Survival of Hemophagocytic Syndrome Secondary to Fungal and Bacterial Infection in a Pediatric Patient with HIV: A Case Report.

HIV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is mainly due to infections caused by viruses, fungi, and, to a lesser extent, bacteria, often with fatal results. Case presentation: A 15-year-old pediatric patient from another institution was admitted to our hospital with a fever of unknown origin (FUO). Clinical analysis and laboratory studies diagnosed HIV infection. The approach to an FUO in a patient with AIDS is much more complex due to the search for common etiologies and opportunistic infections. In this case, disseminated histoplasmosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumocystosis, and ehrlichiosis were diagnosed, prompting an urgent and comprehensive approach to prevent mortality. Due to the multiple infections, HLH was triggered. An early intervention with trimethoprim (TMP)-sulfamethoxazole (SMX), liposomal amphotericin B, doxycycline, and quadruple antiphimic therapy to suppress infections, in conjunction with the early administration of HLH treatment, favored the survival of this patient.

Physiological and pathological roles of protein kinase A in the heart.

Protein kinase A (PKA) is a central regulator of cardiac performance and morphology. Myocardial PKA activation is induced by a variety of hormones, neurotransmitters, and stress signals, most notably catecholamines secreted by the sympathetic nervous system. Catecholamines bind ß-adrenergic receptors to stimulate cAMP-dependent PKA activation in cardiomyocytes. Elevated PKA activity enhances Ca2+ cycling and increases cardiac muscle contractility. Dynamic control of PKA is essential for cardiac homeostasis, as dysregulation of PKA signalling is associated with a broad range of heart diseases. Specifically, abnormal PKA activation or inactivation contributes to the pathogenesis of myocardial ischaemia, hypertrophy, heart failure, as well as diabetic, takotsubo, or anthracycline cardiomyopathies. PKA may also determine sex-dependent differences in contractile function and heart disease predisposition. Here, we describe the recent advances regarding the roles of PKA in cardiac physiology and pathology, highlighting previous study limitations and future research directions. Moreover, we discuss the therapeutic strategies and molecular mechanisms associated with cardiac PKA biology. In summary, PKA could serve as a promising drug target for cardioprotection. Depending on disease types and mechanisms, therapeutic intervention may require either inhibition or activation of PKA. Therefore, specific PKA inhibitors or activators may represent valuable drug candidates for the treatment of heart diseases.

Prevalence of goiter and iodine deficiency in indigenous pregnant women from five nonmetropolitan areas of Colombia 2019 / [Prevalencia de bocio y yodo-deficiencia en embarazadas indígenas de cinco áreas no metropolitanas de Colombia 2019].

Objective: To assess the prevalence of goiter and iodine deficiency in indigenous pregnant women coming from five non-metropolitan areas in Colombia. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional cohort study that included pregnant women of any gestational age with no pregnancy-related conditions, seen in community health centers or in their homes. Patients with comorbidities at the time of pregnancy and those who were receiving iodine supplementation were excluded. Simple random sampling was used. The sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, urinary iodine concentration and the presence of goiter were measured in accordance with the World Health Organization methodology. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: Of 189 indigenous pregnant women who were candidates to enter the study, 2 declined participation, and 62 had exclusion criteria, and 125 were included in the final analysis. The mean urinary iodine concentration was 184.4 µg/L (min-max: 12.0-390.0). A total of 42 women (33.6%) had iodine deficiency (< 100 µg/L), and goiter (grade 1-2) was found in 43 (34.4%). No grade 3 or 4 goiter was identified. Conclusions: A high prevalence of goiter and iodine deficiency was found in indigenous pregnant women living in non-metropolitan areas. There is a need to assess maternal and perinatal effects and to implement nutritional interventions.

Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia de yodo deficiencia y de bocio en mujeres indígenas gestantes de cinco áreas no metropolitanas en Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal descriptivo. Se incluyeron mujeres embarazadas de cualquier edad gestacional sin condiciones patológicas del embarazo, atendidas en los centros de salud comunitarios o en sus residencias. Se excluyeron aquellas con comorbilidades presentes al momento del embarazo y también a quienes recibían suplementos con yodo. Muestreo aleatorio simple. Se midieron las características sociodemográficas y obstétricas, la concentración de yodo en orina y la presencia de bocio de acuerdo a la metodología de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo. Resultados: 189 gestantes indígenas fueron candidatas a ingresar al estudio, de las cuales 2 no aceptaron participar y 62 tenían criterios de exclusión, finalmente se analizaron 125. La concentración urinaria de yodo tuvo una mediana de 184,4 µg/L (min-max: 12,0-390,0). Un total de 42 gestantes (33,6%) tenían yodo deficiencia (< 100 µg/L) y se evidenció bocio (grado 1-2) en 43 (34,4%). No se identificó bocio grados 3 o 4. Conclusiones: embarazadas indígenas residentes en áreas no metropolitanas evidenciaron alta prevalencia de bocio y yodo deficiencia. Se requiere evaluar los efectos materno-perinatales e implementar intervenciones nutricionales.

