Review of neuroimaging findings of intracranial angioinvasive fungal infections.

With increasing use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, advances in organ and stem-cell transplant therapy, and the continued diabetes mellitus II epidemic, as well as other risk factors, reports of fungal infections of the CNS have been increasing. The most lethal subset is the angioinvasive fungal infection. Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor, and Fusarium tend to affect immunocompromised individuals depending on their risk factors. Exserohilum rostratum and Cladophialaphora species tend to infect immunocompetent individuals. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative for improved outcomes and reduced morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific, while neuroimaging can be helpful for accurate diagnosis. CT of the head and/or the maxillofacial structures is the primary imaging modality. Once the infection begins to proliferate, areas of vasogenic and cytotoxic edema, with regional mass effect and shift of the midline structures may be seen. These findings, however, are often nonspecific and may also be seen in underlying neoplasm, inflammatory processes, and other intracranial infections. Characteristic findings on T1, T2, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and gradient echo sequences (GRE) may help to further narrow the differential diagnoses. We present a review of neuroimaging findings that will aid the neuroradiologist in distinguishing intracranial angioinvasive fungal infections and lead to improved patient outcomes.

Anti-Thymocyte Globulin as a Therapy for Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction: A Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is a polyclonal antibody formulation which has been used as a second-line therapy for chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Limited data exist evaluating its efficacy; however, several single-center retrospective studies have variably demonstrated either improvement or stabilization of spirometry parameters after administration of ATG. ATG has been in use at UT Southwestern for treatment of CLAD since at least 2010; here, we seek to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention at our center.  METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of a total of 136 patients who underwent lung transplantation at UT Southwestern Medical Center between 2010 and 2022. Of these, 72 patients had received ATG specifically for treatment of CLAD, and the remaining 64 had never received ATG. Two separate analyses were performed: in the first, among those who received ATG for CLAD, spirometry data from the 6 months preceding and following ATG administration were reviewed and rates of change in FEV1 were calculated for each time period. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize the baseline clinical characteristics and outcomes after ATG, with patients classified as having either a full response (positive rate of change in FEV1) or partial response (>20% attenuation in rate of FEV1 decline) to ATG.  In the second analysis, survival was described among those who received ATG for CLAD and comparison was provided between propensity-score matched cohorts from the ATG and non-ATG groups. RESULTS: Of the 63 patients who received ATG for treatment of CLAD (and had adequate spirometry measurements available to trend FEV1), 49 (77.8%) had at least a partial response to therapy; 8 (12.7%) experienced an overall improvement in FEV1. Response to ATG was found to be associated with a more rapid rate of pre-ATG decline in FEV1; no other baseline parameters were found to be predictive of a response to ATG. Median post-CLAD graft survival was 31.7 months among those who received ATG, and only baseline absolute neutrophil count was found to be associated with worse post-CLAD graft survival among this group. CONCLUSION: Anti-thymocyte globulin therapy, when given for CLAD, was associated with at least a modest attenuation in rate of FEV1 decline in most patients but only rarely preceded an absolute improvement in FEV1. Further study is warranted to better define the role for ATG in treatment of CLAD, a challenging disease state with limited therapeutics available.

A novel viral RNA detection method based on the combined use of trans-acting ribozymes and HCR-FRET analyses.

The diagnoses of retroviruses are essential for controlling the rapid spread of pandemics. However, the real-time Reverse Transcriptase quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR), which has been the gold standard for identifying viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 in the early stages of infection, is associated with high costs and logistical challenges. To innovate in viral RNA detection a novel molecular approach for detecting SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, as a proof of concept, was developed. This method combines specific viral gene analysis, trans-acting ribozymes, and Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based hybridization of fluorescent DNA hairpins. In this molecular mechanism, SARS-CoV-2 RNA is specifically recognized and cleaved by ribozymes, releasing an initiator fragment that triggers a hybridization chain reaction (HCR) with DNA hairpins containing fluorophores, leading to a FRET process. A consensus SARS-CoV-2 RNA target sequence was identified, and specific ribozymes were designed and transcribed in vitro to cleave the viral RNA into fragments. DNA hairpins labeled with Cy3/Cy5 fluorophores were then designed and synthesized for HCR-FRET assays targeting the RNA fragment sequences resulting from ribozyme cleavage. The results demonstrated that two of the three designed ribozymes effectively cleaved the target RNA within 10 minutes. Additionally, DNA hairpins labeled with Cy3/Cy5 pairs efficiently detected target RNA specifically and triggered detectable HCR-FRET reactions. This method is versatile and can be adapted for use with other viruses. Furthermore, the design and construction of a DIY photo-fluorometer prototype enabled us to explore the development of a simple and cost-effective point-of-care detection method based on digital image analysis.

