Beam Steering 3D Printed Dielectric Lens Antennas for Millimeter-Wave and 5G Applications.

Two types of cost-efficient antennas based on dielectric gradient index dielectric lens have been designed for 5G applications at 28 GHz. The first is a linearly polarized flat lens antenna (LP-FLA) for terrestrial 5G communications. The second is a novel circularly polarized stepped lens antenna (CP-SLA) for 5G satellite services. An efficient design method is presented to optimize and conform the lens topology to the radiation pattern coming from the antenna feeder. The LP-FLA is fed by a traditional linearly polarized pyramidal horn antenna (PHA). The CP-SLA is fed by an open-ended bow-tie waveguide cavity (BCA) antenna. This cavity feeder (BCA), using cross-sections with bow-tie shapes, allows having circular polarization at the desired frequency bandwidth. The two types of presented antennas have been manufactured in order to verify their performance by an easy, low-cost, three-dimensional (3D) printing technique based on stereolithography. The peak realized gain value for the flat (LP-FLA) and stepped (CP-SLA) lens antennas have been increased at 28 GHz to 25.2 and 24.8 dBi, respectively, by disposing the lens structures at the appropriated distance from the feeders. Likewise, using an array of horns (PHA) or open-ended bow-tie waveguide cavity (BCA) antenna feeders, it is possible to obtain a maximum steering angle range of 20° and 35°, for a directivity over 15 dBi and 10 dBi, in the planar and stepped lens antennas, respectively.

COVID-19 associated infections in the ICU setting: A retrospective analysis in a tertiary-care hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Our work describes the frequency of superinfections in COVID-19 ICU patients and identifies risk factors for its appearance. Second, we evaluated ICU length of stay, in-hospital mortality and analyzed a subgroup of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs) infections. METHODS: Retrospective study conducted between March and June 2020. Superinfections were defined as appeared ≥48h. Bacterial and fungal infections were included, and sources were ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infection (VA-LRTI), primary bloodstream infection (BSI), secondary BSI, and urinary tract infection (UTI). We performed a univariate analysis and a multivariate analysis of the risk factors. RESULTS: Two-hundred thirteen patients were included. We documented 174 episodes in 95 (44.6%) patients: 78 VA-LRTI, 66 primary BSI, 9 secondary BSI and 21 UTI. MDROs caused 29.3% of the episodes. The median time from admission to the first episode was 18 days and was longer in MDROs than in non-MDROs (28 vs. 16 days, p<0.01). In multivariate analysis use of corticosteroids (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.4-16.9, p 0.01), tocilizumab (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.9, p 0.03) and broad-spectrum antibiotics within first 7 days of admission (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.1, p<0.01) were associated with superinfections. Patients with superinfections presented respect to controls prolonged ICU stay (35 vs. 12 days, p<0.01) but not higher in-hospital mortality (45.3% vs. 39.7%, p 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Superinfections in ICU patients are frequent in late course of admission. Corticosteroids, tocilizumab, and previous broad-spectrum antibiotics are identified as risk factors for its development.

COVID-19 associated infections in the ICU setting: A retrospective analysis in a tertiary-care hospital.

Introduction: Our work describes the frequency of superinfections in COVID-19 ICU patients and identifies risk factors for its appearance. Second, we evaluated ICU length of stay, in-hospital mortality and analyzed a subgroup of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs) infections. Methods: Retrospective study conducted between March and June 2020. Superinfections were defined as appeared ≥48 h. Bacterial and fungal infections were included, and sources were ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infection (VA-LRTI), primary bloodstream infection (BSI), secondary BSI, and urinary tract infection (UTI). We performed a univariate analysis and a multivariate analysis of the risk factors. Results: Two-hundred thirteen patients were included. We documented 174 episodes in 95 (44.6%) patients: 78 VA-LRTI, 66 primary BSI, 9 secondary BSI and 21 UTI. MDROs caused 29.3% of the episodes. The median time from admission to the first episode was 18 days and was longer in MDROs than in non-MDROs (28 vs. 16 days, p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis use of corticosteroids (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.4-16.9, p 0.01), tocilizumab (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.9, p 0.03) and broad-spectrum antibiotics within first 7 days of admission (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.1, p < 0.01) were associated with superinfections. Patients with superinfections presented respect to controls prolonged ICU stay (35 vs. 12 days, p < 0.01) but not higher in-hospital mortality (45.3% vs. 39.7%, p 0.13). Conclusions: Superinfections in ICU patients are frequent in late course of admission. Corticosteroids, tocilizumab, and previous broad-spectrum antibiotics are identified as risk factors for its development.

