Recent Trends in Curcumin-Containing Inorganic-Based Nanoparticles Intended for In Vivo Cancer Therapy.

Curcumin is a natural compound that has been widely investigated thanks to its various biological properties, including antiproliferative. This molecule acts on different cancers such as lung, breast, pancreatic, colorectal, etc. However, the bioactive actions of curcumin have limitations when its physicochemical properties compromise its pharmacological potential. As a therapeutic strategy against cancer, curcumin has been associated with inorganic nanoparticles. These nanocarriers are capable of delivering curcumin and offering physicochemical properties that synergistically enhance anticancer properties. This review highlights the different types of curcumin-based inorganic nanoparticles and discusses their physicochemical properties and in vivo anticancer activity in different models of cancer.

Insights into SARS-CoV-2 in Angola during the COVID-19 peak: Molecular epidemiology and genome surveillance.

Background: In Angola, COVID-19 cases have been reported in all provinces, resulting in >105,000 cases and >1900 deaths. However, no detailed genomic surveillance into the introduction and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been conducted in Angola. We aimed to investigate the emergence and epidemic progression during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Angola. Methods: We generated 1210 whole-genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences, contributing West African data to the global context, that were phylogenetically compared against global strains. Virus movement events were inferred using ancestral state reconstruction. Results: The epidemic in Angola was marked by four distinct waves of infection, dominated by 12 virus lineages, including VOCs, VOIs, and the VUM C.16, which was unique to South-Western Africa and circulated for an extended period within the region. Virus exchanges occurred between Angola and its neighboring countries, and strong links with Brazil and Portugal reflected the historical and cultural ties shared between these countries. The first case likely originated from southern Africa. Conclusion: A lack of a robust genome surveillance network and strong dependence on out-of-country sequencing limit real-time data generation to achieve timely disease outbreak responses, which remains of the utmost importance to mitigate future disease outbreaks in Angola.

The c.415C>T polymorphism in NUDT15 is more frequent than the polymorphisms in TPMT in Chilean patients who use thiopurine drugs.

Azathioprine (AZA) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) are drugs widely used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Among the enzymes involved in the metabolism of AZA and 6-MP are thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15). The existence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes that code for these enzymes could decreased enzymatic activity AND lead to severe myelosuppression. The most relevant polymorphism is NUDT15*3 (rs116855232), where the replacement of cytosine for thymine at position 415, which in turn leads to a loss of enzymatic activity. In a previous study, it was identified that together the polymorphisms in the TPMT gene reach an allelic frequency of 3.81%. There is no information regarding the rs116855232 polymorphism in the NUDT15 gene, so this corresponds to the objective of this report. Blood samples from Chilean adult patients with indications for the use of AZA or 6-MP for different pathologies and who had undergone a TPMT gene polymorphism study were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 253 blood samples were analyzed. Of the 253 patients, 47 presented the c.415C>T polymorphism in the NUDT15 gene, 3 being homozygous and 44 heterozygous. Four of the heterozygous patients for NUDT15 also had the *3A variant in the TPMT gene, also heterozygous. The allelic frequency of the minor T allele found (9.88%) was very similar to that found in patients of Asian origin, and much higher than that reported for the European Caucasian or Latin American population.

The Efficacy of Manual Therapy Approaches on Pain, Maximum Mouth Opening and Disability in Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common condition disabling people and bringing up costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manual therapy on pain intensity, maximum mouth opening (MMO) and disability. Searches were conducted in six databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Selection of trials, data extraction and methodological quality assessment were conducted by two reviewers with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Estimates were presented as mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Twenty trials met the eligibility criteria and were included. For pain intensity, high and moderate quality evidence demonstrated the additional effects of manual therapy at short- (95% CI -2.12 to -0.82 points) and long-term (95% CI -2.17 to -0.40 points) on the 0-10 points scale. For MMO, moderate to high quality evidence was found in favour of manual therapy alone (95% CI 0.01 to 7.30 mm) and its additional effects (95% CI 1.58 to 3.58 mm) at short- and long-term (95% CI 1.22 to 8.40 mm). Moderate quality evidence demonstrated an additional effect of manual therapy for disability (95% CI = -0.87 to -0.14). Evidence supports manual therapy as effective for TMD.

