Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies for the detection of the hepatitis C core antigen.

Background: Despite highly effective treatments to cure hepatitis C, almost 80% of chronically HCV-infected people are not treated, as they are unaware of their infection. Diagnostic rates and linkage to care must be substantially improved to reverse this situation. The HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) is a highly conserved protein that can be detected in the blood of HCV-infected patients and indicates active infection. Aim: To produce murine monoclonal antibodies against HCVcAg suitable for rapid and inexpensive tests to detect HCV infection. Methods: BALB/c mice were sequentially inoculated with purified recombinant HCVcAg from Gt1a, Gt3a, Gt4a, and Gt1b genotypes. Hybridomas producing the desired monoclonal antibodies were selected, and the reactivity of antibodies against HCVcAg from various genotypes was tested by Western blotting and dot blotting. The binding kinetics of the antibodies to purified HCVcAg was analyzed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and their ability to detect HCVcAg was tested by double antibody sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA). Results: Four specific monoclonal antibodies (1C, 2C, 4C, and 8C) were obtained. 1C, 2C, and 4C recognized HCVcAg of all genotypes tested (Gt1a, Gt1b, Gt2a, Gt3a, and Gt4a), while 8C did not recognize the Gt2a and Gt3a genotypes. Based on SPR data, the antibody-HCVcAg complexes formed are stable, with 2C having the strongest binding properties. DAS-ELISA with different antibody combinations easily detected HCVcAg in culture supernatants from HCV-infected cells. Conclusion: Specific and cross-reactive anti-HCVcAg monoclonal antibodies with strong binding properties were obtained that may be useful for detecting HCVcAg in HCV-infected samples.

Negative impact of HIV infection on broad-spectrum anti-HCV neutralizing antibody titers in HCV-infected patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to assess the impact of HIV on the production of anti-HCV antibodies in HCV-infected individuals with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis before and 36 weeks after the sustained virological response (SVR) induced by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy. METHODS: Prospective study on 62 patients (50 HIV/HCV-coinfected and 12 HCV-monoinfected). Plasma anti-E2 and HCV-nAbs were determined respectively by ELISA and microneutralization assays. RESULTS: At baseline, the HCV-group had higher anti-E2 levels against Gt1a (p = 0.012), Gt1b (p = 0.023), and Gt4a (p = 0.005) than the HIV/HCV-group. After SVR, anti-E2 titers against Gt1a (p < 0.001), Gt1b (p = 0.001), and Gt4a (p = 0.042) were also higher in the HCV-group than HIV/HCV-group. At 36 weeks post-SVR, plasma anti-E2 titers decreased between 1.3 and 1.9-fold in the HIV/HCV-group (p < 0.001) and between 1.5 and 1.8-fold in the HCV-group (p ≤ 0.001). At baseline, the HCV-group had higher titers of HCV-nAbs against Gt1a (p = 0.022), Gt1b (p = 0.002), Gt2a (p < 0.001), and Gt4a (p < 0.001) than the HIV/HCV-group. After SVR, HCV-nAbs titers against Gt1a (p = 0.014), Gt1b (p < 0.001), Gt2a (p = 0.002), and Gt4a (p = 0.004) were also higher in the HCV-group. At 36 weeks post-SVR, HCV-nAbs decreased between 2.6 and 4.1-fold in the HIV/HCV-group (p < 0.001) and between 1.9 and 4.0-fold in the HCV-group (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HIV/HCV-coinfected patients produced lower levels of broad-spectrum anti-HCV antibodies than HCV-monoinfected patients.

Drosophila Evolution over Space and Time (DEST): A New Population Genomics Resource.

