End-of-Life Care for Newborn Infants: A Multicenter Real-Life Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Most neonatal deaths in industrialized countries follow a process of redirection of care. The objectives of this study were to describe how neonates die in a middle-income country, whether there was redirection of care, and the reason for this decision. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study. Neonates who died in the delivery room or in the neonatal intensive care unit in 97 hospitals over a 6-month period were included. After each neonatal death, one investigator interviewed a member of the healthcare team who had been involved in the end-of-life care process. Perinatal data, conditions that led to death, whether there was redirection of care, and details of the end-of-life process were recorded. RESULTS: Data from 697 neonatal deaths were analyzed, which represent 80% of the total deaths occurring in Argentina in that period. The main causes of death were complications of prematurity (47%) and congenital anomalies (27%). Overall, 32% of neonates died after a process of redirection of care, and this was less frequent in the neonatal intensive care unit (28%) than in the delivery room (70%, p < 0.001). The reasons for withholding/withdrawing care were inevitable death (75%) and severe compromise of expected quality of life (25%). Redirection of care consisted in withholding therapies in 66% and withdrawal in 34%. A diagnosis of a major congenital anomaly increased the odds of redirection of care (OR 5.45; 95% CI: 3.59-8.27). CONCLUSION: Most neonates who die in Argentina do so while receiving full support. Redirection of care mainly follows a condition of inevitable death.

Contributions of viral oncogenes of HPV-18 and hypoxia to oxidative stress and genetic damage in human keratinocytes.

Infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses like HPV-16 and HPV-18 is highly associated with the development of cervical and other cancers. Malignant transformation requires viral oncoproteins E5, E6 and E7, which promote cell proliferation and increase DNA damage. Oxidative stress and hypoxia are also key factors in cervical malignant transformation. Increased levels of reactive species of oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) are found in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, promoting genetic instability and invasiveness. In this work, we studied the combined effect of E5, E6 and E7 and hypoxia in increasing oxidative stress and promoting DNA damage and nuclear architecture alterations. HaCaT cells containing HPV-18 viral oncogenes (HaCaT E5/E6/E7-18) showed higher ROS levels in normoxia and higher levels of RNS in hypoxia compared to HaCaT parental cells, as well as higher genetic damage in hypoxia as measured by γH2AX and comet assays. In hypoxia, HaCaT E5/E6/E7-18 increased its nuclear dry mass and both cell types displayed marked heterogeneity in nuclear dry mass distribution and increased nuclear foci. Our results show contributions of both viral oncogenes and hypoxia to oxidative stress, DNA damage and altered nuclear architecture, exemplifying how an altered microenvironment combines with oncogenic transformation to promote tumor progression.

Digital literacy as a new determinant of health: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Harnessing new digital technologies can improve access to health care but can also widen the health divide for those with poor digital literacy. This scoping review aims to assess the current situation of low digital health literacy in terms of its definition, reach, impact on health and interventions for its mitigation. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search strategy was composed by a qualified medical librarian. Literature databases [Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, and Google Scholar] were queried using appropriate natural language and controlled vocabulary terms along with hand-searching and citation chaining. We focused on recent and highly cited references published in English. Reviews were excluded. This scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley. RESULTS: A total of 268 articles were identified (263 from the initial search and 5 more added from the references of the original papers), 53 of which were finally selected for full text analysis. Digital health literacy is the most frequently used descriptor to refer to the ability to find and use health information with the goal of addressing or solving a health problem using technology. The most utilized tool to assess digital health literacy is the eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS), a self-reported measurement tool that evaluates six core dimensions and is available in various languages. Individuals with higher digital health literacy scores have better self-management and participation in their own medical decisions, mental and psychological state and quality of life. Effective interventions addressing poor digital health literacy included education/training and social support. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is interest in the study and impact of poor digital health literacy, there is still a long way to go to improve measurement tools and find effective interventions to reduce the digital health divide.

[Lower socioeconomic conditions are associated with higher rates but similar outcomes in Sepsis in children]. / Condiciones socioeconómicas más bajas se asocian con tasas de sepsis infantil más altas pero con resultados similares.

