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In the ongoing fight against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), researchers are exploring potential treatments to improve outcomes, especially in severe cases. This includes investigating the repurposing of existing medications, such as furosemide, which is widely available. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of furosemide on mortality rates among COVID-19 patients with severe or critical illness. We assessed a cohort of 515 hospitalized adults who experienced a high mortality rate of 43.9%. Using a multivariate analysis with adjusted risk ratios (AdRRs), factors like smoking (AdRR 2.48, 95% CI 1.53-4.01, p < 0.001), a high Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) score (AdRR 7.89, 95% CI 5.82-10.70, p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (AdRR 23.12, 95% CI 17.28-30.92, p < 0.001), neutrophilia (AdRR 2.12, 95% CI 1.52-2.95, p < 0.001), and an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (AdRR 2.39, 95% CI 1.72-3.32, p < 0.001) were found to increase mortality risk. In contrast, vaccination and furosemide use were associated with reduced mortality risk (AdRR 0.58, p = 0.001 and 0.60, p = 0.008; respectively). Furosemide showed a pronounced survival benefit in patients with less severe disease (PSI < 120) and those not on hemodialysis, with mortality rates significantly lower in furosemide users (3.7% vs. 25.7%). A Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed longer survival and better oxygenation levels in patients treated with furosemide. Furthermore, a Structure-Activity Relationship analysis revealed that furosemide's sulfonamide groups may interact with cytokine sites such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), potentially explaining its beneficial effects in COVID-19 management. These findings suggest that furosemide could be a beneficial treatment option in certain COVID-19 patient groups, enhancing survival and improving oxygenation.

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This work aimed to identify the influence of pH, molarity, w/v fraction, extraction time, agitation, and either a sodium (Na2HPO4·7H2O-NaH2PO4·H2O) or potassium buffer (K2HPO4-KH2PO4) used in the extraction of C-phycoerythrin (C-PE) from a thermotolerant strain of Potamosiphon sp. An experimental design (Minimum Run Resolution V Factorial Design) and a Central Composite Design (CCD) were used. According to the statistical results of the first design, the K-PO4 buffer, pH, molarity, and w/v fraction are vital factors that enhance the extractability of C-PE. The construction of a CCD design of the experiments suggests that the potassium phosphate buffer at pH 5.8, longer extraction times (50 min), and minimal extraction speed (1000 rpm) are ideal for maximizing C-PE concentration, while purity is unaffected by the design conditions. This optimization improves extraction yields and maintains the desired bright purple color of the phycobiliprotein.

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Vitamin D3 or calcitriol (VitD3) has been shown to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity in in vitro models and clinical studies. However, its effect on HPV-16-related cancer has been sparsely explored. In this study, we aimed to determine whether monotherapy or combination therapy with cisplatin (CP) reduces tumor growth and affects survival and systemic inflammation. Treatments were administered to C57BL/6 mice with HPV-16-related tumors (TC-1 cells) as follows: (1) placebo (100 µL vehicle, olive oil, orally administered daily); (2) VitD3 (3.75 µg/kg calcitriol orally administered daily); (3) CP (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally, every 7 days); and (4) VitD3+CP. Tumor growth was monitored for 25 days, survival for 60 days, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was evaluated on days 1 (baseline), 7, and 14. VitD3+CP showed greater success in reducing tumor volume compared to CP monotherapy (p = 0.041), while no differences were observed between CP and VitD3 monotherapy (p = 0.671). Furthermore, VitD3+CP prolonged survival compared to CP (p = 0.036) and VitD3 (p = 0.007). Additionally, at day 14 the VitD3 and VitD3+CP groups showed significantly lower NLR values than the CP group (p < 0.05, for both comparisons). Vitamin D3 could be a promising adjuvant in the treatment of cervical cancer or solid tumors and deserves further investigation.

