Addressing mechanism bias in model-based impact forecasts of new tuberculosis vaccines.

In tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development, multiple factors hinder the design and interpretation of the clinical trials used to estimate vaccine efficacy. The complex transmission chain of TB includes multiple routes to disease, making it hard to link the vaccine efficacy observed in a trial to specific protective mechanisms. Here, we present a Bayesian framework to evaluate the compatibility of different vaccine descriptions with clinical trial outcomes, unlocking impact forecasting from vaccines whose specific mechanisms of action are unknown. Applying our method to the analysis of the M72/AS01E vaccine trial -conducted on IGRA+ individuals- as a case study, we found that most plausible models for this vaccine needed to include protection against, at least, two over the three possible routes to active TB classically considered in the literature: namely, primary TB, latent TB reactivation and TB upon re-infection. Gathering new data regarding the impact of TB vaccines in various epidemiological settings would be instrumental to improve our model estimates of the underlying mechanisms.

Clinical standards for drug-susceptible TB in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: These clinical standards aim to provide guidance for diagnosis, treatment, and management of drug-susceptible TB in children and adolescents.METHODS: Fifty-two global experts in paediatric TB participated in a Delphi consensus process. After eight rounds of revisions, 51/52 (98%) participants endorsed the final document.RESULTS: Eight standards were identified: Standard 1, Age and developmental stage are critical considerations in the assessment and management of TB; Standard 2, Children and adolescents with symptoms and signs of TB disease should undergo prompt evaluation, and diagnosis and treatment initiation should not depend on microbiological confirmation; Standard 3, Treatment initiation is particularly urgent in children and adolescents with presumptive TB meningitis and disseminated (miliary) TB; Standard 4, Children and adolescents should be treated with an appropriate weight-based regimen; Standard 5, Treating TB infection (TBI) is important to prevent disease; Standard 6, Children and adolescents should receive home-based/community-based treatment support whenever possible; Standard 7, Children, adolescents, and their families should be provided age-appropriate support to optimise engagement in care and clinical outcomes; and Standard 8, Case reporting and contact tracing should be conducted for each child and adolescent.CONCLUSION: These consensus-based clinical standards, which should be adapted to local contexts, will improve the care of children and adolescents affected by TB.

Using digital chatbots to close gaps in healthcare access during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Chatbots have emerged as a first link to care in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, and consequent health system disruptions, expanded their use. Socios En Salud (SES) introduced chatbots in Peru, which experienced one of the highest excess COVID mortalities in the world. METHODS: SES and the government identified unmet population health needs, which could be amenable to virtual interventions. Chatbots were developed to screen individuals for these conditions; we describe the period of deployment, number of screenings, and number of people who received services. RESULTS: Between April 2020 and May 2021, SES deployed nine ChatBots: four for mental health, two for maternal and child health, and three for chronic diseases: breast cancer, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Mental health services were provided to 42,932 people, 99.99% of those offered services. The other ChatBots reached fewer people. Overall, more than 50% of eligible people accepted chatbot-based services. DISCUSSION: ChatBot use was highest for mental health. Chatbots may increase connections between a vulnerable population and health services; this is likely dependent on several factors, including condition, population, and penetration of smart phones. Future research will be critical to understand user experience and preferences and to ensure that chatbots link vulnerable populations to appropriate, high-quality care.

INTRODUCTION: Les chatbots se sont imposés comme un premier lien aux soins ces dernières années. La pandémie de COVID-19, et les perturbations du système de santé qui en ont résultées, ont élargi leur champ d'application. Socios En Salud (SES) a introduit les chatbots au Pérou, qui a connu l'une des surmortalités dues au COVID les plus élevées au monde. MÉTHODES: SES et le gouvernement ont identifié des besoins non satisfaits en matière de santé de la population, qui pourraient faire l'objet d'interventions virtuelles. Des chatbots ont été développés pour dépister des individus pour ces conditions ; nous décrivons la période de leur déploiement, le nombre de dépistages et le nombre de personnes qui ont reçu ces services. RÉSULTATS: Entre avril 2020 et mai 2021, SES a déployé neuf ChatBots : quatre pour la santé mentale, deux pour la santé maternelle et infantile et trois pour les maladies chroniques, comme le cancer du sein, l'hypertension, le diabète et l'obésité. Des services de santé mentale ont été fournis à 42 932 personnes, soit 99,99% des personnes proposées. Les autres ChatBots ont touché moins de personnes. Dans l'ensemble, plus de 50% des personnes éligibles ont accepté les services proposés par les chatbots. DISCUSSION: L'utilisation des ChatBots était la plus élevée pour la santé mentale. Les chatbots peuvent augmenter les connexions entre une population vulnérable et les services de santé, mais cela dépende de plusieurs facteurs, dont la condition, la type de population et la pénétration des smartphones. Les recherches futures seront essentielles pour comprendre l'expérience et les préférences des utilisateurs et pour s'assurer que les chatbots relient les populations vulnérables vulnérables aux soins appropriés et de qualité.

