Comparison of 10% vs. 30% Velocity Loss during Squat Training with Low Loads on Strength and Sport-Specific Performance in Young Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two velocity-based resistance training (RT) programs using moderate loads (45-60% 1RM) but different magnitudes of velocity loss (VL) limits (10% vs. 30%) on the changes in physical performance in young soccer players. Twenty young soccer players were randomly allocated into two groups: VL10% (n = 10) and VL30% (n = 10). All participants were assessed before and after the 8-week RT program (twice a week) involving the following tests: 20 m running sprint (T20), countermovement jump (CMJ), kicking a ball (KB), and progressive loading test in the full squat (SQ) exercise. The RT program was conducted using only the SQ exercise and movement velocity was monitored in all repetitions. Significant 'time × group' interaction (p < 0.05) was observed for sprint performance, KB and 1RM in the SQ exercise in favor of VL10%. No significant changes between groups at post-test were observed. The VL10% resulted in significant (p < 0.05-0.001) intra-group changes in all variables analyzed, except for KB, whereas VL30% only showed significant (p < 0.05) performance increments in a sprint test and 1RM in the SQ exercise. The percentage of change and the intra-group's effect size were of greater magnitude for VL10% in all variables analyzed compared to VL30%. In conclusion, our results suggest that, for non-trained young soccer players, squat training with low to moderate relative loads and 10%VL is sufficient to elicit significant increases in muscle strength and sport-specific actions compared to 30%VL in the set.

Crossmatch assays in transplantation: Physical or virtual?: A review.

The value of the crossmatch test in assessing pretransplant immunological risk is vital for clinical decisions, ranging from the indication of the transplant to the guidance of induction protocols and treatment with immunosuppressants. The crossmatch tests in transplantation can be physical or virtual, each with its advantages and limitations. Currently, the virtual crossmatch stands out for its sensitivity and specificity compared to the physical tests. Additionally, the virtual crossmatch can be performed in less time, allowing for a reduction in cold ischemia time. It shows a good correlation with the results of physical tests and does not negatively impact graft survival. Proper communication between clinicians and the transplant immunology laboratory will lead to a deeper understanding of each patient's immunological profile, better donor-recipient selection, and improved graft survival.

Pseudotumor inflamatorioocular asociado a IgG4. Reporte de un caso / IgG4-Associated Ocular Inflammatory Pseudotumor. A Case Report

Resumen Introducción: El pseudotumor inflamatorio ocular asociado a IgG4 es un proceso inflamatorio no neoplásico y poco frecuente con una incidencia de 0.28-1.08 por cada 100,000 personas. El diagnóstico de esta patología es de exclusión debiendo cumplir criterios histopatológicos, agrandamiento de un órgano en específico y concentraciones serias de IgG4. El tratamiento tiene como objetivo evitar las complicaciones secundarias. Caso clínico: Mujer de 54 años de edad sin patologías previas referidas, acude refiriendo que 6 meses previos presenta de forma súbita y sin causa aparente prurito a nivel de globo ocular y párpado izquierdo, además de disminución de la agudeza visual y dolor retroocular, motivo por el que acude a valoración. Al examen físico presentó movimientos oculares normales, proptosis izquierda, dolor a la palpación, hiperemia subconjuntival, opacidad corneal, ausencia de reflejo rojo y más renitente a la presión el ojo izquierdo en relación con el contralateral. Tomografía cráneo-toraco-abdominal reporta a nivel ocular izquierdo imágenes sugestivas de melanoma coroideo sin hallazgos de actividad metastásica. Se realiza enucleación de ojo izquierdo. Se envía pieza a patología la cual reporta infiltrado difuso linfoplasmocítico positivas para IgG4. Conclusión: La enfermedad por IgG4 ocular es una patología muy infrecuente de clínica inespecífica y diagnóstico complejo. Sin embargo, un abordaje rápido y correcto es fundamental para evitar complicaciones.

