Comparing Mediators and Moderators of Mental Health Outcomes from the Implementation of Group Problem Management Plus (PM+) among Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants and Colombian Returnees in Northern Colombia.

Colombia hosts the largest number of refugees and migrants fleeing the humanitarian emergency in Venezuela, many of whom experience high levels of displacement-related trauma and adversity. Yet, Colombian mental health services do not meet the needs of this population. Scalable, task-sharing interventions, such as Group Problem Management Plus (Group PM+), have the potential to bridge this gap by utilizing lay workers to provide the intervention. However, the current literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of how and for whom Group PM+ is most effective. This mixed methods study utilized data from a randomized effectiveness-implementation trial to examine the mediators and moderators of Group PM+ on mental health outcomes. One hundred twenty-eight migrant and refugee women in northern Colombia participated in Group PM+ delivered by trained community members. Patterns in moderation effects showed that participants in more stable, less marginalized positions improved the most. Results from linear regression models showed that Group PM+-related skill acquisition was not a significant mediator of the association between session attendance and mental health outcomes. Participants and facilitators reported additional possible mediators and community-level moderators that warrant future research. Further studies are needed to examine mediators and moderators contributing to the effectiveness of task-shared, scalable, psychological interventions in diverse contexts.

Nausea and Vomiting as Initial Manifestations of Pediatric NMOSD.

Intractable nausea and vomiting are commonly attributed to gastrointestinal (GI) conditions but can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying central nervous system disease. One potentially overlooked neurologic cause of intractable nausea and vomiting that is refractory to antiemetics is area postrema syndrome (APS). APS is a condition characterized by lesions of the dorsal caudal medulla and is considered a core clinical feature of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). APS is present in up to 30% of patients ultimately diagnosed with NMOSD and can be the first presenting symptom of NMOSD in 12% of patients, as our case illustrates. Importantly, APS is highly responsive to immunotherapy. We present the case of a 14-year-old female with a history of migraines who presented to the emergency department multiple times for persistent nausea, vomiting, and hiccups. Multiple GI diagnoses were considered until she developed additional neurologic symptoms that prompted further workup and revealed the final diagnosis of NMOSD-APS. We posit that NMOSD-APS should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with intractable nausea and vomiting, especially in patients with a negative GI workup result and poor response to antiemetics.

Virtual Reality and Serious Videogame-Based Instruments for Assessing Spatial Navigation in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties.

Over the past decade, research using virtual reality and serious game-based instruments for assessing spatial navigation and spatial memory in at-risk and AD populations has risen. We systematically reviewed the literature since 2012 to identify and evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias in the analyses of the psychometric properties of VRSG-based instruments. The search was conducted primarily in July-December 2022 and updated in November 2023 in eight major databases. The quality of instrument development and study design were analyzed in all studies. Measurement properties were defined and analyzed according to COSMIN guidelines. A total of 1078 unique records were screened, and following selection criteria, thirty-seven studies were analyzed. From these studies, 30 instruments were identified. Construct and criterion validity were the most reported measurement properties, while structural validity and internal consistency evidence were the least reported. Nineteen studies were deemed very good in construct validity, whereas 11 studies reporting diagnostic accuracy were deemed very good in quality. Limitations regarding theoretical framework and research design requirements were found in most of the studies. VRSG-based instruments are valuable additions to the current diagnostic toolkit for AD. Further research is required to establish the psychometric performance and clinical utility of VRSG-based instruments, particularly the instrument development, content validity, and diagnostic accuracy for preclinical AD screening scenarios. This review provides a straightforward synthesis of the state of the art of VRSG-based instruments and suggests future directions for research.

