Draft genome sequence of rhamnolipid-producing bacteria Thermoanaerobacter thermocopriae strain CM-CNRG TB177 isolated from an oil reservoir in Mexico.

The draft genome of Thermoanaerobacter thermocopriae CM-CNRG TB177 isolated from an oil reservoir in Mexico was determined and annotated. The organism is a thermophilic and strict anaerobe bacterium that produces rhamnolipids, using glucose as a carbon source. The predicted genome size is 2,496,169 bp and 2,550 genes.

Infiltrative Treatment of Morton's Neuroma: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Morton's neuroma (MN) is one of the most frequent neurological pathologies in feet, affecting approximately 4% of the general population. The treatment of MN can be surgical, conservative, and infiltrative, with different substances used in the injections for MN, as steroids, sclerosing solutions, and others. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of current infiltrative therapy for Morton's neuroma and, additionally, to define adverse effects of this therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, CINHAL, Epistemonikos, Web of Science (WOS), SPORTSDiscus and Cochrane Library. This search involved the application of all types of infiltrative treatment applicable to MN. The search was limited to original data describing clinical outcomes and pain using the Visual Analogue pain Scale (VAS) or the Johnson Satisfaction Scale, between February and June 2023. RESULTS: Twelve manuscripts were selected (six randomized controlled trials and six longitudinal observational studies) involving 1,438 patients. Capsaicin was reported to produce a VAS score reduction of 51.8%. Corticosteroids also reported a high level of efficacy. Alcohol and Hyaluronic Acid injections are well tolerated, but the effects of their application need further research. There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroids, sclerosant injections, hyaluronic acid and capsaicin have been shown to be effective in reducing the pain related to MN.

COVID-19 in patients with haematologic malignancies: Effect of RNAemia on clinical outcome in vaccinated patients.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with haematologic malignancies (HM) COVID-19 have more severe disease, with increased risk of mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia and the specific humoral immune responses on the clinical outcomes of patients with HM and COVID-19. METHODS: Interferon-α/γ (IFN-α/IFN-γ) serum levels, neutralizing antibodies and RNAemia at COVID-19 diagnosis, and persistent RNAemia during the follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 63 (58.9%) out of 107 patients had RNAemia, which was persistent in 26 (41.3%) patients. RNAemia at diagnosis and persistent RNAemia were associated with the need for high-flow nasal oxygen therapy during admission. Persistent RNAemia, age >70 years, and CURB-65 score ≥2 in patients with pneumonia were associated with increased 90-day mortality (P = 0.009, P = 0.030 and P = 0.001, respectively). The 90-day overall survival was lower (P = 0.006) in patients with persistent RNAemia. In addition, dexamethasone administration was associated with a COVID-19 episode with persistent RNAemia. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in patients with HM, RNAemia at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis and during the follow-up can be used to stratify patients with HM according to their clinical evolution and to guide clinical decisions tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

Elaboration of Thermally Performing Polyurethane Foams, Based on Biopolyols, with Thermal Insulating Applications.

In this work, biobased rigid polyurethane foams (PUFs) were developed with the aim of achieving thermal and fireproofing properties that can compete with those of the commercially available products. First, the synthesis of a biopolyol from a wood residue by means of a scaled-up process with suitable yield and reaction conditions was carried out. This biopolyol was able to substitute completely the synthetic polyols that are typically employed within a polyurethane formulation. Different formulations were developed to assess the effect of two flame retardants, namely, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and amino polyphosphate (APP), in terms of their thermal properties and degradation and their fireproofing mechanism. The structure and the thermal degradation of the different formulations was evaluated via Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Likewise, the performance of the different PUF formulations was studied and compared to that of an industrial PUF. From these results, it can be highlighted that the addition of the flame retardants into the formulation showed an improvement in the results of the UL-94 vertical burning test and the LOI. Moreover, the fireproofing performance of the biobased formulations was comparable to that of the industrial one. In addition to that, it can be remarked that the biobased formulations displayed an excellent performance as thermal insulators (0.02371-0.02149 W·m-1·K-1), which was even slightly higher than that of the industrial one.

