In silico and in vitro study of FLT3 inhibitors and their application in acute myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common hematological cancer in the adult population worldwide. Approximately 35% of patients with AML present internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations in the FMS­like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor associated with poor prognosis, and thus, this receptor is a relevant target for potential therapeutics. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used to treat AML; however, their molecular interactions and effects on leukemic cells are poorly understood. The present study aimed to gain insights into the molecular interactions and affinity forces of four TKI drugs (sorafenib, midostaurin, gilteritinib and quizartinib) with the wild­type (WT)­FLT3 and ITD­mutated (ITD­FLT3) structural models of FLT3, in its inactive aspartic acid­phenylalanine­glycine motif (DFG­out) and active aspartic acid­phenylalanine­glycine motif (DFG­in) conformations. Furthermore, the present study evaluated the effects of the second­generation TKIs gilteritinib and quizartinib on cancer cell viability, apoptosis and proliferation in the MV4­11 (ITD­FLT3) and HL60 (WT­FLT3) AML cell lines. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a healthy volunteer were included as an FLT3­negative group. Molecular docking analysis indicated higher affinities of second­generation TKIs for WT­FLT3/DFG­out and WT­FLT3/DFG­in compared with those of the first­generation TKIs. However, the ITD mutation changed the affinity of all TKIs. The in vitro data supported the in silico predictions: MV4­11 cells presented high selective sensibility to gilteritinib and quizartinib compared with the HL60 cells, whereas the drugs had no effect on PBMCs. Thus, the current study presented novel information about molecular interactions between the FLT3 receptors (WT or ITD­mutated) and some of their inhibitors. It also paves the way for the search for novel inhibitory molecules with potential use against AML.

Synergistic Strategies in Prostate Cancer Therapy: Electrochemotherapy and Electromagnetic Hyperthermia.

Prostate cancer is a significant global health problem, being the second most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of death in men worldwide. Standard chemotherapy, though effective, often lacks selectivity for tumor cells, resulting in dose-limiting side effects. To address this, innovative biomedical approaches such as electrochemotherapy and electromagnetic hyperthermia have emerged. Electrochemotherapy improves drug delivery by facilitating electroporation, thereby increasing intracellular concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents. This approach reduces dosages and associated adverse effects. Meanwhile, electromagnetic hyperthermia raises the temperature of tumor cells, enhancing their sensitivity to chemotherapy. While previous research has demonstrated the inhibitory effects of magnetic hyperthermia on prostate cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, and its synergy with chemotherapy has shown enhanced tumor remission, limited studies have focused on electrochemotherapy alone or in combination with hyperthermia in prostate cancer models. This study aims to assess the synergistic effects of electromagnetic hyperthermia, with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and electrochemotherapy, with electroporation and the chemotherapeutic drugs bleomycin and cisplatin, on the prostate cancer-derived cell line DU-145/GFP and prostate-derived cell line RWPE-1. Results indicate enhanced cytotoxicity with both treatments (bleomycin and cisplatin) by adding electroporation, demonstrating a particularly pronounced effect with bleomycin. Combining electroporation with hyperthermia significantly augments cytotoxicity. Moreover, electroporation effectively reduced the time of exposure to electromagnetic hyperthermia while magnifying its cytotoxic effects. Future research in in vivo trials may reveal additional insights into the combined effects of these therapies.

Resultados postoperatorios de las colectomías electivas abiertas y laparoscópicas por cáncer de colon en el Complejo Hospitalario Doctor Arnulfo Arias Madrid

