A machine learning tool for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection from hemogram parameters.

Monocytes and neutrophils play key roles in the cytokine storm triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection, which changes their conformation and function. These changes are detectable at the cellular and molecular level and may be different to what is observed in other respiratory infections. Here, we applied machine learning (ML) to develop and validate an algorithm to diagnose COVID-19 using blood parameters. In this retrospective single-center study, 49 hemogram parameters from 12,321 patients with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 and tested by RT-PCR (4239 positive and 8082 negative) were analysed. The dataset was randomly divided into training and validation sets. Blood cell parameters and patient age were used to construct the predictive model with the support vector machine (SVM) tool. The model constructed from the training set (5936 patients) achieved an accuracy for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection of 0.952 (95% CI: 0.875-0.892). Test sensitivity and specificity was 0.868 and 0.899, respectively, with a positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive value of 0.896 and 0.872, respectively (prevalence 0.50). The validation set model (4964 patients) achieved an accuracy of 0.894 (95% CI: 0.883-0.903). Test sensitivity and specificity was 0.8922 and 0.8951, respectively, with a positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive value of 0.817 and 0.94, respectively (prevalence 0.34). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.952 for the algorithm performance. This algorithm may allow to rule out COVID-19 diagnosis with 94% of probability. This represents a great advance for early diagnostic orientation and guiding clinical decisions.

Forest buffer-strips mitigate the negative impact of oil palm plantations on stream communities.

The global area cultivated with oil palm has doubled in the past two decades, causing deforestation, land-use change, freshwater pollution, and species loss in tropical ecosystems worldwide. Despite the palm-oil industry been linked to severe deterioration of freshwater ecosystems, most studies have focused on terrestrial environments, while freshwaters have been significantly less studied. We evaluated these impacts by contrasting freshwater macroinvertebrate communities and habitat conditions in 19 streams from primary forests (7), grazing lands (6), and oil palm plantations (6). In each stream, we measured environmental characteristics, e.g., habitat composition, canopy cover, substrate, water temperature, and water quality; and we identified and quantified the assemblage of macroinvertebrates. Streams in oil palm plantations lacking riparian forest strips showed warmer and more variable temperatures, higher turbidity, lower silica content, and poorer macroinvertebrate taxon richness than primary forests. Grazing lands showed higher conductivity and temperature, and lower dissolved oxygen and macroinvertebrate taxon richness than primary forests. In contrast, streams in oil palm plantations that conserved a riparian forest, showed a substrate composition, temperature, and canopy cover more similar to the ones in primary forests. These habitat improvements by riparian forests in the plantations increased macroinvertebrate taxon richness and maintained a community resembling more the one in primary forests. Therefore, the conversion of grazing lands (instead of primary forests) to oil palm plantations can increase freshwater taxon richness only if riparian native forests are safeguarded.

Unveiling the tartrazine binding mode with ds-DNA by UV-visible spectroscopy, electrochemical, and QM/MM methods.

Here, we studied the interaction between the food colorant tartrazine (TZ) and double stranded DNA (dsDNA), using spectroscopic, electrochemical, and computational methods such as QM/MM combined with TD-DFT. Despite the UV-vis spectroscopy is widely used to study the interaction between molecules, for the case of TZ there are discrepancies in the analyses presented in the literature available, presenting both hyperchromic and hypochromic effects and consequently different rationalizations for their results. Herein we propose the combination of UV-vis experiments with the design of high-level computational models capable of reproducing the experimental behavior to finally define the proper binding mode at the molecular scale together with the rationalization of the experimental optical response due to the complex formation. To complement the UV-vis experiments, we propose the use of electrochemical measurements, to support the results obtained through UV-vis spectroscopy, as it has been successfully used for the determination of interaction modes between small molecules and biomolecules in any condition. Our UV-vis spectroscopy experiments showed only a hypochromic effect of the absorption spectra of TZ after interaction with DNA, indicative of TZ being deeply buried in the DNA structure. The effect of ionic strength in the experimental procedures led to the dissociation of TZ, thus indicating that the interaction mode was groove binding. On the other hand, the electrochemical studies showed an irreversible reduction peak of TZ, which after the interaction with DNA exhibited a positive shift in potential that can be attributed to groove binding. The binding constant for TZ-DNA was calculated as 4.45x104M-1 (UV-vis) and 5.75x104M-1 (electrochemistry), in line with other groove binder azo dyes. Finally, through the QM/MM calculations we found that the minor-groove binding mode interacting in zones rich in adenine and thymine was the model best suited to reproduce the experimental UV-vis response.

