Acute abdomen following COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review.

Purpose: Conduct a systematic review of case reports and case series regarding the development of acute abdomen following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, to describe the possible association and the clinical and demographic characteristics in detail. Materials and Methods: This study included case report studies and case series that focused on the development of acute abdomen following COVID-19 vaccination. Systematic review studies, literature, letters to the editor, brief comments, and so forth were excluded. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched until June 15, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of the study. Descriptive data were presented as frequency, median, mean, and standard deviation. Results: Seventeen clinical case studies were identified, evaluating 17 patients with acute abdomen associated with COVID-19 vaccination, which included acute appendicitis (n=3), acute pancreatitis (n=9), diverticulitis (n=1), cholecystitis (n=2), and colitis (n=2). The COVID-19 vaccine most commonly linked to acute abdomen was Pfizer-BioNTech (messenger RNA), accounting for 64.71% of cases. Acute abdomen predominantly occurred after the first vaccine dose (52.94%). All patients responded objectively to medical (88.34%) and surgical (11.76%) treatment and were discharged within a few weeks. No cases of death were reported. Conclusion: Acute abdomen is a rare complication of great interest in the medical and surgical practice of COVID-19 vaccination. Our study is based on a small sample of patients; therefore, it is recommended to conduct future observational studies to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this association.

Systemic lupus erythematosus following COVID-19 vaccination. A systematic review of case reports and case series.

OBJECTIVE: Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 reduced morbidity and mortality rates due to COVID-19 worldwide. However, several adverse effects have been documented and of great interest such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of case reports and case series describing the development of SLE following COVID-19 against vaccination. METHODS: Case report and case series studies were included. Systematic reviews, narratives, letters to the editor, correspondence, etc. were excluded. A selective bibliographic search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. In addition, the Web of Science platform was consulted. The Joanna Brigs Institute (JBI) tool was used to assess the risk of bias and quality of the studies. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23.0 was used for the formal analysis of the descriptive data. RESULTS: 12 studies met the eligibility criteria and reported a total of 16 patients. The mean age was 42.4 ± 18.69 years. A slight predominance of post-vaccination SLE was observed in females (females (n = 9) and males (n = 7). A higher association was found with Pfizer-BioNTech-162b2 vaccine (75%), followed by Sinopharm (12.5%), Moderna (6.25%). and AstraZeneca (6.25%) vaccines. Most cases were associated with the first dose (56.25%), followed by the second dose (37.5%) and only one case associated with the third dose. The number of days elapsed from vaccine administration to the appearance of the first clinical manifestations was between 1 and 30 days. Mainly there was involvement of the musculoskeletal and cutaneous system. All patients responded well to treatment with good evolution and there was no case of death. CONCLUSION: Cases of SLE associated with COVID-19 vaccination against are infrequent. However, clinical monitoring is recommended for persons receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, mainly those receiving the first dose and the Pfizer-BioNTech-162b2 vaccine.

Semiparametric generalized estimating equations for repeated measurements in cross-over designs.

A model for cross-over designs with repeated measures within each period was developed. It was obtained using an extension of generalized estimating equations that includes a parametric component to model treatment effects and a non-parametric component to model time and carry-over effects; the estimation approach for the non-parametric component is based on splines. A simulation study was carried out to explore the model properties. Thus, when there is a carry-over effect or a functional temporal effect, the proposed model presents better results than the standard models. Among the theoretical properties, the solution is found to be analogous to weighted least squares. Therefore, model diagnostics can be made by adapting the results from a multiple regression. The proposed methodology was implemented in the data sets of the cross-over experiments that motivated the approach of this work: systolic blood pressure and insulin in rabbits.

Diversidad bacteriana en el biocátodo reductor de Cr(VI) de una Celda de Combustible Microbiana con puente salino / Bacterial diversity in the Cr(VI) reducing biocathode of a Microbial Fuel Cell with salt bridge

