Single-Person Households: Insights from a Household Survey of Fruit and Vegetable Purchases.

Despite the efforts made to promote consumption, some countries are not increasing their fruit and vegetable intake, while household structures are undergoing relevant changes. Fruit and vegetable consumption is necessary but not sufficient for a healthy diet. Previous research has linked adequate fruit and vegetable consumption to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some mental health conditions. Furthermore, millions of deaths are reported annually worldwide due to diets low in fruit and vegetables, highlighting their critical public health importance. This study aims to separately analyze the purchases of fruit and vegetables in single-person households. We used three waves of the Family Budget Survey, Encuesta de Presupuestos Familiares, in Chile, which is nationally representative of urban areas and includes over 10,000 households in each wave. We employed descriptive statistics to examine the characteristics of the head of household and the food shopper as well as the structure, composition, and overall characteristics of households. Additionally, we performed separate analyses for fruit and vegetable purchases, using these variables to determine the marginal effect on the probability of purchasing fruit or vegetables through probit models. Results show that, from 2011-2012 to 2021-2022, the share of households not purchasing fruit and vegetables increased from 5.0% to 8.4% and that, in single-person households, it rose from 11.2% to 19.1%. Male-headed, single-person households with low education and income were more likely not to purchase fruit, and these households also have decreasing vegetable purchases. Additionally, household income significantly impacts fruit purchases but does not significantly affect vegetable purchases. Our findings highlight the importance of considering single-person households as a target population segment for future public policies to promote fruit and vegetable consumption.

Unique root hydraulic and mechanical properties support the resilience of grapevines adapted to the Atacama Desert.

Cortical lacunae caused by drought, especially observed in hybrids originating from Vitis rupestris, disrupt the connection between roots and soil. Yet, the physiological processes behind lacuna formation during drought and its consistency across Vitis species remain unclear. Here, we used a root pressure probe to investigate fine root hydraulic and mechanical properties, in the arid-adapted R-65 and drought-susceptible 101-14Mgt cultivars. We then performed P-V curves, root sap osmolality, and electrolyte leakage (EL) and used fluorescent light microscopy techniques. Only 101-14Mgt showed lacunae formation during drought due to its stiffer cortical tissue, unlike R-65. Lacunae resulted in a notable decline in root hydraulic conductivity during severe drought, with increased EL and root sap osmolality, indicating potential cellular damage. R-65 displayed different and xerophyte-like characteristics featuring a higher turgor loss point and decreased root capacitance, essential for maintaining root structural integrity in arid conditions. Our findings highlight lacuna formation is impacted by root tissue elasticity possibly linked to specific Vitis species favoring deeper rooting. In arid-adapted grapevines, hydraulic regulators such as reduced turgor loss point, and root capacitance could contribute to enhanced drought tolerance.

Clinical-epidemiological characterization of patients with long COVID in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Long COVID is defined as the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms four weeks after having undergone acute infection, according to the most recent CDC definition. It is estimated that there are 65 million people affected by this entity, although other figures speak of 200 million. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the population affected by long COVID in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients older than 18 years who agreed to answer an online survey and who met the criteria for long COVID were included. RESULTS: Data from 203 subjects were included, with 138 (68.0%) being found to be females, and average age to be 41.8 years; 29.6% had severe disease, and 70.4%, mild to moderate disease; 89.7% had received prior COVID-19 vaccination: 6.9% had received one dose; 31.5%, two doses; and 51.2%, three or more doses. The main risk factors were diabetes, overweight or obesity, and hypertension. The most commonly reported symptom was fatigue, followed by other neuropsychiatric manifestations. CONCLUSION: It is important for the population affected by long COVID to be characterized in order to generate diagnostic and treatment protocols.

