Treatment variability and its relationships to outcomes among patients with Wernicke's encephalopathy: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Despite guidelines and recommendations, Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) treatment lacks evidence, leading to clinical practice variability. AIMS: Given the overall lack of information on thiamine use for WE treatment, we analyzed data from a large, well-characterized multicenter sample of patients with WE, examining thiamine dosages; factors associated with the use of different doses, frequencies, and routes; and the influence of differences in thiamine treatment on the outcome. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted with data from 443 patients from 21 centers obtained from a nationwide registry of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (from 2000 to 2012). Discharge codes and Caine criteria were applied for WE diagnosis, and treatment-related (thiamine dosage, frequency, and route of administration) demographic, clinical, and outcome variables were analyzed. RESULTS: We found marked variability in WE treatment and a low rate of high-dose intravenous thiamine administration. Seventy-eight patients out of 373 (20.9%) received > 300mg/day of thiamine as initial dose. Patients fulfilling the Caine criteria or presenting with the classic WE triad more frequently received parenteral treatment. Delayed diagnosis (after 24h hospitalization), the fulfillment of more than two Caine criteria at diagnosis, mental status alterations, and folic acid deficiency were associated significantly with the lack of complete recovery. Malnutrition, reduced consciousness, folic acid deficiency, and the lack of timely thiamine treatment were risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly show extreme variability in thiamine dosages and routes used in the management of WE. Measures should be implemented to ensure adherence to current guidelines and to correct potential nutritional deficits in patients with alcohol use disorders or other risk factors for WE.

Vaccination trends in people with HIV infection participanting in the hospital-based survey of patients infected with HIV, 2006-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the trend in hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pneumococcal, tetanus and seasonal influenza vaccination in people with HIV infection and to analyse associated factors. METHODS: The Hospital Survey of Patients with HIV, an annual cross-sectional study conducted on a fixed day (2006-2021), was used. Inpatients and outpatients were included. Trends in vaccination and associated factors were analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 8643 participants were included. Vaccination rates increased to 65.3% for hepatitis A, 83.7% for hepatitis B, 49.3% for tetanus, 68.9% for pneumococcal and 74.5% for seasonal influenza in 2021. Factors positively associated with vaccination were older age for pneumococcal and influenza vaccination; higher educational level for hepatitis A and tetanus; living in a closed institutions or prison for tetanus, pneumococcal and influenza; and having acquired HIV through sex between men for hepatitis A, B and pneumococcal. In addition, being on antiretroviral treatment and having a high CD4 count were positively associated with vaccination for all these diseases. Factors inversely associated with vaccination were being older (hepatitis A, B and tetanus), being an immigrant (tetanus and seasonal influenza) and being an injection drug user/ex-user for hepatitis A and B. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination in people with HIV has increased in the study period. The results are in line with the recommendations in this population, although there is still room to reach the established vaccination indicators.

Gender identity and sexual orientation of people with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review / Identidad de género y orientación sexual de las personas con Trastorno del Espectro del Autismo: una revisión sistemática

There has been growing interest about gender identity and sexual orientation in people with autism spectrum disorder. This systematic review analyses 18 studies conducted since 2016 that met the inclusion criteria. The aim was to gather evidence of gender identity, gender dysphoria, and sexual orientation in the ASD population. The results indicate an increased prevalence of non-conforming gender identity and gender dysphoria in people with ASD. There was also evidence of greater prevalence of non-heterosexual orientation in people with ASD than people without ASD. These results were particularly found in women with ASD. However, more studies are needed, especially about women, children and adolescents, to ensure that there are suitable support and resources to meet the needs of this population. (AU)

En los últimos años ha surgido un creciente interés en relación con la identidad de género y la orientación sexual de las personas con trastorno del espectro del autismo (TEA). La presente revisión sistemática analiza un total de 18 estudios, publicados a partir de 2016, con la finalidad de obtener evidencias acerca de la identidad y disforia de género, y la orientación sexual en la población con TEA. Los resultados indicaron que existe una mayor prevalencia de identidad de género no conforme y de disforia de género en la población con TEA. Se encontró una mayor prevalencia de orientación no heterosexual en las personas con TEA en comparación con la población sin TEA. Estos resultados se encuentran preferentemente en las mujeres con TEA. No obstante, es necesario disponer de más y mejores evidencias sobre esta temática, especialmente en mujeres, y en las etapas de la niñez y la adolescencia, con el fin de implementar apoyos y recursos adecuados para dar respuesta a las necesidades de estas personas. (AU)

Draft genome sequences of Bacillus pumilus 36R ATNSAL and B. safensis 13L LOBSAL, two potential candidate probiotic strains for shrimp aquaculture.

OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to isolate bacterial strains with antagonist activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the causative agent of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (VPAHPND) that was isolated from outbreaks in Mexico. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two antagonistic strains, isolated from saline sediment in Sonora, Mexico. METHODS: Cross-streak and well diffusion tests were employed to find the bacterial strains with higher inhibitory activity against VPAHPND. The whole genomes of B. pumilus 36R ATNSAL and B. safensis 13L LOBSAL were sequenced using Ion TorrentTM (PGM) and Illumina MiseqTM platforms, respectively. Annotation was performed using the RAST server, and the genes involved in the biosynthesis of bacterial secondary metabolites were predicted using antiSMASH. RESULTS: Two bacterial isolates, B. safensis 13L LOBSAL and B. pumilus 36R ATNSAL, were chosen based on their strong antagonistic profiles. The genome of 36R ATNSAL was 3.94 Mbp in length and contained 3824 genes and a total of 4116 coding sequences (CDSs); the genome of 13L LOBSAL was 3.68 Mbp and contained 3619 genes and 3688 CDSs. Twenty-eight and 32 biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for putative antimicrobial metabolite production were identified in 36R ATNSAL and 13L LOBSAL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The two strains 13L LOBSAL and 36R ATNSAL showed excellent probiotic profiles in vitro. The genome sequences will help with the mining and reconstruction of metabolic pathways in Bacillus strains. Genome sequence-guided strain improvement could augment the probiotic potential of Bacillus strains for applications in shrimp aquaculture.

Alcoholic Liver Disease Among Patients with Wernicke Encephalopathy: A Multicenter Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: data regarding the association between Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are scarce in spite of alcohol consumption being the main risk factor for WE. AIMS: to describe the frequency of ALD in a cohort of patients diagnosed with WE and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and to compare the characteristics of WE patients with and without ALD. METHODS: we conducted an observational study in 21 centers through a nationwide registry of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine. WE Caine criteria were applied and demographic, clinical, and outcome variables were analyzed. RESULTS: 434 patients were included in the study, of which 372 were men (85.7%), and the mean age was 55 ± 11.8 years. ALD was present in 162 (37.3%) patients and we found a higher percentage of cases with tremor, flapping and hallucinations in the ALD group. A total of 22 patients (5.0%) died during admission (7.4% with ALD vs 3.7% without ALD; P = 0.087). Among the ALD patients, a relationship between mortality and the presence of anemia (Odds ratio [OR]=4.6 Confidence interval [CI]95% 1.1-18.8; P = 0.034), low level of consciousness (OR=4.9 CI95% 1.1-21.2; P = 0.031) and previous diagnosis of cancer (OR=10.3 CI95% 1.8-59.5; P = 0.009) was detected. Complete recovery was achieved by 27 patients with ALD (17.8%) and 71 (27.8%) without ALD (P = 0.030). CONCLUSION: the association of WE and ALD in patients with AUDs is frequent and potentially linked to differences in clinical presentation and to poorer prognosis, as compared to alcoholic patients with WE without ALD.

The Lymphatic Endothelium in the Context of Radioimmuno-Oncology.

