Carcinogenic effect of human tumor-derived cell-free filtrates in nude mice.

Cancer remains a worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. Investigational research efforts have included the administration of tumor-derived extracts to healthy animals. Having previously demonstrated that the administration of non-transmissible, human cancer-derived homogenates induced malignant tumors in mice, here, we examined the consequences of administering 50 or 100 µg of protein of crude homogenates from mammary carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and melanoma samples in 6 inoculations per week during 2 months. The concurrent control mice received homogenates of healthy donor-skin cosmetic surgery fragments. Mammary carcinoma homogenate administration did not provoke the deterioration or mortality of the animals. Multiple foci of lung adenocarcinomas with a broad expression of malignity histomarkers coexisting with small cell-like carcinomas were found. Disseminated cells, positive to classic epithelial markers, were detected in lymphoid nodes. The administration of pancreatic tumor and melanoma homogenates progressively deteriorated animal health. Pancreatic tumor induced poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinomas and pancreatic islet hyperplasia. Melanoma affected lungs with solid pseudopapillary adenocarcinomas. Giant atypical hepatocytes were also observed. The kidney exhibited dispersed foci of neoplastic cells within a desmoplastic matrix. Nuclear overlapping with hyperchromatic nuclei, mitotic figures, and prominent nuclear atypia was identified in epidermal cells. None of these changes were ever detected in the control mice. Furthermore, the incubation of zebrafish embryos with breast tumor homogenates induced the expression of c-Myc and HER-2 as tumor markers, contrasting to embryos exposed to healthy tissue-derived material. This study confirms and extends our hypothesis that tumor homogenates contain and may act as vectors for "malignancy drivers," which ultimately implement a carcinogenesis process in otherwise healthy mice.

Eco-friendly, compact, and cost-efficient triboelectric nanogenerator for renewable energy harvesting and smart motion sensing.

In recent years, the growth of Internet of Things devices has increased the use of sustainable energy sources. An alternative technology is offered by triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that can harvest green energy and convert it into electrical energy. Herein, we assessed three different nopal powder types that were used as triboelectric layers of eco-friendly and sustainable TENGs for renewable energy harvesting from environmental vibrations and powering electronic devices. These nanogenerators were fabricated using waste and recycled materials with a compact design for easy transportation and collocation on non-homogeneous surfaces of different vibration or motion sources. In addition, these TENGs have advantages such as high output performance, stable output voltage, lightweight, low-cost materials, and a simple fabrication process. These nanogenerators use the contact-separation mode between two triboelectric layers to convert the vibration energy into electrical energy. TENG with the best output performance is based on dehydrated nopal powder, generating an output power density of 2.145 mWm-2 with a load resistance of 39.97 MΩ under 3g acceleration and 25 Hz operating frequency. The proposed TENGs have stable output voltages during 22500 operating cycles. These nanogenerators can light 116 ultra-bright blue commercial LEDs and power a digital calculator. Also, the TENGs can be used as a chess clock connected to a mobile phone app for smart motion sensing. These nanogenerators can harvest renewable vibration energy and power electronic devices, sensors, and smart motion sensing.

Studying SARS-CoV-2 interactions using phage-displayed receptor binding domain as a model protein.

SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) mediates viral entry into human cells through its interaction with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Most neutralizing antibodies elicited by infection or vaccination target this domain. Such a functional relevance, together with large RBD sequence variability arising during viral spreading, point to the need of exploring the complex landscape of interactions between RBD-derived variants, ACE2 and antibodies. The current work was aimed at developing a simple platform to do so. Biologically active and antigenic Wuhan-Hu-1 RBD, as well as mutated RBD variants found in nature, were successfully displayed on filamentous phages. Mutational scanning confirmed the global plasticity of the receptor binding motif within RBD, highlighted residues playing a critical role in receptor binding, and identified mutations strengthening the interaction. The ability of vaccine-induced antibodies to inhibit ACE2 binding of many mutated RBD variants, albeit at different extents, was shown. Amino acid replacements which could compromise such inhibitory potential were underscored. The expansion of our approach could be the starting point for a large-scale phage-based exploration of diversity within RBD of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses, useful to understand structure-function relationships, to engineer RBD proteins, and to anticipate changes to watch during viral evolution.

