Biomarkers for personalised prevention of chronic diseases: a common protocol for three rapid scoping reviews.

INTRODUCTION: Personalised prevention aims to delay or avoid disease occurrence, progression, and recurrence of disease through the adoption of targeted interventions that consider the individual biological, including genetic data, environmental and behavioural characteristics, as well as the socio-cultural context. This protocol summarises the main features of a rapid scoping review to show the research landscape on biomarkers or a combination of biomarkers that may help to better identify subgroups of individuals with different risks of developing specific diseases in which specific preventive strategies could have an impact on clinical outcomes. This review is part of the "Personalised Prevention Roadmap for the future HEalThcare" (PROPHET) project, which seeks to highlight the gaps in current personalised preventive approaches, in order to develop a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for the European Union. OBJECTIVE: To systematically map and review the evidence of biomarkers that are available or under development in cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases that are or can be used for personalised prevention in the general population, in clinical or public health settings. METHODS: Three rapid scoping reviews are being conducted in parallel (February-June 2023), based on a common framework with some adjustments to suit each specific condition (cancer, cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases). Medline and Embase will be searched to identify publications between 2020 and 2023. To shorten the time frames, 10% of the papers will undergo screening by two reviewers and only English-language papers will be considered. The following information will be extracted by two reviewers from all the publications selected for inclusion: source type, citation details, country, inclusion/exclusion criteria (population, concept, context, type of evidence source), study methods, and key findings relevant to the review question/s. The selection criteria and the extraction sheet will be pre-tested. Relevant biomarkers for risk prediction and stratification will be recorded. Results will be presented graphically using an evidence map. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Population: general adult populations or adults from specific pre-defined high-risk subgroups; concept: all studies focusing on molecular, cellular, physiological, or imaging biomarkers used for individualised primary or secondary prevention of the diseases of interest; context: clinical or public health settings. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7JRWD (OSF registration DOI).

Trombo en tránsito izquierdo intraoperatorio en trasplante bipulmonar diagnosticado por ecocardiografía transesofágica: ¿qué es lo siguiente? / Left side clot in transit in double-lung transplantation diagnosticated by transesophageal echocardiography: What's next?

Un varón de 61 años sin predisposición trombótica es sometido a trasplante bipulmonar como último tratamiento para su EPOC terminal sin soporte de ECMO. Tras el implante y la reperfusión de ambos pulmones, se realizó un examen ecocardiográfico transesofágico completo para comprobar principalmente las anastomosis de las venas pulmonares. En este estudio se identificó una gran masa móvil, hiperecogénica, densa y heterogénea en la aurícula izquierda, compatible con un trombo en tránsito desde la circulación venosa pulmonar. Este hallazgo fue comunicado al equipo quirúrgico inmediatamente para reabrir la anastomosis y retirar el coágulo antes de mayores consecuencias. No hubo manifestaciones clínicas cuando se despertó al paciente.(AU)

61-year-old man without any thrombotic predisposition was undergone double sequential lung transplantation due to terminal stage of COPD without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. After implantation and reperfusion of both lungs, a complete transoesophageal echocardiography exam was performed to check especially the pulmonary venous anastomosis. In this exam, a large heterogenous, dense, hyperechoic mobile mass was identified in the LA, which was compatible with a thrombus in transit from pulmonary veins circulation. This finding was communicated to the surgical team to reopen the anastomosis and remove the clot before further consequences. There were no clinical manifestations when the patient was awakened.(AU)

