Continuous Glucose Monitoring Alarms in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: User Characteristics and the Impact of Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Alarm Thresholds on Glycemic Control.

Background: Few studies have evaluated the implications of the alarm thresholds of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for individuals with diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia alarm thresholds on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and the characteristics of patients who use these alarms more frequently. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 873 users of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system (501 men, median age 48 years, range 18-90 years) with T1DM from a single center. We investigated the role of demographic and metabolic factors on the use of alarms and the impact of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia alarms and their thresholds on glycemic control. Results: Alarm users were older than nonusers (median age 49 vs. 43 years, respectively; P < 0.001). The hypoglycemia alarms were set by 76.1% of women and by 69.1% of men (P = 0.022). The hypoglycemia alarms reduced hypoglycemia features and glucose variability, although at the expense of shorter time in range. The higher the hypoglycemia alarm threshold, the greater these effects. The hyperglycemia alarms were effective in reducing hyperglycemia and lowering the glucose management indicator, although at the expense of a greater tendency to hypoglycemia. The lower the hyperglycemia alarm threshold, the greater these effects. Conclusions: CGM alarms contribute to better glycemic control. However, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia alarms have advantages and disadvantages. Adults with T1DM should explore, under medical supervision, which alarm thresholds will best help them achieve their individual glycemic goals.

Paraganglioma lateroaórtico / Latero-aortic paraganglioma

RESUMEN El feocromocitoma es un tumor productor de catecolaminas que procede de las células cromafines del sistema nervioso simpático. El 80-85% se localiza en la médula suprarrenal y el 15-20% son de localización extra adrenal y se denominan paragangliomas (PG). Alrededor del 97 % son benignos y se curan mediante la extirpación quirúrgica, y el restante 3% son malignos, capaces de producir metástasis a distancia. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 43 años, que consultó por hipertensión, cefalea y palpitaciones. Presentaba elevación de catecolaminas urinarias, y por resonancia magnética se diagnosticó una masa de 50 por 41 mm latero aórtica. Le fue efectuada su resección por vía laparoscópica, sin complicaciones, con desaparición de los síntomas.

ABSTRACT Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-producing tumors arising from the chromaffin cells of the sympathetic nervous system. Between 80-85% occur in the adrenal medulla and 15-20% are extraadrenal and are called paragangliomas (PG). About 97% are benign and are solved by surgical resection, while the remaining 3% are malignant and may produce distant metastases. We report the case of 43-year-old female patient who consulted due to hypertension, headache and palpitations. She had elevated urine catecholamines and presented a 50 x 41 mm latero-aortic mass on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection of the tumor without complications and experienced relief of symptoms.

Insuficiencia respiratoria aguda y embarazo: revisión de la literatura.

Introducción: La insuficiencia respiratoria aguda durante el embarazo no es una causa frecuente de ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos, pero sí puede generar alta mortalidad. Las adaptaciones que sufre el organismo en muchos de sus sistemas biológicos durante el embarazo, condicionan cambios en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de este trastorno en comparación con la población general. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre el tema y resumir los principales aspectos fisiológicos a tener en cuenta por el personal de salud en contacto con esta población, con el fin de realizar un adecuado abordaje de los casos. Fuente de datos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática en la base de datos PubMed, SciELO y Google Académico desde el año 1998 hasta el año 2019. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda en la paciente embarazada es fundamental, debido a los cambios fisiológicos propios de la gestación, los cuales sumados a esta patología pueden concluir en un escenario catastrófico.

Regionalized models for Spanish language variations based on Twitter.

Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world. Its proliferation comes with variations in written and spoken communication among different regions. Understanding language variations can help improve model performances on regional tasks, such as those involving figurative language and local context information. This manuscript presents and describes a set of regionalized resources for the Spanish language built on 4-year Twitter public messages geotagged in 26 Spanish-speaking countries. We introduce word embeddings based on FastText, language models based on BERT, and per-region sample corpora. We also provide a broad comparison among regions covering lexical and semantical similarities and examples of using regional resources on message classification tasks.

Characterizing the physical and mental health profile of children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder in Spain.