Introducción: Nuestro trabajo describe la frecuencia de sobreinfecciones en pacientes con COVID-19 en UCI e identifica factores de riesgo asociados con su aparición. Secundariamente, evaluamos la estancia en UCI, mortalidad intrahospitalaria y analizamos un subgrupo de infecciones causadas por microorganismos multirresistentes (MDR). Métodos: Estudio realizado entre marzo y junio de 2020. Definimos como sobreinfección a aquellas que aparecieron ≥48 h del ingreso. Incluimos las causadas por bacterias y hongos y evaluamos la infección respiratoria asociada a la ventilación mecánica (IRAVM), bacteriemia primaria, bacteriemia secundaria e infección del tracto urinario. Se realizó un análisis multivariante de los factores de riesgo. Resultados: Incluimos 213 pacientes, documentándose 174 episodios de sobreinfección en 95 casos (44,6%): IRAVM 78 episodios, bacteriemia primaria 66, bacteriemia secundaria 9 e ITU 21. Los MDR causaron el 29,3% de los episodios. La mediana de tiempo hasta el primer episodio fue de 18 días, siendo mayor en las causadas por MDR vs. no MDR (28 vs. 16, p < 0,01). El análisis multivariante identificó la administración de corticoides (OR 4,9 IC 95% 1,4-16,9), tocilizumab (OR 2,4 IC 95% 1,1-5,9) y antibióticos de amplio espectro (OR 2,5 IC 95% 1,2-5,1) como factores de riesgo asociados. Los pacientes con sobreinfección presentaron una estancia en UCI más prolongada (35 vs. 12 días, p < 0,01) pero no mayor mortalidad intrahospitalaria (45,3% vs. 39,7%, p 0,13). Conclusiones: Las sobreinfecciones en los pacientes con COVID-19 aparecen tardíamente. La administración de corticoides, tocilizumab y antibióticos de amplio espectro se asocia con su aparición.

Telepsychological Mobile Applications in the Spanish Android Market.

BACKGROUND: The use of Android mobile applications aimed at addressing users' psychological health is increasing. However, no review has been conducted on public Android commercial telepsychological applications in Spain. METHOD: A systematic search was carried out in the general applications section of Google Play Store based on 20 keywords in Spanish. Applications in Spanish or English that were relevant from the perspective of the search terms were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1,000 applications retrieved, only 43.59% (337/773) met the inclusion criteria, of which 49.26% (171/337) were Spanish. Most of them were Self-applied treatment applications (52.96%, 29.59%, Spanish; 23.37%, English). A total of 69.44% (37.38% Spanish; 31.95% English) did not indicate the origin of the information and the academic link was anecdotal (3.25%). CONCLUSIONS: The low percentage of relevant applications, high prevalence of self-help applications, absence of references on the origin of the information, absence of academic support, and lack of certifications encouraged us to recommend caution to consumers and professionals in their adoption of these applications for the treatment of any psychological disorder.

Obsessive beliefs and uncertainty in obsessive compulsive and related patients creencias obsesivas e incertidumbre en pacientes con trastorno obsesivo compulsivo y afines.

Background/objective: The aim of the present study was to examine obsessive beliefs and intolerance of uncertainty differences among patients Obsessive compulsive disoreder (OCD), trichotillomania, excoriation, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and a control group healthy. Method: 130 participants between the ages of 17 and 62 years (Mean = 29.56, SD = 11.81) diagnosed with OCD (n = 36), trichotillomania (n = 18), excoriation (n = 17), GAD (n = 31) and a healthy control group (n = 28) were evaluated by Obsessive Beliefs Spanish Inventory-Revised and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Results: The trichotillomania group presented one of the highest obsessive beliefs highlighting over-importance of thoughts, thought action fusion-moral, importance of controlling one's thoughts. The OCD group also had higher scores in inflated responsibility and thought action fusion-likelihood. The GAD group excelled in inhibitory and prospective uncertainty. The level of depression influenced obsessive beliefs while anxiety affected inhibitory and prospective uncertainty. Conclusions: Cognitive variables such as obsessive beliefs and Intolerance of Uncertainty should be considered in the prevention and intervention of obsessive and anxiety disorders.

