HPG-DHunter: an ultrafast, friendly tool for DMR detection and visualization.

BACKGROUND: Software tools for analyzing DNA methylation do not provide graphical results which can be easily identified, but huge text files containing the alignment of the samples and their methylation status at a resolution of base pairs. There have been proposed different tools and methods for finding Differentially Methylated Regions (DMRs) among different samples, but the execution time required by these tools is large, and the visualization of their results is far from being interactive. Additionally, these methods show more accurate results when identifying simulated DM regions that are long and have small within-group variation, but they have low concordance when used with real datasets, probably due to the different approaches they use for DMR identification. Thus, a tool which automatically detects DMRs among different samples and interactively visualizes DMRs at different scales (from a bunch to ten of millions of DNA locations) can be the key for shortening the DNA methylation analysis process in many studies. RESULTS: In this paper, we propose a software tool based on the wavelet transform. This mathematical tool allows the fast automatic DMR detection by simple comparison of different signals at different resolution levels. Also, it allows an interactive visualization of the DMRs found at different resolution levels. The tool is publicly available at https://grev-uv.github.io/ , and it is part of a complete suite of tools which allow to carry out the complete process of DNA alignment and methylation analysis, creation of methylation maps of the whole genome, and the detection and visualization of DMRs between different samples. CONCLUSIONS: The validation of the developed software tool shows similar concordance with other well-known and extended tools when used with real and synthetic data. The batch mode of the tool is capable of automatically detecting the existing DMRs for half (twelve) of the human chromosomes between two sets of six samples (whose.csv files after the alignment and mapping procedures have an aggregated size of 108 Gigabytes) in around three hours and a half. When compared to other well-known tools, HPG-DHunter only requires around 15% of the execution time required by other tools for detecting the DMRs.

A new parallel pipeline for DNA methylation analysis of long reads datasets.

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation is an important mechanism of epigenetic regulation in development and disease. New generation sequencers allow genome-wide measurements of the methylation status by reading short stretches of the DNA sequence (Methyl-seq). Several software tools for methylation analysis have been proposed over recent years. However, the current trend is that the new sequencers and the ones expected for an upcoming future yield sequences of increasing length, making these software tools inefficient and obsolete. RESULTS: In this paper, we propose a new software based on a strategy for methylation analysis of Methyl-seq sequencing data that requires much shorter execution times while yielding a better level of sensitivity, particularly for datasets composed of long reads. This strategy can be exported to other methylation, DNA and RNA analysis tools. CONCLUSIONS: The developed software tool achieves execution times one order of magnitude shorter than the existing tools, while yielding equal sensitivity for short reads and even better sensitivity for long reads.

A parallel and sensitive software tool for methylation analysis on multicore platforms.

MOTIVATION: DNA methylation analysis suffers from very long processing time, as the advent of Next-Generation Sequencers has shifted the bottleneck of genomic studies from the sequencers that obtain the DNA samples to the software that performs the analysis of these samples. The existing software for methylation analysis does not seem to scale efficiently neither with the size of the dataset nor with the length of the reads to be analyzed. As it is expected that the sequencers will provide longer and longer reads in the near future, efficient and scalable methylation software should be developed. RESULTS: We present a new software tool, called HPG-Methyl, which efficiently maps bisulphite sequencing reads on DNA, analyzing DNA methylation. The strategy used by this software consists of leveraging the speed of the Burrows-Wheeler Transform to map a large number of DNA fragments (reads) rapidly, as well as the accuracy of the Smith-Waterman algorithm, which is exclusively employed to deal with the most ambiguous and shortest reads. Experimental results on platforms with Intel multicore processors show that HPG-Methyl significantly outperforms in both execution time and sensitivity state-of-the-art software such as Bismark, BS-Seeker or BSMAP, particularly for long bisulphite reads. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Software in the form of C libraries and functions, together with instructions to compile and execute this software. Available by sftp to anonymous@clariano.uv.es (password 'anonymous'). CONTACT: juan.orduna@uv.es or jdopazo@cipf.es.