ANTECEDENTES: El COVID persistente se define como la persistencia de síntomas de COVID-19 después de cuatro semanas de cursar con un cuadro agudo, según la definición más reciente de los Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Se estima que existen 65 millones de personas afectadas por esta entidad, aunque algunos reportes indican 200 millones. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar a la población afectada por COVID persistente en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años que consintieron responder a una encuesta en línea y que cumplían los criterios de COVID persistente. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron los datos de 203 sujetos. Se identificó que 138 (68.0 %) contestaron ser del sexo femenino, con una media de edad de 41.8 años; 29.6 % presentó enfermedad grave y 70.4 %, enfermedad leve a moderada; 89.7 % había recibido vacunas previas para COVID-19: 6.9 %, una dosis; 31.5 %, dos dosis; y 51.2 %, tres o más dosis. Los principales factores de riesgo fueron diabetes, sobrepeso u obesidad e hipertensión arterial sistémica. El principal síntoma reportado fue fatiga, seguido de otras manifestaciones neuropsiquiátricas. CONCLUSIÓN: Es importante caracterizar a la población para generar protocolos de diagnóstico y tratamiento.

[Direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy at birth in Chile in 2020]. / Impacto directo e indirecto del COVID-19 en la esperanza de vida al nacer de Chile en el año 2020.

This article shows the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on life expectancy in Chile in 2020, based on mortality statistics published in March 2023. To this end, a counterfactual mortality was estimated for 2020 without COVID-19; based on the pattern of mortality by cause of death from 1997 to 2019, mortality charts were created to calculate life expectancy from 2015 to 2020 and an estimation for 2020, and the difference between expected and observed life expectancy in 2020 was then separated by age group and cause of death. Life expectancy in 2020 interrupted the upward trend from 2015 to 2019, showing a decline of 1.32 years in men and 0.75 years in women compared to 2019. Compared to the estimated 2020, life expectancy was 1.51 years lower in men and 0.92 years lower in women, but the direct impact of COVID-19 on the decrease in life expectancy was greater (1.89 for men and 1.5 for women) in the 60-84 age group in men and the 60-89 age group in women. The direct negative impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy was partially mitigated by significant positive indirect impacts on two groups of causes of death: diseases of the respiratory system and infectious and parasitic diseases. This study shows the need to differentiate direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19, due to the implications for public health when the intensity of COVID-19 decreases and mobility restrictions are suspended.

El artículo muestra el impacto directo e indirecto del COVID-19 en la esperanza de vida de Chile durante el año 2020, utilizando las estadísticas de defunciones definitivas publicadas en marzo del año 2023. Para ello, se estimó una mortalidad contrafactual para año 2020 sin el COVID-19, siguiendo el patrón de mortalidad según causas de muerte desde 1997 a 2019, se elaboraron tablas de mortalidad para calcular la esperanza de vida para los años 2015 a 2020 y para el año 2020 estimado, y luego se descompuso la diferencia entre la esperanza de vida esperada y observada del año 2020 según grupos de edad y causas de muerte. La esperanza de vida del año 2020 quiebra la tendencia a su aumento entre 2015 y 2019, mostrando un retroceso, en hombres y en mujeres, con respecto al año 2019, de 1,32 y 0,75 años respectivamente. Con respecto al año 2020 estimado, la esperanza de vida del 2020 observado es 1,51 años menor en hombres y 0,92 en mujeres, pero el impacto directo del COVID-19 en pérdida de esperanza de vida fue mayor, 1,89 para los hombres y 1,5 para las mujeres, concentrándose en las edades entre los 60 y 84 años en hombres y entre 60 y 89 años en mujeres. El impacto directo negativo del COVID-19 a la esperanza de vida en parte fue contrarrestado por impactos indirectos positivos significativos en dos grupos de causas de muerte, las enfermedades del sistema respiratorio y las enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias. El estudio muestra la necesidad de distinguir los impactos directos e indirectos del COVID-19, por la incidencia que pueden tener en la salud pública cuando el COVID-19 baje su intensidad y se eliminen las restricciones de movilidad.

