Impact of Gabapentin on Postoperative Hypotension in Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocols for Microvascular Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been associated with hypotensive episodes after autologous breast reconstruction. Gabapentin (Gaba), a nonopioid analgesic used in ERAS, has been shown to attenuate postoperative hemodynamic responses. This study assesses ERAS's impact, with and without Gaba, on postoperative hypotension after microvascular breast reconstruction. Methods: Three cohorts were studied: traditional pathway, ERAS + Gaba, and ERAS no-Gaba. We evaluated length of stay, inpatient narcotic use [morphine milligram equivalents (MME)], mean systolic blood pressure, hypotension incidence, and complications. The traditional cohort was retrospectively reviewed, whereas the ERAS groups were enrolled prospectively after the initiation of the protocol in April 2019 (inclusive of Gaba until October 2022). Results: In total, 441 patients were analyzed. The three cohorts, in the order mentioned above, were similar in age and bilateral reconstruction rates (57% versus 61% versus 60%). The ERAS cohorts, both with and without Gaba, had shorter stays (P < 0.01). Inpatient MME was significantly less in the ERAS + Gaba cohort than the traditional or ERAS no-Gaba cohorts (medians: 112 versus 178 versus 158 MME, P < 0.01). ERAS + Gaba significantly increased postoperative hypotensive events on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2, with notable reduction after Gaba removal (P < 0.05). Across PODs 0-2, mean systolic blood pressure was highest in the traditional cohort, followed by ERAS no-Gaba, then the ERAS + Gaba cohort (P < 0.05). Complication rates were similar across all cohorts. Conclusions: Postmicrovascular breast reconstruction, ERAS + Gaba reduced overall inpatient narcotic usage, but increased hypotension incidence. Gaba removal from the ERAS protocol reduced postoperative hypotension incidence while maintaining similar stay lengths and complication rates.

Chapter 1: The Astrobiology Primer 3.0.

The Astrobiology Primer 3.0 (ABP3.0) is a concise introduction to the field of astrobiology for students and others who are new to the field of astrobiology. It provides an entry into the broader materials in this supplementary issue of Astrobiology and an overview of the investigations and driving hypotheses that make up this interdisciplinary field. The content of this chapter was adapted from the other 10 articles in this supplementary issue and thus represents the contribution of all the authors who worked on these introductory articles. The content of this chapter is not exhaustive and represents the topics that the authors found to be the most important and compelling in a dynamic and changing field.

Chapter 2: What Is Life?

The question "What is life?" has existed since the beginning of recorded history. However, the scientific and philosophical contexts of this question have changed and been refined as advancements in technology have revealed both fine details and broad connections in the network of life on Earth. Understanding the framework of the question "What is life?" is central to formulating other questions such as "Where else could life be?" and "How do we search for life elsewhere?" While many of these questions are addressed throughout the Astrobiology Primer 3.0, this chapter gives historical context for defining life, highlights conceptual characteristics shared by all life on Earth as well as key features used to describe it, discusses why it matters for astrobiology, and explores both challenges and opportunities for finding an informative operational definition.

Asociación de fibrosis hepática mediante elastografía por shear wave 2D y score APRI

Introducción: Las hepatopatías son un problema prevalente a nivel mundial. La biopsia hepática ha sido hasta la fecha el gold standard para valorar el grado de fibrosis, sin embargo, con el advenimiento de nuevos métodos no invasivos, costo-efectivos para el sistema sanitario, cada vez recurrimos menos a esta. En nuestro medio se introdujo recientemente la elastografía por onda cizallamiento con imagen biplanar, lo que implica una curva de aprendizaje por parte de los técnicos. Objetivo: Valorar la asociación de los grados de fibrosis hepática determinado por la elastografía por onda de cizallamiento con imagen biplanar (2D-SWE) y el score APRI en pacientes portadores de enfermedad hepática asistidos en el servicio de hepatología del Hospital Pasteur.Médica 2. Metodología: Se incluyeron los pacientes con enfermedad hepática de cualquier etiología, asistidos entre el 01/10/21 al 31/08/22, mayores de 15 años, de ambos sexos y que han sido valorados con elastografía por onda de cizallamiento con imagen biplanar (2D-SWE) y analítica sanguínea realizado por el equipo médico del servicio mencionado en los últimos 6 meses. Resultados: Se incluyeron 158 pacientes. Se encontró mayor prevalencia de enfermedad hepática en mujeres, con predominio de la etiología de enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólico (EHGNA) e infección por virus de hepatitis C (VHC). Se evidenció asociación positiva entre la elastografía (2D-SWE) y el score APRI para el diagnóstico o exclusión de enfermedad hepática avanzada, sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los dos médicos hepatólogos. Conclusiones: Existe asociación entre la elastografía por SWE y el score APRI para el diagnóstico de enfermedad hepática avanzada en la población general y por etiología.

