Examining Variations Between Everyday Life Handedness and Lateral Preferences for Sport-Specific Skills in Children.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze both sport-specific lateral preferences and handedness for everyday life tasks among school-aged children. Method: A total of 533 children (254 males and 279 females) aged 6 to 15 years old were assessed. Children's handedness was determined according to the laterality score from Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI), while lateral preferences were assessed for 16 different sport-specific tasks. Results: The percentage of children with a left hand preference was lower for unilateral (10.5-14.3%) than for bilateral (19.5-31.7%) tasks. An increased prevalence of left-sided preference was also obtained for foot tasks (13.3-26.8%) and rotation along the vertical axis (28.5%). Similarly, hand preference for unilateral sport-specific tasks and EHI scores were largely correlated (r = 0.551-0.630), while these correlations were lower for bilateral hand tasks (r = 0.148-0.418), foot tasks (r = 0.201-0.386) and rotation preference (r = 0.129). Moreover, left-handed children evidenced less lateralized behavior for sport-specific tasks than right-handed children. Conclusions: The current study has shown that sport-specific lateral preferences and their correlations with handedness vary considerably depending on the task and individual characteristics in developmental ages. These findings emphasize the relevance of task-specific assessments of lateral preferences when looking at sports skills during childhood.

Modulation of type I interferon responses potently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication and inflammation in rhesus macaques

Type-I interferons (IFN-I) are critical mediators of innate control of viral infections, but also drive recruitment of inflammatory cells to sites of infection, a key feature of severe COVID-19. Here, and for the first time, IFN-I signaling was modulated in rhesus macaques (RMs) prior to and during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection using a mutated IFN2 (IFN-modulator; IFNmod), which has previously been shown to reduce the binding and signaling of endogenous IFN-I. In SARS-CoV-2-infected RMs, IFNmod reduced both antiviral and inflammatory ISGs. Notably, IFNmod treatment resulted in a potent reduction in (i) SARS-CoV-2 viral load in Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), upper airways, lung, and hilar lymph nodes; (ii) inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and CD163+MRC1-inflammatory macrophages in BAL; and (iii) expression of Siglec-1, which enhances SARS-CoV-2 infection and predicts disease severity, on circulating monocytes. In the lung, IFNmod also reduced pathogenesis and attenuated pathways of inflammasome activation and stress response during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study, using an intervention targeting both IFN- and IFN-{beta} pathways, shows that excessive inflammation driven by type 1 IFN critically contributes to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in RMs, and demonstrates the potential of IFNmod to limit viral replication, SARS-CoV-2 induced inflammation, and COVID-19 severity.

Comparison of the Behavior of Perivascular Cells (Pericytes and CD34+ Stromal Cell/Telocytes) in Sprouting and Intussusceptive Angiogenesis.

Perivascular cells in the pericytic microvasculature, pericytes and CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes (CD34+SCs/TCs), have an important role in angiogenesis. We compare the behavior of these cells depending on whether the growth of endothelial cells (ECs) from the pre-existing microvasculature is toward the interstitium with vascular bud and neovessel formation (sprouting angiogenesis) or toward the vascular lumen with intravascular pillar development and vessel division (intussusceptive angiogenesis). Detachment from the vascular wall, mobilization, proliferation, recruitment, and differentiation of pericytes and CD34+SCs/TCs, as well as associated changes in vessel permeability and functionality, and modifications of the extracellular matrix are more intense, longer lasting over time, and with a greater energy cost in sprouting angiogenesis than in intussusceptive angiogenesis, in which some of the aforementioned events do not occur or are compensated for by others (e.g., sparse EC and pericyte proliferation by cell elongation and thinning). The governing mechanisms involve cell-cell contacts (e.g., peg-and-socket junctions between pericytes and ECs), multiple autocrine and paracrine signaling molecules and pathways (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, angiopoietins, transforming growth factor B, ephrins, semaphorins, and metalloproteinases), and other factors (e.g., hypoxia, vascular patency, and blood flow). Pericytes participate in vessel development, stabilization, maturation and regression in sprouting angiogenesis, and in interstitial tissue structure formation of the pillar core in intussusceptive angiogenesis. In sprouting angiogenesis, proliferating perivascular CD34+SCs/TCs are an important source of stromal cells during repair through granulation tissue formation and of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumors. Conversely, CD34+SCs/TCs have less participation as precursor cells in intussusceptive angiogenesis. The dysfunction of these mechanisms is involved in several diseases, including neoplasms, with therapeutic implications.

