Deficiency of coagulation factors is associated with the bleeding diathesis of severe yellow fever.

Yellow fever (YF) is an acute tropical infectious disease caused by an arbovirus and can manifest as a classic hemorrhagic fever. The mechanism of the bleeding diathesis in YF is not well understood. We assessed clinical and laboratory data (including a panel of coagulation tests) from 46 patients with moderate (M) and severe (S) YF admitted to a local hospital between January 2018 and April 2018. Among 46 patients, 34 had SYF of whom 12 (35%) patients died. A total of 21 (45%) patients developed some type of bleeding manifestation and 15 (32%) presented severe bleeding. Patients with SYF had more severe thrombocytopenia (p = 0.001); prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and thrombin time (TT) (p = 0.03 and p = 0.005, respectively); reduced plasma levels of coagulation factor (F) II (p < 0.01), FIX (p = 0.01), and FX (p = 0.04); and D-dimer levels almost 10 times higher (p < 0.01) when compared with patients with MYF. Patients who died had more bleeding (p = 0.03), more major bleeding (p = 0.03), prolonged international normalized ratio (INR) and aPTT (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively), as well as lower activity of FII (p = 0.02), FV (p = 0.001), FVII (p = 0.005), FIX (p = 0.01), and protein C (p = 0.01) than the ones who survived. FVIII levels were either normal or increased in all patients studied. Our results suggest that the bleeding diathesis of SYF is associated with the deficiency of coagulation factors produced by the liver. Prolonged INR and aPTT and reduced FII, FV, FVII, FIX, and protein C were associated with death.

Association between Irisin, hs-CRP, and Metabolic Status in Children and Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Proinflammatory cytokines and the novel myokine irisin, a cleavage product of FNDC5, have been found to play a role in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Irisin has been shown to increase browning of adipose tissue, thermogenesis, energy expenditure, and insulin sensitivity, yet its association with inflammatory markers is still limited. Circulating irisin has been found to be increased in obesity, while in adult subjects with T2DM decreased levels have been found. However, data establishing the association of circulating irisin in children and adolescents with T2DM has not been described in the literature. The objective of this study was to determine irisin plasma concentration and its association with metabolic and adiposity markers and with hs-CRP, a surrogate marker of inflammation used in clinical practice, in a pediatric population with T2DM. A cross-sample of 40 Mexican children and adolescents aged 7-17 were recruited, 20 diagnosed with T2DM and 20 healthy controls. Plasma irisin levels were found to be lower in the T2DM group compared with controls, which could be attributed to a reduced PGC-1α activity in muscle tissue with a consequent decrease in FNDC5 and irisin expression. Irisin concentration was found to be positively correlated with HDL-c, LDL-c, and total cholesterol, while negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, and triglycerides. However, after multiple regression analysis, only HDL-c correlation remained significant. hs-CRP was higher in the T2DM group and positively associated with adiposity markers, unfavorable lipid profile, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR, but no association with irisin was found. Given the favorable metabolic effects attributed to irisin, the low plasma levels found in children and adolescents with T2DM could exacerbate the inflammatory and metabolic imbalances and the intrinsic cardiovascular risk of this disease. We propose an "irisin-proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory axis" to explain the role of irisin as a metabolic regulator in obesity and T2DM.

Relationship of Circulating Irisin with Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders in the Pediatric Population.

Exercise-induced irisin, a recently discovered myokine, has been linked to insulin resistance, obesity, and other diseases in adults; however, information in children is scarce and contradictory. We analyzed the limited evidence of irisin's effects in children and adolescents, and its association with body composition, exercise training, cardiovascular risk factors, and metabolic diseases, as well as the results of dietetic interventions. Both positive and negative correlations between irisin concentrations and body mass index, fat mass, fat-free mass, and other anthropometric parameters were found. Likewise, contradictory evidence was shown associating irisin plasma levels with cardiovascular and metabolic parameters such as glucose, insulin resistance, and cholesterol and other lipid and fatty acid plasma levels in healthy children, as well as in those with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Gender, puberty, and hormonal differences were also examined. Furthermore, important contradictory findings according to the type and duration of exercise and of dietetic interventions in healthy and unhealthy subjects were demonstrated. In addition, correlations between mother⁻infant relations and circulating irisin were also identified. This review discusses the potential role of irisin in health and disease in the pediatric population.

Hypocoagulability in severe yellow fever infection is associated with bleeding: results from a cohort study.

Background: Severe yellow fever infection (YFI) may be complicated by a hemorrhagic diathesis. However, the hemostasis profile of YFI has rarely been reported. Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the hemostatic features of YFI by using a rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Methods: We evaluated clinical, laboratory, and ROTEM parameters in adults with severe YFI and their correlation with hemostatic variables according to bleeding and death. Results: A total of 35 patients were included (median age, 49 years). ROTEM was performed in 22 patients, of whom 21 (96%) presented bleeding and 4 (18%) died. All patients who died had major bleeding. Patients who died presented prolonged clotting time (CT; median, 2326 seconds; IQR, 1898-2986 seconds) and reduced alpha angle (median, 12°; IQR, 12°-15°) in comparison with patients who had minor (median CT, 644 seconds; IQR, 552-845 seconds and alpha angle, 47°; IQR, 28°-65°) and major (median CT, 719 seconds; IQR, 368-1114 seconds and alpha angle, 43°; IQR, 32°-64°) bleeding who survived. In patients who had bleeding, CT showed a strong negative correlation with factor (F)V (r = -.68), FIX (r = -.84), and FX (r = -.63) as well as alpha angle showed a strong negative correlation with FIX (r = -.92). In patients who died, the correlations were even stronger. A total of 19/21 (90%) patients presented hypocoagulability assessed by ROTEM. Conclusion: Hypocoagulabitity is the hallmark of the bleeding diathesis of severe YFI. Abnormal CT and alpha angle associated with death and could be used as potential predictors of adverse outcome in severe YFI.