Low anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody levels predict increased mortality and dissemination of viral components in the blood of critical COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies prevent viral replication. Critically ill COVID-19 patients show viral material in plasma, associated with a dysregulated host response. If these antibodies influence survival and viral dissemination in ICU-COVID patients is unknown. PATIENTS/METHODS: We studied the impact of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies levels on survival, viral RNA-load in plasma, and N-antigenaemia in 92 COVID-19 patients over ICU admission. RESULTS: Frequency of N-antigenaemia was >2.5-fold higher in absence of antibodies. Antibodies correlated inversely with viral RNA-load in plasma, representing a protective factor against mortality (adjusted HR [CI 95%], p): (S IgM [AUC ≥ 60]: 0.44 [0.22; 0.88], 0.020); (S IgG [AUC ≥ 237]: 0.31 [0.16; 0.61], <0.001). Viral RNA-load in plasma and N-antigenaemia predicted increased mortality: (N1-viral load [≥2.156 copies/ml]: 2.25 [1.16; 4.36], 0.016); (N-antigenaemia: 2.45 [1.27; 4.69], 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Low anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody levels predict mortality in critical COVID-19. Our findings support that these antibodies contribute to prevent systemic dissemination of SARS-CoV-2.

Predictors of Parental Accommodation and Response Treatment in Young Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Background: Cognitive-behavioral family-based treatment (CBFT) is the treatment standard in very young children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which includes the same core components of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with significant family involvement. Although the latter reports high rates of remission, some children do not improve with treatments. Therefore, it is necessary to identify possible moderating variables such as comorbidity, severity of disorder, years of onset, parental anxiety, and parental accommodation. This study has two main aims: (1) to propose a predictive model on family accommodation (father and mother), taking into account variables related to the children (severity of obsessive-compulsive responses, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and comorbidity) and with the parents before intervention (worry, accommodation of one parental member over the other) and (2) to examine the mediating role of externalizing symptoms and mother's accommodation in the relation between initial severity and improvement of severity of obsessive-compulsive responses in children aged 5-8 years. Methods: Participants comprised 56 children with OCD [mean = 6.61 (SD = 0.76)] and their parents; 79% of the sample was men. Treatment was implemented by two clinicians specialized in OCD (>15 years of experience). Clinicians were trained to administer CBT protocol in the same way. They were doctors of clinical psychology and researchers at the OCD. Results: Mother's accommodation was associated with child variables (Child Behavior Checklist-Externalizing and Initial Severity, Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale). Father's accommodation could be explained by parent variables (mother's accommodation and worry). Simple mediation model tested using the SPSS macro PROCESS supported the relation of the initial severity of symptoms with that following intervention, through the simple indirect effect of externalizing symptoms of the child. Conclusions: Comorbidities with externalizing symptoms, father's worry, and mother's accommodation were variables that should be controlled in treatment of pediatric OCD.

Waveguide Manufacturing Technologies for Next-Generation Millimeter-Wave Antennas.

Some recent waveguide-based antennas are presented in this paper, designed for the next generation of communication systems operating at the millimeter-wave band. The presented prototypes have been conceived to be manufactured using different state-of-the-art techniques, involving subtractive and additive approaches. All the designs have used the latest developments in the field of manufacturing to guarantee the required accuracy for operation at millimeter-wave frequencies, where tolerances are extremely tight. Different designs will be presented, including a monopulse antenna combining a comparator network, a mode converter, and a spline profile horn; a tunable phase shifter that is integrated into an array to implement reconfigurability of the main lobe direction; and a conformal array antenna. These prototypes were manufactured by diverse approaches taking into account the waveguide configuration, combining parts with high-precision milling, electrical discharge machining, direct metal laser sintering, or stereolithography with spray metallization, showing very competitive performances at the millimeter-wave band till 40 GHz.

