Evaluation of LN34 Pan-Lyssavirus RT-qPCR assay for rabies diagnosis in Brazil.

Rabies, a fatal zoonotic viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, remains a significant global health concern, particularly in low-income countries. The disease, primarily transmitted through infected animal saliva, prompts urgent diagnosis for timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The gold standard diagnostic test, direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT), while sensitive, suffers from limitations such as subjective interpretation and high costs. As a confirmatory technique, the LN34 Pan-Lyssavirus RT-qPCR assay has emerged as a promising tool for universal Lyssavirus detection. This study evaluated its performance using 130 rabies virus isolates representing eleven Brazilian variants and 303 clinical samples from surveillance operations. The LN34 assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity compared to dFAT. Additionally, it detected all samples, including those missed by dFAT, indicating superior sensitivity. The assay's specificity was confirmed through Sanger nucleotide sequencing, with only a minimal false-positive rate. Comparative analysis revealed higher accuracy and concordance with dFAT than traditional rabies tissue culture infection tests (RTCIT). False-negative RTCIT results were attributed to low viral load or suboptimal sampling. These findings underscore the LN34 assay's utility as a confirmatory technique, enhancing rabies surveillance and control in Brazil. Its widespread adoption could significantly improve diagnostic sensitivity, crucial for effective PEP and public health interventions.

Effects of a beaver dam on the benthic copepod assemblage of a Mediterranean river.

As known "ecosystem engineers", beavers influence river hydrology, geomorphology, biochemistry, and biological assemblages. However, there is a lack of research regarding the effects of beaver activities on freshwater meiofauna. In this study, we investigated the taxonomic and functional composition of the benthic copepod assemblage of a segment of the Tiber River (Italy) where a beaver dam, created about 7 weeks before our survey, had formed a semi-lentic habitat upstream and a lotic habitat downstream of the dam. We also analyzed the copepod assemblage before and after a flood event that destroyed the beaver dam, providing a unique opportunity to observe changes in a naturally reversing scenario. Our analyses revealed that, while the taxonomic composition and functional traits of the copepod assemblage remained largely unchanged across the recently formed semi-lentic and lotic habitats, substantial differences were evident between the dammed and undammed states. The dammed state showed lower copepod abundances, biomass, and functionality than the undammed one. These results highlight the role of beaver dams in changing the composition and functionality of meiofaunal assemblages offering insights into the dynamic interactions within aquatic ecosystems.

Olfactory and taste dysfunctions caused by COVID-19: a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunctions (OD) and taste dysfunctions (TD) are widely recognized as characteristic symptoms of COVID-19; however, the frequency and mode of occurrence has varied depending on the viral mutation. The prevalence and characteristics of OD/TD in Japan have not been definitively investigated. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of OD/TD in Japan during the Alpha variant epidemic, and measure symptom prolongation at 6 months and 1 year later following initial infection. METHODS: Patients treated for COVID-19 between February to May 2021 were evaluated for OD/TD symptoms and provided with a QOL questionnaire. Olfactory tests and taste tests were performed using Open Essence and Taste Strips, respectively. RESULTS: Among the 251 COVID-19 patients who participated, 119 underwent both olfactory and taste tests. Prevalence of subjective OD and TD at the time of survey was 57.8% and 40.2%, respectively. After 12 months, the prevalence fell to 5.8% for OD and 3.5% for TD. Among the OD/TD patients, 36.6% experienced parosmia, and 55.4% experienced parageusia. Prevalence of parosmia and parageusia was higher at 6 and 12 months than at the time of survey. Patients with long-lasting disease reported qualitative dysfunctions and scored significantly higher in food-related QOL problems. Most patients who were aware of their hyposmia had low scores on the olfactory test (83.1%). In contrast, only 26.7% of patients who were aware of their hypogeusia had low scores on the taste test. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of COVID-19-related OD and TD at the time of survey was 57.8% and 40.2%, respectively. Subjective symptoms of OD and TD persisted for one year in 5.8% and 3.5% of patients, respectively. More than half of the patients with OD or TD complained of qualitative dysfunction and a decrease in their QOL related to eating and drinking. Most patients with TD did not have true TD, but rather developed flavour disorders associated with OD. This conclusion is supported by the finding that patients with subjective OD had low scores on the olfactory test, whereas most patients with subjective TD had normal scores on the taste test.

