Using Machine Translation and Post-Editing in the TRAPD Approach: Effects on the Quality of Translated Survey Texts.

A highly controlled experimental setting using a sample of questions from the European Social Survey (ESS) and European Values Study (EVS) was used to test the effects of integrating machine translation and post-editing into the Translation, Review, Adjudication, Pretesting, and Documentation (TRAPD) approach in survey translation. Four experiments were conducted in total, two concerning the language pair English-German and two in the language pair English-Russian. The overall results of this study are positive for integrating machine translation and post-editing into the TRAPD process, when translating survey questionnaires. The experiments show evidence that in German and Russian languages and for a sample of ESS and EVS survey questions, the effect of integrating machine translation and post-editing on the quality of the review outputs-with quality understood as texts output with the fewest errors possible-can hardly be distinguished from the quality that derives from the setting with human translations only.

Radical surgical approach to chronic suppurative osteomyelitis: Case report / Abordaje quirúrgico radical de una osteomielitis crónica supurativa: reporte de caso

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a systemic condition potentially related to an increased risk of progression of various infections such as chronic osteomyelitis by accelerating the inflammatory process with bone tissue necrosis and suppuration. Therefore, if there is no proper management of these infections, they can be life-threatening as they spread to deeper spaces in the head and neck. We describe the case of a 52-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes mellitus and grade III osteoarthritis who was diagnosed with chronic suppurative osteomyelitis of the mandible. He underwent a multidisciplinary surgical intervention in which he underwent a hemimandibulectomy with immediate mandibular reconstruction. The present case highlights the importance of early and radical treatment of patients with chronic suppurative osteomyelitis of the mandible and systemic comorbidities. In addition, this case presents a review of diabetes mellitus and the risk of developing odontogenic infections and complications when invading deeper spaces in the head and neck. Therefore, in this population, careful planning is required for early surgical and pharmacological treatment.

Resumen La diabetes mellitus es una condición sistémica potencialmente relacionada con un mayor riesgo de progresión de diversas infecciones como la osteomielitis crónica al acelerar el proceso inflamatorio con necrosis del tejido óseo y supuración. Por lo tanto, si no hay un manejo adecuado de estas infecciones pueden ser potencialmente mortales al llegar a propagarse a espacios más profundos de la cabeza y cuello. Describimos el caso de un paciente varón de 52 años con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus y osteoartrosis grado III a quien se le diagnosticó de osteomielitis crónica supurativa mandibular. Se le realizó una intervención quirúrgica multidisciplinaria en la cual se le realizó una hemimandibulectomía con reconstrucción mandibular inmediata. El presente caso destaca la importancia del tratamiento temprano y radical de los pacientes con osteomielitis mandibular crónica supurativa y comorbilidades sistémicas. Además, en este caso se presenta una revisión sobre la diabetes mellitus y el riesgo de desarrollar infecciones odontogénicas y complicaciones al invadir espacios más profundos de la cabeza y cuello. Por lo tanto, en esta población se requiere de una planificación cuidadosa para realizar un tratamiento quirúrgico y farmacológico temprano.

Development of a Vaping Cessation Text Messaging Intervention for Latino Young Adults: A Participatory Research Approach.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the participatory research procedures of developing Kick Vaping, a vaping cessation text messaging intervention for Latino young adults, available in English and Spanish. METHODS: Using community-based recruitment strategies, we convened a Community Advisory Board (CAB) of eight Latino young adults (ages 18-25) with different vaping experiences (never users, ex-users, and current users of e-cigarettes). Members held a series of working meetings to adapt Decídetexto, a smoking cessation text messaging intervention, for vaping cessation. Members provided iterative feedback on the text messages until reaching a consensus on content. Messages were translated from English to Spanish following a committee approach. Readability assessments were used to evaluate the legibility of the text messages. RESULTS: At baseline, members' mean age was 22.6 years old (SD 3.1), 75% were female, and 50% used both English and Spanish equally. Three members (37.5%) were ex-users and one member (12.5%) was a current user of e-cigarettes. 18 meetings provided sufficient opportunities for iterative feedback on the text messages for developing the intervention. The Kick Vaping intervention consists of 208 text messages. Readability scores of the text messages in English were equivalent to fourth and fifth grade, and in Spanish were equivalent to easy and somewhat easy. CONCLUSION: It is feasible and practical to build participatory research among Latino young adults focused on vaping cessation. Members of the CAB added innovation and creativity to the development of the vaping cessation text messaging intervention. Future research is needed to evaluate the impact of the intervention on vaping cessation.

