Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture growth rates from asymptomatic individuals with a positive nucleic acid amplification test.

Gonorrhoea infections are frequently diagnosed at extragenital locations in asymptomatic individuals and are historically related to poor recovery in culture, which hinders antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The aim of this study was to evaluate recovery rates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by culture among asymptomatic individuals who tested positive by nucleic acid amplification tests between 2018 and 2019 in Barcelona (Spain). In total, 10 396 individuals were tested for N. gonorrhoeae on first-void urine, rectal, pharyngeal and/or vaginal swabs depending on sexual behaviour. Overall infection prevalence was 5·5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5·0-5·9). Seven hundred and ten samples were positive corresponding to 567 individuals. The most common site of infection was the pharynx (71·3%), followed by rectum (23·1%) and genitals (4·7%) (P < 0·0001). The N. gonorrhoeae recovery rate in culture, time from positive screening to culture specimen and inoculation delay were calculated. Recovery rate was 21·7% in pharynx, 66·9% in rectum and 37·0% in genitals (25·0% vagina, 71·4% urethra) (P < 0·0001). Median culture collection time was 1 [0; 3] days, and median inoculation delay was 5·01 [4·99-7·99] h, with no impact on N. gonorrhoeae recovery, P = 0·8367 and P = 0·7670, respectively. Despite efforts towards optimizing pre-analytical conditions, the N. gonorrhoeae recovery rate in asymptomatic individuals is unacceptably low (especially for pharynx), representing a problem for monitoring antimicrobial-resistant infections.

Impact of intermittent hypoxia and exercise on blood pressure and metabolic features from obese subjects suffering sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

Strategies designed to reduce adiposity and cardiovascular-accompanying manifestations have been based on nutritional interventions conjointly with physical activity programs. The aim of this 13-week study was to investigate the putative benefits associated to hypoxia plus exercise on weight loss and relevant metabolic and cardiorespiratory variables, when prescribed to obese subjects with sleep apnea syndrome following dietary advice. The participants were randomly distributed in the following three groups: control, normoxia, and hypoxia. All the subjects received dietary advice while, additionally, normoxia group was trained under normal oxygen concentration and Hypoxia group under hypoxic conditions. There was a statistically significant decrease in fat-free mass (Kg) and water (%) on the control compared to normoxia group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference decreased in all the groups after the study. Moreover, leukocyte count was increased after the intervention in hypoxia compared to control group (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant variations within groups in other variables, although changes in appetite were found after the 13-week period. In addition, associations between the variations in the leukocyte count and fat mass have been found. The hypoxia group showed some specific benefits concerning appetite and cardiometabolic-related measurements as exertion time and diastolic blood pressure, with a therapeutical potential.

[Functional relationship between retinal sensitivity threshold values assessed by standard automated perimetry in glaucoma]. / Relación funcional entre los puntos de sensibilidad retiniana de la perimetría automatizada en el glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between the sensitivity threshold values of the different points assessed by the Humphrey visual field analyzer (24-2 Swedish interactive threshold algorithm [SITA] standard strategy) in glaucoma patients. SUBJECTS, MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective cross-sectorial study. One-hundred and four eyes of 104 glaucoma patients, defined by the appearance of the optic nerve head, were evaluated. Retinal threshold sensitivity points of standard automated perimetry (SA) with SITA standard 24-2 program were obtained. The upper and the lower hemifields were studied separately. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between the mean threshold sensitivity value at each point of the visual hemifield and the rest of the threshold points in the same hemifield. RESULTS: Perimetric correlation maps between retinal threshold sensitivity values in the same hemifield were obtained. Most of the points showed moderate to high correlations (r≥0.65. P<0.001) with neighboring points and distant points in the same hemifield. CONCLUSIONS: There is a functional relationship between neighboring and distant points in Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (SITA Standard 24-2) in glaucoma patients. This correlation is related to the anatomical arrangement of ganglion cell axons. This fact enables perimetric patterns of glaucoma defects to be obtained.

