Checklist: Neck computed tomography in non-traumatic emergencies.

Patients attending the emergency department (ED) with cervical inflammatory/infectious symptoms or presenting masses that may involve the aerodigestive tract or vascular structures require a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck. Its radiological interpretation is hampered by the anatomical complexity and pathophysiological interrelationship between the different component systems in a relatively small area. Recent studies propose a systematic evaluation of the cervical structures, using a 7-item checklist, to correctly identify the pathology and detect incidental findings that may interfere with patient management. As a conclusion, the aim of this paper is to review CT findings in non-traumatic pathology of the neck in the ED, highlighting the importance of a systematic approach in its interpretation and synthesis of a structured, complete, and concise radiological report.

Culture-negative TB: clinical characteristics, risk factors and treatment outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although culture remains the standard for TB diagnosis, 15-20% of patients diagnosed and treated for TB are culture-negative. We explored clinical characteristics, risk factors and treatment outcomes for culture-negative TB in a Peruvian cohort.METHODS: We recruited 4,500 index TB patients and 10,160 household contacts in Lima, Peru, and enrolled 692 secondary patients diagnosed with TB during follow-up of household contacts. We analyzed smear and culture status, sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics and TB treatment outcomes to compare culture-negative and positive patients.RESULTS: Of the 4,880 adult patients, 915 (18.8%) were culture-negative. Culture-negative patients were less likely to report symptoms of TB disease and disease of longer duration. A multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant difference in loss to follow-up, treatment failure or recurrence between the culture-negative and -positive groups but a higher rate of death among culture-negative patients with an adjusted OR of 1.65 (95% CI 1.05-2.60). In a multivariate analysis of determinants of culture negativity, older age, substance use and being a secondary case were associated with culture status.CONCLUSIONS: More recognition and awareness of culture-negative TB is key for early and correct diagnosis to reduce transmission and improve treatment outcomes.

Using digital chatbots to close gaps in healthcare access during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Chatbots have emerged as a first link to care in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, and consequent health system disruptions, expanded their use. Socios En Salud (SES) introduced chatbots in Peru, which experienced one of the highest excess COVID mortalities in the world. METHODS: SES and the government identified unmet population health needs, which could be amenable to virtual interventions. Chatbots were developed to screen individuals for these conditions; we describe the period of deployment, number of screenings, and number of people who received services. RESULTS: Between April 2020 and May 2021, SES deployed nine ChatBots: four for mental health, two for maternal and child health, and three for chronic diseases: breast cancer, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Mental health services were provided to 42,932 people, 99.99% of those offered services. The other ChatBots reached fewer people. Overall, more than 50% of eligible people accepted chatbot-based services. DISCUSSION: ChatBot use was highest for mental health. Chatbots may increase connections between a vulnerable population and health services; this is likely dependent on several factors, including condition, population, and penetration of smart phones. Future research will be critical to understand user experience and preferences and to ensure that chatbots link vulnerable populations to appropriate, high-quality care.

INTRODUCTION: Les chatbots se sont imposés comme un premier lien aux soins ces dernières années. La pandémie de COVID-19, et les perturbations du système de santé qui en ont résultées, ont élargi leur champ d'application. Socios En Salud (SES) a introduit les chatbots au Pérou, qui a connu l'une des surmortalités dues au COVID les plus élevées au monde. MÉTHODES: SES et le gouvernement ont identifié des besoins non satisfaits en matière de santé de la population, qui pourraient faire l'objet d'interventions virtuelles. Des chatbots ont été développés pour dépister des individus pour ces conditions ; nous décrivons la période de leur déploiement, le nombre de dépistages et le nombre de personnes qui ont reçu ces services. RÉSULTATS: Entre avril 2020 et mai 2021, SES a déployé neuf ChatBots : quatre pour la santé mentale, deux pour la santé maternelle et infantile et trois pour les maladies chroniques, comme le cancer du sein, l'hypertension, le diabète et l'obésité. Des services de santé mentale ont été fournis à 42 932 personnes, soit 99,99% des personnes proposées. Les autres ChatBots ont touché moins de personnes. Dans l'ensemble, plus de 50% des personnes éligibles ont accepté les services proposés par les chatbots. DISCUSSION: L'utilisation des ChatBots était la plus élevée pour la santé mentale. Les chatbots peuvent augmenter les connexions entre une population vulnérable et les services de santé, mais cela dépende de plusieurs facteurs, dont la condition, la type de population et la pénétration des smartphones. Les recherches futures seront essentielles pour comprendre l'expérience et les préférences des utilisateurs et pour s'assurer que les chatbots relient les populations vulnérables vulnérables aux soins appropriés et de qualité.

