Orthogonality of sensory and contextual categorical dynamics embedded in a continuum of responses from the second somatosensory cortex.

How does the brain simultaneously process signals that bring complementary information, like raw sensory signals and their transformed counterparts, without any disruptive interference? Contemporary research underscores the brain's adeptness in using decorrelated responses to reduce such interference. Both neurophysiological findings and artificial neural networks support the notion of orthogonal representation for signal differentiation and parallel processing. Yet, where, and how raw sensory signals are transformed into more abstract representations remains unclear. Using a temporal pattern discrimination task in trained monkeys, we revealed that the second somatosensory cortex (S2) efficiently segregates faithful and transformed neural responses into orthogonal subspaces. Importantly, S2 population encoding for transformed signals, but not for faithful ones, disappeared during a nondemanding version of this task, which suggests that signal transformation and their decoding from downstream areas are only active on-demand. A mechanistic computation model points to gain modulation as a possible biological mechanism for the observed context-dependent computation. Furthermore, individual neural activities that underlie the orthogonal population representations exhibited a continuum of responses, with no well-determined clusters. These findings advocate that the brain, while employing a continuum of heterogeneous neural responses, splits population signals into orthogonal subspaces in a context-dependent fashion to enhance robustness, performance, and improve coding efficiency.

Antisense RNA regulates glutamine synthetase in a heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium.

Glutamine synthetase (GS) is a key enzyme involved in nitrogen assimilation and the maintenance of C/N balance, and it is strictly regulated in all bacteria. In cyanobacteria, GS expression is controlled by nitrogen control A (NtcA) transcription factor, which operates global nitrogen regulation in these photosynthetic organisms. Furthermore, posttranslational regulation of GS is operated by protein-protein interaction with GS inactivating factors (IFs). In this study, we describe an additional regulatory mechanism involving an antisense RNA. In Nostoc sp. PCC 7120, the gifA gene (encoding GS inactivating factor IF7) is transcribed downstream of the GS (glnA) gene, from the opposite strand, and the gifA mRNA extends into the glnA coding sequence in antisense orientation. Therefore, the dual RNA transcript that encodes gifA constitutes two functional regions: a 5' protein-coding region, encoding IF7, and a 3' untranslated region that acts as an antisense to glnA. By increasing the levels of such antisense RNA either in cis or in trans, we demonstrate that the amount of GS activity can be modulated by the presence of the antisense RNA. The tail-to-tail disposition of the glnA and gifA genes observed in many cyanobacterial strains from the Nostocales clade suggests the prevalence of such antisense RNA-mediated regulation of GS in this group of cyanobacteria.

Eco-Design and Characterization of Sustainable Lightweight Gypsum Composites for Panel Manufacturing including End-of-Life Tyre Wastes.

The incorporation of rubber recycled aggregates from end-of-life tyres (ELT) in the manufacturing process of sustainable building materials has gained great interest in recent decades as a result of the large volume of this waste being generated annually. In this work, the objective is to make a contribution towards the circularity of construction products by carrying out a physico-mechanical characterisation of new gypsum composites made with the incorporation of these recycled rubber aggregates. To this end, up to 30% by volume of the original raw material has been substituted, analysing the mechanical resistance to bending and compression. Although lower than those of traditional gypsum material, both properties exceed the limits set at 1 and 2 MPa, respectively, by the current regulations. In addition, water absorption by capillarity significantly decreases, and thermal conductivity is reduced by more than 35% with respect to the reference material. Finally, in order to provide the research with a practical application, a prefabricated plate design has been proposed that incorporates the gypsum materials studied and an agglomerated rubber band that increases the thermal resistance and improves the efficiency of the designed construction system. In this way, this research reflects the potential of these novel building materials and explores new avenues for their application in building construction.

Vasa Previa and the Role of Fetal Fibronectin and Cervical Length Surveillance: A Review.

Vasa previa is a pregnancy complication that occurs when unprotected fetal blood vessels traverse the cervical os, placing the fetus at high risk of exsanguination and fetal death. These fetal vessels may be compromised by fetal movement and compression, leading to poor oxygen distribution and asphyxiation. Diagnostic tools for vasa previa management and preterm labor (PTL) include transvaginal ultrasound, cervical length (CL) surveillance and use of fetal fibronectin (FFN) testing. These tools can prove to be quite useful as they allow for lead time in the prediction of PTL and spontaneous rupture of membranes which can result in devastating outcomes for pregnancies affected by vasa previa. We conducted a literature review on vasa previa management and the usefulness of FFN and CL surveillance in predicting PTL and found 36 related papers. Although there is limited research available to show the impact of FFN and CL surveillance in the management of vasa previa, there is sufficient evidence to support FFN and CL surveillance in predicting the onset of PTL, which can have devastating consequences for the pregnancies affected. It can be extrapolated that these tools, by helping to determine pregnancies at risk for PTL, could improve management and outcomes in patients with vasa previa. Future studies investigating the management of vasa previa with FFN and CL surveillance to reduce the burden of PTL and its associated comorbidities are warranted.

