Distribution of COVID-19 Home Testing Through Community Health Centers: Results of the COVID CoNOce MÁS Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess acceptability and feasibility of rapid at-home COVID-19 testing and reporting of test results among individuals seeking care at community health centers (CHCs) and their household members. METHODS: Participants were recruited from 2 Community Health Centers during a clinic visit or a community event. Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests were distributed to participants for self-testing and to offer testing to household members. Separate surveys were administered to collect baseline information on the study participant and to collect test results on the study participant and household members. We calculated the proportion of individuals who agreed to complete COVID home testing, those who reported test results, and the test positivity. For household members, we calculated the proportion who completed and reported results and the positivity rate. We assessed reasons for undergoing COVID-19 testing and the action taken by participants who reported positive tests. RESULTS: A total of 2189 individuals were approached by CHC staff for participation and 1013 (46.3%) agreed to participate. Among the 959 participants with complete sociodemographic data, 88% were Hispanic and 82.6% were female. The proportion providing test results was 36.2% and the test positivity was 4.2%. Among the 1927 test reports, 35.3% for the index participant and 64.4% were for household members. The largest proportion of test results were for index participants (35.3%) and the second largest was for the participant's children (32.1%), followed by parents (16.9%), and spouse/partner (13.2%). The 2 most common reasons for testing were symptoms (29%) and attending family gatherings (26%). Among test-positive individuals (n = 80), most (83.3%) noted that they isolated but only 16.3% called their provider and 1.3% visited a clinic. CONCLUSION: Our results show interest in at-home COVID-19 testing of multiple household members, as we headed into the endemic phase of the pandemic. However, reporting of test results was modest and among test-positive individuals, reporting results to a provider was very low. These results underscore the challenges with reporting and following guidelines among people undergoing home testing for COVID-19, which may have implications for future pandemics.

Internal and external validation of indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate to discard liver grafts before procurement.

Backgrounds/Aims: Thirty percent of liver grafts in donors after brain death (DBD) in Spain are rejected by procurement surgeons owing to marginal graft quality. Poor donor indocyanine green (ICG) clearance has been associated with graft discard and malfunction. This study aimed to internally and externally validate the predictive value of ICG-plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) to reject grafts before donation and set a cut-off to avoid missing any potential effective donors. Methods: Between March 2017 and August 2023, ICG clearance test was performed immediately before procurement in 71 DBD. The surgeon was blinded to test results. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect independent predictors of graft discard. Discrimination and calibration of predictors were assessed and a cut-off with 100% specificity was set. External validation was performed on 17 donors evaluated by three other transplantation teams. Results: In the training cohort, 30 of 71 grafts were discarded for transplantation. ICG-PDR was the only donor variable independently associated with graft discard. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve for ICG-PDR was 0.875 (95% confidence interval: 0.768-0.947) and good calibration was observed. Below a PDR of 13.5%/min, no graft was accepted for transplantation. These results were successfully validated using the external cohort of donors. Conclusions: ICG clearance test performed in DBD was internally and externally validated to predict liver graft discard. It could be used as a screening tool before donation to avoid unnecessary costs of travel and human resources.

A two-years real-word study with fingolimod: early predictors of efficacy and an association between EBNA-1 IgG titers and multiple sclerosis progression.