Acercamiento teórico a la evaluación de competencias profesionales gerenciales en Medicina Intensiva y Emergencias

Introducción: En Medicina Intensiva y Emergencias se requiere el desarrollo de competencias gerenciales y su evaluación para garantizar una atención de excelencia al paciente grave. Es pertinente un acercamiento teórico a los antecedentes y fundamentos que sustentan dicha afirmación. Objetivo: Determinar los fundamentos teóricos sobre la evaluación de competencias profesionales gerenciales en Medicina Intensiva y Emergencias. Métodos: Investigación cualitativa en la que se realizó la revisión de artículos entre 2000 y 2023, con un 90 % de los últimos cinco años. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron Medline, Scopus y Google académico. Conclusiones: Los fundamentos teóricos parten de las definiciones y el surgimiento del término "competencias", sus clasificaciones y descripción de los elementos que la conforman, donde resalta la importancia de la interrelación entre ellos; lo expuesto permitió visualizar la capacidad de desaprender como aspecto esencial y novedoso. La gerencia y su estrecha relación con el desempeño de los intensivistas los define como gerentes asistenciales, lo que representa un aporte teórico y evidencia la importancia del desarrollo de competencias gerenciales en dicha especialidad. Es vital el diseño de estándares como referentes para lograr la evaluación de competencias gerenciales en la práctica asistencial, si se persigue la excelencia en los servicios de atención al paciente grave.

Introduction: In intensive care and emergency medicine, the development of managerial competences and their assessment is required to ensure excellence in the care of critically-ill patients. A theoretical approach to the antecedents and foundations supporting such assertion is pertinent. Objective: To determine the theoretical foundations on the assessment of professional managerial competences in intensive care and emergency medicine. Methods: A qualitative research was carried out through the review of articles from 2000 to 2023, with 90 % belonging to the latest five years. The consulted databases were Medline, Scopus and Google Scholar. Conclusions: The theoretical foundations start from the definitions and the emergence of the term "competences," its classifications and the description of the elements that make it up, highlighting the importance of the interrelation among them; the above allowed visualizing the ability to unlearn as an essential and novel aspect. Management and its close relationship with the performance of intensive care specialists defines them as care managers, which represents a theoretical contribution and evidences the importance of the development of managerial competences in this specialty. It is vital to design standards as a reference for the assessment of managerial competences in the healthcare practice, if excellence is to be pursued in the care of critically-ill patients.

Síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia en mujeres del policlínico universitario Dr. Cosme Ordoñez EECarceller, Cuba / Genitourinary syndrome in women at the Dr. Cosme Ordoñez Carceller university polyclinic, Cuba

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia e intensidad del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia en las mujeres atendidas en la consulta de climaterio y menopausia del Policlínico Universitario "Dr. Cosme Ordoñez Carceller. Materiales y métodos: Investigación tipo observacional, descriptiva y transversal, realizada en el período comprendido entre enero 2018 y diciembre de 2022. El universo de trabajo quedó constituido por 2962 mujeres de edad mediana del policlínico universitario Dr. Cosme Ordoñez Carceller. La muestra fue de 353 mujeres seleccionada mediante un muestreo estratificado simple. Para la recogida de los datos se empleó un modelo de Historia Clínica, de la cual se extrajeron los aspectos referidos a los datos sociodemográficos, la edad de inicio de los síntomas climatéricos y de la menopausia, las alteraciones genitourinarias y su intensidad en relación a la etapa del síndrome climatérico. Resultados: La edad promedio de las mujeres estudiadas fue de 49,4 +/- 5,18 años. La mayor cantidad de ellas se encontraban en la perimenopausia (60,1%), mientras que el porcentaje en las posmenopáusicas alcanzaba el 39,9%. La edad promedio de inicio de los síntomas fue de 45,8 +/- 6,2 años, la mayor frecuencia ocurrió entre los 45 y 49 años (61,5%). La edad promedio de aparición de la menopausia de 48,4+/- 3,7 años, lo que representa que más de dos tercios (81,6%) de las mujeres tuvieron su última menstruación por encima de los 45 años. Las alteraciones genitourinarias predominaron en la perimenopausia y la intensidad leve. Conclusiones: El síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia constituye un grupo de manifestaciones clínicas frecuentes en la mujer en etapa climatérica y afecta a más de dos tercios de las mujeres del policlínico, aparecen con mayor periodicidad entre los 45 y 49 años, en la perimenopausia y con intensidad leve.

