Identification and characterization of class 1 integrons among multidrug-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains in Mexico.

This study aimed to identify and characterize integrons among multidrug-resistant (MDR) uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) from outpatients in Mexico City, Mexico. PCR assays were used to screen for the presence of class 1, 2 and 3 integrons, whose PCR products were sequenced to identify the inserted gene cassettes within the variable regions. Out of 83 tested strains, 53 (63.9%) were positive for the presence of class 1 integrons, whereas no integrons were detected in the remaining strains, regardless of their classes. Most of the strains carrying the intI1 gene belonged to the extraintestinal B2 (41.5%) and commensal A (32.1%) phylogroups, and to a lesser extent, the extraintestinal D (20.8%) and commensal B1 (5.7%) phylogroups. Moreover, 8 different gene cassette arrangements were detected, with dfrA17 and aadA5 being the most common (32.1% of the class 1 integron-positive strains), which confer resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and aminoglycosides, respectively. Our results suggest that class 1 integrons are widely distributed among MDR-UPEC strains in Mexico, which may directly or indirectly contribute to the selection of MDR strains. These findings are important for a better understanding of the factors and mechanisms that promote multidrug resistance among UPEC strains.

Low-density lipoprotein from active SLE patients is more atherogenic to endothelial cells than low-density lipoprotein from the same patients during remission.

OBJECTIVES: SLE patients have an enhanced risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. However, the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease is not fully explained by traditional Framingham cardiovascular risk factors. Specific features of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, other than plasma concentration, may induce accelerated atherosclerosis at early stages in these patients. Thus, we aimed to explore the impact of LDL from both active and inactive SLE patients on human aortic endothelial cells. METHODS: Human aortic endothelial cells were stimulated with the same concentration of LDL particles isolated from pooled serum that was collected from 13 SLE patients during both active and inactive states. Gene expression and cell migration assays were performed. RESULTS: Circulating LDL particles obtained from healthy volunteers and SLE patients in both remission and flare states were comparable in terms of number, cholesterol and triglyceride content, and net electric charge. Stimulation of cells with LDL from active SLE patients induced the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (∼2.0-fold, P < 0.05), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (∼2.0-fold, P < 0.05) and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (∼1.6-fold, P < 0.01) compared with cells stimulated with LDL from inactive SLE patients. Additionally, LDL extracted from active patients increased cell migration in a wound-healing assay (1.4-fold, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data show that, at the same LDL concentration, LDL from active SLE patients had increased proatherogenic effects on endothelial cells compared with LDL from the same patients when in an inactive or remission state.

Gelsolin: a new biomarker of disease activity in SLE patients associated with HDL-c.

OBJECTIVES: To identify potential biomarkers of disease activity analysing the proteome of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles from SLE patients in clinical remission and when they develop a flare compared with a healthy control group. METHODS: Quantitative proteomic analyses of purified HDL were performed using Tandem Mass Tag isobaric tag-labelling and nanoLC-Orbitrap (nLC-MS/MS) from nine SLE patients in clinical remission when they developed a flare and from nine healthy controls (9-9-9). We verified the identified proteins by Western blot and ELISA in a cohort of 104 SLE women patients, 46 healthy women and 14 SLE patients when a flare developed. RESULTS: We found 17 proteins with a significant fold-change (>1.1) compared with the control group. In lupus patients experiencing a flare compared with those in remission, we identified four proteins with a significant fold-change (C4, Indian Hedgehog protein, S100A8 and gelsolin). Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) levels were decreased in the 104 SLE patients (176.02(74.9) mcg/l) compared with the control group (217.13(86.7) mcg/l); P=0.005 and when they developed a clinical flare (104.84(41.7) mcg/l); P=0.002). pGSN levels were associated with HDL cholesterol levels (r = 0.316, P<0.001). Antimalarial treated patients showed significant higher levels of pGSN (214.56(88.94) mcg/l regarding 170.35(66.36) mcg/l); P = 0.017. CONCLUSION: Decreased pGSN are associated with clinical disease activity in SLE patients. Antimalarial treatment and HDL cholesterol are associated with higher levels of pGSN.

