Effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 5-year cohort follow-up managed by a dynamic multidisciplinary team in Northeastern Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought a radical shift in the healthcare system and suboptimal care for vulnerable patients, such as those with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D). Therefore, we compared metabolic control and macro/microvascular complications of patients with T2D before and throughout the three-year SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort of subjects with T2D studied from 2018 to 2022 in Northern Mexico was treated by a dynamic multidisciplinary team. Levels of Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting serum glucose (FG), LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C), blood pressure (BP), albuminuria, triglycerides, Body Mass Index (BMI), and FIB-4 score, micro and macrovascular complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 999 patients were studied, 51.7% males with a mean (SD) age of 60.1 (12.7) years. Adequate glycemic control based on HbA1c increased by 15.2% and 42.3% in FSG (p < 0.001) between the beginning 2018 and the end of 2022. LDL-C control decreased by 5.1% between 2018 and 2022 (p < 0.001). Systolic BP control decreased by 2.6% (p < 0.001), whereas diastolic BP control increased by 1.8% (p = 0.01) between 2018 and 2022. Albuminuria control increased by 8.5% (p = 0.002). When comparing the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of metabolic parameters between patients who developed SARS-CoV-2 vs. those who did not, AUC was statistically higher in those who developed SARS-CoV-2 (p < 0.05). Diabetic neuropathy was the most prevalent microvascular complication (n = 35; 3.6%); ischemic heart disease was the most frequent macrovascular complication (n = 11;1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary dynamic team that adapts to the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 maintains and increases metabolic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes in Mexico. This represents a low percentage of chronic complications. The AUC of metabolic parameters of subjects with SARS-CoV-2 infection is higher, reflecting more variability in metabolic control.

Association of vaccine status, reinfections, and risk factors with Long COVID syndrome.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound global impact, characterized by a high fatality rate and the emergence of enduring consequences known as Long COVID. Our study sought to determine the prevalence of Long COVID syndrome within a population of Northeastern Mexico, correlating it with patients' comorbidities, number of COVID-19 reinfection, and vaccination status. Employing an observational cross-sectional approach, we administered a comprehensive questionnaire covering medical history, demographics, vaccination status, COVID-related symptoms, and treatment. Our participant cohort included 807 patients, with an average age of 41.5 (SD 13.6) years, and women accounting 59.3% of the cohort. The follow-up was 488 (IQR 456) days. One hundred sixty-eight subjects (20.9%) met Long COVID criteria. Long COVID-19 was more prevalent when subjects had reinfections (p = 0.02) and less frequent when they had a complete vaccination scheme (p = 0.05). Through logistic regression, we found that male gender (OR 0.5, p ≤ 0.001), blood types of AB- (OR 0.48, p = 0.003) and O- (OR 0.27, p ≤ 0.001) in comparison with A+ and two doses of vaccines (OR 0.5, p = 006) to be protective factors against Long COVID; while higher BMI (OR 1.04, p = 0.005) was a risk factor. We saw that the prevalence of Long COVID was different within vaccinated patients and specific blood types, while being female and a higher BMI were associated with an increased risk of having long-COVID.

Temperature Differences Between Controlled Primary Hypothyroidism and Healthy Patients: An Exploratory Study.

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is conventionally treated with replacement therapy through levothyroxine (LT4). Despite the improvement in symptoms, cold intolerance persists in some patients. The present study aims to determine whether there is a difference in temperature perception and skin temperature between patients with primary controlled hypothyroidism (PCH) and a group of healthy controls matched for body mass index and age. Secondarily we aimed to determine difference in quality of life. Methodology: Skin temperature measurements were performed in both groups, both in the central and peripheral regions of the body. In addition, subjects were asked about their perception of temperature in a temperature-controlled room; anthropometric measurements were taken, their quality of life was assessed using the ThyPRO-39, and a thyroid hormone profile was performed. Results: Eleven patients in the PCH group and 30 patients in the control group were studied. It was found that the group with PCH presented a significantly lower palmar temperature than the control group [mean (SD) of 32.05 (1.79) vs 33.10 (1.30) oC, P = .046]. A mediation model showed a direct effect. Temperature perception was equal between groups. The median (interquartile range) of ThyPRO was 8 (5.2) points in the control group vs 21.8 (13.5) in the group of controlled hypothyroidism, P < .001. Discussion: These results suggest that, despite LT4 treatment, patients continue to present abnormalities in thermogenesis-related thermogenesis, and this may be due to a lack of hormonal adaptation to environmental changes and physiological demands, leading to lower body temperatures and increased sensitivity to cold.