Two-positron-bonded dihalides: Ps2XY (X,Y=F,Cl,Br).

This study explores the energetic stability and physical prop-This study explores the energetic stability and physical properties of Ps2XY complexes formed by two halide anions (X-,Y-=F-,X-,Br-), and two positrons (Ps:positron-electron pair). We combine electronic coupled cluster (CCSD(T)) calculations with positronic multicomponent renormalized partial third-order propagator (MC-REN-PP3) calculations to effectively recover correlation energies. Analysis of potential energy curves confirms the energetic stability of these positronic molecules, with optimized structures identified as global minima. Further investigation of electron and positron densities reveals stabilization owing to the formation of two-positron bonds. The global stability of the Ps2XY complexes contrasts with the metastable two-positron-bonded (PsH)2, which energetically favors the emission of Ps2. Comparative analysis of one- and two-positron dihalides indicates that adding a positron to PsXY- generally results in shorter bond distances, higher force constants, and lower dissociation energies, with exceptions due to differences in positron affinities of PsXY- and Y-. We explore the analogy between two-positron-bonded dihalide systems Ps2XY and two-electron-bonded dialkali molecules AB, (A,B=Na,K,Rb). The bonding properties in positron dihalides and their electronic dialkali analogs display identical periodic trends. However, compared to their isoelectronic AB counterparts, the positron bonds in Ps2XY have shorter bond lengths, higher force constants, and higher bond energies.

Comparison of safety of lumbar drain versus external ventricular drain in symptomatic hydrocephalus following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is typically performed with an external ventricular drain (EVD) for symptomatic hydrocephalus (HCP) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Lumbar drain (LD) has also been studied to reduce the incidence of vasospasm after SAH but not HCP. We performed a single center retrospective analysis to evaluate the safety of LD versus EVD for symptomatic HCP following aneurysmal SAH in a naturally randomized patient population. METHODS: Patients admitted for aneurysmal SAH who developed symptomatic HCP were treated with EVD or LD depending on neurosurgeon on call. Of the 10 neurosurgeons on call, five would place EVD in all patients while the other five would request LD be placed by interventional neuroradiology; however, the distribution on call was not evenly distributed. We retrospectively compared these two groups for drain complications and outcomes with Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: From 2018 to 2021, there were a total of 77 patients with aneurysmal SAH requiring CSF diversion for HCP. There were 56 cases of EVD placement and 21 cases of LD placement. Overall drain complications were 32.0% of cases with EVD and 9.5% with LD, p = .0773. EVD versus LD complications consisted of hemorrhage (1.8% vs 0%, p = 1.0000), infection (7.1 vs 0%, p = .5698), clogged (25% vs 0%, p = .008), dislodgement (1.8% vs 4.6%, p = .4737) and replacement (16% vs 4.8%, p = .2698). No case of cerebellar tonsillar herniation occurred. mRS between EVD versus LD obtained at baseline (0.3 vs 0.3, p = .3943), discharge (3.8 vs 2.7, p = .047), 90 days (2.9 vs 2.0, p = .060), and 1 year (2.6 vs 1.6, p = .081). One year mortality rates between EVD versus LD (26.8% vs 19.0%, p = .483). CONCLUSION: Symptomatic HCP after aneurysmal SAH can be effectively and safely treated with LD. LD had lower overall complications than EVD with no hemorrhage, infection or malfunction. Further prospective randomized control study may be helpful in elucidating optimal CSF diversion for patients with symptomatic HCP.

Diabetes tipo 1 en pediatría durante la pandemia por COVID-19: tiempo de evolución de síntomas y formas de presentación en un centro de referencia / Type 1 diabetes in pediatrics during the COVID-19 pandemic: Time from symptom onset and forms of presentation at a referral hospital