Development of a scalable single process for producing SARS-CoV-2 RBD monomer and dimer vaccine antigens.

We have developed a single process for producing two key COVID-19 vaccine antigens: SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) monomer and dimer. These antigens are featured in various COVID-19 vaccine formats, including SOBERANA 01 and the licensed SOBERANA 02, and SOBERANA Plus. Our approach involves expressing RBD (319-541)-His6 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells, generating and characterizing oligoclones, and selecting the best RBD-producing clones. Critical parameters such as copper supplementation in the culture medium and cell viability influenced the yield of RBD dimer. The purification of RBD involved standard immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC), ion exchange chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography. Our findings suggest that copper can improve IMAC performance. Efficient RBD production was achieved using small-scale bioreactor cell culture (2 L). The two RBD forms - monomeric and dimeric RBD - were also produced on a large scale (500 L). This study represents the first large-scale application of perfusion culture for the production of RBD antigens. We conducted a thorough analysis of the purified RBD antigens, which encompassed primary structure, protein integrity, N-glycosylation, size, purity, secondary and tertiary structures, isoform composition, hydrophobicity, and long-term stability. Additionally, we investigated RBD-ACE2 interactions, in vitro ACE2 recognition of RBD, and the immunogenicity of RBD antigens in mice. We have determined that both the monomeric and dimeric RBD antigens possess the necessary quality attributes for vaccine production. By enabling the customizable production of both RBD forms, this unified manufacturing process provides the required flexibility to adapt rapidly to the ever-changing demands of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and different COVID-19 vaccine platforms.

[Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with abnormal birth of the coronary arteries]. / Miocardiopatía de Takotsubo asociada al nacimiento anómalo de las arterias coronarias.

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TM) is a form of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. It is characterized by transient regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle that mimics acute myocardial infarction. The main objective of this article is to report the case of a patient with TM associated with abnormal birth of the left coronary trunk. Clinical case: A 76-year-old woman with typical angina at rest, with an electrocardiogram that showed dynamic changes in the T wave and elevation of biomarkers. Coronary angiography showed epicardial coronary arteries without significant lesions and abnormal birth of the left coronary trunk from the proximal segment of the right coronary artery. The patient progressed favorably, and the transthoracic echocardiogram showed no mobility disorders 3 months after the event. Conclusions: TM and abnormal birth of the coronary arteries are rare diseases whose simultaneous presentation is extraordinary. The diagnosis of both clinical entities is made by coronary angiography and echocardiogram, and their treatment is similar to that of patients with acute coronary syndrome. Abnormal birth of the left coronary trunk with retroaortic switch reaching the contralateral site has a good clinical prognosis and echocardiographic follow-up should be performed 4 weeks after the onset of the condition.

Introducción: la miocardiopatía de Takotsubo (MT) es una forma de miocardiopatía no isquémica. Se caracteriza por la disfunción sistólica regional transitoria del ventrículo izquierdo que imita al infarto agudo de miocardio. El objetivo principal de este artículo es reportar el caso de una paciente con MT asociada al nacimiento anómalo del tronco coronario izquierdo. Caso clínico: paciente mujer de 76 años que presentó angina típica en reposo, con un electrocardiograma que evidenció cambios dinámicos en la onda T y elevación de biomarcadores. La coronariografía evidenció a las arterias coronarias epicárdicas sin lesiones significativas y el nacimiento anómalo del tronco coronario izquierdo proveniente del segmento proximal de la arteria coronaria derecha. La paciente evolucionó de manera favorable y el ecocardiograma transtorácico no mostró trastornos en la movilidad a los tres meses del evento. Conclusiones: la MT y el nacimiento anómalo de las arterias coronarias son enfermedades raras cuya presentación simultánea es extraordinaria. El diagnóstico de ambas entidades clínicas se realiza mediante la coronariografía y el ecocardiograma, y su tratamiento es similar al de los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo. El nacimiento anómalo del tronco coronario izquierdo con cruce retroaórtico que alcanza el sitio contralateral tiene un buen pronóstico y se debe realizar seguimiento clínico y ecocardiográfico a las cuatro semanas del inicio del padecimiento.