Thalamocortical interactions shape hierarchical neural variability during stimulus perception.

The brain is organized hierarchically to process sensory signals. But, how do functional connections within and across areas contribute to this hierarchical order? We addressed this problem in the thalamocortical network, while monkeys detected vibrotactile stimulus. During this task, we quantified neural variability and directed functional connectivity in simultaneously recorded neurons sharing the cutaneous receptive field within and across VPL and areas 3b and 1. Before stimulus onset, VPL and area 3b exhibited similar fast dynamics while area 1 showed slower timescales. During the stimulus presence, inter-trial neural variability increased along the network VPL-3b-1 while VPL established two main feedforward pathways with areas 3b and 1 to process the stimulus. This lower variability of VPL and area 3b was found to regulate feedforward thalamocortical pathways. Instead, intra-cortical interactions were only anticipated by higher intrinsic timescales in area 1. Overall, our results provide evidence of hierarchical functional roles along the thalamocortical network.

Distinct neural mechanisms for heading retrieval and context recognition in the hippocampus during spatial reorientation.

Reorientation, the process of regaining one's bearings after becoming lost, requires identification of a spatial context (context recognition) and recovery of facing direction within that context (heading retrieval). We previously showed that these processes rely on the use of features and geometry, respectively. Here, we examine reorientation behavior in a task that creates contextual ambiguity over a long timescale to demonstrate that male mice learn to combine both featural and geometric cues to recover heading. At the neural level, most CA1 neurons persistently align to geometry, and this alignment predicts heading behavior. However, a small subset of cells remaps coherently in a context-sensitive manner, which serves to predict context. Efficient heading retrieval and context recognition correlate with rate changes reflecting integration of featural and geometric information in the active ensemble. These data illustrate how context recognition and heading retrieval are coded in CA1 and how these processes change with experience.

The Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) alkaloid mitragynine: Analysis of adrenergic α2 receptor activity in vitro and in vivo.

Mitragynine, an alkaloid present in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), has a complex pharmacology that includes low efficacy agonism at µ-opioid receptors (MORs). This study examined the activity of mitragynine at adrenergic α2 receptors (Aα2Rs) in vitro and in vivo. Mitragynine displaced a radiolabeled Aα2R antagonist ([3H]RX821002) from human Aα2ARs in vitro with lower affinity (Ki = 1260 nM) than the agonists (-)-epinephrine (Ki = 263 nM) or lofexidine (Ki = 7.42 nM). Mitragynine did not significantly stimulate [35S]GTPγS binding at Aα2ARs in vitro, but in rats trained to discriminate 32 mg/kg mitragynine from vehicle (intraperitoneally administered; i.p.), mitragynine exerted an Aα2R agonist-like effect. Both α2R antagonists (atipamezole and yohimbine) and MOR antagonists (naloxone and naltrexone) produced rightward shifts in mitragynine discrimination dose-effect function and Aα2R agonists lofexidine and clonidine produced leftward shifts. In the mitragynine trained rats, Aα2R agonists also produced leftward shifts in discrimination dose-effect functions for morphine and fentanyl. In a separate rat cohort trained to discriminate 3.2 mg/kg i.p. morphine from vehicle, naltrexone produced a rightward shift, but neither an Aα2R agonist or antagonist affected morphine discrimination. In a hypothermia assay, both lofexidine and clonidine produced marked effects antagonized by yohimbine. Mitragynine did not produce hypothermia. Together, these data demonstrate that mitragynine acts in vivo like an Aα2R agonist, although its failure to induce hypothermia or stimulate [35S]GTPγS binding in vitro, suggests that mitragynine maybe a low efficacy Aα2R agonist.

Tailored Porous Carbon Xerogels for Fe-N-C Catalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Atomically dispersed Fe-N-C catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been synthesized with a template-free method using carbon xerogels (CXG) as a porous matrix. The porosity of the CXGs is easily tunable through slight variations in the synthesis procedure. In this work, CXGs are prepared by formaldehyde and resorcinol polymerization, modifying the pH during the process. Materials with a broad range of porous structures are obtained: from non-porous to micro-/meso-/macroporous materials. The porous properties of CXG have a direct effect on Fe-N-CXG activity against ORR in an acidic medium (0.5 M H2SO4). Macropores and wide mesopores are vital to favor the mass transport of reagents to the active sites available in the micropores, while narrower mesopores can generate additional tortuosity. The role of microporosity is investigated by comparing two Fe-N-C catalysts using the same CXG as the matrix but following a different Fe and N doping procedure. In one case, the carbonization of CXG occurs rapidly and simultaneously with Fe and N doping, whereas in the other case it proceeds slowly, under controlled conditions and before the doping process, resulting in the formation of more micropores and active sites and achieving higher activity in a three-electrode cell and a better durability during fuel cell measurements. This work proves the feasibility of the template-free method using CXG as a carbon matrix for Fe-N-C catalysts, with the novelty of the controlled porous properties of the carbon material and its effect on the catalytic activity of the Fe-N-C catalyst. Moreover, the results obtained highlight the importance of the carbon matrix's porous structure in influencing the activity of Fe-N-C catalysts against ORR.

