Histopathological impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the liver: Cellular damage and long-term complications.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the highly pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), primarily impacts the respiratory tract and can lead to severe outcomes such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, and death. Despite extensive studies on the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2, its impact on the hepatobiliary system remains unclear. While liver injury is commonly indicated by reduced albumin and elevated bilirubin and transaminase levels, the exact source of this damage is not fully understood. Proposed mechanisms for injury include direct cytotoxicity, collateral damage from inflammation, drug-induced liver injury, and ischemia/hypoxia. However, evidence often relies on blood tests with liver enzyme abnormalities. In this comprehensive review, we focused solely on the different histopathological manifestations of liver injury in COVID-19 patients, drawing from liver biopsies, complete autopsies, and in vitro liver analyses. We present evidence of the direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the liver, substantiated by in vitro observations of viral entry mechanisms and the actual presence of viral particles in liver samples resulting in a variety of cellular changes, including mitochondrial swelling, endoplasmic reticulum dilatation, and hepatocyte apoptosis. Additionally, we describe the diverse liver pathology observed during COVID-19 infection, encompassing necrosis, steatosis, cholestasis, and lobular inflammation. We also discuss the emergence of long-term complications, notably COVID-19-related secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Recognizing the histopathological liver changes occurring during COVID-19 infection is pivotal for improving patient recovery and guiding decision-making.

Concomitant Cytomegalovirus Viraemia in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A) following COVID-19.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is recognised as an infrequent complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This syndrome occurs following COVID-19 infection in some individuals and is characterised by inflammation of multiple organ systems, such as the heart, liver, bowel, and lymph nodes. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viraemia is associated primarily with immunosuppression. In COVID-19 patients, it has been reported in severe and critical cases. We present a case of an adult patient diagnosed with MIS-A and concomitant CMV viraemia.

Similarities and divergences in the metabolism of immune cells in cancer and helminthic infections.

Energetic and nutritional requirements play a crucial role in shaping the immune cells that infiltrate tumor and parasite infection sites. The dynamic interaction between immune cells and the microenvironment, whether in the context of tumor or helminth infection, is essential for understanding the mechanisms of immunological polarization and developing strategies to manipulate them in order to promote a functional and efficient immune response that could aid in the treatment of these conditions. In this review, we present an overview of the immune response triggered during tumorigenesis and establishment of helminth infections, highlighting the transition to chronicity in both cases. We discuss the energetic demands of immune cells under normal conditions and in the presence of tumors and helminths. Additionally, we compare the metabolic changes that occur in the tumor microenvironment and the infection site, emphasizing the alterations that are induced to redirect the immune response, thereby promoting the survival of cancer cells or helminths. This emerging discipline provides valuable insights into disease pathogenesis. We also provide examples of novel strategies to enhance immune activity by targeting metabolic pathways that shape immune phenotypes, with the aim of achieving positive outcomes in cancer and helminth infections.

Urban biodiversity: Cuterebriasis in free-ranging Robinson's mouse opossum (Marmosa robinsoni) in the suburbs of Barranquilla, Colombia.

The tropical dry forest is one of the world's most threatened ecosystems and is the habitat of the Robinson's Mouse Opossum (Marmosa robinsoni), a small marsupial within the Didelphidae family. This study aimed to describe cases of cuterebriases in free-ranging M. robinsoni by examining individuals caught in live animal traps. Sherman traps were deployed in four different sites over three different periods in five days. All animals passed through biometry, weighing, sampling parasites, and sampling feces. Only animals captured in the study site located close to the city were anesthetized and examined. The evaluation included blood samples and a clinical examination. Animals received anesthesia under physical restraint by intramuscular injections of ketamine and xylazine. For anesthetic reversion, the protocol was Yohimbine administered before release. In total, 8% (5/60) of all captured animals had fly larvae extracted from wounds. The molecular Barcode of the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I gene showed no match with any recognized species of Cuterebra. The animals weighed from 35 to 80 g and had lesions in the scapular region with parasites under their skin in sizes ranging from 1.3 to 2.2 cm. The animals with parasites were in good physical condition without evidence of disturbances in health conditions. This is compatible with literature, reporting little effect on population dynamics of other host species infected with Cuterebra larvae. The study included 24 animals captured in three areas far from any city, which showed no evidence of cuterebrid infection, suggesting that proximity to the city could increase exposure to cuterebriasis. There are reports of cuterebrids in M. robinsoni in Brazil; however, this is the first report of cuterebriasis in M. robinsoni in Colombia.

