Characteristics of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis in a tertiary Chilean hospital: An observational retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system opportunistic infections can be the first presentation of an HIV infection. Our aim is to describe clinical and laboratory characteristics of HIV-associated Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM), in-hospital outcomes and analyze associations of these parameters with adverse outcomes. METHODS: Observational study of local cohort of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis in a high complexity tertiary urban hospital in Santiago, Chile. Descriptive analysis through chart review of all episodes of HIV-associated CM in adults, from 1995 to 2019. Inclusion criteria were confirmed CM with cerebrospinal fluid culture or India ink in the appropriate clinical context and HIV diagnosis. We selected relevant variables that have been described as predictors of adverse outcomes in the literature and explore associations in our cohort. RESULTS: There were 37 HIV associated CM cases, occurring from 2000 to 2019. Majority were men (86 %) with a median age of 35 years. CM was the first HIV manifestation in 32 %. Opening pressure was measured in 10 % of patients at admission. Most CSF parameters were mildly altered, and two patients presented with completely normal CSF findings. Most patients -94,4 %- suffered adverse events secondary to antifungal therapy. Despite of recommendations against their use, steroids were frequently prescribed. Mortality was 18,9 %, and was associated with older age, and more days of headache prior to admission. CONCLUSIONS: CM clinical presentation and CSF characteristics are variable at presentation, which can lead to delayed diagnosis. Inappropriate use of corticosteroids, antifungal toxicity and suboptimal management of elevated intracranial pressure are key aspects to improve.

The CARBA-MAP study: national mapping of carbapenemases in Spain (2014-2018).

Introduction: Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including isolates producing acquired carbapenemases, constitute a prevalent health problem worldwide. The primary objective of this study was to determine the distribution of the different carbapenemases among carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE, specifically Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae complex, and Klebsiella aerogenes) and carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa (CPPA) in Spain from January 2014 to December 2018. Methods: A national, retrospective, cross-sectional multicenter study was performed. The study included the first isolate per patient and year obtained from clinical samples and obtained for diagnosis of infection in hospitalized patients. A structured questionnaire was completed by the participating centers using the REDCap platform, and results were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0.0. Results: A total of 2,704 carbapenemase-producing microorganisms were included, for which the type of carbapenemase was determined in 2692 cases: 2280 CPE (84.7%) and 412 CPPA (15.3%), most often using molecular methods and immunochromatographic assays. Globally, the most frequent types of carbapenemase in Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa were OXA-48-like, alone or in combination with other enzymes (1,523 cases, 66.8%) and VIM (365 cases, 88.6%), respectively. Among Enterobacterales, carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae was reported in 1821 cases (79.9%), followed by E. cloacae complex in 334 cases (14.6%). In Enterobacterales, KPC is mainly present in the South and South-East regions of Spain and OXA-48-like in the rest of the country. Regarding P. aeruginosa, VIM is widely distributed all over the country. Globally, an increasing percentage of OXA-48-like enzymes was observed from 2014 to 2017. KPC enzymes were more frequent in 2017-2018 compared to 2014-2016. Discussion: Data from this study help to understand the situation and evolution of the main species of CPE and CPPA in Spain, with practical implications for control and optimal treatment of infections caused by these multi-drug resistant organisms.

Implicancias de la pandemia por COVID-19 y el aislamiento social sobre el perfil cardiometabólico de una cohorte de individuos en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Isolation on the Cardiometabolic Profile of a Cohort of Individuals from the City of Buenos Aires

RESUMEN Introducción : La pandemia por COVID-19 ha conmocionado a la humanidad. Durante la misma, la necesidad de aislamiento social ha fomentado la baja adherencia a un estilo de vida saludable en muchos individuos. Sin embargo, existe poca evidencia del impacto metabólico que ha tenido la pandemia por COVID-19 en nuestro medio. Objetivos : Evaluar el impacto del aislamiento social producido por la pandemia COVID-19 sobre el peso corporal y los pará metros cardiometabólicos de una población de adultos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Materiales y métodos : En un diseño observacional, se analizaron los datos de pacientes (pac.) que asistieron a un programa de prevención y promoción de salud en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se individualizaron datos de participantes que concurrieron a realizarse estudios en el año 2019 y repitieron los mismos en el año 2021. Los registros médicos se utilizaron como fuente para la recopilación de datos generales, medidas antropométricas y valores de laboratorios. Se utilizaron los criterios NCEP para definir la presencia de Síndrome Metabólico (SM). Resultados : Se identificaron un total de 558 pac. con evaluaciones disponibles en 2019 y 2021. La edad promedio de la población fue 52,2 ± 12,8 años, con 41% de mujeres. Se observó un incremento en el peso corporal (82,1 ± 17,7 kg vs. 83,1 ± 18,5kg; p <0,0001) y del índice de masa corporal (29,4 ± 5,4 vs. 29,8 ± 5,7, p <0,0001). También se observaron incrementos en la presión arterial sistólica (123,1 ± 15,1 mmHg vs. 126,6 ± 16,3 mmHg; p <0,0001) y diastólica (77,7 ± 9,3 mmHg vs. 79,6 ± 9,4 mmHg; p <0,0001). Dentro de los parámetros de laboratorio, se evidenció un incremento en los valores de glucemia plasmática, con mediana y rango intercuartilo (RIC) de 95 (89-103 mg/dL) vs. 99 (92-107 mg/dL), p <0,0001; y descenso del colesterol HDL (51,8 ± 12,7 mg/dL vs. 49,3 ± 12,8 mg/dL; p <0,00001). No se observaron cambios en el colesterol LDL (116,4 ± 32,6 mg/dL vs. 116,1 ± 34 mg/dL; p = NS), colesterol total (194,9 ± 37,4 vs. 193 ± 39,6 mg/dL; p=NS) o la concentración de triglicéridos, con mediana (RIC) de 114,5 (83,2-162,7 mg/dL) vs 118 (88-169 mg/dL), p=NS. Esto se acompañó de un au mento de la prevalencia de SM (21,5% vs 34%; p<0,0001). También se incrementó la proporción de pac. con placas a nivel carotídeo (35,8% vs. 40,5%; p <0,01). El 18,8% de los pac. incrementaron su peso corporal más del 5%. Esta población estuvo representada por pac. más jóvenes (47,6 ± 14 años vs. 53,3 ± 12 años; p< 0,0001), y se observó correlación inversa entre edad y magnitud del incremento del peso (r =-0,1; p<0,02). Conclusiones : El aislamiento social, durante la pandemia COVID-19, mostró tener importantes consecuencias en los factores de riesgo de la población estudiada. Las implicancias prospectivas de estos hallazgos podrían verse en los próximos años, si estas alteraciones metabólicas no se revierten.

