Mouse and human immune responses share neutralization epitopes of HAstV-VA1.

Astroviruses are highly divergent and infect a wide variety of animal hosts. In 2009, a genetically divergent human astrovirus (HAstV) strain VA1 was first identified in an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis. This strain has also been associated with fatal central nervous system disease. In this work, we report the isolation of three high-affinity neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (Nt-MAbs) targeting the capsid spike domain of HAstV-VA1. These antibodies (7C8, 2A2, 3D8) were used to select individual HAstV-VA1 mutants resistant to their neutralizing activity and a HAstV-VA1 triple mutant that escapes neutralization from all three Nt-MAbs. Sequencing of the virus genome capsid region revealed escape mutations that map to the surface of the capsid spike domain, define three potentially independent neutralization epitopes, and help delineate four antigenic sites in human astroviruses. Notably, two of the escape mutations were found to be present in the spike sequence of the HAstV-VA1-PS strain isolated from an immunodeficient patient with encephalitis, suggesting that those mutations arose as a result of the immune pressure generated by the patient's immunotherapy. In agreement with this observation, human serum samples exhibiting strong neutralization activity against wild-type HAstV-VA1 had a 2.6-fold reduction in neutralization titer when evaluated against the triple-escape HAstV-VA1 mutant, suggesting that both mouse and human antibody responses target shared neutralization epitopes. The isolated Nt-MAbs reported in this work will help to characterize the functional domains of the virus during cell entry and have the potential for developing a specific antibody therapy for the neurological disease associated with HAstV-VA1. IMPORTANCE: Human astroviruses (HAstVs) have been historically associated with acute gastroenteritis. However, the genetically divergent HAstV-VA1 strain has been associated with central nervous system disease. In this work high-affinity neutralizing monoclonal antibodies directed to HAstV-VA1 were isolated and characterized. The proposed binding sites for these antibodies and for neutralizing antibodies against classical HAstVs suggest that there are at least four neutralization sites on the capsid spike of astroviruses. Our data show that natural infection with human astrovirus VA1 elicits a robust humoral immune response that targets the same antigenic sites recognized by the mouse monoclonal antibodies and strongly suggests the emergence of a variant HAstV-VA1 virus in an immunodeficient patient with prolonged astrovirus infection. The isolated Nt-MAb reported in this work will help to define the functional sites of the virus involved in cell entry and hold promise for developing a specific antibody therapy for the neurological disease associated with HAstV-VA1.

Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection, Extrahepatic Disease and the Impact of New Direct-Acting Antivirals.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is an important cause of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. Furthermore, it is estimated that about 40-70% of patients develop non-hepatic alterations in the course of chronic infection. Such manifestations can be immune-related conditions, lymphoproliferative disorders and metabolic alterations with serious adverse events in the short and long term. The introduction of new Direct-Acting Antivirals has shown promising results, with current evidence indicating an improvement and remission of these conditions after a sustained virological response.

Changes in Body Composition and Physical Performance after a Six-Week International Tour in Young Chilean Female Tennis Players.

Junior tennis players travel a lot to play tennis tournaments; this causes them to spend a lot of time away from their homes and disrupts their training, which could reduce their performance and increase the risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in physical performance and body composition after a six-week international tour in young Chilean female tennis players. Thirty young female tennis players (15.4 ± 0.6) participated in this study. Body weight, skinfolds, and perimeters were measured. Body fat percentage (BFP) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were calculated. For physical performance, 5 m sprint, the 505 with stationary start test (505 test), the pro-agility test, countermovement jump (CMJ), and medicine ball throw (MBT) were evaluated. The results show a significant increase in BFP and decrease in SMM (p < 0.01; d = -0.18 and 0.19, respectively). In terms of physical performance, 5 m sprint, the 505 test (p < 0.01; d = -0.95 and -0.95, respectively), CMJ, MBT, and HJ significantly decreased post-tour (p < 0.05; d = 0.96, 0.89 and 0.47, respectively). We conclude that, after a six-week international tour, there were changes in body composition and a significant decrease in 5 m sprint, the 505 test, CMJ, and MBT.

