Snyder-Robinson syndrome: differential diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta.

Snyder-Robinson syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder, caused by mutations of the spermine synthase gene. We report a novel case of Snyder-Robinson syndrome, caused by a de novo mutation and first misdiagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta. Clinical features, course, and genetic analysis are presented. The patient was treated with bisphosphonates for a decade, until developing an atypical femoral fracture. Teriparatide was then administered for 2 years and then changed to denosumab every 6 months, improving his bone density mass and preventing further fractures.

Effectiveness of a brief phone intervention to increase participation in a population-based colorectal cancer screening programme: a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: Although colorectal cancer (CRC) screening reduces mortality and morbidity the uptake in target populations is suboptimal. The aim was to assess whether adding a brief phone intervention to the usual invitation process increases participation in a CRC screening programme based in Catalonia. METHOD: This was a non-blinded prospective randomized control study of patients eligible for their first CRC screening test (immunochemical faecal occult blood test). Between March and December 2017, 512 invitees (age range 50-69 years) were randomized to receiving either a brief informative phone call prior to receiving the standard screening invitation (letter and informative brochure) or the standard screening invitation alone. The primary outcome was participation in the screening programme at 6 months. RESULTS: In all, 492/512 patients (54.7% women; 45.3% men) could be analysed (239/256 intervention group; 253/256 control group). On an intention to treat basis, the intervention group (55% women; 45% men) saw an 11% increase in the participation rate (51.05% vs 40.32%, P = 0.017). The intervention was more effective in male patients (50.93% vs 33.91%, P = 0.01) and those patients aged between 50 and 54 years (54.32% vs 37.77%, P = 0.03). After adjusting for sex, age and geographic area, the benefit of the intervention remained statistically significant (adjusted OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.07-2.20). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that a brief, informative intervention by phone in addition to the usual invitation process is effective in increasing participation in a CRC screening programme. It may be a useful strategy to improve uptake in groups which are less likely to participate in CRC screening (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03082911).

A Recombinant Adenovirus Expressing Ovine Interferon Tau Prevents Influenza Virus-Induced Lethality in Mice.

Ovine interferon tau (IFN-τ) is a unique type I interferon with low toxicity and a broad host range in vivo. We report the generation of a nonreplicative recombinant adenovirus expressing biologically active IFN-τ. Using the B6.A2G-Mx1 mouse model, we showed that single-dose intranasal administration of recombinant Ad5-IFN-τ can effectively prevent lethality and disease induced by highly virulent hv-PR8 influenza virus by activating the interferon response and preventing viral replication.

2016 updated EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of gout.

BACKGROUND: New drugs and new evidence concerning the use of established treatments have become available since the publication of the first European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of gout, in 2006. This situation has prompted a systematic review and update of the 2006 recommendations. METHODS: The EULAR task force consisted of 15 rheumatologists, 1 radiologist, 2 general practitioners, 1 research fellow, 2 patients and 3 experts in epidemiology/methodology from 12 European countries. A systematic review of the literature concerning all aspects of gout treatments was performed. Subsequently, recommendations were formulated by use of a Delphi consensus approach. RESULTS: Three overarching principles and 11 key recommendations were generated. For the treatment of flare, colchicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral or intra-articular steroids or a combination are recommended. In patients with frequent flare and contraindications to colchicine, NSAIDs and corticosteroids, an interleukin-1 blocker should be considered. In addition to education and a non-pharmacological management approach, urate-lowering therapy (ULT) should be considered from the first presentation of the disease, and serum uric acid (SUA) levels should be maintained at<6 mg/dL (360 µmol/L) and <5 mg/dL (300 µmol/L) in those with severe gout. Allopurinol is recommended as first-line ULT and its dosage should be adjusted according to renal function. If the SUA target cannot be achieved with allopurinol, then febuxostat, a uricosuric or combining a xanthine oxidase inhibitor with a uricosuric should be considered. For patients with refractory gout, pegloticase is recommended. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations aim to inform physicians and patients about the non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for gout and to provide the best strategies to achieve the predefined urate target to cure the disease.

