Hierarchical Y Zeolite-Based Catalysts for VGO Cracking: Impact of Carbonaceous Species on Catalyst Acidity and Specific Surface Area.

The performance of catalysts prepared from hierarchical Y zeolites has been studied during the conversion of vacuum gas oil (VGO) into higher-value products. Two different catalysts have been studied: CatY.0.00 was obtained from the standard zeolite (Y-0.00-M: without alkaline treatment) and CatY.0.20 was prepared from the desilicated zeolite (Y-0-20-M: treated with 0.20 M NaOH). The cracking tests were carried out in a microactivity test (MAT) unit with a fixed-bed reactor at 550 °C in the 20-50 s reaction time range, with a catalyst mass of 3 g and a mass flow rate of VGO of 2.0 g/min. The products obtained were grouped according to their boiling point range in dry gas (DG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), naphtha, and coke. The results showed a greater conversion and selectivity to gasoline with the CatY.0.20 catalyst, along with improved quality (RON) of the C5-C12 cut. Conversely, the CatY.0.00 catalyst (obtained from the Y-0.00-M zeolite) showed greater selectivity to gases (DG and LPG), attributable to the electronic confinement effect within the microporous channels of the zeolite. The nature of coke has been studied using different analysis techniques and the impact on the catalysts by comparing the properties of the fresh and deactivated catalysts. The coke deposited on the catalyst surfaces was responsible for the loss of activity; however, the CatY.0.20 catalyst showed greater resistance to deactivation by coke, despite showing the highest selectivity. Given that the reaction occurs in the acid sites of the zeolite and not in the matrix, the increased degree of mesoporosity of the zeolite in the CatY.0.20 catalyst facilitated the outward diffusion of products from the zeolitic channels to the matrix, thereby preserving greater activity.

A multimodal framework for extraction and fusion of satellite images and public health data.

In low- and middle-income countries, the substantial costs associated with traditional data collection pose an obstacle to facilitating decision-making in the field of public health. Satellite imagery offers a potential solution, but the image extraction and analysis can be costly and requires specialized expertise. We introduce SatelliteBench, a scalable framework for satellite image extraction and vector embeddings generation. We also propose a novel multimodal fusion pipeline that utilizes a series of satellite imagery and metadata. The framework was evaluated generating a dataset with a collection of 12,636 images and embeddings accompanied by comprehensive metadata, from 81 municipalities in Colombia between 2016 and 2018. The dataset was then evaluated in 3 tasks: including dengue case prediction, poverty assessment, and access to education. The performance showcases the versatility and practicality of SatelliteBench, offering a reproducible, accessible and open tool to enhance decision-making in public health.

An intelligent climate monitoring system for hygrothermal virtual measurement in closed buildings using Internet-of-things and artificial hydrocarbon networks.

Studies analyzing indoor thermal environments comprising temperature and humidity may be insufficient when obtaining data from sensors, which may be susceptible to inaccurate or failed information from internal and external factors. Therefore, this study proposes an intelligent climate monitoring using a supervised learning method for virtual hygrothermal measurement in enclosed buildings used to predict temperature and relative humidity when a sensor failure is detected. The methodology comprises the data collection from a wireless sensor network, the building of the learning model for predicting the dynamics of environmental variables, and the implementation of a sensor failure detection model. We use an artificial hydrocarbon network as the learning model for their simplicity and effectiveness under uncertain and noisy data. The experiments use data acquired in two settings: (1) a laboratory office and (2) a museum storage room. The first scenario has multiple workstations, and the staff turns on or off the air conditioning depending on the feeling of comfort, generating an uncontrolled environment for the variables of interest. The second scenario has controlled temperature and humidity to ensure the conservation conditions of the museum pieces. Both scenarios used 12 sensors that acquired data for one month, providing an average of 58,300 values for each variable. Results of the proposed methodology provide 95% of accuracy in terms of sensor failure detection and identification, and less than 0.22% of tolerance variability in temperature and humidity after sensor accommodation in both scenarios.

Beyond Therapeutic Adherence: Alternative Pathways for Understanding Medical Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Given the psychosocial and economic costs of behaviors of patients who seem not to benefit from the medications, technologies, and medical therapies available for chronic diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, therapeutic adherence has been identified as one of the main focuses in the intervention. This paper presents contributions from semiotic cultural clinical psychology for understanding problems associated with the implementation of medical treatment in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus to explore psychological dimensions not yet reported in depth. A narrative review of 24 scientific articles published between 2012 and 2023 is carried out. The information is produced through thematic analysis, and the results are presented in three themes: 1. illness characteristics, 2. adherence and associated concepts, and 3. modes of intervention. It concludes with the development of a two-axis proposal for understanding the experience of patients that privileges psychological aspects involved in the disease and its treatment, considering the approach to the goals of treatment as dynamic and fluctuating rather than as final states.

