Genetic association analysis in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) for sucrose accumulation in humid environments in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Sucrose accumulation in sugarcane is affected by several environmental and genetic factors, with plant moisture being of critical importance for its role in the synthesis and transport of sugars within the cane stalks, affecting the sucrose concentration. In general, rainfall and high soil humidity during the ripening stage promote plant growth, increasing the fresh weight and decreasing the sucrose yield in the humid region of Colombia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify markers associated with sucrose accumulation or production in the humid environment of Colombia through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). RESULTS: Sucrose concentration measurements were taken in 220 genotypes from the Cenicaña's diverse panel at 10 (early maturity) and 13 (normal maturity) months after planting. For early maturity data was collected during plant cane and first ratoon, while at normal maturity it was during plant cane, first, and second ratoon. A total of 137,890 SNPs were selected after sequencing the 220 genotypes through GBS, RADSeq, and whole-genome sequencing. After GWAS analysis, a total of 77 markers were significantly associated with sucrose concentration at both ages, but only 39 were close to candidate genes previously reported for sucrose accumulation and/or production. Among the candidate genes, 18 were highlighted because they were involved in sucrose hydrolysis (SUS6, CIN3, CINV1, CINV2), sugar transport (i.e., MST1, MST2, PLT5, SUT4, ERD6 like), phosphorylation processes (TPS genes), glycolysis (PFP-ALPHA, HXK3, PHI1), and transcription factors (ERF12, ERF112). Similarly, 64 genes were associated with glycosyltransferases, glycosidases, and hormones. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in sucrose accumulation in sugarcane and contribute with important genomic resources for future research in the humid environments of Colombia. Similarly, the markers identified will be validated for their potential application within Cenicaña's breeding program to assist the development of breeding populations.

Assessing Motor Variability during Squat: The Reliability of Inertial Devices in Resistance Training.

Movement control can be an indicator of how challenging a task is for the athlete, and can provide useful information to improve training efficiency and prevent injuries. This study was carried out to determine whether inertial measurement units (IMU) can provide reliable information on motion variability during strength exercises, focusing on the squat. Sixty-six healthy, strength-trained young adults completed a two-day protocol, where the variability in the squat movement was analyzed at two different loads (30% and 70% of one repetition maximum) using inertial measurement units and a force platform. The time series from IMUs and force platforms were analyzed using linear (standard deviation) and non-linear (detrended fluctuation analysis, sample entropy and fuzzy entropy) measures. Reliability was analyzed for both IMU and force platform using the intraclass correlation coefficient and the standard error of measurement. Standard deviation, detrended fluctuation analysis, sample entropy, and fuzzy entropy from the IMUs time series showed moderate to good reliability values (ICC: 0.50-0.85) and an acceptable error. The study concludes that IMUs are reliable tools for analyzing movement variability in strength exercises, providing accessible options for performance monitoring and training optimization. These findings have implications for the design of more effective strength training programs, emphasizing the importance of movement control in enhancing athletic performance and reducing injury risks.

Forestry Applications of Space-Borne LiDAR Sensors: A Worldwide Bibliometric Analysis.

The 21st century has seen the launch of new space-borne sensors based on LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology developed in the second half of the 20th century. Nowadays, these sensors offer novel opportunities for mapping terrain and canopy heights and estimating aboveground biomass (AGB) across local to regional scales. This study aims to analyze the scientific impact of these sensors on large-scale forest mapping to retrieve 3D canopy information, monitor forest degradation, estimate AGB, and model key ecosystem variables such as primary productivity and biodiversity. A worldwide bibliometric analysis of this topic was carried out based on up to 412 publications indexed in the Scopus database during the period 2004-2022. The results showed that the number of published documents increased exponentially in the last five years, coinciding with the commissioning of two new LiDAR space missions: Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2) and Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI). These missions have been providing data since 2018 and 2019, respectively. The journal that demonstrated the highest productivity in this field was "Remote Sensing" and among the leading contributors, the top five countries in terms of publications were the USA, China, the UK, France, and Germany. The upward trajectory in the number of publications categorizes this subject as a highly trending research topic, particularly in the context of improving forest resource management and participating in global climate treaty frameworks that require monitoring and reporting on forest carbon stocks. In this context, the integration of space-borne data, including imagery, SAR, and LiDAR, is anticipated to steer the trajectory of this research in the upcoming years.

