[Consequence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (THE) on women's cardiovascular health]. / Consecuencia de los trastornos hipertensivos durante el embarazo (THE) sobre la salud cardiovascular de la mujer.

Patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at increased risk of maternal-fetal complications and represent the third leading cause of maternal mortality. To date, it is known that women experiencing this condition during pregnancy have a higher future risk of cardiovascular events (CVD). Our objective was to report the incidence of new-onset hypertension in the postpartum period. We conducted a cohort study in high-risk pregnant patients who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) between weeks 20-30. Patients were categorized as normotensive (NT) or gestational hypertensive (GH), excluding those with chronic hypertension, and were followed until the end of pregnancy with a postpartum assessment after 3months. Patients with HDP (39%) had a higher incidence of preeclampsia and newborns with low birth weight and preterm birth. A total of 177 pregnant women were analyzed for the primary outcome. Among those with GH, 33.3% vs 17.2% of NT (P=.014) reported new-onset hypertension. The odds ratio for developing new-onset hypertension was 2.3 (95%CI: 1.20-4.77), for those with GH. In conclusion, pregnant patients with GH assessed by ABPM between 20-30weeks are at higher risk of developing new-onset hypertension in the postpartum period, emphasizing the need for closer monitoring and control to prevent future cardiovascular complications.

Improving Quality of Life and Psychosocial Health for Penile Cancer Survivors: A Narrative Review.

Treatment of penile cancer (PC) focuses on organ preservation, employing various surgical and non-surgical approaches. These interventions may lead to disfigurement, impacting patients' functional outcomes and psychosocial well-being. We reviewed studies related to penile health and PC up to February 2024, limited to studies published in English. Studies employing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessments have identified a detrimental association between aggressive treatment and overall health status, physical functioning, and relationships. In contrast, organ-sparing demonstrates improved measures related to HRQoL and sexual function. Assessment through validated questionnaires reveals diverse voiding outcomes, and varying impacts on QoL and sexual activity, emphasizing the necessity for multidisciplinary personalized care. Studies highlight substantial variations in sexual function, with patients reporting adaptations, reduced satisfaction, and concerns about body image and sexual well-being. Furthermore, unmet needs include challenges in patient-clinician communication, obtaining information, and accessing psychosocial support. Patient experiences underscore the importance of timely diagnosis, treatment access, and addressing psychological consequences. Organ-sparing approaches have higher QoL preservation and sexual function. Individualized support, including sexual therapy, support groups, and family counseling, is essential for post-treatment rehabilitation. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive care are paramount in addressing the multifaceted impact of PC on patients and families.

Ancestros de Helicobacter pylori de una zona de Nariño con alto riesgo de cáncer gástrico / Helicobacter pylori ancestors from an area of Nariño with high risk of gastric cancer

Objetivo: Determinar la ancestría de Helicobacter pylori aislado de pacientes provenientes de una zona de alto riesgo de cáncer gástrico del departamento de Nariño. Materiales y Métodos: Se incluyeron 16 pacientes con síntomas de dispepsia e infectados con Helicobacter pylori. Se utilizaron biopsias gástricas para el cultivo de Helicobacter pylori y subsecuente secuenciación del genoma total por Illumina MiSeq, 2x300 pb. El ensamblaje y anotación de los genomas se procedió mediante el uso de los algoritmos SPAdes y RASTtk. Las proporciones ancestrales de Helicobacter pylori se determinaron por STRUCTURE con el modelo de mezcla. Las diferencias entre estas proporciones se establecieron con las pruebas H de Kruskal Wallis y post hoc. Resultados: La estructura de la población de Helicobacter pylori deriva de cuatro poblaciones ancestrales: Ancestral Europa (AE) (61.2%), Ancestral Africa1 (AA1) (35.7%), Ancestral Este de Asia (AEA) (3%) y Ancestral Africa2 (AA2) (0.1%), siendo significativas las diferencias entre las proporciones de los ancestros de Helicobacter pylori (p<0.05). Se identificaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre: AA2 y AEA (p=0.022); AA2 y AA1 (p<0.05); AA2 y AE (p<0.05); AEA y AA1 (p=0.014) y AEA con AE (p<0.05), sin embargo, no se encontró diferencias significativas entre AA1 y AE (p=0.098), evaluadas por post hoc. Conclusión: Helicobacter pylori que coloniza la mucosa gástrica de una población de alto riesgo de cáncer gástrico en Nariño, deriva su acervo genético principalmente de ancestros europeos y africanos, confiriéndole a la bacteria alta capacidad competitiva asociada al desarrollo de lesiones severas en nichos gástricos amerindios.

