Abstract Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) are useful to identify syphilis cases, particularly for hard-to-reach populations and if laboratory services are scarce. However, RDT performance may be suboptimal. We aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a syphilis RDT using well-characterized blood donors’ samples. We categorized samples from 811 blood donors into five groups: 1 - Samples with reactive Chemiluminescence (QML), FTA-Abs, and VDRL; 2 - Samples with reactive QML and FTA-Abs, and nonreactive VDRL; 3 - Samples with reactive QML, and nonreactive for other markers (false-positives); 4 - Controls with nonreactive QML; and 5 - Samples reactive for HIV, with nonreactive QML. Sensitivity was tested in groups 1 (overall and according to VDRL titers) and 2; specificity was tested in groups 3‒5. The RDT had high specificity, even in samples reactive for HIV. The sensitivity was high (91.9%) in samples with reactive VDRL but varied between 75.0%‒100% according to VDRL titers. The overall sensitivity was lower (81.3%) in samples with reactive FTA-Abs and nonreactive VDRL. The RDT is a useful tool to detect active syphilis but may be more limited for cases with very early or remote infection, or those with prior treatment. When higher sensitivity is needed, additional strategies including recurrent testing or laboratory-based tests may be required.

Resumen La demencia asociada a virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) es una causa de demencia rápidamente progresiva poco frecuente en la actualidad. Su aparición no se limita a las fases tardías de la enfermedad, sino que en ocasiones puede ser el síntoma de presentación. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que debutó con síntomas ansioso-depresivos y un rápido deterioro cognitivo con repercusión precoz en su funcionalidad diaria. En el estudio se detectó VIH con mayor carga viral en líquido cefalorraquídeo que en plasma. La terapia antirretroviral logró, a pesar de la tórpida evolución inicial, una mejora progresiva en la esfera cognitiva, congruente con la disminución de la carga viral. Aunque poco frecuente, el VIH sigue siendo una causa de demencia que los profesionales de atención primaria y hospitalaria no debemos olvidar. La importancia de su diagnóstico precoz radica en su carácter potencialmente reversible.

Abstract Dementia associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is currently a rare cause of rapidly progressive dementia. Its appearance is not only limited to the late phases of the disease, but can sometimes be the presenting symptom. We present the case of a patient who debuted with anxious-depressive symptoms and rapid cognitive deterioration with early repercussions on his daily functionality. HIV was detected in the study, with a higher viral load in cerebrospinal fluid than in plasma. Despite a torpid course at the beginning, antiretroviral therapy brought about a progressive improvement in the cognitive sphere, consistent with the decrease in the viral load. Although rare, HIV continues to be a cause of dementia that primary care and hospital care professionals should not forget. The relevance of its early diagnosis lies in its potentially reversible nature.

Resumo O nariz é uma das localizações anatómicas mais frequentes do cancro de pele. O objetivo da cirurgia é não apenas a exérese completa do tumor, mas também preservar a função e estética do nariz. A reconstrução de defeitos que envolvem o dorso do nariz são frequentemente desafiantes. Um vasto leque de opções reconstrutivas foi desenvolvido para esta subunidade nasal, com bons resultados. A escolha da técnica reconstrutiva é influenciada pelo tipo de tumor, pelo defeito, pelas características da pele do doente e pela preferência do cirurgião. Os defeitos do dorso do nariz invariavelmente afetam também outras subunidades adjacentes, como a ponta do nariz, as paredes laterais, os cantos internos dos olhos e a glabela. Estes defeitos complexos requerem técnicas reconstrutivas desafiantes e têm um maior risco de complicações locais. Neste artigo são revistas as principais opções reconstrutivas do dorso do nariz.

Abstract The nose is one of the most frequent anatomic locations of skin cancer. The purpose of surgery is not only fully eliminating the tumor but also preserving nose function and aesthetics. Reconstruction of defects involving the nasal dorsum usually presents a substantial challenge. A wide range of reconstructive options have been developed for reconstructing this area, all of which can result in excellent outcomes. The choice of a reconstructive technique is influenced by tumor type, by the defect, by patient individual skin characteristics, and by surgeon preferences. Defects on the nasal dorsum frequently cross to adjacent cosmetic subunits, such as the nasal tip, the sidewall, the medial canthus, and the glabella. These complex defects usually require challenging reconstructive technique and carry a higher risk of local complications. In this article, the main reconstructive techniques for nasal dorsum reconstruction are reviewed.

