Prospective monitoring of adverse events following vaccination with Modified vaccinia Ankara - Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) administered to a Canadian population at risk of Mpox: A Canadian Immunization Research Network study.

MVA-BN is an orthopoxvirus vaccine that provides protection against both smallpox and mpox. In June 2022, Canada launched a publicly-funded vaccination campaign to offer MVA-BN to at-risk populations including men who have sex with men (MSM) and sex workers. The safety of MVA-BN has not been assessed in this context. To address this, the Canadian National Vaccine Safety Network (CANVAS) conducted prospective safety surveillance during public health vaccination campaigns in Toronto, Ontario and in Vancouver, British Columbia. Vaccinated participants received a survey 7 and 30 days after each MVA-BN dose to elicit adverse health events. Unvaccinated individuals from a concurrent vaccine safety project evaluating COVID-19 vaccine safety were used as controls. Vaccinated and unvaccinated participants that reported a medically attended visit on their 7-day survey were interviewed. Vaccinated participants and unvaccinated controls were matched 1:1 based on age group, gender, sex and provincial study site. Overall, 1,173 vaccinated participants completed a 7-day survey, of whom 75 % (n = 878) also completed a 30-day survey. Mild to moderate injection site pain was reported by 60 % of vaccinated participants. Among vaccinated participants 8.4 % were HIV positive and when compared to HIV negative vaccinated individuals, local injection sites were less frequent in those with HIV (48 % vs 61 %, p = 0.021), but health events preventing work/school or requiring medical assessment were more frequent (7.1 % vs 3.1 %, p = 0.040). Health events interfering with work/school, or requiring medical assessment were less common in the vaccinated group than controls (3.3 % vs. 7.1 %, p < 0.010). No participants were hospitalized within 7 or 30 days of vaccination. No cases of severe neurological disease, skin disease, or myocarditis were identified. Our results demonstrate that the MVA-BN vaccine appears safe when used for mpox prevention, with a low frequency of severe adverse events and no hospitalizations observed.

Lung ultrasound and postoperative follow-up of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Lung ultrasound (LU) has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing pulmonary aeration noninvasively, rapidly, and reliably in different neonatal conditions. However, its role in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is still poorly analyzed. We present a cohort of 8 patients diagnosed with CDH who underwent lung ultrasound examinations at various time points before and after surgical correction. The lung ultrasound patterns were compared between two groups: mechanical ventilation ≤ 7 days (MV ≤ 7) and mechanical ventilation > 7 days (MV > 7). The ultrasound findings were also compared to CT scans and chest X-ray images to assess its diagnostic capacity for identifying postoperative complications: pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and pneumonia. Group MV ≤ 7 exhibited a normal pattern even at 48 h postsurgery, while group MV > 7 presented interstitial or alveolointerstitial pattern in both lungs for prolonged periods (2-3 weeks). Furthermore, contralateral LU pattern may be predictive of respiratory evolution.  Conclusion: Lung ultrasound is a valuable tool for evaluating the progressive reaeration of the lung following surgical correction in CDH patients. It demonstrates the ability to diagnose common postoperative complications without the need for radiation exposure while offering the advantages of quick and serial assessments. These findings highlight the potential of lung ultrasound as an effective alternative to conventional imaging methods in the management of CDH. What is Known: • Lung ultrasound evaluates lung aeration and predicts respiratory outcomes in neonatal patients. What is New: • Lung ultrasound is useful in the postsurgical management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients, detecting reaeration and respiratory complications.

Dynamic analysis of muscles and the internal structure of the peripheral nerve as biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A pilot study with ultrasound imaging.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the behaviour of ultrasound biomarkers of fascicle density and muscle strength in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional pilot study of 14 patients with ALS (28.6% women) and 14 controls. Bilateral cross-sectional ultrasound scans were performed in the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, with recording of muscle thickness (MT) at rest and in contraction, and the difference in thickness. In the median, sciatic, and common peroneal nerves, we analysed the cross-sectional area (CSA), number of fascicles (NF) and fascicle density (FD). Analyses were nested by laterality. RESULTS: Intra- and interrater agreement regarding NF was very good, with a minimum detectable error of < 0.7%. In patients with ALS, MT was lower in the APB both at rest (P = .003; g-Hedges = 1.03) and in contraction (P = .017; g-Hedges = 0.78) and in TA at rest (P = .002; g-Hedges = 0.15) and in contraction (P = .001; g-Hedges = 0.46), with lower thickening capacity. In the nerves, patients displayed lower CSA, with lower NF and higher FD. Significant correlations were found between MT of the ABP and Medical Research Council (MRC) scores for muscle strength (r = 0.34; r2 = 12%; P = .011) and with revised ALS Functional Rating Scale scores (r = 0.44; r2 = 19%; P < .001). The difference in TA thickening correlated with MRC scores (r = 0.30; r2 = 15%; P = .003) and with revised ALS Functional Rating Scale scores (r = 0.26; r2 = 7%; P = .049). NF in the sciatic nerve showed a significant correlation with MRC scores (r = 0.35; r2 = 12%; P = .008). CONCLUSION: MT measurements derived from dynamic testing together with NF and FD may be useful biomarkers for monitoring patients with ALS and establishing a prognosis.