SNP discovery and association study for growth, fatness and meat quality traits in Iberian crossbred pigs.

Iberian pigs and its crosses are produced to obtain high-quality meat products. The objective of this work was to evaluate a wide panel of DNA markers, selected by biological and functional criteria, for association with traits related to muscle growth, fatness, meat quality and metabolism. We used 18 crossbred Iberian pigs with divergent postnatal growth patterns for whole genome sequencing and SNP discovery, with over 13 million variants being detected. We selected 1023 missense SNPs located on annotated genes and showing different allele frequencies between pigs with makerdly different growth patterns. We complemented this panel with 192 candidate SNPs obtained from literature mining and from muscle RNAseq data. The selected markers were genotyped in 480 Iberian × Duroc pigs from a commercial population, in which phenotypes were obtained, and an association study was performed for the 1005 successfully genotyped SNPs showing segregation. The results confirmed the effects of several known SNPs in candidate genes (such as LEPR, ACACA, FTO, LIPE or SCD on fatness, growth and fatty acid composition) and also disclosed interesting effects of new SNPs in less known genes such as LRIG3, DENND1B, SOWAHB, EPHX1 or NFE2L2 affecting body weight, average daily gain and adiposity at different ages, or KRT10, NLE1, KCNH2 or AHNAK affecting fatness and FA composition. The results provide a valuable basis for future implementation of marker-assisted selection strategies in swine and contribute to a better understanding of the genetic architecture of relevant traits.

[Parkinson's disease phenotype based on age at onset in Latin American patients: a paired-based analysis]. / Fenotipo de la enfermedad de Parkinson basado en la edad de inicio en pacientes latinoamericanos: un análisis emparejado.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have demonstrated a higher motor and non-motor burden in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with old age at onset compared to those with middle age at onset. We decided to test these findings in a Latin American PD population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited 24 PD patients with age at onset > 65 years, and each patient was matched to 1 control patient with disease onset at ages between 48 and 60 years, matched for gender and disease duration (±2 years). Clinical test batteries that assessed motor (MDS-UPDRS), non-motor (NMSS), cognitive (MoCA), and quality of life (PDQ-8) were recorded. Groups were compared with conditional logistic regression analysis. A comparative post-hoc analysis was also conducted, considering only patients with age at onset > 70 years (n = 11) and their matched controls. RESULTS: Mean age at onset was 70.53 ± 3.28 and 53.79 ± 4.96 for the old-age and middle-age group, respectively. No significant differences were observed in most clinical batteries when comparing PD patients based on age at onset, with worse scores in MDS-UPDRS Part III and Tremor subscore in the middle-age onset group. The post-hoc analysis showed similar results, with non-significantly worse scores in the middle-age onset group. CONCLUSION: This is the first study reporting a more benign motor phenotype in old-age onset PD patients. Despite the lower cut-off value used for old age onset PD, vascular, epidemiological, ethnic and treatment adherence features must be also considered as potential explicative factors, with further multicenter studies in larger populations needed.