ABSTRACT Background : The COVID-19 pandemic has shocked humanity. During the pandemic, the need for social isolation has encouraged low adherence to a healthy lifestyle in many individuals. However, evidence of the metabolic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our field is scarce. Objective : To evaluate the impact of social isolation produced by the COVID-19 pandemic on the body weight and the cardio metabolic parameters of an adult population in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Methods : Based on an observational design, we analyzed the data from patients who attended a prevention and health pro motion program in the City of Buenos Aires. Data from participants who attended for testing in 2019 and repeated testing in 2021 were individualized. Medical records were used as source for collecting general data, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory values. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criteria were used to define the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS). Results : A total of 558 patients with available evaluations in 2019 and 2021 were identified. The average age of the population was 52.2 ± 12.8 years, and 41% was female. An increase in body weight (82.1 ± 17.7 kg vs. 83.1 ± 18.5 kg; p<0.0001) and body mass index (29.4 ± 5.4 vs. 29.8 ± 5.7, p <0.0001) was observed. Increases in systolic (123.1 ± 15.1 mmHg vs. 126.6 ± 16.3 mmHg; p <0.0001) and diastolic (77.7 ± 9.3 mmHg vs. 79.6 mmHg± 9.4 mmHg, p <0.0001) blood pressure values were also observed. As regards the laboratory parameters, we noted an increase in plasma glucose levels with a median and an interquartile range (IQR) of 95 (89-103 mg/dL) vs. 99 (92-107 mg/dL), p <0.0001, and a decrease in HDL cholesterol (51, 8 ± 12.7 mg/dL vs. 49.3 ± 12.8 mg/dL, p<0.0001). No changes were observed in LDL cholesterol (116.4 ± 32.6 mg/dL vs. 116.1 ± 34 mg/dL; p=NS), total cholesterol (194.9 ± 37.4 vs. 193 ± 39.6 mg/dL; p=NS) or triglyceride levels, with a median and IQR of 114.5 (83.2-162.7 mg/dL) vs. 118 (88-169 mg/dL; p=NS). This was accompanied by an increased prevalence of MS (21.5% vs. 34%; p<0.0001). The proportion of patients with carotid plaques also increased, without reaching statistical significance (36.4% vs. 40.7%; p=NS). Besides, it was observed that 18.8% of the patients increased their body weight by more than 5%. This population was represented by younger patients (47.6 ± 14 years vs. 53.3 ± 12 years; p< 0.0001) showing a reverse correlation between age and scope of weight increase (r=-0.1; p<0.02). Conclusion : Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic was shown to have important consequences on the risk factors of the population studied. The prospective implications of these findings might become apparent in the next few years if these metabolic alterations are not reversed.

Benthic biota of Chilean fjords and channels in 25 years of cruises of the National Oceanographic Committee.

The CIMAR program (Marine Research Cruises to Remote Areas) run by the Chilean Navy through the National Oceanographic Committee has been developed since 1995, focused on Chilean fjord and channel zones (~41-56°S; "CIMAR-Fjords") and Chilean remote islands ("CIMAR-Islands"). Samples and data was collected on biotic and abiotic variables on all these cruises, both from the water column and benthos. Our work standardizes, compiles, and summarizes the published information on benthic organisms for twenty-one CIMAR-Fjords cruises developed in the first 25 years of the program, plus the Southern Ice Fields Cruise 1995 (precursor of the CIMAR program), which includes the distribution, abundance and geographic location of cruises sampling stations. The data set includes 8,854 records from 880 different localities, corresponding to 1,225 species from 24 different phyla (four kingdoms) and more than 150,000 individuals. Only two cruises did not record any benthic sampling. The fjords and channels of Chilean Patagonia have high biodiversity, so we hope that our data set will serve as a baseline for ecological studies and ecosystem conservation.

