Microbiota and Mitochondrial Sex-Dependent Imbalance in Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Descriptive Study.

Fibromyalgia is a widespread chronic condition characterized by pain and fatigue. Among the long list of physiological disturbances linked to this syndrome, mitochondrial imbalance and oxidative stress stand out. Recently, the crosstalk between mitochondria and intestinal microbiota has caught the attention of biomedical researchers, who have found connections between this axis and several inflammatory and pain-related conditions. Hence, this pilot descriptive study focused on characterizing the mitochondrial mass/mitophagy ratio and total antioxidant capacity in PBMCs, as well as some microbiota components in feces, from a Peruvian cohort of 19 females and 7 males with FM. Through Western blotting, electrochemical oxidation, ELISA, and real-time qPCR, we determined VDAC1 and MALPLC3B protein levels; total antioxidant capacity; secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels; and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides/Prevotella, and Roseburia/Eubacterium ratios; as well as Ruminococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Akkermansia muciniphila levels, respectively. We found statistically significant differences in Ruminococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. levels between females and males, as well as a marked polarization in mitochondrial mass in both groups. Taken together, our results point to a mitochondrial imbalance in FM patients, as well as a sex-dependent difference in intestinal microbiota composition.

Cromoblastomicosis verrugosa-cicatricial multifocal: una entidad desatendida en Colombia / Multifocal verrucous-cicatricial chromoblastomycosis: a neglected disease in Colombia

La cromoblastomicosis es una micosis subcutánea crónica de presentación clínica heterogénea que afecta principalmente a poblaciones de escasos recursos, lo que sumado al acceso limitado a los servicios de salud condiciona el retraso en el diagnóstico y tratamiento, ocasionando secuelas físicas graves. Se describe el caso de un hombre de 50 años con lesiones cutáneas verrugosas y cicatriciales de 30 años de evolución en la extremidad inferior y mano izquierda, además en cara en los últimos cinco años. Se realizó el diagnóstico de cromoblastomicosis de presentación multifocal y clínica mixta, con examen directo e histopatología compatibles, y cultivo para hongos positivo para Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Se indicó tratamiento oral con itraconazol y seguimiento clínico. Reconocer esta entidad es crucial para un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos, con el fin de evitar secuelas físicas y estigmatización secundaria. Se debe fortalecer en la atención primaria el reconocimiento de patologías desatendidas y de incidencia subestimada en Colombia, con una presentación multifocal mixta atípica y de un tiempo de evolución prolongado. El examen directo KOH es un herramienta accesible y económica en los primeros niveles de atención que puede contribuir al enfoque diagnóstico.

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis with heterogeneous clinical presentation. It mainly affects low-income populations, which added to limited access to health services delays diagnosis and treatment, causing serious physical sequelae. We describe the case of a 50-year-old man with warty and cicatricial skin lesions of 30 years of evolution, at the level of left lower limb and left hand, with face involvement in the last five years. A diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis with multifocal and mixed clinical presentation was made, based on compatible direct examination and histopathology, and positive fungal culture for Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Oral treatment with itraconazole and clinical followup were stablished. Recognizing this entity is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, to avoid physical sequelae and secondary stigmatization. Primary health care should be strengthened for the recognition of neglected diseases whose incidence is underestimated in Colombia, with an atypical mixed multifocal presentation and a long evolution time. The KOH direct examination is an accessible and economical tool in the first levels of care that can contribute to the diagnostic approach.

Tumores cardíacos benignos operados en un Centro de Cirugía Cardiovascular Regional 2015 - 2021 / Benign cardiac tumors operated on at a regional cardiovascular center (2015 - 2021)

Introducción: Los tumores cardíacos primarios se caracterizan por su baja prevalencia, son principalmente mixomas y se presentan frecuentemente de forma asintomática. Objetivos: Identificar el tipo histológico más común, edad de presentación, tipo de cirugías y sobrevida de un grupo de pacientes tratados por Tumores Cardíacos Primarios (TCP) en el Hospital Regional de Temuco. Métodos: Revisión de fichas clínicas de 14 pacientes portadores de TCP entre marzo 2015 y diciembre 2021. Resultados: El tipo histológico más común fue el mixoma (85,7%), seguido por el fibroelastomas papilar (14,3%). La edad promedio fue 62 años (39-85), 9 fueron mujeres y 5 hombres. Los antecedentes mórbidos más comunes fueron: Insuficiencia Cardíaca Congestiva (ICC), Hipertensión Arterial (HTA) y Accidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE). La localización anatómica más común fue la Aurícula izquierda (92%). El tratamiento en el 92% de los casos fue resección aislada y en el 7% restante resección y reparación con parche. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados son concordantes con la literatura.

