[Exercise prescription in post-COVID syndrome: A challenge for primary healthcare]. / Prescripción de ejercicio en condición pos-COVID. Un reto en Atención Primaria.

After the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic we face a new global epidemic: the Post-COVID Syndrome. This novel condition has fluctuating progression and a wide range of symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, muscle pain or breathlessness. Although its pathophysiology is not clear, a multiorganic affection is suspected, altering the immune, cardiorespitatory and nervous systems. Whereas there is no consensus over its treatment, most of the researches conclude the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise and a multicomponent rehabilitation, coordinating and cooperating between different health professionals. A functional, respiratory and strength evaluation prior to treatment prescription is highly recommended, since it will help professionals to precisely prescribe and objectively measure the evolution of our patients. In this article we suggest a few tests, adequate to primary health requirements, to evaluate our patients' initial condition, as well as the most secure way to initiate a therapeutic exercise programme, together with other healthcare providers.

Hybrid effectiveness-implementation study of two novel spectrally engineered lighting interventions for shiftworkers on a high-security watchfloor.

Shiftwork leads to myriad negative health and safety outcomes. Lighting countermeasures can benefit shiftworkers via physiological effects of light (e.g. alerting, circadian adjustment), and short-wavelength light is the most potent for eliciting those responses; however, limited work indicates it may not be required for alerting. We developed similar-appearing light boxes (correlated color temperature: 3000-3375 K; photopic illuminance: 260-296 lux), enriched (SW+, melanopic EDI: 294 lux) or attenuated (SW-, melanopic EDI: 103 lux) in short-wavelength energy, and implemented them on a high-security watchfloor. Efficacy and feasibility of these two novel lighting interventions were assessed in personnel working 12-hour night shifts (n = 47) in this within-participants, crossover study. For each intervention condition, light boxes were arranged across the front of the watchfloor and illuminated the entire shift; blue-blocking glasses were worn post-shift and before sleep; and sleep masks were used while sleeping. Comparisons between baseline and intervention conditions included alertness, sleep, mood, quality of life (QOL), and implementation measures. On-shift alertness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) increased in SW- compared to baseline, while changes in SW+ were more limited. Under SW+, both mood and sleep improved. Psychomotor vigilance task performance did not vary by condition; however, perceived performance and QOL were higher, and reported caffeine consumption and sleep onset latency were lower, under SW-. For both interventions, satisfaction and comfort were high, and fewer symptoms and negative feelings were reported. The addition of spectrally engineered lights to this unique work environment improved sleep, alertness, and mood without compromising visual comfort and satisfaction. This paper is part of the Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Management of Fatigue in Occupational Settings Collection.

Relationship between inspiratory muscle strength and balance in women: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce evidence on changes at the functional level associated with the respiratory area in women. This study aims to analyse the relationship between inspiratory muscle strength and balance in women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, the sample consisted of groups according to the results obtained in the balance test. Inspiratory muscle weakness was defined as maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) ≤ 80% of the predictive value. MIP was carried out using through a mouthpiece, with an electronic manometer. Logistic regression model was used to examine if MIP predicts balance. RESULTS: 159 women participated in the study. Approximately 20% of them achieved balance ≤ 2 seconds and 18% presented MIP≤80%. MIP was associated with the time achieved in the one-leg support test. Subjects with MIP ≤ 80% of the predictive value show 3 times more risk of having a lower performance in the balance test (OR = 3.26). CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle weakness is associated with deficient balance in this sample. It shows the need for multidimensional assessment and rehabilitation strategies for patients identified as having MIP weakness and/or balance disorders.

Who gets to talk: Interruptive behaviors in engager and non-engager intake sessions of psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Objectives: Many clients do not return after intake. We speculated that similarities between therapists and clients in terms of interruptive behaviors would predict whether clients returned after intake (engaged).Methods: Trained judges coded therapist and client interruptive behaviors (interruptions, overlaps of speech, and sentence completions) for one engager (client returned for at least 10 sessions) and one non-engager (client did not return after intake) adult clients for each of 25 doctoral student therapists in individual psychodynamic psychotherapy.Results: Although all interruptive behaviors were infrequent, clients were most likely to return after intake (engage) when they interrupted at about the same amount as their therapists, overlapped less than their therapists, and completed sentences more than their therapists.Conclusions: Interruptions, sentence completions, and overlaps of speech are types of interruptive behavior that appear to have different relational consequences.

