Nutritional Strategies for Optimizing Health, Sports Performance, and Recovery for Female Athletes and Other Physically Active Women: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Despite the progress toward gender equality in events like the Olympic Games and other institutionalized competitions, and the rising number of women engaging in physical exercise programs, scientific studies focused on establishing specific nutritional recommendations for female athletes and other physically active women are scarce. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to compile the scientific evidence available for addressing the question "What dietary strategies, including dietary and supplementation approaches, can improve sports performance, recovery, and health status in female athletes and other physically active women?" DATA SOURCES: The Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched. DATA EXTRACTION: The review process involved a comprehensive search strategy using keywords connected by Boolean connectors. Data extracted from the selected studies included information on the number of participants and their characteristics related to sport practice, age, and menstrual function. DATA ANALYSIS: A total of 71 studies were included in this review: 17 focused on the analysis of dietary manipulation, and 54 focused on the effects of dietary supplementation. The total sample size was 1654 participants (32.5% categorized as competitive athletes, 30.7% as highly/moderately trained, and 37.2% as physically active/recreational athletes). The risk of bias was considered moderate, mainly for reasons such as a lack of access to the study protocol, insufficient description of how the hormonal phase during the menstrual cycle was controlled for, inadequate dietary control during the intervention, or a lack of blinding of the researchers. CONCLUSION: Diets with high carbohydrate (CHO) content enhance performance in activities that induce muscle glycogen depletion. In addition, pre-exercise meals with a high glycemic index or rich in CHOs increase CHO metabolism. Ingestion of 5-6 protein meals interspersed throughout the day, with each intake exceeding 25 g of protein favors anabolism of muscle proteins. Dietary supplements taken to enhance performance, such as caffeine, nitric oxide precursors, ß-alanine, and certain sport foods supplements (such as CHOs, proteins, or their combination, and micronutrients in cases of nutritional deficiencies), may positively influence sports performance and/or the health status of female athletes and other physically active women. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD480674.

HIV infection is associated with a less aggressive phenotype of inflammatory bowel disease. A multicenter study of the ENEIDA registry.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is uncommon. Data on the impact of HIV on IBD course and its management is scarce. AIM: To describe the IBD phenotype, therapeutic requirements and prevalence of opportunistic infections (OI) in IBD patients with a coexistent HIV infection. METHODS: Case-control, retrospective study including all HIV positive patients diagnosed with IBD in the ENEIDA registry. Patients with positive HIV serology (HIV-IBD) were compared to controls (HIV seronegative), matched 1:3 by year of IBD diagnosis, age, gender and type of IBD. RESULTS: A total of 364 patients (91 HIV-IBD and 273 IBD controls) were included. In the whole cohort, 58% had ulcerative colitis (UC), 35% had Crohn's disease (CD) and 7% were IBD unclassified. The HIV-IBD group presented a significantly higher proportion of proctitis in UC and colonic location in CD but fewer extraintestinal manifestations than controls. Regarding treatments, non-biological therapies (37.4% vs. 57.9%; P=0.001) and biologicals (26.4% vs. 42.1%; P=0.007), were used less frequently among patients in the HIV-IBD group. Conversely, HIV-IBD patients developed more OI than controls regardless of non-biological therapies use. In the multivariate analysis, HIV infection (OR 4.765, 95%CI 2.48-9.14; P<0.001) and having ≥1 comorbidity (OR 2.445, 95%CI 1.23-4.85; P=0.010) were risk factors for developing OI, while CD was protective (OR 0.372, 95%CI 0.18-0.78;P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection appears to be associated with a less aggressive phenotype of IBD and a lesser use of non-biological therapies and biologicals but entails a greater risk of developing OI.

