Growth patterns in infants born to women with pregestational overweight/obesity supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy have controversial and contrasting results on the short and long-term effects on early child growth. The impact of this nutritional intervention on the postnatal growth patterns in the offspring of women with pregestational overweight/obesity (PGO) also remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the postnatal growth patterns during the first 4 months of life in the offspring of women with PGO randomly supplemented with 800 mg/day (PGO-800) compared with normative doses of 200 mg/day (PGO-200) of DHA during pregnancy (<15 weeks of gestation until delivery). METHODS: This study evaluated the growth patterns during the first 4 months of life of 169 infants of the women that participated in the MIGHT study (NCT02574767). We included the infants of women from the PGO-200 (n = 81) and PGO-800 group (n = 88). The growth patterns (weight, length, and head circumference) and change in z-score (World health Organization charts) were evaluated. RESULTS: Throughout the first 4 months of life, the infants of the PGO-800 group had lower weight-for-length z-score (coef. -0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.07, -0.22, p = 0.003) and lower body mass index-for-age z-score (coef. -0.56, 95% CI -0.99, -0.12, p = 0.012) compared with the PGO-200 group adjusted by maternal body mass index, gestational weight gain, gestational age, insulin in cord blood and infant feeding (exclusive breastfed, not breastfed, and partially breastfed). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal supplementation with DHA during pregnancy could beneficially limit the offspring's postnatal weight gain during the first 4 months of life.

Safety and Immunogenicity of an Inactivated Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccine in a Subgroup of Healthy Adults in Chile.

BACKGROUND: The development of effective vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 is a global priority. CoronaVac is an inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine with promising safety and immunogenicity profiles. This article reports safety and immunogenicity results obtained for healthy Chilean adults aged ≥18 years in a phase 3 clinical trial. METHODS: Volunteers randomly received 2 doses of CoronaVac or placebo, separated by 2 weeks. A total of 434 volunteers were enrolled, 397 aged 18-59 years and 37 aged ≥60 years. Solicited and unsolicited adverse reactions were registered from all volunteers. Blood samples were obtained from a subset of volunteers and analyzed for humoral and cellular measures of immunogenicity. RESULTS: The primary adverse reaction in the 434 volunteers was pain at the injection site, with a higher incidence in the vaccine than in the placebo arm. Adverse reactions observed were mostly mild and local. No severe adverse events were reported. The humoral evaluation was performed on 81 volunteers. Seroconversion rates for specific anti-S1-receptor binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG) were 82.22% and 84.44% in the 18-59 year age group and 62.69% and 70.37% in the ≥60 year age group, 2 and 4 weeks after the second dose, respectively. A significant increase in circulating neutralizing antibodies was detected 2 and 4 weeks after the second dose. The cellular evaluation was performed on 47 volunteers. We detected a significant induction of T-cell responses characterized by the secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) upon stimulation with Mega Pools of peptides from SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS: Immunization with CoronaVac in a 0-14 schedule in Chilean adults aged ≥18 years is safe, induces anti-S1-RBD IgG with neutralizing capacity, activates T cells, and promotes the secretion of IFN-γ upon stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 antigens.

Secondary respiratory early and late infections in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 receiving mechanical ventilation may become aggravated with a secondary respiratory infection. The aim of this study was to describe secondary respiratory infections, their predictive factors, and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A cohort study was carried out in a single tertiary hospital in Santiago, Chile, from 1st June to 31st July 2020. All patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit that required mechanical ventilation were included. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were enrolled, of which 71 (40.6%) developed at least one secondary respiratory infection during follow-up. Early and late secondary infections were diagnosed in 1.7% and 31.4% respectively. Within late secondary infections, 88% were bacterial, 10% were fungal, and 2% were of viral origin. One-third of isolated bacteria were multidrug-resistant. Bivariate analysis showed that the history of corticosteroids used before admission and the use of dexamethasone during hospitalization were associated with a higher risk of secondary infections (p = 0.041 and p = 0.019 respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that for each additional day of mechanical ventilation, the risk of secondary infection increases 1.1 times (adOR = 1.07; 95% CI 1.02-1.13, p = 0.008) CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit and requiring mechanical ventilation had a high rate of secondary infections during their hospital stay. The number of days on MV was a risk factor for acquiring secondary respiratory infections.

