Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor polymorphism is associated with COVID-19 outcome: Results of a pilot observational study.

The pathogenesis of COVID-19 warrants unravelling. Genetic polymorphism analysis may help answer the variability in disease outcome. To determine the role of KIR and HLA polymorphisms in susceptibility, progression, and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, 458 patients and 667 controls enrolled in this retrospective observational study from April to December 2020. Mild/moderate and severe/death study groups were established. HLA-A, -B, -C, and KIR genotyping were performed using the Lifecodes® HLA-SSO and KIR-SSO kits on the Luminex® 200™ xMAP fluoroanalyser. A probability score using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was calculated to estimate the likelihood of severe COVID-19. ROC analysis was used to calculate the best cut-off point for predicting a worse clinical outcome with high sensitivity and specificity. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. KIR AA genotype protected positively against severity/death from COVID-19. Furthermore, KIR3DL1, KIR2DL3 and KIR2DS4 genes protected patients from severe forms of COVID-19. KIR Bx genotype, as well as KIR2DL2, KIR2DS2, KIR2DS3 and KIR3DS1 were identified as biomarkers of severe COVID-19. Our logistic regression model, which included clinical and KIR/HLA variables, categorised our cohort of patients as high/low risk for severe COVID-19 disease with high sensitivity and specificity (Se = 94.29%, 95% CI [80.84-99.30]; Sp = 84.55%, 95% CI [79.26-88.94]; OR = 47.58, 95%CI [11.73-193.12], p < 0.0001). These results illustrate an association between KIR/HLA ligand polymorphism and different COVID-19 outcomes and remarks the possibility of use them as a surrogate biomarkers to detect severe patients in possible future infectious outbreaks.

Cancer-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy: Literature Review and Report of Five Cases.

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is an anatomopathological lesion mediated by endothelial dysfunction and characterized by the creation of microthrombi in small vessels. In patients with cancer, it may be due to toxicity secondary to chemotherapy, tumor embolization, or hematopoietic progenitor transplantation. Cancer-associated TMA is an underestimated entity that generally appears in the final stages of the disease, although it may also be the initial manifestation of an underlying cancer. Support treatment is necessary in all cases and, depending on the cause, different targeted therapies may be used. The prognosis is very poor. In this article we present a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the physiological mechanisms of cancer-associated TMA. Afterwards, five clinical cases will be presented of patients who developed TMA and were diagnosed in our Department in 2023. We present a discussion of the different causes that triggered the condition, the possible reasons behind the underestimation of this pathology, and the measures that may be adopted.

Functional inferior canalicular reconstruction using a monocanalicular probe after tumor resection of the medial third of the lower eyelid.

PURPOSE: To describe a surgical technique for functionally reconstructing a lacrimal drainage duct and to assess its long-term functionality. METHODS: This observational review includes six cases involving reconstruction of the inferior canaliculus after surgical resection of lower eyelid carcinoma. Following lesion excision with safety margins, the epithelium of the distal portion of the inferior canaliculus is located and intubated with a monocanalicular probe. Subsequently, the eyelid lamellae are reconstructed without displacing the probe. The Monoka collarette is then sutured using a 10/0 nylon suture. Data collection included anatomic pathology of the lesion and data from ophthalmic examinations at each visit (including epiphora, inferior canalicular irrigation, and fluorescein dye disappearance test [FDDT]), as well as stent extrusion or other complications. RESULTS: No complications were observed during the surgeries. The stents remained in place for an average of 4months, with no extrusions prior to removal. The mean follow-up period was 4.8years (SD=2.0), during which no other complications were noted. Only one patient experienced intermittent epiphora, also present in the fellow eye. At the final visit, FDDT was normal in all eyes, and all patients demonstrated patency of the inferior canaliculus upon irrigation. CONCLUSION: Primary reconstruction of an inferior lacrimal drainage duct following tumor resection can be successfully performed, resulting in favorable functional recovery.

Impact of Prosigna test on adjuvant treatment decision in lymph node-negative early breast cancer-a prospective national multicentre study (EMIT-1).