Drosophila melanogaster is a leading model in population genetics and genomics, and a growing number of whole-genome data sets from natural populations of this species have been published over the last years. A major challenge is the integration of disparate data sets, often generated using different sequencing technologies and bioinformatic pipelines, which hampers our ability to address questions about the evolution of this species. Here we address these issues by developing a bioinformatics pipeline that maps pooled sequencing (Pool-Seq) reads from D. melanogaster to a hologenome consisting of fly and symbiont genomes and estimates allele frequencies using either a heuristic (PoolSNP) or a probabilistic variant caller (SNAPE-pooled). We use this pipeline to generate the largest data repository of genomic data available for D. melanogaster to date, encompassing 271 previously published and unpublished population samples from over 100 locations in >20 countries on four continents. Several of these locations have been sampled at different seasons across multiple years. This data set, which we call Drosophila Evolution over Space and Time (DEST), is coupled with sampling and environmental metadata. A web-based genome browser and web portal provide easy access to the SNP data set. We further provide guidelines on how to use Pool-Seq data for model-based demographic inference. Our aim is to provide this scalable platform as a community resource which can be easily extended via future efforts for an even more extensive cosmopolitan data set. Our resource will enable population geneticists to analyze spatiotemporal genetic patterns and evolutionary dynamics of D. melanogaster populations in unprecedented detail.

Toolbox to simulate and mitigate COVID-19 propagation.

In this paper, we present an age-and-migration-dependent Markov-chain-based model for the propagation of the COVID-19, together with a user-friendly MatLab-based toolbox. Furthermore, we present examples to simulate the propagation of the virus internationally and locally (in a particular country).

Seroprevalencia de la hepatitis C en un grupo de pacientes con tatuajes realizados en los últimos 2 años. Estudio transversal en Risaralda, Colombia / Seroprevalence of hepatitis C in a group of patients tattooed within the last 2 years: A cross-sectional study in Risaralda, Colombia

Resumen Introducción: diversos estudios han buscado factores asociados con el contagio de hepatitis C. La realización de tatuajes ha ganado importancia. Los estudios en los que se ha vinculado el riesgo de hepatitis C con tatuajes no han controlado las condiciones en que se realizó ni medidas de bioseguridad, por lo cual es difícil establecer una relación causal. Objetivo: Evaluar la seroprevalencia de hepatitis C en pacientes adultos con tatuajes realizados en los últimos dos años en el departamento de Risaralda, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal en una muestra por conveniencia de 65 individuos, con uno o más tatuajes realizados entre 8 semanas a 2 años, sin otros factores de riesgo para hepatitis C, mediante una prueba rápida de anticuerpos por inmunocromatografía. Resultados: 57 de 86 sujetos cumplieron los criterios de selección. La prueba rápida de anticuerpos contra hepatitis C fue negativa en todos los participantes. La mayoría de los pacientes era de sexo femenino (59,6 %), con edad promedio de 25 años, 30 estudiantes universitarios, 46 provenientes de Pereira y 40 eran de estrato económico 3 o superior. 46 personas solo tuvieron una sesión de tatuaje. La mayoría tenía 2 a 3 tatuajes y 52 fueron realizados en establecimientos autorizados. 50 participantes refirieron que sus tatuadores cumplían las normas de bioseguridad. Conclusión: los tatuajes realizados bajo condiciones de bioseguridad en establecimientos autorizados y pocas sesiones parecen no aumentar el riesgo de infección por hepatitis C en personas sin otros factores de riesgo. Se requieren estudios adicionales para confirmar dicha hipótesis.

Abstract Introduction: In several studies of factors associated with the spread of hepatitis C, tattooing has gained importance. Studies that link tattooing with a risk of hepatitis C have not controlled for conditions under which it was done nor considered biosecurity measures. This makes it difficult to establish a causal relationship. Objective: This study assessed the seroprevalence of hepatitis C in adult patients who were tattooed within the last two years in the department of Risaralda, Colombia. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 65 individuals with one or more tattoos that had been done 8 weeks to 2 years prior to the study and who had no other risk factors for hepatitis C. A rapid antibody immunochromatography test was used. Results: Out of 86 subjects, 57 met the selection criteria. The rapid hepatitis C antibody test was negative for all participants. Most were women (59.6%), their average age was 25 years, 30 were university students, 46 came from Pereira, and 40 were from economic stratum 3 or higher. Forty-six had had only one tattoo session. Most had two to three tattoos. Fifty-two had been done in authorized establishments. Fifty participants reported that their tattoo artists met biosafety standards. Conclusion: Tattoos made under biosafety conditions in authorized establishments do not seem to increase the risk of hepatitis C infections in people without other risk factors, especially when there have only been a few sessions. Additional studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.