Introducción. La pandemia por COVID-19 afectó la atención de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). Además, se reportó un aumento de cetoacidosis diabética (CAD) como forma de diagnóstico. Objetivos. Evaluar si durante la pandemia por COVID-19 se modificaron el tiempo de evolución de síntomas, las causas de hospitalización por DM1 y la proporción de formas graves, y describir la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en estos pacientes. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal que incluyó pacientes menores de 19 años hospitalizados por DM1 en un centro pediátrico de referencia de marzo de 2018 a agosto de 2019 (prepandemia) y de marzo de 2020 a agosto de 2021 (pandemia). Resultados. Se analizaron 231 internaciones, 135 prepandemia y 96 en pandemia. Los pacientes con debut diabético presentaron menor tiempo de evolución de síntomas en pandemia que en prepandemia (18,8 ± 10,2 vs. 52,1 ±12,1 días, respectivamente; p <0,001). Las hospitalizaciones por todas las formas de debut diabético y el debut con CAD fueron más frecuentes en pandemia que en prepandemia (59,4 % vs. 39,3 %; OR 2,3; IC95% 1,3-3,8; p = 0,003); y (40,6 % vs. 20,7 %; OR 2,6; IC95% 1,4-5,2; p = 0,006) respectivamente. La proporción de formas graves de CAD no se modificó entre ambos períodos (48,1 % vs. 59,9 %; p = 0,3). Solo 6 pacientes presentaron infección por SARS-CoV-2; 3 fueron formas graves. Conclusión. Durante la pandemia, disminuyó el tiempo de evolución de síntomas y aumentó la frecuencia de hospitalizaciones por debut de DM1, con mayor proporción de CAD. No se modificó la proporción de formas graves de CAD

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the health care of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). An increase in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as a form of diagnosis was reported. Objectives. To assess whether there were changes in the time from symptom onset, the causes of hospitalization due to DM1, and the proportion of severe forms, and to describe SARS-CoV-2 infection in these patients. Population and methods. Cross-sectional study in patients younger than 19 years hospitalized due to DM1 from March 2018 to August 2019 (pre-pandemic) and from March 2020 to August 2021 (pandemic). Results. The assessment included 135 hospitalizations in the pre-pandemic period and 96 during the pandemic. The time from symptom onset during the pandemic in those with debutof diabetes was shorter than in the pre-pandemic period (18.8 ± 10.2 versus 52.1 ± 12.1 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Hospitalizations due to all forms of diabetes debut and debut with DKA were more common during the pandemic than before it (59.4% versus 39.3%; odds ratio [OR]: 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3­3.8; p = 0.003 and 40.6% versus 20.7%; OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.4­5.2; p = 0.006, respectively). Severe forms of DKA did not change between both periods (48.1% versus 59.9%; p = 0.3). Only 6 patients developed SARS-CoV-2 infection; 3 were severe. Conclusion. During the pandemic, the time from symptom onset decreased and the frequency of hospitalizations due to debut of DM1 increased. The proportion of severe forms of DKA did not change.

Impact of Fractionation Regimen on Local Control Following Frameless Linear Accelerator-Based Image-Guided Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Radiotherapy for Intracranial Meningioma.

OBJECTIVE: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an established treatment for intracranial meningioma, yet this approach is often precluded by tumor size or proximity to critical structures. Fractionated radiotherapy (RT) may be employed to address these limitations. We performed a comparison of local control (LC) outcomes between 3 stereotactic techniques. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 543 consecutive patients with 613 histologically-proven World Health Organization grade I or radiographically-defined benign intracranial meningioma treated with SRS (median dose: 1250 cGy) (n = 211), fractionated SRS (2500 cGy in 500 cGy fractions) (n = 170), or conventionally fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) (median dose: 5022 cGy in ≤200 cGy fractions) (n = 232) in the definitive (n = 475) or postoperative (n = 138) setting between January 2008 and December 2021. Postoperative treatment was delivered upfront after a subtotal resection (n = 43) or for recurrent disease (n = 95). RESULTS: Median follow-up per lesion was 8.0 years. LC for all lesions at 5/10/14 years was 97.4%/86.8%/86.8%. Base of skull location (P = 0.01), tumor volume ≥5 cc (P = 0.01), and recurrent disease (P = 0.02) were associated with inferior LC. No difference was observed in LC by fractionation regimen; LC at 5/10 years was 97.3%/85.7% for SRS, 97.5%/89.1% for fractionated SRS, and 97.5%/86.3% for FSRT. Dose escalation above 1250 cGy for SRS or above 5040 cGy for FSRT did not result in improved LC. CONCLUSIONS: Durable LC was observed at long-term follow-up of intracranial meningioma treated with stereotactic radiosurgery and RT. LC outcomes were similar across the 3 fractionation regimens, suggesting that clinicians may tailor RT recommendations based on clinical factors without concern for reduced efficacy.

Applications of the Methylotrophic Yeast Komagataella phaffii in the Context of Modern Biotechnology.

