Presence of Indicator Bacteria and Occurrence of Potentially Pathogenic Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Species in Packaged Ice Cubes in Central Mexico.

This study aimed to determine the bacteriological quality and presence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes (DEP) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species in 85 packaged ice samples from 12 different states of central Mexico. Three samples had a pH of 9.8 and therefore fell outside of the acceptable range for pH. All samples were positive for aerobic-mesophilic bacteria, with limits ranging from 1 to 3.47 log CFU/mL. In total, 35, 11, and 3 ice samples were positive for total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and E. coli, respectively. In the samples, the TC concentration ranged from <1.1 to >23 MPN/100 mL and from <1.1 to 23 MPN/100 mL for FC and E. coli. In total, 38 (44.7%) ice samples were outside of Mexico's official guidelines. None of the 12 E. coli strains isolated from the three ice samples belonged to DEP. NTM were recovered from 20 ice samples and included M. neoaurum (n = 7), M. porcinum (n = 2), M. flavescens (n = 2), M. fortuitum (n = 1), M. abscessus (n = 1), M. senegalense (n = 1), M. conceptionense (n = 1), and M. sp. (n = 1). In the remaining four samples, two NTM were isolated simultaneously. Thus, we recommend that producers should evaluate the microbiological quality of purified water used as a raw material as well as that of the final product, the ice should be packed in thick bags to avoid stretching and tearing during transportation or storage to prevent environmental contamination of ice, personnel involved in the production, and handling of ice should be trained in relative hygiene matters and how ice-machines should be cleaned and disinfected and the implementation of hazard analysis and critical control points must be applied throughout the chain of production. Finally, regular inspection by the authorities is also of great importance. These recommendations can be applied in different countries with low microbiological quality packaged ice.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy. Is It Truly Harmless?

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is performed quite frequently in our environment. In general, its complications are few and mostly minor; however, there is a 2.4% incidence of significant complications, particularly abnormal displacement of the internal bumper of the gastrostomy, known as buried bumper syndrome (BBS). Serious infections, tears, and fistulas can also occur. This work illustrates five cases of severe complications of PEG.

La gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea es un procedimiento realizado con alta frecuencia en nuestro medio; por lo general, sus complicaciones son escasas y en su mayoría menores, pero hay un 2,4% de incidencia de complicaciones mayores, en especial el desplazamiento anormal del disco interno de la gastrostomía, conocido como síndrome de Buried Bumper (SBB), y también se pueden presentar infecciones graves, desgarros y fístulas. En este trabajo se presentan 5 casos en los que se ilustran complicaciones graves de la gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea.

Metabolic Biomarkers in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of PPAR-γ2 and PPAR-ß/δ Polymorphisms.

Glucose and lipid metabolism regulation by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) has been extensively reported. However, the role of their polymorphisms remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation between PPAR-γ2 rs1801282 (Pro12Ala) and PPAR-ß/δ rs2016520 (+294T/C) polymorphisms and metabolic biomarkers in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 314 patients with T2D. Information on anthropometric, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c and lipid profile measurements was taken from clinical records. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood. End-point PCR was used for PPAR-γ2 rs1801282, while for PPAR-ß/δ rs2016520 the PCR product was digested with Bsl-I enzyme. Data were compared with parametric or non-parametric tests. Multivariate models were used to adjust for covariates and interaction effects. RESULTS: minor allele frequency was 12.42% for PPAR-γ2 rs1801282-G and 13.85% for PPAR-ß/δ rs2016520-C. Both polymorphisms were related to waist circumference; they showed independent effects on HbA1c, while they interacted for FPG; carriers of both PPAR minor alleles had the highest values. Interactions between FPG and polymorphisms were identified in their relation to triglyceride level. CONCLUSIONS: PPAR-γ2 rs1801282 and PPAR-ß/δ rs2016520 polymorphisms are associated with anthropometric, glucose, and lipid metabolism biomarkers in T2D patients. Further research is required on the molecular mechanisms involved.

Colangiopatía hipertensiva portal por transformación portal cavernomatosa de origen no cirrótica: a propósito de un caso

La colangiopatía portal hace referencia a anomalías colangiográficas que se producen en pacientes con cavernomatosis portal, siendo progresiva, cursando con enfermedad biliar sintomática y anomalías graves de las vías biliares. Y, representa una complicación infrecuente de la hipertensión portal. Se describe el caso de un hombre de 53 años, con historia de larga data de hipertensión portal nocirrótica y cavernomatosis portal, quien presentó un episodio de enfermedad biliar obstructiva sintomática, y en estudios se documentó tejido fibrótico de extensión periportal ascendente con compresión extrínseca del colédoco distal y dilatación de la vía biliar extra e intrahepática. Por lo que se procedió a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica, realizándose tratamiento paliativo, con papilotomía pequeña y colocación de endoprótesis biliar plástica, siendo exitoso por ausencia de complicaciones procedimentales, y mejoría clínica y parámetros bioquímicos. Finalmente, recibiendo de alta con indicación de seguimiento prioritario para recambios periódicos de endoprótesis biliares, y valoración por hepatología. La colangiopatía portal es una entidad rara que debe sospecharse en sujetos con hipertensión portal de origen no-cirrótico, con hallazgos imagenológicos de estenosis, angulaciones o dilataciones segmentarias, su tratamiento debe ser individualizado, y la terapia endoscópica es de elección en enfermedad biliar sintomática.