Prevalencia de bocio y yodo-deficiencia en embarazadas indígenas de cinco áreas no metropolitanas de Colombia 2019 / Prevalence of goiter and iodine deficiency in indigenous pregnant women from five non-metropolitan areas of Colombia 2019

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia de yodo deficiencia y de bocio en mujeres indígenas gestantes de cinco áreas no metropolitanas en Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal descriptivo. Se incluyeron mujeres embarazadas de cualquier edad gestacional sin condiciones patológicas del embarazo, atendidas en los centros de salud comunitarios o en sus residencias. Se excluyeron aquellas con comorbilidades presentes al momento del embarazo y también a quienes recibían suplementos con yodo. Muestreo aleatorio simple. Se midieron las características sociodemográficas y obstétricas, la concentración de yodo en orina y la presencia de bocio de acuerdo a la metodología de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo. Resultados: 189 gestantes indígenas fueron candidatas a ingresar al estudio, de las cuales 2 no aceptaron participar y 62 tenían criterios de exclusión, finalmente se analizaron 125. La concentración urinaria de yodo tuvo una mediana de 184,4 µg/L (min-max: 12,0-390,0). Un total de 42 gestantes (33,6%) tenían yodo deficiencia (< 100 µg/L) y se evidenció bocio (grado 1-2) en 43 (34,4%). No se identificó bocio grados 3 o 4. Conclusiones: embarazadas indígenas residentes en áreas no metropolitanas evidenciaron alta prevalencia de bocio y yodo deficiencia. Se requiere evaluar los efectos materno-perinatales e implementar intervenciones nutricionales.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence of goiter and iodine deficiency in indigenous pregnant women coming from five non-metropolitan areas in Colombia. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional cohort study that included pregnant women of any gestational age with no pregnancy-related conditions, seen in community health centers or in their homes. Patients with comorbidities at the time of pregnancy and those who were receiving iodine supplementation were excluded. Simple random sampling was used. The sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, urinary iodine concentration and the presence of goiter were measured in accordance with the World Health Organization methodology. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: Of 189 indigenous pregnant women who were candidates to enter the study, 2 declined participation, and 62 had exclusion criteria, and 125 were included in the final analysis. The mean urinary iodine concentration was 184.4 µg/L (min-max: 12.0-390.0). A total of 42 women (33.6%) had iodine deficiency (< 100 µg/L), and goiter (grade 1-2) was found in 43 (34.4%). No grade 3 or 4 goiter was identified. Conclusions: A high prevalence of goiter and iodine deficiency was found in indigenous pregnant women living in non-metropolitan areas. There is a need to assess maternal and perinatal effects and to implement nutritional interventions.

p-Methoxyphenol: A potent and effective scavenger for solid-phase peptide synthesis.

During the final step of t-Boc/Bzl, solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)-protecting groups from amino acids (aa) side chains must be removed from the target peptides during cleavage from the solid support. These reaction steps involve hydrolysis with hydrogen fluoride (HF) in the presence of a nucleophile (scavenger), whose function is to trap the carbocations produced during SN 1-type reactions. Five peptide sequences were synthesised for evaluating p-methoxyphenol effectiveness as a potent scavenger. After the synthesis, the resin-peptide was then separated into two equal parts to be cleaved using two scavengers: conventional reactive p-cresol (reported in the literature as an effective acyl ion eliminator) and p-methoxyphenol (hypothesised as fulfilling the same functions as the routinely used scavenger). Detailed analysis of the electrostatic potential map (EPM) revealed similarities between these two nucleophiles, regarding net atomic charge, electron density distribution, and similar pKa values. Good scavenger efficacy was observed by chromatography and mass spectrometry results for the synthesised molecules, which revealed that p-methoxyphenol can be used as a potent scavenger during SPPS by t-Boc/Bzl strategy, as similar results were obtained using the conventional scavenger.