One-Pot Solvothermal Synthetic Route of a Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite: An Advanced Material with a Novel Anticancer Theranostic Approach.

This study focuses on a one-pot solvothermal synthetic route for the preparation of uniformly decorated zinc oxide nanoparticles on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO/ZnO-NC) by using Andrographis paniculata leaf aqueous extract as an eco-friendly reducing agent. After characterizing the samples by different physical and chemical techniques, the anticancer activity of the synthesized rGO/ZnO-NC was examined on two human cancerous cell lines (HCT116 and A549) and one normal cell line (hMSCs). The MTT assays revealed that rGO/ZnO-NC exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity at a maximum concentration range of 10 ppm and the viability of the cells was drastically decreased to 95-96%. Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and Annexin V-FTIC staining assay revealed that rGO/ZnO-NC induced apoptosis in HCT116 and A549 cell lines. Thus, this study shows that the green-synthesized rGO/ZnO-NC has great potential in developing an efficacious novel therapeutic agent for cancers.

Vancomicina contra metronidazol en infección por Clostridioides difficile leve-moderada de manejo ambulatorio / Vancomycin or metronidazole in the outpatient treatment of mild-moderate Clostridioides difficile infection

INTRODUCCIÓN: En la diarrea asociada a Clostridioides dfficile (DACD) leve-moderada se recomienda tratar con vancomicina por sobre metronidazol, a pesar de su difícil acceso y poca evidencia en el medio ambulatorio. OBJETIVO: Comparar la tasa de cura clínica y recurrencia entre vancomicina y metronidazol en adultos chilenos con primer episodio leve-moderado de DACD de manejo ambulatorio. MÉTODOS: Cohorte retrospectiva entre enero 2015 y diciembre 2020 en centros de una red de salud universitaria de pacientes de ≥ 18 años con DACD tratados ambulatoriamente. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 161 pacientes, 59% mujeres, edad promedio de 53 años (entre 18 y 94 años). De ellos, 109 (67,7%) usaron metronidazol y 52 (32,3%) vancomicina. En el análisis multivariado ajustado por edad y comorbilidades se obtuvo un OR 3,00 (IC 95% 1,12-9,59) para cura clínica y 0,27 (IC 95% 0,06-0,88) para recurrencia a ocho semanas, ambos a favor de vancomicina, sin diferencias en recurrencia a 12 meses, necesidad de hospitalización o mortalidad. CONCLUSIÓN: La terapia con vancomicina comparada contra metronidazol en el tratamiento ambulatorio de la infección leve-moderada por C. dfficile se asocia a mayor cura clínica y menor tasa de recurrencia a corto plazo, sin diferencias en desenlaces a largo plazo.

BACKGROUND: Recommended treatment against mild cases of Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea is vancomycin despite the difficulties of access compared to metronidazole. AIM: To compare the effectiveness of vancomycin and metronidazole in Chilean adults with first mild-moderate episode of Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI). METHODS: Retrospective cohort of patients with CDI between January 2015 and December 2020 treated in centers of a university health network. The patients were adults treated for C. difficile infection on an outpatient basis. Recurrent and severe cases were excluded. Outcomes included clinical cure and recurrence rate. RESULTS: Data from 161 patients was recovered. Fifty-nine percent were women and average age was 53 (18-94). One hundred and nine patients were treated with metronidazole (67.7%) and 52 (32.3%) used vancomycin. Multivariate analysis adjusted by age and comorbidities showed an Odds Ratio of 3.00 (IC 95% 1.12-9.59) for clinical cure and 0.27 (IC 95% 0.06-0.88) for 8-week recurrence rate, both in favor of vancomycin, without differences in 12-month recurrence rate, hospitalization rate nor mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Vancomycin is associated with better short-term outcomes in the treatment of outpatient mild-moderate first episode C. difficile infection, without differences in long term recurrence or mortality when compared with metronidazole.