Ramon Flour (Brosimum alicastrum Swartz) Ameliorates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation, Induction of AMPK Phosphorylation, and Expression of the Hepatic Antioxidant System in a High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity Mouse Model.

Excessive consumption of fat and carbohydrates, together with a decrease in traditional food intake, has been related to obesity and the development of metabolic alterations. Ramon seed is a traditional Mayan food used to obtain Ramon flour (RF) with high biological value in terms of protein, fiber, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. However, few studies have evaluated the beneficial effects of RF. Thus, we aimed to determine the metabolic effects of RF consumption on a high-fat-diet-induced obesity mouse model. We divided male BALB/c mice into four groups (n = 5 each group) and fed them for 90 days with the following diets: Control (C): control diet (AIN-93), C + RF: control diet adjusted with 25% RF, HFD: high-fat diet + 5% sugar in water, and HFD + RF: high-fat diet adjusted with 25% RF + 5% sugar in water. The RF prevented the increase in serum total cholesterol (TC) and alanine transaminase (ALT) that occurred in the C and HFD groups. Notably, RF together with HFD increased serum polyphenols and antioxidant activity, and it promoted a decrease in the adipocyte size in white adipose tissue, along with lower hepatic lipid accumulation than in the HFD group. In the liver, the HFD + RF group showed an increase in the expression of ß-oxidation-related genes, and downregulation of the fatty acid synthase (Fas) gene compared with the HFD group. Moreover, the HFD + RF group had increased hepatic phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), along with increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) protein expression compared with the HFD group. Thus, RF may be used as a nutritional strategy to decrease metabolic alterations during obesity.

Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Teachers: a Study on Teacher and Student Outcomes.

Objectives: Teachers' stress can affect their occupational health and negatively impact classroom climate and students' well-being. This study aims to evaluate the proximal and distal effects of a mindfulness-based program, specially developed to promote teachers' social-emotional competencies (SEC), across teachers, classroom climates, and students' outcomes. Methods: The study followed a randomized trial design with two data collection points (pretest and posttest). Participants in the experimental group (EG) included 123 elementary school teachers, their 1503 students, and these students' parents (1494), while the control group (CG) comprised 105 elementary school teachers, their 947 students, and these students' parents (913). A mixed data collection strategy was used that included teachers' and students' (self-) report, observational ratings of teachers' classroom behaviors, and parents' reports on students. Results: After the intervention, EG teachers, compared to CG teachers, reported a significant increase in mindfulness and emotional regulation competencies, self-efficacy, and well-being and a decrease in burnout symptoms. Similarly, a significant improvement was found in EG teachers' classroom behaviors related to students' engagement. Additionally, significant improvements were also found in EG students' perceptions of the quality of their teachers' involvement in classroom relationships, self-reported effect, and social competencies perceived by their parents. Conclusions: These findings further the knowledge on the role played by mindfulness-based SEC interventions in reducing teachers' burnout symptoms and cultivating their SEC and well-being, in promoting a nurturing classroom climate and also in promoting the SEC and well-being of students. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-021-01635-3.

Nutritional niches reveal fundamental domestication trade-offs in fungus-farming ants.

During crop domestication, human farmers traded greater productivity for higher crop vulnerability outside specialized cultivation conditions. We found a similar domestication trade-off across the major co-evolutionary transitions in the farming systems of attine ants. First, the fundamental nutritional niches of cultivars narrowed over ~60 million years of naturally selected domestication, and laboratory experiments showed that ant farmers representing subsequent domestication stages strictly regulate protein harvest relative to cultivar fundamental nutritional niches. Second, ants with different farming systems differed in their abilities to harvest the resources that best matched the nutritional needs of their fungal cultivars. This was assessed by quantifying realized nutritional niches from analyses of items collected from the mandibles of laden ant foragers in the field. Third, extensive field collections suggest that among-colony genetic diversity of cultivars in small-scale farms may offer population-wide resilience benefits that species with large-scale farming colonies achieve by more elaborate and demanding practices to cultivate less diverse crops. Our results underscore that naturally selected farming systems have the potential to shed light on nutritional trade-offs that shaped the course of culturally evolved human farming.

Exposure to dilute concentrations of bupropion affects zebrafish early life stages.