Episodic Binge-like Ethanol Reduces Skeletal Muscle Strength Associated with Atrophy, Fibrosis, and Inflammation in Young Rats.

Binge Drinking (BD) corresponds to episodes of ingestion of large amounts of ethanol in a short time, typically ≤2 h. BD occurs across all populations, but young and sports-related people are especially vulnerable. However, the short- and long-term effects of episodic BD on skeletal muscle function have been poorly explored. Young rats were randomized into two groups: control and episodic Binge-Like ethanol protocol (BEP) (ethanol 3 g/kg IP, 4 episodes of 2-days ON-2-days OFF paradigm). Muscle function was evaluated two weeks after the last BEP episode. We found that rats exposed to BEP presented decreased muscle strength and increased fatigability, compared with control animals. Furthermore, we observed that skeletal muscle from rats exposed to BEP presented muscle atrophy, evidenced by reduced fiber size and increased expression of atrophic genes. We also observed that BEP induced fibrotic and inflammation markers, accompanied by mislocalization of nNOSµ and high levels of protein nitration. Our findings suggest that episodic binge-like ethanol exposure alters contractile capacity and increases fatigue by mechanisms involving atrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation, which remain for at least two weeks after ethanol clearance. These pathological features are common to several neuromuscular diseases and might affect muscle performance and health in the long term.

A naturalistic study on the effectiveness of long-acting antipsychotics in an early intervention program for patients with recent-onset psychosis.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) on the risk of hospitalization and the length of hospitalization in the setting of an early intervention program for patients with recent-onset psychosis. METHODS: Observational, retrospective study conducted under routine clinical practice conditions. We included all patients admitted from July 2015 to April 2020 to the Early Intervention Program in Psychosis. We analysed the incidence of hospitalization and hospitalization days before and after treatment with LAIs and calculated the incidence rate ratio (IRR). We also compared the outcomes of patients treated with LAIs with those of the patients maintained on oral antipsychotics using a binomial negative regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients were included in the program. Of them, 34 (20%) received LAIs (aripiprazole [n = 22], and paliperidone/risperidone [n = 12]). There was an 89% reduction in the incidence of hospitalizations after treatment with LAIs (IRR 0.11, 95%CI 0.05-0.21; p < .0001). The IRR for LAIs vs. oral antipsychotics was 0.87 (95%CI, 0.24-3.18; p = .829). The presence of a substance use disorder significantly increased the rate of hospitalizations by 123% (IRR 2.23, 95%CI 1.31-3.78). Analyses of hospitalization days showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that LAIs are useful for the management of patients with recent-onset psychosis who fail treatment with oral antipsychotics. Whether LAIs are superior to oral antipsychotics as first-line treatment of patients with early psychosis and/or could play a special role in managing patients with early psychosis and comorbid substance use disorders should be further evaluated.

Metabolic syndrome components determine the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in obese and overweight.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is frequently associated with an increased body mass index (BMI), and related to an adverse cardiovascular prognosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and association between MS, obesity and subclinical atherosclerosis (SA). This cross-sectional study included healthy adults, allocated to normal weight (NW) when BMI <25 kg/m2, overweight (OW) BMI ≥25 and <30 kg/m2, or obese (OB) BMI ≥30 kg/m2 groups. Presence of MS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criteria. SA was evidenced with vascular ultrasound. Association between SA, obesity and MS, was evaluated by logistic regression models. There were 3,716 patients studied (female 66.7%, mean age 47 ± 17.5 years). According to BMI, NW represented 28.2%, OW 39.4% and OB 32.4%. MS showed a strong correspondence with BMI (NW 4.9%, OW 21.4%, OB 49.7%; p<0.001). SA was more prevalent in each group when MS was present: NW (25.4% vs. 45.1%, p<0.005), OW (43.2% vs. 58.9%, p<0.0001) and OB (44.2% vs. 57.8%, p<0.0001). Logistic-regression models showed an independent association of SA with MS criteria (arterial hypertension p<0.001; high-density lipoprotein [HDL] p<0.05; and triglycerides p<0.005) adjusted by gender, age and BMI. In conclusion, overweight and obesity are frequent and strongly linked with MS and SA. Prevalence of SA is high, and is independently associated with MS components. However, BMI could not retain statistical significance in the multivariate analyses.

[Evaluation of the metabolic profile and prevalence of cardiovascular disease in former combatants of the Malvinas war]. / Evaluación del perfil metabólico y prevalencia de enfermedad cardiovascular en los ex combatientes de la guerra de Malvinas.