Objective: To determine the ancestry of Helicobacter pylori isolated from patients from a high-risk area for gastric cancer in the department of Nariño. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients with dyspepsia symptoms and infected with Helicobacter pylori were included. Gastric biopsies were used for Helicobacter pylori culture and subsequent whole genome sequencing by Illumina MiSeq, 2x300 bp. Genome assembly and annotation proceeded by using the SPAdes and RASTtk algorithms. The ancestral proportions of Helicobacter pylori were determined by STRUCTURE with the mixture model. Differences between these proportions were established with Kruskal Wallis and post hoc H-tests. Results: The population structure of Helicobacter pylori derived from four ancestral populations: Ancestral Europe (AE) (61.2%), Ancestral Africa1 (AA1) (35.7%), Ancestral East Asia (AEA) (3%) and Ancestral Africa2 (AA2) (0.1%), with differences between the proportions of Helicobacter pylori ancestors being significant (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences were identified between: AA2 and AEA (p=0.022); AA2 and AA1 (p<0.05); AA2 and AE (p<0.05); AEA and AA1 (p=0.014) and AEA with AE (p<0.05), however, no significant differences were found between AA1 and AE (p=0.098), evaluated by post hoc. Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori colonizing the gastric mucosa of a population at high risk of gastric cancer in Nariño, derives its gene pool mainly from European and African ancestors, giving the bacterium highly competitive capacity associated with the development of severe lesions in Amerindian gastric niches.

Identificación molecular de microorganismos hemotrópicos transmitidos por vectores en caninos domésticos de diferentes centros veterinarios de Medellín, Colombia / Molecular identification of hemotropic microorganisms transmitted by vectors in domestic canines from different veterinary centers in Medellín, Colombia

RESUMEN Los patógenos transmitidos por vectores, comúnmente conocidos como hemoparásitos, son organismos hemotrópicos que varían desde nematodos, protozoos, virus y bacterias. El presente es un estudio retrospectivo de las bases de datos de 3.300 perros cuyo objetivo es evaluar la frecuencia mediante qPCR para 9 hemotrópicos en la ciudad de Medellín entre junio de 2021 y marzo de 2022 y la correlación de su presencia con las manifestaciones clínicas y hemoleucogramas de 20 perros positivos. Del total de perros testeados, el 60% fueron positivos para uno o más agentes. El número de animales infectados con uno, dos o tres agentes fue del 42,9% (1.416/3.300), 17,7% (583/3.300) y 1,3% (42/3.300), respectivamente. En orden de mayor a menor presencia de hemoparásitos, el número de perros positivos a un solo agente fue de: Anaplasma spp. (14,1%), Mycoplasma spp. (13,9%), Ehrlichia spp. (6,1%), Hepatozoon spp. (5,4%), Babesia spp. (1%), filarias (0,9%), y Bartonella spp. (0,6%). Las principales alteraciones clínico-patológicas en 9 de 20 perros positivos a algún hemoparásito y con signos clínicos inespecíficos (fiebre, anorexia, mialgia, letargo) fueron de anemia y/o trombocitopenia, con o sin un leucograma inflamatorio. No obstante, la ausencia de alteraciones clínico-patológicas en 11/20 animales positivos no descarta la presencia de infección, ya que los animales presentaban un hemograma normal. Estudios experimentales y de campo han mostrado que muchos perros positivos por serología y/o qPCR están clínicamente normales, y aunque no presentan una infección activa, sí pueden ser portadores asintomáticos de hemoparásitos. En este estudio se discuten los resultados y se comparan con otros realizados en Colombia para los principales hemoparásitos de perros.