Although Cr(VI)-reducing and/or tolerant microorganisms have been investigated, there is no detailed information on the composition of the microbial community of the biocathode microbial fuel cell for Cr(VI) reduction. In this investigation, the bacterial diversity of a biocathode was analyzed using 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. It was found that most bacteria belonged to phylum Proteobacteria (78.8%), Firmicutes (7.9%), Actinobacteria (6.6%) and Bacteroidetes (5.5%), commonly present in environments contaminated with Cr(VI). The dominance of the genus Pseudomonas (34.87%), followed by the genera Stenotrophomonas (5.8%), Shinella (4%), Papillibacter (3.96%), Brevundimonas (3.91%), Pseu-dochrobactrum (3.54%), Ochrobactrum (3.49%), Hydrogenophaga (2.88%), Rhodococcus (2.88%), Fluviicola (2.35%), and Alcaligenes (2.3%), was found. It is emphasized that some genera have not previously been associated with Cr(VI) reduction. This biocathode from waters contaminated with tannery effluents was able to remove Cr(VI) (97.83%) in the cathodic chamber. Additionally, through use of anaerobic sludge in the anodic chamber, the removal of 76.6% of organic matter (glucose) from synthetic waste water was achieved. In this study, an efficient biocathode for the reduction of Cr(VI) with future use in bioremediation, was characterized.

Aunque se ha investigado sobre los microorganismos reductores y/o tolerantes de Cr(VI), no hay información detallada sobre la composición de la comunidad microbiana del cátodo de una Celda de Combustible Microbiana para la reducción de Cr(VI). En esta investigación se analizó la diversidad bacteriana de un biocátodo usando pirosecuenciación 454 del gen 16S rRNA. Se encontró que la mayoría de las bacterias pertenecieron a los filos Proteobac-teria (78,8%), Firmicutes (7,9%), Actinobacteria (6,6%) y Bacteroidetes (5,5%), comúnmente presentes en ambientes contaminados con Cr(VI). Se encontró como género dominante a Pseudomonas (34,87%), seguido por los géneros Stenotrophomonas (5,8%), Shinella (4%), Papil-libacter (3,96%), Brevundimonas (3,91%), Pseudochrobactrum (3,54%), Ochrobactrum (3,49%), Hydrogenophaga (2,88%), Rhodococcus (2,88%), Fluviicola (2,35%) y Alcaligenes (2,3%). Se destaca que algunos géneros no han sido previamente asociados con la reducción de Cr(VI). Este biocátodo procedente de aguas contaminadas con efluentes de curtiembres fue capaz de remover Cr(VI) (97,83%) en la cámara catódica. Adicionalmente, a través del uso de lodo anaeróbico en la cámara anódica, se logró la remoción del 76,6% de materia orgánica (glucosa) a partir de agua residual sintética. En este estudio se caracterizó un eficiente biocátodo para la reducción de Cr(VI) con futuro uso en biorremediación.

Bacterial diversity in the Cr(VI) reducing biocathode of a Microbial Fuel Cell with salt bridge.

Although Cr(VI)-reducing and/or tolerant microorganisms have been investigated, there is no detailed information on the composition of the microbial community of the biocathode microbial fuel cell for Cr(VI) reduction. In this investigation, the bacterial diversity of a biocathode was analyzed using 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. It was found that most bacteria belonged to phylum Proteobacteria (78.8%), Firmicutes (7.9%), Actinobacteria (6.6%) and Bacteroidetes (5.5%), commonly present in environments contaminated with Cr(VI). The dominance of the genus Pseudomonas (34.87%), followed by the genera Stenotrophomonas (5.8%), Shinella (4%), Papillibacter (3.96%), Brevundimonas (3.91%), Pseudochrobactrum (3.54%), Ochrobactrum (3.49%), Hydrogenophaga (2.88%), Rhodococcus (2.88%), Fluviicola (2.35%), and Alcaligenes (2.3%), was found. It is emphasized that some genera have not previously been associated with Cr(VI) reduction. This biocathode from waters contaminated with tannery effluents was able to remove Cr(VI) (97.83%) in the cathodic chamber. Additionally, through use of anaerobic sludge in the anodic chamber, the removal of 76.6% of organic matter (glucose) from synthetic waste water was achieved. In this study, an efficient biocathode for the reduction of Cr(VI) with future use in bioremediation, was characterized.

Volatile and sensory characterization of roast coffees - Effects of cherry maturity.

Immature coffee cherries produce roast coffees with lower hedonic scores than those produced from mature cherries, but variation in volatile and sensory characteristics over a range of maturities is not well studied. In this work, cherries from two coffee cultivars (Caturra, Catimor) were sorted into seven maturity stages from fully immature (Stage 1, green) to fully overripe (Stage 7, purple). Volatile profiles of Stage 1 roast coffee had lower concentrations of carbohydrate degradation products and higher concentrations of N-heterocycles and phenols. Differences in volatiles among Stage 2 (partially immature, yellow-green) and subsequent stages were insignificant (p > 0.05) or else minor. Principle component analysis of the volatile data set also distinguished Stage 1 from other stages. Similarly, a trained cupping panel reported significantly lower sensory scores for Stage 1 as compared to Stages 2-7, but few differences among Stages 2-7. Thus, partially mature and overripe cherries may be appropriate for specialty coffee.

