Influence of RNA circularity on Target RNA-Directed MicroRNA Degradation.

A subset of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and linear RNAs have been proposed to 'sponge' or block microRNA activity. Additionally, certain RNAs induce microRNA destruction through the process of Target RNA-Directed MicroRNA Degradation (TDMD), but whether both linear and circular transcripts are equivalent in driving TDMD is unknown. Here, we studied whether circular/linear topology of endogenous and artificial RNA targets affects TDMD. Consistent with previous knowledge that Cdr1as (ciRS-7) circular RNA protects miR-7 from Cyrano-mediated TDMD, we demonstrate that depletion of Cdr1as reduces miR-7 abundance. In contrast, overexpression of an artificial linear version of Cdr1as drives miR-7 degradation. Using plasmids that express a circRNA with minimal co-expressed cognate linear RNA, we show differential effects on TDMD that cannot be attributed to the nucleotide sequence, as the TDMD properties of a sequence often differ when in a circular versus linear form. By analysing RNA sequencing data of a neuron differentiation system, we further detect potential effects of circRNAs on microRNA stability. Our results support the view that RNA circularity influences TDMD, either enhancing or inhibiting it on specific microRNAs.

Hemispheric asymmetries in cortical grey matter of gyri and sulci in modern human populations from South America.

Structural asymmetries of brain regions associated with lateralised functions have been extensively studied. However, there are fewer morphometric analyses of asymmetries of the gyri and sulci of the entire cortex. The current study assessed cortical asymmetries in a sample of healthy adults (N = 175) from an admixed population from South America. Grey matter volume and surface area of 66 gyri and sulci were quantified on T1 magnetic resonance images. The departure from zero of the differences between left and right hemispheres (L-R), a measure of directional asymmetry (DA), the variance of L-R, and an index of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) were evaluated for each region. Significant departures from perfect symmetry were found for most cortical gyri and sulci. Regions showed leftward asymmetry at the population level in the frontal lobe and superior lateral parts of the parietal lobe. Rightward asymmetry was found in the inferior parietal, occipital, frontopolar, and orbital regions, and the cingulate (anterior, middle, and posterior-ventral). Despite this general pattern, several sulci showed the opposite DA compared to the neighbouring gyri, which remarks the need to consider the neurobiological differences in gyral and sulcal development in the study of structural asymmetries. The results also confirm the absence of DA in most parts of the inferior frontal gyrus and the precentral region. This study contributes with data on populations underrepresented in the databases used in neurosciences. Among its findings, there is agreement with previous results obtained in populations of different ancestry and some discrepancies in the middle frontal and medial parietal regions. A significant DA not reported previously was found for the volume of long and short insular gyri and the central sulcus of the insula, frontomarginal, transverse frontopolar, paracentral, and middle and posterior parts of the cingulate gyrus and sulcus, gyrus rectus, occipital pole, and olfactory sulcus, as well as for the volume and area of the transverse collateral sulcus and suborbital sulcus. Also, several parcels displayed significant variability in the left-right differences, which can be partially attributable to developmental instability, a source of FA. Moreover, a few gyri and sulci displayed ideal FA with non-significant departures from perfect symmetry, such as subcentral and posterior cingulate gyri and sulci, inferior frontal and fusiform gyri, and the calcarine, transverse collateral, precentral, and orbital sulci. Overall, these results show that asymmetries are ubiquitous in the cerebral cortex.

Evaluation of a catch-up strategy for the vaccination in patients with hepatitis C virus.

Vaccination in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) is an essential part of their comprehensive healthcare. These individuals may have impaired phagocytic function and diminished production of opsonizing antibodies, resulting in increased susceptibility to bacterial infections, particularly pneumococcal pneumonia. Similarly, there is an increased risk of fulminant hepatitis due to hepatitis A and B viruses. The Ministry of Health updated specific vaccination recommendations for this group in 2018.

Tracking the change in Spanish greenhouse gas emissions through an LMDI decomposition model: A global and sectoral approach.

The reduction of GHG emissions to reverse the greenhouse effect is one of the main challenges in this century. In this paper we pursue two objectives. First, we analyze the evolution of GHG emissions in Spain in 2008-2018, at both the global and sectoral levels, with the variation in emissions decomposed into a set of determining factors. Second, we propose several actions specifically oriented to more tightly controlling the level of emissions. Our results showed a remarkable reduction (18.44%) in GHG emissions, mainly due to the intensity effect, but also to the production-per-capita effect. We detected somewhat different patterns among the various sectors analyzed. While the intensity effect was the most influential one in the agricultural, transport, and others sectors, the production-per-capita effect was predominant in the case of industry. The carbonization effect was revealed as crucial in the commerce sector. The above findings highlight the importance of the energy efficiency measures taken in recent years in the Spanish economy, also pointing to the need to deepen those strategies and to propose new measures that entail greater efficiency in emissions. Additional efforts in areas like innovation, R&D, diffusion of more eco-friendly technologies, and a greater use of greener energies all prove to be essential reduction actions to fight the greenhouse effect.

[Dual practice in the Spanish health system: problem or solution? SESPAS Report 2024]. / La práctica dual público-privada en la sanidad española. ¿Solución o problema? Informe SESPAS 2024.

The Spanish public health system is overburdened. As a result, heath care professionals are showing symptoms of burnout, while private health services are expanding more than ever. As revealed by numerous strikes in recent years, health care professionals want better pay and work conditions and feel frustrated by their inability to give proper time and care to their patients. The institutional response from regional governments in Spain has been to remove the exclusivity clause that provided a salary bonus for physicians who worked entirely in the public sector; now all physicians receive this bonus, effectively promoting dual (public and private) practice. Although dual practice may increase the income of physicians and other health professionals, it poses several challenges that are analyzed in this paper. We also discuss alternative and more far-reaching policies that we believe should be implemented by the government in order to deal with the current crisis of the health system.