ABSTRACT Vector-borne pathogens commonly known as "haemoparasites" are hemotropic organisms that range from nematodes, protozoa, viruses, and bacteria. This is a retrospective study of the databases of 3,300 dogs that aims to evaluate the frequency by qPCR for 9 hemotropics in the city of Medellín between June 2021 and March 2022, and the correlation of the presence of these agents with the Clinical manifestations and hemoleukograms of 20 positive dogs. Of the total dogs tested, 60% were positive to one or more agents. The number of animals infected with one, two, or three agents was 42.9% (1416/3,300), 17.7% (583/3,300), and 1.3% (42/3,300), respectively. In order from highest to lowest presence of haemoparasites, the number of dogs positive for a single agent was: Anaplasma spp. (14.1%), Mycoplasma spp. (13.9%), Ehrlichia spp. (6.1%), Hepatozoon spp. (5.4%), Babesia spp. (1%), filariae (0.9%), and Bartonella spp. (0.6%). The main clinicopathological alterations in 9 of 20 dogs positive for some haemoparasite and with nonspecific clinical signs (fever, anorexia, myalgia, lethargy) were anemia and/or thrombocytopenia, with or without an inflammatory leukogram. However, the absence of clinicopathological alterations in 11/20 positive animals does not rule out the presence of infection since the animals had a normal blood count. Experimental and field studies have shown that many dogs positive by serology and/or qPCR are clinically normal, and although they do not present an active infection, they may be asymptomatic carriers of haemoparasites. In this study the results are discussed and compared with others carried out in Colombia for the main haemoparasites of dogs.

Enfermedades transmitidas por vectores en gatos: una mirada molecular en ambientes urbanos de Medellín, Colombia / Vector-borne diseases in cats: a molecular look at urban environments in Medellin, Colombia

RESUMEN Los microorganismos hemotrópicos en felinos son agentes infecciosos que varían desde nematodos, protozoos y bacterias. El presente estudio retrospectivo tiene como objetivo evaluar la frecuencia de agentes hemotrópicos mediante qPCR de las bases de datos de 1.418 felinos en Medellín entre julio de 2021 y marzo de 2022, periodo en el que se evidencia una frecuencia del 70%, con un número de animales infectados con uno, dos o tres agentes del 56%, 14%, y 2,3%, respectivamente. La frecuencia para cada uno de los agentes es: Rickettsia spp. 0,21%, Babesia spp. 0,35%, Ehrlichia spp. 0,49%, Dirolifaria spp. 0,64%, Anaplasma spp 0,7%, Hepatozoon spp. 5,4%, Mycoplasma spp. 24,4% y Bartonella spp. 37,9%. Las coinfecciones evidenciadas de dos agentes hemotrópicos son: Bartonella spp. y Mycoplasma spp. 7,9%, Bartonella spp. y Hepatozoon spp. 2,1%, Mycoplasma spp. y Hepatozoon spp. 2% y Ehrlichia spp. y Anaplasma spp. 0,5%. De los 15 hemogramas de felinos infectados, 11 de ellos tienen hemogramas sin alteraciones significativas. Dos de los felinos positivos evidencian anemia moderada y severa y reticu-locitos de 0,9% y 0,4%, respectivamente. Solo un individuo positivo para Mycoplasma spp. presenta trombocitopenia y tres plaquetas en limites inferiores. Se concluye que la PCR es la prueba más confiable para el diagnóstico de agentes hemotrópicos.

ABSTRACT Hemotropic microorganisms in felines are infectious agents that vary from nematodes, protozoa, and bacteria. The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the frequency of hemotropic agents by means of qPCR from the databases of 1,418 felines in the city of Medellín between July 2021 and March 2022, where a frequency of 70% is evidenced, with several infected animals, with one, two, or three agents of 56%, 14%, and 2.3%, respectively. With a frequency for each of the agents of: Rickettsia spp. 0.21%, Babesia spp. 0.35%, Ehrlichia spp. 0.49%, Dirolifaria spp. 0.64%, Anaplasma spp. 0.7%, Hepatozoon spp. 5.4%, Mycoplasma spp. 24.4%, and Bartonella spp. 37.9% The evidenced coinfections of two hemotropic agents is: Bartonella spp. and Mycoplasma spp. 7.9%, Bartonella spp. and Hepatozoon spp. 2.1%, Mycoplasma spp. and Hepatozoon spp. 2% and Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. 0.5%. Of the 15 blood counts from infected cats, 11 of them had blood counts without significant changes. Two of the positive cats show moderate and severe anemia, and reticulocytes of 0.9% and 0.4%, respectively. Only one individual positive for Mycoplasma spp. presented thrombocytopenia, and three platelets in lower limits. It is concluded that PCR is the most reliable test for the diagnosis of hemotropic agents.

