Bovine rabies cases in Ecuador: a retrospective cross-sectional observational study (2007 to 2020).

The hematophagous bats are usually the main reservoir of sylvatic rabies, being one of the most important viral zoonoses affecting humans and livestock in Latin America. Despite the most countries have already studied spatio-temporal distribution of bovine rabies, however, in Ecuador, little has been reported about the state of rabies in the country. Aiming to this objective, a descriptive observational study was realized from 2007 to 2020 based on the formal reports by WAHI-OIE and surveillance of bovine rabies retrieved from its official website. During the study period in Ecuador, some 895 cases of rabies were confirmed in cattle. In addition, in the total of bovine rabies cases seen in Andean and Coast regions (185 effected bovines), Loja and Esmeraldas had 95 (6.16% cases per 10,000 animals) and 51 (1.7% cases per 10,000 animals), respectively. Furthermore, the Amazon region indicated higher rabies cases in cattle than to the observed in other regions (710 rabies cases) while it was highly fluctuating with respect to the years (9.74 to 42.82% cases per 10,000 animals). However, Zamora (292 rabies cases), Orellana (115 rabies cases) and Sucumbíos (113 rabies cases) yielded the highest incidence rates than other provinces (9 to 42% cases per 10,000 animals). Based on this evidence, it has been fundamental to assess the current national program for preventing and control of the sylvatic rabies, being also necessary to include concept of the ecology of the vampire bat. Regardless of these results, vaccination is vital for control programs to prevent rabies in livestock and need to be widely increased for limiting their geographic and temporal spread.

Development, implementation and evaluation of a multinational FLS mentorship programme in Latin America.

Realising the benefits of systematic secondary fracture prevention requires supporting local sites to get started and becoming effective. We here describe the development, implementation and impact of a regional fracture liaison service (FLS) mentorship programme in Latin America that led to 64 FLS getting started and coverage of 17,205 patients. INTRODUCTION: Despite treatments and service models to deliver effective secondary fracture prevention, most patients are left untreated after a fragility fracture. To improve the capability to get FLS started and more effective, we describe the development, implementation and evaluation of an international programme to develop national communities of FLS mentors as part of the Capture the Fracture Partnership in Latin America. METHODS: The IOF regional team and the University of Oxford developed the curriculum and associated resources for training mentors in setting up FLS, service improvement and mentorship. Mentors were selected during a preparatory meeting, trained using live online sessions followed by regular mentor-led post-training meetings. The programme was evaluated using a pre-training needs assessment and post-training evaluation based on Moore's outcomes. RESULTS: The mentorship programme was initiated in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Argentina. The mentors were multidisciplinary, including orthopaedic surgery, rehabilitation, rheumatology, endocrinology, geriatrics, gynaecology and internal medicine. There was 100% participation in training sessions and reported satisfaction with the training. Since the initiation of the training programme, 22 FLS have been set up in Mexico, 30 in Brazil, 3 in Colombia and 9 in Argentina, in comparison with two in Chile and none in any other LATAM countries that were not involved in the mentorship programme. This equates to approximately 17,025 additional patients identified from 2019 to 2021 after initiation of mentorship. The mentors have engaged with 58 FLS for service development. Post-training activities include two published national best practice guidelines and other country-specific resources for FLS in the local language. CONCLUSION: Despite the COVID pandemic, the mentorship pillar of the Capture the Fracture Partnership has developed a community of FLS mentors with measurable improvement in national FLS provision. The programme is a potentially scalable platform to develop communities of mentors in other countries.

Relationship between cognition and age at onset of first-episode psychosis: comparative study between adolescents, young adults, and adults.

Psychotic disorders typically manifest from late adolescence to early adulthood, and an earlier onset might be associated with greater symptom severity and a worse long-term prognosis. This study aimed to compare the cognitive characteristics of patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) by their age at onset. We included 298 patients diagnosed with FEP and classified them as having an early onset (EOS), youth onset (YOS), or adult onset (AOS) based on age limits of ≤ 18 years (N = 61), 19-24 years (N = 121), and ≥ 25 years (N = 116), respectively. Socio-demographic and clinical variables included age at baseline, gender, socio-economic status, antipsychotic medication, DSM-IV diagnoses assessed by clinical semi-structured interview, psychotic symptom severity, and age at onset. Neuropsychological assessment included six cognitive domains: premorbid intelligence, working memory, processing speed, verbal memory, sustained attention, and executive functioning. The EOS group had lower scores than the YOS or AOS groups in global cognition, executive functioning, and sustained attention. Although the scores in the YOS group were intermediate to those in the EOS and AOS groups for most cognitive factors, no statistically significant differences were detected between the YOS and AOS groups. Age at onset results in specific patterns of cognitive interference. Of note, impairment appears to be greater with EOS samples than with either YOS or AOS samples. A longitudinal study with a larger sample size is needed to confirm our findings.

