Systematics and life cycles of four avian schistosomatids from Southern Cone of South America.

Relative to the numerous studies focused on mammalian schistosomes, fewer include avian schistosomatids particularly in the southern hemisphere. This is changing and current research emerging from the Neotropics shows a remarkable diversity of endemic taxa. To contribute to this effort, nine ducks (Spatula cyanoptera, S.versicolor, Netta peposaca), 12 swans (Cygnus melancoryphus) and 1,400 Physa spp. snails from Chile and Argentina were collected for adults and larval schistosomatids, respectively. Isolated schistosomatids were preserved for morphological and molecular analyses (28S and COI genes). Four different schistosomatid taxa were retrieved from birds: Trichobilharzia sp. in N. peposaca and S. cyanoptera that formed a clade; S.cyanoptera and S. versicolor hosted Trichobilharzia querquedulae; Cygnus melancoryphus hosted the nasal schistosomatid, Nasusbilharzia melancorhypha; and one visceral, Schistosomatidae gen. sp., which formed a clade with furcocercariae from Argentina and Chile from previous work. Of the physid snails, only one from Argentina had schistosomatid furcocercariae that based on molecular analyses grouped with T. querquedulae. This study represents the first description of adult schistosomatids from Chile as well as the elucidation of the life cycles of N.melancorhypha and T. querquedulae in Chile and Neotropics, respectively. Without well-preserved adults, the putative new genus Schistosomatidae gen. sp. could not be described, but its life cycle involves Chilina spp. and C. melancoryphus. Scanning electron microscopy of T. querquedulae revealed additional, undescribed morphological traits, highlighting its diagnostic importance. Authors stress the need for additional surveys of avian schistosomatids from the Neotropics to better understand their evolutionary history.

Clostridioides Difficile in Latin America: An Epidemiological Overview.

Clostridioides difficile infection is one of the most significant causes of nosocomial diarrhea associated with antibiotic use worldwide. In recent years, the incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection in Latin American countries has increased due to the emergence and spread of epidemic Clostridioides difficile strains, such as RT027/NAP1/ST1, RT078/ST11, and RT017/ST37; additionally, endemic multi-drug-resistant strains have recently appeared due to the lack of heterogeneous diagnostic algorithms and guidelines for antibiotic use in each country. The aim of this review is to present the latest information regarding Clostridioides difficile and emphasize the importance of epidemiological surveillance of this pathogen in Latin American countries.

Early appearance of functional plasma cells (CD138+CD98+) in non-immunized neonate mice.

Plasma cells (PCs) are terminally differentiated antibody-secreting cells, derived from activated B-lymphocytes in response to either T-independent or T-dependent antigens. The plasma cell population is scarce in circulation in non-immunized individuals. It is established that neonates are incapable of mounting an efficient immune response due to the immaturity of the immune system. However, this disadvantage is well overcome through the antibodies neonates receive from breastmilk. This implies that neonates will be only protected against antigens the mother had previously encountered. Thus, the child might be potentially susceptible to new antigens. This issue prompted us to seek for the presence of PCs in non-immunized neonate mice. We found a PC population identified as CD138+/CD98+ cells since day one after birth. These PCs were positive for Ki67 and expressed Blimp-1, B220, and CD19, which suggests the populations are plasmablasts and PCs with heterogeneous phenotype. These PCs were also determined to secrete antibodies, although mainly isotype IgM. Altogether, the results indicated that neonate PCs can produce antibodies against antigens they encounter in the first weeks of life, most likely coming from food, colonizing microbiota, or the environment.

Systematic mapping review of interventions to prevent blood loss, infection and relapse in orthognathic surgery.