Introducción: Metaanálisis internacionales muestran que la cirugía laparoscópica presenta mejores resultados postoperatorios que la cirugía abierta en el manejo del cáncer de colon. La tendencia en Panamá es la transición a la cirugía laparoscópica; sin embargo, no existen estudios que comparen ambas técnicas quirúrgicas. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados postoperatorios de las colectomías electivas abiertas y laparoscópicas por cáncer de colon en el Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid, de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2019. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal, correlacional causal (analítico), retrospectivo mediante la revisión de expedientes clínicos de los pacientes operados de colectomías electivas abiertas y laparoscópicas por cáncer de colon en el Complejo Hospitalario Doctor Arnulfo Arias Madrid, de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2019. Resultados: De 87 casos estudiados, 45 correspondían a cirugía abierta y 42 a cirugía laparoscópica. Encontramos que el abordaje abierto se asocia a una mayor mortalidad intrahospitalaria (χ² 4.951, p 0.026), mortalidad a los 30 días postoperatorios (χ² 6.014, p 0.014), íleo postoperatorio (χ² 5.803, p 0.015), fuga de anastomosis (χ² 12.833, p 0.0003) y dehiscencia de herida quirúrgica (χ² 7.105, p 0.007) que el laparoscópico. El riesgo relativo de infección con abordaje abierto es 8.9 veces mayor que con abordaje laparoscópico [RR = 8.865 (95% IC = 1.058 ­ 74.286) p=0.044].  Conclusiones: La epidemiología del cáncer colorrectal en nuestra institución se asemeja a la de la literatura mundial. Nuestros resultados incentivan a implementar la cirugía mínimamente invasiva para brindar mejores resultados.   (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: International meta-analyses show that laparoscopic surgery has better postoperative results than open surgery in the management of colon cancer. The trend in Panama is the transition to laparoscopic surgery; however, there are no studies comparing both surgical techniques. Objective: To compare the postoperative results of elective open and laparoscopic colectomies for colon cancer at the Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid, from January 2015 to December 2019. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional, causal correlational (analytical), retrospective, retrospective study was conducted by reviewing clinical records of patients who underwent elective open and laparoscopic colectomies for colon cancer at the Complejo Hospitalario Doctor Arnulfo Arias Madrid, from January 2015 to December 2019. Results: Of 87 cases studied, 45 corresponded to open surgery and 42 to laparoscopic surgery. We found that the open approach was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (χ² 4.951, p 0.026), 30-day postoperative mortality (χ² 6.014, p 0. 014), postoperative ileus (χ² 5.803, p 0.015), anastomotic leak (χ² 12.833, p 0.0003) and surgical wound dehiscence (χ² 7.105, p 0.007) than laparoscopic. The relative risk of infection with open approach is 8.9 times higher than with laparoscopic approach [RR = 8.865 (95% CI = 1.058 - 74.286) p=0.044].  Conclusions: The epidemiology of colorectal cancer in our institution resembles that of the world literature. Our results encourage the implementation of minimally invasive surgery to provide better results. (provided by Infomedic International)

Strategy for the analysis of lignocellulosic biomass to select a viable transformation route in the Colombian context.

Lignocellulosic biomass is widely available in the world. However, a consensus has yet to be established to evaluate the biomass valorization alternatives. The chemical composition is the primary technical limitation in selecting a transformation route to obtain value-added products. In this paper, the bagasse from non-centrifuged sugar (NCS) production and Pinus patula (PP) wood chips were analyzed in terms of complete chemical composition to establish their potential for selecting the transformation routes. A strategy to select the best route based on the chemical composition was applied and a feedstock criteria model was proposed. Schemes were obtained and compared using a bioprocess selection strategy proposed in previous works. As a result, the preliminary biorefinery schemes were finally defined. The assessment of schemes derived from the outlined strategy included technical, economic, environmental, and social analyses. The environmental evaluation was complemented with a geolocation assessment, revealing a 0.75-ton CO2-eq/yr contribution to the carbon footprint for local distribution. The sustainability index for the PP biorefinery and the bagasse from NCS production was analyzed, resulting in indices of 44.8 and 60.9, respectively. These values were primarily derived from the economic and environmental analyses of both processes.

Epidemiología quirúrgica de la obstrucción intestinal por adherencias en el servicio de cirugía general del Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid. 2015-2020, Panamá