[There is no difference in clinical outcomes in patients with distal Neer II and Neer V clavicle fractures treated with or without coracoclavicular augmentation systems]. / No existe diferencia en desenlaces clínicos en pacientes con fracturas de clavícula distal Neer II y Neer V tratados con o sin sistemas de aumentación coracoclavicular.

INTRODUCTION: the use of coracoclavicular augmentation systems together with locking plates in the treatment of unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer II and Neer V) is controversial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: patients with unstable distal clavicle fractures treated between 2013-2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: patients treated with locking plates (P group) and patients treated with locking plates and coracoclavicular augmentation systems (PCC group). Postoperative complications, modified preoperative and final coracoclavicular distance (CC), and outcomes on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) were recorded. RESULTS: 16 of 23 patients were treated with plates only, and 7 of 23 were treated with plates and coracoclavicular augmentation systems. One case showed no fracture consolidation, and there was one case of cutaneous infection. The mean final CC distance was 23.7 in the P group and 22.1 in the PCC group. The mean VAS score was 1.3 in both the P and PCC groups, while the mean Quick DASH score was 5.5 in the P group and 8.1 in the PCC group. No significant differences were found in CC distance, VAS or Quick DASH scores. CONCLUSION: the use of locking plates is likely sufficient in the management of unstable distal clavicle fractures, as there were no significant differences in functional outcomes in this study when coracoclavicular augmentation systems were used together with locking plates.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el uso de sistemas de aumentación coracoclaviculares en combinación con placas bloqueadas en el tratamiento de las fracturas de clavícula distal inestables es controvertido. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se han revisado retrospectivamente los pacientes con fracturas distales de clavícula inestables tratados entre 2013-2022 en Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. Se dividieron a los pacientes en dos grupos: pacientes tratados con placas bloqueadas (grupo P) y pacientes tratados con placas bloqueadas y sistemas de aumentación coracoclaviculares (grupo PCC). Se registraron las complicaciones postoperatorias, distancia CC (coracoclavicular) modificada preoperatoria y final, así como los resultados en la escala visual analógica (EVA) y en el Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH). RESULTADOS: de un total de 23 pacientes, 16 se trataron sólo con placas y siete con placas y sistemas de aumentación coracoclaviculares. Se observó ausencia de consolidación en un caso e infección cutánea en otro. La distancia CC final media fue de 23.7 mm en el grupo P y de 22.1 mm en el grupo PCC. La media de la EVA fue de 1.3 en ambos grupos, mientras que el Quick DASH tuvo media de 5.5 en el grupo P y de 8.1 en el grupo PCC. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la distancia CC, en la EVA ni en el Quick DASH. CONCLUSIÓN: los resultados sugieren que el uso de placas bloqueadas es probablemente suficiente en el manejo de las fracturas de clavícula distales inestables, sin observar diferencias significativas en los resultados funcionales al agregar sistemas de aumentación coracoclavicular.

Novel Nanotube Multiquantum Dot Devices.

Addressable quantum states well isolated from the environment are of considerable interest for quantum information science and technology. Carbon nanotubes are an appealing system, since a perfect crystal can be grown without any missing atoms and its cylindrical structure prevents ill-defined atomic arrangement at the surface. Here, we develop a reliable process to fabricate compact multielectrode circuits that can sustain the harsh conditions of the nanotube growth. Nanotubes are suspended over multiple gate electrodes, which are themselves structured over narrow dielectric ridges to reduce the effect of the charge fluctuators of the substrate. We measure high-quality double- and triple-quantum dot charge stability diagrams. Transport measurements through the triple-quantum dot indicate long-range tunneling of single electrons between the left and right quantum dots. This work paves the way to the realization of a new generation of condensed-matter devices in an ultraclean environment, including spin qubits, mechanical qubits, and quantum simulators.

Evaluation of Expanded Criteria Donors Using the Kidney Donor Profile Index and the Preimplantation Renal Biopsy.

