Outcomes and factors associated with relapse of vaccine-induced liver injury after SARS CoV-2 immunization: A nationwide study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Different patterns of liver injury have been reported in association with the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The aim of this study was to describe a nationwide cohort of patients with SARS CoV-2 vaccine-induced liver injury, focusing on treatment and the evolution after further booster administration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: multicentre, retrospective-prospective study, including subjects who developed abnormal liver tests within 90 days after administration of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. RESULTS: 47 cases were collected: 17 after prime dose and 30 after booster. Age was 57 years, 30 (63.8 %) were female, and 7 (14.9 %) had a history of prior autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Most cases were non-severe, though 9 (19.1 %) developed acute liver injury or failure (ALF). Liver injury tended to be more severe in those presenting after a booster (p=0.084). Pattern of liver injury was hepatocellular (80.9 %), mixed (12.8 %) and 3 (6.4 %) cholestatic. Liver biopsy was performed on 33 patients; 29 showed findings of AIH. Forty-one (87.2 %) patients received immunosuppressants, mostly corticosteroids (35/41). One required liver transplantation and another died due to ALF. Immunosuppression was discontinued in 6/41 patients without later rebound. Twenty-five subjects received at least one booster and 7 (28.0 %) relapsed from the liver injury, but all were non-severe. Recurrence was less frequent among patients on immunosuppressants at booster administration (28.6 % vs. 88.9 %, p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: SARS CoV-2 vaccine-induced liver injury is heterogeneous but mostly immune-mediated. Relapse of liver injury after re-exposure to vaccine is frequent (28.0 %) but mild. Immunosuppression at booster administration is associated with a lower risk of liver injury.

High-flow nasal cannula and non-invasive mechanical ventilation in pediatric asthma exacerbation: two-year prospective observational study in intensive care / Cánula nasal de alto flujo y ventilación no invasiva en asma pediátrico grave: estudio observacional prospectivo de dos años de duración en cuidados intensivos

Abstract Background: Asthma is a common cause of admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We described and analyzed the therapies applied to children admitted to a tertiary PICU because of asthma. Later, we evaluated high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use in these patients and compared their evolution and complications with those who received non-invasive ventilation. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study (October 2017-October 2019). Collected data: epidemiological, clinical, respiratory support therapy needed, complementary tests, and PICU and hospital stay. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) only HFNC; (2) HFNC and non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV); and (3) only NIMV. Results: Seventy-six patients were included (39 female). The median age was 2 years and 1 month. The median pulmonary score was 5. The median PICU stay was 3 days, and the hospital stay was 6 days. Children with HNFC only (56/76) had fewer PICU days (p = 0.025) and did not require NIMV (6/76). Children with HFNC had a higher oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio ratio (p = 0.025) and lower PCO2 (p = 0.032). In the group receiving both therapies (14/76), NIMV was used first in all cases. No epidemiologic or clinical differences were found among groups. Conclusion: HFNC was a safe approach that did not increase the number of PICU or hospital days. On admission, normal initial blood gases and the absence of high oxygen requirements were useful in selecting responders to HFNC. Further randomized and multicenter clinical trials are needed to verify these data.

Resumen Introducción: El asma es una causa frecuente de ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). En este, cuadro el uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo (CNAF) se ha visto extendido. En este trabajo se describe el tratamiento global en la UCIP ante el ingreso por asma en un hospital monográfico pediátrico y se evalúa la respuesta al uso de la CNAF, comparando la evolución de los pacientes con aquellos que recibieron ventilación no invasiva (VNI). Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional prospectivo (de octubre del 2017 a octubre del 2019). Se describieron epidemiología, clínica, tratamiento y soporte respiratorio. Para la comparación se crearon tres grupos de pacientes: 1) solo CNAF; 2) CNAF y VNI; y 3) solo VNI. Resultados: Se incluyeron 76 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de dos años y un mes; la mediana de índice pulmonar fue 5. La mediana de ingreso en UCIP fue de tres días y de ingreso hospitalario, seis días. Los niños con solo CNAF (56/76) mostraron menos días de UCIP (p = 0.025) y no requirieron VNI (6/76). También mostraron mayor SatO2/FiO2 (saturación de oxígeno/fracción de oxígeno inspirado) (p = 0.025) y menor nivel de PCO2 (presión parcial de CO2) (p = 0.032). La VNI se utilizó primero siempre en el grupo que recibió ambas modalidades (14/76). No se encontraron diferencias epidemiológicas o clínicas entre grupos. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, el uso de CNAF no aumentó los días de ingreso en la UCIP ni de hospital. Tampoco requirió cambio a VNI. Al ingreso, una gasometría normal y bajo requerimiento de oxígeno permitieron seleccionar a los pacientes respondedores. Se necesitan más ensayos multicéntricos clínicos aleatorizados para verificar estos datos.

Spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma on non-cirrhotic liver: A prospective case series.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma is an uncommon complication, and there are scarce data about non-cirrhotic patients. Tumor treatment is not standardized and the risk of peritoneal dissemination is unclear. AIM: we analyzed the treatment and survival in patients with rHCC on non-cirrhotic liver. METHODS: One hundred and forty-one non-cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed by histology were included in a multicenter prospective registry (2018-2022). Seven of them (5%) presented with hemoperitoneum due to spontaneous rupture. RESULTS: Liver disease was associated in three patients (42.9%). A single nodule was detected in three cases (42.9%). One patient had vascular invasion and none extrahepatic spread. Initial hemostatic therapy and sequential treatment was individualized. Patients with single nodule were treated: resection (one case) with recurrence at 4 months treated with TACE and sorafenib. TACE/TAE followed by surgery (two cases) one in remission 43 months later, the other had liver recurrence at 18 months and was transplanted. Patients with multiple lesions were treated: TAE/emergency surgery and subsequent systemic therapy (two cases), one received lenvatinib (1-year survival) and the other sorafenib (5-month survival). TAE and surgery with subsequent systemic therapy (one case). Initial hemostatic surgery, dying on admission (one case). No patient developed intraperitoneal metastasis. All patients with multiple lesions died by tumor. The 3-year survival rate was 42.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Initial hemostasis was achieved in all patients by TAE/TACE or surgery. Subsequent treatment was individualized, based on tumor characteristics, regardless of rupture. Long-time remission could be achieved in single nodule patients.

A modified CALGB 10403 in adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Central America.

Mexico and Central America have a high incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adolescents and young adults. Historically, this patient group has been treated using adult-based regimens, which entails a high rate of treatment-related mortality and a poor overall survival (OS). The use of the CALGB 10403, a pediatric-inspired regimen, has been proven effective in this patient subgroup. Nonetheless, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may present limited access to standard care treatments implemented elsewhere, warranting the need for further research to improve outcomes among vulnerable populations. In this study, we present the outcomes in terms of safety and effectiveness of using a modified CALGB 10403 regimen to reflect drug and resource availability in LMICs. Modifications included the use of Escherichia coli asparaginase,6-mercaptopurine instead of thioguanine and the use of rituximab among patients with CD20+. A total of 95 patients with a median age of 23 (range, 14-49) years treated with this modified scheme were prospectively assessed at 5 centers in Mexico and 1 in Guatemala. Among these, 87.8% achieved a complete response after induction. During follow-up, 28.3% of patients relapsed. Two-year OS rate was 72.1%. Factors associated with worse OS included hyperleukocytosis (hazard ratio [HR], 4.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81-10.10) and postinduction minimal residual disease (HR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.75-12.44). Most patients presented hepatotoxicity (51.6% and 53.7% during induction and consolidation, respectively), and the treatment-related mortality was 9.5%. Overall, results highlight that implementing a modified CALGB 10403 regimen in Central America is feasible, and it is associated with improvements in clinical outcomes and a manageable safety profile.

Spatial and Ecological Factors Modulate the Incidence of Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis-A Systematic Review.

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis has been associated with multiple antigenic triggers (i.e., ovarian teratomas, prodromal viral infections) but whether geographic, climatic, and environmental factors might influence disease risk has not been explored yet. We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of all published papers reporting the incidence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in a definite country or region. We performed several multivariate spatial autocorrelation analyses to analyze the spatial variations in the incidence of anti-NMDA encephalitis depending on its geographical localization and temperature. Finally, we performed seasonal analyses in two original datasets from France and Greece and assessed the impact of temperature using an exposure-lag-response model in the French dataset. The reported incidence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis varied considerably among studies and countries, being higher in Oceania and South America (0.2 and 0.16 per 100,000 persons-year, respectively) compared to Europe and North America (0.06 per 100,000 persons-year) (p < 0.01). Different regression models confirmed a strong negative correlation with latitude (Pearson's R = -0.88, p < 0.00001), with higher incidence in southern hemisphere countries far from the equator. Seasonal analyses showed a peak of cases during warm months. Exposure-lag-response models confirmed a positive correlation between extreme hot temperatures and the incidence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in France (p = 0.03). Temperature analyses showed a significant association with higher mean temperatures and positive correlation with higher ultraviolet exposure worldwide. This study provides the first evidence that geographic and climatic factors including latitude, mean annual temperature, and ultraviolet exposure, might modify disease risk.

