A 22q13.1 duplication in mosaicism including SOX10.

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is characterized by the association of sensorineural hearing loss and pigmentation abnormalities. Among the four types, WS Type 2 (WS2) is the only one without a remarkable distinguishing feature. Here, we report a patient initially diagnosed with WS2 who exhibits a 446 kb mosaic duplication in chromosome 22q13.1, encompassing SOX10, and detected using whole genome sequencing in a trio. The patient, a 46,XY boy, presents with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, right heterochromia iridium, left bright blue iris, and skin-depigmented areas in the abdomen and limbs. Vestibular and imaging tests are normal, without inner ear or olfactory bulb malformations. Bilateral cochlear implantation did not prevent language and speech delays. Moderate congenital chronic constipation and neurodevelopmental difficulties were also present. Given the few genes included in this duplicated region (only one OMIM gene with dominant inheritance), this report provides further delineation of the phenotype related to duplications encompassing the entire SOX10 gene.

Understudied factors in drug-coated balloon design and evaluation: A biophysical perspective.

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) percutaneous interventional therapy allows for durable reopening of the narrowed lumen via physical tissue expansion and local anti-restenosis drug delivery, providing an alternative to traditional uncoated balloons or a permanent indwelling implant such as a conventional metallic drug-eluting stent. While DCB-based treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has been incorporated into clinical guidelines, DCB use has been recently curtailed due to reports that showed evidence of increased mortality risk in patients treated with paclitaxel (PTX)-coated balloons. Given the United States Food and Drug Administration's 2019 consequent warning regarding PTX-eluting DCBs and the subsequent marked reduction in clinical DCB use, there is now a critical need to better understand the compositional and mechanical factors underlying DCB efficacy and safety. Most work to date on DCB refinement has focused on designing both the enabling balloon catheter and alternate coatings composed of various drugs and excipients, followed by device evaluation in preclinical and clinical studies. We contend that improvement in DCB performance will require a better understanding of the biophysical factors operative during and following balloon deployment, and moreover that the elaboration and demonstrated control of these factors are needed to address current concerns with DCB use. This article provides a perspective on the biophysical interactions that govern DCB performance and offers new design strategies for the development of next-generation DCB devices.

Waardenburg Syndrome: The Contribution of Next-Generation Sequencing to the Identification of Novel Causative Variants.

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is characterized by hearing loss and pigmentary abnormalities of the eyes, hair, and skin. The condition is genetically heterogeneous, and is classified into four clinical types differentiated by the presence of dystopia canthorum in type 1 and its absence in type 2. Additionally, limb musculoskeletal abnormalities and Hirschsprung disease differentiate types 3 and 4, respectively. Genes PAX3, MITF, SOX10, KITLG, EDNRB, and EDN3 are already known to be associated with WS. In WS, a certain degree of molecularly undetected patients remains, especially in type 2. This study aims to pinpoint causative variants using different NGS approaches in a cohort of 26 Brazilian probands with possible/probable diagnosis of WS1 (8) or WS2 (18). DNA from the patients was first analyzed by exome sequencing. Seven of these families were submitted to trio analysis. For inconclusive cases, we applied a targeted NGS panel targeting WS/neurocristopathies genes. Causative variants were detected in 20 of the 26 probands analyzed, these being five in PAX3, eight in MITF, two in SOX10, four in EDNRB, and one in ACTG1 (type 2 Baraitser-Winter syndrome, BWS2). In conclusion, in our cohort of patients, the detection rate of the causative variant was 77%, confirming the superior detection power of NGS in genetically heterogeneous diseases.

First-in-human experience of preload regulation with percutaneous transluminal caval flow regulation in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients.

AIMS: This study aims to investigate the acute haemodynamic effects of percutaneous transluminal flow regulation (PTCR®) with an inferior vena cava regulator balloon in heart failure patients. Preload reduction in heart failure has been achieved with high potency diuretics. However, no study has been conducted in humans to assess the effect of inferior vena cava intermittent occlusion for preload reduction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Six patients were included in the study: four men (55 ± 6 years old) and two women (63 ± 4 years old). Baseline evaluations included Doppler echocardiogram, coronary angiogram, and right heart catheterization. Caval balloon was kept inflated for 30 min, and right catheterization and control echocardiogram were performed while the balloon was still inflated. The balloon was then deflated and removed. Right haemodynamic variables were evaluated before balloon insertion and with the inflated balloon. The mean right atrial pressure decreased by 42.59% (P = 0.005); systolic right ventricular pressure decreased by 30.19% (P < 0.003); mean pulmonary arterial pressure decreased by 25.33% (P < 0.043); mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased by 31.37% (P > 0.016); and cardiac output increased by 9.92% (P < 0.175). CONCLUSIONS: The haemodynamic and echocardiographic changes obtained in our study using PTCR® suggest that this innovative approach can play a beneficial role in the heart failure treatment.