Resumo Introdução: A dermite de contacto alérgica (DCA) possui um amplo espectro de apresentações clínicas, que podem mimetizar outras patologias. Quando as provas de contato não identificam os alergénios relevantes ou o tratamento se releva ineficaz, deve ser realizada uma biópsia cutânea. No entanto, há poucos estudos descritivos sobre a histopatologia da DCA. Objetivo: Caracterizar as alterações microscópicas da DCA e identificar características que ajudem no diagnóstico diferencial. Métodos: Realizámos um estudo retrospetivo que englobou 20 biópsias cutâneas de casos de DCA. As lâminas foram revistas e as alterações microscópicas analisadas. Resultados: Nas lâminas estudadas, verificou-se uma concordância clínico-patológica de 80% sendo o principal diagnóstico diferencial histológico, toxidermia. Na epiderme, as alterações mais comuns incluíram acantose (95%), paraqueratose (85%) e espongiose (80%). Apenas em 3 casos se identificou necrose de queratinócitos. Na derme, a presença de um infiltrado inflamatório perivascular superficial foi o achado mais frequente. Em todos os casos se observaram linfócitos e, em 80%, eosinófilos. Em nenhuma das lâminas se identificou a presença de neutrófilos ou de linfócitos atípicos. Conclusão: Na DCA, as alterações histopatológicas são inespecíficas e a correlação com a clínica é essencial. O padrão típico é a espongiose com eosinófilos, mas os achados dependem do tempo de evolução das lesões. Várias características histológicas (incluindo paraqueratose e hiperplasia da epiderme com evidências, ainda que subtis, de espongiose; infiltrado dérmico superficial; ausência de queratinócitos apoptóticos e de degeneração vacuolar) podem auxiliar no diagnóstico diferencial com toxidermias.

Abstract Introduction: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, which mimic diverse dermatological conditions. When patch tests do not identify that the relevant allergens or treatment is not effective, a skin biopsy is warranted. However, there are few descriptive series on the histopathology of ACD. The purpose of this study was to characterize microscopic changes in ACD and to identify features that may help in the differential diagnosis. Methods: We retrospectively included 20 skin biopsies of ACD cases. Slides were reviewed, and microscopic changes analyzed. Results: We reported a clinicopathologic concordance of 80%. The main histological differential diagnosis was drug eruption (DE). Common epidermal findings included acanthosis (95%), parakeratosis (85%), and spongiosis (80%). Necrotic keratinocytes were observed in only three cases. The most common dermal change was the presence of a superficial perivascular inflammatory infiltrate. Lymphocytes were present in all cases and eosinophils in 80% of the biopsies, although in much smaller number. Neutrophils and atypical lymphocytes were absent. Conclusion: In ACD, isolated pathological findings are nonspecific and clinicopathological correlation is essential. Eosinophilic spongiosis is the typical pattern, but findings depend on the stage of evolution. Several histological features (including parakeratosis and epidermal hyperplasia with signs of spongiosis, superficial dermal infiltrate, absence of both apoptotic keratinocytes, and vacuolar degeneration), may aid in the differential diagnosis with DE.

