Congenital Cytomegalovirus Testing Outcomes From the ValEAR Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the positivity rate of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) testing among universal, hearing-targeted CMV testing (HT-cCMV) and delayed targeted dried blood spot (DBS) testing newborn screening programs, and to examine the characteristics of successful HT-cCMV testing programs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective survey of birth hospitals performing early CMV testing. SETTING: Multiple institutions. METHODS: Birth hospitals participating in the National Institutes of Health ValEAR clinical trial were surveyed to determine the rates of cCMV positivity associated with 3 different testing approaches: universal testing, HT-cCMV, and DBS testing. A mixed methods model was created to determine associations between successful HT-cCMV screening and specific screening protocols. RESULTS: Eighty-two birth hospitals were surveyed from February 2019 to December 2021. Seven thousand six hundred seventy infants underwent universal screening, 9017 infants HT-cCMV and 535 infants delayed DBS testing. The rates of cCMV positivity were 0.5%, 1.5%, and 7.3%, respectively. The positivity rate for universal CMV screening was less during the COVID-19 pandemic than that reported prior to the pandemic. There were no statistically significant drops in positivity for any approach during the pandemic. For HT-cCMV testing, unique order sets and rigorous posttesting protocols were associated with successful screening programs. CONCLUSION: Rates of cCMV positivity differed among the 3 approaches. The rates are comparable to cohort studies reported in the literature. Universal CMV prevalence decreased during the pandemic but not significantly. Institutions with specific order set for CMV testing where the primary care physician orders the test and the nurse facilitates the testing process exhibited higher rates of HT-cCMV testing.

Distancia de la raíz a las tablas óseas y piso nasal de dientes anteriores maxilares con indicación de microcirugía apical / Root to bone table and nasal floor distance of maxillary anterior teeth with indication for apical microsurgery / Tabela raiz-osso e distância do pavimento nasal dos dentes anteriores superiores com indicação para microcirurgia apical

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la distancia de la raíz a las tablas óseas y piso nasal de dientes anteriores maxilares con indicación de microcirugía apical. Material y métodos: La muestra fue de 44 imágenes tomográficas computarizadas de haz cónico previas al procedimiento de microcirugía apical; además, se seleccionaron 31 imágenes para la comparación con los dientes contralaterales sin indicación de microcirugía apical. Se midió la distancia de la raíz a las tablas óseas y al piso nasal. Resultados: La distancia de la superficie radicular a las tablas óseas vestibular y palatina a 3 mm del ápice fue de 0,98 ± 0,67 mm y 4,26 ± 2,97 mm para el incisivo central; 0,77 ± 0,50 mm y 2,12 ± 1,22 mm para el incisivo lateral; y 0,52 ± 0,63 mm y 5,31 ± 1,38 mm para el canino, respectivamente. La distancia más corta del ápice al piso nasal fue de 9,56 ± 2,88 mm para el incisivo central; 10,33 ± 2,97 mm para el incisivo lateral; y 5,73 ± 2,57 mm para el canino. Solo se encontró una distancia mayor, estadísticamente significativa, del ápice al piso nasal del incisivo lateral con indicación de microcirugía apical en comparación con el incisivo lateral sin indicación de microcirugía apical. Conclusiones: La distancia de la raíz a la tabla ósea vestibular es menor que la distancia de la misma a la tabla ósea palatina. El ápice más próximo al piso nasal fue del canino. Los dientes anteriores maxilares con y sin indicación de microcirugía apical mostraron distancias similares de la raíz a las tablas óseas y piso nasal.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the distance from the root to the bone tables and nasal floor of maxillary anterior teeth with indication for apical microsurgery. Material and methods : The sample consisted of 44 cone beam computed tomographic images prior to the apical microsurgery procedure; in addition, 31 images were selected for comparison with contralateral teeth without indication for apical microsurgery. The distance from the root to the bone tables and nasal floor was measured. Results: The distance from the root surface to the vestibular and palatal bone tables 3 mm from the apex was 0.98 ± 0.67 mm and 4.26 ± 2.97 mm for the central incisor; 0.77 ± 0.50 mm and 2.12 ± 1.22 mm for the lateral incisor; and 0.52 ± 0.63 mm and 5.31 ± 1.38 mm for the canine, respectively. The shortest distance from the apex to the nasal floor was 9.56 ± 2.88 mm for the central incisor, 10.33 ± 2.97 mm for the lateral incisor, and 5.73 ± 2.57 mm for the canine. A statistically significant greater distance from the apex to the nasal floor was found only for the lateral incisor with indication for apical microsurgery compared to the lateral incisor without indication for apical microsurgery. Conclusions: The distance from the root to the vestibular bone table is less than from the root to the palatal bone table. The apex closest to the nasal floor was that of the canine. Maxillary anterior teeth with and without indication for apical microsurgery showed similar distances from the root to the bone tables and nasal floor.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a distância da raiz às tábuas ósseas e ao assoalho nasal de dentes anteriores superiores com indicação de microcirurgia apical. Material e métodos: a amostra foi composta por 44 imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico antes do procedimento de microcirurgia apical; além disso, 31 imagens foram selecionadas para comparação com dentes contralaterais sem indicação de microcirurgia apical. Foi medida a distância da raiz até as tábuas ósseas e o assoalho nasal. Resultados: a distância da superfície radicular às tábuas ósseas vestibular e palatina, a 3mm do ápice, foi de 0,98mm ± 0,67mm e 4,26mm ± 2,97mm para o incisivo central; 0,77mm ± 0,50mm e 2,12mm ± 1,22mm para o incisivo lateral; e 0,52mm ± 0,63mm e 5,31mm ± 1,38mm para o canino, respetivamente. A menor distância entre o ápice e o assoalho nasal foi de 9,56 ± 2,88 mm para o incisivo central; 10,33 ± 2,97 mm para o incisivo lateral; e 5,73 ± 2,57 mm para o canino. Uma distância estatisticamente significativa maior do ápice ao assoalho nasal foi encontrada apenas para o incisivo lateral com indicação de microcirurgia apical em comparação com o incisivo lateral sem indicação de microcirurgia apical. Conclusões: a distância da raiz até a tábua óssea vestibular é menor do que a distância da raiz até a tábua óssea palatina. O ápice mais próximo do assoalho nasal foi o do canino. Os dentes anteriores superiores com e sem indicação de microcirurgia apical apresentaram distâncias semelhantes da raiz às tábuas ósseas e ao assoalho nasal.

