Clinical profile of early- and late-onset colorectal cancer patients in a referral medical center in Medellín, Colombia: A comparative analysis / Perfil clínico de pacientes con cáncer colorrectal de aparición temprana y tardía en un centro médico de referencia en Medellín, Colombia: Un análisis comparativo

Introduction. Incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), defined as colorectal cancer (CRC) in individuals aged < 50 years, is rising worldwide. Despite the increasing international scientific production on EOCRC, research is limited in Colombia. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical features of adults with EOCRC and late-onset CRC (LOCRC, CRC in individuals aged ≥ 50 years). Methods. An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted with CRC patients ≥ 18 years old at one medical center in Medellín, Colombia. Clinical and pathological data were retrieved from the Institutional Cancer Registry. Two analysis groups were established: EOCRC and LOCRC. The Chi-Square test was applied to compare the variables of interest between both groups. Results. The sample included 1,202 patients, 53.5% were female (N=643) and the median age was 65 years (interquartile range: 55-73). EOCRC represented 15.9% (N=192). LOCRC tended to have more history of cardiometabolic diseases and smoking (p<0.001) than EOCRC. CRC family history was proportionally more frequent in EOCRC (7.3% vs 3.8%; p=0.028) than in LOCRC. Right-sided tumors were more common in LOCRC (30.4% vs 21.9%; p=0.041) and left-sided tumors in EOCRC (30.7% vs 23.2%; p=0.041). Only one patient had inflammatory bowel disease history. Conclusion. EOCRC is clinically distinct from LOCRC regarding pathological and toxicological history as well as tumor location. Our findings provide valuable insights for enhancing clinical decision-making, particularly in relation to age at onset in Colombian CRC patients.

Introducción. La incidencia de cáncer colorrectal (CCR) de aparición temprana (CCR-ATem), definido como CCR en individuos menores de 50 años, está aumentando en todo el mundo. A pesar del incremento en la producción científica internacional sobre CCR-ATem, la investigación es limitada en Colombia. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar clínicamente los adultos con CCR-ATem y CCR de aparición tardía (CCR-ATar, CCR en individuos ≥ 50 años). Métodos. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, transversal, en el que se incluyeron los pacientes adultos con CCR atendidos en un centro médico de Medellín, Colombia. Los datos se obtuvieron del Registro Institucional de Cáncer. Se establecieron dos grupos de análisis: CCR-ATem y CCR-ATar. Se aplicó la prueba de Chi cuadrado para comparar las variables de interés entre ambos grupos. Resultados. La muestra incluyó 1.202 pacientes, 53,5 % fueron mujeres (N=643), y la mediana de edad fue de 65 años (rango intercuartil: 55-73). CCR-ATem representó el 15,9 % (N=192). CCR-ATar tuvo más casos de enfermedades cardiometabólicas y tabaquismo (p<0,001). El antecedente familiar de CCR fue proporcionalmente más frecuente en CCR-ATem (7,3 % vs. 3,8 %; p=0,028). Los tumores del colon derecho fueron más frecuentes en CCR-ATar (30,4 % vs. 21,9 %; p=0,041) y los del colon izquierdo en CCR-ATem (30,7 % vs. 23,2 %; p=0,041). Solo un paciente tuvo antecedente de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Conclusión. CCR-ATem es clínicamente distinto de CCR-ATar con respecto a antecedentes patológicos y toxicológicos, y localización tumoral. Nuestros hallazgos proporcionan información útil para mejorar la toma de decisiones clínicas, particularmente en relación con la edad de inicio en pacientes colombianos con CCR.

Antidepressant-like and Beneficial Effects of a Neoponcirin-Beta-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in Mice Exposed to Prolonged Stress.

Neoponcirin causes anxiolytic-like effects in mice when administered intraperitoneally but not orally. Neoponcirin is non-water-soluble and insoluble in solvents, and in medium acid, it isomerizes, reducing its bioavailability. To improve the pharmacological properties of neoponcirin, we formed a neoponcirin complex with beta-cyclodextrin (NEO/ßCD), which was characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, and NMR, and their solubility profile. We evaluated the antidepressant-like effects of NEO/ßCD acutely administered to mice orally in the behavioral paradigms, the tail suspension (TST) and the forced swimming (FST) tests. We also analyzed the benefits of repeated oral doses of NEO/ßCD on depression- and anxiety-like behaviors induced in mice by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), using the FST, hole board, and open field tests. We determined the stressed mice's expression of stress-related inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNFα) and corticosterone. Results showed that a single or chronic oral administration of NEO/ßCD caused a robust antidepressant-like effect without affecting the ambulatory activity. In mice under CUMS, NEO/ßCD also produced anxiolytic-like effects and avoided increased corticosterone and IL-1ß levels. The effects of the NEO/ßCD complex were robust in both the acute and the stress chronic models, improving brain neurochemistry and recovering immune responses previously affected by prolonged stress.

