The Expression of Toll-like Receptors (TLR7 and TLR9) in Class III and Class IV of Recently Diagnosed Lupus Nephritis with 12-Month Follow-Up.

Renal involvement is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present study included patients with recently diagnosed Class III and Class IV lupus nephritis (LN) treated by Rheumatology who, upon the detection of alterations in their kidney function, were referred to Nephrology for the joint management of both medical specialties. The purpose of this study was to compare the plasma expression of Toll-Like Receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR9 in healthy control (HC) subjects and newly diagnosed Class III and Class IV LN patients with 12-month follow-ups. The plasma expression of TLR7 and TLR9 proteins was determined by the ELISA method. A significant increase in the expression of TLR7 protein was found in Class III LN in the basal determination compared to the expression in the HC (p = 0.002) and at 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.03) vs. HC. The expression of TLR9 showed a behavior opposite to that of TLR7. TLR9 showed decreased protein expression in LN Class III patients' baseline and final measurements. The result was similar in the basal and final determinations of LN Class IV compared to the expression in HC. A significant decrease in SLEDAI -2K was observed at 12 months of follow-up in patients in Class III (p = 0.01) and Class IV (p = 0.0001) of LN. Complement C3 levels improved significantly at 12-month follow-up in Class IV patients (p = 0.0001). Complement C4 levels decreased significantly at 12-month follow-up in LN Class III compared to baseline (p = 0.01). Anti-DNA antibodies decreased significantly at 12 months of follow-up in Class IV LN (p = 0.01). A significant increase in proteinuria was found at 12 months of follow-up in Class III LN, compared to the baseline determination (p = 0.02). In LN Class IV, proteinuria decreased at 12 months of follow-up compared to baseline (p = 0.0001). Albuminuria decreased at 12 months of follow-up in LN Class IV (p = 0.006). Class IV LN, albuminuria also decreased at 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.009). Hematuria persisted in all patients and the glomerular filtration rate did not change. Three Class IV patients died before 12 months of follow-up from various causes. In conclusion, although the rheumatologic data appeared to improve, the renal function data remained inconsistent. Decreased expression of TLR9 and increased expression of TLR7 could be useful in the early diagnosis of Class III and Class IV LN is correct.

Intravenous Vitamin C as an Add-on Therapy for the Treatment of Sepsis in an Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: According to the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3), sepsis is defined as "life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection". The increased presence of free radicals causes an increase in oxidative stress. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant activity and immunoregulatory effects that plays a potential role in the treatment of bacterial infections. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding vitamin C to the conventional treatment of sepsis to decrease its mortality rate. Materials and Methods: In a prospective cohort study, we included patients with a diagnosis of sepsis and a SOFA score ≥ 9 who were evaluated in an Intensive Care Unit at a secondary-care hospital. According to the intensive care specialist, they were treated using two different strategies: Group 1-patients with sepsis treated with conventional treatment without vitamin C; Group 2-patients with sepsis with the addition of vitamin C to conventional treatment. Results: We included 34 patients with sepsis. The incidence of mortality was 38%, and 47% of patients used vitamin C as an adjuvant to the basic treatment of sepsis. In the basal analyses, patients treated with use of vitamin C compared to patients treated without vitamin C required less use of glucocorticoids (75% vs. 100%, p = 0.039). At follow-up, patients treated without vitamin C had higher mortality than patients treated with vitamin C as an adjuvant for the treatment of sepsis (55.6% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.03). We observed that the use of vitamin C was a protective factor for mortality in patients with sepsis (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31-0.96, p = 0.03). Conclusions: The use of vitamin C as an adjuvant to treatment decreases the risk of mortality by 46% in patients with sepsis and SOFA ≥ 9 compared to patients treated without vitamin C as an adjuvant to sepsis.

Blood pressure telemonitoring and telemedicine, a Latin America perspective.