Seguimiento de dilatación del tracto urinario neonatal diagnosticada en la evaluación de infección del tracto urinario / Follow-up of Neonatal Urinary Tract Dilatation Diagnosed in the Evaluation of Urinary Tract Infection

Objetivo: Mostrar las características y seguimiento de la dilatación del tracto urinario en recién nacidos con infección del tracto urinario. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, realizado desde 1992 hasta 2019, en neonatos ingresados con infección del tracto urinario. A todos se les realizó ultrasonido renal y uretrocistografía miccional. Se analizaron las características clínicas y de radioimagen de presentación en el seguimiento de la dilatación del tracto urinario. Resultados: Se estudiaron 403 pacientes. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 13 meses. El ultrasonido renal resultó positivo para dilatación del tracto urinario en 148 (36,7 por ciento). Predominaron los grados de dilatación ligera (5-10 mm.) sobre grados moderados y severos. En 38 casos (9,4 por ciento) la dilatación del tracto urinario se asoció a reflujo vésico-ureteral. La condición más común fue la dilatación transitoria con una mediana de desaparición de la dilatación 5 meses. Hubo asociación estadística significativa de la desaparición de la dilatación del tracto urinario con el grado de esta y entre aquellos casos calificados de transitoria con los otros portadores de alguna anomalía del tracto urinario que también tuvieron desaparición de la dilatación en algún momento de su evolución. Conclusiones: Cerca de una tercera parte de los neonatos con infección del tracto urinario tuvieron dilatación del tracto urinario en ultrasonido renal, con predominio de grado ligero, como probable expresión de una anomalía del tracto urinario subyacente. Con frecuencia ocurre resolución de la dilatación del tracto urinario en aquellos casos no asociados con anomalía del tracto urinario, habitualmente dentro del primer año de vida(AU)

OBjective: To show the characteristics and follow-up of urinary tract dilatation in neonates with urinary tract infection. Methods: Observational, descriptive study performed from 1992 to 2019, in neonates admitted with urinary tract infection. All underwent renal ultrasound and voiding urethrocystography. The clinical and radioimaging features of presentation were analyzed in the follow-up of urinary tract dilatation, Results: 403 patients were studied. The median follow-up was 13 months. Renal ultrasound was positive for urinary tract dilatation in 148 (36.7 percent). Mild degrees of dilatation (5-10 mm) predominated over moderate and severe degrees. In 38 cases (9.4 percent) urinary tract dilatation was associated with vesico-ureteral reflux. The most common condition was transient dilatation with a median disappearance of dilatation 5 months. There was significant statistical association of the disappearance of urinary tract dilatation with the degree of dilatation and between those cases qualified as transient with the other carriers of some urinary tract anomaly who also had disappearance of dilatation at some point in their evolution. Conclusions: About one third of neonates with urinary tract infection had dilatation of the urinary tract on renal ultrasound, predominantly of mild degree, probably expression of an underlying anomaly. Resolution of dilatation frequently occurs in those cases not associated with urinary tract anomaly, usually within the first year of life(AU)

Impacto de la nutrición enteral temprana en la mortalidad y días de estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos / Impact of early enteral nutrition over mortality and days of stay in the intensive care unit / Impacto da nutrição enteral precoce na mortalidade e dias de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva

Resumen: Introducción: el retraso en el inicio de la nutrición enteral (NE), a diferencia de la NE precoz, está asociado a resultados adversos en los pacientes críticos. Objetivos: correlacionar el tiempo de inicio de la nutrición con la mortalidad, días de ventilación mecánica, estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y estancia hospitalaria. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio tipo cohorte, retrospectivo, comparativo de los pacientes hospitalizados durante un periodo de enero a julio de 2022 en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Centro Médico ABC Campus Observatorio. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes ingresados que recibieron nutrición enteral. Resultados: de 242 pacientes, 62.8% son masculinos, con una mediana de edad de 65 (62.8-67.7) años, de los cuales 22% de la población requirió ventilación mecánica, encontrando una mortalidad global de 6.3%. Se observó diferencia significativa con p = 0.001, con un OR 0.210 (0.087-0.509) en la mortalidad de los pacientes con nutrición temprana 5.5 versus 13.2% nutrición tardía, sin diferencia en días de ventilación, estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos adultos (UCIA) ni hospitalización. Conclusiones: el retraso en la NE se asoció significativamente con menos días libres de UCI, estancia más prolongada en la UCI, hospitalizaciones más largas y mortalidad en comparación con la NE temprana.

Abstract: Introduction: the delay in the start of enteral nutrition (EN) or late EN, unlike early EN, is associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. Objectives: to correlate the start time of nutrition with mortality, days of mechanical ventilation, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay. Material and methods: a retrospective, comparative, cohort study of hospitalized patients during the period from January to July 2022 in the ICU of the ABC Medical Center Observatory Campus was carried out. All hospitalized patients who received enteral nutrition were included. Results: of 242 patients, 62.8% were male, with a median age of 65 (62.8-67.7) years, 22% of the population required mechanical ventilation, finding an overall mortality of 6.3%. A significant difference was found with p = 0.001, with an OR 0.210 (0.087-0.509) in the mortality of patients with early nutrition 5.5 vs 13.2% late nutrition, without difference in days of mechanical ventilation, ICU or hospitalization length of stay. Conclusions: delayed EN was significantly associated with less ICU-free days, longer intrahospital length of stay and mortality, compared with early EN.

