Outpatient cervical ripening and labor induction with low-dose vaginal misoprostol reduces the interval to delivery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have summarized the evidence on the efficacy and safety of various outpatient cervical ripening methods. However, the method with the highest efficacy and safety profile has not been determined conclusively. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy and safety of cervical ripening methods currently employed in the outpatient setting. DATA SOURCES: With the assistance of an experienced medical librarian, we performed a systematic search of the literature using MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We systematically searched electronic databases from inception to January 14, 2020. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We considered randomized controlled trials comparing a variety of methods for outpatient cervical ripening. METHODS: We conducted a frequentist random effects network meta-analysis employing data from randomized controlled trials. We performed a direct, pairwise meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of various outpatient cervical ripening methods, including placebo. We employed ranking strategies to determine the most efficacious method using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve; a higher surface under the cumulative ranking curve value implied a more efficacious method. We assessed the following outcomes: time from intervention to delivery, cesarean delivery rates, changes in the Bishop score, need for additional ripening methods, incidence of Apgar scores <7 at 5 minutes, and uterine hyperstimulation. RESULTS: We included data from 42 randomized controlled trials including 6093 participants. When assessing the efficacy of all methods, 25 µg vaginal misoprostol was the most efficacious in reducing the time from intervention to delivery (surface under the cumulative ranking curve of 1.0) without increasing the odds of cesarean delivery, the need for additional ripening methods, the incidence of a low Apgar score, or uterine hyperstimulation. Acupressure (surface under the cumulative ranking curve of 0.3) and primrose oil (surface under the cumulative ranking curve of 0.2) were the least effective methods in reducing the time to delivery interval. Among effective methods, 50 mg oral mifepristone was associated with the lowest odds of cesarean delivery (surface under the cumulative ranking curve of 0.9). CONCLUSION: When balancing efficacy and safety, vaginal misoprostol 25 µg represents the best method for outpatient cervical ripening.

Insights into exercise-induced rhinitis based on nasal aerodynamics induced by airway morphology.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced rhinitis (EIR) is a poorly understood phenomenon that may be related to increased inspiratory airflow. Characterization of the development of EIR is important to understand contributing factors. OBJECTIVE: To characterize how different nasal morphologies respond to airflow-related variables during rapid/deep inspiratory conditions. METHODS: Subject-specific nasal airways were reconstructed from radiographic images. Unilateral airways were classified as Standard, Notched, or Elongated accord to their distinct nasal vestibule morphology. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed at various airflow rates. RESULTS: For all simulated flow rates, average resistance at the nasal vestibule, airflow velocity and wall sheer stress were highest in Notched. Average mucosal heat flux was highest in Standard. Notched phenotypes showed lower mean percent increases from 10 L/min to 50 L/min in all computed variables. CONCLUSION: Resistance values and airflow velocities depicted a more constricted nasal vestibule in the Notched phenotypes, while perception of nasal mucosal cooling (heat flux) favored the Standard phenotypes. Different nasal phenotypes may predispose to EIR.

Factors that impact initiation of pain management agreements for patients on chronic opioid therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This analysis seeks to understand variables within our institution that impact pain management agreement (PMA) utilization for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Public academic medical center. PATIENTS: Adults prescribed an opioid for CNCP between July 2020 and October 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We assessed the association between patient demographics, prescription factors, and prescriber factors with the presence of a PMA. Unadjusted rates and chi-square tests were generated for each predictor. Additionally, we performed two multivariable logistic regressions: one including all variables and another utilizing a stepwise forward variable selection process to further understand the relationships between predictors and the presence of a PMA. RESULTS: 49.7 percent of patients who received an opioid for CNCP had a PMA on file. One significant predictor of the presence of PMA was prescriber specialty with anesthesia/pain medicine, demonstrating 88 percent compliance. Compared to anesthesia/pain medicine, patients receiving opioids from internal medicine had an odds ratio (OR) of 0.155 (95 percent confidence interval (CI), 0.109-0.220), while patients receiving opioids from family medicine had an OR of 0.122 (95 percent CI, 0.090-0.167). Additionally, patients who received schedule II opioids (as opposed to schedule III/IV opioids), patients with multiple opioid fills in 3 months, middle aged patients, and Black patients were more likely to have a PMA. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with PMA within our institution was only 49 percent despite an existing state law mandating use. Our analysis suggests quality improvement interventions should target patients on schedule III/IV opioids who receive their prescriptions from primary care providers.

