Neurodevelopmental delay in children exposed to maternal SARS-CoV-2 in-utero.

It is unclear if SARS CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental repercussions to infants. We assessed pediatric neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born to mothers with laboratory-confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Neurodevelopmental outcomes of in-utero exposed children were compared to that of pre-pandemic control children in Los Angeles (LA), CA, USA and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (Bayley-III), the gold standard tool for evaluating neurodevelopment until 36 months of age and Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3), a frequently used screening instrument for evaluating neurodevelopment in this same age group were the assessment tools used. Developmental delay (DD) was defined as having a score < - 2 SD below the norm (< 70) in at least one of three Bayley-III domains, (cognitive, motor or language) or a score below the cut-off (dark zone) in at least one of five ASQ-3 domains (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, personal-social). Exposed children were born between April 2020 and December 2022 while control children were born between January 2016 to December 2019. Neurodevelopmental testing was performed in 300 children total: 172 COVID-19 exposed children between 5-30 months of age and 128 control children between 6-38 months of age. Bayley-III results demonstrated that 12 of 128 exposed children (9.4%) had DD versus 2 of 128 controls (1.6%), p = 0.0007. Eight of 44 additional exposed children had DD on ASQ-3 testing. Fully, 20 of 172 exposed children (11.6%) and 2 of 128 control children (1.6%), p = 0.0006 had DD. In Rio, 12% of exposed children versus 2.6% of controls, p = 0.02 had DD. In LA, 5.7% of exposed children versus 0 controls, p = 0.12 had DD. Severe/critical maternal COVID-19 predicted below average neurodevelopment in the exposed cohort (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.4). Children exposed to antenatal COVID-19 have a tenfold higher frequency of DD as compared to controls and should be offered neurodevelopmental follow-up.

Respiratory distress in SARS-CoV-2 exposed uninfected neonates followed in the COVID Outcomes in Mother-Infant Pairs (COMP) Study.

Respiratory distress (RD) has been reported in SARS-CoV-2 exposed uninfected (SEU) term neonates. Prior studies suggest that prenatal exposure to Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) may activate an inflammatory cascade in the newborn airway. In this study, we examine the relationship between maternal COVID-19 vaccination and neonatal RD using a longitudinal cohort of mother-infant pairs in Los Angeles, CA. Two-hundred and twenty-one mothers with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and 227 exposed fetuses are enrolled in our study. Maternal disease severity and neonatal RD variables were defined based on current accepted clinical criteria. To explore the multifactorial associations between maternal COVID-19 parameters and infant RD, we utilize a multivariable logistic regression model and a proteomic sub-analysis to propose a pathway for the development of RD following in utero exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Unusually high rates of RD are observed in SEU infants (17%). The odds ratio of RD is 3.06 (95% CI:1.08-10.21) in term neonates born to unvaccinated individuals versus those born to individuals vaccinated prior to maternal infection. Proteomic analysis reveals a robust inflammatory response associated with ciliary dysregulation and enhanced IgE production among SEU neonates with RD. Maternal vaccination against COVID-19 reduces the frequency of neonatal RD.

Escenarios para el diagnóstico de encefalopatía hipóxico isquémica e inicio de tratamiento con hipotermia controlada en recién nacidos con asfixia perinatal

La hipoxia isquemia perinatal y su complicación más temida, la encefalopatía hipóxica isquémica, continúa siendo uno de los principales motivos de ingreso a las unidades de cuidados neonatales. En la actualidad la hipotermia controlada es el tratamiento recomendado para los pacientes con encefalopatía moderada a severa, dado su carácter de neuroprotección ante la injuria cerebral hipóxico isquémica. Si bien los criterios de inclusión en esta terapia han sido bien establecidos, aún hay dificultades tanto en la identificación precoz de aquellos que pueden verse beneficiados, como en la toma de decisiones ante situaciones de controversia entre la evidencia disponible y la que se está gestando en estudios en curso. Este artículo pretende aportar herramientas al clínico para abordar diferentes escenarios que surgen de la práctica diaria.

Summary: Perinatal hypoxic ischemia and its most feared complication, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, remain one of the main reasons for admission to neonatal care. Controlled hypothermia is currently the recommended treatment for patients with moderate to severe encephalopathy, given its neuroprotective nature against hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Although the inclusion criteria for this therapy have been well established, there are still difficulties both in the early identification of those who may benefit, and in making decisions regarding situations of controversy between the available evidence and that being developing in ongoing studies. This paper aims at providing tools so that clinicians can address different scenarios that arise during their daily practice.

