Protective role of 17ß-estradiol in alcohol-associated liver fibrosis is mediated by suppression of integrin signaling.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol-associated liver disease is a complex disease regulated by genetic and environmental factors such as diet and sex. The combination of high-fat diet and alcohol consumption has synergistic effects on liver disease progression. Female sex hormones are known to protect females from liver disease induced by high-fat diet. In contrast, they promote alcohol-mediated liver injury. We aimed to define the role of female sex hormones on liver disease induced by a combination of high-fat diet and alcohol. METHODS: Wild-type and protein arginine methyltransferase (Prmt)6 knockout female mice were subjected to gonadectomy (ovariectomy, OVX) or sham surgeries and then fed western diet and alcohol in the drinking water. RESULTS: We found that female sex hormones protected mice from western diet/alcohol-induced weight gain, liver steatosis, injury, and fibrosis. Our data suggest that these changes are, in part, mediated by estrogen-mediated induction of arginine methyltransferase PRMT6. Liver proteome changes induced by OVX strongly correlated with changes induced by Prmt6 knockout. Using Prmt6 knockout mice, we confirmed that OVX-mediated weight gain, steatosis, and injury are PRMT6 dependent, while OVX-induced liver fibrosis is PRMT6 independent. Proteomic and gene expression analyses revealed that estrogen signaling suppressed the expression of several components of the integrin pathway, thus reducing integrin-mediated proinflammatory (Tnf, Il6) and profibrotic (Tgfb1, Col1a1) gene expression independent of PRMT6 levels. Integrin signaling inhibition using Arg-Gly-Asp peptides reduced proinflammatory and profibrotic gene expression in mice, suggesting that integrin suppression by estrogen is protective against fibrosis development. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, estrogen signaling protects mice from liver disease induced by a combination of alcohol and high-fat diet through upregulation of Prmt6 and suppression of integrin signaling.

Escarlatina estafilocócica como complicación de quemadura por contacto

El Staphylococcus aureus causa una variedad de infecciones localizadas e invasivas supurativas y 3 síndromes mediados por toxinas: Síndrome de choque tóxico estafilocócico (STSS, por sus siglas en ingles), síndrome de piel escaldada estafilocócica (SSSS) e intoxicación alimentaria1. La escarlatina estafilocócica está relacionada con las toxinas del STSS y SSSS. De hecho, se pudieron describir dos síndromes diferentes cada uno relacionado a un tipo de toxina que eran formas atenuadas de estas entidades. El curso de esta patología generalmente es autolimitado, pero puede evolucionar rápidamente a enfermedad severa que ponga en peligro la vida. Un entendimiento de este conjunto de patologías nos permite abordar al paciente de una manera oportuna, manteniendo la vigilancia y en caso de ser necesario intervenir para evitar el advenimiento del STSS que puede desembocar en falla orgánica múltiple e incluso la muerte. Esta revisión se trata de un caso atendido en la unidad de quemados del Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel (HDNJRE) en el mes de mayo del 2023 con quemadura por contacto complicada con escarlatina estafilocócica. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Staphylococcus aureus causes a variety of localized and invasive suppurative infections and 3 toxin-mediated syndromes: staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) and food poisoning1 . Staphylococcal scarlet fever is related to STSS and SSSS toxins. In fact, two different syndromes each related to a type of toxin could be described which were attenuated forms of these entities. The course of this pathology is usually self-limiting, but can rapidly progress to severe life-threatening disease. An understanding of this set of pathologies allows us to approach the patient in a timely manner, maintaining vigilance and if necessary intervening to prevent the advent of STSS that can lead to multiple organ failure and even death. This review is about a case treated at the burn unit of the Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel (HDNJRE) in May 2023 with contact burn complicated by staphylococcal scarlet fever. (provided by Infomedic International)

Application of neural networks for the detection of oral cancer: A systematic review.