Psychiatric pharmaceuticals are one of the most prescribed active substances globally. Bupropion (BPP) is an antidepressant that acts via inhibition of norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake. It has been found in various water matrices, and thus its effects on aquatic organisms must be studied. The present study aimed to evaluate the acute toxic effects of BPP on zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages. For developmental analysis, organisms were exposed for 168 h to concentrations ranging from 0 to 82000 µg/L. Two other experiments were performed by exposing embryos to a wide range of concentrations (from 0 to 50000 µg/L) in order to evaluate BPP effects on embryonic behavior, using the Zebrabox and testing at the biochemical level (acetylcholinesterase, glutathione-S-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and catalase). Developmental analysis indicated that BPP had low acute toxicity with a calculated 168 h-LC50 of 50346 µg/L. Concentrations equal to or above 44800 µg/L elicited several effects such as hatching delay, edemas and tail deformities. However, concentrations from 7300 µg/L upwards elicited equilibrium alteration. Behavioral analysis showed that BPP affected zebrafish locomotor behavior by decreasing activity at 0.6 µg/L, increasing activity at 8.8 and 158 µg/L, and decreasing activity at 50000 µg/L. Biochemical analysis showed an increase of AChE activity at 158 and 2812 µg/L, an increase in GST at the highest concentrations, CAT alteration and increase of LDH at 0.6, 2812 and 50000 µg/L. We can conclude that BPP affects zebrafish early life stages at environmental concentrations.

Myokine-adipokine cross-talk: potential mechanisms for the association between plasma irisin and adipokines and cardiometabolic risk factors in Mexican children with obesity and the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Adipokines and the myokine irisin, involved in mechanisms associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS), are understudied in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between irisin, and leptin, resistin, adiponectin, adipsin, anthropometric and cardiovascular risk factors in Mexican children. METHODS: A cross-sample of 126 Mexican children aged 6-12 years old were classified as normal weight (n = 46), obese (n = 40), and MS (n = 40) according to CDC's and Cook's age-modified criteria for obesity and MS. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were determined and percentiles calculated for age and gender. Irisin, leptin, adiponectin, adipsin, resistin, triglycerides, glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels, and physical activity were determined. Statistical tests for differences between groups, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Irisin plasma levels were significantly lower in the obese (6.08 [4.68-6.65]) and MS groups (6.46 [5.74-7.02]) compared with the normal-weight group (8.05 [7.24-8.94]) (p < 0.001). Irisin levels were not influenced by age or gender, but significant dispersion was observed in obese girls (95% CI median [2.29-6.30]). Leptin, resistin, and adipsin levels were significantly increased in the obese and MS groups. Lean-fat ratio was significantly higher in the NW group. Irisin correlated negatively with leptin (- 0.310), resistin (- 0.389), adipsin (- 0.362), BMI% (-0.472), WC% (- 0.453), BMI z-score (- 0.496), fat free mass (- 0.257), fat percentage (- 0.532), fat mass (- 0.515), triglycerides (- 0.291), the number of cardiometabolic risk factors (- 0.443) (p < 0.001); positively with lean-fat ratio (0.489) and HDL-c (0.328) (p < 0.001) and none with physical activity (p < 0.001). Following stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the lean-fat ratio was the only determinant of irisin levels (B = 1.168, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lean-fat ratio, more than the absolute amount of muscle or fat mass, as well as potential myokine-adipokine cross-talk mechanisms may explain the lower irisin levels in children with obesity and MS, through blunted compensatory responses interfering with tissue-dependent irisin secretion, contributing to a continuous deleterious effect cycle.

Bilateral Thalamic Ischemic Stroke Secondary to Occlusion of the Artery of Percheron.

The occlusion of the artery of Percheron (AOP) is a rare condition that causes bilateral thalamic ischemic stroke with or without midbrain involvement. It happens as a result of an anatomical variant of the diencephalic irrigation, in which the thalamic paramedian arteries arise from a common trunk from the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), which generates a clinical syndrome characterized by bilateral vertical gaze palsy, memory impairment and hypersomnia. In this case, we report a 62-year-old woman admitted to the emergency room with altered mental status, mainly somnolence. On physical examination, she was somnolent, apathetic and with no motor deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated bilateral thalamic hyperintensities and midbrain involvement in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2 sequences, suggesting occlusion of the AOP. Bilateral thalamic infarction due to this anatomical variant is an entity with a low prevalence, and its diagnosis can be delayed because of the wide spectrum of clinical signs.

Cognitive and structural cerebral changes in amnestic mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease after multicomponent training.

Introduction: Information about how physical exercise affects patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still missing. This study evaluated the impact of multicomponent exercise training on cognition and brain structure in aMCI subjects with cerebral spinal fluid positive AD biomarkers. Methods: Forty aMCI subjects were divided in training (multicomponent exercise thrice a week for 6 months) and nontraining groups. Assessments included cardiorespiratory fitness, neurocognitive tests, and a structural magnetic resonance imaging using 3.0 T scanner. FreeSurfer software analyzed hippocampal volume and cortical thickness. Results: The training group showed increased volume in both hippocampi and better performance in episodic memory test after 6 months. In contrast, the nontraining group declined in functional activities, recognition, and cardiorespiratory fitness for the same period. Discussion: Multicomponent exercise seems to improve hippocampal volume and episodic memory, and maintains VO2max in aMCI due to AD.

Persistent testicular structural and functional alterations after exposure of adult rats to atrazine.

