Search

Fundamento: la infertilidad masculina se considera un problema de salud, trayendo consigo frustración y haciendo que muchas parejas reformulen sus expectativas de vida. Objetivo: describir características de pacientes con espermiograma anormal, atendidos en la consulta de infertilidad en Las Tunas, durante el año 2021. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal para caracterizar a los 82 pacientes con espermiograma anormal atendidos en la consulta y durante el periodo de tiempo declarados en el objetivo. Los datos se tomaron de las historias clínicas de los pacientes. Se evaluaron las variables: edad; hábitos tóxicos; enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y/o afecciones asociadas o padecidas; alteraciones en el espermiograma; diagnóstico; agentes causales de las infecciones del tracto genitourinario. Para su procesamiento se utilizó la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: el 63 % de los pacientes tenían menos de 40 años. El hábito de fumar (44 %) y la ingesta de alcohol (17 %) fueron los hábitos tóxicos más frecuentes. En las enfermedades asociadas predominó el varicocele (52,4 %), seguido de las ITS (25,1 %). El 92,7 % presentó algún grado de astenozoospermia, seguido de la teratozoospermia (42,6 %); siendo los diagnósticos más frecuentes la astenozoospermia (41,4 %) y teratoastenozoospermia (28,1 %). En los casos con infecciones del tracto genitourinario fue más común la presencia de Ureaplasma urealyticum. Conclusiones: se caracterizaron pacientes con espermiograma anormal atendidos en la consulta de infertilidad en Las Tunas.

BackgroundRapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are being widely used to manage COVID-19 pandemic. However, many results remain unreported or unconfirmed, altering a correct epidemiological surveillance. ObjectiveOur aim was to evaluate an artificial intelligence–based smartphone app, connected to a cloud web platform, to automatically and objectively read RDT results and assess its impact on COVID-19 pandemic management. MethodsOverall, 252 human sera were used to inoculate a total of 1165 RDTs for training and validation purposes. We then conducted two field studies to assess the performance on real-world scenarios by testing 172 antibody RDTs at two nursing homes and 96 antigen RDTs at one hospital emergency department. ResultsField studies demonstrated high levels of sensitivity (100%) and specificity (94.4%, CI 92.8%-96.1%) for reading IgG band of COVID-19 antibody RDTs compared to visual readings from health workers. Sensitivity of detecting IgM test bands was 100%, and specificity was 95.8% (CI 94.3%-97.3%). All COVID-19 antigen RDTs were correctly read by the app. ConclusionsThe proposed reading system is automatic, reducing variability and uncertainty associated with RDTs interpretation and can be used to read different RDT brands. The web platform serves as a real-time epidemiological tracking tool and facilitates reporting of positive RDTs to relevant health authorities.

Vascular calcification (VC) is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease which increases their mortality. Although oxidative stress is involved in the onset and progression of this disorder, the specific role of some of the main redox regulators, such as catalase, the main scavenger of H2O2, remains unclear. In the present study, epigastric arteries of kidney transplant recipients, a rat model of VC, and an in vitro model of VC exhibiting catalase (Cts) overexpression were analysed. Pericalcified areas of human epigastric arteries had increased levels of catalase and cytoplasmic, rather than nuclear runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). In the rat model, advanced aortic VC concurred with lower levels of the H2O2-scavenger glutathione peroxidase 3 compared to controls. In an early model of calcification using vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), Cts VSMCs showed the expected increase in total levels of RUNX2. However, Cts VMSCs also exhibited a lower percentage of the nucleus stained for RUNX2 in response to calcifying media. In this early model of VC, we did not observe a dysregulation of the mitochondrial redox state; instead, an increase in the general redox state was observed in the cytoplasm. These results highlight the complex role of antioxidant enzymes as catalase by regulation of RUNX2 subcellular location delaying the onset of VC.

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare soft tissue tumor of intermediate malignancy and uncertain differentiation. To date, only four patients diagnosed with AFH located in the chest wall have been described. Herein, we describe a 44-year-old woman diagnosed with breast infiltrating lobular carcinoma. During the imaging study with positron emission tomography-computerized tomography scan, a 4 cm solid lesion located in the chest wall was identified. Fine-needle aspiration followed by surgical excision with intraoperative frozen section study was performed. The combined histomorphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings confirmed the diagnosis of AFH. In this report, we describe, to the best of our knowledge, the first patient with synchronous AFH and breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most frequent hereditary renal disease. There is an increased rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in ADPKD. In this study, we evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, the achievement rates for treatment goals and cardiovascular events (CVE) in ADPKD and their relations with asymptomatic CVD in CKD from other etiologies (CKDoe) and controls. Methods We evaluated 2445 CKD patients (2010–2012). The information collected was: clinical, anthropometric and analytical parameters, treatments and CVD evaluation (intima-media thickness (IMT), atheromatous plaque presence and ankle-brachial index (ABI)). Laboratory, vital status, CVE and hospitalizations were collected for 4 years. Results ADPKD patients had a worse renal function and worst achievement of blood pressure, higher parathormone levels but lower proteinuria compared to CKDoe. ADPKD patients presented lower IMT values than other groups, however, an intermediate rate of pathologic ABI and atheromatous plaque was present. More than half of the patients received statins, achieving LDL-c levels

