Loss of socioemotional and occupational roles in individuals with Long COVID according to sociodemographic and clinical factors: Secondary data from a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Long COVID syndrome can have a major impact on life organization. Its persistent symptoms may cause a potentially disabling condition that affects the quality of life of those suffering from it. The resulting loss of functional independence hinders the ability to return to normal life. Many research studies carried out on this novel syndrome have focused on describing its extensive symptomatology. Studies on later repercussions, however, such as disability or loss of significant roles, remain scarce. This study examines the loss of socioemotional and occupational roles experienced by individuals suffering from Long COVID, as a result of the disease. A secondary objective is to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with this loss of roles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 100 patients diagnosed with Long COVID, over the age of 18, and attended by Primary Health Care in the Autonomous Community of Aragon. The main study variable was the loss of significant socioemotional and occupational roles by the participants. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected through a structured interview. Subsequently, a descriptive, correlational, and regression-based statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS Statistics program. RESULTS: Based on the 100 study participants, the median number of roles lost was 3 (IQR 2) and the median number of valuable roles lost was 2 (IQR 2). More cognitive impairment and not having an active work role were predictors of a greater loss of valuables roles. CONCLUSION: Long COVID symptoms hinder the development of socioemotional and occupational roles. Healthcare professionals should consider this when intervening to ensure that their patients may recover their life as it was before the disease.

Motivational Interviewing as a Tool to Increase Motivation and Adherence to a Long COVID Telerehabilitation Intervention: Secondary Data Analysis from a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Although motivational interviewing was originally developed to address abuse disorders, scientific evidence confirms that it is an increasingly used and effective approach in a wide range of therapeutic interventions. To date, however, no studies have analyzed the use of this tool in patients with persistent symptoms following coronavirus disease 2019, a condition known as Long COVID. Purpose: To analyze the effectiveness of motivational interviewing with regard to the adherence to telerehabilitation for Long COVID using a mobile application. As a secondary objective, factors related to greater motivation before and after the motivational interviewing techniques were analyzed. Patients and Methods: This longitudinal design substudy used a sample of 52 adult patients with Long COVID participating in the intervention group of a randomized clinical trial. This trial examined the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program for this population using a mobile application. This program included three motivational interviews to achieve maximum treatment adherence. In this study, the main variables were motivation and adherence to application use. Sociodemographic and clinical data, personal constructs, and affective state were also collected. Subsequently, a descriptive, correlational, and regression statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS Statistics program. Results: The median motivation prior to the first motivational interview was 8 (IQR 2), the median at the end of the last motivational interview was 8.5 (IQR 2.75), and the change in motivation levels after the three motivational interviews was 0.5 (IQR 1). Affective state and final motivation scores were predictors of greater adherence to telerehabilitation treatment. Conclusion: A high level of motivation after participating in motivational interviewing appears to be related to higher levels of adherence to telerehabilitation in patients with Long COVID. This suggests that motivational interviewing may be an effective tool in the treatment of this disease.

Use of health services and medication use, new comorbidities, and mortality in patients with chronic diseases who did not contract COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic: a retrospective study and comparison by sex.

BACKGROUND: The restrictions introduced to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus have also had a direct impact on people with chronic diseases and especially on diseases to which lifestyles are relevant in their control and management, such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a longitudinal analysis of new comorbidities, mortality, medication use, and the use of health resources in patients with chronic diseases who did not contract COVID-19, comparing the six months before the strict lockdown to the 12 months following the end of the strict lockdown. METHOD: An observational real world data pre-post study of 668,974 people was undertaken. The patients studied were over 16 years of age, had been receiving care from the Aragon Health Service (Northeastern Spain), were diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases, and had not contracted COVID-19. Sociodemographic, comorbidity, pharmacological and health resource use variables were collected during the six months before the onset of the lockdown and during the six and 12 months following the end of the lockdown. The comparisons by sex were carried out using a Student T-test or chi-squared test to analyse differences. RESULTS: Dyslipidaemia (42.1%) followed by hypertension (35.1%) and anxiety and depression (34.6%) were the most prevalent chronic diseases among the study population. 78.% of patients had between one and four chronic illnesses. There was a decrease in new diagnoses of other chronic comorbidities in this population and a decrease in medications prescribed and the use of health services.  Although women received more diagnoses of chronic diseases, the number of medications dispensed was lower, but the use of health services was higher. These figures were maintained throughout the pandemic. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest an underdiagnosis of new chronic comorbidities and a decrease in mortality rates from causes unrelated to COVID-19 due to the closure of health centres in Aragón (Spain) during the lockdown. This trend was exacerbated in women. The underdiagnosis of new chronic comorbidities during confinement can cause the disease to worsen, with the consequent increase in symptoms and the worsening of chronic pathologies in patients with a severe evolution.

