Obesity Is Associated with Changes in Laboratory Biomarkers in Chilean Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is reported that patients with obesity are more frequently hospitalized for COVID-19, and evidence exists that obesity is a risk factor, regardless of other comorbidities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of obesity with changes in laboratory biomarkers in hospitalized Chilean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 202 hospitalized patients (71 with obesity and 131 without obesity) with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory (days 1, 3, 7, 15) data were obtained. We performed a statistical analysis, assuming significance with a value of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences in chronic respiratory pathology are observed between patients with and without obesity. The inflammatory markers CPR, ferritin, NLR, and PLR are elevated during the evaluated period, while changes in leukocyte populations are present on day 1 (eosinophils) and day 3 (lymphocytes). Finally, a persistent elevation of D-dimer level is observed, presenting significant differences on day 7 between patients with and without obesity. Obesity had a positive correlation with admission to the critical patient unit, invasive mechanical ventilation, and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Patients with obesity hospitalized for COVID-19 present marked elevations of inflammatory and hemostasis parameters, with a correlation between obesity, changes in laboratory biomarkers, and the risk of adverse clinical outcomes also observed.

Early lateral root formation in response to calcium and nickel shows variation within disjunct populations of Arabidopsis lyrata spp. lyrata.

Root architecture is important in nutrient uptake and avoidance of toxic compounds within the soil. Arabidopsis lyrata spp. lyrata has widespread distribution in disjunct environments that encounter unique stressors starting at germination. Five populations of A. lyrata spp. lyrata show local adaptation to Nickel (Ni) but cross-tolerance to variations in Calcium (Ca) concentration within the soil. Differentiation among the populations begins early in development and appears to impact timing of lateral root formation; therefore the purpose of the study was to understand changes in root architecture and root exploration in response to Ca and Ni within the first three weeks of growth. Lateral root formation was first characterized under one concentration of Ca and Ni. Lateral root formation and tap root length were reduced in all five populations in response to Ni compared to Ca, with the least reduction in the three serpentine populations. When the populations were exposed to a gradient (either Ca or Ni) there were differences in population response based on the nature of the gradient. Start side was the greatest determinant of root exploration and lateral root formation under a Ca gradient, while population was the greatest determinant of root exploration and lateral root formation under a Ni gradient. All populations exhibited about the same frequency of root exploration under a Ca gradient, while the serpentine populations exhibited much higher levels of root exploration under a Ni gradient compared to the two non-serpentine populations. Differences among populations in response to Ca and Ni demonstrate the importance of stress responses early in development, particularly in species that have widespread distribution among disparate habitats.

Seguridad de las drogas biológicas y sintéticas dirigidas utilizadas en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas inmunomediadas. Datos del registro BIOBADASAR 3.0 / Safety of biological and targeted synthetic drugs in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Data from the BIOBADASAR 3.0 registry