Caracterización epidemiológica de pacientes con síndrome posterior a resección anterior baja de recto y aproximación de su relación con aspectos demográficos, patológicos y quirúrgicos, en un centro de referencia en Medellín, entre 2016-2022 / Epidemiological characterization of patients with post-low anterior rectal resection syndrome and approximation of its relationship with demographic, pathological, and surgical aspects, in a referral center in Medellin, between 2016-2022

Introducción. El cáncer colorrectal es uno de los tipos de cáncer más comunes y mortales a nivel mundial. Aunque los avances médicos han mejorado el manejo, la cirugía sigue siendo fundamental. La resección anterior baja (RAB) de recto ha ganado relevancia, a pesar de que puede llevar al síndrome de resección anterior baja de recto (LARS, por sus siglas en inglés), afectando la calidad de vida. Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal con intención analítica en un centro de referencia en Medellín, Colombia. Los pacientes con cáncer de recto sometidos a RAB entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2022 completaron el cuestionario LARS para evaluar disfunción intestinal. Se evaluaron factores relacionados con la presencia de LARS por medio de un análisis bivariado. Resultados. De 234 pacientes elegibles, 110 (47 %) respondieron la encuesta, predominantemente mujeres (58,2 %). La edad promedio fue 62 años. Dos tercios de los pacientes recibieron neoadyuvancia y el 69 % requirieron ileostomía. La prevalencia de LARS fue 47,3 %. El 80,9 % llevaban más de 12 meses desde la cirugía o el cierre del estoma. Factores estadísticamente significativos asociados a LARS fueron edad mayor de 65 años (p=0,03), estadío patológico avanzado (p=0,02) y requerimiento de estoma (p=0,03). Conclusiones. El LARS afecta a casi la mitad de los pacientes en diferentes etapas posquirúrgicas. El LARS scorees una herramienta práctica para evaluar la función intestinal en el seguimiento del paciente. La prevalencia y los factores de riesgo identificados contribuyen a la comprensión del impacto de la cirugía conservadora del esfínter en la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Introduction. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer worldwide, with a high incidence of rectal cancer. Although medical advances have improved management, surgery remains crucial. Low anterior resection of the rectum (LAR) has gained significance, despite its potential to lead to low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), affecting quality of life. Methods. A cross-sectional study with analytical intent was conducted at a referral center in Medellín, Colombia. Patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR between January 2016 and December 2022 completed the LARS questionnaire to assess intestinal dysfunction. Factors related to the presence of LARS were analyzed using bivariate analysis. Results. Of 234 eligible patients, 110 (47%) responded, predominantly women (58.2%). The average age was 62 years. Two-thirds of patients received neoadjuvant therapy and 69% required ileostomy. The prevalence of LARS was 47.3%. 80.9% had been more than 12 months post-surgery or stoma closure. Statistically significant factors associated with LARS included age over 65 years (p=0.03), advanced pathological stage (p=0.02), and stoma requirement (p=0.03). Conclusions. LARS affects almost half of the patients in various post-surgical stages. The LARS score is a practical tool for assessing intestinal function in patient follow-up. The prevalence and risk factors identified contribute to the understanding of the impact of sphincter-conserving surgery on patients' quality of life.

Stomach Cancer and Postendoscopy Colorectal Cancer: Parallel Lives / Cáncer gástrico y cáncer colorrectal posendoscopia: vidas paralelas

Abstract Background and objectives: The rates of (interval) stomach cancer (SC) or postendoscopy (PECRC) or postcolonoscopy (PCCRC) colorectal cancer (CRC) have been little studied in our setting. Data from overseas studies reported PECRC and PCCRC rates of 7-26%. We aim to determine and compare local PECRC and PCCRC rates and characteristics. Patients and methods: With data from three quaternary-care cancer centers, we ambispectively identified patients diagnosed with SC and CRC between 2012 and 2021, in whom a history of endoscopies or colonoscopies in the previous three years was investigated. Cancers diagnosed between 6 and 36 months after an endoscopic study reported as normal were defined as interval cancers. This study compares the clinical, endoscopic, and survival characteristics of both PECRC and PCCRC cohorts. Results: Of 828 patients diagnosed with SC, 66 had PECRC (rate: 7.3%), while in 919 patients with CRC, 68 had PCCRC (rate: 6.9%). There were no significant differences in age or sex, although males predominated (2:1) in the PECRC (0.09). The finding of premalignant lesions was similar in both groups (p = 0.260). The anatomical location was shown to be more proximal (right colon) in the PCCRC than in the PECRC (cardia/fundus) (p = 0.002). Gastric neoplasms were more poorly differentiated (58%) than colon neoplasms (26%) (p = 0.001). There were no differences in early cancers, but tumor status was more advanced in PECRC (p < 0.01). The Kaplan-Meier showed a worse survival for PCCRC than for detected CRC, with no differences in SC and PECRC, suggesting poor survival. Conclusions: The rate of interval cancers is 7.3% and 6.9%, and differences were found between PECRC and PCCRC, proximal locations of the lesions, degree of differentiation, tumor status, and poor survival for the PCCRC. Establishing measures to achieve the World Endoscopy Organization's goal of <5% is necessary.