Aprendizaje autónomo en la educación a distancia en estudiantes de Psicopedagogía durante la COVID-19: una revisión sistemática

Introducción: Durante la COVID-19, la educación a distancia fue una oportunidad para el ejercicio del autoaprendizaje en salud mediante el uso de recursos electrónicos, con el dinamismo e impulso del aprendizaje autodidacta mediante el uso de las TIC. Objetivo: Valorar a través de una revisión sistemática el comportamiento del aprendizaje autónomo en estudiantes de Psicopedagogía durante la pandemia por la COVID-19. Método: Se realizó una revisión sistemática en publicaciones entre los años 2020-2022, donde se identificaron 767 artículos en Scopus, 64 registros en SciELO y 759 en Google Scholar, luego de su procesamiento quedó una muestra de 52 artículos. Fueron recopilados: título, año, tipo de artículo, contexto, revista, indexación, tema, comentario, posible uso en el artículo, referencia bibliográfica y DOI. Las referencias bibliográficas se procesaron mediante el gestor bibliográfico Mendeley. Resultados: Se destacó el creciente acto investigativo acerca de las estrategias metodológicas de la autonomía en los aprendizajes en educación básica y con aspiraciones a efectuar estudios en salud, durante la pandemia por la COVID-19. El país con más producciones académicas sobre aprendizaje autónomo en educación básica fue Perú con cuatro, seguido de Ecuador con tres producciones científicas vinculadas a salud; también se encontraron investigaciones de otras latitudes. Conclusiones: El aprendizaje autónomo es una prioridad de vigencia actual, indispensable para responder a las demandas de una sociedad cambiante y compleja. En los países de Latinoamérica hubo creciente interés investigativo sobre aprendizaje autónomo en educación básica y que aspiraron a efectuar estudios en salud durante la pandemia por la COVID-19.

Introduction: During COVID-19, distance education was an opportunity to practice self-learning in health through the use of electronic resources, with the dynamism and promotion of self-taught learning through the use of ICT. Objective: To assess, through a systematic review, the behavior of autonomous learning in Psychopedagogy students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A systematic review was carried out on publications between the years 2020-2022, where 767 articles were identified in Scopus, 64 records in SciELO and 759 in Google Scholar, after processing a sample of 52 articles remained. The following were collected: title, year, type of article, context, journal, indexing, topic, comment, possible use in the article, bibliographic reference and DOI. Bibliographic references were processed using the Mendeley bibliographic manager. Results: The growing research act was highlighted about the methodological strategies of autonomy in learning in basic education and with aspirations to carry out health studies, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country with the most academic productions on autonomous learning in basic education was Peru with four, followed by Ecuador with three scientific productions linked to health; Research from other latitudes was also found. Conclusions: Autonomous learning is a current priority, essential to respond to the demands of a changing and complex society. In Latin American countries, there was growing research interest in autonomous learning in basic education and they aspired to carry out health studies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introdução: Durante a COVID-19, a educação a distância foi uma oportunidade para praticar a autoaprendizagem em saúde através do uso de recursos eletrônicos, com a dinamização e promoção da aprendizagem autodidata através do uso das TIC. Objetivo: Avaliar, por meio de uma revisão sistemática, o comportamento da aprendizagem autônoma em estudantes de Psicopedagogia durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática sobre publicações entre os anos de 2020 a 2022, onde foram identificados 767 artigos na Scopus, 64 registros na SciELO e 759 no Google Acadêmico, após processamento permaneceu uma amostra de 52 artigos. Foram coletados: título, ano, tipo de artigo, contexto, periódico, indexação, tema, comentário, possível uso no artigo, referência bibliográfica e DOI. As referências bibliográficas foram processadas utilizando o gerenciador bibliográfico Mendeley. Resultados: Destacou-se a crescente atuação de pesquisa sobre as estratégias metodológicas de autonomia na aprendizagem na educação básica e com aspirações à realização de estudos em saúde, durante a pandemia de COVID-19. O país com mais produções acadêmicas sobre aprendizagem autônoma na educação básica foi o Peru com quatro, seguido pelo Equador com três produções científicas ligadas à saúde; Pesquisas de outras latitudes também foram encontradas. Conclusões: A aprendizagem autónoma é uma prioridade atual, essencial para responder às exigências de uma sociedade complexa e em mudança. Nos países latino-americanos, havia um crescente interesse de investigação na aprendizagem autónoma no ensino básico e aspiravam a realizar estudos de saúde durante a pandemia da COVID-19.

