Real-world Safety and Efficacy of Risankizumab in Psoriatic Patients: A Multicenter, Retrospective, and Not-interventional Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Risankizumab - a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the p19 subunit of IL-23 - has been recently approved to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Real-world data based on a representative pool of patients are currently lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess the mid- and long-term safety and efficacy profile of risankizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis in the routine clinical practice. METHODS: This was a retrospective and multicenter study of consecutive psoriatic patients on risankizumab from April 2020 through November 2022. The primary endpoint was the number of patients who achieved a 100% improvement in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (PASI100) on week 52. RESULTS: A total of 510 patients, 198 (38.8%) women and 312 (61.2%) men were included in the study. The mean age was 51.7±14.4 years. A total of 227 (44.5%) study participants were obese (body mass index [BMI] >30kg/m2). The mean baseline PASI score was 11.4±7.2, and the rate of patients who achieved PASI100 on week 52, 67.0%. Throughout the study follow-up, 21%, 50.0%, 59.0%, and 66% of the patients achieved PASI100 on weeks 4, 16, 24, and 40, respectively. The number of patients who achieved a PASI ≤2 was greater in the group with a BMI ≤30kg/m2 on weeks 4 (P=.04), 16 (P=.001), and 52 (P=.002). A statistically significantly greater number of patients achieved PASI100 in the treatment-naïve group on weeks 16 and 52 (P=.001 each, respectively). On week 16 a significantly lower number of participants achieved PASI100 in the group with psoriatic arthropathy (P=.04). Among the overall study sample, 22 (4.3%) patients reported some type of adverse event and 20 (3.9%) discontinued treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Risankizumab proved to be a safe and effective therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis in the routine clinical practice.

Role of folate receptor α in the partial rejuvenation of dentate gyrus cells: Improvement of cognitive function in 21-month-old aged mice.

Neuronal aging may be, in part, related to a change in DNA methylation. Thus, methyl donors, like folate and methionine, may play a role in cognitive changes associated to neuronal aging. To test the role of these metabolites, we performed stereotaxic microinjection of these molecules into the dentate gyrus (DG) of aged mice (an average age of 21 month). Folate, but not S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAM), enhances cognition in aged mice. In the presence of folate, we observed partial rejuvenation of DG cells, characterized by the expression of juvenile genes or reorganization of extracellular matrix. Here, we have also tried to identify the mechanism independent of DNA methylation, that involve folate effects on cognition. Our analyses indicated that folate binds to folate receptor α (FRα) and, upon folate binding, FRα is transported to cell nucleus, where it is acting as transcription factor for expressing genes like SOX2 or GluN2B. In this work, we report that a FRα binding peptide also replicates the folate effect on cognition, in aged mice. Our data suggest that such effect is not sex-dependent. Thus, we propose the use of this peptide to improve cognition since it lacks of folate-mediated side effects. The use of synthetic FRα binding peptides emerge as a future strategy for the study of brain rejuvenation.

A community-based intervention study involving family gardens with aromatic herbs on changes in dietary and urinary sodium.

OBJECTIVE: To measure dietary and urinary changes in sodium (Na) intake and excretion through the implementation of family gardens with aromatic herbs and workshops for cooking, using the herbs as a substitute for salt and seasoning powder. METHODS: Thirty-five participants from a neighborhood of Mexico City were included. A general questionnaire was administered to collect information on sociodemographic factors. At baseline and 3 months later, a dietary evaluation was conducted, and 24-hour urine samples were collected. Food items reported were classified according to the NOVA classification. Visits to participants´ houses were conducted to measure the amount of salt and seasoning powder added to food during the preparation of meals as well as a home food inventory. All participants were given a family garden with 6 aromatic herbs and a recipe book. The intervention included 7 cooking and 3 garden care workshops. Qualitative information on the experience was also collected. Linear regression models were run in order to estimate the contribution of each NOVA group, salt, and seasoning powder to total dietary Na intake. RESULTS: Participants were 44 years old on average and were mainly women (91.4%). The participation compliance in the workshops was 69.5%. After 3 months, there was a Na intake mean reduction of 976 mg. There was also a reduction in the excreted urinary Na of 325 mg per day. CONCLUSION: A positive level of involvement in this program had a direct influence on dietary habits to lower Na consumption.

Real needle for minimal invasive procedures training using motion sensors and optical flow.

