Riesgo de mortalidad en candidemia en niños oncohematológicos: revisión sistemática / Mortality risk in candidemia in children with cancer and blood disorders: a systematic review

Introducción: La tasa de mortalidad de la candidemia es variable, pero puede estar influenciada por la patología de base, en especial aquella que condiciona la presencia de neutropenia. En niños con patología oncohematológica, son pocos los trabajos que han abordado la mortalidad relacionada a candidemias y sus factores asociados. Las preguntas que promueven esta revisión sistemática, son: ¿Cuáles son las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y de evolución de los pacientes pediátricos oncohematológicos con candidemia? ¿Cuál es la mortalidad relacionada con esta entidad? Materiales y métodos: Revisión sistemática de la literatura. Se utilizaron los siguientes términos de búsqueda: candidemia por Candida spp. y los siguientes filtros humanos, niños y adolescentes y patología oncohematológica. Se revisaron los artículos publicados en inglés, español o francés hasta el 21 de septiembre de 2023. Las referencias bibliográficas de los artículos incluidos se revisaron manualmente para identificar estudios relevantes adicionales. Resultados: Se encontraron 66 artículos. Del análisis cualitativo realizado en sus textos completos, quedaron finalmente 4 estudios que se consideró que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Todos los artículos seleccionados sumaron 191 pacientes con diversas patologías oncohematológicas. La presencia de accesos vasculares fue frecuente en esta serie y la no extracción del catéter venoso central fue el factor más prevalente entre los que fallecieron. El agente infectante predominante fue Candida no albicans y la mortalidad osciló entre el 11,3 y el 31% con una mediana de 25%. No fue posible establecer si la especie de Candida influía en la letalidad

Introduction: The mortality rate of candidemia is variable, but may be influenced by underlying diseases, especially those causing neutropenia. In children with cancer and blood disorders, few studies have addressed mortality related to candidemia and its associated factors. The questions that motivated this systematic review were: What are the epidemiological, clinical and outcome characteristics of pediatric cancer patients with candidemia? What is the mortality related to this condition? Materials and methods: Systematic review of the literature. The following search terms were used: Candida spp., candidemia, with the following filters: human, children and adolescents, and cancer and blood disorders. Articles published in English, Spanish, or French up to September 21, 2023 were reviewed. References of included articles were manually reviewed to identify additional relevant studies. Results: 66 articles were identified. From the qualitative analysis carried out on their full texts, 4 studies that were considered to meet the inclusion criteria were finally selected. The selected articles included a total of 191 patients with various types of cancer and blood disorders. The presence of vascular access was common in this series and failure to remove the central venous catheter was the most prevalent factor among those who died. The predominant infectious agent was non-albicans Candida and mortality ranged from 11.3% to 31% with a median of 25%. It was not possible to establish whether Candida species influenced mortality.

Moderate physical exercise and ATP modulate the P2X7 receptor and improve cisplatin-induced gastric emptying delay in rats

Patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin commonly present gastrointestinal effects such as constipation and gastric emptying (GE) delay. Both the purinergic system and physical exercise modulate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the current study, we investigated the role of ATP, physical exercise, and P2X7 receptor blocking on GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats. Male rats were divided into the following groups: control (C), cisplatin (Cis), exercise (Ex), Brilliant Blue G (BBG), ATP, Cis+Ex, Cis+ATP, Cis+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG+ATP, and Cis+ATP+BBG. GE delay was induced by treatment with 1 mg/kg cisplatin (1 time/week for 5 weeks, ip). The moderate physical exercise was swimming (1 h/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks). At the end of the treatment or exercise and 30 min before the GE assessment, some groups received BBG (50 mg/kg, sc) or ATP (2 mg/kg, sc). Then, GE was assessed after a 10-min postprandial period. Chronic use of Cis decreased GE delay (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Both exercise and ATP prevented (P<0.05) GE delay compared to Cis. The pretreatment with BBG significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the effect of exercise and ATP. On the other hand, the association between exercise and ATP reversed (P<0.05) the effect of the BBG and prevented GE delay. Therefore, we suggest that both exercise and treatment with ATP activate P2X7 receptors and prevent GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats.

Recto-sigmoïdite induite par administration de purgatifs à propos d'un cas / Recto-sigmoiditis induced by purgative administration: a case report

Il s'agit d'un patient de 25 ans reçu pour hématochézie de grande abondance et douleurs abdominales après utilisation par voie orale et rectale d'un purgatif à base de graines de Jatropha curcas ou pignon d'Inde appelée en bambara (langue locale du Mali) « Bagani ¼ et de Scoparia dulcis appelée en bambara « timitimini ¼. La coloscopie réalisée a permis de retrouver une nécrose du colon descendant. Le patient est décédé dans un tableau de choc septique par perforation colique.

This 25-year-old patient was presented with profuse hematochezia and abdominal pain following oral and rectal use of a purgative based on Jatropha curcas or "pignon d'Inde" seeds, known in Bambara (the local language of Mali) as "Bagani", and Scoparia dulcis, known in Bambara as "timitimini". Colonoscopy revealed necrosis of the descending colon. The patient died of septic shock due to colonic perforation

Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill on exploratory behavior of mice-model / Efeito de Agaricus blazei Murill no comportamento exploratório de modelo de camundongo

Abstract Increased anxiety and depressive symptoms have reported to be its association with long term illness. Because of having unwanted effects of newly available drugs, patients administering anxiolytic drugs usually discontinue the treatment before they are completely recovered. Therefore, there is a serious need to develop new anxiolytic drugs. The anxiolytic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei in animal models was assessed. 24 male mice (Mus musculus genus) were included in the study. Four groups were prepared and each group contained six animals. The groups were vehicle control, positive control (diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as two treatment groups receiving Agaricus blazei hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.50 mg/kg and 273.0 mg/kg orally. The Marble burying test, Nestlet shredding test and Light and Dark box test used to assess anxiolytic activity. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. while hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) was administered via oral route which exhibited marked reduction in number of marbles-burying as compared to vehicle control group. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. and Oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) exhibited significant decrease in nestlet shredding in comparison to vehicle control group. The oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.5mg/kg and 273mg/kg showed elevation in time spent in light box and was comparable to standard treated group while time spent by mice following oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei at a dose of 273.0 mg/kg also showed elevation and was found to be more near to standard treated group (diazepam 1 mg/kg, i.p.).