Content development for a new item-bank for measuring multifocal contact lens performance.

BACKGROUND: Presbyopia is an age-related condition that causes a decreased ability to focus on nearby objects. Multifocal contact lenses are commonly used to address this issue. However, there seems to be a notable dissatisfaction among multifocal contact lens wearers. The absence of a reliable instrument to measure the patient's perspective, despite the widespread use of this method, highlights the need for further research in this area. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to develop an item-bank integrating all domains necessary to assess the patient's perspective on multifocal contact lens performance, offering a comprehensive measure. The item-bank will ensure a high level of content validity, be self-administered, and will initially be available in Spanish. The aim of this tool is to serve as a valuable resource for research and optometric clinics, facilitating the follow-up of patients with presbyopia who wear multifocal contact lenses or those who are newly starting to use them. METHODOLOGY: The MCL-PRO item bank, followed a systematic and step-wise inductive approach to gather information, following the recommendations outlined in the COSMIN guidelines and similar studies. The process involved the following steps: (1) Literature review and relevant existing items identification (2) Social media review, (3) Semi-structured focus groups, (4) performing qualitative analysis, (5) refining and revising the items, and (6) generating the content of the item bank. RESULTS: A total of 575 items were included in the item-bank hosted under 8 different domains that were found to be important for presbyopic population: visual symptoms (213), activity limitation (111), ocular symptoms (135), convenience (36), emotional well-being (33), general symptoms (16), cognitive issues (21) and economic issues (10). CONCLUSION: The item-bank created has followed standardised methodology for its development and encloses all the aspects for MCL performance evaluation from patients perspective.

Intrasession repeatability and agreement of the anterior corneal assessment provided by a multidiagnostic device.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Multidiagnostic systems have recently appeared on the market. Knowledge of the repeatability and validity of any instrument is mandatory before its introduction in clinical practice. BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to examine the intrasession repeatability of anterior pole measurements provided by the multidiagnostic device Wave Analyzer Medica 700 (WAM700) and agreement with Pentacam measurements in normal eyes. METHODS: In the right eyes of 113 participants, three repeat measurements of central keratometry, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth and corneal eccentricity were made with the WAM700 and Pentacam in random order. Intrasession repeatability and agreement were determined. RESULTS: Employing WAM700, intrasession repeatability for keratometry, central corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth was good (ICCs ≥ 0.992; CV 0.48-0.98%), yet worse than the values obtained for the Pentacam (ICCs ≥ 0.998; CV 0-0.33%). WAM700 showed excellent intrasession repeatability when used to measure the anterior chamber depth (Sw 0.03 mm). However, the repeatability of this device was inferior for central corneal thickness (Sw 4.24 µm) and keratometry measurements (Sw < 0.21 D) and was poor for corneal eccentricity (Sw 0.07; ICC 0.908; CV 14.58%). Agreement between WAM700 and Pentacam showed a high ICC for the keratometry measurements, central corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth (>0.972) but lower for corneal eccentricity (ICC 0.762). CONCLUSIONS: In healthy eyes, the WAM700 multidiagnostic device showed good intrasession repeatability for keratometry, central corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth measurements. Agreement between WAM700 and Pentacam was good for the anterior chamber depth measurement. However, these instruments cannot be considered interchangeable for keratometry, central corneal thickness and eccentricity readings.

Prevalence and Estimation of the Evolution of Myopia in Spanish Children.