Minimally invasive percutaneous insertion procedures are widely used techniques in medicine. Their success is highly dependent on the skills of the practitioner. This paper presents a haptic simulator for training in these procedures, whose key component is a real percutaneous insertion needle with a sensory system incorporated to track its 3D location at every instant. By means of the proposed embedded vision system, the attitude (spatial orientation) and depth of insertion of a real needle are estimated. The proposal is founded on a novel depth estimation procedure based on optical flow techniques, complemented by sensory fusion techniques with the attitude calculated with data from an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor. This procedure allows estimating the needle attitude with an accuracy of tenths of a degree and the displacement with an accuracy of millimeters. The computational algorithm runs on an embedded computer with real-time constraints for tracking the movement of a real needle. This haptic needle location data is used to reproduce the movement of a virtual needle within a simulation app. As a fundamental result, an ergonomic and realistic training simulator has been successfully constructed for healthcare professionals to acquire the mental model and motor skills necessary to practice percutaneous procedures successfully.

Evaluación del perfil de seguridad del medicamento tocilizumab en pacientes sospechosos o confirmados por COVID-19 / Evaluation of the safety profile of the drug tocilizumab in patients suspected or confirmed by COVID-19

Introducción: La enfermedad de COVID-19, es una enfermedad emergente cuya patogénesis se relaciona con la tormenta de citocina, la interleucina 6 juega un papel importante en la tormenta de citocinas. El medicamento tocilizumab, es un anticuerpo monoclonal humanizado, el cual se une al receptor soluble IL-6. En pacientes con COVID-19 se ha observado que el uso de tocilizumab disminuye la inflamación exacerbada. Ante este nuevo uso del medicamento es relevante establecer el balance beneficio-riesgo en estos pacientes con COVID-19, identificando con ello las reacciones adversas a medicamentos que pueden estar relacionadas al uso de tocilizumab. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de farmacovigilancia descriptivo y transversal en una cohorte retrospectiva en pacientes sospechosos o confirmados por COVID-19 en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez de la Ciudad de México, México en el periodo 05 de mayo del 2020 al 20 de enero del 2021. Resultados: De los 36 pacientes participantes en este estudio, la edad promedio fue 53 años, de los cuales 30 fueron hombres y 6 fueron mujeres. Las comorbilidades identificadas en este estudio fue la hipertensión arterial sistémica, seguida de la diabetes mellitus tipo II. En la evaluación de los estudios de laboratorio se observó que 2 pacientes desarollaron neutropenia moderada, mientras que en 5 pacientes se identificó trombocitopenia leve y 2 pacientes desarrollaron trombocitopenia moderada. Las infecciones bacterianas identificadas en el estudio con el uso del medicamento fueron: 5 aislamientos de Klebsiella oxytoca, 4 a Escherichia coli y 4 a Pseudomonas aeruginosa... (AU)

Introduction: COVID-19 is a new emerging disease which pathogenesis is mediated by a cytokines storm, interleukin 6 plays an important part of this storm. Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the IL-6 receptor. In patient with COVID-19, exacerbated inflammation has been observed to decrease when given tocilizumab. Due to the new use of this drug is relevant to stablish the risk-benefit ratio in COVID-19 patients, by identifying the drug adverse reactions that may be related to the use of tocilizumab. Material and methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional pharmacovigilance study in a retrospective cohort in patients suspected or confirmed by COVID-19 in the National Institute of Cardiology in Mexico City, Mexico from May 5, 2020 to January 20, 2021. Outcomes: From 36 patients in this study, the average age was 53 years of which 30 were men and 6 were women. The comorbidities identified in this study were systemic arterial hypertension followed by type II diabetes mellitus. Evaluating the laboratory results we observed 2 patients developed moderate neutropenia, 5 patients presented mild thrombocytopenia and 2 patients moderate thrombocytopenia. The bacterial infections identified in the study with the use of the tocilizumab were: 5 isolates Klebsiella oxytoca, 4 isolates Escherichia coli and 4 Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion: Knowing the possible drug adverse reactions that occurred in patients with COVID-19 who were administered tocilizumab, allow us to the identify the risks associated with the drug, determining the safety profile and be alert of bacterial infections, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, throughout a pharmacotherapeutical follow up, thereby identifying possible associated alterations possibly restated with the use of tocilizumab. (AU)

Differentially methylated genes involved in reproduction and ploidy levels in recent diploidized and tetraploidized Eragrostis curvula genotypes.