Growth of Very Low Birth Weight Infants Who Received a Liquid Human Milk Fortifier: A Randomized, Controlled Multicenter Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate growth (weight, length, head circumference, and knee-heel length [KHL]) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (500-1500 g) who received human milk with a liquid fortifier (LHMF) with high protein and fatty acid content versus a traditional powder fortifier (PHMF) for 45 days or until discharge. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed to determine adverse events and withdrawal causes. We also performed an efficacy analysis involving the infants who completed at least 2 weeks of study. RESULTS: Of the 158 infants enrolled in the study, 146 completed at least 2 weeks, and 125 completed the entire study. The biodemographic characteristics were similar between groups, with no differences in increments of weight (22.9 vs 22.7 g kg-1 day-1), length (1.03 vs 1.09 cm/week), head circumference (0.91 vs 0.90 cm/week), or KHL (3.6 vs 3.3 mm/week). The KHL increment was greater in infants weighing >1 kg receiving LHMF (3.7 vs 3.2 mm/week, P = 0.027). Although there were no significant differences in serious adverse events, the incidence difference of the composite outcome death/necrotizing enterocolitis between groups warrants attention (1.3% with LHMF and 8.1% with PHMF). CONCLUSION: There were no differences in the overall growth between VLBW infants receiving either fortifier.

Enteral Feeding and Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Does Time of First Feeds and Rate of Advancement Matter?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine if time to initial enteral feeding (EF) and rate of advancement are associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or death. METHODS: Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data of very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWI: 400--1500 g) born in 26 NEOCOSUR centers between 2000 and 2014. RESULTS: Among 12,387 VLBWI, 83.7% survived without NEC, 6.6% developed NEC and survived, and 9.6% had NEC and died or died without NEC (NEC/death). After risk adjustment, time to initial EF (median = 2 days) was not associated with NEC; however, delaying it was protective for NEC/death (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93--0.99). A slower feeding advancement rate (FAR) was protective for NEC (OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.94-0.98) and for NEC/death (OR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.96-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: In VLBWI, there was no association between an early initial EF and NEC, although delaying it was associated with less NEC/death. A slower FAR was associated with lower risk of both outcomes.

Vitamin D and Bone Mineral Density in HIV Newly Diagnosed Therapy-Naive Patients Without Any Secondary Causes of Osteoporosis.

Bone loss and vitamin D deficiency are common in HIV patients. However, bone health status in newly diagnosed HIV patients has not been thoroughly described. Our aim was to assess the bone mineral density (BMD), bone resorption and vitamin D status in newly diagnosed HIV patients. A prospective observational study in HIV newly diagnosed therapy-naive persons. Patients with secondary causes of osteoporosis were excluded. Bone densitometry (DXA), a bone resorption marker (CTx), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), CD4 count and HIV viral load (VL) were done in 70 patients. Vitamin D results were compared with a group of healthy volunteers. All patients were men, mean age 31 years (19-50). Low BMD (Z score ≤ 2.0) was found in 13%, all of them in lumbar spine, and in only one patient also in femoral neck. Bone resorption was high in 16%. One out of four participants had low BMD or high bone resorption. Vitamin D deficiency (25OHD < 20 ng/mL) was found in 66%. Mean 25OHD in patients was significantly lower than in healthy volunteers (p = 0.04). No associations were found between BMD, CTx, 25OHD and VL or CD4 count. We hypothesize that HIV infection negatively affects bone health based on the results we found among newly diagnosed, therapy-naive, HIV-infected patients, without any known secondary causes of osteoporosis. Low BMD or high bone resorption, are significantly prevalent in these patients. HIV-infected patients had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than controls, which was not correlated with CD4 count or VL.

