Electronic structure and thermodynamic approaches to the prospect of super abundant vacancies in δ-Pu.

Super abundant vacancies (SAVs) have been suggested to form in the fcc phase of plutonium, δ-Pu, under a low-pressure hydrogen environment. Under these conditions, the vacancy concentration is proposed to reach 10-3 at% due to H trapping in vacancies lowering the effective vacancy formation energy. Previous density functional theory (DFT) results suggest that seven H atoms can be trapped in a single vacancy when a collinear special quasirandom magnetic structure is used to stabilize the δ phase, suggesting SAVs are a possible source of H stored in plutonium. In this report, we present DFT results for δ-Pu in the noncollinear 3Q magnetic state to study the formation of SAVs in mechanically stable δ-Pu. Together with these new simulations, we use publicly available computational and experimental data to provide further constraints on the physical conditions needed to thermodynamically stabilize SAVs in δ-Pu. Using several thermodynamic models, we estimate the vacancy concentrations in δ-Pu and discuss the limits of hydrogen driven formation of vacancies in δ-Pu. We find that, when hydrogen in the lattice is equilibrated with gaseous H2, the formation of SAVs in δ-Pu is unlikely and any excess vacancy concentration beyond thermal vacancies would need to occur by a different mechanism.

HIV-associated gut microbial alterations are dependent on host and geographic context.

HIV-associated changes in intestinal microbiota are believed to be important drivers of disease progression. However, the majority of studies have focused on populations in high-income countries rather than in developing regions where HIV burden is greatest. To better understand the impact of HIV on fecal microbiota globally, we compare the fecal microbial community of individuals in the U.S., Uganda, and Botswana. We identify significant bacterial taxa alterations with both treated and untreated HIV infection with a high degree of uniqueness in each cohort. HIV-associated taxa alterations are also significantly different between populations that report men who have sex with men (MSM) behavior and non-MSM populations. Additionally, while we find that HIV infection is consistently associated with higher soluble markers of immune activation, most specific bacterial taxa associated with these markers in each region are not shared and none are shared across all three geographic locations in our study. Our findings demonstrate that HIV-associated changes in fecal microbiota are overall distinct among geographical locations and sexual behavior groups, although a small number of taxa shared between pairs of geographic locations warrant further investigation, highlighting the importance of considering host context to fully assess the impact of the gut microbiome on human health and disease.

Prevalencia de caídas y factores de riesgo intrínsecos en personas adultas mayores. Barranquilla (Atlántico), Colombia

Introducción: El riesgo de caídas es de carácter multifactorial, ya sea debido a factores extrínsecos o intrínsecos. Las caídas se consideran el principal mecanismo de lesión no intencional en los mayores. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de caídas y factores de riesgo intrínsecos en personas adultas mayores de la ciudad de Barranquilla (Colombia). Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo correlacional, realizado en 98 adultos mayores, tanto institucionalizados como en comunidad, residentes en Barranquilla (Atlántico), Colombia. Se aplicó una encuesta sobre factores de riesgo intrínsecos; el riesgo de caída se midió con la escala de Berg y se establecieron niveles de Vitamina D en sangre. Resultados: El promedio de edad fue de 75 años, con edades más avanzadas en población institucionalizada. La prevalencia general de caídas fue de 49 % en el último año. El 68,8 % de la población que presentó caídas fueron mujeres, con mayor proporción de caídas en los residentes en hogares geriátricos (52,1 %). Las mujeres provenientes de la comunidad se cayeron más que los hombres (91,3 %) lo cual muestra significancia estadística frente a las caídas (p = 0,002). El consumo de antihipertensivos fue el de mayor proporción (92 %), lo cual demuestra que es estadísticamente significativa para la población institucionalizada (p = 0,0224). El riesgo de caída alto y moderado fue mayor en la población institucionalizada (32 %). El 79,2 % de los individuos que presentaron caídas presentó niveles de vitamina D insuficientes. Conclusión: La población adulta mayor presenta una alta prevalencia de caídas, especialmente las mujeres y la población institucionalizada en centros geriátricos. Los hechos que presentaron significancia estadística fueron ser mujer y provenir de la comunidad, junto con el consumo de antihipertensivos en población institucionalizada.