Introduction: Autistic men and women are more likely to experience health issues than the general population, although the available epidemiological studies addressing co-occurrence conditions are limited. This is the first Spanish epidemiologic study addressing the health profile and poor-health exacerbating factors in individuals of all ages with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: We analyzed 2,629 registries extracted from Autism Spain's sociodemographic registry (November 2017-May 2020). A descriptive health data analysis was conducted to assess the prevalence of other conditions associated to ASD in the Spanish population. Nervous system disorders (12.9%), mental health diagnoses (17.8%), and other comorbidities (25.4%) were reported. Men-to-women ratio was 4:1. Results: Women, elder individuals and those with intellectual disability (ID) were at an increased risk of health comorbidities and psychopharmacological exposure. Women were also more prone to severe intellectual and functional impairment. Nearly all individuals had difficulties in their adaptative functioning, especially those with ID (50% of the population). Almost half of the sample received psychopharmacological treatments starting from infancy and early childhood, mostly antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. Discussion: This study represents an important first approach to the health status of autistic people in Spain and can contribute to the development of public policies and innovative health strategies.

Características de la infección fúngica invasiva en los pacientes críticos de la altitud con shock séptico

Introducción: En UCI, 19% tienen hongos, 23% desarrollan shock séptico. Cándida albicans el más frecuente. Antimicótico más utilizado es fluconazol. Objetivos: En residentes de la altitud con shock séptico (SS) describiremos: Características, evolución y sensibilidad de la infección fúngica invasiva (IFI) y los contrastaremos con los publicados a nivel del mar. El estudio: Retrospectivo y transversal. Analizamos hemocultivos de adultos con SS y IFIs en una UCI a 3,250 metros de altitud, durante 7 años. Hallazgos: 123 muestras. Las IFIs aumentaron 3.6 para candida albicans. Mujeres con 74 años fue frecuente. BGN representaron 52.88%, BGP 37.9% y hongos 9.22%. Cándida albicans 79.67% con sensibilidad mayor al 90% para Voriconazol, Anfotericina B y Fluconazol. Conclusiones: IFIs con SS fueron causadas por cándida albicans, IFIs aumentaron, existe adecuada sensibilidad a los antimicóticos En la altitud existe mayor frecuencia del sexo femenino, mayor promedio de edad y una buena sensibilidad al fluconazol.

Introduction: In the ICU, 19% have fungi, 23% develop septic shock. Candida albicans the most frequent. The most commonly used antifungal is fluconazole. Objectives: In high altitude residents with septic shock (SS) we will describe: Characteristics, evolution and sensitivity of invasive fungal infection (IFI) and we will contrast them with those published at sea level. The study: Retrospective and transversal. We analyzed blood cultures of adults with SS and IFIs in an ICU at 3,250 meters of altitude, for 7 years. Findings: 123 samples. The IFIs increased 3.6 for candida albicans. Women with 74 years was frequent. BGN represented 52.88%, BGP 37.9% and fungi 9.22%. Candida albicans 79.67% with sensitivity greater than 90% for Voriconazole, Amphotericin B and Fluconazole. Conclusions: IFIs with SS were caused by candida albicans, IFIs increased, there is adequate sensitivity to antifungals. At high altitudes there is a higher frequency of females, higher average age, and good sensitivity to fluconazole.

Mortality in patients with acquired human immunodeficiency virus infection hospitalized in an intensive care unit during the period 2017-2019.

Identify risk factors associated with mortality in HIV patients admitted to an ICU in the city of Bogotá. Retrospective cohort study of patients treated in an ICU during the years 2017-2019. The analysis included descriptive statistics, association tests, and a logistic regression model. A predictive model of mortality at the time of admission to the ICU was developed. 110 HIV patients were identified. Association was found between a Charlson index ≥ 6 and mortality (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.0-5.1) and an increase in mortality in the first 21 days of ICU stay (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-4.9). In the logistic regression analysis, the absence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) upon admission to the ICU (OR = 2.5 95% CI 1.0-6.1) and the first 21 days of ICU stay (OR = 2.3 95% CI 1.0-5.4) were associated with an increase in mortality. The predictive mortality model established that mortality was higher in patients admitted to the ICU without having previously received HAART than in those who did receive therapy at the time of admission to the ICU. In patients with HIV admitted to the ICU, the absence of HAART will negatively impact mortality during their hospital stay.

