Executive functioning skills and (low) math achievement in primary and secondary school.

Schoolchildren with better executive functioning skills achieve better mathematics results. It is less clear how inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory combine to predict mathematics achievement and difficulty throughout primary and secondary school. This study aimed to find the best combination of executive function measures for predicting mathematical achievement in Grades 2, 6, and 10 and to test whether this combination predicts the probability of having mathematical difficulties across school grades even when fluid intelligence and processing speed were included in the models. A total of 426 students-141 2nd graders (72 girls), 143 6th graders (72 girls), and 142 10th graders (79 girls)-were cross-sectionally assessed with 12 executive tasks, one standardized mathematical task, and a standardized test of intelligence. Bayesian regression analyses found various combinations of executive predictors of mathematical achievement for each school grade spanning Grade 2 to measures of cognitive inhibition (negative priming) and cognitive flexibility (verbal fluency); Grade 6 to measures of inhibition: resistance to distractor interference (receptive attention), cognitive flexibility (local-global), and working memory (counting span); and Grade 10 to measures of inhibition: resistance to distractor interference (receptive attention) and prepotent response inhibition (stop signal) and working memory (reading span). Logistic regression showed that the executive models derived from the Bayesian analyses had a similar ability to classify students with mathematical difficulty and their peers with typical achievement to broader cognitive models that included fluid intelligence and processing speed. Measures of processing speed, cognitive flexibility (local-global), and prepotent response inhibition (stop signal) were the main risk factors in Grades 2, 6, and 10, respectively. Cognitive flexibility (verbal fluency) in Grade 2 and fluid intelligence, which was more stable in all three grades, acted as protective factors against mathematical difficulty. These findings inform practical considerations for establishing preventive and intervention proposals.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in plasma, stool, and urine in patients with persistent symptoms after COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of knowledge on the long-term outcome in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. We describe a cohort of patients with a constellation of symptoms occurring four weeks after diagnosis causing different degrees of reduced functional capacity. Although different hypothesis have been proposed to explain this condition like persistent immune activation or immunological dysfunction, to date, no physiopathological mechanism has been identified. Consequently, there are no therapeutic options besides symptomatic treatment and rehabilitation. METHODS: We evaluated patients with symptoms that persisted for at least 4 weeks after COVID-19. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected. Blood tests, including inflammatory markers, were conducted, and imaging studies made if deemed necessary. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in plasma, stool, and urine were performed. Patients were offered antiviral treatment (compassionate use). RESULTS: We evaluated 29 patients who reported fatigue, muscle pain, dyspnea, inappropriate tachycardia, and low-grade fever. Median number of days from COVID-19 to positive RT-PCR in extra-respiratory samples was 55 (39-67). Previous COVID-19 was mild in 55% of the cases. Thirteen patients (45%) had positive plasma RT-PCR results and 51% were positive in at least one RT-PCR sample (plasma, urine, or stool). Functional status was severely reduced in 48% of the subjects. Eighteen patients (62%) received antiviral treatment. Improvement was seen in most patients (p = 0.000) and patients in the treatment group achieved better outcomes with significant differences (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of COVID-19 patients with persistent symptoms, 45% of them have detectable plasma SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Our results indicate possible systemic viral persistence in these patients, who may benefit of antiviral treatment strategies.

Clinical and microbiological effects of the use of a cetylpyridinium chloride dentifrice and mouth rinse in orthodontic patients: a 3-month randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To assess the clinical, microbiological, and patient-based effects of using a cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) toothpaste and mouth rinse in orthodontic patients. Design: Parallel randomized controlled, triple-blinded trial (participants, examiners, outcomes' assessors). A computer-generated list was used to allocate treatments. Central allocation was used for concealment. Participants: Thirty-one placebo (10 males, 21 females; mean age 15.2 ± 2.1) and 32 test patients (15 males, 17 females; mean age 15.0 ± 1.8) with fixed orthodontic appliance were included in the study. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to both brush and rinse with placebo or with CPC-based products. Products were purposely prepared in white opaque bottles. After screening and professional prophylaxis, patients received a baseline examination, and started to use the assigned products. Patients were monthly assessed during a 3-month period. Main outcome measures: Plaque (PlI) and gingival (GI) indexes. Secondary outcome variables: Calculus index, tooth staining, subgingival microbiological samples, patient-based variables (questionnaire, compliance, and remaining mouth rinse), side-effects (debonded braces or mucosal injuries). Results: Sixty-three patients were randomized, 13 patients were excluded from analysis because of early dropout, leaving 50 patients for intention to treat analysis. PlI in the upper jaw diminished (0.18; SD = 0.82) after 1 month in the test group, while it increased (0.26; SD = 0.62) in the placebo group (P = 0.024). Statistically significant higher GI values were observed in the placebo group at 1 month (mean increase = 0.05; SD = 0.33 versus mean decrease = 0.03; SD = 0.38) and 3 months (mean = 0.05; SD = 0.43 versus mean = 0.02; SD = 0.34). The taste of the test product was rated higher than the placebo at 2- and 3-month visits (P < 0.05). Non-significant changes were observed in microbiological parameters, overgrowth of opportunistic species or remaining secondary outcome variables, including side-effects. Conclusion: The use of CPC-based toothpaste and mouth rinse in orthodontic patients had limited effect in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Effects were little and highly variable. The use of the test products was not associated with relevant adverse effects. Trial registration: Trial registration: Local internal reference: P07/133.

