Combined PIK3CA and SOX2 Gene Amplification Predicts Laryngeal Cancer Risk beyond Histopathological Grading.

The PIK3CA and SOX2 genes map at 3q26, a chromosomal region frequently amplified in head and neck cancers, which is associated with poor prognosis. This study explores the clinical significance of PIK3CA and SOX2 gene amplification in early tumorigenesis. Gene copy number was analyzed by real-time PCR in 62 laryngeal precancerous lesions and correlated with histopathological grading and laryngeal cancer risk. Amplification of the SOX2 and PIK3CA genes was frequently detected in 19 (31%) and 32 (52%) laryngeal dysplasias, respectively, and co-amplification in 18 (29%) cases. The PIK3CA and SOX2 amplifications were predominant in high-grade dysplasias and significantly associated with laryngeal cancer risk beyond histological criteria. Multivariable Cox analysis further revealed PIK3CA gene amplification as an independent predictor of laryngeal cancer development. Interestingly, combined PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification allowed us to distinguish three cancer risk subgroups, and PIK3CA and SOX2 co-amplification was found the strongest predictor by ROC analysis. Our data demonstrate the clinical relevance of PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification in early laryngeal tumorigenesis. Remarkably, PIK3CA amplification was found to be an independent cancer predictor. Furthermore, combined PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification is emerging as a valuable and easy-to-implement tool for cancer risk assessment in patients with laryngeal precancerous lesions beyond current WHO histological grading.

Tumor mutational burden predictability in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with immunotherapy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tumor mutational burden (TMB) has been demonstrated to predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various cancers. However, the role of TMB in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not yet been specifically addressed. Since HNSCC patients exhibit a rather limited response to ICIs, there is an unmet need to develop predictive biomarkers to improve patient selection criteria and the clinical benefit of ICI treatment. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. HNSCC cohort studies were selected when TMB prior to ICI treatment was evaluated, TMB cutoff value was available, and the prognostic value of TMB was evaluated by time-to-event survival analysis. A total of 11 out of 1960 articles were analyzed, including 1200 HNSCC patients. RESULTS: The results showed that those patients harboring high TMB exhibited a significantly superior overall response rate (OR = 2.62; 95% CI 1.74-3.94; p < 0.0001) and a survival advantage (HR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.39-0.71; p < 0.0001) after ICI treatment. CONCLUSION: This is the first meta-analysis to demonstrate a higher response and clinical benefit from ICI therapy in HNSCC patients with high TMB.

Prognostic value of preoperative inflammatory ratios in early glottic cancer treated with transoral laser surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence regarding the prognostic utility of ratios such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SIII) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, most studies to date include heterogeneous series with different treatments or tumor subsites. METHODS: We collected data from 201 patients with stage I-II glottic squamous cell carcinoma treated with transoral laser surgery. NLR, PLR, and SIII were calculated from preoperative cell blood count, cut-off points were obtained by ROC curve analysis, and survival rates were calculated. RESULTS: High NLR (p = 0.012) and SIII (p = 0.037), but not PLR (p = 0.48), were associated with worse disease-specific survival (DSS). A similar trend was observed with overall survival (OS), although it did not reach statistical significance. On multivariable analyses, both high NLR (HR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.5-9.9, p = 0.006) and high SIII (HR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.1-6.9, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with shortened DSS. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative NLR and SIII emerge as independent prognostic biomarkers for early-stage surgically treated glottic tumors and could guide individualized follow-up.

Melatonina, lactancia materna y sueño: revisión del tema / Melatonin, breastfeeding and sleep: topic review

Se revisa en el binomio madre-recién nacidos o/y lactantes, los diferentes ritmos circadianos, especialmente del sueño, la secreción de melatonina y las características de la leche materna. Se aconseja manejo para evitar la cronodisrupción

It is reviewed in the binomial mother-newborns or/and infants, the different circadian rhythms, especially sleep, melatonin secretion and the characteristics of breast milk. Handling is advised to avoid chrono disruption