Epigenetics studies changes in gene activity without changes in the DNA sequence. Methylation is an epigenetic mechanism important in many pathways, such as biotic and abiotic stresses, cell division, and reproduction. Eragrostis curvula is a grass species reproducing by apomixis, a clonal reproduction by seeds. This work employed the MCSeEd technique to identify deferentially methylated positions, regions, and genes in the CG, CHG, and CHH contexts in E. curvula genotypes with similar genomic backgrounds but with different reproductive modes and ploidy levels. In this way, we focused the analysis on the cvs. Tanganyika INTA (4x, apomictic), Victoria (2x, sexual), and Bahiense (4x, apomictic). Victoria was obtained from the diploidization of Tanganyika INTA, while Bahiense was produced from the tetraploidization of Victoria. This study showed that polyploid/apomictic genotypes had more differentially methylated positions and regions than the diploid sexual ones. Interestingly, it was possible to observe fewer differentially methylated positions and regions in CG than in the other contexts, meaning CG methylation is conserved across the genotypes regardless of the ploidy level and reproductive mode. In the comparisons between sexual and apomictic genotypes, we identified differentially methylated genes involved in the reproductive pathways, specifically in meiosis, cell division, and fertilization. Another interesting observation was that several differentially methylated genes between the diploid and the original tetraploid genotype recovered their methylation status after tetraploidization, suggesting that methylation is an important mechanism involved in reproduction and ploidy changes.

Effect of reproductive management programs that prioritized artificial insemination at detected estrus or timed artificial insemination on the reproductive performance of primiparous Holstein cows of different genetic merit for fertility.

Our objective was to compare reproductive outcomes of primiparous lactating Holstein cows of different genetic merit for fertility submitted for insemination with management programs that prioritized artificial insemination (AI) at detected estrus (AIE) or timed AI (TAI). Moreover, we aimed to determine whether subgroups of cows with different fertility potential would present a distinct response to the reproductive management strategies compared. Lactating primiparous Holstein cows (n = 6 commercial farms) were stratified into high (Hi-Fert), medium (Med-Fert), and low (Lo-Fert) genetic fertility groups (FG) based on a Reproduction Index value calculated from multiple genomic-enhanced predicted transmitting abilities. Within herd and FG, cows were randomly assigned either to a program that prioritized TAI and had an extended voluntary waiting period (P-TAI; n = 1,338) or another that prioritized AIE (P-AIE; n = 1,416) and used TAI for cows, not AIE. Cows in P-TAI received first service by TAI at 84 ± 3 d in milk (DIM) after a Double-Ovsynch protocol, were AIE if detected in estrus after a previous AI, and received TAI after an Ovsynch-56 protocol at 35 ± 3 d after a previous AI if a corpus luteum (CL) was visualized at nonpregnancy diagnosis (NPD) 32 ± 3 d after AI. Cows with no CL visualized at NPD received TAI at 42 ± 3 d after AI after an Ovsynch-56 protocol with progesterone supplementation (P4-Ovsynch). Cows in P-AIE were eligible for AIE after a PGF2α treatment at 53 ± 3 DIM and after a previous AI. Cows not AIE by 74 ± 3 DIM or by NPD 32 ± 3 d after AI received P4-Ovsynch for TAI at 74 ± 3 DIM or 42 ± 3 d after AI. Binary data were analyzed with logistic regression, count data with Poisson regression, continuous data by ANOVA, and time to event data by Cox's proportional hazard regression. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) to first service was greater for cows in the Hi-Fert (59.8%) than the Med-Fert (53.6%) and Lo-Fert (47.7%) groups, and for the P-TAI (58.7%) than the P-AIE (48.7%) treatment. Overall, P/AI for all second and subsequent AI combined did not differ by treatment (P-TAI = 45.2%; P-AIE = 44.5%) or FG (Hi-Fert = 46.1%; Med-Fert = 46.0%; Lo-Fert = 42.4%). The hazard of pregnancy after calving was greater for the P-AIE than the P-TAI treatment [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.37)], and for the Hi-Fert than the Med-Fert (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.28) and Lo-Fert (HR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.49) groups. More cows in the Hi-Fert (91.2%) than the Med-Fert (88.4%) and Lo-Fert (85.8%) groups were pregnant at 200 DIM. Within FG, the hazard of pregnancy was greater for the P-AIE than the P-TAI treatment for the Hi-Fert (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.64) and Med-Fert (HR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.46) groups but not for the Lo-Fert group (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.31). We conclude that primiparous Holstein cows of superior genetic merit for fertility had better reproductive performance than cows of inferior genetic merit for fertility, regardless of the type of reproductive management used. In addition, the effect of programs that prioritized AIE or TAI on reproductive performance for cows of superior or inferior genetic merit for fertility depended on the outcomes evaluated. Thus, programs that prioritize AIE or TAI could be used to affect certain outcomes of reproductive performance or management.