Transforming body composition with semaglutide in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor-agonists (GLP-1ra), such as semaglutide, have emerged as promising treatments, demonstrating sustained weight reduction and metabolic benefits. This study aims to assess the impact of oral and subcutaneous semaglutide on body composition and metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM and obesity. Methods: A 24-week quasi-experimental retrospective study including adults with T2DM and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) who were treated with either daily-oral or weekly-subcutaneous semaglutide. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, evaluating fat mass, fat-free mass, total body water, skeletal muscle mass, and whole-body phase angle. Analytical parameters included lipid profile and glycaemic control. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v.26. Results: Participants (n=88) experienced significant weight loss after treatment with semaglutide (9.5% in subcutaneous, 9.4% in oral, P<0.001). Weight reduction primarily resulted from fat mass reduction without substantial lean mass compromise. Visceral fat area decreased, whiles phase-angle remained stable. Improvements in lipid profiles and glycaemic control were observed, with a decrease in both HbA1c and insulin requirements. Multivariate analysis demonstrated comparable impacts of oral and subcutaneous semaglutide on body composition. Conclusion: Semaglutide, administered orally or subcutaneously, demonstrated positive effects on body composition, metabolic and glycaemic control in patients with T2DM and obesity. This real-world study highlights the potential of bioelectrical impedance analysis in assessing antidiabetic drugs' impact on body composition, providing valuable insights for future research and clinical applications.

Need for therapeutic escalation in patients with refractory ulcerative proctitis: Results from the PROCU study of the ENEIDA registry.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative proctitis (UP) can have a milder, less aggressive course than left-sided colitis or extensive colitis. Therefore, immunosuppressants tend to be used less in patients with this condition. Evidence, however, is scarce because these patients are excluded from randomised controlled clinical trials. Our aim was to describe the characteristics of patients with refractory UP and their disease-related complications, and to identify the need for immunosuppressive therapies. METHODS: We identified patients with UP from the prospective ENEIDA registry sponsored by the GETECCU. We evaluated socio-demographic data and complications associated with immunosuppression. We defined immunosuppression as the use of immunomodulators, biologics and/or small molecules. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with immunosuppressive therapy. RESULTS: From a total of 34,716 patients with ulcerative colitis, we identified 6281 (18.1%) with UP; mean ± SD age 53 ± 15 years, average disease duration of 12 ± 9 years. Immunosuppression was prescribed in 11% of patients, 4.2% needed one biologic agent and 1% needed two; 2% of patients required hospitalisation, and 0.5% underwent panproctocolectomy or subtotal colectomy. We identified 0.2% colorectal tumours and 5% extracolonic tumours. Patients with polyarthritis (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.86-6.69; p < 0.001) required immunosuppressants. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with refractory UP, 11% required immunosuppressant therapy, and 4.2% required at least one biologic agent.

Persistence, effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab and vedolizumab therapy for complex perianal fistula in Crohn's disease: The HEAL study from GETECCU.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of ustekinumab and vedolizumab for treating complex perianal fistula in Crohn's disease has been barely studied. We aimed to assess treatment persistence, clinical remission, and safety of these drugs in this context. METHODS: Crohn's disease patients who had received ustekinumab or vedolizumab for the indication of active complex perianal fistula, were included. Clinical remission was defined according to Fistula Drainage Assessment Index (no drainage through the fistula upon gentle pressure) based on physicians' assessment. RESULTS: Of 155 patients, 136 received ustekinumab, and 35 vedolizumab (16 received both). Median follow-up for ustekinumab was 27 months. Among those on ustekinumab, 54 % achieved remission, and within this group, 27 % relapsed during follow-up. The incidence rate of relapse was 11 % per patient-year. Multivariate analysis found no variables associated with treatment discontinuation or relapse. Median follow-up time for patients receiving vedolizumab was 19 months. Remission was achieved in 46 % of the patients receiving vedolizumab, and among them, 20 % relapsed during follow-up. The incidence rate of relapse was 7 % per patient-year. Adverse events were mild in 6 % on ustekinumab and 8 % on vedolizumab. CONCLUSION: Ustekinumab and vedolizumab appear effective, achieving remission in around half of complex perianal fistula patients, with favorable safety profiles.

Trends in Targeted Therapy Usage in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: TRENDY Study of ENEIDA.

Markers that allow for the selection of tailored treatments for individual patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are yet to be identified. Our aim was to describe trends in real-life treatment usage. For this purpose, patients from the ENEIDA registry who received their first targeted IBD treatment (biologics or tofacitinib) between 2015 and 2021 were included. A subsequent analysis with Machine Learning models was performed. The study included 10,009 patients [71% with Crohn's disease (CD) and 29% with ulcerative colitis (UC)]. In CD, anti-TNF (predominantly adalimumab) were the main agents in the 1st line of treatment (LoT), although their use declined over time. In UC, anti-TNF (mainly infliximab) use was predominant in 1st LoT, remaining stable over time. Ustekinumab and vedolizumab were the most prescribed drugs in 2nd and 3rd LoT in CD and UC, respectively. Overall, the use of biosimilars increased over time. Machine Learning failed to identify a model capable of predicting treatment patterns. In conclusion, drug positioning is different in CD and UC. Anti-TNF were the most used drugs in IBD 1st LoT, being adalimumab predominant in CD and infliximab in UC. Ustekinumab and vedolizumab have gained importance in CD and UC, respectively. The approval of biosimilars had a significant impact on treatment.

