Adaptation aftereffects reveal how categorization training changes the encoding of face identity.

Previous research suggests that learning to categorize faces along a novel dimension changes the perceptual representation of such dimension, increasing its discriminability, its invariance, and the information used to identify faces varying along the dimension. A common interpretation of these results is that categorization training promotes the creation of novel dimensions, rather than simply the enhancement of already existing representations. Here, we trained a group of participants to categorize faces that varied along two morphing dimensions, one of them relevant to the categorization task and the other irrelevant to the task. An untrained group did not receive such categorization training. In three experiments, we used face adaptation aftereffects to explore how categorization training changes the encoding of face identities at the extremes of the category-relevant dimension and whether such training produces encoding of the category-relevant dimension as a preferred direction in face space. The pattern of results suggests that categorization training enhances the already existing norm-based coding of face identity, rather than creating novel category-relevant representations. We formalized this conclusion in a model that explains the most important results in our experiments and serves as a working hypothesis for future work in this area.

[Adolescents opinions regarding Plato del Bien Comer Maya as nutrition health promotion tool.] / Opiniones de adolescentes sobre el Plato del Bien Comer Maya como herramienta de promoción de la salud.

OBJECTIVE: To know opinions of adolescents from Cholul, Yucatán, about Plato del Bien Comer Maya in order to improve it as health promotion tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative study, formative research. Three focus groups were carried out, participating 28 adolescents: 12-16 years old. Criteria of inclusion: studying middle school; to have native family from the town. Analysis of the data made manually. RESULTS: Comparatively with the national Plato del Bien Comer, the Plato Maya was better identified because have local food products easier to obtain and cheaper. The principal finding was to understand Fruto is a linguistic variation word which represents in Maya context both fruits and vegetables. This might be an important key to improve health promotion activities with that population. CONCLUSIONS: In order to have better results in nutritional interventions, it is necessary to design educational-communicative strategies in accordance with the local culture.

OBJETIVO: Conocer opiniones sobre el Plato del Bien Comer Maya de adolescentes de Cholul, Yucatán, para mejorar la herramienta comunicativa y utilizarla en actividades depromoción de la salud. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cualitativo, de investigación formativa. Se realizaron tres grupos focales, participaron 28 adolescentes de secundaria: 12-16 años. Criterios de inclusión: pertenecer a alguno de los tres grados de la escuela y tener familias originarias del poblado. El análisis de los datos se realizó manualmente. RESULTADOS: En comparación con el Plato del Bien Comer nacional, el Plato Maya fue mejor identificado por tener elementos locales a los que pueden acceder fácilmente y con costos menores. Se identificó la palabra fruto como una variación lingüística que representa en ese contexto tanto a las frutas como a las verduras. CONCLUSIONES: Para tener mejores resultados en intervenciones nutricionales es necesario diseñar estrategias educativo-comunicativas acordes con la cultura local.

Safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant protein RBD fusion heterodimer vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.

In response to COVID-19 pandemic, we have launched a vaccine development program against SARS-CoV-2. Here we report the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a recombinant protein RBD fusion heterodimeric vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 (PHH-1V) evaluated in a phase 1-2a dose-escalation, randomized clinical trial conducted in Catalonia, Spain. 30 young healthy adults were enrolled and received two intramuscular doses, 21 days apart of PHH-1V vaccine formulations [10 µg (n = 5), 20 µg (n = 10), 40 µg (n = 10)] or control [BNT162b2 (n = 5)]. Each PHH-1V group had one safety sentinel and the remaining participants were randomly assigned. The primary endpoint was solicited events within 7 days and unsolicited events within 28 days after each vaccination. Secondary endpoints were humoral and cellular immunogenicity against the variants of concern (VOCs) alpha, beta, delta and gamma. All formulations were safe and well tolerated, with tenderness and pain at the site of injection being the most frequently reported solicited events. Throughout the study, all participants reported having at least one mild to moderate unsolicited event. Two unrelated severe adverse events (AE) were reported and fully resolved. No AE of special interest was reported. Fourteen days after the second vaccine dose, all participants had a >4-fold change in total binding antibodies from baseline. PHH-1V induced robust humoral responses with neutralizing activities against all VOCs assessed (geometric mean fold rise at 35 days p < 0.0001). The specific T-cell response assessed by ELISpot was moderate. This initial evaluation has contributed significantly to the further development of PHH-1V, which is now included in the European vaccine portfolio.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05007509EudraCT No. 2021-001411-82.

