Promoter DNA methylation patterns in oral, laryngeal and oropharyngeal anatomical regions are associated with tumor differentiation, nodal involvement and survival.

Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) can be used as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets in precision medicine workflows. DNA from 21 HNSCC and 10 healthy oral tissue samples was hybridized to a genome-wide tiling array to identify DMRs in a discovery cohort. Downstream analyses identified differences in promoter DNA methylation patterns in oral, laryngeal and oropharyngeal anatomical regions associated with tumor differentiation, nodal involvement and survival. Genome-wide DMR analysis showed 2,565 DMRs common to the three subsites. A total of 738 DMRs were unique to laryngeal cancer (n=7), 889 DMRs were unique to oral cavity cancer (n=10) and 363 DMRs were unique to pharyngeal cancer (n=6). Based on the genome-wide analysis and a Gene Ontology analysis, 10 candidate genes were selected to test for prognostic value and association with clinicopathological features. TIMP3 was associated with tumor differentiation in oral cavity cancer (P=0.039), DAPK1 was associated with nodal involvement in pharyngeal cancer (P=0.017) and PAX1 was associated with tumor differentiation in laryngeal cancer (P=0.040). A total of five candidate genes were selected, DAPK1, CDH1, PAX1, CALCA and TIMP3, for a prevalence study in a larger validation cohort: Oral cavity cancer samples (n=42), pharyngeal cancer tissues (n=25) and laryngeal cancer samples (n=52). PAX1 hypermethylation differed across HNSCC anatomic subsites (P=0.029), and was predominantly detected in laryngeal cancer. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (P=0.043) and Cox regression analysis of overall survival (P=0.001) showed that DAPK1 methylation is associated with better prognosis in HNSCC. The findings of the present study showed that the HNSCC subsites oral cavity, pharynx and larynx display substantial differences in aberrant DNA methylation patterns, which may serve as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of velamentous cord insertion: a case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The velamentous cord insertion is a rare pathology in which the umbilical blood vessels branch before reaching the placenta; by varying its structure, the cord becomes prone to spontaneous internal ruptures. This pathology is an obstetric emergency, so its early diagnosis is essential. METHODS AND RESULTS: We present a 27-year-old pregnant woman who attends an antenatal check-up for a routine third-trimester examination. Ultrasound reveals grade I polyhydramnios and suggestive findings of a trivascular umbilical cord with velamentous insertion 35 mm from the nearest placental border. The ultrasound diagnosis allowed a term delivery by elective cesarean section, avoiding severe complications of the maternal-fetal binomial. CONCLUSION: Velamentous cord insertion can and should have an early prenatal diagnosis, even from the second trimester, through imaging techniques such as transabdominal ultrasound or color Doppler. Early detection and appropriate peripartum management will highly reduce complications during labor.

Corrigendum: Disseminated tuberculosis and diagnosis delay during the COVID-19 era in a Western European country: a case series analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1175482.].

Impact of antiretroviral therapy intensification with C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 antagonist maraviroc on HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVES: Chemokine receptor CCR5 is the principal co-receptor for entry of M-tropic HIV virus into immune cells. It is expressed in the central nervous system and may contribute to neuro-inflammation. The CCR5 antagonist maraviroc (MVC) has been suggested to improve HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI). DESIGN: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, 48-week, randomized study of MVC vs. placebo in people with HIV (PWH) on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) for more than one year in Hawaii and Puerto Rico with plasma HIV RNA less than 50 copies/ml and at least mild NCI defined as an overall or domain-specific neuropsychological z (NPZ) score less than -0.5. METHODS: Study participants were randomized 2 : 1 to intensification of ART with MVC vs. placebo. The primary endpoint was change in global and domain-specific NPZ modeled from study entry to week 48. Covariate adjusted treatment comparisons of average changes in cognitive outcome were performed using winsorized NPZ data. Monocyte subset frequencies and chemokine expression as well as plasma biomarker levels were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-nine participants were enrolled with 32 individuals randomized to MVC intensification and 17 to placebo. At baseline, worse NPZ scores were seen in the MVC arm. Comparison of 48-week NPZ change by arm revealed no differences except for a modest improvement in the Learning and Memory domain in the MVC arm, which did not survive multiplicity correction. No significant changes between arms were seen in immunologic parameters. CONCLUSION: This randomized controlled study found no definitive evidence in favor of MVC intensification among PWH with mild cognitive difficulties.

