Protocatechuic acid as an inhibitor of lipid oxidation in meat.

Lipid oxidation is the principal driver of meat and meat product deterioration during shelf life, causing the loss of fresh meat color, flavor, and aroma. Currently, synthetic antioxidants are used to prevent oxidation, but increasing consumer demand for natural ones leaves the industry with few alternatives. In this study, protocatechuic acid (PCA), known to have high antioxidant activity, was evaluated as a potential inhibitor of meat lipid oxidation. For this purpose, the antioxidant capacity and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activity of PCA were evaluated in vitro, and a set of four experiments was conducted, treating minced meat with water (control), lactic acid (LA), rosmarinic acid (RA) and PCA, at different concentrations (1-12 mg mL-1), depending on the experiment. The potential antioxidant effect of PCA when applied to meat cubes was also evaluated, as well as the potential of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a delivery system for PCA. The in vitro results showed that PCA is a potent antioxidant and an effective LOX inhibitor at 1 mg mL-1. PCA effect on meat lipid oxidation prevention was dose-dependent, and at 2 mg mL-1, it inhibited color change by 50% and lipid peroxidation by up to 70% when compared to water-treated samples, performing better than RA at 0.25 mg mL-1. These results suggest that PCA is a promising molecule to the meat industry as a natural preservative for meat and meat products directly or in a formulation.

Biomimicking Atherosclerotic Vessels: A Relevant and (Yet) Sub-Explored Topic.

Atherosclerosis represents the etiologic source of several cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, and peripheral artery disease, which remain the leading cause of mortality in the world. Numerous strategies are being delineated to revert the non-optimal projections of the World Health Organization, by both designing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches or improving the interventional procedures performed by physicians. Deeply understanding the pathological process of atherosclerosis is, therefore, mandatory to accomplish improved results in these trials. Due to their availability, reproducibility, low expensiveness, and rapid production, biomimicking physical models are preferred over animal experimentation because they can overcome some limitations, mainly related to replicability and ethical issues. Their capability to represent any atherosclerotic stage and/or plaque type makes them valuable tools to investigate hemodynamical, pharmacodynamical, and biomechanical behaviors, as well as to optimize imaging systems and, thus, obtain meaningful prospects to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of treatment on a patient-specific basis. However, the broadness of possible applications in which these biomodels can be used is associated with a wide range of tissue-mimicking materials that are selected depending on the final purpose of the model and, consequently, prioritizing some materials' properties over others. This review aims to summarize the progress in fabricating biomimicking atherosclerotic models, mainly focusing on using materials according to the intended application.

Genetic Diversity of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Enteritidis from Human and Non-Human Sources in Portugal.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is one of the leading causes of foodborne infections associated with broilers and laying hens. Portugal has had the lowest notification rates of salmonellosis in recent years, due to the vaccinations of layer and breeder flocks and strict compliance with biosecurity measures. However, data about the genetic diversity of S. Enteritidis in Portugal are scarce. In this study, 102 S. Enteritidis isolates selected from human (n = 63) and non-human sources (n = 39) were characterized by serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility, and whole genome sequencing. The S. Enteritidis population was mainly resistant to fluoroquinolones, and a sole isolate showed resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. ST11 was the most frequent sequence type, and three novel STs from human isolates (ST9236, ST4457, and ST9995) were assigned. Several Salmonella pathogenic islands (SPI) and Putative SPI were present in the genomes, namely SPI-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 14, C63PI, CS54_island, and 170 virulence genes were identified. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that strains from Portugal are genetically heterogeneous regarding sample type, collection date, and genetic content. This study increases the available data, essential to a better characterization of strains in a global context.

Preprocedural Planning of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A Review of the Use of Additive Manufacturing.

Stroke is a significant public health problem, with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) being one of its main causes. This cardiovascular arrhythmia predisposes to the production of intracardiac thrombi, mostly formed in the left atrial appendage (LAA). When there are contraindications to treatment with oral anticoagulants, another therapeutic option to reduce the possibility of thrombus formation in the LAA is the implantation of an occlusion device by cardiac catheterization. The effectiveness of LAA occlusion is dependent on accurate preprocedural device sizing and proper device positioning at the LAA ostium, to ensure sufficient device anchoring and avoid peri-device leaks. Additive manufacturing, commonly known as three-dimensional printing (3DP), of LAA models is beginning to emerge in the scientific literature to address these challenges through procedural simulation. This review aims at clarifying the impact of 3DP on preprocedural planning of LAA occlusion, specifically in the training of cardiac surgeons and in the assessment of the perfect adjustment between the LAA and the biomedical implant.

