Frequency, characteristics, predictors and treatment of relapsing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).

BACKGROUND: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) may have a monophasic or relapsing disease course. To date, factors that may predict a relapsing disease course remain largely unknown and only limited data exist regarding the efficacy of different utilized immunotherapy regimens at preventing or reducing relapses. OBJECTIVES: To assess the characteristics, predictors, and immunotherapy of relapsing MOGAD. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective analysis included all MOGAD cases at the University of Florida, Baylor College of Medicine and the University of California San Diego with minimum follow-up time of 6 months. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, corrected for age and sex, were performed to evaluate hazard ratios (HR) of predictors of a relapsing disease course and to compare relapse hazards for utilized immunotherapies. RESULTS: The majority of included participants (51/79 [64.6 %]) had a relapsing course, and of these individuals, 68.6 % (35/51) experienced their first relapse within the first year. However, 10/51 (19.6 %) participants experienced their first relapse ≥5 years (5-15 years) after the initial presentation. Predictors of a relapsing course were CSF pleocytosis (>150 cells/mm3; HR 3.3 [1.18 - 9.24]; p = 0.023), a pediatric disease onset at age < 9 years (HR 2.69 [1.07-6.75]; p = 0.035), and an initial presentation with the clinical syndrome of meningoencephalitis (HR 3.42 [1.28 - 9.17]; p = 0.015),. In participants with a relapsing course, 13/24 (54.2 %) patients remained relapse-free on rituximab, 4/8 (50 %) on mycophenolate mofetil, and 11/14 (78.6 %) on scheduled immunoglobulins. Patients treated with immunoglobulins had significantly fewer relapses compared to patients treated with other immunotherapies (HR: 0.1 [0.2 - 0.63]; p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, the majority of MOGAD patients relapsed. The initial relapse occurred most frequently within the first year, but first relapses also took place over a decade after the initial presentation. Prepubertal onset, severe CSF pleocytosis, and the clinical syndrome of meningoencephalitis may be predictors of a relapsing course. Of the currently available off-label steroid-sparing treatments, scheduled immunoglobulins may be the most effective in relapse prevention.

Genotype and phenotype data standardization, utilization and integration in the big data era for agricultural sciences.

Large-scale genotype and phenotype data have been increasingly generated to identify genetic markers, understand gene function and evolution and facilitate genomic selection. These datasets hold immense value for both current and future studies, as they are vital for crop breeding, yield improvement and overall agricultural sustainability. However, integrating these datasets from heterogeneous sources presents significant challenges and hinders their effective utilization. We established the Genotype-Phenotype Working Group in November 2021 as a part of the AgBioData Consortium (https://www.agbiodata.org) to review current data types and resources that support archiving, analysis and visualization of genotype and phenotype data to understand the needs and challenges of the plant genomic research community. For 2021-22, we identified different types of datasets and examined metadata annotations related to experimental design/methods/sample collection, etc. Furthermore, we thoroughly reviewed publicly funded repositories for raw and processed data as well as secondary databases and knowledgebases that enable the integration of heterogeneous data in the context of the genome browser, pathway networks and tissue-specific gene expression. Based on our survey, we recommend a need for (i) additional infrastructural support for archiving many new data types, (ii) development of community standards for data annotation and formatting, (iii) resources for biocuration and (iv) analysis and visualization tools to connect genotype data with phenotype data to enhance knowledge synthesis and to foster translational research. Although this paper only covers the data and resources relevant to the plant research community, we expect that similar issues and needs are shared by researchers working on animals. Database URL: https://www.agbiodata.org.

Transient Expression in HEK-293 Cells in Suspension Culture as a Rapid and Powerful Tool: SARS-CoV-2 N and Chimeric SARS-CoV-2N-CD154 Proteins as a Case Study.

In a previous work, we proposed a vaccine chimeric antigen based on the fusion of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein to the extracellular domain of the human CD40 ligand (CD154). This vaccine antigen was named N-CD protein and its expression was carried out in HEK-293 stably transfected cells, grown in adherent conditions and serum-supplemented medium. The chimeric protein obtained in these conditions presented a consistent pattern of degradation. The immunization of mice and monkeys with this chimeric protein was able to induce a high N-specific IgG response with only two doses in pre-clinical experiments. In order to explore ways to diminish protein degradation, in the present work, the N and N-CD proteins were produced in suspension cultures and serum-free media following transient transfection of the HEK-293 clone 3F6, at different scales, including stirred-tank controlled bioreactors. The results showed negligible or no degradation of the target proteins. Further, clones stably expressing N-CD were obtained and adapted to suspension culture, obtaining similar results to those observed in the transient expression experiments in HEK-293-3F6. The evidence supports transient protein expression in suspension cultures and serum-free media as a powerful tool to produce in a short period of time high levels of complex proteins susceptible to degradation, such as the SARS-CoV-2 N protein.