Comparative Study of Acute Stress in Infants Undergoing Percutaneous Achilles Tenotomy for Clubfoot vs. Peripheral Line Placement.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon is a procedure that is part of the Ponseti method for clubfoot correction. The need to apply general anesthesia or sedation for this procedure is controversial. The objective of this study is to compare the acute stress generated in infants by percutaneous Achilles tenotomy under local anesthesia vs. peripheral line placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study compares the discomfort experienced by 85 infants undergoing percutaneous Achilles tenotomy with local anesthesia with that experienced by 39 infants undergoing peripheral line placement. The following parameters were determined: the duration of the procedure, crying time, average crying intensity, and maximum crying intensity. Other data recorded included the infant's age and complications arising during the procedure. RESULTS: The mean ages of these patients were 1.95 and 2.18 months, respectively. The following data were obtained: the mean duration of the procedure for Group A was 8.13 s and for Group B it was 127.43 s; the mean duration of crying for Group A was 84.24 s and for Group B it was 195.82 s; the mean intensity of crying for Group A was 88.99 dB and for Group B it was 100.98 dB; and the maximum crying intensity for Group A was 96.56 dB and for Group B it was 107.76 dB. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous Achilles tenotomy can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure, under local anesthesia. This method generates less discomfort than peripheral line placement.

Head circumference at birth and postnatal growth trajectory in vulnerable groups from Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between the anthropometric status at birth and brain and bone growth during the first year of life. According to the brain-sparing hypothesis, we expect catch-up to be faster in head circumference (HC) than in body length. METHODS: This is a longitudinal design that included Argentinian infants under 12 months of age with at least three anthropometric records. We classified study participants into four growth status categories according to z-scores for HC (HCZ) and length (LAZ) at birth, with z-score = -2 as a threshold. We used the Count model to describe growth trajectories in HC and length in the first year of life according to the growth status at birth. Recovery indicator for HC and length was taken as the time until the predicted growth trajectory surpassed the threshold curve predicted by z-score = -2 for age. RESULTS: Growth models included 3399 infants. There were significant differences in the growth parameters between groups in all cases (p < 0.05). Within the group with a low HCZ and a low LAZ at birth, HC recovery was faster than length. In the case of a low z-score for only one of the variables, newborns with a low HCZ recovered faster than individuals born with a low LAZ. CONCLUSIONS: The postnatal growth pattern in HC and length is associated with the growth status of HC and length at birth. As we hypothesized, the fastest postnatal recovery occurs for HC in cases of intrauterine delayed growth.

First detection of V410L kdr mutation in Aedes aegypti populations of Argentina supported by toxicological evidence.

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti (L.) is the main vector of dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya viruses in many parts of the world, impacting millions of people worldwide each year. Insecticide-based interventions have been effective in controlling Aedes mosquito populations for several years, but in recent times, resistance to these compounds has developed, posing a global threat to the control of this mosquito. METHODS: Ovitraps were used to collect A. aegypti eggs in the cities of Tartagal and San Ramón de la Nueva Orán (Salta), Puerto Iguazú (Misiones), and Clorinda (Formosa). World Health Organization (WHO)-impregnated papers with the discriminating concentration (DC) of permethrin, 5X, 10X and pirimiphos methyl were used for the toxicological bioassays. We also genotyped each sample for the three kdr single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP): V410L, V1016I, and F1534C in individual TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) reactions. RESULTS: All investigated A. aegypti populations were highly resistant to permethrin, as the mortality percentage with the permethrin 10×DC remained below 98%. However, all populations were 100% susceptible to pirimiphos-methyl. Kdr genotyping demonstrated the presence of the V410L mutation for the first time in Argentina in all the populations studied. A prevalence of the triple mutant genotype (LL + II + CC) was observed in the northeastern cities of Clorinda (83.3%) and Puerto Iguazú (55.6%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time the presence and intensity of resistance to permethrin in different populations from Argentina, and correlates the observed phenotype with the presence of kdr mutations (genotype).

Lifestyle Factors in Myopic Spanish Children.

BACKGROUND: Childhood myopia represents a global concern with increasing prevalence in recent decades. Lifestyle factors significantly impact myopia. AIM: To evaluate lifestyle factors in myopic children from a metropolitan area in Europe. METHODS: This was a descriptive study including myopic subjects aged 4-18 years. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected, including cycloplegic refraction in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL). In addition, a questionnaire on lifestyle factors was conducted between September 2022 and April 2023. RESULTS: A total of 321 myopic children were included, aged 10.72 ± 3.05 years, of whom 51.4% were boys, with SER -2.25 ± 1.9 D and AL 24.54 ± 0.98 mm. The mean age of myopia onset was 7.69 ± 3.05 years. A total of 59.8% had family history of myopia. Those children who had <2 h/day of screen time (on weekdays) presented SER -2 ± 1.91 D, compared to those who had >2 h/day, SER: -2.50 ±1.88 D (p = 0.009). Children who spent <2 h/day doing near work after school were less myopic compared to those who spent >2 h/day (SER: -1.75 ± 1.83 vs. SER: -2.75 ± 1.82, respectively, p = 0.03). However, no significant association was observed between SER and AL and time spent outdoors nor between SER and AL and academic performance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Screen time and near-work time appear to be lifestyle factors related to myopia.