Background: In recent decades, myopia has turned into a public health issue across the world. Between 1993 and 2016, the percentage of myopes increased from 10.4% to 34.2%. This study aims to analyze the myopia prevalence in Spanish children from five to seven years old over the last five years and to predict the rate of myopia in Spain by 2030. Methods: The sample consisted of children aged between 5 and 7, who underwent an optometric examination consisting of the measurement of visual acuity (VA) and determination of objective and subjective refraction. The cut-off points to define refractive error are established by the spherical equivalent (SE) value: hyperopia for an SE over or equal to +0.50 D; myopia for an SE under or equal to -0.50 D; and emmetropia when the SE is between -0.50 D and +0.50 D. Results: The myopia rate in Spanish children aged between five and seven was 19%. Myopia prevalence progressively increased as children grew up (p ≤ 0.001). It is estimated that, in the year 2030, the rate of myopia will be 30.2% [CI: 25.3-35.0], of which 81.9% [CI: 78.3-85.3] will have low myopia, 10.0% [CI: 7.2-12.8] moderate myopia, and 7.3% [CI: 4.9-9.7] high myopia. Conclusions: Nineteen percent of Spanish children between five and seven are myopes. In 2030, is expected that 30.2% of Spanish children between 5 and 7 years of age will be myopes. These estimations will support eye care professionals in recommending that children spend more time outdoors to prevent the onset of myopia and the use of methods to control myopia to avoid reaching these figures of high myopia.

Early Cretaceous lepidosaur (sphenodontian?) burrows.

Scarce fossil tetrapod burrows have been recorded in Cretaceous rocks, which is probably linked to the dominant equable climates that existed for most of this period. The occurrence of Cretaceous tetrapod burrows from Patagonia (Chubut Province, Argentina) dated between 118 and 115 million years ago, gives insights into their paleoecology and paleoenvironment. The rocks containing the tetrapod burrows are of pyroclastic origin and represent eolian dunes and ash-fall deposits, some reworked by fluvial currents and others showing soil development. Fossil burrow casts preserved in a paleosol are composed by a ramp with a slightly curved or straight path in plan-view and lacking bifurcation, a rounded termination with no enlargement, showing a reniform cross-section, and are assigned to the ichnospecies Reniformichnus katikatii. The strongly flattened cross-sectional shape of the burrow casts and comparison with modern lizard burrows suggest that the producers were lepidosaurs (body mass = 50-323 g). Among Cretaceous fossorial lepidosaurs from Patagonia, the best candidate is an eilenodontine sphenodontian. Sphenodontians burrowed in the fossil soils where also arthropods, earthworms and shrubby plants thrived. The rare occurrence of tetrapod burrows in Cretaceous rocks is linked to stressing conditions related to frequent arrival of volcanic ash and a semiarid seasonal climate.

Subjective behavioral measures in myopic and pre-myopic children before and after the COVID lockdown.

Background: There are environmental factors that may contribute to the onset of myopia. This study aims to evaluate the children's lifestyle changes before and after the COVID-19 lockdown and how they can influence their vision. Methods: The same questionnaire was administered to children aged between 5 and 7 in Spain every year in September before (2017-2019) and after the COVID-19 lockdown (2020-2021). All the children also passed a vision exam consisting of the measurement of visual acuity (VA) and determination of objective and subjective refraction. Children were classified as myopes, pre-myopes, or hyperopes. The cut-off points to define the refractive error were established according to the value of the spherical equivalent (SE): hyperopia (SE > +0,75D), myopia (SE ≤ -0,5D), or pre-myopia (-0.5D < SE ≥ +0.75D). Data analysis is performed with the SPSS 27.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois). Results: In the pre-COVID period, the pre-myopes were the ones who spent the longest time outdoors, and after the COVID lockdown, there were no differences between groups. There neither were any differences in the time spent doing near-work activities between the groups in both periods (p > 0.05). Regarding the spherical equivalent, in the pre-COVID period, the mean value was 0.75 ± 2.09D and after the COVID lockdown, it was 0.47 ± 1.88D (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Pre-myopes spent more time outdoors than myopes in the pre-COVID period, while myopes spent more time using digital devices. All these differences do not exist after the COVID lockdown, with a general increase in the time spent outdoors and a decrease in the use of digital devices. Further studies are needed to know if these lifestyle changes remain and how they influence the onset of myopia.

