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Strongyloides stercoralis infection occurs when filariform larvae from soil penetrates the skin, pass through the lung's circulation, enter the airways, and are then swallowed. In the mucosa of the small intestine, the larvae mature into adult parthenogenic females, and deposit eggs that release firststage rabditoide larvae into faeces. These L-1 larvae are the usual diagnostic feature in the stool specimens, and are identified by their short bucal cavity and prominent genital primordium. This paper reviews the life cycle, diagnostic methods and recent advances in the pathogenesis and pathology of human strongyloidiasis. Immunosuppression, particularly that is associated with excess levels of corticosteroids, can lead to marked acceleration of autoinfection and parasite's dissemination and results in the hyperinfection syndrome, which is often manifested as hemorrhagic bronchopneumonia, necrotic ulcerative enteritis, Gram negative sepsis or meningitis. During hyperinfection, migrating larvae causes intra-alveolar hemorrhage, and larva may be seen on cytologic examination of respiratory secretion. Epidemiologic features, diagnosis and recent advances in parasites chemotherapy were also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the current life expectancy, 77 years in males and 81 in females, and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in adults as a cause of death, multiple efforts have been made to identify and prevent atherosclerotic disease at its earliest stages. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the results of ultra sensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP) in a group of adult individuals of both genders who presented at the lab in fasting to undergo a lipid profile and usCRP determination. A total of 1,595 individuals were included, with a mean age of 59 years. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and atherogenic index) and usCRP were measured using Beckman-Coulter hardwer. The results were interpreted in accordance with the lipid profile guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), and the American Heart Association (AHA) usCRP guidelines.8 It was found that 20.5% (327) of the individuals had usCRP levels within the high-risk range (3.1-10.0 mg/L) and lipid levels within the ranges recommended by the NCEP. The current endothelial dysfunction concept is analyzed, as well as the importance of usCRP as a predictive parameter of cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the major public health problem in Mexico where it represents the main death cause on general population. In our country it is estimated that there are more than 4 million patients including a million that have not been diagnosed yet. This condition has a great economical impact that must be attended immediately from the first level of medical attention through reliable and early diagnosis in order to contain the high costs of second and third levels of medical attention. Early diagnosis, based on solid laboratory evidence, is the milestone of effective management and control of disease. It has been estimated that in developed countries more than 80% of medical decisions are being taken on laboratory data while the trend is still improving. Based on these recommendations, National Standards such as NOM-015-SSA2-1994 "For DM Prevention, Treatment and Control" have been established, reviewed and updated periodically. Purpose: To set analytical goals for quality control on the most frequently used laboratory tests that are in use for the Diagnosis, Management and Control of Diabetes Mellitus from the ISO15189:2003 Standard Perspective "Particular Requisites for Medical Laboratories Competence" where traceability to reference methods, uncertainty, biological and analytical variation estimation are emphasized in order to achieve medical relevance. Methods: This is an assessment and discussion of the basic concepts and fundaments of traceability to reference method; and of uncertainty measurement of biological and analytical variation of lab tests in order to estimate group and individual biological variation according to Tonks and Aspen criteria, which are the basis on which Six Sigma analytical goals are set for each measurand. Outcome: On this paper analytical goals for blood, serum and urine lab tests for diagnosis, management and control of DM are presented. Data are offered on table format emphasizing the importance of traceability and validation documentation in order to reduce uncertainty, and to improve medical relevance. In order to be useful not only on medical decisions but also on the proper development, selection and acquisition of Laboratory Systems. Discussion: The key to achieve reliable and opportune DM control is precisely dependent on Clinical Laboratory availability where the need to have analytical goals is clear. If medical relevance is to be accomplished, these goals must be established on the biological variation perspective and not only on technological performance. Proper Laboratory Systems selection depends on adequate understanding of Six Sigma concept. The first step on any quality control system is the setting of proper and challenging goals. The importance of these goals relies not only on good clinical practice but also as a working tool for research labs, industry and public health authorities in order to reduce uncertainty on the development, selection and acquisition of Clinical Diagnosis Laboratory Systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human hookworm is caused by infection with the helminth nematode parasites Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale and is transmitted through contact with soils of the rural tropics and subtropics. The highest rates of hookworm disease occur in the coastal-humid regions, in these areas, repeated exposure to third-stage lavar of Necator results in a local pruritic, erythematous, papular rash of the feet and hands. After entry through the skin the larvae migrates to the lungs resulting in cough, sore throat, eosinophilia and increased circulating levels of IgE. However major injury in humans occurs when the adult parasite cause intestinal blood loss with iron-deficiency anemia and hypoalbuminemia, and when the hookworm intestinal burden reaches 40 to 160 adult parasites, the hemoglobin level is below 11 g per deciliter/blood. In children, chronic hookworm disease retards physical growth. Severe anemia during pregnancy has been linked to maternal mortality, impaired lactation, prematury and low birth weight. This paper reviews the hookworm's life cycle, clinical manifestation, pathogenesis and the recent advances in the use of animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present the evaluation of PT and PTT in whole blood using CDP as anticoagulant. We analyzed 196 blood samples to determinate PT and PTT in whole blood and plasma. The values obtained for PT in plasma were 12 to 14 seconds with a media of 12.4 seconds and SD ± 1.4. The values of PT for whole blood were 14 to 17 seconds with a media of 15.3 seconds and SD ± 1.3. The PTT for normal plasma is 20 to 40 seconds with media of 35.1 seconds and SD ± 11.0; the values for whole blood were 22 to 40 seconds with media of 34.9 seconds and SD ± 10. We therefore have think that for these determinations plasma or whole blood may be used; with the advantage that when whole blood is used the amount needed is just 0.5 mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]