Promoting long-term local ownership of natural heritage through outreach: the case of the endemic Bolivian titi monkeys.

Adequate knowledge and learning about local biodiversity are a prerequisite for effective attitudinal changes in favour of species protection. Outreach activities are considered a useful tool for sharing information with local stakeholders who play a crucial role in conserving wildlife. We conducted two outreach campaigns focused on schoolchildren in two villages to share information on the natural history of the Bolivian endemic titi monkeys, Plecturocebus olallae and Plecturocebus modestus, to promote their conservation. We assessed the students' ability to retain new information and their understanding of biodiversity through pre- and post-questionnaires, finding an improvement in the knowledge about these two endemic primates from pre- to post-talk assessments, as well as an increase in their awareness about local efforts to preserve biodiversity between outreach campaigns. We also found signals of appropriate experiential learning on wildlife value and its relationship with human activities. Additional outreach work across two decades resulted in important achievements that reflect positive attitudinal changes in favour of the endemic primates and biodiversity, with a remarkable involvement of local people. In this way, we show how outreach work can promote important local support for biodiversity conservation, how primates can act as flagship species, and the need to reinforce knowledge acquisition and learning processes to consolidate conservation actions in the long-term.

Incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in antiretroviral therapy-naïve people with human immunodeficiency virus who start DTG/ABC/3TC compared to BIC/FTC/TAF at 48-week follow-up.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by non-invasive methods in people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: Prospective cohort, in PLWH naïve to antiretroviral therapy, starting bictegravir (BIC) or dolutegravir (DTG) at the Hospital de Infectología "La Raza", in Mexico City, from February 2021 to August 2023. We measured at baseline and 48 weeks triglycerides and glucose index (TyG), fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and liver ultrasonography; relative risk (RR) for developing NAFLD was determined. RESULTS: At 48 weeks, TyG index in BIC-group 4.54 (IQR 4.36-4.75), in DTG-group 4.66 (IQR 4.49-4.80), p = .080; HSI in BIC-group 30.30 (IQR 28.12-33.70), in DTG-group 30.85 (IQR 28.02-34.50), p = .650; FLI in BIC-group 14.88 (IQR 7.91-31.80), in DTG-group 19.49 (IQR 8.49-32.28), p = .729; NAFLD was detected by US in 6 [10.3% (95%CI 4.8%-20.7%)] in BIC-group and, 7 [10.9% (95%CI 6.4%-20.9%)] in DTG-group, p = .916. Risk factors for NAFLD development were baseline BMI ≥25 kg/m2, baseline HDL-c <40 mg/dL, and FIB-4 >1.3 at 48 weeks. CONCLUSION: There is a high incidence of NAFLD in PLWH who start a second generation INSTI at 48 weeks; baseline overweight, low HDL-cholesterol and FIB-4 >1.3 at 48 weeks of treatment were independent risk factors for NAFLD development.

Synergistic Antifungal Effect and In Vivo Toxicity of a Monoterpene Isoespintanol Obtained from Oxandra xylopioides Diels.

Candida sp. infections are a threat to global health, with high morbidity and mortality rates due to drug resistance, especially in immunocompromised people. For this reason, the search for new alternatives is urgent, and in recent years, a combined therapy with natural compounds has been proposed. Considering the biological potential of isoespintanol (ISO) and continuing its study, the objective of this research was to assess the effect of ISO in combination with the antifungals fluconazole (FLZ), amphotericin B (AFB) and caspofungin (CASP) against clinical isolates of C. tropicalis and to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of this compound in the acute phase (days 0 and 14) and chronic phase (days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84) in female mice (Mus musculus) of the Balb/c lineage. The results show that ISO can potentiate the effect of FLZ, AFB and CASP, showing synergism with these antifungals. An evaluation of the mice via direct observation showed no behavioral changes or variations in weight during treatment; furthermore, an analysis of the cytokines IFN-γ and TNF in plasma, peritoneal cavity lavage (PCL) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) indicated that there was no inflammation process. In addition, histopathological studies of the lungs, liver and kidneys showed no signs of toxicity caused by ISO. This was consistent with an analysis of oxaloacetic transaminases (GOT) and pyruvic transaminases (GPT), which remained in the standard range. These findings indicate that ISO does not have a cytotoxic effect at the doses evaluated, placing it as a monoterpene of interest in the search for compounds with pharmacological potential.

