Double blocking of carbon metabolism causes a large increase of Calvin-Benson cycle compounds in cyanobacteria.

Carbon-flow-regulator A (CfrA) adapts carbon flux to nitrogen conditions in nondiazotrophic cyanobacteria. Under nitrogen deficiency, CfrA leads to the storage of excess carbon, which cannot combine with nitrogen, mainly as glycogen. cfrA overexpression from the arsenite-inducible, nitrogen-independent ParsB promoter allows analysis of the metabolic effects of CfrA accumulation. Considering that the main consequence of cfrA overexpression is glycogen accumulation, we examined carbon distribution in response to cfrA expression in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 strains impaired in synthesizing this polymer. We carried out a comparative phenotypic analysis to evaluate cfrA overexpression in the wild-type strain and in a mutant of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (ΔglgC), which is unable to synthesize glycogen. The accumulation of CfrA in the wild-type background caused a photosynthetic readjustment although growth was not affected. However, in a ΔglgC strain, growth decreased depending on CfrA accumulation and photosynthesis was severely affected. An elemental analysis of the H, C, and N content of cells revealed that cfrA expression in the wild-type caused an increase in the C/N ratio, due to decreased nitrogen assimilation. Metabolomic study indicated that these cells store sucrose and glycosylglycerol, in addition to the previously described glycogen accumulation. However, cells deficient in glycogen synthesis accumulated large amounts of Calvin-Benson cycle intermediates as cfrA was expressed. These cells also showed increased levels of some amino acids, mainly alanine, serine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine. The findings suggest that by controlling cfrA expression, in different conditions and strains, we could change the distribution of fixed carbon, with potential biotechnological benefits.

Exploring predictors of dysphagia in survivors of head and neck cancer: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of dysphagia in survivors of head and neck cancer (sHNC) and to identify the predictors contributing to the development of dysphagia. METHODS: We enrolled 62 sHNC in a cross-sectional study to check the prevalence of dysphagia in sHNC and to evaluate which factors were influencing the presence of this side effect. Besides dysphagia, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, oral symptoms, maximal mouth opening (MMO), sleep quality and physical condition were evaluated, and a linear regression analysis was performed to verify which of these outcomes impact dysphagia. RESULTS: Among all the sHNC, 85.5% presented dysphagia. The linear regression analysis confirmed that 44.9% of the variance in dysphagia was determined by coughing, MMO and sleep quality, being MMO the most powerful predictor, followed by coughing and sleep quality. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia affected the great majority of sHNC. Moreover, symptoms as coughing, reduced MMO and sleep disorders may act as predictors contributing to the development of dysphagia. Our results emphasize the importance of an early and proper identification of the symptoms as well as an adequate treatment strategy to address the cluster of symptoms that sHNC undergo.

[Pan American Crohn's and Colitis Organization (PANCCO) and the Interamerican Society of Endoscopy (SIED) consensus on endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease]. / Consenso de endoscopia en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal de la Organización Panamericana de Crohn y Colitis (PANCCO) y la Sociedad Interamericana de endoscopia (SIED).

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopy plays a fundamental role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and becomes essential in diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and detection and management of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Pan American Crohn's and Colitis Organization (PANCCO) and the Inter-American Society of Endoscopy (SIED) appointed 22 Latin American experts in IBD to develop a consensus study using the modified Delphi method, based on the best available evidence. A working group of 22 members from 9 countries identified 15 topics and formulated 98 statements, who participated in 2 rounds of voting. It was defined as agreement of ≥80% of experts for each statement. RESULTS: After the voting of all the statements, 8 statements were obtained that did not reach 80% consensus among the participants, so the questions were reconsidered in the Coordinating Committee of the consensus with the participation of the expert reviewers of these questions and 7 final statements were voted again by all the experts in a second round and 1 was eliminated with consensus. After two rounds of voting, the experts reached consensus with literature review with the best available evidence, the most important issues were developed with scientific evidence supporting each of the statements around the topic of endoscopy in IBD. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus statements were developed and based on the best available evidence about endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease.

Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students202.

Several studies have shown an increased prevalence of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation in the general population in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccination Week in the Americas: An Ongoing Initiative to Strengthen and Sustain Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Region.

Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) is a yearly regional initiative that promotes the benefits of vaccination to all persons in the region. In its 22-year history, more than 1.15 billion people have been reached under the framework of VWA across more than 40 countries and territories. This review examines multiple PAHO and WHO data points, documents and reports related to measles/rubella vaccination coverage and VWA since its inception. Its goal is to document the impact that the VWA has had in maintaining and accelerating measles and rubella disease elimination, in the context of PAHO's Disease Elimination Initiative. The results suggest that VWA's contributions to measles and rubella elimination have been substantial. Every year, VWA promotes (a) renewed political commitment to the immunization program from the highest political authorities of Member States; (b) vaccination operations to close immunity gaps, recover under-vaccinated persons, and reach chronically underserved populations; and (c) the dissemination of messages on the benefits of vaccination through regional and national communications campaigns. VWA will continue to be an important contributor to disease elimination efforts in the Americas, even as new targets are set in response to the evolving epidemiological landscape.

Enhancing respiratory function in neuromuscular disease: the role of non-invasive ventilation. A narrative review.

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by extreme progressive muscle weakness leading to respiratory failure. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) has emerged as a cornerstone in the management of respiratory complications associated with NMDs. This review aims to elucidate the role of NMV in respiratory function, improving quality of life, and prolonging survival in individuals with NMD. The physiological basis of respiratory impairment in NMDs, principles of NMV application, evidence supporting its efficacy, patient selection criteria, and potential challenges in its application are discussed.

Use of botulinum toxin type A in the prehabilitation of abdominal wall musculature for hernia repair: a consensus proposal.

The prehabilitation of the abdominal wall through the infiltration of botulinum toxin type A, which induces temporary chemical denervation ("chemical component separation") in the lateral abdominal musculature, is a common practice in units specialized in abdominal wall surgery. However, its use for this indication is currently off-label. The main objective of this article is to describe a consensus proposal regarding indications, contraindications, dosages employed, potential side effects, administration method, and measurement of possible outcomes. Additionally, a proposal for an informed consent document endorsed by the Abdominal Wall Section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons is attached.

Relationship between mastication and malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between mastication and malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: To establish the eligibility criteria, the acronym PECOS was used: Population: non-institutionalized older adults; Exposure: older adults with malnutrition; Control: older adults without malnutrition; Outcome: masticatory problems in malnourished older adults; Study types: observational studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: It selected studies assessing malnutrition and mastication difficulties in non-institutionalized adults over 60 years old, of both sexes. Mastication and malnutrition were evaluated with questionnaires on self-reported symptoms and clinical and instrumental assessments. There were no restrictions on language, year of publication, or ethnicity. DATA ANALYSIS: The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality with the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for cross-sectional studies. For the cross-sectional studies included, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: After searching the databases, 692 references were retrieved, with three studies selected for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The values obtained in the meta-analysis for association show that malnutrition and mastication difficulties were 2.21 times as likely to occur (OR = 2.21; 95%CI = 0.93 - 5.26; I2 = 94%) as individuals without malnutrition (p < 0.001). The assessment of the risk of bias presented a high-risk, a moderate-risk, and a low-risk study. The certainty of evidence was rated very low with the GRADE tool. CONCLUSION: Individuals at risk of malnutrition are 2.21 times as likely to have mastication difficulties.

Description of maternal and neonatal adverse events in pregnant people immunised with COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy in the CLAP NETWORK of sentinel sites. Nested case-control analysis of the immunization-associated risk: A study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is associated with higher morbimortality in pregnant people compared with non-pregnant people. At present, the benefits of maternal immunisation are considered to outweigh the risks, and therefore, vaccination is recommended during pregnancy. However, additional information is needed on the safety of the vaccines in this population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This a retrospective cohort nested case-control study in pregnant people who attended maternity hospitals from eight Latin American and Caribbean countries. A perinatal electronic clinical history database with neonatal and obstetric information will be used. The proportion of pregnant people immunised with COVID-19 vaccines of the following maternal and neonatal events will be described: preterm infant, small for gestational age, low birth weight, stillbirth, neonatal death, congenital malformations, maternal near miss and maternal death. Moreover, the risk of prematurity, small for gestational age and low birth weight associated with exposure to COVID-19 vaccines will be estimated. Each case will be matched with two groups of three randomly selected controls. Controls will be matched by hospital and mother's age (±3 years) with an additional matching by delivery date and conception time in the first and second control groups, respectively. The estimated required sample size for the main analysis (exposure to any vaccine) concerning 'non-use' is at least 1009 cases (3027 controls) to detect an increased probability of vaccine-associated event risk of 30% and at least 650 cases (1950 controls) to detect 30% protection. Sensitivity and secondary analyses considering country, type of vaccine, exposure windows and completeness of immunisation will be reported. ETHICS: The study protocol was reviewed by the Ethical Review Committee on Research of the Pan American Health Organization. Patient informed consent was waived due to the retrospective design and the utilisation of anonymised data (Ref. No: PAHOERC.0546.01). Results will be disseminated in open access journals.

Efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy combined with mobile health education in patients with head and neck cancer suffering from chronic xerostomia after radiotherapy: protocol for a three-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study.

INTRODUCTION: The role of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for oral tissue damage induced by cancer treatment is currently unclear, and there is low-quality to moderate-quality evidence supporting the use of this approach for treating xerostomia and/or hyposalivation. Consequently, patients with head and neck cancer increasingly turn to basic oral hygiene to alleviate salivary gland dysfunction, and their adherence can be improved by mobile health (mHealth) education. The primary objective of this study will be to analyse the effects of different doses of PBM therapy (7.5 J/cm2 vs 3 J/cm2) plus mHealth education on quality of life (QoL), oral health, salivary secretion and salivary gland ultrasound assessment at postintervention and at the 6-month follow-up in patients with head and neck cancer after radiotherapy compared with those in control group. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A prospective, three-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study will be conducted among patients with head and neck cancer suffering from chronic xerostomia. A total of 20 patients per arm will be included and randomly assigned to receive 7.5 J/cm2 of PBM, 3 J/cm2 of PBM or placebo therapy. PBM therapy will be applied during 24 sessions at 22 points extra and intraorally two times per week for 3 months, combined with a mobile application (https://www.laxer.es). The assessments will be recorded at the beginning of the study, at postintervention and at the 6-month follow-up. The primary outcomes will be QoL, oral health, salivary secretion and salivary gland ultrasound. The pain pressure threshold, functional performance, mood and sleep quality will be secondary indicators. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study received ethics approval from the Andalusian Biomedical Research Ethics Portal (2402-N-21 CEIM/CEI Provincial de Granada) according to the Declaration of Helsinki for Biomedical Research. The results of this study will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05106608.

Diagnostic delay in bronchiectasis: an Italian perspective.

It takes ∼3.5 years to reach a diagnosis of bronchiectasis from onset of symptoms: the long patient's journey in Italy https://bit.ly/46XMWAz.

Encapsulation of Olive Leaf Polyphenol-Rich Extract in Polymeric Micelles to Improve Its Intestinal Permeability.

In the present study, polymeric micelles were developed to improve the intestinal permeability of an extract of Olea europaea L. leaf with a high content of total polyphenols (49% w/w), with 41% w/w corresponding to the oleuropein amount. A pre-formulation study was conducted to obtain a stable formulation with a high loading capacity for extract. The freeze-drying process was considered to improve the stability of the formulation during storage. Micelles were characterized in terms of physical and chemical properties, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and in vitro release. The optimized system consisted of 15 mg/mL of extract, 20 mg/mL of Pluronic L121, 20 mg/mL of Pluronic F68, and 10 mg/mL of D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), with dimensions of 14.21 ± 0.14 nm, a polydisersity index (PdI) of 0.19 ± 0.05 and an encapsulation efficiency of 66.21 ± 1.11%. The influence of the micelles on polyphenol permeability was evaluated using both Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (PAMPA) and the Caco-2 cell monolayer. In both assays, the polymeric micelles improved the permeation of polyphenols, as demonstrated by the increase in Pe and Papp values.

Vacunas frente a la COVID-19: perfil de seguridad tras un año de seguimiento / COVID-19 vaccines: safety profile after one year of follow-up