Resumen Antecedentes y objetivos: Las tasas de cáncer gástrico (CG) o cáncer colorrectal (CCR) posendoscopia (CGPE) o poscolonoscopia (CCRPC) (de intervalo) han sido poco estudiadas en nuestro medio. Los datos de estudios en el exterior informaron tasas de CGPE y CCRPC de 7%-26%. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar y comparar las tasas y características del CGPE y CCRPC locales. Pacientes y métodos: Con datos de tres centros oncológicos de cuarto nivel se identificaron, de forma ambispectiva, pacientes diagnosticados con CG y CCR entre 2012 y 2021, en quienes se investigó el antecedente de endoscopias o colonoscopias en los tres años previos. Los cánceres diagnosticados entre 6 y 36 meses después de un estudio endoscópico reportado como normal se definieron como cánceres de intervalo. En este estudio se comparan las características clínicas, endoscópicas y de sobrevida entre ambas cohortes de cánceres posendoscopia y poscolonoscopia. Resultados: De 828 pacientes diagnosticados con CG, 66 tuvieron CGPE (tasa: 7,3%), mientras que en 919 pacientes con CCR, 68 pacientes presentaron CCRPC (tasa: 6,9%). No hubo diferencias significativas en la edad o el sexo, aunque predominó el masculino (2:1) en el CGPE (0,09). El hallazgo de lesiones premalignas fue similar en ambos grupos (p = 0,260). La ubicación anatómica mostró ser más proximal (colon derecho) en el CCRPC que en el CGPE (cardias/fondo) (p = 0,002). Las neoplasias gástricas fueron más mal diferenciadas (58%) que las de colon (26%) (p = 0,001). No hubo diferencias en los cánceres tempranos, pero el estado tumoral fue más avanzado en el CGPE (p < 0,01). El Kaplan-Meier mostró una peor sobrevida para el CCRPC que para el CCR detectado, sin diferencias en el CG y el CGPE, que mostraron una pobre sobrevida. Conclusiones: La tasa de cánceres de intervalo es de 7,3% y 6,9%, y se encontraron diferencias entre los CGPE y el CCRPC, ubicaciones proximales de las lesiones, grado de diferenciación, estado del tumor y una pobre sobrevida para el CCRPC. Se hace necesario establecer medidas para lograr la meta de la Organización Mundial de Endoscopia de <5%.

Ewing sarcoma of the cervix: an unusual site of presentation.

Ewing sarcoma is an exceedingly rare form of cancer that affects the cervix. It falls within the spectrum of neoplastic diseases known as Ewing's family of tumours, typically observed in osseous tissues. A woman in her 40s, experiencing symptoms of leucorrhoea and transvaginal bleeding that commenced 3 months before her consultation, was referred to our gynaecological oncology clinic with a preliminary diagnosis of ovarian teratoma. A colposcopy procedure was conducted unveiling a complete loss of cervical anatomy with friable and malodorous tissue. Pelvic ultrasound identified a lesion of uncertain origin in the cervix, suggestive of malignancy. Histopathological assessment of cervical biopsy specimens confirmed the presence of a small, round, blue cell neoplasm consistent with Ewing sarcoma. She underwent chemotherapy and pelvic radiotherapy, achieving complete remission 9 months after diagnosis, without experiencing any systemic adverse effects or sequelae.

Sequencing and description of the genome of a strain of Stenotrophomonas geniculata isolated from a patient infected with COVID-19 at Hospital Regional No.1 de Charo, Michoacán, México.

Stenotrophomonas is a bacterial genus that can be found in various environments, such as water, soil, and clinical samples. Due to their high genetic and phenotypic diversity, it is difficult to properly identify and classify all isolates. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in nosocomial infections, which played a major role in the high mortality rate among patients in intensive care. This is the first report of the identification of S. geniculata as a nosocomial opportunistic pathogen isolated from a patient with COVID-19. Their genome was isolated, sequenced, and assembled, and it consists of 4,488,090 bp in 24 contigs, 4,103 coding sequences, and a G+C content of 66.58%.

Infección por Trypanosoma spp. en murciélagos capturados en ecótopos urbanos y silvestres de la región Caribe en Colombia / Trypanosoma spp. infection in bats captured in urban and wild ecotopes of the Caribbean region in Colombia

R ESUMEN: Se evaluó la frecuencia de infección por Trypanosoma spp. en murciélagos capturados en ecótopos sil-vestres y urbanos del Departamento del Atlántico, en la región Caribe de Colombia, entre marzo de 2021 y mayo de 2022. Se identificaron taxonómicamente los murciélagos y se determinó sexo, edad relativa y condiciones reproductivas. Se utilizó una muestra de sangre para análisis parasitológico y extracción de ADN para la amplificar una región del ARNr 18S. Se capturaron 125 murciélagos, siendo las familias más abundantes Molossidae (62/125; 49,6%) y Phyllostomidae (43/125; 34,4%). Molossus molossus capturado en ecótopos silvestres mostró una frecuencia de infección del 8,1% (5/61) y 4,1% (3/61) mediante análisis parasitológico y molecular, respectivamente. En comparación, Noctilio albiventris capturado en ecótopos urbanos mostró una frecuencia de infección del 16,6% (2/12) para ambos análisis. Estos hallazgos re-presentan los primeros registros de M. molossus albergando Trypanosoma spp. para el Departamento del Atlántico y de N. albiventris albergando Trypanosoma spp. en Colombia.