Komagataella phaffii (formerly Pichia pastoris) is a methylotrophic yeast widely used in laboratories around the world to produce recombinant proteins. Given its advantageous features, it has also gained much interest in the context of modern biotechnology. In this review, we present the utilization of K. phaffii as a platform to produce several products of economic interest such as biopharmaceuticals, renewable chemicals, fuels, biomaterials, and food/feed products. Finally, we present synthetic biology approaches currently used for strain engineering, aiming at the production of new bioproducts.

Recent Progress in Polysaccharide-Based Materials for Energy Applications: A Review.

In recent years, polysaccharides have emerged as a promising alternative for the development of environmentally friendly materials. Polysaccharide-based materials have been mainly studied for applications in the food, packaging, and biomedical industries. However, many investigations report processing routes and treatments that enable the modification of the inherent properties of polysaccharides, making them useful as materials for energy applications. The control of the ionic and electronic conductivities of polysaccharide-based materials allows for the development of solid electrolytes and electrodes. The incorporation of conductive and semiconductive phases can modify the permittivities of polysaccharides, increasing their capacity for charge storage, making them useful as active surfaces of energy harvesting devices such as triboelectric nanogenerators. Polysaccharides are inexpensive and abundant and could be considered as a suitable option for the development and improvement of energy devices. This review provides an overview of the main research work related to the use of both common commercially available polysaccharides and local native polysaccharides, including starch, chitosan, carrageenan, ulvan, agar, and bacterial cellulose. Solid and gel electrolytes derived from polysaccharides show a wide range of ionic conductivities from 0.0173 × 10-3 to 80.9 × 10-3 S cm-1. Electrodes made from polysaccharides show good specific capacitances ranging from 8 to 753 F g-1 and current densities from 0.05 to 5 A g-1. Active surfaces based on polysaccharides show promising results with power densities ranging from 0.15 to 16 100 mW m-2. These investigations suggest that in the future polysaccharides could become suitable materials to replace some synthetic polymers used in the fabrication of energy storage devices, including batteries, supercapacitors, and energy harvesting devices.

Outpatient management of Post-COVID syndrome - single center experience.

BACKGROUND: COVID patients continue to experience unremitting symptoms that extend far beyond the initial illness. While there is rapid accumulation of data on acute COVID treatment in hospitalized patients, little is known regarding post-COVID management. OBJECTIVES: To describe our center's experience treating post-COVID sub-syndromes encountered in Post-COVID Lung Clinic. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data on 98 post-COVID patients evaluated in our clinic between 07/01/2020-12/31/2022. We encountered three distinct post-COVID subtypes: 1) respiratory complaints associated with increased O2 requirements and abnormal CT findings (post-COVID interstitial lung disease [ILD]), 2) respiratory complaints associated with tachycardia (post-COVID dyspnea-tachycardia syndrome [DTS]). Post-COVID ILD patients (n = 28) received steroids in combination with cell cycle inhibitor (mycophenolate mofetil-MMF). Post-COVID DTS patients (n = 16) were treated with metoprolol. 3) A third, undifferentiated group presented with mild respiratory complaints and normal spirometry (n = 17) and was followed in clinic without initiation of a specific treatment. RESULTS: In treated post-COVID ILD patients, mean oxygen requirements at rest (1.96 ± 1.79 L/NC) decreased to 0.89 ± 1.29 L/NC at 6 months follow-up, p = 0.005. In patients with post-COVID DTS, mean heart rate at rest decreased (98 ± 15 bpm to 79 ± 11 bpm) at 6 months follow-up, p = 0.023. 60 % of patients reported an improvement in exertional dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS: Our descriptive study presents a single center outpatient COVID-19 clinic experience. We encountered 3 post-COVID sub-syndromes and describe their treatments: post-COVID interstitial lung disease [ILD] treated with a novel regimen of MMF and steroids, post COVID dyspnea-tachycardia syndrome [DTS] treated with metoprolol, and a third subgroup with mild undifferentiated symptoms without specific treatment.

Type 1 diabetes in pediatrics during the COVID-19 pandemic: Time from symptom onset and forms of presentation at a referral hospital. / Diabetes tipo 1 en pediatría durante la pandemia por COVID-19: tiempo de evolución de síntomas y formas de presentación en un centro de referencia.