Coping Strategies, Anxiety and Depression in OCD and Schizophrenia: Changes during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The main aim was to examine changes in coping strategies, anxiety and depression in obsessive-compulsive and schizophrenia patients during COVID-19, in addition to controlling the influence of intolerance to uncertainty and experiential avoidance. METHOD: The first time, the study comprised (15-30 April 2020) 293 patients, 113 of whom were diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, 61 with schizophrenia and 119 healthy controls, aged 13-77 years (M = 37.89, SD = 12.65). The second time (15-30 November), the study comprised 195 participants (85 obsessive-compulsive patients, 42 schizophrenic patiens and 77 healthy controls participants). The evaluation was carried out through an online survey. RESULTS: The clinical groups worsened over time in cognitive coping, anxiety and depression, while the control group only worsened in depression. Intergroup differences in anxiety, depression and coping strategies were maintained, highlighting the use of some maladaptive strategies (avoidance, spiritual) in clinical groups. Experiential avoidance and tolerance for uncertainty mainly affected coping. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of COVID-19 not only produced changes in anxiety and depression in clinical groups but also in coping strategies to face this pandemic and its consequences.

Possible unrecognised liver injury is associated with mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life-threatening condition. A previous diagnosis of chronic liver disease is associated with poorer outcomes. Nevertheless, the impact of silent liver injury has not been investigated. We aimed to explore the association of pre-admission liver fibrosis indices with the prognosis of critically ill COVID-19 patients. METHODS: The work presented was an observational study in 214 patients with COVID-19 consecutively admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Pre-admission liver fibrosis indices were calculated. In-hospital mortality and predictive factors were explored with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.58 (13.79) years; 16 patients (7.48%) had previously recognised chronic liver disease. Up to 78.84% of patients according to Forns, and 45.76% according to FIB-4, had more than minimal fibrosis. Fibrosis indices were higher in non-survivors [Forns: 6.04 (1.42) versus 4.99 (1.58), p < 0.001; FIB-4: 1.77 (1.17) versus 1.41 (0.91), p = 0.020)], but no differences were found in liver biochemistry parameters. Patients with any degree of fibrosis either by Forns or FIB-4 had a higher mortality, which increased according to the severity of fibrosis (p < 0.05 for both indexes). Both Forns [HR 1.41 (1.11-1.81); p = 0.006] and FIB-4 [HR 1.31 (0.99-1.72); p = 0.051] were independently related to survival after adjusting for the Charlson comorbidity index, APACHE II, and ferritin. CONCLUSION: Unrecognised liver fibrosis, assessed by serological tests prior to admission, is independently associated with a higher risk of death in patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the ICU.

Psychometric propierties of the Selective Mutism Questionnaire in Spanish children.

Research on selective mutism (SM) has been limited by the absence of standardised, psychometrically sound and cross-culturally valid assessment measures. Our aim is to present the results of a study of the factor structure and the reliability and concurrent validity of the scores of the Selective Mutism Questionnaire (SMQ), translated and adapted into Spanish. The SMQ contains 17 items about children's difficulty in speaking adequately in the family, school and social environment (out-of-school and out-of-family), each of which is answered according to a Likert scale with four response alternatives on speech frequency. METHOD: The study involved 110 pairs of parents of children diagnosed with SM whose ages ranged from 3 to 10 years. RESULTS: The results show that the data from the Spanish sample fit the factorial model obtained by Bergman et al., and that data on its reliability and validity are robust and confirm that it as a good instrument for assessing SM in Spanish-speaking children. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we can affirm that the SMQ is a good instrument to assess SM in Spanish-speaking children.

La investigación sobre el mutismo selectivo (MS) se ha visto limitada por la ausencia de medidas de evaluación estandarizadas, psicométricamente sólidas y con validez transcultural. Nuestro objetivo es presentar los resultados de un estudio de la estructura factorial, fiabilidad y validez concurrente de las puntaciones del Selective Mutism Questionnaire (SMQ), traducido y adaptado al español. El SMQ contiene 17 ítems sobre la dificultad de los niños para hablar adecuadamente en el ámbito familiar, escolar y social (extraescolar y ajeno al ámbito familiar), cada uno de los cuales se contesta según una escala tipo Likert con cuatro alternativas de respuesta sobre la frecuencia del habla. Método: En el estudio participaron 110 parejas de padres de niños y niñas diagnosticados con MS. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que los datos de la muestra española se ajustan al modelo factorial obtenido por Bergman et al., así como que los datos sobre su fiabilidad y la validez son robustos. Conclusiones: Por todo ello podemos afirmar que el SMQ es un buen instrumento para valorar el MS en niños y niñas españoles de habla castellana.