Outcomes of traumatic brain injury: the prognostic accuracy of various scores and models.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a worldwide health problem, and is a pathology that causes significant mortality and disability in Latin America. Different scores and prognostic models have been developed in order to predict the neurological outcomes of patients. We aimed to test the prognostic accuracy of the Marshall CT classification system, the Rotterdam CT scoring system, and the IMPACT and CRASH models, in predicting 6-month mortality and 6-month unfavourable outcomes in a cohort of trauma patients with TBI in a university hospital in Colombia. METHODS: We analysed 309 patients with significant TBI who were treated in a regional trauma centre in Colombia over a two year period. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken. The discriminatory power of each model, as well as its accuracy and precision, were assessed by logistic regression and AUC. Shapiro Wilks, chi2 and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the actual outcomes in the cohort against the predicted outcomes. RESULTS: The median age was 32 years, and 77.67% were male. All four prognostic models showed good accuracy in predicting outcomes. The IMPACT model had the greatest accuracy in predicting an unfavourable outcome (AUC 0.864; 95% CI 0.819 - 0.909) and in predicting mortality (AUC 0.902; 95% CI 0.862 - 0.943) in patients with TBI. CONCLUSION: All four prognostic models are applicable to eligible TBI patients in Colombia. The IMPACT model was shown to be more accurate than the other prognostic models, and had a higher sensitivity in predicting 6-month mortality and 6-month unfavourable outcomes in patients with TBI in a university hospital in Colombia.

X-Linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency and Hepatoblastoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Severe combined immunodeficiency is an inherited disease with profoundly defective T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency is the most common form. In this report, we describe a 4-month-old male infant who was admitted to our hospital with progressive breathlessness and abdominal mass. He was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma and presented a pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia at the beginning of chemotherapy. Definitive diagnosis of X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency was established by DNA analysis of the interleukin 2 receptor gamma chain gene. This case is the first report which describes an X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency patient with hepatoblastoma.

Education in trauma: An educational alternative that promotes injury prevention.

PURPOSE: As trauma is a public health problem, different programs have been designed to prevent injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational model that measures the adolescents' attitudes towards the rules of road safety, alcohol and road accidents in Colombia. METHODS: A pedagogical model evaluating the effect of road safety education and adolescents' attitudes towards and experiences of alcohol and road accidents in Colombia was created. After the education concluded, this educational process is analyzed by its impact on adolescents' behavior. The educational program included 160 adolescents with the mean age being 17.5 years. RESULTS: The test results indicated that before the educational program 80% of adolescents did not use a safety element when driving, while after the educational program the percentage of no helmet use among adolescents decreased from 72.5% to 24.3% (p = 0.0001) and driving a vehicle under the state of drunkenness from 49.3% to 8.1% (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: An educational model aimed at preventing injuries caused by traffic accidents is shown to be effective in generating changes in adolescents' customs of and attitudes towards alcohol and road safety standards in Colombia.

Use of adenosine in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia in a pediatric emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most frequent arrhythmia requiring treatment in childhood, with an estimated incidence of 1/100 to 1/250 children. The treatment of choice of the acute event is intravenous adenosine. This study aimed to determine if doses of adenosine higher than previously described are needed to successfully revert SVT in children. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of SVT cases in a tertiary hospital from January 2007 to December 2011. RESULTS: A total of 44 episodes of SVT were recorded in 26 patients. Mean age was 3.1 years. In 39 patients (89%), adenosine was administered, reverting to stable sinus rhythm in 29 episodes, which represents an effectiveness of 75%. In relation to the number of doses administered, 12 patients (30%) received a single dose, with a mean (SD) response dose of 112 (35) µg/kg; 16 (41%) received 2 doses, with a mean (SD) response dose of 188 (55) µg/kg; and 9 (24%) received 3 doses, with a mean (SD) response dose of 249 (108) µg/kg. Finally, in 2 patients (4%), 4 doses of adenosine were administered, with only 1 of them responding to a dose of 300 µg/kg. The mean (SD) dose that reverted the SVT to normal sinus rhythm was 173 (84) µg/kg, and the mean (SD) number of doses administered was 1.7 (0.8) (range, 1-4). Sixty-six percent were discharged home, without the need to be transferred to pediatric intensive care unit or pediatric ward. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients with SVT episodes require treatment with more than 1 dose of adenosine. Doses higher than the usually described in the guidelines are necessary to revert SVT. Most patients can be discharged home from the emergency department, without the need of hospital admission.