Development, validation and measurement of patient satisfaction questionnaire in Spanish in drive thru services adapted to hospital pharmacies during COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: There are no validation studies on patient satisfaction surveys in Spanish that can evaluate a hospital pharmacy drive-thru service. Objective: To develop and apply a pharmacy drive-thru satisfaction survey in Spanish during the COVID-19 pandemic with an analysis of the instrument validation. Methods: This was a qualitative study for developing, validating, and measuring patient satisfaction who used the drive-thru pharmacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Content validity was obtained by a two-round Delphi and patient interview for apparent validity. The questionnaire was administered to 110 patients. The researchers made an item reduction by inter-item and item-total correlation analysis, stability validation by a test-retest, a test of reliability by Cronbach's alpha, and extraction of factors by an exploratory factorial analysis. Likewise, confirmatory factor analysis was developed to obtain a structural equation model based on generating an instrument of two sub-models of latent factors (service and place) with ten observed variables (items). Results: A questionnaire was developed that relates six observable variables to the latent factor service and four observable variables to the latent factor place which are ten items based on a Likert scale from 1 to 5, obtaining a Cronbach's alpha = 0.901. The mean population satisfaction score was 4.523. The model presented a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.026 (0.000-0.098), and standardized beta values greater than 0.2 according to the confirmatory factor analysis. Therefore, the goodness-of-fit of our model is consistent and the instrument of patient satisfaction with the use of drive-thru has been validated. Patient satisfaction had a mean of 4.9 points. Conclusions: This study developed and validated a reliable scale that evaluates satisfaction in a hospital pharmacy drive-thru service during COVID-19 pandemic that can be applied in other Spanish speaking countries. A great percentage of the patients that were evaluated had good satisfaction.

Analyzing the Interplay between COVID-19 Viral Load, Inflammatory Markers, and Lymphocyte Subpopulations on the Development of Long COVID.

The global impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection has been substantial, affecting millions of people. Long COVID, characterized by persistent or recurrent symptoms after acute infection, has been reported in over 40% of patients. Risk factors include age and female gender, and various mechanisms, including chronic inflammation and viral persistence, have been implicated in long COVID's pathogenesis. However, there are scarce studies in which multiple inflammatory markers and viral load are analyzed simultaneously in acute infection to determine how they predict for long COVID at long-term follow-up. This study explores the association between long COVID and inflammatory markers, viral load, and lymphocyte subpopulation during acute infection in hospitalized patients to better understand the risk factors of this disease. This longitudinal retrospective study was conducted in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in northern Mexico. Inflammatory parameters, viral load, and lymphocyte subpopulation during the acute infection phase were analyzed, and long COVID symptoms were followed up depending on severity and persistence (weekly or monthly) and assessed 1.5 years after the acute infection. This study analyzed 79 patients, among them, 41.8% presented long COVID symptoms, with fatigue being the most common (45.5%). Patients with long COVID had higher lymphocyte levels during hospitalization, and NK cell subpopulation levels were also associated with long COVID. ICU admission during acute COVID-19 was also linked to the development of long COVID symptoms.

Efficacy of Six Different SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines during a Six-Month Follow-Up and Five COVID-19 Waves in Brazil and Mexico.

Comparisons among the different vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are important to understand which type of vaccine provides more protection. This study aimed to evaluate the real-life efficacy through symptomatic infection and the humoral response of six different vaccines against SARS-CoV-2-BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1-S, CoronaVac, Ad26.COV2, and Ad5-nCoV. This multicentric observational longitudinal study involved hospitals from Mexico and Brazil in which volunteers who received complete vaccination schemes were followed for 210 days after the last dose. SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1-2 IgG levels were taken before receiving the first vaccine, 21 days after each dose, and the last sample at six months (+/-1 month) after the last dose. A total of 1132 individuals exposed to five COVID-19 waves were included. All vaccines induced humoral responses, and mRNA vaccines had the highest antibody levels during follow-up. At six months, there was a decline in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers of 69.5% and 36.4% in subjects with negative and positive history of infection respectively. Infection before vaccination and after complete vaccination scheme correlated with higher antibody titers. The predictors of infection were vaccination with CoronaVac compared to BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1-S. In the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or dyslipidemia, CoronaVac lowered the risk of infection.

Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation vs. Dietary-Hygienic Measures on SARS-CoV-2 Infection Rates in Hospital Workers with 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] Levels ≥20 ng/mL.

Background: There is scant information on the effect of supplementation with vitamin D3 in SARS-CoV-2 infection cases when patient 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] levels are between 20-100 ng/mL. We aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with vitamin D3 vs. dietary-hygienic measures on the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in participants with serum 25(OH)D3 levels ≥20 ng/mL. Methods: This study was quasi-experimental. We invited hospital workers with 25(OH)D3 levels between 20-100 ng/mL and no previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. They were randomized as follows: treatment options were a) vitamin D3 supplementation (52,000 IU monthly, G1) or b) dietary-hygienic measures (G2). We conducted a 3- to 6-month follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Participants with 25(OH)D3 levels <20 ng/mL were also analyzed. We divided these latter participants depending on whether they were supplemented (G3) or not (G4). Results: We analyzed 198 participants, with an average age of 44.4 (SD 9) years, and 130 (65.7%) were women. G1 had fewer cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection than G2 after a follow-up of 3- to 6-months (p < 0.05). There were no differences between G3 and G4 at the 3- and 6-month follow-up cutoff points (p > 0.05). Using a mixed effect Cox regression analysis in the 164 participants that completed six months of follow-up, vitamin D3 supplementation appeared to act as a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection (HR 0.21, p = 0.008) in G1 and G2. None of the participants treated with the supplementation doses had serum 25(OH)D3 levels >100 ng/mL. Conclusions: Vitamin D3 supplementation in participants with 25(OH)D3 levels between 20-100 ng/mL have a lower rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with the use of dietary-hygienic measures at six months follow-up.

Evaluation of Transplacental Antibody Transfer in Pregnant Women Immunized with Different SARS-CoV-2 Homologous or Heterologous Schemes.

There is scarce information related to transplacental antibody transfer against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with different homologous and heterologous vaccination schemes. This study aimed to correlate the magnitude of transplacental transfer anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in different homologous and heterologous schemes. An observational cross-sectional study was developed to identify pregnant women vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. They were questioned about their immunization status; blood samples from the mother, umbilical cord during labor, and the newborn 72 h after birth were taken to measure anti-S1 and anti-S2 specific IgG antibodies for SARS-CoV-2. We recruited 104 women with a median age of 29 (SD 1.17). We found antibodies in all newborns with vaccinated mothers. Homologous BNT162b2 mRNA regimen had the highest mean (SD) antibody titers (AU/mL) in maternal (994.93 (3.08), p = 0.039), umbilical cord (1316.43 (2.79), p = 0.016), and newborn (1192.02 (3.55), p = 0.020) blood. The generalized linear model showed a positive effect over antibodies with at least one dose in maternal (ß = -1.1, p = 0.002) and newborn (ß= -0.717, p = 0.044) blood, and with two doses (ß = -0.684, p = 0.026) in umbilical cord blood. In conclusion, antibodies were detected in all vaccinated women and their newborns. Transfer of antibodies was found from the first dose, and the levels increased with the number of vaccine doses. Vaccination should be encouraged in pregnant women with any available scheme.

Analysis of immunization time, amplitude, and adverse events of seven different vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 across four different countries.

Background: Scarce information exists in relation to the comparison of seroconversion and adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Our aim was to correlate the magnitude of the antibody response to vaccination with previous clinical conditions and AEFI. Methods: A multicentric comparative study where SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibodies IgG titers were measured at baseline, 21-28 days after the first and second dose (when applicable) of the following vaccines: BNT162b2 mRNA, mRNA-1273, Gam-COVID-Vac, Coronavac, ChAdOx1-S, Ad5-nCoV and Ad26.COV2. Mixed model and Poisson generalized linear models were performed. Results: We recruited 1867 individuals [52 (SD 16.8) years old, 52% men]. All vaccines enhanced anti-S1 and anti-S2 IgG antibodies over time (p<0.01). The highest increase after the first and second dose was observed in mRNA-1273 (p<0.001). There was an effect of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection; and an interaction of age with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1-S (p<0.01). There was a negative correlation of Severe or Systemic AEFI (AEs) of naïve SARS-CoV-2 subjects with age and sex (p<0.001); a positive interaction between the delta of antibodies with Gam-COVID-Vac (p=0.002). Coronavac, Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1-S had less AEs compared to BNT162b (p<0.01). mRNA-1273 had the highest number of AEFIs. The delta of the antibodies showed an association with AEFIs in previously infected individuals (p<0.001). Conclusions: The magnitude of seroconversion is predicted by age, vaccine type and SARS-CoV-2 exposure. AEs are correlated with age, sex, and vaccine type. The delta of the antibody response only correlates with AEs in patients previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05228912.