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the health care of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). An increase in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as a form of diagnosis was reported. Objectives. To assess whether there were changes in the time from symptom onset, the causes of hospitalization due to DM1, and the proportion of severe forms, and to describe SARS-CoV-2 infection in these patients. Population and methods. Cross-sectional study in patients younger than 19 years hospitalized due to DM1 from March 2018 to August 2019 (pre-pandemic) and from March 2020 to August 2021 (pandemic). Results. The assessment included 135 hospitalizations in the pre-pandemic period and 96 during the pandemic. The time from symptom onset during the pandemic in those with debut of diabetes was shorter than in the pre-pandemic period (18.8 ± 10.2 versus 52.1 ± 12.1 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Hospitalizations due to all forms of diabetes debut and debut with DKA were more common during the pandemic than before it (59.4% versus 39.3%; odds ratio [OR]: 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-3.8; p = 0.003 and 40.6% versus 20.7%; OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.4-5.2; p = 0.006, respectively). Severe forms of DKA did not change between both periods (48.1% versus 59.9%; p = 0.3). Only 6 patients developed SARS-CoV-2 infection; 3 were severe. Conclusion. During the pandemic, the time from symptom onset decreased and the frequency of hospitalizations due to debut of DM1 increased. The proportion of severe forms of DKA did not change.

Introducción. La pandemia por COVID-19 afectó la atención de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). Además, se reportó un aumento de cetoacidosis diabética (CAD) como forma de diagnóstico. Objetivos. Evaluar si durante la pandemia por COVID-19 se modificaron el tiempo de evolución de síntomas, las causas de hospitalización por DM1 y la proporción de formas graves, y describir la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en estos pacientes. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal que incluyó pacientes menores de 19 años hospitalizados por DM1 en un centro pediátrico de referencia de marzo de 2018 a agosto de 2019 (prepandemia) y de marzo de 2020 a agosto de 2021 (pandemia). Resultados. Se analizaron 231 internaciones, 135 prepandemia y 96 en pandemia. Los pacientes con debut diabético presentaron menor tiempo de evolución de síntomas en pandemia que en prepandemia (18,8 ± 10,2 vs. 52,1 ±12,1 días, respectivamente; p <0,001). Las hospitalizaciones por todas las formas de debut diabético y el debut con CAD fueron más frecuentes en pandemia que en prepandemia (59,4 % vs. 39,3 %; OR 2,3; IC95% 1,3-3,8; p = 0,003); y (40,6 % vs. 20,7 %; OR 2,6; IC95% 1,4-5,2; p = 0,006) respectivamente. La proporción de formas graves de CAD no se modificó entre ambos períodos (48,1 % vs. 59,9 %; p = 0,3). Solo 6 pacientes presentaron infección por SARS-CoV-2; 3 fueron formas graves. Conclusión. Durante la pandemia, disminuyó el tiempo de evolución de síntomas y aumentó la frecuencia de hospitalizaciones por debut de DM1, con mayor proporción de CAD. No se modificó la proporción de formas graves de CAD.

Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en el índice de masa corporal de niños asistidos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the body mass index of children seen in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. El sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil constituyen un problema de salud pública. El inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 pudo haber favorecido esta patología. El puntaje Z del índice de masa corporal (Z-IMC) es un indicador aceptado para su diagnóstico y seguimiento. Objetivo. Evaluar si la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó durante la pandemia. Población y métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron pacientes asistidos en efectores públicos de salud del Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (GCABA), de 2 a 5 años de edad, con registro de peso y talla en dos consultas, antes y después de haber comenzado el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO). Se registró estado nutricional (Z-IMC) y variación del Z-IMC entre ambas consultas. Resultados. Se evaluaron 3866 sujetos, edad promedio 3,4 ± 0,8 años; el 48,1 % fueron mujeres. El intervalo promedio entre consultas fue 14,3 ± 2,5 meses. La prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad aumentó del 12,6 % (IC95% 11,6-13,6) al 20,9 % (IC95% 19,6-22-2); p <0,001, al igual que el Z-IMC (0,4 ± 1,1 vs. 0,8 ± 1,3; p <0,001). Conclusión. La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó significativamente durante la pandemia.

Introduction. Childhood overweight and obesity are a public health problem. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this condition. The body mass index (BMI) Z-score has been accepted as an indicator for overweight and obesity diagnosis and follow-up. Objective. To assess whether the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased during the pandemic. Population and methods. Retrospective, cohort study. Patients included were those seen at public health care facilities in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), who were aged 2 to 5 years, had weight and height values recorded at 2 different visits, before and after the establishment of the preventive and mandatory social isolation policy. Patients' nutritional status (BMI Z-score) and the variation in this indicator between both visits were recorded. Results. A total of 3866 subjects were assessed; their average age was 3.4 ± 0.8 years; 48.1% were girls. The average interval between both visits was 14.3 ± 2.5 months. The prevalence of overweight/ obesity increased from 12.6% (95% CI: 11.6­13.6) to 20.9% (95% CI: 19.6­22.2), p < 0.001, and so did the BMI Z-score (0.4 ± 1.1 versus 0.8 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased significantly during the pandemic.