Presence of Anti-T. cruzi Antibodies in Inhabitants and Dogs of Two Rural Settlements in the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with house infestation by Triatoma dimidiata as well as with Trypanosoma cruzi infection in humans and owned dogs in two rural communities from the municipality of Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico. METHODS: One hundred and 16 human blood samples and 34 dog blood samples were collected. The presence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies was determined using four different ELISA assays. Moreover, reactive ELISA sera from humans and dogs were processed by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) to confirm the presence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies. RESULTS: Serologic tests for T. cruzi infection showed a prevalence of 5.1% (6/116) in humans and of 50% (17/34) in owned dogs. CONCLUSION: The presence of animals (dogs, chickens and wild animals), as well as some characteristics of house construction were identified as risk factors for infestation and infection. Complementary studies must be carried out to allow a better understanding of the transmission dynamics in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, and the implementation of adequate control programs.

Survival of COVID-19 with Multimorbidity Patients.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 abruptly disseminated in early 2020, overcoming the capacity of health systems to respond the pandemic. It was not until the vaccines were launched worldwide that an increase in survival was observed. The objectives of this study were to analyse the characteristics of survivors and their relationship with comorbidities. We had access to a database containing information on 16,747 hospitalized patients from Mexico, all infected with SARS-CoV-2, as part of a regular follow-up. The descriptive analysis looked for clusters of either success or failure. We categorized the samples into no comorbidities, or one and up to five coexisting with the infection. We performed a logistic regression test to ascertain what factors were more influential in survival. The main variable of interest was survival associated with multimorbidity factors. The database hosted information on hospitalized patients from Mexico between March 2020 through to April 2021. Categories 2 and 3 had the largest number of patients. Survival rates were higher in categories 0 (64.8%), 1 (57.5%) and 2 (51.6%). In total, 1741 (10.5%) patients were allocated to an ICU unit. Mechanical ventilators were used on 1415 patients, corresponding to 8.76%. Survival was recorded in 9575 patients, accounting for 57.2% of the sample population. Patients without comorbidities, younger people and women were more likely to survive.

Evaluation of intracellular survival of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus in bovine endometrial cells by qPCR.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus is the causal agent of sporadic abortion and infertility in bovines that produces economic losses in livestock. AIMS: This study evaluates the capability of C. fetus subsp. fetus to invade and survive in bovine endometrial epithelial cells and attempts to describe a pathogenic mechanism of this microorganism. METHODS: Primary culture of bovine endometrial epithelial cells was challenged with C. fetus subsp. fetus. Intracellular bacteria, represented by the number of genomic copies (g.c.) were quantified at 0, 2, 4, 10, and 24 hours post-infection (h.p.i.), by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The presence of intracellular bacteria was evaluated by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The results showed that only viable C. fetus subsp. fetus could invade endometrial cells. The g.c. number in assays with viable C. fetus subsp. fetus reached an average value of 656 g.c., remained constant until 4 h.p.i., then decreased to 100 g.c, at 24 h.p.i. In assays with non-viable microorganisms, the average value of g.c. was less than 1 g.c. and never changed. The intracellular presence of this bacteria was confirmed at 2 h.p.i. by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that only C. fetus subsp. fetus viable can invade bovine endometrial epithelial cells but will not replicate in them, indicating that the endometrial cells do not represent a replication niche for this pathogen. Nonetheless, this invasion capability suggests that this type of cell could be employed by the pathogen to spread to other tissues.

Social support, coping strategies and sociodemographic factors in women with breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between perceived social support and sociodemographic variables on coping strategies. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in 404 women with resected, non-metastatic breast cancer. Participants completed questionnaires: perceived social support (MSPSS), coping strategies (Mini-MAC), and psychological distress (BSI-18). RESULTS: Sociodemographic factors as age, education, and partnership status were associated with coping strategies. As for maladaptive strategies, hopelessness was more frequent in older people and lower educational level; fatalism in older and single people, and cognitive avoidance was associated with lower educational level. Suppor t from family, friends, and partners was associated with a greater fighting spirit. In contrast, high psychological distress (anxiety and depression) was associated with greater use of maladaptive strategies. CONCLUSION: Young people, a high level of education, having a partner, low psychological distress, and seeking social support were associated with the use of adaptive cancer coping strategies.