SOX10: 20 years of phenotypic plurality and current understanding of its developmental function.

SOX10 belongs to a family of 20 SRY (sex-determining region Y)-related high mobility group box-containing (SOX) proteins, most of which contribute to cell type specification and differentiation of various lineages. The first clue that SOX10 is essential for development, especially in the neural crest, came with the discovery that heterozygous mutations occurring within and around SOX10 cause Waardenburg syndrome type 4. Since then, heterozygous mutations have been reported in Waardenburg syndrome type 2 (Waardenburg syndrome type without Hirschsprung disease), PCWH or PCW (peripheral demyelinating neuropathy, central dysmyelination, Waardenburg syndrome, with or without Hirschsprung disease), intestinal manifestations beyond Hirschsprung (ie, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction), Kallmann syndrome and cancer. All of these diseases are consistent with the regulatory role of SOX10 in various neural crest derivatives (melanocytes, the enteric nervous system, Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells) and extraneural crest tissues (inner ear, oligodendrocytes). The recent evolution of medical practice in constitutional genetics has led to the identification of SOX10 variants in atypical contexts, such as isolated hearing loss or neurodevelopmental disorders, making them more difficult to classify in the absence of both a typical phenotype and specific expertise. Here, we report novel mutations and review those that have already been published and their functional consequences, along with current understanding of SOX10 function in the affected cell types identified through in vivo and in vitro models. We also discuss research options to increase our understanding of the origin of the observed phenotypic variability and improve the diagnosis and medical care of affected patients.

Generation of an iPSC line (IMAGINi022-A) from a patient carrying a SOX10 missense mutation and presenting with deafness, depigmentation and progressive neurological impairment.

Mutations of SOX10 result in a broad range of phenotypes including Waardenburg syndrome (WS types 2 and 4) that can be found in association with peripheral demyelinating neuropathy and/or central dysmyelinating leukodystrophy. Here, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a patient carrying a de novo heterozygous missense mutation in the SOX10 gene (MIM* 602229, NM006941.3c.523C > G; p.Pro175Ala) presenting with deafness, depigmentation and progressive neurological impairment. Cells were reprogrammed by non-integrative viral transduction from blood sample, have normal karyotype, express pluripotency markers and are able to differentiate into the three germ cell layers.

Changes in Myocardial Microstructure and Mechanics With Progressive Left Ventricular Pressure Overload.

This study assessed the regional changes in myocardial geometry, microstructure, mechanical behavior, and properties that occur in response to progressive left ventricular pressure overload (LVPO) in a large animal model. Using an index of local biomechanical function at early onset of LVPO allowed for prediction of the magnitude of left ventricular chamber stiffness (Kc) and left atrial area at LVPO late timepoints. Our study found that LV myocardial collagen content alone was insufficient to identify mechanisms for LV myocardial stiffness with progression to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Serial assessment of regional biomechanical function might hold value in monitoring the natural history and progression of HFpEF, which would allow evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches.

Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography Enables Model-Based Identification of Regional Stiffness Indices in the Left Ventricular Myocardium.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular (LV) remodeling is a critical process underlying heart failure (HF) development and progression. While LV global longitudinal strain determined by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) provides a promising basis to monitor LV remodeling, reported strain measures are limited by the masking of regional differences and a dependency on hemodynamic load. OBJECTIVES: Our goal is to extend two-dimensional STE to enhance regional mechanical assessment of the LV myocardium-providing clinically accessible and load-independent response variables that directly reflect the LV remodeling process. METHODS: An inverse finite element analysis was employed with a pattern search optimization algorithm to identify regional indices of LV myocardial stiffness based on STE-derived regional LV longitudinal strains and wall geometries. Our framework was applied in two distinct porcine models of early LV remodeling, specifically following myocardial infarction and onset of LV pressure overload. RESULTS: Regional and temporal changes in computed indices of LV myocardial stiffness over diastolic pressures correlate with conventional indices of LV remodeling and show enhanced early sensitivity as compared to LV global longitudinal strain. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that STE-integrated computational modeling can be used to track indices of LV myocardial stiffness and, thus, is a potential tool for HF diagnosis and prognosis.