BACKGROUND: This systematic mapping review aims to identify, describe, and organize the currently available evidence in systematic reviews (SR) and primary studies regarding orthognathic surgery (OS) co-interventions and surgical modalities, focusing on the outcomes blood loss, infection and relapse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was performed to identify all SRs, randomized controlled trials and observational studies that evaluate surgical modalities and perioperative co-interventions in OS that evaluate the outcomes blood loss, infection and relapse, regardless of language or publication date. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Lilacs, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. In addition, grey literature was screened. RESULTS: 27 SRs and 150 primary studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 91 from SRs, and 59 from our search strategy. Overall, the quality of the SRs was graded as "Critically low," and only two SRs were rated as "High" quality. 11 PICO questions were extracted from SRs and 31 from primary studies, which focused on osteosynthesis methods, surgical cutting devices, use of antibiotics, and induced hypotension. In addition, evidence bubble maps for each outcome were created to analyze in a visual manner the existing evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Future primary and secondary high-quality research should be addressed focused on the eight knowledge gaps identified in this mapping review. We concluded that the evidence mapping approach is a practical methodology for organizing the current evidence and identifying knowledge gaps in OS, helping to reduce research waste and canalize future efforts in developing studies for unsolved questions.

Peligros microbiológicos relacionados con alimentos fermentados de elaboración artesanal comercializados en Tunja, Nariño y Cauca / Microbiological risks related to artisanal fermented foods marketed in Tunja, Nariño and Cauca

RESUMEN Varios factores intervienen en la calidad de los alimentos, como los físicos, químicos, nutricionales, sensoriales y microbiológicos. Este último es importante, ya que, afecta las propiedades organolépticas del producto terminado y, además, puede ocasionar riesgos de salud pública asociados a peligros microbiológicos. Colombia es un país rico en gastronomía, incluyendo alimentos fermentados de elaboración artesanal (AFEA), los cuales son una alternativa actual para sistemas agroalimentarios que buscan alimentos más naturales. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los criterios microbiológicos en AFEA y el cumplimiento de requisitos sanitarios para sensibilizar a productores de bebidas artesanales y revalorizar los productos. Se tomaron en cuenta 11 productores artesanales de Masato, Champús y Almidón agrio de yuca en zonas rurales del país, que voluntariamente aceptaron participar. Se midieron los parámetros de pH, humedad, sólidos solubles y recuentos microbiológicos. Con estos resultados, se pudo calcular el porcentaje de conformidad de los alimentos, de los cuales el 36 % de productos evaluados fueron aptos para el consumo. Se incumplieron los límites establecidos para Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus y Salmonella sp. Los análisis fisicoquímicos mostraron que el Masato y el Champús aportan condiciones abióticas para el crecimiento microbiano. Además, los productores Almidón agrio de yuca tuvieron mayor valoración en el cumplimiento de requisitos sanitarios y menor cumplimiento que los productores de Champús. Los análisis realizados indican que la mayoría de los alimentos incumplieron los límites permitidos por lo cual se debe capacitar a los productores en buenas prácticas de manufactura.

ABSTRACT Several factors intervene in the quality of the food, such as physical, chemical, nutritional, sensory, and microbiological. The latter is important as it affects the sensory properties of the finished product, and it can also cause public health risks associated with microbiological hazards. Colombia is a country rich in gastronomy, including artisanal fermented foods (AFEA), which are a current alternative for agri-food systems seeking for more natural foods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological criteria in AFEA and its compliance with the sanitary requirements to raise the awareness among crafted beverages producers and revalue the products. Eleven artisan producers of masato, champús and sour cassava starch in rural areas of the country, who voluntarily agreed to participate, were considered. The parameters of pH, humidity, soluble solids, and microbiological counts were measured. With these results, it was possible to calculate the compliance rate of the food, from which 36% of the products evaluated were fit for consumption. The limits established for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella spp were breached. Physicochemical analysis showed that Masato and Champús provide abiotic conditions for microbial growth. In addition, the Sour cassava starch producers had higher compliance ratings regarding sanitary requirements but lower compliance ratings than champús producers. The performed analysis indicates that most of the food did not comply with the permitted limits, which is why producers must be trained in good manufacturing practices.