Sepsis is an important cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, especially in low-income countries. Data on regional prevalence, mortality trends, and their relationship with socioeconomic variables are scarce. OBJECTIVE: to determine the regional prevalence, mortality, and sociodemographic situation of patients diagnosed with severe sepsis (SS) and septic shock (SSh) admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). PATIENTS AND METHOD: patients aged 1 to 216 months admitted to 47 participating PICUs with a diagnosis of SS or SSh between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, were included. Secondary analysis was performed on the Argentine Society of Intensive Care Benchmarking Quality Program (SATI-Q) database for SS and SSh and a review of the annual reports of the Argentine Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Statistics and Census for the sociodemographic indices of the respective years. RESULTS: 45,480 admissions were recorded in 47 PICUs, 3,777 of them with a diagnosis of SS and SSh. The combined prevalence of SS and SSh decreased from 9.9% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2018. The combined mortality decreased from 34.5% to 23.5%. Multivariate analysis showed that the Odds ratio (OR) of the association between SS and SSh mortality was 1.88 (95% CI: 1.46-2.32) and 2.4 (95% CI: 2.16-2.66), respectively, adjusted for malignant disease, PIM2, and mechanical ventilation. The prevalence of SS and SSh in different health regions (HR) was associated with the percentage of poverty and infant mortality rate (p < 0.001). However, there was no association between sepsis mortality and HR adjusted for PIM2. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence and mortality of SS and SSh have decreased over time in the participating PICUs. Lower socioeconomic conditions were associated with higher prevalence but similar sepsis outcomes.

Can Intubation Be Improved with Endotracheal Tubes Marked with a Color Scale? Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess if a color scale in the endotracheal tube (ETT) can help operators to correctly select the size and depth of placement of the ETT and decrease the time required to complete the procedure and compared with the usual numeric ETT scale in a mannequin model. STUDY DESIGN: The study was conducted in eight centers. Each size of the ETT was identified with a different color. The experimental ETTs had two different colored areas, one for the mouthpiece and another to identify where the ETT should be taped above the lip (an area of 1 cm. The operators were trained as part of the protocol using an instructional video. Four clinical scenarios requiring endotracheal intubation were designed and randomly assigned. Each operator had to select the size and depth of ETT based on the birth weight (BW), and then had to perform four intubations. RESULTS: A total of 108 operators performed 432 intubations. No differences were found in the correct placement and selection of the ETT. Median time (in seconds) required for intubation using numeric versus experimental tube was: for ETT Ø NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) 2.5, 11.5 versus 8 (p < 0.001), ETT Ø 3, 12 versus 10 (p < 0.001), ETT Ø 3.5, 15.5 versus12 (p = 0.003), ETT Ø 4, 12 versus11 (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: No significant difference was observed in the selection and correct placement of the ETT. However, the intubation time was significantly shorter using the experimental ETT. This device could improve the effectiveness of intubation by reducing the time needed to properly place the ETT at mid trachea. KEY POINTS: · It is an innovative intervention to try to solve a great inconvenience of daily practice.. · The study also raises the difficulty in maintaining the ability of endotracheal intubation.. · It proposes a scale that ensures the correct location with a safe fixation zone..

Láserterapia en tratamientos odontológicos mediante una revisión bibliográfica / Laser therapy in dental treatment by means of a literature review

Introducción: De acuerdo con el avance científico y tecnológico de la sociedad, se van implementando nuevas y mejoradas técnicas en la práctica dental, que están destinadas a ofrecer tratamientos efectivos, más rápidos, conservadores y que reduzcan los niveles de miedo y ansiedad en los pacientes. Objetivo: Interpretar los beneficios de emplear laserterapia en el campo odontológico, mediante una revisión bibliográfica. Métodos: Estudio del nivel exploratorio, auxiliado por la hermenéutica para interpretar la revisión bibliográfica ejecutada. Correspondió al tipo observacional, transversal, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Las búsquedas se efectuaron en las bases de datos: Lilacs, Pubmed, Sciencedirect y se buscaron estudios clínicos aleatorizados. Resultados: Se encontraron 252 artículos, de los cuales fueron seleccionados 7 de acuerdo con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se percibieron resultados favorables sobre el láser en las especialidades de cirugía, endodoncia, periodoncia y patología oral, en comparación con las terapias consideradas como gold standard, lo que demuestra que el uso del láser es mejor o igual de efectivo que los tratamientos convencionales, ya que reduce el nivel de tiempo en las intervenciones, en tratamientos quirúrgicos evita el sangrado y el uso de sutura en algunos casos, además de que bien aceptado para pacientes porque también evita la presencia de dolor al aplicarlo. Conclusiones: Usando láser para intervenciones odontológicas se puede obtener una mejoría o al menos el mismo resultado que aplicando técnicas convencionales, lo que comprueba que es viable su uso(AU)

Introduction: In accordance with the scientific and technological progress of society, new and improved techniques are being implemented in dental practice that are aimed at offering effective, faster, and more conservative treatments that reduce the levels of fear and anxiety in patients. Objective: To interpret the benefits of using laser therapy in the dental field by means of a review of the literature. Methods: This was an exploratory study, aided by hermeneutics to interpret the literature review. It was observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and retrospective. The searches were carried out in the following databases: Lilacs, Pubmed, Sciencedirect and randomized clinical studies were searched. Results: 252 articles were found, of which 7 were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Favorable results were found on laser in the specialties of surgery, endodontics, periodontics, and oral pathology, in comparison with therapies considered as gold standard. thus, demonstrating that the use of laser is better or equally effective than conventional treatments, since it reduces the level of time in interventions, in surgical treatments it avoids bleeding and the use of suture in some cases, besides being well accepted for patients because it also avoids the presence of pain when applying it. Conclusions: Using laser for dental interventions an improvement can be obtained or at least the same result as applying conventional techniques, which proves that its use is feasible (AU)