Genotype-specific spinal cord damage in spinocerebellar ataxias: an ENIGMA-Ataxia study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord damage is a feature of many spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), but well-powered in vivo studies are lacking and links with disease severity and progression remain unclear. Here we characterise cervical spinal cord morphometric abnormalities in SCA1, SCA2, SCA3 and SCA6 using a large multisite MRI dataset. METHODS: Upper spinal cord (vertebrae C1-C4) cross-sectional area (CSA) and eccentricity (flattening) were assessed using MRI data from nine sites within the ENIGMA-Ataxia consortium, including 364 people with ataxic SCA, 56 individuals with preataxic SCA and 394 nonataxic controls. Correlations and subgroup analyses within the SCA cohorts were undertaken based on disease duration and ataxia severity. RESULTS: Individuals in the ataxic stage of SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3, relative to non-ataxic controls, had significantly reduced CSA and increased eccentricity at all examined levels. CSA showed large effect sizes (d>2.0) and correlated with ataxia severity (r<-0.43) and disease duration (r<-0.21). Eccentricity correlated only with ataxia severity in SCA2 (r=0.28). No significant spinal cord differences were evident in SCA6. In preataxic individuals, CSA was significantly reduced in SCA2 (d=1.6) and SCA3 (d=1.7), and the SCA2 group also showed increased eccentricity (d=1.1) relative to nonataxic controls. Subgroup analyses confirmed that CSA and eccentricity are abnormal in early disease stages in SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3. CSA declined with disease progression in all, whereas eccentricity progressed only in SCA2. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord abnormalities are an early and progressive feature of SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3, but not SCA6, which can be captured using quantitative MRI.

SARS-CoV-2's brain impact: revealing cortical and cerebellar differences via cluster analysis in COVID-19 recovered patients.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a disease known for its neurological involvement. SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers neuroinflammation, which could significantly contribute to the development of long-term neurological symptoms and structural alterations in the gray matter. However, the existence of a consistent pattern of cerebral atrophy remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to identify patterns of brain involvement in recovered COVID-19 patients and explore potential relationships with clinical variables during hospitalization. METHODOLOGY: In this study, we included 39 recovered patients and 39 controls from a pre-pandemic database to ensure their non-exposure to the virus. We obtained clinical data of the patients during hospitalization, and 3 months later; in addition we obtained T1-weighted magnetic resonance images and performed standard screening cognitive tests. RESULTS: We identified two groups of recovered patients based on a cluster analysis of the significant cortical thickness differences between patients and controls. Group 1 displayed significant cortical thickness differences in specific cerebral regions, while Group 2 exhibited significant differences in the cerebellum, though neither group showed cognitive deterioration at the group level. Notably, Group 1 showed a tendency of higher D-dimer values during hospitalization compared to Group 2, prior to p-value correction. CONCLUSION: This data-driven division into two groups based on the brain structural differences, and the possible link to D-dimer values may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of SARS-COV-2 neurological disruption and its impact on the brain during and after recovery from the disease.

Mujeres en pedagogía en educación física: una aproximación a las dificultades en sus experiencias formativas / Mulheres em pedagogia em educação física: uma abordagem das dificuldades em suas experiências formativas / Women in physical education teacher education: an approach to the difficulties in their formative experiences

Resumen La literatura ha destacado la masculinización de la carrera de Pedagogía en Educación Física (PEF). En este estudio, se buscó comprender desde la perspectiva de género las dificultades en las experiencias formativas de las estudiantes de PEF en el contexto de una carrera masculinizada. Adoptando un enfoque cualitativo dentro del paradigma interpretativo, se llevaron a cabo seis grupos focales con un total de 20 estudiantes mujeres de seis universidades chilenas en los cuales se utilizó un guión semiestructurado. Los datos recopilados se analizaron temáticamente para identificar temas recurrentes y variaciones en las respuestas. Se realizaron interpretaciones para buscar relaciones y significados subyacentes. Tres hallazgos relevantes surgieron: a) una baja conciencia sobre la presencia de la masculinización en la carrera; b) la persistencia de sexismo y estereotipos de género, a los cuales las estudiantes reaccionaron mediante justificación, resignación y cuestionamiento; y c) una división y, a veces, jerarquización entre el deporte y la pedagogía en términos de género.

Resumo A literatura tem destacado a masculinização da carreira de Pedagogia em Educação Física (PEF). Neste estudo, buscou-se compreender, a partir da perspectiva de gênero, as dificuldades nas experiências formativas das estudantes de PEF no contexto de uma carreira masculinizada. Adotando uma abordagem qualitativa dentro do paradigma interpretativo, foram realizados seis grupos focais com um total de 20 estudantes mulheres de seis universidades chilenas, nos quais foi utilizado um roteiro semiestruturado. Os dados coletados foram analisados tematicamente para identificar temas recorrentes e variações nas respostas. Foram feitas interpretações para buscar relações e significados subjacentes. Três descobertas relevantes emergiram: a) uma baixa consciência sobre a presença da masculinização na carreira; b) a persistência do sexismo e estereótipos de gênero, aos quais as estudantes reagiram por meio de justificação, resignação e questionamento; e c) uma divisão e, às vezes, hierarquização entre o esporte e a pedagogia em termos de gênero.

Abstract The literature has highlighted the masculinization of the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) career. This study aimed to understand, from a gender perspective, the difficulties in the formative experiences of female PETE students within the context of a masculinized career. Adopting a qualitative approach within the interpretative paradigm, six focus groups were conducted with a total of 20 female students from six Chilean universities using a semi-structured script. The data collected were analyzed thematically to identify recurrent themes and variations in the responses. Interpretations were made to search for relationships and underlying meanings. Three relevant findings emerged: a) a low awareness of the presence of masculinization in the career; b) the persistence of sexism and gender stereotypes, to which students reacted through justification, resignation and questioning; and c) a division and, at times, hierarchization between sport and pedagogy in terms of gender.