In vitro toxicity of fine and coarse particulate matter on the skin, ocular and lung microphysiological cell-culture systems.

Particulate matter (PM) has been associated with adverse effects on human health, causing allergies, skin and eye irritation and corrosion, respiratory tract irritation, headaches, bronchoconstriction, cardiopulmonary diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, reproductive problems, premature deaths, and epigenetic changes that lead to a wide variety of cancers, among other health conditions. The air quality in the Medellín - Colombia presents fluctuations that oscillate between the maximum permissible levels established at the national level and by the WHO, which represents a latent risk to people's health. Although important efforts have been made to quantify the different levels of pollution and administrative measures have been established to mitigate air pollution, little research work has been done to establish the relationship between these levels of pollutants and the effects on biological systems. The objective of the present research was to make a morphological and chemical characterization of particulate matter (PM) captured with a commercial air filter and a electrospun nanofiber membrane and evaluate the cytotoxicity of the each PM extracts in monolayer and co-culture models which recreate microphysiological systems of lung, skin and cornea and propose the possible cellular interactions that lead the cytotoxic response of the chemical compounds found in particulate matter in cities. The morphology and elemental chemical characterization were done with scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM - EDS). For the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons detection was made with a chromatographic method accoupled to mass spectrometer. Finally, the cytotoxicity was made in monolayers of A549, HEK001, and SIRC cell lines and microphysiological systems consisting of two-cell layer construct to resemble the interaction between fibroblast and epithelial cells that comprises naturally the corneal, skin and lung tissue. We performed three different cocultures models with BALB/3T3 clone A31 as a feeder layer, using porous Transwell® inserts in the in-contact and non-contact way. Monolayer and co-culture models were exposed to coarse and fine PM (1, 2, and 5 mg/mL) and the cell viability was evaluated at 24 h using an MTT assay. The electrospun nanofibers membranes demonstrates higher efficiency to capture PM with different sizes and high concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and other chemical compounds responsible of many human diseases. Cytotoxic effects of MP were observed in all models at higher concentration; however, models exposed to fine PM exhibited a significant reduction in cell viability compared to those exposed to coarse PM. In addition, multilayer models are more resistant to PM exposure than monolayer models. Furthermore, the study indicated that, depending on the seeding strategy, different results might be observed: the non-contact model showed higher resistance to PM exposure than in-contact for SIRC and HEK001, but A549 monolayers showed the highest viability response. This study demonstrates the usefulness of applying co-culture models to assess environmental pollutant toxicity, in addition to being a potential alternative method to animal testing for risk assessment.

Interrater Reliability of the Spanish (Colombia) Version of the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale.

Background: COVID-19 has been one of the most critical public health challenges of recent decades. This disease develops severely in one in five patients, and approximately 5% require admission to a critical care unit. Due to the impact of the sequelae, the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS) was developed. This study is aimed at determining the interrater reliability of the Spanish (Colombia) version of the PCFS in adult patients with post-COVID-19 infection. Methods: This is an observational study performed with patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Two evaluators repeated the test-retest of the PCFS scale with knowledge and clinical experience in the care of patients with COVID-19 and had previously applied the test. The PCFS assesses functional limitations at discharge and can be used at 4 and 8 weeks to evaluate practical consequences and determine the degree of disability these patients may have. For interrater reliability, Cronbach's alpha was applied with its respective confidence interval and the Bland-Altman method. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was taken as the basis for the interpretation of the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Results: A total of 112 adult patients participated in the study, aged 51.46 ± 15.94 years. It was evidenced that the survival, constant care, and activities of daily living questions have an ICC of one (1.000) with an ICC (1.000-1.000), demonstrating excellent reliability, while those close to one were instrumental activities, role participation, symptoms, and final score with an ICC 0.918 to 0.984 and an ICC (0.881-0.989). Thus, a homogeneous distribution of the interrater data was evident. Conclusions: Excellent interobserver reliability of the Spanish (Colombia) version of the PCFS in patients with different degrees of functional status was reported.

A Systematic Review on the Viruses of Anopheles Mosquitoes: The Potential Importance for Public Health.

Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors of Plasmodium, the etiological agent of malaria. In addition, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae are the main vectors of the O'nyong-nyong virus. However, research on the viruses carried by Anopheles is scarce; thus, the possible transmission of viruses by Anopheles is still unexplored. This systematic review was carried out to identify studies that report viruses in natural populations of Anopheles or virus infection and transmission in laboratory-reared mosquitoes. The databases reviewed were EBSCO-Host, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and PubMed. After the identification and screening of candidate articles, a total of 203 original studies were included that reported on a variety of viruses detected in Anopheles natural populations. In total, 161 viruses in 54 species from 41 countries worldwide were registered. In laboratory studies, 28 viruses in 15 Anopheles species were evaluated for mosquito viral transmission capacity or viral infection. The viruses reported in Anopheles encompassed 25 viral families and included arboviruses, probable arboviruses and Insect-Specific Viruses (ISVs). Insights after performing this review include the need for (1) a better understanding of Anopheles-viral interactions, (2) characterizing the Anopheles virome-considering the public health importance of the viruses potentially transmitted by Anopheles and the significance of finding viruses with biological control activity-and (3) performing virological surveillance in natural populations of Anopheles, especially in the current context of environmental modifications that may potentiate the expansion of the Anopheles species distribution.

NEUROCANTRIAL: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a pain neuroscience education programme in adults with cancer pain.

INTRODUCTION: Pain is the second most frequent symptom reported in patients with cancer among the main reasons for consultation. The incorporation of educational modalities in pain intervention processes has been suggested. This study aims to examine the efficacy of neuroscience pain education (PNE) in relation to pain, biopsychosocial variables and functional capacity in comparison with conventional treatment. It is hypothesised that an intervention based on PNE achieves better outcomes than conventional management, in terms of pain, biopsychosocial variables and functional capacity in adults with oncological pain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This will be a single-blind, controlled clinical trial in which two groups will be compared using changes in pain as the primary measure. The first group will receive conventional treatment in addition to PNE, and participants will undergo an intervention of nine sessions (one session per week, for a total of 9 weeks), each lasting 30-40 min. Specifically, these sessions will teach biophysiological elements using metaphors that allow the adoption of these concepts related to pain. The second group will receive conventional treatment (pharmacological treatment). For this study, a sample size calculation was made based on the background, where 80 adults with oncological pain were required. An initial evaluation will be made to establish the baseline characteristics, and then, according to the randomisation, the assignment to the PNE group or the control group will be made and the two groups will be summoned again. Ten weeks later, for the intervention evaluation, the statistical analysis plan will be established by protocol and by intention-to-treat. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol complies with all ethical considerations. The authors commit to presenting the study's results. This study was approved by the ethics committees of the Universidad Santiago de Cali, Clínica de Occidente/Angiografía de Occidente. The authors commit to presenting the study's results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05581784.

Prueba de la marcha: Respuestas ventilatorias, cardiovasculares y relación con la distancia recorrida en pacientes con secuelas de tuberculosis / Walk test: Ventilatory and cardiovascular responses and their relationship with the walking distance covered by patients with tuberculosis sequelae / Teste de caminhada: respostas ventilatórias e cardiovasculares e relação com a distância percorrida em pacientes com sequelas de tuberculose

Introducción: La evaluación de los pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar permite establecer metas de intervención en salud; el test de caminata de los 6 minutos, es ideal para observar la respuesta de todos los sistemas incluidos durante el ejercicio. Objetivo: Describir la respuesta fisiológica de algunas variables ventilatorias y cardiovasculares durante el test de caminata de los 6minutos en pacientes con secuelas de tuberculosis pulmonar, y sus posibles correlaciones de las variables fisiológicas con la distancia recorrida. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en 21 pacientes con diagnóstico de secuelas de tuberculosis pulmonar, quienes asistieron a un programa de rehabilitación pulmonar, y realizaron test de caminata de los 6 minutos. Resultados: La edad media fue 49,33±18,82 años, en su mayoría hombres, la media de la distancia fue 348,35±127,833m. Hubo diferencia significativa durante los cuatro momentos analizados con un valor p<0,0001 en frecuencia cardiaca, frecuencia respiratoria y saturación de oxígeno. Hubo correlación fuerte para la edad, consumo de Oxígeno (VO2), número de detenciones, disnea modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), capacidad funcional medida en equivalentes Metabólicos (METS) y Saturación de Oxígeno (SpO2).Conclusión: Pacientes con secuelas de tuberculosis pulmonar en su mayoría hombres, evidencian cambios estadísticamente significativos durante la prueba.

Introduction:The assessment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis is useful to establish health intervention goals. The 6-minute walk test is key to observing the response of all of the body systems involved in the exercise. Objective:To describe the physiological response of some ventilatory and cardiovascular variables during the 6-minute walk test in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae and possible correlations between physiological variables and the covered distance. Materials and methods:Descriptive cross-sectional study on 21 patients diagnosed with sequelae caused by pulmonary tuberculosis, who attended a pulmonary rehabilitation program and performed a 6-minute walk test. Results: The mean age of patients was 49.33±18.82 years, mostly men, and the mean distance was 348.35±127833 m. There was a significant difference in heart rate, respiratory rate andoxygen saturation during the four analyzed moments, with a pvalue < 0.0001. There was a strong correlation for age, oxygen consumption (VO2), number of stops, dyspnea modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), functional capacity measured as metabolic equivalents (METS) and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Conclusion:Most male patients with pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae show statistically significant changes during the test.