Type I acquired cutis laxa: Report of a unique progressive case and short review.

Cutis laxa is a rare connective tissue disorder, characterized by a reduced number and abnormal properties of elastic fibers throughout the dermis, creating a clinical appearance of premature aging. It can be subdivided into inherited and acquired, the latter rarer than the former, and skin involvement may be localized or generalized. The etiology of acquired cutis laxa (ACL) remains unknown and there is no definitive treatment. We present the case of a 30-year-old man diagnosed with type I ACL with progressive systemic involvement at the renal, pulmonary, and digestive levels. Histological analysis of the skin revealed reduction and fragmentation of elastic fibers. Immunosuppressive treatment was started with prednisone, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab, with which a complete response to proteinuria was achieved and the progression of lung damage was limited. Autoimmune, infectious, and neoplastic diseases were ruled out.

Influence of visceral adiposity on cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, generalized fibrosis and high cardiovascular mortality. The evaluation of cardiovascular risk through the visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been helpful due to its direct relationship to the body and visceral fat percentage. We evaluated the influence of body composition and anthropometrics on cardiovascular risk as measured by VAI in healthy controls (HC) and SSc. An analytical cross-sectional study of 66 participants (33 SSc and 33 HC), mean age 52.7 ± 10, 95% women, was conducted from August 2020 to January 2021. Inclusion criteria in cases were consecutive patients with SSc (ACR/EULAR 2013), 63.6% were diffuse cutaneous (dcSS) subtype, and 36.4 were limited cutaneous (lcSS) subtype. HC was matched by age and gender. Serum lipid profiles and InBody anthropometrics were analyzed and compared. We performed descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis with Student's t, or Mann-Whitney U, correlation and chi-square according to the variable type and distribution. Total cholesterol was significantly higher in SSc than HC (345 vs 194, p = < 0.001). The BMI was higher in HC (26.2 vs 28.9, p < 0.001). Kilograms of muscle (19.8 vs 28.9, p < 0.001) and total fat (23.4 vs 28.9, p < 0.001) were lower in SSc patients compared to HC. VAI was similar when BMI < 25, but significantly higher when BMI > 25 in SSc than in HC (3 vs 1.9, p = 0.030). The increase in BMI at overweight or obese in SSc is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular risk.

Increased IL-12p70 and IL-8 Produced by Monocytes in Response to Streptococcus spp. and Actinomyces spp. Causals of Endodontic Primary Infections.

We sought to evaluate the effect of endodontic-causative microorganisms of primary infections on mononuclear cells such as CD14+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ and Tregs Foxp3+. Facultative anaerobic microorganisms were isolated from radicular conducts and peripheral blood samples, which were taken from patients with primary infections. Cellular cultures were performed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with and without Actinomyces spp. and Streptococcus spp. during 48, 72, and 96 h of contact in culture (concentration 5 × 105 cells/well) in a round plate bound with 48 wells. Later, PBMC was collected for analysis by flow cytometry, with the monoclonal antibodies αCD14, αCD4, αCD8, αCD19 and αFoxp3, and acquired using an FACSCanto II cytometer. The supernatant of cellular cultures was analyzed for the quantification of inflammatory cytokines. Data analysis was performed in FlowJo v10.8.2 and FCAPArray software, and statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad v5.0. software. We observed an increase in the percentage of CD14+ cells in patients at different hours of cellular culture in the presence of both Actinomyces spp. and Streptococcus spp. microorganisms, compared to healthy controls. This study demonstrates the role played by the innate immune system in the pathogeny of endodontic primary infections, explaining the effects that generate the more common microorganisms in this oral pathology.

Efficacy of the HBW Ultrasonic Ring for retrieval of fragmented manual or rotatory instruments.