Online multimodal rehabilitation programme to improve symptoms and quality of life for adults diagnosed with long COVID-19: a Randomised Clinical Trial protocol.

Background: Long COVID is a multisystemic condition which affects quality of life and implies a multidisciplinary treatment approach. There is still limited evidence on management techniques for this syndrome. "Telerehabilitation" could be an important tool when addressing the symptoms of this patients with the aim of increasing their quality of life. The purpose of this trial is to analyse the effectiveness of an online multimodal rehabilitation programme to improve the symptomatology of people with long COVID and their quality of life. Methods: A pragmatic randomised controlled trial will be performed with two parallel groups: (1) usual treatment by the primary care practitioner (Treatment as usual, TAU; control group) and (2) TAU plus the use of an online multimodal rehabilitation programme, including videoconferences and content published on a Moodle platform (intervention group). The data will be collected before and after the intervention. A follow-up will take place 3 months later. Discussion: There is still a lack of knowledge regarding the management of the symptoms of long COVID. This creates the need to add scientific evidence about the care of this disease, considering that multidisciplinary social and health teams can offer the necessary care so that these patients can recover their previous quality of life.Clinical trial registration: The protocol for this study was registered with the ISRCTN Registry [registration number: ISRCTN15414370] on 28 December 2022.

Use of community resources as health assets for rehabilitation of people with Long COVID in northeastern Spain two years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic: qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: The epidemiology of Post COVID Condition is not yet known. There are different treatment options, but they are not recommended or suitable for all those affected. For this reason and due to the lack of health treatment, many of these patients have tried to carry out their own rehabilitation through the use of community resources. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to deepen into the understanding about the use of community resources as assets for health and rehabilitation by people with Long COVID and their utility. METHODOLOGY: A qualitative design was carried out with the participation of 35 Long COVID patients, of which 17 subjects were interviewed individually and 18 of them were part of two focus groups. The participating patients were recruited in November and December 2021 from the Primary Health Care centers and through the Association of Long COVID patients of Aragon. The research topics were the use of community resources, before and after their infection by COVID-19, rehabilitation through their use, as well as barriers and strengths for their employment. All analyses were performed iteratively using NVivo software. RESULTS: Long COVID patients who have used community resources for rehabilitation have seen an improvement in their physical and mental health. Most of them, specifically those affected, have used green spaces, public facilities, physical or cultural activities and associations. The main barriers identified have been the symptoms themselves and the fear of reinfection, with the main advantage of these activities being the perceived health benefits. CONCLUSION: The use of community resources seems to be beneficial in the recovery process of Long COVID patients, so it is necessary to continue delving into this topic and promote the formal use of the Recommendation of Health Assets from Primary healthcare.

Worsening of alcohol abuse disorder in a Spanish population during the first twelve months of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors: retrospective, ecological and community study.

PURPOSE: To analyse: (1) Changes in clinical parameters and in the use of social healthcare resources by patients with alcohol abuse disorder between the six months prior to the start of the pandemic and the first year of the pandemic. (2) The factors related to a worsening of clinical parameters among patients with alcohol abuse disorder. METHODS: A retrospective and observational study of a population who have been diagnosed with alcohol abuse disorders according to their primary health care (PHC) electronic medical records was performed. The total sample was made up of 11,384 patients. The variables (sociodemographic variables, chronic comorbidities, analytical parameters related to alcohol abuse disorder, COVID-19 infection, and use of healthcare resources) were collected in three different time periods: (i) six months before the onset of the strict lockdown, (ii) six months following the end of lockdown and (iii) from six to twelve months after the end of lockdown. Paired Student's T-test and a multivariate logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Along the first year after the onset of the pandemic, between 44% and 54% of the patients suffered a decline in every clinical parameter. The number of PHC nursing, GP visits and social worker visits reduced significantly. As regards the associated factors related to deterioration of alcohol abuse disorder, being younger than 40 years old, having an income of over 18,000 euros/year and not having visited the social worker were associated with a worsening of the disorder. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the impact of COVID-19 on this group has been high, and the social care offered to these patients plays a significant role in minimising the repercussions of the pandemic.