Diagnostic Hesitancy of Primary Care Physicians in Puerto Rico Toward Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Opportunities for Transformation.

OBJECTIVE: Migration of physicians in Puerto Rico makes it difficult to obtain specialized care for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Primary care physicians (PCPs) can fill this gap, but there is limited information on how their beliefs and behaviors towards ADRD affect early diagnostic practices. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), we addressed salient beliefs of PCPs that affect their intention to diagnose ADRD early, defined as "performing the recommended clinical testing to diagnose ADRD within 3 months from the patient's first subjective memory complaint". METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 103 Puerto Rican PCPs, surveyed at CME activities and online. We measured PCPs salient beliefs in terms of attitudes, pressure they feel from others, self-perception of ability to diagnose ADRD early, and intention to perform early diagnosis. Questionnaire measures were psychometrically acceptable. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis showed that, combined, framework constructs explained 35.7% of the variance, reflecting a moderate-to-strong intention of PCPs to diagnose early (R2 = 0.357, p < 0.001). Self-perception of skills was the strongest predictor of intention (ß= 0.378, p < 0.001). Hours in ADRD training and years of experience in medical practice were strongly correlated with the percentage of total diagnoses performed by PCPs. CONCLUSION: Training and years of experience may be key for PCPs to have a positive outlook of their skills for early ADRD diagnosis. Findings could be useful to design interventions to dispel myths about ADRD, reduce stigma, and reduce diagnostic hesitancy toward ADRD among PCPs.

Targeted Expression to Liver of an antimiR-33 Sponge as a Gene Therapy Strategy against Hypercholesterolemia: In Vitro Study.

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases in Mexico and worldwide. The membrane transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 are involved in the reverse transport of cholesterol and stimulate the HDL synthesis in hepatocytes, therefore the deficiency of these transporters promotes the acceleration of atherosclerosis. MicroRNA-33 (miR-33) plays an important role in lipid metabolism and exerts a negative regulation on the transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. It is known that by inhibiting the function of miR-33 with antisense RNA, HDL levels increase and atherogenic risk decreases. Therefore, in this work, a genetic construct, pPEPCK-antimiR-33-IRES2-EGFP, containing a specific antimiR-33 sponge with two binding sites for miR-33 governed under the PEPCK promoter was designed, constructed, and characterized, the identity of which was confirmed by enzymatic restriction, PCR, and sequencing. Hep G2 and Hek 293 FT cell lines, as well as a mouse hepatocyte primary cell culture were transfected with this plasmid construction showing expression specificity of the PEPCK promoter in hepatic cells. An analysis of the relative expression of miR-33 target messengers showed that the antimiR-33 sponge indirectly induces the expression of its target messengers (ABCA1 and ABCG1). This strategy could open new specific therapeutic options for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, by blocking the miR-33 specifically in hepatocytes.

Impact of plasma-activated water on the supramolecular structure and functionality of small and large starch granules.