The increasing comorbidity of kidney transplant (KT) donors make it necessary to develop scores to correctly assess the quality of kidney grafts. This study analyzes the usefulness of the preimplantation biopsy and the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) as indicators of KT survival from expanded criteria donors (ECD). Retrospective study of KT in our center between January 2010 to June 2019 who received a kidney from an ECD and underwent a preimplantation biopsy. 266 KT were included. Graft survival was categorized by KDPI quartiles: Q1 = 86%, Q2 = 95%, Q3 = 99% and Q4 = 100%. KT from KDPI Q1 presented better survival (p = 0.003) and Q4 donors had worse renal function (p = 0.018) and poorer glomerular filtration rate (3rd month; p = 0.017, 1st year; p = 0.010). KT survival was analyzed according to KDPI quartile and preimplantation biopsy score simultaneously: Q1 donors with biopsy score ≤3 had the best survival, especially comparing against Q3 with a biopsy score >3 and Q4 donors (p = 0.014). In multivariable analysis, hyaline arteriopathy, glomerulosclerosis, and KDPI Q4 were predictors for graft survival. High KDPI and a greater histological injury in the preimplantation biopsy, especially glomerular and vascular lesions, were related to a higher rate of KT loss from ECD.

Evolución del hábito tabáquico en embarazadas del Área de Gestión Sanitaria de Jerez / Evolution of smoking habit in pregnant women of the Health Management Area of Jerez

Objetivo.Existe poca información actualizada sobre el consumo de tabaco durante el embarazo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de tabaquismo durante el embarazo en mujeres que se atienden en los distintos centros de salud dentro del Área de Gestión Sanitaria Jerez, costa noreste y sierra de Cádiz. Material y método.Estudio transversal mediante entrevistas de gestantes captadas en la visita realizada durante el primer trimestre del embarazo. El cuestionario incluía preguntas sobre características sociode mográficas, edad, antecedentes obstétricos, consumo de tabaco anterior al embarazo y abandono durante la gestación, así como hábito tabáquico en la pareja. Resultados. Se obtuvieron respuestas de 1.173 pacientes con edad media de 31 años. Se confesaron fumadoras activas el 31,2% de ellas, siendo exfumadoras el 9,5% y nunca fumadoras el 59,3%. El consumo medio de cigarrillos fue de 11 ± 7 diarios. Al conocer su estado de gestación dejaron su hábito el 50,8% (abandono espontáneo, n = 186). El porcentaje de fumadora durante la gestación asciende a un 15,5% del global,con un consumo medio de cigarrillos de 5 ± 4/día. En cuanto a las parejas el porcentaje de fumadores activos fue del 41,4%. Aunque solo un 12,4% de estas parejas refirieron seguir fumando en el domicilio conyugal,únicamente el 2,07 % consiguió cesar el consumo por completo. La prevalencia de tabaquismo respecto a un estudio previo en 2009 se redujo significativamente (18,9vs. 15,5 %, p < 0,009).Conclusión.Fumar durante el embarazo sigue siendoun comportamiento frecuente en nuestra área sanitaria. A pesar de que las gestantes reducen su consumo, solo la mitad abandona por completo su hábito. Este comportamiento es muy inferior si consideramos a sus parejas, donde el porcentaje de cesación es ínfimo. (AU)

Objetive. There is little up-to-date information on tobacco 11 use during pregnancy. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy in women who are cared for in the different Health Centers within the Jerez Health Management Area, northeast coast and sierra of Cadiz. Material and method. Cross-sectional study through interviews of pregnant women enrolled duringthe visit during the first trimester of pregnancy. The questionnaire included questions about sociodemo-graphic characteristics, age, obstetric history, tobacco consumption prior to pregnancy and cessation during pregnancy, as well as smoking habits in the couple. Results. Responses were obtained from 1,173 patients,with a mean age of 31 years. 31.2% of them confessed to being active smokers, 9.5% being ex-smokers and 59.3% never smokers. The average consumption ofcigarettes was 11 ± 7 per day. When knowing theirstate of pregnancy, 50.8% of them quit their habit(spontaneous quitters, n = 186). The percentage ofsmokers during pregnancy amounts to 15.5% of theglobal with an average cigarette consumption of 5 ±4/day. As for couples, the percentage of active smokerswas 41.4%. Although only 12.4% of these couples reported continuing to smoke at their marital home,only 2.07% managed to stop using them completely.The prevalence of smoking compared to a previousstudy in 2009 was significantly reduced (18.9 vs.15.5%, p < 0.009).Conclusion.Smoking during pregnancy continues tobe a frequent behavior in our healthcare area. Despitethe fact that pregnant women reduce their consump-tion, only half abandon their habit completely. Thisbehavior is much lower if we consider their partnerswhere the percentage of cessation is negligible. (AU)

[Functional results of a rapid recovery program compared to the usual protocol in total knee arthroplasty]. / Resultados funcionales de un programa de recuperación rápida comparado con el protocolo habitual en artroplastía total de rodilla.