[Development of autoimmunity in patients with primary immunodeficiencies]. / Desarrollo de autoinmunidad en pacientes con inmunodeficiencias primarias.

The autoimmune diseases include many in which the immune system is directed against the host, leading to life-threatening destruction of organs. The origin of autoimmune disorders can be multifactorial and, there are no specific therapy for these diseases. Primary immunodeficiencies are a group of immune disorders that affect different components of the innate and adaptive responses. Interestingly, patients with primary immunodeficiencies have an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and non-infectious complications including allergies, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases. The molecular mechanism for development of autoimmunity in immunodeficiencies is unclear. The study of the complex immune regulatory and signaling mechanisms is revealing the relationships between primary immunodeficiency syndromes and autoimmune diseases. Newly, it has been demonstrated that a deficient maturation of immune cells; the deficiency of proteins important for T and B lymphocyte function and impaired signally pathways that include key molecules in regulation and activation of immune cells are associated with the development of autoimmunity in patients with primary immunodeficiencies. The aim of the present work is to review the evidence available to date regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of autoimmunity in patients with primary immunodeficiencies.

Las enfermedades autoinmunes constituyen un grupo de trastornos del sistema inmunológico en dónde este ataca a las células propias del organismo. Las causas pueden ser multifactoriales y no hay tratamientos específicos contra estas enfermedades. Por su parte, las inmunodeficiencias primarias (IDP) son un grupo de alteraciones originadas por defectos genéticos que tienen como consecuencia la deficiencia en la función del sistema inmunológico. Actualmente, se han descrito algunos mecanismos celulares y moleculares por los cuales se desarrollan trastornos autoinmunes en pacientes con inmunodeficiencias, sin embargo, dichos mecanismos no se han descrito con exactitud. Lo anterior, representa uno de los principales retos de las personas que lo padecen. De manera interesante, diversos reportes indican que la autoinmunidad secundaria a la inmunodeficiencia sigue algunos mecanismos celulares y moleculares como: una deficiente maduración de células inmunológicas; deficiencia de proteínas importantes para la función de los linfocitos T y B y; fallas en la función de moléculas de señalización intracelular importantes para la regulación inmunológica. En conjunto, estos mecanismos se relacionan con el desarrollo de autoinmunidad en pacientes con IDP. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar una revisión de la evidencia disponible hasta la fecha respecto a los mecanismos celulares y moleculares implicados en el desarrollo de autoinmunidad en pacientes con IDP.

Clinical characterization and factors associated with quality of life in Long COVID patients: Secondary data analysis from a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Long COVID patients suffer a negative impact on their quality of life, as well as their functioning, productivity or socialization. There is a need to better understand the individual experience and circumstances surrounding these patients. OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical picture of Long COVID patients and to identify factors associated with quality of life. METHODS: A secondary data analysis from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) was carried out with 100 Long COVID patients treated by Primary Health Care and residents in the territory of Aragon (northeast of Spain). The main variable of the study was quality of life, evaluated using the SF-36 Questionnaire, in relation to socio-demographic and clinical variables. In addition, ten validated scales were used that contemplated their cognitive, affective, functional and social status, as well as personal constructs. Correlation statistics and linear regression model were calculated. RESULTS: Long COVID patients suffer a decrease in their levels of physical and mental health. On the one hand, the higher number of persistent symptoms (b = -0.900, p = 0.008), worse physical functioning (b = 1.587, p = 0.002) and sleep quality (b = -0.538, p = 0.035) are predictors of worse quality of life, physical subscale. On the other hand, higher educational level (b = 13.167, p = 0.017), lower number of persistent symptoms (b = -0.621, p = 0.057) and higher affective affectation (b = -1.402, p<0.001) are predictors of worse quality of life, mental subscale. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to design rehabilitation programs that consider both the physical and mental health of these patients, thus obtaining an improvement in their quality of life.

Application of probability theory to neonatal cardiac evaluation.

