Síndrome de Alicia en el País de las Maravillas secundario a infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Alice in Wonderland syndrome in SARS-CoV-2 infection

El síndrome de Alicia en el País de las Maravillas es un conjunto de trastornos complejos de la percepción visual con múltiples etiologías, siendo las infecciones las más frecuentes en Pediatría. Es un cuadro poco frecuente, pero es importante conocerlo por su carácter generalmente autolimitado. Presentamos el caso de un niño de 11 años que, a las 48 horas de infección por SARS-CoV-2, inició distorsión visual de la forma corporal, micropsias y macropsias. Se descartaron otras causas orgánicas, manteniéndose actitud expectante dada su evolución benigna. Se destaca la aparición de este síndrome en contexto clínico de infección por SARS-CoV-2, no habiendo sido descrita hasta ahora su asociación en la literatura. (AU)

The Alice in Wonderland syndrome is defined by the presence of visual perception disorders with several etiologies, being infectious the most frequent in pediatrics. It is a rare clinical condition, but it is important to recognize it because of the generally self-limited nature. We present an 11 years old child who presented visual body distortions, micropsia and macropsia 48 after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Other organic causes were discarded, maintaining an expectant treatment because of its benign evolution. It is noteworthy that this syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection has not yet been published. (AU)

Bronquiolitis obliterante posinfecciosa secundaria a adenovirus / Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans secondary to adenovirus

La bronquiolitis obliterante es una rara enfermedad respiratoria obstructiva crónica, secundaria a una agresión de las vías respiratorias inferiores que provoca inflamación y obliteración, parcial o total, de las mismas. Existen diferentes causas que la provocan, siendo la infecciosa la más frecuente en Pediatría, principalmente, por adenovirus. Se presenta el caso de un lactante varón de 18 meses de edad, con el antecedente de ingreso a los 8 meses en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos por bronquitis secundaria a virus respiratorio sincitial y adenovirus. Posteriormente a este episodio, presenta de forma persistente dificultad respiratoria y auscultación pulmonar patológica. La tomografía computarizada pulmonar de alta resolución muestra patrón en mosaico con áreas de atrapamiento aéreo y disminución del calibre vascular en las zonas afectas, hallazgos sugestivos de bronquiolitis obliterante. (AU)

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare chronic obstructive respiratory disease secondary to damage of the lower respiratory tract causing inflammation and partial or total obliteration of it. There are different causes, being infectious the most frequent in pediatrics, mainly due to adenovirus. We present the case of an 18-month-old male infant with a history of admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at 8 months of age due to bronchitis secondary to respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus. After this episode, he presented persistent respiratory distress and pathological pulmonary auscultation. High resolution pulmonary computed tomography showed a mosaic pattern with areas of air trapping and decreased vascular caliber in the affected areas, findings suggestive of bronchiolitis obliterans. (AU)

Iniciación en el mapeo de activos en un centro de salud urbano de Zaragoza / Initiation in asset mapping in a Zaragoza primary care health centre

Introducción. La salud comunitaria basada en activos es un modelo donde se promociona la salud con políticas y entornos que favorecen que las personas puedan tomar decisiones sobre su salud. El mapeo de activos es el mejor método para conocer los activos. En Aragón existe la estrategia comunitaria que favorece la implantación y el conocimiento de estos conceptos poco conocidos por la población y por los profesionales sanitarios. Objetivos. El objetivo principal fue la búsqueda e identificación de los activos de salud disponibles tras el proceso de mapeo por parte de la ciudadanía de 5 distritos urbanos de Zaragoza durante 1 año. Desarrollar un blog donde profesionales de la educación y de la sanidad, y la ciudadanía puedan acceder al mapa de activos. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo sobre la identificación y recogida de activos identificados por la población pertenecientes a un centro de salud. Las técnicas participativas utilizadas en el grupo de activos fueron mapas mudos y registro mediante fichas. Resultados. Se identificaron 57 activos, fundamentalmente el 28% relacionados con la actividad física. Las actividades de cultura y ocio, y las relacionadas con enfermedades crónicas fueron las siguientes más frecuentes. No se encontró ningún recurso para la deshabituación de tóxicos. El 47% de los activos se encontraban en uno de los 5 distritos adscritos. Conclusiones. Realizar un mapa de activos es fundamental para la prevención y la promoción de la salud. La colaboración ciudadana resulta clave para hacer este proceso con éxito, ofreciéndonos a las/los profesionales de la sanidad una información valiosa para fomentar y llevar a cabo una verdadera atención comunitaria. (AU)