The assessment of pharmacoeconomic studies quality of Levodopa's use for the management of Parkinson's diseases, 2010-2015 / Evaluación de la calidad de estudios farmacoeconómicos del uso de Levodopa para el manejo de la enfermedad de Parkinson, 2010-2015

SUMMARY Levodopa (LD) has been the first choice in the management of Parkinson's disease (PD), since its introduction in the drug market; however, its prolonged use is related to the occurrence of motor complications, affecting the functionality and quality of life. Parkinson's disease is one of the most frequent among the neurodegenerative diseases in the world, and it is expected that the number of people who suffer it, will increase due to global population aging. The PD represents, nowadays and for the future, a high economic burden from all perspectives, including patients, payers, and society. So it is necessary to know about the use of LD in its treatment and to realize the quality of pharmacoeconomic studies in the past five years, to identify reliable sources of information related to the costs and benefits of this medication to contribute in making decisions. The aim of this paper is to assess the methodological quality of pharmacoeconomic studies related to the use of LD in PD, specifically those that are identified as cost-utility studies, applying the QHES instrument. A total of19 articles were found, of which 5 met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to examination. The average overall score obtained after the evaluation was 77.2 out of 100, making evident a good quality of studies according to the method used.

RESUMEN La Levodopa (LD) ha sido desde su introducción en el mercado la primera elección en el manejo de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP); sin embargo, su uso prolongado está relacionado con la aparición de complicaciones motoras, afectándose la funcionalidad y calidad de vida. La EP es una de las enfermedades neurodegenerativas que se presenta con mayor frecuencia en el mundo y se espera que el número de personas que la padecen aumente, debido al envejecimiento poblacional a nivel mundial. La EP representa, actualmente y a futuro, una alta carga económica desde todas las perspectivas, incluyendo: pacientes, pagadores y la sociedad; por lo cual es necesario conocer el uso de la LD en el tratamiento de la misma y lograr determinar la calidad de los estudios farmacoeconómicos realizados en los últimos cinco años, para identificar fuentes fiables de información relacionadas con los costos y los beneficios de este medicamento que aporten en la toma de decisiones. El objetivo de este artículo es evaluar la calidad metodológica de los estudios farmacoeconómicos relacionados con el uso de la LD en la EP, específicamente aquellos que se cataloguen como estudios de costo-utilidad, aplicando el instrumento QHES. Se encontraron en total 19 artículos, de los cuales cinco cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y fueron sometidos al respectivo análisis. El puntaje global promedio obtenido posterior a la evaluación fue de 77,2 sobre 100, haciendo evidente una buena calidad de los estudios de acuerdo con el método utilizado.

Food Leftover Practices among Consumers in Selected Countries in Europe, South and North America.

Foodborne illnesses may be related to many food production factors with home practices of consumers playing an important role in food safety. Consumer behavior for handling food leftovers has been studied, however little work on comparisons among countries has been published. The objective of this study was to investigate home food leftover practices of people from North American, South American, and European countries. Surveys were conducted with approximately 100 or more consumers in Argentina, Colombia, the United States, Estonia, Italy, Russia, and Spain. The participants responded to questions related to the length of time different types of food leftovers; such as meat, fresh salads, or restaurant dishes would be kept refrigerated or would be left at room temperature before refrigeration. Researchers also investigated how consumers would determine if the food was still safe for consumption. Potentially risky behaviors were observed in all seven countries. For instance, 55.8% of Estonians, 25% of Russians and 25.8% of Argentinean participants left food out at room temperature for several hours before storing in the refrigerator. Furthermore, 25%-29% of Colombian, Estonian, and Spanish consumers would look, smell, and taste leftovers to determine its probable safety. Correct handling of leftovers is an important aspect of consumer food safety. Although the surveys cannot be representative of all consumers in each country, they do provide an initial overview of comparative practices for handling leftovers among different countries. This provides government and educators with information on potential universal and unique consumer food safety issues related to handling leftover foods among various countries.

