Concomitant Serological and Molecular Methods for Strongyloides stercoralis Screening in an Endemic Area of Spain.

Strongyloidiasis is a widespread parasitic disease that can be life-threatening in immunosuppressed people. In the Mediterranean basin, autochthonous cases coexist with imported ones. We aimed to assess the utility of different screening methods, along with the frequency of strongyloidiasis and its associated risk factors in migrants and the native population. This cross-sectional study took place from 2019 to 2022 in the area of the Vega Baja Hospital in Alicante, Spain. Screening was performed in people who were immunosuppressed, at risk of immunosuppression, with blood asymptomatic eosinophilia, and in asymptomatic people from highly endemic countries. Screening methods were serological techniques (ELISA), stool parasitological tests (fecal concentration methods and agar plate culture), and a stool molecular test (PCR). Of the 168 participants (62.5% males, 53.0% migrants, 36.3% immunosuppressed, median age 57 years), 14 (8.3%) had confirmed strongyloidiasis, where 6 were confirmed by serology, 4 by PCR, and 4 by both methods. Overall, 9% of the migrants and 7.6% of the native-born patients were infected. Elevated IgE and hemoglobin and Latin American origin were associated with strongyloidiasis diagnosis. Screening with serology alone would have missed 28.6% of cases. We conclude that strongyloidiasis prevalence is high in our population, both in native and migrant groups, and stool PCR is a useful tool to increase case detection.

Methodological and Statistical Considerations for Cross-Sectional, Case-Control, and Cohort Studies.

Epidemiological studies are essential in medicine and public health as they help identify risk factors and causes of diseases. Additionally, they are key to planning, implementing, and evaluating health interventions aimed at preventing and controlling the spread of diseases. Among these studies, analytical observational studies, such as cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies, are the most used. The validity of their results largely depends on the robustness of the design, execution, and statistical analysis. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the most common errors in the selection of methodological design and statistical tests in analytical observational studies and to provide recommendations to correct them. Methodology: A comprehensive review of the available literature on methodology in epidemiological observational studies was conducted, focusing on cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. Common errors in the selection of designs and statistical tests were identified and analyzed. Results and Conclusions: Errors in the selection of methodological design and statistical tests are common in epidemiological observational studies. Based on the identified errors, a series of recommendations is provided to improve the selection of methodological design and statistical tests, thereby increasing the reliability of the results in cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies.

Intestinal Dysbiosis in Subjects with Obesity from Western Mexico and Its Association with a Proinflammatory Profile and Disturbances of Folate (B9) and Carbohydrate Metabolism.

Obesity is a public health problem with a growing prevalence worldwide. In Mexico, it is estimated that one out of three adults suffer from obesity. In these patients, the intestinal microbiota (IM) undergoes pathological changes that are associated with a dysbiotic state; however, the microbiota profile of adult subjects with obesity from western Mexico has not been described. To assess this, fecal samples were obtained from 65 participants (Obese = 38; Control = 27). The microbial composition was characterized by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The IM of the group with obesity revealed a clear decrease in richness and diversity (p < 0.001), as well as a significant increase in proinflammatory bacterial groups, mainly genera belonging to the Negativicutes class, Escherichia/Shigella, and Prevotella. Likewise, an increase in short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria was found, especially the genus Lachnoclostridium. Additionally, PICRUSt2 analysis showed a depletion of vitamin B9 metabolism and an increase in saccharolytic pathways. The IM of patients with obesity possesses a dysbiotic, proinflammatory environment, possibly contributing to lipogenesis and adiposity. Thus, assessing the IM will allow for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases of high prevalence, such as obesity. These findings are described for the first time in the adult population of western Mexico.