Disseminated tuberculosis and diagnosis delay during the COVID-19 era in a Western European country: a case series analysis.

Background: Disseminated tuberculosis is frequently associated with delayed diagnosis and a poorer prognosis. Objectives: To describe case series of disseminated TB and diagnosis delay in a low TB burden country during the COVID-19 period. Methodology: We consecutively included all patients with of disseminated TB reported from 2019 to 2021 in the reference hospital of the Northern Crown of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. We collected socio-demographic information, clinical, laboratory and radiological findings. Results: We included all 30 patients reported during the study period-5, 9, and 16 in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively-20 (66.7%) of whom were male and whose mean age was 41 years. Twenty-five (83.3%) were of non-EU origin. The most frequent system involvement was central nervous system (N = 8; 26.7%) followed by visceral (N = 7; 23.3%), gastro-intestinal (N = 6, 20.0%), musculoskeletal (N = 5; 16.7%), and pulmonary (N = 4; 13.3%). Hypoalbuminemia and anemia were highly prevalent (72 and 77%). The median of diagnostic delay was 6.5 months (IQR 1.8-30), which was higher among women (36.0 vs. 3.5 months; p = 0.002). Central nervous system involvement and pulmonary involvement were associated with diagnostic delay among women. We recorded 24 cured patients, two deaths, three patients with post-treatment sequelae, and one lost-to-follow up. We observed a clustering effect of patients in low-income neighborhoods (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a substantial delay in the diagnosis of disseminated TB in our study region, which might impacted the prognosis with women affected more negatively. Our results suggest that an increase in the occurrence of disseminated TB set in motion by diagnosis delay may have been a secondary effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Correlation between Clinical and Immunological Variables and Humoral Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Adult Patients with Antibody Deficiency Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic vaccination has proven to be the most effective strategy to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort study involving 30 predominantly antibody deficiency disorders (ADD)-afflicted adult patients on immunoglobulin replacement therapy vaccinated with three doses of the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine, and 10 healthy controls. Anti-RBD IgG antibodies were determined in plasma samples collected just before the first dose of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine and on weeks 4, 8, 24, and 28 following the first vaccination. Patients were categorized based on the levels of anti-RBD antibodies determined on w8 as non-, low-, and responders. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to see if any variables correlated with humoral response levels. Any adverse effects of the mRNA-based vaccine were also noted. RESULTS: The COVID-19 vaccine was safe and well-tolerated. The humoral response elicited at w8 after vaccination depended on the type of ADD, the type of immunoglobulin deficiency, the presence of granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease, recent use of immunosuppressive drugs, and the switched memory B cells counts. The third vaccine dose boosted humoral response in previous responders to second dose but seldom in non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: The humoral response of patients with predominant ADD depends mostly on the type of immunodeficiency and on the frequency of B and T cell populations.

Kinetics of immune responses elicited after three mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses in predominantly antibody-deficient individuals.

Mass vaccination campaigns reduced COVID-19 incidence and severity. Here, we evaluated the immune responses developed in SARS-CoV-2-uninfected patients with predominantly antibody-deficiencies (PAD) after three mRNA-1273 vaccine doses. PAD patients were classified based on their immunodeficiency: unclassified primary antibody-deficiency (unPAD, n = 9), common variable immunodeficiency (CVID, n = 12), combined immunodeficiency (CID, n = 1), and thymoma with immunodeficiency (TID, n = 1). unPAD patients and healthy controls (HCs, n = 10) developed similar vaccine-induced humoral responses after two doses. However, CVID patients showed reduced binding and neutralizing titers compared to HCs. Of interest, these PAD groups showed lower levels of Spike-specific IFN-γ-producing cells. CVID individuals also presented diminished CD8+T cells. CID and TID patients developed cellular but not humoral responses. Although the third vaccine dose boosted humoral responses in most PAD patients, it had limited effect on expanding cellular immunity. Vaccine-induced immune responses in PAD individuals are heterogeneous, and should be immunomonitored to define a personalized therapeutic strategies.