Integrated screening and testing for TB and COVID-19 in Peru.

We describe the experience of integrating COVID-19 screening and testing into a mobile TB screening unit in Lima, Peru. All attendees received chest radiographs, which were analysed using CAD4TB and CAD4COVID; Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra was used to test for TB, and antibody and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2. One Xpert-positive TB case was diagnosed per 168 people screened, one person with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies per 3 people screened, and one PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection per 8 people screened. Integrated screening can help to avoid delays in the diagnosis of both TB and COVID-19.

Nous décrivons l'expérience de l'intégration du dépistage et du test COVID-19 dans une unité mobile de dépistage de la TB à Lima, au Pérou. Toutes les personnes présentes ont reçu des radiographies pulmonaires, qui ont été analysées à l'aide de CAD4TB et CAD4COVID ; Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra a été utilisé pour le dépistage de la TB, et les anticorps et la réaction en chaîne par polymérase (PCR) pour le SARS-CoV-2. Un cas de TB Xpert-positif a été diagnostiqué pour 168 personnes dépistées, une personne présentant des anticorps du SARS-CoV-2 pour 3 personnes dépistées et une infection du SARS-CoV-2 confirmée par PCR pour 8 personnes dépistées. Le dépistage intégré peut contribuer à éviter les retards dans le diagnostic de la TB et du COVID-19.

Mental and physical health in service member and veteran students who identify as American Indians and Alaskan natives.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore (a) current utilization rates of university mental health services among American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) student veterans and (b) predictors of mental health service utilization among AI/AN student veterans. Participants: Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from the American College Health Association (ACHA)'s 2011-2014 National College Health Assessment II (n = 103). Methods: University mental health service utilization rates were calculated as a percentage for AI/AN/NH student veterans. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of mental health service utilization. Results: Results showed that 14% of AI/AN/NH student veterans have used university mental health services. Predictors of mental health service utilization in this population included financial stress, lack of deployment during service, suicidal ideation, and a diagnosis of depression, model χ2 (13) = 162. 128, p < 0.001, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.130. Conclusion: This research identified gaps in service provision for AI/AN service member and veteran students on college campuses and provided possible models for intervention development.

Uncovering reasons for treatment initiation delays among children with TB in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Timely diagnosis and treatment of pediatric tuberculosis (TB) is critical to reducing mortality but remains challenging in the absence of adequate diagnostic tools. Even once a TB diagnosis is made, delays in treatment initiation are common, but for reasons that are not well understood.METHODS: To examine reasons for delay post-diagnosis, we conducted semi-structured interviews with Ministry of Health (MoH) physicians and field workers affiliated with a pediatric TB diagnostic study, and caregivers of children aged 0-14 years who were diagnosed with pulmonary TB in Lima, Peru. Interviews were analyzed using systematic comparative and descriptive content analysis.RESULTS: We interviewed five physicians, five field workers and 26 caregivers with children who initiated TB treatment < 7 days after diagnosis (n = 15) or who experienced a delay of ≥7 days (n = 11). Median time in delay from diagnosis to treatment initiation was 26 days (range 7-117). Reasons for delay included: health systems challenges (administrative hurdles, medication stock, clinic hours), burden of care on families and caregiver perceptions of disease severity.CONCLUSION: Reasons for delay in treatment initiation are complex. Interventions to streamline administrative processes and tools to identify and support families at risk for delays in treatment initiation are urgently needed.

Optofluidic detection setup for multi-parametric analysis of microbiological samples in droplets.