Abstract Objective: To determine the frequency and intensity of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in womens treated in the climacteric and menopause consultation of the University Polyclinic 'Dr. Cosme Ordonez Carceller. Methods: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional research, carried out in the period between January 2018 and December 2022. The universe of work was made up of 2962 middle-aged women from the Dr. Cosme Ordoñez Carceller university polyclinic. The sample consisted of 353 women selected by simple stratified sampling. For data collection, a Clinical History model was used, from which aspects related to sociodemographic data were extracted, the age of onset of climacteric symptoms and menopause, genitourinary disorders and their intensity in relation to the stage of climacteric syndrome. Results: The average age of the women studied was 49.4 +/- 5.18 years. The largest number of them were in perimenopause (60.1%), while the percentage in postmenopausal women reached 39.9%. The mean age of onset of symptoms was 45.8 +/- 6.2 years, the highest frequency occurring between 45 and 49 years (61.5%). The average age of onset of menopause of 48.4+/- 3.7 years, which represents that more than two thirds (81.6%) of the women had their last menstruation over 45 years of age. Genitourinary alterations predominated in perimenopause and mild intensity Conclusions: The genitourinary syndrome of menopause constitutes a group of frequent clinical manifestations in women in the climacteric stage and affect more than two thirds of the women al the policlinic, appearing more frequently between the ages of 45 and 49, in perimenopause and with mild intensity.

Uncertainty and associated risks in the analysis of pesticides in homogeneous paprika samples.

In this study, risk estimation based on sampling and subsampling uncertainty was performed for pesticide analysis in homogeneous spice products such as paprika. The results of the subsampling were also used to estimate the minimum weight necessary in subsampling to minimize overall uncertainty. The results show that subsampling has more uncertainty than sampling in the product due to high homogeneity in the manufacturer's batch. On the other hand, results using the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation on the size of the subsample indicate that uncertainty is lower for weights between 20 and 30 g and increases for sample sizes of 100 g. A sample size of 30 g was used for saffron, and the values simulated with the MC method were confirmed.

Interacciones bioéticas: el arte del buen trato al adulto mayor

Propósito/Contexto. Conocer cómo necesita ser tratada la persona adulta mayor, identificar los recursos bioéticos involucrados en interacciones de buen trato y determinar que la presencia de recursos bioéticos en las interacciones con personas adultas mayores favorece la percepción del nivel de calidad de vida, facilitando de esta manera el llevar una vida digna. Metodología/Enfoque. Se hizo un diseño cuantitativo, transversal, con alcance descriptivo y correlacional con un muestreo probabilístico estratificado de 200 personas adultas mayores de 60 años cognitivamente aptos y de dos centros de día para personas adultas mayores en Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. Resultados/Hallazgos. Un 79 % de las personas adultas mayores viven en pareja o en familia y un 21 % viven solas, además, el 86,5 % reportó al menos una enfermedad diagnosticada y la sospecha de maltrato se ubicó en un 45,5 %. Se establece que las personas adultas mayores necesitan buen trato mediante: autonomía 25,6 % (respeto y comprensión), solidaridad 31,2 % (le tomen en cuenta y le tengan paciencia), subsidiariedad 34,2 % (atención y cuidados) y sociabilidad 9,0 % (apoyo y amabilidad). Se obtuvo un nivel de calidad de vida de un 87,5 % y una satisfacción con la vida de un 88,5 %. Discusión/Conclusiones/Contribuciones. La presencia de recursos bioéticos de autonomía, solidaridad, subsidiariedad y sociabilidad en las interacciones con personas adultas mayores favorece la percepción de la calidad de vida, facilitando de esta manera el llevar una vida digna.

Purpose/Context. To know how the older adult needs to be treated, to identify the bioethical resources involved in well-treatment interactions, and to determine that the presence of bioethical resources in interactions with older adults favors the perception of the level of quality of life, thus facilitating a dignified life. Methodology/Approach. A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational design was carried out with a stratified probability sampling of 200 cognitively fit adults over 60 years of age and from two day centers for older adults in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Results/Findings. Seventy-nine percent of the older adults live with a partner or family and 21% live alone; in addition, 86.5% reported at least one diagnosed disease and 45.5% suspected abuse. It is established that older adults need good treatment through: autonomy 25.6% (respect and understanding), solidarity 31.2% (being taken into account and having patience), subsidiarity 34.2% (attention and care) and sociability 9.0% (support and kindness). A level of quality of life of 87.5 % and life satisfaction of 88.5 % were obtained. Discussion/Conclusions/Contributions. The presence of bioethical resources of autonomy, solidarity, subsidiarity and sociability in interactions with older adults favors the perception of quality of life, thus facilitating a dignified life.

