Topological and spectral properties of random digraphs.

We investigate some topological and spectral properties of Erdos-Rényi (ER) random digraphs of size n and connection probability p, D(n,p). In terms of topological properties, our primary focus lies in analyzing the number of nonisolated vertices V_{x}(D) as well as two vertex-degree-based topological indices: the Randic index R(D) and sum-connectivity index χ(D). First, by performing a scaling analysis, we show that the average degree 〈k〉 serves as a scaling parameter for the average values of V_{x}(D), R(D), and χ(D). Then, we also state expressions relating the number of arcs, largest eigenvalue, and closed walks of length 2 to (n,p), the parameters of ER random digraphs. Concerning spectral properties, we observe that the eigenvalue distribution converges to a circle of radius sqrt[np(1-p)]. Subsequently, we compute six different invariants related to the eigenvalues of D(n,p) and observe that these quantities also scale with sqrt[np(1-p)]. Additionally, we reformulate a set of bounds previously reported in the literature for these invariants as a function (n,p). Finally, we phenomenologically state relations between invariants that allow us to extend previously known bounds.

Strengthening disease surveillance capacity at national level across five countries: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Disease surveillance is an essential component of public health and a core function of National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs), including to better prepare and respond to infectious diseases outbreaks. Strengthening NPHIs in their efforts to establish and maintain efficient surveillance systems is an opportunity to ensure future outbreak preparedness and response; yet, guidance on how to increase and prioritise capacity building efforts is limited. This study sought to investigate approaches to capacity building and training for disease surveillance at national level and understand the potential role of NPHIs. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative study. METHODS: This is a qualitative study, based on a literature review and interviews undertaken between June and November 2022. Fifty seven in-depth interviews were conducted in five countries: Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Madagascar, Namibia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants included a range of professionals from government, NPHIs, academic institutions and the private sector. Interviews were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Selected countries varied in terms of their disease surveillance capacities, as well as in the structure of their surveillance systems and decision-making. Research identified shared priority areas for action at national level, identifying common challenges and opportunities: 1) capacity building, here specifically the need for a training agenda at national level to ensure sustainability and guide donor funded training offers; 2) data tools and technology-to help decision-makers select the best software tool to address countries' identified need; 3) data sharing-the need for clear data sharing standards and norms for national to international data sharing; and 4) genomic sequencing-the need for national genomic surveillance strategies and reporting guidelines. CONCLUSION: Addressing challenges and using opportunities to strengthen disease surveillance at national level is an important step to build capacity in this area and to help prevent future epidemic and pandemics globally. The findings of this study help decision-makers to identify priority areas for capacity building and understand the potential role and significance of NPHIs.

Stability mapping of bipartite tight-binding graphs with losses and gain: PTPT-symmetry and beyond.

We consider bipartite tight-binding graphs composed by N nodes split into two sets of equal size: one set containing nodes with on-site loss, the other set having nodes with on-site gain. The nodes are connected randomly with probability p. Specifically, we measure the connectivity between the two sets with the parameter α, which is the ratio of current adjacent pairs over the total number of possible adjacent pairs between the sets. For general undirected-graph setups, the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian H(γ,α,N) of this model presents pseudo-Hermiticity, where γ is the loss/gain strength. However, we show that for a given graph setup H(γ,α,N) becomes PT-symmetric. In both scenarios (pseudo-Hermiticity and PT-symmetric), depending on the parameter combination, the spectra of H(γ,α,N) can be real even when it is non-Hermitian. Then we demonstrate, for both setups, that there is a well-defined sector of the γα-plane (which grows with N) where the spectrum of H(γ,α,N) is predominantly real.