Background: primary cardiac tumors are characterized by a low prevalence. Most of them are myxomas and asymptomatic. Aim: To describe the most common histological type, the age of presentation, type of surgery performed and survival of a group of patients operated on for Primary Cardiac Tumors (PCT) in the Hospital Regional de Temuco (Chile). Methods: Review of clinical records of 14 patients with PCT operated on between March 2015 and December 2021. Results: By far the most common histological type was a myxoma (85.7%), followed by a papillary fibroelastoma (14.3%). Mean age was 62 years (39-85), 9 were women and 5 men. The most common associated medical conditions were Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Arterial Hypertension and Stroke The usual anatomical location was the left atrium (92%). Surgical treatment was isolated resection in 92% of cases and along with a patch repair in the remaining patient. Conclusion: good results were obtained, similar to those described in the literature.

Multivisceral resection for colonic splenic flexure malakoplakia: a case report of a minimally invasive approach.

Malakoplakia is a rare granulomatous inflammatory disorder. Its diagnosis depends on histopathological findings; however, high-quality literature regarding proper medical/surgical treatment is lacking. A 38-year-old diabetic female patient was admitted to the emergency room with a history of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Colonoscopy revealed a lesion in the descending colon, and abdominal computed tomography revealed a splenic flexure mass involving the lower pole of the spleen and upper pole of the left kidney. Biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of malakoplakia. After completing antibiotic treatment, a restaging computed tomography revealed a discrete mass increase; hence, the patient underwent laparoscopic en bloc colectomy and partial nephrectomy. Postoperatively, the patient developed a pancreatic fistula, which was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. The presence of pathognomonic Michaelis-Gutmann inclusions on histopathology is frequently reported as the key to diagnosing malakoplakia. Herein, we present a successful, minimally invasive surgical treatment for colonic malakoplakia.

Quantitative sensory testing: a good tool to identify subclinical neuropathy in ATTRV30M amyloidosis patients?

BACKGROUND: Quantitative sensory testing (QST) has been one of the neurophysiological tools used for follow-up and disease progression assessment in ATTRv amyloidosis. We aimed to detect the utility of QST in identifying subclinical neuropathic involvement in ATTRV30M amyloidosis carriers. METHODS: A cohort of ATTRV30M amyloidosis carriers were assessed with vibratory (VDT) and cooling (CDT) detection thresholds and heat pain responses. Subjects were divided into asymptomatic carriers (Group 1), paucisymptomatic carriers (Group 2) and stage 1 ATTRv-PN patients (Group 3). Nonparametric statistics were used for group comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 207 ATTRV30M amyloidosis carriers (83 males) were included. Of these, 113 subjects were asymptomatic and 94 symptomatic carriers. In asymptomatic carriers, CDT and Heat Pain (HP 5.0 and HP 0.5) were significantly lower when compared to both group of symptomatic carriers (p ≤ 0.005). In Group 3, VDT, CDT and HP 5.0 were significantly higher, when compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: QST, in particular CDT, HP 5 and HP 0.5 modalities, seems a good tool to identify subclinical neuropathy in ATTRv amyloidosis carriers, with CDT showing a higher sensitivity to detect and early neuropathic involvement.

Efficacy of a Coriolusversicolor-Based Vaginal Gel in Human Papillomavirus-Positive Women Older Than 40 Years: A Sub-Analysis of PALOMA Study.

In the PALOMA trial, Papilocare® demonstrated efficacy in repairing low-grade cervical lesions related to human papillomavirus (HPV). This sub-analysis aimed to evaluate its efficacy in repairing these cervical lesions and clearing HPV in women aged older than 40 years. This was a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, controlled clinical trial. Patients with low-degree HPV-dependent cervical lesions receiving 6-month treatment with the vaginal gel were compared to those with a watchful waiting approach. Among the 41 women analyzed (aged 47.7 years), 31 presented high-risk (HR) oncogenic HPV subtypes, and 14 had 16-18-31 HPV genotypes. After 6 months, normalized cytology and concordant colposcopy were achieved by a greater percentage of treated women. The difference was significant in the total population (92.3% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.007), and HR-HPV subpopulation (90.5% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.003). In the HR HPVs-16-18-31 subpopulation, the values were 75.0% and 40.0% (p = 0.293). In the total population, 61.5% of treated patients obtained HPV clearance, compared to 50.0% in the control group. Regarding the HR-HPV subpopulation, these values were 66.7% and 44.4%, respectively. Papilocare® demonstrated significant efficacy in repairing low-degree HPV-related cervical lesions and a positive trend to clear HPV in women older than 40 years old in comparison to the watchful waiting approach.

