Electrochemical Resistive DNA Biosensor for the Detection of HPV Type 16.

In this work, a low-cost and rapid electrochemical resistive DNA biosensor based on the current relaxation method is described. A DNA probe, complementary to the specific human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) sequence, was immobilized onto a screen-printed gold electrode. DNA hybridization was detected by applying a potential step of 30 mV to the system, composed of an external capacitor and the modified electrode DNA/gold, for 750 µs and then relaxed back to the OCP, at which point the voltage and current discharging curves are registered for 25 ms. From the discharging curves, the potential and current relaxation were evaluated, and by using Ohm's law, the charge transfer resistance through the DNA-modified electrode was calculated. The presence of a complementary sequence was detected by the change in resistance when the ssDNA is transformed in dsDNA due to the hybridization event. The target DNA concentration was detected in the range of 5 to 20 nM. The results showed a good fit to the regression equation ΔRtotal(Ω)=2.99 × [DNA]+81.55, and a detection limit of 2.39 nM was obtained. As the sensing approach uses a direct current, the electronic architecture of the biosensor is simple and allows for the separation of faradic and nonfaradaic contributions. The simple electrochemical resistive biosensor reported here is a good candidate for the point-of-care diagnosis of HPV at a low cost and in a short detection time.

DNA Biosensor Based on Double-Layer Discharge for the Detection of HPV Type 16.

DNA electrochemical biosensors represent a feasible alternative for the diagnosis of different pathologies. In this work, the development of an electrochemical method for Human Papillomavirus-16 (HPV-16) sensing is reported based on potential relaxation measurements related to the discharge of a complex double layer of a DNA-modified gold electrode. The method used allows us to propose an equivalent circuit (EC) for a DNA/Au electrode, which was corroborated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement. This model differs from the Randles circuit that is commonly used in double-layer simulations. The change in the potential relaxation and associated charge transfer resistance were used for sensing the DNA hybridization by using the redox pair Fe(CN)64-/Fe(CN)63+ as an electrochemical indicator. In order to determinate only the potential relaxation of the composed double layer, the faradic and double-layer current contributions were separated using a rectifier diode arrangement. A detection limit of 0.38 nM was obtained for the target HPV-16 DNA sequences. The biosensor showed a qualitative discrimination between a single-base mismatched sequence and the fully complementary HPV-16 DNA target. The results indicate that the discharge of the double-layer detection method can be used to develop an HPV DNA biosensor.

Enzyme replacement for GM1-gangliosidosis: Uptake, lysosomal activation, and cellular disease correction using a novel ß-galactosidase:RTB lectin fusion.

New enzyme delivery technologies are required for treatment of lysosomal storage disorders with significant pathologies associated with the so-called "hard-to-treat" tissues and organs. Genetic deficiencies in the GLB1 gene encoding acid ß-galactosidase lead to GM1-gangliosidosis or Morquio B, lysosomal diseases with predominant disease manifestation associated with the central nervous system or skeletal system, respectively. Current lysosomal ERTs are delivered into cells based on receptor-mediated endocytosis and do not effectively address several hard-to-treat organs including those critical for GM1-gangliosidosis patients. Lectins provide alternative cell-uptake mechanisms based on adsorptive-mediated endocytosis and thus may provide unique biodistribution for lysosomal disease therapeutics. In the current study, genetic fusions of the plant galactose/galactosamine-binding lectin, RTB, and the human acid ß-galactosidase enzyme were produced using a plant-based bioproduction platform. ß-gal:RTB and RTB:ß-gal fusion products retained both lectin activity and ß-galactosidase activity. Purified proteins representing both fusion orientations were efficiently taken up into GM1 patient fibroblasts and mediated the reduction of GM1 ganglioside substrate with activities matching mammalian cell-derived ß-galactosidase. In contrast, plant-derived ß-gal alone was enzymatically active but did not mediate uptake or correction indicating the need for either lectin-based (plant product) or mannose-6-phosphate-based (mammalian product) delivery. Native ß-galactosidase undergoes catalytic activation (cleavage within the C-terminal region) in lysosomes and is stabilized by association with protective protein/cathepsin A. Enzymatic activity and lysosomal protein processing of the RTB fusions were assessed following internalization into GM1 fibroblasts. Within 1-4h, both ß-gal:RTB and RTB:ß-gal were processed to the ~64kDa "activated" ß-gal form; the RTB lectin was cleaved and rapidly degraded. The activated ß-gal was still detected at 48h suggesting interactions with protective protein/cathepsin A. Uptake-saturation analyses indicated that the RTB adsorptive-mediated mechanisms of ß-gal:RTB supported significantly greater accumulation of ß-galactose activity in fibroblasts compared to the receptor-mediated mechanisms of the mammalian cell-derived ß-gal. These data demonstrate that plant-made ß-gal:RTB functions as an effective replacement enzyme for GM1-gangliosidosis - delivering enzyme into cells, enabling essential lysosomal processing, and mediating disease substrate clearance at the cellular level. RTB provides novel uptake behaviors and thus may provide new receptor-independent strategies that could broadly impact lysosomal disease treatments.

