Increase of Diversity of Mumps Virus Genotype G SH Variants Circulating Among a Highly Immunized Population: Spain, 2007-2019.

MuV caused three epidemic waves in Spain since genotype G emerged in 2005, despite high vaccination coverage. SH gene sequencing according to WHO protocols allowed the identification of seven relevant variants and 88 haplotypes. While the originally imported MuVi/Sheffield.GBR/1.05/-variant prevailed during the first two waves, it was subsequently replaced by other variants originated by either local evolution or importation, according to the additional analysis of hypervariable NCRs. The time of emergence of the MRCA of each MuV variant clade was concordant with the data of the earliest sequence. The analysis of Shannon entropy showed an accumulation of variability on six particular positions as the cause of the increase on the number of circulating SH variants. Consequently, SH gene sequencing needs to be complemented with other more variable markers for mumps surveillance immediately after the emergence of a new genotype, but the subsequent emergence of new SH variants turns it unnecessary.

Non-Typhi, non-Paratyphi Salmonella-related hospitalisations in Spain: trends, clinical aspects, risk factors for worse prognosis and hospital costs.

This study reviews non-typhoid Salmonella (NTS)-related hospitalisations at National level in Spain between 2010 and 2015. NTS hospitalisations were obtained from the National Registry of Hospitalisations. A descriptive analysis of the hospitalisations was performed, including hospitalisation rates (HR) and case-fatality rates (CFR%) calculation. For those with NTS as Main Diagnosis logistic regression were used to estimate the relationship between the different factors and death outcome. 21,660 registered NTS-related hospitalisations were described (88.8% with Salmonella coded as Main Diagnosis). Average HR2010-2015 was 7.7 (range, 7.3 to 8.1) hospitalisations/100,000 population. Those with NTS infections as Secondary Diagnosis were on average (p < 0.001) older (47.9 vs. 36.5 years), presented worse Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.1 vs. 1.2), higher CFR% (4.8% vs. 0.7%), spent more days hospitalised (15.1 vs. 5.8 days), and generated more costs (6173 vs. 4272 euros/per hospitalisation) than those with NTS as Main Diagnosis. For those with NTS as Main Diagnosis increased risk of death was related to being > 64 years old (OR = 20.99; p < 0.001); presenting septicaemia (OR = 15.82; p < 0.001) or localised infections (OR = 3.98; p = 0.061); Charlson Comorbidity Index > 3 (OR = 4.57; p < 0.001); a non-HIV co-infection (OR = 1.80; p = 0.013); other risk factors (OR = 5.70; p < 0.001); bowel perforation (OR = 70.30; p < 0.001); or acute renal failure (OR = 1.95; p = 0.001). In those with Salmonella as Main Diagnosis, among all complications, bowel perforation presented the strongest association with death outcome. Clinical practice guidelines can help to identify patients at risk of bowel perforation to reduce the fatality of the disease.

Effectiveness of acellular pertussis vaccine and evolution of pertussis incidence in the community of Madrid from 1998 to 2015.

INTRODUCTION: Pertussis is a communicable disease that primarily affects infants. Vaccination has led to an important reduction in the incidence of the disease, however, resurgence of the disease has been observed. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of pertussis and assess the vaccination effectiveness (VE) of different schedules of acellular pertussis vaccination in the community of Madrid. METHODS: Pertussis cases notified to the Mandatory Disease Reporting System from 1998 to 2015 were analyzed. Five comparison periods were created: 1998-2001 (reference), 2002-2005, 2006-2009, 2010-2012 and 2013-2015. The incidence ratio (IR) between inter-epidemic periods was analyzed using a Poisson regression. VE was calculated using the screening method. Vaccine status data were collected from the vaccine registry. RESULTS: In total, 3855 cases were notified. Inter-epidemic periods were observed every 3-4 years. The incidence increased (IR: 5.99, p < 0.05) in the 2013-2015 period, particularly among infants younger than 1 month (IR: 32.41, p < 0.05). Vaccination data were available in 89% of cases. For those receiving the last dose at ≤6-month VE was 89.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 87.3-92.0) after one year of follow-up, and 85.5% (95% CI: 82.4-88.1) after 11 years of follow-up. For those receiving the last dose at 18-months VE decreased from 98.8% (95% CI: 98.3-99.1) to 85.1% (95% CI: 81.9-87.7) in the same period, and for those receiving the last dose at 4-year VE decreased from 99.6% (95% CI: 99.3-99.7) to 79.3% (95% CI: 74.6-83.1). CONCLUSIONS: B. pertussis is circulating in our population, as shown by the epidemic peaks and increased incidence of pertussis in recent years. VE increased with the number of doses and decreased with the follow-up period. The effect of this and other vaccination strategies must be monitored to control the disease.