PEGylation Strategy for Improving the Pharmacokinetic and Antitumoral Activity of the IL-2 No-alpha Mutein.

BACKGROUND: In a previous work, an IL-2Rßγ biased mutant derived from human IL-2 and called IL-2noα, was designed and developed. Greater antitumor effects and lower toxicity were observed compared to native IL-2. Nevertheless, mutein has some disadvantages, such as a very short half-life of about 9-12 min, propensity for aggregation, and solubility problems. OBJECTIVE: In this study, PEGylation was employed to improve the pharmacokinetic and antitumoral properties of the novel protein. METHODS: Pegylated IL-2noα was characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, size exclusion chromatography, in vitro cell proliferation and in vivo cell expansion bioassays, and pharmacokinetic and antitumor studies. RESULTS: IL-2noα-conjugates with polyethylene glycol (PEG) of 1.2 kDa, 20 kDa, and 40 kDa were obtained by classical acylation. No significant changes in the secondary and tertiary structures of the modified protein were detected. A decrease in biological activity in vitro and a significant improvement in half-life were observed, especially for IL-2noα-PEG20K. PEGylation of IL-2noα with PEG20K did not affect the capacity of the mutant to induce preferential expansion of T effector cells over Treg cells. This pegylated IL-2noα exhibited a higher antimetastatic effect compared to unmodified IL-2noα in the B16F0 experimental metastases model, even when administered at lower doses and less frequently. CONCLUSION: PEG20K was selected as the best modification strategy, to improve the blood circulation time of the IL-2noα with a superior antimetastatic effect achieved with lower doses.

Análisis de la coordinación motora por índice de masa corporal y sexo en escolares de Chile / Analysis of motor coordination by body mass index and sex in Chilean schoolchildren / Análise da coordenação motora por indice de massa corporal corporal e sexo em escolares chilenos

La investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre la Coordinación Motora (CM) con el Índice de Masa Corporal en escolares chilenos de entre 7 y 9 años. El estudio fue observacional de corte transversal, con características descriptivas y correlacionales. Se evaluaron a 180 escolares (90 mujeres de 8.4 ± 0.9 años y 90 hombres de 8.5± 0.9 años). Se midieron variables antropométricas de peso y talla. Se calculó el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC). La coordinación motora (CM) se evaluó utilizando la batería de Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder (KTK). Los resultados mostraron que en las mujeres el grupo Normopeso tenía un mejor desempeño en la transposición lateral que los grupos Sobrepeso y Obesidad (p˂0.05). En los hombres, el grupo Normopeso superó al grupo Obesidad en los saltos monopedales (p˂0.05). Además, al analizar las diferencias entre sexos, se determinó que las mujeres registraron mayor puntaje que los hombres en el equilibrio a la retaguardia (p<0.05), por su parte, los hombres registraron mejores rendimientos en saltos laterales, transposición lateral y el puntaje total del KTK (p<0.05). Se concluye que existe menor índice de CM en los escolares con elevado IMC, y que existen diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres en el equilibrio, saltos laterales, transposición lateral y el puntaje total del test KTK.

The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between motor coordination (CM) and Body Mass Index in Chilean schoolchildren between 7 and 9 years of age. The study was observational cross-sectional, correlational and descriptive study. 180 students of both sexes were evaluated (90 women aged 8.4 ± 0.9 years and 90 men aged 8.5 ± 0.9 years). Anthropometric weight and height variables were measured and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The CM was evaluated using the battery of Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder (KTK). The results showed that in the lateral transposition, the normal weight group outperforms the overweight and Obesity group (p˂0.05) for women. For men, in monopedal jumps, the normal weight group also outperformed the obesity group (p˂0.05). In addition, when analyzing the differences between the sexes, it was noted that women had a higher score than men in the rear balance (p˂0.05). On the other hand, men had performed better in lateral jumps, lateral transposition and the total KTK score (p˂0.05). In conclusion, the study found that there was a lower CM index in schoolchildren with a high BMI, and that there were significant differences between men and women in terms of balance, lateral jumps, lateral transposition, and the total score of the KTK test.