Integración de la vinculación-investigación en la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad Regional Autónoma de Los Andes

Introducción: La integración de la investigación científica y la vinculación es clave para la contribución de las universidades a la solución de los problemas de la sociedad mediante la transferencia de conocimientos y la innovación. Objetivo: Caracterizar el proceso de integración entre vinculación e investigación en la carrera de Medicina de UNIANDES. Método: Se realizó una investigación predominantemente cualitativa y descriptiva con la utilización del análisis documental y la entrevista. Se revisaron documentos rectores, lineamientos, y políticas, aplicadas en la carrera de Medicina. Se aplicaron entrevistas a los coordinadores en la carrera para buscar volumen informativo acerca de estas dos actividades y las proyecciones concretas de transversalización. Resultados: Se denotó una debilidad en cuanto a la gestión de la vinculación con la sociedad, ausencia de una visión más amplia de una gestión integral donde no solo se imbrique vinculación con docencia en las prácticas preprofesionales sino en los proyectos integradores y la existencia de la voluntad de los directivos institucionales en gestar desde la investigación una verdadera vinculación universidad-sociedad. Conclusiones: Falta una visión más amplia de la integración entre los tres procesos claves universitarios, se evidencia solo la relación entre docencia y vinculación a partir de las prácticas preprofesionales, dejando fuera la base y génesis que deben ser los proyectos integradores de saberes. En aras del perfeccionamiento de esta integración se deben proponer proyectos de innovación social donde se unan vinculación e investigación, garantizar la publicación de los resultados de los proyectos de innovación social en las revistas internas de UNIANDES y en otras de impacto regional o mundial.

Introduction: The integration of scientific research and linkage is key for the contribution of universities to the solution of society's problems through the transfer of knowledge and innovation. Objective: Characterize the integration process between linkage and research in the UNIANDES Medicine degree. Method: A predominantly qualitative and descriptive research was carried out with the use of documentary analysis and interviews. Governing documents, guidelines, and policies applied in the Medicine career were reviewed. Interviews were carried out with the coordinators in the program to search for volume of information about these two activities and the specific projections of mainstreaming. Results: A weakness was noted in terms of the management of the link with society, absence of a broader vision of comprehensive management where not only linkage with teaching is intertwined in pre-professional practices but also in integrative projects and the existence of will of institutional directors to create a true university-society link through research. Conclusions: A broader vision of the integration between the three key university processes is missing, only the relationship between teaching and connection is evident from pre-professional practices, leaving out the basis and genesis that knowledge-integrating projects should be. In order to perfect this integration, social innovation projects must be proposed where linkage and research come together, guaranteeing the publication of the results of social innovation projects in the internal journals of UNIANDES and in others with regional or global impact.

Introdução: A integração e articulação da investigação científica é fundamental para a contribuição das universidades na solução dos problemas da sociedade através da transferência de conhecimento e inovação. Objetivo: Caracterizar o processo de integração entre vinculação e pesquisa na graduação em Medicina da UNIANDES. Método: Foi realizada uma pesquisa predominantemente qualitativa e descritiva com utilização de análise documental e entrevistas. Foram revisados documentos normativos, diretrizes e políticas aplicadas à carreira de Medicina. Foram realizadas entrevistas com os coordenadores do programa para buscar volume de informações sobre essas duas atividades e as projeções específicas de mainstreaming. Resultados: Constatou-se uma fragilidade na gestão do vínculo com a sociedade, ausência de uma visão mais ampla de uma gestão integral onde não só o vínculo com o ensino esteja entrelaçado nas práticas pré-profissionais, mas também nos projetos integradores e na existência de vontade de instituições diretores para criar um verdadeiro vínculo universidade-sociedade através da pesquisa. Conclusões: Falta uma visão mais ampla da integração entre os três principais processos universitários, apenas a relação entre ensino e conexão é evidente nas práticas pré-profissionais, deixando de fora a base e a gênese que os projetos integradores de conhecimento deveriam ser. Para aperfeiçoar esta integração, devem ser propostos projetos de inovação social onde a articulação e a investigação se unam, garantindo a publicação dos resultados dos projetos de inovação social nas revistas internas da UNIANDES e em outras com impacto regional ou global.