Hydrothermal (HMT) and water agitation (WA) treatments using plasma-activated water (PAW) were employed as sustainable methods to modify the molecular and functional performance of small (rice) and large (potato) starch granules. HMT-PAW and WA-PAW treatments resulted in etched and damaged granular surfaces that rearranged the long and short-range crystallinity of the modified starches. Both treatments seemed to predominantly occur in the amorphous region of the rice starch and the crystalline regions of the potato starch, changing the crystallinity values from 22.9 and 14.8 % to 31.8 and 10.4 %, respectively. Thus, the level of the arrangement of chains reached after PAW treatment decreased the ability of rice starch granules to swell (16 to 9 %) and leach out starch molecules from the granules (4.5 to 1.3 %), decreasing the viscosity and pasting profiles as indicated by n and k values. Opposite behavior was observed in the modified potato starches since starch components leached out to a higher extent (1.7 to 5.4 %). The results showed that HMT and WA treatments using PAW are feasible eco-friendly methods for modifying starch granules without chemical reagents. These modified starches could be suitable as functional ingredients or biopolymeric matrices for the food and packaging industry.

Molecular reshaping of phage-displayed Interleukin-2 at beta chain receptor interface to obtain potent super-agonists with improved developability profiles.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) engineered versions, with biased immunological functions, have emerged from yeast display and rational design. Here we reshaped the human IL-2 interface with the IL-2 receptor beta chain through the screening of phage-displayed libraries. Multiple beta super-binders were obtained, having increased receptor binding ability and improved developability profiles. Selected variants exhibit an accumulation of negatively charged residues at the interface, which provides a better electrostatic complementarity to the beta chain, and faster association kinetics. These findings point to mechanistic differences with the already reported superkines, characterized by a conformational switch due to the rearrangement of the hydrophobic core. The molecular bases of the favourable developability profile were tracked to a single residue: L92. Recombinant Fc-fusion proteins including our variants are superior to those based on H9 superkine in terms of expression levels in mammalian cells, aggregation resistance, stability, in vivo enhancement of immune effector responses, and anti-tumour effect.

A Portable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Dehydrated Nopal Powder for Powering Electronic Devices.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) based on organic materials can harvest green energy to convert it into electrical energy. These nanogenerators could be used for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, substituting solid-state chemical batteries that have toxic materials and limited-service time. Herein, we develop a portable triboelectric nanogenerator based on dehydrated nopal powder (NOP-TENG) as novel triboelectric material. In addition, this nanogenerator uses a polyimide film tape adhered to two copper-coated Bakelite plates. The NOP-TENG generates a power density of 2309.98 µW·m-2 with a load resistance of 76.89 MΩ by applying a hand force on its outer surface. Furthermore, the nanogenerator shows a power density of 556.72 µW·m-2 with a load resistance of 76.89 MΩ and under 4g acceleration at 15 Hz. The output voltage of the NOP-TENG depicts a stable output performance even after 27,000 operation cycles. This nanogenerator can light eighteen green commercial LEDs and power a digital calculator. The proposed NOP-TENG has a simple structure, easy manufacturing process, stable electric behavior, and cost-effective output performance. This portable nanogenerator may power electronic devices using different vibration energy sources.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and previous natural disasters on the mental health of healthcare workers in Puerto Rico.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic worries (e.g., fear of contagion) and previous exposure to natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes) on Healthcare Workers (HCWs) mental health in Puerto Rico. Participants completed a self-administered online survey including items on sociodemographic information, working conditions, fears, and worries about the COVID-19 pandemic, past natural disaster experiences, depressive symptoms, and resilience. Logistic regressions models were performed to explain the relationship between depressive symptomatology and COVID-19 experiences and worries. 40.9% (n = 107) of the sample were classified as having some level (mild to severe) of depressive symptomatology (PHQ-8 ≥5). Results reflect normal to high levels of psychological resilience (BRS; M = 3.7, SD = 0.7). A significant association was found between depressive symptomatology and psychological resilience (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25-0.77). The odds of having depressive symptomatology were almost five times higher (OR = 4.79, 95% CI: 1.71-13.44) among those who reported emotional coping difficulties during the pandemic after experiencing a natural disaster compared to those that did not, when adjusting for psychological resilience and residence region. Despite normal to high psychological resilience levels, HCWs who reported emotional coping difficulties due to previous disasters were at risk of developing depressive symptomatology. Results suggest interventions to address the mental health of HCWs could benefit from considering other individual and environmental factors beyond resilience. Findings could inform future interventions to promote HCWs' well-being before, during, and after a natural disaster or pandemic outbreak.