Position paper on olfactory dysfunction: 2023

BACKGROUND: Since publication of the original Position Paper on Olfactory Dysfunction in 2017 (PPOD-17), the personal and societal burden of olfactory disorders has come sharply into focus through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians, scientists and the public are now more aware of the importance of olfaction, and the impact of its dysfunction on quality of life, nutrition, social relationships and mental health. Accordingly, new basic, translational and clinical research has resulted in significant progress since the PPOD-17. In this updated document, we present and discuss currently available evidence for the diagnosis and management of olfactory dysfunction. Major updates to the current version include, amongst others: new recommendations on olfactory related terminology; new imaging recommendations; new sections on qualitative OD and COVID-19 OD; updated management section. Recommendations were agreed by all co-authors using a modified Delphi process. CONCLUSIONS: We have provided an overview of current evidence and expert-agreed recommendations for the definition, investigation, and management of OD. As for our original Position Paper, we hope that this updated document will encourage clinicians and researchers to adopt a common language, and in so doing, increase the methodological quality, consistency, and generalisability of work in this field.

Relationship of Lesion Location to Postoperative Steroid Use in Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is known to recur after surgery. The treatment choice for recurrent ECRS, such as oral steroids or biological agents, must be chosen carefully, and identifying the lesion location may be useful. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative course of ECRS patients and assess the relationship between endoscopic lesion location and postoperative oral steroid use. METHODS: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery from April 2018 to March 2020 were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of oral steroid use after surgery. The primary endpoint was the lesion location on endoscopic findings during surgery: middle turbinate, middle meatus, superior turbinate, superior meatus, nasal septum, and sphenoethmoidal recess. Subjective symptoms, blood tests, and computerized tomography (CT) findings (Lund-Mackay score) were evaluated as secondary endpoints. RESULTS: Among 264 patients, 88 were diagnosed histologically with ECRS (mean 48.98 ± 1.40 years, 67 males/21 females). Twenty-three patients were steroid-using, 65 were steroid-free, and six stopped attending their appointments. Patients with sphenoethmoidal recess lesions were significantly more likely to require steroids (p = 0.019). There was a significant association between steroid use and younger age (p = 0.041), olfactory dysfunction (p = 0.021), and all sinuses (Frontal sinus: p < 0.001, Anterior ethmoid sinus: p = 0.002, Posterior ethmoid sinus: p = 0.011, Maxillary sinus: p = 0.018, Sphenoid sinus: p = 0.034, Total score: p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A sphenoethmoidal recess lesion was a risk factor for requiring postoperative steroids. Young age, olfactory dysfunction, and preoperative severe CT findings were also significant risk factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2511-2516, 2023.

Endoscopic modified transseptal bi-nostril approach for pituitary tumors. Efficacy of complex preservation of every turbinate and olfaction: A STROBE analysis.

AIMS: Endoscopic modified transseptal bi-nostril approach minimizes turbinate and olfactory mucosal invasion and ensures preservation of the turbinates and bilateral olfaction. The main objective of this study was to investigate the pre- and postoperative variations in olfactory function in patients using this approach, and the secondary objective was to investigate the complications associated with the surgical procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a single-center prospective cohort study using STROBE analysis. To completely protect the bilateral turbinates and olfactory epithelium, this procedure provided access to the sphenoid sinus by a transseptal approach via the left nasal cavity and by the olfactory cleft approach via the right nasal cavity without any turbinate resection. A T&T olfactometer was used to assess the mean recognition threshold of the left, right, and bilateral nasal passages before and after surgery, and complications associated with the surgical approach were investigated. OBJECTIVES: We included 27 patients who underwent endoscopic modified transseptal pituitary surgery with an olfactory and turbinate preservation approach at our hospital between April 2018 and December 2019. RESULTS: The mean postoperative recognition threshold of the right, left, and bilateral nasal cavities did not worsen (P<0.001 for all) relative to the preoperative values, and there was no difference in values between the right and left nasal cavities (P=0.85). The nasal turbinates were preserved in all patients during the study period, and no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: Our modified EETSA could be implemented as an approach for turbinate and olfaction preservation.