Introducción: Tras declararse la pandemia mundial por el coronavirus COVID-19, se instauraron medidas para com-batirlo, destacando la existencia de vacunas frente a la COVID-19: dos de ARN mensajero [ARNm] y dos de vector viral no replicante [VVNR]. Nuestro objetivo fue contribuir a la ampliación del perfil de seguridad de dichas vacunas mediante la detección y notificación de reacciones adversas (RAs) en un área sanitaria con 174.398 tarjetas sanitarias durante el año 2021.Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo realizado en un hospital de segundo nivel. Las fuentes de detección de las RAs fueron: Sistema de Codificación del Centro al Alta del Paciente Ingresado [SIAC] y notificación espontánea. Los datos empleados fueron extraídos de la historia clínica electrónica y recogidos en un documento de Microsoft Excell. Resultados: De las 654 RAs detectadas, 36 pertenecieron a vacunas frente a la COVID-19, detectándose el 72 % mediante notificación espontánea y siendo el 91,67 % graves. Se produjeron en 29 pacientes (mediana de edad: 61 años; 51,72 % mujeres), dos de ellos con infección previa por COVID-19. El 50 % de las RAs sucedieron tras la segun-da dosis. Destacaron: trombosis venosa profunda (TVP), tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) y miopericarditis con vacunas de ARNm; y vasculitis y miocarditis en VVNR. Conclusiones: Aunque la bibliografía disponible señala que la frecuencia de RAs graves con dichas vacunas suele ser rara, resulta importante su seguimiento. El alto porcentaje de RAs detectadas por notificación espontánea refle-ja la implicación de los profesionales sanitarios en la ampliación del perfil de seguridad. (AU)

Introduction: After declaring the global pandemic due to the coronavirus COVID-19, measures were established to combat it, highlighting the existence of COVID-19 vaccines: two messenger RNA [mRNA] and two non-replicating viral vector [VVNR].Our objective was to contribute to expanding the safety profile of these vaccines through the detection and notifica-tion of adverse reactions (ARs) in a health area with 174,398 health cards during the year 2021.Method: Retrospective descriptive observational study carried out in a second level hospital. The sources of detec-tion of the ADRs were: Coding System of the Center at the Discharge of the Admitted Patient [SIAC] and spontaneous notification. The data used were extracted from the electronic medical record and collected in a Microsoft Excell document.Results: Of the 654 ARs detected, 36 belonged to COVID-19 vaccines, 72 % being detected by spontaneous noti-fication and 91.67 % being serious. They occurred in 29 patients (median age: 61 years; 51.72 % women), two of them with previous COVID-19 infection. 50 % of the ARs occurred after the second dose. They highlighted: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and myopericarditis with mRNA vaccines; and vasculitis and myocarditis in VVNR.Conclusions: Although the available bibliography indicates that the frequency of serious ARs with these vaccines is usually rare, their follow-up is important. The high percentage of ADRs detected by spontaneous notification reflects the involvement of healthcare professionals to expanding the safety profile. (AU)

Relationship between mastication and malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose To determine the relationship between mastication and malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults. Research strategies To establish the eligibility criteria, the acronym PECOS was used: Population: non-institutionalized older adults; Exposure: older adults with malnutrition; Control: older adults without malnutrition; Outcome: masticatory problems in malnourished older adults; Study types: observational studies. Selection criteria It selected studies assessing malnutrition and mastication difficulties in non-institutionalized adults over 60 years old, of both sexes. Mastication and malnutrition were evaluated with questionnaires on self-reported symptoms and clinical and instrumental assessments. There were no restrictions on language, year of publication, or ethnicity. Data analysis The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality with the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for cross-sectional studies. For the cross-sectional studies included, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Results After searching the databases, 692 references were retrieved, with three studies selected for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The values obtained in the meta-analysis for association show that malnutrition and mastication difficulties were 2.21 times as likely to occur (OR = 2.21; 95%CI = 0.93 - 5.26; I2 = 94%) as individuals without malnutrition (p < 0.001). The assessment of the risk of bias presented a high-risk, a moderate-risk, and a low-risk study. The certainty of evidence was rated very low with the GRADE tool. Conclusion Individuals at risk of malnutrition are 2.21 times as likely to have mastication difficulties.

Enteral nutrition and refeeding syndrome in a patient with anorexia nervosa and COVID-19

Introduction: the evidence on the health problem-related prevalence of COVID-19 is an emergency. Case report: we present the case of a 28-year-old woman who had had a behavioral eating disorder (BED) since age 12. Her body mass index (BMI) was 13.6 kg/m2. She was hospitalized for a respiratory condition (bronchospasm) due to COVID-19, with supplementary oxygen at two liters. During her stay, she refused food and was started on standard enteral nutrition via a naso-gastric tube. She developed refeeding syndrome (RFS), which was managed with electrolytes, and her enteral diet was changed to a low-carbohydrate high-protein diet. She received psychological therapy through video calls, recovered, and was discharged to home. Discussion: refeeding complications increase when a high caloric rate is begun. The standard enteral formula has 54% carbohydrates, which contributes to the risk of developing RFS. The consequences of BED and COVID-19 are unknown, and it is likely to become more evident over time. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2626).