Pocillopora spp. growth analysis on restoration structures in an Eastern Tropical Pacific upwelling area.

Coral reefs in Culebra Bay (North Pacific of Costa Rica) are threatened by multiple anthropogenic disturbances including global warming, overfishing, eutrophication, and invasive species outbreaks. It is possible to assist their recovery by implementing ecological restoration techniques. This study used artificial hexagonal steel structures, called "spiders" to compare growth of Pocillopora spp. coral fragments of different sizes. Three initial fragment class sizes were used: 2, 5 and 8 cm, with each class size having 42 initial fragments. Changes in fragment length, width and area were measured monthly from January to December 2020. Results showed an overall survivorship of 70.21%, and no significant differences in survivorship and linear growth rate were detected between class sizes. The linear growth rates are 4.49 ± 1.19 cm year-1, 5.35 ± 1.48 cm year-1 and 3.25 ± 2.22 cm year-1 for the 2, 5 and 8 cm initial class sizes, respectively. Our results do not show significant differences in growth rates between the different initial fragment sizes. However, since small fragments (2 cm) present higher mortality during the first month, we recommend using larger fragments. In addition, coral fragments grew 48% more during the non-upwelling season, which may suggest that it might be more effective and safer to start the restoration efforts during this period.

Síndrome mononucleósico con síndrome nefrítico agudo asociado en paciente pediátrica / Mononucleosis syndrome with associated acute nephritic syndrome in a pediatric patient

Resumen La mononucleosis infecciosa es un síndrome clínico de causa viral que generalmente tiene un curso benigno y autolimitado, caracterizado por fiebre, faringoamigdalitis y adenomegalias generalizadas, siendo la afectación de órganos o sistemas algo inusual. Se presenta el caso de una niña de ocho años con un síndrome mononucleósico por virus de Epstein-Barr y Citomegalovirus, con un síndrome nefrítico agudo hipocomplementémico secundario, sin deterioro de la función renal y evolución clínica favorable. La ausencia de un período de latencia entre el proceso infeccioso y la aparición de los síntomas de síndrome nefrítico, es un elemento clave en el diagnóstico diferencial con el síndrome nefrítico agudo postestreptocócico, que es la causa más común en niños.

Abstract Infectious mononucleosis is a clinical syndrome of viral cause that generally has a benign clinical picture, characterized by fever, pharyngotonsillitis, and generalized lymphadenopathy, being the affectation of organ or systems something unusual. We present the case of an eight-year-old girl with a mononucleosis syndrome due to Epstein-Barr virus and Cytomegalovirus, with a secondary hypocomplementemia acute nephritic syndrome, without deterioration of renal function and favorable clinical evolution. The absence of a latency period between the infectious process and the appearance of nephritic syndrome symptoms are a key element in the differential diagnosis with post-streptococcal acute nephritic syndrome, which is the most common cause in children.

Risk and protective factors linked to smoking at home with adolescents in Cuba / Factores de riesgo y protectores del tabaquismo en hogares con adolescentes en Cuba / Fatores de risco e protetores do tabaquismo no domicílio com os adolescentes em Cuba / Facteurs de risque et de protection du tabagisme dans les foyers familiaux avec adolescents a Cuba

Abstract Objective: To estímate the smoking prevalence; characterize smoking adolescents linked to tobacco use; describe the studied adolescents according to individual and familiar factors related with smoking, and to identify the risk and protective factors against tobacco at home. Materials and Methods: Analytic transversal study in two phases: descriptive and analytic, from January to December 2016 in the urban zone of the working health areaof the "Pedro Esperón Policlinic", in Bauta, Artemisa, Cuba. The universe was 4773 adolescents between 10 and 19 years old and the sample was 348 adolescents;one of their parents or tutors were chosen by conglomerates samples. To obtain the information,questionnaires wereconstructed, observation and survey were used. The statistics techniques: Chi square test of independence, Chi square test of homogeneity and logistic regression were used to analyze the independent association among factors linked to the present use of tobacco.Ethical principles were considered. Results: High smoking prevalence (14, 080 %), early starting age of tobacco consumption (13,5 years), motives to initiate: influenced by other people, mostly friends (46,9 %) and fashion or curiosity (42,9 %). The 61,2 % smoked cigarettes occasionally; the usual places for consumption were: celebrations 69,4 %, friends' homes 57,1 % and public roads 55,1 %. Adolescents generally smoked with friends 83,7 %. Self-esteem and permissive family are risk factors, while the number of people living together with the adolescents are a protective factor. Conclusions: A poor self-value and the permissibility of parents and tutors, are confirmed boosters for tobacco consumption in Cuban adolescents, which is similar to what has been described previously.