Resumo O aumento da ansiedade e dos sintomas depressivos têm relatado sua associação com doenças de longa duração. Por causa dos efeitos indesejáveis dos novos medicamentos disponíveis, os pacientes que administram medicamentos ansiolíticos geralmente interrompem o tratamento antes de estarem completamente recuperados. Portanto, há uma necessidade séria de desenvolver novos medicamentos ansiolíticos. Foi avaliado o efeito ansiolítico do extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei em modelos animais. Vinte e quatro camundongos machos (gênero Mus musculus) foram incluídos no estudo. Quatro grupos foram preparados, e cada grupo continha seis animais. Os grupos foram controle de veículo, controle positivo (diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p.), bem como dois grupos de tratamento recebendo extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 136,50 mg/kg e 273,0 mg/kg por via oral. O teste de enterrar Marble, o teste de retalhamento Nestlet e o teste de caixa clara e escura são usados ​​para avaliar a atividade ansiolítica. Camundongos foram administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p., enquanto o extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) foi administrado por via oral, que exibiu redução acentuada no número de mármores enterrados em comparação com o grupo de controle de veículo. Camundongos administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p. e a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) exibiu diminuição significativa na trituração de ninhos em comparação ao grupo de controle de veículo. A administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico na dose de 136,5mg/kg e 273mg/kg mostrou elevação no tempo gasto na caixa de luz e foi comparável ao grupo tratado padrão, enquanto o tempo gasto por camundongos após a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 273,0 mg/kg também mostrou elevação e foi mais próximo do grupo tratado padrão (diazepam 1 mg/kg, ip).

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-phenylamino-1, 4-naphthoquinones derivatives as potential hypoglycaemic agents / Síntese e avaliação de derivados de 2-fenilamino-1, 4-naftoquinonas como potenciais agentes hipoglicemiantes

Due to the severe side effects revealed by most of the currently used antidiabetic medicines, search for finding new and safe drugs to manage diabetes is continued. Naphthoquinones possessing strong antioxidant properties have been employed as candidates for diabetes therapy. Present study is aimed at finding the antioxidant and hypoglycaemic potential of some novel derivatives of 2-phenylamino-1,4-naphthoquinones (PAN) including chloro, nitro, methyl and bromo (5a-d) derivatives synthesized by single pot experiment. Product crystals were purified by TLC and characterized by FT-IR. The antioxidant potential of the compounds was assayed through DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities noted as UV-vis. absorbance. The DPPH assay has showed the powerful antioxidant activity of nitro and bromo derivatives, while the nitro derivative showed the significant reduction potential towards FRAP assay. Hypoglycaemic potential of the compounds was studied in rat animal model. All synthesized compounds revealed better hypoglycaemic activity; however, the chloro-derivative exhibited the more potent hypoglycaemic activity showing about 43% reduction in the mean blood glucose levels of the treated animals. As the bioreduction of naphthoquinones may be influenced by changing its redox properties, it has been noticed that the e-donating resonance effect (+R) of 'chloro' group has shown the significant effects on biological activity through stabalization of its imine form which limits the potential of generation of free radicals during bioreduction of quinones and thus has been proposed as the reason of its hypoglycaemic activity. Future studies employing the properties of e-donating groups of PAN may optimize the drug-receptor interaction for better drug designing and drug development strategies against diabetes and also for the clinical trials.

Em razão dos graves efeitos colaterais causados pela maioria dos medicamentos antidiabéticos atualmente utilizados, continua a busca por novos medicamentos seguros para o controle do diabetes. As naftoquinonas, que possuem fortes propriedades antioxidantes, têm sido empregadas como candidatas à terapia do diabetes. O presente estudo visa encontrar o potencial antioxidante e hipoglicemiante de alguns novos derivados de 2-fenilamino-1,4-naftoquinonas (PAN), incluindo derivados de cloro, nitro, metil e bromo (5a-d) sintetizados por experimento em pote único. Os cristais do produto foram purificados por TLC e caracterizados por FT-IR. O potencial antioxidante dos compostos foi testado por meio de atividades de sequestro de radicais DPPH e redução de energia observada como absorção no UV-vis. O ensaio DPPH mostrou a poderosa atividade antioxidante dos derivados nitro e bromo, enquanto o derivado nitro mostrou o potencial de redução significativo para o ensaio FRAP. O potencial hipoglicêmico dos compostos foi estudado em modelo animal de rato. Todos os compostos sintetizados revelaram melhor atividade hipoglicemiante; no entanto, o derivado cloro apresentou atividade hipoglicêmica mais potente, com redução de 43% nos níveis médios de glicose no sangue dos animais tratados. Como a biorredução de naftoquinonas pode ser influenciada pela alteração de suas propriedades redox, notou-se que o efeito da doação eletrônica por ressonância (+R) do grupo "cloro" tem sido significativo na atividade biológica por meio da estabilização de sua forma imina, que limita o potencial de geração de radicais livres durante a biorredução de quinonas, e, portanto, tem sido proposto como a razão de sua atividade hipoglicemiante. Estudos futuros empregando as propriedades de grupos de doação eletrônica de PAN podem otimizar a interação droga-receptor para melhor planejamento de medicamentos e estratégias de desenvolvimento de medicamentos contra o diabetes e também para os ensaios clínicos.