Home Based Rehabilitation in Children and Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Grade Recommendations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to elucidate the effectiveness of home based rehabilitation (HBR) and compare its results with those obtained in conventional rehabilitation (CR) programs, carried out in clinics and/or outpatient clinics. METHODS: Searches were conducted in five databases of randomized clinical trials. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of the methodological quality of included studies were conducted independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. RESULTS: The results demonstrate post-intervention values favorable to the use of HBR when compared to control group in the outcomes of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (MD = 14% CI: 5.42 to 22.58, p = 0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC) (MD = 8.00% CI: 0.83 to 15.17, p = 0.03) and quality of life by the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire - revised in the categories (Child version score" (MD= 0.71%CI: 0.15 to 1.27, p = 0.01) and "Parent version score" (MD= 0.67%CI: 0.11 to 1.23, p = 0.02). Furthermore, we noticed an increase in the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (MD= 34.75%CI: -8.00 to 77.50, p = 0.14), in favor of HBR. CONCLUSIONS: We found that supervised or partially supervised HBR promotes improvements in FEV1, FVC and related quality of life in children and/or adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

Producción latinoamericana sobre investigación formativa en Scopus / Latin American production on formative research in Scopus

Introducción: La producción científica latinoamericana aún no es la esperada. Por ello tiene importancia analizar la actividad científica sobre investigación formativa en esta parte del mundo. Objetivo: Evaluar la producción latinoamericana sobre investigación formativa en Scopus en el período 2010-2020. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Las unidades de análisis fueron publicaciones sobre investigación formativa en revistas indizadas en la base de datos Scopus durante 2010-2020, y cuya autoría hacía mención a filiaciones de entidades latinoamericanas. Resultados: Se encontró un total de 120 artículos publicados con autoría a afiliaciones de instituciones latinoamericanas. Colombia es el país que contribuye con mayor producción científica sobre este tema, seguido por México, Perú y Brasil, que sobrepasan el 10 por ciento de la producción latinoamericana. En cuanto a la productividad por institución, 83 instituciones internacionales han participado en la producción latinoamericana sobre investigación formativa, entre los que destacan instituciones de México, Perú y Colombia con 4 y más artículos publicados. Conclusiones: La producción latinoamericana sobre investigación formativa entre 2010 y 2020 fue de 120 artículos en revistas indizadas en Scopus, con un porcentaje mayoritario de artículos de investigación, procedentes de Colombia, México y Perú. La institución con más producción resultó el Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública de México, y como las revistas con mayor cantidad de artículos aparecieron Q1 y Q2, con presencia de autores peruanos, brasileros y mexicanos(AU)

Introduction: Latin American scientific production is not yet as expected. Therefore, it is important to analyze the scientific activity on formative research in this part of the world. Objective: To evaluate the Latin American production on formative research in Scopus in the period 2010-2020. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study. The units of analysis were publications on formative research in journals indexed in the Scopus database during 2010-2020, and whose authorship mentioned affiliations with Latin American institutions. Results: A total of 120 published articles were found with authorship to affiliations of Latin American institutions. Colombia is the country that contributes with the highest scientific production on this subject, followed by Mexico, Peru and Brazil, which exceed 10 percent of the Latin American production. In terms of productivity by institution, 83 international institutions have participated in the Latin American production on formative research, among which institutions from Mexico, Peru and Colombia stand out with 4 or more published articles. Conclusions: The Latin American production on formative research between 2010 and 2020 was 120 articles in journals indexed in Scopus, with a majority percentage of research articles, coming from Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The institution with the highest production was the National Institute of Public Health of Mexico, and the journals with the highest number of articles were Q1 and Q2, with the presence of Peruvian, Brazilian and Mexican authors(AU)

[Prognostic factors for malnutrition in patients with colorectal cancer]. / Factores pronósticos de desnutrición en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal.

Introduction: Introduction: patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, including colorectal surgery, particularly if they are oncological patients, are at risk of malnutrition with a worse postoperative evolution and an increase in complications. Objectives: to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in patients undergoing colon and rectal surgery in our hospital, and to identify the different risk factors for malnutrition. Methods: a retrospective cohort study including all patients operated on for colorectal cancer in our environment. Results: a total of 382 patients with a mean age of 69.93 years were included in the study. Considering different risk factors for malnutrition, we obtained that 50.6 % of the patients had some of the risk indicators for malnutrition altered at the time of admission. The variables that proved to be independent factors related to malnutrition were age, DM, baseline malnutrition, and heart disease. Preoperative malnutrition turned out to be the greatest risk factor for presenting moderate/severe malnutrition in the postoperative period with an OR of 3.83 (2.1-6.9; p < 0.001), and was also associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications and longer hospital stays. We obtained that the percentage of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the group of patients diagnosed with peroperative malnutrition (36.3 % vs 22.0 %, p = 0.004). Conclusions: the percentage of malnutrition in patients with colorectal cancer is high, an aspect that is underestimated in most surgical services. In our study, malnutrition leads to worse outcomes with an increase in complications.