One potential application of neural networks (NNs) is the early-stage detection of oral cancer. This systematic review aimed to determine the level of evidence on the sensitivity and specificity of NNs for the detection of oral cancer, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) and Cochrane guidelines. Literature sources included PubMed, ClinicalTrials, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. In addition, the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of the studies. Only 9 studies fully met the eligibility criteria. In most studies, NNs showed accuracy greater than 85%, though 100% of the studies presented a high risk of bias, and 33% showed high applicability concerns. Nonetheless, the included studies demonstrated that NNs were useful in the detection of oral cancer. However, studies of higher quality, with an adequate methodology, a low risk of bias and no applicability concerns are required so that more robust conclusions could be reached.

The Autosomal Short Tandem Repeat Polymorphisms Are Potentially Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Predisposition in the Latin American Population: A Mini Review.

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide across nearly all ethnic groups. Inherited cardiac conditions comprise a wide spectrum of diseases that affect the heart, including abnormal structural features and functional impairments. In Latin America, CVDs are the leading cause of death within the region. Factors such as population aging, unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle have increased the risk of CVD. The Latin American population is characterized by its diverse ethnic composition with varying percentages of each ancestral component (African, European, and Native American ancestry). Short tandem repeats (STRs) are DNA sequences with 2-6 base pair repetitions and constitute ~3% of the human genome. Importantly, significant allele frequency variations exist between different populations. While studies have described that STRs are in noncoding regions of the DNA, increasing evidence suggests that simple sequence repeat variations may be critical for proper gene activity and regulation. Furthermore, several STRs have been identified as potential disease predisposition markers. The present review is aimed at comparing and describing the frequencies of autosomal STR polymorphisms potentially associated with cardiovascular disease predisposition in Latin America compared with other populations.

Black race and lower age at surgery are associated with smoking relapse in a safety-net setting after surgery for stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Smoking relapse after surgical resection for lung cancer (LC) remains a health concern. This study aims to determine various factors associated with postoperative smoking relapse in patients undergoing surgical resection for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at an urban safety net hospital. Methods: We analyzed the demographic and clinical variables of all patients who underwent surgical resection for stage I NSCLC from 2002 to 2016 at our institution. Based on the post-operative smoking history, we segregated the cohort into two groups: relapse and abstinent. Chi-squared and analysis of variance tests were used to identify the variables that registered a significant difference between the two groups. Further, we used univariable and multivariable logistic regression to determine association between variables and smoking relapse. Results: We analyzed data from 168 patients, excluding those with inadequate smoking history and never smokers. In total, 64 (38.1%) patients experienced smoking relapse, and 104 (61.9%) remained abstinent. The age, annual income, and race showed significant differences between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression reflected that black patients had higher odds of relapse than white patients [odds ratio (OR) =3.26, confidence interval (CI): 1.54-6.89, P=0.002] and the chances of relapse decreased as the age increased (5-year age gap, OR =0.70, CI: 0.58-0.85, P<0.001). Conclusions: Black race and younger age at the time of surgery are associated with smoking relapse after surgery for stage I NSCLC. Targeted smoking cessation programs catered towards these patient groups may help reduce the prevalence of post-operative smoking.

Allele-Specific Gene Regulation, Phenotypes, and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities in Estrogen Receptor Alpha-Mutant Endometrial Cancer.

Activating estrogen receptor alpha (ER; also known as ESR1) mutations are present in primary endometrial and metastatic breast cancers, promoting estrogen-independent activation of the receptor. Functional characterizations in breast cancer have established unique molecular and phenotypic consequences of the receptor, yet the impact of ER mutations in endometrial cancer has not been fully explored. In this study, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to model the clinically prevalent ER-Y537S mutation and compared results with ER-D538G to discover allele-specific differences between ER mutations in endometrial cancer. We found that constitutive activity of mutant ER resulted in changes in the expression of thousands of genes, stemming from combined alterations to ER binding and chromatin accessibility. The unique gene expression programs resulted in ER-mutant cells developing increased cancer-associated phenotypes, including migration, invasion, anchorage-independent growth, and growth in vivo. To uncover potential treatment strategies, we identified ER-associated proteins via Rapid Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry of Endogenous Proteins and interrogated two candidates, CDK9 and NCOA3. Inhibition of these regulatory proteins resulted in decreased growth and migration, representing potential novel treatment strategies for ER-mutant endometrial cancer. IMPLICATIONS: This study provides insight into mutant ER activity in endometrial cancer and identifies potential therapies for women with ER-mutant endometrial cancer.

