Navigating Scar Care: An Evaluation of Scar Treatment Patient Education Materials.

While patient education materials (PEMs) across various specialties have been reported as being too difficult to read, the quality and understandability of PEMs related to scar management have not been assessed. In this study, we report the breadth of scar management interventions and readability of online PEMs authored by academic societies and university hospitals. Websites of academic medical societies and university hospitals with scar revision PEMs were assessed for relevance. PEM readability was assessed via Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and Gunning-Fox Index scores. Understandability and actionability were evaluated using the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool (PEMAT). A total of 26 scar revision PEMs met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly mentioned scar management interventions were scar revision surgery (73%) and laser scar revision (70%), with minimal emphasis on non-invasive methods like scar massage or sun protection. Readability analysis yielded a mean Flesch reading level of 8.8. Overall PEMAT understandability of online scar treatment PEMs was moderate, with a median of 76.0% (IQR 71.5 - 80.5%). PEMs from all specialties and institution types were lacking in actionability, with median actionability of 40.8% (IQR 38.1-60.0%). Online scar revision PEMs included a wide breadth of scar management interventions, however the least costly interventions of sun protection and scar massage were not commonly included. PEMs for scar management could be improved by simplifying language, including visual aids, and including checklists or specific steps patients can take to take action on scar management interventions.

Independencia del perfil antropométrico, atención e inteligencia en estudiantes de educación superior en el ámbito de actividad física de Chile / Independence of the anthropometric profile, attention and intelligence in higher education students in the field of physical activity in Chile

Introducción: la cineantropometría es la ciencia actual que estudia los parámetros corporales en relación con su funcionamiento (por ejemplo, composición corporal, proporcionalidad, somatotipo, etc.), con normas, técnicas y criterios establecidos. Objetivo: relacionar el perfil antropométrico, la atención y la resolución de problemas en estudiantes de educación superior en el ámbito de actividad física de Chile. Método: enfoque cuantitativo-correlacional, diseño no experimental y de corte transversal. Resultados: no existe una relación significativa entre la composición corporal (masas corporales) y las pruebas cognitivas (atención y Raven). En relación con los datos antropométricos (composición corporal), no se observaron diferencias significativas entre ambos sexos para ningún parámetro. Conclusión: se deduce que los resultados de los factores cognitivos pueden estar asociados a otras variables, y no específicamente a las variables que pueden afectar los parámetros antropométricos. Estos temas son muy interesantes para próximos estudios, por lo que se sugiere seguir estudiando las habilidades cognitivas con otras variables. (AU)

Introduction: kinanthropometry is the current science that studies body parameters in relation to its functioning (such as body composition, proportionality, somatotype, etc.), with established norms, techniques and criteria. Objective: to relate anthropometric profile, attention and problem solving in higher education students in the field of physical activity in Chile. Method: quantitative-correlational approach, with non-experimental and cross-sectional design. Results: there is no significant relationship between body composition (body masses) and cognitive tests (attention and Raven). Regarding anthropometric data (body composition), no significant differences were observed between the sexes for any parameter. Conclusion: it can be deduced that the results of the cognitive factors may be associated with other variables, and not specifically with the variables that may affect anthropometric parameters. These are very interesting topics for future studies, so it is suggested to continue studying cognitive abilities with other variables. (AU)

Saline-Tolerant Pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp. Isolated from a Geothermal Power Plant.

Few studies have been conducted in the cooling systems of power plants; they have focused on Naegleria fowleri, leaving a gap in the knowledge of other pathogenic free-living amoebae in this environment. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of saline-tolerant pathogenic Acanthamoeba in a geothermal power plant. The identification of isolated amoebae at genus level was carried out, observing their morphological characteristics; the determination of genotype and species of Acanthamoeba was performed via molecular biology (PCR). Water temperature ranged from 18 to 43 °C and conductivity from 4.0 × 104 to 8.7 × 104 µS/cm; this last value was greater than the seawater value. Only five amoeba genera were found. Acanthamoeba was in all the sampling sites, showing high saline tolerance. The high temperature, but mainly high conductivity, were the environmental conditions that determined the presence of pathogenic free-living amoebae in the hot water. All the strains of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni killed the mice, having a mortality of 40 to 100%. Acanthamoeba genotypes T10 and T5 were identified, T10 is rarely isolated from the environment, while T5 is more frequent. This is the first time that genotypes T5 and T10 have been reported in the environment in Mexico.