Resumen Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia del tabaquismo, caracterizar a los adolescentes fumadores según consumo de tabaco, describir los adolescentes estudiados según factores individuales y familiares relacionados con el tabaquismo e identificar los factores de riesgo y protectores del tabaquismo en el hogar. Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico transversal en dos fases: descriptiva y analítica, de enero a diciembre de 2016, en la zona urbana del área de salud del policlínico "Pedro Esperón" en Bauta, Artemisa, Cuba. El universo constituido por 4,773 adolescentes entre 10 y 19 años de edad y la muestra de 348 adolescentes, y uno de sus padres o tutor, seleccionado por muestreo por conglomerados. Para la obtención de la información se construyeron cuestionarios; y se empleó la observación y la entrevista. Como técnicas estadísticas: Ji cuadrado de independencia y homogeneidad y regresión logística. Se tuvo en cuenta los principios éticos. Resultados: Elevada prevalencia de tabaquismo (14, 080 %), temprana edad de inicio al consumo de tabaco (13,5 años); motivos de inicio: influencia de otras personas, fundamentalmente amigos (46,9 %) y moda o curiosidad, (42, 9 %). El 61,2 % consume cigarrillos de forma ocasional, lugares de consumo más común: espacios para celebrar 69,4 %, hogar de amigos 57,1 % y la vía pública, 55,1 %. Generalmente fuman con amigos 83,7 %. Autoestima y permisividad de la familia como factores de riesgo y cantidad de personas que conviven con los adolescentes como factor protector. Conclusiones: La pobre valoración de si mismoy la permisividad de los padres y tutores con relación a fumar, se confirman como favorecedores de la probabilidad del consumo de tabaco en los adolescentes cubanos, muy similares a los que describe la literatura.

Resumo Objetivo: Estimar a prevalencia do tabagismo, caracterizar os adolescentes segundo o consumo do tabaco, descrever os adolescentes de acordo com fatores individuais e familiares relacionados ao tabagismo e identificar os fatores de risco e de proteçáo do tabagismo no domicilio. Materiais e métodos: Estudo analítico transversal, realizado em duas fases: descritivo e analítico de janeiro a dezembro de 2016, na área urbana da policlínica "Pedro Esperon", em Bauta, Artemisa, Cuba. O universo é composto por 4773 adolescentes entre os 10 e 19 anos de idade. A amostra é composta por 348 adolescentes em conjunto com um dos seus pais, encarregado de educação, selecionados por amostragem por cluster. Para obter os dados, construi-se um questionário, associando a observação e a entrevista. Como técnicas estatísticas utilizou-se o Qui quadrado e a regressão logística. Os principios éticos foram tomados em consideração. Resultados: Alta prevalência de tabagismo (14, 080 %), idade precoce para iniciar o tabaco (13,5 anos); as razões para a sua iniciação: influência de outras pessoas, principalmente amigos (46,9 %) e moda ou curiosidade, (42, 9 %) 61,2 % usam cigarros ocasionais, locais de consumo mais comuns: espaços para comemorar 69, 4 %, casa de amigos 57,1 % e via pública, 55,1 %. Geralmente fumar com amigos 83,7 %. Auto-estima e permissividade familiar como fatores de risco e número de pessoas que vivem com adolescentes como fator de proteção. Conclusões: A falta de auto-avaliação, a permissividade dos pais ou responsáveis em relação ao tabagismo foram confirmadas como favorecendo o tabagismo em adolescentes cubanos, resultados muito semelhantes aos descritos na literatura.

