Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders relapses and seasonal influence in an equatorial country cohort. / Recaídas del trastorno de espectro de la neuromielitis óptica e influencia estacional en una cohorte de un país ecuatorial.

INTRODUCTION: Information about seasonal distribution of Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) attacks, particularly in tropical countries, has rarely been described and the reported data are diverse. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate influence of seasonal variation in NMOSD relapses in an equatorial country. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Exploratory observational, retrospective ecological study in a cohort of patients with NMOSD followed from January 2008 to December 2019. Data of demographic, clinical information, characteristics of relapses and seasonal temporal variation were recorded. Also, the annual, monthly and intra-annual seasonal variation of relapses was quantified. A negative binomial regression was used to estimate the associations between the number of relapses and climatic and temporal variables. RESULTS: One hundred thirteen patients were included, most of them were female (89.38%), with a mean age at NMOSD diagnosis was 44.97 (±13.98) and the median of relapses per patient were 2 relapses (IQR 1-3). The patients presented 237 relapses, most of these in AQP4 seropositive patients (87.76%) and longitudinal extensive myelitis was the most frequent type of relapse (53.59%). According to the temporal variation, relapses were more common in the second rainy season (28.69%) during November and December. However, there weren't significant differences in the number of relapses between seasons and climatic variables in the multivariable model. CONCLUSION: The number of NMOSD relapses in this equatorial country cohort did not exhibit any significant associations with climatic variations, including changes in rainy or dry seasons.

TITLE: Recaídas del trastorno de espectro de la neuromielitis óptica e influencia estacional en una cohorte de un país ecuatorial.Introducción. La evidencia sobre la distribución estacional de las recaídas del trastorno del espectro de la neuromielitis óptica (NMOSD), especialmente en países tropicales, es limitada y diversa. Objetivo. Evaluar la influencia de las variaciones estacionales en las recaídas del NMOSD en un país localizado sobre la línea ecuatorial. Pacientes y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio ecológico, con información retrospectiva de una cohorte de pacientes con NMOSD atendida entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2020 en Medellín, Colombia. Se recolectaron datos demográficos y clínicos de los pacientes, así como información sobre variables estacionales y climáticas. Se calculó la frecuencia de recaídas por estación, mes y año, y se realizó una regresión binomial negativa para evaluar la asociación entre el número de recaídas, y las variables estacionales y climáticas. Resultados. Se incluyó a 113 pacientes, de los cuales el 89,38% eran mujeres, con una edad media en el momento del diagnóstico de NMOSD de 44,97 (±13,98) años y una mediana de tres recaídas (rango intercuartílico: 1-2). Se registraron 237 recaídas, la mayoría en pacientes seropositivos para anticuerpos antiacuaporina 4 (87,76%) y con mielitis longitudinal extensa como la presentación clínica más común (53,59%). Las recaídas se presentaron con mayor frecuencia durante la segunda temporada lluviosa (28,69%; n = 68), y en los meses de noviembre y diciembre. Sin embargo, en la regresión binomial negativa no se observó una asociación significativa entre el número de recaídas y las variables climáticas y estacionales, los meses y los años. Conclusión. Las variables climáticas y los patrones estacionales no muestran una asociación significativa con cambios en el número de recaídas del NMOSD en pacientes residentes en un país localizado sobre la línea ecuatorial.

Efectos de la rehabilitación pulmonar en la capacidad funcional y calidad de vida en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa con y sin uso de oxígeno domiciliario / Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional capacity and quality of life in patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease with and without use of home oxygen

Introducción La enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa (EPID) es un grupo de enfermedades que causan un trastorno de la capacidad aeróbica y calidad de vida, además ocasionan una gran tasa de morbimortalidad para esta población. El uso de oxigenoterapia domiciliaria tiene beneficios que aún no se comparan en programas de rehabilitación pulmonar. Objetivo Determinar los efectos de un programa de rehabilitación pulmonar en la capacidad funcional y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa con y sin uso de oxígeno domiciliario. Materiales y métodos Estudio cuasiexperimental en el que todos los pacientes, por conveniencia, firmaron el consentimiento informado. Se dividieron en 2 grupos: con y sin oxígeno domiciliario, evaluados antes y después de la rehabilitación pulmonar en variables clínicas, capacidad funcional y calidad de vida. Resultados Se vincularon 31 pacientes que se dividieron en 2 grupos con oxígeno y sin oxígeno domiciliario, la mayor participación fue de hombres, edad promedio de 56 años, y se obtuvo que la mayoría había acudido a urgencias. Ambos grupos presentaron mejorías en la distancia recorrida y en la ansiedad: valor-p<0,05. La calidad de vida presentó mejorías significativas por dominio en ambos grupos: valor-p<0,05. Conclusión El grupo de EPID con uso de oxígeno domiciliario presenta mayores cambios en la capacidad funcional. En cuanto a la calidad de vida el grupo EPID sin uso de oxígeno domiciliario mejoró significativamente el dominio actividades del SGRQ, y el grupo EPID con uso de oxígeno domiciliario presentó mejoría en los dominios síntomas e impacto (AU)

