Association between phenotypic characteristics of Escherichia coli and UTI recurrence in immunocompromised patients: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) recurrence is important in immunocompromised patients. There is a trend to study genotypically and phenotypically the role of certain virulence factors of Escherichia coli in the diagnosis of recurrent UTI. The main objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between phenotypic characteristics of E coli and UTI recurrence in immunocompromised patients. METHODS: A case-control study was performed on immunocompromised patients from Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad del Bajío, Mexico. E coli strains isolated from these patients were identificated and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed. Strains with filamented cell morphology, mucoid colonial phenotype, or biofilm production were considered cases. Strains without the characteristics were considered controls. UTI recurrence was identified based on clinical records. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated to quantify the magnitude of the association. RESULTS: An association between filamented cell morphology and UTI recurrence was found (OR = 2.19 95% CI 1.06-4.51; P = .031). No association was found between mucoid colony morphology (P>.05) or biofilm production (P>.05) and UTI recurrence. An association between mucoid colony morphology and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase production was found (OR = 3.09 95% 1.59-5.99; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Filamented cell morphology and mucoid colonial phenotype may have a possible diagnostic value for the detection of UTI recurrence and antimicrobial resistance. Further diagnostic test studies are needed to fully assess their clinical utility.

Oral colonization by gram-negative bacilli in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors compared with healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Colonization of the oropharynx with gram-negative bacilli (GNB) is considered a negative prognostic factor in immunocompromised individuals. Hemato-oncologic patients represent a high-risk group due to their immunodeficiencies and associated treatments. This study aimed to determine the rates of oral colonization by GNB, associated factors, and clinical outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors compared with healthy subjects. METHODS: We conducted a comparative study of hemato-oncologic patients and healthy subjects from August to October 2022. Swabs were taken from the oral cavity; specimens with GNB were identified and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS: We included 206 participants (103 hemato-oncologic patients and 103 healthy subjects). Hemato-oncologic patients had higher rates of oral colonization by GNB (34% vs. 17%, P = 0.007) and GNB resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (11.6% vs. 0%, P < 0.001) compared to healthy subjects. Klebsiella spp. was the predominant genus in both groups. The factor associated with oral colonization by GNB was a Charlson index ≥ 3, while ≥ 3 dental visits per year were a protective factor. Regarding colonization by resistant GNB in oncology patients, antibiotic therapy and a Charlson index ≥ 5 were identified as associated factors, while better physical functionality (ECOG ≤ 2) was associated with less colonization. Hemato-oncologic patients colonized with GNB had more 30-day infectious complications (30.5% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.0001) than non-colonized patients. CONCLUSION: Oral colonization by GNB and resistant GNB are prevalent in cancer patients, especially those with higher scores on the severity scales. Infectious complications occurred more frequently in colonized patients. There is a knowledge gap about dental hygiene practices in hemato-oncologic patients colonized by GNB. Our results suggest that patients' hygienic-dietary habits, especially frequent dental visits, are a protective factor against colonization.

Interim safety and immunogenicity results from an NDV-based COVID-19 vaccine phase I trial in Mexico.

There is still a need for safe, efficient, and low-cost coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines that can stop transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here we evaluated a vaccine candidate based on a live recombinant Newcastle disease virus (NDV) that expresses a stable version of the spike protein in infected cells as well as on the surface of the viral particle (AVX/COVID-12-HEXAPRO, also known as NDV-HXP-S). This vaccine candidate can be grown in embryonated eggs at a low cost, similar to influenza virus vaccines, and it can also be administered intranasally, potentially to induce mucosal immunity. We evaluated this vaccine candidate in prime-boost regimens via intramuscular, intranasal, or intranasal followed by intramuscular routes in an open-label non-randomized non-placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial in Mexico in 91 volunteers. The primary objective of the trial was to assess vaccine safety, and the secondary objective was to determine the immunogenicity of the different vaccine regimens. In the interim analysis reported here, the vaccine was found to be safe, and the higher doses tested were found to be immunogenic when given intramuscularly or intranasally followed by intramuscular administration, providing the basis for further clinical development of the vaccine candidate. The study is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04871737.

How Does Time Affect the Antimicrobial Activity of Super-Oxidized Commercial Antiseptic Solutions? An In Vitro Test.

