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The partial replacement effect of Portland cement by geothermal nano-SiO2 waste (GNSW) for sustainable Portland-cement-based concrete was investigated to improve the properties of concrete exposed at high critical temperatures. Portland cement was partially replaced by 20 and 30 wt.% of GNSW. The partial replacement effect on Portland-cement-based concrete subjected to 350, 550, and 750 °C was evaluated by measuring the weight changes, ultrasonic pulse velocity, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, surface inspection, and scanning electron microscopy under residual conditions. The ultrasonic pulse velocity results showed that the GNSW specimens maintained suitable stability after being heated to 350 °C. The SEM analysis revealed a denser microstructure for the 20 wt.% of partial replacement of Portland cement by GNSW specimen compared to the reference concrete when exposed to temperatures up to 400 °C, maintaining stability in its microstructure. The weight losses were higher for the specimens with partial replacements of GNSW than the reference concrete at 550 °C, which can be attributed to the pozzolanic activity presented by the GNSW, which increases the amounts of CSH gel, leading to a much denser cementitious matrix, causing a higher weight loss compared to the reference concrete. GNSW is a viable supplementary cementitious material, enhancing thermal properties up to 400 °C due to its high pozzolanic activity and filler effect while offering environmental benefits by reducing industrial waste.

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This study investigates the combined effects of nanoscale surface roughness and electron-phonon interaction on the vibrational modes of cadmium telluride (CdTe) using resonant Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra simulations aided in identifying the active phonon modes and their dependence on roughness. Our results reveal that increasing surface roughness leads to an asymmetric line shape in the first-order longitudinal optical (1LO) phonon mode, attributed to an increase in the electron-phonon interaction. This asymmetry broadens the entire Raman spectrum. Conversely, the overtone (second-order longitudinal optical [2LO]) mode exhibits a symmetrical line shape that intensifies with roughness. Additionally, we identify and discuss the contributions of surface optical phonon mode and multiphonon modes to the Raman spectra, highlighting their dependence on roughness. This work offers a deeper understanding of how surface roughness and electron-phonon scattering influence the line shape of CdTe resonant Raman spectra, providing valuable insights into its vibrational properties.

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The world is aging and experiencing loneliness. Functional impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in older people (OP) with mild neurocognitive disorder (MNCD) predicts loneliness. After the pandemic, there was an increase in perceived loneliness. We explored the association between loneliness, depression, deficits in IADL, and cognitive symptoms among OP. From February to December 2023, using a cross-sectional design, we interviewed probable cases with mild cognitive impairment and caregivers in two public facilities. We administered the UCLA Loneliness Scale v3, Lawton IADL Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale. Samples were matched: 85 per group, 82.4% were women, married (52.95%), and mean age of 69.17 (±6.93) years. In our study, 30% displayed moderate to high levels of perceived loneliness. Multivariate analysis showed loneliness was associated with depression, low levels of IADL, and older age, but not with cognitive symptoms, which explained 22% of the total variance (F 165) = 16.99, (p < 0.001). Targeting symptoms and behaviors that could be modified (i.e., depression and functionality) can improve feelings of perceived loneliness and have an impact on morbidity and mortality with which it is associated.

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The genus Urotrygon comprises small- to medium-sized endemic round rays on the American continent and has undergone several synonymization processes. Here, we used an integrative taxonomic approach, including meristic, morphometric, and mtDNA analyses, to resolve the particularly intricate relationship among Urotrygon munda Gill, 1863, Urotrygon chilensis (Günther, 1872), and Urotrygon asterias (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883). The latter species is currently a synonym of U. munda but is also considered the U. chilensis "northern morphotype." These taxonomic entities have historically been confounded, mainly due to their phenotypical resemblance along their geographic distribution in the eastern Pacific. We assessed 78 specimens (43 "northern" and 30 "southern morphotypes" of U. chilensis, as well as 5 U. munda) using 19 external variables for taxonomic and morphometric analysis. Distinct meristic patterns, including pectoral and pelvic ceratotrichia, vertebrae number, and thorn distribution along the dorsal midline, were observed in the series-type specimens of the three taxonomic entities. Our multivariate morphometric analyses consistently differentiated the three groups as distinct taxonomic entities, with an overall classification accuracy of 66.7%. The meristic results also provided reliable information distinguishing the three entities. Based on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH2) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes, our phylogenetic analysis were consistent with the morphometric and meristic data, supporting these three entities as distinct species having their own evolutionary lineages. Our comprehensive approach confidently demonstrated that the northern U. chilensis morphotype matched and corresponded to the description of the Starry round ray, U. asterias, confirming its taxonomic resurrection as a valid species distinct from U. chilensis and U. munda. The geographic distribution of U. asterias spans from the tropical west coast of Mexico (including the Gulf of California) to Costa Rica, revealing that microevolutionary processes have well-defined population clades within this range. Furthermore, U. chilensis is unequivocally established as the sole Urotrygon species occurring south of the Guayaquil marine ecoregion. In addition, the public COI and NADH2 sequences available for Urotrygon hosted in the ad hoc online databases were found to be misidentified, emphasizing the need for rigorous taxonomic scrutiny in this group. Finally, our research underscores the significance of an integrative approach that combines morphometric, meristic, and molecular techniques with historical data to disentangle the complexities of closely related taxa.