Segmentectomía lateral izquierda laparoscópica en donante vivo para trasplante hepático adulto-pediátrico

Introducción: La segmentectomía lateral izquierda es el procedimiento más empleado para la cirugía del donante en trasplante hepático con donante vivo adulto-pediátrico (THDVA-P), y ha demostrado ser seguro y reproducible. Sin embargo, la información aún es escasa respecto al abordaje laparoscópico. Objetivo: El objetivo de este artículo es dar a conocer los resultados posoperatorios de la segmentectomía lateral izquierda laparoscópica (SLI-L) para THDVA-P. Materiales y Método: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de un solo centro, Hospital del Salvador; con vasta experiencia en trasplante hepático y en resecciones hepáticas laparoscópicas. Se ofreció realizar el procedimiento de SLI-L para la cirugía del donante vivo. Se describe la técnica quirúrgica y los resultados posoperatorios de los donantes. Resultados: Entre abril de 2015 y enero de 2021, 36 pacientes, 25 de ellos hombres, fueron sometidos a SLI-L. El 86% eran madre o padre del receptor, con una mediana de 30 años (19-45). Mediana de tiempo operatorio de 360 min (240-480). Hubo conversión en un caso debido a sangrado venoso de difícil manejo y en dos oportunidades se utilizó técnica mano asistida por la misma causa. Morbilidad Clavien-Dindo III en un paciente debido a fuga biliar precoz, manejada con prótesis vía colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica exitosamente. La mediana de hospitalización fue de 4 días (3-12) y no hubo mortalidad. Conclusión: La SLI-L ha evolucionado, desde un procedimiento innovador hasta convertirse en el actual procedimiento estándar para THDVA-P. Los buenos resultados en términos de morbimortalidad sugieren que podría ser una técnica segura y reproducible en contextos similares al del centro.

Introduction: Living donor left lateral sectionectomy is a well-established alternative in cadaveric donor pediatric liver transplantation. This procedure has proven to be safe and reproducible. However, laparoscopic approach is still under development and evidence of its feasibility is limited. Aim: The aim of this article is to present the surgical technique and postoperative outcomes of the cases of laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy performed in this center. Materials and Method: A retrospective, observational, single center study was conducted in Hospital del Salvador. From 04/2015 - 01/2021 laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy was offered for donor surgery. We present the surgical technique, perioperative care, and early postoperative outcomes in donors. Results: This series includes 36 patients, 25 (69%) of them were males. A total of 31 (86%) donors were mother or father of the recipient. Median age of donors was 30 years (19-45), median operative time was 360 min (240-480). All the patients underwent laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy. Conversion was necessary in one case due to difficult management of a venous bleeding. Clavien-Dindo Morbidity III, in one patient who required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography due to an early bile leak. Median hospitalization was 4 days (3-14). There was no mortality. Conclusion: Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy has proven to be safe and reproducible. This technique has evolved from an innovative procedure to become the current standard of practice in our center, with excellent results in terms of morbidity and mortality.

[Living donor graft versus cadaveric in pediatric liver transplantation. Multicentric study]. / Injerto de donante vivo versus fallecido en trasplante hepático pediátrico. Estudio multicéntrico.