Automated Computer-Assisted Image Analysis for the Fast Quantification of Kidney Fibrosis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common and worldwide health problem and one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality. Most primary research on this disease requires evaluating the fibrosis index in animal model kidneys, specifically using Masson's trichrome stain. Different programs are used to calculate the percentage of fibrosis; however, the analysis is time-consuming since one image must be performed at a time. CellProfiler™ is a program designed to analyze data obtained from biological samples and can process multiple images through pipelines, and the results can be exported to databases. This article explains how CellProfiler™ can be used to automatically analyze kidney histology photomicrographs from samples stained with Masson's trichrome stain to assess the percentage of fibrosis in an experimental animal model of CKD. A pipeline was created to analyze Masson's trichrome-stained slides in a model of CDK induced by adenine at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, in addition to samples with the vehicle (75% glycerin). The results were compared with those obtained by ImageJ, and no significant differences were found between both programs. The CellProfiler™ pipeline made here is a reliable, fast, and easy alternative for kidney fibrosis analysis and quantification in experimental animal models.

Nanoparticles Formulation Improves the Antifibrogenic Effect of Quercetin on an Adenine-Induced Model of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Renal fibrosis is the final stage of chronic kidney injury characterized by glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis with parenchymal destruction. Quercetin belongs to the most studied flavonoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrogenic, and antitumor activity. It modifies the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway, decreasing profibrogenic expression molecules and inducing the expression of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrogenic molecules. However, quercetin exhibits poor water solubility and low absorption and bioavailability. This limitation was solved by developing a nanoparticles formulation that improves the solubility and bioavailability of several bioactive compounds. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the in vivo antifibrogenic effect of a quercetin nanoparticles formulation. Male C57BL/6 mice were induced into chronic renal failure with 50 mg/kg of adenine for four weeks. The animals were randomly grouped and treated with 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg of quercetin, either macroparticles or nanoparticles formulation. We performed biochemical, histological, and molecular analyses to evaluate and compare the effect of macroparticles versus nanoparticles formulation on kidney damage. Here, we demonstrated that smaller doses of nanoparticles exhibited the same beneficial effect as larger doses of macroparticles on preventing kidney damage. This finding translates into less quercetin consumption reaching the desired therapeutic effect.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Neonates.

Neonates have distinctive anatomic and physiologic features that predispose them to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The overall prevalence of neonatal OSA is unknown, although an increase in prevalence has been reported in neonates with craniofacial malformations, neurological disorders, and airway malformations. If remained unrecognized and untreated, neonatal OSA can lead to impaired growth and development, cardiovascular morbidity, and can even be life threatening. Polysomnography and direct visualization of the airway are essential diagnostic modalities in neonatal OSA. Treatment of neonatal OSA is based on the severity of OSA and associated co-morbidities. This may include medical and surgical interventions individualized for the affected neonate. Based on this, it is expected that infants with OSA have more significant healthcare utilization.

[Selective angioembolization: a valuable adjunct in damage control strategies applied to facial gunshot wounds. Case report]. / Angioembolización selectiva: un valioso adyuvante en la estrategia de control de daños en heridas faciales por proyectil de arma de fuego. Informe de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Selective angioembolization (SAE) is a nonsurgical alternative for controlling traumatic facial bleeding. CLINICAL CASE: We report a case of a patient who sustained a facial gunshot wound. The patient was treated with SAE as an adjuvant to damage control, leading to the arrest of hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: SAE is a valuable adjuvant in arresting traumatic facial bleeding.

[Comparison of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive and suturing for wound closure in the canine small bowel model]. / Adhesivo tisular 2-octil cianoacrilato en el cierre de enterotomía comparado con sutura manual tradicional en dos capas. Modelo en perros.

OBJECTIVE: We undertook this study to evaluate 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2OCA) glue and suture for wound closure in the small bowel. METHODS: This was a comparative and experimental study. Male and female domestic dogs (n = 10) underwent a 2.0-cm small bowel closure of two wounds. All of these had closure with 2OCA in the first wound. The controls (second wound in the same dog) were closed with suture. Four weeks later the wounds were observed to evaluate the repair. RESULTS: Wound closure time and macrophage count were lower with the 2OCA glue than in the suture group. CONCLUSIONS: 2OCA glue has the strength to seal a small bowel wound. The inflammatory response to the glue is less than that of the suture at 4 weeks. These properties may make it a suitable material for replacing suture in a small bowel wound.