Portal cholangiopathy refers to cholangiographic abnormalities occurring in patients with portal cavernomatosis, being progressive, presenting with symptomatic biliary disease and severe biliary tract abnormalities. And, it represents an infrequent complication of portal hypertension. We describe the case of a 53-year-old man with a long history of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and portal cavernomatosis, who presented an episode of symptomatic obstructive biliary disease, and studies documented fibrotic tissue of ascending periportal extension with extrinsic compression of the distal common bile duct and dilatation of the extra and intrahepatic biliary tract. Therefore, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed, and palliative treatment with small papillotomy and placement of a plastic biliary endoprosthesis was successful due to the absence of procedural complications, and clinical improvement and biochemical parameters. Finally, the patient was discharged with indication of priority follow-up for periodic replacement of biliary stents, and evaluation by hepatology. Portal cholangiopathy is a rare entity that should be suspected in subjects with portal hypertension of non-cirrhotic origin, with imaging findings of stenosis, angulations or segmental dilatations, its treatment should be individualized, and endoscopic therapy is of choice in symptomatic biliary disease.

Factors Associated with Poor Colonoscopy Preparation

Introduction: Good bowel preparation is essential for a quality colonoscopy. Thus, evaluating the risk factors associated with poor preparation is necessary. This problem has not been widely addressed in Colombia. Aim: To identify the factors associated with poor intestinal preparation. Materials and methods: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional, multicenter study in patients > 18 years of age who underwent colonoscopy and attended gastroenterology services between January and June 2020 in Bogotá. A Boston scale > 6 was defined as good preparation, and a Boston scale ≤ 6 was defined as poor preparation. Results: 265 patients were included, of whom 205 (77.4%) were well prepared and 60 (22.6%) had inadequate preparation. Factors associated with poor bowel preparation were age older than 60 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.359; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.059-1.745; p = 0.026); male sex (OR: 1.573; 95% CI: 1.128-2.194; p = 0.012); obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2; OR: 2.539; 95% CI: 1.388-4.645; p = 0.002); constipation (OR: 1.924; 95% CI: 1.154-3.208; p = 0.014); the use of antidepressants (OR: 2.897; 95% CI: 1.199-6.997; p = 0.014) and calcium antagonists (OR: 2.445; 95% CI: 1.292-4.630; p = 0.005), and having abdominopelvic surgeries (OR: 1.325 95% CI: 1.042-1.684, p = 0.034). Regarding the procedure, there was less polyp detection per patient (p = 0.04) and less minute (p = 0.020) and flat (p = 0.047) polyp detection in the poor bowel preparation group. Conclusions: This is the first study in Colombia in which the factors associated with poor intestinal preparation are described and include variables not explored in other studies. The results found are similar to those reported in the literature. These studies should be promoted with more patients, establishing a score for predicting poor preparation.

Introducción: una buena preparación intestinal es fundamental para una colonoscopia de calidad. Por eso es importante evaluar los factores de riesgo asociados a una mala preparación. Este problema no se ha abordado ampliamente en Colombia, por lo cual el objetivo de este estudio es identificar los factores asociados a una mala preparación intestinal. Métodos: estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, multicéntrico en pacientes > 18 años sometidos a colonoscopia que asistieron a los servicios de gastroenterología entre enero y junio de 2020 en la ciudad de Bogotá. Se definió como buena preparación una escala de Boston > 6, y como mala preparación una escala de Boston ≤ 6. Resultados: se incluyeron a 265 pacientes, de los cuales 205 (77,4%) estaban bien preparados y 60 (22,6%) tenían una preparación inadecuada. Los factores asociados a mala preparación intestinal fueron edad mayor de 60 años (odds ratio [OR]: 1,359; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 1,059-1,745; p = 0,026); sexo masculino (OR: 1,573; IC 95%: 1,128-2,194; p = 0,012); obesidad (IMC > 30 kg/m2; OR: 2,539; IC 95%: 1,388-4,645; p = 0,002); estreñimiento (OR: 1,924; IC 95%: 1,154-3,208; p = 0,014); el uso de antidepresivos (OR: 2,897; IC 95%: 1,199-6,997; p = 0,014) y antagonistas del calcio (OR: 2,445; IC 95%:1,292-4,630; p = 0,005) y tener cirugías abdominopélvicas (OR: 1,325; IC 95%: 1,042-1,684; p = 0,034). En cuanto al procedimiento, hubo una menor cantidad de detección de pólipos por paciente (p = 0,04) y menor detección de pólipo diminuto (p = 0,020) y plano (p = 0,047) en el grupo de mala preparación intestinal. Conclusiones: este es el primer estudio en Colombia en el cual se describen los factores asociados a la mala preparación intestinal e incluye variables no exploradas en otros estudios. Los resultados encontrados son similares a los reportados en la literatura. Se debe impulsar este tipo de estudios con una mayor cantidad de pacientes y plantear un puntaje de predicción de mala preparación.

