HLA-E and NKG2A Mediate Resistance to M. bovis BCG Immunotherapy in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the primary treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), known to stimulate inflammatory cytokines, notably interferon (IFN)-γ. We observed that prolonged IFN-γ exposure fosters adaptive resistance in recurrent tumors, aiding immune evasion and tumor proliferation. We identify HLA-E and NKG2A, part of a novel NK and T cell checkpoint pathway, as key mediators of resistance in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. IFN-γ enhances HLA-E and PD-L1 expression in recurrent tumors, with an enrichment of intra-tumoral NKG2A-expressing NK and CD8 T cells. CXCL9+ macrophages and dendritic cells and CXCL12-expressing stromal cells likely recruit CXCR3/CXCR4-expressing NK and T cells and CXCR7+ HLA-EHIGH tumor cells. NK and CD8 T cells remain functional within BCG-unresponsive tumors but are inhibited by HLA-E and PD-L1, providing a framework for combined NKG2A and PD-L1 blockade strategy for bladder-sparing treatment of BCG-unresponsive NMIBC.

Options and considerations for validation of prokaryotic names under the SeqCode.

Stable taxon names for Bacteria and Archaea are essential for capturing and documenting prokaryotic diversity. They are also crucial for scientific communication, effective accumulation of biological data related to the taxon names and for developing a comprehensive understanding of prokaryotic evolution. However, after more than a hundred years, taxonomists have succeeded in valid publication of only around 30 000 species names, based mostly on pure cultures under the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP), out of the millions estimated to reside in the biosphere. The vast majority of prokaryotic species have not been cultured and are becoming increasingly known to us via culture-independent sequence-based approaches. Until recently, such taxa could only be addressed nomenclaturally via provisional names such as Candidatus or alphanumeric identifiers. Here, we present options and considerations to facilitate validation of names for these taxa using the recently established Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes Described from Sequence Data (SeqCode). Community engagement and participation of relevant taxon specialists are critical and encouraged for the success of endeavours to formally name the uncultured majority.

[Dispensing Service: An Essential Service Provided by Community Pharmacy to Enhance Patient Safety. A Case Study]. / Servicio de Dispensación: un servicio esencial brindado desde la Farmacia Comunitaria que permite reforzar la Seguridad del Paciente. A propósito de un caso.

A 38-year-old patient diagnosed with asthma and anxiety, who takes two medications (salbutamol 100 mcg inhaler (2 puffs every 6 hours), and diazepam 5 mg (0-0-1), visited the Community Pharmacy to pick up a treatment prescribed by the Primary Care Physician (PCP) following a diagnosis of anxious-depressive symptoms.During the Dispensing Service, a potential Drug-Related Problem (DRP) of prescription error is detected, which could be related with a Negative Outcomes Releated to Medicines (NOM) due to the concurrent use of desvenlafaxine and mirtazapine. Additionally, a Health Problem (HP)-related DRP was detected, as the proposal to discontinue the use of diazepam could result in an Insufficiently Treated HP, potentially leading to a NOM of Treatment Necessity due to the risk of worsening anxiety episodes.From de Community Pharmacy, a report was prepared with recommendations that were accepted by the PCP. Subsequent case monitoring revealed an improved management of the patient's health problems, as well as the resolution of the identified DRP and NOM. This ensured a rational, safe, and effective use of the medication.

Effects of social dominance and acute social stress on morphology of microglia and structural integrity of the medial prefrontal cortex.

Chronic stress increases activity of the brain's innate immune system and impairs function of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, whether acute stress triggers similar neuroimmune mechanisms is poorly understood. Across four studies, we used a Syrian hamster model to investigate whether acute stress drives changes in mPFC microglia in a time-, subregion-, and social status-dependent manner. We found that acute social defeat increased expression of ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) in the infralimbic (IL) and prelimbic (PL) and altered the morphology Iba1+ cells 1, 2, and 7 days after social defeat. We also investigated whether acute defeat induced tissue degeneration and reductions of synaptic plasticity 2 days post-defeat. We found that while social defeat increased deposition of cellular debris and reduced synaptophysin immunoreactivity in the PL and IL, treatment with minocycline protected against these cellular changes. Finally, we tested whether a reduced conditioned defeat response in dominant compared to subordinate hamsters was associated with changes in microglia reactivity in the IL and PL. We found that while subordinate hamsters and those without an established dominance relationships showed defeat-induced changes in morphology of Iba1+ cells and cellular degeneration, dominant hamsters showed resistance to these effects of social defeat. Taken together, these findings indicate that acute social defeat alters microglial morphology, increases markers of tissue degradation, and impairs structural integrity in the IL and PL, and that experience winning competitive interactions can specifically protect the IL and reduce stress vulnerability.

Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Telehealth Intervention to Improve Adherence to Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Habits in Overweight or Obese Young Adults.

Excess weight and obesity have high prevalence rates globally and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth emerged as an effective tool for promoting healthy behaviours in the management of chronic conditions. This study employed a three-month quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-intervention measurements, assessing the progress of 82 adults assigned either to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). A total of 66 participants completed the study, with 33 in each group. The IG had access to a telehealth-based platform providing educational content on healthy lifestyle habits and were followed up both in-person and remotely. The CG were monitored as usual, i.e., at their primary care nurses' discretion. The IG exhibited a statistically significant reduction in weight, BMI, and abdominal circumference, along with improved adherence to a heart-healthy diet, specifically the Mediterranean diet, and higher levels of physical activity. The nurse-led intervention (Care4US+), utilising telehealth from primary care, has proven effective in enhancing healthy behaviours and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

Usefulness of indocyanine green in the laparoscopic Palomo technique: a comparative study. / Utilidad del verde de indocianina en el procedimiento de Palomo laparoscópico: estudio comparativo.

OBJECTIVE: To find out whether the use of indocyanine green for lymphatic sparing in the laparoscopic Palomo technique reduces the incidence of postoperative hydrocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative cohort study of varicocele patients treated with the laparoscopic Palomo technique from 2008 to 2023 was carried out. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether fluorescence lymphography (intratesticular indocyanine green) had been performed or not. Epidemiological, surgical, and clinical data, as well as complications, were recorded. A hypothesis test was conducted using the SPSS software. RESULTS: 30 patients undergoing varicocele surgery through the laparoscopic Palomo technique were included. They were divided into two groups -lymphatic sparing (n= 13) vs. spermatic vessel ligation without sparing (n= 17). Mean age at surgery was 14 years. 5 cases of postoperative hydrocele were identified in the no lymphatic sparing group. 1 of them required surgery for hydrocele treatment. No hydrocele cases were noted in the lymphography group. The difference was statistically significant (p= 0.032). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of operating times or mean hospital stay. No recurrences, postoperative testicular atrophies, or indocyanine-green-related complications were recorded. Mean follow-up was 11.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of indocyanine green for lymphatic sparing in the treatment of varicocele through the laparoscopic Palomo technique significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative hydrocele.

OBJETIVOS: Comprobar si el uso del verde de indocianina para la preservación linfática en la técnica de Palomo laparoscópico reduce la incidencia de hidrocele postoperatorio. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se realizó un estudio comparativo de cohortes históricas incluyendo los pacientes tratados de varicocele mediante Palomo laparoscópico entre 2008 y 2023. Se dividieron en 2 grupos en función de la realización de linfografía con fluorescencia (verde de indocianina intratesticular). Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos, quirúrgicos, clínicos y complicaciones. Se realizó un análisis de contraste de hipótesis utilizando el programa SPSS. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 30 pacientes intervenidos de varicocele mediante la técnica de Palomo laparoscópico divididos en 2 grupos: en 13 se realizó preservación linfática y en 17 ligadura de vasos espermáticos sin preservación. La edad media en el momento de la cirugía fue de 14 años. Se identificaron 5 casos de hidrocele postoperatorio en el grupo sin preservación linfática. Uno requirió intervención quirúrgica para el tratamiento del hidrocele. No se identificó ningún caso de hidrocele en el grupo de la linfografía. La diferencia resultó estadísticamente significativa, p= 0,032. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el tiempo quirúrgico ni en la estancia media. No se objetivaron recidivas, atrofias testiculares postquirúrgicas ni complicaciones asociadas al uso del verde de indocianina. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue 11,4 meses. CONCLUSIONES: El uso del verde de indocianina para la preservación linfática en el tratamiento del varicocele mediante Palomo laparoscópico reduce significativamente la incidencia de hidrocele postoperatorio.