In silico drug repurposing for the identification of potential candidate molecules against arboviruses infection.

Arboviral diseases caused by dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses represent a major public health problem worldwide, especially in tropical areas where millions of infections occur every year. The aim of this research was to identify candidate molecules for the treatment of these diseases among the drugs currently available in the market, through in silico screening and subsequent in vitro evaluation with cell culture models of DENV and ZIKV infections. Numerous pharmaceutical compounds from antibiotics to chemotherapeutic agents presented high in silico binding affinity for the viral proteins, including ergotamine, antrafenine, natamycin, pranlukast, nilotinib, itraconazole, conivaptan and novobiocin. These five last compounds were tested in vitro, being pranlukast the one that exhibited the best antiviral activity. Further in vitro assays for this compound showed a significant inhibitory effect on DENV and ZIKV infection of human monocytic cells and human hepatocytes (Huh-7 cells) with potential abrogation of virus entry. Finally, intrinsic fluorescence analyses suggest that pranlukast may have some level of interaction with three viral proteins of DENV: envelope, capsid, and NS1. Due to its promising results, suitable accessibility in the market and reduced restrictions compared to other pharmaceuticals; the anti-asthmatic pranlukast is proposed as a drug candidate against DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV, supporting further in vitro and in vivo assessment of the potential of this and other lead compounds that exhibited good affinity scores in silico as therapeutic agents or scaffolds for the development of new drugs against arboviral diseases.

Geometric determinants of local hemodynamics in severe carotid artery stenosis.

In cases of severe carotid artery stenosis (CAS), carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is performed to recover lumen patency and alleviate stroke risk. Under current guidelines, the decision to surgically intervene relies primarily on the percent loss of native arterial lumen diameter within the stenotic region (i.e. the degree of stenosis). An underlying premise is that the degree of stenosis modulates flow-induced wall shear stress elevations at the lesion site, and thus indicates plaque rupture potential and stroke risk. Here, we conduct a retrospective study on pre-CEA computed tomography angiography (CTA) images from 50 patients with severe internal CAS (>60% stenosis) to better understand the influence of plaque and local vessel geometry on local hemodynamics, with geometrical descriptors that extend beyond the degree of stenosis. We first processed CTA images to define a set of multipoint geometric metrics characterizing the stenosed region, and next performed computational fluid dynamics simulations to quantify local wall shear stress and associated hemodynamic metrics. Correlation and regression analyses were used to relate obtained geometric and hemodynamic metrics, with inclusion of patient sub-classification based on the degree of stenosis. Our results suggest that in the context of severe CAS, prediction of shear stress-based metrics can be enhanced by consideration of readily available, multipoint geometric metrics in addition to the degree of stenosis.

ISeeU: Visually interpretable deep learning for mortality prediction inside the ICU.

To improve the performance of Intensive Care Units (ICUs), the field of bio-statistics has developed scores which try to predict the likelihood of negative outcomes. These help evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and clinical practice, and also help to identify patients with unexpected outcomes. However, they have been shown by several studies to offer sub-optimal performance. Alternatively, Deep Learning offers state of the art capabilities in certain prediction tasks and research suggests deep neural networks are able to outperform traditional techniques. Nevertheless, a main impediment for the adoption of Deep Learning in healthcare is its reduced interpretability, for in this field it is crucial to gain insight into the why of predictions, to assure that models are actually learning relevant features instead of spurious correlations. To address this, we propose a deep multi-scale convolutional architecture trained on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) for mortality prediction, and the use of concepts from coalitional game theory to construct visual explanations aimed to show how important these inputs are deemed by the network. Results show our model attains a ROC AUC of 0.8735 (± 0.0025) which is competitive with the state of the art of Deep Learning mortality models trained on MIMIC-III data, while remaining interpretable. Supporting code can be found at https://github.com/williamcaicedo/ISeeU.