[Prevalence, knowledge and control of arterial hypertension in vulnerable neighborhoods of Argentina: A Cross-sectional Study]. / Estudio de prevalencia, conocimiento y control de la hipertensión arterial en barrios vulnerables de Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension (HTN) represents the primary individual risk factor, contributing significantly to the global burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In our country, epidemiological research has highlighted substantial variations in the prevalence of these risk factors across different populations. However, there is a lack of epidemiological studies assessing exclusive cardiovascular risk factors within vulnerable neighborhoods characterized by extremely limited economic resources, sociocultural challenges, and inadequate healthcare access. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional observational study was conducted among individuals residing in economically deprived and marginalized communities, including informal settlements and underprivileged neighborhoods. Simple random sampling of households was employed. Blood pressure measurements, anthropometric assessments, and epidemiological, economic, and sociocultural questionnaires were administered. Results encompass prevalence rates, awareness levels, and blood pressure control across diverse regions. Logistic regression was utilized to identify independent variables influencing primary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 989 participants were analyzed. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 48.2%. About 82% had a body mass index (BMI) >25. Approximately 45.3% had less than 6 years of formal education. Independent association was established between education levels below 6 years and higher hypertension prevalence. Among hypertensive individuals, 44% were unaware of their condition, with only 17.2% achieving control, correlated with having health insurance and a higher educational background. Merely 24% were receiving combined therapy. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension within vulnerable neighborhoods is alarmingly high, surpassing rates in other social strata. Knowledge, treatment, and control levels of hypertension are suboptimal, comparable to other populations. Inadequate use of combination therapy was observed. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing cardiovascular risk factors in poor areas to mitigate the burden of CVD.

[Translated article] Clinical and Histopathologic Features of Subungual Melanoma in 57 Mexican Patients: A 5-Year Cohort Study.

Although subungual melanoma is uncommon, it is associated with worse outcomes than melanomas in other locations and accounts for 1% to 23% of all melanomas, depending on the population. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and histopathologic features of subungual melanoma in a Mexican population. We identified 303 patients with melanoma, and of these, 19% (57 patients with a median age of 71 years) had subungual melanoma. The main sites affected were the lower limbs (52.6%) and the toe (75.4%). The most common histologic subtype was acral lentiginous melanoma (50.9%). Median Breslow thickness was 3 mm, and stage IA tumors were the most common (in 28.1% of patients). Recurrence and metastasis occurred in 19.3% and 8.8% of patients, respectively. The clinical and histopathologic features identified are similar to those described in the literature. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving prognosis.

Clinical and Histopathologic Features of Subungual Melanoma in 57 Mexican Patients: A 5-Year Cohort Study. / Características clínicas e histopatológicas de melanoma subungueal en 57 pacientes mexicanos: una cohorte de 5 años.

Although subungual melanoma is uncommon, it is associated with worse outcomes than melanomas in other locations and accounts for 1% to 23% of all melanomas, depending on the population. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and histopathologic features of subungual melanoma in a Mexican population. We identified 303 patients with melanoma, and of these, 19% (57 patients with a median age of 71 years) had subungual melanoma. The main sites affected were the lower limbs (52.6%) and the toe (75.4%). The most common histologic subtype was acral lentiginous melanoma (50.9%). Median Breslow thickness was 3 mm, and stage IA tumors were the most common (in 28.1% of patients). Recurrence and metastasis occurred in 19.3% and 8.8% of patients, respectively. The clinical and histopathologic features identified are similar to those described in the literature. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving prognosis.

Factores asociados a mayor sobrevida en pacientes con cáncer de páncreas tratados mediante pancreatoduodenectomía. Estudio de casos y controles