Validation of Anti-Adeno Associated Virus Serotype rh10 (AAVrh.10) Total and Neutralizing Antibody Immunogenicity Assays.

Immunogenicity assessment of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors is a critical part of gene therapy drug development. Whether the assays are used for inclusion/exclusion criteria or to monitor the safety and efficacy of the gene therapy, they are critical bioanalytical assessments. While total anti-AAV assays are perceived as easier to develop and implement than neutralizing anti-AAV assays, the gene therapy field is still nascent, and it is not yet clear which of the assays should be implemented at what stage of drug development. Recently AAVrh.10 has gained interest for use in gene therapies targeting cardiac, neurological, and other diseases due to its enhanced transduction efficiency. There is limited information on anti-AAVrh.10 antibodies and their clinical impact; thus, the information presented herein documents the validation of both a total antibody assay (TAb) and a neutralizing antibody (NAb) assay for anti-AAVrh.10 antibodies. In this manuscript, the validation was performed in accordance with the 2019 FDA immunogenicity guidance with additional evaluations to comply with CLIA where applicable. The AAVrh.10 TAb and NAb assays were compared in terms of sensitivity, drug tolerance, and precision, along with a concordance analysis using the same individual serum samples. This comparison gave insight into the utility of each format as a screening assay for inclusion into clinical studies.

[Prevalence of persistent hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease who received treatment with Rituximab in a national medical center in Mexico]. / Prevalencia de hipogammaglobulinemia persistente en pacientes con enfermedad autoinmune que reciben rituximab en un centro de referencia nacional en México.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of persistent hypogammaglobulinemia in patients receiving Rituximab as a treatment for autoimmune rheumatological diseases. METHODS: A transversal, retrospective and unicentric study, carried out in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases who were admitted to the Rheumatology service of the Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Mexico City, to receive treatment with rituximab between January 2013 and January 2018. Descriptive and inferential statistics of serum levels of immunoglobulins, clinical-demographic characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment received were performed. RESULTS: from 262 patients with autoimmune rheumatological disease who received treatment with Rituximab; We identified 8 patients with persistent hypogammaglobulinemia (6 women and 2 men), this is a prevalence of 3.1%. No associated factors with the development of hypogammaglobulinemia were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Until now, no associated prognostic or predictive factors have been identified with persistent hypogammaglobulinemia. Additional prospective studies are required to understand more precisely the implications of persistent hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de hipogammaglobulinemia persistente en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunes que reciben rituximab. MÉTODOS: Estudio trasversal, retrospectivo y unicéntrico, emprendido en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunes, que acudieron a la Consulta externa del servicio de Reumatología del Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Ciudad de México, entre enero de 2013 y enero de 2018, para recibir tratamiento con rituximab. El análisis de los datos se efectuó con estadística descriptiva e inferencial, para la evaluación de las concentraciones séricas de inmunoglobulinas, características clínico demográficas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Estudio trasversal, retrospectivo y unicéntrico, emprendido en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunes, que acudieron a la Consulta externa del servicio de Reumatología del Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Ciudad de México, entre enero de 2013 y enero de 2018, para recibir tratamiento con rituximab. El análisis de los datos se efectuó con estadística descriptiva e inferencial, para la evaluación de las concentraciones séricas de inmunoglobulinas, características clínico demográficas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. CONCLUSIONES: Hasta el momento no se han identificado factores asociados, pronósticos o predictivos, con hipogammaglobulinemia persistente. Se requieren estudios prospectivos adicionales para conocer con mayor precisión las implicaciones de la hipogammaglobulinemia persistente en pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes.

Experiências dos prestadores de cuidados a idosos institucionalizados durante a pandemia de covid-19: uma perspectiva qualitativa / Experiences of providers of care for institutionalized elderly people during the covid-19 pandemic: a qualitative perspective / Vivencias de cuidadoras de personas mayores institucionalizadas, durante la pandemia por covid 19: mirada cualitativa