Influence of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes on the Structural, Electrical, and Photoluminescent Properties of Chitosan Films.

Chitosan is a biopolymer with unique properties that have attracted considerable attention in various scientific fields in recent decades. Although chitosan is known for its poor electrical and mechanical properties, there is interest in producing chitosan-based materials reinforced with carbon-based materials to impart exceptional properties such as high electrical conductivity and high Young's modulus. This study describes the synergistic effect of carbon-based materials, such as reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes, in improving the electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of chitosan-based films. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide influences the crystallinity of chitosan, which considerably impacts the mechanical properties of the films. However, the incorporation of a reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotube complex not only significantly improves the mechanical properties but also significantly improves the optical and electrical properties, as was demonstrated from the photoluminescence studies and resistivity measurements employing the four-probe technique. This is a promising prospect for the synthesis of new materials, such as biopolymer films, with potential applications in optical, electrical, and biomedical bioengineering applications.

Reversibility of Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events after Switching to Darunavir/Cobicistat or Doravirine in Men on INSTI-Based Regimen.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) are associated with neuropsychiatric adverse events (NPAEs). The aim of this study was to evaluate improvements in NPAEs after switching an INSTI-based regimen to darunavir/cobicistat (DRV/c) or doravirine (DOR). Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the reversibility of NPAEs via the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and D) in patients who started antiretroviral therapy with dolutegravir (DTG) or bictegravir (BIC). These patients were switched to DRV/c or DOR. Scales were compared at the moment of the switch and 12 weeks later. Results: We included 1153 treatment-naïve men, 676 (58.7%) with BIC and 477 (41.3%) with DTG. A total of 32 (2.7%) experienced NPAEs that led to discontinuation. Insomnia was found in 20 patients; depression via PHQ-9 in 21 patients, via HADS-D in 5 patients, and anxiety via HADS-A in 12 patients. All of them were evaluated by a psychiatrist at the moment of the symptoms; 7 (21.8%) started psychotropic drugs. After 12 weeks of follow-up, PHQ-9, ISI, HADS-A, and HADS-D decreased, with a p-value ≤ 0.05. Conclusions: NPAEs seem to improve after switching to a DRV/c- or DOR-based regimen after the first 4 and 12 weeks.

Using cocrystals as a tool to study non-crystallizing molecules: crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and computational study of the 1:1 cocrystal of (E)-N-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)methanimine and acetic acid.

Using a 1:1 cocrystal of (E)-N-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)methanimine with acetic acid, C12H8F2N2·C2H4O2, we investigate the influence of F atoms introduced to the aromatic ring on promoting π-π interactions. The cocrystal crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. Through crystallographic analysis and computational studies, we reveal the molecular arrangement within this cocrystal, demonstrating the presence of hydrogen bonding between the acetic acid molecule and the pyridyl group, along with π-π interactions between the aromatic rings. Our findings highlight the importance of F atoms in promoting π-π interactions without necessitating full halogenation of the aromatic ring.

Cytotoxic Potential of the Monoterpene Isoespintanol against Human Tumor Cell Lines.