Liver transplantation (LT) is the therapy of choice in patients with end-stage chronic liver disease, se vere acute liver failure, and metabolic diseases, among other pathologies. Historically, more patients have been on the waiting list than organs for transplantation. In 1999, we started a living-related donor liver transplantation program. OBJECTIVE: to compare surgical results and graft survival in liver transplanted patients with living donor graft (LDG) versus deceased donor graft (DDG). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective observational analytical study of pediatric patients undergoing LT at the Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital and Las Condes Clinic between 1999 and 2020 in Santia go, Chile. They were grouped into LDG and DDG and demographic characteristics, complications, and graft and patient survival were compared. RESULTS: 276 LT were performed. Of these, 198 were included, of which 81 were LDG and 117 were DDG. The recipients of LDG had a lower average weight (p < 0.001), a higher frequency of portal vein thrombosis (13.6% versus 4.3%; p = 0.006), biliary stricture (38.3% versus 14.5%; p < 0.001), and surgical reintervention (76.5% versus 57.3%, p = 0.006). Survival of DDG and LDG patients at 1 year and 5 years was 86.1% and 72.3% versus 82.5% and 81.1%, respectively (p = 0.16). Graft survival at one year and 5 years was significantly higher in LDG with 80% and 78.6% versus 79% and 62% in DDG, respectively (p = 0.032). The recipient's weight between 9-13 kg was significantly correlated with a higher frequency of hepatic artery thrombosis (RR = 1.98) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated comparable long-term results in LDG despite greater postoperative complications, which supports continuing its use as an option in pediatric LT.

PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy) en el tratamiento de la carcinomatosis peritoneal: primeros casos en Chile / PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy) in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis: first cases in Chile

Resumen Introducción: PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy) Es una técnica que, vía laparoscopía, permite administrar quimioterapia en aerosol intraperitoneal, para el tratamiento de la carcinomatosis, ya sea para disminuir masa tumoral y aumentar la resecabilidad, o como paliación sintomática. Objetivo: Presentar los dos primeros casos de PIPAC en Chile, las consideraciones técnicas y revisión de la literatura. Pacientes y Método: Se describe la forma en que un programa PIPAC fue implementado en Clínica Las Condes. Se describe la técnica. Este procedimiento se realizó en dos pacientes, ambas portadoras de carcinomatosis con ascitis refractaria. Resultados: No hubo complicaciones. Alta a las 24 h. Ambas pacientes presentaron disminución de la ascitis, la que se ha mantenido a los seis meses de seguimiento. Discusión: PIPAC es una técnica emergente, que ha demostrado ser segura, con escasas complicaciones, cuya indicación incluye carcinomatosis por cáncer de colon y ovario y que se está extendiendo a páncreas, vía biliar y estómago. Su rol exacto está por definirse. Conclusiones: PIPAC es una técnica factible de realizar en nuestro país; sus resultados preliminares son alentadores y exentos de complicaciones.

Introduction: PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy is a technique that allows laparoscopic administration of aerosol chemotherapy in the peritoneum. This procedure is utilized for treatment of carcinomatosis, for debulk abdominal tumors, increasing resectability, or for palliation of abdominal symptoms. Aim: To present the first two cases of PIPAC performed in Chile, technical considerations and review of the literature. Patients and Method: The way this program was started at Clínica Las Condes is presented. The technique is described. This procedure was performed in two females, both with refractory ascites due to carcinomatosis. Results: The procedure was uneventfully and patients were discharged 24 hours later. Both patients showed important reduction of ascites, maintained at 6 months of followup. Discussion: PIPAC is a safe emerging technique, with low complication rate. It is indicated in carcinomatosis of colonic and ovarían origin and in selected cases of pancreatic, bile duct and gastric carcinomatosis. More prospective, randomized studies should be done to stablish its exact role. Conclusions: PIPAC is a feasible technique to perform in our country. Preliminary results are encouraging and no complications were observed.

Echographic findings in ectopic intrathyroidal thymic tissue in children. A systematic review.