Consumer practices for purchase, storage, and preparation of poultry and eggs in selected north and South American countries: a pilot study / Comportamiento de los consumidores durante la compra, almacenamiento y preparación de carne de ave y huevos en países seleccionados de Norte y Sur América: un estudio piloto

Background: Poultry, eggs, and their products represent a potential food safety hazard. Although consumer practices related to these foods have been studied in various countries, little data exists from Latin America. Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to provide initial data to characterize consumers' purchase, storage, handling, and preparation of poultry products and eggs in three countries: Argentina, Colombia, and USA. Methods: Consumers (n = 425 total) in each location completed a questionnaire about poultry products and egg purchase locations, storage conditions (i.e. refrigerator or freezer), preparation and handling practices, and managing leftovers. Results: The results indicated that in the USA most surveyed consumers purchased refrigerated eggs, whereas in Argentina (91%) and Colombia (84%) eggs typically were purchased at room temperature. Furthermore, almost all consumers in the USA stored eggs in the refrigerator, but 23% of Argentinian and 45.9% of Colombian consumers stored eggs at room temperature, which is potentially an unsafe practice. Some practices supported possible cross-contamination, for example washing raw eggs and poultry prior to cooking. Conclusions: These results are a first comparison across countries in the Americas of consumer poultry and egg practices and can serve as the basis for further research and development of food safety educational messages.

Antecedentes: Aves de corral, huevos, y sus productos representan un potencial peligro en la seguridad alimentaria. Prácticas de consumo relacionadas con estos alimentos han sido estudiadas en varios países, pero pocos datos existen de Latinoamérica. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio piloto fue proveer información de manera de caracterizar la compra, almacenaje, y preparación de aves de corral y huevos en tres países: Argentina, Colombia, y Estados Unidos. Métodos: Consumidores (n=425 en total) en cada locación, completaron cuestionarios acerca del comercio de compra de aves de corral y huevos, condiciones de almacenamiento (e.j. refrigerador o freezer), preparación y prácticas de manipulación, y manipulación de sobras. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron que en Estados Unidos, la mayoría de los consumidores encuestados adquiere huevos almacenados en refrigeración, mientras que en Argentina (91%) y Colombia (84%) los huevos adquiridos estaban almacenados a temperatura ambiente. Asimismo, casi la totalidad de los consumidores en Estados Unidos almacenan los huevos en refrigeración, mientras que un 23% y un 45.9% de consumidores Argentinos y Colombianos, respectivamente almacenan huevos a temperatura ambiente, lo cual potencialmente significa una práctica no segura. Algunas prácticas sostienen posible contaminación cruzada, por ejemplo el lavado de aves y huevos previos a la cocción. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran una primera comparación entre países de América sobre las prácticas de consumo de aves de corral y huevos, que servirán como base para futuras investigaciones y desarrollos de mensajes educacionales sobre seguridad alimentaria.

Causas que contribuyen a la pérdida del trasplante renal de donante cadavérico en la Fundación Surcolombiana de Trasplantes. Febrero 2007 a noviembre de 2012, Neiva, Colombia / Factors contributing to the loss of deceased donor kidney at Fundación Surcolombiana de Trasplantes. February 2007-November 2012, Neiva, Colombia

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) es una patología prevalente, y el trasplante renal es la alternativa para mejorar la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Buscamos identificar las causas que contribuyen a la pérdida del trasplante renal a fin de mejorar el protocolo de manejo en nuestra población. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en pacientes con trasplante renal (donante cadavérico) del Hospital Universitario de Neiva, Colombia, seguimiento a un año. Los datos se procesaron en STATA 11.1, se aplicó un análisis univariado, odds ratio (OR), IC 95% y la prueba de Fisher con significación p < 0,05. Resultados: Un total de 160 pacientes, el 49,38% con hipertensión arterial (HTA) y diabetes mellitus (DM) como causa de ERC. Incidencia de fracaso del 20%. Probables causas de pérdida del trasplante: edad mayor de 60 años (OR: 2,3), tiempo de isquemia fría mayor de 13 h (OR: 2), edad del donante mayor a 50 años (OR: 2,8). Complicaciones al primer mes: urológicas (OR: 3,3), vasculares (OR: 4), rechazo agudo (OR: 3,3). Al sexto mes: vasculares (OR: 45), urológicas (OR: 3,3), infecciosas (OR: 2,8). Al año: rechazo agudo (OR: 11,3), nefropatía crónica del injerto (OR: 15,3) e infecciosas (OR: 9,4). Conclusiones: La HTA y la DM son las principales etiologías de ERC. Las causas de fracaso de trasplante renal fueron vasculares e infecciosas. Se sugirieron probables factores de riesgo de importancia estadística y clínica, pero es necesario un mayor tamaño de muestra para hacer más robusta la evidencia estadística. © 2013 Sociedad Colombiana de Anestesiología y Reanimación.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent dysfunction and renal transplant is the alternative for improving the lives of these patients. We seek to identify the factors that contribute to the loss of renal transplant in order to improve the management protocol in our population. Methodology: Retrospective cohort study in patients with renal transplantation (deceased donor) at Hospital Universitario de Neiva, Colombia, with a year of follow-up period. Data were processed in STATA 11.1, using univariate analysis, odds ratio (OR), (95% CI) and Fisher test, with p < 0.05 significance. Results: In 160 patients, 49.38% with arterial hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) as the cause for CKD, there was 20% failure incidence. Probable causes of transplant loss: age over 60 (OR: 2.3); time of cold ischemia greater than 13 h (OR: 2); donor age greater than 50(OR: 2.8). One-month complications: urologic (OR: 3.3), vascular (OR: 4), acute rejection (OR:3.3). Six-month complications: vascular (OR: 4.5), urologic (OR: 3.3), infectious (OR: 2.8). One-year complications: acute rejection (OR: 11.3), chronic graft nephropathy (OR: 15.3), infection (OR: 9.4). Conclusions: Arterial hypertension and DM are the main etiologies of CKD. The causes of renal transplant failure were mainly vascular and infectious. Probable risk factors of statistical and clinical importance were suggested but a larger sample size is required for more robust statistical evidence.