Cancer is a disease that encompasses multiple and different malignant conditions and is among the leading causes of death in the world. Therefore, the search for new pharmacotherapeutic options and potential candidates that can be used as treatments or adjuvants to control this disease is urgent. Natural products, especially those obtained from plants, have played an important role as a source of specialized metabolites with recognized pharmacological properties against cancer, therefore, they are an excellent alternative to be used. The objective of this research was to evaluate the action of the monoterpene isoespintanol (ISO) against the human tumor cell lines MDA-MB-231, A549, DU145, A2780, A2780-cis and the non-tumor line MRC-5. Experiments with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and fluorescence with propidium iodide (PI), 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dilactate (DAPI) and green plasma revealed the cytotoxicity of ISO against these cells; furthermore, morphological and chromogenic studies revealed the action of ISO on cell morphology and the inhibitory capacity on reproductive viability to form colonies in MDA-MB-231 cells. Likewise, 3D experiments validated the damage in these cells caused by this monoterpene. These results serve as a basis for progress in studies of the mechanisms of action of these compounds and the development of derivatives or synthetic analogues with a better antitumor profile.

Characterization of heart rate variability in end-stage renal disease patients after kidney transplantation with recurrence quantification analysis.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive approach to studying the autonomic modulation of heart rate in experimental settings, such as active standing sympathetic stimulation. It is known that patients with end-stage renal disease during active standing have few changes in HRV dynamics, which are improved after hemodialysis. However, it is unknown whether the response to active standing is recovered after definitive treatment with kidney transplantation. This work aims to assess the change in HRV dynamics in the supine position and active standing through time and frequency-based metrics, as well as recurrence plot quantitative analysis (RQA). We studied HRV dynamics by obtaining 5-minute electrocardiographic recordings from kidney transplant recipients who underwent an active standing test. The mean duration of heartbeats and their standard deviation diminished in active standing, compared with the supine position. Also, the low-frequency component of HRV and the presence of diagonal and vertical structures in RQA were predominant. A larger estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly correlated with broader HRV in the supine position and during active standing. The narrower HRV during active standing may indicate a sympathetic response to external stimuli, which is expected in a functional cardiovascular system, and may be influenced by renal function.

Safety of helicopter transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) systems of care have reduced inter-hospital transfer times and facilitated timely reperfusion goals. Helicopters may be an option when land transportation is not feasible; however, the safety of air transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a factor to consider. OBJETIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of helicopter transport for patients with ACS. METHODS: Prospective, observational, and descriptive study including patients diagnosed with ACS within the STEMI network of a metropolitan city transferred by helicopter to a large cardiovascular center to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of air-travel-related complications defined as IV dislodgement, hypoxia, arrhythmia, angina, anxiety, bleeding, and hypothermia. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included in the study; the mean age was 54 years and 84.9% were male. The most frequent diagnosis was STEMI after successful fibrinolysis (51.8%), followed by STEMI with failed fibrinolysis (23.7%) and non-reperfused STEMI (9.4%). Five patients (4.7%) developed at least one complication: IV dislodgement (1.8%) and hypoxemia (1.8%) in two patients and an episode of angina during flight (0.9%). A flight altitude of > 10,000 ft was not associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that helicopter transportation is safe in patients undergoing acute coronary syndrome, despite the altitude of a metropolitan area.

ANTECEDENTES: Los sistemas de atención de IAMCEST han reducido los tiempos de transferencia interhospitalaria y han facilitado las metas de reperfusión oportuna. Los helicópteros pueden ser una opción cuando el transporte terrestre no es factible; sin embargo, la seguridad del transporte aéreo en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SICA) es un factor a considerar. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la seguridad del transporte en helicóptero para pacientes con SICA. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de SICA dentro de la red IAMCEST en metrópolis extensa, trasladados en helicóptero a un centro cardiovascular. El resultado primario del estudio fue la incidencia de complicaciones relacionadas con los viajes aéreos definidas cómo desalojo de catéter intravenoso, hipoxia, arritmia, angina, ansiedad, sangrado e hipotermia. RESULTADOS: Total de 106 pacientes; la edad media fue de 54 años y 84,9% eran hombres. La altitud media de vuelo fue de 10,100 pies y la distancia media de vuelo fue de 50,0 km. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue IAMCEST tras fibrinolisis exitosa (51,8%), seguido de IAMCEST con fibrinolisis fallida (23,7%). Cinco pacientes (4,7%) desarrollaron una complicación: desalojo IV (1,8%) e hipoxemia (1,8%) en dos pacientes y un episodio de angina durante el vuelo (0,9%). Una altitud de vuelo mayor de 10,000 pies no se asoció a complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que el transporte en helicóptero es seguro en pacientes con SICA, incluso en altitudes > 10,000 pies.