Factores de riesgo en la cefalea pospunción dural / Risk factors in post-dural puncture headache

Objetivos Este estudio tiene como objetivo la determinación de la incidencia de CPPD y la identificación de factores predisponentes en su aparición. Método Se lleva a cabo un estudio descriptivo, de carácter prospectivo en 57 pacientes a los que se les realiza una punción lumbar. Para ello, se han analizado variables relativas a factores de riesgo derivado del paciente, factores clínicos y del procedimiento con la presencia de CPPD. La incidencia de CPPD ha sido de 38,6% y entre los factores asociados a su aparición se ha identificado la edad joven y el antecedente de cefalea previa. Resultados La incidencia de CPPD ha sido mayor en mujeres, siendo de mayor intensidad en este grupo, si bien es necesaria la realización de estudios con mayor tamaño muestra. Conclusiones Debemos tener presente los factores asociados a la aparición de una CPPD como son: la edad joven, el antecedente de cefalea y la percepción de dificultad del proceso, para una mejor información a los pacientes y una optimización de la técnica empleada (AU)

Introduction Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is the most common complication following lumbar puncture. However, its incidence varies according to the series consulted. Different factors associated with its onset have been identified. Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of PDPH and to identify predisposing factors for its appearance. Method Prospective, descriptive study in 57 patients who underwent lumbar puncture procedures. To this end, variables associated with patient-related risk factors, clinical and procedural factors with the presence of PDPH were analysed. The incidence of PDPH was 38.6% and factors associated with onset included young age and previous history of headache. Results The incidence of PDPH was higher in women and presented greater intensity in this group, though studies with a larger sample size would need to be conducted. Conclusions We must bear in mind the factors associated with the appearance of PDPH, which include: young age, history of headache, and the perception of procedural difficulty, to better inform patients and optimise the techniques used (AU)

The Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis in children and adolescents.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) and recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) are conditions, whose incidence is apparently on the rise. Despite the ever-increasing evidence regarding the management of AP in children and adults, therapeutic actions that could potentially affect having a poor prognosis in those patients, especially in the pediatric population, continue to be carried out. Therefore, the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología convened a group of 24 expert pediatric gastroenterologists from different institutions and areas of Mexico, as well as 2 pediatric nutritionists and 2 specialists in pediatric surgery, to discuss different aspects of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of AP and RAP in the pediatric population. The aim of this document is to present the consensus results. Different AP topics were addressed by 6 working groups, each of which reviewed the information and formulated statements considered pertinent for each module, on themes involving recommendations and points of debate, concerning diagnostic or therapeutic approaches. All the statements were presented and discussed. They were then evaluated through a Delphi process, with electronic and anonymous voting, to determine the level of agreement on the statements. A total of 29 statements were formulated, all of which reached above 75% agreement in the first round of voting.

Risk factors in post-dural puncture headache.

INTRODUCTION: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is the most common complication following lumbar puncture. However, its incidence varies according to the series consulted. Different factors associated with its onset have been identified. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of PDPH and to identify predisposing factors for its appearance. METHOD: Prospective, descriptive study in 57 patients who underwent lumbar puncture procedures. To this end, variables associated with patient-related risk factors, clinical and procedural factors with the presence of PDPH were analysed. The incidence of PDPH was 38.6% and factors associated with onset included young age and previous history of headache. RESULTS: The incidence of PDPH was higher in women and presented greater intensity in this group, though studies with a larger sample size would need to be conducted. CONCLUSIONS: We must bear in mind the factors associated with the appearance of PDPH, which include: young age, history of headache, and the perception of procedural difficulty, to better inform patients and optimise the techniques used.

[Quality of life in people with epilepsy: beyond seizures]. / Calidad de vida en personas con epilepsia. Más allá de las crisis.