We report the case of a 7-month-old female patient who developed acute megakaryoblastic leukemia 6 months after the appearance of skull bone lesions. Initial evaluation and diagnosis of this patient were challenging and only achieved thanks to genomic analysis by NGS (next generation sequencing). It is unusual for the initial manifestation of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia to be a skull bone lesion. Extramedullary acute myeloid leukemia (eAML), also known as myeloid sarcoma (MS), often occurs simultaneously with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), although it may precede AML. Genomic analysis based on a NGS panel (Oncomine Childhood Cancer Research Assay) detected a RBM15::MKL1 fusion, a consequence of a t (1;22)(p13;q13) translocation, establishing the diagnosis of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia and enabling disease follow-up by qPCR. A diagnosis of eAML is built up from various findings in radiological, histological, immunophenotypic and genomic studies; when the tumor appears de novo, diagnosis is more complicated. We emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary team in the initial approach to rare tumors and the use of genomic studies to contribute to the knowledge of these neoplasms, risk stratification and treatment planning.

Se evaluó cinco poblaciones de la variedad Blanco del Cusco perteneciente a la raza Cuzco Gigante de maíz en el valle del Mantaro – Huancayo - Perú. Las poblaciones son resultado de procesos de introducción y adaptación de germoplasma al valle del Mantaro. Los experimentos fueron conducidos en tres localidades durante el período 2020. Las mejores poblaciones para rendimiento de grano fueron Chingas, Hualhuas, Blanco Quispicanchi e INIA - Blanco Urubamba, con rendimientos de 6,18; 6,10; 5,92 y 5,75 t/ha-1, siendo superiores a Chongos, más precoz, de menor altura de planta y mazorca que obtuvo un promedio de 5,18 t/ha-1. La floración masculina como femenina son indicadores de precocidad de las poblaciones, siendo los más precoces Chongos, INIA- Blanco Urubamba y Chingas con promedios menores en días a la floración femenina y considerándose semi-tardíos Blanco Quispicanchi y Hualhuas. Las poblaciones de menor altura de planta fueron el Chongos y el INIA -Blanco Urubamba con promedios de 235 y 243 centímetros, asimismo para altura de mazorca con promedios de 120 y 128 centímetros respectivamente. El estudio permitió determinar las diferencias en rendimiento y características de planta debido a la adaptación de las poblaciones de maíz amiláceo cultivadas en el valle del Mantaro.

Radicalization, as a violent form of extremism, is a growing problem for Europe. Currently, it is possible to find extreme ideologies regarding almost every topic such as religion, politics or sports. This problem, which ranges from personal identity conflicts to complex societal issues, has an impact on several people everyday, especially on youngsters. To confront this situation, the European Union found several initiatives, as a way to face this problem from a scientific perspective. Some of these initiatives face the problem trying to reduce radicalization by working on personal and social skills through education, in such a way the youngster’s resilience is improved. This paper aims to present YoungRes, a European project whose goal is to improve the resilience of youngsters. To do so, it unifies an already created intervention — named Fortius — through the inclusion of video games in the learning process. This paper describes both: (1) how the Fortius program is modified to allow video games sessions and (2) the software architecture designed to allow students and educators to participate in YoungRes project. Finally, different suggestions to include in future versions of the game are discussed.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar las competencias digitales de los docentes universitarios del área de microbiología. Se diseñó un estudio de campo de corte transversal, no experimental, descriptivo y de enfoque cuantitativo. El muestreo fue no probabilístico de tipo intencional con 50 docentes, que fueron evaluados mediante un cuestionario basado en el marco de competencias en Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC) para docentes de la UNESCO. Las variables se analizaron mediante la moda, frecuencia, porcentajes, la propuesta del módulo particionado del marco y Chi cuadrado de Pearson. Los resultados evidenciaron que los docentes consideraron importante el uso de las TIC para su desempeño profesional y para la enseñanza de la microbiología, ya que pueden apoyar el aprendizaje centrado en el alumno. Pero, también evidenciaron que aún falta definir su incorporación en la universidad mediante el diseño de estrategias y modelos que aseguren la adquisición de las competencias de los estudiantes. Los resultados aportaron información inédita e importante para abrir una línea de investigación que continúe la evaluación de las competencias en TIC de los docentes universitarios del área de microbiología.