[Emergence of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by non-vaccine serotypes in the era of the 7-valent conjugate vaccine]. / Serotipos no vacunales emergentes causantes de enfermedad neumocócica invasora en la era de la vacuna 7-valente.

INTRODUCTION: There has been an increased incidence in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) produced by non-vaccine serotype (NVS) of Streptococcus pneumoniae after the introduction of PCV7. Our objective was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics of IPD caused by NVS in a tertiary hospital in Madrid. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective (1998-2004) and prospective (2005-2009) study evaluating IPD caused by NVS in children. The study was divided into three periods: P1 (1998-2001) when PCV7 was not commercialized; P2 (2002-2005) with 40% vaccine coverage among children; and P3 (2006-2009) when the vaccine was added to the Childhood Immunization Schedule in Madrid. RESULTS: We analyzed 155 cases of IPD. One hundred and fifty of these isolates were serotyped (100 were NVS). There was an increase in the prevalence of IPD from P1 (31%) to P2 (54%) and P3 (91%). The most relevant emerging serotypes were 19A, 7F, 1, 5, 3 and 15C. The most significant clinical syndromes produced by some specific serotypes were as follows: lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) by serotypes 1, 3, 5 and 15C; LRTI, primary bacteremia and meningitis by serotype 19A; and primary bacteremia by serotype 7F (66%). The large majority (83.8%) of NVS were sensitive to penicillin. CONCLUSIONS: There has been an increased prevalence of IPD caused by NVS since the introduction of PCV7. These changes should prompt the introduction of new pneumococcal vaccines, which include most of the NVS, in the childhood immunization calendar to prevent IPD in children.

[Use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in an urban health center. Comparison with the current evidence]. / Uso de antiinflamatorios tópicos en un centro de salud urbano. Estudio comparativo con la evidencia actual.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prescribing of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in an urban health center (Zaragoza, Spain). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on subjects who belonged to an urban center and were studied during the year 2010. The sample size with a confidence level of 95%, was calculated, a total of 843 prescriptions were analyzed. The sample was single random, and 150 cases were selected. The prevalence and confidence intervals were calculated. The statistical package STATA 9.1 was used for the calculations. RESULTS: The most used drug was diclofenac, in 27.33% (95% CI: 20.65-34.88). NSAIDs were most used in females. In 18% of the cases the area of application was the knee, followed by the 15% in the lower back area (95% CI: 10,22-21,78). There were no adverse reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent use is made of topical NSAIDs in a basic health area. Current recommendations support the use in the knee and in the hand, but not in the back, where its use is common. The use of topical NSAIDs decreases side effects and drug interactions, therefore their use is recommended in patients on multiple drug therapy and in the elderly.

[Dyspnoea in a schizophrenic patient: an unexpected diagnosis]. / Disnea en paciente esquizofrénico. Diagnóstico inesperado.

Dyspnoea is mainly of cardio-respiratory origin. A diagnosis of psychogenic origin should not be made without having undertaken the necessary complementary tests to rule out any underlying organic cause, even if the patient has a psychiatric history. We present a clinical case with a clinical picture of dyspnoea, in a 30 year-old male of African origin with a history of schizophrenia. Oedemas can also be associated with dyspnoea. Cardiomegaly and hypertrophy of the left ventricle were established, using additional basic tests. The diagnostic confirmation of dilated cardiomyopathy was obtained from the echocardiogram. He was diagnosed in D phase, with decompensated heart failure, which was refractory to treatment, and after several incidents of malignant arrhythmias, the patient died. According to the ACC/AHA classification, the definitive treatment in this phase is the heart transplant. In the present case, urgent intervention was not considered, due to the worsening of the psychiatric pathology and active drug-taking.

[Replacing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with the collaboration of the endoscopy and the primary care home care support teams. An efficient and safe experience]. / Estudio de los cambios de gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea realizados mediante la colaboración del equipo de digestivo y el equipo de soporte de atención domiciliaria de atención primaria: una experiencia eficiente y segura.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study is to assess the outcome of a Primary Care programme of replacing the Percutaneous Endoscopy Gastrostomy at home. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on all patients (n=44), of Zaragoza Health Sector III, carriers of a percutaneous endoscopy gastrostomy (PEG), who had a replacement at home by the Home Care Service (HCS), during the period from September 2008 to December 2010. Socio-demographic data, the number of PEG replacements performed on each patient, any incidents occurring with each replacement either by the Endoscopy Department or the HCS, as well as the time elapsed until the next replacement, were all recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 74.02 years, and up to a 65% lived in rural areas. The main causes of dysphagia were dementia (56.82%). A total of 136 PEG replacements were performed by the HCS (mean 3.09, SD: 2.37). There were 18 cases in which complications arose. Of these, 17 were minor complications and resolved in the patients' homes. The only major complication, a peritonitis, was resolved in the hospital. The HCS made 138 trips (53.62% of them in rural areas). Each patient avoided travelling a total mean of 43.13 km, and 75.24 km in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: The replacement of PEG is a simple method that can be performed at home with a low risk of complications, provided there is an effective selection of patients. This leads to increased patient and family comfort, and reduces health care costs without detriment of performance.

