Suicidal ideation among people with Parkinson's disease and comparison with a control group.

BACKGROUND: Detection of suicidal ideation (SI) is key for trying to prevent suicide. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of SI and related factors in Spanish people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD) and to compare them with a control group. METHODS: PD patients and controls recruited from the Spanish cohort COPPADIS from January 2016 to November 2017 were included. Two visits were conducted: V0 (baseline); V2 (2-year ± 1 month follow-up). SI was defined as a score ≥1 on item nine of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Regression analyses were conducted to identify factors related to SI. RESULTS: At baseline, 693 PwPD (60.2% males; 62.59 ± 8.91 years old) and 207 controls (49.8% males; 60.99 ± 8.32 years old) were included. No differences between PwPD and controls were detected in SI frequency at either V0 (5.1% [35/693] vs. 4.3% [9/207]; p = 0.421) or at V2 (5.1% [26/508] vs. 4.8% [6/125]; p = 0.549). Major depression (MD) and a worse quality of life were associated with SI at both visits in PwPD: V0 (MD, OR = 5.63; p = 0.003; PDQ-39, OR = 1.06; p = 0.021); V2 (MD, OR = 4.75; p = 0.027; EUROHIS-QOL8, OR = 0.22; p = 0.006). A greater increase in the BDI-II total score from V0 to V2 was the only factor predicting SI at V2 (OR = 1.21; p = 0.002) along with an increase in the total number of non-antiparkinsonian drugs (OR = 1.39; p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: The frequency of SI (5%) in PwPD was similar to in controls. Depression, a worse quality of life, and a greater comorbidity were related to SI.

Metastatic lesion of a choroidal melanoma located in the head of pancreas.

Metastases in pancreas are uncommon, ranging from 2 to 5 % of pancreatic malignancies. Choroidal melanoma is rare, and less than 1% spread to the pancreas. It can cause obstructive jaundice if it affects the pancreatic head region. Advanced disease is associated with poor prognosis, however immunotherapy with PD-1 inhibitors (nivolumab or pembrolizumab), alone or in combination with anti-CTLA-4 antibodies (ipilimumab), has shown an increase in survival.

Predictors of the change in burden, strain, mood, and quality of life among caregivers of Parkinson's disease patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Caregiver burden in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been studied in many cross-sectional studies but poorly in longitudinal ones. The aim of the present study was to analyze the change in burden, strain, mood, and quality of life (QoL) after a 2-year follow-up in a cohort of caregivers of patients with PD and also to identify predictors of these changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PD patients and their caregivers who were recruited from January/2016 to November/2017 from 35 centers of Spain from the COPPADIS cohort were included in the study. They were evaluated again at 2-year follow-up. Caregivers completed the Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory (ZCBI), Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index (EUROHIS-QOL8) at baseline (V0) and at 2-year follow-up (V2). General linear model repeated measure and lineal regression models were applied. RESULTS: Significant changes, indicating an impairment, were detected on the total score of the ZCBI (p < 0.0001), CSI (p < 0.0001), BDI-II (p = 0.024), and EUROHIS-QOL8 (p = 0.002) in 192 PD caregivers (58.82 ± 11.71 years old; 69.3% were females). Mood impairment (BDI-II; ß = 0.652; p < 0.0001) in patients from V0 to V2 was the strongest factor associated with caregiver's mood impairment after the 2-year follow-up. Caregiver's mood impairment was the strongest factor associated with an increase from V0 to V2 on the total score of the ZCBI (ß = 0.416; p < 0.0001), CSI (ß = 0.277; p = 0.001), and EUROHIS-QOL (ß = 0.397; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Burden, strain, mood, and QoL were impaired in caregivers of PD patients after a 2-year follow-up. Mood changes in both the patient and the caregiver are key aspects related to caregiver burden increase.

A survey on vital signs monitoring based on Wi-Fi CSI data.

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need to use low-cost remote monitoring procedures for medical patients. Since the results reported in the literature have shown that the use of Channel State Information (CSI) from Wi-Fi networks to remotely monitor patients can provide means to obtain a powerful medical information package in a non-invasive way and at low cost, a consistent review and analysis of the state of the art on this applied technique is developed in the present work. Initially, a mathematical overview of the CSI technology and its functional model is done. Subsequently, details about the technical approach necessary to use CSI in medical applications and a summary of the studies reported in the literature with such applications are presented. Based on the analyses and discussions carried out throughout this work, a better understanding of the current state of the art is achieved. Challenges and perspectives for future research are also highlighted.