O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a relação entre a coordenação motora (CM) com o Índice de Massa Corporal corporal em escolares chilenos entre 7 e 9 anos de idade. O estudo foi observacional transversal, com características descritivas e correlacionais. Foram avaliados 180 escolares de ambos os sexos (90 mulheres com idade de 8,4 ± 0,9 anos e 90 homens com idade de 8,5 ± 0,9 anos). Variáveis antropométricas de peso e altura foram medidas. O Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) foi calculado. Além disso, a coordenação motora (MC) foi avaliada por meio da bateria Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder (KTK). Os resultados mostraram que, para mulheres em transposição lateral, o grupo Peso Normal supera o grupo Sobrepeso e Obeso (p˂0,05). Para os homens, nos saltos monopedais o grupo Peso Normal supera o grupo Obesidade (p˂0,05). Além disso, ao analisar as diferenças entre os sexos, percebe-se que as mulheres apresentam pontuação maiores que os homens no equilíbrio de retaguarda (p<0,05), enquanto os homens apresentam melhor desempenho nos saltos laterais, transposição lateral e pontuação total KTK (p< 0,05). Conclui-se que há menor índice de CM em alunos com IMC elevado, e que existem diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres para equilíbrio, saltos laterais, transposição lateral e pontuação total do teste KTK.

Antibiotics in Chronic Liver Disease and Their Effects on Gut Microbiota.

Impairments in liver function lead to different complications. As chronic liver disease progresses (CLD), hypoalbuminemia and alterations in bile acid compositions lead to changes in gut microbiota and, therefore, in the host-microbiome interaction, leading to a proinflammatory state. Alterations in gut microbiota composition and permeability, known as gut dysbiosis, have important implications in CLD; alterations in the gut-liver axis are a consequence of liver disease, but also a cause of CLD. Furthermore, gut dysbiosis plays an important role in the progression of liver cirrhosis and decompensation, particularly with complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In relation to this, antibiotics play an important role in treating CLD. While certain antibiotics have specific indications, others have been subjected to continued study to determine whether or not they have a modulatory effect on gut microbiota. In contrast, the rational use of antibiotics is important, not only because of their disrupting effects on gut microbiota, but also in the context of multidrug-resistant organisms. The aim of this review is to illustrate the role of gut microbiota alterations in CLD, the use and impact of antibiotics in liver cirrhosis, and their harmful and beneficial effects.

[Risk factors in the origin of Down syndrome]. / Factores de riesgo en el origen del síndrome de Down.

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common autosomal aneuploidy and the leading cause of intellectual disability of genetic origin worldwide. It is identified as a syndrome in which the variability of its clinical manifestations and the severity of its phenotype have a multifactorial origin. Worldwide prevalence ranges between 1 per 700 live births and several factors that may be involved in the origin of DS have been proposed. Our objective was to describe updates regarding risk factors in the cytogenetic origin or cause of DS. We conducted a narrative review study in which a literature search was carried out from January to June 2022 in databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, Medigraphic, ClinicalKey, and meta-search engines such as Elsevier and Evidence Alerts. Only articles published in the last 10 years in English and Spanish were included. The search terms used were: Down syndrome, risk factors, prevention. Although DS is a very common chromosomal pathology worldwide, there is no single risk factor at the origin of meiotic or mitotic nondisjunction of chromosome 21, but rather each of the associated risk factors contributes to a greater or lesser degree to a cytogenetic predisposition in the etiology of trisomy 21. During the review it was identified that the main established risk factor associated with DS is still advanced maternal age (≥ 35 years).

El síndrome de Down (SD) es la aneuploidía de autosomas más frecuente y la primera causa de discapacidad intelectual de origen genético a nivel mundial. Se identifica como una condición de vida en la que la variabilidad de sus manifestaciones clínicas y la gravedad del fenotipo tienen un origen multifactorial. La prevalencia mundial oscila entre 1 por cada 700 nacidos vivos y se han propuesto diversos factores de riesgo que pueden estar implicados en el origen del SD. Nuestro objetivo fue describir las actualizaciones con respecto a los factores de riesgo en el origen o causa citogenética del SD. Se realizó una revisión narrativa en la cual se condujo una búsqueda bibliográfica en el periodo de enero a junio de 2022 en bases de datos como PubMed, EBSCO, Medigraphic, ClinicalKey y metabuscadores como Elsevier y Evidence Alerts. Se incluyeron únicamente artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años en idioma inglés y español. Los términos de búsqueda utilizados fueron: Down syndrome, risk factors, prevention. Aunque el SD es una patología cromosómica muy frecuente a nivel internacional, no existe un factor de riesgo único en el origen de la no disyunción meiótica o mitótica del cromosoma 21, sino que cada uno de los factores de riesgo asociados contribuye en mayor o menor medida a una predisposición citogenética en la etiología de la trisomía 21. Durante la revisión se identificó que el principal factor de riesgo establecido asociado a SD sigue siendo la edad materna avanzada (≥ 35 años).