Soluble Insulin Receptor Levels in Plasma, Exosomes, and Urine and Its Association With HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders.

Background: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are one of the HIV-associated comorbidities affecting 20-50% of the people with HIV (PWH) infection. We found that the soluble insulin receptor (sIR) levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were significantly higher in HIV-infected women. The mechanism of sIR release into the plasma remains unknown, but the detection of the sIR in exosomes may uncover novel mechanisms of sIR secretion from HIV-infected cells and its contribution to HIV disease progression and HAND development. Quantification of sIR in urine may represent a less invasive and more accessible diagnostic tool. Our objective was to quantify sIR levels in plasma, plasma-derived exosomes, and urine, and evaluate their association with HAND and renal function. Methods: We measured full-length sIR in the plasma and urine of 38 controls and 76 HIV-infected women by ELISA, and sIR, HIV-1 Tat, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in exosomes by flow cytometry. Results: Plasma and exosomes with sIR were significantly higher in HIV-infected women when compared with controls and HAND. Exosomal sIR positively correlated with exosomal ROS and exosomal HIV-1 Tat in HIV-infected women. Exosomal ROS was significantly higher in HIV-infected women with more symptomatic cognitive impairment. Plasma-derived exosomes exhibited significantly higher levels of astrocyte (GFAP) and neuronal (L1CAM) markers in HIV-infected women, confirming the presence of circulating CNS-derived exosomes in the blood of HIV-infected women. Urine sIR positively correlated with eGFR in controls, but not in HIV-infected women, regardless there was no significant difference in renal function as determined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, p = 0.762). In HIV-infected women, higher plasma sIR correlated with lower urine sIR that could suggest sIR retention in blood or decreased renal filtration. Discussion: Higher plasma sIR levels and their correlation with ROS in plasma-derived exosomes with HAND suggest a combined role of metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress, exosome release, and cognitive decline. Communication between CNS and periphery is compromised in PWH, thus plasma-derived exosomes may shed light on disrupted cellular mechanisms in the brain of PWH. High plasma and low urine sIR levels could suggest sIR retention in blood or decreased renal filtration.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Streptococcus suis Infections in Catalonia, Spain.

Introduction: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a human zoonotic pathogen of occupational origin, with infection acquired through contact with live pigs or pig meat. Pig farming is one of Catalonia's biggest industries and as a result this region of Spain has one of the highest density pig populations per km2. The aim of our study was to describe the infections caused by S. suis occurring in that area over a 9-year period. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, multi-center study was carried out by searching records from 15 hospitals in Catalonia for the period between 2010 and 2019. Results: Over the study period altogether nine cases of S. suis infection were identified in five hospitals, with five of these cases occurring in the 2018-2019 period. The mean age of patients was 48 ± 8.9 years and all of them were males. Five patients (55.6%) worked in pig farms. The most frequent manifestation of infection was meningitis (5 cases; 55.6%) followed by septic arthritis (3 cases; 33.3%). None of the patients died at 30 days; nonetheless, 4 developed hearing loss as a long-term complication. Conclusion: The most commonly identified S. suis infection was meningitis. Over 50% of the episodes occurred in the last 2 years and have affected pig farm workers. Further surveillance is needed in order to know its prevalence.

Molecular Characterization of Imported and Autochthonous Dengue in Northeastern Spain.