Seguridad y eficacia del bypass gástrico en Y de Roux asistido por robot versus abordaje laparoscópico convencional / Safety and efficacy of robot-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus conventional laparoscopic approach

Resumen Introducción: La cirugía bariátrica se considera actualmente la opción de tratamiento más eficaz para la obesidad mórbida. El bypass gástrico laparoscópico en Y de Roux sigue siendo el estándar de oro en cirugía bariátrica. El advenimiento de la robótica quirúrgica ha llevado a una reducción de algunos de los desafíos más difíciles en la laparoscopia avanzada. Objetivo: Determinar la seguridad y eficacia del bypass gástrico en Y de Roux asistido por robot en comparación con el abordaje laparoscópico. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo que incluyo 50 pacientes con distintos grados de obesidad divididos en dos grupos de 25 cada uno. Se realizó una base de datos con las variables de acuerdo al tipo de abordaje quirúrgico (robótico y laparoscópico), registrando los días de estancia hospitalaria, sangrado, tiempo quirúrgico, complicaciones, reingresos hospitalarios, complicaciones y disminución del IMC. Resultados: En el grupo laparoscópico se observó un sangrado transoperatorio de 115.8+64 mililitros, en el grupo robótico solo fue de 59.6+45.8 mililitros (p<0.001). Un tiempo quirúrgico laparoscópico de 151.8+34.6 minutos, mientras que el grupo robótico fue de 216.4+50 minutos, los pacientes permanecieron hospitalizados 4.2+2.4 días en el grupo laparoscópico, los pacientes del grupo robótico 3.4+1 días, sin diferencia significativa (p=0.077). En ambos grupos no hubo reingresos hospitalarios. En el grupo laparoscópico la disminución de IMC fue de 8.9+2.5, mientras que para el grupo robótico fue de 13.7+2.3 con significancia estadística (p<0.001). Discusión: El bypass gástrico en Y de Roux asistido por robot es más seguro y eficaz en comparación con el abordaje laparoscópico. El abordaje robótico disminuye de forma significativa el sangrado transoperatorio, disminuye los días de estancia hospitalaria (sin diferencia significativa) y reduce de forma significativa la disminución del IMC, sin aumentar los reingresos hospitalarios a 30 días ni las complicaciones.

Abstract Introduction: Bariatric surgery is currently considered the most effective treatment option for morbid obesity. The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass remains the gold standard in bariatric surgery. The advent of surgical robotics has led to a reduction in some of the most difficult challenges in advanced laparoscopy. Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared to the laparoscopic approach. Material and methods: A retrospective study was carried out that included 50 patients with different degrees of obesity divided into two groups of 25 patients each. A database was created with the variables according to the type of surgical approach (robotic and laparoscopic), recording the days of hospital stay, bleeding, surgical time, complications, hospital readmissions, complications, and BMI decrease. Results: In the laparoscopic group, intraoperative bleeding of 115.8+64 milliliters was observed, in the robotic group it was only 59.6+45.8 milliliters (p<0.001). A laparoscopic surgical time of 151.8+34.6 minutes, while the robotic group was of 216.4+50 minutes, the patients remained hospitalized 4.2+2.4 days in the laparoscopic group, the patients in the robotic group 3.4+1 days, with no significant difference (p=0.077). In both groups there were no hospital readmissions. In the laparoscopic group, the decrease in BMI was 8.9+2.5, while for the robotic group it was 13.7+2.3 with statistical significance (p<0.001). Discussion: Robot-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is more safe and effective compared to the laparoscopic approach. The robotic approach significantly reduces intraoperative bleeding, decreases the days of hospital stay (with no significant difference), and significantly reduces the decrease in BMI, without increasing 30-day hospital readmissions or complications.

Effect of Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) on Polyphenols, Flavonoids and Antioxidant Capacity of Green Lentils (Lens culinaris).

Instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) is one of the emerging technologies in food processing; it can be used for drying, freezing and the extraction of bioactive molecules without damaging their properties. Legumes, such as lentils, are one of the most consumed foods in the world; however, they are mainly cooked by boiling, which causes the loss of antioxidant compounds. This work evaluated the effect of 13 different DIC treatments (with pressure ranges of 0.1-0.7 MPa and times of 30-240 s) on the content of polyphenols (Folin-Ciocalteu and High Performance Liquid Chromatography HPLC) and flavonoids (2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate) as well as the antioxidant activity (DPPH and TEAC) of green lentils. The DIC 11 treatment (0.1 MPa, 135 s) obtained the best release of polyphenols, which in turn are related to antioxidant capacity. The abiotic stress generated by DIC could lead to the breakdown of the cell wall structure, which favors the availability of antioxidant compounds. Finally, the most efficient conditions for DIC to promote the release of phenolic compounds and maintain antioxidant capacity were found under low pressures (<0.1 MPa) and short times (<160 s).

The ventricular-subventricular, subgranular and subcallosal zones: three niches of neural stem cells in the postnatal brain.

In the postnatal brain, three regions show high mitotic activity. These brain areas are neurogenic niches, and each niche harbors a microenvironment favorable for the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. These multipotential cells maintain the capacity to self-renew and generate intermediate precursors that will differentiate into neuronal and glial lineages (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes). The most well-studied niches are the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) of the lateral ventricles, the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus, and the subcallosal zone (SCZ), located in the limit between the corpus callosum and the hippocampal formation. The discovery of these three neurogenic niches has gained much interest in the field because they may be a therapeutic alternative in neural regeneration and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we describe in brief all these regions and explain their potential impact on solving some neurological conditions.