Introdução:A avaliação de pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar permite estabelecer metas de intervenção em saúde; O teste de caminhada de 6 minutos é ideal para observar a resposta de todos os sistemas incluídos durante o exercício. Objetivo: Descrever a resposta fisiológica de algumas variáveis ventilatórias e cardiovasculares durante o teste de caminhada de 6 minutos em pacientes com sequela de tuberculose pulmonar e suas possíveis correlações das variáveis fisiológicas com a distância percorrida. Materiais e métodos:Estudo transversal descritivo em 21 pacientes diagnosticados com sequelas de tuberculose pulmonar, que frequentavam um programa de reabilitação pulmonar, e realizaram o teste de caminhada de 6 minutos. Resultados:A média de idade foi de 49,33±18,82 anos, a maioria homens, a distância média foi de 348,35±127,833m. Houve diferença significativa nos quatro momentos analisados com valor de p< 0,0001 na frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória e saturação de oxigênio. Houve uma forte correlação paraidade, consumo de oxigênio (VO2), número de paradas, dispneia modificada do Medical Research Council (mMRC), capacidade funcional medida em equivalentes metabólicos (METS) e saturação de oxigênio (SpO2). Conclusão:Pacientes com sequelas de tuberculose pulmonar, em sua maioria homens, apresentam alterações estatisticamente significativas durante o exame.

Estilo cognitivo en la dimension de dependencia-independencia de campo de estudiantes universitarios del área de Manizales / Cognitive Style in the Field Dependence-independence Dimension of University Student from the Manizales Area

Resumen El presente artículo reporta un estudio que busca identificar el estilo cognitivo en la dimensión de independencia-dependencia de campo en una población estudiantil universitaria y establecer sus asociaciones con el género y la carrera que cursan. La muestra total fue de 1.379 estudiantes (797 mujeres y 582 hombres), de tres universidades del área metropolitana de Manizales, Colombia, de 18 carreras profesionales, quienes respondieron la prueba SG-EFT que permite identificar el nivel de independencia de campo. Se llevaron a cabo pruebas t de Student y análisis de varianza para examinar diferencias por género y carrera. Los resultados indican diferencias significativas en los puntajes de la prueba por carrera universitaria en independencia del género, y a su vez, se discuten en relación con resultados previos y sus implicaciones para la construcción del perfil del estudiante en cada carrera.

Abstract This paper reports a study that seeks to identify the cognitive styles, in the field independence-dependence dimension, in a university student population and to establish its associations with gender and career. The total sample consisted of 1.379 students (797 females and 582 males) from three universities in the metropolitan area of Manizales (Colombia), from 18 professional careers, who answered the SG-EFT test which measures levels of field independence. Analyses of variance and t- Student tests were carried out to examine differences by gender and career. Significant differences in the SG-EFT scores were found regarding career choice, independently of gender. Results are discussed with respect to previous findings and their implications for the construction of the student profile in each career.

Frequent Cardiovascular Manifestations Associated With SARS Cov-2 Infection: Experience at a Tertiary Hospital In Cali, Colombia

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly affects the respiratory system, while the most common extrapulmonary complication of COVID-19 is cardiovascular involvement. Objective: To identify the frequency of electrocardiographic changes and cardiac arrhythmias in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, including patients aged >18 years with diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in a high-complexity hospital in Santiago de Cali, Colombia, from March to September 2020. A descriptive analysis with an analytical component and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed; all estimates were established with a 95% confidence level (CI) and a 5% significance level. Results: This study included 183 individuals; of whom 160 were considered for electrocardiographic analysis, 63% of which evidenced significant findings, the most frequent being sinus tachycardia (29.4%). The frequency of myocardial injury was 21.9% and was more common among non-survivors than among survivors (41.7% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001). Myocardial injury was also significantly more common in patients who presented electrocardiographic findings than those who did not (26.5% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.032) and in those who required intensive care admission (31.8% vs 10.5%, p < 0.001). The strongest mortality-associated factor was the need for mechanical ventilation — odds ratio (OR), 9.14; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-24.5. Conclusions: Electrocardiographic findings in patients with COVID 19 are frequent, including newly diagnosed arrhythmias, justifying the use of cost-effective tools for the initial approach and follow-up of this affected population. Worse outcomes depend on factors such as invasive mechanical ventilation, comorbidities, age, and superinfection.

