALITIES IN PUNO DURING THE DRY SEASON AND DETERMINATION OF RISK FACTORS

La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica causada por una espiroqueta del género Leptospira, de distribución mundial que tiene gran impacto económico por las importantes pérdidas que ocasiona en la ganadería, sobre todo en la reproducción y la producción láctea, ya que tiene potencial abortivo y es causante de mortalidad neonatal, además de disminuir o anular la producción de leche. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de leptospirosis en bovinos en dos predios del departamento de Puno, Perú (Estación Experimental de ILLPA- INIA y Ganadería Cárdenas en la localidad de Mañazo), y su asociación con la época del año y las edad. Se recolectaron 116 muestras de sangre del total de animales de ambos predios, en la época seca. Los sueros se evaluaron mediante la Prueba de Aglutinación Microscópica (MAT) para la detección de anticuerpos, empleándose una batería de cuatro serovares (canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona y hardjo). Se obtuvo una prevalencia total de 2.6%, del cual 1.3% correspondió a animales de ILLPA-INIA y 5.3% a los animales de Mañazo. El serovar icterohaemorrhagiae fue el único prevalente con un nivel de anticuerpos de 1:200. Estos resultados sugieren una prevalencia baja de Leptospira sp en la época de seca en la zona estudiada.Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a spirochet of the genus Leptospira. It is aworld-wide zoonotic disease with a great economic impact because of the importantlosses that causes to livestock farmers, especially in terms of reproduction performanceand milk yield loses. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence ofleptospirosis in bovines in two farms in the department of Puno, Peru: the ILLPA-INIAExperimental Station and Cardenas farm at Mañazo and its association with season andage. One hundred and sixteen serum samples collected during the dry season wereevaluated. Blood samples were collected to all animals in both farms. The MicroscopicAgglutination Test (MAT) was used for the detection of antibodies through a set of fourserovars (canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona, and hardjo). The total prevalencewas 2.6% while 1.3% corresponded to animals at ILLPA-INIA and 5.3% to animals atMañazo. The icterohaemorrhagiae was the only prevalent serovar and the level ofantibodies was 1:200. The results suggested a low prevalence of Leptospira sp. in thedry season in the area of study

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ROTAVIRUS AND THE PRESENCE OF DIARRHEA IN PIGLETS FROM INTENSIVE PIG FARMS

El objetivo del estudio fue cuantificar la frecuencia del rotavirus y su asociación con la presentación de diarrea en lechones de dos granjas tecnificadas en la zona de Lima. El rotavirus fue identificado mediante la detección del genoma viral por electroforesis en gel de poliacrilamida (PAGE) en muestras de heces diarreicas (n=69) y no diarreicas (n=73) de lechones de 1 a 4 semanas de edad. Se empleó el diseño epidemiológico caso-control no pareado para establecer la asociación entre presentación de diarrea y presencia de rotavirus en heces, a través de una prueba de regresión logística múltiple (tipo de heces, procedencia, edad). La frecuencia de rotavirus porcino grupo A en heces diarreicas de la granja 1 fue de 41.4% (12/29) y en la granja 2 de 16.6% (4/24), y en heces no diarreicas se detectó una muestra positiva en cada granja. La presencia de rotavirus porcino versus la ocurrencia de diarrea, ajustada a potenciales variables confundentes (edad y procedencia) presentó un Odds Ratio de 12.6 con un IC del 95% entre 2.7 y 59.3%, indicando que la presencia de rotavirus porcino representa un factor de riesgo para la ocurrencia de diarrea en lechones neonatos de granjas tecnificadas de la zona de Lima. Adicionalmente, se hallaron dos segmentos de ARN pertenecientes al genoma del Picobirnavirus porcino.The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of rotavirus and itsassociation with the occurrence of diarrhea in piglets reared in two intensive pig farms inLima valley, Peru. The presence of rotavirus was determined by the identification of theviral genome using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in diarrheic (n=69) and non-diarrheic (n=73) fecal samples from 1 to 4 week-old piglets. The case-controlepidemiological design was used to establish the association between the occurrence ofdiarrhea and the presence of rotavirus in feces, using a multiple logistic regression (typeof feces, age, and origin). The frequency of porcine rotavirus group A in diarrheic stoolsamples from pig farm 1 was 41.4% (12/29) and from pig farm 2 was 16.6% (4/24), and onepositive was found in non diarrheic stool from each pig farm. The presence of porcinerotavirus versus occurrence of diarrhea, adjusted to potential confusing variables (ageand origin) resulted in an Odds Ratio of 12.6 with a confidence interval between 2.7 and59.3%. Additionally, two segments of RNA from the genome of porcine Picobirnaviruswere found. It is concluded that the presence of porcine rotavirus represents a risk factorfor the presentation of diarrhea in newborn piglets from intensive pig farms in Lima