PURPOSE: To share a Latin-American perspective of the use of telemedicine, together with blood pressure measurements outside the medical office, as a potential contribution to improving access to the health system, diagnosis, adherence, and persistence in hypertension treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A document settled by a Writing Group of Mexico Hypertension Experts Group, Interamerican Society of Hypertension, Epidemiology and Cardiovascular Prevention Council of the Interamerican Society of Cardiology, and National Cardiologist Association of Mexico. RESULTS: In almost all Latin American countries, the health sector faces two fundamental challenges: (1) ensure equitable access to quality care services in a growing population that faces an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and (2) optimise the growing costs of health services, maintaining equity, accessibility, universality, and quality. Telehealth proposes an innovative approach to patient management, especially for chronic conditions, intending to provide remote consultation, education, and follow-up to achieve measurements and goals. It is a tool that promises to improve access, empower the patient, and somehow influence their behaviour about lifestyle changes, improving prevention and reducing complications of hypertension. The clinical practitioner has seen increased evidence that the use of out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement and telemedicine are helpful tools to keep patients and physicians in contact and promote better pharmacological adherence and BP control. A survey carried out by medical and scientific institutions showed that practitioners are up-to-date with telemedicine, had internet access, and had hardware availability. CONCLUSIONS: A transcendent issue is the need to make the population aware of the benefits of taking blood pressure to avoid complications of hypertension, and in this scenario, promote the creation of teleconsultation mechanisms for the follow-up of patients diagnosed with hypertension.

What is the context?In almost all Latin American countries, the health sector faces two fundamental challenges: (1) ensure equitable access to quality care services in a growing population that faces an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and (2) optimise the growing costs of health services, maintaining equity, accessibility, universality, and quality.What is new?Telehealth proposes an innovative approach to patient management, especially for chronic conditions, intending to provide remote consultation, education, and follow-up to achieve measurements and goals. It is a tool that promises to improve access, empower the patient, and somehow influence their behaviour about lifestyle changes, improving prevention and reducing complications of hypertension.What is the impact?Needs are always infinite, and resources are finite, so according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), advances in electronic, information, and communication technology point to more significant equity in the provision of services, considering the effectiveness, possibility of refining the rationalisation of health spending, and improving health care for remote populations.A transcendent issue is the need to make the population aware of the benefits of taking blood pressure to avoid complications of hypertension, and in this scenario, promote the creation of teleconsultation mechanisms for the follow-up of patients diagnosed with hypertension.

Percentage of change and increment of the glucose level after a normal oral tolerance curve between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

AIM: To determine the percentage of change and increment in glucose levels after a normal oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. METHODS: We studied 3510 pregnant women who attended their obstetric delivery at a tertiary care hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2018, according to characteristics and risk 1647 (47%) patients were screened for diabetes diagnosis using the oral glucose tolerance test, 501 patients reported normal values between their 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, only 400 patients had their fasting glucose level measured on the same day of their obstetric delivery, to be compared. RESULTS: Average age was 30 years, with an average of 25.3 weeks of pregnancy. The fasting serum glucose levels taken after 28 weeks of pregnancy and before the obstetrical delivery showed an increase of 1.1 mmol/L in women who develop gestational diabetes mellitus, in contrast to women who did not develop gestational diabetes mellitus after 28 weeks their blood glucose only increased on average 0.4 mmol/L. The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in the study population during 2018 was 32.7%. Patients who developed gestational diabetes mellitus after a normal oral glucose tolerance test had greater body mass index before the pregnancy and newborns had a higher weight than babies born to mothers without gestational diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: Changes in glucose levels after the oral tolerance test of normal glucose require strict monitoring, in that it was demonstrated that 3% of patients developed gestational diabetes mellitus after week 28 of gestation.

The Role of the Oxidative State and Innate Immunity Mediated by TLR7 and TLR9 in Lupus Nephritis.

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is considered one of the leading causes of mortality. Multiple immunological pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, which makes it imperative to deepen our knowledge about this disease's immune-pathological complexity and explore new therapeutic targets. Since an altered redox state contributes to immune system dysregulation, this document briefly addresses the roles of oxidative stress (OS), oxidative DNA damage, antioxidant enzymes, mitochondrial function, and mitophagy in SLE and LN. Although adaptive immunity's participation in the development of autoimmunity is undeniable, increasing data emphasize the importance of innate immunity elements, particularly the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that recognize nucleic acid ligands, in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here, we discuss the intriguing roles of TLR7 and TLR9 in developing SLE and LN. Also included are the essential characteristics of conventional treatments and some other novel and little-explored alternatives that offer options to improve renal function in LN.

Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Lipids in Hematological Malignancies.