Angioembolización selectiva: un valioso adyuvante en la estrategia de control de daños en heridas faciales por proyectil de arma de fuego: informe de un caso / Selective angioembolization: a valuable adjunct in damage control strategies applied to facial gunshot wounds: case report

Introducción: La angioembolización selectiva es una alternativa no quirúrgica para controlar el sangrado facial traumático. Caso clínico: Informamos el caso de un paciente con herida facial por proyectil de arma de fuego tratado con angioembolización selectiva como adyuvante al control de daños, con lo que se logró detener la hemorragia. Conclusiones: La angioembolización selectiva es un valioso adyuvante en la detención del sangrado facial traumático.

BACKGROUND: Selective angioembolization (SAE) is a nonsurgical alternative for controlling traumatic facial bleeding. CLINICAL CASE: We report a case of a patient who sustained a facial gunshot wound. The patient was treated with SAE as an adjuvant to damage control, leading to the arrest of hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: SAE is a valuable adjuvant in arresting traumatic facial bleeding.

Adhesivo tisular 2-octil cianoacrilato en el cierre de enterotomía comparado con sutura manual tradicional en dos capas: modelo en perros / Comparison of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive and suturing for wound closure in the canine small bowel model

Objetivo: Saber si el adhesivo tisular 2-octil cianoacrilato da mejores resultados en el cierre de enterotomía en comparación con la sutura manual tradicional en dos capas. Material y métodos: Estudio comparativo experimental en 10 perros. A cada uno se le realizó dos enterotomías: a una se le aplicó adhesivo tisular 2-octil cianoacrilato y a la otra, sutura en dos capas con seda y catgut crómico. Se analizaron ocho variables. Resultados: El tiempo de cierre y el número de macrófagos fueron menores con el adhesivo tisular, encontrando diferencia estadísticamente significativa. En las otras seis variables estudiadas (adherencias, dehiscencia, peritonitis, diámetro luminal del intestino, fibrosis y tipo de inflamación) no hubo diferencias. Conclusiones: En este modelo, el adhesivo tisular 2-octil cianoacrilato fue igual de seguro que la sutura tradicional en dos capas con catgut crómico y seda para cierre de una enterotomía de intestino delgado.

OBJECTIVE: We undertook this study to evaluate 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2OCA) glue and suture for wound closure in the small bowel. METHODS: This was a comparative and experimental study. Male and female domestic dogs (n = 10) underwent a 2.0-cm small bowel closure of two wounds. All of these had closure with 2OCA in the first wound. The controls (second wound in the same dog) were closed with suture. Four weeks later the wounds were observed to evaluate the repair. RESULTS: Wound closure time and macrophage count were lower with the 2OCA glue than in the suture group. CONCLUSIONS: 2OCA glue has the strength to seal a small bowel wound. The inflammatory response to the glue is less than that of the suture at 4 weeks. These properties may make it a suitable material for replacing suture in a small bowel wound.

Cambios histopatológicos en mucosa nasal de individuos expuestos a la contaminación ambiental en el Distrito Federal: informe de 33 casos / Histopathological changes in nasal mucous of exposed individuals to environmental pollution in Mexico City: report of 33 cases

Objetivo. Determinar si la exposición a la contaminación ambiental en Distrito Federal ocasiona cambios histopatológicos en la mucosa nasal y, de ser así, describir cuál es la alteración histológica más frecuente. Método. Reporte de 33 biopsias de cornete inferior de adultos habitantes de la zona noroeste del área conurbada del Distrito Federal. Rango de edad 15 a 50 años. Se dividieron en dos grupos: Quince individuos expuestos a contaminación ambiental durante 10.5 ñ 0.3 horas diarias y 18 sujetos no expuestos. Resultados. Hubo cambios histopatológicos en todos los individuos, predominando la inflamación crónica y la metaplasia escamosa en ambos grupos. Conclusiones. El tiempo de exposición a la contaminación ambiental no dio diferencias estadísticamente signficativas en los hallazgos histopatológicos entre ambos grupos. La exposición a la contaminación ambiental desarrolla cambios histopatológicos en la mucosa nasal