Introduction. Asset-based community health is a model where health is promoted with policies and settings that encourage people to make health-related decisions. Health assets is the best method to get to know the assets. In Aragon there is a community strategy that promotes the implementation and knowledge of these concepts unknown both by the population and health professionals. Aims. The main aim of the study was to search and identify health assets available after the mapping process by the citizens of five Zaragoza urban districts over one year. Moreover, to start a blog where educators, health workers and citizens can access the assets map. Methods. Descriptive study on the identification and collection of assets identified by the population belonging to an urban health centre in Zaragoza. The participatory techniques used in the assets group were blank maps and recording by means of cards. Results. A total of 57 assets were identified, most of which related to physical activity (28%). This was followed by cultural, leisure activities and chronic diseases. No resource was detected for the cessation of toxic substances; 47% of assets were located in one of the five affiliated districts. Conclusions. Drawing up an assets map is essential for correct prevention and health promotion. Neighbourhood citizen collaboration is key to performing this process successfully. This also offers health professionals valuable information to promote and carry out actual community care. (AU)

Síndrome de Bertolotti. Dolor lumbar en una adolescente / Bertolotti syndrome. Back pain in a teenager

El síndrome de Bertolotti, también llamado megaapófisis transversa, es una anomalía congénita que consiste en vértebras transicionales a nivel lumbosacro, por lo que la última vértebra lumbar L5 se “sacraliza”. Es una de las causas de dolor lumbar crónico, alcanzando el 20% en menores de 30 años, siendo escasos los casos reportados en niños. Se presenta una niña de 14 años con dolor lumbar de 2 meses de evolución con escasa respuesta al tratamiento sintomático. En la radiografía de columna anteroposterior se observa una megaapófisis transversa en L5. La paciente se mantiene en seguimiento por Traumatología con tratamiento analgésico y fisioterápico. (AU)

Bertolotti syndrome, also called transverse megapophysis, is a congenital anomaly consisting of transitional vertebrae at the lumbosacral level, whereby the last L5 lumbar vertebra becomes “sacralized”. It is one of the causes of chronic low back pain, reaching 20% in those under 30 years of age, with few cases reported in children. A 14-year-old girl is presented with low back pain for 2 months with little response to symptomatic treatment. Complementary tests were requested, finding a transverse megapophysis in L5 in the column X-ray. The patient remains under follow-up by traumatology with analgesic and physiotherapy treatment. (AU)

Artritis parece, artritis idiopática juvenil no es / Arthritis seems, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is not

En el niño con dolor e inflamación articular hay que tener en cuenta un amplio diagnóstico diferencial que incluye traumatismos, infecciones, enfermedades reumatológicas y neoplasias. Las manifestaciones musculoesqueléticas pueden ser el síntoma inicial de una leucemia hasta en un 20-30% de los casos, a veces incluso como único síntoma inicial, con el consecuente retraso en el diagnóstico. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 13 años con artritis de varias articulaciones, con evolución atípica, que fue finalmente diagnosticado de leucemia linfoblástica aguda (AU)

When caring for children suffering articular pain or swelling, we must consider a wide differential diagnosis including trauma, infections, rheumatological diseases and neoplasms. Musculoskeletal complaints can be the first symptom of a leukemia in up to 20-30% of cases, sometimes as the only first symptom, causing delays on the diagnosis. We present the case of a 13 years old boy suffering several joint arthritis, with atypical evolution, who was finally diagnosed with Acute Linfoblastic Leukemia. (AU)

Improving the mesomorphism in bispyrazolate Pd(II) metallomesogens: an efficient platform for ionic conduction.