Introduction: Liver diseases are a prevalent problem worldwide. To date, liver biopsy has been the gold standard for assessing the degree of fibrosis; however, with the advent of new non-invasive, cost-effective methods for the healthcare system, we are resorting to it less and less. Shear wave elastography with biplanar imaging was recently introduced in our setting, which implies a learning curve for technicians. Objective: To assess the association of the degrees of liver fibrosis determined by shear wave elastography with biplanar imaging (2D-SWE) and the APRI score in patients with liver disease treated in the hepatology service of the Pasteur Hospital. Methodology: Patients with liver disease of any etiology, attended between 01/10/21 and 08/31/22, over 15 years of age, of both sexes and who have been evaluated with shear wave elastography with biplanar image were included. (2D-SWE) and blood analysis performed by the medical team of the aforementioned service in the last 6 months. Results: 158 patients were included. A higher prevalence of liver disease was found in women, with a predominance of the etiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A positive association was evident between elastography (2D-SWE) and the APRI score for the diagnosis or exclusion of advanced liver disease, with no statistically significant difference between the two hepatologists. Conclusions: There is an association between SWE elastography and the APRI score for the diagnosis of advanced liver disease in the general population and by etiology.

Introdução: As doenças hepáticas são um problema prevalente em todo o mundo. Até o momento, a biópsia hepática tem sido o padrão ouro para avaliar o grau de fibrose, porém, com o advento de novos métodos não invasivos e de baixo custo para o sistema de saúde, recorremos cada vez menos a ela. A elastografia por onda de cisalhamento com imagem biplanar foi introduzida recentemente em nosso meio, o que implica uma curva de aprendizado para os técnicos. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação dos graus de fibrose hepática determinados pela elastografia por ondas de cisalhamento com imagem biplanar (2D-SWE) e o escore APRI em pacientes com hepatopatia atendidos no serviço de hepatologia do Hospital Pasteur. Metodologia: Foram incluídos pacientes portadores de doença hepática de qualquer etiologia, atendidos entre 10/01/21 e 31/08/22, maiores de 15 anos, de ambos os sexos e que foram avaliados com elastografia por onda de cisalhamento com imagem biplanar. ( 2D-SWE) e análises sanguíneas realizadas pela equipa médica do referido serviço nos últimos 6 meses. Resultados: foram incluídos 158 pacientes. Foi encontrada maior prevalência de doença hepática em mulheres, com predomínio da etiologia da doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) e da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV). Foi evidente uma associação positiva entre a elastografia (2D-SWE) e o escore APRI para o diagnóstico ou exclusão de doença hepática avançada, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois hepatologistas. Conclusões: Existe associação entre a elastografia SWE e o escore APRI para o diagnóstico de doença hepática avançada na população geral e por etiologia.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol Decreases Length of Stay and Postoperative Narcotic Use in Microvascular Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have demonstrated efficacy following microvascular breast reconstruction. This study assesses the impact of an ERAS protocol following microvascular breast reconstruction at a high-volume center. Methods: The ERAS protocol introduced preoperative counseling, multimodal analgesia, early diet resumption, and early mobilization to our microvascular breast reconstruction procedures. Data, including length of stay, body mass index, inpatient narcotic use, outpatient narcotic prescriptions, inpatient pain scores, and complications, were prospectively collected for all patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction between April 2019 and July 2021. Traditional pathway patients who underwent reconstruction immediately before ERAS implementation were retrospectively reviewed as controls. Results: The study included 200 patients, 99 in traditional versus 101 in ERAS. Groups were similar in body mass index, age (median age: traditional, 54.0 versus ERAS, 50.0) and bilateral reconstruction rates (59.6% versus 61.4%). ERAS patients had significantly shorter lengths of stay, with 96.0% being discharged by postoperative day (POD) 3, and 88.9% of the traditional cohort were discharged on POD 4 (P < 0.0001). Inpatient milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) were smaller by 54.3% in the ERAS cohort (median MME: 154.2 versus 70.4, P < 0.0001). Additionally, ERAS patients were prescribed significantly fewer narcotics upon discharge (median MME: 337.5 versus 150.0, P < 0.0001). ERAS had a lower pain average on POD 0-3; however, this finding was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Implementing an ERAS protocol at a high-volume microvascular breast reconstruction center reduced length of stay and postoperative narcotic usage, without increasing pain or perioperative complications.