Resumen: Introducción: la termodilución se considera el estándar de referencia para la medición del gasto cardiaco. Durante las últimas décadas la aparición de otros métodos menos invasivos ha resultado útil para determinar el gasto cardiaco. El objetivo del estudio es analizar la correlación entre el gasto cardiaco obtenido por ecocardiografía transtorácica mediante el método de continuidad y termodilución pulmonar por catéter de Swan-Ganz. Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo, descriptivo, transversal realizado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital General Las Américas. A los pacientes se les colocó catéter Swan-Ganz; se realizó medición de gasto cardiaco por ecocardiografía; posteriormente cuantificación de gasto cardiaco por termodilución pulmonar durante marzo de 2021 a agosto de 2022. Resultados: se compararon 58 mediciones de gasto cardiaco (GC) por Swan-Ganz con una mediana de 4.95 (rango 3.1-7.2), y GC por ecocardiografía con una mediana 4.93 (rango 3.2-7.0). La diferencia de medias para la medición de gasto cardiaco por Swan-Ganz fue de 5.20 (95% IC 4.56-5.84, p < 0.0001), comparado con gasto cardiaco por termodilución 5.19 (95% IC 4.56-5.81, p < 0.0001). Conclusiones: existe correlación significativa entre el gasto cardiaco medido por termodilución y ecocardiografía; se le considera una alternativa confiable para la determinación del gasto cardiaco.

Abstract: Introduction: thermodilution considered the reference standard for measuring cardiac output. During the last decades, the appearance of other less invasive methods has been useful to determine cardiac output. The aim of the study is to analyze the correlation between cardiac output obtained by transthoracic echocardiography by continuity method and pulmonary thermodilution by Swan-Ganz catheter. Material and methods: prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out in the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital General Las Américas, the patients underwent a Swan-Ganz catheter; cardiac output was measured by echocardiography; subsequently, quantification of cardiac output by pulmonary thermodilution during March 2021 to August 2022. Results: fifty-eight measurements of cardiac output by Swan-Ganz with a median of 4.95 (range 3.1-7.2) and CO by echocardiography with a median of 4.93 (range 3.2-7.0) were compared. The difference in means for the measurement of cardiac output by Swan-Ganz was 5.20 (95% CI 4.56-5.84 p < 0.0001), compared to cardiac output by thermodilution 5.19 (95% CI 4.56-5.81 p < 0.0001). Conclusions: there is a significant correlation between cardiac output measured by thermodilution and echocardiography; being considered a reliable alternative for the determination of cardiac output.

Resumo: Introdução: a termodiluição é considerada o padrão de referência para a medida do débito cardíaco. Nas últimas décadas, o surgimento de outros métodos menos invasivos mostrou-se útil para a determinação do débito cardíaco. O objetivo do estudo é analisar a correlação entre o débito cardíaco obtido pela ecocardiografia transtorácica pelo método da continuidade e a termodiluição pulmonar pelo cateter de Swan-Ganz. Material e métodos: estudo prospectivo, descritivo, transversal, realizado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva do Hospital Geral Las Américas, onde foi colocado cateter de Swan-Ganz; o débito cardíaco foi medido por ecocardiografia; posteriormente, quantificação do débito cardíaco por termodiluição pulmonar no período de março de 2021 a agosto de 2022. Resultados: foram comparadas 58 medidas do débito cardíaco por Swan-Ganz com uma mediana de 4.95 (intervalo 3.1-7.2), e GC por ecocardiografia com uma mediana de 4.93 (intervalo 3.2-7.0). A diferença média para medição do débito cardíaco por Swan-Ganz foi de 5.20 (IC 95% 4.56-5.84 p < 0.0001), em comparação com o débito cardíaco por termodiluição 5.19 (95% CI 4.56-5.81 p < 0.0001). Conclusões: existe uma correlação significativa entre o débito cardíaco medido por termodiluição e ecocardiografia; considerando-o uma alternativa confiável para a determinação do débito cardíaco.

Abstract The current COVID-19 pandemic has sharply increased pre-existing social divides. In this research, we analyzed the relationships of different facets of social class with well-being and affectivity across 8 Ibero-American countries. Moreover, we also tested the potential mediating role of perceived risk of COVID-19 and perceived collective efficacy. The results obtained (a) revealed that a lower social class was related to reduced well-being and positive affect as well as to greater negative affect, (b) confirmed that subjective social class was a better predictor of well-being and affectivity than educational level (i.e., an objective indicator of social class), and (c) showed that subjective social class was indirectly linked to well-being/affectivity via its effects on the perceived risk of COVID-19 and perceived collective efficacy. These findings support the existence of differences in well-being and affectivity as a function of social class during the pandemic, while advancing our understanding of underlying psychosocial mechanisms.