Family Metacognitive Training (MCT-F): Adapting MCT to Mothers with Psychosis and Their Adolescent Children.

Over half of women with psychosis are mothers. Research suggests that mothers with psychosis face unique challenges affecting both their mental health prognosis and their relationship with their children. Moreover, those children have a higher risk of developing a mental disorder. Notwithstanding, interventions specifically tailored to these families remain largely uncovered. Metacognitive Training (MCT) has demonstrated its efficacy in improving cognitive insight, symptom management, and social cognition in people with psychosis. However, there is no evidence of the efficacy of MCT in a family setting (MCT-F). This study describes the first adaptation of MCT for mothers with psychosis and their adolescent children in an online group setting. The phases (assessment, decision, adaptation, production, topical experts' integration) of the ADAPT-ITT model were systematically applied through a participatory approach (n = 22), including a first-person perspective and involving qualitative (e.g., topical expert literature review and consensus groups, interviews, thematic analyses) and quantitative methods. While MCT's core components were retained, participants guided adaptations both in content and delivery. The findings suggest the importance of community engagement and sharing decision-making processes to demonstrate the acceptability and feasibility of the adapted intervention. Employing a structured approach such as the ADAPT-ITT model ensures readiness of the new training for efficacy trials.

Incorporación a nivel nacional de tecnología no invasiva para valoración del dolor y/o disconfort neonatal / Incorporation of non-invasive technology for the assessment of neonatal pain and/or discomfort at national level / Incorporação a nível nacional de tecnologia não invasiva para avaliação da dor e/ou desconforto neonatal

Introducción: la exposición a estímulos dolorosos y estrés en la etapa neonatal, sin un correcto tratamiento, tiene consecuencias a corto y largo plazo. El diagnóstico adecuado es un desafío, ya que las escalas clínicas son subjetivas y se requieren herramientas de detección con mejor objetividad y capacidad de interpretación del disconfort/dolor neonatal. Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE™) es una tecnología no invasiva de monitorización continua del dolor en neonatos, desarrollada recientemente dada la dificultad de objetivar el dolor mediante los métodos convencionales en la práctica clínica. Esta tecnología se basa en el análisis de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (FC), lo que permite aproximarse a la actividad del sistema parasimpático. Objetivos: el objetivo de esta investigación fue valorar el disconfort en un modelo de cerdo recién nacido (RN) y en humanos neonatos expuestos a maniobras nociceptivas con la utilización de tecnología no invasiva (NIPE), en la maternidad del Hospital Universitario. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, longitudinal, en seis cerdos RN, anestesiados, monitorizados hemodinámicamente y sometidos a un procedimiento quirúrgico mayor (toracotomía lateral izquierda con abordaje cardíaco, pericardiostomía y acceso vascular pulmonar transventricular derecho) y 12 procedimientos mínimamente invasivos de la práctica clínica habitual, como vacunación BCG, hemoglucotest y pesquisa, que generan un estímulo nociceptivo en ocho RN de término sanos. Se incluyeron RN sanos de término (EG entre 37-41 semanas más seis días) internados en el alojamiento conjunto madre-hijo, se excluyeron de la muestra los RN que presentaron alguna patología y aquellos cuyos padres no aceptaron la participación en el estudio. Resultados: se comparó la variabilidad de la FC mediante detección automatizada (NIPE™) para estimación objetiva del dolor/disconfort. Se comparó en la clínica con una escala validada y ampliamente utilizada en neonatos: Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP). Para valorar la asociación entre variables NIPE™ y FC se utilizaron correlación de Spearman, el test de Kruskall-Wallis o test de chi cuadrado con corrección de Fisher, según correspondiera. Se encontró una correlación negativa entre FC y NIPE™ tanto para el grupo de neonatos humanos (r=-1; p=0,008) como para el modelo animal (r=-0,6; p=0,0004). No se encontró asociación significativa entre NIPE™ y la escala PIPP. La variación entre valores de NIPE™ pre y posestímulo en RN humanos fue significativa (p=0,008). Conclusiones: determinamos que en ambos escenarios explorados los valores de NIPE™ descienden ante estímulos nociceptivos y los cambios en la FC se relacionan con sus valores, independientemente de la especie o la agresividad de la maniobra. Este trabajo es el primero a nivel nacional incorporando el uso de esta tecnología, creemos que tendrá impacto en la forma de evaluar y abordar el dolor por parte de los equipos asistenciales y de experimentación.

Introduction: exposure to painful stimuli and stress in the neonatal stage, without correct treatment, has short and long-term consequences. Proper diagnosis is a challenge since clinical scales are subjective, and we require more objective screening tools and a better ability to interpret neonatal discomfort/pain. Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE™) is a non-invasive technology for continuous pain monitoring in neonates, recently developed given the difficulty to objectify pain using conventional methods in clinical practice. This technology is based on the analysis of heart rate variability (HR), which allows us to approximate the activity of the parasympathetic system. Objectives: the objective of this research was to assess discomfort in a newborn pig model (NB) and in human neonates exposed to nociceptive maneuvers with the use of non-invasive technology (NIPE), in the maternity ward of the University Hospital. Material and methods: an observational, longitudinal study was carried out in 6 NB pigs, anesthetized, hemodynamically monitored and subjected to a major surgical procedure (left lateral thoracotomy with cardiac approach, pericardiostomy and right trans ventricular pulmonary vascular access) and 12 minimally invasive procedures, from clinical practice. routine such as BCG vaccination, hemoglucotest and screening, which generate a nociceptive stimulus in 8 healthy term newborns. Healthy term newborns (GA between 37-41 weeks plus 6 days) admitted to the mother-child joint accommodation were included, We excluded those NB patients who presented some pathology or whose parents did not accept participation in the study. Results: HR variability was compared using automated detection (NIPETM) for objective estimation of pain/discomfort. It was compared in the clinic with a validated and widely used scale in neonates: Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP). We used the Spearman's correlation, the Kruskall-Wallis test or the Chi square test with Fisher's correction to assess the association between NIPE™ variables and HR, as needed. A negative correlation was found between HR and NIPETM for both the group of neonates. humans (r=-1; p=0.008) and for the animal model (r=-0.6; p=0.0004). No significant association was found between NIPETM and the PIPP scale. The variation between pre- and post-stimulus NIPE™ values in human NBs was significant (p=0.008). Conclusions: we conclude that in both scenarios explored, NIPE™ values decrease when faced with nociceptive stimuli and changes in HR are related to its values, regardless of the species or the aggressiveness of the maneuver. This paper is the first at a national level to incorporate the use of this technology, we believe it will have an impact on the way pain is assessed and addressed by healthcare and experimental teams.