Relación funcional entre los puntos de sensibilidad retiniana de la perimetría automatizada en el glaucoma / Functional relationship between retinal sensitivity threshold values assessed by standard automated perimetry in glaucoma

Objetivo: Estudiar la interrelación entre los 52 valores de sensibilidad retiniana obtenidos en la perimetría automatizada convencional (PA) tipo Humphrey con la estrategia Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) estándar 24-2 en pacientes con glaucoma. Sujetos, material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo transversal en el que se incluyeron 104 ojos de 104 pacientes glaucomatosos diagnosticados por la apariencia de la cabeza del nervio óptico. Se recogió el valor de sensibilidad umbral de cada uno de los puntos de la PA SITA Standard 24-2, considerando cada hemicampo por separado. Se aplicó la prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov para demostrar la distribución normal de las variables, y se calcularon los coeficientes de correlación de Pearson entre los valores umbral de cada punto con todos los demás puntos del mismo hemicampo. Resultados: Se obtuvieron mapas de correlación perimétrica entre valores umbral de un mismo hemicampo. La mayoría de los puntos evaluados mostraron correlaciones significativas (r ≥ 0,65; p < 0,001) entre puntos vecinos, así como entre puntos distantes dentro del mismo hemicampo. Conclusiones: Existe una relación de dependencia funcional entre puntos vecinos y distantes en la PA de pacientes con glaucoma, en correspondencia con la distribución de los axones de las células ganglionares, que permite la obtención de patrones perimétricos del glaucoma (AU)

Objective: To study the correlation between the sensitivity threshold values of the different points assessed by the Humphrey visual field analyzer (24-2 Swedish interactive threshold algorithm [SITA] standard strategy) in glaucoma patients. Subjets, material and methods: Prospective cross-sectorial study. One-hundred and four eyes of 104 glaucoma patients, defined by the appearance of the optic nerve head, were evaluated. Retinal threshold sensitivity points of standard automated perimetry (SA) with SITA standard 24-2 program were obtained. The upper and the lower hemifields were studied separately. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between the mean threshold sensitivity value at each point of the visual hemifield and the rest of the threshold points in the same hemifield. Results: Perimetric correlation maps between retinal threshold sensitivity values in the same hemifield were obtained. Most of the points showed moderate to high correlations (r ≥ 0.65. P < 0.001) with neighboring points and distant points in the same hemifield. Conclusions: There is a functional relationship between neighboring and distant points in Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (SITA Standard 24-2) in glaucoma patients. This correlation is related to the anatomical arrangement of ganglion cell axons. This fact enables perimetric patterns of glaucoma defects to be obtained (AU)

Hydroponics as a valid tool to assess arsenic availability in mine soils.

The low solubility of As in mine soils limits its phytoavailability. This makes the extrapolation of data obtained under hydroponic conditions unrealistic because the concentration in nutrient solution frequently overexposes plants to this metalloid. This work evaluates whether As supply in hydroponics resembles, to some extent, the As phytoavailable fraction in soils and the implications for phytoremediation. Phytotoxicity of As, in terms of biomass production, chlorophyll levels, and As concentrations in plants, was estimated and compared in both soils and hydroponics. In order for hydroponic conditions to be compared to soil conditions, plant exposure levels were measured in both cultures. Hydroponic As concentration ranging from 2-8microM equated to the same plant organ concentrations from soils with 700-3000mgkg(-1). Total and extractable As fractions exceeded those values, but As concentrations in pore water were bellow them. According to our results (i) hydroponics should include doses in the range 0-10microM As to allow the extrapolation of the results to As-polluted soils, and (ii) phytoextraction of As in mining sites will be limited by low As phytoavailability.

[Ranibizumab as treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization]. / Tratamiento de membranas neovasculares miópicas con Ranibizumab.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal Ranibizumab as treatment for choroidal neovascularisation due to pathological myopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, non-comparative study of 18 eyes treated with intravitreal injections of Ranibizumab. Ten eyes had been treated previously with photodynamic therapy and eight received Ranibizumab as first therapy. After thorough ophthalmologic examination, fluorescein angiography (FAG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), intraocular injection of Ranibizumab was performed. In subsequent monthly follow ups and taking into account visual acuity, presence or absence of metamorphopsia, biomicroscopy and OCT examination, further treatment was decided. RESULTS: Eighteen eyes from 16 patients were finally included. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. The mean age at initial treatment was 56.4 years. Mean refractive error was -13.3 diopters. Regarding FAG, all neovascular membranes were classical and sub or juxtafoveal localised. At the end of the sixth month after treatment fourteen eyes (77.7%) showed better visual acuity ranging from one or more lines on the Snellen chart, eleven eyes (61.1%) improved two lines or more, three eyes (16.6%) did not show any change and one eye (5.5%) worsened by one line. At 6 months the mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.25 to 0.46 (p= 0.001). The mean central macular thickness decreased from 344.9 to 212.6 (p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Ranibizumab may be a good therapeutic option as treatment for choroidal neovascularisation due to pathological myopia; it improved visual acuity and anatomical features, even in non-responders to photodynamic therapy (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2009; 84: 507-514).