Impacto del periodo de confinamiento por la pandemia COVID-19 en España sobre la salud y la atención recibida por los niños, niñas y jóvenes con discapacidad originada en la infancia / The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the health and care of children and adolescents with a childhood-onset disability

Introducción Durante el periodo inicial del confinamiento por la COVID-19 se tomaron una serie de medidas de restricción que modificaron el día a día de la población. En este estudio se buscó conocer el impacto de este periodo en la salud física y mental de niños y jóvenes con discapacidad originada en la infancia, y de sus familias, y describir los cambios que se produjeron en el acceso a la educación y a los servicios de salud. Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio analítico observacional y transversal. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante una encuesta electrónica a través de una plataforma online realizada por la Academia Europea de Discapacidad Infantil. La encuesta incluyó preguntas sobre cuatro bloques temáticos: características sociodemográficas y de salud, impacto del confinamiento en la salud y bienestar, acceso a la educación y a los servicios de salud. Resultados Se obtuvieron 145 respuestas. El 45,5% de los niños y jóvenes eran totalmente dependientes. Se percibió un impacto sobre su salud física (54,5%), mental (47,6%) y sobre ambas (32%), mayores niveles de estrés (68,3%) y problemas de sueño (41,4%), así como una sobrecarga muy elevada en el 84,8% de los progenitores, sobre todo en familias de niños con mayor nivel de dependencia (p<0,001). El 55% de los niños y jóvenes no recibieron ningún tratamiento durante este periodo, ni siquiera remoto. Conclusiones El confinamiento afectó en gran medida la salud física y mental, así como a los servicios recibidos por los niños y jóvenes con discapacidad y sus familias (AU)

Introduction During the initial period of COVID-19 lockdown, restriction measures modified the day-to-day life of the population. This study sought to know the impact of this period on the physical and mental health of children and young people with disabilities originating in childhood, and their families, and to describe the changes that occurred in access to education and health services. Material and methods An observational and cross-sectional analytical study was carried out. The data were obtained by means of an electronic survey through an online platform carried out by the European Academy of Childhood Disability. The survey included questions on four thematic blocks: sociodemographic and health characteristics, impact of lock down on health and well-being, and access to education and health services. Results One hundred and forty-five responses were obtained. 45.5% of the children and young people were totally dependent. There was an impact on their physical (54.5%), mental health (47.6%) and both (32%), higher levels of stress (68.3%), and sleep problems (41.4%), as well as a high burden in 84.8% of parents, especially in families of children with a higher level of dependency (P=.00). 55% of children and young people did not receive any treatment during this period, not even remotely. Conclusions COVID lock down period greatly affected physical and mental health, as well as the services for children and young people with disabilities and their families (AU)

The role of defects in the persistent photoconductivity of BaSnO3thin films.

Time-dependent photoconductivity (PC) and PC spectra have been studied in oxygen deficient BaSnO3thin films grown on different substrates. X-ray spectroscopy measurements show that the films have epitaxially grown on MgO and SrTiO3substrates. While on MgO the films are nearly unstrained, on SrTiO3the resulting film is compressive strained in the plane. Electrical conductivity in dark is increased in one order of magnitude for the films on SrTiO3in comparison to the one on MgO. This leads to an increase of PC in the latter film in at least one order of magnitude. PC spectra show a direct gap with a value ofEG=3.9eV for the film grown on MgO while on SrTiO3EG=3.36eV. For both type of films, time-dependent PC curves show a persistent behavior after illumination is removed. These curves have been fitted employing an analytical procedure based on the frame of PC as a transmission phenomenon showing the relevant role of donor and acceptor defects as carrier traps and as a source of carriers. This model also suggests that in the BaSnO3film on SrTiO3more defects are created probably due to strain. This latter effect can also explain the different transition values obtained for both type of films.

