Chemical and Protein Characterization of Two Varieties of Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum): Costa 2004 and El Patrón.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of two chickpea varieties, 'Costa 2004' and 'El Patrón', and to characterize their proteins to determine their technological potential for the food industry. For this purpose, chickpea samples of both varieties from the 2019 harvest region of Guanajuato, Mexico, were obtained and chemically characterized to determine the protein fractions using electrophoretic and amino acid profiling. The chickpea variety 'Costa 2004' contained 3% less protein and 7% less dietary fiber content than the variety 'El Patrón'; whereas, the carbohydrate content of 'Costa 2004' was 4% greater. Additionally, the chickpeas demonstrated an antioxidant capacity ranging from 319 to 387 µMET/g and total phenol levels exceeding 500 mg/g. Among the protein fractions, globulins represented the highest proportion in both varieties of chickpea, at approximately 8.73 g/100 g ('Costa 2004') and 10.42 g/100 g ('El Patrón'), followed by albumin, at approximately 1.24 g/100 g and 1.47 g/100 g, respectively. The chickpea proteins ranged in molecular weight between 100 and 25 kDa, with particularly strong signals in the albumin and globulin bands. Regarding the amino acid profile, histidine was predominant in both varieties. In conclusion, both varieties of chickpea have high nutritional value and broad potential for technological use in the food industry.

Physicochemical, nutritional properties, and antioxidant potential of 'limilla' fruit (Rhus aromatica var. schmidelioides (Schltdl.) Engl.).

Rhus aromatica inhabits humid oak and oakpine forests in the State of Michoacán (Mexico). The fruit of R. aromatica is edible and is traditionally used in the preparation of soft drinks, ice pops, ice creams and 'atole'. The objective of the present investigation was to carry out a physical and chemical characterization and analysis of the antioxidant capacity of fruit. For the physical characterization, the equatorial and longitudinal diameter, weight and percentage of pulp were determined. In the chemical characterization, a proximal analysis was carried out, quantification of polyphenols and flavonoids was performed, and the antioxidant capacity was determined. The results showed that the fruit had a longitudinal diameter of 6.58 ± 1.02 mm, an equatorial diameter of 7.17 ± 0.66, a weight of 55.22 ± 5.47 mg, and a 40 % pulp proportion. The chemical characterization analysis indicated 8.7 % moisture, 30.6 % lipids, 8.7 % proteins, 29.4 % total sugars, 3.8 % ashes and 18.7 % crude fibre, 3.1 °Brix, pH 3.1, 1.92 % acidity total and a caloric intake of 4.27 kcal/g. The polyphenol content was higher in 60 % ethanol extracts with 88.6 ± 50.89 mg EAG/g; for flavonoids from extracts with 100 % acetone, it was 26.52 ± 0.65 mg EQ/g, and the total carotenoid content was 46.37 mg/100 g. The total antioxidant activity was higher in extracts with 80 % acetone, with 87.17 % inhibition of the DPPH radical and 90 % inhibition of ABTS without showing a significant difference with the different solvents used. The lowest IC50 values were presented in 100 % ethanol and 60 % methanol extracts for the DPPH radical and for the ABTS radical were the 80 % ethanol and 60 % methanol extracts. The lipid, protein, carotenoid, and polyphenol contents and antioxidant capacity of the fruit of R. aromatica were as high as those of other fruits consumed in the human diet.

Comparative Phenotyping of Mice Reveals Canonical and Noncanonical Physiological Functions of TRα and TRß.