RESUMO Objetivo: Desvelar as vivências de cuidadores de idosos que residem em instituições de longa permanência, durante o confinamento no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19. Método: Método: pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva, através de estudo de caso intrínseco. Amostra intencionada por critério e conveniência de seis cuidadores, Região de Los Ríos, Chile, entrevista semiestruturada foi realizada no ano de 2021. Análise através de comparação constante e redução progressiva. A validade foi garantida pelo cumprimento de critérios de rigor, triangulação por especialistas. Resultados: 489 unidades de significado deram origem a quatro grupos temáticos: Significado de ter vivido a experiência, fatores facilitadores, fatores dificultadores e recomendações. Emergiram dois domínios: Contribuição dos cuidadores para o reforço do seu papel durante a pandemia e Contribuição para o reforço da gestão. Conclusões: permite reconhecer e validar o vínculo afetivo, o empenho e a vocação dos prestadores de cuidados, aspectos fundamentais a reforçar através do aconselhamento e da formação para garantir a qualidade dos cuidados.

ABSTRACT Objective: Uncover the experiences of caregivers of elderly people living in long-term care institutions, during confinement in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: Qualitative, descriptive research, through an intrinsic case study. Intentional sample by criteria and convenience of six caregivers, Los Ríos Region, Chile; a semi-structured interview was carried out in 2021. Analysis applying the constant comparative method and progressive focusing approach. Validity was ensured by compliance with the criteria of rigor and researcher triangulation. Results: 489 units of meaning gave rise to four thematic groups: Meaning of having lived the experience, facilitating factors, hindering factors and recommendations. Two domains emerged: Contribution of caregivers to strengthening their role during the pandemic and Contribution to strengthening management. Conclusions: it allows recognizing and validating the emotional bond, commitment and vocation of care providers, key aspects to be reinforced through counseling and training to guarantee the quality of care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: develar las vivencias de cuidadores de personas mayores que residen en instituciones de larga permanencia, durante el confinamiento en contexto de pandemia por Covid-19. Método: investigación cualitativa, descriptiva, mediante estudio intrínseco de casos. Muestra intencionada por criterios y conveniencia de seis cuidadoras, Región de Los Ríos, Chile, se realizó entrevista semiestructurada, en el año 2021. Análisis a través de comparación constante y reducción progresiva. Se cauteló validez cumpliendo criterios de rigor, triangulación por expertos. Resultados: 489 unidades de significado originaron cuatro núcleos temáticos: Significado de haber vivido la experiencia, factores facilitadores del trabajo, factores que lo dificultan y recomendaciones. Emergieron dos dominios: Aportes de las cuidadoras para fortalecer su rol durante la pandemia y Contribución para fortalecer la gestión. Conclusiones: permite reconocer y validar el vínculo afectivo, compromiso y vocación de las cuidadoras, aspectos fundamentales a fortalecer mediante consejería y capacitación para asegurar la calidad de los cuidados.

Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease: Retrospective Clinical and Genetic Study in Mexico.

Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by impaired immunity against intracellular pathogens, such as mycobacteria, attenuated Mycobacterium bovis-Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine strains, and environmental mycobacteria in otherwise healthy individuals. Retrospective study reviewed the clinical, immunological, and genetic characteristics of patients with MSMD in Mexico. Overall, 22 patients diagnosed with MSMD from 2006 to 2021 were enrolled: 14 males (64%) and eight females. After BCG vaccination, 12 patients (70%) developed BCG infection. Furthermore, 6 (22%) patients developed bacterial infections mainly caused by Salmonella, as what is described next in the text is fungal infections, particularly Histoplasma. Seven patients died of disseminated BCG disease. Thirteen different pathogenic variants were identified in IL12RB1 (n = 13), IFNGR1 (n = 3), and IFNGR2 (n = 1) genes. Interleukin-12Rß1 deficiency is the leading cause of MSMD in our cohort. Morbidity and mortality were primarily due to BCG infection.

Timed restricted feeding cycles drive daily rhythms in female rats maintained in constant light but only partially restore the estrous cycle.