Evaluation of the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index in Chilean patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQDI) is one of the main instruments used to evaluate functional status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). AIM: To assess the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of HAQDI in Chilean RA population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire was applied to 98 patients with RA aged 44 ± 12 years (90% women). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha statistic for internal consistency. Construct validity was assessed by comparing total HAQDI value and eight HAQDI domains with multiple parameters of disease activity. Discriminant validity was evaluated by classifying disease activity in low, medium or high and evaluating HAQDI value in each category. Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated. To assess construct validity, principal components analysis was performed using varimax rotation. RESULTS: There were no issues in the comprehensibility of the questionnaire. Mean HAQDI score was 1.57 ± 0.66. Standardized Cronbach's Alpha was 0.883. Correlations between Chilean HAQ domains had a p value less than 0.001, and values ranged from 0.317 to 0.597. Activity parameters, DAS 28 and CDAI were significantly correlated with HAQDI domains. Mean HAQDI values were 0.98 ± 0.59,1.45 ± 0.57, and 1.90 ± 0.56 for mild, moderate and severe disease activity. A principal components analysis identified two factors that accounted for 70.0% of total variability. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the Spanish version of HAQDI is reliable and valid and can be used in Chilean patients with RA.

Growth restriction increases the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, death, and sepsis in twins of 30 weeks or less of gestation. / Restricción de crecimiento aumenta el riesgo de displasia broncopulmonar, muerte y sepsis en gemelos de 30 o menos semanas de gestación.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple factors influence the risk of morbidity and mortality of premature infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The comparison of twins with different intrauterine growth allows evaluating the effect of the restriction, excluding maternal factors and prenatal mana gement. Our objective was to assess the effect of IUGR on acute and chronic morbidity, and mortality of extreme preterm twins. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Twins weighing less than 1500 grams and gesta tion equal to or less than 30 weeks, of the Neocosur Network. Separate analyses were performed on concordant twin pairs, and on mild and severe discordant twins, evaluating the effect of IUGR on morbidity and mortality. A multivariate analysis was performed in order to establish the impact of this effect. RESULTS: 459 twin pairs, 227 concordant twins, 110 of mild discordance, and 122 of severe discordance. Among the concordant ones, there was only a difference in oxygen uptake at 36 weeks. In those of mild discordance, the smaller twin presented a lower frequency of hyaline membrane disease and required fewer doses of surfactant, but had a higher risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death. In severe discordant twins, the smaller one presented higher mortality, sepsis, use and permanence in mechanical ventilation, despite the lower frequency of hyaline membrane disease. In multiple regression analysis, the combined risk of BPD or death was higher in the smaller twin and of severe discordance. CONCLUSION: In discordant twins, the acute respiratory pathology was more frequent in the larger one, although the risk of BPD or death was higher in the one with IUGR.

Maximal isometric muscle strength values obtained By hand-held dynamometry in children between 6 and 15 years of age.

INTRODUCTION: In this study we aimed to determine the maximal isometric muscle strength of a healthy, normal-weight, pediatric population between 6 and 15 years of age using hand-held dynamometry to establish strength reference values. The secondary objective was determining the relationship between strength and anthropometric parameters. METHODS: Four hundred normal-weight Chilean children, split into 10 age groups, separated by 1-year intervals, were evaluated. Each age group included between 35 and 55 children. RESULTS: The strength values increased with increasing age and weight, with a correlation of 0.83 for age and 0.82 for weight. The results were similar to those reported in previous studies regarding the relationships among strength, age, and anthropometric parameters, but the reported strength differed. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide normal strength parameters for healthy and normal-weight Chilean children between 6 and 15 years of age and highlight the relevance of ethnicity in defining reference values for muscle strength in a pediatric population. Muscle Nerve 55: 16-22, 2017.

Acceptability and potential effectiveness of commercial portion control tools amongst people with obesity.