Objetivo/Contexto. Descobrir como o adulto idoso precisa ser tratado, identificar os recursos bioéticos envolvidos nas interações de bem tratar e determinar que a presença de recursos bioéticos nas interações com adultos idosos favorece a percepção do nível de qualidade de vida, facilitando assim uma vida digna. Metodologia/Abordagem. Um desenho quantitativo, transversal, descritivo e correlacional com uma amostra estratificada de probabilidade de 200 adultos idosos com 60 ou mais anos de idade, em centros de dois dias para adultos idosos em Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. Resultados/Descobertas. Setenta e nove por cento dos adultos idosos vivem com um parceiro ou família e 21% vivem sozinhos, 86,5% relataram pelo menos uma doença diagnosticada e 45,5% suspeitaram de abuso. Está estabelecido que os idosos precisam de um bom tratamento através de: autonomia 25,6% (respeito e compreensão), solidariedade 31,2% (ser levado em conta e ter paciência), subsidiariedade 34,2% (atenção e cuidado) e sociabilidade 9,0% (apoio e bondade). Foi obtido um nível de qualidade de vida de 87,5% e uma satisfação de vida de 88,5%. Discussão/Conclusões/Contribuições. A presença de recursos bioéticos de autonomia, solidariedade, subsidiariedade e sociabilidade nas interações com adultos idosos favorece a percepção da qualidade de vida, facilitando assim uma vida digna.

Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de la enfermedad COVID-19 en el municipio Sandino, año 2020 / Clinical and Epidemiological Characterization of COVID-19 Disease in Sandino Municipality, year 2020

Introducción: La COVID-19 fue declarada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud como pandemia el 11 de marzo de 2020 por su complejidad y rápida expansión mundial. El municipio de Sandino presentó su primer caso positivo el 6 de octubre de 2020. Objetivo: Caracterizar el comportamiento clínico-epidemiológico de la COVID-19 en Sandino, en el año 2020. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva y transversal, del 11 de marzo al 31 de diciembre. Con la información obtenida de historias clínico-epidemiológicas, resultados virológicos, pesquisa domiciliaria y laboral, atenciones por infecciones respiratorias agudas en consultorios y policlínicos, y los partes diarios de la Dirección Municipal de Salud, se realizó un análisis estadístico cuya información fue depositada en base de datos en Excel. Resultados: La tasa de incidencia fue de 528,23 por 100 000 habitantes; sin fallecidos. La mayoría de los casos ocurrieron en la ciudad de Sandino. Hubo mayor frecuencia de afectados, entre 41 y 60 años de edad, y el sexo masculino, mientras el 55,73 por ciento, fueron asintomáticos al diagnóstico. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron la tos, la fiebre y la congestión nasal. Se diagnosticaron entre uno y 13 casos por día durante los 63 días que hubo positividad. La transmisión familiar fue del 68,23 por ciento y la laboral del 50,52 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: La COVID-19 tuvo una alta incidencia en Sandino, y esta predominó en los lugares con mayor densidad poblacional con transmisión familiar y laboral intensa en un corto período de tiempo. Además, en el sexo masculino, el grupo etario en edad laboral y, en los asintomáticos(AU)

Introduction: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020 due to its complexity and rapid global expansion. Sandino municipality presented its first positive case on October 6, 2020. Objective: To characterize the clinical-epidemiological behavior of COVID-19 in Sandino municipality, in 2020. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional research was conducted from March 11 to December 31, 2020. With the information obtained from clinical-epidemiological records, virological results, home and work screening, care for acute respiratory infections in clinics and polyclinics, and the daily reports of the Municipal Health Directorate, a statistical analysis was carried out whose information was inserted in an Excel database. Results: The incidence rate was 528.23 per 100 000 population; no deaths. Most of the cases occurred in the city of Sandino. There was a higher frequency of patients in the ages from 41 and 60, and the male sex; while 55.73 percent were asymptomatic at diagnosis. The most common symptoms were cough, fever and nasal congestion. Between one and 13 cases per day were diagnosed during the 63 days that there was positivity. Family transmission was 68.23 percent and occupational transmission was 50.52 percent of cases. Conclusions: COVID-19 had a high incidence in Sandino municipality, and this predominated in places with higher population density with intense family and work transmission in a short period of time; also, in the male sex, the age group in working ages, and in the asymptomatic patients(AU)