LASIK is associated with early cataract surgery in healthy patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between LASIK and early cataract phacoemulsification surgery (PE). METHODS: A matched case-control study was conducted. Cases were otherwise healthy adults with a history of LASIK. Groups were paired according to corrected-distance visual acuity (CDVA), axial length, and cataract grade. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients were included. 85 patients were classified as post-LASIK group and 128 as controls. The mean age at the time of LASIK was 42.32 ± 9.24 years. The mean CDVA before PE was 0.29 ± 0.19 Log MAR in post-LASIK group and 0.34 ± 0.22 Log MAR in controls (p = 0.07). The mean axial length was 23.99 ± 1.78 mm in post-LASIK group and 23.62 ± 0.98 mm in controls (p = 0.085). The mean nuclear cataract grading was 1.36 in post-LASIK group and 1.47 in controls (p = 0.34). The mean age at the time of PE was 60.18 ± 7.46 years in post-LASIK group and 67.35 ± 9.28 in controls (p < 0.0005). The difference between the mean age of LASIK and the mean age of PE was 17.85 ± 5.72 years. There was a positive association between the post-LASIK group and the age of PE ≤ 55 years (OR: 4.917, 95% CI: 2.21-10.90, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: LASIK may be associated with early PE. Patients with LASIK had a 7-year earlier PE compared to a matched control group.

Safety of helicopter transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome / Seguridad del transporte en helicóptero en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo

Abstract Background: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) systems of care have reduced inter-hospital transfer times and facilitated timely reperfusion goals. Helicopters may be an option when land transportation is not feasible; however, the safety of air transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a factor to consider. Objetives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of helicopter transport for patients with ACS. Methods: Prospective, observational, and descriptive study including patients diagnosed with ACS within the STEMI network of a metropolitan city transferred by helicopter to a large cardiovascular center to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of air-travel-related complications defined as IV dislodgement, hypoxia, arrhythmia, angina, anxiety, bleeding, and hypothermia. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. Results: A total of 106 patients were included in the study; the mean age was 54 years and 84.9% were male. The most frequent diagnosis was STEMI after successful fibrinolysis (51.8%), followed by STEMI with failed fibrinolysis (23.7%) and non-reperfused STEMI (9.4%). Five patients (4.7%) developed at least one complication: IV dislodgement (1.8%) and hypoxemia (1.8%) in two patients and an episode of angina during flight (0.9%). A flight altitude of > 10,000 ft was not associated with complications. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that helicopter transportation is safe in patients undergoing acute coronary syndrome, despite the altitude of a metropolitan area.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los sistemas de atención de IAMCEST han reducido los tiempos de transferencia interhospitalaria y han facilitado las metas de reperfusión oportuna. Los helicópteros pueden ser una opción cuando el transporte terrestre no es factible; sin embargo, la seguridad del transporte aéreo en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SICA) es un factor a considerar. Objetivos: Evaluar la seguridad del transporte en helicóptero para pacientes con SICA. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de SICA dentro de la red IAMCEST en metrópolis extensa, trasladados en helicóptero a un centro cardiovascular. El resultado primario del estudio fue la incidencia de complicaciones relacionadas con los viajes aéreos definidas cómo desalojo de catéter intravenoso, hipoxia, arritmia, angina, ansiedad, sangrado e hipotermia. Resultados: Total de 106 pacientes; la edad media fue de 54 años y 84,9% eran hombres. La altitud media de vuelo fue de 10,100 pies y la distancia media de vuelo fue de 50,0 km. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue IAMCEST tras fibrinolisis exitosa (51,8%), seguido de IAMCEST con fibrinolisis fallida (23,7%). Cinco pacientes (4,7%) desarrollaron una complicación: desalojo IV (1,8%) e hipoxemia (1,8%) en dos pacientes y un episodio de angina durante el vuelo (0,9%). Una altitud de vuelo mayor de 10,000 pies no se asoció a complicaciones. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que el transporte en helicóptero es seguro en pacientes con SICA, incluso en altitudes > 10,000 pies.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pharmacoinvasive Strategy Versus Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Study from Mexico City.