Timely delivery of PORT for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in a county hospital.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the rate of post-operative radiation therapy (PORT) initiation within 6 weeks for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated at a safety net, academic institutio between 2019 and 2021 versus those treated in 2022 after implementation of a new clinical pathway. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed at a single tertiary care, safety-net, academic institution. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, dates of surgery, and other treatment dates were collected from the electronic medical record. The time from surgery to PORT was calculated. Patients who started radiation treatment within 42 days of surgery were regarded as having started PORT on time. The demographics, tumor characteristics, and rate of timely PORT for the two cohorts of patients were compared. Results: From 2018 to 2021, our rate of PORT initiation within 6 weeks of surgery was 12% (n = 57). In 2022, our rate of timely PORT was 88% (n = 16), p < 0.5. Patient demographics and characteristics were similar with the exception of marital status and use of free-flap reconstruction. The 2022 cohort was more likely to be single (p < 0.5), and all patients underwent free-flap reconstruction in 2022 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Early referrals, frequent communication, and use of a secure registry were the key to the success found by our group despite the socioeconomic challenges of our underserved, safety-net hospital patient population. The changes made at our institution should serve as a template for other institutions seeking to improve the quality of care for their HNSCC patients.

Cactus cladodes for dairy goats: what is the best fiber source?

This study evaluated the effect of different fiber sources supplied with cactus cladodes in diets on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, milk yield, and composition of dairy goats. The fiber sources were corn silage, sorghum silage, Digitaria pentzii Stent. hay, and sugarcane bagasse. Twelve Saanen goats with an average weight of 48.9 ± 7.3 kg and average production of 2.8 ± 0.7 kg of milk/day were assigned in three simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares (four animals, four treatments, and four experimental periods). There was no difference between the fiber sources for intake (P > 0.05) of dry matter (2.58 kg/day), organic matter (2.30 kg/day), crude protein (0.385 kg/day), neutral detergent fiber (0.895 kg/day), non-fibrous carbohydrates (0.858 kg/day), and metabolizable energy (5.66 Mcal/day). Also, the fiber sources did not influence dry matter and nutrient digestibility (P > 0.05). The association of cactus cladodes with silages, hay, and sugarcane bagasse did not change milk production, milk production corrected for 3.5% of fat and corrected for energy (2.78; 2.53 and 2,55 kg/day, respectively), in addition to milk composition (P > 0.05). No differences were observed in ingestive behavior (P > 0.05). Any fiber sources evaluated are recommended.

Effect of the Deposit Temperature of ZnO Doped with Ni by HFCVD.

The effect of the deposit temperature of zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with nickel (Ni) by hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) technique is reported in this work. The technique allows depositing ZnO:Ni in short intervals (1 min). A deposit of undoped ZnO is used as a reference sample. The reference sample was deposited at 500 °C. The ZnO:Ni samples were deposited at 500 °C, 400 °C, 350 °C, and 300 °C. The samples were studied using structural, morphological, and optical characterization techniques. The Ni incorporation to the ZnO lattice was verified by the shift of the X-ray diffraction peaks, the Raman peaks, the band gap, and the photoluminescence measurements. It was found that the deposit temperature affects the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the ZnO:Ni samples too. The structure of the ZnO:Ni samples corresponds to the hexagonal structure. Different microstructures shapes such as spheres, sea urchins, and agglomerate were found in samples; their change is attributed to the deposit temperature variation. The intensity of the photoluminescence of the ZnO:Ni improves concerning the ZnO due to the Ni incorporation, but it decreases as the deposit temperature decreases.

Quality of life related to both general and oral health two years after treatment for subcondylar fracture.

The success of treatment for condylar fractures is usually assessed by functional outcomes, while studies on patient perceptions are scarce. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the middle-term quality of life, related to both general health and oral health, of patients treated for subcondylar fracture, either by open reduction or by closed fixation, compared to healthy volunteers. In a single trauma centre, among 226 consecutive patients with subcondylar fractures that were treated in years 2018-2019 (two to three years prior to the survey), 148 fulfilled the selection criteria. They were classified as those with other facial fractures that were treated by open reduction (n = 79), and those without other fractures that were treated either by open reduction (n = 34) or by closed fixation (n = 35). An age matched group of healthy volunteers (n = 65) also participated in the study. All participants replied to the Short-Form-Health-Survey (SF-36) and the Oral-Health-Impact-Profile (OHIP-49), using the social messenger platform WhatsApp. The SF-36 showed that patients with closed-fixation reported better mental health than patients with open reduction, but worse than healthy volunteers. Contrariwise, on the OHIP-49, compared to patients with open reduction (with/without other facial fractures) and to healthy volunteers, patients with closed-fixation reported worse quality of life on physical pain, psychological discomfort, and physical disability. The influence of age was evident just on the OHIP-49, on the report of physical limitation and physical pain. Two to three years after the subcondylar fracture, patients treated either by open reduction or closed fixation might report decreased quality of life compared to healthy volunteers; patients treated by open reduction might report lesser mental health related quality of life (SF-36), but superior oral health related quality of life (OHIP-49) than patients treated by closed fixation.