INTRODUCTION: People with epilepsy have multiple barriers to recovery: access to medication, comorbidities and social problems. The aim of this study is to determine psychosocial factors associated with the perception of quality of life in people with epilepsy in the department of Bolivar, Colombia, in the year 2022. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study, correlational, with a sample stratified with a margin of error of 5%, according to the calculation of the average number of people treated for epilepsy in Colombia. 174 people participated with a mean age of 39.55 years, 50% men and 50% women. An instrument was used that determined sociodemographic data, quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10), adherence to treatment (Morisky test), self-care behaviors, perception of disability and provision of health services. All the instruments showed a Cronbach's Alpha greater than 0.686 for this population. RESULTS: 21.3% had focal onset epilepsy; 41% with generalized epilepsy without focal onset; 18.4% with focal onset that generalized; 12.6% did not know their type of epilepsy; and 6.3% reported that they were not informed about their type of epilepsy. Based on correlations, an explanatory model of quality of life is shown, with pillars such as drug adherence, self-care habits, time without seizures, and perceived disability. CONCLUSIONS: Although time without seizures is a fundamental element in recovery, living conditions and mental health problems are key elements to achieve a better quality of life in epilepsy.

TITLE: Calidad de vida en personas con epilepsia. Más allá de las crisis.Introducción. Las personas con epilepsia tienen múltiples barreras para recuperarse: acceso a medicamentos, comorbilidades y problemas sociales. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar factores psicosociales asociados con la percepción de la calidad de vida en personas con epilepsia en el departamento de Bolívar, Colombia, en el año 2022. Sujetos y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, correlacional, con un muestreo estratificado con un margen de error del 5%, según el cálculo del promedio de personas atendidas por epilepsia en Colombia. Participaron 174 personas con una edad media de 39,55 años, un 50% hombres y un 50% mujeres. Se usó un instrumento que determinó datos sociodemográficos, calidad de vida (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10), adhesión al tratamiento (test de Morisky), conductas de autocuidado, percepción de incapacidad y prestación de los servicios de salud. Todos los instrumentos mostraron un alfa de Cronbach superior a 0,686 para esta población. Resultados. El 21,3% contó con epilepsia de inicio focal; el 41%, con epilepsia generalizada sin inicio focal; el 18,4%, con epilepsia de inicio focal que generaliza; el 12,6% desconocía su tipo de epilepsia; y el 6,3% manifestó que no fue informado sobre su tipo de epilepsia. Basándose en correlaciones, se muestra un modelo explicativo de calidad de vida, con pilares como la adhesión farmacológica, los hábitos de autocuidado, el tiempo sin crisis y la incapacidad percibida. Conclusiones. Aunque el tiempo sin crisis constituye un elemento fundamental en la recuperación, las condiciones de vida y los problemas de salud mental constituyen elementos claves para lograr una mejor calidad de vida en epilepsia.

Calidad de vida en personas con epilepsia. Más allá de las crisis / Quality of life in people with epilepsy: beyond seizures

Introducción: Las personas con epilepsia tienen múltiples barreras para recuperarse: acceso a medicamentos, comorbilidades y problemas sociales. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar factores psicosociales asociados con la percepción de la calidad de vida en personas con epilepsia en el departamento de Bolívar, Colombia, en el año 2022. Sujetos y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, correlacional, con un muestreo estratificado con un margen de error del 5%, según el cálculo del promedio de personas atendidas por epilepsia en Colombia. Participaron 174 personas con una edad media de 39,55 años, un 50% hombres y un 50% mujeres. Se usó un instrumento que determinó datos sociodemográficos, calidad de vida (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10), adhesión al tratamiento (test de Morisky), conductas de autocuidado, percepción de incapacidad y prestación de los servicios de salud. Todos los instrumentos mostraron un alfa de Cronbach superior a 0,686 para esta población. Resultados: El 21,3% contó con epilepsia de inicio focal; el 41%, con epilepsia generalizada sin inicio focal; el 18,4%, con epilepsia de inicio focal que generaliza; el 12,6% desconocía su tipo de epilepsia; y el 6,3% manifestó que no fue informado sobre su tipo de epilepsia. Basándose en correlaciones, se muestra un modelo explicativo de calidad de vida, con pilares como la adhesión farmacológica, los hábitos de autocuidado, el tiempo sin crisis y la incapacidad percibida. Conclusiones: Aunque el tiempo sin crisis constituye un elemento fundamental en la recuperación, las condiciones de vida y los problemas de salud mental constituyen elementos claves para lograr una mejor calidad de vida en epilepsia.(AU)