Ocrelizumab B-cell repopulation-guided extended interval dosing versus standard dosing - similar clinical efficacy with decreased immunoglobulin M deficiency rates.

BACKGROUND: Ocrelizumab (OCR) is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody used in treatment of multiple sclerosis. The standard dosing (SD) regimen consists of OCR maintenance infusions every 6 months. In B-cell repopulation-guided extended interval dosing (EID), repeat infusions are delayed until there is evidence for B-cell repopulation. OBJECTIVES: To compare frequencies of 'no evidence of disease activity' (NEDA-3) and immunoglobulin G (hypo-IgG; <600 mg/dL) and M (hypo-IgM; <40 mg/dL) deficiencies in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) treated with OCR B-cell repopulation-guided EID versus SD. METHODS: Two-center retrospective study comparing frequencies of NEDA-3 and hypo-IgG and hypo-IgM in PwMS treated with OCR B-cell repopulation-guided EID versus SD using a multivariate generalized linear model adjusted for age, sex, and treatment duration. RESULTS: A total of 112 OCR-treated PwMS were included (B-cell repopulation-guided EID n = 52; SD n = 60) with average infusion intervals of 319 (246-485) days (EID) and 184 (170-218) days (SD). There was no significant difference in NEDA-3 (EID: 47/52 [90.4 %]; SD: 50/60 [83.3 %]; p = 0.161) or hypo-IgG (EID: 1/52 [1.9 %]; SD: 4/60 [6.7 %]; p = 0.298) rates. Hypo-IgM was significantly less common in EID (EID: 9/52 [17.3 %] vs. SD: 34/60 [55 %]; p<0.001) upon assessment 1099 (475-1436) days (EID) and 980 (409-1846) days (SD) post-initiation of OCR. Hypo-IgM was associated with average infusion interval length (p = 0.005) and total number of OCR cycles (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: OCR B-cell repopulation-guided EID may be a safe alternative to traditional SD with similar efficacy and significantly less hypo-IgM rates.

Production and characterization of a chimeric antigen, based on nucleocapsid of SARS-CoV-2 fused to the extracellular domain of human CD154 in HEK-293 cells as a vaccine candidate against COVID-19.

Despite that more than one hundred vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been developed and that some of them were evaluated in clinical trials, the latest results revealed that these vaccines still face great challenges. Among the components of the virus, the N-protein constitutes an attractive target for a subunit vaccine because it is the most abundant, highly conserved and immunogenic protein. In the present work, a chimeric protein (N-CD protein) was constructed by the fusion of the N-protein to the extracellular domain of human CD154 as the molecular adjuvant. HEK-293 cells were transduced with lentiviral vector bearing the N-CD gene and polyclonal cell populations were obtained. The N-CD protein was purified from cell culture supernatant and further characterized by several techniques. Immunogenicity studies in mice and non-human primates showed the N-CD protein induced high IgG titers in both models after two doses. Moreover, overall health monitoring of non-human primates demonstrated that animals were healthy during 228 days after first immunization. Data obtained support further investigation in order to develop this chimeric protein as vaccine candidate against COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.

Combined Approach of GWAS and Phylogenetic Analyses to Identify New Candidate Genes That Participate in Arabidopsis thaliana Primary Root Development Using Cellular Measurements and Primary Root Length.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have allowed the identification of different loci associated with primary root (PR) growth, and Arabidopsis is an excellent model for these studies. The PR length is controlled by cell proliferation, elongation, and differentiation; however, the specific contribution of proliferation and differentiation in the control of PR growth is still poorly studied. To this end, we analyzed 124 accessions and used a GWAS approach to identify potential causal genomic regions related to four traits: PR length, growth rate, cell proliferation and cell differentiation. Twenty-three genes and five statistically significant SNPs were identified. The SNP with the highest score mapped to the fifth exon of NAC048 and this change makes a missense variant in only 33.3% of the accessions with a large PR, compared with the accessions with a short PR length. Moreover, we detected five more SNPs in this gene and in NAC3 that allow us to discover closely related accessions according to the phylogenetic tree analysis. We also found that the association between genetic variants among the 18 genes with the highest scores in our GWAS and the phenotypic classes into which we divided our accessions are not straightforward and likely follow historical patterns.