Current stage of the intensive care unit structure in Argentina: results from the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva self-assessment survey of intensive care units. / Cenário atual da estrutura das unidades de terapia intensiva na Argentina: resultados do inquérito de autoavaliação de unidades de terapia intensiva da Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the structure of Argentinean intensive care units that completed the "self-assessment survey of intensive care units" developed by the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva. METHODS: An observational crosssectional study was conducted using an online voluntary survey through the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva member database and other social media postings. Answers received between December 2018 and July 2020 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used. RESULTS: A total of 392 surveys were received, and 244 were considered for the analysis. Seventy-seven percent (187/244) belonged to adult intensive care units, and 23% (57/244) belonged to pediatric intensive care units. The overall completion rate was 76%. The sample included 2,567 ICU beds (adult: 1,981; pediatric: 586). We observed a clear concentration of intensive care units in the Central and Buenos Aires regions of Argentina. The median number of beds was 10 (interquartile range 7 - 15).The median numbers of multiparameter monitors, mechanical ventilators, and pulse oximeters were 1 per bed with no regional or intensive care unit type differences (adult versus pediatric). Although our sample showed that the pediatric intensive care units had a higher mechanical ventilation/bed ratio than the adult intensive care units, this finding was not linearly correlated. CONCLUSION: Argentina has a notable concentration of critical care beds and better structural complexity in the Buenos Aires and Centro regions for both adult and pediatric intensive care units. In addition, a lack of accurate data reported from the intensive care unit structure and resources was observed. Further improvement opportunities are required to allocate intensive care unit resources at the institutional and regional levels.

OBJETIVO: Descrever e comparar a estrutura das unidades de terapia intensiva argentinas que responderam ao inquérito de autoavaliação de unidades de terapia intensiva desenvolvido pela Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal observacional com uso de um inquérito voluntário online por meio do banco de dados de membros da Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva e outras publicações em mídias sociais. Foram analisadas as respostas recebidas entre dezembro de 2018 e julho de 2020. Foram utilizados testes não paramétricos e estatística descritiva. RESULTADOS: Foram recebidos 392 inquéritos, sendo 244 considerados para a análise. Eram de unidades de terapia intensiva adulto 77% (187/244), e 23% (57/244) eram de unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica. A taxa de participação foi de 76%. A amostra incluiu 2.567 leitos de unidades de terapia intensiva (1.981 adulto e 586 pediátrica). Observamos nítida concentração de unidades de terapia intensiva nas regiões Centro e Buenos Aires, Argentina.A mediana de leitos foi de dez (intervalo interquartil 7 - 15). A mediana de monitores multiparamétricos, ventiladores mecânicos e oxímetros de pulso foi de um por leito, sem diferenças regionais ou de tipo de unidade de terapia intensiva (adulto ou pediátrica). Embora nossa amostra tenha evidenciado que as unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica apresentaram proporção de ventilação mecânica/leito maior do que as unidades de terapia intensiva adulto, esse achado não foi linearmente correlacionado. CONCLUSÃO: A Argentina tem concentração notável de leitos de cuidados intensivos e complexidade estrutural superior nas regiões de Buenos Aires e Centro, tanto de unidades de terapia intensiva adulto quanto pediátrica. Além disso, observou-se ausência de dados precisos informados sobre a estrutura e os recursos de unidades de terapia intensiva. São necessárias mais opções de melhoria para alocar os recursos de unidades de terapia intensiva nos níveis institucional e regional.

Computational multifocus fluorescence microscopy for three-dimensional visualization of multicellular tumor spheroids.

SIGNIFICANCE: Three-dimensional (3D) visualization of multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) in fluorescence microscopy can rapidly provide qualitative morphological information about the architecture of these cellular aggregates, which can recapitulate key aspects of their in vivo counterpart. AIM: The present work is aimed at overcoming the shallow depth-of-field (DoF) limitation in fluorescence microscopy while achieving 3D visualization of thick biological samples under study. APPROACH: A custom-built fluorescence microscope with an electrically focus-tunable lens was developed to optically sweep in-depth the structure of MCTS. Acquired multifocus stacks were combined by means of postprocessing algorithms performed in the Fourier domain. RESULTS: Images with relevant characteristics as extended DoF, stereoscopic pairs as well as reconstructed viewpoints of MCTS were obtained without segmentation of the focused regions or estimation of the depth map. The reconstructed images allowed us to observe the 3D morphology of cell aggregates. CONCLUSIONS: Computational multifocus fluorescence microscopy can provide 3D visualization in MCTS. This tool is a promising development in assessing the morphological structure of different cellular aggregates while preserving a robust yet simple optical setup.

