Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections in children and adolescents: risk factors associated with carbapenem resistance and mortality.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections (PA-BSIs) are a serious disease and a therapeutic challenge due to increasing resistance to carbapenems. Our objectives were to describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with carbapenem resistance (CR) and mortality in children with PA-BSI. METHODS: A retrospective, multi-centre study was carried out, including patients aged <20 years with PA-BSI in four tertiary hospitals in Madrid (Spain) during 2010-2020. Risk factors for CR PA-BSIs and 30-day mortality were evaluated in a multi-variable logistic regression model. RESULTS: In total, 151 patients with PA-BSI were included, with a median age of 29 months (interquartile range: 3.5-87.1). Forty-five (29.8%) cases were CR, 9.9% multi-drug resistant and 6.6% extensively drug resistant. The prevalence of CR remained stable throughout the study period, with 26.7% (12/45) of CR mediated by VIM-type carbapenemase. Patients with BSIs produced by CR-PA were more likely to receive inappropriate empiric treatment (53.3% vs 5.7%, P<0.001) and to have been previously colonized by CR-PA (8.9% vs 0%, P=0.002) than BSIs caused by carbapenem-susceptible P. aeruginosa. CR was associated with carbapenem treatment in the previous month (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 11.15) and solid organ transplantation (aOR 7.64). The 30-day mortality was 23.2%, which was associated with mechanical ventilation (aOR 4.24), sepsis (aOR 5.72), inappropriate empiric antibiotic therapy (aOR 5.86), and source control as a protective factor (aOR 0.16). CONCLUSION: This study shows a concerning prevalence of CR in children with PA-BSIs, leading to high mortality. Inappropriate empiric treatment and sepsis were associated with mortality. The high prevalence of CR with an increased risk of inappropriate empiric treatment should be closely monitored.

Impact of genetic diversity and antibiotic-resistance of Salmonella isolated from feral cats: One Health approach.

Free-living cats usually live in colonies in urban areas, especially close to parks and neighbourhoods where people feed them without any sanitary control. This can pose a human, animal and environmental health concern due to the close contact between uncontrolled colonies, the population and other domestic and/or wild animals. Thus, this study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains isolated from feral cats in a previous epidemiological study in the Gran Canaria island (Spain). A total of nineteen Salmonella isolates were obtained from November 2018 to January 2019 in a Salmonella epidemiological study in feral cats. All isolates obtained were genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PGFE) and were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, in accordance with Decision 2013/652/EU. PFGE analysis revealed isolates clustering by serovar, with identical clones for serovars Bredeney and Grancanaria, while differing pulsotypes were observed for serovars Florida (88.89 % similarity) and Nima (83.23 % similarity). All but two isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. The results obtained demonstrate that feral cats in the region investigated are a reservoir of Salmonella strains resistant to gentamicin (94.1 %) and of the critically important antimicrobial tigecycline (23.5 %). Hence, they could excrete AMR strains through their faeces and contaminate the environment, favoring the spread of such bacteria to cohabiting pets. Moreover, this widespread presence of AMR Salmonella clones across various serovars highlights the urgent need to implement efficient antimicrobial stewardship and control programs by the local governments due to the ongoing need to protect human and animal health under a One Health concept.

Increased risk of group B streptococcal sepsis and meningitis in HIV-exposed uninfected infants in a high-income country.

The purpose of this study is to compare group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection incidence in HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV-unexposed (HU) infants in a Spanish cohort. We conducted a retrospective study in 5 hospitals in Madrid (Spain). Infants ≤ 90 days of life with a GBS infection were included from January 2008 to December 2017. Incidence of GBS infection in HEU and HU children was compared. HEU infants presented a sevenfold greater risk of GBS infection and a 29-fold greater risk of GBS meningitis compared to HU, with statistical significance. Early-onset infection was tenfold more frequent in HEU children, with statistical significance, and late-onset infection was almost fivefold more frequent in the HUE infants' group, without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: HEU infants presented an increased risk of GBS sepsis and meningitis. One in each 500 HEU infants of our cohort had a central nervous system infection and 1 in each 200, a GBS infection. Although etiological causes are not well understood, this should be taken into account by physicians when attending this population. WHAT IS KNOWN: • HIV-exposed uninfected infants are at higher risk of severe infections. • An increased susceptibility of these infants to group B Streptococcus infections has been described in low- and high-income countries, including a higher risk of meningitis in a South African cohort. WHAT IS NEW: • Group B Streptococcal meningitis is more frequent in HIV-exposed uninfected infants also in high-income countries. • Physicians should be aware of this increased risk when attending these infants.