Although primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is the treatment of choice in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), challenges may arise in accessing this intervention for certain geodemographic groups. Pharmacoinvasive strategy (PIs) has demonstrated comparable outcomes when delays in pPCI are anticipated, but real-world data on long-term outcomes are limited. The aim of the present study was to compare long-term outcomes among real-world patients with STEMI who underwent either PIs or pPCI. This was a prospective registry including patients with STEMI who received reperfusion during the first 12 hours from symptom onset. The primary objective was cardiovascular mortality at 12 months according to the reperfusion strategy (pPCI vs PIs) and major cardiovascular events (cardiogenic shock, recurrent myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure), and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 to 5 bleeding events were also evaluated. A total of 799 patients with STEMI were included; 49.1% underwent pPCI and 50.9% received PIs. Patients in the PIs group presented with more heart failure on admission (Killip-Kimbal >I 48.1 vs 39.7, p = 0.02) and had a lower proportion of pre-existing heart failure (0.2% vs 1.8%, p = 0.02) and atrial fibrillation (0.25% vs 1.2%, p = 0.02). No statistically significant difference was observed in cardiovascular mortality at the 12-month follow-up (hazard ratio for PIs 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.42 to 1.30, log-rank p = 0.30) according to the reperfusion strategy used. The composite of major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio for PIs 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.75 to 1.29, p = 0.92) and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 to 5 bleeding rates were also comparable. A low socioeconomic status, Killip-Kimball >2, age >60 years, and admission creatinine >2.0 mg/100 ml were predictors of the composite end point after multivariate analysis. In conclusion, this prospective real-world registry provides additional support that long-term major cardiovascular outcomes and bleeding are not different between patients who underwent PIs versus primary PCI.

Oclusión intestinal en paciente renal crónico secundario a bezoar de telas Reporte de un caso clínico / Intestinal Occlusion in a Chronic Renal Patient Secondary to Textile Bezoar. Clinical Case Report

Resumen Los "bezoar" son conglomerados de materiales no comestibles ingeridos voluntaria o involuntariamente, no digeridos e incapaces de transitar por el tracto intestinal. Principalmente afectan a jóvenes mujeres o adolescentes que presentan el fenómeno llamado "pica", y a pesar de que se ha registrado una alta prevalencia de este fenómeno en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), ha sido poco estudiado. Caso clínico: Paciente del sexo masculino de 35 años de edad que cursa con ERC KDIGO-5 en tratamiento con diálisis peritoneal; se obtiene el hallazgo de "bezoar plástico" transoperatorio (laparotomia por oclusión intestinal) a 10 cm de la válvula ileocecal. El paciente fallece por complicaciones de la patología de origen. Se plantea la necesidad de realizar la búsqueda de comportamientos en pacientes con ERC, que indiquen al cirujano la sospecha, dado que los pacientes generalmente ocultan u omiten referir sobre la ingesta de material extraño.