Résumé Objectif: Estimer la prévalence du tabagisme, caractériser les fumeurs adolescents selon leur consommation de tabac, décrire les adolescents étudiés selon certains facteurs individuels et familiaux liés au tabagisme et identifier les facteurs de risque et de protection du tabagisme dans leur foyer familial. Matériel et méthodes: Étude analytique transversale en deux phases, descriptive et analytique, réalisée de janvier a décembre 2016, dans la zone urbaine du secteur de santé de la policlinique «Pedro Esperón¼ a Bauta, Artemisa, Cuba. L'univers était composé de 4.773 adolescents agés de 10 a 19 ans. L'échantillon, sélectionné par grappes, incluait 348 adolescents et, pour chacun d'eux, un parent ou tuteur. Pour obtenir l'information, des questionnaires ont été élaborés, et l'observation et l'entrevue ont été utilisées. L'analyse statistique a été réalisée avec les tests d'indépendance du Chi carré et d'homogénéité, et la régression logistique. Les principes éthiques ont été pris en compte. Résultats: Forte prévalence du tabagisme (14,080 %) et age précoce d'initiation au tabac (13,5 ans); motifs de l'initiation: influence d'autres personnes, principalement d'amis (46,9 %), mode ou curiosité (42,9 %). 61,2 % consomment des cigarettes occasionnellement. Les lieux de consommation les plus courants sont les espaces de réunions festives (69,4 %), chez des amis (57,1%) et sur la voie publique (55,1 %). Habituellement, les adolescents fument avec des amis (83,7 %.). Les facteurs de risques sont l'estime de soi et la permissivité de la famille. Le nombre de personnes vivant avec les adolescents est un facteur de protection. Conclusions: L'étude permet de confirmer que la faible estime de soi et la permissivité des parents et des tuteurs en ce qui concerne le tabac augmente la probabilité de sa consommation chez les adolescents cubains, de façon tres similaire a ce qui est décrit dans la littérature.

[Astrocytoma and epilepsy. Clinical case]. / Astrocitoma y epilepsia. Caso clínico.

BACKGROUND: Pilocytic astrocytoma is a rare tumour, usually occurring in paediatric ages, and mainly located in the posterior fossa. It can cause hydrocephalus and intracranial hypertension and, less frequently, seizures, or a focal neurological deficit. The main imaging study by magnetic resonance imaging, which shows a tumour with solid and cystic components without peri-lesional swelling. The election treatment is surgical, and the patient is considered cured if a total resection is accomplished. CLINICAL CASE: The case is presented of 22-year-old female patient with a supratentorial pilocytic astrocytoma and epilepsy. Histopathology reported a low grade glial proliferation, with an extensive fibrillar matrix, small cells without atypia, extensive calcifications and piloid areas consisting of bipolar fusiform cells, and some Rosenthal fibres. There were also spongiotic areas consisting of multipolar cells and associated microcysts. The final report was a pilocytic astrocytoma. CONCLUSIONS: Pilocytic astrocytoma is more frequent in paediatric patients and in the posterior fossa. The case presented is of a young female adult with supratentorial location, making it a special case. The surgery achieved a total resection. The long-term prognosis is good, but it is necessary to perform a follow-up, particularly in adult patients because of a higher risk of recurrence.

Reporte de caso de síndrome FATCO: aplasia fibular, campomelia de tibia y oligosindactilia / A case report of a patient with FATCO syndrome: fibular aplasia, tibial campomelia and oligosyndactyly

El síndrome FATCO, por las siglas en inglés de aplasia fibular (Fibular Aplasia), campomelia de tibia (Tibial Campomelia) y oligosindactilia (Oligosyndactyly), es un conjunto de malformaciones óseas, en las que la alteración se centra en los huesos de la pierna. Es una entidad rara y hay pocos casos descritos en la Literatura internacional, y, hasta ahora, no se ha descrito ningún caso en Colombia. Presentamos aquí el caso de un recién nacido de sexo masculino con signos clínicos de manera prenatal y posnatal consistentes con síndrome FATCO sin otras malformaciones asociadas. Exponemos también una breve discusión sobre las diferentes malformaciones óseas y otros casos de FATCO en el mundo.