BACKGROUND: EMIT-1 is a national, observational, single-arm trial designed to assess the value of the Prosigna, Prediction Analysis of Microarray using the 50 gene classifier (PAM50)/Risk of Recurrence (ROR), test as a routine diagnostic tool, examining its impact on adjuvant treatment decisions, clinical outcomes, side-effects and cost-effectiveness. Here we present the impact on treatment decisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative pT1-pT2 lymph node-negative early breast cancer (EBC) were included. The Prosigna test and standard histopathology assessments were carried out. Clinicians' treatment decisions were recorded before (pre-Prosigna) and after (post-Prosigna) the Prosigna test results were disclosed. RESULTS: Of 2217 patients included, 2178 had conclusive Prosigna results. The pre-Prosigna treatment decisions were: no systemic treatment (NT) in 27% of patients, endocrine treatment alone (ET) in 38% and chemotherapy (CT) followed by ET (CT + ET) in 35%. Post-Prosigna treatment decisions were 25% NT, 51% ET and 24% CT + ET, respectively. Adjuvant treatment changed in 28% of patients, including 21% change in CT use. Among patients assigned to CT + ET pre-Prosigna, 45% were de-escalated to ET post-Prosigna. Of patients assigned to ET, 12% were escalated to CT + ET and 8% were de-escalated to NT; of those assigned to NT, 18% were escalated to ET/CT + ET. CT was more frequently recommended for patients aged ≤50 years. In the subgroup with pT1c-pT2 G2 and intermediate Ki67 (0.5-1.5× local laboratory median Ki67 score), the pre-Prosigna CT treatment decision varied widely across hospitals (3%-51%). Post-Prosigna, the variability of CT use was markedly reduced (8%-24%). The correlation between Ki67 and ROR score within this subgroup was poor (r = 0.25-0.39). The median ROR score increased by increasing histological grade, but the ROR score ranges were wide (for G1 0-79, G2 0-90, G3 16-94). CONCLUSION: The Prosigna test result changed adjuvant treatment decisions in all EBC clinical risk groups, markedly decreased the CT use for patients categorized as higher clinical risk pre-Prosigna and reduced treatment decision discrepancies between hospitals.

Epidemiology of fungal infection in COVID 19 in Spain during 2020 and 2021: a nationwide study.

We realize a nationwide population-based retrospective study to analyze the characteristics and risk factors of fungal co-infections in COVID-19 hospitalized patients as well as describe their causative agents in the Spanish population in 2020 and 2021. Data were obtained from records in the Minimum Basic Data Set of the National Surveillance System for Hospital Data in Spain, provided by the Ministry of Health, and annually published with two years lag. The assessment of the risk associated with the development of healthcare-associated fungal co-infections was assessed using an adjusted logistic regression model. The incidence of fungal co-infection in COVID-19 hospitalized patients was 1.41%. The main risk factors associated were surgery, sepsis, age, male gender, obesity, and COPD. Co-infection was associated with worse outcomes including higher in-hospital and in ICU mortality, and higher length of stay. Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. were the microorganisms more frequent. This is the first study analyzing fungal coinfection at a national level in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Spanish population and one of the few studies available that demonstrate that surgery was an independent risk factor of Aspergillosis coinfection in COVID-19 patients.

Structure and morphology of red pigments based on sepiolite.

Sepiolite is an important raw fibrous material. A method to prepare red pigments based on sepiolite through the thermal treatment of sepiolite with sulfur and sodium sulfide hydrate is reported. Sepiolite was heated until 800 °C in order to remove zeolitic water, the first coordinated water, the second coordinated water, and structural hydroxyls. Several [S/Na2S]molar ratios in the range 0.5-7 were employed. The properties of these pigments were studied by different analytical techniques, such as colorimetric analysis, thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The samples with [S/Na2S] = 0.5 and 1, corresponding to high contents of sodium sulfide in the synthesis procedure, exhibit high values of the colorimetric parameter CIE a* and a maximum reflectance in the visible zone belonging to red, based on the red colour of the samples. Under the reducing conditions of the synthesis, sulfur forms polysulfides of the general formula [Sx]2-. The sodium sulfide reacts with the excess S to form polysulfides as well. From the polysulfides, the radical anions of the general formula [Sx/2]˙- originate and they are identified as the chromophore groups responsible for the color in the sulfur-based pigment analogues of ultramarines. The red colour of the samples could be mainly attributed to the presence of S4 and S4˙- identified by FTIR.

Trichiasis removal using dermatological punch: A case report.