Ultrasound assessment of muscle mass and correlation with clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Muscular atrophy implies structural and functional alterations related to muscular force production and movement. This condition has been reported to be the main reason for generalized muscle weakness; it reflects the severity of the disease and can have a profound impact on short- and long-term clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle atrophy ultrasound parameters early predict muscle weakness, morbidity, or 28-days mortality. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational single center cohort study. Ultrasound was used to determine the cross-sectional area and muscle thickness of the rectus femoris on the first and third day of ICU stay. The main outcome was the incidence of significant muscle atrophy (≥ 10%). RESULTS: Ultrasound measurements were made in 31 patients, 58% (18/31) of which showed significant muscle atrophy. The relative loss of muscle mass per day was 1.78 at 5% per day. The presence of muscle atrophy presents increased risk for limb muscle weakness and handgrip weakness. The 28-days mortality rate was similar in both subgroups. CONCLUSION: The presence of muscle atrophy presents an increased clinical risk for the development of limb ICUAW and handgrip, although these observations were not statistically significant. The results could be used to plan future studies on this topic.

A systematic review of the data, methods and environmental covariates used to map Aedes-borne arbovirus transmission risk.

BACKGROUND: Aedes (Stegomyia)-borne diseases are an expanding global threat, but gaps in surveillance make comprehensive and comparable risk assessments challenging. Geostatistical models combine data from multiple locations and use links with environmental and socioeconomic factors to make predictive risk maps. Here we systematically review past approaches to map risk for different Aedes-borne arboviruses from local to global scales, identifying differences and similarities in the data types, covariates, and modelling approaches used. METHODS: We searched on-line databases for predictive risk mapping studies for dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever with no geographical or date restrictions. We included studies that needed to parameterise or fit their model to real-world epidemiological data and make predictions to new spatial locations of some measure of population-level risk of viral transmission (e.g. incidence, occurrence, suitability, etc.). RESULTS: We found a growing number of arbovirus risk mapping studies across all endemic regions and arboviral diseases, with a total of 176 papers published 2002-2022 with the largest increases shortly following major epidemics. Three dominant use cases emerged: (i) global maps to identify limits of transmission, estimate burden and assess impacts of future global change, (ii) regional models used to predict the spread of major epidemics between countries and (iii) national and sub-national models that use local datasets to better understand transmission dynamics to improve outbreak detection and response. Temperature and rainfall were the most popular choice of covariates (included in 50% and 40% of studies respectively) but variables such as human mobility are increasingly being included. Surprisingly, few studies (22%, 31/144) robustly tested combinations of covariates from different domains (e.g. climatic, sociodemographic, ecological, etc.) and only 49% of studies assessed predictive performance via out-of-sample validation procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Here we show that approaches to map risk for different arboviruses have diversified in response to changing use cases, epidemiology and data availability. We identify key differences in mapping approaches between different arboviral diseases, discuss future research needs and outline specific recommendations for future arbovirus mapping.

Estilos de vida en adultos de una comunidad colombiana según el modelo de Nola Pender / Lifestyles in adults from a colombian community according to Nola Pender’s model

Objetivo: describir los estilos de vida según el Modelo de Promoción de la Salud de Nola Pender en población adulta colombiana participante de un proyecto de intervención comunitaria.Método: estudio descriptivo transversal en población adulta colombiana participante en un proyecto de intervención comunitaria, seleccionada con el apoyo de los líderes comunitarios de la zona. Las variables estudiadas incluyeron datos sociodemográficos y el instrumento Health Promoting Life Profile II (HPLP-II) de Pender, que evalúa la responsabilidad en salud, nutrición, actividad física, relaciones interpersonales, crecimiento espiritual y manejo del estrés. Para realizar el análisis bivariado se utilizaron las pruebas no paramétricas U de Mann-Whitney y Kruskal-Wallis.Resultados: participaron 117 personas de las 165 personas invitadas. La puntuación total de HPLP II fue de 137,5 (buen comportamiento promotor de la salud). En relación con la media global por dimensiones, el “Crecimiento espiritual”, alcanzó la media más alta (27,94), mientras que la “Actividad física”, la más baja (16,8). Quienes tenían entre 41-45 años tenían mayor “Responsabilidad en salud” (Med: 28; p= 0,039) y mayor “Crecimiento espiritual”. Las mujeres tenían mayor “Responsabilidad en salud” (Med: 24; p= 0,035); en quienes el régimen de afiliación era contributivo era mayor el “Crecimiento espiritual” (Med: 31; p= 0,007) y las “Relaciones interpersonales” (Med: 27; p= 0,02).Conclusión: la población adulta participante en un proyecto de intervención comunitaria tiene un buen comportamiento promotor de la salud, especialmente atribuible a la dimensión “Crecimiento espiritual” y con déficit en la dimensión “Actividad física”.(AU)