The study of lymphatic tumor vasculature has been gaining interest in the context of cancer immunotherapy. These vessels constitute conduits for immune cells' transit toward the lymph nodes, and they endow tumors with routes to metastasize to the lymph nodes and, from them, toward distant sites. In addition, this vasculature participates in the modulation of the immune response directly through the interaction with tumor-infiltrating leukocytes and indirectly through the secretion of cytokines and chemokines that attract leukocytes and tumor cells. Radiotherapy constitutes the therapeutic option for more than 50% of solid tumors. Besides impacting transformed cells, RT affects stromal cells such as endothelial and immune cells. Mature lymphatic endothelial cells are resistant to RT, but we do not know to what extent RT may affect tumor-aberrant lymphatics. RT compromises lymphatic integrity and functionality, and it is a risk factor to the onset of lymphedema, a condition characterized by deficient lymphatic drainage and compromised tissue homeostasis. This review aims to provide evidence of RT's effects on tumor vessels, particularly on lymphatic endothelial cell physiology and immune properties. We will also explore the therapeutic options available so far to modulate signaling through lymphatic endothelial cell receptors and their repercussions on tumor immune cells in the context of cancer. There is a need for careful consideration of the RT dosage to come to terms with the participation of the lymphatic vasculature in anti-tumor response. Here, we provide new approaches to enhance the contribution of the lymphatic endothelium to radioimmuno-oncology.

Psychological needs in parents and clinically referred adolescents: An integrative model via parenting and parental mindfulness.

Framed on Self-Determination Theory, this study sought to examine the interplay between parents' and adolescents' need satisfaction and need frustration, as well as to investigate the potential mediating role of autonomy-supportive and psychologically controlling parenting. Whether parents' dispositional mindfulness moderated the relation between parental need frustration and parenting was also investigated. Participants were 213 clinically referred adolescents between 12 and 17 years (Mage = 14.36; 55.9% girls) and 225 parents (85.3% mothers). Findings from structural equation models revealed a bright and a dark pathway linking parents' and adolescents' need-based experiences through parenting. Specifically, parental need satisfaction was positively related to autonomy-supportive parenting, which, in turn, contributed to greater adolescents' need satisfaction. In contrast, parents' need frustration yielded a positive association with psychologically controlling parenting, which, in turn, positively related to adolescents' need frustration. Latent moderation analyses also indicated that parents' mindfulness played a role as a moderator of the relationship between parental need frustration and psychological control; the association was attenuated when parents reported higher levels of mindfulness. Implications for the promotion of positive parenting among families of adolescents with mental health problems are outlined. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Demographic, Social, and Economic Factors of Internalizing Problems in Referred and Non-Referred Adolescents.

Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation are common internalizing problems during adolescence. Numerous studies have explored the role of certain demographic, social, and economic factors in their development in referred or non-referred adolescents, but not simultaneously in both groups. In this study, we examined the association between age, gender, parents' educational level, and socioeconomic status (SES) and depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in a referred group (n = 211) and a non-referred (n = 1401) group of adolescents. We also examined the moderating role that these factors play in the relationships between both internalizing problems. The results showed: higher levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in the referred group; an increase in both problems during early-to-middle adolescence in the non-referred group; an association between low SES and suicidal ideation in both groups; an association between low father's education level and depressive symptoms in the non-referred group; and no gender differences in either of these two internalizing problems. The moderation analyses showed that age, in referred adolescents, and SES, in non-referred adolescents, moderated the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. This study contributes to the identification of groups of vulnerable adolescents that could constitute the target populations of preventive programs.

When is Parental Monitoring Effective? A Person-centered Analysis of the Role of Autonomy-supportive and Psychologically Controlling Parenting in Referred and Non-referred Adolescents.

Over the last few years, the protective role of parental monitoring on adolescent adjustment (i.e., active parental efforts aimed at setting limits and tracking adolescents' activities and whereabouts) has been challenged. Recent research has shifted attention to the conditions under which monitoring may be more or less effective. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study investigated the role of parents' autonomy-supportive and psychologically controlling parenting in effects of parental monitoring on adolescents' adjustment. It also considered the role of adolescents' clinical status (i.e., clinically referred vs non-referred). Adopting a person-centered approach, we aimed to identify naturally occurring profiles of monitoring, autonomy-support, and psychological control and to examine differences between these profiles in terms of life satisfaction, positive affect, and internalizing and externalizing problems. Participants included 218 referred (Mage = 14.44, 56% girls) and 218 matched adolescents from a larger sample of 1056 community (Mage = 14.83, 52.9% girls). Multigroup Latent Profile Analyses revealed five parenting profiles which were structurally equivalent in both samples: high monitoring with either high autonomy support or high psychological control, low monitoring with either high autonomy-support or high psychological control, and an average profile. Referred youth were significantly more present in the average profile and in the profiles characterized by high levels of psychological control. As hypothesized, profiles showed a differential association with adolescents' self-reported adjustment, with the high monitoring-high autonomy support profile yielding the most optimal and the low monitoring-high psychological control profile yielding the worst outcomes. Associations between profiles and outcomes were similar for referred and non-referred adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of considering the parenting climate (i.e., autonomy-supportive versus psychologically controlling) to understand effects of parental monitoring during adolescence.