Cytokine storm in Chikungunya: Can we call it multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with Chikungunya?

Paraguay is currently facing a new outbreak of Chikungunya virus. This report summarizes two severe cases of Chikungunya (CHIKV) infection, confirmed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We present the cases of patients with acute CHIKV infection and multisystem involvement, with fever, rash, abdominal pain, vomiting, myocarditis, and coronary artery anomalies, very similar to the cases described in MIS-C related to SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Both patients received IVIG and methylprednisolone, with good clinical response. In this setting of cytokine storm in Chikungunya, can we call it "Multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with Chikungunya"?.

Multidimensional analysis of sedentary behaviour and participation in Spanish stroke survivors (Part&Sed-Stroke): a protocol for a longitudinal multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke survivors usually experience long-lasting functional, emotional and social consequences that might contribute to sedentary behaviour and participation restrictions, which are important targets to address during rehabilitation. However, the trajectory and inter-relationship between these factors are unknown. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Part&Sed is a research project based on an observational study design with 6 and 12 months of follow-ups in stroke survivors. In addition, a qualitative analysis of the impact of the stroke on the stroke survivor, validation of the Satisfaction with Daily Occupation-Occupational Balance assessment tool and analysis of the reliability of the Fitbit Inspire 2 activity tracker wristband will be carried out. Participants will be chronic stroke survivors with independent walking capacity. Sociodemographic and clinical data, physical activity, ambulation, sleep, quality of life, anxiety and depression, community participation, and occupational satisfaction and balance, as well as data provided by the activity tracker wristband, will be collected. In addition, if the participant has a primary caregiver, the caregiver will also be monitored. A minimum of 130 participants will be recruited to conduct a random-effects multiple regression model. Mixed models for repeated measures will assess the variation over time of the different variables associated with participation and sedentary behaviour. Psychometric properties (eg, internal consistency, construct validity, test-retest reliability) of the Satisfaction with Daily Occupation-Occupational Balance will be determined. Additionally, intraclass correlation coefficients and minimum detectable change will be calculated to assess intrasubject reliability of physical activity and sleep parameters recorded by the Fitbit Inspire 2. The qualitative analysis process will be carried out using the analysis proposed by Giorgi. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study received ethical approval from the Spanish Regional Ethics Committee 'Comité de Ética de la Investigación de la Comunidad de Aragón' (PI21/333). The results will be made available via peer-reviewed publications, international conferences and official channels.

Identification and Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the FTO Gene with Indicators of Overweight and Obesity in a Young Mexican Population.

(1) Background: obesity is a global public health problem; various factors have been associated with this disease, and genetic factors play a very important role. Previous studies in multiple populations have associated a gene with fat mass and obesity (FTO). Thus, the present work aims to identify and determine associations between genetic variants of FTO with indicators of overweight and obesity in the Mexican population. (2) Methods: a total of 638 subjects were evaluated to compile data on body mass index (BMI), the percentage of body fat (%BF), the waist circumference (WC), the serum levels of triglycerides (TG), and food consumption. A total of 175 genetic variants in the FTO gene were sampled by a microarray in the evaluated population, followed by association statistical analyses and comparisons of means. (3) Results: a total of 34 genetic variants were associated with any of the 6 indicators of overweight and obesity, but only 15 showed mean differences using the recessive model after the Bonferroni correction. The present study shows a wide evaluation of FTO genetic variants associated with a classic indicator of overweight and obesity, which highlights the importance of genetic analyses in the study of obesity.

