Mini Endoscopic Combined Intra-Renal Surgery (MiniECIRS) with endoview puncture in A 12 month boy. A safe but challenging procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Associating minipercutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) is called Mini Endoscopic Combined Intra-Renal Surgery (miniECIRS). It's a safe and efficient technique, also in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The video describes miniECIRS in a 12 month-old boy with an infectious pelvic left stone (16 mm) and multiple caliceal stones. The UAS used was a 10FR and the percutaneous access was a 14Fr with Clear-Petra® sheath. RESULTS: The operative time was 180 min and blood losses were virtually absent. There were no intra- or post-operative complications and the patient was discharged at the 5th day. After 1 month, double J was removed having a stone free status. CONCLUSIONS: MiniECIRS with endoview puncture is a safe and efficient technique when performed by experienced hands. Therefore, it is an alternative to consider for the treatment of complex lithiasis in the pediatric population.

FcγRIIB Is an Immune Checkpoint Limiting the Activity of Treg-Targeting Antibodies in the Tumor Microenvironment.

Preclinical murine data indicate that fragment crystallizable (Fc)-dependent depletion of intratumoral regulatory T cells (Treg) is a major mechanism of action of anti-CTLA-4. However, the two main antibodies administered to patients (ipilimumab and tremelimumab) do not recapitulate these effects. Here, we investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the limited Treg depletion observed with these therapies. Using an immunocompetent murine model humanized for CTLA-4 and Fcγ receptors (FcγR), we show that ipilimumab and tremelimumab exhibit limited Treg depletion in tumors. Immune profiling of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in both humanized mice and humans revealed high expression of the inhibitory Fc receptor, FcγRIIB, which limits antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity/phagocytosis. Blocking FcγRIIB in humanized mice rescued the Treg-depleting capacity and antitumor activity of ipilimumab. Furthermore, Fc engineering of antibodies targeting Treg-associated targets (CTLA-4 or CCR8) to minimize FcγRIIB binding significantly enhanced Treg depletion, resulting in increased antitumor activity across various tumor models. Our results define the inhibitory FcγRIIB as an immune checkpoint limiting antibody-mediated Treg depletion in the TME, and demonstrate Fc engineering as an effective strategy to overcome this limitation and improve the efficacy of Treg-targeting antibodies.

The antitumor activities of anti-CD47 antibodies require Fc-FcγR interactions.

While anti-CD47 antibodies hold promise for cancer immunotherapy, early-phase clinical trials have shown limited clinical benefit, suggesting that CD47 blockade alone might be insufficient for effective tumor control. Here, we investigate the contributions of the Fc domain of anti-CD47 antibodies required for optimal in vivo antitumor activity across multiple species-matched models, providing insights into the mechanisms behind the efficacy of this emerging class of therapeutic antibodies. Using a mouse model humanized for CD47, SIRPα, and FcγRs, we demonstrate that local administration of Fc-engineered anti-CD47 antibodies with enhanced binding to activating FcγRs promotes tumor infiltration of macrophages and antigen-specific T cells, while depleting regulatory T cells. These effects result in improved long-term systemic antitumor immunity and minimal on-target off-tumor toxicity. Our results highlight the importance of Fc optimization in the development of effective anti-CD47 therapies and provide an attractive strategy to enhance the activity of this promising immunotherapy.

Impact of the lockdown by the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal trend in the Colombian Coffee Region.