Percepción de docentes sobre habilidades comunicativas de sus estudiantes para una adecuada relación médico-paciente / Perception of teachers about communication skills of their students for an adequate doctor-patient relationship

Fundamento: la existencia de insatisfacciones en la relación médico-paciente constituye una preocupación por la dirección del Estado y del sector de salud cubanos. Objetivo: valorar el desarrollo de las habilidades comunicativas de los educandos, según la percepción docente sobre el cumplimiento de las funciones de la comunicación para una adecuada relación médico-paciente. Métodos: se realizó una investigación cualitativa en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara, Cuba, entre mayo-junio 2021. Se aplicaron métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis, inducción-deducción e histórico-lógico; y empíricos: análisis documental y encuesta de opinión estructurada a los docentes sobre la base de las funciones comunicativas. Los resultados se expresaron en porcientos según los indicadores para la valoración, y se ilustraron en figuras. Resultados: la malla curricular de la carrera de Medicina ofrece posibilidades de desarrollo de habilidades comunicativas como basamento para una adecuada relación médico-paciente, constituyen fortalezas las asignaturas y disciplinas propias de la formación en pregrado y la educación en el trabajo. La función informativa de la comunicación resultó ser la más favorecida en los criterios expresados por lo docentes; obtuvieron más bajos porcientos la reguladora y la afectiva. Conclusiones: la percepción docente mostró insuficiencias en la relación médico-paciente en todas las funciones, por lo que se precisa elaborar estrategias para el desarrollo de las habilidades comunicativas, imprescindibles en la formación médica humanitaria que caracteriza la asistencia médica cubana.

Background: the existence of dissatisfies in the doctor-patient relationship constitutes a concern for the direction of the State and the Cuban health branch. Objective: to assess the development of students' communication skills, according to the teacher's perception of compliance with communication functions for an adequate doctor-patient relationship. Methods: a qualitative research was carried out at the Faculty of Medicine of Villa Clara University of Medical Sciences, Cuba, from May to June 2021. Theoretical methods were applied: analysis-synthesis, induction-deduction and historical-logical; and empirical ones: documentary analysis and structured opinion survey of teachers based on communicative functions. The results were expressed in percentages according to the indicators for the assessment and were illustrated in figures. Results: the curriculum of the Medicine career offers possibilities for the development of communication skills as a basis for an adequate doctor-patient relationship, the subjects and disciplines of undergraduate training and the in-service training are strengths. The informative function of communication turned out to be the most favored in the criteria expressed by the teachers; the regulatory and affective obtained lower percentages. Conclusions: the teacher's perception showed insufficiencies in the doctor-patient relationship in all functions, which is why it is necessary to develop strategies for the development of communication skills, essential in humanitarian medical training that characterizes Cuban medical assistance.

The International Fragile X Premutation Registry: building a resource for research and clinical trial readiness.

FMR1 premutation cytosine-guanine-guanine repeat expansion alleles are relatively common mutations in the general population that are associated with a neurodegenerative disease (fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome), reproductive health problems and potentially a wide range of additional mental and general health conditions that are not yet well-characterised. The International Fragile X Premutation Registry (IFXPR) was developed to facilitate and encourage research to better understand the FMR1 premutation and its impact on human health, to facilitate clinical trial readiness by identifying and characterising diverse cohorts of individuals interested in study participation, and to build community and collaboration among carriers, family members, researchers and clinicians around the world. Here, we describe the development and content of the IFXPR, characterise its first 747 registrants from 32 countries and invite investigators to apply for recruitment support for their project(s). With larger numbers, increased diversity and potentially the future clinical characterisation of registrants, the IFXPR will contribute to a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the fragile X premutation in human health and support treatment studies.