Efecto del ejercicio preprandial sobre el metabolismo intermediario basal y postprandial en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 de nivel del mar / Effect of preprandial exercise on the basal and postprandial intermediary metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes at sea level

Introducción. Los pilares terapéuticos del control metabólico de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) son el régimen alimenticio y la actividad física. Objetivo. Estudiar el efecto del ejercicio preprandial de corta duración y ocasional sobre el metabolismo intermediario basal y postprandial en personas con DM2. Métodos. Estudio experimental, transversal, en 16 mujeres y 15 varones con DM2, de nivel del mar, de 40 a 68 años, sometidos a dos pruebas, basal (A) y a post-ejercicio preprandial (B), consistente en una caminata durante 30 minutos a 4 Km/hora en faja sin fin. En ayunas y luego de un desayuno con 730 Kcal., 55,4% de grasas, 37,2% de hidratos de carbono y 7,34% de proteínas, se midió en sangre, glucosa, colesterol total, colesterol HDL, triglicéridos, insulina y ácidos grasos no esterificados (AGNE) durante 6 horas . El colesterol VLDL, LDL NoHDL y HOMA fueron calculados. Resultados. El ejercicio determinó una disminución de las concentraciones de glucosa, insulina y AGNE en la fase postprandial. Conclusión. El ejercicio mejoró el control metabólico postprandial en DM2.

Introduction. The therapeutic support of the metabolic control of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) are the diet and physical activity.Objetive: To study the effect of a short and casual exercise on the basal and postprandial intermediary metabolism of individuals with DM2. Methods. A total of 16 female and 15 male, DM2 patients, 40 to 68 years old, were included in a experimental, tranversal study. They were submitted to a basal (A) and post-exercise (B) tests, the last one consisting in 30 minutes walking at 4 Km/hour on a treadmill, Under fasting, state, glucose, total cholesterol , HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and non-sterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured in blood. Cholesterol VLDL, LDL, Non-HDL and HOMA were calculated. After a breakfast consisting in 55,5% fat, 37,2 % carbohydrates, 7,34% proteins containing 730 Kcal, glucose, insulin, triglycerides and NEFA were measured during 6 hours. Results: The exercise produced a lowering of glucose, insulin and NEFA during postprandial state. Conclusion: The exercise ameliorates the metabolic control at postprandial state of DM2.

Metabolismo intermediario basal y posprandial en mujeres posmenopáusicas normales de altura / Basal and postprandial intermediary metabolism of normal postmenopausal female high altitude dwellers

Objectives: To study basal and postprandial intermediary metabolism in normal postmenopausal high-altitude female dwellers, adapted to an environment characterized by low barometric and oxygen pressures and hypoxia. Methodology: An experimental study with control group was conducted; 20 normal high-altitude female dwellers -HAD(Cusco, Peru, 3 395 meters above sea level-m.a.s.l.) and 16 normal sea level female dwellers -SLD(Lima, Peru, 150 m.a.s.l.), 40 to 70 years old, postmenopausal, were included. Fasting glucose (G), total cholesterol (TC), HDL, triglycerides (Tg), insulin (I) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured in blood by conventional methods, and VLDL, LDL, non-HDL and HOMA were calculated. G, I, Tg, and NEFA were determined for 6 hours following the ingestion of a mixed meal containing 730 Kcal. Results: At fasting, the HAD had lower G and higher NEFA values than SLD; no differences in I, TC, HDL, non-HDL cholesterol were found. During the postprandial period, G was lower and Tg and NEFA were higher in the HAD; insulin concentrations were similar. Conclusions: Female HAD had a different intermediary metabolism than female SLD and high-altitude normal male dwellers, both at fasting and during the postprandial state.

Objetivos. Estudiar el metabolismo intermediario basal y posprandial en mujeres posmenopáusicas normales de altura, adaptadas a un ambiente de menor presión barométrica, menor presión parcial de oxígeno e hipoxia. Métodos. Estudio experimental con grupo control, que incluyó a 20 mujeres normales de altura-MNA(Cusco, 3 395 metros sobre el nivel del mar-m.s.n.m.) y a 16 de nivel del mar-MNM(Lima, 150 m.s.n.m.), de 40 a 70 años de edad, posmenopáusicas. En ayunas se midió glucosa (G), colesterol total (CT), HDL, triglicéridos (Tg), insulina (I), ácidos grasos no esterificados (AGNE) por métodos convencionales, y el VLDL, LDL, no-HDL y HOMA. Después de ingerir un desayuno mixto conteniendo 730 kcal, se midió G, CT, Tg, I y AGNE, durante 6 horas. Resultados. En ayunas, las MNA presentaron glucosa (G) significativamente más baja y los AGNE más altos que las MNM; el CT, HDL, Tg, colesterol VLDL, LDL, no-HDL e insulina fueron similares en ambos grupos. Durante el período posprandial, la G fue más baja, los Tg y AGNE fueron significativamente mayores en las MNA y la insulina fue similar. Conclusiones. El metabolismo intermediario de las MNA es diferente a las MNM y al descrito en varones de altura, tanto en condiciones basales como posprandiales.