High-throughput microbiological experimentation using droplet microfluidics is limited due to the complexity and restricted versatility of the available detection techniques. Current detection setups are bulky, complicated, expensive, and require tedious optical alignment procedures while still mostly limited to fluorescence. In this work, we demonstrate an optofluidic detection setup for multi-parametric analyses of droplet samples by easily integrating micro-lenses and embedding optical fibers for guiding light in and out of the microfluidic chip. The optofluidic setup was validated for detection of absorbance, fluorescence, and scattered light. The developed platform was used for simultaneous detection of multiple parameters in different microbiological applications like cell density determination, growth kinetics, and antibiotic inhibition assays. Combining the high-throughput potential of droplet microfluidics with the ease, flexibility, and simplicity of optical fibers results in a powerful platform for microbiological experiments.

Metaloproteinases no tecido laminar do casco de equinos submetidos à obstrução intraluminal do cólon menor / Metalloproteinases in hoof laminar tissue of equine submitted to intraluminal small colon obstruction

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a expressão das MMP-2 e MMP-9 no tecido laminar do casco e o perfil leucocitário de equinos submetidos à obstrução intraluminal do cólon menor. Realizaram-se laparotomia e obstrução do cólon menor de oito equinos hígidos, utilizando-se uma bola inserida no lúmem intestinal. A bola foi inflada à pressão de 80mmHg e a obstrução foi mantida por quatro horas. Foram realizadas coletas sanguíneas antes da obstrução (M0), imediatamente após a desobstrução (M4) e a cada 12 horas após M4, até completar 72 horas (M12, M24, M36, M48, M60 e M72). As biópsias de casco foram realizadas em M0, M4 e M72, e as amostras foram submetidas à análise zimográfica. Foi observado aumento nos leucócitos em M12 e M24, decorrente do aumento de neutrófilos segmentados e bastonetes, os quais diminuíram a partir de M36. Segundo a técnica zimográfica, não se observaram alterações nos valores de MMP-2 e -9, possivelmente devido à baixa intensidade das lesões ocasionadas no cólon menor. Com isso, conclui-se que as alterações inflamatórias decorrentes da obstrução do cólon menor não foram suficientes para ocasionar alterações na expressão das MMP-2 e -9 no tecido laminar podal.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood leukocytes and the MMP-2 and -9 expression in the hoof laminar tissue of horses undergoing intraluminal small colon obstruction. Laparotomy and the small colon obstruction was performed in eight healthy horses, inserting a ball in the intestinal lumen. The ball was inflated to 80 mmHg pressure and the occlusion was maintained for 4 hours. The blood was collectedBlood samples were taken before the obstruction (M0), immediately after intestinal clearance (M4), and every 12 hours until completeuntil 72 hours (M12, M24, M36, M48, M60 and M72). The hoof biopsies were performed at M0, M4, and M72 and the samples were subjected to zymography analysis. There was an increase in leukocytes in M12 and M24, due to the increase in segmented neutrophils and band neutrophils, which decreased as of M36. According to zymography technique not observed changes were not not observed in MMP-2 and -9, possibly due to the low intensity of the small colon lesions. Wherefore, it is concludedIn conclusion, that the inflammatory changes resulting from small colon obstruction were not enough to cause changes in the expression of MMP-2 and -9 in the hoof laminar tissue.(AU)

Efficacy and Cost of Trap-Bait Combinations for Capturing Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Ornamental Palm Polycultures.

Ornamental palms are an economically important component of international trade yet have recently experienced yield losses in Mexico due to red ring and bud rot diseases, which are spread by Rhynchophorus palmarum L. Considering that massive capture is a common strategy to control this pest and the cost of commercial traps and baits could be inaccessible for small farmers, an inexpensive trap-bait combination is desired. In this study, 16 trap-bait combinations for capturing R. palmarum were assessed in ornamental palm polycultures over the course of 1 year. An expensive yellow bucket trap combined with aggregation pheromone + insecticide + banana was compared with inexpensive, handmade trap-bait combinations. A total of 4712 weevils were collected in all traps, of which 52.7% were male and 47.3% female. The efficacy of the handmade trap made from a colorless polyethylene bottle and baited with banana + pineapple + sugarcane + sugarcane molasses was similar to that of the yellow bucket trap baited with aggregation pheromone + insecticide + banana. These two trap-bait combinations remained effective even when the R. palmarum population significantly decreased during the dry, warm season. The affordable handmade trap baited with food attractants and without insecticides was highly efficient in capturing R. palmarum and therefore represents an effective tool for monitoring weevil populations. As ornamental crops have recently gained greater economic importance in the studied region, the use of a novel and cheap trap-bait combination could offer great benefits to producers and form part of the integrated management of R. palmarum.

