Empowering Victims of Lived Violence: Delaware's Hospital Violence Intervention Program (HVIP).

Hospital Violence Intervention Programs (HVIP) are increasingly implemented across a variety of healthcare-associated contexts to prevent and address violent intentional injury. We describe the establishment of a health system funded HVIP in Delaware and the direct experiences of staff and violence-specialized Community Health Workers.

Tools for the identification of victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery in remote services: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the technology-based tools available for supporting the identification of victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery in remote services and consider the benefits and challenges posed by the existing tools. METHODS: We searched six academic databases. Studies were considered for inclusion if they were published in English between 2000 and 2023. The QuADS quality appraisal tool was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. A narrative synthesis was conducted using the convergent integrated approach. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included, of which two were professional guidelines; each reported on a distinct technology-based tool for remote services. All tools related to domestic abuse and 21 focused on screening for intimate partner violence among young and mid-life women (18-65) in high-income countries. The review did not identify tools that support the identification of victims of modern slavery. We identified eight common themes of tool strengths, highlighting that the remote approach to screening was practical, acceptable to victims, and, in some circumstances, elicited better outcomes than face-to-face approaches. Five themes pointed to tool challenges, such as concerns around privacy and safety, and the inability of computerised tools to provide empathy and emotional support. CONCLUSIONS: Available technology-based tools may support the identification of victims of domestic abuse by health and social care practitioners in remote services. However, it is important to be mindful of the limitations of such tools and the effects individuals' screening preferences can have on outcomes. Future research should focus on developing tools to support the identification of victims of modern slavery, as well as empirically validating tools for screening during remote consultations.

Role of the NO-GC/cGMP signaling pathway in platelet biomechanics.

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a second messenger produced by the NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC). The NO-GC/cGMP pathway in platelets has been extensively studied. However, its role in regulating the biomechanical properties of platelets has not yet been addressed and remains unknown. We therefore investigated the stiffness of living platelets after treatment with the NO-GC stimulator riociguat or the NO-GC activator cinaciguat using scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM). Stimulation of human and murine platelets with cGMP-modulating drugs decreased cellular stiffness and downregulated P-selectin, a marker for platelet activation. We also quantified changes in platelet shape using deep learning-based platelet morphometry, finding that platelets become more circular upon treatment with cGMP-modulating drugs. To test for clinical applicability of NO-GC stimulators in the context of increased thrombogenicity risk, we investigated the effect of riociguat on platelets from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients taking abacavir sulfate (ABC)-containing regimens. Our results corroborate a functional role of the NO-GC/cGMP pathway in platelet biomechanics, indicating that biomechanical properties such as stiffness or shape could be used as novel biomarkers in clinical research.

Increased platelet activation and development of thrombosis has been linked to a dysfunctional NO-GC/cGMP signaling pathway. How this pathway affects platelet stiffness, however, has not been studied yet. For the first time, we used novel microscopy techniques to investigate stiffness and shape of platelets in human and murine blood samples treated with cGMP modifying drugs. Stiffness contains information about biomechanical properties of the cytoskeleton, and shape quantifies the spreading behavior of platelets. We showed that the NO-GC/cGMP signaling pathway affects platelet stiffness, shape, and activation in human and murine blood. HIV-positive patients are often treated with medication that may disrupt the NO-GC/cGMP signaling pathway, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. We showed that treatment with cGMP-modifying drugs altered platelet shape and aggregation in blood from HIV-negative volunteers but not from HIV-positive patients treated with medication. Our study suggests that platelet stiffness and shape can be biomarkers for estimating cardiovascular risk.