Abstract Introduction: IgG4-associated ocular inflammatory pseudotumor is a rare, non-neoplastic inflammatory process with an incidence of 0.28-1.08 per 100,000 people. The diagnosis of this pathology is one of exclusion, having to meet histopathological criteria, enlargement of a specific organ, and serious concentrations of IgG4. Treatment aims to avoid secondary complications. Clinical case: A 54-year-old woman with no previous reported pathologies, reports that for the past 6 months she has itching at the level of the eyeball and the left eyelid, suddenly and without apparent cause, in addition to decreased visual acuity and retro-ocular pain; this is why she asked for the evaluation. The physical examination revealed normal eye movements, left proptosis, pain on palpation, subconjunctival hyperemia, corneal opacity, absence of red reflex, and the left eye being more resistant to pressure in relation to the contralateral eye. The cranio-thoraco-abdominal tomography reported images at the left ocular level that were suggestive of choroidal melanoma without findings of metastatic activity. Enucleation of the left eye was performed. The specimen was sent to pathology which reported diffuse lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate positive for IgG4. Conclusion: Ocular IgG4 disease is a very rare pathology with non-specific symptoms and complex diagnosis. However, a quick and correct approach is essential to avoid complications.

Trombosis venosa mesentérica y portal como causa infrecuente de obstrucción e isquemia intestinal en paciente joven. Reporte de caso / Mesenteric and Portal Venous Thrombosis as an infrequent cause of intestinal Obstruction and Ischemia in young patients. A case report

Resumen La isquemia mesentérica aguda se asocia a una mortalidad de entre el 50 y el 100%, la causa más rara de esta es la trombosis venosa de los vasos mesentéricos (5%) y portal (1%). Las manifestaciones clínicas son diversas, siendo el dolor abdominal el principal síntoma. La tomografía computarizada con contraste intravenoso en fase portal es la imagen más precisa para el diagnóstico. El tratamiento en fase aguda se basa en anticoagulación, fluidos intravenosos, antibióticos profilácticos, descanso intestinal y descompresión. La laparotomía de control de daños, incluida la resección intestinal y el abdomen abierto, pueden estar justificados en última instancia para pacientes con necrosis intestinal y sepsis. Caso clínico: Hombre de 35 años, sin antecedentes de importancia, solo tabaquismo desde hace 15 años. Refirió que 5 días previos comenzó a presentar dolor en el epigastrio tipo cólico, de intensidad moderada, posteriormente refirió que el dolor se generalizó y aumentó de intensidad, acompañado de náusea, vómito, intolerancia a la vía oral y alza térmica. Al examen físico tuvo datos de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, estaba consciente y orientado, con abdomen doloroso a la palpación superficial y profunda a nivel generalizado, pero acentuado en el flanco derecho, rebote positivo con resistencia, timpanismo generalizado, peristalsis ausente. Se ingresó a quirófano a laparotomía exploradora, encontrando lesión a intestinal isquémica-necrótica a 190-240 cm del ángulo de Treitz, y 400 cc de líquido hemático; se realizó resección de la parte intestinal afectada, con entero-enteroanastomosis término-terminal manual. Se envió pieza a patología, y se reportó un proceso inflamatorio agudo con necrosis transmural y congestión vascular. Ante estos hallazgos se realizó angiotomografía abdominal que reportó defecto de llenado en la vena mesentérica superior, secundario a trombosis que se extendía hasta la confluencia y la vena porta. Conclusión: La trombosis venosa mesentérica y portal es una patología muy infrecuente en pacientes jóvenes sin factores de riesgo en los que se presenta dolor abdominal. El diagnóstico es complejo debido a que los datos clínicos y de laboratorio son poco específicos. Sin embargo, debemos tenerla en cuenta en el diagnóstico diferencial de etiologías de dolor abdominal.

Abstract Acute Mesenteric Ischemia is associated with a mortality rate between 50% and 100%; the rarest cause of this is venous thrombosis of the mesenteric (5%) and portal (1%) vessels. The clinical manifestations are diverse, with abdominal pain being the main symptom. Computed tomography with intravenous contrast in the portal phase is the most accurate image for diagnosis. Treatment in the acute phase is based on anticoagulation, intravenous fluids, prophylactic antibiotics, intestinal rest, and decompression. Damage control laparotomy, including bowel resection and open abdomen, may ultimately be warranted for patients with bowel necrosis and sepsis. Clinical case: 35-year-old man, with no significant history, only smoking for 15 years. For 5 days before, he reported crampy epigastric pain of moderate intensity. He subsequently reported that the pain became generalized and increased in intensity, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, oral intolerance, and temperature rise. The physical examination showed signs of a systemic inflammatory response, conscious and oriented, abdomen painful on superficial and deep palpation at a generalized level but accentuated on the right flank, positive rebound with resistance, generalized tympanism, absent peristalsis. The operating room was entered for exploratory laparotomy, finding an ischemic-necrotic intestinal lesion at 190 - 240 cm from the angle of Treitz, and 400cc of blood fluid. Resection of the affected intestinal part is performed, with entire manual terminal end anastomosis. The specimen was sent to pathology, reporting an acute inflammatory process with transmural necrosis and vascular congestion. Given these findings, abdominal CT angiography was performed, which reported a filling defect in the superior mesenteric vein, secondary to thrombosis that extended to the confluence and the portal vein. Conclusion: Mesenteric and portal venous thrombosis is a very rare pathology in young patients without risk factors in whom abdominal pain occurs. The diagnosis is complex because the clinical and laboratory data are not very specific. However, we must take it into account in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain etiologies.