Abstract The "bezoar" are conglomerates of inedible materials ingested voluntarily or involuntarily, which are not digested and are unable to pass through the intestinal tract. They mainly affect young women or adolescents who present the phenomenon called "pica", despite the fact that a high prevalence of this phenomenon of "pica" has been registered in patients with chronic kidney disease, it has been little studied. Clinical case: A 35-year-old male with CKD KDIGO-5 undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment, which was found to have a transoperative "plastic bezoar" (laparotomy for intestinal occlusion) 10 cm from the ileocecal valve. The patient died due to complications of his pathology. Discussion: the clinical case raises the need to search for behaviors such as pica in patients with CKD, as well as to develop the suspicion to the surgeon, since patients generally hide or ignore reporting foreign material phagia.

The Gal/GalNac lectin as a possible acetylcholine receptor in Entamoeba histolytica.

Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is a protozoan responsible for intestinal amebiasis in at least 500 million people per year, although only 10% of those infected show severe symptoms. It is known that E. histolytica captures molecules released during the host immune response through membrane receptors that favor its pathogenetic mechanisms for the establishment of amebic invasion. It has been suggested that E. histolytica interacts with acetylcholine (ACh) through its membrane. This promotes the increase of virulence factors and diverse mechanisms carried out by the amoeba to produce damage. The aim of this study is to identify a membrane receptor in E. histolytica trophozoites for ACh. Methods included identification by colocalization for the ACh and Gal/GalNAc lectin binding site by immunofluorescence, western blot, bioinformatic analysis, and quantification of the relative expression of Ras 5 and Rab 7 GTPases by RT-qPCR. Results show that the Gal/GalNAc lectin acts as a possible binding site for ACh and this binding may occur through the 150 kDa intermediate subunit. At the same time, this interaction activates the GTPases, Ras, and Rab, which are involved in the proliferation, and reorganization of the amoebic cytoskeleton and vesicular trafficking. In conclusion, ACh is captured by the parasite, and the interaction promotes the activation of signaling pathways involved in pathogenicity mechanisms, contributing to disease and the establishment of invasive amebiasis.

Obesidad: un factor de riesgo en pacientes con COVID-19

Informes recientes dan cuenta de una fuerte asociación entre la obesidad y la severidad de la infección de COVID-19, lo cual se fundamenta en la presencia de un estado proinflamatorio crónico en el paciente obeso, vinculado a trastornos metabólicos y del sistema inmune. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo revisar los más recientes estudios sobre la asociación positiva que se establece entre la obesidad, como factor de riesgo, y la severidad y mortalidad de los pacientes con COVID-19; también renovar los mecanismos involucrados, para lo cual se seleccionaron artículos publicados -principalmente en los últimos cinco años- en las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO, ClinicalKey y LILACS, y en el motor de búsqueda Google Académico. Estos estudios incluyeron, entre otros parámetros, el Índice de Masa Corporal y su asociación a la severidad y mortalidad por COVID-19. Como resultado, la evidencia clínica sugiere que el sobrepeso y la obesidad presentan una alta prevalencia en los casos severos de pacientes adultos con COVID-19. Se concluye que la obesidad, en estos pacientes, requiere de un manejo particular, pues debe ser considerada un factor de riesgo independiente de otras comorbilidades. Esto se debe a su contribución a una mayor susceptibilidad y severidad, asociándose positivamente con alteraciones del sistema inmune y con reacciones hiperinflamatorias por liberación excesiva de citoquinas, comprometiendo el funcionamiento de órganos y sistemas y potenciando las complicaciones de la infección de SARS-CoV-2 y la mortalidad.