Changes in Bacterial Gut Composition in Parkinson's Disease and Their Metabolic Contribution to Disease Development: A Gut Community Reconstruction Approach.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease with the major symptoms comprising loss of movement coordination (motor dysfunction) and non-motor dysfunction, including gastrointestinal symptoms. Alterations in the gut microbiota composition have been reported in PD patients vs. controls. However, it is still unclear how these compositional changes contribute to disease etiology and progression. Furthermore, most of the available studies have focused on European, Asian, and North American cohorts, but the microbiomes of PD patients in Latin America have not been characterized. To address this problem, we obtained fecal samples from Colombian participants (n = 25 controls, n = 25 PD idiopathic cases) to characterize the taxonomical community changes during disease via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. An analysis of differential composition, diversity, and personalized computational modeling was carried out, given the fecal bacterial composition and diet of each participant. We found three metabolites that differed in dietary habits between PD patients and controls: carbohydrates, trans fatty acids, and potassium. We identified six genera that changed significantly in their relative abundance between PD patients and controls, belonging to the families Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Verrucomicrobioaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Streptococcaceae. Furthermore, personalized metabolic modeling of the gut microbiome revealed changes in the predicted production of seven metabolites (Indole, tryptophan, fructose, phenylacetic acid, myristic acid, 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, and N-Acetylneuraminic acid). These metabolites are associated with the metabolism of aromatic amino acids and their consumption in the diet. Therefore, this research suggests that each individual's diet and intestinal composition could affect host metabolism. Furthermore, these findings open the door to the study of microbiome-host interactions and allow us to contribute to personalized medicine.

Neuroendocrine Tumors: An Analysis of Prevalence, Incidence, and Survival in a Hospital-Based Study in Ecuador.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represent a heterogeneous malignancy group of neoplasms, with a limited amount of data from Latin America. Thus, this observational study aimed to provide data about the prevalence, incidence, and survival rates for NET in Ecuadorian hospitals. The study was conducted using data from the Society for the Fight Against Cancer (SOLCA). We evaluated patients with NETs (2000−2020) using the HJ-Biplot method and Cox proportional hazards. Annual age-adjusted incidence and limited-duration prevalence in multivariable analyses as well as hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality and survival were obtained. In the years 2000−2020, the age-adjusted incidence rate increased by 9-fold in the stomach and by 7-fold in the breast. The incidence rates were 1.38 per 100,000 persons in the lung and at 1.79 per 100,000 persons in gastroenteropancreatic sites (rectum, stomach, and pancreas). The prevalence increased from 0.0027% in 2000 to 0.0736% in 2019 and 0.0245% in 2020. Overall survival was worse for metastatic NETs (HR, 4.061; 95% CI, 1.932−8.540; p < 0.001) and advanced local NETs (HR, 2.348; 95% CI, 1.007−5.475 p < 0.048) than for localized NETs. In conclusion, the NET incidence increased in the last 20 years and survival decreased over time, especially for metastatic tumors in the pancreas and the nostril.

Soluble concentrations of the terminal complement complex C5b-9 correlate with end-organ injury in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine if soluble levels of C5b-9, the terminal complement complex, correlate with end-organ injury in preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: Project COPA (Complement and Preeclampsia in the Americas), a multi-center observational study in Colombia from 2015 to 2016, enrolled hypertensive pregnant women into four groups: chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and preeclampsia with severe features. Trained coordinators collected clinical data, blood and urine. End-organ injury was defined by serum creatinine ≥ 1.0 mg/dl, aspartate transaminase ≥ 70U/L, platelet count < 150,000/µl, or lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 500 U/L. Data were analyzed by χ2 or Fisher's exact test with significance at P < 0.05. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: C5b-9 concentrations in plasma and urine, using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: In total, 298 hypertensive participants were enrolled. Plasma and urine C5b-9 levels were measured in all participants and stratified by quartile (Q1-4), from lowest to highest C5b-9 concentration. Participants with low plasma C5b-9 levels (Q1) were more likely to have end-organ injury compared to those with higher levels (Q2-Q4) [platelet count < 150,000/µl (20.8% vs. 8.4%, P = 0.01); elevated serum creatinine ≥ 1.0 mg/dl (14.9% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.009)]. In contrast, participants with high urinary C5b-9 levels (Q4) were more likely to have end-organ injury compared to those with lower levels (Q1-Q3) [platelet count < 150,000/µl (19.7% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.003); elevated serum creatinine ≥ 1.0 mg/dl (12.3% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.025)]. CONCLUSION: We identified a pattern of increased urine and low plasma C5b-9 levels in patients with preeclampsia and end-organ injury. Soluble C5b-9 levels may be used to identify complement-mediated end-organ injury in preeclampsia.