Consenso de la Sociedad Chilena de Infectología para el manejo de episodios de neutropenia febril en adultos y niños con cáncer

El Comité de Infecciones en Inmunocomprometidos de la Sociedad Chilena de Infectología presenta aquí una actualización en el Manejo de episodios de neutropenia febril en adultos y niños con cáncer, derivado de los grandes cambios ocurridos en los últimos años en el enfrentamiento de estos pacientes. Para estos efectos, un grupo multidisciplinario desarrolló recomendaciones en relación a: su enfrentamiento inicial, exámenes de laboratorio requeridos, el tratamiento antimicrobiano inicial empírico y frente a focos infecciosos conocidos, las infecciones fúngicas invasoras y profilaxis antimicrobiana.

The Committee of Infections in Immunocompromised Patients of the Chilean Society of Infectious Diseases presents an update in the Management of febrile neutropenia in adults and children with cancer. It comes from the significant changes that occurred in recent years in the confrontation of these patients. For which a multidisciplinary task force group developed recommendations in relation to their initial handling, laboratory exams required, the initial empirical antimicrobial treatment and in front of known infectious focus, invasive fungal infections and antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Clima organizacional del personal de salud y satisfacción de usuarios atendidos por Servicio de Atención Móvil de Urgencia (SAMU) en el contexto COVID-19, Piura 2021

Objetivo: Conocer la relación entre el clima organizacional del personal de salud y la satisfacción de los usuarios atendidos por el Servicio de Atención Móvil de Urgencias (SAMU) en el contexto COVID-19, Piura. Materiales y métodos: Se aplicó una encuesta a 80 trabajadores de salud para evaluar el clima organizacional y a 110 usuarios del SAMU para evaluar su nivel de satisfacción y si cumplían con los criterios de selección. La encuesta tuvo dos secciones: una dirigida a los trabajadores del SAMU y otra, al usuario. Se evaluaron con escala tipo Likert. Resultados: El 51,3 % del personal de salud fueron hombres, de una edad promedio de 32,65 ± 6,8 % años y hubo más licenciados en enfermería (32,50 %), seguido de médicos (31,30 %). El 54,5 % de usuarios fueron hombres, de una edad promedio de 58,78 ± 20,97 años, el 57,3 % no presentaron ninguna comorbilidad y el 84,5 % utilizaron el servicio una vez. El clima organizacional del personal y sus dimensiones fueron saludables (96,58 ± 3,21). La mayoría (51,60 %) de los usuarios del SAMU se encontraron satisfechos (57/110), mientras que el 38,2 % (42/110) manifestaron estar medianamente satisfechos y el 10,20 % (11/110) mostraron su insatisfacción. Se comprueba la hipótesis principal que existe asociación entre el clima organizacional y la satisfacción de los usuarios atendidos por el SAMU (p < 0,005) y existe asociación entre las cinco dimensiones con la satisfacción de los usuarios. Conclusiones: Existe relación entre el clima organizacional de los trabajadores de salud del Servicio de Atención Móvil de Urgencias y la satisfacción de usuarios atendidos por este servicio en Piura. El clima organizacional y sus dimensiones, comparados con el instrumento elaborado por el Minsa, se encuentran saludables, la mayoría de los pacientes atendidos se mostraron satisfechos con la atención recibida y las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron la hipertensión y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

Objective: To determine the relationship between the organizational climate among healthcare personnel and the satisfaction of users assisted by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) in the context of COVID-19, Piura. Materials and methods: A Likert-scale survey was administered to 80 healthcare workers to assess the organizational climate and 110 SAMU users to assess their satisfaction level and whether they met the selection criteria. The survey had one section addressed to SAMU workers and another one to SAMU users. Results: Out of all healthcare personnel, 51.3 % were men with an average age of 32.65 ± 6.8 % years, and there were more registered nurses (32.50 %) than doctors (31.30 %). Out of all users, 54.5 % were men with an average age of 58.78 ± 20.97 years, 57.3 % had no comorbidities and 84.5 % used the service once. The organizational climate and its dimensions showed healthy outcomes (96.58 ± 3.21). Most SAMU users (51.60 %) were satisfied (57/110) while 38.20 % (42/110) were moderately satisfied and 10.20 % (11/110) showed dissatisfaction. The main hypothesis concerning the relationship between the organizational climate and the satisfaction of SAMU users (p < 0.005) was confirmed. Moreover, there was a relationship between the five dimensions and the satisfaction of users. Conclusions: There is a relationship between the organizational climate among SAMU healthcare workers and the satisfaction of SAMU users in Piura. The organizational climate and its dimensions, compared to the instrument developed by MINSA, showed healthy outcomes. Most patients were satisfied with the care received and the most frequent comorbidities were hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Factores de riesgo asociados a la sobrecarga en cuidadores informales de adultos mayores postrados