The COVID-19 Pandemic in a Hispanic Population: A Primary Care Perspective.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 global pandemic has affected all ethnic and minority groups although not equally. The goals of the present study are twofold: describe the diverse COVID-19-related care needs Hispanic patients presenting to a primary care facility and the symptom clusters and socioeconomic factors that may impact their wellbeing. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of Hispanic patients in an outpatient clinic serving an urban lower socioeconomic demographic, between May 9 and July 31, 2020. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction or rapid antibody test. Student's t-test was used for means and the chi2 was used for comparisons of proportions. RESULTS: A total of 6616 patients visited Alivio, 409 were triaged to a containment area, and 378 were tested for COVID-19; 230 with, 148 without symptoms. Of those tested, 161(42.6%) were positive, representing 2.4% of total patients seen. Age, temperature, and pulse rate were all significantly higher in patients with symptoms compared with those without. Symptoms were grouped into 5 clusters: constitutional, n = 143(62%), respiratory, n = 136 (59%), and somatic, n = 97(42%) were most common. No single cluster was particularly diagnostic of COVID-19, although those with symptoms in multiple clusters were more likely to test positive, P < .001. The majority worked in essential jobs, were uninsured, and had more than half had prolonged symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic patients have diverse reasons for seeking health care and for testing in a pandemic. COVID-19 is a syndromic disease as evidenced from the clustering of symptoms. Essential workers and uninsured health status may lead to more prolonged disease course.

Preclinical Enzyme Replacement Therapy with a Recombinant ß-Galactosidase-Lectin Fusion for CNS Delivery and Treatment of GM1-Gangliosidosis.

GM1-gangliosidosis is a catastrophic, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of lysosomal ß-galactosidase (ß-Gal). The primary substrate of the enzyme is GM1-ganglioside (GM1), a sialylated glycosphingolipid abundant in nervous tissue. Patients with GM1-gangliosidosis present with massive and progressive accumulation of GM1 in the central nervous system (CNS), which leads to mental and motor decline, progressive neurodegeneration, and early death. No therapy is currently available for this lysosomal storage disease. Here, we describe a proof-of-concept preclinical study toward the development of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for GM1-gangliosidosis using a recombinant murine ß-Gal fused to the plant lectin subunit B of ricin (mß-Gal:RTB). We show that long-term, bi-weekly systemic injection of mß-Gal:RTB in the ß-Gal-/- mouse model resulted in widespread internalization of the enzyme by cells of visceral organs, with consequent restoration of enzyme activity. Most importantly, ß-Gal activity was detected in several brain regions. This was accompanied by a reduction of accumulated GM1, reversal of neuroinflammation, and decrease in the apoptotic marker caspase 3. These results indicate that the RTB lectin delivery module enhances both the CNS-biodistribution pattern and the therapeutic efficacy of the ß-Gal ERT, with the potential to translate to a clinical setting for the treatment of GM1-gangliosidosis.

A detailed analysis in thoracic aorta by means of the entropy generation rate: Prediction of the atherosclerotic lesion.

A detailed numerical analysis is carried out in a real human thoracic aorta by means of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for the prediction of the atherosclerosis lesion. Common hemodynamics parameters, such as, the oscillatory shear index (OSI) and the time average wall shear stress (TAWSS) are used for the prediction of the atherosclerosis lesion. Furthermore, the entropy generation rate is considered to obtain the main irreversibilities that occurs inside the thoracic aorta for the prediction of the atherosclerosis lesion. The model considers the blood flow inside the thoracic aorta in an unsteady state. The results show contours of velocity, streams lines, velocity profiles and the comparison of the hemodynamics parameters OSI versus TAWSS. Moreover, contours of the entropy generation rate are showed inside the aorta. The time averaged entropy generation rate (TAEGR) is obtained as a result of the entropy generation analysis. Finally, TAEGR index is compared and discussed with the common hemodynamics parameters, OSI and TAWSS. The accuracy to detect prone locations to atherosclerotic development in the real aorta using the TAEGR in comparison to the OSI and the TAWSS is in good agreement.

Occupational performance in multiple sclerosis and its relationship with quality of life and fatigue.