Exposure to large portion sizes is a risk factor for obesity. Specifically designed tableware may modulate how much is eaten and help with portion control. We examined the experience of using a guided crockery set (CS) and a calibrated serving spoon set (SS) by individuals trying to manage their weight. Twenty-nine obese adults who had completed 7-12 weeks of a community weight-loss programme were invited to use both tools for 2 weeks each, in a crossover design, with minimal health professional contact. A paper-based questionnaire was used to collect data on acceptance, perceived changes in portion size, frequency, and type of meal when the tool was used. Scores describing acceptance, ease of use and perceived effectiveness were derived from five-point Likert scales from which binary indicators (high/low) were analysed using logistic regression. Mean acceptance, ease of use and perceived effectiveness were moderate to high (3·7-4·4 points). Tool type did not have an impact on indicators of acceptance, ease of use and perceived effectiveness (P>0·32 for all comparisons); 55 % of participants used the CS on most days v. 21 % for the SS. The CS was used for all meals, whereas the SS was mostly used for evening meals. Self-selected portion sizes increased for vegetables and decreased for chips and potatoes with both tools. Participants rated both tools as equally acceptable, easy to use and with similar perceived effectiveness. Formal trials to evaluate the impact of such tools on weight control are warranted.

Serological prevalence and persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection among women in Santiago, Chile.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) serology is a main factor for designing vaccination programs and surveillance strategies; nevertheless, there are few reports of HPV seroprevalence in the general population, especially in Latin America. This study aimed to describe high-risk HPV serological prevalence, persistence, and association with concurrent cervical infection, in Chilean women. METHODS: 1021 women from the general population, aged 15-85 years, were studied in 2001 of whom 600 were reexamined in 2006. The assessments at both time points included cervical HPV DNA testing, HPV antibody testing, cervical cytology and a sociodemographic/behavioral questionnaire. HPV DNA and antibodies against L1 protein of types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58 were assessed by reverse line blot and multiplex serology, respectively. RESULTS: Seropositivity was high at both baseline (43.2%) and follow-up (50.2%) and increased with age (p < 0.001); corresponding DNA prevalences were 6.7% and 8.7%. DNA and seroprevalence were associated at baseline (p = 0.01 for any HPV). Early age at first sexual intercourse and having had two or more sexual partners were independently associated with seropositivity. Most (82.0%) initially seropositive women remained seropositive at follow-up; 21.6% of initially seronegative women seroconverted, reaching 17.5% among women older than 60 years of age. ASCUS or worse cytology was correlated with HPV DNA positivity but not with HPV seropositivity. CONCLUSION: HPV seroprevalence studies are a useful tool for learning about the dynamics of HPV infection in a community. This study contributes to understanding the natural history of HPV infection and provides a baseline assessment before the incorporation of HPV vaccination into a national program.

Value of EQ-5D in Mexican city older population with and without dementia (SADEM study).

BACKGROUND: The EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) is a brief, multi-attribute, preference-based health status measurement. The objective of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of EQ-5D in older adults with and without dementia in Mexico City. METHODS: The Study on Aging and Dementia in Mexico (SADEM) was a survey of 3101, Mexican adults (60 + years old). An in-home face-to-face interview was administered. EQ-5D using ranking to rate states on a 100-point visual analogue scale; Daily Living Activities (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Short Form of the quality of life survey (SF-36), and Charlson comorbility index were used for comparison. The validity and reliability of EQ-5D were tested. We identified states of health for direct valuation; state 11111 ("no problems") had to be included because it was essential to the reseating (onto a 0-1 scale) of the visual analogue scale data. We included all plausible combinations of levels across each of the five EQ-5D dimensions and evaluated any significant interaction effects and factorial designs, based on balanced complete blocks. RESULTS: The EQ-5D was applied to 3101 older people, of whom 109 (3.4%) had dementia. The general reliability of EQ-5D for cases was 0.80 and for controls 0.76, for each dimension. We had a total of 103 combinations for controls and 45 for cases. The percentage for the state of health "no problems" (11111) for controls was 30.4%, and had the highest percentage of cases (8.8%). CONCLUSION: The resulting valuations form the basis for clinical use and facilitate the interpretation and evaluation of health care.

