Comparison between five PCR techniques for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVE: Since the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 appeared, there have been numerous techniques that have been developed for the diagnosis or monitoring of infection, both direct and serological techniques. Choosing a good diagnostic tool is essential for epidemiological control. The objective was to compare five commercialized RT-PCR techniques in real time, in sensitivity, specificity and agreement for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: Five commercial RT-PCR kits for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 were compared. Eight known positive samples were taken and subjected to seven different dilutions or concentrations, and another 135 negative samples were used to determine sensitivity, specificity, and agreement values. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the Palex, Roche and GeneXpert techniques with respect to Seegene were identical, corresponding to 98.21%, 100%, 100% and 99.26% respectively. For Becton Dickinson the sensitivity was 89.28%, the specificity of 100%, the PPV of 100% and the NPV of 95.74%. The agreement using the Kappa index for Palex, Roche and GeneXpert was 0.9892, while the agreement for Becton Dickinson was with a Kappa index of 0.9215. CONCLUSIONS: All commercial RT-PCR kits had high sensitivities and specificities, as well as PPV, NPV, and concordance.

Oxidative stress, inflammation and disease activity biomarkers in lupus nephropathy.

Lupus nephropathy is a severe and frequent complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Here, we assessed the biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and disease activity in patients with lupus nephritis. Thirty-four patients with active lupus nephritis, 31 patients with inactive lupus nephritis and 20 lupus patients without renal damage (non-lupus nephritis) were studied. Oxidative stress biomarkers malonyldialdehyde, oxidized-to-total glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant status were assessed, as well as inflammation biomarkers CRP, interleukin 6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. Renal tubular disease biomarkers neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and ß2-microglobulin were assessed, together with the classic disease activity biomarkers urinary protein/creatinine ratio, anti-dsDNA, anti-C1q antibody and complement proteins C3 and C4. Significant differences were found between active lupus nephritis and inactive lupus nephritis patients and between active lupus nephritis and non-lupus nephritis patients for all the assessed biomarkers (P < 0.05), except for catalase, superoxide dismutase and interleukin 6. There is an imbalance in the redox status in active lupus nephritis patients that would be involved in lipid peroxidation of the glomerular basal membrane that would alter its integrity and could also affect renal tubular function in these patients.

Impact of Maintenance Therapy for the Prevention of Peri-implant Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

At the present time, peri-implantitis has become a global burden that occurs with a frequency from 1% to 47% at implant level. Therefore, we aimed herein at assessing the impact of peri-implant maintenance therapy (PIMT) on the prevention of peri-implant diseases. Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted by 3 independent reviewers using several databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, for articles up to June 2015 without language restriction. Articles were included if they were clinical trials aimed at demonstrating the incidence of peri-implant diseases under a strict regime or not of PIMT. Implant survival and failure rate were studied as secondary outcomes. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of PIMT and other reported variables upon peri-implant diseases. Thirteen and 10 clinical trials were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis, respectively. Mucositis was affected by history of periodontitis and mean PIMT at implant and patient levels, respectively. Similarly, significant effects of history of periodontal disease were obtained for peri-implantitis for both implant and patient levels. Furthermore, mean PIMT interval was demonstrated to influence the incidence of peri-implantitis at implant but not patient level. PIMT interval showed significance at both levels. For implant survival, implants under PIMT have 0.958 the incident event than those with no PIMT. Within the limitations of the present systematic review, it can be concluded that implant therapy must not be limited to the placement and restoration of dental implants but to the implementation of PIMT to potentially prevent biologic complications and hence to heighten the long-term success rate. Although it must be tailored to a patient's risk profiling, our findings suggest reason to claim a minimum recall PIMT interval of 5 to 6 mo. Additionally, it must be stressed that even in the establishment of PIMT, biologic complications might occur. Thus, patient-, clinical-, and implant-related factors must be thoroughly explored.

Effect of periodontal dressing on non-surgical periodontal treatment outcomes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal dressing has been advocated and showed some positive outcomes for placing over the surgical site after periodontal surgery. However, little is known about its effect on non-surgical therapy. PURPOSE: The aim of this review was to assess the clinical effect of periodontal dressing when used after non-surgical therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two examiners performed an electronic search in several databases for relevant articles published in English up to November 2013. Selected studies were randomized human clinical trials (prospective or retrospective trials) with the clear aim of investigating the effect of periodontal dressing placement upon periodontal non-surgical mechanical therapy. Data were extracted from the included articles for analysis. RESULTS: Three randomized clinical trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria and thus were included in the data analysis. Statistical analysis could not be carried out due to the lack of clear data of the included studies. However, descriptive analysis showed its effectiveness in improving clinical parameters such as gain of clinical attachment level and reduction of probing pocket depth. CONCLUSION: Placement of periodontal dressing right after non-surgical mechanical therapy can be beneficial in improving overall short-term clinical outcomes, although more controlled studies are still needed to validate this finding.