Thyroid hormone (TH) effects are mediated through TH receptors (TRs), TRα1, TRß1, and TRß2. The TRs bind to the DNA and regulate expression of TH target genes (canonical signaling). In addition, they mediate activation of signaling pathways (noncanonical signaling). Whether noncanonical TR action contributes to the spectrum of TH effects is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to attribute physiological effects to the TR isoforms and their canonical and noncanonical signaling. We conducted multiparameter phenotyping in male and female TR knockout mice (TRαKO, TRßKO), mice with disrupted canonical signaling due to mutations in the TR DNA binding domain (TRαGS, TRßGS), and their wild-type littermates. Perturbations in senses, especially hearing (mainly TRß with a lesser impact of TRα), visual acuity, retinal thickness (TRα and TRß), and in muscle metabolism (TRα) highlighted the role of canonical TR action. Strikingly, selective abrogation of canonical TR action often had little phenotypic consequence, suggesting that noncanonical TR action sufficed to maintain the wild-type phenotype for specific effects. For instance, macrocytic anemia, reduced retinal vascularization, or increased anxiety-related behavior were only observed in TRαKO but not TRαGS mice. Noncanonical TRα action improved energy utilization and prevented hyperphagia observed in female TRαKO mice. In summary, by examining the phenotypes of TRα and TRß knockout models alongside their DNA binding-deficient mutants and wild-type counterparts, we could establish that the noncanonical actions of TRα and TRß play a crucial role in modulating sensory, behavioral, and metabolic functions and, thus, contribute to the spectrum of physiological TH effects.

Fuzzy cognitive mapping in participatory research and decision making: a practice review.

BACKGROUND: Fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) is a graphic technique to describe causal understanding in a wide range of applications. This practice review summarises the experience of a group of participatory research specialists and trainees who used FCM to include stakeholder views in addressing health challenges. From a meeting of the research group, this practice review reports 25 experiences with FCM in nine countries between 2016 and 2023. RESULTS: The methods, challenges and adjustments focus on participatory research practice. FCM portrayed multiple sources of knowledge: stakeholder knowledge, systematic reviews of literature, and survey data. Methodological advances included techniques to contrast and combine maps from different sources using Bayesian procedures, protocols to enhance the quality of data collection, and tools to facilitate analysis. Summary graphs communicating FCM findings sacrificed detail but facilitated stakeholder discussion of the most important relationships. We used maps not as predictive models but to surface and share perspectives of how change could happen and to inform dialogue. Analysis included simple manual techniques and sophisticated computer-based solutions. A wide range of experience in initiating, drawing, analysing, and communicating the maps illustrates FCM flexibility for different contexts and skill bases. CONCLUSIONS: A strong core procedure can contribute to more robust applications of the technique while adapting FCM for different research settings. Decision-making often involves choices between plausible interventions in a context of uncertainty and multiple possible answers to the same question. FCM offers systematic and traceable ways to document, contrast and sometimes to combine perspectives, incorporating stakeholder experience and causal models to inform decision-making. Different depths of FCM analysis open opportunities for applying the technique in skill-limited settings.

A Comprehensive Review of Behavior Change Techniques in Wearables and IoT: Implications for Health and Well-Being.

This research paper delves into the effectiveness and impact of behavior change techniques fostered by information technologies, particularly wearables and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, within the realms of engineering and computer science. By conducting a comprehensive review of the relevant literature sourced from the Scopus database, this study aims to elucidate the mechanisms and strategies employed by these technologies to facilitate behavior change and their potential benefits to individuals and society. Through statistical measurements and related works, our work explores the trends over a span of two decades, from 2000 to 2023, to understand the evolving landscape of behavior change techniques in wearable and IoT technologies. A specific focus is placed on a case study examining the application of behavior change techniques (BCTs) for monitoring vital signs using wearables, underscoring the relevance and urgency of further investigation in this critical intersection of technology and human behavior. The findings shed light on the promising role of wearables and IoT devices for promoting positive behavior modifications and improving individuals' overall well-being and highlighting the need for continued research and development in this area to harness the full potential of technology for societal benefit.

Competency-Based Cultural Safety Training in Medical Education at La Sabana University, Colombia: A Roadmap of Curricular Modernization.

Issue: Cultural safety enhances equitable communication between health care providers and cultural groups. Most documented cultural safety training initiatives focus on Indigenous populations from high-income countries, and nursing students, with little research activity reported from low- and middle-income countries. Several cultural safety training initiatives have been described, but a modern competency-based cultural safety curriculum is needed. Evidence: In this article, we present the Competency-Based Education and Entrustable Professional Activities frameworks of the Faculty of Medicine at La Sabana University in Colombia, and illustrate how this informed modernization of medical education. We describe our co-designed cultural safety training learning objectives and summarize how we explored its impact on medical education through mixed-methods research. Finally, we propose five cultural safety intended learning outcomes adapted to the updated curriculum, which is based on the Competency-Based Education model. Implications: This article presents five cultural safety intended learning outcomes for undergraduate medical education. These learning outcomes are based on Competency-Based Education and the Entrustable Professional Activities framework and can be used by faculties of medicine interested in including the cultural safety approach in their curriculum.

