Autoimmune Liver Disease Associated Uveitis: An Extrahepatic Manifestation or a Polyautoimmunity Phenomenon? Case Reports.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of non-granulomatous unilateral anterior uveitis in two female patients associated with autoimmune liver diseases (ALD), emphasizing the possibility of this rare coexistence as a polyautoimmunity phenomenon. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: Case 1: An 18-year-old female with a history of congenital renal hypoplasia and metabolic syndrome presented with anterior uveitis in OS and a history of jaundice, blood elevated hepatic enzymes, and cholangioresonance compatible with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Laboratory work-up for additional autoimmune and infective causes were within normal limits. Case 2: An 58-year-old female presented an episode of anterior uveitis in OD and a history of Sjögren syndrome diagnosed at the age of 53, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), systemic sclerosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, bilateral sacroiliitis, and vitiligo, consistent with polyautoimmunity and multiple autoimmune syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Uveitis rarely coexists with ALD. However, it is essential to recognize the possibility of polyautoimmunity in patients presenting with ophthalmic manifestations and a previous diagnosis of ALD, such as PSC or PBC.

Exploration of photoprotective and antibiotic activity of wild Polypodiaceae ferns from Costa Rica.

Skin disorders affect millions of people all over the world. There are limited options to treat dermal illnesses such as vitiligo, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Central American ferns are a potential source of bioactive metabolites against those diseases. Currently, Polypodium leucotomos Poir. is the only one being commercially utilized for this purpose. In this work, we evaluated the concentration of the skin bioactive compounds: quinic and chlorogenic acid, in the extract of 20 wild ferns from Costa Rica. We also evaluated the antimicrobial capabilities of the crude extracts of wild ferns and the sun protection factor (SPF) of the extracts. We found 19 out of 20 have either an important concentration of the compounds mentioned above or antimicrobial properties. Also, most samples result in higher SPF than P. aureum's rhizome. We also have studied the fern acclimatization, at different shading conditions, finding a significant influence of the culturing conditions on metabolite production. After acclimatization. So far, we demonstrate that various ferns included in this study are a potential source of treatments for skin conditions.

Incidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Lower Respiratory Tract Illness in Infants in Low- and Middle-Income Regions During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Background: Incidence data of respiratory syncytial virus-associated lower respiratory tract illness (RSV-LRTI) are sparse in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We estimated RSV-LRTI incidence rates (IRs) in infants in LMICs using World Health Organization case definitions. Methods: This prospective cohort study, conducted in 10 LMICs from May 2019 to October 2021 (largely overlapping with the coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] pandemic), followed infants born to women with low-risk pregnancies for 1 year from birth using active and passive surveillance to detect potential LRTIs, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction on nasal swabs to detect RSV. Results: Among 2094 infants, 32 (1.5%) experienced an RSV-LRTI (8 during their first 6 months of life, 24 thereafter). Seventeen (0.8%) infants had severe RSV-LRTI and 168 (8.0%) had all-cause LRTI. IRs (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of first RSV-LRTI episode were 1.0 (.3-2.3), 0.8 (.3-1.5), and 1.6 (1.1-2.2) per 100 person-years for infants aged 0-2, 0-5, and 0-11 months, respectively. IRs (95% CIs) of the first all-cause LRTI episode were 10.7 (8.1-14.0), 11.7 (9.6-14.0), and 8.7 (7.5-10.2) per 100 person-years, respectively. IRs varied by country (RSV-LRTI: 0.0-8.3, all-cause LRTI: 0.0-49.6 per 100 person-years for 0- to 11-month-olds). Conclusions: RSV-LRTI IRs in infants in this study were relatively low, likely due to reduced viral circulation caused by COVID-19-related nonpharmaceutical interventions. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT03614676.

Colombian Ocular Inflammatory Diseases Epidemiology Study (COIDES): Optic Neuritis Incidence Between 2015-2020.

PURPOSE: To estimate the incidence of Optic Neuritis (ON) in Colombia using data from the national health registry between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020. METHODS: A population-based study was conducted using the Integrated Social Protection Information System from the Colombian Ministry of Health and the International Classification of Diseases-10 code for ON to estimate the incidence of ON from 2015 to 2020. We also evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the epidemiology of the disease in 2020. Finally, a standardized morbidity rate map was created to assess a country's ON geographic distribution. RESULTS: From 2015 to 2019, 2,463 new cases of ON were reported. The overall 5-year incidence rate was 1.56 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year, 66% of the patients were females. The peak of presentation in males was the quinquennium of 50-54 years, and in females, it was 45-49 years. In 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a reduction in the incidence of ON by approximately 0.15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The regions with a high number of cases and an increasing risk of new cases were Bogotá, Antioquia, and Valle del Cauca. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ON in Colombia is lower compared to countries in the northern hemisphere, with women under 50 years being predominantly affected. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic corresponded with a reduction in identifying new ON cases. This underscores governments' need to implement effective diagnostic strategies in the future.