Objective: to describe the lifestyles according to Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model among the adult Colombian population participating in a community intervention project. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study in the adult Colombian population participating in a community intervention project, selected with support by community leaders from the area. The variables studied included sociodemographic data and Pender’s Health Promoting Life Profile II instrument, which evaluates responsibility in health, nutrition, physical activity, interpersonal relationships, spiritual growth, and stress management. For bivariate analysis, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used.Results: of the 165 persons invited, 117 participated. The total score in HPLP II was 137.5 (good health promoting behaviour). Regarding the overall mean by dimensions, “Spiritual growth” reached the highest mean (27.94), while “Physical activity” was the lowest (16.8). Those who were between 41 and 45 years old had higher “Responsibility in health” (Mean: 28; p= 0.039) and higher “Spiritual growth”. Women had higher “Responsibility in health” (Mean: 24; p= 0.035); those with a contributory affiliation regimen presented higher scores in “Spiritual growth” (Mean: 31; p= 0.007) and “Interpersonal Relationships” (Mean: 27; p= 0.02).Conclusion: the adult population participating in a community intervention project presented a good health promoting behaviour, particularly regarding the “Spiritual growth” dimension, and with deficiency in the “Physical activity” dimension.(AU)

Variation in fruit and seed dimensions is better explained by dispersal system than by leaf size in a tropical rainforest.

PREMISE: Variation in fruit and seed traits could originate from selection pressures exerted by frugivores or other ecological factors (adaptive hypotheses) and developmental constraints (by-product hypotheses) or chance. METHODS: We evaluated fruit and leaf traits for nearly 850 plant species from a rainforest in Tinigua Park, Colombia. Through a series of linear regressions controlling for the phylogenetic signal of the traits (minimum N = 542), we tested (1) whether the allometry between seed width and length depends on seed dispersal system (Mazer and Wheelwright's adaptive hypothesis of allometry for species dispersed in the guts of animals = endozoochory) and (2) whether fruit length is associated with leaf length (i.e., Herrera's by-product hypothesis derived from the assumption that both organs develop from homologous structures). RESULTS: We found a strong negative allometric association between seed width and length for seeds of endozoochorous species, as expected; but also, for anemochorous species. We found a positive relationship between fruit and leaf length, but this relationship was not evident for zoochorous species. Fruit size was highly correlated with seed size. CONCLUSIONS: The allometry between seed length and width varied among dispersal systems, supporting that fruit and seed morphology has been modified by interactions with frugivores and by the possibility to rotate for some wind dispersed species. We found some support for the hypothesis on developmental constraints because fruit and leaf size were positively correlated, but the predictive power of the relationship was low (10-15%).

PREMISA: La variación en los rasgos de frutos y semillas de las plantas podría tener su origen en las presiones de selección ejercidas por los frugívoros u otros factores ecológicos (hipótesis adaptativas), así como en limitaciones del desarrollo (hipótesis de subproductos) o en el azar. MÉTODOS: Nosotros evaluamos rasgos de frutos y hojas en cerca de 850 especies de plantas de un bosque húmedo tropical en el Parque Nacional Natural Tinigua, Colombia. Usando una serie de regresiones lineales que controlan por la señal filogenética de dichos rasgos (mínimo N = 542), nosotros probamos (1) si la alometría entre el ancho y largo de la semilla depende del sistema de dispersión de la semilla (i.e., hipótesis adaptativa de Mazer y Wheelwright; en la que se espera una alometría negativa para especies dispersadas por endozoocoria) y (2) si el largo del fruto está asociado con el largo de la hoja (i.e., la hipótesis del subproducto de Herrera derivada de la suposición de que ambos órganos se desarrollan a partir de estructuras homólogas). RESULTADOS: Nosotros encontramos una fuerte asociación alométrica negativa entre el ancho y el largo de las semillas para las semillas de las especies endozoócoras, como era de esperar; pero también, para las especies anemócoras. Nosotros también hallamos una relación positiva entre el largo del fruto y de la hoja, pero esta relación no fue evidente para las especies endozoócoras. Detectamos que el tamaño del fruto esta altamente correlacionado con el tamaño de la semilla. CONCLUSIONES: La alometría entre el largo y el ancho de la semilla varió entre sistemas de dispersión, lo que sugiere que la morfología de frutos y semillas ha sido moldeada por interacciones con frugívoros en el caso de las semillas endozoócoras y por la posibilidad de rotar para algunas especies dispersadas por el viento. Aunque el poder predictivo de la relación entre el tamaño del fruto y de la hoja fue bajo (10-15%), nosotros encontramos un apoyo moderado a la hipótesis sobre las limitaciones del desarrollo, ya que el tamaño del fruto y de la hoja estaban correlacionados positivamente.