Introduction: Fall risk can be related to multiple factors, whether they are of extrinsic or intrinsic nature. Falls are considered the main mechanism of accidental injury in the elderly. Objective: To determine the prevalence of falls and intrinsic risk factors in older adults in the city of Barranquilla (Colombia). Materials and methods: A descriptive correlation study was carried out on 98 institutionalized and community elderly adults from Barranquilla (Atlántico), Colombia. A survey on intrinsic risk factors was applied; the risk of falling was measured with the Berg scale and levels of Vitamin D in the blood were established. Results: The participant's average age was 75 years old, considering that the oldest ages were in the institutionalized population. The general prevalence of falls was 49% in the last year, 68.8% of the population that presented falls were women, and the highest proportion of falls occurred with residents of geriatric homes (52,1%). Women coming from the community fell more than men (91,3%) showing statistical significance compared to falls (p-value of 0,002). The consumption of antihypertensive drugs was the one with the highest proportion (92%), which showed statistical significance for the institutionalized population (p-value of 0,0224). The high and moderate risk of falls was higher in the institutionalized population (32%). Insufficient vitamin D levels (79,2% of those that fell) had a higher prevalence in women, without statistical significance. Conclusion: The elderly population has a high prevalence of falls, especially in women and in the population institutionalized in geriatric centers. The facts that presented statistical significance were being a woman and coming from the community, along with the consumption of antihypertensives in the institutionalized population.

Estilos de vida y alimentación relacionados con el estado nutricional y el riesgo de DM2 en mujeres jóvenes de dos universidades colombianas

Objetivo: Analizar los estilos de vida y alimentación relacionados con el estado nutricional y el riesgo de DM2 y en mujeres estudiantes de dos universidades colombianas. Métodos: Estudio de tipo descriptivo, transversal, multidimensional y exploratorio, realizado en una muestra fue de 220 mujeres, estudiantes de nutrición y dietética (NyD) seleccionadas por muestreo aleatorio de proporciones. Se aplicó un cuestionario para identificar variables sociodemográficas, estilos de vida relacionados con alimentación y el riesgo DM2 según test FINDRISC; se determinó el IMC, perímetro de cintura (PC), porcentaje de grasa e índice de sustancia corporal activa (IAKS). Se realizó análisis bivariado, utilizando Statgraphics v.16, se aplicó la prueba chi2 con 95% de confianza y significancia estadística (p <0,05). Resultados: El sobrepeso y obesidad según IMC (21,4%) mostró significancia estadística con la frecuencia de consumo de bebidas azucaradas, productos de paquete, azúcares y dulces, comidas rápidas y bebidas alcohólicas; estas dos prácticas alimentarias se relacionaron con el riesgo cardiovascular muy alto por PC y con el porcentaje de grasa excesivo que además presentó significancia con el tiempo excesivo en pantallas; el IAKS se relacionó con la clasificación de la actividad física (AF). Según la prueba de FINDRISC, el 91% presentaron factores de riesgo de DM2; el 20,5% presentó riesgo medio y el 2,3% alto. Conclusiones: Los estilos de vida y alimentación se relacionaron con indicadores antropométricos: el peso corporal, la distribución de la grasa y la composición corporal; son factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de DM2 en mujeres jóvenes. Es necesario promover factores protectores para mantener un peso saludable.

Objective: To analyze the lifestyles and diet related to nutritional status and the risk of DM2 and in female students of two Colombian universities. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, multidimensional and exploratory study, carried out in a sample of 220 women, nutrition and dietetic (NaD) students selected by random medsampling of proportions.[1]. A questionnaire was applied to identify sociodemographic variables, lifestyles related to food and DM2 risk according to the FINDRISC test; BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat percentage, and active body substance index (IAKS) were determined. Bivariate analysis was performed using Statgraphics v.16, the chi2 test was applied with 95% confidence and statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: Overweight and obesity according to BMI (21.4%) showed statistical significance with the frequency of consumption of sugary drinks, packaged products, sugars and sweets, fast foods and alcoholic beverages; These two eating practices were related to very high cardiovascular risk by waist circumference and excessive fat percentage, which also presented significance with excessive screen time; the IAKS was related to the classification of physical activity. According to the FINDRISC test, 91% had DM2 risk factors; 20.5% presented medium risk and 2.3% high. Conclusions: Lifestyle and diet were related to anthropometric indicators: body weight, fat distribution, and body composition; are risk factors for the development of DM2 in young women. It is necessary to promote protective factors to maintain a healthy weight.

Postoperative Serum Cortisol and Cushing Disease Recurrence in Patients With Corticotroph Adenomas.