Evaluation and Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review From the APSA Outcomes & Evidence-Based Practice Committee.

INTRODUCTION: Controversy exists in the optimal management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee performed a systematic review of the literature to develop evidence-based recommendations. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE, Elsevier Embase, EBSCOhost CINAHL, Elsevier Scopus, and Wiley Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were queried for literature related to spontaneous pneumothorax between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2020, addressing (1) initial management, (2) advanced imaging, (3) timing of surgery, (4) operative technique, (5) management of contralateral side, and (6) management of recurrence. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Seventy-nine manuscripts were included. Initial management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax should be guided by symptoms and can include observation, aspiration, or tube thoracostomy. There is no evidence of benefit for cross-sectional imaging. Patients with ongoing air leak may benefit from early operative intervention within 24-48 h. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach with stapled blebectomy and pleural procedure should be considered. There is no evidence to support prophylactic management of the contralateral side. Recurrence after VATS can be treated with repeat VATS with intensification of pleural treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax is varied. Best practices exist to optimize some aspects of care. Further prospective studies are needed to better determine optimal timing of operative intervention, the most effective operation, and management of recurrence after observation, tube thoracostomy, or operative intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic Review of Level 1-4 studies.

Sweet syndrome and erythema nodosum in a young patient with ulcerative colitis.

Sweet syndrome (SS) or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis is a rare inflammatory skin condition presenting as an abrupt onset of painful erythematous plaques or nodules, fever, and neutrophilia with histopathology showing a dense neutrophilic infiltrate. Systemic corticosteroids are the gold standard treatment for SS. We describe a case of a 26-year-old with a past medical history of ulcerative colitis on chronic prednisone presenting to the hospital with a 3-week ulcerative colitis flare with concomitant erythema nodosum and SS. While SS is well described, this inflammatory skin condition is uncommon in the setting of chronic anti-inflammatory medication.

Surgical Management of Ulcerative Colitis in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review from the APSA Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing. Roughly 20% of all patients with UC are diagnosed in childhood, and children typically present with more severe disease. Approximately 40% will undergo total colectomy within ten years of diagnosis. The objective of this study is to assess the available evidence regarding the surgical management of pediatric UC as determined by the consensus agreement of the American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee (APSA OEBP). METHODS: Through an iterative process, the membership of the APSA OEBP developed five a priori questions focused on surgical decision-making for children with UC. Questions focused on surgical timing, reconstruction, use of minimally invasive techniques, need for diversion, and risks to fertility and sexual function. A systematic review was conducted, and articles were selected for review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Risk of Bias was assessed using Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. The Oxford Levels of Evidence and Grades of Recommendation were utilized. RESULTS: A total of 69 studies were included for analysis. Most manuscripts contain level 3 or 4 evidence from single-center retrospective reports, leading to a grade D recommendation. MINORS assessment revealed a high risk of bias in most studies. J-pouch reconstruction may result in fewer daily stools than straight ileoanal anastomosis. There are no differences in complications based on the type of reconstruction. The timing of surgery should be individualized to patients and does not affect complications. Immunosuppressants do not appear to increase surgical site infection rates. Laparoscopic approaches result in longer operative times but shorter lengths of stay and fewer small bowel obstructions. Overall, complications are not different using an open or minimally invasive approach. CONCLUSIONS: There is currently low-level evidence related to certain aspects of surgical management for UC, including timing, reconstruction type, use of minimally invasive techniques, need for diversion, and risks to fertility and sexual function. Multicenter, prospective studies are recommended to better answer these questions and ensure the best evidence-based care for our patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level of evidence III. STUDY TYPE: Systematic review.

Polymer-based particles against pathogenic fungi: A non-uptake delivery of compounds.