Advances in Protozoan Epigenetic Targets and Their Inhibitors for the Development of New Potential Drugs.

Protozoan parasite diseases cause significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Factors such as climate change, extreme poverty, migration, and a lack of life opportunities lead to the propagation of diseases classified as tropical or non-endemic. Although there are several drugs to combat parasitic diseases, strains resistant to routinely used drugs have been reported. In addition, many first-line drugs have adverse effects ranging from mild to severe, including potential carcinogenic effects. Therefore, new lead compounds are needed to combat these parasites. Although little has been studied regarding the epigenetic mechanisms in lower eukaryotes, it is believed that epigenetics plays an essential role in vital aspects of the organism, from controlling the life cycle to the expression of genes involved in pathogenicity. Therefore, using epigenetic targets to combat these parasites is foreseen as an area with great potential for development. This review summarizes the main known epigenetic mechanisms and their potential as therapeutics for a group of medically important protozoal parasites. Different epigenetic mechanisms are discussed, highlighting those that can be used for drug repositioning, such as histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs). Exclusive parasite targets are also emphasized, including the base J and DNA 6 mA. These two categories have the greatest potential for developing drugs to treat or eradicate these diseases.

El niño plateado: Síndrome de Chediak-Higashi / The Silver Child: Chediak-Higashi Syndrome

El Síndrome de Chediak-Higashi (SCH) es una patología de herencia autosómica recesiva debido principalmente a mutaciones del gen regulador del tráfico lisosómico (LYST), causando grados dermatológicamente diferentes de albinismo óculocutáneo, infecciones recurrentes, disfunción fagocítica primaria, en el desarrollo y proliferación de todas las líneas celulares. Se presenta caso de preescolar masculino de 2 años de edad, ingresado por aumento de volumen bilateral en región cervical y fiebre, en malas condiciones generales, con áreas de hiperpigmentación en piel, cabello y cejas de coloración grisácea, adenopatías generalizadas y visceromegalias; leucocitosis con linfocitosis y neutropenia, anemia, trombocitopenia, hipoalbuminemia, hipertrigliceridemia e hiperferritinemia; en vista de la infrecuente coexistencia de dichas características con albinismo óculocutáneo; es evaluado por hematología y dermatología evidenciándose inclusiones citoplasmáticas y melanosomas gigantes, respectivamente, compatibles con SCH, confirmándose diagnóstico. El conocimiento del SCH es importante para la oportuna sospecha clínica-diagnóstica e inicio de protocolos terapéuticos en consenso, que garanticen un manejo eficaz para su sobrevida(AU)

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (SCH) is an auto somal recessive in herited pathology mainly due to mutations ofthe LYST gene, causing dermatologically different degrees of oculocutaneous albinism, recurrent infections, primary phagocytic dysfunction, in the development and proliferation of all cell lines. We present a case of a 2-year-old male preschool, admitted due to bilateral volume increase in thecervical region and fever, in poor general conditions, with areas of hyperpigmentation in skin, hair and eyebrows of grayish coloration, generalized lymphadenopathy and visceromegaly; leukocytosis with lymphocytosis and neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hypertriglyceridemia,and hyperferritinemia; in view of the infrequent coexistence of these characteristics with oculocutaneous albinism; it isevaluated by hematology and dermatology, showing cytoplasmicinclusions and giant melanosomes, respectively, compatiblewith SCH, confirming the diagnosis. Knowledge of SCH is important for timely clinical-diagnostic suspicion and initiation of consensus therapeutic protocols that guarantee effective management for survival(AU)

