The double-edged sword of potassium and sodium fertilization in xylem embolism resistance of two Eucalyptus species under drought stress.

Sodium (Na+) is a beneficial element for most plants that may replace potassium (K+) in osmoregulatory process to a certain extent, increasing plant water-use efficiency. Thus, understanding coordinated mechanisms underlying the combined use of K+ and Na+ in tree drought tolerance is a key challenge for the agricultural industry in dealing with forest productivity and water limitations. A pot experiment with three ratios of K/Na (K-supplied, partial K replacement by Na and K-deficient plants) and two water regimes, well-watered (W+) and water-stressed (W-), was conducted on saplings of two Eucalyptus species with contrasting drought sensitivities. We evaluated the point of stomatal closure (Pgs90), xylem embolism thresholds (P12, P50, P88), hydraulic safety margin (HSM), leaf gas exchange (A, E, gs and dark respiration), leaf water potential (ΨPD and ΨMD), long-term water use efficiency (WUEL) and total dry mass (TDM). Partial K replacement by Na increased the leaf gas exchange, WUEL and TDM, while Pgs90, P12, P50, P88 and ΨMD decreased (more negative), compared to plants exclusively supplied with K and K-deficient plants of both species. Fertilized plants had narrower HSMs than K-deficient plants, indicating that these Eucalyptus species adopt the functional adaptive strategy of operating close to their hydraulic limits to maximize carbon uptake while increasing the risk of hydraulic failure under drought-stress.

Ultrastrong magnon-magnon coupling and chiral spin-texture control in a dipolar 3D multilayered artificial spin-vortex ice.

Strongly-interacting nanomagnetic arrays are ideal systems for exploring reconfigurable magnonics. They provide huge microstate spaces and integrated solutions for storage and neuromorphic computing alongside GHz functionality. These systems may be broadly assessed by their range of reliably accessible states and the strength of magnon coupling phenomena and nonlinearities. Increasingly, nanomagnetic systems are expanding into three-dimensional architectures. This has enhanced the range of available magnetic microstates and functional behaviours, but engineering control over 3D states and dynamics remains challenging. Here, we introduce a 3D magnonic metamaterial composed from multilayered artificial spin ice nanoarrays. Comprising two magnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic spacer, each nanoisland may assume four macrospin or vortex states per magnetic layer. This creates a system with a rich 16N microstate space and intense static and dynamic dipolar magnetic coupling. The system exhibits a broad range of emergent phenomena driven by the strong inter-layer dipolar interaction, including ultrastrong magnon-magnon coupling with normalised coupling rates of Δ f ν = 0.57 , GHz mode shifts in zero applied field and chirality-control of magnetic vortex microstates with corresponding magnonic spectra.

Development and characterization of a bacteriophage cocktail with high lytic efficacy against field-isolated Salmonella enterica.

Salmonella spp. is a prevalent pathogen that causes great public health concern worldwide. Bacteriophage-based cocktails have arisen as an alternative to antibiotics to inhibit the growth of Salmonella. However, the bactericidal effect of bacteriophage cocktails in vivo largely differs from their observed effect in vitro. This is partly because in vitro developments of cocktails do not always consider the bacterial diversity nor the environmental conditions where bacteriophages will have to replicate. Here, we isolated and sequenced 47 bacteriophages that showed variable degrees of lytic activity against 258 Salmonella isolates from a commercial broiler company in Brazil. Three of these bacteriophages were characterized and selected to assemble a cocktail. In vitro quantitative assays determined the cocktail to be highly effective against multiple serovars of Salmonella, including Minnesota and Heidelberg. Remarkably, the in vitro lytic activity of the cocktail was retained or improved in conditions that more closely resembled the chicken gut, such as anaerobiosis, 42°C, and Salmonella mono-strain biofilms. Analysis of bacterial cross-resistance between the 3 bacteriophages composing the cocktail revealed limited or no generation of cross-resistance. Our results highlight the relevance of an optimized flux of work to develop bacteriophage cocktails against Salmonella with high lytic efficacy and strong potential to be applied in vivo in commercial broiler farms.