El sufrimiento frente a la etapa final de la vida

La complejidad de una enfermedad terminal pone en evidencia la vulnerabilidad del ser humano ante el dolor y el sufrimiento, y acentúa la crisis subjetiva que acompaña no solo al paciente, sino también al médico que lo asiste. Revisamos la propuesta de un estudio posicionado en la ética del cuidado de quienes necesitan atención integral en el final de la vida. Nos referimos a la investigación titulada "Final de vida, cuidados paliativos y empatía. Manejo de la empatía como recurso fundamental frente a la toma de decisiones al final de la vida" 1. Un extracto de dicho trabajo señala la importancia de que los médicos puedan ubicar el sufrimiento del paciente separado de ellos mismos, de manera que sostengan una resonancia empática que los posicione con capacidad para entrar en el mundo del paciente y su enfermedad, con firmeza personal y profesional. Definimos un espacio de reflexión acerca del sentido del sufrimiento, su correlato en la práctica clínica y un argumento fundamental al momento de proponer una legislación vinculada al final de la vida.

The complexity of a terminal illness highlights the vulnerability of the human being to pain and suffering. It accentuates the subjective crisis that accompanies the patient and the doctor who assists him. We reviewed the proposal for a study on the ethics of care of those who need comprehensive care at the end of life. An excerpt from it points out the importance of doctors being able to place the patient's suffering separate from themselves, maintaining an empathic resonance that positions them with the ability to enter the world of the patient and his disease with personal and professional firmness. We defined a space for reflection on the meaning of suffering, its correlation in clinical practice, and a fundamental argument when proposing legislation linked to the end of life.

A complexidade de uma doença terminal evidencia a vulnerabilidade do ser humano diante da dor e do sofrimento, e acentua a crise subjetiva que acompanha não só o paciente, mas também o médico que o assiste. Analisamos a proposta de um estudo posicionado na ética do atendimento àqueles que necessitam de cuidados integrais no final da vida. Referimo-nos à pesquisa intitulada "Fim da vida, cuidados paliativos e empatia. Gestão da empatia como recurso fundamental na tomada de decisões no fim da vida". Um trecho deste trabalho aponta para a importância de os médicos serem capazes de situar o sofrimento do paciente separadamente de si mesmos, de modo a sustentar uma ressonância empática que os posicione com a capacidade de entrar no mundo do paciente e de sua doença, com firmeza pessoal e profissional. Definimos um espaço de reflexão sobre o significado do sofrimento, seu correlato na prática clinica e um argumento fundamental ao propor uma legislação ligada ao fim da vida.

Efecto del Ejercicio en el Medio Acuático sobre la Aptitud Física en Personas con Discapacidad Intelectual: Una Revisión Sistemática / Effect of Exercise in Aquatic Environments on Physical Fitness in People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review / Efeito do exercício aquático sobre a aptidão física em pessoas com deficiência intelectual: uma revisão sistemática

Resumen: Los programas de ejercicio en el medio acuático proporcionan un ambiente motivante y divertido, en el cual las personas con discapacidad intelectual pueden realizar actividades deportivas o recreativas de manera accesible, lo que incide positivamente en la condición física. Propósito: El objetivo de la revisión sistemática fue conocer los efectos del ejercicio acuático sobre la aptitud física en personas con discapacidad intelectual. Metodología: Para lograr el propósito del estudio, se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de literatura en las bases de datos Sport Discus, Science Direct, Scopus y PubMed, cuyas publicaciones comprenden del 2009 al 2018; como criterios de inclusión debían especificar el tipo de ejercicio, los componentes de la carga de entrenamiento, el tipo de discapacidad que presentaban los sujetos del estudio y que la duración de la intervención fue mayor a 4 semanas. Resultados: Solamente 5 trabajos cumplieron los criterios de selección. Aquellos en los que aplicaron intervenciones de natación y ejercicio combinado indicaron que se mejoraron elementos de la aptitud física importantes para la salud, así como el desenvolvimiento de actividades de la vida diaria. Se pudo concluir que se requieren investigaciones con mayor rigor metodológico, para clarificar el efecto del ejercicio en el medio acuático sobre los componentes de la aptitud física en personas con discapacidad intelectual.

Abstract: Exercise programs in aquatic environments guarantee a motivating and fun environment in which people with intellectual disabilities can carry out sports or recreational activities in an accessible way, which has a positive effect on their physical condition. Purpose: the objective of the systematic review was to know the effects of aquatic exercise on physical fitness in people with intellectual disabilities. Methodology: To achieve the purpose of the study, a literature search was conducted in the Sport Discus, Science Direct, Scopus, and PubMed databases, whose publications cover from 2009 to 2018. As selection criteria, these publications had to specify the type of exercise, the components of a load of training, the type of disability presented by the study subjects, and the duration of the intervention that should be greater than four weeks. Results: Only five studies met the selection criteria. the studies in which they applied swimming interruption and combined exercise showed that components of physical fitness important for health were improved, as well as the development of activities of daily living. It was concluded that studies with greater methodological rigor are required to clarify the effect of exercise in aquatic environments on the components of physical fitness in people with intellectual disabilities.