Based on probability theory, a methodology that allows diagnosing neonatal cardiac dynamics was previously developed; however, diagnostic applications of this method are required to validate it to the neonatal cardiac dynamics was conducted, allowing to differentiate normal from pathological dynamics. The hourly maximum and minimum heart rate values from 39 continuous and ambulatory electrocardiographic records with a minimum length of 21 hours were taken, from newborns between 0 and 10 days of life, 9 clinically within normality limits and 30 with cardiac pathologies. The probability of occurrence of heart rates in ranges of 5 beats/minute was calculated. The distributions of probability were analysed, and finally the diagnosis was determined by the physical-mathematical methodology. Then, a statistical validation of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic agreement was performed. Normal registries showed probability distributions with absent or minimal presence of heart rates of the ranges between 125 and 135 beats/minute, while the abnormal ones had values within these ranges, as well as absence or minimal presence of heart rates from 75 beats/minute to 85 beats/minute. The sensitivity and specificity were 100%, and the Kappa coefficient had a value of 1. Hereby, it is concluded that through an application of a physical-mathematical methodology of neonatal cardiac diagnosis, it is possible to differentiate normality from disease.

Predicción fisicomatemática de la dinámica semestral de la malaria en Antioquia, Colombia / Physico-mathematical prediction of the biannual dynamics of malaria in Antioquia, Colombia

Introducción: La malaria es una enfermedad endémica en Colombia, cuyas características biológicas, fisiopatológicas y el impacto socioeconómico que genera la han posicionado como una enfermedad de interés en salud pública. Objetivo: Predecir el número de casos notificados de malaria para el segundo semestre del año 2020 en el departamento de Antioquia, a través de la aplicación de la teoría de la probabilidad y la caminata al azar. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional longitudinal retrospectivo. Se analizó la dinámica geométrica del comportamiento semestral de la epidemia de malaria en el departamento de Antioquia durante los años 2008-2020 con los datos del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública, como una caminata al azar probabilística. En relación con los aumentos y disminuciones consecutivas semestrales, se determinó el número de infectados más probable para el segundo semestre del año 2020. Resultados: El valor de la predicción fue de 3433. Al ser comparado con los valores reportados por el Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública, se obtuvo un porcentaje de acierto del 95,4 %. Conclusiones: Al predecir con alta precisión el número de infectados para el segundo semestre del año 2020 en el departamento de Antioquia, se evidencia la potencialidad de la metodología para implementarse como una herramienta de vigilancia en salud pública y como un medio que sirva para apoyar la toma de decisiones en materia de políticas públicas.

Introduction: Malaria is an endemic disease in Colombia. Due to its biological and pathophysiological characteristics and socioeconomic impact, it is positioned as a disease of public health interest. Objective: To predict the number of reported cases of malaria for the second semester of 2020 in Antioquia department using the theory of probability and probabilistic random walk. Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted. The geometric dynamics of the biannual development of malaria epidemic in Antioquia department from 2008 to 2020 was analyzed using the data from the National Surveillance System in Public Health as a probabilistic random walk. Regarding the consecutive biannual reductions and increments, the most probable number of infected individuals was determined for the second semester of 2020. Results: The predictive value was 3433. When it was compared to the values reported by the National Surveillance System in Public Health, a 95.4% accuracy rate was obtained. Conclusions: By predicting with high accuracy the number of infected individuals for the second semester of 2020 in Antioquia department, it is evident the methodology potential as a public health surveillance tool and as a means to support public policy decision making.

Formación Interprofesional en salud mental: un reto posible / Interprofessional training in mental health: a possible challenge

RESUMEN: Introducción: El abordaje de la salud mental requiere acciones interprofesionales, sin embargo, su enseñanza es tradicionalmente uniprofesional y en escenarios especializados, reforzando la creencia que la salud mental es cuestión de especialistas. Es por esto que se diseña la primera rotación interprofesional en salud mental de la que se tenga conocimiento en Colombia, en la cual rotan estudiantes de medicina y psicología. El objetivo del presente artículo es describir este proceso y la rotación. Material y método: Se describe cuáles fueron los pasos para el diseño y la implementación de la rotación interprofesional en salud mental. Resultados: Se describe la rotación, la cual cuenta con elementos clínicos y simulados y diversas metodologías de aprendizaje y evaluación. Conclusiones: La rotación interprofesional es una estrategia útil en el proceso de aprendizaje de competencias en salud mental y habilidades para el trabajo interprofesional.

ABSTRACT Background: Mental health approaches require interprofessional actions. However, education on mental health is traditionally uniprofessional and is performed in specialized scenarios which reinforces the belief that mental health is only a concern for specialists. This is the reason why the first interprofessional mental health rotation in Colombia was designed and launched. The aim of this paper is to describe that process and the rotation itself. Material and method: This work describes the steps for the design and implementation of an interprofessional rotation on mental health. which involve medicine and psychology students. Results: The structure of the rotation is detailed. It contains both a clinical component and a simulated one, and diverse methodologies for learning and assessment. Conclusions: This interprofessional rotation is a useful strategy in the learning process of specific competences in mental health, and it facilitates acquisition of skills for teamwork.