INTRODUCTION: rapid recovery programs in joint replacement surgery are effective in developed countries; The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of a rapid recovery program in our population and to compare them with the results of the usual protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a randomized single blinded clinical trial was conducted with patients who were candidates for total knee arthroplasty (n = 51) recruited from May 2018 to December 2019. group A (n = 24) received a rapid recovery program and group B (n = 27) received the usual protocol, with follow-up for 12 months. For statistical analysis, the Student's t test (parametric continuous variables), Kruskal-Wallis (nonparametric continuous variables) and the chi-square test (categorical variables) were used. RESULTS: statistically significant differences were found between groups in pain at two months (group A 3.4 ± 1.3 vs group B 4.2 ± 1.4, p = 0.04) and six months (1 ± 0.8 vs 1.7 ± 1.2, p = 0.01), with the WOMAC questionnaire at two months (group A 74.5 ± 7.2 vs group B 67.2 ± 7.5, p 0.01), six months (88.7 ± 5.3 vs 83.0 ± 4.8, p 0.01) and 12 months (90.1 ± 4.5 vs 86.7 ± 4.3, p 0.01), and with the IDKC questionnaire at two months (group A 62.9 ± 7.0 vs group B 55.9 ± 6.1, p 0.01), six months (74.3 ± 2.7 vs 71.1 ± 3.9, p 0.01) and 12 months (75.4 ± 3.0 vs 72.6 ± 3.5, p 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: the results obtained in this study suggest that the implementation of these programs can be a safe and effective alternative in terms of reducing pain and functional capacity in our population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: los programas de recuperación rápida en cirugía de reemplazo articular son eficaces en países desarrollados; el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los resultados funcionales de un programa de recuperación rápida en nuestra población y comprarlos con los resultados del protocolo habitual. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se realizó un ensayo clínico no ciego simple aleatorizado con pacientes candidatos a artroplastía total de rodilla (n = 51) reclutados de Mayo de 2018 a Diciembre de 2019. El grupo A (n = 24) recibió un programa de recuperación rápida y el grupo B (n = 27) recibió el protocolo habitual, con seguimiento durante 12 meses. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó la prueba de t de Student (variables continuas paramétricas), Kruskal-Wallis (variables continuas no paramétricas) y la prueba de 2 (variables categóricas). RESULTADOS: se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre grupos en el dolor a los dos meses (grupo A 3.4 ± 1.3 versus grupo B 4.2 ± 1.4, p = 0.04) y seis meses (1 ± 0.8 versus 1.7 ± 1.2, p = 0.01), con el cuestionario WOMAC a los dos meses (grupo A 74.5 ± 7.2 versus grupo B 67.2 ± 7.5, p 0.01), seis meses (88.7 ± 5.3 versus 83.0 ± 4.8, p 0.01) y 12 meses (90.1 ± 4.5 versus 86.7 ± 4.3, p 0.01) y con el cuestionario IDKC a los dos meses (grupo A 62.9 ± 7.0 versus grupo B 55.9 ± 6.1, p 0.01), seis meses (74.3 ± 2.7 versus 71.1 ± 3.9, p 0.01) y 12 meses (75.4 ± 3.0 versus 72.6 ± 3.5, p 0.01). CONCLUSIONES: los resultados obtenidos en este estudio sugieren que la implementación de estos programas puede ser una alternativa segura y eficaz en cuanto a la disminución del dolor y a la capacidad funcional en nuestra población.

Social Cognition in Autism and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: The Same but Different?

Social cognition impairment is a core shared phenotype in both schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study compares social cognition performance through four different instruments in a sample of 147 individuals with ASD or SSD and in healthy controls. We found that both clinical groups perform similarly to each other and worse than healthy controls in all social cognition tasks. Only performance on the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) test was independent of age and intelligence. Proportionately, individuals in the control group made significantly more overmentalization errors than both patients group did and made fewer undermentalization errors than patients with SSD did. AUC analyses showed that the MASC was the instrument that best discriminated between the clinical and control groups. Multivariate analysis showed negative symptom severity as a potential mediator of the association between social cognition deficit and poor global functioning.

Stress Score y LnrRMSSD como parámetros de carga interna durante una competición / Stress Score and LnrMSSD as Internal Load Parameters During Competition

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el comportamiento del stress score (SS) y el logaritmo neperiano de la media de la raíz cuadrada de las diferencias de los intervalos sucesivos R-R (LnrMSSD) de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC) como indicadores de la carga interna mediante la modulación simpática y parasimpática, apoyado con parámetros bioquímicos de carga interna. Se evaluaron 14 atletas universitarios de balonmano (edad 22.30 ± 1.83 años). Se monitoreó la VFC y marcadores bioquímicos en seis momentos. Se analizaron las diferencias entre las tomas de cada variable mediante estadística descriptiva convencional y el tamaño del efecto con la d de Cohen y la magnitud de Hopkins. Se examinaron las correlaciones de Pearson entre variables. El LnrMSSD, SS y cortisol presentaron cambios significativos (p < .05). Se encontraron correlaciones entre los parámetros de la VFC (SS y LnrMSSD) con creatin kinasa (CK) respectivamente. Los resultados del estudio muestran que el SS puede ser una metodología fiable para la evaluación de la carga interna durante una competición