BNS: A Framework for Wireless Body Area Network Realistic Simulations.

Simulation is a useful and common technique to evaluate the performance of networks when the implementation of a real scenario is not available. Specifically for Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN), it is crucial to perform evaluations in environments as close as possible to the real conditions of use. To achieve that, simulations must include different protocol layers involved in WBAN and models close to reality to create realistic simulation environments for e-health applications. To satisfy these needs, this work presents the BNS framework, a flexible tool for WBAN simulations. The proposal is an extension of the Castalia framework, which includes: (1) a new wireless channel model considering real radio-propagation over the human body; (2) an updated implementation of the WBAN MAC protocol in Castalia, with functionalities and requirements in accordance with the IEEE 802.15.6 standard; (3) a new comprehensive and configurable mobility model for simulating intra-WBAN communication; (4) a temperature module based on the Pennes bioheat transfer equation, to model the temperature of a WBAN node based on the activity of the node; and (5) a Healthcare Application Layer that implements data representation and a communication protocol between Personal Health Devices (PHD) following the ISO/IEEE 11073 standard. Three use cases are presented, where WBAN scenarios are simulated and evaluated using the proposed BNS framework. Results show that BNS is a valid and flexible tool to evaluate WBAN solutions through simulation.

Reproductive hormones during pubertal transition in girls with transient Thelarche.

CONTEXT: Transient thelarche (TT), that is, the appearance, regression and subsequent reappearance of breast buds, is a frequent phenomenon, but little is known about pubertal transition in these girls. OBJECTIVE: To describe pubertal progression, growth, genotypes, reproductive hormones and growth factors in girls with TT compared to those who do not present TT (non-TT). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a longitudinal population-based study. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Girls (n = 508) of the Chilean Growth and Obesity cohort. MEASUREMENTS: Pubertal progression, reproductive hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) beta subunit/FSH receptor gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and growth. RESULTS: Thirty-seven girls (7.3%) were presented TT. These girls entered puberty by pubarche more frequently (51%) than girls with normal progression (non-TT; n = 471; 23%, P = .005). Girls with TT who were under 8 years old had lower androgens, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and oestradiol (all P < .05) than older girls with TT. At the time of Tanner breast stage 2 (B2), girls with TT had higher androgens, LH, FSH, IGF1, LH, insulin and oestradiol (P < .01) than at the time of TT. TT girls were older at B2 (10.3 ± 1.1 vs. 9.2 ± 1.2 years, P < .001) and menarche (12.3 ± 0.8 vs. 12.0 ± 1.0 years, P = .040) than their counterparts (non-TT). No differences in anthropometric variables or FSHB/FSHR genotypes were detected. CONCLUSION: Transient thelarche is a frequent phenomenon that does not appear to be mediated by hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activation or by adiposity. Hormonal differences between earlier TT and later TT suggest that their mechanisms are different.

Epicrania Fugax as the presenting symptom of a cerebellar abscess.

BACKGROUND: Epicrania fugax is included in the appendix of the International Classification of Headache Disorders and is characterized as recurrent brief attacks of linear or zigzag pain moving across the cranial surface, commencing and terminating in the distribution of different nerves. We present a new case of epicrania fugax in which the headache was the presenting symptom of a cerebellar abscess. CASE REPORT: We present a 58-year-old woman with prior history of Chiari I malformation who underwent suboccipital craniectomy. Two weeks after surgery, she experienced paroxysmal pain episodes of 1-3 seconds, with constant linear trajectory from the right occipital surface to the right orbital region, remaining pain free between episodes. Cranial tomography showed a hypodense intraaxial lesion in the right cerebellar hemisphere. Magnetic Resonance Imaging exhibited intralesional bleeding and peripheral enhancement after gadolinium administration. Post-surgical cerebellar abscess was diagnosed and antibiotic therapy was started; the patient underwent urgent surgical drainage. Pain disappeared after the surgery and the patient remains pain free with 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Posterior fossa abnormalities have been described as a possible cause of secondary epicrania fugax. The presence of red flags should encourage conducting of paraclinical tests to rule out a symptomatic form.

