Association of depressive symptoms with incidence and mortality rates of COVID-19 over 2 years among healthcare workers in 20 countries: multi-country serial cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Long-term deterioration in the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been reported during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Determining the impact of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates on the mental health of HCWs is essential to prepare for potential new pandemics. This study aimed to investigate the association of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates with depressive symptoms over 2 years among HCWs in 20 countries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a multi-country serial cross-sectional study using data from the first and second survey waves of the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) global study. The HEROES study prospectively collected data from HCWs at various health facilities. The target population included HCWs with both clinical and non-clinical roles. In most countries, healthcare centers were recruited based on convenience sampling. As an independent variable, daily COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates were calculated using confirmed cases and deaths reported by Johns Hopkins University. These rates represent the average for the 7 days preceding the participants' response date. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms, assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A multilevel linear mixed model (LMM) was conducted to investigate the association of depressive symptoms with the average incidence and mortality rates. RESULTS: A total of 32,223 responses from the participants who responded to all measures used in this study on either the first or second survey, and on both the first and second surveys in 20 countries were included in the analysis. The mean age was 40.1 (SD = 11.1), and 23,619 responses (73.3%) were from females. The 9323 responses (28.9%) were nurses and 9119 (28.3%) were physicians. LMM showed that the incidence rate was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (coefficient = 0.008, standard error 0.003, p = 0.003). The mortality rate was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (coefficient = 0.049, se = 0.020, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show an association between COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates with depressive symptoms among HCWs during the first 2 years of the outbreak in multiple countries. This study's findings indicate that additional mental health support for HCWs was needed when the COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates increase during and after the early phase of the pandemic, and these findings may apply to future pandemics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04352634.

Involvement of Expression of miR33-5p and ABCA1 in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Coronary Artery Disease.

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and are crucial in lipid metabolism. ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is essential for cholesterol efflux from cells to high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Dysregulation of miRs targeting ABCA1 can affect cholesterol homeostasis and contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to investigate the expression of miRs targeting ABCA1 in human monocytes, their role in cholesterol efflux, and their relationship with CAD. We included 50 control and 50 CAD patients. RT-qPCR examined the expression of miR-33a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-144-3p in monocytes. Logistic regression analysis explored the association between these miRs and CAD. HDL's cholesterol acceptance was analyzed using the J774A.1 cell line. Results showed that miR-26a-5p (p = 0.027) and ABCA1 (p = 0.003) expression levels were higher in CAD patients, while miR-33a-5p (p < 0.001) levels were lower. Downregulation of miR-33a-5p and upregulation of ABCA1 were linked to a lower CAD risk. Atorvastatin upregulated ABCA1 mRNA, and metformin downregulated miR-26a-5p in CAD patients. Decreased cholesterol efflux correlated with higher CAD risk and inversely with miRs in controls. Reduced miR-33a-5p expression and increased ABCA1 expression are associated with decreased CAD risk. miR deregulation in monocytes may influence atherosclerotic plaque formation by regulating cholesterol efflux. Atorvastatin and metformin could offer protective effects by modulating miR-33a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and ABCA1, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for CAD prognosis and treatment.

Virus entéricos distintos de rotavirus y norovirus en menores de 5 años con gastroenteritis en Argentina, 2010-2021. Estudio descriptivo / Enteric viruses other than rotavirus and norovirus in children under 5 years of age with gastroenteritis in Argentina, 2010­2021. A descriptive study