Resumo: Os programas de exercícios aquáticos proporcionam um ambiente motivador e divertido no qual pessoas com deficiências intelectuais podem praticar esportes ou atividades recreativas de maneira acessível, o que tem um impacto positivo sobre a condição física. Objetivo: O objetivo da revisão sistemática era descobrir os efeitos do exercício aquático sobre a aptidão física das pessoas com deficiência intelectual. Metodologia: Para atingir o objetivo do estudo, foi feita uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados Sport Discus, Science Direct, Scopus e PubMed, cujas publicações foram de 2009 a 2018. Como critérios de seleção, essas publicações tinham que especificar o tipo de exercício, os componentes de uma carga de treinamento, o tipo de deficiência apresentada pelos sujeitos do estudo e a duração da intervenção que devia ser superior a quatro semanas. Resultados: Apenas cinco estudos cumpriram os critérios de seleção. Os estudos nos quais foram aplicados intervenções de natação e exercícios combinados indicaram que os componentes de aptidão física importantes para a saúde, assim como no desempenho das atividades da vida diária, foram melhorados. Concluiu-se que são necessários estudos com maior rigor metodológico para esclarecer o efeito do exercício aquático sobre os componentes da aptidão física das pessoas com deficiência intelectual.

Dissecting the functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts to therapeutically target head and neck cancer microenvironment.

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are a diverse group of aggressive malignancies with high morbidity and mortality, leading to almost half-million deaths annually worldwide. A better understanding of the molecular processes governing tumor formation and progression is crucial to improve current diagnostic and prognostic tools as well as to develop more personalized treatment strategies. Tumors are highly complex and heterogeneous structures in which growth and dissemination is not only governed by the cancer cells intrinsic mechanisms, but also by the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as predominant TME components and key players in the generation of permissive conditions that ultimately impact in tumor progression and metastatic dissemination. Although CAFs were initially considered a consequence of tumor development, it is now well established that they actively contribute to numerous cancer hallmarks i.e., tumor cell growth, migration and invasion, cancer cell stemness, angiogenesis, metabolic reprograming, inflammation, and immune system modulation. In this scenario, therapeutic strategies targeting CAF functions could potentially have a major impact in cancer therapeutics, providing avenues for new treatment options or for improving efficacy in established approaches. This review is focused on thoroughly dissecting existing evidences supporting the contribution of CAFs in HNC biology with an emphasis on current knowledge of the key molecules and pathways involved in CAF-tumor crosstalk, and their potential as novel biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets to effectively interfere the tumor-stroma crosstalk for HNC patients benefit. involved in CAF-tumor crosstalk, and their potential as novel biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets to effec- tively interfere the tumor-stroma crosstalk for HNC patients benefit.

The effect of bariatric surgery on metabolic syndrome: A retrospective cohort study in Colombia.

Introduction and Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a group of metabolic abnormalities. It is currently a pandemic, and its prevalence is on the rise. MetS has a direct relationship with obesity, for this reason, bariatric and metabolic surgery has been proposed as a method to simultaneously control obesity and MetS. However, in Colombia the results of this intervention are unknown. This study aims to compare metabolic syndrome before and after bariatric surgery in a Colombian population. Methods: Retrospective cohort study conducted in a highly complex institution in Colombia, where comparing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients who underwent bariatric surgery during a 1-year follow-up period, between January 2015 and December 2019. Of these patients, 48 underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 32 underwent sleeve gastrectomy by laparoscopic technique. Results: A total of 80 patients were included, of which 67.5% were women and the mean age was 42.8 ± 12.9 years. The most frequent preprocedure comorbidities were arterial hypertension (36.2%), dyslipidemia (32.4%), and sleep apnea (20%). After bariatric surgery, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome decreased from 66.2% to 3.7% (p < 0.05). In addition, a reduction in the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance score from 77.5% to 22.5% was observed during the follow-up period. HbA1c, creatinine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, were the only parameters without significant changes. Conclusions: Metabolic and bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for weight reduction, with a high impact in reducing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in the short and medium term in the Colombian population.