Effect of acute physical exercise on inhibitory control in young adults: High-intensity indoor cycling session.

There is growing evidence that physical exercise (PE) may boost cognitive performance. However, criteria regarding PE intensity, duration, and frequency are still being studied. We hypothesize that high PE intensities have effects on inhibitory control. For this reason, our aim was to study the effect of acute PE on IC in healthy young students of a bachelor's degree in physical education and exercise via a 20-minute indoor cycling session at 80-90% HRmax intensity. We devised an experimental group design (n = 9) relative to a control group (n = 10) with pre-and-post-test IC measures. A Stroop task (two conditions) was administered to undergraduate students (Mage = 23.3, SD = 1.6) of a bachelor's degree program in Physical Education and Sports Sciences from a public university in Colombia. The computed MANOVA did not show an interaction effect between the experimental task of Stroop A-B x measure x group. However, a main effect of reduced response time was obtained after PE in the experimental group. Other main effects were observed in the number of correct and incorrect trials in the Stroop-B condition. The experimental group showed fewer correct answers after PE, and the control group showed fewer errors. It is concluded that high-intensity PE confers favorable effects on inhibitory control.

Analysis of antepartum cardiotocography based on S/k proportions and probability in 20 minutes / Análisis de la cardiotocografía anteparto mediante las relaciones S/k y la probabilidad en 20 minutos

Abstract Objectives: although mortality and perinatal asphyxia in newborns have been considerably reduced, there are still deficiencies in screening and diagnosis methods for intrapartum fetal well being that aim to detect its early alterations. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to apply a methodology based on probability and entropy and confirm its capacity to detect normal and abnormal fetal cardiac dynamics from 20-minute cardiotocographic tracings. Methods: 80 cardiotocographic tracings of pregnant women in the last trimester were collected, of which the minimum and maximum fetal heart rate were evaluated every 10 seconds, as well as its repetitions along with their probability and the diagnostic S/k ratio. Finally, the statistical analysis was carried out to establish the diagnostic capacity of the method concerning the clinical evaluation and interpretation of the cardiotocographic tracing, taken as the Gold Standard. Results: it was confirmed that S/k ratio values differentiated normal from abnormal fetal cardiac dynamics with sensitivity and specificity values of 100% and a Kappa coefficient of 1. Conclusion: the applicability of a diagnostic mathematical method of cardiotocography was confirmed, which suggests its implementation in the clinical context to detect alterations in fetal well-being in 20 minutes.

Resumo Objetivos: aunque se ha logrado reducir considerablemente la mortalidad y asfixia perinatal en neonatos, aún hay deficiencias en los métodos de tamizaje y diagnóstico del bienestar fetal intraparto que detecten sus alteraciones tempranas. Por lo anterior, el propósito de esta investigación fue aplicar una metodología basada en la probabilidad y la entropía y confirmar su capacidad para diagnosticar la dinámica cardíaca fetal normal de la anormal a partir de trazados cardiotocográficos de 20 minutos. Métodos: se recolectaron 80 trazados cardiotocográficos de gestantes en el último trimestre, de los cuales se evaluaron frecuencia cardíaca fetal mínima y máxima cada 10 segundos al igual que sus repeticiones, su probabilidad y la proporción S/k diagnóstica. Finalmente, se realizó un análisis estadístico para establecer la capacidad diagnóstica del método con respecto a la interpretación el trazado cardiotocográfico y la evaluación clínica, tomadas como Gold Standard. Resultados: se confirmó que los valores de la proporción S/k diferenciaron las dinámicas cardíacas fetales normales de las anormales con valores de sensibilidad y especificidad del 100% y un coeficiente Kappa de 1. Conclusión: se confirmó la aplicabilidad de un método matemático diagnóstico de la cardiotocografía, lo cual sugiere que su implementación en la clínica para detectar alteraciones del bienestar fetal en 20 minutos.