Caracterización litogeoquímica de los batolitos de Las Lomas y Noque en el departamento de Piura y su comparación con los batolitos de la Cordillera Blanca y Challaviento

[ESP] Las variedades litológicas predominantes de los dos batolitos son tonalita y granodiorita, provenientes de magmas félsicos. La relación SiO2 vs. Sm/Yb permite determinar que ambos son de la misma edad. Las rocas son de naturaleza subalcalina de las series calcoalcalinas de medio y alto potasio, con un carácter metaluminoso. Los diagramas de discriminación tectonomagmática indican que son granitos de arco volcánico. Los elementos traza y tierras raras también muestran características típicas de rocas asociadas a subducción. La profundidad de la fuente magmática es menor de 20 km y la ausencia de granate indica que no hay contaminación mantélica. Ambos provienen de magmas húmedos, el batolito Las Lomas es del tipo “I” y de la serie de la magnetita, asociado a elementos calcófilos y a la mineralización de Cu-Mo, el batolito Noque del tipo “S” y de la serie de la Ilmenita, asociado a elementos litófilos, y no cae en ningún campo de mineralización específica. Comparando a los batolitos, los del norte son calcoalcalinos de medio K, los del centro y sur son calcoalcalinos de alto K, presencia de granate en el centro y sur, y todos los granitoides son de naturaleza de arco volcánico. Los batolitos del norte caen en el campo de los anorogénicos y los del centro y sur de los campos de tipo “I” y “S”. Los granitos del norte la profundidad de su fuente magmática alcanza menos de 20 km, la Cordillera Blanca 60 km y Challaviento 40 km. Las edades varían desde las más antiguas Las Lomas, Noque, Challaviento y la más joven la Cordillera Blanca coincidiendo con las dataciones radiométricas.[ENG] The predominant lithological varieties of the two Batholiths are tonalite, granodiorite from felsic magmas. The SiO2 vs. Sm / Yb to determine that both are of the same age. The rocks are nature of subalkaline and calc-alkaline series of medium and high potassium with metaluminous character. Tectonomagmatic diagrams indicate that they are of volcanic arc granites. Trace elements and rare earth rocks also they show typical features associated with subduction. The depth of the magma source is less than 20 km and the absence of garnet mantle indicate no contamination mantle. Both come from wet magmas, the batholith Las Lomas is of the type “I” and the of magnetite series, associated with chalcophile elements and Cu-Mo mineralization, the Batholith Noque type “S” and the ilmenite series associatedlithophile elements, and does not fall into any specific field of mineralization. Comparing the batholith, the North are medium-K, calc-alkaline, the center and south are high-K calc-alkaline, the presence of garnet in the center and south, and all are nature of volcanic arc granitoids. North Batholiths fall into the field of anorogenic and the central and southern batholiths of type “I” and “S”. North granites depth of its source magma reaches less than 20 kilometers, the Cordillera Blanca Challaviento 60 Km and 40Km. The ages range from the oldest Las Lomas, Noque, Challaviento and the younger the Cordillera Blanca coinciding with radiometric dating

Super Earth Explorer: A Coronagraphic Off-Axis Space Telescope

The Super-Earth Explorer is an Off-Axis Space Telescope (SEE-COAST) designed for high contrast imaging. Its scientific objective is to make the physico-chemical characterization of exoplanets possibly down to 2 Earth radii >. For that purpose it will analyze the spectral and polarimetric properties of the parent starlight reflected by the planets, in the wavelength range 400-1250 nmComment: Accepted in Experimental Astronom