Complex 33-beam simulated galactic cosmic radiation exposure impacts cognitive function and prefrontal cortex neurotransmitter networks in male mice.

Astronauts will encounter extended exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) during deep space exploration, which could impair brain function. Here, we report that in male mice, acute or chronic GCR exposure did not modify reward sensitivity but did adversely affect attentional processes and increased reaction times. Potassium (K+)-stimulation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) elevated dopamine (DA) but abolished temporal DA responsiveness after acute and chronic GCR exposure. Unlike acute GCR, chronic GCR increased levels of all other neurotransmitters, with differences evident between groups after higher K+-stimulation. Correlational and machine learning analysis showed that acute and chronic GCR exposure differentially reorganized the connection strength and causation of DA and other PFC neurotransmitter networks compared to controls which may explain space radiation-induced neurocognitive deficits.

Obstrucción intestinal secundario a vólvulo de sigmoides en un paciente joven Reporte de un caso / Intestinal Obstruction Secondary to Sigmoid Volvulus in a Young Patient. Case report

Resumen El vólvulo de sigmoides ocurre como resultado de una torsión del eje mesentérico colónico, cuenta con una etiología multifactorial y controvertida, de fisiopatología no clara aún. Presenta un cuadro clínico de inicio inespecífico y posteriores signos y síntomas de oclusión intestinal; su diagnóstico se establece mediante tomografía computarizada, con una sensibilidad y especificidad mayor al 90%. El manejo dependerá de la condición clínica del paciente. Caso clínico: Hombre de 29 años con antecedente de síndrome de Asperger. Refirió que desde 7 días previos a su ingreso presentó dolor tipo cólico difuso, asociado a distensión abdominal e intolerancia a la vía oral. Acudió a valoración hospitalaria donde se realizóa tomografía computarizada con niveles hidroaéreos, torsión de arteria mesentérica inferior de aspecto de torbellino. Se realizó laparotomía exploradora a través de la cual se encontró sigmoides dilatado y volvulado, con perforación en la unión rectosigmoidea; se realizó sigmoidectomía con colorectoanastomosis. Al quinto día presentó datos de respuesta inflamatoria con abdomen agudo, por lo que ingresó a laparotomía exploradora donde se encontró dehiscencia de anastomosis; se realizó procedimiento de Hartmann. El paciente presentó choque séptico y falleció a las 24 horas del postquirúrgico. Discusión: La presentación de vólvulo sigmoides generalmente se presenta en personas mayores de 70 años, pocos casos se describen en personas jóvenes y están relacionados con enfermedad de dismotilidad intestinal. El paciente no contaba con factores predisponentes, el diagnóstico se estableció con imágenes características de la enfermedad, como la imagen en torbellino, se decidió manejo quirúrgico con la realización de resección con colorectoanastomosis. Conclusión: La oclusión intestinal por vólvulo sigmoides es una patología infrecuente en jóvenes y de clínica inespecífica. Ante un paciente que presente datos de oclusión intestinal deberá ser abordado de manera apropiada, sobre todo en pacientes en quienes hayan debutado con una clínica insidiosa y persistente de dolor abdominal secundario a oclusión intestinal, sean jóvenes con o sin factores de riesgo.