Acompañamiento creativo para el duelo por muerte en contexto hospitalario: Laexperiencia en un Hospital en Bogotá / Apoio criativo ao luto pela morte no contexto hospitalar: a experiência em umhospital de Bogotá / Creative support for death grief in a hospital context: the experience in a Bogotá hospital

The article presents the results of a participatory research process based on the arts, whichsought to incorporate art and creativity in seven units of a high-complexity university hospital, forsupport at the end of life and bereavement. This was done through the provision of kits with materials with creative potential and the development of awareness and creation workshops with healthand administrative staff, patients, and family members. The process was produced through participant observation and field diaries. Informal, semi-structured interviews and a discussion groupwere also conducted to identify the main barriers and facilitators of the proposal. We conclude that,in order to integrate this type of resources and for care centered on the person and families, healthservices require deep transformations that include death as a significant experience, giving space totheir own mourning and emotions, which would reduce Fatigue due to inflammation is very frequent in health personnel confronted with death in a systematic way. The project was approved bythe respective ethics committee.(AU)

El artículo presenta los resultados de un proceso de investigación participativa basadaen las artes, en el que se buscó incorporar el arte y la creatividad en siete unidades de un hospitaluniversitario de alta complejidad, para el acompañamiento en final de vida y duelo. Esto se hizo através de la disposición de kits con materiales con potencial creativo y el desarrollo de talleres desensibilización y creación con personal sanitario, administrativo, pacientes y familiares. El procesose registró a través de observación participante y diarios de campo. También se realizaron reunionesperiódicas, entrevistas informales, semiestructuradas de seguimiento y un grupo de discusión paraidentificar las principales barreras y facilitadores de la propuesta. Concluimos que, para poderintegrar este tipo de recursos y para una atención centrada en la persona y las familias, los serviciosde salud requieren transformaciones de fondo que incluyan la muerte como experiencia significante, dando espacio a sus propios duelos y emociones, lo que reduciría la fatiga por compasiónmuy frecuente en personal de salud enfrentado a la muerte de manera sistemática. El proyecto contócon la aprobación del comité de ética respectivo.(AU)

O artigo apresenta os resultados de um processo de pesquisa participativa baseado nasartes, que buscou incorporar arte e criatividade em sete unidades de um hospital universitário dealta complexidade, para apoio no final da vida e luto. Isso foi feito por meio da disponibilização dekits com materiais com potencial criativo e do desenvolvimento de oficinas de sensibilização e criação com equipe de saúde e administrativa, pacientes e familiares. O processo foi produzido pormeio de observação participante e diários de campo. Também foram realizadas entrevistas informais semiestruturadas e um grupo de discussão para identificar as principais barreiras e facilitadores da proposta. Concluímos que, para integrar este tipo de recursos e para um cuidado centradona pessoa e na família, os serviços de saúde necessitam de profundas transformações que incluama morte como uma experiência significativa, dando espaço ao seu próprio luto e emoções, o quereduziria a Fadiga por a inflamação é muito frequente em profissionais de saúde confrontados coma morte de forma sistemática. O projeto foi aprovado pelo respectivo comitê de ética.(AU)

Iodine Intake Based on a Survey from a Cohort of Women at Their Third Trimester of Pregnancy from the Bosque County Chile.

Adequate iodine nutrition is fundamental for all humans and is critical during pregnancy and lactation due to iodine forms part of the structure of thyroid hormones (THs) and it is required for THs function. Iodine is a scarce micronutrient that must be obtained from the diet. Sufficient iodine can be found in the nature from seafood and given it is not frequently consumed by Chileans, public health policies state that table salt in Chile must be iodized. Health plans must be monitored to determine if the intake of iodine is being appropriated and the population has not fallen in deficiency or excess. The aim of this work was to evaluate iodine intake in 26 women at the third trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women are resident from El Bosque a low-income County located in Santiago de Chile. These Chilean pregnant women were recruited by nutritionist at the Centros de Salud familiar (CESFAM). A 24 h dietary recall (24 h-DR) was applied to them to evaluate iodine intake. Samples of urine and blood were taken by health professionals to analyze parameters of thyroid function and to measure urine iodine concentration (UIC). The survey analysis showed that the iodine consumption in these pregnant women derived mainly from salt, bread and milk and not from seafood. The survey analysis indicated that iodine intake was above the requirements for pregnant women. However, the average UIC indicated that iodine intake was adequate, suggesting the need to find a better parameter to determine iodine intake in pregnant women.

Standardized evaluation of Zika nucleic acid tests used in clinical settings and blood screening.