Hedonic perception of odors in children aged 5-8 years is similar across 18 countries: Preliminary data.

OBJECTIVE: Olfactory preference emerges very early in life, and the sense of smell in children rapidly develops until the second decade of life. It is still unclear whether hedonic perception of odors is shared in children inhabiting different regions of the globe. METHODS: Five-hundred ten healthy children (N = 510; ngirls = 256; nboys = 254) aged from 5 to 8 years from 18 countries rated the pleasantness of 17 odors. RESULTS: The hedonic perception of odors in children aged between 5 and 8 years was rather consistent across 18 countries and mainly driven by the qualities of an odor and the overall ability of children to label odorants. CONCLUSION: Conclusions from this study, being a secondary analysis, are limited to the presented set of odors that were initially selected for the development of U-Sniff test and present null findings for the cross-cultural variability in hedonic perception of odors across 18 countries. These two major issues should be addressed in the future to either contradict or replicate the results presented herewith. This research lays fundament for posing further research questions about the developmental aspects of hedonic perception of odors and opens a new door for investigating cross-cultural differences in chemosensory perception of children.

Maturation of odour identification ability and related factors in children.

BACKGROUND: Olfaction plays an important role in our daily and social lives, both as adults and as children. This study assessed whether the ability to identify odours increases with age, as well as the ability in various age groups and the factors involved. METHODS: The survey was performed in 2017 on 697 Japanese children (366 girls and 331 boys) aged 6â€"18 years who lived in Tsunan, Niigata Prefecture, Japan by using the 'Open Essence', a card-type odour identification test. We collected information regarding age, sex, and physical characteristic. We also inquired whether participants had siblings or if members of the family smoked, and whether they had conversations about odour at home. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the factors affecting odour identification abilities. RESULTS: The results showed that the odour identification abilities of children increase with age, and children who have daily conversations about odours at home have better odour identification abilities. CONCLUSIONS: Odour identification ability increases with age. In addition, our findings suggest that conversation may positively affect odour identification. Hence, it is important for children to be exposed to an environment where they develop an interest in smells for better growth of their olfactory identification ability.

Preemptive analgesia for endoscopic sinus surgery: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease, and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is widely performed. However, there is no consensus regarding postoperative pain control after ESS, and postoperative opioid abuse is a problem in many countries. Acetaminophen is reportedly effective for postoperative pain control. Preemptive analgesia has received more attention lately, wherein pain is prevented before it occurs. In this study, we assessed the use of acetaminophen for preemptive analgesia during the perioperative period in ESS. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective study of 175 patients who underwent ESS, septoplasty, and bilateral inferior turbinate mucosal resection at our hospital from April 2016 to February 2018. In total, 82 patients received 1,000 mg of acetaminophen during surgery and 4 hours after the first dose, while 93 patients did not receive it routinely. We compared these two groups. The primary outcome was the need to use additional analgesics prescribed by the ward physician and the secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, postoperative bleeding, reoperation, blood pressure, and body temperature. RESULTS: The use of additional oral and intravenous analgesics was significantly reduced in the patients who received acetaminophen perioperatively. CONCLUSION: Preemptive analgesia during the perioperative period of ESS could lead to satisfactory postoperative pain control.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a multidisciplinary health-care model for patients with type-2 diabetes implemented in the public sector in Mexico: A quasi-experimental, retrospective evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: In 2007, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Mexico implemented a multidisciplinary health-care model (MHC) for patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D), which has proven more effective in controlling this condition than the conventional health-care model (CHC). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We compared the cost-effectiveness of the MHC vs. the CHC for patients with T2D using a quasi-experimental, retrospective design. Epidemiologic and cost data were obtained from a randomly selected sample of health-care units, using medical records as well as patient- and facility-level data. We modelled the cost-effectiveness of the MHC at one, 10 and 20 years using a simulation model. RESULTS: The average cumulative costs per patient at 20 years were US$4,225 for the MHC and US$4,399 for the CHC. With a willingness to pay one gross domestic product (GDP) per capita per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) (US$8,910), the incremental net benefits per patient were US$1,450 and US$3,737 at 10 and 20 years, respectively. The MHC was cost-effective from the third year onward; however, increasing coverage to 500 patients per year rendered it cost-effective at year one. CONCLUSIONS: The MHC is cost-effective at 10 and 20 years. Cost-effectiveness can be achieved in the short term by increasing MHC coverage.