A hipóxia isquêmica perinatal e sua complicação mais temida, a encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica, continuam sendo um dos principais motivos de internação em unidades de cuidados neonatais. A hipotermia controlada é atualmente o tratamento recomendado para pacientes com encefalopatia moderada a grave, dada a sua natureza neuroprotetora contra lesão cerebral hipóxico-isquêmica. Embora os critérios de inclusão dessa terapia estejam bem estabelecidos, ainda há dificuldades tanto na identificação precoce daqueles que podem se beneficiar, quanto na tomada de decisões em situações de controvérsia entre as evidências disponíveis e aquelas que estão se desenvolvendo em estudos em andamento. Este paper tem como objetivo fornecer ferramentas aos clínicos para abordar diferentes cenários que surgem da prática diária.

Implementación de paquete de medidas de conductas perinatales en recién nacidos con gastrosquisis congénita

Introducción: la gastrosquisis congénita (GC) es una patología con creciente demanda asistencial. Atentos a esto, en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (CHPR) se implementó un protocolo de cuidados llevado adelante por un equipo multidisciplinario. En este trabajo nos proponemos evaluar el impacto en la sobrevida y morbilidad a partir de su aplicación. Material y método: estudio comparativo tipo antes y después de pacientes portadores de GC (n = 47), 29 de una cohorte histórica (GH) y 18 de una cohorte posaplicación de protocolo (GP). Con edad gestacional ≥ 36 semanas y peso al nacer ≥ 2500 g, asistidos en el CHPR entre los años 2016 y 2021. Resultados: no se observaron diferencias perinatales entre ambos grupos, ni en la incidencia de GQ complicadas. En el GP se observó mayor incidencia de cierre abdominal precoz (p < 0,01), menor necesidad de realización de silo quirúrgico (p < 0,01), menor tiempo de administración de ventilación mecánica (p = 0,03), de uso total de opioides (p < 0,01), de administración de nutrición parenteral (p = 0,03), e inicio más temprano de la alimentación enteral (p = 0,03). Sin diferencias en la sobrevida al egreso hospitalario. Conclusiones: la aplicación de un protocolo estandarizado se asoció a una reducción significativa en el tiempo de cierre abdominal, de ventilación mecánica, nutrición parenteral y de opioides, con inicio más precoz de la nutrición enteral.

Summary: Introduction: congenital gastroschisis is an increasingly demanded pathology, therefore a care protocol was implemented at the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital (CHPR), and it has been carried out by a multidisciplinary team. In this paper, we aim at assessing the morbidity and mortality impact of survival and morbidity of this application. Materials and Methods: comparative before and after study of a historical cohort (GH, n=29) versus a post-protocol application cohort (GP, n=18), in patients with a gestational age ≥36 weeks and birth weight ≥2500 grams assisted in CHPR between 2016-2021. Results: no perinatal differences were observed between both groups or in the incidence of complicated GQ. In the GP, a higher incidence of early abdominal closure was decreased (GH 3.4% vs GP 67%, p<0.01), less need to perform a surgical silo (GH 100% vs GP 33%, p<0.01 ), shorter mechanical ventilation administration time (GH 2 days vs GP 0.5 days, p=0.03), total use of opioids (GH 3.5 days vs GP 7 days, p<0.01) , of administration of parenteral nutrition (GH 24.5 days vs GP 20 days, p=0.03), and earlier start of enteral feeding (GH 11 days vs GP 7 days, p=0.03). No differences in survival after hospital discharge (93% vs 89%, p=0.63). Conclusions: the application of a standardized protocol was linked to a significant reduction in the time of abdominal closure, mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition, and opioids, with earlier initiation of enteral nutrition.

