Adaptation of antibiotic treatment to clinical practice guidelines in patients aged ⩾65 years hospitalised due to community-acquired pneumonia.

Early, conforming antibiotic treatment in elderly patients hospitalised for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a key factor in the prognosis and mortality. The objective was to examine whether empirical antibiotic treatment was conforming according to the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery guidelines in these patients. Multicentre study in patients aged ⩾65 years hospitalised due to CAP in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 influenza seasons. We collected socio-demographic information, comorbidities, influenza/pneumococcal vaccination history and antibiotics administered using a questionnaire and medical records. Bivariate analyses and multilevel logistic regression were made. In total, 1857 hospitalised patients were included, 82 of whom required intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Treatment was conforming in 51.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 49.1-53.8%) of patients without ICU admission and was associated with absence of renal failure without haemodialysis (odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% CI 1.15-1.95) and no cognitive dysfunction (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.25-2.35), when the effect of the autonomous community was controlled for. In patients with ICU admission, treatment was conforming in 45.1% (95% CI 34.1-56.1%) of patients and was associated with the hospital visits in the last year (<3 vs. ⩾3, OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.03-7.12) and there was some evidence that this was associated with season. Although the reference guidelines are national, wide variability between autonomous communities was found. In patients hospitalised due to CAP, health services should guarantee the administration of antibiotics in a consensual manner that is conforming according to clinical practice guidelines.

Immunogenicity of BNT162b2 vaccine after two and three doses in health personnel and institutionalized elderly people not infected with SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our research was to compare the evolution of the immune response induced by the BNT162b2 vaccine after the administration of two and three doses in healthcare personnel and in institutionalized elderly people (>65 years of age) without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out on a convenience sample made up of health workers and institutionalized elderly people, measuring antibodies against S and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 two and six months after receiving the second vaccine dose, as well as two months after receiving the third dose. RESULTS: A significant reduction of the anti-S humoral immune response was reported six months after the second dose of vaccine in both health workers and residents. The administration of a third dose of vaccine induced a significant increase in this antibody response in both investigated groups reaching a similar proportion of responders two months after this third dose. CONCLUSIONS: Humoral immunity induced by two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine in persons without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection wanes over time. The administration of a third dose significantly increases anti-S antibodies being highly recommended, especially in people over 65 years of age.

[Severity of COVID-19 attributable to obesity according to BMI and CUN-BAE]. / Gravedad de COVID-19 atribuible a obesidad según IMC y CUN-BAE.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is considered a risk factor in severe cases of COVID-19, which has been analysed using body mass index (BMI), an estimator that does not correlate adequately with body fat (BF) percentage. The aim of this study was to analyse the population attributable fraction to BF in severe forms of COVID-19 based on BMI and CUN-BAE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicentre observational prevalence study. Sociodemographic information, personal history, BMI and CUN-BAE were collected in SARS-CoV-2 positive cases from the provinces of León and La Rioja. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals adjusting for age and personal history, as well as the population attributable fraction to BF. RESULTS: Seven hundred eighty-five patients participated, 123 (15.7%) were severe. Age, obesity (both by BMI and CUN-BAE) and personal history were detected as risk factors. 51.6% of severe cases could be attributed to excess BMI and 61.4% to excess BF estimated according to CUN-BAE, with a higher underestimation of risk in women. CONCLUSIONS: Excess BF is a risk factor for severe forms of COVID-19 together with advanced age and the presence of cardiovascular, chronic respiratory or oncohematological diseases. BMI underestimates the risk especially in women, being CUN-BAE the predictor selected for its better estimation of the percentage of BF.

[Internal validity of a rapid test for COVID-19 antigens in a nursing home]. / Validez interna de una prueba rápida de detección de antígenos COVID-19 en una residencia de mayores.