Co-Opetitive Linear-Quadratic Mean-Field-Type Games.

In this paper, we propose a co-opetitive mean-field-type game (MFTG) approach in which decision makers interact with each other by means of partial cooperation and competition simultaneously. The proposed novel approach allows decision makers' preferences to evolve over time to cooperate with those who contribute to their utilities, and to compete with those who are working against their individual interests. In addition, we consider that each decision maker has a co-opetitive capacity/power. The co-opetitive MFTG involves concepts, such as selfishness, altruism, competition, cooperation, among others; all together within the same strategic interaction. Both co-opetitive MFTGs and evolutionary dynamics describing the evolution of co-opetitive parameters are combined. We design incentives to promote the emergence of co-opetition over selfish behavior.

Rapid decrease in titer and breadth of neutralizing anti-HCV antibodies in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved SVR.

The main targets for neutralizing anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies (HCV-nAbs) are the E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins. We have studied the characteristics of HCV-nAbs through a retrospective study involving 29 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) with peg-IFNα + ribavirin anti-HCV therapy. Plasma samples at baseline and week 24 after SVR were used to perform neutralization assays against five JFH1-based HCV recombinant viruses coding for E1 and E2 from genotypes 1a (H77), 1b (J4), 2a (JFH1), 3a (S52) and 4a (ED43). At baseline, the majority of plasma samples neutralized 1a, 1b, 2a, and 4a, but not 3a, genotypes. Twenty-four weeks following SVR, most neutralizing titers declined substantially. Furthermore, titers against 3a and 2a were not detected in many patients. Plasma samples with high HCV-nAb titers neutralized all genotypes, and the highest titers at the starting point correlated with the highest titers at week 24 after SVR. In conclusion, high titers of broad-spectrum HCV-nAbs were detected in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals, however, those titers declined soon after SVR.

La emergencia de los eSports y su configuración como Deporte. Una revisión teórica / The emergence of eSports and its configuration as Sports. A theoretical review / O surgimento de eSports e sua configuração como Sports. Uma revisão teórica

Los eSports se han convertido en un fenómeno esencial en la cultura juvenil digital de la actualidad. En los últimos años, sus dinámicas de juego han llevado a organizar eventos de competición, a conformar entes reguladores como ligas y federaciones, y a promulgar normas en algunos países. Sin embargo, hasta ahora poco se ha investigado al respecto. Este trabajo busca determinar qué características cumplen los eSports con respecto a las definiciones y clasificaciones de los deportes convencionales, y además proponer una definición y una clasificación propia para ellos, pues estos se podrían constituir como un nuevo campo de acción para el área de la educación física y el deporte.

ESports have become an essential phenomenon in the actual digital youth culture. In recent years, their game dynamics have allowed the organization of competition events, formation of regulatory agencies such as leagues and federations, and the promulgation of rules in some countries. However, so far, little has been investigated in this regard. This work seeks to determine what characteristics eSports meet considering the definitions and classifications of conventional sports; in addition to propose a definition and a classification for them as these could be established as a new field of action for the area of physical education and sports.

Os eSports converteram-se em um fenômeno essencial na cultura juvenil digital da atualidade. Nos últimos anos, suas dinâmicas de jogo têm levado a organizar eventos de competição, a conformar entes reguladores como ligas e federações, e a promulgar normas em alguns países. No entanto, até agora pouco se pesquisou ao respeito. Este trabalho procura determinar que características cumprem os eSports com respeito às definições e classificações dos desportos convencionais, e ademais propor uma definição e uma classificação própria para eles, pois estes poderiam ser constituídos como um novo campo de ação para a área da educação física e o desporto.