A Comparison of Pediatric- and Adult-Onset Aquaporin-4 Immunoglobulin G-Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Review of Clinical and Radiographic Characteristics.

BACKGROUND: The identification of immunoglobulin G antibodies against the aquaporin-4 channel (AQP-IgG) in the majority of adult patients differentiates neuromyelitis optica as a distinct disease entity. The high specificity of AQP4-IgG for neuromyelitis optica has allowed the identification of seropositive patients with atypical presentations of this disease. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder has been increasingly recognized in children who demonstrate patterns of clinical involvement beyond the traditional boundaries of the optic pathways and spinal cord. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective review comparing demographic, clinical/paraclinical, and laboratory features of children and adults with a serologically confirmed diagnosis of AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. RESULTS: Of 151 reviewed patient charts, 12 pediatric-onset and 31 adult-onset patients had AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. The mean age of pediatric-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder was 12 ± 3.58 years with a female predilection (3:1). Pediatric patients showed more frequent involvement of the brainstem (6/12 [50%]); P = .008) and diencephalon (3/12 [25%]; P = .018). A preceding infection was identifiable in only 3 of 12 (25%) pediatric-onset patients. Moreover, disability as calculated on the expanded disability status scale was less severe in pediatric-onset cases compared to adult-onset cases in their most recent assessment (0 [0-9]) vs 6.5 [0-10]; P = .005). Pediatric-onset patients were also more likely to respond to treatment of acute episodes with corticosteroids ± intravenous immunoglobulin and/or plasmapheresis (Clinical Global Impression-Change scale: 2.5 [1-4] vs 4 [1-6], P = .009). INTERPRETATION: This retrospective study was able to compare and contrast pediatric- and adult-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Relative to their adult counterparts, pediatric-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients were more likely to respond to treatment and less likely to be disabled from their disease at follow-up. Therefore, pediatric-onset disease may represent a less virulent form of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Chimeric Antigen by the Fusion of SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain with the Extracellular Domain of Human CD154: A Promising Improved Vaccine Candidate.

COVID-19 is a respiratory viral disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This disease has spread rapidly worldwide with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of protein spike (S) mediates the attachment of the virus to the host's cellular receptor. The RBD domain constitutes a very attractive target for subunit vaccine development due to its ability to induce a neutralizing antibody response against the virus. With the aim of boosting the immunogenicity of RBD, it was fused to the extracellular domain of CD154, an immune system modulator molecule. To obtain the chimeric protein, stable transduction of HEK-293 was carried out with recombinant lentivirus and polyclonal populations and cell clones were obtained. RBD-CD was purified from culture supernatant and further characterized by several techniques. RBD-CD immunogenicity evaluated in mice and non-human primates (NHP) indicated that recombinant protein was able to induce a specific and high IgG response after two doses. NHP sera also neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection of Vero E6 cells. RBD-CD could improve the current vaccines against COVID-19, based in the enhancement of the host humoral and cellular response. Further experiments are necessary to confirm the utility of RBD-CD as a prophylactic vaccine and/or booster purpose.

Co-use of medication and alcohol: The influence on subjective effects of intoxication and affect.

Co-use of alcohol and medication can have serious negative health effects (e.g., overdose risk, liver damage). Research has primarily focused on older adults or the pharmacokinetics of specific medication-alcohol combinations. Little work has focused on the subjective experience of persons who take alcohol-interactive (AI) medications and also drink alcohol, particularly in psychiatric samples at high risk for problematic alcohol use and high rates of prescription medication use, such as individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Data from a larger ecological momentary assessment study of alcohol use in 52 persons diagnosed with BPD (83% women; Mage = 26 years) were used to examine the influence of alcohol intoxication (i.e., estimated blood alcohol concentration [eBAC]) and medication co-use on momentary subjective experience while drinking. Participants reported AI medication use at baseline and completed multiple ecological momentary assessment reports per day over 21 days, which included reports of alcohol use, subjective effects of alcohol (e.g., pleasure, feeling worse), and negative and positive affect. AI medications significantly moderated the association between eBAC and pleasurable effects of alcohol, such that at higher levels of eBAC, those taking AI medications experienced blunted subjective pleasure compared with those not taking AI medications. AI medications did not moderate the associations between eBAC and subjective relief, feeling worse, positive affect, or negative affect. Attenuated pleasure during drinking could lead to increased drinking in an attempt to achieve a desirable state among individuals who co-use psychiatric medications and alcohol, and therefore may represent a useful target for prevention and intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Fatal vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) post Ad26.COV2.S: first documented case outside US.