Reduced platelet forces underlie impaired hemostasis in mouse models of MYH9-related disease.

MYH9-related disease patients with mutations in the contractile protein nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA display, among others, macrothrombocytopenia and a mild-to-moderate bleeding tendency. In this study, we used three mouse lines, each with one point mutation in the Myh9 gene at positions 702, 1424, or 1841, to investigate mechanisms underlying the increased bleeding risk. Agonist-induced activation of Myh9 mutant platelets was comparable to controls. However, myosin light chain phosphorylation after activation was reduced in mutant platelets, which displayed altered biophysical characteristics and generated lower adhesion, interaction, and traction forces. Treatment with tranexamic acid restored clot retraction in the presence of tPA and reduced bleeding. We verified our findings from the mutant mice with platelets from patients with the respective mutation. These data suggest that reduced platelet forces lead to an increased bleeding tendency in patients with MYH9-related disease, and treatment with tranexamic acid can improve the hemostatic function.

Parámetros bioquímicos y biometría hemática de pacientes con COVID-19 moderado y grave en terapia intensiva de un hospital básico de Ecuador / Biochemical parameters and blood count of patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 in intensive care at a basic hospital in Ecuador

La infección por COVID-19 se presenta principalmente de forma leve y grave, ésta última hace necesaria la hospitalización y soporte respiratorio por complicaciones como el síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SARS), cuyo curso clínico ha sido ampliamente descrito; sin embargo, la alteración de los perfiles de laboratorio no ha sido establecida de manera precisa. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo para determinar parámetros bioquímicos y biometría hemática en 32 pacientes con COVID-19 moderado y grave, recluidos en el Hospital Básico "Raúl Maldonado Mejía" de Cayambe, Ecuador y evaluar su utilidad como indicadores de gravedad. Se revisaron las historias clínicas, obteniendo datos clínicos, bioquímicos y hematimétricos. Se observó mayor proporción de casos COVID moderado y grave en hombres, y de la forma grave en ambos géneros, con un promedio de edad entre 45-73 años. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron: hipertensión arterial (HTA), diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva (ICC) y obesidad. Los parámetros bioquímicos y hematimétricos con peor pronóstico para gravedad fueron: elevación de la actividad de lactato deshidrogenasa (LDH), alanina aminotranferasa (ALT), aspartato aminotranferasa (AST), niveles de proteina C reactiva (PCR), prolongación del tiempo de protrombina (TP), contaje total de leucocitos, índice neutrófilo/linfocito (INL) y disminución de linfocitos. Los parámetros bioquímicos (LDH, PCR, ALT, AST), de coagulación (TP) y hematimétricos (recuento de leucocitos, linfocitos e INL), pueden ser útiles indicadores de gravedad en pacientes con COVID-19, permitiendo identificar precozmente pacientes con enfermedad moderada y evitar el desarrollo de la forma más severa de la enfermedad y sus complicaciones(AU)

COVID-19 infection occurs mainly in mild and severe forms, the latter requiring hospitalization and respiratory support due to complications such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the clinical course of which has been widely described; however, the alteration of laboratory profiles has not been precisely established. A retrospective study was carried out to determine biochemical parameters and blood counts in 32 patients with moderate and severe COVID-19, confined at the "Raúl Maldonado Mejía" Basic Hospital in Cayambe, Ecuador, and to evaluate their usefulness as indicators of severity. Medical records were reviewed. , obtaining clinical, biochemical and hematometric data. A higher proportion of moderate and severe COVID cases was observed in men, and the severe form in both genders, with an average age between 45-73 years. The most frequent comorbidities were: arterial hypertension (HTA), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), congestive heart failure (CHF) and obesity. The biochemical and blood count parameters with the worst prognosis for severity were: elevation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, prothrombin time (PT) prolonged, total leukocyte count, ne index utrophil/lymphocyte (INL) and decreased lymphocytes. Biochemical parameters (LDH, CRP, ALT, AST), coagulation (PT) and blood counts (leukocyte count, lymphocytes and INL) can be useful indicators of severity in patients with COVID-19, allowing early identification of patients with moderate disease and avoid the development of the most severe form of the disease and its complications(AU)