Synthesis, Antimalarial, Antileishmanial, and Cytotoxicity Activities and Preliminary In Silico ADMET Studies of 2-(7-Chloroquinolin-4-ylamino)ethyl Benzoate Derivatives.

A series of heterocyclic chloroquine hybrids, containing a chain of two carbon atoms at position four of the quinolinic chain and acting as a link between quinoline and several benzoyl groups, is synthesized and screened in vitro as an inhibitor of ß-hematin formation and in vivo for its antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive strains of Plasmodium berghei ANKA in this study. The compounds significantly reduced haeme crystallization, with IC50 values < 10 µM. The values were comparable to chloroquine's, with an IC50 of 1.50 ± 0.01 µM. The compounds 4c and 4e prolonged the average survival time of the infected mice to 16.7 ± 2.16 and 14.4 ± 1.20 days, respectively. We also studied the effect of the compounds 4b, 4c, and 4e on another important human parasite, Leishmania mexicana, which is responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis, demonstrating a potential leishmanicidal effect against promasigotes, with an IC50 < 10 µM. Concerning the possible mechanism of action of these compounds on Lesihmania mexicana, we performed experiments demonstrating that these three compounds could induce the collapse of the parasite mitochondrial electrochemical membrane potential (Δφ). The in vitro cytotoxicity assays against mammalian cancerous and noncancerous human cell lines showed that the studied compounds exhibit low cytotoxic effects. The ADME/Tox analysis predicted moderate lipophilicity values, low unbound fraction values, and a poor distribution for these compounds. Therefore, moderate bioavailability was expected. We calculated other molecular descriptors, such as the topological polar surface area, according to Veber's rules, and except for 2 and 4i, the rest of the compounds violated this descriptor, demonstrating the low antimalarial activity of our compounds in vivo.

Self-expanding Metal Stents in Malignant Obstruction of the Esophagus: A 25-Year Multicentric Study

Background: Self-expanding metal prostheses improve dysphagia in patients with incurable esophageal cancer (EC). New stents have been introduced, and chemoradiotherapy has been implemented for EC, changing patients' risk profiles. It is unknown whether this has affected palliation with stents. Patients and methods: Retrospective study in three centers in Medellín-Colombia; patients undergoing placement of palliative esophageal prostheses for malignant dysphagia (1997-2022). Major and minor complications after implantation, the influence of oncological therapies, and survival were evaluated for 1997-2009 (n = 289) and 2010-2022 (n = 318). Results: 607 patients underwent esophageal prostheses; 296 (48.8%) became complicated. It was higher in the second period (52.5% vs. 48.1%), as were major complications (20.8% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.033), with no differences in minor complications (33.9% vs 31.8%, p = 0.765). Also, 190 (31.3%) patients presented with recurrent dysphagia, stable in both periods. Migration increased over time (from 13.1% to 18.2%, p = 0.09). The most common minor adverse event was pain, increasing over time (from 24.9% to 33.95%, p < 0.01), and associated factors were chemoradiotherapy, absence of fistula, and squamous cell carcinoma. Acid reflux decreased in the second group (p = 0.038). Twelve percent of patients required another intervention for feeding. Survival was not impacted by time and use of stents. Conclusions: Stents are an alternative in non-surgical malignant dysphagia, although recurrent dysphagia has not decreased over time. Minor stent-related complications are increasing in association with the implementation of chemoradiotherapy.

Antecedentes: Las prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles mejoran la disfagia en pacientes con cáncer esofágico (CE) incurable. En las últimas décadas se han introducido nuevos tipos de stents y se ha implementado la quimiorradioterapia para el CE, generando cambios en los perfiles de riesgo de los pacientes. Se desconoce si estos cambios han afectado la paliación con stents. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en tres centros de Medellín-Colombia; pacientes sometidos a colocación de prótesis esofágicas paliativas para disfagia maligna (1997-2022). Se evaluaron en dos períodos: 1997-2009 (n = 289) y 2010-2022 (n = 318), complicaciones mayores y menores después del implante, la influencia de las terapias oncológicas y la sobrevida. Resultados: Se evaluaron 607 pacientes sometidos a prótesis esofágicas. 296 (48,8%) se complicaron, y fue mayor en el segundo periodo (52,5% frente a 48,1%), al igual que las complicaciones mayores (20,8% frente a 14,2%, p = 0,033), sin diferencias en complicaciones menores (33,9% frente a 31,8%, p = 0,765). 190 (31,3%) pacientes presentaron disfagia recurrente, estable en ambos períodos. La migración aumentó con el tiempo (de 13,1% a 18,2%, p = 0,09). El evento adverso menor más frecuente fue dolor, que aumentó con el tiempo (de 24,9% a 33,95%, p < 0,01), y los factores asociados fueron quimiorradioterapia, ausencia de fístula y carcinoma de células escamosas. El reflujo ácido disminuyó en el segundo grupo (p = 0,038). El 12% de pacientes requirieron otra intervención para alimentarse. No se impactó la sobrevida con el tiempo y uso de stents. Conclusiones: Los stents son una alternativa en la disfagia maligna no quirúrgica, aunque la disfagia recurrente no ha disminuido con el tiempo. Las complicaciones menores relacionadas con el stent van en aumento, asociadas a la implementación de la quimiorradioterapia.