[Current status of requirements in the design of healthcare facilities to ensure accessibility for patients with disabilities]. / Estado actual de los requerimientos en el diseño de centros sanitarios para asegurar accesibilidad a pacientes con discapacidad.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: People with disabilities are one of the groups that usually frequent healthcare centers, so it is essential to attend to their specific needs, especially from the point of view of universal accessibility, safety and healthcare quality. The aim of the study is to summarize the available evidence on the needs of groups of patients with some type of disability in access, navigation and stay during the reception of healthcare in various health centers and to identify successful solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review had been designed, based on a literature review without time limit in three databases (PubMed, WOS, and Embase). RESULTS: Of the 2562 articles identified, 11 were included. Recommendations for improvement in the design of healthcare services focused on the following aspects: improving access to primary care centers; navigation, signage, and orientation in the hospital environment; elevator design; hospital room bathroom design; meeting the needs of wheelchair users; importance of the participation of the patient with a disability; involvement of stakeholders in the design process; and the need for appropriate policies to ensure accessibility to buildings. CONCLUSIONS: The promotion of artistic programs in healthcare settings and the participation of people with disabilities in the design process of healthcare settings could provide beneficial solutions. More studies are needed, given the scarcity of evidence found, to ensure that care for this group is based on criteria of patient safety, universal accessibility, healthcare quality and humanization.

Left side clot in transit in double-lung transplantation diagnosticated by transesophageal echocardiography: what's next?

A 61-year-old man with no predisposition to thrombosis underwent sequential double lung transplantation without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support due to terminal stage COPD. After implantation and reperfusion of both lungs, a complete transoesophageal echocardiography study was performed to check the pulmonary venous anastomosis. The study showed a large, heterogeneous, dense, hyperechoic free-floating mass in the left atrium compatible with a clot in transit from the pulmonary circulation. The surgical team were notified of this finding so that they could reopen the anastomosis and remove the clot to prevent a major complication. There were no clinical manifestations when the patient was awakened.

Decoding clinical and molecular pathways of liver dysfunction in Psoriatic Arthritis: Impact of cumulative methotrexate doses.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of liver abnormalities in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) has gained significant recognition. Identifying key factors at the clinical and molecular level can help to detect high-risk patients for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in PsA. OBJECTIVES: to investigate the influence of PsA and cumulative doses of methotrexate on liver function through comprehensive in vivo and in vitro investigations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 387 subjects was conducted, 200 patients with PsA, 87 NAFLD-non-PsA patients, and 100 healthy donors (HDs), age and sex-matched. Additionally, a retrospective longitudinal study was carried out, including 83 PsA patients since initiation with methotrexate. Detailed clinical, and laboratory parameters along with liver disease risk were analyzed. In vitro, experiments with hepatocyte cell line (HEPG2) were conducted. RESULTS: PsA patients present increased liver disease risk associated with the presence of cardiometabolic comorbidities, inflammatory markers, onychopathy, and psoriasis. The treatment with PsA serum on hepatocytes encompassed inflammatory, fibrotic, cell stress, and apoptotic processes. At the molecular level, methotrexate impacts liver biology, although the cumulative doses did not affect those alterations, causing any potential damage to liver function at the clinical level. Finally, anti-PDE-4 or anti-JAK decreased the inflammatory profile induced by PsA serum on hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: 1)This study identifies the complex link between liver disease risk, comorbidities, and disease-specific features in PsA patients. 2)Methotrexate dose in PsA patients had no significant effect on liver parameters, confirmed by hepatocyte in vitro studies. 3)Anti-PDE-4 and anti-JAK therapies show promise in reducing PsA serum-induced hepatocyte activation, potentially aiding liver complication management.

Clinical features and immune mechanisms directly linked to the altered liver function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of arthritis on liver function using different approaches in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 330 non-obese/non-T2DM subjects: 180 RA patients, 50 NAFLD non-RA patients, and 100 healthy donors (HDs). A longitudinal study was conducted on 50 RA patients treated with methotrexate for six months. Clinical and laboratory parameters and markers of liver disease were collected. Mechanistic studies were carried out in both the CIA mouse model and hepatocytes treated with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). RESULTS: RA patients have an increased risk of suffering from liver disease independent of obesity or T2DM. This risk was associated with factors such as insulin resistance, autoantibodies, inflammation, and component C3. Methotrexate treatment for six months was associated with liver abnormalities in those newly-diagnosed patients having CV risk factors. ACPAs induced a defective hepatocyte function, promoting IR and inflammation. The induction of arthritis in mice caused the infiltration of immune cells in the liver and increased inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic processes. CONCLUSION: RA patients may experience mild to moderate liver inflammation due to the infiltration of T, B cells, and macrophages, and the action of ACPAs. This is independent of obesity or diabetes and linked to systemic inflammation, and disease activity levels. The negative effects of methotrexate on liver function could be restricted to the concomitant presence of cardiovascular risk factors.