Real-world study on microsatellite instability and mismatch repair deficiency testing patterns among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in Spain.

PURPOSE: Clinical practice guidelines recommend that all patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) should be tested for mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H). We aimed to describe the dMMR/MSI-H testing practice in patients with mCRC in Spanish centers. METHODS: Multicenter, observational retrospective study that included patients newly diagnosed with mCRC or who progressed to a metastatic stage from early/localized stages. RESULTS: Three hundred patients were included in the study from May 2020 through May 2021, with a median age of 68 years, and two hundred twenty-five (75%) had stage IV disease at initial diagnosis; two hundred eighty-four patients received first-line treatment, and dMMR/MSI-H testing was performed in two hundred fifty-one (84%) patients. The results of the dMMR/MSI-H tests were available in 61 (24%) of 251 patients before the diagnosis of metastatic disease and in 191 (81%) of 236 evaluable patients for this outcome before the initiation of first-line treatment. Among the 244 patients who were tested for dMMR/MSI-H with IHC or PCR, 14 (6%) were MMR deficient. The most frequent type of first-line treatment was the combination of chemotherapy and biological agent, that was received by 71% and 50% of patients with MMR proficient and deficient tumors, respectively, followed by chemotherapy alone, received in over 20% of patients in each subgroup. Only 29% of dMMR/MSI-H tumors received first-line immunotherapy. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that a high proportion of patients with mCRC are currently tested for dMMR/MSI-H in tertiary hospitals across Spain. However, there is still room for improvement until universal testing is achieved. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Characterization of Limnospira platensis PCC 9108 R-M and CRISPR-Cas systems.

The filamentous cyanobacterium Limnospira platensis, formerly known as Arthrospira platensis or spirulina, is one of the most commercially important species of microalgae. Due to its high nutritional value, pharmacological and industrial applications it is extensively cultivated on a large commercial scale. Despite its widespread use, its precise manipulation is still under development due to the lack of effective genetic protocols. Genetic transformation of Limnospira has been attempted but the methods reported have not been generally reproducible in other laboratories. Knowledge of the transformation defense mechanisms is essential for understanding its physiology and for broadening their applications. With the aim to understand more about the genetic defenses of L. platensis, in this work we have identified the restriction-modification and CRISPR-Cas systems and we have cloned and characterized thirteen methylases. In parallel, we have also characterized the methylome and orphan methyltransferases using genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation patterns and RNA-seq. The identification and characterization of these enzymes will be a valuable resource to know how this strain avoids being genetically manipulated and for further genomics studies.

Dysbiosis by Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection Associated with Follicular Gastropathy and Pangastropathy.

Dysbiosis plays an important role in the development of bacterial infections in the gastric mucosa, particularly Helicobacter pylori. The international guidelines for the treatment of H. pylori infections suggest standard triple therapy (STT). Nevertheless, because of the increasing resistance rates to clarithromycin, metronidazole has been widely considered in several countries. Unfortunately, the non-justified administration of antibiotics induces dysbiosis in the target organ. We characterized the gastric microbiota of patients diagnosed with follicular gastropathy and pangastropathy attributed to H. pylori infection, before and after the administration of STT with metronidazole. Dominant relative abundances of Cutibacterium were observed in pre-treatment patients, whereas H. pylori was observed at <11%, suggesting the multifactor property of the disease. The correlation of Cutibacterium acnes and H. pylori with gastric infectious diseases was also evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The dominance of C. acnes over H. pylori was observed in gastritis, gastropathies, and non-significant histological alterations. None of the microorganisms were detected in the intestinal metaplasia. Post-treatment alterations revealed an increase in the relative abundances of Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella. Non-H. pylori gastrointestinal bacteria can be associated with the initiation and development of gastric diseases, such as pathobiont C. acnes.

The Use of Incremental, Decremental or a Random Order of Loads does not Affect Peak velocity Values during Bench Press Throw Load-velocity Relationships.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the load order used (i. e. incremental, decremental or random loads order) during the bench press throw load-velocity profile on peak velocity achieved against four different loads (20-40-60-80% of one repetition maximum [1RM]). Both intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to assess the reliability of the measures. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess differences between protocols. A linear regression analysis was performed to assess the load-velocity relationships among the different protocols. Peak velocity showed good to high ICC values independently of the load used (ICC=0.83-0.92). CV scores showed good reliability (ranging between 2.2 and 6.2%). No significant differences in peak velocity attained at each load were found between the three testing protocols (p>0.05). In addition, peak velocity at each load was very large to almost perfect, correlated between protocols (r=0.790-0.920). The linear regression model showed a significant relationship between testing protocols (p<0.001; R2=0.94). In conclusion, due to some ICC scores below 0.9 and R2 below 0.95, the indistinct use of different load-order protocols to assess load-velocity relationships in the bench press throw exercise is not recommended.

