El Cuestionario de Indicadores de Riesgo de los Trastornos de Espectro Autista durante el Primer Año de Vida (CIRTEA) para la detección precoz / The Risk Indicators Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Disorders during the First Year of Life (CIRTEA) for early detection

El Cuestionario de Indicadores de Riesgo de los Trastornos de Espectro Autista durante el Primer Año de Vida (CIRTEA) es un instrumento descreening diseñado como una escala de desarrollo prospectiva que usa como referencia los parámetros de desarrollo típicos del menor sin alteraciones para identificar aspectos evolutivos que pudieran están relacionados con el TEA a la edad de 12 meses. El cuestionario fue puesto a pruebaen 955 bebés de 0 a 12 meses (529 niños y 426 niñas) de la provincia de Málaga. La fiabilidad test-retest y la validez externa del cuestionario fueexplorada en una muestra clínica formada por 64 bebés (41 niños, 23 niñas). La versión final está formada por 23 ítems dicotómicos organizadospor trimestres y por áreas de desarrollo referentes a lo sensorial, social y de la comunicación. Se presentan análisis descriptivos de los ítems, asícomo evidencias de su validez de contenido a través de la validación interjueces por medio del Coeficiente V de Aiken e Intervalo de Confianza y lavalidez externa a través de la correlación con el MCHAT/ES a los 12 meses (-.88) y a los 15 meses (-.89). El instrumento es sensible para captar laausencia de conductas normotípicas y de ponerlas en relación con las conductas compatibles con el Trastorno del Espectro del Autismo, mostrando un alto poder predictivo discriminando a los bebés con desarrollo típico y los casos con sospecha de TEA a una temprana edad de 12 meses. (AU)

The Risk Indicators Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Disorders during the First Year of Life (CIRTEA) for early detection. CIRTEA is a screeninginstrument designed as a developmental scale that uses the typical developmental parameters of the child without alterations as a reference to identify aspects of development that may be related to ASD. The questionnaire was tested in 955 babies from 0 to 12 months (529 boys and 426 girls)in the province of Malaga. The test-retest reliability and external validity of the questionnaire was explored in a clinical sample consisting of 64 infants(41 boys, 23 girls). The definitive version is made up of 23 dichotomous items organized by quarters and by development areas, referring to theperceptual, social and language aspects. Descriptive analyses of the items are presented, as well as evidence of their content validity through interjudgment validation by means of the Aiken V Coefficient and Confidence Interval and the external validity through the correlation with the MCHAT/ES at 12 months (-.88) and at 15 months (-.89). The instrument is sensitive in capturing the absence of normotypic behaviors and relating them tobehaviors compatible with autism spectrum disorder, showing high predictive power for discriminating babies with typical development and caseswith suspected ASD at an early age of 12 months. (AU)

Consumo moderado de alcohol y prevención de la depresión. Una revisión crítica / Moderate alcohol consumption and depression prevention. A critical review

Introducción. Hay un claro consenso en torno a que los trastornos por uso de alcohol se asocian con una mayor incidencia y peor pronóstico de depresión, además de otros problemas médicos. Sin embargo, se está planteando que el consumo de alcohol moderado previene y mejora la evolución de algunas enfermedades crónicas, especialmente cardiovasculares. No obstante, otros investigadores sugieren que no hay un consumo seguro de alcohol debido a sus efectos globales sobre la salud (aumento del riesgo de cáncer, por ejemplo). En relación a la depresión, también hay evidencia dispar sobre el posible efecto antidepresivo del consumo moderado de alcohol. Esta revisión crítica intenta resumir dicha evidencia, así como analizar la posible influencia relativa de factores involucrados. Metodología. Se realizó una búsqueda a través de PubMedncon las siguientes palabras claves y operadores booleanos: (“light alcohol” OR “light drinking” OR “moderate alcohol” OR “moderate drinking” OR “low risk drinking” OR “low risk alcohol”) AND (depress*) NOT (dependence OR abuse). Resultados. La mayoría de los 24 estudios seleccionados fueron longitudinales. El consumo moderado de alcohol se asocia a menor sintomatología depresiva en la mayoría de los estudios. Sin embargo, estos estudios no descartan que esta asociación pueda explicarse alternativamente por importantes factores de confusión no causales (estado de salud, comportamiento prosocial, otros factores de estilo de vida relacionados, etc.). Conclusiones. No hay evidencia científica clara y consistente actual que respalde el consumo moderado de alcohol per se como factor protector frente a la depresión.(AU)