TITLE: Fenotipo de la enfermedad de Parkinson basado en la edad de inicio en pacientes latinoamericanos: un análisis emparejado.Introducción. Diversos estudios han demostrado una mayor gravedad de sintomatología motora y no motora en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) con edad de inicio tardía comparados con los de inicio intermedio. Decidimos probar estos resultados en una población con EP en Latinoamérica. Pacientes y métodos. Reclutamos a 24 pacientes con EP con una edad de inicio > 65 años (inicio tardío), y cada paciente se emparejó con un control con inicio de la enfermedad entre los 48 y los 60 años (inicio intermedio), emparejados por sexo y duración de la enfermedad (±2 años). Se registraron baterías de pruebas clínicas que evaluaron los síntomas motores ­escala unificada de la enfermedad de Parkinson modificada por la Sociedad de Trastornos del Movimiento (MDS-UPDRS)­, los no motores (escala de síntomas no motores), los cognitivos (escala de evaluación cognitiva de Montreal) y la calidad de vida (cuestionario de enfermedad de Parkinson 8). Los grupos se compararon con análisis de regresión logística condicional. Resultados. La edad media de inicio fue de 70,53 ± 3,28 y 53,79 ± 4,96 para los grupos de inicio tardío y de inicio intermedio, respectivamente. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la mayoría de las baterías clínicas cuando se compararon los pacientes con EP según la edad de inicio, con peores puntuaciones significativamente en la MDS-UPDRS, parte III, y en su subdominio de temblor en el grupo de inicio intermedio. Conclusiones. Éste es el primer estudio que informa sobre un fenotipo motor más benigno en pacientes con EP de inicio tardío. A pesar de utilizar una edad de corte más baja para definir el inicio tardío, las características vasculares, epidemiológicas, étnicas y de adhesión al tratamiento también deben considerarse como posibles factores explicativos.

Correlation between femoral version and severity of hip dysplasia in patients with advanced osteoarthritis prior to total hip arthroplasty. / Correlación entre versión femoral y gravedad de displasia del desarrollo de cadera en pacientes con artrosis avanzada.

INTRODUCTION: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition which comprises a number of joint abnormalities, including modifications in femoral version and neck-shaft angle (CCD), as well as a probable progression to osteoarthritis in certain cases. The main objective of this research was to find a correlation between femoral version and severity of DDH in patients with advanced osteoarthritis prior to joint replacement, which has not been previously reported. A secondary aim was to describe the modification of CCD as the severity of DDH increases. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Patients over the age of 15 with dysplastic hips and severe osteoarthritis prior to total hip arthroplasty were assessed between March 2018 and February 2019. Cases with any previous hip surgery were excluded. Anteroposterior pelvis X rays and femoral computed tomography (CT) were performed; femoral version was measured in CT and CCD was evaluated both in X rays (2 observers: A and B) and CT (one observer: musculoskeletal radiologist). Severity of DDH was defined by observers A and B according to Crowe classification in X rays. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS v.21. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to confirm a normal data distribution. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) determined the level of agreement between observers A and B. Pearson test assessed the correlation between femoral version and Crowe classification (positive if >0.5). Student's t test evaluated the statistical significance, which was defined as P<0.05. RESULTS: One-year assessment; 42 patients (54 hips), 76% women. Mean age 52.7 years. 45 hips completed the imaging set, 9 hips were assessed only with X rays. 48%, 16%, 7% and 28% were classified as Crowe I, II, III and IV (100% interobserver agreement). Crowe classes were grouped as I, II/III and IV due to a low number of cases classified as II and III. Mean femoral version was 21.73°, 26.8° and 43.58°, respectively. ICC between observers A and B for CCD measured in X rays was 0.96. Mean CCD measured in X rays for each group (I, II/III and IV) was 148.11°, 147.7° and 147°, and in CT was 131.21°, 127.9° and 122.14°, respectively. A significant difference was found in femoral version between groups I and IV (P=0.0002) and II/III and IV (P=0.042). Pearson correlation between femoral version and severity of DDH was positive (r=0.52; P=0.0002). A significant difference between CCD measured in CT was found between groups I and IV (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: A significant increase in femoral version related to severity of DDH and a positive correlation between these 2features were found. Furthermore, a significant decrease in CCD between groups I and IV measured in CT was revealed. These findings would be helpful for preoperative planning of total hip replacement in osteoarthritis secondary to DDH, because once the surgeon has assessed the severity of DDH on X rays or CT, an increased femoral version could be expected. Therefore, availability of specific implants such as conic, modular or cemented stems is critical, in order to modify the femoral anteversion to normal values in the most severe cases.

