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Public opinion surveys constitute a powerful tool to study peoples' attitudes and behaviors in comparative perspectives. However, even worldwide surveys provide only partial geographic and time coverage, which hinders comprehensive knowledge production. To broaden the scope of comparison, social scientists turn to ex-post harmonization of variables from datasets that cover similar topics but in different populations and/or years. The resulting new datasets can be analyzed as a single source, which can be flexibly accessed through many data portals. However, such portals offer little guidance to explore the data in-depth or query data with user-customized needs. As a result, it is still challenging for social scientists to efficiently identify related data for their studies and evaluate their theoretical models based on the sliced data. To overcome them, in the Survey Data Recycling (SDR) international cooperation research project, we propose SDRQuerier and apply it to the harmonized SDR database, which features over two million respondents interviewed in a total of 1,721 national surveys that are part of 22 well-known international projects. We design the SDRQuerier to solve three practical challenges that social scientists routinely face. First, a BERT-based model provides customized data queries through research questions or keywords. Second, we propose a new visual design to showcase the availability of the harmonized data at different levels, thus helping users decide if empirical data exist to address a given research question. Lastly, SDRQuerier discloses the underlying relational patterns among substantive and methodological variables in the database, to help social scientists rigorously evaluate or even improve their regression models. Through case studies with multiple social scientists in solving their daily challenges, we demonstrated the novelty, effectiveness of SDRQuerier.

The aim of the article is to assess the digital transformation quantitatively and qualitatively in the management of public services against the background of the pandemic. The E-Government Development Index (EGDI) analog for evaluating the effectiveness of digital public services was developed. Qualitative and quantitative changes in digital transformation in the management of public services on the background of the pandemic were determined. It was found that no more extensive range of non-mandatory actions aimed at improving the client-oriented nature of public services and communication is observed in the innovative regions of the Russian Federation. It is established that the main transformations are qualitative, as the trend of increasing digitalization of public services was observed even before the pandemic, but during the pandemic the requirements for the expansion of such services, their efficiency, "customer centricity", and communication both within the organization and with users have increased.

Under conditions of electoral authoritarianism, in what ways do individuals’ dissatisfaction with democracy influence their probability of political action? In the early 2000s, President Vladimir P...

IntroductionCOPD exacerbations are heterogeneous and can be triggered by bacterial, viral, or non-infectious insults. Exacerbations are also heterogeneous in neutrophilic or eosinophilic inflammatory responses. A non-invasive peripheral biomarker of COPD exacerbations characterised by bacterial/neutrophilic inflammation is lacking. G-CSF is a key cytokine elevated during bacterial infection and mediates survival, proliferation, differentiation, and function of neutrophils.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that high peripheral G-CSF would be indicative of COPD exacerbations with a neutrophilic and bacterial phenotype associated with microbial dysbiosis.MethodsSerum G-CSF was measured during hospitalised exacerbation and after 30 days of recovery in 37 subjects. In a second cohort, serum and sputum cytokines were measured in 59 COPD patients during stable disease, at exacerbation, and 2- and 6-weeks following exacerbations.ResultsSerum G-CSF is increased during exacerbation in a subset of patients. These exacerbations were enriched for bacterial and not viral or type-2 biologies. The median serum G-CSF levels was 1.6-fold higher in bacterial exacerbation compared to non-bacterial exacerbation (22 pg·mL−1versus 13 pg·mL−1, p=0.0007). Serum G-CSF classified bacterial exacerbations with an AUROC=0.76. Exacerbations with a ≥2-fold increase in serum G-CSF were characterised by neutrophilic inflammation, with increased sputum and blood neutrophils and high sputum IL-1β, IL-6, and SAA. These exacerbations were preceded by dysbiosis, with decreased microbiome diversity and enrichment of respiratory pathogens such as Haemophilus and Moraxella. Furthermore, serum G-CSF at exacerbation classified neutrophilic-dysbiotic exacerbations (AUROC=0.75).ConclusionsHigh serum G-CSF enriches for COPD exacerbations characterised by neutrophilic inflammation with underlying bacterial dysbiosis.

El objetivo del estudio fue detectar Anaplasma phagocytophilum en caballos de la provincia de Chiclayo, Perú, utilizando técnicas hematológicas. Se colectaron 100 muestras de sangre de caballos aparentemente sanos y con antecedentes de exposición a garrapatas. El estudio hematológico consistió en la realización del hemograma y la evaluación de frotis sanguíneos teñidos con Wright y naranja de acridina para la búsqueda de cuerpos de inclusión y mórulas del agente patógeno. El 9% de caballos (9/100) presentaron estructuras compatibles con cuerpos de inclusión o mórulas de A. phagocytophilum, por lo que fueron considerados como “positivos”. Este grupo de animales presentó leves alteraciones en la serie leucocítica y trombocítica. Los hallazgos indican la presencia de A. phagocytophilum en caballos en el Perú.