The Effect of a Novel Video Game on Young Soccer Players' Sports Performance and Attention: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Currently, the fusion of technology and sports is inevitable. The integration of various systems and devices has brought about significant transformations in established sports practices, impacting not only the rules but also physiological, biomechanical, and even psychological aspects. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of an attention intervention through a video game on young soccer players. Methods: Twelve young male soccer players (age: mean 8.5, SD 1 years) were divided into 2 groups: a control group (CG; n=10) and an experimental group (EG; n=10). During the 6-week training program, the EG received attention training through a video game twice a week for 15 minutes per session. Pre- and postintervention measurements included a specific decision-making soccer test and interviews with coaching staff. Additionally, success in the video game, muscular activity, and sweat levels were monitored. Results: The EG demonstrated a significant improvement in video game success following the intervention program, as indicated by the achieved level (P<.001). However, no significant differences were found between groups regarding electromyographic (EMG) activity (P=.21) and sweating (P=.20). Prior to implementing the attention training program, both groups exhibited similar data for variables related to decision-making and execution mechanisms (≤10%). Only 2 decision-making variables exceeded 10% but remained below 15% (Shot_D=13.35%; Marking_with_Ball_D=-12.64%). Furthermore, changes in attacking action variables were more pronounced in execution-related variables, except for dribbling and fixing. Conversely, in defensive action variables, changes were greater in decision-related variables, except for marking with the ball and marking without the ball. Conclusions: Our findings reveal that incorporating a specific attentional video game into a soccer training program enhances decision-making compared to a program without the video game. Therefore, it is advisable for practitioners to consider using this tool due to its high efficiency in terms of economic and temporal costs, particularly in improving a key psychological variable.

Puntaje final del examen de admisión según el promedio de grado de los postulantes a la convocatoria de la Comisión Nacional de Residencias Médicas Paraguay 2019-2023

Introducción: La Comisión Nacional de Residencias Médicas (CONAREM) es el principal sistema de admisión para la tutoría clínica de residencias médicas en Paraguay, avalado por Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social. Objetivos. Determinar la relación entre el puntaje final obtenido y el promedio de grado en postulantes a convocatorias CONAREM 2019-2023. Metodología: Estudio transversal con variables sociodemográficas, académicas, puntajes del examen y puntaje final. Se aplicaron métodos descriptivos y pruebas de Kolmogórov-Smirnov, t de Student, U de Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis y correlación de Spearman; utilizando software Stata© 17.0 de StataCorp LLC. Se consideraron significativos cuando p<0.05. Resultados: De 2019 a 2023, 4.768 médicos postularon examen CONAREM. 62,12 % eran mujeres, 34,51 % tenían entre 22 y 25 años y 95,30 % estaban solteros. El promedio de grado fue 3,56  0, 49. La mayoría (69,09 %) provenían de universidades privadas. En las especialidades preferidas, clínica médica fue más común (20,31 %), luego cirugía general y pediatría (ambas 14,30 %), 39,14 % pudo acceder a especialidad preferida. El puntaje final promedio fue 67,92 (RIC 60,78 - 76,76) con diferencias significativas según edad, universidad de procedencia y año de examen. Con modelo de regresión logística se demostró que promedio de grado, edad, universidad pública y primera participación en examen estaban asociados con mayor probabilidad de obtener mejores puntajes. El modelo tenía coeficiente de ajuste de 0, 318, indicando que solo predice el 32 % de resultados. La correlación fue moderada y significativa entre puntaje final y promedio general de grado. Según universidad, la correlación fue baja y no significativa para universidades extranjeras, mientras que universidades públicas y privadas mostraron correlación moderada pero significativa. Discusión. Los mejores promedios de grado se correlacionan moderadamente con mayor probabilidad de puntajes altos y acceder a especialidades de preferencia de los médicos recientemente graduados, provenientes de universidades públicas que hayan rendido por primera vez el examen de la CONAREM.