Haploidentical and Matched Sibling Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Hospital-Based Study.

Background: Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) has been increasing for the last years in Latin America. The objective of this study was to describe clinical outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving allogeneic PBSCT between 2013 and 2019 in a single center of Cali, Colombia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Fundacion Valle del Lili. Patients diagnosed with AML who received an allogeneic PBSCT between 2013 and 2019 using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donors (MSDs) or haploidentical related donors (HRDs) with myeloablative conditioning regimen were included. Cases with diagnosis of promyelocytic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome-related AML and therapy-related AML were excluded. Data were obtained directly from the hospital PBSCT database and clinical records. Results: A total of 50 patients were included (HRD, n = 32; MSD, n = 18). Sixty-two percent was in the first complete remission (CR1) at the time of the transplant, of which 26% were MSD and 74% were HRD. The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) risk score was: 44% vs. 50% low, 28% vs. 28% intermediate and 28% vs. 22% high for MSD vs. HRD, respectively. Overall survival at 5 years for MSD was 62% (95% confidence interval (CI): 31-83%) and 43% (95% CI: 25-60%) for HRD. Event-free survival was 56% (95% CI: 26-78%) and 35.6% (95% CI: 18-53%), respectively. Non-relapse mortality at day-100 was 6% (95% CI: 0.8-35%) and 20% (95% CI: 9-39%). Relapse at5 years was 18% (95% CI: 4-58%) and 25% (95% CI: 10-52%). Overall mortality rate was 46%. The grade II-IV, III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease and severe chronic graft-versus-host disease was 44%, 11% and 12% for MSD, and 43%, 9% and 0% for HRD. Conclusion: These results underline that MSD remains the first donor choice for AML patients in CR1 when available. HRDs are still our next option among alternative donors. It is necessary to find strategies that have a positive impact on those outcomes that markedly affect the quality of allogeneic PBSCT and the prognosis of patients. Comparative, randomized, prospective studies with longer follow-up of haploidentical allogeneic PBSCT with other donor types are required to definitely establish its role among alternative donors.

Caracterización clínica de pacientes con fibrosis pulmonar idiopática en un hospital de tercer nivel en la ciudad de Quito-Ecuador / Clinical Characterization of patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Tertiary Hospital of the City of Quito-Ecuador

RESUMEN Introducción: La fibrosis pulmonar idiopática es una enfermedad progresiva y fa tal caracterizada por el hallazgo de neumonía intersticial usual en tomografía de alta resolución o biopsia pulmonar, o en discusión multidisciplinar y el descarte de otras etiologías como enfermedades del tejido conectivo o exposicionales. En cuanto a los objetivos de este trabajo, consisten en conocer las características clí nicas, la función pulmonar y la supervivencia del grupo de pacientes con diagnóstico de fibrosis pulmonar idiopática evaluados en la clínica de intersticiales del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal, retrospectivo, observacional. La población de estudio la constituyeron los pacientes con diagnóstico de fibrosis pul monar idiopática atendidos en la clínica de intersticiales del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín entre enero del 2018 y febrero del 2020. Resultados: De 35 pacientes con fibrosis pulmonar idiopática incluidos para el análi sis, el 85,7% fueron del sexo masculino. Al momento del diagnóstico, la edad pro medio fue de 69,7 años (DE: 9,26, Rango: 38-87 años). El 20% y 37,1% presentaron disnea de grado 3 y grado 4, respectivamente. El 60% presentaron antecedentes de tabaquismo. El 45,7% de los diagnósticos se hicieron tanto con evaluación clínica multidisciplinaria y tomografía axial computarizada de alta resolución. Conclusiones: Hemos informado la mayor cohorte de fibrosis pulmonar idiopática en el Ecuador, nuestros resultados han identificado poblaciones similares con otros gru pos de estudio en los que la tomografía computarizada de alta resolución y el análisis multidisciplinar son los métodos más utilizados en el diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT Background: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive, fatal disease character ized by the findings of usual interstitial pneumonia in a high resolution tomography or lung biopsy, or in a multidisciplinary discussion, also discarding other etiologies such as connective tissue diseases or diseases associated with toxic exposure. The objective of this work was to know the clinical characteristics, lung function and survival of the group of patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who were evaluated at the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic of the Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín. Methods: retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study. The study population consisted of patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who had been treat ed at the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic of the Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín between January, 2018 and February, 2020. Results: 85.7% of the 35 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis included in the analysis were male. At the time of the diagnosis, the mean age was 69.7 years (SD [standard deviation]: 9.26, range: 38-87 years). 20% and 37.1% of patients showed dyspnea grade 3 and 4, respectively. 60% had smoking history. 45.7% of the diagnoses were made with a multidisciplinary clinical evaluation and high resolution computed axial tomography. Conclusions: we have reported the largest cohort of patients with idiopathic pulmo nary fibrosis in Ecuador; our results identified similar populations with other study groups where the high resolution computed tomography and multidisciplinary analysis are the most used methods for the diagnosis.