Introducción: conocer la seguridad de las drogas actualmente disponibles para el tratamiento de las enfermedades reumáticas es muy importante al momento de tomar decisiones terapéuticas objetivas e individualizadas en la consulta médica diaria. Asimismo, datos de la vida real amplían el conocimiento revelado por los ensayos clínicos. Objetivos: describir los eventos adversos (EA) reportados, estimar su frecuencia e identificar los factores relacionados con su desarrollo. Materiales y métodos: se utilizaron datos BIOBADASAR, un registro voluntario y prospectivo de seguimiento de EA de tratamientos biológicos y sintéticos dirigidos en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas inmunomediadas. Los pacientes son seguidos hasta la muerte, pérdida de seguimiento o retiro del consentimiento informado. Para este análisis se extrajeron datos recopilados hasta el 31 de enero de 2023. Resultados: se incluyó un total de 6253 pacientes, los cuales aportaron 9533 ciclos de tratamiento, incluyendo 3647 (38,3%) ciclos sin drogas modificadoras de la enfermedad biológicas y sintéticas dirigidas (DME-b/sd) y 5886 (61,7%) con DME-b/sd. Dentro de estos últimos, los más utilizados fueron los inhibidores de TNF y abatacept. Se reportaron 5890 EA en un total de 2701 tratamientos (844 y 1857 sin y con DME-b/sd, respectivamente), con una incidencia de 53,9 eventos cada 1000 pacientes/año (IC 95% 51,9-55,9). La misma fue mayor en los ciclos con DME-b/sd (71,1 eventos cada 1000 pacientes/año, IC 95% 70,7-77,5 versus 33,7, IC 95% 31,5-36,1; p<0,001). Las infecciones, particularmente las de la vía aérea superior, fueron los EA más frecuentes en ambos grupos. El 10,9% fue serio y el 1,1% provocó la muerte del paciente. El 18,7% de los ciclos con DME-b/sd fue discontinuado a causa de un EA significativamente mayor a lo reportado en el otro grupo (11,5%; p<0,001). En el análisis ajustado, las DME-b/sd se asociaron a mayor riesgo de presentar al menos un EA (HR 1,82, IC 95% 1,64-1,96). De igual manera, la mayor edad, el mayor tiempo de evolución, el antecedente de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, el diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico y el uso de corticoides se asociaron a mayor riesgo de EA. Conclusiones: la incidencia de EA fue significativamente superior durante los ciclos de tratamientos que incluían DME-b/sd.

Introduction: knowing the efficacy and safety of the drugs currently available for the treatment of rheumatic diseases is very important when making objective and individualized therapeutic decisions in daily medical consultation. Likewise, real-life data extends the knowledge revealed by clinical trials. Objectives: to describe the reported adverse events (AEs), estimate their frequency and identify factors associated to them. Materials and methods: BIOBADASAR data were used, which is a voluntary, prospective follow-up registry of AEs of biological and synthetic treatments in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Patients are followed until death, loss of followup, or withdrawal of informed consent. To carry out this analysis, the data collected up to January 31, 2023 was extracted. Results: a total of 6253 patients were included, who contributed with 9533 treatment periods, including 3647 (38.3%) periods without b/ts-DMARDs and 5886 (61.7%) with b/ts-DMARDs. Among the latter, the most used were TNF inhibitors and abatacept. A total of 5890 AEs were reported in a total of 2701 treatments (844 and 1857 without and with b/ts-DMARDs, respectively), with an incidence of 53.9 events per 1000 patients/ year (95% CI 51.9-55.9). It was higher during the periods with b/ts-DMARDs (71.1 events per 1000 patients/year, 95% CI 70.7-77.5 vs 33.7, 95% CI 31.5-36.1, p<0.001). Infections, particularly those of the upper respiratory tract, were the most frequent AEs in both groups. 10.9% were severe and 1.1% were associated with the death of the patient. 18.7% of the periods with b/ts-DMARDs were discontinued due to an AE, significantly higher than that reported in the other group (11.5%; p<0.001). In the adjusted analysis, b/ts-DMARDs were associated with a higher risk of presenting at least one AE (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.64-1.96). Similarly, older age, longer evolution time, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, and use of corticosteroids were associated with a higher risk of AE. Conclusions: the incidence of AEs was significantly higher during those treatment periods that included DME-b/sd.

Subjective culture and HIV preventive behaviour among young Latin Americans: a systematic review.

Given high levels of new HIV infection globally, calls have been made for greater attention to the cultural variables that hinder prevention and testing. However, no reviews exist to systematise the findings. This study aimed to identify the cultural variables associated with three HIV preventive behaviours (condom use, HIV testing behaviour, and injection drug use with non-shared or sterilised syringes) among young Latin Americans. A systematic review was conducted guided by PRISMA-P criteria, on five databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Medline and Scielo), which identified 2474 articles. Scientific articles and empirical studies that addressed cultural variables and HIV preventive behaviours among young people aged 15-24 years of age using Latin American samples were selected, with 37 articles being included in the final review. Six key cultural variables: the importance of female virginity; the role of trust in the couple's relationship; the disorienting effects of romantic love; the role of subjective norms; the importance of decision-making norms; and impulse control beliefs. Gender norms provide a framework for understanding sexual decision-making among young Latin Americans. Although young people have begun to adopt more egalitarian views of gender norms, deep-rooted beliefs about gender, sexuality and relationships continue to impact on HIV prevention behaviour.