Assessing spatial distribution, genetic variants, and virulence of pathogen Mycoplasma agassizii in threatened Mojave desert tortoises.

Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), a threatened species under the US Endangered Species Act, are long-lived reptiles that experience a chronic respiratory disease. The virulence of primary etiologic agent, Mycoplasma agassizii, remains poorly understood, but it exhibits temporal and geographic variability in causing disease outbreaks in host tortoises. Multiple attempts to culture and characterize the diversity of M. agassizii have had minimal success, even though this opportunistic pathogen chronically persists in nearly every population of Mojave desert tortoises. The current geographic range and the molecular mechanisms of virulence of the type-strain, PS6T, are unknown, and the bacterium is thought to have low-to-moderate virulence. We designed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting three putative virulence genes annotated on the PS6T genome as exo-α-sialidases, enzymes which facilitate growth in many bacterial pathogens. We tested 140 M. agassizii-positive DNA samples collected from 2010 to 2012 across the range of Mojave desert tortoises. We found evidence of multiple-strain infections within hosts. We also found the prevalence of these sialidase-encoding genes to be highest in tortoise populations surrounding southern Nevada, the area from which PS6T was originally isolated. We found a general pattern of loss or reduced presence of sialidase among strains, even within a single host. However, in samples that were positive for any of the putative sialidase genes, one particular gene (528), was positively associated with bacterial loads of M. agassizii and may act as a growth factor for the bacterium. Our results suggest three evolutionary patterns: (1) high levels of variation, possibly due to neutral changes and chronic persistence, (2) a trade-off between moderate virulence and transmission, and (3) selection against virulence in environmental conditions known to be physiologically stressful to the host. Our approach of quantifying genetic variation via qPCR represents a useful model of studying host-pathogen dynamics.

Dental Phenotype with Minor Ectodermal Symptoms Suggestive of WNT10A Deficiency.

Ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) represent a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders characterized by the abnormal development of ectodermal-derived tissues. They include the involvement of the hair, nails, skin, sweat glands, and teeth. Pathogenic variants in EDA1 (Xq12-13.1; OMIM*300451), EDAR (2q11-q13; OMIM*604095), EDARADD (1q42-q43, OMIM*606603), and WNT10A (2q35; OMIM*606268) genes are responsible for most EDs. Bi-allelic pathogenic variants of WNT10A have been associated with autosomal recessive forms of ED, as well as non-syndromic tooth agenesis (NSTA). The potential phenotypic impact of associated modifier mutations in other ectodysplasin pathway genes has also been pointed out. We present on an 11-year-old Chinese boy with oligodontia, with conical-shaped teeth as the main phenotype, and other very mild ED signs. The genetic study identified the pathogenic variants WNT10A (NM_025216.3): c.310C > T; p. (Arg104Cys) and c.742C > T; p. (Arg248Ter) in compound heterozygosis, confirmed by parental segregation. In addition, the patient had the polymorphism EDAR (NM_022336.4): c.1109T > C, p. (Val370Ala) in homozygosis, named EDAR370. A prominent dental phenotype with minor ectodermal symptoms is very suggestive of WNT10A mutations. In this case, the EDAR370A allele might also attenuate the severity of other ED signs.

RFC1 repeat expansions and cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome: Experience and perspectives from a neuromuscular disorders unit.