Background. There is a clear consensus that alcohol use disorders are associated with poorer outcomes concerning depression, and that drinking alcohol shouldn`t be recommended because of the risk of dependence. Until recently, literature focused almost exclusively on patients with alcohol use disorders and excludes patients with moderate alcohol use (MAU). It’s has been shown that MAU can prevent or improve the evolution of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, but several researchers have suggested that there is no safe level of alcohol drinking due to other effects on health. Nevertheless, there is some evidence regarding the antidepressant effect of moderate alcohol consumption. This critical review aims to sum up the direction and tendency of current research on the effect of MAU on depression and relate the causal or confounders factors that might explain the results. Methods. A research was carried out through PubMed with the following keywords and Boolean operators: (“light alcohol” OR “light drinking” OR “moderate alcohol” OR “moderate drinking” OR “low risk drinking” OR “low risk alcohol”) AND (depress*) NOT (dependence OR abuse). Results. Most of the 23 studies selected aim to investigate longitudinal effects. MAU prevents depressive symptoms in most studies, but it is still unclear to what extent this can be alternatively explained by neurochemical factors or other confounding factors (health status, sociability, other related lifestyle factors, etc.). Conclusion. There is currently no clear and consistent scientific evidence to support moderate alcohol consumption per se as a protective factor against depression.(AU)

[The criterion mode of evaluating functioning of stomatologic polyclinic].

To improve quality and efficiency of primary health care and to strengthen its preventive directivity is possible through health care modernization including implementation of management technologies, development of database for evaluation and control. The purpose of the study is to develop method of evaluating activity of stomatologic clinic. The methodology was based on concepts of "functional systems" and "decision making". The listing of informative criteria was based on data analysis of functioning of stomatologic service of the Chechen Republic in 2002-2016 and results of sociological survey of stomatologists (n=181), health care administrators in stomatology (n=45), paramedics (n=220) and patients (n=359). The experts (n=13) developed required number of criteria and their gradation. The algorithm of evaluating activity of stomatologic clinic was developed using systematic approach. The listing of 52 criteria and their 10 blocks were established. The experts established coefficients of significance of criteria (0.0084-0.0781; ≥0.0224 - more significant, <0.0224 - less significant). Three levels were determined for each criterion (according principle of minimization) that became a basis for calculation of integrated indicator of efficiency of functioning of stomatologic polyclinic. The expanded methodological approaches ensure comparartivity of estimates of stomatologic polyclinic in various time periods. The health care authorities have opportunity to objectify analysis of functioning of a number of polyclinics in different periods.

Diseño y validación de un cuestionario para medir prácticas preventivas de hantavirus en una comunidad endémica / Design and validation of a questionnaire to measure hantavirus preventive practices in an endemic community

RESUMEN Objetivo. Diseñar y analizar las evidencias de validez de contenido, estructura interna y fiabilidad de un cuestionario de prácticas preventivas de hantavirus en una comunidad endémica en el contexto panameño. Materiales y métodos. Estudio cuantitativo de diseño instrumental. Esta investigación se desarrolló en cuatro etapas: revisión de literatura, validez de contenido a través de juicio de expertos con el método de agregados individuales y el cálculo de la V de Aiken; prueba piloto y validación psicométrica, a través del análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y análisis de fiabilidad de las puntuaciones del instrumento con el alfa ordinal. Resultados. Se evidenció validez de contenido y se reportó valores de V de Aiken superiores a 0,70 en el límite inferior del intervalo de confianza al 95%. En la estructura interna se identificó que los 8 ítems subyacen a un solo factor que explica el 60,70% de la varianza total de la prueba y con cargas factoriales superiores a 0,40; en el análisis de fiabilidad se obtuvo un valor de alfa ordinal de 0,84, valor considerado como bueno. Conclusiones. El cuestionario de práctica preventivas de hantavirus es un instrumento breve que muestra propiedades psicométricas aceptables para medir las actividades o conductas que realizan las personas para prevenir el hantavirus.

ABSTRACT Objective. To design and analyze the evidence of content validity, internal structure, and reliability of a questionnaire of preventive practices for hantavirus in an endemic community in the Panamanian context. Material and methods. Quantitative study of instrumental design. This research was conducted in four phases: Literature review, content validity through expert judgment with the individual aggregate method and the calculation of the V Aiken, pilot test and psychometric validation, through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability analysis of instrument scores with ordinal alpha. Results. Content validity was evidenced and V Aiken values higher than 0.70 were reported in the lower limit of 95% CI. In the internal structure we identified that the 8 items underlie a single factor that explains 60.70% of the total variance of the test and with factor loadings greater than 0.40; during the reliability analysis, we obtained an ordinal alpha value of 0.84, which is considered good. Conclusions. The Hantavirus preventive practical questionnaire is a brief instrument that shows acceptable psychometric properties to measure the activities or behaviors that people carry out to prevent hantavirus.

Removing the societal and legal impediments to the HIV response: An evidence-based framework for 2025 and beyond.