Resumo: Introdução: o atraso no início da nutrição enteral (NE) ou NE tardia, ao contrário da NE precoce, está associado a desfechos adversos em pacientes críticos. Objetivos: correlacionar o tempo de início da nutrição com mortalidade, dias de ventilação mecânica, internação na UTI e internação. Material e métodos: realizou-se um estudo de coorte, retrospectivo e comparativo de pacientes internados no período de janeiro a julho de 2022 na UTI do Hospital Centro Médico ABC Campus Observatorio. Todos os pacientes admitidos que receberam nutrição enteral foram incluídos. Resultados: dos 242 pacientes, 62.8% são do sexo masculino, com idade média de 65 (62.8-67.7) anos, dos quais 22% da população necessitou de ventilação mecânica, encontrando-se uma mortalidade geral de 6.3%. Uma diferença significativa foi encontrada com p = 0.001, com OR 0.210 (0.087-0.509) na mortalidade de pacientes com nutrição precoce 5.5 vs 13.2% nutrição tardia, sem diferença em dias de ventilação, permanência na UTI ou hospitalização. Conclusões: o atraso da NE foi significativamente associada a menos dias livres de UTI, estadias mais longas na UTI, internações mais longas e mortalidade, em comparação com NE precoce.

Microorganismos causales más comunes y factores de riesgo según la clasificación de las infecciones neonatales / Most common causal microorganisms and risk factors based on the classification of neonatal infections

Una manera para lograr más efectividad en la decisión terapéutica en recién nacidos que cursan con infecciones, es tener conocimiento del microorganismo causal más común, según el tipo de infección por la cual cursa el paciente. Por ello el médico debe estar familiarizado con el mapa microbiológico de la institución donde trabaja y estar actualizado en el espectro de microorganismos habituales que informa la literatura, así como aquellos emergentes y reemergentes. Se revisa el estado actual de reportes de frecuencia de los microorganismos causales en recién nacidos con infecciones, tomados de la literatura médica nacional e internacional con el propósito de orientar al médico de asistencia del posible microorganismo causal más probable en base a la clínica del paciente y además, a tomar la clasificación de las infecciones como herramienta que aporta una guía de los agentes que afectan con más frecuencia al paciente recién nacido, y los factores de riesgo asociados. Se concluye que es factible y beneficioso este enfoque que le permite al médico asistencial ser más efectivo en la decisión del tratamiento a seguir. Es su deber estar familiarizado con el mapa microbiológico de la institución donde trabaja y estar actualizado en el espectro de microorganismos habituales que informa la literatura, así como aquellos emergentes y reemergentes(AU)

One way to achieve more effectiveness in therapeutic decisions related to newborns with infections is to be aware of the most common causal microorganism, depending on the type of infection the patient is suffering. Therefore, the physician should be familiar with the microbiological map of the institution where he/she works and be updated in the spectrum of common microorganisms reported by the literature, as well as those emerging and re-emerging. The current status of frequency reports of causal microorganisms in newborns with infections, taken from national and international literature, is reviewed to guide the assistance physician on the most likely possible causal microorganism based on the patient's clinic and also to use the classification of infections as a tool that provides guidance on the agents that most often affect the newborn patients, and associated risk factors. It is concluded that this approach that allows the assistance physician to be more effective in the decision of treatment to follow is feasible and beneficial. It is the physician's duty to be familiar with the microbiological map of the institution where he/she works and be updated on the spectrum of common microorganisms reported by the literature, as well as those emerging and re-emerging(AU)

Desensibilización rápida en pacientes con hipersensibilidad al ácido acetilsalicílico con indicación de doble antiagregación por enfermedad arterial coronaria. Una guía para el clínico en la unidad de cuidado intensivo / Rapid desensitization in patients with hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid with indication for dual antiplatelet therapy due to coronary artery disease. A guide for the clinician in the intensive care unit

Resumen El ácido acetilsalicílico (Aspirina) es un inhibidor irreversible de la acetil ciclooxigenasa (COX) y su actividad no es restaurada hasta la formación de nuevas plaquetas. Sus efectos benéficos terapéuticos cardiovasculares lo han convertido en la piedra angular del tratamiento del paciente con enfermedad arterial coronaria. Existe una población de pacientes con indicación absoluta para su uso; sin embargo, la presencia o antecedente de hipersensibilidad a esta molécula conlleva un alto riesgo de complicaciones no relacionadas con enfermedad cardiovascular. En algunos de estos pacientes es crucial conocer e implementar protocolos de desensibilización para el ácido acetilsalicílico y, de esta manera, continuar con el uso de esta estrategia terapéutica necesaria e idónea en esta población.