Introducción: La obstrucción intestinal supone un 20% de las consultas por dolor abdominal en urgencias y hasta un 75% se deben a adherencias por cirugías previas. A pesar de las altas tasas de resolución con el tratamiento conservador, es a menudo recurrente y amerita manejo quirúrgico. Objetivo: Determinar la epidemiología quirúrgica de la obstrucción intestinal por adherencias en el servicio de cirugía general del Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid en el período 2015-2020. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal mediante revisión de expedientes de pacientes con diagnóstico de obstrucción intestinal por adherencias. Resultados: El 54% de los pacientes fueron mujeres y el 46% hombres. Con mayor frecuencia en >65 años y una edad media de 72,5 años. La mayoría de los pacientes presentaban al menos un antecedente quirúrgico abdominal previo (89%). El tiempo transcurrido desde la última cirugía fue más de 10 años (53%). La respuesta al tratamiento conservador fue del 75%. De los pacientes operados, al 77% se le realizó adherenciolisis, al 13% resección y anastomosis intestinal, al 3% ostomías y al 7% otros procedimientos. La moda del tiempo de hospitalización fue de <5 días para el manejo conservador y de 5-10 días para el manejo quirúrgico. Conclusiones: Este estudio marca el inicio de una serie de proyectos, encaminados a evaluar los riesgos y resultados del tratamiento, y decidir el momento óptimo para la intervención quirúrgica, con el objetivo primordial de disminuir la morbi-mortalidad y mejorar la calidad de vida de la población. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: Intestinal obstruction accounts for 20% of emergency department visits for abdominal pain and up to 75% are due to adhesions from previous surgery. Despite high resolution rates with conservative treatment, it is often recurrent and requires surgical management. Objective: To determine the surgical epidemiology of intestinal obstruction due to adhesions in the general surgery service of the Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid in the period 2015-2020. Methodology: A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study was carried out by reviewing the records of patients with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction due to adhesions. Results: 54% of the patients were women and 46% men. With a higher frequency in >65 years and a mean age of 72.5 years. Most patients had at least one previous abdominal surgical history (89%). The time elapsed since the last surgery was more than 10 years (53%). The response to conservative treatment was 75%. Of the operated patients, 77% underwent adhesiolysis, 13% underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis, 3% underwent ostomies and 7% underwent other procedures. The mode of hospitalization time was <5 days for conservative management and 5-10 days for surgical management. Conclusions: This study marks the beginning of a series of projects, aimed at evaluating the risks and results of treatment, and deciding the optimal time for surgical intervention, with the primary objective of decreasing morbi-mortality and improving the quality of life of the population. (provided by Infomedic International)

First report of a member of the family Mermithidae parasitizing the sandhopper Orchestoidea tuberculata (Amphipoda, Talitridae) in Chile.

Specimens of the sandhopper Orchestoidea tuberculata (Amphipoda; Talitridae) collected from sandy beaches in south-central Chile, were found to be parasitized by juvenile mermithids, constituting the first record of a mermithid infecting a marine amphipod in Chile. A morphological description of juveniles is provided. Sequence analyses based on mitochondrial COI and nuclear 18S rDNA of the mermithids showed extremely low genetic variation. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the mermithid is more closely related to Hexamermis agrotis, which parasitize Coleoptera, than to Thaumamermis zealandica, which parasitizes New Zealand confamilial talitrid amphipods.

Assessment of probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from an artisanal Colombian cheese.

Lactic Acid Bacteria play an important role in the milk fermentation processes of traditional cheeses and have become an important target for the development of novel cheese cultures because of their ability to confer health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of 12 Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) strains previously isolated and molecularly identified from an artisanal Colombian Double-Cream Cheese. Probiotic properties, including safety (hemolysis and sensibility to antibiotics), pH and bile salt tolerance, auto-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, antibacterial activity, and exopolysaccharide production, were examined. None of the strains were hemolytic, and Pediococcus (16, 18) and Lactobacillus (28, 29) were found to be sensitive to all antibiotics. Moreover, all the strains tolerated pH (3.0, 6.5 and 8.0) and bile salt conditions (0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 % w/v). Pediococcus pentosaceus (16), Leuconostoc citreum (17), Pediococcus acidilactici (18), Enterococcus faecium (21,22), Enterococcus faecalis (24) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum (29) exhibited medium autoaggregation and affinity to chloroform. Six of the strains exhibited a ropy exopolysaccharide phenotype. Antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, was found to be strain dependent, with the strains 16, 18, 21, 26, 28 and 29 presenting a higher inhibition (>4 mm) against all of them. According to Principal Component Analysis, P. pentosaceus (16), Leu. mesenteroides (26), L. casei (28), L. fermentum (29), and E. faecium (21) showed strong probiotic properties. Our findings suggest that five strains out of the 12 sampled strains are potential probiotics that could be used in the processing of traditional dairy products on an industrial scale to improve their quality.

Review of the concept of Profilicollis Meyer, 1931 with a description of Profilicollis rancoensis n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) from the freshwater crab, Aegla abtao Schmitt, 1942 (Decapoda: Anomura) in Chile, with a key to congeneric species.