One-Leg Stance Postural Sway Is Not Benefited by Bicycle Motocross Practice in Elite Riders.

Balance has been positioned as an important performance skill in sport. Differences in postural control have been found between levels of expertise. However, this statement remains unanswered in some cyclic sports. This work aimed to describe the one-leg balance performance of a sample of elite BMX riders-racing and freestyle-compared to a control group formed by recreational athletes. The center of pressure (COP) of nineteen international BMX riders (freestyle, n = 7; racing, n = 12) and twenty physically active adults was analyzed in a 30-s one-leg stance test on both legs. COP dispersion and velocity variables were analyzed. Non-linear dynamics of postural sway were evaluated through Fuzzy Entropy and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis. BMX athletes did not show differences between legs in any of the variables. The control group did show differences between the dominant and non-dominant leg in the magnitude of variability of the COP in the mediolateral axis. Group comparison revealed non-significant differences. International BMX athletes did not show better balance parameters than the control group in a one-leg stance balance task. The adaptations derived from BMX practice do not have a significant impact in one-leg stance balance performance.

The role of inhibitory control in sport performance: Systematic review and meta-analysis in stop-signal paradigm.

Inhibitory control is an executive function that is closely and bidirectionally related to sports practice. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to study the effect of this relationship when response suppression is assessed within the Stop-Signal Paradigm. Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for qualitative analysis, of which 11 studies were further analyzed through meta-analytic techniques. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was estimated for the stop-signal reaction time, and the influence of moderator variables was assessed. Athletes showed shorter stop-signal reaction time than non-athlete controls (SMD=0.44; 95% CI=0.14, 0.73), and this effect was mediated by age (SMD=-0.56; 95% CI=-1.11, -0.01). Athletes' superior stop-signal reaction time may be a result of extensive practice in cognitively demanding competitive environments. Young athletes can benefit the most from sports practice. In addition, engaging individuals in more cognitively demanding activities may obtain better response suppression enhancements, although the evidence in the stop-signal task is limited. Finally, some stop-signal task methodological aspects should be considered in future research.

Genome-wide association analysis of plant architecture traits using doubled haploid lines derived from different cycles of the Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic maize population.

Selection in the Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS) maize population for high yield, grain moisture, and root and stalk lodging has indirectly modified plant architecture traits that are important for adaptation to high plant density. In this study, we developed doubled haploid (DH) lines from the BSSS maize population in the earliest cycle of recurrent selection (BSSS), cycle 17 of reciprocal recurrent selection, [BSSS(R)17] and the cross between the two cycles [BSSS/BSSS(R)C17]. We aimed to determine the phenotypic variation and changes in agronomic traits that have occurred through the recurrent selection program in this population and to identify genes or regions in the genome associated with the plant architecture changes observed in the different cycles of selection. We conducted a per se evaluation of DH lines focusing on high heritability traits important for adaptation to high planting density and grain yield. Trends for reducing flowering time, anthesis-silking interval, ear height, and the number of primary tassel branches in BSSS(R)17 DH lines compared to BSSS and BSSS/BSSS(R)C17 DH lines were observed. Additionally, the BSSS(R)C17 DH lines showed more upright flag leaf angles. Using the entire panel of DH lines increased the number of SNP markers identified within candidate genes associated with plant architecture traits. The genomic regions identified for plant architecture traits in this study may help to elucidate the genetic basis of these traits and facilitate future work about marker-assisted selection or map-based cloning in maize breeding programs.

Fetal surgery for occipital encephalocele: A case report.