Asociación entre lesiones periapicales y diabetes mellitus

Las lesiones periapicales son procesos inflamatorios que generan la reabsorción de los tejidos mineralizados. En pacientes diabéticos este proceso puede verse afectado. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo identificar la asociación entre la diabetes mellitus y las lesiones periapicales y conocer si los pacientes diabéticos presentan mayor prevalencia y severidad. Se realizó una revisión amplia de la literatura disponible, de tipo narrativa. Se consultaron las bases de datos PubMed (Medline) y SciELO y los recursos Timbó y Google Scholar. Los criterios de exclusión fueron: trabajos anteriores al año 2010 y reportes de caso Se incluyeron artículos anteriores a la fecha de exclusión por considerarse relevantes para el trabajo. A pesar que la evidencia científica continúa siendo insuficiente y el diseño de los estudios debe mejorarse, se demuestra asociación entre lesiones periapicales y diabetes mellitus. Esto implica que los pacientes diabéticos podrían presentar mayor prevalencia y severidad de lesiones.

As lesões periapicais são processos inflamatórios que geram a reabsorção de tecidos mineralizados. Em pacientes diabéticos este processo pode ser afetado. Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar a associação entre diabetes mellitus e lesões periapicais e saber se os pacientes diabéticos apresentam maior prevalência e gravidade. Foi realizada uma revisão abrangente da literatura disponível, do tipo narrativa. Foram consultadas as bases de dados PubMed (Medline) e SciELO e os recursos Timbó e Google Acadêmico. Os critérios de exclusão foram: trabalhos anteriores ao ano de 2010 e relatos de casos.Os artigos anteriores à data de exclusão foram incluídos por serem considerados pertinentes ao trabalho. Apesar de as evidências científicas ainda serem insuficientes e o delineamento dos estudos precisar ser aprimorado, foi demonstrada uma associação entre lesões periapicais e diabetes mellitus. Isso implica que os pacientes diabéticos podem ter maior prevalência e gravidade das lesões.

Summary Periapical lesions are inflammatory processes that generate the resorption of mineralized tissues. In diabetic patients this process may be affected. This work aims to identify the association between diabetes mellitus and periapical lesions and to know if diabetic patients have a higher prevalence and severity. A comprehensive review of the available literature, of a narrative type, was carried out. The PubMed (Medline) and SciELO databases and the Timbó and Google Scholar resources were consulted. The exclusion criteria were: works prior to the year 2010 and case reports. Articles prior to the exclusion date were included, as they were considered relevant to the work. Despite the fact that the scientific evidence is still insufficient and the design of the studies should be improved, an association between periapical lesions and diabetes mellitus has been demonstrated. This implies that diabetic patients could have a higher prevalence and severity of lesions.

Recomendaciones para la práctica clínica: hipoglucemia en personas con diabetes mellitus / Recommendations for clinical practice: hypoglycemia in people with diabetes mellitus

En la hipoglucemia secundaria, el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus (DM) se define ante un valor de glucemia por debajo de 70 mg/dl, pudiendo manifestarse por síntomas autonómicos y neuroglucopénicos, con consecuencias a corto y largo plazo, como el deterioro de las funciones cognitivas y el aumento del riesgo cardiovascular, entre otras. La hipoglucemia en personas con DM1 es más frecuente que en aquellas con DM2. Los factores que incrementan su riesgo son: el retraso en la ingesta de comida, el alcohol, el ejercicio intenso, el ayuno y la neuropatía autonómica. Por otro lado, las hipoglucemias inadvertidas se asocian con un mayor riesgo de hipoglucemia grave. Los niños y adultos mayores son un grupo vulnerable a estos eventos que, en muchos casos, presentan síntomas difíciles de distinguir. A su vez, la hipoglucemia durante el embarazo se asocia con mayor riesgo de complicaciones. Otro grupo importante para detectar estos episodios son los pacientes hospitalizados a fin de disminuir la morbimortalidad asociada a los mismos. La calidad de vida está claramente afectada en los pacientes que sufren episodios de hipoglucemia, por lo cual resulta esencial instaurar estrategias de prevención como la educación, el monitoreo glucémico, realizar modificaciones en la dieta y el ejercicio, y ajustar la medicación. El tratamiento, en caso de no presentar pérdida de conciencia, será por vía oral, de lo contrario, se recurrirá a glucosa endovenosa o glucagón intramuscular.