A study was conducted to evaluate the success rates of bypassing or removing fragments of instruments that had fractured within the roots of mandibular molars using a HBW Ultrasonic Ring. Forty extracted first permanent mandibular molars with root canal curvature were included. The teeth were distributed randomly into four groups according to the type of instrument and the root canal third where they had fractured. The success rate for removal of instrument fragments was 100% for both of two stainless steel groups, 90% for a nitinol middle third group, and 80% for a nitinol apical third group. The mean time required for instrument removal was around 40 min. The HBW Ultrasonic Ring showed acceptable experimental results for retrieval of broken instrument fragments.

Elimination of E. faecalis and C. albicans Biofilm: A comparison between single and multiple file systems in an Ex Vivo study

To evaluate whether the WaveOne Gold and Reciproc single file instrumentation systems, are effective in reducing the microbial load of a mixed biofilm and the cleaning of apical third compared to the Twisted File Adaptive system (multiple- file system). Seventy mesial roots of the first and second molars were included and randomly divided into three experimental groups (n=20, n=10 controls). Biofilms were formed inside canals over 31 days. After instrumentation with the unique file systems, WaveOne Gold and Reciproc and the multiple file system Twisted File Adaptive, using 2.25% sodium hypochlorite as an irrigant in all cases, a count of colony forming units was performed using serial dilutions, cleaning of the apical third was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Comparisons amongst groups were made by using parametric and non-parametric statistics, according to a normal or non-normal data distribution, respectively. No significant differences in the reduction of the microbial load after employing a single-file system in comparison to the multiple-file system were found; in addition, the cleaning of the apical third was similar for the three different instrumentation systems. The single-file system is equal in effectiveness compared with the multiple-file system in reducing the microbial load.

Evaluar si los sistemas de instrumentación de lima única, como WaveOne Gold y Reciproc son efectivos para reducir la carga microbiana de un biofilm mixto y la limpieza del tercio apical, comparado con los sistemas de limas múltiples, como Twisted File Adaptive. Setenta raíces mesiales de primeros y segundos molares fueron incluidos y divididos de forma aleatoria en tres grupos experimentales (n=20, n=10 controles). El biofilm fue formado en el interior de los conductos durante 31 días. Después se instrumentó con los sistemas de lima única (WaveOne Gold y Reciproc) y el sistema de limas múltiples Twisted File Adaptive, usando hipoclorito de sodio al 2.5% en todos los casos. El conteo de unidades formadoras de colonias se realizó usando diluciones seriales, la limpieza del tercio apical se evaluó empleando el microscopio electrónico de barrido. La comparación entre grupos se realizó con pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas, de acuerdo con la distribución normal y no normal de los datos, respectivamente. No hubo una diferencia significativa en la reducción de la carga microbiana después de emplear los sistemas de lima única en comparación a los de limas múltiples, además, la limpieza del tercio apical fue similar en los 3 diferentes sistemas de instrumentación. Los sistemas de lima única son igual de efectivos para reducir la carga microbiana comparados con los sistemas de limas múltiples.

Antioxidant effects of phenolic extract from sugarcane straw and mannan extract from brewer's spent yeast on fresh-cut apples.

BACKGROUND: Fresh-cut fruit are convenient ready-to-eat products increasingly demanded by consumers, but highly susceptible to oxidation. To increase the shelf life of these products, this industry is currently facing the challenge of finding sustainable natural preservatives capable of maintaining fresh-cut fruit quality while meeting consumers' expectations regarding health and environmental concerns. RESULTS: In this work, fresh-cut apple slices were treated with two antioxidant extracts derived from industrial by-products: a phenolic-rich extract produced from sugarcane straw (PE-SCS) and applied at 15 g L-1 , and a mannan-rich extract obtained from brewer's spent yeast (MN-BSY) applied at two concentrations: 1 and 5 g L-1 . PE-SCS, having a brown color, imparted a brownish hue to the fruit and increased the browning rate during storage, and not even the initial robust antioxidant response (high superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase activities), prevented oxidation. Fruit treated with MN-BSY extract at 5 g L-1 showed lower color loss rate and higher polyphenol oxidase inhibition, while at 1 g L-1 it showed lower firmness loss rate and lower lipid peroxidation after 6 days of storage. CONCLUSION: The results showed that PE-SCS triggers a potent antioxidant response in fresh-cut fruit and, despite it imparting a brown color to the fruit at 15 g L-1 , it may have potential for application at lower concentrations. Regarding MN-BSY, it generally decreased oxidative stress, but its effect on quality maintenance was dependent on the concentration and, thus, to confirm its potential as a fruit preservative more concentrations must be tested. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

New Onset Autoimmune Diseases after the Sputnik Vaccine.