Predictive methodology of the dynamics of the number of COVID-19 cases: application to China, Belgium, and South Korea / Metodología predictiva de la dinámica del número de casos de COVID-19: aplicación a China, Bélgica y Corea del Sur

Abstract Objectives: Multiple methodologies based on probability theory have been developed to establish predictions of dengue, malaria, HIV, obesity epidemics, among others. This research aimed to develop a new method for predicting the dynamics of the number of COVID-19 cases for China, Belgium, and South Korea based on the probability theory that allows the evaluation and comparison of their increment. Material and methods: Probability ranges of the number of COVID-19 cases were established, which were assigned to each of the daily number of COVID-19 cases reported by China, Belgium, and South Korea that were evaluated during 74, 50, and 50 days respectively. The frequency and probability of each daily range for each country was calculated. Their total probability and the probability of the dynamics in intervals of 8 consecutive days were calculated, and the values between countries were compared to evaluate their differences. Results: Probability values of 1.21E-30, 2.03E-22, and 3.15E-12 were established for China, Belgium, and South Korea, which allows the quantitative differentiation of the characteristics of their dynamics. The probability differences of the 8-day subspaces ranged from 0.003 to 1, allowing the temporal changes in the dynamics to be evaluated. Conclusion: The ranges established for the evaluation of the number of COVID-19 cases allow to differentiate the behavior of epidemics between countries and to stratify the severity of expansion. Highlighting an underlying mathematical order for this phenomenon permitted quantitatively predict its spatiotemporal dynamic and indirectly, the efficacy of public health politics implemented for each country.

Resumen Objetivos: Se han desarrollado múltiples metodologías basadas en la teoría de la probabilidad para establecer predicciones de epidemias de dengue, malaria, VIH, obesidad, entre otras. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo desarrollar un nuevo método de predicción de la dinámica del número de casos de COVID-19 para China, Bélgica y Corea del Sur, basado en la teoría de la probabilidad que permite evaluar y comparar su crecimiento. Materiales y métodos: Se establecieron rangos de probabilidad del número de casos de COVID-19, los cuales fueron asignados a cada uno de los valores diarios del número de casos de COVID-19 reportados por China Bélgica y Corea del Sur evaluados durante 74, 50 y 50 días, respectivamente. Se calculó la frecuencia y probabilidad de cada rango diario para cada país. Se calculó su probabilidad total y la probabilidad de la dinámica en intervalos de 8 días consecutivos y se compararon los valores entre países para evaluar sus diferencias. Resultados: se establecieron valores de probabilidad de 1.21E-30, 2.03E-22 y 3.15E-12 para China, Bélgica y Corea del Sur, lo que permite diferenciar cuantitativamente las características de su dinámica. Las diferencias de probabilidad de los subespacios de 8 días variaron de 0,003 a 1, lo que permitió evaluar los cambios temporales en la dinámica. Conclusión: los rangos establecidos para la evaluación del número de casos de COVID-19 permiten diferenciar el comportamiento de las epidemias entre países y estratificar la severidad de la expansión, destacando un orden matemático subyacente para este fenómeno que permite predecir cuantitativamente su dinámica espacio-temporal y indirectamente, la eficacia de las políticas de salud pública implementadas para cada país.

Risk Factors for High-Arched Palate and Posterior Crossbite at the Age of 5 in Children Born Very Preterm: EPIPAGE-2 Cohort Study.

Introduction: Children born very preterm have an immature sucking reflex at birth and are exposed to neonatal care that can impede proper palate growth. Objectives: We aimed to describe the frequency of high-arched palate and posterior crossbite at the age of 5 in children born very preterm and to identify their respective risk factors. Methods: Our study was based on the data from EPIPAGE-2, a French national prospective cohort study, and included 2,594 children born between 24- and 31-week gestation. Outcomes were high-arched palate and posterior crossbite. Multivariable models estimated by generalized estimation equations with multiple imputation were used to study the association between the potential risk factors studied and each outcome. Results: Overall, 8% of children born very preterm had a high-arched palate and 15% posterior crossbite. The odds of high-arched palate were increased for children with low gestational age (24-29 vs. 30-31 weeks of gestation) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17, 2.66], thumb-sucking habits at the age of 2 (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.03, 2.28), and cerebral palsy (aOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.28, 3.69). The odds of posterior crossbite were increased for children with pacifier-sucking habits at the age of 2 (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.30, 2.36). Conclusions: Among very preterm children, low gestational age and cerebral palsy are the specific risk factors for a high-arched palate. High-arched palate and posterior crossbite share non-nutritive sucking habits as a common risk factor. The oro-facial growth of these children should be monitored.