One of the main groups of lipids is phospholipids, which are mainly involved in forming cell membranes. Neoplastic processes such as cell replication have increased lipid synthesis, making tumor cells dependent on this synthesis to maintain their requirements. Antiphospholipid antibodies attack phospholipids in the cell membranes. Three main types of antiphospholipid antibodies are recognized: anti-ß2 glycoprotein I (anti-ß2GP-I), anticardiolipin (aCL), and lupus anticoagulant (LA). These types of antibodies have been proven to be present in hematological neoplasms, particularly in LH and NHL. This review on antiphospholipid antibodies in hematological neoplasms describes their clinical relationship as future implications at the prognostic level for survival and even treatment.

The Influence of the Severity of Early Chronic Kidney Disease on Oxidative Stress in Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Early Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that tends to progress to End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). Early diagnosis of kidney disease in the early stages can reduce complications. Alterations in renal function represent a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The mechanisms underlying the progression of CKD in diabetes could be associated with oxidative and inflammatory processes. This study aimed to evaluate the state of inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) on the progression of CKD in the early stages in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with CKD in early stages (1, 2, 3) with and without T2DM. The ELISA method determined the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α as well as lipoperoxides (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Colorimetric methods determined glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Patients with CKD and T2DM had significantly decreased antioxidant defenses for SOD (p < 0.01), GPx (p < 0.01), and TAC (p < 0.01) compared to patients without T2DM. Consequently, patients with T2DM had higher concentrations of oxidant markers, NO (p < 0.01), inflammation markers, IL-6 (p < 0.01), and TNF-α than patients without T2DM. CKD stages were not related to oxidative, antioxidant, and inflammatory marker outcomes in T2DM patients. Patients without T2DM presented an increase in SOD (p = 0.04) and a decrease in NO (p < 0.01) when the stage of CKD increased. In conclusion, patients with T2DM present higher levels of oxidative and inflammatory markers accompanied by a decrease in antioxidant defense. However, these oxidative status markers were associated with CKD stage progression in patients without T2DM. Thus, NO and SOD markers could help detect the early stages of CKD in patients who have not yet developed metabolic comorbidities such as T2DM.

Dulaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes (REWIND): a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Three different glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduce cardiovascular outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk with high glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentrations. We assessed the effect of the GLP-1 receptor agonist dulaglutide on major adverse cardiovascular events when added to the existing antihyperglycaemic regimens of individuals with type 2 diabetes with and without previous cardiovascular disease and a wide range of glycaemic control. METHODS: This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done at 371 sites in 24 countries. Men and women aged at least 50 years with type 2 diabetes who had either a previous cardiovascular event or cardiovascular risk factors were randomly assigned (1:1) to either weekly subcutaneous injection of dulaglutide (1·5 mg) or placebo. Randomisation was done by a computer-generated random code with stratification by site. All investigators and participants were masked to treatment assignment. Participants were followed up at least every 6 months for incident cardiovascular and other serious clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of the composite endpoint of non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes (including unknown causes), which was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01394952. FINDINGS: Between Aug 18, 2011, and Aug 14, 2013, 9901 participants (mean age 66·2 years [SD 6·5], median HbA1c 7·2% [IQR 6·6-8·1], 4589 [46·3%] women) were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive dulaglutide (n=4949) or placebo (n=4952). During a median follow-up of 5·4 years (IQR 5·1-5·9), the primary composite outcome occurred in 594 (12·0%) participants at an incidence rate of 2·4 per 100 person-years in the dulaglutide group and in 663 (13·4%) participants at an incidence rate of 2·7 per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·88, 95% CI 0·79-0·99; p=0·026). All-cause mortality did not differ between groups (536 [10·8%] in the dulaglutide group vs 592 [12·0%] in the placebo group; HR 0·90, 95% CI 0·80-1·01; p=0·067). 2347 (47·4%) participants assigned to dulaglutide reported a gastrointestinal adverse event during follow-up compared with 1687 (34·1%) participants assigned to placebo (p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: Dulaglutide could be considered for the management of glycaemic control in middle-aged and older people with type 2 diabetes with either previous cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors. FUNDING: Eli Lilly and Company.

