Trends in Inpatient Antibiotic Use Among Adults Hospitalized During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, 2018-2021.

BACKGROUND: High rates of antibiotic use (AU) among inpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) despite low rates of bacterial coinfection and secondary infection have been reported. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AU in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in South America. METHODS: We conducted an ecologic evaluation of AU in inpatient adult acute care wards in 2 HCFs each in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. The AU rates for intravenous antibiotics were calculated as the defined daily dose per 1000 patient-days, using pharmacy dispensing records and hospitalization data from March 2018-February 2020 (prepandemic) and March 2020-February 2021 (pandemic). Differences in median AU were compared between the prepandemic and pandemic periods, using the Wilcoxon rank sum test to determine significance. Interrupted time series analysis was used to analyze changes in AU during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Compared with the prepandemic period, the median difference in AU rates for all antibiotics combined increased in 4 of 6 HCFs (percentage change, 6.7%-35.1%; P < .05). In the interrupted time series models, 5 of 6 HCFs had significant increases in use of all antibiotics combined immediately at the onset of the pandemic (immediate effect estimate range, 15.4-268), but only 1 of these 5 HCFs experienced a sustained increase over time (change in slope, +8.13; P < .01). The effect of the pandemic onset varied by antibiotic group and HCF. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial increases in AU were observed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting the need to maintain or strengthen antibiotic stewardship activities as part of pandemic or emergency HCF responses.

Introducing a Realistic, Low-Cost Simulation Model for Clipping of Brain Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The current trend toward endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms may have a negative impact on young neurosurgeons who are less exposed to these lesions, thus affecting the acquisition of surgical skills in the field. Different training models have emerged to help cope with this issue, but these have specific pitfalls. Training models based on live animals or cadaveric specimens face increasing restrictions as regulations become a barrier in accessibility for everyday skills development. We introduce a novel, realistic, and inexpensive simulation model using a fresh bovine brain, and we assess its face and content validity as a training tool. METHODS: A fresh bovine brain is used to simulate microsurgical fissure dissection. Arterial and aneurysmal components are created with arteries and veins harvested from chicken thigh. A 12-item questionnaire using the Likert numeric scale (grades 1 - 5) was used to assess the validity of model in 10 surgeons. RESULTS: Ten neurosurgeons performed the simulated clipping of the aneurysm and completed a questionnaire. All surgeons surveyed responded "agree" or "strongly agree" that the simulator, and the skills trained with it, are comparable to clipping brain aneurysms. All respondents believed that this simulator could improve patient safety. CONCLUSIONS: We present a novel, realistic, and inexpensive simulation model for the clipping of brain aneurysms. This model was partially validated by the opinion of field experts. We believe this model has the potential to become a useful training tool for young neurosurgeons who have little exposure to real aneurysm cases.

Relación entre las características antropométricas de masa muscular de extremidad inferior y la potencia de salto de jóvenes deportistas / Relation Between Anthropometric Muscle Mass Characteristics of Lower Limbs and Jump Power in Young Athletes

Resumen La antropometría regional resulta ser un procedimiento importante en la proyección del desempeño de un deportista. El objetivo del presente estudio es relacionar las características antropométricas de extremidad inferior con la potencia de salto en jóvenes deportistas. Se utilizó una metodología correlacional donde se evaluaron a 44 deportistas juveniles (30 hombres y 14 mujeres), a los cuales, se les midió la altura del salto en sentadilla de 90° (SJ), contra movimiento con manos fijas (CMJ-MF) y contra movimiento con manos libres (CMJ-ML). Estas variables derivaron al cálculo de potencia. Junto con esto se determinó características antropométricas de miembro inferior vinculados a pliegues cutáneos y perímetros, obteniendo valores de muslo medio (MMED) y máximo (MMAX), perímetro corregido de pantorrilla (PCP), área de sección muscular de cuádriceps (ASMC), área de sección muscular de isquiotibial (ASMI) y área de sección muscular total de muslo (ASMM). Los resultados mostraron una correlación significativa entre el perímetro corregido de pantorrilla y la potencia de salto en SJ (r=0,73; p=0,00), CMJ-MF (r=0,72; p=0,00) y CMJ-ML (r=0,7; p=0,00). En conclusión, el perímetro de pantorrilla presentó componentes relacionados a la potencia de salto de los deportistas juveniles.

