Dermoscopic Evaluation of Actinic Changes in the Lips of Indigenous Children Living at High Altitude in Ecuador: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND High altitude increases sunlight exposure, resulting in actinic keratosis, which predisposes people to skin cancer. The dermoscopy procedure evaluates keratotic and pigmented skin changes. This study aimed to describe the clinical and dermoscopic actinic changes in the lips of 25 indigenous children living at high altitude in Ecuador. MATERIAL AND METHODS An observational study was conducted in a public school in the Andes region of Ecuador (August-November 2019). Twenty-five children, males and females, age 5-15 years were assessed by complete physical examination, digital dermoscopic photographs, and punch biopsies. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were used to summarize and analyze the data. RESULTS We included 17 (68%) boys and 8 (32%) girls with a mean age of 9.8±2.0 years. Clinical lips findings reported desquamation [52% Upper Lip (UL); 40% Lower Lip (LL)], fissuring (8% UL; 8% LL), scabs (8% UL; 8% LL), and discoloration (40% UL; 20% LL). Dermoscopic features included a white-yellow lip color (24% UL; p=0.02). The main morphologic pattern of blood vessels was monomorphic (88% UL; p<0.001), polymorphous (60% LL; p<0.001), dotted pattern (64% UL; 28% LL; p=0.02), and linear-irregular (32% UL; 72% LL; p=0.01). Girls had radiating white structures on UL (p=0.025), while boys presented white structureless areas (UL 63.6%; LL 77.8%; p=0.032). No differences in dermoscopic findings were observed according to Fitzpatrick scale score (FSS). Punch biopsies showed no indications of actinic cheilitis. CONCLUSIONS Dermoscopic features in indigenous children living in high altitudes were related to actinic damage, but histopathological findings were negative.

Administration of intestinal mesenchymal stromal cells reduces colitis-associated cancer in C57BL/6J mice modulating the immune response and gut dysbiosis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of developing colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) with poor prognosis. IBD etiology remains undefined but involves environmental factors, genetic predisposition, microbiota imbalance (dysbiosis) and mucosal immune defects. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) injections have shown good efficacy in reducing intestinal inflammation in animal and human studies. However, their effect on tumor growth in CAC and their capacity to restore gut dysbiosis are not clear. METHODS: The outcome of systemic administrations of in vitro expanded human intestinal MSCs (iMSCs) on tumor growth in vivo was evaluated using the AOM/DSS model of CAC in C57BL/6J mice. Innate and adaptive immune responses in blood, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and colonic tissue were analyzed by flow cytometry. Intestinal microbiota composition was evaluated by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: iMSCs significantly inhibited colitis and intestinal tumor development, reducing IL-6 and COX-2 expression, and IL-6/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt signaling. iMSCs decreased colonic immune cell infiltration, and partly restored intestinal monocyte homing and differentiation. iMSC administration increased the numbers of Tregs and IFN-γ+CD8+ T cells in the MLNs while decreasing the IL-4+Th2 response. It also ameliorated intestinal dysbiosis in CAC mice, increasing diversity and Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio, as well as Akkermansia abundance, while reducing Alistipes and Turicibacter, genera associated with inflammation. CONCLUSION: Administration of iMSCs protects against CAC, ameliorating colitis and partially reverting intestinal dysbiosis, supporting the use of MSCs for the treatment of IBD.

COVID-19 mortality and risk factors in patients with cancer in Ecuador: A retrospective, non-randomized, controlled study.

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected different human populations since March 2020 and challenged healthcare systems, especially in chronic non-communicable diseases such as cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the mortality, risk factors, and symptoms of cancer patients and control subjects, diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). This retrospective, observational, non-randomized, controlled study of patients admitted to ICU was conducted between March and August 2020 in an Ecuadorian oncology center. Patient information collected from electronic medical records included sociodemographic information, clinical history, symptoms, laboratory test results, COVID-19 treatment, and discharge status. For patients with neoplasia, diagnosis, type, and status of cancer, as well as antineoplastic treatment received over the past month was also recorded. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (version 22.0) and R (version 4.1.3). In total, 79 adult COVID-19 patients were studied (40 with cancer and 39 controls). The total mean time until COVID-19 symptoms onset was 6.2 ±â€…3.5 days (5.3 ±â€…3.2 days in the cancer group vs 7.2 ±â€…3.6 days in the control group; P = .016) but no difference was observed in reported symptoms. All patients received an antibiotic treatment, but only 70% of the cancer group had antivirals (P < .001). Cancer patients had lower hemoglobin levels than controls (10.7 ±â€…2.8 vs 13.3 ±â€…1.7 g/dL; P < .001). In terms of mortality, not statistically significance difference was reported between groups. The study showed that high ferritin (Absolute Odds Ratio of 3.9; 95% CI 1.1-14.6) and mechanical ventilation (Absolute Odds Ratio of 4.9; 95% CI 1.3-18.6) were independent COVID-19 mortality risk factors. COVID-19 infection did not represent an increased risk of mortality in cancer patients, but elevated ferritin levels and the need for mechanical ventilation were identified as mortality risk factors.