Dengue is the most significant arbovirus worldwide and a public health threat to non-endemic areas in which Aedes vectors are present. Autochthonous dengue transmission has been reported in several European countries in the last decade. Infected travelers from endemic regions arriving to areas colonized by Aedes albopictus in Europe need to be monitored in surveillance and control programs. We aimed to perform molecular characterization of RT-PCR-positive dengue cases detected in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, from 2013 to 2018. The basic demographic information and the geographical regions of importation were also analyzed. One-hundred four dengue cases were studied (103 imported infections and the first autochthonous case in our region). The dengue virus strains detected were serotyped and genotyped using molecular methods, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted. All four dengue serotypes were detected in travelers, including up to 10 different genotypes, reflecting the global circulation of dengue in endemic areas. The primary travel-related case of the 2018 autochthonous transmission was not identified, but the molecular analysis revealed dengue serotype 1, genotype I of Asian origin. Our results highlight the diversity of imported dengue virus strains and the role of molecular epidemiology in supporting arbovirus surveillance programs.

Multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase IV-III study to evaluate the efficacy of cloxacillin plus fosfomycin versus cloxacillin alone in adult patients with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia: study protocol for the SAFO trial.

INTRODUCTION: Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteraemia is a frequent condition, with high mortality rates. There is a growing interest in identifying new therapeutic regimens able to reduce therapeutic failure and mortality observed with the standard of care of beta-lactam monotherapy. In vitro and small-scale studies have found synergy between cloxacillin and fosfomycin against S. aureus. Our aim is to test the hypothesis that cloxacillin plus fosfomycin achieves higher treatment success than cloxacillin alone in patients with MSSA bacteraemia. METHODS: We will perform a superiority, randomised, open-label, phase IV-III, two-armed parallel group (1:1) clinical trial at 20 Spanish tertiary hospitals. Adults (≥18 years) with isolation of MSSA from at least one blood culture ≤72 hours before inclusion with evidence of infection, will be randomly allocated to receive either cloxacillin 2 g/4-hour intravenous plus fosfomycin 3 g/6-hour intravenous or cloxacillin 2 g/4-hour intravenous alone for 7 days. After the first week, sequential treatment and total duration of antibiotic therapy will be determined according to clinical criteria by the attending physician.Primary endpoints: (1) Treatment success at day 7, a composite endpoint comprising all the following criteria: patient alive, stable or with improved quick-Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, afebrile and with negative blood cultures for MSSA at day 7. (2) Treatment success at test of cure (TOC) visit: patient alive and no isolation of MSSA in blood culture or at another sterile site from day 8 until TOC (12 weeks after randomisation).We assume a rate of treatment success of 74% in the cloxacillin group. Accepting alpha risk of 0.05 and beta risk of 0.2 in a two-sided test, 183 subjects will be required in each of the control and experimental groups to obtain statistically significant difference of 12% (considered clinically significant). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of Bellvitge University Hospital (AC069/18) and from the Spanish Medicines and Healthcare Product Regulatory Agency (AEMPS, AC069/18), and is valid for all participating centres under existing Spanish legislation. The results will be presented at international meetings and will be made available to patients and funders. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The protocol has been approved by AEMPS with the Trial Registration Number EudraCT 2018-001207-37. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03959345; Pre-results.

Vigilancia epidemiológica intensificada de arbovirosis: primer caso de dengue autóctono en Cataluña (España), zona Metropolitana Norte de Barcelona, 2018-2019 / Intensified epidemiological surveillance of arbovirosis: First case of native dengue fever in Catalonia (Spain), Northern Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, 2018-2019

