HTLV-1-associated myelopathy in Spain.

BACKGROUND: HTLV-1 infection is a neglected disease. Over 10 million people are infected worldwide, with hot spots of high endemicity across all continents. Roughly 5% of HTLV-1 carriers develop HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM), a progressive subacute neurological disabling disease. METHODS: We report the main features of patients diagnosed with HAM up to date in Spain, a non-endemic country with a relatively high migrant flow from Latin America and Equatorial Africa, where HTLV-1 is endemic. RESULTS: A total of 451 cases of HTLV-1 had been recorded in Spain until the end of year 2022. HAM had been diagnosed in 58 (12.9%). The current incidence is of 2-3 new cases per year. Women represent 76%. Mean age at diagnosis is 49 years-old. Nearly 60% are Latin Americans. Although sexual transmission is the most likely route of HTLV-1 acquisition, up to 6 individuals had been infected following solid organ transplantation. Rapid onset myelopathy developed in all but one of these transplant recipients from three HTLV-1-positive donors. HTLV-1 subtype 1a transcontinental was the only variant recognized in HAM patients. HTLV-1 proviral load was significantly greater in HAM patients than in asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers (677 vs 104 HTLV-1 DNA copies/104 PBMC; p = 0.012). Symptom relief medications and physiotherapy have been the only treatment providing some benefit to HAM patients. Neither significant clinical nor virological efficacy was noticed using antiretrovirals in at least 9 HAM patients. Two thirds of HAM patients ended up in a wheelchair and with urinary/fecal sphincter incontinence. CONCLUSION: HAM is the most frequent clinical manifestation of HTLV-1 infection in Spain, a non-endemic country. Middle aged women migrants from Latin America are the most frequently affected. Two thirds end up in a wheelchair despite using antiretroviral therapy.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in HTLV-1 non-endemic regions.

BACKGROUND: HTLV-1 infection is a neglected disease, despite producing neurological and lymphoproliferative severe illnesses and affect over 10 million people worldwide. Roughly 5% of HTLV-1 carriers develop Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), one of the most aggressive hematological malignancies. METHODS: A national HTLV-1 register exists since 1989 in Spain, a non-endemic country with a large migrant flow from Latin America and Equatorial Africa, where HTLV-1 is endemic. The main features of all patients diagnosed with ATLL in Spain up to date are reported. RESULTS: A total of 451 cases of HTLV-1 infection had been reported in Spain until the end of year 2022. ATLL had been diagnosed in 35 (7.8%). The current average incidence of ATLL in Spain is of two cases per year. Women represent 57% of ATLL patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 47 years-old. Roughly 57% were Latin Americans and 26% Africans. At diagnosis, the majority presented with acute or lymphoma clinical forms. Survival was shorter than one year in most of them. Mean HTLV-1 proviral load was significantly greater in ATLL patients than in asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers (2,305 vs 104 copies/104 PBMC). HTLV-1 subtyping in 6 ATLL patients found the 1a transcontinental variant (n = 4) and the Japanese variant (n = 2). All ATLL patients were negative for HIV-1, did not develop HTLV-1-associated myelopathy and were not transplant recipients. CONCLUSION: The rate of ATLL is very low in Spain and mostly associated to migrants from HTLV-1 endemic regions. Given the poor clinical outcome of ATLL, HTLV-1 testing should be performed at least once in all migrants coming from HTLV-1 endemic countries and in natives who have lived in or had sex partners from such regions.

International Adoption of Children with Special Needs in Spain.

International adoption has declined in recent years, although the adoption of children with special needs has arisen. We aim to describe our experience in the international adoption of children with special needs and to analyze the concordance between the pathologies included in pre-adoption reports and the diagnosis made upon arrival. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study including internationally adopted children with special needs evaluated at a reference Spanish unit between 2016 and 2019. Epidemiological and clinical variables were collected from medical records, and pre-adoption reports were compared to established diagnoses following their evaluation and complementary tests. Fifty-seven children were included: 36.8% females, a median age of 27 months [IQR:17-39], mostly coming from China (63.2%) and Vietnam (31.6%). The main pathologies described in the pre-adoption reports were congenital surgical malformations (40.3%), hematological (22.6%), and neurological (24.6%). The initial diagnosis that motivated the international adoption via special needs was confirmed in 79% of the children. After evaluation, 14% were diagnosed with weight and growth delay, and 17.5% with microcephaly, not previously reported. Infectious diseases were also prevalent (29.8%). According to our series, the pre-adoption reports of children with special needs appear accurate, with a low rate of new diagnoses. Pre-existing conditions were confirmed in almost 80% of cases.