Aproximación a la calidad percibida de un servicio deportivo universitario. Un estudio de caso

La población joven y adulta de Chile presenta altos niveles de inactividad física y sedentarismo, lo que coincide con los rangos etarios de los estudiantes universitarios. En este sentido, es escasa la evidencia científica que ha estudiado la calidad de los servicios deportivos que entregan las instituciones de educación superior, tanto a nivel latinoamericano, como chileno. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la calidad del servicio de la Unidad de Deportes y Recreación de la Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción de Chile, mediante la percepción que manifiestan los estudiantes que asisten a los talleres deportivos y de actividad física. Se aplicó el cuestionario SERVPERF que mide cinco dimensiones: elementos tangibles, fiabilidad, capacidad de respuesta, seguridad y empatía, según el grado de satisfacción de los usuarios. La investigación tuvo un enfoque cuantitativo y de tipo descriptivo. La muestra fue de 70 participantes (55 mujeres y 15 hombres). En general, los resultados mostraron una buena percepción y evaluación de todas las dimensiones del cuestionario. La dimensión seguridad fue la mejor valorada y la dimensión Elementos tangibles fue la que mostró una más baja evaluación.

A população jovem e adulta do Chile apresenta altos níveis de inatividade física e estilos de vida sedentários, o que coincide com as faixas etárias dos estudantes universitários. Nesse sentido, há poucas evidências científicas que tenham estudado a qualidade dos serviços esportivos prestados pelas instituições de ensino superior, tanto na América Latina quanto no Chile. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade do serviço prestado pela Unidade de Esportes e Recreação da Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, no Chile, por meio da percepção dos alunos que participam das oficinas de esportes e atividades físicas. Foi aplicado o questionário SERVPERF, que mede cinco dimensões: elementos tangíveis, confiabilidade, capacidade de resposta, segurança e empatia, de acordo com o grau de satisfação do usuário. A pesquisa teve uma abordagem quantitativa e descritiva. A amostra foi composta por 70 participantes (55 mulheres e 15 homens). Em geral, os resultados mostraram uma boa percepção e avaliação de todas as dimensões do questionário. A dimensão Segurança foi a mais bem avaliada e a dimensão Elementos tangíveis apresentou a avaliação mais baixa.

The young and adult population of Chile presents high levels of physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle, which coincides with the age ranges of university students. In this sense, there is little scientific evidence that has studied the quality of sports services provided by higher education institutions, both at the Latin American and Chilean levels. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of the service of the Sports and Recreation Unit of the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción de Chile, through the perception expressed by students who attend sports and physical activity workshops. The SERVPERF questionnaire was applied, which measures five dimensions: tangible elements, reliability, response capacity, security and empathy, according to the degree of user satisfaction. The research had a quantitative and descriptive approach. The sample consisted of 70 participants (55 women and 15 men). In general, the results showed a good perception and evaluation of all the dimensions of the questionnaire. The security dimension was the best valued and the tangible elements dimension was the one that showed the lowest evaluation.

Síndrome alterno mesencefálico: síndrome de Weber en dos pacientes varones VIH positivos con toxoplasmosis cerebral

En este reporte se describen dos casos de pacientes varones con VIH diagnosticados por serología, que no estaban recibiendo tratamiento. Ambos pacientes desarrollaron el síndrome alterno mesencefálico y la lesión estructural, causada por la infección del sistema nervioso central por toxoplasmosis cerebral, confirmada mediante una resonancia magnética cerebral. Esta condición se constató por serología en líquido cefalorraquídeo. El síndrome de Weber es un tipo de síndrome alterno mesencefálico poco frecuente y existe poca información de su clínica y evolución. Fue descrito por sir Herman David Weber en 1863, y se caracteriza por la lesión ipsilateral del fascículo del III par craneal, con presencia de hemiparesia contralateral debida a la lesión de la vía corticoespinal y corticobulbar del pedúnculo cerebral. Las causas que lo originan incluyen tanto procesos isquémicos o hemorrágicos, que lesionan el fascículo del III par craneal y pedúnculo cerebral, como neoplasias intraencefálicas, aneurismas, hematomas extradurales y procesos infecciosos que se comportan como procesos expansivos. Los pacientes evaluados presentaron clínica de ptosis palpebral, visión doble vertical, dificultad para bipedestación, hemiparesia, hiporreflexia, sensibilidad superficial y profunda disminuidas, equilibrio y coordinación alterados, III par parético, habla incoherente, desorientación en tiempo, espacio y persona de manera intermitente y asimetría facial. Para la toxoplasmosis se aplicó un tratamiento específico con trimetropim-sulfametoxasol, clindamicina y prednisona por vía oral, lo cual permitió una mejoría del cuadro clínico. En el presente caso clínico se presenta la secuencia de los hechos, manejo y breve revisión de la literatura para su consideración como diagnóstico y su relevancia en el paciente con VIH-toxoplasmosis del sistema nervioso central.