Introdução: a gastrosquise congênita (GC) é uma patologia com demanda crescente de atendimento e, porém, foi implementado um protocolo de atendimento por equipe multidisciplinar no Centro Hospitalar Pediátrico Pereira Rossell (CHPR). Neste trabalho propomos avaliar o impacto na mortalidade e morbidade depois de sua aplicação. Material e Métodos: estudo comparativo antes e depois de pacientes com CG (n=47), sendo 29 de uma coorte histórica (GH) e 18 de uma coorte pós-aplicação de protocolo (GP). Idade gestacional ≥ 36 semanas e peso ao nascer ≥ 2.500 gramas atendidos no CHPR entre os anos de 2016-2021. Resultados: não foram observadas diferenças perinatais entre os dois grupos ou na incidência de QG complicada. No GP observou-se maior incidência de fechamento abdominal precoce (p<0,01), menor necessidade de silos cirúrgicos (p<0,01), menor tempo de administração de ventilação mecânica (p=0,03) e uso total de opioides. (p<0,01), administração de nutrição parenteral (p=0,03) e início mais precoce da alimentação enteral (p=0,03). Não houve diferenças na sobrevivência até a alta hospitalar. Conclusões: a aplicação de protocolo padronizado foi associada à redução significativa do tempo de fechamento abdominal, ventilação mecânica, nutrição parenteral e opioides, com início mais precoce da nutrição enteral.

Tau protein binds to the P53 E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2.

Tau gene mutations cause a progressive dementia and neurotoxic Tau forms deposited in neurofibrillary tangles are hallmarks of neurodegenerative tauopathies. Loss of non-canonical Tau functions may contribute to disease. In fact, Tau depletion affects the cellular response to DNA damage and tauopathies exhibit the accumulation of DNA lesions. Moreover, Tau modulates P53 activity and cell fate. Considering that MDM2 is the main antagonist of P53, we investigated, using orthogonal assays, if Tau interacts with MDM2. We report the existence in cells and brain of a Tau-MDM2 complex that, in vitro, exhibits reduced P53 ubiquitination activity in a manner sensitive to a Tau mutation. The Tau-MDM2 interaction involves the microtubule-binding domain of Tau and the acidic domain of MDM2, reminiscent of the binding of Tau to negatively charged microtubules. Notably, MDM2 accumulates aberrantly in neurofibrillary tangles. Aging-associated insults may expose a novel loss-of-function of Tau in neurodegeneration and cancer.

Reliability of the Motor Optimality Score-Revised: A study of infants at elevated likelihood for adverse neurological outcomes.

AIM: To assess the inter-assessor reliability of the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) when used in infants at elevated likelihood for adverse neurological outcome. METHODS: MOS-R were assessed in three groups of infants by two assessors/cohort. Infants were recruited from longitudinal projects in Sweden (infants born extremely preterm), India (infants born in low-resource communities) and the USA (infants prenatally exposed to SARS-CoV-2). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and kappa (κw) were applied. ICC of MOS-R subcategories and total scores were presented for cohorts together and separately and for age-spans: 9-12, 13-16 and 17-25-weeks post-term age. RESULTS: 252 infants were included (born extremely preterm n = 97, born in low-resource communities n = 97, prenatally SARS-CoV-2 exposed n = 58). Reliability of the total MOS-R was almost perfect (ICC: 0.98-0.99) for all cohorts, together and separately. Similar result was found for age-spans (ICC: 0.98-0.99). Substantial to perfect reliability was shown for the MOS-R subcategories (κw: 0.67-1.00), with postural patterns showing the lowest value 0.67. CONCLUSION: The MOS-R can be used in high-risk populations with substantial to perfect reliability, both in regards of total/subcategory scores as well as in different age groups. However, the subcategory postural patterns as well as the clinical applicability of the MOS-R needs further study.