GFAP-directed Inactivation of Men1 Exploits Glial Cell Plasticity in Favor of Neuroendocrine Reprogramming.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Efforts to characterize the signaling mechanisms that underlie gastroenteropancreatic neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are precluded by a lack of comprehensive models that recapitulate pathogenesis. Investigation into a potential cell-of-origin for gastrin-secreting NENs revealed a non-cell autonomous role for loss of menin in neuroendocrine cell specification, resulting in an induction of gastrin in enteric glia. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that cell autonomous Men1 inactivation in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing cells induced neuroendocrine differentiation and tumorigenesis. METHODS: Transgenic GFAPΔMen1 mice were generated by conditional GFAP-directed Men1 deletion in GFAP-expressing cells. Cre specificity was confirmed using a tdTomato reporter. GFAPΔMen1 mice were evaluated for GEP-NEN development and neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia. Small interfering RNA-mediated Men1 silencing in a rat enteric glial cell line was performed in parallel. RESULTS: GFAPΔMen1 mice developed pancreatic NENs, in addition to pituitary prolactinomas that phenocopied the human MEN1 syndrome. GFAPΔMen1 mice exhibited gastric neuroendocrine hyperplasia that coincided with a significant loss of GFAP expression. Men1 deletion induced loss of glial-restricted progenitor lineage markers and an increase in neuroendocrine genes, suggesting a reprogramming of GFAP+ cells. Deleting Kif3a, a mediator of Hedgehog signaling, in GFAP-expressing cells attenuated neuroendocrine hyperplasia by restricting the neuroendocrine cell fate. Similar results in the pancreas were observed when Sox10 was used to delete Men1. CONCLUSIONS: GFAP-directed Men1 inactivation exploits glial cell plasticity in favor of neuroendocrine differentiation.

Implementation of rapid and frequent SARS-CoV2 antigen testing and response in congregate homeless shelters.

BACKGROUND: People experiencing homelessness who live in congregate shelters are at high risk of SARS-CoV2 transmission and severe COVID-19. Current screening and response protocols using rRT-PCR in homeless shelters are expensive, require specialized staff and have delays in returning results and implementing responses. METHODS: We piloted a program to offer frequent, rapid antigen-based tests (BinaxNOW) to residents and staff of congregate-living shelters in San Francisco, California, from January 15th to February 19th, 2021. We used the Reach-Effectiveness-Adoption-Implementation-Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to evaluate the implementation. RESULTS: Reach: We offered testing at ten of twelve eligible shelters. Shelter residents and staff had variable participation across shelters; approximately half of eligible individuals tested at least once; few tested consistently during the study. Effectiveness: 2.2% of participants tested positive. We identified three outbreaks, but none exceeded 5 cases. All BinaxNOW-positive participants were isolated or left the shelters. Adoption: We offered testing to all eligible participants within weeks of the project's initiation. Implementation: Adaptations made to increase reach and improve consistency were promptly implemented. Maintenance: San Francisco Department of Public Health expanded and maintained testing with minimal support after the end of the pilot. CONCLUSION: Rapid and frequent antigen testing for SARS-CoV2 in homeless shelters is a viable alternative to rRT-PCR testing that can lead to immediate isolation of infectious individuals. Using the RE-AIM framework, we evaluated and adapted interventions to enable the expansion and maintenance of protocols.

Ciberdelincuencia en Colombia: ¿qué tan eficiente ha sido la Ley de Delitos Informáticos? / Cybercrime in Colombia: how efficient has the Computer Crime Law been? / Cibercrime na Colômbia: qual tem sido a eficácia da Lei de Crimes Informáticos?

Este documento está centrado en determinar qué variables afectan los incentivos que tienen los delincuentes al cometer sus ciberdelitos, e identificar si la legislación actual está diseñada teniendo en cuenta la tipificación de las conductas y las herramientas de los entes encargados de capturar los criminales. Se busca entender los principales factores que incentivan la ciberdelincuencia en el país, teniendo en cuenta el contexto de la ciberdelincuencia para el 2019 en Colombia, y con ello, el comportamiento de los delincuentes informáticos en la prepandemia. Con la Ley 1273 de 2019, encargada de tipificar los delitos informáticos en Colombia, se revisarán los datos reportados de delitos informáticos y se compararán con los casos e indicadores de delitos de hurto calificado, con el fin de determinar la relación de estos dos delitos, que son relevantes para las entidades y han sido interiorizados por las entidades policivas en su estudio y lucha anticriminal desde hace mucho tiempo. Una vez definida teóricamente la eficiencia de las entidades apoderadas en la lucha contra los delitos informáticos, se propone una función de beneficios económicos de la ciberdelincuencia adaptada para el caso colombiano, determinando las variables que mejor explican esta función. Al final de este ejercicio académico, mediante un análisis de sensibilidad, se señala qué aspectos de política pública se deben considerar como prioritarios, teniendo en cuenta los incentivos económicos para los ciberdelincuentes y la efectividad de la Ley 1273 de 2009.