[Knowledge and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors of Chilean adolescents attending urban and rural schools. Is it necessary to focus the prevention strategies according to territorial relevance?] / Conocimiento y conductas de riesgo de VIH/SIDA en adolescentes chilenos pertenecientes a colegios urbano y rural: ¿Es necesario enfocar la promoción y prevención de la enfermedad con pertinencia territorial?

BACKGROUND: HIV infection has sustained increased in the Chilean young population. In order to focus on sexual education in adolescents, it is first necessary to establish the degree of knowledge and risk behaviors in this group. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the degree of knowledge and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors in adolescents from rural and urban schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 385 adolescents between 14 and 18 years old. Through an anonymous survey, sociodemographic data, knowledge about HIV/ AIDS, risk behaviors, and ways of accessing information were collected. RESULTS: A third of the adolescents surveyed (33.6%) reported having initiated sexual activity, primarily men. Rural students showed lower knowledge of HIV/AIDS. 32.2% of individuals who initiated sexual activity reported nonuse or rarely use of condoms, and only 4.4% of students have had an HIV detection/diagnostic test. Although the students had received information mainly from their teachers, they reported that if they needed help, they would go to health centers, youth programs, and, to a lesser extent, to teachers. They also preferred access to information in workshops, on the Internet, and social networks. CONCLUSIONS: We observed regular knowledge of HIV/AIDS among adolescents. Rural students showed less knowledge and several risk behaviors. These findings emphasize the need to establish sexual education strategies in adolescents, considering the territory and the use of new technologies.

Colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica asistida por enteroscopia de doble balón en un paciente con gastrectomía total y reconstrucción en Y-de-Roux: reporte de caso / Double-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a patient with total gastrectomy and roux-en-y reconstruction: A case report

Resumen La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es un procedimiento útil en el manejo de enfermedades biliopancreáticas. Los pacientes con alteración anatómica del tracto gastrointestinal representan un desafío técnico por múltiples razones. Con técnicas como la enteroscopia de doble balón (EDB) es posible realizar una CPRE en estos pacientes. El caso que se presenta es el primero de este tipo publicado en Colombia sobre una paciente con gastrectomía total con reconstrucción en Y-de-Roux y coledocolitiasis.

Abstract Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable procedure in managing biliopancreatic diseases. Patients with anatomical alteration of the gastrointestinal tract represent a technical challenge for multiple reasons. With techniques such as double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), it is possible to perform ERCP in these patients. The case was first published in Colombia on a female patient with total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction and choledocholithiasis.

Long-term survive of Aliarcobacter butzleri in two models symbiotic interaction with Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Aliarcobacter butzleri (formerly known as Arcobacter butzleri) is an emerging food-borne zoonotic pathogen that establishes in vitro endosymbiotic relationships with Acanthamoeba castellanii, a free-living amoeba. Previously, we described that this bacterium acts as an endocytobiont of A. castellanii, surviving for at least 10 days in absence of bacterial replication. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of A. butzleri to survive as a long-term endosymbiont of A. castellanii for 30 days in two models of symbiotic interaction with A. castellanii: (i) endosymbiotic culture followed by gentamicin protection assay and (ii) transwell co-culture assay. The results allow us to conclude that A. butzleri is capable of surviving as an endosymbiont of A. castellanii for at least 30 days, without multiplying, under controlled laboratory conditions. In addition, in the absence of nutrients and as both microorganisms remain in the same culture, separated by semi-permeable membranes, A. castellanii does not promote the survival of A. butzleri, nor does it multiply. Our findings suggest that the greater survival capacity of A. butzleri is associated with their endosymbiont status inside A. castellanii, pointing out the complexity of this type of symbiotic relationship.