Analysis of the Internal and External Morphology of the Mandibular First Molar in a Chilean Sub-Population Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Análisis de la Morfología Interna y Externa del Primer Molar Mandibular en una Subpoblación Chilena Mediante Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico

SUMMARY: The mandibular first molar (MFM) commonly presents two roots with two canals in the mesial root and one or two canals in the distal root. However, morphological variations have been described in different populations, which must be considered when planning endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the internal and external morphology of the MFM in a Chilean sub-population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. An in vivo cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study was conducted using CBCT exams from 351 right and left MFM. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using the Chi- Square test for categorical variables, Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney U non-parametric test for two independent samples, and the Wilcoxon non-parametric test for related samples. Of the total sample, 1 root was observed in 2.27 % of the cases, 2 roots in 93.73 %, and 3 roots in 4 %. In relation to the number of canals, 71.23 % of the MFM showed 3 root canals, 16.81 % 4 canals, 9.69 % 2 canals, and 2.28 % 1 canal. Of all the studied cases, 2.3 % had a C-shaped anatomy. In terms of morphology, using Zhang's classification, variant 3 was observed in 71.23 %, variant 4 in 12.82 %, variant 1 in 9.67 %, variant 6 in 4 %, and variant 8 in 2.28 %. In conclusion, the morphology of the MFM is variable in a Chilean sub-population, and these variations must be considered before and during endodontic therapy. CBCT proved to be an effective tool for the in vivo study of tooth morphology.

El primer molar mandibular (MFM) comúnmente presenta dos raíces con dos canales en la raíz mesial y uno o dos canales en la raíz distal. Sin embargo, se han descrito variaciones morfológicas en distintas poblaciones, las que se deben tener en consideración al momento de planificar el tratamiento endodóntico. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la morfología interna y externa del MFM en una sub población chilena mediante el uso de imágenes de tomografía computarizada Cone Beam (CBCT). Se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo y observacional in vivo empleando exámenes CBCT de 351 MFM tanto derechos como izquierdos. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva empleando la prueba Chi-Cuadrado para variables categóricas, el test exacto de Fisher, la prueba no paramétrica de U-Mann-Whitney para dos muestras independientes y la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon para muestras relacionadas. Del total de la muestra se observó 1 raíz en un 2.27 % de los casos, 2 raíces en 93.73 % y 3 raíces en un 4 %. En relación al número de canales un 71.23 % de los MFM mostraron 3 canales radiculares, un 16.81 % 4 canales, un 9.69 % 2 canales y un 2.28 % 1 canal. Del total de los casos estudiados un 2.3 % se presentó anatomía en forma de C. En relación a la morfología, empleando la clasificación de Zhang, se observó en un 71.23 % la variante tipo 3, en un 12.82 % la variante tipo 4, en un 9.67 % la variante tipo 1, en un 4 % variante tipo 6 y en un 2,28 % variante tipo 8. En conclusión, la morfología del MFM es variable en una subpoblación chilena y estas variaciones deben ser consideradas antes y durante la terapia endodóntica. El CBCT demostró ser una herramienta eficaz para el estudio in vivo de la morfología dentaria.

[Pre-clinical validation of a turbine-based ventilator for invasive ventilation-The ACUTE-19 ventilator]. / Validación preclínica de un respirador de turbina para la ventilación invasiva: el respirador ACUTE-19.