Cadmium toxicity symptoms and uptake mechanism in plants: a review / Sintomas de toxicidade de cádmio e mecanismo de absorção em plantas: uma revisão

Cadmium (Cd) is one of non-essential heavy metals which is released into environment naturally or anthropogenically. It is highly persistent toxic metals that are exceptionally distressing industrial and agriculture activities by contaminating soil, water and food. Its long-duration endurance in soil and water results in accumulation and uptake into plants, leading to the food chain. This becomes a serious global problem threatening humans and animals as food chain components. Living organisms, especially humans, are exposed to Cd through plants as one of the main vegetative food sources. This review paper is concentrated on the symptoms of the plants affected by Cd toxicity. The absorption of Cd triggers several seen and unseen symptoms by polluted plants such as stunted growth, chlorosis, necrosis and wilting. Apart from that, factors that affect the uptake and translocation of Cd in plants are elaborated to understand the mechanism that contributes to its accumulation. By insight of Cd accumulation, this review also discussed the phytoremediation techniques-phytoextraction, phytostimulation, phytostabilization, phytovolatization and rhizofiltration in bioremediating the Cd.

O cádmio (Cd) é um dos metais pesados ​​não essenciais que é liberado no meio ambiente de forma natural ou antropogênica. São metais tóxicos altamente persistentes que prejudicam excepcionalmente as atividades industriais e agrícolas, contaminando o solo, a água e os alimentos. Sua resistência de longa duração no solo e na água resulta em acúmulo e absorção pelas plantas, levando à cadeia alimentar. Isso se torna um sério problema global que ameaça humanos e animais como componentes da cadeia alimentar. Os organismos vivos, principalmente os humanos, são expostos ao Cd através das plantas como uma das principais fontes de alimento vegetativo. Este artigo de revisão concentra-se nos sintomas das plantas afetadas pela toxicidade do Cd. A absorção de Cd desencadeia vários sintomas visíveis e invisíveis por plantas poluídas, como crescimento atrofiado, clorose, necrose e murcha. Além disso, são elaborados fatores que afetam a absorção e translocação de Cd nas plantas para entender o mecanismo que contribui para o seu acúmulo. A partir do conhecimento do acúmulo de Cd, esta revisão também discutiu as técnicas de fitorremediação - fitoextração, fitoestimulação, fitoestabilização, fitovolatização e rizofiltração na biorremediação do Cd.

Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill on exploratory behavior of mice-model

Abstract Increased anxiety and depressive symptoms have reported to be its association with long term illness. Because of having unwanted effects of newly available drugs, patients administering anxiolytic drugs usually discontinue the treatment before they are completely recovered. Therefore, there is a serious need to develop new anxiolytic drugs. The anxiolytic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei in animal models was assessed. 24 male mice (Mus musculus genus) were included in the study. Four groups were prepared and each group contained six animals. The groups were vehicle control, positive control (diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as two treatment groups receiving Agaricus blazei hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.50 mg/kg and 273.0 mg/kg orally. The Marble burying test, Nestlet shredding test and Light and Dark box test used to assess anxiolytic activity. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. while hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) was administered via oral route which exhibited marked reduction in number of marbles-burying as compared to vehicle control group. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. and Oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) exhibited significant decrease in nestlet shredding in comparison to vehicle control group. The oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.5mg/kg and 273mg/kg showed elevation in time spent in light box and was comparable to standard treated group while time spent by mice following oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei at a dose of 273.0 mg/kg also showed elevation and was found to be more near to standard treated group (diazepam 1 mg/kg, i.p.).

Resumo O aumento da ansiedade e dos sintomas depressivos têm relatado sua associação com doenças de longa duração. Por causa dos efeitos indesejáveis dos novos medicamentos disponíveis, os pacientes que administram medicamentos ansiolíticos geralmente interrompem o tratamento antes de estarem completamente recuperados. Portanto, há uma necessidade séria de desenvolver novos medicamentos ansiolíticos. Foi avaliado o efeito ansiolítico do extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei em modelos animais. Vinte e quatro camundongos machos (gênero Mus musculus) foram incluídos no estudo. Quatro grupos foram preparados, e cada grupo continha seis animais. Os grupos foram controle de veículo, controle positivo (diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p.), bem como dois grupos de tratamento recebendo extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 136,50 mg/kg e 273,0 mg/kg por via oral. O teste de enterrar Marble, o teste de retalhamento Nestlet e o teste de caixa clara e escura são usados para avaliar a atividade ansiolítica. Camundongos foram administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p., enquanto o extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) foi administrado por via oral, que exibiu redução acentuada no número de mármores enterrados em comparação com o grupo de controle de veículo. Camundongos administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p. e a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) exibiu diminuição significativa na trituração de ninhos em comparação ao grupo de controle de veículo. A administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico na dose de 136,5mg/kg e 273mg/kg mostrou elevação no tempo gasto na caixa de luz e foi comparável ao grupo tratado padrão, enquanto o tempo gasto por camundongos após a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 273,0 mg/kg também mostrou elevação e foi mais próximo do grupo tratado padrão (diazepam 1 mg/kg, ip).