Evaluación del Curso de liderazgo para cirujanos ortopédicos en Cuba

Se requiere de estrategias e infraestructuras sostenibles, así como del perfeccionamiento en la gestión y la forma de dirigir las organizaciones sanitarias, para mejorar la atención traumatológica ortopédica. Sin embargo, hay pocas oportunidades para el desarrollo formal del liderazgo, especialmente en América Latina; por ello, la Asociación de Cirujanos Traumatólogos de las Américas realizó un Programa de Desarrollo de Liderazgo adaptado a los cirujanos ortopédicos latinoamericanos. El primer curso se realizó en México en 2019, y esta experiencia se trasladó a La Habana en febrero de 2022. Este documento informa sobre las necesidades para el desarrollo del liderazgo entre los cirujanos ortopédicos cubanos y los estudiantes, el plan de estudio del curso y las impresiones de sus asistentes.

Sustainable strategies and infrastructures, as well as improvements in management and governance of health organizations, are required to improve orthopedic trauma care. However, there are few opportunities for formal leadership development, especially, in Latin America. For this reason, the Association of Traumatologist Surgeons of the Americas carried out a Leadership Development Program adapted to Latin American orthopedic surgeons. The first course was held in Mexico in 2019. This experience was transferred to Havana in February 2022. This document reports on the needs for leadership development among Cuban orthopedic surgeons and students, the course curriculum, and impressions of the attendees.

Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management of Penile Cancer: Results from the Spanish National Registry of Penile Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Penile cancer (PC) is a rare malignancy with an overall incidence in Europe of 1/100,000 males/year. In Europe, few studies report the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and treatment of PC. The aim of this study is to present an updated outlook on the aforementioned factors of PC in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicentric, retrospective, observational epidemiological study was designed, and patients with a new diagnosis of PC in 2015 were included. Patients were anonymously identified from the Register of Specialized Care Activity of the Ministry of Health of Spain. All Spanish hospitals recruiting patients in 2015 were invited to participate in the present study. We have followed a descriptive narration of the observed data. Continuous and categorical data were reported by median (p25th-p75th range) and absolute and relative frequencies, respectively. The incidence map shows differences between Spanish regions. RESULTS: The incidence of PC in Spain in 2015 was 2.55/100,000 males per year. A total of 586 patients were identified, and 228 patients from 61 hospitals were included in the analysis. A total of 54/61 (88.5%) centers reported ≤ 5 new cases. The patients accessed the urologist for visually-assessed penile lesions (60.5%), mainly localized in the glans (63.6%). Local hygiene, smoking habits, sexual habits, HPV exposure, and history of penile lesions were reported in 48.2%, 59.6%, 25%, 13.2%, and 69.7%. HPV-positive lesions were 18.1% (28.6% HPV-16). The majority of PC was squamous carcinoma (95.2%). PC was ≥cT2 in 45.2% (103/228) cases. At final pathology, PC was ≥pT2 in 51% of patients and ≥pN1 in 17% of cases. The most common local treatment was partial penectomy (46.9% cases). A total of 47/55 (85.5%) inguinal lymphadenectomies were open. Patients with ≥pN1 disease were treated with chemotherapy in 12/39 (40.8%) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: PC incidence is relatively high in Spain compared to other European countries. The risk factors for PC are usually misreported. The diagnosis and management of PC are suboptimal, encouraging the identification of referral centers for PC management.

Corrective bandages and daily manipulations for treatment of congenital vertical talus: a thirteen year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of a conservative method for treating congenital vertical talus in children with early start and to know in which cases surgical treatment was needed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all children diagnosed with idiopathic vertical talus was carried out during the years 2008-2021. Thirty-two children (46 feet) were finally included. Children were treated with serial manipulations, muscle stimulation, and corrective bandages. Age at the time of initiation of treatment, duration of treatment, and correction or not of the deformity without surgical intervention were recorded as variables of interest. The talocalcaneal angle, TAMBA, and ankle range of motion were measured before treatment, after treatment, and at the end of the follow-up period. Statistics decision tree was used to determine which variable best discriminated whether the patient needed surgery. To complement the tree diagram, a two-step cluster analysis was carried out. RESULTS: After treatment, TAMBA and talocalcaneal angle changed from "vertical" to "oblique" category in 45 and 37 feet, respectively. The pathological dorsal flexion of the ankle changed to normal in 37 feet and ankle plantar flexion was normal in 46 feet. These variables showed significant changes between the three measurement moments. The results of the statistics decision tree and cluster analysis indicate that "No surgery" was associated with an age equal to or lower than one week when treatment was started, and with an ankle plantar flexion range of motion lower than 36°. CONCLUSIONS: The beginning of this conservative treatment in the first week of life and having a plantar flexion of the ankle lower than 36° were related to the success of the treatment without surgery.