Domestic work and migration in the United States: a characterization of Honduran women / Trabalho doméstico e migração nos Estados Unidos: uma caracterização de mulheres hondurenhas / Trabajo doméstico y migración en los Estados Unidos: una caracterización de mujeres hondureñas

Abstract Given the lack of studies focused on Honduran domestic workers abroad, this article aims to characterize Honduran women living in the U.S. employed in domestic occupations. For this purpose, I employed survey data on women living in five American states, and calculated descriptive and inferential statistics. Furthermore, I employed binary logistic regression modeling to analyze the determinants of domestic work participation. When compared with all other occupations, domestic female workers of Honduran origin present significant differences in age, number of dependents, asset ownership, savings, income, and bank account ownership. Similarly, age (95% CI 0.92-2.63, p = 0.94), savings (95% CI 0.01-0.97, p = 0.047), account ownership in Honduras (95% CI 0.88-71.05, p = 0.064), monthly income (95% CI 0.99-1.00, p = 0.096), and social security (95% CI 0.02-1.29, p = 0.086) seem to be the key determinants explaining domestic work participation. Engaging and promoting compliance with international legal instruments might provide a means to consolidate the rights of these populations. The article concludes by highlighting future lines of research regarding the migration and rights of Honduras and Central American women living in the U.S.

Resumo Em função da escassa literatura sobre o tema, o presente artigo visa caracterizar as mulheres hondurenhas empregadas em ocupações domésticas nos Estados Unidos. Com esse objetivo, empregam-se questionários preenchidos por mulheres morando em cinco estados desse país norte-americano. Para realizar tal caracterização, é utilizada estatística descritiva e inferencial. Adicionalmente, emprega-se regressão logística para analisar os determinantes da participação em empregos domésticos. Quando comparadas com todas as outras ocupações, as mulheres hondurenhas fazendo trabalhos domésticos possuem diferenças em termos de idade, número de dependentes, posse de bens, poupanças e existência de conta bancária. Similarmente, a análise dos determinantes estatísticos mostra que variáveis significativas incluem idade (95% IC 0,92-2,63 p = 0.94), poupanças (95% IC 0,01-0,97, p = 0.047), existência de conta bancária (95% IC 0,88-71,05, p = 0.064), renda mensal (95% IC 0,99-1.00, p = 0.096) e contribuição à previdência social (95% IC 0,02-1,29 p = 0.086). Promover a adoção de instrumentos de direito internacional pode representar uma alternativa para fomentar os direitos humanos desse grupo de pessoas. O artigo finaliza ressaltando possíveis linhas de pesquisa relacionadas à migração de mulheres hondurenhas e da América Central morando nos Estados Unidos.

Resumen En vista de la escasa literatura centrada en trabajadoras domésticas hondureñas en el extranjero, el presente artículo busca caracterizar a mujeres hondureñas empleadas en ocupaciones domésticas en Estados Unidos. Para ello, se utilizan encuestas aplicadas a mujeres hondureñas que viven en cinco estados del país norteamericano y se emplea estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Adicionalmente, se usa una regresión logística para analizar los determinantes de la participación en empleos domésticos. Cuando se compara con todas las otras ocupaciones, las mujeres hondureñas que trabajan en este rubro presentan diferencias en edad, número de dependientes, posesión de bienes, ahorros y posesión de cuenta bancaria. Similarmente, el análisis de determinantes muestra las variables significativas que incluyen edad (95 % IC 0,92-2,63 p= 0,94), ahorros (95 % IC 0,01-0,97, p= 0,047), cuenta bancaria (95 % IC 0,88-71,05, p= 0,064), ingreso mensual (95 % IC 0,99-1,00, p= 0,096) y seguro social (95 % IC 0,02-1,29 p= 0,086). Promover la adopción de instrumentos de derecho internacional puede ser una alternativa para fomentar los derechos humanos de esta población. El artículo termina mostrando líneas de investigación sobre migración para mujeres hondureñas y centroamericanas viviendo en Estados Unidos.

