Epidemiology of Herpes Zoster in Spain

[ES] El Herpes Zóster (HZ) resulta de la reactivación de la infección latente por el virus de la varicela-zóster (VVZ) y es una patología frecuente que está asociada a estados de inmunosupresión y al envejecimiento. Se presenta el análisis de la información disponible en cuanto a incidencia y hospitalizaciones por Herpes Zóster y por su principal complicación, la Neuralgia Post-Herpética, en España entre 1998 y 2018. El HZ es una entidad de la edad adulta, las formas graves y las complicaciones del zóster ocurren más en las edades avanzadas de la vida. La eventual incorporación al calendario de la vacunación de HZ en los adultos necesitará de una monitorización estrecha del HZ en los próximos años. [EN] Herpes Zoster (HZ) is the reactivation of latent infection by the varicella-zoster virus (VVZ) and is a pathology associated with states of immunosuppression and aging. The analysis of the available information regarding incidence and hospitalizations for HZ and Post-herpetic Neuralgia in Spain between 1998 and 2018 is presented. HZ is a mainly adult entity. Complications like Post-herpetic Neuralgia occur more frequently in advanced ages of life. The eventual recommendation of vaccination against HZ in adults will require close monitoring of HZ in the coming years.N

Expression of the Ebola Virus VP24 Protein Compromises the Integrity of the Nuclear Envelope and Induces a Laminopathy- Like Cellular Phenotype

ABSTRACT Ebola virus (EBOV) VP24 protein is a nucleocapsid-associated protein that inhibits interferon (IFN) gene expression and counteracts the IFN-mediated antiviral response, preventing nuclear import of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). Proteomic studies to identify additional EBOV VP24 partners have pointed to the nuclear membrane component emerin as a potential element of the VP24 cellular interactome. Here, we have further studied this interaction and its impact on cell biology. We demonstrate that VP24 interacts with emerin but also with other components of the inner nuclear membrane, such as lamin A/C and lamin B. We also show that VP24 diminishes the interaction between emerin and lamin A/C and compromises the integrity of the nuclear membrane. This disruption is associated with nuclear morphological abnormalities, activation of a DNA damage response, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and the induction of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15). Interestingly, expression of VP24 also promoted the cytoplasmic translocation and downmodulation of barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF), a common interactor of lamin A/C and emerin, leading to repression of the BAF-regulated CSF1 gene. Importantly, we found that EBOV infection results in the activation of pathways associated with nuclear envelope damage, consistent with our observations in cells expressing VP24. In summary, here we demonstrate that VP24 acts at the nuclear membrane, causing morphological and functional changes in cells that recapitulate several of the hallmarks of laminopathy diseases. IMPORTANCE The Ebola virus (EBOV) VP24 protein is a nucleocapsid-associated protein with multiple functions. Proteomic studies have identified the cellular nuclear membrane component emerin as a potential VP24 interactor. Here, we demonstrate that VP24 not only interacts with emerin but also with lamin A/C and lamin B, prompting nuclear membrane disruption. This disruption is associated with nuclear morphological abnormalities, activation of a DNA damage response, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and the induction of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15). Interestingly, VP24 also promotes the cytoplasmic translocation and downmodulation of barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF), leading to repression of the BAF-regulated CSF1 gene. Finally, we show that EBOV infection also results in the activation of pathways associated with nuclear envelope damage, consistent with our observations in cells expressing VP24. These results reveal novel activities of EBOV VP24 protein, resulting in a cell phenotype similar to that of most laminopathies, with potential impact on EBOV replication