Abstract Background Since the introduction of HPV vaccines, several studies have been conducted in different countries to assess HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptance. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic literature review to summarize results and identify factors associated with HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptance in adolescents and their parents and to compile the measurement tools used in the published research studies performed in European countries where HPV is licensed. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted for studies published between January 1st 2006 and December 31st 2017. Results Seventy non-interventional studies performed in 16 European countries met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-eight of them reported data on HPV knowledge and 40 reported data on HPV vaccine acceptance. Further, 51.8% of adolescents (range 0% to 98.6%) and 64.4% of parents (range 1.7% to 99.3%) knew about HPV infection. Insufficient information and safety concerns were the main barriers to vaccination acceptance. Conclusion HPV knowledge and vaccine acceptance are still modest and vary widely between studies across EU countries. Coordinated efforts should be made to provide the relevant population with information for informed decision-making about HPV vaccination.

Abstract We report a case based on simultaneous occurrence of Waldenström macroglobulinemia, myeloma and amyloidosis as a collision neoplasm. The strangeness and severity of the case presented a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, which required individualised treatment and close follow‐up to achieved stringent complete response.

Over the last few years, the financial sector has undergone a digital revolution that has had a severe impact on different related areas such as, the entities, the cybersecurity of systems, regulations and, of course, customers. SOTER project takes the challenge providing a complete set of tools to enhance the cybersecurity levels by implementing, in addition to non-technological tools, an innovative onboarding process has been implemented with the goals of increasing security, improving the user experience and integrity in the sector, and facilitating the customer entry into the digital marketplace by combining a set of breakthrough technologies. The cybersecurity research plays a crucial role in the conception and implementation of the onboarding process and for this kind of processes it has to be studied as an individual area by itself, as it is necessary to analyze the possible threats that can affect them, their origin and the solution(s) that can be taken to address them. Therefore, the SOTER project presents a fully digital onboarding process, innovative, adaptable to both current and future market needs and to possible changes in regulation, based on the most advanced technologies available today, and above all guaranteeing the cybersecurity of both entities and end users.

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are a heterogeneous group of rare lymphoid malignancies that mostly have poor prognoses with currently available treatments. Upfront consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is frequently carried out, but its efficacy has never been investigated in randomized trials. We designed a multicenter, international, retrospective study with the main objective of comparing progression-free survival and overall survival of patients with PTCL who underwent ASCT in complete remission (CR) after first-line chemotherapy with a control group who did not undergo ASCT. From the initial population of 286 registered patients, 174 patients with PTCL other than anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive, deemed fit for ASCT at the time of diagnosis, and who were in CR or uncertain CR after induction therapy (CR1) were included in our analysis. one hundred and three patients underwent ASCT, whereas 71 did not, in most cases (n=53) because the physician decided against it. With a median follow-up of 65.5 months, progression-free survival was significantly better in the transplanted patients than in the non-transplanted group: 63% versus 48% at 5 years (P=0.042). Overall survival was significantly longer for ASCT patients in the subgroup with advanced stage at diagnosis (5-year overall survival: 70% vs. 50%, P=0.028). In the multivariate analysis, first-line ASCT was associated with significantly prolonged progression-free survival (HR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.35-0.93) and overall survival (HR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.33-0.99). In conclusion, our study supports the use of ASCT as a consolidation strategy for patients with PTCL in CR1. These results should be confirmed in a prospective randomized study.

* Context.--Social media sites are increasingly used for education, networking, and rapid dissemination of medical information, but their utility for facilitating research has remained largely untapped. Objective.--To describe in detail our experience using a social media platform (Twitter) for the successful initiation, coordination, and completion of an international, multi-institution pathology research study. Design.--Following a tweet describing a hitherto-unreported biopsy-related histologic finding in a mediastinal lymph node following endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration, a tweet was posted to invite pathologists to participate in a validation study. Twitter's direct messaging feature was used to create a group to facilitate communication among participating pathologists. Contributing pathologists reviewed consecutive cases of mediastinal lymph node resection following endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration and examined them specifically for biopsy site changes. Data spreadsheets containing deidentified data and digital photomicrographs of suspected biopsy site changes were submitted via an online file hosting service for central review by 5 pathologists from different institutions. Results.--A total of 24 pathologists from 14 institutions in 5 countries participated in the study within 143 days of study conception, and a total of 297 cases were collected and analyzed. The time interval between study conception and acceptance of the manuscript for publication was 346 days. Conclusions.--To our knowledge, this is the first time that a social media platform has been used to generate a research idea based on a tweet, recruit coinvestigators publicly, communicate with collaborating pathologists, and successfully complete a pathology study. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2020;144:878-882; doi: 10.5858/arpa.2019-0297-OA), The utility of social media as an instrument for education, advocacy, and community development in medicine is well documented, and applications of social media in these spheres are expanding exponentially. [...]