Introducción: El cáncer de páncreas (CP) tiene un pronóstico ominoso a pesar de los avances en técnica quirúrgica y en los cuidados peri/postoperatorios. Nuestro objetivo fue identificar factores asociados a mayor sobrevida en pacientes con CP tratados mediante pancreatoduodenectomía (PD). Material y Método: Estudio de casos y controles de pacientes con CP tratados mediante PD en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica entre 2002-2015. Se definió como caso al paciente con sobrevida ≥ 3 años y como control a aquel con sobrevida inferior a ese plazo. Se comparó entre casos y controles datos biodemográficos, clínicos, histopatológicos, de morbilidad y mortalidad mediante regresión logística. Resultados: Se analizaron 70 pacientes, con una edad media de 62 ± 11 años; 40 (57%) mujeres. Hubo morbilidad en 26 enfermos (37,1%); Clavien-Dindo ≥ Illa en 8 (11,4%). La mediana (rango) de días de hospitalización fue 12 (7-84). La sobrevida actuarial a 1, 3 y 5 años fue 77%, 32% y 22% respectivamente. Se identificaron 21 casos (30%) y 49 controles (70%). En el análisis univariable, la resección R0, los ganglios regionales negativos, la ausencia de infiltración perineural, los estadios más precoces (IA, IB y IIA) y la ausencia de diabetes mellitus (DM2) al momento del diagnóstico, fueron variables asociadas a sobrevida ≥ 3 años (p 100 U/mL) y los tratamientos complementarios no se asociaron a diferencias significativas en sobrevida. En el análisis multivariable, se identificó la ausencia de DM2 (OR ajustado: 12; IC95% 1,7-84,3), la ausencia de infiltración perineural (OR ajustado: 7; IC95% 1,3-36,3) y los estadios precoces IA, IB y IIA (OR ajustado: 10,3; IC95% 2,1-49,1) como los factores independientes asociados a sobrevida mayor a 3 años. Conclusión: Los pacientes no diabéticos, con etapas precoces del CP sin infiltración perineural, resecados R0 mediante PD pueden obtener una sobrevida mayor a 3 años.

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies, despite developments in surgical and non-surgical therapies. Significant improvements in long-term survival have not been achieved. Only radical surgical resection has obtained a moderate extension in survival. We aim to identify factors associated with longer survival in patients with PC treated by pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Material and Method: We designed a case-control study of patients with PC treated by PD in our center between 2002-2015. We compare patients who survived ≥ 3 years (case) with those not achieving it (control). Bio-demographic, clinical, histopathological, morbidity and mortality data were compared between cases and controls using logistic regression. Results: Seventy patients were analyzed; mean age 62 ± 11 years; 40 (57%) women. Morbidity was found in 26 patients (37.1%); Clavien-Dindo ≥ Illa in 8 (11.4%). The median (range) of hospitalization days was 12 (7-84). The actuarial 1, 3, and 5 years survival was 77%, 32%, and 22%, respectively, for the entire series. Twenty-one cases (30%), and 49 controls (70%) were identified. In the univariate analysis, R0 resection, negative regional lymph nodes, the absence of perineural infiltration, the earliest stages (IA, IB, and IIA) and the absence of diabetes mellitus (DM) at time of diagnosis were variables associated with survival ≥ 3 years (p 100 U / mL), and neo/adjuvant treatments, did not significantly show differences in survival. In the multivariate analysis, no DM at diagnosis (adjusted OR: 12; 95% CI 1.7 - 84.3), no perineural infiltration (adjusted OR: 7; 95% CI 1.3 - 36.3) and early stages IA, IB, and IIA (adjusted OR: 10.3; 95% CI 2.1 - 49.1) were identified as independent factors associated with survival > 3 years. Conclusion: Nondiabetic patients with early stages PC without perineural infiltration, resected R0 by PD can achieve survival over 3 years.

Making Chile More Pedestrian-Friendly for Older Persons: Expert Perspectives.

Walking provides numerous benefits to older persons, but its practice is hindered by social factors and the built environment. This article aims to understand the factors that encourage or discourage older people's walking behaviors, as well as the policies influencing those factors in Chile. It does so by reporting the analysis of twenty-five semi-structured interviews with Chilean policymakers and local leaders. The experts consistently represented walking as a beneficial activity for older persons that, nonetheless, occurs in adverse built environments. They asserted that the absence of older people in the public discussion and a top-down policy-making structure hamper its promotion.