Suicide is considered a Public Health issue. In 2019 the Colombian suicide rate was 5.8 per-100.000 inhabitant. Likewise, the Colombian Coffee Region has doubled the national average on these rates. On the other hand, the Pandemic COVID 19 socio-economic consequences are aggravating the risk factors that we've known about suicide. Objective: To evaluate the suicidal trend in the population of the Colombian Coffee Region during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare it with a non-pandemic period. Methods: The data were taken from the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Science for the suicidal events during the 2016-2020 period in the Colombian Coffee Region, and the Montecarlo Regression was applied using the JoinPoint Regression Program. Results: We found 1022 cases, most of them were men. The mean age was 34 years. The most used method was hanging in both sexes. Half of them had at least a high school degree. Half of the suicides were committed by single people. One-third of the cases had a previous mental illness. There are significant differences in the suicidal trend between the lockdown period and the non-lockdown period with a P value < 0.05. Conclusions: We found most suicidal cases between older men and an inversely proportional relationship between education and suicidal rate. Is interesting that the most applied method for suicide for both sexes was hanging. The suicidal trend was increasing until 2020, although in the lockdown we found a decrease. In the post-lockdown period for men was a posterior increase and for women the trend has a continued decrease.

A new tool for evaluating health equity in academic journals; the Diversity Factor.

Current methods to evaluate a journal's impact rely on the downstream citation mapping used to generate the Impact Factor. This approach is a fragile metric prone to being skewed by outlier values and does not speak to a researcher's contribution to furthering health outcomes for all populations. Therefore, we propose the implementation of a Diversity Factor to fulfill this need and supplement the current metrics. It is composed of four key elements: dataset properties, author country, author gender and departmental affiliation. Due to the significance of each individual element, they should be assessed independently of each other as opposed to being combined into a simplified score to be optimized. Herein, we discuss the necessity of such metrics, provide a framework to build upon, evaluate the current landscape through the lens of each key element and publish the findings on a freely available website that enables further evaluation. The OpenAlex database was used to extract the metadata of all papers published from 2000 until August 2022, and Natural language processing was used to identify individual elements. Features were then displayed individually on a static dashboard developed using TableauPublic, which is available at www.equitablescience.com. In total, 130,721 papers were identified from 7,462 journals where significant underrepresentation of LMIC and Female authors was demonstrated. These findings are pervasive and show no positive correlation with the Journal's Impact Factor. The systematic collection of the Diversity Factor concept would allow for more detailed analysis, highlight gaps in knowledge, and reflect confidence in the translation of related research. Conversion of this metric to an active pipeline would account for the fact that how we define those most at risk will change over time and quantify responses to particular initiatives. Therefore, continuous measurement of outcomes across groups and those investigating those outcomes will never lose importance. Moving forward, we encourage further revision and improvement by diverse author groups in order to better refine this concept.

The Antitumor Activities of Anti-CD47 Antibodies Require Fc-FcγR interactions.

While anti-CD47 antibodies hold promise for cancer immunotherapy, early phase clinical trials have shown limited signs of clinical benefit, suggesting that blockade of CD47 alone may not be sufficient for effective tumor control. Here, we investigate the contributions of the Fc domain of anti-CD47 antibodies required for optimal in vivo antitumor activity across multiple species-matched models, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this emerging class of therapeutic antibodies. Using a novel mouse model humanized for CD47, SIRPα and FcγRs, we demonstrate that local administration of an Fc-engineered anti-CD47 antibody with enhanced binding to activating FcγRs modulates myeloid and T-cell subsets in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in improved long-term systemic antitumor immunity and minimal on-target off-tumor toxicity. Our results highlight the importance of Fc optimization in the development of effective anti-CD47 therapies and provide a novel approach for enhancing the antitumor activity of this promising immunotherapy.

Development of a Mobile Health Application Based on a Mixed Prenatal Care in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the development and structure of a novel mobile application in a mixed model of prenatal care, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we assess the acceptability of this mobile app in a cohort of patients. METHODS: First, we introduced a mixed model of prenatal care; second, we developed a comprehensive, computer-based clinical record to support our system. Lastly, we built a novel mobile app as a tool for prenatal care. We used Flutter Software version 2.2 to build the app for Android and iOS smartphones. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the acceptability of the app. RESULTS: A mobile app was also built with the main attribute of being connected in real-time with the computer-based clinical records. The app screens detail information about activities programmed and developed in the prenatal care according to gestational age. A downloadable maternity book is available and some screens show warning signs and symptoms of pregnancy. The acceptability assessment was mostly rated positively regarding the characteristics of the mobile app, by 50 patients. CONCLUSION: This novel mobile app was developed as a tool among pregnant patients to increase the information available about their pregnancies in the provision of a mixed model of prenatal care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was fully customized to the needs of our users following the local protocols. The introduction of this novel mobile app was highly accepted by the patients.