The vertiginous advance for identifying the genomic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 allowed the development of a vaccine including mRNA-based vaccines, inactivated viruses, protein subunits, and adenoviral vaccines such as Sputnik. This study aims to report on autoimmune disease manifestations that occurred following COVID-19 Sputnik vaccination. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with new-onset autoimmune diseases induced by a post-COVID-19 vaccine between March 2021 and December 2022, in two referral hospitals in Mexico City and Argentina. The study evaluated patients who received the Sputnik vaccine and developed recent-onset autoimmune diseases. Results: Twenty-eight patients developed recent-onset autoimmune diseases after Sputnik vaccine. The median age was 56.9 ± 21.7 years, with 14 females and 14 males. The autoimmune diseases observed were neurological in 13 patients (46%), hematological autoimmune manifestations occurred in 12 patients (42%), with thrombotic disease observed in 10 patients (28%), and autoimmune hemolytic anemia in two patients (7.1%). Rheumatological disorders were present in two patients (7.1%), and endocrine disorders in one patient (3.5%). Principio del formulario Conclusion: Although the COVID-19 Sputnik vaccine is generally safe, it can lead to adverse effects. Thrombosis and Guillain-Barre were the most frequent manifestations observed in our group of patients.

Skincare potential of a sustainable postbiotic extract produced through sugarcane straw fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Postbiotics are defined as a "preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host." They can be produced by fermentation, using culture media with glucose (carbon source), and lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, and/or yeast, mainly Saccharomyces cerevisiae as fermentative microorganisms. Postbiotics comprise different metabolites, and have important biological properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, etc.), thus their cosmetic application should be considered. During this work, the postbiotics production was carried out by fermentation with sugarcane straw, as a source of carbon and phenolic compounds, and as a sustainable process to obtain bioactive extracts. For the production of postbiotics, a saccharification process was carried out with cellulase at 55°C for 24 h. Fermentation was performed sequentially after saccharification at 30°C, for 72 h, using S. cerevisiae. The cells-free extract was characterized regarding its composition, antioxidant activity, and skincare potential. Its use was safe at concentrations below ~20 mg mL-1 (extract's dry weight in deionized water) for keratinocytes and ~ 7.5 mg mL-1 for fibroblasts. It showed antioxidant activity, with ABTS IC50 of 1.88 mg mL-1 , and inhibited elastase and tyrosinase activities by 83.4% and 42.4%, respectively, at the maximum concentration tested (20 mg mL-1 ). In addition, it promoted the production of cytokeratin 14, and demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity at a concentration of 10 mg mL-1 . In the skin microbiota of human volunteers, the extract inhibited Cutibacterium acnes and the Malassezia genus. Shortly, postbiotics were successfully produced using sugarcane straw, and showed bioactive properties that potentiate their use in cosmetic/skincare products.

Type D Adipsia with Severe Hypernatremia: A Unique Presentation of an Extensive Intracranial Germinoma.

Intracranial germ cell tumors are uncommon brain tumors; germinoma is the most common tumor in children and young adults, and the most common regions affected are pineal gland and suprasellar region. Germinomas of the suprasellar region are accompanied by endocrine alterations, with adipsia being a rare presentation. Here, we present the case of a patient with an extensive intracranial germinoma whose initial presentation was adipsia, without any other endocrinological alteration, with development of severe hypernatremia and unusual manifestations derived from it, such as deep vein thrombosis, myopathy with rhabdomyolysis, and neurological axonal damage.