Introducción: El envejecimiento de la población es uno de los más importantes fenómenos del siglo XXI. Cada día se hacen más necesarias las investigaciones respecto a este tema. Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a la sobrecarga en cuidadores informales de adultos mayores postrados del área de salud de Cacocum, Holguín, en el año 2022. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal, en el municipio Cacocum, Holguín, desde el 5 de julio de 2021 hasta el 29 de agosto de 2022. El universo estuvo constituido por 129 cuidadores de adultos mayores postrados (N꓿129) y la muestra por 106 cuidadores informales (n꓿106), obtenida por muestreo no probabilístico intencional. Para determinar la sobrecarga de los cuidadores se utilizó la escala de Zarit. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, nivel educacional, promedio de horas diarias dedicadas al cuidado del enfermo, vínculo del cuidador con el enfermo y presencia de sobrecarga del cuidador. Resultados: Predominó el grupo de edad de 60-69 años y el sexo femenino. Predominaron los cuidadores con el duodécimo grado y los sobrecargados. Existió un predominio de cuidadores con vínculo familiar y una relación significativa con la sobrecarga. Predominaron los cuidadores que dedicaban 18 horas como promedio al día al cuidado del enfermo y existió un predominio de cuidadores que habían dedicado de 3 a 4 años al cuidado del enfermo, se halló una relación significativa con la sobrecarga. Conclusiones: El vínculo del cuidador con el enfermo en cuanto a relación filial y los años dedicados al cuidado del mismo fueron los factores más asociados con el desarrollo de sobrecarga.

Introduction: Population aging is one of the most important phenomenon of the 21st century. Research on this subject is becoming more and more necessary every day. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with overload in informal caregivers of prostrate older adults in the health area of Cacocum, Holguín, year 2022. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out in Cacocum, Holguín, from July 5, 2021 to August 29, 2022. A total of 129 caregivers of prostrate older adults (N꓿129) were selected as the study´s universe and the sample consisted of 106 informal caregivers (n꓿106), obtained by nonprobability purposive sampling. The Zarit Scale was used to determine factors associated with overload in caregivers. Variables studied were as follow: age, sex, educational level, daily hours dedicated to caregiving, relationship between the caregiver and the patient, and the manifestation of overload in caregivers. Results: There was predominance in the age group of 60 to 69 years and female sex. Caregivers with twelfth grade of education and manifestation of overloaded were predominant. There was a predominance of caregivers with family ties and a significant relationship with overload. Predominated caregivers who spent an average of 18 hours per day in the care of the patients and the caregivers who had spent 3 to 4 years in caregiving, a significant relationship with overload was found. Conclusions: The relationship established between the caregivers and patients in terms of filial relationship and the years spent in the care provided to the patient were the factors most associated with the development of overload.

Introdução: O envelhecimento populacional é um dos fenômenos mais importantes do século XXI. A pesquisa sobre esse tema está se tornando cada dia mais necessária. Objetivo: Determinar os fatores de risco associados à sobrecarga em cuidadores informais de idosos acamados na área de saúde de Cacocum, Holguín, no ano de 2022. Método: Estudo observacional descritivo transversal realizado no município de Cacocum, Holguín, de 5 de julho de 2021 a 29 de agosto de 2022. O universo foi constituído por 129 cuidadores de idosos acamados (N꓿129) e a amostra por 106 cuidadores informais (n꓿106), obtida por amostragem intencional não probabilística. Para determinar a sobrecarga dos cuidadores foi utilizada a escala de Zarit. As variáveis estudadas foram: idade, sexo, escolaridade, média de horas diárias dedicadas ao cuidado do paciente, vínculo entre cuidador e paciente e presença de sobrecarga do cuidador. Resultados: Predominou a faixa etária de 60 a 69 anos e o sexo feminino. Houve predominância de cuidadores com ensino médio completo e sobrecarregados. Houve predomínio de cuidadores com vínculo burro familiar e uma relação significativa com sobrecarga. Houve predominância de cuidadores que gastam em média 18 horas por dia cuidando do paciente e predominância de cuidadores que passaram de 3 a 4 anos cuidando do paciente, sendo encontrada relação significativa com a sobrecarga. Conclusões: O vínculo do cuidador com o paciente em termos de relação filial e os anos dedicados ao cuidado do paciente foram os fatores mais associados ao desenvolvimento de sobrecarga.