Rehabilitación cardíaca integral en un caso de paciente con miocardiopatía por SARS-COV-2 / Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation in a Case of a Patient with SARS-CoV-2 Cardiomyopathy

Introducción: Una complicación reportada en la infección por SARS-CoV-2 es la miocardiopatía. Se ha descrito que los pacientes pueden presentar un deterioro significativo de la clase funcional, que limita el desempeño en las actividades de la vida diaria, sociales, familiares y laborales. La rehabilitación cardíaca como componente integral es una alternativa de tratamiento no farmacológica en el manejo de secuelas cardiovasculares ocasionadas por SARS-CoV-2. Objetivo: Describir el impacto de la rehabilitación cardíaca integral en un caso de paciente con miocardiopatía por SARS-CoV-2. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 56 años de edad con miocardiopatía por SARS-CoV-2 quien realizó rehabilitación cardíaca integral. Conclusiones: La rehabilitación cardíaca con un componente de intervención integral multidisciplinar permitió al paciente mejorar la capacidad aeróbica, sintomatología, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y reincorporarse a las actividades sociales, familiares y laborales(AU)

Introduction: A reported complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection is cardiomyopathy. It has been described that patients may present with significant impairment of functional class, limiting performance in activities of daily living, social, family and work. Cardiac rehabilitation as an integral component is a non-pharmacological treatment alternative in the management of cardiovascular sequelae caused by SARS-CoV-2. Objective: To describe the impact of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation in a case of a patient with cardiomyopathy due to SARS-CoV-2. Case report: We present the case of a 56-year-old patient with SARS-CoV-2 cardiomyopathy who underwent comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation. Conclusions: Cardiac rehabilitation with a comprehensive multidisciplinary intervention component allowed the patient to improve aerobic capacity, symptomatology, health-related quality of life and reincorporation to social, family and work activities(AU)

Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Associated Factors Among Health Care Workers in Santiago De Cali, Colombia.

Purpose: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among health care workers and describe the associated sociodemographic and labor features. Patients and Methods: An observational study with an analytical component was conducted at a clinic in Cali, Colombia. The sample size was 708 health workers and they were selected by stratified random sampling. A Bayesian analysis was developed to determine the raw and adjusted prevalence. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate the prevalence ratios. Results: Overall seroprevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare workers was 29%. Miscellaneous services workers, healthcare, and administrative workers, was 38%, 33%, and 32%, respectively. Factors related to seropositivity were having a contact with a COVID-19 patient for >120 minutes and being diagnosed with COVID-19 by laboratory tests. Conclusion: The present study shows a adjusted seroprevalence of 29% in health workers, indicating a high level of disease transmission and an increased risk of infection in this population group.

Spatial and Temporal Diversity Variation in the Anopheles Communities in Malaria-Endemic Regions of Colombia.

This study aimed to evaluate at a temporospatial scale, the influence of anthropogenic land cover changes in the Anopheles species community composition and diversity in two Colombian malaria-endemic regions, Bajo Cauca and Pacific. To determine variations over time, mosquitoes were collected in two time periods; land cover types were characterized on orthorectified aerial photographs, and landscape metrics were estimated for each locality and period. A temporal dissimilarity analysis to evaluated species replacement and the nestedness species loss/gain showed the influence of the species loss or gain component on Anopheles species assemblage (23%). The relationship between land cover variation and Anopheles beta diversity, evaluated by regression analysis, showed the effect of forest variation in the Anopheles community (ßsim and forest r2 = 0.9323; ßsne and forest r2 = 0.9425). Furthermore, a canonical correspondence analysis showed that the land cover types associated with Anopheles species presence were bare soil, shrub, wet areas, and forest. Results demonstrated the impact of land cover changes attributed to human activities on Anopheles population dynamics, over time; this was evidenced as species loss or gain, which was specific to each locality. Notably, the main malaria vectors were dominant in most localities over time, suggesting their tolerance to anthropogenic transformations; alternatively, the environmental changes are providing adequate ecological conditions for their persistence. Finally, the data generated are relevant for understanding the impact that environmental change may have on the dynamics of the neotropical malaria vectors. Thus, this research has potential implications for vector control interventions.

Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Care Program: An Experience From Colombia.

The prevalence of Heart Failure is growing alarmingly; its treatment consumes health resources and affects the quality of life of patients. To describe the changes in NYHA functional Class, ejection fraction, hospitalizations, and mortality after 8 years of follow up in a multidisciplinary heart failure program in Colombia as a model for lower and middle income countries. An observational study was performed with the retrospective analysis of the information. 1757 patients were included, The NYHA functional class at the beginning of the program was: NYHA I 23.5%, NYHA II 50.3%, NYHA class Improvement was observed at the end of the follow-up with an increase in the percentage of patients in Functional Class NYHA I and II. The reduction in hospitalizations were 35% less (mean: 0.68 ± 0.95, P < 0.0001), a reduction in the length of stay in the hospital was 13.2% (before: 4.46 ± 7.16, after 3.87 ± 8.1 days, P < 0.001). The total mortality after eight years of follow-up was 6.6 % (n = 116). Multidisciplinary follow-up in Heart Failure (HF) programs improves Functional Class and EF, decreases hospital admissions as well as hospitalization and the length of stay. This is a very simple and successful model of care for this disease that can be implemented for countries of lower- and middle-income countries.