A serosurvey for spotted fever group Rickettsia and Coxiella burnetii antibodies in rural dogs and foxes, Chile.

Antibodies against Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsia and Coxiella burnetii, investigated through indirect antibody immunofluorescence tests, were detected in serum samples from 3.1% and 0% of 358 rural dogs, respectively, and in none of 32 wild foxes tested. SFG Rickettsia seropositive dogs were only detected in the Mountain Desert (8%) and the Steppe-Mediterranean (9%) regions. Exposure in the Mountain Desert, where no ticks and fleas were found on any dog, could correspond to a new SFG Rickettsia sp. recently described in soft ticks or to a related agent. Our survey confirms low endemicity in the country of C. burnetii, as observed in recent serosurveys in humans.

Family and social environment associated with traits of antisocial personality disorder in the prison population of Peru.

INTRODUCTION: The prison environment in Peru is one of the worst in the continent. In situations such as these, where there is considerable stress, many inmates can develop antisocial disorders, especially if they come from a conflictive family setting. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between family relationships, social environment and features of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in the Peruvian prison population in 2016. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Analytical cross-sectional study based on a sub-analysis of the First National Penitentiary Census of Peru in 2016. The sample is the prison population (≥18 years old) that participated in said census, which was carried out in 66 correctional facilities nationwide and reached a coverage of 98.8%. RESULTS: Of the 77,086 prisoners, 76,152 participated in the analysis. The prevalence of antisocial traits was 96% and half of the population met two criteria for the disorder. Independently associated factors were, being male (RPa: 1.35; 1.30-1.40), born outside the capital (RPa: 0.89; 0.88-0, 91), friends in the neighborhood who committed offences (RPa: 1.01; 1.00-1.02) and not living with a father (RPa: 1.00; 1.00-1.01). DISCUSSION: The prevalence of antisocial personality disorder traits in the Peruvian prison population was 96%. We found greater association with the male sex, in those born in Lima and in those who escaped from their home before the age of 15.

Marked host association and molecular evidence of limited transmission of ticks and fleas between sympatric wild foxes and rural dogs.

Wild and domestic carnivores share ectoparasites, although molecular evidence is lacking. The goals of this study were to describe tick and flea infestation in sympatric free-ranging dogs Canis lupus familiaris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora: Canidae) and Andean foxes Lycalopex culpaeus (Molina, 1782) (Carnivora: Canidae) and to determine whether interspecific transmission occurs. Fleas and ticks retrieved from 79 foxes and 111 dogs in the human-dominated landscapes of central Chile were identified and a subset of specimens characterized by PCR and amplicon sequencing. Each ectoparasite species was clearly associated with a host: abundance and occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae) and Ctenocephalides spp. (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) were significantly higher in dogs than in foxes, whereas the opposite was true for Amblyomma tigrinum (Koch, 1844) (Acari: Ixodidae) and Pulex irritans (Linnaeus, 1758) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). Genetic analyses of a subset of ectoparasites revealed that dogs and foxes shared a limited number of nucleotide sequence types, suggesting that the interspecific transmission of these ectoparasites happens infrequently. Data also indicated that the ecological association and biological cycles of ticks and fleas determine the ectoparasite fauna of sympatric carnivores. In conclusion, our study shows that cross-species transmission should be assessed at a molecular level.

Achievement of effective cardiopulmonary trauma surgical skills training throughout the incorporation of a low-cost and easy to implement pulsatile simulation model.

OBJECTIVES: . In the last decade, concern regarding the preparedness of general surgery graduates to effectively manage thoracic trauma cases has been raised. However, due to limited availability and elevated costs, access to cardiopulmonary trauma simulation models is limited. This article describes our experience implementing a low-cost blended ex vivo tissue-based simulation model using animal by-products that incorporates pump perfusion and ventilation. DESIGN: . Firstly, for validation purposes 8 junior residents, 8 recently graduated general surgeons, and 3 cardiothoracic surgery attendings from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Clinical Hospital were recruited. Proficiency in performing a pulmonary tractotomy and a myocardial injury repair was assessed with global and specific rating scales. Secondly, to evaluate the effectiveness of the model as a learning tool, 16 general surgery residents from different programs across the country were recruited receiving intensive, personalized training on the models. Proficiency was measured before and after the training. RESULTS: . For the validation phase, significant differences among groups according to the previous level of expertise were shown, and therefore construct validity was established. The results of the second phase showed a significant overall improvement in participant's performance. CONCLUSION: . Effective training and assessment for advanced surgical skills in cardiothoracic trauma can be achieved using a low-cost pulsatile simulation model.

