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Introduction: Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) is mainly caused by viral pathogens, with a high prevalence in high-risk populations such as infants and older adults. Coinfections by different viruses are frequent and, in some cases, associated with severe disease outcomes. Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to identify respiratory viruses circulating in Barranquilla during the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic and estimate the prevalence of viral coinfections in samples from individuals with different degrees of respiratory infection. Methods: We received 5083 samples between epidemiological weeks 33–42 of 2021 submitted by the District Health Laboratory of Barranquilla and four local healthcare institutions during COVID-19 surveillance. Among them, we analyzed 101 samples from individuals presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI). Eighteen respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, were evaluated via qRT-PCR using nasal swabs or nasopharyngeal aspirate samples. Results: Of the 101 study individuals, 56 were male and 45 were female (55.5% and 44.5%, respectively); 25.7% of individuals were infected with at least one of the evaluated viruses. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus (HRV) were the two most frequently detected viruses (30.7% and 15.4% of total positives, respectively). Coinfections with two or more respiratory viruses accounted for 42% of the total positive cases. Discussion: Our findings indicate the presence of different respiratory viruses in swab or nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from individuals with ILI, including coinfections. These results reveal the circulation of several respiratory viruses in the city of Barranquilla, confirming their importance as potential causes of SARI in Colombia and the need for their active surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and polyphenols has emerged as a captivating frontier in understanding and potentially harnessing the therapeutic potential of these bioactive compounds. Phenolic compounds, renowned for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, are subject to intricate transformations within the gut milieu, where the diverse microbial ecosystem exerts profound effects on their metabolism and bioavailability. Conversely, polyphenols exhibit a remarkable capacity to modulate the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, fostering a bidirectional relationship that extends beyond mere nutrient processing. This symbiotic interaction holds significant implications for human health, particularly in cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. Through a comprehensive exploration of molecular interactions, this narrative review elucidates the reciprocal dynamics between the gut microbiota and polyphenols, unveiling novel avenues for therapeutic intervention in cardiometabolic disorders. By unravelling the intricate cross-talk between these two entities, this review underscores the multifaceted roles of polyphenols in overall health and the pivotal role of gut microbiota modulation as a promising therapeutic strategy in mitigating the burden of cardiometabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gaceta Médica de Caracas is the property of Academia Nacional de Medicina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this case series, the simultaneous occurrence of Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) and dry beriberi was reported in three patients who underwent vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) between May 2021 and May 2023. All patients were obese women who underwent vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) without immediate postoperative complications, but two weeks later, hyperemesis and subsequent encephalopathy with ocular movement abnormalities and weakness were observed over the following thirty days. Patients were referred to neurology, where due to the high suspicion of WE, thiamine replacement therapy was initiated; meanwhile, diagnostic neuroimaging and blood tests were conducted. Neurological and psychiatric evaluations and neuroconduction studies were performed to assess the clinical evolution and present sequelae. One year after diagnosis, all patients exhibited affective and behavioral sequelae, anterograde memory impairment, and executive functioning deficits. Two patients met the criteria for Korsakoff syndrome. Additionally, peripheral nervous system sequelae were observed, with all patients presenting with sensorimotor polyneuropathy. In conclusion, Wernicke's encephalopathy requires a high diagnostic suspicion for timely intervention and prevention of irreversible sequelae, which can be devastating. Therefore, raising awareness among medical professionals regarding the significance of this disease is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients undergoing metabolic surgery have factors ranging from anatomo-surgical, endocrine metabolic, eating patterns and physical activity, mental health and psychological factors. Some of the latter can explain the possible pathophysiological neuroendocrine, metabolic, and adaptive mechanisms that cause the high prevalence of weight regain in postbariatric patients. Even metabolic surgery has proven to be effective in reducing excess weight in patients with obesity; some of them regain weight after this intervention. In this vein, several studies have been conducted to search factors and mechanisms involved in weight regain, to stablish strategies to manage this complication by combining metabolic surgery with either lifestyle changes, behavioral therapies, pharmacotherapy, endoscopic interventions, or finally, surgical revision. The aim of this revision is to describe certain aspects and mechanisms behind weight regain after metabolic surgery, along with preventive and therapeutic strategies for this complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gaceta Médica de Caracas is the property of Academia Nacional de Medicina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Gaceta Médica de Caracas is the property of Academia Nacional de Medicina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Gaceta Médica de Caracas is the property of Academia Nacional de Medicina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The content, management, and implementation of social skills have been developed since the end of the 20th century as a model of capabilities. Thus, as human beings develop and train their basic cognitive and perceptual–motor functions, they increase their ability to solve and cope with difficulties. This article aims to present a bibliometric and systematic review of social skills, using query sources in databases such as Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus between the years 2000 and 2022, with platforms such as Bibliometrix and Gephi. This search yielded a total of 233 records in WoS and 250 records in Scopus that were merged and, after eliminating 143 duplicate data, were consolidated into 340 records that enclose the academic production of 20 years. Through scientific mapping, the main authors, journals, and countries in this field were determined; similarly, the most relevant studies were classified into three categories, namely, classic, structural, and perspectives, which were represented by means of the metaphor of the tree of science. In addition, a program for further studies was planned, such as in-depth qualitative research measuring observationally and directly taking into account emotional expressiveness, emotional understanding, emotion regulation, and behavior, and the impact of social skills training on social problem-solving. Finally, another important aspect to mention is that this research work is useful for the scientific academic community in many areas of knowledge such as psychology, education, and managers of educational institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]