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.

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.

Mathematical Difficulties vs. High Achievement: An Analysis of Arithmetical Cognition in Elementary School.

This study analyzed the contribution of cognitive processes (planning, attention, simultaneous and successive processing) and domain-specific skills (counting, number processing and conceptual comprehension) to the arithmetic performance achieved in the last three grades (4th, 5th, and 6th) of elementary school. Three groups of students with a different arithmetic achievement level were characterized. The predictive value of the cognitive processes and the math specific skills are explored through diverse covariance and discriminant analyses. Participants were 110 students (M = 10.5 years, SD = 1.17) classified in three groups: mathematical difficulties (MD; n = 26), high achieving (HA; n = 26), and typical achieving (TA; n = 58). Cognitive processes and domain-specific skills were evaluated in two individual sessions at the end of the school year. Nonverbal intelligence was assessed in a final collective session with each class. The mathematical difficulties group's achievement was deficient in simultaneous and successive processing, number processing, and conceptual comprehension compared to the typical achievement group. High achievement children obtained significantly better results than the typical achievement children in simultaneous processing, counting, number processing, and conceptual comprehension. Number processing and conceptual comprehension were the most consistent classifiers, although successive and simultaneous processing, respectively, also contributed to identifying students with mathematical difficulties and high achievement. These findings have practical implications for preventive and intervention proposals linked to the observed profiles.

Incidence of cardiovascular events and changes in the estimated risk and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia: the SAFEHEART registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The SAFEHEART study was designed to analyze the situation of familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (FHH) and improve knowledge of this disease in Spain. Our objective was to determine the incidence rate of cardiovascular events, the estimated risk of developing an event and its modification, the use of lipid-lowering treatment, and the achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets in patients with FHH. METHODS: SAFEHEART is a prospective, open, multicenter, nationwide cohort study, with long-term protocol-based follow-up in a population of individuals with molecularly-characterized FHH. We analyzed patients older than 18 years with complete follow-up. RESULTS: We included 2648 patients with FHH. The median follow-up was 6.6 (4.8-9.7) years. The overall incidence rate of cardiovascular events was 1.3 events/100 patient-years. After the follow-up, the 10-year estimated risk of developing a cardiovascular event was reduced from 1.6% to 1.3% (P <.001). In the last follow-up, 20.6% and 22.2% of the patients in primary and secondary prevention achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values <100mg/dL and <70mg/dL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study was performed in the largest population of patients with FHH in Spain. We identified the incidence rate of cardiovascular events, the estimated risk of developing a cardiovascular event and its modification, the achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets, and the therapeutic management in this population. Although the cardiovascular risk of FHH is high, appropriate treatment reduces the likelihood of an event. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT02693548.

Incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares y cambios en el riesgo estimado y en el tratamiento de la hipercolesterolemia familiar: registro SAFEHEART / Incidence of cardiovascular events and changes in the estimated risk and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia: the SAFEHEART registry

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El estudio SAFEHEART se diseñó para analizar la situación y mejorar el conocimiento de la hipercolesterolemia familiar heterocigota (HFH) en España. Nuestro objetivo es determinar la tasa de incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares, el riesgo estimado de sufrir un evento y su modificación, el empleo de tratamiento hipolipemiante y la consecución de objetivos de colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad en pacientes con HFH. MÉTODOS: El SAFEHEART es un estudio prospectivo de cohorte, abierto, multicéntrico, de escala nacional, con seguimiento protocolizado a largo plazo en una población de HFH caracterizada molecularmente. Se analizó a los pacientes mayores de 18 años con seguimiento completo. RESULTADOS: El análisis en este estudio se hizo con 2.648 pacientes con HFH. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 6,6 (4,8-9,7) años. La tasa de incidencia general de eventos cardiovasculares fue de 1,3 eventos/100 pacientes-año. El riesgo estimado de sufrir un evento cardiovascular a 10 años se redujo en el seguimiento, y pasó del 1,6 al 1,3% (p <0,001). En el último seguimiento, el 20,6 y el 22,2% de los pacientes en prevención primaria y secundaria consiguieron un colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad <100 y <70 mg/dl respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: En este estudio se muestra la tasa de incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares, el riesgo estimado de sufrir un evento cardiovascular en la mayor población de pacientes con HF en España, así como su modificación, la consecución de objetivos en colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad y su tratamiento. Aunque el riesgo cardiovascular de la HFH es elevado, un adecuado tratamiento reduce la probabilidad de sufrir un evento