Este artigo apresenta os impactos direto e indireto da COVID-19 na expectativa de vida no Chile em 2020 a partir de estatísticas de mortalidade publicadas em março de 2023. Para tanto, foi estimada uma mortalidade contrafactual para 2020 sem a COVID-19; a partir do padrão de mortalidade por causa de morte de 1997 a 2019, foram criadas tabelas de mortalidade para calcular a expectativa de vida para o período de 2015 a 2020 e para o ano estimado de 2020 e, em seguida, a diferença entre a expectativa de vida esperada e observada em 2020 foi separada por faixa etária e causa de morte. A expectativa de vida em 2020 interrompe a tendência de aumento entre 2015 e 2019, mostrando um declínio com relação a 2019 de 1,32 ano nos homens e 0,75 ano nas mulheres. Com relação ao ano estimado de 2020, a expectativa de vida observada é 1,51 ano menor nos homens e 0,92 nas mulheres, mas o impacto direto da COVID-19 na diminuição da expectativa de vida foi maior (1,89 para homens e 1,5 para mulheres), concentrando-se nas idades entre 60 e 84 anos nos homens e entre 60 e 89 anos nas mulheres. O impacto direto negativo da COVID-19 na expectativa de vida foi parcialmente atenuado por impactos indiretos positivos significativos em dois grupos de causas de morte: doenças do sistema respiratório e doenças infecciosas e parasitárias. Este estudo mostra a necessidade de diferenciar impactos diretos e indiretos da COVID-19, devido às implicações para a saúde pública quando a intensidade da COVID-19 diminuir e as restrições de mobilidade forem suspensas.

Beyond Tumors: Gastric Syphilis Emulating a Gastric Neoplasia.

We present the case of a 35-year-old male with a first-degree family history of gastric cancer (his father was diagnosed at the age of 45), who was presumed to have gastric cancer himself when evaluating the features of his upper endoscopy performed after hematemesis. Surprisingly, no cancer cells were found in the biopsies. Thanks to a different diagnostic suspicion subsequent to performing a full clinical history, a more favorable diagnosis was reached: gastric syphilis.

Successful management of pulmonary edema secondary to accidental electrocution in a young dog.

BACKGROUND: Human records describe pulmonary edema as a life-threatening complication of electric shock. Successful management requires prompt recognition and intensive care. However, in companion animals, electrocutions are rarely reported, even though domestic environments are full of electrical devices and there is always the possibility of accidental injury. Therefore, it is important for veterinarians to know more about this condition in order to achieve successful patient outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 3-month-old male Labrador Retriever was presented with a history of transient loss of consciousness after chewing on a household electrical cord. On admission, the puppy showed an orthopneic position with moderate respiratory distress. Supplemental oxygen via nasal catheter was provided, but the patient showed marked worsening of respiratory status. Point-of-care ultrasound exams suggested neurogenic pulmonary edema due to electrical shock close to the central nervous system and increased B-lines without evidence of cardiac abnormalities. Mechanical ventilation of the patient was initiated using volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 9 to 15 ml/kg until reaching an end-tidal carbon dioxide ≤ 40 mm Hg, followed by a stepwise lung-recruitment maneuver in pressure-controlled mode with increases of the peak inspiratory pressure (15 to 20 cm H2O) and positive end-expiratory pressure (3 to 10 cm H2O) for 30 min, and return to volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 15 ml/kg until reaching a peripheral oxygen saturation ≥ 96%. Weaning from the ventilator was achieved in six hours, and the patient was discharged two days after admission without neurological or respiratory deficits. CONCLUSIONS: We present a rather unusual case of a neurogenic pulmonary edema subsequent to accidental electrocution in a dog. Timely diagnosis by ultrasound and mechanical ventilation settings are described. Our case highlights that pulmonary edema should be considered a potentially life-threatening complication of electrical shock in small animal emergency and critical care medicine.

ß-lactam-induced OMV release promotes polymyxin tolerance in Salmonella enterica sv. Typhi.

The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a global concern, leading to a renewed reliance on older antibiotics like polymyxins as a last resort. Polymyxins, cationic cyclic peptides synthesized nonribosomally, feature a hydrophobic acyl tail and positively charged residues. Their antimicrobial mechanism involves initial interaction with Gram-negative bacterial outer-membrane components through polar and hydrophobic interactions. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), nano-sized proteoliposomes secreted from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, play a crucial role in tolerating harmful molecules, including cationic peptides such as polymyxins. Existing literature has documented environmental changes' impact on modulating OMV properties in Salmonella Typhimurium. However, less information exists regarding OMV production and characteristics in Salmonella Typhi. A previous study in our laboratory showed that S. Typhi ΔmrcB, a mutant associated with penicillin-binding protein (PBP, a ß-lactam antibiotic target), exhibited hypervesiculation. Consequently, this study investigated the potential impact of ß-lactam antibiotics on promoting polymyxin tolerance via OMVs in S. Typhi. Our results demonstrated that sub-lethal doses of ß-lactams increased bacterial survival against polymyxin B in S. Typhi. This phenomenon stems from ß-lactam antibiotics inducing hypervesiculation of OMVs with higher affinity for polymyxin B, capturing and diminishing its biologically effective concentration. These findings suggest that ß-lactam antibiotic use may inadvertently contribute to decreased polymyxin effectivity against S. Typhi or other Gram-negative bacteria, complicating the effective treatment of infections caused by these pathogens. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating the influence of ß-lactam antibiotics on the interaction between OMVs and other antimicrobial agents.