Analysis of Immunization, Adverse Events, and Efficacy of a Fourth Dose of BNT162b2 Vaccine in Health Workers in Mexico, a Pilot Study.

There is scarce information on seroconversion and adverse events after immunization (AEFI) with the fourth dose of BNT162b2. Our aim was to correlate the magnitude of the antibody response to this vaccination regimen in terms of clinical conditions and AEFI. This was an observational pilot study in which SARS-CoV-2 S1−S2 IgG antibodies titers were measured 21−28 days after the first and second dose, three months after the second dose, 1−7 and 21−28 days after the third dose, before the fourth dose, and 21−28 days after the fourth dose. We recruited 112 subjects in a hospital in Mexico, 74% women, with an average age of 43 (SD 9) years. After the first dose, subjects had a median IgG AU/mL (IQR) of 122 (1904) that increased to 1875 (2095), 3020 (2330), and 4230 (3393) 21−28 days after the second, third, and fourth doses, respectively (p < 0.01). The number (%) who experienced any AEFI between the first and fourth doses was 90 (80.4), 89 (79), 65 (58), and 69 (61.5), respectively (p < 0.001). After the fourth dose, the most frequent of AEFI was pain at the injection site (87%). There was a correlation between AEFI and gender after the fourth dose, as well as with antibody levels (p < 0.05). During the Omicron outbreak, six (5.3%) had mild COVID-19 for 8−28 days after the fourth dose. The median increase in S1/S2 IgG was 30.8-fold after the fourth BNT162b2 dose when compared with the first dose and caused mild AEFI.

Effect of the third dose of BNT162b2 vaccine on quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers in healthcare personnel.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is our main strategy to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given the decrease in quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers three months after the second BNT162b2 dose, healthcare workers received a third booster six months after completing the original protocol. This study aimed to analyze the quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers and the safety of the third dose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective longitudinal cohort study included healthcare workers who received a third booster six months after completing the BNT162b2 regimen. We assessed the quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers 21-28 days after the first and second dose, three months after the completed protocol, 1-7 days following the third dose, and 21-28 days after booster administration. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 168 participants aged 41(10) years old, 67% of whom were female. The third dose was associated with an increase in quantitative antibody titers, regardless of previous SARS-CoV-2 history. In cases with a negative SARS-CoV-2 history, the median (IQR) antibody titer values increased from 379 (645.4) to 2960 (2010) AU/ml, whereas in cases with a positive SARS-CoV-2 history, from 590 (1262) to 3090 (2080) AU/ml (p<0.001). The third dose caused a lower number of total (local and systemic) adverse events following immunization (AEFI) compared with the first two vaccines. However, in terms of specific symptoms such as fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, fever, and adenopathy, the proportion was higher in comparison with the first and second doses (p<0.05). The most common AEFI after the third BNT162b2 vaccine was pain at the injection site (n = 82, 84.5%), followed by fatigue (n = 45, 46.4%) of mild severity (n = 36, 37.1%). CONCLUSION: The third dose applied six months after the original BNT162b2 regimen increased the quantitative SARS-CoV-2 spike 1-2 IgG antibody titers. The booster dose was well tolerated and caused no severe AEFI.

Effect of Heterologous Vaccination Regimen with Ad5-nCoV CanSinoBio and BNT162b2 Pfizer in SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies Titers.