Intrathyroidal ectopic thymic tissue (IETT) is an indulgent, unusual entity and is part of the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules in the pediatric population. Because of the low prevalence of IETT, the diagnosis may be difficult. Awareness of this diagnosis is definitive to avoid surgical interventions. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the echographic characteristics of IETT. We conducted a search of Ovid, PubMed and the virtual health library. A total of 619 patients with a mean age of 6.2 years old were included. IETT was located in the lower portion of both of the thyroidal lobes in 556 children, the echographic shape was reported for 173 patients, with the fusiform shape as the most representative, the appearance of the IETTs was reported for 121 patients, the most common was the hypoechogenic pattern with multiple internal echogenic foci. The average lesion diameter was 5.53 mm, and Doppler findings reported a hipovascular pattern in 56% of the lesions. In conclusion, IETT is an infrequent entity; nonetheless, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of neck nodules in children and should be study and follow with echography to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Perspectives on the Implementation of Screening and Treatment for Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder in Primary Care in Colombia.

Depression and alcohol use disorder (AUD) greatly contribute to the burden of disease worldwide, and have large impact on Colombia's population. In this study, a qualitative analysis evaluates the implementation of a technology-supported model for screening, decision support, and digital therapy for depression and AUD in Colombian primary care clinics. Patient, provider, and administrator interviews were conducted, exploring attitudes towards depression and AUD, attitudes towards technology, and implementation successes and challenges. Researchers used qualitative methods to analyze interview themes. Despite stigma around depression and AUD, the model improved provider capacity to diagnose and manage patients, helped patients feel supported, and provided useful prevalence data for administrators. Challenges included limited provider time and questions about sustainability. The implementation facilitated the identification, diagnosis, and care of patients with depression and AUD. There is ongoing need to decrease stigma, create stronger networks of mental health professionals, and transition intervention ownership to the healthcare center.

Efectos de la pandemia en los programas de formación en cirugía: problemas y soluciones / Effects of pandemic on training programs in surgery: problems and solutions

Resumen La pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 ha afectado fuertemente los programas de educación quirúrgica. El Capítulo Chileno del American College of Surgeons realizó un webinar para evaluar y discutir los efectos de la pandemia en la educación quirúrgica. Este evento contó con la asistencia de 450 personas de 17 países, incluyendo la participación de destacados docentes del área quirúrgica. Las principales conclusiones de este webinar fueron que la pandemia alteró considerablemente los programas de educación quirúrgica. Un 26% de los residentes se contagiaron, pero la mayoría no precisó cuidados especiales. Las intervenciones quirúrgicas disminuyeron hasta en un 90% en algunos programas. Los residentes debieron asumir el cuidado de pacientes COVID-19. Se han implementado sistemas de enseñanza virtual, como seminarios en línea o webinars, discusión de casos clínicos, videos y simulación. Dichas actividades teóricas, al igual que la simulación quirúrgica fueron evaluadas, mayoritariamente, vía web. Las sociedades científicas han tenido un importante rol en estas actividades. En el futuro, los programas universitarios enfrentarán escenarios con menos pacientes y una reducción de las oportunidades de enseñanza para residentes. Las actividades en línea y simulación adquirirán mayor relevancia. Es posible superar esta crisis como lo han hecho los países desarrollados, comparados con ellos, carecemos de un plan nacional de emergencia en salud, en el que los estudiantes y personal sanitario tengan un rol definido en áreas específicas, con metas concretas. El retorno a la "nueva normalidad" estará lleno de desafíos.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had an impact in surgical residency programs. The Chilean chapter of the American College of Surgeons organized a webinar to discuss and address the effects of this pandemic on surgical education. This meeting had a virtual attendance of 450 people from 17 countries, including the participation of surgical educators. Conclusions of this webinar were that COVID-19 has strongly affected surgical education programs. Twenty six per cent of residents were infected. Most of them did not need special care. Surgical opportunities have decreased up to 90% in some programs. Residents have had to be involved in managing COVID-19 patients. Changes in surgical education, led to a virtual instruction which includes seminars, webinars, case discussion, videos and simulation. Assessment has been performed of theoretical activities, via web. Simulation tasks also have been evaluated. Scientific societies had a very important role in these activities. In the near future, university programs will face different scenarios in hospitals and clinical centers, with fewer patients and reduced clinical instruction for residents. Online activities and simulation will increase in relevance in years to come. It is possible to overcome this crisis, as some developed countries have already done, compared to them, we lack a national emergency health plan in which medical students, residents, doctors, and all health care providers have a designated role in specific areas with clear goals. The return to "the new normal" will be filled with challenges.