Cadmium toxicity symptoms and uptake mechanism in plants: a review

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) is one of non-essential heavy metals which is released into environment naturally or anthropogenically. It is highly persistent toxic metals that are exceptionally distressing industrial and agriculture activities by contaminating soil, water and food. Its long-duration endurance in soil and water results in accumulation and uptake into plants, leading to the food chain. This becomes a serious global problem threatening humans and animals as food chain components. Living organisms, especially humans, are exposed to Cd through plants as one of the main vegetative food sources. This review paper is concentrated on the symptoms of the plants affected by Cd toxicity. The absorption of Cd triggers several seen and unseen symptoms by polluted plants such as stunted growth, chlorosis, necrosis and wilting. Apart from that, factors that affect the uptake and translocation of Cd in plants are elaborated to understand the mechanism that contributes to its accumulation. By insight of Cd accumulation, this review also discussed the phytoremediation techniques-phytoextraction, phytostimulation, phytostabilization, phytovolatization and rhizofiltration in bioremediating the Cd.

Resumo O cádmio (Cd) é um dos metais pesados não essenciais que é liberado no meio ambiente de forma natural ou antropogênica. São metais tóxicos altamente persistentes que prejudicam excepcionalmente as atividades industriais e agrícolas, contaminando o solo, a água e os alimentos. Sua resistência de longa duração no solo e na água resulta em acúmulo e absorção pelas plantas, levando à cadeia alimentar. Isso se torna um sério problema global que ameaça humanos e animais como componentes da cadeia alimentar. Os organismos vivos, principalmente os humanos, são expostos ao Cd através das plantas como uma das principais fontes de alimento vegetativo. Este artigo de revisão concentra-se nos sintomas das plantas afetadas pela toxicidade do Cd. A absorção de Cd desencadeia vários sintomas visíveis e invisíveis por plantas poluídas, como crescimento atrofiado, clorose, necrose e murcha. Além disso, são elaborados fatores que afetam a absorção e translocação de Cd nas plantas para entender o mecanismo que contribui para o seu acúmulo. A partir do conhecimento do acúmulo de Cd, esta revisão também discutiu as técnicas de fitorremediação - fitoextração, fitoestimulação, fitoestabilização, fitovolatização e rizofiltração na biorremediação do Cd.

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-phenylamino-1,4-naphthoquinones derivatives as potential hypoglycaemic agents

Abstract Due to the severe side effects revealed by most of the currently used antidiabetic medicines, search for finding new and safe drugs to manage diabetes is continued. Naphthoquinones possessing strong antioxidant properties have been employed as candidates for diabetes therapy. Present study is aimed at finding the antioxidant and hypoglycaemic potential of some novel derivatives of 2-phenylamino-1,4-naphthoquinones (PAN) including chloro, nitro, methyl and bromo (5a-d) derivatives synthesized by single pot experiment. Product crystals were purified by TLC and characterized by FT-IR. The antioxidant potential of the compounds was assayed through DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities noted as UV-vis. absorbance. The DPPH assay has showed the powerful antioxidant activity of nitro and bromo derivatives, while the nitro derivative showed the significant reduction potential towards FRAP assay. Hypoglycaemic potential of the compounds was studied in rat animal model. All synthesized compounds revealed better hypoglycaemic activity; however, the chloro-derivative exhibited the more potent hypoglycaemic activity showing about 43% reduction in the mean blood glucose levels of the treated animals. As the bioreduction of naphthoquinones may be influenced by changing its redox properties, it has been noticed that the e-donating resonance effect (+R) of chloro group has shown the significant effects on biological activity through stabalization of its imine form which limits the potential of generation of free radicals during bioreduction of quinones and thus has been proposed as the reason of its hypoglycaemic activity. Future studies employing the properties of e-donating groups of PAN may optimize the drug-receptor interaction for better drug designing and drug development strategies against diabetes and also for the clinical trials.

Resumo Em razão dos graves efeitos colaterais causados pela maioria dos medicamentos antidiabéticos atualmente utilizados, continua a busca por novos medicamentos seguros para o controle do diabetes. As naftoquinonas, que possuem fortes propriedades antioxidantes, têm sido empregadas como candidatas à terapia do diabetes. O presente estudo visa encontrar o potencial antioxidante e hipoglicemiante de alguns novos derivados de 2-fenilamino-1,4-naftoquinonas (PAN), incluindo derivados de cloro, nitro, metil e bromo (5a-d) sintetizados por experimento em pote único. Os cristais do produto foram purificados por TLC e caracterizados por FT-IR. O potencial antioxidante dos compostos foi testado por meio de atividades de sequestro de radicais DPPH e redução de energia observada como absorção no UV-vis. O ensaio DPPH mostrou a poderosa atividade antioxidante dos derivados nitro e bromo, enquanto o derivado nitro mostrou o potencial de redução significativo para o ensaio FRAP. O potencial hipoglicêmico dos compostos foi estudado em modelo animal de rato. Todos os compostos sintetizados revelaram melhor atividade hipoglicemiante; no entanto, o derivado cloro apresentou atividade hipoglicêmica mais potente, com redução de 43% nos níveis médios de glicose no sangue dos animais tratados. Como a biorredução de naftoquinonas pode ser influenciada pela alteração de suas propriedades redox, notou-se que o efeito da doação eletrônica por ressonância (+R) do grupo cloro tem sido significativo na atividade biológica por meio da estabilização de sua forma imina, que limita o potencial de geração de radicais livres durante a biorredução de quinonas, e, portanto, tem sido proposto como a razão de sua atividade hipoglicemiante. Estudos futuros empregando as propriedades de grupos de doação eletrônica de PAN podem otimizar a interação droga-receptor para melhor planejamento de medicamentos e estratégias de desenvolvimento de medicamentos contra o diabetes e também para os ensaios clínicos.