[Left cardiac sympathetic denervation in congenital ventricular arrythmias: initial experience]. / Denervación cardiaca simpática izquierda en las arritmias ventriculares congénitas: experiencia inicial.

BACKGROUND: Left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) has been proposed as a second-line therapy for potentially lethal ventricular arrythmia with no response to the gold standard treatment with beta-blockers. It has been used mainly in channelopathies such as long QT syndrome (LQTS) and polymorphic cathecolaminergic ventricular tachycardia (PCVT). AIM: Analizing our preliminary experience in the treatment of congenital ventricular arrythmia with thoracoscopic LCSD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have reviewed the first 5 LCSD performed in the last two years (2011-2013) to 5 female patients with a mean age of 8 years (1 month-15 years). The underlying disease was the LQTS in three and the PCVT in two. RESULTS: Selective contralateral bronchial intubation was used in two cases and double-lumen tube in three. We performed in all cases T1 sympathicolysis, denervation of T2 ganglion and sympathicolysis of T3 and T5 levels. No intraoperatory nor postoperatory complications were observed. In four cases ventricular tachycardia disappeared after the procedure and in one case, although they did not completely disappeared, they could be better controled on medical therapy. Ventricular extrasystoles reappeared 17 months after the procedure in one PCTV case, but disappeared completely after T1-T5 left sympathectomy completion. With a mean follow-up time of 20 months, all patients are sympthom-free and continue on betablocker oral therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic DCSI is a safe and effective therapy for prevention of severe congenital ventricular arrythmias.

INTRODUCCION: La denervación cardiaca simpática izquierda (DCSI) se ha propuesto como tratamiento de segunda línea de las arritmias ventriculares con potencial riesgo de muerte que no responden al tratamiento farmacológico gold standard con beta bloqueantes. Fundamentalmente se ha utilizado en las canalopatías, que incluyen el síndrome de QT largo congénito (SQTL) y la taquicardia ventricular polimórfica catecolaminérgica (TVPC). OBJERIVO: Analizar nuestra experiencia inicial en el tratamiento de las arritmias ventriculares congénitas mediante DCSI toracoscópica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Hemos revisado las primeras 5 DCSI realizadas en los últimos dos años (2011-2013) a 5 pacientes femeninas con una edad media de 8 años (1 mes-15 años). La patología de base fue el SQTL en tres casos y la TVPC en dos. Se utilizó una intubación selectiva contralateral en dos casos y una intubación con tubo de doble luz en tres. En todos los casos se realizó simpaticolisis T1, denervación del ganglio T2 y simpaticolisis de los niveles T3 y T5. RESULTADOS: No se registraron complicaciones intra ni postoperatorias. En 4 casos las taquicardias ventriculares desparecieron tras el procedimiento y en un caso, pese a no desaparecer completamente, se controlaron adecuadamente con tratamiento médico. Un caso de TVPC presentó nuevamente salvas de extrasístoles ventriculares (EV) 17 meses después de la simpaticolisis, realizando una simpatectomía T1-T5 con desaparición de las EV. Con un seguimiento medio de 20 meses, todas las pacientes permanecen asintomáticas y reciben tratamiento betabloqueante oral. CONCLUSIONES: La DCSI vía toracoscópica es un tratamiento efectivo y seguro para la prevención de las arritmias ventriculares congénitas graves.

Use of high-pressure balloon dilatation of the ureterovesical junction instead of ureteral reimplantation to treat primary obstructive megaureter: is it justified?

