Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and its association with gastric cancer: health benefits from a Planeterranean perspective.

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has garnered increasing attention for its potential protective effects against gastric cancer (GC). The MD's rich content of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds contributes to its ability to modulate gene expression, inhibit tumor growth, and regulate apoptosis. Studies have shown significant reductions in inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) among individuals adhering to the MD, suggesting its pivotal role in mitigating chronic inflammation-associated with cancer development. Furthermore, the MD's anti-angiogenic properties, particularly in components like olive oil, red wine, fish, and tomatoes, offer promising avenues for reducing GC risk by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, the MD's influence on intestinal microbiota composition underscores its potential in maintaining immune homeostasis and reducing systemic inflammation, factors crucial in GC prevention. Despite challenges such as variability in dietary adherence scoring systems and the need for further gender and geographical-specific studies, evidence supports the MD as a cost-effective and holistic approach to GC prevention. Emphasizing the role of nutrition in public health is a promising strategy with broad implications for global health and cancer prevention initiatives. Therefore, this review explores the multifaceted impacts of the MD on GC prevention, delving into its anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and molecular mechanisms.

Obesity and Obesity-Related Thyroid Dysfunction: Any Potential Role for the Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD)?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to explore in-depth the different aspects of the association between very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD), obesity and obesity-related thyroid dysfunction. RECENT FINDINGS: The VLCKD, proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy for the management of certain chronic diseases, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Initially used to treat epilepsy, it has been shown to be effective in controlling body weight gain and addressing various pathophysiological conditions. Research has shown that a low-calorie, high-fat diet can affect thyroid hormone levels. Weight loss can also influence thyroid hormone levels. Studies have suggested that long-term use of VLCKD for refractory epilepsy may be related to the development of hypothyroidism, with an effect seen in various populations. In particular, women with obesity following VLCKD tend to have reduced T3 levels. We propose further research to unravel the underlying mechanisms linking VLCKD to obesity and obesity-related thyroid dysfunction.

Avian Influenza: Strategies to Manage an Outbreak.

Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious disease among the poultry population with high avian mortality, which generates significant economic losses and elevated costs for disease control and outbreak eradication. AI is caused by an RNA virus part of the Orthomyxoviridae family; however, only Influenzavirus A is capable of infecting birds. AI pathogenicity is based on the lethality, signs, and molecular characteristics of the virus. Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus has a low mortality rate and ability to infect, whereas the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus can cross respiratory and intestinal barriers, diffuse to the blood, damage all tissues of the bird, and has a high mortality rate. Nowadays, avian influenza is a global public health concern due to its zoonotic potential. Wild waterfowl is the natural reservoir of AI viruses, and the oral-fecal path is the main transmission route between birds. Similarly, transmission to other species generally occurs after virus circulation in densely populated infected avian species, indicating that AI viruses can adapt to promote the spread. Moreover, HPAI is a notifiable animal disease; therefore, all countries must report infections to the health authorities. Regarding laboratory diagnoses, the presence of influenza virus type A can be identified by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), immunofluorescence assays, and enzyme-linked immunoadsorption assay (ELISAs). Furthermore, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is used for viral RNA detection and is considered the gold standard for the management of suspect and confirmed cases of AI. If there is suspicion of a case, epidemiological surveillance protocols must be initiated until a definitive diagnosis is obtained. Moreover, if there is a confirmed case, containment actions should be prompt and strict precautions must be taken when handling infected poultry cases or infected materials. The containment measures for confirmed cases include the sanitary slaughter of infected poultry using methods such as environment saturation with CO2, carbon dioxide foam, and cervical dislocation. For disposal, burial, and incineration, protocols should be followed. Lastly, disinfection of affected poultry farms must be carried out. The present review aims to provide an overview of the avian influenza virus, strategies for its management, the challenges an outbreak can generate, and recommendations for informed decision making.

Signals for Muscular Protein Turnover and Insulin Resistance in Critically Ill Patients: A Narrative Review.

Sarcopenia in critically ill patients is a highly prevalent comorbidity. It is associated with a higher mortality rate, length of mechanical ventilation, and probability of being sent to a nursing home after the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite the number of calories and proteins delivered, there is a complex network of signals of hormones and cytokines that affect muscle metabolism and its protein synthesis and breakdown in critically ill and chronic patients. To date, it is known that a higher number of proteins decreases mortality, but the exact amount needs to be clarified. This complex network of signals affects protein synthesis and breakdown. Some hormones regulate metabolism, such as insulin, insulin growth factor glucocorticoids, and growth hormone, whose secretion is affected by feeding states and inflammation. In addition, cytokines are involved, such as TNF-alpha and HIF-1. These hormones and cytokines have common pathways that activate muscle breakdown effectors, such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system, calpain, and caspase-3. These effectors are responsible for protein breakdown in muscles. Many trials have been conducted with hormones with different results but not with nutritional outcomes. This review examines the effect of hormones and cytokines on muscles. Knowing all the signals and pathways that affect protein synthesis and breakdown can be considered for future therapeutics.

Diagnóstico microbiológico. Su importancia en las infecciones quirúrgicas / The microbiological diagnosis. Its importance in surgical infections

Introducción: Se ha calculado una prevalencia total de infección de la herida quirúrgica del 5 al 10 por ciento. Objetivo: Resumir los principales elementos que definen el diagnóstico microbiológico y su importancia en las infecciones quirúrgicas, así como analizar aquellos factores que favorecen la proliferación microbiana en las heridas quirúrgicas. Planteamiento: En la actualidad la infección del sitio quirúrgico constituye la tercera infección nosocomial más habitual y la más importante entre los pacientes operados. El acercamiento a este tema se justifica plenamente si se toma en consideración la diversidad de intervenciones quirúrgicas que se realizan actualmente. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico microbiológico resulta fundamental, tanto para definir la fase de la infección como para identificar el microorganismo que afecta el resultado de la operación, ya que contribuye a establecer la sensibilidad a los antibióticos y a la elección adecuada del tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: Total prevalence of surgical site infection is calculated to from 5 to 10 percent of surgical interventions. Objective: To summarize the main elements defining the microbiological diagnosis and its importance in surgical infections, and analyze those factors that favor microbial proliferation in surgical wounds. Development: At present, surgical site infection is the third most recurrent nosocomial infection and the most important among operated patients. The approach to this topic is fully justified if the diversity of surgical interventions currently performed is taken into account. Conclusions: The microbiological diagnosis is fundamental both to define the infection phase and to identify the microorganism affecting the result of the surgical intervention, because it contributes to knowing the sensitivity to antibiotics and to select the treatment appropriately(AU)