The therapy of life-threatening fungal infections is limited and needs urgent improvement. This is in part due to toxic side effects of clinically used antifungal compounds or their limited delivery to fungal structures. Until today, it is a matter of debate how drugs or drug-delivery systems can efficiently reach the intracellular lumen of fungal cells and how this can be improved. Here, we addressed both questions by applying two different polymeric particles for delivery of compounds. Their formulation was based on two biocompatible polymers, i.e., poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)50:50 and poly(methyl methacrylate-stat-methacrylic acid)90:10 yielding particles with hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 100 to 300 nm. The polymers were covalently labeled with the fluorescent dye DY-550 to monitor the interaction between particles and fungi by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, the fluorescent dye coumarin-6 and the antifungal drug itraconazole were successfully encapsulated in particles to study the fate of both the cargo and the particle when interacting with the clinically most important human-pathogenic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, A. terreus, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. While the polymers were exclusively located on the fungal surface, the encapsulated cargo was efficiently transported into fungal hyphae, indicated by increased intracellular fluorescence signals due to coumarin-6. In accordance with this finding, compared to the pristine drug a reduced minimal inhibitory concentration for itraconazole was determined, when it was encapsulated. Together, the herein used polymeric particles were not internalized by pathogenic fungi but were able to efficiently deliver hydrophobic cargos into fungal cells.

Targeting of phagolysosomes containing conidia of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus with polymeric particles.

Conidia of the airborne human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus are inhaled by humans. In the lung, they are phagocytosed by alveolar macrophages and intracellularly processed. In macrophages, however, conidia can interfere with the maturation of phagolysosomes to avoid their elimination. To investigate whether polymeric particles (PPs) can reach this intracellular pathogen in macrophages, we formulated dye-labeled PPs with a size allowing for their phagocytosis. PPs were efficiently taken up by RAW 264.7 macrophages and were found in phagolysosomes. When macrophages were infected with conidia prior to the addition of PPs, we found that they co-localized in the same phagolysosomes. Mechanistically, the fusion of phagolysosomes containing PPs with phagolysosomes containing conidia was observed. Increasing concentrations of PPs increased fusion events, resulting in 14% of phagolysosomes containing both conidia and PPs. We demonstrate that PPs can reach conidia-containing phagolysosomes, making these particles a promising carrier system for antimicrobial drugs to target intracellular pathogens. KEY POINTS: • Polymer particles of a size larger than 500 nm are internalized by macrophages and localized in phagolysosomes. • These particles can be delivered to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia-containing phagolysosomes of macrophages. • Enhanced phagolysosome fusion by the use of vacuolin1 can increase particle delivery.

Use of a Modified ABTHERA ADVANCE™ Open Abdomen Dressing with Intrathoracic Negative-Pressure Therapy for Temporary Chest Closure After Damage Control Thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND Damage control surgery (DCS) is an established emergency operative concept, initially described and most often utilized in abdominal trauma. DCS prioritizes managing acute hemorrhage and contamination, leaving the abdominal wall fascia open and covering the existing wound with a temporary abdominal wall closure, most commonly negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT). The patient undergoes aggressive resuscitation to optimize physiology. Once achieved, the patient is returned to the operating room for definitive surgical intervention. There is limited evidence suggesting that using damage control thoracotomy within the chest cavity improves mortality and morbidity rates. Our review failed to find a case in which NPWT using ABTHERA ADVANCE™ Open Abdomen Dressing has been successfully used in the setting of thoracic trauma. CASE REPORT This case series describes 2 examples of NPWT as a form of temporary chest closure in penetrating and blunt thoracic injury. The first case was a penetrating self-inflicted stab wound to the chest. The NPWT was applied as a form of temporary thoracotomy, closure at the index surgery. The second case was a blunt injury to the chest of a polytrauma patient following a motor vehicle accident. The patient sustained rib fractures on his left side and had a bilateral pneumothorax. An emergent thoracotomy was performed due to delayed intrathoracic bleeding noted on hospital day 11, and NPWT was applied as described above, in the first case. CONCLUSIONS These cases suggest that damage control thoracotomy with intrathoracic placement of a modified ABTHERA ADVANCE™ Open Abdomen Dressing negative-pressure system may be an effective and life-saving technique with the potential for positive outcomes in these high-risk patients.