Laser-driven coating of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes with manganese oxide from metal organic precursors for energy storage.

Carbon nanotubes-transition metal oxide systems are intensively studied due to their excellent properties for electrochemical applications. In this work, an innovative procedure is developed for the synthesis of vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) coated with transition metal oxide nanostructures. VACNTs are grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and coated with a manganese-based metal organic precursor (MOP) film based on manganese acetate solution. Subsequent UV pulsed laser irradiation induces the effective heating-decomposition of the MOP leading to the crystallization of manganese oxide nanostructures on the VACNT surface. The study of the morphology, structure and composition of the synthesized materials shows the formation of randomly oriented MnO2 crystals, with few nanometers in size, and to their alignment in hundreds of nm long filament-like structures, parallel to the CNT's long axis. Electrochemical measurements reveal a significant increase of the specific capacitance of the MnO2-VACNT system (100 F g-1) as compared to the initial VACNT one (21 F g-1).

Temperature dependence of superparamagnetism in CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and CoFe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites.

CoFe2O4 particles of 16 nm and 17 nm embedded in a silica matrix have been prepared through the hydrothermal method and the sol-gel method, respectively. From neutron powder diffraction a cation distribution of (Fe(0.72)Co(0.28))[Fe(1.28)Co(0.72)]O4 has been determined for Co-ferrite particles of 17 nm, which is in agreement with its particle size taking into account the reported x values for other nanometric Co-ferrite particles. Magnetic measurements were performed up to 700 K as the prepared ferrite samples present blocking temperatures above room temperature. The temperature dependence of the superparamagnetic moment has been analyzed and presents for both samples an abrupt drop in the magnitude once the blocking temperature is overcome. The temperature dependence of the calculated magnetic field needed to reach the magnetic saturation of the samples allows us to determine the temperature range for which the nanoparticles show superparamagnetic behaviour. The ordering temperature is in both cases lower than the tabulated one for bulk Co-ferrite (793 K) which has been ascribed mainly to two factors: a different cation distribution and the nanometric particle size, both contributing to lowering of the strength of the superexchange interactions.

Abdominal emergencies in pediatrics. / Urgencias abdominales en pediatría.

Abdominal symptoms are among the most common reasons for pediatric emergency department visits, and abdominal pain is the most frequently reported symptom. Thorough history taking and physical examination can often reach the correct diagnosis. Knowing the abdominal conditions that are most common in each age group can help radiologists narrow the differential diagnosis. When imaging tests are indicated, ultrasonography is usually the first-line technique, enabling the diagnosis or adding relevant information with the well-known advantages of this technique. Nowadays, plain-film X-ray studies are reserved for cases in which perforation, bowel obstruction, or foreign body ingestion is suspected. It is also important to remember that abdominal pain can also occur secondary to basal pneumonia. CT is reserved for specific indications and in individual cases, for example, in patients with high clinical suspicion of abdominal disease and inconclusive findings at ultrasonography. We review some of the most common conditions in pediatric emergencies, the different imaging tests indicated in each case, and the imaging signs in each condition.

[Long covid and disability]. / Covid persistente y discapacidad.

Long covid is a health problem that will entail a high hidden cost attributable to the pandemic years after it because it affects the work capacity of many workers. Given the millions of covid-19 cases worldwide and current research showing that one in 7covid-19 patients remain symptomatic at 12 weeks, the number of long covid patients is likely to be substantial. Long covid is characterized by heterogeneous sequelae that often affect multiple systems, organs with an impact on the functioning and capacity of the worker. Workers with long covid symptoms can return to their occupation but this involves a complex individualized approach to the impact of symptoms on work, adjustments and modifications to the workplace. Patients with long covid typically report prolonged multisystem involvement and signicant disability. The psychological cost to the worker must also be addressed. A survey by the Community of Madrid (CCOO, SATSE, CSIF, AMYTS) in 2022 reveals that 24.5% of those affected by long covid were sick for more than 12 months; 30% of those affected by persistent covid need and adaption to their workplace. In Spain, more than 10million people infected with SARS-CoV-2 have been reported since the pandemic began, so it is estimated that there could be one million people with persistent covid. In 2021 alone there were more than 2.6 million sick leave due to covid-19 in Spain, the average duration of which was 10 days. One hundred million people around the world suffer from persistent covid, but few countries officially count them, nor do they help those affected with employment. In advanced countries, like the United States, long covid is treated as a disability,and the number of people with disabilities working or looking for work increased by 1.36 million, an increase of 23%, between January 2021 and January 2022. In the United Kingdom, some 200,000 people are not working or are not looking for work due to long-term health problems attributable to long covid, since the pandemic began.