CONTEXT: In Cushing disease, the association between the rate of serum cortisol decline and recurrent disease after corticotroph adenoma removal has not been adequately characterized. OBJECTIVE: To analyze postoperative serum cortisol and recurrence rates in Cushing disease. METHODS: Patients with Cushing disease and pathology-confirmed corticotroph adenoma were retrospectively studied. Cortisol halving time was estimated using exponential decay modeling. Halving time, first postoperative cortisol, and nadir cortisol values were collected using immediate postoperative inpatient laboratory data. Recurrence and time-to-recurrence were estimated and compared among cortisol variables. RESULTS: A total of 320 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria for final analysis, and 26 of those patients developed recurrent disease. Median follow-up time was 25 months (95% CI, 19-28 months), and 62 patients had ≥ 5 years follow-up time. Higher first postoperative cortisol and higher nadir were associated with increased risk of recurrence. Patients who had a first postoperative cortisol ≥ 50 µg/dL were 4.1 times more likely to recur than those with a first postoperative cortisol < 50 µg/dL (HR 4.1, 1.8-9.2; P = .0003). Halving time was not associated with recurrence (HR 1.7, 0.8-3.8, P = .18). Patients with a nadir cortisol ≥2 µg/dL were 6.6 times more likely to recur than those with a nadir cortisol of < 2 µg/dL (HR 6.6, 2.6-16.6, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Postoperative nadir serum cortisol is the most important cortisol variable associated with recurrence and time-to-recurrence. Compared to first postoperative cortisol and cortisol halving time, a nadir < 2 µg/dL showed the strongest association with long-term remission and typically occurs within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

Taquicardia ventricular polimorfa en un paciente con fibrilación auricular de respuesta ventricular rápida. Reporte de Caso

Las taquicardiomiopatías por su fisiopatología de pérdida del acoplamiento miocárdico, proporcionan el sustrato adecuado para la disfunción ventricular que dan paso a arritmias ventriculares letales. Se reporta el caso de una paciente femenina de 75 años, sin antecedentes personales patológicos conocidos, que acude con historia de disnea de medianos esfuerzos que rápidamente progresa a disnea de pequeños esfuerzos asociado a palpitaciones. Posteriormente desarrolla taquicardia ventricular polimorfa no sostenida durante su estancia hospitalaria por lo que fue necesario realizar en dos ocasiones maniobras de reanimación con cardioversión eléctrica y el restablecimiento del ritmo sinusal con fármacos para mejorar la función del ventrículo izquierdo. (provisto por Infomedic International)

  Tachycardiomyopathies due to their pathophysiology of loss of myocardial coupling, provide the adequate substrate for ventricular dysfunction that leads to lethal ventricular arrhythmias. The following is the case of a 75-year-old female patient, with no known history, who presented with symptoms of advanced heart failure and atrial fibrillation, who later developed non-sustained polimorphic ventricular tachycardia during her hospital stay for which it was necessary to perform resuscitation maneuvers with electrical cardioversion on two separate occasions and the restoration of sinus rhythm with drugs to improve left ventricular function. (provided by Infomedic International)

PyQMC: An all-Python real-space quantum Monte Carlo module in PySCF.

We describe a new open-source Python-based package for high accuracy correlated electron calculations using quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) in real space: PyQMC. PyQMC implements modern versions of QMC algorithms in an accessible format, enabling algorithmic development and easy implementation of complex workflows. Tight integration with the PySCF environment allows for a simple comparison between QMC calculations and other many-body wave function techniques, as well as access to high accuracy trial wave functions.

Characterization of a paradoxical post-operative increase in serum cortisol in Cushing disease.

PURPOSE: In Cushing disease, early post-operative serum cortisol fluctuations have not been adequately characterized, and their association with initial remission and recurrence is unclear. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with Cushing disease was conducted at two institutions. A "riser" was defined a priori as a paradoxical increase in serum cortisol with an immediate incremental increase in serum cortisol over three consecutive cortisol draws separated by roughly 6-h (definition 1). Post hoc analyses used a definition of two consecutive increases (definition 2). Risers were compared to non-risers for initial remission and time-to-recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 505 patients with Cushing disease were screened, and 469 had adequate data for group assignment. Analysis of post-operative cortisol showed a subgroup of "risers" with a frequency of 3.6% for definition 1 and 42.6% for definition 2. In these patients, cortisol levels were significantly higher until approximately 36 h post-operatively, and cortisol had a significantly longer mean serum half-life. In the post hoc analysis, definition 2 risers had a lower remission rate compared to non-risers (162/196, 82.7%, versus 243/264, 92.0%) with an odds ratio of 0.41 (0.23-0.73; p = 0.003). For both definitions, recurrence was similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that almost half of Cushing disease patients experienced a temporary increase in serum cortisol level during the early post-operative period. Serum cortisol half-life was longer, and the remission rates were lower, however, recurrence rates were similar to non-risers.