Introduction Diffuse Interstitial Pulmonary Disease is a group of diseases that cause a disorder of aerobic capacity and quality of life, also cause a high rate of morbidity and mortality for this population. The use of home oxygen therapy has benefits that have not yet been compared in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Objective To determine the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on functional capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease with and without the use of home oxygen. Materials and methods Quasi-experimental study, all patients for convenience who signed the informed consent. They were divided into two groups: with and without home oxygen, evaluated before and after pulmonary rehabilitation in clinical variables, functional capacity and quality of life. Results 31 patients were linked, divided into two groups with oxygen and without home oxygen, the largest participation was men, average age 56 years, it was obtained that the majority had gone to the emergency room. Both groups presented improvements in the distance traveled and in anxiety p-value≤0.05. The quality of life presented significant improvements by domain in both groups p-value≤0.05. Conclusion The ILD group with home oxygen use presents greater changes in functional capacity. Regarding quality of life, the ILD group without home oxygen use significantly improved the activities domain of the SGRQ and the ILD group with home oxygen use showed improvement in the symptoms and impact domains (AU)

Adherencia a la rehabilitación pulmonar en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar instersticial difusa (EPID) / Adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with diffuse interstitial pulmonary disease (DILD)

Introducción La enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa (EPID), a pesar de su baja prevalencia, presenta un curso progresivo y letal. Como estrategia secundaria al tratamiento farmacológico, los pacientes son remitidos a programas de rehabilitación pulmonar; no obstante, existe escasa evidencia con relación a la adherencia a dichos programas. Objetivo Analizar la adherencia de los pacientes diagnosticados con EPID a los programas de rehabilitación pulmonar en una clínica de Colombia en el año 2021. Materiales y métodos Estudio descriptivo observacional y prospectivo donde se vincularon 74 pacientes con EPID, que se dividieron en 2 grupos, adherencia baja/moderada y adherencia alta, tomando como referente el modelo de cumplimiento de Oates et al. Para la comparación de los dos grupos se realizó la prueba chi2 y la prueba T student para muestras independientes. Se tuvo en cuenta una significación del 95%, y se consideraron significativos valores p<0,05. Resultados Se obtuvo una adherencia alta en el 67,6% de los pacientes vinculados en el estudio. En las variables clínicas, diagnósticos, hospitalizaciones, días hospitalizados, y en el dominio síntomas del cuestionario de calidad de vida se presentaron diferencias significativas con un valor p≤0,05 entre los grupos de adherencia. La razón de motivo de abandono del programa de rehabilitación pulmonar en la mayoría de pacientes fue por exacerbación y no tener dinero para el transporte. Conclusiones Se presentó una alta adherencia en el 67,6% de los participantes. Pacientes con alta adherencia tenían mayor prevalencia de EPID clasificadas, hospitalizaciones, distancia recorrida y mejor calidad de vida (AU)

Introduction Diffuse interstitial lung disease (DILD), despite its low prevalence, has a progressive and lethal course. As a secondary strategy to pharmacological treatment, patients are referred to pulmonary rehabilitation programs; however, there is little evidence regarding adherence to these programs. Objective To analyze the adherence of patients diagnosed with ILD to pulmonary rehabilitation programs in a clinic in Colombia in the year 2021. Materials and methods Observational and prospective descriptive study where 74 patients with ILD were linked, who were divided into two groups, low/moderate adherence and high adherence, taking as reference the compliance model of Oates et al. For the comparison of the two groups, the chi2 test and the T student test for independent samples were performed. A significance of 95% was taken into account, and significant p-values<0.05 were considered. Results High adherence was obtained in 67.6% of the patients included in the study. In the clinical variables, diagnoses, hospitalizations, days hospitalized, and in the symptoms domain of the quality of life questionnaire, there were significant differences with a p-value≤0.05 between the adherence groups. The reason for abandonment of the pulmonary rehabilitation program in the majority of patients was due to exacerbation and not having money for transportation. Conclusions High adherence was present in 67.6% of the participants. Patients with high adherence had a higher prevalence of classified ILD, hospitalizations, distance traveled and better quality of life (AU)

Two Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex Strains Isolated from Almond in Spain Differ in Plasmid Content and Virulence Traits.