Bispectral index monitoring for sedation in scheduled adult colonoscopy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients should be closely monitored during procedures under sedation outside the operating room, but it is unclear which type of monitoring is best. We investigated the efficacy and safety of BIS monitoring vs conventional monitoring for sedation during colonoscopy. METHODS: We performed a double-blind clinical trial in 180 patients undergoing elective colonoscopy. Patients were randomized to 1) the BIS group or 2) a control group, in which sedation was monitored with a BIS monitor or the Ramsay Sedation Score, respectively. The primary outcome was the rate of sedation-induced adverse events in both groups. Secondary outcomes were the characteristics of patients who developed adverse events, and time during colonoscopy when these events occurred, propofol and remifentanil dosage, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed fewer cardiopulmonary complications in the BIS group (41.11% vs 57.78% in controls; p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis found a significantly higher risk of adverse events in older patients (95% CI, 1.013-1.091; p = 0.0087) and in men (95% CI, 1.129-7.668; p = 0.0272). These events were observed at the hepatic flexure. No significant differences between propofol or remifentanil dosage, use of rescue medication, and patient satisfaction were observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that BIS monitoring during sedation in scheduled colonoscopies reduces adverse respiratory events. Although its routine use in sedation does not appear to be warranted, clinicians should take steps to identify patients with a higher risk of complications who might benefit from this type of monitoring.

[Effects of a Phase III cardiac rehabilitation program on functional capacity and body composition for coronary heart disease]. / Efectos de un programa de rehabilitación cardíaca fase iii en la capacidad funcional y composición corporal en pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The effects of a phase III cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) have been insufficiently studied in terms of training methods and administration. We studied the impact on functional capacity, body composition and physical activity engagement of interdisciplinary program based on aerobic and community strength therapeutic exercise after an acute coronary syndrome. TRIAL DESIGN: Randomised clinical trial. METHODS: Eighty consecutive patients with stable ischemic heart disease and preserved systolic function before phase II CRP were included. They were distributed into a control group (CG), with autonomous exercise, and an experimental group (EG), that follows supervised community program based on aerobic exercise and overload dynamic muscle strength, and an educational strategy through short messaging. Both groups underwent monthly inpatient group therapy. Results were compared after 12 months. RESULTS: Functional capacity presented higher levels in the EG and measured by the 6-min walk test (26.0±27.4m; P<.001), and maximal exercise test (0.6±2.2METs; P=.021). Home physical activity measured in minutes by IPAQ questionnaire increased more in the EG (90±78min/week) (P=.047), and the sitting time during the week decreased (-50.25±94.48min/day) (P=.001). There were no differences in body mass index, although we found a higher percentage of adipose tissue in CG after 12 months (P=.039). CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary community phase III CRP based on aerobic and dynamic muscle strength therapeutic exercise combined with a short message service educational strategy was feasible. After 12 months, patients in the EG presented higher levels on functional capacity, reported higher physical activity engagement compared to the CG.

[ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMORAL RESPONSE TO VACCINATION AGAINST SARS-COV-2 IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC PATHOLOGY UNDER BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT.] / ANÁLISIS DE FACTORES IMPLICADOS EN EL DESARROLLO DE RESPUESTA HUMORAL A LA VACUNACIÓN FRENTE A SARS-COV-2 EN PACIENTES CON PATOLOGÍA REUMÁTICA EN TRATAMIENTO BIOLÓGICO.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the development of new vaccines and their efficacy in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases has been a target to investigate. The objective of this study is to evaluate the vaccine response rate in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases under treatment with immunomodulators, including rituximab (RTX), as well as the influence of possible factors involved in the vaccination response in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-centre, prospective cohort study was conducted in 130 patients with immune-mediated rheumatic disease on treatment with immunomodulators, including RTX, who received the full course of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna/Lonza, AstraZeneca, or Janssen between April and October 2021. Demographic factors such as age, sex, type of immune-mediated disease, immunomodulatory treatment and type of vaccine were analysed, as well as serological markers including anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels measured one and six months after vaccination, CD19+ lymphocyte levels and the presence or absence of hypogammaglobulinemia. A statistical analysis was performed to assess the influence of the different variables collected in the study on the antibody titres. RESULTS: A sample of 130 patients was studied, 41 under treatment with RTX and 89 with other immunomodulators. A lower vaccination response rate was observed in patients with RTX (12/34, 36.7%) one month after the primary vaccination compared to 96.5% (82/85) of patients who did not receive this drug and did respond. In the analysis of secondary variables, hypogammaglobulinemia was significantly associated with lack of development of a vaccine response. The administration of the last RTX cycle in the 6 months prior to vaccination and low CD19+ levels (<20mg/dL) also had a negative influence on the development of a vaccine response. In the group of patients who were not receiving RTX treatment, the vaccination response was like that observed in the general population. We did not observe statistically significant differences in the vaccine response based on immunomodulatory treatment other than RTX, concomitant corticosteroid treatment, type of immune-mediated pathology, age, or sex. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In patients with rheumatic diseases receiving immunomodulatory treatment, the response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is comparable to the general population, except in the case of patients receiving RTX, who have a lower response rate (around 36.7%) which is associated with factors such as hypogammaglobulinemia, pre-vaccination CD19+ lymphocyte levels, and a period between vaccination and the last dose of RTX of less than 6 months. It is important to take these factors into consideration to optimize vaccination in these patients.

Analysis of factors involved in the development of humoral response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with rheumatic pathology under biological treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the development of new vaccines and their efficacy in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases has been a target to investigate. The objective of this study is to evaluate the vaccine response rate in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases under treatment with immunomodulators, including rituximab (RTX), as well as the influence of possible factors involved in the vaccination response in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-centre, prospective cohort study was conducted in 130 patients with immune-mediated rheumatic disease on treatment with immunomodulators, including RTX, who received the full course of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna/Lonza, AstraZeneca, or Janssen between April and October 2021. Demographic factors such as age, sex, type of immune-mediated disease, immunomodulatory treatment and type of vaccine were analysed, as well as serological markers including anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels measured one and six months after vaccination, CD19+ lymphocyte levels and the presence or absence of hypogammaglobulinemia. A statistical analysis was performed to assess the influence of the different variables collected in the study on the antibody titres. RESULTS: A sample of 130 patients was studied, 41 under treatment with RTX and 89 with other immunomodulators. A lower vaccination response rate was observed in patients with RTX (12/34, 36.7%) one month after the primary vaccination compared to 96.5% (82/85) of patients who did not receive this drug and did respond. In the analysis of secondary variables, hypogammaglobulinemia was significantly associated with lack of development of a vaccine response. The administration of the last RTX cycle in the 6 months prior to vaccination and low CD19+ levels (<20 mg/dL) also had a negative influence on the development of a vaccine response. In the group of patients who were not receiving RTX treatment, the vaccination response was like that observed in the general population. We did not observe statistically significant differences in the vaccine response based on immunomodulatory treatment other than RTX, concomitant corticosteroid treatment, type of immune-mediated pathology, age, or sex. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In patients with rheumatic diseases receiving immunomodulatory treatment, the response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is comparable to the general population, except in the case of patients receiving RTX, who have a lower response rate (around 36.7%) which is associated with factors such as hypogammaglobulinemia, pre-vaccination CD19+ lymphocyte levels, and a period between vaccination and the last dose of RTX of less than 6 months. It is important to take these factors into consideration to optimize vaccination in these patients.

Spin ½ Delafossite honeycomb compound Cu5SbO6.