Response Inhibition, Cognitive Flexibility and Working Memory in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder.

This study analyzed response inhibition, cognitive flexibility and working memory in three groups of patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, considering some variables that may influence results (nonverbal reasoning, comorbidity, use of pharmacotherapy). Neuropsychological measures were completed using a computerized Wisconsin card sorting test, Stroop color word test, go/no-go task, digits and Corsi. Significant differences were obtained among groups in cognitive flexibility and working memory variables. The obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) group showed the worst results. The social anxiety disorder group obtained greater effect sizes in visuospatial memory. However, significant differences between groups in visuospatial memory were no longer present when nonverbal reasoning was controlled. Comorbidity influenced interference in the OCD and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) groups. In addition, the executive functions were differently influenced by the level of obsessions and anxiety, and the use of pharmacotherapy. Study limitations include a non-random selection of participants, modest sample size and design type (cross-sectional). The OCD group showed the worst results in flexibility cognitive and verbal working memory. Comorbidity, use of pharmacotherapy and level anxiety and obsessions were variables influencing the performance of executive functions.

Executive Functioning and Clinical Variables in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive flexibility, response inhibition, and working memory are considered the main mechanisms responsible for executive control. This study examined differences in cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and working memory in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) relative to a control group. METHOD: A total of 62 obsessive-compulsive participants (OCD = 32; healthy control = 32) aged between 17 and 56 years old (M = 33.16, SD = 9.23) were administered the computerized Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Color-Word Test, Go/No-Go Task, Digit Test, and Corsi Block Test. Clinician-rated and self-reported obsessive-compulsive symptom severity, and anxiety, depression, and obsessive beliefs were evaluated. RESULTS: The control group performed better than the OCD group in tasks involving cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and visuospatial working memory. Anxiety and obsessive beliefs influenced the participants' performance on inhibition and working memory tasks. Similarly, comorbidity also influenced inhibition and working memory. In addition, the use of pharmacotherapy and the degree of OCD symptom severity influenced verbal working memory. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and visuospatial working memory deficits may be endophenotypes of OCD but require further examination for specificity. OCD severity, comorbidity patterns, anxiety, and obsessive beliefs may influence performance.

Coping strategies in obsessive-compulsive patients during Covid-19 lockdown.

The main aim of this study was to compare coping strategies in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and a healthy control group during COVID-19 lockdown and to analyze the relationship with some variables which may influence results (depression, anxiety, comorbidity, subtype of obsession-compulsion). METHOD: There were 237 participants, 122 OCD and 115 healthy controls, aged 17-61 years old (M = 33.48, SD = 11.13). RESULTS: Groups showed differences in the use of some adaptive strategies (positive reinterpretation, acceptance, humor) and maladaptive (denial, self-blame). Within obsessive-compulsive group, comorbidity affected the greater use of inappropriate strategies (denial, substance abuse and self-blame) while type of obsession-compulsion did not influence use. Anxiety and depression levels were related to the use of less adaptive strategies. CONCLUSIONS: These findings strengthen the need for training in the use of effective and adaptive coping strategies, making it necessary to improve clinical follow-up of these patients. It is relevant to be in contact with healthcare professionals, review medication and observe the anxiety and depression levels.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas por pacientes con Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo (TOC) durante el confinamiento debido a la COVID-19 frente a controles sanos y analizar su relación con algunas variables que pueden influir en los resultados (ansiedad, depresión, comorbilidad, tipo de obsesiones-compulsiones). Método: Los participantes fueron 237, 122 diagnosticados de Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo y 115 controles sanos, con edades comprendidas entre 13 y 58 años (M = 34,60, DT = 10,41). Resultados: Los grupos presentaron diferencias en el uso de algunas estrategias adaptativas (reinterpretación positiva, aceptación, humor) y desadaptativas (negación, autoculpa). Dentro del grupo TOC, la comorbilidad afectó para el mayor uso de estrategias inadecuadas (negación, abuso de sustancias y autoculpa), mientras que el tipo de obsesiones-compulsiones no influyó en el uso de las mismas. Los niveles de ansiedad y depresión estaban relacionadas con el uso de estrategias menos adaptativas. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos refuerzan la necesidad de entrenar en la utilización de estrategias de afrontamiento eficaces y adaptativas, siendo necesario mejorar el seguimiento clínico de estos pacientes. Es importante estar en contacto con profesionales de la salud, revisar la medicación y observar los niveles de ansiedad y depresión.

