Effect of distributing locally produced cloth facemasks on COVID-19-like illness and all-cause mortality-a cluster-randomised controlled trial in urban Guinea-Bissau.

Facemasks have been employed to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The community effect of providing cloth facemasks on COVID-19 morbidity and mortality is unknown. In a cluster randomised trial in urban Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, clusters (geographical areas with an average of 19 houses), were randomised to an intervention or control arm using computer-generated random numbers. Between 20 July 2020 and 22 January 2021, trial participants (aged 10+ years) living in intervention clusters (n = 90) received two 2-layer cloth facemasks, while facemasks were only distributed later in control clusters (n = 91). All participants received information on COVID-19 prevention. Trial participants were followed through a telephone interview for COVID-19-like illness (3+ symptoms), care seeking, and mortality for 4 months. End-of-study home visits ensured full mortality information and distribution of facemasks to the control group. Individual level information on outcomes by trial arm was compared in logistic regression models with generalised estimating equation-based correction for cluster. Facemasks use was mandated. Facemask use in public areas was assessed by direct observation. We enrolled 39,574 trial participants among whom 95% reported exposure to groups of >20 persons and 99% reported facemasks use, with no difference between trial arms. Observed use was substantially lower (~40%) with a 3%, 95%CI: 0-6% absolute difference between control and intervention clusters. Half of those wearing a facemask wore it correctly. Few participants (532, 1.6%) reported COVID-19-like illness; proportions did not differ by trial arm: Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.57-1.15. 177 (0.6%) participants reported consultations and COVID-19-like illness (OR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.56-1.24); 89 participants (0.2%) died (OR = 1.34, 95%CI: 0.89-2.02). Hence, though trial participants were exposed to many people, facemasks were mostly not worn or not worn correctly. Providing facemasks and messages about correct use did not substantially increase their use and had limited impact on morbidity and mortality. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04471766.

Effects of monensin in supplements for beef cattle in tropical grazing systems during the rainy season.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of monensin in supplements for grazing heifers. In experiment I, treatments consisted of protein supplements (low intake - 0.5 kg/animal/day and high intake - 1.0 kg/animal/day) associated or not with monensin. Animal performance, nutrient intake, and digestibility were evaluated. Forty crossbred heifers with an initial body weight (BW) of 213.8 ± 4.5 kg were used. There was no difference in average daily gain between treatments (average of 0.588 kg/animal/day). There was no interaction between monensin and supplements for intake parameters and digestibility. Dry matter (DM) intake was equal between treatments (~ 2% of BW). However, there was a reduction in pasture intake with the high-intake supplement. In experiment II, treatments consisted of two types of supplements (protein or mineral) associated or not with monensin. The variables analyzed were productive performance, ingestive behavior, and thermal comfort, evaluated through the index of thermal stress for cows (ITSC). Forty crossbred heifers with a BW of 159.2 ± 1.3 kg were used. The type of supplement did not influence the performance of the animals. However, monensin promoted greater weight gain in the animals (110 g/animal/day). There was an interaction effect between supplementation and monensin addition on behavioral activities, except for idle time. The inclusion of monensin in the protein supplement reduced the grazing time. The ITSC value influenced the activities of ingestive behavior, and the increase of this index reduced the grazing time in all treatments. Forage quality influences the response to monensin use, and the addition of monensin in supplements for grazing cattle during the rainy season is recommended for forages with high CP content.

Presentación cutánea atípica de histoplasmosis diseminada en paciente con VIH/sida / Atypical cutaneous presentation of disseminated

La histoplasmosis diseminada es una infección oportunista frecuente en los pacientes VIH/sida. Frecuentemente se encuentra compromiso cutáneo, siendo las formas clínicas más comunes el aspecto moluscoide, variceliforme y papulonecrótico.Se presenta el caso de una paciente con una forma cutánea atípica de histoplasmosis diseminada similar a pioderma gangrenoso cuyo diagnóstico fue realizado mediante escarificación.Es importante mantener la sospecha clínica en estas presentaciones atípicas y reforzar la utilidad de la escarificación de lesiones cutáneas como método rápido y efectivo para su diagnóstico.