Impacto de la dispensación automatizada de medicamentos en la seguridad del paciente. Evidencia de una Unidad de Cuidado Crítico en Colombia

Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de la dispensación automatizada en la seguridad del paciente en una unidad de cuidado crítico y medir el tiempo de dispensación para conocer los efectos en la atención del paciente y los trabajadores de la salud. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo observacional. La técnica fue documentar la dispensación tomando las bases de datos en el sistema tradicional y automatizado procesados en Microsoft Excel y medición del tiempo. Resultados: Con el sistema automatizado el uso de controles para el acceso en la dispensación de los medicamentos e insumos fue del 100 %. Y, el porcentaje de casos de problemas con el uso de medicamentos en el sistema tradicional fue de 0,38 y en el automatizado descendió a 0,007. Discusión: Pasar de manual a automatizado en la dispensación representa reducción del tiempo de un día a 22 segundos, el uso del 100 % de las alertas tecnológicas y la eficiencia en los procesos de dispensación reflejado por el 15,2 % de transacciones en el cargue de los dispositivos médicos y medicamentos. Conclusiones: La dispensación automatizada impacta en el paciente acortando el tiempo para que el medicamento sea administrado oportunamente, en los trabajadores este tiempo es una ventaja para invertir en los cuidados, el equipo de sistema automatizado adiciona controles que ayudan al doble chequeo en el alistamiento y cargue y la reducción de eventos adversos. Y, en la organización disminuye los eventos relacionados con roturas de envases, daño de empaques por la menor manipulación y disposición de medicamentos en gabinetes cerrados.

SUMMARY Objective: To determine the impact of automated dispensing on patient safety in a Critical Care Unit and measure the dispensing time to know the effects on patient care and health workers. Methodology: Retrospective observational study. The technique was to document the dispensing taking the databases in the traditional and automated system processed in Microsoft Excel and measuring time. Results: With the automated system, the use of controls for access in the dispensing of medicines and supplies was 100 %. And, the percentage of cases of problems with the use of medicines in the traditional system was 0.38 and in the automated system it fell to 0.007. Discussion: Going from manual to automated in the dispensing represents a reduction in time from one day to 22 seconds, the use of 100 % of technological alerts and the efficiency in the dispensing processes reflected by 15.2 % of transactions in the load of medical devices and drugs. Conclusions: Automated dispensing impacts on the patient by shortening the time for the medication to be administered in a timely manner, in workers this time is an advantage to invest in care, the automated system equipment adds controls that help the double check in the readiness and burden and reducing adverse events. And, in the organization it reduces the events related to container breakage, packaging damage due to less manipulation and disposal of medicines in closed cabinets.

Objetivo: Determinar o impacto da dispensação automatizada na segurança do paciente em um unidade de terapia intensiva e medir o tempo de dispensação para conhecer os efeitos no paciente cuidadores e trabalhadores da saúde. Metodologia: Estudo observacional retrospectivo. O técnica foi documentar a dispensação tomando os bancos de dados na forma tradicional e sistema automatizado processado em Microsoft Excel e medição de tempo. Resultados: Com o sistema automatizado, o uso de controles para acesso na dispensação de medicamentos e suprimentos foi de 100%. E, a porcentagem de casos de problemas com o uso de medicamentos no sistema tradicional foi de 0,38 e no sistema automatizado caiu para 0,007. Discussão : Passar de manual para automatizado na dispensação representa redução do tempo de um dia para 22 segundos, o uso de 100% de tecnologia alertas e a eficiência nos processos de dispensação refletida em 15,2% das transações na carga de dispositivos médicos e medicamentos. Conclusões: dispensação automatizada impactos no paciente, diminuindo o tempo para a medicação ser administrada em tempo hábil, nos trabalhadores este tempo é uma vantagem para investir no atendimento, a automatização equipamentos do sistema adicionam controles que auxiliam na dupla verificação da prontidão e sobrecarga e redução de eventos adversos. E, na organização, reduz o eventos relacionados à quebra de contêineres, danos à embalagem devido à menor manipulação e descarte de medicamentos em armários fechados.