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 pandemic pressure on healthcare systems can exhaust ventilator resources, especially where resources are restricted. Our objective was a rapid preclinical evaluation of a newly developed turbine-based ventilator, named the ACUTE-19, for invasive ventilation. Methods: Validation consisted of (a) testing tidal volume delivery in 11 simulated models, with various resistances and compliances; (b) comparison with a commercial ventilator (VIVO-50) adapting the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency-recommendations for rapidly manufactured ventilators; and (c) in vivo testing in a sheep before and after inducing acute respiratory distress syndrome by saline lavage. Results: Differences in tidal volume in the simulated models were marginally different (largest difference 33 ml [95% CI 31 to 36]; P < .001). Plateau pressure was not different (-0.3 cmH2O [95% CI -0.9 to 0.3]; P = .409), and positive end-expiratory pressure was marginally different (0.3 cmH2O [95% CI 0.2 to 0.3]; P < .001) between the ACUTE-19 and the commercial ventilator. Bland-Altman analyses showed good agreement (mean bias -0.29 [limits of agreement 0.82 to -1.42], and mean bias 0.56 [limits of agreement 1.94 to -0.81], at a plateau pressure of 15 and 30 cmH2O, respectively). The ACUTE-19 achieved optimal oxygenation and ventilation before and after acute respiratory distress syndrome induction. Conclusions: The ACUTE-19 performed accurately in simulated and animal models yielding a comparable performance with a VIVO-50 commercial device. The ACUTE-19 can provide the basis for the development of a future affordable commercial ventilator.

Pre-clinical validation of a turbine-based ventilator for invasive ventilation-The ACUTE-19 ventilator.

BACKGROUND: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus 2 (CoV-2) pandemic pressure on healthcare systems can exhaust ventilator resources, especially where resources are restricted. Our objective was a rapid preclinical evaluation of a newly developed turbine-based ventilator, named the ACUTE-19, for invasive ventilation. METHODS: Validation consisted of (a) testing tidal volume (VT) delivery in 11 simulated models, with various resistances and compliances; (b) comparison with a commercial ventilator (VIVO-50) adapting the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency-recommendations for rapidly manufactured ventilators; and (c) in vivo testing in a sheep before and after inducing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by saline lavage. RESULTS: Differences in VT in the simulated models were marginally different (largest difference 33ml [95%-confidence interval (CI) 31-36]; P<.001ml). Plateau pressure (Pplat) was not different (-0.3cmH2O [95%-CI -0.9 to 0.3]; P=.409), and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was marginally different (0.3 cmH2O [95%-CI 0.2 to 0.3]; P<.001) between the ACUTE-19 and the commercial ventilator. Bland-Altman analyses showed good agreement (mean bias, -0.29, [limits of agreement, 0.82 to -1.42], and mean bias 0.56 [limits of agreement, 1.94 to -0.81], at a Pplat of 15 and 30cmH2O, respectively). The ACUTE-19 achieved optimal oxygenation and ventilation before and after ARDS induction. CONCLUSIONS: The ACUTE-19 performed accurately in simulated and animal models yielding a comparable performance with a VIVO-50 commercial device. The acute 19 can provide the basis for the development of a future affordable commercial ventilator.

Assessment of the importance of ostomy patients' understanding of dietary and lifestyle recommendations / Evaluación de la importancia de la comprensión de las recomendaciones dietéticas y de estilo de vida en los pacientes con ostomía

Objective: the objective of our study was to evaluate the level of understanding of ostomy patients regarding lifestyle, diet, and high output stoma (HOS) management recommendations provided by healthcare professionals. Method: a prospective study to follow up ostomy patients at nutritional consultations was designed. The follow-up process was performed 7-10 days after hospital discharge and again one month later. At the first visit, patients were instructed in the detection and management of HOS. At the second visit, the level of understanding of the training received was assessed using an evaluation questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of the answers to each of the questionnaire's items was performed. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate differences in the level of understanding recorded with the questionnaire. Results: a total of 35 patients were recruited; 71.4 % did not provide correct answers to all the questions. There were no significant differences in the correctness of the answers to the questionnaire according to education level. Conclusions: many patients do not adequately understand the information provided by healthcare professionals and this could have a negative impact on the incidence of clinical complications (AU)