Comparison of five different laboratory techniques for the rabies diagnosis in clinically suspected cattle in Brazil.

The direct-fluorescent antibody test (dFAT) is considered the "gold standard" assay to diagnose rabies. However, it is crucial to develop molecular techniques, such as RT-PCR and RT-qPCR, since many laboratories lack the needed supplies for performing complementary methods (viral isolation, for example). For this purpose, diagnostic techniques must be specific and sensitive to guarantee accuracy. This present investigation aimed to detect rabies virus (RABV) in 126 clinically suspected cattle in Brazil using different diagnostic tests [dFAT, mouse inoculation test (MIT), immunohistochemistry (IHC), RT-PCR and RT-qPCR] and to compare those results obtained under routine laboratory conditions. The results of the present investigation demonstrate that the molecular techniques are more sensitive and may detect low viral load, even though the non-homogeneous viral distribution caused a false-negative result in dFAT. We also observed a usual alteration in antigens distribution among regions of the central nervous system (CNS). By both dFAT and IHC assays, the most reliable CNS structures were thalamus and midbrain. Although this investigation demonstrated diagnostic sensitivity and specificity close to 100 % in all laboratory techniques employed, a dFAT auxiliary test is required for bovine specimens, such as molecular techniques, when there are poor sampling conditions (low viral load combined with unavailability of brainstem structures).

Environmental drivers of parasite load and species richness in introduced parakeets in an urban landscape.

Introduced species represent a threat to native wildlife worldwide, due to predation, competition, and disease transmission. Concurrent introduction of parasites may also add a new dimension of competition, i.e. parasite-mediated competition, through spillover and spillback dynamics. Urban areas are major hotspots of introduced species, but little is known about the effects of urban habitat structure on the parasite load and diversity of introduced species. Here, we investigated such environmental effects on the ectoparasite load, richness, and occurrence of spillback in two widespread invasive parakeets, Psittacula krameri and Myiopsitta monachus, in the metropolitan area of Rome, central Italy. We tested 231 parakeets and found that in both species parasite load was positively influenced by host abundance at local scale, while environmental features such as the amount of natural or urban habitats, as well as richness of native birds, influenced parasite occurrence, load, and richness differently in the two host species. Therefore, we highlight the importance of host population density and habitat composition in shaping the role of introduced parakeets in the spread of both native and introduced parasites, recommending the monitoring of urban populations of birds and their parasites to assess and manage the potential occurrence of parasite-mediated competition dynamics as well as potential spread of vector-borne diseases.

Susceptibility of mice to bovine herpesvirus type 5 infection in the central nervous system.

Bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) is an important pathogen that causes meningoencephalitis in cattle. Few studies have used the mouse as a model for BoHV-5 infection. Despite the fact that BoHV-5 can infect mice with immune deficiencies, little is known about viral replication, immune response, and the course of infection in the central nervous system (CNS) of wild-type mice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the response in the CNS of BALB/c mice acutely infected with BoHV-5 at different days post-inoculation (dpi). BoHV-5, when inoculated intracranially, was able to infect and replicate within the CNS of BALB/c mice. Until 15 dpi, the mice were able to survive without showing prominent neurological signs. The infection was accompanied by a Th1 immune response, with a significant expression of the cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α and chemokine CCL-2. The expression of these cytokines and chemokines was most significant in the early course of infection (3 and 4 dpi), and it was followed by meningoencephalitis with perivascular cuffing and periventriculitis, composed mainly of macrophages and lymphocytes. After the expression of cytokines and chemokine, the mice were able to curb BoHV-5 acute infection in the brain, since there was a decrease in the number of BoHV-5 DNA copies after 3 dpi and viable viral particles were not detected after 6 dpi. Importantly, BoHV-5 was able to infect the trigeminal ganglia during acute infection, since a large number of BoHV-5 DNA copies were detected on 1 and 2 dpi.

Distribution of indications and procedures within the framework of centers participating in the WAA apheresis registry.