INTRODUCTION: RT-qPCR is the reference test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) are now available. In this work, the internal validity of the RADT was evaluated in the context of an outbreak in a nursing home. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal exudate samples were analyzed by RADT and RT-qPCR from 61 residents of a nursing home. The sensitivity and specificity of RADT with respect to RT-qPCR was calculated. RESULTS: Specificity was 100% (95% CI 54.1-100.0), while sensitivity in asymptomatic people was 70.3% (95% CI 53.0-84.1) and in symptomatic people 83.3% (95% CI 51.6-97.9). CONCLUSIONS: The RADTs are sufficiently sensitive and specific to be used as screening tests in nursing homes, especially in situations of outbreaks or suspected outbreaks due to the presence of symptoms.

Social mobility and healthy behaviours from a gender perspective in the Spanish multicase-control study (MCC-Spain).

There is evidence for the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on healthy behaviours but the effect of social mobility (SM) is not yet well known. This study aims to analyse the influence of origin and destination SES (O-SES and D-SES) and SM on healthy behaviours and co-occurrence, from an integrated gender and age perspective. Data were obtained from the controls of MCC-Spain between 2008-2013 (3,606 participants). Healthy behaviours considered: healthy diet, moderate alcohol consumption, non-smoking and physical activity. SM was categorized as stable high, upward, stable medium, downward or stable low. Binary and multinomial logistic regression models were adjusted. Those aged <65, with a low O-SES, D-SES and stable low SM are less likely to have healthy behaviours in the case of both women (physically active: OR = 0.65 CI = 0.45-0.94, OR = 0.71 CI = 0.52-0.98, OR = 0.61 CI = 0.41-0.91) and men (non-smokers: OR = 0.44 CI = 0.26-0.76, OR = 0.54 CI = 0.35-0.83, OR = 0.41 CI 0.24-0.72; physically active: OR = 0.57 CI = 0.35-0.92, OR = 0.64 CI = 0.44-0.95, OR = 0.53 CI = 0.23-0.87). However, for those aged ≥65, this probability is higher in women with a low O-SES and D-SES (non-smoker: OR = 8.09 CI = 4.18-15.67, OR = 4.14 CI = 2.28-7.52; moderate alcohol consumption: OR = 3.00 CI = 1.45-6.24, OR = 2.83 CI = 1.49-5.37) and in men with a stable low SM (physically active: OR = 1.52 CI = 1.02-1.26). In the case of men, the same behaviour pattern is observed in those with a low O-SES as those with upward mobility, with a higher probability of co-occurring behaviours (three-to-four behaviours: OR = 2.00 CI = 1.22-3.29; OR = 3.13 CI = 1.31-7.48). The relationship of O-SES, D-SES and SM with healthy behaviours is complex and differs according to age and gender.

Predictive factors of COVID-19 in patients with negative RT-qPCR.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors associated with false negatives in RT-qPCR in patients with mild-moderate symptoms of COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that used a random sample of non-hospitalized patients from the primary care management division of the Healthcare Area of Leon (58 RT-qPCR-positive cases and 52 RT-qPCR-negative cases). Information regarding symptoms was collected and all patients were simultaneously tested using two rapid diagnostic tests - RDTs (Combined - cRDT and Differentiated - dRDT). The association between symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 infection was evaluated by non-conditional logistic regression, with estimation of Odds Ratio. RESULTS: A total of 110 subjects were studied, 52% of whom were women (mean age: 48.2±11.0 years). There were 42.3% of negative RT-qPCRs that were positive in some RDTs. Fever over 38°C (present in 35.5% of cases) and anosmia (present in 41.8%) were the symptoms most associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, a relationship that remained statistically significant in patients with negative RT-qPCR and some positive RDT (aOR=6.64; 95%CI=1.33-33.13 and aOR=19.38; 95% CI=3.69-101.89, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RT-qPCR is the technique of choice in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but it is not exempt from false negatives. Our results show that patients who present mild or moderate symptoms with negative RT-qPCR, but with fever and/or anosmia, should be considered as suspicious cases and should be evaluated with other diagnostic methods.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in general practitioners and nurses in primary care and nursing homes in the Healthcare Area of León and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in general practitioners and nurses from primary care centers and nursing homes in the Healthcare Area of León (Spain). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study in a convenience sample of professionals from 30 health centers and 30 nursing homes from the primary care management division of the Healthcare Area of Leon. The work center, type of profession, COVID-19 infection, level of exposure, compliance with preventive measures, isolation (if required) and diagnostic tests carried out were collected. The determination of infection was made by differentiated rapid diagnostic test (dRDT), using a finger-stick whole-blood sample. The association of variables with infection was assessed by multivariable non-conditional logistic regression. The true prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was calculated according to two scenarios for RDT (Sensitivity=0.6 and Specificity=0.985; Sensitivity=0.8 and Specificity=1). RESULTS: The true prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was between 4.9% and 11.0%. The observed prevalence was 5.9% and was higher in nursing homes than in primary care centers (9.5% vs. 5.5%). No statistically significant differences were observed by sex, type of professional, level of exposure or compliance with preventive measures. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this group is low. A high number of professionals remain susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and therefore protective measures should be taken, especially for professionals working in nursing homes.