How does participatory research work: protocol for a realist synthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Participatory research science deals with partnerships underlying research, governance and ownership of research products. It is concerned with relationships behind research objectives and methods. Participatory research has gained significant traction in design of health interventions, contextualising these to local settings and stakeholder groups. Despite a massive increase in participatory research exercises, the field remains undertheorised, and the mechanisms for improving health outcomes remain unclear. This realist review seeks to understand how and under what circumstances participatory research impacts health and social outcomes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The review will follow four steps: (1) searching for and selecting evidence, (2) assessing the quality of evidence, (3) extracting and categorising data and (4) synthesising the data in the form of context-mechanism-outcomes configurations. The review will follow the Realist And Meta Narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards (RAMESES) II guidelines for reporting realist evaluations. We categorise and synthesise data in four steps: (1) identifying outcomes, (2) identifying contextual components of outcomes, (3) theoretical redescription (abduction) and (4) identifying mechanisms. A retroductive analysis will identify mechanisms by moving between empirical data and theories, using inductive and deductive reasoning to explain the outcomes-context matches. The output will generate middle-range theories on how participatory research works, for whom and under what circumstances. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is a review of a published literature. It does not involve human participants. We will convene a workshop to share and discuss the preliminary results with partners and key stakeholders involved in participatory health research. We will publish the review results in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.

What facilitates or prevents academic fraud in a Colombian faculty of medicine-Protocol of a study using fuzzy cognitive mapping.

INTRODUCTION: Academic fraud is any behavior that gives a student an undeserved advantage over another student. Few studies have explored the causes of and possible solutions to academic fraud in Latin America. We aim to map the knowledge of stakeholders in a Colombian faculty of medicine about the factors that facilitate and prevent academic fraud. METHODS: Fuzzy cognitive mapping. We will use the approach proposed by Andersson and Silver to generate fuzzy cognitive maps representing stakeholder knowledge. This process consists of ten steps: (1) definition of the research question; (2) identification of participants; (3) generation of ideas; (4) rationalization of ideas; (5) organization and connection of ideas; (6) weighing; (7) pattern grouping; (8) list of links and digitization; (9) combination of maps and network analysis; and (10) deliberative dialogue. To draw the maps, we will invite medical students, interns, resident physicians, master's students, and professors in the faculty of medicine. Four medical students will receive training to facilitate the sessions. Participants will identify the factors contributing to academic fraud and their causal relationships. We will use a combination of network analysis and graph theory to identify the chains of factors with greatest influence on academic fraud. CONCLUSION: The maps will serve to discuss strategies to reduce academic fraud in the Faculty of Medicine and to identify factors that could be addressed in other contexts with similar problems. This research will allow the students who facilitate mapping sessions to learn about research techniques, fuzzy cognitive mapping and academic fraud. Study registration: Registered in OSF Registries on August 2nd, 2022. Registration number: osf.io/v4amz.

AOX delays the onset of the lethal phenotype in a mouse model of Uqcrh (complex III) disease.

The alternative oxidase, AOX, provides a by-pass of the cytochrome segment of the mitochondrial respiratory chain when the chain is unavailable. AOX is absent from mammals, but AOX from Ciona intestinalis is benign when expressed in mice. Although non-protonmotive, so does not contribute directly to ATP production, it has been shown to modify and in some cases rescue phenotypes of respiratory-chain disease models. Here we studied the effect of C. intestinalis AOX on mice engineered to express a disease-equivalent mutant of Uqcrh, encoding the hinge subunit of mitochondrial respiratory complex III, which results in a complex metabolic phenotype beginning at 4-5 weeks, rapidly progressing to lethality within a further 6-7 weeks. AOX expression delayed the onset of this phenotype by several weeks, but provided no long-term benefit. We discuss the significance of this finding in light of the known and hypothesized effects of AOX on metabolism, redox homeostasis, oxidative stress and cell signaling. Although not a panacea, the ability of AOX to mitigate disease onset and progression means it could be useful in treatment.

Comparison of Collaborative and Cooperative Schemes in Sensor Networks for Non-Invasive Monitoring of People at Home.