Entropion, a common malposition of the eyelid, can lead to trichiasis and corneal damage. This article presents a clinical case in which, following initial surgery to correct entropion, the use of a dermatological punch was chosen to definitively eliminate persistent trichiasis. This relatively unknown yet effective approach proved to be a quick and straightforward alternative with positive outcomes, emphasizing the importance of considering innovative approaches to recurrent challenges in clinical practice.

Orbital myositis in a patient with Crohn's disease: A case report of two episodes.

PURPOSE: To describe a case report of a 34 years-old patient with Crohn's Disease and two episodes of Ocular Myositis. METHODS: The research methodology employed in this study consisted of a retrospective review of the patient's complete medical history. RESULTS: Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder known to be associated with a wide range of extraintestinal manifestations. Ocular abnormalities, such as episcleritis and uveitis, are commonly observed. However, orbital myositis is an extremely rare ocular extraintestinal manifestations characterized by acute ocular pain that worsens with eye movements and is often accompanied by diplopia. In this case report, we present the case of a 34-year-old woman with a confirmed diagnosis of Crohn's Disease, who experienced two episodes of acute orbital pain exacerbated by ocular movements and diplopia. The diagnosis was established through clinical evaluation and radiologic imaging, with confirmation after a good response to systemic corticosteroids. She responded favorably to systemic corticosteroid therapy on both episodes, and no additional treatment was required. As of now, she remains stable without any ocular sequelae. CONCLUSION: It is important to note that orbital myositis is an uncommon ocular manifestation associated with Crohn's Disease, and prompt recognition and management are crucial to achieve successful outcomes.

Scorpion sting envenomation outbreak in Mexico. Strategies for prevention and control.

In Mexico occurs 25% of all worldwide cases of scorpion sting envenomation (SSE). An outbreak of SSE was identified in Villa Unión, Sinaloa, Mexico. The objective of this study is to describe the outbreak, and prevention and control strategies implemented. The design was a cross-sectional study. Eligibility criteria included confirmed cases (n = 425) identified from the date the outbreak was recognized (from November 08, 2023 to July 10, 2023). The cases from Villa Unión (n = 231) were included for the analysis of epidemiological and clinical findings. The research followed the recommendations of the Initiative Reporting of studies Conducted Using Observational Routinely collected Data (RECORD). Of the total cases (n = 425), 398 (93.6%) were from the municipality of Mazatlán, and 231 (58%) were from Villa Unión. The incidence rate was 13.64 per 1000 persons. The average cases per week was 51.5(SD ± 12). The male-to-female ratio was 3:4, the average age was 30.7(SD ± 19) years. Most of cases occurred in the 25-44 age group. The sting occurred mostly inside houses (n = 200, 86.5%). The predominant symptoms were local pain (95.2%), and local paresthesia (75.8%). The Case fatality rate was 0%. Implementation of prevention and control strategies based on field epidemiological research and scientific evidence are necessary to reduce the incidence and prevent fatal complications.

Habilidades funcionales de niños, niñas y adolescentes con parálisis cerebral y su relación con el compromiso motor y la discapacidad intelectual en Argentina.

Introduction: Motor compromise characterizes cerebral palsy (CP), and is often associated with intellectual disability (ID). Standardized classification systems have been developed to describe the functions of people with CP. The aim was to functionally characterize children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years with CP in Argentina and to investigate the association between motor compromise (GMFCS), ID and functional classifications. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Data were collected through family interviews and medical records review. Individuals with CP were included. Data were collected from 19 institutions in different cities of Argentina. Fisher's test and odds ratio [IC95%] were used for data analysis, with significance <0.05. Results: 182 children and adolescents with CP participated. According to GMFCS classification, level V prevailed with 36.3%. Those with more severe motor compromise (GMFCS IV-V) were 72 [25.4;206.0] times and 13 [5.9;28.2] times more likely to present a severe level of MACS and CFCS, respectively. But they were 34 [7.9;146.0] times more likely to have a mild to moderate level of EDACS. Those with DI were 10 [5.1;20.5] times more likely to have severe GMFCS, 6 [3.4;13.2] times more likely to have severe MACS and 4 [2.0;7.8] times more likely to have severe CFCS. On the contrary, they are 4 [1.9;9.5] times more likely to present a mild-moderate EDACS level. Conclusion: the level of GMFCS and the presence of DI influence general functionality and increase severity in engagement, manual and communication skills.