Rationale, design and methodology of TESEO study: a registry of thrombosis and neoplasia of SEOM (Spanish Society of Medical Oncology).

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: Thromboembolic complications are a serious, preventable and common event in cancer patients that contributes to increasing morbidity and mortality. Despite increasing knowledge on cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), there are still several aspects of diagnosis, clinical management, treatment and prognosis with uncertainties that are under-represented in randomized clinical trials. For this reason, the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) launched in June 2018 a registry of CAT. METHODS/DESIGN: TESEO is an ongoing prospective, non-interventional, multicentric study in consecutive cancer patients with newly diagnosed of thromboembolic event (TEE). Eligibility criteria include being > 18 years with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of cancer and a symptomatic or incidental TEE confirmed with an imaging technique in the previous month or any time after the cancer diagnosis and signing of informed consent. The study consists of two types of integrated but independent prospective registries. Regular CAT sub-registry includes information on patient's cancer´s characteristics, anticoagulant treatment provided and outcome data. Special CAT sub-registry includes variables related to special situations of CAT that comprise patients with severe kidney failure, thrombocytopenia, high risk of bleeding related to the cancer or with coexistence of bleeding and patients who receive new treatments such a targeted therapy, antiangiogenics agents and immunotherapy. The registry considers the status of the cancer and the time to assess how the prognosis is changed based on when the thrombus occurs. Some outcomes such as rethrombosis, major bleeding, tumor progression and survival will be valued in various time intervals including 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the even in the first year; and then every 6 months until the patient's death. RESULTS: After 18 months and with 35 centers and researchers, the registry has 1128 patients. CONCLUSION: TESEO registry will provide clinical real-world evidence for prevention, treatment and complications of CAT in different scenarios that are under-represented in randomized clinical trials.

Impact of adjuvant therapy toxicity on quality of life and emotional symptoms in patients with colon cancer: a latent class analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify distinct trajectories of toxicity in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after adjuvant chemotherapy and its impact on quality of life (QoL) and psychological symptoms. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study was conducted in 157 patients. A latent class analysis defined the unobserved latent constructs that can be predicted as symptom clusters, considering the intensity of four types of adverse events (AEs). Patients completed EORTC-QLQ-C30, BSI-18, PDRQ-9, and DRS scales. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent had some degree of toxicity, with grades 3-4 being the most common: neurotoxicity (7.2%), hematological (13.1%), digestive (5.2%), and skin toxicity (1.4%). Three distinct latent classes were identified (high [72.5%], mild [16.9%], and low [10.6%] toxicity). Patients with high toxicity had the worst QoL scores and moderately high somatization and psychological distress scores. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant chemotherapy for CRC was associated with frequent toxicity that negatively impacted QoL and psychological wellbeing.

Natural infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in three species of non-human primates in southeastern Mexico: A contribution to reservoir knowledge.

The mechanisms of infection and dispersion of Trypanosoma cruzi among animals, especially in the sylvatic environment, are still not entirely clear, and various aspects of the transmission dynamics of this parasite in the sylvatic environment are still unknown. T. cruzi is a parasite with a great biological and genetic diversity that infects a wide variety of hosts, therefore, transmission cycles of this parasite are complex. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. cruzi infection and analyze the genetic variability of the discrete typing units (DTUs) of the parasite in three non-human primate species (Alouatta palliata, Alouatta pigra, and Ateles geoffroyi) in southeastern Mexico. A total of one hundred sixty-four serum samples (42 samples of A. pigra, 41 samples of A. palliata (free-ranging) and 81 samples of A. geoffroyi (hosted in care centers)) were analyzed for the detection of anti-T. cruzi antibodies by ELISA assays. The seroprevalence of infection was 23.39% in A. palliata, 21.40% in A. pigra and 16.27% in A. geoffroyi. Additionally, presence of parasite DNA was assessed by PCR, and the identification of DTUs was performed by real-time PCR coupled to High Resolution Melting (qPCR-HRM). Different DTUs (TcI, TcII, TcIII, TcV and TcVI) were found in the analyzed monkeys. In addition, infection of monkeys was not associated with age or gender, but it was associated with the species. This study reveals the risk of infection in the study area and that the different DTUs of the parasite can coexist in the same habitat, indicating that T. cruzi transmission in the study area is very complex and involves many ecological factors. However, there is a need for long-term studies of host-parasite interactions to provide a solid understanding of the ecology of these species and to understand the dispersion strategies of T. cruzi.

Carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions (CH4 and N2O) in mangroves with different vegetation assemblies in the central coastal plain of Veracruz Mexico.

The aim of this study was to quantify carbon stocks and the emission of the greenhouse gases (N2O and CH4) in mangrove forests with different vegetation assemblies in coastal lagoons of Veracruz Mexico. The vegetation included: black mangrove BM, dominated by Avicennia germinans, white mangrove WM, dominated by Laguncularia. racemose, red mangrove RM, dominated by Rhizophora mangle and mixed mangrove MM, dominated by the three species. Soil C stocks ranged 187-671 Mg C ha 1 without significant (p = 0.149) differences among the mangroves with different vegetation. Significantly (p = 0.049) higher tree biomass C stock was observed in RM (127 Mg ha-1) than in MM (24.23 Mg ha-1). Methane emissions in RM (0.58-6.03 mg m-2 min-1) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in MM. (0.0035-0.07 mg m-2 min-1), in WM (-0.0026-0.029 mg m-2 min-1) and in BM (0.0054-0.0097 mg m-2 min-1),during rainy, windy and dry season.RM had the longest period of inundation, the highest soil carbon concentration, and the lowest salinity. CH4 emissions showed a significantly positive correlation with soils carbon concentration, water level and water pH and, negative correlation with water salinity and Cl-1 concentration in soil and water. Emissions of N2O (0.04-3.25 µg m-2 min-1) were not significantly different among the mangroves with different vegetation, but they showed seasonal variations, with higher emissions during windy and dry seasons. N2O emissions showed significantly positive correlations with soil nitrate concentration and soil temperature. Results of this research are useful for mangrove conservation and restoration strategies to maximize carbon storage and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Entomopathogenic Viruses in the Neotropics: Current Status and Recently Discovered Species.

The market for biological control of insect pests in the world and in Brazil has grown in recent years due to the unwanted ecological and human health impacts of chemical insecticides. Therefore, research on biological control agents for pest management has also increased. For instance, insect viruses have been used to protect crops and forests around the world for decades. Among insect viruses, the baculoviruses are the most studied and used viral biocontrol agent. More than 700 species of insects have been found to be naturally infected by baculoviruses, with 90% isolated from lepidopteran insects. In this review, some basic aspects of baculovirus infection in vivo and in vitro infection, gene content, viral replication will be discussed. Furthermore, we provide examples of the use of insect viruses for biological pest control and recently characterized baculoviruses in Brazil.

Recomendaciones para manejo de pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica y trasplantados hepáticos durante pandemia por COVID-19 / Recommendations for the management of patients with chronic liver disease and liver transplanted recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic

The SARS-CoV-2 virus and the associated disease COVID-19 has quickly become a pandemic. People with underlying chronic diseases or in an immunosupressed state are at risk of having a worse outcome. Cirrhotic patients and liver transplant recipients are considered to be in this higher risk group due to their immunosuppressed state. The aim of this article is to present recommendations based on expert opinion regarding the management of patients with compensated and decompensated liver pathologies who take medication for their immunosuppressed state in medical check-ups and basic treatment management both of patients with and without the COVID-19 disease.

El virus SARS-CoV-2 asociado a la enfermedad COVID-19, se han instalado a nivel de pandemia mundial. Las personas portadoras de enfermedades crónicas o estados de inmunosupresión se encuentran en riesgo de desarrollar un curso más grave. Se considera que los pacientes con cirrosis hepática, patología autoinmune o trasplante hepático se encontrarían dentro de este grupo de mayor riesgo por su estado de inmunosupresión. Presentamos recomendaciones de manejo basadas en opinión de experto, en pacientes con patología hepática compensada y descompensada e inmunosuprimidos farmacológicos, en relación a controles médicos y manejo de terapia de base tanto en pacientes sin COVID-19 como en pacientes infectados.