Development of a Mobile Health Application Based on a Mixed Prenatal Care in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Objective We describe the development and structure of a novel mobile application in a mixed model of prenatal care, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we assess the acceptability of this mobile app in a cohort of patients. Methods First, we introduced a mixed model of prenatal care; second, we developed a comprehensive, computer-based clinical record to support our system. Lastly, we built a novel mobile app as a tool for prenatal care. We used Flutter Software version 2.2 to build the app for Android and iOS smartphones. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the acceptability of the app. Results A mobile app was also built with the main attribute of being connected in real-time with the computer-based clinical records. The app screens detail information about activities programmed and developed in the prenatal care according to gestational age. A downloadable maternity book is available and some screens show warning signs and symptoms of pregnancy. The acceptability assessment was mostly rated positively regarding the characteristics of the mobile app, by 50 patients. Conclusion This novel mobile app was developed as a tool among pregnant patients to increase the information available about their pregnancies in the provision of a mixed model of prenatal care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was fully customized to the needs of our users following the local protocols. The introduction of this novel mobile app was highly accepted by the patients.

Assessment of Resonant Acoustic Mixing for Low-Dose Pharmaceutical Powder Blends.

Obtaining a homogeneous low-dose pharmaceutical powder blend without multi-step processing remains a challenge. One promising technology to address this risk is resonant acoustic mixing (RAM). In this study, the performance of a laboratory resonant acoustic mixer (LabRAM) was studied at low active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) concentrations (0.1-0.5% w/w), using three commercial grades of a model API (Acetaminophen) and diluents with varying physical properties. The performance was assessed by evaluating blend uniformity (BU) and capsule content uniformity (CU) as a function of mixing time. Overall, the LabRAM achieved acceptable BU in a single step even at 0.1% w/w drug loading. A reduction in API primary particle size led to improved mixing efficiency and uniformity. Moreover, the presence of surface cavities in the diluents used appeared to have led to improved uniformity. The results demonstrated that RAM could achieve uniform powder blends without multi-step processing, for low-dose formulations.

Beyond T Cells: IgA Incites Immune Recognition in Endometrial Cancer.

While T cells are established major players in antitumor immunity, tumor-associated B cells and antibodies have recently emerged as critical components in modulating immunity in the tumor microenvironment. In the current issue of Cancer Research, Mandal and colleagues show that tumor-infiltrating B cells are associated with improved outcomes in endometrial cancers. Mechanistically, the investigators demonstrate that the immune response is mediated by class-switched IgA binding to the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor in tumor cells, resulting in tumor cell-intrinsic activation of inflammatory pathways. These findings highlight that coordinated B-cell and T-cell responses may predict improved outcomes in patients with endometrial cancer and set the groundwork to further investigate the mechanisms by which humoral immunity could be exploited for cancer immunotherapy. See related article by Mandal et al., p. 859.