Riesgo de mortalidad en infecciones invasivas por Mucor SPP. en niños con enfermedades hemato-oncológicas: revisión sistemática / Mortality risk of invasive Mucor spp. infections in children with cancer: A systematic review

Los estudios sobre la infección fúngica invasiva (IFI) por Mucor spp. en pacientes pediátricos con patología hematooncológica, son de baja solidez científica, lo que dificulta conocer en profundidad sus características y evolución. Con el objetivo de analizar la evolución fatal de esos pacientes, se llevó a cabo esta revisión sistemática (RS). Material y métodos: La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó con fecha 23 de marzo de 2023, en las principales bases de datos (Medline (a través de Pubmed), Embase (a través de Embase-Elsevier), The Cochrane Library (a través de Wiley), Cinahl (a través de Ebsco HOST), SCI-EXPANDED, SciELO (a través de la WOS) y Scopus (a través de Scopus-Elsevier), libre (mediante el motor Google) y revisando las citas de los artículos incluidos. Resultados: Se rescataron 1393 artículos, de los cuales se descartaron 1386 por diversas razones. Mediante el análisis de los textos completos, finalmente se incluyeron 7 estudios. Todos los estudios eran series de casos (nivel 4). La mediana de la frecuencia de muerte observada fue de 36,6% (Q1 20% - Q347%). Conclusiones: Esta RS mostró en niños con patología hemato-oncológica, que la mortalidad por IFI por Mucor spp. alcanzó a casi un tercio de los pacientes (AU)

Studies on invasive fungal infection (IFI) by Mucor spp. in pediatric patients with cancer have a low level of evidence, which makes it difficult to elucidate its characteristics and progression. To analyze the fatal outcome of these patients, this systematic review (SR) was conducted. Material and methods: A literature search was carried out on March 23, 2023, in the following main databases (Medline (via Pubmed), Embase (via Embase-Elsevier), The Cochrane Library (via Wiley), Cinahl (via Ebsco HOST), SCI-EXPANDED, SciELO (via the WOS) and Scopus (via Scopus-Elsevier). Additionally, a complementary search was carried out using free search engines (such as Google) and by reviewing the references of the included articles. Results: A total of 1393 articles were retrieved, of which 1386 were excluded for various reasons. After a thorough analysis of the full-text articles, 7 studies were ultimately included in the review. All studies were case series (level 4). The median observed death rate was 36.6% (IQR, 20% - 47%). Conclusions: This SR showed that in children with hematological-oncological disease, mortality due to IFI by Mucor spp. affected almost one third of the patients (AU)

Importance of assessing biomarkers and physiological parameters of anemia-induced tissue hypoxia in the perioperative period

Abstract Anemia is associated with increased risk of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), stroke and mortality in perioperative patients. We sought to understand the mechanism(s) by assessing the integrative physiological responses to anemia (kidney, brain), the degrees of anemia-induced tissue hypoxia, and associated biomarkers and physiological parameters. Experimental measurements demonstrate a linear relationship between blood Oxygen Content (CaO2) and renal microvascular PO2 (y = 0.30x + 6.9, r2= 0.75), demonstrating that renal hypoxia is proportional to the degree of anemia. This defines the kidney as a potential oxygen sensor during anemia. Further evidence of renal oxygen sensing is demonstrated by proportional increase in serum Erythropoietin (EPO) during anemia (y = 93.806*10−0.02, r2= 0.82). This data implicates systemic EPO levels as a biomarker of anemia-induced renal tissue hypoxia. By contrast, cerebral Oxygen Delivery (DO2) is defended by a profound proportional increase in Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF), minimizing tissue hypoxia in the brain, until more severe levels of anemia occur. We hypothesize that the kidney experiences profound early anemia-induced tissue hypoxia which contributes to adaptive mechanisms to preserve cerebral perfusion. At severe levels of anemia, renal hypoxia intensifies, and cerebral hypoxia occurs, possibly contributing to the mechanism(s) of AKI and stroke when adaptive mechanisms to preserve organ perfusion are overwhelmed. Clinical methods to detect renal tissue hypoxia (an early warning signal) and cerebral hypoxia (a later consequence of severe anemia) may inform clinical practice and support the assessment of clinical biomarkers (i.e., EPO) and physiological parameters (i.e., urinary PO2) of anemia-induced tissue hypoxia. This information may direct targeted treatment strategies to prevent adverse outcomes associated with anemia.

Efectos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas sobre las plantas: revisión de la literatura / Effects of high homeopathic dilutions on plants: a review of the literature

Entre los supuestos no convencionales de la homeopatía, el uso de medicamentos en diluciones altas (HD, por sus siglas en inglés) es una causa de objeciones y escepticismo entre la comunidad científica, formada dentro del paradigma de la dependencia de la dosis de la farmacología clásica. La investigación que busca evidenciar los efectos de las HD homeopáticas recurre a varios modelos experimentales (in vitro, plantas y animales). Objetivo: Describir los resultados de estudios con alta calidad metodológica que han demostrado los efectos positivos de las HD homeopáticas sobre las plantas. Métodos: Tomando como fuente de referencia las revisiones publicadas hasta 2015, actualizamos la información añadiendo datos de estudios recientes incluidos en la base de datos PubMed. Resultados: De los 167 estudios experimentales analizados, 48 cumplieron los criterios mínimos de calidad metodológica, de los cuales 29 detectaron efectos específicos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas sobre las plantas mediante la comparación con controles adecuados. Conclusiones: A pesar de que la mayor parte de los experimentos presentaba una calidad metodológica por debajo del estándar, los estudios que emplearon sistemáticamente reproducibilidad y controles negativos demostraron indiscutibles efectos significativos de las HD homeopáticas sobre las plantas.