Early detection of Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission within geographic regions informs implementation of community mitigation measures such as vector reduction strategies, travel advisories, enhanced surveillance among pregnant women, and possible implementation of blood and organ donor screening or deferral. Standardized, comparative assessments of ZIKV assay and testing lab performance are important to develop optimal approaches to ZIKV diagnostic testing and surveillance. We conducted an expanded blinded panel study to characterize and compare the analytical performance of fifteen diagnostic and blood screening ZIKV NAT assays, including detection among single- and multiplex assays detecting ZIKV, dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV). A 300 member blinded panel was constructed, consisting of 11 serial half-log dilutions ranging from ~104 to 10-1 genome equivalents/mL in 25 replicates each of the Tahitian Asian ZIKV isolate in ZIKV-negative human serum. Additionally, clinical samples from individuals with DENV-like syndrome or suspected ZIKV infection in Brazil were evaluated. The majority of assays demonstrated good specificity. Analytical sensitivities varied 1-2 logs, with a substantially higher limit of detection (LOD) in one outlier. Similar analytical sensitivity for ZIKV RNA detection in singleplex and multiplex assays of the Grifols and ThermoFisher tests were observed. Coefficient of Assay Efficiency (CE), calculated to characterize assays' RNA extraction and amplification efficiency, ranged from 0.13 for the Certest VIASURE multiplex and 0.75 for the Grifols multiplex assays. In general, assays using transcription mediated amplification (TMA) technology had greater CE compared to assays using conventional PCR technology. Donor screening NAT assays were significantly more sensitive than diagnostic RT-qPCR assays, primarily attributable to higher sample input volumes. However, ideal assays to maximize sensitivity and throughput may not be a viable option in all contexts, with other factors such as cost, instrumentation, and regulatory approval status influencing assay availability and selection, particularly in resource constrained settings.

Effect of Tight Glycemic Control on Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Near normalization of glucose levels instituted immediately after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes has been postulated to preserve pancreatic beta cell function by reducing glucotoxicity. Previous studies have been hampered by an inability to achieve tight glycemic goals. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of intensive diabetes management to achieve near normalization of glucose levels on preservation of pancreatic beta cell function in youth with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was conducted at 6 centers in the US (randomizations from July 20, 2020, to October 13, 2021; follow-up completed September 15, 2022) and included youths with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes aged 7 to 17 years. Interventions: Random assignment to intensive diabetes management, which included use of an automated insulin delivery system (n = 61), or standard care, which included use of a continuous glucose monitor (n = 52), as part of a factorial design in which participants weighing 30 kg or more also were assigned to receive either oral verapamil or placebo. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was mixed-meal tolerance test-stimulated C-peptide area under the curve (a measure of pancreatic beta cell function) 52 weeks from diagnosis. Results: Among 113 participants (mean [SD] age, 11.8 [2.8] years; 49 females [43%]; mean [SD] time from diagnosis to randomization, 24 [5] days), 108 (96%) completed the trial. The mean C-peptide area under the curve decreased from 0.57 pmol/mL at baseline to 0.45 pmol/mL at 52 weeks in the intensive management group, and from 0.60 to 0.50 pmol/mL in the standard care group (treatment group difference, -0.01 [95% CI, -0.11 to 0.10]; P = .89). The mean time in the target range of 70 to 180 mg/dL, measured with continuous glucose monitoring, at 52 weeks was 78% in the intensive management group vs 64% in the standard care group (adjusted difference, 16% [95% CI, 10% to 22%]). One severe hypoglycemia event and 1 diabetic ketoacidosis event occurred in each group. Conclusions and Relevance: In youths with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, intensive diabetes management, which included automated insulin delivery, achieved excellent glucose control but did not affect the decline in pancreatic C-peptide secretion at 52 weeks. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04233034.