The aim of this study was to analyse the behaviour of the stress score (SS) and the Neperian logarithmof the Root Mean Square of Successive R-R Interval differences (LnrMSSD) of heart rate variability (HRV) as indicators of internal load throughout sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation, supported by biochemical parameters of internal load. 14 handball university athletes (age 22.30 ± 1.83 years) were evaluated. Six times of HRV and biochemical markers were collected. Each variable were analyzed by conventional statistics and using the Cohen´s d, and Hopkins magnitude for the sample size effect. It was analyzed the Pearson correlations between variables. The LnrMSSD, SS and cortisol presented significant changes (p< .05). Correlations were found between HRV (SS and LnrMSSD) and CK respectively. Results of this study shows that SS can be a reliable method for the evaluation of internal load during competition

Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy associated with chemotherapy in four oncology centers of Colombia. / Prevalencia de neuropatia periferica asociada a quimioterapia en cuatro centros oncologicos de Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common adverse reaction in a variety of medications frequently used for a great number of cancer treatments. This condition consists of mainly sensory-type symptoms, motor components and autonomic changes. Reported prevalence ranges from 30-68%, after the completion of chemotherapy in non-Latin American people with different populations and socioeconomic levels. AIM: To determine the prevalence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in a Colombian population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A real-world evidence cross-sectional retrospective study was performed in all patients from oncological clinical centers in Colombia, which received pharmacological therapy for any cancer between January 2015 and December 2016, with taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), alkylators (oxaliplatin), proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib), and epothilone B analogs (ixabepilone). RESULTS: A total of 1,551 patients in four cities were included, and 11,280 doses were applied; predominantly females (n = 1,094; 70.5%), with a mean age of 57 ± 13 years old. Paclitaxel was the most commonly prescribed drug (n = 788; 50.8%). Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy was developed in 48.9% of paclitaxel, 58.5% of oxaliplatin, 50.5% of docetaxel, 43.7% of bortezomib and 95.2% of ixabepilone patients. Thirty-three patients were treated with two of these medications simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a frequent adverse reaction to daily cancer therapy in Colombian patients managed with taxanes, alkylators, proteasome inhibitors, and epothilone B analogs. Hence, it is necessary to establish more successful diagnostic methods and incorporate validated scales in the routine evaluation of all patients receiving these medications in our environment.

TITLE: Prevalencia de neuropatia periferica asociada a quimioterapia en cuatro centros oncologicos de Colombia.Introduccion. La neuropatia periferica inducida por quimioterapia es una reaccion comun a una variedad de medicamentos usados en el tratamiento del cancer, que consiste principalmente en sintomas sensitivos, con componentes motores y cambios autonomicos. La prevalencia es del 30-68% despues de terminar la quimioterapia en paises no latinoamericanos. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de la neuropatia periferica inducida por quimioterapia en la poblacion colombiana. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio retrospectivo con evidencia del mundo real en la totalidad de pacientes atendidos en cuatro centros oncologicos de Colombia, quienes recibieron terapia farmacologica para algun tipo de cancer entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2016 con taxanos (paclitaxel, docetaxel), agentes alquilantes (oxaliplatino), inhibidores de proteasoma (bortezomib) y analogos de epotilona B (ixabepilona). Resultados. Se siguio a un total de 1.551 pacientes en cuatro ciudades a quienes se les aplicaron 11.280 dosis, con predominio femenino (n = 1.094; 70,5%) y una edad media de 57 ± 13 años. El paclitaxel fue el farmaco mas prescrito (n = 788; 50,8%). La neuropatia inducida por quimioterapia se presento en el 48,9% de los pacientes con paclitaxel, el 58,5% de los pacientes con oxaliplatino, el 50,5% de los pacientes con docetaxel, el 43,7% de los pacientes con bortezomib y el 95,2% de los pacientes con ixabepilona. Se trato a 33 pacientes con dos de estos medicamentos simultaneamente. Conclusiones. La neuropatia periferica inducida por quimioterapia es una reaccion adversa frecuente en pacientes con cancer en Colombia tratados con taxanos, alquilantes, inhibidores de proteasoma e ixabepilona. Es necesario establecer metodos diagnosticos efectivos e incorporar escalas validadas en la evaluacion rutinaria de los pacientes que reciben estas medicaciones.