This report describes the case of two male HIV-positive patients who were not receiving treatment and whose diagnosis was confirmed by serology testing. Both patients developed midbrain stroke syndrome and the structural injury, which was caused by a central nervous system infection due to cerebral toxoplasmosis, was verified by brain magnetic resonance imaging. This condition was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid serology testing. Weber's syndrome is a very rare type of midbrain stroke syndrome with little information available on its symptoms and evolution. It was first described by Sir Herman David Weber in 1863 and is characterized by ipsilateral injury of the third cranial nerve fascicle with contralateral hemiparesis due to injury of the corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts of the cerebral peduncle. Its causes range from ischemic or hemorrhagic processes, which damage the third cranial nerve fascicle and cerebral peduncle, to brain tumors, aneurysms, extradural hematomas and infectious diseases that behave like spreading processes. The assessed patients showed clinical signs and symptoms such as ptosis; vertical double vision; difficulty standing up; hemiparesis; hyporeflexia; decreased superficial and deep sensation; poor balance and coordination; third cranial nerve palsy; slurred speech; intermittent disorientation in time, place and person; and facial asymmetry. Oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin and prednisone were administered as specific treatment for toxoplasmosis, which enabled the improvement of the clinical picture. This case report presents the sequence of events, treatment and a brief review of the literature to be considered in the diagnosis and determine its importance in patients with HIV-toxoplasmosis of the central nervous system.

Current Therapies for Cholestatic Diseases.

Cholestasis is a condition characterized by decrease in bile flow due to progressive pathological states that lead to chronic cholestatic liver diseases which affect the biliary tree at the intrahepatic level and extrahepatic level. They induce complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure, malignancies, bone disease and nutritional deficiencies that merit close follow-up and specific interventions. Furthermore, as those conditions progress to liver cirrhosis, there will be an increase in mortality but also an important impact in quality of life and economic burden due to comorbidities related with liver failure. Therefore, it is important that clinicians understand the treatment options for cholestatic liver diseases. With a general view of therapeutic options and their molecular targets, this review addresses the pathophysiology of cholangiopathies. The objective is to provide clinicians with an overview of the safety and efficacy of the treatment of cholangiopathies based on the current evidence.

Brisk Walking Pace Is Associated with Better Cardiometabolic Health in Adults: Findings from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Although the importance of walking for promoting a better cardiometabolic health is widely known (this includes both cardiovascular and metabolic/endocrine systems), there is little knowledge regarding its appropriate pace to provide adults with more cardiometabolic benefits. AIM: To analyze the associations between different walking pace categories and cardiometabolic health markers in the adult Chilean population. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 5520 participants aged 15 to 90 years old from the Chilean National Health Survey (CNHS) 2016-2017 were included. Walking pace categories (slow, average, and brisk) were collected through self-reported methods. Glycaemia, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), vitamin D2, vitamin D3, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and lipid profile (Total, HDL, LDL, VLDL, No HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) were determined using blood sample tests and measured with the standardized methods described in the CNHS 2016-2017. RESULTS: People who had a brisk walking pace were associated with lower levels of glycaemia, HbA1c, GGT, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and higher vitamin D3 levels compared with those with a slow walking pace. Moreover, people with a brisk walking pace had lower levels of VLDL cholesterol compared with those with a slow walking pace. However, after adjusting the model to include sociodemographic background, nutritional status, and lifestyle variables, the differences remained only for glycaemia, HbA1c and systolic blood pressure levels. CONCLUSIONS: A brisk walking pace was associated with better cardiometabolic health markers and lipid profile compared with a slow walking pace.

Structural and immunological basis of cross-reactivity between dengue and Zika infections: Implications in serosurveillance in endemic regions.

Dengue and Zika are arthropod-borne viral diseases present in more than 100 countries around the world. In the past decade, Zika emerged causing widespread outbreaks in new regions, where dengue has been endemic-epidemic for a long period. The wide and extensive dissemination of the mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti, and Ae. albopictus, favor the co-existence of both infections in the same regions. Together with an important proportion of asymptomatic infections, similar clinical manifestations, and a short time window for acute infection confirmatory tests, it is difficult to differentially estimate both dengue and Zika incidence and prevalence. DENV and ZIKV flavivirus share high structural similarity, inducing a cross-reactive immune response that leads to false positives in serological tests particularly in secondary infections. This results in overestimation of recent Zika outbreaks seroprevalence in dengue endemic regions. In this review, we address the biological basis underlying DENV and ZIKV structural homology; the structural and cellular basis of immunological cross reactivity; and the resulting difficulties in measuring dengue and Zika seroprevalence. Finally, we offer a perspective about the need for more research to improve serological tests performance.

Effects of a Six-Week International Tour on the Physical Performance and Body Composition of Young Chilean Tennis Players.

In tennis, it is common for young male tennis players to spend several weeks away from their local training camps during the competition season, which could affect their performance. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of a six-week international tour on physical performance and body composition in young Chilean tennis players. Twenty-four men between the ages of 14 and 16 participated in this research. In body composition and anthropometric measurement, body weight, height, skinfolds, and perimeters were measured. Body fat percentage (BFP) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were calculated. For physical performance, 5-m and 10-m sprints, modified agility test (MAT test), countermovement jump (CMJ), and medicine ball throw (MBT) were evaluated. Results show that, in body composition, BFP and SMM significantly decreased post-tour (p < 0.05; effect sizes ranging from 0.23 to 0.33, respectively). In physical performance, agility and 5-m and 10-m sprints significantly decreased (p < 0.05, effect sizes ranging from −0.63 to 1.10). We conclude that after a six-week international tour, BFP, SMM, agility, and speed (linear sprint) tend to decrease significantly, with a greater effect in the sprint tests.