Intensification of Hydrogen Production by a Co-culture of Syntrophomonas wolfei and Rhodopseudomonas palustris Employing High Concentrations of Butyrate as a Substrate.

The purpose of this study is to present an effective form of developing a sequential dark (DF) and photo (PF) fermentation using volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and nitrogen compounds as bonding components between both metabolic networks of microbial growing in each fermentation. A simultaneous (co-)culture of Syntrophomonas wolfei (with its ability to consume butyrate and produce acetate) and Rhodopseudomonas palustris (that can use the produced acetate as a carbon source) performed a syntrophic metabolism. The former bacteria consumed the acetate/butyrate mixture reducing the butyrate concentration below 2.0 g/L, permitting Rhodopseudomonas palustris to produce hydrogen. Considering that the inoculum composition (Syntrophomonas wolfei/Rhodopseudomonas palustris) and the nitrogen source (yeast extract) define the microbial biomass specific productivity and the butyrate consumption, a response surface methodology defined the best inoculum design and yeast extract (YE) yielding to the highest biomass concentration of 1.1 g/L after 380.00 h. A second culture process (without a nitrogen source) showed the biomass produced in the previous culture process yields to produce a total cumulated hydrogen concentration of 3.4 mmol. This value was not obtained previously with the pure strain Rhodopseudomonas palustris if the culture medium contained butyrate concentration above 2.0 g/L, representing a contribution to the sequential fermentation scheme based on DF and PF.

Descripción de los pacientes atendidos en la Escuela de Prevención de Fracturas y Caídas en el contexto de una Fracture Liaison Service. FLS Anoia / Description of the patients attended at the Fracture and Falls Prevention School in the context of a Fracture Liaison Service. FLS Anoia

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es presentar la actuación, tratamiento y resultados funcionales obtenidos en una Unidad de Prevención de Fracturas y Caídas.Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo descriptivo de pacientes, con fractura osteoporótica previa, atendidos entre el 25 de abril de 2016 y el 20 de noviembre de 2017.Resultados: Se han analizado 43 pacientes con edad media 80,2 años (DS±5,19), mujeres 81,40% (n=35). Número de fracturas 61, 28% de cadera (n=17), 25% vertebrales (n=15) y 21% distales de radio (n=13). Al alta mejoran todas las escalas de valoración utilizadas, destacando los resultados del SPPB (39,80%), TUG (30,66%) y Tinetti (21,60%).Conclusiones: El paciente atendido corresponde a mujer de 80,2 años, con fractura de cadera, Tinetti 22:09, Daniels en Extremidades de 3,95, 4:05, 3,81, 3,91, SPPB de 6,63, TUG de 17,81 y FIM de 87,19 puntos.Se objetiva mejora en la puntuación de todas las escalas valoradas. (AU)

EpCAM y obstrucción microvascular en pacientes con un IAMCEST: estudio con resonancia magnética cardiaca / EpCAM and microvascular obstruction in patients with STEMI: a cardiac magnetic resonance study