Ultrastructural Study of Platelet Behavior and Interrelationship in Sprouting and Intussusceptive Angiogenesis during Arterial Intimal Thickening Formation.

Platelets in atherosclerosis, bypass stenosis, and restenosis have been extensively assessed. However, a sequential ultrastructural study of platelets in angiogenesis during the early phases of these lesions has received less attention. Our objective was the study of platelets in angiogenesis and vessel regression during intimal thickening (IT) formation, a precursor process of these occlusive vascular diseases. For this purpose, we used an experimental model of rat occluded arteries and procedures for ultrastructural observation. The results show (a) the absence of platelet adhesion in the de-endothelialized occluded arterial segment isolated from the circulation, (b) that intraarterial myriad platelets contributed from neovessels originated by sprouting angiogenesis from the periarterial microvasculature, (c) the association of platelets with blood components (fibrin, neutrophils, macrophages, and eosinophils) and non-polarized endothelial cells (ECs) forming aggregates (spheroids) in the arterial lumen, (d) the establishment of peg-and-socket junctions between platelets and polarized Ecs during intussusceptive angiogenesis originated from the EC aggregates, with the initial formation of IT, and (e) the aggregation of platelets in regressing neovessels ('transitory paracrine organoid') and IT increases. In conclusion, in sprouting and intussusceptive angiogenesis and vessel regression during IT formation, we contribute sequential ultrastructural findings on platelet behavior and relationships, which can be the basis for further studies using other procedures.

TREM2+ and interstitial macrophages orchestrate airway inflammation in SARS-CoV-2 infection in rhesus macaques

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a global health crisis, yet, the immunopathological mechanisms driving the development of severe disease remain poorly defined. Here, we utilize a rhesus macaque (RM) model of SARS-CoV-2 infection to delineate perturbations in the innate immune system during acute infection using an integrated systems analysis. We found that SARS-CoV-2 initiated a rapid infiltration (two days post infection) of plasmacytoid dendritic cells into the lower airway, commensurate with IFNA production, natural killer cell activation, and induction of interferon-stimulated genes. At this early interval, we also observed a significant increase of blood CD14-CD16+ monocytes. To dissect the contribution of lung myeloid subsets to airway inflammation, we generated a novel compendium of RM-specific lung macrophage gene expression using a combination of sc-RNA-Seq data and bulk RNA-Seq of purified populations under steady state conditions. Using these tools, we generated a longitudinal sc-RNA-seq dataset of airway cells in SARS-CoV-2-infected RMs. We identified that SARS-CoV-2 infection elicited a rapid recruitment of two subsets of macrophages into the airway: a C206+MRC1-population resembling murine interstitial macrophages, and a TREM2+ population consistent with CCR2+ infiltrating monocytes, into the alveolar space. These subsets were the predominant source of inflammatory cytokines, accounting for ~75% of IL6 and TNF production, and >90% of IL10 production, whereas the contribution of CD206+MRC+ alveolar macrophages was significantly lower. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected RMs with baricitinib (Olumiant(R)), a novel JAK1/2 inhibitor that recently received Emergency Use Authorization for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, was remarkably effective in eliminating the influx of infiltrating, non-alveolar macrophages in the alveolar space, with a concomitant reduction of inflammatory cytokines. This study has delineated the major subsets of lung macrophages driving inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine production within the alveolar space during SARS-CoV-2 infection. One sentence summaryMulti-omic analyses of hyperacute SARS-CoV-2 infection in rhesus macaques identified two population of infiltrating macrophages, as the primary orchestrators of inflammation in the lower airway that can be successfully treated with baricitinib