Hallazgos clínicos asociados con una descarga hemodinámica del ventrículo izquierdo incompleta en pacientes con asistencia ventricular izquierda / Clinical findings associated with incomplete hemodynamic left ventricular unloading in patients with a left ventricular assist device

Introducción y objetivos Los efectos hemodinámicos del dispositivo de asistencia ventricular izquierda de flujo continuo (DAVI-fc) en la descarga hemodinámica del ventrículo izquierdo (DHVI) y los factores clínicos que interfieren en su optimización no están bien definidos. Métodos Se estudió de manera retrospectiva la prevalencia de altas presiones capilares enclavadas (hPCWP) del ventrículo izquierdo en 104 pacientes cuyos parámetros del DAVI-fc se optimizaron siguiendo las actuales recomendaciones clínicas. Asimismo se analizó el valor de diferentes variables clínicas, hemodinámicas y ecocardiográficas para predecir el grado de DHVI en pacientes ambulatorios portadores de un DAVI-fc. Resultados El 28% de los pacientes presentaron hPCWP. La edad, la presión venosa central y la ausencia de tratamiento con inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotesiona-aldosterona y péptido natriurético cerebral se asociaron con mayor riesgo de hPCWP. Los pacientes con DHVI óptima presentaron una disminución del diámetro indexado del ventrículo izquierdo del 15,2±14,7% en comparación con el 8,9±11,8% del grupo con hPCWP (p=0,041). El péptido natriurético cerebral <300 pg/ml predijo la ausencia de hPCWP con un valor predictivo negativo del 86% (p <0,0001). Conclusiones Una DHVI óptima es posible hasta en el 72% de los pacientes portadores de DAVI-fc cuando se siguen las actuales recomendaciones para la optimización de los parámetros del DAVI-fc. La edad, la presión venosa central y el tratamiento con inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotesiona-aldosterona tienen un efecto importante a la hora de lograr este objetivo. La concentración de péptido natriurético cerebral y la magnitud del remodelado inverso del ventrículo izquierdo son métodos no invasivos útiles para evaluar la DHVI (AU)

Introduction and objectives The effect of a centrifugal continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (cfLVAD) on hemodynamic left ventricular unloading (HLVU) and the clinical conditions that interfere with hemodynamic optimization are not well defined. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the likelihood of incomplete HLVU, defined as high pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (hPCWP)> 15mmHg in 104 ambulatory cfLVAD patients when the current standard recommendations for cfLVAD rotor speed setting were applied. We also evaluated the ability of clinical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables to predict hPCWP in ambulatory cfLVAD patients. Results Twenty-eight percent of the patients showed hPCWP. The variables associated with a higher risk of hPCWP were age, central venous pressure, absence of treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, and brain natriuretic peptide levels. Patients with optimal HLVU had a 15.2±14.7% decrease in postoperative indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter compared with 8.9±11.8% in the group with hPCWP (P=.041). Independent predictors of hPCWP included brain natriuretic peptide and age. Brain natriuretic peptide <300 pg/mL predicted freedom from hPCWP with a negative predictive value of 86% (P <.0001). Conclusions An optimal HLVU can be achieved in up to 72% of the ambulatory cfLVAD patients when the current standard recommendations for rotor speed setting are applied. Age, central venous pressure and therapy with renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system inhibitors had a substantial effect on achieving this goal. Brain natriuretic peptide levels and the magnitude of reverse left ventricular remodeling seem to be useful noninvasive tools to evaluate HLVU in patients with functioning cfLVAD (AU)

Infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST revascularizado. Tendencias temporales de los tratamientos contemporáneos y su impacto en los resultados / Revascularized ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Temporal trends in contemporary therapies and impact on outcomes