This study aimed to identify variation in the minimum biocidal concentration (MBC) over time, comparing three commercial super-oxidized solutions with different chemical compositions. In the bactericidal assay, the following bacteria were tested: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), and for each ATCC, one wild-type strain was used. In vitro experiments were performed in triplicate at 0, 60, and 120 days of follow up. A commercial formulation based on sodium and chloride ions (SCSS) was tested using a standard accelerated aging protocol. Data were analyzed with the Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. The results showed that super-oxidized solution bases of 20 ppm of sodium (SSS) had a significant change in MBC at 120 days (p < 0.001), whereas SCSS remained stable during the same period (p = 0.18). However, after accelerated aging treatment, the MBC of SCSS increased (p < 0.001). With our proposed approach, the two SSS showed MBC variation at 120 days, whereas SCSS showed stability over time, similar to chlorhexidine, but lost its bactericidal properties after accelerated aging treatment.

Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous Transpedicular Biopsy Versus Posterolateral Endoscopy for Infective Spondylodiskitis Diagnosis: A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the concordance in frequency of microbiologic isolation and species identification in specimens obtained by 2 methods. METHODS: Intervertebral disk specimens were taken simultaneously from each patient using percutaneous needle and posterolateral endoscopic biopsies. The isolates were reported in frequencies and concordance using the chi square and Cohen kappa tests. RESULTS: Thirty patients were recruited. The average age was 58.1 years, and 15 patients were women. The clinical evolution time was 7 ± 4 months. The causative organism was identified in 12 (40%) specimens obtained by fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous transpedicular biopsy and in 14 (46.6%) obtained by posterolateral endoscopy. The most common organism isolated was Staphylococcus aureus in 3 patients with the percutaneous technique and in 5 with the endoscopic one; Escherichia coli was isolated in 3 patients with each method. The kappa test showed a high degree of agreement between both methods (kappa = 0.86); the agreement in bacterial species identification was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous biopsy and endoscopic sampling have a good degree of concordance for both, frequency of organism isolation and identification in patients with infectious spondylodiskitis.

Quality of Life and Persistence of Symptoms in Outpatients after Recovery from COVID-19.

Background and Objectives: Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 can have persistent symptoms after acute illness, which affects their quality of life (QoL). Research and data about this topic in Latin American ambulatory patients are scarce. Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational, prospective, transversal, and analytical study. To measure QoL, we used a validated Spanish version of the MOS/RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results: We included 206 outpatients in the study. A total of 73.3% patients had persistence of one or more symptoms. The most frequent persistent symptoms were fatigue (36.9%), anxiety (26.2%), and headache (24.8%). No statistically significant difference in the SF-36 QoL scores and the frequency of persistent COVID-19 symptoms was found when comparing the ≤5 and >5 months groups, except for myalgia, which was less frequently observed in the >5 months group after COVID-19 (26.2% vs. 14.1%, p < 0.038). Female gender was associated with an increased risk of persistence of symptoms (OR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.56−5.57). Having comorbidities/sequelae attributed to COVID-19 and persistence of COVID-19 symptoms were associated risk factors for poor physical component summary (PCS); on the other hand, female gender, anxiety, and depression were associated with poor mental component summary (MCS). Conclusion: Most outpatients had persistent COVID-19 symptoms after infection. Persistence of symptoms was associated with poor MCS and PCS. It is important to follow-up not only patients discharged from the hospital after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but also those under ambulatory management to provide them with rehabilitation and psychological therapy to improve their QoL.