Seamless Integration of Conducting Hydrogels in Daily Life: From Preparation to Wearable Application.

Conductive hydrogels (CHs) have received significant attention for use in wearable devices because they retain their softness and flexibility while maintaining high conductivity. CHs are well suited for applications in skin-contact electronics and biomedical devices owing to their high biocompatibility and conformality. Although highly conductive hydrogels for smart wearable devices are extensively researched, a detailed summary of the outstanding results of CHs is required for a comprehensive understanding. In this review, the recent progress in the preparation and fabrication of CHs is summarized for smart wearable devices. Improvements in the mechanical, electrical, and functional properties of high-performance wearable devices are also discussed. Furthermore, recent examples of innovative and highly functional devices based on CHs that can be seamlessly integrated into daily lives are reviewed.

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the body mass index of children seen in the City of Buenos Aires. / Impacto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en el índice de masa corporal de niños asistidos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires.

Introduction. Childhood overweight and obesity are a public health problem. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this condition. The body mass index (BMI) Z-score has been accepted as an indicator for overweight and obesity diagnosis and follow-up. Objective. To assess whether the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased during the pandemic. Population and methods. Retrospective, cohort study. Patients included were those seen at public health care facilities in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), who were aged 2 to 5 years, had weight and height values recorded at 2 different visits, before and after the establishment of the preventive and mandatory social isolation policy. Patients' nutritional status (BMI Z-score) and the variation in this indicator between both visits were recorded. Results. A total of 3866 subjects were assessed; their average age was 3.4 ± 0.8 years; 48.1% were girls. The average interval between both visits was 14.3 ± 2.5 months. The prevalence of overweight/ obesity increased from 12.6% (95% CI: 11.6-13.6) to 20.9% (95% CI: 19.6-22.2), p < 0.001, and so did the BMI Z-score (0.4 ± 1.1 versus 0.8 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity and the BMI Z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased significantly during the pandemic.

Introducción. El sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil constituyen un problema de salud pública. El inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 pudo haber favorecido esta patología. El puntaje Z del índice de masa corporal (Z-IMC) es un indicador aceptado para su diagnóstico y seguimiento. Objetivo. Evaluar si la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó durante la pandemia. Población y métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron pacientes asistidos en efectores públicos de salud del Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (GCABA), de 2 a 5 años de edad, con registro de peso y talla en dos consultas, antes y después de haber comenzado el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO). Se registró estado nutricional (Z-IMC) y variación del Z-IMC entre ambas consultas. Resultados. Se evaluaron 3866 sujetos, edad promedio 3,4 ± 0,8 años; el 48,1 % fueron mujeres. El intervalo promedio entre consultas fue 14,3 ± 2,5 meses. La prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad aumentó del 12,6 % (IC95% 11,6-13,6) al 20,9 % (IC95% 19,6-22-2); p <0,001, al igual que el Z-IMC (0,4 ± 1,1 vs. 0,8 ± 1,3; p <0,001). Conclusión. La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó significativamente durante la pandemia.

Waiting for the next winter. Outpatient pediatric visits for respiratory infections before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Buenos Aires.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric visits due to acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) decreased, but most reports are from hospitalized patients. There is little information on this phenomenon in outpatients, who are the majority in ALRI. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ALRI-related outpatient visits in the City of Buenos Aires. METHODS: Observational study including all outpatient visits of children under 2 years of age to the public health system of the City of Buenos Aires, between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. We analyzed the total number of visits and the ALRI-related visits, and their distribution throughout the study period. RESULTS: A total of 704,426 visits were registered, 7.38% of them due to ALRI. ALRI-related visits decreased from the implementation of a national lockdown (2020) and increased again as the restriction measures decreased, particularly the return to full school attendance (2021). In general, the proportion of ALRI-related visits was significantly higher in the cold months than in the warm ones (9.8% vs. 5.5%; odds ratio: 1.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.73-1.79; p < .001). This difference was observed before (2018 and 2019) and after the pandemic (2022), but not in 2020-2021. The peak of ALRI-related visits occurred in the cold months in pre-pandemic years (2018-2019), did not appear in 2020, reappeared delayed in 2021, and recovered seasonality in 2022. CONCLUSION: Outpatient ALRI-related visits decreased significantly in the city of Buenos Aires during the COVID-19 pandemic and currently seem to have recovered their magnitude and seasonality.