[Doxycycline as an adjuvant in postsurgical recovery of rotator cuff injuries. One-year follow-up]. / Uso de doxiciclina como adyuvante en la recuperación postquirúrgica de las lesiones del manguito rotador. Seguimiento a un año.

BACKGROUND: The severity and progression of rotator cuff tears have forced research on new treatment pathways such as metalloprotease inhibition, which has shown a reduction in healing time and improvement in the structure of collagen fibers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of doxycycline as a healing enhancer in rotator cuff tears after surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 20 patients were included; they were divided into two groups, 10 with the use of doxycycline and 10 without it after arthroscopic repair with one-year follow-up. Doxycycline was given orally, 100 mg once a day for one month. Every subject in the test was diagnosed with rotator cuff tear confirmed by MRI with Patte and Goutallier scores below 2. We used the arthroscopic double row technique. Post-op follow-up was 12 months with clinical scales (UCLA, Constant and forward flexion strength). RESULTS: Both groups reported almost complete healing of rotator cuff tears after surgical treatment during the twelve months of follow-up; forward flexion strength was the only score that reported improvement in the doxycycline group during every check-up. DISCUSSION: Doxycycline use after arthroscopic cuff tear repair could improve the clinical outcome, but we do not know how yet; however larger sample and randomized trials should be developed.

ANTECEDENTES: La severidad y progresión inevitable de la lesión del manguito rotador ha llevado a experimentar con adyuvantes terapéuticos para disminuir el tiempo de recuperación postquirúrgica, así como mejorar la estructura del tendón en recuperación al inhibir la matriz de metaloproteasas. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el uso de la doxiciclina como adyuvante en la cicatrización de lesiones hueso-tendón en la reparación quirúrgica del manguito rotador. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se reclutaron 20 pacientes con lesión del manguito rotador corroborada por imagen con retracción del supraespinoso grado II (Patte) e infiltración grasa de 50% (Goutallier). Fueron divididos en dos grupos: a 10 se les administró doxiciclina, 100 mg cada 24 horas durante un mes, y el resto fueron un grupo control sin doxiciclina. Ambos fueron tratados quirúrgicamente con técnica de doble hilera vía artroscópica, con seguimiento periódico hasta 12 meses mediante escalas de UCLA, Constant y potencia de flexión anterógrada. RESULTADOS: Se encontró recuperación clínica de la lesión en ambos grupos a los 12 meses, mayor potencia de flexión anterógrada en cada uno de los intervalos de medición para el grupo donde se administró la doxiciclina. Durante la evolución del estudio, se mantuvo constante Constant y UCLA; se encontró mejoría considerable con la potencia de flexión anteró grada como valor independiente. DISCUSIÓN: El uso de doxiciclina podría mejorar de una forma considerable el pronóstico clínico de la reparación artroscópica de mango rotador con el uso de doble hilera, pero aún no sabemos cómo, aunque deberán realizarse estudios adicionales con una muestra mayor.

Innovative approach to the design and evaluation of treatment adherence interventions for drug-resistant TB.

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) treatment is expensive, lengthy, and can cause severe side effects. Patients face socio-economic, psychosocial, and systemic barriers to adherence; poor adherence results in poor treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effects of the components of the information-motivation-behavioral skills model on DR-TB treatment adherence. DESIGN: We recruited 326 adults receiving DR-TB treatment and 86 of their health care service providers from 40 health centers in Lima, Peru. The main outcome was adherence (i.e., the proportion of prescribed doses taken by a patient). Exposure measures were adherence information, motivation, and behavioral skills; loss to follow-up during previous TB treatment(s); providers' work engagement; and patient-perceived support from his/her social network. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling revealed that adherence information and motivation had positive effects on adherence, but only if mediated through behavioral skills (ß = 0.02, P < 0.01 and ß = 0.07, P < 0.001, respectively). Behavioral skills had a direct positive effect on adherence (ß = 0.27, P < 0.001). Loss to follow-up during previous treatment had a direct negative effect, providers' work engagement had a direct positive effect, and perceived support had indirect positive effects on adherence. The model's overall R2 was 0.76. CONCLUSION: The components of the information-motivation-behavioral skills model were associated with adherence and could be used to design, monitor, and evaluate interventions targeting adherence to DR-TB treatment.