Baseline glycated hemoglobin levels are associated with duodenal-jejunal bypass liner-induced weight loss in obese patients.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic treatment with the duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) leads to significant weight loss in obese patients. We sought to identify clinical factors associated with weight loss in obese patients treated with the DJBL for 1 year. METHODS: Subjects with morbid obesity were enrolled in a single-arm, open-label, prospective trial and implanted with the DJBL. Patient demographics along with baseline comorbidities, anthropometrics, and biochemical variables were selected for univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The DJBL was implanted in 79 subjects and 61 completed 12 months of follow-up. There were 18 early removals. Baseline mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 35.4 ± 9.7 years and 43 ± 5.6 kg/m(2), respectively. Forty-four (72 %) were women. This population included 22 subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Twelve months after treatment, patients had a mean excess body weight loss (%EBWL) of 46 ± 18 %. Univariate analysis identified that fasting glycemia (r (2) = -0.303, p < 0.013), insulin-resistance determined by HOMA-IR (r (2) = -0.457, p < 0.019), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (r (2) = -0.471, p < 0.013) were associated inversely with %EBWL at 1 year. In this cohort of patients, the multivariate analysis indicated that only baseline HbA1c levels were associated inversely with %EBWL after 1 year of treatment (ß adjusted coefficient -0.758, p < 0.016). Importantly, no differences at 1 year in %EBWL were observed between patients with or without T2DM (%EBWL T2D 46.7 ± 20 % vs. non-T2DM 46.8 ± 18.6 %, p = 0.988). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis indicates that higher baseline HbA1c levels are associated independently with diminished body weight loss in obese patients treated with the DJBL independent of their diabetic status. These results show that DJBL induces clinically significant weight loss in both T2DM and non-T2DM patients.

[Waist-to-height ratio does not change with gender, age and pubertal stage in elementary school children]. / La razón cintura estatura en escolares no varía con el género, la edad ni la maduración puberal.

BACKGROUND: Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a cardiometabolic risk indicator in children. A value greater than or equal to 0.55 is an effective screening tool for identifying obese children with metabolic syndrome. However, it is unclear whether this cutoff can be applied equally to any age or gender. AIM: To analyze the variability of WHtR by age, gender and pubertal stage in elementary school children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 2,980 school children (6-14 years old, 51% male) of Santiago, Chile. We measured weight, height and waist circumference and calculated body mass index and WHtR. Pubertal stage was assessed and classified as peripubertal (Tanner I and II) and pubertal (Tanner III, IV and V). RESULTS: The mean age was 9.9 ± 2.3 years, with no gender difference (p = 0.5). Eighty one percent of boys and 59.4% of girls were peripubertal (p < 0.001). The association between age-adjusted WHtR by gender and pubertal stage was not significant (p = 0.409). Therefore mean, standard deviation and percentiles of WHtR were calculated without sex and pubertal stage segmentations. CONCLUSIONS: Since WHtR does not vary with age, gender and pubertal status in elementary school children, it is possible to use a single cutoff value, previously defined in this population, to identify children with cardiometabolic risk.

[Rehospitalization of preterm infants below 32 weeks of gestational age in the first 2 years post discharge]. / Rehospitalización en prematuros menores de 32 semanas o menores de 1.500 g en los primeros 2 años posteriores al alta.

Preterm infants, especially those of lower gestational age (GA), are at high risk of hospital readmission in the early years. OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency and characteristics of readmissions in preterm infants younger than 32 weeks of GA or weighing less than 1500 g (< 32w/< 1500 g) at 2 years post-discharge from neonatology. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective observational study of a cohort of newborns < 32w/< 1500 g discharged from a public health care center (2009-2017). The frequency, time of occurrence, risk factors, causes, and severity of hospital readmissions were analyzed. The respective perinatal characteristics and subsequent readmissions were described. The Ethics Committee approved the data collection protocol. RESULTS: 989 newborns < 32w/< 1500 g were included; 410 (41.5%) were readmitted at least once before the age of 2 years, equivalent to 686 episodes (1.7/child); 129 children (31.4%) were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), with a mean length of stay of 7.7 days. The greatest risk for hospital readmission was during the first 6 months post-discharge. The main cause was respiratory (70%) and respiratory syncytial virus was the most frequent germ. The risk factors associated with readmission due to respiratory causes were bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (OR: 1.73; 95%CI: 1.26-2.37) and number of siblings (OR: 1.18; 95%CI: 1.04-1.33). CONCLUSIONS: Newborns < 32s/< 1500 g are at high risk of hospital readmission due to respiratory causes and PICU admission in the first months post-discharge; BPD and number of siblings were the main risk factors.