The WAA apheresis registry was established in 2003 and an increasing number of centers have since then included their experience and data of their procedures. The registry now contains data of more than 74,000 apheresis procedures in more than 10,000 patients. This report shows that the indications for apheresis procedures are changing towards more oncological diagnoses and stem cell collections from patients and donors and less therapeutic apheresis procedures. In centers that continue to register, the total extent of apheresis procedures and patients treated have expanded during the latest years.

Disease duration: the key to accurate CSF tap test in iNPH.

OBJECTIVES: The cerebrospinal fluid tap test for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is one of the good predictors of the shunt treatment, although this test has a low sensitivity. We aimed to identify key parameters that could be used to improve this sensitivity. MATERIALS & METHODS: During 2010-2011, we recruited and then followed 93 patients with possible iNPH for 12 months after shunt. Among them, 82 patients were finally enrolled in this study. The modified Rankin Scale, iNPH grading scale, and several quantitative measurements were evaluated at entry, after the tap test, before and after shunt. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUCs), sensitivities, and specificities of the tap test for predicting shunt effectiveness were calculated for each measurement. They were additionally assessed after stratification by disease duration since the initial presentation of iNPH symptoms. RESULTS: The gait disturbance on the iNPH grading scale had the highest accurate scale at the tap test for predicting effectiveness 12 months after shunt: AUC 0.74, sensitivity 56.5%, specificity 91.7%. This AUC increased to 0.76, 0.91 and 0.94 in the subgroup of disease duration <24, <12, and <6 months, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the gait disturbance on the iNPH grading scale in the subgroup of <12 months' duration were 92.3% and 90.0%. CONCLUSIONS: The shorter period of clinical symptoms, for example, <12 months, made the tap test sufficiently accurate examination for predicting improvement 12 months after shunt surgery. The findings imply that the tap test should be applied to patients being considered for shunt surgery as soon as possible.

Comparison among three different serological methods for the detection of equine influenza virus infection.

The equine influenza virus (EIV) H3N8 subtype is responsible for all EIV outbreaks worldwide while the H7N7 subtype is less pathogenic and is considered extinct as it has not been confirmed in outbreaks since 1980. Although EIV is enzootic in Brazil, few reports describe the actual EIV antibody status in the country. The aims of this study were: - to evaluate the efficiency of different serum treatments described by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to remove non-specific haemagglutination inhibitors for the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay for EIV - to evaluate the presence of EIV antibodies by HI, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and agar gel immunodiffusion in 83 non-vaccinated equines from São Paulo State - to evaluate a strategy to better analyse equine sera for EIV antibodies. Although there was no statistical difference among treatments, receptor-destroying enzyme treatment followed by chicken erythrocyte adsorption showed more consistent results, which corroborate the OIE and WHO recommendation to use this treatment preferentially. The HI results suggest equine H3N8 virus circulation among the animals tested from São Paulo State. The algorithm suggested here could be used to guide antibody detection against equine influenza virus in equines, improving the test specificity by aiming to avoid false positive results.

Tous les foyers de grippe équine dans le monde sont dus au sous-type H3N8 du virus. Le sous-type H7N7, moins pathogène, est considéré comme éteint, sa présence n'ayant été confirmée dans aucun des foyers enregistrés depuis 1980. Au Brésil, la grippe équine est enzootique mais la prévalence d'anticorps dans le pays est peu documentée. La présente étude avait trois objectifs : ­ évaluer l'efficacité de plusieurs traitements de sérums décrits par l'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OIE) et l'Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) sur la suppression des inhibiteurs d'hémagglutination non spécifiques, afin de pouvoir utiliser l'épreuve d'inhibition de l'hémagglutination pour la détection de la grippe équine, ­ évaluer la présence d'anticorps dirigés contre la grippe équine chez 83 chevaux non vaccinés de l'état de São Paulo en utilisant l'inhibition de l'hémagglutination, l'épreuve immuno-enzymatique (ELISA) et l'épreuve d'immunodiffusion en gélose (IDG) ; ­ évaluer une stratégie visant à améliorer les techniques sérologiques de détection des anticorps dirigés contre la grippe équine. S'il n'y a pas eu de différence statistique significative entre les traitements, celui faisant appel à l'enzyme de destruction du récepteur suivi d'une adsorption sur érythrocytes de poule a permis d'obtenir les résultats les plus cohérents, ce qui corrobore les recommandations de l'OIE et de l'OMS en faveur de ce traitement. Les résultats obtenus au moyen de l'inhibition de l'hémagglutination indiquent que le virus H3N8 est présent parmi les animaux testés de l'état de São Paulo. L'algorithme présenté par les auteurs pourrait servir de modèle pour détecter la présence d'anticorps dirigés contre le virus de la grippe équine chez les chevaux : en effet, il permet d'éviter les résultats faussement positifs, ce qui améliore la spécificité du test utilisé.