Dulaglutide and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes: an exploratory analysis of the REWIND randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Two glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduced renal outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes at risk for cardiovascular disease. We assessed the long-term effect of the GLP-1 receptor agonist dulaglutide on renal outcomes in an exploratory analysis of the REWIND trial of the effect of dulaglutide on cardiovascular disease. METHODS: REWIND was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at 371 sites in 24 countries. Men and women aged at least 50 years with type 2 diabetes who had either a previous cardiovascular event or cardiovascular risk factors were randomly assigned (1:1) to either weekly subcutaneous injection of dulaglutide (1·5 mg) or placebo and followed up at least every 6 months for outcomes. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios (UACRs) and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were estimated from urine and serum values measured in local laboratories every 12 months. The primary outcome (first occurrence of the composite endpoint of non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes), secondary outcomes (including a composite microvascular outcome), and safety outcomes of this trial have been reported elsewhere. In this exploratory analysis, we investigate the renal component of the composite microvascular outcome, defined as the first occurrence of new macroalbuminuria (UACR >33·9 mg/mmol), a sustained decline in eGFR of 30% or more from baseline, or chronic renal replacement therapy. Analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01394952. FINDINGS: Between Aug 18, 2011, and Aug 14, 2013, 9901 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive dulaglutide (n=4949) or placebo (n=4952). At baseline, 791 (7·9%) had macroalbuminuria and mean eGFR was 76·9 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (SD 22·7). During a median follow-up of 5·4 years (IQR 5·1-5·9) comprising 51 820 person-years, the renal outcome developed in 848 (17·1%) participants at an incidence rate of 3·5 per 100 person-years in the dulaglutide group and in 970 (19·6%) participants at an incidence rate of 4·1 per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·85, 95% CI 0·77-0·93; p=0·0004). The clearest effect was for new macroalbuminuria (HR 0·77, 95% CI 0·68-0·87; p<0·0001), with HRs of 0·89 (0·78-1·01; p=0·066) for sustained decline in eGFR of 30% or more and 0·75 (0·39-1·44; p=0·39) for chronic renal replacement therapy. INTERPRETATION: Long-term use of dulaglutide was associated with reduced composite renal outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes. FUNDING: Eli Lilly and Company.

Aortic stiffness and central hemodynamics in treatment-naïve HIV infection: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). HIV infection causes a chronic inflammatory state and increases oxidative stress which can cause endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Aortic stiffness measured by carotid femoral-pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and central hemodynamics are independent cardiovascular risk factors and have the prognostic ability for CVD. We assessed cfPWV and central hemodynamics in young individuals with recent HIV infection diagnosis and without antiretroviral therapy. We hypothesized that individuals living with HIV would present greater cfPWV and central hemodynamics (central systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure) compared to uninfected controls. METHODS: We recruited 51 treatment-naïve individuals living with HIV (HIV(+)) without previous CVD and 51 age- and sex-matched controls (HIV negative (-)). We evaluated traditional CVD risk factors including metabolic profile, blood pressure (BP), smoking, HIV viral load, and CD4+ T-cells count. Arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics were evaluated by cfPWV, central systolic BP, and central pulse pressure (cPP) via applanation tonometry. RESULTS: HIV(+) individuals presented a greater prevalence of smoking, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and body mass index. 65.9% of HIV(+) individuals exhibited lymphocyte CD4+ T-cells count < 500 cells/µL. There was no difference in brachial or central BP between groups; however, HIV(+) individuals showed significantly lower cPP. We observed a greater cfPWV (mean difference = 0.5 m/s; p < 0.01) in HIV(+) compared to controls, even after adjusting for heart rate, mean arterial pressure and smoking. CONCLUSION: In the early stages of infection, non-treated HIV individuals present a greater prevalence of traditional CVD risk factors, arterial stiffness, and normal or in some cases central hemodynamics.

Effect of green tea extract on arterial stiffness, lipid profile and sRAGE in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with premature atherosclerosis and arterial stiffening due to the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products in vessel walls. Green tea polyphenols are considered cardio-protective substances. In this randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial (NCT02627898), we evaluated the effect of Green tea extract on arterial stiffness parameters, lipids, body composition and sRAGE levels. Twenty normotensive patients with T2DM treated with the standard therapy and statins, mean age 53.2 ± 9.4 years and mean BMI 30.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2, were randomised to receive a daily dose of 400 mg of green tea extract (polyphenols ≥90%, EGCG ≥45%) or placebo for 12 weeks. Compared to placebo, administration of green tea extract decreased central augmentation index (-3.05 ± 10.8% vs. 6.7 ± 0.1%, p = .04). These findings suggest that green tea extract could be used as an adjunct to the standard therapy to improve arterial stiffness in T2DM.

Design and baseline characteristics of participants in the Researching cardiovascular Events with a Weekly INcretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial on the cardiovascular effects of dulaglutide.