Neuromotor repertoires in infants exposed to maternal COVID-19 during pregnancy: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate neuromotor repertoires and developmental milestones in infants exposed to antenatal COVID-19. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Hospital-based study in Los Angeles, USA and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil between March 2020 and December 2021. PARTICIPANTS: Infants born to mothers with COVID-19 during pregnancy and prepandemic control infants from the Graz University Database. INTERVENTIONS: General movement assessment (GMA) videos between 3 and 5 months post-term age were collected and clinical assessments/developmental milestones evaluated at 6-8 months of age. Cases were matched by gestational age, gender and post-term age to prepandemic neurotypical unexposed controls from the database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Motor Optimality Scores Revised (MOS-R) at 3-5 months. Presence of developmental delay (DD) at 6-8 months. RESULTS: 239 infants were enrolled; 124 cases (83 in the USA/41 in Brazil) and 115 controls. GMA was assessed in 115 cases and 115 controls; 25% were preterm. Median MOS-R in cases was 23 (IQR 21-24, range 9-28) vs 25 (IQR 24-26, range 20-28) in controls, p<0.001. Sixteen infants (14%) had MOS-R scores <20 vs zero controls, p<0.001. At 6-8 months, 13 of 109 case infants (12%) failed to attain developmental milestones; all 115 control infants had normal development. The timing of maternal infection in pregnancy (first, second or third trimester) or COVID-19 disease severity (NIH categories asymptomatic, mild/moderate or severe/critical) was not associated with suboptimal MOS-R or DD. Maternal fever in pregnancy was associated with DD (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.12 to 12.60) but not suboptimal MOS-R (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with prepandemic controls, infants exposed to antenatal COVID-19 more frequently had suboptimal neuromotor development.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Antibody Persistence in Mother-Infant Dyads After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on how coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity, timing of infection, and subsequent vaccination impact transplacental transfer and persistence of maternal and infant antibodies. METHODS: In a longitudinal cohort of pregnant women with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, maternal/infant sera were collected at enrollment, delivery/birth, and 6 months. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, and IgA were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Two-hundred fifty-six pregnant women and 135 infants were enrolled; 148 maternal and 122 neonatal specimens were collected at delivery/birth; 45 maternal and 48 infant specimens were collected at 6 months. Sixty-eight percent of women produced all anti-SARS-CoV-2 isotypes at delivery (IgG, IgM, IgA); 96% had at least 1 isotype. Symptomatic disease and vaccination before delivery were associated with higher maternal IgG at labor and delivery. Detectable IgG in infants dropped from 78% at birth to 52% at 6 months. In the multivariate analysis evaluating factors associated with detectable IgG in infants at delivery, significant predictors were 3rd trimester infection (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0), mild/moderate disease (OR = 4.8), severe/critical disease (OR = 6.3), and maternal vaccination before delivery (OR = 18.8). No factors were significant in the multivariate analysis at 6 months postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination in pregnancy post-COVID-19 recovery is a strategy for boosting antibodies in mother-infant dyads.

Intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stem cells for refractory systemic sclerosis management: TWo-year follow-up

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease whose etiology remains unknown. Some patients prove refractory and require other therapies. Recently, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for the treatment of disease refractory to conventional treatments has been considered. We present a case of refractory systemic sclerosis; Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cell was given in response. Decrease in perioral wrinkles, reduced telangiectasia and decrease in modified Rodnan skin score were observed two years later. A decrease in brain natriuretic peptide and improved pulmonary function were also found. And improvement of pulmonary fibrosis on high resolution tomography and capillaroscopy changes. In conclusion, MSC infusion seems to be effective and safe treatment of refractory scleroderma

La esclerosis sistémica es una enfermedad autoinmune de etiología desconocida y difícil manejo. Algunos casos que se tornan refractarios requieren terapias alternativas, como las células madre mesenquimales (MSC). Presentamos un caso de esclerosis sistémica refractaria que se llevó a terapia con MSC de gelatina de Wharton. Tras dos años, se observó ∗ Corresponding disminución en arrugas peribucales, aumento en apertura bucal, reducción de telangiectasias y en Rodnan modificado. También hubo disminución del péptido natriurético cerebral y mejora de pruebas de función pulmonar desde los seis meses de seguimiento, con mejoría en fibrosis pulmonar en tomografía de alta resolución y cambios en la capilaroscopia. En conclusión, el tratamiento con infusión de MSC parece efectivo y seguro en esclerosis sistémica refractaria.

Interacción social: Experiencias de mujeres positivas a COVID-19 con riesgo perinatal / Social Interaction: The experiences of COVID-19 positive women with perinatal risk