OBJETIVO: Valorar los resultados obtenidos por una red de vigilancia epidemiológica y asistencial de arbovirosis compuesta por médicos y profesionales de enfermería de hospital y atención primaria (AP) formados en su identificación, confirmación diagnóstica y manejo clínico. Emplazamiento: Zona Sanitaria Metropolitana Norte de Barcelona (1.400.000 habitantes; Cataluña, España) durante un año natural. PARTICIPANTES: Diecisiete médicos (7 de AP y 10 hospitalarios) más 4 enfermeros/as de AP. Tipo de estudio: Estudio observacional prospectivo. Mediciones principales: Se definieron variables demográficas, epidemiológicas (caso autóctono/importado, sospechoso/probable/confirmado) y asistenciales (síntomas, perfil serológico, periodo virémico). RESULTADOS: De los 34 pacientes identificados cumplían criterios de estudio 26 (76,5%) casos; de ellos, se confirmó alguna arbovirosis en 14 (53,8%): 13 fiebres dengues más 1 chikungunya. No se registraron casos de fiebre de zika. Existían antecedentes de viaje a zonas endémicas (23; 88,4%), pero no en 3 casos (11,6%), en los que se consideró la posibilidad de una transmisión autóctona; de ellos, se confirmó un caso de dengue. La incidencia estimada de arbovirosis fue de 0,4 (IC 95%: 0,33-0,51) casos × 10.000 hab./año, que, comparada con la incidencia estimada en la misma área geográfica durante el periodo 2009-2013 (0,19 casos ×10.000hab./año; IC 95%: 0,07-0,31), mostró un incremento significativo (p = 0,044). Los pacientes en periodo de viremia al momento de la primera visita médica fueron 11 (42,3%). CONCLUSIONES: Un programa de vigilancia epidemiológica intensificada definido a nivel de AP y hospitalario es capaz de detectar significativamente más casos de arbovirosis importadas y transmitidas autóctonamente. Posiblemente asistimos a un aumento en la incidencia de arbovirosis importadas, por lo que las medidas encaminadas a su identificación y confirmación deben reforzarse

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results obtained by a surveillance network on arbovirosis composed by doctors and nurses located at hospitals and Primary Care trained in their identification, diagnostic confirmation and clinical management. LOCATION: North Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (1,400,000 inhabitants; Catalonia; Spain) during a calendar year. PARTICIPANTS: Seven Primary Care and 10 hospital physicians plus 4 Primary Care nurses. Type of study: A prospective observational study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Demographic, epidemiological (autochthonous/imported, suspect/probable/confirmed case) and healthcare variables (symptoms, serological profile, viral period) were defined. RESULTS: Of the 34 patients identified, 26 (76.5%) met study criteria. Among them, any arbovirosis was confirmed in 14 (53.8%): 13 dengue plus 1 chikungunya fever. There were no cases of Zika fever. There was a history of travel to endemic areas 23 (88.4%), but not in 3 cases (11.6%) in which the possibility of an indigenous transmission was considered; of them, a case of dengue was confirmed. The estimated incidence of arbovirosis was 0.4 (95% CI: 0.33-0.51) cases × 10,000 hab/year which, when compared to the estimated incidence in the same geographical area during the period 2009-2013 (0.19 cases × 10,000 hab/year; 95% CI: 0.07-0.31), a significant increase was found (P = .044). Patients within viremia period at the time of their first medical visit were 11 (42.3%). CONCLUSIONS: An intensified epidemiological surveillance program defined at Primary Care and hospital levels is able to detect significantly more cases of imported and autochthonous arbovirosis. Possibly we are witnessing an increase in the incidence of imported arbovirosis and, thus, measures aimed at their identification and confirmation should be reinforced