Severe Vaginal Myiasis: Successful Management With Ivermectin.

Myiasis refers to infestation of living animals or humans by maggots or fly larvae. Urogenital myiasis is a rare condition that is linked to poor sanitary conditions and limited access to healthcare and with few published case reports. Here, we describe the case of a 67-year-old homeless woman with multiple comorbidities, who presented with extensive vaginal myiasis requiring inpatient management with ivermectin, ceftriaxone, and metronidazole and daily larvae extraction and debridement. The relevance of this case is providing a report of a successful management with ivermectin of a case of severe vaginal myiasis. Severe cases of vaginal myiasis can require repeated debridement of necrotic tissue and systemic antibiotics in addition to antiparasitic medication. People living under poor sanitary conditions and with poor hygienic practices are at increased risk for severe vaginal myiasis.

AMAZONIA CAMTRAP: A data set of mammal, bird, and reptile species recorded with camera traps in the Amazon forest.

The Amazon forest has the highest biodiversity on Earth. However, information on Amazonian vertebrate diversity is still deficient and scattered across the published, peer-reviewed, and gray literature and in unpublished raw data. Camera traps are an effective non-invasive method of surveying vertebrates, applicable to different scales of time and space. In this study, we organized and standardized camera trap records from different Amazon regions to compile the most extensive data set of inventories of mammal, bird, and reptile species ever assembled for the area. The complete data set comprises 154,123 records of 317 species (185 birds, 119 mammals, and 13 reptiles) gathered from surveys from the Amazonian portion of eight countries (Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela). The most frequently recorded species per taxa were: mammals: Cuniculus paca (11,907 records); birds: Pauxi tuberosa (3713 records); and reptiles: Tupinambis teguixin (716 records). The information detailed in this data paper opens up opportunities for new ecological studies at different spatial and temporal scales, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of the effects of habitat loss, fragmentation, climate change, and other human-mediated defaunation processes in one of the most important and threatened tropical environments in the world. The data set is not copyright restricted; please cite this data paper when using its data in publications and we also request that researchers and educators inform us of how they are using these data.

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple

RESUMEN Fundamento: la esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad que se caracteriza por brotes de discapacidad en cualquier sistema funcional que son producidos por inflamación y desmielinización del sistema nervioso central. Objetivo: determinar la calidad de vida relacionada con salud en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple. Métodos: estudio cuasi-experimental, prospectivo longitudinal con todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de esclerosis múltiple con seguimiento en Villa Clara durante el periodo del 2017 al 2019. La población de estudio quedó constituida por 86 pacientes que formaron parte de una estrategia para el seguimiento multidisciplinario de estos. Resultados: en cuanto a las modificaciones del componente mental y físico del estado de salud se observó que la media de la puntuación fue 30,4 ± 9,7 y 39,9 ± 10,2 respectivamente antes de la estrategia y 38,8 ± 9,3 y 51,5 ± 9,3 después respectivamente; por lo que se movieron hacia niveles superiores. En la escala de impacto del deterioro visual la media fue 10,8 ± 2,2 antes y 7,1 ± 2,8 después. En cuanto a las modificaciones en el inventario de salud mental fue 58,1 ± 14,8 antes y 47,2 ± 15,1 después. Hubo mejoría en impacto de la fatiga; efecto del dolor; satisfacción sexual; control vesical; control intestinal; impacto del deterioro visual; déficit cognitivo percibido; salud mental y apoyo social. Conclusiones: se lograron modificaciones satisfactorias en la escala calidad de vida percibida, en los componentes estado mental y físico de salud, por lo que hubo mejoría de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud.

