Papel de los tejidos orales durante la infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Role of oral tissues in SARS-CoV-2 infection

La actual pandemia de COVID-19 provocada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 es un problema de salud que afecta a la población globalmente. Su desarrollo puede ser asintomático o exhibir manifestaciones clínicas moderadas o severas dependiendo en gran medida de la respuesta inmune de quien la padece. Esta enfermedad afecta principalmente a los pulmones a través del desarrollo del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SRAS), tanto como por la «tormenta de citocinas¼, una respuesta inflamatoria exacerbada que podría provocar una falla multisistémica y, en casos severos, la muerte. Se conoce que la enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ECA-2), presente en diversos tejidos del cuerpo, actúa como receptor funcional del virus SARS-CoV-2 facilitando la entrada de éste a las células. Se ha demostrado la presencia de dicho receptor en varios tejidos orales, por lo que se puede considerar a la cavidad bucal como una vía latente de infección por dicho coronavirus, ya que su mecanismo de transmisión es a través de la inhalación de partículas virales, ya sea por vía nasal u oral. Así mismo, la presencia de carga vírica en la saliva y algunos de los síntomas de la COVID-19, por ejemplo la ageusia, pueden indicar la presencia de contagio viral en etapas tempranas. La presente revisión muestra evidencia que sugiere que diversos tejidos en la cavidad oral podrían ser considerados sitios potenciales de contagio por el SARS-CoV-2, teniendo un papel importante en el mecanismo de transmisión y en el desarrollo de coinfecciones (AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently a global healthcare problem. The onset of this disease can exhibit several clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severe symptoms, depending on the individual's immune response. COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs by developing the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the «cytokine storm¼, an exacerbated inflammatory reaction that can lead to multiorgan failure and consequently death. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), present in several tissues in the human body, is known to act as the functional receptor of the SARS-CoV-2 germ facilitating its entrance into the cells. Such receptor is also present in diverse oral cavity tissues, indicating a latent route of infection due to its influence in the transmission mechanism by inhalation, either oral or nasal, of virus particles. Also, viral load in saliva and taste disorder symptoms like ageusia could indicate a viral infection in its early stages. This article presents evidence suggesting that several tissues in the oral cavity can be considered potential sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection, thus playing an essential role in the transmission mechanism and development of co-infections (AU)

The regulation of protein acetylation influences the redox homeostasis to protect the heart.

The cellular damage caused by redox imbalance is involved in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases. Besides, redox imbalance is related to the alteration of protein acetylation processes, causing not only chromatin remodeling but also disturbances in so many processes where protein acetylation is involved, such as metabolism and signal transduction. The modulation of acetylases and deacetylases enzymes aids in maintaining the redox homeostasis, avoiding the deleterious cellular effects associated with the dysregulation of protein acetylation. Of note, regulation of protein acetylation has shown protective effects to ameliorate cardiovascular diseases. For instance, HDAC inhibition has been related to inducing cardiac protective effects and it is an interesting approach to the management of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, the upregulation of SIRT protein activity has also been implicated in the relief of cardiovascular diseases. This review focuses on the major protein acetylation modulators described, involving pharmacological and bioactive compounds targeting deacetylase and acetylase enzymes contributing to heart protection through redox homeostasis.

Comportamientos sexuales en mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico VIH/SIDA en tres ciudades de Colombia 2011 / Comportamentos sexuais em mais de 18 anos com diagnóstico de HIV / AIDS em três cidades na Colômbia 2011 / Sexual behaviors in over 18 years old with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in three cities of Colombia 2011

Objetivo: Describir los comportamientos sexuales en personas VIH positivas en tres ciudades de Colombia antes y después de conocer el diagnóstico e identificar cambios en estos comportamientos. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, de corte trasversal, en el que participaron 85 individuos de tres ciudades colombianas, entrevistados durante el año 2011. Se cumplió con los parámetros éticos para investigaciones con personas. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el software SPSS 18.0. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias significativas al comparar el comportamiento sexual antes y después de conocer el diagnóstico VIH positivo. el 23% de los entrevistados manifestó no haber iniciado actividades sexuales después del diagnóstico, el 62.5% empezó a usar el condón en todas sus relaciones sexuales. Las relaciones sexuales con personas VIH positivo aumentaron a un 35.4%. Las infecciones de transmisión sexual disminuyeron a un 12.3%. El consumo de alcohol previo al inicio de relaciones sexuales disminuyó a un 31.8%. Conclusiones: Se encontraron cambios en los comportamientos de riesgo de las personas después de recibir el diagnóstico; sin embargo, dichas modificaciones no son suficientes por tratarse de la trasmisión de una infección mortal y de elevados costos socioeconómicos.