Implementación de una jornada virtual de telesalud y capacitación masiva para personas mayores chilenas y estudiantes de la salud. Impacto en la cobertura / Implementation of a virtual telehealth course for Chilean older adults and health students

Background: Aging increases the vulnerability to diseases and environmental changes such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth and tele-education are vital to prevent the deleterious effects of prolonged confinement, and to train the community, and constantly rotating medical students and health professionals. Aim: To assess the perception and impact of an online course about healthy aging aimed at the community and health care professionals. Material and Methods: An open online one-day course to promote healthy aging was carried out. A cross-sectional online survey about the course was answered by 386 attendants and a knowledge test was applied to 114 people. Results: Seventy-five percent of respondents attended the course synchronously. Of these, 79% were women, 20% were older people and 53% were caregivers of an older person. All respondents acquired new knowledge and were willing to participate again. The frequency of interest about self-care is three times greater than about caring for another person, In an older person, the interest is 101 more times about self-care than caring for another person. Ninety five percent of respondents felt more active and 84% felt more accompanied. Conclusions: The course facilitated access to information on the promotion of active and healthy aging in the community with a favorable perception and a positive impact. The coverage for older people with a digital gap should be improved.

[Flow cytometry increases the proportion of valuable samples in cerebrospinal fluid with normal cell count in malignant blood diseases]. / La citometría de flujo aumenta la proporción de muestras valorables en líquido cefalorraquídeo con recuento celular normal en hemopatías malignas.

BACKGROUND: The alteration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in hematologic neoplasms is a poor prognostic marker. The characteristics of CSF are usually analyzed by flow cytometry or cytology. However, paucicellular CSF samples (≤5 cells/dL) can sometimes be considered unsuitable for analysis due to the low number of events. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the proportion of samples reported as suitable for analysis obtained by cytometry (FCM) and cytology in paucicellular CSF samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 169 samples ofpaucicellular CSF corresponding to 115 patients with hematologic neoplasms were selected. The samples were obtained by lumbar puncture in tubes conditioned with EDTA and Transfix®. We characterized the immunophenotype ofCSF samples with an 8-color panel, and 55 samples (32%) were in a small sample tube (SST). In all cases, monocytes were identified by CD14 labeling and T lymphocytes by CD3 labeling. The acquisition was carried out in a FACSCantoII® cytometer, and the analysis was performed using Infinicyt® software. RESULTS: The proportion of samples suitable for analysis was higher in FCM compared to cytology (98% vs 61%, p < 0.000). We identified the presence of T lymphocytes and/or monocytes in most samples (98% and 90%, respectively). In the SST samples, the number of events recorded in low-volume samples (< 1 mL) was lower than in samples with higher volume (140 vs 556, p < 0.001), with a median of identification of 3 cell populations. CONCLUSION: FCM allows the analysis of a higher proportion ofpaucicellular CSF samples than cytology in hematologic neoplasms study.

Leucemia promielocítica aguda durante el embarazo: reporte de 17 casos de un país en desarrollo / Acute promyelocytic leukemia during pregnancy: report of 17 cases from a developing country

Resumen OBJETIVO: Recopilar casos atendidos en centros oncológicos de México y reportar los tratamientos exitosos, con respuestas completas y las complicaciones del embarazo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos que incluyó a pacientes con leucemia promielocítica aguda asociada con el embarazo atendidas en diferentes hospitales de la zona metropolitana de la Ciudad de México entre 1999 y 2021. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 17 pacientes con leucemia promielocítica aguda asociada con el embarazo, con mediana de edad de 23 años (14-40 años); 7 correspondieron a madres menores de 20 años. En relación con su entorno social 9 tenían baja escolaridad, 12 se dedicaban al hogar y 13 tenían una pareja al momento de la concepción. Por último, 11 eran originarias de una zona urbana. Las pacientes atendidas entre 1999-2010 se trataron con interferón plus citarabina (7 de 17) o mediante soporte transfusional y esteroide (2 de 17), en 8 de los 17 casos el tratamiento se inició con tretinoína en combinación con quimioterapia (daunorrubicina) como tratamiento de inducción. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento de pacientes embarazadas y con leucemia promielocítica aguda representa un reto debido al riesgo trombótico y hemorrágico. Si bien la adición de tretinoína ha modificado el pronóstico de las pacientes con esta leucemia, su indicación a las embarazadas sigue siendo motivo de controversia, sobre todo por el riesgo de teratogenicidad.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To collect cases attended in oncology centers in Mexico and to report successful treatments, with complete responses and complications around gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective case series study including patients with pregnancy-associated acute promyelocytic leukemia attended in different hospitals in the metropolitan area of Mexico City between 1999 and 2021. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with pregnancy-associated acute promyelocytic leukemia were identified, with a median age of 23 years (14-40 years); 7 corresponded to mothers younger than 20 years. In relation to their social environment, 9 had low schooling, 12 were homebased and 13 had a partner at the time of conception. Finally, 11 were originally from an urban area. Patients seen between 1999-2010 were treated with interferon plus cytarabine (7 of 17) or by transfusion support and steroid (2 of 17), in 8 of the 17 cases treatment was initiated with tretinoin in combination with chemotherapy (daunorubicin) as induction therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of pregnant patients and patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia represents a challenge due to thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk. Although the addition of tretinoin has modified the prognosis of patients with this leukemia, its indication in pregnant women remains controversial, especially because of the risk of teratogenicity.