Comparación de criterios diagnósticos de presión arterial entre la rama de nefrología de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría y la Academia Americana de Pediatría en escolares / Comparison of diagnostic criteria for blood pressure between the Division of Nephrology of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatrics in schoolchildren

Fundamentos: La hipertensión primaria está subdiagnosticada en pediatría, su prevalencia de 3,5% va enaumento. El objetivo fue establecer diferencias diagnósticas entre las tablas de clasificación de infantes de 0 a9 años de la Atención Primaria de Salud de Chile, basadas en la Rama de Nefrología de la Sociedad Chilena dePediatría, 2021 y la Academia Americana de Pediatría, 2017. Métodos: Estudio comparativo, descriptivo, asociativo, diseño no experimental, transversal. Muestra porconveniencia: 230 escolares de 6 a 8 años de Valparaíso. Se evaluó presión arterial, estado nutricional,perímetro de cintura. Los datos se tomaron en 2015, 2018, 2019. Pruebas Chi-cuadrado, Tau-b Kendall. Resultados: sin diferencias significativas de distribución entre las clasificaciones de la Sociedad Chilena dePediatría y la Academia Americana de Pediatría; hay asociación entre el índice de masa corporal y ambasescalas (rτ = 0,179, p = 0,003; rτ = 0,059, p = 0,323 y rτ = 0,203, p = 0,001; rτ = 0,077, p = 0,192),respectivamente. La escala americana tenía un mejor grado de diferenciación en sus categorías elevada,etapas 1 y 2 y con el perímetro de cintura. (AU)

Background: Primary hypertension is underdiagnosed in pediatric patients, with a prevalence of 3.5% that ison the rise. Objective: To establish differences in the diagnosis of the classification system of the primaryhealthcare network of Chile for children aged 0 - 9 years, based on the guidelines of the Division ofNephrology of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics, 2021, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, 2017. Methods: Comparative, descriptive, associative study, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design.Convenience sample: 230 schoolchildren aged 6 - 8 years, Valparaiso. Blood pressure, nutritional status andwaist circumference were assessed. Data were collected in 2015, 2018, 2019. Kendall's tau-b and Chi- squaretests were used. Results: there are not significant differences of distribution between the classifications of the Chilean Societyof Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatrics; there is an association between body mass index andboth classification systems (rτ = 0.179, p = 0.003; rτ = 0.059, p = 0.323 and rτ = 0.203, p = 0.001; rτ = 0.077, p =0.192), respectively. The American scale shows a better degree of differentiation in the categories high bloodpressure, stage 1 and stage 2, and regarding waist circumference. Conclusions: The American scale shows a better differentiation between categories of classification withrespect to waist circumference. (AU)

The Impact of the Rate of Weight Loss on Body Composition and Metabolism.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Weight loss has multiple beneficial effects on body composition and metabolism, but whether these depend on the rate at which body weight is lost is not clear. We analyzed data from studies in which the same amount of weight loss was induced rapidly or gradually. RECENT FINDINGS: Thirteen studies were included in which the same percentage weight loss was achieved at slow or fast rates (range: 0.2 to 3.2 kg/week) by means of dietary calorie restriction, exercise, and bariatric surgery. Faster rates of weight loss may result in more fat-free mass and less fat mass being lost during the dynamic phase of weight reduction compared with slower rates of weight loss, in conjunction with greater declines in resting energy expenditure. However, these differences are attenuated after 2-4 weeks of stabilization at the new, lower body weight, and do not affect the rate and amount of weight regain 9-33 months later (nor the tissue composition of regained weight). Differences in waist circumference, visceral and liver fat contents, resting blood pressure, fasting blood lipid profile, and insulin and adipokine concentrations in response to different rates of weight loss are trivial. The decline in fasting glucose concentration and the improvement in insulin sensitivity after 6-11% weight loss are both greater with rapid than gradual weight loss, but not different after 18-20% weight loss. Changes in body composition and metabolism after losing the same amount of body weight at different rates are largely similar, and occasional differences are likely not meaningful clinically for the long-term management of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases.