The efficacy of one dose Ad5-nCoV has been concerning. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single dose BNT162b2 in individuals after a completed Ad5-nCoV vaccination regiment compared to a group without this boost measuring SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1−2 IgG antibodies in plasma. This observational study included a subgroup analysis of patients who were immunized with Ad5-nCoV in a northern city of Mexico. During follow-up, some patients self-reported having received a BNT162b2 booster. We report baseline IgG levels, 21−28 days after the Ad5-nCoV dose, three months, and an additional 21−28 days after BNT162b2 (four months after Ad5-nCoV). Seventeen patients, age 40 (16), 52.9% men, were analyzed. We created four groups: G1 and G2 refer to patients without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccinated with Ad5-nCoV and Ad5-nCoV/BNT162b2 (n = 4 and n = 6), respectively; G3 and G4 included patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunized with Ad5-nCoV and Ad5-nCoV/BNT162b2 (n = 5 and n = 2), respectively. The Ad5-nCoV/BNT162b2 protocol reported higher antibody titers after 21−28 days. Median (IQR) values were: G1 46.7 (-), G2 1077.5 (1901), G3 1158.5 (2673.5), and G4 2090 (-) (p < 0.05). Headache and pain at injection site were the most frequent adverse reactions associated with Ad5-nCoV (n = 10, 83%) and BNT162b2 (n = 5, 83.3%), respectively. Patients receiving BNT162b2 after Ad5-nCoV had higher SARS-CoV-2 spike 1−2 IgG antibody titers and had no severe adverse reactions.

Viral load and its relationship with the inflammatory response and clinical outcomes in hospitalization of patients with COVID-19.

Background: The values of viral load in COVID-19 disease have gained relevance, seeking to understand its prognostic value and its behavior in the course of the disease, although there have been no conclusive results. In this study we sought to analyze serum viral load as a predictor of clinical outcome of the disease, as well as its association with inflammatory markers. Methods: An observational and retrospective study in a private hospital in North Mexico, patients with SARS-COV-2 infection confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were followed through clinical outcome, viral load measurement, quantification of inflammatory markers and lymphocyte subpopulations. For the analysis, multiple regression models were performed. Results: We studied 105 patients [47 (SD 1.46) years old, 68.6% men]. After analysis with multiple regression models, there was an association between viral load at admission and vaccination schedule (ß-value=-0.279, p= 0.007), age (ß-value= 0.010, p = 0.050), mechanical ventilation (ß-value= 0.872, p = 0.007), lactate dehydrogenase (ß-value= 1.712, p= 0.004), D-dimer values at admission (ß-value= 0.847, p= 0.013) and subpopulation of B lymphocytes at admission (ß-value= -0.527, p= 0.042). There was no association with days of hospitalization, use of nasal prongs or high flux mask. Peak viral load (10 days after symptoms onset) was associated with peak IL-6 (ß-value= 0.470, p= 0.011). Peak viral load matched with peak procalcitonin and minimal lymphocyte values. C-reactive protein peak was before the peak of viral load. The minimum value viral load was documented on day 12 after symptom onset; it matched with the minimum values of IL-6 and ferritin, and the peak of D-dimer. Conclusions: SARS-COV-2 admission viral load is associated with vaccination status, mechanical ventilation, and different inflammatory markers.

Optimizing ECG to detect echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy with computer-based ECG data and machine learning.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy detected by echocardiography (Echo-LVH) is an independent predictor of mortality. Integration of the Philips DXL-16 algorithm into the electrocardiogram (ECG) extensively analyses the electricity of the heart. Machine learning techniques such as the C5.0 could lead to a new decision tree criterion to detect Echo-LVH. OBJECTIVES: To search for a new combination of ECG parameters predictive of Echo-LVH. The final model is called the Cardiac Hypertrophy Computer-based model (CHCM). METHODS: We extracted the 458 ECG parameters provided by the Philips DXL-16 algorithm in patients with Echo-LVH and controls. We used the C5.0 ML algorithm to train, test, and validate the CHCM. We compared its diagnostic performance to validate state-of-the-art criteria in our patient cohort. RESULTS: We included 439 patients and considered an alpha value of 0.05 and a power of 99%. The CHCM includes T voltage in I (≤0.055 mV), peak-to-peak QRS distance in aVL (>1.235 mV), and peak-to-peak QRS distance in aVF (>0.178 mV). The CHCM had an accuracy of 70.5% (CI95%, 65.2-75.5), a sensitivity of 74.3%, and a specificity of 68.7%. In the external validation cohort (n = 156), the CHCM had an accuracy of 63.5% (CI95%, 55.4-71), a sensitivity of 42%, and a specificity of 82.9%. The accuracies of the most relevant state-of-the-art criteria were: Romhilt-Estes (57.4%, CI95% 49-65.5), VDP Cornell (55.7%, CI95%47.6-63.7), Cornell (59%, CI95%50.8-66.8), Dalfó (62.9%, CI95%54.7-70.6), Sokolow Lyon (53.9%, CI95%45.7-61.9), and Philips DXL-16 algorithm (54.5%, CI95%46.3-62.5). CONCLUSION: ECG computer-based data and the C5.0 determined a new set of ECG parameters to predict Echo-LVH. The CHCM classifies patients as Echo-LVH with repolarization abnormalities or LVH with increased voltage. The CHCM has a similar accuracy, and is slightly more sensitive than the state-of-the-art criteria.