Resilience mediates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in a sample of adults in Panama.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by global increases in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Previous studies have shown that resilience mitigates these symptoms, however there is limited research exploring the link between resilience and mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic in Central America. Objective: To examine the role of resilience as it relates to the perceived effect of the pandemic on mental health symptoms. Methods: A sample of 480 adults in Panama were recruited from March to May 2021 to complete an online survey. The online survey consisted of sociodemographic questions and scale measures assessing depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, resilience, and social support. Results: Results indicated that resilience mediated the relationship between the perceived effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health symptoms; participants who felt more personally affected by the pandemic reported more depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms via decreased resilience. Further analyses revealed that resilience was moderated by sex and social support, showing that the indirect effect of resilience was greater for women and individuals who perceived low social support. Discussion: These findings contribute to a growing body of research documenting the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and reveal potential mechanisms through which pandemic-related distress decreases resilience, thereby increasing symptoms of mental illness.

Osteogenic potential of apical papilla stem cells mediated by platelet-rich fibrin and low-level laser.

To evaluate the osteogenic potential of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on human stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP) we isolated, characterized, and then cultured in an osteogenic medium cells with PRF and/or LLLT (660 nm, 6 J/m2-irradiation). Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by bone nodule formation and expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2 and BMP-4), whereas the molecular mechanisms were achieved by qRT-PCR and RNA-seq analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (p < 0.05* and p < 0.01**). Although PRF and LLLT increased bone nodule formation after 7 days and peaked at 21 days, the combination of PRF + LLLT led to the uppermost nodule formation. This was supported by increased levels of BMP-2 and -4 osteogenic proteins (p < 0.005). Furthermore, the PRF + LLLT relative expression of specific genes involved in osteogenesis, such as osteocalcin, was 2.4- (p = 0.03) and 28.3- (p = 0.001) fold higher compared to the PRF and LLLT groups, and osteopontin was 22.9- and 1.23-fold higher, respectively (p < 0.05), after 7 days of interaction. The transcriptomic profile revealed that the combination of PRF + LLLT induces MSX1, TGFB1, and SMAD1 expression, after 21 days of osteogenic differentiation conditions exposition. More studies are required to understand the complete cellular and molecular mechanisms of PRF plus LLLT on stem cells. Overall, we demonstrated for the first time that the combination of PRF and LLLT would be an excellent therapeutic tool that can be employed for dental, oral, and craniofacial repair and other tissue engineering applications.

¿Está justificado hacer un screening a largo plazo para el cáncer de pulmón en los pacientes con un carcinoma de cabeza y cuello? / Is long-term screening for lung cancer justified in patients with head and neck carcinoma?

Objetivo Los pacientes con un carcinoma escamoso de cabeza y cuello (CECC) tienen un mayor riesgo de aparición de segundas neoplasias localizadas en el pulmón que la población general. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la incidencia a largo plazo de segundas neoplasias pulmonares tras el diagnóstico de un CECC y considerar la conveniencia de la realización de un cribado de cáncer de pulmón en estos pacientes. Material y métodos Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo en 4.954 pacientes con un tumor índice localizado en la cavidad oral, orofaringe, hipofaringe o laringe durante el periodo 1985-2017. Resultados Durante el periodo de seguimiento 469 pacientes (9,5%) presentaron una segunda neoplasia pulmonar. La incidencia de segunda neoplasia pulmonar fue del 1,26% anual, y se mantuvo prácticamente constante a lo largo de los 25 años de seguimiento analizados. Según los resultados de un estudio multivariante, los pacientes varones, con edades comprendidas entre los 50 y los 80 años, con antecedentes de tabaquismo y con tumores localizados en la orofaringe o en la supraglotis fueron los que presentaron un mayor riesgo de segunda neoplasia pulmonar. Conclusiones Los pacientes con un CECC como tumor índice tienen un alto riesgo de segundas neoplasias localizadas en el pulmón. Para conseguir un diagnóstico precoz de estas segundas neoplasias sería conveniente establecer protocolos de cribado basados en el uso de la TAC pulmonar de baja dosis, que deberían mantenerse indefinidamente durante el periodo de seguimiento. (AU)