Spanish Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Rasch Analysis and Validation of the Ocular Comfort Index (OCI) Questionnaire.

The Ocular Comfort Index (OCI) assesses ocular surface irritation and grades the severity of dry eye disease. This study sought to adapt the OCI questionnaire into Spanish, and then to assess the psychometric performance and validity of the new adapted version (OCI-versión española, OCIVE). The questionnaire was translated, back translated, and then cross-culturally adapted for use with Spanish-speaking individuals. The OCIVE was completed by 450 participants, including 53 subjects that were diagnosed with dry eye disease. Through a Rasch analysis, the psychometric properties of item fit, targeting, person separation, reliability, and differential item functioning (DIF) were assessed. To test the convergent validity, we examined the correlation between the OCIVE and the Computer Vision Symptom Scale (CVSS17). Validity was tested in a subgroup of participants with and without dry eye, and test-retest repeatability was determined in a subset of 151 individuals. We also compared, via DIF, the performance of the OCIVE with that of the original OCI. Our Rasch analysis revealed a good model fit, high accuracy, good targeting, unidimensionality, and no DIF according to gender. The validity and repeatability were good. The OCIVE shows comparable psychometric properties to the original English version, making it a valid tool for measuring dry eye symptoms in Spanish adults.

The 17-Item Computer Vision Symptom Scale Questionnaire (CVSS17): Translation, Validation and Reliability of the Italian Version.

Background. To validate the 17-item Computer Vision Symptom Scale questionnaire (CVSS17) in Italian. Methods. Cross-sectional validation study on video terminal (VDT) users and a reference sample of subjects not working at a VDT (control group), cognitively able to respond to a health status interview. The Italian self-administered version of the CVSS17 questionnaire was administered to all participants. The reliability and validity of the Italian translation of the CVSS17 were tested using standard statistical methods for questionnaire validation. The Rasch analysis was performed as well. Results. A total of 216 subjects were enrolled. Concerning the reliability, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.925 (from 0.917 to 0.924), and the test−retest stability was 0.91 (<0.001). Concerning the validity, the control group had significantly better scores, and there were good correlations between responses to the CVSS17 and analogous domains of the GSS. Conclusion. The Italian version of the CVSS17 has shown psychometric properties comparable to those of the Spanish version, having good validity, discriminatory power, internal consistency and reliability. The questionnaire is a specific measure of vision-related quality of life in Italian-speaking VDT workers and can be used both in clinical practice and for research purposes.

Novel Digital Measurement Technique to Analyze the Palatine Suture Expansion after Palatine Rapid Maxillary Expansion Technique.

The aim of the study was to validate a novel digital measurement method to quantify the volume of the midpalatal suture after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight patients with maxillary skeletal transverse deficiency were submitted to palatine suture expansion using the McNamara orthodontic appliance during a period of nine months. After 30 days of treatment, all patients were exposed postoperatively to a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Afterwards, the scans were uploaded into the three-dimensional orthodontic-planning software to allow the volumetric assessment of the palatine suture expansion through palatine rapid maxillary expansion using a McNamara appliance. The repeatability was analyzed by repeating twice the measures by a single operator and reproducibility was analyzed by repeating three times the measures by two operators, and Gage R&R statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The expansion of the midpalatal suture by means of the rapid maxillary expansion technique, in terms of digital volume measurement, showed a repeatability value of 0.09% and between the two operators a reproducibility value of 0.00% was shown. CONCLUSIONS: The novel measurement technique demonstrated a high repeatability and reproducibility rate for volume assessment of the palatine suture expansion through palatine rapid maxillary expansion technique.