Autoantibodies against IL-1-receptor-antagonist in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C or PIMS) is a rare but serious complication after an infection with SARS-CoV-2. A possible involvement of pathogenetically relevant autoantibodies has been discussed. Recently neutralizing autoantibodies against anti-inflammatory receptor antagonists progranulin (PGRN) and IL-1-receptor antagonist (IL-1-Ra) were discovered in adult patients with critical COVID-19. Plasma of an index case with severe PIMS/MIS-C was analyzed for autoantibodies against IL-1-Ra and PGRN. The study was extended by a case series of 12 additional patients. In addition to ELISA for of antibodies, IL-1-Ra plasma levels were determined and IL-1-Ra was analyzed by Western-blot and isoelectric focusing. Functional activity of the autoantibodies was examined in vitro with IL-1{beta} reporter assays. Antibodies against IL-1-Ra could be detected in 10 of 13 (76.9%) patients with PIMS/MIS-C, but not in controls. In contrast to critical COVID-19 in adults, no IL-1-Ra antibodies of the IgM class were detected in PIMS/MIS-C. IL-1-Ra-antibodies exclusively belonged to IgG1. No antibodies directed against PGRN were detected. Western blots and ELISA showed a concomitant reduction of free IL-1-Ra plasma levels in the presence of IL-1-Ra-antibodies. The antibodies inhibited IL-1-Ra function in IL-1{beta} reporter cell assays. Notably, an additional, hyperphosphorylated, transiently occurring atypical isoform of IL-1-Ra was observed in all IL-1-Ra autoantibody-positive patients. To conclude, IL-1-Ra autoantibodies were observed in high frequency in children with PIMS/MIS-C. They may represent a diagnostic and pathophysiologically relevant marker for PIMS/MIS-C. Their generation is likely to be triggered by an atypical, hyperphosphorylated isoform of IL-1-Ra.

Cd34+ Stromal Cells/Telocytes in Normal and Pathological Skin.

We studied CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes (CD34+SCs/TCs) in pathologic skin, after briefly examining them in normal conditions. We confirm previous studies by other authors in the normal dermis regarding CD34+SC/TC characteristics and distribution around vessels, nerves and cutaneous annexes, highlighting their practical absence in the papillary dermis and presence in the bulge region of perifollicular groups of very small CD34+ stromal cells. In non-tumoral skin pathology, we studied examples of the principal histologic patterns in which CD34+SCs/TCs have (1) a fundamental pathophysiological role, including (a) fibrosing/sclerosing diseases, such as systemic sclerosis, with loss of CD34+SCs/TCs and presence of stromal cells co-expressing CD34 and αSMA, and (b) metabolic degenerative processes, including basophilic degeneration of collagen, with stromal cells/telocytes in close association with degenerative fibrils, and cutaneous myxoid cysts with spindle-shaped, stellate and bulky vacuolated CD34+ stromal cells, and (2) a secondary reactive role, encompassing dermatitis-e.g., interface (erythema multiforme), acantholytic (pemphigus, Hailey-Hailey disease), lichenoid (lichen planus), subepidermal vesicular (bullous pemphigoid), psoriasiform (psoriasis), granulomatous (granuloma annulare)-vasculitis (leukocytoclastic and lymphocytic vasculitis), folliculitis, perifolliculitis and inflammation of the sweat and sebaceous glands (perifolliculitis and rosacea) and infectious dermatitis (verruca vulgaris). In skin tumor and tumor-like conditions, we studied examples of those in which CD34+ stromal cells are (1) the neoplastic component (dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, sclerotic fibroma and solitary fibrous tumor), (2) a neoplastic component with varying presentation (fibroepithelial polyp and superficial myxofibrosarcoma) and (3) a reactive component in other tumor/tumor-like cell lines, such as those deriving from vessel periendothelial cells (myopericytoma), epithelial cells (trichoepithelioma, nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn and seborrheic keratosis), Merkel cells (Merkel cell carcinoma), melanocytes (dermal melanocytic nevi) and Schwann cells (neurofibroma and granular cell tumor).

Siglec-1 on dendritic cells mediates SARS-CoV-2 trans-infection of target cells while on macrophages triggers proinflammatory responses

COVID-19 pandemic is not yet under control by vaccination, and effective antivirals are critical for preparedness. Here we report that macrophages and dendritic cells, key antigen presenting myeloid cells (APCs), are largely resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. APCs effectively captured viruses within cellular compartments that lead to antigen degradation. Macrophages sense SARS-CoV-2 and released higher levels of cytokines, including those related to cytokine storm in severe COVID-19. The sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 1 (Siglec-1/CD169) present on APCs, which interacts with sialylated gangliosides on membranes of retroviruses or filoviruses, also binds SARS-CoV-2 via GM1. Blockage of Siglec-1 receptors by monoclonal antibodies reduces SARS-CoV-2 uptake and transfer to susceptible target cells. APCs expressing Siglec-1 and carrying SARS-CoV-2 are found in pulmonary tissues of non-human primates. Single cell analysis reveals the in vivo induction of cytokines in those macrophages. Targeting Siglec-1 could offer cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2 and other enveloped viruses that exploit APCs for viral dissemination, including those yet to come in future outbreaks.