INTRODUCTION: It has been reported in different parts of the world that war veterans are more exposed to cardiovascular risk factors. The objective of this study was to establish the risk factors, the cardiometabolic profile and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in a group of ex-combatants of the Malvinas War (HdeM). METHODS: In a case-control design, data from 799 HdeM were analyzed and compared with 799 controls matched by age. The sample was selected from the participants of the Cardiovascular Health Prevention Program of the Favaloro Foundation, between January 2017 and December 2019. RESULTS: The average age was 56.9 ± 3.9 years. An increase in weight was observed among the HdeM (91.3 ± 16.6 kg vs. 88.2 ± 14.7 kg; p = 0.0001). A higher frequency of arterial hypertension (42% vs. 34%; p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (15.1% vs. 10.4%; p < 0.005) was observed in HdeM. Metabolic syndrome was also more prevalent in HdeM (49.2% vs. 39.7%; p = 0.0001). It was observed that the history of acute myocardial infarction was more frequent among the HdeM (3.6% vs. 2%; p < 0.05), with a similar prevalence of stroke (1.2% vs. 1%; p = ns), coronary angioplasty (3.2% vs. 2.1%; p = ns) or myocardial revascularization surgery (0.8% vs. 0.4%; p = ns). DISCUSSION: The HdeM showed an increase in the frequency of risk factors, metabolic syndrome and acute myocardial infarction. It is important to take this increased risk into account in order to maximize cardiovascular prevention strategies in ex-combatants.

Introducción: Se ha informado que los veteranos de guerra están más expuestos a factores de riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer los factores de riesgo, el perfil cardiometabólico y la prevalencia de enfermedad cardiovascular de un grupo de excombatientes de la Guerra de Malvinas (HdeM). Métodos: En un diseño caso-control se analizaron los datos de 799 HdeM y se compararon 799 controles de misma edad. La muestra se seleccionó de los participantes del Programa de Prevención de Salud Cardiovascular de la Fundación Favaloro, entre enero de 2017 y diciembre de 2019. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 56.9 ± 3.9 años. Se observó un aumento del peso entre los HdeM (91.3 ± 16.6 kg vs. 88.2 ± 14.7 kg; p = 0.0001). Se observó mayor frecuencia de hipertensión arterial en HdeM (42% vs. 34%; p < 0.001) y diabetes mellitus (15.1% vs. 10.4%; p < 0.005). El síndrome metabólico fue más prevalente en HdeM (49.2% vs. 39.7%; p = 0.0001). Se observó que el antecedente de infarto agudo de miocardio fue más frecuente entre los HdeM (3.6% vs. 2%; p < 0.05), con similar prevalencia de ACV (1.2% vs. 1%; p = ns), angioplastia coronaria (3.2% vs. 2.1%; p = ns) o cirugía de revascularización miocárdica (0.8% vs. 0.4%; p = ns). Discusión: Los HdeM mostraron mayor prevalencia de factores de riesgo, síndrome metabólico e infarto agudo de miocardio. Es importante tener en cuenta este aumento de riesgo para maximizar las estrategias de prevención cardiovascular en los excombatientes.

Evaluación del perfil metabólico y prevalencia de enfermedad cardiovascular en los ex combatientes de la guerra de Malvinas / Evaluation of the metabolic profile and prevalence of cardiovascular disease in former combatants of the Malvinas war

Resumen Introducción: Se ha informado que los veteranos de guerra están más expuestos a factores de riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer los factores de riesgo, el perfil cardiometabólico y la prevalencia de enfermedad cardiovascular de un grupo de excombatientes de la Guerra de Malvinas (HdeM). Métodos: En un diseño caso-control se analizaron los datos de 799 HdeM y se compararon 799 controles de misma edad. La muestra se seleccionó de los participantes del Programa de Prevención de Salud Cardiovascular de la Fundación Favaloro, entre enero de 2017 y diciembre de 2019. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 56.9 ± 3.9 años. Se observó un aumento del peso entre los HdeM (91.3 ± 16.6 kg vs. 88.2 ± 14.7 kg; p = 0.0001). Se observó mayor frecuencia de hipertensión arterial en HdeM (42% vs. 34%; p < 0.001) y diabetes mellitus (15.1% vs. 10.4%; p < 0.005). El síndrome metabólico fue más prevalente en HdeM (49.2% vs. 39.7%; p = 0.0001). Se observó que el antecedente de infarto agudo de miocardio fue más frecuente entre los HdeM (3.6% vs. 2%; p < 0.05), con similar prevalencia de ACV (1.2% vs. 1%; p = ns), angioplastia corona ria (3.2% vs. 2.1%; p = ns) o cirugía de revascularización miocárdica (0.8% vs. 0.4%; p = ns). Discusión: Los HdeM mostraron mayor prevalencia de factores de riesgo, síndrome metabólico e infarto agudo de miocardio. Es importante tener en cuenta este aumento de riesgo para maximizar las estrategias de prevención cardiovascular en los excombatientes.

Abstract Introduction: It has been reported in different parts of the world that war veterans are more exposed to cardio vascular risk factors. The objective of this study was to establish the risk factors, the cardiometabolic profile and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in a group of ex-combatants of the Malvinas War (HdeM). Methods: In a case-control design, data from 799 HdeM were analyzed and compared with 799 controls matched by age. The sample was selected from the participants of the Cardiovascular Health Prevention Program of the Favaloro Foundation, between January 2017 and December 2019. Results: The average age was 56.9 ± 3.9 years. An increase in weight was observed among the HdeM (91.3 ± 16.6 kg vs. 88.2 ± 14.7 kg; p = 0.0001). A higher frequency of arterial hypertension (42% vs. 34%; p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (15.1% vs. 10.4%; p < 0.005) was observed in HdeM. Metabolic syndrome was also more prevalent in HdeM (49.2% vs. 39.7%; p = 0.0001). It was observed that the history of acute myocardial infarction was more frequent among the HdeM (3.6% vs. 2%; p < 0.05), with a similar prevalence of stroke (1.2% vs. 1%; p = ns), coronary angioplasty (3.2% vs. 2.1%; p = ns) or myocardial revascularization surgery (0.8% vs. 0.4%; p = ns). Discussion: The HdeM showed an increase in the frequency of risk factors, metabolic syndrome and acute myocardial infarction. It is important to take this increased risk into account in order to maximize cardiovascular prevention strategies in ex-combatants.

