Translating Microbiome Research From and To the Clinic.

Extensive research has elucidated the influence of the gut microbiota on human health and disease susceptibility and resistance. We review recent clinical and laboratory-based experimental studies associating the gut microbiota with certain human diseases. We also highlight ongoing translational advances that manipulate the gut microbiota to treat human diseases and discuss opportunities and challenges in translating microbiome research from and to the bedside.

Urological Interconsultations to a Clinical Ethics Service in a Level-IV Hospital / Interconsultas urológicas a un Servicio de Ética Clínica en un hospital de IV nivel

Objetivo Los problemas éticos tienen una gran importancia en discusiones teóricas en la medicina, y este estudio tiene como objetivo caracterizar a los pacientes urológicos cuyos casos fueron motivos de consulta al Servicio de Ética Clínica (SEC) institucional de un hospital de IV nivel para comprender los dilemas éticos prevalentes en la práctica diaria de la urología y su abordaje. Materiales y Métodos Estudio descriptivo en el que se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de 20 pacientes urológicos interconsultados al SEC de un hospital de IV nivel. Se evaluó la frecuencia de las siguientes variables: diagnóstico, estadio funcional y clínico en el momento del diagnóstico, tiempo de evolución, tratamientos, y tipo de dilema ético motivo de la interconsulta. Resultados Desde enero de 2018, el SEC del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio ha respondido 1.123 interconsultas, y se vio un aumento significativo de las mismas en 2020 por razón de la pandemia de enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, en inglés). De estas interconsultas, solamente trece corresponden a pacientes con patología urológica de base, y siete, a compromiso urológico secundario. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue carcinoma de próstata en estadio IV, seguido de carcinoma urotelial avanzado. Predominó el tratamiento adecuado; solamente tres se diagnosticaron en ese momento, y no alcanzaron a recibir tratamiento. El principal dilema ético encontrado tuvo que ver con proporcionalidad al final de la vida, en dos casos, con respeto de la autonomía del paciente, incluida una solicitud de eutanasia. Conclusión El tamizaje establecido y los tratamientos efectivos tempranos se podrían reflejar en la baja frecuencia de situaciones clínicas extremas conducentes a la toma de decisiones al final de la vida, que serían dirigidas, entonces, ya sea a la reorientación del esfuerzo terapéutico, al plan de fin de vida, o a eutanasia.

Objective Ethical issues are extremely relevant in theoretical discussions in medicine, through the present article we intend to characterize patients with urologic conditions whose cases prompted consultations with the Clinical Ethics Service (CES) at a level-IV hospital in order to understand the prevalent ethical dilemmas encountered in the urological practice and their approach. Materials and Methods A descriptive study in which we performed a retrospective review of the clinical history of 20 urologic patients who were the subject of interconsultations with the CES of a level-IV hospital. We evaluated the frequency of the following variables: diagnosis, functional and clinical status at the time of the diagnosis, duration of disease evolution, and the type of ethical dilemma that prompted an interconsultation. Results Since January 2018, the CES at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio has received 1,123 interconsultation requests, and a significant increase in them has been observed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Out of these interconsultations, only thirteen corresponded to patients with a urological diagnosis, and seven involved secondary urological compromise. The most frequent diagnosis was stage-IV prostate cancer, followed by advanced urothelial carcinoma. Proper treatment prevailed; only three cases were diagnosed at this stage, and they could not receive treatment. The main ethical dilemma involved treatment proportionality, in two cases, regarding patient autonomy, including one euthanasia request. Conclusion The established screening methods and effective early treatments are could lead to a low frequency of extreme clinical situations in which decision have to be made at the en

Technical Advisory Group on Tuberculosis for the WHO European Region: report of the fourteenth meeting: 19–21 May 2020, virtual meeting hosted out of Copenhagen, Denmark

The fourteenth meeting of the European Technical Advisory Group on Tuberculosis Control (TAG-TB) was held on 19–21 May 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually, allowing for all participants to participate remotely. The objectives of the meeting were to (i) advise on prioritized actions to respond to TB, DR-TB and TB/HIV co-infection during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond; (ii) review the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the 13th meeting of the TAG-TB; (iii) review the final report of the implementation of the Tuberculosis Action Plan for the WHO European Region 2016–2020, the proposal for the extension of the plan, and the renewed Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (MAF); and (iv) advise on the new interventions, which WHO/Europe shall embark on and/or intensify its work to contribute to achieving a highest impact at population level and end tuberculosis in the Region.