Neoplasia papilar intraductal de la vía biliar / Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct / Neoplasia papilar intraductal da via biliar

La neoplasia papilar intraductal de la vía biliar (NPIVB) es una entidad infrecuente caracterizada por el crecimiento exofítico papilar del epitelio biliar hacia la luz ductal. Previamente incluida en el grupo de tumores del mismo nombre de localización pancreática, presenta diferencias evidentes con ellos y desde 2010 se considera una entidad propia con demostrado potencial de malignización hacia colangiocarcinoma.

Papillary intraductal neoplasia of the bile duct (NPIVB) is a rare entity characterized by exophytic papillary growth of the biliary epithelium towards the ductal lumen. Previously included in the group of tumors of the same name in pancreatic location, it presents obvious differences with them and since 2010 it has been considered a separate entity with demonstrated potential for malignancy towards cholangiocarcinoma.

O neoplasma papilar intraductal da via biliar (NPIVB) é uma entidade infrequente por el creciento exofítico papilar do epitélio biliar hacia la luz ductal. Obviamente incluído no grupo de tumores do mismo nombre de localização pancreática, apresenta diferenças evidentes com ellos e desde 2010 se considerar uma entidade propia com potencial demonstrado de malignización hacia cholangiocarcinoma.

Development of an Ecologically Valid Assessment for Social Cognition Based on Real Interaction: Preliminary Results.

Many social cognitive assessment measures that are appropriate for clinical use are currently available, but there is a general concern about their ecological validity. This study aimed to develop an applicable real interaction-based test to assess social cognition. A sample of 50 subjects (mean age 22 ± 5.8, 56% women) took the Social Interaction Test as well as two instruments for assessing social cognition: (1) the Movie for Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) and (2) branch 4 from the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). The test showed no incidence on its application. The reliability of the 18-item final version of the test was a medium-high level (Cronbach's alpha = 0.701). To assess the internal structure of the test, a multidimensional scaling procedure was used. The common space of coordinates for the two-dimensional solution showed a normalized raw stress of 0.076 and Tucker's congruence coefficient of 0.965. The social interaction test showed stronger association with MASC (more realistic, video-based format) than with MSCEIT (less realistic, paper-based format). The Social Interaction Test is applicable and feasible to use it to assess social cognition in the general population.

Effect of High-Flow Oxygen Therapy vs Conventional Oxygen Therapy on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation and Clinical Recovery in Patients With Severe COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: The effect of high-flow oxygen therapy vs conventional oxygen therapy has not been established in the setting of severe COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of high-flow oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula compared with conventional oxygen therapy on need for endotracheal intubation and clinical recovery in severe COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized, open-label clinical trial conducted in emergency and intensive care units in 3 hospitals in Colombia. A total of 220 adults with respiratory distress and a ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen of less than 200 due to COVID-19 were randomized from August 2020 to January 2021, with last follow-up on February 10, 2021. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula (n = 109) or conventional oxygen therapy (n = 111). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The co-primary outcomes were need for intubation and time to clinical recovery until day 28 as assessed by a 7-category ordinal scale (range, 1-7, with higher scores indicating a worse condition). Effects of treatments were calculated with a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for hypoxemia severity, age, and comorbidities. RESULTS: Among 220 randomized patients, 199 were included in the analysis (median age, 60 years; n = 65 women [32.7%]). Intubation occurred in 34 (34.3%) randomized to high-flow oxygen therapy and in 51 (51.0%) randomized to conventional oxygen therapy (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39-0.96; P = .03). The median time to clinical recovery within 28 days was 11 (IQR, 9-14) days in patients randomized to high-flow oxygen therapy vs 14 (IQR, 11-19) days in those randomized to conventional oxygen therapy (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.00-1.92; P = .047). Suspected bacterial pneumonia occurred in 13 patients (13.1%) randomized to high-flow oxygen and in 17 (17.0%) of those randomized to conventional oxygen therapy, while bacteremia was detected in 7 (7.1%) vs 11 (11.0%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among patients with severe COVID-19, use of high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula significantly decreased need for mechanical ventilation support and time to clinical recovery compared with conventional low-flow oxygen therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04609462.