Cenário atual da estrutura das unidades de terapia intensiva na Argentina: resultados do inquérito de autoavaliação de unidades de terapia intensiva da Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva / Current stage of the intensive care unit structure in Argentina: results from the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva self-assessment survey of intensive care units

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever e comparar a estrutura das unidades de terapia intensiva argentinas que responderam ao inquérito de autoavaliação de unidades de terapia intensiva desenvolvido pela Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal observacional com uso de um inquérito voluntário online por meio do banco de dados de membros da Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva e outras publicações em mídias sociais. Foram analisadas as respostas recebidas entre dezembro de 2018 e julho de 2020. Foram utilizados testes não paramétricos e estatística descritiva. Resultados: Foram recebidos 392 inquéritos, sendo 244 considerados para a análise. Eram de unidades de terapia intensiva adulto 77% (187/244), e 23% (57/244) eram de unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica. A taxa de participação foi de 76%. A amostra incluiu 2.567 leitos de unidades de terapia intensiva (1.981 adulto e 586 pediátrica). Observamos nítida concentração de unidades de terapia intensiva nas regiões Centro e Buenos Aires, Argentina. A mediana de leitos foi de dez (intervalo interquartil 7 - 15). A mediana de monitores multiparamétricos, ventiladores mecânicos e oxímetros de pulso foi de um por leito, sem diferenças regionais ou de tipo de unidade de terapia intensiva (adulto ou pediátrica). Embora nossa amostra tenha evidenciado que as unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica apresentaram proporção de ventilação mecânica/leito maior do que as unidades de terapia intensiva adulto, esse achado não foi linearmente correlacionado. Conclusão: A Argentina tem concentração notável de leitos de cuidados intensivos e complexidade estrutural superior nas regiões de Buenos Aires e Centro, tanto de unidades de terapia intensiva adulto quanto pediátrica. Além disso, observou-se ausência de dados precisos informados sobre a estrutura e os recursos de unidades de terapia intensiva. São necessárias mais opções de melhoria para alocar os recursos de unidades de terapia intensiva nos níveis institucional e regional.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe and compare the structure of Argentinean intensive care units that completed the "self-assessment survey of intensive care units" developed by the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva. Methods: An observational crosssectional study was conducted using an online voluntary survey through the Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva member database and other social media postings. Answers received between December 2018 and July 2020 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used. Results: A total of 392 surveys were received, and 244 were considered for the analysis. Seventy-seven percent (187/244) belonged to adult intensive care units, and 23% (57/244) belonged to pediatric intensive care units. The overall completion rate was 76%. The sample included 2,567 ICU beds (adult: 1,981; pediatric: 586). We observed a clear concentration of intensive care units in the Central and Buenos Aires regions of Argentina. The median number of beds was 10 (interquartile range 7 - 15). The median numbers of multiparameter monitors, mechanical ventilators, and pulse oximeters were 1 per bed with no regional or intensive care unit type differences (adult versus pediatric). Although our sample showed that the pediatric intensive care units had a higher mechanical ventilation/bed ratio than the adult intensive care units, this finding was not linearly correlated. Conclusion: Argentina has a notable concentration of critical care beds and better structural complexity in the Buenos Aires and Centro regions for both adult and pediatric intensive care units. In addition, a lack of accurate data reported from the intensive care unit structure and resources was observed. Further improvement opportunities are required to allocate intensive care unit resources at the institutional and regional levels.

Estrategias de preparación en unidades de neonatología durante la pandemia de COVID-19: Encuesta en maternidades de la Argentina / Preparedness strategies in neonatology units during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey conducted at maternity centers in Argentina

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar recursos disponibles, guías utilizadas y preparación para la atención de neonatos en maternidades de Argentina durante la pandemia de COVID-19.Método. Estudio transversal mediante una encuesta enviada a equipos médicos y de enfermería. En mayo de 2020, se contactaron instituciones de más de 500 nacimientos anuales en la Argentina, el 58 % del sector público.Resultados. Respondieron 104/147 instituciones (el 71 %). Todas contaban con guías para la atención durante la pandemia, y un 93 % refirió haber recibido capacitación para su uso. No autorizaban la presencia de acompañante en el parto el 26 % de instituciones privadas y el 60 % de las públicas (p < 0,01). El 87 % recomendaba ligadura oportuna del cordón, el 62 % promovía internación conjunta en neonatos asintomáticos, un 70 % recomendaba la puesta al pecho con medidas de protección, y el 23 %, leche materna mediante biberón. El 94 % restringía el ingreso de familiares a Neonatología.Las dificultades incluyeron imposibilidad de contar con habitaciones individuales para neonatos sintomáticos y potencial limitación del personal de salud y equipos de protección personal.Conclusiones. Todas las instituciones conocen las guías nacionales para enfrentar la pandemia. La mayoría cuenta con recursos para respetar las medidas de protección recomendadas. Existe incertidumbre sobre si, ante un aumento significativo en el número de casos, serán suficientes los elementos de protección personal, el personal y el espacio físico disponible en los distintos centros