Atrazine is an endocrine disruptor affecting testicular steroidogenesis, and promoting testicular atrophy and 3ß-HSD reduction. However, it remains unknown whether these effects are reversible or permanent. To address this issue was the aim of this study. Exposition of rats to 200mg/kg of atrazine resulted in transient increase in testicular weight, seminiferous tubules dilation and atrophy, and reduction in Leydig cell 3ß-HSD. Testicular atrophy and 3ß-HSD reduction were more pronounced after the recovery period of 75days. There was increase in aromatase expression after long-term exposure but it returned to control level after recovery. Moreover, there was increase in ED1-/ED2+, ED1+/ED2+ and ED1+/ED2- macrophages, in the recovery group. These macrophages were positive for 3ß-HSD, thereby raising possibility of their involvement in steroidogenesis. These findings further emphasize the adverse effects of atrazine on male reproduction, highlighting that testicular damages may be irreversible even after a recovery period longer than the spermatogenic cycle.

Sexual violence during pregnancy: cross-sectional study with women in puerperium / Violência sexual durante a gravidez: estudo transversal com mulheres no puerpério

Introduction: sexual violence during pregnancy is a serious violation of human rights and reproductive rights. Its prevalence is variable and multifactorial, depending on the analyzed territory and sociocultural and economic factors, requiring permanent monitoring. Methods: a cross-sectional study conducted at the Mandaqui Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil. The Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) was applied to 350 puerperium women, with the outcome of suffering or not sexual violence during pregnancy, with data collected between September and December 2021. Sociodemographic and reproductive data were considered. We used an urn technique, with pre-coded data analyzed in EpiInfo® by Pearson's Chi-square and Mann Whitney test, adopting p<0.05 and 95% CI. Research approved by the Research Ethics Committee, CAAE No. 50580421.5.0000.5551. Results: we found eight cases of sexual violence (2.3%) and sample loss of 18.9%. Women who suffered sexual violence reported more physical violence in the last 12 months (25.0% x 6.1% - p=0.033, OR/CI 0.19: 0.03-1.03) and fear of the most frequent intimate partner (25.0% x 3.5% - p=0.002, OR/CI 0.10: 0.01-0.59), but we did not find a difference in the history of suffering violence before the age of 15 and by the partner throughout life. There was no difference in age, schooling, race/color, union, income and work. The same occurred for reproductive aspects, with no difference regarding the occurrence of prematurity, high-risk pregnancy, reproductive planning and tobacco/alcohol use during pregnancy. Conclusion: the prevalence of sexual violence during pregnancy was lower than in other Brazilian studies and populations from other countries. Women with sexual violence during pregnancy face a daily life of fear and more frequent physical violence. The high history of suffering violence before the age of 15 and experiencing physical or emotional violence by the intimate partner can aggravate the situation. The high history of violence and fear of the partner may have contributed to eventual understatement.

Introdução: a violência sexual durante a gravidez é grave violação de direitos humanos e de direitos reprodutivos. Sua prevalência é variável e multifatorial, dependendo do território analisado e de fatores socioculturais e econômicos, exigindo permanente monitoramento.Método: estudo transversal conduzido no Conjunto Hospitalar do Mandaqui, São Paulo, Brasil. Foi aplicado o Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) para 350 puérperas, com desfecho de sofrer ou não violência sexual na gravidez, com dados coletados entre setembro e dezembro de 2021. Dados sociodemográficos e reprodutivos foram considerados. Empregamos técnica de urna, com dados pré-codificados analisados em EpiInfo® por Qui-quadrado de Pearson e teste de Mann Whitney, adotando valor de p<0,05 e IC de 95%. Pesquisa aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, CAAE nº 50580421.5.0000.5551.Resultados: verificamos oito casos de violência sexual (2,3%) e perda de amostra de 18,9%. Mulheres que sofreram violência sexual reportaram mais violência física nos últimos 12 meses (25,0% x 6,1% - p=0,033, OR/IC 0,19: 0,03-1,03) e medo do parceiro íntimo mais frequente (25,0% x 3,5% - p=0,002, OR/IC 0,10: 0,01-0,59), mas não constatamos diferença no antecedente de sofrer violência antes dos 15 anos e pelo parceiro ao longo da vida. Não observamos diferença quanto a idade, escolaridade, raça/cor, união, renda e trabalho. O mesmo ocorreu para aspectos reprodutivos, sem diferença quanto a ocorrência de prematuridade, gestação de alto risco, planejamento reprodutivo e uso de tabaco/álcool na gestação.Conclusão: a prevalência de violência sexual na gestação foi menor do que em outros estudos brasileiros e populações de outros países. Mulheres com violência sexual na gestação enfrentam um cotidiano de medo e de violência física mais frequente. O antecedente elevado de sofrer violência antes dos 15 anos e de experimentar violência física ou emocional pelo parceiro íntimo pode agravar a situação. O elevado antecedente de violência e de medo do parceiro pode ter colaborado para eventual subdeclaração.