Psychometric properties of the generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) in a sample of workers.

Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the GAD-7 by obtaining evidence of internal structure (dimensionality, precision and differential functioning of items) and association with external variables. Methods: A total of 2,219 protocols from three different studies conducted with Puerto Rican employees that administered the GAD-7 were selected for the current study. Item response theory modeling was used to assess internal structure, and linear association with external variables. Results: The items were adapted to a graduated response model, with high similarity in the discrimination and location parameters, as well as in the precision at the level of the items and in the total score. No violation of local independence and differential item functioning was detected. The association with convergent (work-related rumination) and divergent (work engagement, sex, and age) variables were theoretically consistent. Conclusion: The GAD-7 is a psychometrically robust tool for detecting individual variability in symptoms of anxiety in workers.

Review of the psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Spanish version in a sample of Puerto Rican workers.

Background: This study aimed to examine the internal structure and assess the psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in a Puerto Rican sample of workers. This instrument is a nine-item questionnaire, which was conceptualized as a unidimensional structure; however, there are mixed results regarding this internal structure. This measure is used in the occupational health psychology context in organizations in Puerto Rico; nevertheless, there is little evidence of its psychometric properties with samples of workers. Materials and methods: A total of 955 samples from two different study samples were used in this cross-sectional study design in which the PHQ-9 was used. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis, bifactor analysis, and random intercept item factor analysis to examine the internal structure of the PHQ-9. Moreover, a two-factor model was examined by randomly assigning items to the two factors. Measurement invariance across sex and the relationship with other constructs were examined. Results: The best-fitted model was the bifactor model followed by the random intercept item factor. The five sets of two-factor models with items randomly assigned obtained acceptable and similar fit indices regardless of the items. Conclusion: The results suggest that the PHQ-9 appears to be a reliable and valid instrument to measure depression. The more parsimonious interpretation of its scores, for now, is a unidimensional structure. Comparison across sex appears to be useful in occupational health psychology research settings since the results suggest that the PHQ-9 is invariant regarding this variable.

Exactitud diagnóstica de la integral tiempo-velocidad del tracto de salida para choque cardiogénico: cohorte prospectiva / Diagnostic accuracy of the integral time-velocity of the outflow tract for cardiogenic shock: prospective cohort / Precisão diagnóstica da integral tempo-velocidade da via de saída para choque cardiogênico: coorte prospectiva

Resumen: Introducción: el choque cardiogénico (CC) es un estado de hipoperfusión sistémica causado por disfunción cardíaca severa. La medición de la integral tiempo-velocidad del tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo (ITV-TSVI, por sus siglas en inglés) < 15 cm permite evaluar la presencia del choque. Objetivo: evaluar a la ITV-TSVI < 15 cm como predictor de choque cardiogénico en el paciente con infarto agudo de miocardio anterior con elevación del segmento ST (IAM-ST). Material y métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo realizado de mayo a octubre de 2019. Se incluyeron pacientes con IAM-ST anterior y revascularización mediante intervencionismo coronario percutáneo. Se midió mediante ecocardiografía transtorácica la ITV-TSVI, se registraron y compararon las variables demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con ITV-TSVI < 15 cm versus aquéllos con ITV-TSVI ≥ 15 cm y se calculó la exactitud diagnóstica de la ITV-TSVI < 15 cm para predecir choque cardiogénico. Resultados: se analizaron los datos de 50 pacientes con media de edad: 63.5 ± 9.9 años, 70% fueron hombres, 54% tuvieron choque cardiogénico y la ITV-TSVI < 15 cm se presentó en 95.8% de los pacientes con choque cardiogénico. La exactitud diagnóstica del ITV-TSVI < 15 cm en choque cardiogénico en pacientes con IAM-ST anterior mostró sensibilidad de 85% y especificidad de 96%, con área bajo la curva: 0.90 (IC 95%: 0.81-0.99). Conclusión: el ITV-TSVI < 15 cm en pacientes con IAM-ST anterior tiene una exactitud diagnóstica muy buena para la predicción del choque cardiogénico.