Anticoagulación en enfermedad renal crónica G4-5 en una red de hospitales de Bogotá

Contexto: la anticoagulación en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica es un reto terapéutico debido a que la evidencia médica es escasa y los beneficios son discutibles, además, el riesgo de sangrado en estos pacientes es mayor. Objetivo: describir los pacientes con enfermedad renal G4-5 que recibieron terapia anticoagulante oral durante por lo menos tres meses en la Subred Centro Oriente de Bogotá. Metodología: estudio analítico de pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica G4-5 en un hospital de referencia entre enero del 2018 y diciembre del 2021, en el cual se analizaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y se realizó una regresión logística sobre los anticoagulantes y la frecuencia de eventos (hemorrágicos o embólicos). Resultados: se evaluó a 75 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad renal crónica G4-5 anticoagulados, donde el anticoagulante más usado fue warfarina (76 %), seguido de apixabán (16 %) y rivaroxabán (8 %). El sangrado mayor se presentó con warfarina (8,47 %), apixabán (10%) y rivaroxabán (16,6 %). No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el sangrado mayor con warfarina (OR: 2,8; IC 95 %: 0,46-16,9; p = 0,262) y rivaroxabán (OR: 1,86; IC 95 %: 0,18-18,7; p = 0,596), además, el sangrado no mayor y clínicamente relevante fue del 28,9 % con warfarina. Solo se presentó una complicación trombótica en un paciente que recibió rivaroxabán. Conclusiones: en los pacientes con enfermedad renal G4-5 que recibieron warfarina y los anticoagulantes orales directos no se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a la presentación de sangrado mayor y no mayor, clínicamente relevantes.

Background: Anticoagulation in patients with chronic kidney disease is a therapeutic challenge since the medical evidence is scarce and the benefits are debatable since the risk of bleeding in these patients is greater. Purpose: To describe patients with G4-5 kidney disease who received oral anticoagulant therapy for at least 3 months in the central-eastern subnetwork of Bogotá. Methodology: Analytical study of patients with G4-5 chronic kidney disease, in a reference hospital between January 2018 and December 2021, in which sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed, and a logistic regression was performed on anticoagulants and the frequency of events (hemorrhagic or embolic). Results: 75 anticoagulated patients diagnosed with G4-5 chronic kidney disease were evaluated. The most commonly used anticoagulant was warfarin (76%), apixaban (16%), and rivaroxaban (8%). Major bleeding occurred with warfarin (8.47%), apixaban (10%), and rivaroxaban (16.6%). There are no significant differences between major bleeding with warfarin (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 0.46;16.9; p= 0.262), and rivaroxaban (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 0.18;18.7; p=0.596). Clinically relevant non-major bleeding was 28.9% with warfarin. A thrombotic complication only occurred in one patient who received rivaroxaban. Conclusions: In patients with G4-5 kidney disease who received warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants, no significant differences were found in terms of the presentation of clinically relevant major and non-major bleeding.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 in a Colombian population. A cross-sectional study

Introduction: gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 occurs in approximately 20% of patients and may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or abnormal liver function tests. In our country, the characteristics of gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 patients have not been studied. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and liver involvement in patients with COVID-19 treated at two hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. To determine the association between COVID-19 gastrointestinal involvement and length of hospital stay, severity and mortality. Design and methodology: a cross-sectional study carried out at two hospitals in a hospital subnetwork in Bogotá, Colombia from February 2020 to March 2021. Results: a total of 1,176 patients with a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were included. Gastrointestinal manifestations occurred in 50% (95%CI 47-52%), with the most frequent being diarrhea in 18.4%, odynophagia in 17.6%, anorexia in 14.7% and abdominal pain in 8.8%. An association was found between diarrhea during hospitalization and prolonged hospitalization (OR 1.93 95%CI 1.19-3.13), and between gastrointestinal bleeding on admission and death (OR 3.13, 95%CI 1.1-9.1), among others. Abnormal liver function tests occurred in 46% (95%CI 43-49%) and were more frequent in patients with severe disease and those who died. Conclusions: the prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations in patients with COVID-19 was 50%. Diarrhea was associated with a longer hospital stay, and gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with respiratory failure and death. Forty-six percent of patients had abnormal liver function tests, with elevated transaminases being the most frequent. Elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) on admission was associated with greater mortality. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2729).

Salience to remember: VTA-IC dopaminergic pathway activity is necessary for object recognition memory formation.

Previous studies have shown that dopaminergic activity modulates the salience of novel stimuli enabling the formation of recognition memories. In this work, we hypothesize that dopamine released into the insular cortex (IC) from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) inputs enables the acquisition to consolidate object recognition memory. It has been reported that short training produces weak recognition memories; on the contrary, longer training produces lasting and robust recognition memories. Using a Cre-recombinase under the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH+) promoter mouse model, we photostimulated the VTA-IC dopaminergic pathway during short training or photoinhibited the same pathway during long training while mice explored objects. Our results showed that the photostimulation of the VTA-IC pathway during a short training enables the acquisition of recognition memory. Conversely, photoinhibition of the same pathway during a long training prevents the acquisition of recognition memory. Interestingly, the exploration time of the objects under photoinhibition or photostimulation of the dopaminergic VTA-IC pathway was not altered. Significantly, this enhancement of acquisition of the object recognition memory through the photostimulation of the VTA dopaminergic neurons could be impaired by the blockage of the D1-like receptors into the IC, either before or after the photostimulation. Altogether, our results suggest that dopamine released by the VTA is required during the acquisition to consolidate the object recognition memory through D1-like receptors into the IC without affecting the activity or the motivation to explore objects.