Relationship between family-related social determinants and dental caries in preschoolers from Anapoima, Cundinamarca / Relación entre determinantes sociales del ámbito familiar y caries dental en niños preescolares de Anapoima, Cundinamarca

ABSTRACT. Objective: identify social determinants of health in families of preschoolers from Anapoima, Cundinamarca, and their relationship with prevalence of caries experience. Methods: in the framework of the Alliance for a Caries-Free Future - Colombia Chapter (Alianza por un Futuro Libre de Caries-Capítulo Colombia, AFLC-CC), the prevalence of caries experience in preschool children from Anapoima, Cundinamarca, was assessed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and the dmft (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index, characterizing their families and homes. Descriptive analysis was done, using X2 to explore associations between dmft and ICDAS with socioeconomic and infrastructure conditions, as well as health practices in families. Results: 120 kindergarten children from the municipality of Anapoima were assessed and their homes were visited. The prevalence of caries experience (dmft) was 33.3% (average: 1.3 ± 2.5); when initial lesions were included, the prevalence reached 46.7% (4.3 ± 7.0). There was a relationship between the presence of caries and type of oral health problems referred to by parents, kin relationship with caregiver, visits to the oral health service, and availability of a space for the toothbrush (p < 0.05). Conclusions: the assessed children showed low caries experience compared to national benchmarks, which can be explained by the intermediate determinants identified in their family environments, with economic, infrastructure and family structure conditions favorable to health practices. It is necessary to better understand the relationship between social determinants and oral health from a structural point of view and to strengthen health strategies, in order to achieve caries-free populations.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar determinantes sociales de salud, en el ámbito familiar, en preescolares de Anapoima, Cundinamarca, y su relación con la prevalencia de experiencia de caries. Métodos: en el marco de la Alianza por un Futuro Libre de Caries-Capítulo Colombia (AFLC-CC), se valoró la prevalencia de experiencia de caries en niños preescolares de Anapoima, Cundinamarca, usando el Sistema Internacional de Detección y Valoración de Caries (ICDAS) y el índice ceod (cariados, extraídos y obturados, por diente), y se caracterizaron sus familias y viviendas. Se hizo análisis descriptivo y usando 2 se exploraron asociaciones entre ceod e ICDAS y condiciones socioeconómicas, de infraestructura y prácticas de salud en las familias. Resultados: se valoraron 120 niños de jardines infantiles del municipio de Anapoima y se visitaron sus hogares. La prevalencia de experiencia de caries (ceod) fue de 33,3% (promedio: 1,3 ± 2,5); al incluir lesiones iniciales, fue de 46,7% (4,3 ± 7,0). Se encontró relación entre presencia de caries y tipo de problemas de salud bucal referidos por los padres, relación filial con el cuidador, asistencia al servicio de salud bucal y disponibilidad de un espacio para el cepillo (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: los niños valorados presentaron baja experiencia de caries, en comparación con referentes nacionales, lo cual se explica por los determinantes intermedios identificados en su ámbito familiar, en los que se evidencian condiciones económicas, de infraestructura y de conformación familiar favorables para las prácticas de salud. Es necesario profundizar en la comprensión de la relación entre determinantes sociales y salud bucal desde la esfera estructural y fortalecer las estrategias en salud, con miras a lograr poblaciones libres de caries.

Determinants of Reduced Genetic Capacity for Butyrate Synthesis by the Gut Microbiome in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Alterations in short chain fatty acid metabolism, particularly butyrate, have been reported in inflammatory bowel disease, but results have been conflicting because of small study numbers and failure to distinguish disease type, activity or other variables such as diet. We performed a comparative assessment of the capacity of the microbiota for butyrate synthesis, by quantifying butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase [BCoAT] gene content in stool from patients with Crohn's disease [CD; n = 71], ulcerative colitis [UC; n = 58] and controls [n = 75], and determined whether it was related to active vs inactive inflammation, microbial diversity, and composition and/or dietary habits. METHODS: BCoAT gene content was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR]. Disease activity was assessed clinically and faecal calprotectin concentration measured. Microbial composition was determined by sequencing 16S rRNA gene. Dietary data were collected using an established food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Reduced butyrate-synthetic capacity was found in patients with active and inactive CD [p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively], but only in active UC [p < 0.05]. In CD, low BCoAT gene content was associated with ileal location, stenotic behaviour, increased inflammation, lower microbial diversity, greater microbiota compositional change, and decreased butyrogenic taxa. Reduced BCoAT gene content in patients with CD was linked with a different regimen characterised by lower dietary fibre. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced butyrate-synthetic capacity of the microbiota is more evident in CD than UC and may relate to reduced fibre intake. The results suggest that simple replacement of butyrate per se may be therapeutically inadequate, whereas manipulation of microbial synthesis, perhaps by dietary means, may be more appropriate.