Actividad y características 2 de los pacientes con úlceras de la extremidad inferior en una consulta de heridas en 2019 / Activity and characteristics of patients with ulcers of the lower extremity in a wound consultation in 2019

Objetivos: Describir la actividad y características de los pacientes de Santa Coloma de Gramenet con úlceras de la extremidad inferior visitados durante 2019 en la consulta de heridas crónicas de la Fundación Hospital Espèrit Sant. Metodología: Se presenta un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de los pacientes de Santa Coloma con úlceras de la extremidad inferior, que acudieron a la consulta de heridas crónicas. Resultados: Se atendieron a 100 pacientes, con un total de 724 visitas. Edad media 74,1 ± 13,2 años, el 39% mujeres. La etiología de las úlceras de la extremidad inferior se presentaba en las siguientes proporciones: diabéticas isquémicas un 36%, úlceras venosas un 28%, lesiones arteriales un 22%, pie diabético y lesiones por calcifilaxis un 6%, úlceras de Martorell un 4% y lesiones neoplásicas un 1%. La mayoría de los pacientes presentó pluripatologías, con un promedio de 4 patologías y factores de riesgo. El 82% de las visitas fueron visitas sucesivas, con un promedio de 7,24 visitas por paciente. Las lesiones que requirieron mayor número de visitas fueron las lesiones diabéticas isquémicas, con un 9,1 de promedio. El 53% de las primeras visitas procedía del servicio de urgencias. El 61% de los pacientes acudió a la consulta movilizado en silla de ruedas y el 40% se había trasladado en ambulancia. Conclusiones: El trabajo ha ayudado a reafirmar las cargas de trabajo y ha evidenciado una falta de registros útiles que ayuden tanto a nivel asistencial como para posibles futuras investigaciones (AU)

Objectives: Description of the activity and characteristics of the patients coming from Santa Coloma de Gramenet with ulcers of the lower extremity, visited during 2019 in the Chronic Wounds Clinic of the Hospital Espèrit Sant Foundation. Methodology: A descriptive retrospective study of patients from Santa Coloma with Ulcers of the lower extremity (UEI), who attended the clinic of chronic wounds. Results: 100 patients were treated, with a total of 724 visits. Average age of 74.1 ± 13.2 years, 39% women. The etiology of UEI was presented in the following proportions: diabetic-ischemic 36%, venous ulcers 28%, arterial lesions 22%, diabetic foot and calciphylaxis lesions 6%, Martorell ulcers 4% and neoplastic lesions 1%. Most of the patients presented pluri-pathologies with the average of 4 pathologies and risk factors. 82% of the visits were successive visits with an overall average of 7.24 visits per patient. The lesions that required the highest number of visits were diabeticischemic lesions with an average of 9.1. 53% of the first visits came from the emergency department. 61% of the patients came to the clinic mobilized in a wheelchair and 40% had been transferred by ambulance. Conclusions: The work supported to reaffirm the workloads and has evidenced a lack of useful records that help both at the level of care and for possible future research (AU)

La infección congénita por citomegalovirus, ¿es más prevalente en nuestro medio en neonatos expuestos al VIH? / Congenital cytomegalovirus infection, is more prevalent in our country in newborns exposed to HIV?