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of faricimab compared with other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic review (SR) was conducted up to January 2023. Network meta-analyses (NMA) were performed, including sensitivity and subgroup analyses for naïve population. Outcomes included changes in visual acuity (Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] letters), anatomical changes, frequency of injections and adverse events. The Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis framework were used for the SR and the certainty of evidence, respectively. RESULTS: From 4128 identified records through electronic databases and complementary searches, 63 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria, with 42 included in the NMA. Faricimab showed a significant reduction in the number of annual injections compared with most fixed and flexible anti-VEGF treatment regimens, while showing no statistically significant differences in visual acuity through ETDRS letter gain, demonstrating a comparable efficacy. Retinal thickness results showed comparable efficacy to other anti-VEGF agents, and inferior only to brolucizumab. Results also showed that more patients treated with faricimab were free from post-treatment retinal fluid compared with aflibercept every 8 weeks, and both ranibizumab and bevacizumab, in the fixed and pro re nata (PRN) assessed schedules. Faricimab showed a comparable safety profile regarding the risk of ocular adverse events and serious ocular adverse events (SOAE), except for the comparison with brolucizumab quarterly, in which faricimab showed a significant reduction for SOAE risk. CONCLUSION: Faricimab showed a comparable clinical benefit in efficacy and safety outcomes, with a reduction in annual injections compared with fixed and flexible anti-VEGF drug regimens, representing a valuable treatment option for nAMD patients. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023394226.

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BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior has been shown to negatively affect parameters of endothelial function and central hemodynamics, both of which are closely associated with vascular health. Exercise prior to sedentary behavior has demonstrated potential as a preventive strategy to mitigate these detrimental effects. To evaluate the impact of exercise prior to sedentary behavior on vascular health parameters in the adult population, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, synthesizing the available body of knowledge. METHODS: A literature search was carried out in 6 databases. For each outcome, standard error and mean difference or standardized mean difference were calculated, as appropriate. An analysis was performed using a random effects model with a 95% confidence interval, using the inverse variance statistical method. Risk of bias assessment was performed using ROB2 and considerations for crossover trials. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. RESULTS: Exercise performed prior to prolonged sedentary behavior resulted in increased flow-mediated vasodilation at the first and third hours of sedentary time, compared with the control condition of sedentary behavior without prior exercise [MD: 1.51% (95% CI: 0.57 to 2.45) and MD: 1.36% (95% CI: 0.56 to 2.16), respectively]. Moreover, prior exercise led to increased shear rate at the first and third hours of sedentary time [MD: 7.70 s^-1 (95% CI: 0.79 to 14.61) and MD: 5.21 s^-1 (95% CI: 1.77 to 8.43), respectively]. Furthermore, it increased blood flow at the third hour [SMD: 0.40 (95%CI: 0.07 to 0.72)], compared with the control condition of prolonged sedentary behavior without prior exercise. Regarding hemodynamic parameters, exercise prior to prolonged sedentary behavior decreased mean arterial pressure during the first and third hours of sedentary behavior [MD: -1.94 mmHg (95% CI: -2.77 to -1.11) and MD: -1.90 mmHg (95% CI: -3.27 to -0.53), respectively], and an increase in heart rate during the first hour [MD: 4.38 beats per minute (95%CI: 2.78 to 5.98)] compared with the control condition of prolonged sedentary behavior without prior exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this research suggest that prior exercise may prevent the impairment of vascular health parameters caused by sedentary behavior. However, the quality of the evidence was estimated as moderate. Therefore, further experimental studies and high-quality clinical trials are needed in this field to strengthen the results and conclusions drawn. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023393686.