Phycobiliprotein from Arthrospira maxima: Conversion to nanoparticles by high-energy ball milling, structural characterization, and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory effect.

Arthrospira maxima is a source of phycobiliproteins with different nutraceutical properties, e.g. antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The current study was aimed at the elaboration, characterization, and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect of the phycobiliprotein nanoparticles extracted from Arthrospira maxima. Previously freeze-dried phycobiliproteins were milled by high-energy ball milling until reaching a nanometric size (optimal time: 4 h). Microscopy techniques were used for the characterization of the size and morphology of phycobiliproteins nanoparticles. Additionally, a spectroscopic study evidenced that nanosized reduction induced an increase in the chemical functional groups associated with its anti-inflammatory activity that was tested in a murine model, showing an immediate inflammatory effect. The novelty and importance of this contribution was to demonstrate that high energy ball milling is an emerging and green technology that can produce phycobiliprotein nanoparticles on a large-scale, without the use of organic solvents, to test their nutraceutical properties in a biological model by intragastric administration.

GSearch: ultra-fast and scalable genome search by combining K-mer hashing with hierarchical navigable small world graphs.

Genome search and/or classification typically involves finding the best-match database (reference) genomes and has become increasingly challenging due to the growing number of available database genomes and the fact that traditional methods do not scale well with large databases. By combining k-mer hashing-based probabilistic data structures (i.e. ProbMinHash, SuperMinHash, Densified MinHash and SetSketch) to estimate genomic distance, with a graph based nearest neighbor search algorithm (Hierarchical Navigable Small World Graphs, or HNSW), we created a new data structure and developed an associated computer program, GSearch, that is orders of magnitude faster than alternative tools while maintaining high accuracy and low memory usage. For example, GSearch can search 8000 query genomes against all available microbial or viral genomes for their best matches (n = ∼318 000 or ∼3 000 000, respectively) within a few minutes on a personal laptop, using ∼6 GB of memory (2.5 GB via SetSketch). Notably, GSearch has an O(log(N)) time complexity and will scale well with billions of genomes based on a database splitting strategy. Further, GSearch implements a three-step search strategy depending on the degree of novelty of the query genomes to maximize specificity and sensitivity. Therefore, GSearch solves a major bottleneck of microbiome studies that require genome search and/or classification.

Why and how to use the SeqCode.

The SeqCode, formally called the Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes Described from Sequence Data, is a new code of nomenclature in which genome sequences are the nomenclatural types for the names of prokaryotic species. While similar to the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) in structure and rules of priority, it does not require the deposition of type strains in international culture collections. Thus, it allows for the formation of permanent names for uncultured prokaryotes whose nearly complete genome sequences have been obtained directly from environmental DNA as well as other prokaryotes that cannot be deposited in culture collections. Because the diversity of uncultured prokaryotes greatly exceeds that of readily culturable prokaryotes, the SeqCode is the only code suitable for naming the majority of prokaryotic species. The start date of the SeqCode was January 1, 2022, and the online Registry (https://seqco.de/) was created to ensure valid publication of names. The SeqCode recognizes all names validly published under the ICNP before 2022. After that date, names validly published under the SeqCode compete with ICNP names for priority. As a result, species can have only one name, either from the SeqCode or ICNP, enabling effective communication and the creation of unified taxonomies of uncultured and cultured prokaryotes. The SeqCode is administered by the SeqCode Committee, which is comprised of the SeqCode Community and elected administrative components. Anyone with an interest in the systematics of prokaryotes is encouraged to join the SeqCode Community and participate in the development of this resource.

[GMK rotating hinge prosthesis. A valid option for complex revision knee prosthetic surgery]. / Prótesis bisagra rotatoria GMK. Una opción válida para la cirugía de revisión protésica compleja de rodilla.