Risk-mitigating behaviours in people with inflammatory skin and joint disease during the COVID-19 pandemic differ by treatment type: a cross-sectional patient survey.

BACKGROUND: Registry data suggest that people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) receiving targeted systemic therapies have fewer adverse coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes compared with patients receiving no systemic treatments. OBJECTIVES: We used international patient survey data to explore the hypothesis that greater risk-mitigating behaviour in those receiving targeted therapies may account, at least in part, for this observation. METHODS: Online surveys were completed by individuals with psoriasis (globally) or rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) (UK only) between 4 May and 7 September 2020. We used multiple logistic regression to assess the association between treatment type and risk-mitigating behaviour, adjusting for clinical and demographic characteristics. We characterized international variation in a mixed-effects model. RESULTS: Of 3720 participants (2869 psoriasis, 851 RMDs) from 74 countries, 2262 (60·8%) reported the most stringent risk-mitigating behaviour (classified here under the umbrella term 'shielding'). A greater proportion of those receiving targeted therapies (biologics and Janus Kinase inhibitors) reported shielding compared with those receiving no systemic therapy [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1·63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·35-1·97]. The association between targeted therapy and shielding was preserved when standard systemic therapy was used as the reference group (OR 1·39, 95% CI 1·23-1·56). Shielding was associated with established risk factors for severe COVID-19 [male sex (OR 1·14, 95% CI 1·05-1·24), obesity (OR 1·37, 95% CI 1·23-1·54), comorbidity burden (OR 1·43, 95% CI 1·15-1·78)], a primary indication of RMDs (OR 1·37, 95% CI 1·27-1·48) and a positive anxiety or depression screen (OR 1·57, 95% CI 1·36-1·80). Modest differences in the proportion shielding were observed across nations. CONCLUSIONS: Greater risk-mitigating behaviour among people with IMIDs receiving targeted therapies may contribute to the reported lower risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes. The behaviour variation across treatment groups, IMIDs and nations reinforces the need for clear evidence-based patient communication on risk-mitigation strategies and may help inform updated public health guidelines as the pandemic continues.

Clinical features of metabolic syndrome in patients with Parkinson's disease. / Características clínicas del síndrome metabólico en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson.

INTRODUCTION: Focus on the metabolic causes underlying dopaminergic cell loss in Parkinson's disease (PD) has increased lately. Glucose imbalances have been shown to be present in patients with PD. A syndrome characterized principally by insulin resistance and glucose dysregulations is metabolic syndrome. Scarce literature has evaluated the relation between these two diseases. AIM: To determine the prevalence and clinical features of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with PD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from 99 patients with PD diagnosis. Scales that evaluate motor, non-motor, and cognitive function, as well as sleep disorders and quality of life were registered. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was reported in 8% of the population. When subdividing patients based on positivity to metabolic syndrome criteria, no significant differences in motor and cognitive function, as well as quality of life and sleep disorders were observed between groups. However, patients with metabolic syndrome showed worse scores in Non-Motor Symptom Scale compared to patients without the syndrome, especially gastrointestinal, mood/apathy, sexual function, perceptual and miscellaneous symptoms. No significant differences in clinical correlates were observed when grouping patients based on which single metabolic syndrome component was present. CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome might have an effect on non-motor symptomatology in PD, as patients with metabolic syndrome showed worse scores in Non-Motor Symptom Scale.