Profilicollis rancoensis n. sp. is the tenth species of Profilicollis Meyer, 1931 which includes 9 other species mostly known from marine decapod crabs and shore birds. Cystacanths of P. rancoensis are described from the dominant freshwater crab Aegla abtao in Ranco Lake, Chile and are morphologically distinguished from cystacanths of the 9 other species based on a combination of 4 characters. These are body size, number of proboscis hook rows, number of hooks per row, and length of the largest anterior 2-4 hooks. Male and female cystacanths of P. rancoensis are 2.10-3.33 mm long having an ovoid proboscis with 14 rows of 6-7 hooks per row, with the largest anterior 2-4 hooks being 105-110 micrometers long; the anterior trunk has many small spines in 70-80 concentric rings, each with 50-60 spines around them; hook roots are simple, directed posteriorly, about as long as the blades anteriorly with unremarkable anterior manubria; the cephalic ganglion are in mid-receptacle just anterior to the level of the anterior trunk; the lemnisci are long and slender; the testes are in the anterior trunk, posterior trunk, or one in each; the primordia of 2 tubular cement glands are evident; strong bundles of fibers link the anterior and posterior trunk; and the posterior trunk has a corrugated surface cuticula. Molecular analysis (COI and 18S) sequences coincided with the morphology and support its taxonomy. The phylogenetic profile revealed that P. rancoensis n. sp. fell into the Profilicollis clade. Both sequences showed low genetic variation, and three different haplotypes were found. The new species was more closely related to P. botulus (Van Cleave, 1916) Witenberg, 1932 than to other Profilicollis species.

Title: Révision du concept de Profilicollis Meyer, 1931 avec la description de Profilicollis rancoensis n. sp. (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae) du crabe d'eau douce Aegla abtao Schmitt, 1942 (Decapoda, Anomura) au Chili, avec une clé des espèces congénères. Abstract: Profilicollis rancoensis n. sp. est la dixième espèce de Profilicollis Meyer, 1931 qui comprend neuf autres espèces principalement connues de crabes décapodes marins et d'oiseaux de rivage. Les cystacanthes de P. rancoensis sont décrits chez le crabe d'eau douce dominant Aegla abtao dans le lac Ranco, au Chili et se distinguent morphologiquement des cystacanthes des neuf autres espèces sur la base d'une combinaison de quatre caractères. Il s'agit de la taille du corps, du nombre de rangées de crochets du proboscis, du nombre de crochets par rangée et de la longueur des 2 à 4 crochets antérieurs les plus grands. Les cystacanthes mâles et femelles de P. rancoensis mesurent de 2,10 à 3,33 mm de long et ont une trompe ovoïde avec 14 rangées de 6 à 7 crochets par rangée, les 2 à 4 crochets antérieurs les plus grands mesurant 105 à 110 micromètres de long ; le tronc antérieur a de nombreuses petites épines en 70-80 anneaux concentriques chacun avec 50-60 épines ; les racines des crochets sont simples, dirigées vers l'arrière, à peu près aussi longues que les lames vers l'avant avec une manubrie antérieure sans particularité ; les ganglions céphaliques sont au milieu du réceptacle juste en avant du niveau du tronc antérieur ; les lemnisques sont longs et minces ; les testicules sont dans le tronc antérieur, le tronc postérieur ou un dans chacun ; les ébauches des 2 glandes cémentaires tubulaires sont évidentes ; de solides faisceaux de fibres relient le tronc antérieur et postérieur ; le tronc postérieur a une cuticule à surface ondulée. Les séquences d'analyse moléculaire (COI et 18S) coïncidaient avec la morphologie et confirmaient sa taxonomie. Le profil phylogénétique a révélé que P. rancoensis n. sp. appartient au clade Profilicollis. Les deux séquences ont montré une faible variation génétique et trois haplotypes différents ont été trouvés. La nouvelle espèce était plus proche de P. botulus (Van Cleave, 1916) Witenberg, 1932 que des autres espèces de Profilicollis.

Comparative Analysis of Trifluoracetic Acid Pretreatment for Lignocellulosic Materials.

Lignocellulosic materials are usually processed toward C5 and C6 corresponding sugars. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a pretreatment method to solubilize hemicellulose to sugars such xylose without degrading cellulose. However, this pretreatment has not been compared to other processes. Thus, this paper focuses on the techno-economic comparison of the C5-C6 production of C5-C6 as raw materials platforms using non-centrifuged sugarcane bagasse (NCSB) and Pinus patula wood chips (PP). Hydrolysates using TFA 2.5 M as an acid were characterized through HPLC regarding arabinose, galactose glucose, xylose, and mannose sugars. Then, simulations of the processes according to the experimental results were done. The economic assessment was performed, and compared with some common pretreatments. The mass and energy balances of the simulations indicate that the process can be compared with other pretreatments. From the economic perspective, the main operating expenditures (OpEx) are related to raw materials and capital depreciation due to the cost of TFA corrosion issues. The processes showed a CapEx and OpEx of 0.99 MUSD and 6.59 M-USD/year for NCSB, and 0.97 MUSD and 4.37 MUSD/year for PP, considering a small-scale base (1 ton/h). TFA pretreatment is innovative and promising from a techno-economic perspective.