Prosthetic Abutment Height is a Key Factor in Peri-implant Marginal Bone Loss.

In this study, we analyzed the influence of prosthetic abutment height on marginal bone loss (MBL) around implants in the posterior maxilla. In this retrospective cohort study, the radiographically determined MBL was related to the height of the abutments of internal conical connection implants at 6 and 18 months post-loading. Data were gathered on age, sex, bone substratum, smoking habit, history of periodontitis, and prosthetic features, among other variables. A linear mixed model was used for statistical analysis. The study included 131 patients receiving 315 implants. MBL rates at 6 and 18 months were mainly affected by the abutment height but were also significantly influenced by the bone substratum, periodontitis, and smoking habit. MBL rates were higher for prosthetic abutment < 2 mm vs. ≥ 2 mm, for periodontal vs. non-periodontal patients, for grafted vs. pristine bone, and for a heavier smoking habit. The abutment height is a key factor in MBL. MBL rates followed a non-linear trend, with a greater MBL rate during the first 6 months post-loading than during the next 12 months.

[Screening program for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer in the Canary Islands: presentation of a case]. / Programa de diagnóstico precoz de cáncer colorrectal en Canarias. A propósito de un caso.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Spain. The main objective of screening programs is the early detection, or even prevention of the development, of colon cancer, as well as the mortality that results from it. If caught early, it is easy to treat and the chances of cure are high. In 2009 only six regions in Spain, among which included the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands, started this screening program. We report the case of a patient, who after screening for colorectal cancer, was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the rectosigmoid.

Reconstructive procedures for treating peri-implantitis: a systematic review.

This review aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of reconstructive procedures for treating peri-implantitis. Searches of electronic databases and cross-referencing were performed for human comparative clinical trials with ≥ 10 implants for ≥ 12 months of follow-up, reporting radiographic defect fill and at least one of the following parameters: probing depth reduction, clinical attachment level gain, bleeding on probing reduction, and mucosal recession. The searches retrieved 430 citations. Only 1 randomized controlled trial was identified, which compared reconstructive therapy and open flap debridement. Case series studies were also included to evaluate the overall performance of the reconstructive procedures. Twelve studies were finally included. Meta-analysis revealed that the weighted mean radiographic defect fill was 2.17 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-2.87 mm), probing depth reduction was 2.97 mm (95% CI: 2.38-3.56 mm), clinical attachment level gain was 1.65 mm (95% CI: 1.17-2.13 mm), and bleeding on probing reduction was 45.8% (95% CI: 38.5%-53.3%). Great variability in reparative outcomes was found, attributed to patient factors, defect morphology, and reconstructive agents used. Currently, there is a lack of evidence for supporting additional benefit of reconstructive procedures to the other treatment modalities for managing peri-implantitis.

[Onset of myasthenia gravis in primary care. Presentation of a case]. / Debut de miastenia gravis en atención primaria. A propósito de un caso.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder of neuromuscular transmission involving the production of autoantibodies directed against skeletal muscle receptors, in most cases of acetylcholine. Clinically it is characterized by the appearance of muscle weakness after prolonged activity, which tends to recover after a period of rest, or administration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. It is a relatively rare disease, although the prevalence has increased by improved diagnosis and increased longevity of the population. The diagnosis can be based on evidence after it is suspected using pharmacological, immunological or electrophysiology tests. Treatment can be divided into: symptomatic, short term and long term. We report the case of a patient who complained of diplopia, this muscle weakness being the most common initial symptom of the disease.

[Diagnosis of multiple myeloma in primary care. Suspicion with an appropriate clinical history]. / Diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple en atención primaria. Sospecha ante una historia clínica adecuada.

Monoclonal gammopathies are a group of disorders characterized by stable or progressive clonal proliferation of plasma cells producing similar immunoglobulins. Multiple myeloma is characteristic of the presence of bone marrow infiltration by plasma cells, osteolytic lesions, and M component in serum or urine. As cancer cells multiply, they can cause pain and destruction of bone, and if affecting the spine, they can press on nerves causing pain and paresthesias. In patients of advanced age (average 69 years) with bone pain not associated with trauma, and which does not improve with treatment, a differential diagnosis should be performed with multiple myeloma. This should include, at least, a full blood count, biochemistry, total protein, protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, and radiographs of painful areas.

[Primary presentation of non-hodgkin lymphoma. Report of a case]. / Manifestación primaria de linfoma no hodgkiniano. A propósito de un caso.