Introducción y objetivos Evaluar en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) sometidos a angioplastia primaria con qué ritmo se ha introducido en la práctica clínica (2010-2017) los tratamientos con stents farmacoactivos, ticagrelor, prasugrel y antiagregante plaquetario doble (TAPD) prolongado y su potencial impacto en el resultado a 2 años. Métodos Análisis retrospectivo de un registro prospectivo exhaustivo de 14.841 pacientes con IAMCEST sometidos a angioplastia primaria entre 2010 y 2017. Los eventos índice se obtuvieron del Registro de Código IAM de Cataluña y los eventos en el seguimiento, del conjunto mínimo de datos de altas hospitalarias. Se definió el TAPD a partir de la dispensación farmacéutica. Se evaluó el resultado a 24 meses. Las tendencias temporales de los factores de exposición y los resultados se analizaron mediante modelos de regresión. Resultados La edad> 65 años, la diabetes, la insuficiencia renal, la insuficiencia cardiaca previa y la necesidad de anticoagulación al alta fueron más frecuentes en periodos más tardíos (p <0,001). Entre 2010 y 2017 el implante de stents farmacoactivos aumentó del 31,1 al 69,8%; la prescripción de ticagrelor, del 0,1 al 28,6% y la de prasugrel, del 1,5 al 23,8%, y la media de meses consecutivos con TAPD, de 2 a 10 (p <0,001 en todos los casos). El análisis ajustado mostró una tendencia temporal a disminución del riesgo de la variable de resultado principal: el evento compuesto de muerte, infarto agudo de miocardio, ictus y nueva revascularización (reducción absoluta de la probabilidad, el 0,005% por trimestre; OR=0,995; IC95%, 0,99-0,999; p=0,028). Todos los componentes individuales excepto el ictus mostraron una reducción de la probabilidad, solo significativa para la aparición de nueva revascularización (AU)

Introduction and objectives To assess, in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous intervention, the pace of introduction in clinical practice (2010-2017) of drug-eluting stents (DES), ticagrelor, prasugrel, and prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration, and their potential impact on the risk of 2-year outcomes. Methods Prospective and exhaustive community-wide cohort of 14 841 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention between 2010 and 2017. Index episodes were obtained from the Catalan Codi IAM Registry, events during follow-up from the Minimum Data Set and DAPT were defined by pharmacy dispensation. Follow-up was 24 months. The temporal trend for exposures and outcomes was assessed using regression models. Results Age> 65 years, diabetes, renal failure, previous heart failure, and need for anticoagulation at discharge were more frequent in later periods (P <.001). From 2010 to 2017, the use of DES increased from 31.1% to 69.8%, ticagrelor from 0.1% to 28.6%, prasugrel from 1.5% to 23.8%, and the median consecutive months on DAPT from 2 to 10 (P <.001 for all). Adjusted analysis showed a temporal trend to a lower risk of the main outcome over time: the composite of death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke and repeat revascularization (absolute odds reduction 0.005% each quarter; OR, 0.995; 95%CI, 0.99-0.999; P=.028). The odds of all individual components except stroke were reduced, although significance was only reached for revascularization. Conclusions Despite a strong increase between 2010 and 2017 in the use and duration of DAPT and the use of ticagrelor, prasugrel and DES, there was no substantial reduction in major cardiovascular outcomes (AU)

A loss function to evaluate agricultural decision-making under uncertainty: a case study of soil spectroscopy.

Modern sensor technologies can provide detailed information about soil variation which allows for more precise application of fertiliser to minimise environmental harm imposed by agriculture. However, growers should lose neither income nor yield from associated uncertainties of predicted nutrient concentrations and thus one must acknowledge and account for uncertainties. A framework is presented that accounts for the uncertainty and determines the cost-benefit of data on available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the soil determined from sensors. For four fields, the uncertainty associated with variation in soil P and K predicted from sensors was determined. Using published fertiliser dose-yield response curves for a horticultural crop the effect of estimation errors from sensor data on expected financial losses was quantified. The expected losses from optimal precise application were compared with the losses expected from uniform fertiliser application (equivalent to little or no knowledge on soil variation). The asymmetry of the loss function meant that underestimation of P and K generally led to greater losses than the losses from overestimation. This study shows that substantial financial gains can be obtained from sensor-based precise application of P and K fertiliser, with savings of up to £121 ha-1 for P and up to £81 ha-1 for K, with concurrent environmental benefits due to a reduction of 4-17 kg ha-1 applied P fertiliser when compared with uniform application. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11119-022-09887-2.