Enseñando medicina en tiempos de pandemia: una experiencia desde el curso Salud Mental / Teaching medicine in pandemic times: An experience from mental health rotation

RESUMEN Introducción: la pandemia por la COVID-19 llevó a la implementación de medidas de protección en diversos ámbitos de la sociedad. Bajo esta premisa, en todos los niveles de la educación en Colombia se cancelaron las clases presenciales, ocasionando el cese asistencial de los estudiantes de medicina en los hospitales donde realizaban sus practices clínicas. Objetivos: describir las estrategias educativas aplicadas para continuar con las rotaciones clínicas, garantizando el desarrollo de las competencias necesarias en el programa de salud mental. Métodos: la rotación en salud mental del pregrado Medicina, posterior al aislamiento preventivo decretado por el gobierno colombiano, se empezó a realizar de manera virtual y remota con el uso de diversas herramientas tecnológicas. Con la apertura parcial se implementaron actividades semipresenciales y con pacientes reales. Se realizaron actividades sincrónicas y asincrónicas que incluyeron el aprendizaje de recursos tecnológicos, telesimulación, seminarios, talleres, Desarrollo de casos y clubes de revistas, entre otros. Resultados: la virtualidad permitió, además de brindar un aprendizaje de calidad, generar espacios de acompañamiento personalizado a los estudiantes por la situación relacionadacon la pandemia, así como el diseño de estrategias de enseñanza y mecanismos de evaluación novedosos. Conclusiones: la experiencia del cambio de la educación presencial a la virtual permitió múltiples aprendizajes personales y técnicos, y la implementación de nuevas metodologías y herramientas tecnológicas, obteniendo resultados favorables en la ejecución del curso y la evaluación de él mismo con una adecuada satisfacción, tanto en los docentes de psiquiatría como en los estudiantes.

SUMMARY Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of diverse safety measures in various aspects of society. Traditional in-person classes were canceled under this premise at all levels of education in Colombia, causing medical students to stop assisting to hospitals for their clinical practices. Objectives: Describe educational strategies applied to continue clinical rotations, securing the development of the necessary competences in the mental health program. Methods: The Medicine School's clinical rotation on mental health started being instructed virtually and remotely using diverse technological tools after the Colombian government decreed a preventive lockdown. Mixed modality activities with real patients restarted once lockdown was partially lifted. We performed synchronous and asynchronous activities that included learning using technological resources, telesimulation, seminaries, workshops, case developments, and journal clubs, among others. Results: Virtual instruction generated personalized tutorship spaces, the design of adapted teaching strategies and novel evaluation mechanisms while maintaining the quality of learning. Conclusion: The change from traditional in-person education to a virtual learning produced multiple personal and technical lessons with the implementation of new methodologies and technological tools, obtaining favorable results in execution, evaluation, and psychiatry teacher's and student's satisfaction.

Development and validation of a sampling and analysis method to determine biogenic sulfur in a desulfurization bioreactor by gas chromatography coupled with a pulsed flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD).

Suspended biomass bioreactors can be operated to remove H2S from biogas under anoxic conditions and produce elemental sulfur, the commercial value of which has been demonstrated. In the present paper, a novel methodology comprising the optimization of a determination method performed in a gas chromatograph equipped with a pulsed flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD), combined with a simple preparation based on filtration and extraction with toluene, is proposed. The injector temperature and carrier gas flow rate (QHe) values were optimized using a response surface methodology based on a face-centred composite central design. This optimization revealed that the optimum conditions were an injector temperature and carrier gas flow rate of 222 °C and 7 mL min-1, respectively. The chromatographic method shows an analysis time of 48 min, a detection limit of more than 5.9 mg L-1, a relative standard deviation of less than 3.71%, and a sulfur recovery percentage of more than 98%. These values provide excellent linearity and a reasonable concentration range (10-200 mg L-1). Finally, a measurement error of 4.45% was obtained when using the present method in a selectivity test.

Development and Validation of a Mobile Application as an Adjuvant Treatment for People Diagnosed with Long COVID-19: Protocol for a Co-Creation Study of a Health Asset and an Analysis of Its Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the overall effectiveness and cost-efficiency of a mobile application (APP) as a community health asset (HA) with recommendations and recovery exercises created bearing in mind the main symptoms presented by patients in order to improve their quality of life, as well as other secondary variables, such as the number and severity of ongoing symptoms, physical and cognitive functions, affective state, and sleep quality. METHODS: The first step was to design and develop the technologic community resource, the APP, following the steps involved in the process of recommending health assets (RHA). After this, a protocol of a randomised clinical trial for analysing its effectiveness and cost-efficiency as a HA was developed. The participants will be assigned to: (1st) usual treatment by the primary care practitioner (TAU), as a control group; and (2nd) TAU + use of the APP as a HA and adjuvant treatment in their recovery + three motivational interviews (MI), as an interventional group. An evaluation will be carried out at baseline with further assessments three and six months following the end of the intervention. DISCUSSION: Although research and care for these patients are still in their initial stages, it is necessary to equip patients and health care practitioners with tools to assist in their recovery. Furthermore, enhanced motivation can be achieved through telerehabilitation (TR).