Background: Although fingolimod, a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor agonist, has shown to be an effective treatment reducing relapse rate and also slowing down the disability progression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, it is important to quickly identify those suboptimal responders. Objective: The main objective was to assess different clinical, radiological, genetic and environmental factors as possible early predictors of response in MS patients treated with fingolimod for 24 months. The secondary objective was to analyze the possible contribution of the environmental factors analyzed to the progression and activity of the disease along the 2-years of follow-up. Methods: A retrospective study with 151 patients diagnosed with MS, under fingolimod treatment for 24 months, with serum samples at initiation and six months later, and with clinical and radiological data at initiation and 24 months later, were included in the study. Clinical and radiological variables were collected to establish NEDA-3 (no evidence of disease activity: patients without relapses, disability progression and new T2 lesions or Gd+ lesions) and EDA (evidence of disease activity: patients with relapses and/or progression and/or new T2 lesions or gadolinium-positive [Gd+] lesions) conditions. Human leukocyte antigen II (HLA-II), EBNA-1 IgG and VCA IgG from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and antibody titers against Human herpesvirus 6A/B (HHV-6A/B) were also analyzed. Results: A total of 151 MS patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 27.8% was NEDA-3 (37.5% among those previously treated with high efficacy therapies >24 months). The following early predictors were statistically significantly associated with NEDA-3 condition: sex (male; p=0.002), age at baseline (older; p=0.009), relapses 2-years before fingolimod initiation ≤1 (p=0.010), and absence of Gd+ lesions at baseline (p=0.006). Regarding the possible contribution of the environmental factors included in the study to the activity or the progression of the disease, we only found that EBNA-1 IgG titers decreased in 20.0% of PIRA (progression independent from relapse activity) patients vs. 73.3% of RAW (relapse-associated worsening) patients (p=0.006; O.R. = 11.0). Conclusion: MS patients that are male, older, and with a low clinical and radiological activity at fingolimod initiation have a greater probability to reach NEDA-3 condition after two years with this therapy. An intriguing association of EBV with the progression of the disease has also been described, but it should be further study in a larger cohort to confirm these results.

Effect of age on amplitude of circulating catecholamine's change of healthy cyclic mares.

Catecholamines (CATs) are neurotransmitters and allostatic hormones whose plasma concentrations are physiologically modified in various species such as human, rats, mice and donkeys, with advancing age. However, currently these mechanisms are less well elucidated in horses and more specifically in mares. The hypothesis of this study was that, as in afore mentioned species, the CATs could experience physiological changes with advancing age. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) in mares of different ages. Blood samples were drawn from 56 non-pregnant Spanish Purebred mares belonging to four different age groups: 6 to 9 years, 10 to 12 years, 13 to 16 years and > 16 years. The concentrations of A, NA, DA, and 5-HT were determined by competition EIA-Technical 3-CAt EIA, specifically validated for horses. Mares aged > 16 years showed lower A, DA, and 5-HT but higher NA concentrations than 6-9, 10-12, and 13-16 years (p < 0.05). Mares of 13-16 years showed lower A and higher NA than 6-9 and 10-12 years (p < 0.05). A and NA (r=-0.72; p < 0.05), and NA and 5-HT (r=-0.67; p < 0.05) were negatively correlated, and A and 5-HT (r = 0.74; p < 0.05) were positively correlated. Advanced age leads to a predominance of sympathetic nervous activity and lower serotonergic activity in non-pregnant mares.

Cancer Screening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

The worldwide cancer burden is growing, and populations residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are experiencing a disproportionate extent of this growth. Breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers are among the top 10 most frequently diagnosed malignancies, and they also account for a substantial degree of cancer mortality internationally. Effective screening strategies are available for all three of these cancers. Individuals from LMICs face substantial cost and access barriers to early detection programs, and late stage at diagnosis continues to be a major cause for cancer mortality in these communities. This chapter will review the epidemiology of breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers, and will explore prospects for improving global control through novel approaches to screening in cost-constrained environments.

Cierre de conducto arterioso persistente con dispositivo OcclutechTM, experiencia en un país andino / Closure of patent ductus arteriosus with OcclutechTM device, experience in an andean country

Resumen Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia en un país andino con el dispositivo OcclutechTM Duct Occluder para el cierre del conducto arterioso persistente. Método: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de corte transversal con análisis estadístico básico. Periodo: diciembre/2014 a diciembre/2022. Datos: historia clínica, informes de laboratorio de cateterismo. Resultados: Cuarenta y seis pacientes; de sexo femenino 71.3%, de sexo masculino 28.7%; edad: 0.6-38 años (mediana [Me]: 5.2); peso: 6.3-60 kg (Me: 16.5). Procedencia: andina 91.3%, costa 8.7%. Tipos de conducto arterioso persistente: E 54.4%, A 32.6%, D 13%. Diámetro ductal mínimo: 1.8-11.8 mm (Me: 3.5). Presión media de la arteria pulmonar previo a la oclusión: 14-67 mmHg (Me: 27). Índice de resistencias vasculares pulmonares previo a la oclusión: 0.28-4.9 UW/m2 (Me: 1.3). Fueron catalogados como conductos arteriosos persistentes hipertensivos seis de ellos. Tasa de oclusión: inmediata el 47.8%, a las 24 horas el 81%, a los seis meses el 100%. Tiempo de fluoroscopia: 2-13.8 minutos (Me: 4). Complicaciones: un dispositivo migrado. Seguimiento: 1-6.5 años. Conclusiones: El dispositivo OcclutechTM Duct Occluder fue efectivo y seguro para el cierre de conducto arterioso persistente tipo E, A y D en habitantes de baja y alta altitud, ya sea que estos hubieran sido niños o adultos, incluso cuando estos conductos arteriosos fueron hipertensivos.