Fibrilación auricular: enfoque para el médico no cardiólogo / Atrial fibrillation: non cardiologist physicians approach

RESUMEN La fibrilación auricular es la arritmia más frecuente. Su clasificación según el patrón y tipo clínico permiten decidir el tratamiento a emplear que debe incluir control de síntomas y prevención de cardioembolismo. La elección del tratamiento depende de la presencia de fenómenos desencadenantes de la arritmia, factores de riesgo para tromboembolismo, factores de riesgo para sangrado, función cardiaca, funcionalidad del paciente, costo efectividad de los medicamentos y facilidades para acceder al sistema de salud. El anticoagulante a usar deberá elegirse con base en el tipo de fibrilación auricular y la presencia de contraindicaciones, documentación de anticoagulación inefectiva o alto riesgo de falla al tratamiento con warfarina. En presencia de contraindicaciones para la anticoagulación esta puede emplearse en pacientes con alto riesgo de sangrado cuando los factores de riesgo son controlables o corregibles, pudiéndose ofrecer como alternativa la oclusión de la orejuela auricular en pacientes que persisten con alto riesgo de sangrado.

SUMMARY Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia. Its classification according to pattern and clinical type allows to decide the therapeutic strategy to use, that most include control of symptoms and prevention of cardioembolic events. The election of the treatment depends on the presence of triggering events, risk factors for thromboembolism, risk factors for bleeding, cardiac function, patient funcionality, medication costo efectiveness and health care access. The type of anticoagulant has to be supported on the type of atrial fibrillation and the presence of contraindications, documented ineffective anticoagulation or high risk of failure to warfarin. In case of contraindications for anticoagulation this could still be used in high bleeding risk patients, when risk factors are controllable or corrected; leaving left atrial appendage closure as an option for patients that remain in high risk for bleeding events.

Dynamical tuning for MPC using population games: A water supply network application.

Model predictive control (MPC) is a suitable strategy for the control of large-scale systems that have multiple design requirements, e.g., multiple physical and operational constraints. Besides, an MPC controller is able to deal with multiple control objectives considering them within the cost function, which implies to determine a proper prioritization for each of the objectives. Furthermore, when the system has time-varying parameters and/or disturbances, the appropriate prioritization might vary along the time as well. This situation leads to the need of a dynamical tuning methodology. This paper addresses the dynamical tuning issue by using evolutionary game theory. The advantages of the proposed method are highlighted and tested over a large-scale water supply network with periodic time-varying disturbances. Finally, results are analyzed with respect to a multi-objective MPC controller that uses static tuning.

Ataque cerebrovascular recurrente secundario a síndrome del opérculo torácico arterial causado por sinostosis de la primera y la segunda costillas torácicas: reporte de caso / Recurrent Stroke Secondary to Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Caused by First and Second Ribs Synostosis: Case Report

El ataque cerebrovascular recurrente (ACV) es una complicación rara del síndrome del opérculo torácico arterial. Presentamos un paciente de 24 años con isquemia del miembro superior derecho y ACV recurrente en territorio vertebro basilar secundario a estenosis y aneurisma de la arteria subclavia, causado por sinostosis de la primera y segunda costillas torácicas. El paciente fue tratado quirúrgicamente con costocondrectomía y escalenectomía bilateral, resección de aneurisma de la arteria subclavia derecha y anastomosis primaria. Se analizó el caso y se revisó la literatura pertinente sobre ACV y síndrome de opérculo torácico arterial.

Stroke is a rare complication of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome. We present a 24-year old man with right arm ischemia and recurrent vertebrobasilar stroke caused by synostosis of the first and second thoracic ribs. The patien was treated with supraclavicular resection of both first ribs and bilateral scalenectomy, aneurysmal resection and primary anastomosis of the right subclavian artery. We analize this case and review the pertinent literature on stroke and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome.