Tumor-Intrinsic Nuclear ß-Catenin Associates with an Immune Ignorance Phenotype and a Poorer Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

Activation of WNT/ß-catenin signaling has been associated with a non-T-cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME) in several cancers. The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship between ß-catenin signaling and TME inflammation in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Membrane and nuclear ß-catenin expression, PD-L1 expression, and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density were jointly evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a series of 372 HPV-negative HNSCCs. Membrane ß-catenin levels decreased in carcinomas compared to the normal epithelium. Positive nuclear ß-catenin was detected in 50 tumors (14.3%) and was significantly associated with a low CD8+ TIL density (168 cells/mm2 versus 293 cells/mm2 in nuclear-ß-catenin-negative cases; p = 0.01) and a tendency for a lower expression of PD-L1, resulting in association with a noninflamed TME (i.e., type II, immunological ignorance). Multivariate Cox analysis further demonstrated that low infiltration by CD8+ TILs (HR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.19-2.14, p = 0.002) and nuclear ß-catenin expression (HR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.01-2.16, p = 0.04) were both independently associated with a poorer disease-specific survival. In conclusion, tumor-intrinsic nuclear ß-catenin activation is associated with a non-inflamed TME phenotype and a poorer prognosis, thereby suggesting a possible implication as an immune exclusion mechanism for a subset of HNSCC patients.

Pathobiological functions and clinical implications of annexin dysregulation in human cancers.

Annexins are an extensive superfamily of structurally related calcium- and phospholipid-binding proteins, largely conserved and widely distributed among species. Twelve human annexins have been identified, referred to as Annexin A1-13 (A12 remains as of yet unassigned), whose genes are spread throughout the genome on eight different chromosomes. According to their distinct tissue distribution and subcellular localization, annexins have been functionally implicated in a variety of biological processes relevant to both physiological and pathological conditions. Dysregulation of annexin expression patterns and functions has been revealed as a common feature in multiple cancers, thereby emerging as potential biomarkers and molecular targets for clinical application. Nevertheless, translation of this knowledge to the clinic requires in-depth functional and mechanistic characterization of dysregulated annexins for each individual cancer type, since each protein exhibits varying expression levels and phenotypic specificity depending on the tumor types. This review specifically and thoroughly examines the current knowledge on annexin dysfunctions in carcinogenesis. Hence, available data on expression levels, mechanism of action and pathophysiological effects of Annexin A1-13 among different cancers will be dissected, also further discussing future perspectives for potential applications as biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis and molecular-targeted therapies. Special attention is devoted to head and neck cancers (HNC), a complex and heterogeneous group of aggressive malignancies, often lately diagnosed, with high mortality, and scarce therapeutic options.

Therapeutic Leukapheresis: Experience of a Single Oncologic Centre.

Introduction: Leukostasis refers to clinical symptoms caused by hyperleukocytosis seen in some haematological diseases such as leukaemia. Cytoreduction can be achieved by therapeutic leukapheresis. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse the procedures performed in our Centre and to evaluate their efficacy and safety. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all the therapeutic leukapheresis procedures carried out in our Centre between January 1998 and December 2020. The sample collection was obtained through the review of the clinical files of the respective patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the software R v.4.0.1. A total of 54 therapeutic leukapheresis procedures were performed in 31 patients in our Centre. Results: After these procedures clinical improvement was observed in 16 patients and we verify that there was a significant difference in survival between the group that improved and the group that maintained the same clinical condition or worsened. The lack of immediate clinical improvement was a sign of a poor prognosis. Laboratory efficacy occurred in 16 patients who had a reduction in white blood cell count, with a 39.1% reduction after 24 h, and did not succeed in 15 patients, who had no reduction. However, in this case there is no significant difference in survival between the two groups. There was some complication in 53.9% of the procedures, with hypocalcaemia being the most frequent, which was observed in 22 procedures. Only 4 patients experienced serious side effects but these adverse reactions cannot be attributed to the procedures carried out. The overall survival rate 6 months after this treatment was 51.6%. Conclusion: Despite the reduced number of patients, we conclude that therapeutic leukapheresis is a safe and effective option that may still have a therapeutic role in some cases.