[Levels of physical activity and sitting time in elderly people with fragility: results of the 2016-2017 National Health Survey]. / Niveles de actividad física y tiempo sedente en personas mayores con fragilidad: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

Introduction: Background: fragility is characterized by loss of biological reserves and vulnerability to adverse outcomes. An intervention with beneficial effects on the prevention and management of frailty is the regular practice of physical activity (PA). Objective: to determine the association between levels of PA, sedentary time and frailty in older Chileans by sex. Methodology: 232 people over 60 years of age from the metropolitan region participating in the National Health Survey 2016-2017 were included. Frailty was assessed based on the Fried Phenotype Scale criteria and PA level and sedentary time with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). The association between levels of PA with the different states of frailty was investigated with linear regression analysis. Results and conclusion: elderly people with frailty have less total PA (ß = -292.6 min/day [95 % CI: 399.5; -185.7], p = 0.001), occupational PA (ß = -5821.8 min/day [95 % CI: 8680.8, -2962.8], p = 0.001), transportation (ß = -68.0 min/day [95 % CI: -105.4, -30.62], p = 0.001). A lower amount of moderate AF was also found (ß = -137.7 min/day [95 % CI: -202.0, -73.5], p = 0.001); vigorous (ß = -43.4 min/day [95 % CI: -81.6; -5.20], p = 0.026) and longer time seated (ß = 3.55 hours/day [95 % CI: - 1.97, 5.14], p = 0.001). Frail older people have lower PA levels compared to their peers without frailty. Considering that the Chilean population will experience an increase in the number of older people, it is essential to implement preventive measures to delay the onset of frailty, such as promoting the practice of PA at all levels.

Introducción: Antecedentes: la fragilidad se caracteriza por la pérdida de reservas biológicas y la vulnerabilidad a resultados adversos. Una intervención con efectos beneficiosos sobre la prevención y el manejo de la fragilidad es la práctica regular de actividad física (AF). Objetivo: caracterizar los niveles de AF y tiempo sedente en personas mayores con fragilidad. Metodología: se incluyó a 232 personas mayores de 60 años de la región metropolitana, participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017. La fragilidad se evaluó en base a los criterios de la escala de fenotipos de Fried y el nivel de AF y tiempo sedentario con el cuestionario Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Los niveles de AF según el fenotipo de fragilidad se determinaron con análisis de regresión lineal. Resultados y conclusiones: las personas mayores con fragilidad realizan menos AF total (ß = -292,6 min/día [IC 95 %: 399,5; -185,7], p = 0,001), laboral (ß = -5821,8 min/día [IC 95 %: 8680,8; -2962,8], p = 0,001), de transporte (ß = -68,0 min/día [IC 95 %: -105,4; -30,62], p = 0,001). También se observó menor cantidad de AF moderada (ß = -137,7 min/día [IC 95 %: -202,0; -73,5], p = 0,001); vigorosa (ß = -43,4 min/día [IC 95 %: -81,6; -5,20], p = 0,026) y mayor tiempo sedente (ß = 3,55 hora/día [IC 95 %: -1,97; 5,14 ], p = 0,001). Las personas mayores frágiles presentan niveles más bajos de AF en comparación con sus pares sin fragilidad. Considerando que la población chilena experimentará un aumento en el número de personas mayores, es imprescindible implementar medidas preventivas que permitan retrasar la aparición de la fragilidad, como fomentar la práctica de AF en todos sus niveles.

The Gill Microbiota of Argopecten purpuratus Scallop Is Dominated by Symbiotic Campylobacterota and Upwelling Intensification Differentially Affects Their Abundance.

Despite the great importance of gills for bivalve mollusks (respiration, feeding, immunity), the microbiota associated with this tissue has barely been characterized in scallops. The scallop Argopecten purpuratus is an important economic resource that is cultivated in areas where coastal upwelling is intensifying by climate change, potentially affecting host-microbiota interactions. Thus, we first characterized the bacterial community present in gills from cultivated scallops (by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) and assessed their stability and functional potential in animals under farm and laboratory conditions. Results showed that under both conditions the gill bacterial community is dominated by the phylum Campylobacterota (57%), which displays a chemoautotrophic potential that could contribute to scallop nutrition. Within this phylum, two phylotypes, namely symbionts A and B, were the most abundant; being, respectively, taxonomically affiliated to symbionts with nutritional functions in mussel gills, and to uncultured bacteria present in coral mucus. Additionally, in situ hybridization and scanning electron microscopy analyses allowed us to detect these symbionts in the gills of A. purpuratus. Given that shifts in upwelling phenology can cause disturbances to ecosystems, affecting bacteria that provide beneficial functions to the host, we further assessed the changes in the abundance of the two symbionts (via qPCR) in response to a simulated upwelling intensification. The exposure to combined decreasing values in the temperature, pH, and oxygen levels (upwelling conditions) favored the dominance of symbiont B over symbiont A; suggesting that symbiont abundances are modulated by these environmental changes. Overall, results showed that changes in the main Campylobacterota phylotypes in response to upwelling intensification could affect its symbiotic function in A. purpuratus under future climate change scenarios. These results provide the first insight into understanding how scallop gill-microbial systems adapt and respond to climate change stressors, which could be critical for managing health, nutrition, and scallop aquaculture productivity.