This paper is focused on determining which variables affect the incentives that criminals have when committing cybercrime, and identify whether the current legislation is designed taking into account the criminalization of behaviors and the tools of the entities in charge of catching criminals. It seeks to understand the main factors that encourage cybercrime in the country, taking into account the context of cybercrime for 2019 in Colombia, and with it, the behavior of cybercriminals in the pre-pandemic. With Law 1273 of 2019, in charge of criminalizing computer crimes in Colombia, the reported data of computer crimes will be reviewed and compared with the cases and indicators of qualified theft crimes, in order to determine the relationship of these two crimes, which are relevant for the entities and have been internalized by the police entities in their study and anti-crime fight for a long time. Once the efficiency of the entities empowered in the fight against cybercrime has been theoretically defined, a function of economic benefits of cybercrime adapted to the Colombian case is proposed, determining the variables that best explain this function. At the end of this academic exercise, through a sensitivity analysis, it is pointed out which aspects of public policy should be considered as a priority, taking into account the economic incentives for cybercriminals and the effectiveness of Law 1273 of 2009.

Este documento está focado em determinar quais variáveis afetam os incentivos que os criminosos têm quando cometem crimes cibernéticos, e identificar se a legislação atual é elaborada levando em conta a classificação dos comportamentos e as ferramentas das entidades encarregadas de capturar os criminosos. Ela procura compreender os principais fatores que incentivam o cibercrime no país, levando em conta o contexto do cibercrime para 2019 na Colômbia, e com ele, o comportamento dos cibercriminosos na pré-pandemia. Com a Lei 1273 de 2019, encarregada de criminalizar os crimes cibernéticos na Colômbia, os dados comunicados de crimes cibernéticos serão revistos e comparados com os casos e indicadores de crimes de roubo, a fim de determinar a relação entre esses dois crimes, que são relevantes para as entidades e foram internalizados por entidades policiais em seu estudo e combate aos crimes por um longo tempo. Uma vez definida teoricamente a eficiência das entidades habilitadas na luta contra o crime cibernético, propõe-se uma função dos benefícios econômicos do crime cibernético adaptada ao caso colombiano, determinando as variáveis que melhor explicam esta função. Ao final deste exercício acadêmico, por meio de uma análise de sensibilidade, indica-se quais aspectos das políticas públicas devem ser considerados prioritários, levando em conta os incentivos econômicos para os cibercriminosos e a eficácia da Lei 1273 de 2009.

Casuística de trauma ocular por paintball en el Hospital San José entre los años 2010 al 2018 / Casuistry of ocular trauma by paintball in the San José hospital between 2010 to 2018

Antecedentes: El trauma ocular secundario a deportes y actividades recreativas, incluyendo el paintball, es cada vez más frecuente, dejando secuelas a nivel anatómico y funcional irreversibles y en la mayoría de los casos podría prevenirse con el uso de dispositivos de protección ocular. Objetivo: Describir las características de los pacientes con diagnóstico de trauma ocular por paintball en el Hospital de San José entre 2010 y 2018. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se revisaron historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de trauma ocular por paintball entre los años 2010-2018. Resultados: Trece pacientes con diagnóstico de trauma ocular por paintball; nueve eran hombres y cuatro mujeres, con rango de edad de 9-58 años. La agudeza visual posterior al tratamiento en la mayoría mejoró con respecto a la visión inicial. La mayoría tuvo compromiso de segmento anterior y posterior y ocho requirieron manejo quirúrgico para restablecer la anatomía ocular. Conclusión: Las lesiones oculares por trauma con bolas de paintball generan secuelas importantes con mal pronóstico visual y anatómico. La recuperación de la agudeza visual depende de la extensión y severidad del trauma, pudiendo recuperarla en casos leves.

Background: Ocular trauma secondary to sports and recreational activities, including paintball, is very frequent, leaving irreversible anatomical and functional sequelae, in the most cases could be prevented with the use of eye protection. Objective: To describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with paintball eye trauma at the Hospital de San José between 2010 and 2018. Materials and methods: Retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with paintball eye trauma between the years 2010-2018. Results: Thirteen patients diagnosed with paintball eye trauma; nine were men and four were women, with an age range of 9-58 years. Visual acuity after treatment in the majority improved with respect to initial vision. Most had anterior and posterior segment involvement and eight required surgical management to restore ocular anatomy. Conclusion: Eye injuries due to paintball trauma generate important sequelae with poor visual and anatomical prognosis. The recovery of visual acuity depends on the extent and severity of the trauma, being able to recover it in mild cases

Alteraciones Hepaticas en pacientes con infeccion por VIH en un centro de investigacion en Bogotá Colombia 2009 - 2019 / Hepatic alterations in patients with HIV infection in a research center in Bogotá Colombia 2009 - 2019