PURPOSE: We reported the first described post Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen, Johnson & Johnson) vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia (VITT) case outside US.  CASE DESCRIPTION: CA young woman without any medical history presented association of deep vein thrombosis and thrombocytopenia at day 10 after vaccine injection. The patient was treated with low-molecular weight heparin at a first medical institution. Twelve days post Ad26.COV2.S vaccination, the patient was admitted at our hospital for neurological deterioration and right hemiplegia. Medical imaging using MRI showed thrombosis of the major anterior part of the sagittal superior sinus with bilateral intraparenchymal hemorrhagic complications. Screening tests for antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4)-heparin by rapid lateral flow immunoassay and chemiluminescence techniques were negative. Platelet activation test using heparin-induced multiple electrode aggregometry confirmed the initial clinical hypothesis. Despite immediate treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, dexamethasone, danaparoid and attempted neurosurgery the patient evolved toward brain death. CONCLUSION: Even though it is an extremely rare complication of vaccination physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion of VITT in patients who received an adenovirus-vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine within the last 30 days with persistent complains compatible with VITT or thromboembolic event associated with thrombocytopenia. The diagnosis should not be excluded if the rapid anti-PF4 immunological nor chemiluminescence techniques yield negative results. An adapted functional assay should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Early treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and non-heparin anticoagulants is essential as delayed diagnosis and administration of appropriate treatment is associated with poor prognosis.

Exploration of Autophagy Families in Legumes and Dissection of the ATG18 Family with a Special Focus on Phaseolus vulgaris.

Macroautophagy/autophagy is a fundamental catabolic pathway that maintains cellular homeostasis in eukaryotic cells by forming double-membrane-bound vesicles named autophagosomes. The autophagy family genes remain largely unexplored except in some model organisms. Legumes are a large family of economically important crops, and knowledge of their important cellular processes is essential. Here, to first address the knowledge gaps, we identified 17 ATG families in Phaseolus vulgaris, Medicago truncatula and Glycine max based on Arabidopsis sequences and elucidated their phylogenetic relationships. Second, we dissected ATG18 in subfamilies from early plant lineages, chlorophytes to higher plants, legumes, which included a total of 27 photosynthetic organisms. Third, we focused on the ATG18 family in P. vulgaris to understand the protein structure and developed a 3D model for PvATG18b. Our results identified ATG homologs in the chosen legumes and differential expression data revealed the nitrate-responsive nature of ATG genes. A multidimensional scaling analysis of 280 protein sequences from 27 photosynthetic organisms classified ATG18 homologs into three subfamilies that were not based on the BCAS3 domain alone. The domain structure, protein motifs (FRRG) and the stable folding conformation structure of PvATG18b revealing the possible lipid-binding sites and transmembrane helices led us to propose PvATG18b as the functional homolog of AtATG18b. The findings of this study contribute to an in-depth understanding of the autophagy process in legumes and improve our knowledge of ATG18 subfamilies.

Vision, challenges and opportunities for a Plant Cell Atlas.

With growing populations and pressing environmental problems, future economies will be increasingly plant-based. Now is the time to reimagine plant science as a critical component of fundamental science, agriculture, environmental stewardship, energy, technology and healthcare. This effort requires a conceptual and technological framework to identify and map all cell types, and to comprehensively annotate the localization and organization of molecules at cellular and tissue levels. This framework, called the Plant Cell Atlas (PCA), will be critical for understanding and engineering plant development, physiology and environmental responses. A workshop was convened to discuss the purpose and utility of such an initiative, resulting in a roadmap that acknowledges the current knowledge gaps and technical challenges, and underscores how the PCA initiative can help to overcome them.