Comparación funcional en el tratamiento de las fracturas de tobillo B de Weber con implante y sutura versus tornillo situacional / Functional comparison in the treatment of Weber type B ankle fractures with suture device versus screw

Resumen: Antecedentes: Diez por ciento de todas las fracturas de tobillo, 20% de las fracturas tratadas quirúrgicamente y de 1 al 18% de los esguinces presentan lesión de la sindesmosis. Los métodos utilizados para su reducción son tornillos situacionales metálicos o bioabsorbibles, reparación directa y el uso de suturas con o sin botones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar la función clínica de las fracturas de tobillo B de Weber tratadas con TightRope o con el uso de tornillo situacional. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, comparativo, transversal en el período comprendido de Marzo del 2012 a Marzo del 2015. Se utilizó la escala de AOFAS de tobillo para valorar la función de pacientes con fracturas Weber B con lesión de sindesmosis tratados con tornillo situacional tricortical de 3.5 mm y pacientes tratados con sistema TightRope. Resultados: Se estudiaron 43 pacientes con una media de 47 años de edad. Se realizó la prueba de ANOVA de un factor para comparar los resultados de ambos grupos observando que a los tres, seis y 12 meses el grupo de TightRope presentó una mejoría significativa en cuanto al puntaje de AOFAS en comparación con el grupo de tornillo situacional (p = 0.05). Discusión: El uso del sistema TightRope presenta mejor función clínica en comparación con el tornillo situacional tricortical de 3.5 mm en el corto plazo, de acuerdo con la escala de AOFAS.

Abstract: Background: Ten percent of all ankle fractures, 20% of the fractures treated surgically, and 1-18% of all sprains involve a syndesmosis injury. The methods used for reduction are metal or bioabsorbable syndesmotic set screws, direct repair, and sutures with or without buttons. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical function of patients who sustained Weber B ankle fractures and were treated with the TightRope system or a syndesmotic set screw. Material and methods: An observational, comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2012 and March 2015. The AOFAS ankle scale was used to assess function in patients with Weber B fractures with a syndesmosis injury treated with a 3.5 mm tricortical set screw or with the TightRope system. Results: Forty-three patients were included, their mean age was 47 years. The single-factor ANOVA test was used to compare the results of both groups. The latter showed that at 3, 6 and 12 months the TightRope group showed a significant improvement based on the AOFAS score, compared with the set screw group (p = 0.05). Discussion: The use of the TightRope system results in better clinical function in the short term compared with the 3.5 mm tricortical set screw, according to the AOFAS scale.

Alterações hemogasométricas em equinos submetidos à distensão do cólon menor / Blood gas alterations in horses subjected to small colon distention

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a hemogasometria venosa de equinos com lesões isquêmicas induzidas experimentalmente no cólon menor. Foram utilizados oito equinos sadios, com idades entre cinco e oito anos, sem raça definida. Os animais foram submetidos à celiotomia e a quatro horas de obstrução intraluminal do cólon menor. Foram realizadas coletas de amostras de sangue imediatamente antes da indução anestésica (T0), no momento em que a anestesia foi estabilizada (T1), quatro horas após a obstrução intraluminal (T4), e, durante o pós-cirúrgico, as coletas foram realizadas em intervalos de 12 horas até completar 72 horas (T16, T28, T40, T52, T64 e T76). Notou-se em T4 alcalose metabólica, com compensação respiratória por meio da hipoventilação. Esse quadro de alcalose foi brando e transitório, retornando os valores normais para a espécie em T16, com 12 horas de desobstrução intestinal.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the blood gas analysis of venous blood of horses with experimentally induced ischemic lesions on the lower colon. Eight healthy horses were used, with ages between five and eight years, mixed breed. The animals were subjected to celiotomy and four hours of lower colonic intraluminal obstruction. The harvests were made with the blood samples immediately before induction of anesthesia (T0), when the anesthesia was stabilized (T1), 4 hours after the intraluminal obstruction (T4) and during postsurgical times were performed at intervals of 12 hours to complete 72 hours (T16, T28, T40, T52, T64 and T76). The occurrence of metabolic alkalosis on T4 with respiratory compensation by hypoventilation was noted, this alkalosis period was bland and transient, returning the normal values for the specie on T16, 12 hours after the intestinal obstruction.(AU)