Evaluación de motivación y satisfacción en la intervención educativa "Diseño de Casos Clínico Patológicos": estudio piloto en estudiantes de medicina / Motivation and satisfaction of medical students participating in an educational intervention on Pathology

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate Pathology training in medicine is based on modalities centered on the teacher and associated with controlled motivation, with low satisfaction with the educational process. According to the Self-determination Theory, an early participation with responsibilities in clinical practice and an educational environment that promotes autonomy and basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS), would generate intrinsic motivation. AIM: To develop an educational intervention based on the pathologists' workplace model, which supports a learning environment intended to the satisfaction of BPNS in medical students. To evaluate the results of the intervention on the levels of motivation and satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the first phase of the study, an educational modality focused on the student was planned, consisting of the design of a pathological clinical case (DPC), performing the specialist's steps under minimal supervision and a contextualized environment. In the second phase, the level of satisfaction (Scale of student experience) and intrinsic motivation in 3rd year medical students was evaluated. RESULTS: After the intervention, 99 students showed high levels of satisfaction (94% of agreement) and intrinsic motivation (6.7 of 7 points), including all sub-scales. They considered that their competences had increased and assessed the intervention as useful. CONCLUSIONS: DPC is an innovative, feasible and attractive methodology for Pathology learning, with a high degree of satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. This experience can be extended to similar disciplines.

High resolution respirometry of isolated mitochondria from adult Octopus maya (Class: Cephalopoda) systemic heart.

Mitochondrial respirometry is key to understand how environmental factors model energetic cellular process. In the case of ectotherms, thermal tolerance has been hypothesized to be intimately linked with mitochondria capability to produce enough adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to respond to the energetic demands of animals in high temperatures. In a recent study made in Octopus maya was proposed the hypothesis postulating that high temperatures could restrain female reproduction due to the limited capacity of the animals' heart to sustain oxygen flow to the body, affecting in this manner energy production in the rest of the organs, including the ovarium Meza-Buendia AK et al. (2021). Unfortunately, until now, no reports have shown temperature effects and other environmental variables on cephalopod mitochondria activity because of the lack of a method to evaluate mitochondrial respiratory parameters in those species' groups. In this sense and for the first time, this study developed a method to obtain mitochondrial respirometry data of adult Octopus maya's heart. This protocol illustrates a step-by-step procedure to get high yield and functional mitochondria of cephalopod heart and procedure for determining the corresponding respiratory parameters. The procedure described in this paper takes approximately 3 to 4 hours from isolation of intact mitochondria to measurement of mitochondrial oxygen consumption.

Multi-omics study identifies novel signatures of DNA/RNA, amino acid, peptide, and lipid metabolism by simulated diabetes on coronary endothelial cells.

Coronary artery endothelial cells (CAEC) exert an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Dysfunction of CAEC is associated with cardiovascular disease in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, comprehensive studies of the effects that a diabetic environment exerts on this cellular type are scarce. The present study characterized the molecular perturbations occurring on cultured bovine CAEC subjected to a prolonged diabetic environment (high glucose and high insulin). Changes at the metabolite and peptide level were assessed by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS2) and chemoinformatics. The results were integrated with published LC-MS2-based quantitative proteomics on the same in vitro model. Our findings were consistent with reports on other endothelial cell types and identified novel signatures of DNA/RNA, amino acid, peptide, and lipid metabolism in cells under a diabetic environment. Manual data inspection revealed disturbances on tryptophan catabolism and biosynthesis of phenylalanine-based, glutathione-based, and proline-based peptide metabolites. Fluorescence microscopy detected an increase in binucleation in cells under treatment that also occurred when human CAEC were used. This multi-omics study identified particular molecular perturbations in an induced diabetic environment that could help unravel the mechanisms underlying the development of cardiovascular disease in subjects with T2DM.