Effect of UV and Gamma Irradiation Sterilization Processes in the Properties of Different Polymeric Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications.

The sterilization processes of nanoparticles (NP) by autoclaving and filtration are two of the most utilized methods in the pharmaceutical industry but are not always a viable option. For this reason, the search for alternative options such as UV and gamma radiation is of interest. In this work, we evaluated both types of sterilization on two types of NP in solid state widely employed in the literature for biomedical applications, poly-(ε-caprolactone) and poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid NP stabilized with polyvinyl alcohol. Physicochemical properties and cell viability were studied pre- and post-sterilization. The efficiency of irradiation sterilization was performed by a test of sterility using 1 × 108 CFU/mL of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Microbiological monitoring revealed that both methods were sufficient for sterilization. After the UV irradiation sterilization (100 µJ/cm2), no substantial changes were observed in the physicochemical properties of the NP or in the interaction or morphology of human glial cells, though 5 and 10 kGy of gamma irradiation showed slight changes of NP size as well as a decrease in cell viability (from 100 µg/mL of NP). At 5 kGy of radiation doses, the presence of trehalose as cryoprotectant reduces the cell damage with high concentrations of NP, but this did not occur at 10 kGy. Therefore, these methods could be highly effective and low-processing-time options for sterilizing NP for medical purposes. However, we suggest validating each NP system because these generally are of different polymer-composition systems.

Chiggers (Acariformes: Trombiculoidea) do not increase rates of infection by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus in the endemic Dwarf Mexican Treefrog Tlalocohyla smithii (Anura: Hylidae).

Amphibian populations are globally declining at an alarming rate, and infectious diseases are among the main causes of their decline. Two micro-parasites, the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and the virus Ranavirus (RV) have caused mass mortality of amphibians and population declines. Other, less understood epizootics are caused by macro-parasites, such as Trombiculoidea chiggers. Infection with chiggers can affect frog behavior and survival. Furthermore, synergistic effects of co-infection with both macro and micro-parasites may lead to higher morbidity. To better understand these potential synergies, we investigated the presence and co-infection by chiggers, Bd and RV in the endemic frog Tlalocohyla smithii (T. smithii). Co-infection of Bd, RV, and/or chiggers is expected in habitats that are suitable for their co-occurrence; and if infection with one parasite facilitates infection with the others. On the other hand, co-infection could decrease if these parasites were to differ in their micro-environmental requirements (i.e. niche apportionment). A total of 116 frogs of T. smithii were studied during 2014 and 2016 in three streams within the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve in Jalisco, Mexico. Our results show that 31% of the frogs were infected with Trombiculoidea chiggers (Hannemania sp. and Eutrombicula alfreddugesi); Hannemania prevalence increased with air temperature and decreased in sites with high canopies and with water pH values above 8.5 and below 6.7. Bd prevalence was 2.6%, RV prevalence was 0%, and none of the frogs infected with chiggers were co-infected with Bd. Together, this study suggests that chiggers do not facilitate infection with Bd, as these are apportioned in different micro-habitats. Nevertheless, the statistical power to assure this is low. We recommend further epidemiological monitoring of multiple parasites in different geographical locations in order to provide insight on the true hazards, risks and conservation options for amphibian populations.

Influence of Temperature and Precipitation Anomaly on the Seasonal Emergence of Invasive Bark Beetles in Subtropical South America.

Several invasive bark beetle species have caused major economic and ecological losses in South America. Accurate predictions of beetle emergence times will make control efforts more efficient and effective. To determine whether bark beetle emergence can be predicted by season, temperature, or precipitation, we analyzed trapping records for three introduced pest species of bark beetles in Uruguay. We used trigonometric functions as seasonal predictors in generalized linear models to account for purely seasonal effects, while testing for effects of temperature and precipitation. Results show that all three beetle species had strong but unique seasonal emergence patterns and responded differently to temperature and precipitation. Cyrtogenius luteus (Blandford) emerged in summer and increased with precipitation but was not affected by temperature. Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) emerged in winter and increased with temperature but was not affected by precipitation. Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston) had a primary emergence in spring, and a smaller emergence in early summer, but showed no significant relationship with temperature or precipitation. This study shows that the emergence of these bark beetle species in Uruguay is influenced by seasonality more than by temperature and precipitation fluctuations. It also shows how seasonality can be easily incorporated into models to make more accurate predictions about pest population dynamics.

