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Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) produces systemic alterations that can be reflected in biochemical parameters beyond microbiological resolution. Early characterization of the biochemical response to treatment could provide additional criteria for following up with hospitalized patients. A retrospective observational study was conducted focusing on patients with pulmonary TB from a tertiary care hospital, based on biochemical parameters upon admission (“before”) and between 2 and 10 days after starting anti-tuberculosis treatment (“after”). The patients were grouped into three clusters according to the results of the clinical tests: mild (70.1%), inflammatory (26.7%), and severe (3.2%). After the start of treatment, 30% of the patients migrated toward the most biochemically compromised phenotype (Cluster 3). Sixty-one percent showed deterioration in at least one of the three key parameters; only 12.8% improved simultaneously. Significant associations were identified between unfavorable biochemical evolution and HIV (p = 0.004) or patients with public health coverage (p = 0.01). Overall, after antituberculous therapy, a reduction in CRP and leukocytes was observed (p < 0.001), and progressive anemia (ΔHb: −1.7 g/dL) and renal deterioration (ΔCr: +0.52 mg/dL) were identified. The identification of dynamic phenotypes in patients with pulmonary TB can be used to establish early risk markers and contribute to individualized clinical surveillance.

Background: Fish-associated microbiota plays crucial roles in maintaining health and enhancing productivity. However, compared with those of mammals, the composition and functions of the fish microbiota remain less understood. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of the scientific literature was conducted to provide insights into diverse probiotic interactions and economically important fish species between Colombia and Hungary. Results: Improving growth performance, reflected by increased specific growth rates, increased weight gain, and increased feed conversion ratios, is closely linked to microbiota modulation. These growth benefits are accompanied by elevated immune responses, including increased lysozyme activity, upregulated complement and cytokine expression (e.g., IL-1β and TNF-α), and increased antioxidant enzyme activity (e.g., superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT]). Several trials also reported improvements in digestive enzyme activity (amylase, protease, and lipase) and intestinal morphology. Additionally, shifts in the gut microbiota composition characterized by a greater abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., lactic acid bacteria) and a reduction in pathogenic populations correlate with the upregulation of metabolic pathways involved in carbohydrate utilization and antioxidant defenses. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of understanding the ability of the fish microbiota to distinguish beneficial from pathogenic phenotypes, ultimately paving the way for innovative dietary strategies in aquaculture.

Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de tuberculosis (TB) infantil y los factores socio-demográficos asociados a esta población en el municipio de Armenia (Colombia). Metodología Se realizó un estudio descriptivo-retrospectivo en el cual se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de TB menores de 14 años que fueron notificados al programa de TB en el municipio de Armenia y que iniciaron esquema de Tratamiento Acortado Estrictamente Supervisado (TAES) entre el 2000-2009. Resultados Se notificaron un total de 58 casos de TB, el mayor número de casos ocurrió en el 2009 (12 casos) seguido del 2008 (8 casos) y 2006 (7 casos) respectivamente, representando una elevada tasa de prevalencia (16,6 casos/100 000 habitantes). Las formas pulmonares tuvieron mayor proporción con 74 %, de las cuales 34 % fueron positivas a la baciloscopia (BK). El nexo epidemiológico se configuró en el 21 % de los enfermos. En cuanto al egreso del programa de control de la TB el 5 % de los pacientes finalizó con criterio de curado, 17 % terminado, 4 % transferidos, 7 % fallecidos y en el 67 % de los casos se desconoció el resultado del tratamiento. Conclusión La TB representa en la actualidad una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad infantil. Dada la buena cobertura de vacunación con BCG y que la mayoría de casos son pulmonares en este municipio, la alta tasa de casos de TB infantil estaría indicando fallas en la oportunidad para interrumpir transmisión reciente a partir de casos bacilíferos. Palabras Clave: Tuberculosis, vacuna BCG, tuberculosis latente, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (fuente: DeCS, BIREME). Objective To determine the childhood tuberculosis prevalence and its socio-demographics factors associated to this population in Armenia (Colombia). Methodology A retrospective-descriptive study was carried out; TB patients under the age of 14 years were included and notified to the TB control program in Armenia, those who started a Directly Observed Treatment Supervised (DOTS) scheme among from 2000 to 2009 years. Results 58 TB cases were described, most cases have occurred in 2009 (12 cases) followed by the 2008 (8 cases) and 2006 (7 cases) respectively. Thus, Armenia has a high rate of prevalence (16.6 cases/100 000 inhabitants). Pulmonary forms had greater proportion with 74 %, of which 34 % were positive to sputum examination revealed Acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Epidemiological link allowed confirmation of 21 % of cases. TB treatment cohort revealed that 5 % of patients were cured, finished 17 %, transferred 4 %, dead 7% and in 67 % of cases the results were not documented. Conclusion Nowadays TB still an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. The good BCG vaccine covertures and the high prevalence of pulmonary forms in childhood TB indicates that the most plausible explanation for this high prevalence is a failure in early detection of bacilli positive patients to cut recent transmission in this municipality. Key Words: Tuberculosis, BCG vaccine, latent tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (source: MeSH, NLM).