Hypoglycemia due to treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined by a blood glucose value below 70 mg/dl, which can manifest itself by autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms, with short- and long-term consequences, such as impaired cognitive functions and increased cardiovascular risk, among others. Hypoglycemia in people with DM1 is more frequent than in those with DM2. Factors that increase its risk are: delayed food intake, alcohol, intense exercise, fasting and autonomic neuropathy. On the other hand, inadvertent hypoglycemia is associated with an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia. Children and older adults are a vulnerable group to these events that, in many cases, present symptoms that are difficult to distinguish. Hypoglycemia during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of complications. Another important group to detect these episodes are hospitalized patients in order to reduce the morbimortality associated with them. Quality of life is clearly affected in patients who suffer episodes of hypoglycemia, so it is essential to implement prevention strategies such as education, glycemic monitoring, dietary and exercise modifications, and medication adjustment. Treatment, if there is no loss of consciousness, will be oral, otherwise, intravenous glucose or intramuscular glucagon will be used.

Recomendaciones para la práctica clínica: hipoglucemia en personas con diabetes mellitus / Recommendations for clinical practice: hypoglycemia in people with diabetes mellitus

Resumen En la hipoglucemia secundaria, el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus (DM) se define ante un valor de glucemia por debajo de 70 mg/dl, pudiendo manifestarse por síntomas autonómicos y neuroglucopénicos, con consecuencias a corto y largo plazo, como el deterioro de las funciones cognitivas y el aumento del riesgo cardiovascular, entre otras. La hipoglucemia en personas con DM1 es más frecuente que en aquellas con DM2. Los factores que incrementan su riesgo son: el retraso en la ingesta de comida, el alcohol, el ejercicio intenso, el ayuno y la neuropatía autonómica. Por otro lado, las hipoglucemias inadvertidas se asocian con un mayor riesgo de hipoglucemia grave. Los niños y adultos mayores son un grupo vulnerable a estos eventos que, en muchos casos, presentan síntomas difíciles de distinguir. A su vez, la hipoglucemia durante el embarazo se asocia con mayor riesgo de complicaciones. Otro grupo importante para detectar estos episodios son los pacientes hospitalizados a fin de disminuir la morbimortalidad asociada a los mismos. La calidad de vida está claramente afectada en los pacientes que sufren episodios de hipoglucemia, por lo cual resulta esencial instaurar estrategias de prevención como la educación, el monitoreo glucémico, realizar modificaciones en la dieta y el ejercicio, y ajustar la medicación. El tratamiento, en caso de no presentar pérdida de conciencia, será por vía oral, de lo contrario, se recurrirá a glucosa endovenosa o glucagón intramuscular.

Abstract Hypoglycemia due to treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined by a blood glucose value below 70 mg/dl, which can manifest itself by autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms, with short- and long-term consequences, such as impaired cognitive functions and increased cardiovascular risk, among others. Hypoglycemia in people with DM1 is more frequent than in those with DM2. Factors that increase its risk are: delayed food intake, alcohol, intense exercise, fasting and autonomic neuropathy. On the other hand, inadvertent hypoglycemia is associated with an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia. Children and older adults are a vulnerable group to these events that, in many cases, present symptoms that are difficult to distinguish. Hypoglycemia during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of complications. Another important group to detect these episodes are hospitalized patients in order to reduce the morbimortality associated with them. Quality of life is clearly affected in patients who suffer episodes of hypoglycemia, so it is essential to implement prevention strategies such as education, glycemic monitoring, dietary and exercise modifications, and medication adjustment.