COVID-19 en receptores de trasplante renal: la experiencia inicial en Colombia

Contexto: los pacientes con trasplante de riñón parecen tener un riesgo particularmente alto de enfermedad grave por COVID-19 debido a la inmunosupresión y la presencia de comorbilidades. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas, paraclínicas y desenlaces de los pacientes trasplantados renales que presentan infección por SARS-COV-2 en un hospital de cuarto nivel en Cali, Colombia. Metodología: realizamos un estudio observacional de receptores de trasplante renal con infección por SARS-CoV-2 ingresados ​​en la Fundación Valle del Lili, de junio a diciembre del 2020. Para ser elegibles en el estudio, los pacientes debían presentar síntomas compatibles, RT-PCR positiva y manejo hospitalario. Se excluyó a los pacientes asintomáticos. Resultados: inscribimos a un total de 50 pacientes, donde el 64 % eran hombres y la edad media fue de 53,5 años (rango 46-60). Las comorbilidades fueron: 36 (70 %) con hipertensión, 16 (32 %) con diabetes mellitus y 5 (10 %) con obesidad y los regímenes inmunosupresores más comunes fueron: tacrolimus, micofenolato y prednisona. La mediana de tiempo desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta la RT-PCR positiva fue de siete días. Los síntomas iniciales más comunes fueron fiebre (64 %), fatiga (58%), tos (44%) y disnea (36%). Los niveles basales de proteína C reactiva (PCR) fueron de 6,43 mg/dl (3,25-11,22), la mediana del recuento de linfocitos fue de 785 mm3/uL (550-1230), el dímero D basal fue de 0,767 ug/ml (0,484-1153,5) y el nivel medio de ferritina fue de 1011 ng/ml (670-2145). El 40 % desarrolló lesión renal aguda (20 pacientes), de los cuales 11 pacientes necesitaron terapia de remplazo renal, 6 de los pacientes fallecieron (12 %), 4/6 por insuficiencia multiorgánica relacionada con la sepsis y 2/6 por el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria agudo (SDRA). Conclusiones: las complicaciones mayores como la lesión renal aguda, el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda y la mortalidad relacionada con la infección por COVID-19 observadas en nuestro estudio son significativas, pero menos frecuentes que las reportadas en otros países.

Background: Patients with kidney transplants seem to be at particularly high risk for severe COVID19 disease due to their impaired immune responses and comorbidities. Purpose: This study aims to describe kidney transplant patients' clinical characteristics and outcomes with SARSCOV-2 infection in a fourth-level hospital in Cali, Colombia. Methodology: We performed an observational study of kidney transplant recipients with SARS-CoV2 infection admitted at Fundación Valle del Lili from June to December 2020. To be eligible for this study, patients have symptoms compatible, a positive RT-PCR and inpatient management. Asymptomatic patients were excluded. Results: We enrolled a total of 50 patients. 64% were male, and the median age was 53.5 years (range 46-60). The comorbidities were 36 (70%) hypertension, 16 (32%) diabetes mellitus, 5 (10%) obesity. The most common immunosuppressive regimen was tacrolimus, mycophenolate and prednisone. The median time from symptoms onset to the positive RT-PCR was 7 days. The most common initial symptom was fever (64%), and fatigue (58%), cough (44%) and dyspnea (36%). Baseline levels of CRP was 6.43 mg/dL (3.25-11.22). The median lymphocyte count was 785 mm3/uL (550-1230). Baseline D-Dimer was 0.767 ug/ml (0.484-1153.5), ferritin median level was 1011ng/ml (670-2145). Six of the patients died (12%), 4/6 were by sepsis-related multi-organ failure and 2/6 were by ARDS. Conclusions: Major complications such as acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome and mortality related to COVID-19 infection observed in our study are lower than those reported in other countries.

Impacto de la implementación de inicio temprano de terapia antirretroviral en nuevos diagnósticos de VIH: estudio de casos y controles / Impact of the implementation of early initiation of antiretroviral therapy in new HIV diagnoses: case-control study

Antecedentes: En Honduras aún se prioriza asegurar la aceptación del diagnóstico de Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) y la adherencia al tratamiento del Terapia Anti Retroviral (TAR), provocando retraso en su inicio, consecuencias negativas y alto riesgo de muerte. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto del inicio temprano de TAR en pacientes con nuevos diagnósti- cos de VIH en el Hospital Nacional Mario Catarino Rivas (HNMCR). Pacientes y Métodos: Investigación analítica, observacional de casos y controles. Muestra: 62 casos que iniciaron TAR temprano, de enero a agosto del 2019 y 62 controles que iniciaron TAR en el 2018, fuera de la estrategia de inicios tempranos. Se tomaron datos de expedientes clínicos y se vacío la información en instrumento tipo cuestionario. Resultados: Se encontró más rápida vinculación al servicio y más inicios tempranos de TAR en el grupo casos (OR 19.6, IC 95% 7.2-53.0, p=0.000), una mayor captación en etapa temprana A1 (OR 3.45, IC 95% 1.36-8.59, p=0.006), un menor cambio de estadio clínico (OR 2.35, IC 95% 0.92-5.98, p= 0.070), mayor cumplimiento de evaluación psicológica (OR 8.15, IC 95% 3.42-19.4, p=0.000), menor riesgo de infecciones oportunistas (OR 3.01, IC 95% 1.34-6.74, p=0.006), menor riesgo de hospita- lización (OR 1.33, IC 95% 0.46-3.84, p=0.596), mayor tamizaje de IO (p=0.000). Conclusión /Recomendación: El inicio del TAR en los primeros 7 días posterior al diagnóstico aporta beneficios clínicos y profilácticos, mejorando la calidad de vida y disminuyendo la transmisibilidad del virus. Se recomienda protocolizar los inicios tempranos como estrategia de atención a los nuevos diagnósticos de VIH...(AU)

Niveles de urea en leche en sistemas silvopastoriles / Urea Levels in the Milk in silvopastoral Systems

Resumen El exceso de proteína en la dieta puede generar problemas productivos y reproductivos en rumiantes. La medición de la urea en la leche permite determinar la disponibilidad ruminal de energía y proteína, y, así, hacer ajustes en la dieta de ser necesario. El objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar la concentración de urea en la leche en un hato que pastorea sistemas silvopastoriles multiestrato en alta densidad. Se evaluó un sistema doble propósito en El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca (Colombia). Los animales estuvieron divididos en tres grupos de alimentación (praderas con guinea-leucaena-algarrobo, estrella-leucaena-algarrobo, y estrella-algarrobo, respectivamente). Se recolectaron muestras de leche en el ordeño de la mañana y la tarde de cada animal seleccionado en cada grupo, a las cuales se les determinó la concentración de urea (Ureasa/ Berthelot). La concentración de urea en la leche del ordeño de la mañana y la tarde estuvo correlacionada positivamente (r = 0,86), la concentración promedio fue de 22,7±9,4 mg/dl. Sin embargo, entre grupos de alimentación varió (p < 0,001), fue mayor en el primer muestreo (p < 0,001), y también se observó una amplia variación entre los muestreos de una misma base forrajera. Los sistemas silvopastoriles multiestrato presentan adecuado balance entre la materia orgánica fermentable y la proteína degradable a nivel ruminal.