Resumen La actual pandemia de COVID-19 ha supuesto un marcado incremento de las brechas sociales preexistentes. En esta investigación analizamos las relaciones de diferentes facetas de clase social con el bienestar y afectividad general a lo largo de un total de 8 países de la región cultural iberoamericana. Asimismo, también pusimos a prueba el potencial rol mediador del riesgo percibido relativo a la COVID-19 y de la eficacia colectiva percibida. Los resultados obtenidos (a) revelaron que una clase social más baja se relacionó con un menor bienestar y afecto positivo, así como con un mayor afecto negativo; (b) confirmaron que la clase social subjetiva constituye un mejor predictor del bienestar y afectividad general que el nivel educativo (i.e., indicador de clase social objetiva); y (c) mostraron que los efectos de la clase social subjetiva en el bienestar/afectividad general se daban de forma indirecta a través del riesgo percibido y la eficacia colectiva. Estos hallazgos confirman la existencia de diferencias en bienestar y afectividad general en función de la clase social durante la pandemia, al tiempo que permiten avanzar en la comprensión de los mecanismos psicosociales subyacentes.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the serum levels of vitamin D (VD) in mothers and their newborns. Material and methods: 60 mothers and 62 newborns (two twins), who were selected from a medical unit in the city of Puebla, between April and May 2015, were included. After informed consent, data from the mother and newborn were recorded, including sun exposure time and VD intake during pregnancy. Serum levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were determined to classify each participant into sufficiency, insufficiency, and deficiency parameters. Results: It was found that 85% of the mothers had low levels of VD; 43.3% with insufficiency and 41.7% with deficiency. These percentages were very similar in newborns, since only 6.5% showed normal levels. No relationship was found between VD levels and time of sun exposure or VD consumption during pregnancy. Conclusion: The high frequency of low levels of VD warns about the need to provide supplementation to all newborns, particularly those who are exclusively breastfed.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir los niveles séricos de vitamina D (VD) de madres y sus hijos al momento del nacimiento. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 60 madres y 62 recién nacidos (dos gemelares), que fueron seleccionados de una unidad médica en la ciudad de Puebla, en el periodo de abril a mayo de 2015. Previo consentimiento informado, se registraron datos de la madre y recién nacido (RN), incluyendo tiempo de exposición solar e ingesta de VD durante el embarazo. Se identificaron los niveles séricos de 25 hidroxivitamina D (25(OH)D), a fin de clasificarlos en suficiencia, insuficiencia y deficiencia. Resultados: Se encontró que 85% de las madres tenían niveles bajos de VD; 43.3% con insuficiencia y 41.7% con deficiencia. Estos porcentajes fueron muy similares en los RN, de los cuales sólo 6.5% mostró niveles normales. No se encontró relación de los niveles de VD con tiempo de exposición al sol o el consumo de VD durante el embarazo. Conclusión: La alta frecuencia de niveles bajos de VD alertan sobre la necesidad de otorgar suplementación a todos los RN, particularmente a los que reciben lactancia exclusiva.

Resumen: Introducción: Hallux valgus (HV) es una patología compleja del antepié, recientemente se ha mostrado interés en el componente rotacional (CR) distal del primer metatarsiano por su relación con recidivas postquirúrgicas de la deformidad. La selección de la técnica quirúrgica es controversial con escasa literatura acerca de la corrección de rotación con osteotomías comunes. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar características radiológicas prequirúrgicas y postquirúrgicas respecto a CR del primer metatarsiano en la cirugía de corrección de HV moderado a severo usando osteotomía de Chevron largo. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y comparativo en el que se evaluó el CR del primer metatarsiano en nueve pies pertenecientes a seis pacientes con una edad media de 45 años. El CR fue evaluado con base en la metáfisis proximal del primer metatarsiano en fluoroscopías axiales sin carga y AP de pie. Las mediciones se realizaron por un residente de ortopedia y traumatología y un subespecialista en cirugía de pie y Tobillo. Resultados: Se documentaron diferencias significativas (p = 0.05) en el ángulo de pronación prequirúrgico y postquirúrgico al utilizar osteotomía de Chevron largo. El resultado funcional de los pacientes evaluados fue excelente a 11 meses de seguimiento. Conclusiones: Radiológicamente, la corrección rotacional es variable y previamente no se ha reportado en la literatura con esta osteotomía. Se establecen bases morfológicas para la realización de estudios posteriores en la evaluación de rotación de cabeza del primer metatarsiano con diferentes osteotomías.