High-Performance Aramids with Intrinsic Bactericide Activity.

Aramids, renowned for their high-performance attributes, find applications in critical fields such as protective equipment, aerospace components, and industrial filters. However, challenges arise in scenarios in which frequent washing is impractical, leading to bacterial proliferation, especially in textiles. This study outlines a straightforward and scalable method for preparing aramid-coated textiles and films endowed with inherent bactericidal activity, achieved by reacting parent aramids with vanillin. The functionalization of the aramids with bactericide moieties not only preserved the high-performance characteristics of commercial aramids but also improved their crucial mechanical properties. Tensile tests revealed an increase in Young's modulus, up to 50% compared to commercial m-aramid, accompanied by thermal performance comparable to commercial m-aramids. The evaluation of these coated textiles as bactericidal materials demonstrated robust effectiveness with A parameters (antibacterial activity) of 4.31 for S. aureus and 3.44 for K. pneumoniae. Reusability tests (washing the textiles in harsh conditions) underscored that the bactericide-coated textiles maintain their performance over at least 5 cycles. Regarding practical applications, tests performed with reconstructed human epidermis affirmed the nonirritating nature of these materials to the skin. The distinctive qualities of these metal-free intrinsic bactericidal aramids position them as ideal candidates for scenarios demanding a synergy of high performance and bactericidal properties. Applications such as first responders' textiles or filters stand to benefit significantly from these advanced materials.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Relapses from Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.

Little is known about the characteristics of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) associated with recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs). The present study aimed to analyze the phenotypic antimicrobial resistance of recurrent UPEC isolates attributable to either relapse or reinfection. A total of 140 E. coli strains were isolated from 70 outpatients with RUTIs. All isolates were analyzed by random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction to evaluate genetic similarity between the first and second isolates. We found that 64.2% (45/70) of outpatients had a relapse with the primary infecting E. coli strain and 35.7% (25/70) had reinfection with a new E. coli strain. Compared with reinfecting strains, relapse UPEC isolates exhibited much higher antimicrobial resistance; 89% of these isolates were multidrug-resistant and 46.6% were extended-spectrum ß-lactamase producers. Our study provides evidence that RUTIs are mainly driven by the persistence of the original strain in the host (relapses) despite appropriate antibiotic treatments, and only RUTIs attributed to relapses seem to favor multidrug resistance in UPEC isolates.

Comparative toxicological analysis of two pristine carbon nanomaterials (graphene oxide and aminated graphene oxide) and their corresponding degraded forms using human in vitro models.

Despite the wide application of graphene-based materials, the information of the toxicity associated to some specific derivatives such as aminated graphene oxide is scarce. Likewise, most of these studies analyse the pristine materials, while the available data regarding the harmful effects of degraded forms is very limited. In this work, the toxicity of graphene oxide (GO), aminated graphene oxide (GO-NH2), and their respective degraded forms (dGO and dGO-NH2) obtained after being submitted to high-intensity sonication was evaluated applying in vitro assays in different models of human exposure. Viability and ROS assays were performed on A549 and HT29 cells, while their skin irritation potential was tested on a reconstructed human epidermis model. The obtained results showed that GO-NH2 and dGO-NH2 substantially decrease cell viability in the lung and gastrointestinal models, being this reduction slightly higher in the cells exposed to the degraded forms. In contrast, this parameter was not affected by GO and dGO which, conversely, showed the ability to induce higher levels of ROS than the pristine and degraded aminated forms. Furthermore, none of the materials is skin irritant. Altogether, these results provide new insights about the potential harmful effects of the selected graphene-based nanomaterials in comparison with their degraded counterparts.

Conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence as a biomarker of outdoor exposure in myopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Outdoor exposure is considered the primary modifiable risk factor in preventing the development of myopia. This effect is thought to be attributed to the light-induced synthesis and release of dopamine in the retina. However, until recent years, there was no objective quantifiable method available to measure the association between time spent outdoors and myopia. It is only recently that the conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) area, serving as a biomarker for sun exposure, has begun to be utilized in numerous studies. To provide a comprehensive summary of the relevant evidence pertaining to the association between the CUVAF area and myopia across different geographic regions and age groups, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. The search encompassed multiple databases, including MEDLINE, SCIENCE DIRECT, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, WEB OF SCIENCE, and SCOPUS, and utilized specific search terms such as "conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence", "CUVAF", "UVAF", "objective marker of ocular sun exposure", "myopia", "degenerative myopia", and "high myopia". The bibliographic research included papers published between the years 2006 and 2022. A total of 4051 records were initially identified, and after duplicates were removed, 49 articles underwent full-text review. Nine articles were included in the systematic review. These studies covered myopia and outdoor exposure across different regions (Australia, Europe and India) with a total population of 3615 individuals. They found that myopes generally had smaller CUVAF areas compared to non-myopes. The meta-analysis confirmed this, revealing statistically smaller CUVAF areas in myopic patients, with a mean difference of - 3.30 mm2 (95% CI - 5.53; - 1.06). Additionally, some studies showed a positive correlation between more outdoor exposure and larger CUVAF areas. In terms of outdoor exposure time, myopic patients reported less time outdoors than non-myopic individuals, with a mean difference of - 3.38 h/week (95% CI - 4.66; - 2.09). Overall, these findings highlight the connection between outdoor exposure, CUVAF area and myopia, with regional variations playing a significant role. The results of this meta-analysis validate CUVAF as a quantitative method to objectively measure outdoor exposure in relation with myopia development.

Identification of secretory immunoglobulin A antibody targets from human milk in cultured cells infected with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC).

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) uses a type III secretion system (T3SS) to inject effectors into host cells and alter cellular physiology. The aim of the present study was to identify targets of human secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) antibodies from the proteins delivered by EPEC into HEp-2 cells after infection. Bacterial proteins delivered into EPEC-infected cells were obtained in sub-cellular fractions (cytoplasmic, membrane, and cytoskeleton) and probed with sIgA antibodies from human milk and analyzed by Western blotting. These sIgA antibodies reacted with Tir and EspB in the cytoplasmic and membrane fractions, and with intimin in the membrane fraction mainly. The sIgA also identified an EPEC surface-associated Heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in HEp-2 cells infected with EPEC. Purified Hsp70 from EPEC was able to bind to HEp-2 cells, suggesting adhesive properties in this protein. EspC secreted to the medium reacted strongly with the sIgA antibodies. An EPEC 115 kDa protein, unrelated to the EspC protein, was detected in the cytoplasm of infected HEp-2 cells, suggesting that this is a new protein translocated by EPEC. The results suggest that there is a strong host antibody response to Tir and intimin, which are essential proteins for attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogen mediated disease.

Low HDL-c levels at admission are associated with greater severity and worse clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 disease.

Background and aims: HDL particles may act to buffer host cells from excessive inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study is to investigate if the lipid profile provides a prognostic biomarker for COVID-19 outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective study of the characteristics of 125 adult COVID-19 patients with a lipid profile performed on the day of admission analyzed with regard to clinical outcomes. Results: Seventy-seven patients (61.2%) were men, with a mean age of 66.3 (15.6) years. 54.1% had bilateral pneumonia. The all-cause mortality rate during hospitalization was 20.8%. We found a direct association between more severe disease assessed by the WHO classification, admission to the ICU and death with more pronounced lymphopenia, higher levels of CRP, ferritin (p < 0.001), D-dímer and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) all statistically significant. Lower leves of HDL-c and LDL-c were also associated with a worse WHO classification, ICU admission, and death,. HDL-c levels were inversely correlated with inflammatory markers CRP (r = -0.333; p < 0.001), ferritin (r = -0.354; p < 0.001), D-dímer (r = -0.214; p < 0.001), LDH (r = -0.209; p < 0.001. LDL-c levels were significantly associated with CRP (r = -0.320; p < 0.001) and LDH (r = -0.269; p < 0.001). ROC curves showed that HDL [AUC = 0.737(0.586-0.887), p = 0.005] and lymphocytes [AUC = 0.672(0.497-0.847], p < 0.043] had the best prognostic accuracy to predict death. In a multivariate analysis, HDL-c (ß = -0.146(0.770-0.971), p = 0.014) and urea (ß = 0.029(1.003-1.057), p = 0.027) predicted mortality. Conclusion: Hypolipidemia including HDL levels at admission identifies patients with a higher risk of death and worse clinical manifestations who may require more intensive care.

On the Tunability of Toxicity for Viologen-Derivatives as Anolyte for Neutral Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries.