Objective Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a higher risk of second lung neoplasms than the general population. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the long-term incidence of second lung malignancies after the diagnosis of a HNSCC and to consider the convenience of the screening for lung cancer in these patients. Material and methods We conducted a retrospective study performed on 4,954 patients with an index tumor located in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx during the period 1985-2017. Results During the follow-up period 469 patients (9.5%) presented a second pulmonary neoplasm. The incidence of second lung neoplasm was 1.26% per year and remained practically constant throughout the 25-year follow-up period analyzed. According to the results of a multivariate study, male patients, aged between 50 and 80 years, with a history of tobacco use, and with tumors located in the oropharynx or the supraglottis were those with the highest risk of second lung neoplasms. Conclusion Patients with a HNSCC index tumor have a high risk of second neoplasms located in the lung. In order to achieve an early diagnosis of these second neoplasms, it would be advisable to establish screening protocols based on the use of low-dose lung CT, which should be maintained indefinitely during the follow-up period. (AU)

Urgent Revascularization of the Left Proximal Circumflex Following Cessation of Cangrelor Within Six Hours of Procedure.

Patients undergoing procedures are often transitioned off anticoagulants using anti-platelet agents with short half-lives as a "bridge." We present the case of a patient with a history of in-stent thromboses who experienced a thrombotic event following a literature-guided bridging protocol. This case is one of the first to show that stopping cangrelor within six hours led to a need for urgent revascularization and suggests that the timing for discontinuing bridging agents should be customized based on the patient's history of increased blood clotting.

Dermoscopy of very small basal cell carcinoma (≤3mm).

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) dermoscopy is key to lower the biopsy threshold of suspicious lesions. There is a scarcity of published data on the dermoscopy of very small BCC (≤3mm) and its differences from larger BCCs. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare dermoscopic features of BCCs measuring ≤3mm, with those from 3 to 10mm. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study, included biopsy-proven BCCs that had dermoscopic photographic images, between January 2017 and December 2022 in a Skin Cancer Center in Medellín, Colombia. Demographic, clinic-pathological and dermoscopic features were compared between very small BCCs (vsBCCs) and a reference group. RESULTS: A total of 326 BCCs in 196 patients were included, of whom 60% were male. The most common Fitzpatrick phototype was III. vsBCCs accounted for 25% of the lesions (81/326). Face and neck were the most frequent locations (53%), especially in very small tumors. The nodular type was more common in very small tumors than in larger lesions, the superficial type was less frequent, and aggressive types were equally prevalent in both groups. On dermoscopy, very small tumors were statistically more likely to present pigmented structures than reference lesions, especially blue-gray dots (67% vs. 54%), vessels were less frequent, particularly short-fine telangiectasias (SFT) (52% vs. 66%), as were other structures such as shiny white structures (SWS), ulceration, micro-erosions, and scales. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Latin-American sample, lacks information on dark phototypes CONCLUSIONS: Pigmented structures, especially blue-gray dots, were most common in vsBCCs when compared to larger lesions; SFT, SWS and other findings were less prevalent.

Safety and immunogenicity of SCB-2019, an adjuvanted, recombinant SARS-CoV-2 trimeric S-protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine in healthy 12-17 year-old adolescents.

We previously demonstrated the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate, SCB-2019, in adults in the SPECTRA phase 2/3 efficacy study. We extended the study to include 1278 healthy 12-17-year-old adolescents in Belgium, Colombia, and the Philippines who received either two doses of SCB-2019 or placebo 21 days apart, to assess immunogenicity as neutralizing antibodies against prototype SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern, and safety and reactogenicity as solicited and unsolicited adverse events with a comparator group of young adults (18-25 years). In participants with no evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection SCB-2019 immunogenicity in adolescents was non-inferior to that in young adults; respective geometric mean neutralizing titers (GMT) against prototype SARS-CoV-2 14 days after the second vaccination were 271 IU/mL (95% CI: 211-348) and 144 IU/mL (116-178). Most adolescents (1077, 84.3%) had serologic evidence of prior SAR-CoV-2 exposure at baseline; in these seropositive adolescents neutralizing GMTs increased from 173 IU/mL (135-122) to 982 IU/mL (881-1094) after the second dose. Neutralizing titers against Delta and Omicron BA SARS-CoV-2 variants were also increased, most notably in those with prior exposure. SCB-2019 vaccine was well tolerated with generally mild or moderate, transient solicited and unsolicited adverse events that were comparable in adolescent vaccine and placebo groups except for injection site pain - reported after 20% of SCB-2019 and 7.3% of placebo injections. SCB-2019 vaccine was highly immunogenic against SARS-CoV-2 prototype and variants in adolescents, especially in those with evidence of prior exposure, with comparable immunogenicity to young adults. Clinical trial registration: EudraCT 2020-004272-17; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04672395.