Prediabetes is more than a pre-disease: additional evidences supporting the importance of its early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

AIM: To identify Prediabetes (PreD) as early and serious diabetes step using clinical-biochemical characteristics in the population of the Primary Prevention Diabetes Buenos Aires (PPDBA) study. METHODS: PPDBA Study evaluated benefits of adopting healthy lifestyles to prevent T2D. It recruited people 45-75 years of age with PreD (impaired fasting glycaemia [IFG], impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] or both, American Diabetes Association criteria), using an opportunistic approach. They completed a FINDRISC questionnaire, and those with a score ≥13 points were invited to participate. When they accepted, we performed an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with a complete lipid profile and HbA1c while physicians completed a clinical history. We recruited 367 persons, and depending on OGTT results, the sample was divided into normals (NGT), PreD, or with diabetes (last one was excluded in our analysis). Data were statistically analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests and logistic regression to identify parameters associated with PreD. RESULTS: From the recruited (n = 367) 47.7% have NGT, 48.5% PreD and 3.8% unknown T2D (excluded). People with PreD were significantly older, with a higher percentage of overweight/obesity, BMI, and larger waist circumference than NGT. They also showed significantly higher fasting and 2 h post glucose load, HbA1c, and triglyceride levels. No significant differences were recorded in the blood pressure, lipid profile though both groups had abnormally high LDL-c values. They also had a larger percentage of TG/HDL-c ratios (insulin resistance indicator) (55% vs. 37.5%). Logistic regression analysis showed that PreD was significant associated with age, waist circumference, and triglyceride above target values. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that clinical and biochemical parameters were significantly different between people with PreD and those with NGT. This evidence supports the concept that PreD is a serious dysfunction, which should be early diagnosed and treated properly to prevent its transition to T2D and its complications.

Discrepancia anteroposterior en registro de relación céntrica con apoyo central intraoral en cubetas rodetes acrílicas (BOPAYACU) e inducción manual en adultos mayores desdentados totales / Anteroposterior discrepancy in centric relation record with intraoral central support in acylic impaction cups (BOPAYACU) and manual induction in edentulous older adults

Objetivo: Comparar la discrepancia anteroposterior medida a nivel de la platina incisiva de 2 métodos de registro intermaxilar en la misma sesión que la im-presión definitiva en adultos mayores desdentados totales. Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron en el es-tudio 20 pacientes (n=20) con edad promedio de 70 años. En cada uno de ellos se obtuvieron registros intermaxilares con cubetas rodete de acrílico: uno con inducción manual (IM) y otro autoinducido con el sistema de cubeta rodete de acrílico y apoyo central único utilizando una superficie palatina de registro curva (BYC). Los modelos fueron montados en un ar-ticulador Whip Mix modelo 2240 al que se le adicio-nó un dispositivo de papel milimetrado, Orthodent, a nivel de la platina incisiva, para registrar las dife-rencias existentes entre las posiciones obtenidas. El análisis estadístico se llevó a cabo mediante el cálcu-lo de intervalos de confianza (95%) para las diferen-cias medias y prueba de t de student para datos apa-reados (nivel de significancia: α<0,05). Resultados. En el plano mesiodistal a nivel de la platina incisiva se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las dos variables de registro (p<0,001). A este nivel el BYC proporcionó registros más retrusivos que IM. Media aritmética (desviaciones estándar) en milímetros: 3,82 (2,1). Conclusión. El sistema de re-gistro con cubetas rodete acrílicas y BYC incorpora-do a las mismas proporciona un registro intermaxi-lar más retrusivo que IM en adultos mayores des-dentados totales cuando se realizan dichos registros en la misma sesión que la impresión definitiva (AU)