Light at night is an emergent problem for modern society. Rodents exposed to light at night develop a loss of circadian rhythms, which leads to increased adiposity, altered immune response, and increased growth of tumors. In female rats, constant light (LL) eliminates the estrous cycle leading to a state of persistent estrus. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) drives circadian rhythms, and it interacts with the neuroendocrine network necessary for reproductive function. Timed restricted feeding (RF) exerts a powerful entraining influence on the circadian system, and it can influence the SCN activity and can restore rhythmicity or accelerate re-entrainment in experimental conditions of shift work or jet lag. The present study explored RF in female rats exposed to LL, with the hypothesis that this cyclic condition can rescue or prevent the loss of daily rhythms and benefit the expression of the estrous cycle. Two different feeding schedules were explored: 1. A 12-h food/12-h fasting schedule applied to arrhythmic rats after 3 weeks in LL, visualized as a rescue strategy (LL + RFR, 3 weeks), or applied simultaneously with the first day of LL as a preventive strategy (LL + RFP, 6 weeks). 2. A 12-h window of food intake with food given in four distributed pulses (every 3 h), applied after 3 weeks in LL, as a rescue strategy (LL + PR, 3 weeks) or applied simultaneously with the first day of LL as a preventive strategy (LL + PP, 6 weeks). Here, we present evidence that scheduled feeding can drive daily rhythms of activity and temperature in rats exposed to LL. However, the protocol of distributed feeding pulses was more efficient to restore the day-night activity and core temperature as well as the c-Fos day-night change in the SCN. Likewise, the distributed feeding partially restored the estrous cycle and the ovary morphology under LL condition. Data here provided indicate that the 12-h feeding/12-h fasting window determines the rest-activity cycle and can benefit directly the circadian and reproductive function. Moreover, this effect is stronger when food is distributed along the 12 h of subjective night.

Ebola virus infection induces a delayed type I IFN response in bystander cells and the shutdown of key liver genes in human iPSC-derived hepatocytes.

Liver damage and an exacerbated inflammatory response are hallmarks of Ebola virus (EBOV) infection. Little is known about the intrinsic response to infection in human hepatocytes and their contribution to inflammation. Here, we present an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocyte-like cell (HLC) platform to define the hepato-intrinsic response to EBOV infection. We used this platform to show robust EBOV infection, with characteristic ultrastructural changes and evidence for viral replication. Transcriptomics analysis revealed a delayed response with minimal early transcriptomic changes, followed by a general downregulation of hepatic function and upregulation of interferon signaling, providing a potential mechanism by which hepatocytes participate in disease severity and liver damage. Using RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we showed that IFNB1 and CXCL10 were mainly expressed in non-infected bystander cells. We did not observe an inflammatory signature during infection. In conclusion, iPSC-HLCs are an immune competent platform to study responses to EBOV infection.

[The diagnostic approach to difficult-to-treat asthma and severe asthma]. / Abordaje diagnóstico del asma difícil de tratar y asma grave.

Difficult-to-treat asthma refers to asthma that is not controlled despite high or medium doses of inhaled steroids or in which high doses of treatment are required to maintain an adequate control of the symptoms and to reduce the risk of exacerbations. An inadequate technique to use the inhaler, poor adherence to treatment, smoking, comorbidities, or an incorrect diagnosis should be considered. In severe asthma, despite adherence to treatment with optimized maximum doses and the management of factors that could contribute, multiple medications in maximum doses are required to have an adequate therapeutic control or this is not achieved. The approach to these patients involves a meticulous process due to the multiple factors that can influence poor asthma control and that can lead to a misclassification of the disease when, in reality, the patient can be presenting different comorbidities whose treatment could decrease the severity of asthma symptoms and modify the prognosis. The objective of this document is to make the approach to patients with difficult-to-treat asthma and severe asthma known, as well as the most frequent comorbidities. A search was made in PubMed with the purpose of identifying the main pathologies that may be present in patients and, based on what is described in the literature, to propose a diagnostic approach. 100 studies were comprised in this review, including clinical guidelines such as GINA, GEMA, and ERS/ATS.

El asma difícil de tratar es la que no se controla a pesar de las dosis altas o medias de esteroides inhalados o la que requiere altas porciones para mantener un control adecuado de los síntomas y reducir el riesgo de exacerbaciones. Se deben tener en cuenta las fallas en la técnica del uso del inhalador, la pobre adherencia al tratamiento, el tabaquismo, las comorbilidades o el diagnóstico incorrecto. En el asma grave, a pesar de la adherencia al tratamiento con dosis optimizadas y el manejo de los factores contribuyentes, se requieren múltiples medicamentos en dosis máximas para tener un adecuado control, si no es así este no se logra. La dirección de estos pacientes implica un proceso minucioso, dados los múltiples factores que pueden influir en el mal control del asma y que pueden llevar a una inadecuada clasificación de la enfermedad, cuando en realidad puedan estar cursando con diferentes comorbilidades cuyo tratamiento puede disminuir la severidad de los síntomas del asma y modificar el pronóstico. El objetivo de esta investigación es dar a conocer el manejo de los pacientes con asma difícil de tratar y asma grave, así como las comorbilidades más frecuentes. Se realizó una búsqueda en Pubmed con el propósito de identificar las principales patologías que puedan estar presentes y, con base en la literatura, proponer un abordaje diagnóstico. Se incluyeron 100 estudios, incluidas las guías clínicas GINA, GEMA y ERS/ATS.