[Increase in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by serotype 19A prior to the implementation of the expanded pneumococcal vaccines]. / Aumento de la incidencia de enfermedad neumocócica invasora producida por el serotipo 19A previo a la introducción de las vacunas neumocócicas ampliadas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology, clinical syndromes and microbiological characteristics of serotype 19A as the main cause of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children admitted to a tertiary hospital in Spain. METHODS: A retrospective (1998-2004) and prospective (2005-2009) study was conducted on children with IPD produced by serotype 19A. The study was divided into three periods (P): P1 (1998-2001) when PCV7 had not been commercialized; P2 (2002-2005) with 40% vaccine coverage among children; and P3 (2006-2009) when the vaccine was added to the Childhood Immunization Schedule in Madrid. RESULTS: A total of 155 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) producing IPD were analysed, with 21 of them being serotype 19A (14%). An increased prevalence of serotype 19A was found: 2/45 cases (4.4%) in P1, 3/41 cases (7.3%) in P2 and 16/69 cases (23.2%) in P3. It occurred mostly in children younger than 2 years (16/21; 76%). This serotype was the main cause of meningitis (5/20; 25%), pleural empyema (3/22; 14%) and bacteraemic mastoiditis (2/4; 50%). Thirteen isolates (61.5%) had an MIC ≥ 0.12µ/ml for penicillin in extra-meningeal infections, and 3 of the 5 isolates causing meningitis (60%) had an MIC ≥ 1µ/ml for cefotaxime. CONCLUSIONS: Serotype 19A was the main causal agent of IPD in the PCV7 era (P3), with high antibiotic resistance rates. This serotype was responsible for all types of IPD, being the main cause of meningitis.

[Contraceptive methods used by immigrant populations and conditions that influence the choice in a health area in Zaragoza]. / Métodos anticonceptivos utilizados por población inmigrante y condicionantes que influyen en su elección en un área sanitaria de Zaragoza.

BACKGROUND: The percentage of women immigrants in Spain has increased in these last years, resulting in the emergence of specific needs related to sexual and reproductive health. The objective of this article was to define the contraceptive methods used by immigrant women and the determining factors that influence their choice. To estimate the use of emergency post-coital contraception and prevalence of abortion. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study using a survey was carried out in the first quarter of 2011 at the "Centro de Salud Delicias Sur" in Zaragoza, Spain. The target population were immigrant women of childbearing age between 15 and 45 years who attended the clinic. Non probability sampling was used. RESULTS: The mean age was 29.35 years (95% confidence interval (CI) = 27.95 to 30.75 years). The majority country of origin was Ecuador. Almost half the women were single and worked in paid employment. The educational level was considered as average. The average duration of residence in Spain was 5.68 years (95% CI = 4.99 to 6.37 years) and 42% of them (95% CI = 32.62 to 51.83) did not use any contraceptive method. The most used contraceptive method was the condom, followed by oral hormonal contraceptives. More than half of the women had been informed in Primary Care. Almost one third (32%) (95% CI = 23.42 to 41.60) of the women had a history of abortion. More than 19% of women (95% CI = 12.46 to 28.10) had used the emergency contraceptive method. CONCLUSION: Contraceptive methods were not used by 42% of women. The alert indicators on the failure of preventive measures in sexual health are still too high.

REVIEW paper: mare reproductive loss syndrome.