The FATCO syndrome, (Fibular Aplasia, Tibial Campomelia and Oligosyndactyly) are bone malformations with main alteration in lower limbs. It is a rare entity and there are few cases reported in international literature, and so far there are not published cases in Colombia. Here we present a case of a male newborn with prenatal and postnatal signs consistent with FATCO syndrome without other organs malformations, and there is a brief discussion about this syndrome and other different malformations associated with it.

[A case report of a patient with FATCO syndrome: fibular aplasia, tibial campomelia and oligosyndactyly]. / Reporte de caso de síndrome FATCO: aplasia fibular, campomelia de tibia y oligosindactilia.

The FATCO syndrome, (Fibular Aplasia, Tibial Campomelia and Oligosyndactyly) are bone malformations with main alteration in lower limbs. It is a rare entity and there are few cases reported in international literature, and so far there are not published cases in Colombia. Here we present a case of a male newborn with prenatal and postnatal signs consistent with FATCO syndrome without other organs malformations, and there is a brief discussion about this syndrome and other different malformations associated with it.

El síndrome FATCO, por las siglas en inglés de aplasia fibular (Fibular Aplasia), campomelia de tibia (Tibial Campomelia) y oligosindactilia (Oligosyndactyly), es un conjunto de malformaciones óseas, en las que la alteración se centra en los huesos de la pierna. Es una entidad rara y hay pocos casos descritos en la Literatura internacional, y, hasta ahora, no se ha descrito ningún caso en Colombia. Presentamos aquí el caso de un recién nacido de sexo masculino con signos clínicos de manera prenatal y posnatal consistentes con síndrome FATCO sin otras malformaciones asociadas. Exponemos también una breve discusión sobre las diferentes malformaciones óseas y otros casos de FATCO en el mundo.

[Suicidal ideation and associated factors in inmates of a prison of Antioquia, Colombia]. / Ideación suicida y factores asociados en internos de un establecimiento penitenciario de Antioquia (Colombia).

INTRODUCTION: Suicidal behavior shows high numbers in prison population; hence, the following research was developed, which aimed to identify the sociodemographic, family, personal and imprisonment factors that are associated with suicidal ideation in inmates of a prison of Antioquia, Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross descriptive study was carried out. It was applied the Suicide Orientation Inventory Test ISO-30, as well as a survey, in order to investigate sociodemographic, family and imprisonment aspects of a group of 154 inmates. Univariate and bivariate analysis were applied to the collected data by using Excel and OpenEpi programs. RESULTS: 14.9% had high suicidal ideation. By analyzing the distribution of high suicidal ideation in the variables studied, it was found that the highest rates occurred in those who had previous attempts, 61.1%; a history of domestic violence, 50.0%; no schooling, 33.3%; those with a family history of suicide, 28.6%; and those without a definite sentence 22.9%. A significant association was found between the ideation and having committed previous suicide attempts (P<.01; rp=7.4), belonging to households with domestic violence (P=.03; rp=4.0), being single (P=.04; rp=2.2) and being under 30 years old (P=.04; rp=2.1). CONCLUSIONS: The high suicidal rates are much greater than those found in the general population; it is therefore recommended to the professionals of the institution to address the risk factors found here, in order to develop prevention and intervention programs.

Ideación suicida y factores asociados en internos de un establecimiento penitenciario de Antioquia (Colombia) / Suicidal ideation and associated factors in inmates of a prison of Antioquia, Colombia

Introducción: La conducta suicida muestra altas cifras en población carcelaria; por ello se realizó la presente investigación, que tiene por objetivo identificar los factores sociodemográficos, familiares, personales y de reclusión asociados a la ideación suicida en internos de un establecimiento penitenciario de Antioquia, Colombia. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal. Se aplicó el Inventario de Orientación Suicida ISO-30 y una encuesta para indagar aspectos sociodemográficos, familiares y de reclusión de un grupo de 154 reclusos. De la información recolectada, se realizó un análisis univariable y bivariable con ayuda de los programas Excel y OpenEpi. Resultados: El 14,9% presentó ideación suicida alta. Al analizar la distribución de la ideación suicida alta en las variables estudiadas, se encontró que los porcentajes más altos se presentaron en los que tenían intento previo (61,1%), quienes presentaban antecedentes de violencia intrafamiliar en el hogar (50,0%), quienes no tenían escolaridad (33,3%), los que tenían antecedentes familiares de suicidio (28,6%) y los que no tenían definida la condena (22,9%). Se halló asociación significativa entre ideación y haber hecho intentos previos de suicidio (p < 0,01; rp = 7,4); provenir de hogares con violencia intrafamiliar (p = 0,03; rp = 4,0); estar soltero (p = 0,04; rp = 2,2) y ser menor de 30 años (p = 0,04; rp = 2,2). Conclusiones: Los porcentajes de ideación suicida alta son muy superiores a lo encontrado en población general, por lo que se recomienda a los profesionales de la institución abordar los factores de riesgo aquí hallados, con el fin de realizar programas de prevención e intervención.