Factores de riesgo para cesáreas en indígenas adolescentes en un departamento de Colombia período 2020 ­ 2021 / Risk factors for cesarean sections in indigenous adolescents in a department of Colombia in the period 2020 - 2021

Objetivo Determinar los factores de riesgo que afectan el embarazo en adolescentes entre los 12 y 17 años de las comunidades indígenas, atendidas en un hospital del Departamento de La Guajira durante el periodo 2020- 2021. Materiales y métodos Estudio de tipo descriptivo con el fin de determinar, los principales factores de riesgo que pueden afectar el embarazo y que son motivo de consultas o causas de remisión para ser atendidas oportunamente en un hospital de la región, se tuvieron en cuenta 100 historias clínicas que cumplían con la información solicitada empleando las categorías de; edad de la gestante, asistencia a control de embarazo, enfermedades presentadas relacionadas con el embarazo y remisión. Resultados Se destacan que al comparar los años se encuentra que la anemia no especificada se mantiene y se incrementan de un año al otro las infecciones urinarias y la vaginitis lo anterior se acompaña de poca asistencia a los controles prenatales. Conclusiones El embarazo en la adolescencia sigue siendo uno de los principales factores que contribuyen a la mortalidad materna infantil y aumenta el círculo de enfermedad y pobreza, con mayor énfasis en los grupos indígenas. Este es un aspecto crucial por su importancia en los ámbitos de salud materna y reproductiva. Por lo cual, en estudios recientes se muestran altas tasas de mortalidad infantil, así como brechas sistemáticas entre grupos étnicos.

Objective To determine the risk factors that affect pregnancy in adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age from indigenous communities, treated at a hospital in the Department of La Guajira during the period 2020-2021. Materials and methods Descriptive study in order to determine the main risk factors that can affect pregnancy and that are the reason for consultations or causes of referral to be treated promptly in a hospital in the region, 100 were taken into account. medical records that met the requested information using the categories of; age of the pregnant woman, assistance to pregnancy control, presented diseases related to pregnancy and remission Results It is highlighted that when comparing the years it is found that unspecified anemia is maintained and urinary infections and vaginitis increase from one year to the next, the above is accompanied by little attendance at prenatal controls. Conclusions Pregnancy in adolescence continues to be one of the main factors that contribute to maternal and child mortality and increases the cycle of disease and poverty, with greater emphasis on indigenous groups. This is a crucial aspect due to its importance in the areas of maternal and reproductive health. Therefore, recent studies show high infant mortality rates, as well as systematic gaps between ethnic groups.

Modeling the temporal dynamics of cervicovaginal microbiota identifies targets that may promote reproductive health.

BACKGROUND: Cervicovaginal bacterial communities composed of diverse anaerobes with low Lactobacillus abundance are associated with poor reproductive outcomes such as preterm birth, infertility, cervicitis, and risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Women in sub-Saharan Africa have a higher prevalence of these high-risk bacterial communities when compared to Western populations. However, the transition of cervicovaginal communities between high- and low-risk community states over time is not well described in African populations. RESULTS: We profiled the bacterial composition of 316 cervicovaginal swabs collected at 3-month intervals from 88 healthy young Black South African women with a median follow-up of 9 months per participant and developed a Markov-based model of transition dynamics that accurately predicted bacterial composition within a broader cross-sectional cohort. We found that Lactobacillus iners-dominant, but not Lactobacillus crispatus-dominant, communities have a high probability of transitioning to high-risk states. Simulating clinical interventions by manipulating the underlying transition probabilities, our model predicts that the population prevalence of low-risk microbial communities could most effectively be increased by manipulating the movement between L. iners- and L. crispatus-dominant communities. CONCLUSIONS: The Markov model we present here indicates that L. iners-dominant communities have a high probability of transitioning to higher-risk states. We additionally identify transitions to target to increase the prevalence of L. crispatus-dominant communities. These findings may help guide future intervention strategies targeted at reducing bacteria-associated adverse reproductive outcomes among women living in sub-Saharan Africa. Video Abstract.

Efectividad de la terapia física intensiva en enfermedades huérfanas / Effectivenes of intensive physical therapy in orphan diseases