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Complications from diabetic retinopathy such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) constitute leading causes of preventable vision loss in working-age patients. Since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of these complications, VEGF inhibitors have been the cornerstone of their treatment. Anti-VEGF monotherapy is an effective but burdensome treatment for DME. However, due to the intensive and burdensome treatment, most patients in routine clinical practice are undertreated, and therefore, their outcomes are compromised. Even in adequately treated patients, persistent DME is reported anywhere from 30% to 60% depending on the drug used. PDR is currently treated by anti-VEGF, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) or a combination of both. Similarly, a number of eyes, despite these treatments, continue to progress to tractional retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Clearly there are other molecular pathways other than VEGF involved in the pathogenesis of DME and PDR. One of these pathways is the angiopoietin-Tie signaling pathway. Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) plays a major role in maintaining vascular quiescence and stability. It acts as a molecular brake against vascular destabilization and inflammation that is usually promoted by angiopoietin 2 (Ang2). Several pathological conditions including chronic hyperglycemia lead to Ang2 upregulation. Recent regulatory approval of the bi-specific antibody, faricimab, may improve long term outcomes in DME. It targets both the Ang/Tie and VEGF pathways. The YOSEMITE and RHINE were multicenter, double-masked, randomized non-inferiority phase 3 clinical trials that compared faricimab to aflibercept in eyes with center-involved DME. At 12 months of follow-up, faricimab demonstrated non-inferior vision gains, improved anatomic outcomes and a potential for extended dosing when compared to aflibercept. The 2-year results of the YOSEMITE and RHINE trials demonstrated that the anatomic and functional results obtained at the 1 year follow-up were maintained. Short term outcomes of previously treated and treatment-naive eyes with DME that were treated with faricimab during routine clinical practice suggest a beneficial effect of faricimab over other agents. Targeting of Ang2 has been reported by several other means including VE-PTP inhibitors, integrin binding peptide and surrobodies.

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Background: Discovering biological markers is essential for understanding and treating mental disorders. Despite the limitations of current non-invasive methods, neural progenitor cells from the olfactory epithelium (hNPCs-OE) have been emphasized as potential biomarker sources. This study measured soluble factors in these cells in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and healthy controls (HC). Methods: We assessed thirty-five participants divided into MDD (n=14), BPD (n=14), and HC (n=7). MDD was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. BPD was evaluated using the DSM-5 criteria and the Structured Clinical Interview for Personality Disorders. We isolated hNPCs-OE, collected intracellular proteins and conditioned medium, and quantified markers and soluble factors, including Interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and others. Analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test and linear regression. Results: We found that hNPCs-OE of MDD and BPD decreased Sox2 and laminin receptor-67 kDa levels. MASH-1 decreased in BPD, while tubulin beta-III decreased in MDD compared to controls and BPD. Also, we found significant differences in IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and thrombospondin-1 levels between controls and MDD, or BPD, but not between MDD and BPD. Conclusions: Altered protein markers are evident in the nhNPCs-OE in MDD and BPD patients. These cells also secrete higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines than HC cells. The results suggest the potential utility of hNPCs-OE as an in vitro model for researching biological protein markers in psychiatric disorders. However, more extensive validation studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and specificity in neuropsychiatric disorders.

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Birds, including canaries and other birds, have become increasingly popular as pets. Bird fairs, where breeders gather and show their production in a championship setting, present a setting for possible Salmonella spp. contamination and transmission. Therefore, this study estimated the rate of Salmonella spp. isolation from cage papers, located in the bottom of cages of exotic pet birds, including canaries. Collected Salmonella isolates were used to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile to 52 antibiotics and 17 commercial disinfectants, based on pure or a mixture of acids, alcohols, aldehydes, alkalis, halogens, peroxygen, and quaternary ammonium compounds. The samples consisted of 774 cage papers taken in the 2015 Argentinean canary breeder championship, pooling three cage papers into one sterile sampling bag. Only one pool of the cage papers was positive for Salmonella spp. (0.4%), which belonged to the sample from three frill canary cages. Two strains of Salmonella serotype Glostrup were isolated, which were only resistant to sulfonamides and erythromycin and sensitive to alkali-based product PL301 AS. Although the rate of Salmonella spp. isolation from cage papers in an Argentinean canary breeder championship is low, it should not be discounted because Salmonella ser. Glostrup can be a source of human Salmonella outbreaks and they show high resistance to disinfecting products.