Maternal Perinatal Telemonitoring in the Context of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in a Tertiary Health Center in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the characteristics of a telemonitoring program that was rapidly implemented in our institution as a response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as the maternal and perinatal outcomes of women who attended this program. STUDY: DESIGN: Retrospective study of patients via phone-call telemonitoring during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic (May 2020-August 2020). Maternal and perinatal outcomes were collected and described. Health providers' satisfaction with the telemonitoring program was assessed via an email survey. RESULTS: Twenty-three (69.7%) health providers answered the survey. The mean age was 64.5 years, 91.3% were OB/GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) doctors, and 95% agreed that telemonitoring is an adequate method to provide health care when in-person visits are difficult. The 78.7% of scheduled telemonitoring consultations were finally completed. We performed 2,181 telemonitoring consultations for 616 pregnant women and 544 telemonitoring consultations for puerperal women. Other medical specialties offering telemonitoring included gynecology, reproductive health, family planning, cardiology, endocrinology, and following up with patients with reactive serology to severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The majority of the population attending our telemonitoring program were categorized as the lowest strata, i.e., III and IV, according to the Human Development Index, and approximately 42% were deemed as high-risk pregnant women. Additionally, we reported the perinatal outcomes of 424 (63%) pregnant women, the most relevant finding being that approximately 53% of them had cesarean sections. CONCLUSION: Telemonitoring is an adequate method of continuing the provision of prenatal care when in-person visits are difficult in situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemonitoring is feasible even in institutions with no or little experience in telemedicine. The perinatal outcomes in women with telemonitoring seem to be similar to that in the general population. KEY POINTS: · Telemonitoring for prenatal care is feasible even in low-income countries and in a critical scenario.. · OB/GYN doctors agreed with that telemonitoring is an adequate method to provide prenatal care.. · Maternal and perinatal outcomes are similar in women attending a telemonitoring program..

¿Los hijos de pacientes con trastorno bipolar tienen una peor percepción de la calidad de sueño? / Do Children of Patients with Bipolar Disorder have a Worse Perception of Sleep Quality?

RESUMEN Introducción: los Hijos de Padres con Trastorno Bipolar (HPTB) constituyen una población de riesgo ya que pueden heredar el Trastorno Bipolar (TB) como también manifestaciones clínicas tempranas como seria las alteraciones en el sueño. Objetivo: comparar la presencia de trastornos psiquiátricos y las alteraciones en el sueño de los HPTB con los Hijos de Padres Control (HPC). Métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico de corte transversal, que comparó HPTB versus HPC. Se entrevistaron con instrumentos validados para determinar la existencia de síntomas y trastornos psiquiátricos. Utilizamos las escalas: "Cuestionario de evaluación de sueño" y "Encuesta sobre hábitos de sueño en escolares" para determinarlas características del sueño y factores asociados con el mismo. Adicionalmente se obtuvo el registro de sueño (7-21 días) por medio de un reloj de actígrafia. Resultados: Se reunió una muestra con 42 sujetos (18 HPTB y 24 HPC). Se encontraron diferencias en la presentación de los trastornos psiquiátricos. El grupo de HPTB presento mayor frecuencia del trastorno depresivo mayor (TDM; p = 0,04) y el trastorno disruptivo de la regulación emocional (TDRE, p = 0,04). En el grupo de HPC por su parte se presentó una mayor frecuencia de Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH; p = 0,65) y de Trastorno de Ansiedad por Separación (TAS; p = 0,46). También se encontraron diferencias a nivel del sueño en las medidas subjetivas. En comparación con el HPC, el grupo de HPTB presento una peor percepción de la calidad de sueño (p = 0,02), una mayor presencia de pesadillas (p = 0,01), un menor tiempo total de sueño y una mayor latencia de sueño. Sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias entre los dos grupos en las mediciones de actigrafías. Conclusiones: el grupo de HPTB presenta mayor frecuencia de trastornos del estado de ánimo, y a su vez una mayor presencia de alteraciones del sueño en las medidas subjetivas. Es posible que exista una asociación entre los síntomas afectivos, las alteraciones en el sueño y el consumo de café. No se encontraron diferencias en el perfil de sueño por actígrafía. © 2020 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. Todos los derechos reservados. Children