Abstract: Introduction. Hallux valgus (HV) is a complex forefoot pathology, in which interest has recently been shown in the distal rotational component (CR) of the first metatarsal due to its relationship with postsurgical relapses of the deformity. The selection of surgical technique is controversial with little current literature on the correction of rotation with common osteotomies. The aim of this study is to evaluate preoperative and postoperative radiological characteristics regarding CR of the first metatarsal using long Chevron osteotomy for moderate to severe HV. Material and methods: An observational, prospective and comparative study was carried out in which the CR of the first metatarsal was evaluated in nine feet belonging to six patients with a mean age of 45 years. The RC was evaluated based on the proximal metaphysis of the first metatarsal in axial fluoroscopies of unloaded metatarsals and standing AP. Measurements were performed by an Orthopedic and Traumatology resident and a Foot and Ankle Surgery subspecialist. Results: Significant differences (p = 0.05) were documented in the preoperative and postoperative pronation angle when using long Chevron osteotomy. The functional result of the evaluated patients was excellent at 11 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Radiologically, the rotational correction is variable and has not previously been reported in the literature with this osteotomy. We establishes the morphological bases for the performance of subsequent studies in the evaluation of head rotation of the 1st metatarsal with different osteotomies.

Abstract Background: Studies of the nutritional value of Dichrostachys cinerea leaf-petioles are insufficient to define sample drying in various in vitro digestibility studies. The aim of this research was to calculate in vitro gas production, and provide better fit model parameters, as indicators of foliage digestibility from two different plant heights, using two drying methods. Methods: The samples were collected at random, by hand, from 10 different trees (1 m and 2 m high), during the dry season, simulating total plant leaf browsing conditions. Each sample was divided in two for the different drying treatments (room temperature for approximately 96 h, and 55 ºC in a stove), to constant weight. The influence of plant height and drying temperature on the volumes of in vitro gas produced at 24, 48, and 72 h, in cattle feces, were evaluated through simple analysis of variance of factor combinations. Results: In vitro gas production from 2 m high plant leaf-petioles dried at 55 °C was significantly lower than the rest of the temperature-height combinations evaluated. Conclusions: The better fit parameters of the equations for in vitro gas production from Dichrostachys cirenea leaf-petioles showed a potential for ruminant nutrition due to the high nutritional values, similar to several forage shrub-like species of leguminosae.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los estudios del valor nutritivo de las hojas peciolos de Dichrostachys cinerea son insuficientes para definir el secado de las muestras en estudios de digestibilidad in vitro. El objetivo fue calcular .la producción de gas in vitro y parámetros de mejor ajuste a modelos como indicadores de la digestibilidad del follaje de la planta a dos alturas y con dos métodos de secado. Métodos: Las muestras se colectaron manualmente de forma aleatoria de 10 árboles diferentes (de 1 m y 2 m de altura), en época de seca, simulando el ramoneo de la planta en su totalidad. Cada muestra se dividió para ser sometida a dos tratamientos de secado (a temperatura ambiente aproximadamente por 96 h y a 550 C en estufa), hasta peso constante. Se evaluó la influencia de la altura de la planta y temperatura de secado en los volúmenes de gas in vitro producido a las 24, 48 y 72 h, utilizando como inóculo heces bovinas, mediante análisis de varianza de clasificación simple de las combinaciones de factores. Resultados: La producción de gas in vitro de hojas peciolos de plantas de 2 m, secadas a 55 °C fue significativamente menor que el resto de las combinaciones temperatura-altura evaluadas. Conclusiones: Los parámetros de mejor ajuste a las ecuaciones de producción de gas in vitro de hojas peciolo de Dichrostachys cirenea muestran la posibilidad de su uso en la alimentación de rumiantes debido a su potencial nutricional similar al de varias especies arbustivas forrajeras de la familia leguminosa.