World-Class Managers: a Pilot Tuning Project-based on Generic Competences.

INTRODUCTION: This research evaluates the generic competences of the managers that belong to the 20 World Class Sectors, according to the Productive Transformation Program in Colombia. METHOD: A survey applied to 280 managers seeks to evaluate the 27 generic competences of the Tuning Project, using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis to measure three dimensions: motivation/commitment, self-efficacy and the competence's origin. RESULTS: The most necessary skills to boost the positioning of these companies in international markets are the weakest. The findings' relevance indicates that the managers' commitment and motivation is greater than the effectiveness in their performance; also, the findings emphasize the family education as one of the main sources of their competences.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Esta investigación evalúa las competencias genéricas de los gerentes que pertenecen a los 16 Sectores de Talla Mundial, según el Programa de Transformación Productiva en Colombia. MÉTODO: Una encuesta aplicada a 280 gerentes busca evaluar las 27 competencias del Proyecto Tuning, a través de técnicas de estadística descriptiva y análisis factorial exploratorio, para medir tres dimensiones: Motivación/compromiso, Auto-eficacia y el Origen de la competencia. RESULTADOS: Las competencias más necesarias para potencializar el posicionamiento de estas empresas en los mercados internacionales, son las más débiles. La relevancia de los hallazgos indica que es superior el compromiso y la motivación de los gerentes que la eficacia en su desempeño y se destaca, además, la formación familiar como una de las principales fuentes de sus competencias.

Regional and temporal changes in left ventricular strain and stiffness in a porcine model of myocardial infarction.

The aim of the present study was to serially track how myocardial infarction (MI) impacts regional myocardial strain and mechanical properties of the left ventricle (LV) in a large animal model. Post-MI remodeling has distinct regional effects throughout the LV myocardium. Regional quantification of LV biomechanical behavior could help explain changes in global function and thus advance clinical assessment of post-MI remodeling. The present study is based on a porcine MI model to characterize LV biomechanics over 28 days post-MI via speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). Regional myocardial strain and strain rate were recorded in the circumferential, radial, and longitudinal directions at baseline and at 3, 14, and 28 days post-MI. Regional myocardial wall stress was calculated using standard echocardiographic metrics of geometry and Doppler-derived hemodynamic measurements. Regional diastolic myocardial stiffness was calculated from the resultant stress-strain relations. Peak strain and phasic strain rates were nonuniformly reduced throughout the myocardium post-MI, whereas time to peak strain was increased to a similar degree in the MI region and border zone by 28 days post-MI. Elevations in diastolic myocardial stiffness in the MI region plateaued at 14 days post-MI, after which a significant reduction in MI regional stiffness in the longitudinal direction occurred between 14 and 28 days post-MI. Post-MI biomechanical changes in the LV myocardium were initially limited to the MI region but nonuniformly extended into the neighboring border zone and remote myocardium over 28 days post-MI. STE enabled quantification of regional and temporal differences in myocardial strain and diastolic stiffness, underscoring the potential of this technique for clinical assessment of post-MI remodeling. NEW & NOTEWORTHY For the first time, speckle-tracking echocardiography was used to serially track regional biomechanical behavior and mechanical properties postmyocardial infarction (post-MI). We found that changes initially confined to the MI region extended throughout the myocardium in a nonuniform fashion over 28 days post-MI. Speckle-tracking echocardiography-based evaluation of regional changes in left ventricular biomechanics could advance both clinical assessment of left ventricular remodeling and therapeutic strategies that target aberrant biomechanical behavior post-MI.

Análisis prospectivo de las competencias genéricas Tuning-Alfa en la ciudad de Medellín al 2032 / Prospective analysis of the generic Tuning-Alfa competences in the city of Medellin by the year 2032

Resumen Al establecer el carácter estratégico de las competencias genéricas Tuning en los procesos formativos de los administradores al 2032 en la ciudad de Medellín, se evidencian que, la competencia surge con sentido ontológico, evoluciona a lo praxeológico y posteriormente integra los dos sentidos. Se confirma que en la administración se privilegian procesos profesionalizantes, se requiere el dominio de un segundo idioma, se requiere compromiso con el medio sociocultural y se espera el desarrollo de la capacidad de aplicar los conocimientos en la práctica; se considera que la formación se orienta para desarrollar la capacidad creativa; y se evidencia una relevante indiferencia con respecto a la formación ética y de responsabilidad social.