Predicción de la prevalencia de la enfermedad periodontal en la población colombiana en el contexto de la caminata al azar probabilista / Prediction Of The Prevalence Of Periodontal Disease In The Colombian Population In The Context Of Probabilistic Random Walking

Introducción: La enfermedad periodontal es un problema de salud pública que requiere de un seguimiento en el tiempo que permita la implementación de planes de salud apropiados. Objetivo: Establecer el comportamiento de la dinámica de la enfermedad periodontal a través de la caminata al azar probabilista mediante la simulación de los valores de la prevalencia de la enfermedad periodontal en Colombia. Métodos: Se tomaron los valores disponibles y reportados por el Estudio Nacional de Salud Bucal II al IV de la prevalencia de la enfermedad periodontal, y a partir de estos se realizaron tres simulaciones de este comportamiento, para hacer predicciones de los valores de la prevalencia para los años 1998 y 2014 mediante la caminata al azar probabilista. Adicionalmente, se realizaron tres simulaciones predictivas para la dinámica de la prevalencia hasta el año 2030, para establecer el comportamiento teórico que esta variable pueda seguir. Resultados: Las tres simulaciones teóricas permitieron hacer predicciones del índice de prevalencia para el año 1998 y 2014 con un porcentaje de acierto cercano al 100 por ciento. Adicionalmente se observó que el evento más probable es que se presente un aumento en índice de prevalencia para el año 2030 respecto al valor obtenido para el 2014. Conclusiones: Es posible realizar predicciones del comportamiento de la dinámica de la enfermedad periodontal que permitan evaluar los planes de acción en salud orientados a disminuir la prevalencia de las enfermedades periodontales(AU)

Introduction: Periodontal disease is a public health problem which requires follow-up over time that allows the implementation of appropriate health plans. Objective: Establish the behavior of the dynamics of periodontal disease through probabilistic random walking by simulating the values of periodontal disease prevalence in Colombia. Methods: The values available and reported by the National Oral Health Study II to IV on periodontal disease prevalence were taken, and from these, three simulations of this behavior were carried out to make predictions of the prevalence values for the years 1998 and 2014 through probabilistic random walking. Additionally, three predictive simulations were performed for the dynamics of prevalence until 2030 to establish the theoretical behavior that this variable can follow. Results: The three theoretical simulations allowed to make predictions of the prevalence rate for the years 1998 and 2014 with a percentage of success close to 100 percent. Additionally, it was observed that the most likely event is that there will be an increase in the prevalence rate by 2030 compared to the value obtained by 2014. Conclusions: It is possible to make predictions of the periodontal disease's dynamics behavior that allow evaluating health action plans aimed at reducing the prevalence of periodontal diseases(AU)

Mathematical law of cardiac dynamic systems: reduction of its evaluation time to 18 hours / [Ley matemática de los sistemas dinámicos cardiacos: reducción de su tiempo de evaluación a 18 horas]

Introduction: Previously, a physical-mathematical law was developed for the evaluation of continuous electrocardiographic and Holter registers, with which all cardiac attractors were deduced and normality, pathological states and evolution between states were differentiated.There were taken 200 cardiac dynamics, 150 with different types of cardiac pathologies and 50 normal ones, to which the exponential law was applied in 18 and 21 hours. For this, a sequence of heart rates was simulated, with which the chaotic attractor was constructed. Next, the mathematical diagnosis was determined with the law based on the spatial occupation of the attractor, and the fractal dimension was calculated. Finally, statistical validation of the mathematical method in 18 hours was performed against the Gold Standard. Results: Subjects with normal chaotic cardiac dynamics presented values in the Kp grid between 205 and 384, whereas subjects with pathological dynamics presented values between 61 and 191 in 18 hours. The evaluation of the concordance between the mathematical diagnosis in 18 hours and the conventional evaluation, taken as Gold Standard resulted in sensitivity and specificity values of 100% and a Kappa coefficient of 1. Conclusion: It was confirmed the clinical capacity of the law to diagnose objectively and with reproducibility in 18 hours.