Effectiveness of different vaccine schedules for heptavalent and 13-valent conjugate vaccines against pneumococcal disease in the Community of Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: The heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-7) was added to the childhood routine vaccination program in the Community of Madrid in November of 2006 with 3+1 recommended doses and a catch-up for those under 2years old. In June 2010, PCV-7 was replaced by 13-valent vaccine (PCV-13) with 2+1 recommended doses. In July of 2012, the PCV-13 was removed from the funded program and reintroduced again (2+1 recommended doses) in December 2014. In between, children were vaccinated privately with 3+1 recommended doses of PCV-13. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of each vaccination schedule used in the Community of Madrid. METHODS: We included all cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) reported between 2007 and 2015 to the Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Vaccination information was obtained from the Immunization Registry. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was estimated using the indirect cohort design for cases with serotype information. RESULTS: A total 779 cases were included in the study. Among them 47.6% of the cases were primo-vaccinated with booster, 20% primo-vaccinated, 15.9% incompletely primo-vaccinated and 16.5% not vaccinated. The VE for ≥1 doses of any PCV was 82% (CI 95%: 67.8-89.9%): 91.9% (CI 95%: 76.5-97.2%) for PCV-7 and 77.2% (48.6-89.9%) for PCV-13. VE in those receiving the full 2+1 or 3+1 schedules was 100% for both vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: A high number of vaccine failures were reported in children before they had the opportunity to receive the booster dose, especially due to PCV-13-non-PCV-7 serotypes. VE was higher for PCV-7 compared to PCV-13, except for those that received the complete schedule with booster that achieved 100% of VE, which shows the relevance of the vaccines and complying with all doses scheduled.

Community-wide measles outbreak in the Region of Madrid, Spain, 10 years after the implementation of the Elimination Plan, 2011-2012.

We describe a community-wide outbreak of measles due to a D4 genotype virus that took place in the Region of Madrid, Spain, between February 2011 and August 2012, along with the control measures adopted. The following variables were collected: date of birth, sex, symptoms, complications, hospital admission, laboratory test results, link with another cases, home address, places of work or study, travel during the incubation period, ethnic group, and Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR) vaccination status. Incidences were calculated by 100,000 inhabitants. A total of 789 cases were identified. Of all cases, 36.0% belonged to Roma community, among which 68.7% were 16 months to 19 y old. Non-Roma cases were predominantly patients from 6 to 15 months (28.1%) and 20 to 39 y (52.3%). Most cases were unvaccinated. We found out that 3.0% of cases were healthcare workers. The first vaccination dose was brought forward to 12 months, active recruitment of unvaccinated children from 12 months to 4 y of age was performed and the vaccination of healthcare workers and of members of the Roma community was reinforced. High vaccination coverage must be reached with 2 doses of MMR vaccine, aimed at specific groups, such as young adults, Roma population and healthcare workers.

Effectiveness of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged 60 years and over in the Region of Madrid, Spain, 2008-2011.

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is a notifiable disease in the Region of Madrid. The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) is recommended for children and adults aged two years or over with a high risk of disease, and for all adults aged 60 and over. We describe the evolution of IPD incidence from 2008 to 2011 in people aged 60 years and over and PPV23 vaccine effectiveness (VE). VE is estimated using both the screening method and indirect cohort method. The incidence of IPD varied from 20.0 in 2008 to 15.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2011 (RR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.6­0.9). Adjusted VE estimated with the screening method was 68.2% (95% CI: 56.2­76.9). VE with the Broome method was 44.5% (95% CI: 23.8­59.6) for all PPV23 serotypes, and 64.4% (95% CI: 45.2­76.8) for PPV23 serotypes not included in conjugate vaccines. VE was lower in patients aged 80 years and older (25.5%; 95% CI:-23.2 to 55.0) and those with highrisk medical conditions (31.7%; 95% CI: -2.2 to -54.4). Adjusted VE was 44.5% (95% CI: 19.4-61.8) within 5 years of vaccination and 32.5% (95% CI: -5.6 to 56.9) after 5 years. These results are compatible with current recommendations for PPV23.