Cu(5)SbO(6) is found to have a monoclinic, Delafossite-derived structure consisting of alternating layers of O-Cu(I)-O sticks and magnetic layers of Jahn-Teller distorted Cu(II)O(6) octahedra in an edge sharing honeycomb arrangement with Sb(V)O(6) octahedra. This yields the structural formula Cu(I)(3)Cu(II)(2)Sb(V)O(6). Variants with ordered and disordered layer stacking are observed, depending on the synthesis conditions. The spin ½ Cu(2+) ions form dimers in the honeycomb layer. The magnetic susceptibility measured between 5 and 300 K is characteristic of the presence of a singlet-triplet spin gap of 189 K. High resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies indicate that changes in the intra- or interdimer distances between 300 and 20 K, such as might indicate an increase in strength of the Peierls-like distortion through the spin gap temperature, if present, are very small. A comparison to the NaFeO(2)-type Cu(2+) honeycomb compounds Na(3)Cu(2)SbO(6) and Na(2)Cu(2)TeO(6) is presented.

[Effects of an interdisciplinary program combining aerobic interval training and dynamic strength in acute coronary syndrome]. / Efectos de un programa interdisciplinar combinado con entrenamiento aeróbico continuo variable y fuerza dinámica en el síndrome coronario agudo.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac rehabilitation has the highest level of recognition in medical guideline references, however there are still little-explored training modalities. We study the effects of an interdisciplinary program after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in phase II secondary prevention. METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2018, 439 patients with stable ischemic heart disease and preserved systolic function were included, as maximum 2 month after the ACS. A combined aerobic resistance training program in a variable continuous method and muscle toning with overload and/or ballast was applied, in addition to nutritional counseling and psychological-educational therapy for 12 weeks. RESULTS: 378 patients finished. The functional capacity increases in the incremental stress test (1.76 METS; CI 95%: 1.59-1.96, p < 0.001) and in the six minutes walking test (32.58 m; CI 95%: 29.24-35.92, p < 0.001). Leisure physical activity in IPAQ increased (763.27 min/week; CI 95%: 583.31-943.16, p < 0.001) and the time sitting during the week decreased (-28.85 min/day; CI 95%: -43.94 to -13.77, p < 0.001). Also, eating habits improved in PREDIMED (2.58 units; CI 95%: 1.43-3.73, p < 0.001), decreased body weight (-0.88 kg; CI 95%: -1.26 to -0.49, p < 0.001), the abdominal perimeter (1.57 cm; CI 95%: 2.23-0.90, p < 0.001) and adipose tissue (-0.80%; CI 95%: -1.10 to -0.51, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An interdisciplinary program with high intensity variable continuous training combined with dynamic muscle toning increases functional capacity, the level of physical activity, improves body composition and eating habits in ACS patients.

EULAR recommendations for calcium pyrophosphate deposition. Part II: management.

OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based recommendations for management of calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD). METHODS: A multidisciplinary guideline development group of 15 experts, representing 10 European countries, generated key propositions for management of CPPD using a Delphi consensus approach. For each recommendation research evidence was searched systematically. Whenever possible, the effect size and number needed to treat for efficacy and RR or OR for side effects were calculated for individual treatment modalities. Strength of recommendation was assessed by the European League Against Rheumatism visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Nine key recommendations were generated, including topics for general management, treatment of acute attacks, prophylaxis against recurrent acute attacks and management of chronic symptoms. It was recommended that optimal treatment requires both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments. For acute CPP crystal arthritis, cool packs, temporary rest and joint aspiration combined with steroid injection are often sufficient. For prophylaxis or chronic inflammatory arthritis with CPPD, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with gastroprotective treatment and/or low-dose colchicine 0.5-1.0 mg daily may be used. Other recommendations included parenteral or oral corticosteroid for acute CPP arthritis in those unresponsive or unsuited to other measures, and low-dose corticosteroid, methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine for chronic inflammatory arthritis with CPPD. Asymptomatic CPPD requires no treatment. Strength of recommendations varies from 79% to 95%. CONCLUSION: Nine key recommendations for management of CPP crystal associated arthritis were developed using both research evidence and expert consensus. Strength of recommendations was provided to assist the application of these recommendations.