TITLE: Características clínicas del síndrome metabólico en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson.Introducción. Recientemente, se ha incrementado la atención hacia causas metabólicas de la pérdida de células dopaminérgicas en la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP), dada la intolerancia a la glucosa que pueden presentar estos pacientes. Un síndrome caracterizado por resistencia a la insulina es el síndrome metabólico. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia y las características clínicas del síndrome metabólico y sus componentes en pacientes con EP. Pacientes y métodos. Se analizaron variables de 99 pacientes con EP. Se registraron escalas que evalúan las funciones motora, no motora y cognitiva, los trastornos del sueño y la calidad de vida. El síndrome metabólico se diagnosticó según los criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados. La prevalencia de síndrome metabólico se notificó en un 8%. Al subdividir a los pacientes en función de los criterios positivos de síndrome metabólico, no se observaron diferencias significativas en las funciones motora y cognitiva, la calidad de vida ni los trastornos del sueño entre los grupos. No obstante, pacientes con síndrome metabólico mostraron peores puntuaciones en la escala de síntomas no motores en comparación con pacientes sin el síndrome, especialmente en cuanto a tracto gastrointestinal, estado de ánimo/apatía, función sexual, problemas perceptivos y misceláneos. No se observaron diferencias significativas en las características clínicas al agrupar a los pacientes sobre la base del componente único de síndrome metabólico presente. Conclusión. El síndrome metabólico podría tener un efecto sobre la sintomatología no motora en la EP, ya que los pacientes con este síndrome mostraron peores puntuaciones en la escala de síntomas no motores.

Tres versiones del "Ogtt Squeezer", un programa para evaluar de un vistazo la información metabólica de la curva de tolerancia a la glucosa / Three versions of the "Ogtt Squeezer", a program to evaluate ataglance the metabolic information of the oral glucose tolerance test

El diagnóstico clínico de resistencia insulínica (RI) es difícil, ya que el Clamp no es aplicable a la clínica. El así llamado "síndrome metabólico", un predictor clínico de la RI, no identifica alrededor de la mitad de los sujetos afectados. Previamente, definimos adecuadamente (Análisis ROC) los niveles de corte diagnóstico de los siguientes predictores bioquímicos: HOMA1, HOMA2, QUICKI e ISI-Composite, a través de analizar datos de 90 sujetos (53 no resistentes y 37 resistentes) que tenían una medición directa de su resistencia insulínica (Test de supresión pancreática, TSP, Test de Reaven) y también, una curva de tolerancia a la glucosa oral (CTG). Los puntos de corte obtenidos exhibieron un mucho mejor desempeño diagnóstico comparados con los puntos de corte convencionales. También encontramos un predictor nuevo, simple, económico y eficiente, el I0*G60. Definimos la "normalidad metabólica" de la CTG usando las medianas de los valores de varios parámetros en 312 sujetos con un G120 dentro de los 2 primeros terciles del grupo de normo-tolerantes a la glucosa (NGT, n=468; G120: 51-110 mg/dL, los con mejor función beta insular). A las medianas de la función beta insular y de la sensibilidad insulínica se les asignó un valor de un 100%. Se calculó el % relativo de función beta insular (%RFBI) y el % relativo de sensibilidad insulínica (%RSI) del resto de la cohorte (n=573) contra estos valores de referencia. El "OGTT Squeezer" se escribió en Excel. Las glicemias y las insulinemias de la CTG fueron las entradas del programa. Las salidas fueron: I0*G60, ISI-OL, QUICKI, and HOMA1 (predictores) y el índice insulinogénico, el índice de disposición, %RFBI y %RSI (parámetros). El programa también caracterizó la tolerancia glucídica de acuerdo a los criterios de la ADA 2003. El formato final del programa, HTML 5, facilita su uso. Desarrollamos tres versiones del programa: completa, abreviada y mínima.