Red Dragon Fruit Peels: Effect of Two Species Ratio and Particle Size on Fibre Quality and Its Application in Reduced-Fat Alpaca-Based Sausages.

This research aimed to assess the influence of red dragon fruit peels ratio (RDF-PR) from two species, Hylocereus hybridum (HH) and Hylocereus undatus (HU), and particle size (PS) on quality parameters of red dragon fruit peel powder (RDF-PP) and its further application in emulsified alpaca-based sausages as partial substitutes of pork-back fat. A three-level full factorial design (nine treatments) was employed to evaluate the effect of RDF-PR (HH(0%):HU(100%), HH(50%):HU(50%), and HH(100%):HU(0%)) and PS (499-297, 296-177, and <177 µm) on the dependent variables: L*, a*, b*, C, h°, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, swelling capacity, pectin yield, degree of esterification (analysed through FT-IR), and crude fibre content. The data analysed through a response surface methodology showed that treatment one (T1) is the best with the optimised conditions at 100% HU RDF-PR and PS of <177 µm. The statistical validation of T1 exhibited the highest water-holding capacity (32.1 g/g peel), oil-holding capacity (2.20 g oil/g peel), and pectin yield (27.1%). A completely randomised design (four formulations) was then used to assess the effect of partial replacement of pork-back fat by T1 in emulsified alpaca-based sausages on the colourimetric, physicochemical, and texture properties (hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, springiness, adhesiveness, and adhesive force). Likewise, a sensory hedonic scale was employed to evaluate the appearance, colour, odour, flavour, texture, and overall acceptability of sausages. The results revealed that 65.7% of pork-back fat content was successfully replaced compared with a control formulation. Additionally, F3 showed significantly (p < 0.05) better colourimetric, physicochemical, and textural characteristics, such as lower hardness (34.8 N) and chewiness (21.7 N) and higher redness (a* = 19.3) and C (22.9), compared to a control formulation. This research presents RDF-PP as a promising fat substitute for developing healthier, reduced-fat meat products using fibre-rich agroindustry by-products.

Impacto directo e indirecto del COVID-19 en la esperanza de vida al nacer de Chile en el año 2020 / Direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy at birth in Chile in 2020 / Impacto direto e indireto da COVID-19 na expectativa de vida ao nascer no Chile em 2020

Resumen: El artículo muestra el impacto directo e indirecto del COVID-19 en la esperanza de vida de Chile durante el año 2020, utilizando las estadísticas de defunciones definitivas publicadas en marzo del año 2023. Para ello, se estimó una mortalidad contrafactual para año 2020 sin el COVID-19, siguiendo el patrón de mortalidad según causas de muerte desde 1997 a 2019, se elaboraron tablas de mortalidad para calcular la esperanza de vida para los años 2015 a 2020 y para el año 2020 estimado, y luego se descompuso la diferencia entre la esperanza de vida esperada y observada del año 2020 según grupos de edad y causas de muerte. La esperanza de vida del año 2020 quiebra la tendencia a su aumento entre 2015 y 2019, mostrando un retroceso, en hombres y en mujeres, con respecto al año 2019, de 1,32 y 0,75 años respectivamente. Con respecto al año 2020 estimado, la esperanza de vida del 2020 observado es 1,51 años menor en hombres y 0,92 en mujeres, pero el impacto directo del COVID-19 en pérdida de esperanza de vida fue mayor, 1,89 para los hombres y 1,5 para las mujeres, concentrándose en las edades entre los 60 y 84 años en hombres y entre 60 y 89 años en mujeres. El impacto directo negativo del COVID-19 a la esperanza de vida en parte fue contrarrestado por impactos indirectos positivos significativos en dos grupos de causas de muerte, las enfermedades del sistema respiratorio y las enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias. El estudio muestra la necesidad de distinguir los impactos directos e indirectos del COVID-19, por la incidencia que pueden tener en la salud pública cuando el COVID-19 baje su intensidad y se eliminen las restricciones de movilidad.