Abstract Excess of protein in the diet can lead to both productive and reproductive problems in ruminants. Measuring the urea in the milk allows determining the ruminant availability of energy and protein and, therefore, to do some adjustments to the diet whenever necessary. This study aims to quantify the urea concentration in the milk in a farm that takes care of high-density multi-layer silvopastoral systems. A system with dual purpose was evaluated in El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca (Colombia). The animals were divided into three feeding groups (prairies with guinea-leucaena-algarrobo, estrella-leucaena-algarrobo and estrella-algarrobo, respectively). Samples of milk were gathered during the morning and afternoon milking from the animal selected in each group, and then the urea concentration was determined (Urease/ Berthelot). The urea concentrations in the morning and afternoon milk were correlated positively (r = 0.86), the average concentration was 22.7+9.4 mg/dl. However, the values varied between the feeding groups (p < 0.001), it was higher in the first sample (p < 0.001). Likewise, a broad variation was observed between the samples inside the same foraging basis. Multi-layer silvopastoral systems show an appropriate balance between the fermentable organic matter and the degradable protein in the ruminants.

Deep Convolutional Neural Support Vector Machines for the Classification of Basal Cell Carcinoma Hyperspectral Signatures.

Non-melanoma skin cancer, and basal cell carcinoma in particular, is one of the most common types of cancer. Although this type of malignancy has lower metastatic rates than other types of skin cancer, its locally destructive nature and the advantages of its timely treatment make early detection vital. The combination of multispectral imaging and artificial intelligence has arisen as a powerful tool for the detection and classification of skin cancer in a non-invasive manner. The present study uses hyperspectral images to discern between healthy and basal cell carcinoma hyperspectral signatures. Upon the combined use of convolutional neural networks, with a final support vector machine activation layer, the present study reaches up to 90% accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve being calculated at 0.9 as well. While the results are promising, future research should build upon a dataset with a larger number of patients.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity in El Salvador during 2020 / Efectos de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la inseguridad alimentaria en El Salvador durante el año 2020 / Efeitos da pandemia de COVID-19 sobre a insegurança alimentar em El Salvador durante 2020

ABSTRACT Objective. This study sought to quantify the prevalence of food insecurity among Salvadorian households, to identify the determinants of food insecurity and to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity. Methods. A nationwide, representative random sample of 2358 households was used for this cross-sectional study. The Household Hunger Scale (HHS) was used to assess the prevalence of food insecurity during a 30-day period. For comparison, three items were used from the Household Food Insecurity Experience Scale (HFIES), which measures hunger occurring during a 12-month time frame. For determinant analysis, binary logistic regression was used for the HHS and ordered logistic regression for the HFIES. Results. The prevalence of food insecurity was 6.45% (152/2356) among Salvadorian households when the HHS was used, affecting 5.48% (129/2356) to a moderate degree and 0.98% (23/2356) to a severe degree. The prevalence significantly increased when the HFIES scale items were used, with 35.41% (835/2358) of households being affected, a figure closer to the national poverty level. Determinants of food insecurity according to the HHS included agricultural problems (P = 0.00, odds ratio [OR] =1.69), the household's prepandemic income (P = 0.00, OR = 0.48) and higher educational levels (i.e. having a secondary education [P = 0.00, OR = 0.31], technical [P = 0.03, OR = 0.24] or university education [P = 0.00, OR = 0.05]). When using the HFIES, the determinants were similar (i.e. income, agricultural problems, educational level). In more than 94% (744/785) of households, participants reported that food insecurity was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions. When compared with other relevant international studies, the prevalence of food insecurity identified using the HHS - only 6.45% - was low for El Salvador. However, when using the HFIES scale, the prevalence rose to 35.41% of households. Some determinants align with previous studies, namely income, educational level and agricultural problems. The COVID-19 pandemic appeared to have direct effects on food insecurity

RESUMEN Objetivo. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo cuantificar la prevalencia de la inseguridad alimentaria en los hogares salvadoreños, determinar cuáles son los determinantes de la inseguridad alimentaria y explorar los efectos de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la inseguridad alimentaria. Métodos. En este estudio transversal se utilizó una muestra aleatoria representativa a nivel nacional de 2 358 hogares. Se empleó la escala del hambre en el hogar (HHS, por su sigla en inglés) para evaluar la prevalencia de la inseguridad alimentaria en un período de 30 días. Para la comparación, se utilizaron tres indicadores de la escala de experiencia de inseguridad alimentaria en el hogar (HFIES, por su sigla en inglés), que mide el hambre durante un período de 12 meses. Para el análisis de los determinantes, se empleó la regresión logística binaria para HHS y la regresión logística ordenada para HFIES. Resultados. La prevalencia de la inseguridad alimentaria fue de 6,45% (152/2356) en los hogares salvadoreños al emplearse HHS, y afectó moderadamente a 5,48% (129/2356) y gravemente a 0,98% (23/2356). La prevalencia aumentó de forma considerable al utilizarse los indicadores de HFIES, con 35,41% (835/2358) de los hogares afectados, una cifra más cercana al nivel nacional de pobreza. Los determinantes de la inseguridad alimentaria según HHS incluyeron problemas agrícolas (P = 0,00, razón de posibilidades [OR] = 1,69), los ingresos familiares previos a la pandemia (P = 0,00, OR = 0,48) y niveles educativos superiores (educación secundaria [P = 0,00, OR = 0,31], formación técnica [P = 0,03, OR = 0,24] o universitaria [P = 0,00, OR = 0,05]). Con HFIES, los determinantes fueron similares (ingresos, problemas agrícolas, nivel educativo). En más de 94% (744/785) de los hogares, los participantes notificaron que la inseguridad alimentaria se agravó por la pandemia de COVID-19. Conclusiones. En comparación con otros estudios internacionales pertinentes, la prevalencia de la inseguridad alimentaria mediante HHS -de solo 6,45%- fue baja en El Salvador. Sin embargo, al utilizar HFIES, la prevalencia aumentó a 35,41% de los hogares. Algunos determinantes coinciden con estudios anteriores, como los ingresos, el nivel educativo y los problemas agrícolas. La pandemia de COVID-19 parece tener un impacto directo en la inseguridad alimentaria.