Questioning Established Theories and Treatment Methods Related to Iron and Other Metal Metabolic Changes, Affecting All Major Diseases and Billions of Patients.

The medical and scientific literature is dominated by highly cited historical theories and findings [...].

Ethical issues and public communication in the development of cell-based treatments for COVID-19: Lessons from the pandemic.

The significant morbidity and mortality of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) prompted a global race to develop new therapies. These include interventions using cell- or cell-derived products, several of which are being tested in well-designed, properly controlled clinical trials. Yet, the search for cell-based COVID-19 treatments has also been fraught with hyperbolic claims; flouting of crucial regulatory, scientific, and ethical norms; and distorted communication of research findings. In this paper, we critically examine ethical issues and public communication challenges related to the development of cell-based therapeutics for COVID-19. Drawing on the lessons learned from this ongoing process, we argue against the rushed development of cell-based interventions. We conclude by outlining ways to improve the ethical conduct of cell-based clinical investigations and public communication of therapeutic claims.

Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of Covid-19 in Brazil: A systematic review / Diretrizes de prática clínica para o tratamento da Covid-19 no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática

Introdução: A Coronavirus Disease-2019 é uma doença infectocontagiosa que afeta o sistema respiratório, que surgiu na China e logo se espalhou pelo mundo. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade metodológica e transparência das Diretrizes de Prática Clínica brasileiras para o tratamento da Coronavirus Disease-2019. Materiais e Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática realizada em 2020 nas fontes de dados: MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, National Guideline Clearinghouse e Guidelines International Network, e sites do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, Sociedades Médicas Brasileiras, Conselhos de Medicina, Conselho Federal de Enfermagem e Conselho Federal de Fisioterapia. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica e da transparência das diretrizes ocorreu por meio do instrumento Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation, versão II, realizada por quatro autores. Resultados: Foram encontradas 33 diretrizes, das quais foram incluídas 14 para análise. Somente uma diretriz apresentou pontuações acima de 60% em todos os domínios. Entre os seis domínios, três apresentaram maiores pontuações: Escopo e finalidade, Envolvimento das partes interessadas e Clareza da apresentação. Discussão: Apesar da fragilidade metodológica, os autores se preocuparam em apresentar as recomendações de forma clara e concisa, através de informações-chave e opções terapêuticas que facilitam a tomada de decisão. Conclusão: As diretrizes brasileiras apresentaram baixa qualidade metodológica, em que somente uma diretriz foi recomendada e classificada com alta qualidade e transparência metodológica.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is an infectious disease affecting the respiratory tract, which emerged in China and spread rapidly throughout the world. Objective: To evaluate the methodological quality and transparency of Brazilian clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in 2020 on Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Scopus, LILACS, National Guideline Clearinghouse and Guidelines International Network databases, in addition to online searches on the Brazilian Ministry of Health, Brazilian Medical Association, Federal Council of Medicine, Federal Council of Nursing and Federal Council of Physical Therapy websites. The methodological quality and transparency of the guidelines were assessed using the second version of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument developed by four authors. Results: 33 guidelines were found of which 14 were included in the analysis. There was only one guideline that scored above 60% in all domains. Among the six domains, higher scores were found in the following three domains: scope and objective, stakeholder involvement and clarity of presentation. Discussion: Despite methodological weakness found, the authors were keen to provide clear and concise recommendations through key information and therapeutic options to facilitate decision making. Conclusions: Brazilian clinical practice guidelines were found to be of poor methodological quality, from which only one guideline was recommended and classified as to be of high methodological quality and transparency.

Introducción: La enfermedad por coronavirus (Covid-19) es una patología infecciosa que afecta al sistema respiratorio, la cual se originó en China y se extendió rápidamente por todo el mundo. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad metodológica y la transparencia de las guías de práctica clínica brasileñas para el tratamiento de la enfermedad por coronavirus (Covid-19). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática en 2020 en las bases de datos Medline (vía PubMed), Embase, Scopus, LILACS, National Guideline Clearinghouse y Guidelines International Network, además de consultas en los sitios web del Ministerio de Salud de Brasil, Asociación Médicas Brasileña, Consejo Federal de Medicina, Consejo Federal de Enfermería y Consejo Federal de Fisioterapia. La evaluación de la calidad metodológica y la transparencia de las guías se realizó con el instrumento Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE), segunda versión realizada por cuatro autores. Resultados: Se encontraron 33 guías, de las que se incluyeron 14 en el análisis. Hubo una sola guía que obtuvo una puntuación superior al 60% en todos los dominios. Entre los seis dominios, se presentaron puntuaciones más altas en los siguientes tres dominios: alcance y objetivo, participación de las partes interesadas y claridad de la presentación. Discusión: A pesar de la fragilidad metodológica, los autores se interesaron por presentar las recomendaciones de forma clara y concisa a través de información clave y opciones terapéuticas que faciliten la toma de decisiones. Conclusión: Las guías de práctica clínica brasileñas mostraron tener una baja calidad metodológica, de las que solamente una guía fue recomendada y clasificada como de alta calidad y transparencia metodológica.