Among the non-conventional assumptions of homeopathy, the use of medicines in high dilutions (HD) is a cause for objections and skepticism among the scientific community, trained within the dose-dependency paradigm of classic pharmacology. Research aiming at evidencing the effects of homeopathic HD has resource to several experimental models (in vitro, plants and animals). Aim: To describe the results of studies with high methodological quality that demonstrated positive effects of homeopathic HD on plants. Methods: Taking reviews published until 2015 as reference source, we updated the information through addition of data from recent studies included in database PubMed. Results: From 167 experimental studies analyzed, 48 met the minimum criteria of methodological quality, from which 29 detected specific effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants through comparison to adequate controls. Conclusions: Despite the substandard methodological quality of most experiments, studies with systematic use of negative controls and reproducibility demonstrated significant indisputable effects of homeopathic HD on plants.

Estimulação Transcraniana para Transtornos do Sono: uma revisão sistemática / Transcranial Stimulation in Sleep Disorders: a systematic review / Estimulación Transcraneal para los Trastornos del Sueño: una revisión sistemática

Os transtornos do sono podem ter várias consequências para a cognição, comportamento e vida social das pessoas. No entanto, a terapia utilizada para avaliar e intervir nesses transtornos ainda não está consolidada. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a aplicabilidade e eficácia da estimulação transcraniana (ETCA / ETCC / EMTr) nos transtornos do sono. Foi realizada uma busca sistemática de acordo com as diretrizes do PRISMA nas bases de dados Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS e SciELO. Inicialmente, foram encontrados 448 artigos, de acordo com os critérios de elegibilidade. O banco de dados de evidências de fisioterapia (PEDro) foi utilizado para avaliar a qualidade metodológica dos 11 artigos finais. Em geral, os resultados indicam que há tanto relatos favoráveis quanto desfavoráveis à eficácia do uso terapêutico das técnicas de estimulação transcraniana nos transtornos do sono e, portanto, ainda se configura como uma questão em aberto, dependendo de múltiplos fatores metodológicos e conceituais.

Sleep disorders can have several consequences on people's cognition, behavior and social life. However, the therapy used to assess and intervene in these disorders is not yet consolidated. In this context, the aim of this study was to verify the applicability and effectiveness of transcranial stimulation (tACS / tDCS / rTMS) in sleep disorders. A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines in the Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases. Initially, 448 articles were found, according to the eligibility criteria. The physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) was used to assess the methodological quality of the 11 final articles. In general, the results indicate that there are both favorable and unfavorable reports on the effectiveness of the therapeutic use of transcranial stimulation techniques in sleep disorders and, therefore, it is still an open question, depending on multiple methodological and conceptual factors.

Trastornos del sueño pueden tener varias consecuencias para la cognición, el comportamiento y la vida social de las personas. La terapia utilizada para evaluar e intervenir en estos trastornos aún no está consolidada. En este contexto, el objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la aplicabilidad y efectividad de la estimulación transcraneal (ETCA / ETCC / EMTr) en los trastornos del sueño. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática según las guías PRISMA en las bases de datos Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS y SciELO. Inicialmente se encontraron 448 artículos, según los criterios de elegibilidad. Se utilizó la base de datos PEDro para evaluar la calidad metodológica de los 11 artículos finales. En general, los resultados indican que existen informes tanto favorables como desfavorables sobre la efectividad del uso terapéutico de las técnicas de estimulación transcraneal en los trastornos del sueño y, por tanto, sigue siendo una cuestión abierta, dependiendo de múltiples factores metodológicos y conceptuales.

A Clinical Analysis of Phlebolymphedema and Its Relationship with Physical Activity and Disability

Background: The clinical features and epidemiological data about patients with phebolymphedema or lymphedema related to Chronic Venous Disease in Mexico is limited and has been understudied; at the same time, the relationships between its clinical features, physical activity level and disability remained unknown. Methods: This is a longitudinal cohort study based on the analysis of clinical data of 90 patients gathered between 2021 and 2022. The statistical analysis was carried out using the software SPSS version 25 and GrandhPad Prism 8; a descriptive analysis was developed using measures of central tendency for the variables of a quantitative nature and frequency distribution for those categorical variables. The behavior of the variables was revealed through the Shapiro-Wilk statistic. The mean difference analysis was carried out with the Student’s T for independent samples. To identify the effect of gender, age, and severity of the disease on the study variables, a three-way analysis of variance was obtained with a Sidak comparison analysis. For the associations between qualitative and dichotomous nature variables, the Chi-Square statistic was obtained along with the odds ratio to determine the intensity of the relationships found. Results: A total of 90 patients were included in the analysis; 71% (64) were female and 29% (26) were male; with a mean age of 62.7 years old (± 30.5). A mean BMI of 33.2, 79.9% (77) of patients reached overweight and obesity ranges. 50% (45) of patients reported disability to perform one or more daily life activities related to the disease’s condition (signs, symptoms, volume). Only 12% (10) of all patients performed at or above the minimum physical activity recommended for their population group, and 88% (80) of patients had no physical activity or performed under the proper population group’s recommendation of minimal physical activity. It was found that the practice of physical activity, the number of compromised segments, the stage of the pathology, and the presence of cardiological and metabolic antecedents provide a statistically significant association with disability. Notable statistical difference among sex as a risk factor was not found. Regarding the BMI, the only differences were observed in the level of severity of the disease, regardless of the presence of any disability (p=0.006), evidencing that the greater the severity, the higher the BMI in both men and women. About physical activity, it is observed that inactivity or minimal practice of physical activity is a risk factor for referred disability (p<0.05), since it is prolonged that the non-practice of physical activity increases by 230% the chances of referring a disability associated to the disease compared to those people who referred to practice minimal or above minimal physical activity; the presence of a cardiological and/or metabolic history is related to an increase of about 150% to 180% of presenting disability compared to patients who do not have these pathologies. Conclusion: This study shows clinical and epidemiological features of phlebolymphedema and their relationship with the level of physical activity and reported disability of 90 patients. Further studies are needed to improve and broaden the understanding of the clinical characteristics of phlebolymphedema and its correlations.