Comparing the effect of different sample conditions and spectral libraries on the prediction accuracy of soil properties from near- and mid-infrared spectra at the field-scale.

The prediction accuracy of soil properties by proximal soil sensing has made their application more practical. However, in order to gain sufficient accuracy, samples are typically air-dried and milled before spectral measurements are made. Calibration of the spectra is usually achieved by making wet chemistry measurements on a subset of the field samples and local regression models fitted to aid subsequent prediction. Both sample handling and wet chemistry can be labour and resource intensive. This study aims to quantify the uncertainty associated with soil property estimates from different methods to reduce effort of field-scale calibrations of soil spectra. We consider two approaches to reduce these expenses for predictions made from visible-near-infrared ((V)NIR), mid-infrared (MIR) spectra and their combination. First, we considered reducing the level of processing of the samples by comparing the effect of different sample conditions (in-situ, unprocessed, air-dried and milled). Second, we explored the use of existing spectral libraries to inform calibrations (based on milled samples from the UK National Soil Inventory) with and without 'spiking' the spectral libraries with a small subset of samples from the study fields. Prediction accuracy of soil organic carbon, pH, clay, available P and K for each of these approaches was evaluated on samples from agricultural fields in the UK. Available P and K could only be moderately predicted with the field-scale dataset where samples were milled. Therefore this study found no evidence to suggest that there is scope to reduce costs associated with sample processing or field-scale calibration for available P and K. However, the results showed that there is potential to reduce time and cost implications of using (V)NIR and MIR spectra to predict soil organic carbon, clay and pH. Compared to field-scale calibrations from milled samples, we found that reduced sample processing lowered the ratio of performance to inter-quartile range (RPIQ) between 0% and 76%. The use of spectral libraries reduced the RPIQ of predictions relative to field-scale calibrations from milled samples between 54% and 82% and the RPIQ was reduced between 29% and 70% for predictions when spectral libraries were spiked. The increase in uncertainty was specific to the combination of soil property and sensor analysed. We conclude that there is always a trade-off between prediction accuracy and the costs associated with soil sampling, sample processing and wet chemical analysis. Therefore the relative merits of each approach will depend on the specific case in question.

Severe perinatal hemolytic disease due to anti-e.

Maternal antibody-mediated fetal red blood cell destruction secondary to non-D Rh system antibodies is a significant cause of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Here, we report a rare case of severe perinatal hemolytic disease associated with maternal antibody to the e antigen. In addition to severe anemia, the infant developed hyperbilirubinemia. Resolution of the infant's anemia and hyperbilirubinemia occurred after treatment with phototherapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, and transfusion.Maternal antibody-mediated fetal red blood cell destruction secondary to non-D Rh system antibodies is a significant cause of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Here, we report a rare case of severe perinatal hemolytic disease associated with maternal antibody to the e antigen. In addition to severe anemia, the infant developed hyperbilirubinemia. Resolution of the infant's anemia and hyperbilirubinemia occurred after treatment with phototherapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, and transfusion.

Abordaje clínico mínimamente invasivo de fluorosis dental en estadios de TF1 a TF5. Revisión sistemática / Minimally invasive clinical approach of dental fluorosis in stages of TF1 to TF5. Systematic review

Introducción: El manejo clínico de las lesiones dentales ocasionadas por fluorosis dental se realiza mediante diversas técnicas que resultan ser muy agresivas y con pobres resultados estéticos, por estas razones se plantea como objetivo determinar el tratamiento mínimamente invasivo y estético para fluorosis dental en los estadios de 1 a 5 según el índice de Thylstrup and Fejerskov, descritos en la literatura. Metodología: Revisión sistemática de 2.299 artículos, procedentes de cuatro bases de datos: PubMed, Embase, Science Direct y EBSCO; la búsqueda se realizó con ocho términos MeSH y tres conectores booleanos para una selección final de 22 artículos en inglés, español y portugués, publicados entre enero de 2009 y diciembre de 2018. Resultados: El tratamiento más efectivo para lesiones en estadios TF1 y TF2 fue aclaramiento dental con peróxido de carbamida a 15% o peróxido de hidrógeno a 35% durante tres sesiones de 15 minutos cada una, reforzado con peróxido de carbamida a 10%. Para estadios TF3 y TF4 fue microabrasión con ácido clorhídrico al 6% y carburo de silicio y/o con aclaramiento dental. Para lesioneTF5 fue la técnica combinada de macro y microabrasión con ácido fosfórico a 37% o ácido clorhídrico a 6%, 15% y 18%, aclaramiento y aplicación de resina infiltrante. Conclusión: Existen bases científicas que indican que el tratamiento de la Fluorosis es directamente proporcional al estadio de la lesión. (AU)