INTRODUCTION: revision joint replacement surgery presents a surgical challenge. The use of rotating hinge prostheses is an option in patients with femorotibial bone defects, ligament insufficiency, or significant deformities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes of a series of patients who underwent surgery using the GMK Hinge (Medacta®) rotational hinge model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a descriptive, retrospective, and analytical study was conducted on a series of 36 patients, with a mean age of 72.5 years (47-85), operated on by the same surgical team between January 2015 and January 2022. The etiology of revision was chronic infection in 38.9% of cases, instability in 33.3%, aseptic loosening in 19.4%, and stiffness in 8.4%. The Knee Society Score (KSS) and the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were used to assess functional outcomes. The degree of femorotibial bone defect was evaluated using the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) classification. Postoperative complications are also recorded. RESULTS: a total of 36 patients, 17 males and 19 females, were included, with a mean follow-up of 30 months (12-66). Twelve patients had type 1 defects, ten had 2A defects, ten had 2B defects, and two had type 3 defects on the femoral side, with the use of wedges required for asymmetrical defects (21 patients). The predominant tibial defect was type 1 without the need for wedges. The majority achieved a satisfactory outcome on the KSS scale (72.2 ± 9.4), with significant differences compared to the previous KSS (54.3 ± 8.9). A score of 31 (12-67) was also obtained on the FJS scale. Postoperative complications were present in 16.7% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: complex prosthetic revision surgery using a rotating hinge prosthesis represents a suitable therapeutic option, yielding appropriate clinical and functional outcomes, albeit not without complications.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la cirugía de revisión protésica constituye un reto quirúrgico. La utilización de prótesis tipo bisagra rotatoria es una opción en pacientes con defectos óseos femorotibiales, insuficiencia ligamentosa o importantes deformidades. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar los resultados clínicos, funcionales y radiológicos de una serie de pacientes intervenidos mediante un modelo de bisagra rotacional GMK Hinge (Medacta®). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo y analítico que incluyó una serie de 36 pacientes, con edad media de 72.5 años (47-85) intervenidos entre Enero de 2015 y Enero de 2022 por el mismo equipo quirúrgico. La etiología de revisión fue infección crónica en 38.9%, inestabilidad en 33.3%, aflojamiento aséptico en 19.4% y rigidez en 8.4%. Para la evaluación de resultados funcionales se utiliza la escala Knee Society Score (KSS), así como la escala Forgotten Joint Score (FJS). El grado de defecto óseo femorotibial se evaluó mediante la clasificación de Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI). También se registraron las complicaciones postquirúrgicas. RESULTADOS: se analizó un total de 36 pacientes, 17 varones y 19 mujeres, con seguimiento medio de 30 meses (12-66). Se encontraron doce pacientes con defectos tipo 1, diez con defectos 2A, diez con defectos 2B y dos con defecto tipo 3 en la vertiente femoral, siendo necesario la utilización de cuñas en defectos asimétricos (21 pacientes). El defecto tibial mayoritario fue el tipo 1 sin necesidad de cuñas. La mayoría obtuvo un resultado satisfactorio en la escala KSS (72.2 ± 9.4), con diferencias significativas respecto al KSS previo (54.3 ± 8.9). Se obtuvo también una puntuación de 31 (12-67) en la escala FJS. Presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias 16.7% de los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: la cirugía de revisión protésica compleja mediante prótesis tipo bisagra rotacional constituye una correcta opción terapéutica, presentando resultados clínicos y funcionales adecuados, no exentos de complicaciones.

Effect of combining the methanogenesis inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol and cottonseeds on methane emissions, feed intake, and milk production of grazing dairy cows.

No single enteric CH4 mitigating strategy has been consistently effective or is readily applicable to ruminants in grassland systems. When CH4 mitigating strategies are effective under grazing conditions, mitigation is mild to moderate at best. A study was conducted to evaluate the potential of combining two CH4 mitigation strategies deemed feasible to apply in grazing dairy cows, the methanogenesis inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol additive (3-NOP) and cottonseed supplementation (CTS), seeking to enhance their individual CH4 mitigating potential. Forty-eight dairy cows were evaluated in a continuous grazing study and supplemented with either a starch-based concentrate (STA) or one that contained cottonseeds (1.75 kg DM/d; CTS), and with either 19 g/d of 10% 3-NOP (Bovaer®) or the additive's carrier (placebo), in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were supplied mixed with a concentrate supplement (5 kg/d as fed) and offered in two equal rations at milking. Methane emissions were measured on weeks 4 and 8 using the sulphur hexafluoride tracer gas technique over a 5-d period. The 3-NOP and CTS treatments tended to interact on absolute CH4 such that 3-NOP decreased CH4 by 13.4% with STA, but there was no mitigation with 3-NOP and CTS. Treatment interactions were also obtained for CH4 yield, where 3-NOP tended to decrease CH4 when supplied with STA, and tended to increase it with CTS. The increase in CH4 yield with the CTS diet was driven by a numerical decrease in DM intake. Methane intensity was not affected by the 3-NOP or CTS treatments. Total volatile fatty acids in ruminal fluid were not affected by 3-NOP supplementation, but a reduction in acetate and an increase in propionate proportion occurred, resulting in decreased acetate: propionate. The 3-NOP additive decreased grass intake; however, energy-corrected milk yield and milk composition were largely unaffected. Milk urea increased with 3-NOP supplementation. Combining twice daily supplementation of 3-NOP and CTS did not enhance their CH4 mitigation potential when fed to grazing dairy cows. The relatively low inhibition of CH4 production by 3-NOP compared to studies with total mixed rations may result from the mode of delivery (pulse dosed twice daily) and time gap caused by experimental handling and moving of animals to pasture after 3-NOP supplementation in the milking parlour, which could have impaired the synchrony between the additive presence in the rumen and grass intake in paddocks.