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

Comparación de IVA y renta entre Bolivia y Colombia

Para lograr un crecimiento socialmente sostenible los Países deben diseñar una política fiscal, que se atribuya como objetivo central apoyar a los Estados generando de forma equilibrada ingresos que serán destinados para inversión social. Por el lado de los egresos, es crucial que la política fiscal de los Gobiernos se centre en ejecutar los mejores proyectos de inversión pública. Por el lado de los ingresos, los gobiernos deben diseñar una política fiscal, que tenga el potencial para financiar en forma sostenible las crecientes demandas de inversión pública. Dentro de las opciones de financiamiento público donde se encuentran: las donaciones, préstamos bilaterales y multilaterales, préstamos a nivel interno, expansión monetaria, cobros a usuarios y tributos, la última opción es la única que puede asegurar un ingreso sostenible a largo plazo para financiar las inversiones Públicas. El conjunto de políticas fiscales en armonía con normas y principios internacionales, son los que dan origen en cada País a los sistemas tributarios. Para atender los objetivos descritos anteriormente, es necesario que el sistema estructuralmente sea progresivo, donde los que perciben mayor ingreso o tienen mayor riqueza contribuyan con una proporción mayor de tributos. Para explicar mejor el concepto de progresividad hacemos referencia a dos principios fundamentales de equidad en el área tributaria; la equidad horizontal y la equidad vertical. La primera se centra en el concepto en el que dos individuos, naturales o jurídicos, que perciben ingresos reales equivalentes, sin importar la fuente, deberían ser tratados de la misma manera en cuanto a su obligación/carga tributaria. Por otro lado el concepto de equidad vertical tiene mas relación en cuanto a la función distributiva de los impuestos, ya que este principio implica que a medida que incrementan los ingresos de los individuos estos son sujetos de una carga impositiva mayor. Un impuesto que observa el concepto de equidad vertical es progresivo, por otro lado un impuesto es regresivo cuando a medida que los ingresos de un individuo aumentan, su carga impositiva disminuye

Comparación de IVA y renta entre Bolivia y Colombia

Para lograr un crecimiento socialmente sostenible los Países deben diseñar una política fiscal, que se atribuya como objetivo central apoyar a los Estados generando de forma equilibrada ingresos que serán destinados para inversión social. Por el lado de los egresos, es crucial que la política fiscal de los Gobiernos se centre en ejecutar los mejores proyectos de inversión pública

Vigilancia de la tuberculosis en España (2015-2021)

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a notifiable disease in Spain. The objective of this study was to analyze its epidemiological situation during the period 2015-2021. Method: Descriptive epidemiological analysis of TB cases reported by the CCAA to the National Epidemiological Surveillance (RENAVE) during 2015-2021. The analyzed variables included sex, age, CCAA, year of reporting, country of birth and residence, location, date of symptom onset and treatment initiation, treatment outcome, HIV status and diagnosis information. A descriptive analysis of the main variables and a temporo-spacial analysis of the notification rates were carried out. Results: In 2021, 3,754 cases of TB were reported in Spain, with a notification rate of 7.61 per 100,000 population. This represented a 2.18% decrease compared to 2020 and a 28.07% decrease compared to 2015. Throughout the study period, a higher number of cases were observed in males (ratio 1.6-1.7), and there was a decreasing trend in notification rates in all CCAA, except Ceuta. This decline in rates was more pronounced for pulmonary forms. The case fatality remained stable during the study period. The quality of the provided information improved between 2015 and 2021 for some variables, but remained essential variables such as “treatment outcome” or HIV diagnosis. Conclusions: The incidence of TB in Spain decreased from 2015 to 2021, particularly for pulmonary forms. Two of the WHO’s targets for 2020 were achieved, but the 2035 target appears unlikely. Significant deficiencies in the quality of information persist.Introducción: La tuberculosis es una enfermedad de declaración obligatoria en España. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar su situación epidemiológica en el periodo 2015-2021.  Método: Análisis epidemiológico descriptivo de los casos de TB notificados por las CCAA a la RENAVE durante 2015-2021. Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, edad, CCAA, año de declaración, país de nacimiento y residencia, localización, fecha del caso, resultado del tratamiento, estado frente al VIH y diagnóstico. Se realizó análisis descriptivo de las variables principales y temporo-espacial de las tasas de notificación. Resultados: En 2021, se notificaron 3.754 casos de TB en España, con una tasa de notificación de 7,61 por 100.000 habitantes. Hubo una disminución del 2,18% respecto a 2020 y del 28,07% respecto a 2015. Durante todo el periodo de estudio, se observó un mayor número de casos en hombres (razón 1,6-1,7) y una tendencia decreciente en las tasas de notificación en todas las CCAA, excepto Ceuta. Este descenso de tasas fue superior para las formas pulmonares. La tasa de letalidad se mantuvo relativamente estable para ambos sexos. La calidad de la información proporcionada ha mejorado entre 2015 y 2021, pero se mantiene baja o incluso ha disminuido en variables esenciales como “resultado del tratamiento” o “diagnóstico de VIH”. Conclusiones: La incidencia de TB en España descendió de 2015 a 2021, especialmente en formas pulmonares. Se alcanzaron dos metas de la OMS para 2020, pero la meta fijada para 2035 parece improbable. Persisten importantes deficiencias en la calidad de la información