Introduction: The clinical management of dental lesions caused by dental fluorosis is carried out through various techniques that are very aggressive and with poor aesthetic results. For these reasons, the aim is to determine the minimally invasive and aesthetic treatment for dental fluorosis in stages of 1 to 5 according to the Thylstrup and Fejerskov index, described in the literature. Methodology: Systematic review of 2,299 articles, from four databases: PubMed, Embase, Science Direct and EBSCO; the search was carried out with eight MeSHterms and three Boolean connectors for a final selection of 22 articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese, published between January 2009 and December2018. Results: The most effective treatment for lesions in stages TF1 and TF2 was dental clearance with carbamide peroxide at 15% or hydrogen peroxide at 35% for three sessions of 15 minutes each, reinforced with 10% carbamide peroxide. For stages TF3 and TF4 it was microabrasion with 6% hydrochloric acid and silicon carbide and / or with dental clearance. For lesioneTF5 was the combined technique of macro and microabrasion with phosphoric acid at 37% or hydrochloric acid at 6%, 15% and 18%, clearance and application of infiltrating resin. Conclusion: There are scientific bases that indicate that the treatment of Fluorosis is directly proportional to the stage of the lesion. (AU)

Predicting the growth of lettuce from soil infrared reflectance spectra: the potential for crop management.

How well could one predict the growth of a leafy crop from reflectance spectra from the soil and how might a grower manage the crop in the light of those predictions? Topsoil from two fields was sampled and analysed for various nutrients, particle-size distribution and organic carbon concentration. Crop measurements (lettuce diameter) were derived from aerial-imagery. Reflectance spectra were obtained in the laboratory from the soil in the near- and mid-infrared ranges, and these were used to predict crop performance by partial least squares regression (PLSR). Individual soil properties were also predicted from the spectra by PLSR. These estimated soil properties were used to predict lettuce diameter with a linear model (LM) and a linear mixed model (LMM): considering differences between lettuce varieties and the spatial correlation between data points. The PLSR predictions of the soil properties and lettuce diameter were close to observed values. Prediction of lettuce diameter from the estimated soil properties with the LMs gave somewhat poorer results than PLSR that used the soil spectra as predictor variables. Predictions from LMMs were more precise than those from the PLSR using soil spectra. All model predictions improved when the effects of variety were considered. Predictions from the reflectance spectra, via the estimation of soil properties, can enable growers to decide what treatments to apply to grow lettuce and how to vary their treatments within their fields to maximize the net profit from the crop.

Responses of monogenean species to variations in abiotic parameters in tilapiculture.

Fish farming is becoming an increasingly popular agricultural activity, and water quality in these environments is a major concern. Fish parasites, such as monogeneans, respond to changes in abiotic conditions, either with an increase or decrease in population. This study aimed to identify gill monogeneans and analyse their relationships with abiotic factors during the ontogenetic development of Nile tilapia over the fish culture cycle in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Fish were sampled monthly for eight months, and a total of 200 fish were collected. The physical and chemical water parameters were measured and correlated with the abundance of each monogenean species. Over the fish culture cycle, the physical and chemical parameters fluctuated, and the water quality decreased. The parasites found included Cichlidogyrus tilapiae, Cichlidogyrus thurstonae, Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, Cichlidogyrus halli and Scutogyrus longicornis. The abundances of all species showed significant differences during ontogenetic development (body size) and C. tilapiae, C. sclerosus, C. thurstonae and S. longicornis were correlated with changes in abiotic conditions. However, C. halli was not significantly correlated with any of the evaluated physical or chemical parameters. Understanding how different monogenean species respond to changes in the physical and chemical parameters of water during a production cycle can prevent peaks in abundance and subsequent sanitary problems.