Jessner's Lymphocytic Infiltration of the Skin in a 73-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (JLIS) is a rare and benign process of unknown cause. This disorder affects both sexes, most commonly in the young adult population. However, the demographic characteristics remain largely unknown, due to limited information. JLIS clinical presentation is heterogeneous; lesions can be indurated papular or erythematous plaques on the upper body. Symptoms are variable, from asymptomatic to pruritus and burning sensation. CASE REPORT A female patient aged 73 years presented with 10-day asymptomatic dermatosis on the left malar area after an insect sting. At the beginning, the lesion was clinically classified as an abscess and antibiotic therapy was prescribed with ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 hours for 5 days. However, due to the lack of clinical response, a biopsy was performed, which reported a predominantly lymphocytic nodular dermatitis. JLIS diagnosis was confirmed after laboratory and imaging tests. Intralesional infiltrations of triamcinolone (0.5 ml) twice within 15 days and mineral sunscreen 3 times a day were prescribed. After the treatment, the lesion had a complete resolution without recurrence to date. CONCLUSIONS The present case reports JLIS in an older woman who presented a complete healing resolution of the lesion without recurrences after triamcinolone intralesional infiltrations and sunscreen protection.

Tigecycline reduces tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer via inhibition of cell proliferation and modulation of immune response.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the cancers with the highest incidence in which APC gene mutations occur in almost 80% of patients. This mutation leads to ß-catenin aberrant accumulation and an uncontrolled proliferation. Apoptosis evasion, changes in the immune response and microbiota composition are also events that arise in CRC. Tetracyclines are drugs with proven antibiotic and immunomodulatory properties that have shown cytotoxic activity against different tumor cell lines. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The effect of tigecycline was evaluated in vitro in HCT116 cells and in vivo in a colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) murine model. 5-fluorouracil was assayed as positive control in both studies. KEY RESULTS: Tigecycline showed an antiproliferative activity targeting the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway and downregulating STAT3. Moreover, tigecycline induced apoptosis through extrinsic, intrinsic and endoplasmic reticulum pathways converging on an increase of CASP7 levels. Furthermore, tigecycline modulated the immune response in CAC, reducing the cancer-associated inflammation through downregulation of cytokines expression. Additionally, tigecycline favored the cytotoxic activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), one of the main immune defenses against tumor cells. Lastly, the antibiotic reestablished the gut dysbiosis in CAC mice increasing the abundance of bacterial genera and species, such as Akkermansia and Parabacteroides distasonis, that act as protectors against tumor development. These findings resulted in a reduction of the number of tumors and an amelioration of the tumorigenesis process in CAC. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Tigecycline exerts a beneficial effect against CRC supporting the use of this antibiotic for the treatment of this disease.

Acciones psicoeducativas para aumentar la percepción de riesgo sobre abuso sexual, en los adolescentes / Psychological and educational actions to increase adolescents' sexual abuse risk perception