The aim was to determine the effects of dulaglutide, a synthetic once-weekly, injectable human glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue that lowers blood glucose, body weight, appetite and blood pressure, on cardiovascular outcomes. People with type 2 diabetes, aged ≥50 years, with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≤9.5%, and either a previous cardiovascular event, evidence of cardiovascular disease or ≥2 cardiovascular risk factors were randomly allocated to a weekly subcutaneous injection of either dulaglutide (1.5 mg) or placebo and followed within the ongoing Researching cardiovascular Events with a Weekly INcretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial every 3 to 6 months. The primary cardiovascular outcome is the first occurrence of the composite of cardiovascular death or non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes include each component of the primary composite cardiovascular outcome, a composite clinical microvascular outcome comprising retinal or renal disease, hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure requiring hospitalization or an urgent heart failure visit, and all-cause mortality. Follow-up will continue until the accrual of 1200 confirmed primary outcomes. Recruitment of 9901 participants (mean age 66 years, 46% women) occurred in 370 sites located in 24 countries over a period of 2 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 10 years, mean baseline HbA1c was 7.3%, and 31% had prior cardiovascular disease. The REWIND trial's international scope, high proportion of women, high proportion of people without prior cardiovascular disease and inclusion of participants whose mean baseline HbA1c was 7.3% suggests that its cardiovascular and safety findings will be directly relevant to the typical middle-aged patient seen in general practice throughout the world.

[Reliability of an automatic monitor for blood pressure measurement]. / Confiabilidad de un monitor automatizado para la medición de la presión arterial.

Background A correct blood pressure (BP) measurement is essential for the diagnosis and control of high BP. AIM: To evaluate the agreement and repeatability of BP measurements with the OMRON HEM-7320-LA device compared to a mercury sphygmomanometer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study comparing BP measurements made by two randomly selected trained nurses and an automatic oscillometric device. The mercurial sphygmomanometer was connected to the automated device via a "T" type connector and a dual-head stethoscope was used, allowing simultaneous measurements. The results were analyzed with one-factor analysis of variance, Bland-Altman's test, repeatability coefficient (RC), and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Forty-nine participants aged 56 ± 19 years were included. Nineteen had hypertension (38%). We did not observe a significant difference in either systolic (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) pressure measurements between the observers and the device. The mean difference was -0.09 mmHg (95% confidence intervals (CI)-0.9 to 0.7) for SBP and -0.9 mmHg (95% CI -1.7 to -0.13) for DBP. The RC for SBP (6.2, 5.2 and 5.8 mmHg) and DBP (4.7, 4.2 y 5.2 mmHg) was similar between the observers and the device. The ICC for SBP was 0.990 (95% CI 0.983 to 0.995, p < 0.01) and 0.986 (95% CI 0.977 to 0.991, p < 0.01) for DBP. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high level of agreement and similar measurement repeatability in the measurements performed by the automatic device and the mercurial sphygmomanometer. No differences in BP measurements were observed.

Identification of beta-Lactamases and beta-Lactam-Related Proteins in Human Pathogenic Bacteria using a Computational Search Approach.

A systematic analysis of beta-lactamases based on comparative proteomics has not been performed thus far. In this report, we searched for the presence of beta-lactam-related proteins in 591 bacterial proteomes belonging to 52 species that are pathogenic to humans. The amino acid sequences for 19 different types of beta-lactamases (ACT, CARB, CifA, CMY, CTX, FOX, GES, GOB, IMP, IND, KPC, LEN, OKP, OXA, OXY, SHV, TEM, NDM, and VIM) were obtained from the ARG-ANNOT database and were used to construct 19 HMM profiles, which were used to identify potential beta-lactamases in the completely sequenced bacterial proteomes. A total of 2877 matches that included the word "beta-lactamase" and/or "penicillin" in the functional annotation and/or in any of its regions were obtained. These enzymes were mainly described as "penicillin-binding proteins," "beta-lactamases," and "metallo-beta-lactamases" and were observed in 47 of the 52 species studied. In addition, proteins classified as "beta-lactamases" were observed in 39 of the species included. A positive correlation between the number of beta-lactam-related proteins per species and the proteome size was observed (R 0.78, P < 0.00001). This correlation partially explains the high presence of beta-lactam-related proteins in large proteomes, such as Nocardia brasiliensis, Bacillus anthracis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, along with their absence in small proteomes, such as Chlamydia spp. and Mycoplasma spp. We detected only five types of beta-lactamases (TEM, SHV, CTX, IMP, and OXA) and other related proteins in particular species that corresponded with those reported in the literature. We additionally detected other potential species-specific beta-lactamases that have not yet been reported. In the future, better results will be achieved due to more accurate sequence annotations and a greater number of sequenced genomes.