Inhibition of hippocampal palmitoyl acyltransferase activity impairs spatial learning and memory consolidation.

Protein palmitoylation regulates trafficking, mobilization, localization, interaction, and distribution of proteins through the palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs) enzymes. Protein palmitoylation controls rapid and dynamic changes of the synaptic architecture that modifies the efficiency and strength of synaptic connections, a fundamental mechanism to generate stable and long-lasting memory traces. Although protein palmitoylation in functional synaptic plasticity has been widely described, its role in learning and memory processes is poorly understood. In this work, we found that PATs inhibition into the hippocampus before and after the training of Morris water maze (MWM) and object location memory (OLM) impaired spatial learning. However, we demonstrated that PATs inhibition during the retrieval does not affect the expression of spatial memory in both MWM and OLM. Accordingly, long-term potentiation induction is impaired by inhibiting PATs into the hippocampus before high-frequency electrical stimulation but not after. These findings suggest that PATs activity is necessary to modify neural plasticity, a mechanism required for memory acquisition and consolidation. Like phosphorylation, active palmitoylation is required to regulate the function of already existing proteins that change synaptic strength in the hippocampus to acquire and later consolidate spatial memories.

Effect of Supranutritional Dosage Selenium in Neonatal Goat Kids on Productive Performance, Physicochemical Profiles in Meat, Selenium Levels in Tissues, and Histopathological Findings.

Selenium (Se) is an essential element and antioxidant that catalyzes the destruction of hydrogen peroxide formed during cellular oxidative metabolism. Doses of Se as selenomethionine (SeMe) by oral route are 0.1-0.3 mgSe/kg DM, while the dose by parenteral route with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) is 0.1 mgSe/BW. The effects of supranutritional Se supplementation on normal kids have rarely been studied. The objective of the study was to evaluate both Se sources on growth performance, Se in tissues, histopathological findings, and meat characteristics. Forty-five kids of the Pastoreña breed with 25-day age were distributed (4.7 ± 1.13 kg) in three treatments: a) control group, C: consumption with goat milk (GM: containing 0.135 mgSe/g); b) NaSe: GM plus Na2SeO3 injectable, 0.25 mgSe/kg BW; c) SeMe: GM plus oral dosage, 0.3 mgSe as SeMe daily. Fifteen animals per treatment were slaughtered at 7, 14, and 21 days. Feed conversion improved (P < 0.05) with Se supplement (P < 0.05) at 7 and 14 days. SeMe had higher protein and fat meat content (P < 0.05). SeMe increased Se liver at 14 and 21 days. NaSe and SeMe had higher (P < 0.05) levels of Se kidney. SeMe-21d showed 42% mononuclear and periportal cell infiltration lesions. In conclusion, Se administered through milk in goat kids was insufficient to prevent nutritional muscular dystrophy. The supranutritional dose of 0.25 mg/kg as NaSe was sufficient to maintain the Se level in tissues. SeMe increased Se liver and kidney efficiently. Both Se sources improved the bioavailability of the mineral in kids.

[Hypertensive portal cholangiopathy due to portal cavernomatous transformation of non-cirrhotic origin: a case report]. / Colangiopatía hipertensiva portal por transformación portal cavernomatosa de origen no cirrótica: a propósito de un caso.

Portal cholangiopathy refers to cholangiographic abnormalities occurring in patients with portal cavernomatosis, being progressive, presenting with symptomatic biliary disease and severe biliary tract abnormalities. And, it represents an infrequent complication of portal hypertension. We describe the case of a 53-year-old man with a long history of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and portal cavernomatosis, who presented an episode of symptomatic obstructive biliary disease, and studies documented fibrotic tissue of ascending periportal extension with extrinsic compression of the distal common bile duct and dilatation of the extra and intrahepatic biliary tract. Therefore, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed, and palliative treatment with small papillotomy and placement of a plastic biliary endoprosthesis was successful due to the absence of procedural complications, and clinical improvement and biochemical parameters. Finally, the patient was discharged with indication of priority follow-up for periodic replacement of biliary stents, and evaluation by hepatology. Portal cholangiopathy is a rare entity that should be suspected in subjects with portal hypertension of non-cirrhotic origin, with imaging findings of stenosis, angulations or segmental dilatations, its treatment should be individualized, and endoscopic therapy is of choice in symptomatic biliary disease.

Cov-caldas: A new COVID-19 chest X-Ray dataset from state of Caldas-Colombia.