Background: Occipital encephalocele is a congenital defect of the neural tube at the level of the cranial midline, which results in herniation of meninges and brain tissue. The results of the management of myelomeningocele study determine the maternal and fetal risks for an open fetal surgery and have motivated the constant review of the concepts and strategies which the pediatric neurosurgeon can employ for the treatment of neural tube defects in the prenatal period. Case Description: We present a case of a female patient in utero of 26 gestational weeks with the diagnosis of an occipital encephalocele treated by open fetal surgery. During week 20 of gestation, the diagnosis of occipital encephalocele was made by ultrasound, which was corroborated by fetal magnetic resonance that showed cranial protrusion of neural and meningeal content in the occipital region, measuring 1.6 × 2.8 × 3.3 cm with an approximate volume of 7.7 cc through a bone defect of 6 mm. The closure of the defect was performed by the postnatal surgical technique adapted to the open fetal surgery. Later, the patient was born transabdominal with a 2.8 cm occipital wound, with suture points and approximated borders, normocephalic, without clinical signs of sepsis, hydrocephalus, or overt neurologic compromise. Conclusion: Open fetal surgery is a therapeutic option in the face of an isolated occipital encephalocele. This case report demonstrates the viability of the surgical procedure by the adaptation of a postnatal surgical technique to a prenatal surgery. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term functional results, comparing them with those seen in patients who undergo a postnatal procedure.

Índices de oxigenación como marcadores pronósticos en neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2 / Oxygenation indices as prognostic marker in severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 / Índices de oxigenação como marcadores prognósticos na pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2

Resumen: Introducción: a través de los índices de oxigenación valoramos la función del sistema respiratorio de oxigenación y ventilación. Objetivo: determinar el valor de los índices de oxigenación como factor de pronóstico para el desenlace en neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo, analítico. Se incluyeron pacientes > 18 años con diagnóstico de neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 entre el 01 junio y el 31 de diciembre de 2020. Se clasificó a los pacientes de acuerdo al desenlace: sobreviviente o no sobreviviente. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas de acuerdo al caso, se construyeron curvas ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve) para determinar los puntos de corte de los gases arteriales con la mejor sensibilidad y especificidad y se determinó el área bajo la curva (ABC) para el desenlace fatal. Resultados: se incluyeron 175 pacientes, 70.3% correspondió al sexo masculino, la media de edad fue de 56 años (rango intercuartil 45-64). El grupo de sobrevivientes incluyó 51 pacientes y el grupo de no sobrevivientes 124 pacientes. Al analizar los gases arteriales al momento de ingresar a la unidad de cuidados intensivos sobresale la PaO2/FiO2 de 100 mmHg y el índice respiratorio (IR) > 2.4 con un ABC de 0.694 y 0.722 respectivamente. A las 96 horas de ingreso destaca PaO2/FiO2 de 145 mmHg, el IR >3 y la PaO2/PAO2 de 0.22 con un ABC de 0.846, 0.840 y 0.842 respectivamente. Conclusión: los gases arteriales medidos a las 96 horas de ingreso a la UCI son marcadores pronósticos para el desenlace fatal en la neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract: Introduction: oxygenation indices we assess the function of the respiratory system of oxygenation and ventilation. Objective: to determine the value of arterial gases as a prognostic factor for the outcome of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Material and methods: retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive, analytical study. We included patients > 18 years with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia between 1 June and 31 December 2020. Patients were classified according to outcome: survivor or non-survivor. Descriptive statistics and parametric and non-parametric tests were used according to the case, ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve) curves were constructed to determine the cut-off points of arterial gases with the best sensitivity and specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) for the fatal outcome was determined. Results: we included 175 patients, 70.3% corresponded to the male sex, the mean age was 56 years (interquartile range 45-64). The survivor group included 51 patients and the non-survivor group 124 patients. When analyzing arterial gases at the time of admission to the ICU, paO2/FiO2 of 100 mmHg and respiratory index (RI) > 2.4 with ABC 0.694 and 0.722 respectively. At 96 hours of admission, PaO2/FiO2 of 145 mmHg stands out, the RI > 3 and the DA-aO2 of 0.22 with ABC 0.846, 0.840 and 0.842 respectively. Conclusion: arterial blood gases measured at 96 hours of ICU admission are prognostic markers for fatal outcome in severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Resumo: Introdução: através dos índices de oxigenação avaliamos a função do sistema respiratório de oxigenação e ventilação. Objetivo: determinar o valor dos índices de oxigenação como fator prognóstico para o desfecho em pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2. Material e métodos: estudo retrospectivo, longitudinal, descritivo, analítico. Icluíram-se pacientes com mais de 18 anos de idade diagnosticados com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2 entre 1º de junho e 31 de dezembro de 2020. Os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com o desfecho: sobreviventes ou não sobreviventes. Foram usadas estatística descritiva e testes paramétricos e não paramétricos de acordo com o caso, foram construídas curvas ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve) para determinar os pontos de corte da gasometria arterial com melhor sensibilidade e especificidade e determinou-se a área sob a curva (ABC) para o desfecho fatal. Resultados: incluíram-se 175 pacientes, 70.3% eram do sexo masculino, a média de idade foi de 56 anos (rango interquartil 45-64). O grupo sobrevivente incluiu 51 pacientes e o grupo não sobrevivente 124 pacientes. Na análise dos gases arteriais no momento da admissão na UTI, destacam-se a PaO2/FiO2 de 100 mmHg e o índice respiratório (IR) > 2.4 com AUC 0.694 e 0.722 respectivamente. Às 96 horas de internamento destaca-se PaO2/FiO2 145 mmHg, IR > 3 e PaO2/PAO2 de 0.22 com ABC 0.846, 0.840 e 0.842 respetivamente. Conclusão: os gases sanguíneos arteriais medidos 96 horas após a admissão na UTI são marcadores prognósticos para desfecho fatal em pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2.

