University of Costa Rica

About: University of Costa Rica is a education organization based out in San José, Costa Rica. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Venom. The organization has 9817 authors who have published 16781 publications receiving 238208 citations. The organization is also known as: UCR & Universidad de Costa Rica.

CARD14-associated papulosquamous eruption: A spectrum including features of psoriasis and pityriasis rubra pilaris.

Abstract: Background Heterozygous mutations in caspase recruitment domain family member 14 gene (CARD14) have been shown to be associated with psoriasis and familial pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP). Many subjects with CARD14 mutations display features of both disorders, which can result in diagnostic uncertainty. In addition, these eruptions are often recalcitrant to conventional psoriasis therapies such as methotrexate, oral retinoids, and tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors. Objective We sought to describe the clinical characteristics, family history, and response to therapy in subjects with papulosquamous eruptions due to mutations in CARD14. Methods Subjects were referred for genetic testing as part of a registry of subjects with inherited disorders of keratinization. DNA was isolated from blood or saliva, and multiplex targeted sequencing or whole exome sequencing was performed. Clinical histories of subjects with CARD14 mutations were reviewed. Results We identified 15 kindreds with CARD14-associated papulosquamous eruption (CAPE). Characteristic features of CAPE include early age of onset; prominent involvement of the cheeks, chin, and ears; family history of psoriasis or PRP; minimal response to conventional topical and systemic psoriasis therapies; and improvement with ustekinumab. Limitations Relatively small sample size. Conclusions Many subjects with CARD14 mutations display characteristics of both psoriasis and PRP. We propose the term CARD14-associated papulosquamous eruption to describe this spectrum of disease. Subjects with clinical features suggestive of CAPE should undergo CARD14 sequencing and may benefit from treatment with ustekinumab.

Individual saturated fatty acids and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction in Costa Rica.

Abstract: Background: Epidemiological studies on the effect of individual saturated fatty acids (SFAs) on cardiovascular disease, especially in developing countries with different dietary patterns, are scarce. Objective: To determine the risk of nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (MI) associated with consumption of individual SFAs and their food sources in Costa Rica. Design: The cases (n=485) were survivors of a first acute MI and were matched by age, sex and area of residence to population controls (n=508). Data on anthropometrical measurements, lifestyle and diet were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: In analyses adjusted for confounders, consumption of total and individual SFAs was associated with an increased risk of MI. The odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence intervals) for 1% increase in energy from total saturated fat was 1.12 (1.03–1.21) while it was 1.51 (1.03–2.22) for lauric acid+myristic acid, 1.14 (1.01–1.30) for palmitic acid and 2.00 (1.34–3.00) for stearic acid. Although lauric and myristic acids were associated with increased risk of MI, they were consumed in small amounts and most of the saturated fat (87%) came from palmitic and stearic acids, which derived mainly from red meat and fried foods. Consumption of cheese (1–2 vs 0 servings/day) was associated with increased risk of MI (OR=3.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.74–5.39; P for trend <0.0001), while consumption of low-fat milk was not. Conclusions: Increased consumption of total and individual SFAs is associated with increased risk of MI. Lauric, myristic and stearic acids were more potent than palmitic acid. Sponsorship: National Institutes of Health Grant HL 49086 and HL 60692.

Experimental probe for thin-film magnetism in p(1×1) Pd and V on Ag(100)

Abstract: We report high-sensitivity experiments utilizing the magneto-optic Kerr effect which probe for ferromagnetism in ultrathin epitaxial films of Pd and V on Ag(100) substrates. Our experiments fail to detect unambiguous manifestations of ferromagnetism in these two thin-film systems.

Reproductive history and breast cancer in a population of high fertility, Costa Rica, 1984-85

Abstract: Articulo cientifico -- Universidad de Costa Rica. Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud, 1987