[Intensified epidemiological surveillance of arbovirosis: First case of native dengue fever in Catalonia (Spain), Northern Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, 2018-2019]. / Vigilancia epidemiológica intensificada de arbovirosis: primer caso de dengue autóctono en Cataluña (España), zona Metropolitana Norte de Barcelona, 2018-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results obtained by a surveillance network on arbovirosis composed by doctors and nurses located at hospitals and Primary Care trained in their identification, diagnostic confirmation and clinical management. LOCATION: North Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (1,400,000 inhabitants; Catalonia; Spain) during a calendar year. PARTICIPANTS: Seven Primary Care and 10 hospital physicians plus 4 Primary Care nurses. TYPE OF STUDY: A prospective observational study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Demographic, epidemiological (autochthonous/imported, suspect/probable/confirmed case) and healthcare variables (symptoms, serological profile, viral period) were defined. RESULTS: Of the 34 patients identified, 26 (76.5%) met study criteria. Among them, any arbovirosis was confirmed in 14 (53.8%): 13 dengue plus 1chikungunya fever. There were no cases of Zika fever. There was a history of travel to endemic areas 23 (88.4%), but not in 3cases (11.6%) in which the possibility of an indigenous transmission was considered; of them, a case of dengue was confirmed. The estimated incidence of arbovirosis was 0.4 (95%CI: 0.33-0.51) cases ×10,000hab/year which, when compared to the estimated incidence in the same geographical area during the period 2009-2013 (0.19cases ×10,000hab/year; 95%CI: 0.07-0.31), a significant increase was found (P=.044). Patients within viremia period at the time of their first medical visit were 11 (42.3%). CONCLUSIONS: An intensified epidemiological surveillance program defined at Primary Care and hospital levels is able to detect significantly more cases of imported and autochthonous arbovirosis. Possibly we are witnessing an increase in the incidence of imported arbovirosis and, thus, measures aimed at their identification and confirmation should be reinforced.

Impact of Secondary Prevention on Mortality after a First Ischemic Stroke in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the prescription of secondary prevention therapies on mortality in Puerto Rican patients hospitalized with a first ischemic stroke. METHODS: This was a retrospective secondary data analysis of the 2007 and 2009 Puerto Rico Stroke Registry electronic database. Information was obtained from the medical charts of patients discharged with ICD-9 codes 434 and 436 from 20 hospitals located in Puerto Rico. Descriptive analyses were conducted for demographics and comorbidities. Chi2 statistics compared the proportion of patients prescribed secondary prevention therapy and the proportion of patients not prescribed secondary prevention therapy. Lastly, survival rates were calculated from 2007 up to and including December 2010. RESULTS: The mean age of the 3,965 patients was 70 (±14) years. Secondary prevention therapy was prescribed to only 1% of the patients. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (85%), diabetes (52%), and hyperlipidemia (25%). The case fatality rate for patients prescribed secondary prevention therapy was 16%, compared to 26% for patients not prescribed secondary prevention therapy (p<0.01). The mean survival for stroke patients prescribed secondary preventions was 450 days (95% CI;182−718), compared to 266 days (95% CI; 244−287) for those not prescribed secondary prevention therapy (p = 0.175). CONCLUSION: A low percentage of patients with a first ischemic stroke were prescribed secondary prevention therapy. While not statistically significant, survival analysis suggests that secondary prevention therapy decreased mortality in patients with a stroke.

HPV-16 infection modifies overall survival of Puerto Rican HNSCC patients.

BACKGROUND: HPV-16 modifies the overall survival (OS) of patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC). HPV-16 has been established as risk factor for OPSCC, but HPV-16 infection may also reside in the larynx and oral cavity. We evaluated HPV-16 status on OS of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. METHODS: HPV-16 infection was confirmed by amplification of E6 and E7 viral oncogenes through PCR assay and E6 IHC in 185 HNSCC samples. Associations between HPV-16 status and clinicopathological parameters were performed using Fisher's exact test and x(2). Survival analysis was completed using Kaplan-Meier estimator and multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: OS of HPV-16 positive patients was longer compared to HPV-16 negative patients (P = 0.002). HPV-16 positive tumors of the larynx (LSCC) and pharynx (PSCC) showed improved OS compared to HPV-16 negative tumors. Also, HPV-16 positive patients exposed to radiotherapy presented a better survival. CONCLUSIONS: HPV-16 status has a positive prognostic value in HNSCC. Addition of HPV-16 status to the TNM staging can provide better assessment in prognosis and guide treatment for HNSCC patients.