The plant-pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is a major threat to agriculture and the environment worldwide. Recent devastating outbreaks in Europe highlight the potential of this pathogen to cause emergent diseases. X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex ESVL and IVIA5901 strains that belong to sequence type 6 were isolated from almond orchards within the outbreak area in Alicante province (Spain). Both strains share more than 99% of the chromosomal sequences (average nucleotide identity), but the ESVL strain harbors two plasmids (pXF64-Hb_ESVL and pUCLA-ESVL). Here, virulence phenotypes and genome content were compared between both strains, using three strains from the United States as a reference for the phenotypic analyses. Experiments in microfluidic chambers, used as a simulation of xylem vessels, showed that twitching motility was absent in the IVIA5901 strain, whereas the ESVL strain had reduced twitching motility. In general, both Spanish strains had less biofilm formation, less cell aggregation, and lower virulence in tobacco compared with U.S. reference strains. Genome analysis of the two plasmids from ESVL revealed 51 unique coding sequences that were absent in the chromosome of IVIA5901. Comparison of the chromosomes of both strains showed some unique coding sequences and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in each strain, with potential deleterious mutations. Genomic differences found in genes previously associated with adhesion and motility might explain the differences in the phenotypic traits studied. Although additional studies are necessary to infer the potential role of X. fastidiosa plasmids, our results indicate that the presence of plasmids should be considered in the study of the mechanisms of pathogenicity and adaptation in X. fastidiosa to new environments. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Predictores de discapacidad en una cohorte con espectro de neuromielitis óptica / Predictors of disability in a cohort with neuromyelitis optica spectrum

Introducción: La discapacidad en el espectro de neuromielitis óptica (NMOSD) es frecuente y puede ser grave. Objetivo: Determinar factores asociados a mayor discapacidad en el NMOSD. Pacientes y métodosEstudio observacional, analítico, ambispectivo, en una cohorte de pacientes con NMOSD entre enero de 2015 y julio de 2021, utilizando una fuente secundaria para la revisión de variables y la escala extendida de discapacidad (EDSS) después del inicio y una fuente primaria, con una encuesta telefónica para la EDSS final y los datos faltantes. Se definió la discapacidad mayor cuando la puntuación de la EDSS era = 6. El análisis se realizó por medio de regresión logística con SPSS 25®. Resultados: Se analizó a 125 pacientes. La edad promedio de inicio fue 41 (desviación estándar: 14) años, con una relación mujer:hombre de 8:1. El 87% (109) era positivo para anticuerpos antiacuaporinas. La neuritis óptica (44,8%) y la mielitis transversa (39,2%) fueron las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes en el inicio. El 71,2% de los pacientes recibió tratamiento agudo en la primera recaída. La mediana de inicio del tratamiento crónico fue de 12 meses (rango intercuartílico: 3-60) y el 44% tuvo dificultades en el cumplimiento de la inmunosupresión. El 80,8% presentó recaídas y el 44% tenía una puntuación en la EDSS final = 6. La mediana de EDSS basal-final fue de 1 (rango intercuartílico, 0-3), con frecuencia hacia la acumulación de discapacidad. Se encontró asociación entre el curso con recaídas (odds ratio = 3,73; p = 0,011) y la EDSS basal alta (odds ratio = 1,54; p = 0,001) con una mayor discapacidad. En el análisis multivariado, una mayor EDSS basal y un curso con recaídas presentaron una probabilidad de discapacidad 1,6 y 5,3 veces mayor, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Las recaídas de la enfermedad y la EDSS alta después del primer episodio son predictores de discapacidad en el NMOSD.(AU)

Introduction: Disability in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is common and can be severe. Aim: To determine factors associated with increased disability in NMOSD. Patients and methods. Observational, analytical, ambispective study in a cohort of patients with NMOSD between January 2015 and July 2021, using a secondary source to review variables and the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) after onset and a primary source, with a telephone survey for the final EDSS and missing data. Major disability was defined as occurring when the EDSS score was ≥ 6. The analysis was performed by means of logistic regression with SPSS 25®. Results: A total of 125 patients were analysed. The average age at onset was 41 (standard deviation: 14) years, with a female-to-male ratio of 8:1. Of the total sample, 87% (109) were positive for anti-aquaporin antibodies. Optic neuritis (44.8%) and transverse myelitis (39.2%) were the most frequent clinical manifestations at onset. Altogether 71.2% of patients received acute treatment at their first relapse. Mean chronic treatment initiation was 12 months (interquartile range: 3-60) and 44% had difficulties with immunosuppression compliance. Of the total number of patients, 80.8% had relapses and 44% had a final EDSS score = 6. The median baseline-to-final EDSS score was 1 (interquartile range: 0-3), often towards disability accumulation. An association was found between a relapsing course (odds ratio = 3.73; p = 0.011) and a high baseline EDSS (odds ratio = 1.54; p = 0.0001) with increased disability. In the multivariate analysis, with a higher baseline EDSS and a relapsing course disability was 1.6 and 5.3 times more likely to occur, respectively. Conclusions: Disease relapses and high EDSS after the first episode are predictors of disability in NMOSD.(AU)