Investigando as violências sofridas por mulheres lésbicas universitárias / Investigating the violence experienced by university lesbian women / Investigando las violencias sufridas por mujeres lesbianas universitarias

A lesbofobia é uma violência direcionada a mulheres lésbicas devido à sua orientação sexual que se contrapõe à heterossexualidade compulsória social. Ocorre também no âmbito acadêmico, visto que a universidade é parte da sociedade e reproduz violências. Esta pesquisa, de caráter qualitativo, objetivou investigar violências sofridas por mulheres lésbicas universitárias. No processo de seleção das participantes, foram escolhidas dez estudantes lésbicas de uma universidade pública, indicadas por terceiros. Foram realizadas entrevistas semidirigidas, posteriormente, analisadas à luz dos núcleos de significação. Os resultados indicaram que, enquanto, no espaço acadêmico, a violência é simbólica, mediante comentários e olhares dirigidos principalmente por estudantes, em festas universitárias, a violência é explícita e perpetrada pelos mesmos autores, em suma estudantes, por meio da fetichização do corpo da mulher lésbica. A lesbofobia se manifesta pela percepção da lesbianidade como vivência passageira ou decorrente de experiências heterossexuais insatisfatórias. Ressalta-se que a lesbofobia bem como outras violências de gênero estão em dissonância com o compromisso ético-político da universidade e devem ser combatidas.

Lesbophobia means violence directed at lesbian women because of their sexual orientation, which counteracts compulsory heterosexuality. It also occurs in the academic sphere, since the university is part of society and reproduces violence. This qualitative research aimed to investigate the violence experienced by university lesbian women. In the process of selecting the participants, ten lesbian students from a public university were chosen, indicated by third parties. Semi-directed interviews were subsequently analyzed in the light of the meaning nuclei. The results indicated that while in the academic space violence is symbolic, by means of comments and glances directed mainly by students during university parties, violence is explicit and perpetrated by the same authors, in short, the students, through the fetishization of the body of the lesbian woman. In addition, lesbophobia manifests itself by the perception of lesbianism as a passing occurrence or due to unsatisfactory heterosexual experiences. It is worth mentioning that lesbophobia, as well as other types of gender-based violence, are in dissonance with the university’s ethical political engagement, and must be tackled.

La lesbofobia es una violencia dirigida a mujeres lesbianas debido a su orientación sexual que se contrapone a la heterosexualidad obligatoria social. Ocurre también en el ámbito académico, ya que la universidad forma parte de la sociedad y reproduce sus violencias. La presente investigación, de carácter cualitativo, objetivó investigar las violencias sufridas por mujeres lesbianas universitarias. En el proceso de selección de las participantes, fueron elegidas diez estudiantes lesbianas de una universidad pública, seleccionadas por terceros. Se realizaron entrevistas semidireccionadas, que fueron posteriormente analizadas a la luz de los núcleos de significado. Se hace notar que, si en el espacio académico la violencia es simbólica y se practica a través de comentarios y miradas, en las fiestas universitarias la violencia es explicita y perpetrada por los mismos autores, en general estudiantes, a través de la fetichización del cuerpo de la mujer lesbiana. La lesbofobia se manifiesta por la percepción de la lesbianidad como vivencia pasajera o derivada de experiencias heterosexuales insatisfactorias. Se resalta que la lesbofobia, como otras violencias de género, está en disonancia con el compromiso ético-político de la universidad y debe ser combatida.

Types of randomized clinical trials published in PubMed over 40 years / Tipos de ensayos clínicos con asignación aleatoria publicados en PubMed durante 40 años

Abstract Introduction: there are several variations of randomized clinical trials. Trials can be classi fied by design as parallel, cross-over, factorial, assignment by group, n-of-1, paired, withdrawal, adaptive and pragmatic; and by purpose as superiority, non-inferiority and equivalence. Given this heterogeneity, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) were introduced in 1996 to provide a guideline for reporting randomized clinical trials. Objective: to describe the publication tendency of the various types of randomized clinical trials over 40 years, with reference to the publication of CONSORT and its extensions. Methods: the PubMed tool was used to search for randomized clinical trials published between 1979 and 2018, classifying them according to the varieties described. Results: a total of 472,114 published articles were found; 90.2% did not report the type of design and 98.2% did not report the purpose. Among the articles that reported the variety of randomized clinical trial, the predominant design was cross-over (5.9%), followed by parallel groups (2.34%); while the most common purpose was superiority (0.84%). After the launch of CONSORT, there was an increased proportion of articles published with the following designs: parallel groups; difference in proportions 1.89 95% CI (1.1-2.7); paired 1.07 95% CI (0.2-1.9); and pragmatic 4.73 95% CI (4.4-5.1); and for the purpose of non-inferiority 5.97 95% CI (5.6-6.3). Discussion: most articles on randomized clinical trials do not mention their type in the title and abstract. The proportion of articles that did, increased slightly after CONSORT was published. (Acta Med Colomb 2021; 46. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2021.1884).

Resumen Introducción: existen múltiples variantes del ensayo clínico aleatorizado; según diseño: grupos paralelos, cruzado, factorial, asignación por grupos, N de 1, pareado, retiro, adaptativo y pragmático; y por propósito: superioridad, no inferioridad y equivalencia. Debido a esta heterogeneidad, en 1996 se introdujo el CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) para suministrar una guía para el reporte de los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Objetivo: describir la tendencia de publicación de los tipos de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados durante 40 años, en relación con la publicación del CONSORT y sus extensiones. Métodos: se utilizó la herramienta PubMed para realizar una búsqueda de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicados entre 1979 y 2018, discriminándolos según las variantes descritas. Resultados: se encontraron 472 114 artículos publicados, el 90.2% no reportó tipo de diseño y 98.2% no reportó propósito. Entre los artículos que reportaron la variante de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, el diseño predominante fue el cruzado (5.9%), seguido por grupos paralelos (2.34%); mientras que el propósito más frecuente fue el de superioridad (0.84%). Hubo un aumento en la proporción de artículos por variante publicados después del lanzamiento del CONSORT para los diseños de: grupos paralelos; diferencia de proporciones 1.89 IC 95% (1.1-2.7); pareado 1.07 IC 95% (0.2-1.9); pragmático 4.73 IC 95% (4.4-5.1); y para el propósito de no inferioridad 5.97 IC 95% (5.6-6.3). Discusión: la mayoría de los artículos sobre ensayos clínicos aleatorizados no mencionan en su título y resumen la variante de estos. La proporción de artículos que sí lo hicieron, aumentó discre tamente después de la publicación del CONSORT. (Acta Med Colomb 2021; 46. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2021.1884).