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COVID-19 has been contained; however, the side effects associated with its infection continue to be a challenge for public health, particularly for older adults. On the other hand, epigenetic status contributes to the inter-individual health status and is associated with COVID-19 severity. Nevertheless, current studies focus only on severe COVID-19. Considering that most of the worldwide population developed mild COVID-19 infection. In the present exploratory study, we aim to analyze the association of mild COVID-19 with epigenetic ages (HorvathAge, HannumAge, GrimAge, PhenoAge, SkinAge, and DNAmTL) and clinical variables obtained from a Mexican cohort of older adults. We found that all epigenetic ages significantly differ from the chronological age, but only GrimAge is elevated. Additionally, both the intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (IEAA) and the extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (EEAA) are accelerated in all patients. Moreover, we found that immunological estimators and DNA damage were associated with PhenoAge, SkinBloodHorvathAge, and HorvathAge, suggesting that the effects of mild COVID-19 on the epigenetic clocks are mainly associated with inflammation and immunology changes. In conclusion, our results show that the effects of mild COVID-19 on the epigenetic clock are mainly associated with the immune system and an increase in GrimAge, IEAA, and EEAA.

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La enfermedad de Parkinson y Alzheimer son las enfermedades neurodegenerativas más frecuentes a nivel mundial. Tienen etiología multifactorial, entre ellas, la genética; y son motivo de interés en la investigación científica actual. Se realizó una revisión narrativa con el objetivo de determinar las alteraciones genéticas asociadas a estas patologías, además su influencia en la evolución y respuesta al tratamiento de ellas. Se consultaron artículos originales, revisiones bibliográficas, sistemáticas, metaanálisis en inglés y español, con fecha de publicación entre el 1 enero de 2018 y el 20 de mayo de 2023, en bases como PubMed y Medline. Se utilizaron los términos MeSH «Alzheimer Disease¼, «Parkinson Disease¼, «Drug Therapy¼ y «Mutations¼. El riesgo hereditario para la enfermedad de Parkinson suele ser poligenético, sin embargo, existen genes relacionados con mutaciones monogénicas. Se identifican alteraciones en genes de α-sinucleína, glucocerebrosidasa y quinasa 2 rica en leucina que se relacionan con mayor riesgo de desarrollar Parkinson, además de variaciones en el cuadro clínico y edad de inicio de síntomas. En cuanto a la enfermedad de Alzheimer, las alteraciones en los genes de la proteína precursora amiloide, presenilina 1 y 2 se relacionan con la forma familiar de la enfermedad; por otra parte, las de apolipoproteína E4 se han identificado en la forma esporádica, por lo que se consideran como el factor de riesgo genético más importante para su desarrollo

Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are the most frequent neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. They have a multifactorial etiology, including genetics, and are of interest in current scientific research. A narrative review was carried out with the aim of determining the genetic alterations associated with these pathologies, as well as their influence on their evolution and response to treatment. Original articles, literature reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses in English and Spanish, with publication date between January 1, 2018 and May 20, 2023, were consulted in databases such as PubMed and Medline. MeSH terms "Alzheimer Disease", "Parkinson Disease", "Drug Therapy" and "Mutation" were used. Hereditary risk for Parkinson's disease is usually polygenetic, however, there are genes related to monogenic mutations. Alterations in α-synuclein, glucocerebrosidase and leucine-rich kinase 2 genes have been identified that are related to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease, in addition to variations in the clinical picture and age of symptom onset. As for Alzheimer's disease, alterations in the genes of the amyloid precursor protein, presenilin 1 and 2 are related to the familial form of the disease; on the other hand, those of apolipoprotein E4 have been identified in the sporadic form, and are therefore considered to be the most important genetic risk factor for its development