Is long-term screening for lung cancer justified in patients with head and neck carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE: Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a higher risk of second lung neoplasms than the general population. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the long-term incidence of second lung malignancies after the diagnosis of a HNSCC and to consider the convenience of the screening for lung cancer in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study performed on 4954 patients with an index tumor located in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx during the period 1985-2017. RESULTS: During the follow-up period 469 patients (9.5%) presented a second pulmonary neoplasm. The incidence of second lung neoplasm was 1.26% per year and remained practically constant throughout the 25-year follow-up period analyzed. According to the results of a multivariate study, male patients, aged between 50 and 80 years, with a history of tobacco use, and with tumors located in the oropharynx or the supraglottis were those with the highest risk of second lung neoplasms. CONCLUSION: Patients with a HNSCC index tumor have a high risk of second neoplasms located in the lung. In order to achieve an early diagnosis of these second neoplasms, it would be advisable to establish screening protocols based on the use of low-dose lung CT, which should be maintained indefinitely during the follow-up period.

Dermoscopy of very small basal cell carcinoma (≤3 mm)

Abstract Background Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) dermoscopy is key to lower the biopsy threshold of suspicious lesions. There is a scarcity of published data on the dermoscopy of very small BCC (≤3 mm) and its differences from larger BCCs. Objective To describe and compare dermoscopic features of BCCs measuring ≤3 mm, with those from 3 to 10 mm. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study, included biopsy-proven BCCs that had dermoscopic photographic images, between January 2017 and December 2022 in a Skin Cancer Center in Medellín, Colombia. Demographic, clinic-pathological and dermoscopic features were compared between very small BCCs (vsBCCs) and a reference group. Results A total of 326 BCCs in 196 patients were included, of whom 60% were male. The most common Fitzpatrick phototype was III. vsBCCs accounted for 25% of the lesions (81/326). Face and neck were the most frequent locations (53%), especially in very small tumors. The nodular type was more common in very small tumors than in larger lesions, the superficial type was less frequent, and aggressive types were equally prevalent in both groups. On dermoscopy, very small tumors were statistically more likely to present pigmented structures than reference lesions, especially blue-gray dots (67% vs. 54%), vessels were less frequent, particularly short-fine telangiectasias (SFT) (52% vs. 66%), as were other structures such as shiny white structures (SWS), ulceration, micro-erosions, and scales. Study limitations Latin-American sample, lacks information on dark phototypes Conclusions Pigmented structures, especially blue-gray dots, were most common in vsBCCs when compared to larger lesions; SFT, SWS and other findings were less prevalent.

Digital Teacher Competence Frameworks Evolution and Their Use in Ibero-America up to the Year the COVID-19 Pandemic Began: A Systematic Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way education was conducted, not only at the time when the face-to-face model was replaced by virtuality but also in the period of return to normality because the digital skills of teachers are not the same as before. Digital competency frameworks allow for assessment and comparisons between individuals and over time, so they can be used to understand the transformation that may have occurred in teachers' digital competencies following the pandemic. This systematic literature review analyzes the competency frameworks that have been used in Ibero-America up to the year 2022, with the purpose of defining a concept foundation as an input on which to build a tool to assess digital competencies. The review was done following the pathway proposed by the PRISMA methodology between 2018 and 2022. Results show that there is no consensus or unification of the frameworks, and that there are five purposes in the research being conducted on digital competencies with publications concentrated on two of them. Interest on digital competence frameworks increased substantially in 2020.

Contrasting parental roles shape sex differences in poison frog space use but not navigational performance.

Sex differences in vertebrate spatial abilities are typically interpreted under the adaptive specialization hypothesis, which posits that male reproductive success is linked to larger home ranges and better navigational skills. The androgen spillover hypothesis counters that enhanced male spatial performance may be a byproduct of higher androgen levels. Animal groups that include species where females are expected to outperform males based on life-history traits are key for disentangling these hypotheses. We investigated the association between sex differences in reproductive strategies, spatial behavior, and androgen levels in three species of poison frogs. We tracked individuals in natural environments to show that contrasting parental sex roles shape sex differences in space use, where the sex performing parental duties shows wider-ranging movements. We then translocated frogs from their home areas to test their navigational performance and found that the caring sex outperformed the non-caring sex only in one out of three species. In addition, males across species displayed more explorative behavior than females and androgen levels correlated with explorative behavior and homing accuracy. Overall, we reveal that poison frog reproductive strategies shape movement patterns but not necessarily navigational performance. Together this work suggests that prevailing adaptive hypotheses provide an incomplete explanation of sex differences in spatial abilities.