Abstract: Introduction: cardiogenic shock (CC) is a state of systemic hypoperfusion caused by severe cardiac dysfunction. The measurement of the integral time-velocity of the left ventricular outflow tract (ITV-LVOT) < 15 cm allows to evaluate the presence of shock. Objective: to evaluate the ITV-TSVI < 15 cm as a predictor of cardiogenic shock in the patient with ST-segment elevation anterior acute myocardial infarction (ST-AMI). Material and methods: prospective observational study conducted from May to October 2019. Patients with previous ST-AMI and revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention were included. TVI-LVOT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography, the demographic and clinical variables of patients with TVI-LVOT < 15 cm vs. those with TVI-LVOT ≥ 15 cm were recorded and compared, and the diagnostic accuracy of TVI-LVOT < 15 cm to predict cardiogenic shock was calculated. Results: data from 50 patients were analyzed with a mean age of 63.5 ± 9.9 years, 70% were men, 54% had cardiogenic shock, and TVI-LVOT < 15 cm occurred in 95.8% of those patients with shock. cardiogenic. The diagnostic accuracy of the TVI-LVOT < 15 cm for cardiogenic shock in patients with anterior ST-AMI showed sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 96%, with area under the curve: 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81-0.99). Conclusion: The TVI-LVOT < 15 cm in patients with anterior ST-AMI has a very good diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of cardiogenic shock.

Resumo: Introdução: o choque cardiogênico (CC) é um estado de hipoperfusão sistêmica causado por disfunções cardíacas severas. A medição da integral velocidade-tempo da vía de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (ITV-TSVI, por suas siglas em inglês) < 15 cm permite avaliar a presença do choque. Objetivo: avaliar a integral tempo-velocidade da via de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (ITV-TSVI) < 15 cm como preditor de choque cardiogênico em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio anterior com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAM-ST). Material e métodos: estudo observacional prospectivo realizado de maio a outubro de 2019. Incluíram-se pacientes com IAM-ST anterior e revascularização por intervenção coronária percutânea. Mediu-se por ecocardiografia transtorácica a ITV-TSVI, foram registradas e comparadas as variáveis demográficas e clínicas de pacientes com ITV-TSVI < 15 cm versus aqueles com ITV-TSVI ≥ 15 cm, e calculo-se a precisão diagnóstica de ITV-TSVI < 15 cm para prever o choque cardiogênico. Resultados: analizaram-se dados de 50 pacientes com idade média de 63.5 (± 9.9) anos, 70% eram homens, 54% apresentavam choque cardiogênico e ITV-TSVI < 15 cm apresentou-se em 95.8% dos pacientes com choque cardiogênico. A precisão diagnóstica do ITV-TSVI < 15 cm para choque cardiogênico em pacientes com IAM-ST anterior apresentou sensibilidade de 85% e especificidade de 96%, com área sob a curva: 0.90 (IC 95%: 0.81-0.99). Conclusão: ITV-TSVI < 15 cm em pacientes com IAM-ST anterior tem uma precisão diagnóstica muito boa para prever o choque cardiogênico.

Neumotórax a tensión secundario a colocación de sonda enteral: reporte de caso / Tension pneumothorax secondary to enteral tube: a case report / Pneumotórax hipertensivo secundário à colocação de sonda enteral: relato de caso

Resumen: La colocación de una sonda enteral es un procedimiento invasivo rutinario que puede presentar complicaciones graves. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 54 años de edad que presentó paro cardiorrespiratorio secundario a infarto de miocardio y que, después de la colocación de una sonda nasoyeyunal, desarrolló neumotórax, por lo que ameritó su retiro, la colocación de una sonda endopleural y la administración de antibióticos. El paciente mostró adecuada expansión pulmonar, lo cual permitió el retiro de la sonda endopleural a los seis días de su instalación, la extubación del enfermo y finalmente su egreso por mejoría. El neumotórax asociado a la colocación de la sonda enteral se presenta en 1.2% de los pacientes. Los factores de riesgo son: déficit neurológico, alteración de la deglución y del reflejo tusígeno. El tratamiento descrito en la literatura es el retiro de la sonda, el uso de antibióticos y el drenaje torácico.