Where we are in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections. The opinion of the stakeholders of the European Joint Action on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections (EU-JAMRAI).

During the second European Joint Action on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCI) (EU-JAMRAI) annual meeting, the Evaluation Team elicited stakeholders' opinions regarding the implementation of the National Strategies and Action Plans to fight AMR and HCI, the One Health integration and the EU-JAMRAI support to the national and EU authorities in two Focus Groups. This qualitative exercise contributed to identify criticalities and possible improvements in aspects such as political priorities, legislation/legal requirements, human and financial resources, and supervision in many health sectors to ensure effective implementation of the action plans. Stakeholders pointed out at the different speed of EU member states, in particular concerning the One Health integration in the plans. Finally, the Stakeholders strongly asked the EU-JAMRAI to reinforce the integration and dissemination of the best practices and results, to help policymakers at national and European levels in defining and implementing harmonized policies and actions against AMR and HCI.

The functional and molecular effects of problematic alcohol consumption on skeletal muscle: a focus on athletic performance.

Background: Chronic alcohol misuse is associated with alcoholic myopathy, characterized by skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy. Moreover, there is evidence that sports-related people seem to exhibit a greater prevalence of problematic alcohol consumption, especially binge drinking (BD), which might not cause alcoholic myopathy but can negatively impact muscle function and amateur and professional athletic performance.Objective: To review the literature concerning the effects of alcohol consumption on skeletal muscle function and structure that can affect muscle performance.Methodology: We examined the currently available literature (PubMed, Google Scholars) to develop a narrative review summarizing the knowledge about the effects of alcohol on skeletal muscle function and exercise performance, obtained from studies in human beings and animal models for problematic alcohol consumption.Results: Exercise- and sport-based studies indicate that alcohol consumption can negatively affect muscle recovery after vigorous exercise, especially in men, while women seem less affected. Clinical studies and pre-clinical laboratory research have led to the knowledge of some of the mechanisms involved in alcohol-related muscle dysfunction, including an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic pathways, reduced regeneration, increased inflammation and fibrosis, and deficiencies in energetic balance and mitochondrial function. These pathological features can appear not only under chronic alcohol misuse but also in other alcohol consumption patterns.Conclusions: Most laboratory-based studies use chronic or acute alcohol exposure, while episodic BD, the most common drinking pattern in amateur and professional athletes, is underrepresented. Nevertheless, alcohol consumption negatively affects skeletal muscle health through different mechanisms, which collectively might contribute to reduced sports performance.

Mild COVID-19 Illness as a Risk Factor for Venous Thromboembolism.

Introduction From the beginning of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is cumulative evidence suggesting that patients hospitalized due to this disease are at a high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The association between mild non-hospitalized illness and VTE is unclear. The purpose of this research is to assess the association between VTE and mild COVID-19 infection. Methods A case-control study was conducted. The cases were adult patients diagnosed with VTE from March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. The controls were randomly chosen adult patients who required healthcare services that were equivalent to those of the cases, for any cause, during the same time period, without a VTE diagnosis. To assess the association between mild COVID and VTE, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, considering other thromboembolic risk variables, such as age, gender and active cancer, among others. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 186 cases and 475 controls were analyzed. There were 21 (11.3%) and 31 (6.5%) patients infected with mild COVID-19 in the previous three months in the groups of cases and controls, respectively. Mild COVID-19 infection was statistically significant as a risk factor for VTE both in the univariate analysis and in the multivariate analysis, OR=1.82 (95% CI 1.02-3.26) and OR=2.62 (95% CI 1.34-5.13), respectively. Conclusion Mild COVID-19 infection might be an independent risk factor for VTE. We conclude that the results suggest some thromboprophylaxis strategy should be considered in certain patients with COVID-19 infection in an outpatient fashion.

Mid-term results of patterned laser trabeculoplasty for uncontrolled ocular hypertension and primary open angle glaucoma.