Introduction: The National Commission of Medical Residencies (CONAREM) is the main admission system for clinical tutoring of medical residencies in Paraguay, endorsed by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare. Objectives: Determine the relationship between the final score obtained and the average degree in applicants to CONAREM calls 2019-2023. Methods: Cross-sectional study with sociodemographic and academic variables, exam scores and final score. Descriptive methods and tests of Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Student's t, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman's correlation were applied; using Stata© 17.0 software from StataCorp LLC. They were considered significant when p<0.05. Results: From 2019 to 2023, 4,768 doctors applied for the CONAREM exam. 62.12% had a female female, 34.51% from 22 to 25, and 95.30% were single. The grade point average was 3.56(0.49. The majority (69.09%) came from private universities. As for preferred specialties, medical clinic was more common (20.31%), then general surgery and pediatrics (both 14.30%). 39.14% could access preferred specialty. The average final score was 67.92 and significant differences were found according to age, university of origin and year of examination. With logistic regression model, it was shown that average grade, age, public university and first participation in the exam were associated with a higher probability of obtaining better scores. The model had an adjustment coefficient of 0.318, indicating that it only predicts 32% of outcomes. The correlation was moderate and significant between final score and overall grade point average. By type of university, the correlation was low and not significant for foreign universities, while public and private universities showed moderate but significant correlation. Discussion: The best grade point averages correlate moderately with higher probability of high scores and access to specialties of preference and are associated with recently graduated doctors from public universities and took the exam for the first time.

A Simplified Screening Model to Predict the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Caucasian and Latin American Pregnant Women.

The pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) comprises clinical and genetic factors. In fact, GDM is associated with several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This study aimed to build a prediction model of GDM combining clinical and genetic risk factors. A total of 1588 pregnant women from the San Carlos Cohort participated in the present study, including 1069 (67.3%) Caucasian (CAU) and 519 (32.7%) Latin American (LAT) individuals, and 255 (16.1%) had GDM. The incidence of GDM was similar in both groups (16.1% CAU and 16.0% LAT). Genotyping was performed via IPLEX Mass ARRAY PCR, selecting 110 SNPs based on literature references. SNPs showing the strongest likelihood of developing GDM were rs10830963, rs7651090, and rs1371614 in CAU and rs1387153 and rs9368222 in LAT. Clinical variables, including age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at 12 gestational weeks, predicted the risk of GDM (AUC 0.648, 95% CI 0.601-0.695 in CAU; AUC 0.688, 95% CI 0.628-9.748 in LAT), and adding SNPs modestly improved prediction (AUC 0.722, 95%CI 0.680-0.764 in CAU; AUC 0.769, 95% CI 0.711-0.826 in LAT). In conclusion, adding genetic variants enhanced the prediction model of GDM risk in CAU and LAT pregnant women.

Development validation and evaluation of the knowledge test on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and correct use of the automated external defibrillator in Asunción 2023

Introduction: in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, early and efficient intervention through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers and the use of the automated external defibrillator (AED) are the cornerstone for survival. Instruments that improve education would increase the responsiveness of lay personnel. Objectives: to develop, validate and evaluate a knowledge test on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and correct use of the automated external defibrillator in Asunción during 2023. Methodology: observational cross-sectional study, non-probabilistic sample for convenience of lay personnel users of mass attendance centers in Asunción. An exclusive questionnaire was developed on knowledge in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of the automated external defibrillator (KOR-AED) based on the chain of survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Content, construct, and internal consistency were validated using expert opinion, factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. Results: a total of 200 lay people participated, mostly shopping mall customers, with a predominance of men (63.5 %) (127), between 25-29 years old 28.5% (57). 61.5 % (123) had a university education, 75.5 % (151) had not related to health, 52 % (104) had prior knowledge of CPR, but 81.5 % (163) did not. The test showed reliability and suitability for factor analysis (Cronbach's alpha 0.75, Kaiser-Meyers-Olkin; 0.78, Bartlett p<0.05). The questions covered the first three links in the chain of survival, with items of medium to high difficulty. Women performed significantly better (p=0.04). Conclusion: the KOR-AED test is a valid and reliable instrument to improve the education of the layperson in CPR and use of the AED based on the chain of survival.