[Lymphoma with signet ring morphology: pathology with distinctive differential diagnoses]. / Linfoma con morfología en anillo de sello: patología con distintivos diagnósticos diferenciales.

Background: Signet-ring cell lymphoma is a rare entity that simulates epithelial neoplasms, sarcomas and reactive histiocytes conditions. It represents a morphological variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, its diagnosis can represent a challenge, therefore it should be considered in complementary studies. Objective: The aim of this work is to show a case with a very rare morphology and to emphasize the importance of awareness this entity and avoid mistakes in its diagnosis. Clinical case: We present the case of a 67-year-old man, who developed lymph node growths in the right armpit, neck, right groin, and submandibular region, with apparent involvement of the lungs and spleen; was diagnosed as diffuse large B cell lymphoma with signet-ring morphology, originated in the germinal center. Transmission electron microscopy study was carried out for a more precise characterization of the morphology. Unfortunately, the patient did not return for a follow-up consultation, so he did not start treatment and died 6 months after diagnosis. Conclusions: Lymphoma with the signet-ring phenotype is rare, and can occur in any type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma; however, this morphology is more commonly associated with carcinomas and, less frequently, with sarcomas, melanomas or reactive histiocytes conditions, therefore should be considered this entity together with the appropriate use of complementary studies for proper diagnosis.

Introducción: el linfoma con células en anillo de sello es una entidad poco frecuente y simuladora de neoplasias epiteliales, sarcomas y condiciones reactivas de histiocitos. Representa una variante morfológica de distintos linfomas no Hodgkin, por lo que su diagnóstico puede representar un desafío y debe ser considerado al realizar estudios complementarios. Objetivo: mostrar un caso con una morfología muy poco frecuente y recalcar la importancia de conocer esta entidad para no cometer errores en su diagnóstico. Caso clínico: se documenta el caso de un hombre de 67 años que desarrolló crecimientos ganglionares en axila derecha, cuello, ingle derecha, y región submandibular, con aparente afección en pulmones y bazo, que fue diagnosticado como linfoma B difuso de células grandes con morfología en anillo de sello, originado en el centro germinal. Se realizó estudio de microscopía electrónica de transmisión para una mejor caracterización de la morfología. Desafortunadamente el paciente no regresó a consulta de seguimiento, por lo que no inició tratamiento, falleció a los 6 meses posteriores al diagnóstico. Conclusiones: el linfoma con fenotipo en anillo de sello es poco frecuente, y puede presentarse en cualquier tipo de linfomas no Hodgkin; sin embargo, esta morfología es más comúnmente asociada a carcinomas y, en menor frecuencia, a sarcomas, melanomas o histiocitos reactivos, por lo que el considerar esta entidad junto con el uso adecuado de estudios complementarios es de gran importancia para su adecuado diagnóstico.

Linfoma con morfología en anillo de sello: patología con distintivos diagnósticos diferenciales / Lymphoma with signet ring morphology: pathology with distinctive differential diagnoses

Introducción: el linfoma con células en anillo de sello es una entidad poco frecuente y simuladora de neoplasias epiteliales, sarcomas y condiciones reactivas de histiocitos. Representa una variante morfológica de distintos linfomas no Hodgkin, por lo que su diagnóstico puede representar un desafío y debe ser considerado al realizar estudios complementarios. Objetivo: mostrar un caso con una morfología muy poco frecuente y recalcar la importancia de conocer esta entidad para no cometer errores en su diagnóstico. Caso clínico: se documenta el caso de un hombre de 67 años que desarrolló crecimientos ganglionares en axila derecha, cuello, ingle derecha, y región submandibular, con aparente afección en pulmones y bazo, que fue diagnosticado como linfoma B difuso de células grandes con morfología en anillo de sello, originado en el centro germinal. Se realizó estudio de microscopía electrónica de transmisión para una mejor caracterización de la morfología. Desafortunadamente el paciente no regresó a consulta de seguimiento, por lo que no inició tratamiento, falleció a los 6 meses posteriores al diagnóstico. Conclusiones: el linfoma con fenotipo en anillo de sello es poco frecuente, y puede presentarse en cualquier tipo de linfomas no Hodgkin; sin embargo, esta morfología es más comúnmente asociada a carcinomas y, en menor frecuencia, a sarcomas, melanomas o histiocitos reactivos, por lo que el considerar esta entidad junto con el uso adecuado de estudios complementarios es de gran importancia para su adecuado diagnóstico.