Schwannoma retrorrectal / Retrorectal Schwannoma

RESUMEN Los tumores de la región retrorrectal son lesiones poco frecuentes, con potencial de malignidad e infección. Generalmente cursan asintomáticos. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 62 años, con dolor pélvico crónico, cuyos estudios imagenológicos informan lesión ocupante de espacio de 3 cm en región presacra. Se procedió a su resección quirúrgica con diagnostico histopatológico de schwannoma.

ABSTRACT Retrorectal tumors are rare but have potential malignant transformation and risk of infection. Thet are usually asymptomatic. We report the case of a 62-year-old female patient with chronic pelvic pain and imaging tests showing a 3-cm space-occupying lesion in the presacral region. The lesion resected and the histopathologic diagnosis was schwannoma.

Characterization of the antibacterial activity from ethanolic extracts of the botanical, Larrea tridentata.

BACKGROUND: ß-lactam antibiotics are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics consisting of all antibiotic agents that contain a ß-lactam ring in their molecular structures. ß-lactam antibiotics are only known to be isolated from fungi (e.g. Acremonium chrysogenum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus nidulans) and bacteria (e.g. Streptomyces clavuligerus). We have shown that botanical extracts prepared from Larrea tridentata have strong antimicrobial activity against several bacteria, including members of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus genera. METHODS: Through resistance studies, inhibitor assays, and ELISA testing, we demonstrated L. tridentata extracts may contain a ß-lactam type antibiotic activity. RESULTS: Based on the estimated ß-lactam concentration within the extract, the antimicrobial activity of the L. tridentata extract was approximately 2000-8000-fold greater against Staphylococcus as compared to other ß-lactams, penicillin or ampicillin. In the L. tridentata extract, this increased activity was found to be associated with the likely presence of a cofactor leading to increased potentiation of the ß-lactam activity. This potentiation activity was also observed to enhance the activity of exogenously added natural penicillin antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Although constituents were not isolated in this study, the results obtained strongly support the presence of ß-lactam type antibiotic activity and antibiotic potentiation activity present in ethanolic extracts prepared from L. tridentata.

Consenso Colombiano para la prevención, diagnóstico y manejo de condiciones trombóticas en pacientes adultos con COVID-19: aplicando el Marco de la Evidencia a la Decisión (EtD) GRADE / Colombian consensus for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic conditions in adult patients with COVID-19: applying GRADE Evidence to Decision (EtD) Frameworks

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Abstract Recent studies have reported the occurrence of thrombotic phenomena or coagulopathy in patients with COVID-19. There are divergent positions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these phenomena, and current clinical practice is based solely on deductions by extension from retrospective studies, case series, observational studies, and international guidelines developed prior to the pandemic. In this context, the aim was to generate a group of recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis and management of thrombotic complications associated with COVID-19. Methods: A rapid guidance was carried out applying the GRADE Evidence to Decision (EtD) frameworks and an iterative participation system, with statistical and qualitative analysis. Results: 31 clinical recommendations were generated focused on: a) Coagulation tests in symptomatic adults with suspected infection or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection; b) Thromboprophylaxis in adults diagnosed with COVID-19 (Risk scales, thromboprophylaxis for outpatient, in-hospital management, and duration of thromboprophylaxis after discharge from hospitalization), c) Diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic complications, and d) Management of people with previous indication of anticoagulant agents. Conclusions: Recommendations of this consensus guide clinical decision-making regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombotic phenomena in patients with COVID-19, and represent an agreement that will help decrease the dispersion in clinical practices according to the challenge imposed by the pandemic.

Hemangioma de colon Descripción de caso y revisión de la literatura / HEMANGIOMA OF THE COLON. Case report and literature review

El hemangioma de colon y recto es una entidad poco frecuente. El tipo cavernoso, es aún más raro por lo que existen pocos reportes de esta patología. Afecta mayormente al recto y al sigmoides, y el modo de presentación más común es la proctorragia indolora en el 90% de los casos. Más frecuente en adultos jóvenes. Esta entidad para su diagnóstico requiere alta sospecha y la realización de los estudios pertinentes ya que suele confundírsela con patologías más comunes. En esta revisión se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 58 años con un hemangioma cavernoso de colon transverso que se manifestó inicialmente como hematoquecia asociada a astenia. Luego de realizar estudios complementarios, se decide conducta quirúrgica. Se realizó resección de colon transverso con buena evolución postoperatoria. El resultado de anatomía patológica nos informa Hemangioma Cavernoso de colon transverso.