Clinically, diagnosing insulin resistance (IR) is difficult since the Clamp is not applicable to clinical work. The so-called "Metabolic Syndrome", a clinical surrogate of IR, fails to identify around 50% of affected subjects. Previously, we properly defined (ROC Analysis) the diagnostic cut-offs of the following biochemical predictors: HOMA1, HOMA2, QUICKI, and ISI-Composite by analyzing data from 90 subjects (53 non-insulin-resistant and 37 insulin-resistant subjects) who had a direct measurement of insulin resistance (Pancreatic Suppression Test, PST, Reaven's Test), and also, an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). The resulting cut-offs exhibited much better performances compared with the conventional cut-offs. We also found a new, simple, inexpensive and efficient predictor, the I0*G60. We chose to define the "metabolic normalcy" of the OGTT by using the median values of several parameters in 312 NGT subjects with a G120 in the first 2 tertiles of the NGT group (n=468; G120: 51-110 mg/dL, those with the best beta-cell function). The median values of both Beta-Cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity of these subjects were assigned a 100% value. Both % Relative Beta-Cell Function (%RBCF) and % Relative Insulin Sensitivity (%RIS) of everyone else in the cohort (n=573) was calculated against these reference values. The "OGTT Squeezer" was written in Excel. The OGTT's glucose and insulin values served as the inputs of the program. The outputs were: I0*G60, ISI-OL, QUICKI, and HOMA1 (predictors), and Insulinogenic Index, Disposition Index, %RBCF, and %RIS (parameters). Moreover, the program characterized the OGTT according to the ADA 2003 criteria. The HTML 5 format of the program facilitates its use. We developed 3 versions of the program: complete, abbreviated, and minimal versions.

Characterization and validation of olive FAD and SAD gene families: expression analysis in different tissues and during fruit development.

Stearoyl-ACP desaturases (SADs) and fatty acid desaturases (FADs) play a critical role in plant lipid metabolism and also affect oil fatty acid composition introducing double bonds into the hydrocarbon chains to produce unsaturated fatty acids. In the present study, the genomic sequences of three SAD and three FAD candidate genes were characterized in olive and their expression was evaluated in different plant tissues. OeSAD genes corresponded to olive SAD1 and SAD2 and to a newly identified OeSAD4, sharing the conserved protein structure with other plant species. On the other hand, the full-length genomic sequences of two microsomal OeFAD genes (FAD2-1 and FAD2-2) and the plastidial FAD6, were released. When the level of expression was tested on different tissues of cv. Leccino, OeSAD1 and OeSAD2 were mainly expressed in the fruits, while OeFAD genes showed the lowest expression in this tissue. The mRNA profiling of all genes was directly studied in fruits of Leccino and Coratina cultivars during fruit development. In both genotypes, the expression level of OeSAD1 and OeSAD2 had the highest value during and after the pit-hardening period, when oil accumulation in fruit mesocarp is intensively increasing. Furthermore, the expression level of both OeFAD2 genes, which were the main candidates for oleic acid desaturation, were almost negligible during fruit ripening. These results have made possible to define candidate genes of the machinery regulation of fatty acid composition in olive oil, providing information on their sequence, gene structure and chromosomal location.

The impact of prenatal environment on postnatal life and performance: Future perspectives for prevention and treatment.

The present review aims to offer a non-comprehensive outline of the current state-of-the-art and future perspectives on management and therapeutic tools for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and associated prenatal programming in both human and animal species. Animals are used as models for the study of phenomena related to IUGR, but also for research on prenatal therapies with the main objective of designing and developing preventive and therapeutic strategies. The research is currently paying attention on maternal-focused pharmacological treatments and nutritional strategies but also on fetal-focused treatments. Fetal-focused treatments, administered either directly at the fetus or by using infusion of umbilical cord, amniotic sac or placenta, which avoids the administration of substances at high doses to the mother for allowing their availability at the fetoplacental level. The results obtained in this area of research using large animals (rabbits, pigs and ruminants) have a dual interest, for translational biomedicine and for veterinary medicine and animal production.

A rotating fast bipolar wind and disk system around the B[e]-type star MWC 922.