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BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a disease known for its neurological involvement. SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers neuroinflammation, which could significantly contribute to the development of long-term neurological symptoms and structural alterations in the gray matter. However, the existence of a consistent pattern of cerebral atrophy remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to identify patterns of brain involvement in recovered COVID-19 patients and explore potential relationships with clinical variables during hospitalization. METHODOLOGY: In this study, we included 39 recovered patients and 39 controls from a pre-pandemic database to ensure their non-exposure to the virus. We obtained clinical data of the patients during hospitalization, and 3 months later; in addition we obtained T1-weighted magnetic resonance images and performed standard screening cognitive tests. RESULTS: We identified two groups of recovered patients based on a cluster analysis of the significant cortical thickness differences between patients and controls. Group 1 displayed significant cortical thickness differences in specific cerebral regions, while Group 2 exhibited significant differences in the cerebellum, though neither group showed cognitive deterioration at the group level. Notably, Group 1 showed a tendency of higher D-dimer values during hospitalization compared to Group 2, prior to p-value correction. CONCLUSION: This data-driven division into two groups based on the brain structural differences, and the possible link to D-dimer values may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of SARS-COV-2 neurological disruption and its impact on the brain during and after recovery from the disease.

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Body morphology is a valuable feature for distinguishing teleostean fishes. However, the utility of character variation in separate body regions has yet to be tested. The taxonomy of the Gerreidae family is controversial due to character overlapping among its fish species. This work aims to analyze and compare the body shape variation in three regions, cephalic, trunk, and caudal peduncle, using landmark data and geometric morphometric methods in 17 species and five genera of the family Gerreidae. The pattern of shape variation for the cephalic region consisted of well-defined character states exclusive of each species analyzed. Shape variation in the trunk and caudal peduncle regions does not distinguish all species in this study. This study showed that the dorsal cephalic profile is highly variable among the species, therefore, shape variation in this region is useful for distinguishing Gerreidae species. In contrast, some species within the same genus share similar shape states in the trunk and caudal peduncle regions, with the most shape variation in the dorsal profile and anal fin for the trunk and in the middle of the caudal peduncle.

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Bradycardia, a condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate, poses significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. While it is a concern world-wide, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face substantial barriers in accessing appropriate bradycardia therapy. This article aims to explore the global aetiology and incidence of bradycardia, compare the prevalence and management of the condition in high-income countries versus LMICs, identify the key reasons behind the disparities in access to bradycardia therapy in LMICs, and emphasize the urgent need to address these disparities to ensure equitable healthcare on a global scale.

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INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to describe and analyze residents' perceptions of characteristics on the expansive/restrictive continuum of their clinical learning environment. METHODS: We conducted a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was designed, programmed and applied to residents at the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The instrument was structured in eight sections, and for this article, Section 3, which referred to clinical environments and violence was considered. The questionnaire had an 85% response rate, with 12,612 residents from 113 medical units and 78 specialties participating. The reliability and internal consistency measured with alpha omega obtained a value of ω 0.835 (CI; 0.828-0.843). RESULTS: Unpleasant, competitive, tense and conflictive contexts were related to restrictive environments. Sexual orientation influenced the perception of intolerance in the clinical setting with respect to discriminatory comments, such that for gender minorities, the environment was experienced as exclusionary. First-year residents perceived environments as more aggressive, a perception that tended to decrease in later years of residency. DISCUSSION: Abuses in power relations, rigid hierarchical positions and offensive clinical interactions may foster restrictive environments. In such settings, the reproduction of socio-culturally learned violence is feasible; however, asymmetrical relationships may be deconstructed and transformed.

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BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically in children worldwide. Obesity has been recognized as a risk factor for more serious viral respiratory infections, mainly in adults. OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between overnutrition (obesity and overweight) and clinical severity in children hospitalized with acute respiratory infections of viral origin. METHODS: One hundred and forty-three clinical records of children between 2 and 18 years old hospitalized for acute respiratory infection at Clínica Dávila (2014-2018) were analyzed, recording the respiratory viruses detected at the time of hospitalization, weight, and height. Nutritional status was estimated using Z score or body mass index, according to age. RESULTS: Eighty-tree3 children (58%) were positive for more than one respiratory virus. The main virus detected in monoinfection was adenovirus (9.8%), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (7.7%) and parainfluenza virus (7.7%). There were no deaths. Patients with obesity presented more days of hospitalization (P = .04), oxygen therapy (P = .03) and mechanical ventilation (P < .001), as well as a higher probability of requiring mechanical ventilation (P = .001) and of ICU admission (P = .003) compared with children with normal weight. Patients with overweight presented more days of mechanical ventilation (P < .001) than patients with normal weight. No significant differences were found between the presence of viral coinfection and nutritional status. CONCLUSION: Overnutrition is associated with greater severity of viral respiratory infection in hospitalized children.