Impact of infections and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae on graft and patient survival in a kidney transplantation program in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Immunosuppressive treatments have improved graft and patient survival rates, but can increase the incidence of post-transplant infections. OBJECTIVES: To analyze data from kidney transplant patients and describe the pathogens responsible for the infections they experience. METHODS: Longitudinal, analytical, observational study of 103 patients who underwent kidney transplantation. The follow-up period was 5.07 ± 1.28 years. RESULTS: Overall mortality rate was 10.68% and graft loss rate was 14.56%. Regarding recipient risk of death, the Cox regression model showed a hazard ratio (HR) of 5.66 for positive bacterial cultures and 2.22 for positive extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains; as for graft loss, HR was 4.59 in those with positive bacterial cultures and 4.25 in those who were positive for ESBL-producing strains. CONCLUSIONS: Significant death risk was found in kidney transplant recipients with positive bacterial cultures and an increased risk of graft loss in those with positive bacterial cultures and in those who were positive for ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The rate of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae is high, and stricter strategies are therefore necessary to control the use of antibiotics.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los tratamientos inmunosupresores han mejorado las tasas de supervivencia del injerto y del paciente, pero pueden incrementar las infecciones postrasplante. OBJETIVOS: Analizar los datos de pacientes con trasplante renal y describir las bacterias responsables de las infecciones que presentan. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, longitudinal y analítico de 103 pacientes sometidos a trasplante renal. El periodo de seguimiento fue de 5.07 ± 1.28 años. RESULTADOS: La tasa de mortalidad fue de 10.68 % y la de pérdida del injerto de 14.56 %. Respecto al riesgo de muerte del receptor, el modelo de regresión de Cox mostró un cociente de riesgo (HR, hazard ratio) de 5.66 en los pacientes con cultivo bacteriano positivo y de 2.22 en aquellos con cepas productoras de betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE); en cuanto a la pérdida del injerto, el HR fue de 4.59 en quienes tuvieron cultivo bacteriano positivo y de 4.25 en aquellos con cepas productoras de BLEE. CONCLUSIONES: Se encontró riesgo significativo de muerte en receptores de trasplante renal con cultivo bacteriano positivo y mayor riesgo de pérdida del injerto en aquellos con cultivo bacteriano positivo y aislamiento de cepas productoras de BLEE. La tasa de enterobacterias productoras de BLEE es alta, por ello son necesarias estrategias más estrictas para controlar del uso de antibióticos.

Impacto de infecciones y enterobacterias productoras de betalactamasa de espectro extendido en la supervivencia del injerto y del paciente en un programa de trasplante renal en México / Impact of infections and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae on graft and patient survival in a kidney transplantation program in Mexico

Resumen Introducción: Los tratamientos inmunosupresores han mejorado las tasas de supervivencia del injerto y del paciente, pero pueden incrementar las infecciones postrasplante. Objetivos: Analizar los datos de pacientes con trasplante renal y describir las bacterias responsables de las infecciones que presentan. Métodos: Estudio observacional, longitudinal y analítico de 103 pacientes sometidos a trasplante renal. El periodo de seguimiento fue de 5.07 ± 1.28 años. Resultados: La tasa de mortalidad fue de 10.68 % y la de pérdida del injerto de 14.56 %. Respecto al riesgo de muerte del receptor, el modelo de regresión de Cox mostró un cociente de riesgo (HR, hazard ratio) de 5.66 en los pacientes con cultivo bacteriano positivo y de 2.22 en aquellos con cepas productoras de betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE); en cuanto a la pérdida del injerto, el HR fue de 4.59 en quienes tuvieron cultivo bacteriano positivo y de 4.25 en aquellos con cepas productoras de BLEE. Conclusiones: Se encontró riesgo significativo de muerte en receptores de trasplante renal con cultivo bacteriano positivo y mayor riesgo de pérdida del injerto en aquellos con cultivo bacteriano positivo y aislamiento de cepas productoras de BLEE. La tasa de enterobacterias productoras de BLEE es alta, por ello son necesarias estrategias más estrictas para controlar del uso de antibióticos.

Abstract Introduction: Immunosuppressive treatments have improved graft and patient survival rates, but can increase the incidence of post-transplant infections. Objectives: To analyze data from kidney transplant patients and describe the pathogens responsible for the infections they experience. Methods: Longitudinal, analytical, observational study of 103 patients who underwent kidney transplantation. The follow-up period was 5.07 ± 1.28 years. Results: Overall mortality rate was 10.68% and graft loss rate was 14.56%. Regarding recipient risk of death, the Cox regression model showed a hazard ratio (HR) of 5.66 for positive bacterial cultures and 2.22 for positive extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains; as for graft loss, HR was 4.59 in those with positive bacterial cultures and 4.25 in those who were positive for ESBL-producing strains Conclusions: Significant death risk was found in kidney transplant recipients with positive bacterial cultures and an increased risk of graft loss in those with positive bacterial cultures and in those who were positive for ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The rate of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae is high, and stricter strategies are therefore necessary to control the use of antibiotics.

Quality of life and persistence of COVID-19 symptoms 90 days after hospital discharge.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe the persistence of symptoms in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and quality of life (QoL) among patients 90 days after their discharge from the hospital for infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and to determine differences in QoL domains concerning the absence or presence of persistent symptoms. METHODS: To measure QoL, we used a validated Spanish version of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: We included 141 patients. Ninety days after discharge, COVID-19 symptoms persisted in 107 patients (75.9%), with fatigue (55.3%) and joint pain (46.8%) being the most frequent. According to the SF-36, the role-physical score was the dimension with the lowest values (median score, 25; interquartile range, 0-75). Patients with joint pain, fatigue, and dyspnea had lower scores than patients without those symptoms, with 10 of the 13 evaluated SF-36 scales showing lower levels. CONCLUSION: Ninety days after hospital discharge from COVID-19 reference centers, most patients had persistent symptoms and had lower SF-36 scores than patients without symptoms. It is important to follow-up patients discharged from the hospital after SARS-CoV-2 infection, ideally through a post-COVID-19 health care clinic and rehabilitation program, to improve QoL in these patients.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the RDW for Predicting Death in COVID-19.