Trasplante hepático en Chile: pasado, presente y futuro / Hepatic transplantation in Chile: past, present and future

Resumen La donación de órganos en Chile es insuficiente, con una tasa histórica de alrededor de seis donantes por millón de habitantes. Las reformas legales, mejoras organizacionales y campañas comunicacionales han permitido hacer del año 2019 el más exitoso en cuanto a donación de órganos y trasplantes. El trasplante hepático en Chile fue realizado por primera vez en el año 1969 en el Hospital Naval de Valparaíso, falleciendo el receptor precozmente. El primer trasplante exitoso fue realizado en el año 1985 en el Hospital Militar de Santiago. Desde esa fecha hasta la actualidad se han realizado 1.812 trasplantes de hígado, el 43,6% en hospitales universitarios, el 35,1% en clínicas privadas y un 21,5% en hospitales estatales. El 23,1% en la Pontificia Universidad Católica (PUC), el 20,6% en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile (HCUCH), el 15,9% en el Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna (HLCM), el 15,9% en Clínica Las Condes (CLC), el 14,3% en Clínica Alemana de Santiago (CA), el 5,6% en el Hospital del Salvador (HdS), 2% en Clínica Dávila (CD), 2% en el Sanatorio Alemán de Concepción (SA) y 0,9% en Clínica Santa María (CSM) De este total, 455 son en pacientes pediátricos, de ellos 63,3% en Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna el 21,1% en la Clínica Las Condes el 7,7% en la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, el 6,4% en la Clínica Alemana y 1,5% en el Sanatorio Alemán. Desde el 2015, aproximadamente el 80% de los trasplantes pediátricos se realizan en el HLCM. Sobrevidas reportadas en adultos van del 75% a 85% al año y de 75% a 92% al año en pacientes pediátricos dependiendo el período. Hay centros que nunca han reportado sus resultados. Se espera mejorar la educación en pro de una sociedad proclive en la donación, mejorar la organización de detección, mantención y procuramiento, aumentar la utilización de órganos, potenciar la utilización los de donantes cadáveres, con técnica Split o hígado dividido y, mientras no tengamos un sistema de donación que dé cuenta de las necesidades del país, mantener los programas de donante vivo. Finalmente debe motivarse a generaciones jóvenes para que se dediquen a esta importante actividad.

Organ donation in Chile is insufficient, with a historical rate of six donors per million inhabitants. Legal reforms, organizational improvements, and communications campaigns have made 2019 the most successful year in terms of organ donations and transplants. The first liver transplant in Chile was performed in 1969 at the Naval Hospital in Valparaíso. However, the patient passed away shortly after. The first successful transplant was performed in 1985 at the Militar Hospital in Santiago. As of that date to present day, 1.812 liver transplants have been performed: 43.6% of these in university hospitals, 35.1% in private clinics, and 21.5% in state hospitals. Of these, 23.1% were performed at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), 20.6% at the Universidad de Chile Clinical Hospital (HCUCH), 15.9% at the Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital (HLCM), 15.9% at the Las Condes Clinic (CLC), 14.3% at the Alemana Clinic in Santiago (CA), 5.6% at the del Salvador Hospital (HdS), 2% at the Dávila Clinic (CD), 2% at the Alemán Sanatorium in Concepción (SA), and 0.9% at the Santa María Clinic (CSM). Of this total, 455 correspond to pediatric patients. Of these patients, 63.3% were at the Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital, 21.1% at the Las Condes Clinic, 7.7% at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 6.4% at the Alemana Clinic, and 1.5% at the Alemán Sanatorium. Since 2015, approximately 80% of pediatric transplants are performed at the HLCM. Reported one-year survival range from 75% to 85% in adults and 75% to 92% in pediatric patients per year, depending on the period. Some centers have never reported their results. It is expected that education of a society prone to organ donation improves, as well as improving the detection, maintenance, and procurement of potential donors, increasing the utilization of organs, enhancing the utilization of organs from deceased donors with Split technique, and, while we are building towards a donation system that responds to the needs of the nation, upholding live donor programs. Finally, younger generations are to be motivated so that they dedicate themselves to this important activity.