Conocimientos sobre soporte vital básico de los árbitros de fútbol del Principado de Asturias / Knowledge about basic life support by football referees from the Principality of Asturias

Objetivo: describir el grado de conocimiento en maniobras de soporte vital básico (SVB) de los árbitros de fútbol del Principado de Asturias. Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal. Se diseñó un cuestionario de 20 preguntas dividido en cuatro áreas: reanimación cardiopulmonar y compresiones torácicas, ventilación, uso del desfibrilador automático (DEA) y desobstrucción de la vía aérea. Se distribuyó por correo electrónico a los 412 árbitros censados en el Comité Técnico de Árbitros del Principado de Asturias. Se realizó análisis descriptivo usando el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 23.0. Resultados: participaron 186 sujetos, el 45,25% del total de árbitros censados: 176 hombres (94,6%) y 10 mujeres (5,4%), con una edad media (desviación estándar) de 24,78 (6,98) años. Los árbitros cuentan con una media (DE) de tiempo arbitral de 6,02 (5,78) años. El 87,63% (n= 163) no tiene una profesión relacionada con el deporte ni con la sanidad. El 65,6% (n= 122) no ha recibido formación en SVB, solo el 51,07% (n= 95) obtuvo una puntuación mayor o igual a 10 respuestas correctas. El porcentaje de respuestas correctas a las cuestiones sobre reanimación cardiopulmonar fue del 49,28%, sobre ventilación fue del 76,66%, 39,71% en el bloque relacionado con el DEA y un 41% en desobstrucción de la vía aérea. Se detectaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p< 0,05) en el grado de conocimientos relacionado con la edad, la profesión y la formación previa en SVB. Conclusiones: los árbitros del Principado de Asturias poseen un nivel de conocimiento medio-bajo en SVB. Los que han mostrado mayor nivel de conocimientos son aquellos con profesiones relacionadas con la sanidad y el deporte, con formación previa en SVB y con edades comprendidas entre 20-40 años

Objectives: to describe the level of knowledge regarding basic life support (BLS) maneuvers by football referees from the Principality of Asturias. Methodology: a descriptive cross-sectional study. A 20-item questionnaire was designed, split into four areas: cardiopulmonary resuscitation and chest compressions, ventilation, use of automatic defibrillator (AED), and airway clearance. This questionnaire was sent by email to the 412 referees registered in the Technical Committee of Referees of the Principality of Asturias. Descriptive analysis was conducted, using the SPSS statistical package version 23.0. Results: the study included 186 subjects, 45.25% of the referees registered in the census: 176 men (94.6%) and 10 women (5.4%), with a mean age (standard deviation) of 24.78 (6.98) years. These referees had a mean (SD) referee time of 6.02 (5.78) years; the profession of 87.63% (n= 163) of them was not associated with sports or healthcare, while 65.6% (n= 122) had received no training in BLS. Only 51.07% (n= 95) reached a score equal to or above 10 correct answers. The percentage of correct answers to questions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 49.28%, about ventilation: 76.66%, in the block dealing with AED: 39.71%, and 41% in airway clearance. Statistically significant differences (p< 0.05) were detected in the level of knowledge in association with age, profession, and previous training in BLS. Conclusions: referees in the Principality of Asturias had medium-low knowledge about BLS. Those who showed a higher level of knowledge were those with professions associated with healthcare and sports, previous training in BLS, and ages in the 20-to-40-year range

Uncovering the Link between Self-control, Age, and Psychological Maladjustment among Spanish Adolescents and Young Adults / Investigando la relación entre el autocontrol, la edad y el desajuste psicológico en adolescentes y jóvenes adultos españoles