Estrés ocupacional en docentes universitarios expuestos a riesgos biológicos / Occupational stress in university teachers exposed to biological risks

El estrés laboral ha sido un factor determinante en la aparición de enfermedades en los docentes universitarios, lo cual ha generado absentismo, errores y accidentes en los ambientes de trabajo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar el estrés laboral en personal docente universitario del área de la salud, con riesgo biológico. Se realizó una investigación descriptiva, transversal, de campo y prospectiva, con diseño no experimental, en 53 docentes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Ecuador, desde junio de 2018 a junio de 2021, aplicándose el Instrumento de Estrés Laboral OIT-OMS y la estimación índice numérico de riesgo biológico para entornos académicos. Prevalecieron las mujeres (73,6%), mayores de cincuenta años (52,8%) con estrés nivel bajo. Todas las dimensiones del estrés en general mostraron niveles bajos (2,25 ± 1,05), no obstante, al discriminar según el cargo académico, los pocos casos de niveles altos fueron los Auxiliares Titulares, específicamente en las dimensiones: tecnología, clima organizacional y respaldo de grupo, el riesgo biológico ocurre en el 7,5% de los casos y 64,2% similar a la población en general. Se determinó que existen docentes con niveles de estrés que pudieran afectar su homeostasis psico-biológica, por lo cual se recomienda su intervención, independientemente de su escalafón académico o dedicación laboral(AU)

Work stress has been a determining factor in the appearance of illnesses in university teachers, which has generated absenteeism, errors and accidents in work environments. The objective of this research was to characterize work stress in university teaching staff in the health area, with biological risk. A descriptive, cross-sectional, field and prospective research was carried out, with a non-experimental design, in 53 teachers of the Faculty of Health Sciences, of the Technical University of Manabí, Ecuador, from June 2018 to June 2021, applying the ILO-WHO Occupational Stress Instrument and the estimation of the numerical index of biological risk for academic environments. Women (73.6%), older than fifty years (52.8%) with low level stress prevailed. All the stress dimensions in general showed low levels (2.25 ± 1.05), however, when discriminating according to the academic position, the few cases with high levels were the Titular Assistants, specifically in the dimensions: technology, organizational climate and group support, biological risk occurs in 7.5% of cases and 64.2% similar to the general population. It was determined that there are teachers with stress levels that could affect their psycho-biological homeostasis, for which their intervention is recommended, regardless of their academic rank or work dedication(AU)

Recomendaciones para el uso de la hormona de crecimiento humana recombinante en pacientes pediátricos de talla baja en Colombia / Recommendations for treatment with recombinant human growth hormone in pediatric patients in Colombia

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Abstract In Colombia there are no guidelines for diagnosis and management of patients with short stature and for the use of recombinant human growth hormone, mainly caused by the diversity of training centers in pediatric endocrinology. In response to this situation, the Asociación Colegio Colombiana de Endocrinología Pediátrica leds the first colombian short stature expert committee in order to standardize the use of human recombinant growth hormone. This work had the participation and endorsement of a consortium of clinical experts representing the Sociedad Colombiana de Pediatría, Secretaría Distrital de Salud de Bogotá- Subred Integrada de Servicios de Salud Suroccidente, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Universidad de los Andes and some public and private health institutions in the country, in addition to the participation of methodological experts from the Instituto Global de Excelencia Clínica Keralty. By reviewing the literature and with the best available evidence, we proposed to unify definitions, a diagnostic algorithm, biochemical and dynamic tests with their reference parameters, a description of the considerations about growth hormone use among the indications approved by regulatory agency for medications and food in Colombia and finally a proposal for an informed consent and a medication fact sheet available for parents and patients.

Acute Angle Closure Following Implantable Collamer Lens for Myopia.

We report a case of acute angle closure with significantly elevated intraocular pressure 9 hours after implantation of a phakic intraocular lens for high myopia.