Evaluation of an Ionic Calcium Fiber Supplement and Its Impact on Bone Health Preservation in a Dietary Calcium Deficiency Mice Model.

Ionic calcium can help in the prevention of the process of osseous decalcification. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties and toxic effects of ionic calcium-fiber supplement (ICa+) and its impact on bone health preservation in mice C57/BL6 fed a calcium-deficient diet. Physicochemical properties include FTIR, apparent calcium solubility estimated by the calcium ratio obtained by ionization chromatography and atomic absorption. In vitro genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the ICa+ were assessed. Twenty-five 7-week-old C57/BL6 mice were fed calcium-free diet (CFD) or CFD plus CaCO3 (1.33 mg Ca) or CFD plus ICa+ (1.33-6.66 mg Ca) for six weeks. After that, bone mass and microstructure parameters were assessed. Histological staining was performed to determine calcium deposits. ICa+ (100%) exhibited an apparent calcium solubility higher than CaCO3 (12.3%). ICa+ showed no cytotoxic and genotoxic in vitro activities. Histomorphometry analysis showed that the ICa+ treated group displayed a higher trabecular number than the trabecular space. Also, the ratio BV/TV was increased compared with all treatments. Ionic calcium-fiber supplementation prevents bone deterioration compared to mice fed a calcium-deficient diet.

A comparative assessment of the morphology of Profilicollis altmani (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae) from crustaceans and shore birds in Peru, with special notes on hook elemental analysis (EDXA), SEM imaging, histopathology, and molecular profile.

The morphology of cystacanths and adults of Profilicollis altmani (Perry, 1942) Van Cleave, 1947 (Polymorphidae) were studied from the Pacific mole crab Emerita analoga (Stimpson) (Crustacea, Hippidae) and Belcher's gull Larus belcheri (Vigors) (Aves, Laridae), respectively, in Peru. Comparative morphometrics with accounts of other populations of P. altmani from elsewhere off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North and South America revealed marked intraspecific population variations. We report scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of new features, not before noted or captured in line drawings by earlier observers. We further present microscope images that reveal internal details not previously reported or possible to see with SEM. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) revealed unusual patterns in the chemistry of proboscis hooks especially the high sulfur and diminished phosphorous and calcium in hook tips and low sulfur and high levels of phosphorous and calcium at mid hooks. The size and shape of all hooks of the cystacanths are reported for the first time. Histopathological studies in L. belcheri from Peru are also included. Cystacanths of P. altmani from California were also analyzed for molecular patterns and compared with other sequences reported from other locations. The molecular data and the analysis of our new sequences of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) showed that haplotypes of P. altmani had low genetic variation; the species is not geographically structured, and within its clade no monophyletic group is formed.

TITLE: Évaluation comparative de la morphologie de Profilicollis altmani (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae) de crustacés et d'oiseaux de rivage au Pérou, en particulier l'analyse élémentaire des crochet (EDXA), l'imagerie SEM, l'histopathologie et le profil moléculaire. ABSTRACT: La morphologie des cystacanthes et des adultes de Profilicollis altmani (Perry, 1942) Van Cleave, 1947 (Polymorphidae) a été étudiée, respectivement, à partir du crustacé Emerita analoga (Stimpson) (Crustacea, Hippidae) et du Goéland Siméon Larus belcheri (Vigors) (Aves, Laridae), au Pérou. La morphométrie comparative avec des données d'autres populations de P. altmani d'autres localités au large des côtes du Pacifique et de l'Atlantique de l'Amérique du Nord et du Sud a révélé des variations intraspécifiques marquées des populations. Nous rapportons des nouvelles observations de microscopie électronique à balayage, non notées auparavant ou non capturées dans des dessins au trait par des observateurs antérieurs. Nous présentons en outre des images au microscope qui révèlent des détails internes qui n'ont pas été signalés auparavant ni possibles à voir avec MET. L'analyse aux rayons X à dispersion d'énergie (EDXA) a révélé des modèles inhabituels dans la chimie des crochets de la trompe, en particulier la teneur élevée en soufre et une diminution du phosphore et du calcium dans les pointes des crochets et des niveaux faibles en soufre et en phosphore et en calcium au milieu des crochets. La taille et la forme de tous les crochets des cystacanthes sont décrites pour la première fois. Des études histopathologiques sur L. belcheri du Pérou sont également incluses. Les cystacanthes de P. altmani de Californie ont également été analysés pour les modèles moléculaires et comparés à d'autres séquences rapportées d'autres endroits. Les données moléculaires et l'analyse de nos nouvelles séquences de cytochrome oxydase I (COI) ont montré que les haplotypes de P. altmani avaient une faible variation génétique. L'espèce n'est pas structurée géographiquement, et au sein de son clade aucun groupe monophylétique n'est formé.