Objetivos. La infección congénita por citomegalovirus (CMVc) se ha considerado más prevalente en hijos de madre infectadas por VIH (RNEVIH). Por ello, las guías nacionales aconsejan el cribado del CMVc en el RNEVIH. Actualmente estas gestantes en España presentan mejor control de la infección que en décadas precedentes, pudiendo afectar a dicha prevalencia. El objetivo del estudio es analizar la prevalencia y posibles factores de riesgo asociados a la CMVc en RNEVIH en la era del tratamiento antirretroviral combinado (TAR). Pacientes y métodos. Estudio transversal retrospectivo, incluyendo todos los hijos de madre con VIH nacidos en un hospital de tercer nivel (2014-2020). Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos y clínicos de la madre y del neonato. Se realizó cribado neonatal de CMV con cultivo de orina shell vial y/o PCR en las 2 primeras semanas de vida. Resultados. Se incluyeron 69 neonatos. El 82,4% de las madres habían sido diagnosticadas de VIH previamente al embarazo. Todas recibieron TAR durante la gestación. La mediana de linfocitos T-CD4 previos al parto fue 641/mm3 (RIC: 480-865) y la CV fue indetectable en el 83,6%. La serología para CMV en el primer trimestre se realizó en el 73,5% (IgG positiva en el 96%). No hubo casos de transmisión vertical de VIH ni CMVc (IC 95%: 0-5,3%). Conclusiones. La prevalencia de CMVc en neonatos expuestos al VIH en nuestra cohorte fue del 0%, inferior a la documentada en estudios previos, posiblemente en relación con el acceso precoz al TAR en las gestantes y su buena situación inmunológica. (AU)

Objectives. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) has been considered more prevalent among HIV-exposed children during pregnancy. Spanish national guidelines recommend the cCMV screening in these newborns. Nowadays, pregnant women have a better control of HIV infection compared to previous decades. We aim to analyze the prevalence and associated risk factors to cCMV in these children. Patients and methods. A retrospective cross-sectorial study was performed. All newborns exposed to HIV were assisted in a third-level hospital (2014-2020). Epidemiological and clinical data of the mother and newborn were recorded. Shell vial urine culture and/or CRP were performed along the two first weeks of life for the neonatal screening of cCMV. Results. Overall 69 newborns were enrolled. A high proportion (82.4%) of the mothers had been diagnosed with HIV before getting pregnant. All women received ART during the pregnancy. Median T-CD4 lymphocytes before delivery was 641/mm3 (IQR: 480-865) and the viral load was undetectable in 83.6%. Serological test for CMV along the first trimester of pregnancy was performed in 73.5% (positive IgG in 96%). There were no congenital cases of HIV neither cCMV (CI 95%:0-5.3%). Conclusions. The cCMV prevalence in newborns exposed to HIV was 0%, lower than reported before, probably related to a better and earlier ART during pregnancy, leading to a better immunological status. (AU)

Late presentation of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 infection in Spain reflects suboptimal testing strategies.

OBJECTIVES: Although only 10% of persons infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) may develop virus-associated illnesses over their lifetime, missing the earlier diagnosis of asymptomatic carriers frequently leads to late presentation. METHODS: A nationwide HTLV-1 register was created in Spain in 1989. We examined the main demographics and clinical features at the time of the first diagnosis for more than three decades. RESULTS: A total of 428 individuals infected with HTLV-1 had been reported in Spain until the end of 2021. Up to 96 (22%) individuals presented clinically with HTLV-1-associated conditions, including subacute myelopathy (57%), T-cell lymphoma (34%), or Strongyloides stercoralis infestation (8%). Since 2008, HTLV-1 diagnosis has been made at blood banks (44%) or clinics (56%). Native Spaniards and Sub-Saharan Africans are overrepresented among patients presenting with HTLV-1-associated illnesses suggesting that poor epidemiological and/or clinical suspicion, which led to the late presentation are more frequent in them than carriers from Latin America (LATAM) (31.7% vs 20.4%, respectively; P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: HTLV-1 infection in Spain is frequently diagnosed in patients presenting with characteristic illnesses. Although screening in blood banks mostly identifies asymptomatic carriers from LATAM, a disproportionately high number of Spaniards and Africans are diagnosed too late at the time of clinical manifestations. Expanding testing to all pregnant women and clinics for sexually transmitted infections could help to unveil HTLV-1 asymptomatic carriers.

Pandemia COVID-19. ¿Qué hemos aprendido en este tiempo? / COVID-19 pandemic. What have we learned?