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en estudiantes de medicina que ingresan a una Universidad Colombiana / Cardiovascular risk factors in medical students entering a Colombian university

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la primera causa de muerte en muchos países. Empero, en poblaciones seleccionadas, existen escasos estudios, tal como son los estudiantes de medicina. Objetivo: Evaluar variables físicas, fisiológicas, comportamentales y bioquímicas en estudiantes medicina de la Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP), Risaralda, Colombia, 2012-2013. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con una población de 91 estudiantes pertenecientes al primer semestre, con la presentación de los análisis basales (transversales), donde se miden: índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia abdominal (CA), Presión arterial (PAS/PAD), VO Indirecto (test de Leger); actividad física (IPAQ corto), glicemia y perfil lipídico 2 (ATPIII). Resultados: Se analizaron basalmente 91 estudiantes. Edad promedio 18,86 años (±3,13); 52,7% masculino. Actividad vigorosa: 30,8% (58,2% <1 día/semana; 58,2% <10 minutos/vez). Tiempo sentado: mediana 600 minutos (10 horas)/día, (RIQ 480-900). IMC promedio 22,65±3,6 Kg/m2 (20,9% sobrepeso/obesidad). CA promedio 77,22±9,42 cm (81,3±9,3 hombres, 17,10% >90 cm; 73,1±7,6 mujeres, 15%>80 cm). LDL promedio 109,4±28,1 mg/dl (60,9% con valores no óptimos >/=100). Colesterol-total promedio 174,1±33,5 mg/dl (25,8% con >/=200). VO promedio 41,31±6,3 (37,8% de mujeres en sedentarismo/borderline/intolerancia; 12,8% en 2 hombres). PAS promedio 115,4±10,9 mmHg (59,3% en rango Pre-HTA/HTA; ≥120); PAD promedio 75,7±9,8mmHg (40,7% en rango de Pre-HTA/HTA;≥80) y 13,6% en rango de HTA E1. Conclusiones: Se observa preocupantes frecuencias basales de factores de riesgo cardiovascular al ingreso de la carrera sobre las cuales debe intervenirse y valorarse en el tiempo, durante los planteados 6 años de seguimiento.

¿Es la diferencia de aniones fuertes un buen marcador de mortalidad en adultos con abdomen en tabla? / Is the Strong Anion Gap a good marker of mortality in the adult with acute abdomen?

Introducción. Tradicionalmente, el ácido láctico, la proteína C reactiva y el déficit efectivo de base, se han utilizado para predecir la mortalidad en pacientes críticamente enfermos. La información es insuficiente cuando se utiliza la diferencia de aniones fuertes. En especial, no existen datos de pacientes con abdomen agudo. El objetivo de este estudio piloto fue evaluar el desempeño de la diferencia de aniones fuertes para predecir la mortalidad perioperatoria (30 días) en pacientes con abdomen en tabla, que requieren cirugía inmediata, en comparación con el ácido láctico, el déficit efectivo de base, la albúmina y la relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina. Materiales y métodos. Para evaluar las características operativas de cada uno de los factores metabólicos en relación con la mortalidad periperatoria temprana, se determinó el área bajo la curva ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics). Una vez obtenidos los mejores puntos de corte, se evaluó la asociación entre los sobrevivientes y los no sobrevivientes, mediante la prueba de ji al cuadrado (p<0,05). Resultados. Entre los factores metabólicos analizados, los que presentaron una mejor área bajo la curva ROC, fueron el ácido láctico (0,85) y el déficit efectivo de base (0,71). El área bajo la curva de la diferencia de aniones fuertes fue inferior (0,68), así como la de la diferencia aparente (0,68) y la diferencia efectiva (0,60). La relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina mayor de 5.000 g/L demostró un área bajo la curva ROC de 0,63. Se demostró diferencia estadística para el ácido láctico por encima de 4 mmol/L, la diferencia aparente de aniones fuertes menor de 40 mmol/L, la diferencia de aniones fuertes mayor de14 mmol/L y el déficit efectivo de base mayor de 7 mmol (p<0,05), entre sobrevivientes y no sobrevivientes. Conclusión. La diferencia de aniones fuertes (fuerte, aparente y efectiva) demuestra menores características operativas en pacientes con abdomen en tabla, cuando se correlaciona con la mortalidad posoperatoria temprana, en comparación con el ácido láctico y el déficit efectivo de base. La relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina demuestra mejores características operativas que la diferencia de aniones fuertes y debe evaluarse en nuevos estudios.