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COVID-19 vaccines primarily prevent severe illnesses or hospitalization, but there is limited data on their impact during hospitalization for seriously ill patients. In a Mexican cohort with high COVID-19 mortality, a study assessed vaccination's effects. From 2021 to 2022, 462 patients with 4455 hospital days were analyzed. The generalized multivariate linear mixed model (GENLINMIXED) with binary logistic regression link, survival analysis and ROC curves were used to identify risk factors for death. The results showed that the vaccinated individuals were almost half as likely to die (adRR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30-0.97, p = 0.041). When stratifying by vaccine, the Pfizer group (BNT162b2) had a 2.4-times lower risk of death (adRR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.2-0.8, p = 0.008), while the AstraZeneca group (ChAdOx1-S) group did not significantly differ from the non-vaccinated (adRR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.5-2.3, p = 0.915). The Pfizer group exhibited a higher survival, the unvaccinated showed increasing mortality, and the AstraZeneca group remained intermediate (p = 0.003, multigroup log-rank test). Additionally, BNT162b2-vaccinated individuals had lower values for markers, such as ferritin and D-dimer. Biochemical and hematological indicators suggested a protective effect of both types of vaccines, possibly linked to higher lymphocyte counts and lower platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). It is imperative to highlight that these results reinforce the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. However, further studies are warranted for a comprehensive understanding of these findings.

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There are contradictory results regarding changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors. An analysis of eGFR changes and clinical characteristics associated with those changes was conducted among COVID-19 survivors. eGFR values were compared at different time points (before and 4-, 8- and 12-months after COVID-19 infection). A multivariate generalized linear mixed model (GENLINMIXED procedure) with a binary logistic regression link was used to determine factors associated with eGFR reduction of ≥10 ml/min/1.73 m2. Being hospitalized (RR=2.90, 95% CI=1.10-7.68, P=0.032), treated with Ivermectin (RR=14.02, 95% CI=4.11-47.80, P<0.001) or anticoagulants (RR=6.51, 95% CI=2.69-15.73, P<0.001) are risk factors for a reduced eGFR. Having a low eGFR (<90 ml/min/1.73 m2) before COVID-19 infection, having B-positive blood type, diabetes, taking vitamin C during the acute phase of COVID-19 or suffering from chronic COVID-19 symptoms, were identified as protective factors. Analysis involving a two-way interaction (A x B, where A and B are factors) demonstrated that the combination of patients with a normal eGFR value before COVID-19 infection without diabetes (RR=58.60, 95% CI=11.62-295.38, P<0.001), or a normal eGFR value with being hospitalized for COVID-19 (RR=38.07, 95% CI=8.68-167.00, P<0.001), increased the probability of a reduced eGFR. The changes in eGFR in COVID-19 survivors varied depending on patient characteristics. Furthermore, the principal risk factors for post-COVID-19 eGFR reduction were analyzed in separate models.

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Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and rhizobia form two of the most important plant-microbe associations for the assimilation of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). Symbiont-derived signals are able to coordinate the infection process by triggering multiple responses in the plant root, such as calcium influxes and oscillations, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytoskeletal rearrangements and altered gene expression. An examination was made of the role of tetraspanins, which are transmembrane proteins that self-organize into tetraspanin web regions, where they recruit specific proteins into platforms required for signal transduction, membrane fusion, cell trafficking, and ROS generation. In plant cells, tetraspanins are scaffolding proteins associated with root radial patterning, biotic and abiotic stress responses, cell fate determination, plasmodesmata and hormonal regulation. Some plant tetraspanins, such as Arabidopsis thaliana TETRASPANIN 8 and TETRASPANIN 9 (AtTET8 and AtTET9) are associated with exosomes during inter-kingdom communication. In this study, a homolog of AtTET8, PvTET8-1, in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Negro Jamapa) was examined in roots during interactions with Rhizobium tropici and Rhizophagus irregularis. The promoter of PvTET8-1 contained several cis-acting regulatory DNA elements potentially related to mutualistic interactions, and PvTET8-1 was transcriptionally activated during AM fungal and rhizobial associations. Silencing it decreased the size and number of nodules, nitrogen fixation, and mycorrhizal arbuscule formation, whereas overexpressing it increased the size and number of nodules, and mycorrhizal arbuscule formation but decreased nitrogen fixation. PvTET8-1 appears to be an important element in both of these mutualistic interactions, perhaps through its interaction with NADPH oxidase and the generation of ROS during the infection processes.