Effect of necrosectomy and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress markers in severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether necrosectomy, alone or combined with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), has any additional beneficial effects on mitochondrial function and/or oxidative stress markers in SAP. METHODS: Patients with SAP, APACHE II score > 8, and inadequate response to management in an intensive care unit were included in a prospective observational study. Sixteen underwent necrosectomy and 24 underwent necrosectomy plus VAC every 48 h. Patients were then categorized as survivors or deceased. Submitochondrial membrane fluidity of platelets and F0F1-ATPase hydrolysis were measured to represent mitochondrial function. Oxidative/nitrosative stress was measured using lipoperoxides (LPOs), nitric oxide (NO), erythrocyte membrane fluidity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). RESULTS: Membrane fluidity in submitochondrial particles of platelets remained significantly increased throughout the study, and then eventually rised in deceased patients managed with necrosectomy + VAC vs. survivors (p < 0.041). Hydrolysis was significantly increased from baseline to endpoint in all patients, predominating in those who died after management with necrosectomy (p < 0.03). LPO increased in all patients, and necrosectomy was more efficient for the eventual decrease in survivors (p < 0.039). NO was found to be increased for the baseline-endpoint result among both survivors and deceased patients with both management options. Erythrocyte membrane fluidity was increased in survivors managed with necrosectomy + VAC, and eventually returned to normal (p < 0.045). TAC was found to be consumed in all patients for the duration of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative/ nitrosative stress with significant systemic antioxidant consumption were found. Necrosectomy was more efficient and better cleared LPOs. Necrosectomy + VAC improved erythrocyte membrane fluidity and increased survival.

Patients Living With Arterial Hypertension in Mexico: First Insights of The Mexican Registry of Arterial Hypertension (RIHTA Study).

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Mexico. However, there is limited evidence to understand blood pressure management and cardiometabolic profiles. Here, we aim to assess the prevalence of controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure, as well as the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among patients from the Mexican Registry of Arterial Hypertension (RIHTA). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of participants living with arterial hypertension registered on RIHTA between December 2021 and April 2023. We used both the 2017 ACC/AHA and 2018 ESC/ESH thresholds to define controlled and uncontrolled arterial hypertension. We considered eleven cardiometabolic risk factors, which include overweight, obesity, central obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C, high LDL-C, low-eGFR, and high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. RESULTS: In a sample of 5,590 participants (female: 61%, n = 3,393; median age: 64 [IQR: 56-72] years), the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension varied significantly, depending on the definition (2017 ACC/AHA: 59.9%, 95% CI: 58.6-61.2 and 2018 ESC/ESH: 20.1%, 95% CI: 19.0-21.2). In the sample, 40.43% exhibited at least 5-6 risk factors, and 32.4% had 3-4 risk factors, chiefly abdominal obesity (83.4%, 95% CI: 82.4-84.4), high LDL-C (59.6%, 95% CI: 58.3-60.9), high CVD risk (57.9%, 95% CI: 56.6-59.2), high triglycerides (56.2%, 95% CI: 54.9-57.5), and low HDL-C (42.2%, 95% CI: 40.9-43.5). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension interlinked with a high burden of cardiometabolic comorbidities in Mexican adults living with arterial hypertension, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions and better healthcare policies to reduce the burden of the disease in our country.

Syndecan-1 Levels in Females with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: The relationship between serum glycoprotein syndecan-1 and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate whether serum syndecan-1 concentrations are associated with moderate/severe disease activity. Methods: Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Seventy-five adult women with RA were classified into (a) moderate/severe RA based on the disease activity score, using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR ≥ 3.2, n = 50), and (b) RA in remission (DAS28-ESR < 2.6, n = 25). Twenty-five healthy women were taken as the reference group. Syndecan-1 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). High values of serum syndecan-1 levels (≥24 ng/mL) were used to identify the utility values of this biomarker. Results: The patients with RA had higher levels of syndecan-1 than the controls (p < 0.001). RA patients with active disease had higher syndecan-1 levels than RA patients in remission (57.6 vs. 23.5 ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.002). High syndecan-1 concentrations demonstrated the following utility values for identifying disease activity: sensitivity, 84% (95%CI: 71-93); specificity, 52% (95%CI: 31-72); positive predictive value, 78% (95%CI: 70-84); and negative predictive value, 62% (95%CI: 44-77). Conclusions: High syndecan-1 levels have good sensitivity and positive predictive value for identifying disease activity; however, their specificity is limited. Future prospective studies are needed to assess whether syndecan-1 levels can predict treatment failure in RA.