The introduction of structural asymmetry in metallomesogens is an established strategy to improve their mesomorphic behaviour in terms of lower melting temperatures and higher stability ranges of the mesophase, which is particularly important for metallomesogens that have potential application as electrolytes that require wide operational temperature ranges. Here in this work, a novel series of unsymmetrical bis(isoquinolinylpyrazolate)palladium(II) compounds bearing four alkyl side-chains with different lengths are described. Rectangular and hexagonal columnar mesophases were formed with low melting temperatures of 42-45 °C in most cases, whereas the clearing temperatures reached values up to 412 °C. The charge transport properties have been studied by complex impedance spectroscopy, showing that the mesophase favours proton conduction in the absence of water or humidity. The exceptional thermal stability of these species makes them promising candidates to act as a platform for ionic conduction via the nanochannels originated in the columnar mesophases. The results presented confirm that introducing structural asymmetry in the Pd(II) metallomesogens studied is a valid strategy to enhance the liquid crystalline properties, which opens new ways to develop water-free electrolytes based on unsymmetrical bis(isoquinolinylpyrazolate) Pd(II) compounds for potential applications such as proton exchange membranes (PEMs).

Irisin enhances longevity by boosting SIRT1, AMPK, autophagy and telomerase.

Ageing is characterised by the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage through time, leading to a decline in physical and mental abilities. Currently, society has experienced a rapid increase in life expectancy, which has led to an increase in age-associated diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to study the process of ageing to guarantee the best conditions in the final stages of life. In recent years, interest has increased in a myokine known as irisin, which is secreted during physical exercise. This polypeptide hormone is produced by various organs, mainly muscle, and once it is released into the blood, it performs a wide variety of functions that are involved in metabolic control and may be relevant during some of the diseases associated with ageing. The aim of this review is to highlight the recent studies of irisin, such as its mechanism of expression, blood release, distribution, tissue target and participation in various cellular metabolic reactions and the relationship with key anti-ageing pathways such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, silent information regulator T 1, autophagy and telomerase. In conclusion, irisin is a key player during the ageing process and it could be a novel target molecule for the therapeutic approach to boost longevity pathways. However, more research will be necessary to use this promising hormone for this gain.

Adenitis cervical como debut de una enfermedad de Kawasaki incompleta / Incomple Kawasaki disease presenting as cervical adenitis

La enfermedad de Kawasaki es una vasculitis sistémica y autolimitada que constituye la causa más frecuente de cardiopatía adquirida en la edad pediátrica. Su diagnóstico se basa en una serie de criterios clínicos que en muchas ocasiones no están presentes o asocian otros más inespecíficos que hacen demorar su diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 6 años con enfermedad de Kawasaki que debutó como posible adenitis infecciosa y cuya evolución y reanamnesis dieron la clave del diagnóstico de Kawasaki incompleto. De ahí, la importancia del diagnóstico precoz de esta enfermedad, recordando que existen otros síntomas más inespecíficos que pueden acompañarla, requiriendo un elevado nivel de sospecha para instaurar su tratamiento precozmente y evitar las lesiones coronarias (AU)

Kawasaki disease is a systemic and self-limited vasculitis that is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children. Its diagnosis is based on some different clinical criteria that are often not present or are associated with other more unspecific ones that delay its diagnosis.We present the case of a 6-year-old patient with Kawasaki disease that presented as a possible infectious adenitis, whose evolution and repeated inquiries gave the key to the incomplete Kawasaki diagnosis.Hence, the importance of early diagnosis of this disease, remembering that there are other more unspecific symptoms that may associate it, requiring a high level of suspicion to start treatment early and avoid coronary lesions. (AU)

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: características clínicas diferenciales y dificultades diagnósticas de las neumonías atípicas en niños / Mycoplasma pneumoniae: differential clinical features and diagnostic challenges in atypical pneumonias in children

