Monitoring and modeling of household air quality related to use of different Cookfuels in Paraguay

In Paraguay, 49% of the population depends on biomass (wood and charcoal) for cooking. Residential biomass burning is a major source of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5 ) and carbon monoxide (CO) in and around the household environment. In July 2016, cross-sectional household air pollution sampling was conducted in 80 households in rural Paraguay. Time-integrated samples (24 hours) of PM_2.5 and continuous CO concentrations were measured in kitchens that used wood, charcoal, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or electricity to cook. Qualitative and quantitative household-level variables were captured using questionnaires. The average PM_2.5 concentration (μg/m³ ) was higher in kitchens that burned wood (741.7 ± 546.4) and charcoal (107.0 ± 68.6) than in kitchens where LPG (52.3 ± 18.9) or electricity (52.0 ± 14.8) was used. Likewise, the average CO concentration (ppm) was higher in kitchens that used wood (19.4 ± 12.6) and charcoal (7.6 ± 6.5) than in those that used LPG (0.5 ± 0.6) or electricity (0.4 ± 0.6). Multivariable linear regression was conducted to generate predictive models for indoor PM_2.5 and CO concentrations (predicted R²  = 0.837 and 0.822, respectively). This study provides baseline indoor air quality data for Paraguay and presents a multivariate statistical approach that could be used in future research and intervention programs.

Afecciones respiratorias por el uso de leña y carbón en comunidades de Paraguay

Introducción: El uso de combustibles sólidos está asociado con más de 4 millones de muertes prematuras anuales en el mundo, especialmente de mujeres y niños. El uso del carbón y la leña son todavía muy prevalentes en Paraguay donde el 21% de la población urbana y 71% de la población rural utilizan estos combustibles para cocinar.   Objetivo: describir el uso de energía en los hogares de dos comunidades en Paraguay, una semi urbana y una rural.   Metodología: Se trata de un estudio de tipo descriptivo y de corte transverso que se realizó por medio de una encuesta en 250 casas seleccionadas aleatoriamente.   Resultados: El análisis de los datos obtenidos muestra que más del 74% de los hogares usan carbón vegetal, ya sea como combustible principal o secundario, el gas licuado del petróleo (GLP) es más usado en la comunidad semiurbana (59% > 43%) y la leña es más usada en la comunidad rural (49.6% >22.8%). El uso de leña implica un mayor tiempo destinado a la recolección, acondicionamiento y cocinado de alimentos. El uso de leña y carbón se hace predominantemente al aire libre (84% de los hogares) en cocinas sin chimenea. Se encontró una mayor prevalencia de enfermedades respiratorias en los hogares que utilizan carbón o leña (45%> 29%). El uso de electricidad para cocinar no es muy prevalente (únicamente el 7% lo usa como combustible principal).   Conclusión: El uso de carbón y leña en los hogares del Paraguay es alto lo que tiene repercusiones en la salud y favorece las condiciones de inequidad social en el país. Se considera que una buena alternativa al uso de biomasa en Paraguay sería la electricidad, debido a que cuenta con grandes recursos hidroeléctricos y la red eléctrica cubre a casi la totalidad de la población (99%).   Conflicto de interés: Los autores declaran no poseer conflicto de interés. Recibido: 12/04/2018. Aceptado: 26/04/2018

Documentation of subtype C HIV Type 1 strains in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay

HIV subtypes B, F, and BF recombinants have been previously reported in South America. This report describes the presence of HIV-1 subtype C infection in the countries of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay dating back to at least 1999. Surveillance for uncommon non-B/non-F subtype viruses circulating in South America has been conducted in samples obtained from nine countries. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), dried filter paper (FP), and fresh blood (FB) samples were collected from HIV-positive patients from Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. From a total of 2962 HIV seropositive samples examined during a 9-year period (1995-2003), only 11 (0.4%) were found to be infected with non-B/non-F HIV variants. Eight of these 11 strains were determined to be subtype C by heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA). Five of these 8 strains were further characterized by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the protease (Pro) and reverse transcriptase (RT) region of the genome and two were sequenced full length. One of the strains was found to be a unique BC recombinant. The spread of a third subtype of HIV, subtype C, should raise the question of its potential future role in the HIV epidemic in this region.