Late diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis: a case report.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by the formation of hamartomas in organ systems such as the brain, skin, kidneys and lungs. Patients with TSC are usually diagnosed early in life. However, in some cases, the diagnosis is delayed until adulthood because various manifestations occur at various times throughout an individual's life. In this regard, we present the case of a female patient diagnosed at the beginning of the seventh decade of life. The patient had a history of seizures and showed clinical findings on the skin (facial angiofibromas, ungual fibromas, 'Confetti-like' skin lesions, shagreen patch), brain (cortical tubers), heart (cardiac rhabdomyomas), kidneys (angiomyolipomas) and a positive genetic test for mutations in TSC2, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria. We compared the differences between manifestations in patients diagnosed during childhood and adulthood. Knowledge of the clinical spectrum of TSC allows early identification.

Building an International One Health Strain Level Database to Characterise the Epidemiology of AMR Threats: ESBL-AmpC Producing E. coli as An Example-Challenges and Perspectives.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top public health threats nowadays. Among the most important AMR pathogens, Escherichia coli resistant to extended spectrum cephalosporins (ESC-EC) is a perfect example of the One Health problem due to its global distribution in animal, human, and environmental sources and its resistant phenotype, derived from the carriage of plasmid-borne extended-spectrum and AmpC ß-lactamases, which limits the choice of effective antimicrobial therapies. The epidemiology of ESC-EC infection is complex as a result of the multiple possible sources involved in its transmission, and its study would require databases ideally comprising information from animal (livestock, companion, wildlife), human, and environmental sources. Here, we present the steps taken to assemble a database with phenotypic and genetic information on 10,763 ESC-EC isolates retrieved from multiple sources provided by 13 partners located in eight European countries, in the frame of the DiSCoVeR Joint Research project funded by the One Health European Joint Programme (OH-EJP), along with its strengths and limitations. This database represents a first step to help in the assessment of different geographical and temporal trends and transmission dynamics in animals and humans. The work performed highlights aspects that should be considered in future international efforts, such as the one presented here.

Use of a Cellulase from Trichoderma reesei as an Adjuvant for Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm Disruption in Combination with Antibiotics as an Alternative Treatment in Secondary Endodontic Infection.

Apical periodontitis is an inflammation leading to the injury and destruction of periradicular tissues. It is a sequence of events that starts from root canal infection, endodontic treatment, caries, or other dental interventions. Enterococcus faecalis is a ubiquitous oral pathogen that is challenging to eradicate because of biofilm formation during tooth infection. This study evaluated a hydrolase (CEL) from the fungus Trichoderma reesei combined with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid as a treatment against a clinical E. faecalis strain. Electron microscopy was used to visualize the structure modification of the extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilms were developed on human dental apices using standardized bioreactors to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of the treatment. Calcein and ethidium homodimer assays were used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity in human fibroblasts. In contrast, the human-derived monocytic cell line (THP-1) was used to evaluate the immunological response of CEL. In addition, the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were measured by ELISA. The results demonstrated that CEL did not induce the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α when compared with lipopolysaccharide used as a positive control. Furthermore, the treatment combining CEL with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid showed excellent antibiofilm activity, with a 91.4% reduction in CFU on apical biofilms and a 97.6% reduction in the microcolonies. The results of this study could be used to develop a treatment to help eradicate persistent E. faecalis in apical periodontitis.

Plasmid-Mediated Colistin Resistance Genes mcr-1 and mcr-4 in Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from a Healthy Pig in Portugal.

Antimicrobial resistance encoded by mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes is a global and emergent threat. In this study, we report the occurrence of two different populations of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli harboring mcr-1 and mcr-4 variants in the intestinal microbiome of a healthy pig. Following antimicrobial susceptibility determination, the presence of mcr genes in two E. coli strains, isolated according to different selective microbiological procedures, was screened by PCR. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed that both strains were multidrug-resistant; INIAV_002EC was an AmpC producer carrying blaCMY-2, blaTEM-1B, qnrS1, mcr-1.1 genes, and INIAV_001EC carrying blaTEM-1A, tetB, and mcr-4.1 genes, along with mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions. In addition, both strains harbored sul3, dfrA, and aadA1 determinants. Further genome analysis revealed different plasmid replicons associated with the mcr genes, IncX4 associated with mcr-1.1, and ColE10 with mcr-4.1. In addition, other replicons, including IncFIA, IncI1-Iγ, IncX1, IncY, in INIAV_002EC, and IncX1, IncI1, and p0111, in INIAV_001EC, were identified. Furthermore, both strains belonged to ST215 serotype O68:H12 and ST156 serotype O25:H28, respectively. This finding highlights the pig gut flora as a potential reservoir of mobile colistin resistance genes and reports the presence of the mcr-4.1 gene found for the first time in Portugal.