Capillary Malformations.

Capillary malformations (CMs) are the most common vascular anomalies, composed of enlarged capillaries and venules with thickened perivascular cell coverage in skin and mucous membranes. These congenital anomalies represent an error in vascular development during embryogenesis. Most of the CMs occur without any syndromic findings; the association between CMs systemic anomalies in some patients, however, makes the recognition of additional syndrome features critical. Some genetic disorders discussed, which feature CMs, include Sturge-Weber syndrome, diffuse CMs with overgrowth, Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, CLOVES syndrome, among others. This article can aid clinicians in better identifying CMs and associated syndromes and provide consistent terminology to facilitate interdisciplinary management.

Fungal Peritonitis Associated With Peritoneal Dialysis Due to Non-Albicans Candida: A Case Series.

Fungal peritonitis secondary to non-albicans Candida is reported less frequently. There are uncertainties regarding the treatment of non-albicans Candida infection (i.e., preferred route or initial drug). The objective of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics and treatment used in cases of peritoneal dialysis associated fungal peritonitis secondary to non-albicans Candida. We report four cases with different clinical characteristics and different routes of administration of the antifungal drug, with no deaths. In all four patients, there were risk factors similar to those reported worldwide, without presenting the route of administration of the antifungal drug as a risk factor, suggesting that the mainstay of treatment is early initiation of the antifungal drug and early removal of the catheter.

[Nutrition and peritoneal dialysis: Fundaments and practical aspects for dietary prescription]. / Nutrición y diálisis peritoneal: fundamentos y aspectos prácticos para la prescripción dietética.

The number of patients with advanced / end-stage chronic kidney disease (ESRD) with some modality of renal replacement therapy (RRT) has been on the rise significantly. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) represents 11% of the world dialysis population. Different options for RRT have been associated with a greater risk of developing complications, such infections, metabolic alterations and nutritional complications, specifically a higher incidence of protein-energy wasting (PEW), ranging from 32 to 49% in PD patients. Peritoneal transporter type plays an important role in the development of nutritional complications, where the high transporter compared to the slow or low transporter has been associated with a higher nutritional risk by increasing the risk of volume overload, hypertension, and inflammation; as well as greater loss of proteins in the dialysate due to the greater number of replacements that characterize its prescription. Nutrition specialists needs to consider diverse aspects to achieve an individualized nutritional approach based on the characteristics of the patient, where knowing peritoneal transporter type is essential. The aim of this study is to review the evidence available to date regarding nutritional therapy in patients with peritoneal dialysis, as well as to analyze some basic aspects of dialysis therapy.

El número de pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada/terminal (ERCT) con alguna modalidad de terapia de reemplazo renal (TRR) ha ido en ascenso. A nivel mundial, la diálisis peritoneal (DP) representa el 11% del total de pacientes con TRR. Las diferentes opciones de TRR se han asociado con un mayor riesgo para desarrollar complicaciones infecciosas, metabólicas y nutricionales, reportándose cifras alarmantes de desgaste proteico energético (DPE) que oscilan entre 32-49% en pacientes en DP. El tipo de transportador peritoneal juega un rol importante en el desarrollo de complicaciones nutricionales, donde el transportador alto, en comparación con el lento o bajo, se ha asociado con un mayor riesgo nutricional al incrementar el riesgo de sobrecarga de volumen, hipertensión e inflamación; así como mayor pérdida de proteínas en el dializado por el mayor número de recambios que caracteriza su prescripción. Por tal motivo, el profesional de la nutrición debe considerar diversos aspectos para lograr un abordaje nutricional individualizado a partir de las características del paciente, en el que conocer el tipo de transportador peritoneal es fundamental. El objetivo del presente trabajo es realizar una revisión de la evidencia disponible hasta la fecha respecto a la terapia nutricional del paciente con diálisis peritoneal, así como analizar algunos aspectos básicos de la terapia dialítica.

Relationship between Vascular Calcification, Protein-Energy Wasting Syndrome, and Sarcopenia in Maintenance Automated Peritoneal Dialysis.