To determine the childhood tuberculosis prevalence and its socio-demographics factors associated to this population in Armenia (Colombia). Methodology A retrospective-descriptive study was carried out; TB patients under the age of 14 years were included and notified to the TB control program in Armenia, those who started a Directly Observed Treatment Supervised (DOTS) scheme among from 2000 to 2009 years. 58 TB cases were described, most cases have occurred in 2009 (12 cases) followed by the 2008 (8 cases) and 2006 (7 cases) respectively. Thus, Armenia has a high rate of prevalence (16.6 cases/100 000 inhabitants). Pulmonary forms had greater proportion with 74 %, of which 34 % were positive to sputum examination revealed Acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Epidemiological link allowed confirmation of 21 % of cases. TB treatment cohort revealed that 5 % of patients were cured, finished 17 %, transferred 4 %, dead 7% and in 67 % of cases the results were not documented. Nowadays TB still an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. The good BCG vaccine covertures and the high prevalence of pulmonary forms in childhood TB indicates that the most plausible explanation for this high prevalence is a failure in early detection of bacilli positive patients to cut recent transmission in this municipality.

Oxidative stress-induced damage is a major mechanism in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A recent human clinical trial showed that the combination of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and pterostilbene (PT), molecules with potential to interfere in that mechanism, was efficacious in ALS patients. We examined the effect of these molecules in SOD1 G93A transgenic mice, a well-stablished model of ALS. Assessment of neuromotor activity and coordination was correlated with histopathology, and measurement of proinflammatory cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid. Cell death, Nrf2- and redox-dependent enzymes and metabolites, and sirtuin activities were studied in isolated motor neurons. NR and PT increased survival and ameliorated ALS-associated loss of neuromotor functions in SOD1 G93A transgenic mice. NR and PT also decreased the microgliosis and astrogliosis associated with ALS progression. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines were observed in the cerebrospinal fluid of mice and humans with ALS. NR and PT ameliorated TNFα-induced oxidative stress and motor neuron death in vitro. Our results support the involvement of oxidative stress, specific Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defenses, and sirtuins in the pathophysiology of ALS. NR and PT interfere with the mechanisms leading to the release of proapoptotic molecular signals by mitochondria, and also promote mitophagy.