Viral RNA load in plasma is associated with critical illness and a dysregulated host response in COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 can course with respiratory and extrapulmonary disease. SARS-CoV-2 RNA is detected in respiratory samples but also in blood, stool and urine. Severe COVID-19 is characterized by a dysregulated host response to this virus. We studied whether viral RNAemia or viral RNA load in plasma is associated with severe COVID-19 and also to this dysregulated response. METHODS: A total of 250 patients with COVID-19 were recruited (50 outpatients, 100 hospitalized ward patients and 100 critically ill). Viral RNA detection and quantification in plasma was performed using droplet digital PCR, targeting the N1 and N2 regions of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein gene. The association between SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia and viral RNA load in plasma with severity was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. Correlations between viral RNA load and biomarkers evidencing dysregulation of host response were evaluated by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The frequency of viral RNAemia was higher in the critically ill patients (78%) compared to ward patients (27%) and outpatients (2%) (p < 0.001). Critical patients had higher viral RNA loads in plasma than non-critically ill patients, with non-survivors showing the highest values. When outpatients and ward patients were compared, viral RNAemia did not show significant associations in the multivariate analysis. In contrast, when ward patients were compared with ICU patients, both viral RNAemia and viral RNA load in plasma were associated with critical illness (OR [CI 95%], p): RNAemia (3.92 [1.183-12.968], 0.025), viral RNA load (N1) (1.962 [1.244-3.096], 0.004); viral RNA load (N2) (2.229 [1.382-3.595], 0.001). Viral RNA load in plasma correlated with higher levels of chemokines (CXCL10, CCL2), biomarkers indicative of a systemic inflammatory response (IL-6, CRP, ferritin), activation of NK cells (IL-15), endothelial dysfunction (VCAM-1, angiopoietin-2, ICAM-1), coagulation activation (D-Dimer and INR), tissue damage (LDH, GPT), neutrophil response (neutrophils counts, myeloperoxidase, GM-CSF) and immunodepression (PD-L1, IL-10, lymphopenia and monocytopenia). CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia and viral RNA load in plasma are associated with critical illness in COVID-19. Viral RNA load in plasma correlates with key signatures of dysregulated host responses, suggesting a major role of uncontrolled viral replication in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Cognitive flexibility and response inhibition in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to analyze differences in inhibition and cognitive flexibility, taking into account some variables that may influence results (non verbal reasoning, depression, anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, comorbidity, medication consumption). METHOD: The participants were 95 adults aged 17-61 years old (M = 33.48, SD = 11.13), primary (most severe) Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and a healthy control group. Neuropsychological neasures were completed using computerized Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Color Word Test and Go/NoGo Task. RESULTS: Clinical groups presented worse results in cognitive flexibility to the control group. The obsessive-compulsive group showed worse scores in flexibility than the generalized anxiety group, once non-verbal reasoning and tolerance to uncertainty were controlled. Comorbidity and medication use did not affect results in the obsessive compulsive group but did however influence the generalized anxiety group. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive flexibility could be included treatment in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las diferencias en flexibilidad cognitiva e inhibición de respuestas teniendo en cuenta algunas variables que pueden influir en los resultados (razonamiento no verbal, depresión, ansiedad, intolerancia a la incertidumbre, comorbilidad, consumo de fármacos). MÉTODO: Los participantes fueron 95 adultos de edades comprendidas entre 17-61 años (M = 33,48; DT = 11,13), diagnosticados de Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo, Trastorno de ansiedad generalizada y un grupo de control sano. Las variables neuropsicológicas fueron evaluadas con el Test de Clasificación de Tarjetas de Wisconsin, Test Stroop de Colores y Palabras y Tareas Go/NoGo. RESULTADOS: Los grupos clínicos presentaron peores resultados en flexibilidad cognitiva frente al grupo control. El grupo obsesivo-compulsivo alcanzó peores puntuaciones en flexibilidad que el grupo con ansiedad generalizada, una vez controlado el razonamiento no verbal y la tolerancia a la incertidumbre. La comorbilidad y el consumo de fármacos no afectaron a los resultados en el grupo obsesivo-compulsivo. Sin embargo, ambas variables influyeron en el grupo con ansiedad generalizada. CONCLUSIONES: La flexibilidad cognitiva podría ser incluida en los paquetes de tratamiento del Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo y del Trastorno de ansiedad generalizada.