The hemangioma of the colon and rectum is a rare entity. The cavernous type is even more rare, so there are few reports of this pathology. It mainly affects the rectum and the sigmoid, and the most common presentation is painless proctorrhagia in 90% of cases. More frequent in young adults. This entity for its diagnosis requires high suspicion and the realization of the pertinent studies since it is usually confused with more common pathologies. In this review we present the case of a 58-year-old male patient with a cavernous hemangioma of the transverse colon that initially manifested as hematochezia associated with asthenia. After performing complementary studies, surgical behavior is decided. Transverse colon resection was performed with good postoperative evolution. The result of pathological anatomy informs us Cavernous hemangioma of transverse colon

The Role of Endophytic/Epiphytic Bacterial Constituents in the Immunostimulatory Activity of the Botanical, Astragalus membranaceus.

Astragalus membranaceus is a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine being one of the oldest medicinal herbs listed in the material medica of Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese herbalists have used Astragalus to help the human body fight a variety of diseases. Modern herbalists utilize Astragalus primarily as an immunostimulant to prevent common infection and aid in the recovery following infection. Historically, the biological activities associated with Astragalus have been accounted for, at least in part, to several constituents present in the botanical including saponins and polysaccharides. We propose that in addition to these constituents, compounds from endophytic (or epiphytic) bacteria present in (or on) the roots of Astragalus may have an important biological role. Lipopolysaccharides and lipoproteins are major components of Gram-negative bacteria and highly potent activators of the innate immune response. Our data supports a direct correlation between the level of immune gene induction and the level of lipopolysaccharides/lipoproteins present in the Astragalus extract. We demonstrate that extracts from Astragalus specifically activate Toll-like and NOD-like receptors involved in the recognition and response to bacterial constituents and that removal of the lipopolysaccharide/lipoprotein from the Astragalus extract reduced the level of this response. The results support that many immune enhancing botanicals have established a symbiotic relationship with Gram-negative bacteria and that the immune enhancing effect of these botanical extracts on the body may not only be due to endogenous plant compounds, but endophytic (or epiphytic) bacterial components as well.

Resolution of Recurrent Oro-facial Herpes Simplex Using a Topical Botanical Gel: A Case Report.

Oral herpes labialis, more commonly known as cold sores, are a common encountered viral infection involving herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). Although relatively benign, these lesions can be both unsightly and clinically difficult to manage. Prescription standards of care and over-the-counter agents, such as docosonal, have often shown only limited efficacy in both decreasing lesional pain and reducing duration of lesional symptomology and are not without potential side effects. Despite some success with acute remediation, recurrent episodes often occur, with seemingly no imparted protection or suppression against future outbreaks. This case report involves the successful treatment of oro-facial herpes labialis with a synergistic botanical blend with marked reduction in symptoms, pain score, and lesion duration. Monitoring and evaluation post-treatment and application during future prodromal symptoms was also performed demonstrating additional reduction in the frequency of subsequent outbreaks. This case report supports the use of this treatment for prodromal and acute treatment of oro-facial herpes infection and appears to impart a reduction in the frequency of future outbreaks.

Hospital Mortality and Effect of Adjusting PaO2/FiO2 According to Altitude Above the Sea Level in Acclimatized Patients Undergoing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. A Multicenter Study / Mortalidad hospitalaria y efecto de ajustar el cociente PaO2/FiO2 de acuerdo con la altitud por encima del nivel del mar en pacientes aclimatados que se someten a ventilación mecánica invasiva. Un estudio multicéntrico