Wild hosts and microscopic worlds: Investigating the morphology and surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis sp. in avian and non-human primate species

@#Blastocystis is a prevalent infectious agent found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. While the morphology of Blastocystis has been extensively studied, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on its ultrastructure, especially regarding surface characteristics and their correlation with pathogenic potential. Additionally, the subtyping of Blastocystis does not provide information on the isolate’s pathogenicity. This study aimed to examine the morphology and the cell surface of Blastocystis in avian and non-human primates, including peafowl, pheasant, and lion-headed tamarin. By employing light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), this study provides the first evidence of the cellular and surface features of Blastocystis in these animal species. Our findings revealed distinct variations in cell size, shape, and surface morphology among the different host species. Notably, the isolates from peafowl exhibited larger cell sizes compared to the isolates from the pheasant. However, interestingly, both animal species were found to exhibit the same Blastocystis ST6. It was also observed that the surface structure of Blastocystis from different hosts displayed a diverse range of patterns, including mesh-like appearances, deep indentations, and attachments to bacteria. Additionally, findings also revealed the presence of a rough surface structure in peafowl, a characteristic that has been previously linked to pathogenicity and symptomatic infection in animals, as indicated by earlier studies. The findings contribute to our understanding of the morphological features and the surface characteristic of Blastocystis in different host species, shedding light on the parasite’s adaptations and potential implications for host health.

Dietary phytate induces subclinical mechanical allodynia in mice

Neuropathic pain is a condition with varying origins, including reduced dietary micronutrient intake. Phytate is a polyphosphate found in seeds and grains that can act as an antinutrient due to the ability of sequester essential divalent metals. Here we tested whether moderate dietary phytate intake could alter nociceptive pain. We subjected weaning mice to a chow supplemented with 1% phytate for eight weeks. Body weight gain, glycemic responses, food ingestion, water ingestion, and liver and adipose tissue weights were not altered compared to controls. We observed a decreased mechanical allodynia threshold in the intervention group, although there were no changes in heat- or cold-induced pain. Animals consuming phytate showed reduced spinal cord tumor necrosis factor (TNF), indicating altered inflammatory process. These data provide evidence for a subclinical induction of mechanical allodynia that is independent of phytate consumption in animals with otherwise normal phenotypic pattern.

Gender-based incidence, recovery period, and mortality rate of COVID-19 among the population of district Attock, Pakistan / Incidência baseada em gênero, período de recuperação e taxa de mortalidade de COVID-19 entre a população do distrito de Attock, Paquistão

Abstract COVID-19 is reported as an extremely contagious disease with common symptoms of fever, dry cough, sore throat, and tiredness. The published literature on incidence and gender-wise prevalence of COVID-19 is scarce in Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare the distribution, incubation period and mortality rate of COVID-19 among the male and female population of district Attock. The data were collected between 01 April 2020 and 07 December 2020 from the population of district Attock, Pakistan. A total of 22,962 individuals were screened and 843 were found positive for RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2. The confirmed positive cases were monitored carefully. Among the positive cases, the incidence of COVID-19 was 61.7% among males and 38.2% among females. The average recovery period of males was 18.89±7.75 days and females were 19±8.40 days from SARS-CoV-2. The overall mortality rate was 8.06%. The death rate of male patients was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to female patients. Also, the mortality rate was higher (P<0.05) in male patients of 40-60 years of age compared to female patients of the same age group. Moreover, the mortality rate significantly increased (P<0.05) with the increase of age irrespective of gender. In conclusion, the incidence and mortality rate of COVID-19 is higher in males compared to the female population. Moreover, irrespective of gender the mortality rate was significantly lower among patients aged <40 years.

Resumo Covid-19 é relatada como uma doença extremamente contagiosa com sintomas comuns de febre, tosse seca, dor de garganta e cansaço. A literatura publicada sobre incidência e prevalência de Covid-19 com base no gênero é escassa no Paquistão. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar a distribuição, o período de incubação e a taxa de mortalidade de Covid-19 entre a população masculina e feminina do distrito de Attock. Os dados foram coletados entre 1 de abril de 2020 e 7 de dezembro de 2020 da população do distrito de Attock, Paquistão. Um total de 22.962 indivíduos foi selecionado, e 843 foram considerados positivos para RT-qPCR para SARS-CoV-2. Os casos positivos confirmados foram monitorados cuidadosamente. Entre os casos positivos, a incidência de Covid-19 foi de 61,7% no sexo masculino e 38,2% no feminino. O período médio de recuperação dos homens foi de 18,89 ± 7,75 dias e das mulheres 19 ± 8,40 dias do SARS-CoV-2. A mortalidade geral foi de 8,06%. A taxa de mortalidade de pacientes do sexo masculino foi significativamente maior (P < 0,05) em comparação com pacientes do sexo feminino. Além disso, a taxa de mortalidade foi maior (P < 0,05) em pacientes do sexo masculino com 40-60 anos de idade em comparação com pacientes do sexo feminino da mesma faixa etária. Além disso, a taxa de mortalidade aumentou significativamente (P < 0,05) com o aumento da idade, independentemente do sexo. Em conclusão, a incidência e a taxa de mortalidade de Covid-19 são maiores no sexo masculino em comparação com a população feminina. E também, independentemente do sexo, a taxa de mortalidade foi significativamente menor entre os pacientes com idade < 40 anos.