Resumen La pandemia COVID-19 provocó cambios en la dinámica de la vida de las mujeres en etapa perinatal quienes, ante la crisis sanitaria reconfiguraron prácticas de cuidado y convivencia social. El objetivo fue conocer a través de la interacción social algunas experiencias de mujeres con embarazo de alto riesgo positivas a COVID-19. El trabajo se realizó en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención perinatal. Se empleó metodología cualitativa, se aplicaron cuestionarios y entrevistas a 14 mujeres positivas a COVID-19 en etapa perinatal vía zoom. Se realizó análisis crítico-interpretativo del discurso con base al concepto interacción social y el pensamiento complejo. Para los resultados se desarrollaron tres tipos de interacción social: a) Interacción social primaria: Experiencias ante la notificación de la positividad al COVID-19; b) Interacción social aprendida: Experiencias del cuidado ante el COVID-19; y c) Interacción social resiliente: Experiencias necesarias ante el COVID-19. El vínculo de las experiencias desemboca en nuevas formas de interacciones sociales que van desde la notificación pasando por el cuidado y la resiliencia. Concluimos que las experiencias por el COVID-19 vividas por mujeres en etapa perinatal reinventaron sus modos de convivencia y cuidado dentro de lo institucional, familiar y personal.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic induced changes in the dynamics of the life of women in the perinatal phase who, due to the health crisis, restructured social care and coexistence practices. The scope of this paper was to assess the experiences of high-risk perinatal pregnancy risk among COVID-19 positive women through social interaction. The work was conducted in a hospital of tertiary perinatal care. Qualitative methodology was used, whereby questionnaires and interviews were conducted via zoom with 14 COVID-19 positive women in the perinatal phase. Critical-interpretative discourse analysis was applied based on the concept of social interaction and complex thinking. Three types of social interaction were developed to assess the results: a) Initial social interaction: experiences when becoming aware of being COVID-19 positive; b) Acquired social interaction: experiences of care prior to COVID-19; c) Enduring social interaction: experience required in the face of COVID-19. The result of experience leads to new forms of social interaction after notification ranging from care to resilience. The conclusion drawn is that the experience of COVID-19 of women in the perinatal period remodeled their ways of coexistence and care within the institutional, family, and personal spheres.

[Social Interaction: The experiences of COVID-19 positive women with perinatal risk]. / Interacción social: Experiencias de mujeres positivas a COVID-19 con riesgo perinatal.

The COVID-19 pandemic induced changes in the dynamics of the life of women in the perinatal phase who, due to the health crisis, restructured social care and coexistence practices. The scope of this paper was to assess the experiences of high-risk perinatal pregnancy risk among COVID-19 positive women through social interaction. The work was conducted in a hospital of tertiary perinatal care. Qualitative methodology was used, whereby questionnaires and interviews were conducted via zoom with 14 COVID-19 positive women in the perinatal phase. Critical-interpretative discourse analysis was applied based on the concept of social interaction and complex thinking. Three types of social interaction were developed to assess the results: a) Initial social interaction: experiences when becoming aware of being COVID-19 positive; b) Acquired social interaction: experiences of care prior to COVID-19; c) Enduring social interaction: experience required in the face of COVID-19. The result of experience leads to new forms of social interaction after notification ranging from care to resilience. The conclusion drawn is that the experience of COVID-19 of women in the perinatal period remodeled their ways of coexistence and care within the institutional, family, and personal spheres.

La pandemia COVID-19 provocó cambios en la dinámica de la vida de las mujeres en etapa perinatal quienes, ante la crisis sanitaria reconfiguraron prácticas de cuidado y convivencia social. El objetivo fue conocer a través de la interacción social algunas experiencias de mujeres con embarazo de alto riesgo positivas a COVID-19. El trabajo se realizó en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención perinatal. Se empleó metodología cualitativa, se aplicaron cuestionarios y entrevistas a 14 mujeres positivas a COVID-19 en etapa perinatal vía zoom. Se realizó análisis crítico-interpretativo del discurso con base al concepto interacción social y el pensamiento complejo. Para los resultados se desarrollaron tres tipos de interacción social: a) Interacción social primaria: Experiencias ante la notificación de la positividad al COVID-19; b) Interacción social aprendida: Experiencias del cuidado ante el COVID-19; y c) Interacción social resiliente: Experiencias necesarias ante el COVID-19. El vínculo de las experiencias desemboca en nuevas formas de interacciones sociales que van desde la notificación pasando por el cuidado y la resiliencia. Concluimos que las experiencias por el COVID-19 vividas por mujeres en etapa perinatal reinventaron sus modos de convivencia y cuidado dentro de lo institucional, familiar y personal.

Social Touch Somatotopically Affects Mental Body Representations.

In pre-Covid days, many daily actions such as hand shaking or cheek kissing implied physical contact between our body and that of other people. With respect to touching an inanimate object (objectual touch), touching a person (social touch) concerns not only touching a human body, but also that this body belongs to a living person. This fundamental difference also may affect the way we figure our own movements and perceptions or, in other words, how we mentally represent our own body. To test this hypothesis, we asked 30 neurotypical participants to perform mental rotation of images representing hands, full bodies, and feet (an active cognitive task able to activate body representations without need of moving) in two tactile conditions: holding (one in each hand) either the thumbs of another person (social touch) or two plastic cylinders (objectual touch) of about the same circumference and size. Results showed that only mental rotation of hand images was affected by varying the tactile conditions, in that participants were faster during social than objectual touch. This suggests that the nature of hand-related tactile input (social or objectual touch) influences local (hand) and not global (body) mental representations of the body, and in a very somatotopic manner (hands but not feet). We interpret these findings with reference to the differentiation between sensorimotor (body schema) and visuospatial (body image) dynamics in the mental representation of our body. The present study shows that external social factors can affect the internal mental representations of one's own body.