Perfil antibiótico de estreptococos del grupo viridans aislados de cavidad oral en individuos con uso prolongado de antibióticos / Antibiotic profile of viridans streptococci group isolated of oral cavity from patients with prolonged use of antibiotics

RESUMEN Los estreptococos del grupo viridans (EGV) son un grupo heterogéneo de bacterias saprófitas anaerobias facultativas que forman parte de la flora normal de cavidad oral. El incremento de la resistencia antibiótica de este grupo de bacterias cobra importancia en pacientes hospitalizados con terapia antibiótica prolongada, en los cuales estos microorganismos pueden ser sustituidos por bacterias multirresistentes. Objetivos: Determinar el porcentaje de cepas de EGV aisladas de cavidad oral resistentes a los antibióticos utilizados en el tratamiento de diversas patologías infecciosas hospitalarias. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo en el que se incluyeron 60 pacientes hospitalizados con historia de terapia antibiótica por más de 3 semanas. Las muestras se procesaron siguiendo protocolos estandarizados de recolección, aislamiento e identificación para EGV de cavidad oral y un protocolo de pruebas de sensibilidad antibiótica. Los resultados se muestran en tablas y gráficas de frecuencia. Resultados: La principal indicación para terapia antibiótica intrahospitalaria fue infección orofacial: 28,33%. La penicilina fue el antibiótico más utilizado ya sea en terapia única, combinada o múltiple en todos los pacientes. Se aislaron en total 108 cepas de EGV, con un promedio de 1,8 cepas por paciente. La especie predominantemente identificada fue S. mutans. El 96,3% de las cepas de EGV fue sensible a todos los antibióticos incluidos en el panel. Conclusiones: El uso de distintas combinaciones y modalidades de terapia antibiótica no tiene efecto en la susceptibilidad de EGV aislados de cavidad oral en pacientes hospitalizados, independiente de la duración del tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Viridans group streptococci (VGS) are a heterogeneous group of saprophytic facultative anaerobic bacteria that are part of the normal flora of the oral cavity. The increased resistance to multiple antibiotics in this group of bacteria becomes important in prolonged antibiotic therapies inpatient where these common microorganisms are replaced by multi-resistant bacteria. Objectives: To determine the percentage of VGS strains isolated from oral cavity resistant to antibiotics used in hospital infectious diseases. Material and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that included 60 hospitalized patients with a history of antibiotic therapy for more than 3 weeks. The samples were processed following standardized protocols for collection, isolation and identification of oral cavity VGS and a protocol of antibiotic susceptibility testing. The results are shown in tables and graphics of absolute and relative frequencies. Results: The main indication for antibiotic therapy was orofacial infection with a 28.33%. Penicillin was the antibiotic further used either in single, combined or multiple therapies in all patients. A total of 108 samples (1.8 per patient swabs) were collected. The predominantly identified specie was Streptococcus mutans. The 96.3% of all VGS strains were sensitive to all antibiotics included in the panel. Conclusion: Using different combinations and types of antibiotic therapy inpatient has no effect on the susceptibility of VGS isolated from oral cavity separate from treatment.