Introduction: People with epilepsy have multiple barriers to recovery: access to medication, comorbidities and social problems. The aim of this study is to determine psychosocial factors associated with the perception of quality of life in people with epilepsy in the department of Bolívar, Colombia, in the year 2022. Subjects and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study, correlational, with a sample stratified with a margin of error of 5%, according to the calculation of the average number of people treated for epilepsy in Colombia. 174 people participated with a mean age of 39.55 years, 50% men and 50% women. An instrument was used that determined sociodemographic data, quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10), adherence to treatment (Morisky test), self-care behaviors, perception of disability and provision of health services. All the instruments showed a Cronbach’s Alpha greater than 0.686 for this population. Results: 21.3% had focal onset epilepsy; 41% with generalized epilepsy without focal onset; 18.4% with focal onset that generalized; 12.6% did not know their type of epilepsy; and 6.3% reported that they were not informed about their type of epilepsy. Based on correlations, an explanatory model of quality of life is shown, with pillars such as drug adherence, self-care habits, time without seizures, and perceived disability. Conclusions: Although time without seizures is a fundamental element in recovery, living conditions and mental health problems are key elements to achieve a better quality of life in epilepsy.(AU)

Nanostructured Conducting Polymers and Their Applications in Energy Storage Devices.

Due to the energy requirements for various human activities, and the need for a substantial change in the energy matrix, it is important to research and design new materials that allow the availability of appropriate technologies. In this sense, together with proposals that advocate a reduction in the conversion, storage, and feeding of clean energies, such as fuel cells and electrochemical capacitors energy consumption, there is an approach that is based on the development of better applications for and batteries. An alternative to commonly used inorganic materials is conducting polymers (CP). Strategies based on the formation of composite materials and nanostructures allow outstanding performances in electrochemical energy storage devices such as those mentioned. Particularly, the nanostructuring of CP stands out because, in the last two decades, there has been an important evolution in the design of various types of nanostructures, with a strong focus on their synergistic combination with other types of materials. This bibliographic compilation reviews state of the art in this area, with a special focus on how nanostructured CP would contribute to the search for new materials for the development of energy storage devices, based mainly on the morphology they present and on their versatility to be combined with other materials, which allows notable improvements in aspects such as reduction in ionic diffusion trajectories and electronic transport, optimization of spaces for ion penetration, a greater number of electrochemically active sites and better stability in charge/discharge cycles.

Corticosteroid safety in COVID-19 patients: a pharmacovigilance study / Seguridad de corticoesteroides en pacientes con COVID-19: un estudio de farmacovigilancia

The use of oral and intravenous corticosteroids as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to inhibit the exaggerated inflammatory response, reducing symptoms and days of hospitalization of patients. However, its use is controversial because not enough clinical studies have been made to verify the safety of the drugs. Objective: To assess the safety profile of corticosteroids treatment, at high and low doses, in suspected or confirmed patients with COVID-19, determining the most frequent side effects in patients, and assessing whether the administration of the drugs represents a greater benefit than the risk of presenting these effects. Methods: Ambispective study of active pharmacovigilance at a cohort of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, treated with intravenous and oral corticosteroids. 366 patients were evaluated and divided into 3 groups: use of methylprednisolone (155 mg average) every 24 hours for 3 days, dexamethasone (6 mg) every 24 hours for 10 days, and a control group. Results: The distribution of the cases with hyperglycemia was 33 in high doses and 82 with low doses of corticosteroids and both high and low doses have a similar distribution in cases of infections. When evaluating the harshness and severity of hyperglycemia in the two groups with corticosteroids, it is observed that patients with high doses present more harsh (48%). In case of harshness and severity of infections it is observed that patients with high doses present more harsh (62%) and more severe (79%) cases than those who were administered low doses. (AU)