Abstract Sigmoid volvulus occurs due to a torsion of the colonic mesenteric axis, it has a multifactorial and controversial etiology, and its pathophysiology is not yet clear. Presenting a clinical picture of non-specific onset and later signs and symptoms of intestinal occlusion, its diagnosis is established with computed tomography with a sensitivity and specificity greater than 90%. Management will depend on the clinical condition of the patient. Clinical case: A 29-year-old man with a history of Asperger syndrome. He referred 7 days prior to admission with diffuse cramping pain, associated with abdominal distension and oral intolerance. He went to the hospital for evaluation where a computed tomography was performed with air-fluid levels, torsion of the inferior mesenteric artery with a whirlwind appearance. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, finding a dilated and volvulated sigmoid with perforation at the rectosigmoid junction. A sigmoidectomy with colorectal anastomosis was performed. On the fifth day, he presented data of inflammatory response with acute abdomen, entering exploratory laparotomy finding anastomosis dehiscence, Hartmann procedure was performed. The patient presented septic shock, died 24 hours after surgery. Discussion: The presentation of sigmoid volvulus generally occurs in people older than 70 years, few cases are described in young people and are related to intestinal dysmotility disease, the patient did not have predisposing factors, the diagnosis is established with characteristic images of the disease such as whirlwind image, surgical management is decided by performing resection with colorectal anastomosis. Conclusion: Intestinal occlusion due to sigmoid volvulus is an infrequent pathology in young people and with non-specific symptoms. When faced with a patient presenting evidence of intestinal occlusion, this should be appropriately addressed, especially in patients who have debuted with insidious and persistent symptoms of abdominal pain secondary to intestinal occlusion, whether they are young with or without risk factors.

Clinical outcomes and complications of single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy: A 2-year follow-up study in Bogotá, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of obesity has increased over the past 40 years, and bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective therapy for long-term weight loss. Its principles are based on modifying the brain-gut axis by altering the gastrointestinal anatomy and affecting the function of gastrointestinal hormones, thereby modifying satiety signals. Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) combines both techniques and has become an alternative to gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion procedures for treating severe obesity and associated metabolic diseases in selected patients. AIM: To describe the outcomes and complications of SADI-S. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent SADI-S laparoscopically at the Clínica Reina Sofía in Bogotá, Colombia. This study assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of SADI-S in terms of short-term preoperative clinical characteristics, postoperative complications, comorbidities, nutritional defi-ciencies, and intraoperative complications during a 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 50 ± 7.1 kg/m2 underwent laparoscopic SADI-S. The mean operative time and hospital stays were 143.8 ± 42 min and 2.3 ± 0.8 d, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 18 mo, and the mean BMI decreased to 28.5 ± 12.2 kg/m2. The excess BMI loss was 41.8% ± 13.5%, and the weight loss percentage was 81.1% ± 17.0%. Resolution of obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea, was achieved and defined as complete or partial remission. No intraoperative complications were observed. Short-term complications were observed in four (6.8%) patients. However, larger studies with longer follow-up periods are required to draw definitive conclusions. CONCLUSION: SADI-S has a low intraoperative and postoperative complication rate and is effective for weight loss and improving obesity-related comorbidities, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and sleep apnea syndrome.

Profiling the Physical Performance of Young Boxers with Unsupervised Machine Learning: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Mexico City is the location with the largest number of boxers in Mexico; in fact, it is the first city in the country to open a Technological Baccalaureate in Education and Sports Promotion with a pugilism orientation. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the physical-functional profile of applicants for admission to the baccalaureate in sports. A total of 227 young athletes (44F; 183M; 15.65 (1.79) years; 63.66 (14.98) kg; >3 years of boxing experience) participated in this study. Body mass (BM), maximal isometric handgrip (HG) strength, the height of the countermovement jump (CMJ), the velocity of straight boxing punches (PV), and the rear hand punch impact force (PIF) were measured. The young boxers were profiled using unsupervised machine learning algorithms, and the probability of superiority (ρ) was calculated as the effect size of the differences. K-Medoids clustering resulted in two sex-independent significantly different groups: Profile 1 (n = 118) and Profile 2 (n = 109). Except for BM, Profile 2 was statistically higher (p < 0.001) with a clear distinction in terms of superiority on PIF (ρ = 0.118), the PIF-to-BM ratio (ρ = 0.017), the PIF-to-HG ratio (ρ = 0.079) and the PIF-to-BM+HG ratio (ρ = 0.008). In general, strength levels explained most of the data variation; therefore, it is reasonable to recommend the implementation of tests aimed at assessing the levels of isometric and applied strength in boxing gestures. The identification of these physical-functional profiles might help to differentiate training programs during sports specialization of young boxing athletes.