INTRODUCTION: Pathogenic expansions in RFC1 have been described as a cause of a spectrum of disorders including late-onset ataxia, chronic cough, and cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS). Sensory neuronopathy/neuropathy appears to be a major symptom of RFC1-disorder, and RFC1 expansions are common in patients with sensory chronic idiopathic axonal neuropathy or sensory ganglionopathy. We aimed to investigate RFC1 expansions in patients with suspected RFC1-related disease followed-up in a Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, with a particular interest in the involvement of the peripheral nervous system. METHODS: We recruited twenty consecutive patients based on the presence of at least two of the following features: progressive ataxia, sensory neuropathy/neuronopathy, vestibulopathy and chronic cough. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for a detailed clinical description. More extensive phenotyping of the RFC1-positive patients and clinical comparison between RFC1 positive and negative patients were performed. RESULTS: Biallelic AAGGG repeat expansions were identified in 13 patients (65%). The most frequent symptoms were chronic cough and sensory disturbances in the lower extremities (12/13). Only 4 patients (31%) had complete CANVAS. The phenotypes were sensory ataxia and sensory symptoms in extremities in 4/13; sensory ataxia, sensory symptoms, and vestibulopathy in 3/13; sensory symptoms plus chronic cough in 2/13. Chronic cough and isolated sensory neuronopathy were significantly more prevalent in RFC1-positive patients. CONCLUSION: Pathogenic RFC1 expansions are a common cause of sensory neuropathy/neuronopathy and should be considered in the approach to these patients. Identification of key symptoms or detailed interpretation of nerve conduction studies may improve patient selection for genetic testing.

Study of the accuracy of a radial arterial pressure waveform cardiac output measurement device after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Less invasive monitoring, such as radial arterial pulse contour analysis (ProAQT® sensor), represents an alternative when hemodynamic monitoring is necessary to guide postoperative management and invasive monitoring is not technically feasible. The aim of the study is to evaluate the accuracy of the ProAQT® sensor cardiac output measurements in comparison with Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC) during the postoperative course of patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. CASE PRESENTATION: Prospective observational study in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary university hospital. Ten patients with a mean age of 73.5 years were included. The main comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and the preoperative left ejection fraction was 43.8 ± 14.5%. Regarding the type of surgery, six patients underwent valve surgery, two underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and two underwent aortic surgery. The cardiac index measured simultaneously by the ProAQT® sensor was compared with the PAC. The parameters were evaluated at predefined time points during the early postoperative courses (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h). The degree of agreement with the cardiac index between the PAC and the ProAQT® sensor along the time points was measured using the concordance correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman analysis, and four-quadrant plot. Sixty-three pairs of measurements were analyzed. We showed that measurements of cardiac index were slightly higher with PAC (ß Ì‚ = - 0.146, p-value = 0.094). The concordance correlation coefficient for the additive model of cardiac index was 0.64 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.36, 0.82), indicating a high concordance between both sensors. Bland-Altmann analysis showed a mean bias of 0.45 L·min-1·m-2, limits of agreement from - 1.65 to 2.3 L·min-1·m-2, and percentage of error was 82.5%. Four-quadrant plot of changes in cardiac index showed a good concordance rate (75%), which increases after applying the exclusion zone (87%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the ProAQT® sensor may be useful to monitor cardiac index during the postoperative period, especially when more invasive monitoring is not possible.

Vitamin Supplementation and Dementia: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a syndrome characterized by progressive cognitive impairment that interferes with independent function in daily activities. Symptoms of dementia depend on its cause and vary greatly between individuals. There is extensive evidence supporting a relationship between diet and cognitive functions. This systematic review studies the efficacy of using vitamin supplements in the diet as a solution to nutritional deficiencies and the prevention of dementia and mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: An intensive search of different databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL) was performed. Articles that were published between 2011 and November 2021 were retrieved using the mentioned search strategy. This systematic review has been conducted according to the PRISMA statement. RESULTS: Folic acid supplementation proved to have better outcomes on cognitive tests than their respective control groups. The combined supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B12 showed some discrepancies between studies. Thiamine as supplementation did not only prove to have a positive impact on cognitive performance when given alone but also when given in combination with folic acid. Regarding vitamin D supplementation, the results observed were not so encouraging. A concomitant supplementation of low-dose vitamin E and vitamin C was also not associated with an improvement of cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review suggest that supplementation of B Complex vitamins, especially folic acid, may have a positive effect on delaying and preventing the risk of cognitive decline. Ascorbic acid and a high dose of vitamin E, when given separately, also showed positive effects on cognitive performance, but there is not sufficient evidence to support their use. The results of vitamin D supplementation trials are not conclusive in assessing the potential benefits that vitamin D might have on cognition.