Uso de doxiciclina como adyuvante en la recuperación postquirúrgica de las lesiones del manguito rotador. Seguimiento a un año / Doxycycline as an adjuvant in postsurgical recovery of rotator cuff injuries. One-year follow-up

Resumen: Antecedentes: La severidad y progresión inevitable de la lesión del manguito rotador ha llevado a experimentar con adyuvantes terapéuticos para disminuir el tiempo de recuperación postquirúrgica, así como mejorar la estructura del tendón en recuperación al inhibir la matriz de metaloproteasas. Objetivo: Evaluar el uso de la doxiciclina como adyuvante en la cicatrización de lesiones hueso-tendón en la reparación quirúrgica del manguito rotador. Material y métodos: Se reclutaron 20 pacientes con lesión del manguito rotador corroborada por imagen con retracción del supraespinoso grado II (Patte) e infiltración grasa de 50% (Goutallier). Fueron divididos en dos grupos: a 10 se les administró doxiciclina, 100 mg cada 24 horas durante un mes, y el resto fueron un grupo control sin doxiciclina. Ambos fueron tratados quirúrgicamente con técnica de doble hilera vía artroscópica, con seguimiento periódico hasta 12 meses mediante escalas de UCLA, Constant y potencia de flexión anterógrada. Resultados: Se encontró recuperación clínica de la lesión en ambos grupos a los 12 meses, mayor potencia de flexión anterógrada en cada uno de los intervalos de medición para el grupo donde se administró la doxiciclina. Durante la evolución del estudio, se mantuvo constante Constant y UCLA; se encontró mejoría considerable con la potencia de flexión anterógrada como valor independiente. Discusión: El uso de doxiciclina podría mejorar de una forma considerable el pronóstico clínico de la reparación artroscópica de mango rotador con el uso de doble hilera, pero aún no sabemos cómo, aunque deberán realizarse estudios adicionales con una muestra mayor.

Abstract: Background: The severity and progression of rotator cuff tears have forced research on new treatment pathways such as metalloprotease inhibition, which has shown a reduction in healing time and improvement in the structure of collagen fibers. Objective: To evaluate the use of doxycycline as a healing enhancer in rotator cuff tears after surgical treatment. Material and methods: 20 patients were included; they were divided into two groups, 10 with the use of doxycycline and 10 without it after arthroscopic repair with one-year follow-up. Doxycycline was given orally, 100 mg once a day for one month. Every subject in the test was diagnosed with rotator cuff tear confirmed by MRI with Patte and Goutallier scores below 2. We used the arthroscopic double row technique. Post-op follow-up was 12 months with clinical scales (UCLA, Constant and forward flexion strength). Results: Both groups reported almost complete healing of rotator cuff tears after surgical treatment during the twelve months of follow-up; forward flexion strength was the only score that reported improvement in the doxycycline group during every check-up. Discussion: Doxycycline use after arthroscopic cuff tear repair could improve the clinical outcome, but we do not know how yet; however larger sample and randomized trials should be developed.

Novel multiferroic state and ME enhancement by breaking the AFM frustration in LuMn1-xO3.

This study provides a comprehensive insight into the effects of controlled off-stoichiometry on the structural and multiferroic properties of the hexagonal manganite LuMn1-xO3+δ (x = 0.02; δ ∼ 0), supported by neutron powder diffraction measurements confirming single phase P63cm symmetry and evidencing a relevant ferromagnetic component, below TN ∼ 90 K, which breaks the archetypal geometrically frustrated antiferromagnetic state typically ascribed to LuMnO3. The perturbations in the triangular disposition of spins prompt an additional electric polarization contribution and a clear enhancement of the magnetoelectric coupling which are in good agreement with the results of first principles calculations. In addition, Raman spectroscopy, dielectric permittivity, pyroelectric current and magnetic measurements as a function of temperature point out the precursor effects of the magnetic phase transitions involving a strong coupling between spins, lattice and electric order, even above the Néel temperature.

[Functional comparison in the treatment of Weber type B ankle fractures with suture device versus screw]. / Comparación funcional en el tratamiento de las fracturas de tobillo B de Weber con implante y sutura versus tornillo situacional.

