Pragmatic competence in people with dual diagnosis: down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Pragmatics is an area that can be affected in a wide variety of disorders. In this sense, Syndromic Autism is defined as a disorder in which a causal link is established between an associated syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Likewise, Down Syndrome (DS) is one of the main genetically based syndromes in which ASD is described as one of its possible manifestations. In this direction, people with DS are described as social beings whereas in ASD there seems to be a specific alteration of this domain. METHODS: In this study, pragmatic performance was analysed in a sample of 72 participants, where comparisons were made between the scores obtained by children with ASD (n = 24), with DS (n = 24) and with DS + ASD (n = 24). RESULTS: The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Block Objective and Criterial Language Battery (BLOC-SR) and the Neuropsychology subtest (NEPSY-II) aimed at Theory of Mind (ToM) identified significant differences between the groups. However, two-to-two comparisons reported no significant differences between DS and DS + ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Although several studies report differences between the three proposed groups, our data seem to suggest that ASD symptomatology in DS is associated with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD). However, the lack of solid scientific evidence regarding comorbid diagnosis makes further research along these lines indispensable. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Social Research at UCLM with reference CEIS-704,511-L8M4.

Tratamiento Psicológico por Videoconferencia de una Víctima de Terrorismo con Trastorno por Estrés Postraumático y Otros Trastornos Emocionales Comórbidos 30 Años después del Atentado / Videoconference-delivered psychological treatment for a victim of terrorism with posttraumatic stress disorder and other comorbid emotional disorders 30 years after the terrorist attack

En este trabajo se muestra la efectividad o utilidad clínica de la terapia cognitivo-conductual centrada en el trauma (TCCCT) cuando se aplica por videoconferencia a un paciente de 52 años víctima directa de un atentado terrorista sufrido hace 30 años, que presentaba trastorno por estrés postraumático (TEPT), trastorno depresivo mayor, fobia social y trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo. Tras 36 sesiones de tratamiento, se produjo una reducción clínicamente significativa de la sintomatología postraumática, ansiosa y depresiva, la cual se mantuvo estable a largo plazo. La TCC-CT aplicada por videoconferencia parece ser efectiva cuando se utiliza con víctimas del terrorismo que sufren TEPT y otros trastornos comórbidos a muy largo plazo, aunque la comorbilidad y la cronicidad parecen requerir un aumento en el número de sesiones

This paper shows the effectiveness or clinical utility of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral treatment (TF-CBT) that was delivered by videoconference in a 52 year old patient who was victim of a terrorist attack 30 years ago and suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comorbid with major depressive disorder (MDD), social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). After 36 sessions, a clinically significant decrease in posttraumatic, depressive and anxious symptomatology was obtained and remained stable in the long term. TF-CBT delivered by videoconference seems to be effective when is used with victims of terrorism suffering from PTSD and comorbid emotional disorders in the very long term, although comorbidity and chronicity seem to an increase in the number of treatment sessions

Notch-regulated miR-223 targets the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway and increases cytokine production in macrophages from rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Evidence links aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis, although results are inconsistent. AHR agonists inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages, pivotal cells in RA aetiopathogenesis, which hints at specific circuits that regulate the AHR pathway in RA macrophages. We compared microRNA (miR) expression in CD14(+) cells from patients with active RA or with osteoarthritis (OA). Seven miR were downregulated and one (miR-223) upregulated in RA compared to OA cells. miR-223 upregulation correlated with reduced Notch3 and Notch effector expression in RA patients. Overexpression of the Notch-induced repressor HEY-1 and co-culture of healthy donor monocytes with Notch ligand-expressing cells showed direct Notch-mediated downregulation of miR-223. Bioinformatics predicted the AHR regulator ARNT (AHR nuclear translocator) as a miR-223 target. Pre-miR-223 overexpression silenced ARNT 3'UTR-driven reporter expression, reduced ARNT (but not AHR) protein levels and prevented AHR/ARNT-mediated inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. miR-223 counteracted AHR/ARNT-induced Notch3 upregulation in monocytes. Levels of ARNT and of CYP1B1, an AHR/ARNT signalling effector, were reduced in RA compared to OA synovial tissue, which correlated with miR-223 levels. Our results associate Notch signalling to miR-223 downregulation in RA macrophages, and identify miR-223 as a negative regulator of the AHR/ARNT pathway through ARNT targeting.

Progression of null or mild lower urinary tract symptoms indicative of benign prostatic hyperplasia after 2 years of follow-up in non-treated men aged 40 years or older.