Abstract: This article shows the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on life expectancy in Chile in 2020, based on mortality statistics published in March 2023. To this end, a counterfactual mortality was estimated for 2020 without COVID-19; based on the pattern of mortality by cause of death from 1997 to 2019, mortality charts were created to calculate life expectancy from 2015 to 2020 and an estimation for 2020, and the difference between expected and observed life expectancy in 2020 was then separated by age group and cause of death. Life expectancy in 2020 interrupted the upward trend from 2015 to 2019, showing a decline of 1.32 years in men and 0.75 years in women compared to 2019. Compared to the estimated 2020, life expectancy was 1.51 years lower in men and 0.92 years lower in women, but the direct impact of COVID-19 on the decrease in life expectancy was greater (1.89 for men and 1.5 for women) in the 60-84 age group in men and the 60-89 age group in women. The direct negative impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy was partially mitigated by significant positive indirect impacts on two groups of causes of death: diseases of the respiratory system and infectious and parasitic diseases. This study shows the need to differentiate direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19, due to the implications for public health when the intensity of COVID-19 decreases and mobility restrictions are suspended.

Resumo: Este artigo apresenta os impactos direto e indireto da COVID-19 na expectativa de vida no Chile em 2020 a partir de estatísticas de mortalidade publicadas em março de 2023. Para tanto, foi estimada uma mortalidade contrafactual para 2020 sem a COVID-19; a partir do padrão de mortalidade por causa de morte de 1997 a 2019, foram criadas tabelas de mortalidade para calcular a expectativa de vida para o período de 2015 a 2020 e para o ano estimado de 2020 e, em seguida, a diferença entre a expectativa de vida esperada e observada em 2020 foi separada por faixa etária e causa de morte. A expectativa de vida em 2020 interrompe a tendência de aumento entre 2015 e 2019, mostrando um declínio com relação a 2019 de 1,32 ano nos homens e 0,75 ano nas mulheres. Com relação ao ano estimado de 2020, a expectativa de vida observada é 1,51 ano menor nos homens e 0,92 nas mulheres, mas o impacto direto da COVID-19 na diminuição da expectativa de vida foi maior (1,89 para homens e 1,5 para mulheres), concentrando-se nas idades entre 60 e 84 anos nos homens e entre 60 e 89 anos nas mulheres. O impacto direto negativo da COVID-19 na expectativa de vida foi parcialmente atenuado por impactos indiretos positivos significativos em dois grupos de causas de morte: doenças do sistema respiratório e doenças infecciosas e parasitárias. Este estudo mostra a necessidade de diferenciar impactos diretos e indiretos da COVID-19, devido às implicações para a saúde pública quando a intensidade da COVID-19 diminuir e as restrições de mobilidade forem suspensas.

Síndrome antifosfolípidos catastrófico en México. Revisión de la bibliografía / Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in Mexico. Literature review

El síndrome antifosfolípidos catastrófico (SAFC) es una entidad rara. Se han reportado aproximadamente 600 casos en todo el mundo, y se desconoce la prevalencia en México. Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia estimada de SAFC en México. Material y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de casos clínicos aislados o series de casos en los diversos buscadores, utilizando los términos «síndrome antifosfolípidos catastrófico» y «México», en mayo de 2022. Resultados: Encontramos una serie de casos retrospectivos en necropsias que incluyeron 12 casos, dos reportes que incluyeron 2 casos cada uno, y también se encontraron reportes de 11 casos clínicos aislados; estas publicaciones se generaron entre 2003 y 2020. En total, se tienen datos de 27 casos de SAFC, de los cuales 16 corresponden al síndrome antifosfolípidos primario, 10 en asociación con lupus eritematoso sistémico y 1 caso de esclerosis sistémica. La tasa de prevalencia estimada en la población mexicana en 2022 es de 2 casos por cada 10.000.000 de habitantes. La mortalidad estimada fue del 68% en esta serie de casos. Conclusión: Los casos de SAFC en México están subreportados; sin embargo, identificarlos ayudará a mejorar las estrategias diagnósticas y terapéuticas que se utilizan actualmente en el país, incentivando la implementación de la triple terapia y, en casos refractarios, el uso de eculizumab, para reducir la mortalidad actual. (AU)