European League Against Rheumatism recommendations for calcium pyrophosphate deposition. Part I: terminology and diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To agree terminology and to develop recommendations for the diagnosis of calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD). METHODS: The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) CPPD Task Force, comprising 15 experts from 10 countries, agreed the terms and recommendations for diagnosis of CPPD using a Delphi consensus approach. Evidence was systematically reviewed and presented in terms of sensitivity, specificity and positive likelihood ratio (LR) to support diagnosis; ORs were used for association. Strength of recommendation (SOR) was assessed by the EULAR visual analogue scale. RESULTS: It was agreed that 'CPPD' should be the umbrella term that includes acute calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) with CPPD and chronic CPP crystal inflammatory arthritis. Chondrocalcinosis (CC) defines cartilage calcification, most commonly due to CPPD and detected by imaging or histological examination. A total of 11 key recommendations were generated on the topics of clinical features, synovial fluid (SF) examination, imaging, comorbidities and risk factors. Definitive diagnosis of CPPD relies on identification of SF CPP crystals. Rapid onset inflammatory symptoms and signs are suggestive but not definitive for acute CPP crystal arthritis. Radiographic CC is not highly sensitive or specific, whereas ultrasonography appears more useful (LR=24.2, 95% CI 3.51 to 168.01) for peripheral joints. Recognised risk factors for CPPD include ageing, OA and metabolic conditions such as primary hyperparathyroidism, haemochromatosis and hypomagnesaemia; familial forms are rare. SORs varied from 53 to 99 (maximum 100). CONCLUSION: New terms for CPPD were agreed and 11 key recommendations for diagnosis of CPPD were developed using research evidence and expert consensus.

Pediatric chest X-rays during the COVID-19 pandemic. / Radiografía de tórax pediátrica en la era COVID.

BACKGROUND: An infectious disease caused by a new type of coronavirus that can manifest as an acute respiratory infection was discovered in China in mid-December 2019 and soon spread throughout the country and to the rest of the world. Although chest X-rays are the initial imaging technique of choice for low respiratory infections with or without dyspnea, few articles have reported the radiologic findings in children with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, laboratory, and chest X-ray findings in pediatric patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection attended at our hospital in March 2020. To analyze the frequency of COVID-19 compared to other respiratory infections, and to describe the radiologic manifestations of COVID-19 in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included all children with clinical manifestations of respiratory infection (fever, rhinorrhea, cough, and/or dyspnea) that required chest X-rays in our hospital between March 1 and March 31. RESULTS: A total of 231 pediatric patients (90 (39%) girls and 141 (61%) boys; mean age, 4 y, range 1 month - 16 years) underwent chest X-rays for suspected respiratory infections. Most (88.4%) had mild symptoms; 29.9% had a family member positive for COVID-19 with symptoms similar to those of the patient. Nasal and/or throat swabs were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 with PCR in the 47 (20.3%) children who presented at the emergency department; 3 (6.3%) of these were positive. Microbiological analyses were done in 85 (36.8%) of all patients, finding infections due to pathogens other than SARS-CoV-2 in 30 (35.3%). One of the patients with a PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 had urine infection due to E. coli and blood culture positive for S. viridans. Abnormalities were observed on X-rays in 73.2% of the patients. Peribronchial thickening was the most common abnormal finding, observed in 57% of patients. Parenchymal consolidations were observed in 38.5%, being bilateral in 29.2% and associated with pleural effusion in 3.3%. The interstitial lines were thickened in 7.3%, and 7.3% had ground-glass opacities. CONCLUSION: During March 2020, COVID-19 and other symptomatic respiratory infections were observed. The radiologic pattern of these infections is nonspecific, and chest X-rays alone are insufficient for the diagnosis. Children with clinical manifestations compatible with COVID-19 (with or without PCR confirmation of infection by SARS-CoV-2) had mild symptoms and most did not require admission or invasive mechanical ventilation. In a context of community transmission, the absence of a known epidemiological antecedent should not be a contraindication for PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2.