Luxación femorotibial de rodilla: manejo, posibles complicaciones y secuelas / Femorotibial knee dislocation: management, possible complications and aftermath

La luxación femorotibial es una situación clínica rara, causada normalmente por accidentes de alta energía, pero también por accidentes de baja energía en personas obesas. Es susceptible de ser atendida inicialmente en todos los puntos de acceso al sistema, tanto en Atención Primaria como en puntos de atención continuada, emergencias o en urgencias hospitalarias. Frecuentemente tratada en ámbitos de traumatología, ha sido una lesión poco referida en ámbitos de urgencias y de Atención Primaria. Tanto las lesiones vasculares o nerviosas que puede causar y que ponen en riesgo la viabilidad de la extremidad, como las lesiones musculoesqueléticas que pueden condicionar probables secuelas a largo plazo y que marcarán la relación médico-paciente, hacen de esta lesión una auténtica emergencia médica. Por ello, su correcto manejo precoz, con una valoración neurosensorial prioritaria, una valoración radiológica, una reducción y una inmovilización adecuadas previas al tratamiento definitivo, es determinante para su evolución.(AU)

Femorotibial dislocation is a rare clinical situation, usually caused by high-energy accidents, but also by low-energy accidents in obese people. It is likely to be treated initially at all points of access to the system, both by the family physician, continuous care points, casualty or by the hospital A&E physician. Commonly treated by orthopaedic surgeons, it has been a rarely reported injury in emergency or primary care medicine. Both vascular or neuropathic injuries that can cause and put the limb’s viability at risk, as well as musculoskeletal injuries that can lead to probable long-term sequelae that will determine the relationship between physician and patient, make this injury a real medical emergency. For this reason, its correct early management with priority neurosensory evaluation, a radiological evaluation, suitable reduction and immobilization prior to definitive treatment, becomes decisive for its prognosis.(AU)

Utilización del equipo de protección personal e infección por SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores del sector salud / Use of Personal Protective Equipment and SARS-Cov-2 Infection Among Healthcare Workers

Introducción: Los trabajadores de salud son los primeros en enfrentarse a brotes epidemiológicos, como el causado con el agente infeccioso emergente síndrome agudo respiratorio severo de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2). El cumplimiento de las medidas de protección es primordial para evitar el contagio. Para ello se implementó el uso se equipos protección personal (EPP)Método: Difusión de encuesta voluntaria y anónima entre los empleados de centros sanitarios. (Datos obtenidos desde 6 de noviembre 2020 al 6 febrero de 2021). Se recibieron 443 respuestas validas con las que se evaluó la correcta utilización y acceso al EPP, se midió los casos de enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) y el efecto de la pandemia en el personal del sector salud. Diseño del estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal Resultados: Mayor percepción de los erro-res cometidos (x2=161,663 con una p=0,000), probabilidad de contagio (x2=81,118 con una p=0,024) y duración síntomas (x2=440,955 con una p=0,001) según la profesión. Existe relación entre la residencia y nacionalidad del trabajador y la infección por SARS-CoV-2 x2=72,630 con una p=0,020 y una x2=61,247 con una p=0,132. Hay relación entre el número de ítems de EPP usado y la infección por SARS-CoV-2 (x2=38,373 con una p=0,032). Mayor riesgo de contagio según el departamento: residencias (x2=10,223 con una p=0,006), las unidades de pacientes con problemas respiratorios (x2=6,050 con una p=0,049) y las unida-des de paliativos (x2=7,795 con una p=0,020).Conclusiones: Los sanitarios no han estado debidamente protegidos contra la infección por SARS-CoV-2, sobre todo al principio de la pandemia. (AU)