Vasculitis reumatoidea como manifestación extraarticular en dos casos / Rheumatoid vasculitis as an extra articular manifestation in two cases

La vasculitis reumatoidea es un proceso inflamatorio poco frecuente que confiere una morbilidad y mortalidad significativa en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea (AR). Presenta una incidencia de 0,7 a 5,4% de los casos de AR y hasta un 40% de mortalidad a 5 años, siendo la manifestación extraarticular de mayor gravedad1,2. Se caracteriza por el desarrollo de vasculitis necrotizante; ocurre típicamente en pacientes masculinos con AR seropositiva de larga data, nodular y erosiva, tabaquistas y, en general, tiene mal pronóstico. Se presenta una serie de casos, paciente masculino y femenino con AR y manifestaciones extraarticulares, necrosis digital y compromiso multiorgánico, interpretados como cuadros de vasculitis reumatoidea, realizando tratamiento de referencia con inmunosupresores.

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a rare inflammatory process that confers significant morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); it has an incidence of 0.7 to 5.4% of RA cases and up to 40% mortality at five years, making it the most serious of all the extra-articular manifestations of RA1,2. It is characterized by the development of necrotizing vasculitis, it typically occurs in male patients with long-standing seropositive RA, erosive nodular, smokers and generally has a poor prognosis. A series of cases is presented, male and female with RA and extra-articular manifestations, digital necrosis and multiorgan system involvement, interpreted as rheumatoid vasculitis, undergoing treatment with immunosuppressants.

[Clinical evolution and levels of anti-S SARS-CoV-2 IgG in rheumatic disease and COVID-19]. / Evolución clínica y niveles de anti-S SARS-CoV-2 en enfermedades reumáticas y COVID-19.

Controversies still exist regarding the humoral response to the virus SARS-CoV-2 in convalescent patients and seroconversion in patients with autoimmune diseases. There are few reports on the clinical and evolution of COVID-19 in the latter group. The objective was to examine the clinical and evolutionary characteristics associated with COVID-19 and the percentage of seroconversion in people with rheumatic diseases. Fifty-three patients were included, mainly with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The majority were female and average age 48 ± 14 years. Symptoms: fever (56%), anosmia (35.8%), dyspnea (34%), headache (30.2%) and cough (30.2%). Duration of infection 12 ± 7 days. Almost half of the patients were hospitalized (23, 43.4%), 5 in critical care units (9.4%) and 3 died (5.6%). The prevalence of steroid use was 56.6% (30), with an average dose of 8 mg/d, and 17 (32%) used immunosuppressive biopharmaceuticals. There was a correlation between age and the need for hospitalization with a risk of 9.4% per year. There were no differences with other variables. The presence in serum of IgG immunoglobulin against SARS-CoV-2 protein S was determined in 23/53 patients (43.4%), with detectable levels in 15 (62.2%), and in the 23 without autoimmune connective tissue diseases who suffered from COVID-19, 12 had detectable antibodies. Death in this group of rheumatic diseases was low, similar to the general population. More than half had specific antibodies against the virus regardless of the medication used.

Existen controversias sobre la respuesta humoral al virus SARS-CoV-2 y la seroconversión en pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes. Hay pocas publicaciones sobre la clínica y la evolución de COVID-19 en este último grupo. El objetivo fue examinar las características clínicas y evolutivas asociadas a COVID-19 y el porcentaje de seroconversión en personas con enfermedades reumáticas. Se incluyeron 53 pacientes principalmente con artritis reumatoide y lupus. La mayoría de sexo femenino y edad promedio 48 ± 14 años. La sintomatología fue fiebre (56%), anosmia (35.8%), disnea (34%), cefalea (30.2%) y tos (30.2%). Duración de infección 12 ± 7 días. Casi la mitad de los pacientes fueron hospitalizados (23, 43.4%), 5 en unidad de cuidados críticos (9.4%) y 3 murieron (5.6%). La prevalencia de uso de esteroides fue de 56.6% (30), con una dosis media 8 mg/d, y 17 (32%) usaban biofármacos inmunosupresores. Hubo correlación entre edad y la necesidad de internación con un riesgo de 9.4% por año. No hubo diferencias con otras variables. Se determinó la presencia en suero de inmunoglobulina IgG contra la proteína S del SARS-CoV-2 en 23/53 pacientes (43.4%), con niveles detectables en 15 (62.2%). Se evaluaron 23 sin enfermedades autoinmunes del tejido conectivo que padecieron COVID-19, 12 tuvieron anticuerpos detectables. La muerte en este grupo de enfermedades reumatológicas fue baja, similar a la comunicada en la población general. Más de la mitad presentó anticuerpos específicos contra el virus independientemente de la medicación utilizada.