Introduction. The objective of this study was to analyze available resources, guidelines in use, and preparedness to care for newborn infants at maternity centers in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic.Method. Cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to medical and nursing staff. In May 2020, Argentine facilities with more than 500 annual births were contacted; 58 % of these were from the public sector.Results. In total, 104/147 facilities answered (71 %). All had guidelines for care during the pandemic, and 93 % indicated they had been trained on how to use them. A companion was not allowed during childbirth in 26 % of private facilities and in 60 % of public ones (p < 0.01). Deferred cord clamping was recommended in 87 %; rooming-in with asymptomatic newborns was promoted in 62 %; breastfeeding using protective measures was recommended in 70 %; and breast milk using a bottle, in 23 %. In 94 %, family visiting in the Neonatology Unit was restricted.Difficulties included the unavailability of individual rooms for symptomatic newborn infants and a potential shortage of health care staff and personal protective equipment.Conclusions. All facilities are aware of the national guidelines to fight the pandemic. Most have the resources to comply with the recommended protective measures. There is uncertainty as to whether personal protective equipment, staff, and physical space available at the different facilities would be enough if cases increased significantly

Preparedness strategies in neonatology units during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey conducted at maternity centers in Argentina. / Estrategias de preparación en unidades de neonatología durante la pandemia de COVID-19: Encuesta en maternidades de la Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to analyze available resources, guidelines in use, and preparedness to care for newborn infants at maternity centers in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to medical and nursing staff. In May 2020, Argentine facilities with more than 500 annual births were contacted; 58 % of these were from the public sector. RESULTS: In total, 104/147 facilities answered (71 %). All had guidelines for care during the pandemic, and 93 % indicated they had been trained on how to use them. A companion was not allowed during childbirth in 26 % of private facilities and in 60 % of public ones (p < 0.01). Deferred cord clamping was recommended in 87 %; rooming-in with asymptomatic newborns was promoted in 62 %; breastfeeding using protective measures was recommended in 70 %; and breast milk using a bottle, in 23 %. In 94 %, family visiting in the Neonatology Unit was restricted. Difficulties included the unavailability of individual rooms for symptomatic newborn infants and a potential shortage of health care staff and personal protective equipment. CONCLUSIONS: All facilities are aware of the national guidelines to fight the pandemic. Most have the resources to comply with the recommended protective measures. There is uncertainty as to whether personal protective equipment, staff, and physical space available at the different facilities would be enough if cases increased significantly.

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar recursos disponibles, guías utilizadas y preparación para la atención de neonatos en maternidades de Argentina durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método. Estudio transversal mediante una encuesta enviada a equipos médicos y de enfermería. En mayo de 2020, se contactaron instituciones de más de 500 nacimientos anuales en la Argentina, el 58 % del sector público. Resultados. Respondieron 104/147 instituciones (el 71 %). Todas contaban con guías para la atención durante la pandemia, y un 93 % refirió haber recibido capacitación para su uso. No autorizaban la presencia de acompañante en el parto el 26 % de instituciones privadas y el 60 % de las públicas (p < 0,01). El 87 % recomendaba ligadura oportuna del cordón, el 62 % promovía internación conjunta en neonatos asintomáticos, un 70 % recomendaba la puesta al pecho con medidas de protección, y el 23 %, leche materna mediante biberón. El 94 % restringía el ingreso de familiares a Neonatología. Las dificultades incluyeron imposibilidad de contar con habitaciones individuales para neonatos sintomáticos y potencial limitación del personal de salud y equipos de protección personal. Conclusiones. Todas las instituciones conocen las guías nacionales para enfrentar la pandemia. La mayoría cuenta con recursos para respetar las medidas de protección recomendadas. Existe incertidumbre sobre si, ante un aumento significativo en el número de casos, serán suficientes los elementos de protección personal, el personal y el espacio físico disponible en los distintos centros.

Edad gestacional, vía de parto y relación con el día y hora de nacimiento en dos instituciones del sector privado de salud / Gestational age, mode of delivery, and relation to the day and time of birth in two private health care facilities

Introducción. A nivel mundial, hay una tendencia ascendente en nacimientos prematuros y cesáreas. El objetivo fue describir edad gestacional (EG), vía de parto, distribución en días y horarios, y relación entre la vía de parto y el momento del nacimiento en dos instituciones privadas.Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, transversal, analítico.Resultados. Se incluyeron los 1500 nacidos vivos entre 9-2017 y 8-2018 (1465 embarazadas). El 99,4 % fueron embarazos controlados; el 66,8 % terminaron por cesárea. La causa fue cesárea previa en el 36,4 %, falta de progresión y descenso en el 18,9 % y elección materna en el 9,2 %. El peso promedio al nacer fue de 3232 g ± 561,1 g y la mediana de EG, 39 semanas (rango 38-40) por fecha de última menstruación. El 88,2 % fueron nacidos de término y, de los prematuros, el 76,1 % fueron pretérminos tardíos. Los nacidos de término temprano tuvieron mayor índice de cesáreas (p < 0,001). Los nacimientos por cesárea en días hábiles fueron 849/1201 (el 74,5 %) y, en los días de fin de semana y feriados, 173/299 (el 57,9 %, p < 0,001). Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el horario de nacimiento y la realización de cesárea.Conclusiones. La mediana de EG fue 39 semanas. La cesárea fue la vía de nacimiento más frecuente. Los nacimientos se produjeron, predominantemente, de lunes a viernes entre las 8 y las 21 h. El 82,9 % de los nacimientos por cesárea ocurrieron en días de semana laborables