[Predictors of disability in a cohort with neuromyelitis optica spectrum]. / Predictores de discapacidad en una cohorte con espectro de neuromielitis óptica.

INTRODUCTION: Disability in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is common and can be severe. AIM: To determine factors associated with increased disability in NMOSD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational, analytical, ambispective study in a cohort of patients with NMOSD between January 2015 and July 2021, using a secondary source to review variables and the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) after onset and a primary source, with a telephone survey for the final EDSS and missing data. Major disability was defined as occurring when the EDSS score was = 6. The analysis was performed by means of logistic regression with SPSS 25®. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were analysed. The average age at onset was 41 (standard deviation: 14) years, with a female-to-male ratio of 8:1. Of the total sample, 87% (109) were positive for anti-aquaporin antibodies. Optic neuritis (44.8%) and transverse myelitis (39.2%) were the most frequent clinical manifestations at onset. Altogether 71.2% of patients received acute treatment at their first relapse. Mean chronic treatment initiation was 12 months (interquartile range: 3-60) and 44% had difficulties with immunosuppression compliance. Of the total number of patients, 80.8% had relapses and 44% had a final EDSS score = 6. The median baseline-to-final EDSS score was 1 (interquartile range: 0-3), often towards disability accumulation. An association was found between a relapsing course (odds ratio = 3.73; p = 0.011) and a high baseline EDSS (odds ratio = 1.54; p = 0.0001) with increased disability. In the multivariate analysis, with a higher baseline EDSS and a relapsing course disability was 1.6 and 5.3 times more likely to occur, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Disease relapses and high EDSS after the first episode are predictors of disability in NMOSD.

TITLE: Predictores de discapacidad en una cohorte con espectro de neuromielitis óptica.Introducción. La discapacidad en el espectro de neuromielitis óptica (NMOSD) es frecuente y puede ser grave. Objetivo. Determinar factores asociados a mayor discapacidad en el NMOSD. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico, ambispectivo, en una cohorte de pacientes con NMOSD entre enero de 2015 y julio de 2021, utilizando una fuente secundaria para la revisión de variables y la escala extendida de discapacidad (EDSS) después del inicio y una fuente primaria, con una encuesta telefónica para la EDSS final y los datos faltantes. Se definió la discapacidad mayor cuando la puntuación de la EDSS era = 6. El análisis se realizó por medio de regresión logística con SPSS 25®. Resultados. Se analizó a 125 pacientes. La edad promedio de inicio fue 41 (desviación estándar: 14) años, con una relación mujer:hombre de 8:1. El 87% (109) era positivo para anticuerpos antiacuaporinas. La neuritis óptica (44,8%) y la mielitis transversa (39,2%) fueron las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes en el inicio. El 71,2% de los pacientes recibió tratamiento agudo en la primera recaída. La mediana de inicio del tratamiento crónico fue de 12 meses (rango intercuartílico: 3-60) y el 44% tuvo dificultades en el cumplimiento de la inmunosupresión. El 80,8% presentó recaídas y el 44% tenía una puntuación en la EDSS final = 6. La mediana de EDSS basal-final fue de 1 (rango intercuartílico, 0-3), con frecuencia hacia la acumulación de discapacidad. Se encontró asociación entre el curso con recaídas (odds ratio = 3,73; p = 0,011) y la EDSS basal alta (odds ratio = 1,54; p = 0,001) con una mayor discapacidad. En el análisis multivariado, una mayor EDSS basal y un curso con recaídas presentaron una probabilidad de discapacidad 1,6 y 5,3 veces mayor, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Las recaídas de la enfermedad y la EDSS alta después del primer episodio son predictores de discapacidad en el NMOSD.