Age adjusted normative data for Video Head Impulse Test in healthy subjects.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the effect of age in vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain measured by Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) and to present normative data of VOR gain, median gain at 40, 60, 80 and 0-100 ms, and gain asymmetry according to decades of life in healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 132 subjects with no previous history of vestibular disorders were enrolled to assess VOR gain by employing VHIT. The test was performed in the X-axis evaluating both horizontal semicircular canals (HSC). The same right-handed operator performed the test in all subjects. RESULTS: The mean VOR gain was higher in the right ear (0.99 ± 0.09) compared to the left ear (0.97 ± 0.08) (p = 0.001). Median gain at 60 ms was 0.92 ± 0.12 in the right HSC and 0.93 ± 0.10 for the left HSC, without significant difference (p = 0.94). A significant decrease of VOR gain occurred with increasing age in the right ear (r = -0.21, p = 0.01). Median gain at 60 ms decreased significantly as age increased in both HSC (right r = -0.17, p = 0.04; left r = -0.23, p = 0.006). No significant differences in VOR gain values were observed when the sample was stratified by age according to the analysis of variance. CONCLUSIONS: A slight but significant decrease in VOR function was observed as age increased for gain and median gain at 60 ms. Larger studies, including patients with central and peripheral vestibular disorders, are needed to assess the clinical implication of this effect when evaluating patients with vestibular disorders.

Diagnostic utility of the electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy criteria in specific populations.

BACKGROUND: Several electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria have been validated for the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH); the majority in Caucasian subjects from Europe and North America. Diagnostic utility of ECG criteria to detect LVH has never been established in our population; nonetheless they are frequently used. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of different LVH ECG criteria in a Northern Mexican population and to determine the effect of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) on their performance. METHODS: We conducted an observational, case-control study in patients divided according to the presence of LVH in an echocardiogram (Echo). We calculated the accuracy, sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 22 ECG criteria. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-two patients were studied (202 had LVH). The Dalfó criterion (ECG18. SV3 + RaVL) had the best diagnostic performance with a Se of 56%, Sp of 71.3%, PPV 62.9%, NPV 65% and a diagnostic accuracy (95%CI) of 64.1% (59.5-68.6). This criterion had the highest accuracy in both genders, in all BMI, in older patients (>60 years) and in those with positive Echo ischaemic heart disease (IHD); it also performed well in patients with history of IHD and in hypertensive patients. VDP Cornell had the best accuracy in patients less than 60 years old, and in patients with non-ischaemic findings by Echo. CONCLUSIONS: The Dalfó criteria had the overall best accuracy in the detection of LVH, and specific populations.

Predictive markers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in lean patients. A multinomial regression model and a 2k factorial analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity and insulin resistance; however, there is a group of non-obese patients with NAFLD that need to be characterized. Our aim was to evaluate the factors associated with NAFLD in non-obese subjects in a third-level hospital. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was performed. Participants were divided into four groups: non-obese without NAFLD (group 1), non-obese with NAFLD (group 2), obese without NAFLD (group 3), and obese with NAFLD (group 4). We evaluated the effect of clinical and biochemical characteristics with the disease by groups using a multinomial regression model and a 2K factorial analysis. RESULTS: We included 278 participants. Low platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as a novel parameter associated with NAFLD in non-obese subjects. Age, uric acid, alanine transaminase (ALT), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were other related parameters (akaike information criterion = 557). NLR had the larger OR in groups with NAFLD (lean with NAFLD 7.12, obese with NAFLD 13.02). The 2k factorial design found inverse effect on PLR by NAFLD (effect -21.89, P < 0.001), which was higher than BMI (effect -1.33, P < 0.045). CONCLUSION: Our study found that PLR is a novel parameter with inverse correlation with NAFLD in non-obese patients. Other related parameters are age, hyperuricemia, elevation of ALT and NLR, and low HDL-cholesterol.

Lower Urinary Tract and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction Are Common in Early Parkinson's Disease.