El uso de corticoides orales e intravenosos como tratamiento para la infección por SARS-CoV-2 ha demostrado inhibir la respuesta inflamatoria exagerada, reduciendo los síntomas y los días de hospitalización de los pacientes. Sin embargo, su uso es controvertido porque no se han realizado suficientes estudios clínicos para verificar la seguridad de los medicamentos. Objetivo: Evaluar el perfil de seguridad del tratamiento con corticoides, a dosis altas y bajas, en pacientes con sospecha o confirmación de COVID-19, determinando los efectos secundarios más frecuentes en los pacientes, y valorando si la administración de los fármacos representa un mayor beneficio que el riesgo de presentar estos efectos. Métodos: Estudio ambispectivo de farmacovigilancia activa en una cohorte de pacientes confirmados o sospechosos de COVID-19, tratados con corticoides intravenosos y orales. Se evaluaron 366 pacientes y se dividieron en 3 grupos: uso de metilprednisolona (155 mg promedio) cada 24 horas por 3 días, dexametasona (6 mg) cada 24 horas por 10 días y un grupo control. Resultados: La distribución de los casos con hiperglucemia fue de 33 casos usando dosis altas y 82 con dosis bajas de corticoides, tanto las dosis altas como las bajas tienen la misma distribución en los casos de infecciones. Al evaluar la severidad y gravedad de la hiperglucemia en los dos grupos con corticoides, se observa que los pacientes con dosis altas presentan mayor gravedad (48%). En caso de severidad y gravedad de las infecciones se observa que los pacientes con dosis altas presentan casos más graves (62%) y más severos (79%) que los que recibieron dosis bajas. (AU)

Hallazgo renal infrecuente en una paciente con anemia y pérdida de peso / Unexpected kidney finding in a patient with anemia and weight loss

Mujer de 57 años con trastorno del espectro autista y crisis epilépticas secundarias que consulta por clínica debida a anemia y pérdida de peso. Como antecedentes más relevantes destaca un ingreso hospitalario por sepsis urinaria, donde se evidenció Morganella morganii y una bacteriemia con aislamiento de Staphylococcus epidermidis. La paciente no refería en el momento de la consulta clínica urinaria.Se realizó un TC de abdomen donde se observa un aumento de tamaño del riñón derecho, con pérdida de la diferenciación córtico-medular y sustitución del parénquima renal normal por masas de baja atenuación en el espesor de un parénquima renal destruido que se corresponden con los cálices dilatados. Todo ello asociado a un cálculo coraliforme con afectación de la grasa peripélvica.(AU)

57-year-old woman with autism spectrum disorder and secondary epileptic seizures. A CT of abdomen is requested due to anemia and weight loss. The patient did not refer urinary symptoms. She was admitted four months to Internal Medicine Service, due to urinary sepsis, where Morganela morgani was isolated, and bacteremia, with Staphylococcus epidermidis isolation.In the CT performed, we found an increase in the size of the right kidney, with loss of corticomedullary differentiation and replacement of a destroyed renal parenchyma by low-attenuation masses that corresponds to the dilated calyces. A staghorn stone with involvement of the peripelvic fat was also described.(AU)

Can the genetic variability of Blastocystis sp. be associated with the climatic region of its human carriers?

Blastocystis sp. is a widespread microorganism that colonizes the intestinal tract of several animals, including human beings, while its pathogenic role in humans is still under debate. The objective of the present study was to describe the frequency of Blastocystis sp. subtypes (STs) and their genetic variation within and among samples recovered from scholars inhabiting two rural villages with tropical climates and compare this information with previously documented data from arid and temperate zones in Mexico. Blastocystis sp. positive samples and ST identification were achieved by coprological analysis screening and Polymerase Chain Reaction-sequencing, respectively. Classical population genetics indexes (nucleotide diversity (π), haplotype polymorphism (θ), gene flow (Nm), genetic differentiation (ST), and Tajima's D) were calculated by comparing the sequences here obtained (n = 42) and those from previous studies from the arid (n = 80) and temperate (n = 61) climates from Mexico. Although Blastocystis sp. was the parasite most frequently found between 33% and 26% in both communities, only STs 1-3 were found. Haplotype network inference of Blastocystis sp. STs showed different haplotype profiles among STs vs. climate zones, although no specific haplotypes were identified for any particular climatic zone. Population genetics indexes showed different values within STs and climate zones (π and θ values ranged from 0.004 to 0.147; Nm > 4 and ST from 0.006 to 0.12). Our results show that Blastocystis sp. subtypes exhibit a different genetic variability profile according to the climate zone, suggesting a balancing process between the genetic variability within the Blastocystis sp. subtype and the number of haplotypes identified in each climate.