Dynamics of Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction and Serologic Test Results in Children with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the time to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) negativity after the first positive RT-PCR test, factors associated with longer time to RT-PCR negativity, proportion of children seroconverting after proven severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, and factors associated with the lack of seroconversion. STUDY DESIGN: The Epidemiological Study of Coronavirus in Children of the Spanish Society of Pediatrics is a multicenter study conducted in Spanish children to assess the characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019. In a subset of patients, 3 serial RT-PCR tests on nasopharyngeal swab specimens were performed after the first RT-PCR test, and immunoglobulin G serology for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies was performed in the acute and follow-up (<14 and ≥14 days after diagnosis) phase. RESULTS: In total, 324 patients were included in the study. The median time to RT-PCR negativity was 17 days (IQR, 8-29 days), and 35% of patients remained positive more than 4 weeks after the first RT-PCR test. The probability of RT-PCR negativity did not differ across groups defined by sex, disease severity, immunosuppressive drugs, or clinical phenotype. Globally, 24% of children failed to seroconvert after infection. Seroconversion was associated with hospitalization, persistence of RT-PCR positivity, and days of fever. CONCLUSIONS: Time to RT-PCR negativity was long, regardless of the severity of symptoms or other patient features. This finding should be considered when interpreting RT-PCR results in a child with symptoms, especially those with mild symptoms. Seroprevalence and postimmunization studies should consider that 11 in 4 infected children fail to seroconvert.

Phylogeny and Life Cycles of the Archiacanthocephala with a Note on the Validity of Mediorhynchus gallinarum.

PURPOSE: The molecular profile of specimens of Mediorhynchus gallinarum (Bhalero, 1937) collected from chickens, Gallus gallus L. in Indonesia was analysed. The aim of this study was to assess the phylogenetic position of species of Mediorhynchus within the order Giganthorhynchida. METHODS: We used one mitochondrial gene (cytochrome oxidase 1) and one nuclear gene (18S ribosomal RNA) to infer phylogenetic relationships of class Archiacanthocephala. RESULTS: The COI and 18S rDNA genes sequences showed that M. gallinarum had low genetic variation and that this species is sister to Mediorhynchus africanus Amin, Evans, Heckmann, El-Naggar, 2013. The phylogenetic relationships of the Class Archiacanthocephala showed that it is not resolved but, however, were mostly congruent using both genes. A review of host-parasite life cycles and geographic distributions of Archiacanthocephala indicates that mainly small mammals and birds are definitive hosts, while termites, cockroaches, and millipedes are intermediate hosts. CONCLUSIONS: While the intermediate hosts have wide geographic distributions, the narrow distribution of the definitive hosts limit the access of archiacanthocephalans to a wider range of prospective hosts. Additional analyses, to increase taxonomic and character sampling will improve the development of a robust phylogeny and provide more stable classification. The results presented here contribute to better understanding of the ecological and evolutionary relationships that allow the host-parasite co-existence within the class Archiacanthocephala.

GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATION OF ENTEROPARASITISM IN THE SOUTHERN SEA LION OTARIA FLAVESCENS (SHAW, 1800) OFF THE COAST OF CHILE AS EVIDENCED WITH COPROLOGICAL TESTS: IMPLICATONS FOR ZOONOTIC RISKS.