PURPOSE: Autonomic dysfunction is a common nonmotor feature and early manifestation of Parkinsons disease (PD). Autonomic dysfunction in PD is associated with a worse prognosis. We sought to characterize autonomic dysfunction and identify associated factors in patients with early PD. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted to evaluate patients with early PD from the Parkinsons Progression Markers Initiative. We utilized the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinsons Disease-Autonomic dysfunction questionnaire to determine the prevalence and frequencies of autonomic symptomatology. The cohort was grouped into high and low dysautonomic scores. A regression model identified variables that independently explained dysautonomic scores in our early PD cohort. RESULTS: 414 PD patients had a mean age of 61.1 (SD 9.7) years at diagnosis and mean disease duration of 6.7 (SD 6.6) months. Among all patients, 43.7% (181/414) had high dysautonomic scores. Urinary and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most prevalent and frequently reported dysautonomic symptoms. Patients with fatigue (beta = 4.28, p < 0.001), probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (beta = 2.71, p < 0.001), excessive daytime sleepiness (beta = 1.88,p=0.039), impulsivity and compulsivity (beta = 2.42, p < 0.001), and increasing age (beta = 1.05, p < 0.001) were more likely to have high dysautonomic scores. CONCLUSION: Lower urinary tract and gastrointestinal symptoms are prevalent and frequent in early PD patients. Fatigue, sleep disorders, impulsivity and compulsivity, and age are predictors of autonomic dysfunction. Autonomic symptoms predominated in this group of early PD patients in the disease course and were associated with more severe disease.

Comparison of Genetic Variants and Manifestations of OTUD6B-Related Disorder: The First Mexican Case.

The intellectual disability syndrome characterized by seizures and dysmorphic features was initially described in 2017 and was associated with genetic variants in the OTUD6B gene, identified by exome sequencing (ES) in a large cohort. This multisystem disorder primarily affects the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal, and the skeletal systems. In this article, we describe the first Mexican patient diagnosed by ES. The homozygous c.433C>T (p.Arg145*) variant of the OTUD6B gene confirmed this intellectual disability syndrome. In addition to seizures and other more frequently reported manifestations of this condition, this is the third patient with associated hypothyroidism and hypogammaglobulinemia, underscoring the value of screening for these conditions in other patients. The current challenge with this patient is to ensure medical management of his seizures and provide him with a better quality of life. The possibilities of additional therapeutic approaches may increase by understanding the physiopathology of the involved pathways.

Improvement of electrocardiographic diagnostic accuracy of left ventricular hypertrophy using a Machine Learning approach.

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most common tool used to predict left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). However, it is limited by its low accuracy (<60%) and sensitivity (30%). We set forth the hypothesis that the Machine Learning (ML) C5.0 algorithm could optimize the ECG in the prediction of LVH by echocardiography (Echo) while also establishing ECG-LVH phenotypes. We used Echo as the standard diagnostic tool to detect LVH and measured the ECG abnormalities found in Echo-LVH. We included 432 patients (power = 99%). Of these, 202 patients (46.7%) had Echo-LVH and 240 (55.6%) were males. We included a wide range of ventricular masses and Echo-LVH severities which were classified as mild (n = 77, 38.1%), moderate (n = 50, 24.7%) and severe (n = 75, 37.1%). Data was divided into a training/testing set (80%/20%) and we applied logistic regression analysis on the ECG measurements. The logistic regression model with the best ability to identify Echo-LVH was introduced into the C5.0 ML algorithm. We created multiple decision trees and selected the tree with the highest performance. The resultant five-level binary decision tree used only six predictive variables and had an accuracy of 71.4% (95%CI, 65.5-80.2), a sensitivity of 79.6%, specificity of 53%, positive predictive value of 66.6% and a negative predictive value of 69.3%. Internal validation reached a mean accuracy of 71.4% (64.4-78.5). Our results were reproduced in a second validation group and a similar diagnostic accuracy was obtained, 73.3% (95%CI, 65.5-80.2), sensitivity (81.6%), specificity (69.3%), positive predictive value (56.3%) and negative predictive value (88.6%). We calculated the Romhilt-Estes multilevel score and compared it to our model. The accuracy of the Romhilt-Estes system had an accuracy of 61.3% (CI95%, 56.5-65.9), a sensitivity of 23.2% and a specificity of 94.8% with similar results in the external validation group. In conclusion, the C5.0 ML algorithm surpassed the accuracy of current ECG criteria in the detection of Echo-LVH. Our new criteria hinge on ECG abnormalities that identify high-risk patients and provide some insight on electrogenesis in Echo-LVH.