Plasmodium vivax Cell Traversal Protein for Ookinetes and Sporozoites (CelTOS) Functionally Restricted Regions Are Involved in Specific Host-Pathogen Interactions.

Following the injection of Plasmodium sporozoites by a female Anopheles mosquito into the dermis, they become engaged on a long journey to hepatic tissue where they must migrate through different types of cell to become established in parasitophorous vacuoles in hepatocytes. Studies have shown that proteins such as cell traversal protein for Plasmodium ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS) play a crucial role in cell-traversal ability. Although CelTOS has been extensively studied in various species and included in pre-clinical assays it remains unknown which P. vivax CelTOS (PvCelTOS) regions are key in its interaction with traversed or target cells (Kupffer or hepatocytes) and what type of pressure, association and polymorphism these important regions could have to improve their candidacy as important vaccine antigens. This work has described producing a recombinant PvCelTOS which was recognized by ~30% P. vivax-infected individuals, thereby confirming its ability for inducing a natural immune response. PvCelTOS' genetic diversity in Colombia and its ability to interact with HeLa (traversal cell) and/or HepG2 cell (target cell) external membrane have been assessed. One region in the PvCelTOS amino-terminal region and another in its C-terminus were seen to be participating in host-pathogen interactions. These regions had important functional constraint signals (ω < 0.3 and several sites under negative selection) and were able to inhibit specific rPvCelTOS binding to HeLa cells. This led to suggesting that sequences between aa 41-60 (40833) and 141-160 (40838) represent promising candidates for an anti-P. vivax subunit-based vaccine.

Recomendaciones para el uso racional de la prueba 25-hidroxivitamina D Resumen de política

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The exponential increase in the request for laboratory tests of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D or [25 (OH) D has ignited the alarms and generated a strong call for attention, since it may reflect deficiencies in the standardization of clinical practice and in the use non-systematic scientific evidence for decision-making in real life, which allows to analyze the indications of the test, its frequency, interpretation and even to assess the impact for health systems, especially when contrasted with the minimum or almost. No effects of the strategy of screening or supplying indiscriminately to the general population, without considering a comprehensive clinical assessment of risks and needs of people. From a purely public health impact point of view, the consequence of massive and unspecified requests is affecting most of the health systems and institutions at the global level. The primary studies that determined average population intake values have been widely used in the formulation of recommendations in Clinical Practice Guidelines, but unfortunately misinterpreted as cut points to diagnose disease and allow the exaggerated prescription of nutritional substitution. The coefficient of variation in routine tests to measure blood levels of 25 (OH) D is high (28%), decreasing the overall accuracy of the test and simultaneously, increasing both the falsely high and falsely low values. The most recent scientific evidence analyzes and seriously questions the usefulness and the real effect of the massive and indiscriminate practice of prescribing vitamin D without an exhaustive risk analysis. The available evidence is insufficient to recommend a general substitution of vitamin D to prevent fractures, falls, changes in bone mineral density, incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, neoplasms and also to modify the growth curve of mothers' children. They received vitamin D as a substitute during pregnancy. The recommendations presented in the document are based on the critical analysis of current evidence and the principles of good clinical practice and invite to consider a rational use of 25 (OH) D tests in the context of a clinical practice focused on people and a comprehensive assessment of needs and risks. The principles of good practice suggest that clinicians may be able to justify that the results of the 25 (OH) D test strongly influence and define clinical practice and modify the outcomes that interest people and impact their health and wellness. Currently there is no clarity on how to interpret the results, and the relationship between symptoms and 25 (OH) D levels, which may not be consistent with the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency reported. For this reason, it is suggested to review the rationale of the request for tests for systematic monitoring of levels of 25 (OH) D or in all cases where substitution is performed. Consider the use of 25 (OH) D tests within the comprehensive evaluation of people with suspicion or confirmation of the following conditions: rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, hyper or hypoparathyroidism, malabsorption syndromes, sarcopenia, metabolic bone disease.

[ALFA-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a commonly missed cause of chronic liver disease in theadult: presentation of 9 cases with review of current literature]. / Déficit de Alfa-1 antitripsina, una causa de hepatopatía crónica comúnmente insospechada en el adulto: presentación de 9 casos con revisión de literature.