[Neuropsychiatric aspects of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis]. / Aspectos neuropsiquiátricos de la encefalitis por anticuerpos contra el receptor NMDA.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a potentially lethal clinical entity that belongs to the group of antibody-mediated encephalitis against synaptic proteins. It shows IgG antibodies against the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor (NMDA-R), which have been associated with psychiatric and neurological symptoms that develop in stages in the course of the disease. The predominance of neuropsychiatric symptoms in the early stages of the disease results in an increased number of patients that search for psychiatric evaluation as their first contact with the health system. For this reason, it is vital for physicians to recognize this entity as an important differential diagnosis in their clinical practice because, despite the severity of this condition, more than 75 % of patients achieve a substantial recovery with appropriate and timely treatment. We present a review of the literature on this disease, with special emphasis on the neuropsychiatric aspects.

La encefalitis por anticuerpos contra el receptor anti-N-metil-D-aspartato (NMDA) es una entidad clínica potencialmente letal perteneciente al grupo de las encefalitis mediadas por anticuerpos contra proteínas sinápticas. En esta se demuestran anticuerpos IgG contra el receptor de NMDA (NMDAr), asociados con síntomas psiquiátricos y neurológicos que se desarrollan por estadios en el curso de la enfermedad. El predominio de síntomas neuropsiquiátricos en las etapas tempranas provoca que un elevado porcentaje de pacientes busquen evaluación psiquiátrica como un primer contacto con el sistema de salud. Por esta razón, es vital que los médicos reconozcan esta entidad como un diagnóstico diferencial importante en la práctica clínica, puesto que, a pesar de la gravedad de esta condición, más de 75 % de los pacientes logra una recuperación sustancial con un tratamiento adecuado y oportuno. Presentamos una revisión de la literatura sobre esta enfermedad, con especial énfasis en los aspectos neuropsiquiátricos.

Antiviral Therapeutic Approaches for SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review.

Due to the lack of an etiologic treatment for SARS-CoV-2 and the difficulties involved in developing new drugs, some drugs already approved for other diseases or with efficacy against SARS and MERS, have been used in patients with COVID-19. This systematic review aims to summarize evidence on the efficacy and safety of five antivirals applied to patients with COVID-19, that have proven to be effective either in vitro studies or in studies on SARS-CoV and MERS.; An intensive search of different databases (Pub Med, WoS, MEDLINE and Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register) has been carried out until the end of April 2021. This systematic review has been conducted according to the PRISMA statement. From each of the included studies, the characteristics of the intervention and comparison groups, demographic data and results were extracted independently; Remdesivir is well tolerated and helps to accelerate clinical improvement but is ineffective in reducing mortality. Favipiravir is safe and shows promising results regarding symptom resolution but does not improve viral clearance. The use of lopinavir/ritonavir has been associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events and it has not proven to be effective. No significant differences were observed between patients treated with ribavirin or umifenovir and their respective control groups; Remdesivir and favipiravir are well tolerated and effective in accelerating clinical improvement. This systematic review does not support the use of lopinavir/ritonavir, ribavirin and umifenovir in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

A series of cases with Huntington-like phenotype and intermediate repeats in HTT.