OBJECTIVES: After screening men aged 40 years or older for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) indicative of benign prostatic hyperplasia over the years 1999 to 2000, non-treated men with an initial International Prostate Symptoms Score (I-PSS) equal to or lower than 2 were assessed 2 years later for symptom progression. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1999 on 1804 men aged 40 years or older who were living in Madrid. In a telephone interview sociodemographic information was requested and LUTS assessed using the I-PSS. Of 975 men with no LUTS or lower than 2 in this baseline survey, 463 were re-interviewed in 2001. The dependent variable was the change from null/mild to moderate/severe LUTS produced over 2 years. RESULTS: Over the 2-year period, the mean increase in I-PSS score was 2.20 (95% CI, 1.89-2.51). The cumulative incidence of progression from asymptomatic/mild to moderate/severe disease was 9.94% (95% CI, 7.53-13.00). In the multivariate logistic regression model men who lived in a rural setting (OR, 2.70; P = .01) and armed forces, qualified agriculture and fishing workers (OR, 4.11; P = .05) were independently associated with progression. Age and alcohol intake were also found to interact; intake of 0.01-25.99 g/day in men older than 50 years (OR, 0.28; P = .008) was related to a lower frequency of progression than the same alcohol intake in men younger than 50 years (OR, 2.03; P = .380). CONCLUSIONS: After the 2-year period, the incidence of symptom progression was 10% in men aged 40 years or older with an initial I-PSS equal to or lower than 2.

Determinación de plomo y cadmio en sangre y su relación con fuentes de exposición. Estudio PESA, 2008 / Blood lead and cadmium levels and sources of exposure. PESA study, 2008

Introducción. La exposición al plomo y al cadmio es un problema de salud pública debido a la amplia exposición a estos tóxicos en la población general. El objetivo del estudio es determinar la concentración de plomo y cadmio en sangre en una población laboral procedente de 4 centros hospitalarios universitarios de Madrid, Getafe, Cartagena y Santiago de Compostela e identificar los factores asociados. Material y métodos. En el estudio participaron 252 sujetos a los que se les administró el cuestionario estandarizado PESA® de exposición al plomo y al cadmio. La concentración de plomo y cadmio en sangre se midió por espectrometría de absorción atómica con atomización electrotérmica y corrección de fondo por efecto Zeeman en espectrómetros Perkin-Elmer; se garantizó la transferibilidad de los resultados. Resultados. La mediana de la concentración global de plomo en sangre fue de 2,0μg/dl (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 1,2–3,1) y la de cadmio fue de 0,2μg/l (RIC: 0,1–0,4). La mediana de plomo en las mujeres menopáusicas fue superior (2,9μg/dl) a la de las mujeres premenopáusicas (1,3μg/dl) (p<0,001). La mediana de cadmio de los sujetos fumadores (0,54μg/l) fue mayor que la de los sujetos no fumadores (0,21μg/l) (p<0,001). Conclusiones. Se observa un descenso en las concentraciones de plomo y cadmio en sangre respecto a estudios previos realizados en España. Sin embargo, los resultados sugieren que existen factores de mayor riesgo, como la edad, la menopausia, la antigüedad de la vivienda y la exposición al humo de tabaco (AU)

Introduction. Exposure to lead and cadmium is a public health problem owing to the wide exposure to these toxic substances among the general population. The objective of this study is to determine blood lead and cadmium concentrations in a working population drawn from four university hospitals in Madrid, Getafe, Cartagena and Santiago de Compostela, and to identify associated factors. Materials and Methods. A total of 252 subjects took part in the study and were given the standardised PESA® questionnaire on exposure to lead and cadmium. The blood lead and cadmium concentrations were measured by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction in Perkin-Elmer spectrometers, guaranteeing the transferability of the results. Results. The median overall blood lead concentration was: 2.0μg/dL ( Interquartile Range (IQR):1.2–3.1) and that of cadmium was: 0.2μg/L (IQR: 0,1–0,4). The median of lead in post-menopausal women was higher (2.9μg/dL) than that of pre-menopausal women (1.3μg/dL) P<0.001. The median of cadmium in subjects who smoked (0.54μg/L) was higher than that in non-smokers (0.21μg/L) P<0.001. Conclusions. A reduction in blood lead and cadmium levels was observed with respect to previous studies carried out in Spain. Nevertheless, the results suggest there are certain factors which increase the risk, such as age, menopause, age of housing and exposure to cigarette smoke (AU)

[Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms related with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Study of 1804 men aged 40 or older in Madrid]. / Prevalencia de síntomas del tracto urinario inferior relacionados con la hiperplasia benigna de próstata. Estudio de 1804 hombres de 40 años o más residentes en Madrid durante 1999-2000.