Introducción: El compromiso motor caracteriza la parálisis cerebral (PC), y suele asociarse a la discapacidad intelectual (DI). Se han desarrollado sistemas de clasificación estandarizados para describir las funciones de personas con PC. Objetivo: caracterizar funcionalmente a niños, niñas y adolescentes de 0 a 18 años con PC de Argentina e indagar la asociación entre el compromiso motor (GMFCS), la DI y las clasificaciones funcionales. Métodos: Estudio transversal. Se recolectaron datos a través de entrevistas a las familias y revisión de historias clínicas. Se incluyeron personas con PC. Los datos se recolectaron de 19 instituciones de distintas ciudades de Argentina. Resultados: participaron 182 niños, niñas y adolescentes con PC. Según clasificación GMFCS prevaleció el nivel V con 36,3%. Quienes presentan compromiso motor más severo (GMFCS IV-V), tienen 72 [25,4;206,0] veces y 13 [5,9;28,2] veces más chances de presentar un nivel severo de MACS y CFCS respectivamente. Pero, presentaron 34 [7,9;146,0] veces más chances de un nivel leve a moderado de EDACS. Quienes presentaron DI tuvieron 10 [5,1;20,5] veces más chances de presentar un nivel severo GMFCS, 6 [3,4;13,2] veces más chances un nivel severo MACS y 4 [2,0;7,8] veces más chances de un nivel severo CFCS. Por el contrario, tienen 4 [1,9;9,5] veces más chances de presentar un nivel leve-moderado EDACS. Conclusión: el nivel de GMFCS y la presencia de DI influyen en la funcionalidad general y aumentan la severidad en el compromiso, habilidades manuales y de comunicación.

Evaluación del impacto, los patrones de tratamiento y las percepciones de pacientes y clínicos de los síntomas vasomotores moderado-graves asociados a la menopausia en España / Analysis of the impact, patterns of care, and perspectives of patients and physicians about moderate-to-severe menopausal vasomotor symptoms in Spain

Introducción: La menopausia puede originar distintos síntomas, siendo los vasomotores especialmente prevalentes y molestos. Este trabajo pretende conocer su impacto y los patrones/percepciones sobre el tratamiento en España, para lo que se han analizado las opiniones de clínicos y pacientes con síntomas vasomotores moderado-graves (SVM-MG). Métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo de la subpoblación española del Programa de Enfermedades Específicas de Adelphi-VMS™. Médicos de atención primaria y de Ginecología y Obstetricia seleccionaron las pacientes. Estas fueron invitadas a rellenar una encuesta y los cuestionarios MENQOL y WPAI:SHP. Los datos se han presentado como porcentaje o media±desviación estándar. Resultados: Un total de 32 médicos de Atención Primaria y Ginecología y Obstetricia completaron los formularios de registro para 241 mujeres, de las cuales 143 experimentaban SVM-MG. A pesar del impacto global reportado en el trabajo (24,84%±17,49 presentismo) y en la calidad de vida (3,37±1,52 MENQOL), solo el 53,85% de las mujeres eran tratadas. El tratamiento hormonal de la menopausia era el más prescrito (77,92%), seguido de los inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina (32,47%). El 59% de los clínicos estaba muy o completamente satisfecho con el tratamiento hormonal de la menopausia, mientras que solo el 19% lo estaba con los inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina. Pacientes y especialistas indicaron un nivel de satisfacción inferior al 38% en el control de los SVM. Conclusiones: Los SVM-MG asociados a la menopausia tienen un importante impacto sobre la calidad de vida. Una mayor sensibilización en su manejo y mejores opciones terapéuticas contribuirían significativamente a mejorar la salud y bienestar de la mujer durante el climaterio.(AU)

Introduction: Menopause generates different symptoms, among which vasomotor symptoms are especially prevalent and bothersome. The aim of this work was to determine their impact and the treatment patterns and perceptions in Spain by analyzing the opinions of physicians and patients with moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (MS-VMS). Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of the Spanish subpopulation from the Adelphi-VMS™ Disease-Specific Program. Primary Care and Gynecology and Obstetrics physicians selected the patients. These patients were invited to complete a survey and the MENQOL and WPAI:SHP questionnaires. Data are presented as percentage or mean±standard deviation. Results: Overall 32 Primary Care and Gynecology and Obstetrics physicians participated in the study, enrolling 241 women, of whom 143 experienced MS-VMS. Despite the reported impact on global work (24.84%±17.49 presentism) and quality of life (3.37±1.52 MENQOL score), only 53.85% of women with MS-VMS were treated. Menopausal hormone treatment was the most prescribed (77.92%), followed by serotonin reuptake inhibitors (32.47%). Fifty-nine percent of clinicians were very or completely satisfied with hormone treatment, whereas only 19% had this level of satisfaction with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Less than 38% of patients and physicians were satisfied with the control of VMS. Conclusions: Menopause-associated MS-VMS have an important impact on quality of life. Increased awareness about their management and better therapeutic options would significantly contribute to improving women's health and well-being during their climacteric period.(AU)