Resumen Introducción: Las alteraciones de la bioquímica hepática son frecuentes en los pacientes con infección por VIH, la etiología es variada, la esteatosis hepática es frecuente con una prevalencia estimada del 60% Objetivos: Caracterizar las alteraciones hepáticas en una serie de pacientes con infección por VIH en un centro de investigación de Bogotá Colombia durante el periodo 2009 - 2019. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, observacional de pacientes con infección por VIH que asistieron a un centro de investigación durante los años 2009-2019. Resultados: 94% fueron hombres y 6% mujeres con edad promedio de 44 años, 92,5% de los pacientes presentaba uso de terapia antiretroviral. Las principales hepatopatías fueron la coinfección VIH-Hepatitis C y el hígado graso en iguales porcentajes, 31,3%. El promedio del indice HOMA fue de 2,58. Discusión: Las enfermedades hepáticas son una causa importante de morbimortalidad en pacientes con infección por VIH, las coinfecciones virales y el hígado graso pueden ser muy frecuentes en nuestro medio a diferencia de otros estudios Conclusiones: Este es el primer estudio a nivel local en describir las alteraciones hepáticas en pacientes con VIH, las comorbilidades no SIDA, juegan un papel importante dentro de la enfermedad. La hepatitis C continúa siendo una coinfección frecuente en la población VIH.

Abstract Introduction: Alterations in liver biochemistry are frequent in patients with HIV infection, the etiology is varied and includes multiple causes, liver steatosis is one of the most frequent with an estimated prevalence of 60% after the appearance of antiretroviral treatment Objectives: To characterize liver disorders in a series of patients with HIV infection at a research center in Bogotá Colombia during the period 2009-2019. Materials and Methods: Descriptive, retrospective, observational study of patients with HIV infection who attended a disease research center during the years 2009-2019. Results: 67 clinical histories were reviewed, 94% were men and 6% women with an average age of 44 years, 92.5% of the patients had use of anti-retroviral therapy and the diagnosis of HIV was known 11.7 years ago on average. The main liver diseases were HIV-Hepatitis C coinfection and fatty liver in equal percentages, 31.3%. The average HOMA index was 2.58. Discussion: Liver diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV infection. Viral coinfections and fatty liver can be very frequent in our setting, unlike other studies. Conclusions: This is the first study locally to describe the liver disorders in patients with HIV, non-AIDS comorbidities, including fatty liver, play an important role in the disease and could behave like the general population. Hepatitis C continues to be a frequent coinfection in the HIV population.

Evaluación de la respuesta humoral inducida por la vacuna BBIBP-CorV mediante la determinación de anticuerpos neutralizantes en personal sanitario peruano / Evaluation of the humoral response induced by BBIBP-CorV vaccine by determining neutralizing antibodies in peruvian healthcare personnel

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar el título de anticuerpos frente al dominio de unión al receptor (RBD) de la proteína espiga (S) en personal de salud entre la 4.ª y 12.ª semana luego de haber recibido la vacuna BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm). Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron 168 trabajadores de salud de dos hospitales de la región, quienes cumplían el esquema completo con vacuna de Sinopharm, y se realizó la medición de anticuerpos en suero mediante la prueba Elecsys®Anti-SARS-CoV-2. Resultados. Todos los participantes desarrollaron anticuerpos frente al dominio RBD. El valor mínimo fue de 1,78 U/mL. En 70 (41,7%) participantes se encontraron niveles iguales o por encima de 250. La media geométrica fue de 82,6 (IC 95% 67,8-100,6). Las mujeres presentaron un mayor nivel de anticuerpos. El grupo de participantes en los que se midieron anticuerpos entre las semanas 4 y 7 posvacunación mostró niveles de anticuerpos significativamente mayores que los pacientes cuyas determinaciones fueron realizadas entre las 10 y 12 semanas posvacunación. Entre los pacientes con antecedente de COVID-19, los niveles de anticuerpos se encontraron en cifras iguales o por encima de 250 U/mL en el 88% de casos, en comparación con 6% entre aquellos sin antecedente de COVID-19, (p<0,001). Conclusión. Todos los participantes inmunizados con la vacuna BBIBP-CorV presentaron positividad a anticuerpos frente al RBD de la proteína S del SARS-CoV-2. Es necesario evaluar la correlación entre la magnitud de los títulos y la protección frente a COVID-19 y el tiempo de protección conferido por la vacuna.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the titer of antibodies against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein (S) in health personnel between the 4th and 12th week after receiving the BBIBP-CorV vaccine (Sinopharm). Materials and methods. We included a total of 168 healthcare workers from two hospitals in the region, who complied with the complete Sinopharm vaccine schedule; serum antibodies were measured using the Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 test. Results. All participants developed antibodies to the RBD domain. The lowest antibody titer level was 1.78 U/mL. Levels equal to or above 250 were found in 70 (41.7%) participants. The geometric mean was 82.6 (95% CI: 67.8-100.6). Women had higher antibody levels. Participants whose antibodies were measured between 4- and 7-weeks post-vaccination showed significantly higher antibody levels than patients whose antibody levels were measured between 10- and 12-weeks post-vaccination. Among patients with a history of COVID-19, antibody levels were found to be at or above 250 U/mL in 88% of cases, compared to 6% among those without a history of COVID-19, (p<0.001). Conclusion. All participants immunized with BBIBPCorV vaccine were positive for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD. The correlation between the titer level and protection against COVID-19, as well as the length of the protection provided by the vaccine, needs to be evaluated.