El subtipo H3N8 del virus de la gripe equina (VGE) es el agente etiológico de todos los brotes que se producen en el mundo, mientras que el subtipo H7N7, menos patogénico, se da por extinto, en la medida en que desde 1980 no se ha confirmado su intervención en brote alguno. Aunque en el Brasil el VGE es enzoótico, existen pocos trabajos que den cuenta de la situación real del país en cuanto a la presencia de anticuerpos contra el virus. Los autores describen un estudio que perseguía los siguientes objetivos: ­ evaluar la eficacia de distintos tratamientos séricos descritos por la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (OIE) y la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para eliminar los inhibidores inespecíficos de la hemaglutinación con objeto de aplicar la técnica de inhibición de la hemaglutinación a la detección del VGE; ­ evaluar la presencia de anticuerpos contra el VGE por inhibición de la hemaglutinación, ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA) e inmunodifusión en gel de agar en 83 ejemplares equinos no vacunados del estado de São Paulo; ­ evaluar una estrategia encaminada a analizar más eficazmente sueros equinos para detectar en ellos anticuerpos anti-VGE. Aunque no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los tratamientos, el uso de enzimas destructores de receptores seguido de la técnica de adsorción de eritrocitos de pollo arrojó resultados más coherentes, cosa que avala la recomendación de la OIE y la OMS de privilegiar este tratamiento. Los resultados obtenidos por inhibición de la hemaglutinación parecen indicar que el virus H3N8 equino circula entre los animales analizados del estado de São Paulo. El algoritmo aquí propuesto podría servir de guía para detectar en equinos la presencia de anticuerpos contra el VGE. Puesto que apunta a evitar falsos positivos, su aplicación mejoraría la especificidad de la prueba.

A radiographic evaluation of facet sagittal angle in cervical spinal cord injury without major fracture or dislocation.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective radiographic study with a minimum 2-year follow-up. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationships between the cervical articular facets' morphology and the incidence of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) without major fracture or dislocation. SETTING: Spinal Injuries Center, Japan. METHODS: This study included 113 patients with traumatic CSCI without major fracture or dislocation. Eighty-four healthy volunteers without neurological deficits or cervical cord pathology on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were defined as control subjects. We used a plain sagittal radiograph to measure the facet sagittal angles (FSA) at four cervical segments in all the CSCI patients and controls. We defined the FSA as the angle between the inferior margin of the superior cervical spinal body and the inferior articular process of the superior vertebra. RESULTS: Most frequent incidence of CSCI was seen at C3-4 segment (54%). With respect to CSCI at C3-4 segment, 55.7% of the subjects showed smallest FSA at C3-4 segment. CONCLUSION: Most of the traumatic CSCI at C3-4 segment showed raised cervical articular facets at C3-4 segment. On the basis of our results, we hypothesized that the raised cervical articular facets might have an important role in the etiology of traumatic CSCI. The cervical spinal cord at the C3-4 segment might receive the highest load during acute hyperextension of the cervical spine because of the C3-4 articular facets' morphology.

Health information technologies for sexual and reproductive health: Mapping the evidence in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of populations is a high priority for governments. Health information technologies (HITs) have been proposed as tools to close access gaps for SRH services. We developed an "evidence map" through a systematic search of articles published between 2005 and 2015 about the use of HITs to enhance SRH services in LAC countries. Two hundred and thirty-two registries were identified and screened. Thirty-one were eligible for full-text assessment. Most of the documents retrieved correspond to information provided by technology developers, targeting primarily the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and adolescent health. Although there has been clear progress in the use of HITs for SRH in the region, many institutional and technological challenges persist. Further studies should be carried out to test the beneficial effects of HITs on improving access to SRH services.