RESUMO Objetivo. Este estudo procurou quantificar a prevalência de insegurança alimentar entre as famílias salvadorenhas, identificar os determinantes de insegurança alimentar e explorar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 sobre a insegurança alimentar. Métodos. Este estudo transversal foi realizado com uma amostra representativa nacional randomizada de 2358 domicílios. Usou-se a Household Hunger Scale (HHS) [escala de fome domiciliar] para avaliar a prevalência de insegurança alimentar durante um período de 30 dias. Para fins de comparação, usaram-se três itens da Household Food Insecurity Experience Scale (HFIES) [escala de experiência de insegurança alimentar domiciliar], que mede a fome durante um período de 12 meses. Para a análise de determinantes, usou-se a regressão logística binária com a HHS e a regressão logística ordenada com a HFIES. Resultados. A prevalência de insegurança alimentar nos domicílios salvadorenhos medida com a HHS foi de 6,45% (152/2356), sendo moderada em 5,48% (129/2356) e grave em 0,98% (23/2356). Quando se usaram os itens da HFIES, a prevalência aumentou consideravelmente, com 35,41% (835/2358) dos domicílios afetados - um número mais próximo do nível nacional de pobreza. Entre os determinantes da insegurança alimentar, de acordo com a HHS, estavam os problemas agrícolas (P = 0,00, razão de chances [RC] = 1,69), a renda familiar pré-pandemia (P = 0,00, RC = 0,48) e a maior escolaridade (ou seja, educação secundária [P = 0,00, RC = 0,31], técnica [P = 0,03, RC = 0,24] ou universitária [P = 0,00, RC = 0,05]). Com a HFIES, os determinantes foram semelhantes (ou seja, renda, problemas agrícolas e escolaridade). Em mais de 94% (744/785) dos domicílios, os participantes relataram exacerbação da insegurança alimentar pela pandemia de COVID-19. Conclusões. Em comparação com outros estudos internacionais pertinentes, a prevalência de insegurança alimentar identificada com uso da HHS - somente 6,45% - foi baixa em El Salvador. Entretanto, quando se usou a HFIES, a prevalência aumentou para 35,41% dos domicílios. Alguns determinantes coincidem com os de estudos anteriores, a saber, renda, escolaridade e problemas agrícolas. Aparentemente, a pandemia de COVID-19 teve efeitos diretos sobre a insegurança alimentar.

Hyperspectral imaging and robust statistics in non-melanoma skin cancer analysis.

Non-Melanoma skin cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer. Early detection is encouraged so as to ensure the best treatment, Hyperspectral imaging is a promising technique for non-invasive inspection of skin lesions, however, the optimal wavelengths for these purposes are yet to be conclusively determined. A visible-near infrared hyperspectral camera with an ad-hoc built platform was used for image acquisition in the present study. Robust statistical techniques were used to conclude an optimal range between 573.45 and 779.88 nm to distinguish between healthy and non-healthy skin. Wavelengths between 429.16 and 520.17 nm were additionally found to be optimal for the differentiation between cancer types.

Potential negative impact of reputed regulators' decisions on the approval status of new cancer drugs in Latin American countries: A descriptive analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many new cancer drugs are being approved by reputed regulatory authorities without evidence of overall survival benefit, quality of life improvement, and often based on clinical trials at high risk of bias. In recent years, most Latin American (LA) countries have reformed their marketing authorization (MA) rules to directly accept or abbreviate the approval process in case of earlier authorization by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration, mainly. This study assessed the potential impact of decisions taken by EMA regarding the approval of new cancer drugs based on no evidence of overall survival or in potentially biased clinical trials in LA countries. DESIGN: Descriptive analysis. SETTING: Publicly accessible marketing authorization databases from LA regulators, European Public Assessment Report by EMA, and previous studies accessing EMA approvals of new cancer drugs 2009-2016. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Number of new cancer drugs approved by LA countries without evidence of overall survival (2009-2013), and without at least one clinical trial scored at low risk of bias, or with no trial supporting the marketing authorization at all (2014-2016). RESULTS: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru have publicly accessible and trustful MA databases and were included. Of the 17 cancer drugs approved by EMA (2009-2013) without evidence of OS benefit after a postmarketing median time of 5.4 years, 6 LA regulators approved more than 70% of them. Of the 13 drugs approved by EMA (2014-2016), either without supporting trial or with no trial at low risk of bias, Brazil approved 11, Chile 10, Peru 10, Argentina 10, Colombia 9, Ecuador 9, and Panama 8. CONCLUSIONS: LA countries keep approving new cancer drugs often based on poorly performed clinical trials measuring surrogate endpoints. EMA and other reputed regulators must be aware that their regulatory decisions might directly influence decisions regarding MA, health budgets and patient's care elsewhere.