Introduction. There is a worldwide growing trend of preterm births and C-sections. Our objective was to describe gestational age (GA), mode of delivery, day and time distribution, and the relation between the mode of delivery and the time of birth in two private facilities.Population and methods. Prospective, cross-sectional, analytical study.Results. A total of 1500 live newborn infants were included between September 2017 and August 2018 (1465 pregnant women). Of these, 99.4 % had received antenatal care; 66.8 % of pregnancies ended via C-section. The reason was a previous C-section in 36.4 %, lack of progression and descent in 18.9 %, and maternal choice in 9.2 %. The average birth weight was 3232 g ± 561.1 g and the median GA was 39 weeks (range: 38-40) based on the date of the last menstrual period; 88.2 % were term births and, among preterm births, 76.1 % corresponded to late preterm babies. Early term births showed a higher rate of C-sections (p < 0.001). There were 849/1201 (74.5 %) C-sections on weekdays and 173/299 (57.9 %, p < 0.001) on weekends and holidays. A statistically significant relation was observed between the time of birth and the performance of a C-section.Conclusions. The median GA was 39 weeks. C-sections were the most common mode of delivery. Births occurred predominantly Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.; 82.9 % of C-sections took place on weekdays.

Gestational age, mode of delivery, and relation to the day and time of birth in two private health care facilities. / Edad gestacional, vía de parto y relación con el día y hora de nacimiento en dos instituciones del sector privado de salud.

INTRODUCTION: There is a worldwide growing trend of preterm births and C-sections. Our objective was to describe gestational age (GA), mode of delivery, day and time distribution, and the relation between the mode of delivery and the time of birth in two private facilities. POPULATION AND METHODS: Prospective, crosssectional, analytical study. RESULTS: A total of 1500 live newborn infants were included between September 2017 and August 2018 (1465 pregnant women). Of these, 99.4 % had received antenatal care; 66.8 % of pregnancies ended via C-section. The reason was a previous C-section in 36.4 %, lack of progression and descent in 18.9 %, and maternal choice in 9.2 %. The average birth weight was 3232 g ± 561.1 g and the median GA was 39 weeks (range: 38-40) based on the date of the last menstrual period; 88.2 % were term births and, among preterm births, 76.1 % corresponded to late preterm babies. Early term births showed a higher rate of C-sections (p < 0.001). There were 849/1201 (74.5 %) C-sections on weekdays and 173/299 (57.9 %, p < 0.001) on weekends and holidays. A statistically significant relation was observed between the time of birth and the performance of a C-section. CONCLUSIONS: The median GA was 39 weeks. C-sections were the most common mode of delivery. Births occurred predominantly Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.; 82.9 % of C-sections took place on weekdays.

Introducción. A nivel mundial, hay una tendencia ascendente en nacimientos prematuros y cesáreas. El objetivo fue describir edad gestacional (EG), vía de parto, distribución en días y horarios, y relación entre la vía de parto y el momento del nacimiento en dos instituciones privadas. Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, transversal, analítico. Resultados. Se incluyeron los 1500 nacidos vivos entre 9-2017 y 8-2018 (1465 embarazadas). El 99,4 % fueron embarazos controlados; el 66,8 % terminaron por cesárea. La causa fue cesárea previa en el 36,4 %, falta de progresión y descenso en el 18,9 % y elección materna en el 9,2 %. El peso promedio al nacer fue de 3232 g ± 561,1 g y la mediana de EG, 39 semanas (rango 38-40) por fecha de última menstruación. El 88,2 % fueron nacidos de término y, de los prematuros, el 76,1 % fueron pretérminos tardíos. Los nacidos de término temprano tuvieron mayor índice de cesáreas (p < 0,001). Los nacimientos por cesárea en días hábiles fueron 849/1201 (el 74,5 %) y, en los días de fin de semana y feriados, 173/299 (el 57,9 %, p < 0,001). Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el horario de nacimiento y la realización de cesárea. Conclusiones. La mediana de EG fue 39 semanas. La cesárea fue la vía de nacimiento más frecuente. Los nacimientos se produjeron, predominantemente, de lunes a viernes entre las 8 y las 21 h. El 82,9 % de los nacimientos por cesárea ocurrieron en días de semana laborables.