Vegetable fermentations brined with low salt for reclaiming food waste.

Fermentation of eight vegetables was studied as an alternative for reclamation of surplus volumes. Fermentation performance was predicted by comparing the amounts of acid that could be produced from the intrinsic sugar content with that buffered by the fresh vegetable matrices prior to reaching an inhibitory pH for fermentative microbes (3.30). Native fermentations were brined with 345.0 mM sodium chloride, 40.0 mM calcium chloride, 6.0 mM potassium sorbate, and vinegar to adjust the initial pH to 4.70. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis, pH, and carbon dioxide measurements and spiral plating on selective media were employed to monitor the progress of fermentations. The average colony counts for yeast and/or molds and Enterobacteriaceae declined to undetectable levels from 3.6 ± 1.5 log CFU/ml within 7 days of fermentation. The fermentation of sugars produced lactic, acetic, succinic, and/or malic acids, and ethanol. As predicted, the fermentation of vegetables with low sugar content, such as broccoli, green leaf lettuce, and green pea proceeded to completion. The fermentation of vegetables with a moderate sugar content, such as green bell pepper, red ripened tomato, and green bean were incomplete at pH 3.1 ± 0.2. The fermentation of high sugar vegetables including sweet potato and corn were expected and observed to be incomplete. It is concluded that the intrinsic sugar content and buffer capacity of surplus vegetables are relevant parameters in obtaining complete fermentations. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Vegetables are the second most wasted commodity in the United States and a substantial constituent of the global food waste. Development of fermentation to reclaim surplus vegetables from farms, grocery stores, and farmer's markets offers opportunities to ameliorate economic losses and environmental impact and add value to waste. The research described here suggests that a fraction of vegetables could be fermented in cover brines while others, with high sugar content, need specialized handling. Evidently, optimization of vegetable fermentation with starter cultures and added buffers represent an opportunity to stimulate complete bioconversions useful for reclaiming surplus volumes.

A Case of Neuromyelitis Optica: Puerto Rican Woman with an Increased Time Lag to Diagnosis and a High Response to Eculizumab Therapy.

A link between intractable hiccups, as the initial symptom, and a possible neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) diagnosis is confusing but vital and may not be made by health care providers (HCPs) if they are not aware of the 2015 NMOSD criteria. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential to prevent disease progression. We report the case of a 46-year-old Puerto Rican female who presented intractable hiccups when she was 31 (in 2004). Almost 15 years passed since the initial symptom, and after two severe relapses, she received a formal NMOSD diagnosis in March 2019. Treatment started with rituximab 1000 mg IV in April 2019. However, a lack of response to treatment led to a switch to eculizumab therapy in August 2019. The patient had cervical and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted in June 2020, which depicted a remarkable decrease in swelling and hyperintensity within the cervical spinal cord with no enhancing lesions when compared with the first MRI from February 2019. In addition, the patient suffered no new relapses, an improvement regarding disability, and a reduction of the cervical spinal cord lesion size. Nonetheless, this substantial decrease does not occur on all NMOSD patients, but more awareness of the disease is needed, especially in Puerto Rico. This case illustrates the efficacy of eculizumab therapy and the importance of differentiating the clinical, histopathological, and neuroimaging characteristics that separate demyelinating autoimmune inflammatory disorders, such as NMOSD and multiple sclerosis (MS).