Mitochondrial Genetic Diversity, Population Structure and Detection of Antillean and Amazonian Manatees in Colombia: New Areas and New Techniques.

The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus) and the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) are distributed in rivers in the Caribbean and Amazonian region of Colombia respectively. For 30 years, genetic information has been obtained from these populations in order to inform conservation programs for these endangered species and decide on the location to release them back to the wild. However, in previous studies, samples from rivers in some areas of the country were not included, given the difficulties to access these regions due to either logistic or safety issues. In this study, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) sequences of from samples of T. manatus (n = 37) and T. inunguis (n = 4) (410 and 361 bp, respectively), obtained in new and previously unexplored rivers and bays in the country, including Santa Marta, Urabá Gulf, Ayapel Marsh (San Jorge River Basin), Meta River and Magdalena Medio and the low Magdalena River (Cesar Province and Canal del Dique) as well as additional samples from Puerto Nariño in the Colombian Amazon. Our results included the discovery of two newly described mtDNA CR haplotypes for T. manatus. In addition, we confirmed significant population differentiation at the mitochondrial level between the Magdalena and Sinú rivers and differentiation among areas of the same river, including the middle and low Magdalena River. This differentiation may be related to anthropic changes in the river since construction of the Canal del Dique in the XVI century. We also tested environmental DNA sampling and analyses techniques to evaluate its potential use for manatee detection and monitoring in bodies of water in Colombia, in order to evaluate new areas for future manatee conservation initiatives. We emphasize the need to continue using genetic information to provide evidence on the potential best locations to undertake animal release to prevent outbreeding depression.

Resumen ejecutivo: Enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólico en sujetos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2: Postura conjunta de la Asociación Chilena de Hepatología (ACHHEP) y la Sociedad Chilena de Diabetología (SOCHIDIAB) / Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes: a joint statement of the Chilean Hepatology and Diabetology Societies

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a high prevalence and risk of progression to cirrhosis and other complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Likewise, the presence of NAFLD implies a high risk of developing T2DM, determining a bidirectional relationship between them. The diabetology and hepatology societies, developed a joint initiative aiming to unify criteria, reviewing the definitions, diagnostic criteria, risk stratification, treatment, and follow-up of patients with NAFLD and T2DM. The key questions to be discussed were defined by a panel of specialists in diabetology and hepatology. The Delphi methodology was used to reach consensus on the respective recommendations. Based on the discussion generated among the experts, diagnostic and treatment algorithms were proposed, as well as an indication for referral and the role of the different specialists involved in the management of these patients. Strengthening multidisciplinary work with patients with NAFLD and T2DM will allow the early recognition of the disease, the prevention of the progression to cirrhosis, and reducing the associated complications.

Frecuencia de conductas autolesivas y factores asociados en adolescentes escolarizados de Manizales Colombia / Frequency of self-injurious behaviors and associated factors in school adolescents from Manizales, Colombia

Objetivo: esta investigación pretende determinar la frecuencia de conductas autolesivas en una muestra de estudiantes de un colegio de Manizales (Caldas, Colombia). En las últimas dos décadas las conductas autolesivas han aumentado significativamente en la población adolescente. Materiales y métodos: se empleó una muestra por conveniencia de 58 estudiantes (de una población de 538). Se cuantificaron variables demográficas, la frecuencia de conductas autolesivas, factores de riesgo, y se cuantificaron mediante escalas la satisfacción familiar, ansiedad y depresión y acoso escolar (bullying). Resultados: se encontró que una proporción de 22,4% presentaban conductas autolesivas (auto corte, auto golpearse, auto arañarse, intoxicación, arrancarse el cabello, auto quemarse), 10,3% consumo de sustancias psicoactivas, 36,4% consumo de bebidas alcohólicas, 50% probable ansiedad, 56,9% probable depresión. 66,95% de satisfacción familiar. Como factores asociados a autolesiones se encontraron ansiedad, depresión, orientación sexual, consumo de sustancias psicoactivas, bebidas alcohólicas e intento de suicidio en los últimos dos años. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de conductas autolesivas y los factores asociados a estas conductas en esta población es similar a lo reportado en el país y en el mundo, situación que llama la atención, más si se tiene en cuenta que es un importante predictor de suicidio; por tanto, es urgente que las autoridades competentes de la ciudad desarrollen e implementes intervenciones educativas dirigidas a reducir los factores de riesgo de CA, y así, contribuir a la disminución potencial de las tasas de suicidio en Manizales..(Au)