Trastornos neuropsiquiátricos secundarios al tratamiento corticoide en pacientes con cáncer / Corticosteroid-induced neuropsychiatric disorders in cancer patients

RESUMEN Introducción: el cáncer es una de las principales causas de muerte en todo el mundo. Los corticoides son los fármacos más utilizados en el tratamiento del cáncer y pueden inducir diversas manifestaciones psiquiátricas. Objetivo: describir los trastornos neuropsiquiátricos secundarios al tratamiento corticoide en pacientes con cáncer. Métodos: se realizó una revisión de la literatura a través de diferentes bases de datos: SciELO, PubMed y Elsevier; se utilizaron estas palabras clave: corticoides, trastornos neuropsiquiátricos, cáncer, y psicosis esteroidea. Para este estudio se seleccionaron un total de 31 referencias bibliográficas. Conclusiones: los corticoides son ampliamente utilizados en el tratamiento de los pacientes con cáncer, hospitalizados o ambulatorios, y no exentos de efectos adversos. Los corticoides pueden provocar todo tipo de trastornos mentales: desde ánimo lábil a episodios maníacos o depresión, demencia reversible y delirium (psicosis esteroidea). La dosificación del corticoide es el factor de riesgo más importante para el desarrollo de síntomas psiquiátricos. La principal herramienta en el tratamiento de los cuadros psiquiátricos inducidos por esteroides es la reducción gradual de la dosis de estos medicamentos, y cuando esto no es posible, o cuando los síntomas son muy marcados, la administración de psicofármacos. El paciente con cáncer es un paciente diferente en cuanto a su psicopatología. Los corticoides pueden inducir diversas manifestaciones psiquiátricas, las cuales deben tenerse presentes durante la terapéutica, para no incurrir en sesgos e identificar tempranamente trastornos secundarios al uso de estos medicamentos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Corticosteroids are the most widely used drugs in the treatment of cancer and can induce various psychiatric manifestations. Objective: to describe corticosteroid-induced neuropsychiatric disorders in cancer patients. Methods: a literature review was carried out through different databases: SciELO, PubMed and Elsevier; corticosteroids, neuropsychiatric disorders, cancer and steroid psychosis were the keywords used. A total of 32 bibliographic references were selected for this study. Conclusions: corticosteroids are widely used in the treatment of hospitalized or ambulatory cancer patients, and are not exempt from adverse effects. Corticosteroids can cause all kinds of mental disorders: from labile mood to manic episodes or depression, reversible dementia and delirium (steroid psychosis). Corticosteroid dosage is the most important risk factor for the development of psychiatric symptoms. The main tool in the treatment of steroid-induced psychiatric conditions is the gradual reduction of the dose of these drugs, and when this is not possible, or when the symptoms are very marked, the administration of psychotropic drugs. Cancer patient is a different patient in terms of psychopathology. Corticosteroids can induce some psychiatric manifestations, which must be taken into account during therapy, in order not to incur bias and to identify early disorders induced by these drugs.

Anti-MOG associated disorder-Clinical and radiological characteristics compared to AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD-A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of two immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against aquaporin 4 (anti-AQP4) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (anti-MOG) has led to the distinction of the disorders anti-AQP4 immunoglobulin G positive neuromyelitis spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD) and anti-MOG associated disorder (MOGAD). Different clinical and radiological features have been proposed to distinguish these two demyelinating CNS diseases. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective review at the University of Florida (UF) including all patients with the diagnostic code ICD G36 ("other acute disseminated demyelination") from October 2015 to January 2020 (n=141) and all charts included in the clinical NMOSD database of the UF Division of Neuroimmunology (n=36). A total of 151 cases were reviewed for presence of anti-MOG and anti-AQP4 antibodies and NMOSD diagnostic criteria. Differences in MOGAD and AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD were compared. RESULTS: Of the 151 reviewed patient charts, 11 were consistent with MOGAD and 43 with AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD. Patients with MOGAD were significantly younger at symptom onset compared to patients with AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD (14 [1-33] years vs. 37 [6-82] years; p=0.005). In comparison with AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD, optic neuritis in MOGAD was more frequently associated with bilateral optic nerve involvement: (6/11 [54.5%] vs. 6/43 [13.9%]; p=0.009) and fundoscopic presence of optic disc edema (5/11 [45.5%] vs. 3/43 [7%]; p=0.006). Perineuritis was a common radiological feature in MOGAD (present in 4 cases). In case of myelitis, there was more frequent involvement of the conus medullaris in MOGAD (4/11 [36.4%] vs. 2/43 [4.7%]; p=0.012). Symptomatic cerebral syndrome with supratentorial white matter lesions was seen in MOGAD patients with pediatric onset (pediatric onset: 4/6 [66.7%] vs. adult onset: 0/5 [0%]. In MOGAD, evidence for combined central and peripheral demyelination and increased intracranial pressure was present in one patient each. A preceding inciting event (illness/postpartum) was more frequently identifiable in MOGAD (4/11 [36.4%] vs. 4/43 [7%]; p=0.045). Disability as calculated on the Expanded Disability Status Scale was less severe in MOGAD compared to AQP-IgG+ NMOSD (most severe presentation: 5 [2-7] vs. 7 [1-10]; p=0.015; most recent assessment: 2 [0-5] vs. 5 [0-10]; p=0.045) and patients were more likely to respond to treatment of acute attacks with corticosteroids and/or plasmapheresis (Clinical Global Impression-Global Change scale: 1 [1-4] vs. 3 [1-6]; p=0.001). INTERPRETATION: The study confirms that simultaneous bilateral optic neuritis, presence of optic disc edema, transverse myelitis with conus involvement and a less severe disease course are distinctive features of MOGAD.