[Consent management and workflows for cross-sectoral patient records and teleconsultations]. / Consent Management und Workflows für intersektorale Patientenakten und Telekonsile.

Cross-enterprise electronic patient records are a key element in the design of interoperable medical care networks and process chains. However, the different requirements concerning type, performance and quality assurance of available communication services within the different healthcare sectors still require that the hospitals participate in various secure communication networks which have to be bridged for cross-sectoral communication. Cross-institutional pathways for telemedicine, however, can be mapped both within and across sectoral boundaries via automated process chains using the IHE (Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise) defined integration profile CrossEnterprise Document Sharing (XDS) and associated integration profiles. The provision of medical documents in a cross-institutional patient record outside of defined medical pathways requires differentiated authorization management. In this respect, consent documents according to the IHE APPC (Advanced Patient Privacy Consents) profile enable the documentation of the patient's consent, including information about planned authorized people, document types, period and type of document access allowed. Providing access control to medical documentation by the patients themselves is an essential part of the required focusing of medical services on patients. New interoperability standards optimized for use on mobile devices, such as FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), will enable simplified delivery of patient-centered health records and other medical services on mobile platforms in the future.

[Cross-enterprise interoperability : Challenges and principles for technical implementation]. / Einrichtungsübergreifende Interoperabilität : Herausforderungen und Grundlagen für die technische Umsetzung.

Demographic change, the migration of medical professionals and economic constraints are leading to an increasing specialisation and concentration of resources in the healthcare sector. The digital mapping of cross-enterprise process chains between different medical care levels in turn requires digital networking and syntactical and semantical interoperability in information exchange. Cross-enterprise electronic patient records based on the Cross-Enterprise Document Sharing (XDS.b) integration profile defined by the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) initiative are the basis of the digital exchange of medical information between patients and service providers. Syntactical interoperability is ensured by the object definitions in the XDS Affinity domain and the Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) document format. Semantical interoperability is achieved by the use of standardized terminology and code systems. Terminology servers make it easy to deploy standard ontologies and translate proprietary code systems. New interoperability standards, e.g. based on Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), are being developed to facilitate the exchange of structured medical information objects on mobile platforms in the future.

Modelo de trabajo multidisciplinar con resultados en salud en el síndrome constitucional del paciente anciano polimedicado / Multidisciplinary work model with results in health in the constitutional syndrome of the polymedicated elderly patient

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido mejorar los resultados en salud y reducir la complejidad terapéutica en el paciente anciano polimedicado mediante un trabajo multidisciplinar. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Varón de 75 años con una pérdida de peso de 20 kilos en los últimos nueve meses al cual se le diagnostica de síndrome constitucional relacionado con la polimedicación. Se hace interconsulta al Servicio de Farmacia para un posible ajuste del tratamiento farmacológico. RESULTADOS: Nuevo plan terapéutico mediante estrategias de deprescripción y de simplificación propuesto por el farmacéutico, revisado y aceptado por el médico especialista, con una reducción del MRCI-E en 13,5 puntos y de la carga anticolinérgica. Como consecuencia: aumento del apetito y estabilización del peso. No ingresos hospitalarios ni visitas al Servicio de Urgencias. CONCLUSIONES: El abordaje multidisciplinar ha conseguido una reducción del número de medicamentos prescritos, así como de la complejidad terapéutica. Por lo tanto, ante un paciente frágil polimedicado se debería plantear una revisión de la medicación valorando estrategias de deprescripción para aumentar la adherencia al tratamiento y mejorar resultados en salud

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work has been to improve health outcomes and reduce medication regimen complexity in the elderly polymedicated patient through interdisciplinary health team. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 75-year-old male with a weight loss of 20 kilos in the last nine months who is diagnosed with constitutional syndrome related to polymedication. The pharmacy service is consulted for a possible adjustment of the pharmacological treatment. RESULTS: New therapeutic plan through deprescription and simplification strategies proposed by the pharmacist, reviewed and accepted by the medical specialist, with a reduction of MRCI-E by 13.5 points and the anticholinergic burden. Consequently: increased appetite and weight stabilization. No hospital admissions or visits to the emergency department. CONCLUSIONS: The multidisciplinary approach has achieved a reduction in the number of prescription medications, as well as the complexity of the medication regimen. Therefore, with a polymedicated fragile patient, a medication review should be considered to evaluate deprescription strategies to increase adherence to treatment and improve health outcomes

Thermoluminescence emission on lead oxychloroborate glasses under UV exposure.