The burden of the most common rheumatic disease in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Estimating the burden of rheumatic diseases (RDs) requires proper evaluation of its lethal and nonlethal consequences. In Colombia, it is possible to find local data and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) reports that collect information from varied contexts and apply complex statistical models, but no on-site estimations are available. METHODS: This was a descriptive study on the burden of RD based on occurrence and mortality data in the general population during 2015, including information and prevalence estimations from the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) study. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were estimated by combining measures of years of life lost (YLL) and years lived with disability (YLDs). For disability weight estimations among cases, different COPCORD responses were mapped using flowcharts to show the severity distribution according to GBD. All model parameters and results were validated through an expert consensus panel. RESULTS: Low back pain (LBP) was the RD with the greatest burden of disease, costing 606.05 (95% CI 502.76-716.58) DALYs per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by osteoarthritis (292.11; 95% CI 205.76-386.85) and rheumatoid arthritis (192.46, 95% CI 109.7-239.69). CONCLUSIONS: The burden of RD is as high in Colombia as in other countries of the region. The results offer an interesting tool for optimizing healthcare system design as well as for planning the distribution of human and economic resources to achieve early diagnosis and adequate care of these diseases.

Não é somente sobre Kevin que precisamos falar / No es solo Kevin de quien tenemos que hablar / It's not just Kevin that we need to talk about / Il n'y a pas que Kevin dont nous devons parler

O objetivo deste estudo consiste em apresentar uma análise do filme Precisamos falar sobre Kevin, partindo das reflexões teóricas de Jean Laplanche sobre a teoria da sedução generalizada. O artigo apresenta as contribuições teóricas do autor e de seus seguidores, principalmente no que diz respeito às mensagens enigmáticas e à construção de um modelo tópico e unificado do aparelho psíquico. A análise do filme permitiu chamar a atenção para os efeitos das vicissitudes da sedução, explorando as especificidades presentes na comunicação entre o adulto e a criança que repercutem sobre as possibilidades de tradução das mensagens enigmáticas e seus efeitos na constituição do psiquismo. Verifica-se a fecundidade do aporte teórico na compreensão do trauma psíquico infantil, uma vez que as consequências deste encontro assimétrico podem ser devastadoras e desorganizadoras, conforme elucidado pela história de Kevin

El objetivo de este estudio es presentar un análisis de la película Necesitamos hablar de Kevin, a partir de las reflexiones teóricas de Jean Laplanche sobre la teoría de la seducción generalizada. El artículo presenta los aportes teóricos del autor y sus seguidores, principalmente en lo que se refiere a los mensajes enigmáticos y la construcción de un modelo tópico y unificado del aparato psíquico. El análisis de la película permitió llamar la atención sobre los efectos de las vicisitudes de la seducción, explorando las especificidades presentes en la comunicación entre el adulto y el niño que inciden en las possibilidades de traducción de los mensajes enigmáticos y sus efectos en la constitución de la psique. Se verifica la fecundidad del aporte teórico en la comprensión del trauma psíquico infantil, ya que las consecuencias de este encuentro asimétrico pueden ser devastadoras y desorganizadoras, conforme esclarecido por la historia de Kevin

The aim of this study is to present an analysis of the film We need to talk about Kevin, based on the Jean Laplanche's theoretical reflections on the theory of generalized seduction. The article presents the theoretical contributions of the author and his followers, mainly with regard to the enigmatic messages and in the construction of a topical and unified model of the psychic apparatus. The film's analysis allowed to draw attention to the vicissitudes's effects of seduction, exploring the specificities present in the communication between the adult and child that reflect on the translation's possibilities of the enigmatic messages and their effects on the constitution of the psyche. It is verified the fecundity of the theoretical contribution to the understanding of the childhood psychic trauma, since the consequences of this asymmetrical encounter can be devastating and disorganizing, as elucidated by Kevin's story

Le but de cette étude est de présenter une analyse du film Nous devons parler de Kevin, à partir des réflexions théoriques de Jean Laplanche sur la théorie de la séduction généralisée. L'article présente les contributions théoriques de l'auteur et de ses adeptes, principalement en ce qui concerne les messages énigmatiques et dans la construction d'un modèle d'actualité et unifié de l'appareil psychique. L'analyse du film permis d'attirer l'attention sur les effets des vicissitudes de la séduction, explorant les spécificités présentes dans la communication entre l'adulte et l'enfant qui réfléchissent sur les possibilités de traduction des messages énigmatiques et leurs effets sur la constitution de la psyché. La fécondité de l'apport théorique à la compréhension du traumatisme psychique infantile est vérifiée, puisque les conséquencesde cette rencontre asymétrique peuvent être dévastatrices et désorganisantes, comme l'elucide par l'histoire de Kevin

