Multimodal decoding of human liver regeneration

The liver has a unique ability to regenerate1,2; however, in the setting of acute liver failure (ALF), this regenerative capacity is often overwhelmed, leaving emergency liver transplantation as the only curative option3-5. Here, to advance understanding of human liver regeneration, we use paired single-nucleus RNA sequencing combined with spatial profiling of healthy and ALF explant human livers to generate a single-cell, pan-lineage atlas of human liver regeneration. We uncover a novel ANXA2+ migratory hepatocyte subpopulation, which emerges during human liver regeneration, and a corollary subpopulation in a mouse model of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver regeneration. Interrogation of necrotic wound closure and hepatocyte proliferation across multiple timepoints following APAP-induced liver injury in mice demonstrates that wound closure precedes hepatocyte proliferation. Four-dimensional intravital imaging of APAP-induced mouse liver injury identifies motile hepatocytes at the edge of the necrotic area, enabling collective migration of the hepatocyte sheet to effect wound closure. Depletion of hepatocyte ANXA2 reduces hepatocyte growth factor-induced human and mouse hepatocyte migration in vitro, and abrogates necrotic wound closure following APAP-induced mouse liver injury. Together, our work dissects unanticipated aspects of liver regeneration, demonstrating an uncoupling of wound closure and hepatocyte proliferation and uncovering a novel migratory hepatocyte subpopulation that mediates wound closure following liver injury. Therapies designed to promote rapid reconstitution of normal hepatic microarchitecture and reparation of the gut-liver barrier may advance new areas of therapeutic discovery in regenerative medicine.

A comparison of mosquito densities, weather and infection rates of Aedes aegypti during the first epidemics of Chikungunya (2014) and Zika (2016) in areas with and without vector control in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, the first records of the transmission of Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses were confirmed in May 2014 and December 2015, respectively. Transmission of CHIKV peaked in September 2014, whereas that of ZIKV peaked in August 2016. The emergence of these mosquito-transmitted arboviruses in the context of a lack of human population immunity allowed observations of whether the outbreaks were associated with Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) densities and weather. Mosquito density was monitored weekly in four communities using sentinel autocidal gravid ovitraps (AGO traps) during 2016 in order to provide data to be compared with the findings of a previous study carried out during the 2014 CHIKV epidemic. Findings in two communities protected against Ae. aegypti using mass AGO trapping (three traps per house in most houses) were compared with those in two nearby communities without vector control. Mosquito pools were collected to detect viral RNA of ZIKV, CHIKV and dengue virus. In areas without vector control, mosquito densities and rates of ZIKV detection in 2016 were significantly higher, similarly to those observed for CHIKV in 2014. The density of Ae. aegypti in treated sites was less than two females/trap/week, which is similar to the putative adult female threshold for CHIKV transmission. No significant differences in mosquito density or infection rates with ZIKV and CHIKV at the same sites between years were observed. Although 2016 was significantly wetter, mosquito densities were similar.

Physiological parameters for Prognosis in Abdominal Sepsis (PIPAS) Study: a WSES observational study

BACKGROUND

Timing and adequacy of peritoneal source control are the most important pillars in the management of patients with acute peritonitis. Therefore, early prognostic evaluation of acute peritonitis is paramount to assess the severity and establish a prompt and appropriate treatment. The objectives of this study were to identify clinical and laboratory predictors for in-hospital mortality in patients with acute peritonitis and to develop a warning score system, based on easily recognizable and assessable variables, globally accepted.

METHODS

This worldwide multicentre observational study included 153 surgical departments across 56 countries over a 4-month study period between February 1, 2018, and May 31, 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 3137 patients were included, with 1815 (57.9%) men and 1322 (42.1%) women, with a median age of 47 years (interquartile range [IQR] 28-66). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 8.9%, with a median length of stay of 6 days (IQR 4-10). Using multivariable logistic regression, independent variables associated with in-hospital mortality were identified: age > 80 years, malignancy, severe cardiovascular disease, severe chronic kidney disease, respiratory rate ≥ 22 breaths/min, systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg, AVPU responsiveness scale (voice and unresponsive), blood oxygen saturation level (SpO₂) < 90% in air, platelet count < 50,000 cells/mm3, and lactate > 4 mmol/l. These variables were used to create the PIPAS Severity Score, a bedside early warning score for patients with acute peritonitis. The overall mortality was 2.9% for patients who had scores of 0-1, 22.7% for those who had scores of 2-3, 46.8% for those who had scores of 4-5, and 86.7% for those who have scores of 7-8.