Structural Impact of Mutation D614G in SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: Enhanced Infectivity and Therapeutic Opportunity.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the evolutionary fate of SARS-CoV-2 becomes a matter of utmost concern. Mutation D614G in the spike (S) protein has become dominant, and recent evidence suggests it yields a more stable phenotype with higher transmission efficacy. We carry out a structural analysis that provides mechanistic clues on the enhanced infectivity. The D614G substitution creates a sticky packing defect in subunit S1, promoting its association with subunit S2 as a means to stabilize the structure of S1 within the S1/S2 complex. The results raise the therapeutic possibility of immunologically targeting the epitope involved in stabilizing the G614 phenotype as a means of reducing the infection efficacy of SARS-CoV-2. This therapeutic modality would not a-priori interfere directly with current efforts toward the immunological targeting of the RBD epitope; hence, it could be exploited as a complementary treatment.

Artificial Intelligence Teaches Drugs to Target Proteins by Tackling the Induced Folding Problem.

We explore the possibility of a deep learning (DL) platform that steers drug design to target proteins by inducing binding-competent conformations. We deal with the fact that target proteins are usually not fixed targets but structurally adapt to the ligand in ways that need to be predicted to enable pharmaceutical discovery. In contrast with protein folding predictors, the proposed DL system integrates signals for structural disorder to predict conformations in floppy regions of the target protein that rely on associations with the purposely designed drug to maintain their structural integrity. This is tantamount to solve the drug-induced folding problem within an AI-empowered drug discovery platform. Preliminary testing of the proposed DL platform reveals that it is possible to infer the induced folding ensemble from which a therapeutically targetable conformation gets selected by DL-instructed drug design.

Driving the catalytic activity of a transmembrane thermosensor kinase.

DesK is a Bacillus thermosensor kinase that is inactive at high temperatures but turns activated when the temperature drops below 25 °C. Surprisingly, the catalytic domain (DesKC) lacking the transmembrane region is more active at higher temperature, showing an inverted regulation regarding DesK. How does the transmembrane region control the catalytic domain, repressing activity at high temperatures, but allowing activation at lower temperatures? By designing a set of temperature minimized sensors that share the same catalytic cytoplasmic domain but differ in number and position of hydrogen-bond (H-bond) forming residues along the transmembrane helix, we are able to tune, invert or disconnect activity from the input signal. By favoring differential H-bond networks, the activation peak could be moved towards lower or higher temperatures. This principle may be involved in regulation of other sensors as environmental physicochemical changes or mutations that modify the transmembrane H-bond pattern can tilt the equilibrium favoring alternative conformations.

Artificial Intelligence Steering Molecular Therapy in the Absence of Information on Target Structure and Regulation.

Protein associations are at the core of biological activity, and the drug-based disruption of dysfunctional associations poses a major challenge to targeted therapy. The problem becomes daunting when the structure and regulated modulation of the complex are unknown. To address the challenge, we leverage an artificial intelligence platform that learns from structural and epistructural data and infers regulation-susceptible regions that also generate interfacial tension between protein and water, thereby promoting protein associations. The input consists of sequence-derived 1D-features. The network is configured with evolutionarily coupled residues and taught to search for phosphorylation-modulated binding epitopes. The discovery platform is benchmarked against a PDB-derived testing set and validated against experimental data on a therapeutic disruptor designed according to the inferred epitope for a large deregulated complex known to be recruited in heart failure. Thus, dysfunctional "molecular brakes" of cardiac contractility get released through a therapeutic intervention guided by artificial intelligence.

Prevalence of Children With Complex Chronic Conditions in PICUs of Argentina: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of children with complex chronic conditions in PICUs in Argentina. To describe the demographic profile, clinical course and outcomes in PICU of children with complex chronic condition in comparison to previously healthy children. DESIGN: Prospective, observational multicenter study. SETTING: Nineteen PICUs located in Argentina belonging to public and private institutions. PATIENTS: All children admitted to the participating PICUs between March 1, 2015, and February 28, 2016. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: We analyzed 3,483 PICU admissions. The prevalence of complex chronic condition was 48.06% (95% CI, 46.39-49.72). Cardiovascular complex chronic condition was predominant (22.24% [421/1,893]), followed by neuromuscular complex chronic condition (18.75% [355/1,893]) and malignant disease 17.7% (335/1,893). Technologic dependence was present in 22.22% of the patients (372 of 1,674). Predominant admission diagnosis was postoperative (36.6%) and respiratory disease (28.32%). Children with complex chronic condition had higher mortality than previously healthy patients (odds ratio, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.01-3.73). The risk of prolonged stay (≥ 26 d) was also higher (odds ratio, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.10-1.89). Rate utilization of the following devices was higher in patients with complex chronic condition: mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.12-1.63), central venous catheter (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.48), and arterial monitoring (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.09-1.63). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high prevalence of patients with complex chronic condition in this sample of argentine PICUs. These patients presented higher mortality and resource use than previously healthy children. This information is valuable to understand the impact that patients with complex chronic condition have on PICU performance and enables proper planning of care.