ABSTRACT Background: multiple sclerosis is a disease characterized by outbreaks of disability in any functional system that are produced by inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system. Objective: to determine the health-related quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: a quasi-experimental, prospective longitudinal study with all patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis with follow-up in Villa Clara during the period from 2017 to 2019. The study population consisted of 86 patients who were part of a multidisciplinary follow-up strategy. Results: regarding the modifications of the mental and physical component of the health state, it was observed that the mean score was 30.4 ± 9.7 and 39.9 ± 10.2 respectively before the strategy and 38.8 ± 9.3 and 51.5 ± 9.3 later respectively; so they moved to higher levels. On the visual impairment impact scale, the mean was 10.8 ± 2.2 before and 7.1 ± 2.8 after. Regarding the modifications in the mental health inventory, it was 58.1 ± 14.8 before and 47.2 ± 15.1 after. There was improvement in the impact of fatigue; pain effect; sexual satisfaction; bladder control; bowel control; impact of visual impairment; perceived cognitive deficit; mental health and social support. Conclusions: satisfactory modifications were achieved in the perceived quality of life scale, in the mental and physical health components, for which there was an improvement in health-related quality of life.

Curso e-learning "desafíos de la pandemia COVID-19 en pediatría": caracterización y relación con los resultados de aprendizaje y grado de satisfacción / E-learning course "challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in pediatrics": characterization and association with learning results and grade of satisfaction

Frente a la pandemia del CoVID-19, resulta fundamental establecer estrategias manteniendo distanciamiento social, que permitan educar a profesionales de la salud sobre aspectos relacionados con SARS-CoV-2. La Sociedad Chilena de Neumología Pediátrica creó un E-learnig de contingencia de acceso libre. OBJETIVO: Describir las características del curso online "Desafíos de la pandemia CoVID-19 en Pediatría", y evaluar el grado de satisfacción de quienes lo cursaron. Estudio transversal. Todos los inscritos en el curso, entre mayo 2020 y julio 2020. Se grabaron 12 clases dictadas por especialistas con representación académica de Chile. Se realizó una prueba final y una encuesta de satisfacción, con puntaje de 1 a 7. Se realizó análisis descriptivo e inferencial, evaluando asociación entre clasificación final del curso, profesión y zona geográfica de los participantes con test de Kruskal Wallis, significancia estadística p<0,05. Aprobado por comité ética. Participaron 2541 alumnos, 73% mujeres. Mediana de edad 32,7 años. 90,7% de Chile, de estos 63,2% de regiones. De procedencia extranjera destacó Bolivia (2,9%) y Ecuador (2,5%). De los que realizaron la prueba, el 98,6% aprobó. Existió diferencia entre notas según profesión, Médicos-Kinesiólogos(p=0.025) y Médicos-Enfermeros(p=0.002); y según procedencia, Región Metropolitana (RM)-Otras regiones (p=0.041), RM-Internacional(p<0,001) y Otras regiones-Internacional(p<0,001). La evaluación de contenidos ponderó 6,6 y la accesibilidad 6,8. El 98% contestó que el curso cumplió sus expectativas. Concluimos que se inscribió un gran número de alumnos de Chile y Latinoamérica. Más del 98% aprobó la prueba final y refirió un alto nivel de satisfacción. Sugerimos emplear estrategias similares en situaciones de catástrofes sanitarias.

In the face of the CoVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to establish strategies, maintaining social distancing, that allow educating health professionals on aspects related to SARS-CoV-2. The Chilean Society of Pediatric Pulmonology created a free access contingency E-learning. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of the online course "Challenges of the CoVID-19 pandemic in Pediatrics", and to evaluate the grade of satisfaction of those who attended it.Transversal study. All those enrolled in the course, between May 2020 and July 2020. 12 classes taught by specialists with academic representation from Chile were recorded. A final test and a satisfaction survey were carried out, with a score from 1 to 7. A descriptive and inferential analysis was implemented, evaluating the association between the final classification of the course, profession and geographical area of the participants with the Kruskal Wallis test, statistical significance p< 0.05. Approved by ethics committee. 2541 students participated, 73% women. Median age 32.7 years. 90.7% from Chile, of these 63.2% from regions. Of foreign origin, Bolivia (2.9%) and Ecuador (2.5%) stand out. Of those who took the test, 98.6% were successful. There was a difference between grades according to profession, Physicians-Kinesiologists(p=0.025) and Physicians-Nurses(p=0.002); and according to origin, Metropolitan Region (RM)-Other regions (p=0.041), RM-International (p<0.001) and Other regions-International (p<0.001). The content evaluation pondered 6.6 and accessibility 6.8. 98% responded that the course met their expectations. CONCLUSION: A large number of students from Chile and Latin America were enrolled. More than 98% passed the final test and reported a high level of satisfaction. We suggest using similar strategies in situations of health catastrophes.