Background and Objectives: An association between high red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mortality has been found in several diseases, including infection and sepsis. Some studies have aimed at determining the association of elevated RDW with adverse prognosis in COVID-19, but its usefulness has not been well established. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of the RDW, measured at hospital admission and discharge, for predicting death in patients with COVID-19. Materials andMethods: An observational, retrospective, longitudinal, and analytical study was conducted in two different COVID-19 reference centers in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. A total of 323 patients hospitalized by COVID-19 were included. Results: We found higher RDW levels at the time of hospital admission in the non-survivors group compared to levels in survivors (median = 13.6 vs. 13.0, p < 0.001). Final RDW levels were even higher in the deceased group when compared with those of survivors (median = 14.6 [IQR, 12.67−15.6] vs. 12.9 [IQR, 12.2−13.5], p < 0.001). For patients who died, an RDW > 14.5% was more common at the time of death than for patients who survived at the time of discharge (81 vs. 13 patients, p < 0.001; RR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.89−2.81). Conclusions: The RDW is an accessible and economical parameter that, together with other characteristics of the presentation and evolution of patients with COVID-19, can be helpful in determining the prognosis. An RDW that increases during hospitalization could be a more important mortality predictor than the RDW at hospital admission.

Safety and immunogenicity of a live recombinant Newcastle disease virus-based COVID-19 vaccine (Patria) administered via the intramuscular or intranasal route: Interim results of a non-randomized open label phase I trial in Mexico.

There is still a need for safe, efficient and low-cost coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines that can stop transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here we evaluated a vaccine candidate based on a live recombinant Newcastle disease virus (NDV) that expresses a stable version of the spike protein in infected cells as well as on the surface of the viral particle (AVX/COVID-12-HEXAPRO, also known as NDV-HXP-S). This vaccine candidate can be grown in embryonated eggs at low cost similar to influenza virus vaccines and it can also be administered intranasally, potentially to induce mucosal immunity. We evaluated this vaccine candidate in prime-boost regimens via intramuscular, intranasal, or intranasal followed by intramuscular routes in an open label non-randomized non-placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial in Mexico in 91 volunteers. The primary objective of the trial was to assess vaccine safety and the secondary objective was to determine the immunogenicity of the different vaccine regimens. In the interim analysis reported here, the vaccine was found to be safe and the higher doses tested were found to be immunogenic when given intramuscularly or intranasally followed by intramuscular administration, providing the basis for further clinical development of the vaccine candidate. The study is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04871737. Funding was provided by Avimex and CONACYT.

Isolated tricuspid valve surgery-Repair versus replacement: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: There is a paucity of data on outcomes after isolated tricuspid valve surgery. This meta-analysis aims to compile available data on isolated tricuspid valve surgery and compare isolated tricuspid valve repair (iTVr) with isolated tricuspid valve replacement (iTVR) to elucidate outcomes after tricuspid valve surgery. METHODS: A literature search of 6 databases was performed. The primary outcomes was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were early stroke, post-op pacemaker placement, and tricuspid reoperation within 5 years. Publication bias was explored using the funnel plot. RESULTS: Ten retrospective studies involving 1407 patients (iTVr group = 779 patients and iTVR group = 628 patients) were included. A cumulative analysis demonstrated a significant difference favoring iTVr for 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 10 studies [95% confidence interval [CI]]: 0.34 [0.18-0.66]); 4.7% versus 12.6%, for iTVr and iTVR, respectively. Post-op pacemaker placement favored iTVr (OR: 6 studies [95% CI]: 0.37 [0.18-0.77]). Although stroke rates and TV reoperation favored iTVr, they did not reach statistical significance. No publication bias was identified. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrates that iTVr has better 30-day mortality and fewer permanent pacemaker placements. Etiology and severity of TR, as well as careful patient selection remain the most important factors for optimal outcomes.

Is Clostridioides difficile toxins detection necessary when the glutamate dehydrogenase enzyme is detected?