Asociación entre velocidad de marcha y deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017

Antecedentes: La velocidad de la marcha podría considerarse un marcador temprano de riesgo de deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre velocidad de la marcha y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en población mayor chilena. Métodos: Se incluyeron 1788 personas mayores de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (ENS) 2016-2017 que tenían información sobre velocidad de marcha y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo. La velocidad de la marcha fue autorreportada y categorizada como marca lenta, normal y rápida. Sospecha de deterioro cognitivo fue evaluado a través del cuestionario Mini Mental abreviado. La asociación entre marcha y deterioro cognitivo fue investigada mediante análisis de regresión logística. Resultados: En comparación a las personas mayores que reportaron una velocidad de marcha rápida, aquellas que reportaron una marcha lenta presentaron 2,67 veces mayor probabilidad de tener deterioro cognitivo (OR: 2,67 [95% IC:1,62; 4,42], p<0,001). Al ajustar los modelos por variables de confusión sociodemográficas, estilos de vida y salud, la asociación disminuyó, pero, permaneció significativa (OR: 1,78 [95% IC:1,15; 3,17], p=0,047). Mientras que las personas mayores que reportaron tener una velocidad de marcha normal no presentaron asociación con deterioro cognitivo. Conclusión: Personas mayores que reportan una velocidad de marcha lenta presentaron una mayor probabilidad de sospecha de deterioro cognitivo. Considerando que el deterioro cognitivo es un síndrome geriátrico con alta prevalencia en población mayor, existe la necesidad de enfatizar en estrategias para un diagnóstico temprano, por lo cual la velocidad de marcha podría ser un instrumento útil.

Background: Walking pace could be considered an early risk marker of cognitive impairment in older people. Objective: To determine the association between walking pace and cognitive impairment in older Chilean adults. Methods: 1,788 adults older than 60 years from the 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey with data available in the exposure and outcome were included in this cross-sectional study. Walking pace was self-reported and categorised as slow, average and brisk. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Abbreviated Mini-Mental questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between walking pace and cognitive impairment, logistic regression analyses - adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related covariates. Results: In the minimally adjusted model and compared to older adults who self-reported a brisk walking pace, those in the slow walking pace category were 2.67 times more likely to have cognitive impairment (OR: 2.67 [95% CI: 1.62, 4.42]). When the analyses were adjusted, the association was attenuated but remained significant (OR: 1.78 [95% CI: 1.15 3.17]). No associations were found between average pace walkers and cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Older adults who self-reported a slow walking pace having a higher likelihood of cognitive impairment than their counterparts who had a brisk walking pace. Considering that cognitive impairment is a geriatric syndrome with a high prevalence in the elderly, there is a need to emphasise strategies for an early diagnosis. Therefore, walking pace may be a useful marker to identify individuals at high risk of cognitive impairment.

Comparable diagnostic accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD and N-specific IgG tests to determine pre-vaccination nation-wide baseline seroprevalence in Mexico.

A major challenge for developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic is affordable and adequate monitoring of disease progression and population exposure as the primary source relevant epidemiological indicators. Serology testing enables assessing population exposure and to guide vaccination strategies but requires rigorous accuracy validation before population-wide implementation. We adapted a two-step ELISA protocol as a single-step protocol for detection of IgG against the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and compared its diagnostic accuracy with a commercial immunoassay anti-nucleoprotein IgG. Both methods yielded adequate and comparable diagnostic accuracy after 3 weeks post-symptom onset and were implemented in a nation-wide population based serological survey during August-November 2020. Anti-RBD National seroprevalence was 23.6%, 1.3% lower, but not significantly, than for anti-N. Double positive seroprevalence was 19.7%. Anti-N single-positive seroprevalence was 3.72% and anti-RBD single-positive seroprevalence was 1.98%. Discrepancies in the positivity to either single marker may be due to different kinetics of each antibody marker as well as the heterogeneity of the sampling time in regards to local epidemic waves. Baseline single positivity prevalence will be useful to assess the serological impact of vaccination and natural infection in further serosurveillance efforts.