Introducción: la neumonía por Mycoplasma pneumoniae continúa estando infradiagnosticada en las consultas de Pediatría de Atención Primaria, especialmente en los niños más pequeños. Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo en 9 cupos pediátricos, sobre niños desde 1 mes a 14 años con neumonía diagnosticada mediante radiografía y clínica compatible. Diagnóstico etiológico mediante serología en la fase aguda. Se analiza la relación de diferentes variables con la etiología atípica y no atípica. Resultados: de los 92 pacientes incluidos, un 30,4% fueron neumonías atípicas que, a pesar de no ser raras en menores de 2 años (26% del total a esta edad), predominaron en los mayores de 5 años (80,9%). La edad media en meses fue significativamente mayor en atípicas (74,2 ± 42,2), que en las no atípicas (35,9 ± 33,8; p <0,0001). La congestión nasal (42,8%; OR: 1,8; p <0,01) y la taquipnea (64,2%; OR: 2,4; p <0,014) fueron significativamente más frecuentes en las no atípicas. El patrón alveolar se observó en el 53,6% de las neumonías atípicas, sin diferencias con las no atípicas. Solamente un 25% de las neumonías atípicas fueron correctamente tratadas inicialmente con macrólidos en monoterapia sin existir diferencias en cuanto a su evolución con respecto a la elección de un tipo u otro de terapia antibiótica. Las neumonías no atípicas precisaron antibioterapia intravenosa con una mayor frecuencia (15,6%) de forma no estadísticamente significativa. Conclusión: las neumonías por gérmenes atípicos parecen más prevalentes en niños pequeños de lo previamente descrito, en ocasiones en coexistencia con virus. Su mejor diagnóstico y tratamiento continúan siendo un reto por resolver (AU)

Introduction: pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae continues to be underdiagnosed in paediatric primary care, especially in younger children.Material and methods: prospective study conducted in 9 primary care paediatric caseloads, including children aged 1 month to 14 years with pneumonia diagnosed based on compatible radiographic findings and clinical features. The aetiological diagnosis was made by acute-phase serological testing. We analysed the association of different variables with atypical and typical aetiologies.Results: of the 92 patients in the sample, 30.4% had atypical pneumonias which, while not rare in children under 2 years (26%) predominated in children over 5 years (80.9%). The mean age in months was significantly higher in cases with an atypical (74.2±42.2) versus typical (35.9±33.8) aetiology (p<0.0001). Nasal congestion (42.8%; OR 1.8; p<0.01) and tachypnoea (64.2%; OR 2.4; p<0.014) were significantly more frequent in typical pneumonia. The alveolar pattern was observed in 53.6% of atypical pneumonias, with no differences compared to typical pneumonias. Only 25% of atypical pneumonia cases were treated correctly with first-line macrolide monotherapy, with no differences in outcomes based on the choice of antibiotherapy. Patients with typical pneumonia required intravenous antibiotic therapy more frequently (15.6%), but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion: atypical germs were more frequent at younger ages than previously described, in some cases with concomitant detection of viruses. Improving the diagnosis and treatment of atypical pneumonia remains a challenge. (AU)

Infección aguda por parvovirus B19 con afectación articular / Acute parvovirus B19 infection with articular involvement

La infección por parvovirus B19 es frecuente en la edad pediátrica. El cuadro típico ante infección aguda por parvovirus B19 en la infancia es el eritema infeccioso, también conocido como quinta enfermedad, aunque se han descrito otras alteraciones como la afectación articular. Presentamos dos casos de artralgias y artritis aparecidas en contexto de parvovirus B19, ambas con confirmación serológica y buena evolución posterior con resolución completa de la sintomatología articular (AU)

Infection by parvovirus B19 is common in the paediatric age group. The typical presentation of acute infection in children is erythema infectiosum, also known as fifth disease, although other manifestations have also been described, including arthropathy. We describe 2 cases in paediatric patients who experienced arthralgia and arthritis in the context of acute parvovirus B19 infection, both confirmed by serology and with complete resolution of articular manifestations. (AU)

Polymer Micro and Nanoparticles Containing B(III) Compounds as Emissive Soft Materials for Cargo Encapsulation and Temperature-Dependent Applications.