Introdução: a exposição a estímulos dolorosos e ao estresse na fase neonatal, sem tratamento correto, traz consequências a curto e longo prazo. O diagnóstico adequado é um desafio, uma vez que as escalas clínicas são subjetivas e são necessárias ferramentas de triagem com melhor objetividade e capacidade de interpretar o desconforto/dor neonatal. A Avaliação Parassimpática do Recém-Nascido (NIPE™) é uma tecnologia não invasiva para monitoramento contínuo da dor em neonatos, desenvolvida recentemente devido à dificuldade de objetivar a dor usando métodos convencionais na prática clínica. Esta tecnologia baseia-se na análise da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (FC), o que nos permite aproximar a atividade do sistema parassimpático. Objetivos: o objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o desconforto em recém-nascido modelo suíno (RN) e em neonatos humanos expostos a manobras nociceptivas com uso de tecnologia não invasiva (NIPE), na maternidade do Hospital Universitário. Material e métodos: foi realizado um estudo observacional, longitudinal, em 6 suínos RN, anestesiados, monitorados hemodinamicamente e submetidos a um procedimento cirúrgico de grande porte (toracotomia lateral esquerda com abordagem cardíaca, pericardiostomia e acesso vascular pulmonar transventricular direito) e 12 procedimentos minimamente invasivos, da prática clínica. rotina como vacinação BCG, hemoglicoteste e triagem, que geram estímulo nociceptivo em 8 recém-nascidos a termo saudáveis. Foram incluídos recém-nascidos a termo saudáveis (IG entre 37-41 semanas mais 6 dias) internados no alojamento conjunto mãe-filho, foram excluídos do A amostra incluiu RNs que apresentavam alguma patologia e aqueles cujos pais não aceitaram a participação no estudo. Resultados: a variabilidade da FC foi comparada por meio de detecção automatizada (NIPETM) para estimativa objetiva de dor/desconforto. Foi comparado na clínica com uma escala validada e amplamente utilizada em neonatos: Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP). Para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis do NIPE™ e a FC, utilizou-se a correlação de Spearman, o teste de Kruskall-Wallis ou o teste Qui-quadrado com correção de Fisher, conforme apropriado. Foi encontrada correlação negativa entre a FC e o NIPETM para ambos os grupos de neonatos. (r=-1; p=0,008) e para o modelo animal (r=-0,6; p=0,0004). Não foi encontrada associação significativa entre o NIPETM e a escala PIPP. A variação entre os valores de NIPE™ pré e pós-estímulo em RN humanos foi significativa (p=0,008). Conclusões: concluímos que em ambos os cenários explorados, os valores do NIPE™ diminuem diante de estímulos nociceptivos e as alterações na FC estão relacionadas aos seus valores, independente da espécie ou da agressividade da manobra. Este trabalho é o primeiro a nível nacional a incorporar a utilização desta tecnologia, acreditamos que terá impacto na forma como a dor é avaliada e abordada pelas equipas de saúde e experimentais.

Costos y resultados del tratamiento con Heberprot-P® en pacientes con pie diabético del Policlínico Ramón López Peña / Costs and Outcomes of Heberprot-P® Treatment in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer from Ramón López Peña Polyclinic

Introducción: Las úlceras del pie diabético constituyen una de las principales causas de morbilidad y discapacidad, con una importante repercusión por la carga económica de la enfermedad y desde el punto de vista social, por la disminución de la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Objetivo: Evaluar costos y resultado del tratamiento ambulatorio con el Heberprot P® para la atención al paciente con úlcera del pie diabético. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo de 22 pacientes con pie diabético tratados con Heberprot-P®, en la consulta para tales fines del Policlínico Ramón López Peña en el año 2019. Resultados: El 63,6 por ciento de los pacientes que acudieron a consulta presentaron Pie de Riesgo grado cero; la úlcera neuroinfecciosa fue la de mayor incidencia de presentación (94,5 por ciento). Se obtuvo una efectividad del 95,4 por ciento del total de los casos tratados. La mayoría de los tratados necesitaron entre 3-8 bulbos del medicamento, con un promedio de 5 sesiones de tratamiento por paciente, a un costo promedio de $ 3 549,8 /caso tratado. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con el Heberprot P® es altamente efectivo para la cicatrización de las UPD, evitando en gran medida las amputaciones de los miembros inferiores de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus, con una consiguiente disminución del costo económico que tienen estas intervenciones sanitarias para el país(AU)