RESUMEN Introducción: La importancia de aumentar la percepción de riesgo de los adolescentes sobre los abusos sexuales en la infancia ha ascendido, debido al aumento de casos registrados de esta causa en los últimos tiempos. Objetivo: Diseñar acciones psicoeducativas dirigidas a aumentar la percepción del riesgo sobre abusos sexuales en adolescentes. Métodos: Se ejecutó un estudio con enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo en adolescentes del área de salud del Consultorio No. 6 del Policlínico «Chiqui Gómez», del municipio de Santa Clara, durante el año 2019. De los 215 adolescentes, se seleccionó una muestra no probabilística de 20 adolescentes, con sus padres. El estudio se realizó en tres etapas. Resultados: El 55,5 % de adolescentes varones y el 60,0 % con edades entre 15 y 18 años; 45,0 % cursaban el décimo grado; 50,0 % de las madres con nivel medio de escolaridad y 60,05 % de los padres con nivel superior; procedentes de familias nucleares incompletas en el 40,0 %; moderadamente funcionales con comunicación inadecuada 56,3 %; 35,0 % con solución de conflictos por confrontación y 20,0 % por evasión. Se identificó nivel de información no adecuado en el 85,0 %; prefirieron recibir información por charlas y trabajo en grupos. Conclusiones: Se diseñó un grupo de acciones psicoeducativas, evaluadas como actualizadas, pertinentes, trascendentes, contribuyentes y viables, para aplicar en sesiones de trabajo preventivo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the importance of increasing adolescents' sexual abuse risk perception in childhood has risen due to the increase of cases registered in recent times. Objective: to design psychological and educational actions aimed at increasing adolescents' sexual abuse risk perception. Methods: a quantitative and qualitative study was carried out in adolescents from the health area of the doctor's office No. 6 belonged to "Chiqui Gómez" Polyclinic, in Santa Clara municipality, during 2019. A non-probabilistic sample of 20 adolescents and their parents was selected from a total of 215 adolescents. The study was carried out in three stages. Results: 55.5% of male adolescents and the 60.0% aged between 15 and 18 years predominated; 45.0% were in tenth grade; 50.0% of the mothers had an average level of schooling and 60.05% of the fathers a higher level; 40.0% from incomplete nuclear families; 56.3% moderately functional families with inadequate communication; 35.0% with conflict resolution by confrontation and 20.0% by evasion. Inadequate level of information was identified in 85.0%; they preferred to receive information through talks and group work. Conclusions: we designed a group of psychological and educational actions which were evaluated as up-to-date, pertinent, transcendent, contributing and viable, to be applied in preventive work sessions.

Asociación entre autorregulación alimentaria, dieta, estado nutricional y bienestar subjetivo en adultos en Chile / Association between diet, eating self-regulation, nutritional status and subjective well-being of adults in Chile

Resumen Antecedentes La prevalencia de obesidad de la población mundial hace necesario profundizar en sus determinantes conductuales y cognitivos motivacionales. La autorregulación alimentaria emerge como un recurso individual que favorece mantener una dieta y estado nutricional saludable, lo que a su vez incidirá en la experiencia de bienestar de la población. Objetivo Establecer la asociación entre autorregulación alimentaria, dieta, estado nutricional y bienestar subjetivo en adultos. Método estudio descriptivo correlacional, en una muestra no probabilística de 528 adultos chilenos quienes respondieron un cuestionario sobre antecedentes sociodemográficos y de salud, cumplimiento de recomendaciones alimentarias y escalas de autorregulación alimentaria y bienestar subjetivo. Se realizó análisis descriptivo, correlación y regresión multivariada. Resultados Adultos normopeso presentaron mejores índices en todas las variables estudiadas. La autorregulación alimentaria predijo el cumplimiento de recomendaciones nutricionales (β = 0,085, Wald = 48,501, p<0,001) y el estado nutricional (β = -0,05, Wald = 16,02, p<0,001). El cumplimiento de recomendaciones nutricionales (β = 0,206, p <0,001) y el IMC (β = - 0,142, p = 0,001) predijeron el bienestar. Conclusiones En un contexto obesogénico, la autorregulación alimentaria emerge como un recurso clave que influye positivamente no solo en una dieta y estado nutricional saludable, sino que también en el bienestar.

Abstract Background The prevalence of obesity in the world population makes it necessary to explore into its behavioral and cognitive motivational determinants. Eating self-regulation emerges as an individual resource that favors maintaining a healthy diet and nutritional status, which in turn will affect the well-being of the population. Objective To establish the association between eating self-regulation, diet, nutritional status and subjective well-being in adults. Method descriptive correlational study, in a non-probabilistic sample of 528 Chilean adults who answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic and health history, compliance with dietary recommendations and scales of food self-regulation and subjective well-being. Descriptive analysis, correlation and multivariate regression were carried out. Results Normal weight adults presented better indices in all the variables studied. Eating self-regulation predicted compliance with nutritional recommendations (β = 0.085, Wald = 48.501, p <0.001) and nutritional status (β = -0.05, Wald = 16.02, p <0.001). Compliance with nutritional recommendations (β = 0.206, p <0.001) and BMI (β = - 0.142, p = 0.001) predicted well-being. Conclusions In an obesogenic context, eating self-regulation appears as a key resource that positively influences not only a healthy diet and nutritional status, but also subjective well-being.

The Beneficial Effects of Red Sun-Dried Capsicum annuum L. Cv Senise Extract with Antioxidant Properties in Experimental Obesity are Associated with Modulation of the Intestinal Microbiota.