The emergence of COVID-19 as a global pandemic forced researchers worldwide in various disciplines to investigate and propose efficient strategies and/or technologies to prevent COVID-19 from further spreading. One of the main challenges to be overcome is the fast and efficient detection of COVID-19 using deep learning approaches and medical images such as Chest Computed Tomography (CT) and Chest X-ray images. In order to contribute to this challenge, a new dataset was collected in collaboration with "S.E.S Hospital Universitario de Caldas" ( https://hospitaldecaldas.com/ ) from Colombia and organized following the Medical Imaging Data Structure (MIDS) format. The dataset contains 7,307 chest X-ray images divided into 3,077 and 4,230 COVID-19 positive and negative images. Images were subjected to a selection and anonymization process to allow the scientific community to use them freely. Finally, different convolutional neural networks were used to perform technical validation. This dataset contributes to the scientific community by tackling significant limitations regarding data quality and availability for the detection of COVID-19.

Factores de riesgo para complicaciones en pacientes con tuberculosis en una institución de tercer nivel de la ciudad de Bogotá / Risk factors for complications in tuberculosis patients in a third-level institution in Bogotá city

Introducción: la tuberculosis es considerada como un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial, siendo la decimotercera causa de muerte y la enfermedad infecciosa más mortífera detrás del COVID-19 y por encima de la infección por VIH, llegando a un total de 1.5 millones de muertes en el 2020. Colombia es el quinto país de la región con mayor carga de casos de tuberculosis, reportándose en el Programa Nacional de Tuberculosis un total de 13.037 casos preliminares en el 2020, representando una importante carga para el Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional de corte retrospectivo con una población de 130 pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis en una institución de tercer nivel en la ciudad de Bogotá, con el fin de identificar posibles factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de complicaciones en estos pacientes. Resultados y discusión: en el grupo total encontramos que la presencia de desnutrición es un factor de riesgo independiente para presentar complicaciones asociadas a la infección por tuberculosis; mediante análisis de regresión condicionada por método exacto se identifica un HR de 2.53 [1.008;6.378] (p 0.002) y HR ajustado de 1.47 [0.400-2.556] (p 0.007). El resto de condiciones no presentaron asociación estadísticamente significativa con el desarrollo de complicaciones en pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis. Conclusiones: en los pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis que asistieron al hospital Santa Clara entre 2017 y 2018, encontramos que un estado nutricional inadecuado tuvo una asociación significativa a la presencia de complicaciones relacionadas con infección por tuberculosis. Otros factores como el nivel de educación, estrato socioeconómico o la presencia de comorbilidades no demostraron una influencia significativa en el objetivo del estudio.

Introduction: Tuberculosis is considered a public health problem worldwide, being the thirteenth cause of death and the deadliest infectious disease behind COVID-19 and above HIV infection, reaching a total of 1, 5 million deaths in 2020. Colombia is the fifth country in the region with the highest burden of tuberculosis cases, reporting a total of 13,037 preliminary cases in 2020 in the National Tuberculosis Program, representing a significant burden for the General System of Social Security in Health. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out with a population of 130 patients diagnosed with tuberculosis in a third level institution at Bogotá city, to identify factors associated with the development of complications in tuberculosis patients. Results and discussion: In the total group, the presence of malnutrition is found to be an independent risk factor for tuberculosis complications by means of a conditioned regression analysis using the exact method we found an OR of 2.53 [1.008;6.378] (p 0.00202) and adjusted OR of 1.47 [0.400-2.556] (p 0.007), neither of the other conditions can't be associated with the presence of complications in patients diagnosed with tuberculosis. Conclusions: In patients diagnosed with tuberculosis who attended the Santa Clara hospital between 2017 and 2018, we found that an inadequate nutritional status is associated with the presence of major complications. Other factors such as level of education, socioeconomic status or the presence of comorbidities do not show a significant influence on the objective of the study.

MicroRNA-mediated regulation of key signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma: A mechanistic insight.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies due to the different etiologies and genotoxic insults. The development of HCC is characterized by complex interactions between several etiological factors that result in genetic and epigenetic changes in proto-onco and/or tumor suppressor genes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that also can act as oncomiRs or tumor suppressors regulating the expression of cancer-associated genes post-transcriptionally. Studies revealed that several microRNAs are directly or indirectly involved in cellular signaling, and dysregulation of those miRNAs in the body fluids or tissues potentially affects key signaling pathways resulting in carcinogenesis. Therefore, in this mini-review, we discussed recent progress in microRNA-mediated regulation of crucial signaling networks during HCC development, concentrating on the most relevant ones such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Hippo-YAP/TAZ, and Wnt/ß-catenin, which might open new avenues in HCC management.

Photostimulation of Ventral Tegmental Area-Insular Cortex Dopaminergic Inputs Enhances the Salience to Consolidate Aversive Taste Recognition Memory via D1-Like Receptors.

Taste memory involves storing information through plasticity changes in the neural network of taste, including the insular cortex (IC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), a critical provider of dopamine. Although a VTA-IC dopaminergic pathway has been demonstrated, its role to consolidate taste recognition memory remains poorly understood. We found that photostimulation of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA or VTA-IC dopaminergic terminals of TH-Cre mice improves the salience to consolidate a subthreshold novel taste stimulus regardless of its hedonic value, without altering their taste palatability. Importantly, the inhibition of the D1-like receptor into the IC impairs the salience to facilitate consolidation of an aversive taste recognition memory. Finally, our results showed that VTA photostimulation improves the salience to consolidate a conditioned taste aversion memory through the D1-like receptor into the IC. It is concluded that the dopamine activity from the VTA into IC is required to increase the salience enabling the consolidation of a taste recognition memory. Notably, the D1-like receptor activity into the IC is required to consolidate both innate and learned aversive taste memories but not appetitive taste memory.