This study explores the relationships of self-control with age and psychological maladjustment in adolescents and young adults. The sample consisted of 1,600 randomly selected Spanish adolescents and young adults, aged 12-34 years (M = 22.28, SD = 6.94). Measures of self-control, Internet addiction, and anxiety-depressive symptoms were administered. Control variables included age and sex. Results indicated that adolescents between 15 and 19 years old showed the lowest self-control scores, while older participants showed greater scores. Low scores in self-control were significantly associated with greater substance consumption, more anxiety-depression symptoms, and higher scores on the Internet addiction scale. Also, participants with high scores on the addiction scale scored lower on self-control. These results evidence associations between self-control and some emotional-behavioral problems, and suggest the importance of promoting self-control to prevent Internet addiction, substance consumption, and anxiety-depression in adolescents and young adults

Este estudio explora las tendencias evolutivas en el autocontrol y su relación con el desajuste psicológico en adolescentes y jóvenes adultos. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 1,600 adolescentes y jóvenes adultos españoles de entre 12 y 34 años (M = 22.28, DT = 6.94) seleccionados aleatoriamente. Se administraron medidas de autocontrol, adicción a internet y síntomas de ansiedad-depresión. El sexo y la edad fueron utilizados como variables de control. Los resultados indicaron que los adolescentes con edades comprendidas entre los 15 y 19 años mostraron las puntuaciones más bajas en autocontrol, mientras que los participantes de más edad puntuaron más alto. Puntuaciones bajas en autocontrol estuvieron significativamente asociadas con mayor consumo de sustancias, más síntomas de ansiedad-depresión y puntuaciones más elevadas en la escala de adicción a internet. Además, los participantes con puntuaciones más altas en la escala de adicción puntuaron más bajo en autocontrol. Estos resultados evidencian las relaciones entre el autocontrol y algunos problemas emocionales y conductuales y sugieren la importancia de promover el autocontrol para prevenir la adicción a internet, el consumo de sustancias y los problemas de ansiedad-depresión en adolescentes y jóvenes adultos

Family education and support for families at psychosocial risk in Europe: Evidence from a survey of international experts.

There is overwhelming consensus among policy makers, academics, and professionals about the need to support families in their childrearing tasks. Consequently, European countries have been encouraged to develop family support interventions aimed at guaranteeing children's rights, targeting particularly those children in situations of psychosocial risk. While a certain amount of evidence exists regarding how family support is generally delivered in certain European countries, with a particular focus on parenting initiatives, this paper aims to take existing evidence one step further by providing an updated review focusing on two core components of the Council of Europe's Recommendation on Positive Parenting: families at psychosocial risk as the target population, and family education and support initiatives as the delivery format. The scope of the study was therefore broad, in both geographical and conceptual terms. An online survey was conducted with experts from 19 European countries to gather information regarding how they perceive family education and support initiatives for families at psychosocial risk. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed by computing frequencies/percentages and by following a thematic synthesis method, respectively. The results revealed both similarities and disparities as regards provider profiles, intervention characteristics, and quality standards. Practical implications are discussed, such as the need to diversify initiatives for at-risk families in accordance with the tenets of progressive universalism, the ongoing need for an evidence-based, pluralistic approach to programmes, and the skills and qualifications required in the family support workforce. This study constitutes a first step towards building a common family support framework at a European level, which would encompass family support and parenting policies aimed at families at psychosocial risk.

Draft genome sequence of Pseudoalteromonas piscicida strain 36Y_RITHPW, a hypersaline seawater isolate from the south coast of Sonora, Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: This study reports the draft genome sequence of Pseudoalteromonas piscicida strain 36Y_RITHPW, a marine Gammaproteobacteria that synthesises bioactive compounds with antagonistic activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a multidrug-resistant strain that is the causative agent of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), reported in shrimp farm outbreaks from Asia to Mexico with mortality rates of 80-100%. METHODS: The genome of P. piscicida 36Y_RITHPW was sequenced with an Ion Torrent™ Personal Genome Machine™ (PGM) platform. A total of 606805 reads were constructed for a 308.48Mbp and 33.5×coverage. A high-quality draft assembly and ordering of contigs was obtained with Mauve. The annotation was obtained with RAST and antiSMASH. RESULTS: The genome size consists of 5.15Mbp, with a total of 4548 genes, 4217 protein-coding sequences and a GC content of 43.3%. Several resistance genes as well as other genes involved in the production of bacteriocins and ribosomally synthesised antibacterial peptides are also present. CONCLUSIONS: Mining of this draft genome provides valuable information to explain the antagonistic capacity of P. piscicida 36Y_RITHPW, a useful strain as a potential probiotic in shrimp aquaculture against pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus.