It has been established that an increased fibroblast growth factor (FGF-23) serum levels significantly contribute to the heart and blood vessels remodeling in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). But the precise mechanisms of the FGF-23 cardiac effect are currently being actively studied. At the same time, it is believed that the cardiac effects of FGF-23 may be due to the increasing deficit of Klotho protein as CKD progresses. In parallel with these changes, a number of studies indicate the persistence of the detectable troponins serum levels in CKD patients, even in the absence of clear clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of the study was to confirm / exclude the existence of a causal relationship between elevated FGF-23, reduced Klotho and elevated troponin-I (as the most specific troponin in CKD).The study included 130 CKD stages 1-5D patients without clinically pronounced symptoms of СVD (Coronary artery disease, CCS class 2-4, Chronic heart failure, NYHA 24, myocarditis, pericarditis, arrhythmias), as well as the severe arterial hypertension (BP160/90 mm Hg), according to the laboratory and instrumental methods of examination. The selected group of patients was studied: serum levels of FGF-23 (Human FGF-23 ELISA kit), Klotho (Human soluble Klotho with antiklotho monoclonal antibodies), troponin-I (high - sensitive assay), and also data from instrumental examination methods: electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMI), cardiac (valvular) calcification score (CCS) using a semi - quantitative point scale), sphygmagraphy (augmentation (stiffness) indices of vessels (AI), pulse wave velocity (PWV), central (aortic) blood pressure (CBP), blood supply of subendocardium (BSE) - using "Shygmacor" device (Australia)).The changes in serum levels of FGF-23, Klotho and troponin-I (Tr-I) depended on the stage of CKD. The following correlations were identified: FGF-23 and: Tr-I (r=0.601; p.Установлено, что повышение уровня фактора роста фибробластов (FGF-23) в сыворотке крови больных хронической болезнью почек (ХБП) вносит существенный вклад в ремоделирование сердца и сосудов. Точные механизмы влияния избыточного уровня FGF-23 на миокард в настоящее время активно изучаются. В то же время полагают, что эффекты FGF-23 на сердце могут быть обусловлены нарастающим дефицитом белка Klotho по мере прогрессирования ХБП. Параллельно этим изменениям ряд работ указывает на персистирование умеренно повышенных уровней тропонинов в сыворотке крови больных ХБП даже при отсутствии у них клинических проявлений кардиоваскулярных заболеваний (КВЗ). Цель исследования. Установить/опровергнуть наличие причинно - следственной связи между повышенным уровнем FGF-23, сниженным уровнем Klotho и повышенным уровнем тропонина-I (Tr-I) как наиболее специфического тропонина при ХБП. Материалы и методы. В исследование включено 130 пациентов с ХБП стадий 1-5D без клинически выраженных симптомов КВЗ (ИБС II-IV ФК, ХСН II-IV класса по NYHA, миокардит, перикардит, аритмии), а также тяжелой артериальной гипертензии (АГ; артериальное давление160/90 мм рт. ст.) по данным лабораторных и инструментальных методов обследования. У отобранной группы больных изучены: сывороточные уровни FGF-23 (Human FGF-23 ELISA kit with antibodies to native FGF-23 molecule), Klotho (Human soluble Klotho with antiKlotho monoclonal antibodies), Tr-I (high-sensitive assay), а также данные инструментальных методов обследования: электрокардиографии, эхокардиографии [индекс массы миокарда левого желудочка (ИММЛЖ), степень кальцификации структур сердца (СКС) - с помощью полуколичественной балльной шкалы], сфигмографии [индексы аугментации (жесткости) сосудов, скорость пульсовой волны (СПВ), центральное (аортальное) давление (ЦАД), кровоснабжение субэндокарда (КСЭ) - с помощью прибора Shygmacor (Австралия)]. Результаты и обсуждение. Изменение сывороточных уровней FGF-23, Klotho и Tr-I зависит от стадии ХБП. Выявлены следующие корреляции: FGF-23 - с Tr-I (r=0,601; p.

BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis is characterized by rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, sneezing and nasal pruritus. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), CD4+ T cells and eosinophils in nasal mucosa are increased significantly after nasal allergen challenge (NAC). Effects of intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) on ILC2s remain to be investigated. METHODS Subjects (n = 10) with allergic rhinitis and mild asthma were enrolled in a single-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential treatment study and treated twice daily with intranasal triamcinolone acetonide (220 µg) or placebo for 14 days, separated by a 7-day washout period. Following treatment, subjects underwent NAC and upper airway function was assessed. Cells from the nasal mucosa and blood, sampled 24 h post-NAC, underwent flow cytometric enumeration for ILC2s, CD4+ T and eosinophil progenitor (EoPs) levels. Cell differentials and cytokine levels were assessed in nasal lavage. RESULTS Treatment with INCS significantly attenuated ILC2s, IL-5+ /IL-13+ ILC2s, HLA-DR+ ILC2s and CD4+ T cells in the nasal mucosa, 24 h post-NAC. EoP in nasal mucosa was significantly increased, while mature eosinophils were significantly decreased, 24 h post-NAC in INCS versus placebo treatment arm. Following INCS treatment, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were significantly attenuated 24 h post-NAC accompanied by significant improvement in upper airway function. CONCLUSION Pre-treatment with INCS attenuates allergen-induced increases in ILC2s, CD4+ T cells and terminal differentiation of EoPs in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis patients with mild asthma, with little systemic effect. Attenuation of HLA-DR expression by ILC2s may be an additional mechanism by which steroids modulate adaptive immune responses in the upper airways.

Protein restriction diet (PRD) with ketoanalagues of essential amino acids (KA) combination can improve of chronic kidney disease (CKD) course while, the precise mechanisms of PRD + KAA action in CKD are not known yet. We have conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study of PRD and KAA patient's group in compare with PRD without KAA group in regarding to serum Klotho and FGF-23 levels in patients with CKD.The study included 79 CKD 3b-4 stages patients, non - diabetic etiology, used PRD (0.6 g/kg/day). The patients were randomized in two groups: 42 patients, received PRD + KAA (Group 1) and 37 patients continued the PRD without KAA (Group 2). Serum FGF-23 (Human FGF-23 ELISA kit with antibodies to native FGF-23 molecule, Merk Millipore MILLENZFGF-23-32K), Klotho (Human soluble Klotho with antiKlotho monoclonal antibodies, IBL-Takara 27998-96Well) levels, as well as instrumental examination: bioimpedance analysis [assess of muscle body mass (MBM), fat body mass (FBM), body mass index (BMI) and others]; sphygmography [assess of augmentation (stiffness) indices (AI), central (aortal) blood pressure (CBP) by «Sphygmacor» device]; as well as echocardiography [assess of cardiac (valvular) calcification score (CCS) and left ventricular myocardium mass index (LVMMI)], were studded in addition to conventional examination.To the end of 14th month of the study the PRD group reached a body mass index (BMI) decrease (p=0.046), including MBM in men (p=0.027) and woman (p=0.044). In addition, higher FGF-23 (p=0.029), and lower Klotho (p=0.037) serum levels were revealed in the PRD group compared to the PRD+KAA group as well as the increase in AI (p=0.034), CCS (p=0.048), and LVMMI (p=0.023).Use of PRD + KAA provides adequate nutrition status and more efficient correction of FGF-23 and Klotho imbalance in CKD progression that may contribute to alleviation of both cardiovascular calcification and cardiac remodeling in CKD. Importantly, a prolonged PRD use without supplementation of KAA may lead to malnutrition signs.Малобелковая диета (МБД), дополненная кетоаналогами незаменимых аминокислот (КА), вносит вклад в улучшение течения хронической болезни почек (ХБП), однако точные механизмы действия МБД + КА пока не установлены. Мы провели проспективное рандомизированное контролируемое сравнительное исследование влияния МБД + КА и изолированной МБД (МБД без КА) на сывороточные уровни фактора роста фибробластов-23 (FGF-23) и белка Кlotho у больных ХБП. Материалы и методы. В исследование включены 79 больных ХБП 3b-4 стадии недиабетической этиологии, соблюдавшие МБД (0,6 г/кг массы тела в сутки). Пациенты рандомизированы в две группы: 42 пациента, получавшие МБД + КА (1-я группа), и 37 пациентов, продолживших МБД без добавления КА (2-я группа). В дополнение к стандартным методам обследования определяли сывороточный уровень FGF-23 (Human FGF-23 ELISA kit with antibodies to native FGF-23 molecule) и Klotho (Human soluble Klotho with antiKlotho monoclonal antibodies), а также проводили биоимпедансометрию [оценка мышечной массы тела (ММТ), жировой массы тела (ЖМТ), индекса массы тела (ИМТ) и др.]; сфигмографию [определение центрального (аортального) артериального давления (ЦАД) - систолического и диастолического, индекса аугментации (жесткости) сосудов (ИА) - с помощью аппарата SphygmаCor]; эхокардиографию [оценка степени кальцификации структур сердца (СКС) и индекса массы миокарда левого желудочка (ИММЛЖ)]. Результаты и обсуждение. К концу 14-го месяца наблюдения группа МБД достигла статистически значимого снижения ИМТ (p=0,046), включая ММТ у мужчин (p=0,027) и женщин (p=0,044). Кроме того, в группе МБД в этот момент выявлены более высокий средний уровень FGF-23 (p=0,029) и более низкий уровень Klotho (p=0,037), чем в группе МБД + КА. Повышение ИА (p=0,034), СКС (p=0,048) и ИММЛЖ (p=0,023) также отмечалось более часто в группе МБД без КА на момент окончания исследования (14-й месяц наблюдения принят за момент окончания исследования). Заключение. Применение МБД в сочетании с КА обеспечивает поддержание адекватного нутритивного статуса и вносит вклад в более эффективную коррекцию нарушения соотношения FGF-23 и Klotho, что может способствовать снижению кардиоваскулярной кальцификации и замедлению ремоделирования миокарда при ХБП. В то же время длительное применение МБД без добавления КА может приводить к белково - энергетической недостаточности.