INTRODUCTION: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are present nowadays in approximately 20 to 30% of the Spanish male population from the age of 50 onwards. The purpose of this study was to assess clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with LUTS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed, between 1999 and 2000, among 1,804 men aged 40 or older who were living in Madrid. Subjects were interviewed by telephone; socio-demographic information was requested and the presence of LUTS was assessed using the International Prostate Symptoms Score. Informed consent was requested, Association between qualitative variables was evaluated by chi2 or Fisher's test. A logistic regression model was performed to control confusion. RESULTS: Prevalence of moderate/severe LUTS was 16.6% (95%CI: 14.8-18.3). Nearly 90% of the subjects consumed olive oil, 71.5% alcohol, 63.1% did not smoke and 96.9% did not consume drugs. A 27.7% of the subjects had hypertension and 8.8% referred diabetes. Men aged 70 or older had a threefold increased frequency of serious symptoms compared to younger men (OR: 3.31; 95%CI: 2.10-5.22). Low level of studies increased this frequency by a factor of 2.2 (95%CI: 1.42-3.46) and men who consumed only seed oil had twice more serious symptoms than those who consumed olive oil (OR: 1.86; 95%CI: 0.98-3.55). CONCLUSIONS: Family history of urological diseases, age, low level of studies, hypertension, diabetes and seed oil consumption were independently associated with more serious symptoms, while medium alcohol consumption and mild smoking habit were associated with slighter symptoms.

Prevalencia de síntomas del tracto urinario inferior relacionados con la hiperplasia benigna de próstata. Estudio de 1804 hombres de 40 años o más residentes en Madrid durante 1999-2000 / Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms related with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Study of 1804 men aged 40 or older in Madrid

Introducción: Los síntomas del tracto urinario inferior (STUI) asociados con la hiperplasia benigna de próstata están presentes en el 20-30% de la población española masculina de 50 años o más. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes con STUI. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado entre los años 1999 y 2000 en 1804 hombres de 40 años o más residentes en Madrid. Mediante entrevista telefónica se recabó información sociodemográfica de los participantes y se evaluó la presencia de STUI mediante el I-PSS (International Prostate Symptoms Score). La asociación entre variables cualitativas se evaluó con el test χ2 o el exacto de Fisher. Se ajustó un modelo de regresión logística para evaluar la probabilidad de tener STUI moderados/severos controlando la confusión. Resultados: La prevalencia de STUI moderados/severos fue del 16,6% (IC95%: 14,8-18,3). Cerca del 90% de los participantes consumían aceite de oliva, el 71,5% alcohol, el 63,1% no fumaba y el 96,9% no consumían drogas. Un 27,7% refería hipertensión y un 8,8% diabetes. Los hombres de 70 años o más tenían una frecuencia de STUI moderados/severos tres veces mayor que los hombres más jóvenes (OR: 3,31; IC95%: 2,10-5,22). El nivel bajo de estudios, frente al alto, mostró una frecuencia 2,2 veces mayor de STUI moderados/severos (IC95%: 1,42-3,46), así como el consumo de aceite de semillas, frente al de oliva (OR: 1,86; IC95%: 0,98-3,55). Conclusiones: La historia familiar de enfermedades urológicas, la edad, el nivel bajo de estudios, la hipertensión, la diabetes y el consumo de aceite de semillas se asociaron de forma independiente con la presencia de STUI más severos, mientras el consumo moderado de alcohol y tabaco se asoció de forma independiente a la presencia de STUI leves (AU)