Lymphomas are the most common non-epithelial tumors of the head and neck and its incidence has increased in recent decades. Around 10% are extranodal lymphomas, and in more than half of the cases are located in Waldeyer's lymphatic ring. The most common presenting symptoms are odynophagia and dysphagia (68%), and symptoms suggestive of oropharyngeal cancer such as cough, hoarseness, earache, feeling of occupation in the back of the mouth, throat or neck. In non-Hodgkin lymphomas in this location, B symptoms (weight loss, fever and sweating) are rare (5%). The histological subtype of each individual lymphoma affects the evaluation, therapy and prognosis.

[Suspected Hirayama disease. Presentation of a case and a clinical review]. / Sospecha de enfermedad de Hirayama. A propósito de un caso en Atención Primaria. Revisión clínica.

Hirayama's disease, or juvenile muscular atrophy of distal upper extremity, is a cervical myelopathy. It affects adolescent males, and is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy of the distal upper extremities, followed by slow paralysis. Although the cause remains unclear, radiological findings suggest neuropathic forward displacement of the posterior cervical dural sac during neck flexion, causing compression of the cervical cord, resulting in atrophic changes and ischemic disease of the medullar anterior horn. Since the bending of the neck was recognized as a cause of the disease, cervical orthosis, spinal fusion, and duraplasty combined with fusion, have been proposed as treatment. A solid understanding of Hirayama disease is critical as early recognition and effective treatment can stop the deterioration.

[Venous thromboembolic disease: presentation of a case]. / Enfermedad tromboembólica venosa: a propósito de un caso.

Venous thromboembolic disease in its clinical spectrum includes both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism, which is usually a complication of deep vein thrombosis. It is a relatively common disease with significant morbidity and requires an accurate diagnosis. They are numerous risk factors for venous thromboembolism, and there is evidence that the risk of thromboembolic disease increases proportionally to the number of predisposing risk factors present. The primary care physician should know the risk factors and suspect the presence of venous thromboembolic disease when there is a compatible clnical picture. The treatment for this pathology is anticoagulation. We report a patient with cardiovascular risk factors who was seen with pain in the right leg and shortness of breath and referred to the hospital with suspected venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation and pleural effusion.

[Subphrenic abscess in the context of low back pain and reading analytics in the primary care consultations]. / Absceso subfrénico en el contexto de lumbalgia y lectura analítica en la consulta de atención primaria.

The subphrenic space is defined as the area below the diaphragm and above the transverse colon. Most abscesses are due to direct subphrenic contamination associated with, surgery, local disease, or trauma, but the cause still remain undefined or unknown. It is a disease rarely diagnosed in primary care. About 55% of subphrenic abscesses are located on the right side, with 25% on the left, and 20% are multiple. These can be extended to the thoracic cavity, which sometimes produce empyema, lung abscess, or pneumonia. The mortality of subphrenic abscess is between 11%-31%, and may be due to uncontrolled infection, malnutrition, and complications of prolonged hospitalization, such as nosocomial infections. Ultrasound or computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage is now the preferred treatment, combined with antibiotics.

[Lipoid pneumonia: presentation of a case]. / Neumonía lipoidea: a propósito de un caso.

We report a case of lipoid pneumonia treated in our Health Centre. It is a disease that occurs rarely, but is important in Primary Care. This condition has been known since 1925, when it was first described by Laughlen, who described a case of lipoid pneumonia secondary to an injection of oil in the nasopharyngeal area. Today it is a rarity, and it is most frequently associated with the use of oil-based nasal drops (which are now decreasing in use). Its aetiology may be endogenous or exogenous. Although the pathological diagnosis is generally the most important, sometimes a lesion in the chest X-ray can lead us to suspect it due to the patient's history. This was a case of acute lipoid pneumonia in a young patient, who periodically performed as a "fire eater".

[Retroperitoneal schwannoma]. / Schwannoma retroperitoneal.

Schwannomas, also called neurilemmomas, are a rare type of tumour in the body and even more rare in the retroperitoneal cavity. They arise from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerves. Retroperitoneal Schwannomas are rare and they account for 0.7 to 2.7% of all Schwannomas. They are slow growing tumours, and their location in the retroperitoneum is associated with poor clinical symptoms, and is often an incidental radiographic finding. Although it is a histologically benign tumour, we must not under-estimate the damage caused by compression of adjacent structures, as well as the rare but possible malignant transformation. We present this case as a casual finding after a systematic examination of the patient performed for assessment of his hypertension, with an abdominal mass being the principal finding.

Solvent effects in ionic liquids: empirical linear energy-density relationships.