Objective: To describe sexual behaviors of HIV positive patients in three cities of Colombia, before and after learning diagnosis and to identify changes. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study, with participation of 85 individuals from three cities of Colombia who were interviewed during 2011. Ethical standards for research involving individuals were met during the study. The SPSS software version 18.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Significant differences were found when comparing their sexual behavior before and after knowing HIV positive diagnosis, 23.0% of respondents said that they had not resumed sexual activity, 62.5% of the patients began to use the condom in all sexual relations. Sex with HIV-positive people increased a 35.4%. Sexually transmitted infections were reduced to a 12.3%. The consumption of alcohol prior to the onset of sexual intercourse decreased to 31.8%. Conclusions: Changes were found regarding risky behaviors of people after knowing the diagnosis; however, such modifications are not enough regarding the transmission of a deadly infection and with high social and economic costs.

Objetivo: Descrever o comportamento sexual em pessoas HIV-positivas em três cidades na Colômbia antes e depois de conhecer o diagnóstico e identificar mudanças no esses comportamentos. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo de transversal, em que 85 indivíduos participaram em três cidades colombianas, entrevistado em 2011. Eles se conheceram os padrões éticos para a investigação com as pessoas. Para análise estatística foi utilizado SPSS 18.0 software. Resultados: Diferenças significativas na comparação entre o comportamento sexual foram encontrados antes e depois de aprender sobre o diagnóstico de HIV positivo. 23% dos entrevistados disseram que a atividade sexual não ter iniciado após o diagnóstico, 62,5% começaram a usar preservativos em todas as relações sexuais. Sexo com pessoas HIV positivas aumentou para 35,4%. infecções sexualmente transmissíveis diminuiu para 12,3%. O consumo de álcool antes do início do sexo diminuiu para 31,8%. Conclusões: foram encontradas alterações nos comportamentos de risco de pessoas depois de receber o diagnóstico; No entanto, estas alterações não são suficientes, porque é a transmissão de uma infecção fatal e custos socioeconómicos elevados.

The educational homogamy gap between married and cohabiting couples in Latin America.

The explosive expansion of non-marital cohabitation in Latin America since the 1970s has led to the narrowing of the gap in educational homogamy between married and cohabiting couples (what we call "homogamy gap") as shown by our analysis of 29 census samples encompassing eight countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Panama (N = 2,295,160 young couples). Most research on the homogamy gap is limited to a single decade and a small group of developed countries (the United States, Canada, and Europe). We take a historical and cross-national perspective and expand the research to a range of developing countries, where since early colonial times traditional forms of cohabitation among the poor, uneducated sectors of society have coexisted with marriage, although to widely varying degrees from country to country. In recent decades, cohabitation is emerging in all sectors of society. We find that among married couples educational homogamy continues to be higher than for those who cohabit, but in recent decades the difference has narrowed substantially in all countries. We argue that assortative mating between cohabiting and married couples tend to be similar when the contexts in which they are formed are also increasingly similar.

Eficacia y seguridad del mapeo por estimulación eléctrica intraoperatoria para la extirpación de gliomas OMS grado ii y iii en áreas cerebrales elocuentes / Efficacy and safety of intraoperative electrical stimulation mapping for resection of WHO grade ii and iii gliomas within eloquent areas