Introduction: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are present nowadays in approximately 20 to 30% of the Spanish male population from the age of 50 onwards. The purpose of this study was to assess clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with LUTS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, between 1999 and 2000, among 1,804 men aged 40 or older who were living in Madrid. Subjects were interviewed by telephone; socio-demographic information was requested and the presence of LUTS was assessed using the International Prostate Symptoms Score. Informed consent was requested. Association between qualitative variables was evaluated by χ2 or Fisher’s test. A logistic regression model was performed to control confusion. Results: Prevalence of moderate/severe LUTS was 16.6% (95%CI: 14.8-18.3). Nearly 90% of the subjects consumed olive oil, 71.5% alcohol, 63.1% did not smoke and 96.9% did not consume drugs. A 27.7% of the subjects had hypertension and 8.8% referred diabetes. Men aged 70 or older had a threefold increased frequency of serious symptoms compared to younger men (OR: 3.31; 95%CI: 2.10-5.22). Low level of studies increased this frequency by a factor of 2.2 (95%CI: 1.42-3.46) and men who consumed only seed oil had twice more serious symptoms than those who consumed olive oil (OR: 1.86; 95%CI: 0.98-3.55). Conclusions: Family history of urological diseases, age, low level of studies, hypertension, diabetes and seed oil consumption were independently associated with more serious symptoms, while medium alcohol consumption and mild smoking habit were associated with slighter symptoms (AU)

[Vaccination coverage against Streptococcus pneumoniae in splenectomized patients in a fourth-level hospital (1999-2004)]. / Evolución de la cobertura vacunal frente a Streptococcus pneumoniae en pacientes esplenectomizados en un hospital de cuarto nivel (1999-2004).

INTRODUCTION: Patients in whom the spleen has been removed have a higher risk of acquiring infection by capsulated microorganisms, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Neisseria meningitidis. AIMS: Determine the vaccination coverage against S. pneumoniae of splenectomized patients in Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC, Madrid) and to identify variables related to the level of vaccination coverage reached. METHODS: From January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2004, a retrospective cohort study of all splenectomized patients was carried out in HCSC. Patients were identified from the Medical Records Department and the vaccination registry of the Preventive Medicine Service. RESULTS: During the study period, 248 splenectomies were carried out. The median age was 61.0 years (interquartile range, 39.0-71.0). The most frequent reason for splenectomy was malignant gastrointestinal neoplasm (34.7%). Overall vaccination coverage against S. pneumoniae for the period studied was 48.4%. A significant increase in vaccination coverage per year was observed (P < .001). Multivariate analysis identified the following variables associated with a greater risk of not being vaccinated: male sex, patients proceeding from surgical services, and patients undergoing splenectomy during 1999 to 2001. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage has increased every year since implementation of the protocol. Nevertheless, it necessary to extend the vaccination program within daily clinical practice.

Evolución de la cobertura vacunal frente a Streptococcus pneumoniae en pacientes esplenectomizados en un hospital de cuarto nivel (1999-2004) / Vaccination coverage against Streptococcus pneumoniae in splenectomized patients in a fourth-level hospital (1999-2004)

Introducción. Los pacientes sin bazo presentan mayor riesgo de infección por bacterias encapsuladas, especialmente por Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae tipo b y Neisseria meningitidis. Objetivos. Conocer la cobertura vacunal frente a S. pneumoniae de los pacientes esplenectomizados en el Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC) y la identificación de las variables relacionadas con los niveles de cobertura vacunal alcanzados. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de todos los pacientes esplenectomizados desde el 1 de enero de 1999 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2004 en el HCSC. Los pacientes se identificaron mediante la base de datos del Servicio de Archivos y Documentación Clínica y los registros de vacunación del Servicio de Medicina Preventiva. Resultados. Durante el período de estudio se llevaron a cabo 248 esplenectomías. La mediana de edad fue de 61,0 años, rango intercuartílico (39,0-71,0). Las neoplasias del aparato digestivo (34,7%) fueron la causa más frecuente de esplenectomía. La cobertura vacunal frente S. pneumoniae alcanzada durante el período de estudio fue del 48,4%, detectándose una tendencia ascendente estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001) al analizar las coberturas vacunales específicas por año. Las variables, identificadas mediante el análisis multivariado, relacionadas con un mayor riesgo de no vacunación, fueron el género masculino, los pacientes procedentes de servicios quirúrgicos y los esplenectomizados durante el período 1999-2001. Conclusiones. Las coberturas vacunales se han incrementado todos los años desde la implantación del protocolo. Sin embargo, sería necesario difundir y ampliar el programa de vacunación dentro de la práctica clínica diaria (AU)