CONCLUSIONS

The simple PIPAS Severity Score can be used on a global level and can help clinicians to identify patients at high risk for treatment failure and mortality.

Prospective Observational Study on acute Appendicitis Worldwide (POSAW)

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical disease, and appendectomy is the treatment of choice in the majority of cases. A correct diagnosis is key for decreasing the negative appendectomy rate. The management can become difficult in case of complicated appendicitis. The aim of this study is to describe the worldwide clinical and diagnostic work-up and management of AA in surgical departments.

METHODS

This prospective multicenter observational study was performed in 116 worldwide surgical departments from 44 countries over a 6-month period (April 1, 2016-September 30, 2016). All consecutive patients admitted to surgical departments with a clinical diagnosis of AA were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 4282 patients were enrolled in the POSAW study, 1928 (45%) women and 2354 (55%) men, with a median age of 29 years. Nine hundred and seven (21.2%) patients underwent an abdominal CT scan, 1856 (43.3%) patients an US, and 285 (6.7%) patients both CT scan and US. A total of 4097 (95.7%) patients underwent surgery; 1809 (42.2%) underwent open appendectomy and 2215 (51.7%) had laparoscopic appendectomy. One hundred eighty-five (4.3%) patients were managed conservatively. Major complications occurred in 199 patients (4.6%). The overall mortality rate was 0.28%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study confirm the clinical value of imaging techniques and prognostic scores. Appendectomy remains the most effective treatment of acute appendicitis. Mortality rate is low.

Randomized control trial to assess the efficacy of metacognitive training compared with a psycho-educational group in people with a recent-onset psychosis

BACKGROUND

Aims were to assess the efficacy of metacognitive training (MCT) in people with a recent onset of psychosis in terms of symptoms as a primary outcome and metacognitive variables as a secondary outcome.

METHOD

A multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed. A total of 126 patients were randomized to an MCT or a psycho-educational intervention with cognitive-behavioral elements. The sample was composed of people with a recent onset of psychosis, recruited from nine public centers in Spain. The treatment consisted of eight weekly sessions for both groups. Patients were assessed at three time-points: baseline, post-treatment, and at 6 months follow-up. The evaluator was blinded to the condition of the patient. Symptoms were assessed with the PANSS and metacognition was assessed with a battery of questionnaires of cognitive biases and social cognition.

RESULTS

Both MCT and psycho-educational groups had improved symptoms post-treatment and at follow-up, with greater improvements in the MCT group. The MCT group was superior to the psycho-educational group on the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) total (p = 0.026) and self-certainty (p = 0.035) and dependence self-subscale of irrational beliefs, comparing baseline and post-treatment. Moreover, comparing baseline and follow-up, the MCT group was better than the psycho-educational group in self-reflectiveness on the BCIS (p = 0.047), total BCIS (p = 0.045), and intolerance to frustration (p = 0.014). Jumping to Conclusions (JTC) improved more in the MCT group than the psycho-educational group (p = 0.021). Regarding the comparison within each group, Theory of Mind (ToM), Personalizing Bias, and other subscales of irrational beliefs improved in the MCT group but not the psycho-educational group (p < 0.001-0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

MCT could be an effective psychological intervention for people with recent onset of psychosis in order to improve cognitive insight, JTC, and tolerance to frustration. It seems that MCT could be useful to improve symptoms, ToM, and personalizing bias.

A comparative study of the target volume definition in radiotherapy with «Slow CT Scan» vs. 4D PET/CT Scan in early stages non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the use of 4D PET/CT to quantify tumor respiratory motion compared to the «Slow»-CT (CTs) in the radiotherapy planning process.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 25 patients with inoperable early stage non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were included in the study. Each patient was imaged with a CTs (4s/slice) and 4D PET/CT. The adequacy of each technique for respiratory motion capture was evaluated using the volume definition for each of the following: Internal target volume (ITV) 4D and ITVslow in relation with the volume defined by the encompassing volume of 4D PET/CT and CTs (ITVtotal). The maximum distance between the edges of the volume defined by each technique to that of the total volume was measured in orthogonal beam's eye view.