Introducción. Los datos de frecuencia de los adenovirus entéricos, sapovirus y astrovirus en casos de gastroenteritis aguda esporádica en Argentina son escasos. Métodos. Diseño descriptivo sobre una selección de muestras de heces de menores de 5 años con diarrea remitidas durante el período 2010-2021, con resultado previo negativo para rotavirus y norovirus. Se estudió la presencia de adenovirus entéricos, sapovirus y astrovirus por métodos moleculares, con posterior genotipificación de las muestras positivas. Resultados. De 574 muestras seleccionadas, en 226 (39,4 %) se identificó al menos uno de los virus estudiados. En particular, se detectaron adenovirus, sapovirus y astrovirus en el 30,7 %, el 5,6 % y el 3,1 %, respectivamente. El adenovirus 41, los sapovirus GI.1 y GI.2, y el astrovirus 1 fueron los más frecuentemente detectados. Se identificaron dos muestras con astrovirus no clásicos. Conclusiones. A pesar de ser menos frecuentes, estos enteropatógenos son responsables de un número considerable de episodios de diarrea esporádica. Por lo tanto, su estudio y vigilancia contribuye significativamente a reducir la brecha de casos no diagnosticados.

Introduction. Data on the frequency of enteric adenoviruses, sapoviruses, and astroviruses in cases of sporadic acute gastroenteritis in Argentina are scarce. Methods. Descriptive design of a selection of fecal samples of children with diarrhea younger than 5 years referred between 2010 and 2021, with a previous negative result for rotavirus and norovirus. The presence of enteric adenovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus was tested by molecular methods, with subsequent genotyping of positive samples. Results. At least 1 of the tested viruses was detected in 226 (39.4%) of the 574 selected samples. Specifically, adenovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus were detected in 30.7%, 5.6%, and 3.1% of the samples, respectively. The most frequent viruses detected were adenovirus 41, sapoviruses GI.1 and GI.2, and astrovirus 1. Non-classic astroviruses were detected in 2 samples. Conclusions. Despite being less frequent, these enteropathogens are responsible for a large number of sporadic diarrhea events. Therefore, their study and surveillance contribute significantly to reduce the gap of undiagnosed cases.

Complete Blood Count Values Over Time in Young Children During the Dengue Virus Epidemic in the Dominican Republic From 2018 to 2020.

Background: Dengue fever (DF) is a mosquito-borne illness with substantial economic and societal impact. Understanding laboratory trends of hospitalized Dominican Republic (DR) pediatric patients could help develop screening procedures in low-resourced settings. We sought to describe laboratory findings over time in DR children with DF and DF severity from 2018 to 2020. Methods: Clinical information was obtained prospectively from recruited children with DF. Complete blood count (CBC) laboratory measures were assessed across Days 1-10 of fever. Participants were classified as DF-negative and DF-positive and grouped by severity. We assessed associations of DF severity with demographics, clinical characteristics, and peripheral blood studies. Using linear mixed-models, we assessed if hematologic values/trajectories differed by DF status/severity. Results: A total of 597 of 1101 with a DF clinical diagnosis were serologically evaluated, and 574 (471 DF-positive) met inclusion criteria. In DF, platelet count and hemoglobin were higher on earlier days of fever (p < = 0.0017). Eighty had severe DF. Severe DF risk was associated with thrombocytopenia, intraillness anemia, and leukocytosis, differing by fever day (p < = 0.001). Conclusions: In a pediatric hospitalized DR cohort, we found marked anemia in late stages of severe DF, unlike the typically seen hemoconcentration. These findings, paired with clinical symptom changes over time, may help guide risk-stratified screenings for resource-limited settings.