Objetivo: el objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar el nivel de comprensión de los pacientes ostomizados con respecto a las recomendaciones sobre estilo de vida, dieta y manejo de la ostomía de alto débito (OAD) proporcionadas por los profesionales de la salud. Método: se diseñó un estudio prospectivo para el seguimiento de pacientes ostomizados en consulta de nutrición. El seguimiento se realizó 7-10 días después del alta hospitalaria y a continuación un mes después. En la primera visita, se instruyó a los pacientes sobre la detección y el tratamiento de OAD. En la segunda visita se evaluó el nivel de comprensión de la formación recibida mediante un cuestionario de evaluación. Se registraron las respuestas dadas a cada uno de los ítems del cuestionario y se realizó un análisis descriptivo. Para evaluar las diferencias en el nivel de comprensión registrado con el cuestionario se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: se reclutaron 35 pacientes. El 71,4 % no respondieron correctamente a todas las preguntas. La exactitud de las respuestas al cuestionario no mostró diferencias significativas según el nivel educativo. Conclusiones: un gran número de pacientes no comprende adecuadamente la información que ofrecen los profesionales sanitarios y esto podría tener un impacto negativo en el desarrollo de complicaciones clínicas (AU)

CA 125 elevado en contexto de endometrioma: reporte de caso / Elevated CA 125 in the context of endometrioma: case report

Introducción: Los tumores benignos de ovario corresponden a un 60-95% de las lesiones anexiales, en edad fértil los más frecuentes corresponden a quistes foliculares y endometriomas. Sin embargo, alrededor del 15% son patología maligna de ovario. Por lo que se debe evaluar aspectos como edad, características ecográficas y la presencia de marcadores tumorales específicos como CA 125. Objetivo general: Describir un reporte de caso y caracterizar la evidencia disponible sobre el abordaje de tumores benignos de ovario. Caso Clínico: Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente en edad fértil de 43 años, cursando con dolor abdominal asociado a masa anexial, donde destaca la elevación del marcador CA 125 en rango de malignidad, por lo que se solicita valoración por oncología y manejo quirúrgico, confirmándose una masa anexial benigna de características quísticas, sugerente de endometrioma, al descartar patología maligna se realiza quistectomía total. Discusión: La patología anexial es una entidad clínica que puede abarcar características tumorales, ya sean benignas como malignas, por ello frente a lesiones ováricas, siempre se deben descartar estas últimas. Las características ecográficas de la paciente hacían sospechar de un endometrioma, el CA 125 elevado en ella hizo que se optara por un manejo quirúrgico oncológico con biopsia rápida para descartar o confirmar malignidad. Conclusión: Ante la presencia de endometriomas, el tratamiento debe discutirse caso a caso, teniendo en cuenta la sintomatología, deseos de fertilidad futura y tamaño de las lesiones.

Introduction: Benign ovarian tumors correspond to 60-95% of adnexal lesions, in childbearing years the most frequent correspond to follicular cysts and endometriomas. However, about 15% are malignant ovarian pathology. Therefore, aspects such as age, ultrasound characteristics and the presence of specific tumor markers such as CA 125 must be evaluated. General objective: Describe a case report and characterize the available evidence on benign ovarian tumors. Case report: A case of a 43 year old female of childbearing age, presents abdominal pain associated with an adnexal mass, where CA 125 elevations are found in the range of malignancy, for which an oncology evaluation and surgical management. A benign adnexal mass with cystic characteristics is confirmed, suggestive of endometrioma, when malignant pathology is ruled out, a total cystectomy is performed. Discussion: Adnexal pathology is a clinical entity that can include tumor characteristicas, whether benign or malignant, therefore, in the face of ovarian lesions, these should always be ruled out. The sonographic characteristics of the patient made one suspect an endometrioma, the elevated CA 125 in it led to an oncological surgical management with rapid biopsy to rule out or confirm malignancy. Conclusions: In the presence of endometriomas, treatmentshould be discussed individually, taking into account the symptoms, wishes for future fertility, and size of the lesions. Keywords: Ca-125 antigen, Endometriosis, Ovarian neoplasms

Gran mioma uterino: manejo prequirúrgico con uso de agonistas de gnrh: reporte de un caso / Large uterine myoma: presurgical management with the use of gnrh agonists: case report