The role of mitochondria and mitochondrial hormone receptors on the bioenergetic adaptations to lactation.

The most recognized role of mitochondria is producing more than 90% of the total cellular energy in the form of ATP. In addition, mitochondrial function encompasses the maintenance of antioxidant balance, the regulation of intracellular calcium concentrations, the progression of cell death, and the biosynthesis of purines, hemes, lipids, amino acids and steroid hormones. Mitochondria are also important hormone targets. Estrogens, progestagens, and prolactin, are among the hormones that can impact mitochondrial function and modulate the underlying adaptations to changing bioenergetic and metabolic needs. Lactation represents a metabolic challenge with significant increases in energy requirements and fluctuating levels of hormones. To meet these bioenergetic demands, liver mitochondria increase their state 3 and 4 respiration, adjust superoxide dismutase activity, and elevate succinate dehydrogenase-related respiration. Skeletal muscle mitochondria respond by increasing their respiratory control ratio and adjusting catalase activity. In this review, these adaptations are described considering the lactation hormonal milieu.

Consenso de leucemia mieloide aguda en México / Mexican consensus in acute myeloid leukemia in Mexico

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Abstract Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic cell neoplasms of myeloid lineage that arise from the clonal expansion of their precursors in the bone marrow, interfering with cell differentiation, leading to a syndrome of bone marrow failure. AML is a consequence of genetic and epigenetic changes (point mutations, gene rearrangements, deletions, amplifications, and arrangements in epigenetic changes that influence gene expression) in hematopoietic precursor cells, which create a clone of abnormal cells that are capable of proliferating but cannot differentiate into mature hematopoietic cells or undergo programmed cell death. The diagnosis requires more than 20% myeloid blasts in the bone marrow and certain cytogenic abnormalities. Treatment will depend on age, comorbidities, and cytogenetic risk among the most frequent.

Diagnósticos frecuentes de consulta externa de medicina general de la Universidad Santo Tomás (USTA), Bucaramanga, 2015-2017 / Frequent diagnosis in primary care physician services of the Santo Tomás University (USTA), Bucaramanga, 2015-2017

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar los diagnósticos más frecuentes de los pacientes atendidos en el servicio de consulta externa de medicina general de la Universidad Santo Tomás (USTA), seccional Bucaramanga, entre 2015 y 2017. Método Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los registros diarios de pacientes atendidos en el servicio médico con un N=13 892 pacientes -estudiantes, administrativos, docentes, egresados y División de Educación Abierta y a Distancia (DUAD)-. Se excluyeron 5 907 registros para un n=7 985 datos de exploración, correspondientes a pacientes que hicieron uso exclusivamente del servicio de consulta médica. Resultados 5 808 (73%) de las consultas fueron realizadas por mujeres y 2 177 (27%) hombres; jóvenes entre 19 y 26 años (60,9%), estudiantes de pregrado (71,8%), de odontología (29,6%) y derecho (26,5%), atendidos por enfermedades del aparato respiratorio (16,4%), con afectaciones más frecuentes a adolescentes (15,4%) y jóvenes (17,2%). La rinofaringitis aguda fue el principal diagnóstico CIE-10. Los jóvenes consultaron por diarrea y gastroenteritis de presunto origen infeccioso (6,7%); los adultos (5,7%) y docentes (6,1%), por cervicalgia, y el personal administrativo, por infección viral no especificada (5,7%). Conclusiones La población atendida en consulta médica de la USTA entre 2015 y 2017 fueron principalmente mujeres y jóvenes entre 19 a 26 años. Las enfermedades transmisibles como las enfermedades del aparato respiratorio fueron más frecuentes que las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, principalmente la rinofaringitis aguda, enfermedad de alta transmisibilidad en comunidad. Las mujeres, adolescentes y estudiantes de pregrado, fueron atendidos en consulta por consejo y asesoramiento sobre la anticoncepción, lo que coincide con la Encuesta Nacional De Demografía y Salud.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the most frequent diagnoses of the patients treated in primary medical care services of the Santo Tomás University (USTA, by its initials in Spanish), Bucaramanga section, between 2015 and 2017. Method A retrospective descriptive study of the daily records of patients treated in primary medical care services with an N=13 892 patients -students, administrative workers, professors, graduates, and Open and at Distance Education Division (DUAD, by its initials in Spanish)-. 5 907 records were excluded for a n=7 985 scan data corresponding to patients who used the medical consultation service exclusively. Results 5 808 (73%) of the consultations were conducted by women and 2 177 (27%) by men; young people between 19 and 26 years (60.9%), undergraduate students (71.8%), in dentistry (29.6%) and law (26.5%), people treated for respiratory diseases (16.4%), affected adolescents (15.4%) and young people (17.2%) more frequently. Acute rhinopharyngitis was the main diagnosis ICD-10. Young people consulted for diarrhea and gastroenteritis of suspected infectious origin (6.7%); adults (5.7%) and professors (6.1%), for neck pain, and administrative workers, for unspecified viral infection (5.7%). Conclusions The population who attended medical consultation of the Santo Tomás University in Bucaramanga throughout 2015-2017 were mainly women and young people between 19 and 26 years. Communicable diseases such as respiratory diseases were more frequent than chronic noncommunicable diseases, mainly acute rhinopharyngitis, a disease of high transmissibility in the community. Women, adolescents, and undergraduate students were treated in consultation for contraceptive counseling, which coincides with the National Demography and Health Survey.