The Antimicrobial Peptide γ-Thionin from Habanero Chile (Capsicum chinense) Induces Caspase-Independent Apoptosis on Human K562 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Regulates Epigenetic Marks.

Cancer is a relevant health problem worldwide. In 2020, leukemias represented the 13th most commonly reported cancer cases worldwide but the 10th most likely to cause deaths. There has been a progressive increase in the efficacy of treatments for leukemias; however, these still generate important side effects, so it is imperative to search for new alternatives. Defensins are a group of antimicrobial peptides with activity against cancer cells. However, the cytotoxic mechanism of these peptides has been described mainly for animal defensins. This study shows that defensin γ-thionin (Capsicum chinense) is cytotoxic to the K562 leukemia cells with an IC50 = 290 µg/mL (50.26 µM) but not for human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results showed that γ-thionin did not affect the membrane potential; however, the peptide modified the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the intracellular calcium release. In addition, γ-thionin induced apoptosis in K562 cells, but the activation of caspases 8 and 9 was not detected. Moreover, the activation of calpains was detected at one hour of treatment, suggesting that γ-thionin activates the caspase-independent apoptosis. Furthermore, the γ-thionin induced epigenetic modifications on histone 3 in K562 cells, increased global acetylation (~2-fold), and specific acetylation marks at lysine 9 (H3K9Ac) (~1.5-fold). In addition, γ-thionin increased the lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me) and dimethylation marks (H3K9me2) (~2-fold), as well as the trimethylation mark (H3K9me3) (~2-fold). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a defensin that triggers caspase-independent apoptosis in cancer cells via calpains and regulating chromatin remodelation, a novel property for a plant defensin.

Sectoral analysis of electricity consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence for unregulated and regulated markets in Colombia.

We conduct a sectoral analysis of electricity consumption during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic for the primary sectors that make up Colombia's unregulated and regulated markets. Applying a model of seemingly unrelated regression equations to examine data between February 2015 and May 2021, we evidence the recomposition of electricity consumption related to mandatory preventive isolation during the pandemic. Average consumption in the residential sector increased by 16.9% as working from home became prevalent. In contrast, unregulated market sectors subjected to quarantines presented a significant decrease in consumption, up to 32% in the financial sector. While industries that were not subjected to mandatory confinement, such as health, food (agriculture), and water supply, had no significant effect. Our results are relevant for informing demand forecasts and planning network expansions to guarantee the reliability of the supply as pandemic practices such as working from home become permanent.

Incidence and Prevalence of Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis in a Healthcare Management Organization in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate incidence and prevalence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) in a university hospital-based health management organization (Hospital Italiano Medical Care Program) in Argentina. METHODS: Overall and sex-specific incidence rates (IRs) and prevalence were calculated (age ≥ 50 yrs). Incidence study followed members with continuous affiliation ≥ 1 year from January 2000 to December 2015. Diagnosis as per the 2012 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for PMR or the ACR 1990 criteria for GCA. Prevalence was calculated on January 1, 2015. RESULTS: There were 176,558 persons who contributed a total of 1,046,620 person-years (PY). Of these, 825 developed PMR, with an IR (per 100,000 PY) of 78.8 (95% CI 73.4-84.2) overall, 90.1 (95% CI 82.9-97.2) for women, and 58.9 (95% CI 51.1-66.6) for men. Ninety persons developed GCA; the IR was 8.6 (95% CI 6.8-10.4) overall, 11.1 (95% CI 8.5-10.6) for women, and 4.2 (2.2-6.3) for men. There were 205 prevalent PMR cases and 23 prevalent GCA cases identified from a population of 80,335. Prevalence of PMR was 255 per 100,000 (95% CI 220-290) overall, 280 (95% CI 234-325) for women, and 209 (95% CI 150-262) for men; and the prevalence of GCA was 28.6 per 100,000 (95% CI 16.9-40.3) overall, 36.4 (95% CI 20.1-52.8) for women, and 14.2 (95% CI 0.3-28.1) for men. CONCLUSION: This is the first study of incidence and prevalence of PMR and GCA in Argentina. There were similarities and differences with cohorts from other parts of the world, but population-based epidemiologic studies in Latin America are needed.

Factores relacionados con absentismo laboral en una compañía minera colombiana / Factors Related to Absenteeism in a Colombian Mining Company / Fatores relacionados ao absenteísmo em uma empresa de mineração colombiana

El absentismo laboral es una condición que afecta cada día a un gran número de empresas y que repercute en los ámbitos económico, social y cultural. Objetivo: Caracterizar el absentismo laboral por causa médica durante 2021 en trabajadores del área operativa de una compañía de extracción de minerales en Antioquia (Colombia). Materiales y métodos: Estudio con enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo descriptivo, retrospectivo para caracterizar el ab-sentismo laboral de una empresa minera, teniendo en cuenta una base de datos suministrada por dicha empresa, en la cual se presentaron los registros de absentismo de los trabajadores de la mina y sus diferentes áreas durante 2021, correspondiente a un total de 1069 incapacidades. Resultados: Los factores asociados con un aumento de la frecuencia del absentismo fueron la antigüedad del trabajador en la empresa, el cargo desempeñado y el área al cual se está adscrito, teniendo así que las causas más frecuentes de absentismo fueron las enfermedades de origen común de tipo respiratorio y traumatismos. Conclusión: El absentismo laboral se encuentra relacionado con el patrón de enfermedad o accidente laboral, y su prevalencia, en cuanto a áreas y sexo, se encuentra relacionada con las características propias de la compañía.