Influencia de la ansiedad en el desarrollo de los trastornos temporomandibulares

Introducción: Los trastornos temporomandibulares constituyen un problema de salud importante en Cuba, la causa es de carácter multifactorial, actualmente se sabe que los factores psicosociales juegan un papel importante, sobre todo en lo que se refiere a la adaptación al dolor y su recuperación. Objetivo: Identificar la relación entre los trastornos temporomandibulares y los distintos niveles de ansiedad en pacientes pertenecientes al Consultorio Médico de la Familia No. 10 del área Norte de la provincia de Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, durante el período enero de 2019 a enero de 2020. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico del tipo casos y controles. El universo fue de 109 pacientes. La muestra quedó integrada por 80 pacientes distribuidos en 40 casos y 40 controles. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, trastornos temporomandibulares, signos y síntomas, ansiedad. Los trastornos temporomandibulares se diagnosticaron a través del Índice de Helkimo y la ansiedad mediante la aplicación del Inventario de Ansiedad Rasgo-Estado (IDARE). Se aplicó la prueba de asociación estadística Ji-cuadrado. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes del sexo femenino en un 55 % y el 51,25 % en el rango de edad de 40-59 años. Los signos y síntomas más frecuentes en pacientes con trastornos temporomandibulares fueron el dolor en la articulación temporomandibular y en músculos masticatorios para un 85 % y 80 %, respectivamente. La mayoría de los casos presentaron niveles altos de ansiedad como estado en un 52,5 %. Conclusiones: Los distintos niveles de ansiedad predispusieron al origen y mantenimiento de los trastornos temporomandibulares en los pacientes estudiados.

Introduction: The temporomandibular disorders constitute an important health problem in Cuba. Today, it´s well known that the psychosocial factors play an important role in it, especially, with regard to pain adaptation and recovery. Objective: Identification of the relationship between temporomandibular disorders and different levels of anxiety in patients belonging to the Family Medical Clinic No. 10 located at the Northern Area of the Sancti Spíritus province, Cuba, during the period January 2019 to January 2020. Method: An analytical observational study of case-control type was carried out. The population was comprised of 109 patients. The sample consisted of 80 patients distributed in 40 cases and 40 controls. The variables studied were at following: age, sex, temporomandibular disorders, signs and symptoms, anxiety. Temporomandibular disorders were diagnosed through the Helkimo Index and anxiety through the application of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The Chi-squared statistical association test was applied. Results: Female patients were predominant (55%) and 51.25% were in the age range of 40-59 years. The most frequent signs and symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorders were pain in the temporomandibular joints and in muscles of mastication for 85 % and 80 %, respectively. Most of the cases (52.5 %) presented high levels of anxiety. Conclusions: The different levels of anxiety predisposed to the origin and maintenance of temporomandibular disorders in all the patients studied.

Introdução: As disfunções temporomandibulares constituem um importante problema de saúde em Cuba, a causa é multifatorial, atualmente sabe-se que os fatores psicossociais desempenham um papel importante, principalmente no que diz respeito à adaptação à dor e sua recuperação. Objetivo: Identificar a relação entre as disfunções temporomandibulares e os diferentes níveis de ansiedade em pacientes pertencentes ao Consultório Médico de Família nº 10 da zona Norte da província de Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, durante o período de janeiro de 2019 a janeiro de 2020. Método: Foi realizado um estudo observacional analítico do tipo caso e controle. O universo foi de 109 pacientes. A amostra foi composta por 80 pacientes distribuídos em 40 casos e 40 controles. As variáveis estudadas foram: idade, sexo, disfunção temporomandibular, sinais e sintomas, ansiedade. As disfunções temporomandibulares foram diagnosticadas por meio do Índice de Helkimo e a ansiedade por meio da aplicação do Inventário de Ansiedade Trait-State (IDARE). Foi aplicado o teste de associação estatística Qui-quadrado. Resultados: Pacientes do sexo feminino predominaram em 55% e 51,25% na faixa etária de 40 a 59 anos. Os sinais e sintomas mais frequentes em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular foram dor na articulação temporomandibular e nos músculos mastigatórios para 85% e 80%, respectivamente. A maioria dos casos apresentou níveis elevados de ansiedade como estado em 52,5%. Conclusões: Os diferentes níveis de ansiedade predispõem à origem e manutenção das disfunções temporomandibulares nos pacientes estudados.