Efficacy of rifaximin in the different clinical scenarios of hepatic encephalopathy. / Eficacia de la rifaximina en los diferentes escenarios clínicos de la encefalopatía hepática.

Hepatic encephalopathy is a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and is associated with a high mortality rate. Costs attributed to the management of patients with cirrhosis are especially high due to complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy, given that they increase the number of days of hospital stay. Different drugs are currently used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, and the main ones are lactulose, L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA), and certain antibiotics, especially rifaximin-α (RFX). Even though many of them have been shown to be effective to greater or lesser degrees, it is important to understand the differences between them, so that every patient receives individualized treatment and the best option is chosen, in accordance with the different clinical scenarios. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the evidence on the advantages and disadvantages of the individual or combined use of the 3 main treatments for hepatic encephalopathy, specifically taking into consideration their different degrees of efficacy, their impact on quality of life, prophylaxis, and cost reduction.

Molecular composition of the paralyzing venom of three solitary wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) collected in southeast Mexico.

The chemical and biological characterization of peptide and protein components of the paralyzing venom from three Pompilidae solitary spider wasps (Pepsis mexicana, Pepsis terminata, and Anoplius nigritus) is described for the first time. The molecular masses of the most abundant peptides were determined. The N-terminal sequences of two cysteine-rich peptides were obtained from Pepsis. Metalloproteinase and hyaluronidase activities were identified in the venom of P. mexicana. A novel non-lethal method to collect venom is described.

The role of citizen science in addressing grand challenges in food and agriculture research.

The power of citizen science to contribute to both science and society is gaining increased recognition, particularly in physics and biology. Although there is a long history of public engagement in agriculture and food science, the term 'citizen science' has rarely been applied to these efforts. Similarly, in the emerging field of citizen science, most new citizen science projects do not focus on food or agriculture. Here, we convened thought leaders from a broad range of fields related to citizen science, agriculture, and food science to highlight key opportunities for bridging these overlapping yet disconnected communities/fields and identify ways to leverage their respective strengths. Specifically, we show that (i) citizen science projects are addressing many grand challenges facing our food systems, as outlined by the United States National Institute of Food and Agriculture, as well as broader Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations Development Programme, (ii) there exist emerging opportunities and unique challenges for citizen science in agriculture/food research, and (iii) the greatest opportunities for the development of citizen science projects in agriculture and food science will be gained by using the existing infrastructure and tools of Extension programmes and through the engagement of urban communities. Further, we argue there is no better time to foster greater collaboration between these fields given the trend of shrinking Extension programmes, the increasing need to apply innovative solutions to address rising demands on agricultural systems, and the exponential growth of the field of citizen science.

Characterization of efficacy and safety of pathogen inactivated and quarantine plasma in routine use for treatment of acquired immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