Evolución clínica y niveles de anti-S SARS-CoV-2 en enfermedades reumáticas y COVID-19 / Clinical evolution and levels of anti S SARS-CoV-2 IgG in rheumatic disease and COVID-19

Resumen Existen controversias sobre la respuesta humoral al virus SARS-CoV-2 y la seroconversión en pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes. Hay pocas publicaciones sobre la clínica y la evolución de COVID-19 en este último grupo. El objetivo fue examinar las características clínicas y evolutivas asociadas a COVID-19 y el porcentaje de seroconversión en personas con enfermedades reumáticas. Se incluyeron 53 pacientes principalmente con artritis reumatoide y lupus. La mayoría de sexo femenino y edad promedio 48 ± 14 años. La sintomatología fue fiebre (56%), anosmia (35.8%), disnea (34%), cefalea (30.2%) y tos (30.2%). Duración de infección 12 ± 7 días. Casi la mitad de los pacientes fueron hospitalizados (23, 43.4%), 5 en unidad de cuida dos críticos (9.4%) y 3 murieron (5.6%). La prevalencia de uso de esteroides fue de 56.6% (30), con una dosis media 8 mg/d, y 17 (32%) usaban biofármacos inmunosupresores. Hubo correlación entre edad y la necesidad de internación con un riesgo de 9.4% por año. No hubo diferencias con otras variables. Se determinó la presencia en suero de inmunoglobulina IgG contra la proteína S del SARS-CoV-2 en 23/53 pacientes (43.4%), con niveles detectables en 15 (62.2%). Se evaluaron 23 sin enfermedades autoinmunes del tejido conectivo que padecieron COVID-19, 12 tuvieron anticuerpos detectables. La muerte en este grupo de enfermedades reumatológicas fue baja, similar a la comunicada en la población general. Más de la mitad presentó anticuerpos específicos contra el virus independientemente de la medicación utilizada.

Abstract Controversies still exist regarding the humoral response to the virus SARS-CoV-2 in convalescent patients and seroconversion in patients with autoimmune diseases. There are few reports on the clinical and evo lution of COVID-19 in the latter group. The objective was to examine the clinical and evolutionary characteristics associated with COVID-19 and the percentage of seroconversion in people with rheumatic diseases. Fifty-three patients were included, mainly with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The majority were female and average age 48 ± 14 years. Symptoms: fever (56%), anosmia (35.8%), dyspnea (34%), headache (30.2%) and cough (30.2%). Duration of infection 12 ± 7 days. Almost half of the patients were hospitalized (23, 43.4%), 5 in critical care units (9.4%) and 3 died (5.6%). The prevalence of steroid use was 56.6% (30), with an average dose of 8 mg/d, and 17 (32%) used immunosuppressive biopharmaceuticals. There was a correlation between age and the need for hospitalization with a risk of 9.4% per year. There were no differences with other variables. The presence in serum of IgG immunoglobulin against SARS-CoV-2 protein S was determined in 23/53 patients (43.4%), with detectable levels in 15 (62.2%), and in the 23 without autoimmune connective tissue diseases who suffered from COVID-19, 12 had detectable antibodies. Death in this group of rheumatic diseases was low, similar to the general population. More than half had specific antibodies against the virus regardless of the medication used.