Prepublicaciones: Estudio descriptivo / Preprints: Descriptive study

Los "preprint" o pre-publicaciones (PP) son el manuscrito final y completo de una investigación, disponible en formato abierto y que aún no fue revisada por pares. Esta modalidad acelera el tiempo de presentación de resultados, permite enriquecer la versión final con contribuciones de lectores, pero no son aún investigaciones respaldadas por revisión de pares. Aunque ya conocidos, desde la pandemia COVID-19 los PP han cobrado cada vez más importancia en investigación clínica. Desde 2020, PubMed Central (PMC), y por lo tanto PubMed, incluye PP sobre investigaciones financiadas por los National Institutes of Health (NIH) y que figuren en repositorios seleccionados. Conocer la proporción de PP que alcanzan la publicación luego de la revisión por pares podría dar una idea de la validez de este formato. (AU)

Analysis of the effectiveness coefficient in greco-roman fighting athletes at different levels of competition / Análisis del coeficiente de eficacia en atletas de lucha griego-romana en distintos niveles de competición / Análise do coeficiente de efetividade em atletas de luta greco-romana em diferentes níveis de competição

ABSTRACT Introduction: Wrestling is an ancient combat sport, individual and of complex performance, which integrates high technical and tactical complexity, associated with a bioenergetic interaction and a high coordinative pattern. In Brazil, the number of competitors at different levels has increased significantly in the last years, evidencing the need to search for answers that can help coaches in the different situations of the competitive calendar. The prescription of the means and methods of training in Greco-Roman wrestling aims at the development of the technical effectiveness. However, there is no evidence of indicators of technical effectiveness, in Brazilian elite athletes of Greco-Roman wrestling, in national and international competitions. Objectives: The objective of the study was to verify and to compare the technical effectiveness of the wrestlers of Greco-Roman fight of the Brazilian selection, in two competitions: one in the national level and the other international. Methods: Seven athletes of the Brazilian wrestling team participated of the investigation (age: 25±5 years; stature: 175±12 cm; corporal mass: 80± 21kg). Analysis of the effective, not effective and total technique were accomplished. After identifying the normality of the data (SHAPIRO WILKS), the Student's t test was used to compare the variables, according to the moment evaluated, considering the significance level of 5%. Results: The results showed a significant decrease (p = 0.03) in the standing effective technique and in the total effective technique (p = 0.01), comparing the national competition with the international competition. Conclusion: Technical effectiveness of Brazilian wrestlers was found to be below the indices presented in studies with competitors from countries considered to have high world performance. In international competition, it presents a negative impact compared to national events. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies - Investigation of Treatment Results.