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes between high-pressure balloon dilatation of the ureterovesical junction (UVJ) and ureteral reimplantation with ureteral tapering to treat primary obstructive megaureter (POM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical data from patients who underwent surgical treatment of POM from 2005 to 2010. Patients were divided into two groups: endoscopic treatment (ET) with UVJ dilatation and ureteral reimplantation (UR) with Cohen's or Leadbetter-Politano neoureterocystostomy and Hendren's tapering. Preoperative studies included ultrasound scan (US), voiding cystourethrography, and diuretic isotopic renogram. Outcome parameters were US, differential renal function (DRF), presence of postoperative vesicoureteral reflux, need for secondary reimplantation and complications. RESULTS ET: 13 patients with a median age of 7 (4-24) months; UR: 12 patients with a median age of 14 (7-84) months, with no statistical differences in age and gender between groups. Preoperative US parameters were similar. ET: mean diameter of renal pelvis, calices and ureter was 23.5 mm, 13.46 mm and 15.77 mm respectively. UR: mean diameter of renal pelvis, calices and ureter was 22.25 mm, 11.75 mm, and 19.08 mm, respectively. Preoperative DRF was 45.62% and 39.33% for ET and UR, respectively (p > 0.05). Significant improvement of hydroureteronephrosis was observed in 11/13 patients of ET and 11/12 patients of UR (p > 0.05). Postoperative DRF was 42% and 48% for ET and UR, respectively (p > 0.05). Postoperative vesicoureteral reflux was observed in 2 patients of ET and 1 of UR (p > 0.05). Secondary ureteral reimplantation was needed in 3 patients of ET and 2 of UR (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of POM is as effective as ureteral reimplantation but further randomized clinical trials are needed to support these results.

Acute and delayed vesicoureteral obstruction after endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer: why and how to manage.

OBJECTIVE: To present our cases of ureteral obstruction after endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We collected data from patients who had suffered ureteral obstruction after endoscopic treatment of VUR with Dx/HA in our institution. RESULTS: From April 2002 to April 2011 we treated endoscopically 475 ureters with VUR, and detected 5 ureteral obstructions. Median age at reflux treatment was 39 months. Reflux grade before treatment was III in one patient and IV in four. Three ureterovesical junctions (UVJ) were blocked after a second endoscopic treatment. The median of Dx/HA injected was 1 ml (0.6-1.1). In two patients ureteral obstruction presented acutely and was treated with a ureteral stent. In the other three, the ureteral obstruction appeared gradually and was detected by ultrasound scans and MAG3 diuretic renogram; one underwent nephrectomy because of poor renal function, and the other two were treated with endoscopic dilatation of the UVJ. In all these patients both reflux and obstructions have resolved. CONCLUSIONS: On preoperative cystography, three of the patients had a narrowed distal ureter, and probably had a refluxing and obstructive megaureter. Other causes are not clear, except for those patients with acute presentation in whom edema of the UVJ was found. Ureteral obstruction after endoscopic treatment of VUR is rare. Endoscopic intervention such as ureteral stent placement or high-pressure balloon dilatation of the UVJ has good results as a treatment of acute and delayed obstruction.

A protection system for the JET ITER-like wall based on imaging diagnostics.

The new JET ITER-like wall (made of beryllium and tungsten) is more fragile than the former carbon fiber composite wall and requires active protection to prevent excessive heat loads on the plasma facing components (PFC). Analog CCD cameras operating in the near infrared wavelength are used to measure surface temperature of the PFCs. Region of interest (ROI) analysis is performed in real time and the maximum temperature measured in each ROI is sent to the vessel thermal map. The protection of the ITER-like wall system started in October 2011 and has already successfully led to a safe landing of the plasma when hot spots were observed on the Be main chamber PFCs. Divertor protection is more of a challenge due to dust deposits that often generate false hot spots. In this contribution we describe the camera, data capture and real time processing systems. We discuss the calibration strategy for the temperature measurements with cross validation with thermal IR cameras and bi-color pyrometers. Most importantly, we demonstrate that a protection system based on CCD cameras can work and show examples of hot spot detections that stop the plasma pulse. The limits of such a design and the associated constraints on the operations are also presented.