Hemoglobina glucosilada e índice leucoglucémico como determinacionespronósticas en el síndrome coronario agudo / Glycosylated hemoglobin and leukoglycemic index as prognostic determinations in acute coronary syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome coronario agudo es una de las causas más frecuentes de morbilidad y mortalidad a nivel mundial; es importante encontrar determinaciones de laboratorio de fácil alcance que ayuden a valorar el pronóstico de estos pacientes. Objetivo: Determinar el valor pronóstico de la hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) y el índice leucoglucémico (ILG) en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 142 pacientes, diabéticosy no diabéticos, con síndrome coronario agudo, ingresados en el Hospital Universitario Dr. Celestino Hernández Robau de Santa Clara, Cuba, desde octubre de 2012 a octubre de 2013. Se evaluaron la HbA1c, el ILG y las complicaciones después del ingreso.Resultados: Se encontraron 40 pacientes diabéticos y 102 no, con edad promedio de 68,2 años y predominio de hipertensión arterial y dislipidemia. A medida que aumentaron las cifras del ILG aumentó también la frecuencia de complicaciones en los diabéticos (p=0,422) y en los no diabéticos (p=0,007). La HbA1c media de los diabéticos complicados (8,8 por ciento) fue superior a la de los no diabéticos (7,5 por ciento) (p<0,01). Los valores 1443 del ILG y 6,9 por ciento de la HbA1c se establecieron como puntos de corte predictores de complicaciones. Conclusiones: La valoración conjunta del ILG y la HbA1c resultó un predictor de alta especificidad y buena sensibilidad en ambos grupos de estudio(AU)

Lipoproteína(a) y fibrinógeno como predictores de complicacionesen pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo / Lipoprotein(a) and fibrinogen as predictors of complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares aportan el mayor número de defunciones anuales en el mundo desarrollado, por lo que se les considera un azote para la humanidad; entre ellas, la cardiopatía isquémica.Objetivos: Determinar el valor de la lipoproteína(a), el fibrinógeno y el índice fibrinógeno-lipoproteína(a) en la predicción de complicaciones a corto plazo en los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 115 pacientes ingresados con síndrome coronario agudo en el Hospital Dr. Celestino Hernández Robau de SantaClara, desde noviembre de 2012 a octubre de 2013. Resultados: Los pacientes fueron 43 del sexo femenino y 72 del masculino. Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron la hipertensión arterial (70,43 por ciento), la dislipidemia (50,43 por ciento) y los antecedentes familiares de coronariopatía (47,83 por ciento). Se presentaron complicaciones en 39 pacientes (33,9 por ciento). Se establecieron puntos de corte en 4,50 g/L para el fibrinógeno, 341 mg/L para la lipoproteína(a) y 1,50 para el índice fibrinógeno-lipoproteína(a). Este último mostró una sensibilidad de 89 por ciento, especificidad de 94 por ciento y una capacidad predictiva dada por una razón de posibilidades de 122, por lo que clasifica como de muy buen valor predictivo. Conclusiones: El índice fibrinógeno-lipoproteína(a) mostró un excelente poder predictivo para las complicaciones a corto plazo en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo(AU)

Maltrato infantil según la escala de estrategias de resolución de conflictos (CTSPC), en población escolarizada de la ciudad de Manizales (Colombia), 2011 / Child abuse according to conflict tactics scale (CTSPC), in school population of Manizales City (Colombia), 2011

Antecedentes: El maltrato infantil actualmente ha aumentado en frecuencia y formas, considerándose un problema de salud pública. Los niños siguen siendo los que presentan más riesgo de ser maltratados. Materiales y Métodos: se seleccionó una muestra de 449 estudiantes, de cuarto a sexto grado de tres instituciones públicas de Manizales (Colombia), se estudiaron en esta población variables demográficas, necesidades básicas, historia de maltrato, escala CTSPC versión niños. Resultados: La escala CTSPC mostró en promedio 9,21% o 29,29 en puntaje absoluto. Según el resultado de esta escala al 33,7% lo castigan pegándole con cinturón, al 9,5% con cable, el 10,9% han presentado quemaduras con plancha, el 9% han sido amenazados con abandono, o ser hechados de la casa, solo al 61,3% nunca le pegan cuando lo castigan. El valor de la escala CTSPC mostró relación significativa con género (p=0,015), funcionalidad familiar (p=0,028), el consumo de licor (p=0,013), y maltrato infantil (p=0,001) anterior de las personas que los cuidan, el pelear con los compañeros (p=0,004). El 29,1% presenta consumo de licor en la familia, el 18,3% antecedente de maltrato en algún miembro de la familia, el 51,5% presenta algún tipo de disfuncionalidad familiar. Conclusiones: Una considerable proporción de la población, según la escala CTSPC, aún sufre maltrato intrafamiliar, lo cual es inaceptable. Se hacen necesarias campañas que erradiquen imaginarios culturales anticuados y primitivos alrededor de la educación de los hijos, y que a lo único que contribuyen es a perpetuar el ambiente generalizado de violencia tan propio de Colombia...