Abstract: Enteral tube placement is a routine invasive procedure that can present serious complications. We present the case of a 54-year-old man who presented with cardiorespiratory arrest secondary to myocardial infarction and who, after placement of a nasojejunal tube, developed pneumothorax that required removal of the tube, placement of a chest tube and administration of antibiotics. The patient presented adequate lung expansion, which allowed removal of the chest tube six days after its installation, extubation and finally discharge due to improvement. Pneumothorax associated with enteral tube placement occurs in 1.2% of patients. Risk factors are neurological deficit, impaired swallowing and cough reflex. Treatment described in the literature is removal of the tube, use of antibiotics and chest drainage.

Resumo: A colocação de sonda enteral é um procedimento invasivo de rotina que pode apresentar complicações graves. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 54 anos que apresentou parada cardiorrespiratória secundária a infarto do miocárdio e que, após colocação de sonda nasojejunal, desenvolveu pneumotórax que exigiu sua retirada, colocação de sonda endopleural e administração de antibióticos.O paciente apresentou expansão pulmonar adequada, o que permitiu a retirada do tubo endopleural 6 dias após sua instalação, a extubação do paciente e por fim sua alta por melhora. O pneumotórax associado à colocação de sonda enteral ocorre em 1.2% dos pacientes. Os fatores de risco são: déficit neurológico, deglutição prejudicada e reflexo da tosse. O tratamento descrito na literatura é a retirada da sonda, uso de antibióticos e drenagem torácica.

Fiebre de origen desconocido como presentación de carcinoma de cérvix

El carcinoma de cérvix constituye una causa rara de fiebre de origen desconocido (FOD). Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 42 años de edad con fiebre de 80 días de evolución. Había estado ingresada en dos hospitales sin que se llegase a diagnosticar su causa. Se le habían administrado múltiples regímenes antibióticos sin lograrse remisión de la hipertermia. Fue remitida al hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras para continuar estudios en el protocolo de atención a pacientes con ese tipo de afección. Tenía anemia ferropénica y refería hipermenorrea. Al examen físico se encontró engrosamiento del cuello uterino al tacto vaginal y se visualizó una tumoración del mismo al examen con espéculo. La biopsia mostró un carcinoma y recibió tratamiento con radioterapia y quimioterapia con lo cual desapareció la fiebre. Se concluye que esta neoplasia puede presentarse a forma de fiebre prolongada producida directamente por el tumor primario, por lo que debe mantenerse un índice de sospecha en pacientes con FOD. Resulta importante tener en cuenta la asociación de fiebre y sangramiento vaginal como posible forma de presentación. Puede constituir una pista diagnóstica relevante para no perder tiempo. Este caso resalta la importancia de realizar un examen físico completo y exhaustivo a todos los pacientes.

Carcinoma of the cervix is a rare cause of fever of unknown origin. We present the case of a 42-year-old female patient with fever of 80 days of evolution. She had been admitted to two hospitals without a diagnosis of the cause. She had been administered multiple antibiotic regimens without achieving remission of hyperthermia. She was referred to the "Hermanos Ameijeirasˮ Hospital to continue studies under the protocol for the care of patients with this type of condition. She had iron deficiency anemia and reported hypermenorrhea. Physical examination showed thickening of the cervix on vaginal examination and a tumor was visualized on speculum examination. The biopsy showed a carcinoma and she was treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with which the fever disappeared. It is concluded that this neoplasm can present as a prolonged fever directly produced by the primary tumor, so an index of suspicion should be maintained in patients with fever of unknown origin. It is important to take into account the association of fever and vaginal bleeding as a possible form of presentation. It may constitute a relevant diagnostic clue to avoid wasting time. This case highlights the importance of performing a complete and thorough physical examination in all patients.