Vascular calcifications affect 80% to 90% of chronic kidney disease patients and are a predictive factor of cardiovascular mortality. Sarcopenia and protein-energy wasting syndrome are also associated with mortality. The aim was to assess the relationship between vascular calcification, sarcopenia, and protein-energy wasting syndrome (PEW) in automated peritoneal dialysis patients. Fifty-one maintenance automated peritoneal dialysis patients were included (27 were male, mean age 39 ± 14 years). Vascular calcification was assessed based on abdomen, pelvis, and hand radiographs. Sarcopenia was assessed with bioimpedance analysis and a hand grip strength test. The Malnutrition-Inflammation Score and the presence of PEW were also assessed. Vascular calcification was present in 21 patients (41.2%). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (p = 0.001), Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (p = 0.022), PEW (p = 0.049), sarcopenia (p = 0.048), and diabetes (p = 0.010) were associated with vascular calcification. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (p = 0.006) was the only variable associated independently with vascular calcification. In conclusion, there is association between vascular calcification, PEW, and sarcopenia in patients with maintenance automated peritoneal dialysis. These associations are not independent of age. This demonstrates the importance of nutritional status in the prevention of vascular calcification.

Detection of Pathogenic Leptospires in Water and Soil in Areas Endemic to Leptospirosis in Nicaragua.

In Nicaragua, there are ideal environmental conditions for leptospirosis. The objective of this investigation was to detect pathogenic and saprophytic leptospires in water and soil samples from leptospirosis-endemic areas in Nicaragua. Seventy-eight water and 42 soil samples were collected from houses and rivers close to confirmed human cases. Leptospira spp was isolated in Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris (EMJH) culture medium with 5-fluororacil and positive samples were analyzed through PCR for the LipL32 gene, specific for pathogenic leptospires (P1 clade). There were 73 positive cultures from 120 samples, however only six of these (5% of all collected samples) were confirmed to be pathogenic, based on the presence of the LipL32 gene (P1 clade). Of these six pathogenic isolates, four were from Leon and two from Chinandega. Four pathogenic isolates were obtained from water and two from soil. This study proved the contamination of water and soil with pathogenic leptospires, which represents a potential risk for public health.

Phase angle and mid arm circumference as predictors of protein energy wasting in renal replacement therapy patients.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: to analyze the association between phase angle (PA) and mid arm circumference (MAC) with protein energy wasting (PEW) in renal replacement therapy (RRT) patients. Methods: cross-sectional study. Hemodiafiltration (HDF) and automated peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients were enrolled in the study. MAC and body composition were measured using impedance bioelectric (BIA); PA, fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and ECW/TBW were obtained. Biochemical (serum albumin and cholesterol) and dietary data (energy and protein intake) were collected. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Patients were classified with PEW according to ISRNM criteria (low BMI, low albumin or cholesterol concentrations, low muscle mass and overhydration). Cut-off point of PA and MAC was obtained by ROC analysis. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate the ability of both indicators to predict PEW. Results: sixty-nine patients were included in the study. Fifty-two (52%) were female. Thirty-nine (39%) patients had PEW. The ROC curve reveals that the optimal PA cut-off value for malnutrition risk was 4.64° with 77.8% sensitivity and 76.2% specificity. For MAC, a cut-off value of 29.6 cm shows a sensitivity of 66.6% and specificity of 69.0%. Both indicators showed significant association to PEW after multivariate adjustment. Conclusion: PEW is present almost in 39% of the RRT patients. PA and MAC are useful, simple and independents indicators for predicting PEW in Chronic Kidney disease patients on RRT.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: analizar la asociación entre el ángulo de fase (AF) y la circunferencia media del brazo (CMB) con la presencia de desgaste proteico energético (DPE) en pacientes en terapia de remplazo renal (TRR). Métodos: estudio transversal. Fueron incluidos pacientes en hemodiafiltración y en diálisis peritoneal automatizada. Se tomaron mediciones de CMB y de composición corporal utilizando bioimpedancia eléctrica (AF, masa libre de grasa, masa grasa y agua extracelular/agua corporal total). Se obtuvieron mediciones de albúmina y colesterol y se cuantificó el consumo dietético de energía y proteína. Se calculó el IMC. Se diagnosticó el DPE utilizando los criterios de ISRNM (bajo IMC, baja albúmina o colesterol, baja musculatura y sobrehidratación). Se evaluó la habilidad del AF y CMB para predecir DPE a través de una regresión logística. Se obtuvieron puntos de corte para ambos indicadores utilizando una prueba ROC. Se evaluó la habilidad del AF y CMB para predecir DPE a través de una regresión logística. Resultados: se incluyeron 69 pacientes en el estudio, el 52% de sexo femenino, y el 39% cumplieron criterios para DPE. El AF y el CMB predicen de forma adecuada el DPE según el análisis multivariado. Los puntos de corte obtenidos por la prueba ROC son < 4,64° para AF, con una sensibilidad del 77,8% y una especificidad del 76,2%, y < 29,6 cm para la CMB, con una sensibilidad del 66,6% y una especificidad del 69%. Conclusión: el DPE está presente en el 39% de pacientes en TRR. El AF y CMB son indicadores independientes, útiles y simples para predecir DPE en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en TRR.