Resistencia antirretroviral en pacientes con virus de inmuno- deficiencia humana en Hospital Nacional Mario Catarino Rivas / Resistance to antiretroviral drugs in patients with human immunodeficiency virus in Mario Catarino Rivas National Hospital

Introducción: La terapia antirretroviral de primera línea utilizada en el país desde hace varios años, consiste en un inhibidor de la transcriptasa reversa no nucleósido con dos inhibidores de la transcriptasa reversa nucleósidos, está asociada al fallo terapéutico y se ha reportado resis- tencia a la misma. Objetivo: conocer la resistencia a la terapia antirretroviral de primera línea en pacientes tratados por Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana en Hospital Nacional Mario Catarino Rivas desde octubre 2016 al 2017. Pacientes y métodos: Investigación observacio- nal, descriptiva; tipo cohorte transversal, retrospectiva. Población de 313 pacientes a quienes se le realizó prueba de genotipo, de los cuales se tomaron como muestra 291 pacientes distri- buidos por grupos: sin previa exposición a antirretrovirales, pediátricos, con 12 meses de trata- miento y 48 o más meses de tratamiento a quienes se les realizó prueba de genotipo. Resulta- dos: Hubo amplificación en el 52% (152) de los pacientes, de los cuales el 56% (85) presentó resistencia a tratamiento antirretroviral, con prevalencia de resistencia de inhibidores de trans- criptasa reversa análogo de nucleósidos del 75% (64), los inhibidores de transcriptasa reversa no nucleósidos (ITRNN) con 89% (76) y los inhibidores de proteasa del 15% (13). Se encontró una prevalencia de resistencia primaria del 19% en pacientes de diagnóstico nuevo. Conclu- sión: Se recomienda el cambio de primera línea de terapia antirretroviral ya que se identifica- ron mutaciones de resistencia a los ITRNN en un 91% en los pacientes con diagnóstico recien- te y sin exposición a ARV. La OMS recomienda retirar los ITRNN como primera línea e incluir fármacos con mejor barrera genética, cuando los niveles de resistencia para los ITRNN sean >10%...(AU)

COVID-19 monetary transfer in El Salvador: determining factors / Transferência de renda em El Salvador diante da COVID-19: fatores determinantes / Transferencia monetaria en El Salvador ante la COVID-19: factores determinantes

Abstract Given the lack of governmental guidelines, this paper identifies and analyzes the statistical determinants associated with receiving the onetime monetary transfer in El Salvador ($300 dollars) as an economic measure to face the COVID-19 pandemic. A logistic regression was implemented (whether received the transfer or not) based on a probabilistic sample (n=1222) of surveyed people throughout the country. Independent variables were selected drawing upon key characteristics employed internationally in monetary transfers: age, gender, rural area, employment, family income, and education. The text identifies a statistically significant and negative relation between receiving the monetary transfer and two variables: family income and educational level. The need to increase coverage of the program is addressed as well as the importance of considering age, gender, rural areas, and employment as criteria for selecting the beneficiaries in such economic measures.

Resumo Dada a ausência de diretrizes governamentais, o texto apresenta uma análise exploratória e identifica quais são os fatores estatísticos determinantes que explicam a transferência única de renda ($300 dólares) como medida econômica para enfrentar a pandemia gerada pela COVID-19 em El Salvador. Para tal fim, utiliza-se uma análise estatística de regressão logística (receber ou não a ajuda) com base em uma amostra probabilística de respondentes em todo o país (n=1222). Como variáveis independentes emprega-se caraterísticas importantes utilizadas em programas de transferência de renda em todo o mundo: Idade, gênero, zona de procedência, emprego e renda familiar e nível educacional. O presente texto identifica que existe uma relação inversa e estatisticamente significativa entre essa ajuda pública com a renda familiar e o nível educacional. Finalmente, discute-se a necessidade de ampliação do programa econômico e a importância de considerar características como idade, gênero, zona de procedência e emprego nesse tipo de políticas econômicas.

Resumen Ante la falta de lineamientos gubernamentales, el presente texto muestra un análisis exploratorio e identifica cuáles han sido los determinantes estadísticos asociados a la recepción de la transferencia monetaria única ($300 dólares) como medida económica para enfrentar la pandemia de COVID-19 en El Salvador. Para tal efecto, se utiliza un análisis estadístico de regresión logística (recibir la ayuda o no) con base en una muestra probabilística de encuestados en todo el país (n=1222). Como variables independientes se emplean características cruciales utilizadas en programas de transferencias monetarias a nivel internacional: Edad, género, lugar de origen, empleo, ingresos familiares y nivel educacional. El presente texto identifica que existe una relación inversa y estadísticamente significativa entre la asignación de esa ayuda pública, los ingresos familiares y el nivel educacional. Finalmente, se discute la necesidad de ampliación del programa y la importancia de considerar aspectos como edad, género, lugar de origen y empleo en ese tipo de políticas económicas.