INTRODUCTION: Clostridioides difficile causes diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. Its diagnosis is made with glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) or toxins A and B detection and is confirmed with nucleic acid amplification tests. OBJECTIVE: To define if GDH determination is redundant to that of toxins. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study in diarrheal stools of patients with suspected Clostridioides difficile infection. Toxins and GDH were determined by immunochromatography. Bayesian simulation was performed with likelihood ratios; a p-value < 0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: 329 GDH and toxin A and B results were analyzed. Clostridioides difficile infection prevalence was 18.2 %. Sensitivity and specificity of the GDH test were 0.90 and 0.89, respectively. Positive likelihood ratio was 8.9, and negative was 0.11. CONCLUSIONS: A negative GDH result considerably reduces the probability of infection but does not rule it out. Clostridioides difficile toxins detection may be necessary in institutions where nucleic acid amplification is not affordable or accessible.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Clostridioides difficile causa diarrea y colitis pseudomembranosa. Su diagnóstico se realiza con la detección de glutamato-deshidrogenasa (GDH) o las toxinas A y B y se confirma con pruebas de amplificación de ácidos nucleicos. OBJETIVO: Definir si la determinación de GDH es redundante a la de las toxinas. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de muestras fecales de pacientes con sospecha de infección por Clostridioides difficile. Las toxinas y GDH se determinaron mediante inmunocromatografía. Se realizó una simulación bayesiana con los cocientes de probabilidad; se consideró significativo un valor de p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 329 resultados de GDH y toxinas A y B. Se encontró una prevalencia de infección de Clostridioides difficile de 18.2 %. La sensibilidad y especificidad de la prueba de GDH fue de 0.90 y 0.89, respectivamente. El cociente de probabilidad positivo fue de 8.9 y el negativo, de 0.11. CONCLUSIONES: Un resultado negativo de GDH disminuye considerablemente la probabilidad de infección, pero no la descarta. La detección de toxinas de Clostridioides difficile puede ser necesaria en instituciones donde la amplificación de ácidos nucleicos no es económica o accesible.

Mortality among Hospitalized Dengue Patients with Comorbidities in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia.

Dengue patients with comorbidities may be at higher risk of death. In this cross-sectional study, healthcare databases from Mexico (2008-2014), Brazil (2008-2015), and Colombia (2009-2017) were used to identify hospitalized dengue cases and their comorbidities. Case fatality rates (CFRs), relative risk, and odds ratios (OR) for in-hospital mortality were determined. Overall, 678,836 hospitalized dengue cases were identified: 68,194 from Mexico, 532,821 from Brazil, and 77,821 from Colombia. Of these, 35%, 5%, and 18% were severe dengue, respectively. Severe dengue and age ≥ 46 years were associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Comorbidities were identified in 8%, 1%, and 4% of cases in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, respectively. Comorbidities increased hospitalized dengue CFRs 3- to 17-fold; CFRs were higher with comorbidities regardless of dengue severity or age. The odds of in-hospital mortality were significantly higher in those with pulmonary disorders (11.6 [95% CI 7.4-18.2], 12.7 [95% CI 9.3-17.5], and 8.0 [95% CI 4.9-13.1] in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, respectively), ischemic heart disease (23.0 [95% CI 6.6-79.6], 5.9 [95% CI 1.4-24.6], and 7.0 [95% CI 1.9-25.5]), and renal disease/failure (8.3 [95% CI 4.8-14.2], 8.0 [95% CI 4.5-14.4], and 9.3 [95% CI 3.1-28.0]) across the three countries; the odds of in-hospital mortality from dengue with comorbidities was at least equivalent or higher than severe dengue alone (4.5 [95% CI 3.4-6.1], 9.6 [95% CI 8.6-10.6], and 9.0 [95% CI 6.8-12.0). In conclusion, the risk of death because of dengue increases with comorbidities independently of age and/or disease severity.

¿La detección de toxinas de Clostridioides difficile es necesaria cuando se detecta la enzima glutamato deshidrogenasa? / Is Clostridioides difficile toxins detection necessary when the glutamate dehydrogenase enzyme is detected?