Recomendaciones conjuntas sobre la evaluación cardiovascular para la realización de ejercicio y deporte en personas menores de 35 años / Joint recommendations on cardiovascular assessment regarding exercise and sports in people under 35 / Recomendações conjuntas sobre avaliação cardiovascular para exercícios e esportes em pessoas com menos de 35 anos de idade

Se presentan, en un trabajo conjunto, las recomendaciones para la evaluación cardiovascular de personas menores de 35 años que realizan ejercicio y deportes. Se establecen pautas en cuanto a la valoración y la habilitación que tendrá dicha evaluación, quiénes estarán a cargo de su realización y cuáles son los componentes fundamentales de una correcta valoración cardiovascular. Se toman en cuenta los antecedentes familiares y personales, el examen físico exhaustivo y se considera conveniente la realización del ECG como parte integrante obligatorio. Se hacen referencia a otros estudios funcionales como opcionales, así como la posible derivación a los especialistas cuando se considere necesario.

We hereby present joint recommendations for cardiovascular assessment of people under 35 years of age who do exercise and sports. We set the guidelines regarding evaluation and score of such assessment, the agents in charge of implementing it and the main components of a correct cardiovascular assessment. We take into account the family and personal history and perform a comprehensive physical examination as well as an ECG as a mandatory part of this comprehensive approach. We mention other optional functional studies as well as reference to specialists whenever necessary.

Apresentamos através dum paper conjunto recomendações para a avaliação cardiovascular de pessoas de 35 anos de idade que praticam exercício e esportes. Estabelecem-se as diretrizes quanto à qualificação dessa avaliação, quem a realizará e quais são os componentes fundamentais de uma correta avaliação cardiovascular. Consideramos obrigatório incluir a história familiar e pessoal, o exame físico exaustivo e o ECG opcional. Referimo-nos a outros estudos funcionais opcionais, assim como ao possível encaminhamento para especialistas quando for necessário.

5-Nitroindazole derivatives as potential therapeutic alternatives against Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Amoebas of the genus Acanthamoeba are distributed worldwide, including species with a high pathogenic capacity for humans. In a similar way to what occurs with other parasitic protozoa, the available treatments show variable effectiveness in addition to high toxicity, which demands the development of new treatments. Positive results of 5-nitroindazole derivatives against several protozoa parasites suggest that these compounds may be a promising tool for the development of efficient antiparasitic drugs. In the present work we have evaluated the in vitro activity of ten 5-nitroindazole derivatives against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts. To that end, AlamarBlue Assay Reagent® was used to determine the activity against trophozoites compared to the reference drug chlorhexidine digluconate. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated using Vero cells. The activity on cysts was evaluated by light microscopy and using a Neubauer chamber to quantifying cysts and presence of trophozoites, as an indication of cyst. Our results showed the effectiveness of the 5-nitroindazole derivatives tested against both trophozoites and cysts of A. castellani highlighting 5-nitroindazole derivative 8 which showed a 80% activity on cysts, which is higher than that of the reference drug. Moreover, 5-nitroindazole derivatives 8, 9 and 10 were more effective on trophozoites than the reference drug showing IC50 values lower than 5 µM. Taking together these results, these 5-nitroindazole derivatives specially compound 8, might be a promising alternative for the development of more efficient treatments against A. castellani infection.

ESR2 gene variants (rs1256049, rs4986938, and rs1256030) and their association with breast cancer risk.