[Reproducibility, correlation and concordance of the Abbreviated Dietary Score questionnaire]. / Reproducibilidad, correlación y concordancia de un cuestionario abreviado del Dietary Score.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility, correlation and concordance of the abbreviated Dietary Score (aDS) used in the IBERICAN study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in order to assess the reproducibility of the aDS using a test-retest. Its internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, and reliability of the measurements using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). From the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) of the PREDIMED-Plus study, adherence to a Mediterranean diet pattern was evaluated using DS, and its correlation and agreement with aDS was assessed. In both cases the lineal regression, Bland-Altman, and kappa index techniques were used. RESULTS: A total of 142 subjects participated, mostly men (56.3%), with a mean age of 64.6±4.9 years. In terms of reproducibility, a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.538 was obtained; a mean of the differences of 2.03 points, and a weighted kappa index of 0.400 (95% CI=0.295-0.577). The instrument had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.699), as well as good reliability (CCI=0.931). The aDS had a correlation coefficient with the DS of 0.517, a mean difference of 1.19 points, and a weighted kappa index of 0.450 (95% CI=0.366-0.532). CONCLUSIONS: The aDS has moderate reproducibility and a good correlation and agreement with the DS, so it can be a useful tool in Primary Care to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Compositional analysis of dietary patterns.

Instead of looking at individual nutrients or foods, dietary pattern analysis has emerged as a promising approach to examine the relationship between diet and health outcomes. Despite dietary patterns being compositional (i.e. usually a higher intake of some foods implies that less of other foods are being consumed), compositional data analysis has not yet been applied in this setting. We describe three compositional data analysis approaches (compositional principal component analysis, balances and principal balances) that enable the extraction of dietary patterns by using control subjects from the Spanish multicase-control (MCC-Spain) study. In particular, principal balances overcome the limitations of purely data-driven or investigator-driven methods and present dietary patterns as trade-offs between eating more of some foods and less of others.

Social exclusion of the adolescent with overweight: study of sociocentric social networks in the classroom.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have shown the social consequences of suffering overweight, with social exclusion or isolation as some of the most important. In order to study the social patterns among adolescents, we have set as objectives to analyse the position of the individual within their network from a sociocentric perspective, comparing the relational pattern of the adolescents suffering from overweight with those who are normal weight. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using logistic regression and social network analysis. We analysed the contact patterns of 235 adolescents in 11 social networks, classifying contact into three levels of intensity: minimum, intermediate and maximum (friendship). The WHO reference was used for the variable of overweight. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight was 30.2% (25.5% overweight and 4.7% obesity). An analysis of the relational patterns of individuals with overweight showed that at the minimum contact level, they established fewer relationships and less closeness (odds ratio [OR]: 2.32; confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.17-4.66; p-value: 0.016). This effect was more marked in female adolescents. At intermediate contact level, they had few relationships and low prestige (OR: 3.29; CI: 95%; 1.03-10.51; p-value: 0.045, OR: 3.18; CI: 95%; 1.00-10.04; p-value: 0.049, respectively). At maximum contact level (friendship), female adolescents related little with other adolescents (OR: 3.78; CI: 95%; 1.07-13.32; p-value: 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with overweight take up peripheral positions within their social network, choosing by themselves not to establish contact with others. Social network analysis is crucial to detect adolescents with overweight at risk of exclusion and help alleviate psychological and social deficits.