Objective: To compare the anteroposterior discre-pancy measured at the level of the incisal plate of 2 methods of intermaxillary registration in the same session as the definitive impression in fully edentu-lous older adults. Materials and methods. Twenty pa-tients (n=20) with an average age of 70 years were included in the study. On each of them, intermaxillary recordings were obtained with acrylic rims trays: one with manual induction (MI) and the other with a self-induced system and single central support using a curved recording palatal surface (BYC). The models were mounted in a Whip Mix model 2240 articula-tor to which an Orthodent graph paper device was added, at the level of the incisal plate, to record the di-fferences between the positions obtained. Statistical analysis was carried out by calculating confidence intervals (95%) for mean differences and T-student for paired data (significance level: α<0.05). Results. On the mesiodistal plane at the level of the incisal plate, a statistically significant difference was found between the two recording variables (p<0.001). At this level the BYC provided more retrusive recordings than MI. Arithmetic mean (standard deviations) in mi-llimeters: 3.82 (2.1). Conclusions. The registration system with acrylic rim trays and BYC incorporated into them provides a more retrusive intermaxillary registration than MI in fully edentulous older adults when such registrations are made in the same ses-sion as the final impression.(AU)

Knowledge about genetics and trust in genetic testing in a mid-size city in Argentina / Conocimiento sobre genética y confianza en pruebas genéticas en una ciudad de tamaño medio en Argentina

ABSTRACT Public attitudes about genetics appear to depend on the local context. We analyzed survey responses obtained in 2015 from 293 residents of Luján, a city in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, who self-assessed their knowledge about genetics and their trust in genetic tests. The survey integrated a larger research project for which consenting adult participants shared demographic and genealogical information and provided saliva samples for genetic ancestry analyses. Participants reported little knowledge but high trust in genetic testing when questioned about knowledge and trust. Well-known media stories of DNA-based forensic genetic investigations to identify the victims of state repression during the military dictatorship may have contributed to the high self-assessment of their genetic knowledge expressed by some participants, regardless of educational attainment. Our analysis provides information that could be used as a baseline to begin unraveling the current level of public trust in genetics in a region of the Global South where genetic testing has become widespread, but people's knowledge of and trust in genetics remain poorly studied.

RESUMEN Las actitudes del público sobre la genética parecen depender del contexto local. Analizamos las respuestas de una encuesta suministrada en 2015 a 293 residentes de Luján, una ciudad de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, quienes autoevaluaron su conocimiento sobre genética y su confianza en las pruebas genéticas. La encuesta integraba un proyecto de investigación más amplio en el que los adultos participantes que dieron su consentimiento compartieron información demográfica y genealógica y proporcionaron muestras de saliva para un estudio de ancestría genética. Cuando se les preguntó sobre su conocimiento y confianza, los participantes informaron tener poco conocimiento sobre genética, pero mucha confianza en las pruebas genéticas. Historias muy conocidas de los medios de comunicación sobre investigaciones genéticas forenses basadas en el ADN para identificar a las víctimas de la represión estatal durante la dictadura militar pueden haber contribuido a la alta autoevaluación del propio conocimiento genético manifestado por algunos participantes, independientemente de su nivel educativo. Nuestro análisis proporciona información que podría utilizarse como base para comenzar a desentrañar los niveles actuales de confianza pública en la genética en una región del Sur Global donde las pruebas genéticas se han generalizado, pero el conocimiento y confianza de las personas sobre genética están poco estudiados.

Evaluación de nivel de conocimientos sobre cuidado para pacientes neurocríticos en personal de enfermería / Evaluation of the level of knowledge about caring for neurocritical patients in nursing staff