Tocilizumab-Associated Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVES: To report a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) possibly precipitated by tocilizumab. BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressant drugs are a rare cause of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction, a syndrome characterized by segmental vasospasm. However, although it is considered a reversible process that resolves within 3 months, the cerebral vasoconstriction over time may lead to severe complications such as strokes. RESULTS: We describe a 53-year-old woman who presented with a reversible vasoconstriction syndrome possibly associated with tocilizumab, an inhibitor of IL-6 receptor used in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The patient developed a cerebellar infarction as the major complication of the vasoconstriction syndrome. CONCLUSION: Tocilizumab could be a trigger of RCVS. It is important to bear in mind the role of tocilizumab as a possible precipitating factor in order to remove it and reduce complications such as strokes. It is, to our knowledge, the first reversible vasoconstriction syndrome possibly precipitated by tocilizumab published to date.

Clinical, imaging and electroencephalographic characterization of three cases of HaNDL syndrome.

Introduction The syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) may mimic stroke when patients present with acute/subacute focal neurological deficits. It would be helpful to identify investigations that assist the neurologist in differentiating between HaNDL and stroke. Case reports We describe three cases that proved to be HaNDL, but were initially considered to be strokes. Hypoperfusion was noted in the CT perfusion (CTP) studies in all three cases, which extended beyond any single cerebral arterial supply. The CTP findings suggested a stroke mimic, and there was no improvement on thrombolysis. MRI failed to show any abnormalities in diffusion and EEGs showed non-epileptiform changes. Lumbar punctures demonstrated a lymphocytic pleocytosis. Conclusion The diagnosis of HaNDL is based on clinical and CSF criteria, but neuroimaging, including CT perfusion, can be helpful in differentiating the clinical syndrome from stroke.

Predictors of unknown cancer in patients with ischemic stroke.

Stroke is the second most frequent neurologic finding in postmortem studies of cancer patients. It has also been described as the first expression of an occult cancer. We have studied patients diagnosed with cancer after an ischemic stroke (IS) and we analyze differences with non-tumor patients. Single cohort longitudinal retrospective study of patients admitted to our center with IS diagnosis from 1 January 2012 to 12 December 2014. All patients were followed for 18 months. Patients with transient ischemic infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, active cancer or in the last 5 years, inability to follow-up or absence of complete complementary study (holter-EKG, echocardiogram, and dupplex/angiography-CT) were excluded. Demographic, clinical, analytical and prognostic characteristics were compared between both subgroups. From a total of 381 IS patients with no history of cancer, 29 (7.61%) were diagnosed with cancer. The mean time from stroke onset to cancer diagnosis was 6 months. The most frequent location was colon (24%). 35% were diagnosed in a metastatic stage. Older age (p = 0.003), previous cancer (p = 0.042), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (p = 0.006) and lower hemoglobin (p = 0.004) and fibrinogen (p = 0.019) values were predictors of occult neoplasm. No differences were found in other biochemical or epidemiological parameters, prognosis, etiology or clinical manifestations of the IS. In our study, older age, CKD, previous cancer and hemoglobin and fibrinogen values were related to the diagnosis of cancer after IS. More studies are needed to determine which patients could benefit from a larger study on admission that might allow an earlier diagnosis of the underlying neoplasm.

[Granulosa cell ovarian tumor: precocious puberty in infant less than 1 year of age. Case report]. / Tumor de las células de granulosa: pubertad precoz en lactante menor de 1 año. Caso clínico.

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCT) are very rare, especially in infants under the age of one. The most frequent presentation is with signs of precocious puberty. OBJECTIVE: Present an in fant with peripheral precocious puberty, diagnosis of JGCT and follow up. CLINICAL CASE: 10-month-old female infant with thelarche, pubic hair and palpable abdominal mass accompanied with eleva ted levels of estradiol, very low gonadotrophins and images that show a very large ovarian mass. A sapingooforectomy was carried out with full regression of symptoms and signs and improvement of laboratory exams. The biopsy showed TCGJ so inhibin B (InB) was taken as tumoral marker after surgery. This hormone was high initially, but rapidly declined. Follow-up was based on InB, antimu-llerian Hormone (AMH) and estradiol as described in this type of tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Juvenil gra nulosa cell tumors are very infrequent in pediatric age, but should be suspected in girl with peripheral precocious puberty. The majority of cases improve with surgery, but strict surveillance of tumoral markers is needed. The most specific markers are inhibin B and anti mullerian hormone (AMH), followed by estradiol levels.

[Evaluation of the impact of a control program against taeniasis-cysticercosis (Taenia solium)]. / Evaluación del impacto de un programa de control de la teniasis-cisticercosis (Taenia solium).