Introducción y objetivos: La obstrucción microvascular (OMV) se asocia negativamente con la estructura cardiaca y el pronóstico de los pacientes tras un infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST). El factor epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), implicado en la cohesión de las células epiteliales, está poco estudiado en el contexto de la OMV. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio es evaluar en una cohorte de pacientes con IAMCEST la asociación entre la concentración de EpCAM circulante con la extensión de la OMV, determinada por resonancia magnética cardiaca (RMC), y la función sistólica en fases crónicas. Métodos: Se incluyó prospectivamente a 106 pacientes con un primer IAMCEST tratados con angioplastia primaria percutánea. La concentración sérica de EpCAM se determinó 24h tras la reperfusión coronaria. Se estudió a todos los pacientes mediante RMC a la semana y a los 6 meses del IAMCEST. Se evaluó la correlación entre los valores de EpCAM circulante con la OMV, los índices de función sistólica y la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo. Resultados: La media de edad de la cohorte era 59±13 años y el 76% eran varones. Se dicotomizó a los pacientes según la mediana de EpCAM (4,48 pg/ml). Se observó que los pacientes que tenían valores más bajos de EpCAM presentaban una mayor extensión de la OMV (p=0,021) y un mayor tamaño de infarto (p=0,019) en los estudios de RMC realizados 1 semana después del evento cardiovascular. Respecto a las variables de presentación, la concentración de EpCAM se asoció significativamente con la presencia de OMV en análisis de regresión logística binaria univariable (OR=0,58; IC95%, 0,38-0,88; p=0,011) y multivariable (OR=0,55; IC95%, 0,35-0,87; p=0,010). A pesar de que la OMV tiende a resolverse espontáneamente en fases crónicas, unos valores más bajos de EpCAM se correlacionaron con una peor función sistólica (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Microvascular obstruction (MVO) is negatively associated with cardiac structure and worse prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), involved in epithelium adhesion, is an understudied area in the MVO setting. We aimed to determine whether EpCAM is associated with the appearance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived MVO and long-term systolic function in reperfused STEMI. Methods: We prospectively included 106 patients with a first STEMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, quantifying serum levels of EpCAM 24hours postreperfusion. All patients underwent CMR imaging 1 week and 6 months post-STEMI. The independent correlation of EpCAM with MVO, systolic volume indices, and left ventricular ejection fraction was evaluated. Results: The mean age of the sample was 59±13 years and 76% were male. Patients were dichotomized according to median EpCAM (4.48 pg/mL). At 1-week CMR, lower EpCAM was related to extensive MVO (P=.021) and larger infarct size (P=.019). At presentation, EpCAM values were significantly associated with the presence of MVO in univariate (OR, 0.58; 95%CI, 0.38-0.88; P=.011) and multivariate logistic regression models (OR, 0.55; 95%CI, 0.35-0.87; P=.010). Although MVO tends to resolve at chronic phases, decreased EpCAM was associated with worse systolic function: reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (P=.009) and higher left ventricular end-systolic volume (P=.043). Conclusions: EpCAM is associated with the occurrence of CMR-derived MVO at acute phases and long-term adverse ventricular remodeling post-STEMI

Resonancia magnética cardiaca de estrés para predecir mortalidad y toma de decisiones: registro de 2.496 pacientes mayores con síndrome coronario crónico / Stress cardiac magnetic resonance for mortality prediction and decision-making: registry of 2496 elderly patients with chronic coronary syndrome

Introducción y objetivos: El tratamiento del paciente mayor con síndrome coronario crónico (SCC) es un reto. Se exploró el valor pronóstico y la utilidad para la toma de decisiones de la carga isquémica determinada mediante resonancia magnética cardiaca (RMC) de estrés con vasodilatador en pacientes mayores con SCC. Métodos: Se incluyó a 2.496 pacientes mayores de 70 años estudiados con una RMC de estrés con vasodilatador por SCC conocido o sospechado. La carga isquémica (número de segmentos con déficit de perfusión inducido por el estrés) se calculó siguiendo el modelo de 17 segmentos. Posteriormente se analizó de manera retrospectiva su asociación con la mortalidad por cualquier causa y el efecto de la revascularización guiada por la RMC. Resultados: Durante una mediana de seguimiento de 4,58 años, se registraron 430 muertes (17,2%). Una mayor carga isquémica fue un predictor independiente de mortalidad: razón de riesgos, 1,04; intervalos de confianza del 95%, 1,01-1,07 por cada segmento adicional isquémico; p=0,006). Esta asociación también ocurrió en los mayores de 80 años y en las mujeres (p<0,001). Se detectó una interacción entre la revascularización y la mortalidad hacia un efecto deletéreo a baja carga isquémica y un efecto protector en caso de isquemia grave. Conclusiones: La RMC de estrés es un valioso instrumento para la estratificación del riesgo de los pacientes de edad avanzada con SCC y puede contribuir a guiar la toma de decisiones en este contexto (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The management of elderly patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is challenging. We explored the prognostic value and usefulness for decision-making of ischemic burden determined by vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in elderly patients with known or suspected CCS. Methods: The study group comprised 2496 patients older than 70 years who underwent vasodilator stress CMR for known or suspected CCS. The ischemic burden (number of segments with stress-induced perfusion deficit) was calculated following the 17-segment model. Subsequently, we retrospectively analyzed its association with all-cause mortality and the effect of CMR-guided revascularization. Results: During a median follow-up of 4.58 years, there were 430 deaths (17.2%). A higher ischemic burden was an independent predictor of mortality (HR, 1.04; 95%CI, 1.01-1.07 for each additional ischemic segment; P=.006). This association was also found in patients older than 80 years and in women (P <.001). An interaction between revascularization and mortality was detected toward deleterious consequences at low ischemic burden and a protective effect in patients with extensive ischemia. Conclusions: Vasodilator stress CMR is a valuable tool to stratify risk in elderly patients with CCS and might be helpful to guide decision-making in this scenario (AU)

Analysis of Candida auris candidemia cases in an Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital.