CD34+ Stromal Cells/Telocytes as a Source of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) in Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast.

Several origins have been proposed for cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), including resident CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes (CD34+SCs/TCs). The characteristics and arrangement of mammary CD34+SCs/TCs are well known and invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast (ILC) is one of the few malignant epithelial tumours with stromal cells that can express CD34 or αSMA, which could facilitate tracking these cells. Our objective is to assess whether tissue-resident CD34+SCs/TCs participate in the origin of CAFs in ILCs. For this purpose, using conventional and immunohistochemical procedures, we studied stromal cells in ILCs (n:42) and in normal breasts (n:6, also using electron microscopy). The results showed (a) the presence of anti-CD34+ or anti-αSMA+ stromal cells in varying proportion (from very rare in one of the markers to balanced) around nests/strands of neoplastic cells, (b) a similar arrangement and location of stromal cells in ILC to CD34+SCs/TCs in the normal breast, (c) both types of stromal cells coinciding around the same nest of neoplastic cells and (d) the coexpression of CD34 and αSMA in stromal cells in ILC. In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that resident CD34+SCs/TCs participate as an important source of CAFs in ILC. Further studies are required in this regard in other tumours.

Baricitinib treatment resolves lower airway inflammation and neutrophil recruitment in SARS-CoV-2-infected rhesus macaques

Effective therapeutics aimed at mitigating COVID-19 symptoms are urgently needed. SARS-CoV-2 induced hypercytokinemia and systemic inflammation are associated with disease severity. Baricitinib, a clinically approved JAK1/2 inhibitor with potent anti-inflammatory properties is currently being investigated in COVID-19 human clinical trials. Recent reports suggest that baricitinib may also have antiviral activity in limiting viral endocytosis. Here, we investigated the immunologic and virologic efficacy of baricitinib in a rhesus macaque model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Viral shedding measured from nasal and throat swabs, bronchoalveolar lavages and tissues was not reduced with baricitinib. Type I IFN antiviral responses and SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses remained similar between the two groups. Importantly, however, animals treated with baricitinib showed reduced immune activation, decreased infiltration of neutrophils into the lung, reduced NETosis activity, and more limited lung pathology. Moreover, baricitinib treated animals had a rapid and remarkably potent suppression of alveolar macrophage derived production of cytokines and chemokines responsible for inflammation and neutrophil recruitment. These data support a beneficial role for, and elucidate the immunological mechanisms underlying, the use of baricitinib as a frontline treatment for severe inflammation induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Adaptation and cross-cultural validation of the Spanish version of the Thyroid-Related Quality-of-Life Patient-Reported Outcome questionnaire / Adaptación y validación transcultural de la versión española del cuestionario Thyroid-Related Quality-of-Life Patient-Reported Outcome

Introduction: The ThyPRO questionnaire is the most widely used tool for measuring quality of life in patients with benign thyroid diseases. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate a Spanish translation of the ThyPRO and its abbreviated version (ThyPRO-39). Material and methods: Adaptation to the Spanish language was performed using the forward-backward translation method, followed by a pretesting study on five representative patients. The final questionnaire (ThyPROes) was administered to 155 patients with thyroid disorders recruited in a tertiary Spanish hospital. Psychometric properties were evaluated by multitrait scaling and estimation of internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient). Data from a previous sample of 902 Danish patients were used to analyze differential item functioning (DIF) between the Spanish and the original Danish versions of the questionnaire using ordinal logistic regression. Results: Three of 85 items in ThyPROes and four of the 39 items in ThyPRO-39es lacked convergent validity, while lack of discriminant validity was found for in nine and 14 items of each version respectively. Cronbach's alpha was >0.7 for 12 of 13 scales in the ThyPRO and 10 of 12 scales in the ThyPRO-39es. Eight items in the ThyPROes were flagged with DIF (one with non-uniform DIF), as were two items in the ThyPRO-39es. DIF magnitude was small (explained variance in the item score <3%) in most cases, with a minor impact on scale scores. Conclusions: The Spanish versions of the ThyPRO and ThyPRO-39 show acceptable psychometric properties and good cross-lingual validity, and are suitable for use in clinical studies