Multiparameter linear energy-density relationships to model solvent effects in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are introduced and tested. The model incorporates two solvent dependent and two specific solute-solvent parameters represented by a set of electronic indexes derived from the conceptual density functional theory. The specific solute-solvent interactions are described in terms of the electronic chemical potential for proton migration between the anion or cation and the transition state structure of a specific reaction. These indexes provide a quantitative estimation of the hydrogen bond (HB) acceptor basicity and the hydrogen bond donor acidity of the ionic solvent, respectively. A sound quantitative scale of HB strength is thereby obtained. The solvent dependent contributions are described by the global electrophilicity of the cation and nucleophilicity of the anion forming the ionic liquid. The model is illustrated for the kinetics of cycloaddition of cyclopentadiene towards acrolein. In general, cation HB acidity outweighs the remaining parameters for this reaction.

[Rhabdomyolysis associated with cocaine use]. / Rabdomiólisis asociada al consumo de cocaína.

Cocaine is a drug that has been used by humans for 15 centuries. In our environment, the prevalence of alcohol consumption, and emergencies arising from it, has increased over the last 10 years. Cocaine has been used by 2.6% of the Spanish population between 15 and 64 years old at some time in their life, placing it among the most widely consumed illicit drug after cannabis. Cocaine use is associated with multiple complications: neurological, cardiovascular, psychiatry, nephrology, pulmonary and gastrointestinal. The first cases of rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure were found in the medical literature in 1987. Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially lethal clinical syndrome that results from the necrosis of muscle fibres, with the passage of its components into the circulation, and is underdiagnosed in primary care.

[Zuska disease. Diagnosis and treatment in primary care]. / Enfermedad de zuska. Diagnóstico en atención primaria.

A fistula is an abnormal pathological communication which links two organs together or with the exterior. They are fibrous paths internally coated with granulation tissue, extending from an internal o primary opening to one or more openings located outside or on the skin. The recurrent mastitis that some patients suffer is due to a fistula between a lactiferous duct and the limit of the areola, and this condition is called a recurrent periareolar fistula.To incorporate this clinical condition into the proposed terminology, Zuska disease, is essential to believe in its existence, in order to to treat it from the source. The knowledge of this disease, a proper diagnosis and treatment will prevent the constant recurrence of mastitis as presented by these patients, avoiding their pilgrimage to various specialists. In this article we review this disease, methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical spectrum of fever of intermediate duration in the south of Spain.

Fever of intermediate duration (FID) is a new nosologic entity defined as fever higher than 38 degrees C that has a duration of between 1 and 4 weeks and that after an initial approach has not been diagnosed. It has clinical similarities with fever of unknown origin, but because of characteristic etiologies it requires the term FID. We describe the clinical characteristics and etiology of FID in the south of Spain and create a treatment algorithm. Retrospective study of the medical charts of patients attending at our Service during 2000 and 2005 who had an initial diagnosis of FID and who had a complete follow-up until the resolution of symptoms. Two hundred and thirty-three patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 164 were men. Median number of days before being referred to our service was 9 (range 2-28). Half of the patients had elevation of transaminases, and CRP and ESR were slightly elevated, 2.8 mg/dl (range 0.1-50) and 16 mm/h (range 1-131) respectively. A final diagnosis was made in 80 patients, with infection with coxiella (32 patients), CMV (16 patients), rickettsial species (11 patients), VEB virus (6 patients), and brucella (5 patients) being the more frequent entities. Doxycycline was the antibiotic most frequently prescribed. Among patients with Q fever, CMV, and rickettsial infection, the majority had abnormal hepatic function, (87%, 93%, and 55% respectively). In FID, a diagnosis is reached in a minority of patients, although the prognosis is excellent in most of them. In our patients the clinical picture of Q fever, CMV, and rickettsial infections included abnormal hepatic function. In addition, these three infections are the most frequently diagnosed so when treating a patient with FID, if elevation of liver enzymes is present patients should start on doxycycline.

Animal performance and meat quality in cull cows with early weaned calves in Argentina.

Early weaning of calves (60 days old) is adopted in cow-calf operations for its high reproductive response. The objective of this research work was to find how age classes are related to beef quality in early weaning cull cows. Twenty four cows were grouped in four different age classes (teeth and number of calves produced) from two teeth and no calf produced, up to 12 years and 7 calves produced. All cows grazed a perennial pasture based on alfalfa and fescue. There were differences (P<0.05) in final weight (younger cows being lighter) but no other differences could be found during field conditions or in abattoir data (carcass weight and yield, top value hindquarter cuts weight and carcass percent). No differences (P>0.05) could be found in meat quality attributes except for moisture, protein and fat yellowness. Differences (P<0.05) in sensory attributes could only be found in connective tissue.