Variaciones fenotípicas relacionadas a respuestas hipóxicas entre andinos a distintas altitudes / Phenotypic variations related to hypoxic responses among Andeans at different altitudes

Introducción. La adaptación a grandes altitudes implica cambios evolutivos que conllevan respuestas adaptativas, como a la hipoxia. Los andinos desarrollaron fenotipos eritroides diferentes en relación con otras poblaciones a gran altitud que pueden variar dependiendo la altitud. Objetivo. Determinar las variaciones fenotípicas de hemoglobina (Hb), saturación de oxígeno (SpO2), P50 y lactato en andinos bolivianos con radicatorias entre 400, 4000 y 5000 msnm. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal de tipo prospectivo. Se recolectó sangre venosa periférica de andinos bolivianos (n=124) nacidos a 4000 m, pero con radicatoria en altitudes diferentes (400 m, 4000 m, 5000 m), así como de aquellos con eritrocitosis patológicas. Adicionalmente, se recolectó muestras de europeos residentes a 4000 m (n=11). Se realizó estudios de hemograma, oximetría y gasometría. La P50 fue calculada con fórmula de Lichtman. Resultados. Los andinos sanos, comparados entre distintas altitudes, reflejaron aumento de Hb al ser mayor la altitud (p: 0,001), empero disminución de SpO2 (p: 0,001) y P50 (p: 0,001); sin variaciones en lactato. Los europeos a 4000 m, en relación con andinos a la misma altitud, presentaron Hb incrementada (p: 0,01), SpO2 y P50 sin variaciones, pero lactato significativamente aumentado (p: 0,001). Los pacientes con eritrocitosis comparados con sujetos sanos, a 4000 m y 5000 m respectivamente, presentaron Hb aumentada (p: 0,001); SpO2 disminuida (p: 0,001); P50 sin variaciones, pero lactato incrementado (p: 0,01). El lactato elevado en sujetos a 5000 m con eritrocitosis fue llamativo (1,7 mmol/L). Conclusiones. Las variaciones fenotípicas observadas entre andinos en diferentes altitudes constituyen una expresión de una adaptación parcial a la altura.

Introduction. Human adaptation to high altitude involves evolutionary changes leading adaptive responses, such as to hypoxia. Andeans developed different erythroid phenotypes in relation to other populations at high altitude, which can vary depending on the altitude. Objective. To determine the phenotypic variations of hemoglobin (Hb), oxygen saturation (SpO2), P50 and lactate in Bolivian Andeans residing between 400, 4000 or 5000 masl. Material and methods. Prospective cross-sectional descriptive study. Peripheral venous blood from Bolivian Andeans (n=124) born at 4000 m, but residing at different altitudes (400 m, 4000 m, 5000 m), likewise from those with pathological erythrocytosis were collected. Additionally, samples from Europeans residing at 4000 m (n=11) were collected. CBC, oximetry and blood gas studies were performed. P50 was calculated using the Lichtman formula. Results. Healthy Andeans, compared between different altitudes, reflected an increased Hb (p: 0.001), but a decreased SpO2 (p: 0.001) and P50 (p: 0.001) as the altitude was higher; without variations in lactate. Europeans at 4000 m, related to Andeans at the same altitude, presented increased Hb (p: 0.01), SpO2 and P50 without variations, but significantly increased lactate (p: 0.001). Patients with erythrocytosis compared to healthy subjects, at 4000 m and 5000 m respectively, depicted increased Hb (p: 0.001); decreased SpO2 (p: 0.001); P50 without changes, but increased lactate (p: 0.01). Increased lactate in subjects with erythrocytosis at 5000 m was remarkable (1.7 mmol/L). Conclusion. The phenotypic variations observed among Andeans residing at different altitudes constitute an expression of partial adaptation to altitude.

Cognición social y funcionamiento ejecutivo en los trastornos del espectro autista: ¿Qué hace la diferencia? / Social cognition and executive function in autism spectrum disorders: What difference does it make?