Study of association between antibodies to non-HLA kidney self-antigens and progression to chronic immune injury after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Immune response to several kidney self-antigens (KSAg) such as Collagen IV (Col-IV), Perlecan (PL), and Fibronectin (FN) have been associated with antibody-mediated damage and poor allograft survival. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if humoral immune responses to KSAg correlates with progression of chronic immune injury (CII) changes at 1 year or 2 years. METHODS: Kidney transplant recipients who underwent 1- or 2-year biopsies, with chronic interstitial inflammation (ci > 1) and/or glomerular membrane double contouring (cg > 0) were analyzed with matched controls. Sera were analyzed retrospectively for antibodies against KSAg using ELISA. The presence of antibodies to KSAg were compared at 0, 4, 12, and 24 months using logistic regression. RESULTS: We identified a cohort of 214 kidney transplant recipients. Of these, we identified 33 cases and matched 66 controls. Logistical regression showed an odds ratio of 1 with the confidence interval crossing 1 for the presence of response to KSAg at all the time points. CONCLUSIONS: Humoral immune responses to either KSAg alone or in combination with donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies are not associated with progression to CII at 1 and 2 years after kidney transplantation.

Scarcity in abundance? Spatial inequalities in Rheumatoid Arthritis in a health system with financial equity.

BACKGROUND: This paper estimates spatial inequalities of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in Colombia and explores correlates of those disparities from a health system perspective. METHODS: We apply descriptive epidemiology to healthcare administrative records for estimation of crude and age-standardized prevalences, and health systems thinking for identification of barriers to effective access in RA diagnosis. RESULTS: The crude and age-standardized RA prevalence for Colombia in 2018 is estimated at 0.43% and 0.36%, respectively. In the contributory regime, the binding constraint is effective access to rheumatologists in rural and sparsely populated areas; this constraint in workforce affects service delivery, and ultimately comes from the lack of a differentiated model for effective provision of healthcare in those areas (governance). CONCLUSIONS: There are opportunities for implementation of public health policies and health system interventions that would lead to a better identification of RA patients and the subsequent more precise estimation of RA prevalence, and most importantly, to reduce exposition to risk factors and accurate diagnosis and treatment of RA patients.

Design and Validation of a Test to Evaluate the Execution Time and Decision-Making in Technical-Tactical Football Actions (Passing and Driving).

Reaction time and decision-making (DMA) in football have usually been evaluated using edited images or videos of game situations. The purpose of this research is to design and validate a test that simultaneously evaluates execution time (ET) and decision-making (DMA) in the subcategories of type of action (TA) and direction of movement (DM). METHODOLOGY: A quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive study of 30 young players. A total of 32 stimuli were programmed, corresponding to 64 responses, from which the total index (TI) was obtained from the division between DMA and ET. RESULTS: The content validity index (CVI = 0.78) showed a high degree of consensus among experts. In the validation process, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess intraclass and interobserver reliability, and a moderate level of agreement was found between subjects for the TA (ICC = 0.593) and ET (ICC = 0.602) and a moderate high level of concordance for DM (ICC = 0.804) and TI (ICC = 0.855). Regarding interobserver reliability, an excellent level of agreement was found for all variables: TA (ICC = 0.998), DM (ICC = 0.998), ET (ICC = 1.000), and TI (ICC = 1.000). For the relationship between intraobserver and interobserver variables, statistical significance was established as p < 0.01. Finally, the intraobserver ETM (5.40%) and interobserver ETM (0.42%) was low compared with the reference value (5.9%). CONCLUSION: The designed test meets the validity criteria since the variables show sufficient intraclass reliability (test-retest) and reliability among observers.

Direct Correlation of Soluble HLA and HLA-Containing Exosomes and Inverse Correlation of Tolerance Marker-Containing Exosomes With Antibody-Mediated Rejection After Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplantation: A Case Study.