Malnutrition in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Insights from Morphofunctional Assessment and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease frequently accompanied by malnutrition due to weight loss, increased energy expenditure, and muscle mass loss. This study aimed to evaluate morphofunctional assessment tools as predictors of malnutrition and to investigate their relationship with muscle status and disease severity in ALS patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 45 ALS patients at the San Cecilio University Hospital in Granada. Malnutrition was assessed using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Morphofunctional assessment was performed using Bioimpedance Vectorial Analysis (BIVA), handgrip strength (HGS), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Malnutrition prevalence was 38% according to GLIM criteria. Significant differences were observed between malnourished and non-malnourished groups in age (70 ± 9 vs. 62 ± 10 years, p = 0.01), sex (female prevalence: 58.8% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.02), dysphagia prevalence (83% vs. 29%, p < 0.001), PEG/PRG use (35.3% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.01), and ALSFRS-R scores (30 ± 12 vs. 34 ± 12, p = 0.02). Malnourished patients had lower values in anthropometric measurements, muscle mass obtained by BIVA, and phase angle (PA) (4.05 ± 0.8° vs. 5.09 ± 0.8°, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in muscle strength or functional status. PA showed significant correlations with muscle strength (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) and muscle mass measures (r = 0.48, p < 0.001). Moreover, PA was associated with poorer disease progression and physical performance. In our sample, BIVA metrics such as PA (<4.3°), SPA (<-0.8), body cell mass (<9.2 kg/m), and extracellular water (>49.75%) were identified as malnutrition risk factors. The study underscores the critical importance of comprehensive morphofunctional assessment and the use of advanced diagnostic criteria, for early identification and intervention in malnutrition among people with ALS. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and develop targeted nutritional strategies into routine clinical practice.

Response to the Letter regarding "The usefulness of the genetic panel in the classification and refinement of diagnostic accuracy of Mexican patients with Marfan syndrome and other connective tissue disorders".

Dear Editor, In relation to the letter expressing concerns about some important points of the article entitled "The usefulness of the genetic panel in the classification and refinement of diagnostic accuracy of Mexican patients with Marfan syndrome and other connective tissue disorders", we would like to comment on the following.  Read more in the PDF.

Analysis of Circulating miRNA Expression Profiles in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Diabetic Foot Complications.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with various complications, including diabetic foot, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Non-healing foot ulcers in diabetic patients are a major risk factor for infections and amputations. Despite conventional treatments, which have limited efficacy, there is a need for more effective therapies. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a role in gene expression and have been implicated in diabetic wound healing. miR expression was analyzed through RT-qPCR in 41 diabetic foot Mexican patients and 50 controls. Diabetic foot patients showed significant increases in plasma levels of miR-17-5p (p = 0.001), miR-191-5p (p = 0.001), let-7e-5p (p = 0.001), and miR-33a-5p (p = 0.005) when compared to controls. Elevated levels of miR-17, miR-191, and miR-121 correlated with higher glucose levels in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (r = 0.30, p = 0.004; r = 0.25, p = 0.01; and r = 0.21, p = 0.05, respectively). Levels of miR-17 showed the highest diagnostic potential (AUC 0.903, p = 0.0001). These findings underscore the possible role of these miRs in developing diabetes complications. Our study suggests that high miR-17, miR-191, and miR-121 expression is strongly associated with higher glucose levels and the development of diabetic foot ulcers.

Exploring Maillard reaction markers and melanoidins to investigate toxicological and antioxidant profiles of optimized expanded snacks from corn/common bean mixtures.

BACKGROUND: Extrusion cooking of cereal-legume flour mixture is an innovative strategy to introduce nutrient-enriched ready-to-eat snacks to the market. However, this thermal process triggers the formation of compounds that could impact safety aspects of these products. Maillard reaction markers and the end products known as melanoidins were evaluated to assess the toxicological and bioactive profiles of extruded snacks from corn-plus-common-bean-flour combinations. Different molecular weight fractions were isolated and purified to analyze their antioxidant activity and to investigate the role of melanoidins. RESULTS: The snack formulated with an 84:16 ratio of corn:common bean flours exhibited an enhanced toxicological profile. It displayed the lowest levels of acrylamide and furanic compounds, along with reduced blockage of lysine residues in the protein. Extrusion increased the antioxidant activity of uncooked flours (30 to 64%) and total phenolic compounds (26 to 50%), and decreased the available lysine (-72.7 to -79.5%). During the fractionation process, it was established that compounds within the range of 3-10 kDa made the greatest contribution to antioxidant activity. The fraction greater than 10 kDa, which included melanoidins, displayed 7 to 33% lower antioxidant activity. The purification of the fraction greater than 10 kDa revealed that pure melanoidins represented approximately one-third of the antioxidant activity in that fraction. Non-covalent adducts linked to the melanoidin core therefore had a relevant role in the antioxidant action of formulated snacks. CONCLUSION: This investigation illustrates the importance of considering both potential risks and associated benefits of compounds formed during the Maillard reaction while developing new extruded snacks. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Preliminary Study on the Restoration of the Phospholipid Profile in Serum from Patients with COVID-19 by Treatment with Vitamin E.