PLEX: the best first-line treatment in nmosd attacks experience at a single center in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Primary outcome was to evaluate complete improvement at six months after acute treatment in NMOSD relapses. METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study of patients with diagnosis of NMOSD admitted for acute attacks. We performed an explanatory analysis using the univariate, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression approach. We compared survival curves using the Kaplan Meier analysis and estimated the median time for the main outcome. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, basal EDSS score, AQP4-IgG positivity, PLEX as a first-line treatment (IVMP + PLEX), less systemic complications related to acute treatment and total attack history were independently associated with complete improvement at six months. After adjusting for confounding variables and using multivariate analysis by Cox Regression, positive AQ4-IgG (HR 0.04, 95% CI: 0.02-0.66) and IVMP + PLEX (HR 5.1, 95% CI: 3.9-66.4), were kept as independent factors associated to time to complete improvement. Time from admission to PLEX initiation and complete improvement at six months had a median of seven days (95% CI: 5.2-8.8). In secondary effects, there were no statistical differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: PLEX + IVMP is the treatment of choice for NMOSD relapses and should be initiated as early as possible.

Validation of the Extreme Experiences Scale (EX2) for Armed Conflict Contexts.

Psychological approaches to the study of armed conflict have focused on analyzing post-traumatic stress outcomes, and on evaluating the intensity of exposure to violent confrontation. Nevertheless, psychometrically valid tools required for measuring these traumatic experiences are scarce To validate the Extreme Experiences scale (EX2) for armed conflict contexts for its use in Colombia, and to provide a framework for validation in conflict contexts around the world This Cross-sectional aims to validate the scale with 187 participants, study of validate with 187 participants, comprising population with high exposure to conflict (former combatants and a set of armed conflict victims) and low conflict-exposed individuals (control group). Structures of two domains and 18 items were confirmed: Direct Extreme Experiences (dEX2) and Indirect Extreme Experiences (iEX2); these dimensions were also validated by expert judgment, producing 14-item version. Good levels of internal consistency were found, with a KR-20 of 0.80 for the 18-item version, and 0.77 for the 14-item. The scale differentiates between population with 'high exposure to conflict' from population with 'low exposure' (dnp > 0.5 and area under the ROC >0.90). The scale scores have significant correlation with some mental health constructs. The EX2 scale has good internal consistency, as well as structural validity with regard to exposed groups. This scale can be potentially validated for its use in countries with armed confrontation history. In future versions, the scale may include additional items in order to improve content validity.

Interventions for infantile haemangiomas of the skin: abridged Cochrane systematic review and GRADE assessments.

BACKGROUND: Infantile haemangiomas (IH) are soft swellings of the skin that occur in 3-10% of infants. When haemangiomas occur in high-risk areas or when complications develop, active intervention is necessary. OBJECTIVE: To update a Cochrane Review assessing the interventions for the management of IH in children. METHODS: We searched for randomized controlled trials in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, AMED, PsycINFO, CINAHL and six trials registers up to February 2017. We included 28 trials (1728 participants) assessing 12 interventions. RESULTS: We downgraded evidence from high to moderate/low for issues related to risk of bias and imprecision. Oral propranolol (3 mg kg-1 daily) probably improves clinician-assessed clearance vs placebo [risk ratio (RR) 16·61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4·22-65·34; moderate quality of evidence (QoE)]; we found no evidence of a difference in terms of serious adverse events (RR 1·05, 95% CI 0·33-3·39; low QoE). We found the chance of reduction of redness may be improved with topical timolol maleate (0·5% gel applied twice daily) when compared with placebo (RR 8·11, 95% CI 1·09-60·09; low QoE). We found no instances of bradycardia or hypotension for this comparison. CONCLUSIONS: Our key results indicate that oral propranolol and topical timolol maleate are more beneficial than placebo in terms of clearance or other measures of resolution, or both, without an increase in harm.

Magnetoelectric Force Microscopy on Antiferromagnetic 180∘ Domains in Cr2O3.

Magnetoelectric force microscopy (MeFM) is characterized as methodical tool for the investigation of antiferromagnetic domain states, in particular of the 180 ∘ variety. As reference compound for this investigation we use Cr 2 O 3 . Access to the antiferromagnetic order is provided by the linear magnetoelectric effect. We resolve the opposite antiferromagnetic 180 ∘ domain states of Cr 2 O 3 and estimate the sensitivity of the MeFM approach, its inherent advantages in comparison to alternative techniques and its general feasibility for probing antiferromagnetic order.