Introduction COPD exacerbations are heterogeneous and can be triggered by bacterial, viral, or noninfectious insults. Exacerbations are also heterogeneous in neutrophilic or eosinophilic inflammatory responses. A noninvasive peripheral biomarker of COPD exacerbations characterised by bacterial/neutrophilic inflammation is lacking. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a key cytokine elevated during bacterial infection and mediates survival, proliferation, differentiation and function of neutrophils. Objective We hypothesised that high peripheral G-CSF would be indicative of COPD exacerbations with a neutrophilic and bacterial phenotype associated with microbial dysbiosis. Methods Serum G-CSF was measured during hospitalised exacerbation (day 0 or D0) and after 30 days of recovery (Day30 or D30) in 37 subjects. In a second cohort, serum and sputum cytokines were measured in 59 COPD patients during stable disease, at exacerbation, and at 2-weeks and 6-weeks following exacerbation. Results Serum G-CSF was increased during exacerbation in a subset of patients. These exacerbations were enriched for bacterial but not viral or type-2 biologies. The median serum G-CSF level was 1.6-fold higher in bacterial exacerbation compared to nonbacterial exacerbation (22 pg·mL−1 versus 13 pg·mL−1, p=0.0007). Serum G-CSF classified bacterial exacerbations with an area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve equal to 0.76. Exacerbations with a two-fold or greater increase in serum G-CSF were characterised by neutrophilic inflammation, with increased sputum and blood neutrophils, and high sputum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) levels. These exacerbations were preceded by dysbiosis, with decreased microbiome diversity and enrichment of respiratory pathogens such as Haemophilus and Moraxella. Furthermore, serum G-CSF at exacerbation classified neutrophilic-dysbiotic exacerbations (AUC for the ROC curve equal to 0.75). Conclusions High serum G-CSF enriches for COPD exacerbations characterised by neutrophilic inflammation with underlying bacterial dysbiosis., Noninvasive biomarkers to characterise #AECOPD subtypes are limited. High serum G-CSF enriches for COPD exacerbations associated with bacterial infection and neutrophilic inflammation preceded by lung microbial dysbiosis. https://bit.ly/3rck3M6

El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el uso del agua de coco (AC) aplicada por vía intravenosa en perros. En una primera fase se evaluó la esterilidad e isotonicidad del AC. En una segunda fase se evaluaron los cambios hematológicos producidos 24 horas pos-aplicación del AC por vía intraperitoneal en ratas. En una tercera fase se evaluó la aplicación de AC vía intravenosa en perros con y sin actividad física (n=20, por grupo), donde se determinaron los valores hematológicos, pH y niveles de cloro y sodio antes y después de su aplicación, así como la frecuencia cardiaca, frecuencia respiratoria y temperatura al inicio, a los 15, 30, 45, 60 minutos de iniciada la aplicación y 30 minutos después de la aplicación del AC. Los resultados muestran que el AC es estéril e isotónico, no produjo alteraciones significativas en los valores hematológicos de las ratas ni en los perros sin actividad física. Sin embargo, los perros con actividad física mostraron una reducción del hematocrito a los 30 minutos pos-aplicación y una leve reducción de los niveles de sodio., The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of coconut water (AC) applied intravenously in dogs. In a first phase the sterility and isotonicity of the CA was evaluated. In a second phase, the hematological changes produced 24 hours after the application of CA by intraperitoneal route in rats were evaluated. In a third phase the application of AC applied intravenously was evaluated in dogs with and without physical activity (n=20, per group), where the hematological values, pH and chlorine and sodium levels were determined before and after its application, as well as the heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature at the beginning, at 15, 30, 45, 60 minutes after the start of the application and 30 minutes after the application of the AC. The results showed that AC is sterile and isotonic, did not produce significant alterations in the hematological values of rats or in dogs without physical activity. However, dogs with physical activity showed a reduction in hematocrit at 30 minutes after application and a slight reduction in sodium levels.