Factores relacionados con osteoartritis en trabajadores informales del centro de Medellín, Colombia / Related factors with Osteoarthritis in informal workers in Medellin downtown, Colombia

Resumen Introducción: Se hace una correlación entre la osteoatrosis y las condiciones laborales, hábitos y estilos de vida de los trabajadores informales del centro de Medellín, Colombia. Objetivo: Identificar la relación de la osteoartritis y la prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas y degenerativas con las condiciones sociodemográficas, laborales, hábitos y estilos de vida en un grupo de trabajadores informales de Medellín, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal, con fuente primaria de información de 686 trabajadores informales. Se realizó una encuesta asistida, previa toma de consentimiento. Se seleccionaron 289 trabajadores con diagnóstico de enfermedad crónica o degenerativa, ≥18 años, con ≥5 años en su oficio. Se realizaron análisis exploratorios y de asociación con prueba Chi2, y cálculo de RP con IC del 95%. Resultados: el 79,9% de la población padecía alguna enfermedad crónica. El 3,46% presentaba diagnóstico de osteoartritis, siendo significativamente mayor (p<0,05) en quienes tenían entre 21 y 30 años en su oficio (RP=5,62. IC:1,20;26,34). También fue mayor la prevalencia de osteoartritis en; >45 años (RP=2,26), mujeres (RP:4,44), trabajadores sedentarios (RP=1,71), obesos (RP=3,40), así como en quienes habían sido obreros (RP=1,30), en aquellos que tenían puestos de venta semiestacionaria (RP=2,21), vendían productos de cosecha y perecederos (RP=1,78), en quienes trabajaban >8 horas diarias (RP:2,77), ≤5días a la semana (RP=3,10), no tenían espacio suficiente para moverse (RP=2,08), y en quienes tenían posturas o movimientos forzados (RP=2,72). Conclusión: En la población de vendedores informales del centro de Medellín, los factores sociodemográficos, laborales, hábitos y estilos de vida modificables se relacionan con una mayor prevalencia de osteoartritis.

Abstract Introduction: A correlation is made regarding osteoarthrosis and working conditions and lifestyles of informal workers in Medellin downtown. Objective: To identify the prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases, and the relationship of osteoarthritis with sociodemographic and work conditions, habits and lifestyles, in a group of informal workers from Medellín, Colombia. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, with a primary source of information, with 686 workers. An assisted survey was applied, after obtaining consent. 289 workers with a diagnosis of chronic or degenerative disease, ≥18 years old, with ≥5 years in their profession were included. Exploratory and association analysis with Chi2 test, and calculation of PR with 95% CI. Results: 79.9% of them suffered from a chronic disease. 3.46% had a diagnosis of osteoarthrosis, being significantly higher (p <0.05) in those who had spent between 21 and 30 years performing their profession (PR=5,62.CI:1,20;26,34). The prevalence of osteoarthrosis was also higher in; >45 years (PR=2.26), women (PR=4,44), sedentary workers (PR=1,71), obese (PR=3,40), as well as those who had been brick-layers (PR=1,30), in those who had semi-stationary sales positions (PR=2,21), they sold harvest and perishable products (PR=1,78), in those who worked> 8 hours a day (PR:2,77), ≤ 5 days a week (PR=3,10), they did not have enough space to move (PR = 2.08), and in those who had forced postures or movements (PR=2,72). Conclusion: sociodemographic and work factors, habits and modifiable lifestyles are related to a higher prevalence of osteoarthrosis in this working population.

Testosterona y homicidio: aspectos neuroendocrines de la agresión / Testosterone and homicide: neuroendocrine aspects of aggression

Resumen Introducción. Las tasas de homicidio, suicidio y agresión son mayores en el sexo masculino; la testosterona podría desempeñar un papel importante en el desarrollo de estos comportamientos. Objetivo. Realizar una revisión de los aspectos endocrinos y neurobiológicos de la testosterona y su relación con comportamientos agresivos, homicidas y suicidas. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una revisión narrativa con diferentes estrategias de búsqueda en PubMed, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect y SciELO. Se incluyeron artículos de investigación, revisiones y reportes de caso publicados en español y en inglés entre 2002 y 2018. Resultados. De los 66 estudios incluidos en la revisión, más del 50% asociaron el comportamiento agresivo u homicida con niveles elevados de testosterona, hormona que podría modular la actividad de las vías cerebrales serotoninérgicas y dopaminérgicas involucradas en el comportamiento agresivo por medio de receptores androgénicos y estrogénicos. Se encontraron relaciones entre uso de esteroides anabólicos y homicidio, y entre testosterona circulante en mujeres y rasgos de personalidad antisocial. Asimismo, se observaron cambios de concentraciones séricas de testosterona en sujetos con tendencias suicidas. Conclusión. La información encontrada en la revisión sugiere que sí existe una asociación entre los niveles de testosterona y el desarrollo de comportamientos agresivos, homicidas y suicidas.