Introducción: La terapia física intensiva en enfermedades huérfanas, es un método para el tratamiento a pacientes con diferentes trastornos neurológicos, especialmente en la disfunción neuromuscular y musculo esquelética, como secuelas de las crisis metabólicas padecidas por una enfermedad neurodegenerativa que se caracteriza porque los afectados presentan un olor particular en la orina, semejante al jarabe de arce usado como alimento. Objetivo: Describir los resultados obtenidos a través de la aplicación de la terapia física intensiva en enfermedades huérfanas en un paciente. Presentación del caso: Niño de 9 años, con secuelas secundarias a la enfermedad neurodegenerativa citada. La evaluación inicial se realizó a través del índice de función motora GMFM 88-66, aplicado antes y después de cada intervención. El tratamiento consistió en el desarrollo del programa basado en la terapia física intensiva, en cuatro sesiones, durante cuatro semanas, cuatro horas por día, sin interrupción, con un total de 80 horas por cada intervención. Conclusiones: La terapia física intensiva en enfermedades huérfanas, proporciona cambios significativos en comparación con la fisioterapia tradicional. Combina varias técnicas fundamentadas en la base fisiológica del ejercicio, aumenta la posibilidad de mejoras en las secuelas a nivel motor en el caso de enfermedad neurodegenerativa y mejora la función motora gruesa en el niño. En general, se aprecian cambios en la evolución del paciente e impacto en el sistema musculo esquelético, disfunción neuromuscular y mejoría en su calidad de vida y clínica. Puede ser aplicable en otros niños con alteraciones motoras secundarias a enfermedades huérfanas o raras(AU)

Introduction: Intensive physical therapy in orphan diseases is a method for the treatment of patients with different neurological disorders, especially neuromuscular and skeletal muscle dysfunction as a consequence of metabolic crisis suffered due to a neurodegenerative disease which has as a characteristic that the patients present a particular smell in the urine, similar to the maple syrup used as food. Objective: To describe the results obtained through the use of intensive physical therapy in patients with orphan diseases. Case presentation: Nine years old boy with secondary sequelae of the above mentioned neurodegenerative disease. The initial evaluation was made with the index of motor function called GMFM 88-66 used before and after each intervention. The treatment involves the development of a program based in the intensive physical therapy in 4 sessions during 4 weeks and 4 hours each day, without stops and with a total of 80 hours per each intervention. Conclusions: Intensive physical therapy in orphan diseases provides significant changes in comparison with the traditional physiotherapy. It combines different techniques focused in the physiologic base of the exercises; in the case of neurodegenerative diseases, it increased the chances of improvement in the sequelaes of the motor level, and it improved the gross motor function in the boy. In general terms, there is evidence of changes in the evolution of the patient and impact in the skeletal muscle system, in the neuromuscular dysfunction and improvement in the clinical and life quality. This technique can be used in other children with motor disruptions secondary to orphan or rare diseases(AU)

Which curve provides the best explanation of the growth in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Chile?

OBJECTIVE: to explore the best type of curve or trend model that could explain the epidemiological behavior of the infection by COVID-19 and derive the possible causes that contribute to explain the corresponding model and the health implications that can be inferred. METHOD: data were collected from the COVID-19 reports of the Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Chile. Curve adjustment studies were developed with the data in four different models: quadratic, exponential, simple exponential smoothing, and double exponential smoothing. The significance level used was α≤0.05. RESULTS: the curve that best fits the evolution of the accumulated confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chile is the doubly-smoothed exponential curve. CONCLUSION: the number of infected patients will continue to increase. Chile needs to remain vigilant and adjust the strategies around the prevention and control measures. The behavior of the population plays a fundamental role. We suggest not relaxing restrictions and further improving epidemiological surveillance. Emergency preparations are needed and more resource elements need to be added to the current health support. This prediction is provisional and depends on keeping all intervening variables constant. Any alteration will modify the prediction.

Evaluación de la composición corporal según factor de riesgo de obesidad en universitarios / Assessment of body composition according to obesity risk factor in university

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la composición corporal según factor de riesgo de obesidad en estudiantes universitarios sanos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Población muestra: 217 estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de una universidad privada de Barranquilla, en edades entre 20 a 33 años, quienes cumplían los criterios de inclusión, previo consentimiento informado. Se evaluaron las variables sexo, edad, índice de masa corporal, grasa corporal, grasa visceral, por método de impedancia y niveles de presión arterial. Resultados: 77 % femenino, 23 % masculino. La edad promedio fue de 21 años con una desviación estándar de 3,97 años; el 57,6 % reveló Índice de Masa Corporal normal, 24,4 % sobrepeso; el grupo femenino con IMC normal presentó grasa corporal alto (44,80 %) y muy alto (12,00 %); un incremento en grasa corporal se detectó como alto (30,95 %) y muy alto (44,64 %)en el género femenino y la grasa visceral como alto (16,33 %) y muy alto(4,08 %); el género masculino arrojo cifras de franca hipertensión (26,53 %). Conclusiones: El mayor porcentaje de los jóvenes evaluados estuvo en la clasificación normal para ambos sexos, sin embargo, en relación con la grasa visceral se detectó en mayor porcentaje en el género masculino. El estudio permitió identificar que el IMC tiene influencia sobre el resultado de la grasa corporal, siendo más elevado en el género femenino. En relación con los niveles de hipertensión se halló que el género masculino está más asociado con la hipertensión, y el femenino a la hipotensión. Resultados de interés para futuras investigaciones.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate body composition according to obesity risk factor in healthy university students. Materials and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Population shows 217 students of the faculty of health sciences of a private University of Barranquilla between the ages of 20 and 33 who met the inclusion criteria with prior informed consent. The variables were evaluated: sex, age, body mass index, body fat, visceral fat, by impedance method and blood pressure levels. Results: 77 % female, 23 % male, the average age was 21 years with a standard deviation of 3.97 years, 57.6 % revealed normal Body Mass Index 24.4 % by weight, the female group with BMI normal presented high body fat (44.80 %) and very high (12.00 %), an increase in body fat was detected as high (30.95 %) and very high (44.64 %) in the female gender and visceral fat as high (16.33 %) and very high (4.08%), the male gender showed figures of frank hypertension (26.53 %). Conclusions: the highest percentage of the young people evaluated was in the normal classification for both sexes, however, in relation to visceral fat it was detected in a greater percentage in the male gender. The study allowed us to identify that the BMI has an influence on the result of Body Fat, being higher in the female gender. Regarding the levels of hypertension, it was found that the male gender is more associated with hypertension and the female gender is associated with hypotension. Results of interest for future research.