Indolent systemic mast cell disease: immunophenotypic characterization of bone marrow mast cells by flow cytometry

BACKGROUND

Mast cell disease has a low prevalence and is difficult to diagnose in the absence of the characteristic skin lesions that usually accompany the condition. Extracutaneous involvement is not easy to assess. There are reports in the recent literature on the use of tryptase as a reliable immunohistochemical marker as well as on the study of the immunophenotype of bone marrow mast cells. The latter is of great help for the diagnosis of systemic involvement as, after the skin, the bone marrow is the organ most commonly affected by the disease.

OBJECTIVE

We describe two cases of indolent systemic mast cell disease (SMCD) where flow cytometry was used to identify immunophenotypical characteristics of bone marrow mast cells. Recent advances in the application of this technique prove it can be a good diagnostic tool for assessing systemic involvement of the disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two adult subjects with indolent SMCD had multiple clinical symptoms. Cutaneous lesions were the clue to the diagnosis but, subsequently, in the presence of disturbing symptoms, involvement of other organ systems was confirmed. In both cases, the authors used flow cytometry techniques, as described by Escribano et al. (1998) to define the immunophenotype of bone marrow mast cells.

RESULTS

Both patients were diagnosed with indolent SMCD with cutaneous and bone marrow involvement. Also, they presented visible clues to the presumptive bone, cardiovascular and nervous system involvement. Gastrointestinal manifestations were documented in one case.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of flow cytometry on bone marrow samples from patients with mastocytosis reveals immunophenotypic differences that can serve to allow classification of these subjects in the category of indolent SMCD even though involvement of another organ system may not be thoroughly confirmed.

Longitudinal study of periodontal condition in students of the Dental School the University of Buenos Aires Argentina

The aim of the present study was to describe, clinically and radiographically, the gingivoperiodontal condition of students (young adults) entering the Dental School and reassess it 2 years later. Four hundred and seventy-five students, 147 male and 328 female (mean: 19.66 years) were studied (Initial examination: IE); two years later, 240 students 76 male and 164 female were reevaluated (Final examination: FE). The clinical examination include Plaque Index (P1I), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), and Attachment Level (AL). Alveolar bone level was measured on bite wing radiographs. At the IE, 46.5% of the sites had no visual signs of inflammation and 65.3% did not bleed on probing, however 91% of the students had at least one site with BOP. (Prevalence). Of the total sites probed 99.47% had crevices between 1 to 4 mm. 92% had AL between 0 to 1 mm. And only 7.9% had AL > 1 mm. 49.6% of the students had at least one site with AL > 1 mm. Prevalence of alveolar bones loss > 2 mm. was 2.95% and in no case measurements exceeded 3 mm. Distal of teeth 16 and 36 showed the highest P1I, GI, PPD and AL, therefore these teeth showed the highest risk of pathology in the population studied. In the final examination 70.5% of the sites had GI 0 and 73% did not bleed on probing. 90.4% of the students had at least one site with BOP. No statistically significant difference in PPD nor in AL was found between IE and FE. In this population of young adults prevalence of gingivitis was high but severity was low. Prevalence of loss of attachment was near 50% but only 7.9% of the sites had AL > 1 mm. After studying dentistry for two years the prevalence of gingivitis was similar but the severity was lower. Periodontal condition was not substantially modified.

Early effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 in activated human T lymphocytes

This study evaluates the effects of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 receptor (IGF-1R) down-regulation in stimulated T lymphocytes by investigating the expression of early activation proteins CD69, CD25, and interleukin (IL)-2. We found that IGF-1 does not modify CD69 expression but increases transcription and protein synthesis of CD25 and IL-2. The lowest level of IGF-1R detected after 15 min of activation suggested that the effects of IGF-1 occur at the initiation of cell activation. The activation of IGF-1R was confirmed by IGF-1R phosphorylation and increased phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein kinase. We also detected the alternative IGF-1 transcripts Ea, with paracrine/autocrine regulation, and Eb, with endocrine regulation, in Jurkat cells and in quiescent T lymphocytes, and we detected IGF-1 protein in the culture medium after stimulation. These data suggest that the proliferative effects of IGF-1 on T lymphocytes include both autocrine/paracrine and endocrine processes.