The Prevalence of Myopia in Children in Spain: An Updated Study in 2020.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there was a significant increase in myopia incidence worldwide. However, it is still not clear how it affects Spanish children. Since 2016, this research team analyzed myopia prevalence and risk in 9668 children aged between 5 and 7 years. It was shown that the prevalence rates increased from 16.8% in 2016 to 20.4% in 2019. The objective of this study is to update the prevalence rate of myopia in Spain in 2020 and analyze the risk and prevention factors of myopia. METHODS: The participants underwent an optometric examination, and a questionnaire on their lifestyle, family history, and geographical origin was carried out. Finally, data were analyzed using the SPSS version 27 program. RESULTS: 1601 children from various Autonomous Communities of Spain were examined. In 2020 the myopia rates did not increase compared to 2019 (p < 0.05), although the number of hyperopes decreased and the number of emmetropes increased. Regarding age, the prevalence of myopia increased progressively over the years (p < 0.001). There was no association between gender and myopia (p > 0.05). There was a link between the time spent in near vision and family history with the prevalence of myopia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of myopia in Spain in children between 5 and 7 years old increased significantly between 2016 and 2020.

Spanish Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Rasch Analysis of the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS).

Purpose: To culturally and linguistically adapt the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) to Spanish and assess the psychometric performance of the new version through Rasch analysis and classical test theory methods. Methods: The Spanish version of the CISS (CISSVE) was completed by 449 subjects (9-30 years old) from the general population. The validity and reliability of CISSVE were assessed through Rasch statistics (precision, targeting, item fit, unidimensionality, and differential item functioning). To test construct validity, we calculated the coefficients of correlation between the CISSVE and the Computer-Vision Symptom Scale (CVSS17) or Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). We determined test-retest reliability in a subset of 229 subjects. We used differential item functioning (DIF) to compare the CISSSVE and the CISS after administering the CISS to 216 English children. Results: After applying exclusion criteria, the responses of 420 participants (mean age, 18.62 years; female, 54.95%) revealed good Rasch model fit, good precision (person separation = 2.33), and suboptimal targeting (-1.37). There was some evidence of multidimensionality, but disattenuated correlations between the Rasch dimension and a possible secondary dimension were high, suggesting they were measuring similar constructs. No item bias according to gender or age was detected. Spearman's correlation was 0.34 (P < 0.001) for CISSVE-CVSS17 and non-significant for CISSVE-WEMWBS. The limits of agreement for test-retest reliability were 9.67 and -8.71. Rasch analysis results indicated no difference between CISS and CISSVE. Conclusions: According to our results, CISSVE is a valid and reliable tool for measuring the symptoms assessed by CISS in Spanish people 9 to 30 years of age. Translational Relevance: CISSVE can measure convergence insufficiency symptoms in Spanish-speaking subjects.

Thermochemistry of the gaseous vanadium chlorides VCl, VCl2, VCl3, and VCl4.

Gaseous equilibria in the V-Ag-Cl system were studied at elevated temperatures by effusion-beam mass spectrometry, where the pertinent species were generated by reaction of Cl 2(g) with V + Ag granules in the effusion cell source. Reaction enthalpies were derived from the equilibrium data, and the standard enthalpies of formation at 298 K of gaseous VCl, VCl2, and VCl3 were found to be +49.7, -34.8, and -85.6 kcal mol(-1), respectively. The corresponding bond dissociation energies at 298 K are D(V-Cl) = 102.9 kcal, D(ClV-Cl) = 113.5 kcal, D(Cl2V-Cl) = 79.8 kcal, and D(Cl3V-Cl) = 69.5 kcal. From these data, the dissociation energy D degrees 0(VCl) = 101.9 kcal mol(-1) or 4.42 eV is obtained. An alternate value, Delta(f)H(o)298(VCl 3,g) = -87.0 kcal mol (-1) was derived from third-law analysis of literature sublimation data for VCl3(s). In addition, literature thermochemical data on VCl4(g) were re-evaluated, leading to Delta(f)H(o)298 = -126.1 kcal mol (-1). The results are compared with various estimates in the literature.

Five levels of performance and two subscales identified in the computer-vision symptom scale (CVSS17) by Rasch, factor, and discriminant analysis.