Background: Signet-ring cell lymphoma is a rare entity that simulates epithelial neoplasms, sarcomas and reactive histiocytes conditions. It represents a morphological variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, its diagnosis can represent a challenge, therefore it should be considered in complementary studies. Objective: The aim of this work is to show a case with a very rare morphology and to emphasize the importance of awareness this entity and avoid mistakes in its diagnosis. Clinical case: We present a case of a 67-year-old man, who developed lymph node growths in the right armpit, neck, right groin, and submandibular region, with apparent involvement of the lungs and spleen; was diagnosed as diffuse large B cell lymphoma with signet-ring morphology, originated in the germinal center. Transmission electron microscopy study was carried out for a more precise characterization of the morphology. Unfortunately, the patient did not return for a follow-up consultation, so he did not start treatment and died 6 months after diagnosis. Conclusions: Lymphoma with the signet-ring phenotype is rare, and can occur in any type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma; however, this morphology is more commonly associated with carcinomas and, less frequently, with sarcomas, melanomas or reactive histiocytes conditions, therefore should be considered this entity together with the appropriate use of complementary studies for proper diagnosis.

Isolation and Identification of Naegleria Species in Irrigation Channels for Recreational Use in Mexicali Valley, Mexico.

Members of the genus Naegleria are free-living amoebae that are widely distributed in water and soil environments. Moreover, Naegleria fowleri is a pathogenic amoeba species that causes a fatal disease in the central nervous system known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans. Since most reported infections due to N. fowleri are reported in recreational waters worldwide, this study was aimed to describe the presence of these amoebic genus in Mexicali Valley irrigation channels of recreational use. A total of nine water samples were collected and processed by triplicate, in nine different sites of the Valley. After filtering and culturing the samples, plates were examined, and the observed amoebae were morphologically identified at the genus level. In addition, the pathogenicity of these amoebic isolates was checked, and molecular characterization was performed by PCR/sequencing. The results revealed the presence of Naegleria spp. in all the channels sampled. Finally, molecular identification confirmed the presence of five different species of Naegleria: N. fowleri, N. australiensis, N. gruberi, N. clarki and N. pagei. The presence of these protists, particularly N. fowleri, should be considered as a potential human health risk in the region.

[Disseminated infection caused by the bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection in a patient with IL-12 receptor ß1 subunit deficiency]. / Infección diseminada por vacuna con bacilo de Calmette-Guérin y coinfección por SARS-CoV-2 en paciente con deficiencia de la subunidad ß1 del receptor de IL-12.

BACKGROUND: Inborn errors of immunity manifest with a greater susceptibility to infections, autoimmunity, autoinflammatory diseases, allergies, or malignancies. One of these is the mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease. The most frequent etiology is the complete autosomal recessive deficiency of the ß1 subunit of the interleukin 12 receptor. CASE REPORT: A female patient who, by the age of six months, started with a nodular lesion in the right shoulder and ipsilateral axillary adenitis after the bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine was applied. Later, she developed a cutaneous fistula in the anterior thorax, the inframammary region, and chronic recidivant suppurative lymphadenitis. A disseminated infection caused by Mycobacterium bovis was diagnosed, therefore, individualized pharmacological treatment was required due to failure with the primary treatment. The patient was diagnosed with deficiency in the ß1 subunit of the interleukin 12 receptor at age six. During her last hospitalization, she presented fever, cough, and tachypnea, and SARS-CoV-2 was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The patient has had a favorable evolution. CONCLUSION: In patients with disseminated infections caused by bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination or by environmental mycobacteria, there should be suspicion of an inborn error of immunity and the patient should be referred to a third level hospital for an early immunological assessment.