Effect of Verapamil on Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: In preclinical studies, thioredoxin-interacting protein overexpression induces pancreatic beta cell apoptosis and is involved in glucotoxicity-induced beta cell death. Calcium channel blockers reduce these effects and may be beneficial to beta cell preservation in type 1 diabetes. Objective: To determine the effect of verapamil on pancreatic beta cell function in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial including children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes who weighed 30 kg or greater was conducted at 6 centers in the US (randomized participants between July 20, 2020, and October 13, 2021) and follow-up was completed on September 15, 2022. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to once-daily oral verapamil (n = 47) or placebo (n = 41) as part of a factorial design in which participants also were assigned to receive either intensive diabetes management or standard diabetes care. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was area under the curve values for C-peptide level (a measure of pancreatic beta cell function) stimulated by a mixed-meal tolerance test at 52 weeks from diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Results: Among 88 participants (mean age, 12.7 [SD, 2.4] years; 36 were female [41%]; and the mean time from diagnosis to randomization was 24 [SD, 4] days), 83 (94%) completed the trial. In the verapamil group, the mean C-peptide area under the curve was 0.66 pmol/mL at baseline and 0.65 pmol/mL at 52 weeks compared with 0.60 pmol/mL at baseline and 0.44 pmol/mL at 52 weeks in the placebo group (adjusted between-group difference, 0.14 pmol/mL [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.27 pmol/mL]; P = .04). This equates to a 30% higher C-peptide level at 52 weeks with verapamil. The percentage of participants with a 52-week peak C-peptide level of 0.2 pmol/mL or greater was 95% (41 of 43 participants) in the verapamil group vs 71% (27 of 38 participants) in the placebo group. At 52 weeks, hemoglobin A1c was 6.6% in the verapamil group vs 6.9% in the placebo group (adjusted between-group difference, -0.3% [95% CI, -1.0% to 0.4%]). Eight participants (17%) in the verapamil group and 8 participants (20%) in the placebo group had a nonserious adverse event considered to be related to treatment. Conclusions and Relevance: In children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, verapamil partially preserved stimulated C-peptide secretion at 52 weeks from diagnosis compared with placebo. Further studies are needed to determine the longitudinal durability of C-peptide improvement and the optimal length of therapy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04233034.

Vaccine value profile for Chikungunya.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) a mosquito-borne alphavirus is the causative agent of Chikungunya (CHIK), a disease with low mortality but high acute and chronic morbidity resulting in a high overall burden of disease. After the acute disease phase, chronic disease including persistent arthralgia is very common, and can cause fatigue and pain that is severe enough to limit normal activities. On average, around 40% of people infected with CHIKV will develop chronic arthritis, which may last for months or years. Recommendations for protection from CHIKV focus on infection control through preventing mosquito proliferation. There is currently no licensed antiviral drug or vaccine against CHIKV. Therefore, one of the most important public health impacts of vaccination would be to decrease burden of disease and economic losses in areas impacted by the virus, and prevent or reduce chronic morbidity associated with CHIK. This benefit would particularly be seen in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) and socio-economically deprived areas, as they are more likely to have more infections and more severe outcomes. This 'Vaccine Value Profile' (VVP) for CHIK is intended to provide a high-level, holistic assessment of the information and data that are currently available to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of vaccines in the development pipeline and vaccine-like products.This VVP was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships, and multi-lateral organizations. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the CHIK VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps.The VVP was developed using only existing and publicly available information.

Factors associated with self-medication of antibiotics by caregivers in pediatric patients attending the emergency department: a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic self-medication is a common practice in pediatric caregivers in low-income countries with limited resources and represents a public health problem. Our study sought to determine what factors are associated with this practice, including differences in knowledge or attitudes of caregivers who attend a pediatric emergency service. METHODS: Case-control study based on surveys of caregivers of pediatric patients brought to the emergency room with clinical symptoms suggestive of acute infection. Cases were defined as those caregivers who reported self-medication of antibiotics for the current illness and controls where those who did not report self-medication. Information was collected through a self-administered questionnaire that inquired about demographic and family characteristics, attitudes and knowledge toward self-medication of antibiotics. Data were compared using logistic regression and are presented with odd ratios and confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 728 caregivers, 182 cases and 546 controls were included. We found that higher parental education, both in mothers (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.40-0.79) and fathers (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.89) was associated with less self-medication. Attitudes such as always requesting antibiotics from their doctors (OR 3.92, 95% CI 1.59-9.66), frequently buying antibiotics without a prescription (OR 23.66, 95% CI 11.76-47.59) and giving advice on antibiotics among family members (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.75-4.82) resulted in an increased likelihood of self-medication. There was also a higher probability of antibiotic self-medication in older children (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09-1.17), those with a greater number of siblings (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09-1.43) and in those cases that received antibiotics within the last 3 months (OR 6.27, 95% CI 4.35-9.04). Overall knowledge of risk of antibiotic self-medication was low. CONCLUSIONS: Some patient and family characteristics such as age, number of siblings, recent antibiotic usage and inappropriate attitudes are strongly related to antibiotic self-medication. These findings will inform future interventions to reduce self-medication in children.

Impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en endoscopistas digestivos: un estudio iberoamericano / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digestive endoscopists: an Ibero-American study

Introducción: la pandemia por el SARS-CoV-2 o COVID-19ha causado inmensas afectaciones a la población mundialy ha puesto al personal de la salud en primera plana porser los responsables de su manejo. Los médicos se hanvisto afectados en muchos aspectos (laboral, económico,salud física y mental), siendo importante identificar estasalteraciones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar lasimplicaciones que la pandemia ha tenido en los endoscopistas de nuestro país, comparándolo con la región y conun país europeo.Métodos: durante el mes de junio de 2021 se aplicó unaencuesta electrónica bajo el método de muestreo no probabilístico en la que participaron endoscopistas de la Asociación Colombiana de Endoscopia Digestiva (ACED); deEspaña y de Suramérica, evaluando el impacto de la pandemia en la práctica profesional, económica y académicay en la salud física y mental de los encuestados.Resultados: el 69,9 % de los encuestados informó disminución en el número de procedimientos. El 77,2 % de losparticipantes de Colombia informaron una caída en susingresos. El 43,8 % manifestó deterioro en la relación médico-paciente. El 56,5 % consideró que la pandemia ha afectado de forma negativa el entrenamiento de los residentes.La infección por COVID-19 se presentó en el 24,7 % de losendoscopistas y el 19,2 % perdió algún familiar. El 70,9 %de los encuestados informó cambios emocionales relacionados especialmente con tristeza y depresión. (AU)

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody detection among healthcare workers and hospital staff of a university hospital in Colombia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine current and previous SARS-COV-2 infection, and describe risk factors associated with seropositivity, among HCWs and hospital staff between June and October of 2020. Methodology: Data from the day of enrollment for a prospective cohort study were analyzed to determine point prevalence and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs and hospital staff of a university hospital in Colombia. Respiratory samples were collected to perform RT-PCR tests, along with blood samples to measure SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies. Data on nosocomial and community risk factors for infection were also collected and analyzed. Findings: 420 HCWs and hospital staff members were included. The seroprevalence at baseline was 23.2%, of which 10.7% had only IgM antibodies, 0.7% had IgG, and 11.7% had IgM and IgG. The prevalence of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.9%. Being a nurse assistant was significantly associated with seropositivity when compared with all other job duties (PR 2.39, 95% CI 1.27-3.65, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Overall SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 1.9% and seroprevalence was 23.15%. Nurse assistants, medical doctors or students, and laboratory workers had a higher possibility of being SARS-CoV-2 seropositive.

Socioeconomic outcomes of agricultural land use change in Southeast Asia.

Agricultural land use is transforming rapidly in Southeast Asia, often supported by development policies aiming primarily at economic growth. However, the socioeconomic outcomes of these changes for smallholder farmers remain unclear. Here, we systematically review cases of agricultural land use change in Southeast Asia to assess their socioeconomic outcomes and potential trade-off and synergies in these outcomes. Of the 126 reviewed cases, we find mostly positive outcomes for income (SDG 1, 100 cases) and employment (SDG 8, 11 cases), while outcomes on health (SDG 3, 9 cases) were mixed, and outcomes for food security (SDG 2, 44 cases), gender equality (SDG 5, 13 cases), and economic equality (SDG 10, 14 cases) were mostly negative. Studies describing multiple outcomes show indications of synergies between income and food security, and between income and employment, but also potential trade-offs between income and economic equality. In addition, we find that economic land concessions result in multiple negative outcomes more often than other types of land governance regimes. The results provide evidence that economic gains from agricultural land use change often come at a cost of other dimensions of sustainable development.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digestive endoscopists: an Ibero-American study.

INTRODUCTION: the COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected the world population, and has put health personnel in the spotlight as they are tasked with its management. Given their important role in the current health crisis, physicians have been heavily affected in terms of their professional practice, financial conditions and physical and mental health. The objective of this study was to determine the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for Colombian endoscopists and compare the effects on endoscopists from South America and from Spain. METHODS: in June 2021, an electronic survey was sent to 292 endoscopists from Colombia, South America and Spain to determine the impact of the pandemic on their professional practice, economic situation, physical and mental health, and training of the residents under their charge. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling. RESULTS: a reduction in the number of endoscopic procedures was reported by 69.9 % of the respondents, and 72.3 % of endoscopists in Colombia stated that their income had decreased. Regarding the doctor-patient relationship, 43.8 % of the respondents believed it had worsened. In addition, 70.9 % reported having experienced changes in their emotional state, especially those related to feeling sad or depressed, and 56.5 % reported that the pandemic had negatively affected the training of residents. Finally, 24.7 % of endoscopists tested positive for COVID-19, and 19.2 % reported the death of a family member due to COVID-19. CONCLUSION: the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the professional practice, financial situation and physical and mental health of Ibero-American endoscopists. These problems must be identified in a timely manner to develop and implement strategies aimed to prevent their occurrence.