SUMMARY Scientific community indicates that emergency and disaster situations have a higher impact on mental health than on physical health. There was no reason to believe that outbreak COVID-19 and state of alarm were going to impact less than previous epidemics. For this reason, military psychology needed to contribute with some of its capabilities to reduce the impact of the emergency on the mental health of part of the population. Method: Bibliographic searches in PubMed, PsycINFO and EBSCOhost were performed for analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. In addition, some of the actions that military psychology has carried out throughout the Nation are described. Results: A negative psychological impact of COVID-19 was observed in countries such as China, Algeria, Iran, India, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom or Germany. Military psychology carried out at least 15,000 actions, although not all of them resulted in psychological interventions and about half of them were formally accounted. Approximately 40% of the people received at least one psychological intervention (13% in individual format and 27% in group session for participants). Of the individual actions recorded, about 18% needed psychological fi aid. Negative symptoms but also positive resilience patterns were observed in people. Actions were done in different contexts: Workers and users of nursing homes and centers for vulnerable people; hospitalized and hospitalized's relatives and deceased by COVID-19; military personnel as fi workers; military relatives; civil workers from the Ministry of Defense; retired military personnel; and military widows. Conclusions: According to the scientific literature, this outbreak has had a negative impact on mental health. However, despite negative symptoms, people also presented resilience patterns.

RESUMEN La literatura científica señala que las situaciones de emergencias y desastres tienen un impacto más elevado para la salud mental que para la salud física. No había razones para pensar que la pandemia por COVID-19 y la situación de estado de alarma fueran a impactar menos que epidemias anteriores. Por ello, la psicología militar debía aportar algunas de sus capacidades para reducir el impacto de la emergencia en la salud mental de una parte de la población. Método: Se realizaron búsquedas bibliográfica en PubMed, PsycINFO y EBSCOhost de cara a analizar el impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en la salud mental. Además, se describen algunas de las diferentes actuaciones que ha llevado a cabo la psicología militar en todo el territorio nacional, durante la mencionada crisis sanitaria. Resultados: Se observa un impacto psicológico negativo del COVID-19 en países como China, Argelia, Irán, India, Italia, España, Reino Unido o Alemania. La psicología militar realizó al menos 15000 actuaciones, aunque no todas se concretaron en intervenciones psicológicas y solo unas 8000 se pudieron contabilizar formalmente. El 40% de las personas atendidas recibieron al menos una intervención psicológica (13% en formato individual y 27% en sesión grupal para intervinientes). De las actuaciones individuales contabilizadas, aproximadamente el 18% derivó en intervención psicológica. En las intervenciones individuales se observaron síntomas de salud mental negativos, así como patrones de resiliencia para gestionar el estrés. Las actuaciones se llevaron a cabo con: Trabajadores y usuarios de residencias de mayores y centros de personas vulnerables; hospitalizados y familiares de hospitalizados y fallecidos por COVID-19; militares intervinientes en la emergencia; familiares de militares; trabajadores civiles del Ministerio de Defensa; militares en situación de retiro; y viudas de militares. Conclusiones: Según la literatura científica la emergencia sanitaria ha tenido un impacto negativo en la salud mental. Sin embargo, pese a los síntomas negativos, los individuos también demuestran patrones de resiliencia bien establecidos.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las levaduras del género Malassezia hacen parte de la microbiota normal cutánea de humanos y animales. En equinos se han reportado diferentes especies de Malassezia aisladas de varias regiones de piel y canal auditivo externo. Objetivo: Aislar, caracterizar e identificar las especies del género Malassezia spp. a partir de canal auditivo externo y piel de equinos sin lesiones dermatológicas, remitidos a la Clínica de Grandes Animales de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Metodología: Se evaluaron 22 equinos, a partir de los cuales se obtuvieron 82 muestras entre hisopados de canal auditivo externo (izquierdo y derecho) y diferentes regiones de piel (prepucio, glándula mamaria e ingle). Las muestras fueron procesadas mediante examen directo y cultivo en agar Dixon modificado. A partir de los aislamientos en los que se observaron colonias morfológicamente compatibles con Malassezia spp. se realizó la identificación fenotípica y molecular. Resultados: De las 82 muestras procesadas se obtuvieron 14 aislamientos de levaduras, de las cuales mediante identificación bioquímica el 50% (n=7) correspondió a Malassezia spp., el 35,7% (n=5) a Candida spp., y el 14,3% (n=2) a Cryptococcus spp. Luego mediante pruebas moleculares se identificaron las especies del género Malassezia como: M. slooffiae (28,6%) y M . nana (57,1%); y un aislamiento correspondió a Trichosporon asahii. Conclusión: Se logró identificar las especies M.nana y M. slooffiae como microbiota normal de la piel y el canal auditivo en los equinos evaluados. La prevalencia de Malassezia spp. para la población evaluada fue de 18,2% (n=4/22).