Polymer nanoparticles doped with fluorescent molecules are widely applied for biological assays, local temperature measurements, and other bioimaging applications, overcoming several critical drawbacks, such as dye toxicity, increased water solubility, and allowing imaging of dyes/drug delivery in water. In this work, some polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS) based micro and nanoparticles with an average size of about 200 nm and encapsulating B(III) compounds have been prepared via the reprecipitation method by using tetrahydrofuran as the oil phase and water. The compounds are highly hydrophobic, but their encapsulation into a polymer matrix allows obtaining stable colloidal dispersions in water (3.39 µM) that maintain the photophysical behavior of these dyes. Although thermally activated non-radiative processes occur by increasing temperature from 25 to 80 °C, the colloidal suspension of the B(III) particles continues to emit greenish light (λ = 509 nm) at high temperatures. When samples are cooling back to room temperature, the emission is restored, being reversible. A probe of concept drug delivery study was conducted using coumarin 6 as a prototype of a hydrophobic drug.

Características clínicas y dificultades diagnósticas a partir de un estudio prospectivo sobre neumonía pediátrica adquirida en la comunidad / Clinical characteristics and diagnostic difficulties from a prospective study of community-acquired paediatric pneumonia

Introducción: la neumonía continúa siendo una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad infantil. En Atención Primaria pediátrica su abordaje sigue en revisión. Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo en nueve cupos pediátricos, sobre niños desde un mes a 14 años con neumonía. Diagnóstico etiológico mediante serología y aspirado a virus respiratorios. Se analiza la relación de diferentes variables con la etiología (vírica, bacteriana atípica y bacteriana típica). Resultados: se incluyeron 92 episodios. La edad media (47,5 meses) fue significativamente mayor en atípicas (74,2 ± 42,2), que víricas (36,1 ± 44,5; p <0,0001) y de sospecha neumocócicas (32,6 ± 21,1; p <0,0001). El 33,7% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95]: 24,9 a 43,8%) fueron de sospecha neumocócica, 30,4% (IC 95: 22,0 a 40,5) atípicas y 21,7% (IC 95: 14,5 a 31,2) víricas. Las atípicas no fueron raras en menores de 5 años (17,1%). Fiebre (89,1%) y tos (68,4%) fueron los síntomas principales. El patrón radiológico alveolar fue el más constatado (53,8%), sin diferencias entre grupos. La proteína C reactiva (PCR) fue significativamente mayor en víricas (7,6 ± 9,5 mg/dl) que en las de sospecha neumocócica (4,9 ± 10,1) (diferencias de medias [DM]: -2,7; p = 0,0490), y atípicas (1,7 ± 1,7) (DM: -5,8; p = 0,0111). Amoxicilina fue el fármaco más utilizado (66,3%), con buena evolución en todos los casos. Ingresaron más las víricas (50%) que las atípicas (7,4%; p = 0,0023) o de sospecha neumocócica (12,9%; p = 0,0100). Conclusión: las tendencias epidemiológicas de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en Pediatría parecen cambiantes, especialmente en gérmenes atípicos y virus. Su diagnóstico preciso y el consiguiente abordaje terapéutico continúan siendo un reto por resolver (AU)

Introduction: pneumonia is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Its management at the paediatric primary care level is not yet solidly established.Material and methods: we conducted a prospective study in children aged 1 month to 14 years included in the paediatric caseloads of 9 paediatric primary care centres. The aetiological diagnosis was made by means of serology tests and viral testing in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples. We analysed the association of different variables with the aetiology of pneumonia (viral, atypical bacterial and typical bacterial).Results: the study included 92 patients. The mean age (47.58 months) was significantly higher in cases of atypical pneumonia (74.2 ± 42.2) compared to viral pneumonia (36.1 ± 44.5; p <0.0001) and probable typical pneumonia (32.6 ± 21.1; p <0.0001). The distribution by aetiology was 33.7% (95 CI: 24.9 to 43.8) probable pneumococcal, 30.4% (95 CI: 22.0 to 40.5) atypical and 21.7% (95 CI: 14.5 to 31.2) viral. Atypical pneumonia was relatively frequent in children under 5 years (17.1%). Fever (89.1%) and cough (68.4%) were the most frequent symptoms. The most common radiographic feature was alveolar infiltration (53.8%), with no differences between groups. C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in viral cases (7.6 ± 9.5) compared to probable pneumococcal cases (4.9 ± 10.1) (DM: -2.7; p = 0.0490) and atypical cases (1.7 ± 1.7) (DM: -5.83; p = 0.0111). Amoxicillin was the most frequently used antibiotic (66.3%), which achieved favourable outcomes in all types of pneumonia. The frequency of hospital admission was higher in patients with viral pneumonia (50%) compared to atypical (7.4%; p = 0.0023) or probable pneumococcal pneumonia (12.90 %; p = 0.0100).Conclusion: the epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia in the paediatric population is changing, especially when it comes to atypical bacterial and viral causative agents... (AU)

Advanced Functional Luminescent Metallomesogens: The Key Role of the Metal Center.