Is adiponectin a marker of preclinical atherosclerosis in kidney transplantation?

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between pre-transplant adiponectin (pre-ADP), abnormalities in glucose homeostasis (AGH) at three months post-transplantation, and preclinical atherosclerosis in non-diabetic patients prior to kidney transplantation (KT). METHODS: We carried out a multicenter study in 157 non-diabetic KT patients (66.5% men; age: 50±13 yr). Pre-ADP levels were analyzed using radioimmunoassay. Carotid ultrasound was performed to determine carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT). Oral glucose tolerance test was carried out to classify patients according ADA criteria. RESULTS: Of the patients, 52.8% had AGH. Median pre-ADP was 19.5 (14-27) µg/mL. An inverse correlation was found between ADP and HOMA index (r=-0.432; p<0.001). Median c-IMT was 0.6 (0.48-0.71) mm. Significant inverse correlation existed between ADP and c-IMT on both sides (p<0.05). Patients with c-IMT >0.6 mm had more AGH (p=0.012) and lower ADP levels (p=0.02). We performed a logistic regression analysis using preclinical atherosclerosis (c-IMT ≥0.6 mm) as dependent variable and sex, age, BMI, ADP, AGH, and HOMA index as independent variables of altered c-IMT. Age, pre-ADP, and AGH were independent risk factors for elevated c-IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AGH have a greater presence of preclinical atherosclerosis. ADP has an inverse relationship with AGH and is an independent marker of preclinical atherosclerosis.

[Alzheimer-type dementia in a sample of Puerto Rican elderly: pilot study on the usefulness and assessment of a screening battery]. / Demencia tipo Alzheimer en una muestra de ancianos puertorriqueños: estudio piloto sobre la utilidad y evaluación de una batería de cernimiento.

Dementia is one of the most prevalent conditions in the elderly. Dementia is defined as a decrease in memory, thinking and reasoning having its most common form as Alzheimer dementia. Alzheimer dementia (AD) economic cost to society is around 100 billion dollars annually. Unfortunately, at this point Puerto Rico, have neuro-psychopathology instruments limitations to perform valid and sensitive screening of DA. This study was directed to evaluate a battery of neuropsychological screening instruments for Puerto Rican elderly (60 to 100 years, n = 50) with Alzheimer's dementia. In addition, calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the instruments. The tests where composed as screening battery and included CERAD (Instruments created by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease), MMSE (Mini mental Status Evaluation), EIWA-III (specifically the digit retention and similarities subtest that try to evaluated memory, concentration and abstract thinking) and the Tuokkos' test (clock drawing in order to evaluated visual-constructional skills). As show by ROC Curve (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve) for our research, the sensitivity for CERAD was 95.7% with an specificity of 49%; MMSE (Mini Mental Status Evaluation) account for 89 sensitivity and 60% specificity; EIWA-III and subtest (specifically the digit retention and similarities subtest) respectively was 80.4% sensitivity and 44.7% specificity; and sensitivity of 82.6% and specificity of 44.7%. Tuokkos' Clock Test accounted for 76.1% sensitivity, and 23.4% specificity. Reported indexes were within acceptable limits for screening tests. We suggest a sample increment and new testing with additional instruments.