Validez y confiabilidad del Inventario de orientación suicida ­ ISO-30 en una población colombiana / Validación de la escala de orientación al suicidio ISO-30 / Validity and reliability of the Inventory of suicide orientation ­ ISO-30 in a colombian population

El presente estudio instrumental evaluó las propiedades psicométricas del Inventario de Orientación Suicida ­ ISO-30 con 1922 adolescentes escolarizados de la ciudad de Bogotá. La validez de constructo del inventario se estableció a través de un análisis factorial confirmatorio, utilizándose el método de mínimos cuadrados generalizados (GLS), dando lugar un modelo factorial sustentable, compuesto por cinco factores, igual al inventario original. La confiabilidad del instrumento se estableció, a través del coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach, obteniéndose una confiabilidad excelente (α= .0915) y un coeficiente Omega (Ω=.742). El análisis de reactivos relativo al poder de discriminación del inventario obtuvo un 57% en las correlaciones ítem-escala total con un nivel de discriminación excelente. Se presenta evidencia respecto a la validez y confiabilidad del ISO-30 para evaluar la orientación al suicidio en adolescentes colombianos

The present instrumental study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Inventory of Suicide Orientation - ISO-30 with 1922 school adolescents from Bogotá. The construct validity of the inventory was established through confirmatory factor analysis, using the generalized least squares (GLS) technique, through which a sustainable factorial model was obtained, composed of five factors equal to the original inventory. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient with an excellent result (α= .915) and an omega coefficient (Ω=.742). The analysis of the items, relative to the discrimination power of the items, obtained 57% in item-total scale correlations with an excellent level of discrimination power. These findings prove ISO-30 to be a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating suicide orientation among Colombian adolescents.

Efectividad de una estrategia para el seguimiento multidisciplinario de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple / Effectiveness of a strategy for the multidisciplinary follow-up to patients with multiple sclerosis

RESUMEN Fundamento: la promoción de salud es una vía para alcanzar niveles de salud deseables para toda la humanidad. La esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad inflamatoria desmielinizante crónica del sistema nervioso central de carácter autoinmune. Objetivo: determinar la efectividad de una estrategia para el seguimiento multidisciplinario de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple dirigida a incrementar la calidad de vida percibida en ellos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental con un diseño antes-después con un solo grupo en el Servicio de Neurología del Hospital Universitario Clínico- Quirúrgico "Arnaldo Milián Castro" de Santa Clara, en la provincia de Villa Clara, en el período comprendido de mayo 2017 a mayo 2019. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis, inducción-deducción e histórico-lógico; empíricos: la aplicación individual del cuestionario de la Escala de Calidad de vida percibida y matemático-estadísticos para el análisis de los datos encontrados. Resultados: todos los pacientes modificaron su estado de calidad de vida percibida en los componentes: escala de satisfacción sexual, escala visual, control intestinal, impacto del dolor y estado físico hacia puntuaciones mejores después de aplicada la estrategia. La mayoría de los indicadores evaluados por el equipo de trabajo ofrecieron resultados de evaluación muy adecuados sobre el proceso interventivo. Conclusiones: la estrategia de seguimiento para los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple posibilitó una mayor calidad de vida percibida en ellos; es efectiva dado el logro de modificaciones satisfactorias en la puntuación de la escala calidad de vida percibida en todos sus componentes; los indicadores evaluados por el equipo de trabajo ofrecen resultados de evaluación muy adecuados.