There is a lower incidence of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT) than after kidney-only transplantation. It has been suggested that soluble human leukocyte antigen (sHLA) produced by the liver protects the kidney from AMR. However, this hypothesis has not been tested after SLKT. We present a case of SLKT with 2 donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) (DR53, 12,364 mean fluorescence intensity [MFI]; DQ7, 1253 MFI) that displayed a decrease by day 7 (DR53, 2747 MFI; DQ7, 107 MFI). On day 351, the patient was diagnosed with kidney AMR associated with high levels of DSA (DR53, 18,542 MFI; DQ7, 22,007 MFI) that persisted until day 531. High levels of sHLA-DR/DQ and HLA-DR/DQ-containing exosomes were also detected on day 398. Consequently, the patient underwent treatment with plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, prednisone, and rituximab. On day 752, biopsy results were negative for AMR. Moderate levels of DSA (DR53, 9798 MFI; DQ7, 1271 MFI), and baseline levels of sHLA-DR/DQ and HLA-DR/DQ-containing exosomes were observed. Increases in CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cell marker-containing exosomes (CD73, programmed death-ligand 1) were observed on day 752 compared to day 398. These data show a direct correlation between sHLA and HLA-containing exosomes and an inverse correlation between tolerance marker-containing exosomes and kidney AMR after SLKT.

Impact of Glomerulitis on Long-term Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation.

The Banff classification scheme provides a framework for interpreting transplant kidney biopsies and has undergone various updates in the past 2 decades especially related to antibody-mediated rejection. The clinical significance of early glomerulitis seen within 4 mo on protocol biopsies has received limited attention. We hypothesized that early glomerulitis seen on protocol biopsies will lead to significant adverse outcomes as assessed by histopathology and allograft outcome. Methods: A single-center retrospective study of a cohort of patients who underwent protocol biopsies within 4 mo after transplantation with timely follow-up protocol biopsies were assessed. Patients with recurrent glomerulonephritis were excluded. Results: We calculated glomerulitis (g) scores for 2212 biopsy specimens and identified 186 patients with glomerulitis (g > 0) and 2026 patients without glomerulitis (g = 0). The progression to chronic transplant glomerulopathy at 1 and 2 y was higher in patients with g > 0 as compared with g = 0 (year 1, 10.7% versus 2.3% [P < 0.001]' respectively; year 2, 17.2% versus 4.3% [P < 0.001], respectively) with no difference in other chronic lesions. The death-censored graft failure rate was higher in patients with g > 0 as compared with g = 0 (hazard ratio, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.07-2.65]; P = 0.02). We did not find any difference in outcomes in glomerulitis group based on donor-specific antibody. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that early glomerulitis (seen within 4 mo after transplantation) may lead to clinically significant long-term changes and thus could be a target for early intervention therapies.

Profile of specific and associated autoantibodies in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in a Colombian population.

Objectives: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are chronic, autoimmune diseases with several forms of presentation. Diagnosis is mostly clinical in our region. Our aim was to evaluate the autoantibody profile of patients with IIMs. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study with a prospective recollection of data, conducted between 2019-2021, in a single center in Cali, Colombia. Patients with a clinical diagnosis or suspicion of IIM were included. The presence of myositis-specific/associated antibodies was evaluated by immunoblotting in serum samples. Phenotypic characterization was performed. Results: A total of 36 patients were included. The mean age was 50.6 (16.7) years, and 20 (55.6%) were female. Eighteen (50%) patients were seropositive, of which 11 (30.5%) presented one positive antibody, with anti-TIF1É£being the most frequent (n = 4, 11.1%), followed by anti-Ro52 (n = 2, 5.6%). Seven patients (19.4%) showed >1 positive antibody. Dermatomyositis was the most frequent type of IIM in seropositive patients (n = 8, 44.4%), followed by anti-synthetase syndrome (n = 4, 22.2%). Weakness was symmetric and presented in the upper and lower extremities in 11 (61.1%) patients each. Both respiratory insufficiency and weight loss were seen in 7 (38.9%) patients, Gottron papules in six (33.3%) patients, and heliotrope rash, esophageal dysmotility, and myalgia in 5 (27.8%) patients. Pulmonary interstitial disease was seen in 4 (22.2%, with antibodies for anti-Ro52, anti-MDA5 + anti-Jo1 + anti-TIF1É£, anti-MDA5 + anti-SAE1 + anti-NXP2, and anti-cN1A + anti-Ro52) patients, and malignancy was seen in 2 (11.1%) patients (1 with anti-Mi2ß and 1 with anti-TIF1É£ + anti-Mi2α). In all, 7 (19.4%) patients required intensive care (2 seropositive, 1 with anti-PL7, 1 with anti-MDA5 + anti-Jo1 + anti-TIF1É£), and 1 (2.8%) (seronegative) patient died. Conclusion: This study is the first study in the Southwest of Colombia that evaluates myositis-specific/associated antibodies in IIM. Half of the patients were seropositive. Anti-TIF1É£was the most frequent MSA and anti-Ro52 was the most frequent MAA. Several patients presented antibody combinations. Further studies are needed to fully associate phenotypes with antibodies.