Basic visual dysfunction allows classification of patients with schizophrenia with exceptional accuracy.

Basic visual dysfunctions are commonly reported in schizophrenia; however their value as diagnostic tools remains uncertain. This study reports a novel electrophysiological approach using checkerboard visual evoked potentials (VEP). Sources of spectral resolution VEP-components C1, P1 and N1 were estimated by LORETA, and the band-effects (BSE) on these estimated sources were explored in each subject. BSEs were Z-transformed for each component and relationships with clinical variables were assessed. Clinical effects were evaluated by ROC-curves and predictive values. Forty-eight patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and 55 healthy controls participated in the study. For each of the 48 patients, the three VEP components were localized to both dorsal and ventral brain areas and also deviated from a normal distribution. P1 and N1 deviations were independent of treatment, illness chronicity or gender. Results from LORETA also suggest that deficits in thalamus, posterior cingulum, precuneus, superior parietal and medial occipitotemporal areas were associated with symptom severity. While positive symptoms were more strongly related to sensory processing deficits (P1), negative symptoms were more strongly related to perceptual processing dysfunction (N1). Clinical validation revealed positive and negative predictive values for correctly classifying SZ of 100% and 77%, respectively. Classification in an additional independent sample of 30 SZ corroborated these results. In summary, this novel approach revealed basic visual dysfunctions in all patients with schizophrenia, suggesting these visual dysfunctions represent a promising candidate as a biomarker for schizophrenia.

QEEG norms for the first year of life.

BACKGROUND: QEEG allows a more objective evaluation of cerebral electrical activity as well as the production of topographical maps for easier comprehension. Here we have developed qEEG norms for the first year of life using methods previously published for other age ranges, including for example, regression for Gausssianity before Z transformation. These norms constitute a non-invasive and low cost tool for the functional evaluation of the infant's brain. RESULTS: Developmental equations were obtained from 101 healthy infants recording at spontaneous quiet sleep stage II. Polynomial regression equations, with age as independent variable, were calculated for full Broad Band Spectral Parameters (BBSP) using the Least Squares technique. Interpolated maps of the BBSP values or their Z transformation were constructed for linked-ear reference, average reference and Laplacian montages. All montages produced similar tendency curves and Z maps of absolute and relative power, and mean frequency at all frequency bands. The norms obtained were validated against an independent group of 50 healthy infants and some pathological cases. 91-98% of cases were well classified as normal across all measures and montages. To exemplify, two pathological cases are presented of which their qEEG maps show resemblance to CT and MRI. CONCLUSIONS: These qEEG norms are highly useful as an aid to visual interpretation and for the study of pathology further evolution as well as for assessment of infants showing brain risk factors. To our knowledge this is the first normative qEEG study for the initial year of life with such large sample and validation-group.

Patterns in root trait variation among 25 co-existing North American forest species.

Ephemeral roots have essential roles in plant and ecosystem functioning. In forests, roots account for a major component of carbon cycling, yet few studies have examined ranges of root trait variation and how different species vary in root form and function in these communities. Root branching intensity, specific root length (SRL; root length per unit dry mass), root diameter, tissue density, phenolic concentration and nitrogen concentration were determined for the finest two root orders of 25 co-existing North American woody species sampled from mature plants in a single forest community. Trait correlations and multivariate patterns were examined to evaluate the most important trait differences among species. Branching intensity, SRL, and phenolic concentration varied most widely among species (coefficient of variation (CV) = 0.42, 0.57 and 0.58, respectively). Species predominately forming ectomycorrhiza (EM) had a higher branching intensity than those forming arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) with mycorrhizal types correctly predicted in c. 70% of individual observations by branching intensity alone. There was notably no correlation between SRL and nitrogen. Variation in SRL among species mapped partially along phylogenetic lines (consistency index (CI) = 0.44), with remaining variation attributable to differences in species' ecological specialization. Variation found in root traits suggests different nutrient acquisition strategies within this community, which could have potential species-level effects on carbon and mineral nutrient cycling.

Incidence trends in pertussis in the Autonomous Region of Madrid, Spain: 1982-2005.