Introducción: Los leiomiomas uterinos son los tumores pélvicos benignos más comunes entre las mujeres. Se estima que 60% de las mujeres llegan a tener miomatosis a lo largo de la vida (1). La necesidad de tratamiento médico y/o quirúrgico es muy importante de evaluar, ya que los fibromas son una fuente importante de morbilidad ginecológica. Objetivos: Describir el caso de un gran mioma uterino con manejo prequirúrgico de análogos de GnRH, analizando los hallazgos obtenidos en el caso según la evidencia actual. Discusión: Se reporta el caso de una mujer de 29 años sin antecedentes mórbidos conocidos, con presencia de una gran masa abdominal, motivo por el cual se realizó una ecotomografía abdominal que evidenció una masa sugerente de un gran mioma uterino subseroso. Se realizó miomectomía vía laparotomía previo tratamiento médico con análogos de GnRH. Actualmente la frecuencia de miomas de gran tamaño es poco frecuente, por lo que se busca discutir el impacto del tratamiento médico previo a la cirugía en mujeres jóvenes. Conclusiones: La experiencia con el uso prequirúrgico de agonistas de GnRH indica una ventaja en el trabajo bien definida y su uso como tratamiento coadyuvante a la cirugía está bien establecido. Sin embargo, se debe tener en cuenta la posibilidad de recurrencia de los miomas

Introduction: Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign pelvic tumors in women. It is estimated that 60% of women develop myomatosis throughout life (1). The need for medical and / or surgical treatment is very important to assess, since fibroids are an important source of gynecological morbidity. Objectives: To describe the case of a large uterine myoma with presurgical management of GnRH analogues and to summarize updated evidence on their use. Discussion: The case of a 29-year-old woman with no known morbid history is reported, with the presence of a large abdominal mass, which is why an abdominal ultrasound scan was performed, which revealed a mass suggestive of a large subserous uterine myoma. Myomectomy was performed via laparotomy after medical treatment with GnRH analogues. Currently, the frequency of large fibroids is rare, so we seek to discuss the impact of medical treatment prior to surgery in young women. Conclusions: Experience with the presurgical use of GnRH agonists indicates a well-defined treatment advantage and its use as adjunctive treatment to surgery is well established. However, the possibility of recurrence of fibroids should be taken into account

Long-term impact of the 2008 economic crisis in Spain on road traffic collisions mortality by socioeconomic position.

We aimed to assess the effect of the 2008 crisis on road traffic collision (RTC) mortality in Spain, by socioeconomic position (SEP) and type of road use. This prospective, country-wide study covered all adults living in Spain and aged ≥30 years in November 2001. The long-term effect of the crisis was assessed by measuring the monthly percentage change (MPC) in RTC mortality between the pre-crisis (2002-2007) and crisis period (2008-2011). During the recession, RTC mortality fell more in people with low compared to high SEP, so MPCs difference between periods were of a higher magnitude in the low compared to high SEP groups, especially among men motorcyclists. RTC mortality trends were favorable following the 2008 crisis, particularly among low-SEP groups. In men motorcyclists, the upward trend of the pre-crisis period reversed course.

Near real-time surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic with incomplete data.

Designing public health responses to outbreaks requires close monitoring of population-level health indicators in real-time. Thus, an accurate estimation of the epidemic curve is critical. We propose an approach to reconstruct epidemic curves in near real time. We apply this approach to characterize the early SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in two Spanish regions between March and April 2020. We address two data collection problems that affected the reliability of the available real-time epidemiological data, namely, the frequent missing information documenting when a patient first experienced symptoms, and the frequent retrospective revision of historical information (including right censoring). This is done by using a novel back-calculating procedure based on imputing patients' dates of symptom onset from reported cases, according to a dynamically-estimated "backward" reporting delay conditional distribution, and adjusting for right censoring using an existing package, NobBS , to estimate in real time (nowcast) cases by date of symptom onset. This process allows us to obtain an approximation of the time-varying reproduction number ( R t ) in real-time. At each step, we evaluate how different assumptions affect the recovered epidemiological events and compare the proposed approach to the alternative procedure of merely using curves of case counts, by report day, to characterize the time-evolution of the outbreak. Finally, we assess how these real-time estimates compare with subsequently documented epidemiological information that is considered more reliable and complete that became available later in time. Our approach may help improve accuracy, quantify uncertainty, and evaluate frequently unstated assumptions when recovering the epidemic curves from limited data obtained from public health surveillance systems in other locations.