The NRF2 transcription factor plays a dual role in colorectal cancer: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and is influenced by the interplay of various factors, including a very strong genetic component. For instance, incorrect mitochondrial biogenesis is correlated with increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Thus, it is important to understand the consequences of changes in both the expression and the correct function of the transcription factors that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, namely NRF2. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this paper is to characterise the relationship between NRF2 and colorectal cancer by compiling data from an exhaustive literature search. METHODS: Information was obtained by defining specific search terms and searching in several databases. After a strict selection procedure, data were tabulated and the relationships between articles were assessed by measuring heterogeneity and by constructing conceptual maps. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We found a general consensus in the literature that the presence of oxidizing agents as well as the inhibition of the NRF2 repressor Keap1 maintain NRF2 expression at basal levels. This predominantly exerts a cytoprotective effect on cells and decreases risk of colorectal cancer. However, if NRF2 is inhibited, protection against external agents disappears and risk of colorectal cancer increases. Interestingly, colorectal cancer risk is also increased when NRF2 becomes overexpressed. In this case, the increased risk arises from NRF2-induced inflammation and resistance to chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The proper basal function of NRF2 and Keap1 are essential for preventing oncogenic processes in the colon. Consequently, any disruption to the expression of these genes can promote the genesis and progression of colon cancer.

Municipal distribution and trends in bladder cancer incidence in health area of León, Spain (1996-2010).

OBJECTIVE: Spain is a country where bladder cancer incidence and mortality rates are some of the highest in the world. The aim of this study is to know the incidence, trends and geographical distribution of bladder cancer in the health area of León. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the new cases of bladder cancer (CIE-188) in patients residing in the health area of León and registered in the Hospital Tumor Registry of the Centro Asistencial Universitario in León (Spain) between 1996-2010 were included in this study. Triennial crude incidence and adjusted incidence rates to the worldwide and European population were calculated. Population data of the municipalities of Leon (Spain) were obtained from National Institute of Statistic of Spain (INE, Instituto Nacional de Estadística). Data were disaggregated by sex-groups and five-year age groups. Spatial distribution of smoothed municipal relative risks (RR) of bladder cancer was carried out using a Besag, York and Mollié model. Bayesian model were used to calculate the posterior probability (PP) of RR greater than one. RESULTS: 1.573 cases were included. Incidence rates standardized to European population increased among men from 20,8/100.000 (1996-98) to 33,1/100.000 (2006-2008) and among women these rates increased from 1,9/100.000 to 5,9/100.000 for the same period of time. No relevant differences were found in the municipal distribution of the incidences. CONCLUSIONS: bladder cancer incidence rates are high in the European context. Rising trends in incidence in both sexs, particularly in women are observed.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis: typical and atypical manifestations.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a well described clinical entity that is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. RPF is characterized by replacement of the normal tissue of the retroperitoneum with fibrosis and/or chronic inflammation. However, aetiology, clinical presentation and radiological appearance in many cases are protean. Up to 15% of patients have additional fibrotic processes outside the retroperitoneum. In the abdomen, RPF may spread contiguously to involve multiple structures in both the retroperitoneum and the peritoneal cavity or multiple non-contiguous sites may be involved. We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients (19 male, 11 female; age range 28-79 years) with biopsy proven RPF. Although we found RPF most commonly as an isolated fibrotic plaque in the lower lumbar region (18 patients), 12 patients (40%) presented with RPF in atypical locations (4 peripancreatic, 1 periduodenal, 7 pelvic). The RPF was non-malignant in 24 patients (21 idiopathic, 2 perianeurysmal, 1 ergot-derivative treatment) and malignant in six cases. We present a pictorial review of the varied appearances of RPF, concentrating on atypical sites. The radiological differential diagnosis and its appearance with various imaging modalities are discussed. Current concepts with respect to management, prognosis and treatment are summarized.