Societal and legal impediments inhibit quality HIV prevention, care, treatment and support services and need to be removed. The political declaration adopted by UN member countries at the high-level meeting on HIV and AIDS in June 2021, included new societal enabler global targets for achievement by 2025 that will address this gap. Our paper describes how and why UNAIDS arrived at the societal enabler targets adopted. We conducted a scoping review and led a participatory process between January 2019 and June 2020 to develop an evidence-based framework for action, propose global societal enabler targets, and identify indicators for monitoring progress. A re-envisioned framework called the '3 S's of the HIV response: Society, Systems and Services' was defined. In the framework, societal enablers enhance the effectiveness of HIV programmes by removing impediments to service availability, access and uptake at the societal level, while service and system enablers improve efficiencies in and expand the reach of HIV services and systems. Investments in societal enabling approaches that remove legal barriers, shift harmful social and gender norms, reduce inequalities and improve institutional and community structures are needed to progressively realize four overarching societal enablers, the first three of which fall within the purview of the HIV sector: (i) societies with supportive legal environments and access to justice, (ii) gender equal societies, (iii) societies free from stigma and discrimination, and (iv) co-action across development sectors to reduce exclusion and poverty. Three top-line and 15 detailed targets were recommended for monitoring progress towards their achievement. The clear articulation of societal enablers in the re-envisioned framework should have a substantial impact on improving the effectiveness of core HIV programmes if implemented. Together with the new global targets, the framework will also galvanize advocacy to scale up societal enabling approaches with proven impact on HIV outcomes.

Application of P4 (Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, Participatory) Approach to Occupational Medicine.

In recent years there has been a growth in the role of prevention in controlling the disease burden. Increasing efforts have been conveyed in the screening implementation and public health policies, and the spreading knowledge on risk factors reflects on major attention to health checks. Despite this, lifestyle changes are difficult to be adopted and the adherence to current public health services like screening and vaccinations remains suboptimal. Additionally, the prevalence and outcome of different chronic diseases and cancers is burdened by social disparities. P4 [predictive, preventive, personalized, participatory] medicine is the conceptualization of a new health care model, based on multidimensional data and machine-learning algorithms in order to develop public health intervention and monitoring the health status of the population with focus on wellbeing and healthy ageing. Each of the characteristics of P4 medicine is relevant to occupational medicine, and indeed the P4 approach appears to be particularly relevant to this discipline. In this review, we discuss the potential applications of P4 to occupational medicine, showing examples of its introduction on workplaces and hypothesizing its further implementation at the occupational level.

Machine learning for emerging infectious disease field responses.

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), including the latest COVID-19 pandemic, have emerged and raised global public health crises in recent decades. Without existing protective immunity, an EID may spread rapidly and cause mass casualties in a very short time. Therefore, it is imperative to identify cases with risk of disease progression for the optimized allocation of medical resources in case medical facilities are overwhelmed with a flood of patients. This study has aimed to cope with this challenge from the aspect of preventive medicine by exploiting machine learning technologies. The study has been based on 83,227 hospital admissions with influenza-like illness and we analysed the risk effects of 19 comorbidities along with age and gender for severe illness or mortality risk. The experimental results revealed that the decision rules derived from the machine learning based prediction models can provide valuable guidelines for the healthcare policy makers to develop an effective vaccination strategy. Furthermore, in case the healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by patients with EID, which frequently occurred in the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the frontline physicians can incorporate the proposed prediction models to triage patients suffering minor symptoms without laboratory tests, which may become scarce during an EID disaster. In conclusion, our study has demonstrated an effective approach to exploit machine learning technologies to cope with the challenges faced during the outbreak of an EID.

Psychological impact and implementation of preventative measures in hemodialysis centers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a provincial questionnaire survey in China.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the psychological status of patients and staff, and the implementation of preventative measures in hemodialysis centers in Guangdong province, China, during the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire survey was carried out anonymously between March 28 and April 3, 2020. All of the 516 hemodialysis centers registered in Guangdong province were invited to participate in the survey. The questionnaires were designed to investigate the psychological status of hemodialysis patients and general staff members (doctors, nurses, technicians, and other staff), and to address the implementation of preventative measures for administrators (directors or head nurses) of the hemodialysis centers. RESULTS: A total of 1782 patients, 3400 staff, and 420 administrators voluntarily participated in this survey. Patients living in rural areas reported a higher incidence of severe anxiety compared to those living in other areas (in rural areas, towns, and cities, the incidence rate was 17.0%, 9.0%, and 8.9%, respectively, P < 0.001). Medical staff were less likely to worry about being infected than non-medical staff (13.1% vs 30.3%, respectively, P < 0.001). With respect to the implementation of preventative measures, hemodialysis centers in general hospitals outperformed stand-alone blood purification centers, while tertiary hospitals outperformed hospitals of other levels. However, restrictions regarding the admission of non-resident patients were lower in tertiary hospitals than in other hospitals. In this situation, only one patient imported from Hubei province was diagnosed with COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 did not significantly affect the psychological status of most patients and medical staff members. Due to the implementation of comprehensive preventative measures, there were no cluster outbreaks of COVID-19 in hemodialysis centers. This provincial-level survey may provide referential guidance for other countries and regions that are experiencing a similar pandemic.