Remisión de Diabetes tipo 2 en pacientes sometidos a Cirugía Bariátrica (Bypass Gástrico vs Gastrectomía Vertical) en el Hospital Central Militar

Resumen México es el primer lugar a nivel mundial en obesidad; la Diabetes tipo 2 se encuentra asociada hasta en 90%. Este estudio observacional ambispectivo del 2009 al 2015, compara las tasas de remisión de diabetes tipo 2 en pacientes con IMC >35 kg/m2 operados de Bypass Gástrico Laparoscópico (BPGL) vs Gastrectomía Vertical en Manga Laparoscópica (GVML) monitorizando la normalización de los niveles de glucosa plasmática, disminución del porecentaje de HbA1C y cese en el uso de antidiabéticos por lo menos un año, siendo ese su objtetivo. Se analizaron los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes operados de BPGL y GVML con obesidad mórbida y diabetes tipo 2 en el periodo de enero del 2009 a junio del 2015, registrando en una base de datos las variables medibles de cada paciente. Se utilizó una tabla de ANOVA y la prueba t de Student mediante programa de análisis de datos SPSS®. Posterior a la cirugía se registraron cifras de glucosa en ayuno <100 mg/dl desde los primeros tres meses en la mayoría de los pacientes. Después de 12 meses de seguimiento los niveles de glucosa descendieron de 152.16 ± 65.3 mg/dl a 88.16 ± 14.05 mg/dl (p< 0.001), el porcentaje de HbA1C bajó de 7.4 ± 1.4 a 5.3 ± 0.8 (p <0.001), cuatro pacientes continuaron con algún tipo de medicamento, dos con insulina y dos con hipoglucemiantes orales. Existió una remisión de la diabetes tipo 2 en 20 pacientes (80%). En los pacientes con obesidad mórbida y diabetes tipo 2 tratados en el Hospital Central Militar, la GVML y el BPGL han demostrado seguridad y efectividad en la remisión de diabetes tipo 2 a mediano plazo. Sin diferencia significativa entre ambos.

Utilidad del índice de fibrosis hepática (IFH) medido durante la ultrasonografía endoscópica en la evaluación del parénquima pancreático / Usefulness of the Liver Fibrosis Index (LFI) Measured during Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Evaluating the Pancreatic Parenchyma

El ultrasonido endoscópico ha cambiado la evaluación de las enfermedades pancreáticas y ha logrado un diagnóstico histopatológico (cuando se asocia con la punción); sin embargo, este procedimiento requiere de entrenamiento, no está libre de complicaciones y alrededor de 25% de los pacientes puede tener falsos negativos. Por esto se ha implementado el uso de la elastografía cuantitativa con el strain ratio, el cual permite diferenciar las masas benignas de las malignas. Existe evidencia creciente, pero aún no conclusiva, dada la heterogeneidad de los resultados (sin consenso para su realización), por lo que es necesario desarrollar otros métodos, que permitan una mayor certeza diagnóstica, como el índice de fibrosis hepática (IFH) medido por ultrasonografía endoscópica, el cual tienen como base la inteligencia artificial, validado para el diagnóstico y el seguimiento de la fibrosis hepática. Nuestro grupo considera que se podría usar de la misma forma para valorar el parénquima pancreático. Objetivo: evaluar si el IFH puede diferenciar tres tipos diferentes de tejidos pancreáticos: páncreas normal, páncreas graso y cáncer de páncreas. Metodología: estudio prospectivo de corte transversal en un solo centro. Se incluyeron 66 pacientes mayores de 18 años, con indicación de ultrasonografía endoscópica. El grupo 1 fue de pacientes con indicación diferente a la enfermedad biliopancreática (55 pacientes). En este grupo se aplicó la escala de clasificación de páncreas graso por ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE), utilizando como referencia la ecogenicidad del bazo (previamente validada); este grupo se subdividió en uno con parénquima pancreático normal y en otro con páncreas graso. En el grupo 2 (11 pacientes) se incluyeron los pacientes llevados para el estudio de lesión sólida pancreática, con diagnóstico citológico positivo para carcinoma de páncreas. Como herramienta de recolección de datos se utilizó un formulario virtual de Google Drive, disponible con dirección acortada: shorturl.at/pIMWX, diligenciado antes y después del procedimiento por fellows de Gastroenterología, previamente entrenados para este fin. El IFH se tomó en el páncreas en tiempo real mediante un software suministrado por el fabricante (Hitachi-Noblus), en un período comprendido entre enero de 2019 y enero 2020. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una ecoendoscopia biliopancreática completa, con un ecoendoscopio Pentax lineal y procesador Hitachi-Noblus; luego se efectuó una elastografía cualitativa y una cuantitativa, la cual incluyó la medición del IFH. Resultados: en total se incluyeron 66 pacientes: 11 pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado por citología de cáncer de páncreas y 55 pacientes que se enviaron para ecoendoscopia por evaluación de otras patologías diferentes a la biliopancreática. El rango de edad fue de 23-89, media de 56,75 años. El antecedente más frecuente fue la esteatosis o esteatohepatitis (n = 14) (25,45%). La indicación para la realización del procedimiento más frecuente fue la lesión subepitelial (n = 29) (52,73 %). Los porcentajes de pacientes según los grados de ecogenicidad del páncreas fueron de grado I (n = 29) (52,73 %); grado II (n = 5) (9,09 %); grado III (n = 18) (32,73 %); grado IV (n = 3) (5,45 %). Se tomaron los grados I y II como páncreas normal, y los grado III y IV como páncreas graso. Estos se dividieron en n = 34 pacientes (61,82 %) para páncreas normal y n = 21 (38 %) para páncreas graso; es decir, que de acuerdo con la escala utilizada hay una prevalencia para páncreas graso de 38,18 %. Se realizó el IFH en los tres subgrupos diferentes: los considerados como ecoendoscópicamente normales, los clasificados como páncreas graso y los pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de páncreas confirmado por citología, tomado en el páncreas. El IFH para los tres diferentes grupos fueron, respectivamente, normal: IFH 2,60, rango 0,97-3,47 (IC 95 % 2,17-3,02); páncreas graso: IFH 3,87, rango 2-5,5 (IC 95 % 3,44-4,29); cáncer de páncreas: IFH 6,35, rango 5,8-7,8 (IC 95 % 5,92-6,77). Conclusiones: este es el primer estudio piloto que usa el IFH aplicado al parénquima pancreático, y se sugiere su utilidad para diferenciar, de manera no invasiva, el páncreas normal, el graso y el carcinoma de páncreas. Este hallazgo se debe confirmar en poblaciones más amplias y heterogéneas, con el fin de ser validado.