Activation of androgen receptor-expressing neurons in the posterior medial amygdala is associated with stress resistance in dominant male hamsters.

Social stress is a negative emotional experience that can increase fear and anxiety. Dominance status can alter the way individuals react to and cope with stressful events. The underlying neurobiology of how social dominance produces stress resistance remains elusive, although experience-dependent changes in androgen receptor (AR) expression is thought to play an essential role. Using a Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) model, we investigated whether dominant individuals activate more AR-expressing neurons in the posterior dorsal and posterior ventral regions of the medial amygdala (MePD, MePV), and display less social anxiety-like behavior following social defeat stress compared to subordinate counterparts. We allowed male hamsters to form and maintain a dyadic dominance relationship for 12 days, exposed them to social defeat stress, and then tested their approach-avoidance behavior using a social avoidance test. During social defeat stress, dominant subjects showed a longer latency to submit and greater c-Fos expression in AR+ cells in the MePD/MePV compared to subordinates. We found that social defeat exposure reduced the amount of time animals spent interacting with a novel conspecific 24 h later, although there was no effect of dominance status. The amount of social vigilance shown by dominants during social avoidance testing was positively correlated with c-Fos expression in AR+ cells in the MePV. These findings indicate that dominant hamsters show greater neural activity in AR+ cells in the MePV during social defeat compared to their subordinate counterparts, and this pattern of neural activity correlates with their proactive coping response. Consistent with the central role of androgens in experience-dependent changes in aggression, activation of AR+ cells in the MePD/MePV contributes to experience-dependent changes in stress-related behavior.

Volar dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb: open reduction and repair of the ulnar collateral ligament. A case report.

INTRODUCTION: metacarpophalangeal dislocations of the thumb are not very frequent injuries, it is necessary to know the anatomy of the region to know possible causes of interposition that prevent a closed reduction of this pathology. CASE PRESENTATION: we present the case of a 75-year-old woman with a post-traumatic metacarpophalangeal dislocation of the thumb that required open reduction and surgical repair. In this procedure, we performed reduction of the dislocation, mobilization of the interposed structures, repair of the capsule and reinsertion of the ulnar collateral ligament. The early mobilization protocol helped to obtain very good results. CONCLUSION: it is imperative to consider possible associated injuries during the acute phase to achieve optimal short, medium, and long-term outcomes for our patients. A comprehensive and proactive approach to diagnosis and treatment is vital in effectively addressing this pathology and minimizing its potential sequelae.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las luxaciones metacarpofalángicas del pulgar no son lesiones muy frecuentes, es necesario conocer la anatomía de la región para conocer posibles causas de interposición que impidan una reducción cerrada de esta patología. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: presentamos el caso de una mujer de 75 años con luxación metacarpofalángica postraumática del pulgar que requirió reducción abierta y reparación quirúrgica. En este procedimiento realizamos reducción de la luxación, movilización de las estructuras interpuestas, reparación de la cápsula y reinserción del ligamento colateral cubital. El protocolo de movilización temprana ayudó a obtener muy buenos resultados. CONCLUSIÓN: es imperativo considerar posibles lesiones asociadas durante la fase aguda para lograr resultados óptimos a corto, mediano y largo plazo para nuestros pacientes. Un enfoque integral y proactivo del diagnóstico y tratamiento es vital para abordar eficazmente esta patología y minimizar sus posibles secuelas.