Subtle structural differences of nucleotide analogs may impact SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and exoribonuclease activity.

The rapid spread and public health impact of the novel SARS-CoV-2 variants that cause COVID-19 continue to produce major global impacts and social distress. Several vaccines were developed in record time to prevent and limit the spread of the infection, thus playing a pivotal role in controlling the pandemic. Although the repurposing of available drugs attempts to provide therapies of immediate access against COVID-19, there is still a need for developing specific treatments for this disease. Remdesivir, molnupiravir and Paxlovid remain the only evidence-supported antiviral drugs to treat COVID-19 patients, and only in severe cases. To contribute on the search of potential Covid-19 therapeutic agents, we targeted the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and the exoribonuclease (ExoN) following two strategies. First, we modeled and analyzed nucleoside analogs sofosbuvir, remdesivir, favipiravir, ribavirin, and molnupiravir at three key binding sites on the RdRp-ExoN complex. Second, we curated and virtually screened a database containing 517 nucleotide analogs in the same binding sites. Finally, we characterized key interactions and pharmacophoric features presumably involved in viral replication halting at multiple sites. Our results highlight structural modifications that might lead to more potent SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors against an expansive range of variants and provide a collection of nucleotide analogs useful for screening campaigns.

Assessment of Factors Influencing Personal Exposure to Air Pollution on Main Roads in Bogota: A Mixed-Method Study.

Background and Objectives: Particulate Matter (PM), particles of variable but small diameter can penetrate the respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and/or cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the association of environmental particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) with respiratory health in users of different transport modes in four roads in Bogotá. Materials and Methods: this was a mixed-method study (including a cross sectional study and a qualitative description of the air quality perception), in 300 healthy participants, based on an exploratory sequential design. The respiratory effect was measured comparing the changes between pre- and post-spirometry. The PM2.5 and black carbon (BC) concentrations were measured using portable devices. Inhaled doses were also calculated for each participant according to the mode and route. Perception was approached through semi-structured interviews. The analysis included multivariate models and concurrent triangulation. Results: The concentration of matter and black carbon were greater in bus users (median 50.67 µg m-3; interquartile range (-IR): 306.7). We found greater inhaled dosages of air pollutants among bike users (16.41 µg m-3). We did not find changes in the spirometry parameter associated with air pollutants or transport modes. The participants reported a major sensory influence at the visual and olfactory level as perception of bad air quality. Conclusions: We observed greater inhaled doses among active transport users. Nevertheless, no pathological changes were identified in the spirometry parameters. People's perceptions are a preponderant element in the assessment of air quality.

The Armed Conflict and the Impact on Patients With Cancer in Ukraine: Urgent Considerations.

On February 24, 2022, a war began within the Ukrainian borders. At least 3.0 million Ukrainian inhabitants have already fled the country. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, has been damaged. Children with cancer were urgently transported to foreign countries, in an effort to minimize interruption of their life-saving treatments. Most adults did not have that option. War breeds cancer-delaying diagnosis, preventing treatment, and increasing risk. We project that a modest delay in care of only 4 months for five prevalent types of cancer will lead to an excess of over 3,600 cancer deaths in the subsequent years. It is critical that we establish plans to mitigate that risk as soon as possible.

Factores de riesgo asociados al bajo peso al nacer en pacientes con morbilidad crítica infantil / Risk factors associated with low birth weight in patients with critical infant morbidity / Fatores de risco associados ao baixo peso ao nascer em pacientes com morbidade infantil crítica