Estilos educativos parentales y emociones como predictores de respuestas obsesivo-compulsivas en población adolescente / Parental educational styles and emotions as predictors of obsessive-compulsive responses in adolescent population

Resumen Las variables familiares y emocionales están relacionadas con el desarrollo y mantenimiento de distintos trastornos psicopatológicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la relación entre variables emocionales (regulación de emociones, optimismo y tolerancia a la frustración) y familiares (estilos parentales percibidos) con respuestas obsesivo-compulsivas. En cuanto al método, los participantes fueron 473 adolescentes (249 chicos y 224 chicas) con edades comprendidas entre los 12 y 18 años (M = 14.84, DT = 1.83) que cursaban estudios de Educación Secundaria y Bachillerato. En resultados, la variable optimismo alcanzó el mayor peso explicativo de obsesión-compulsión, seguida de la atención a los síntomas, revelación del padre y tolerancia a la frustración. Las puntuaciones en ansiedad y depresión presentaron un alto porcentaje de varianza explicada. Se concluye que el optimismo, la atención adecuada a los síntomas, la tolerancia a la frustración y las relaciones de confianza entre padres e hijos podrían ser factores protectores en la aparición de pensamientos obsesivo-compulsivos.

Abstract Family and emotional variables are related to the development and maintenance of different psychopathological disorders. The aim of this study was to analyze differences between emotional variables (emotion regulation, optimism and tolerance to frustration) and family variables (perceived educational styles) with obsessive-compulsive responses. Method: Participants were 473 adolescents (249 boys and 224 girls) aged between 12 and 18 years old (M = 14.84, SD = 1.83) who were studying Secondary Education. Results: The optimism variable reached the highest explanatory weight of obsession-compulsion, followed by attention to symptoms, sharing of feeling with father and tolerance to frustration. The scores in anxiety and depression showed a high percentage of variance explained. Conclusions: Optimism, adequate attention to symptoms, tolerance to frustration and relationships of trust between parents and children could be protective factors of obsessive-compulsive thoughts.

Family involvement and treatment for young children with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Randomized control study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the diferential efficacy of cognitive behavioral family treatment in children under 8 years of age with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the reduction of obsessive-compulsive responses and secondary outcomes in three treatment conditions: (a) Treatment of parents and child, (b) Treatment of mother and child, and (c) Treatment of mother. METHOD: Forty-four children with obsessive-compulsive disorder, aged 5.2-7.9 years old and their parents, were randomized to one of three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. Seventy-five percent was male and 100% Caucasian (White-European). Treatment involved 12 individual sessions of is Cognitive-Behavioral Family-Based Treatment delivered. RESULTS: The three conditions produced clinical improvements in post-test and follow-up in the primary (symptom severity OCD) and secondary outcomes. The results showed no intergroup differences in variables related to OCD symptom severity, although statistically significant differences were found in groups in Internalizing and Externalizing problem, mother and fathers accomodation. CONCLUSIONS: The most efficient condition was that including a greater number of family members even when there was high family accommodation. The direct involvement of the child in the psychological treatment was important in achieving better results.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: El objetivo fue analizar la eficacia diferencial de un tratamiento cognitivo-conductual para la reducción de obsesiones y compulsions y otras medidas secundarias en niños menores de 8 años con Trastorno Obsesivo-Compulsivo (TOC). Las tres condiciones de tratamiento fueron: (a) Tratamiento a los padres y al niño, (b) Tratamiento a la madre y al niño, (3) Tratamiento a la madre. MÉTODO: Cuarenta y cuatro niños, con edades comprendidas entre 5,2­7,9 años, y sus padres fueron asignados al azar a uno de los tres grupos, ratio de 1:1:1. El 75% eran varones y el 100% españoles. El tratamiento consistió en 12 sesiones individuales de Terapia familiar cognitivo-conductual. RESULTADOS: Las tres condiciones de tratamiento produjeron mejorías clínicas en el postest y seguimiento en las medidas primarias (severidad TOC) y secundarias. Los resultados mostraron que no existían diferencias entre los grupos en las variables relacionadas con síntomas de severidad, mientras que sí se hallaron en problemas internalizantes y externalizantes, y acomodación de la madre y del padre. CONCLUSIONES: La condición más eficiente fue la que incluía mayor número de miembros familiares, sobre todo cuando había una mayor acomodación familiar. La participación directa del niño en el tratamiento psicológico fue importante para lograr mejores resultados.