Thermal damage to the skin from 8.2 and 95 GHz microwave exposures in swine.

A study of burn thresholds from superficially penetrating radio-frequency (RF) energy at 8.2 and 95 GHz for swine skin was conducted. The study determined the thresholds for superficial, partial-thickness, and full-thickness burn severities after 5 seconds of exposure at power densities of 4-30 W/cm2and 2-15 W/cm2at 8.2 and 95 GHz, respectively. There were significant differences in he burn thresholds at the different severities between the two frequencies due to the large difference in energy penetration depths. Biopsies were collected from each burn site at 1, 24, 72, and 168 hr post exposure. Each sample was assessed by a burn pathologist against 20 histological factors to characterize the damage resulting from these RF overexposures. A one-dimensional, layered digital phantom that utilized realistic values for dielectric and thermal properties was used to explain some observed thresholds. The results of the heating and cooling response of the animal model and histology scores of each exposure are provided to enhance future efforts at simulation of RF overexposures and to establish damage thresholds.

Efficacy of new active viscosupplements on the behavior of an experimental model of osteoarthritis. / Eficacia de nuevos viscosuplementos activos en el comportamiento de un modelo experimental de osteoartritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate with an animal model of osteoarthritis (New Zealand rabbits) the effectiveness of treatment with active viscosupplements (hyaluronic acid loaded with nanoparticles (NPs) that encapsulate anti-inflammatory compounds or drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental study composed of 5 groups of rabbits in which section of the anterior cruciate ligament and resection of the internal meniscus were performed to trigger degenerative changes and use it as a model of osteoarthritis. The groups were divided into osteoarthrosis without treatment (I), treatment with commercial hyaluronic acid (HA) (II), treatment with HA with empty nanoparticles (III), treatment with HA with nanoparticles encapsulating dexamethasone (IV) and treatment with HA with nanoparticles that encapsulate curcumin (V). In groups II to V, the infiltration of the corresponding compound was carried out spaced one week apart. Macroscopic histological analysis was performed using a scale based on the Outerbridge classification for osteoarthritis. RESULTS: We observed that this osteoarthritis model is reproducible and degenerative changes similar to those found in humans are observed. The groups that were infiltrated with hyaluronic acid with curcumin-loaded nanoparticles (V), followed by the dexamethasone group (IV) presented macroscopically less fibrillation, exposure of subchondral bone and sclerosis (better score on the scale) than the control groups (I) (osteoarthritis without treatment), group (II) treated with commercial hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid with nanoparticles without drug (III). CONCLUSIONS: The use of active viscosupplements could have an additional effect to conventional hyaluronic acid treatment due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The most promising group was hyaluronic acid with nanoparticles that encapsulate curcumin and the second group was the one that encapsulates dexamethasone.

A quality improvement intervention on surgical prophylaxis impact in antibiotic consumption and cost in selected surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND: Improper compliance with antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in surgery is associated with an increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI), and impacts the efficiency of healthcare. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the impact of an intervention in compliance with AP in selected surgical procedures and its effect on antibiotic consumption and cost. METHODS: A prospective interventional study was performed in a community hospital from January to December 2022. The baseline period was considered January-April 2022 and the intervention period May-December 2022. All patients who underwent cesarean section, appendectomies, hernia surgery, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), abdominoplasty, and cholecystectomy during the study period were selected. The intervention includes staff education, pharmacy interventions, monitoring the quality of prescriptions and feedback, and improved role of anesthesia staff, and department champions. RESULTS: The study involved 192 and 617 surgical procedures in the baseline and intervention periods respectively. The compliance with timing, selection, dose, and discontinuation achieved 100%, 99.2%, and 97.6% from baseline figures of 92.7%, 95.8%, and 81.3%, respectively. The antibiotic consumption was reduced by 55.1% during the intervention with a higher contribution of other antibiotics (94.1% reduction) in comparison with antibiotics as per policy (31.2% reduction). The cost was reduced by 47.2% (antibiotic as per policy 31.9%, other antibiotics 94.2%). CONCLUSION: The implemented strategy was effective in improving the quality of antibiotic prophylaxis with a significant impact in reducing antibiotic consumption and cost.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? A call for community participation in the governance of the SeqCode.