Work absenteeism is a condition that affects a large number of companies every day, generating an economic, social and cultural impact. Objective: To characterize absenteeism due to medical reasons during the year 2021 in workers of the operative area of a mineral extraction company in Antioquia, Colombia. Material and Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, retrospective study was conducted to characterize absenteeism in the operational area of a mining extraction company in Colombia, taking into account a database provided by the company, which presents the records of absenteeism of workers in the mine and its different areas during the period of 2021, corresponding to a total of 1,069 incapacities. Results: The factors associated with an increase in the frequency of absenteeism were the worker's seniority in the company, the position held and the area to which he/she is assigned, thus having that the most frequent causes of absenteeism were common respiratory diseases and traumatisms. Conclusion: It can be concluded that absenteeism is related to the pattern of occupational illness or accident, and that the prevalence of absenteeism in terms of areas and sex is related to the company's own characteristics.

O absenteísmo é uma condição que afeta muitas empresas todos os dias e tem repercussões nas esferas econômica, social e cultural. Objetivo: Caracterizar o absenteísmo por motivos médicos durante 2021 em trabalhadores da área operacional de uma empresa de extração mineral em Antioquia (Colômbia). Materiais e métodos: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo e retrospectivo para caracterizar o absenteísmo em uma empresa de mineração, levando em conta um banco de dados fornecido pela empresa, no qual foram apresentados os registros de absenteísmo dos trabalhadores da mina e de suas diferentes áreas durante 2021, correspondendo a um total de 1069 incapacidades. Resultados: Os fatores associados a um aumento na frequência de absenteísmo foram a antiguidade do trabalhador na empresa, o cargo ocupado e a área para a qual ele foi designado, sendo que as causas mais frequentes de absenteísmo foram doenças respiratórias de origem comum e traumatismos. Conclusão: O absenteísmo está relacionado ao padrão de doença ou acidente de trabalho, e sua pre-valência, em termos de áreas e sexo, está relacionada às características próprias da empresa

Caracterización de la flora bacteriana en los pacientes con colelitiasis y colecistitis atendidos en un centro hospitalario de alta complejidad / Characterization of the bacterial flora in patients with cholelithiasis and cholecystitis treated in a high complexity hospital

Introducción. Las infecciones del árbol biliar surgen principalmente por estasis asociada a colecistitis aguda, coledocolitiasis y colecistitis alitiásica, siendo pilar del tratamiento un drenaje apropiado y un régimen antibiótico eficaz. El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar la flora bacteriana de los cultivos de bilis. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal y retrospectivo de pacientes llevados a colecistectomía, colangiopancreatografía retrograda endoscópica y colecistostomía en nuestra institución, a quienes se les tomó cultivo de líquido biliar entre 2017 - 2021. Resultados. Se incluyeron 119 pacientes intervenidos, de los cuales 55,4 % fueron mujeres y el promedio de edad fue de 63,1 (± 16). La clasificación Tokio 2 fue la más frecuente (55,4 %). El germen aislado con mayor frecuencia fue E. coli (51,2 %). El antibiótico más usado fue ampicilina más sulbactam (44,6 %) seguido de piperacilina tazobactam (40,3 %). Conclusión. La Escherichia coli es el germen aislado con mayor frecuencia en infecciones del árbol biliar. No hay claridad con respecto al uso de antimicrobianos de manera profiláctica en esta patología, por esto es conveniente generar protocolos para la toma de muestras y cultivos de bilis en esta población, con el fin de establecer la necesidad del uso de antibióticos y conocer los perfiles de resistencia bacteriana.

Introduction. Infections of the biliary tree arise mainly from stasis associated with acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and acalculous cholecystitis, with appropriate drainage and an effective antibiotic regimen being the mainstay of treatment. This research is proposed with the aim aim to characterize the bacterial flora of bile cultures.Methods. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study of patients who underwent cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and cholecystostomy in our institution, whom bile fluid culture was taken between 2017 and 2021, was performed. Results. 119 operated patients were included, of which 55.4% were women, the average age was 63.1 (± 16). The TOKIO 2 classification was the most frequent with 55.4% of the patients. The most frequently isolated germ was E. coli with 51.2%. The most used antibiotic was ampicillin plus sulbactam with 44.6% prescription followed by piperacillin tazobactam with a prescription frequency of 40.3%.Conclusion. Escherichia coli is the most frequently isolated germ in infections of the biliary tree. There is no clarity regarding the use of antimicrobials prophylactically in this pathology. For this reason it is convenient to generate protocols for taking samples and bile cultures in this population, in order to establish the need for the use of antibiotics and to know the profiles of bacterial resistance.