Computational study, synthesis and evaluation of active peptides derived from Parasporin-2 and spike protein from Alphacoronavirus against colorectal cancer cells.

Parasporin-2Aa1 (PS2Aa1) is a toxic protein of 37 KDa (30 kDa, activated form produced by proteolysis) that was shown to be cytotoxic against specific human cancer cells, although its mechanism of action has not been elucidated yet. In order to study the role of some native peptide fragments of proteins on anticancer activity, here we investigated the cytotoxic effect of peptide fragments from domain-1 of PS2Aa1 and one of the loops present in the binding region of the virus spike protein from Alphacoronavirus (HCoV-229E), the latter according to scientific reports, who showed interaction with the human APN (h-APN) receptor, evidence corroborated through computational simulations, and thus being possible active against colon cancer cells. Peptides namely P264-G274, Loop1-PS2Aa, and Loop2-PS2Aa were synthesized using the Fmoc solid-phase synthesis and characterized by mass spectrometry (MS). Additionally, one region from loop 1 of HCoV-229E, Loop1-HCoV-229E, was also synthesized and characterized. The A4W-GGN5 anticancer peptide and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were taken as a control in all experiments. Circular dichroism revealed an α-helix structure for the peptides derived from PS2Aa1 (P264-G274, Loop1-PS2Aa, and Loop2-PS2Aa) and ß-laminar structure for the peptide derived from Alphacoronavirus spike protein Loop1-HCoV-229E. Peptides showed a hemolysis percentage of less than 20% at 100 µM concentration. Besides, peptides exhibited stronger anticancer activity against SW480 and SW620 cells after exposure for 48 h. Likewise, these compounds showed significantly lower toxicity against normal cells CHO-K1. The results suggest that native peptide fragments from Ps2Aa1 may be optimized as a novel potential cancer-therapeutic agents.

Benzene Excimer and Excited Multimers: Electronic Character, Interaction Nature, and Aromaticity.

In this Letter we analyze the forces involved in the formation of the benzene excimer and its electron structure, and (anti)aromatic character. We extend our study to excited states in molecular aggregates, the triplet excimer and the benzene-tricyanobenzene exciplex. Electronic wave functions are decomposed in terms of localized excitations and ion-pair configurations through diabatization, and we show that excimer (anti)aromaticity can be described as the linear combination of ground, excited, and ionic molecular states. Our analysis concludes that the benzene excimer must be characterized as antiaromatic, with weaker antiaromaticity than the molecular excited singlet. Moreover, we define a model electronic Hamiltonian for the excimer state and we use it as a building block for the extrapolation of electronic Hamiltonians in molecular aggregates. Benzene multimers present a nonuniform (anti)aromatic character, with the center of the column being antiaromatic and the edges behaving as aromatic. The implications of this work go beyond the study of the excimer, providing a general framework for the calculation and characterization of excited states in aggregates.

Molecular Human Targets of Bioactive Alkaloid-Type Compounds from Tabernaemontana cymose Jacq.

Alkaloids are a group of secondary metabolites that have been widely studied for the discovery of new drugs due to their properties on the central nervous system and their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. Molecular docking was performed for 10 indole alkaloids identified in the ethanol extract of Tabernaemontana cymosa Jacq. with 951 human targets involved in different diseases. The results were analyzed through the KEGG and STRING databases, finding the most relevant physiological associations for alkaloids. The molecule 5-oxocoronaridine proved to be the most active molecule against human proteins (binding energy affinity average = -9.2 kcal/mol) and the analysis of the interactions between the affected proteins pointed to the PI3K/ Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as the main target. The above indicates that indole alkaloids from T. cymosa constitute a promising source for the search and development of new treatments against different types of cancer.