Background: Variants of the estrogen receptor b (ESR2) gene have been associated with different types of cancer. However, these associations have been inconsistent. We genotyped the ESR2 variants (rs1256049, rs4986938, and rs1256030) in breast cancer (BC) patients and in healthy women. Results: The variants rs1256049 and rs4986938 in the ESR2 gene were not associated with risk susceptibility in BC patients. However, the rs1256030 variant had an association as a risk factor for BC patients when compared with controls and BC patients for the TT genotype (odds ratio (OR) 1.86, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [1.05-3.28], p = 0.042). In addition, differences were observed in patients and controls carrying the TT genotype under 50 years of age (OR 1.85, 95% CI [1.05-3.27], p = 0.043). Thus, evident differences showed the rs1256030 variant in patients with TT, TC, and TC+TT genotypes with: (1) Stage IV (OR 1.60, 95% CI [1.06-2.54], p = 0.033), and (2) Luminal A (OR 1.60, 95% CI [0.47-0.21], p = 0.041), as well as in BC carriers of the TT genotype with indices of cellular proliferative (Ki-67) elevated (>20%) and overweight (OR 1.67, 95% CI [0.85-3.28], p = 0.041), respectively. In BC HER2 with lymph node metastasis, the TT genotype was a protective factor (OR 0.38, 95% CI [0.18-0.78], p = 0.005). The identification of haplotypes included two common GAT as risk factors (OR 3.1, 95% CI [1.31-7.72], p = 0.011) and GGC as a protective factor (OR 0.7, 95% CI [0.60-0.97], p = 0.034). The haplogenotype GGGATC was a risk factor (OR 2.5, 95% CI [1.28-5.0], p = 0.008). Conclusion: The variant rs1256030 (TT) of the ESR2 gene and haplotype GAT were associated with susceptibility to BC as risk factors in this sample from the Mexican population.

Survival and Detection of Bivalve Transmissible Neoplasia from the Soft-Shell Clam Mya arenaria (MarBTN) in Seawater.

Many pathogens can cause cancer, but cancer itself does not normally act as an infectious agent. However, transmissible cancers have been found in a few cases in nature: in Tasmanian devils, dogs, and several bivalve species. The transmissible cancers in dogs and devils are known to spread through direct physical contact, but the exact route of transmission of bivalve transmissible neoplasia (BTN) has not yet been confirmed. It has been hypothesized that cancer cells from bivalves could be released by diseased animals and spread through the water column to infect/engraft into other animals. To test the feasibility of this proposed mechanism of transmission, we tested the ability of BTN cells from the soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria BTN, or MarBTN) to survive in artificial seawater. We found that MarBTN cells are highly sensitive to salinity, with acute toxicity at salinity levels lower than those found in the native marine environment. BTN cells also survive longer at lower temperatures, with 50% of cells surviving greater than 12 days in seawater at 10 °C, and more than 19 days at 4 °C. With one clam donor, living cells were observed for more than eight weeks at 4 °C. We also used qPCR of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of MarBTN-specific DNA in the environment. We observed release of MarBTN-specific DNA into the water of laboratory aquaria containing highly MarBTN-diseased clams, and we detected MarBTN-specific DNA in seawater samples collected from MarBTN-endemic areas in Maine, although the copy numbers detected in environmental samples were much lower than those found in aquaria. Overall, these data show that MarBTN cells can survive well in seawater, and they are released into the water by diseased animals. These findings support the hypothesis that BTN is spread from animal-to-animal by free cells through seawater.

Identification of Aryl Polyamines Derivatives as Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Agents Targeting Iron Superoxide Dismutase.

Chagas disease (CD) is a tropical and potentially fatal infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Although CD was limited to Latin America as a silent disease, CD has become widespread as a result of globalization. Currently, 6-8 million people are infected worldwide, and no effective treatment is available. Here, we identify new effective agents against T. cruzi. In short, 16 aryl polyamines were screened in vitro against different T. cruzi strains, and lead compounds were evaluated in vivo after oral administration in both the acute and chronic infections. The mode of action was also evaluated at the energetic level, and its high activity profile could be ascribed to a mitochondria-dependent bioenergetic collapse and redox stress by inhibition of the Fe-SOD enzyme. We present compound 15 as a potential compound that provides a step forward for the development of new agents to combat CD.