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the main causes of morbidity and disability, with an important repercussion due to the economic burden of the disease and from the social point of view, due to the decrease in patients' quality of life. Objective: To assess costs and outcomes of outpatient treatment with Heberpro-P® for the care of patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was carried out of 22 patients with diabetic foot treated with Heberprot-P®, in the consultation for such purposes of Ramón López Peña Polyclinic in 2019. Results: 63.6 percent of the patients who came for consultation presented zero risk foot; neuroinfectious ulcer was the one with the highest incidence of presentation (94.5 percent). An effectiveness rate of 95.4 percent of the total of treated cases was obtained. Most of those treated needed three to eight bulbs of the medication, with an average of five treatment sessions per patient, at an average cost of 3549.8 Cuban pesos per treated case. Conclusions: Treatment with Heberprot-P® is highly effective for the healing of diabetic foot ulcers, largely avoiding amputations of lower limbs of patients with diabetes mellitus, with a consequent decrease in the economic cost of these health interventions for the country(AU)

Taller de concordancia en la evaluación de imágenes capilaroscópicas / Reliability of nailfold videocapillaroscopy workshop

Introducción: la capilaroscopia es un método no invasivo que permite observar la microvasculatura en el área periungueal. Los resultados informados pueden ser altamente variables entre distintos observadores. A lo largo del tiempo surgieron métodos cuantitativos y semicuantitativos para mejorar la reproducibilidad. Objetivos: conocer el nivel de acuerdo intra e interobservador al informar los diferentes patrones capilaroscópicos en individuos con diferente nivel de entrenamiento. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal. Participaron médicos reumatólogos especialistas y en formación que habían realizado previamente un curso virtual de capacitación en capilaroscopia. Recibieron 40 imágenes capilaroscópicas proyectadas en una presentación de PowerPoint y debían responder a través de un cuestionario digital. Se evaluó la concordancia de respuestas intra e interobservador. Resultados: se encontró un alto nivel de concordancia global con un kappa 0,66 IC 95% (0,63-0,70) p<0,0000. También en otros grupos como reumatólogos en formación: kappa 0,65 IC 95% (0,60-0,71) p=0,0000, y médicos reumatólogos: kappa 0,67 IC 95% (0,62-0,72) p=0,0000. Conclusiones: el nivel de concordancia encontrado fue globalmente alto, independientemente del nivel de entrenamiento de los profesionales, y de ser o no reumatólogo. La concordancia fue superior cuando se comparó a quienes tenían más de 4 años de experiencia en la realización de videocapilaroscopia.

Introduction: videoapillaroscopy is a non-invasive method that allows the observation of the microvasculature in the periungual area. Reported results can be highly variable between different observers. Over time, quantitative and semi-quantitative methods emerged to improve reproducibility. Objetives: to know the level of intra and interobserver agreement when reporting the different capillaroscopic patterns in individuals with different levels of training. Materials and methods: cross section study. Specialist rheumatologists and those in training who had previously completed a virtual capillaroscopy training course participated. They received 40 capillaroscopic images projected in a PowerPoint presentation and had to issue their response through a digital questionnaire. Concordance of intra and interobserver responses was evaluated. Results: a high level of global agreement was found with a kappa 0.66 CI 95% (0.63-0.70) p<0.0000, also in other groups such as rheumatologists in training: kappa 0.65 CI 95% (0.60-0.71) p=0.0000, physicians rheumatologists: kappa 0.67 95% CI (0.62-0.72) p=0.0000. Conclusions: the level of agreement found was globally high, regardless of the level of training of the professionals, and whether or not they were a rheumatologist. Concordance was higher when compared to those who had more than 4 years of experience performing videocapillaroscopy.

Satisfacción de médicos especialistas en Medicina General Integral con el curso de superación en inglés / Satisfaction of doctors in Comprehensive General Medicine with the upgrading course in English

RESUMEN Fundamento: un indicador que mide la calidad de la educación y refleja la eficiencia y eficacia de los modelos académicos en las instituciones educativas es la satisfacción de los educandos respecto a la enseñanza aprendizaje. Objetivo: identificar el nivel de satisfacción de los médicos especialistas en Medicina General Integral con el curso de superación en inglés. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo correlacional transversal en la Facultad Preparatoria de Santiago de Cuba en el periodo enero-julio 2019. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos para la recogida de información y fundamentación de la investigación, y empíricos: un cuestionario formado por 15 ítems, relacionados con la labor docente, la motivación del estudiante e infraestructura de la unidad. Resultados: la mayoría de los cursistas se sintieron satisfechos con la labor del profesor, la infraestructura de la instalación y se motivaron por el curso, aunque señalaron dificultades con el uso de algunos métodos de participación que entorpecieron el intercambio con el docente y entre ellos. Conclusiones: según la percepción de los cursistas, el curso impartido tuvo buenos resultados aunque se evidenciaron algunas insatisfacciones sobre las cuales se debe accionar, ya que el punto de partida de toda gestión de calidad en el proceso formativo consiste en captar las exigencias de los estudiantes como los principales actores del proceso, y analizar la forma de ofrecer soluciones que respondan a sus necesidades.

ABSTRACT Background: an indicator that measures the quality of education and reflects the efficiency and effectiveness of academic models in educational institutions is the satisfaction of students with respect to teaching-learning. Objective: to identify the level of satisfaction of specialists in Comprehensive General Medicine with the upgrading course in English. Methods: a cross-sectional co relational descriptive study was carried out at Santiago de Cuba Preparatory School from January to July 2019. Theoretical methods were used for the collection of information and the foundation of the research, and empirical methods: a questionnaire consisting of 15 items, related to teaching work, student motivation and unit infrastructure. Results: most of the trainees were satisfied with the teacher's work, the facility's infrastructure, and they were motivated by the course, although they pointed to difficulties with the use of some participation methods that hindered the exchange with the teacher and among themselves. Conclusions: according to the perception of the trainees, the course given had good results although some dissatisfactions were evidenced on which action should be taken, since the starting point of all quality management in the training process consists of capturing the demands of the students as the main actors in the process, and the analysis on how to offer solutions that respond to their needs.