BACKGROUND: Intermediate Alleles (IAs) are expansions of CAG repeats in the HTT gene between 27 and 35 repeats which pathogenic meaning remains controversial. They are present in the general population but there is an increasing number of cases with Huntington-like phenotype reported. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of cases in our centre where the neurologist suspected Huntington's disease (HD) as one of the feasible diagnoses and genetic testing showed the number of CAG repeats was in the "intermediate range". We gathered the type of symptoms in all cases and the main neuroimaging findings when available. RESULTS: We found 14 cases, 8 males and 6 females, with average age at onset at 64 years old. Most cases exhibited some type of extrapyramidal symptoms. Cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms were also present in most cases (being depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment the most frequent ones). In one case we found deposits of iron in the basal ganglia in the MRI, and in another case we found diffuse cortical hypometabolism with predominantly frontal bilateral involvement and bilateral focal deficit of both caudate and thalamus in the FDG-PET. CONCLUSION: The clinical and neuroimaging findings of some cases with IA in this series are compatible with the clinical picture of HD but also with several other alternative diagnoses. Therefore we can not establish association between IA and HD. Larger series with more comprehensive diagnostic workout and neuropathological studies are needed to confirm or rule out whether IAs in the HTT gene may cause HD.

Attitudes towards change mediate the effect of dissociation on psychopathological outcome in the treatment of eating disorders.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to examine whether dissociation and attitudes towards change were associated with the psychopathology in patients with eating disorders (EDs) at 1-year follow-up. METHOD: The study included 110 females with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (48 and 62 respectively). At the beginning of the study and 1 year later, they were assessed by means of the following questionnaires: Dissociative Experiences Scale, Attitudes Towards Change (ACTA), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Eating Attitude Test, Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between both diagnostic groups regarding dissociation scores. The ACTA at baseline, specifically for patients in the contemplation stage, mediate the effect of dissociation on the psychopathological outcome. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that dissociation might be a transdiagnostic feature related to the EDs outcome. The psychotherapeutic framework must take it into account, particularly in patients in the contemplation stage.

An FPGA-Based Neuro-Fuzzy Sensor for Personalized Driving Assistance.

Advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) are intended to automatize driver tasks, as well as improve driving and vehicle safety. This work proposes an intelligent neuro-fuzzy sensor for driving style (DS) recognition, suitable for ADAS enhancement. The development of the driving style intelligent sensor uses naturalistic driving data from the SHRP2 study, which includes data from a CAN bus, inertial measurement unit, and front radar. The system has been successfully implemented using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device of the Xilinx Zynq programmable system-on-chip (PSoC). It can mimic the typical timing parameters of a group of drivers as well as tune these typical parameters to model individual DSs. The neuro-fuzzy intelligent sensor provides high-speed real-time active ADAS implementation and is able to personalize its behavior into safe margins without driver intervention. In particular, the personalization procedure of the time headway (THW) parameter for an ACC in steady car following was developed, achieving a performance of 0.53 microseconds. This performance fulfilled the requirements of cutting-edge active ADAS specifications.

Food Composition at Present: New Challenges.

Food composition data is important for stakeholders and users active in the areas of food, nutrition and health. New challenges related to the quality of food composition data reflect the dynamic changes in these areas while the emerging technologies create new opportunities. These challenges and the impact on food composition data for the Mediterranean region were reviewed during the NUTRIMAD 2018 congress of the Spanish Society for Community Nutrition. Data harmonization and standardization, data compilation and use, thesauri, food classification and description, and data exchange are some of the areas that require new approaches. Consistency in documentation, linking of information between datasets, food matching and capturing portion size information suggest the need for new automated tools. Research Infrastructures bring together key data and services. The delivery of sustainable networks and Research Infrastructures in food, nutrition and health will help to increase access to and effective use of food composition data. EuroFIR AISBL coordinates experts and national compilers and contributes to worldwide efforts aiming to produce and maintain high quality data and tools. A Mediterranean Network that shares high quality food composition data is vital for the development of ambitious common research and policy initiatives in support of the Mediterranean Diet.