Glassy materials were prepared using two different systems: 50B2 O3 - (50 - x)PbO - xPbCl2, with x = 0, 2 and 5 in mol % (System BPCl-I) and 50BO1.5 - (50 - x)PbO - xPbCl2 with x = 0, 2, 5 and 7 in cationic % (System BPCl-II). Structural and optical characterization showed that PbCl when substituted for PbO changed the structure of the glass network by replacing nonbridging oxygens for chlorine ions. This substitution also caused a change in the number of defects responsible for thermoluminescence (TL) emission (electrons and hole trap centres). Thermoluminescence emissions were observed for the first time in lead oxychloroborate glasses after exposure to UV radiation. Sample BPCl-I-2 (x = 2 from System I) demonstrated better TL emission compared with other glass samples. One intense peak in the glow curve, centred at ~122°C followed by a shoulder at ~180°C, was highly sensitive to UV radiation. There were also good linear responses at dose range ~0.4 to ~2 J/cm2 for the first peak (low temperature) and ~0.4 to ~4 J/cm2 for the second peak (high temperature).

Predictors of short- and long-term recurrence of suicidal behavior in borderline personality disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of suicidal outcomes and risk factors for short- and long-term recurrence of suicidal behavior (SB) among high-risk borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients during a 24-month prospective follow-up period. METHODS: A multicenter prospective cohort study was designed to compare data obtained from 136 patients admitted to the emergency department for current suicidal ideation (SI) or a recent suicide attempt (SA). Subjects were clinically evaluated and monitored for a new SA or suicide. RESULTS: The incidence of a new SA was 25.63 events/100 persons-year, and one patient died by suicide. Child sexual abuse (CSA) was the only significant predictor throughout the complete follow-up period. The absence of prior psychiatric treatment predicts the recurrence of SB in the first 6 months of follow-up. Patient age, poor psychosocial functioning before hospitalization, age at first SA, and having multiple suicide attempts increased risk of SB recurrence at the long-term period (24th months). In addition, there was an interaction between CSA and poor psychosocial functioning that increased risk of SB. CONCLUSION: The risk of recurrence was higher during the first 6 months. Risk factors at 6 and 24 months vary. These findings are important for implementing suicide strategies.

Identification of bacterial and fungal species in human cadavers used in anatomy teaching / Identificación de especies bacterianas y fúngicas en cadáveres humanos utilizados en la enseñanza de la anatomía

Within the framework of undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, cadavers have been used to teach anatomy by dissection or by using prosected specimens. To accomplish this, an appropriated preservation process must guarantee that the cadaver is kept safe for harm, destruction, and decomposition. Embalming fluid contains fixatives, disinfectants, surfactants, buffers, salt, and water, making the cadaver safe for teaching anatomy. However, it remains unclear if there is any risk of dissemination of microorganisms during anatomy teaching, research, and dissection procedures on fixed cadavers. The purpose of this study is to identify bacterial and fungal species in fixed cadaveric material used in anatomy teaching. Samples of cadavers and anatomical sections were cultured and biochemical tests and molecular identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to identify the microorganisms. The results indicate that fixed cadaveric material has viable bacteria on its surfaces and almost all these correspond to gram-negative bacilli of the Enterobacteriaceae family. In conclusion, fixed cadavers could be a reservoir of bacteria. This study underscores the importance of generating safe manipulation protocols to avoid eventual contamination and disease.

