ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the cardiorespiratory function and the state of oxidative stress resulting from the exposure to wood smoke in women who live at high altitude (3,850 m a.s.l.). Materials and methods: An observational case-series study. The cardiorespiratory function was analyzed, and the biomarkers of oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA) and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) were quantified. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were determined. The statistical methods of association and correlation were implemented. Results: Sixty (60) patients were included in the research. Fifty percent (50.00 %) of the participants showed clinical evidence of heart disease and 25.00 % had clinical symptoms of respiratory disease. Forty-five percent (45.00 %) of the spirometries revealed normal values. Thirty-six point six seven percent (36.67 %) showed a decrease in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio (FEV₁/FVC) and/or forced expiratory flow 25-75% (FEF25-75). A decrease in FEV₁/FVC, FEF25-75 and FVC occurred in 8.33 %, 3.33 % and 1.67 % of the study participants, respectively. Moreover, a 5.00 % decrease was found in more than two parameters. Sixty percent (60.00 %) of the electrocardiograms revealed normal values, 36.67 % presented an intraventricular conduction disorder and 3.33 % showed dextrorotation of the heart. Eighty-one point six seven percent (81.67 %) of the participants presented an echocardiographic alteration, 73.33% showed valvular insufficiency, 20.00 % presented pulmonary hypertension and 6.67 % had an enlarged right ventricle. The mean MDA was 6 µM/L ± 2, which was positively correlated with the age (p: 0.029). The median COHb accounted for 1.00 % (p25: 0.70 - p75: 1.68). No statistically significant association was found between the COHb concentration and spirometric alterations. A positive correlation was found between MDA values and the right ventricle wall thickness (p: 0.001). Conclusions: The different alterations of the cardiorespiratory function found in the study population show that both chronic exposure to wood smoke derivatives and hypobaric hypoxia are an important source of free radicals and lead to a permanent and sustained state of oxidative stress, which is responsible for the progressive deterioration of the cardiorespiratory function with no early clinical manifestation.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Caracterizar la función cardiorrespiratoria y el estado oxidativo consecuente a la exposición al humo de leña en mujeres que viven a gran altura (3850 m s.n.m.). Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional serie de casos. Se exploró la función cardiorrespiratoria y se cuantificó la concentración sérica de malondialdehido (MDA) y carboxihemoglobina (COHb) como marcadores de estrés oxidativo. Se determinaron medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión. Se aplicaron métodos estadísticos de asociación y correlación. Resultados: Se estudiaron a 60 participantes, de las cuales, 50,00 % presentó clínica de enfermedad cardiaca; 25,00 %, clínica de enfermedad respiratoria. El 45,00 % de las espirometrías fueron normales; 37,67 % mostraron disminución del volumen espiratorio forzado en un segundo (VEF₁), del índice de permeabilidad bronquial central (VEF₁/CVF) y/o de los flujos aéreos periféricos (FEF25-75); 8,33 %, disminución VEF₁/CVF; 3,33 %, disminución del FEF25-75; 1,67 %, disminución de la capacidad vital forzada (CVF), y 5,0 %, disminución de dos o más parámetros. El 60,00 % de los electrocardiogramas eran normales, en 36,67 % se encontró diferentes trastornos de la conducción intraventricular, y en 3,33 % datos de corazón dextrorotado. El 81,67% de las ecocardiografías mostraba algún tipo de alteración: 73,33 % evidenciaron insuficiencias valvulares; un 20,00 % presentó, además de esta condición, hipertensión arterial; mientras que el 67,67 %, dimensión aumentada del ventrículo derecho. La media de MDA fue de 5,62 µM/L ± 2,06, correlación positiva con la edad (p: 0,029). La mediana de COHb fue de 1,05 % (p25:0,70-p75:1,68). No se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la concentración de COHb y las alteraciones espirométricas. Se encontró correlación positiva entre los valores de MDA y el grosor del ventrículo derecho (p: 0,001). Conclusiones: Las diferentes alteraciones de la función cardiorrespiratoria encontradas expresan que tanto la exposición crónica a los derivados del humo de leña como la hipoxia hipobárica son fuentes importantes de radicales libres y que establecen un estado permanente y sostenido de estrés oxidativo, responsable del deterioro progresivo de la función cardiorrespiratoria sin expresión clínica precoz.

Resumen Objetivo: Informar acerca de un caso de endocarditis bacteriana. Paciente varón de 34 años de edad, con único antecedente de rinitis alérgica con tratamiento irregular. Él es procedente de Valparaíso Chile, se encuentra en sus vacaciones en la ciudad de La Paz, acude al servicio de Medicina interna - Emergencias, con clínica compatible con edema agudo de pulmón de la altura y edema cerebral de la altura, asociado a sepsis de foco pulmonar, que progresa a choque séptico, durante su internación intercurre con alzas térmicas continuas, asociado a hallazgo ecocardiográfico de vegetación en ventrículo derecho con hemocultivo positivo, por lo que se llega al diagnóstico de endocarditis bacteriana, se realizó el tratamiento correspondiente, y resolución del cuadro.