[Needs of schoolchildren with type 1 diabetes in Extremadura: Family perceptions]. / Necesidades del alumnado con diabetes tipo 1 en Extremadura: percepción de las familias.

INTRODUCTION: School-aged children with type 1 diabetes (DM1) require access to appropriate and safe care for their disease during their stay in the educational centre. OBJECTIVE: To identify the needs perceived by families of schoolchildren with DM1 that affect their educational integration, safety, and well-being during the school day. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire based on information and opinions provided by families of 362 schoolchildren between 3 and 16 years old with DM1 registered in their health history in the Public Health System of Extremadura. RESULTS: The response rate was 56.9% (206). It was shown that 35% of schoolchildren with DM1 were treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. Almost all of them (95.1%) required glucose monitoring, and 57.8% required insulin administration during the school day. Most (88%) children had adjusted well to school and did not describe any type of discriminatory treatment (87.4%). Glucagon is available in 82% of educational centres, in which 43.7% had a trained adult person to administer it. That teachers could recognise a hypoglycaemia was expressed by 21.4% of the families, and 29.1% were unaware of the existence of coordination protocols in the school. More than half (58.7%) claimed that the information available in schools about diabetes was low, and 77.2% stated that the control of the disease would improve if more training was provided to teachers. CONCLUSIONS: There are aspects optimally covered in the care of schoolchildren with DM1 in the schools of Extremadura. Among situations identified with potential room for improvement were adherence to the coordination protocol, information about diabetes, and training of adults to deal with emergency situations.

Auditoría de historias clínicas: una herramienta de evaluación de la calidad asistencial. Hospital Pediátrico - Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell / Auditing medical records: a tool to evaluate the quality of medical care. Pediatric Hospital - Pereira Rossell Hospital / Auditoria do prontuário médico do paciente: uma ferramenta de avaliação da qualidade assistêncial. Hospital Pediátrico Pereira Rossell

Resumen: Introducción: la auditoría médica es el análisis crítico y sistemático del proceso de atención que incluye los procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos, el uso de los recursos y los resultados de los mismos. Disponer de un sistema de auditoría constituye un instrumento de mejora continua de la calidad asistencial. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de las historias clínicas (HC) de los niños hospitalizados. Material y método: estudio de corte transversal mediante revisión de HC de niños egresados de áreas de cuidados moderados de un centro de referencia entre el 1º de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2015. Variables analizadas: datos patronímicos, cuadrícula, curvas de crecimiento, antecedentes socioeconómicos, ingresos, evolución, prescripción, transcripción, diagnóstico al egreso, resumen de egreso. Se establecieron tres categorías: suficiente puntaje mayor o igual a 80%, aceptable 60%-79%, insuficiente <60%. Se analizó la calidad de las HC en función de la edad, estadía hospitalaria, diagnóstico al egreso y estación del año. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio (prevalencia esperada de error 50%, precisión 5%, poder 80%) (N=385 HC). Se consideró significativa p <0,05. Resultados: de las 385 HC analizadas, 52% (202) correspondieron a varones, mediana de edad: 3 meses. Fueron suficientes 17%, aceptables 49,6% e insuficientes 33,4%. Las HC suficientes predominaron en menores de 1 año (21,5% vs 14%) y con estadía menor o igual de 3 días (21% vs 11%) p <0,05. Las HC insuficientes predominaron en invierno (43% vs 29%, p <0,05). Conclusión: es necesario profundizar en el estudio de estos resultados mediante un análisis cualitativo. Resulta necesario implementar un sistema de auditoría de HC continuo y avanzar en el desarrollo de los registros electrónicos para mejorar la gestión clínica.