ABSTRACT Background: health promotion is recognized as a way to achieve desirable levels of health for all humanity. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system of an autoimmune nature. Objective: to determine the effectiveness of a strategy for the multidisciplinary follow-up to patients with multiple sclerosis aimed at increasing their quality of life. Methods: a quasi-experimental study with a before-after design was carried out with a single group in the Neurology Service of the "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical-Surgical University Hospital of Santa Clara, in the province of Villa Clara, in the period from May 2017 to May 2019. Theoretical methods were used: analysis-synthesis, induction-deduction and historical-logical; empirical ones: the individual application of the questionnaire of the Perceived Quality of Life Scale and mathematical-statistical for the analysis of the data found. Results: all patients modified their perceived quality of life status in the components: sexual satisfaction scale, visual scale, bowel control, impact of pain and physical state towards better scores after applying the strategy. Most of the indicators evaluated by the team work offered very adequate evaluation results on the interventional process. Conclusions: the follow-up strategy for patients with multiple sclerosis enabled a higher perceived quality of life in them; its effectiveness is given by the achievement of satisfactory modifications in the score of the perceived quality of life scale in all its components; as well as the indicators evaluated by the team work offer very adequate evaluation results.

Perfil epidemiológico, clínico e imagenológico de la esclerosis múltiple

RESUMEN Fundamento: la esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad desmielinizante neurológica, autoinmune, degenerativa, crónica y progresiva, asociada a diferentes factores genéticos y medioambientales. Objetivo: caracterizar epidemiológica, clínica e imagenológicamente a los pacientes con diagnóstico de esclerosis múltiple. Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal sobre todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de esclerosis múltiple con seguimiento en el Hospital Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Universitario Arnaldo Milián Castro, de Villa Clara durante el periodo de enero del 2014 a diciembre del 2019. Se analizaron las variables epidemiológicas: sexo, edad de comienzo de la enfermedad, color de piel, lugar de procedencia; variables clínicas: síntomas al inicio y en la actualidad; número de brotes; años de evolución, formas clínicas; variables imagenológicas: número de lesiones, localización, atrofia o cambio de intensidad de señal del cuerpo calloso y criterio de McDonald cumplido. Resultados: hubo mayor incidencia del sexo femenino con 80 pacientes. Se constató que 59 pacientes presentaban forma clínica recidivante-remitente, 21 pacientes forma secundaria progresiva, 4 pacientes primaria progresiva y 2 pacientes progresiva recidivante. Los síntomas: déficit motor, déficit sensitivo y las alteraciones del cerebelo fueron los más frecuentes al inicio y en la actualidad. La discapacidad evaluada como mínima se constató en 50 pacientes y 31 pacientes presentaron de 2 a 4 lesiones en resonancia magnética nuclear. Conclusiones: se obtuvo, de forma satisfactoria, una adecuada información epidemiológica de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple en Villa Clara. Es importante considerar el presente reporte, como una base para la toma de decisiones en temas de proyección de tratamiento y atención, aspectos de gran importancia en enfermedades de alto costo, como la esclerosis múltiple.

ABSTRACT Background multiple sclerosis is a neurological, autoimmune, degenerative, chronic and progressive demyelinating disease associated with different genetic and environmental factors. Objective: to characterize epidemiologically, clinically and imaging patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis Methods: observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study on all patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis with follow-up at the Arnaldo Milián Castro Provincial University Clinical-Surgical Hospital, in Villa Clara during the period from January 2014 to December 2019. The epidemiological variables analyzed: sex, age of disease onset, skin color, place of origin; clinical variables: symptoms at the beginning and at present; number of shoots; years of evolution, clinical forms; Imaging variables: number of lesions, location, atrophy or change in signal intensity of the corpus callosum and McDonald's criterion fulfilled. Results there was a higher incidence of females with 80 patients. It was found that 59 patients had a relapsing-remitting clinical form, 21 patients had a secondary progressive form, 4 patients had a primary progressive and 2 patients had a relapsing progressive one. Symptoms: motor deficit, sensory deficit and cerebellar alterations were the most frequent at the beginning and at present. Disability evaluated as minimal was found in 50 patients and 31 patients had 2 to 4 lesions on nuclear magnetic resonance. Conclusions: Adequate epidemiological information on patients with multiple sclerosis in Villa Clara was obtained satisfactorily. It is important to consider this report as a basis for decision-making on issues of projection of treatment and care, aspects of great importance in high-cost diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.