Background: Frontline healthcare workers are the first to face epidemiological outbreaks, such as the caused by the emerging infectious agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Compliance with protective measures is essential to avoid the infection. Therefore, use of personal protection equipment (PPE) was implemented.Method: Dissemination of a voluntary and anon-ymous survey among employees in healthcare centers. (Data obtained from 6th November 2020 to 6th February 2021). 443 valid answers were re-ceived. The correct use and access to PPE was evaluated, cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were measured as well as the effect of the pandemic on healthcare workers.The design of the study is cross-sectional, de-scriptive and prospective.Results: Greater perception of the errors com-mitted (x2=161.663 with a p=0.000), greater probability of contagion (x2= 81.118 with a p=0.024) and longer duration of symptoms (x2= 440.955 with a p= 0.001) according to the pro-fession.Relationship between the residence and nation-ality of the healthcare worker with the infection by SARS-CoV-2 x2=72.630 with a p=0.020 and x2=61.247 with a p=0.132. Relationship between the number of PPE used and SARS-CoV-2 infec-tion (x2= 38.373 with a p= 0.032). Greater risk of contagion according to the workplace: care homes (x2= 10.223 with a p= 0.006), respiratory wards (x2=6.050 with a p= 0.049) and palliative care units (x2= 7.795 with a p=0.020).Conclusions: Healthcare workers have not been adequately protected against the SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially at the beginning of the pandemic. (AU)

Características clínicas de la mortalidad neonatal en un hospital de tercer nivel del Paraguay: un estudio observacional retrospectivo

Introducción: La mortalidad neonatal sigue siendo un importante problema de salud pública en todo el mundo, especialmente en países en desarrollo. La mayoría de las muertes neonatales son atribuibles a complicaciones prevenibles, como la prematuridad, la sepsis neonatal y la asfixia al nacer. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas de la mortalidad neonatal en un hospital de tercer nivel del Paraguay mediante un estudio observacional retrospectivo. Metodología: El presente estudio es de diseño observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, se realizó en el Hospital de Clínicas de Paraguay. Este diseño permitió obtener información de los registros médicos de los recién nacidos atendidos en el hospital durante un período de cinco años. Resultados: En el periodo comprendido entre el 2018 y el 2022, se registraron un total de 131 casos de mortalidad neonatal en el Hospital de Clínicas del Paraguay. El peso medio al nacer de 2009,5 ± 991,4 kilogramos y una edad gestacional media de 32,87 ± 4,5 semanas. Los diagnósticos de óbito más frecuentes en los neonatos fueron sepsis (37 casos), afectación cardiaca (61 casos) y síndrome genético (39 casos). Discusión: Los datos obtenidos del estudio sugieren que existen factores de riesgo maternos y neonatales que están vinculados con la mortalidad neonatal en el Hospital de Clínicas del Paraguay. Se necesitan estudios posteriores que permitan profundizar en el análisis de estos factores y que permitan el desarrollo de estrategias preventivas para disminuir la tasa de mortalidad neonatal en el país.

Introduction: Neonatal mortality remains a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Most neonatal deaths are attributable to preventable complications, such as premature birth, neonatal sepsis, and birth asphyxia. Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics of neonatal mortality in a tertiary-level hospital in Paraguay through a retrospective observational study. Methods: This observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted at the Hospital de Clínicas in Paraguay. This design allowed information to be obtained from the medical records of newborns who attended the hospital over a period of five years. Results: Between 2018 and 2022, 121 cases of neonatal mortality were recorded at the Hospital de Clínicas del Paraguay. The mean birth weight was 2013.51 ± 1021 kg and mean gestational age was 32.87 ± 4.6 weeks. The most frequent diagnoses of neonatal death were sepsis (37 cases), cardiac involvement (61 cases), and genetic syndromes (39 cases). Discussion: The data obtained from this study suggest that maternal and neonatal risk factors are associated with neonatal mortality in the Hospital de Clínicas of Paraguay. Further studies are needed to analyze these factors and develop preventive strategies to reduce the neonatal mortality rate in the country.

Dolor y edema posquirúrgico en la regeneración cutánea nasal con fibrina rica en plaquetas y leucocitos / Post-surgical pain and edema in nasal skin regeneration with fibrin rich in platelets and leukocytes

Introducción: La reconstrucción de defectos cutáneos nasales requiere del uso de procedimientos orientados a obtener la menor probabilidad de complicaciones posoperatorias en el menor período de tiempo posible. Novedosas técnicas utilizan los concentrados plaquetarios por sus propiedades moduladoras del dolor y el edema posoperatorio. Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento del dolor y el edema posquirúrgico en la regeneración de defectos cutáneos nasales con el uso de la membrana de fibrina autóloga, rica en plaquetas y leucocitos. Método: Se realizó una investigación cuasiexperimental, con diseño antes-después, sin grupo control en el Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital Universitario "Arnaldo Milián Castro" de la ciudad de Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba, desde septiembre de 2015 a junio de 2019. La muestra seleccionada aleatoriamente fue de 46 pacientes. A partir de una autodonación de sangre del paciente se obtuvo una membrana de fibrina rica en plaquetas y leucocitos, la cual fue suturada en el defecto quirúrgico nasal. Resultados: La edad media fue 62,71 años y el 60,87 por ciento de la muestra correspondió al sexo masculino. Se presentaron el dolor en el 23,91 por ciento y el edema en el 28,26 por ciento de la muestra estudiada. Conclusiones: Se encontraron escasas complicaciones posoperatorias como el dolor y el edema, las que se manifestaron predominantemente de intensidad leve. Existió asociación entre estas complicaciones y la edad, la cantidad de subunidades anatómicas afectadas, la diabetes mellitus y el tabaquismo(AU)