An epidemic of early fetal loss (EFL), late fetal loss (LFL), fibrinous pericarditis, and unilateral uveitis which occurred during the spring of 2001, are together now known as the mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS). A similar epidemic with less intensity was reported during the same period of time from southern Ohio, West Virginia, and Tennessee. The same syndrome with lesser intensity recurred in 2002. The estimated economic loss from the syndrome in 2001 and 2002 together was approximately $500 million. Both EFL and LFL were characterized by the absence of specific clinical signs in aborting mares. Nonhemolytic Streptococcus spp. and Actinobacillus spp. accounted for 65% of the organisms isolated from fetuses submitted for a postmortem during the MRLS period in 2001 and 2002. The pathologic findings in fetoplacental units of LFL included bronchopneumonia and funisitis, and there were no findings in EFL. Epidemiologic studies conducted in 2001 suggested an association between the presences of eastern tent caterpillars (ETC) in pastures with MRLS. Experimental studies in pregnant mares by exposure to ETC, or administration by stomach tube or with feed material, reproduced EFL and LFL. Similar experimental studies in mouse, rats, and goats with ETC were unsuccessful. Currently, 2 hypotheses are proposed for MRLS. One hypothesis proposes that an ETC-related toxin with secondary opportunistic bacterial invasion of the fetus leads to MRLS. The second hypothesis suggests that a breach of gastrointestinal mucosal integrity by hairs of ETC leads to a bacteremia and results in MRLS. In 2004, a similar equine abortion storm was reported from Australia and caterpillar exposure was identified as a risk factor for the abortion. In 2006, the syndrome was observed in Florida and New Jersey.

Vacunación en niños inmigrantes / Vaccination in immigrant children

Immigration and international adoptions in Spain have increased over recent years. In general, the children come from developing countries with low vaccination coverage. An assessment of the vaccination status of every immigrant child or adopted child should be carried out as soon as possible. Depending on the results of the assessment the necessary vaccines should be given, until the child is up to date with the calendar of each of the Autonomous Communities (ideally the calendar recommended by the AEP, the Spanish Association of Paediatrics).Only those vaccines for which reliable, written information is available should be taken into consideration (taking into account the number of doses, the interval and the age at which they were given) and an «administered vaccine» should be considered to be a «valid vaccine». In general, when in doubt, it is preferable to revaccinate; alternatively, certain serologic tests can be carried out (diphtheria, tetanus, poliovirus 1-2 and 3,measles, rubella and parotitis). Quick vaccination schedules should be chosen, injecting the highest possible number of doses at once and taking advantage of any visit for its administration. In developing countries the following vaccines are not systematically administered: the heptavalent vaccine against pneumococcal disease, the Hib conjugate vaccine, the vaccine against meningococcal C disease and against chicken pox(AU)

En los últimos años se ha producido en España un aumento dela inmigración y de la adopción internacional. Los niños provienen generalmente de países en vías de desarrollo con coberturas vacunales bajas. En todo niño inmigrante o adoptado se debe realizar lo antes posible una evaluación de su estado vacunal y, en función de éste, completar las inmunizaciones, hasta adaptarlo al calendario de cada una de las comunidades autónomas (idealmente el recomendado por la Asociación Española de Pediatría). Sólo hay que tener en cuenta las vacunas de las que se disponga de información fiable por escrito (teniendo en cuenta el número de dosis, el intervalo y la edad a la que se administraron),y considerar que toda «vacuna administrada es vacuna válida». En general, ante la duda, es preferible revacunar; alternativamente se pueden realizar determinaciones serológicas (difteria, tétanos, poliovirus 1-2 y 3, sarampión, rubéola y parotiditis). Se debe optar por pautas de vacunación rápida, inyectando el mayor número de dosis posibles a la vez y aprovechando cualquier visita para su administración. No se administran de modo sistemático en países en vías de desarrollo la vacuna heptavalente frente al neumococo, la vacuna Hib-conjugada ni la vacuna frente al meningococo C y frente a la varicela(AU)

Hepatitis virales / Viral hepatitides

En conjunto, las hepatitis virales suponen un importante problema mundial, con unas elevadas tasas de incidencia y prevalencia, que varían ampliamente según las distintas regiones. Hasta ahora se han caracterizado cinco tipos distintos de virus causantes de hepatitis, con unas características clínicas y epidemiológicas diferentes. El A y el E se transmiten por vía fecal-oral y no producen enfermedad crónica. Por otro lado, el B, el D y el C se transmiten por vía parenteral y sexual principalmente, y pueden ocasionar, sobre todo en población pediátrica, una afectación crónica. En el estudio inicial del niño inmigrante se debe incluir el cribado serológico de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B. Aunque la vacunación frente a este virus es universal, no se suele realizar de modo adecuado la inmunoprofilaxis en el recién nacido. La hepatitis A es endémica en países en vías de desarrollo. Suele afectar a niños que regresan a su país para visitar a amigos y familiares, por lo que es especialmente importante indicar la vacunación o la administración de gammaglobulina hiperinmune, según el caso, antes del viaje. La incidencia de hepatitis C en general es baja en la infancia (<0,2%); sólo se debe realizar un cribado serológico en niños inmigrantes con factores de riesgo (antecedente de transfusión, hijos de madre con virus de la hepatitis C positivo, etc.)(AU)