Abstract When establishing the strategic nature of the generic Tuning competences in the training processes of managers by the year 2032 in the city of Medellin, it is made evident that the competence emerges with an ontological sense, it evolves to the praxeological approach, and then, it integrates the two senses. In management, it is confirmed that professionalizing processes are privileged, the mastery of a foreign language is required, a commitment to the sociocultural environment is required, and the development of the ability to apply knowledge in practice is expected. It is considered that training is oriented to develop the creative ability; and a relevant indifference with respect to the ethical training and social responsibility is made evident.

Features of Dengue and Chikungunya Infections of Colombian Children under 24 Months of Age Admitted to the Emergency Department.

We aimed to assess clinical and laboratory differences between dengue and chikungunya in children <24 months of age in a comparative study. We collected retrospective clinical and laboratory data confirmed by NS1/IgM for dengue for 19 months (1 January 2013 to 17 August 2014). Prospective data for chikungunya confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction were collected for 4 months (22 September 2014-14 December 2014). Sensitivity and specificity [with 95% confidence interval (CI)] were reported for each disease diagnosis. A platelet count <150 000 cells/ml at emergency admission best characterized dengue, with a sensitivity of 67% (95% CI, 53-79) and specificity of 95% (95% CI, 82-99). The algorithm developed with classification and regression tree analysis showed a sensitivity of 93% (95% CI, 68-100) and specificity of 38% (95% CI, 9-76) to diagnose dengue. Our study provides potential differential characteristics between chikungunya and dengue in young children, especially low platelet counts.

Increasing Community Awareness About Alzheimer's Disease in Puerto Rico Through Coffee Shop Education and Social Media.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the fourth leading cause of death in Puerto Rico. Using multi-media resources and in-person education may be an effective approach to improve knowledge and awareness of AD. The Un Café por el Alzheimer program in Puerto Rico incorporates an education component at coffee shops and a social media campaign using Facebook. The current study evaluates this initiative through an analysis of pre/post education survey results and social media content and use. Surveys contained close-ended and open-ended questions to understand participants' perceptions and knowledge about AD. Post-education surveys also included questions related to program satisfaction. Social media analysis of the Facebook community page examined posts from March 1 to September 30, 2015. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey and Facebook data. Four education sessions were conducted with a total of 212 participants. Fifty-one of the participants completed both pre- and post-surveys. Following the education program participants reported improved knowledge of risk and protective factors. All participants reported learning new information from the program. There were a total of 250 posts on the Un Café por el Alzheimer community Facebook page; 168 posts related to AD. The Facebook page reached 294,109 people, with 9963 page likes, 610 comments, 17,780 post clicks, and 3632 shares. There was an average increase of 64.8 % in number of people reached by the Facebook page following the education sessions. The approach of combining social media resources and in-person education is beneficial to increase public awareness of AD and disseminate health information.

Magnitude of Impact, Overall and on Subspecialties, of Transitioning in Radiology from ICD-9 to ICD-10 Codes.

PURPOSE: Converting the nation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnosis coding system, from 14,025 ICD-9 to 69,823 ICD-10 codes, is projected to have enormous financial and operational implications. We aimed to assess the magnitude of impact that this code conversion will have on radiology claims. METHODS: The most frequently billed ICD-9 diagnosis codes for 588,523 radiology claims from five hospitals and affiliated outpatient sites during a 12-month period were mapped to matching ICD-10 codes using a Medicare-endorsed tool. The code-conversion impact factor was calculated for the entire radiology system, and each individual subspecialty division. RESULTS: Of all ICD-9 codes, only 3,407 (24.3%) were used to report any primary diagnosis. Of all claims, 50% were billed using just 37 (0.3%) primary codes; 75% with 131 (0.5%), and 90% with 348 (2.5%). Those 348 ICD-9 codes mapped onto 2,048 ICD-10 codes (5.9-fold impact), representing just 2.9% of all ICD-10 codes. By subspecialty, the conversion impact factor varied greatly, from 1.1 for breast (11 ICD-9 to 12 ICD-10 codes) to 28.8 for musculoskeletal imaging (146 to 4,199). The community division, reflecting a general practice mix, saw a conversion impact factor of 5.8 (254 to 1,471). CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than 3% of all ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes are used to report an overwhelming majority of all radiology claims. Although the number of commonly used codes will expand 5.9-fold overall, musculoskeletal imaging will experience a projected 28.8-fold explosion. Radiology practices should target their ICD educational and operational conversion efforts in an evidence-based manner.