Processed and ultra-processed foods consumption in adults and its relationship with quality of life and quality of sleep / Consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados em adultos e sua relação com qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods in Paraguayan adults and its relationship with quality of life and sleep quality. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out on Paraguayan adults in May 2022. An online survey was applied in which sociodemographic data, frequency of food consumption using the NOVA classification and Pan American Health Organization criteria, quality of life evaluated by the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions and report of hours of sleep were collected. Results: A total of 273 Paraguayan adults were included in the study, of which 71.1% were female, 51.6% lived in the capital, 53.1% were single, 66% had a university educational level and the average age was 36.48±13.2. Regarding the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, the critical nutrients most consumed daily were free sugars by 34.0%, and fats by 23.4% of the population. The global quality of life index was low (0,58±0,05) and 69.0% reported insufficient hours of sleep. Statistically significant relationships were found between the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods with quality of life and quality of sleep (p<0.05 for both). Conclusion: The most consumed critical nutrients in the Paraguayan adult population are free sugars and fats, finding a significant relationship between the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods with quality of life and quality of sleep.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados em adultos paraguaios e sua relação com a qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo transversal em adultos paraguaios em maio de 2022. Foi aplicado um questionário online onde foram questionados datos sociodemográficos, frequência de consumo alimentar pela classificação NOVA e critérios da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde, qualidade de vida avaliada pelo Qualidade de Vida Europeia-5 Dimensões - foram coletados e relato de horas de sono. Resultados: Foram incluídas no estudo 273 paraguaios, das quais 71,1% eram do sexo feminino, 51,6% residiam na capital, 53,1% eram solteiras, 66,0% tinham nível universitário e a média de idade foi de 36,48±13,2 anos. Em relação ao consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados, os nutrientes críticos mais consumidos diariamente foram os açúcares livres por 34.0% e as gorduras por 23,4% da população. O índice global de qualidade de vida foi baixo (0,58±0,05) e 69.0% relataram horas insuficientes de sono. Foram encontradas relações estatisticamente significativas entre o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados com qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono (p<0,05 para ambos). Conclusão: Os nutrientes críticos mais consumidos na população adulta paraguaia são os açúcares e gorduras livres, encontrando uma relação significativa entre o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados com a qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono.

Desenlace de craniectomía descompresiva primaria y secundaria en pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico severo en la Clínica Universidad de La Sabana / Outcomes of Primary and Secondary Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury at Clínica de la Universidad de La Sabana

RESUMEN Objetivos: El propósito de este estudio fue determinar el desenlace en el egreso y en el seguimiento a un año de los pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico severo sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva primaria y secundaria en la Clínica de la Universidad de La Sabana, en un periodo de cinco años. Pacientes y métodos: Se llevó a cabo una serie de casos retrospectiva de pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico severo sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva entre 2008 y 2013. Los desenlaces primarios fueron la sobrevida y el estado funcional medido por la escala de desenlace de Glasgow al momento del egreso hospitalario y al año de seguimiento. Como desenlaces secundarios se incluyeron el tiempo de latencia para la realización de la craniectomía, las complicaciones intra- y postoperatorias, días de hospitalización y estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, tiempo de ventilación, resultados de la craneoplastia y causa de muerte. Resultados: Treinta y cinco pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico severo fueron sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva en el periodo de estudio, 29 primarias y 6 secundarias, con una latencia mediana de 5 horas y 57 horas, respectivamente. Se observó una sobrevida del 51,4 % de los pacientes, de los cuales 39 % presentó recuperación funcional satisfactoria en la escala de desenlace de Glasgow en el momento del egreso y al año. Conclusiones: En este grupo de pacientes sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva primaria o secundaria, junto con un manejo interdisciplinario y rehabilitación precoz, se presentaron desenlaces funcionales favorables en el seguimiento a largo plazo.

ABSTRACT Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome, at discharge and at one-year follow-up, of patients with severe traumatic brain injury undergoing primary and secondary decompressive craniectomy at Clinica Universidad de La Sabana, over a period of five years. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective case series of patients with severe traumatic brain injury undergoing decompressive craniectomy between 2008 and 2013. Te primary outcomes were survival and functional status, measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale, both at discharge, and at the one year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included latency time for craniectomy, intra and postoperative complications, days of hospitalization and intensive care unit stay, ventilation time, cranioplasty results, and cause of death. Results: Thirty-five patients with severe traumatic brain injury underwent decompressive craniectomy in the study period, 29 of which were primary and 6, secondary, with a median latency of 5 hours and 57 hours, respectively. A survival of 51.4% of the patients was observed, of which 39% presented satisfactory functional recovery on the Glasgow outcome scale at the time of discharge and one year later. Conclusions: In this group of patients who underwent primary or secondary decompressive craniectomy, together with interdisciplinary management and early rehabilitation, favorable functional outcomes were found in the long-term follow-up.