INTRODUCTION: Alfa 1-antitrypsin deficiency is one of the most prevalent genetic diseases in the human being, sadly it is not a commonly suspected clinical entity. With more than 100 known mutations, those associated with hepatic disease are the Z homocygote allele mutations in the gene a1AT which occur in every 2000-3500 births. Opposing to the pulmonary disease, in which de sequelae are caused by the deficit of this protein which in turn fastens the enzymatic destruction of the airway microstructure, the hepatic compromise is secondary to the intracellular accumulation of the aberrant misfolded protein. This accumulation causes cellular damage, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma through activation of a series of mechanisms which culminate in hepatocitary apoptosis, regeneration and chronic cellular injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 9 cases of confirmed a1AT deficiency are presented, from different ages ranging from adolescence through elderly patients. RESULTS: Each of one of them with different clinical presentation going from asymptomatic liver enzyme elevations to transplanted cirrhosis in which the diagnosis was post procedural. CONCLUSION: We comment about the management of the chronic liver disease and the evolution of these patients through time in the liver clinic.

[Solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas in Costa Rica: serie of cases and review of literatura]. / Tumores sólidos pseudopapilares del páncreas en Costa Rica: serie de casos y revisión de tema.

INTRODUCTION: Solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas are rare primary neoplasm of the pancreas, typically affects women. OBJECTIVES: We have to describe our experience in the management of this kind of tumors in our center. Material and Materials and methods: We reviewed database from the Pathology Service in Hospital Calderon Guardia and Mexico Hospital between January 2013 to April 2018. We found 13 cases of solid pseudopapillary tumors, reviewed their charts and describe their data. RESULTS: We found 13 cases of solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas. The majority were women, and their middle age was 32 years old. The majority of cases were incidental findings, and the head of pancreas was the most common affected localization. CONCLUSION: This is the first report from Costa Rica that describe the characteristics of solid pseudopapillary tumors, our results were similar than international series.

Déficit de Alfa-1 antitripsina, una causa de hepatopatía crónica comúnmente insospechada en el adulto: presentación de 9 casos con revisión de literatura / ALFA-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a commonly missed cause of chronic liver disease in the adult: presentation of 9 cases with review of current literature

Introducción: El déficit de alfa-1 Antitripsina (a1AT) es una de las enfermedades genéticas más prevalentes en el ser humano, lastimosamente como entidad clínica tiende a ser pobremente sospechada. Con más de 100 mutaciones conocidas, las que se encuentran asociadas a enfermedad hepática son los homocigotos Z en el alelo del gen a1AT que ocurre en 1 a 2000- 3500 nacimientos. A diferencia de la enfermedad pulmonar donde las secuelas ocurren primordialmente por el déficit propio de la a1AT con destrucción enzimática de la microestructura de la vía aérea, el compromiso hepático ocurre por acúmulo intracelular de la proteína Z mutante, que se desdobla de forma aberrante, en vez de ser secretada. Esta acumulación produce lesión celular, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) por desencadenar una serie de eventos que culminan con la apoptosis hepatocitaria, regeneración e injuria crónica. Materiales y métodos: Se presentan 9 casos de pacientes que se han encontrado bajo nuestro cuidado, con edades variadas desde infantes hasta adultos mayores. Resultados: Cada uno con una presentación clínica distinta que va desde la elevación de enzimas hepáticas y otros como cirrosis que se han trasplantado con diagnóstico confirmatorio postquirúrgico. Conclusión: Se comenta acerca del manejo de la hepatopatía y su progresión a lo largo del tiempo que se han mantenido en la clínica de hígado a nuestro cargo.