Resumen El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo, cuyas dificultades radican en las esferas social y comportamental. Al presente se ha estimado que aproximadamente uno entre 59 niños presentó esta condición, que es más frecuente en hombres. El nivel depende de la severidad de las alteraciones; el nivel 1 corresponde a lo que anteriormente se conocía como síndrome de Asperger. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la relación entre cognición social (CS) y el funcionamiento ejecutivo (FE) en una muestra de niños con trastorno del espectro autista nivel 1. Para esto, se desarrolló una metodología observacional, transversal, analítico-correlacional con diseño de dos grupos independientes, TEA (n = 39) y control (n = 39) de entre 8 y 16 años, todos escolarizados. Para la evaluación de las FE se utilizaron los test de clasificación de tarjetas, fluidez verbal y dígitos en regresión de la Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil (ENI), y para la evaluación de la CS se usaron el test de falsas creencias de primer y segundo orden, el test de expresiones faciales, las historias extrañas de Happé, el test de metidas de pata (faux pas) y el test de la mirada para niños. Este estudio encontró que los test de CS -las historias extrañas de Happé y el test de las miradas- logran discriminar a ambos grupos y confirman que los sujetos TEA tienen alteración en la teoría de la mente (ToM) emocional y, asimismo, sugiere revisar la evaluación del funcionamiento ejecutivo para delinear mejor la interacción entre FE y CS en el TEA. Para ello, se recomienda ampliar la medición de las FE de dominio más emocional y delinear nuevas estrategias para comprender la interacción entre los dominios cognitivo y social, y avanzar en la intervención neurocognitiva y en el pronóstico en este síndrome.

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. The level varies depending on the impact and persistence of the symptoms in the person's daily life. Some level 3 cases have a full dependence on their caregivers, while level 1, the other side of the spectrum, includes what used to be known as Asperger's Syndrome (AS), who usually have a normal IQ and high language skills. The prevalence varies depending on the country and type of methodology for the estimation; at present it has been estimated that approximately 1 in 59 children presented this condition according to the study of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Colombia, a high prevalence of the disorder has been found: from 1/87 to 1/91 according to the screening instrument. The objective of this work is to determine the relationship between social cognition (SC), that focuses on how people process, store, and apply information about other people and social situations, and executive functioning (EF), that are skills we use every day to learn, work and manage daily life, in a sample of children with level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder. An observational, cross-sectional, correlational analytical methodology was designed with two independent groups, ASD (n = 39) and control (n = 39) between 8 and 16 years of age, all of them enrolled in school. Both groups were assessed by neurodevelopmental experts to determine the presence or absence of ASD symptoms. For the components of the EF, the card classification subtests, regression digit span and phonological fluency of the Infant Neuropsychological Assessment (ENI) were used to evaluate the capacity for abstraction, the formation of concepts and the change of cognitive strategies in response to the changes that occur in environmental contingencies, as well as the initiation, efficient organization of verbal recovery, inhibition and self-monitoring. For the SC, the first and second order false beliefs were used to evaluate the ability of subjects to infer that someone has a belief that is different from their own and a third party; the Facial Expressions Test, to assess facial emotional recognition; and advanced tests such as Happé's Strange Stories, the Faux Pas test and Reading the mind in the eyes test to assess understanding of covert language, detection of lies or deception, and attribution of cognitive emotions through inference from beliefs or intentions of others. This study found that the SC test, Happé's strange stories and Reading the mind in the eyes test were able to discriminate both groups and confirm that ASD subjects have an alteration in emotional Theory of Mind. Although no differences were found in EF between the two groups, the hypothesis that there are alterations in EF in ASD is not rejected; on the contrary, the importance of carrying out a complete evaluation with sensitive instruments is emphasized, it suggests reviewing the evaluation of executive functioning to better delineate the interaction between EF and SC in ASD, expanding the measurement of EF of more emotional domain including some "hot" EF measures; outlining new strategies to understand the interaction between the cognitive and social domains, advancing neurocognitive intervention and prognosis in this syndrome. In future phases of this line of research, a better choice of instruments should be considered, including the Theory of Mind Inventory-2 (ToMi-2), a questionnaire filled out by caregivers that allows obtaining information on factors and domains evaluated by the applied tests that also has a pragmatic subscale.

Neonatal Antibiotic Treatment Can Affect Stool Pattern and Oral Tolerance in Preterm Infants.