Introducción: en la parada cardíaca extrahospitalaria la actuación precoz y eficiente mediante maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP) y uso del desfibrilador externo automático (DEA) constituyen la piedra angular para la supervivencia. Instrumentos que mejoren la educación aumentarían la respuesta del personal lego. Objetivos: desarrollar, validar y evaluar una prueba de conocimientos sobre reanimación cardiopulmonar y uso correcto del desfibrilador externo automático en Asunción durante el 2023. Metodología: estudio observacional corte transversal, muestro no probabilístico por conveniencia de personal lego usuarios de centros de concurrencia masiva de Asunción. Se desarrolló un cuestionario exclusivo sobre conocimientos en reanimación cardiopulmonar y uso del desfibrilador externo automático (COR-DEA) basado en la cadena de supervivencia en parada cardíaca extrahospitalaria. Se validó el contenido, el constructo y la consistencia interna mediante la opinión de experto, análisis de factores y el alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: participaron 200 legos mayormente clientes de shoppings, predominando hombres 63,5 % (127) entre 25-29 años 28,5 % (57). Con educación universitaria 61,5 % (123), no relacionados con la salud 75,5 % (151), con conocimientos previos en RCP 52 % (104), pero no en DEA 81,5 % (163). El test mostró fiabilidad y adecuación para análisis factorial (Alfa de Cronbach 0.75, Kaiser-Meyers-Olkin; 0.78, Bartlett p<0.05). Las preguntas abarcarón los tres primeros eslabones de la cadena de supervivencia, con ítems de dificultad media a alta. Las mujeres tuvieron significativamente mejor desempeñó (p=0.04). Conclusión: la prueba COR-DEA es un instrumento válido y fiable para mejorar la educación del lego en RCP y uso del DEA basado en la cadena de supervivencia.

Development validation and evaluation of the knowledge test on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and correct use of the automated external defibrillator in Asunción 2023 / Desarrollo validación y evaluación de la prueba de conocimientos sobre reanimación cardiopulmonar y uso correcto del desfibrilador externo automático en Asunción 2023

Introduction: in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, early and efficient intervention through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers and the use of the automated external defibrillator (AED) are the cornerstone for survival. Instruments that improve education would increase the responsiveness of lay personnel. Objectives: to develop, validate and evaluate a knowledge test on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and correct use of the automated external defibrillator in Asunción during 2023. Methodology: observational cross-sectional study, non-probabilistic sample for convenience of lay personnel users of mass attendance centers in Asunción. An exclusive questionnaire was developed on knowledge in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of the automated external defibrillator (KOR-AED) based on the chain of survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Content, construct, and internal consistency were validated using expert opinion, factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. Results: a total of 200 lay people participated, mostly shopping mall customers, with a predominance of men (63.5 %) (127), between 25-29 years old 28.5% (57). 61.5 % (123) had a university education, 75.5 % (151) had not related to health, 52 % (104) had prior knowledge of CPR, but 81.5 % (163) did not. The test showed reliability and suitability for factor analysis (Cronbach's alpha 0.75, Kaiser-Meyers-Olkin; 0.78, Bartlett p<0.05). The questions covered the first three links in the chain of survival, with items of medium to high difficulty. Women performed significantly better (p=0.04). Conclusion: the KOR-AED test is a valid and reliable instrument to improve the education of the layperson in CPR and use of the AED based on the chain of survival.