Resumen Introducción: Clostridioides difficile causa diarrea y colitis pseudomembranosa. Su diagnóstico se realiza con la detección de glutamato-deshidrogenasa (GDH) o las toxinas A y B y se confirma con pruebas de amplificación de ácidos nucleicos. Objetivo: Definir si la determinación de GDH es redundante a la de las toxinas. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de muestras fecales de pacientes con sospecha de infección por Clostridioides difficile. Las toxinas y GDH se determinaron mediante inmunocromatografía. Se realizó una simulación bayesiana con los cocientes de probabilidad; se consideró significativo un valor de p < 0.05. Resultados: Se analizaron 329 resultados de GDH y toxinas A y B. Se encontró una prevalencia de infección de Clostridioides difficile de 18.2 %. La sensibilidad y especificidad de la prueba de GDH fue de 0.90 y 0.89, respectivamente. El cociente de probabilidad positivo fue de 8.9 y el negativo, de 0.11. Conclusiones: Un resultado negativo de GDH disminuye considerablemente la probabilidad de infección, pero no la descarta. La detección de toxinas de Clostridioides difficile puede ser necesaria en instituciones donde la amplificación de ácidos nucleicos no es económica o accesible.

Abstract Introduction: Clostridioides difficile causes diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. Its diagnosis is made with glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) or toxins A and B detection and is confirmed with nucleic acid amplification tests. Objective: To define if GDH determination is redundant to that of toxins. Methods: Retrospective, observational study in diarrheal stools of patients with suspected Clostridioides difficile infection. Toxins and GDH were determined by immunochromatography. Bayesian simulation was performed with likelihood ratios; a p-value < 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: 329 GDH and toxin A and B results were analyzed. Clostridioides difficile infection prevalence was 18.2 %. Sensitivity and specificity of the GDH test were 0.90 and 0.89, respectively. Positive likelihood ratio was 8.9, and negative was 0.11. Conclusions: A negative GDH result considerably reduces the probability of infection but does not rule it out. Clostridioides difficile toxins detection may be necessary in institutions where nucleic acid amplification is not affordable or accessible.

Off pump coronary artery bypass in patients with an ejection fraction of <20%. What is our strategy?

Patients with left ventricular dysfunction and low ejection fraction (EF) are at high risk of complication and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The potential success of off-pump CABG in this high-risk population has yet to be illustrated. Herein, we present our experience in regards to surgical planning and strategy on how to perform off-pump CABG in patients with very low EF.

The disease burden of influenza beyond respiratory illness.

Although influenza is primarily considered a respiratory infection and causes significant respiratory mortality, evidence suggests that influenza has an additional burden due to broader consequences of the illness. Some of these broader consequences include cardiovascular events, exacerbations of chronic underlying conditions, increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections, functional decline, and poor pregnancy outcomes, all of which may lead to an increased risk for hospitalization and death. Although it is methodologically difficult to measure these impacts, epidemiological and interventional study designs have evolved over recent decades to better take them into account. Recognizing these broader consequences of influenza virus infection is essential to determine the full burden of influenza among different subpopulations and the value of preventive approaches. In this review, we outline the main influenza complications and societal impacts beyond the classical respiratory symptoms of the disease.

Transfer Factor: Myths and Facts.

Transfer factor (TF), also called "Lawrence transfer factor", or dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE), has been used since the mid-twentieth century to transfer specific skin hypersensitivity through the injection of leukocytes from immunized donors to animals and humans. The main mechanism of action of TF has been suggested at the level of cell-mediated immunity, as it induces the production of migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Otherwise, TF can inhibit nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and decrease tumoral necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-4 levels. Given these biological effects, TF has been prescribed for a wide variety of conditions including infections, allergies, autoimmunity, and cancer, with inconsistent results. The exact nature of TF, however, remains unknown, so it has been impossible to accurately define its pharmacokinetics or dosage. This is further complicated because researchers have used TF in a variety of ways across the different studies: antigen-specific or non-antigen-specific, orally or subcutaneously administered, human and non-human origin. In this review we summarize the most important data about what TF is, its mechanism of action, how it is produced, its biological effects, and the available clinical trials using it, in order to establish its role and potential clinical applications in modern medicine.

Cannulation Strategies for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Operative techniques for minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) have evolved dramatically over the past decade to include a wide demographic of patients. Mastering a variety of cannulation techniques is of paramount importance in performing a safe perfusion strategy and operation. Our aim is to describe cannulation strategies utilized in various MICS procedures. METHODS: We review numerous cannulation strategies and their application in different minimally invasive procedures. RESULTS: Cannulation strategies will vary depending on the MICS procedure and other anatomical variations and obstacles. Utilizing the appropriate cannulation strategy will allow for a safe and effective operation. CONCLUSIONS: Mastering the art of cannulation will provide surgeons with a toolbox to choose from when performing MICS in a wide variety of procedures.