Fundamento y objetivo: La técnica de mapeo por estimulación eléctrica intraoperatoria (EEI) es cada vez más utilizada para la extirpación de gliomas OMS grado ii (GGII) y iii (GGIII) en áreas elocuentes, pero son muy pocos los estudios que comparan esta técnica con la cirugía convencional (sin EEI). En este trabajo se compara el grado de resección tumoral, las secuelas, el control de la epilepsia y la calidad de vida en 2 series de pacientes operados con y sin mapeo por EEI.Pacientes y método: Se compararon los resultados en 2 series de pacientes operados de GGII y GGIII en áreas elocuentes en el mismo centro. Período A (2004-2009): 17 pacientes operados sin utilizar EEI. Período B (2009-2010): 19 pacientes operados utilizando EEI.Resultados: El porcentaje tumoral extirpado fue del 54,7% en el período A y del 79,9% en el período B (p=0,006). A los 6 meses de la cirugía, 8 pacientes del período A y uno del período B desarrollaron morbilidad neurológica (p=0,015; odds ratio [OR] 16, intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 1,7-148,3). Dos pacientes del período A con epilepsia farmacorresistente y 8 del período B mejoraron el control de las crisis epilépticas (p=0,05; OR 42, IC 95% 2,1-825,7). Nueve pacientes del período A y 18 del período B volvieron a la misma situación laboral que antes de la cirugía (p=0,015; OR 16, IC 95% 1,7-148,4).Conclusiones: La comparación entre las cirugías convencional y con mapeo por EEI revela que esta última aumenta el grado de resección tumoral en un 25,2%, reduce el riesgo de secuelas permanentes en un 48,1%, mejora el control de la epilepsia en formas farmacorresistentes y preserva la calidad de vida (AU)

Background and objective: Despite the growing use of intraoperative electrical stimulation (IES) mapping for the resection of WHO grade ii and iii gliomas (GGII and GGIII) in eloquent areas, few studies have compared 2 series with and without IES. The present study compares 2 series of patients operated with and without IES at the same institution, analyzing the extent of resection, neurological morbidity, epilepsy prognosis and quality of life.Patients and methods: The surgical results in 2 series of patients with GGII and GGIII within eloquent were compared. Period A (2004-2009): 17 patients operated without IES. Period B (2009-2010): 19 patients operated with IES. Results: The extent of tumor resection was 54.7% in group A and 79.9% in group B (P=.006). Six months after surgery, neurological morbidity was present in 8 patients of group A and one patient of group B (P=.015; odds ratio [OR] 16, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.7-148.3). Two patients of group A with refractory epilepsy, and 8 patients of group B improved epilepsy control (P=.05; OR 42, 95% CI 2.1-825.7). Nine patients of group A and 18 patients of group B returned to the same socio-professional situation as before surgery (P=.015; OR 16, 95% CI 1.7-148.4). Conclusions: The comparison of IES mapping surgery to conventional surgery revealed that the former enables to: increase in 25.2% the extent of tumor resection, decrease in 48.1% the risk of permanent sequelae, improve epilepsy control and preserve quality of life (AU)

[Efficacy and safety of intraoperative electrical stimulation mapping for resection of WHO grade ii and iii gliomas within eloquent areas]. / Eficacia y seguridad del mapeo por estimulación eléctrica intraoperatoria para la extirpación de gliomas OMS grado ii y iii en áreas cerebrales elocuentes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the growing use of intraoperative electrical stimulation (IES) mapping for the resection of WHO grade ii and iii gliomas (GGII and GGIII) in eloquent areas, few studies have compared 2 series with and without IES. The present study compares 2 series of patients operated with and without IES at the same institution, analyzing the extent of resection, neurological morbidity, epilepsy prognosis and quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The surgical results in 2 series of patients with GGII and GGIII within eloquent were compared. Period A (2004-2009): 17 patients operated without IES. Period B (2009-2010): 19 patients operated with IES. RESULTS: The extent of tumor resection was 54.7% in group A and 79.9% in group B (P=.006). Six months after surgery, neurological morbidity was present in 8 patients of group A and one patient of group B (P=.015; odds ratio [OR] 16, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.7-148.3). Two patients of group A with refractory epilepsy, and 8 patients of group B improved epilepsy control (P=.05; OR 42, 95% CI 2.1-825.7). Nine patients of group A and 18 patients of group B returned to the same socio-professional situation as before surgery (P=.015; OR 16, 95% CI 1.7-148.4). CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of IES mapping surgery to conventional surgery revealed that the former enables to: increase in 25.2% the extent of tumor resection, decrease in 48.1% the risk of permanent sequelae, improve epilepsy control and preserve quality of life.

Union Formation Implications of Race and Gender Gaps in Educational Attainment: The Case of Latin America.

We use census microdata to assess the levels of educational homogamy in six Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Mexico. This paper contributes to the literature on homogamy in three ways. First, by conducting a comparative analysis between countries belonging to the still little-studied region of Latin America, which is still undergoing intense and varied processes of demographic, economic, social, and political modernization. Second, by simultaneously including variables of structural and individual nature. Finally, by making progress with respect to the interactions between educational homogamy and other important variables associated with high levels of social inequality in the region: race, ethnicity and birthplace.