Abstract Background: The yeasts of the genus Malassezia are considered part of the normal skin microbiota in humans and animals. In horses, several species of the genus Malassezia have been reported in different areas of the skin and ear canal. Objective: Isolate, characterize and identify the different species belonging to the genus Malassezia isolated from the ear canal and skin of equine patients with no dermatological lesions that were referred to the large animal clinic of veterinary teaching hospital at the National University of Colombia. Methods: 22 horses were evaluated and sampled. Eighty-two samples were obtained by swabbing either the ear canals (left and right), skin areas of prepuce, mammary gland and inguinal region. The samples were examined by cytological evaluation and were cultured on modified Dixon’s agar and phenotypic and molecular identification were performed for yeast colonies. Results: Fourteen yeast isolates were obtained from the 82 samples. Biochemical identification determined that 50% (n=7) were Malassezia spp., 35.7% (n=5) were identified as Candida spp. and 14.3% (n=2) as Cryptococcus spp.. Using molecular tests, the Malassezia species were M. slooffiae (28.6%) and M.nana (57.1%); only one isolate was classified as Trichosporo asahii. Conclusion: M.nana and M. slooffiae were identified as part of the normal ear canal and skin microbiota in the evaluated horses. The observed prevalence of Malassezia spp. was 18.2% (n=4/22) in this study sample.

Resumo Antecedentes: As leveduras do gênero Malassezia fazem parte da microbiota cutânea normal de humanos e animais. Em cavalos, diferentes espécies de Malassezia isoladas de várias regiões da pele e do canal auditivo externo foram reproduzidas. Objetivo: Isolar, caracterizar e identificar as espécies do gênero Malassezia spp. do canal auditivo externo e pele eqüinos sem lesões cutâneas, referiu-se à Clínica de Grandes Animais da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Nacional da Colômbia. Métodos: 22 equinos foram avaliadas a partir dos quais 82 amostras a partir de esfregaços do canal auditivo externo (esquerda e direita) e diferentes regiões da pele (prepúcio, glândula mamaria e virilha) foram obtidos. As amostras foram processadas por exame direto e cultura em ágar Dixon modificado. Dos isolados nos quais as colônias foram observadas morfologicamente compatíveis com Malassezia spp. identificação fenotípica e molecular foi realizada. Resultados: Das 82 amostras processadas 14 isolados de levedura, que foram obtidos por identificação bioquímica de 50% (n=7) correspondia a Malassezia spp., 35,7% (n=5) a Candida spp., e 14,3% (n=2) para Cryptococcus spp.. Em seguida, usando o teste molecular espécie Malassezia foram identificadas como M. slooffiae (28,6%) e M . nana (57,1%); e um isolamento correspondia a Trichosporon asahii. Conclusão: As espécies M.nana e M. slooffiae foram identificadas como microbiota de pele normal e do canal auditivo nos equídeos avaliados. A prevalência de Malassezia spp. para a população avaliada foi 18,2% (n=4/22).