Introducción: Los pacientes neurocríticos son aquellos con afectaciones en el sistema nervioso central y otros sistemas vitales, principalmente como consecuencia de traumatismos severos o complicaciones graves derivadas de enfermedades degenerativas. Su atención es fundamental durante el ingreso a las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), y su correcta realización por parte del personal de enfermería puede ser un factor decisivo para reducir efectos colaterales. Objetivo: Reconocer los niveles de conocimientos sobre el cuidado de pacientes neurocríticos del personal de enfermería de la UCI del Centro Médico Naval. Materiales y métodos: Se adaptó un instrumento para la evaluación de los cuidados en pacientes neurocríticos y se conformaron trece reactivos en forma de indicadores sobre tipo de conocimientos. Además, se aplicó una prueba no paramétrica de chi-cuadrada para variables cualitativas y una prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: El estudio arrojó una correlación entre un mayor nivel de conocimientos y los años de experiencia (p<0.005), el nivel de estudios (p<0.001) y la edad (p<0.002). No se encontraron asociaciones con el sexo o el turno de servicio. Conclusiones: En 22.5% de los casos se obtuvo un nivel regular de conocimientos, 2.5% tuvo un nivel deficiente y el 75% restante obtuvo un nivel de conocimientos por encima de lo esperado. La asociación entre el nivel de conocimientos sobre el cuidado de pacientes neurocríticos y el nivel de estudios, así como los años de experiencia en servicio, permiten mejorar las técnicas de atención a través de la capacitación continua del personal de enfermería.

Introduction: Neurocritical patients are those who suffer injuries in the central nervous system and other vital systems, mainly as a result of severe trauma or serious complications derived from degenerative diseases. The adequate care of these patients is essential during their admission to the Intensive Care Units (ICU); correct nursing staff performance is determinant to reduce collateral effects. Objective: To assess the level of neurocritical care expertise of the nursing staff of the ICU in the Centro Médico Naval. Materials and methods: An instrument for the evaluation of neurocritical care was adapted and 13 test items were used as indicators. In addition, a nonparametric chi-square test for qualitative variables and a Fisher exact test were applied. Results: The study showed a significant correlation between a higher level of knowledge and years of experience (p<0.005), level of education (p<0.001) and age (p<0.002). No associations were found between gender and nursing shift. Conclusions: 22.5% of the nursing staff had an average level of knowledge, 2.5% had a deficient level, and the remaining 75% had an unexpectedly high level of knowledge. The association between neurocritical care expertise and educational background, as well as the years of experience, generate an improvement in care skills through the continuous training of nursing staff.

Aspects Towards the Anastomotic Healing in Crohn's Disease: Clinical Approach and Current Gaps in Research.

Anastomotic leakage is a major complication in gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery and its occurrence increases morbidity and mortality. Its incidence is even higher in Crohn's disease surgeries. Several authors have identified factors involved in the pathophysiology of anastomotic leak in the literature, aiming to reduce its occurrence and, therefore, improve its surgical treatment. Surgical technique is the most discussed topic in studies on guiding the performance of side-to-side stapled anastomosis. Preoperative nutritional therapy also has been shown to reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage. Other factors remain controversial - immunomodulator use and biologic therapy, antibiotics, and gut microbiota - with studies showing a reduction in the risk of complication while other studies show no correlation. Although mesenteric adipose tissue has been related to disease recurrence, there is no evidence in the literature that it is related to a higher risk of anastomotic leakage. Further exploration on this topic is necessary, including prospective research, to support the development of techniques to prevent anastomotic leakage, in this way benefiting the inflammatory bowel disease patients who have to undergo a surgical procedure.

Nonuniform random graphs on the plane: A scaling study.

We consider random geometric graphs on the plane characterized by a nonuniform density of vertices. In particular, we introduce a graph model where n vertices are independently distributed in the unit disk with positions, in polar coordinates (l,θ), obeying the probability density functions ρ(l) and ρ(θ). Here we choose ρ(l) as a normal distribution with zero mean and variance σ∈(0,∞) and ρ(θ) as a uniform distribution in the interval θ∈[0,2π). Then, two vertices are connected by an edge if their Euclidean distance is less than or equal to the connection radius ℓ. We characterize the topological properties of this random graph model, which depends on the parameter set (n,σ,ℓ), by the use of the average degree 〈k〉 and the number of nonisolated vertices V_{×}, while we approach their spectral properties with two measures on the graph adjacency matrix: the ratio of consecutive eigenvalue spacings r and the Shannon entropy S of eigenvectors. First we propose a heuristic expression for 〈k(n,σ,ℓ)〉. Then, we look for the scaling properties of the normalized average measure 〈X[over ¯]〉 (where X stands for V_{×}, r, and S) over graph ensembles. We demonstrate that the scaling parameter of 〈V_{×}[over ¯]〉=〈V_{×}〉/n is indeed 〈k〉, with 〈V_{×}[over ¯]〉≈1-exp(-〈k〉). Meanwhile, the scaling parameter of both 〈r[over ¯]〉 and 〈S[over ¯]〉 is proportional to n^{-γ}〈k〉 with γ≈0.16.