As a whole, viral hepatitides are an important problem on a world level, with high rates of incidence and prevalence, which vary greatly according to the different regions. Until now five different hepatitis-causing viruses have been characterised, with certain different clinical and epidemiological characteristics. Hepatitides A and E are faecal-orally transmitted and do not produce chronic diseases. Hepatitides B, D and C, on the other hand, are mainly transmitted parenterally and sexually, and can cause chronic diseases, especially among the paediatric population. The initial study of the immigrant child should include the serologic tests for the HBV infection. Although the vaccination against that virus is universal, the immunoprophylaxis does not tend to be carried out properly in new borns. Hepatitis A is endemic to developing countries. It tends to affect children who return to their countries to visit family members and friends, which is why it is especially important that the hyperimmune gamma-globulin vaccination/administration is given, as the case may be, before the trip. In general, the incidence of hepatitis C is low in infancy (<0.2%), and serologic tests should only be carried out in immigrant children with risk factors (with a history of transfusions, children of HCV positive mothers, etc.)(AU)

Dermatophilus congolensis-associated placentitis, funisitis and abortion in a horse.

Placentitis, funisitis and fetal bronchopneumonia were diagnosed in an aborted full-term Thoroughbred fetus and its placenta by histopathological examination. Dermatophilus congolensis organisms were isolated from placenta, lung and stomach content. The genotypic identification of aerobic culture was confirmed by sequential analysis of the entire 16S rDNA gene. This is the first report of Dermatophilus congolensis-associated abortion in any species.

Pathological, entomological, avian and meteorological investigation of a West Nile virus epidemic in a horse farm.

Pathological, entomological and avian investigations were conducted during the summer of 2002, in a horse farm that had four cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in horses. All the four horses had encephalitis and WNV infection was confirmed by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization procedure. Forty-seven per cent of house sparrows that resided on the farm were tested positive for WNV infection. Mosquitoes (98%Culex pipiens) collected by trapping at the farm, during this period were positive for WNV. The meteorological data for year 2002 were compared to previous 16 years. The precipitation and atmospheric temperature were found to be reduced and higher respectively, indicating a drier summer than the prior 16 years, which may have been a contributing factor for the outbreak. None of the horses on these premises had been vaccinated for WNV disease.

Trombosis de la vena subclavia en una adolescente sin factores de riesgo / Thrombosis of the subclavian vein in an adolescent with no risk factors

La trombosis venosa profunda es una entidad poco frecuente en pediatría. En los últimos años se ha observado un aumento de su incidencia, relacionado con una mayor utilización de catéteres centrales. Exponemos el caso de una niña previamente sana, sin factores de riesgo cardiovascular, que acude al servicio de urgencias por presentar enrojecimiento, edema, aumento de la trama vascular y sensación de opresión en el brazo derecho de 3 semanas de evolución. Se realizaron hemograma, bioquímica sanguínea y coagulación básica, con resultados normales. La eco-Doppler puso de manifiesto una trombosis de la vena subclavia derecha. Se indicó tratamiento ambulatorio, inicialmente con heparina de bajo peso molecular, y se mantuvo una pauta de anticoagulantes orales durante 6 meses. Una vez suspendido el tratamiento, se realizó un estudio de trombofilia, con resultados normales. Un año después, la niña se encuentra asintomática y sin tratamiento. El manejo de este grupo de pacientes se realiza según lo indicado en estudios sobre series de adultos, ya que los trabajos pediátricos publicado sal respecto son escasos(AU)

Deep venous thrombosis is rarely seen in paediatrics. In recent years an increase has been noted in its incidence, linked to the greater use of central catheters. We report on the case of a previously healthy girl, free of cardiovascular risk factors, who came to the emergency services with reddening, o edema, increased vascular markings and a feeling of tightness in her right arm of 3 weeks of evolution. A haemogram, blood biochemistry analysis and basic coagulation tests were performed, with normal results. The echo-Doppler revealed a thrombosis of the right subclavian vein. An out-patient treatment was prescribed, initially with low-molecular-weight heparin, and a course of oral anticoagulants was maintained for 6 months. Once the treatment was stopped, a thrombophilia study was performed, with normal results. One year later, the girl is asymptomatic and without treatment. This group of patients is treated according to the findings of the studies on series of adults, since very few paediatric studies have been published on the subject(AU)