Role of Myostatin in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of the Clinical Impact.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects synovial joints and that frequently involves extra-articular organs. A multiplicity of interleukins (IL) participates in the pathogenesis of RA, including IL-6, IL-1ß, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; immune cells such as monocytes, T and B lymphocytes, and macrophages; and auto-antibodies, mainly rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). Skeletal muscle is also involved in RA, with many patients developing muscle wasting and sarcopenia. Several mechanisms are involved in the myopenia observed in RA, and one of them includes the effects of some interleukins and myokines on myocytes. Myostatin is a myokine member of the TGF-ß superfamily; the overproduction of myostatin acts as a negative regulator of growth and differentiates the muscle fibers, limiting their number and size. Recent studies have identified abnormalities in the serum myostatin levels of RA patients, and these have been found to be associated with muscle wasting and other manifestations of severe RA. This review analyzes recent information regarding the relationship between myostatin levels and clinical manifestations of RA and the relevance of myostatin as a therapeutic target for future research.

Nitrofurantoin as an Add-On to Conventional Prophylaxis for the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Kidney Recipients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) constitute one of the main complications in kidney recipients, increasing both morbidity and mortality. Due to the resurgence of antimicrobial resistance, new prophylactic approaches are being investigated. Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic from the nitrofuran group that is effective against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms; hence, there has been a resurgence in its prescription for treating MDR pathogens. Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of nitrofurantoin as an add-on to conventional therapy (amikacin + ceftriaxone or cefotaxime) for the treatment of urinary tract infections in kidney recipients. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, we included patients who received a kidney in a tertiary-care hospital. According to the intensive care specialist, group 1 patients were treated with the conventional prophylactic treatment plus nitrofurantoin as an add-on. Group 2 patients were treated only with the conventional prophylactic treatment. They were followed-up for 3 months, and the incidence of urinary tract infections was reported. Results: The UTI incidence for group 1 at 3 months was 20.6%, and for group 2, it was 20.0%; no statistical difference between treatments was observed (p = 0.9). The most commonly isolated pathogens were E. coli (28.5) and K. pneumonie (28.5%). The factor most associated with developing a UTI was female gender (aHR: 7.0; 95% IC 2.3-20.9, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our cohort study, nitrofurantoin as an add-on in conventional therapy did not prove to be effective in preventing UTI development; therefore, other treatment options should be considered as a part of prophylactic treatment.

Risk Factors Associated with Adverse Events Leading to Methotrexate Withdrawal in Elderly Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in elderly population represents a challenge for physicians in terms of therapeutic management. Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line treatment among conventional synthetic-disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cs-DMARDs); however, it is often associated with adverse events (AEs). Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors of MTX discontinuation due to AEs in elderly patients with RA in a long-term retrospective cohort study. Methods: Clinical sheets from elderly RA patients taking MTX from an outpatient rheumatology consult in a university centre were reviewed. To assess MTX persistence, we used Kaplan-Meir curves and Cox regression models to identify the risk of withdrawing MTX due to adverse events. Results: In total, 198 elderly RA patients who reported using MTX were included. Of them, the rates of definitive suspension of MTX due to AEs were 23.0% at 5 years, 35.6% at 10 years and 51.7% at 15 years. The main organs and system involved were gastrointestinal (15.7%) and mucocutaneous (3.0%). Factors associated with withdrawing MTX due to AEs were MTX dose ≥ 15 mg/wk (adjusted HR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.22-4.96, p = 0.012); instead, the folic acid supplementation was protective for withdrawal (adjusted HR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16-0.49, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Higher doses of MTX increase the risk of withdrawals in elderly RA, while folic acid supplementation reduces the risk. Therefore, physicians working in therapeutic management for elderly patients using MTX must focus on using lower MTX doses together with the concomitant prescription of folic acid.