Disseminated histoplasmosis is a frequent opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patients. Cutaneous manifestations are common, the most frequent are molluscum contagio-sum-like lesions, varicelliform eruption and papulo-necro-tic lesions.We present a case of an atypical disseminated cutaneous histoplasmosis with pyoderma gangrenosum-like ulcers, diagnosed by direct examination of tissue smear.It is important to have a high clinical suspicion of this atypical presentation and to emphasize the usefulness of skin smear as a simple and effective test to establish its diagnosis

Impacto del aislamiento por la pandemia de COVID-19 en la realización de pruebas rápidas de VIH en un hospital general de agudos de CABA / Impact of isolation measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic on rapid HIV tests in an Acute General Hospital in Buenos Aires City

Introducción: La infección por VIH continúa siendo un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Las restricciones tomadas durante la pandemia por COVID-19 podrían afectar el alcance de las metas 95-95-95 propuestas por ONUSIDA. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en la realización de pruebas rápidas de VIH en un hospital general de agudos.Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de los datos de pacientes mayores de 16 años, de ambos sexos, que se realizaron una prueba rápida de VIH durante la pandemia por COVID-19 vs. el período previo.Resultados: De 611 tests, 473 (77,4%) corresponden al período prepandémico y 138 (22,6%) al pandémico. La mediana de edad (rango intercuartílico) fue 32 años (24-40); sexo masculino 386 (63,2%), sin diferencias significativas. Durante el período prepandémico los motivos de testeo fueron control de salud 47,6% (n=225) y situaciones de riesgo/síntomas 52,4% (n=248), mientras que en el período pandémico fueron control de salud 27,5% (n=38) y situaciones de riesgo/síntomas 72,5% (n=100) respectivamente, p=0.0001. Tests positivos: 5,7% (n=27) vs. 8,7% (n=12), p=0.28. Las medianas de recuento de linfocitos T CD4+ y carga viral fueron: 327 cel/uL (135-718) y 66300 copias/mL (5260-192000), sin diferencias significativas.Conclusiones: La cantidad de testeos realizados durante la pandemia corresponde a un tercio de los realizados durante el período previo, con un descenso en aquellos motivados por controles de salud, evidenciando el impacto de la pandemia en el diagnóstico de VIH

INTRODUCTION: HIV infection remains as a public health worldwide problem. The restrictions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic could have affected the scope of the 95-95-95 goals proposed by UNAIDS. The aim of this work is to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of rapid HIV tests in an Acute General Hospital.METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from patients over 16 years old, of both sexes, who underwent a rapid HIV test during the COVID-19 pandemic vs. the previous period.RESULTS: Of 611 tests, 473 (77.4%) correspond to the pre-pandemic period and 138 (22.6%) to the pandemic. The median age (interquartile range) was 32 years old (24-40); male sex 386 (63.2%), without significant differences. During the pre-pandemic vs pandemic period, the reasons for testing were: health control 47.6% (n=225) and risk situations/symptoms 52.4% (n=248), vs 27.5% (n= 38) and 72.5% (n=100) respectively, p=0.0001. Positive tests: 5.7% (n=27) vs 8.7% (n=12), p=0.28. The median CD4+ T lymphocyte count and viral load were: 327 cells/uL (135-718) and 66,300 copies/mL (5,260-192,000), with no significant differences.CONCLUSIONS: The number of tests carried out during the pandemic equals to a third of those performed during the previous period, with a decrease in those motivated by health controls; evidencing the impact of the pandemic on the diagnosis of HIV

Os árbitros do desejo e os enteados da natureza: controvérsias e ontologias sobre a categoria pedofilia em torno do DSM - 5 / The arbiters of desire and the stepchildren of nature: controversies and ontologies on the category pedophilia around the DSM - 5

Pedofilia é categoria originada na psiquiatria do final do século XIX para descrever uma espécie das denominadas perversões ou desvios sexuais, hoje parafilias, que conceitua a atração sexual de adultos por crianças pré-púberes. Tornou-se objeto de proibição e punição legal, ligada à categoria "abuso sexual infantil", e de repúdio social extremo, que configurou um dos pânicos morais/sexuais a partir das últimas décadas do século XX, no Brasil a partir do início dos anos 2000. No entanto, é notável constatar que a categoria, suas definições e características e as práticas científicas e políticas decorrentes (de pesquisa, terapêuticas, jurídicas) são objeto de uma ampla literatura e intensas controvérsias acadêmicas, clínicas e forenses em muitos países centrais da Europa e América do Norte. A tese visa delinear controvérsias recentes sobre o diagnóstico psiquiátrico "pedofilia" em torno da revisão do Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders ­ DSM (Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais) ­, da American Psychiatric Association, para a formulação do DSM-5, publicado em 2013, através de uma amostra de artigos de autores presentes nas propostas de revisão do diagnóstico, que expressam epistemologias, ontologias e deontologias diversas e em confronto. Os temas das controvérsias analisadas são a mudança do diagnóstico para "pedohebefilia", a permanência ou remoção das parafilias e da pedofilia do Manual e sua natureza enquanto "orientação", "interesse" ou "preferência" sexual. As vozes presentes nas controvérsias incluem psiquiatras, sexólogos, psicólogos, historiadores e uma organização de "pessoas atraídas por menores" (MAPs), nova designação utilizada por uma vertente do ativismo pedófilo. O delineamento das controvérsias é feito a partir de seus enquadramentos institucionais, políticos, morais, éticos e clínicos, configurando disputas significativas nestas posições e um consenso em torno do "combate" e prevenção ao abuso sexual infantil, categoria forte na quase totalidade das formulações. Apesar disso, há um dissenso ideológico e político sobre se a psiquiatria deve ser um enquadramento deste crime, se este não é, de fato, problema jurídico e penal e não médico, numa crítica à extensão das entidades diagnósticas para fins morais e políticos de contemplar a opinião pública e o aparato judicial. A psiquiatria forense é campo prevalente e determinante, embora não único, da permanência da categoria enquanto diagnóstico médico. Por outro lado, são abordadas as lutas, presentes nas controvérsias e no ativismo, pela desestigmatização desta condição da sexualidade, sua distinção da violência sexual e pelo estabelecimento de cidadania plena para os MAPs, que inclui o respeito de seus direitos no atendimento em serviços de saúde mental.