Abstract Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) is an irreversible inhibitor of acetyl cyclooxygenase (COX) and its activity is not restored until new platelets are formed. Its beneficial therapeutic cardiovascular effects have made it the cornerstone of the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. There is a population of patients with absolute indication for its use, however, the presence or history of hypersensitivity to this molecule leads to a high risk of complications unrelated to their cardiovascular disease. It is vital to know and implement in some of these patients, desensitization protocols for acetyl salicylic acid and in this way to continue the use of this therapeutic strategy necessary and appropriate in this population.

Encefalitis por Anticuerpos contra el Receptor NMDA: un diagnóstico diferencial neuropsiquiátrico

La Encefalitis por Anticuerpos contra el Receptor NMDA es un reto debido a la amplia lista de posibilidades diagnósticas a las que se asemeja la sintomatología inicial. Es una enfermedad cuya fisiopatología está dada por la generación y acción de anticuerpos, inducidos mayormente por agentes externos (virus) e internos (algunos tumores), sobre NMDAR (receptor N-metil-D-aspartato) que puede cursar con alteraciones neurológicas, psiquiátricas y autonómicas, usualmente afectando a población femenina adulta joven y que en ocasiones forma parte de un síndrome paraneoplásico. Su manejo se basa en inmunoterapia con corticosteroides, inmunoglobulina intravenosa o en casos refractarios, plasmaféresis. La eficacia de estas terapias aumenta con el diagnóstico oportuno, sin embargo con frecuencia el tratamiento se aplica tardíamente por lo difícil del acierto diagnóstico. Presentamos el caso clínico de una femenina de 22 años, que debutó con manifestaciones neuropsiquiátricas, inicialmente medicada con antipsicóticos y que desarrolló rigidez, aumento de creatina quinasa y estatus epiléptico, por lo cual se sospechó síndrome neuroléptico maligno, ameritando hospitalización en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Ante la nula mejoría, se replanteó el diagnóstico, con sospecha de encefalitis autoinmune y se instauró el tratamiento específico, con lo cual la paciente pudo retornar a su vida diaria sin déficit. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Leucocituria significativa como indicador de probable infección del tracto urinario sin cultivo positivo / Significant leukocyturia as an indicator of probable urinary tract infection without positive culture

Introducción: La presencia de leucocituria nos orienta hacia la probabilidad de infección del tracto urinario en niños. Objetivo: Determinar si la leucocituria significativa es un marcador de infección urinaria aun sin cultivo de orina positivo. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en pacientes egresados de los Servicios de Neonatología y Nefrología del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Juan Manuel Márquez, entre enero 2018-diciembre 2019, que incluyó 124 niños de 2 años de edad; un grupo con infección del tracto urinario confirmada (clínica, leucocituria mayor 10 000 leucocitos/ml y con urocultivos positivos) y otro sospechada (clínica, con leucocituria significativa de más 100 000 leucocitos/ml, pero sin cultivo de orina positivo). Se compararon variables clínicas, de laboratorio y de radioimagen. Resultados: En 78,6 por ciento de los niños se aisló Escherichia coli. La fiebre fue un hallazgo clínico frecuente. El reactante de fase aguda con mayor variación fue la velocidad de sedimentación globular (71,0 por ciento), presentaron alteraciones del ultrasonido (79,8 por ciento) y uretrocistografía miccional (50,0 por ciento). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas al comparar las variables clínicas, de laboratorio y de radioimagen entre el grupo de pacientes con infección del tracto urinario confirmada por urocultivo positivo y el grupo sospechado por la clínica, con leucocituria significativa de más 100 000 leucocitos/ml, pero sin urocultivo positivo. Conclusiones: En los niños con manifestaciones clínicas de infección, con presencia de una leucocituria significativa (más 100 000 leucocitos/ml), aunque no cuenten con un resultado positivo del urocultivo, se les debe proporcionar la atención médica establecida para un paciente con infección del tracto urinario(AU)