Background: Historically, the lactic acid, C- reactive protein and the Base Deficit, have been used to predict mortality in critical ill patients. Bu the information is not sufficient about the Strong Ion Gap (SIG) or Strong Ion Gap Difference (SID) as predictor. As a matter of fact, there is no information available for patients with acute abdomen. The objective for this study was to evaluate the performance of SID as a predictor of perioperative mortality (30 days) in patients with acute abdomen requiring immediate surgery, in comparison with serum levels of lactic acid, base deficit, albumin, and the C- reactive protein (CRP) / albumin ratio. Methods: In order to evaluate the operative characteristics of each one of the metabolic factors related to the early perioperative mortality, an area under an ROC curve (Receiver Operating Curve) was determined. Once the best cutting points were obtained, the association between survivors and not survivors was evaluated using the Chi square test (p<0.05). Results: Once analyzed the metabolic factors, those who presented a better area under the ROC curve were lactic acid (0.85) and base deficit (0.71). The area under an ROC curve of the SID was inferior (0.68), as well as the apparent strong ion gap (SIDa) (0.68) and the Effective Strong Ion Gap (SIGe) (0.60). The RCP/albumin ratio was higher than 5000 m/l with an area under an ROC curve of 0.63. There is statistically difference over 4 mmol/L for lactic acid, below 40 mmol/L for SIDa, higher than 14 mmol/L for SID and higher than 7 mmol for base deficit ( p<0.05), between survivors and not survivors. Conclusion: The Strong Ion Gap Difference (apparent and effective) shows less operative characteristics in patients with acute abdomen, when it is correlated with early postoperative mortality, in comparison with the lactic acid and the base deficit. The RCP/ albumin demonstrate better operative characteristics than the SID, and it must be evaluated in new studies.

Incidence of nutrition deterioration in nonseriously ill hospitalized children younger than 5 years.

BACKGROUND: The concept of deterioration of nutrition status in inpatient children, also called nutrition deterioration (ND), has gained widespread importance and is described as significant weight loss during hospitalization periods. Our main purpose was to determine the incidence of ND in nonseriously ill children younger than age 5 years admitted as inpatients and explore the presence of associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study analyzed a prospective cohort of hospitalized children. We considered a significant weight loss of >2% or >0.25 SD in body mass index with respect to the admission weight. The correspondence between the 2 methods was assessed. The frequency of some clinical variables and its association with the outcome was explored. RESULTS: The incidence of ND was 28.5% with at least 1 of the 2 methods of detection and was 20% with both definitions. The correlation between both methods was high (κ = 0.79). In children with ND, results were statistically significant in those with 5 or more stools a day, those hospitalized 5 or more days, and patients with lower respiratory tract disease. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ND was higher than that reported in the literature in children with nonserious disease. Diarrhea, lower respiratory tract disease, and hospital length of stay seem to be associated with these results. More studies are required to establish associations with those factors for an early detection of children at risk and for early interventions.

A proposed reference change value for an IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoassay to improve interpretation of serial results in celiac patients.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder caused by an inappropriate immunological response to gluten ingestion in genetically susceptible individuals. IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies have been widely employed as a specific biochemical marker for CD. Recent studies have also shown its usefulness in evaluating patient compliance with a gluten-free diet. METHODS: A group of 28 subjects with CD was selected for the study. Each fulfilled the requirement of a gluten-free diet for more than one year. IgA anti-tTG determination was performed every two months for half a year. These data were used to estimate the biological variation (BV) of IgA anti-tTG in celiac patients and to calculate the reference change value (RCV). RESULTS: The within-subject biological variation (CVI) and between-subject biological variation (CV(G)) were 19.2% and 75.6%, respectively, and the index of individuality was 0.25. The RCV calculated using these data together with our analytical imprecision (5.7%) was 55.5% for a 95% level of significance. CONCLUSIONS: We have determined for the first time the BV and the RCV for IgA anti-tTG in a celiac population. This value and the probability curve generated from our data could be a valuable tool for monitoring patients' adherence to dietary treatment.