Intracranial aneurysms in pediatric population treated with flow diverters: A single-center experience.

Background: Pediatric intracranial aneurysms (PIAs) are uncommon. Flow diverters (FDs) have shown to be effective on treatment of selected aneurysms. Methods: We describe 10 cases of PIAs treated with FDs at one medical center in Mexico, from April 2015 to April 2020. Results: Out of 230 patients treated with FDs, 10 (4.3%) were pediatric. Average age was 9.4 years old (R: 6-15). Two patients (20%) had subarachnoid hemorrhage, 3 had epilepsy (30%), 3 (30%) had clinical signs of cranial nerve compression, and 4 (40%) had only headache. Two patients were in 1a grade of Hunt and Kosnik scale. Out of the nonruptured aneurysms, 7 (70%) were in 15 points of Glasgow Coma Scale and 1 patient (10%) was in 13 points. Treatment was performed without complications; nevertheless, appropriate distal deployment was not achieved in one case. At discharge, nine patients had 5 points of Glasgow Outcome Scale. All patients underwent computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, 2 patients (20%) had a 2-year follow-up, and 3 patients (30%) had a 3-year follow-up. According to Kamran grading scale, 9 patients (90%) were classified as Grade 4 and 1 patient (10%) as Grade 3. Conclusion: Even though it is a small series, as this is an uncommon disease, we may suggest that FDs are useful to treat properly selected PIAs. Our study has consecutive imaging assessment at least a year of follow-up in which aneurysm stable occlusion was observed in 90% of patients.

Artificial intelligence to estimate wine volume from single-view images.

In this paper, we present a method to determine the volume of wine in different types of glass liquid containers from a single-view image. The proposed model predicts red wine volume from a photograph of the glass containing the wine. Experimental results demonstrated satisfactory performance of our image-based wine measurement system, with a Mean Absolute Error lower than 10 mL . To train and evaluate our system, we introduced the WineGut_BrainUp dataset, a new dataset of glasses of wine that contains 24305 laboratory images, including a wide range of containers, volumes of wine, backgrounds, object distances, angles and lightning, with or without calibration object. The proposed methodology is a suitable analytical tool for automate measurement of red wine volume. Indeed, it has potential real life applications in diet monitoring and wine consumption studies.

Algoritmo de Emergencias Médicas de Chiapas para pacientes en estado de choque / Medical emergencies of Chiapas algorithm for patients in shock disease / Algoritmo de Emergências Médicas de Chiapas para pacientes em estado de choque

Resumen El abordaje sobre la mejor estrategia para diagnosticar y manejar pacientes en estado de choque (EC) de forma rápida y eficiente es dinámico, depende de las características propias del paciente, de la tecnología disponible y la evidencia científica siempre en evolución; todo esto lleva a que exista considerable variación en la práctica diaria. El objetivo de esta propuesta es dar a conocer un algoritmo basado en criterios clínicos, optimizando las herramientas disponibles y logrando un proceso diagnóstico sencillo y rápido con el principal objetivo de ser útil para el manejo del paciente.