Candida auris is a multi-resistant emerging fungus. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the relationship between colonization by C. auris and the appearance of invasive candidiasis. Description of the sample of colonized patients, risk factors for colonization and/or infection, and calculation of mortality rates. METHODOLOGY: Longitudinal observational study in an anesthesia intensive care unit in 2018. RESULTS: 2130 patients were admitted. Surveillance studies were positive in 124 patients; 118 cases involved skin colonization and 52 were pharyngeal. Patients with a positive blood culture were identified. A statistically significant association was found between pharyngeal colonization and the appearance of a positive blood culture. There were significant differences between patients with a high Candida Score as a risk factor for candidemia. In total, 67% of pharyngeal carriers negativized at 1 month compared to 21% of cutaneous carriers, who negativized after 3-4 months. Of the patients with positive blood cultures, 70% of non-survivors received only monotherapy, although this difference was not statistically significant due to the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of C. auris, a multi-resistant pathogen that is difficult to diagnose, treat and eradicate, is steadily increasing among critically ill patients. Its status as an emerging threat to global health calls for the urgent implementation of early in-hospital detection systems.

Brain activity in well-controlled perinatally HIV-infected young adults: a fMRI pilot study. / Actividad cerebral en jóvenes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana por transmisión vertical: estudio piloto de resonancia magnética funcional.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) is considered a chronic disease that has highlighted several cognitive deficits. From birth to early adulthood, cognition is known to play a fundamental role. However, although neurocognitive processes associated with PHIV have been extensively described by psychometric testing, data is scarce on neural activity from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) which provides in vivo physiological information. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied described impaired cognitive processes using fMRI on a group of PHIV adolescents with good immunovirological indications and healthy matched controls. Psychological status and neurocognitive functions were also assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between HIV+ and HIV- groups, either on neurocognitive testing nor in fMRI activity for phonological fluency tasks. Prolonged duration of cART was positively associated with greater brain activity in left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) which could indicate functional compensation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that neural activity through fMRI in PHIV adolescents with good daily functioning and good immunovirological control may be similar to their peers.

TITLE: Actividad cerebral en jóvenes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana por transmisión vertical: estudio piloto de resonancia magnética funcional.Introducción y objetivos. La infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana de transmisión vertical (VIH-TV) constituye una enfermedad crónica que puede asociar múltiples alteraciones cognitivas que pueden influenciar el desarrollo de estos pacientes desde la infancia a la vida adulta. Sin embargo, aunque las alteraciones neurocognitivas vinculadas al VIH-TV están ampliamente descritas y valoradas mediante pruebas psicométricas, no existen apenas estudios de actividad neuronal medida a través de la resonancia magnética funcional (RMf). Sujetos y métodos. Analizar la utilidad de la RMf a través de la realización de tareas motoras y de fluidez verbal en un grupo de adolescentes y jóvenes con VIH-TV con buen control inmunovirológico y compararlo con un grupo control negativo de características similares. Se evaluaron también alteraciones psicológicas y funciones neurocognitivas. Resultados. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el grupo VIH+ y el grupo control para las tareas ejecutadas durante la RMf ni en la evaluación neurocognitiva. Un mayor tiempo de terapia combinada antirretroviral se asoció de forma directa con una mayor actividad en el giro frontal inferior izquierdo, lo cual podría indicar una posible compensación funcional. Conclusiones. Estos resultados sugieren que la actividad neuronal medida a través de la RMf en adolescentes con VIH-TV y buen control inmunovirológico es similar a la de sus pares.

Actividad cerebral en jóvenes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana por transmisión vertical: estudio piloto de resonancia magnética funcional / Brain activity in well-controlled perinatally HIV-infected young adults: a fMRI pilot study