Blancopunción: una técnica simple para prevenir el desgarro de la cápsula anterior durante la capsulorrexis en cataratas blancas intumescentes / "White-puncture": A simple technique to prevent tearing of the anterior capsule during capsulorhexis in intumescent white cataracts

Para evitar el desgarro radial de la cápsula anterior al realizar la capsulorrexis circular continua (CCC) que puede ocurrir durante la cirugía en las cataratas blancas intumescentes, el conocido como signo de la bandera argentina cuando se asocia la CCC a una tinción capsular previa con azul de tripano, se hace una punción inicial de la cápsula anterior con una aguja 30 G, como primer paso del procedimiento quirúrgico, es decir, previo a cualquier apertura de la cámara anterior. Este acto parece permitir que la presión del compartimento intracristaliniano y la presión de la cámara anterior se igualen, al liberarse el contenido licuado de la catarata blanca intumescente en una cámara anterior presumiblemente hermética, evitando el temido desgarro radial capsular anterior. Esta técnica, denominada blancopunción, ha sido utilizada en 174 casos sin ninguna complicación asociada

In order to avoid radial tearing of the anterior capsule while performing continuous circular capsulorhexis (CCC) in a white intumescent cataract, called the "Argentinian flag sign" when CCC is associated with a previous capsular stain with trypan blue, an initial puncture of the anterior capsule is performed with a 30G needle as the first step of the surgical procedure, that means, prior to any previous aperture of the anterior chamber. This act seems to allow the pressure of the intracrystalline space and the pressure of the anterior chamber to be equalized, as the liquefied content of the intumescent white cataract is released into a presumably hermetic anterior chamber, avoiding the dreaded anterior capsular radial tear. This technique, called "white-puncture", has been used in 174 cases without any associated complications

"White-puncture": A simple technique to prevent tearing of the anterior capsule during capsulorhexis in intumescent white cataracts. / Blancopunción: una técnica simple para prevenir el desgarro de la cápsula anterior durante la capsulorrexis en cataratas blancas intumescentes.

In order to avoid radial tearing of the anterior capsule while performing continuous circular capsulorhexis (CCC) in a white intumescent cataract, called the "Argentinian flag sign" when CCC is associated with a previous capsular stain with trypan blue, an initial puncture of the anterior capsule is performed with a 30G needle as the first step of the surgical procedure, that means, prior to any previous aperture of the anterior chamber. This act seems to allow the pressure of the intracrystalline space and the pressure of the anterior chamber to be equalized, as the liquefied content of the intumescent white cataract is released into a presumably hermetic anterior chamber, avoiding the dreaded anterior capsular radial tear. This technique, called "white-puncture", has been used in 174 cases without any associated complications.

Odontogenic Maxillofacial Infections in a High-level Hospital: Orofacial Pain and Related Conditions

ABSTRACT Objective: Odontogenic infection is a common condition in America; the aim of this research was to determine the profile of odontogenic maxillofacial infections and to identify the link between these and the pain felt by patients admitted to the emergency dental service of the Hernân Henriquez Aravena Hospital in Temuco, Chile. Methods: A cross-sectional, double-blind study analysed 49 individuals admitted for emergency dental care. Included were admissions associated with odontogenic infection identified by clinical examination, establishing a relation to pain through a survey. The diagnosis was made clinically using the fascial spaces involved in the infection, presence of self-medication prior to admission, need for surgical treatment and the patient 's systemic conditions. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-squared, ANOVA, considering a value of p < 0.05 as significant. Results: The average pain level measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) in emergency admission was 8.1. There was no association between the diagnosis (pulp infection, periodontal infection or pericoronitis) and the VAS (p = 0.078), but there was association between age and the diagnosis (p = 0.022), and the VAS was associated with pain compared to other types of pathologies or traumas (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Odontogenic infection is frequent and linked to age and high-pain values. New public policies should be adopted based on these results. New studies are needed to assess new variables associated with these pathologies.