Estrategia para el seguimiento multidisciplinario a pacientes con esclerosis múltiple / Strategy for the multidisciplinary follow-up of patients with multiple sclerosis

RESUMEN Fundamento: la promoción de salud puede ser interpretada como un nuevo camino, una estrategia, una filosofía o una forma diferente de pensar y actuar para alcanzar la salud de los pueblos. La esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad desmielinizante neurológica que requiere seguimiento a largo plazo, carácter sistemático y mayor competitividad en la asistencia médica para lograr calidad de vida percibida en estos pacientes. Objetivo: diseñar una estrategia para el seguimiento multidisciplinario a pacientes con esclerosis múltiple dirigida a incrementar la calidad de vida percibida. Métodos: se realizó una investigación de desarrollo en el Servicio de Neurología del Hospital Provincial Universitario Clinico-Quirúrgico "Arnaldo Milián Castro" de Villa Clara entre mayo 2017 a mayo 2019. Se emplearon métodos teóricos: inductivo-deductivo, analítico-sintético e histórico-lógico; y empíricos: análisis documental, observación directa, la entrevista estructurada y el grupo focal con los miembros del equipo de trabajo y los pacientes, además de otras técnicas investigativas. Resultados: existen insuficiencias en el seguimiento multidisciplinario de los pacientes y no se aprovechan los recursos humanos capacitados para su manejo, por lo que se elaboró una estrategia que fue valorada por criterios de expertos, la cual contiene un plan de acción para garantizar el funcionamiento de la consulta multidisciplinaria con la aplicación de un programa de seguimiento. Conclusiones: la estrategia diseñada está dirigida a la formación de un paciente responsable y activo ante su autocuidado, y al fortalecimiento de las capacidades del equipo de trabajo para alcanzar este objetivo; fue valorada como Muy adecuada por criterios de expertos.

ABSTRACT Background: health promotion can be interpreted as a new path, a strategy, a philosophy or a different way of thinking and acting to achieve the health of peoples. Multiple sclerosis is a neurological demyelinating disease that requires long-term follow-up, systematic character and greater competitiveness in medical care to achieve perceived quality of life in these patients. Objective: to design a strategy for the multidisciplinary follow-up of patients with multiple sclerosis aimed at increasing the perceived quality of life. Methods: a development investigation was carried out in the Neurology Service of the "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical-Surgical University Hospital of Villa Clara Province from May 2017 to May 2019. Theoretical methods were used: inductive-deductive, analytical-synthetic and historical- logical; and empirical ones: documentary analysis, direct observation, the structured interview and the focal group with the members of the work team and the patients, in addition to other investigative techniques. Results: there were shortcomings in the multidisciplinary follow-up of the patients and the human resources trained for their management were not used, so a strategy was developed that was assessed by expert criteria, which contains an action plan to guarantee the functioning of multidisciplinary consultation with the application of a follow-up program. Conclusions: the designed strategy is aimed at training a patient who is responsible and active in self-care, and at strengthening the capacities of the work team to achieve this objective; it was rated as Very adequate by expert criteria.

Cerebral Microbleeds in Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome is a neurodegenerative disease of late onset developed by carriers of the premutation in the fragile x mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Pathological features of neurodegeneration in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome include toxic levels of FMR1 mRNA, ubiquitin-positive intranuclear inclusions, white matter disease, iron accumulation, and a proinflammatory state. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the presence of cerebral microbleeds in the brains of patients with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome and investigate plausible causes for cerebral microbleeds in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. METHODS: We collected cerebral and cerebellar tissue from 15 fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome cases and 15 control cases carrying FMR1 normal alleles. We performed hematoxylin and eosin, Perls and Congo red stains, ubiquitin, and amyloid ß protein immunostaining. We quantified the number of cerebral microbleeds, amount of iron, presence of amyloid ß within the capillaries, and number of endothelial cells containing intranuclear inclusions. We evaluated the relationships between pathological findings using correlation analysis. RESULTS: We found intranuclear inclusions in the endothelial cells of capillaries and an increased number of cerebral microbleeds in the brains of those with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, both of which are indicators of cerebrovascular dysfunction. We also found a suggestive association between the amount of capillaries that contain amyloid ß in the cerebral cortex and the rate of disease progression. CONCLUSION: We propose microangiopathy as a pathologic feature of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.