ABSTRACT Introduction: The offspring of bipolar parents (BO) is a high-risk population for inheriting the bipolar disorder (BD) and other early clinical manifestations, such as sleep disturbances. Objective: To compare the presence of psychiatric disorders and sleep disturbances of BO versus offspring of control parents (OCP). Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted that compared BO versus OCP. The participants were assessed using valid tools to determine the presence of psychiatric symptoms or disorders. The "Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire" and "School Sleep Habits Survey" were used to determine sleep characteristics and associated factors. Sleep records (7-21 days) were also obtained by using an actigraphy watch. Results: A sample of 42 participants (18 BO and 24 OCP) was recruited. Differences were found in the presentation of the psychiatric disorder. The BO group showed a higher frequency of major depression disorder (MDD; P = .04) and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD; P = .04). The OCP group showed a higher frequency of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; P = .65), and Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD; P = .46). Differences were also found in sleep by using subjective measurements. Compared to the OCP group, BO had a worse perception of quality of sleep (P = .02), a higher frequency of nightmares (P = .01), a shorter total sleep time, and a higher sleep latency. Nevertheless, no differences were found between groups in the actigraphy measurements. Conclusions: The BO group had a higher frequency of Mood Disorders, and at the same time a higher number of sleep disturbances in the subjective measurements. It is possible that there is an association between mood symptoms, sleep disturbances, and coffee intake. No differences were found in the sleep profile by using actigraphy. © 2020 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Do Children of Patients with Bipolar Disorder have a Worse Perception of Sleep Quality?

INTRODUCTION: The offspring of bipolar parents (BO) is a high-risk population for inheriting the bipolar disorder (BD) and other early clinical manifestations, such as sleep disturbances. OBJECTIVE: To compare the presence of psychiatric disorders and sleep disturbances of BO versus offspring of control parents (OCP). METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted that compared BO versus OCP. The participants were assessed using valid tools to determine the presence of psychiatric symptoms or disorders. The "Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire" and "School Sleep Habits Survey" were used to determine sleep characteristics and associated factors. Sleep records (7-21 days) were also obtained by using an actigraphy watch. RESULTS: A sample of 42 participants (18 BO and 24 OCP) was recruited. Differences were found in the presentation of the psychiatric disorder. The BO group showed a higher frequency of major depression disorder (MDD; P = .04) and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD; P = .04). The OCP group showed a higher frequency of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; P = .65), and Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD; P = .46). Differences were also found in sleep by using subjective measurements. Compared to the OCP group, BO had a worse perception of quality of sleep (P = .02), a higher frequency of nightmares (P = .01), a shorter total sleep time, and a higher sleep latency. Nevertheless, no differences were found between groups in the actigraphy measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The BO group had a higher frequency of Mood Disorders, and at the same time a higher number of sleep disturbances in the subjective measurements. It is possible that there is an association between mood symptoms, sleep disturbances, and coffee intake. No differences were found in the sleep profile by using actigraphy.

Rapid Detection of Carbapenemase and Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria Directly from Positive Blood Cultures Using a Novel Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Early and adequate antibiotic treatment is the cornerstone of improving clinical outcomes in patients with bloodstream infections (BSI). Delays in appropriate antimicrobial therapy have catastrophic consequences for patients with BSI. Microbiological characterization of multi-drug resistant pathogens (MDRP) allows clinicians to provide appropriate treatments. Current microbiologic techniques may take up to 96 h to identify causative pathogens and their resistant patterns. Therefore, there is an important need to develop rapid diagnostic strategies for MDRP. We tested a modified protocol to detect carbapenemase and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) from positive blood cultures. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with bacteremia. We developed a modified protocol using the HB&L® system to detect MDRP. The operational characteristics were analyzed for each test (HB&L-ESBL/AmpC® and HB&L-Carbapenemase® kits). The kappa coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), likelihood ratios (LR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and reduction in identification time of this novel method were calculated. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients with BSI were included in the study. A total of 161 positive blood cultures were analyzed. Escherichia coli (50%, 81/161) was the most frequently identified pathogen, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (15%, 24/161) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8%, 13/161). Thirty-three percent of isolations had usual resistance patterns. However, 34/161 (21%) of identified pathogens were producers of carbapenemases and 21/161 (13%) of extended-spectrum ß-lactamases. Concordance between our HB&L® modified protocol and the traditional method was 99% (159/161). Finally, identification times were significantly shorter using our HB&L®-modified protocol than traditional methods: median (IQR) 19 h (18, 22) vs. 61 h (60, 64), p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we provide novel evidence that using our HB&L®-modified protocol is an effective strategy to reduce the time to detect MDRP producers of carbapenemases or extended-spectrum ß-lactamases, with an excellent concordance rate when compared to the gold standard. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether this method may improve clinical outcomes.