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Drying the biomass produced is one of the critical steps to avoid cell degradation; however, its high energy cost is a significant technological barrier to improving this type of bioprocess's technical and economic feasibility. This work explores the impact of the biomass drying method of a strain of Potamosiphon sp. on the extraction efficiency of a phycoerythrin-rich protein extract. To achieve the above, the effect of time (12-24 h), temperature (40-70 °C), and drying method (convection oven and dehydrator) were determined using an I-best design with a response surface. According to the statistical results, the factors that most influence the extraction and purity of phycoerythrin are temperature and moisture removal by dehydration. The latter demonstrates that gentle drying of the biomass allows removing the most significant amount of moisture from the biomass without affecting the concentration or quality of temperature-sensitive proteins.

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Metamorphosis is a postembryonic developmental process that involves morphophysiological and behavioral changes, allowing organisms to adapt into a novel environment. In some amphibians, aquatic organisms undergo metamorphosis to adapt in a terrestrial environment. In this process, these organisms experience major changes in their circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems. We performed a transcriptional global analysis of heart, lung and gills during diverse stages of Ambystoma velasci to investigate its metamorphosis. In our analyses, we identified eight gene clusters for each organ, according to the expression patterns of differentially expressed genes. We found 4064 differentially expressed genes in the heart, 4107 in the lung and 8265 in the gills. Among the differentially expressed genes in the heart, we observed genes involved in the differentiation of cardiomyocytes in the interatrial zone, vasculogenesis and in the maturation of coronary vessels. In the lung, we found genes differentially expressed related to angiogenesis, alveolarization and synthesis of the surfactant protein. In the case of the gills, the most prominent biological processes identified are degradation of extracellular matrix, apoptosis and keratin production. Our study sheds light on the transcriptional responses and the pathways modulation involved in the transformation of the facultative metamorphic salamander A. velasci in an organ-specific manner.

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Electrochemical treatment has been suggested as an effective alternative to local cancer therapy. Nevertheless, its effectiveness decreases when highly aggressive primary tumors are treated. The aim of this research was to understand the growth kinetics of the highly aggressive and metastatic primary F3II tumor growing in male and female BALB/c/Cenp mice under electrochemical treatment. Different amounts of electric charge (6, 9, and 18 C) were used. Two electrodes were inserted into the base, perpendicular to the tumor's long axis, keeping about 1 cm distance between them. Results have shown that the F3II tumor is highly sensitive to direct current. The overall effectiveness (complete response + partial response) of this physical agent was ≥75.0% and observed in 59.3% (16/27) of treated F3II tumors. Complete remission of treated tumors was observed in 22.2% (6/27). An unexpected result was the death of 11 direct current-treated animals (eight females and three males). It is concluded that direct current may be addressed to significantly affect highly aggressive and metastatic primary tumor growth kinetics, including the tumor complete response. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:460-475, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Las microondas constituyen una subfamilia de la gran gama de ondas electromagnéticas que existen en el universo. Utilizamos dichas microondas en una frecuenciade 2,450 MHz como sustancia imponderable, obtenida de un magnetrón de un horno de microondas convencional, para la preparación de un medicamentohomeopático en las escalas cincuentamilesimal y centesimal por medio del método clásico. Llevamos a cabo una patogenesia y luego su aplicación clínica paralograr una aproximación al conocimiento de los síntomas y signos involucrados en esta investigación. Participaron 20 sujetos, 16 en experimentación pura y 4 enexperimentación clínica, bajo el esquema propuesto por Samuel Hahnemann en el Organon de la medicina en su sexta edición, fungiendo como grupo de controlel 10% del total de los participantes con placebo. Como resultado se obtuvo una patogenesia en la cual los rubros de mente y extremidades se expresaron comolos más activos con 13% del total de los síntomas cada uno; fueron seguidos por el rubro estómago, con el 11% del total, posteriormente el rubro cabeza, con 8%, ydescendentemente el resto de rubros con menos del 7% del total de los síntomas de la investigación cada uno. (AU)