Viologen-derivatives are the most widely used redox organic molecules for neutral pH negative electrolyte of redox flow batteries. However, the long-established toxicity of the herbicide methyl-viologen raises concern for deployment of viologen-derivatives at large scale in flow batteries. Herein, we demonstrate the radically different cytotoxicity and toxicology of a series of viologen-derivatives in in vitro assays using model organisms representative of human and environmental exposure, namely human lung carcinoma epithelial cell line (A549) and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results show that safe viologen derivatives can be molecularly engineered, representing a promising family of negolyte materials for neutral redox flow batteries.

Rural Palliative Care Telemedicine for Advanced Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

Context: Telemedicine offers the opportunity to provide remote palliative care for patients to control symptoms and improve quality of life, even for patients with advanced diseases. Objectives: Establish a telemedicine model of rural palliative care for advanced cancer patients with difficulties in accessing standard care. Methods: This review comports with the minimum standards described in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and uses the palliative care literature review iterative method (PALETTE) proposed by Zwakman et al in 2018. Results: Three hundred, ninety-two articles were identified in PubMed and EMBASE databases and alternative search engines such as Google Scholar and OpenGrey. A telemedicine delivery model was developed for patients with limited access to standard care, which consists of identifying the candidate population, establishing the most convenient telemedicine modality, agreeing with patients and caregivers on palliative care needs, and evaluating the interventions effectiveness. Conclusion: Telemedicine is a revolutionary tool to provide palliative care to advanced cancer patients whose clinical condition or location prevent them from accessing conventional care.

Adjunctive Recombinant Human Plasma Gelsolin for Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia.

Background: Excessive inflammation contributes to the morbidity and mortality of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Recombinant human plasma gelsolin (rhu-pGSN) improves disease outcomes in diverse experimental models of infectious and noninfectious inflammation. Methods: In a blinded, randomized study, 61 subjects with documented COVID-19 pneumonia having a World Health Organization (WHO) Severity Score of 4 to 6 and evidence of a hyperinflammatory state were treated with standard care and either adjunctive rhu-pGSN 12 mg/kg or an equal volume of saline placebo given intravenously at entry, 12 hours, and 36 hours. The prespecified coprimary outcomes were survival without major respiratory, hemodynamic, or renal support on Day 14 and the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) during the 90-day study period. Results: All subjects receiving ≥1 dose of study drug were analyzed. Fifty-four of 61 subjects (88.5%) were WHO severity level 4 at entry. The proportions of subjects alive without support on Day 14 were 25 of 30 rhu-pGSN recipients (83.3%) and 27 of 31 placebo recipients (87.1%). Over the duration of the study, WHO Severity Scores improved similarly in both treatment groups. No statistically significant differences were observed between treatment groups at any time point examined. Two subjects died in each group. Numerically fewer subjects in the rhu-pGSN group had SAEs (5 subjects; 16.7%) or ≥ Grade 3 adverse events (5 subjects; 16.7%) than in the placebo group (8 subjects [25.8%] and 9 subjects [29.0%], respectively), mostly involving the lungs. Three rhu-pGSN recipients (10.0%) were intubated compared to 6 placebo recipients (19.4%). Conclusions: Overall, subjects in this study did well irrespective of treatment arm. When added to dexamethasone and remdesivir, no definitive benefit was demonstrated for rhu-pGSN relative to placebo. Safety signals were not identified after the administration of 3 doses of 12 mg/kg rhu-pGSN over 36 hours. The frequencies of SAEs and intubation were numerically fewer in the rhu-pGSN group compared with placebo.

Comparative toxicological assessment of three soils polluted with different levels of hydrocarbons and heavy metals using in vitro and in vivo approaches.