Introduction: Suicidal behavior shows high numbers in prison population; hence, the following research was developed, which aimed to identify the sociodemographic, family, personal and imprisonment factors that are associated with suicidal ideation in inmates of a prison of Antioquia, Colombia. Material and methods: A cross descriptive study was carried out. It was applied the Suicide Orientation Inventory Test ISO-30, as well as a survey, in order to investigate sociodemographic, family and imprisonment aspects of a group of 154 inmates. Univariate and bivariate analysis were applied to the collected data by using Excel and OpenEpi programs. Results: 14.9% had high suicidal ideation. By analyzing the distribution of high suicidal ideation in the variables studied, it was found that the highest rates occurred in those who had previous attempts, 61.1%; a history of domestic violence, 50.0%; no schooling, 33.3%; those with a family history of suicide, 28.6%; and those without a definite sentence 22.9%. A significant association was found between the ideation and having committed previous suicide attempts (P<.01; rp = 7.4), belonging to households with domestic violence (P=.03; rp = 4.0), being single (P=.04; rp = 2.2) and being under 30 years old (P=.04; rp = 2.1). Conclusions: The high suicidal rates are much greater than those found in the general population; it is therefore recommended to the professionals of the institution to address the risk factors found here, in order to develop prevention and intervention programs.

Arginase-endothelial nitric oxide synthase imbalance contributes to endothelial dysfunction during chronic intermittent hypoxia.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), the main feature of obstructive sleep apnoea, is associated with impaired vascular function despite unaltered response to nitric oxide donors. This study addressed whether arginase contributes to the endothelial dysfunction in CIH rats. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed for 21 days to CIH (5% oxygen, 12 times/h, 8 h/day). The internal carotid arteries were isolated to study endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and arginase-1 levels by western blot and immunohistochemistry, and their vasoactive responses using wire myography. Relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP; nitric oxide donor) in the presence or absence of soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, and acetylcholine with and without a NOS inhibitor [N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA)] and the arginase inhibitor BEC were determined. RESULTS: Arteries from the CIH rats presented higher active contraction induced by KCl (3.5 ±â€Š0.4 vs. 2.3 ±â€Š0.2 N/m2), augmented media-to-lumen ratio (∼40%), decreased relaxation to acetylcholine (12.8 ±â€Š1.5 vs. 30.5 ±â€Š4.6%) and increased sensitivity to SNP (pD2 7.3 ±â€Š0.1 vs. 6.7 ±â€Š0.1). Arginase inhibition reversed the impaired acetylcholine-induced relaxation in CIH arteries (49.5 ±â€Š7.4%), an effect completely blocked by L-NA. In the carotid arteries, arginase-1 protein level was increased, whereas eNOS levels decreased in the CIH arteries. CONCLUSION: The current results suggest that endothelial dysfunction in CIH-induced hypertension may result from imbalanced arginase-1 to eNOS expression, vascular remodelling and increased contractile capacity, rather than decreased vascular response to nitric oxide.

Asociación entre factores ambientales y pautas de crianza con el Índice de Masa Corporal de preescolares de hogares infantiles de Floridablanca, Colombia / Relationship between environmental factors and child rearing practices on body mass index of preschool children residents of children's homes from Floridablanca, Colombia

The association of environmental factors and child rearing practices with body mass index z-score (BMIZ) in children residents of Children's Homes from Floridablanca, Colombia was studied. A random sample of 176 preschool children aged 3-6 years was weighed and measured, their parents or caregiver were also measured and they answered a survey. The generalized linear model showed that BMIZ increased significantly with children's age (β=0.02), children's sex (male β=0.27), mother's occupation (homemaker β=0.29), mother's overweight (β=0.20), person who accompanies children while they eat (relatives β=0,49; anyone or non-relative β=0.40), person who cooks (grandmother β=0.55), adequate time spent on eating by children (β=0.54), and overeating (0.51). BMIZ decreased significantly with mother's occupation (looking for a job or student β=-0.43), maternal history of hypertension (β=-0.26), motivation to eat (β=-0.59) and pressure to eat (β=-0.55).