Factores de riesgo asociados a complicaciones de heridas quirúrgicas en pacientes COVID-19 / Risk factors for complications of surgical wounds in patients with COVID-19

INTRODUCCIÓN: actualmente existe una elevada frecuencia de complicaciones en heridas quirúrgicas, que son desvíos de la evolución esperada en la realización del acto quirúrgico, debido a múltiples factores. A esto se suma el actual problema de la pandemia por COVID-19, numerosos pacientes positivos precisan un tratamiento quirúrgico electivo inaplazable o urgente y evitar el desarrollo de posibles complicaciones. OBJETVOS: identificar los factores de riesgo asociados a complicaciones de heridas quirúrgicas en pacientes COVID-19. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se desarrolló un estudio de alcance correlacional, analítico, observacional, transversal y retrospectivo. Se revisaron 90 historias clínicas de pacientes COVID-19 positivos que acudieron al Servicio de Especialidades Quirúrgicas, aplicando una guía de observación. Para el análisis de datos obtenidos se aplicó Chi-cuadrado de Pearson y Odds Ratio (OR) con un valor p<0,05 como significativo y un intervalo de confianza del 95% respectivamente. RESULTADOS: se encontró una prevalencia de 15,56% para complicaciones de heridas quirúrgicas, los factores de riesgo asociados a estas complicaciones fueron el género masculino (OR=3,833), la edad del paciente mayor de 50 años (OR=6,462), presencia de diabetes (OR=9,733), tiempo de cirugía mayor a 4 horas (OR=9,733) y tipo de cirugía contaminada y sucia (OR=10,286). CONCLUSION: se identificaron como factores de riesgo asociados a complicaciones en heridas quirúrgicas el género, la edad avanzada, diabetes del paciente, además del tiempo de cirugía mayor a 4 horas y cirugía contaminada y sucia. Es recomendable elaborar una guía de prevención específica para evitar las complicaciones de las mismas.

INTRODUCTION: currently there is a high frequency of surgical wounds complications, which are deviations from the expected evolution in performing the surgical act, due to multiple factors. To this is added the current problem of the COVID-19 pandemic, many positive patients require an urgent elective surgical treatment to avoid the development of possible complications. OBJECTIVE: to identify the risk factors associated with surgical wounds complications in COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a correlational, analytical, observational, crosssectional and retrospective study was developed. 90 medical records of positive COVID-19 patients who attended the Surgical Specialties Service were reviewed applying an observation guide. For the analysis of the data, Pearson's Chi-square and Odds Ratio (OR) were applied with a p value <0,05 as significant and a confidence interval of 95% respectively. RESULTS: a prevalence of 15.56% was found for complications of surgical wounds, the risk factors associated with these complications were male gender (OR = 3.833), age of the patient over 50 years (OR = 6.462), presence of diabetes (OR = 9,733), surgery time more than 4 hours (OR = 9,733) and type of contaminated and dirty surgery (OR = 10,286). CONCLUSION: risk factors associated with complications in surgical wounds were identified as gender, advanced age, diabetes, as well as surgery time more than 4 hours and contaminated and dirty surgery. It is recommendable to develop a specific prevention guide to avoid some complications.