Regulatory reliance to approve new medicinal products in Latin American and Caribbean countries / Utilización de decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones para aprobar nuevos productos medicinales en países de América Latina y el Caribe / Uso de decisões regulatórias de outras jurisdições para aprovação de novas especialidades farmacêuticas em países da América Latina e Caribe

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the current status of regulatory reliance in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by assessing the countries' regulatory frameworks to approve new medicines, and to ascertain, for each country, which foreign regulators are considered as trusted regulatory authorities to rely on. Methods. Websites from LAC regulators were searched to identify the official regulations to approve new drugs. Data collection was carried out in December 2019 and completed in June 2020 for the Caribbean countries. Two independent teams collected information regarding direct recognition or abbreviated processes to approve new drugs and the reference (trusted) regulators defined as such by the corresponding national legislation. Results. Regulatory documents regarding marketing authorization were found in 20 LAC regulators' websites, covering 34 countries. Seven countries do not accept reliance on foreign regulators. Thirteen regulatory authorities (Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and the unique Caribbean Regulatory System for 15 Caribbean States) explicitly accept relying on marketing authorizations issued by the European Medicines Agency, United States Food and Drug Administration, and Health Canada. Ten countries rely also on marketing authorizations from Australia, Japan, and Switzerland. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico are reference authorities for eight LAC regulators. Conclusions. Regulatory reliance has become a common practice in the LAC region. Thirteen out of 20 regulators directly recognize or abbreviate the marketing authorization process in case of earlier approval by a regulator from another jurisdiction. The regulators most relied upon are the European Medicines Agency, United States Food and Drug Administration, and Health Canada.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Describir el estado actual de la utilización de las decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones en América Latina y el Caribe mediante la evaluación de los marcos regulatorios nacionales para la aprobación de nuevos medicamentos y establecer los organismos regulatorios extranjeros que se consideran autoridades regulatorias confiables para cada país. Métodos. Se realizaron búsquedas en los sitios web de las autoridades regulatorias de América Latina y el Caribe para identificar las regulaciones oficiales para la aprobación de nuevos medicamentos. La recopilación de datos se llevó a cabo en diciembre del 2019 y se completó en junio del 2020 para los países del Caribe. Dos equipos independientes recopilaron información sobre el reconocimiento directo o los procedimientos abreviados para la aprobación de nuevos medicamentos y los autoridades regulatorias de referencia (confiables) así definidos en la legislación nacional correspondiente. Resultados. Se encontraron documentos regulatorios sobre la aprobación de nuevos productos en los sitios web de veinte organismos regulatorios de América Latina y el Caribe, que abarcaban 34 países. Siete países no aceptan la utilización de decisiones de autoridades regulatorias extranjeras. Trece autoridades regulatorias (Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, México, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, República Dominicana, Uruguay y el sistema regulador único para quince Estados del Caribe) aceptan de manera explícita confiar las decisiones para aprobación de nuevos medicamentos emitidas por la Agencia Europea de Medicamentos, la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de Estados Unidos y Salud Canadá. Diez países aceptan también utilizar las autorizaciones para la comercialización de Australia, Japón y Suiza. Argentina, Brasil, Chile y México son autoridades de referencia para ocho autoridades regulatorias en la región. Conclusiones. La utilización de las decisiones de autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones se han convertido en una práctica común en América Latina y el Caribe. Trece de veinte autoridades regulatorias reconocen directamente o abrevian el proceso de aprobación de nuevos medicamentos en caso de que hayan recibido previamente la aprobación por parte de un organismo regulatorio de otra jurisdicción. La Agencia Europea de Medicamentos, la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de Estados Unidos y Salud Canadá son las autoridades regulatorias de otras jurisdicciones en las cuales los reguladores de América Latina y el Caribe confían más.

RESUMO Objetivo. Descrever a prática atual de uso de decisões regulatórias de outras jurisdições na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC) mediante avaliação os marcos regulatórios dos países para aprovação de novos medicamentos e verificar, para cada país, quais entidades reguladoras estrangeiras são consideradas autoridades reguladoras de confiança por cada país. Métodos. Foi realizada uma pesquisa nos sites das autoridades reguladoras da ALC para identificar as regulamentações oficiais para aprovação de novos medicamentos. A coleta de dados foi feita em dezembro de 2019 e concluída em junho de 2020 para os países do Caribe. Dois grupos independentes coletaram informações sobre o reconhecimento direto ou o procedimento abreviado para aprovação de novos medicamentos e as autoridades reguladoras de referência (de confiança) definidas como tal pela respectiva legislação nacional. Resultados. Documentos regulatórios relacionados à aprovação de novos produtos foram obtidos de 20 sites de órgãos reguladores da ALC, abrangendo 34 países. Sete países não admitem o uso de decisões regulatórias de entidades reguladoras externas. Treze autoridades reguladoras (na Argentina, Colômbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Equador, Guatemala, México, Panamá, Paraguai, Peru, República Dominicana, Uruguai e o Sistema Regulador do Caribe unificado para 15 Estados caribenhos) admitem explicitamente a admissibilidade de decisões regulatórias para aprovação de novos medicamentos de outras jurisdições, quais sejam: Agência Europeia de Medicamentos (EMA), Agência Reguladora de Alimentos e Medicamentos (FDA) dos EUA e Health Canada. Dez países também aceitam decisões para autorização de comercialização da Austrália, Japão e Suíça. Argentina, Brasil, Chile e México são autoridades de referência para oito agências reguladoras. Conclusões. O uso de decisões regulatórias de outras jurisdições tornou-se prática comum na América Latina e Caribe. Treze das 20 agências reguladoras reconhecem diretamente ou abreviam o procedimento de aprovação de novos medicamentos no caso de tal aprovação já haver sido concedida por uma autoridade reguladora de outra jurisdição. A EMA, a FDA e a Health Canada são as autoridades estrangeiras nas quais as agências reguladoras da América Latina e Caribe mais confiam.

Risk Factors Related to New-Onset Diabetes after Renal Transplantation in Patients of a High Complexity University Hospital in Colombia, 20 Years of Experience.