Abstract The approach on the best strategy to diagnose and manage patients in shock disease (CD) quickly and efficiently is dynamic, it depends on the characteristics of the patient, the available technology, the scientific evidence always in evolution; All of this leads to considerable variation in daily practice. The objective of this proposal is to present an algorithm based on clinical criteria and optimizing the available tools, achieving a simple, fast diagnostic process with the main objective of being useful to the patient.

Resumo A abordagem sobre a melhor estratégia para diagnosticar e manejar pacientes em choque (PC) de forma rápida e eficiente é dinâmica, depende das características do paciente, da tecnologia disponível, das evidências científicas sempre em evolução; tudo isso leva a uma variação considerável na prática diária. O objetivo desta proposta é apresentar um algoritmo baseado em critérios clínicos e otimizando as ferramentas disponíveis, alcançando um processo diagnóstico simples e rápido com o objetivo principal de ser útil para o manejo do paciente.

El índice de anaerobiosis predice mortalidad en neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2 / The anaerobiosis index predicts mortality in patients with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 / O índice de anaerobiose prevê a mortalidade em pneumonia grave devido a SARS-CoV-2

Resumen: Introducción: Detectar y corregir el metabolismo anaerobio es indispensable en el paciente críticamente enfermo; desafortunadamente, no existe un estándar de oro. Los pacientes con neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) presentan hipoxemia severa, aumentando el metabolismo anaerobio. El lactato y la diferencia de presión venoarterial de dióxido de carbono/diferencia del contenido arteriovenoso de oxígeno (Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2) son útiles en este contexto. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte, prospectivo, descriptivo y analítico, que incluyó pacientes ingresados a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) en el periodo comprendido entre el 18 de abril de 2020 al 18 de enero de 2021 con neumonía grave (definida por el inicio de ventilación mecánica invasiva) por SARS-CoV-2 confirmados. Resultados: En el periodo comprendido se incluyeron 91 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Del total, 39 pacientes se incluyeron en el grupo de supervivientes y 52 en el grupo de no supervivientes. Se puede observar que la Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2, o índice de anaerobiosis, tiene OR de 4.4, IC de 95% 1.51-13.04, p = 0.006 en el análisis multivariable. Conclusión: El incremento de la Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2, o índice de anaerobiosis, > 1.4 mmHg/mL está relacionado con 4.44 veces más riesgo de muerte en los pacientes con neumonía grave (intubados) por SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract: Introduction: Detecting and correcting anaerobic metabolism is essential in the critically ill patient, unfortunately, there is no gold standard. Patients with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) present severe hypoxemia, increasing anaerobic metabolism. Lactate and the venoarterial carbon dioxide pressure difference/arteriovenous oxygen content difference (Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2) are useful in this context. Material and methods: Prospective, descriptive and analytical cohort study that included patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the period from April 18, 2020 to January 18, 2021 with severe pneumonia (defined by the start of invasive mechanical ventilation) by SARS-CoV-2 confirmed. Results: In the period covered, 91 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included. Of the total, 39 patients were included in the survivors group and 52 in the non-survivors group. It can be seen that the Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2 also called anaerobiosis index has OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.51-13.04, p = 0.006 in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The increase in the Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2 also called anaerobiosis index > 1.4 mmHg/mL is associated with a 4.44 times higher risk of death in patients with severe pneumonia (intubated) due to SARS-CoV-2.

Resumo: Introdução: Detectar e corrigir o metabolismo anaeróbio é essencial no paciente crítico, infelizmente, não existe um «padrão ouro¼. Pacientes com pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) apresentam hipoxemia grave, aumentando o metabolismo anaeróbio. O lactato e a diferença de pressão venoarterial de dióxido de carbono/diferença do conteúdo arteriovenoso de oxigênio (Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2) são úteis neste cenário. Material e métodos: Estudo de coorte, prospectivo, descritivo e analítico que incluiu pacientes internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) no período de 18 de abril de 2020 a 18 de janeiro de 2021 com pneumonia grave (definida pelo início da ventilação mecânica invasiva) por SARS-CoV-2 confirmados. Resultados: No período compreendido, foram incluídos 91 pacientes que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Do total, 39 pacientes foram incluídos no grupo sobrevivente e 52 no grupo não sobrevivente. Pode-se observar que o Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2 ou índice de anaerobiose tem OR 4.4, IC 95% 1.51-13.04, p = 0.006 na análise multivariada. Conclusão: Um aumento em Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2 ou índice de anaerobiose > 1.4 mmHg/mL está associado a um aumento de 4.44 vezes no risco de morte em pacientes com pneumonia grave (entubados) por SARS-CoV-2.