Abstract Objective: To communicate the experience in an Andean country with the OcclutechTM Duct Occluder device for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus. Method: Observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study with basic statistical analysis. Period: December/2014 to December/2022. Data: medical chart, reports of catheterization. Results: Forty-six patients, female 71.3%, male 28.7%; age: 0.6-38 years-old (median [Me]: 5.2); weight: 6.3-60 kg (Me: 16.5). Origin: andean 91.3%, coast 8.7%. Types of patent ductus arteriosus: E 54.4%, A 32.6%, D 13%. Minimum ductal diameter: 1.8-11.8 mm (Me: 3.5). Mean pulmonary artery pressure prior to occlusion: 14-67 mmHg (Me: 27). Pulmonary vascular resistance index prior to occlusion: 0.28-4.9 WU/m2 (Me: 1.3). Six of them were classified as hypertensive patent ductus arteriosus. Occlusion rate: 47.8% immediate, 81% at 24 hours, 100% after six months. Fluoroscopy time: 2-13.8 minutes (Me: 4). Complications: a migrated device. Follow-up: 1-6.5 years. Conclusions: OcclutechTM Duct Occluder device was effective and safe for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus type E, A and D in low-altitude and high-altitude dwellers, whether they were children or adults, even when these ductus arteriosus were hypertensive.

LAM Test: A New Cognitive Marker for Early Detection in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease.

Background: With the arrival of disease-modifying treatments, it is mandatory to find new cognitive markers that are sensitive to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in preclinical stages. Objective: To determine the utility of a newly developed Learning and Associative Memory face test: LAM test. This study examined the relationship between AD cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and performance on LAM test, and assessed its potential clinical applicability to detect subtle changes in cognitively healthy subjects at risk for AD. Methods: We studied eighty cognitively healthy volunteers from the Valdecilla cohort. 61% were women and the mean age was 67.34 years (±6.416). All participants underwent a lumbar puncture for determination of CSF biomarkers and an extensive neuropsychological assessment, including performance on learning and associative memory indices of the LAM-test after 30 min and after 1 week, and two classic word lists to assess verbal episodic memory: the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT). We analyzed cognitive performance according to amyloid status (A+ versus A-) and to ATN model (A-T-N-; A+T-N-; A+T+N-/A+T+N+). Results: Performance on the LAM-test was significantly correlated with CSF Aß ratio. A+ participants performed worse on both learning (mean difference = 2.19, p = 0.002) and memory LAM measures than A- (mean difference = 2.19, p = 0.004). A decline in performance was observed along the Alzheimer's continuum, with significant differences between ATN groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that LAM test could be a useful tool for the early detection of subjects within the AD continuum, outperforming classical memory tests.