This paper looks at wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in healthcare, where they can monitor patients remotely. WSNs are considered one of the most promising technologies due to their flexibility and autonomy in communication. However, routing protocols in WSNs must be energy-efficient, with a minimal quality of service, so as not to compromise patient care. The main objective of this work is to compare two work schemes in the routing protocol algorithm in WSNs (cooperative and collaborative) in a home environment for monitoring the conditions of the elderly. The study aims to optimize the performance of the algorithm and the ease of use for people while analyzing the impact of the sensor network on the analysis of vital signs daily using medical equipment. We found relationships between vital sign metrics that have a more significant impact in the presence of a monitoring system. Finally, we conduct a performance analysis of both schemes proposed for the home tracking application and study their usability from the user's point of view.

Barriers and facilitators influencing parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health in Indigenous communities in Latin American countries: protocol for a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the global efforts to promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH), many doubts remain on how to ensure universal health access for this population. Many obstacles prevent adolescents from accessing SRH information and services. As a result, adolescents are disproportionally affected by adverse SRH outcomes. Indigenous adolescents are more likely to receive insufficient information and health services due to poverty, discrimination and social exclusion. This situation is compounded by parents' limited access to information and the possibility of sharing this information with younger generations. The literature shows that parents play a crucial role in informing adolescents about SRH, but the evidence remains scarce for Indigenous adolescents in Latin America. We aim to discuss the barriers and facilitators of parent-adolescent communication on SRH for Indigenous adolescents in Latin American countries. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A scoping review will follow the Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual. We will include articles published between January 2000 and February 2023 in English and Spanish from seven electronic databases and retrieved references from selected articles. Two independent researchers will screen the articles, excluding duplicates, and extract the data based on the inclusion criteria using a data extraction template. The data will be analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results will be presented following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews checklist and using the PRISMA flow chart, tables and a summary of the key findings. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approval is needed to conduct a scoping review considering the data will be retrieved from previous publicly published studies. The results of the scoping review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and conferences targeting researchers, programme developers and policymakers that have experience working in the Americas. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PFSDC.

Achenbach Syndrome in Primary Care: A Case Report.

Paroxysmal hematoma of the fingers, or Achenbach syndrome, is a rare vascular disorder of benign course and unknown etiology. The clinical manifestations are sudden onset, paroxysmal spontaneous subcutaneous hematomas, and edema and pain in the fingers and hands. The clinical course is self-limited and does not leave permanent sequela. The diagnosis is clinical, and complementary studies are often unnecessary. We present the clinical case of a 69-year-old woman diagnosed with Achenbach syndrome in a primary care center in Colombia.

Suprapubic Varicose Veins Idiopathic: A Rare Presentation of Perineal Pelvic Retrograde Flow.

Background: Varicose pubic collateral veins are a rare phenomenon secondary to obstruction of the common femoral vein, left external iliac, or common iliac vein. This article aims to describe the clinical case of a 75-year-old female patient who presented with varicose collateral suprapubic veins.Case report: A 75-year-old female patient from a rural area in Colombia presented to the emergency department complaining of a 4-day history of edema, erythema, and pain in the suprapubic region. The patient presented with large varicose veins in the suprapubic region with erythema, warmth, and pain on palpation. A computer tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed suprapubic varicose veins and contrasted in venous phase ruled out iliac vein obstruction. To rule out paraneoplastic syndrome, tumor markers, a transvaginal ultrasound, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and rectosigmoidoscopy were obtained and found to be negative. Anticoagulation with warfarin 5 mg daily and bridge therapy with enoxaparin was initiated.Conclusion: We presented the case of a patient with varicose collateral suprapubic veins of unknown origin, who received anticoagulation with warfarin and analgesic management with subsequent resolution of symptoms.

Identifying causal serum protein-cardiometabolic trait relationships using whole genome sequencing.

Cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, have a high public health burden. Understanding the genetically determined regulation of proteins that are dysregulated in disease can help to dissect the complex biology underpinning them. Here, we perform a protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) analysis of 248 serum proteins relevant to cardiometabolic processes in 2893 individuals. Meta-analyzing whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from two Greek cohorts, MANOLIS (n = 1356; 22.5× WGS) and Pomak (n = 1537; 18.4× WGS), we detect 301 independently associated pQTL variants for 170 proteins, including 12 rare variants (minor allele frequency < 1%). We additionally find 15 pQTL variants that are rare in non-Finnish European populations but have drifted up in the frequency in the discovery cohorts here. We identify proteins causally associated with cardiometabolic traits, including Mep1b for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and describe a knock-out (KO) Mep1b mouse model. Our findings furnish insights into the genetic architecture of the serum proteome, identify new protein-disease relationships and demonstrate the importance of isolated populations in pQTL analysis.

Identification of Halophilic and Halotolerant Bacteria from the Root Soil of the Halophyte Sesuvium verrucosum Raf.

Soil salinity is a condition that limits crop growth and productivity, and soil-dwelling bacteria from halophytic plant roots may be a viable strategy to cope with low productivity due to salt stress. Halophilic and halotolerant bacteria of the root soil of Sesuvium verrucosum were analyzed in this study as there is little evidence regarding its associated microbiology. Soil was sampled from the roots of Sesuvium verrucosum to obtain the cultivable bacteria. Their morphological characteristics were identified and they were molecularly identified by the 16S sequence. The growth capacity of the bacteria was determined at different levels of pH and salinity, and several growth promotion characteristics were identified, such as phosphorus solubilization, indole acetic acid production by the tryptophan-dependent (AIAt) and tryptophan-independent (IAA) pathways, ammonium production from organic sources, solubilization of carbonates, and zinc and sodium capture capacity. In addition, the bacteria that presented the best characteristics for germination variables of Solanum lycopersicum were evaluated. A total of 20 bacteria from root soil of Sesuvium verrucosum Raf. belonging to the phyla Proteobacteria (50%), Firmicutes (45%) and Actinobacteria (5%) were identified, with each one having different morphological characteristics. Among the bacterial isolates, 45% had the ability to resist different levels of salinity and pH, ranging from 0 to 20% of NaCl, and pH between 5 and 11. Moreover, these bacteria had the capacity to solubilize carbonates, phosphorus and zinc, capture sodium, produce ammonium from organic substrates and IAA (indole acetic acid), and promote enzymatic activity of amylases, proteases, lipases and cellulases. The bacteria evaluated on the germination of Solanum lycopersicum had an influence on germination at different salinity levels, with greater influence at 100 mM NaCl. This demonstrated that halophilic bacteria belonging to the rhizosphere of Sesuvium verrucosum have the ability to promote growth in extreme salinity conditions, making them candidates for the recovery of productivity in saline soils.

Fibromialgia en la nueva era de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y el síndrome post-COVID-19: una revisión exploratoria / no

Introducción: La fibromialgia es un síndrome caracterizado por dolor crónico generalizado, rigidez articular, trastornos del sueno, fatiga, ansiedad y episodios depresivos, cuyas manifestaciones clínicas comienzan después de un trauma físico o emocional. Pese a ello, son escasas las publicaciones que describen el impacto clínico de la COVID-19 en los síntomas de fibromialgia. Objetivo: Mapear la evidencia médica disponible sobre el impacto de la COVID-19 y el síndrome post-COVID en pacientes con y sin diagnóstico de fibromialgia previo a la infección. Materiales y métodos: Revisión sistemática exploratoria en PubMed y Scopus, considerando artículos en inglés y en español, con datos sobre la fibromialgia en población sobreviviente a la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Se revisaron los registros de ensayos clínicos de las bases de datos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados: Se incluyeron 12 artículos publicados: estudios retrospectivos (n = 4), transversales (n = 2), casos y controles (n = 2), estudios cualitativos (n = 2), cohorte prospectiva (n = 1) y corte longitudinal (n = 1). La población total fue de 3.060 pacientes. Además, se incluyeron registros de un ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado, un estudio observacional tipo transversal y uno de casos y controles. La suma total de la población estudiada fue de 173 participantes. Conclusión: Los pacientes sobrevivientes a la COVID-19 con o sin diagnóstico previo de fibromialgia pueden presentar un aumento del dolor crónico, insomnio, rigidez articular y deterioro en la calidad de vida. La población con antecedente de fibromialgia puede verse más afectada por estrés psicológico, lesión tisular a estructuras neuromusculares e inflamación por la infección por SARS-CoV-2.