Effects of Baru Almond Oil (Dipteryx alata Vog.) Treatment on Thrombotic Processes, Platelet Aggregation, and Vascular Function in Aorta Arteries.

Background: This study assessed the effects of Baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) almond oil supplementation on vascular function, platelet aggregation, and thrombus formation in aorta arteries of Wistar rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were allocated into three groups. The control group (n = 6), a Baru group receiving Baru almond oil at 7.2 mL/kg/day (BG 7.2 mL/kg, n = 6), and (iii) a Baru group receiving Baru almond oil at 14.4 mL/kg/day (BG 14.4 mL/kg, n = 6). Baru oil was administered for ten days. Platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, vascular function, and reactive oxygen species production were evaluated at the end of treatment. Results: Baru oil supplementation reduced platelet aggregation (p < 0.05) and the production of the superoxide anion radical in platelets (p < 0.05). Additionally, Baru oil supplementation exerted an antithrombotic effect (p < 0.05) and improved the vascular function of aorta arteries (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings showed that Baru oil reduced platelet aggregation, reactive oxygen species production, and improved vascular function, suggesting it to be a functional oil with great potential to act as a novel product for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease.

Increased Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) Activity and Inflammatory Responses during Chikungunya Virus Infection.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection causes intense cytokine/chemokine inflammatory responses and debilitating joint pain. Indoleamine2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) is an enzyme that initiates the tryptophan degradation that is important in initial host innate immune defense against infectious pathogens. Besides that, IDO-1 activation acts as a regulatory mechanism to prevent overactive host immune responses. In this study, we evaluated IDO-1 activity and cytokine/chemokine patterns in CHIKV patients. Higher IDO-1 (Kyn/Trp ratio) activation was observed during the early acute phase of CHIKV infection and declined in the chronic phase. Importantly, increased concentrations of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interferon γ (IFN-γ), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (CCL2/MCP-1) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10/Interferon Protein-10 (CXCL10/IP-10) were found in the acute phase of infection, while C-C motif chemokine ligand 4/Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1 ß (CCL4/MIP-1ß) was found at increased concentrations in the chronic phase. Likewise, CHIKV patients with arthritis had significantly higher concentrations of CCL4/MIP-1ß compared to patients without arthritis. Taken together, these data demonstrated increased IDO-1 activity, possibly exerting both antiviral effects and regulating exacerbated inflammatory responses. CCL4/MIP-1ß may have an important role in the persistent inflammation and arthritic symptoms following chikungunya infection.

Mono-Dendronized ß-Cyclodextrin Derivatives as Multitasking Containers for Curcumin. Impacting Its Solubility, Loading, and Tautomeric Form.

In this study, three mono-dendronized ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD) derivatives (ßCD-1G, ßCD-2G, and ßCD-3G) were used as multitasking containers of curcumin (CUR) to influence its aqueous solubility and tautomerism, both of which are related to its biological activity. We evaluated the relevant physicochemical properties of these containers associated with their potential hosting capacity. All mono-dendronized derivatives exhibited enhanced solubility in different solvents, including water, in comparison with native ßCD. Gas-phase geometry optimizations by density functional theory (DFT) confirmed that none of the dendrons blocked the passage of CUR into the ßCD cavity, and depending on the generation, different preorganization scenarios were promoted before complexation. Phase solubility diagrams showed that all the dendronized containers have superior performance for solubilizing CUR compared to native ßCD. We proved that coprecipitation is most efficient than lyophilization for forming inclusion complexes (ICs) with dendronized containers. Even though ßCD-3G with the largest 3G dendron exhibited the highest CUR loading, the complexation of CUR with ßCD-2G provided the supramolecular system that contains CUR preferentially in its diketo tautomer, which is known for its antioxidant activity.

Determinación de los factores predictivos para complicaciones en cirugía electiva de pacientes con cáncer colorrectal. Experiencia del Instituto de Cancerología Las Américas Auna (Colombia, 2016-2019) / Determination of predictive factors for complications in elective surgeryof colorectal cancer patients. Experience of the Instituto de CancerologíaLas Américas Auna (Colombia, 2016-2019)

Introducción. El pilar fundamental del tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal es la cirugía, situación que expone a los pacientes a la posible presentación de complicaciones, morbimortalidad, pobre calidad de vida, recurrencia tumoral o la muerte. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las variables clínicas y quirúrgicas que inciden en el riesgo de la aparición de complicaciones en los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal llevados a cirugía electiva entre los años 2016 y 2019. Métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con cáncer colorrectal sometidos a cirugía electiva. Se realizó un análisis multivariado para determinar los factores que se relacionan con las complicaciones postquirúrgicas. Resultados. Se incluyeron 298 pacientes, 68 % mayores de 60 años, 52,3 % mujeres, 74,2 % presentaban comorbilidades y 48,3 % fueron diagnosticados en estadio III. El 48,3 % presentó complicaciones postoperatorias. De ellos, el 68,1 % no tenía tamización nutricional y el 61,8 % no tenía preparación del colon; un 55 % fueron cirugías del recto, 69,1 % de las cirugías fueron por vía laparoscópica y 71,8 % presentaron sangrado inferior a 500 ml. La mayoría de las complicaciones fueron clasificadas como Clavien-Dindo I-III. Discusión. Las características de los pacientes fueron similares a los presentados en otros estudios, aunque hubo mayor incidencia de íleo postoperatorio. El análisis multivariado mostró una mayor probabilidad de presentar una complicación en pacientes con diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial, falta de tamización nutricional o preparación de colon, cirugía de recto y el sangrado mayor a 500 ml