RESULTS

The ITV4D showed less differences in relation with the ITVtotal in both the cranio-caudal and the antero-posterior axis compared to the ITVslow. The maximum differences were 0.36mm in 4D PET/CTand 0.57mm in CTs in the antero-posterior axis. 4D PET/CT resulted in the definition of more accurate (ITV4D/ITVtotal 0.78 vs. ITVs/ITVtotal 0.63), and larger ITVs (19.9 cc vs. 16.3 cc) than those obtained with CTs.

CONCLUSION

Planning with 4D PET/CT in comparison with CTs, allows incorporating tumor respiratory motion and improving planning radiotherapy of patients in early stages of lung cancer.

Myopodin methylation is a prognostic biomarker and predicts antiangiogenic response in advanced kidney cancer

Myopodin is a cytoskeleton protein that shuttles to the nucleus depending on the cellular differentiation and stress. It has shown tumor suppressor functions. Myopodin methylation status was useful for staging bladder and colon tumors and predicting clinical outcome. To our knowledge, myopodin has not been tested in kidney cancer to date. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether myopodin methylation status could be clinically useful in renal cancer (1) as a prognostic biomarker and 2) as a predictive factor of response to antiangiogenic therapy in patients with metastatic disease. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reactions (MS-PCR) were used to evaluate myopodin methylation in 88 kidney tumors. These belonged to patients with localized disease and no evidence of disease during follow-up (n = 25) (group 1), and 63 patients under antiangiogenic therapy (sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib, and temsirolimus), from which group 2 had non-metastatic disease at diagnosis (n = 32), and group 3 showed metastatic disease at diagnosis (n = 31). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were utilized to assess outcome and response to antiangiogenic agents taking progression, disease-specific survival, and overall survival as clinical endpoints. Myopodin was methylated in 50 out of the 88 kidney tumors (56.8 %). Among the 88 cases analyzed, 10 of them recurred (11.4 %), 51 progressed (57.9 %), and 40 died of disease (45.4 %). Myopodin methylation status correlated to MSKCC Risk score (p = 0.050) and the presence of distant metastasis (p = 0.039). Taking all patients, an unmethylated myopodin identified patients with shorter progression-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival. Using also in univariate and multivariate models, an unmethylated myopodin predicted response to antiangiogenic therapy (groups 2 and 3) using progression-free survival, disease-specific, and overall survival as clinical endpoints. Myopodin was revealed hypermethylated in kidney cancer. Myopodin methylation status identified which patients showed a more aggressive clinical behavior and predicted antiangiogenic response. These observations support the clinical utility of an unmethylated myopodin as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in kidney cancer.

[Transdural spinal cord herniation: A rare cause of Brown-Sequard syndrome]

We report a rare case of thoracic spinal cord herniation due to a defect of the anterior dura mater causing a progressive myelopathy. This case, illustrated by magnetic resonance and surgical imageries, will make the reader aware of this entity and then prevent misdiagnosis.

Clinical experience with oral vinorelbine (NVB) plus prednisone as first- or second-line chemotherapy of metastatic hormone- refractory prostate cancer (HRPC)