Abstract Endoscopic ultrasound has changed the evaluation of pancreatic diseases and has achieved a histopathological diagnosis (when associated with a puncture); however, this procedure requires training, is not free of complications, and around 25 % of patients may have false negatives. Therefore, quantitative elastography with the strain ratio has been implemented to differentiate benign masses from malignant ones. There is growing but not yet conclusive evidence, given the heterogeneity of the results (without consensus on its performance). It is necessary to develop other methods that allow for greater diagnostic certainty, such as the liver fibrosis index (LFI) measured by endoscopic ultrasonography. This method is based on artificial intelligence and validated for diagnosing and monitoring liver fibrosis. Our group considers that it could also be used to assess the pancreatic parenchyma. Aim: To evaluate whether the LFI can differentiate three types of pancreatic tissues: normal pancreas, fatty pancreas, and pancreatic cancer. Materials and methods: Prospective cross-sectional single-center study. We included sixty-six patients over 18 years of age with an indication for endoscopic ultrasonography. Group 1 consisted of patients with an indication other than the biliopancreatic disease (55 patients). The endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) fatty pancreas classification scale was applied to this group, taking the echogenicity of the spleen (previously validated) as a reference; this group was subdivided into normal pancreatic parenchyma and fatty pancreas. Group 2 (11 patients) included those examined for solid pancreatic lesions with a positive cytological diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. We used a Google Form as a data collection tool, available with a shortened address (shorturl.at/pIMWX). It was filled out before and after the procedure by Gastroenterology fellows, previously trained for this purpose. The LFI was measured in the pancreas in real-time using software supplied by the manufacturer (Hitachi Noblus) between January 2019 and January 2020. All patients underwent a complete biliopancreatic echoendoscopy, with a linear Pentax echoendoscope and Hitachi Noblus processor. Then, qualitative and quantitative elastography was performed, including LFI measurement. Results: We included a total of 66 patients: 11 with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer confirmed by cytology and 55 sent for ultrasound endoscopy due to pathologies other than the biliopancreatic disease. The age range was 23-89, with a mean of 56.75 years. The most frequent history was steatosis or steatohepatitis (n = 14) (25.45 %). The most frequent indication for performing the procedure was subepithelial lesion (n = 29) (52.73 %). The percentages of patients according to pancreatic echogenicity were Grade I (n = 29) (52.73 %); Grade II (n = 5) (9.09 %); Grade III (n = 18) (32.73 %); Grade IV (n = 3) (5.45 %). Grades I and II were taken as a normal pancreas and Grades III and IV as a fatty pancreas, divided into n = 34 patients (61.82 %) for a normal pancreas and n = 21 (38 %) for a fatty pancreas. According to the scale used, there is a fatty pancreas prevalence of 38.18 %. The LFI was measured in three subgroups: those considered endoscopically normal, those classified as fatty pancreas, and patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer confirmed by cytology taken from the pancreas. The LFI for these groups were, respectively, normal pancreas: LFI 2.60, range 0.97-3.47 (95 % CI 2.17-3.02); fatty pancreas: LFI 3.87, range 2-5.5 (95 % CI 3.44-4.29); pancreatic cancer: LFI 6.35, range 5.8-7.8 (95 % CI 5.92-6.77). Conclusions: This is the first pilot study that applies the LFI to the pancreatic parenchyma. It is useful in differentiating a normal pancreas, a fatty pancreas, and pancreatic carcinoma non-invasively. This finding must be validated in larger and more heterogeneous populations.