OBJETIVE: The impact of a control program is evaluated to eventually eradicate taeniasis-cysticercosis (Taenia solium) based on education and vaccination of pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was estimated using tongue inspection, ultrasound and determination of antibodies, before and three years after the application in three regions of the state of Guerrero. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis of 7 to 0.5% and 3.6 to 0.3% estimated by tongue examination or ultrasound respectively (p<0.01) and a no significant decrease in seroprevalence from 17.7 to 13.3% were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of the prevalence of taeniasis-cysticercosis establishes the program's effectiveness in preventing infection. The sustained presence of antibodies, compatible with contact of Taenia solium or other related helminths, underlines the importance of maintaining interventions to achieve eradication.

An advanced course sequence in eukaryotic cell and molecular biology: A year-long course where active learning and peer-led groups resulted in higher learning gains and significant course passing scores.

We developed an advanced, year-long course sequence in eukaryotic cell and molecular biology in order to increase conceptual understanding. Three years of historical data from a one semester, traditional-lecture, senior cell and molecular biology course (n = 237) were compared with 3 years of data collected from the year-long course sequence (n = 176). There were significant content gains for the students who enrolled in the course sequence when pre- and post-assessments were compared (p < 0.0001). There was an association between earning a C or better in the course sequence and 70% or higher in the post-assessment instrument (p < 0.05). Final course grades for Bio 135A were calculated from three open ended exams and the percentage of correct answers on the clicker questions. For Bio135B, final grades were calculated from three open ended exams, clicker responses, a seven-page literature review on an environmental carcinogen and its effects on signal transduction pathways, and a formal presentation of one of the research articles they used in the literature review. The students who took the second semester of the course passed at higher rates than the students who enrolled in the traditional-lecture course (p < 0.05). Clicker answers to the research problem sets and the final course grades correlated significantly for both semesters of the course sequence (p < 0.01). We conclude that conceptually-connected learning gains can be obtained when the content is taught in a format that includes short lectures and group work to solve research questions.

Fetal Hyperthyroidism Secondary to Maternal Basedow-Graves' Disease.

Fetal hyperthyroidism is a rare prenatal disease and can be life-threatening. The diagnosis is based on ultrasound in mothers with a history of Basedow-Graves' disease and elevation of thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAbs) levels. The treatment consists of antithyroid drugs. We present a mother with Basedow-Graves' disease, treated with radioactive iodine 16 years ago. She had an unplanned pregnancy at the age of 29 years, and an elevation of TRAbs (21 U/L) was found at the sixth week of pregnancy. At 22 weeks of gestation, fetal ultrasound displayed tachycardia, goiter, exophthalmos, and suspicion of craniosynostosis, hence methimazole was started. Concomitantly, suppressed maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was found. Her daughter was born at 33 + 6 weeks showing clinical and laboratory findings of hyperthyroidism. Consequently, treatment with methimazole was prescribed. Normal thyroid function was documented in the mother after giving birth. Clear explanation has not been found for the alteration of maternal TSH during pregnancy.

Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesias are Frequent and Impact Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID) are frequent in Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: To analyze the change in the frequency of LID over time, identify LID related factors, and characterize how LID impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: PD patients from the 5-year follow-up COPPADIS cohort were included. LID were defined as a non-zero score in the item "Time spent with dyskinesia" of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-part IV (UPDRS-IV). The UPDRS-IV was applied at baseline (V0) and annually for 5 years. The 39-item Parkinson's disease Questionnaire Summary Index (PQ-39SI) was used to asses QoL. RESULTS: The frequency of LID at V0 in 672 PD patients (62.4 ± 8.9 years old; 60.1% males) with a mean disease duration of 5.5 ± 4.3 years was 18.9% (127/672) and increased progressively to 42.6% (185/434) at 5-year follow-up (V5). The frequency of disabling LID, painful LID, and morning dystonia increased from 6.9%, 3.3%, and 10.6% at V0 to 17.3%, 5.5%, and 24% at V5, respectively. Significant independent factors associated with LID (P < 0.05) were a longer disease duration and time under levodopa treatment, a higher dose of levodopa, a lower weight and dose of dopamine agonist, pain severity and the presence of motor fluctuations. LID at V0 (ß = 0.073; P = 0.027; R2 = 0.62) and to develop disabling LID at V5 (ß = 0.088; P = 0.009; R2 = 0.73) were independently associated with a higher score on the PDQ-39SI. CONCLUSION: LID are frequent in PD patients. A higher dose of levodopa and lower weight were factors associated to LID. LID significantly impact QoL.