RESUMEN Introducción: El Wrestling es una modalidad de combate milenaria, individual y de rendimiento complejo, que integra elevada complejidad técnico-táctica, asociada a una interacción bioenergética y un alto patrón coordinativo. En Brasil, el número de competidores en diferentes niveles aumentó significativamente en los últimos años, evidenciando la necesidad en la búsqueda de respuestas que auxilien a los entrenadores en las diferentes situaciones del calendario competitivo. La prescripción de los medios y métodos de entrenamiento en la lucha greco-romana tiene como objetivo el desarrollo de la efectividad técnica. Entre tanto, no hay evidencias de indicadores de efectividad técnica, en atletas de alto rendimiento brasileño en la lucha greco-romana, en competencias nacionales e internacionales. Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar y comparar la efectividad técnica de los atletas de lucha greco-romana de la selección brasileña, en dos competencias: una a nivel nacional y otra internacional. Métodos: Participaron de la investigación siete atletas de la selección brasileña de lucha greco-romana (edad: 25±5 años; estatura: 175±12 cm; masa corporal: 80± 21kg). Fueron realizados análisis de la técnica efectiva, no efectiva y total. Después de identificar la normalidad de los datos (SHAPIRO WILKS), fue utilizado el test de t de Student para la comparación de las variables, según el momento evaluado, considerando el nivel de significación de 5%. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron una disminución significativa (p = 0,03) en la técnica efectiva en pie y en la técnica efectiva total (p = 0,01), comparándose la competencia nacional con la internacional. Conclusión: Se concluyó que la eficacia técnica de los luchadores brasileños está por debajo de los índices presentados en estudios con competidores de países considerados de alto rendimiento mundial. En la competición internacional, presenta un impacto negativo en comparación con los eventos nacionales. Nivel de Evidencia IV; Estudios Terapéuticos - Investigación de Los Resultados Del Tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O Wrestling é uma modalidade de combate milenar, individual e de rendimento complexo, que integra elevada complexidade técnico-táctica, associada a uma interação bioenergética e um alto padrão coordenativo. No Brasil, o número de competidores em diferentes níveis aumentou significativamente nos últimos anos, evidenciando a necessidade da busca de respostas que auxiliem os treinadores nas diferentes situações do calendário competitivo. A prescrição dos meios e métodos de treinamento na luta greco-romana visa o desenvolvimento da efetividade técnica. Entretanto, não há evidências de indicadores de efetividade técnica, em atletas de elite brasileira de luta greco-romana, em competições nacionais e internacionais. Objetivo: o objetivo do estudo foi verificar e comparar a efetividade técnica dos lutadores de luta greco-romana da seleção brasileira, em duas competições: uma no nível nacional e a outra internacional. Métodos: Participaram da investigação sete atletas da seleção brasileira de luta greco-romana (idade: 25±5 anos; estatura: 175±12 cm; massa corporal: 80± 21kg). Foram realizadas análises da técnica efetiva, não efetiva e total. Após identificar a normalidade dos dados (SHAPIRO WILKS), foi utilizado o teste t de Student para a comparação das variáveis, segundo o momento avaliado, considerando nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição significativa (p = 0,03) na técnica efetiva em pé e na técnica efetiva total (p = 0,01), comparando-se a competição nacional com a internacional. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que a efetividade técnica dos lutadores brasileiros está abaixo dos índices apresentados em estudos com competidores de países considerados de alto desempenho mundial. Em competição internacional, apresenta um impacto negativo comparativamente a eventos nacionais. Nível de Evidência IV; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação dos Resultados do Tratamento.

Lignocellulosic Biomass for the Fabrication of Triboelectric Nano-Generators (TENGs)-A Review.

Growth in population and increased environmental awareness demand the emergence of new energy sources with low environmental impact. Lignocellulosic biomass is mainly composed of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. These materials have been used in the energy industry for the production of biofuels as an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. However, their use in the fabrication of small electronic devices is still under development. Lignocellulose-based triboelectric nanogenerators (LC-TENGs) have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional batteries, which are mainly composed of harmful and non-degradable materials. These LC-TENGs use lignocellulose-based components, which serve as electrodes or triboelectric active materials. These materials can be derived from bulk materials such as wood, seeds, or leaves, or they can be derived from waste materials from the timber industry, agriculture, or recycled urban materials. LC-TENG devices represent an eco-friendly, low-cost, and effective mechanism for harvesting environmental mechanical energy to generate electricity, enabling the development of self-powered devices and sensors. In this study, a comprehensive review of lignocellulosic-based materials was conducted to highlight their use as both electrodes and triboelectric active surfaces in the development of novel eco-friendly triboelectric nano-generators (LC-TENGs). The composition of lignocellulose and the classification and applications of LC-TENGs are discussed.

Use of an on/off tetracycline riboswitch to control protein production in Komagataella phaffii.

The methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii is one of the most important microbial platforms to produce recombinant proteins. Despite its importance in the context of industrial biotechnology, the use of synthetic biology approaches in K. phaffii is hampered by the fact that few genetic tools are available for precise control of gene expression in this system. In this work, we used an RNA aptamer activated by tetracycline to modulate protein production at the translational level. Using lacZ as gene reporter, we have demonstrated significant reduction of the heterologous protein upon addition of tetracycline. Furthermore, this genetic control device was applied for the control of Ku70p. This protein is involved in non-homologous recombination and the control of its production paves the way for the development of strains exhibiting higher rates of homologous recombination.

Interfacing neural cells with typical microelectronics materials for future manufacturing.

The biocompatibility of materials used in electronic devices is critical for the development of implantable devices like pacemakers and neuroprosthetics, as well as in future biomanufacturing. Biocompatibility refers to the ability of these materials to interact with living cells and tissues without causing an adverse response. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the biocompatibility of metals and semiconductor materials used in electronic devices to ensure their safe use in medical applications. Here, we evaluated the biocompatibility of a collection of diced silicon chips coated with a variety of metal thin films, interfacing them with different cell types, including murine mastocytoma cells in suspension culture, adherent NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs). All materials tested were biocompatible and showed the potential to support neural differentiation of iPSC-NPCs, creating an opportunity to use these materials in a scalable production of a range of biohybrid devices such as electronic devices to study neural behaviors and neuropathies.