The use of liquid crystals for the fabrication of displays incorporated in technological devices (TVs, calculators, screens of eBook's, tablets, watches) demonstrates the relevance that these materials have had in our way of living. However, society evolves, and improved devices are looked for as we create a more efficient and safe technology. In this context, metallomesogens can behave as multifunctional materials because they can combine the fluidic state of the mesophases with properties such as photo and electroluminescence, which offers new exciting possibilities in the field of optoelectronics, energy, environment, and even biomedicine. Herein, it has been established the role of the molecular geometry induced by the metal center in metallomesogens to achieve the self-assembly required in the liquid-crystalline mesophase. Likewise, the effect of the coordination environment in metallomesogens has been further analyzed because of its importance to induce mesomorphism. The structural analysis has been combined with an in-depth discussion of the properties of these materials, including their current and potential future applications. This review will provide a solid background to stimulate the development of novel and attractive metallomesogens that allow designing improved optoelectronic and microelectronic components. Additionally, nanoscience and nanotechnology could be used as a tool to approach the design of nanosystems based on luminescent metallomesogens for use in bioimaging or drug delivery.

Episodio de hipotonía-hiporrespuesta tras administracion de la vacuna antimeningococo B 4CMenB / Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode after antimeningococcal B vaccine, 4CMenB

El episodio hipotonía-hiporrespuesta (EHH) es un tipo muy inusual de efecto adverso después de la vacunación. Se ha observado con mayor frecuencia tras las vacunas de células enteras contra la tosferina. El EHH se caracteriza por el inicio repentino de hipotonía, hiporrespuesta y el cambio de color de la piel (palidez o cianosis) en las primeras 48 horas después de la administración de una vacuna en niños. Se ha descrito que los episodios pueden durar entre 6 y 30 minutos. Se desconoce la patogénesis. Aunque se ha clasificado dentro de las reacciones adversas graves, no se han demostrado efectos a largo plazo y no se contraindica la administración de una nueva dosis de la vacuna, si así está indicado para completar el calendario de vacunación del niño. Presentamos el caso de una lactante de 5 meses de edad que presentó un EHH tres horas después de la administración de una segunda dosis de la vacuna antimeningocócica B 4CMenB (Bexsero)

Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (HHE) is a very unusual type of adverse effect following immunization. HHE has been observed more frequently following whole-cell pertussis vaccines. HHE is characterized by sudden onset of reduced muscle tone, hyporesponsiveness and change of skin colour (paleness or cyanosis) in the first 48 hours after the administration of a vaccine in children. It has been shown that episodes can last between 6 and 30 minutes. The pathogenesis is unknown. Although it has been classified within the severe adverse reactions, long-term effects have not been shown and it does not contraindicate the administration of a new dose of the vaccine, as well as for the vaccination schedule of the child. Introducing the case of a 5-month-old breastfeeding infant who presented a HHE 3 hours after the administration of a second dose of the antimeningococcal B vaccine, 4CMenB (Bexsero)

Características clínicas y evolutivas de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en pacientes hospitalarios / Clinical features and course of disease of community-acquired pneumonia in inpatients