Recent reports indicate a strong association between obesity and the severity of COVID-19 infection, which is based on the presence of a chronic pro-inflammatory state in obese patients, linked to metabolic and immune system disorders. This paper aims to reviewing the most recent studies on the positive association established between obesity, as a risk factor, and severity and mortality of patients with COVID-19; it also aims to renew the involved mechanisms, for which articles published-mainly in the last five years-in the PubMed, SciELO, Clinical Key and LILACS databases, and in the Google Scholar search engine were selected. These studies included, among other parameters, the body mass index and its association to severity and mortality due to COVID-19. As a result, the clinical evidence suggests that overweight and obesity have a high prevalence in severe cases of adult patients with COVID-19. It is concluded that obesity, in these patients, requires a particular management, as it should be considered a risk factor independent of other comorbidities. This is due to its contribution to a greater susceptibility and severity, positively associated to alterations of the immune system and to hyper-inflammatory reactions by excessive release of cytokines, compromising the functioning of organs and systems and enhancing the complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Polycaprolactone (PCL)/Polylactic-Co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) (80:20) Scaffold for Improved Treatment of Chondral (Cartilage) Injuries.

Articular cartilage is a specialized tissue that provides a smooth surface for joint movement and load transmission. Unfortunately, it has limited regenerative capacity. Tissue engineering, combining different cell types, scaffolds, growth factors, and physical stimulation has become an alternative for repairing and regenerating articular cartilage. Dental Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells (DFMSCs) are attractive candidates for cartilage tissue engineering because of their ability to differentiate into chondrocytes, on the other hand, the polymers blend like Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) have shown promise given their mechanical properties and biocompatibility. In this work, the physicochemical properties of polymer blends were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and were positive for both techniques. The DFMSCs demonstrated stemness by flow cytometry. The scaffold showed to be a non-toxic effect when we evaluated it with Alamar blue, and the samples were analyzed using SEM and phalloidin staining to evaluate cell adhesion to the scaffold. The synthesis of glycosaminoglycans was positive on the construct in vitro. Finally, the PCL/PLGA scaffold showed a better repair capacity than two commercial compounds, when tested in a chondral defect rat model. These results suggest that the PCL/PLGA (80:20) scaffold may be suitable for applications in the tissue engineering of articular hyaline cartilage.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of neurotrophic keratopathy in hispanic population in northeastern Mexico.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) in northeastern Mexico. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study in which NK patients admitted to our ophthalmology clinic between 2015 and 2021 were consecutively enrolled. Data regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities were collected at the time diagnosis of NK was made. RESULTS: In the period from 2015 to 2021, a total of 74,056 patients were treated and of these 42 had a diagnosis of neurotrophic keratitis. The prevalence found was 5.67 [CI95 3.95-7.38] in 10,000 cases. The mean age observed was 59 ± 17.21 years occurring more frequently in males in 59% and with corneal epithelial defects in 66.7%. The most frequent antecedents were the use of topical medications in 90%, the presence of diabetes mellitus 2 in 40.5% and systemic arterial hypertension in 26.2%. A higher proportion of male patients with corneal alterations and a higher proportion of female patients with corneal ulcerations and/or perforation were observed. CONCLUSION: Neurotrophic keratitis is an underdiagnosed disease with a broad clinical spectrum. The antecedents that were contracted corroborate what was reported in the literature as risk factors. The prevalence of the disease in this geographical area was not reported, so it is expected to increase over time when searching for it intentionally.

Gallstone ileus, a rare cause of intestinal occlusion. A case report.

Recurrent gallstone ileus has a recurrence of 2-8.2% with a mortality of 12-20%, secondary to an enteric or cholecystic gallstone. A male patient with a diagnosis of intestinal occlusion secondary to biliary ileus and cholecystoduodenal fistula, performing enterotomy and closure in two planes with drainage placement. Two months after presenting the clinical of intestinal occlusion, medical management began and an abdominal tomography was performed, finding an image suggestive of recurrent gallstone ileus, treated with laparotomy.

El íleo biliar recurrente tiene una frecuencia del 2-8.2% y una mortalidad del 12-20%, que se presenta de forma secundaria a un cálculo biliar entérico o colecístico. Varón que cursa con diagnóstico de oclusión intestinal secundaria a íleo biliar y fístula colecistoduodenal. Se realiza enterotomía y cierre en dos planos con colocación de drenaje. Dos meses después, el paciente presenta un cuadro clínico de oclusión intestinal, por lo que se inicia manejo médico y se realiza la correspondiente tomografía computarizada abdominal, encontrando una imagen sugestiva de íleo biliar recurrente, con manejo por laparotomía.