Objective: this research aims to determine the frequency of self-injurious behaviors in a sample of students from a school in Manizales (Caldas, Colombia). In the last two decades, self-injurious behaviors have increased significantly in the adolescent population. Materials and methods: a convenience sample of 58 students (from a population of 538) was used. Demographic variables, the frequency of self-injurious behavior, risk factors were quantified, and family satisfaction, anxiety and depression, and bullying were quantified using scales. Results: it was found that a proportion of 22.4% had self-injurious behaviors (self-cutting, self-hitting, self-scratching, intoxication, hair pulling, self-burning), 10.3% consumption of psychoactive substances, 36.4% consumption of alcoholic beverages, 50% probable anxiety, 56.9% probable depression. 66.95 family satisfaction. As factors associated with self-harm, anxiety, depression, sexual orientation, consumption of psychoactive substances, alcoholic beverages and attempted suicide in the last two year were found. Conclusions: a frequency of self-harm was determined in this population, and associated factors similar to that found in other student populations nationally and internationally. It was determined that this phenomenon of global importance is also present, to a considerable extent, in young students from Manizales city (Colombia)..(Au)

Valores de referencia de la densidad mineral ósea por densitometría tipo DXA en una población adulta sana de Bogotá / Bone mineral density reference values by densitometry (DXA) in a healthy adult population of Bogota

RESUMEN Introducción: La actual definición de osteoporosis es basada en la absorciometría de energía dual de Rx (DXA, por sus siglas en inglés), lo cual representa la principal técnica para la cuantificación de la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y la evaluación del riesgo de fractura. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la DMO en columna lumbar y cuello femoral de adultos sanos desde el punto de vista metabólico óseo en una población de Bogotá-Colombia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de corte transversal, basado en un cuestionario aplicado a la población de estudio. Las medidas densitométricas fueron realizadas con un equipo compacto de alto rendimiento de la General Electric, modelo iDXA, por el mismo tecnólogo en los sitios esqueléticos de interés, columna lumbar L1, L2, L3, L4 y L1-4 en proyección anteroposterior y en cuello femoral. El cálculo del tamaño de muestra se realizó teniendo en cuenta la estratificación por sexo y 2 grupos de edad: 20 a 29 años y 30 a 39 años. Se encuestó a 805 individuos y 432 se realizaron la densitometría ósea. Resultados: Los valores encontrados en columna lumbar para cada uno de los grupos de nuestra población, fueron: 1,150 g/cm2 (DE: 0,11), 1,180 g/cm2 (DE: 0,10), para mujeres y hombres de 20 a 29 años, y 1,169 g/cm2 (DE: 0,10), 1,209 g/cm2 (DE: 0,10) para mujeres y hombres de 30 a 39 años, respectivamente. A nivel del cuello femoral, 0,991 g/cm2 (DE: 0,10), 1,119 g/cm2 (DE: 0,13), para mujeres y hombres de 20 a 29 años, y 0,970 g/cm2 (DE: 0,11), 1,079 g/cm2 (DE: 0,13) para mujeres y hombres de 30 a 39 años, respectivamente. Conclusión: Este estudio pudo demostrar el comportamiento de la DMO en nuestra población, la cual es inferior a la detectada en otras latitudes y a las utilizadas como valores de referencia en nuestros equipos. Adicionalmente, se determinó el valor máximo de masa ósea en cada una de las regiones de interés para los rangos de edad de la población de nuestro estudio.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The current definition of osteoporosis is based on the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which represents the main technique for the quantification of bone mineral density (BMD) and the evaluation of fracture risk. The objective of this study was to determine the BMD in the lumbar spine and femoral neck of healthy adults from a bone metabolism point of view in a population of Bogotá-Colombia. Method: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted based on a questionnaire completed by the study population. The densitometric measurements were carried out using a high-performance compact equipment of the General Electric, iDXA model, by the same technologist at the skeletal sites of interest, lumbar spine L1, L2, L3, L4 and L1-4 in anteroposterior projection, and in femoral neck. The sample size calculation was performed taking into account stratification by gender and 2 age groups: 20 to 29 years, and 30 to 39 years. A total of 805 individuals were surveyed, and 432 bone densitometries were performed. Results: The values found in the lumbar spine for each of the groups in our population were: 1.150 g/cm2 (SD: 0.11), 1.180 g/cm2 (SD: 0.10), for women and men aged 20 to 29 years, and 1.169 g/cm2 (SD: 0.10), 1.209 g/cm2 (SD: 0.10) for women and men aged 30 to 39, respectively. At the level of the femoral neck, 0.991 g/cm2 (SD: 0.10), 1.119 g/cm2 (SD: 0.13), for women and men aged 20 to 29 years, respectively, and 0.970 g/cm2 (SD: 0.11), 1.079 g/cm2 (SD: 0.13) for women and men aged 30 to 39, respectively. Conclusion: This study was able to demonstrate the behaviour of BMD in our population, which is lower than that detected in other latitudes and those used as reference values in our equipment. Additionally, the maximum bone mass value was determined in each of the locations of interest for the age ranges of the population in our study.