Nutraceutical Potential of Five Mexican Brown Seaweeds.

In search of pharmaceutically active products to control type 2 diabetes, five brown seaweeds (Silvetia compressa, Cystoseira osmundacea, Ecklonia arborea, Pterygophora californica, and Egregia menziesii) from the Northwest Mexican Pacific coast were investigated. Proximate composition and total polyphenol content (TPC) as phloroglucinol equivalents (PGE) were determined for the five seaweed powders and their respective hydroethanolic (1 : 1) extracts. Extracts were screened for their radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ORAC) and glycosidase inhibitory activity. HPLC-DAD, HPLC-MS-TOF, and ATR-FT-IR methodologies were used to identify the most abundant phlorotannins and sulfated polysaccharides in the extracts. Hydroethanolic extracts contained minerals (17 to 59% of the dry matter), proteins (4 to 9%), ethanol-insoluble polysaccharides (5.4 to 53%), nitrogen-free extract (NFE) (24.4 to 70.1%), lipids (5 to 12%), and TPC (2.6 to 47.7 g PGE per 100 g dry extract). S. compressa and E. arborea dry extracts presented the lowest ash content (26 and 17%, respectively) and had some of the highest phenolic (47.7 and 15.2 g PGE per 100 g extract), NFE (57.3 and 70.1%), and soluble polysaccharide (19.7 and 53%) contents. S. compressa and E. arborea extracts had the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 DPPH 1.7 and 3.7 mg mL-1; ORAC 0.817 and 0.801 mmol Trolox equivalent/g extract) and the highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory capacities (IC50 940 and 1152 µg mL-1 against α-amylase and 194 and 647 µg mL-1 against α-glucosidase). The most abundant phlorotannins identified in the extracts were phloretol, fucophloroethol, and two- and three-phloroglucinol unit (PGU) phlorotannins. Laminarin, fucoidan, and alginate were among the sulfated polysaccharides identified in the extracts. The bioactivities of S. compressa and E. arborea extracts were mainly related with their contents of three PGU phlorotannins and sulfated polysaccharides (e.g., fucoidan, laminarin, and alginate). These results suggest S. compressa and E. arborea are potential candidates for food products and nutraceutical and pharmaceutical preparations, and as additives for diabetes management.

Role of microRNAs in alcohol-induced liver disorders and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate multiple physiological and pathological functions through the modulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Accumulating evidence has established a role for miRNAs in the development and pathogenesis of liver disease. Specifically, a large number of studies have assessed the role of miRNAs in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), two diseases that share common underlying mechanisms and pathological characteristics. The purpose of the current review is to summarize and update the body of literature investigating the role of miRNAs in liver disease. In addition, the potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets is discussed. Among all miRNAs analyzed, miR-34a, miR-122 and miR-155 are most involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Of note, these three miRNAs have also been implicated in ALD, reinforcing a common disease mechanism between these two entities and the pleiotropic effects of specific miRNAs. Currently, no single miRNA or panel of miRNAs has been identified for the detection of, or staging of ALD or NAFLD. While promising results have been shown in murine models, no therapeutic based-miRNA agents have been developed for use in humans with liver disease.

Virucidal and Synergistic Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts of Seaweeds against Measles Virus.