Treating Acute Leukemia During the COVID-19 Pandemic in an Environment With Limited Resources: A Multicenter Experience in Four Latin American Countries.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic is a colossal challenge for global health; nonetheless, specific subgroups face considerably higher risks for infection and mortality. Among patients with malignant diseases, those with hematologic neoplasms are at a higher risk for poor outcomes. The objective of this study was to register treatment modifications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and their short-term consequences in Latin America. METHODS: Multicenter, prospective, observational, cohort study including patients older than 14 years from 14 centers in four countries (Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, and Panama) who had a confirmed diagnosis of acute leukemia, and who were undergoing active treatment since the first COVID-19 case in each country until the cutoff on July 15, 2020. RESULTS: We recruited 635 patients. Treatment modifications because of the COVID-19 pandemic were reported in 40.8% of cases. The main reason for such modifications was logistic issues (55.0%) and the most frequent modification was chemotherapy delay (42.0%). A total of 13.1% patients developed COVID-19 disease, with a mortality of 37.7%. Several factors were identified as independently associated with mortality, including a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (odds ratio 2.38 [95% CI, 1.47 to 3.84]; P < .001), while the use of telemedicine was identified as a protective factor (odds ratio 0.36 [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.82]; P = .014). CONCLUSION: These results highlight the collateral damage of COVID-19 in oncology patients.

Embarazo y COVID-19. Consideraciones en la práctica de la hematología / Pregnancy and COVID-19. Considerations in the practice of Hematology

Resumen La enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) en una población vulnerable, como es el caso de la mujer embarazada, feto y recién nacido, obliga a establecer estrategias efectivas y seguras centradas en la seguridad del binomio madre-hijo. El objetivo del presente reporte es presentar los resultados de la revisión de las fuentes de información secundaria (metaanálisis y revisión sistemática) del estado del arte en el avance del conocimiento de la COVID-19 durante el embarazo. En diferentes reportes se ha insistido en que la mortalidad materna por COVID-19 es baja. Sin embargo, la razón de mortalidad materna (RMM) aumentó de 30.9 a 45.5 defunciones por cada 100,000 nacimientos, es decir, mostró un incremento del 36.32% respecto a la misma semana del 2019. Pero el tema no se limita a la COVID-19, el aumento en la RMM es del 24.% para hemorragia materna, del 20% para la enfermedad hipertensiva y del 28.5% para sepsis puerperal. Sin embargo, por su naturaleza de condición inédita y el comportamiento particular de la COVID-19 durante el periodo perinatal, la generación de nuevos datos, su integración a información accesible y su análisis clínico epidemiológico inevitablemente proporcionarán nuevas evidencias que deberán integrarse a la gestión y práctica clínica. No existe un comportamiento hematológico característico o de las complicaciones trombóticas o hemorrágicas de la paciente con COVID-19, son características clínicas similares a las que se presenta en sus pares sin embarazo. El aumento global en todas las causas de mortalidad materna no son exclusivas de la COVID-19, lo que expone las deficiencias del sistema de salud en términos de atención primaria de la salud, vigilancia prenatal y planificación familiar, entre otros programas más; adicional al impacto de la COVID-19. Es una necesidad imperiosa el rediseño de las políticas públicas en términos de atención primaria para la salud a toda la población, en particular para las mujeres embarazadas.