A screening approach to improve water management practices in undeveloped shale plays, with application to the transboundary Eagle Ford Formation in northeast Mexico.

Hydraulic fracturing (HF) operations have transformed the unconventional energy industry, leading to a global increase in hydrocarbon production. Despite this, only the US, China, Canada and Argentina currently dominate production of unconventional resources, with the majority of shale basins globally remaining unprofitable to develop. An important gap in current water-energy nexus research, which this study addresses, is the assessment of potential water use to satisfy HF procedures in emergent plays. This work presents a screening tool for assessing first-order estimates of water impacts in undeveloped shale plays, testing the approach in the transboundary Eagle Ford (EF) play in northeast Mexico. We couple surface water and groundwater stress indicators derived from global hydrological variables to depict a baseline water stress index. Relative water stress is mapped for proposed blocks to be leased by the Mexican government in the future. We simulate four HF scenarios to assess new total water stress indicators for each block, considering shale production schemes using representative well drilling density (well lateral length(s) per unit area) and HF water intensity (HF water volume per unit lateral length) from existing EF development in Texas. Results suggest that the most feasible management scenario would consider the drilling of ∼1360 new unconventional wells/yr with projected HF water use of ∼57 Mm3/yr (0.7% of the total water withdrawals). The remaining scenarios will largely affect groundwater resources. Though applied to the EF in Mexico, this screening tool can assess water use constraints in emerging unconventional plays globally.

Regulators of A20 (TNFAIP3): new drug-able targets in inflammation.

Persistent activation of the transcription factor Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is central to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders, including those of the lung such as cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite recent advances in treatment, management of the inflammatory component of these diseases still remains suboptimal. A20 is an endogenous negative regulator of NF-κB signaling, which has been widely described in several autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and more recently in terms of chronic lung disorders. However, the underlying mechanism for the apparent lack of A20 in CF, COPD, and asthma has not been investigated. Transcriptional regulation of A20 is complex and requires coordination of different transcription factors. In this review we examine the existing body of research evidence on the regulation of A20, concentrating on pulmonary inflammation. Special focus is given to the repressor downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) and its nuclear and cytosolic action to regulate inflammation. We provide evidence that would suggest the A20-DREAM axis to be an important player in (airway) inflammatory responses and point to DREAM as a potential future therapeutic target for the modification of phenotypic changes in airway inflammatory disorders. A schematic summary describing the role of DREAM in inflammation with a focus on chronic lung diseases as well as the possible consequences of altered DREAM expression on immune responses is provided.

A counterfactual impact evaluation of a bilingual program on students' grade point average at a spanish university.

This observational study intends to estimate the causal effects of an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) program (as predictor) on students Grade Point Average (GPA) (as outcome) at a particular University in Spain by using a Counterfactual Impact Evaluation (CIE). The need to address the crucial question of causal inferences in EMI programs to produce credible evidences of successful interventions contrasts, however, with the absence of experimental or quasi-experimental research and evaluation designs in the field. CIE approach is emerging as a methodologically viable solution to bridge that gap. The program evaluated here consisted in delivering an EMI program in a Primary Education Teacher Training Degree group. After achieving balance on the observed covariates and recreating a situation that would have been expected in a randomized experiment, three matching approaches such as genetic matching, nearest neighbor matching and Coarsened Exact Matching were used to analyze observational data from a total of 1288 undergraduate students, including both treatment and control group. Results show unfavorable effects of the bilingual group treatment condition. Potential interpretations and recommendations are provided in order to strengthen future causal evidences of bilingual education programs' effectiveness in Higher Education.

Changes in Antihypertensive Therapy After Renal Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Post-transplant hypertension is extremely frequent, occurring in 60% to 90% of cases. It is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic graft dysfunction and patient survival. OBJECTIVES: We sought to describe changes in antihypertensive therapy after renal transplantation (RT) depending on the type of pretransplant renal replacement therapy (RRT), hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of RT patients who were divided into 2 groups according to the type of pretransplant RRT (HD group: 69 patients; PD group: 38 patients). Patients with a diagnosis of nonessential hypertension etiology, diagnosis of renal artery stenosis of the graft, active urologic complications, and history of acute graft rejection were excluded. Variables related to chronic kidney disease and RT as well as antihypertensive therapy were studied. RESULTS: PD patients had reduced number of antihypertensive drugs at 1 month after RT (1.39 ± 1.03) compared with pre-RT (2.16 ± 1.30; P = .001), a trend that was maintained at 6 months (1.70 ± 1.18; P = .06). In HD group, the number of antihypertensive drugs increased at 6 months after RT (1.59 ± 1.17) compared with pretransplant (1.15 ± 1.13; P = .027). The use of calcium channel blockers increased by 10.2% by 1 month (P = .071) and 9.2% (P = .036) by 6 months after RT. CONCLUSION: By 1 month after RT, antihypertensive therapy was reduced. Calcium channel blockers were the most common drug group, although it is usually necessary to use more than 1 drug.