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare entity, approximately 600 cases have been reported around the world, and the prevalence in Mexico is unknown. Objective: To determine the estimated prevalence of CAPS in Mexico. Material and methods: A literature search of isolated clinical cases or case series was conducted in diverse search engines, using the terms: «catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome» and «Mexico» in May 2022. Results: We found a series of retrospective cases in autopsies that included 12 cases, two reports that included 2 cases each, and reports of 11 isolated clinical cases; these publications were generated between 2003 and 2020. In total, we collected data on 27 cases of CAPS, of which 16 correspond to primary antiphospholipid syndrome, 10 are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 1 case corresponds to systemic sclerosis. The estimated prevalence rate in the Mexican population in 2022 is 2 cases per 10,000,000 inhabitants. The estimated mortality was 68% in this case series. Conclusion: Cases of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in Mexico are underreported; identifying them will help improve current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies used in the country, encouraging the implementation of triple therapy and, in refractory cases, the use of eculizumab, to reduce current mortality. (AU)

Revisiting food insecurity gender disparity.

Previous research has shown that woman-headed households, more than man-headed ones, experience food insecurity. The purpose of this article is to contribute on the determinants that are linked to this gender disparity. Using a nationally representative dataset from Chile, we found that food security household head gender disparity is associated with marital status (having or not a partner) and household composition (having children or seniors). In contrast, gender disparity is not strongly associated with household income and household head educational differences. In this way, we expect to bring evidence to inform new alternatives that help mitigate food security gender disparity.

Detection of Neuroendocrine Tumours by Enteroscopy: A Case Report.

We present the case of a 62-year-old patient who developed melenas and in whom conventional endoscopic tests could not detect any bleeding lesion. In our case, capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy were the pivotal elements in establishing the diagnosis of a neuroendocrine tumour with an atypical location. As a result, it was possible to surgically remove the lesions at an early stage of the malignancy without metastatic disease and without the need for adjuvant therapy. Our case demonstrates the need for these new techniques in tumours of atypical location and aggressive course. Otherwise, this malignancy may be underdiagnosed until an advanced stage.

[Intertwined long COVID theories to explain its etiopathogenesis]. / Teorías del long COVID entrelazadas para explicar su etiopatogenia.

This editorial lists the main current theories on long COVID, such as the theory of viral persistence and the one of immunothrombosis associated with deregulation of the immune system; it is discussed as well their interrelation, which finally explains the etiopathogenesis and physiopathology of this new syndrome that afflicts the survivors of COVID-19; it is also discussed the link between viral persistence with the formation of amyloid microthrombi based on the hypothesis that the spike protein causes amyloidogenesis, inducing organic chronic damage that will characterize long COVID.

En este editorial se enumeran las principales teorías actuales sobre el long COVID, como la teoría de la persistencia viral y la de la inmunotrombosis asociada a desregulación del sistema inmune; se discute también su interrelación, que explica la etiopatogenia y fisiopatología de este nuevo síndrome que aqueja a los sobrevivientes de COVID-19; se discute además un nexo entre la persistencia viral y la formación de microtrombos amiloides con base en la hipótesis de que la proteína spike condiciona amiloidogénesis, lo cual condicionará daño orgánico crónico que caracterizará al long COVID.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in Mexico. Literature review.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare entity, approximately 600 cases have been reported around the world, and the prevalence in Mexico is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the estimated prevalence of CAPS in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search of isolated clinical cases or case series was conducted in diverse search engines, using the terms: "Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome" and "Mexico" in May 2022. RESULTS: We found a series of retrospective cases in autopsies that included 12 cases, two reports that included 2 cases each, and reports of 11 isolated clinical cases; these publications were generated between 2003 and 2020. In total, we collected data on 27 cases of CAPS, of which 16 correspond to primary antiphospholipid syndrome, 10 are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 1 case corresponds to systemic sclerosis. The estimated prevalence rate in the Mexican population in 2022 is 2 cases per 10,000,000 inhabitants. The estimated mortality was 68% in this case series. CONCLUSION: Cases of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in Mexico are underreported; identifying them will help improve current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies used in the country, encouraging the implementation of triple therapy and, in refractory cases, the use of eculizumab, to reduce current mortality.