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The SAFEHEART study was designed to analyze the situation of familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (FHH) and improve knowledge of this disease in Spain. Our objective was to determine the incidence rate of cardiovascular events, the estimated risk of developing an event and its modification, the use of lipid-lowering treatment, and the achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets in patients with FHH. METHODS: SAFEHEART is a prospective, open, multicenter, nationwide cohort study, with long-term protocol-based follow-up in a population of individuals with molecularly-characterized FHH. We analyzed patients older than 18 years with complete follow-up. RESULTS: We included 2648 patients with FHH. The median follow-up was 6.6 (4.8-9.7) years. The overall incidence rate of cardiovascular events was 1.3 events/100 patient-years. After the follow-up, the 10-year estimated risk of developing a cardiovascular event was reduced from 1.6% to 1.3% (P <.001). In the last follow-up, 20.6% and 22.2% of the patients in primary and secondary prevention achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values <100mg/dL and <70mg/dL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study was performed in the largest population of patients with FHH in Spain. We identified the incidence rate of cardiovascular events, the estimated risk of developing a cardiovascular event and its modification, the achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets, and the therapeutic management in this population. Although the cardiovascular risk of FHH is high, appropriate treatment reduces the likelihood of an event

Ecografía automática de mama para la detección de lesiones mamarias: Comparación con la ecografía mamaria convencional / Automated breast ultrasound for the detection of breast lesions: comparison with hand-held ultrasound

Objetivos: Comparar la ecografía convencional frente a la ecografía automática de mama (ABUS) y la mamografía con tomosíntesis aislada en la detección y el diagnóstico de lesiones mamarias. Sujetos y métodos: Se incluyeron 155 mujeres sintomáticas y asintomáticas con mamas densas. Todas se realizaron mamografía y seguidamente ecografía manual y ABUS, que fueron interpretadas por 2 radiólogos diferentes. Los estudios fueron categorizados según el Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). Resultados: El índice kappa de concordancia fue de 0,83, p<0,05. Los 5 carcinomas encontrados fueron diagnosticados por ambas técnicas de imagen de ultrasonidos, siendo en 2 de ellos la mamografía normal. ABUS detectó 2 lesiones benignas no vistas con la ecografía manual. Conclusión: ABUS demostró alta correlación con la ecografía manual detectando más lesiones benignas. El diagnóstico de las malignas fue equivalente con ambas técnicas, que fueron superiores a la mamografía de forma aislada. ABUS podría sustituir a la ecografía manual para complementar a la mamografía en la detección de cáncer de mama en mujeres con mama densa

Objectives: To compare automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) with hand-held ultrasound (HHUS) and tomosynthesis mammography in the detection and characterisation of breast lesions. Subjects and methods: A total of 155 symptomatic and asymptomatic women with dense breasts underwent tomosynthesis followed by ABUS and HHUS. The studies were read and graded by two different radiologists according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). Results: The kappa index of agreement was 0.83, p<0.05. All of the 5 carcinomas found were diagnosed by ABUS and HHUS. Tomosynthesis was normal in 2 out of 5 cases. ABUS identified 2 benign lesions not detected with HHUS. Conclusion: This study found a high correlation between ABUS and HHUS. More benign lesions were identified by ABUS while malignant lesions were detected equally by both techniques. ABUS and HHUS were superior to tomosynthesis in the detection of lesions. ABUS could replace HHUS, complementing mammography in the detection of lesions in women with dense breasts

Factores pronósticos de respuesta a quimioterapia mediante RM en tumores triple negativos / Prognostic factors of chemotherapy response at MRI in triple-negative tumours

Objetivo. Analizar si la perfusión y restricción a la difusión de los tumores triple negativos en la resonancia magnética de estadificación se correlacionan con la respuesta a la quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QTN). Correlacionar la respuesta radiopatológica a la QTN y estudiar si el grado de respuesta asocia un peor pronóstico. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de 73 pacientes con tumores triple negativos diagnosticados entre los años 2007 y 2014 con resonancia magnética de estadificación y de control posterior al tratamiento QTN. Se valoró el grado de respuesta radiológica al tratamiento QTN mediante resonancia magnética y la respuesta patológica en muestras quirúrgicas, siendo posible la correlación radiopatológica en 46 pacientes. Resultados. Se determinó moderada concordancia radiopatológica a la respuesta quimioterápica (kappa=0,590). Los tumores con un menor time to peak asociaban porcentajes mayores de respuesta radiológica completa (p=0,022) y los tumores con curvas funcionales tipo 3 se asociaban a mayores porcentajes de respuesta completa patológica (p=0,024). Se demostró menor supervivencia en las pacientes con menor respuesta radiológica (p=0,004) o patológica (p=0,04). No se encontró correlación entre los grupos de respuesta completa radiopatológica respecto al resto de grupos de respuesta y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad. Conclusiones. Los tumores triple negativos con menor time to peak o con curvas tipo 3 presentaban mejor respuesta al tratamiento. Se ha demostrado mayor supervivencia en tumores con mayor grado de respuesta radiopatológica (AU)