Introduction: The reconstruction of nasal skin defects requires the use of procedures aimed at obtaining the lowest probability of postoperative complications in the shortest period of time possible. Novel techniques use platelet concentrates for their modulating properties of pain and postoperative edema. Objective: To determine the behavior of pain and post-surgical edema in the regeneration of nasal skin defects with the use of autologous platelet- and leukocyte-rich fibrin membrane. Method: A quasi-experimental research was carried out, with a before-after design, without a control group, in the Maxillofacial Surgery Service at Arnaldo Milián Castro University Hospital in Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba, from September 2015 to June 2015. 2019. The randomly selected sample was 46 patients. A fibrin membrane rich in platelets and leukocytes was obtained from a patient's blood self-donation, which was sutured in the nasal surgical defect. Results: The mean age was 62.71 years and 60.87 por ciento f the sample was male. Pain was present in 23.91 por ciento and edema in 28.26 por ciento of the studied sample. Conclusions: Few postoperative complications such as pain and edema were found, showing to be mild predominantly. There was association between these complications and age, the number of affected anatomical subunits, diabetes mellitus and smoking habit(AU)

Consecuencias de la pandemia COVID-19 en la salud mental de los estudiantes de medicina / Consequences of the covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students

Introducción. Diversos estudios han demostrado un aumento de la prevalencia de ansiedad, depresión e ideación suicida en la población general en relación con la pandemia COVID-19. Esta prevalencia ha mostrado ser todavía mayor en estudiantes universitarios. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la repercusión psicológica sobre los estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad de Granada y los posibles factores asociados a este impacto. Material y métodos. Se diseñó un cuestionario en formato Google Forms con escalas validadas para ansiedad, depresión e ideación suicida, así como cuestiones sobre otras variables de interés. La recogida de datos se realizó entre marzo y abril 2020. La participación fue voluntaria y anónima. Se realizaron análisis multivariantes de los resultados mediante técnicas de regresión logística para controlar los resultados por múltiples variables de confusión. Resultados. Un total de 297 respuestas fueron recibidas. De los participantes, 215 eran mujeres (72,39%). Se detectó una prevalencia de ansiedad del 51,18%, 70,03% de depresión y 16,84% de ideación suicida. Los principales factores asociados con un mayor grado de morbilidad psíquica fueron, puntuar más alto en la escala de miedo al covid, la presencia comorbida de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión, tener antecedentes previos de ideación suicida o haber consultado con un psiquiatra antes de la pandemia. Conclusión. Los resultados son concordantes con los estudios previos realizados en otras universidades a nivel internacional. Sería recomendable realizar nuevas investigaciones en otras universidades españolas e instaurar programas de prevención y de apoyo psicológico a los estudiantes. (AU)

Introduction. Several studies have shown an increased prevalence of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation in the general population in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. This prevalence has been shown to be even higher among university students. The aim of the present study is to analyze the psychological impact on medical students at the University of Granada and the possible factors associated with this impact. Method. A questionnaire was designed in Google Forms with validated scales for anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, as well as questions about other variables of interest. Data collection took place between March and April 2020. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Multivariate analysis of the results was performed using logistic regression techniques to control for multiple confounding variables. Results. A total of 297 responses were received. Of the participants, 215 were women (72.39%). A prevalence of anxiety of 51.18%, 70.03% of depression and 16.84% of suicidal ideation was detected. The main factors associated with a higher degree of psychological morbidity were higher scores on the covid fear scale, the comorbid presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, a previous history of suicidal ideation, or having consulted a psychiatrist before the pandemic. Conclusion: The results are consistent with previous studies carried out in other universities at an international level. It would be advisable to conduct further research in other Spanish universities and to set up prevention and psychological support programs for students. (AU)