Healing Health Care Disparities: Development and Pilot Testing of a Virtual Reality Implicit Bias Training Module for Physicians in the Context of Black Maternal Health.

Grounded in communication models of cultural competence, this study reports on the development and testing of the first module in a larger virtual reality (VR) implicit bias training for physicians to help them better: (a) recognize implicit bias and its effects on communication, patients, and patient care; (b) identify their own implicit biases and exercise strategies for managing them; and (c) learn and practice communicating with BIPOC patients in a culture-centered manner that demonstrates respect and builds trust. Led by communication faculty, a large, interdisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and engineers developed the first module tested herein focused on training goal (a). Within the module, participants observe five scenes between patient Marilyn Hayes (a Black woman) and Dr. Richard Flynn (her obstetrician, a White man) during a postpartum visit. The interaction contains examples of implicit bias, and participants are asked to both identify and consider how implicit bias impacts communication, the patient, and patient care. The team recruited 30 medical students and resident physicians to participate in a lab-based study that included a pretest, a training experience of the module using a head-mounted VR display, and a posttest. Following the training, participants reported improved attitudes toward implicit bias instruction, greater importance of determining patients' beliefs and perspectives for history-taking, treatment, and providing quality health care; and greater communication efficacy. Participants' agreement with the importance of assessing patients' perspectives, opinions, and psychosocial and cultural contexts did not significantly change. Implications for medical education about cultural competency and implicit bias are discussed.

Effect of weight satisfaction on adolescent facial and dental satisfaction.

PURPOSE: To investigate if facial and dental satisfaction is related to body fat percentage and body weight satisfaction. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was applied to adolescents from a Private School in Southern Brazil containing sociodemographic (sex and age) and self-perception variables. Adolescents were asked about their perceptions concerning dental problems. Body fat percentage was collected using bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: A total of 372 adolescents were examined. Most adolescents were satisfied with their dental (81.7%) and facial appearance (87.6%), while 39% of adolescents were satisfied with their body weight. Poisson regression model showed that adolescents who expressed satisfaction with their body weight (PR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.06-1.19) and were satisfied with their dental appearance (PR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.08-1.41) exhibited a positive association with facial satisfaction. Adolescents dissatisfied with dental color (PR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.80-0.97), those reporting dental pain (PR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.80-0.97), and individuals with obesity (PR = 0.91, 95%CI 0.83-0.99) demonstrated a decrease in facial satisfaction. Adolescents aged 16 to 19 years (PR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15) and those satisfied with their facial appearance (PR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.01-1.43) exhibited a higher prevalence of dental satisfaction. Conversely, adolescents dissatisfied with dental color (PR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.82) and those with misaligned teeth (PR = 0.63, 95%CI 0.55-0.73) reported lower levels of dental satisfaction. Parametric g-formula analysis found that the association between body fat and facial satisfaction was mediated by body weight satisfaction (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: While dental satisfaction was not influenced by corporeal characteristics, facial satisfaction was influenced by dental and body weight satisfaction. Obese adolescents had low facial satisfaction.

Approach for delabeling beta-lactam allergy in children.

A considerable number of pediatric patients treated with beta-lactam (BL) antibiotics develop delayed onset of skin rashes during the course of treatment. Although the most frequent cause of these symptoms is infectious, many cases are labeled as allergic reactions to these drugs. BL allergy labels could have a negative impact, as they imply avoidance of this group of drugs and the use of second-line antibiotics, leading to a potential increase in adverse effects and the utilization of less effective therapies. This constitutes a major public health concern and economic burden, as the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can result in multidrug-resistant organisms and prolonged hospital stays. Therefore, it is crucial to delabel patients during childhood to avoid false labeling in adult life. Although the label of BL allergy is among the most frequent causes of allergy referral, its management remains controversial, and new diagnostic perspectives are changing the paradigm of managing BL allergies in children. Traditionally, drug provocation testing (DPT) was exclusively performed in patients who had previously obtained negative results from skin tests (STs). However, the sensitivity of STs is low, and the role of in vitro testing in the pediatric population is not well defined. Recent studies have demonstrated the safety of direct DPT without prior ST or serum tests for pediatric patients who report a low-risk reaction to BLs, which is cost-effective. However, there is still a debate on the optimal allergic workup to be performed in children with a benign immediate reaction and the management of children with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions. In this review, we will discuss the impact of the label of BL allergy and the role of the different tools currently available to efficiently address BL allergy delabeling in children.

Aperiodic neural activity is a biomarker for depression severity.

A reliable physiological biomarker for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is necessary to improve treatment success rates by shoring up variability in outcome measures. In this study, we establish a passive biomarker that tracks with changes in mood on the order of minutes to hours. We record from intracranial electrodes implanted deep in the brain - a surgical setting providing exquisite temporal and spatial sensitivity to detect this relationship in a difficult-to-measure brain area, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). The aperiodic slope of the power spectral density captures the balance of activity across all frequency bands and is construed as a putative proxy for excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain. This study demonstrates how shifts in aperiodic slope correlate with depression severity in a clinical trial of deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The correlation between depression severity scores and aperiodic slope is significant in N=5 subjects, indicating that flatter (less negative) slopes correspond to reduced depression severity, especially in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This biomarker offers a new way to track patient response to MDD treatment, facilitating individualized therapies in both intracranial and non-invasive monitoring scenarios.

A Review and Follow-Up of Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumours of Uncertain Malignant Potential (STUMP): A Case Series and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVES: to analyse the clinical-pathological characteristics, treatment, and evolution of uterine smooth muscle tumours with uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) diagnosed in the Salamanca University Hospital with the implementation of the 2014 WHO criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a retrospective descriptive study of patients diagnosed with STUMP from January 2015 to March 2023 at the Salamanca University Hospital. Demographic data, preoperative clinical data, treatment, complications, therapeutic results, anatomopathological findings and recurrence time were obtained. RESULTS: a total of four patients were identified and included in the study. The mean age at diagnosis was 48 years (range 36-67). The surgical indications were abnormal uterine bleeding, compressive symptoms, and the growth of a pelvic mass suspected to be a degenerated myoma from the residual cervix after a subtotal hysterectomy 6 years earlier. In all cases, a laparotomic procedure was performed. A total hysterectomy, sub-total hysterectomy, and the excision of the cervix with STUMP localization were accomplished in two, one, and one patient, respectively. The mean diameter of the tumour pieces was 13 cm (range 8-17 cm), with a mean volume of 816 cc (range 234-1467 cc). The mean follow-up was 47 months, with no recurrence to date. CONCLUSIONS: STUMPs are a heterogeneous group of tumours with a difficult-to-predict clinical evolution. In most cases, their diagnosis is histological after performing surgery for suspected leiomyoma. Due to their low incidence, there are no specific guidelines for their treatment and control. However, considering their potential risk of recurrence and metastasis, it is advisable to maintain six-monthly controls for 5 years and then annual controls for 5 years more.

Identification of Ensifer meliloti genes required for survival during peat-based bioinoculant maturation by STM-seq.

Rhizobial inoculants are sold either as rhizobia within a liquid matrix; or as rhizobia adhered to granules composed of peat prill or finely ground peat moss. During the production of peat-based inoculants, a series of physiological changes occur that result in an increased capability of the rhizobia to survive on the seeds. The number of viable rhizobia on preinoculated seeds at the point of sale, however, is often a limiting factor, as is the inefficiency of the inoculant bacteria to compete with the local rhizobia for the host colonization. In the present work, we used STM-seq for the genome-wide screening of Ensifer meliloti mutants affected in the survival during the maturation of peat-based inoculant formulations. Through this approach, we were able to identify a set of mutants whose behavior suggests that persistence in peat inoculants involves a complex phenotype that is connected to diverse cellular activities, mainly related to satisfying the requirements of bacterial nutrition (e.g., carbon sources, ions) and to coping with specific stresses (e.g., oxidative, mutational). These results also provide a base knowledge that could be used to more completely understand the survival mechanisms used by rhizobia during the maturation of peat-based inoculants, as well as for the design and implementation of practical strategies to improve inoculant formulations.

Corrigendum: Approach for delabeling beta-lactam allergy in children.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1298335.].

Aumento de la confianza en la interpretación del PET con 18F-Florbetaben: “machine learning” basado en la aproximación cuantitativa / Increasing the confidence of 18F-florbetaben PET interpretations: Machine learning quantitative approximation

Objetivo: Determinar el valor a-adido de los parámetros semicuantitativos en el análisis visual y estudiar los patrones del depósito cerebral de 18F-Florbetaben. Material y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes con deterioro cognitivo leve o demencia de origen incierto procedentes de un estudio multicentrico. Los PET con 18F-Florbetaben fueron interpretados de forma visual por dos observadores independientes, analizando las regiones “diana” con la finalidad de calcular el acuerdo interobservador. Se realizó análisis semicuantitativo de todas las regiones corticales con respecto a tres regiones de referencia para obtener índices de captación (SUVRs). Se analizó la capacidad de los SUVRs para predecir el resultado de la interpretación visual, la posibilidad de depósito preferencial del radiotrazador en algunas regiones “diana” así como las diferencias interhemisféricas. Resultados: Se evaluaron 135 pacientes. En la valoración visual, 72 estudios se clasificaron como positivos. El acuerdo interobservador fue excelente. Todos los SUVRs fueron significativamente superiores en pacientes con PET positivos con respecto a los negativos. Las regiones corticales correspondientes al área prefrontal y al cingulado posterior mostraron la mejor correlación con la evaluación visual, seguidas por la valoración integrada cortical. Usando análisis de ROC, los SUVRs obtenidos en las mismas regiones “diana” mostraron la mejor capacidad diagnóstica. Conclusiones: La información obtenida de las regiones “diana” parece ser de ayuda en la clasificación visual, basado en un depósito preferencial de amiloide, lo que permitiría el “machine learning”. El depósito de amiloide, aunque difuso en todas las regiones corticales, parece no ser uniforme ni simétrico (AU)

Aim: To assess the added value of semiquantitative parameters on the visual assessment and to study the patterns of 18F-Florbetaben brain deposition. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of multicenter study performed in patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia of uncertain origin. 18F-Florbetaben PET scans were visually interpreted by two experienced observers, analyzing target regions in order to calculate the interobserver agreement. Semiquantification of all cortical regions with respect to three reference regions was performed to obtain standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs). The ability of SUVRs to predict the visual evaluation, the possibility of preferential radiotracer deposition in some target regions and interhemisphere differenceswere analyzed. Results: 135 patients were evaluated. In the visual assessment, 72 were classified as positive. Interobserver agreement was excellent. All SUVRs were significantly higher in positive PET scans than in negative ones. Prefrontal area and posterior cingulate were the cortical regions with the best correlations with the visual evaluation, followed by the composite region. Using ROC analysis, the SUVRs obtained in same target locations showed the best diagnostic performance. Conclusions: The derived information from target regions seems to help the visual classification, based on a preferential amyloid deposit, allowing machine learning. The amyloid deposit, although diffuse in all cortical regions, seems not to be uniform and symmetric (AU)

Immunological mechanisms involved in the human response to a dog dander allergoid.

BACKGROUND: Dog allergens are a common cause of allergic sensitisation and trigger respiratory symptoms worldwide. However, clinical evidence regarding dog immunotherapy is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the immunomodulatory properties of a new allergoid from dog dander, thereby deepening the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the reestablishment of the tolerogenic response. METHODS: Three independent batches of dog dander native and allergoid allergen extracts were manufactured and characterised. Allergenic profiles were analysed by the identification of all dog allergens and quantification of the major allergens Can f 1 and Can f 5. The allergenicity profile of the allergoid was studied using biological potency and basophil activation tests. In vitro immunomodulatory parameters was evaluated as the capacity of the allergoid to induce IgG antibodies that block IgE binding to the allergen and cytokine promotion (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, and TNF-α) in PBMCs from allergic donors. RESULTS: The presence of all dog allergens, including Can f 1 and Can f 5, was confirmed in both types of extracts. The new allergoid showed a low IgE binding capacity, which significantly affected the activation of effector cells, such as basophils. The IgG antibodies induced by the allergoid in rabbits blocked human IgE binding epitopes on the dog native extract and induced Th1 and Treg responses by increasing IFN-γ and IL-10 levels in PBMCs from allergic donors. CONCLUSION: This new dog dander allergoid containing Can f 1 and Can f 5 showed a low capacity to bind IgE and to activate basophils in dog allergic patients. Furthermore, it showed potent activation of Th1 mediators and induction of tolerance through Treg activation. This allergoid could offer a safer profile than the native extract and could be an effective immunotherapy treatment for dog allergic patients.

Metodología de la gammagrafía con leucocitos marcados en el diagnóstico de infección osteoarticular protésica/no protésica: ¿análisis visual o semicuantitativo? ¿Protocolo de uno o 2 días? / Diagnostic methodology in labelled leukocyte scan for prosthetic / non-prosthetic osteoarticular infection: Visual or semi-quantitative analysis? One- or two-day protocol?

Objetivo: Como hay poca literatura sobre el tema, nos propusimos comparar la utilidad diagnóstica del análisis semicuantitativo versus el análisis visual en la escintigrafía de glóbulos blancos etiquetados (WBCS) para la infección osteoarticular. Se evaluaron protocolos de uno y dos días, en particular en los dispositivos ortopédicos.Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 79 pacientes consecutivos con sospecha de infección osteoarticular. En todos los pacientes, la SCBM se realizó a los 30 min, 4 h, 8 h y 24 h. Las imágenes se analizaron agrupándolas en dos protocolos: protocolo de un día (los expertos evaluaron imágenes planas de 30 min, 4 h y 8 h) y protocolo de dos días (los expertos evaluaron imágenes planas de 30 min, 4 h y 24 h). Las imágenes planas se interpretaron cualitativa y semicuantitativamente y también se compararon agrupando a los pacientes con y sin dispositivos ortopédicos. Para determinar qué valor de corte de la variación porcentual podía predecir la infección osteoarticular, se calcularon múltiples valores de corte en ambos protocolos a partir del índice de Youden. Tres lectores ciegos analizaron las imágenes.Resultados: Comparando el diagnóstico final, el análisis visual del protocolo de un día proporcionó mejores resultados con una sensibilidad del 95,5%, una especificidad del 93% y una precisión diagnóstica del 93,7% (p < 0,01) que el protocolo de dos días con valores del 86,4%, 94,7% y 92,4%, respectivamente (p < 0,01). Para el análisis semicuantitativo, el protocolo de un día también obtuvo mejores resultados con una sensibilidad del 72,7%, una especificidad del 78,9% y una precisión del 77,2% (p < 0,01) que el protocolo de dos días (sin resultados significativos; p = 0,14), especialmente en el grupo de pacientes con aparatos ortopédicos (sensibilidad del 100%, especificidad del 79,5% y precisión del 82,7%; p < 0,01)

Objective: As scarce literature on the topic is available, we aimed to compare diagnostic utility of semi-quantitative versus visual analysis in labelled white blood cell scintigraphy (WBCS) for osteoarticular infection. One-day and two-day protocols were assessed, particularly in orthopaedic devices.Material and methods: Prospective study of 79 consecutive patients with suspected osteoarticular infection. In all patients, WBCS were performed at 30min, 4h, 8h and 24h. Images were analysed by grouping in two protocols: one-day-protocol (experts evaluated 30min, 4h and 8h planar images) and two-day-protocol (experts evaluated 30min, 4h and 24h planar images). Planar images were interpreted qualitative and semiquantitatively and also were compared grouping patients with and without orthopaedic devices. To find which cut-off value of the percentage variation could predict of osteoarticular infection, multiple cut-off values were calculated in both protocols from the Youden index. Three blinded readers analysed the images.Results: Comparing final diagnosis visual analysis of the one-day-protocol provided better results with sensitivity of 95.5%, specificity of 93% and diagnostic accuracy of 93.7% (P<.01) than the two-day-protocol with values of 86.4%, 94.7% and 92.4%, respectively (P<.01). For semi-quantitative analysis, the one-day-protocol also obtained better results with sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity of 78.9% and accuracy of 77.2% (P<.01) than two-day-protocol (no significant results; P=.14), especially in the group of patients with orthopaedic devices (sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 79.5% and accuracy of 82.7%; P<.01).Conclusions: Most accurate approach in the diagnosis of osteoarticular infection corresponded to visual analysis in one-day-protocol that showed greater sensitivity and specificity than semi-quantitative analysis. Semi-quantitative analysis only could be useful when visual analysis is doubtful

Macrosomía fetal: factores de riesgo y resultados perinatales / Foetal macrosomia: risk factors and perinatal outcomes

Introducción: La macrosomía fetal es definida como un peso al nacer igual o mayor de 4.000 g, con una incidencia aproximadamente del 10%. Se ha asociado con múltiples factores de riesgo como la masa corporal previa, diabetes, multiparidad, sexo fetal varón, etcétera. Es una causa importante de morbimortalidad neonatal y materna, y supone un aumento en la tasa de cesáreas. Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de macrosomía fetal en nuestra área, detectar sus principales factores de riesgo y resultados perinatales. Métodos: Se incluyeron 6.221 recién nacidos a término, nacidos en el Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez, en el curso de los años 2018 y 2019. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, tipo caso control. Resultados: La incidencia de macrosomía fue de 5,9%. Los principales factores de riesgo asociados con la macrosomía fueron la edad gestacional, el sexo masculino, la multiparidad y la diabetes pregestacional, con resultados estadísticamente significativos. En cuanto a los resultados perinatales; encontramos asociación entre la macrosomía y la vía del parto, el riesgo de cesárea en los macrosomas es mayor (OR 1,62, IC 95% 1,3-2.1; p < 0,0001). Si el inicio del parto es inducido, el riesgo de cesárea se duplica (RR 2,32; IC 95% 1,56-3,38; p < 0,0001). Como complicaciones neonatales se registró un aumento del riesgo de distocia de hombros (OR 11,45; IC 95% 7,1-18,5; p < 0,0001), fractura de clavícula (OR 6,87, IC 95% 1,3-37,4; p = 0,0258), y parálisis braquial (OR 13,74; IC 95% 2,8-67,87; p = 0,0013). Conclusiones: Es importante conocer los factores de riesgo de macrosomía para poder identificar a estas gestantes y prevenir las complicaciones asociadas. Actualmente no hay consenso sobre cómo y cuándo finalizar la gestación, la inducción del parto o realizar una cesárea son estrategias parciales, que producen un aumento de cesáreas sin disminución de las complicaciones.

Introduction: Macrosomia is defined as a birth weight of 4 000 g or more, and has an incidence of approximately 10%. It has been associated with multiple risk factors such as, previous body mass, diabetes, multiparity, male gender, etc. Macrosomia is an important cause of neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality, and leads to an increase in the rate of caesarean sections. Objective: Identify the prevalence of foetal macrosomia in our area, and to detect its main risk factors and perinatal outcomes. Methods: The study included a total of 6 221 term infants born in Juan Ramón Jiménez Hospital during the years 2018 and 2019. A retrospective observational case control type study was carried out. Results: The incidence of macrosomia was 5.9%. The main risk factors associated with foetal macrosomia were: gestational age, male gender, multiparity, and pre-gestational diabetes, with statistically significant results. Regarding perinatal outcomes, an association was found between macrosomia and delivery. The risk of caesarean section in macrosomia is higher (OR 1.62, 95% CI; 1.3-2.1, p < 0.0001). Induction of labour doubles the risk of caesarean section (RR 2.32, 95% CI; 1.56-3.38, p < 0.0001). As neonatal complications, was associated with higher risk of shoulder dystocia (OR 11.45, 95% CI 7.1-18.5, p < 0.0001), clavicle fracture (OR 6.87, 95% CI; 1.3-37.4, p < 0.0258), and brachial plexus palsy (OR 13.74, 95% CI; 2.8-67.87, p < 0.0013). Conclusions: It is important to determine the macrosomia risk factors in order to be able to identify these pregnant women, and prevent the associated complications. Currently, there is no consensus on how and when to end the pregnancy. Induction of labour or performing a caesarean section are partial strategies, which lead to an increase in caesarean sections without reducing complications.(AU)

Diagnostic methodology in labelled leukocyte scan for prosthetic / non-prosthetic osteoarticular infection: Visual or semi-quantitative analysis? One- or two-day protocol? / Metodología de la gammagrafía con leucocitos marcados en el diagnóstico de infección osteoarticular protésica/no protésica: ¿análisis visual o semicuantitativo? ¿Protocolo de uno o 2 días?

OBJECTIVE: As scarce literature on the topic is available, we aimed to compare diagnostic utility of semi-quantitative versus visual analysis in labelled white blood cell scintigraphy (WBCS) for osteoarticular infection. One-day and two-day protocols were assessed, particularly in orthopaedic devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of 79 consecutive patients with suspected osteoarticular infection. In all patients, WBCS were performed at 30min, 4h, 8h and 24h. Images were analysed by grouping in two protocols: one-day-protocol (experts evaluated 30min, 4h and 8h planar images) and two-day-protocol (experts evaluated 30min, 4h and 24h planar images). Planar images were interpreted qualitative and semiquantitatively and also were compared grouping patients with and without orthopaedic devices. To find which cut-off value of the percentage variation could predict of osteoarticular infection, multiple cut-off values were calculated in both protocols from the Youden index. Three blinded readers analysed the images. RESULTS: Comparing final diagnosis visual analysis of the one-day-protocol provided better results with sensitivity of 95.5%, specificity of 93% and diagnostic accuracy of 93.7% (P<.01) than the two-day-protocol with values of 86.4%, 94.7% and 92.4%, respectively (P<.01). For semi-quantitative analysis, the one-day-protocol also obtained better results with sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity of 78.9% and accuracy of 77.2% (P<.01) than two-day-protocol (no significant results; P=.14), especially in the group of patients with orthopaedic devices (sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 79.5% and accuracy of 82.7%; P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most accurate approach in the diagnosis of osteoarticular infection corresponded to visual analysis in one-day-protocol that showed greater sensitivity and specificity than semi-quantitative analysis. Semi-quantitative analysis only could be useful when visual analysis is doubtful. In patients with joint prostheses, an increase in percentage variation above 9% obtained maximum sensitivity and negative predictive value.

Morbimortalidad asociada al parto prematuro y su relación con el uso de corticoides y sulfato de magnesio / Morbidity and mortality associated with preterm birth and its relationship with the use of corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate

Introducción: El parto prematuro está asociado a múltiples complicaciones, con un aumento de la morbimortalidad perinatal. Sin embargo, muchos estudios apoyan el uso de corticoides y sulfato de magnesio para mejorar los resultados en estos recién nacidos prematuros. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es describir la incidencia de morbimortalidad en recién nacidos prematuros de nuestro entorno y cómo el uso tanto de corticoides como de sulfato de magnesio ha mejorado el pronóstico a corto plazo de estos recién nacidos. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de 564 recién nacidos prematuros nacidos entre 2018-2019 en el área hospitalaria del Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez. El tratamiento con corticoides y sulfato de magnesio se realizó según los protocolos actuales de la Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia. Resultados: La incidencia de prematuridad fue del 7,9% en nuestro entorno. La gestación gemelar junto con la enfermedad hipertensiva del embarazo fueron las afecciones obstétricas más frecuentes. La cesárea fue la vía de finalización más común en todos los grupos de prematuridad, excepto en la tardía. El síndrome de distrés respiratorio fue la enfermedad más frecuente (más del 33%) en todos los grupos. La tasa de mortalidad neonatal total fue del 1,8%. En cuanto a los corticoides, el principal resultado de nuestra muestra fue una disminución en la morbimortalidad neonatal, estadísticamente significativa en el síndrome de distrés respiratorio y la retinopatía del prematuro. En cuanto al sulfato de magnesio, el principal resultado fue la disminución de la hemorragia intraventricular, la leucomalacia periventricular y la displasia broncopulmonar. Respecto a la mortalidad neonatal, no hubo diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: La morbimortalidad registrada en nuestra muestra fue similar a la descrita en la bibliografía. El tratamiento con corticoides para la maduración pulmonar redujo la morbimortalidad neonatal en general...(AU)

Introduction: Preterm labour is associated with multiple complications, with an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, many studies support the use of corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate to improve outcomes in preterm birth. The objective of this study is to describe the morbidity and mortality incidence in preterm birth in a Spanish hospital and how the use of corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate has improved the short-term prognosis in these newborns. Material and methods: Observational retrospective study of 564 preterm births between the years 2018 to 2019, in the hospital area Juan Ramón Jiménez (Huelva). The treatment with corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate was performed based on current protocols of the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. Results: The incidence of prematurity in this study was 7.9%. Twin pregnancies and hypertensive pregnancy disease were the most common obstetric disorders. The most common type of delivery was caesarean section in all prematurity groups, except late prematurity. Respiratory distress syndrome was the most frequent pathology (more than 33%) in all groups. Overall neonatal mortality was 1.8‰. As regards the use of corticosteroids, the main outcome was a decrease in neonatal morbidity and mortality, which was statistically significant in respiratory distress syndrome and preterm retinopathy. The use of magnesium sulphate caused a decrease in the incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There were no significant differences in neonatal mortality. Conclusions: Morbidity and mortality registered in this study were similar to that described in the literature. Although the use of corticosteroids reduced neonatal morbidity and mortality in this study...(AU)

Estudio descriptivo sobre la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento y el diagnóstico de fisioterapia / Descriptive study on the International Classification of Functioning and diagnosis of physiotherapy

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: El diagnóstico de fisioterapia es uno de los eslabones menos desarrollados en la profesión y, aunque se reconoce a la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento (CIF) como marco teórico, no se interpretan adecuadamente las propuestas y etiquetas diagnósticas. El objetivo de este estudio es describir los elementos clave que configuran el diagnóstico en fisioterapia integrando el contexto de la CIF. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, transversal de corte cualitativo, basado en el modelo de análisis interpretativo de Grounded Theory. En primer lugar, se lleva a cabo una encuesta tipo Likert (n = 42) y, en segundo lugar, se realiza un análisis interpretativo de un grupo de discusión. RESULTADOS: El diagnóstico de fisioterapia es percibido por los participantes del grupo de discusión como un sello de identidad de la profesión, por su objetividad, su carácter científico y por favorecer la comunicación interdisciplinar. Se identificaron trece códigos organizados en cuatro categorías. Estas categorías son: las áreas de desarrollo del diagnóstico de fisioterapia, los perfiles de los fisioterapeutas, los conocimientos sobre la Clasificación, y las competencias de la Clasificación. Los códigos que definen estas categorías son, respectivamente: los roles académico, profesional e investigador; los perfiles clínico-asistencial, científico y afectivo-emocional; las definiciones, desventajas, mejoras y utilidad en el diagnóstico de fisioterapia; y los componentes de salud, conjuntos básicos y nivel internacional. CONCLUSIÓN: Los códigos obtenidos definen el diagnóstico de fisioterapia en el contexto actual de la CIF. Estos son aspectos para el estudio y elementos de referencia para desarrollar etiquetas diagnósticas acordes con las necesidades de la fisioterapia actual

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Physiotherapy assessment is one of the least developed elements of the profession. Diagnostic proposals and labels are not properly interpreted, although the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) is recognized as a theoretical framework. The objective of the study is to describe the key elements that make up the physiotherapy assessment within the context of the ICF. METHOD: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional qualitative study based on the Grounded Theory interpretative analysis model. First, a Likert-type survey (n = 42) is carried out, and second, an interpretative analysis of a discussion group. RESULTS: Physiotherapy assessment is perceived by the discussion group respondents as a hallmark of the profession, due to its objectivity, its scientific nature and in promoting interdisciplinary communication. Thirteen codes organized into four categories were identified. These categories are areas of development of physiotherapy diagnosis, physiotherapist profiles, knowledge about the ICF, and domains of the classification. The codes that define these categories are: academic, professional and research roles; clinical, scientific and affective-emotional profiles; definitions, disadvantages, improvements and diagnostic suitability; and health-related domains, basic sets and international level. CONCLUSION: The codes obtained define the physiotherapy assessment in the current context of the ICF. These elements are essential for study and to develop diagnostic labels according to the needs of current physiotherapy

A global prediction model for sudden stops of capital flows using decision trees.

Capital flows is an important aspect of the international monetary system because they provide great direct and indirect benefits, and at the same time, they carry risks of vulnerability for countries with an open economy. Numerous works have studied the behavior of these flows and have developed models to predict sudden stop events. However, the existing models have limitations and the literature demands more research on the subject given that the accuracy of the models is still poor, and they have only been developed for emerging countries. This paper presents a new prediction model of sudden stop events of capital flows for both emerging countries and developed countries with the ability to estimate accurately future sudden stop scenarios globally. A sample of 103 countries was used, including 73 emerging countries and 30 developed countries, which has allowed the use of sample combinations that consider the regional heterogeneity of the warning indicators. To the sample under study, a method of decision trees has been applied, which has provided excellent prediction results given its ability to learn characteristics and create long-term dependencies from sequential data and time series. Our model has a great potential impact on the adequacy of macroeconomic policy against the risks derived from sudden stops of capital flows, providing tools that help to achieve financial stability at the global level.

Segmentación de gliomas con PET/TC con 18F-fluorocolina. Estudio multiaproximación / Segmentation of gliomas in 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT. A multiapproach study

OBJETIVO: El objetivo fue doble, valorar el acuerdo interobservador en la segmentación tumoral y la búsqueda de una metodología fiable y aplicable en la segmentación de gliomas usando PET/TC con 18F-fluorocolina. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 25 pacientes con glioma, procedentes de un estudio prospectivo no randomizado (Functional and Metabolic Glioma Analysis). Se analizó la variabilidad interobservador usando umbrales fijos. Diferentes estrategias se emplearon en la segmentación. Primero, se realizó una segmentación semiautomática, seleccionando el mejor umbral del SUVmáx-% para cada lesión. Posteriormente, se determinó una variable del SUVmáx-% dependiente del SUVmáx. Finalmente se realizó una segmentación usando un valor de umbral fijo de SUVmáx. Para ello, se realizó un muestreo de 10 regiones de interés (ROI de 2,8cm2) localizadas en cerebro normal. El valor superior obtenido de la media del muestreo+/-3 desviaciones estándar se usó como valor de corte. Todos los procedimientos fueron testados y clasificados como válidos o no en la segmentación tumoral en consenso por dos observadores. RESULTADOS: En la segmentación piloto, la media+/-DE del SUVmáx, SUVmedio y el umbral del SUVmáx-% fue de 3,64+/-1,77; 1,32+/-0,57 y 2,132+/-8,39, respectivamente. El valor óptimo del umbral SUVmáx-% mostró una asociación significativa con el SUVmáx (Pearson=-0,653; p = 0,002). Sin embargo, el modelo de regresión lineal del total de la muestra no fue bueno lo que justificó la división de la misma en dos grupos homogéneos, definiendo dos fórmulas para predecir el umbral del SUVmáx-%. Para el tercer procedimiento, el valor obtenido de la media SUVmáx+3 DE fue de 0,33. Este valor permitió segmentar correctamente una elevada proporción de casos, aunque no todos. CONCLUSIÓN: Se encontró una gran variabilidad interobservador en la segmentación tumoral. Ninguno de los métodos fue capaz de segmentar correctamente todos los gliomas probablemente debido a la amplia heterogeneidad en la PET/TC con 18F-fluorocolina

AIM: Our aim was two-fold, to study the interobserver agreement in tumour segmentation and to search for a reliable methodology to segment gliomas using 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT. METHODS: 25 patients with glioma, from a prospective and non-randomized study (Functional and Metabolic Glioma Analysis), were included. Interobserver variability in tumour segmentation was assessed using fixed thresholds. Different strategies were used to segment the tumours. First, a semi-automatic tumour segmentation was performed, selecting the best SUVmax-% threshold for each lesion. Next we determined a variable SUVmax-% depending on the SUVmax. Finally a segmentation using a fixed SUVmax threshold was performed. To do so, a sampling of 10 regions of interest (ROI of 2.8cm2) located in the normal brain was performed. The upper value of the sample mean SUVmax+/-3 SD was used as cut-off. All procedures were tested and classified as effective or not for tumour segmentation by two observer's consensus. RESULTS: In the pilot segmentation, the mean+/-SD of SUVmax, SUVmean and optimal SUVmax-% threshold were: 3.64+/-1.77, 1.32+/-0.57 and 21.32+/-8.39, respectively. Optimal SUVmax-% threshold showed a significant association with the SUVmax (Pearson=−0.653, p=.002). However, the linear regression model for the total sample was not good, that supported the division in two homogeneous groups, defining two formulas for predicting the optimal SUVmax-% threshold. As to the third procedure, the obtained value for the mean SUVmax background+3 SD was 0.33. This value allowed segmenting correctly a significant fraction of tumours, although not all. CONCLUSION: A great interobserver variability in the tumour segmentation was found. None of the methods was able to segment correctly all the gliomas, probably explained by the wide tumour heterogeneity on 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT

Segmentation of gliomas in 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT. A multiapproach study. / Segmentación de gliomas con PET/TC con 18F-fluorocolina. Estudio multiaproximación.

AIM: Our aim was two-fold, to study the interobserver agreement in tumour segmentation and to search for a reliable methodology to segment gliomas using 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT. METHODS: 25 patients with glioma, from a prospective and non-randomized study (Functional and Metabolic Glioma Analysis), were included.Interobserver variability in tumour segmentation was assessed using fixed thresholds. Different strategies were used to segment the tumours. First, a semi-automatic tumour segmentation was performed, selecting the best SUVmax-% threshold for each lesion. Next we determined a variable SUVmax-% depending on the SUVmax. Finally a segmentation using a fixed SUVmax threshold was performed. To do so, a sampling of 10 regions of interest (ROI of 2.8cm2) located in the normal brain was performed. The upper value of the sample mean SUVmax±3 SD was used as cut-off. All procedures were tested and classified as effective or not for tumour segmentation by two observer's consensus. RESULTS: In the pilot segmentation, the mean±SD of SUVmax, SUVmean and optimal SUVmax-% threshold were: 3.64±1.77, 1.32±0.57 and 21.32±8.39, respectively. Optimal SUVmax-% threshold showed a significant association with the SUVmax (Pearson=-0.653, p=.002). However, the linear regression model for the total sample was not good, that supported the division in two homogeneous groups, defining two formulas for predicting the optimal SUVmax-% threshold. As to the third procedure, the obtained value for the mean SUVmax background+3 SD was 0.33. This value allowed segmenting correctly a significant fraction of tumours, although not all. CONCLUSION: A great interobserver variability in the tumour segmentation was found. None of the methods was able to segment correctly all the gliomas, probably explained by the wide tumour heterogeneity on 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT.

Medidas de heterogeneidad global y esfericidad con 18F-FDG PET/TC en el cáncer de mama: relación con la biología tumoral, valor predictivo y pronóstico / Global heterogeneity assessed with 18F-FDG PET/CT. Relation with biological variables and prognosis in locally advanced breast cancer

OBJETIVO: Determinar la relación de las medidas de heterogeneidad global y la esfericidad tumoral obtenidas en 18F-FDG PET/TC con variables biológicas, así como su papel predictivo y pronóstico en pacientes con cáncer de mama localmente avanzado (CMLA). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 68 pacientes con CMLA, con indicación de tratamiento neoadyuvante (TNA) y18F-FDG PET/TC basal procedentes de un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico en curso. Se determinó el perfil inmunohistoquímico [receptores de estrógenos (RE) y de progesterona (RP), expresión del oncogén HER-2, índice de proliferación Ki-67 y grado histológico tumoral], la respuesta al TNA, la supervivencia global (SG) y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad (SLE). Se realizó la segmentación tridimensional de las lesiones, obteniendo variables SUV, volumétricas y de heterogeneidad global, así como la esfericidad. También se analizó la correlación entre los resultados obtenidos con el perfil inmunohistoquímico, la respuesta a la quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QN) y la supervivencia, tanto global (SG) como libre de enfermedad (SLE). RESULTADOS: De las pacientes incluidas, 62 recibieron QN, respondiendo a este solo 18.13 pacientes recidivaron y 11 fallecieron durante el seguimiento. Los tumores que no expresaron RE tuvieron un COV inferior (p = 0,018), así como los de Ki-67 alto (p = 0,001) y los de fenotipo de alto riesgo (p = 0,033) frente al resto. Ninguna variable PET mostró asociación con la respuesta a la QN ni con la SG. La esfericidad y el índice SUVmedio/SUVmáx se relacionaron con la SLE de forma inversa (p = 0,041 y p = 0,055, respectivamente) de modo que, por cada décima que aumenta la esfericidad, el riesgo de recurrencia disminuye en un 37%. CONCLUSIONES: Los tumores de mama localmente avanzados incluidos en nuestra muestra se comportaron como lesiones homogéneas y esféricas. Los de mayor volumen se asociaron con menor esfericidad. Las variables de heterogeneidad global y la esfericidad no parecen tener un papel predictivo en la respuesta a la QN ni en la SG. Los tumores más esféricos y con menor variación en la intensidad de gris entre los vóxeles mostraron un menor riesgo de recurrencia

AIM: To analyze the relationship between measurements of global heterogeneity, obtained from 18F-FDG PET/CT, with biological variables, and their predictive and prognostic role in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 68 patients from a multicenter and prospective study, with LABC and a baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT were included. Immunohistochemical profile [estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), expression of the HER-2 oncogene, Ki-67 proliferation index and tumor histological grade], response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC), overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were obtained as clinical variables. Three-dimensional segmentation of the lesions, providing SUV, volumetric [metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG)] and global heterogeneity variables [coefficient of variation (COV) and SUVmean/SUVmax ratio], as well as sphericity was performed. The correlation between the results obtained with the immunohistochemical profile, the response to NC and survival was also analyzed. RESULTS: Of the patients included, 62 received NC. Only 18 responded.13 patients relapsed and 11 died during follow-up. ER negative tumors had a lower COV (p = 0.018) as well as those with high Ki-67 (p = 0.001) and high risk phenotype (p = 0.033) compared to the rest. No PET variable showed association with the response to NC nor OS. There was an inverse relationship between sphericity with DFS (p = 0.041), so, for every tenth that sphericity increases, the risk of recurrence decreases by 37%. CONCLUSIONS: Breast tumors in our LABC dataset behaved as homogeneous and spherical lesions. Larger volumes were associated with a lower sphericity. Global heterogeneity variables and sphericity do not seem to have a predictive role in response to NC nor in OS. More spherical tumors with less variation in gray intensity between voxels showed a lower risk of recurrence