Flow cytometric analysis of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in a model of immunodeficiency in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

We have shown, in a rat model of immunodeficiency, permanent alterations in the thymus and in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues. We observed by immunohistochemistry an increase in the number of gamma/delta+ T cells in the gut lamina propria and in the number of CD8alpha/alpha+, CD25+, gamma/delta+ subpopulations of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIEL). The aim of the present study was to analyze the isolated rat iIEL by flow cytometry. Materials and Methods Cells from mesenteric lymph nodes were examined in parallel with isolated iIEL. After staining with different antibodies, samples were run on a FACScan flow cytometer. Background staining was evaluated using isotype controls. Data analysis was performed using Lysys II software (Becton Dickinson) and WinMDI 2.3 software.

RESULTS

1) CD8alpha/beta populations do not express TCRgamma/delta, 2) CD8alpha/alpha+ populations express TCRgamma/delta, and its percentage is significantly increased in R21, 3) CD8alpha/beta and CD8alpha/alpha iIEL express TCRalpha/beta, being the percentage of CD8alpha/alpha+ TCRalpha/beta+ iIEL increased and the percentage of CD8alpha/beta+ TCRalpha/beta+ iIEL decreased in R21, and 4) CD8alpha/alpha as well as CD8alpha/beta iIEL do express CD25 only in R21.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the above results, we conclude that there exists an "in situ" origin and extrathymic maturation of the CD8alpha/alpha+ iIEL in the intestinal epithelium. The increase of TCRgamma/delta+ T cells may be triggered by the carbohydrate dextrin, to provide immune protection and control of inflammation at the intestinal level.

Emerging genetic diversity of HIV-1 in South America

OBJECTIVE

Genotype determination and risk group analysis of HIV-1 infected individuals in selected regions of South America.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional convenience sampling of HIV-1-positive individuals in Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay and Paraguay from March, 1994 through September, 1998.

METHODS

HIV-1-positive subjects were identified through the national AIDS surveillance program in each country. A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain demographic, clinical and risk factor data on each study subject. Viral DNA was extracted from participants' peripheral blood mononuclear cells either directly or after co-cultivation. A nested PCR was used to obtain selected fragments of the envelope genes for genotyping by the heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA). A 600 bp sequence encompassing the V3 loop was sequenced from a selection of 23 of these samples for phylogenetic analysis and confirmation of HMA genotype.

RESULTS

Among the 257 successfully genotyped HIV-1-positive samples, genotype B was found in 98.3% (228/232) of those obtained from subjects in Peru, Ecuador, and Paraguay. In contrast, 56% (14/25) of the samples from Uruguay were genotype F, and the remainder were genotype B. Genotype F was detected for the first time in Peru (2/224) and Paraguay (1/4), and genotype A for the first time in Peru (1/224). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the genotype identified by HMA in the 23 samples sequenced. There was no detectable genetic clustering of HIV-1 within the different high-risk groups or geographic locations.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings verify and extend the presence of several different HIV-1 genotypes in South America.

Downregulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression in human T lymphocyte activation

Although it is known that IGF-1 increases T lymphocyte proliferation, the regulation of its receptor expression during the process has not been defined. Consequently the regulation of IGF-1R expression by IGF-1 and the activation events in human blood T lymphocytes and the Jurkat T cell line were now investigated. IGF-1R expression in nonstimulated Jurkat cells was confirmed and downregulation by IGF-1 was demonstrated. In addition, both cell types showed a time-dependent reduction in the number of IGF-1R-positive cells following activation, which was increased by IGF-1. In Jurkat cells the negative regulation of IGF-1R levels was correlated with the appearance and continuous increase in IL-2R. In T lymphocytes the decrease in IGF-1R expression was faster, reaching its plateau after 3 h of activation. Our findings suggest that loss of the IGF-1R is one of the initial events of the activation process not regulated by IL-2.