Enfermedad neuromuscular en pediatría: estudio descriptivo de los pacientes asistidos en la policlínica de Neumología Pediátrica del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell en el período 1/6/2006-31/12/2019 / Pediatric neuromuscular disease: study of patients assisted at the Pediatric Pneumology department of the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital during 1/6/2006-31/12/2019 / Doença neuromuscular em pediatria: estudo descritivo de pacientes atendidos no policlínio de Pneumologia Pediátrica do Hospital Pereira Rossell no período 1/6/2006-31/12/2019

Las enfermedades neuromusculares (ENM) afectan los distintos componentes de la unidad motora. Desde el diagnóstico deben ser seguidos por un equipo interdisciplinario, donde el neumólogo pediátrico desempeña un papel importante en la valoración de la pérdida de fuerza muscular cuando afecta a la musculatura respiratoria o de la vía aérea superior. Objetivos: conocer las diferentes enfermedades neuromusculares atendidas en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, analizar las características de la población y describir los resultados de los principales estudios solicitados por la policlínica de neumológica pediátrica. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, analítico y retrospectivo de los pacientes con enfermedad neuromuscular atendidos en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell entre el 1/6/2006 y el 31/12/2019. Resultados: las patologías neuromusculares más frecuentemente encontradas fueron distrofias musculares, miopatías, distrofia miotónica de Steinert y atrofia muscular espinal. No tienen diagnóstico definitivo 21/73 pacientes. La espirometría mostró una alteración restrictiva en la mayoría de los pacientes. Para descartar trastornos respiratorios del sueño se realizó oximetría nocturna con gasometría al despertar. La hipoventilación nocturna y las apneas obstructivas fueron las alteraciones encontradas. En 12/73 se inició ventilación no invasiva. Conclusiones: los pacientes con ENM experimentan un deterioro progresivo de la función respiratoria que contribuye a una elevada tasa de morbimortalidad. La evaluación y seguimiento regular de la función respiratoria junto con estudios de sueño, son fundamentales para el inicio oportuno de ventilación no invasiva.

Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) affect the different components of the motor system. As of diagnosis, they should be followed by an interdisciplinary team, in which pediatric pulmonologists play an important role in assessing the loss of muscle strength when NMD affects the respiratory or upper airway muscles. Objectives: to learn about the different neuromuscular diseases treated at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center, to analyze the characteristics of this population and to describe the results of the main studies requested by the pediatric pulmonology clinic. Methodology: descriptive, analytical and retrospective study of patients with neuromuscular disease treated at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center between 6/1/2006 and 12/31/2019. Results: the most frequent neuromuscular pathologies were muscular dystrophies, myopathies, Steinert's myotonic dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. 21/73 patients did not have a definitive diagnosis. Spirometry showed a restrictive alteration in most of the patients. To rule out respiratory sleep disorders, nocturnal oximetry with blood gas was performed upon awakening, with nocturnal hypoventilation and obstructive apneas being the alterations found. In 12/73 non-invasive ventilation was applied. Conclusions: patients with NMD experience a progressive deterioration of respiratory function that contributes to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Regular evaluation and monitoring of respiratory function, along with sleep studies, are essential for the timely initiation of non-invasive ventilation.

As doenças neuromusculares (DNM) afetam os diferentes componentes da unidade motora. Desde o diagnóstico, os pacientes devem ser acompanhados por uma equipe interdisciplinar, onde o pneumologista pediátrico desempenha um papel importante na avaliação da perda de força muscular quando atinge a musculatura respiratória ou das vias aéreas superiores. Objetivos: conhecer as diferentes doenças neuromusculares tratadas no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell, analisar as características desta população e descrever os resultados dos principais estudos solicitados à policlínica de pneumologia pediátrica. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, analítico e retrospectivo de pacientes com doenças neuromusculares atendidos no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell entre 01/06/2006 e 31/12/2019. Resultados: as patologias neuromusculares mais encontradas foram distrofias musculares, miopatias, distrofia miotônica de Steinert e atrofia muscular espinhal. 21/73 pacientes não tiveram um diagnóstico definitivo. A espirometria mostrou alteração restritiva na maioria dos pacientes. Para afastar distúrbios respiratórios do sono, foi realizada oximetria noturna com gasometria ao despertar, sendo a hipoventilação noturna e as apneias obstrutivas as alterações encontradas. Em 12/73 foi iniciada ventilação não invasiva. Conclusões: os pacientes com DNM experimentam uma deterioração progressiva da função respiratória que contribui para uma alta taxa de morbidade e mortalidade. A avaliação regular e o monitoramento da função respiratória, juntamente com os estudos do sono, são essenciais para o início oportuno da ventilação não invasiva.