Comparative analysis of various sources of selenium on the growth performance and antioxidant status in broilers under heat stress / Análise comparativa de várias fontes de selênio no desempenho de crescimento e status antioxidante em frangos de corte sob estresse térmico

Abstract The supplementation of Selenium-enriched probiotics is effective in reducing oxidative stress and maintaining meat quality stability in broiler chicken especially under heat stress. An experimental study was conducted to perform Comparative analysis of Selenium yeast with inorganic Se in broilers under heat stress. A total of 120 broilers chicks of one day were assigned to 4 groups each consisting 30 chicks fed on same basal diet but different selenium sources. The basal diet of group D1 was not supplemented with Se source (Negative control), group D2 basal diet was supplemented with inorganic selenium (Sodium selenite 0.22mg/Kg starter phase and 0.15mg/Kg finisher phase), group D3 basal diet was supplemented with commercially available organic selenium (Seleno-methionine 0.22mg/Kg starter phase and 0.15mg/Kg finisher phase) and group D4 basal diet was supplemented with self-developed organic selenium (Se-enriched yeast 0.22mg/Kg starter phase and 0.15mg/Kg finisher phase). The performance parameters i.e. feed intake (FI), live body weight (BW) and FCR were not significantly (p>0.05) effected by selenium supplementation in the starter phase but were significantly (p<0.05) effected in the finisher phase. Selenium supplementation significantly (p<0.05) effected serum Se level in different supplemented groups. Higher serum Se value (58.20±0.06) was recorded in D4 group. Similarly significantly lower selenium value was recorded for D4 and higher was recorded for D1 (11.36±0.08). However lower serum Paraoxonase (PON) value was recorded for D4 (13.24±0.01) and higher for D1 (13.33±0.03). Comparatively self-developed Se enriched yeast increased the Se accumulation and improved antioxidant system. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was found higher in D4 (12.333±0.03) followed by D3, D2 and D1 respectively. Whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly lower (p<0.05) in D4 (0.1437±0.003) followed by D3 (0.1457±0.002). Selenium supplementation increased the bird's survival rate. Birds fed on Se enriched yeast showed higher Se deposition and better antioxidant capacity as compared to other sources of selenium. Se-enriched yeast displayed an improved result on Se deposition in tissues, and oxidative capacity, meat tenderness and immune response level as compared to other sources of selenium.

Resumo A suplementação de probióticos enriquecidos com selênio é eficaz na redução do estresse oxidativo e na manutenção da estabilidade da qualidade da carne em frangos de corte, especialmente sob estresse por calor. Um estudo experimental foi conduzido para realizar uma análise comparativa da levedura selênio com o Se inorgânico em frangos de corte sob estresse térmico. Um total de 120 pintos de um dia foi dividido em 4 grupos, cada um consistindo de 30 pintos alimentados com a mesma dieta basal, mas com diferentes fontes de selênio. A dieta basal do grupo D1 não foi suplementada com fonte de Se (controle negativo), a dieta basal do grupo D2 foi suplementada com selênio inorgânico (selenito de sódio 0,22 mg / kg fase inicial e 0,15 mg / kg fase finalizadora), a dieta basal do grupo D3 foi suplementada com selênio orgânico disponível comercialmente (fase inicial de seleno-metionina 0,22 mg / kg e fase finalizadora de 0,15 mg / kg) e a dieta basal do grupo D4 foi suplementada com selênio orgânico autodesenvolvido (fermento enriquecido com Se 0,22 mg / kg fase inicial e 0,15 mg / kg fase finalizadora). Os parâmetros de desempenho, ou seja, consumo de ração (FI), peso corporal vivo (PC) e FCR não foram significativamente (p > 0,05) afetados pela suplementação de selênio na fase inicial, mas foram significativamente (p < 0,05) afetados na fase final. A suplementação de selênio afetou significativamente (p < 0,05) o nível de Se sérico em diferentes grupos suplementados. O maior valor de Se sérico (58,20 ± 0,06) foi registrado no grupo D4. Da mesma forma, valor de selênio significativamente menor foi registrado para D4 e maior foi registrado para D1 (11,36 ± 0,08). No entanto, um valor mais baixo de Paraoxonase (PON) sérica foi registrado para D4 (13,24 ± 0,01) e mais alto para D1 (13,33 ± 0,03). A levedura enriquecida com Se comparativamente autodesenvolvida aumentou o acúmulo de Se e melhorou o sistema antioxidante. A glutationa peroxidase (GPx) foi encontrada maior em D4 (12,333 ± 0,03) seguido por D3, D2 e ​​D1 respectivamente. Enquanto a superóxido dismutase (SOD) foi significativamente menor (p < 0,05) em D4 (0,1437 ± 0,003) seguido por D3 (0,1457 ± 0,002). A suplementação de selênio aumentou a taxa de sobrevivência da ave. Aves alimentadas com levedura enriquecida com Se apresentaram maior deposição de Se e melhor capacidade antioxidante em comparação com outras fontes de selênio. A levedura enriquecida com Se apresentou um resultado melhorado na deposição de Se nos tecidos, capacidade oxidativa, maciez da carne e nível de resposta imune em comparação com outras fontes de selênio.