BACKGROUND: Performance and perceived satisfaction of daily occupations in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect the perception of their quality of life and be impacted by the level of fatigue. AIM: To describe the performance and occupational self-perception, as well as to analyze whether there is a relationship between the perception of occupational performance and the quality of life and perceived fatigue. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants were referred by the services of Neurology of the various hospitals in Madrid. The assessment process was performed either at the MS' associations, in the participants' home, or at the Laboratory of Cognitive Intervention of the Health Sciences Faculty of the University. POPULATION: A total sample of 30 people with MS (pwMS) selected by non-probabilistic consecutive sampling during a three-months uptake patient recruitment period. METHODS: The outcome measures used were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life 54 (MSQoL-54). Descriptive analysis, parametric and non-parametric tests and multiple linear regression models were used. RESULTS: A statistically significant positive correlation was found between occupational performance and physical and mental health. Also, high physical health scores were associated with high satisfaction scores. Multiple regression models indicated that high levels of satisfaction were associated with high levels of physical health (P= 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The better the perception of the physical aspects that influence the quality of life, the better the perceived satisfaction of pwMS. Fatigue may not influence self-perceived satisfaction and performance. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The physical factors affecting perceived satisfaction should be considered when planning interventions to promote quality of life in pwMS. Although fatigue associated with MS may influence perceived performance and satisfaction, no relevant associations were found between variables.

Rapid system for evaluating bioproduction capacity of complex pharmaceutical proteins in plants.

Transgene product yield remains a key limitation in commercializing plant-derived pharmaceutical proteins. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the roles of promoters, enhancers, integration sites, codon usage, cryptic RNA sites, silencing, and product compartmentalization on product yield and quality, researchers still cannot reliably predict which proteins will be produced at high levels or what manipulations will guarantee enhanced productivity. We have optimized a simple transient expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana enabling rapid assessment of transgene potential for plant-based bioproduction. Briefly, intact Nicotiana benthamiana plants are vacuum-infiltrated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens cultures carrying the transgene of interest. After 48-96 h of further incubation, leaves are harvested for protein characterization. Using the immunomodulator interleukin-12 as a model pharmaceutical protein, we obtained bioactive recombinant protein at levels exceeding 5% of total soluble leaf protein. Appropriately assembled multimeric proteins have also been obtained following coinfiltration with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains individually encoding each subunit. This system provides a rapid source of transgene product for assessing posttranslational modifications, purification strategies, and bioactivity as well as an effective system for optimizing construct elements. For vaccines, product purified from two to eight plants may support mouse vaccination trials providing efficacy and immune assessment data early in the development process.

Habilidades motoras y de procesamiento en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson en comparación con adultos mayores sanos. Un estudio transversal / Motor and process skills of people with parkinson’s disease compared to healthy older adults. A cross-sectional study

Introducción Tanto la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) como el proceso de envejecimiento están asociados con limitaciones funcionales. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las diferencias en habilidades motoras y de procesamiento entre individuos con EP y adultos mayores sanos, así como observar cómo la progresión de la enfermedad afecta al desempeño de las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento en pacientes con EP. Sujetos y métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal. Se empleó la medida de la Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) para analizar las diferencias en las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento de tareas cotidianas entre personas con EP y adultos mayores sanos, emparejados en edad y sexo. Se administró la sección III de la Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale, la escala de Hoehn y Yahr (HY) y la escala de Schwab & England para determinar la gravedad de la enfermedad. Resultados Se reclutó a 70 participantes (49 pacientes con EP y 21 adultos mayores sanos). Nuestros resultados mostraron que incluso en estadios moderados de la enfermedad, tanto las habilidades motoras como las de procesamiento se encontraron deterioradas en los pacientes con EP en comparación con los adultos mayores sanos (p < 0,001). A medida que avanza la enfermedad, las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento presentan un deterioro significativo en las personas con EP. Conclusiones La EP conduce a un mayor deterioro de las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento en comparación con adultos mayores sanos. A medida que avanzan los estadios de la enfermedad según la escala HY, el rendimiento en las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento se deteriora significativamente entre los estadios moderados y avanzados de la EP. Según la escala AMPS, los pacientes con EP no muestran un deterioro en las habilidades de procesamiento hasta el estadio HY IV, pero muestran deterioro motor en los estadios HY II, III y IV. (AU)