Spatio-temporal distribution of hospitalizations for chronic Chagas disease and risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality and surgical intervention in Chile.

Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected parasitic zoonotic disease that affects over 6 million people worldwide. We conducted a retrospective study to analyze the spatiotemporal trends and risk factors for hospitalization rates of CD with cardiac and digestive diagnoses in Chile. We used the Mann-Kendall analysis for temporal trends, Global Moran's Index, and Local Indicators of Spatial Association to identify spatial autocorrelation, and regression models to determine the risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality and surgical intervention. Between 2010 and 2020, a total of 654 hospitalizations were reported, corresponding to 527 individuals. The hospitalization rate steadily decreased over the years (t = -0.636; p = 0.009). The Global Moran's I for the study period showed a positive spatial autocorrelation for hospitalization municipality and for residence municipality of CD patients (I = 0.25, p<0.001 and I = 0.45, p<0.001 respectively), indicating a clustering of hospitalizations in northern municipalities. The most frequent diagnosis was a chronic CD with digestive system involvement (55.8%) followed by a chronic CD with heart involvement (44.2%). The highest percentage of hospital discharges was observed among males (56.9%) and in the 60-79 age group (52.7%). In-hospital mortality risk was higher with increasing age (OR = 1.04), and in patients with cardiac involvement (OR = 2.3), whereas factors associated with the risk of undergoing a surgical intervention were sex (OR = 1.6) and diagnosis of CD with digestive involvement (OR = 4.4). The findings of this study indicate that CD is still a significant public health burden in Chile. Efforts should focus on improving access to timely diagnoses and treatment, reducing disease progression and hospitalization burden, and supporting clinicians in preventing complications and deaths.

Asymptomatic herpes simplex virus brain infection elicits cellular senescence phenotypes in the central nervous system of mice suffering multiple sclerosis-like disease.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) in animals that parallels several clinical and molecular traits of multiple sclerosis in humans. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection mainly causes cold sores and eye diseases, yet eventually, it can also reach the CNS, leading to acute encephalitis. Notably, a significant proportion of healthy individuals are likely to have asymptomatic HSV-1 brain infection with chronic brain inflammation due to persistent latent infection in neurons. Because cellular senescence is suggested as a potential factor contributing to the development of various neurodegenerative disorders, including multiple sclerosis, and viral infections may induce a premature senescence state in the CNS, potentially increasing susceptibility to such disorders, here we examine the presence of senescence-related markers in the brains and spinal cords of mice with asymptomatic HSV-1 brain infection, EAE, and both conditions. Across all scenarios, we find a significant increases of senescence biomarkers in the CNS with some differences depending on the analyzed group. Notably, some senescence biomarkers are exclusively observed in mice with the combined conditions. These results indicate that asymptomatic HSV-1 brain infection and EAE associate with a significant expression of senescence biomarkers in the CNS.