Summary: Introduction: medical audits involve critical and systematic analysis of the medical care process, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, the use of resources and the results obtained. Auditing systems provide tools for quality continuous improvement. Objective: to assess the quality of medical records (HMR) of hospitalized children. Material and methods: HMR cross-sectional study of of children discharged from moderate care units at a reference hospital center between January 1 and December 31, 2015. Analyzed Variables: patients' personal data, grids, growth curves, socio-economic background, admissions, evolution, prescription, transcription, diagnosis at discharge, discharge Report 3 categories were devised: Sufficient score greater or equal 80%, Acceptable 60-79%, Insufficient < 60%. HMR's quality was analyzed by age, hospitalization time, diagnosis at discharge and season of the year. Random sampling was carried out (expected error prevalence 50%, accuracy 5%, power 80%) (N=385). P < 0,05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 385 HMRs analyzed, 52% (202) were boys, median age 3 months-old. 17% were sufficient, 49.6% were acceptable and 33.4% were insufficient. Sufficient HMRs were predominant in children of less than 1 year-old (21,5% vs 14%) which had a hospitalization time of less or equal 3 days (21% vs 11%) p<0.05. Insufficient HMRs were predominant in Winter (43% vs 29%. p<0.05). Conclusion: A qualitative analysis is needed in order to reinforce the analysis of these results. It is important to implement a continuous HMR auditing system in order to make progress regarding the development of electronic records as a tool to improve the clinical management systems.

Resumo: Introdução: a auditoria médica é a análise crítica e sistemática do processo de cuidado da saúde, e inclui procedimentos diagnósticos e terapêuticos, o uso de recursos e seus resultados. Ter um sistema de auditoria é um instrumento para melhoria contínua da qualidade do cuidado da saúde. Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade dos prontuários eletrônicos das crianças hospitalizadas. Métodos: estudo transversal do Prontuário Eletrônico do Paciente (PEP) de pacientes descarregados das áreas de cuidado moderado dum centro de referência entre 1 de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2015. As variáveis analisadas foram: dados pessoais dos pacientes, curvas de crescimento, antecedentes socioeconômicos, renda, evolução, prescrição, transcrição, diagnóstico e resumo no momento da alta hospitalar. Três categorias foram estabelecidas: Escore Suficiente maior ou igual 80%, Aceitável 60-79%, Insuficiente <60%. A qualidade do PEP foi analisada em quanto à idade, permanência hospitalar, diagnóstico na alta e estação do ano. Foi realizada uma amostragem aleatória (prevalência esperada de erro de 50%, precisão de 5%, poder de 80%) (N = 385 PEP). Considerou-se significativo p <0,05. Resultados: dos 385 PEP analisados, 52% (202) foram do sexo masculino, e a mediana da idade 3 meses. Suficientes 17%, Aceitáveis 49,6% e Insuficientes 33,4%. Os PEP foram suficientes maiormente nas crianças menores de 1 ano (21,5% vs. 14%) e que tinham permanecido menor ou igual 3 dias no hospital (21% vs. 11%) p <0,05. Os PEP foram Insuficientes maiormente no inverno (43% vs. 29%, p <0,05). Conclusão: é necessário aprofundar o estudo desses resultados através de uma análise qualitativa. Se deve implementar um sistema contínuo de auditoria de PEP e avançar no desenvolvimento dos Prontuários Eletrônicos para melhorar o gerenciamento clínico dos hospitais.

Towards a future molecular diagnosis of autism: Recent advances in biomarkers research from saliva samples.

Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis is currently based on clinical observations and behavioral evaluations exclusively, without any biological determination. Molecular biomarkers are usually obtained from biological fluids, such as blood or urine, generally through invasive and uncomfortable procedures. Patients with autism are characterized by sensory reactivity and behavioral difficulties which make sample collection problematic. Saliva has emerged as a feasible alternative to obtain relevant biological information and is especially indicated in the case of children with autism due to its painless and noninvasive sampling characteristics. Furthermore, saliva represents a valuable resource to study candidate biomarkers of autism. This has resulted in a number of interesting studies reported during the last 5 years that we have gathered and briefly discussed.