Desde que en marzo de 2020 se declarara la pandemia COVID-19 hemos aprendido muchas cosas del coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, y de su papel en la enfermedad pediátrica.Los niños se infectan en un porcentaje bastante similar a los adultos, si bien en la mayoría de las ocasiones sufren cuadros leves o asintomáticos. Alrededor de un 1% de infectados precisan hospitalización, menos de un 0,02% precisan cuidados intensivos, y la mortalidad es muy baja y generalmente en niños con comorbilidades. Los cuadros clínicos más habituales son infecciones respiratorias de vías altas o bajas, cuadros gastrointestinales y con mayor gravedad el síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico (MIS-C). La mayoría de los episodios no precisan tratamiento, salvo el MIS-C. El remdesivir se ha empleado generalmente como tratamiento compasivo y aún está por definir su papel.El recién nacido puede infectarse, si bien la transmisión vertical es muy baja (<1%), y se ha demostrado que el bebé puede cohabitar de manera segura con su madre y recibir lactancia materna. En general las infecciones neonatales han sido leves.La atención primaria ha soportado una parte muy importante del manejo de la pandemia en pediatría. Se han producido numerosos daños colaterales derivados de la dificultad de acceso a la asistencia y del aislamiento que han sufrido los niños. La salud mental de la población pediátrica se ha visto seriamente afectada. A pesar de que se ha demostrado que la escolarización no ha supuesto un incremento de los contagios, sino más bien todo lo contrario. Es fundamental seguir manteniendo las medidas de seguridad que permitan hacer de las escuelas un lugar seguro, tan necesario no solo para la educación infantil, sino para su salud en general. (AU)

Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020, we have learned a lot about the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and its role in pediatric pathology.Children are infected in a rate quite similar to adults, although in most cases they suffer mild or asymptomatic symptoms. Around 1% of those infected require hospitalization, less than 0.02% require intensive care, and mortality is very low and generally in children with comorbidities. The most common clinical diagnoses are upper or lower respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infection and, more seriously, multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Most episodes do not require treatment, except for MIS-C. Remdesivir has been widely used as a compassionate treatment and its role has yet to be defined.The newborn can become infected, although vertical transmission is very low (<1%) and it has been shown that the baby can safely cohabit with its mother and be breastfed. In general, neonatal infections have been mild.Primary care has supported a very important part of the management of the pandemic in pediatrics. There has been numerous collateral damage derived from the difficulty of access to care and the isolation suffered by children. The mental health of the pediatric population has been seriously affected. Although it has been shown that schooling has not led to an increase in infections, but rather the opposite. It is essential to continue maintaining the security measures that make schools a safe place, so necessary not only for children's education, but for their health in general. (AU)

[COVID-19 pandemic. What have we learned?] / Pandemia COVID-19. ¿Qué hemos aprendido en este tiempo?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020, we have learned a lot about the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and its role in pediatric pathology.Children are infected in a rate quite similar to adults, although in most cases they suffer mild or asymptomatic symptoms. Around 1% of those infected require hospitalization, less than 0.02% require intensive care, and mortality is very low and generally in children with comorbidities. The most common clinical diagnoses are upper or lower respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infection and, more seriously, multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Most episodes do not require treatment, except for MIS-C. Remdesivir has been widely used as a compassionate treatment and its role has yet to be defined.The newborn can become infected, although vertical transmission is very low (<1%) and it has been shown that the baby can safely cohabit with its mother and be breastfed. In general, neonatal infections have been mild.Primary care has supported a very important part of the management of the pandemic in pediatrics. There has been numerous collateral damage derived from the difficulty of access to care and the isolation suffered by children. The mental health of the pediatric population has been seriously affected. Although it has been shown that schooling has not led to an increase in infections, but rather the opposite. It is essential to continue maintaining the security measures that make schools a safe place, so necessary not only for children's education, but for their health in general.