Investiga sobre la morfologia y morfometria de las celulas progenitoras de la medula osea a traves del examen citologico durante el desarrollo fetal en la alpaca (Vicugna pacos). Se colectaron muestras de medula osea provenientes de 18 fetos de alpacas clinicamente sanas y destinadas a beneficio en el matadero municipal Ninacaca del departamento de Pasco, Peru. Las muestras fueron colectadas a partir de la seccion de la octava y novena costilla tomando como referencia la union costo-condral y se depositaron en laminas para la preparacion de los extendidos citologicos para su posterior tincion con colorante Wright. Los porcentajes de celularidad obtenidas por cada tercio de gestacion fueron 16 ± 0.2, 35 ± 0.16 y 78 ± 0.12, espectivamente, siendo evidenciadas las primeras celulas hematopoyeticas a partir de los 201.5 dias de edad. Se realizo un conteo diferencial de 500 celulas para establecer la relacion mieloide:eritroide obteniendose 0 (97% de celulas indiferenciadas), 0.47 ± 0.27 y 0.69 ± 0.19 para el primer, segundo y ultimo tercio de gestacion, respectivamente. Para el segundo tercio de gestacion se detecto 10% de celulas eritroides, 5% de celulas mieloides y 85% de otros tipos celulares (entre megacariocitos, osteoblastos, osteoclastos, macrofagos y celulas indiferenciadas) y en el ultimo tercio se observo 40% de celulas eritroides, 27% de celulas mieloides y 33% de otros tipos celulares. En relacion al examen morfometrico, los resultados revelaron caracteristicas similares a las encontradas en celulas hematopoyeticas en otras especies. La evaluacion citologica de la medula osea en fetos de alpaca resulto ser un procedimiento rapido y de gran significancia debido a la contribucion de la informacion obtenida que permitira continuar con otros estudios de investigacion relacionados al tema a fin de comprender el desarrollo y la funcion de los organos hematopoyeticos en esta especie durante la etapa fetal.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar morfológica y molecularmente las garrapatas de perros con ehrlichiosis en el distrito de Chiclayo (Lambayeque, Perú). Se colectaron 297 garrapatas de 74 perros y fueron identificadas morfológicamente como Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. Nueve especímenes fueron utilizados para la identificación molecular usando el gen ribosomal 16S rADN. Las secuencias obtenidas fueron alineadas con secuencias de R. sanguineus s.l de Brasil y Colombia (Linaje del Norte), Argentina, Chile y Uruguay (Linaje del Sur), España, Italia y Sudáfrica, mostrando una divergencia genética de 0-0.3% y 6.1-6.8% con el Linaje del Norte y Linaje del Sur, respectivamente. El análisis filogenético agrupó las secuencias del Perú con las del Linaje del Norte y Sudáfrica, segregándolas de las secuencias del Linaje del Sur y Europa. Los resultados demuestran que R. sanguineus s.l de Chiclayo, Perú, pertenece al Linaje del Norte.

Se describe el caso de una perra Ovejero Inglés de dos años que fue llevada a consulta a la Clínica de Animales Menores de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos por presentar letargia reciente. Los exámenes sanguíneos en la paciente revelaron pancitopenia, presencia de mórulas compatibles con Ehrlichia spp en leucocitos, disproteinemia y seropositividad frente a E. canis / E. ewingii. Se pudo observar en los extendidos de Buffy coat la presencia de múltiples megacariocitos displásicos, los cuales exhibieron alteraciones tales como asincronía de maduración nuclear, núcleos no lobulados a hipolobulados, aspecto pseudoarticulado del núcleo y emperipolesis megacariocitica de neutrófilos, sin observarse alteraciones mielodisplásicas en los restantes linajes celulares. Las características descritas en su conjunto representan la primera evidencia hematológica de dismegacariocitopoyesis selectiva en un perro con ehrlichiosis canina en el Perú.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2)-inducible T cell kinase (ITK) mediates T cell receptor (TCR) signaling primarily to stimulate the production of cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, from T helper 2 (TH2) cells. Compared to wild-type mice, ITK knockout mice are resistant to asthma and exhibit reduced lung inflammation and decreased amounts of TH2-type cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. We found that a small-molecule selective inhibitor of ITK blocked TCR-mediated signaling in cultured TH2 cells, including the tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) and the secretion of IL-2 and TH2-type cytokines. Unexpectedly, inhibition of the kinase activity of ITK during or after antigen rechallenge in an ovalbumin-induced mouse model of asthma failed to reduce airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Rather, in mice, pharmacological inhibition of ITK resulted in T cell hyperplasia and the increased production of TH2-type cytokines. Thus, our studies predict that inhibition of the kinase activity of ITK may not be therapeutic in patients with asthma.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar los valores hematológicos del añuje (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) criado en cautiverio en el Zoológico Patronato Parque Las Leyendas (PATPAL). Se utilizaron 23 animales (11 machos y 12 hembras; 13 juveniles y 10 adultos). Los animales fueron anestesiados con una combinación de Ketamina (10 mg/kg peso vivo) y Xilacina (1 mg/kg peso vivo) i.m. El análisis hematológico incluyó hemoglobina (Hb), hematocrito (Ht), contaje de eritrocitos y leucocitos, Volumen Corpuscular Medio (VGM), Concentración de Hemoglobina Corpuscular Media (CHGM) y Hemoglobina Corpuscular Media (HCM), y el diferencial de leucocitos. Los resultados fueron: 6.17 x 106/μl eritrocitos, 5,739 x 103/μl leucocitos, 40.4% Ht, 12.42 g/dl Hb, 66.56 fl VGM, 20.56 pg HCM, 30.88 g/dl CHGM; y 67.1% neutrófilos, 29.6% linfocitos, 2.39% eosinófilos, 0.26% monocitos y 0.56% abastonados. Los valores encontrados son similares a otros valores reportados en la literatura., The purpose of the present study was to determine the haematologic values of agoutis (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) bred in captivity at the Patronato Parque Las Leyendas zoo (PATPAL). Twenty three animals were used (11 males and 12 females; 13 juvenile and 10 adults). They were anesthetized with a combination of Ketamine (10 mg/kg BW) and Xilacine (1 mg/kg BW) i.m. The haemathological analysis included haemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), count of erythrocytes (RBC) and leucocytes (WBC), mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and the leukocyte differential. The obtained values were: 6.17 x 106/μl RBC, 5,739 x 103/μl WBC, 40.4% Ht, 12.42 g/dl Hb, 66.56 fl MCV, 20.56 pg MCH, 30.88 g/dl MCHC; and 67.1% neutrophils, 29.6% lymphocytes, 2.39% eosinophils, 0.26% monocytes and 0.56% band neutrophils. The encountered values were similar to those reported in the literature.