Tratamiento endoscópico de adenomas de la papila menor: reporte de dos casos / Endoscopic treatment of minor papilla adenomas: Report on two cases

Resumen Existen numerosas publicaciones sobre resección endoscópica de lesiones de la papila mayor, pero solo se han presentado series de casos individuales de resección de lesiones de la papila menor. En el presente artículo se describe el éxito técnico y la seguridad de la resección endoscópica de dos lesiones adenomatosas de la papila menor.

Abstract There are various publications on endoscopic resection of major papilla lesions, but only individual case series of resection of minor papilla lesions have been reported. This article describes the technical success and safety of endoscopic resection of two adenomatous lesions of the minor papilla.

Workflow optimization in a clinical laboratory using Lean management principles in the pre-analytical phase.

BACKGROUND: The application of the Lean methodology in clinical laboratories can improve workflow and user satisfaction through the efficient delivery of analytical results. The purpose of this study was to optimise delivery times of the test results at a clinical laboratory, using Lean management principles in the pre-analytical phase. METHODS: A prospective study with a quasi-experimental design was implemented. Staff functions were restructured and sample flows were modified. Delivery times of clinical results (glucose and haematocrit; 6648 data) from the Medicine and Adult Emergency services for years 2017 and 2018 were compared. RESULTS: A reduction (p < 0.05) in turnaround times in the delivery of glucose test results at the adult emergency service was observed (84 to 73 min, 13%, pre and post). In addition, there was a non-significant reduction in the turnaround times for glucose (Medicine) and haematocrit in both services. In the analytical and post-analytical phase (not intervened), an increase in turnaround times was observed in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: Other studies have indicated that the application of the Lean methodology in clinical laboratories improves workflow, increasing effectiveness and efficiency. This study showed an improvement in the delivery time of test results (glucose - Emergency), giving rise to a culture of cooperation and continuous improvement. It would, however, be essential to address the management model integrating the analytical and post-analytical phases.

Maternal adaptations of pancreatic islets and glucose metabolism after lactation.

Pancreatic islets adapt to metabolic requirements and the hormonal milieu by modifying their size and hormone secretions. Maternal glucose demands and hormonal changes occur after weaning, to rapidly re-establish bone mineralization. Minimal information exists about glucose metabolism and pancreatic islets after lactation. This study investigated islet morphology and glucose homeostasis for 14 days after lactation in C57BL/6NHHsd mice. Compared to the day of weaning, rapid increases in the islets' area and number of beta cells were found from the first day post-lactation, attaining maximum values on the third day post-weaning. These changes were accompanied by modifications in glucose-induced insulin secretion, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Islet-cell proliferation was already augmented before lactation ceased. Serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin concentrations increased significantly post-lactation; however, it is unlikely that this enhancement participates in earlier cell proliferation augmentation or in decreasing insulin sensitivity. Islet serotonin content was barely expressed, and serum calcium concentrations decreased. By the 14th day post-weaning, islets' area and glucose homeostasis returned to age-matched virgin mice levels. These findings recognize for the first time that increases in islet area and insulin secretion occur during physiological post-weaning conditions. These results open up new opportunities to identify molecules and mechanisms participating in these processes, which will help in developing strategies to combat diabetes.

Free Fatty Acid Receptor 1 Signaling Contributes to Migration, MMP-9 Activity, and Expression of IL-8 Induced by Linoleic Acid in HaCaT Cells.