Introducción: Introducción: los pacientes sometidos a cirugía mayor abdominal, y más si se trata de pacientes oncológicos, son pacientes en riesgo de desnutrición, lo que conlleva una peor evolución posoperatoria y un aumento de las complicaciones. Objetivos: conocer la prevalencia de la desnutrición en los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de colon y recto en nuestro medio hospitalario e identificar los distintos factores de riesgo de desnutrición. Métodos: estudio de cohortes retrospectivo incluyendo a todos los pacientes intervenidos de cáncer colorrectal de forma programada en nuestro medio hospitalario. Resultados: se incluyeron en el estudio 382 pacientes con una edad media de 69,93 años. Considerando distintos factores de riesgo de desnutrición, obtuvimos que un 50,6 % de los pacientes tenían alterado alguno de los indicadores de riesgo de desnutrición en el momento del ingreso. Las variables que mostraron ser factores independientes relacionados con la desnutrición fueron la edad, la DM, la desnutrición basal y la cardiopatía. La desnutrición preoperatoria resultó ser el factor de mayor riesgo para presentar desnutrición moderada/grave en el posoperatorio con un OR de 3,83 (2,1-6,9; p < 0,001) y además se asoció a una mayor incidencia de complicaciones posoperatorias y a estancias hospitalarias más prolongadas. Obtuvimos que el porcentaje de complicaciones posoperatorias fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de pacientes diagnosticados de desnutrición peroperatoria (36,3 % vs. 22,0 %, p = 0,004). Conclusiones: el porcentaje de desnutrición en los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal es elevado, aspecto subestimado en la mayoría de los servicios quirúrgicos. La desnutrición conlleva en nuestro estudio una peor evolución con un incremento de las complicaciones.

Factores pronósticos de desnutrición en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal / Prognostic factors for Malnutrition in patients with colorectal cancer

Introducción: los pacientes sometidos a cirugía mayor abdominal, y más si se trata de pacientes oncológicos, son pacientes en riesgo de desnutrición, lo que conlleva una peor evolución posoperatoria y un aumento de las complicaciones. Objetivos: conocer la prevalencia de la desnutrición en los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de colon y recto en nuestro medio hospitalario e identificar los distintos factores de riesgo de desnutrición. Métodos: estudio de cohortes retrospectivo incluyendo a todos los pacientes intervenidos de cáncer colorrectal de forma programada en nuestro medio hospitalario. Resultados: se incluyeron en el estudio 382 pacientes con una edad media de 69.93 años. Considerando distintos factores de riesgo de desnutrición, obtuvimos que un 50.6 % de los pacientes tenían alterado alguno de los indicadores de riesgo de desnutrición en el momento del ingreso. Las variables que mostraron ser factores independientes relacionados con la desnutrición fueron la edad, la DM, la desnutrición basal y la cardiopatía. La desnutrición preoperatoria resultó ser el factor de mayor riesgo para presentar desnutrición moderada/grave en el posoperatorio con un OR de 3.83 (2.1-6.9; p < 0.001) y además se asoció a una mayor incidencia de complicaciones posoperatorias y a estancias hospitalarias más prolongadas. Obtuvimos que el porcentaje de complicaciones posoperatorias fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de pacientes diagnosticados de desnutrición peroperatoria (36.3 % vs. 22.0 %, p = 0.004). Conclusiones: el porcentaje de desnutrición en los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal es elevado, aspecto subestimado en la mayoría de los servicios quirúrgicos. La desnutrición conlleva en nuestro estudio una peor evolución con un incremento de las complicaciones. (AU)