Humanization and modification of the Fc region of anti-human CD3 mAbs have greatly expanded their potential use in chronic T cell mediated diseases. However, low levels of cytokine release and immunogenicity may still impact a chronic dosing strategy. We investigated the use of an Fc-modified murine chimeric anti-mouse CD3 (N297A) in the chronic MOG(35-55)-induced EAE mouse model of MS. Two daily doses of 10 microg at the onset of clinical symptoms led to both a reduction in T cell numbers in the blood and a significant, prolonged reduction in the symptoms. Histological examination of the spinal cords at the peak of efficacy confirmed a reduction of infiltrating T cells in the CNS. Analysis of the cerebral spinal fluid from EAE mice showed biologically active levels of N297A. Analysis of the cytokine/chemokine levels in cerebrospinal fluid showed a decrease in GM-CSF, IL-6 and IP-10. The combination of N297A dosing with cyclosporine A (CSA) pretreatment showed a significant decrease of TNFalpha, IL-6 and IP-10 without effect on clinical efficacy. However, pretreatment of CSA significantly reduced the immunogenic response observed following a second course of N297A treatment. Therefore, the side effects of an Fc-modified anti-CD3 mAb may be modulated without affecting efficacy.

Blood samples from dogs with clinical signs compatible with ehrlichiosis were examined for infection of Ehrlichia canis using PCR, multiplex real-time PCR, and DNA sequencing analysis. Eleven of 25 samples were positive for a new strain of E. canis . This is the first molecular identification of E. canis infection in dogs from Peru.

Se evaluo el efecto del ejercicio que demanda el entrenamiento de los caballos Pura Sangre de Carrera sobre la cinetica de la serie eritrocitaria (conteo de globulos rojos, hematocrito y hemoglobina) y las enzimas musculares (CK, AST y LDH). Para este fin, se utilizaron 24 animales de dos anos de edad (12 machos y 12 hembras) que fueron seleccionados para participar en competencias hipicas de velocidad. Se obtuvieron muestras de sangre de los animales en reposo (T0) y a los 5 minutos (T1), 1 hora (T2) y 24 horas (T3) despues del ejercicio en forma mensual y por 5 meses. Las variables recuento de globulos rojos y concentracion de hemoglobina y hematocrito se incrementaron en el tiempo T1 (p

A serosurvey for human ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum was performed in different regions of Peru by using indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFAs). Regions included an urban community in a shantytown in Lima (Pampas) and three rural communities located on the northern coast of Peru (Cura Mori), in the southern Peruvian Andes (Cochapata), and in the Peruvian jungle region (Santo Tomas). An overall E. chaffeensis seroprevalence of 13% (21 of 160) was found by IFA. Seroprevalences in females and males was 15% (16 of 106) and 9% (5 of 53), respectively. Seroprevalences in Cura Mori, Cochapata, Pampas, and Santo Tomas were 25% (10 of 40), 23% (9 of 40), 3% (1 of 40), and 3% (1 of 40), respectively. Seroprevalences in Cura Mori and Cochapata were significantly higher than in Santo Tomas or Pampas (P < 0.01). No sera were reactive to A. phagocytophilum. These findings suggest that human infection with E. chaffeensis occurs in Peru. Further studies are needed to characterize Ehrlichia species in Peru, their vectors and their clinical significance.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la presencia de seropositividad a Ehrlichia canis y Ehrlichia chaffeensis en personal de clinicas veterinarias y en personas en contacto con canes con Ehrlichiosis canina, utilizando la prueba de inmunofluorescencia indirecta. Se emplearon 90 muestras de suero de 55 varones y 35 mujeres. Se encontro 23.3% de seropositividad a E. canis y 20.0% a E. chaffeensis, sin asociacion estadistica por efecto de genero

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo determinar la seropositividad a Ehrlichia canis mediante la prueba de inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) en pacientes humanos, sus parámetros hematológicos y su asociación con las variables edad, sexo, nivel de contacto con perros y antecedentes de exposición a garrapatas. Se evaluaron 91 sujetos sin distinción de género, edad o condición socioeconómica cuyos perros tenían historia de erlichiosis dentro de los seis meses previos al muestreo. El muestreo se realizó entre febrero y mayo de 2010. La evaluación hematológica mostró ausencia de pacientes positivos y 15.4% de pacientes sospechosos (presencia de corpúsculos de inclusión en células mononucleares y ausencia de trombocitopenia). La frecuencia de pacientes seropositivos mediante IFI fue de 14.3%. No se encontró diferencia estadística por efecto de las variables en estudio. Los hallazgos confirman la exposición a E. canis en propietarios de caninos domésticos con antecedentes de ehrlichiosis en Lima Metropolitana., The aim of this study was determine the frequency of seropositivity to a Ehrlichia canis in human subjects by indirect inmunofluorescent test (IFI), hematological changes and its association with risk factors such as age, gender, level of contact with dogs, and tick exposure. Ninety-one samples were collected from patients without reference to gender, age and socioeconomic status, but whose dogs had history of ehrlichiosis within six months to the sampling. The study was conducted between February and May 2010. Hematology results revealed absence of positive cases and 15.4% of suspected cases (presence of inclusion bodies in mononuclear cells and absence of thrombocytopenia). Frequency of IFI seropositives was 14.3%. No statistical difference was found due to the effect of the variables under evaluation. The results confirm exposure to E. canis in dog owners with previous record of ehrlichiosis in Metropolitan Lima.

Se determino la frecuencia de helmintiasis gastrointestinal en perros pastores de los distritos de Ajoyani y Macusani, provincia de Carabaya, y de los distritos de Ocuviri, Palca, Lampa y Santa Lucia, provincia de Lampa, Puno, Peru. Se colectaron muestras de heces de 352 perros cruzados, mayormente adultos, y aparentemente sanos, entre enero a marzo de 2008. La evaluacion coproparasitologica hizo por el metodo de Flotacion con solucion azucarada o de Sheather y por Sedimentacion Espontanea. Las muestras colectadas fueron preservadas tanto en formol al 10% como en bicromato al 2.5%. El 20.5 ± 4.2% de los perros se encontro con algun tipo de helminto gastrointestinal. La frecuencia de animales con huevos de Taenia fue de 14.5 ± 3.7%, Trichuris vulpis de 2.6 ± 1.7%, y Capillaria sp de 0.9 ± 1%, en tanto que fue de 1.4 ± 1.2% para Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina y Ancylostoma sp. Asimismo, la frecuencia de Sarcocystis sp. fue de 9.1 ± 3%, Entamoeba coli de 16.5 ± 3.9% e Isospora sp. de 11.9 ± 3.4%. La edad, sexo y zona agroclimatica no constituyeron factores de riesgo para el parasitismo de los canes. El monoparasitismo se presento en el 90.9% de los perros que presentaron infecciones parasitarias. El analisis de las muestras preservadas con formol al 10% y Bicromato al 2.5% dieron resultados bastante similares y, por lo tanto, moderadamente concordantes y mutuamente reemplazables al ser evaluadas mediante la prueba de Kappa y Mc Nemar.