[Thyroid stimulating hormone reference values derived from the 2009-2010 Chilean National Health Survey]. / Aproximación al patrón de normalidad de TSH para la población chilena según Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: The determination of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) reference values is critical for the diagnosis of thyroid diseases. AIM: To explore and discuss different definitions to establish TSH reference values using a Chilean national survey sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 2009-2010 Chilean National Health Survey recruited 5,416 participants between the ages of 15 and 96 years, from all geographic regions of Chile, including urban and rural zones. TSH was measured in a random subsample of 2,785 adults. Median value, 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles were described in three different populations: total survey population, "disease-free population" and the "laboratory kit disease free population". RESULTS: TSH values were higher among women, the elderly and the less educated population. The 97.5 percentile value in the disease-free population was 7.46 uUl/ml. Using this value as a cut-off, hypothyroidism prevalence would be 4.8% in Chile and estimated pharmacological treatment coverage would be 58%. When laboratory kit cut-offs are used, prevalence rises to 22% and treatment coverage drops to 12%. The 2.5 percentile value in the disease-free population was 0.83 uUl/ml, which yields an estimated hyperthyroidism prevalence of 3.89%. CONCLUSIONS: Median TSH concentration values in the Chilean "disease-free population" are higher than those proposed by laboratory kits and those of developed countries. TSH values in the general population of Chile are also higher in women, the elderly and the less educated population.

"Appagalo" a Customized Mobile Health Intervention (mHealth) for Smoking Cessation in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Almost 30% of Chilean women report cigarette smoking with important repercussions on their health. OBJECTIVE: Design and test a mobile phone intervention for smoking cessation in young women. STUDY DESIGN: A mobile application (app) was created using the best available evidence and consumer input. Its effectiveness was assessed through a randomized clinical trial. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: Women 18 to 44 years old from middle-class neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile. Inclusion criteria were intention to quit cigarette smoking in the following month and having a smartphone cell phone. Women with positive screening for risky alcohol consumption were excluded. INTERVENTION: App with content to support cigarette smoking cessation over 6 months. The control arm included an app that delivered general messages to promote permanence in the study. Telephone follow-up was performed at 6 weeks, and at 3 and 6 months after randomization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: No smoking in the past 7 days at 6 weeks from enrolment. Intention-to-treat analysis was carried out using SPSS 17.0 with a significance level set at .05. RESULTS: 309 women entered the study. Mean number of cigarettes smoked in a day was 8.8. 58.6% of the participants (n = 181) completed the follow-up for the primary outcome. With intention-to-treat analysis, 9.7% of participants in the intervention group reported not having smoked any cigarettes in the last 7 days vs 3.2% in the control group (RR 2.98 CI 95% 1.11-8.0, P = .022). Additionally, 12.3% vs 1.9% of the participants in the intervention group and control group reported continuous abstinence at 6 weeks, respectively (RR 6.29 95% CI 1.9-20.8, P < .001). Continuous abstinence was also significant at 6 months (P-value of .036). CONCLUSIONS: The "Appagalo" app is an effective tool to support smoking cessation in young women. It is a simple mHealth alternative for smoking cessation that can contribute to improving women's health in the Americas and worldwide.

Randomized trial of early bubble continuous positive airway pressure for very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs), initially supported with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and then selectively treated with the INSURE (intubation, surfactant, and extubation to CPAP; CPAP/INSURE) protocol, need less mechanical ventilation than those supported with supplemental oxygen, surfactant, and mechanical ventilation if required (Oxygen/mechanical ventilation [MV]). STUDY DESIGN: In a multicenter randomized controlled trial, spontaneously breathing VLBWIs weighing 800-1500 g were allocated to receive either therapy. In the CPAP/INSURE group, if respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) did not occur, CPAP was discontinued after 3-6 hours. If RDS developed and the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO(2)) was >0.35, the INSURE protocol was indicated. Failure criteria included FiO(2) >0.60, severe apnea or respiratory acidosis, and receipt of more than 2 doses of surfactant. In the Oxygen/MV group, in the presence of RDS, supplemental oxygen without CPAP was given, and if FiO(2) was >0.35, surfactant and mechanical ventilation were provided. RESULTS: A total of 256 patients were randomized to either the CPAP/INSURE group (n = 131) or the Oxygen/MV group (n = 125). The need for mechanical ventilation was lower in the CPAP/INSURE group (29.8% vs 50.4%; P = .001), as was the use of surfactant (27.5% vs 46.4%; P = .002). There were no differences in death, pneumothorax, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and other complications of prematurity between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: CPAP and early selective INSURE reduced the need for mechanical ventilation and surfactant in VLBWIs without increasing morbidity and death. These results may be particularly relevant for resource-limited regions.