RESUMEN Introducción: El peso al nacer es un determinante clave de la morbimortalidad infantil. Objetivo: determinar los factores de riesgo asociados al bajo peso al nacer en pacientes con morbilidad crítica infantil en el municipio Cacocum, provincia Holguín, Cuba, durante el periodo 2 de mayo de 2021 hasta el 1 de mayo de 2022. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal. El universo estuvo constituido por 798 nacidos vivos durante el período de estudio y la muestra quedó conformada por 25 pacientes con morbilidad crítica infantil, obtenida por muestreo no probabilístico intencional. Los datos primarios se obtuvieron de las encuestas de discusión de morbilidad crítica infantil. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, edad gestacional al parto, peso al nacer, antecedentes prenatales, antecedentes perinatales y antecedentes posnatales. Resultados: Existió un predominio de pacientes del sexo masculino (72 %) y del grupo de edad de 1 a 30 días (76 %). No existió diferencia entre los nacidos pretérmino y al término del embarazo y entre los nacidos con bajo peso al nacer y normopeso. Se evidenció una relación estadísticamente significativa entre enfermedad hipertensiva gestacional y restricción del crecimiento intrauterino con respecto a bajo peso al nacer. Predominaron los nacidos producto de parto distócico (64 %) y la morbilidad predominante fue el síndrome de distrés respiratorio en nacidos bajo peso (80 %). Conclusiones: La enfermedad hipertensiva gestacional y la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino son factores de riesgo asociados al bajo peso al nacer en la morbilidad crítica infantil.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Birth weight is a key determinant of infant morbidity and mortality. Objective: Determine the risk factors associated with low birth weight in patients with critical infant morbidity in Cacocum municipality, Holguín, Cuba, during the period May 2, 2021 to May 1, 2022. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out. The population was comprised of 798 live births during the study period and the sample consisted of 25 patients with critical infant morbidity, obtained by non-probabilistic purposive sampling. The primary data were obtained from the infant critical morbidity discussion surveys. The variables studied were at following: age, sex, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, prenatal history, perinatal history, and postnatal history. Results: Both male patients (72%) and group age 1 to 30 days (76%) were predominant. There was no difference between preterm and term births and between low birth weight and normal weight births. There was a statistically significant relationship between gestational hypertensive disease and intrauterine growth restriction with respect to low birth weight. The predominant morbidity was respiratory distress syndrome in low birth weight infants (80%). Conclusions: Gestational hypertensive disease and intrauterine growth restriction are risk factors associated with the low birth weight in critical infant morbidity.

RESUMO Introdução: O peso ao nascer é um determinante chave da morbimortalidade infantil. Objetivo: determinar os fatores de risco associados ao baixo peso ao nascer em pacientes com morbidade infantil crítica no município de Cacocum, província de Holguín, Cuba, durante o período de 2 de maio de 2021 a 1 de maio de 2022. Método: Estudo observacional descritivo transversal. O universo foi composto por 798 nascidos vivos no período do estudo e a amostra foi composta por 25 pacientes com morbidade infantil crítica, obtida por amostragem não probabilística intencional. Os dados primários foram obtidos a partir de pesquisas de discussão de morbidade infantil crítica. As variáveis estudadas foram: idade, sexo, idade gestacional no parto, peso ao nascer, história pré-natal, história perinatal e história pós-natal. Resultados: Houve predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino (72%) e da faixa etária de 1 a 30 dias (76%). Não houve diferença entre os nascidos pré-termo e a termo da gestação e entre os nascidos com baixo peso e eutróficos. Encontrou-se relação estatisticamente significativa entre doença hipertensiva gestacional e restrição de crescimento intrauterino com relação ao baixo peso ao nascer. Os nascidos por distocia predominaram (64%) e a morbidade predominante foi a síndrome do desconforto respiratório no baixo peso ao nascer (80%). Conclusões: A doença hipertensiva gestacional e a restrição do crescimento intrauterino são fatores de risco associados ao baixo peso ao nascer na morbidade infantil crítica.

Clinical overlap between fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis is an illness characterized by profound malaise after mental or physical effort occurring in patients already suffering from constant fatigue. On the other hand, widespread pain and widespread allodynia are the core fibromyalgia clinical features. There is controversy on these two syndromes alikeness. Through the years, different diagnostic and/or classification criteria have been put forward to appraise both fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis. The epidemiology of these two illnesses, and their overlap, may vary accordingly to the used definition. The most recent Wolfe et al. 2016 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria incorporates three myalgic encephalomyelitis features including fatigue, waking unrefreshed and dyscognition. The objective of this meta-analysis was to define the clinical overlap between fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis based on a systematic literature review. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, and Cochrane data bases were searched on January 25, 2021 linking the medical subject heading "Fibromyalgia" to the following terms "chronic fatigue syndrome", "myalgic encephalomyelitis" and "systemic exertion intolerance disease". Our review included all original articles in which the clinical overlap between fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis could be quantified based on recognized diagnostic or classification criteria. Articles scrutiny and selection followed the PRISMA guidelines. Each study quality was assessed according to GRADE recommendations. The global clinical overlap was calculated using a fixed effect model with inverse variance-weighted average method. RESULTS: Twenty one publications were included in the meta-analysis. Reviewed studies were highly dissimilar in their design, objectives, sample size, diagnostic criteria, and/or outcomes yielding a 98% heterogeneity index. Nevertheless, the clinical overlap between fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis was a well defined outcome that could be reliably calculated despite the high heterogeneity value. All reviewed publications had moderate GRADE evidence level. Most evaluated articles used the old 1990 Wolfe et al. fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia diagnoses overlapped in 47.3% (95% CI: 45.97-48.63) of the reported cases. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found prominent clinical overlap between fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis. It seems likely that this concordance would be even higher when using the most recent Wolfe et al. 2016 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria.