Although preventable by vaccination, Measles still causes thousands of deaths among young children worldwide. The discovery of new antivirals is a good approach to control new outbreaks that cause such death. In this study, we tested the antiviral activity against Measles virus (MeV) of Polyphenol-rich extracts (PPs) coming from five seaweeds collected and cultivated in Mexico. An MTT assay was performed to determine cytotoxicity effect, and antiviral activity was measured by syncytia reduction assay and confirmed by qPCR. PPs from Ecklonia arborea (formerly Eisenia arborea, Phaeophyceae) and Solieria filiformis (Rhodophyta) showed the highest Selectivity Index (SI), >3750 and >576.9 respectively. Both PPs extracts were selected to the subsequent experiments owing to their high efficacy and low cytotoxicity compared with ribavirin (SI of 11.57). The combinational effect of PPs with sulphated polysaccharides (SPs) and ribavirin were calculated by using Compusyn software. Synergistic activity was observed by combining both PPs with low concentrations of Solieria filiformis SPs (0.01 µg/mL). The antiviral activity of the best combinations was confirmed by qPCR. Virucidal assay, time of addition, and viral penetration evaluations suggested that PPs act mainly by inactivating the viral particle. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the virucidal effect of Polyphenol-rich extracts of seaweeds.

Compliance with current VTE prophylaxis guidelines and risk factors linked to complications of VTE prophylaxis in medical inpatients: a prospective cohort study in a Spanish internal medicine department.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the degree of compliance with the current guidelines regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in medical patients during admission and to identify risk factors linked to complications of VTE prophylaxis. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: The Internal Medicine Department of the University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (tertiary referral hospital). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 396 hospitalised, elderly patients who did not undergo surgery and had no active or previous oral anticoagulation or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment (during the previous year) and who received VTE prophylaxis during admission. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The degree of compliance with the current guidelines was estimated by calculating PADOVA and IMPROVE indexes in all cases. We analysed the development of the following complications: major and minor bleeding, major and minor haematoma and decrease of platelet count. RESULTS: We found that VTE prophylaxis was correctly indicated in 88.4% of patients. We found two (0.5%) cases with major bleeding, 17 (4.3%) with minor bleeding, 30 (7.6%) with decreased platelet count, 29 (7.3%) with major haematoma and 82 (20.7%) with minor haematoma. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of major haematomas was linked to obesity (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.8 to 9.2, p=0.001), concomitant antiplatelet treatment (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 6.5, p=0.03) and enoxaparin use (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.1 to 10.9, p=0.029), and the presence of minor haematomas was associated with PADOVA index <4 points (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.5 to 6.4, p=0.003) and diabetes mellitus (OR 2; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.7, p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Complications during VTE prophylaxis in elderly hospitalised medical patients are frequent even with correct application of current guidelines. The main factors linked to haematomas were obesity and concomitant antiplatelet treatment, the presence of which should lead physicians to exercise extreme caution. The use of tinzaparin for VTE prophylaxis in these patients could have a better safety profile.

Differences Between Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Patients With Wernicke Encephalopathy: A Multicenter Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the differences in characteristics and prognosis between alcoholic and nonalcoholic patients with Wernicke encephalopathy (WE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort of 468 patients diagnosed with WE with at least 2 Caine criteria was selected from all patients discharged with a diagnosis of WE from 21 medical centers in Spain from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2012. Demographic, clinical, and outcome variables were described. RESULTS: Among the 468 patients, the most common risk factor was alcoholism (n=434 [92.7%]). More than one-third of patients (n=181 [38.7%]) had the classic WE triad of symptoms (ocular signs, cerebellar dysfunction, and confusion). Among 252 patients for whom magnetic resonance imaging data were available, 135 (53.6%) had WE-related lesions and 42 (16.7%) had cerebellar lesions. Of the 468 patients, 25 (5.3%) died during hospitalization. Alcoholic patients presented more frequently than nonalcoholic patients with cerebellar signs (P=.01) but less frequently with ocular signs (P=.02). Alcoholic patients had a significantly higher frequency of hyponatremia (P=.04) and decreased platelet count (P=.005) compared with nonalcoholics. Alcoholic patients were diagnosed earlier than nonalcoholics (median time to diagnosis, 1 vs 4 days; P=.001) and had shorter hospitalizations (13 vs 23 days; P=.002). CONCLUSION: Compared with nonalcoholic patients, alcoholic patients with WE are more likely to present with cerebellar signs and less likely to have ocular signs. Diagnosis may be delayed in nonalcoholic patients. Mortality in the present series was lower than described previously.