Evaluación de comorbilidades y pronóstico de la neumonía por COVID-19: revisión de la literatura

La infección por COVID-19 presenta una elevada mortalidad respecto a otros virus respiratorios. En este artículo buscamos definir las comorbilidades que están asociadas a la elevada mortalidad o a las complicaciones que requieren mayor soporte ventilatorio en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Se ha diseñado una búsqueda bibliográfica con respecto a las comorbilidades y/o alteraciones en los exámenes de laboratorio y los estudios radiológicos que se han asociado a la presencia de mortalidad, especialmente en los casos descritos en China.

Mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 is high compared to that caused by other respiratory viruses. This article aims to define the comorbidities associated with high mortality rates or complications that require ventilatory support in intensive care units. A bibliographic search has been performed with respect to comorbidities and/or alterations in laboratory tests and radiographic exams that have been associated with mortality, especially those described in China.

Changing the History of Prostate Cancer with New Targeted Therapies.

The therapeutic landscape of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is changing due to the emergence of new targeted therapies for the treatment of different molecular subtypes. Some biomarkers are described as potential molecular targets different from classic androgen receptors (AR). Approximately 20-25% of mCRPCs have somatic or germline alterations in DNA repair genes involved in homologous recombination. These subtypes are usually associated with more aggressive disease. Inhibitors of the enzyme poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARPi) have demonstrated an important benefit in the treatment of these subtypes of tumors. However, tumors that resistant to PARPi and wildtype BRCA tumors do not benefit from these therapies. Recent studies are exploring drug combinations with phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) or protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitors, as mechanisms to overcome resistance or to induce BRCAness and synthetic lethality. This article reviews various different novel strategies to improve outcomes in patients with prostate cancer.

Coronavirus persistence in human respiratory tract and cell culture: An overview

ABSTRACT Emerging human coronaviruses, including the recently identified SARS-CoV-2, are relevant respiratory pathogens due to their potential to cause epidemics with high case fatality rates, although endemic coronaviruses are also important for immunocompromised patients. Long-term coronavirus infections had been described mainly in experimental models, but it is currently evident that SARS-CoV-2 genomic-RNA can persist for many weeks in the respiratory tract of some individuals clinically recovered from coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19), despite a lack of isolation of infectious virus. It is still not clear whether persistence of such viral RNA may be pathogenic for the host and related to long-term sequelae. In this review, we summarize evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA persistence in respiratory samples besides results obtained from cell culture and histopathology describing long-term coronavirus infection. We also comment on potential mechanisms of coronavirus persistence and relevance for pathogenesis.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Activity of the Chitosan/Chlorhexidine Gel Commercial Preparation for Postexodontia Treatment: An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess in vitro the antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and the expression of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) of Bexident post topical gel (BP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The broth dilution test was performed to analyze the antimicrobial activity of BP against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus mutans. Minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were assessed. Cytotoxic activity was performed by the MTT (tetrazolium dye) method on human gingival fibroblast (HGF), human bone cells (HBC), and human pulp cells (HPC) (from primary cell culture) and HGF-1 from American Type Culture Collection. The expression of PGE2 produced by RAW 264.7 cells was determined by ELISA utilizing an Enzyme Immuno-Assay Kit. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Shapiro-Wilks normality test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed for all data. RESULTS: The MBCs of BP for S. aureus, E. coli, and S. mutans were found at 25, 50, and 12.5%, respectively. The MICs for the same strains were found at 12.5, 25, and 3.125%. The CC50 of BP gel for HBC, HPC, and HGF, and HGF-1 were 12.5 ± 1.09, 0.37 ± 0.02, 0.35 ± 0.02, and 20.4 ± 0.02%, respectively. The levels of expression PGE2 produced by RAW 264.7 cells treated with IL-1ß exhibit an inverse dose-dependent effect on the concentrations of BP gel used. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the BP gel has a great antibacterial effect, adequate biocompatibility, showing a decrease in the expression of PGE2 on cells with previously induced inflammation. Due to the above, its use as a healing agent after oral surgery seems to be adequate.