Antecedentes: Los errores innatos de la inmunidad se manifiestan con una mayor susceptibilidad a infecciones, autoinmunidad, enfermedades autoinflamatorias, alergia o malignidad. Uno de estos es la susceptibilidad mendeliana a infecciones micobacterianas. La etiología más frecuente es la deficiencia completa autosómica recesiva de la subunidad ß1 del receptor de interleucina 12. Caso clínico: Paciente que comenzó a los seis meses de edad con una lesión nodular en hombro derecho y adenitis axilar ipsolateral posterior a la vacuna con bacilo de Calmette-Guérin. Posteriormente desarrolló una fistula cutánea en tórax anterior, región inframamaria y linfadenitis supurativa crónica recidivante. Se diagnosticó infección diseminada por Mycobacterium bovis, por lo que requirió tratamiento farmacológico individualizado debido al fracaso con el tratamiento primario. La paciente fue diagnosticada con deficiencia de la subunidad ß1 del receptor de interleucina 12 a los seis años. Durante su última hospitalización presentó fiebre, tos y taquipnea, detectándose SARS-CoV-2 por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa cuantitativa. La paciente evolucionó favorablemente. Conclusión: En los pacientes con infecciones diseminadas por la vacuna con bacilo de Calmette-Guérin o micobacterias ambientales, debe sospecharse un error innato de la inmunidad y derivarlos a tercer nivel de atención para la evaluación inmunológica temprana.

Evaluation of the sensitivity to chlorhexidine, voriconazole and itraconazole of T4 genotype Acanthamoeba isolated from Mexico.

Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are the etiological agents of cutaneous lesions, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and amoebic keratitis (AK), which are chronic infections with poor prognosis if not diagnosed promptly. Currently, there is no optimal therapeutic scheme to eradicate the pathologies these protozoa cause. In this study we report the morphological and molecular identification of three species of the genus Acanthamoeba, belonging to T4 group; A. polyphaga isolated from the corneal ulcer of a patient sample of AK case; A. castellanii isolated from the contact lens of an AK patient and A. palestinensis obtained from a soil sample. The in vitro activity of chlorhexidine, itraconazole and voriconazole drugs against trophic stage was also evaluated through a colorimetric assay based on the oxidation-reduction of alamar blue. The strains in the study were sensitive to the evaluated drugs; although when determining the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) statistically significant differences were observed. A. castellanii showed to be highly sensitive to voriconazole (0.66 ±â€¯0.13 µM) but the least sensitive to chlorhexidine and itraconazole (8.61 ±â€¯1.63 and 20.14 ±â€¯4.93 µM, respectively), A. palestinensis showed the highest sensitivity to itraconazole (0.502 ±â€¯0.11 µM) and A. polyphaga expressed moderate sensitivity to chlorhexidine and itraconazole and lower sensitivity to voriconazole (10.10 ±â€¯2.21 µM). These results showed that species of the genus Acanthamoeba express different sensitivity to the tested drugs, which could explain the problems surrounding the establishment of a treatment of choice in the infections caused by these amoebae. We consider that although chlorhexidine and itraconazole show good activity on these amoebae and have been used in cases of AK in Mexico with acceptable results, voriconazole should be considered as the first therapeutic option of future Acanthamoeba infections that will be diagnosed in our country.

Acanthamoeba keratitis in Mexico: Report of a clinical case and importance of sensitivity assays for a better outcome.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight-threatening corneal infection. The early symptoms include redness, pain, photophobia and intense tearing. Chronic infection usually progresses to stromal inflammation, ring ulcers, corneal opacification and hypopyon. Here we document an AK case in a high myopic 38-year-old woman from Mexico City, with a history of wearing contact lenses while swimming. Corneal scrapes cultures were positive only for amoebae, consequently a treatment including netilmicin 0.3% and oral itraconazole 100 mg/12 h was prescribed. The infection was resolved after 8 months, leaving a slight leucoma outside the visual axis, with a visual acuity of 20/150. In the laboratory, the amoebic isolate was axenized in PYG medium, with an optimal growth at 30 °C, and was identified morphologically as Acanthamoeba polyphaga according to the taxonomic criteria of Page (1988) and placed in the T4 group by genotyping. The virulence of this strain (40%) was determined by intranasal inoculation of 1 × 106/20 µl trophozoites in BALB/c mice recovering from brain, proving their invasion ability and by the interaction with monolayers of epithelial cells of the established MDCK line of canine kidney origin (1:2 ratio of interaction), at 1, 3, 6, 8 and 24 h; trophozoites migrated to cell junctions inducing few lytic zones. In addition to the biological characterization, in vitro drug sensitivity tests were performed using chlorhexidine, itraconazole, netilmicin and voriconazole. Results revealed that voriconazole was the most effective compound. A. polyphaga remains as one of the most frequently isolated species producing AK. The treatment of AK case using netilmicin and oral itraconazole solved the disease, but the healing process was wide-ranging (8 months). The use of voriconazole and chlorhexidine may be an alternative treatment of future AK cases in Mexico.