SCOPE: Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise is a sweet pepper containing health promoting compounds that can be modified by ripening and drying. This study focuses on finding the peppers with the best antioxidant properties, which are evaluated on an experimental model of obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity are evaluated on several peppers obtained from the same cultivar at different ripening stages. Red sweet peppers show the highest content in polyphenols, ß-carotene, lycopene, and capsinoids, and demonstrate the best antioxidant activity in vitro. Mice fed a high fat diet are orally treated with an extract from these peppers (Capsicum annuum extract [CAE]) (1, 10, and 25 mg/kg/day). It promotes weight loss and improves plasma markers related to glucose and lipid metabolisms. CAE also ameliorates obesity-associated systemic inflammation reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in adipose and hepatic tissues and improving the expression of different markers involved in the gut epithelial barrier function. These effects are associated with a modulation of the intestinal microbiome, which appears altered. CONCLUSIONS: The extract can be considered a new potential approach for the treatment of obesity, complementary to dietary restrictions.

Análisis de la producción científica y la colaboración internacional boliviana indexada en Scopus entre 1996-2018 / Analysis of Bolivian scientific production and international collaboration indexed in Scopus in the period 1996-2018

Introducción: La productividad y la calidad de la producción científica constituyen una preocupación, tanto de los propios científicos como de los decisores y gestores de la ciencia. Existen pocos estudios recientes donde se evalúe la producción científica en Bolivia, sobre todo en la esfera de la colaboración internacional. Objetivo: Caracterizar la producción científica y la colaboración internacional de Bolivia en el periodo 1996-2018. Métodos: Se utilizaron indicadores de evaluación externa: documentos citables, total de citaciones, autocitaciones, citaciones por documento, índice H y colaboración internacional dados por la base de datos Scopus y SCImago Journal and Country Rank del periodo. Resultados: Bolivia ocupa el puesto 8 de Suramérica en cuanto a producción científica. Se evidencia que ha experimentado un aumento del número de publicaciones. En los últimos 22 años ha habido un aumento en las temáticas de agricultura, medicina, medio ambiente, astronomía, y ciencias sociales. Es el país con mayor cooperación internacional entre los países con los cuales tiene frontera común. Conclusiones: La producción científica de Bolivia se caracteriza por un ascenso sostenible en el periodo, con destaque en la colaboración internacional(AU)

Introduction: The productivity and quality of scientific production are a reason for concern among scientists, science managers and decision makers. Few recent studies are available evaluating scientific production in Bolivia, particularly in the field of international collaboration. Objective: Characterize scientific production and international collaboration in Bolivia in the period 1996-2018. Methods: Use was made of external evaluation indicators: citable documents, total citations, self-citations, citations per document, h-index and international collaboration provided by the databases Scopus and SCImago Journal and Country Rank for the period. Results: Bolivia ranks eighth in South America as far as scientific production is concerned. An obvious rise has occurred in the number of publications. In the last 22 years there has been an increase in the subjects of agriculture, medicine, the environment, astronomy and social sciences. On the other hand, it is the country with the greatest international cooperation among those with which it shares borders. Conclusions: Bolivian scientific production has experienced a sustainable rise in the period, and international collaboration has been outstanding(AU)

Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of the total alkaloid fraction from Fumaria capreolata in the DSS model of colitis in mice.

Fumaria genus has been traditionally used for managing inflammatory and gastrointestinal disorders. The study evaluates the immunomodulatory potential of the total alkaloid fraction from Fumaria capreolata L. (AFC) in primary macrophages and the intestinal anti-inflammatory effect in a dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis in mice. AFC inhibited LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages gene expression program dose-dependently. In vivo, AFC markedly reduced macroscopic and microscopic signs of intestinal inflammation. Besides, it restored the colonic expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, as well as enhanced the expression of intestinal barrier markers. These results demonstrate the potential of AFC extract as a therapeutic tool for the management of inflammatory bowel disease.

The Beneficial Effects of Lippia Citriodora Extract on Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice Are Associated with Modulation in the Gut Microbiota Composition.