Propuesta de un procedimiento para la construcción y validación de un instrumento psicométrico con base en un cuestionario de conocimientos sobre enfermedad cardiovascular en farmacias comunitarias de España / Proposed procedure for the construction and validation of a psychometric instrument based on a knowledge quiz about cardiovascular disease in patients attending in Spanish community pharmacies

Introducción: En la práctica clínica se requiere de herramientas para valorar el conocimiento de los pacientes, siendo los cuestionarios uno de los instrumentos más comunes. En general, los cuestionarios o instrumentos que se utilizan son traducidos o, bien, realizados ad hoc, limitando así su fiabilidad y validez. Objetivo: Desarrollar una propuesta global con el procedimiento para diseñar y validar un cuestionario. Métodos: Se realizaron revisiones bibliográficas en Pubmed/Medline y en Google Scholar de artículos con los siguientes términos: validation questionnaire and desing, developing a questionnaire y validación, diseño y cuestionario, que permitan identificar los pasos y la metodología adecuada para el diseño y la validación de un cuestionario. Resultados: Mediante la revisión se identificaron 78 artículos y se accedió al texto completo de 75 artículos. Con la información obtenida se elaboró una propuesta para diseñar y validar cuestionarios de conocimiento por pacientes. Conclusiones: Se presenta una propuesta de diseño y validación de cuestionario para orientar trabajos con este fin, la cual debe ser validada en futuros estudios

Introduction: In clinical practice, instruments that allow to quantify patients’ knowledge are frequently needed. Questionnaires are one of the most common instruments used. In general, the questionnaires or instruments used are translated or made ad hoc, which limits their reliability and validity. Objective: To develop a global proposal with the procedure to design and validate a questionnaire. Methods: We completed a bibliographic review in Pubmed / Medline and Google Scholar of articles with the terms: validation questionnaire and design, developing a questionnaire and validation, design and questionnaire, to identify the steps and the appropriate methodology to design and validate a questionnaire. Results: Through the review, 78 articles were identified and the full text of 75 articles was accessed. With the information obtained, it was developed a proposal to design and validate questionnaires of patients’ knowledge. Conclusions: It is presented a proposal to design and validate a questionnaire to guide works that have this purpose. Our proposal should be validated in future studies

Queratitis estromal en un recién nacido. Etiología herpética, un posible diagnóstico / Stromal keratitis in a neonate: Herpes virus a diagnosis to consider

OBJETIVO: La queratitis neonatal por herpes simple es un proceso infrecuente asociado con una morbilidad significativa. CASO CLÍNICO: Se presenta el caso de una niña recién nacida vía vaginal que desarrolla una queratoconjuntivitis, en ausencia de historia médica maternal de infección activa por herpes simple. El diagnóstico se realizó en base a la alta sospecha clínica y el uso de pruebas diagnósticas. DISCUSIÓN: La queratitis neonatal por herpes simple es un proceso infrecuente asociado con una morbilidad significativa

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal herpes simple virus (HSV) keratitis, relatively uncommon are associated with significant morbidity. CASE REPORT: The case is presented of a newborn girl who developed herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratoconjunctivitis, despite a vaginal delivery, and the absence of medical history or active clinical maternal HSV infection. Diagnosis relies on a high level of clinical suspicion and the use of diagnostic tests. DISCUSSION: Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis, although relatively uncommon, is associated with significant morbidity

Stromal keratitis in a neonate: Herpes virus a diagnosis to consider.

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal herpes simple virus (HSV) keratitis, relatively uncommon are associated with significant morbidity. CASE REPORT: The case is presented of a newborn girl who developed herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratoconjunctivitis, despite a vaginal delivery, and the absence of medical history or active clinical maternal HSV infection. Diagnosis relies on a high level of clinical suspicion and the use of diagnostic tests. DISCUSSION: Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis, although relatively uncommon, is associated with significant morbidity.

Gene-specific promoter methylation is associated with micronuclei frequency in urothelial cells from individuals exposed to organic solvents and paints.

Sufficient epidemiologic evidence has established an etiologic link between bladder cancer risk and occupational exposure as a painter to organic solvents. Currently, it remains to be established whether gene-specific promoter methylation contributes to bladder cancer development, including by enhancing chromosome breakage or loss. We investigated the effect of chronic exposure to organic solvents and paints on DNA methylation profiles in the promoter regions of four genes (GSTP1, p16(INK4a), APC and CDH1) and micronucleus (MN) frequency in exfoliated urothelial cells from voided urine from Colombian male non-smoking car painters and age-matched unexposed individuals. The exposed group had a higher percentage of individuals with >2 MNs/2000 cells compared with the unexposed group (P=0.04). Gene-specific analysis showed a significantly higher percentage of individuals with methylated GSTP1, p16(INK4a) and APC in the exposed group. Poisson regression analysis indicated that exposed individuals with methylated GSTP1 and p16(INK4a) promoters were more than twofold more likely to have an increase in MN frequency as compared with the reference. Finally, among exposed individuals with GSTP1 and p16(INK4a) methylated promoters, those with a greater age had a higher RR of increased MN frequency compared with younger exposed individuals with methylated promoters. These results support the conclusion that gene-specific promoter methylation may increase MN frequency in a dependent or independent interaction with occupational exposure to organic solvents.