PURPOSE: To quantify the levels of performance (symptom severity) of the computer-vision symptom scale (CVSS17), confirm its bifactorial structure as detected in an exploratory factor analysis, and validate its factors as subscales. METHODS: By partial credit model (PCM), we estimated CVSS17 measures and the standard error for every possible raw score, and used these data to determine the number of different performance levels in the CVSS17. In addition, through discriminant analysis, we checked that the scale's two main factors could classify subjects according to these determined levels of performance. Finally, a separate Rasch analysis was performed for each CVSS17 factor to assess their measurement properties when used as isolated scales. RESULTS: We identified 5.8 different levels of performance. Discriminant functions obtained from sample data indicated that the scale's main factors correctly classified 98.4% of the cases. The main factors: Internal symptom factor (ISF) and external symptom factor (ESF) showed good measurement properties and can be considered as subscales. CONCLUSION: CVSS17 scores defined five different levels of performance. In addition, two main factors (ESF and ISF) were identified and these confirmed by discriminant analysis. These subscales served to assess either the visual or the ocular symptoms attributable to computer use.

Symptoms associated with reading from a smartphone in conditions of light and dark.

Asthenopia symptoms were investigated in visually-normal subjects without computer-related vision symptoms after prolonged reading from: smartphone versus hardcopy under photopic conditions, and smartphone in conditions of ambient versus dark room illumination. After reading from the smartphone, total symptom scores and nine out of ten questionnaire symptoms were significantly worse than for the hardcopy ("blurred vision while viewing the text, "blurred distance vision after the task", "difficulty in refocusing from one distance to another", "irritated or burning eyes", "dry eyes", "eyestrain", "tired eyes", "sensitivity to bright lights" and "eye discomfort"). Mean total symptom scores and scores for "irritated or burning eyes" and "dry eyes" were significantly higher for the dark versus photopic conditions. In conclusion, prolonged smartphone reading could cause worse asthenopic symptoms than reading from a hardcopy under similar conditions. Symptoms could be even worse when reading from a smartphone in the dark.

Factors related to the development of health-promoting community activities in Spanish primary healthcare: two case-control studies.

OBJECTIVE: Spanish primary healthcare teams have the responsibility of performing health-promoting community activities (CAs), although such activities are not widespread. Our aim was to identify the factors related to participation in those activities. DESIGN: Two case-control studies. SETTING: Performed in primary care of five Spanish regions. SUBJECTS: In the first study, cases were teams that performed health-promoting CAs and controls were those that did not. In the second study (on case teams from the first study), cases were professionals who developed these activities and controls were those who did not. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Team, professional and community characteristics collected through questionnaires (team managers/professionals) and from secondary sources. RESULTS: The first study examined 203 teams (103 cases, 100 controls). Adjusted factors associated with performing CAs were percentage of nurses (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.14), community socioeconomic status (higher vs lower OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.95) and performing undergraduate training (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.93). In the second study, 597 professionals responded (254 cases, 343 controls). Adjusted factors were professional classification (physicians do fewer activities than nurses and social workers do more), training in CAs (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.1), team support (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.5 to 5.7), seniority (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09), nursing tutor (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.5), motivation (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.8 to 7.5), collaboration with non-governmental organisations (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.1) and participation in neighbourhood activities (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9 to 5.1). CONCLUSIONS: Professional personal characteristics, such as social sensitivity, profession, to feel team support or motivation, have influence in performing health-promoting CAs. In contrast to the opinion expressed by many professionals, workload is not related to performance of health-promoting CAs.

In vitro activity effects of combinations of cephalothin, dicloxacillin, imipenem, vancomycin and amikacin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. strains.