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Background: IV NVB plus hydrocortisone (HC) compared with HC alone resulted in improved clinical benefit, progression-free survival (PFS) and PSA response rate in HRPC. The oral formulation of NVB avoids the side effects associated with the IV injection, may reduce administration and toxicity-related costs and is easy to administer. Due to these advantages, single agent oral NVB treatment could be considered as an optimal option for patients (p) with HRPC previously treated with a taxane or as first-line treatment when a taxane is not indicated. We retrospectively evaluated efficacy and toxicity or oral NVB administered as single agent as first or second-line chemotherapy of metastatic HRPC. Methods: Retrospectively data was collected from p with metastatic HRPC treated with oral NVB 80 mg/m2 days 1 and 8, with a prior test of myelosensitivity at 60 mg/m2 for the first cycle, plus prednisone 10 mg/day. Patients had received a taxane as first-line treatment or had a documented contraindication to receiving docetaxel. 1 cycle was equivalent to a 3-week period. Results: Data on 55 p treated in 11 Spanish centres were included for assessment. Median age was 72.5 years (range 54–86). ECOG PS 0, 17%; 1, 66%; 2, 17%. Median PSA 75 ng/mL. Prior taxane chemotherapy, 87%. Median number of cycles was 4 (range 1–6). 53.8% of p could escalate oral NVB to 80 mg/m2. 221 cycles were performed, 4.1% were delayed and 3.2% had a dose reduction. Grade 3–4 events were infrequent and mainly haematological: neutropenia (5.5% of p), anemia (3.6%), pain (3.6%), infection (1.8%), asthenia (1.8%), respiratory (1.8%). No febrile neutropenia was reported. 49 p were evaluable for PSA response rate; complete plus partial response was observed in 20.4% (95% CI: 10.2% - 34.3%) and PSA stable was reported in 40.8%. 29 p were evaluable for measurable disease; among them, 20.7% presented partial response and 44.8% stable disease. Median follow-up was 4.3 months. Survival status: 49 p (89.1%) are alive and 6 p (10.9%) died. Conclusions: Oral NVB is a safe and active regimen in previous chemotherapy treated HRPC. For those p who can not receive a taxane as first-line therapy, oral NVB can also be considered as an effective first-line treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Determinants of Treatment Access in a Population-based Cohort of HIV-positive Men and Women Living in Argentina

OBJECTIVE

To report emerging data on the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Argentina by assessing patterns of HAART access and late vs early treatment initiation in a population-based cohort of adults infected with HIV type-1.

DESIGN

The Prospective Study on the Use and Monitoring of Antiretroviral Therapy (PUMA) is a study of 883 HIV-positive individuals enrolled in the Argentinean drug treatment program. Individuals were 16 years of age and older and were recruited from 10 clinics across Argentina.

METHODS

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were examined using contingency tables (Pearson chi-square test and Fisher exact test) for categoric variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables. To analyze time to initiation of HAART we used Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression.

RESULTS

Patients who initiated HAART were more likely to be older, have an AIDS-defining illness, be an injection drug user (IDU), have a lower median CD4 cell count, have a higher median viral load, and be less likely to be men who have sex with men (MSM). In multivariate analysis, AIDS-defining illness and plasma viral load were significantly associated with time to starting therapy. Patients who received late access were more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS and have higher median plasma viral loads than those receiving early access.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that despite free availability of treatment, monitoring, and care in Argentina, a significant proportion of men and women are accessing HAART late in the course of HIV disease. Further characterization of the HIV-positive population will allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of the impact of HAART within the Argentinean drug treatment program.

Determinants of treatment access in a population-based cohort of HIV-positive men and women living in Argentina

OBJECTIVE

To report emerging data on the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Argentina by assessing patterns of HAART access and late vs early treatment initiation in a population-based cohort of adults infected with HIV type-1.

DESIGN

The Prospective Study on the Use and Monitoring of Antiretroviral Therapy (PUMA) is a study of 883 HIV-positive individuals enrolled in the Argentinean drug treatment program. Individuals were 16 years of age and older and were recruited from 10 clinics across Argentina.

METHODS

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were examined using contingency tables (Pearson chi-square test and Fisher exact test) for categoric variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables. To analyze time to initiation of HAART we used Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression.

RESULTS

Patients who initiated HAART were more likely to be older, have an AIDS-defining illness, be an injection drug user (IDU), have a lower median CD4 cell count, have a higher median viral load, and be less likely to be men who have sex with men (MSM). In multivariate analysis, AIDS-defining illness and plasma viral load were significantly associated with time to starting therapy. Patients who received late access were more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS and have higher median plasma viral loads than those receiving early access.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that despite free availability of treatment, monitoring, and care in Argentina, a significant proportion of men and women are accessing HAART late in the course of HIV disease. Further characterization of the HIV-positive population will allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of the impact of HAART within the Argentinean drug treatment program.