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic generalized pain, joint stiffness, sleep disorders, fatigue, anxiety and depressive episodes, whose clinical manifestations begin after a physical or emotional trauma. However, few publications describe the clinical impact of COVID-19 on fibromyalgia symptoms. Objective: To map the available medical evidence on the impact of COVID-19 and PCS in patients with and without a diagnosis of fibromyalgia prior to infection. Materials and methods: Exploratory systematic review in PubMed and Scopus, considering COVID-19 Fibromyalgia SARS-CoV-2 articles in English and Spanish, with data on fibromyalgia in the population surviving SARS-CoV-2 infection. The clinical trial records of the World Health Organization databases were reviewed. Results: Twelve published articles were included: retrospective studies (n = 4), cross-sectional (n = 2), cases and controls (n = 2), qualitative studies (n = 2), a prospective cohort (n = 1) and a longitudinal section study (n = 1). The total study population of the included publications was 3,060 patients. In addition, one randomized controlled clinical trial and two observational cross-sectional and case-control studies were included. The total sum of the study population was 173 participants. Conclusion: Survivors of COVID-19 with or without a previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia may present an increase in chronic pain, insomnia, joint stiffness, and deterioration in quality of life. The population with a history of fibromyalgia may be more affected by psychological stress, tissue damage to neuromuscular structures, and inflammation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Colchicina, perspectivas de un viejo amigo para la reumatología en la COVID-19: una revisión exploratoria / no

Introducción: La colchicina es ampliamente utilizada en enfermedades inflamatorias como la gota y la fiebre mediterránea familiar. Debido a su capacidad inmunomoduladora, podría tener un papel importante en el tratamiento de la COVID-19. Objetivo: Explorar la evidencia médica publicada hasta el 28 de diciembre del 2020, acerca de la eficacia y la seguridad de la colchicina en el tratamiento de pacientes con infección confirmada por SARS-CoV-2. Material y métodos: Revisión exploratoria de la literatura que incluyó PubMed y Scopus. Se tuvieron en cuenta registros de ensayos clínicos y publicaciones con datos empíricos (estudios observacionales y experimentales) en inglés y español. Resultados: Se encontraron 33 ensayos clínicos y 6 publicaciones empíricas: estudios de cohorte prospectivos (n = 2) y retrospectiva (n = 2), ensayo clínico aleatorizado (n = 1) y estudio casos y controles (n = 1). La suma de los participantes en los ensayos es de 46.324 individuos, el 73% (24/33) de los estudios recluta a la población de estudio y el 51% (17/33) son fase 3. Conclusiones: Un ensayo clínico respalda la disminución en marcadores inflamatorios pronósticos y el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria en la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Los ensayos clínicos en desarrollo ayudarán a esclarecer la eficacia y la seguridad de la colchicina para el manejo de pacientes con COVID-19.

Introduction: Colchicine is widely used to treat inflammatory diseases such as gout and Mediterranean fever. Due to its immunomodulatory capacity, it could play an important role in the treatment of COVID-19. Objective: To explore the current available medical evidence, published until 28 December 2020, regarding the efficacy and safety of colchicine in the treatment of patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Material and methods: Scoping review of the literature that included PubMed and Scopus. Records of clinical trials and publications with empirical data (observational and experimental studies) in English and Spanish were included. Results: A total of 33 clinical trials and 6 publications were found: prospective (n = 2) and retrospective (n = 2) cohort studies, randomised clinical trials (n = 1) and case-control studies (n = 1). The total number of participants in the trials is 46,324 individuals, 73% (24/33) of the studies are recruiting participants and 51% (17/33) are phase 3 studies. Conclusions: One clinical trial reports a decrease in prognostic inflammatory markers and length of hospital stay in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ongoing clinical trials will clarify the efficacy and safety of colchicine for the management of patients with COVID-19.

Guillain Barré syndrome in the paediatric population. Consequence of active infection or long Covid?