Introduction: Alfa 1-antitrypsin deficiency is one of the most prevalent genetic diseases in the human being, sadly it is not a commonly suspected clinical entity. With more than 100 known mutations, those associated with hepatic disease are the Z homocygote allele mutations in the gene a1AT which occur in every 2000-3500 births. Opposing to the pulmonary disease, in which de sequelae are caused by the deficit of this protein which in turn fastens the enzymatic destruction of the airway microstructure, the hepatic compromise is secondary to the intracellular accumulation of the aberrant misfolded protein. This accumulation causes cellular damage, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma through activation of a series of mechanisms which culminate in hepatocitary apoptosis, regeneration and chronic cellular injury. Materials and methods: 9 cases of confirmed a1AT deficiency are presented, from different ages ranging from adolescence through elderly patients. Results: Each of one of them with different clinical presentation going from asymptomatic liver enzyme elevations to transplanted cirrhosis in which the diagnosis was post procedural. Conclusion: We comment about the management of the chronic liver disease and the evolution of these patients through time in the liver clinic.

Tumores sólidos pseudopapilares del páncreas en Costa Rica: serie de casos y revisión de tema / Solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas in Costa Rica: serie of cases and review of literature

Introducción: Los tumores sólidos pseudopapilares de páncreas son neoplasias poco frecuentes, más comunes en mujeres, con comportamiento incierto. Objetivo: La presente revisión tiene como meta la descripción de la experiencia en el manejo de estos tumores en nuestro centro y aportar a la casuística nacional. Materiales y métodos: Se revisó bases de datos del Servicio de Patología del Hospital Calderón Guardia y del Hospital México durante el periodo comprendido entre enero del 2013 a abril del 2018 y se encontró un total de 13 muestras compatibles con tumores sólidos pseudopapilares; se revisaron datos clínicos y epidemiológicos y se utilizó estadística descriptiva para el reporte de los datos encontrados. Resultados: Se encontró 13 casos compatibles con tumores sólidos pseudopapilares. La mayoría correspondía a mujeres con un promedio de edad de 32 años. La mayor cantidad se presentó como hallazgo incidental y la localización en cabeza fue la más frecuente. La mayor parte fue manejada de manera quirúrgica. Conclusión: Este es el primer estudio en Costa Rica que describe las características de los tumores sólidos pseudopapilares del páncreas, en el cual se documentó una similitud en las características de nuestros pacientes a las reportadas en series internacionales.

Introduction: Solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas are rare primary neoplasm of the pancreas, typically affects women. Objectives: We have to describe our experience in the management of this kind of tumors in our center. Material and Materials and methods: We reviewed database from the Pathology Service in Hospital Calderon Guardia and Mexico Hospital between January 2013 to April 2018. We found 13 cases of solid pseudopapillary tumors, reviewed their charts and describe their data. Results: We found 13 cases of solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas. The majority were women, and their middle age was 32 years old. The majority of cases were incidental findings, and the head of pancreas was the most common affected localization. Conclusion: This is the first report from Costa Rica that describe the characteristics of solid pseudopapillary tumors, our results were similar than international series.

Terminal Complement Activation in Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether C5b-9 concentrations in blood and urine are increased in preeclampsia with severe features. METHODS: The Complement and Preeclampsia in the Americas study is a prospective, multicenter case-control study performed at six centers in Colombia from November 2015 to July 2016. The case group included women with preeclampsia with severe features, and the control group included women who were healthy or had chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia without severe features. We enrolled two women in the control group for every woman in the case group. Soluble C5b-9 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in blood and urine. The primary outcome was C5b-9 concentrations in women in the case group compared with all women in the control group, and the secondary outcome was C5b-9 levels in women in the case group compared with individual control subgroups. Differences were assessed by test of medians, and associations were further evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and logistic regression with α=0.05. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-two patients were enrolled. Plasma C5b-9 concentrations did not differ significantly between women in the case group and those in the control group, but urine C5b-9 concentrations were higher in women in the case group (median [interquartile range] 9.9 [1.6-43.7] vs 1.8 [0.54-4.1] ng/mL, P<.001). In subgroup analysis, plasma C5b-9 concentrations were increased in women in the case group compared with healthy women in the control group (median [interquartile range] 2,778 [1,633-4,230] vs 1,374 [1,064-2,332] ng/mL, P<.001), and urine C5b-9 concentrations were increased in women in the case group compared with all control subgroups (P<.001). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, urine C5b-9 concentrations differentiated preeclampsia with severe features from hypertensive women in the control group (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.74, 95% CI 0.68-0.80). Urine C5b-9 22 ng/mL or greater (range 0-158.4 ng/mL) was the optimal cut point for diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features with adjusted odds ratio of 10.0 (95% CI 3.5-28.8, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Urinary excretion of terminal complement effector C5b-9 is higher in women with preeclampsia with severe features compared with women with other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and women without hypertension.