BACKGROUND: Ten percent of all ankle fractures, 20% of the fractures treated surgically, and 1-18% of all sprains involve a syndesmosis injury. The methods used for reduction are metal or bioabsorbable syndesmotic set screws, direct repair, and sutures with or without buttons. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical function of patients who sustained Weber B ankle fractures and were treated with the TightRope system or a syndesmotic set screw. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2012 and March 2015. The AOFAS ankle scale was used to assess function in patients with Weber B fractures with a syndesmosis injury treated with a 3.5 mm tricortical set screw or with the TightRope system. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were included, their mean age was 47 years. The single-factor ANOVA test was used to compare the results of both groups. The latter showed that at 3, 6 and 12 months the TightRope group showed a significant improvement based on the AOFAS score, compared with the set screw group (p = 0.05). DISCUSSION: The use of the TightRope system results in better clinical function in the short term compared with the 3.5 mm tricortical set screw, according to the AOFAS scale.

ANTECEDENTES: Diez por ciento de todas las fracturas de tobillo, 20% de las fracturas tratadas quirúrgicamente y de 1 al 18% de los esguinces presentan lesión de la sindesmosis. Los métodos utilizados para su reducción son tornillos situacionales metálicos o bioabsorbibles, reparación directa y el uso de suturas con o sin botones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar la función clínica de las fracturas de tobillo B de Weber tratadas con TightRope o con el uso de tornillo situacional. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional, comparativo, transversal en el período comprendido de Marzo del 2012 a Marzo del 2015. Se utilizó la escala de AOFAS de tobillo para valorar la función de pacientes con fracturas Weber B con lesión de sindesmosis tratados con tornillo situacional tricortical de 3.5 mm y pacientes tratados con sistema TightRope. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 43 pacientes con una media de 47 años de edad. Se realizó la prueba de ANOVA de un factor para comparar los resultados de ambos grupos observando que a los tres, seis y 12 meses el grupo de TightRope presentó una mejoría significativa en cuanto al puntaje de AOFAS en comparación con el grupo de tornillo situacional (p = 0.05). DISCUSIÓN: El uso del sistema TightRope presenta mejor función clínica en comparación con el tornillo situacional tricortical de 3.5 mm en el corto plazo, de acuerdo con la escala de AOFAS.

The microtubular cytoskeleton of olfactory neurons derived from patients with schizophrenia or with bipolar disorder: Implications for biomarker characterization, neuronal physiology and pharmacological screening.

Schizophrenia (SZ) and Bipolar Disorder (BD) are highly inheritable chronic mental disorders with a worldwide prevalence of around 1%. Despite that many efforts had been made to characterize biomarkers in order to allow for biological testing for their diagnoses, these disorders are currently detected and classified only by clinical appraisal based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Olfactory neuroepithelium-derived neuronal precursors have been recently proposed as a model for biomarker characterization. Because of their peripheral localization, they are amenable to collection and suitable for being cultured and propagated in vitro. Olfactory neuroepithelial cells can be obtained by a non-invasive brush-exfoliation technique from neuropsychiatric patients and healthy subjects. Neuronal precursors isolated from these samples undergo in vitro the cytoskeletal reorganization inherent to the neurodevelopment process which has been described as one important feature in the etiology of both diseases. In this paper, we will review the current knowledge on microtubular organization in olfactory neurons of patients with SZ and with BD that may constitute specific cytoskeletal endophenotypes and their relation with alterations in L-type voltage-activated Ca(2+) currents. Finally, the potential usefulness of neuronal precursors for pharmacological screening will be discussed.

Are Pets in the Bedroom a Problem?

The presence of pets in the bedroom can alter the sleep environment in ways that could affect sleep. Data were collected by questionnaire and interview from 150 consecutive patients seen at the Center for Sleep Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Seventy-four people (49%) reported having pets, with 31 (41% of pet owners) having multiple pets. More than half of pet owners (56%) allowed their pets to sleep in the bedroom. Fifteen pet owners (20%) described their pets as disruptive, whereas 31 (41%) perceived their pets as unobtrusive or even beneficial to sleep. Health care professionals working with patients with sleep concerns should inquire about the presence of companion animals in the sleep environment to help them find solutions and optimize their sleep.