The Surface Protein SdrF Mediates Staphylococcus epidermidis Adherence to Keratin.

Background: Staphylococcus epidermidis, a major component of skin flora, is an opportunist, often causing prosthetic device infections. A family of structurally related proteins mediates staphylococcal attachment to host tissues, contributing to the success of S. epidermidis as a pathogen. We examined the ability of the surface protein SdrF to adhere to keratin, a major molecule expressed on the skin surface. Methods: A heterologous Lactococcus lactis expression system was used to express SdrF and its ligand-binding domains. Adherence to keratin types 1 and 10, human foreskin keratinocytes, and nasal epithelial cells was examined. Results: SdrF bound human keratins 1 and 10 and adhered to keratinocytes and epithelial cells. Binding involved both the A and B domains. Anti-SdrF antibodies reduced adherence of S. epidermidis to keratin and keratinocytes. RNA interference reduced keratin synthesis in keratinocytes and, as a result, SdrF adherence. Direct force measurements using atomic force microscopy showed that SdrF mediates bacterial adhesion to keratin 10 through strong and weak bonds involving the A and B regions; strong adhesion was primarily mediated by the A region. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that SdrF mediates adherence to human keratin and suggest that SdrF may facilitate S. epidermidis colonization of the skin.

Acanthamoeba culbertsoni: Electron-Dense Granules in a Highly Virulent Clinical Isolate.

The virulence of various amoebic parasites has been correlated with the presence of electron-dense granules (EDGs) in the cytoplasm of trophozoites. Here, we report the finding by transmission electron microscopy of a large number of EDGs in a recent culture of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, isolated from a severe case of human keratitis. When this isolate was maintained in culture for 6 mo, the granules almost disappeared. However, after induction of mice brain lesions with the long-term cultured isolate, recovered amoebas had abundant EDGs. Trophozoites of the original isolate, or those recovered from experimental lesions, secreted EDGs into the medium when incubated with MDCK cells. To analyze a possible cytotoxic effect the conditioned medium was incubated with MDCK monolayers. After 5 h, the media containing EDGs produced opening of the tight junctions; at 24 h, cell viability was compromised, and at 48 h most of the cells were detached from the monolayer. In contrast, trophozoites in long-term cultures did not release EDGs to the medium during incubation with MDCK cells, and the corresponding conditioned medium did not have any effect on MDCK monolayers. Our observations further support the hypothesis that EDGs play a role in the cytopathogenic mechanisms of A. culbertsoni.

Acanthamoeba genotypes T3 and T4 as causative agents of amoebic keratitis in Mexico.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed worldwide. Some genera included in this group act as opportunistic pathogens causing fatal encephalitis and Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a sight-threatening infection of the cornea associated with the use of soft contact lenses that could even end in blindness if an early diagnosis and treatment are not achieved. Furthermore, the numbers of AK cases keep rising worldwide mainly due to an increase of contact lens wearers and lack of hygiene in the maintenance of lenses and their cases. In Mexico, no cases of AK have been described so far although the isolation of other pathogenic FLA such as Naegleria fowleri and Balamuthia mandrillaris from both clinical and environmental sources has been reported. The present study reports two cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosed in two patients admitted to the Hospital "Luis Sánchez Bulnes" for Blindness Prevention in Mexico City, Mexico. Corneal scrapes and contact lenses were checked for the presence of Acanthamoeba strains in both patients. Strains were axenized after initial isolation to classify at the genotype level. After sequencing the diagnostic fragment 3 (DF3) region located on the 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene of Acanthamoeba, genotype T3 and genotype T4 were identified in clinical case 1 and 2, respectively. To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of AK in Mexico in the literature and the first description of Acanthamoeba genotypes T3 and T4 as causative agents of amoebic infection.