Extracellular Vesicles in the Pathogenesis of Viral Infections in Humans.

Most cells can release extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane vesicles containing various proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and signaling molecules. The exchange of EVs between cells facilitates intercellular communication, amplification of cellular responses, immune response modulation, and perhaps alterations in viral pathogenicity. EVs serve a dual role in inhibiting or enhancing viral infection and pathogenesis. This review examines the current literature on EVs to explore the complex role of EVs in the enhancement, inhibition, and potential use as a nanotherapeutic against clinically relevant viruses, focusing on neurotropic viruses: Zika virus (ZIKV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Overall, this review's scope will elaborate on EV-based mechanisms, which impact viral pathogenicity, facilitate viral spread, and modulate antiviral immune responses.

COVID-19 and arrhythmias: relationship and risk / COVID-19 y arritmias: relación y riesgo

Resumen La pandemia por COVID-19 tiene relación con arritmias que ocurren a través de efectos directos en el miocardio o de efectos indirectos por los tratamientos que podrían ser útiles para detener al virus. Esta revisión muestra el mal pronóstico que confiere el antecedente de arritmias o el desarrollo de estas durante el curso de la enfermedad por COVID-19, el efecto proarrítmico de algunos tratamientos y las medidas de prevención y tratamiento en caso de presentar arritmias.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has a relationship with arrhythmias that occur through direct effects on the myocardium, or through indirect effects of the treatments that could be used in detaining the virus. In this review, it demonstrates the poor prognosis conferred by having a history of arrhythmias or the development of these during the course of the illness due to COVID-19, the proarrhythmic effect of some treatments, and the prevention measures, and treatment in cases presenting with arrhythmias.

Recommendations on the management of adult patients with rheumatic diseases in the context of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 infection. Colombian Association of Rheumatology / Recomendaciones sobre el manejo de pacientes adultos con enfermedades reumáticas en el contexto de la infección por SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Asociación Colombiana de Reumatología

RESUMEN Objetivo: Generar las recomendaciones para la atención de pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas que reciben terapias inmunomoduladoras e inmunosupresoras (fármacos convencionales, biológicos y moléculas pequeñas) durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Materiales y métodos: Las recomendaciones se realizaron utilizando el método Delphi como herramienta de acuerdo. Se conformó un panel de expertos con trayectoria académica y experiencia en investigación en reumatología. Se realizó la búsqueda de la literatura y se generó el cuestionario del ejercicio Delphi conformado por 42 preguntas. El grado de acuerdo se logró con el 80% de aprobación de los participantes. Resultados: Se conformó un grupo de 11 reumatólogos de 7 ciudades del país. La tasa de respuesta fue del 100% para las 3 rondas de consulta. En la primera ronda se logró acuerdo en 35 preguntas, en la segunda ronda 37 y en la tercera ronda se logró el acuerdo de las 42 preguntas. Conclusión: La recomendación para la mayoría de los tratamientos inmunomoduladores utilizados en reumatología es continuar con las terapias en pacientes que no tengan la infección y suspenderlas en aquellos con diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Objective: To produce recommendations for patients with rheumatological diseases receiving immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapies (conventional drugs, biologicals, and small molecules) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The recommendations were determined using the Delphi method as an agreement tool. A panel of experts was formed, with academic backgrounds and research experience in rheumatology. A literature search was conducted and 42 questions were generated. The level of agreement was made with 80% of approval by the participants. Results: A group of eleven rheumatologists from 7 cities in the country participated. The response rate was 100% for the three consultation rounds. In the first round, agreement was reached on 35 questions, on 37 in the second round, and on 42 questions in the third round. Conclusion: The recommendation for the majority of the pharmacological treatments used in rheumatology is to continue with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive therapies in patients who do not have the infection, and to suspend it in patients with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.