Reconsidering research exclusion for serious mental illness: Ethical principles, current status, and recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Historically, individuals managing serious mental illness (SMI) have often been excluded from research, typically because of concern that these individuals may not be able to understand and provide truly informed consent. As treatment has improved, the assumption that individuals managing SMI may not be capable of consent needs to be re-examined. Systematic exclusion from research may limit empirically tested treatments available for people managing SMI, and may contribute to the health care disparities seen in this population. OBJECTIVES: This article examines this issue by documenting current rates of research exclusion for high disease burden conditions, based on empirical review of studies in ClinicalTrials.gov. RESEARCH DESIGN: Current rates of exclusion from studies for psychiatric conditions were assessed through systematic review of relevant clinical trials on ClinicalTrials.gov. SUBJECTS: Subjects in this inquiry are either articles accessed in the literature reviews, or descriptions of studies in public data on ClinicalTrials.gov. MEASURES: The primary measure was a previously published coding system to document the extent and types of research exclusion related to psychiatric status. RESULTS: Among studies of interventions for substance use disorders and chronic pain, individuals managing SMI were more likely to be excluded than those with other psychiatric disorders at statistically significant levels. This was not the case among studies of interventions for ischemic heart disease. In studies of substance use disorders, 9% explicitly excluded SMI and 83% could exclude people with SMI based on broader exclusion criteria. In studies of chronic pain these two categories of exclusion were 16% and 55%, and in studies of ischemic heart disease, these two categories of exclusion were 1% and 20%. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence indicates that it is ethically and scientifically more appropriate to exclude based on capacity to consent than membership in the group of individuals managing SMI. The discussion outlines techniques researchers can use for more equitable and generalizable sampling.

Actos cotidianos de resistencia en el embarazo para prevenir la morbimortalidad materna / Everyday acts of resistance in pregnancy to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar acciones de mujeres indígenas respecto a su cuidado durante el embarazo a través de prácticas cotidianas, nombradas como actos cotidianos de resistencia. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo etnometodológico en Cuetzalan, Sierra Norte de Puebla, México; se aplicaron 93 cuestionarios a mujeres indígenas embarazadas; a 67 de ellas se les aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se realizó análisis crítico del discurso. Resultados: Se identificaron tres actos cotidianos de resistencia para el cuidado del embarazo: 1) Convivencia comunitaria; 2) Movilidad para la atención prenatal, y 3) Saberes del cuidado del embarazo. En conjunto, los actos describen acciones preventivas de morbilidad partiendo de la percepción cultural de riesgo en mujeres embarazadas de un contexto sociocultural y económicamente vulnerable. Conclusiones: El conjunto de prácticas cotidianas para el cuidado del embarazo por las mujeres debe ser reconocido como acciones inmediatas de prevención en pro de la salud materna.

Abstract Objective: To analyze actions of indigenous women regarding their care during pregnancy through daily practices that we name as everyday acts of resistance. Materials and methods: A qualitative ethnomethodological study was carried out in Cuetzalan, Sierra Norte de Puebla, México; 93 questionnaires were applied to pregnant indigenous women, 67 of them were semi-structured interviews. Also, a critical discourse analysis was performed. Results: Three everyday acts of resistance were identified for pregnancy care: 1) Community coexistence; 2) Mobility for prenatal care, and 3) Beliefs in pregnancy care. Altogether the acts describe preventive morbidity actions based on the cultural perception of risk in pregnant women within a context sociocultural and economically vulnerability. Conclusions: The set of daily practices in prenatal care by women, must be recognized as immediate preventive actions in favor of maternal health.

Actos cotidianos de resistencia en el embarazo para prevenir la morbimortalidad materna.

Objetivo. Analizar acciones de mujeres indígenas respecto a su cuidado durante el embarazo a través de prácticas cotidianas, nombradas como actos cotidianos de resistencia. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo etnometodológico en Cuetzalan, Sierra Norte de Puebla, México; se aplicaron 93 cuestionarios a mujeres indígenas embarazadas; a 67 de ellas se les aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se realizó análisis crítico del discurso. Resultados. Se identificaron tres actos cotidianos de resistencia para el cuidado del embarazo: 1) Convivencia comunitaria; 2) Movilidad para la atención prenatal, y 3) Saberes del cuidado del embarazo. En conjunto, los actos describen acciones preventivas de morbilidad partiendo de la percepción cultural de riesgo en mujeres embarazadas de un contexto sociocultural y económicamente vulnerable. Conclusiones. El conjunto de prácticas cotidianas para el cuidado del embarazo por las mujeres debe ser reconocido como acciones inmediatas de prevención en pro de la salud materna.