Searching for the Best Treatment for Ramp Lesions: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Ramp lesions are a common occurrence in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. These lesions can be difficult to diagnose due to their concealed nature, and their treatment is crucial due to the stabilizing function of the medial meniscocapsular region. The optimal treatment option for ramp lesions varies depending on the size and stability of the lesion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the best treatment option for ramp lesions based on the stability of the lesion, including no treatment, biological treatment, and arthroscopic repair. We hypothesize that stable lesions have a favorable prognosis with techniques that do not require the use of meniscal sutures. In contrast, unstable lesions require appropriate fixation, either through an anterior or posteromedial portal. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis with a level of evidence IV. The study used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for a systematic review of clinical studies reporting outcomes of ramp lesion treatment. The PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched using Mesh and non-Mesh terms related to ramp lesions, medial meniscus ramp lesions, and meniscocapsular injuries. The inclusion criteria encompassed clinical studies in English or Spanish that reported the treatment of ramp meniscal lesions, with a follow-up of at least six months and inclusion of functional results, clinical stability tests, radiological evaluation, or arthroscopic second look. The analysis included 13 studies with 1614 patients. Five studies distinguished between stable and unstable ramp lesions using different criteria (displacement or size) for assessment. Of the stable lesions, 90 cases received no treatment, 64 cases were treated biologically (debridement, edge-curettage, or trephination), and 728 lesions were repaired. There were 221 repaired unstable lesions. All different methods of repair were registered. In stable lesions, three studies were included in a network meta-analysis. The best-estimated treatment for stable lesions was biological (SUCRA 0.9), followed by repair (SUCRA 0.6), and no treatment (SUCRA 0). In unstable lesions, seven studies using International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC) and 10 studies using Lysholm for functional outcomes showed significant improvement from preoperative to postoperative scores after repair, with no differences between repairing methods. We recommend simplifying the classification of ramp lesions as stable or unstable to determine treatment. Biological treatment is preferred for stable lesions rather than leaving them in situ. Unstable lesions, on the other hand, require repair, which has been associated with excellent functional outcomes and healing rates.

Results of treatment with alemtuzumab in a Spanish cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis in the real world: The RealMS study.

Background: Alemtuzumab (ALZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of patients with highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) administered in two annual courses. The objective of this study was to describe the effectiveness and safety data of ALZ and to report the health resource utilization in patients receiving this treatment. Methods: In this retrospective, non-interventional study, information was retrieved from patients' medical charts at one center in Spain. Included patients were ≥18 years old, and ALZ treatment was initiated between 1 March 2015 and 31 March 2019, according to routine clinical practice and local labeling. Results: Of 123 patients, 78% were women. The mean (standard deviation, SD) age of patients at diagnosis was 40.3 (9.1) years, and the mean time since diagnosis was 13.8 (7.3) years. Patients were previously treated with a median (interquartile range; IQR) number of two (2.0-3.0) disease-modifying treatments (DMTs). Patients were treated with ALZ for a mean (SD) of 29.7 (13.8) months. ALZ reduced the annualized relapse rate (ARR) (1.5 before vs. 0.05 after; p < 0.001) and improved the median EDSS (4.63 before vs. 4.00 after; p < 0.001). Most (90.2%) patients were relapse-free while receiving ALZ. The mean number of gadolinium-enhancing [Gd+] T1 lesions was reduced (1.7 before vs. 0.1 after; p < 0.001), and the mean number of T2 hyperintense lesions was maintained (35.7 before vs. 35.4 after; p = 0.392). A total of 27 (21.9%) patients reported 29 autoimmune diseases: hyperthyroidism (12), hypothyroidism (11), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (3), alopecia areata (1), chronic urticaria (1), and vitiligo (1). The mean number of health resources (outpatient visits, emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and tests performed in the hospital) used while patients were treated with ALZ progressively decreased from year 1 to year 4, except for a slight increase at year 2 of outpatient visits. Conclusion: The ReaLMS study provides real-world evidence that ALZ can promote clinical and magnetic resonance imaging disease remission, as well as disability improvement in patients with MS, despite several prior DMT failures. The ALZ safety profile was consistent with data available from clinical trials and other real-world studies. Healthcare resource use was reduced throughout the treatment period.