scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question
Institution

National Autonomous University of Nicaragua

EducationManagua, Nicaragua
About: National Autonomous University of Nicaragua is a education organization based out in Managua, Nicaragua. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 775 authors who have published 715 publications receiving 9791 citations.


Papers
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
24 Sep 2019-BMJ Open
TL;DR: A standardised minimum protocol for cohort studies in high-risk communities aimed at investigating the incidence of, and risk factors for, early kidney dysfunction is proposed.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: A recently recognised form of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown origin (CKDu) is afflicting communities, mostly in rural areas in several regions of the world. Prevalence studies are being conducted in a number of countries, using a standardised protocol, to estimate the distribution of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and thus identify communities with a high prevalence of reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In this paper, we propose a standardised minimum protocol for cohort studies in high-risk communities aimed at investigating the incidence of, and risk factors for, early kidney dysfunction. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This generic cohort protocol provides the information to establish a prospective population-based cohort study in low-income settings with a high prevalence of CKDu. This involves a baseline survey that included key elements from the DEGREE survey (eg, using the previously published DEGREE methodology) of a population-representative sample, and subsequent follow-up visits in young adults (without a pre-existing diagnosis of CKD (eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m2), proteinuria or risk factors for CKD at baseline) over several years. Each visit involves a core questionnaire, and collection and storage of biological samples. Local capacity to measure serum creatinine will be required so that immediate feedback on kidney function can be provided to participants. After completion of follow-up, repeat measures of creatinine should be conducted in a central laboratory, using reference standards traceable to isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) quality control material to quantify the main outcome of eGFR decline over time, alongside a description of the early evolution of disease and risk factors for eGFR decline. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval will be obtained by local researchers, and participants will provide informed consent before the study commences. Participants will typically receive feedback and advice on their laboratory results, and referral to a local health system where appropriate.

28 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A rapid and simple method was developed to determine aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and ochratoxin A in animal feed and pet foods by UHPLC-MS/MS, and performance parameters were evaluated, including linearity, trueness, precision and LOQ.
Abstract: A rapid and simple method was developed to determine aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and ochratoxin A in animal feed and pet foods by UHPLC-MS/MS. Because the complexity of the evaluated matrices, the proposed method is based on sonication extraction using an ACN/water mixture (80:20 v/v) followed by a clean-up step utilising C(18) as sorbent. Performance parameters of the method were evaluated, including linearity, trueness, precision and LOQ. Good linearity was found for all mycotoxins, with determination coefficients higher than 0.99 in the range considered, using matrix-matched calibration for quantification purposes. Recoveries ranged from 84 to 113%, with RSD lower than 20%, whereas LOQs were 5 microg/kg for the assayed mycotoxins. Finally, the method was successfully applied to the analysis of 19 real samples, detecting aflatoxin G2 in two samples at 13 and 17 microg/kg respectively, whereas the other mycotoxins were detected at trace levels (

28 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An association between biomarkers of EE and seroconversion to the first dose of RV5 is found and it is possible that interventions that prevent or ameliorate EE may also improve oral rotavirus vaccine response.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Environmental enteropathy (EE) is a common intestinal condition among children living in low- and middle-income countries and is associated with diminished enteric immunity to gastrointestinal pathogens, and possibly to oral vaccine antigens. The goal of this study was to examine associations between biomarkers of EE and immunogenicity to the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5). METHODS Infants were recruited 1 day before their first RV5 immunization in Leon, Nicaragua, from public health rosters. Infants provided a preimmunization blood and stool sample, and a second blood sample 1 month after receipt of RV5. We measured immunoglobin A (IgA) seroconversion to the first dose of RV5 and concentrations of 4 previously identified fecal biomarkers of EE (alpha-1 antitrypsin, neopterin, myeloperoxidase and calprotectin). We then assessed associations between concentrations of these biomarkers, both individually and as combined scores, and seroconversion to the first dose of RV5. RESULTS Of the 43 enrolled infants, 24 (56%) seroconverted after the first dose of RV5. As compared with infants who seroconverted, those who did not seroconvert had higher median concentrations of both myeloperoxidase (3.1 vs. 1.1 µg/mL, P = 0.002) and calprotectin (199.1 vs. 156.2 µg/mL, P = 0.03). Further, those who did not seroconvert had a higher median combined score of the 4 biomarkers as compared with those who seroconverted (6.5 vs. 4.5, P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS We found an association between biomarkers of EE and seroconversion to the first dose of RV5. It is possible that interventions that prevent or ameliorate EE may also improve oral rotavirus vaccine response.

28 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: New evidence is provided that mothers’ social status, social support and access to economic resources need to be enhanced as a part of policies aimed to reduce food insecurity in high-poverty settings.
Abstract: Objective: Women (especially mothers) are theorized as critical to reducing household food insecurity through their work and caregiver roles. The present study tests these assumptions, assessing how maternal economic and social resources are associated with food insecurity in households with young children. Design: Data from a population-based sample of households was collected in Leon, Nicaragua (n 443). Data include a newly validated measure of household food insecurity (ELCSA), maternal resource measures, and household economic status and demographics. Regression analysis tests the statistical associations (P<0.05) of maternal resources with household, adult-specific and child-specific food insecurity. Setting: Municipality of Leon, Nicaragua. Subjects: Households with children aged 3-11 years in rural and urban Leon. Results: Only 25 % of households with young children were food secure, with 50 % mildly food insecure and 25 % moderately/severely food insecure. When mothers contributed substantially to household income, the odds of moderate/severe household food insecurity were 34 % lower than when their spouse/partner was the main provider. The odds of food insecurity were 60 % lower when mothers managed household money, 48 % lower when mothers had a secondary (v. primary) education, 65 % higher among single mothers and 16 % lower with each indicator of social support. Results were similar for adult-and child-specific food insecurity. Conclusions: This research provides new evidence that maternal economic and social resources are important for reducing household food insecurity and adult- and child-specific food insecurity. Women's social status, social support and access to economic resources need to be enhanced as a part of policies aimed to reduce food insecurity in high-poverty settings.

28 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a Heckman selection model was estimated to jointly analyse the probability of being able to cope with climate change and the level of adaptive capacity that farmers perceive, and the effects of specific programs on education about climate change awareness, paying special attention to the issue of whether farmers perceive they have any capacity at all to adapt.

28 citations


Authors

Showing all 782 results

Network Information
Related Institutions (5)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
82.5K papers, 4.4M citations

81% related

World Health Organization
22.2K papers, 1.3M citations

81% related

Oswaldo Cruz Foundation
36.7K papers, 802.3K citations

79% related

New York State Department of Health
10.2K papers, 464.8K citations

79% related

United States Department of Health and Human Services
7.3K papers, 462.7K citations

79% related

Performance
Metrics
No. of papers from the Institution in previous years
YearPapers
20232
20226
202165
202078
201959
201856