Desenlaces a un año en pacientes con síncope de alto y bajo riesgo / One-year outcomes in patients with high-risk and low-risk syncope

Resumen Introducción: El síncope es un síntoma complejo de evaluar, que además representa un reto diagnóstico; la estratificación inadecuada del riesgo de los pacientes puede conllevar mal uso de los recursos en salud y aumentar así el costo derivado de la atención. Objetivo: Comparar la incidencia de desenlaces a un año en pacientes con síncope de alto y bajo riesgo en cuatro hospitales de Bogotá. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva, en el que se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años que consultaron a urgencias por síncope, y que fueron seguidos desde febrero de 2013 hasta julio de 2015. Fueron clasificados en bajo y alto riesgo según la escala de Martin et al. Se hizo seguimiento telefónico para evaluar los desenlaces a un año. Resultados: Los pacientes de alto riesgo tienen mayor frecuencia de mortalidad, recurrencia del síncope, requerimiento de hospitalización, eventos neurológicos y necesidad de intervención cardiovascular. La mortalidad global está alrededor del 6% y en el subgrupo de pacientes de mayor puntaje (4 puntos) asciende al 16,6%. La mayoría de eventos se presentaron en los primeros 6 meses de seguimiento. La mortalidad y la necesidad de intervención cardiovascular tuvieron un incremento de su frecuencia a medida que aumentó el puntaje de la escala. Conclusión: Los pacientes clasificados en alto riesgo según la escala de Martin et al. tienen mayor frecuencia de desenlaces adversos a un año de seguimiento, y por tanto podrían beneficiarse de un estudio más amplio y expedito de la causa del síncope.

Abstract Introduction: Syncope is a complex symptom to assess, and is a diagnostic challenge. The inadequate risk stratification can lead to the inappropriate use of health resources and to an increase in the costs arising from the care. Objective: To compare the outcomes at one year in patients with high and low risk syncope in four Bogota hospitals. Material and method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included patients over 18 years-old that were seen in the Emergency Department due to a syncope. They were followed-up from February 2013 until July 2015. They were classified into low and high risk according to the score on the scale of Martin et al. At one year, a telephone call follow-up was made to assess the outcomes. Results: The high risk patients had higher rates of mortality and recurrence of syncope, required more hospital admissions, had more neurological events, and a greater need for cardiac intervention. The overall mortality was 6%, and in sub-group of patients with a higher score (4 points) it increased to 16.6%. The majority of events occurred in the first 6 months of follow-up. The mortality and the need for cardiovascular intervention were associated with the increase in the score on the scale. Conclusion: Patients classified as high risk according to the scale of Martin et al. are more likely to have adverse outcomes at one year of follow-up, and thus could benefit from a larger study and directed at the cause of the syncope.

Infarto esplénico asociado a infección por citomegalovirus, primer reporte de caso en Colombia / Splenic infarction associated with cytomegalovirus infection, first Colombian Case report

Resumen Introducción: El infarto esplénico ocurre cuando la arteria esplénica o alguna de sus ramas quedan ocluidas, ya sea por émbolos distantes o por trombosis in situ. Dentro de la literatura mundial hay muy pocos casos documentados de infarto esplénico asociado a infección por Citomegalovirus, por lo que este podría considerarse el primero en Colombia. Presentación del Caso: Se trata de una paciente femenina de 53 años quien fue atendida en una institución de tercer nivel de la Ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia, por cuadro de dolor abdominal, a quien se le realizó una tomografía abdominal contrastada que demostró en el bazo una lesión hipodensa en cuña correspondiente con infarto esplénico por lo cual se realizaron estudios complementarios evidenciando como único dato positivo la positividad de la IgM para Citomegalovirus, descartándose eventos de h ipercoagulabilidad. Discusión: El infarto esplénico es una condición infrecuente que normalmente se presenta con síntomas variables e inespecíficos, dentro de las enfermedades infecciosas que corresponden con aproximadamente el 30% de los diagnósticos de Infarto esplénico, la infección por Citomegalovirus únicamente ha sido reportada en muy pocos casos. Se presenta el caso de una mujer joven con infarto esplénico como diagnóstico final de dolor abdominal en quien se descartaron causas de hipercoagulabilidad y se confirma la infección aguda por Citomegalovirus, lo cual se ha descrito muy poco en la literatura y puede considerarse el primer caso reportado en Colombia.

Abstract Introduction: Splenic infarction occurs when the splenic artery or any of its branches are occluded, either by distant emboli or by thrombosis in situ. Within the world literature, there are very few documented cases of splenic infarction associated with Cytomegalovirus infection, so this could be considered the first in Colombia. Case Presentation: This is a 53-year-old female patient who was treated at a third-level institution in the City of Bogotá, Colombia, for symptoms of abdominal pain, who underwent a contrasted abdominal tomography that she demonstrated in the spleen. a hypodense wedge lesion corresponding to splenic infarction, for which reason complementary studies were carried out, showing the positivity of IgM for Cytomegalovirus as the only positive data, ruling out events of hypercoagulability. Discussion: Splenic infarction is an infrequent condition that normally presents with variable and nonspecific symptoms. Among infectious diseases that correspond to approximately 30% of the diagnoses of splenic infarction, Cytomegalovirus infection has only been reported in very few cases. The case of a young woman with splenic infarction is presented as the final diagnosis of abdominal pain in whom causes of hypercoagulability were ruled out and acute infection by Cytomegalovirus was confirmed, which has been described very little in the literature and can be considered the first reported case In colombia.