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la seroprevalencia de Toxoplasma gondii en llamas hembras de las unidades de produccion Corpacancha, Cuyo y Santa Ana, de la Sociedad Agraria de Interes Social Pachacutec, en el distrito de Marcapomacocha, Junin. En enero y febrero de 2003 se colectaron muestras de sangre de 249 llamas mayores de 1 ano de edad. Se empleo la prueba de inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) para la deteccion de anticuerpos contra T. gondii. Se hallo una seroprevalencia moderada de 13.7 ± 4.3% (34/249). Se evidencio que existe mayor riesgo de contraer la enfermedad en el grupo de llamas mayores de 6 anos y que las unidades de produccion de Santa Ana y Corpacancha representan un factor de riesgo en la enfermedad.

Se determinó el grado de concordancia entre el examen hematológico y la prueba de ELISA directa en el diagnóstico de ehrlichiosis canina. Se emplearon 77 muestras de sangre de perros con signos clínicos compatibles a ehrlichiosis canina y 20 controles clínicamente normales que fueron obtenidos en la Clínica de Animales Menores de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Se encontró un 84.7 ± 11.0% de grado de concordancia mediante la prueba de Kappa. Así mismo, se determinó que la trombocitopenia, leucopenia, anemia y el antecedente de contacto con garrapatas tuvieron una relación significativa con la presencia de la enfermedad (p, The present study evaluated the level of agreement between the hematology test and the direct ELISA assay for the diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis. It was used 77 samples from dogs with clinical signs compatible with canine ehrlichiosis and 20 control samples from the Hospital of Small Animals of the Veterinary Medicine Faculty, San Marcos National University. The results showed 84.7 ± 11.0% of concordance by the Kappa test. Likewise, the thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia and history of tick infestation were significantly related (p

La ehrlichiosis canina es reconocida como una enfermedad infecciosa importante de distribucion mundial y potencialmente mortal de los perros y otros miembros de la familia Canidae. Es ocasionada por Ehrlichia canis y transmitida por la garrapata marron del perro Rhipicephalus sanguineus. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar un estudio retrospectivo de tipo caso-control para evaluar los factores de riesgo asociados a la presentacion de ehrlichiosis canina en pacientes de la Clinica de Animales Menores y del Laboratorio de Patologia Clinica de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de la UNMSM. Con este fin se utilizaron datos de historias clinicas entre los anos 2002-2005, de los cuales se consiguieron tanto los casos (caninos con ehrlichiosis: n=50) como los controles (caninos sin ehrlichiosis: n=100). Los datos recolectados fueron agrupados segun raza, sexo, edad, historia de garrapatas y lugar de origen, y fueron analizados mediante la prueba de Chi Cuadrado para determinar la asociacion entre las variables. Se estimaron los odds ratios (OR) crudo y ajustado para cuantificar el grado de riesgo de las variables en estudio. De los casos, el 50% fue de raza grande, 72% fueron machos, el 68% fue mayor de 2 anos y el 82% tuvo historia de infestacion por garrapatas. Los factores de riesgo asociados con la enfermedad fueron razas grandes (OR=12.8, p=0.024), raza Pastor aleman (OR=12.2, p

Se determino los niveles sericos de las enzimas asparto aminotransferasa (AST), creatina fosfokinasa (CK), isoenzima creatina fosfokinasa-MB (CK-MB) y lactato deshidrogenasa (LDH) en perros adultos con enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) y aparentemente sanos, para evaluar su uso como predictor de dano miocardico en insuficiencia cardiaca. Se evaluo a 25 animales sin distincion de sexo y raza, los cuales se dividieron en 2 grupos: 10 animales aparentemente sanos (G1) y 15 animales con enfermedad cardiovascular (G2). Se colecto sangre de la vena cefalica y los sueros resultantes se analizaron por espectrofotometria. Los niveles sericos de la isoenzima CK-MB fueron los unicos que tuvieron diferencia estadistica (p

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar los valores hematologicos referenciales del machin negro (Cebus apella) mantenidos en cautiverio en el Patronato del Parque de Las Leyendas, Lima. Se utilizaron 32 primates (25 machos y 7 hembras), entre juveniles, sub-adultos y adultos, en aparente buen estado de salud. Los primates fueron anestesiados con una combinacion de ketamina (10 mg/kg/pv) y xilazina (1 mg/kg/pv), via intramuscular, a traves de una malla de contencion. Se recolecto muestras de sangre por puncion de la vena femoral utilizando vacutainers con anticoagulante EDTA. Se realizo el recuento de globulos rojos (GR) y blancos (GB) utilizando la camara de Neubauer, el recuento plaquetario y diferencial utilizando la coloracion de Wright, la determinacion de la hemoglobina (Hb) con el metodo de cianometahemoglobina, el hematocrito (Ht) a traves del microhematocrito y los indices eritrociticos aplicando formulas estandares con los valores de GR, Hb y Ht. Los valores promedio calculados fueron de GR: 5.12 x 106/ μl, GB: 7.20 x 103/μl, neutrofilos: 50.8%, linfocitos: 47.6%, monocitos: 0.15%, eosinofilos: 1.06%, basofilos: 0.4%, plaquetas: 227 x 103/μl, Hb: 12.39 g/dl, Ht: 37.97% e indices hematologicos de VGM: 76.1 fl, HGM: 24.8 pg, CHGM: 32.6 g/dl. No se encontro diferencias significativas entre grupos etareos ni entre sexos.