Introduction: patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, including colorectal surgery, particularly if they are oncological patients, are at risk of Malnutrition with a worse postoperative evolution and an increase in complications. Objectives: to assess the prevalence of Malnutrition in patients undergoing colon and rectal surgery in our hospital, and to identify the different risk factors for Malnutrition. Methods: a retrospective cohort study including all patients operated on for colorectal cancer in our environment. Results: a total of 382 patients with a mean age of 69,93 years were included in the study. Considering different risk factors for Malnutrition, we obtained that 50,6 % of the patients had some of the risk indicators for Malnutrition altered at the time of admission. The variables that proved to be independent factors related to Malnutrition were age, DM, baseline Malnutrition, and heart disease. Preoperative Malnutrition turned out to be the greatest risk factor for presenting moderate/severe Malnutrition in the postoperative period with an OR of 3,83 (2,1-6,9; p < 0,001), and was also associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications and longer hospital stays. We obtained that the percentage of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the group of patients diagnosed with peroperative Malnutrition (36,3 % vs 22,0 %, p = 0,004). Conclusions: the percentage of Malnutrition in patients with colorectal cancer is high, an aspect that is underestimated in most surgical services. In our study, Malnutrition leads to worse outcomes with an increase in complications. (AU)

The ESCAPE trial for older people with chronic low back pain: Protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-back pain is one of the most common health conditions worldwide. It is defined as pain below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds. Current guidelines recommend management of chronic health (e.g., low back pain) conditions in older people at primary health care settings using active strategies (e.g., exercise). In non-specific low back pain, high quality evidence supports active strategies for general population. However, the management of non-specific low back pain in the older people has been overlooked and evidence is limited to a small number of low powered randomized controlled trials with high risk of bias. METHODS: This is a prospectively registered, open, two-arm randomised controlled trial comparing the group-based exercise and waiting list in pain intensity (11-item Pain Numerical Rating Scale) and disability (Roland Morris questionnaire) of older people (i.e., 60 years old or over) with chronic non-specific low back pain. One hundred and twenty patients will be recruited from Diamantina, Brazil. Follow-ups will be conducted in post-treatment (8 week) and 6- and 12-months post-randomisation. DISCUSSION: Our hypothesis is that group-based exercise will be better than waiting list in reducing pain intensity and disability in older people with chronic non-specific low back pain. IMPACT: The practice of individualized exercise has been studied for the management of chronic non-specific low back pain in older people. However, the group exercise, even showing high quality evidence for the improvement of several important outcomes in this population, has been ignored until now. Thus, the results of this study have the potential to indicate a viable and accessible strategy for managing chronic non-specific low back pain in the older people. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was prospectively registered at www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br (RBR-9j5pqs). Date-11/18/2020.

Detección de anticuerpos anti virus hepatitis E IgG e IgM utilizando un método automatizado: experiencia de un hospital universitario / Detection of anti-virus hepatitis e IgG and IgM antibodies using an automated method: experience of a university hospital

Resumen La determinación de anticuerpos anti virus hepatitis E (anti-VHE) tiene gran variabilidad dependiendo del ensayo utilizado. En 2015, con un método ELISA manual, publicamos una seroprevalencia de anti-VHE IgG de 32,6% en pacientes con estudio de hepatitis. Existen escasas publicaciones de anti-VHE IgM. Recientemente, se desarrolló el primer método automatizado y en el presente estudio comunicamos la experiencia obtenida. Se analizaron los resultados de 272 pacientes con estudio de anti-VHE IgG y/o IgM mediante técnica automatizada ELFA (VIDAS®), entre mayo de 2018 y agosto de 2020. Se encontró 25,8% (68/264) de positividad para anti-VHE IgG y 3,5% (9/259) para anti-VHE IgM. Cuatro muestras tuvieron ambos anticuerpos positivos. La seropositividad de anti-VHE IgG aumentó con la edad. En conclusión, la seroprevalencia de anti-VHE IgG obtenida fue similar a la publicada previamente. Considerando las ventajas de los ensayos IgM e IgG anti-VHE en el sistema VIDAS®, parecen ser nuevas herramientas valiosas en el estudio serológico de VHE.

Abstract The determination of anti-hepatitis E virus antibodies (anti-HEV) has a high variability depending on the assay used. In 2015, with a manual ELISA method, we reported anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence of 32.6% in patients under hepatitis study. There are few reports of anti-HEV IgM. Recently, it was developed the first automated method and in the present study, we report the experience using this new method. Between May 2018 and August 2020, the results of 272 patients with an anti-HEV IgG and/or IgM study were analyzed using the automated ELFA technique (VIDAS®). Seroprevalence was 25.8% (68/264) for anti-HEV IgG and 3.5% (9/259) for anti-HEV IgM. Four samples were positive for both antibodies. Anti-HEV IgG seropositivity increased with age. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG obtained was similar to previously reported. Taking into account the advantages of these assays, anti-HEV IgM and IgG assays on VIDAS® system, seem to be valuable new tools in serological study of HEV.