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Los sulfitos son aditivos que se utilizan como conservantes y antioxidantes en ciertos alimentos. De acuerdo a lo establecido en el Código Alimentario Argentino, no está permitido su uso en carnes crudas debido a que enmascara el verdadero estado de conservación y, al descomponer la vitamina B1, disminuye su valor nutricional. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue detectar cualitativamente la presencia de agentes sulfitantes en productos cárnicos frescos de carnicerías de diferentes localidades de la provincia de Santa Fe, con el fin de fiscalizar el uso de este aditivo. Las muestras fueron tomadas a granel y recibidas en el laboratorio de la Agencia Santafesina de Seguridad Alimentaria a temperatura de refrigeración. En el período comprendido entre los años 2011 y 2018, ingresaron un total de 1071 muestras de carnes y preparados de carnes frescas, de las cuales 532 fueron de carne picada, 357 de chorizo fresco, 149 de hamburguesa y 33 de albóndiga. En primer lugar, se realizó un screening con la técnica del verde de malaquita (AOAC 961.09) y, con fines confirmatorios, las muestras que resultaron positivas fueron analizadas cualitativamente con el método de Monier-Williams optimizado (AOAC 990.28). El estudio integral demostró que 28 muestras de carne picada (5,3 %), 59 de chorizo fresco (16,0 %), 25 de hamburguesa (16,7 %) y 2 de albóndiga (6,1 %) contenían este aditivo. En conclusión, según los datos obtenidos, el principal uso de las sales de sulfitos en algunas industrias cárnicas se dio en la elaboración de chorizos frescos y hamburguesas; por ello, el control de estos alimentos es una tarea fundamental para los entes fiscalizadores.

Sulfites are additives that are used as preservatives and antioxidants in certain foods. According to the Argentine Food Code (CAA), their use is not allowed in raw meats because it masks the true state of preservation and diminishes their nutritional value by breaking down vitamin B1. Therefore, the objective of this work was to qualitatively detect the presence of sulfiting agents in fresh meat products from butcher shops in different locations in the province of Santa Fe, in order to control the use of this additive. The samples were taken in bulk and received in the laboratory of the Santa Fe Food Safety Agency (ASSAl) at refrigeration temperature. Between 2011 and 2018, a total of 1,071 samples of meat and fresh meat products were submitted, including minced meat (532), fresh sausages (357), hamburgers (149), and meatballs (33). First, a screening was conducted with the malachite green technique (AOAC 961.09), and for confirmatory purposes, the samples that tested positive were qualitatively analyzed using the optimized Monier-Williams method (AOAC 990.28). The comprehensive study showed that 28 samples of minced meat (5.3 %), 59 samples of fresh sausage (16.0 %), 25 samples of hamburger (16.7 %), and 2 samples of meatballs (6.1 %) contained this additive. In conclusion, based on the data obtained, the main use of sulfite salts in some meat industries was found in the production of fresh sausages and hamburgers; hence, the control of these foods is a crucial task for regulatory authorities.

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BACKGROUND: The respiratory microbiome is dynamic, varying between anatomical niches, and it is affected by various host and environmental factors, one of which is lifestyle. Few studies have characterized the upper respiratory tract microbiome profile according to lifestyle. We explored the association between lifestyles and microbiota profiles in the upper respiratory tract of healthy adults. METHODS: We analyzed nasal samples from 110 healthy adults who were living in Santiago, Chile, using 16S ribosomal RNA gene-sequencing methods. Volunteers completed a structured questionnaire about lifestyle. RESULTS: The composition and abundance of taxonomic groups varied across lifestyle attributes. Additionally, multivariate models suggested that alpha diversity varied in the function of physical activity, nutritional status, smoking, and the interaction between nutritional status and smoking, although the significant impact of those variables varied between women and men. Although physical activity and nutritional status were significantly associated with all indexes of alpha diversity among women, the diversity of microbiota among men was associated with smoking and the interaction between nutritional status and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The alpha diversity of nasal microbiota is associated with lifestyle attributes, but these associations depend on sex and nutritional status. Our results suggest that future studies of the airway microbiome may provide a better resolution if data are stratified for differences in sex and nutritional status.