Primary esophageal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

A 76-year-old man presented with dysphagia, epigastric pain and weight loss for the last two months. Heavy sweating was also presented. Past medical conditions included type 2 diabetes. He had no evidence of any immunosupressive disease including HIV infection. Physical examination only revealed low-grade fever. Laboratory data showed leukocytosis. Gastroscopy evidenced a complete esophageal stenosis starting at 30 cm, with a severely friable mucosa of malignant appearance. The results of biopsies were insufficient for diagnosis of malignancy. Computed tomography demonstrated a 10-cm irregular tumor located in the distal and middle thirds of the esophagus, which resulted in narrowing of the lumen. Involving tracheal carina, bronchus, and descending aorta were observed. Perforation signs were also seen. Distant metastases were not found. Empirical treatment with piperacillin/tazobactan was started. A surgical gastrostomy to allows nutritional support was performed. Two other gastroscopies were performed resulting in an inconclusive diagnosis. Finally, flow cytometry performed in samples obtained by endobronchial ultrasound-guided biopsy evidenced prominent clonal B-cell populations consistent with extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma exhibing CD10 expression. A treatment with Rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) was started. Primary esophageal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, accounts for less than 1% of all cases of gastrointestinal lymphomas.

Women's perception of urban insecurity in the Monterrey metropolitan area during COVID-19 / Percepción femenina de la inseguridad urbana en el área metropolitana de Monterrey en tiempos de COVID-19 / A percepção das mulheres sobre a insegurança urbana na área metropolitana de Monterrey em tempos de COVID-19

The purpose of this paper it to explore women's perception of urban insecurity prevailing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Monterrey metropolitan area (MMA) in Mexico. In recent decades, large cities have grown and with them, so has crime increased. As a result, the issue of urban insecurity has become important, particularly during this COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a cross-sectional, descriptive, non-probabilistic study was conducted involving 69 women aged 18 to 58, with Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León being taken as the sample frame. Our findings show that 74% of the participants indicate that urban safety near their homes, ranges fair to very bad, while 81% feel the same about safety near their workplaces. Ninety-three per cent say that crime has increased. Meanwhile, 55% say that the situation has affected their quality of life severely to very severely, denoting the MAM population's transition from one of social well-being to one of vulnerability, which has been further aggravated by the health contingency.

Este artículo investiga la percepción femenina de la inseguridad urbana que prevalece durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en el área metropolitana de Monterrey (MAM) en México. En las últimas décadas las grandes urbes han crecido y con esto también se favorece la delincuencia. Por lo tanto, el tema de inseguridad urbana se ha tornado pertinente y, particularmente, ha sido de interés abordarlo durante esta pandemia de COVID-19. Para esto, se realizó un estudio de carácter transversal y descriptivo, no probabilístico, en 69 mujeres de 18 a 58 años, y se consideró la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León como el sitio de muestreo. En el presente documento los hallazgos muestran que 74% de las participantes indica que la seguridad urbana cercana a sus casas es regular a muy mala. Similar situación se presenta en sus lugares de trabajo, según afirma el 81%. El 93% asevera que los actos delictivos aumentaron. Entre tanto, el 55% dice que esta situación afectó de grave a muy gravemente su calidad de vida. Esta situación denota la transición de la sociedad en el MAM de bienestar social a otra de vulnerabilidad, que se ha incrementado por el escenario de la contingencia sanitaria que ha padecido.

Este artigo investiga a percepção das mulheres sobre a insegurança urbana prevalecente durante a pandemia COVID-19 na área metropolitana de Monterrey (MMA), no México. Nas últimas décadas, as grandes cidades cresceram e, com isso, a criminalidade também aumentou. Portanto, a questão da insegurança urbana tornou-se relevante e, particularmente, tem sido de interesse abordá-la durante esta pandemia da COVID-19. Para este fim, foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo e não-probabilístico entre 69 mulheres de 18 a 58 anos, e a Universidade Autônoma de Nuevo León foi considerada como o local de amostragem. Neste documento, os resultados mostram que 74% dos participantes indicam que a segurança urbana perto de suas casas é justa a muito ruim. Uma situação semelhante é encontrada em seus locais de trabalho, de acordo com 81%. Noventa e três por cento dizem que a criminalidade aumentou. Enquanto isso, 55% dizem que esta situação tem afetado seriamente a qualidade de vida deles. Esta situação reflete a transição da sociedade no MMA de uma situação de bem-estar social para uma situação de vulnerabilidade, que tem aumentado devido ao cenário de contingência de saúde que experimentou.