Reflexiones acerca de las cambiantes narrativas sobre las vacunas contra la COVID-19

Nos propusimos discernir en qué medida las estrategias mediáticas adoptadas en torno a las vacunas contra la COVID-19, a lo largo de los primeros 15 meses desde el comienzo de su aplicación, pueden considerarse aportes legítimos y coherentes para comprender mejor su desempeño, y en qué grado las narrativas elaboradas pudieran responder a intereses económicos de las élites corporativas. Una vez recopilados los elementos más relevantes con que se configuran las narrativas predominantes desde el momento en que se concibieron las vacunas, se identificaron diversas anomalías que resultaron, en mayor o menor medida, invisibilizadas en el proceso de su aprobación y de los resultados de su aplicación. Las más significativas conciernen al manejo de las definiciones, los incumplimientos de compromisos y los conflictos de interés que comprometen la actuación de las empresas comercializadoras y los entes reguladores de las vacunas. Numerosos elementos relacionados con los intereses corporativos han gravitado en la elaboración del relato sobre las vacunas. Entre los que reclaman resignificación se hallan: su capacidad preventiva real de contagios, evoluciones graves y muertes, su eficacia ante nuevas variantes, la duración de la inmunidad que confieren, sus efectos adversos, el papel sinérgico de la inmunidad adquirida y los recursos empleados por las empresas para conseguir un predominio virtualmente monopólico en el mercado.

We set out to discern to what extent the media strategies adopted around the vaccines against covid-19 during the first 15 months since the beginning of their application can be considered as a legitimate and coherent contributions to a better understanding about their performance and to what extent the elaborated discourses could respond to the economic interests of the corporations' elites. Once the most relevant elements that have shaped the predominant narratives from the moment the vaccines were conceived were compiled, several anomalies were identified that were to a greater or lesser extent invisibilized in the process of their approval and the results of their application. The most significant of these concern the handling of definitions, non-compliance with commitments and conflicts of interest that compromise the actions of vaccine marketing companies and regulatory bodies. Many elements related to corporative interests have influenced the narrative concerning vaccines. Among those that require a resignification are: their real preventive capacity against contagions, serious diseases and deaths, their efficacy against new variants, the duration of the immunity they confer, their side effects, the synergic role of acquired immunity, and the resources used by the companies to achieve a virtually market monopolistic predominance.

Propomo-nos discernir em que medida as estratégias mediáticas adotadas em torno das vacinas covid-19, ao longo dos primeiros 15 meses desde o início da sua aplicação, podem dar contribuições legítimas e coerentes para melhor compreender o seu desempenho, e em que medida as narrativas poderiam responder aos interesses econômicos das elites corporativas. Uma vez compilados os elementos mais relevantes com os quais se configuram as narrativas predominantes desde o momento em que as vacinas foram concebidas, foram identificadas diversas anomalias que foram, em maior ou menor medida, invisibilizadas no processo de sua aprovação e nos resultados de sua aplicação . As mais significativas dizem respeito à gestão de definições, descumprimentos de compromissos e conflitos de interesse que comprometem a atuação das empresas comercializadoras e dos órgãos reguladores das vacinas. Inúmeros elementos relacionados a interesses corporativos gravitaram na elaboração da história sobre vacinas. Entre os que demandam ressignificação estão: sua real capacidade preventiva de contágios, evoluções graves e óbitos, sua eficácia contra novas variantes, a duração da imunidade que se consolidou, seus efeitos adversos, o papel sinérgico da imunidade adquirida e os recursos utilizados. empresas para alcançar o domínio do monopólio virtual no mercado.