OBJECTIVE: (I) Analyze the effect of altitude above the sea level on the mortality rate in patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. (II) Validate the traditional equation for adjusting PaO2/FiO2 according to the altitude. DESIGN: A prospective, observational, multicenter and international study conducted during August 2016. PATIENTS: Inclusion criteria: (I) age between 18 and 90 years old, (II) admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) situated at the same altitude above the sea level (AASL) in which the patients has stayed, at least, during the previous 40 days and (III) received invasive MV for at least 12 h. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All variables were registered the day of intubation (day 0). Patients were followed until death, ICU discharge or day 28. PaO2/FiO2 ratio was adjusted by the AASL according to: PaO2/FiO2 * (barometric pressure/760). Categorical variables were compared with χ2 and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Continuous variables with Mann-Whitney. Correlation between continuous variables was analyzed graphically and analytically. Logistic regression model was constructed to identify factors associated to mortality. Kapplan-Meier method was used to estimate the probability of survival according to the altitude. A 2-side p value < 0.05 was consider significant. RESULTS: 249 patients (< 1500 m n = 55; 1500 to < 2500 m n = 20; 2500 to < 3500 m n=155 and ≥ 3500 m n=19) were included. Adjusted and non-adjusted PaO2/FiO2 were correlated with several respiratory and non respiratory variables. None discordances between non adjusted and adjusted PaO2/FiO2 were identified. However, several correlations were appreciated only in patients situated < 1500 m or in > 1500 m. Seventy-nine patients died during the ICU stayed (32%). The mortality curve was not affected by the altitude above the sea level. Variables independently associated to mortality are: PEEP, age, systolic arterial blood pressure, and platelet count. AUROC: 0.72. CONCLUSION: In acclimatized patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation, the traditional equation for adjusting PaO2/FiO2 according the elevation above the sea level seems to be inaccurate and the altitude above the sea level does not affect the mortality risk

OBJETIVO: 1) Analizar el efecto de la altitud por encima del nivel del mar en la tasa de mortalidad de pacientes sometidos a ventilación mecánica invasiva, y 2) Validar la ecuación tradicional de ajuste de PaO2/FiO2, de acuerdo con la altitud. DISEÑO: Estudio internacional prospectivo, observacional y multicéntrico realizado durante agosto de 2016. PACIENTES: Criterios de inclusión: 1 Edad comprendida entre 18 y 90 años, 2 Haber sido ingresado en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) situada a la misma altitud por encima del nivel del mar (AASL) en la cual el paciente haya estado durante al menos los 40 días previos al estudio, y 3) Haber recibido ventilación mecánica (VM) durante al menos 12 h. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Todas las variables se registraron el día de la intubación (día 0). El seguimiento se realizó hasta la muerte del paciente, el alta de la UCI o el día 28. El cociente PaO2/FiO2 se ajustó según los criterios de la AASL de acuerdo con: PaO2/FiO2 * (presión barométrica/760). Las variables categóricas se compararon mediante la prueba de χ2 y el test Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel, y las variables continuas con el test de Mann-Whitney. La correlación entre las variables continuas se analizó de forma gráfica y analítica. Para identificar los factores asociados a la mortalidad se elaboró un modelo de regresión logística. Se utilizó el método de Kaplan-Meier para estimar la probabilidad de supervivencia de acuerdo con la altitud. Un valor de p < 0,05 en la prueba bilateral se consideró como significativo. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 249 pacientes (< 1.500 m, n = 55; 1.500 a < 2.500 m, n = 20; 2.500 a < 3.500 m, n = 155 y ≥ 3.500 m, n = 19). El cociente PaO2/FiO2 mostró correlación con las variables graves tanto respiratorias como no respiratorias. No se registraron discordancias entre el cociente PaO2/FiO2 ajustado y sin ajustar. Únicamente se observaron diversas correlaciones entre los pacientes situados a < 1.500 m o a > 1.500 m. Setenta y nueve pacientes (32%) murieron durante la estancia en la UCI. La altitud sobre el nivel del mar no afectó a la curva de mortalidad. Las variables asociadas de forma independiente con la mortalidad fueron la presión positiva al final de la espiración (PEEP), la edad, la presión arterial sistólica y el recuento de plaquetas. El área bajo la curva ROC (AUROC) fue de 0,72. CONCLUSIÓN: En pacientes aclimatados sometidos a ventilación mecánica invasiva la ecuación tradicional para ajustar el cociente PaO2/FiO2, de acuerdo con la elevación sobre el nivel del mar parece inexacta. Por otro lado, la altitud por encima del nivel del mar no afecta al riego de mortalidad