Trapping by amylose of the aliphatic chain grafted onto chlorogenic acid: importance of the graft position.

5-Caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid), is classified in acid-phenols family and as polyphenolic compounds it possesses antioxidant activity. The oxydative modification of chlorogenic acid in foods may lead to alteration of their qualities; to counteract these degradation effects, molecular encapsulation was used to protect chlorogenic acid. Amylose can interact strongly with a number of small molecules, including lipids. In order to enable chlorogenic acid complexation by amylose, a C16 aliphatic chain was previously grafted onto the cycle of quinic acid. This work showed that for the two lipophilic derivatives of chlorogenic acid: hexadecyl chlorogenate obtained by alkylation and 3-O-palmitoyl chlorogenic acid obtained by acylation; only the 3-O-palmitoyl chlorogenic acid complexed amylose. The chlorogenic acid derivatives were studied by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and NMR to elucidate the interaction. By comparing the results with previous work on the complexation of amylose by 4-O-palmitoyl chlorogenic acid, the importance of the aliphatic chain position on the cycle of the quinic acid is clearly highlighted. A study in molecular modeling helped to understand the difference in behavior relative to amylose of these three derivatives of chlorogenic acid.

Treatment of tropical forages with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes: effects on chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation.

The effects of three treatments of fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum (CEL), xylanase from rumen micro-organisms (XYL) and a 1:1 mixture of CEL and XYL (MIX) on the in vitro fermentation of two samples of Pennisetum clandestinum (P1 and P2), two samples of Dichanthium aristatum (D1 and D2) and one sample of each Acacia decurrens and Acacia mangium (A1 and A2) were investigated. The first experiment compared the effects of two methods of applying the enzymes to forages, either at the time of incubation or 24 h before, on the in vitro gas production. In general, the 24 h pre-treatment resulted in higher values of gas production rate, and this application method was chosen for a second study investigating the effects of enzymes on chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of forages. The pre-treatment with CEL for 24 h reduced (p < 0.05) the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of P1, P2, D1 and D2, and that of MIX reduced the NDF content of P1 and D1, but XYL had no effect on any forage. The CEL treatment increased (p < 0.05) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production for all forages (ranging from 8.6% to 22.7%), but in general, no effects of MIX and XYL were observed. For both P. clandestinum samples, CEL treatment reduced (p < 0.05) the molar proportion of acetate and increased (p < 0.05) that of butyrate, but only subtle changes in VFA profile were observed for the rest of forages. Under the conditions of the present experiment, the treatment of tropical forages with CEL stimulated their in vitro ruminal fermentation, but XYL did not produce any positive effect. These results showed clearly that effectiveness of enzymes varied with the incubated forage and further study is warranted to investigate specific, optimal enzyme-substrate combinations.

Enfermedad invasora por Haemophilus influenzae. A propósito de dos casos en lactantes menores / Haemophilus influenzae invasive disease: A report of two cases in young infants / Doença invasora por Haemophilus influenzae. A propósito de dois casos em lactantes menores

En la actualidad, la enfermedad invasora por Haemophilus influenzae es un evento poco común en niños, particularmente, luego de la introducción de una vacuna altamente efectiva contra este microorganismo. Se presentan los casos de dos lactantes menores, previamente sanos, a quienes se les aisló de sangre y líquido cefalorraquídeo H. influenzae, dentro del contexto clínico de una sepsis y meningitis bacteriana. En el paciente pediátrico no vacunado o con esquemas de vacunación incompletos contra H. influenzae tipo b, debe considerarse este agente dentro del diagnóstico diferencial etiológico de los casos de infección bacteriana invasora.

Today, invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae is an extremely rare event in children, especially after the introduction of highly effective conjugated vaccines against this microorganism. We report two cases of previously healthy infants with H. influenzae within the clinical context of sepsis and bacterial meningitis. In unvaccinated pediatric patients or patients with incomplete vaccination schedules against H. influenzae type b, this pathogen should be considered in the differential etiological diagnosis of invasive bacterial infection.