Analysis of the factors predicting clinical response to tocilizumab therapy in patients with severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Controversy remains about the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) for the treatment of severe COVID-19. We aimed to analyze the profile of TCZ-respondent patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of patients with severe COVID-19 who received off-label TCZ after recommendation by a local committee and were admitted to the University Hospital "12 de Octubre" until May 2020. The primary end point was a significant clinical improvement (SCI) on day 14 after administration of TCZ. Factors independently related to SCI were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of 428 (63.3%) patients treated with TCZ, 271 (63.3%) experienced SCI. After adjustment for factors related to unfavorable outcomes, TCZ administration within the first 48 hours from admission (odds ratio [OR]: 1.98, 95% confidence Interval [95% CI]: 1.1-3.55; P = 0.02) and ALT levels >100 UI/L at day 0 (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.3-8.1; P = 0.01) were independently related to SCI. The rate of SCI significantly decreased according to the time of TCZ administration: 70.2% in the first 48 hours from admission, 58.5% on days 3-7, and 45.1% after day 7 (P = 0.03 and P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: TCZ improves the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 the most if treatment starts within the first 48 hours after admission.

The use of non-linear tools to analyze the variability of force production as an index of fatigue: A systematic review.

Background: Fatigue is a process that results in a decreased ability to produce force, and which could eventually affect performance and increase the risk of injury. Force variability analysis has been proposed to describe the level of fatigue with the purpose of detecting the development of fatigue. Variability is credited to play a functional and adaptive role through which the components of a system self-organize to solve a motor problem. Non-linear tools have been applied to analyze the variability of physiological signals, revealing that the structure of motor fluctuations provides relevant information about the functional role of variability. It has been suggested that the presence of lower complexity in the variability structure could reveal a less functional and adaptative state (e.g., ageing or illness). In the last years, an increased number of studies have applied these techniques to force variability analysis in relation to fatigue. Objective: To provide an overview of the current knowledge on the use of non-linear tools on force variability as a fatigue index. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed was carried out. Studies included were: a) original studies that analyzed the effect of fatigue on humans during an action focused on force production; b) published studies with their title and abstract in English; c) studies that applied non-linear tools on a signal directly related to force production. Results: Twenty-five studies were included in this review. The relationship between fatigue and the complexity of force variability, the type of action and relative intensity, the nature of the signal and the non-linear tools used, and the methods of data acquisition and processing were identified. Conclusion: The articles reviewed suggest that fatigue leads to a decrease in complexity mostly in isometric contractions, but this is not as clear in dynamic contractions. This fatigue-induced loss of complexity seems to be a result of changes in the nervous system at the central level, albeit triggered by peripheral mechanisms. It should be noted that non-linear tools are affected by the relative intensity of contraction, non-stationarity, and the acquisition and treatment of the signal.

Aiming for zero fluid accumulation: First, do no harm.

Critically ill patients are often presumed to be in a state of "constant dehydration" or in need of fluid, thereby justifying a continuous infusion with some form of intravenous (IV) fluid, despite their clinical data suggesting otherwise. Overzealous fluid administration and subsequent fluid accumulation and overload are associated with poorer outcomes. Fluids are drugs, and their use should be tailored to meet the patient's individualized needs; fluids should never be given as routine maintenance unless indicated. Before prescribing any fluids, the physician should consider the patient's characteristics and the nature of the illness, and assess the risks and benefits of fluid therapy. Decisions regarding fluid therapy present a daily challenge in many hospital departments: emergency rooms, regular wards, operating rooms, and intensive care units. Traditional fluid prescription is full of paradigms and unnecessary routines as well as malpractice in the form of choosing the wrong solutions for maintenance or not meeting daily requirements. Prescribing maintenance fluids for patients on oral intake will lead to fluid creep and fluid overload. Fluid overload, defined as a 10% increase in cumulative fluid balance from baseline weight, is an independent predictor for morbidity and mortality, and thus hospital cost. In the last decade, increasing evidence has emerged supporting a restrictive fluid approach. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a pragmatic description of novel concepts related to the use of IV fluids in critically ill patients, with emphasis on the different indications and common clinical scenarios. We also discuss active deresuscitation, or the timely cessation of fluid administration, with the intention of achieving a zero cumulative fluid balance.