Abstract Regional anthropometry turns out to be an important procedure in the projection of the athlete's performance. The objective of the present study is to relate the anthropometric characteristics of the lower limbs of the body with the jumping power of young athletes. A correlational methodology was used to evaluate 44 youth athletes (30 men and 14 women). They were measured for jump height in 90° squat (SJ), countermovement with fixed hands (CMJ-MF), and countermovement with free hands (CMJ-ML). These variables derived into the power calculation. With this, we established the anthropometric characteristic of lower body parts linked to skinfolds and perimeters, obtaining values of mid (MMED) and maximum thigh (MMAX), corrected calf perimeter (PCP), quadriceps muscle section area (ASMC), hamstring muscular section area (ASMI), and total section of the muscular thigh area (ASMM). The results showed a significant correlation between the corrected calf perimeter and the jump power in SJ (r=0.73; p=0.00), CMJ-MF (r=0.72; p=0.00) and CMJ-ML(r=0.7; p=0.00). In conclusion, the calf perimeter presented related components to the young athletes' jumping power.

Resumo A antropometria regional acaba sendo um procedimento importante na projeção do desempenho de um atleta. O objetivo do presente estudo é relacionar as características antropométricas do membro inferior com a força de salto em jovens atletas. Foi utilizada uma metodologia correlacional onde foram avaliados 44 atletas jovens (30 homens e 14 mulheres), para os quais foi medida a altura do salto no agachamento a 90 ° (SJ), contra movimento com mãos fixas (CMJ-MF) e movimento contrário livre (CMJ-ML). Essas variáveis levaram ao cálculo da potência. Paralelamente, foram determinadas as características antropométricas do membro inferior relacionadas às dobras cutâneas e perímetros, obtendo-se os valores da coxa média (MMED) e máxima (MMAX), perímetro corrigido da panturrilha (PCP), área de seção muscular do quadríceps (ASMC), área da seção do músculo isquiotibial (ASMI) e área total da seção do músculo da coxa (ASMM). Os resultados mostraram uma correlação significativa entre a circunferência da panturrilha corrigida e a força de salto em SJ (r= 0,73; p = 0,00), CMJ-MF (r= 0,72; p = 0,00) e CMJ-ML (r= 0,7; p = 0,00) Em conclusão, a circunferência da panturrilha apresentou componentes relacionados à força de salto dos jovens atletas.

Novel Simulation Model with Pulsatile Flow System for Microvascular Training, Research, and Improving Patient Surgical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Simulation allows surgical trainees to acquire surgical skills in a safe environment. With the aim of reducing the use of animal experimentation, different alternative nonliving models have been pursued. However, one of the main disadvantages of these nonliving models has been the absence of arterial flow, pulsation, and the ability to integrate both during a procedure on a blood vessel. In the present report, we have introduced a microvascular surgery simulation training model that uses a fiscally responsible and replicable pulsatile flow system. METHODS: We connected 30 human placentas to a pulsatile flow system and used them to simulate aneurysm clipping and vascular anastomosis. RESULTS: The presence of the pulsatile flow system allowed for the simulation of a hydrodynamic mechanism similar to that found in real life. In the aneurysm simulation, the arterial flow could be evaluated before and after clipping the aneurysm using a Doppler ultrasound system. When practicing anastomosis, the use of the pulsatile flow system allowed us to assess the vascular flow through the anastomosis, with verification using the Doppler ultrasound system. Leaks were manifested as "blood" pulsatile ejections and were more frequent at the beginning of the surgical practice, showing a learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: We have provided a step-by-step guide for the assembly of a replicable and inexpensive pulsatile flow system and its use in placentas for the simulation of, and training in, performing different types of anastomoses and intracranial aneurysms surgery.