AIM: To describe the safety and efficacy of patterned laser trabeculoplasty (PLT) as an adjunctive treatment in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) after 18-month follow-up in Hispanic population. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted. All patients with OHT or POAG undergoing PLT from June 2016 to August 2016 were included in the study. Investigated parameters were intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of IOP-lowering medications, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), laser parameters and postoperative adverse events. Primary efficacy outcome measures were the proportion of eyes achieving an IOP reduction ≥20% at 18mo versus baseline medicated IOP or a reduction in the number of medications while maintaining IOP values. RESULTS: From 40 PLT-treated eyes (mean baseline IOP 20.3±1.7 mm Hg), 24 patients were analyzed (age 63.4±7.3y). The mean IOP reductions from baseline across visits (months 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18) ranged from 14.1% to 20.8%. Success rate after 18-month follow-up was 61.7% with a mean IOP of 16±3.2 mm Hg (P<0.001). The number of glaucoma IOP-lowering medications per eye (preoperative 2.1±1.1 and postoperative 2.3±1.1, P=0.86) and the mean BCVA (preoperative 0.10±0.22 and postoperative 0.11±0.22 logMAR, P=0.42) remained stable. Adverse events comprised transitory IOP spikes in 4 eyes (10%) and peripheral anterior synechiae in 7 eyes (17.5%). CONCLUSION: Mid-term results of PLT show that this procedure may be an efficacious and safe technique to approach medically uncontrolled OHT or POAG patients.

Role of Matricellular CCN Proteins in Skeletal Muscle: Focus on CCN2/CTGF and Its Regulation by Vasoactive Peptides.

The Cellular Communication Network (CCN) family of matricellular proteins comprises six proteins that share conserved structural features and play numerous biological roles. These proteins can interact with several receptors or soluble proteins, regulating cell signaling pathways in various tissues under physiological and pathological conditions. In the skeletal muscle of mammals, most of the six CCN family members are expressed during embryonic development or in adulthood. Their roles during the adult stage are related to the regulation of muscle mass and regeneration, maintaining vascularization, and the modulation of skeletal muscle fibrosis. This work reviews the CCNs proteins' role in skeletal muscle physiology and disease, focusing on skeletal muscle fibrosis and its regulation by Connective Tissue Growth factor (CCN2/CTGF). Furthermore, we review evidence on the modulation of fibrosis and CCN2/CTGF by the renin-angiotensin system and the kallikrein-kinin system of vasoactive peptides.

Relación entre el perímetro de cuello e índices antropométricos para evaluar obesidad: un análisis puntual en escolares peruanos / Relationship between neck circumference and anthropometric indices to assess obesity: a point analysis in peruvian schoolchildren

Fundamentos: La obesidad infantil es un problema de salud pública mundial siendo uno de los factores de riesgo para desarrollar serios problemas de salud en años posteriores, el objetivo del estudio fue determinar la relación entre el perímetro de cuello e índices antropométricos para evaluar obesidad en escolares peruanos de institucioneseducativas públicas de Perú. Métodos: Estudio de tipo correlacional en el que seanalizaron índices antropométricos y su relación con el Perímetro de Cuello (PC) como posible índice para evaluar obesidad en escolares peruanos. Los datos fueron recolectados en dos instituciones educativas públicas (inicial y primaria) del distrito de Villa El Salvador-Lima. Se logróuna muestra total de 178 escolares de 3 a 14 años de edad que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión del estudio. Resultados: El 81,8% de las mujeres presenta talla baja, y el 68,8% de los hombres presentan riesgo muy alto(obesidad visceral) en relación al PAB para la edad. Las correlaciones de los coeficientes de Spearman para ambossexos estableció la mejor relación entre el PC y el PAB mostraron asociación directa y significativa (p < 0,01) en las mujeres (r = 0,808) y hombres (r = 0,787), en comparación con el IMC e IPABE. Conclusiones: El PC podría usarse como una medición simple, económica y no invasiva para la evaluación de la obesidad en escolares peruanos. (AU)

Background: Childhood obesity is a global public health problem, being one of the risk factors for developing serious health problems in subsequent years. The objective of the studywas to determine the relationship between neck circumference and anthropometric indices to assess obesity in schoolchildren. Peruvians from public educational institutions in Peru. Methods: Correlational type study in which anthropometric indices and their relationship with the Neck Perimeter (PC) were analyzed as a possible index to evaluate obesity in Peruvian schoolchildren. The data was collected in two public educational institutions (initial and primary) in the Villa El Salvador-Lima district. A total sample of 178 schoolchildren from 3 to 14 years of age who met the study inclusion criteria was obtained. Results: 81.8% of women are short, and 68.8% of men areat very high risk (visceral obesity) in relation to BAP for age. The correlations of the Spearman coefficients for both sexes established the best relationship between the PC and the PAB showed a direct and significant association (p < 0.01) in women (r = 0.808) and men (r = 0.787), in comparison with the IMC and IPABE. Conclusions: The PC could be used as a simple, inexpensive and non-invasive measurement for the evaluation of obesity in Peruvian schoolchildren. (AU)

Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19: a living systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Provide a timely, rigorous and continuously updated summary of the evidence on the role of remdesivir in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Eligible studies were randomized trials evaluating the effect of remdesivir versus placebo or no treatment. We conducted searches in the special L·OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence) platform for COVID-19, a system that performs regular searches in databases, trial registries, preprint servers and websites relevant to COVID-19. All the searches covered the period until 25 August 2020. No date or language restrictions were applied. Two reviewers independently evaluated potentially eligible studies according to predefined selection criteria, and extracted data on study characteristics, methods, outcomes, and risk of bias, using a predesigned, standardized form. We performed meta-analyses using random-effect models and assessed overall certainty in evidence using the GRADE approach. A living, web-based version of this review will be openly available during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Our search strategy yielded 574 references. Finally, we included three randomized trials evaluating remdesivir in addition to standard care versus standard care alone. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of remdesivir on mortality (RR 0.7, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.05; very low certainty evidence) and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.24; very low certainty evidence). On the other hand, remdesivir likely results in a large increase in the incidence of adverse effects in patients with COVID-19 (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.84; moderate certainty evidence). CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is insufficient for the outcomes critical for making decisions on the role of remdesivir in the treatment of patients with COVID-19, so it is impossible to balance potential benefits, if there are any, with the adverse effects and costs. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020183384.

Sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its role in the spread of COVID-19: A living systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a review of the literature on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the sexual fluids of patients with COVID-19 and to observe its possible sexual transmission in a timely, rigorous, and continuously updated manner. DATA SOURCES: We will conduct searches in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), grey literature, and a centralized repository in L·OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence). L·OVE is a platform that maps PICO questions to evidence from the Epistemonikos database. In response to the COVID-19 emergency, L·OVE was adapted to expand the range of evidence it covers and customized to group all COVID-19 evidence in one place. The search will cover the period until the day before submission to a journal. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES AND METHODS: We adapted an already published standard protocol for multiple parallel systematic reviews to the specificities of this question. We will include randomized trials evaluating the sexual transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Randomized trials evaluating the sexual transmission of other coronaviruses, such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, and non-randomized studies in COVID-19 will be searched if no direct evidence from randomized trials is found or if the direct evidence provides a low to a very low level of certainty for critical outcomes. Two reviewers will independently screen each study for eligibility, extract data, and assess the risk of bias. We will perform random-effects meta-analyses and use GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. A living, web-based version of this review will be openly available during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will resubmit the review if the conclusions change or if there are substantial updates. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: (CRD42020189368).

OBJETIVO: Proporcionar una revisión de la literatura sobre la presencia de SARS-CoV-2 en los fluidos sexuales de pacientes con COVID-19 y su posible transmisión sexual de manera oportuna, rigurosa y continuamente actualizada. FUENTES DE DATOS: Realizaremos búsquedas en PubMed / Medline, Embase, Registro Cochrane Central de Ensayos Controlados (CENTRAL), literatura gris y en un repositorio centralizado en L · OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence). L · OVE es una plataforma que mapea las preguntas PICO a la evidencia de la base de datos Epistemonikos. En respuesta a la emergencia de COVID-19, L · OVE se adaptó para ampliar el rango de evidencia que cubre y se personalizó para agrupar todas las pruebas de COVID-19 en un solo lugar. La búsqueda cubrirá el período hasta el día anterior al envío a una revista. CRITERIOS DE ELEGIBILIDAD PARA LA SELECCIÓN DE ESTUDIOS Y MÉTODOS: Adaptamos un protocolo común ya publicado para múltiples revisiones sistemáticas paralelas a las especificidades de esta pregunta. Incluiremos ensayos aleatorios que evalúen la transmisión sexual del virus SARS-CoV-2. Se buscarán ensayos aleatorizados que evalúen la transmisión sexual de otros coronavirus, como MERS-CoV y SARS-CoV, y estudios no aleatorizados en COVID-19 en caso de que no se encuentre evidencia directa de ensayos aleatorizados, o si la evidencia directa proporciona una - o certeza muy baja para resultados críticos. Dos revisores evaluarán de forma independiente la elegibilidad de cada estudio, extraerán datos y evaluarán el riesgo de sesgo. Realizaremos metanálisis de efectos aleatorios y utilizaremos GRADE para evaluar la certeza de la evidencia para cada resultado. Una versión viva basada en la web de esta revisión estará disponible abiertamente durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Lo volveremos a enviar si las conclusiones cambian o hay actualizaciones sustanciales. REGISTRO PROSPERO: (CRD42020189368).

Remdesivir para el tratamiento de COVID-19: una revisión sistemática viva / Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19: a living systematic review

OBJETIVO: Esta revisión sistemática viva tiene como objetivo entregar un resumen oportuno, riguroso y continuamente actualizado de la evidencia disponible sobre los efectos de remdesivir en pacientes con COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Se buscaron ensayos aleatorios que evaluaran el uso de remdesivir versus placebo o ningún tratamiento en pacientes con COVID-19. Se realizó una búsqueda en la plataforma L·OVE COVID-19 (Living OVerview of Evidence), un sistema que mantiene búsquedas regulares en bases de datos, registros de ensayos, servidores preprint y sitios web relevantes en COVID-19. Todas las búsquedas fueron realizadas hasta el 25 de agosto de 2020. No se aplicaron restricciones de fecha ni de idioma. Dos revisores evaluaron de forma independiente los artículos potencialmente elegibles, de acuerdo con criterios de selección predefinidos, y extrajeron los datos mediante un formulario estandarizado. Los resultados fueron combinados mediante un metanálisis utilizando modelos de efectos aleatorios y evaluamos la certeza de la evidencia utilizando el método GRADE. Una versión viva de esta revisión estará abiertamente disponible durante la pandemia de COVID-19. RESULTADOS: La búsqueda inicial arrojó 574 referencias. Finalmente, identificamos 3 ensayos aleatorios, que evaluaban el uso de remdesivir adicionado al tratamiento estándar versus tratamiento estándar. La evidencia es muy incierta acerca del efecto del remdesivir sobre la mortalidad (RR 0,7; IC del 95%: 0,46 a 1,05; certeza de la evidencia muy baja) y la necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva (RR 0,69; IC del 95%: 0,39 a 1,24; certeza de evidencia muy baja). Por otro lado, es probable que el uso de remdesivir produzca un aumento en la incidencia de efectos adversos en pacientes con COVID-19 (RR 1,29; IC del 95%: 0,58 a 2,84; evidencia de certeza moderada). CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia disponible sobre el papel del remdesivir en el tratamiento de pacientes con COVID-19 es insuficiente en relación a los desenlaces críticos para tomar decisiones, por lo que no es posible realizar un correcto balance entre los beneficios potenciales, los efectos adversos y los costos.