Abstract Introduction: Homicide, suicide, and assault rates are higher in males. Testosterone may play an important role in the development of these behaviors. Objective: To review the endocrine and neurobiological aspects of testosterone and its relationship with aggressive, homicidal and suicidal behaviors. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using different search strategies in the PubMed, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect and SciELO databases. Research articles, reviews and case reports published in Spanish and English between 2002 and 2018 were included. Results: Out of the 66 studies included in the review, over 50% reported an association between aggressive or homicidal behavior with high levels of testosterone, a hormone that may modulate the activity of serotonergic and dopaminergic brain pathways involved in aggressive behavior via androgen and estrogen receptors. Associations between anabolic steroid use and homicide, and between circulating testosterone in women and antisocial personality traits were found. Changes in serum testosterone concentrations were also observed in individuals with suicidal tendencies. Conclusion: The information found in this review suggests that there is indeed an association between testosterone levels and the development of aggressive, homicidal and suicidal behaviors.

Administration of kefir-fermented milk protects mice against Giardia intestinalis infection.

Giardiasis, caused by the protozoan Giardia intestinalis, is one of the most common intestinal diseases worldwide and constitutes an important problem for the public health systems of various countries. Kefir is a probiotic drink obtained by fermenting milk with 'kefir grains', which consist mainly of bacteria and yeasts that coexist in a complex symbiotic association. In this work, we studied the ability of kefir to protect mice from G. intestinalis infection, and characterized the host immune response to this probiotic in the context of the intestinal infection. Six- to 8-week-old C75BL/6 mice were separated into four groups: controls, kefir mice (receiving 1 : 100 dilution of kefir in drinking water for 14 days), Giardia mice (infected orally with 4×10(7) trophozoites of G. intestinalis at day 7) and Giardia-kefir mice (kefir-treated G. intestinalis-infected mice), and killed at 2 or 7 days post-infection. Kefir administration was able to significantly reduce the intensity of Giardia infection at 7 days post-infection. An increase in the percentage of CD4(+) T cells at 2 days post-infection was observed in the Peyer's patches (PP) of mice belonging to the Giardia group compared with the control and kefir groups, while the percentage of CD4(+) T cells in PP in the Giardia-kefir group was similar to that of controls. At 2 days post-infection, a reduction in the percentage of B220-positive major histocompatibility complex class II medium cells in PP was observed in infected mice compared with the other groups. At 7 days post-infection, Giardia-infected mice showed a reduction in RcFcε-positive cells compared with the control group, suggesting a downregulation of the inflammatory response. However, the percentages of RcFcε-positive cells did not differ from controls in the kefir and Giardia-kefir groups. An increase in IgA-positive cells was observed in the lamina propria of the kefir group compared with controls at 2 days post-infection. Interestingly, the diminished number of IgA-positive cells registered in the Giardia group at 7 days post-infection was restored by kefir feeding, although the increase in IgA-positive cells was no longer observed in the kefir group at that time. No significant differences in CXCL10 expression were registered between groups, in concordance with the absence of inflammation in small-intestinal tissue. Interestingly, a slight reduction in CCL20 expression was observed in the Giardia group, suggesting that G. intestinalis might downregulate its expression as a way of evading the inflammatory immune response. On the other hand, a trend towards an increase in TNF-α expression was observed in the kefir group, while the Giardia-kefir group showed a significant increase in TNF-α expression. Moreover, kefir-receiving mice (kefir and Giardia-kefir groups) showed an increase in the expression of IFN-γ, the most relevant Th1 cytokine, at 2 days post-infection. Our results demonstrate that feeding mice with kefir reduces G. intestinalis infection and promotes the activation of different mechanisms of humoral and cellular immunity that are downregulated by parasitic infection, thus contributing to protection.

Maternity in adolescents and its association with caesarean labor / Adolescencia materna y su asociación con la realización de cesárea / Mãe adolescente e sua associação com cesariana

Objective: to evaluate the association between adolescence and cesarean section in women aged 10-19 years compared with those found in ages between 19 and 25 years, patients in a hospital, and determine its association with sociodemographic variables and neonatal in terms of prematurity, and Apgar low birth weight. Materials and Methods: a case-control study was performed using a simple random sampling, considering the calculation of a statistical sample. a total of 1,304 cases and 2,608 controls were included. First time mom patients treated at an institution x over a period of three years, to determine associations of risk through analysis of hypothesis testing is included. Results: the risk of caesarean section in teenagers is (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.51). In addition, it was determined that there is an increased risk of low birth weight (OR 9.4, 95% CI 7.59 to 11.76), with no difference in adolescents in the risk of Apgar down score at minute and 5 minutes later. Conclusion: there is an increased risk of low birth weight and require termination of pregnancy via cesarean in adolescents compared to young adults, especially if they are under 14. It is necessary to promote campaigns to prevent teenage pregnancy, as the main measure of control over these population.

Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre adolescencia y la realización de cesárea en mujeres de 10 a 19 años, en comparación con las que se encuentran en edades entre 19 y 25 años, atendidas en un hospital X, y determinar su asociación con variables sociodemográficas y neonatales en términos de prematurez, Apgar y bajo peso al nacer. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio de casos y controles, mediante un muestreo simple aleatorio, teniendo en cuenta el cálculo de una muestra estadística. Se incluyeron un total de 1.304 casos y 2.608 controles. Se incluyeron pacientes primigestantes atendidas en una institución X en un período de tres años, para determinar asociaciones de riesgo mediante análisis de contraste de hipótesis. Resultados: el riesgo de cesárea en adolescentes es de (OR 1,13, IC 95% 1,10-1,51). Además, se determinó que en las adolescentes existe un riesgo mayor de bajo peso al nacer (OR 9,4, IC 95% 7,59-11,76), sin diferencia en cuanto al riesgo de Apgar bajo al minuto y los 5 minutos. Conclusión: existe un mayor riesgo de presentar bajo peso neonatal y requerir terminación de la gestación por vía cesárea en adolescentes, en comparación con las adultas jóvenes, especialmente si son menores de 14 años. Se requiere

Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre a adolescência ea cesariana em mulheres com idade entre 10 a 19 anos, em comparação com aqueles encontrados na faixa etária entre 19 e 25 anos, servido em um hospital, e determinar associação STI com variáveis neonatais e sociodemográficos em termos de prematuridade, Apgar e baixo peso ao nascer. Materiais e Métodos: um estudo de caso-controle foi realizado utilizando amostragem aleatória simples, Considerando o cálculo de uma amostra estatística. Um total de 1.304 casos e 2.608 controles foram incluídos. Primigestas pacientes tratados em uma instituição x ao longo de um período de três anos, para determinar associações de risco através da análise dos testes de hipóteses está incluído. Resultados: o risco de cesariana em adolescentes é (ou CI 1,13, 95% 1,10-1,51). Além disso, determinou-se que há um aumento do risco de baixo peso ao nascer (OR 9,4, IC 95% 7,59-11,76), não havendo diferença em adolescentes no risco de baixo índice de Apgar no minuto 5 minutos. Conclusão: há um aumento do risco de baixo peso ao nascer e exigem a interrupção da gravidez através de cesariana em adolescentes em comparação com adultos jovens, especialmente se eles estão sob 14. É necessário promover campanhas de prevenção da gravidez na adolescência, como a principal medida de controle sobre a população.

O impacto do Método Mãe Canguru no processo de aprendizagem de prematuros de baixo peso: revisão da literatura / The impact of the method Kangaroo Mother Care in the learning process of low-birth-weight preterm infants: a literature review

Technology advances and scientific studies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) have contributed significantly to reduce mortality and morbidity of at-risk newborns (NB). However, they are more likely to present neurological and/or developmental psychomotor delay with neurological and sensory alterations. Therefore, proposals for neonatal intervention were developed with the aim of protecting the baby and offering appropriate incentives to minimize the effects of hospital intervention. To this end, programs of protective measures such as the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) were developed. Given the relevance of the issue described, this systematic review critically appraises articles from the national and international literature, published in recent years (from 2000 to 2011), that describe whether the KMC can be a protective factor for the development of writing in premature infants. The textual search was conducted using the Virtual Health Library (VHL), a website that covers publications worldwide, allowing access to articles from health science, including LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and SciELO, as database. The findings revealed that infants who participated in the KMC program showed improvements in their development and that factors such as low-birth-weight prematurity and learning disorders have close relationship with the onset of motor impairments and changes in psychomotor development. The findings showed no articles describing the KMC as a protective factor for the incidence of dysgraphia. Thus, we emphasize the importance of conducting further studies on these topics.

Os avanços da tecnologia e dos estudos científicos nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN) contribuíram significativamente para a diminuição da mortalidade e da morbidade de recém-nascidos (RN) de risco, porém, eles continuam mais propensos a apresentar comprometimento neurológico e/ou retardo no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, com alterações neurológicas e sensoriais. Diante disso, surgiram propostas de programas de intervenção neonatal com o objetivo de resguardar o bebê e oferecer estímulos adequados para minimizar os efeitos das intervenções, com medidas protetoras, entre elas o Método Mãe Canguru (MMC). Face à relevância do tema descrito, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento bibliográfico de artigos nacionais e internacionais publicadas nos últimos anos (2000 a 2011) que descrevem de que maneira o MMC pode ou não agir como fator protetivo ao desenvolvimento da escrita em prematuros. Para a busca textual foi eleita a Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde - BVS, por se tratar de um site que abrange publicações mundiais, permitindo acesso a artigos da Ciências da Saúde, em geral tendo LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE, Biblioteca Cochrane e SciELO como bases de dados. Os resultados encontrados nos artigos revelaram que os RN que participaram do MMC apresentaram melhoras no desenvolvimento e que fatores como a prematuridade, baixo peso ao nascer e distúrbios de aprendizagem estão fortemente correlacionados com deficiências motoras e alterações no desenvolvimento psicomotor. Concluiu-se que não foram encontrados artigos que descrevem o MMC como fator protetivo ao aparecimento da disgrafia. Sendo assim, acredita-se ser de grande importância a condução de futuros estudos sobre esses temas.