Introduction. The fundamental pillar of colorectal cancer treatment is surgery, a situation that exposes patients to the possible presentation of complications, morbidity and mortality, poor quality of life, tumor recurrence or death. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical and surgical variables that affect the risk of the appearance of complications in colorectal cancer patients taken to elective surgery between 2016 and 2019.Methods. Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study. Patients over the age of 18 with colorectal cancer undergoing elective surgery were included. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the factors related to postsurgical complications. Results. We included 298 patients, 68% over 60 years of age, 52.3% women, 74.2% had comorbidities and 48.3% were diagnosed in stage III. 48.3% presented postoperative complications; of these, 68.1% had no nutritional screening, and 61.8% had no colon preparation; 55% were rectal cancer surgeries, 69.1% underwent laparoscopic surgeries, and 71.8% had bleeding less than 500 ml. Most complications were classified as Clavien Dindo I-III. Discussion. The characteristic of the patients was similar to those presented in other studies, even though we had more incidence of postoperative ileus. The multivariate analysis showed a higher probability of complications in patients with: diabetes, hypertension, lack of nutritional screening, bleeding over 500cc, lack of colon mechanical preparation and rectal cancer surgery.Patient characteristics were similar to those presented in other studies, although there was a higher incidence of postoperative ileus. The multivariate analysis showed a greater probability of presenting a complication in patients with diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, lack of nutritional screening, colon preparation, rectal cancer surgery, and bleeding greater than 500 ml

Síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico en niños asociado a infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

El siguiente reporte de caso describe la presentación del síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico asociado a la infección por el coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2 por sus siglas en inglés) en niños, que inicialmente se comparó con el síndrome mucocutáneo linfonodular, mejor conocido como enfermedad de Kawasaki clásica. Sin embargo, existen marcadas diferencias entre ambos síndromes, como se observará en el desarrollo del caso clínico, el cual cursa con un importante compromiso pulmonar, desarrollando un síndrome de distress respiratorio agudo pediátrico y posteriormente secuelas cardiovasculares que determinan el desenlace desfavorable. En este caso, la paciente desarrolló las manifestaciones de gravedad al sexto día de enfermedad y se inició cuidados intensivos oportunos con soporte aminérgico, ventilación con maniobras de protección alveolar e inicio temprano de inmunoglobulinas, lo que permitió el destete progresivo de todas las medidas instauradas. Así como se obtuvieron aciertos en el manejo intensivo, otros aspectos de la terapéutica se van dejando de lado con el mayor conocimiento de esta entidad y su reconocimiento temprano

The following case report describes the presentation of the multisystemic inflammatory syndrome associated with infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children, which was initially compared with lymphonodular mucocutaneous syndrome, better known as classic Kawasaki disease. However, there are marked differences between both syndromes, as will be observed in the development of the clinical case, which presents with significant pulmonary involvement, developing a pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome and later cardiovascular sequelae that determine the unfavorable outcome. In this case, the patient developed the manifestations of severity on the sixth day of the disease and timely intensive care with aminergic support, ventilation with alveolar protection maneuvers and early initiation of immunoglobulins was started, which allowed progressive weaning of all the measures established. As well as successes were obtained in the intensive management, other aspects of the therapy are being put aside with the greater knowledge of this entity and its early recognition

Bioactive Molecules From Native Mexican Avocado Fruit (Persea americana var. drymifolia): A Review.

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a tree native from central and eastern México that belongs to the Lauraceae family. Avocado has three botanical varieties known as Mexican (P. americana var. drymifolia), West Indian (P. americana var. americana), and Guatemalan (P. americana var. guatemalensis). It is an oil-rich fruit appreciated worldwide because of its nutritional value and the content of bioactive molecules. Several avocado molecules show attractive activities of interest in medicine. Avocado fatty acids have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Besides, this fruit possesses a high content of carotenoids and phenolic compounds with possible antifungal, anti-cancer and antioxidant activities. Moreover, several metabolites have been reported with anti-inflammatory effects. Also, an unsaponifiable fraction of avocado in combination with soybean oil is used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The Mexican variety is native from México and is characterized by the anise aroma in leaves and by small thin-skinned fruits of rich flavor and excellent quality. However, the study of the bioactive molecules of the fruit has not been addressed in detail. In this work, we achieved a literature review on the inflammatory, immunomodulatory and cytotoxic properties of long-chain fatty acids and derivatives from Mexican avocado seed. Also, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the oil extracted from the avocado seed are referred. Finally, the antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic activities of some antimicrobial peptides expressed in the fruit are reviewed.