Endoscopic and histologic findings of the foregut in 426 patients with morbid obesity

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most frequent bariatric operation. In this operation, the distal bypassed stomach is left in situ. We studied pre-operative clinical, endoscopic and histologic findings in a consecutive group of morbidly obese patients prior to bariatric surgery.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted from August 1999 until May 2004, which consisted of 426 patients with morbid obesity. There were 94 men and 332 women, with mean age 39.5 years. In all patients prior to surgery, upper endoscopy was performed and biopsy samples were taken distal to squamo-columnar junction (cardiac biopsies), and in 232 of them also in at the antrum.

RESULTS

Pathological findings at the esophagus were seen in 55% of the patients, mainly related to reflux esophagitis. Barrett's esophagus was seen in 5.8%. In the stomach, pathological findings were seen in 32% of the patients. Active peptic ulcer was demonstrated in 2.6% of the cases. At the duodenum, pathologic findings were detected in 13.4% of the patients, showing an ulcer in 2.6%. At the stomach, chronic inactive gastritis and atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia were found in 8.6% and 6.5% respectively. Antral adenoma with low-grade dysplasia was found in 1 patient, and 1 carcinoid tumor. H. pylori was present in 53% of the patients, mainly in the antrum.

CONCLUSION

In candidates for bariatric surgery, upper endoscopy with biopsy samples and determination of H. pylori should be routinely performed. If present, H. pylori should be eradicated. After surgery, if Barrett's esophagus was present, endoscopic surveillance is recommended.

Knowledge mapping as a technique to support knowledge translation

This paper explores the possibility of integrating knowledge mapping into a conceptual framework that could serve as a tool for understanding the many complex processes, resources and people involved in a health system, and for identifying potential gaps within knowledge translation processes in order to address them. After defining knowledge mapping, this paper presents various examples of the application of this process in health, before looking at the steps that need to be taken to identify potential gaps, to determine to what extent these gaps affect the knowledge translation process and to establish their cause. This is followed by proposals for interventions aimed at strengthening the overall process. Finally, potential limitations on the application of this framework at the country level are addressed.

Liposomal doxorubicin (M) plus gemcitabine (G) as first line treatment in metastatic breast carcinoma: A phase I-II study

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Background: We designed a phase I-II trial to determine the combination dose of liposomal doxorubicin (Myocet) plus gemcitabine (Gemzar), and to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the regimen Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer, untreated distant metastasis, age >18 years old, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50% and adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic function were included in the study. Patients received up to six cycles of treatment. No G-CSF support was used prophylactically. LVEF was repeated at 3, and 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Results: Phase I: After 6 patients, the recommended dose was M (55 mg/m2) D1 and G (900 mg/m2) D1 and 8, administered every 21 days. Phase II: 53 patients have been enrolled; 52 are included in the safety analysis and 42 in the efficacy analysis. The median age of the population was 61 years of age (32–79). ECOG PS was 0 in 55%, 1 in 41%, 2 in 4%. Postmenopausal status in 87%. Main histology was ductal carcinoma (85%). Prior adjuvant anthracyclines had been administered in 19 cases (median dose of doxorubicin: 300 mg/m2, or epirubicin: 425 mg/m2). Metastasic lesions were in liver (25), lung (17), bone (16), and lymph nodes (25). Patients received a median number of 5 cycles (range 1–6). Median relative dose intensity was 83% for M and 75% for G. Grade III-IV hematologic toxicity per administered cycles was: leukopenia (21.9%), neutropenia (31.2%), febrile neutropenia (4 %), and thrombocytopenia (7.4%). Grade III-IV non-hematologic toxicities were stomatitis (4.8%), nausea (1.7%), vomiting (2.2%), asthenia (2.6%) and diarrhea (0.8%). Thirteen of 52 pts (25%) had alopecia grade III-IV. No signs or symptoms of cardiac impairment have been seen. An objective response rate of 62% was obtained (95% CI: 45.6- 76.4%). Two patients had complete response (4.8%), 24 partial response (57.1%), 10 stable disease and 6 progressive disease. The response rate was similar in patients with or without previous adjuvant anthracyclines (68.5% and 61%, respectively). Conclusions: The combination of liposomal doxorubicin plus gemcitabine has high efficacy and low toxicity in advanced breast cancer patients, and may be a valuable option in patients that have received adjuvant anthracyclines.