Antitumor activity of some ruthenium derivatives in human colon cancer cell lines in vitro

Six ruthenium derivatives were evaluated in vitro in two human colon cancer cell lines (SW707 and SW948) utilizing the microculture tetrazolium test (MTT) and cell counting with a Coulter Counter. The ruthenium compound sodium-(tetrachloroimidazoledimethylsulfoxideruthenate)- bisdimethylsulfoxide (Na(RuDMSOimCl4)) showed the best efficacy in inhibiting cell proliferation of both colon cancer cell lines followed by the other DMSO ruthenium compound sodium-(tetrachloroindazoledimethylsulfoxideruthenate) - bisdimethylsulfoxide (Na(RuDMSOIndCl4)), as demonstrated by IC50 values (80 and 90 micrograms/ml in SW707 and SW948 cell lines for Na(RuDMSOImCl4); 155 and 165 micrograms/ml in SW707 and SW948 cell lines for Na(RuDMSOIndCl4), respectively). Out of the ruthenium derivatives without DMSO, transindazolium - [tetrachlorobis(1H - indazole)ruthenate (III,N2)] (HInd[RuInd2Cl4(N2)]), was as active as its DMSO-containing congener whereas trans-imidazolium- [tetrachlorobisimidazoleruthenate)(III)], (HIm(RuIm2Cl4)) was less active, as shown by the IC50 values: (HIm (RuIm2Cl4) = 250 and 260 micrograms/ml in cell lines SW707 and SW948; HInd[RuInd2Cl4(N2)] = 110 and greater than 200 micrograms/ml in cell lines SW707 and SW948, respectively). The other ruthenium derivatives containing pyrazole and triazole as ligands (trans - pyrazolium (tetrachlorobispyrazoleruthenate) (III), PzH(RuPz2Cl4) and triazolium(tetrachlorobistriazoleruthenate) (III), TrH(RuTr2Cl4)) were active only at high concentrations that cannot be regarded as realistic in vivo, as shown by the respective IC50 values: (PzH(RuPz2Cl4) = 1056 and 750 micrograms/ml in cell lines SW707 and SW948; TrH(RuTr2Cl4) = 350 and 300 micrograms/ml in cell lines SW707 and SW948). The promising activity of ruthenium compounds with DMSO, indazole and imidazole as ligands should be evaluated in vivo for elucidating their possible role in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Activity of two platinum-linked phosphonic acids against autochthonous rat colorectal cancer as well as in two human colon-cancer cell lines

Two new platinum-containing phosphonate compounds, cis-diammine[nitrilotris(methylphosphonato)(2-)- O1,N1]platinum(II) (AMDP) and cis-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine[nitrilotris(methylphosphonato) (2-)-O1,N1]platinum(II) (DADP) were investigated in acetoxy-methyl-methylnitrosamine-induced autochthonous colorectal rat adenocarcinoma in vivo as well as in two human colon-cancer cell lines (SW707 and SW948) in vitro. In the in vivo model, the two compounds were given i.v. at doses of 8 and 13 mg/kg as well as p.o. at 16 and 26 mg/kg twice a week for 10 weeks, respectively. AMDP produced more intensive toxicity at both doses but showed higher antitumour activity only following i.v. administration. On the other hand, DADP caused significant tumour-growth inhibition after both modes of application, but as it produced only low toxicity, its use should be favoured. The in vitro assays were performed using two cell lines derived from human colorectal adenocarcinomas. According to the microculture tetrazolium test (MTT) AMDP (IC50, 34 and 59 microM in SW707 and SW948, respectively) was more effective than DADP (IC50, 412 and 660 microM in SW707 and SW948, respectively) in inhibiting cell growth. Based on cell counts AMDP (IC50, 8 and 11 microM in SW707 and SW948, respectively) and DADP (IC50, 266 and 285 microM in SW707 and SW948, respectively) showed more intensive antiproliferative efficacy as determined by the Coulter Counter method vs the MTT assay. The promising activities of these new platinum-linked phosphonic acids in autochthonous rat colorectal carcinoma and in human colorectal cancer cell lines warrant further investigations of compounds of this class to elucidate their role in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

[Excision of epididymal neoformations with microsurgical techniques. Notes on operating technique]

Following a broad review of the literature on the topic, the paper illustrates the technique of removing epididymal neoformations using a microscope which proves to be extremely useful not only during the delicate phase of isolating pathological formations, the majority of which are not more than 1.5 cm in diameter, but above all during the careful process of reconstructing damaged structures. The use of microsurgery is particularly important since it is extremely accurate and non-invasive, both of which attributes are fundamental to maintain and preserving fertility in subjects affected by this pathology.