A Randomized Control Trial of Dexketoprofen/Vitamin B (Thiamine, Pyridoxine and Cyanocobalamin) Fixed-Dose Combination in Post-Traumatic Grade I-II Cervical Sprains.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are an important cause of work absence. Clinical practice guidelines recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for grade I-II cervical sprains. The combination of thiamine + pyridoxine + cyanocobalamin vitamins has been used, alone and in combination with NSAIDs, for pain and inflammation in musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the analgesic synergy of dexketoprofen, and the combination of vitamins thiamine + pyridoxine + cyanocobalamin in a fixed-dose combination (FDC) for the treatment of acute pain caused by grade I-II cervical sprains. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre, prospective, randomized, double-blind, phase IIIb clinical study comparing two treatment groups: (1) dexketoprofen 25 mg/vitamin B (thiamine 100 mg, pyridoxine 50 mg and cyanocobalamin 0.50 mg) in an FDC (two or more active ingredients combined in a single dosage form) versus (2) dexketoprofen 25 mg monotherapy (single drug to treat a particular disease), one capsule or tablet orally, every 8 h for 7 days. Final mean, average change, and percentage change in pain perception (measured using a visual analogue scale [VAS]) were compared with baseline between groups. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Analyses were conducted using SPSS software, v.29.0. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in pain intensity was observed from the third day of treatment with the FDC compared with monotherapy (- 3.1 ± - 1.5 and - 2.6 ± - 1.1 cm, respectively) measured using the VAS (p = 0.011). Regarding the degree of disability, using the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), statistical difference was observed for the final measurement (7.5%, interquartile range [IQR] 2.5, 10.5; vs. 7.9%, IQR 5.0, 13.8; p = 0.028). A lower proportion of adverse events was reported when using the FDC. CONCLUSIONS: The FDC of dexketoprofen/thiamine + pyridoxine + cyanocobalamin vitamins demonstrated superior efficacy and a better safety profile compared with dexketoprofen monotherapy for pain treatment in patients with grade I-II cervical sprains. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT05001555, registered 29 July 2021 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05001555 ).

Second Victim Experience: A Dynamic Process Conditioned by the Environment. A Qualitative Research.

Objectives: When adverse events (AE) occur, there are different consequences for healthcare professionals. The environment in which professionals work can influence the experience. This study aims to explore the experiences of second victims (SV) among health professionals in Argentina. Methods: A phenomenological study was used with in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals. Audio recordings and verbatim transcriptions were analyzed independently for themes, subthemes, and codes. Results: Three main themes emerged from the analysis: navigating the experience, the environment, and the turning point. Subthemes were identified for navigating the experience to describe the process: receiving the impact, transition, and taking action. Conclusion: SVs undergo a process after an AE. The environment is part of this experience. It is a turning point in SVs' professional and personal lives. Improving the psychological safety (PS) environment is essential for ensuring the safety of SVs.

Development and evaluation of two educational sessions on take-home lead exposure prevention for construction workers and their families.

Take-home exposures occur when workers accidentally bring workplace contaminants home. Regular job responsibilities may expose construction workers to lead, which extends to their households via the take-home pathway. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate 2 educational sessions addressing take-home lead exposure tailored to construction workers and their families. Educational materials on take-home lead exposure and prevention strategies were designed following guidance from US government institutions and experts on construction work, lead exposure, and educational interventions. The educational materials were pilot-tested with construction workers and their family members during in-person or online sessions in English or Spanish. Changes in knowledge of take-home lead exposure were assessed through pre- and post-testing and open-ended feedback was collected from both participants and session facilitators. The study sample comprised 44 participants, including 33 workers and 11 family members. Among all participants, 81% were male, 46% were Hispanic or Latino, and the average age was 29 years. Post-test scores (µ = 93%, SD = 10%) were higher than pre-test scores (µ = 82%, SD = 19%), and younger participants (<30 years) were more likely to have a lower pre-test score compared to older participants (≥30 years). Overall, feedback from participants and facilitators was positive, indicating appropriate duration, appealing visuals, and ease of engagement through the training activities. Effective public health education for lead-exposed construction workers and their families is needed to reduce lead exposure disparities, especially among children of workers. Interventions must recognize that take-home exposures are not isolated to occupational or home environments.

Adult syndromology: challenges, opportunities and perspectives: Illustrated by the description of four adults with Costello syndrome.

Clinical geneticists and syndromologists have traditionally focused on identifying syndromes in children. However, there is a growing acknowledgment of the need to describe adult phenotypes. This article provides an overview of the evolving phenotypes of rare genetic syndromes into adulthood, elucidating its challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives. The clinical phenotypes of four adults with Costello syndrome are described to illustrate these aspects. Phenotypic and genotypic data from four individuals broaden the spectrum of Costello syndrome in adulthood and highlight the high variability in neurocognitive outcome. The clinical data align with previous findings and established genotype-phenotype correlations. Interestingly, two individuals presented with recurrent cancers (bladder cancer and neuroblastoma). Further studies are imperative to provide reliable information for counselling and management to enable comprehensive understanding of the evolving features of rare syndromic diseases and special health issues into adulthood.

Professional unmet needs in the palliative care field (a scoping review).