INTRODUCTION Both Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the process of ageing are associated with functional limitations. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in motor and process skills between individuals with PD and healthy older adults, as well as to observe how disease progression affects motor and process skills performance in PD patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) measure was employed in order to analyze the differences in the motor and process skills of daily tasks in people with PD and healthy older adults age- and sex-matched. Part III of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scale and the Schwab & England scale was administered to determine the severity of the disease. RESULTS Seventy participants (49 patients with PD and 21 healthy older adults) were recruited for this study. Our results showed that even at moderate stages of the disease, both motor and process skills were found deteriorated in PD patients more than older healthy older adults (p < 0.001). As PD progresses, motor and process skills present significantly deterioration. CONCLUSION. PD leads to a greater deterioration in motor and process skills compared to healthy older adults. As disease stages advance according to the HY scale, performance in motor and process skills deteriorates significantly between moderate and advanced PD stages. According to the AMPS scale, PD patients show no impairment of processing skills up to HY IV, but motor impairment at HY stages II, III and IV.

Spanish Transcultural Adaptation of the Activity Card Sort.

The Activity Card Sort (ACS) measures the level of participation, as perceived by each person which, unlike other scales, makes it both personal and significant. However, there is a limitation to applying the ACS to Spanish older adults as it is restricted to culturally relevant activities solely in the United States. Therefore, the aim of this study was to select activity items that reflected Spanish older adults' lifestyles in order to develop the Activity Card Sort-Spain Version (ACS-SP). Frequently, activities performed in Spain (n = 103) were listed in an initial draft. The Likert scale was administrated to a large group of Spanish nationals over the age of 60 years (n = 98) to establish which type of activities will be eventually included in the Spanish version. The final version was drawn up comprising 79 activities distributed between four performance areas. In addition, other activities that were not previously included by other assessment tools were considered and have been listed in this review, such as taking a nap, going out for a drink or "tapas," or searching for a job. The gradual adaptation to ACS for Spaniards will make it possible to measure the level of an individual's participation within a community. However, further work on psychometric properties is needed.

Vigilancia de Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas en niños y adolescentes en un Servicio de Pediatría

Introducción: Las infecciones agudas de vías respiratorias inferiores, de etiología viral, constituyen la principal causa de hospitalización y mortalidad infantil. El objetivo del presente estudio es conocer la frecuencia de las infecciones respiratorias agudas grave (IRAG) y los virus prevalentes en pacientes ≤15 años. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, producto de la vigilancia de IRAG, periodo enero/2019-mayo/2023. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes ≤15 años hospitalizados con diagnóstico de IRAG. Se analizaron datos demográficos, características clínicas y evolutivas. Resultados: Fueron hospitalizados 256 pacientes ≤15 años con diagnóstico de IRAG, 54,3%(139/256) de sexo masculino. El 69,1% correspondían a <2años, 15,6% de 2 a 4 años y 15,2% de 5 a 19 años. El 17,5% presentaban factores de riesgo. El 3,5% (9/256) tenía vacuna anti-influenza. El mayor número de casos se objetivó en 2019. En 2020 y 2021 se registró el menor número de casos, relacionado a la política de encierro durante la pandemia de COVID-19. El virus prevalente fue el Virus Sincitial Respiratorio (VSR). En el 2019, el VSR fue el virus más frecuente (p<0.0001.RR=1,56.IC95%= 1,18 - 2,06); el SARS - CoV2 fue el más frecuente en 2020. Según grupo etario el VSR fue más frecuente en <2 años (p<0.0001.RR=1,70.IC95%=1,18-2,06) y el SARS - CoV2 en los ≥2 años (p<0.0001.RR=2,50.IC95%=2,53-3,53). El VSR no fue asociado a factores de riesgo. El 39,4%(101/256) requirió ingreso a la UCIP, situación más frecuente en pacientes con factores de riesgo (21,7%vs14,8%,NS). El ingreso a UCI fue más frecuente en los <2 años (44,1% vs 29,1%;p<0,02.RR=1,51.IC95%=1,03-2,22). No hubo diferencias significativas del requerimiento de UCI y los virus aislados. La letalidad fue del 7,8%(20/256), más frecuente en el sexo femenino (p<0.02.RR=0,36.IC95%=0,1-0,9), no asociado a la edad ni etiología. Conclusion: La IRAG por VSR constituye una causa importante de hospitalización en <2 años, más frecuente en el sexo masculino. El ingreso a UCIP fue más frecuente en los <2años. La letalidad fue más frecuente en el sexo femenino.