Codes of nomenclature that provide well-regulated and stable frameworks for the naming of taxa are a fundamental underpinning of biological research. These Codes themselves require systems that govern their administration, interpretation and emendment. Here we review the provisions that have been made for the governance of the recently introduced Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes Described from Sequence Data (SeqCode), which provides a nomenclatural framework for the valid publication of names of Archaea and Bacteria using isolate genome, metagenome-assembled genome or single-amplified genome sequences as type material. The administrative structures supporting the SeqCode are designed to be open and inclusive. Direction is provided by the SeqCode Community, which we encourage those with an interest in prokaryotic systematics to join.

Cognitive rehabilitation program in patients with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been an increase of studies dedicated to cognitive rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, few of these analyze the impact on such variables as cognitive reserve. The study aims to explore the effects of a cognitive rehabilitation program comprising a combination of cognitive and physical exercises, as well as group sessions to improve cognitive performance, emotional state, and cognitive reserve index. METHOD: Fifty patients with MS were subdivided into 2 groups: the control group, which performed aerobic exercise (n=25), and the experimental group (n=25), which participated in the integrated cognitive rehabilitation program (ICRP). All participants were evaluated 3 times (baseline, post-treatment, and long-term) with the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests, Cognitive Reserve Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and a scale evaluating trait and state anxiety. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed improvements in cognitive function, with significant changes in measures of information processing speed, attention, memory, cognitive reserve index, and long-term mood. CONCLUSIONS: The ICRP was effective in improving cognitive and emotional function in MS, and increased the cognitive reserve index.

Uso de vasopresina en el postoperatorio de cirugía de Fontan: inferencias sobre morbimortalidad / Vasopressin use in postoperative Fontan surgery: implications for morbidity and mortality

Introducción: Se ha postulado que el uso de vasopresina tendría efectos beneficiosos en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiovascular. Objetivo: Evaluar la respuesta a la vasopresina en el postoperatorio (POP) de cirugía de Fontan de nuestra población. Métodos: Estudio de casos y controles anidados en una cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron pacientes con cirugía de Fontan entre 2014 y 2019. Se registraron variables demográficas, datos del cateterismo pre-Fontan, días de asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM), necesidad de inotrópicos, diuréticos, diálisis, dieta hipograsa, octreotide, sildenafil y nutrición parenteral total (NPT); balance de fluidos al primer y segundo día POP, necesidad de cateterismo en el POP, días de permanencia de tubo pleural, días de internación, necesidad de reinternación y mortalidad. Se compararon los grupos con y sin vasopresina utilizando la prueba de Mann- Whitney-Wilcoxon test. Se consideró significativa una p < 0.05. Resultados: Del total analizado, 35 pacientes recibieron vasopresina. En el grupo control fueron 58 pacientes con características similares de gravedad sin vasopresina. No se encontraron diferencias en la evolución postoperatoria entre ambos grupos. El grupo con vasopresina recibió en mayor proporción dieta hipograsa. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie el uso de vasopresina no marcó diferencias significativas en términos de morbimortalidad con relación al grupo control (AU)

Introduction: The use of vasopressin has been suggested to have beneficial effects in the postoperative period after cardiovascular surgery. Objective: To evaluate the response to vasopressin in the postoperative period (POP) of Fontan surgery in our population. Methods: Nested case-control study in a retrospective cohort. Patients who underwent Fontan surgery between 2014 and 2019 were included. Demographic variables, pre-Fontan catheterization data, days of mechanical ventilation (MRA), need for inotropics, diuretics, dialysis, low-fat diet, octreotide, sildenafil and total parenteral nutrition (TPN); fluid balance at first and second day POP, need for catheterization at POP, duration of chest tube drainage, days of hospitalization, need for readmission, and mortality were recorded. Groups with and without vasopressin were compared using the Mann-Whitney- Wilcoxon test. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of all patients analyzed, 35 received vasopressin. The control group consisted of 58 patients with similar severity characteristics who did not receive vasopressin. No differences were found in the postoperative outcome between the two groups. The vasopressin group received a higher proportion of low-fat diet. Conclusions: In our series the use of vasopressin did not show significant differences in terms of morbidity and mortality compared to the control group (AU)