Keratinocytes and neutrophils are the main cellular components in wound healing during re-epithelization and inflammation. Free fatty acids such as linoleic acid (LA) present beneficial properties for wound healing by modulating the inflammatory response. LA is a natural ligand of free fatty acids receptor 1 (FFA1), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), able to modulate inflammatory process; however, the role of FFA1 in keratinocytes and wound healing remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of FFA1 signaling in migration, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, and IL-8 expression induced by LA in keratinocytes. We confirmed that HaCaT cells, a human keratinocyte cell line, expresses the FFA1 receptor and GW1100, a selective antagonist of FFA1, decreased LA-induced migration of HaCaT cells. Also, GW9508, a synthetic agonist of FFA1, increased migration of these cells. Furthermore, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK inhibitors abolished the LA-induced increase in cell migration. Besides, HaCaT cells stimulated with LA or GW9508 increased the activity of MMP-9 and the expression of IL-8. GW1100 partially inhibited both responses. We further evaluated the effects of HaCaT cells conditioned media stimulated with LA or GW9508 on neutrophil chemotaxis. Conditioned media induced neutrophil chemotaxis. Furthermore, IL-8 secreted by HaCaT cells stimulated with LA or GW9508, contributed to neutrophil chemotaxis. In conclusion, LA increased migration, MMP-9 activity, and expression of IL-8 from HaCaT cells via FFA1. Hence, these results showed that the effects induced by LA in keratinocytes can be mediated through FFA1, thus explaining a possible mechanism by which this fatty acid could accelerate wound healing.

Dietary Biotin Supplementation Impairs Testis Morphology and Sperm Quality.

Supplements containing pharmacological concentrations of biotin are commercially available over the counter. Classical toxicity studies have considered biotin administration as harmless; however, recent investigations have shown that biotin supplementation modifies tissue morphology without changes in toxicity markers, raising concerns about the consequences of morphological changes on tissues' functions and the safety of pharmacological concentrations of the vitamin. Testes are very sensitive to toxicants, and testicular histology is a reliable method to study its function. In this work, we investigated the effects of dietary biotin supplementation on testis morphology and spermatogenesis function using an experimental model, in which we have not observed unfavorable effects on other tissue functions or toxicity markers. Male BALB/cAnNHsd mice were fed a control or a biotin-supplemented diet (1.76 or 97.7 mg biotin/kg diet) for 8 weeks. Compared to the control group, the biotin-supplemented mice presented remarkable testis morphology changes, including increased spermatogonia layers; the cellular mechanism involved is related to increased proliferation. Sperm count and serum testosterone levels were not affected, but spermatozoa motility and morphology were significantly impaired in the biotin-supplemented mice. These results caution against the use of supplements with high concentrations of biotin and indicate that biotin's pharmacological effects on morphology need to be considered in toxicological studies.

Morphological, hormonal, and molecular changes in different maternal tissues during lactation and post-lactation.

Milk supply and quality during lactation are critical for progeny survival. Maternal tissues and metabolism, influenced by hormonal changes, undergo modification during lactation to sustain breastfeeding. Two organs that suffer essential adjustment are the mammary glands and the bone; however, renal calcium conservation and calcium absorption from the intestine are also modified. Lactation leads to a transient loss of bone minerals to provide adequate amounts of minerals, including calcium for milk production. Physiological, metabolic, and molecular changes in different tissues participate in providing nutrients for milk production. After weaning, the histological, metabolic, and hormonal modifications that take place in lactation are reverted, and bone remineralization is a central function at this time. This study focuses on the hormonal, metabolic, molecular, and tissue modifications that occur in mammary glands, bone, intestine, and kidneys in the mother during lactation and post-weaning periods.

Transcriptional analysis of flagellar and putative virulence genes of Arcobacter butzleri as an endocytobiont of Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Arcobacter butzleri is an emerging foodborne zoonotic pathogen that has been isolated from environmental water sources. This pathogen establishes in vitro endosymbiotic relationships with Acanthamoeba castellanii, a free-living amoeba found in environmental matrices such as soil and water. The principal aim of this study was to analyse the transcriptional pattern of flagellar (flaA-flaB-flgH-motA) and other putative virulence genes (ciaB-cadF-mviN-pldA) of A. butzleri during its interaction with A. castellanii by quantitative real-time PCR. The transcriptional analysis showed up-regulation of all genes analysed before A. butzleri became established as an endocytobiont of A. castellanii. In contrast, while A. butzleri remains an endocytobiont, a significant and sustained decrease in the transcription of all analysed genes was observed. Our findings suggest that A. butzleri requires a biphasic transcriptional pattern of flagellar and other putative virulence genes to establish an endosymbiotic relationship with A. castellanii.