Hospital Mortality and Effect of Adjusting PaO2/FiO2 According to Altitude Above the Sea Level in Acclimatized Patients Undergoing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: (i) Analyze the effect of altitude above the sea level on the mortality rate in patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. (ii) Validate the traditional equation for adjusting PaO2/FiO2 according to the altitude. DESIGN: A prospective, observational, multicenter and international study conducted during August 2016. PATIENTS: Inclusion criteria: (i) age between 18 and 90 years old, (ii) admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) situated at the same altitude above the sea level (AASL) in which the patients has stayed, at least, during the previous 40 days and (iii) received invasive MV for at least 12h. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All variables were registered the day of intubation (day 0). Patients were followed until death, ICU discharge or day 28. PaO2/FiO2 ratio was adjusted by the AASL according to: PaO2/FiO2*(barometric pressure/760). Categorical variables were compared with χ2 and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Continuous variables with Mann-Whitney. Correlation between continuous variables was analyzed graphically and analytically. Logistic regression model was constructed to identify factors associated to mortality. Kapplan-Meier method was used to estimate the probability of survival according to the altitude. A 2-side p value <0.05 was consider significant. RESULTS: 249 patients (<1500m n=55; 1500 to <2500m n=20; 2500 to <3500m n=155 and ≥3500m n=19) were included. Adjusted and non-adjusted PaO2/FiO2 were correlated with several respiratory and non respiratory variables. None discordances between non adjusted and adjusted PaO2/FiO2 were identified. However, several correlations were appreciated only in patients situated <1500m or in >1500m. Seventy-nine patients died during the ICU stayed (32%). The mortality curve was not affected by the altitude above the sea level. Variables independently associated to mortality are: PEEP, age, systolic arterial blood pressure, and platelet count. AUROC: 0.72. CONCLUSION: In acclimatized patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation, the traditional equation for adjusting PaO2/FiO2 according the elevation above the sea level seems to be inaccurate and the altitude above the sea level does not affect the mortality risk.

A Thermotolerant Variant of Rubisco Activase From a Wild Relative Improves Growth and Seed Yield in Rice Under Heat Stress.

Genes encoding thermostable variants of the photosynthesis heat-labile protein Rubisco activase (Rca) from a wild relative Oryza australiensis were overexpressed in domesticated rice (Oryza sativa). Proteomics was used to quantify the abundance of O. australiensis Rca (Rca-Oa) in the resulting plants. Plants were grown to maturity in growth rooms and from early tillering until immediately prior to anthesis, they were exposed to daytime maximum temperatures of 28, 40, and 45°C and constant night temperatures of 22°C. Non-destructive measurements of leaf elongation and photosynthesis were used to compare the null segregant with a transfected line in which 19% of its total Rca content was the recombinant O. australiensis Rca (T-Oa-19). Height, fresh mass, panicle number, seed set, and seed number were measured at final harvest. Traits at maturity after heat stress at 45°C correlated strongly with recombinant protein abundance. Seed number was far the most responsive trait to an increase in Rca-Oa abundance, improving by up to 150%. Leaf elongation rates (LER) and tiller number were significantly greater in the transformed plants in the first two weeks of exposure to 45°C but tiller numbers later became equal in the two genotypes. Gas exchange measurements showed that T-Oa-19 had faster light induction of photosynthesis but not significantly higher CO2 assimilation rates, indicating that the carbon gain that resulted in large yield improvement after growth at 45°C was not strongly correlated with an instantaneous measurement of steady-state photosynthesis. When plants were grown at 40°C daytime maximum, there was no improvement in the final biomass, panicle or seed number when compared with 28°C, indicating that the threshold for heat damage and beneficial effects of the thermostable Rca recombinant protein was between 40 and 45°C, which corresponded to leaf temperatures in the range 38-42°C. The results suggest that the thermotolerant form of Rca from O. australiensis was sufficient to enhance carbohydrate accumulation and storage by rice over the life of the plant, dramatically improving yields after exposure to heat throughout the vegetative phase.