Na atualidad, a doença invasora por Haemophilus influenzae é um evento pouco comum em crianças, particularmente, após da introdução de uma vacina altamente efetiva contra este microrganismo. Se apresentam os casos de duas lactantes menores, previamente saudáveis, a quem se lhes isolou de sangre e líquido cefalorraquidiano H. influenzae, dentro do contexto clínico de uma sepse e meningite bacteriana. No paciente pediátrico não vacinado ou com esquemas de vacinação incompletos contra H. influenzae tipo b, deve considerar-se este agente dentro do diagnóstico diferencial etiológico dos casos de infecção bacteriana invasora.

Estrategia para mejorar la seguridad del paciente en un servicio de neonatología / Strategies to improve patient safety in a neonatology service

Fundamento. La práctica de la medicina, cada vez más compleja,aumenta el riesgo de acontecimientos adversos. La seguridad delpaciente en la atención sanitaria exige que esté libre de cualquiermal evitable.Objetivo. Analizar los errores detectados en un servicio de neonatología.Método. Se realiza un plan de estudio consistente en:1) Sesión clínica informativa sobre los errores asistenciales. 2) Creaciónde un sistema de notificación de errores anónimo. 3) Períodode reflexión para analizar los errores declarados de manera retrospectiva,con la finalidad de sensibilizar a todo el personal. 4) Creaciónde un grupo de estudio (dos médicos y dos diplomados en enfermería)para analizar de forma prospectiva los errores declaradosy establecer las estrategias necesarias para su prevención.Resultados. Durante el período de reflexión (15 días) se recogen28 errores agrupados en: errores de práctica asistencial (19), secundariosa factores humanos (7) y atribuibles al sistema (2).Durante los tres primeros meses del estudio prospectivo se notifican25 errores: de tratamiento (9), de comunicación (2), en determinacionesanalíticas (1), en la alimentación (2), de asepsia (1), deprocedimientos (7) y de identificación e información (3).Se analizan las causas que pueden producirlos, entre las cualesdestacan la falta de comunicación, la sobrecarga asistencial y lafalta de atención y rutina en el trabajo diario.Conclusiones. Debemos ser conscientes de que evitar el error está ennuestras manos. La notificación anónima del error y su análisis permiteponer en marcha medidas preventivas que repercutirán en unamejor calidad de la asistencia y seguridad de nuestros pacientes(AU)

Background. The increasingly complex practice of medicine augmentsthe risk of adverse events. The principles of patient safety inhealth care demand that the patient be spared of all avoidable harm.Objectives. To analyze the medical errors detected in a neonatologyservice.Methods. The following initiatives were implemented: 1) Trainingseminar on medical errors; 2) Implementation of a system for anonymousreporting of medical errors; 3) Review period to analyze anddiscuss the reported medical errors with the ultimate goal of raisingawareness among the personnel; 4) Establishment of a study team(two physicians and two nurses) to analyze prospectively medicalerrors and to develop the necessary preventive strategies.Results. Twenty-eight medical errors were recorded during the retrospectivereview period (15 days). The errors were grouped intothe following categories: treatment errors (19), errors secondary tohuman factors (7), and factors attributable to the system (2). Duringthe first three months of the prospective evaluation phase, 25 errorswere recorded, which corresponded to treatment (9), communication(2), laboratory errors (1), nutrition (2), antisepsis (1), procedures(7), and identification and information (3). The potential causes forthe errors were analyzed; among them were lack of communication,patient care overload, lack of attention, and daily routines.Conclusions. We must be aware that avoiding medical errors is inour hands. The anonymous reporting and its analysis allow for theimplementation of preventive measures that will lead to an improvementin patient care and patient safety(AU)

Effect of the pH in the adsorption and in the immersion enthalpy of monohydroxylated phenols from aqueous solutions on activated carbons.

An activated carbon Carbochem--PS230 was modified by chemical and thermal treatment in flow of H(2) in order to evaluate the influence of the activated carbon chemical surface in the adsorption of the monohydroxylated phenols. The solid-solution interaction was determined by analyzing the adsorption isotherms at 298 K at pH 7, 9 and 11 during 48 h. The adsorption capacity of activated carbons increases when the pH solution decreases. The amount adsorbed increases in the reduced carbon at the maximum adsorption pH and decreases in the oxidized carbon. In the sample of granulated activated carbon, CAG, the monohydroxylated phenols adsorption capacity diminishes in the following order catechol >hydroquinone >resorcinol, at the three pH values. The experimental data are evaluated with Freundlich's and Langmuir's models. The immersion enthalpies are determined and increase with the retained amount, ranging between 21.5 and 45.7 J g(-1). In addition, the immersion enthalpies show more interaction with the reduced activated carbon that has lower total acidity contents.