The scarce information on the helminth fauna in otariids from the Southeastern Pacific comes mainly from stranded individuals or killed for that purpose. In this study, we compared the abundance and composition of enteroparasitic assemblages of Otaria flavescens using coprological techniques. Three sampling localities from north to south spanning 2,200 km off the Chilean coast were considered (Iquique, Viña del Mar, and Talcahuano). In all, 60 fecal samples were collected, and eggs belonging to 5 taxa were found in 91.6% of the samples. They were the anisakid nematodes Contracaecum and Pseudoterranova, the cestode Adenocephalus (syn. Diphyllobothrium), the trematode Ogmogaster, and the acanthocephalan Corynosoma. Samples from southern Chile (Talcahuano) showed the highest prevalence. Adenocephalus eggs had the highest prevalence and abundance in Iquique and Talcahuano, whereas Ogmogaster was the less prevalent and abundant in all sampling localities. Corynosoma eggs had similar prevalence and abundance among sampling localities, and Pseudoterranova eggs were absent in Iquique and with median prevalence values in Viña del Mar and Talcahuano. Thus, the composition of parasite egg assemblages was different between sampling localities. These differences between sampling localities may help to explain differential records of some zoonotic parasitoses such as pseudoterranovosis and diphyllobothriosis in Peru and Chile, where consumption of raw or marinated fish (ceviche) is common. For example, the lower diversity of parasite egg assemblages in the northern Chilean coast may be due to the absence or lower abundance of first intermediate/paratenic hosts of Pseudoterranova.

Ventricular Repolarization Parameters and Coronary Involvement in Kawasaki Disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate electrocardiogram markers to predict coronary involvement in patients with Kawasaki disease by assessing measures of ventricular repolarization parameters on the 12-lead electrocardiogram. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study included 180 Spanish and Japanese patients ≤14 years of age with Kawasaki disease, with or without coronary involvement, from 2011 to 2016. We manually measured the Tp-Te/QT ratio and QTc interval (with Bazett's formula) in 12-lead electrocardiogram in the acute and recovery period and explored their potential association with coronary involvement. RESULTS: No association was found between Tp-Te/QT ratio obtained manually in V5 and V6 leads and coronary involvement in the acute (V5:0.25 [IQR, 0.21-0.27] vs 0.25 [IQR, 0.20-0.27], P = .80; V6:0.24 [IQR, 0.21-0.27] vs 0.25 [IQR, 0.20-0.27], P = .86) or the recovery (V5: 0.23 [IQR, 0.20-0.25] vs 0.23 [IQR, 0.19-0.25], P = .68; V6: 0.23 [IQR, 0.20-0.25] vs 0.23 [IQR, 0.17-0.25], P = .50) period. By contrast, QTc in V5 and V6 was significantly lower in patients with Kawasaki disease and coronary involvement in the acute period (V5: 378 ms [IQR, 364-395 ms] vs 390 ms [IQR, 371-411 ms], P = .04; V6: 377 ms [IQR, 364-392 ms] vs 390 ms [IQR, 371-410 ms], P = .01). A QTc interval of <385 ms in lead V6 was associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of coronary involvement (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.3; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Manually measured QTc interval may be a marker of coronary disease in the acute period of Kawasaki disease.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Panbio Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antigen Rapid Test Compared with Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing of Nasopharyngeal Samples in the Pediatric Population.

We conducted a multicenter clinical validity study of the Panbio coronavirus disease 2019 Antigen Rapid Test of nasopharyngeal samples in pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019-compatible symptoms of ≤5 days of evolution. Our study showed limited accuracy in nasopharyngeal antigen testing: overall sensitivity was 45.4%, and 99.8% of specificity, positive-predictive value was 92.5%.

The financial impact of a terminal cancer on patient's families in Colombia - A survey study.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The socio-economic impact of caring for a cancer patient in the family is unknown in Colombia. This survey aimed to evaluate the existence of financial burden caused by cancer on the caregiving families of terminally ill patients. METHODS: We used the Covinsky Family Impact Scale in a telephone survey with families of patients who died from cancer between May 2019 and June 2020 in three Colombian hospitals. RESULTS: We obtained answers of 176 caregivers, of whom 74.4 % indicated to have experienced at least one hardship of the Covinsky items. The most commonly reported financial hardship involved the use of all or most of the family savings for the care provided to the patient (45.6 %); 27.6 % indicated that a major source of family income was lost. A quarter (25 %) postponed educational or other important plans of family members and 10-11 % indicated to have moved to another home or postponed medical treatments. CONCLUSION: In Colombia, a country with universal health coverage, substantial financial impacts of terminal cancer care exist not only for patients, but also for family members and other caregivers. The system is failing to avoid financial toxicity of cancer among this group. POLICY SUMMARY STATEMENT: Informal caregivers are of vital importance for cancer patients but also to the healthcare system, particularly in LMICs. It is very important for policy makers to consider the hardships, not only emotionally but also financially, that the care for a (terminally ill) cancer patient implies on caregivers.