Introduction: Acute lower respiratory tract infections, of viral etiology, are the main cause of hospitalization and infant mortality. The objective of the present study is to know the frequency of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and prevalent viruses in patients ≤15 years of age. Materials and Methods: Observational, descriptive study, product of SARI surveillance, period January/2019-May/2023. All patients ≤15 years of age hospitalized with a diagnosis of SARI were included. Demographic data, clinical and evolutionary characteristics were analyzed. Results: 256 patients ≤15 years old with a diagnosis of SARI were hospitalized, 54.3% (139/256) male. 69.1% corresponded to <2 years, 15.6% from 2 to 4 years and 15.2% from 5 to 19 years. 17.5% had risk factors. 3.5% (9/256) had an anti-influenza vaccine. The highest number of cases was observed in 2019. In 2020 and 2021, the lowest number of cases was recorded, related to the confinement policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalent virus was Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). In 2019, RSV was the most common virus (p<0.0001.RR=1.56.95%CI= 1.18 - 2.06); SARS - CoV2 was the most frequent in 2020. According to age group, RSV was more frequent in <2 years (p<0.0001.RR=1.70.CI95%=1.18-2.06) and SARS - CoV2 in those ≥2 years (p<0.0001.RR=2.50.95%CI=2.53-3.53). RSV was not associated with risk factors. 39.4% (101/256) required admission to the PICU, a more frequent situation in patients with risk factors (21.7% vs 14.8%,NS). Admission to the ICU was more frequent in those <2 years (44.1% vs 29.1%; p<0.02.RR=1.51.95%CI=1.03-2.22). There were no significant differences in the ICU requirement and the isolated viruses. The fatality rate was 7.8% (20/256), more frequent in females (p<0.02.RR=0.36.95%CI=0.1-0.9), not associated with age or etiology. Conclusion: SARI due to RSV is an important cause of hospitalization in <2 years, more frequent in males. Admission to the PICU was more frequent in those <2 years old. Fatality was more frequent in females.

Características clínicas y laboratoriales de la infección por el virus Chikungunya en pacientes en edad pediátrica del Instituto de Medicina Tropical

Introducción: La fiebre chikungunya (FCHIK) es una enfermedad febril transmitida por mosquitos, que en el niño tiene manifestaciones clínicas diferentes, dependiendo del grupo de edad. Objetivo: el presente trabajo tiene el propósito de identificar las características clínicas y evolutivas de la FCHIK en pacientes ≤15 años, que acudieron al Instituto de Medicina Tropical (IMT). Materiales y método: estudio observacional, descriptivo retrospectivo, basado en revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes de 0 y 15 años, que consultaron al IMT, entre noviembre/2022 y marzo/ 2023, con diagnóstico de FCHIK. Resultados: de 2050 pacientes febriles que consultaron al IMT entre noviembre/2022 y marzo/2023, 301 fueron casos de FCHIK, 10,6% (32/301) requirió hospitalización, de estos el 62,5% (20/32) era ≤1 año. La presencia de vómitos (p<0.0001.OR= 5,5 IC95% 2.2-13.2), dolor abdominal (p<0.0001.OR=40.5,5 IC95% 4.5-364.3); erupción maculo-papular-ampollar p<0.008. OR=3.5, IC95% 1.3 - 9.1), fue significativamente más frecuente en los hospitalizados. El 37.5% (12/32) fue hospitalizado en UCI y 15,6% (5/32) requirió ARM, 18.7%(6/32) presentó miocarditis; 15.6%(5/32) encefalitis, y 3.1%(1/32) encefalitis y miocarditis. No se registraron óbitos. Conclusiones: La décima parte de los pacientes con FCHIK requirieron hospitalización, de estos más de la mitad fueron <1 año. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron fiebre, exantema, vómitos, irritabilidad, artralgias, lesiones ampollares. La leucopenia fue significativamente más frecuente en ≤1 año. La edad <3 meses, así como vómitos, exantema vesículo-ampollar, presencia de choque, irritabilidad, convulsiones, dolor abdominal y dificultad respiratoria se asociaron significativamente al requerimiento de hospitalización. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron el choque, la miocarditis y la encefalitis.