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This paper introduces a method for determining the authenticity of commercial cereal bars based on trace element fingerprints. In this regard, 120 cereal bars were prepared using microwave-assisted acid digestion and the concentrations of Al, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn were later measured by ICP-MS. Results confirmed the suitability of the analyzed samples for human consumption. Multielemental data underwent autoscaling preprocessing for then applying PCA, CART, and LDA to input data set. LDA model accomplished the highest classification modeling performance with a success rate of 92%, making it the suitable model for reliable cereal bar prediction. The proposed method demonstrates the potential of trace element fingerprints in distinguishing cereal bar samples according to their type (conventional and gluten-free) and principal ingredient (fruit, yogurt, chocolate), thereby contributing to global efforts for food authentication.

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Se ha propuesto la medición de PTH como predictor de hipocalcemia postoperatoria transitoria y permanente. No hay un estándar de punto de corte o tiempo de toma de muestra. El OBJETIVO es reportar la incidencia de hipocalcemia post tiroidectomía en un grupo quirúrgico de alto volumen y proponer un protocolo de manejo ambulatorio (esquemas de I a V) según niveles postoperatorios (PO) de calcemia, PTHi (normal, baja o indetectable) y síntomas. Y determinar valores de PTH postoperatoria como predictores de hipocalcemia. En 106 pacientes con tiroidectomía total entre 2019 y 2021 se realiza medición de niveles pre y postoperatorios de calcio, magnesio, fosforo y PTHi. Se observó 29% y 1% de hipocalcemia transitoria ( 12 meses). Los puntos de corte para predecir hipocalcemia fueron PTH < 8,8 pg/ml y < 80% de descenso de % de PTH (d % PTH) al día siguiente. Con el manejo propuesto se indica el alta precoz (promedio 1.05 días) y el costo de la prescripción es acotado. No hay asociación significativa de hipomagnesemia e hiperfosfemia PO con la hipocalcemia PO. El tratamiento más utilizado es de carbonato de calcio exclusivo (esquemas I y II). Los pacientes se mantienen con síntomas leves a las 2 semanas PO en 5% y logran suspender el tratamiento vía oral en 93% en este mismo período. Los protocolos de medición de PTH como predictor de hipocalcemia son muy variados. Cada centro debe conocer y establecer sus propios protocolos de manejo. Con esta experiencia demostramos la utilidad y seguridad de un esquema de manejo basado en calcemia, PTH (normal, baja o indetectable) y síntomas, con indicación de tratamiento profiláctico para todos los pacientes y ajuste ambulatorio seguro y de menor costo que una hospitalización prolongada.

INTRODUCTION: PTH measurement has been proposed to predict transient and permanent postoperative hypocalcemia. There is no standard cut-off point or time for sampling. Aim: To report the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia in a high-volume surgical group and propose an outpatient management protocol according to postoperative (PO) calcium levels, iPTH (normal, low, or undetectable), and symptoms. Furthermore, determine postoperative PTH values as predictors of hypocalcemia. Methods: In 106 patients with total thyroidectomy between 2019 and 2021, pre-and postoperative levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iPTH were measured. Results: Transient ( 12 months) hypocalcemia was observed in 29% and 1%. Cut-off points to predict hypocalcemia were PTH < 8.8 pg/mL and < 80% decrease in % PTH (d% PTH) the day after surgery. With the proposed management, early discharge is indicated (an average of 1.05 days), and the prescription cost is limited. There is no significant association between PO hypomagnesemia and hyperphosphatemia with PO hypocalcemia. The most widely used treatment is exclusive calcium carbonate (schemes I and II). Patients remain with mild symptoms at two weeks PO in 5% and discontinue oral treatment in 93% in this period. Conclusions: Protocols for measuring PTH as a hypocalcemia predictor vary. Each center must know and establish its management protocols. With this experience, we demonstrate the usefulness and safety of a management scheme based on calcium, PTH (normal, low, or undetectable), and symptoms with an indication of prophylactic treatment for all patients and a safe outpatient setting at a lower cost than prolonged hospitalization.

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