Opiniones de adolescentes sobre el Plato del Bien Comer Maya como herramienta de promoción de la salud / Adolescents opinions regarding Plato del Bien Comer Maya as nutrition health promotion tool

Resumen: Objetivo: Conocer opiniones sobre el Plato del Bien Comer Maya de adolescentes de Cholul, Yucatán, para mejorar la herramienta comunicativa y utilizarla en actividades de promoción de la salud. Material y métodos: Estudio cualitativo, de investigación formativa. Se realizaron tres grupos focales, participaron 28 adolescentes de secundaria: 12-16 años. Criterios de inclusión: pertenecer a alguno de los tres grados de la escuela y tener familias originarias del poblado. El análisis de los datos se realizó manualmente. Resultados: En comparación con el Plato del Bien Comer nacional, el Plato Maya fue mejor identificado por tener elementos locales a los que pueden acceder fácilmente y con costos menores. Se identificó la palabra fruto como una variación lingüística que representa en ese contexto tanto a las frutas como a las verduras. Conclusiones: Para tener mejores resultados en intervenciones nutricionales es necesario diseñar estrategias educativo-comunicativas acordes con la cultura local.

Abstract : Objective: To know opinions of adolescents from Cholul, Yucatán, about Plato del Bien Comer Maya in order to improve it as health promotion tool. Materials and methods: Qualitative study, formative research. Three focus groups were carried out, participating 28 adolescents: 12-16 years old. Criteria of inclusion: studying middle school; to have native family from the town. Analysis of the data made manually. Results: Comparatively with the national Plato del Bien Comer, the Plato Maya was better identified because have local food products easier to obtain and cheaper. The principal finding was to understand Fruto is a linguistic variation word which represents in Maya context both fruits and vegetables. This might be an important key to improve health promotion activities with that population. Conclusions: In order to have better results in nutritional interventions, it is necessary to design educational-communicative strategies in accordance with the local culture.

Conocimientos del personal medico sobre malformaciones congénitas, Hospital Fernando Vélez Paíz, enero, año 2003 / Knowledge of medical personnel on congenital malformations, Hospital Fernando Vélez Paíz

Se realizó un estudio "Conocimientos del personal médico sobre MFC en el HFVP durante el mes de enero del año 2003". De los 110 médicos trabajadores del centro 76 participaron en el estudio (69 porciento). 17 porciento no entregaron el cuestionario y una minoria no accedio a contestarlo, a otros no se pudo entregar por encontrarse en áreas críticas con menor disposición de tiempo para completar el cuestionario. El 42 porciento fueron médicos residentes, 28 porciento médicos de base, 17 porciento médicos internos y 13 porciento médicos generales, dde estos 43 son mujeres y 33 varones. El 92 porciento de los médicos estuvo de acuerdo que todas las enfermedades géneticas son congénitas pero no todo lo congénito es genético. El 79 porciento opina que la planificación del embarazo es responsabilidad de los padres, el 18 porciento que es responsabilidad de la comunidad, el 88 porciento consideró que hay que tener en cuenta la salud de ambos progenitores, el consejo genético, los factores socioeconómicos y emocionales en la planificación de un embarazo. Sobre lo que debe abordarse en el asesoramiento genótico el 68 porciento manifiesta los antecedentes familiares de malformaciones congénitas, con menor porcentaje la historia de la consanguinidad, el riesgo de presentarse una nueva malformación en la familia, las patologías de los padres, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la malformación en la familia, las patologías de los padres, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la malformación presentada, solo 4 casos consideraron apoyo sicológico a los padres...