Corticosteroids lead to short-term improvement in cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy - related inflammation (CAA-ri) is an uncommon manifestation of CAA. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective review of all charts with ICD-code I68.0 (CAA) from 2/2/2016-1/1/2020. RESULTS: Of 152 CAA cases, 13 (8.6%) were consistent with CAA-ri. Corticosteroid-treatment led to short-term reduction in modified Rankin Scale scores (2.6 ± 1.4 vs. 1.6 ± 1.5; p = 0.01) and T2/FLAIR lesion volume (78.1 ± 52.2 cm3 vs. 30 ± 30.9 cm3, p < 0.01) as well as short-term improvement in post-treatment Clinical Global Impression - Global Change scores compared to pre-treatment scores (clinical: 6 ± 1 vs. 2.6 ± 1.3, p = 0.03; radiological: 4.6 ± 1.9 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.03). INTERPRETATION: Corticosteroid-treatment leads to clinical and radiological short-term improvement (class IV evidence).

The Correlation of English Language Proficiency and Indices of Stress and Anxiety in Migrants from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: Using validated psychological assessment instruments, this study examined the psychological distress associated with potential language barriers experienced by over 135 000 Puerto Rican residents who either temporarily or permanently migrated to the continental United States with the landfall of Hurricane Maria in 2017. METHODS: Participants were Puerto Rican residents (n = 107) who remained in Puerto Rico (control) or left the island for at least 3 months because of Hurricane Maria (migrants). Participants completed an online survey in their preferred language (Spanish or English), which assessed self-reported English language proficiency, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM 5, Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item depression scale, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. It was hypothesized that migrants with lower self-reported English proficiency would have comparatively higher indices of post-disaster distress than those with a higher proficiency. RESULTS: Dividing the migrant group by preferred language for questionnaire completion, the Fisher's exact test showed significant differences in prevalence of severe mental distress, as defined by K6 scores above 13, between the Spanish-preferring migrants (30.4%), English-preferring migrants (0%), and controls (9.6%). CONCLUSION: Our results support a possible correlation between decreased language proficiency in post-disaster migrants and a higher risk factor for severe mental distress.

Plasticity of the HEK-293 cells, related to the culture media, as platform to produce a subunit vaccine against classical swine fever virus.

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a contagious disease that causes a high mortality to domestic and wild pigs. Its causative agent is an enveloped Pestivirus named Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV). Due to the huge economic affectations produced by this disease to porcine industry, several vaccines have been developed using principally the CSFV E2 glycoprotein. Recently, a subunit vaccine based on this structural protein of the CSFV fused to the porcine CD154 molecule as immunomodulator named E2-CD154 was assayed by us. This chimeric protein was produced in the Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293) cell line. In this work, the growth and the expression profiles of HEK-293 E2-CD154 cells in four commercially available culture media were studied. The oligosaccharide structures in the N-glycosylation patterns of the E2-CD154 protein produced by this cell line in 10 L fermenters with two different culture media were also analyzed. In addition, the neutralizing antibody response generated in mice vaccinated with these antigens was assayed. Our results suggest that the culture media CDM4HEK293 and SFM4HEK293 which are recommended for HEK-293 growth are the best choice to growth the cell clone expressing the E2-CD154 protein. The glycosylation pattern and the neutralizing antibody response generated by the E2-CD154 protein were independent of the culture medium used which demonstrates the high reproducibility and consistency among protein batches produced by HEK-293 cells even in different culture conditions.

Overview of the Role of Cell Wall DUF642 Proteins in Plant Development.

The DUF642 protein family is found exclusively in spermatophytes and is represented by 10 genes in Arabidopsis and in most of the 24 plant species analyzed to date. Even though the primary structure of DUF642 proteins is highly conserved in different spermatophyte species, studies of their expression patterns in Arabidopsis have shown that the spatial-temporal expression pattern for each gene is specific and consistent with the phenotypes of the mutant plants studied so far. Additionally, the regulation of DUF642 gene expression by hormones and environmental stimuli was specific for each gene, showing both up- and down-regulation depending of the analyzed tissue and the intensity or duration of the stimuli. These expression patterns suggest that the DUF642 genes are involved throughout the development and growth of plants. In general, changes in the expression patterns of DUF642 genes can be related to changes in pectin methyl esterase activity and/or to changes in the degree of methyl-esterified homogalacturonans during plant development in different cell types. Thus, the regulation of pectin methyl esterases mediated by DUF642 genes could contribute to the regulation of the cell wall properties during plant growth.