Infectious and non-infectious diseases burden among Haitian immigrants in Chile: a cross-sectional study.

Chile has become a popular destination for migrants from South America and the Caribbean (low- and middle-income countries migration). Close to 200.000 Haitian migrants have arrived in Chile. Infectious and non-infectious disease burden among the Haitian adult population living in Chile is unknown. This study aimed to acquire the basic health information (selected transmissible and non-transmissible conditions) of the Haitian adult population living in Chile. A cross-sectional survey was performed, inviting Haitian-born residents in Chile older than 18 years old. Common conditions and risk factors for disease were assessed, as well as selected transmissible conditions (HIV, HBV, and HCV). 498 participants (60.4% female) from 10 communities in two regions of Chile were surveyed. Most subjects had never smoked (91.5%), and 80% drank less than one alcohol unit per month. The mean BMI was 25.6, with 45% of participants having a normal BMI (20-25). Hypertension was present in 31.5% (33% in the 25-44 age group). Prevalence of HIV was 2.4% (95 CI 1.3-4.2%), hepatitis B (HBsAg positive) was 3.4% (95 CI 2.1-5.5%), and hepatitis C was 0% (95 CI 0.0-0.9%). Quality of life showed a significant prevalence of depression and anxiety markers, particularly in those arriving in Chile less than 1 year ago. Low prevalence of obesity, diabetes, smoking, and drinking and estimated cardiovascular risk were found. Nonetheless, hypertension at a younger age, disproportionately higher prevalence of HIV and HBV infection and frequent markers of anxiety and depression were also found. Public policies for detecting and treating hypertension, HIV, and HBV screening, offering HBV vaccination, and organizing mental health programs for Haitian immigrants, are urgently needed.

Caspofungin Functionalized Polymethacrylates with Antifungal Properties.

We describe the synthesis of hydrophilic poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PmPEGMA) and hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) caspofungin conjugates by a post-polymerization modification of copolymers containing 10 mol % pentafluorophenyl methacrylate (PFPMA), which were obtained via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer copolymerization. The coupling of the clinically used antifungal caspofungin was confirmed and quantified in detail by a combination of 1H-, 19F- and diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and size exclusion chromatography. The trifunctional amine-containing antifungal was attached via several amide bonds to the hydrophobic PMMA, but sterical hindrance induced by the mPEGMA side chains prohibited intramolecular double functionalization. Both polymer-drug conjugates revealed activity against important human-pathogenic fungi, that is, two strains of Aspergillus fumigatus and one strain of Candida albicans (2.5 mg L-1 < MEC < 8 mg L-1, MIC50 = 4 mg L-1), whereas RAW 264.7 macrophages as well as HeLa cells remained unaffected at these concentrations.