[Table: see text]

Giardia lamblia infection induces different secretory and systemic antibody responses in mice

The adult mouse model of Giardia lamblia infection serves as an excellent animal model to understand the immunological mechanisms involved in the control and clearance of Giardia infection. Little is known about the G. lamblia-specific antigens that stimulate the humoral immune response in this model of giardiasis. We analysed the secretory and systemic antibody responses to G. lamblia during primary and secondary infection in C3H/HeJ adult mice. Faecal IgA and Serum IgG anti-G. lamblia antibodies were observed at week 2 post-infection. Serum IgG responses remained constant over the next several weeks, whereas faecal IgA titres continued to rise from weeks 2-6 post-infection. Western blot analysis revealed that intestinal IgA and serum IgG antibody responses were directed toward several distinct proteins of G. lamblia. Certain proteins appeared to be recognized by both faecal IgA and serum IgG, whereas other antigens were specific for either the secretory or systemic antibody responses. G. lamblia primary and secondary infections were associated with differences in the antibody recognition pattern. The biochemical and immunological characterization of these antigens will help us to better understand the immunobiology of the G. lamblia-host interaction.

[Relationship between gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and 24 h esophageal pH measurement in patients with normal or minimally abnormal upper endoscopies]

BACKGROUND

Heartburn and regurgitation are considered highly specific symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. A considerable number of patients with these symptoms do not have endoscopic signs of esophagitis.

AIM

To study the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and 24 h esophageal pH mesurement in patients with normal or near normal endoscopic findings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred eighty six patients with persistent reflux symptoms and absence of severe endoscopic esophagitis were studied. Pathological studies of esophageal biopsies, manometry and 24 h esophageal pH measurements were performed in all.

RESULTS

Abnormal acid reflux was found in 131 patients (70%). No differences in the frequency of symptoms, gender or pathologic findings were observed between patients with or without abnormal acid reflux. However, a higher frequency of esophageal erosions and a lower resting pressure of the inferior sphincter of the esophagus was observed in patients with abnormal acid reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

Thirty percent of patients with heartburn and regurgtitation did not have abnormal acid reflux. Therefore, these symptoms are not specific for gastroesophageal reflux.

The Oregon migrant farmworker community: an evolving model for participatory research

Migrant farmworker communities present distinct challenges that require new approaches for community participation in research. In the State of Oregon an agency that advocates for the migrant farmworker community has collaborated successfully with university researchers to implement a research program directed to reducing pesticide exposures among the children of migrant farmworkers. The research process has included both qualitative research methods with members of the community and quantitative approaches to measure pesticide dust residues in homes, biomarkers of pesticide exposure, and effects on health. A committee of university and community stakeholders advises the research. Evaluative processes have been initiated to assess the effectiveness of the participatory model used in this project. The components of the preliminary process evaluation and results are presented. Evaluative data show that researchers and community members differ on perceptions of community involvement and the extent to which communication problems have been resolved between the two groups. Suggestions for improved community involvement and communication are given.

Epidemiological characteristics of dogs with Lyme borreliosis in the province of Soria (Spain)

From the point of view of the human disease, dogs are the most important animal reservoir of Lyme borreliosis; therefore, they are used as 'sentinel animals'. In order to know the epidemiological characteristics of dogs with antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, 146 canine sera samples collected during 1993-94 have been studied. The antibody detection was made by an indirect immunofluorescence method and confirmed by a haemagglutination test. Seventeen dogs (11.6%) were seropositive, of which seven were hunting dogs, three were shepherd dogs, five were domestic pets, one was a watchdog and one was a stray dog. Seven dogs had longhair phenotype, 2 medium length type, 4 hard-hair and the other 4 were short-haired. Twelve seropositive dogs were males and five were females. All seropositive dogs were more than 1 year old. The dogs with greater seroprevalence were those that harboured ticks more often than the rest. Spring and summer were the seasons when more ticks were observed. The seroprevalence found in dogs was similar to that previously obtained in humans in this area. This finding gave evidence to an intimate association between human and canine seroprevalence.