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a vulnerable population, such as the pregnant woman, fetus, and newborn, requires an establishment of effective and safe strategies focused on the safety of the mother-child binomial. The objective of this report is to present the results of the review of secondary information sources (meta-analysis and systematic review), of the state of the art in the advancement of knowledge of the disease due to COVID-19 during pregnancy. Different reports have insisted that maternal mortality from COVID-19 is low. However, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) increased from 30.9 to 45.5 deaths per 100,000 births, that is, it showed an increase of 36.32% compared to the same week of 2019. Due to its unprecedented condition and the particular behavior of the COVID-19 disease during the perinatal period, the generation of new data, its integration into accessible information and its epidemiological clinical analysis will inevitably provide new evidence that must be integrated into clinical management and practice. But the issue is not limited to COVID-19, the increase in MMR is 24% for maternal obstetric hemorrhage, 20% for hypertensive disease, and 28.5% for puerperal sepsis. There is no characteristic hematological behavior and the appearance of thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications in the patient with COVID-19, without clinical characteristics similar to those seen in her non-pregnant peers. The global increase in all causes of maternal mortality are not exclusive to COVID-19, which exposes the deficiencies of the health system in terms of primary health care, prenatal surveillance, family planning, among other programs; additional to the impact of COVID-19. The redesign of public policies in terms of primary health care for the entire population is an urgent need, particularly for pregnant women.

COVID-19: desarrollo y utilidad de un Puntaje-TC valor predictivo de la tomografía de ingreso / Covid-19: development and results of a CT puntaje admission chest CT predictive value

Purpose: To create a CT Score to objectively and quantitatively predict the severity and evolution of COVID-19 pneumonia in concordance with unenhanced upon admission chest CT findings. Material and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 98 patients with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by RT-PCR admitted to the general ward. We developed a CT score to quantify the imaging involvement of the disease at hospital admission. This score values the type of patterns and the total burden of the lesion (expressed as a percentage of the parenchymal involvement). A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed as a test of diagnostic accuracy of the developed Score. Results: 98 patients were analyzed, using as cut-off point a CT score puntaje ≤ 14. No patients with unfavourable evolution were detected (100 % Negative Predictive Value, 80 % sensitivity, 100 % specifity to predict favourable development). CT Score < 22 (91.2 % Negative Predictive Value for the need of oxygen reservoir masks and 94.7 % for unfavourable outcome). A CT Score ≥ 22 predicted a need for oxygen therapy and unfavourable development. (92.6 % Positive Predictive Value, 80 % sensitivity and 65 % specificity). The area under curve (AUC) was 0.8197, which makes it a test with a high diagnostic discriminatory capacity.Conclusion: CT Score is useful to determine the radiological assessment of pulmonary involvement in three grades: minor, moderate and severe. The imaging findings are highly correlated with clinical evolution variables. It can be considered an important tool for prognostic value and to adapt early and timely therapeutics behaviours in the development of this illness

Propósito: Crear un puntaje-TC para predecir de manera objetiva y cuantitativa la gravedad y evolución de la neumonía por COVID-19 en concordancia con los hallazgos de la TC de tórax sin medio de contraste al ingreso. Métodos y materiales: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente 98 pacientes con diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2 confirmados por RT-PCR internados en sala general. Se desarrolló un puntaje tomográfico para cuantificar el compromiso imagenológico de la enfermedad al ingreso al hospital, valorando tipo de opacidades y volumen del parénquima afectado. Se realizó un análisis de curva ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) como prueba de exactitud diagnóstica del puntaje desarrollado. Resultados: Se analizaron 98 pacientes, utilizando como punto de corte un puntaje-TC 14, no se detectaron pacientes con evolución desfavorable (VPN 100 %, sensibilidad 38 % yespecificidad 100 % para predecir una buena evolución). Un puntaje-TC < a 22 (valor predictivo negativo [VPN] de 91,2 % para máscara con reservorio de oxígeno y de 94,7 % para evolución desfavorable). Un puntaje-TC 22 (valor predictivo positivo [VPP] de 92,6 % para necesidad de utilización de oxígeno) se asoció a mala evolución (sensibilidad del 80 % y especificidad del 65 %). El área bajo la curva fue de 0,8197, lo que lo constituye en una prueba con buena capacidad discriminatoria diagnóstica. Conclusión: El puntaje-TC desarrollado es un método sencillo, reproducible y sumamente útil en la valoración de pacientes con diagnóstico de infección por SARS-COV-2, ya que caracteriza el compromiso pulmonar tomográfico en leve, moderado y grave, con una marcada correlación con las variables de evolución clínica. Puede tener un importante valor pronóstico y adecuar conductas terapéuticas precoces y oportunas en la evolución de la enfermedad