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos anti- Toxoplasma gondii en alpacas de la Unidad de Producción de Cuyo de la SAIS Pachacútec, ubicada en la Sierra Central del país. En enero de 2003 se tomaron muestras de sangre a 258 alpacas hembras para la detección de anticuerpos de T. gondii, mediante la técnica de Inmunofluorescencia Indirecta (IFI). Se encontró que el 8.5 ± 3.4% (22/258) de las muestras presentaban anticuerpos contra el parásito; frecuencia menor que en otras zonas alpaqueras del país. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in alpacas at the production unit of Cuyo, part of SAIS Pachacutec in the Central Sierra of Peru. Blood samples were collected in 258 female alpacas in January 2003. Sera were tested against T. gondii antibodies by the Indirect Immunoflorescence test (IFI). The results showed that 8.5 ± 3.4% (22/258) of animals had antibodies against the parasite. This frequency is lower than in other alpaca breeding regions of the country.

The objective of the present study was to determine the normal hematological values and renal biochemistry of the adult white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) reared in captivity. Blood samples were collected in 25 animals. The deers were anesthetized with two chemical methods of restraint (ketamina 7 mg/kg; ketamina 4 mg/kg and xilacina 1 mg/ kg) without significant difference between both methods in relation to hematological and biochemistry values. In the erythrocytic series, the number of red cells was 10.12 x 106/μl, hemoglobin was 9.5 g/dl, hematocrit was 28.9%, and the erythocytic indexes were VCM = 28.8 fL, HCM = 9.6 pg, CHCM = 33.2 g/dl, without differences due to sex. The number of leukocytes was statistical different (p

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la presencia de Trypanosoma sp. en sajinos en cautiverio de las zonas de Iquitos y Moyobamba. Se colecto muestras de sangre de 40 sajinos procedentes de tres zoocriaderos con edades entre 3 meses y 2 anos. Las muestras se procesaron con las tecnicas de microcapilar o tecnica de Woo y del frotis sanguineo delgado. No se hallo la presencia de Trypanosoma sp. en las muestras examinadas, y, posiblemente, la baja sensibilidad de las tecnicas afecto los resultados. La tecnica de evaluacion de riesgo por simulacion Monte Carlo (programa @Risk) indico que el 95% de las observaciones analizadas se encontraron en un intervalo de 0.006 a 0.854% y que la probabilidad de encontrar la infeccion real en sajinos provenientes de Iquitos y Moyobamba se encuentra en un rango promedio de infeccion de 0.02%.

El estudio tuvo por objetivo obtener valores hematológicos de referencia de la tortuga motelo (Geochelone denticulata). Se utilizaron 44 individuos mantenidos en cautiverio en la ciudad de Iquitos-Perú. Se colectó la sangre por punción de la vena subcarapacial y se determinó recuento de glóbulos rojos (RGR), recuento de glóbulos blancos (RGB), hematocrito (Ht), hemoglobina (Hb), recuento diferencial de leucocitos e índices eritrocíticos. La temperatura cloacal y el peso corporal se emplearon como referencia del estado de salud. Los valores promedio fueron: RGR 0.44 x 106μL, RGB 7.82 x 103μL, Ht 20.3%, Hb 7.0 g/dl, VCM 502.7 fl, HCM 171.4 pg, CHCM 34.1 g/dl. El recuento diferencial de leucocitos fue: Heterσfilos 55.6%, Linfocitos 25.5%, Eosinófilos 15.8%, Basófilos 1.5%, Monocitos 0.4%, Azurófilos 1.2%. Los resultados coinciden con los intervalos de referencia documentados para la especie. The objective of the study was to obtain hematological referential values for Geochelone denticulata tortoise. Blood samples of 44 tortoises, maintained in captivity in Iquitos city, Peru, were collected by puncture of the subcarapacial vein. Blood parameters under evaluation were red blood cell number (RBC), white blood cell number (WBC), hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), differential leukocyte counts and erythrocyte indexes. Cloacal temperature and body weight were used as a reference for health status. The average values were: RBC 0.44 x 106mL, WBC 7.82 x 103mL, Ht 20.3%, Hb 7.0 g/dl, MCV 502.7 fl, MCH 171.4 pg, MCHC 34.1 g/dl. Leukocyte differential counts were: Heterophils 55.6%, Lymphocytes 25.5%, Eosinophils 15.8%, Basophils 1.5%, Monocytes 0.4%, Azurophils 1.2%. Results were similar to values reported for the species.

This study was carried out with 23 adult white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)of both sexes, kept in captivity in the province of Lima to establish reference liverbiochemistry profilevalues (Total and direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, alanineamino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AF),and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT). The animals (7 males and 16 females) were from three local zoos and were anesthesyzed with ketamine hydrochloride or with acombination of ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride. Blood samples (7ml) were collected from the saphenous vein in sterile tubes and serum was analyzedusing commercial kits. The values (mean ± SD) were Total Bilirubin: 0.6 ± 0.3 mg/dl;Direct Bilirubin: 0.08 ± 0.06 mg/dl; Total Protein: 6.6 ± 0.7 g/dl; Albumin: 3.6 ± 0.5 g/dl;ALT: 26.0 ± 9.7 UI/l; AST: 87.6 ± 22.9 UI/l; AF: 73.9 ± 33.8 UI/l, and GGT: 42.5 ± 12.6 UI/l.There were no statistical differences due to sex except for total bilirubin and albumin(p

Los parámetros hematológicos y bioquímicos sanguíneos son herramientas útiles en la clínica médica equina, pero su utilidad al servicio del Caballo Peruano de Paso es limitado ante la ausencia de valores de referencia. El estudio se realizó para determinar los valores hemato-bioquímicos en ejemplares aparentemente sanos. Se estudiaron 49 animales clasificados según sexo [machos (n=17) y hembras (n=30)] y edad [jóvenes (n=23) y adultos (n=26)]. El perfil hematológico (recuento total de eritrocitos, hematocrito, concentración de hemoglobina, volumen corpuscular medio, concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media, recuento total de leucocitos, neutrófilos abastonados, neutrófilos segmentados, eosinófilos, monocitos, linfocitos, relación neutrófilo/linfocito y el recuento de plaquetas) y bioquímico (bilirrubina total, bilirrubina directa, bilirrubina indirecta, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT y CK) se estimaron mediante analizadores automáticos. Se determinó el efecto del sexo y la edad sobre los valores obtenidos. El sexo influyó significativamente el recuento de monocitos y la actividad de la enzima CK, y la edad afectó la concentración de hemoglobina, volumen corpuscular medio, concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media, linfocitos, relación neutrófilo/linfocito, ALT, AST, bilirrubina total y bilirrubina indirecta (p, The hematological and blood biochemical parameters are useful tools for equinemedical practice but their usefulness for the Peruvian Paso Horse is limited by the absenceof reference values. The present study was conducted to determine hemato-biochemicalvalues in apparently healthy horses. Forty nine animals were evaluated and they were classified according to sex [males (n=17), females (n=30)] and age [young (n=23), adults(n=26)]. The hematological (red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration,mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cellcount, band neutrophils, segmented neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes,neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet count) and the biochemical (total bilirubin, directbilirubin, indirect bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and CK) profiles were estimated bymeans of automated analyzers. The effect of sex and age was evaluated. Sex influencedthe number of monocytes and CK activity, and age influenced hemoglobin concentration,mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes,neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, ALT, AST, total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin (p