BACKGROUND: Auto-immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a morbid multi-organ disorder. Cardiac involvement not recognized in initial disease descriptions is a major cause of morbidity. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) requires exposure to multiple plasma donors with risk of transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI). Pathogen inactivation (PI) with amotosalen-UVA, the INTERCEPT Blood System for Plasma (IBSP) is licensed to reduce TTI risk. METHODS: An open-label, retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of quarantine plasma (QP) and IBSP in TTP and defined treatment emergent cardiac abnormalities. Medical record review of sequential patient cohorts treated with QP and IBSP characterized efficacy by remission at 30 and 60 days (d) of treatment, time to remission, and volume (L/kg) of plasma required. Safety outcomes focused on cardiac adverse events (AE), relapse rates, and mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (18 IBSP and 13 QP) met study criteria for auto-immune TTP. The proportions (%) of patients in remission at 30 d (IBSP = 61·1, QP = 46·2, P = 0·570) and 60 d (IBSP = 77·8, QP = 76·9, P = 1·00) were not different. Median days to remission were less for IBSP (15·0 vs. 24·0, P = 0·003). Relapse rates (%) 60 d after remission were not different between cohorts (IBSP = 7·1, QP = 40·0, P = 0·150). ECG abnormalities before and during TPE were frequent; however, cardiac AE and mortality were not different between treatment cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac and a spectrum of ECG findings are common in TTP. In this study, IBSP and QP had similar therapeutic profiles for TPE.

Immunohistochemical identification of nail matrix melanocytes.

BACKGROUND: No previous studies have been conducted to determine the normal number of nail matrix melanocytes in Latin American individuals. The objective of this work was to determine the number of melanocytes per linear millimetre present in the nail matrix and the nail bed in samples obtained from Colombian individuals. METHODS: Twenty-six unilateral biopsies were taken from 19 cadavers subjected to clinical and medico-legal autopsies. These biopsy samples were processed with conventional histotechnology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with anti-HMB-45 and anti-MiTF. Three sets of photographs (HE, HMB-45 and MiTF) were taken of each biopsy sample and independently assessed by three pathologists. Each observer counted the number of melanocytes present in 1 linear mm of the nail matrix or bed. RESULTS: We found an average of 4.6 melanocytes x linear mm with H & E staining, 9.8 with HMB-45 and 12.4 with MiTF. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IHC significantly increases and facilitates the identification of melanocytes in unilateral biopsies. Our IHC counts exceed the averages found in the literature. This finding warrants new studies to verify whether the Colombian population presents higher numbers of melanocytes in the nail matrix than other populations or whether the observed increase is a result of the use of MiTF.

Phylogeny, new generic-level classification, and historical biogeography of the Eucera complex (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

The longhorn bee tribe Eucerini (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is a diverse, widely distributed group of solitary bees that includes important pollinators of both wild and agricultural plants. About half of the species in the tribe are currently assigned to the genus Eucera and to a few other related genera. In this large genus complex, comprising ca. 390 species, the boundaries between genera remain ambiguous due to morphological intergradation among taxa. Using ca. 6700 aligned nucleotide sites from six gene fragments, 120 morphological characters, and more than 100 taxa, we present the first comprehensive molecular, morphological, and combined phylogenetic analyses of the 'Eucera complex'. The revised generic classification that we propose is congruent with our phylogeny and maximizes both generic stability and ease of identification. Under this new classification most generic names are synonymized under an expanded genus Eucera. Thus, Tetralonia, Peponapis, Xenoglossa, Cemolobus, and Syntrichalonia are reduced to subgeneric rank within Eucera, and Synhalonia is retained as a subgenus of Eucera. Xenoglossodes is reestablished as a valid subgenus of Eucera while Tetraloniella is synonymized with Tetralonia and Cubitalia with Eucera. In contrast, we suggest that the venusta-group of species, currently placed in the subgenus Synhalonia, should be recognized as a new genus. Our results demonstrate the need to evaluate convergent loss or gain of important diagnostic traits to minimize the use of potentially homoplasious characters when establishing classifications. Lastly, we show that the Eucera complex originated in the Nearctic region in the late Oligocene, and dispersed twice into the Old World. The first dispersal event likely occurred 24.2-16.6 mya at a base of a clade of summer-active bees restricted to warm region of the Old World, and the second 13.9-12.3 mya at the base of a clade of spring-active bees found in cooler regions of the Holarctic. Our results further highlight the role of Beringia as a climate-regulated corridor for bees.