Assessing Oncologists' Attitudes Concerning Comprehensive Genomic Profiling in Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma in Brazil.

Introduction: Advances in comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs) led to personalized treatment for patients. This study evaluated medical oncologists' attitudes toward CGP in a scenario where sponsored funding for CGP was available. Methods: We designed an online survey assessing CGP use and treating physicians' confidence, composed of three self-confidence domains, which are as follows: confidence in interpreting CGP results, confidence in treating oncogenic-driven LUAD, and confidence in managing tyrosine kinase inhibitor adverse events. The survey was distributed to medical oncologists who treat lung cancer in Brazil. Comparisons between groups were performed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Univariable and multivariable (adjusted OR) analyses were performed. Results: Among 104 respondents who treat patients with lung cancer, 55% were from the Southeast region, 28% had high lung cancer clinical load, and 33% had in-house molecular testing. More than half (51%) of the participants request CGP systematically to stage IV LUAD. As for provider confidence, 67% stated being confident in all three domains: 76% confident in interpreting CGP, 84% confident in treating oncogenic-driven LUAD, and 81% in managing tyrosine kinase inhibitor adverse events. Providers' confidence was associated with systematically requesting CGP to stage IV LUAD (p = 0.013). After controlling for the variables of interest, systematic requesting CGP for stage IV LUAD revealed a significant association with the provider's confidence (adjusted OR = 0.35, p = 0.028, 95% CI: 0.14-0.84). The major challenge for properly requesting CGP was the long turnaround time and the fear of treatment delays. Conclusions: Even though CGP for stage IV LUAD in Brazil is fully sponsored, only half of the oncologists in our survey systematically request it.. Requesting CGP was associated with providers' confidence. Improving access and promoting providers' awareness of CGP utility is necessary to increase CGP use and better inform treatment decisions.

Monitoring of Soluble Forms of BAFF System (BAFF, APRIL, sR-BAFF, sTACI and sBCMA) in Kidney Transplantation.

BAFF system plays an essential role in B cells homeostasis and tolerance, although it has widely not been tested in transplantation with doubtful results. The main purpose was to study the BAFF soluble forms and their correlation with acute rejection (AR) and donor-specific antibodies production. Serum levels of BAFF, APRIL, and soluble forms of their receptors were analyzed in renal recipients with and without acute rejection (AR/NAR) appearance. All molecules were evaluated at pre- and post-transplantation. sTACI showed a significant correlation with BAFF and sR-BAFF levels, and sBCMA also showed a positive correlation with sAPRIL levels. A significant increase in sAPRIL levels in patients suffering AR was also found, and ROC curves analysis showed an AUC = 0.724, a concentration of 6.05 ng/ml (sensitivity: 66.7%; specificity: 73.3%), the best cutoff point for predicting AR. In the post-transplant dynamics of sAPRIL levels in the longitudinal cohort, we observed a significant decrease at 3 and 6 month post-transplantation compared to pretransplantation status. We also observed that recipients with high pre-transplant levels of sAPRIL generated antibodies earlier than those with lower sAPRIL levels, although their long-term post-transplantation was not different. Our results show that elevated serum levels of APRIL may be helpful as a biomarker for the diagnosis of AR, although the longitudinal study shows that it is not helpful as a prognostic biomarker.

In Vitro Toxicity Studies of Bioactive Organosulfur Compounds from Allium spp. with Potential Application in the Agri-Food Industry: A Review.

Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) are secondary metabolites produced by different Allium species which present important biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, antispasmodic, etc. In recent years, their use has been promoted in the agri-food industry as a substitute for synthetic preservatives, increasing potential accumulative exposure to consumers. Before their application in the food industry, it is necessary to pass a safety assessment as specified by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This work reviews the scientific literature on OSCs regarding their in vitro toxicity evaluation following PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Four electronic research databases were searched (Web of Science, Scopus, Science Database and PubMed) and a total of 43 works were selected according to predeterminate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Different data items and the risk of bias for each study were included. Currently, there are very few in vitro studies focused on investigating the potential toxicity of OSCs. Most research studies aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of OSCs to elucidate their antiproliferative effects focusing on their therapeutic aspects using cancer cell lines as the main experimental model. The results showed that diallyl disulfide (DADS) is the compound most studied, followed by diallyl trisulfide (DATS), diallyl sulfide (DAS), Allicin and Ajoene. Only 4 studies have been performed specifically to explore the safety of OSCs for agri-food applications, and genotoxicity studies are limited. More toxicity studies of OSCs are necessary to ensure consumers safety and should mainly be focused on the evaluation of genotoxicity and long-term toxicity effects.

Vascular injury during cholecystectomy: A multicenter critical analysis behind the drama.

BACKGROUND: The management of a vascular injury during cholecystectomy is still very complicated, especially in centers not specialized in complex hepatobiliary surgery. METHODS: This was a multi-institutional retrospective study in patients with vascular injuries during cholecystectomy from 18 centers in 4 countries. The aim of the study was to analyze the management of vascular injuries focusing on referral, time to perform the repair, and different treatments options outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included. Twenty-nine patients underwent vascular repair (27.9%), 13 (12.5%) liver resection, and 1 liver transplant as a first treatment. Eighty-four (80.4%) vascular and biliary injuries occurred in nonspecialized centers and 45 (53.6%) were immediately transferred. Intraoperative diagnosed injuries were rare in referred patients (18% vs 84%, P = .001). The patients managed at the hospital where the injury occurred had a higher number of reoperations (64% vs 20%, P ˂ .001). The need for vascular reconstruction was associated with higher mortality (P = .04). Two of the 4 patients transplanted died. CONCLUSION: Vascular lesions during cholecystectomy are a potentially life-threatening complication. Management of referral to specialized centers to perform multiple complex multidisciplinary procedures should be mandatory. Late vascular repair has not shown to be associated with worse results.

Machine Learning-Based Analysis in the Management of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy: a Nationwide Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) is a challenging surgical complication. IBDI management can be guided by artificial intelligence models. Our study identified the factors associated with successful initial repair of IBDI and predicted the success of definitive repair based on patient risk levels. METHODS: This is a retrospective multi-institution cohort of patients with IBDI after cholecystectomy conducted between 1990 and 2020. We implemented a decision tree analysis to determine the factors that contribute to successful initial repair and developed a risk-scoring model based on the Comprehensive Complication Index. RESULTS: We analyzed 748 patients across 22 hospitals. Our decision tree model was 82.8% accurate in predicting the success of the initial repair. Non-type E (p < 0.01), treatment in specialized centers (p < 0.01), and surgical repair (p < 0.001) were associated with better prognosis. The risk-scoring model was 82.3% (79.0-85.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]) and 71.7% (63.8-78.7%, 95% CI) accurate in predicting success in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. Surgical repair, successful initial repair, and repair between 2 and 6 weeks were associated with better outcomes. DISCUSSION: Machine learning algorithms for IBDI are a novel tool may help to improve the decision-making process and guide management of these patients.

The Modified versus the Conventional Winograd Technique for the Treatment of Onychocryptosis: A Retrospective Study.

The Winograd technique is a common surgical treatment for ingrown toenails. Attempting to improve the results of this technique, two modifications were adopted: the incisional approach and the use of adhesive approximation strips. This study aimed to compare the conventional technique and the modified version based on (i) postoperative complications, (ii) healing time, (iii) recurrence rate, and (iv) overall patient satisfaction. A longitudinal, observational, and retrospective design was used, with a sample of 208 patients divided into the modified Winograd technique (n = 111) and the conventional Winograd technique (n = 97) in three clinics in Portugal, with follow-up periods of more than 15 years and 10 years, respectively. The modifications to the Winograd technique revealed fewer postsurgical complications, in terms of infections (1.8% vs. 20.62%, p < 0.010), recurrence rate (2.7% vs. 5.21%, p > 0.05), shorter recovery time (8.10 ± 0.76 vs. 14.51 ± 3.48 days, p < 0.001), and lower postoperative pain and better satisfaction with the functional and esthetic results, with the patient's overall satisfaction, and with significant differences in relation to the conventional technique (p < 0.001). The modifications performed showed a lower rate of infection, decreased healing time, and better patient satisfaction, suggesting that it may be adopted in clinical practice for the treatment of stages II and III ingrown toenails.