BACKGROUND: Palliative care (PC) is oriented to improving the quality of life of patients and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness. It is a continuously changing and evolving field. Although it is a universal right, there are many barriers to addressing the unmet need for PC, affecting both patient and family as well as health care professionals (HCP). Many studies have highlighted the unmet needs of patients and caregivers, but it is also necessary to understand the needs of HCP in order to better develop PC. It is therefore necessary to identify all those barriers and unmet needs in order to develop and guarantee universal quality PC. METHODS: Bibliography search in relevant databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Trip Database) of documents published between 2018 and 2022, both included, written in English or Spanish. Key words- MeSH terms: Palliative Care, Palliative Medicine, Health Personnel, Continuing Education, Health Care Providers; and free text: healthcare professionals, continuous learning, training needs, gap, unmet needs, nursing. Articles about children or teenagers were excluded, as those related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. RESULTS: A grand total of 1,150 documents were located and 20 were found through other sources. Additionally, 3 documents were found and kept despite not being included in the timeline previously discussed due to its relevance. Only 20 were finally included in this review. The identified unmet needs throughout the PC continuum have been categorized in three groups: diagnosis/recognition of the patient entering the PC continuum; end-of-life (EoL); and bereavement. Facilitators in PC have been identified in each category. CONCLUSIONS: Given the challenging nature of PC and the lack of knowledge throughout the continuum, addressing the challenges identified may result in meaningful and long-lasting results for both HCP and the patient-family unit. Training would be the answer to most of the unmet needs detected.

Cystatin C, Ammonia, and Bicarbonate Measurements in the Saliva of Pigs: Analytical Validation and Changes in S. suis Infection.

Cystatin C, ammonia, and bicarbonate have been described to be biomarkers of sepsis and inflammation in humans. The saliva of pigs can be used to detect a wide range of pathogens but also many biomarkers that can be analyzed to evaluate different conditions such as stress (i.e., cortisol and alpha amylase), immune system (i.e., ADA, S100 proteins), inflammation (i.e., acute phase proteins), redox status (i.e., various antioxidants and oxidants), and general metabolism or the status of different organs and tissues. However, there is a lack of assays for the possible measurement and use of cystatin C, ammonia, and bicarbonate in saliva as biomarkers of sepsis or inflammation in pigs. The objective of this study was to validate commercially available automated assays for the measurement of cystatin C, ammonia, and bicarbonate in the saliva of pigs, having the advantage of using a noninvasive sample that is easy to collect. The assays were precise and accurate, and the recommended storage condition for the saliva samples was -80 °C. In addition, cystatin and ammonia showed significant increases in the saliva of pigs with S. suis infection, whereas bicarbonate decreased. Further studies would be recommended to increase knowledge about the possible potential applications of the measurements of these three analytes in the saliva of pigs as biomarkers to evaluate the animals' health and welfare.

Optimization of a home hospitalization program for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with ehealth integration and clinical pharmacist involvement.

Home hospitalization represents an alternative to traditional hospitalization, providing comparable clinical safety for hematological patients. At-home therapies can range from the delivery of intravenous antibiotics to more complex scenarios, such as the care during the early period after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Early discharge from conventional hospitalization is feasible and helps reduce hospital resources and waiting lists. The coordinated efforts of multidisciplinary teams, including hematologists, nurses, and pharmacists, ensure patient safety and continuity of care. The traditional model of home hospitalization relies on home visits and telephone consultations with physicians and nurses. However, the use of eHealth technologies, such as MY-Medula, can enhance communication and monitoring, and thereby improve patient outcomes with no additional costs. The active involvement of a clinical pharmacist in home hospitalization programs is essential, not only for the proper logistical management of the medication but also to ensure its appropriateness, optimize treatment, address queries from the team and patients, and promote adherence. In conclusion, the implementation of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy home hospitalization programs that use both an eHealth tool and a multidisciplinary care model can optimize patient care and improve quality of life without increasing healthcare costs.

Colchicine in acute heart failure: Rationale and design of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial (COLICA).