Introducción y objetivos: La infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana de transmisión vertical (VIH-TV) constituye una enfermedad crónica que puede asociar múltiples alteraciones cognitivas que pueden influenciar el desarrollo de estos pacientes desde la infancia a la vida adulta. Sin embargo, aunque las alteraciones neurocognitivas vinculadas al VIH-TV están ampliamente descritas y valoradas mediante pruebas psicométricas, no existen apenas estudios de actividad neuronal medida a través de la resonancia magnética funcional (RMf). Sujetos y métodos:Analizar la utilidad de la RMf a través de la realización de tareas motoras y de fluidez verbal en un grupo de adolescentes y jóvenes con VIH-TV con buen control inmunovirológico y compararlo con un grupo control negativo de características similares. Se evaluaron también alteraciones psicológicas y funciones neurocognitivas. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el grupo VIH+ y el grupo control para las tareas ejecutadas durante la RMf ni en la evaluación neurocognitiva. Un mayor tiempo de terapia combinada antirretroviral se asoció de forma directa con una mayor actividad en el giro frontal inferior izquierdo, lo cual podría indicar una posible compensación funcional. Conclusiones: Estos resultados sugieren que la actividad neuronal medida a través de la RMf en adolescentes con VIH-TV y buen control inmunovirológico es similar a la de sus pares.(AU)

Introduction and aim: Perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) is considered a chronic disease that has highlighted several cognitive deficits. From birth to early adulthood, cognition is known to play a fundamental role. However, although neurocognitive processes associated with PHIV have been extensively described by psychometric testing, data is scarce on neural activity from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) which provides in vivo physiological information. Subjects and methods: We studied described impaired cognitive processes using fMRI on a group of PHIV adolescents with good immunovirological indications and healthy matched controls. Psychological status and neurocognitive functions were also assessed. Results: There were no significant differences between HIV+ and HIV– groups, either on neurocognitive testing nor in fMRI activity for phonological fluency tasks. Prolonged duration of cART was positively associated with greater brain activity in left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) which could indicate functional compensation. Conclusions: These results suggest that neural activity through fMRI in PHIV adolescents with good daily functioning and good immunovirological control may be similar to their peers.(AU)

Diagnostic accuracy of combining C-Reactive protein and Alvarado Score among 2-to-20-year-old patients with acute appendicitis suspected presenting to Emergency Departments.

OBJECTIVE: Main objective was whether the combination of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Alvarado Score (AS) increase the diagnosis accuracy of AS among 2-to-20-year-old patients with suspected acute appendicitis presenting to Emergency Departments. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of prospective cohort study consecutively including all patients from 2 to 20 years of age attended for suspected acute appendicitis in 4 Spanish Emergency Departments during 6-month period. We collected demographic, clinical, analytic and radiographic, and surgical data. AS categories were retrospectively calculated as low (0-4 points), intermediate (5-6 points) or high (7-10 points). The cut-off levels were >0.5 mg/dl for CRP. The outcome was diagnosis of acute appendicitis within 14 days of the index visit. RESULTS: A total of 331 patients with suspected of acute appendicitis (mean age 11.8 (SD 3.8) years; 52.9% males) were recruited. According to AS, 108 (32.6%) were at low risk, 76 at (23.0%) intermediate risk and 147 (44.4%) at high risk of acute appendicitis. One hundred and sixteen (35.0%) cases had confirmed histopathological diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The AUCs of ROC were 0.76 (0.70-0.81) for AS and 0.79 (95% CI 0.75-0.84) for CRP-AS being the difference statistically significant (p=0.003). The CRP for diagnosis acute appendicitis in low risk AS group had negative predictive value of 95.8% (95%CI 87.3-98.9) and likelihood ratio negative of 0.4 (95%CI 0.2-1.0).. CONCLUSIONS: CRP-AS has shown to increase the diagnostic accuracy of AS for acute appendicitis. This approach may be useful to rule out the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in paediatric patients attended for abdominal pain suggestive of acute appendicitis.

Antibodies elicited by the CaniLeish® vaccine: long-term clinical follow-up study of dogs in Spain.