INTRODUCTION: New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is associated with immunosuppression. Its complications can negatively influence patients' quality of life, which is why it is important to study the associated risk factors and expand the possible therapies in this particular group of patients. Materials and methods. Case-control study nested in a retrospective cohort. It included patients who received kidney transplantation at the high complexity University Hospital Fundación Valle del Lili in Cali, Colombia, between 1995 and 2014. Two controls were assigned for each case, depending on the type of donor and the date of the surgery. Information was collected from clinical records and the institutional TRENAL registry. We carried out a descriptive analysis of the selected variables and identified the risk factors with conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: 122 cases were identified to which 224 controls were assigned. The median age was 44 years (IQR: 34-55), and 54% were men. Having >50 years of age at the time of transplantation (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.6-6.3, p = 0.001), body mass index >30 kg/m2 (OR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3-9.7, p = 0.010) and being afro-descendant (OR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.1-6.5, p = 0.023) were identified as risk factors for the development of NODAT. Pretransplant fasting plasma glucose >100 mg/dl (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4-6.4, p = 0.005) and serum triglycerides >200 mg/dl (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.4, p = 0.002) were also reported as independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: We ratify some risk factors for the development of this important disease, which include certain modifiable characteristics. Interventions aimed at changes in lifestyle could be established in a timely manner before transplant surgery.

Frecuencia de odontomas en pacientes pediátricos atendidos en un centro dental docente entre los años 2015-2018 Lima - Perú. Estudio retrospectivo

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de odontomas a través de radio- grafías panorámicas digitales en pacientes pediátricos atendidos en el Centro Dental Docente Asistencial de la Universidad Peruana Cayeta-no Heredia durante el periodo 2015 -2018. Material y métodos: El presente estudio es de tipo descriptivo, transversal, y retrospectivo con un total de 2707 radiografías panorámicas digitales de pacientes pediátricos de 3 a 17 años tomadas en el centro dental docente asistencial de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia durante el periodo 2015 ­ 2018. Resultados: Se encontró un total de 34 odontomas (1,26%) de los cuales el 53,60% (n=20) corresponden al sexo femenino y 46,40% (n=14) al sexo masculino, la edad dental más frecuente fue en la dentición permanente con un 41,18% (n=14) el odontoma compuesto fue la entidad más frecuente con un 52,94% (n=18), y ambas entidades se localizaron en la zona anatómica anterosuperior, la cual es más común con 64,71% (n=22). Conclusiones: El odontoma presentó una baja frecuencia en pacientes pediátricos en el centro dental de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia durante el periodo 2015-2018.

Initial conservative management strategy of HeartWare left ventricular assist device thrombosis with intravenous heparin or bivalirudin.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Pump thrombosis is a serious left ventricular assist device complication, though there are no guidelines regarding its treatment. The main aim of this study was to describe a strategy of intravenous anticoagulation as the initial treatment in these patients and then to compare intravenous heparin with bivalirudin. METHODS: All consecutive patients who received a HeartWare left ventricular assist device from July 2009 to March 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Patients developing a pump thrombosis were selected, and treatment, outcomes and complications were recorded. RESULTS: During this period of time (116 months), 220 patients underwent HeartWare left ventricular assist device implantation and 57 developed pump thrombosis, with an incidence rate of first pump thrombosis of 0.17 events per patient-year of support (incidence rate of all episodes of pump thrombosis: 0.30 events per patient-year of support). All the patients were initially treated medically, predominantly with either intravenous heparin (n = 26) or bivalirudin (n = 16). Patients treated with bivalirudin during the first pump thrombosis episode had less subsequent re-thrombosis episodes (18.7% vs 57.7%, p < 0.05). In addition, percentage time in therapeutic range was greater for bivalirudin compared with heparin (68.5% ± 16.9% vs 37.4% ± 31.0%, p < 0.01). During the first pump thrombosis episode, 26.3% of the patients needed surgery (left ventricular assist device exchange (n = 8), transplant (n = 6) or decommissioning (n = 1)). The overall survival at 1 year was 61.4%, and there was no significant difference in survival. CONCLUSION: Left ventricular assist device thrombosis is a serious life-threatening complication; hence, we propose an initial conservative management of pump thrombosis with enhanced intravenous anticoagulation with either intravenous heparin or bivalirudin, with surgery reserved for refractory cases.

A simplified protocol to determine total fluoride concentration in NaF/silica-based toothpastes

Aim: To determine total fluoride (TF) concentration in Na2FPO3/Ca-based toothpastes, using fluoride ion selective electrode (F-ISE) by the direct technique, it is necessary to use acid (Ac+) to hydrolyze the FPO32- ion and to dissolve insoluble fluoride salts bound to the abrasive. For NaF/silica-based toothpastes, the use of acid is not necessary (Ac-) and a simplified protocol could be followed. Methods: Thus, we evaluated TF concentration in seven brands of NaF/silica-based toothpastes, following the validated conventional Cury's protocol (Ac+) or a simplification of this protocol (Ac-).Fluoride was analyzed with ISE calibrated with fluoride standard solutions prepared in the same conditions as the samples (Ac+ or Ac-). Results: The mean (±SD; n=21) of TF concentrations (µg F/g) found by Ac+ (971.3±191.2) and Ac- (982.4±201.3) protocols were not statistically different (t test, p=0.22). The TF concentrations found agree with those declared by the manufacturers, except for one toothpaste imported from China. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the determination of fluoride in NaF/silica-based toothpastes can be accurately made using a simplified protocol of analysis

Diagnóstico diferencial de las lesiones del IV ventrículo / Differential Diagnosis of Fourth Ventricular Lesions

La población pediátrica es, de lejos, la más afectada por las lesiones del cuarto (IV) ventrículo. La gran mayoría presentan un patrón radiológico similar; actualmente, con las secuencias de difusión, espectroscopia y mapas de ADC, se puede inferir la compatibilidad de los hallazgos visualizados con alguna de las patologías que se revisarán en el presente trabajo

The pediatric population is by far the most affected by lesions of the fourth (IV) ventricle. The vast majority present a similar radiological pattern, for which today, with the diffusion sequences, spectroscopy and ADC maps, it can be inferred that the visualized findings are more likely compatible with some of the pathologies that we will review later