Hipoacusia como factor de riesgo para demencia

In the last decades, there has been an increase in life expectancy in the world, with the consequent modification in the proportion of adults over 60 years. This is accompanied by an increase in pathologies for which aging is the main risk factor, such as dementia and hearing loss, which profoundly affect the quality of life of individuals and their family and impact health system costs. Given the lack of disease-modifying treatments for dementia, the study of mechanisms to prevent its occurrence has become a world priority. In the year 2017, the Lancet "Commission for dementia prevention, intervention, and care" proposed a model, in which hearing loss emerged as a new modifiable risk factor for the development of dementia. This result undoubtedly has important consequences for the understanding the multifactorial nature of dementia, our daily clinical practice and public policies aimed at its prevention and treatment. In this article, we review the current evidence supporting the association between dementia and hearing loss, discussing the available strategies for prevention, detection and treatment of hearing loss and its possible impact on the natural course of dementia. A flow chart for the clinical management of different subgroups of patients is proposed.

Indicadores de transformación de alimentos consumidos en Chile para su uso en planificación de minutas / Food processing indicators consumed in Chile for use in menu planning

Muchos de los alimentos consumidos a diario sufren previamente algún grado de transformación, desde mínimas operaciones de limpieza hasta cambios mayores producto de la cocción. Estas operaciones culinarias pueden afectar el volumen y/o peso de los alimentos, lo que implica una diferencia entre lo adquirido y lo realmente servido al plato. Algunos alimentos pierden gramaje mientras otros lo aumentan, dependiendo del alimento y del tipo y condiciones de la operación culinaria aplicada. Lo anterior influye en la planificación de minutas afectando el presupuesto y las raciones servidas. Para considerar estas variaciones se deben aplicar los indicadores de transformación de alimentos (ITA) que cuantifican las pérdidas por operaciones preliminares y los cambios generados por la cocción. El objetivo de este estudio fue obtener los ITA para distintos alimentos consumidos en Chile bajo diferentes operaciones culinarias. Para ello los alimentos fueron pesados, en bruto y neto, luego de lo cual se calcularon sus ITA correspondientes. Los indicadores obtenidos representan una estandarización nacional, no publicada previamente, cuya principal utilidad es la planificación de minutas, aunque también contribuyen a afinar el cálculo de la composición química de alimentos y preparaciones y al análisis de encuestas de consumo, lo que representa un aporte al área de alimentos y alimentación colectiva en Chile(AU)

Many of the foods we eat suffer some grade of previous transformation, which can go from minimal cleaning operations to major transformations resulting from the application of heat. These actions produce a change in the volume and / or weight of the food, which implies a variation between the food that is acquired or bought and the food that is actually served and / or consumed. These variations could result in loss or gain in weight, depending on the type of food and the type and conditions of the culinary operation applied. On the other hand, these variations have implications in the planning of the menus since they can affect the budget and the quantities of the portion presented in the plate. In order to take these changes into account, the food transformation indices (ITA) must be applied, which consider losses due to preliminary operations and changes generated by cooking processes. The aim of this study was to obtain the different ITAs resulting from culinary operations carried out on food consumed in Chile. For this, the food was weighed, gross and net, calculating for each one the corresponding ITA. The indicators obtained represent a national standardization, not previously published, whose greatest usefulness is the planning of menus, although they are also useful in calculating the chemical composition of food and meals, and for intake survey analysis, being a contribution to the food area and the area of collective food in Chile(AU)

Proapoptotic Index Evaluation of Two Synthetic Peptides Derived from the Coneshell Californiconus californicus in Lung Cancer Cell Line H1299.

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, accounting for approximately 15% of all cancer cases worldwide. Apoptosis is the dominant defense mechanism against tumor development. The balance between pro- and antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family can determine cellular fate. The venom of predatory marine snails Conus is estimated to have 100-400 toxins called conotoxins. The family of α-conotoxins is known to consist of selective antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Lung cancer cells overexpress several subunits of nAChRs and are considered as an excellent target for new anticancer drugs. We compared the cytotoxic effect of two synthetic peptides derived from Californiconus californicus, Cal14.1a, and Cal14.1b, which only differ by one amino acid in their sequence, and compared their proapoptotic balance by Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. We determined the caspase-3 and -7 activation to demonstrate apoptosis induction. Results showed that Cal14.1a induces a high Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in H1299 (lung cancer cells). Although Cal14.1b has a cytotoxic effect on H1299 cells, reducing cell viability by 30%, it does not increase the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, which could be explained by the Glu in the 15th residue, which is crucial for the ability of Cal14.1a to induce apoptosis.