IntroductionAcute pancreatitis (AP) is the third most common gastrointestinal disease resulting in hospital admission, with over 70% of AP admissions being mild cases. In the USA, it costs 2.5 billion dollars annually. The most common standard management of mild AP (MAP) still is hospital admission. Patients with MAP usually achieve complete recovery in less than a week and the severity predictor scales are reliable. The aim of this study will be to compare three different strategies for the management of MAP.Methods/designThis is a randomised, controlled, three-arm multicentre trial. Patients with MAP will be randomly assigned to group A (outpatient), B (home care) or C (hospital admission). The primary endpoint of the trial will be the treatment failure rate of the outpatient/home care management for patients with MAP compared with that of hospitalised patients. The secondary endpoints will be pain relapse, diet intolerance, hospital readmission, hospital length of stay, need for intensive care unit admission, organ failure, complications, costs and patient satisfaction. The general feasibility, safety and quality checks required for high-quality evidence will be adhered to.Ethics and disseminationThe study (version 3.0, 10/2022) has been approved by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the ‘Institut d’Investigació Sanitaria Pere Virgili-IISPV’ (093/2022). This study will provide evidence as to whether outpatient/home care is similar to usual management of AP. The conclusions of this study will be published in an open-access journal.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05360797).

Over the last 20 years, the incidence of vertical HIV transmission has decreased from 25%–42% to less than 1%. Although there are no signs of infection, the health of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants is notoriously affected during the first months of life, with opportunistic infections being the most common disease. Some studies have reported effects on the vertical transfer of antibodies, but little is known about the subclass distribution of these antibodies. We proposed to evaluate the total IgG concentration and its subclasses in HIV+ mothers and HEU pairs and to determine which maternal factors condition their levels. In this study, plasma from 69 HEU newborns, their mothers, and 71 control pairs was quantified via immunoassays for each IgG isotype. Furthermore, we followed the antibody profile of HEUs throughout the first year of life. We showed that mothers present an antibody profile characterized by high concentrations of IgG1 and IgG3 but reduced IgG2, and HEU infants are born with an IgG subclass profile similar to that of their maternal pair. Interestingly, this passively transferred profile could remain influenced even during their own antibody production in HEU infants, depending on maternal conditions such as CD4+ T-cell counts and maternal antiretroviral treatment. Our findings indicate that HEU infants exhibit an altered IgG subclass profile influenced by maternal factors, potentially contributing to their increased susceptibility to infections.

Peatland pole forest is the most carbon-dense ecosystem in Amazonia, but its spatial distribution and species composition are poorly known. To address this knowledge gap, we quantified variation in the floristic composition, peat thickness, and the amount of carbon stored above and below ground of 102 forest plots and 53 transects in northern Peruvian Amazonia. This large dataset includes 571 ground reference points of peat thickness measurements across six ecosystem types. These field data were also used to generate a new land-cover classification based on multiple satellite products using a random forest classification. Peatland pole forests are floristically distinctive and dominated by thin-stemmed woody species such as Pachira nitida (Malvaceae), Platycarpum loretense (Rubiaceae), and Hevea guianensis (Euphorbiaceae). In contrast, palm swamps and open peatlands are dominated by Mauritia flexuosa (Arecaceae). Peatland pole forests have high peat thickness (274 ± 22 cm, mean ± 95% CI, n = 184) similar to open peatlands (282 ± 46 cm, n = 46), but greater than palm swamps (161 ± 17 cm, n = 220) and seasonally-flooded forest, terra firme, and white-sand forest where peat is rare or absent. As a result, peatland pole forest has exceptional carbon density (1,133 ± 93 Mg C ha −1 ). The new sites expand the known distribution of peatland pole forest by 61% within the Pastaza-Marañón Foreland basin, mainly alongside the Tigre river, to cover a total of 7540 km 2 in northern Peruvian Amazonia. However, only 15% of the pole forest area is within a protected area, whilst an additional 26% lies within indigenous territories. The current low levels of protection and forest degradation but high threat from road paving projects makes the Tigre river basin a priority for conservation. The long-term conservation of peatland pole forests has the potential to make a large contribution towards international commitments to mitigate climate change.

Data on tropical forests are in high demand. But ground forest measurements are hard to sustain and the people who make them are extremely disadvantaged compared to those who use them. We propose a new approach to forest data that focuses on the needs of data originators, and ensures users and funders contribute properly.