Introducción: en la parada cardíaca extrahospitalaria la actuación precoz y eficiente mediante maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP) y uso del desfibrilador externo automático (DEA) constituyen la piedra angular para la supervivencia. Instrumentos que mejoren la educación aumentarían la respuesta del personal lego. Objetivos: desarrollar, validar y evaluar una prueba de conocimientos sobre reanimación cardiopulmonar y uso correcto del desfibrilador externo automático en Asunción durante el 2023. Metodología: estudio observacional corte transversal, muestro no probabilístico por conveniencia de personal lego usuarios de centros de concurrencia masiva de Asunción. Se desarrolló un cuestionario exclusivo sobre conocimientos en reanimación cardiopulmonar y uso del desfibrilador externo automático (COR-DEA) basado en la cadena de supervivencia en parada cardíaca extrahospitalaria. Se validó el contenido, el constructo y la consistencia interna mediante la opinión de experto, análisis de factores y el alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: participaron 200 legos mayormente clientes de shoppings, predominando hombres 63,5 % (127) entre 25-29 años 28,5 % (57). Con educación universitaria 61,5 % (123), no relacionados con la salud 75,5 % (151), con conocimientos previos en RCP 52 % (104), pero no en DEA 81,5 % (163). El test mostró fiabilidad y adecuación para análisis factorial (Alfa de Cronbach 0.75, Kaiser-Meyers-Olkin; 0.78, Bartlett p<0.05). Las preguntas abarcarón los tres primeros eslabones de la cadena de supervivencia, con ítems de dificultad media a alta. Las mujeres tuvieron significativamente mejor desempeñó (p=0.04). Conclusión: la prueba COR-DEA es un instrumento válido y fiable para mejorar la educación del lego en RCP y uso del DEA basado en la cadena de supervivencia.

Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites that survive multipurpose solutions are able to adhere to cosmetic contact lenses, increasing the risk of infection.

Amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are etiological agents of amoebic keratitis, for which up to now there is no treatment of choice and one of its main risk factors is the use of contact lenses, including cosmetic contact lenses. Recently there has been an increase in amoebic keratitis cases due to the use of cosmetic contact lenses. Therefore, having a solution for the care of lenses with an efficient disinfectant effect that prevents the adhesion of trophozoites to lenses becomes essential. This study was carried out to determine the effect of 8 multipurpose contact lenses care solutions on Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites viability, and the efficiency of two of them to prevent the trophozoites adherence onto two cosmetic contact lenses (Acuvue 2, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and Magic Eye CCL, not approved). After 3 h of interaction, only AO Sept Plus, OPTI FREE Replenish, Renu Plus, Bio True and Multiplus significantly reduced the number of viable trophozoites with respect to the control; at 6 h Renu Plus, and at 12 h Conta Soft Plus and Multiplus, maintained the inhibitory effect. Only Opti Free Pure Moist did not significantly reduce the number of viable trophozoites. Multiplus and Opti Free Pure Moist (selected for their greater and lesser antiamibic effect) significantly reduced trophozoite adherence to both lenses; however, Opti Free Pure Moist was more efficient, despite the fact that A. castellanii adhered similarly to both lenses. Our results show that in all the multipurpose solutions evaluated, hundreds of viable A. castellanii trophozoites remain after several hours of incubation. Therefore, storage of the lenses in their case with MPS maintains the potential risk of amoebic keratitis in, cosmetic contact lenses wearers. Moreover, the use of CCL, not approved by the FDA, can increase the risk factor for AK since its poor manufacture can favor the permanence of amoebae, in addition to being a risk for corneal integrity.

Zearalenone Does Not Show Genotoxic Effects in the Drosophila melanogaster Wing Spot Test, but It Induces Oxidative Imbalance, Development, and Fecundity Alterations.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a non-steroidal mycoestrogen produced by the Fusarium genus. ZEN and its metabolites compete with 17-beta estradiol for cytosolic estrogen receptors, causing reproductive alterations in vertebrates. ZEN has also been associated with toxic and genotoxic effects, as well as an increased risk for endometrial adenocarcinomas or hyperplasia, breast cancer, and oxidative damage, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous studies have monitored cellular processes through levels of transcripts associated with Phase I Xenobiotic Metabolism (Cyp6g1 and Cyp6a2), oxidative stress (hsp60 and hsp70), apoptosis (hid, grim, and reaper), and DNA damage genes (Dmp53). In this study, we evaluated the survival and genotoxicity of ZEN, as well as its effects on emergence rate and fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster. Additionally, we determined levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using the D. melanogaster flare and Oregon R(R)-flare strains, which differ in levels of Cyp450 gene expression. Our results showed that ZEN toxicity did not increase mortality by more than 30%. We tested three ZEN concentrations (100, 200, and 400 µM) and found that none of the concentrations were genotoxic but were cytotoxic. Taking into account that it has previously been demonstrated that ZEN administration increased hsp60 expression levels and apoptosis gene transcripts in both strains, the data agree with an increase in ROS and development and fecundity alterations. Since Drosophila lacks homologous genes for mammalian estrogen receptors alpha and beta, the effects of this mycotoxin can be explained by a mechanism different from estrogenic activity.