Tratamiento con radioterapia y quimioterapia: en pacientes con carcinoma de recto 10 años de evaluación / Treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with rectal carcinoma 10 years of evaluation

Analizar el resultado del tratamiento con radioterapia y quimioterapia con carcinoma rectal evaluando tolerancia, toxicidad, patrón de recurrencia y sobrevida. Se incluyeron 50 pacientes con carcinoma de recto. De ellos 33 recibieron tratamiento posoperatorio y 17 preoperatorio. El 64 por ciento recibió radioterapia a pelvis, 4500- 5540 cGy con fracciones de 180 cGy diarios durante 5-6 semanas concurrente con 5-Fluorouracilo 225 mg/m² en infusión contínua y 36 por ciento 5-Fluorouracilo en bolus con bajas dosis de leucovorina por 5 días consecutivos la primera y la cuarta semana de radioterapia. Las toxicidades grado 3 y 4 más fecuentes con 5-Fluorouracilo en infusión continua concurrente con radioterapia fueron diarrea y enteritis; en los tratados con 5-Fluorouracilo en bolus y leucovorina concurrente con radioterapia fueron diarrea, radiodermatitis y neutropenia. No hubo muertes asociadas al tratamiento. La mayoría de los pacientes eran estadio III. Al 60 por ciento se les realizó una resección anterior de recto. El porcentaje de recaídas locales fue 12 por ciento y a distancia 24 por ciento. Para el momento del análisis el 42 por ciento de los pacientes se encontraban vivos sin enfermedad. Las toxicidades más frecuentes fueron diarrea y enteritis. Se observó mayor toxicidad hematológica (neutropenia grado 3) en el grupo que recibió 5-Fluorouracilo en bolus más leucovorina. La recurrencia local fue similar a la presentada en la literatura con regímenes del tratamiento similares. La principal causa de falla del tratamiento fue la recaída a distancia.

To analyze the results of concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with rectal cancer, and evaluating the treatment tolerance, recurrence pattern, toxicity and survival. 50 patients with rectal carcinoma were included. 33 were treated postoperatively and 17 preoperatively. The 64 % received radiotherapy to the pelvis, 4500-5540 cGy for 5 to 6 weeks with daily 180 cGy fractions concurrent with 5-Fluorouracil 225 mg/m2 by protracted infusion and 36 % of them received radiotherapy concurrent with bolus 5-Fluorouracil with low dose leucovorin for 5 consecutive days, the first and fourth week of radiotherapy. The most frequent grade 3 and 4 toxicities with protracted infusion of 5-Fluorouracil were diarrhea and enteritis; in patients treated with bolus 5-Fluorouracil and low dose leucovorin diarrhea, radio dermatitis and neutropenia were seen. There were no toxic deaths associated with treatment. The majority of patients had stage III disease. The 60 % of patients underwent anterior rectal resection. The rate of local recurrence was 12 % and distant metastasis 24 %. At the time of the study analysis 42 % of the patients were alive without disease. The most common toxicities were diarrhea and enteritis. We observed more hematological toxicity (grade 3 neutropenia) in the group of patients treated with bolus 5-Fluorouracil and leucovorin. The rate of local recurrence was similar to the published data with the same regimens of treatment and the main cause of treatment failure was distant metastasis.