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase targets the gut barrier to prevent aging.

Gut barrier dysfunction and gut-derived chronic inflammation play crucial roles in human aging. The gut brush border enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) functions to inhibit inflammatory mediators and also appears to be an important positive regulator of gut barrier function and microbial homeostasis. We hypothesized that this enzyme could play a critical role in regulating the aging process. We tested the role of several IAP functions for prevention of age-dependent alterations in intestinal homeostasis by employing different loss-of-function and supplementation approaches. In mice, there is an age-related increase in gut permeability that is accompanied by increases in gut-derived portal venous and systemic inflammation. All these phenotypes were significantly more pronounced in IAP-deficient animals. Oral IAP supplementation significantly decreased age-related gut permeability and gut-derived systemic inflammation, resulted in less frailty, and extended lifespan. Furthermore, IAP supplementation was associated with preserving the homeostasis of gut microbiota during aging. These effects of IAP were also evident in a second model system, Drosophilae melanogaster. IAP appears to preserve intestinal homeostasis in aging by targeting crucial intestinal alterations, including gut barrier dysfunction, dysbiosis, and endotoxemia. Oral IAP supplementation may represent a novel therapy to counteract the chronic inflammatory state leading to frailty and age-related diseases in humans.

Which curve provides the best explanation of the growth in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Chile? / Qual é a curva que melhor explica o crescimento de casos confirmados da COVID-19 no Chile? / ¿Cuál es la curva que mejor explica el crecimiento de los casos confirmados de COVID-19 en Chile?

Objective to explore the best type of curve or trend model that could explain the epidemiological behavior of the infection by COVID-19 and derive the possible causes that contribute to explain the corresponding model and the health implications that can be inferred. Method data were collected from the COVID-19 reports of the Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Chile. Curve adjustment studies were developed with the data in four different models: quadratic, exponential, simple exponential smoothing, and double exponential smoothing. The significance level used was α≤0.05. Results the curve that best fits the evolution of the accumulated confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chile is the doubly-smoothed exponential curve. Conclusion the number of infected patients will continue to increase. Chile needs to remain vigilant and adjust the strategies around the prevention and control measures. The behavior of the population plays a fundamental role. We suggest not relaxing restrictions and further improving epidemiological surveillance. Emergency preparations are needed and more resource elements need to be added to the current health support. This prediction is provisional and depends on keeping all intervening variables constant. Any alteration will modify the prediction.

PREVALENCE OF POTENTIALLY PATHOGENIC MICROBIOLOGICAL AGENTS IN VAGINAL EXUDATES OF ASYMPTOMATIC PREGNANT WOMEN, BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA, 2014-2015.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of potentially pathogenic microbiological agents in vaginal exudates in a sample of asymptomatic pregnant women in the Department of Atlantico, Colombia. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study of a sample of asymptomatic pregnant women who attended a private primary healthcare institution in Barranquilla, Colombia, between 2014 and 2015. Pregnant women having received antimicrobial treatment within the last 30 days, with vaginal bleeding, mental disability or immunosuppression, were excluded. Consecutive sampling was performed. The prevalence of colonization time by some of the microbiological agents as well as specific prevalence were estimated: number of women with infection by agent type/number of women at risk assessed. RESULTS: Overall prevalence was 24.8% (56/226); 55.4% (31/56) was due to vaginitis causal agents, and 44.6% (25/56) to vaginosis. The specific prevalence by type of pathogen, 13.3% (30/226) was vaginitis due to colonization by Candida spp. and 0.4% (1/226) was vaginitis due to T. vaginalis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was found in 8.0% (18/226). CONCLUSIONS: Substantial colonization of the lower genital tract by potentially pathogenic germs is found in pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. Further studies are required in order to determine the benefit of population screening in terms of avoiding poor maternal and perinatal out- comes, and the impact on the resulting overcosts.