Introduction: The presence of leukocyturia guides towards the probability of urinary tract infection in children. Objective: Determine whether significant leukocyturia is a marker of urinary tract infection even without positive urine culture. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study in patients discharged from the Neonatology and Nephrology Services of Juan Manuel Márquez University Pediatric Hospital, from January 2018 to December 2019, which included 124 children of 2 years of age; one group with confirmed urinary tract infection (clinical, leukocyturia of more than 10 000 leukocytes/ml and with positive urine cultures) and another group of suspected ones (clinical, with significant leukocyturia of more than 100 000 leukocytes/ml, but without positive urine culture). Clinical, laboratory and radioimaging variables were compared. Results: Escherichia coli was isolated in 78.6 percent of the children. Fever was a common clinical finding. The reactant acute phase with the greatest variation was the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (71.0 percent), there were ultrasound alterations (79.8 percent) and voiding urethrocystography (50.0 percent). There were no statistically significant differences when comparing clinical, laboratory and radioimaging variables between the group of patients with urine tract infection confirmed by positive urine culture and the group suspected by the clinic findings, with significant leukocyturia of more than 100 000 leukocytes/ml, but without positive urine culture. Conclusions: In children with clinical manifestations of infection, with the presence of significant leukocyturia (more than 100 000 leukocytes/ml), even if they do not have a positive urine culture result, they should be provided with the medical care established for a patient with urinary tract infection(AU)

Vigilancia epidemiológica de la COVID-19 en instituciones penitenciarias de la provincia de Santiago de Cuba / Epidemiological survillance of COVID-19 in penal institutions from Santiago de Cuba province

Introducción: Las instituciones penitenciarias en muchos países han sido escenarios de brotes de la COVID-19, debido a los inconvenientes para mantener el distanciamiento social, a la falta de protección individual y la mala cobertura sanitaria, que se conjugan para condicionar esta situación. Objetivo: Caracterizar el cumplimiento de la vigilancia y las medidas de prevención y control de la COVID-19 en instituciones penitenciarias. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en 8 centros penitenciarios de la provincia de Santiago de Cuba durante mayo del 2020. Con independencia de los datos numéricos aportados, se decidió efectuar resúmenes fundamentalmente cualitativos de los aspectos considerados en cada una de las visitas. Resultados: En la evaluación de la organización y la estructura de cada una de las instituciones visitadas, así como del cumplimiento de las medidas de control y prevención individuales y colectivas, se obtuvieron resultados satisfactorios. También se comprobó que las unidades disponían de los recursos humanos y materiales que garantizaban la observancia de las medidas. Conclusiones: Quedaron demostrados el cuidado y la atención sanitaria a este grupo vulnerable a la COVID-19 y se identificaron otras posibles acciones para ello.

Introduction: In many countries penal institutions have been scenary of COVID-19 outbreaks, due to the adverse conditions for maintaining social distancing, lack of individual protection and bad sanitary structure, which confluence to make possible this situation. Objective: To characterize the fulfilment of survillance and the control and prevention measures for COVID-19 in penal institutions. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 8 penal institutions from Santiago de Cuba during May, 2020. Independently from the obtained numerical data, it was decided to carry out summaries mainly of qualitative type, of those aspects considered in each of the visits. Results: Satisfactory results were obtained in the evaluation of the organization and the structure of each of the visited institutions, as well as in the fulfilment of the individual and collective control and prevention measures. It was also verified that the institutions had the human and material resources guarranting the fulfilment of the measures. Conclusions: Care and sanitary survillance to this vulnerable group to COVID-19 were demostrated, and other possible actions were identified for this purpose.

Criterios de retorno al trabajo y determinación del valor de vulnerabilidad por Covid-19 / Criteria for returning to work and determination of the vulnerability value for Covid-19

Resumen: Objetivo: Establecer criterios médicos de retorno al trabajo en personal con riesgo de complicaciones por Covid-19. Material y métodos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática para identificar las condiciones y las características clínicas que influyen en el riesgo de desarrollar Covid-19 grave. Resultados: Se ha demostrado incremento del riesgo en obesidad, edad >60 años, diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, enfermedad cardiovascular, enfermedad renal crónica y cáncer. Solamente en diabetes se ha estudiado si el control previo influye. Se proponen condiciones específicas y el nivel de riesgo epidemiológico para el retorno al trabajo. Conclusiones: El retorno laboral de estos grupos debe priorizarse buscando favorecer el control de la enfermedad, identificando el estado de salud que incrementa el riesgo y protegiendo el derecho al trabajo. Se presentan recomendaciones para guiar la reincorporación al trabajo.

Abstract: Objective: To establish medical criteria for return to work to people with increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19. Materials and methods. We performed a systematic review to identify the conditions and clinical characteristics that influence the risk of developing severe Covid-19. Results: Increased risk has been shown in obesity, age >60 years old, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and cancer. Only in diabetes it has been studied whether prior control influences. Specific medical conditions and epidemiological risk level for return to work are proposed. Conclusions: Return to work of vulnerable groups should be prioritized, seeking to promote disease control, identifying health conditions that increase risk, and protecting the right to work. We present recommendations to guide the return to work.