Tratamiento de membranas neovasculares miópicas con ranibizumab / Ranibizumab as treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization

Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia de Ranibizumab intravítreo, como tratamiento de la neovascularización coroidea asociada a miopía patológica. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, no comparativo de 18 ojos tratados con inyecciones intravítreas de Ranibizumab. Diez de los casos se habían tratado previamente con Terapia Fotodinámica, los 8 restantes recibieron Ranibizumab como primera terapia. Tras realizar angiografía fluoesceínica (AGF) y tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT), se inyectaba ranibizumab, en los controles mensuales posteriores y teniendo en cuenta la agudeza visual (AV), presencia de metamorfopsias, biomicroscopia de polo posterior y características de la OCT se decidía el retratamiento. Resultados: Se analizaron 18 ojos de 16 pacientes, con un seguimiento mínimo de 6 meses. La edad media fue de 56,4 años y el equivalente esférico medio de -13,3 dioptrias. Todas las membranas neovasculares fueron angiográficamente clásicas y de localización sub o yuxtafoveal. La AV mejoró en 14 ojos (77,7%) al menos 1 línea y 11 ojos (61,1%) mejoraron 2 o más líneas a los 6 meses de la inyección, 3 ojos no mostraron cambio (16,6%) y sólo 1 empeoró 1 línea (5,5%). A los 6 meses la AV media mejoró de 0,25 a 0,46 (p = 0,001). La media del espesor macular en la OCT se redujo de 344,9 micras a 212,6 (p = 0,015). Conclusiones: Ranibizumab puede ser una buena opción terapéutica en el tratamiento de la neovascularización miópica, con mejoría visual y anatómica, incluso en pacientes no respondedores a Terapia Fotodinámica (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal Ranibizumab as treatment for choroidal neovascularisation due to pathological myopia. Materials and methods: A retrospective, non-comparative study of 18 eyes treated with intravitreal injections of Ranibizumab. Ten eyes had been treated previously with photodynamic therapy and eight received Ranibizumab as first therapy. After thorough ophthalmologic examination, fluorescein angiography (FAG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), intraocular injection of Ranibizumab was performed. In subsequent monthly follow ups and taking into account visual acuity, presence or absence of metamorphopsia, biomicroscopy and OCT examination, further treatment was decided. Results: Eighteen eyes from 16 patients were finally included. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. The mean age at initial treatment was 56.4 years. Mean refractive error was -13.3 diopters. Regarding FAG, all neovascular membranes were classical and sub or juxtafoveal localised. At the end of the sixth month after treatment fourteen eyes (77.7%) showed better visual acuity ranging from one or more lines on the Snellen chart, eleven eyes (61.1%) improved two lines or more, three eyes (16.6%) did not show any change and one eye (5.5%) worsened by one line. At 6 months the mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.25 to 0.46 (p= 0.001). The mean central macular thickness decreased from 344.9 to 212.6 (p=0.015). Conclusions: Ranibizumab may be a good therapeutic option as treatment for choroidal neovascularisation due to pathological myopia; it improved visual acuity and anatomical features, even in non-responders to photodynamic therapy (AU)

Axonal loss in the retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify axonal loss in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), with and without a history of optic neuritis, by means of ocular imaging technologies. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 50 patients with MS and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients underwent neurologic assessment and a complete ophthalmic examination that included visual acuity, visual field examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), scanning laser polarimetry (GDx) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs). Visual parameters and RNFL measurements were evaluated in MS eyes with a prior optic neuritis episode (MS-ON), with no prior episode (MS-NON) and control subjects. RESULTS: There were significant differences (p < 0.05, analysis of variance) between MS-ON (n = 25 eyes) and healthy eyes (n = 25 eyes) for all RNFL parameters measured by OCT and GDx. Significant differences between MS-NON (n = 75 eyes) and healthy eyes were also found for most of these parameters. RNFL thickness in the temporal quadrant was the parameter with the greatest differences between groups (71.79 microm in healthy eyes, 60.29 microm in MS-NON and 53.92 microm in MS-ON, p < 0.0005). Although there was a highly significant but moderate correlation between RNFL thickness and duration of the disease, no correlation was observed between RNFL thickness and neurologic impairment (Expanded Disability Status Scale). CONCLUSIONS: Axonal loss was detected not only in MS eyes with a previous acute optic neuritis, but also in MS eyes with no known optic neuritis episode. Structural abnormalities correlate with functional assessments of the optic nerve.