The natural history of perforated foregut ulcers after repair by omental patching or primary closure.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of perforated foregut ulcers by omental patching (OP) or primary closure has mostly replaced vagotomy and pyloroplasty/antrectomy (VPA). We sought to determine the natural history and recurrence rate of ulceration in patients treated by omental patching or primary closure. STUDY DESIGN: An 11-year retrospective study. RESULTS: From 2004 through 2015, 94 patients had perforated foregut ulcers, 53 gastric, and 41 duodenal. 77 (82%) were treated by OP alone (study group) and 17 (18%) were treated with VPA (comparison group). All OP patients were discharged on PPIs, but only 86% took the drugs for a median of 22 months (1-192, SD 40). Endoscopy in the OP group showed recurrent ulcers in nine (12% recurrence rate) and gastritis in three (4%) This group also had three later recurrent perforations. Another recurrent ulcer hemorrhaged causing death (3% late mortality). Two other patients required non-emergent re-do ulcer operations for recurrent disease/symptoms (surgical re-intervention rate 4%). Total length of follow-up was median 44 months (1-192, SD 40) and was complete in 82 (87%). 18 (23%) patients in the OP group developed recurrent abdominal pain attributed to ulcer disease during follow-up, compared to 2 (12%) in the VPA group (p = 0.15). No patient in the VPA group had an endoscopic recurrence or re-intervention. CONCLUSION: Omental patching does not correct the underlying disease process which causes foregut perforation, and has a 12% endoscopically proven recurrent ulceration rate and a 23% incidence of recurrent symptoms within 44 months. Patients tend to stop taking PPIs after 22 months at which time their risk increases.

Individual trajectories of cognitive performance in first episode psychosis: a 2-year follow-up study.

Individual changes over time in cognition in patients with psychotic disorders have been studied very little, especially in the case of first episode psychosis (FEP). We aimed to establish whether change in individual trajectories in cognition over 2 years of a sample of 159 FEP patients was reliable and clinically significant, using the reliable change index (RCI) and clinically significant change (CSC) methods. We also studied a sample of 151 matched healthy controls. Patients and controls were assessed with a set of neuropsychological tests, as well as premorbid, clinical and functionality measures. We analysed the course of cognitive measures over time, using analysis of variance, and the individual trajectories in the cognitive measures with the regression-based RCI (RCISRB) and the CSC. The RCISRB showed that between 5.4 and 31.2% of the patients showed deterioration patterns, and between 0.6 and 8.8% showed improvement patterns in these tests over time. Patients showing better cognitive profiles according to RCISRB (worsening in zero to two cognitive measures) showed better premorbid, clinical and functional profiles than patients showing deterioration patterns in more than three tests. When combining RCISRB and CSC values, we found that less than 10% of patients showed improvement or deterioration patterns in executive function and attention measures. These results support the view that cognitive impairments are stable over the first 2 years of illness, but also that the analysis of individual trajectories could help to identify a subgroup of patients with particular phenotypes, who may require specific interventions.

Relación entre el transporte y las características nutricionales de la carne porcina para consumo humano en el valle de aburrá (colombia) / Relationship between transport and nutritional characteristics of pork meat for human consumption in the valle de aburrá (colombia)

RESUMEN La carne de cerdo se considera fuente de alto valor nutritivo por su alto contenido de proteína; sin embargo, su transporte representa un eslabón crítico, por cuanto genera pérdidas económicas, cuando se producen alteraciones en el bienestar animal que repercuten en los parámetros nutricionales, disminuyen la capacidad de retención de agua y ocasionan pérdidas de proteína. El objetivo de este estudio fue relacionar las características de los transportes con las características nutricionales de la carne porcina destinada a consumo humano en el Valle de Aburrá (Antioquia, Colombia) en 2017. Se visitaron tres plantas de sacrificio del Valle de Aburrá con muestreo probabilístico estratificado por planta y afijación igual, obteniendo información de 338 animales. Se analizaron los parámetros nutricionales de las muestras cárnicas, así como variables sociodemográficas, de infraestructura, bienestar animal y prácticas de conducción de los transportistas. Se realizaron pruebas de ji-cuadrado (χ 2) para variables cualitativas dicotómicas, regresión logística para variables cualitativas politómicas y U de Mann-Whitney para variables cuantitativas. Se encontró asociación entre varios de los parámetros indagados con valores p estadísticamente significativos (p = 0,000; así, no tener suministro de agua permanente para los animales incrementa en 46,55 veces (IC 18,08 - 120,07) la posibilidad de presentar carnes nutricionalmente inadecuadas. Se concluye que factores como la falta de suministro de agua a los cerdos, el mal estado de pisos y separadores, la deficiente capacitación de los transportistas, la falta de supervisión a los animales, no tener el certificado técnico-mecánico y la velocidad promedio de 80 km/h, se asocian con la generación de productos cárnicos nutricionalmente inadecuados.