We present interferometric observations with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) of the free-free continuum and recombination line emission at 1 and 3 mm of the "Red Square Nebula" surrounding the B[e]-type star MWC922. The unknown distance to the source is usually taken to be d=1.7-3 kpc. The unprecedented angular resolution ( up to ∼ 0 . ″ 02 ) and exquisite sensitivity of these data unveil, for the first time, the structure and kinematics of the emerging, compact ionized region at its center. We imaged the line emission of H30α and H39α, previously detected with single-dish observations, as well as of H51ϵ, H55γ, and H63δ, detected for the first time in this work. The line emission is seen over a full velocity range of ~180 km s-1 arising in a region of diameter < 0 . ″ 14 (less than a few hundred au) in the maser line H30α, which is the most intense transition reported here. We resolve the spatio-kinematic structure of a nearly edge-on disk rotating around a central mass of ~10 M ⊙ (d=1.7 kpc) or ~18 M ⊙ (d=3 kpc), assuming Keplerian rotation. Our data also unveil a fast (~100 km s-1) bipolar ejection (a jet?) orthogonal to the disk. In addition, a slow (<15 km s-1) wind may be lifting off the disk. Both, the slow and the fast winds are found to be rotating in a similar manner to the ionized layers of the disk. This represents the first empirical proof of rotation in a bipolar wind expanding at high velocity (~100 km s-1 ). The launching radius of the fast wind is found to be <30-51 au i.e., smaller than the inner rim of the ionized disk probed by our observations. We believe that the fast wind is actively being launched, probably by a disk-mediated mechanism in a (accretion?) disk around a possible compact companion. We have modelled our observations using the radiative transfer code MORELI. This has enabled us to describe with unparalleled detail the physical conditions and kinematics in the inner layers of MWC 922, which has revealed itself as an ideal laboratory for studying the interplay of disk rotation and jet-launching. Although the nature of MWC 922 remains unclear, we believe it could be a ~15 M ⊙ post-main sequence star in a mass-exchanging binary system. If this is the case, a more realistic value of the distance may be d~3 kpc.

Traumatic Injury of the Petrous Part of the Temporal Bone: Keys for Reporting a Complex Diagnosis. / Patología traumática de peñascos, un diagnóstico complejo. Claves para el informe.

Fractures of the petrous part of the temporal bone are a common lesion of the base of the skull; most of these fractures result from high-energy trauma. In patients with multiple trauma, these injuries can be detected on CT scans of the head and neck, where the direct and indirect signs are usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis. It is important to these fractures because the temporal bone has critical structures and the complexity of this region increases the risk of error unless special care is taken. This article reviews the key anatomical points, the systematization of the imaging findings, and the classifications used for temporal bone fracture. We emphasize the usefulness of identifying and describing the findings in relation to important structures in this region, of looking for unseen fractures suspected through indirect signs, and of identifying anatomical structures that can simulate fractures. We point out that the classical classifications of these fractures are less useful, although they continue to be used for treatment decisions.

Factors associated with delirium in critical patients in a health institution in Bucaramanga, Colombia. / Factores asociados con el delírium en pacientes críticos de una institución de salud de Bucaramanga, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and the factors associated with delirium in intensive care unit patients. METHODS: A cohort study conducted on 134 patients in the intensive care unit at a clinic in Bucaramanga, Colombia., who were recruited in the first 24hours following admission and on whom the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), PRE-DELIRIC version in Spanish, and Confusion Assessment method for Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) were applied; the outcome was evaluated through daily monitoring with CAM-ICU. RESULTS: The incidence of delirium was 20.2%, the predominating type was hypoactive at 66.7%, followed by the hyperactive type at 7.4% and mixed at 25.9%. Fifty-two percent of the patients with delirium died. In the bivariate analysis, the use of sedatives (Relative Risk(RR) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.2-4.5), infection (RR = 2. 8, 95% CI=1.3-5.9), metabolic acidosis (RR = 4 3, 95% CI=2.3-8.0), mechanical ventilation (RR = 4 6, 95% CI=2.0-10.6), aged over 60 years (RR = 2 3, 95% CI=1.09-5.3) and APACHE score greater than 14 (RR = 3. 0) (95% CI=1.1-8.2) were identified as risk factors for delirium. The multivariate analysis only found a relationship with infection (RR = 3 8, 95% CI=1.6-9.1) and being aged over 60 years (RR = 3 2, 95% CI 1.2-8.3). CONCLUSIONS: delirium is frequent in patients in the intensive care unit, especially the hypoactive type. Half of the patients with delirium died. The main risk factors for delirium are infection and being over 60 years age, therefore, delirium prevention activities should focus on these critical patients.