Dentro del curriculum de los programas de postgrado y pregrado de las carreras de la salud, los cadáveres han sido utilizados para la enseñanza de la anatomía mediante la disección o utilizando preparados anatómicos. Para poder llevar a cabo esto, el cadáver debe pasar por un adecuado proceso de preservación; en el que se utilizan fluidos que contienen fijadores, desinfectantes, surfactantes, buffers, sal y agua, los cuales lo protegen del deterioro y la descomposición. Las soluciones fijadoras y conservadoras contienen desinfectantes, surfactantes, fijadores, buffers, sal y agua, que hacen que el cadáver sea seguro para la enseñanza de la anatomía. Sin embargo, no está claro si existe algún riesgo de diseminación de microorganismos durante la enseñanza, investigación y/o disección en estos cadáveres. El propósito del estudio es identificar especies bacterianas y/o fúngicas en material cadavérico previamente fijado, usado en la enseñanza de la anatomía. Se realizaron cultivos y técnicas de identificación molecular mediante reacción en cadena de polimerasa de muestras tomadas desde material cadavérico para identificar los microorganismos encontrados. Los resultados indican que el material cadavérico previamente fijado posee bacterias en sus superficies, la mayoría corresponde a bacilos gram negativos de la familia de las Enterobacteriaceae. En conclusión, los cadáveres previamente fijados pueden ser reservorio de bacterias. Este estudio destaca la importancia de generar protocolos de manipulación con el fin de evitar una posible contaminación y enfermedad.

Réplica de los autores: Aclaraciones sobre el artículo "Recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para el manejo del dolor neuropático (revisión de la literatura)" / Author's reply: Explanations on the article "Recommendations based on evidence for the management of neuropathic pain (review of the literature)"

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[Heart failure: ventricular assist devices and cardiac transplantation : A review of current surgical innovations]. / Kardiales Pumpversagen: Herzunterstützungssysteme und Herztransplantation : Eine Übersicht aktueller chirurgischer Innovationen.

BACKGROUND: End-stage heart failure is one of the leading causes of death in Germany. Cardiac transplantation is still considered the gold standard for the treatment of terminal heart failure; however, there is a discrepancy between patients on the waiting list and yearly performed transplantations. As an alternative, ventricular assist devices have achieved a high level of importance but treatment is still associated with challenges. Novel systems as well as innovative surgical techniques contribute to improving the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. OBJECTIVE: To generate an overview of current surgical innovations in cardiac transplantation and mechanical circulatory support. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Medline search was conducted regarding innovations in cardiac transplantation and mechanical circulatory support. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Not only the number of yearly performed cardiac transplantations has changed but also recipient profiles. While in the pioneering era of transplantation the typical candidate was young, not previously operated on and with lower levels of comorbidities, today's patients are significantly older, have been fitted with ventricular assist devices and have increased operative risk profiles. Modern methods of organ preservation enable longer transportation and operation times as well as an improved assessment of graft function and perspectives for graft optimization in the future. In the area of ventricular assist devices, advances in the reduction of the stroke rate seem to have been achieved by the latest generation devices. From a surgical perspective, less invasive surgical techniques with promising initial results have been established at numerous centers.

Aneurisma de la vena de Galeno: diagnóstico prenatal y manejo / Vein of Galen aneurysm: prenatal diagnosis and management

RESUMEN Las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales son infrecuentes, dentro de ellas, el aneurisma de la vena de Galeno (AVG) tiene una incidencia de 1 en 25.000 recién nacidos. El ultrasonido obstétrico de rutina ha permitido el diagnóstico prenatal de dicha alteración, permitiendo establecer el pronóstico del recién nacido. En la exploración mediante ultrasonido del cerebro fetal, la presencia de una imagen quística supratentorial con flujo turbulento al Doppler color permite establecer el diagnóstico. La asociación con signos de insuficiencia cardiaca ha mostrado altas tasas de mortalidad neonatal. Se presenta el caso de un feto al que se realiza el diagnóstico prenatal mediante ultrasonido y su confirmación por neuroimagenes al nacimiento.

ABSTRACT Cerebral vascular abnormalities are rare. The vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) has an incidence of 1 in 25,000 newborns. The routine obstetric ultrasound has allowed the prenatal diagnosis and establish the prognosis of the newborn. In the ultrasound examination of the fetal brain, the presence of a supratentorial cystic image with turbulent flow to the color Doppler makes the diagnosis. The association with signs of heart failure have shown high neonatal mortality. We present a case of a fetus with prenatal diagnosis of VGAM by 2D ultrasound and confirmation by neuroimaging at birth.