The prevention of canine leishmaniosis in healthy dogs requires a multimodal approach combining repellents with an effective vaccine. A vaccine that modulates the cell-mediated immune response against the protozoan has been available in Europe since 2012 (CaniLeish®, Virbac, France). The aim of the present study was to monitor dogs vaccinated with CaniLeish® to examine the kinetics of the antibody response and the safety and tolerance of CaniLeish®. Dogs vaccinated with CaniLeish® were monitored for 12 months. In follow-up visits at baseline (primovaccination or annual booster) (Visit 1, V1), and 1 (V2), 4 (V3), 8 (V4) and 12 (V5) months later, we examined antibody response kinetics using two serology techniques (IFAT and Speed Leish K™). Tolerance to CaniLeish® and its safety were also monitored. Anti-L. infantum IgG antibodies were determined in 242 dogs (125 dogs after primovaccination (Group P) and 117 dogs after booster vaccination (Group B). In addition, 46, 22 and 19 dogs were followed for 2, 3 and 4 years, respectively. At baseline, 100% of dogs in Group P returned negative IFAT and Speed Leish K™ test results while 9.4% (11/117) in Group B tested IFAT positive though Speed Leish K™ negative. In subsequent visits, seropositivity was detected by IFAT in 31.2% (Group P) and 41% (Group B) of the dogs in V2; 16.8% (Group P) and 10.2% (Group B) in V3; 6.4% (Group P) and 8.5% (Group B) in V4; and 3.2% (Group P) and 5.9% (Group B) in V5. All dogs tested Speed Leish K™ negative except two, in which it was later confirmed by molecular testing that they were not infected. Adverse events that could be associated with the vaccine were detected in 20 out of 314 dogs (6.4%). The good clinical status of all dogs was confirmed in an exhaustive clinical exam and haemato-biochemical profile. The Canileish® vaccine was well-tolerated with exceptions that did not appear to be related to age, sex, race or size of vaccinated dogs. Anti-L. infantum antibodies were detected by IFAT in 31.9-40.3% of the dogs 1 month after vaccination, and these antibodies could still be detected in 3.2% of the dogs 1 year later. This means that veterinarians need to use other tools (eg. PCR) to correctly diagnose seropositive dogs.

Preparation and evaluation of PEG-coated zein nanoparticles for oral drug delivery purposes.

The aim was to produce PEG-coated nanoparticles (NP-PEG), with mucus-permeating properties, for oral drug delivery purposes by using simple procedures and regulatory-approved compounds in order to facilitate a potential clinical development. For this purpose, zein nanoparticles were prepared by desolvation and, then, coated by incubation with PEG 35,000. The resulting nanocarriers displayed a mean size of about 200 nm and a negative zeta potential. The presence of PEG on the surface of nanoparticles was evidenced by electron microscopy and confirmed by FTIR analysis. Likely, the hydrophobic surface of zein nanoparticles (NP) was significantly reduce by their coating with PEG. This increase of the hydrophilicity of PEG-coated nanoparticles was associated with an important increase of their mobility in pig intestinal mucus. In laboratory animals, NP-PEG (fluorescently labelled with Lumogen® Red 305) displayed a different behavior when compared with bare nanoparticles. After oral administration, NP appeared to be trapped in the mucus mesh, whereas NP-PEG were capable of crossing the protective mucus layer and reach the epithelium. Finally, PEG-coated zein nanoparticles, prepared by a simple and reproducible method without employing reactive reagents, may be adequate carriers for promoting the oral bioavailability of biomacromolecules and other biologically active compounds with low permeability properties.

Implantación de un nuevo modelo organizativo en la atención al proceso musculoesquelético: ¿mejora la capacidad de resolución de los procesos? / Implementation of a new referral model for the musculoskeletal care pathway: does it improve healthcare outcomes?

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de un cambio organizativo en la gestión del proceso musculoesquelético en nuestra Área de Gestión Sanitaria (AGS) estudiando los cambios en la capacidad de resolución de estos procesos mediante la derivación a la especialidad útil. DISEÑO: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo para evaluar las tendencias de las derivaciones de atención primaria (PAP) y atención hospitalaria (PAE) con procesos musculoesqueléticos en el periodo 2012-2018. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se incluye a toda la población de referencia de nuestra AGS derivada a alguna de las 3 especialidades hospitalarias que atienden procesos musculoesqueléticos, sin determinación del tamaño muestral. Variables estudiadas: PAP, PAE, servicio de procedencia y de destino. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa SPSS; se presenta la evaluación de frecuencias absolutas. RESULTADOS: Las derivaciones totales realizadas desde atención primaria han pasado de 25.575 en 2012 a 24.871 en 2018. Las derivaciones PAE han pasado de 17.207 en 2012 a 9.803 en 2018. De las derivaciones PAP, el de mayor impacto ha sido el Servicio de Rehabilitación, que ha pasado de recibir el 8,2% de PAP en 2012 al 47% en 2018. De las derivaciones PAE por especialidad, la mayor reducción ha sido la del Servicio de Traumatología, que pasó de recibir 10.587 PAE en 2012 a 3.911 en 2018. CONCLUSIONES: El rediseño organizativo de la atención al proceso musculoesquelético ha conseguido mejorar la resolución de los procesos musculoesqueléticos. En este cambio organizativo, el Servicio de Rehabilitación ha asumido el liderazgo desde el punto de vista asistencial y de gestión del proceso musculoesquelético, lo que ha colaborado en la mejora de la resolución de estos procesos