Abstract Objective: To report a case of bacterial endocarditis A 34-year-old male patient with a unique history of allergic rhinitis with irregular treatment. He comes from Valparaíso Chile, is on vacation in the city of La Paz, goes to the service of Internal Medicine - Emergencies with compatible clinical with acute pulmonary edema of height and cerebral edema of height, associated with sepsis of focus pulmonary disease, which progresses to septic shock, during internment with continuous hyperthermia, associated vegetation in right ventricle for echocardiography, also positive blood culture, so that a diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis is reached, Corresponding treatment was carried out, and resolution of pathology..

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the blood levels of two oxidative stress biomarkers among native women exposed to wood smoke living at high altitude (3,850 m a.s.l.). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) percentage in venous blood, which is also a cellular hypoxia biomarker, were analyzed. Materials and methods A descriptive case-series study conducted in 74 women between 14 and 55 years of age exposed to wood smoke and coming from the rural area of the Copacabana Municipality (La Paz, Bolivia) at 3,850 m a.s.l. Screening was carried out through a survey and a complete physical examination. MDA levels and COHb percentage in venous blood were determined, and the demographic variables and transcutaneous oxygen saturation were measured. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed and measures of central tendency were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 18. Results Seventy-four (74) women between 14 and 55 years of age were examined. This examination resulted in a mean level of 5.5 µmol/L ± 2 MDA and a median percentage of 1 % COHb (p25 - p75: 0.7 - 1.6). Women who used to burn a mixture of eucalyptus and cow or sheep dung had a higher mean level of MDA and a median percentage of 2.5 % COHb. Conclusions Indoor air pollution (CAI) due to wood smoke increases the oxidative stress among this native population living at high altitude. This is demonstrated by the increased levels of MDA, and the difference against the biomarker levels of healthy native populations living at high altitude and at sea level. In addition, MDA levels and COHb percentages were higher among women who used to burn a mixture of wood and cow or sheep dung due to the higher harmful effects of such mixture.

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar los niveles sanguíneos de dos biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo en mujeres expuestas al humo de leña, nativas y residentes de gran altura (3850 m s. n. m.). Se cuantificaron el malondialdehido (MDA), y el porcentaje de carboxihemoglobina en sangre venosa (COHb), que también es un marcador de hipoxia celular. Materiales y métodos Estudio descriptivo, serie de casos, realizado en 74 mujeres, entre 14 a 55 años, expuestas al humo de leña oriundas del área rural del municipio de Copacabana (La Paz, Bolivia) a 3850 m s. n. m. La selección se hizo mediante una encuesta y un examen clínico completo. Se determinaron los niveles de MDA y el porcentaje de COHb en sangre venosa, y se midieron variables demográficas y la saturación transcutánea de oxígeno. Para el análisis estadístico descriptivo y las medidas de tendencia central se empleó el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 18. Resultados Se estudiaron 74 mujeres entre 14 a 55 años. Se encontró una media de MDA de 5,5 µmol/L ± 2 y una mediana de COHb de 1 % (p25 - p75: 0,7 - 1,6). Las mujeres que refirieron quemar una mezcla de eucalipto con estiércol de vaca u oveja presentaron una media de MDA mayor y una mediana de COHb de 2,5 %. Conclusiones En esta población nativa y residente a gran altura, la contaminación del aire en interiores (CAI) incrementa el estrés oxidativo. Esto se demuestra en el aumento del MDA y en la diferencia con los valores de este biomarcador en la población sana nativa de altura y del llano. Asimismo, los valores de MDA y COHb son mayores en quienes usaron una mezcla de leña con estiércol de vaca u oveja, por la mayor nocividad de la mezcla.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress biomarker, in individuals living at high altitudes (3500-4200 m). This exploratory study evaluated 91 subjects from La Paz and El Alto using a questionnaire and clinical examination. MDA levels were measured using a colorimetric technique. Measures of central tendency, dispersion, and percentages were used to describe data, and the Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to assess differences between the sexes, age groups, and altitudes. The median concentration of MDA was 4.1 μmol/L (RIC 2.4-5.4) and the highest concentration of MDA was found in individuals older than 40 years. The average MDA levels were higher than those found at sea level, a result we believe is due to the effect of hypoxia. However, there were no differences in the MDA levels between the sexes or age groups.