The objective of this study was to describe the incidence (1982-2005) and epidemiologic characteristics of pertussis cases (1998-2005) in the Autonomous Region of Madrid using data drawn from the epidemiologic surveillance network and computerised hospital discharge data. In the 1990s, the trend in the pertussis incidence in the Autonomous Region of Madrid was clearly falling. The typical seasonal pattern of pertussis remained. A peak in incidence were observed in 2000, and another peak, 2.5 times higher, in 2003. They affected all age groups, but children under one year of age were the most frequent cases, followed by the five to nine year-olds. The greatest increase was seen in the age groups from 10 to 14 and from five to nine. Since 2002, the proportion of cases diagnosed serologically has increased. The incidence of hospital discharges among small children exceeded that of reported cases. More than half of the cases with known vaccination status had received at least three doses of vaccine. The upward trend observed since 2002 could be due to improved case detection, availability of serologic techniques, and a rise in the susceptible population aged five to 14 years. The fact that epidemic peaks continue to occur and that there is a seasonality to the disease seems to indicate that despite the vaccination programme the circulation of the bacteria has not been interrupted. The introduction of the acellular vaccine in 2000 does not appear to have played a significant role in the increase in disease incidence.

[Prevalence of peripheral artery disease evaluated by ankle brachial index in patients with metabolic syndrome. MERITO I study]. / Prevalencia de enfermedad arterial periférica estimada mediante el índice tobillo-brazo en pacientes con síndrome metabólico. Estudio MERITO I.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Metabolic Syndrome have high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rate above that expected when using accepted scales for risk stratification. Ankle brachial index (ABI) is an available, straightforward and reproducible method for the detection of peripheral vascular disease and for improving risk stratification in this population. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of low ABI in patients with metabolic syndrome older than 50 years and to study the risk factors associated with its development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 1519 subjects between 50 and 85 years, 935 of them with metabolic syndrome (Adult Treatment Panel III [ATP III] criteria), in primary prevention, without symptoms of intermittent claudication and who gave their consent to have an ABI measurement in internal medicine offices were included in the study. Cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated in all participants. An ABI < 0.9 was considered low. RESULTS: The prevalence of a low ABI in subjects with metabolic syndrome was 27.7 (95% CI: 24.8-30.5). Factors associated with low and a pathological ABI were age, higher serum creatinine levels and presence of proteinuria. After multivariate adjustment, only age (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.09) and active tobacco use (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.10-1.92) continued to be significant. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of a low ABI is elevated in subjects with metabolic syndrome without known cardiovascular disease and related with age and active tobacco use.

Prevalencia de enfermedad arterial periférica estimada mediante el índice tobillo-brazo en pacientes con síndrome metabólico. Estudio MERITO I / Prevalence of peripheral artery disease evaluated by ankle brachial index in patients with metabolic syndrome. MERITO I study

Introducción. Los pacientes con síndrome metabólico tienen una alta morbimortalidad cardiovascular, mayor que la esperada al aplicarles las escalas aceptadas para la estratificación de riesgo. El índice tobillo-brazo (ITB) es un método rápido, sencillo y reproducible de detección de enfermedad vascular periférica para mejorar la estratificación de estos pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de un ITB disminuido en pacientes con síndrome metabólico mayores de 50 años, así como estudiar los factores de riesgo asociados a ello. Pacientes y métodos. Se incluyeron 1.519 pacientes entre 50 y 85 años, 935 con síndrome metabólico (criterios Adult Treatment Panel III [ATP III]), en prevención primaria y sin síntomas de claudicación intermitente que dieron su consentimiento para la realización de un ITB en consultas externas de medicina interna. Se evaluó el riesgo cardiovascular en todos los pacientes. Se consideró disminuido un ITB < 0,9. Resultados. La prevalencia de un ITB disminuido en sujetos con síndrome metabólico fue de 27,7% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 24,8-30,5). Los factores asociados con un ITB disminuido fueron la edad, los niveles de creatinina sérica y la presencia de proteinuria. En el análisis multivariante sólo la edad (odds ratio [OR]: 1,07; IC 95%: 1,04-1,09) y el consumo activo de tabaco (OR: 1,45; IC 95%: 1,10-1,92) continuaron siendo significativos. Conclusión. La prevalencia de un ITB disminuido en pacientes con síndrome metabólico, sin enfermedad cardiovascular conocida, es elevada y está relacionada con la edad y el consumo activo de tabaco (AU)