SCOPE: Obesity is characterized by a dysfunction in the adipose tissue and an inflammatory subclinical state leading to insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is also associated with intestinal dysbiosis that contributes to inflammation development. Lippia citriodora (LCE) contains high levels of polyphenolpropanoids and has shown promising results in obesity. The aim of this study is to investigate a well-characterized extract of LCE in a model of metabolic syndrome in mice, focusing on its effects on metabolic tissues, endothelial dysfunction, and microbiome. METHODS: Mice are fed a high fat diet (HFD) for six weeks and treated daily with LCE (1, 10, and 25 mg kg-1 ). Glucose and lipid metabolism is investigated. The inflammatory state in the metabolic tissues and the intestinal microbiota composition are characterized, as well as the endothelium-dependent vasodilator response to acetylcholine. RESULTS: LCE reduces fat accumulation and improves plasma glycemic and lipid profiles, as well as the inflammatory process and vascular dysfunction. Moreover, LCE lessens intestinal dysbiosis, as it reduces the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increases Akkermansia abundance in comparison with untreated HFD mice. CONCLUSION: The antiobesity therapeutic properties of LCE are most probably mediated by the synergic effects of its bioactive compounds.

The prebiotic properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract contribute to the beneficial effects in diet-induced obesity in mice.

The metabolic syndrome has been associated with an alteration of intestinal microbiota, which can be considered as a target for the management of these patients. Phenolic extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa have shown beneficial effects on obesity and its related complications. However, their effects on gut microbiota have not been investigated yet. This study evaluates the effects of a chemically characterized polyphenolic extract of H. sabdariffa (HSE) in an experimental model of diet-induced obesity (DIO) in mice. HSE was administered daily by oral gave for 42 days. HSE reduced weight increase in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, and improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and normalized LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio. It also enhanced the inflammatory state in the liver, reducing the expression of different adipokines and proinflammatory mediators, and reinforced gut integrity by increasing the expression of mucins and proteins involved in the maintenance of mucosal barrier. Moreover, HSE had a prebiotic effect, ameliorating the changes in the gut microbiota induced by the HFD. Thus, HSE improved the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which may contribute to the beneficial effects. Consequently, HSE could be considered for the development of a complementary treatment for the metabolic syndrome due to its beneficial properties.

Polymorphisms in MDM2 and TP53 Genes and Risk of Developing Therapy-Related Myeloid Neoplasms.

One of the most severe complications after successful cancer therapy is the development of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN). Constitutional genetic variation is likely to impact on t-MN risk. We aimed to evaluate if polymorphisms in the p53 pathway can be useful for predicting t-MN susceptibility. First, an association study revealed that the Pro variant of the TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism and the G allele of the MDM2 SNP309 were associated with t-MN risk. The Arg variant of TP53 is more efficient at inducing apoptosis, whereas the Pro variant is a more potent inductor of cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. As regards MDM2 SNP309, the G allele is associated with attenuation of the p53 apoptotic response. Second, to evaluate the biological effect of the TP53 polymorphism, we established Jurkat isogenic cell lines expressing p53Arg or p53Pro. Jurkat p53Arg cells presented higher DNA damage and higher apoptotic potential than p53Pro cells, after treatment with chemotherapy agents. Only p53Pro cells presented t(15;17) translocation and del(5q). We suggest that failure to repair DNA lesions in p53Arg cells would lead them to apoptosis, whereas some p53Pro cells, prone to cell cycle arrest and DNA repair, could undergo misrepair, generating chromosomal abnormalities typical of t-MN.

Intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of goat whey on DNBS-induced colitis in mice.

This study evaluated the intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of goat whey in a mouse model of colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid that resembles human IBD. At a concentration of 4 g/kg/day, the goat whey improved the symptoms of intestinal inflammation, namely by decreasing the disease activity index, colonic weight/length, and leukocyte infiltration. Moreover, goat whey inhibited NF-κB p65 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways and consequently down-regulated the gene expression of various proinflammatory markers such as IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, iNOS, MMP-9, ICAM-1. Also, goat whey increased the expression of proteins such as mucins, occludin proteins and cytokine signalling suppressors. The immunomodulatory properties of goat whey were also evaluated in vitro using the murine macrophage cell line Raw 264 and CMT-93 cells derived from mouse rectum carcinomas. The results revealed the ability of goat whey to inhibit the production of NO and reduce IL-6 production in LPS-stimulated cells. In conclusion, goat whey exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in the DNBS model of intestinal inflammation, and these observations were confirmed by its immunomodulatory properties in vitro. Together, our results indicate that goat whey could have applications for the treatment of IBD.

Cell-Based Screening: Cellular Assays with a Molecular Endpoint Measured by SAMDI Mass Spectrometry (Small 28/2016).

On page 3811, M. Mrksich and co-workers culture cells using self-assembled monolayers presenting cell adhesion ligands and enzyme substrates. A lysis buffer disrupts the cell membranes, releasing enzymes that modify the immobilized substrates. These modifications can be measured with SAMDI mass spectrometry, giving a high-throughput, cell-based assay.