[Comparison between Xpert® and COBAS® TaqMan® for the measuring of viral load of hepatitis B and C viruses]. / Comparación entre Xpert® y COBAS®-TaqMan® para la medición de carga viral de virus hepatitis B y C.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of viral load (VL) of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses is essential in the follow-up of patients with antiviral therapy. The most widely used methodology for this determination is COBAS®-TaqMan®. Recently, the Xpert® technology was developed and needs to be evaluated. AIM: To compare the measurement of the VL of HBV and HCV by Xpert® methodology with COBAS®-TaqMan® as a reference method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 39 serum samples from patients with HBV and 39 with HCV, previously quantified by COBAS®-TaqMan®, were analyzed using Xpert® and the results were compared using Deming regression and Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: There was a high correlation between Xpert® and COBAS®-TaqMan®. For HBV, the Deming equation was XpertHBV = 0.44 + 0.99xCOBASTaqManHBV, with a correlation coefficient of 0.94 and a difference between means of -0.401 log (95% CI: -1.985 to 1.183). For HCV, the Deming equation was XpertHCV = 0.36 + 0.87x COBASTaqManHCV, with a correlation coefficient of 0.98 and a difference between means of0.328 log10 (95% CI: -0.449 to 1.105). CONCLUSION: The new Xpert® system shows a good correlation with COBAS®-TaqMan® for the measurement of the VL of HBV and HCV, being a good alternative for the follow-up of patients under treatment.

Host-pathogen interaction between macrophage co-cultures with Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.

The ability of Staphylococcus aureus to form biofilms is an important virulence factor. During the infectious process, the interaction between biofilms and immune cells is determinant; however, the properties that make biofilms resistant to the immune system are not well characterized. In order to better understand this, we evaluated the in vitro interaction of macrophages during the early stages of S. aureus biofilm formation. Biofilm formation was evaluated by crystal violet staining, light microscopy, and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Furthermore, different activation on L-arginine pathways such as nitric oxide (NO•) release and the arginase, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the total oxidative stress response (OSR), and levels of cytokine liberation, were determined. Our findings show that the interaction between biofilms and macrophages results in stimuli for catabolism of L-arginine via arginase, but not for NO•, an increase of ROS production, and activation of the non-enzymatic OSR. We also observed the production of IL-6, but not of TNFα o IL-10 in these co-cultures. These results contribute to a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions and suggest that biofilms increase resistance against immune cell mechanisms, a phenomenon that could contribute to the ability of S. aureus biofilms to establish mature biofilms.

Comparación entre Xpert® y COBAS®-TaqMan® para la medición de carga viral de virus hepatitis B y C / Comparison between Xpert® and COBAS® TaqMan® for the measuring of viral load of hepatitis B and C viruses

INTRODUCCIÓN: La medición de carga viral (CV) de virus hepatitis B (VHB) y C (VHC) es fundamental en el seguimiento de pacientes con terapia antiviral. La metodología más utilizada para su determinación es COBAS ®-TaqMan ®. Recientemente, se desarrolló la tecnología Xpert ®, que se debe evaluar. OBJETIVO: Comparar la medición de la CV de VHB y VHC por metodología Xpert® con COBAS®-TaqMan® como método de referencia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: 39 muestras de suero de pacientes con VHB y 39 con VHC, previamente cuantificadas por COBAS ®-TaqMan ®, fueron analizadas mediante Xpert® y los resultados se compararon utilizando la regresión de Deming y gráfico Bland-Altman. RESULTADOS: Hubo una alta correlación entre Xpert® y COBAS®-TaqMan®. Para VHB, la ecuación de Deming fue XpertHBV = 0,44 + 0,99xCOBASTaqManHBV, con coeficiente de correlación de 0,94 y diferencia entre medias de -0,401 log10 (IC95%: -1,985 a 1,183). Para VHC, la ecuación de Deming fue XpertHCV = 0,36 + 0,87x COBASTaqManHCV, con coeficiente de correlación de 0,98 y diferencia entre medias de 0,328 log (IC95%: -0,449 a 1,105). CONCLUSIÓN: El nuevo sistema Xpert® muestra una buena correlación con COBAS ®-TaqMan ® para la medición de la CV de VHB y VHC, siendo una buena alternativa para el seguimiento de pacientes en tratamiento.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of viral load (VL) of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses is essential in the follow-up of patients with antiviral therapy. The most widely used methodology for this determination is COBAS®-TaqMan®. Recently, the Xpert® technology was developed and needs to be evaluated. AIM: To compare the measurement of the VL of HBV and HCV by Xpert® methodology with COBAS®-TaqMan® as a reference method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 39 serum samples from patients with HBV and 39 with HCV, previously quantified by COBAS®-TaqMan®, were analyzed using Xpert® and the results were compared using Deming regression and Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: There was a high correlation between Xpert® and COBAS®-TaqMan®. For HBV, the Deming equation was XpertHBV = 0.44 + 0.99xCOBASTaqManHBV, with a correlation coefficient of 0.94 and a difference between means of -0.401 log (95% CI: -1.985 to 1.183). For HCV, the Deming equation was XpertHCV = 0.36 + 0.87x COBASTaqManHCV, with a correlation coefficient of 0.98 and a difference between means of0.328 log10 (95% CI: -0.449 to 1.105). CONCLUSION: The new Xpert® system shows a good correlation with COBAS®-TaqMan® for the measurement of the VL of HBV and HCV, being a good alternative for the follow-up of patients under treatment.