COVID-19 impact on the psychological health of Latinx transgender and non-binary individuals in mainland United States and Puerto Rico: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to generate an unprecedented impact on all aspects of everyday life across the world. However, those with historically and currently marginalized identities (i.e., gender or ethnicity) who already experience a wide range of structural inequities have been disproportionally impacted. LTNB are a particularly at-risk population as they lie at the intersection of race/ethnicity, gender identity, language, migration status, geographical location, among others, which could further increase their COVID-19 and other health-related risks and disparities. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of key social determinants of health (i.e., gender identity, country, health insurance, employment) among a sample of LTNB individuals. METHODS: The team implemented a cross-sectional exploratory design with an online survey technique using the secure web platforms REDcap and SurveyMonkey. A total of 133 participants completed the online survey. Most of the sample self-identified as transwomen (38.8%), transmen (26.3%), and non-binary (21.8%) between the ages of 21 to 72. All participants were Latinx living in either Puerto Rico (47.7%) or mainland United States (52.3%). Descriptive statistics, reliability tests, Mann-Whitney and rapid thematic analysis test were conducted. RESULTS: Findings show that most participants were always (38.1%) or almost always (33.3%) worried about contracting COVID-19. Individuals living in Puerto Rico reported more difficulties than those residing in the mainland US regarding COVID-19 impact on psychosocial, emotional, and COVID-related thinking. Most participants' answers for the COVID-19 open-ended questions focused on three main domains: income, access to trans-affirmative health care, and coping strategies. DISCUSSION: Findings evidence that although most of LTNB participants were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in multiple aspects of their lives, those living in Puerto Rico experienced these differently when compared to those in mainland US. More research is needed to understand better the mechanisms and pathways through which this context specifically impacts LTNB health and wellbeing, particularly in Puerto Rico. This study could help shape the public health response taking into account the geographical location and other intersectional identities that play critical roles in the production and reproduction of inequities.

Improving Patient Experience Scores Using Simultaneous Interpretation on Family-Centered Rounds.

OBJECTIVES: Patients speaking a primary language other than English face barriers to equitable care, particularly patient-provider communications. There is no gold standard for providing inpatient medical interpretation on family-centered rounds (FCR). We aimed to implement simultaneous, in-person interpretation of FCR for Spanish-speaking families and hypothesized improved satisfaction in care. METHODS: In-person, Spanish Equipment-Assisted Simultaneous Medical Interpretation (EASMI) was implemented in March 2018 on FCR. Child Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (Child HCAHPS) experience scores on communication domains were analyzed for Spanish and English-speaking families pre- (n = 118) and postimplementation (n = 552). Postimplementation, we conducted medical team surveys (n = 104) and semistructured interviews with Spanish-speaking families (n = 25) to determine satisfaction with interpretation modalities (phone, video, and EASMI). RESULTS: Spanish-speaking families exhibited statistically significant improvements in Child HCAHPS top box scores compared to English-speaking families in multiple communication and informed care-related domains. For example, "How often did your child's doctors explain things to you in a way that was easy to understand?" top box scores improved from 58% to 95% for Spanish-speaking families, compared to 85% to 83% for English speakers, with the differential effect of the intervention showing statistical significance (P = .001). Medical team surveys demonstrated high satisfaction with EASMI. Qualitative themes from interviews and open-ended survey responses emphasized multiple care benefits with EASMI, including a perceived reduction of communication errors and increased family participation. CONCLUSIONS: EASMI was associated with significant improvements in Child HCAHPS scores in communication domains and increased medical team and family members' satisfaction with interpretation. EASMI presents a novel method for equitable FCR for Spanish-speaking families.