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la asociación de factores ambientales y estilos de crianza con el puntaje z del Indice de Masa Corporal (IMCZ) en preescolares de los Hogares Infantiles de Floridablanca, Colombia. Una muestra aleatoria de 176 preescolares de 3 a 6 años fueron medidos y pesados; sus padres o cuidadores fueron medidos y respondieron una encuesta. El modelo lineal generalizado mostró que el IMCZ aumenta significativamente con la edad (β=0,02) y sexo del preescolar (masculino β=0,27), ocupación (ama de casa β=0,29) y sobrepeso de la madre (β=0,20), persona que lo acompaña mientras come (familiares β=0,49; ninguno o no familiares β=0,40), persona que prepara los alimentos (abuela β=0,55), comer en un tiempo adecuado (β=0,54), y comer demasiado (0,51). El IMCZ disminuye significativamente con la ocupación de la madre (buscando trabajo o estudianteβ=-0,43), antecedentes de hipertensión arterial maternos (β=-0,26), motivación para comer (β=-0,59), y presión para comer (β=-0,55).

Dunn's index for cluster tendency assessment of pharmacological data sets.

Cluster tendency assessment is an important stage in cluster analysis. In this sense, a group of promising techniques named visual assessment of tendency (VAT) has emerged in the literature. The presence of clusters can be detected easily through the direct observation of a dark blocks structure along the main diagonal of the intensity image. Alternatively, if the Dunn's index for a single linkage partition is greater than 1, then it is a good indication of the blocklike structure. In this report, the Dunn's index is applied as a novel measure of tendency on 8 pharmacological data sets, represented by machine-learning-selected molecular descriptors. In all cases, observed values are less than 1, thus indicating a weak tendency for data to form compact clusters. Other results suggest that there is an increasing relationship between the Dunn's index as a measure of cluster separability and the classification accuracy of various cluster algorithms tested on the same data sets.

Multiple desmoplastic cellular neurothekeomas localized to the face of a 16-year-old boy.

Cellular neurothekeomas are relative uncommon benign dermal tumors of uncertain histogenesis. Most commonly they arise as a solitary papule or nodule on the head and neck or upper trunk of young adults with a slight female predominance. There has been only 1 previous report of multiple neurothekeomas. The patient described herein was a 16-year-old otherwise healthy boy who presented with approximately 30 facial papules that arose over the course of 6 months and progressively enlarged. Histologically, all lesions were composed of spindled to epithelioid cells, but varied in the degree of cellularity and dermal sclerosis. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the cells of interest expressed S100A6, vimentin, CD63 (NKI/C3), PGP 9.5, and factor XIIIa and were negative for CD68, glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), S-100, HMB-45, epithelial membrane antigen, actin, and CD57 consistent with a diagnosis of multiple desmoplastic cellular neurothekeomas.

Multiple desmoplastic cellular neurothekeomas localized to the face of a 16-year-old boy.

Cellular neurothekeomas are relative uncommon benign dermal tumors of uncertain histogenesis. Most commonly they arise as a solitary papule or nodule on the head and neck or upper trunk of young adults with a slight female predominance. There has been only 1 previous report of multiple neurothekeomas. The patient described herein was a 16-year-old otherwise healthy boy who presented with approximately 30 facial papules that arose over the course of 6 months and progressively enlarged. Histologically, all lesions were composed of spindled to epithelioid cells, but varied in the degree of cellularity and dermal sclerosis. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the cells of interest expressed S100A6, vimentin, CD63 (NKI/C3), PGP 9.5, and factor XIIIa and were negative for CD68, glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), S-100, HMB-45, epithelial membrane antigen, actin, and CD57 consistent with a diagnosis of multiple desmoplastic cellular neurothekeomas.