Minimal-moderate variation of human oral virome and microbiome in IgA deficiency.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the dominant antibody found in our mucosal secretions and has long been recognized to play an important role in protecting our epithelium from pathogens. Recently, IgA has been shown to be involved in gut homeostatic regulation by 'recognizing' and shaping our commensal microbes. Paradoxically, yet selective IgA-deficiency is often described as asymptomatic and there is a paucity of studies only focused on the mice and human gut microbiome context fully ignoring other niches of our body and our commensal viruses. Here, we used as a model the human oral cavity and employed a holistic view and studied the impact of IgA deficiency and also common variable IgA and IgM immunodeficiencies (CVID), on both the human virome and microbiome. Unexpectedly, metagenomic and experimental data in human IgA deficiency and CVID indicate minimal-moderate changes in microbiome and virome composition compared to healthy control group and point out to a rather functional, resilient oral commensal viruses and microbes. However, a significant depletion (two fold) of bacterial cells (p-value < 0.01) and viruses was observed in IgA-deficiency. Our results demonstrate that, within the limits of our cohort, IgA role is not critical for maintaining a rather functional salivary microbiome and suggest that IgA is not a major influence on the composition of abundant commensal microbes.

Sleep Quality in Chilean Professional Soccer Players.

Recent research has shown that good sleep quality has a positive effect on physical performance. However, sleep quality in Chilean professional soccer players is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine sleep quality in Chilean professional soccer players. It was a cross-sectional, explanatory study with observable variables. The sample consisted of 94 Chilean male soccer players belonging to four professional clubs. The main variable was the Sleep Quality Index, evaluated through the Pittsburgh questionnaire (Spanish version). After estimating sleep quality individually, the four professional soccer clubs' comparison was performed through a one-factor ANOVA. The Pearson test was used to relate the questionnaire variables; the significance level was p < 0.05. In the global analysis of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a value of 4.75 ± 2.29 on a scale of 0-21 was observed, with no significant differences between the clubs evaluated (p > 0.05). Based on the results obtained, Chilean male professional soccer players present good sleep quality. However, the high values of "sleep latency" and "sleep disturbances" are indicators that should be worked on by the multidisciplinary team of each professional club. They should develop strategies to improve sleep hygiene, encourage good sleep, and fall asleep efficiently.

Situación actual del paciente pediátrico con patología crónica compleja: una experiencia entre atención primaria y hospitalaria / Current situation of children with medical complexity: An experience between primary and hospital care

Objetivo: Analizar la valoración de la atención a los niños con patología crónica compleja (NPCC) en atención primaria (AP), desde el punto de vista de sus médicos y de sus familias. Diseño: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Emplazamiento: Pediatría de AP y unidad de patología crónica compleja (UPCC) del Hospital Universitario La Paz (HULP). Participantes: Pacientes y familiares de la UPCC y sus médicos de AP de la Comunidad de Madrid (CAM). Intervenciones: Realización de encuestas validadas presenciales y online. Mediciones principales: Grado de satisfacción en la formación, capacitación y manejo específico del NPCC según escalas tipo Likert. Resultados: Se encuestaron 53 familias y 170 médicos de AP (96,5% pediatras). Los resultados de la encuesta a familiares revelan descoordinación entre niveles asistenciales (73,6%), escasa confianza en el primer nivel asistencial e impresión de poca capacidad de resolución de problemas por parte de pediatría de AP (50%). Entre los médicos de AP destaca la poca formación para el seguimiento de los NPCC (96,5%), escasa experiencia en su manejo (93%) e insuficiente comunicación con el hospital (80,5%). La falta de tiempo en las consultas es un problema común, percibido por pediatras y pacientes. Conclusiones: La falta de coordinación entre AP y atención hospitalaria (AH) se detecta como un problema importante en la continuidad asistencial de NPCC. Son necesarias intervenciones que mejoren esta coordinación. La AP es cercana a la familia, pero precisa mejorar la formación y capacitación de los profesionales en problemas de salud y soporte tecnificado de NPCC, así como incrementar el tiempo necesario para su atención.(AU)