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the forage yield and quality of Canavalia ensiformis in the establishment stage. Three AMF species and a control were evaluated, in a randomized block design with four treatments and three repetitions. The evaluated variables were: aerial dry biomass yield, efficiency index, crude protein, NPK extraction, colonization and visual density of the roots. The inoculation with AMF species surpassed the control in all the variables. The highest dry biomass yield values were found in Funneliformis mosseae/INCAM-2, and the lowest ones in the control, with significant differences at p< 0,05 (8,30 and 4,35 t ha-1, respectively). The extraction of N, P2O5 and K2O reached values of 254,73; 32,26; 210,96 and 120,43; 15,03; 77,00 for F. mosseae /INCAM-2 and the control, respectively (p < 0,05). F. mosseae/INCAM-2 and Glomus cubense/INCAM-4 showed the highest values of colonization and visual density, although the latter did not differ from Rhizoglomus intraradices/INCAM-11. It is concluded that the different inoculated AMF strains surpassed the control in the dry matter yield, crude protein and extraction of macronutrients from the soil, although the highest effectiveness in any of these variables was obtained with the inoculation of the strain F. mosseae /INCAM-2.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de hongos micorrízico arbusculares (HMA) sobre el rendimiento y la calidad del forraje de Canavalia ensiformis en la fase de establecimiento. Se evaluaron tres especies de HMA y un testigo, en un diseño de bloques al azar con cuatro tratamientos y tres repeticiones. Las variables evaluadas fueron: rendimiento de biomasa seca aérea, índice de eficiencia, proteína bruta, extracción de NPK, colonización y densidad visual de las raíces. La inoculación con especies de HMA superó al testigo en todas las variables. Los mayores valores de rendimiento de biomasa seca se hallaron en Funneliformis mosseae/INCAM-2, y los menores en el testigo, con diferencias significativas a p < 0,05 (8,30 y 4,35 t ha-1, respectivamente). La extracción de N, P2O5 y K2O alcanzó valores de 254,73; 32,26; 210,96 y de 120,43; 15,03; 77,00 para F. mosseae /INCAM-2 y el testigo, respectivamente (p< 0,05). F. mosseae/INCAM-2 y Glomus cubense/INCAM-4 mostraron los mayores valores de colonización y de densidad visual, aunque esta última no difirió de Rhizoglomus intraradices/INCAM-11.Se concluye que las diferentes cepas de HMA inoculadas superaron al testigo en el rendimiento de masa seca, proteína bruta y extracción de macronutrientes del suelo, aunque la mayor efectividad en cualquiera de estas variables se obtuvo con la inoculación de la cepa F. mosseae/INCAM-2.

Tinea capitis is considered the most frequent dermatophyte infection in children. The etiological agents vary from time to time and by geographical area, although they normally are zoophilic dermatophytes and in the last years also anthropophilic species. We report a clinical case of inflammatory tinea capitis in a 6-year-old child caused by Microsporum gypseum, a geophilic fungus pathogenic to humans and animals. The sources of human infection are soil, cats, dogs and small mammals. This species is less frequent as a cause of dermatophytosis in humans, described mainly in tinea corporis and rarely in tinea capitis. In the diagnosis of tinea capitis identifying the causative species is a determinant of the treatment.

La tiña capitis es considerada la infección por dermatofitos más frecuente en los niños. Los agentes etiológicos varían con el tiempo y según la zona geográfica, aunque, normalmente, son dermatofitos de origen zoofílico y, en los últimos años, también dermatofitos antropofílicos. Se presenta un caso de tiña capitis inflamatoria en un niño de 6 años de edad causada por Microsporum gypseum, un hongo geofílico patógeno para humanos y animales. Las fuentes de infección humana son el suelo, los gatos, los perros y pequeños mamíferos. Esta especie es poco frecuente como causa de dermatofitosis en el hombre, descrita, sobre todo, en tiña corporis y, raramente, en tiña capitis. En el diagnóstico de tiña capitis, identificar la especie causal es un factor determinante para el tratamiento.