Isolation of a rhamnogalacturonan lyase expressed during ripening of the Chilean strawberry fruit and its biochemical characterization.

Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Mill. fruit has exotic organoleptic properties however commercialization is a challenge due to its fast and intensive softening. Texture modifications associated to ripening are related to cell wall metabolism. Main cell wall polysaccharides metabolized in F. chiloensis fruit are pectins, being rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) an abundant pectin domain in strawberry. Several enzymes belonging to the fruit molecular machinery have been described to act on different cell wall polysaccharides in F. chiloensis, but none acting on the main chain of RG-I until now. A gene sequence coding for a rhamnogalacturonan endolyase (RG-lyase) (EC 4.2.2.23) was isolated from F. chiloensis. The FchRGL1 sequence belongs to Polysaccharide Lyase family 4 and contains the three functional domains of RG-lyases: RGL4 domain, fibronectin type III and the carbohydrate binding module. In addition, it contains key amino acid residues for activity and Ca2+ coordination. qRT-PCR analyses indicate that FchRGL1 transcripts increase in fruit throughout ripening. RG-lyase activity evidences a remarkable increase as the fruit ripens. The heterologous expression of FchRGL1 in Pichia pastoris provided an active protein that allows its biochemical characterization. RG-lyase activity is optimum at pH 5.0, 25-30 °C and 2 mM Ca2+. A KM of 0.086 mg mL-1 was determined for potato RG-I, and the enzyme undergoes inhibition at high substrate concentration. The enzyme is also able to degrade the mucilage of germinating A. thaliana's seeds. Finally, the properties of FchRGL1 and its expression pattern are congruent with a crucial role in cell wall re-organization during softening of F. chiloensis fruit.

Differential expression after UV-B radiation and characterization of chalcone synthase from the Patagonian hairgrass Deschampsia antarctica.

Deschampsiaantarctica inhabits the maritime territory of Antarctica and South Patagonia. It grows under very harsh environmental conditions. The survival of this species in low freezing temperatures and under high levels of UV-B radiation may constitute some of the most remarkable adaptive plant responses and suggests that this plant possesses genes associated with cold and UV tolerance. Frequently, increased levels of flavonoids have been linked to highly UV-B irradiated plants. Studies examining the biosynthesis of flavonoids in D. antarctica may provide clues to its success in this extreme environment. In this study, we characterized the family of genes encoding chalcone synthase, a key enzyme of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. DaCHS was cloned, sequenced and characterized by using software tools. CHS contains two domains, the N-terminal domain ranges from amino acid 8 to 231 and the C-terminal domain ranges from amino acid 241 to 391. Sequence analysis of the three family members revealed a high degree of identity after comparison with other monocotyledons such as Oryza sativa L., Zea mays L. and Hordeum vulgare L. According to these results, DaCHS can be grouped together with H. vulgare CHS1 in the same branch. The phylogenetic tree was built using MEGA software and the neighbour join method with 1000 bootstrap replicates. A model of DaCHS was constructed by way of structural tools and key amino acid residues were identified at the active motif site.

Molecular insights of a xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase/hydrolase of radiata pine (PrXTH1) expressed in response to inclination: Kinetics and computational study.

Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolases (XTH) may have endotransglycosylase (XET) and/or hydrolase (XEH) activities. Previous studies confirmed XET activity for PrXTH1 protein from radiata pine. XTHs could interact with many hemicellulose substrates, but the favorite substrate of PrXTH1 is still unknown. The prediction of union type and energy stability of the complexes formed between PrXTH1 and different substrates (XXXGXXXG, XXFGXXFG, XLFGXLFG and cellulose) were determined using bioinformatics tools. Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, MM-GBSA and Electrostatic Potential Calculations were employed to predict the binding modes, free energies of interaction and the distribution of electrostatic charge. The results suggest that the enzyme formed more stable complexes with hemicellulose substrates than cellulose, and the best ligand was the xyloglucan XLFGXLFG (free energy of -58.83 ±â€¯0.8 kcal mol-1). During molecular dynamics trajectories, hemicellulose fibers showed greater stability than cellulose. Aditionally, the kinetic properties of PrXTH1 enzyme were determined. The recombinant protein was active and showed an optimal pH 5.0 and optimal temperature of 37 °C. A Km value of 20.9 mM was determined for xyloglucan oligomer. PrXTH1 is able to interact with different xyloglycans structures but no activity was observed for cellulose as substrate, remodeling cell wall structure in response to inclination.

Joint effect among p53, CYP1A1, GSTM1 polymorphism combinations and smoking on prostate cancer risk: an exploratory genotype-environment interaction study.

AIM: To assess the role of several genetic factors in combination with an environmental factor as modulators of prostate cancer risk. We focus on allele variants of low-penetrance genes associated with cell control, the detoxification processes and smoking. METHODS: In a case-control study we compared people carrying p53cd72 Pro allele, CYP1A1 M1 allele and GSTM1 null genotypes with their prostate cancer risk. RESULTS: The joint risk for smokers carrying Pro* and M1*, Pro* and GSTM1null or GSTM1 null and CYP1A1 M1* variants was significantly higher (odds ratio [OR]: 13.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.41-71.36; OR: 3.97, 95% CI: 1.13-13.95 and OR: 6.87, 95% CI: 1.68-27.97, respectively) compared with that for the reference group, and for non-smokers was not significant. OR for combinations among p53cd72, GSTM1 and CYP1A1 M1 in smokers were positively and significantly associated with prostate cancer risk compared with non-smokers and compared with the putative lowest risk group (OR: 8.87, 95% CI: 1.25-62.71). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a combination of p53cd72, CYP1A1, GSTM1 alleles and smoking plays a significant role in modified prostate cancer risk on the study population, which means that smokers carrying susceptible genotypes might have a significantly higher risk than those carrying non-susceptible genotypes.

Relación pedagógica: pilar de la acción tutorial / Pedagogical relation between nursing students and teachers

La actividad tutorial como parte del proceso de acompañamiento educativo se basa en la relación pedagógica. Esta genera la interacción democrática necesaria para compartir experiencias donde se produzcan intercambios de símbolos y signos que permitan el acceso al diálogo, a la participación y a la construcción de ambientes propicios para el aprendizaje. El desarrollo de las habilidades comunicativas impone el conocimiento de todos los componentes del proceso de comunicación para saber utilizarlos en situaciones de enseñanza-aprendizaje. El artículo describe distintos aspectos de la relación pedagógica entre alumnos y docentes del área Enfermería Médico-Quirúrgica de la Licenciatura en Enfermería de la Universidad Nacional de Catamarca (UNCa), valorando su nivel de eficacia

Relación pedagógica: pilar de la acción tutorial / Pedagogical relation between nursing students and teachers

La actividad tutorial como parte del proceso de acompañamiento educativo se basa en la relación pedagógica. Esta genera la interacción democrática necesaria para compartir experiencias donde se produzcan intercambios de símbolos y signos que permitan el acceso al diálogo, a la participación y a la construcción de ambientes propicios para el aprendizaje. El desarrollo de las habilidades comunicativas impone el conocimiento de todos los componentes del proceso de comunicación para saber utilizarlos en situaciones de enseñanza-aprendizaje. El artículo describe distintos aspectos de la relación pedagógica entre alumnos y docentes del área Enfermería Médico-Quirúrgica de la Licenciatura en Enfermería de la Universidad Nacional de Catamarca (UNCa), valorando su nivel de eficacia (AU)