Background: Guillain-Barre syndrome is a polyradiculoneuropathy that has been associated with infectious diseases as triggers. There is currently little medical evidence exploring the relationship between the development of Guillain-Barre syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and long Covid. Objective: To synthesize the medical evidence that describes the relationship between post Covid syndrome and Guillain-Barre syndrome in the paediatric population. Methodology: A scoping review was developed using Scopus and PubMed databases, including analytical and/or descriptive experimental and observational studies. Results: The main clinical manifestations presented by paediatric patients were distal and ascending weakness in the lower limbs and myalgia. The diagnostic approach was based on clinical findings, imaging findings on spinal magnetic resonance and electromyography. The therapeutic strategy is based on the use of intravenous human immunoglobulins. Conclusion: Guillain-Barre syndrome is a frequent disease in the paediatric population with active SARS-CoV-2 infection or in survivors, however, it is necessary to encourage further clinical studies that increase the medical literature that describes this association.

Introducción: El síndrome de Guillain-Barré es una polirradiculoneuropatía que se ha asociado con enfermedades infecciosas como desencadenantes. En la actualidad es escasa la evidencia médica que explore la relación entre el desarrollo del síndrome de Guillain-Barré causado por la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y la COVID prolongada. Objetivo: Sintetizar la evidencia médica que describe la relación entre el síndrome pos-COVID y el síndrome de Guillain-Barré en la población pediátrica. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión exploratoria utilizando las bases de datos de Scopus y PubMed, incluyendo estudios experimentales y observacionales analíticos o descriptivos. Resultados: Las principales manifestaciones clínicas presentadas por los pacientes fueron debilidad distal y ascendente en miembros inferiores y mialgias. El enfoque diagnóstico se apoyó en los hallazgos clínicos, hallazgos imagenológicos por resonancia magnética de columna y electromiografía. La estrategia terapéutica se basó en el uso de inmunoglobulinas humanas intravenosas. Conclusión: El síndrome de Guillain-Barré es una enfermedad frecuente en la población pediátrica con infección activa por SARS-CoV-2 o en sobrevivientes, sin embargo, es necesario incentivar el desarrollo de estudios clínicos que incrementen la literatura médica que describe esta asociación.

Deep phenotyping and lifetime trajectories reveal limited effects of longevity regulators on the aging process in C57BL/6J mice.

Current concepts regarding the biology of aging are primarily based on studies aimed at identifying factors regulating lifespan. However, lifespan as a sole proxy measure for aging can be of limited value because it may be restricted by specific pathologies. Here, we employ large-scale phenotyping to analyze hundreds of markers in aging male C57BL/6J mice. For each phenotype, we establish lifetime profiles to determine when age-dependent change is first detectable relative to the young adult baseline. We examine key lifespan regulators (putative anti-aging interventions; PAAIs) for a possible countering of aging. Importantly, unlike most previous studies, we include in our study design young treated groups of animals, subjected to PAAIs prior to the onset of detectable age-dependent phenotypic change. Many PAAI effects influence phenotypes long before the onset of detectable age-dependent change, but, importantly, do not alter the rate of phenotypic change. Hence, these PAAIs have limited effects on aging.

Educational games created by medical students in a cultural safety training game jam: a qualitative descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Cultural safety training, whereby health professionals learn to reflect on their own culture and to respect the cultural identity of patients, could address intercultural tensions in health care. Given the context of their medical education, however, medical students might perceive such training to be dull or even unnecessary. Game jams, collaborative workshops to create and play games, are a potentially engaging learning environment for medical students today. How medical students learn while making games is poorly documented. This study describes the characteristics of educational games created by participants in a cultural safety game jam and the concepts they used to create games. METHODS: As part of a trial, 268 Colombian medical students divided into 48 groups participated in an eight-hour game jam to create a prototype of an educational game on cultural safety. In this qualitative descriptive study, we reviewed the description of the games uploaded by participants, including the name, objective, game narrative, rules, rewards, penalties, and pictures. An inductive thematic analysis collated their descriptions. RESULTS: The game descriptions illustrated the characteristics of the educational games and the aspects of the cultural safety concept that the students used to create games. Medical students situated cultural safety within a continuum with culturally unsafe actions at one end and cultural safety at the other end. Although not familiar with game design, the students designed prototypes of basic educational games including game dynamics, game scenarios, learning objectives, and pedagogical strategies. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study could help researchers and educators to understand how medical students learn from game design and the kind of games that game jam participants can create without previous game design skills.