Anomalía venosa del desarrollo cerebral trombosada: hallazgos en la resonancia magnética / Developmental cerebral thrombosed venous anomaly: findings in magnetic resonance imaging

Introducción: Las anomalías venosas del desarrollo son las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales más comunes, suelen ser incidentales y benignas, aunque alrededor del 40% se asocian a malformaciones cavernosas, por lo que es esencial buscar otras anomalías vasculares o neurocutáneas asociadas. Caso clínico: Se presenta una mujer de 34 años embarazada que acude por convulsiones y disartria, a la cual se le realiza una resonancia magnética de cráneo urgente. En ella se aprecia el clásico signo de la ‘cabeza de Medusa’, y se concluye como diagnóstico anomalía venosa del desarrollo con trombosis parcial periférica y flujo lento proximal. Conclusiones: La complicación con trombosis de las anomalías venosas del desarrollo es rara y los informes de casos de la bibliografía sugieren que deben manejarse de forma conservadora, como una trombosis del seno venoso, dejando la cirugía para otras complicaciones asociadas. Como radiólogos, debemos conocer las principales características por imagen para elaborar un diagnóstico certero.(AU)

Introduction: Developmental venous anomalies are the most common cerebral vascular malformations. They are usually incidental and benign, although about 40% are associated with cavernous malformations, and so it is essential to look for other associated vascular or neurocutaneous anomalies. Case report: We report the case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman who presented with seizures and dysarthria, and was submitted to an urgent cranial MRI scan. She showed the classic ‘Medusa head’ sign and was diagnosed with developmental venous anomaly with partial peripheral thrombosis and slow proximal flow. Conclusions: Thrombosis rarely occurs as a complication of developmental venous anomalies and case reports in the literature suggest that they should be managed conservatively, leaving surgery for other associated complications. As radiologists, we must be aware of the main imaging features so as to be able to make an accurate.(AU)

Mathematical modeling for operative improvement of the decoloration of Acid Red 27 by a novel microbial consortium of Trametes versicolor and Pseudomonas putida: A multivariate sensitivity analysis.

In this work, it is presented a first approach of a mathematical and kinetic analysis for improving the decoloration and further degradation process of an azo dye named acid red 27 (AR27), by means of a novel microbial consortium formed by the fungus Trametes versicolor and the bacterium Pseudomonas putida. A multivariate analysis was carried out by simulating scenarios with different operating conditions and developing a specific mathematical model based on kinetic equations describing all stages of the biological process, from microbial growth and substrate consuming to decoloration and degradation of intermediate compounds. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed by using a factorial design and the Response Surface Method (RSM), for determining individual and interactive effects of variables like, initial glucose concentration, initial dye concentration and the moment in time for bacterial inoculation, on response variables assessed in terms of the minimum time for: full decoloration of AR27 (R1 = 2.375 days); maximum production of aromatic metabolites (R2 = 1.575 days); and full depletion of aromatic metabolites (R3 = 12.9 days). Using RSM the following conditions improved the biological process, being: an initial glucose concentration of 20 g l-1, an initial AR27 concentration of 0.2 g l-1 and an inoculation moment in time of P. putida at day 1. The mathematical model is a feasible tool for describing AR27 decoloration and its further degradation by the microbial consortium of T. versicolor and P. putida, this model will also work as a mathematical basis for designing novel bio-reaction systems than can operate with the same principle of the described consortium.

A vacuum-compatible cylindrical inertial rotation sensor with picoradian sensitivity.

We describe an inertial rotation sensor with a 30-cm cylindrical proof-mass suspended from a pair of 14 µm thick BeCu flexures. The angle between the proof-mass and support structure is measured with a pair of homodyne interferometers, which achieve a noise level of ∼5prad/Hz. The sensor is entirely made of vacuum compatible materials, and the center of mass can be adjusted remotely.