Effectiveness of Telemedicine Compared with Standard Care for Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence on the effectiveness of telemedicine compared to standard care for patients with rheumatic diseases. Methods: A search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; for the gray literature, GREYNET databases and a snowball search were used. MeSH or Emtree terms. Three authors independently selected systematic reviews, randomized controlled trail (RCTs), or non-RCTs with patients with autoimmune or inflammatory rheumatic diseases, where telemedicine was compared with standard care. Effectiveness was measured in terms of disease activity, quality of life, and functional activity. The patients' satisfaction was also measured. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane collaboration tool for RCTs and AMSTAR II for systematic reviews. Results: Four RCTs, one cross-out study, and five systematic reviews were included. The studies were conducted with rheumatoid arthritis patients, and one study involved patients with systematic lupus erythematosus. The interventions mainly involved teleconsultation and telemonitoring, with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) being compared with standard care. Four studies measured the effectiveness of telemedicine using PROs, in which three of the RCTs did not find differences in the clinical outcomes, and one found that telemedicine improved the remission of diseases, functional impairment, and radiographic joint damage progression. Two studies measured patient satisfaction with telemedicine and standard care without a significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: Despite heterogeneity between studies, the findings were remarkably consistent in demonstrating that there was no significant difference between the telemedicine group and the control group in terms of PROs and patient satisfaction. Patients should be offered the option of telemedicine to manage their diseases as part of health-care support. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of telemedicine in the long term for patients with rheumatic diseases.

Technical and clinical aspects of the histocompatibility crossmatch assay in solid organ transplantation / Aspectos técnicos y clínicos de la prueba cruzada de histocompatibilidad en el trasplante de órganos sólidos

The presence of antibodies directed against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) expressed on donor cells is a significant risk factor for serious clinical complications after transplantation. The crossmatch assay is one of the most important tests available for the detection of donor-specific antibodies in potential allograft recipients. Early crossmatch methods utilized complement-dependent cytotoxicity, which is useful for detecting the donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies responsible for hyperacute allograft rejection but lacks adequate sensitivity. Consequently, more sensitive crossmatch methods have been developed, ultimately leading to the flow cytometry crossmatch as the currently preferred methodology. Herein, we review the evolution of the crossmatch assay and the most important factors to consider when performing and interpreting the results of this fundamental assay for ensuring the long-term survival of the transplanted organ.

La presencia de anticuerpos dirigidos contra los antígenos leucocitarios humanos (Human Leukocyte Antigens, HLA) que se expresan en las células del donante, es uno de los factores de riesgo más importantes asociados con las complicaciones clínicas después del trasplante. La prueba cruzada es una de las pruebas de histocompatibilidad más eficaces para la detección de anticuerpos específicos contra el donante en los receptores de injertos. En los primeros métodos de la prueba cruzada, se utilizaba la citotoxicidad dependiente del complemento, que es útil para detectar dichos anticuerpos responsables del rechazo hiperagudo del injerto, pero carece de la sensibilidad adecuada. Por ello, se desarrollaron métodos de pruebas cruzadas más sensibles, entre ellas, la prueba cruzada por citometría de flujo que hoy se considera el método preferido. En este artículo se revisa la evolución de la prueba cruzada y los factores más importantes que deben tenerse en cuenta al realizarla y al interpretar los resultados de esta prueba fundamental para la supervivencia a largo plazo del injerto.

Self-Regulated Learning and Academic Performance in Chilean University Students in Virtual Mode During the Pandemic: Effect of the 4Planning App.