INTRODUCCIÓN: la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) sigue siendo una enfermedad frecuente en la edad pediátrica, encontrándose entre las primeras causas de mortalidad. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la incidencia de las neumonías ingresadas y describir sus características. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo que incluyó a los pacientes ingresados en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet de Zaragoza (España), con el diagnóstico de NAC durante dos años para describir sus características clínicas, radiológicas, analíticas, demográficas y complicaciones. RESULTADOS: se registraron 248 casos de neumonía, con una media de edad de 37,60 ± 2,20 meses, siendo significativamente mayor en neumonías bacterianas típicas (41,98 ± 37,46) y atípicas (73,43 ± 41,28) frente a las víricas (23,30 ± 19,07) (p <0,0001 y p = 0,0004 respectivamente). La neumonía más frecuente fue la de probable origen neumocócico (47,6%; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95]: 41,84 a 54,18) mientras que el agente identificado con más frecuencia el virus respiratorio sincitial (34,65%; IC 95: 26,93 a 43,26). La odds ratio de presentar patrón radiológico alveolar en neumonías bacterianas frente a víricas fue de 2,98 (IC 95: 1,50 a 5,91; p = 0,0013). El antibiótico más utilizado fue ampicilina intravenosa (62,87%), siendo la duración mayor en las neumonías típicas bacterianas. CONCLUSIÓN: la NAC que precisa ingreso hospitalario es más prevalente en niños menores de cuatro años; con una incidencia y complicaciones similares a las descritas en otras series. El diagnóstico etiológico y el consiguiente tratamiento antibiótico continúa siendo un reto difícil de alcanzar

INTRODUCTION: community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a common disease in children and is one of the leading causes of death in this age group. The objective of our study was to estimate the incidence of hospital admission due to CAP and describe some of its characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we conducted a descriptive and retrospective study with inclusion of patients admitted to the Hospital Universitario Infantil Miguel Servet of Zaragoza with a diagnosis of CAP over a 2-year period to describe its clinical, radiological, laboratory, demographic characteristics and associated complications. RESULTS: we found records for 248 cases of pneumonia; the mean age was 37.6 ± 2.2 months and was significantly higher in cases of typical bacterial pneumonia (41.98 ± 37.46) or atypical pneumonia (73.43 ± 41.28) compared to viral pneumonia (23.30 ± 19.07) (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0004, respectively). The most common type of pneumonia was of probable pneumococcal aetiology (47.6%; 95 CI: 41.84 to 54.18), and the most frequently identified causative agent was respiratory syncytial virus (34.65%; IC 95: 26.93 to 43.26). The odds ratio of presenting an alveolar radiographic pattern in bacterial pneumonia was 2.98 (95 CI: 1.50 to 5.91; p = 0.0013). The most frequently used antibiotic was intravenous ampicillin (62.87%), with longer duration of treatment in cases of bacterial pneumonia. CONCLUSION: CAP requiring hospital admission was most frequent in children aged less than 4 years, with an incidence and associated complications similar to those described in the previous literature. The aetiological diagnosis and subsequent selection of the optimal antibiotic therapy remain challenging

Effect of Age and Lipoperoxidation in Rat and Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells.

A wide range of clinical applications in regenerative medicine were opened decades ago with the discovery of adult stem cells. Highly promising adult stem cells are mesenchymal stem/stromal cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSCs), primarily because of their abundance and accessibility. These cells have multipotent properties and have been used extensively to carry out autologous transplants. However, the biology of these cells is not entirely understood. Among other factors, the regeneration capacity of these cells will depend on both their capacity of proliferation/differentiation and the robustness of the biochemical pathways that allow them to survive under adverse conditions like those found in damaged tissues. The transcription factors, such as Nanog and Sox2, have been described as playing an important role in stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Also, the so-called longevity pathways, in which AMPK and SIRT1 proteins play a crucial role, are essential for cell homeostasis under stressful situations. These pathways act by inhibiting the translation through downregulation of elongation factor-2 (eEF2). In order to deepen knowledge of mesenchymal stem cell biology and which factors are determinant in the final therapeutic output, we evaluate in the present study the levels of all of these proteins in the ADSCs from humans and rats and how these levels are affected by aging and the oxidative environment. Due to the effect of aging and oxidative stress, our results suggest that before performing a cell therapy with ADSCs, several aspects reported in this study such as oxidative stress status and proliferation and differentiation capacity should be assessed on these cells. This would allow us to know the robustness of the transplanted cells and to predict the therapeutic result, especially in elder patients, where probably ADSCs do not carry out their biological functions in an optimal way.

Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Properties of Aggregation-Enhanced Emission-Active Unsymmetrical PtII Metallomesogens through Self-Assembly.

Herein, we report a series of unsymmetrical bispyrazolate-type PtII compounds that exhibit mesomorphism at low temperatures and photophysical multi-stimuli-responsive properties. These PtII compounds show a great ability to be self-assembled by intermolecular Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt interactions in the solid state, so generating a columnar stacking of molecules that is responsible for the formation of the mesophases. By controlling the nature of the molecular assembly through external stimuli such as the temperature, the pressure, or the presence of vapours or solvents, it is possible to modulate the luminescence behaviour of these materials. The PtII monomers emit a greenish light, whereas aggregation of molecules produces a redshifted emission. These metallomesogens also show a high stability and successive grinding/fuming cycles can be performed without degradation of the sample. The application of these materials is very attractive as rewritable luminescent platforms, and their use is already demonstrated.

Targeting pro-senescence mitogen activated protein kinase (Mapk) enzymes with bioactive natural compounds.

Aging is a multifactorial universal process characterized by a gradual decrease in physiological and biochemical functions. Given that life expectancy is on the rise, a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of the aging process is necessary in order to develop anti-aging interventions. Uncontrolled cellular senescence promotes persistent inflammation and accelerates the aging process by decreasing tissue renewal, repair and regeneration. Senescence of immune cells, immunesenescence, is another hallmark of aging. Targeting pro-senescent enzymes increases survival and therefore the lifespan. Although the upregulation of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) enzymes in aging is still controversial, increasing evidence shows that dysregulation of those enzymes are associated with biological processes that contribute to aging such as irreversible senescence. In this manuscript components of the MAPK pathway will be summarized, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, as well as natural flavonoids, phenolic and diterpenoids with anti-senescence activity that shows positive effects on longevity and MAPK inhibition. Although more studies using additional aging models are needed, we suggest that these selected natural bioactive compounds that regulate MAPK enzymes and reduce senescent cells can be potentially used to improve longevity and prevent/treat age-related diseases.

Hydroxytyrosol protects from aging process via AMPK and autophagy; a review of its effects on cancer, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, immune-mediated and neurodegenerative diseases.

Aging is a complex process. It is considered a risk factor for several diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, most of which have an oxidative and inflammatory base. Given that life expectancy is increasing, there is a present interest in the search for anti-aging strategies that allow a healthy aging. Interestingly, in Spain, where the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is the reference food pattern, life expectancy will have the highest average by 2040. This diet is characterized, among other items, by virgin olive oil intake, which contains between 50-200 mg/kg of hydroxytyrosol, a major polyphenolic component of olive oil. Hydroxytyrosol is formed by the hydrolysis of oleuropein during the maturing of olives, storage of olive oil, and preparation of table olives. It is a yield of oleuropein by microbiota action in the organism after virgin olive oil consumption. The daily intake in context of the MD is estimated to be around 0.15 and 30 mg/day. In the last few years, hydroxytyrosol has received increasing attention due to its multiple pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic activities. It has also been the focus of extensive research regarding its bioactivity. In this sense, hydroxytyrosol is under consideration for the development of new anti-aging strategies. In this review we will summarize the potential anti-aging effects of hydroxytyrosol and its protective role in several age-related diseases.

Advantages and disadvantages of apoptosis in the aging process.

Researchers cannot predict as yet how long a human being can live. Life expectancy has been steadily increasing in the last century, but perhaps not always the quality of life in parallel with it. Future generations will be faced with the problems of an increased life expectancy along with the emergence of new age-related diseases. A deeper understanding of the aging process is crucial to ameliorate, if not to prevent, these projected new old-age diseases. One of the mechanisms responsible for healthy aging is through the effective maintenance of physiological, biochemical, and immunological functions. To carry this out, the organism needs to create new cells to replace old ones and to induce the disappearance of old and damaged cells. Apoptosis is involved in all these processes. However, if apoptosis is dysregulated, premature senescence-associated diseases are likely to appear. In our review, the focus will be on a better understanding of the role of apoptosis in the aging process. These signaling pathways will most assuredly be pharmacologically targeted in antiaging medicine therapies.