AIMS: Heart failure (HF) elicits a pro-inflammatory state, which is associated with impaired clinical outcomes, but no anti-inflammatory therapies have demonstrated a clinical benefit yet. Inflammatory pathways related with the interleukin-1 axis are overactivated during episodes of acute HF. Colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug with proven benefits in acute pericarditis and ischaemic heart disease, may target this inflammatory response. This study aims to assess the efficacy of colchicine in acute HF patients. METHODS: COLICA is a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling 278 patients across 12 sites. Patients presenting with acute HF, clinical evidence of congestion requiring ≥40 mg of intravenous furosemide and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >900 pg/ml, are eligible for participation. Patients are enrolled irrespective of left ventricular ejection fraction, HF type (new-onset or not) and setting (hospital or outpatient clinic). Patients are randomized 1:1 within the first 24 h of presentation to either placebo or colchicine, with an initial loading dose of 2 mg followed by 0.5 mg every 12 h for 8 weeks (reduced dose if <70 kg, >75 years old, or glomerular filtration rate <50 ml/min/1.73 m2). The primary efficacy endpoint is the time-averaged proportional change in NT-proBNP concentrations from baseline to week 8. Key secondary and exploratory outcomes include symptoms, diuretic use, worsening HF episodes, related biomarkers of cardiac stress and inflammation, total and cardiovascular readmissions, mortality and safety events. CONCLUSION: COLICA will be the first randomized trial testing the efficacy and safety of colchicine for acute HF.

Low anterior resection with transanal transection and single-stapled anastomosis: technical aspects and initial results.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer (RC) is a surgical challenge due to its technical complexity. The double-stapled (DS) technique, a standard for colorectal anastomosis, has been associated with notable drawbacks, including a high incidence of anastomotic leak (AL). Low anterior resection with transanal transection and single-stapled (TTSS) anastomosis has emerged to mitigate those drawbacks. METHODS: Observational study in which it described the technical aspects and results of the initial group of patients with medium-low RC undergoing elective laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) and TTSS. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included in the series. Favourable postoperative outcomes with a median length of stay of 5 days and an AL incidence of 9.1%. Importantly, all patients achieved complete mesorectal excision with tumour-free margins, and no mortalities were reported. CONCLUSION: TTSS emerges as a promising alternative for patients with middle and lower rectal tumours, offering potential benefits in terms of morbidity reduction and oncological integrity compared with other techniques.

A randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of lidocaine administered intravenously, intranasally or as infraorbital nerve block in dogs undergoing rostral rhinosocopy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of lidocaine administered intravenously, intranasally or as an infraorbital nerve block in dogs undergoing rostral rhinoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 43 client-owned dogs. METHODS: After premedication with medetomidine 0.01 mg kg-1 and methadone 0.2 mg kg-1 intramuscularly, anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Dogs were randomly allocated to receive 2 mg kg-1 of 2% lidocaine as a bilateral infraorbital nerve block (INB) via the caudal intraoral approach, via bilateral topical intranasal administration (TIA) or as an intravenous bolus (IVB). At 5 minutes following lidocaine administration, responses to rhinoscopy (RR) and biopsies (RB) were evaluated using a simple scoring system (0: no reaction; 1: reaction). Response to the rhinoscopy in the recovery period (RE) was recorded. Recovery quality was scored using a simple descriptive score. Heart rate, respiratory rate and noninvasive arterial blood pressure were recorded. Intravenous (IV) fentanyl 0.001 mg kg-1 was administered if an increase > 20% in any variable occurred. Gross movement was attenuated using propofol 0.5 mg kg-1 IV. Scores were analysed using the Chi-square test with Monte Carlo method. Cardiorespiratory changes among and overtime between groups were compared using one-way anova and one-way anova for repeated measures, respectively, or the correspondent non-parametric tests; p < 0.05. RESULT: Of the 43 dogs, 42 completed the study. No statistically significant differences were detected in either physical reactions or changes in cardiorespiratory variables for RR, RB, RE or recovery quality, although RB tended to be higher in group TIA (7/10 versus 1/10 INB and 3/13 IVB).Various cardiorespiratory variables changed overtime within groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, all three investigated techniques attenuated responses during rostral rhinoscopy in dogs, although INB and IVB were more efficacious when biopsies were taken.