Correction: Sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Luanda, Angola.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249249.].

Effectiveness of cryotherapy on pain intensity, swelling, range of motion, function and recurrence in acute ankle sprain: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate effectiveness of cryotherapy on pain intensity, swelling, range of motion, function and recurrence in acute ankle sprain. METHODS: Searches were conducted on six databases for randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating effectiveness of cryotherapy for pain intensity, swelling, range of motion, function and recurrence in acute ankle sprain. Selection of trials, data extraction and methodological quality assessment of included trials were conducted independently by two reviewers with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Estimates were presented as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Two RCTs with high risk of bias were included. Both evaluated the additional effects of cryotherapy, comparing cryotherapy combined with other intervention versus other intervention stand-alone. Uncertain evidence shows that cryotherapy does not enhance effects of other intervention on swelling (MD = 6.0; 95%CI: 0.5 to 12.5), pain intensity (MD = -0.03; 95%CI: 0.34 to 0.28) and range of motion (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Current literature lacks evidence supporting the use of cryotherapy on management of acute ankle sprain. There is an urgent call for larger high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Luanda, Angola.

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics related to SARS-CoV-2 in Luanda, Angola. A total of 622 individuals were screened for SARS-CoV-2 from January to September 2020. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to identify the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and SARS-CoV-2. Of the 622 tested, 14.3% tested positive. The infection rate was the same for both genders (14.3%). Individuals ≥40 years old, from non-urbanized areas, and healthcare professionals had a higher frequency of infection. The risk of infection was very high in individuals ≥60 years old (AOR: 23.3, 95% CI: 4.83-112), in women (AOR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.76-2.04), in Luanda (AOR: 7.40, 95% CI: 1.64-33.4), and healthcare professionals (AOR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.60-2.71), whereas a low risk was observed in individuals from urbanized areas (AOR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.26-0.75). Our results suggest that Angolan authorities should implement a greater effort in non-urbanized areas and among healthcare professionals since when these individuals presented any indication for a COVID-19 test, such as fever/cough/myalgia, they were more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than having some other cause for symptoms.

[Detection of anti-virus hepatitis e IgG and IgM antibodies using an automated method: experience of a university hospital]. / Detección de anticuerpos anti virus hepatitis E IgG e IgM utilizando un método automatizado: experiencia de un hospital universitario.

The determination of anti-hepatitis E virus antibodies (anti-HEV) has a high variability depending on the assay used. In 2015, with a manual ELISA method, we reported anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence of 32.6% in patients under hepatitis study. There are few reports of anti-HEV IgM. Recently, it was developed the first automated method and in the present study, we report the experience using this new method. Between May 2018 and August 2020, the results of 272 patients with an anti-HEV IgG and/or IgM study were analyzed using the automated ELFA technique (VIDAS®). Seroprevalence was 25.8% (68/264) for anti-HEV IgG and 3.5% (9/259) for anti-HEV IgM. Four samples were positive for both antibodies. Anti-HEV IgG seropositivity increased with age. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG obtained was similar to previously reported. Taking into account the advantages of these assays, anti-HEV IgM and IgG assays on VIDAS® system, seem to be valuable new tools in serological study of HEV.