Efectividad del tratamiento temprano de niños con mutismo selectivo en los centros educativos / Effectiveness of early treatment of children with selective mutism in educational centers

Resumen El mutismo selectivo (MS) es un trastorno de ansiedad de baja prevalencia, lo que dificulta su investigación. Pese a su inicio temprano su diagnóstico no suele hacerse antes del acceso a la escolaridad obligatoria. El objetivo de este estudio fue valorar la eficiencia de un protocolo cognitivo-conductual para la intervención psicológica en el contexto educativo (ipmsce), siguiendo los criterios de la Task Force in Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures. Participaron 10 niños que presentaban una demora inferior a dos años entre el inicio del MS y su diagnóstico (1.00 ± 0.54). La edad media fue de 4.94 años y el 80% fueron niñas. Se utilizó un diseño de acumulación de casos, con medidas del tratamiento antes de su aplicación, al finalizar y en un seguimiento a los 12 meses, obtenidas a través de los padres, los profesores y un test situacional. Los resultados muestran la efectividad de la intervención.

Abstract Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder of low prevalence, which makes its investigation difficult. Despite its early start, its diagnosis is not usually made before access to compulsory schooling. The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of a cognitive-behavioral protocol for psychological intervention in the educational context (ipmsce), following the criteria of the Task Force in Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures. Ten children with a delay of less than two years between the onset of SM and its diagnosis (1.00 ± 0.54) participated. The average age was 4.94 years and 80 % were girls. A case accumulation design was used, with measures of treatment before its application, at the end and in a followup at 12 months, obtained through parents, teachers and a situational test. The results show the effectiveness of the intervention.

Role of social skills training in adolescents with social anxiety disorder.

Background/Objective: Social skills training (SST) is frequently included in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in both children and adolescents, although there is no empirical evidence to support it. Consequently, our objective is to study the role and effects of SST in the treatment of a sample of adolescents with SAD. Method: A total of 108 adolescents diagnosed with generalized social phobia were randomly assigned to two treatment conditions (with and without SST) and a control group waiting list (WLCG). The evaluation included self-report measures, observational tests and blind evaluators. Results: Both interventions significantly reduced the number of social situations feared/avoided with respect to the WLCG, which worsened. Likewise, both interventions were effective but the group with SST obtained better results in the post-test and follow-ups, as well as a lower dropout rate (6:1). Conclusions: The use of SST reduces the dropout rate of treated adolescents and increases the effectiveness of the Intervention Program for Adolescents with Social Phobia.

Antecedentes/Objetivo: El entrenamiento en habilidades sociales (EHS) se incluye frecuentemente en el tratamiento del trastorno por ansiedad social (TAS) tanto en niños como en adolescentes, pese a que no existe evidencia empírica que lo respalde. En consecuencia, nuestro objetivo es estudiar el papel y los efectos que produce el EHS en el tratamiento de una muestra de adolescentes con TAS. Método: Un total de 108 adolescentes diagnosticados con fobia social generalizada fueron asignados aleatoriamente a dos condiciones de tratamiento (con y sin EHS) y a un grupo control lista de espera (GCLE). La evaluación incluyó medidas de autoinforme, tests observacionales y evaluadores ciegos. Resultados: Ambas intervenciones redujeron significativamente el número de situaciones sociales temidas/evitadas respecto del GCLE, que empeoró. Asimismo, ambas fueron eficaces pero el grupo con EHS obtuvo mejores resultados en el post-test y en los seguimientos, así como una tasa menor de abandonos (6:1). Conclusiones: El uso del EHS reduce la tasa de abandono de los adolescentes tratados e incrementa la eficacia del Programa de Intervención en Adolescentes con Fobia Social.