TITULO: PREVALENCIA DE AGENTES MICROBIOLÓGICOS POTENCIALMENTE PATÓGENOS EN EL EXUDADO VAGINAL DE GESTANTES ASINTOMÁTICAS, BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA, 2014-2015. OBJETIVO: Establecer la prevalencia de agentes microbiológicos potencialmente patógenos en el exudado vaginal de gestantes asintomáticas del departamento del Atlántico, Colombia. METODOS: Estudio de corte transversal descriptivo. Se incluyeron gestantes asintomáticas que acudieron a una institución privada de atención primaria en salud en Barranquilla, Colombia, en 2014 y 2015. Se excluyeron gestantes con tratamiento antimicrobiano en los últimos 30 días, sangrado genital, discapacidad mental e inmunosupresión. Se hizo un muestreo consecutivo no estricto. Se calculó la prevalencia de periodo de colonización por algunos de los agentes microbiológicos y la específica: número de mujeres con infección por tipo de agente/número de mujeres evaluadas en riesgo. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia global fue de 24,8 % (56/226). De estas, el 55,4 % (31/56) fue debido a vaginitis y el 44,6 % (25/56) por vaginosis. La prevalencia específica según tipo de patógenos fue: vaginitis por Candida spp. en 13,3 % (30/226) y por T. vaginalis 0,4 % (1/226). La VB se presentó en 8,0 % (18/226) y una flora intermedia de 3,1 % (7/226). CONCLUSIONES: Existe una importante colonización del tracto genital inferior de gérmenes potencialmente patógenos en mujeres gestantes de 35 a 37 semanas. Se requieren estudios adicionales para determinar el beneficio de la tamización poblacional en términos de malos resultados maternos perinatales evitados y costos.

Prevalence of potentially pathogenic microbiological agents in vaginal exudates of asymptomatic pregnant women, barranquilla, colombia, 2014-2015 / Prevalencia de agentes microbiológicos potencialmente patógenos en el exudado vaginal de gestantes asintomáticas, barranquilla, colombia, 2014-2015

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of potentially pathogenic microbiological agents in vaginal exudates in a sample of asymptomatic pregnant women in the Department of Atlantico, Colombia. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of a sample of asymptomatic pregnant women who attended a private primary healthcare institution in Barranquilla, Colombia, between 2014 and 2015. Pregnant women having received antimicrobial treatment within the last 30 days, with vaginal bleeding, mental disability or immunosuppression, were excluded. Consecutive sampling was performed. The prevalence of colonization time by some of the microbiological agents as well as specific prevalence were estimated: number of women with infection by agent type/number of women at risk assessed. Results: Overall prevalence was 24.8% (56/226); 55.4% (31/56) was due to vaginitis causal agents, and 44.6% (25/56) to vaginosis. The specific prevalence by type of pathogen, 13.3% (30/226) was vaginitis due to colonization by Candida spp. and 0.4% (1/226) was vaginitis due to T. vaginalis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was found in 8.0% (18/226). Conclusion: Substantial colonization of the lower genital tract by potentially pathogenic germs is found in pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. Further studies are required in order to determine the benefit of population screening in terms of avoiding poor maternal and perinatal outcomes, and the impact on the resulting overcosts.

RESUMEN Objetivo: establecer la prevalencia de agentes microbiológicos potencialmente patógenos en el exudado vaginal de gestantes asintomáticas del departamento del Atlántico, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal descriptivo. Se incluyeron gestantes asintomáticas que acudieron a una institución privada de atención primaria en salud en Barranquilla, Colombia, en 2014 y 2015. Se excluyeron gestantes con tratamiento antimicrobiano en los últimos 30 días, sangrado genital, discapacidad mental e inmunosupresión. Se hizo un muestreo consecutivo no estricto. Se calculó la prevalencia de periodo de colonización por algunos de los agentes microbiológicos y la específica: número de mujeres con infección por tipo de agente/número de mujeres evaluadas en riesgo. Resultados: la prevalencia global fue de 24,8 % (56/226). De estas, el 55,4 % (31/56) fue debido a vaginitis y el 44,6 % (25/56) por vaginosis. La prevalencia específica según tipo de patógenos fue: vaginitis por Candida spp. en 13,3 % (30/226) y por T. vaginalis 0,4 % (1/226). La VB se presentó en 8,0 % (18/226) y una flora intermedia de 3,1 % (7/226). Conclusión: existe una importante colonización del tracto genital inferior de gérmenes potencialmente patógenos en mujeres gestantes de 35 a 37 semanas. Se requieren estudios adicionales para determinar el beneficio de la tamización poblacional en términos de malos resultados maternos perinatales evitados y costos.

Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas en el desarrollo de competencias transversales en programas del área de la salud de una Institución de Educación Superior de Barranquilla-Colombia / Problem-based learning for the development of cross-sectional competences regarding health area programs at a higher education institution in Barranquilla, Colombia

Introducción: El aprendizaje basado en problemas es una estrategia pedagógica basada en el estudiante como protagonista de su propio aprendizaje, la cual constituye una nueva perspectiva de la enseñanza. A nivel universitario es una estrategia que se perfila como uno de los enfoques más innovadores en la formación académica actual, cobrando cada vez más espacio en las universidades del mundo. Objetivo: Analizar la estrategia de aprendizaje basado en problemas en el desarrollo de las competencias transversales, instrumentales, sistémicas en estudiantes Universitarios de primer semestre de programas del área de la salud. Métodos: La muestra fue de 465 estudiantes. Todos ellos desarrollaron el tema de valores y medio ambiente en el curso de biología empleando aprendizaje basado en problemas, posterior a lo cual, mediante el cuestionario de evaluación de las competencias transversales se evaluó el desarrollo que lograron en cada una de las competencias. Resultados: Sugirieron un mayor desarrollo de las competencias sistémicas con la implementación de esta estrategia. Conclusiones: Ésta estrategia posiblemente favorece el trabajo colaborativo, en los estudiantes(AU)

Introduction: The Problem-based learning is a pedagogic strategy based on the student as the primary author of his own learning, this strategy constitutes a new perspective of teaching. At college level Problem-based learning is outlined like one of the most innovative approaches in the current academic education. Objective: The aim of this research was to analyze the strategy of Problem-based learning in the development of transversal, instrumental and systemic competencies in college first semester students, in the healthy area. Methods: The sample was composed by 465 students. All of them developed the topic about values and environment in the frame of biology course employing Problem-based learning. following that they completed an evaluation questionnaire about transversal competencies, which evaluated the development achieved in each of the competences. Results: The results suggest a greater development of the systemics competences with the use of the Problem-based learning strategy. Conclusions: We concluded that this strategy Problem-based learning possibly helps to favor the collaborative work in college students(AU)

Loss of Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase Leads to Distinct Chronic Changes in Bone Phenotype.

BACKGROUND: The gut is becoming increasingly recognized as the source of various systemic diseases, and recently, it has been linked to bone metabolism via the so-called gut-bone axis. The microbiome and gut-derived mediators are thought to impact upon bone metabolism, and administration of probiotics has been shown to have beneficial effects in bone. The gut brush border enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) plays an important role in controlling calcium absorption, inhibiting lipopolysaccharides, and other inflammatory mediators responsible for endotoxemia and appears to preserve the normal gut microbiota. Interestingly, IAP-deficient mice (AKP3-/-) also display a significant decrease in fecal Lactobacillus, the genus shown to be beneficial to bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IAP mRNA levels in mouse bone were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Femurs of IAP-knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were analyzed by microcomputed tomography and histopathology. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus were measured. Target cell response upon exposure to serum from IAP-KO and WT mice was quantified using primary bone marrow macrophages. RESULTS: IAP was not significantly expressed in bones of WT or KO animals. IAP (alkaline phosphatase 3) expression in bone was vanishingly low compared to the duodenum (bone versus duodenum, 56.9 ± 17.7 versus 25,430.3 ± 10,884.5 relative expression, P = 0.01). Bone histology of younger IAP-KO and WT animals was indistinguishable, whereas older IAP-deficient mice showed a distinctly altered phenotype on histology and computed tomography scan. Younger KO mice did not display any abnormal levels in blood chemistry. Older IAP-KO animals showed an isolated increase in serum alkaline phosphatase levels reflecting an environment of active bone formation (IAP-WT versus IAP-KO, 80 ± 27.4 U/I versus 453 ± 107.5 U/I, P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in serum calcium or phosphorus levels between KO and WT mice. Serum from IAP-KO mice induced a significantly higher inflammatory target cell response. CONCLUSIONS: Through its multiple functions, IAP seems to play a crucial role in connecting the gut to the bone. IAP deficiency leads to chronic changes in bone formation, most likely through dysbiosis and systemic dissemination of proinflammatory mediators.