Principales características clínicas y epidemiológicas de trabajadores de la salud diagnosticados con COVID-19 en Santiago de Cuba / Main clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of health workers diagnosed with COVID-19 in Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: La COVID- 19 tiene repercusión en el sistema de salud pública del país y en personal sanitario. Objetivo: Describir algunas características clínicas y epidemiológicas del personal de salud diagnosticado con COVID-19 en un área de salud de Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de 19 trabajadores de la salud del Policlínico Docente Ramón López Peña de Santiago de Cuba, diagnosticados con la COVID-19 en el período febrero-abril de 2021. Las variables descritas fueron: edad, sexo, categoría ocupacional, comorbilidades, fuente de infección, síntomas y evolución. Resultados: Predominaron las féminas entre 40 y 59 años de edad (36,8 %), la fuente de infección comunitaria (52,6 %), los médicos como el personal más afectado (47,3 %) y las manifestaciones respiratorias (47,3 %); asimismo, 94,7 % de los afectados egresaron vivos y hubo un solo fallecido. Conclusiones: A pesar de la baja prevalencia de la COVID-19 en el personal de salud, se deben extremar las medidas de bioseguridad implementadas en cada institución para evitar nuevos contagios.

Introduction: The COVID-19 has repercussion in the public health system of the country and in health personnel. Objective: To describe some clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of the health personnel diagnosed with COVID- 19 in a health area of Santiago de Cuba. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study of 19 health workers of Ramón López Peña Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba was carried out. They were diagnosed with the COVID-19 during February-April, 2021. The described variables were: age, sex, occupational category, comorbidities, infection source, symptoms and clinical course. Results: There was a prevalence of the females between 40 and 59 years (36.8 %), community source of infection (52.6 %), doctors as the most affected health staff (47.3 %) and respiratory signs (47.3 %); also, 94.7 % of the affected patients were alive when discharged from the hospital and there was only one dead patient. Conclusions: In spite of the low prevalence of the COVID-19 in the health staff, the biosecurity measures implemented in each institution to avoid new infections should be maximized.

Fisiopatología de la insuficiencia cardiaca en pacientes con COVID-19 / Pathophysiology of heart failure in patients with COVID-19 / Fisiopatologia da insuficiência cardíaca em pacientes com COVID-19

RESUMEN - Introducción: Se revelan controversias respecto a los mecanismos que determinan la vulnerabilidad de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca a la infección por el virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), que produce el síndrome respiratorio llamado Coronavirus Infectious Disease-19 (COVID-19). Objetivo: Recopilar información sobre la fisiopatología de la insuficiencia cardiaca aguda en el contexto de la COVID-19. Método: En el Policlínico Comunitario "Ramón López Peña" de Santiago de Cuba, entre septiembre y noviembre del 2020, se realizó una revisión narrativa sobre este tema. La búsqueda se efectuó consultando las bases de datos Pubmed, Infomed y SciELO, sin restricción de fecha, en los idiomas español e inglés. Desarrollo: Se manifiestan incertidumbre en los mecanismos implicados en la fisiopatología de la insuficiencia cardiaca de los pacientes con esta enfermedad infecciosa. El daño miocárdico se debe a los efectos directos de la infección viral sobre el miocito, que se expresa como una respuesta inflamatoria local y a la participación del corazón como órgano diana de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica e inapropiada generada por la marcada liberación de citocinas. Esta última, además, genera un daño endotelial que desencadena complicaciones tromboembólicas e isquémicas, disfunción sistodiastólica del corazón, y finalmente la falla multiorgánica. Consideraciones finales: A pesar de los avances en el conocimiento de la etiopatogenia de esta enfermedad, aún se requiere que se esclarezcan con precisión los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que determinan la presentación de la insuficiencia cardiaca, si bien se reconoce la influencia de la respuesta inflamatoria inapropiada, inducida por citoquinas, en la presentación del daño miocárdico.

ABSTRACT - Introduction: The mechanisms that are suggested as determinant in the vulnerability of patients with heart failure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and which cause the respiratory syndrome labeled COVID-19 (Coronavirus Infectious Disease-19), has revealed controversial. Objective: To gather information on the pathophysiological features of acute heart failure in the context of COVID-19. Method: Concerning this topic, from September to November 2020 at the Policlínico Comunitario "Ramón López Peña" in Santiago de Cuba, a narrative review was carried out. The search was conducted checking the databases Pubmed, Infomed and SciELO, without date restriction, and in Spanish and English language. Development: The mechanisms involved on the pathophysiological features of heart failure in patients with this infectious disease revealed uncertainty. Myocardial damage is achievement of two aspects, the direct effect of viral respiratory infection on the myocyte, which is expressed as a local inflammatory response, and the heart participation as a target organ to the systemic and inappropriate inflammatory response, generated by a marked cytokines release. Conclusions: Despite the advances in understanding the etiopathogenesis of this disease, the pathophysiological mechanisms that determine on the heart failure still require to be precisely clarified, although the influence of the inappropriate inflammatory response, induced by cytokines, it is recognized in the onset myocardial damage.