Introduction. Patients with Metabolic Syndrome have high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rate above that expected when using accepted scales for risk stratification. Ankle brachial index (ABI) is an available, straightforward and reproducible method for the detection of peripheral vascular disease and for improving risk stratification in this population. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of low ABI in patients with metabolic syndrome older than 50 years and to study the risk factors associated with its development. Patients and methods. 1519 subjects between 50 and 85 years, 935 of them with metabolic syndrome (Adult Treatment Panel III [ATP III] criteria), in primary prevention, without symptoms of intermittent claudication and who gave their consent to have an ABI measurement in internal medicine offices were included in the study. Cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated in all participants. An ABI < 0.9 was considered low. Results. The prevalence of a low ABI in subjects with metabolic syndrome was 27.7 (95% CI: 24.8-30.5). Factors associated with low and a pathological ABI were age, higher serum creatinine levels and presence of proteinuria. After multivariate adjustment, only age (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.09) and active tobacco use (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.10-1.92) continued to be significant. Conclusion. Prevalence of a low ABI is elevated in subjects with metabolic syndrome without known cardiovascular disease and related with age and active tobacco use (AU)

Vigilancia de la varicela en la Comunidad de Madrid a través de la red de médicos centinela 2002-2005 / Surveillance of varicella in Madrid Autonomous Region through the sentinel practice newtwork for the period 2002-2005

La varicela es la enfermedad primaria causada porel virus varicela-zoster. Es muy contagiosa y frecuenteen niños. En ausencia de vacunación, la mayoríade la población la padece. Objetivo: describir lasituación de la varicela en la Comunidad de Madriddurante los años 2002 a 2005 a través de la Red deMédicos Centinela de la Comunidad de Madrid.Fuente de datos: Red de médicos Centinela de laComunidad de Madrid, que recoge casos de varicelade forma individualizada, desde 2002 a 2005. Se calcularonlas incidencias acumuladas semanales, tasasde incidencia cruda y estandarizada y tasas específicaspor grupos de edad, para cada año, de varicela.Las tasas estandarizadas de incidencia anual devaricela oscilaron entre 587,1 y 1239,6 casos por100000 personas-año, con una notable disminuciónde la incidencia en el año 2005. La mayoría de loscasos se dio en niños. Se observó una periodicidadanual. La forma más frecuente de exposición es elcontacto con otro caso de varicela, y lugar de exposiciónmás común, la guardería o el colegio.En ausencia de vacunación, la incidencia de varicelano ha sufrido cambios significativos en los últimosaños, a excepción del descenso en el año2005. Son necesarios más estudios para determinarla causa de dicho descenso y para evaluar la efectividadde la vacunación contra la varicela. Las redesde médicos centinela son un instrumento válido parala vigilancia de enfermedades como la varicela

Varicella (chickenpox) is the primary disease causedby varicella-zoster virus. It is extremely contagiousand is frequent in children. Indeed, in the absence ofvaccination, most of the population is liable to contractit. The aim of this study is to describe the status for varicellain the Madrid Autonomous Region through theSentinel Practice Network, since 2002 to 2005.Data source: individualised varicella case recordskept by the Madrid Autonomous Region SentinelPractice Network for the period 2002-2005. Cumulativeincidences, crude and standardised incidencerates, and age-specific rates of varicella were calculatedfor each year.Standardised annual varicella incidence rates rangedfrom 587.1 to 1239.6 cases per 100 000 personyears.Most cases affected children. Varicella incidencedisplayed an annual periodicity. The most frequentexposure was the contact with other chickenpoxcases, and the most common place of exposurewas school.In the absence of vaccination, no significant changesin varicella incidence were in evidence recentyears, except the decrease in 2005. Further studiesare needed to assess such decrease and to assessvaccination efficacy. Sentinel practice networks area valid instrument for surveillance of diseases suchas varicella

Canopy and environmental control of root dynamics in a long-term study of Concord grape.