Objective: To analyze the assessment of the care of children with medical complexity (CMC) in Primary Care (PC), from the point of view of their doctors and their families. Design: Observational, descriptive and transversal study. Site: PC Pediatrics and Complex Chronic Pathology Unit (UPCC) of Hospital Universitario La Paz (HULP). Participants: Patients and relatives of the UPCC and their PC physicians of the Community of Madrid (CAM). Interventions: Face-to-face and online validated surveys were conducted. Main measurements: Degree of satisfaction in the training, education and specific management of the CMC according to Likert-type scales. Results: Fifty-three families and 170 PC physicians (96.5% pediatricians) were surveyed. The results of the family survey reveal lack of coordination between levels of care (73.6%), little confidence in the first level of care, and an impression of poor problem-solving capacity by PC pediatricians (50%). Among PC physicians, there is little training in the follow-up of CMC (96.5%), little experience in their management (93%) and insufficient communication with the hospital (80.5%). Lack of time in consultations is a common problem, perceived by pediatricians and patients. Conclusions: The lack of coordination between PC and Hospital Care is detected as an important problem in the continuity of care at CMC. Interventions are needed to improve this coordination. The PC is close to the family but needs to improve the education and training of professionals in health problems and technical support from CMC, as well as increase the time necessary for their care.(AU)

Entrega y satisfacción de una legislatura al frente de la Asociación Española de Pediatría (AEP) / Handing over and satisfaction of a term leading the Spanish Association of Pediatrics

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[Current situation of children with medical complexity: An experience between primary and hospital care]. / Situación actual del paciente pediátrico con patología crónica compleja: una experiencia entre atención primaria y hospitalaria.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the assessment of the care of children with medical complexity (CMC) in Primary Care (PC), from the point of view of their doctors and their families. DESIGN: Observational, descriptive and transversal study. SITE: PC Pediatrics and Complex Chronic Pathology Unit (UPCC) of Hospital Universitario La Paz (HULP). PARTICIPANTS: Patients and relatives of the UPCC and their PC physicians of the Community of Madrid (CAM). INTERVENTIONS: Face-to-face and online validated surveys were conducted. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Degree of satisfaction in the training, education and specific management of the CMC according to Likert-type scales. RESULTS: Fifty-three families and 170 PC physicians (96.5% pediatricians) were surveyed. The results of the family survey reveal lack of coordination between levels of care (73.6%), little confidence in the first level of care, and an impression of poor problem-solving capacity by PC pediatricians (50%). Among PC physicians, there is little training in the follow-up of CMC (96.5%), little experience in their management (93%) and insufficient communication with the hospital (80.5%). Lack of time in consultations is a common problem, perceived by pediatricians and patients. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of coordination between PC and Hospital Care is detected as an important problem in the continuity of care at CMC. Interventions are needed to improve this coordination. The PC is close to the family but needs to improve the education and training of professionals in health problems and technical support from CMC, as well as increase the time necessary for their care.

Sample pooling for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR screening.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of sample pooling compared to the individual analysis for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by using different commercial platforms for nucleic acid extraction and amplification. METHODS: A total of 3519 nasopharyngeal samples received at nine Spanish clinical microbiology laboratories were processed individually and in pools (342 pools of ten samples and 11 pools of nine samples) according to the existing methodology in place at each centre. RESULTS: We found that 253 pools (2519 samples) were negative and 99 pools (990 samples) were positive; with 241 positive samples (6.85%), our pooling strategy would have saved 2167 PCR tests. For 29 pools (made out of 290 samples), we found discordant results when compared to their correspondent individual samples, as follows: in 22 of 29 pools (28 samples), minor discordances were found; for seven pools (7 samples), we found major discordances. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for pooling were 97.10% (95% confidence interval (CI), 94.11-98.82), 100%, 100% and 99.79% (95% CI, 99.56-99.90) respectively; accuracy was 99.80% (95% CI, 99.59-99.92), and the kappa concordant coefficient was 0.984. The dilution of samples in our pooling strategy resulted in a median loss of 2.87 (95% CI, 2.46-3.28) cycle threshold (Ct) for E gene, 3.36 (95% CI, 2.89-3.85) Ct for the RdRP gene and 2.99 (95% CI, 2.56-3.43) Ct for the N gene. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high efficiency of pooling strategies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA testing across different RNA extraction and amplification platforms, with excellent performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values.