Introducción: El cuestionario Thyroid-Related Quality-of-Life Patient-Reported Outcome (ThyPRO) es el instrumento más utilizado para medir la calidad de vida en pacientes con enfermedades tiroideas benignas. Este estudio tiene como objetivo adaptar y validar una traducción al español del ThyPRO y su versión abreviada (ThyPRO-39). Material y métodos: La adaptación al español se realizó utilizando el método de traducción-retrotraducción, seguido de una prueba preliminar en 5 pacientes representativos. El cuestionario definitivo ThyPROes se administró a 155 pacientes con trastornos tiroideos en un hospital terciario en España. Las propiedades psicométricas se evaluaron mediante la matriz multirrasgo-multimétodo y la estimación de la fiabilidad de la consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach). Se utilizaron datos previos de 902 pacientes daneses para analizar el funcionamiento diferencial de los ítems (FDI) entre la versión original danesa del cuestionario y la española, mediante regresión logística ordinal. Resultados: Tres de 85 ítems del ThyPROes y 4 de 39 del ThyPRO-39es carecían de validez convergente, mientras que 9 y 14, respectivamente, carecían de validez discriminante. El alfa de Cronbach fue >0,7 para 12 de 13 escalas del ThyPROes y 10 de 12 del ThyPRO-39es. Ocho ítems del ThyPROes mostraron FDI (uno con FDI no uniforme) y 2 lo hicieron en el ThyPro-39es. La magnitud del FDI fue pequeña (varianza explicada en la puntuación del ítem <3%) en la mayoría de casos, con un impacto menor en las puntuaciones de las escalas. Conclusiones: Las versiones españolas del ThyPRO y ThyPRO-39 muestran aceptables propiedades psicométricas y buena validez interlingüística, y son adecuadas para su uso en estudios clínicos

Adaptation and cross-cultural validation of the Spanish version of the Thyroid-Related Quality-of-Life Patient-Reported Outcome questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: The ThyPRO questionnaire is the most widely used tool for measuring quality of life in patients with benign thyroid diseases. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate a Spanish translation of the ThyPRO and its abbreviated version (ThyPRO-39). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adaptation to the Spanish language was performed using the forward-backward translation method, followed by a pretesting study on five representative patients. The final questionnaire (ThyPROes) was administered to 155 patients with thyroid disorders recruited in a tertiary Spanish hospital. Psychometric properties were evaluated by multitrait scaling and estimation of internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient). Data from a previous sample of 902 Danish patients were used to analyze differential item functioning (DIF) between the Spanish and the original Danish versions of the questionnaire using ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: Three of 85 items in ThyPROes and four of the 39 items in ThyPRO-39es lacked convergent validity, while lack of discriminant validity was found for in nine and 14 items of each version respectively. Cronbach's alpha was >0.7 for 12 of 13 scales in the ThyPRO and 10 of 12 scales in the ThyPRO-39es. Eight items in the ThyPROes were flagged with DIF (one with non-uniform DIF), as were two items in the ThyPRO-39es. DIF magnitude was small (explained variance in the item score <3%) in most cases, with a minor impact on scale scores. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish versions of the ThyPRO and ThyPRO-39 show acceptable psychometric properties and good cross-lingual validity, and are suitable for use in clinical studies.

Multi-ancestry genome-wide association study of 21,000 cases and 95,000 controls identifies new risk loci for atopic dermatitis.

Genetic association studies have identified 21 loci associated with atopic dermatitis risk predominantly in populations of European ancestry. To identify further susceptibility loci for this common, complex skin disease, we performed a meta-analysis of >15 million genetic variants in 21,399 cases and 95,464 controls from populations of European, African, Japanese and Latino ancestry, followed by replication in 32,059 cases and 228,628 controls from 18 studies. We identified ten new risk loci, bringing the total number of known atopic dermatitis risk loci to 31 (with new secondary signals at four of these loci). Notably, the new loci include candidate genes with roles in the regulation of innate host defenses and T cell function, underscoring the important contribution of (auto)immune mechanisms to atopic dermatitis pathogenesis.

Ibuprofen adsorption in four agricultural volcanic soils.