BACKGROUND: combinations of drugs has been proposed as an alternative for oxacillin-resistant staphylococci infections, however, limited information about in vitro combinations are available for multi-resistant strains. The objective of this study was to describe the interaction of beta-lactams in combination with vancomycin or amikacin against 26 oxacillin and amikacin-resistant nosocomial Staphylococcus spp. isolates. METHODS: activity of dicloxacillin plus amikacin, cephalothin plus amikacin, cephalothin plus vancomycin, imipenem plus vancomycin and vancomycin plus amikacin was evaluated by checkerboard synergy tests and the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC) was calculated. RESULTS: dicloxacillin plus amikacin, and cephalothin plus amikacin were synergistic or partially synergistic in 84.6% and 100% respectively. For nearly half of the isolates the mean concentrations of dicloxacillin, cephalothin and amikacin at which FIC indexes were calculated were achievable therapeutically. Vancomycin plus amikacin had synergistic effect only against two isolates, and partially synergistic in 38.6%. For the combinations vancomycin plus cephalothin and vancomycin plus imipenem the effect was additive in 76.9% and 80.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: in this study the checkerboard analysis showed that amikacin in combination with cephalothin or dicloxacillin was synergistic against most of the resistant strains of S. aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Vancomycin in combination with a beta-lactam (cephalothin or imipenem) showed additivity. An indifferent effect predominated for the combination vancomycin plus amikacin. Even though a synergistic effect is expected when using a beta-lactam plus amikacin combination, it is possible that the effect cannot be clinically achievable. Careful selection of antimicrobial combinations and initial MICs are mandatory for future evaluations.

The Computer-Vision Symptom Scale (CVSS17): development and initial validation.

PURPOSE: To develop a questionnaire (in Spanish) to measure computer-related visual and ocular symptoms (CRVOS). METHODS: A pilot questionnaire was created by consulting the literature, clinicians, and video display terminal (VDT) workers. The replies of 636 subjects completing the questionnaire were assessed using the Rasch model and conventional statistics to generate a new scale, designated the Computer-Vision Symptom Scale (CVSS17). Validity and reliability were determined by Rasch fit statistics, principal components analysis (PCA), person separation, differential item functioning (DIF), and item-person targeting. To assess construct validity, the CVSS17 was correlated with a Rasch-based visual discomfort scale (VDS) in 163 VDT workers, this group completed the CVSS17 twice in order to assess test-retest reliability (two-way single-measure intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and their 95% confidence intervals, and the coefficient of repeatability [COR]). RESULTS: The CVSS17 contains 17 items exploring 15 different symptoms. These items showed good reliability and internal consistency (mean square infit and outfit 0.88-1.17, eigenvalue for the first residual PCA component 1.37, person separation 2.85, and no DIF). Pearson's correlation with VDS scores was 0.60 (P < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.849 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.800-0.887), and COR was 8.14. CONCLUSIONS: The Rasch-based linear-scale CVSS17 emerged as a useful tool to quantify CRVOS in computer workers. : Spanish Abstract.

[Dietary habits and physical activity in a secondary school in the Balearic islands]. / Habitos de alimentación y actividad física en un instituto de Educación Secundaria secundaria de Baleares.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in dietary habits and physical activity, as well as the prevalence of obesity and overweight that have occurred in a cohort of 1st and 4th year secondary school pupils after non-structured health education activities. METHOD: A descriptive, longitudinal study, in which anthropometric variables, dietary habits, leisure and physical activity were collected in the 1st year secondary school pupils (n=61), and they were measured again when they were in the 4th year. The differences between the two school years were analysed using the Mc Nemar-Bowker Test. During the period of the study educational sessions were given on healthy eating and physical activity. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight decreased significantly (from 14.8% to 3.7%) and the level of physical activity has increased. No statistical differences were detected in the quality of breakfast or in the quality of the Mediterranean diet. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the aspects studied have improved without being able to attribute this improvement to the educational sessions given. To determine and analyse the healthy living habits of adolescents would enable us to plan realistic interventions, adapted to the particular environment. They should be structured and continuous over time and approach areas of knowledge, skills and emotions, and directed, not only at the young people, but also their families, the internal environment of the educational centre. There should be coordination of community resources in order to make a coordinated approach.