Comportamiento epidemiológico de SARS-CoV-2 en población trabajadora afiliada al Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social / SARS-CoV-2 epidemic behavior in worker population affiliated to the Mexican Social Security Institute

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento de la epidemia de SARS-CoV-2 entre los trabajadores afiliados al Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). Material y métodos: Se analizaron las incapacidades temporales para el trabajo por enfermedades respiratorias (ITT-ER), las hospitalizaciones y defunciones asociadas durante el periodo del 1 marzo al 31 diciembre 2020. Se estimó la tasa de ataque (TA) por SARS-CoV-2, así como los riesgos relativos (RR) de ITT-ER, hospitalización y defunción. Resultados: De los trabajadores afiliados al IMSS, 8.8% (n=1 730 334) recibió al menos una ITT-ER. La TA fue mayor en mujeres y en ambos sexos fue menor en el grupo de >60 años. Los RR de hospitalización y defunción fueron mayores en hombres y aumentaron con la edad. Comparado con las ITT-ER de 2015-2019, Durango, Tamaulipas y Nuevo León tuvieron un RR mayor de ITT-ER que el resto del país. Conclusiones: La epidemia de SARS-CoV-2 tuvo repercusiones importantes en los trabajadores afiliados al IMSS; se observó un exceso de ITT-ER de 4.6 veces respecto a la frecuencia esperada y cerca de un millón de casos de SARS-CoV-2. Los datos sugieren que el sistema de ITT-ER puede ser utilizado como elemento adicional para la vigilancia epidemiológica de enfermedades emergentes.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic among workers affiliated to the Mexican Social Security Institute. Materials and methods: We analyzed Short Term Disability Claims due to Respiratory Diseases (RD-STDC), associated hospitalizations and deaths (March 1 - December 31, 2020). We estimated the attack rate (AR) for SARS-CoV-2, and relative risks (RR) of TWD-RD, hospitalization and deaths. Results: 1 730 334 workers received at least one RD-STDC. AR was higher in women and in both sexes it was lower in >60 years old. RR of hospitalization and death were higher in men and increased with age. Compared with RD-STDC of 2015-2019, the states of Durango, Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon had a higher RR of RD-STDC than the rest of the country. Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic impacted IMSS-affiliated workers significantly. We observed a 4.6 fold excess in RD-STDC compared to the expected frequency and nearly 1 million SARS-CoV-2 cases in this population. Our data suggest that the RD-STDC system can be used as an additional resource for epidemiological surveillance of emerging diseases.

El adulto mayor practicante sistemático: pruebas para evaluar su condición física / Older adult systematic practitioner: tests to assess your physical condition

Resumen En Cuba, la atención al Programa del Adulto Mayor está priorizada y los profesionales de la actividad física, que se desempeñan, en esta esfera pedagógica, están conscientes de ello. Con los adultos mayores, practicantes sistemáticos, se promueve potenciar su independencia funcional, teniendo en cuenta el trabajo con todas las capacidades físicas, implicadas dentro de las acciones motrices. El objetivo principal de la investigación fue crear un instrumento que permitiera la evaluación de la condición física con su correspondiente metodología, el cual permitiera incrementar su calidad de vida, a partir del mejoramiento de su estado funcional. Además, de proveer las normas para planificar un trabajo diferencial que tuviera en cuenta las diferencias de sexo, edad y las enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles del practicante, como complemento importante de la batería elaborada. El programa estuvo dirigido a aquellos adultos mayores que practican ejercicios físicos, como mínimo, tres veces a la semana. Los materiales empleados se corresponden con cintas métricas, conos, tizas, sillas y pesas de 8 kilos para los hombres y de cinco para las féminas. Los métodos y técnicas empleados fueron: la encuesta, la entrevista, la observación y la medición. Con los resultados de la evaluación de la condición física, los docentes podrán planificar mejor su trabajo y los adultos mayores, practicantes sistemáticos, se beneficiarán con una atención óptima ya que podrán ser atendidos de manera diferenciada. En esta oportunidad, se está socializando la batería y su metodología solamente; las normas para la evaluación serán motivo de otro artículo.

Abstract In Cuba, attention to the Elderly Programme is a priority and physical activity professionals working in this pedagogical field are aware of it. Systematic practitioners of older adults are encouraged to enhance their functional independence, taking into account work with all the physical capacities involved in motor actions. The main objective of the research was to create an instrument that would allow the evaluation of the physical condition with its corresponding methodology, which would allow to increase their quality of life from the improvement of their functional state. In addition to providing the rules to plan a differential work that took into account the differences of sex, age and chronic diseases nontransmissible to the practitioner as an important complement to the battery developed. The program was aimed at older adults who practice physical exercise at least three times a week. The materials used correspond to metric tape, cones, chalks, chairs and weights of 8 kilos for men and five for women. The methods and techniques used were: survey, interview, observation and measurement. With the results of the physical condition assessment, teachers will be able to plan their work better and older adults who are systematic practitioners will benefit from optimal care as they can be attended to in a differentiated manner. In this opportunity the battery is being socialized and its methodology only, the norms for the evaluation will be reason for another article.