Presence of Seropositive Patients to Trypanosoma cruzi in a Municipality of the Mixtec Sierra of the State of Puebla: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: The state of Puebla has the social marginalization and ecological conditions for the transmission of infectious agents to be effective. Until a few years ago, the state of Puebla was considered non-endemic to the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi as there are no official reports of chronic cases. The objective of this work was to carry out a preliminary study on the prevalence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies in rural areas of the Huatlatlauca municipality in the Mixtec sierra of the state of Puebla. METHODS: A total of 196 serum samples from 12 rural localities were tested by using four tests: two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, an xenodiagnoses and PCR assay. RESULTS: Overall, 28 (14.2%) of 196 samples were positive for T. cruzi by ≥ 2 tests (95% CI 6.6-20.8%). Our results suggested that the municipality of Huatlatlauca in the Mixteca Sierra of the state of Puebla is an area with endemic potential for the disease with a high prevalence rate in the adult population and with cases in newborns, these high transmission rates are probably associated with problems of congenital and vector transmission. CONCLUSION: Additional studies should be conducted to generate adequate campaigns for the control of Chagas disease in this area.

[Surgical decision pattern in the prescription of MESS-scale amputations in tibia fractures exposed grade III-B Gustilo-Anderson]. / Patrón de decisión quirúrgica en la prescripción de amputaciones con escala MESS en fracturas de tibia expuesta grado III-B Gustilo-Anderson.

INTRODUCTION: The management of severely traumatized extremity continues to be a matter of debate. Gustilo-Anderson tibial fractures III-B have a wide spectrum of variants, there are no guidelines using this classification for management. MESS has demonstrated functional and prognostic association. OBJECTIVE: To identify the pattern of decision made by surgeons for the prescription of amputations in tibial fractures exposed grade III-B Gustilo-Anderson with MESS scale. Material and methods. RESULTS: There was no association between the variables, with the application of MESS. (2 = 1.28, p = 0.2575). Surgeons of more than 10 years, increased once the possibility of matching the result of experts (OR = 2.088, 95% CI) (p = 0.0066). CONCLUSION: Academic degrees, surgical experience, and frequent clinical practice do not influence the correct application of the MESS scale. Surgeons with more than 10 years of experience have doubled the possibility of a precise decision.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El manejo de la extremidad severamente traumatizada continúa siendo materia de debate. Las fracturas de tibia III-B de Gustilo-Anderson tienen un amplio espectro de variantes, no hay guías mediante esta clasificación para un manejo. MESS ha demostrado asociación funcional y pronóstica. OBJETIVO: Identificar el patrón de decisión por parte de los cirujanos para la prescripción de amputaciones en fracturas de tibia expuesta grado IIIB Gustilo-Anderson con escala MESS. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Es un estudio descriptivo, observacional, prospectivo, transversal y analítico. Se evaluaron 131 ortopedistas de un centro de referencia de patología traumática, quienes con uso de la escala MESS evaluaron 10 casos clínicos representativos de fracturas de tibia expuesta grado III-B de Gustilo-Anderson presentados en dispositivo electrónico. Se evaluó la concordancia de las decisiones entre cirujanos que laboran y expertos. Se realizó análisis inferencial mediante 2 (p 0.05) de las variables del estudio: experiencia del cirujano, postgrados académicos, práctica clínica frecuente de amputaciones, concordancia de las decisiones con escala MESS con respecto al patrón de prescripción obtenido por expertos. RESULTADOS: No se encontró asociación entre las variables con la aplicación de MESS (2 = 1.28, p = 0.2575). Los cirujanos de más de 10 años incrementaron una vez la posibilidad de coincidir con el resultado de expertos (OR = 2.088, IC 95%) (p = 0.0066). CONCLUSIÓN: Las variables como postgrados académicos, experiencia quirúrgica y práctica clínica frecuente no influyen en la correcta aplicación de la escala MESS. Los cirujanos de más de 10 años de experiencia incrementaron al doble la posibilidad de una decisión precisa.