Técnica bulk-fill comparada con técnica incremental para restauraciones posteriores en pacientes con dentición permanente / Bulk-fill technique versus conventional resin composite for posterior restorations in permanent teeth

RESUMEN: Introducción: Las restauraciones en el sector posterior son generalmente manejadas mediante el uso de resinas convencionales con técnica incremental. Debido a diversas limitaciones de la técnica convencional, la técnica bulk-fill ha ganado relevancia en la práctica clínica. Este resumen tiene como objetivo evaluar la efectividad de ambas técnicas al momento de realizar restauraciones clase I y clase II de Black en dientes posteriores permanentes. Métodos: Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. Resultados y conclusiones: Identificamos cinco revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron 15 estudios primarios, todos correspondientes a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que la técnica bulk-fill podría aumentar levemente el fracaso de la restauración a mediano plazo, podría resultar en poca o nula diferencia en el fracaso de la restauración a largo plazo y podría resultar en poca o nula diferencia en el desarrollo de caries secundaria, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja. La técnica bulk-fill probablemente resulta en poca o nula diferencia en el riesgo de sensibilidad postoperatoria.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Conventional resin composite has been widely used in the restoration of posterior teeth. However, due to its limitations, the bulk-fill technique has been adopted by clinicians. This evidence summary aims to evaluate the effectiveness of both techniques for class I and II restorations in permanent posterior teeth. Methods: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. Results and conclusions: We identified five systematic reviews including fifteen studies overall, of which all were randomized trials. We conclude that bulk-fill technique may slightly improve the risk of medium-term restoration failure, may make little or no difference to long-term restoration failure and may make little or no difference to secondary caries but the certainty of the evidence has been assessed as low. Finally, bulk-fill technique probably makes little or no difference to postoperative sensibility.

Serum Analysis of Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer Using a Mini-Array of Tumor-Associated Antigens.

Background: Several studies have shown that patients with cancer have antibodies in serum that react with cellular autoantigens, known as Tumor-Associated Antigens (TAA). The present work aimed to determine whether a mini-array comprising four recombinant TAA increases the detection of specific serum antibodies for the diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer. Methods: The mini-array included Alpha 1-AntiTrypsin (A1AT), TriosePhosphate Isomerase 1 (TPI1), Peptidyl-Prolyl cis-trans Isomerase A (PPIA), and PeroxiReDoXin 2 (PRDX2) full-length recombinant proteins. The proteins were produced after gene cloning, expression, and purification, and were verified by Western blot assays. Then, Dot-Blot was performed to find antibodies against the four TAA in 12 sera from women with early-stage breast cancer (stage II) and 12 sera from healthy women. Results: Antibody detection against individual TAA in early-stage breast cancer sera ranged from 58.3% to 83.3%. However, evaluation of the four TAA showed that there was a positive antibody reaction reaching a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 85% in early-stage breast cancer, suggesting that this mini-array must be evaluated as a clinical diagnostic tool for early-stage breast cancer in a larger sample size. Conclusion: Our results suggest that TAA mini-arrays may provide a promising and powerful method for improving the detection of breast cancer in Mexican women.

Genome-Wide Association Study in Mexican Holstein Cattle Reveals Novel Quantitative Trait Loci Regions and Confirms Mapped Loci for Resistance to Bovine Tuberculosis.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease of cattle that represents a risk to public health and causes severe economic losses to the livestock industry. Recently, genetic studies, like genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have greatly improved the investigation of complex diseases identifying thousands of disease-associated genomic variants. Here, we present evidence of genetic variants associated with resistance to TB in Mexican dairy cattle using a case-control approach with a selective DNA pooling experimental design. A total of 154 QTLRs (quantitative trait loci regions) at 10% PFP (proportion of false positives), 42 at 5% PFP and 5 at 1% PFP have been identified, which harbored 172 annotated genes. On BTA13, five new QTLRs were identified in the MACROD2 and KIF16B genes, supporting their involvement in resistance to bTB. Six QTLRs harbor seven annotated genes that have been previously reported as involved in immune response against Mycobacterium spp: BTA (Bos taurus autosome) 1 (CD80), BTA3 (CTSS), BTA 3 (FCGR1A), BTA 23 (HFE), BTA 25 (IL21R), and BTA 29 (ANO9 and SIGIRR). We identified novel QTLRs harboring genes involved in Mycobacterium spp. immune response. This is a first screening for resistance to TB infection on Mexican dairy cattle based on a dense SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) chip.