Factores relacionados con letalidad en pacientes con bacteriemia hospitalizados por patología médica en una institución de tercer nivel en Colombia, 2014-2016 / Case fatality rate-related factors in patients with bacteremia hospitalized due medical conditions in an institution of third level in Colombia, 2014-2016

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones del torrente sanguíneo son un problema creciente y actualmente son una amenaza para la salud pública. La bacteriemia representa aproximadamente 15% de todas las infecciones nosocomiales y afecta a 1% de los pacientes hospitalizados. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y microbiológicas de episodios de bacteriemia nosocomial ocurridos en un hospital colombiano. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de corte transversal, con inclusión de pacientes adultos, hospitalizados por el Servicio de Medicina Interna en el Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia, durante los años 2014 a 2016. El protocolo fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Universidad Industrial de Santander. Resultados: Se revisaron 450 historias clínicas, con 148 pacientes y 182 aislados microbianos. Los antecedentes más frecuentes fueron: hipertensión arterial (46,6%) e infección por VIH (29,7%). El sistema vascular y urinario ocuparon los sitios anatómicos más frecuentes (37,3 y 38,3%, respectivamente). La letalidad fue de 29%. Los patógenos más frecuentemente aislados fueron: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (en suma: 49,8%) y Staphylococcus aureus 12,1%. El análisis multivariado mostró relación de la anemia con mortalidad intrahospitalaria (OR = 17,3; IC95% 2,95-102,0). Conclusiones: La bacteriemia es una infección frecuente durante la atención hospitalaria que presenta gran mortalidad. Es destacable el predominio de aislados de enterobacterias multiresistentes. El antecedente de infección por VIH es uno de los más frecuentes el que amerita ser evaluado como grupo de riesgo.

Abstract Background: Bloodstream infections are an increasing problem and currently represent a threat to public health, overcoming diseases such as HIV. Bacteremia accounts for approximately 15% of all nosocomial infections and affects 1% of all hospitalized patients. Aim: To describe the clinical, epidemiological and microbiological characteristic of episodes of nosocomial bacteremia occurring in a Colombian hospital. Methods: Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study including adult patients, hospitalized in the internal medicine unit at the University Hospital of Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia, during years 2014 to 2016, who met the criteria of the CDC for bloodstream infection. The protocol was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee and by the Research Ethics Committee of the Industrial University of Santander. Results: We reviewed 450 clinical records with 148 patients and 182 microbiological isolates. 53% were male. The most frequent comorbidities were: high blood pressure (46.6%), HIV infection (29.7%). The vascular and urinary systems were the most frequent anatomical sites as the source of the infection (respectively 37.3% and 38.3%). Case fatality rate was 29%. The pathogens most frequently isolated were: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (globally: 49.8%) and Staphylococcus aureus 12.1%. The multivariate analysis showed a relationship between anemia and in-hospital mortality (OR = 17.3, 95%CI 2.95-102.0). Conclusions: Bacteremia is a frequent infection during hospital care that presents high mortality. It is noteworthy the predominance of Enterobacteriaceae isolates with broad profiles of resistance. The history of HIV infection is one of the most frequent which deserves to be evaluated as a risk group.

Applying Lean in Process Innovation in Healthcare: The Case of Hip Fracture.

Academic literature and practitioners acknowledge that there is a need to improve efficiency and service quality in the healthcare industry. In Spain, osteoporotic fractures represent a great cost in socio-economic and morbi-mortality terms, hip fracture being the surgical pathology with the second highest consumption of resources. The research questions that govern this study concern the use of Lean principles to identify waste, and an evaluation of the application of an innovative approach in the hip fracture surgery process. A research design based on a case study and action research was developed. Findings relate to (i) the identification of the main types of waste or muda (being the most frequent delay, transportation, over-processing and defects); (ii) the analysis of existing processes based on a Lean approach (identifying opportunities for improvement as a reduction of the number of steps and participants, improving communication, automation, standardization, etc.); and (iii) the application of an innovative process based on the Lean approach and action research in the healthcare industry. This research provides insights for academia, practitioners, management, and society: waste identification and process redesign helps to continue the improvement of operations, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance services, providing benefits to patients, families, hospital employees, and the healthcare system.