The biological effects induced by the pollutants present in soils, together with the chemical and physical characterizations, are good indicators to provide a general overview of their quality. However, the existence of studies where the toxicity associated to soils contaminated with mixtures of pollutants applying both in vitro and in vivo models are scarce. In this work, three soils (namely, Soil 001, Soil 002 and Soil 013) polluted with different concentrations of hydrocarbons and heavy metals were evaluated using different organisms representative of human (HepG2 human cell line) and environmental exposure (the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas putida and, for the in vivo evaluation, the annelid Enchytraeus crypticus). In vitro assays showed that the soluble fraction of the Soil 001, which presented the highest levels of heavy metals, represented a great impact in the viability of the HepG2 cells and S. cerevisiae, while organic extracts from Soils 002 and 013 caused a slight decrease in the viability of HepG2 cells. In addition, in vivo experiments showed that Soils 001 and 013 affected the survival and the reproduction of E. crypticus. Altogether, these results provide a general overview of the potential hazards associated to three specific contaminated sites in a variety of organisms, showing how different concentrations of similar pollutants affect them, and highlights the relevance of testing both organic and soluble extracts when in vitro safety assays of soils are performed.

Paraoxonase-1 gene haplotypes are associated with metabolic disturbances, atherosclerosis, and immunologic outcome in HIV-infected patients.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme that is bound to high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). We evaluated whether PON1 gene haplotypes influence the metabolic disturbances, presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, and virologic outcome associated with the infection. METHODS: DNA from blood samples collected from 234 HIV-infected patients and 633 healthy control subjects had single-nucleotide polymorphisms of PON1(192), PON1(55), PON1(-162), PON1(-832), PON1(-909), PON1(-1076), and PON1(-1741) analyzed using the Iplex Gold MassArray method. Subsequently, the influence of these single-nucleotide polymorphisms on measured biochemical and clinical variables was assessed. RESULTS: We observed significant differences in the haplotype distribution between the control subjects and the HIV-infected patients. Haplotype H10 (GTCCGTC) was more prevalent in the HIV-infected patients (6.41% vs 0.64%; P < .001), and haplotype H5 (GACCGTC) was less prevalent in HIV-infected patients (27.7% vs 42.9%; P = .001). In HIV-infected patients, haplotype H7 (AATTCCT) was associated with better CD4(+) cell count recovery, higher levels of HDL cholesterol (P = .048) and apolipoprotein A-I (P = .019), lower levels of triglycerides (P = .004), and lower rates of subclinical arteriosclerosis (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: PON1 haplotypes segregate with HIV infection, HDL metabolism, the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, and CD4(+) cell recovery after treatment.

Study of the Plasma and Buffy Coat in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection-A Preliminary Report.

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection affects many aspects of public health knowledge, science, and practice around the world. Several studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 RNA in plasma seems to be associated with a worse prognosis of COVID-19. In the present study, we investigated plasma and buffy RNA in patients with COVID-19 to determine its prognostic value. A prospective study was carried out in patients hospitalized for COVID-19, in which RNA was analyzed in plasma and the buffy coat. Morphological and immunohistochemical studies were used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the buffy coat. In COVID-19 patients, the obtained RNA concentration in plasma was 448.3 ± 31.30 ng/mL. Of all the patients with positive plasma tests for SARS-CoV-2, 46.15% died from COVID-19. In four cases, tests revealed that SARS-CoV-2 was present in the buffy coat. Abnormal morphology of monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils was found. An immunohistochemical study showed positivity in mononuclear cells and platelets. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is present in the plasma. This facilitates viral dissemination and migration to specific organs, where SARS-CoV-2 infects target cells by binding to their receptors. In our study, the presence of plasma SARS-CoV-2 RNA was correlated with worse prognoses.

Laboratory Findings in Patients with Probable Dengue Diagnosis from an Endemic Area in Colombia in 2018.

As demonstrated with the novel coronavirus pandemic, rapid and accurate diagnosis is key to determine the clinical characteristic of a disease and to improve vaccine development. Once the infected person is identified, hematological findings may be used to predict disease outcome and offer the correct treatment. Rapid and accurate diagnosis and clinical parameters are pivotal to track infections during clinical trials and set protection status. This is also applicable for re-emerging diseases like dengue fever, which causes outbreaks in Asia and Latin America every 4 to 5 years. Some areas in the US are also endemic for the transmission of dengue virus (DENV), the causal agent of dengue fever. However, significant number of DENV infections in rural areas are diagnosed solely by clinical and hematological findings because of the lack of availability of ELISA or PCR-based tests or the infrastructure to implement them in the near future. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are a less sensitive, yet they represent a timely way of detecting DENV infections. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between hematological findings and the probability for an NS1-based DENV RDT to detect the DENV NS1 antigen. We also aimed to describe the hematological parameters that are associated with the diagnosis through each test.