Comportamiento de Candida en niños hospitalizados en unidades de cuidados intensivos / Incidence of Candida in children hospitalized in intensive care units

Introducción: La candidemia es considerada el tipo de fungemia más frecuente asociada a pacientes en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Es una afección rápidamente progresiva con elevada mortalidad, la cual presenta dificultad en un diagnóstico precoz y capacidad de resistencia al tratamiento. Objetivos: Caracterizar aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y microbiológicos de las especies de Candida aisladas en niños hospitalizados en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en 143 aislamientos de especies de Candida obtenidas en hemocultivos de pacientes menores de 18 años, en el laboratorio de Microbiología del Hospital Universitario Ginecobstétrico «Mariana Grajales», en el período de enero de 2009 a diciembre de 2018. Se utilizaron tablas de contingencia (prueba de Ji Cuadrado y V de Cramer); se utilizaron las variables: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, especies y servicios hospitalarios. Resultados: Los mayores aislamientos de candidemia correspondieron a pacientes del sexo femenino de edades comprendidas entre 29 días y 18 años. Todos fueron sometidos al uso de antimicrobianos y con ventilación mecánica. El mayor número de aislamientos en pacientes de 9 años correspondió a Candida tropicalis, que fue la más aislada en la Unidad de Neonatología y Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, no así en Cuidados Intermedios donde predominó Candida sin precisar especie. Por estas razones se puede señalar que existe una relación entre las especies y los servicios hospitalarios. Conclusiones: Predominaron pacientes del sexo femenino mayores de 29 días y hasta 18 años hospitalizados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos; la especie más aislada fue Candida tropicalis.

Introduction: candidemia is considered the most frequent type of fungemia associated with patients hospitalized in intensive care units. It is a rapidly progressive condition with high mortality, difficult to diagnose early and resistant to treatment. Objective: to characterize the epidemiological, clinical and microbiological aspects of Candida species isolated from children hospitalized in intensive care units. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out on 143 isolates of Candida species corresponding to blood cultures from patients under 18 years of age and obtained in the Microbiology laboratory at "Mariana Grajales" Gynecological and Obstetric University Hospital, from January 2009 to December 2018. Contingency tables were used (Chi- square and Cramer's V tests); age, gender, risk factors, species and hospital services were the used variables. Results: the largest candidemia isolates corresponded to female patients aged between 29 days and 18 years. All were subjected to the use of antimicrobials and mechanical ventilation. The highest number of isolates in 9-year-old patients corresponded to Candida tropicalis, which was the most isolated species in the Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, but not in the Intermediate Care Unit where Candida predominated without specifying the species. For these reasons, it can be pointed out that there is a relationship between species and hospital services. Conclusions: female patients older than 29 days and up to 18 years hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit predominated; the most isolated species was Candida tropicalis.

Discrete models for analyzing the behavior of COVID-19 pandemic in the State of Mexico, Mexico.

In this paper we analyze the behavior of the COVID-19 pandemic during a certain period of the year 2020 in the state of Mexico, Mexico. For this, we will use the discrete models obtained by the first, third and fourth authors of this work. The first is a one-dimensional model, and the second is two-dimensional, both non-linear. It is assumed that the population of the state of Mexico is constant and that the parameters used are the infection capacity, which we will initially assume to be constant, and the recovery and mortality parameters in that state. We will show that even when the statistical data obtained are disperse, and the process could be stabilized, this has been slow due to chaotic mitigation, creating situations of economic, social, health and political deterioration in that region of the country. We note that the observed results of the behavior of the epidemic during that period for the first variants of the virus have continued to be observed for the later variants, which has not allowed the eradication of the pandemic.