PvGAMA reticulocyte binding activity: predicting conserved functional regions by natural selection analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adhesin proteins are used by Plasmodium parasites to bind and invade target cells. Hence, characterising molecules that participate in reticulocyte interaction is key to understanding the molecular basis of Plasmodium vivax invasion. This study focused on predicting functionally restricted regions of the P. vivax GPI-anchored micronemal antigen (PvGAMA) and characterising their reticulocyte binding activity. RESULTS: The pvgama gene was initially found in P. vivax VCG-I strain schizonts. According to the genetic diversity analysis, PvGAMA displayed a size polymorphism very common for antigenic P. vivax proteins. Two regions along the antigen sequence were highly conserved among species, having a negative natural selection signal. Interestingly, these regions revealed a functional role regarding preferential target cell adhesion. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study describes PvGAMA reticulocyte binding properties for the first time. Conserved functional regions were predicted according to natural selection analysis and their binding ability was confirmed. These findings support the notion that PvGAMA may have an important role in P. vivax merozoite adhesion to its target cells.

Activación del polisacárido capsular de Streptococcus pneumoniae serotipo 23F para la obtención de vacunas conjugadas / Activation of the capsular polysaccharide serotype 23F of Streptococcus pneumoniae to obtain conjugate vaccine

En la actualidad, las vacunas conjugadas constituyen un gran hito en el desarrollo de fármacos que protegen contra las enfermedades infecciosas. Estas vacunas no solo disminuyen drásticamente la mortalidad y morbilidad de diferentes enfermedades causadas por bacterias en la población infantil; sino que también repercuten sobre la población no vacunada. Las vacunas conjugadas se basan en establecer una unión covalente entre un polisacárido y una proteína portadora para lo cual existen diferentes procedimientos químicos. Todos los procedimientos de conjugación requieren la presencia de grupos reactivos complementarios que muchas veces son generados en ambas macromoléculas. Este trabajo se enfoca en el estudio de la reacción de fragmentación y de la oxidación peryódica sobre el polisacárido capsular serotipo 23F de Streptococcus pneumoniae para su uso como antígeno vacunal. Se estableció la fragmentación del polisacárido mediante hidrólisis con ácido acético y trifluoroácetico. En el caso de la reacción de oxidación se encontró que la cantidad de moles de peryodato de sodio y la temperatura influyen de manera directamente proporcional sobre la generación de grupos carbonilos. Adicionalmente se demostró que el sustituyente glicerol-fosfatos presente en la estructura del serotipo 23F es relevante para conservar la antigenicidad. El procedimiento descrito permite obtener conjugados inmunogénicos a partir del polisacárido capsular de Streptococcus pneumoniae serotipo 23F en el modelo de conejo(AU)

Nowadays conjugate vaccines are a major milestone in the development of drugs against infectious diseases. These vaccines drastically reduce mortality and morbidity from different diseases caused by bacteria in children; but also impact on non-vaccinated population. Conjugate vaccines are based on a covalent bond between a polysaccharide and a carrier protein for which there are different chemical procedures. All conjugate procedures require the presence of additional reactive groups that often are generated in both macromolecules. This work focus on the study of the fragmentation reaction and peryodic oxidation on the capsular polysaccharide serotype 23F Streptococcus pneumoniae for use as a vaccine antigen. It was possible to establish the fragmentation reaction of the polysaccharide by hydrolysis with acetic and trifluoroacetic acid. Directly proportional ratio was found between numbers of moles of sodium periodate and temperature on the oxidation reactions. In addition the glycerol-phosphate substituent was found as important motif to preserve the antigenicity. The procedure allows immunogenic conjugate from capsular polysaccharide serotype 23F of Streptococcus pneumoniae in rabbit models(AU)