Current Trends in Breast Reconstruction following Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy.

Background: Individuals with genetic susceptibility to breast cancer may pursue bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) and subsequent breast reconstruction. This study aimed to characterize immediate reconstructive trends following BPM. Methods: The ACS-NSQIP database (2010 -2019) was used to examine differences in demographics and operative outcomes based on breast reconstruction technique following BPM and factors predicting reconstruction type. Results: Of 1945 patients (mean age, 43.8 ± 11.3 years), implant-based reconstruction (IBR) was most frequently (71.8%) performed following BPM. Patients who underwent IBR (n = 1396) were younger (42.6 years, P < 0.001), more likely to be White (P < 0.05), and more likely to have a BMI less than 25 (P < 0.001). Patients who underwent autologous reconstruction (AR) (n = 186, 45.8 years) were more likely to be Black or African American and have a BMI of 25-30. Patients who underwent mastectomy only (MO) without immediate reconstruction (n = 363) were older (47.6 years), more likely to be Asian, and more likely to have a BMI greater than 35. The MO cohort had the highest frequency of diabetes or smoking history. AR was associated with longer operations, longer lengths of stay, and increased complications. Increasing age and BMI were predictive of AR or MO compared to IBR. Smoking was predictive of MO. Conclusion: This is the first large-scale study of genetically susceptible patients who underwent BPM demonstrating a significant relationship between patient demographics, operative outcomes, and immediate reconstruction technique. These results provide valuable insight for surgeons and patients during the shared decision-making process.

A multidisciplinary case of ureteroiliac fistula after radical cystectomy.

Ureteroiliac fistula is a rare complication associated with ureteral stenting and iliac artery reconstruction and can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage. We report a case of acute bleeding from a ureteroiliac fistula in an 89-year-old man with bladder cancer who had undergone pelvic radiation, radical cystectomy, and ileal conduit complicated by ureteral strictures requiring routine stent exchanges. Multidisciplinary diagnostic therapies revealed the fistula, which was treated with hypogastric artery coiling and covered stent placement. No further bleeding issues had resulted from the fistula at 11 months of follow-up. The presence of a ureteroiliac fistula should be considered in any patient with a similar history.

Two short low complexity regions (LCRs) are hallmark sequences of the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant spike protein.

Low complexity regions (LCRs) are protein sequences formed by a set of compositionally biased residues. LCRs are extremely abundant in cellular proteins and have also been reported in viruses, where they may partake in evasion of the host immune system. Analyses of 28,231 SARS-CoV-2 whole proteomes and of 261,051 spike protein sequences revealed the presence of four extremely conserved LCRs in the spike protein of several SARS-CoV-2 variants. With the exception of Iota, where it is absent, the Spike LCR-1 is present in the signal peptide of 80.57% of the Delta variant sequences, and in other variants of concern and interest. The Spike LCR-2 is highly prevalent (79.87%) in Iota. Two distinctive LCRs are present in the Delta spike protein. The Delta Spike LCR-3 is present in 99.19% of the analyzed sequences, and the Delta Spike LCR-4 in 98.3% of the same set of proteins. These two LCRs are located in the furin cleavage site and HR1 domain, respectively, and may be considered hallmark traits of the Delta variant. The presence of the medically-important point mutations P681R and D950N in these LCRs, combined with the ubiquity of these regions in the highly contagious Delta variant opens the possibility that they may play a role in its rapid spread.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response self-reporters showed higher scores for cognitive reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy.

BACKGROUND: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) describes the experience of a pleasant tingling sensation along the back of the head, accompanied with a feeling of well-being and relaxation, in response to specific audio-visual stimuli, such as whispers, soft sounds, and personal attention. Previous works have assessed individual variations in personality traits associated with ASMR, but no research to date has explored differences in emotion regulation associated with ASMR. This omission occurred even when ASMR, a sensory-emotional experience, has been proposed to be located in a sound sensitivity spectrum as the opposite end of misophonia, a phenomenon associated with difficulties regulating emotions. The present work aimed to assess group differences between ASMR self-reporters and non-ASMR controls associated with emotion regulation strategies. METHODS: We used the validated Spanish version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire to assess individual differences in the use of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. RESULTS: Our results showed that participants who experience ASMR had higher scores in the cognitive reappraisal subscale of the emotion regulation questionnaire than the non-ASMR group. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who experience ASMR reported higher use of cognitive reevaluation of emotionally arousing situations, suggesting more effectiveness in regulating emotions. Our finding further elucidates individual differences related to this experience, supporting that ASMR is a real psychophysiological phenomenon associated with other psychological constructs and has remarkable consequences in affective/emotional dimensions and general well-being.