Effect of Pristine Graphene on Methylammonium Lead Iodide Films and Implications on Solar Cell Performance.

The relatively low stability of solar cells based on hybrid halide perovskites is the main issue to be solved for the implementation in real life of these extraordinary materials. Degradation is accelerated by temperature, moisture, oxygen, and light and mediated by halide easy hopping. The approach here is to incorporate pristine graphene, which is hydrophobic and impermeable to gases and likely limits ionic diffusion while maintaining adequate electronic conductivity. Low concentrations of few-layer graphene platelets (up to 24 × 10-3 wt %) were incorporated to MAPbI3 films for a detailed structural, optical, and transport study whose results are then used to fabricate solar cells with graphene-doped active layers. The lowest graphene content delays the degradation of films with time and light irradiation and leads to enhanced photovoltaic performance and stability of the solar cells, with relative improvement over devices without graphene of 15% in the power conversion efficiency, PCE. A higher graphene content further stabilizes the perovskite films but is detrimental for in-operation devices. A trade-off between the possible sealing effect of the perovskite grains by graphene, that limits ionic diffusion, and the reduction of the crystalline domain size that reduces electronic transport, and, especially, the detected increase of film porosity, that facilitates the access to atmospheric gases, is proposed to be at the origin of the observed trends. This work demonstrated how the synergy between these materials can help to develop cost-effective routes to overcome the stability barrier of metal halide perovskites, introducing active layer design strategies that allow commercialization to take off.

Management of Psoriasis During Preconception, Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding: A Consensus Statement. / Consenso sobre las actuaciones a seguir durante la edad fértil, el embarazo, el posparto y la lactancia en pacientes con psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop evidence- and experience-based recommendations for the management of psoriasis during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. METHODS: The nominal group technique and the Delphi method were used. Fifteen experts (12 dermatologists, 2 of whom were appointed coordinators; 1 rheumatologist; and 2 gynecologists) were selected to form an expert panel. Following a systematic review of the literature on fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding in women with psoriasis, the coordinators drew up a series of preliminary recommendations for discussion by the panel at a nominal group meeting. The experts defined the scope, sections, and intended users of the statement and prepared a final list of recommendations. Consensus was obtained using a Delphi process in which an additional 51 dermatologists rated their level of agreement with each recommendation on a scale of 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). Consensus was defined by a score of 7 or higher assigned by at least 70% of participants. Level of evidence and strength of recommendation were reported using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine categories. The final statement was approved by the expert panel. RESULTS: The resulting consensus statement includes 23 recommendations on preconception (fertility and contraception), pregnancy (planning, pharmacological management, and follow-up), and breastfeeding (management and follow-up). Consensus was achieved for all recommendations generated except one. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations for the better management of psoriasis in women of childbearing age could improve outcomes and prognosis.

EULAR/EFORT recommendations for the diagnosis and initial management of patients with acute or recent onset swelling of the knee.

OBJECTIVES: The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT) have recognised the importance of variation in diagnostic and therapeutic performance across disciplines, have found consensus in starting task forces aiming at achieving diagnostic and therapeutic uniformity, and have identified medical conditions with which representatives of both organisations will frequently be confronted in common clinical practice. The aim of the present work was to establish recommendations for the diagnosis and initial management of patients presenting with acute or recent onset swelling of the knee. METHODS: The EULAR standard operating procedures for the elaboration and implementation of evidence-based recommendations were followed. RESULTS: In all, 11 rheumatologists from 11 countries and 12 orthopaedic surgeons from 7 countries met twice under the leadership of 2 conveners, a clinical epidemiologist and a research fellow. After carefully defining the content and procedures of the task force, research questions were developed, a comprehensive literature search was performed and the results were presented to the entire committee. Subsequently, a set of 10 recommendations was formulated based on evidence from the literature if available, and after discussion and consensus building. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first combined interdisciplinary project of rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons, successfully aiming at achieving consensus in the diagnosis and initial management of patients presenting with acute or recent onset swelling of the knee.