Below-ground carbon allocation represents a substantial fraction of net photosynthesis in plants, yet timing of below-ground allocation and endogenous and exogenous factors controlling it are poorly understood. Minirhizotron techniques were used to examine root populations of Vitis labruscana Bailey cv. Concord under two levels of dormant-season canopy removal and irrigation. Root production, pigmentation, death and disappearance to a depth of 110 cm were determined over two wet and two dry years (1997-2000). There was continual root production and senescence, with peak root production rates occurring by midseason. Later in the season, when reproductive demands for carbon were highest and physical conditions limiting, few roots were produced, especially in dry years in nonirrigated vines. Root production under minimal canopy pruning was generally greater and occurred several weeks earlier than root production under heavy pruning, corresponding to earlier canopy development. Initial root production occurred in shallow soils, likely due to temperatures at shallow depths being warmer early in the season. Our study showed intricate relationships between internal carbon demands and environmental conditions regulating root allocation.

Estudio normativo piloto de la segunda edición del Boston Naming Test en una muestra española de adultos jóvenes (20 a 49 años) / Preliminary normative data for the second edition of the Boston Naming Test for young Spanish adults

Introducción. El Boston Naming Test (BNT) es una de las pruebas más usadas en la evaluación neuropsicológica de los trastornos de lenguaje, concretamente de la capacidad de denominación visuoverbal. El objetivo de este estudio es obtener datos normativos preliminares de la segunda edición de la prueba en una población española joven (20-49 años).Métodos. Se estudiaron 160 sujetos (60 por ciento mujeres y 40 por ciento hombres) con edad media de 33,89 años (desviación estándar [DE] de 9,45) y con escolaridad media de 13,98 años (DE: 3,97). Para el presente estudio se utilizó la segunda edición del BNT (Kaplan et al., 2001) que incorpora dos novedades respecto a la anterior: la elección múltiple y la clasificación de la tipología de errores.Análisis estadístico. Estadística descriptiva de las variables del test. Estudio de la posible influencia de las variables edad y escolaridad mediante regresiones. Análisis cualitativo de los errores cometidos y de la elección múltiple.Resultados. La puntuación media obtenida fue de 51,84. Se observa influencia significativa de la escolaridad sobre la puntuación total (B: 0,476; p = 0,001). La elección múltiple fue efectiva en el 89 por ciento de los casos.Discusión. Los resultados facilitarán la adecuada interpretación de la segunda edición del BNT como prueba de denominación visuoverbal en la población adulta joven (AU)

[Preliminary normative data for the second edition of the Boston Naming Test for young Spanish adults]. / Estudio normativo piloto de la segunda edición del Boston Naming Test en una muestra española de adultos jóvenes (20 a 49 años).

INTRODUCTION: The Boston Naming Test (BNT) is one of the most widely used tests in neuropsychological evaluation of language disorders, specifically when testing for anomia. The aim of this study is to establish preliminary normative data for the second edition of the BNT for young spanish adults (age range between 20 and 49 years). METHODS: A total of 160 subjects (60 % female and 40 % male) were administered the BNT. Mean age was 33.89 years (SD: 9.45) and average number of years of education was 13.98 (SD: 3.97). The version used in the present study is the second edition of the BNT (Kaplan et al., 2001) which includes two new components: multiple choice and error typology. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics of the test's variables. Lineal regression to establish the possible degree of influence of the variables age and education on test performance. RESULTS: The sample's mean score was 51.84. Education significantly influences the final score (B: 0.476; p= 0.001). Multiple choice was effective in 89 % of cases. DISCUSSION: The present results will allow proper clinical interpretation of results in the BNT 2001 version in young Spanish adults.

Random field-union intersection tests for EEG/MEG imaging.

Electrophysiological (EEG/MEG) imaging challenges statistics by providing two views of the same spatiotemporal data: topographic and tomographic. Until now, statistical tests for these two situations have developed separately. This work introduces statistical tests for assessing simultaneously the significance of spatiotemporal event-related potential/event-related field (ERP/ERF) components and that of their sources. The test for detecting a component at a given time instant is provided by a Hotelling's T(2) statistic. This statistic is constructed in such a manner to be invariant to any choice of reference and is based upon a generalized version of the average reference transform of the data. As a consequence, the proposed test is a generalization of the well-known Global Field Power statistic. Consideration of tests at all time instants leads to a multiple comparison problem addressed by the use of Random Field Theory (RFT). The Union-Intersection (UI) principle is the basis for testing hypotheses about the topographic and tomographic distributions of such ERP/ERF components. The performance of the method is illustrated with actual EEG recordings obtained from a visual experiment of pattern reversal stimuli.