Limits on additional planetary companions to OGLE-2005-BLG-390L

We investigate constraints on additional planets orbiting the distant M-dwarf star OGLE-2005-BLG-390L, around which photometric microlensing data has revealed the existence of the sub-Neptune-mass planet OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb. We specifically aim to study potential Jovian companions and compare our findings with predictions from core-accretion and disc-instability models of planet formation. We also obtain an estimate of the detection probability for sub-Neptune mass planets similar to OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb using a simplified simulation of a microlensing experiment. We compute the efficiency of our photometric data for detecting additional planets around OGLE-2005-BLG-390L, as a function of the microlensing model parameters and convert it into a function of the orbital axis and planet mass by means of an adopted model of the Milky Way. We find that more than 50 % of potential planets with a mass in excess of 1 M_J between 1.1 and 2.3 AU around OGLE-2005-BLG-390L would have revealed their existence, whereas for gas giants above 3 M_J in orbits between 1.5 and 2.2 AU, the detection efficiency reaches 70 %; however, no such companion was observed. Our photometric microlensing data therefore do not contradict the existence of gas giant planets at any separation orbiting OGLE-2005-BLG-390L. Furthermore we find a detection probability for an OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb-like planet of around 2-5 %. In agreement with current planet formation theories, this quantitatively supports the prediction that sub-Neptune mass planets are common around low-mass stars.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, accepted by A&

Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Dogs with Mammary Tumors: Short and Long Fragments and Integrity Index

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been considered an interesting diagnostic/prognostic plasma biomarker in tumor-bearing subjects. In cancer patients, cfDNA can hypothetically derive from tumor necrosis/apoptosis, lysed circulating cells, and some yet unrevealed mechanisms of active release. This study aimed to preliminarily analyze cfDNA in dogs with canine mammary tumors (CMTs). Forty-four neoplastic, 17 non-neoplastic disease-bearing, and 15 healthy dogs were recruited. Necrosis and apoptosis were also assessed as potential source of cfDNA on 78 CMTs diagnosed from the 44 dogs. The cfDNA fragments and integrity index significantly differentiated neoplastic versus non-neoplastic dogs (P<0.05), and allowed the distinction between benign and malignant lesions (P<0.05). Even if without statistical significance, the amount of cfDNA was also affected by tumor necrosis and correlated with tumor size and apoptotic markers expression. A significant (P<0.01) increase of Bcl-2 in malignant tumors was observed, and in metastatic CMTs the evasion of apoptosis was also suggested. This study, therefore, provides evidence that cfDNA could be a diagnostic marker in dogs carrying mammary nodules suggesting that its potential application in early diagnostic procedures should be further investigated

Understanding drivers of domestic public expenditure on reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health in Peru at district level:an ecological study

Background Peru has increased substantially its domestic public expenditure in maternal and child health. Peruvian departments are heterogeneous in contextual and geographic factors, underlining the importance of disaggregated expenditure analysis up to the district level. We aimed to assess possible district level factors influencing public expenditure on reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health (RMNCH) in Peru. Methods We performed an ecological study in 24 departments, with specific RMNCH expenditure indicators as outcomes, and covariates of different hierarchical dimensions as predictors. To account for the influence of variables included in the different dimensions over time and across departments, we chose a stepwise multilevel mixed-effects regression model, with department-year as the unit of analysis. Results Public expenditure increased in all departments, particularly for maternal-neonatal and child health activities, with a different pace across departments. The multilevel analysis did not reveal consistently influential factors, except for previous year expenditure on reproductive and maternal-neonatal health. Our findings may be explained by a combination of inertial expenditure, a results-based budgeting approach to increase expenditure efficiency and effectiveness, and by a mixed-effects decentralization process. Sample size, interactions and collinearity cannot be ruled out completely. Conclusions Public district-level RMNCH expenditure has increased remarkably in Peru. Evidence on underlying factors influencing such trends warrants further research, most likely through a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches