Mexican Quality of Work Life Scale in healthcare personnel: development and validation / Escala Mexicana de Calidad de Vida Laboral en personal sanitario: desarrollo y validación

Existe poca evidencia de escalas de medición con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas respecto a la Calidad de Vida Laboral en el personal sanitario, por lo que el objetivo fue desarrollar y examinar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala Mexicana de Calidad de Vida Laboral (EMCVL). Se realizó un estudio instrumental y transversal. Fase 1) desarrollo de la escala y validez de contenido; Fase 2) validación con dos muestras diferentes [n = 293] y [n = 300] a través de un cuestionario en línea. Se obtuvo validez de contenido para 60 ítems (V de Aiken > .90); los análisis factoriales exploratorio y confirmatorio arrojaron una estructura de seis dimensiones; los índices de ajuste de la escala final con 24 ítems fueron aceptables (χ2[257] = 540.277; CMIN/DF = 2.102; NFI = .914; CFI = .953; GFI = .877, AGFI = .845; SRMR = .047; RMSEA = .061 [.054-.069] p <.001), con buenos índices de confiabilidad (α = .949, ω = .982). La EMCVL demostró confiabilidad en la consistencia interna, varias evidencias de validez y una invarianza configuracional y métrica aceptable con un modelo que confirma la existencia de seis dimensiones que explican el constructo a través de 24 ítems.(AU)

There is little evidence of measurement scales with appropriate psychometric properties regard Quality of Work-Life in health personnel, so the objective was to develop and examine psychometric properties of Mexican Quality of Work Life Scale (MQWLS). An instrumental, cross-sectional study was conducted. Phase 1) development of the scale and con-tent validity; Phase 2) validation with two different samples [n= 293] and [n = 300] through an online questionnaire. Content validity was obtained for 60 items (Aiken's V>.90); exploratory and confirmatory factor analyz-es yielded a six-dimension structure; the fit indexes from the final scale with 24 items were acceptable (χ2[257]=540.277; CMIN/DF=2.102; NFI=.914; CFI=.953; GFI=.877, AGFI=.845; SRMR=.047; RMSEA=.061 [.054-.069] p <.001), with good reliability indices (α =.949,ω=.982). MQWLS proved internal consistency reliability, several ev-idences of validity and acceptable configurational and metric invariance with a model that confirms the existence of six dimensions that explain the construct through 24 items.(AU)

Thermoregulation mechanisms and perspectives for validating thermal windows in pigs with hypothermia and hyperthermia: An overview.

Specific anatomical characteristics make the porcine species especially sensitive to extreme temperature changes, predisposing them to pathologies and even death due to thermal stress. Interest in improving animal welfare and porcine productivity has led to the development of various lines of research that seek to understand the effect of certain environmental conditions on productivity and the impact of implementing strategies designed to mitigate adverse effects. The non-invasive infrared thermography technique is one of the tools most widely used to carry out these studies, based on detecting changes in microcirculation. However, evaluations using this tool require reliable thermal windows; this can be challenging because several factors can affect the sensitivity and specificity of the regions selected. This review discusses the thermal windows used with domestic pigs and the association of thermal changes in these regions with the thermoregulatory capacity of piglets and hogs.

Recomendaciones de la Asociación Colombiana de Nefrología en casos de trasplante renal durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Recommendations of the Colombian Association of Nephrology in renal transplantation during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19)

Resumen Introducción: los pacientes con trasplante renal y COVID-19 tienen alto riesgo de complicaciones y mortalidad dado que con mayor frecuencia presentan compromiso respiratorio. Hasta el momento, en Colombia no existen protocolos establecidos sobre el manejo de la inmunosupresión de base ni sobre estrategias de tratamiento en esta población, por lo que es necesario establecer recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia disponible y en el consenso de expertos para que sean aplicadas a nivel local. Objetivo: desarrollar mediante un consenso de expertos y una revisión de la literatura una serie de recomendaciones para diagnosticar y prevenir el contagio de SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con trasplante renal, así como para darles un manejo adecuado. Materiales y métodos: se formularon una serie de preguntas sobre infección por SARS-CoV-2 en trasplante renal con énfasis en comportamiento clínico, frecuencia de la infección, prevención, diagnóstico, manejo de la inmunosupresión y tratamiento, a partir de las cuales se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en las bases de datos PubMed y EMBASE y en los portales web de algunas sociedades científicas y se consultó a un grupo de especialistas en nefrología y cirugía. La discusión de las preguntas, las respuestas y lo encontrado en la literatura se realizó entre el 23 de abril y el 10 de mayo de 2020. Resultados: se realizó un panel de discusión donde los expertos discutieron y evaluaron la calidad de la evidencia para emitir una recomendación final sobre cada punto evaluado. Asimismo, se realizó un consolidado de las principales series de casos de infección por SARS-CoV2 en población con trasplante renal y sus desenlaces clínicos publicados hasta el momento. Conclusiones: se establecieron unas recomendaciones para la prevención, el diagnóstico y el manejo de pacientes con trasplante renal y COVID-19, las cuales hacen énfasis en el manejo inmunosupresor de base y resaltan la importancia de las interacciones farmacológicas de los tratamientos disponibles para el SARS-CoV-2 con la terapia inmunosupresora. Igualmente se dan recomendaciones para realizar trasplantes de forma segura durante la pandemia.

Abstract Introduction: Kidney transplant patients are a high-risk population for complications and mortality associated with SARS CoV2 infection. Different reports in the literature have shown a higher frequency of respiratory compromise and mortality, currently don't exist recommendations with an adequate level of evidence regarding the management of base immunosuppression and treatment strategies in this population, for which reason it is necessary from the national scene, build recommendations based on the available evidence and consensus of experts, to be applied at the local level. Objective: To develop, by means of an expert consensus and a review of the available literature, recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and management of transplant patients with SARS Cov2 infection. And give recommendations to continue with the organ procurement and transplant activity in the scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: Questions were asked about SARS Cov2 infection in kidney transplantation, with emphasis on clinical behavior, frequency of infection, prevention, diagnosis, management of immunosuppression and treatment. A search of the literature in Pubmed, Embase and scientific societies was performed to answer each of the questions. The discussion of the answers to each of the questions according to the available evidence and the possibility of adapting them to local practice was carried out by consensus method and panel of experts. Nephrology and transplant surgery specialists from transplant groups in the country participated in the consensus. Results: A panel of experts was held to discuss the questions and answers found in the literature between April 23, 2020 and May 10, 2020, for each question a panel discussion was held where the total of experts discussed and Evaluates the quality of the evidence to issue a final recommendation on each evaluated point. A consolidation of the main series of cases of SARS-CoV2 infection in the kidney transplant population and the clinical outcomes was carried out up to the moment of publication. Conclusions: According to what is found in the literature, recommendations are made for the prevention, diagnosis and management of patients with kidney transplantation and SARS-CoV2 infection, emphasizing behavior with respect to basic immunosuppressive management, and highlighting the importance of the pharmacological interactions of the available treatments for SARS-CoV2 with immunosuppressive therapy, recommendations are also given to implement the procupara and transplant activity safely during the pandemic.

Understanding medication safety and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: a patient perspective.

Background Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a common inherited neuropathy where patients may be sensitive to adverse effects of certain medicines; however, information about medication safety in this group of people is limited. Objective This study aimed to investigate the experience of Australian individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in using medications, including perceived impact of drug-induced adverse effects. Secondarily, it aimed to determine whether individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease feel adequately supported to make decisions about medication safety. Setting Focus groups and interviews (face-to-face or telephone) of individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in Australia. Method A mixed methods qualitative study was conducted between September 2015 and August 2016 using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was conducted independently by two researchers using inductive coding until concept saturation was achieved. Main outcome measure Perceptions of medicines safety in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, including barriers to making informed decisions about medication safety. Results Twenty-four adults with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease participated. Anaesthetics (18%) and pregabalin (15%) were the medications most frequently reported as impacting on Charcot-Marie-Tooth symptoms. Participants sought medication information primarily from general practitioners or neurologists. The main barriers identified by participants were a perceived poor understanding in non-specialist health professionals about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and lack of attention to medication safety concerns in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease; this resulted in dissatisfaction about the advice provided. Many individuals who faced uncertainty in obtaining and understanding medicines information turned to internet resources, peer groups, and use of complementary and alternative medicines to self-manage Charcot-Marie-Tooth exacerbations. Conclusion Participants reported drug-related adverse effects and a difficulty in obtaining safety information about medication. This study highlights the need for improved evidence about medication safety in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Development of evidence-based resources, increased awareness amongst health professionals about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and a team-based care approach could facilitate shared decisions about medication use for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The definition of placebo in the informed consent forms of clinical trials.

AIM: Lack of knowledge concerning the nature of placebo and why it is necessary may influence the participation of patients in clinical trials. The objective of the present study is to review how placebo is described in written information for participants in clinical trials to be evaluated by a Human Research Ethics Committee. METHODS: All research protocols submitted for evaluation in a Spanish hospital during 2007-2013 were reviewed. The main characteristics of the studies using a placebo were collected. Three authors read each of them to determine how the term "placebo" was explained and if there was any comment on its efficacy and safety. RESULTS: Two thousand seven-hundred and forty research protocols were evaluated, of which three hundred and fifty-nine used a placebo. Pharmaceutical companies sponsored most placebo-controlled clinical trials (91.9%), and phase III studies were the commonest (59.9%). Oncology (15.0%), cardiology (14.2%), and neurology (13.1%) made the greatest contributions. A review of the informed consent forms showed that placebo was described in a similar manner in most studies: the explanation was limited to between four and eight words. Very few gave information about the risks of its use or adverse reactions from its administration. None of the studies provided details about the placebo effect. And 23 lacked any information about placebo at all. CONCLUSIONS: Explanations about placebo in informed consent forms is often scarce, and information about the placebo effect and associated risks are absent. This situation may influence a full understanding of placebo by participants in clinical trials and might reduce their informed decision to participate.

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition prevents glomerular hypertrophy in a model of renal mass reduction.

BACKGROUND: Sirolimus (SRL) is a potent and specific immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplantation, as basic therapy or in combination with calcineurin inhibitors. Although SRL is a nonnephrotoxic drug, many reports have related its use with the development of proteinuria, especially after conversion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the interrelation between early and late SRL administration on the development of glomerular hypertrophy and proteinuria in a model of renal mass reduction (RMR). METHODS: Rats underwent 2/3 cryoablation of the left kidney and subsequent right nephrectomy (n=42) or sham operations (n=29). Two weeks before (early study) or 12 weeks after (late study) surgery, SRL or vehicle was administered three times weekly. Creatinine clearance and proteinuria were determined throughout the study, and a complete histologic analysis was performed at the end of the study. RESULTS: Treatment with SRL had no effect on creatinine clearance, independently of the administration time. Four weeks after RMR, a significant increase in proteinuria was observed. Proteinuria was stabilized after early and late SRL administration, whereas vehicle-treated animals showed a further increase in proteinuria. Glomerular hypertrophy was strongly associated with proteinuria, and early SRL introduction prevented glomerular enlargement. The histologic analysis showed less structural damage in the two groups of animals treated with SRL than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Although early SRL introduction blocked glomerular hypertrophy, SRL treatment revealed the potential to halt progression of proteinuria and histologic damage at any time of administration in a model of RMR.

Phase I single-dose study of intracavitary-administered Nimotuzumab labeled with 188 Re in adult recurrent high-grade glioma.

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) may improve the management of malignant gliomas. A Phase I clinical trial was performed to evaluate, for the first time, the toxicity and clinical effect of an intracavitary administration of a single dose of Nimotuzumab (h-R3) labeled wit (188)Re. Nimotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against epidermal growth factor receptors. Three patients with anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) and 8 with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) were intended to be treated with 3 mg of mAb labelled with 10 or 15 mCi of (188)Re. In patients treated with 10 mCi (n=6) transitory worsening of pre-existing neurological symptoms were observed. Two patients treated with 15 mCi (n=4) developed early severe neurological symptoms and one also developed late severe toxicity (radionecrosis). In the group treated with 10 mCi, 1 GBM patient died in progression 6 months after the treatment, 2 patients (1 GBM and 1 AA) developed stable disease during 3 months. One GBM patient had partial response for more than 1 year and 2 patients (1 GBM and 1 AA) were asymptomatic and in complete response after 3 years of treatment. Maximal tolerated dose of the radioimmunoconjugate (188)Re-Nimotuzumab was 3 mg of the h-R3 labelled with 10 mCi of (188)Re. The radioimmunoconjugate showed a high retention in the surgical created resection cavity and the brain adjacent tissues with a mean value of 85.5 % of the injected dose one hour post-administration. This radioimmunoconjugate may be relatively safe and a promising therapeutic approach for treating high grade gliomas.

Carbohydrate involvement in cellular interactions in sea urchin gastrulation.

The sea urchin embryo is a model for studying cellular interactions that occur in higher organisms because of its availability, transparency, and accessibility to molecular probes. In previous studies, we found that the mannose/glucose-binding lectin Lens culinaris agglutinin entered living sea urchin embryos, bound to specific cell types and caused exogastrulation, when the developing gut (archenteron) falls out of the embryo proper. We have proposed that the lectin bound to sugar-containing ligands, thus preventing attachment of the archenteron to the blastocoel roof, resulting in exogastrulation. Here, we have continued our study of cellular interactions in this model using Lytechinus pictus sea urchin embryos, and have found that inhibitors of glycoprotein/proteoglycan synthesis, tunicamycin and sodium selenate, and the specific glycosidases, beta-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and alpha-mannosidase, all inhibit archenteron organization, elongation, and attachment to the blastocoel roof in viable swimming embryos. We also show that single cells obtained by disaggregation of 32-h-old sea urchin embryos bind to L. culinaris agglutinin- and concanavalin A-derivatized beads; the binding is blocked by alpha-methyl mannose, but not l-fucose. These cells also bind to beads derivatized with mannan. These results provide evidence for a role of carbohydrate-containing molecules in cellular interactions in sea urchin gastrulation. In a second set of experiments, we found that the supernatant obtained by disaggregation of 24-32-h-old L. pictus embryos in calcium- and magnesium-free sea water contains molecules that cause exogastrulation, archenteron disorganization, inhibition of archenteron elongation and inhibition of archenteron attachment to the blastocoel roof in viable swimming embryos. We propose that the supernatant contains ligands and/or receptors that mediate archenteron development and attachment to the blastocoel roof and are released when embryos are disaggregated into single cells. These studies may lead to a better understanding of the molecular basis of mechanisms that control cellular interactions during development.