Pedophilia is a category originated in psychiatry in the late 19th century to describe a species of the so-called sexual perversions or deviations, nowdays paraphilias, which conceptualizes the sexual attraction by adults of pre-pubertal children. It turned the object of legal prohibition and punition, linked to the category of "child sexual abuse", and of extreme social rejection, that shaped one of the moral/sexual panics since the last decades of the 20th century, in Brasil since the early 2000 years. Nevertheless, it's noticeable to verify that the category, its definitions and features, and the scientific and political ensuing practices (of research, therapeutic, legal) are the object of a large literature and intense academic, clinical and forensic controversies in many central countries of Europe and North America. The thesis intends to outline recent controversies on the psychiatric diagnosis "pedophilia" around the revision of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders ­ DSM - of the American Psychiatric Association and the elaboration of the DSM-5, published in 2013, through a sample of papers of acting authors in the proposals of the revision of the diagnosis, which express various epistemologies, ontologies and deontologies in dispute. The themes of the controversies under analysis are the change of the diagnosis to "pedohebephilia", the tenure or removal of paraphilias and pedophilia from the Manual and its nature as a sexual "orientation", "interest" or "preference". The figuring voices in the controversies include psychiatrists, sexologists, psychologists, historians and an organization of "minor-attracted people" (MAPs), new designation used by a branch of the pedophile activism. The delineation of the controversies is made through their institutional, political, moral, ethical and clinical frames, outlining noteworthy disputes in these positions and a consensus around the "combat" and prevention of child sexual abuse, strong category in almost the whole of the formulations. In spite of this, there is an ideological and political dissent on if psychiatry should be a frame to handle a crime, if this one is a juridical and penal problem and not a medical one, in a criticism of the extension of diagnostic entities for moral and political ends to comply with public opinion and the apparatus of Justice. Forensic psychiatry is a prevailing and decisive field, though not the only one, in the maintenance of the category as a medical diagnosis. On the other hand, the struggles, active in the controversies and activism, over the de-stigmatization of this condition of sexuality, its distinction from sexual violence and for the establishment of a full citinzenship for MAPs, including the respect of their rights of assistance in mental health services, are addressed.

[Epidemiology and treatment of adult patients with atopic dermatitis : Analysis of longitudinal data of the statutory health insurance scheme]. / Epidemiologie und Therapie von erwachsenen Patienten mit atopischer Dermatitis : Analyse von Längsschnittdaten der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to report incidence, prevalence, and treatment patterns in adult atopic dermatitis (AD) patients in the German statutory health insurance system. PATIENT AND METHODS: Anonymized claims data were evaluated at patient level for 3.3 million persons insured by six different statutory health insurance companies (SHI). Patients for whom the ICD-10 diagnosis code L20 (AD) was applied at least twice were analyzed and data on prescription patterns for AD were reported for the years 2011-2015. RESULTS: AD prevalence in adults was 1.6-1.9% in 2012-2015. Annual incidence was 0.28%. In Q3/Q4 2015, 44.2% of the adult population with AD diagnosis by a dermatologist received prescriptions for AD medications: 1.6% low-potency topical glucocorticoids (without previous prescription of systemic drugs), 46.9% moderate or high-potency topical glucocorticoids or topical calcineurin inhibitors, 23.9% current systemic therapy (systemic glucocorticoids, ciclosporin, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil) and 27.6% systemic therapy in the past. CONCLUSIONS: The AD prevalence estimate was in the range of previous reports (1.35-4%) that used different methodologies. Based on treatment proxy, it appeared that almost more than half of AD patients treated with prescription ready-to-use drugs had a severe form of AD which required treatment with systemic drugs.