SARS-CoV-2 is an obligatory intracellular pathogen that requires a lipid bilayer membrane for its transport to build its nucleocapsid envelope and fuse with the host cell. The biological membranes are constituted by phospholipids (PLs), and vitamin E (Vit E) protects them from oxidative stress (OS). The aim of this study was to demonstrate if treatment with Vit E restores the modified profile of the FA in PLs in serum from patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). We evaluated Vit E, total fatty acids (TFAs), fatty acids of the phospholipids (FAPLs), total phospholipids (TPLs), 8-isoprostane, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostaglandins (PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum from 22 COVID-19 patients before and after treatment with Vit E and compared the values with those from 23 healthy subjects (HSs). COVID-19 patients showed a decrease in Vit E, TPLs, FAPLs, and TFAs in serum in comparison to HSs (p ≤ 0.01), and Vit E treatment restored their levels (p ≤ 0.04). Likewise, there was an increase in IL-6 and CRP in COVID-19 patients in comparison with HSs (p ≤ 0.001), and treatment with Vit E decreased their levels (p ≤ 0.001). Treatment with Vit E as monotherapy can contribute to restoring the modified FA profile of the PLs in the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and this leads to a decrease in lipid peroxidation, OS, and the inflammatory process.

[Improving the nutritional care of oncology patients - Validation of a multidisciplinary protocol in the Spanish clinical setting]. / Mejorando la atención nutricional del paciente oncológico: validación de un protocolo multidisciplinar en el entorno clínico español.

Introduction: Introduction: malnutrition is a very frequent problem in oncology patients and may have serious repercussions. Adequate nutritional management is cost-effective in terms of health and survival in this population, but it requires multidisciplinary coordination, specific training, and continuous follow-up. Objective: to validate the applicability and efficacy of a multidisciplinary nutritional support protocol in oncology patients. Methods: a multidisciplinary nutritional protocol was developed for oncology patients, with guidelines for screening and assessment of malnutrition, treatment, re-evaluation, and management of side effects, as well as guidance on supplementation and eating patterns. The protocol would be implemented in various clinical centers, collecting data through a structured questionnaire, registering variables before and after implementation. Results: the protocol and its impact were implemented and evaluated in 39 centers. An improvement in nutritional care was observed, evidenced by an earlier initiation of nutritional assessment and an increase in the number of patients receiving adequate care following the protocol implementation. Problems related to inadequate malnutrition coding in the centers, limited resources, and the need for greater interdepartmental collaboration were identified. Conclusions: the conduct of this study provides insights into how the implementation of a multidisciplinary nutritional support protocol can improve the nutritional care received by patients and informs about the main obstacles to adequate implementation.

Introducción: Introducción: la desnutrición es un problema muy frecuente en el paciente oncológico y puede tener graves repercusiones. Un manejo nutricional adecuado es coste-efectivo en términos de salud y supervivencia en esta población, pero requiere de coordinación multidisciplinar, formación específica y seguimiento continuo. Objetivo: validar la aplicabilidad y eficacia de un protocolo multidisciplinar de soporte nutricional en pacientes oncológicos. Métodos: se desarrolló un protocolo nutricional multidisciplinar para pacientes oncológicos, con pautas para el cribado y valoración de la desnutrición, el tratamiento, la reevaluación y la gestión de los efectos secundarios, además de orientaciones sobre suplementación y patrones de alimentación. Se implementaría el protocolo en diversos centros clínicos, recogiendo datos a través de un cuestionario estructurado, registrando variables antes y después de la implementación. Resultados: se implementó y se valoraron el protocolo y su impacto en 39 centros. Se observó una mejoría en la atención nutricional, evidenciada por un inicio más precoz de la valoración nutricional y un aumento en el número de pacientes que recibían atención adecuada tras la implementación del protocolo. Se identificaron problemas relacionados con una inadecuada codificación de la desnutrición en los centros, recursos limitados y la necesidad de mayor colaboración interdepartamental. Conclusiones: la realización de este estudio ofrece información de cómo la implementación de un protocolo multidisciplinar de soporte nutricional puede contribuir a mejorar la atención nutricional que reciben los pacientes e informa de cuáles son los principales obstáculos para una implementación adecuada.