High risk for psychiatric disorders in bipolar offspring. A four years prospective study / Riesgo elevado de trastornos psiquiátricos en hijos de padres con trastorno bipolar. Estudio prospectivo de cuatro años de duración

ABSTRACT Bipolar disorder (BD) has a large hereditary component. It is a disorder that begins in early adulthood, but about which it has been described a premorbid period preceding the onset of BD. During this herald expression psychiatric disorders and symptoms, such as depressive, manic, psychotic, anxious and others, may appear. Objective: To determine the psychopathological profile of a Bipolar Offspring (BO) group compared with the Community Control Offspring (CCO) group, and its evolution over time, including subthreshold symptoms and mental disorders. Methods: We conducted an observational mixed cohort study, with a prospective design. We included subjects from six to 30 years of age, from the region of Antioquia, Colombia. A total of 131 subjects from the risk group BO and 150 subjects from the CCO group were evaluated through validated psychiatric diagnostic interviews (K-SADS-PL and DIGS) at baseline and at 4 years follow up. All interviews were carried out by a staff blind to parent diagnoses. Follow-up assessment were complete in 72% of the offspring. Forty-two subjects were excluded as they surpassed the age of 30 years, and only 46 subjects were not followed (change of address or did not consent to participate). Results: Compared with the CCO group, the BO group had a higher frequency of affective disorder, psychotic disorder, externalizing disorders and use of the psychoactive substances during both assessments at time 1 and 2. The magnitude of the differences between the groups increased when they reach time 2. The BO group had a greater risk for presenting subthreshold symptoms and definitive psychiatric disorders, such as affective disorders, psychotic disorders and externalizing disorders. In addition, the BO group had a younger age of onset for psychoactive substances consumption. Conclusion: During the follow-up period, the BO group had a higher risk of presenting mental disorders compared with the CCO group. The most relevant symptoms and disorders that could precede the onset of BD were depressive, bipolar not otherwise specified, psychotic and substance use.

RESUMEN El trastorno bipolar (TB) tiene un gran componente hereditario. Es un trastorno que comienza en la edad adulta temprana, pero acerca del cual se ha descrito un período premórbido que precede al inicio de TB. Durante esta expresión heraldo, pueden aparecer trastornos y síntomas psiquiátricos, como depresivos, maníacos, psicóticos, ansiosos y otros. Objetivo: Determinar el perfil psicopatológico de un grupo de hijos de padres con TB (BO) en comparación con el grupo de hijos de padres control de la misma comunidad (CCO), y su evolución en el tiempo. Los síntomas subumbrales y los trastornos mentales serán incluidos. Métodos: Nosotros llevamos a cabo un estudio observacional mixto de cohorte, con diseño prospectivo. Incluimos sujetos de seis a 30 anos de edad, de la región de Antioquia, Colombia. Un total de 131 sujetos del grupo de riesgo BO y 150 sujetos del grupo CCO fueron evaluados a través de entrevistas de diagnóstico psiquiátricas validadas (K-SADS-PL y DIGS), al inicio yalos4anos de seguimiento. Todas las entrevistas se llevaron a cabo por personal ciego a los diagnósticos de los padres. La evaluación de seguimiento se completó en el 72% de la descendencia. Cuarenta y dos sujetos fueron excluidos ya que superaron la edad de 30 anos, y solo 46 sujetos no fueron seguidos (cambio de dirección o no dieron su consentimiento para participar). Resultados: En comparación con el grupo CCO, el grupo BO tuvo una mayor frecuencia de trastorno afectivo, el trastorno psicótico, los trastornos de externalización y el uso de las sustancias psicoactivas durante ambas evaluaciones en los tiempos 1 y 2. La magnitud de las diferencias entre los grupos aumentó cuando alcanzaron el tiempo 2. El grupo BO tuvo un mayor riesgo de presentar síntomas subumbrales y trastornos psiquiátricos definitivos, tales como trastornos afectivos, trastornos psicóticos y trastornos de externalización. Además, el grupo BO tuvo una edad de comienzo más baja para el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. Conclusión: Durante el período de seguimiento, el grupo BO tuvo un mayor riesgo de presentar trastornos mentales en comparación con el grupo CCO. Los síntomas y trastornos más importantes que preceden al inicio del TB fueron: depresivo, bipolar no especificado de otra manera, psicóticos y el uso de sustancias.