RESUMO - Introdução: Revelam-se controvérsias a respeito dos mecanismos que determinam a vulnerabilidade dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca à infecção pelo vírus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), gerador da síndrome respiratória denominada Coronavirus Infectious Disease-19 (COVID-19). Objetivo: Coletar informações sobre a fisiopatologia da insuficiência cardíaca aguda no contexto da COVID-19. Método: Na Policlínica Comunitária "Ramón López Peña" de Santiago de Cuba, entre setembro e novembro de 2020, foi realizada uma revisão narrativa sobre o tema. A busca foi realizada por meio de consulta às bases de dados Pubmed, Infomed e SciELO, sem restrição de datas, nos idiomas espanhol e inglês. Desenvolvimento: A incerteza se manifesta nos mecanismos envolvidos na fisiopatologia da insuficiência cardíaca em pacientes com essa doença infecciosa. O dano miocárdico se deve aos efeitos diretos da infecção viral no miócito, que se expressa como resposta inflamatória local, e ao envolvimento do coração como órgão alvo da resposta inflamatória sistêmica e inadequada gerada pela liberação acentuada de citocinas. Esta última também gera dano endotelial que desencadeia complicações tromboembólicas e isquêmicas, disfunção cardíaca sistodiastólica e, finalmente, falência de múltiplos órgãos. Conclusões: Apesar dos avanços no conhecimento da etiopatogenia desta doença, ainda é necessário esclarecer com precisão os mecanismos fisiopatológicos que determinam a apresentação da insuficiência cardíaca, embora se reconheça a influência da resposta inflamatória inadequada, induzida por citocinas, na apresentação de dano miocárdico.

Diseño y Validación de Contenido de una Guía de Análisis Funcional para Población con Depresión / Design and Validation of Content of a Guide for Functional Analysis for Population with Depression

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue establecer el diseño y la validez de contenido de una Guía de Práctica Clínica (GPC) de análisis funcional (AF) para población con trastorno depresivo mayor (TDM). Se realizó por medio de una metodología cuantitativa de tipo instrumental, implementando la técnica de validación por jueces expertos, con la participación de seis jueces con experiencia en psicología clínica y cuatro en análisis del comportamiento. Resultado de la evaluación de los jueces, se obtuvo un índice de validez de contenido de 0.85, permitiendo establecer la validez de la GPC de análisis funcional para evaluar el TDM. Se concluye que los procedimientos para realizar AF en TDM corresponden con los referentes teórico-prácticos disponibles y con la tradición del enfoque conductual en psicología.

Abstract The objective of this research was to establish the design and content validity of a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for Functional Analysis (FA) for a population with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It was carried out by means of an instrumental quantitative methodology, implementing the validation technique by expert judges, with the participation of six judges with experience in clinical psychology and four in behavior analysis. Result of the evaluation of the judges, a Content Validity Index of 0.85 was obtained, allowing to establish the validity of the Functional Analysis CPG to evaluate the TDM. It is concluded that the procedures to perform FA in TDM correspond with the available theoretical-practical references and with the tradition of the behavioral approach in psychology.

Participación laboral en espondiloartritis axial radiográfica y no radiográfica / Labor participation in radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Introducción: las limitaciones laborales son un punto importante a considerar en el tratamiento de la espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) dado que esta enfermedad afecta a las personas en la etapa más productiva de la vida. Objetivos: describir la situación laboral en pacientes con EspAax de Argentina, incluyendo la espondilitis anquilosante (EA) y la espondiloartritis axial no radiográfica (EspAax-nr), y evaluar los factores asociados a la pérdida de productividad laboral (PPL) en esta cohorte nacional y los factores asociados a estar empleado. Materiales y métodos: en este estudio transversal y multicéntrico se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de EA y EspAax-nr según los criterios de clasificación de la Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS 2009) y en edad laboral (≤65 años). Los objetivos principales fueron evaluar la situación laboral, el ausentismo y el presentismo, valorados por el cuestionario Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Spondyloarthritis (WPAI-SpA). Se utilizó el coeficiente de Spearman para evaluar la correlación entre las medidas de la enfermedad y la PPL. Se realizó un análisis bivariado y multivariado para evaluar los factores asociados a estar empleado. Resultados: se incluyeron 129 pacientes con EspAax, 95 (73,6 %) con EA y 34 (26,4%) con EspAax-nr. La mediana (p25-75) de edad fue de 45 (35-55) años. La duración mediana de la enfermedad fue de 62 (24-123) meses y el retraso en el diagnóstico fue de 24 (6-72) meses. Sesenta (46,5%) pacientes estaban empleados. La mediana (p25-75) de presentismo de los pacientes con EA fue del 29,6% (0-57) y del 30% (20-40) para los pacientes con EspAax-nr (p=0,02). Asimismo, la mediana (p25-75) de PPL fue del 30% en ambos grupos de pacientes. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre la PPL y las siguientes variables: ASDAS (Rho:0.60), BASDAI (Rho:0.50), BASFI (Rho:0.60), ASQoL (Rho:0.60) y ASAS health index (Rho:0.54). En el análisis bivariado, los factores asociados al desempleo fueron el diagnóstico de EA, la edad avanzada, la mayor duración de la enfermedad, las comorbilidades (hipertensión y diabetes), el menor número de años de educación, la peor calidad de vida y la menor capacidad funcional. En el análisis multivariado, una mejor función física (evaluada por BASFI) se asoció de forma independiente a estar empleado. Conclusiones: este estudio demostró que la PPL en esta cohorte nacional fue del 30% en la EspAax. Se asoció con la actividad de la enfermedad, el estado de salud, la calidad de vida y la capacidad funcional. Una mejor función física se relacionó en forma independiente con una mayor probabilidad de mantener a los pacientes con EspAax empleados.