Introduction. Patients in whom the spleen has been removed have a higher risk of acquiring infection by capsulated microorganisms, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Neisseria meningitidis. Aims. Determine the vaccination coverage against S. pneumoniae of splenectomized patients in Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC, Madrid) and to identify variables related to the level of vaccination coverage reached. Methods. From January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2004, a retrospective cohort study of all splenectomized patients was carried out in HCSC. Patients were identified from the Medical Records Department and the vaccination registry of the Preventive Medicine Service. Results. During the study period, 248 splenectomies were carried out. The median age was 61.0 years (interquartile range, 39.0-71.0). The most frequent reason for splenectomy was malignant gastrointestinal neoplasm (34.7%). Overall vaccination coverage against S. pneumoniae for the period studied was 48.4%. A significant increase in vaccination coverage per year was observed (P <.001). Multivariate analysis identified the following variables associated with a greater risk of not being vaccinated: male sex, patients proceeding from surgical services, and patients undergoing splenectomy during 1999 to 2001. Conclusions. Vaccination coverage has increased every year since implementation of the protocol. Nevertheless, it necessary to extend the vaccination program within daily clinical practice (AU)

[Microepidemics of tuberculosis in schools. How should we select contacts?]. / Microepidemias de tuberculosis en centros escolares. Cómo seleccionar los contactos?

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of microepidemics of tuberculosis indicate the existence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission. We describe a microepidemic in a school in which an index case with low infective capacity gave rise to a high percentage of tuberculosis infection and disease in the center. METHODS: Contact investigation was performed in 423 pupils of a school after a recently arrived teacher with few symptoms was diagnosed with tuberculosis. A cross-sectional study was carried out to calculate the prevalence of tuberculosis infection and disease in the school center. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of positive results in the first tuberculosis skin test for primary and secondary students, with more positive results in secondary school pupils (18.4%) than in primary school pupils (6.1%). The incidence of skin tuberculosis test converters was 5.7%. The prevalence of infection by educational level was 10% in primary education and 23.4% in secondary education. The risk of infection in secondary school pupils was more than twice that in primary school pupils (OR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5-3.5). There were 6 new cases of tuberculosis in pupils. CONCLUSION: The high percentage of conversions in the second tuberculosis skin test indicated the existence of transmission in the school. The results of this study support contact investigation in schools where there is exposure to a case of tuberculosis, whether highly infective or nort.

Microepidemias de tuberculosis en centros escolares. ¿Cómo seleccionar los contactos? / Microepidemics of tuberculosis in schools. How should we select contacts?

Objetivos: La aparición de microepidemias de tuberculosis indica una transmisión de Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Se describe una microepidemia en un centro escolar donde se observó un alto porcentaje de infectados y de enfermos a partir de un caso fuente de baja capacidad infectante. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de contactos a 423 alumnos de un colegio, ante la aparición de un caso de tuberculosis en una profesora con escasa sintomatología y poco tiempo de exposición en el centro. Estudio transversal donde se calcula la prevalencia de enfermedad y de infección tuberculosa en el centro escolar. Resultados: Se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la distribución de casos positivos en la primera prueba de tuberculina por ciclo escolar, y se encontraron más alumnos positivos en educación secundaria (18,4%) que en primaria (6,1%). La incidencia de conversores tuberculínicos fue del 5,7%. La prevalencia de infección por nivel educativo fue del 10% en educación primaria y del 23,4% en educación secundaria. El riesgo de infección en alumnos de educación secundaria fue más del doble que los de primaria (odds ratio = 2,4; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,5-3,5). Aparecieron 6 casos de tuberculosis en los alumnos. Conclusión: El alto porcentaje de conversiones en la segunda prueba de la tuberculina indica la existencia de transmisión en el colegio. Esta investigación refuerza la idea de llevar a cabo un amplio estudio de contactos en centros escolares ante la detección de un caso de tuberculis, sea bacilífero o no

Background: Outbreaks of microepidemics of tuberculosis indicate the existence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission. We describe a microepidemic in a school in which an index case with low infective capacity gave rise to a high percentage of tuberculosis infection and disease in the center. Methods: Contact investigation was performed in 423 pupils of a school after a recently arrived teacher with few symptoms was diagnosed with tuberculosis. A cross-sectional study was carried out to calculate the prevalence of tuberculosis infection and disease in the school center. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of positive results in the first tuberculosis skin test for primary and secondary students, with more positive results in secondary school pupils (18.4%) than in primary school pupils (6.1%). The incidence of skin tuberculosis test converters was 5.7%. The prevalence of infection by educational level was 10% in primary education and 23.4% in secondary education. The risk of infection in secondary school pupils was more than twice that in primary school pupils (OR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5-3.5). There were 6 new cases of tuberculosis in pupils. Conclusion: The high percentage of conversions in the second tuberculosis skin test indicated the existence of transmission in the school. The results of this study support contact investigation in schools where there is exposure to a case of tuberculosis, whether highly infective or nort