Embolia pulmonar aérea secundaria a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica en una paciente con trasplante hepático. Reporte de caso / Case report of a pulmonary air embolism secondary to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a liver transplant patient

Resumen La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es uno de los recursos terapéuticos más importantes para el manejo de las complicaciones biliares del trasplante hepático. Sin embargo, se pueden presentar varias complicaciones: pancreatitis aguda, hemorragia, perforaciones, infecciones y eventos adversos cardiopulmonares. La embolia aérea es una complicación muy infrecuente, severa y potencialmente fatal. Se reporta un caso de embolia aérea post-CPRE en una mujer de 55 años con antecedente de trasplante hepático y estenosis de la anastomosis biliar. Se discute la presentación clínica, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y los posibles mecanismos involucrados en esta complicación.

Abstract Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the most important therapeutic resources for management of biliary complications of liver transplantation. However, several complications including acute pancreatitis, hemorrhage, perforations, infections and cardiopulmonary adverse events can occur. Air embolisms occur very infrequently but are severe and potentially fatal complications. We report a case of post-ERCP embolism in a 55-year-old woman with a history of liver transplantation and stenosis of the biliary anastomosis. The clinical presentation, the diagnosis, the treatment and the possible mechanisms involved in this complication are discussed.

Campylobacter species in chilean patients with chronic periodontitis / Espécies de Campylobacter em pacientes chilenos com periodontite crônica

The purpose of this study is to identify the presence of Campylobacter species (C. rectus, C. concisus, C. gracilis and C. ureolyticus) in Chilean patients with chronic periodontitis, and to establish the relationship of these microorganisms with the periodontal conditions of smoker and non-smoker patients. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from four periodontal-affected tissue sites of 15 smoker and 15 non-moker patients with chronic periodontitis. A sample per quadrant was obtained, with a probing depth of 6 mm and an insertion loss of >3 mm in each patient. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with the specific 16S rDNA primers for the molecular detection of C. rectus and C. gracilis, specific cpn60 primers for C. concisus and hsp60 primers gene for C. ureolyticus. Campylobacter species showed an overall prevalence of 93.3% in periodontal patients, while C. rectus was the most frequent one (80%), followed by C. concisus (66.7%), C. gracilis (33.3%), and C. ureolyticus (10%). Only C. gracilis showed a statistically significant (p = 0.002) association with chronic periodontitis among samples from smoker and nonsmoker patients. A high prevalence of the Campylobacter genus in the analyzed populations (93.3%) was found, being C. rectus the most frequent (80%) species. Besides, C. gracilis showed a statistically significant association between smoker state and chronic periodontitis.

O objetivo deste estudo é identificar a presença de espécies de Campylobacter (C. rectus, C. concisus, C. gracilis e C. ureolyticus) em pacientes chilenos com periodontite crônica, e estabelecer a relação desses microrganismos com as condições periodontais de pacientes fumantes e não fumantes. Amostras de placa subgengival foram coletadas de quatro locais de tecido periodontal afetado de 15 pacientes fumantes e 15 não fumantes com periodontite crônica. Obteve-se uma amostra por quadrante, com profundidade de sondagem 6 mm e perda de inserção > 3 mm em cada paciente. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi realizada com os primers específicos 16S rDNA para a detecção molecular de C. rectus e C. gracilis, primers específicos de cpn60 para C. concisus e gene primers de hsp60 para C. ureolyticus. As espécies de Campylobacter apresentaram uma prevalência geral de 93,3% nos pacientes periodontais, enquanto C. rectus foi o mais frequente (80%), seguido por C. concisus (66,7%), C. gracilis (33,3%) e C. ureolyticus (10%). Apenas C. gracilis apresentou associação estatisticamente significante (p = 0,002) com a periodontite crônica entre as amostras de pacientes fumantes e não fumantes. Observou-se alta prevalência do gênero Campylobacter nas populações analisadas (93,3%), sendo C. reto as espécies mais frequentes (80%). Além disso, C. gracilis mostrou associação estatisticamente significante entre estado de fumante e periodontite crônica.