RESUMEN El objetivo fue investigar el comportamiento del malondialdehido (MDA), biomarcador de estrés oxidativo, a grandes altitudes (3500-4200 m de altitud). Se realizó un estudio exploratorio en 91 sujetos de las ciudades de La Paz y El Alto seleccionados a través de una encuesta y examen clínico; la determinación de MDA se realizó con una técnica colorimétrica. Las medidas de tendencia central, dispersión y porcentajes se usaron para la descripción de datos, la prueba de Mann Whitney y Kruscal Wallis para explorar diferencias entre varones y mujeres, grupo etario y altitud. La mediana de concentración de MDA fue de 4,1 µmol/L (RIC 2,4-5,4), la mayor concentración se encontró en mayores de 40 años. El valor de la media encontrada es mayor que los referidos para el nivel del mar y supone la influencia de la hipoxia sobre los valores del MDA, sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias entre sexo y grupos etarios.

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress biomarker, in individuals living at high altitudes (3500-4200 m). This exploratory study evaluated 91 subjects from La Paz and El Alto using a questionnaire and clinical examination. MDA levels were measured using a colorimetric technique. Measures of central tendency, dispersion, and percentages were used to describe data, and the Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to assess differences between the sexes, age groups, and altitudes. The median concentration of MDA was 4.1 μmol/L (RIC 2.4-5.4) and the highest concentration of MDA was found in individuals older than 40 years. The average MDA levels were higher than those found at sea level, a result we believe is due to the effect of hypoxia. However, there were no differences in the MDA levels between the sexes or age groups.

El objetivo fue investigar el comportamiento del malondialdehido (MDA), biomarcador de estrés oxidativo, a grandes altitudes (3500-4200 m de altitud). Se realizó un estudio exploratorio en 91 sujetos de las ciudades de La Paz y El Alto seleccionados a través de una encuesta y examen clínico; la determinación de MDA se realizó con una técnica colorimétrica. Las medidas de tendencia central, dispersión y porcentajes se usaron para la descripción de datos, la prueba de Mann Whitney y Kruscal Wallis para explorar diferencias entre varones y mujeres, grupo etario y altitud. La mediana de concentración de MDA fue de 4,1 µmol/L (RIC 2,4-5,4), la mayor concentración se encontró en mayores de 40 años. El valor de la media encontrada es mayor que los referidos para el nivel del mar y supone la influencia de la hipoxia sobre los valores del MDA, sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias entre sexo y grupos etarios.

Parasites belonging to Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania donovani, Leishmania mexicana complexes and Trypanosoma cruzi (clones 20 and 39) were searched in blood, lesions and strains collected from 28 patients with active cutaneous leishmaniasis and one patient with visceral leishmaniasis. PCR-hybridization with specific probes of Leishmania complexes (L. braziliensis, L. donovani and L. mexicana) and T. cruzi clones was applied to the different DNA samples. Over 29 patients, 8 (27.6%) presented a mixed infection Leishmania complex species, 17 (58.6%) a mixed infection Leishmania-T. cruzi, and 4 (13.8%) a multi Leishmania-T. cruzi infection. Several patients were infected by the two Bolivian major clones 20 and 39 of T. cruzi (44.8%). The L. braziliensis complex was more frequently detected in lesions than in blood and a reverse result was observed for L. mexicana complex. The polymerase chain reaction-hybridization design offers new arguments supporting the idea of an underestimated rate of visceral leishmanisis in Bolivia. Parasites were isolated by culture from the blood of two patients and lesions of 10 patients. The UPGMA (unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages) dendrogram computed from Jaccard's distances obtained from 11 isoenzyme loci data confirmed the presence of the three Leishmania complexes and undoubtedly identified human infections by L. (V.) braziliensis, L. (L.) chagasi and L. (L.) mexicana species. Additional evidence of parasite mixtures was visualized through mixed isoenzyme profiles, L. (V.) braziliensis-L. (L.) mexicana and Leishmania spp.-T. cruzi.The epidemiological profile in the studied area appeared more complex than currently known. This is the first report of parasitological evidence of Bolivian patients with trypanosomatidae multi infections and consequences on the diseases' control and patient treatments are discussed.

Wings of a Rhodnius specimen from Alto Beni (Bolivia) was examined for identification and compared with R. stali, R. robustus, (certified Bolivian species), R. pictipes and R. prolixus (suspected Bolivian species). A projection of the unidentified wings as supplementary data into a discriminant analysis of shape revealed clear cut differences with R. stali and R. pictipes, less differences with R. prolixus, and none with R. robustus. Combining global size and shape of the wings, the unknown specimen was identified as R. robustus. Thus, this study confirmed the presence of R. robustus in Bolivia. It also highlighted the possibility of morphometrics to taxonomically interpret one individual, or even one piece of an individual, when related species data are available for comparison.

This is the first report of adult and nymphs (20 nymphs of all stages and 4 adults) of Microtriatoma trinidadensis (Lent 1951) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) collected in peridomestic environment, in the department of La Paz, Bolivia. These specimens were associated to Rhodnius stali Lent, Jurberg & Galvão 1993. The exceptional finding of M. trinidadensis in peridomestic environment, illustrates the general tendency of triatominae to adapt to human dwellings and dependences.