Alergia a la proteína de la leche de vaca: enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico / Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to cow's milk protein allergy

Resumen La prevalencia de la alergia a las proteínas de la leche de vaca (APLV) en el ámbito mundial es, aproximadamente, de 1,9 a 4,9 %. En Colombia, esta cifra se desconoce. En un alto porcentaje de los casos, no existe la sospecha por parte del personal de salud, y, por lo tanto, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento se retrasan. Esto acarrea un aumento en el tiempo y en los recursos que emplean los profesionales de la salud y los padres en procura de establecer la etiología del padecimiento de los niños que presentan esta enfermedad. Dentro de este contexto, la historia clínica es fundamental en la sospecha de la APLV, y es especialmente relevante la evaluación de antecedentes, en los cuales se destacan la presencia de la exposición temprana a la proteína, así como la atopia en familiares en primer grado de consanguinidad. La presentación de la APLV puede manifestarse con reacciones inmediatas a nivel digestivo (vómitos, diarrea aguda), cutáneo (urticaria, dermatitis, angioedema) y, con menos frecuencia, a partir de signos respiratorias y sistémicos. Sin embargo, la amplia variedad de manifestaciones clínicas y signos puede ser un reto para el profesional que no se encuentre sensibilizado con la patología, e incluso soslayar este diagnóstico retrasa la suspensión de la proteína de la leche de vaca de la dieta y demora el acceso a un tratamiento eficaz. El tratamiento ideal reconocido es la dieta de exclusión, la cual requiere un estricto cumplimiento. En los niños alimentados con lactancia materna exclusiva, será necesaria la dieta restrictiva de leche y sus derivados en la madre. En quienes no reciben lactancia, se deberá tratar mediante fórmulas de proteínas lácteas extensamente hidrolizadas (FEH) o a base de aminoácidos (FAA). Así bien, el pronóstico es favorable y la mayoría de niños tolerarán las proteínas de la leche de vaca a los 2 años, mientras que en pacientes con polisensibilización el proceso puede prolongarse. En el caso de no alcanzar la tolerancia, la inmunoterapia oral es una opción disponible.

Abstract The worldwide prevalence of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is approximately 1.9% to 4.9%. Its prevalence in Colombia is unknown. A high percentage of cases are unsuspected by medical personnel resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment which increase the time and resources used to establish the etiology of this condition in children. The clinical history is fundamental for diagnosis of CMPA, especially the background evaluation. Of special importance are early exposure to the protein and atopy in first degree relatives. CMPA's initial presentation may be digestive, cutaneous or respiratory. Digestive symptoms can include vomiting and acute diarrhea, and cutaneous symptoms include hives, dermatitis and angioedema. Respiratory and systemic manifestations occur less frequently. The wide variety of clinical manifestations and signs can challenge health care professionals who are not alert to this pathology to the point that the diagnosis is not even considered event though delaying the suspension of cow's milk protein from the diet delays access to an effective treatment. The well-recognized ideal treatment is an exclusion diet which requires strict compliance. For children who are exclusively breastfed, the mother's diet must restrict milk and its derivatives. Children who are not breastfed, should be fed formulas of extensively hydrolyzed milk proteins based on amino acids. The prognosis is favorable, and most children will tolerate cow's milk proteins at two years. The process may take more years for polysensitive patients. Oral immunotherapy is an option that is available for patients who do not achieve toleration.

Potential Adverse Drug Events and Associated Costs During Transition from Hospital to Home.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in medication discrepancy identification between pharmacists and nurses for patients 50 years of age and older receiving home health services following discharge from an inpatient hospital. It also evaluates the potential cost savings to the health care system as a result of avoiding adverse drug events (ADEs). Medication discrepancies were documented within seven days following hospital discharge.
DESIGN: The study was a secondary analysis of existing data from a completed randomized clinical trial.
SETTING: Home health care following transition from inpatient hospital care.
PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalized patients (N = 101) 50 years of age or older referred for home care services following discharge.
INTERVENTION: Existing data on medication discrepancy identification by pharmacists and nurses and potential costs of ADEs that could result were evaluated. Anticipated costs of ADEs unrecognized by nurses were estimated using Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services claims data.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number and severity of medication discrepancies identified by pharmacists and nurses, potential consequences for patient health and health care utilization, and anticipated costs to the health care system.
RESULTS: Pharmacists identified 677 medication discrepancies, of which 271 (40%) were considered likely to result in an ADE. Nurses identified 202 (30%) of the 677 medication discrepancies identified by pharmacists. It was estimated that approximately $9,670 in additional health care expenses could have been prevented within the cohort by pharmacist intervention.
CONCLUSION: Pharmacists identified more medication discrepancies during transition from hospital to home when compared with nurses, with the potential benefit of preventing more ADEs and saving associated health care costs during such care transitions.