Ibuprofen (IB) is a high environmental risk drug and one of the most frequently prescribed in human medicine. Recently, IB has been detected in Gran Canaria in reclaimed water for irrigation and in groundwater. Adsorption was studied in four volcanic soils from three islands of the Canarian Archipelago. Once the biodegradation process has been excluded from the experimental conditions, a batch method was applied using initial concentrations of 1-5-10-20-50-100-200 mg L(-1) and two soil/water ratios (w/V): 1:5 (OECD, 2000) and 1:1. Non-linear and linearized Langmuir and Freundlich equations were well fitted. The wide IB range tested in our batch studies allowed us to measure experimental adsorption values close to the maximum adsorption capacity (S(max)) as estimated by Langmuir, making it possible thereby to validate the use of the Langmuir equation when there is a burst of contamination at high concentration. The distribution coefficient (Kd), S(max) and Retardation Factor (RF) varied from 0.04 to 0.5 kg L(-1), 4-200 mgk g(-1) and 1.2-1.9, respectively. The lowest S(max) and Kd values were found for the 1:1S/W ratio whereas most batch studies employ 1:5S/W ratios, thus obtaining higher adsorption parameters than when considering field conditions (1:1). Despite the high anion retention of andic soils, similar Kd and RF to those reported for other soils were obtained in 1:5, while high S(max) was found. Our results demonstrate that IB adsorption in volcanic areas responds not only to the soil properties commonly cited in adsorption studies, but also depends on andic properties, sorbent concentration and Dissolved Organic Carbon, the higher values of which are related to the lower Kd and S(max). The low RF and low detection frequency of the IB in groundwater suggests that a) reclaimed water irrigation is not the main source of IB, and b) the existence of some uncontrolled water disposal points in the zone.

Tetralogy of fallot associated with invasive adrenocortical tumor in an adult woman.

Migration of cardiac neural crest cells into the pharyngeal arches and the pharyngeal and splanchnic mesoderm contributes to the development of the cardiac outflow tract. The adrenal cortex is derived from the splanchnic mesoderm. Neuroblastoma is more prevalent in patients with congenital heart disease than in the general population, because both originate from embryonal neural crest-derived cells. Similarly, and in light of recent embryological findings, abnormal development or migration of splanchnic mesoderm, possibly due to an underlying genetic defect, could contribute to the association of adrenocortical carcinoma and tetralogy of Fallot. We present the case of a cardiologically asymptomatic 49-year-old woman with total correction of tetralogy of Fallot in the first year of life.

Are there sex differences in neuropsychological functions among patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

The purpose of this study was to examine whether men and women with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) demonstrate differences in neuropsychological functioning compared to healthy men and women. Participants were 56 consecutive patients (33 male, 23 female) and 40 healthy control participants (20 male, 20 female) of comparable characteristics. Male and female patients had comparable symptom severity, illness duration, comorbidity, in- or out-patient status, and medication usage. An extensive neuropsychological test battery was administered including tests of general nonverbal intelligence, attention, verbal and nonverbal memory, and executive functions. Male and female OCD patients showed comparable neuropsychological performances on most cognitive domains. However, we found some evidence for cross-sex shifts in verbal fluency tasks (FAS and Category Alternation Test [CAT]), the reading component of the Stroop test, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Digit Span-Forward test. Post hoc analyses revealed that female patients showed reduced performance on these tests compared to healthy women, in the male-typical direction. Among OCD women only, there were significant negative correlations between OCD symptom severity and performance on the CAT and the reading Stroop. We conclude that sex does not seem to be a major determinant of neuropsychological function in OCD, but the observed cross-sex shifts on some tasks deserve further examination.

Freqüência do teste tuberculínico positivo em crianças expostas a pacientes com tuberculose: estudo do tipo coorte em contactantes / Frequency of positive tuberculin test in chindren exposed to pacient with tuberculosis: cohort study in person in touch with

Um estudo prospectivo foi realizado com teste tuberculínico de Mantoux em 43 crianças comunicantes de pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar bacilíferos. A leitura do teste foi realizada 48-72 horas após a aplicaçao, conforme recomendado pela OMS. Entre 43 crianças, 32 foram reatoras ao teste de Mantoux. Nenhum comunicante apresentou tuberculose-doença. Nao houve diferença significativa na resposta ao teste quando se comparou por faixa etária, sexo, estado nutricional, tempo de exposiçao e vacinaçao prévia com BCG.