Progress of the ITER equatorial vis/IR wide angle viewing system optical design.

The equatorial vis/IR wide angle viewing system is present in four ITER diagnostic equatorial ports. This instrument will cover a large field of view with high spatial and temporal resolutions, to provide real time temperature measurements of plasma facing components, spectral data in the visible range, information on runaway electrons, and pellet tracking. This diagnostic needs to be reliable, precise, and long lasting. Its design is driven by both the tokamak severe environment and the high performances required for machine protection. The preliminary design phase is ongoing. Paramount issues are being tackled, relative to wide spectral band optical design, material choice, and optomechanical difficulties due to the limited space available for this instrument in the ports, since many other diagnostics and services are also present. Recent progress of the diagnostic optical design and status of associated R&D are presented.

Line spread function formulation proposed by W. H. Steel: a revision.

A revised formulation of the image light distribution of an incoherent line source proposed by Steel [Rev. Opt. 31, 334-340 (1952)] is presented. Analytical and numerical results based on this new representation are given. We explicitly show that a major error in Steel's final expression generates singularities, thereby preventing convenient numerical computation.

Calcium hydroxide inhibits substrate adherence capacity of macrophages.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of calcium hydroxide on substrate adherence capacity of rat inflammatory macrophages to determine if calcium hydroxide can alter macrophage function. Inflammatory macrophages were obtained from Wistar rats and resuspended in RPMI-1640 medium. Substrate adherence capacity assays were carried out in Eppendorf tubes for 15 min of incubation at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2. The adherence index (AI) was calculated. Results showed that calcium hydroxide decreased substrate adherence capacity of inflammatory macrophages in a time and dose-dependent manner. The lowest calcium hydroxide concentration that caused a significant inhibition of AI was 1 mM (p < 0.05), and the concentration of calcium hydroxide that caused half-maximal inhibition (IC50) was 1.54 mM (p < 0.01). We conclude that calcium hydroxide decreased substrate adherence capacity of macrophages. When adhesion as the first step in the phagocytic process and in antigen presentation is taken into account, calcium hydroxide could inhibit macrophage function and reduce inflammatory reactions in periapical tissues or in dental pulp when it is used in root-canals therapy or in direct pulp capping and pulpotomy, respectively. Moreover, this effect could explain, at least in part, the mineralized tissue-inducing property of calcium hydroxide.

[Present regulation on infant and follow-on formula]. / Situación legislativa de preparados para lactantes y de continuación.

BACKGROUND: The commercialization of breast milk substitutes has had great economic transcendence, sometimes without considering the sanitary and nutritional consequences for the customer. The sanitary authorities have been implied in this matter both in the International and European fields, issuing standards and regulations for the commercialization of breast milk substitutes which have been adopted by the Spanish Regulation. The aim of this paper is comment the regulations that affect foods for breast-feeding and short age children. METHODS: This report analyzes and comments on the contents of international, european and national regulation on infant and follow-on formula. RESULTS: The regulations about Infant formula and Follow-on formula, banning the term of "humanized milk" and remarking the preference for breast feeding, which could only be substituted by sanitary professionals. This regulation deals with the appropriate chemical composition of these products, qualitative and quantitative. It includes standards for correct labeling, which should contain the appropriate information without idealizing the product Drawings and pictures showing the correct preparation are allowed. It provides for distribution and sales, as well as for correct advertising, which should be under control. This regulation also bans free samples and any other donation to particular customers or sanitary institutions. CONCLUSIONS: The present regulation on "Infant and Follow-on formulas" pursues the adequate nutrition of breast-feeding and short age children, being the protection of this kind of customers everyone's responsibility.

[Dentofacial injuries (1)]. / Traumatismos dentofaciales. (I).

A significant percentage of people suffer dental traumatims along his life. In view of aesthetic and functional importance of dental traumatisms we carry out a aethiological and epidemiological revision, with a study of classification and localization of these lesions.