High risk for psychiatric disorders in bipolar offspring. A four years prospective study.

Bipolar disorder (BD) has a large hereditary component. It is a disorder that begins in early adulthood, but about which it has been described a premorbid period preceding the onset of BD. During this herald expression psychiatric disorders and symptoms, such as depressive, manic, psychotic, anxious and others, may appear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the psychopathological profile of a Bipolar Offspring (BO) group compared with the Community Control Offspring (CCO) group, and its evolution over time, including subthreshold symptoms and mental disorders. METHODS: We conducted an observational mixed cohort study, with a prospective design. We included subjects from six to 30 years of age, from the region of Antioquia, Colombia. A total of 131 subjects from the risk group BO and 150 subjects from the CCO group were evaluated through validated psychiatric diagnostic interviews (K-SADS-PL and DIGS) at baseline and at 4 years follow up. All interviews were carried out by a staff blind to parent diagnoses. Follow-up assessment were complete in 72% of the offspring. Forty-two subjects were excluded as they surpassed the age of 30 years, and only 46 subjects were not followed (change of address or did not consent to participate). RESULTS: Compared with the CCO group, the BO group had a higher frequency of affective disorder, psychotic disorder, externalizing disorders and use of the psychoactive substances during both assessments at time 1 and 2. The magnitude of the differences between the groups increased when they reach time 2. The BO group had a greater risk for presenting subthreshold symptoms and definitive psychiatric disorders, such as affective disorders, psychotic disorders and externalizing disorders. In addition, the BO group had a younger age of onset for psychoactive substances consumption. CONCLUSION: During the follow-up period, the BO group had a higher risk of presenting mental disorders compared with the CCO group. The most relevant symptoms and disorders that could precede the onset of BD were depressive, bipolar not otherwise specified, psychotic and substance use.

Short-Term Memory Binding Distinguishing Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment from Healthy Aging: A Machine Learning Study.

BACKGROUND: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is the most common preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A strategy to reduce the impact of AD is the early aMCI diagnosis and clinical intervention. Neuroimaging, neurobiological, and genetic markers have proved to be sensitive and specific for the early diagnosis of AD. However, the high cost of these procedures is prohibitive in low-income and middle-income countries (LIMCs). The neuropsychological assessments currently aim to identify cognitive markers that could contribute to the early diagnosis of dementia. OBJECTIVE: Compare machine learning (ML) architectures classifying and predicting aMCI and asset the contribution of cognitive measures including binding function in distinction and prediction of aMCI. METHODS: We conducted a two-year follow-up assessment of a sample of 154 subjects with a comprehensive multidomain neuropsychological battery. Statistical analysis was proposed using complete ML architectures to compare subjects' performance to classify and predict aMCI. Additionally, permutation importance and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) routines were implemented for feature importance selection. RESULTS: AdaBoost, gradient boosting, and XGBoost had the highest performance with over 80%success classifying aMCI, and decision tree and random forest had the highest performance with over 70%success predictive routines. Feature importance points, the auditory verbal learning test, short-term memory binding tasks, and verbal and category fluency tasks were used as variables with the first grade of importance to distinguish healthy cognition and aMCI. CONCLUSION: Although neuropsychological measures do not replace biomarkers' utility, it is a relatively sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for aMCI. Further studies with ML must identify cognitive performance that differentiates conversion from average MCI to the pathological MCI observed in AD.