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an organisational change in the musculoskeletal referral pathway in our health management area (HMA) by identifying changes in the ability to improve healthcare outcomes by facilitating referral to the most suitable specialty. DESIGN: This prospective descriptive study aimed to evaluate referral trends from primary care services (PCS) and hospital care (PHS) to musculoskeletal services from 2012 to 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included all patients who were referred to any of the 3 musculoskeletal services from our HMA catchment area, without specifying sample size. The variables studied were PCS, PHS, service of origin and destination. We used the SPSS programme for the statistical analysis and obtained absolute frequency data. RESULTS: The total number of referrals from PCS increased from 25,575 in 2012 to 24,871 in 2018. PHS referrals decreased from 17,207 in 2012 to 9,803 in 2018. With regards to PCS referrals, the service most increasing the number of referrals to the musculoskeletal team was the Rehabilitation Service, from 8.2% in 2012 to 47% in 2018. Regarding PHSs referrals by specialty, the service that most reduced the number of referrals to the musculoskeletal team was the Traumatology Service, from 10,587 in 2012 to 3,911 in 2018. CONCLUSIONS: The redesign of the musculoskeletal referral pathway improved healthcare outcomes by improving the quality of the referral process. In this organisational change, the Rehabilitation Service took the leadership from the point of view of healthcare and management of the musculoskeletal process, collaborating in the improvement of the healthcare outcomes of these processes

Compromiso cardiaco en distrofias musculares: a propósito de un caso / Cardiac involvement in muscular dystrophies: a clinical case

Resumen Para las distrofias musculares no miotónicas como la Distrofia de Duchenne y la Distrofia de Becker, la cardiopatía forma parte inherente de su espectro clínico. La expresión clínica de éstas se puede manifestar con insuficiencia cardíaca des- compensada, arritmias o muerte súbita; gran parte de ellos cursan asintomáticos en el transcurso del tiempo, pero cuando se manifiestan constituyen una de las principales causas de muerte en estos pacientes, por lo que su detección temprana y tratamiento óptimo influyen en gran medida en el pronóstico clínico de estos pacientes. A continuación, se presenta el caso de un paciente en quien se encontró de forma incidental el compromiso cardíaco de uno de estos desórdenes neuromusculares.

Abstract Cardiac involvement in muscular dystrophies: a clinical case For non-myotonic muscular dystrophies such as Duchenne Dystrophy and Becker Dystrophy, heart disease is an inherent part of its clinical spectrum. The clinical expression of these diseases can be manifested with decompensated heart failure, arrhythmias or sudden death; A large part of them are asymptomatic over time, but when they manifest they constitute one of the main causes of death in these patients, so their early detection and optimal treatment greatly influence the clinical prognosis of these patients. The following is the case of a patient in whom the cardiac involvement of one of these neuromuscular disorders was found incidentally.

Significant differences between verbal and non-verbal intellectual scales on a perinatally HIV-infected cohort: from pediatrics to young adults.

Delayed neurodevelopment is a common outcome in perinatally HIV-infected children. Our aim was to assess the intellectual profile of our cohort, considering both the infection and socio-environmental related variables. A cross-sectional cohort study was undertaken at seven major hospitals in Spain belonging to the CoRISpeS cohort (n = 97). Patients were followed up according to a standard protocol. Intellectual measures, psychosocial profile and HIV infection-related data have been analysed. The average patient age was 15 years. The median CD4 cell percentage was 35% (1,59). Viral load was undetectable in 80% of the patients and 27% were on AIDS category; 38% of whom had encephalopathy. The average composite score of both crystallized intelligence (CI) and intelligence quotient (IQ) for the cohort was lower than that of the general population (p < 0.001). Results revealed a significant difference of 38% between crystallized and fluid intelligence. There was a clear association between IQ and age of diagnosis (p = 0.022); CI and CDC classification (p = 0.035), CD4 count (p = 0.011) and CD4 nadir (p = 0.001). Higher parental education was associated with better performance across all intelligence scales (p < 0.002). A regression model showed that CI was influenced by the academic level of caregivers (p = 0.002), age at start of cART (p = 0.050) and primary language (p = 0.058). Findings revealed significant differences in verbal and non-verbal intellectual scales resulting in a misleading IQ Composite score. Crystallized intelligence demonstrated the highest level of impairment despite adequate treatment and good immunovirological status, while fluid intelligence results were average. Caregiver level of education was the strongest factor across all intelligence measures.