Comparison between the Friedewald, Martin and Sampson Equations and LDL-C Quantification by Ultracentrifugation in a Mexican Population.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which makes up about 70% of the cholesterol in the blood, is critical in the formation of arteriosclerotic plaques, increasing the risk of heart disease. LDL-C levels are estimated using Friedewald, Martin and Sampson equations, though they have limitations with high triglycerides. Our aim is to compare the effectiveness of these equations versus the ultracentrifugation technique in individuals with and without dyslipidemia and identify precision. There were 113 participants, 59 healthy controls and 54 dyslipidemic patients. Samples were collected after fasting. LDL-C was estimated using the Friedewald, Martin and Sampson equations. The purified LDL-C, ultracentrifugated and dialysized control group without dyslipidemia vs. patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) showed differences in age, HDL-C, triglycerides and glucose non-HDL-C (p = 0.001 in all). There were correlations in CGWD between ultracentrifugation and Sampson R-squared (R2) = 0.791. In the dyslipidemia control group, ultracentrifugation and Friedewald R2 = 0.911. In patients with CAD, correlation between ultracentrifugation and Sampson R2 = 0.892; Bland-Altman confirmed agreement in controls without dyslipidemia. The Martin and Sampson equations are interchangeable with ultracentrifugation. Conclusion: The role of LDL analysis using precise techniques is necessary to obtain better control of disease outcomes after the use of precise therapies and suggests verifying its importance through clinical trials.

[Effects of zinc and resveratrol as modulators of leptin response in adults with obesity]. / Efectos del zinc y resveratrol como moduladores de la respuesta a la leptina en adultos con obesidad.

INTRODUCTION: fat tissue is an organ with endocrine function, where the hormone leptin (LEP) is identified. This peptide regulates appetite, the immune system, vascular functions and insulin sensitivity. Zinc (Zn) and resveratrol (RES) have potential effects on adipose tissue. OBJECTIVE: to know if the combined administration of Zn and RES has any effect on blood leptin quantification in obese people. METHODS: longitudinal experimental study, controlled clinical trial design, randomized, double blind. Randomized formation of four groups: T1 (Zn 50 mg), T2 (control), T3 (RES 500 mg), T4 (Zn 50 mg and RES 500 mg) with a supplementation period of 60 days. Blood samples were taken and glucose (GLU), leptin (LEP) and lipids (HDL, LDL, TGL) were quantified before and after exposure to the study elements. RESULTS: age 34 (± 7) years. In T-tests, significance in GLU (p = 0.04) and LEP (p = 0.055). By exposure groups: GLU at T1 (p = 0.03) and T2 (p = 0.031); at LEP at T4 (p = 0.024). Lipids by groups: HDL at T3 (p = 0.039) and T4 (p = 0.014). ANOVA, HDL (p = 0.06). Pearson, HDL (p = 0.07) and LDL (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: zinc and resveratrol showed promise as agents in modulating leptin and glucose signaling, confirming that they work in a proportional manner and provide benefits for cardiac health, but more exposure time is needed to see if they impact energy balance homeostasis.

Redefining vascular repair: revealing cellular responses on PEUU-gelatin electrospun vascular grafts for endothelialization and immune responses on in vitro models.

Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) poised for regenerative applications are central to effective vascular repair, with their efficacy being significantly influenced by scaffold architecture and the strategic distribution of bioactive molecules either embedded within the scaffold or elicited from responsive tissues. Despite substantial advancements over recent decades, a thorough understanding of the critical cellular dynamics for clinical success remains to be fully elucidated. Graft failure, often ascribed to thrombogenesis, intimal hyperplasia, or calcification, is predominantly linked to improperly modulated inflammatory reactions. The orchestrated behavior of repopulating cells is crucial for both initial endothelialization and the subsequent differentiation of vascular wall stem cells into functional phenotypes. This necessitates the TEVG to provide an optimal milieu wherein immune cells can promote early angiogenesis and cell recruitment, all while averting persistent inflammation. In this study, we present an innovative TEVG designed to enhance cellular responses by integrating a physicochemical gradient through a multilayered structure utilizing synthetic (poly (ester urethane urea), PEUU) and natural polymers (Gelatin B), thereby modulating inflammatory reactions. The luminal surface is functionalized with a four-arm polyethylene glycol (P4A) to mitigate thrombogenesis, while the incorporation of adhesive peptides (RGD/SV) fosters the adhesion and maturation of functional endothelial cells. The resultant multilayered TEVG, with a diameter of 3.0 cm and a length of 11 cm, exhibits differential porosity along its layers and mechanical properties commensurate with those of native porcine carotid arteries. Analyses indicate high biocompatibility and low thrombogenicity while enabling luminal endothelialization and functional phenotypic behavior, thus limiting inflammation in in-vitro models. The vascular wall demonstrated low immunogenicity with an initial acute inflammatory phase, transitioning towards a pro-regenerative M2 macrophage-predominant phase. These findings underscore the potential of the designed TEVG in inducing favorable immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative environments, thus holding promise for future clinical applications in vascular tissue engineering.

Paediatrics congenital heart disease is associated with plasma miRNAs.

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) are the most common malformations from birth. The severity of the different forms of CHD varies extensively from superficial mild lesions with follow-up for decades without any treatment to complex cyanotic malformations requiring urgent surgical intervention. microRNAs have been found to be crucial in cardiac development, giving rise to possible phenotypes in CHD. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the expression of miRNAs in 86 children with CHD and divided into cyanotic and non-cyanotic heart defects and 110 controls. METHODS: The miRNAs expression of miR-21-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-144-3p were analyzed by RT-qPCR. In addition, the expressions of the miRNAs studied were correlated with the clinical characteristics of both the children and the mothers. RESULTS: The expression levels of miR-21-5-5p, miR-15-5p5, miR-221-3p, and miR-26-5p significantly differed between CHD and control subjects. Moreover, miR-21-5p levels were higher in patients with cyanotic versus non-cyanotic CHD patients. CONCLUSION: The expression levels of miRNAs of pediatric patients with CHD could participating in the development of cardiac malformations. Additionally, the high expression of miR-21-5p in cyanotic CHD children may be related to greater severity of illness relative to non-cyanotic CHD. IMPACT: This study adds to knowledge of the association between microRNAs and congenital heart disease in children. The expression levels of miR-21-5-5p, miR-15-5p5, miR-221-3p, and miR-26-5p of pediatric patients with CHD could be involved in the development and phenotype present in pediatric patients. miR-21-5p may help to discriminate between cyanotic and non-cyanotic CHD. In the future, the miRNAs studied could have applications as clinical biomarkers.

Musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life for Chilean teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the academic year-end.