Research on the use of smartphone apps with the aim of developing self-regulated learning (SRL) and increasing academic performance of university students in virtual mode, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, is recent and scarce. The present article shows the results of a study that analyzed the effect of using the 4Planning app with an intra-curricular approach on SRL and on the academic performance of 119 1st-year psychology students in virtual mode, at a Chilean university (M Age = 22.81, SD Age = 6.52). The research was conducted with quantitative methodology and a quasi-experimental design, with pre- and posttest measurements of an experimental group and comparisons with three control groups. The results show that students who used the app during 10 weeks of the first academic semester 2021: (1) increased SRL self-report, (2) increased academic self-efficacy, and (3) obtained higher academic performance, compared to those who did not use it. The above occurs because the 4Planning app activates functions of the self-regulatory system of goal-directed behavior, which allows exercising the capacity of self-direction and self-influence on this type of behavior in the particular context of academic performance, which produces SRL. It is concluded that the 4Planning app is effective in developing self-regulation and improving the academic performance of 1st-year university students, in virtual learning mode.

Aspectos técnicos y clínicos de la prueba cruzada de histocompatibilidad en el trasplante de órganos solidos / Technical and clinical aspects of the histocompatibility crossmatch assay in solid organ transplantation

La presencia de anticuerpos dirigidos contra los antígenos leucocitarios humanos (Human Leukocyte Antigens, HLA) que se expresan en las células del donante, es uno de los factores de riesgo más importantes asociados con las complicaciones clínicas después del trasplante. La prueba cruzada es una de las pruebas de histocompatibilidad más eficaces para la detección de anticuerpos específicos contra el donante en los receptores de injertos. En los primeros métodos de la prueba cruzada, se utilizaba la citotoxicidad dependiente del complemento, que es útil para detectar dichos anticuerpos responsables del rechazo hiperagudo del injerto, pero carece de la sensibilidad adecuada. Por ello, se desarrollaron métodos de pruebas cruzadas más sensibles, entre ellas, la prueba cruzada por citometría de flujo que hoy se considera el método preferido. En este artículo se revisa la evolución de la prueba cruzada y los factores más importantes que deben tenerse en cuenta al realizarla y al interpretar los resultados de esta prueba fundamental para la supervivencia a largo plazo del injerto.

The presence of antibodies directed against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) expressed on donor cells is a significant risk factor for serious clinical complications after transplantation. The crossmatch assay is one of the most important tests available for the detection of donor-specific antibodies in potential allograft recipients. Early crossmatch methods utilized complement-dependent cytotoxicity, which is useful for detecting the donor-specific anti- HLA antibodies responsible for hyperacute allograft rejection but lacks adequate sensitivity. Consequently, more sensitive crossmatch methods have been developed, ultimately leading to the flow cytometry crossmatch as the currently preferred methodology. Herein, we review the evolution of the crossmatch assay and the most important factors to consider when performing and interpreting the results of this fundamental assay for ensuring the long-term survival of the transplanted organ.

Hybrid Materials Based on Nanoparticles Functionalized with Alkylsilanes Covalently Anchored to Epoxy Matrices.

In this work, the surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) with 3-glycidyloxy-propyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) was investigated. The ZnO-NPs were synthesized using the physical method of continuous arc discharge in controlled atmosphere (DARC-AC). The surface modification was carried out using a chemical method with constant agitation for 24 h at room temperature. This surface functionalization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs-GPTMS) was experimentally confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), TGA, and XRD, and its morphological characterization was performed with SEM. The increase in mechanical bending properties in the two final hybrid materials compared to the base polymers was verified. An average increase of 67% was achieved with a moderate decrease in ductility. In the case of compressive strength, they showed mixed results, maintaining the properties. With respect to thermal properties, it was observed that inorganic reinforcement conferred resistance to degradation on the base material, giving a greater resistance to high temperatures.

Velocity-Based Resistance Training on 1-RM, Jump and Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

Weight resistance training (RT) has been shown to positively influence physical performance. Within the last two decades, a methodology based on monitoring RT through movement velocity (also called velocity-based resistance training, VBRT) has emerged. The aim of this PRISMA-based systematic review was to evaluate the effect of VBRT programs on variables related to muscle strength (one-repetition maximum, 1-RM), and high-speed actions (vertical jump, and sprint performance) in trained subjects. The search for published articles was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORT Discus/EBSCO, OVID, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE databases using Boolean algorithms independently. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review (a low-to-moderate overall risk of bias of the analyzed studies was detected). VBRT is an effective method to improve 1-RM, vertical jump and sprint. According to the results of the analyzed studies, it is not necessary to reach high muscle failure in order to achieve the best training results. These findings reinforce the fact that it is possible to optimize exercise adaptations with less fatigue. Future studies should corroborate these findings in female population.