Microwaves are a subfamily of a long range of electromagnetic waves that exist in the universe. We used these microwaves on a 2,450 MHz frequency as an imponderable substance, obtained from a magnetron through a conventional microwave oven to prepare an Homeopathic medicine in the cincuentamilesimal and centesimal classic scale. We wanted to do this pure experimentation and then the clinical application to know on a better way the expressed signs and symptoms. There were 20 subjects, 16 as pure experimentation subjects and 4 as clinical research subjects using the classical method of pure experimentation developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the Organon of medicine, sixth edition. Our control placebo group was formed by the 10% of total research subjects. As a result we obtained a pathogenesia in which the more active items were mind and extremities with 13% of total symptoms each, then head item with 8% and the rest of the items by descending order with less of 7% of the total symptoms each. (AU)

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Las microondas constituyen una subfamilia de la gran gama de ondas electromagnéticas que existen en el universo. Utilizamos dichas microondas en una frecuenciade 2,450 MHz como sustancia imponderable, obtenida de un magnetrón de un horno de microondas convencional, para la preparación de un medicamentohomeopático en las escalas cincuentamilesimal y centesimal por medio del método clásico. Llevamos a cabo una patogenesia y luego su aplicación clínica paralograr una aproximación al conocimiento de los síntomas y signos involucrados en esta investigación. Participaron 20 sujetos, 16 en experimentación pura y 4 enexperimentación clínica, bajo el esquema propuesto por Samuel Hahnemann en el Organon de la medicina en su sexta edición, fungiendo como grupo de controlel 10% del total de los participantes con placebo. Como resultado se obtuvo una patogenesia en la cual los rubros de mente y extremidades se expresaron comolos más activos con 13% del total de los síntomas cada uno; fueron seguidos por el rubro estómago, con el 11% del total, posteriormente el rubro cabeza, con 8%, ydescendentemente el resto de rubros con menos del 7% del total de los síntomas de la investigación cada uno.

Microwaves are a subfamily of a long range of electromagnetic waves that exist in the universe. We used these microwaves on a 2,450 MHz frequency as an imponderable substance, obtained from a magnetron through a conventional microwave oven to prepare an Homeopathic medicine in the cincuentamilesimal and centesimal classic scale. We wanted to do this pure experimentation and then the clinical application to know on a better way the expressed signs and symptoms. There were 20 subjects, 16 as pure experimentation subjects and 4 as clinical research subjects using the classical method of pure experimentation developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the Organon of medicine, sixth edition. Our control placebo group was formed by the 10% of total research subjects. As a result we obtained a pathogenesia in which the more active items were mind and extremities with 13% of total symptoms each, then head item with 8% and the rest of the items by descending order with less of 7% of the total symptoms each.

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Se realizó una intervención para la evaluación de la eficacia de la acupuntura en el control de la hipertensión arterial esencial, en pacientes ingresados con alguna oncopatía en el Hospital Oncológico "María Curie" de Camagüey, en el período de septiembre de 1999 a marzo del 2000. El universo incluyó a todos los pacientes hipertensos atendidos en ese centro. Se tomó como muestra de estudio a 50 pacientes valorados en consulta de Medicina Interna que referían hipertensión arterial esencial grado I-II, remitidos para su tratamiento al Departamento de Medicina Natural y Tradicional. Como resultado más relevante se observó que el tratamiento fue satisfactorio en la hipertensión grado I en el 95% de los casos y en la grado II en un 93,3 %.

An interventionist was carried oaut for assesing the effectiveness of acupuncture in the control of essential arterial hypertension in patients with any oncopathy in " Marie Curie" Oncologic Hospital of Camaguey within the period from Semtember 1999 to March 2000. The study universe included all hypertensive patients assisted in this centre. As a sample 50 patients were studied in the internal medicine consultation who referred essential arterial hypertension type I-II, remitted to the natural and tradicional deparment of treatment . As a relevant result it was observed that treatment was sucessful in type I hypertension in 95% of cases and type II in 93,3%.