Objectives. To analyse whether perfusion and diffusion restriction in staging magnetic resonance imaging of triple-negative tumours correlate with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC). To correlate the radio-pathological chemotherapy response and determine whether the response is associated with a worse prognosis. Patients and methods. Retrospective study of 73 patients with triple-negative tumours diagnosed between 2007 and 2014 with staging magnetic resonance imaging and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging after NC treatment. The radiological response to NC treatment at magnetic resonance imaging and the pathological response in surgical specimens were assessed. Radio-pathological correlation was feasible in only 46 patients. Results. A moderate radiological-pathological concordance was found in relation to chemotherapy response (kappa=0.590). Tumours with lower time to peak of radiological complete response (P=.022) and tumours with functional type 3 curves were associated with higher percentages of pathological complete response (P=.024). Lower survival was demonstrated in patients with lower radiological (P=.004) or pathological (P=.04) response. No correlation was found between the complete radio-pathological response groups with respect to the rest of the response groups and disease-free survival. Conclusions. Triple-negative N tumours with lower time to peak or type 3 curves showed better response to treatment. Increased survival was found in tumours with a higher level of radio-pathological response (AU)

Análisis de los factores radio-patológicos y terapéuticos del cáncer de mama triple negativo y su influencia en la recidiva y supervivencia libre de enfermedad / Analysis of the radiopathological and therapeutic factors in triple-negative breast cancer and their influence on relapse and disease-free survival

Objetivo. Analizar la asociación entre la densidad mamográfica, la invasión linfovascular, la adenosis microglandular y el estado ganglionar de los tumores triples negativos (TN) con la recidiva tumoral y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad. Estudiar si la perfusión tumoral en las RM de estadificación se correlaciona con la recidiva tumoral, la supervivencia libre de enfermedad o los valores de restricción a la difusión. Analizar si la administración de quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QTN) o el tipo de tratamiento quirúrgico (cirugía conservadora o mastectomía) se asocian a un peor pronóstico. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de las mamografías y de las RM pretratamiento de 122 pacientes con tumores TN entre los años 2007 y 2014. Se valoró la densidad mamaria en estudios mamográficos realizados en el momento del diagnóstico. El estado ganglionar se analizó en muestras de biopsia o quirúrgicas, mientras que la invasión linfovascular y la adenosis microglandular se estudió únicamente en muestras quirúrgicas. Resultados. La densidad mamográfica y los factores anatomo-patológicos no se asociaron con la recidiva tumoral. Los valores de realce máximo en la secuencia dinámica eran más altos en las pacientes sin recidiva tumoral (p=0,028), sin demostrar relación con la restricción a la difusión. Conclusiones. Los tumores con valores más altos de realce interno en RM de estadificación presentan un menor índice de recidivas. No se demostró correlación entre los valores de realce interno tumoral y de restricción a la difusión. Y no se observó asociación pronóstica con el resto de factores radio-patológicos (AU)

Objective. To analyse the association between breast density, lymphovascular invasion, microglandular adenosis and the axillary node status of triple-negative tumours (TN) with tumour recurrence and disease-free survival. To study whether tumour perfusion in MRI staging correlates with tumour recurrence, disease-free survival or diffusion restriction. To analyse whether the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) or the type of surgical treatment (breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy) are associated with a worse prognosis. Patients and methods. A retrospective study of mammograms and staging MRIs was performed from 2007 to 2014, including 122 women with TN breast cancer. Breast density was assessed in mammographic studies performed at the time of diagnosis. Lymph node status was analysed in biopsy or surgical specimens, whereas lymphovascular invasion and microglandular adenosis were studied only in surgical specimens. Results. Breast density and histopathological factors were not associated with tumour recurrence. The maximum enhancement values in the dynamic sequence were higher in patients without tumour recurrence (P=.028), without demonstrating a relationship with diffusion restriction. Conclusions. Tumours with higher values of internal enhancement showed less tumour recurrence. There was no correlation between the values of internal tumour enhancement and diffusion restriction. No prognostic association was observed with the remaining radiopathological factors (AU)