Introduction: Chikungunya fever (CHKF) is a febrile disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which presentes different clinical manifestations in children, depending on their age group. Objective: to describe the clinical and outcome characteristics of CHKF in patients ≤15 years old, who presented to the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM). Materials and methods: this was a retrospective, descriptive and observational study, based on the review of medical records of patients between 0 and 15 years of age, who were evaluated at the ITM, between November/2022 and March/2023, who were diagnosed with CHKF. Results: of 2050 febrile patients who consulted at the ITM between November/2022 and March/2023, 301 were cases of CHKF, 10.6% (32/301) required hospitalization, of which 62.5% (20/32) were ≤ 1 year of age. The presence of vomiting (p<0.0001, OR= 5.5, 95% CI 2.2-13.2), abdominal pain (p<0.0001, OR=40.5.5, 95% CI 4.5-364.3); maculo-papular-bullous rash (p<0.008, OR=3.5, 95% CI 1.3 - 9.1), was significantly more frequent in hospitalized patients. 37.5% (12/32) were hospitalized in the ICU and 15.6% (5/32) required ARM, 18.7% (6/32) presented myocarditis; 15.6%(5/32) encephalitis, and 3.1%(1/32) had both encephalitis and myocarditis. No deaths were registered. Conclusions: One tenth of the patients with CHKF required hospitalization, of which more than half were <1 year of age. The most frequent clinical manifestations were fever, rash, vomiting, irritability, arthralgia, and bullous lesions. Leukopenia was significantly more frequent in those ≤1 year of age. Age <3 months, as well as vomiting, vesicular-bullous rash, shock, irritability, seizures, abdominal pain, and respiratory distress were significantly associated with the need for hospitalization. The most frequent complications were shock, myocarditis and encephalitis.

Spanish Transcultural Adaptation and Validity of the Behavioral Inattention Test.

OBJECTIVE: To adapt, validate, and translate the Behavioral Inattention Test as an assessment tool for Spanish individuals with unilateral spatial neglect. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING: University laboratories. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 75 Spanish stroke patients and 18 healthy control subjects. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Behavioral Inattention Test. RESULTS: The Spanish version of the Behavioral Inattention Test shows a high degree of reliability both in the complete test (α = .90) and in the conventional (α = .93) and behavioral subtests (α = .75). The concurrent validity between the total conventional and behavioral scores was high (r = -.80; p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between patients with and without unilateral spatial neglect (p < 0.001). In the comparison between right and left damaged sides, differences were found in all items, except for article reading (p = 0.156) and card sorting (p = 0.117). CONCLUSIONS: This measure is a useful tool for evaluating unilateral spatial neglect as it provides information on everyday problems. The BIT discriminates between stroke patients with and without unilateral spatial neglect. This measure constitutes a reliable tool for the diagnosis, planning, performance, and design of specific treatment programs intended to improve the functionality and quality of life of people with unilateral spatial neglect.

Balance deficiencies in women with fibromyalgia assessed using computerised dynamic posturography: a cross-sectional study in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: Our aims were (1) to compare the sensory organisation of balance control and balance strategies between women with fibromyalgia (FM) and healthy women; (2) to investigate which sensory component, that is, vestibular, visual or somato-sensory, is the most affected in FM and (3) to determine the associations between the functional independence measure (FIM) and balance responses in FM. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Urban regional hospital and university (Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: Twenty women with FM and 20 matched healthy women. PRIMARY/SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The sensory organisation test (SOT) was used to determine postural sway and balance during six different conditions with subjects in a standing position. The FIM was used to determine the level of functional independence in daily life activities (ADL). Between-group differences were analysed with analysis of covariance, and the Spearman's test was used for correlations. RESULTS: Significant differences between-groups and between-conditions were found for all SOT conditions (all, p<0.001): women with FM showed lower scores being the vestibular score the most affected. Different correlations between SOT conditions and some specific ADL were observed in the FM group: bathing activity and balance condition 6 (rs=0.541; p<0.001), bed transfers activity and conditions 2 (rs=0.491; p<0.001) and 3 (rs=0.510; p<0.001), positioning strategy six and dressing the upper (rs=0.530; p<0.001) or lower (rs=0.562; p<0.001) body, and toileting (rs=0.521; p<0.001): the greater the loss of balance, the greater the interference on some daily life activities. CONCLUSIONS: Women with FM exhibited balance deficiencies and used different strategies for maintaining their balance in standing, which was associated with a negative impact on functional independence.

Evaluation of antihypoxemic maneuvers before tracheal aspiration in mechanically ventilated newborns.

Periodical tracheal aspiration in mechanically ventilated patients is necessary to remove mucus from the airways. In children and adults, this procedure causes transient hypoxemia, which may be prevented by hyperoxia and/or hyperventilation. These findings, however, have not been sufficiently assessed in newborn infants. Thus we investigated the usefulness of hyperoxia and/or hyperventilation as antihypoxemic maneuvers before tracheal aspiration in newborn infants. Our design was a prospective, randomized, multiple crossover study. The setting was the NICU of a third-level pediatric hospital in Mexico City. Patients included 15 newborn infants under mechanical ventilation. Within a 12-hr period, every patient received, in random order, three antihypoxemic maneuvers during 1 min just before tracheal aspiration: hyperoxia (10% increase of baseline FiO2), hyperventilation (50% increase of ventilator cycling rate), or both. Additionally, a control (sham) maneuver was also applied. Pulse oximeter saturation (SpO2) was recorded before and after each antihypoxemic maneuver, and at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 300 sec after tracheal aspiration. Basal values of SpO2 (81.5 +/- 1.5%) increased with all three antihypoxemic maneuvers (SpO2 over 90%, P <0.05 to P <0.01). Immediately after tracheal aspiration a drop in the SpO2 could be detected in all infants. However, patients receiving hyperoxia showed higher SpO2 values (87.1 +/- 1.8%) than those observed with the sham maneuver (76.9 +/- 2.3%, P <0.01). From this point on, all newborn infants in all conditions (even those with sham maneuver) had spontaneous increments of SpO2 that at 300 sec were again higher than their respective basal values (P <0.05 to P <0.0005). At this time, SpO2 values from following the hyperoxia maneuver were still higher than those following the sham maneuver (P <0.05). Our results show that, similar to what occurs at other ages, tracheal aspiration in mechanically ventilated newborn infants causes transient hypoxemia, which can be partially prevented by previous application of antihypoxemic maneuvers, especially hyperoxia.

RTB Lectin: a novel receptor-independent delivery system for lysosomal enzyme replacement therapies.

Enzyme replacement therapies have revolutionized patient treatment for multiple rare lysosomal storage diseases but show limited effectiveness for addressing pathologies in "hard-to-treat" organs and tissues including brain and bone. Here we investigate the plant lectin RTB as a novel carrier for human lysosomal enzymes. RTB enters mammalian cells by multiple mechanisms including both adsorptive-mediated and receptor-mediated endocytosis, and thus provides access to a broader array of organs and cells. Fusion proteins comprised of RTB and human α-L-iduronidase, the corrective enzyme for Mucopolysaccharidosis type I, were produced using a tobacco-based expression system. Fusion products retained both lectin selectivity and enzyme activity, were efficiently endocytosed into human fibroblasts, and corrected the disease phenotype of mucopolysaccharidosis patient fibroblasts in vitro. RTB-mediated delivery was independent of high-mannose and mannose-6-phosphate receptors, which are exploited for delivery of currently approved lysosomal enzyme therapeutics. Thus, the RTB carrier may support distinct in vivo pharmacodynamics with potential to address hard-to-treat tissues.

Infección posoperatoria por Actinomicosis israelí / Postoperative Israeli Actinomycosis Infection

La actinomicosis es una enfermedad supurativa crónica causada por Actinomyces israelii, este es un saprófito de la cavidad oral, criptas amígdalinas y el tracto gastrointestinal en un 30% de sujetos sanos. Es una enfermedad poco frecuente con una incidencia de 5/100 000. La mayoría de las veces se presenta como una complicación por el uso de bifosfona-tos o inmunosupresión como malignidad o diabetes mellitus y, raramente, por procedi-mientos orales.

Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative disease caused by Actinomyces israelii, this is a saprophyte of the oral cavity, amygdaline crypts and the gastrointestinal tract in 30% of healthy subjects. It is a rare disease with an incidence of 5 / 100,000. Most of the time it presents as a complication to the use of bisphosphonates or immunosuppression as ma-lignancy or diabetes mellitus and rarely to oral procedures.