The epidemiology of HTLV-I infection in female prostitutes was studied in a survey of 395 prostitutes from Callao, Peru (the port city of Lima), 72 prostitutes from Iquitos, Peru (another port city on the Amazon River), and 510 prenatal clinic patients from Lima. Prostitutes reported a mean of 8.8 years (range, 1-39 years) of active prostitution and a mean of 205 sexual contacts during the month prior to the study. The percentage of prostitutes with HTLV-I antibody (21.8%) was significantly higher than patients attending a prenatal clinic (3.1%; P less than .0001). The prevalence of HTLV-I antibody increased steadily with age in prostitutes, but no age trend was noted in prenatal patients. By multiple logistic regression analysis, an independent association was found between HTLV-I seropositivity and a history of prostitution in Callao, age, and positive syphilis serology when all 977 study subjects were evaluated. When prostitutes alone were analyzed, the number of years of exposure as a practicing prostitute was associated with HTLV-I seropositivity after controlling for age. These data indicate a greatly increased risk of HTLV-I infection in prostitutes in Callao, Peru, and suggest an association between sexual activity and HTLV-I transmission.

A serosurvey for human ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum was performed in different regions of Peru by using indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFAs). Regions included an urban community in a shantytown in Lima (Pampas) and three rural communities located on the northern coast of Peru (Cura Mori), in the southern Peruvian Andes (Cochapata), and in the Peruvian jungle region (Santo Tomas). An overall E. chaffeensis seroprevalence of 13% (21 of 160) was found by IFA. Seroprevalences in females and males was 15% (16 of 106) and 9% (5 of 53), respectively. Seroprevalences in Cura Mori, Cochapata, Pampas, and Santo Tomas were 25% (10 of 40), 23% (9 of 40), 3% (1 of 40), and 3% (1 of 40), respectively. Seroprevalences in Cura Mori and Cochapata were significantly higher than in Santo Tomas or Pampas (P0.01). No sera were reactive to A. phagocytophilum. These findings suggest that human infection with E. chaffeensis occurs in Peru. Further studies are needed to characterize Ehrlichia species in Peru, their vectors and their clinical significance.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la presencia de Anaplasma platys en caninos domésticos de Lima Metropolitana con signos clínicos compatibles con anaplasmosis, mediante la identificación de corpúsculos de inclusión en plaquetas y a través de la técnica Hemi-Nested PCR en muestras de sangre periférica. Se recolectaron 144 muestras de sangre entre enero y diciembre de 2012. De estas, el 29.2% (42/144) fue positiva (individuos trombocitopénicos con presencia de corpúsculos de inclusión en plaquetas) y el 12.5% (18/144) resultó sospechoso (individuos no trombocitopénicos y presencia de corpúsculos de inclusión en plaquetas) a la identificación hematológica. Asimismo, 1.4% (2/144) resultó positivo a la prueba de Hemi-Nested PCR. Estos hallazgos confirman la presencia de A. platys en caninos domésticos en el país.

Exposure to soluble protein Ags in vivo leads to abortive proliferation of responding T cells. In the absence of a danger signal, artificially provided by adjuvants, most responding cells die, and the remainder typically become anergic. The adjuvant-derived signals provided to T cells are poorly understood, but recent work has identified BCL3 as the gene, of those tested, with the greatest differential transcriptional response to adjuvant administration in vivo. As an initial step in analyzing transcriptional responses of BCL3 in T cells, we have identified candidate regulatory regions within the locus through their evolutionary conservation and by analysis of DNase hypersensitivity. An evolutionarily conserved DNase hypersensitive site (HS3) within intron 2 was found to act as a transcriptional enhancer in response to stimuli that mimic TCR activation, namely, PHA and PMA. In luciferase reporter gene constructs transiently transfected into the Jurkat T cell line, the HS3 enhancer can cooperate not only with the BCL3 promoter, but also with an exogenous promoter from herpes simplex thymidine kinase. Deletional analysis revealed that a minimal sequence of ∼81 bp is required for full enhancer activity. At the 5′ end of this minimal sequence is a κB site, as confirmed by EMSAs. Mutation of this site in the context of the full-length HS3 abolished enhancer activity. Cotransfection with NF-κB p65 expression constructs dramatically increased luciferase activity, even without stimulation. Conversely, cotransfection with the NF-κB inhibitor IκBα reduced activation. Together, these results demonstrate a critical role for NF-κB in BCL3 transcriptional up-regulation by TCR-mimetic signals.

The epidemiology of hepatitis B in female prostitutes was studied in a cross-sectional survey of 467 prostitutes and 510 control prenatal clinic patients from Lima and Iquitos, Peru. Prostitutes reported a mean of 8.8 +/- 6.7 years of active prostitution and a mean of 205 +/- 137 sexual contacts in the month prior to the study. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was found in comparable percentages of prostitutes (1.7%) and controls (0.8%; P = .305). In contrast, seropositivity for both antigen and antibody markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, or anti-hepatitis B core) was found in a significantly higher percentage of prostitutes than controls (67.0% vs. 10.0%; P less than .0001). By multivariate analysis, both prostitution (odds ratio [OR] 14.6) and the number of years of exposure as a prostitute (OR 3.2 for 10 years of exposure at age 35 years) were significantly associated with seropositivity for hepatitis B markers when adjusted for age. In this study, the prevalence of HBsAg was not substantially increased in highly active female prostitutes compared with the general population, even though hepatitis B transmission was greatly increased. These data suggest that in adult women with a high level of hepatitis B infection, hepatitis B antigenemia may not persist as frequently as previously indicated in studies of other populations.