Pharmacogenetics-Based Preliminary Algorithm to Predict the Incidence of Infection in Patients Receiving Cytotoxic Chemotherapy for Hematological Malignancies: A Discovery Cohort.

Introduction: Infections in hematological cancer patients are common and usually life-threatening; avoiding them could decrease morbidity, mortality, and cost. Genes associated with antineoplastics' pharmacokinetics or with the immune/inflammatory response could explain variability in infection occurrence. Objective: To build a pharmacogenetic-based algorithm to predict the incidence of infections in patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy. Methods: Prospective cohort study in adult patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy to treat leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma in two hospitals in Santiago, Chile. We constructed the predictive model using logistic regression. We assessed thirteen genetic polymorphisms (including nine pharmacokinetic-related genes and four inflammatory response-related genes) and sociodemographic/clinical variables to be incorporated into the model. The model's calibration and discrimination were used to compare models; they were assessed by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and area under the ROC curve, respectively, in association with Pseudo-R2. Results: We analyzed 203 chemotherapy cycles in 50 patients (47.8 ± 16.1 years; 56% women), including 13 (26%) with acute lymphoblastic and 12 (24%) with myeloblastic leukemia. Pharmacokinetics-related polymorphisms incorporated into the model were CYP3A4 rs2242480C>T and OAT4 rs11231809T>A. Immune/inflammatory response-related polymorphisms were TLR2 rs4696480T>A and IL-6 rs1800796C>G. Clinical/demographic variables incorporated into the model were chemotherapy type and cycle, diagnosis, days in neutropenia, age, and sex. The Pseudo-R2 was 0.56, the p-value of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was 0.98, showing good goodness-of-fit, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.93, showing good diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: Genetics can help to predict infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy. This algorithm should be validated and could be used to save lives, decrease economic costs, and optimize limited health resources.

Structural analysis of viral ExoN domains reveals polyphyletic hijacking events.

Nidoviruses and arenaviruses are the only known RNA viruses encoding a 3'-5' exonuclease domain (ExoN). The proofreading activity of the ExoN domain has played a key role in the growth of nidoviral genomes, while in arenaviruses this domain partakes in the suppression of the host innate immune signaling. Sequence and structural homology analyses suggest that these proteins have been hijacked from cellular hosts many times. Analysis of the available nidoviral ExoN sequences reveals a high conservation level comparable to that of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp), which are the most conserved viral proteins. Two highly preserved zinc fingers are present in all nidoviral exonucleases, while in the arenaviral protein only one zinc finger can be identified. This is in sharp contrast with the reported lack of zinc fingers in cellular ExoNs, and opens the possibility of therapeutic strategies in the struggle against COVID-19.

IL-6 -572C>G and CARD8 304T>A Genetic Polymorphisms are Associated with the Absolute Neutrophil Count in Patients with Hematological Malignancies Under Chemotherapy: An Application of Multilevel Models to a Preliminary Pharmacogenetic Study.

PURPOSE: Neutropenia is a common event in patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy for the treatment of a hematological malignancy. Some polymorphisms, as IL-6 -572C>G (rs1800796), IL-1ß -31 G>A (rs1143627), and CARD8 304T>A (rs2043211), in genes related to the inflammatory process, could affect the level of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) after chemotherapy. Since an efficient inflammatory process enhances neutrophil survival, we hypothesize that these polymorphisms are associated with ANC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a prospective cohort study in two hospitals in Santiago, Chile. The patients included were adults diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy. We use a multilevel linear regression model to test our hypothesis. The best model was selected using the Akaike's information criterion (AIC). RESULTS: We analyzed 1726 hemograms and ANCs from 172 hospitalizations from 32 patients. The results show that CC and CG genotypes of IL-6 -572 C>G polymorphism are associated with higher ANCs compared with the GG genotype (Ln (ANC) ~ 0.81 IC95% 0.02-1.55). Similarly, TT and AT genotypes of CARD8 304T>A polymorphism were related to higher ANCs compared with AA (Ln (ANC) ~ 0.95 IC95% 0.02-1.82). IL-1ß genetic polymorphism had no statistically significant association with ANC. CONCLUSION: IL-6 rs1800796 -572C>G and CARD8 rs2043211 304T>A polymorphisms are associated with the absolute neutrophil count in patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy for treatment of hematological malignancies. Our findings might be useful to improve the safety of chemotherapy through predictive ANC models.