Elaboración de una galleta a base de harinas de plátano pelipita (Musa abb) y de batata (Ipomea batatas) / Preparation of a biscuit based on banana (Musa abb) and sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) flours

RESUMEN Con la finalidad de diversificar el uso de las harinas de plátano pelipita (Musa ABB) y batata (Ipomoea batatas), se propuso evaluar la funcionalidad de una galleta sustituyendo la harina de trigo con 70% de harina de plátano pelipita y 30% harina de batata con el fin de obtener un producto con propiedades físicas y organolépticas agradables, además de mejorar la calidad nutricional, en cuanto a fibra dietaría y almidones resistentes. Las galletas elaboradas a base de harina de plátano pelipita y batata incrementaron significativamente, con respecto a la galleta patrón (GP), en los siguientes componentes químicos: ceniza (0,6 a 2,1%), proteínas (de 3,9 a 5,3%), fibra dietaría (4,1 a 5,3%) y azucares totales (24,1 a 22,1%). La galleta de harina de plátano y batata cumple con los requerimientos establecidos en la industria en cuanto a humedad (3,3%), aw (0,410) y color (L= 49,3 a= 4,79 y b= 19,3). Los resultados mostraron que la harina compuesta, contribuyó a un ligero incremento en las fracciones de fibra, proteínas, ceniza, fósforo, calcio y hierro en las galletas. En conclusión, el uso de la harina de batata y plátano en una relación de 30% - 70% respectivamente, resultó un ingrediente adecuado en la elaboración de galletas con alta preferencia sensorial, constituyendo una alternativa como fuente de fibra dietética.

ABSTRACT In order to diversify the use of Pelipita banana (Musa ABB) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) flours, we proposed evaluating the functionality of a cookie replacing wheat flour with 70% Pelipita banana flour and 30% sweet potato flour in order to obtain a product with pleasant organoleptic and physical properties and improved nutritional quality, in terms of dietary fiber and resistant starch. Cookies prepared from Pelipita banana and sweet potato flours increased significantly with respect to the following chemical components: ash (from 0.6 to 2.1%), protein (3.9 to 5.3%), dietary fiber (4.1 to 5.3%) and total sugars (24.1 to 22.1%). Cookies made with banana and sweet potato flour met the requirements established in the industry in terms of moisture (3.3%), aw (0.410) and color (L= 49.3 a= 4.79 and b= 19.3). The results showed that the composite flour, contributed to a slight increase in fractions of fiber, protein, ash, phosphorus, calcium and iron in cookies. In conclusion, the use of sweet potato and banana flours in a ratio of 30%-70% respectively, was a suitable ingredient in the production of biscuits with high sensory preference, constituting an alternative source of dietary fiber.

Clinical Outcomes of a Zika Virus Mother-Child Pair Cohort in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has been associated with congenital microcephaly and other neurodevelopmental abnormalities. There is little published research on the effect of maternal ZIKV infection in a non-endemic European region. We aimed to describe the outcomes of pregnant travelers diagnosed as ZIKV-infected in Spain, and their exposed children. METHODS: This prospective observational cohort study of nine referral hospitals enrolled pregnant women (PW) who travelled to endemic areas during their pregnancy or the two previous months, or those whose sexual partners visited endemic areas in the previous 6 months. Infants of ZIKV-infected mothers were followed for about two years. RESULTS: ZIKV infection was diagnosed in 163 PW; 112 (70%) were asymptomatic and 24 (14.7%) were confirmed cases. Among 143 infants, 14 (9.8%) had adverse outcomes during follow-up; three had a congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), and 11 other potential Zika-related outcomes. The overall incidence of CZS was 2.1% (95%CI: 0.4-6.0%), but among infants born to ZIKV-confirmed mothers, this increased to 15.8% (95%CI: 3.4-39.6%). CONCLUSIONS: A nearly 10% overall risk of neurologic and hearing adverse outcomes was found in ZIKV-exposed children born to a ZIKV-infected traveler PW. Longer-term follow-up of these children is needed to assess whether there are any later-onset manifestations.