Low testosterone levels as an independent risk factor for mortality in male patients with COVID-19: Report of a Single-Center Cohort Study in Mexico / Niveles bajos de testosterona como factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad en pacientes masculinos con COVID-19: Informe de un estudio de cohorte de un solo centro en México

Introduction and objectives: Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a greater severity and lethality of the disease has been highlighted in male patients, so we set out to evaluate the prognostic role of serum testosterone levels in the clinical results of this population. Methods: In this single-center and cross-sectional design, we included male patients admitted to our hospital with COVID-19 confirmed diagnosis. The biochemical analysis included lymphocytes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. Receiver operating characteristic curves, univariate and bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression for multivariate analysis were performed. A p value<0.05 was consider significant. Results: From 86 men included, 48.8% died. TT levels were lower in non-survivor patients than in survivor patients (4.01nmol/L [0.29–14.93] vs 5.41 (0.55–25.08) nmol/L, p=0.021). The independent risk factors that increased the relative risk (RR) of dying from COVID-19 were: age>59 years (RR 3.5 [95% IC 1.0–11.6], p=0.045), TT levels<4.89nmol/L (RR 4.0 [95% IC 1.2–13.5], p=0.027) and LDH levels>597IU/L (RR 3.9 [95% IC 1.2–13.1], p=0.024). Patients who required mechanical ventilation (p=0.025), had lymphopenia (p=0.013) and LDH levels>597IU/L (p=0.034), had significantly lower TT levels compared to those who did not present these conditions. There were no differences in TT levels between patients who had or did not have comorbidities. Conclusions: A TT level<4.89nmol/L increase four times the RR of death from COVID-19 in men, regardless of age or presence of comorbidities. (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: A lo largo de la pandemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19), se ha destacado una mayor gravedad y letalidad de la enfermedad en pacientes del sexo masculino, por lo que nos propusimos evaluar el papel pronóstico de los niveles séricos de testosterona en los resultados clínicos de esta población. Métodos: En este diseño transversal de un único centro, incluimos a pacientes masculinos ingresados en nuestro hospital con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. El análisis bioquímico incluyó linfocitos, lactato deshidrogenasa (LDH), testosterona total (TT), dehidroepiandrosterona, hormona estimulante del folículo y hormona luteinizante. Se elaboraron curvas «característica operativa del receptor», análisis univariado y bivariado y regresión logística binaria para análisis multivariado. Se consideró significativo un valor de p<0,05. Resultados: De los 86 hombres incluidos, el 48,8% falleció. El nivel de TT fue más bajo en los pacientes no supervivientes que en los supervivientes (4,01 [0,29-14,93] nmol/L vs. 5,41 [0,55-25,08] nmol/L; p=0,021). Los factores de riesgo independientes que aumentaron el riesgo relativo (RR) de muerte por COVID-19 fueron: edad>59 años (RR 3,5: IC 95% 1,0-11,6; p=0,045), cifra de TT<4,89 nmol/L (RR 4,0; IC 95%: 1,2-13,5; p=0,027) y de LDH>597 UI/L (RR 3,9; IC 95%: 1,2-13,1; p=0,024). Los pacientes que requirieron ventilación mecánica (p=0,025), tenían linfopenia (p=0,013), un nivel de LDH>597 UI/L (p=0,034) y de TT significativamente más bajos que aquellos que no presentaban estas condiciones. No hubo diferencias en los niveles de TT entre los pacientes que tenían o no comorbilidades. Conclusiones: Un nivel de TT<4,89 nmol/L aumenta 4 veces el RR de muerte por COVID-19 en hombres, independientemente de la edad o la presencia de comorbilidades. (AU)