ABTRACT Pork meat is considered a source of high nutritional value due to its high protein content, however, transport is a critical link to generate economic losses by producing alterations in animal welfare, which have an impact on nutritional parameters, decreasing the capacity of water retention, and generating protein losses. The objective of this study was to relate the characteristics of transport, with the nutritional characteristics of pork for human consumption in the Valle de Aburrá (Antioquia, Colombia) in 2017. In this location, three slaughterhouses were visited with probabilistic sampling stratified by plant and equal affixation, obtaining information from 338 animals. The nutritional parameters of the meat samples and sociodemographic variables, infrastructure, animal welfare and driving practices of the transporters were analyzed. ji-square (χ 2) tests were performed for dichotomous qualitative variables, logistic regression for qualitative polytomous variables and Mann-Whitney U test for quantitative variables. An association was found between several of the parameters investigated with statistically significant p values (p = 0,000), where, having no permanent water supply for the animals increases in 46.55 times (IC 18.08 - 120.07) the possibility of presenting nutritionally inadequate meats. It was concluded that factors such as lack of water supply to pigs, poor condition of the floors and separators, lack of training in transporters, lack of supervision of animals, lack of mechanical technical certification and average speed of 80 km/h are associated with the generation of nutritionally inadequate meat products.

A novel approach in the treatment of acute whiplash syndrome: Ultrasound-guided needle percutaneous electrolysis. A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Whiplash associated disorders are currently a common musculoskeletal problem. Besides the high incidence in western countries, the costs derived from prolonged treatment and medicolegal compensation, make this entity a challenging problem for clinicians and insurance companies. To date, no conservative treatment has shown clear superiority in the management of acute cases. HYPOTHESIS: Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is an effective approach for the treatment of Quebec type II acute whiplash syndrome (AWS). PNE consists in the application of brief galvanic currents into a damaged structure, producing a local controlled inflammatory response, with subsequent tissular healing enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred AWS patients were randomized into: (a) standard physiotherapy intervention for AWS; (b) a standardized PNE protocol for AWS. Both groups were assessed for treatment outcome at the 5th week mark. RESULTS: Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement according to the Northwick Park Neck Questionnaire, visual analogic scale and pressure pain threshold. The improvement was similar in both groups, except for the pain pressure threshold, with a 56.6% reduction vs. 44.4% reduction in favour of the PNE group (P=0.035). In addition, the physio group consumed a mean treatment time of 20hours, while the PNE intervention averaged less than 1 hour in total. DISCUSSION: PNE can be considered as an effective treatment option for AWS. Importantly, the technique is highly cost-effective, with limited equipment required and a notable treatment time reduction, compared to more comprehensive physiotherapy protocols. TYPE OF STUDY: Randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF PROOF: 1b.

Insular pathology in young people with high-functioning autism and first-episode psychosis.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and psychosis share deficits in social cognition. The insular region has been associated with awareness of self and reality, which may be basic for proper social interactions. METHODS: Total and regional insular volume and thickness measurements were obtained from a sample of 30 children and adolescents with ASD, 29 with early onset first-episode psychosis (FEP), and 26 healthy controls (HC). Total, regional, and voxel-level volume and thickness measurements were compared between groups (with correction for multiple comparisons), and the relationship between these measurements and symptom severity was explored. RESULTS: Compared with HC, a shared volume deficit was observed for the right (but not the left) anterior insula (ASD: p = 0.007, FEP: p = 0.032), and for the bilateral posterior insula: (left, ASD: p = 0.011, FEP: p = 0.033; right, ASD: p = 0.004, FEP: p = 0.028). A voxel-based morphometry (VBM) conjunction analysis showed that ASD and FEP patients shared a gray matter volume and thickness deficit in the left posterior insula. Within patients, right anterior (r = -0.28, p = 0.041) and left posterior (r = -0.29, p = 0.030) insular volumes negatively correlated with the severity of insight deficits, and left posterior insular volume negatively correlated with the severity of 'autistic-like' symptoms (r = -0.30, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: The shared reduced volume and thickness in the anterior and posterior regions of the insula in ASD and FEP provides the first tentative evidence that these conditions share structural pathology that may be linked to shared symptomatology.