Delphi consensus on the use of telemedicine in rheumatology: RESULTAR study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is growing interest in the potential of telemedicine (TM) as an alternative to physical consultation. Although numerous studies prove the benefits of TM in rheumatology, there are no recommendations on its implementation in Spain. The aim of this study was to analyze the application of TM in rheumatology consultations in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative, cross-sectional, multicenter study with Delphi methodology in two rounds of queries. A structured ad hoc questionnaire was designed that included statements on teleconsultation, nursing teleconsultation, telecare, telerehabilitation, teleradiology, telehealth tele-education, main barriers, advantages and disadvantages of telehealth tele-education and TM in rheumatoid arthritis. The participants were rheumatology specialists practicing in Spain. RESULTS: The participating rheumatologists (N = 80) had a mean age of 42.4 (±9.0) years, with 12.6 (±8.4) years of experience. Some of the aspects of TM that obtained the greatest consensus were: TM is useful for follow-up of some patients, to help determine if a face-to-face consultation is necessary, or to assist patients with rheumatoid arthritis if they present low activity or in remission; certain patients, such as those in their first consultation or those who present digital barriers or cognitive deterioration, should be seen face-to-face; TM presents some technical and patient access barriers; TM can be useful in nursing and in continued medical education. CONCLUSIONS: TM can be beneficial for the treatment and follow-up of patients with rheumatic diseases, as well as for alleviating the face-to-face care burden in rheumatology.

Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children.

Importance: High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in adults; however, the evidence in children is limited. Objective: To investigate the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS). Design, Setting, and Participants: This baseline cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the data of CORALS participants recruited between March 22, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Preschool children (aged 3-6 years) were recruited from schools and centers in 7 cities in Spain. Inclusion criteria included informed consent signed by parents or caregivers and having a completed a set of questionnaires about the child's prenatal history at home. Exclusion criteria included low command of Spanish or unstable residence. Exposure: Energy-adjusted UPF consumption (in grams per day) from food frequency questionnaires and based on the NOVA food classification system. Main Outcomes and Measures: Age- and sex-specific z scores of adiposity parameters (body mass index [BMI], fat mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic parameters (diastolic and systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) were estimated using linear regression models. Results: Of 1509 enrolled CORALS participants, 1426 (mean [SD] age, 5.8 [1.1] years; 698 boys [49.0%]) were included in this study. Mothers of children with high UPF consumption were younger, had a higher BMI, were more likely to have overweight or obesity, and had lower education levels and employment rates. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted UPF consumption, those in the highest tertile showed higher z scores of BMI (ß coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), waist circumference (ß coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), fat mass index (ß coefficient, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.00-0.32), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.37) and lower z scores for HDL cholesterol (ß coefficient, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.02). One-SD increments in energy-adjusted UPF consumption were associated with higher z scores for BMI (ß coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.17), waist circumference (ß coefficient, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.15), fat mass index (ß coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-1.18), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.17) and lower HDL cholesterol (ß coefficient, -0.07; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.00). Substituting 100 g of UPFs with 100 g of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with lower z scores of BMI (ß coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01), fat mass index (ß coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.00), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that high UPF consumption in young children is associated with adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to promote the replacement of UPFs with unprocessed or minimally processed foods.

Breaking the Mucin Barrier: A New Affinity Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Approach to Unveil Potential Cell Markers and Pathways Altered in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with largely unknown underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is the only therapeutic option; however, despite its use, recurrence with a fatal outcome is common. The lack of molecular characterisation of PMP and other mucinous tumours is mainly due to the physicochemical properties of mucin. RESULTS: This manuscript describes the first protocol capable of breaking the mucin barrier and isolating proteins from mucinous tumours. Briefly, mucinous tumour samples were homogenised and subjected to liquid chromatography using two specific columns to reduce mainly glycoproteins, albumins and immunoglobulin G. The protein fractions were then subjected to mass spectrometry analysis and the proteomic profile obtained was analysed using various bioinformatic tools. Thus, we present here the first proteome analysed in PMP and identified a distinct mucin isoform profile in soft compared to hard mucin tumour tissues as well as key biological processes/pathways altered in mucinous tumours. Importantly, this protocol also allowed us to identify MUC13 as a potential tumour cell marker in PMP. CONCLUSIONS: In sum, our results demonstrate that this protein isolation protocol from mucin will have a high impact, allowing the oncology research community to more rapidly advance in the knowledge of PMP and other mucinous neoplasms, as well as develop new and effective therapeutic strategies.