Correlation between bacterial type/bacterial quantity and bone loss detected by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in primary endodontic infections / Correlación entre el tipo y cantidad de bacterias y la pérdida ósea detectada por Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico (CBCT) en infecciones endodóncicas primarias

Abstract Periapical lesions (PL) of endodontic origin are one of the most common pathological conditions that affect peri-radicular tissues. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the amount and species of microorganisms isolated from necrotic pulps, establish a correlation between these and the size of periapical lesions, and how the amount and species of microorganisms decreased with non-surgical root canal treatment. Twenty-seven patients with a clinical diagnosis of dental pulp necrosis and chronic periapical lesions were selected; a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and microbial samples of the root canal system were taken previous to a disinfection protocol, a post-instrumentation/ disinfection protocol, and a post-medication placement. Samples were processed for colony-forming unit (CFU) counting, Gram staining technique, and bacterial identification by the API-20 Strep/API-20A system. The API system identified 21 species of microorganisms in the pre-instrumentation samples, 11 species in the post-instrumentation samples, and 11 in the post-medication samples. There was a correlation coefficient of 0.598% between the initial size of the lesion and the number of bacteria, with a coefficient of determination up to 35.7%, a correlation coefficient of 0.486% and a determination coefficient of 23.6% between the size of the periapical lesion and the number of CFUs. This study contributes to the knowledge of the amount and species of microorganisms isolated and identified from necrotic pulps, establishes a correlation between the amount and species of microorganisms and the size of the periapical lesions, and shows how the decrease of microorganisms contributes to the healing of PL, corroborating the importance of an adequate disinfection protocol.

Resumen Las lesiones periapicales (LP) de origen endodóncico son la condición patológica más común que afectan los tejidos perirradiculares. El objetivo principal de este estudio es evaluar la cantidad y especie de bacterias aisladas de pulpas necróticas, correlacionar la cantidad y especies bacterianas con el tamaño de la lesión, y cómo disminuyen la cantidad y especies de microorganismos con el tratamiento de conductos. A 27 pacientes con diagnóstico de necrosis pulpar y lesión periapical crónica detectada con CBCT se les tomaron muestras microbianas del sistema de conductos antes y después del protocolo de desinfección y de la medicación intraconducto. Las muestras se procesaron para el recuento de unidades de formación de colonias (UFC), tinción de Gram e identificación mediante el sistema API-20 Strep/API-20A. Se identificaron 21 especies en las muestras pre-instrumentación, 11 en las muestras post-instrumentación y 11 en las muestras post-medicación; se observó un coeficiente de correlación del 0,598% entre el tamaño inicial de la lesión y la cantidad de bacterias, con un coeficiente de determinación hasta el 35,7%, un coeficiente de correlación del 0,486% y un coeficiente de determinación del 23,6% entre el tamaño de la lesión periapical y el número de UFCs. Este estudio contribuye al conocimiento sobre la cantidad y especies de microorganismos aislados e identificados a partir de pulpas necróticas, establece una correlación entre la cantidad y especies de microorganismos y el tamaño de las lesiones periapicales y exhibe cómo la disminución de microorganismos contribuye a la curación de LP, corroborando la importancia de un adecuado protocolo de desinfección.

Understanding Atherosclerosis Pathophysiology: Can Additive Manufacturing Be Helpful?

Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although this subject arouses much interest, there are limitations associated with the biomechanical investigation done in atherosclerotic tissues, namely the unstandardized tests for the mechanical characterization of these tissues and the inherent non-consensual results obtained. The variability of tests and typologies of samples hampers direct comparisons between results and hinders the complete understanding of the pathologic process involved in atherosclerosis development and progression. Therefore, a consensual and definitive evaluation of the mechanical properties of healthy and atherosclerotic blood vessels would allow the production of physical biomodels that could be used for surgeons' training and personalized surgical planning. Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, has attracted significant attention due to the potential to fabricate biomodels rapidly. However, the existing literature regarding 3D-printed atherosclerotic vascular models is still very limited. Consequently, this review intends to present the atherosclerosis disease and the consequences of this pathology, discuss the mechanical characterization of atherosclerotic vessels/plaques, and introduce AM as a potential strategy to increase the understanding of atherosclerosis treatment and pathophysiology.