Introduction: work disability is an important outcome in the treatment of spondyloarthritis (SpA) since this disease affects people in the most productive stage of life. Objectives: to investigate working status in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) from Argentina, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial SpA (nr-axSpA), and to evaluate factors associated with work productivity loss (WPL) in this national cohort and factors associated with being employed. Materials and methods: patients with a diagnosis of AS and nr-axSpA according to Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS 2009) classification criteria and in working age (≤65 years) were included in this multicentric cross-sectional study. Outcomes of interest were employment status, absenteeism and presenteeism, assessed by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Spondyloarthritis (WPAI-SpA) questionnaire. Spearman's coefficient was used to assess the correlation between disease measures and WPL. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed in order to evaluate factors associated with being employed. Results: 129 patients with axSpA were included, 95 (73.6%) with AS and 34 (26.4%) with nr-axSpA. Median (p25-75) age of 45 (35-55) years. Median (p25-75) disease duration was 62 (24-123) months and diagnosis delay was 24 (6-72) months. 60 (46.5%) of the patients were employed. Median (p25-75) presenteeism of AS patients was 29.6% (0-57) and 30% (20-40) for patients with EspAax-nr (p=0.02). Median (p25-75) WPL was 30% in both groups of patients. A positive correlation was found between WPL and the following variables: ASDAS (Rho:0.60), BASDAI (Rho:0.50), BASFI (Rho:0.60), ASQoL (Rho:0.60) and ASAS health index (Rho:0.54). In the bivariate analysis, the factors associated with unemployment were AS diagnosis, older age, longer disease duration, comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes), fewer years of education, worse quality of life and lower functional capacity. In the multivariate analysis, better physical function (assessed by BASFI) was independently associated with being employed. Conclusions: this study showed that WPL in this national cohort was 30% in axSpA. It was associated with disease activity, health status, quality of life and functional capacity. Better physical function was independently associated with a higher likelihood of keeping patients with axSpA employed.

Artropatía de Charcot en paciente con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Charcot arthropathy in diabetes mellitus 2 patient, clinical case and review of the literature

La osteoartropatía neuropática de Charcot es una complicación relativamente común de la neuropatía diabética. Esta enfermedad destaca por una fragmentación y destrucción ósea asociada a deformidades, que afectan predominantemente a los huesos del pie y tobillo. Es frecuente un diagnóstico incorrecto y dado su curso progresivo y complejidad la amputación es generalmente indicada. El diagnóstico incluye una adecuada historia clínica, exploración meticulosa del miembro afectado, e imágenes. El tratamiento conservador se centra en el reposo de la extremidad y evitar deformidades mediante el uso de aparatos de yeso de contacto total, órtesis o calzado especial. El tratamiento quirúrgico depende de la etapa en la que se encuentre la enfermedad y puede requerir una o varias intervenciones quirúrgicas con el fin de lograr un pie plantígrado previniendo la formación de úlceras de difícil manejo. Una de las cirugías más frecuentes es la artrodesis de las articulaciones dañadas Se hace relevante por tanto dar a conocer esta patología especialmente para generar un diagnóstico oportuno y tratamiento eficaz. En el presente artículo se presenta un caso clínico de artropatía de Charcot asociado a diabetes mellitus 2 con un mal control metabólico, tratado en última instancia en el hospital Gustavo Fricke de viña del mar, además de una revisión de la literatura actual sobre el tema.

Charcot´s arthropathy or neuropathic joint is a relatively frequent complication of diabetic neuropathy. It is characterized by bone fragmentation and destruction associated with deformities affecting mainly the foot and ankle bones. It is frequently diagnosed incorrectly and, given its progressive course and complexity, usually ends in amputation. For diagnosis a thorough clinical history should be taken, the affected member given a detailed examination and imaging done. Conservative treatment is basically resting the extremity and preventing deformity using total-contact casting, orthotic appliances, or special footwear. Surgical treatment depends on the stage of the illness and may require several surgeries to achieve a plantigrade foot thus preventing the formation of difficult to manage ulcers. One of the most frequent surgeries performed is arthrodesis of the damaged joints. Hence it is worthwhile learning about this pathology to facilitate timely diagnosis and efficient treatment. We present a clinical case of Charcot arthropathy associated with poorly managed type 2 diabetes mellitus treated in Hospital Gustavo Fricke of Viña del Mar and an up to date review of the literature.

Experiencia en la colocación del DIUPP / Experience in the placement of the Diupp

Family planning is a key intervention to decrease the mortality rates and maternal morbidity, and neonatal mortality rates of children by mean of the preventiion of unwanted pregnancies, the same as pregnancies that happen very clsely to another previous one with little space between them. Several studies performed in different parts of the world have demonstrated adverse results related specially with the spaciament of the pregnancies. The risks are particularly higher with women wich get pregnant les after than a previous deliver, spontaneous abortion or induced abortion. The instrauterine device (ID) is a family planning higly efficacious with a prolongued action and reversible, that offers security to most postpartum women, including those who are still nursing. The primary aim of the present report was to determine the frequency in the placement of the DIUPP in our Obstetrical Department between 01/06/2017 and 30/06/2018, and in a second instance, to describe the method for placement of the DIUPP, to determine the curve of learning, to measure the rate of expulsion of the device, and to evaluate the conformity of the users of the method. Unplanned pregnancies have strongly increased, and for that circumstance, we believe that with new strategies, such as it is with the post-event anticonception, we can improve the reproducive health (AU)