Preterm neonates are at high risk of infectious and inflammatory diseases which require antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics influence neonatal gut microbiome development, and intestinal dysbiosis has been associated with delayed gastrointestinal transit. Neonates who take less time to pass meconium have a better tolerance to enteral feeding. We analyzed the effect of neonatal antibiotic treatment on the stool pattern and oral tolerance in 106 preterm infants < 33 weeks gestational age. Neonates were classified in 3 groups according to neonatal antibiotic (ABT) treatment days: no antibiotics, 3−7 d ABT, and ≥8 d ABT. Preterm infants from the ≥8 d ABT group took longer to pass meconium and to start green and yellow stools, took longer to reach 100 and 150 mL/kg/day, and reached reduced volumes in enteral feeds at day of life 14 and 28 than infants from no ABT and 3−7 d ABT groups. Multiple linear regression models showed that neonatal antibiotic treatment, birth weight, invasive mechanical ventilation, surfactant, enteral feeding start day, neonatal parenteral nutrition, and neonatal fasting days are associated with the stool pattern and oral tolerance in preterm infants.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Large Vessel Occlusion in Argentina: An Economic Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) after intravenous thrombolysis (IV-tPA) is an effective and cost-saving treatment for stroke due to large vessel occlusion. However, rates of MT use are low in Argentina. This study was designed to estimate the economic value and the budget impact of incorporating MT after thrombolysis, simulating scenarios from Argentinian compulsory social health insurance (Obras Sociales) and private insurances (Empresas de Medicina Prepaga). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We adapted a previously published cost-utility and budget-impact (CUA and BIA) model to the Argentinian setting. The CUA was carried out for a lifetime horizon with efficacy inputs from the SWIFT PRIME clinical trial. For seven possible health states, we identified local costs (Argentinian Pesos AR$), utility (QALY), and transition/distribution probabilities (5% discounted rate) and performed deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The BIA was based on a six-step approach and a static model for a five-year horizon, and two scenarios (staggered growth and no growth). RESULTS: Despite higher incremental procedure costs, IV-tPA and MT was dominant over IV-tPA alone (AR$1,049,062 overall savings). Cost-effectiveness remained in the deterministic sensitivity analysis (100% probability of cost-effectiveness). Increased MT procedure volume resulted in savings in years three (0.96%), four (2.6%), and five (4.4%). By year five, 1,280 patients were treated with MT (versus 480) with overall savings of 1.8% (AR$817,244,417). CONCLUSIONS: MT after IV-tPA is cost-effective in Argentina. Savings offset the incremental hospitalization and long-term costs from the third year onwards. With increased, access the superior efficacy of MT mitigates future disability and comorbidity, reducing overall expenses.

Condición clínica, capacidad funcional, ansiedad/depresión y calidad de vida en pacientes con EPOC con diferentes rangos de edad / Clinical Condition, Functional Capacity, Anxiety or Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Different Age Groups

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica genera una discapacidad progresiva en el sujeto que la padece a causa de la disnea frecuente, lo que conlleva a limitaciones y restricciones en la participación con el incremento de la edad, lo que finalmente le desencadena estados de ansiedad y depresión, secundarios a su condición clínica. Objetivo: Establecer las diferencias en la condición clínica, capacidad funcional, ansiedad/depresión y calidad de vida en un grupo de pacientes que se encuentran entre la prevejez, senectud y la ancianidad diagnosticados con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, quienes se dividieron en grupos edad. Se tuvieron en cuenta variables las clínicas: capacidad funcional, ansiedad/depresión y calidad de vida. Resultados: Se distribuyeron los pacientes en grupos de edad de la siguiente manera: 45-59 años (prevejez) n = 16; 60-79 años (senectud) n = 89; y 80 años y más (ancianidad) n = 24. Se vincularon mayor cantidad de hombres (61,3 por ciento), todos los grupos erar mayormente casados. Hubo diferencias significativas en la distacia recorrida siendo el grupo ancianidad quien presentó un peor resultado (235,25±106,8). La ansiedad y depresión no presentaron diferencias y la calidad de vida mostró mayor afección del dominio actividades. Conclusión: Los pacientes del grupo prevejez presentaron mejor desempeño en la capacidad funcional comparado con los grupos senectud y ansianidad. A su vez, la ansiedad y depresión es mayor en pacientes en prevejez, sin embargo, no resulta ser significativa entre los grupos(AU)

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease produces progressive disability in the person who presents the disease, because of frequent dyspnea, leading to limitations and restrictions in participation with age increase, which finally triggers anxiety and depression states secondary to their clinical condition. Objective: To establish the differences in clinical condition, functional capacity, anxiety or depression, and quality of life in a group of patients between late adulthood, senescence and old age diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: Descriptive study carried out in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who were divided into age groups. Clinical variables were taken into account: functional capacity, anxiety or depression, and quality of life. Results: Patients were distributed into age groups as follows: 45-59 years (old age), n=16; 60-79 years (senescence); n=89; and 80 years and older (old age); n=24. There were significant differences in the distance traveled, with the old age group presenting the worst result (235.25±106.8). Anxiety or depression did not show differences, and quality of life showed greater repercussion in the activity domain. Conclusion: Patients in the late adulthood group presented better functional capacity compared to the senescence and old age groups. In turn, anxiety and depression were higher in patients in the late adulthood group; however, it was not significant between the groups(AU)