Implementación de un modelo mixto de atención prenatal, presencial y virtual durante la pandemia COVID-19, en el Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal en Lima, Perú

La pandemia del coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) y las medidas instauradas para su control significaron la interrupción de la atención prenatal, con potencial riesgo en la salud materna y fetal. Por otro lado, la atención prenatal convencional presencial implicaría exposición y riesgo de infección en pacientes y proveedores de salud. El Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal (INMP) ha incorporado la teleconsulta como parte de un nuevo modelo de atención prenatal mixto, cuyo objetivo es disminuir las citas presenciales y, por tanto, el contacto y riesgo de transmisión viral. El paquete de atención prenatal incluye actividades esenciales para atender gestantes en edades gestacionales específicas con mayor impacto en los desenlaces perinatales y maternos. Este nuevo modelo podría generalizarse a nivel nacional y ser parte de la solución a las disparidades de atención en el Perú, mediante políticas del uso de la telemedicina en la atención prenatal que faciliten su implementación, así como su sostenibilidad después de la pandemia de COVID-19.

The coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic and the measures implemented for its control meant the interruption of prenatal care, with potential risk to maternal and fetal health. However, conventional in-person prenatal care would imply exposure and risk of infection in patients and health care providers. The Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal (INMP) has incorporated teleconsultation as part of a new model of mixed prenatal care, which aims to reduce in-person appointments and, therefore, the contact and risk of viral transmission. The prenatal care package performs essential activities to care for pregnant women of specific gestational ages with a greater impact on perinatal and maternal outcomes. This new model could be generalized nationally and be part of the solution to the disparities of healthcare in Peru, through policies for the use of telemedicine in prenatal care that facilitate its implementation, as well as its sustainability after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Postharvest diseases and disorders in avocado cv. Hass and their relationship to preharvest management practices.

Postharvest diseases and disorders are two of the most important parameters associated with the quality of avocado fruit. The aim of this study was to identify postharvest diseases and disorders in Hass avocado plots and to evaluate their relationships with different preharvest agronomical practices. This work was developed in 20 commercial plots of Hass avocado dedicated to production for national and export markets. The first part of this work was associated with the identification and characterization of diseases and disorders related with postharvest of avocado. In addition, it was determined the incidence of each disease and disorder based on simulation of postharvest scenarios for the national and export markets. Using a multinomial logistic regression model, it was possible to determine that the presence of each disease and disorder were related to crop management practices, soil and leaf and fruit nutrients levels. Most relevant postharvest disease and disorders were anthracnose, stem-end rot, chilling injury, and lenticel damage. Additionally, variables such as dry matter, plant pruning, and tissue concentration of Ca+2 were related with some pathologies and disorders. This work presents an advance in the recognition of postharvest diseases and disorders in avocado under tropical conditions, besides determining the main edaphic and anthropogenic associated factors.

[The crispr / cas9 techniques applied to human genetic enhancement: a biotechnological, anthropological-philosophical and legal dialogue]. / Las técnicas crispr/cas9 aplicadas al mejoramiento genético humano: un diálogo biotecnológico, antropológico-filosófico y jurídico.

The CRISPR editing method is revolutionary. This technique opens the possibility of countless operations in the genome of living beings. However, the risks are high and, in some cases, unpredictable. Therefore, based on an anthropology that recognizes the human person with an inherent dignity that includes the body, this article intends to propose bases for a regulation capable of facing the challenge of CRISPR, especially, given the possibility of confusing its therapeutic resource with the eugenics, also before the imminent risk of unleashing unforeseen consequences such as mutations, malformations and side effects that could be devastating for human life.