OBJECTIVE: Provide a timely, rigorous and continuously updated summary of the evidence on the role of remdesivir in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Eligible studies were randomized trials evaluating the effect of remdesivir versus placebo or no treatment. We conducted searches in the special L·OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence) platform for COVID-19, a system that performs regular searches in databases, trial registries, preprint servers and websites relevant to COVID-19. All the searches covered the period until 25 August 2020. No date or language restrictions were applied. Two reviewers independently evaluated potentially eligible studies according to predefined selection criteria, and extracted data on study characteristics, methods, outcomes, and risk of bias, using a predesigned, standardized form. We performed meta-analyses using random-effect models and assessed overall certainty in evidence using the GRADE approach. A living, web-based version of this review will be openly available during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Our search strategy yielded 574 references. Finally, we included three randomized trials evaluating remdesivir in addition to standard care versus standard care alone. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of remdesivir on mortality (RR 0.7, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.05; very low certainty evidence) and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.24; very low certainty evidence). On the other hand, remdesivir likely results in a large increase in the incidence of adverse effects in patients with COVID-19 (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.84; moderate certainty evidence). CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is insufficient for the outcomes critical for making decisions on the role of remdesivir in the treatment of patients with COVID-19, so it is impossible to balance potential benefits, if there are any, with the adverse effects and costs.

Transmisión sexual del virus SARS-CoV-2 y su rol en la propagación de COVID-19: protocolo de una revisión sistemática viva / Sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its role in the spread of COVID-19: a living systematic review protocol

Objetivo Proporcionar una revisión de la literatura sobre la presencia de SARS-CoV-2 en los fluidos sexuales de pacientes con COVID-19 y su posible transmisión sexual de manera oportuna, rigurosa y continuamente actualizada. Fuentes de datos Realizaremos búsquedas en PubMed / Medline, Embase, Registro Cochrane Central de Ensayos Controlados (CENTRAL), literatura gris y en un repositorio centralizado en L · OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence). L · OVE es una plataforma que mapea las preguntas PICO a la evidencia de la base de datos Epistemonikos. En respuesta a la emergencia de COVID-19, L · OVE se adaptó para ampliar el rango de evidencia que cubre y se personalizó para agrupar todas las pruebas de COVID-19 en un solo lugar. La búsqueda cubrirá el período hasta el día anterior al envío a una revista. Criterios de elegibilidad para la selección de estudios y métodos Adaptamos un protocolo común ya publicado para múltiples revisiones sistemáticas paralelas a las especificidades de esta pregunta. Incluiremos ensayos aleatorios que evalúen la transmisión sexual del virus SARS-CoV-2. Se buscarán ensayos aleatorizados que evalúen la transmisión sexual de otros coronavirus, como MERS-CoV y SARS-CoV, y estudios no aleatorizados en COVID-19 en caso de que no se encuentre evidencia directa de ensayos aleatorizados, o si la evidencia directa proporciona una - o certeza muy baja para resultados críticos. Dos revisores evaluarán de forma independiente la elegibilidad de cada estudio, extraerán datos y evaluarán el riesgo de sesgo. Realizaremos metanálisis de efectos aleatorios y utilizaremos GRADE para evaluar la certeza de la evidencia para cada resultado. Una versión viva basada en la web de esta revisión estará disponible abiertamente durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Lo volveremos a enviar si las conclusiones cambian o hay actualizaciones sustanciales Registro PROSPERO (CRD42020189368).

Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella enterica Serovar Paratyphi B Variant Java in Poultry from Europe and Latin America.

Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B variant Java sequence type 28 is prevalent in poultry and poultry meat. We investigated the evolutionary relatedness between sequence type 28 strains from Europe and Latin America using time-resolved phylogeny and principal component analysis. We sequenced isolates from Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the Netherlands and complemented them with publicly available genomes from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Phylogenetic time trees and effective population sizes (Ne) showed separate clustering of strains from Latin America and Europe. The separation is estimated to have occurred during the 1980s. Ne of strains increased sharply in Europe around 1995 and in Latin America around 2005. Principal component analysis on noncore genes showed a clear distinction between strains from Europe and Latin America, whereas the plasmid gene content was similar. Regardless of the evolutionary separation, similar features of resistance to ß-lactams and quinolones/fluoroquinolones indicated parallel evolution of antimicrobial resistance in both regions.