Metagenomics analysis reveals universal signatures of the intestinal microbiota in colorectal cancer, regardless of regional differences.

The human gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms living in our intestines and has emerged as an important factor for colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). The purpose of our study was to investigate the microbiota composition in Brazilian CRC patients compared with a local control population (CTL) to find out which changes could be considered universal or regional features in CRC microbiota. Fecal samples were obtained from 28 CRC and 23 CTL individuals. The 16S rRNA gene was used for metagenomic analysis. In addition to the anthropometric variables, the clinical stage (TNM 2018) was considered. Patients with CRC had a significant increase in alpha diversity and a higher percentage of genus Prevotella and a decreased proportion of Megamonas and Ruminococcus. Additionally, the proportion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was associated with a better prognosis in the first stages of CRC, and Fusobacterium nucleatum proved to be an important marker of colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor aggressiveness. Although regional differences influence the composition of the microbiota, in the case of CRC, the microhabitat created by the tumor seems to be a major factor. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the carcinogenic process, and even in different environments, some factors appear to be characteristic of the microbiota of patients with CRC.

Analysis of the Budget Impact of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Monitoring in the Management of Childhood Asthma: The Colombian National Health System Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing is a simple, noninvasive approach to assessing airway inflammation with minimal discomfort that provides results within a few minutes. For policy makers, the economic impact of this technology is the main concern, especially in developing countries. We evaluated the budget impact of asthma management using FeNO monitoring in patients aged between 4 and 18 years in Colombia. METHODS: A budget impact analysis was performed to evaluate the potential cost of FeNO monitoring. The analysis was based on a 5-year time horizon and performed from the perspective of the Colombian National Health System. The incremental budget impact was calculated by subtracting the cost of the new treatment, in which FeNO is reimbursed, from the cost of conventional treatment without FeNO (management based on clinical symptoms [with or without spirometry/peak flow] or asthma guidelines [or both] for asthma-related cases). Univariate 1-way sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the base case analysis the 5-year costs associated with FeNO and non-FeNO were estimated to be €469 904 130 and €480 485 149, respectively, indicating savings for the Colombian National Health System of €10 581 019 if FeNO is adopted for the routine management of patients with persistent asthma. This result proved to be robust in the univariate 1-way sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: FeNO monitoring generated cost savings in emergency settings for infants with persistent asthma. This evidence can be used by decision makers in Colombia to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate the results in other middle-income countries.

Metagenomics analysis reveals universal signatures of the intestinal microbiota in colorectal cancer, regardless of regional differences

The human gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms living in our intestines and has emerged as an important factor for colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). The purpose of our study was to investigate the microbiota composition in Brazilian CRC patients compared with a local control population (CTL) to find out which changes could be considered universal or regional features in CRC microbiota. Fecal samples were obtained from 28 CRC and 23 CTL individuals. The 16S rRNA gene was used for metagenomic analysis. In addition to the anthropometric variables, the clinical stage (TNM 2018) was considered. Patients with CRC had a significant increase in alpha diversity and a higher percentage of genus Prevotella and a decreased proportion of Megamonas and Ruminococcus. Additionally, the proportion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was associated with a better prognosis in the first stages of CRC, and Fusobacterium nucleatum proved to be an important marker of colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor aggressiveness. Although regional differences influence the composition of the microbiota, in the case of CRC, the microhabitat created by the tumor seems to be a major factor. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the carcinogenic process, and even in different environments, some factors appear to be characteristic of the microbiota of patients with CRC.