«Preparo Mi Rotación Por», complemento virtual de la formación MIR en Pediatría / «I Prepare My Rotation By», a virtual complement of paediatric specialist training

La Asociación Española de Pediatría (AEP) tiene entre sus objetivos desarrollar actividades encaminadas a la formación de sus socios. Así, en 2013 puso en marcha su proyecto formativo más ambicioso, la plataforma de formación virtual «Continuum». Se presenta ahora una nueva sección dirigida a los médicos internos residentes (MIR) en Pediatría y a sus tutores: «Preparo Mi Rotación Por» (PMRP), que tiene como propósitos disminuir la variabilidad en la formación de los MIR, asistir a los tutores en su función docente, facilitar el aprendizaje colaborativo y basado en competencias, el entrenamiento reflexivo y la resolución de problemas propios del perfil profesional de cada especialidad pediátrica. PMRP se distribuye en tres secciones principales: «De dónde partimos» (con las subsecciones: cuestionario de autoevaluación y contrato de aprendizaje), «Situaciones a resolver» (donde se desglosan los escenarios clínicos que han sido escogidos en el contrato de aprendizaje) y «A dónde llegamos» (que vuelve a incluir las subsecciones del comienzo de la rotación, para comprobar si los objetivos previstos han sido alcanzados, y el informe de evaluación). Además, cuenta con otros recursos: conocimientos previos, porfolio y foro de debate. Cabe destacar cinco aspectos del modelo formativo propuesto en esta nueva sección: el escenario clínico como punto de partida; el aprendizaje basado en competencias (fundamentado en el Global Pediatric Educational Consortium); la evaluación como estímulo de formación; el poder del aprendizaje colaborativo, y la participación de las diferentes sociedades de especialidad de la AEP en el desarrollo de sus contenidos

The Spanish Paediatric Association (AEP) has, among its objectives, to develop activities aimed at the training of its members. Thus, in 2013, it began its most ambitious training project, the virtual platform, «Continuum». Now it presents a new section aimed at Internal Medicine Residents (MIR) in Paediatrics and their tutors: «I Prepare My Rotation By» (PMRP), which has as objectives to reduce the variation in MIR training, to help the tutors in their teaching function, to facilitate collaborative and skill-based learning, reflective training, and the resolving of the particular problems of the professional profile of each paediatric speciality. PMRP is split into three main sections: «From where do we start» (with the sub-sections: self-assessment questionnaire and learning agreement), «Situations to resolve» (where the clinical scenarios that have been selected in the learning agreement are broken down), and «To where have we got» (which includes again the sub-sections at the beginning of the rotation in order to check if the expected objectives have been reached, and the assessment report). It also has other resources: prior knowledge, portfolio, and discussion forum. Five features of the proposed training model should be highlighted: the clinical scenario as a starting point; skill-based learning (based on the Global Paediatric Educational Consortium); the assessment as a training stimulus; the power of collaborative learning, and the participation of the different specialist societies of the AEP in the development of its contents

[«I Prepare My Rotation By¼, a virtual complement of paediatric specialist training]. / «Preparo Mi Rotación Por¼, complemento virtual de la formación MIR en Pediatría.

The Spanish Paediatric Association (AEP) has, among its objectives, to develop activities aimed at the training of its members. Thus, in 2013, it began its most ambitious training project, the virtual platform, «Continuum¼. Now it presents a new section aimed at Internal Medicine Residents (MIR) in Paediatrics and their tutors: «I Prepare My Rotation By¼ (PMRP), which has as objectives to reduce the variation in MIR training, to help the tutors in their teaching function, to facilitate collaborative and skill-based learning, reflective training, and the resolving of the particular problems of the professional profile of each paediatric speciality. PMRP is split into three main sections: «From where do we start¼ (with the sub-sections: self-assessment questionnaire and learning agreement), «Situations to resolve¼ (where the clinical scenarios that have been selected in the learning agreement are broken down), and «To where have we got¼ (which includes again the sub-sections at the beginning of the rotation in order to check if the expected objectives have been reached, and the assessment report). It also has other resources: prior knowledge, portfolio, and discussion forum. Five features of the proposed training model should be highlighted: the clinical scenario as a starting point; skill-based learning (based on the Global Paediatric Educational Consortium); the assessment as a training stimulus; the power of collaborative learning, and the participation of the different specialist societies of the AEP in the development of its contents.