Introduction: Schoolteachers have reported multiple demands contributing to poor perceptions regarding their quality of life and high rates of musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are few studies about the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life from the end of the academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: Evaluate musculoskeletal disorders rates and their association with quality of life perceptions among teachers from the last academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants and methods: A total sample of 161 Chilean schoolteachers was included in a cross-sectional study musculoskeletal disorders prevalence was evaluated using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and quality of life was evaluated through the Short-Form 12 Health Survey Instrument. A logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life perceptions adjusted by gender, age, and contract type. Results: 98% of teachers have suffered from some type of musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12 months, and 64% have had six or more painful regions. Women showed a higher musculoskeletal disorders rate than men. The group of teachers with the most musculoskeletal disorders (≥p50) saw significantly greater risk of low scores on the physical (OR: 2.16; p < 0.05) and mental components (OR: 4.86; p < 0.01) of quality of life, regardless of gender, age, and contract type. Conclusion: High musculoskeletal disorders rates suggest that preventive and informative actions must be taken regarding these disorders in order to protect teachers' mental and physical health, considering the effects of the school year and the COVID-19 health crisis.

Siderophores and competition for iron govern myxobacterial predation dynamics.

Bacterial predators are decisive organisms that shape microbial ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the role of iron and siderophores during the predatory interaction between two rhizosphere bacteria: Myxococcus xanthus, an epibiotic predator, and Sinorhizobium meliloti, a bacterium that establishes nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with legumes. The results show that iron enhances the motility of the predator and facilitates its predatory capability, and that intoxication by iron is not used by the predator to prey, although oxidative stress increases in both bacteria during predation. However, competition for iron plays an important role in the outcome of predatory interactions. Using combinations of predator and prey mutants (nonproducers and overproducers of siderophores), we have investigated the importance of competition for iron in predation. The results demonstrate that the competitor that, via the production of siderophores, obtains sufficient iron for growth and depletes metal availability for the opponent will prevail in the interaction. Consequently, iron fluctuations in soils may modify the composition of microbial communities by altering the activity of myxobacterial predators. In addition, siderophore overproduction during predation can alter soil properties, affecting the productivity and sustainability of agricultural operations.

Redox Homeostasis Alteration Is Restored through Melatonin Treatment in COVID-19 Patients: A Preliminary Study.

Type II pneumocytes are the target of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which alters their redox homeostasis to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS). Melatonin (MT) has antioxidant proprieties and protects mitochondrial function. In this study, we evaluated whether treatment with MT compensated for the redox homeostasis alteration in serum from COVID-19 patients. We determined oxidative stress (OS) markers such as carbonyls, glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiols, nitrites (NO2-), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and thiol groups in serum. We also studied the enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reductase (GR), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) and peroxidases. There were significant increases in LPO and carbonyl quantities (p ≤ 0.03) and decreases in TAC and the quantities of NO2-, thiols, and GSH (p < 0.001) in COVID-19 patients. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes such as ecSOD, TrxR, GPx, GST, GR, and peroxidases were decreased (p ≤ 0.04) after the MT treatment. The treatment with MT favored the activity of the antioxidant enzymes that contributed to an increase in TAC and restored the lost redox homeostasis. MT also modulated glucose homeostasis, functioning as a glycolytic agent, and inhibited the Warburg effect. Thus, MT restores the redox homeostasis that is altered in COVID-19 patients and can be used as adjuvant therapy in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Inequality on the frontline: A multi-country study on gender differences in mental health among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at increased risk for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, with prior data suggesting women may be particularly vulnerable. Our global mental health study aimed to examine factors associated with gender differences in psychological distress and depressive symptoms among HCWs during COVID-19. Across 22 countries in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, 32,410 HCWs participated in the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) study between March 2020 and February 2021. They completed the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and questions about pandemic-relevant exposures. Consistently across countries, women reported elevated mental health problems compared to men. Women also reported increased COVID-19-relevant stressors, including insufficient personal protective equipment and less support from colleagues, while men reported increased contact with COVID-19 patients. At the country level, HCWs in countries with higher gender inequality reported less mental health problems. Higher COVID-19 mortality rates were associated with increased psychological distress merely among women. Our findings suggest that among HCWs, women may have been disproportionately exposed to COVID-19-relevant stressors at the individual and country level. This highlights the importance of considering gender in emergency response efforts to safeguard women's well-being and ensure healthcare system preparedness during future public health crises.