[Seasonal variation in mortality in the city of Valencia, Spain]. / Variación estacional de la mortalidad en la ciudad de Valencia, España.

OBJECTIVE: To study the seasonal variation in mortality for all causes, grouped according to age and sex, within the city of Valencia during the period 1976-1990 and its relationship with air temperature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an ecological study using monthly global mortality and mean atmospheric temperature statistics for the city of Valencia, Spain between 1976 and 1990. The principal variable has turned out to be mortality for all causes. Mortality rates have been determined for specific age groups (0-4, 35-49, 50-64, 65-74 and > or = 75), as well as for both genders, within the city of Valencia for each of the 180-month period of investigation. Average monthly mortality data has been obtained and the percentage variation has been calculated. Graphical analysis has been used to examine the seasonal variation in mortality and in order to discern the nature of any relationship between atmospheric temperature and mortality. The regression line has been adjusted using the Loess method (smoothed regression motive, locally pondered). The association between mean temperature and mortality has calculated by means of multiple regression analysis controlling for trend, seasonality and period effect. RESULTS: A clear seasonal pattern emerges with mortality peaking during the Winter months and dipping during the Summer and early Autumn. The increase in mortality seen during the month of January came to 27.7% of the total mortality for females and 19.5% of the total mortality for males. By age groups, this increase was greater in the 75-plus age group. Graphically, the relationship between temperature and mortality has a V-shape appearance, with a lower mortality level when the mean daily temperature for the month in question is approximately 23 degrees Celsius. Based on this relationship, two complementary.

[Association of air pollution and mortality: a review of recent epidemiological studies]. / La asociación entre contaminación atmosférica y mortalidad: una revisión de los estudios epidemiológicos recientes.

The aim of this study is to present a review of the work published over the past few years which deals with the relationship between air pollution (AP) and mortality from the epidemiological perspective, by examining the evolution of methodology used in the analysis along with changes in values considered as threshold levels. A literature review was carried out on of articles published in the MEDLINE and IME databases. From this search some 40 articles were selected. The review has been centred on those studies which examine the association of AP indicators and short term mortality. The design of the paper is usually retrospective and, in almost all cases, these are ecological studies. Study populations are, most of times, inhabitants of cities or particular geographic areas, with the usual analysis being a combination of time series approach and multivariate regression. Also taken into account in the majority of this papers, apart from time variables, are other confounding factors, especially meteorological conditions. The results of the papers reviewed are presented along with their principle methodological characteristics. A series of recent studies indicate that the relationship between AP, especially small particles, and mortality may exist below the guidelines established at National and International level. This study finishes with a discussion on the most outstanding aspects of the results of the papers reviewed. Also mentioned is the difficulty of determining AP indicators, and their levels, which are linked to mortality.

[Guillain-Barre syndrome: a study of 13 children]. / Síndrome de Guillain-Barré. Análisis de 13 casos pediátricos.

A group of 13 children, aged 2 to 14 years, and diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome has been analyzed. Clinical features and outcome were retrospectively studied. In 75% of the patients there was an infectious illness previous to the neurologic symptoms and in four children the etiologic agent was demonstrated. Motor deficits affecting the limbs and muscle stretch reflexes were absent in all thirteen patients. Cranial nerve involvement showed-up in 46%. Meningitic symptoms occurred in 62% of the cases. One of the children developed the Fisher syndrome variant. Two patients required assisted ventilation. Three children showed associated immunologic abnormalities, with one of the patients having a selective IgA deficiency, another child showing an increment in IgE and the other Kawasaki syndrome. We have not demonstrated differences in the outcome between the patients with corticoid treatment.

[Hemolytic uremic syndrome. Evaluation of clinical and prognostic factors]. / Síndrome hemolítico urémico. Valoración de factores clínicos y pronósticos.

Ten patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) were admitted to our ICU during the last 7 years. The mean age at entry was 26 month old. Only one child was more than 2 years of age. A greater incidence of this illness was noted during the summer season. Almost all cases (90%), were severe with arterial hypertension and requiring peritoneal dialysis. HUS is a multisystemic disorder with early renal involvement, but the possibility of other sites being affected must be kept in mind. Half of the patients presented extrarenal manifestations of disease, including: seizures (30%), colonic ischemia requiring intestinal resection, and heart failure with lung edema due to severe hypertension. The two parameters that were helpful in determining the prognosis were the interval of renal insufficiency (greater than 14 days) and neurologic impairment, with the later being of most importance.