Aerobic Exercise Increases the Damage to the Femoral Properties of Growing Rats with Protein-Based Malnutrition

Abstract The present study investigated the effects of aerobic physical training on the femoral morphological, densitometric and biomechanical properties in growing male rats subjected to protein-based malnutrition. Four-week-old male Wistar rats were randomized into groups of 10 animals: Control Sedentary (CS), Control Trained (CT), Malnourished Sedentary (MS) and Malnourished Trained (MT). Control and malnourished animals received diets with 12% protein and 6% protein, respectively. The trained groups were submitted to a treadmill running program for 8 weeks. Total proteins and albumin were analyzed in the animals' blood plasma. Histological, densitometric and biomechanical analyzes were performed on the animals' femur. Body mass gain, physical performance, biochemical markers and the femoral morphological, densitometric and biomechanical properties were determined. Exercise tolerance increased in trained groups. Malnourished animals exhibited lower serum protein and albumin levels than controls. Porosity and trabecular bone density were not different between groups. The femoral maximum load, maximum load until fracture, resilience, stiffness, tenacity and densitometric properties were reduced by malnutrition. Physical training associated with malnutrition exacerbated the impairment in the femoral maximum load, maximum load until fracture, bone mineral content and density. Aerobic physical training worsens the damages induced by protein-based malnutrition in the femoral biomechanical and densitometric properties of growing male rats.

Energy to protein ratios in supplements for grazing heifers in the rainy season.

This study evaluated the effect of energy and protein supplementation on the nutritional characteristics, ingestive behavior, and productive performance in grazing heifers during the rainy season. Forty crossbred heifers (Nelore breed predominance) were used in the study, with an age of 14 months and an initial mean weight of 182 ± 1.13 kg. The treatments consisted of mineral supplementation ad libitum (control) and three supplements formulated to contain an energy: protein ratio (TDN:CP) of 1.13, 2.62, and 4.06; these were denominated as low (LC, 0.5 kg animal d-1), medium (MC, 1.0 kg animal d-1), and high consumption (HC, 1.5 kg animal d-1), respectively, in order to guarantee an intake of 300 g of crude protein (CP) animal-1 d -1, with variation in energy content. There was a difference (P < 0.05) in crude protein intake, with a 44% reduction for the LC treatment in relation to HC. The lowest grazing time (398 min) was observed with the MC treatment. Urinary urea-N (UreaN) was lower for control animals (P < 0.05). Average daily gain (ADG) was lower for the control animals than for the supplemented animals (P < 0.05); there was no difference in ADG between the animals receiving supplementation. High supplementation levels and TDN:CP ratios are not recommended because they do not justify the increased costs of supplementation. Therefore, when forage presents great nutritional characteristics, it is possible to optimize the performance of the animals with low to medium consumption supplementation.

Brain Subtyping Enhances The Neuroanatomical Discrimination of Schizophrenia.

Identifying distinctive subtypes of schizophrenia could ultimately enhance diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. We aimed to uncover neuroanatomical subtypes of chronic schizophrenia patients to test whether stratification can enhance computer-aided discrimination of patients from control subjects. Unsupervised, data-driven clustering of structural MRI (sMRI) data was used to identify 2 subtypes of schizophrenia patients drawn from a US-based open science repository (n = 71) and we quantified classification improvements compared to controls (n = 74) using supervised machine learning. We externally validated the unsupervised and supervised learning models in a heterogeneous German validation sample (n = 316), and characterized symptom, cognition, and longitudinal symptom change signatures. Stratification improved classification accuracies from 68.5% to 73% (subgroup 1) and 78.8% (subgroup 2), respectively. Increased accuracy was also found when models were externally validated, and an average gain of 9% was found in supplementary analyses. The first subgroup was associated with cortical and subcortical volume reductions coupled with substantially longer illness duration, whereas the second subgroup was mainly characterized by cortical reductions, reduced illness duration, and comparatively less negative symptoms. Individuals within each subgroup could be identified using just 10 clinical questions at an accuracy of 81.2%, and differential cognitive and symptom course signatures were suggested in multivariate analyses. Our findings suggest that sMRI-based subtyping enhances the neuroanatomical discrimination of schizophrenia by identifying generalizable brain patterns that align with a clinical staging model of the disorder. These findings could be used to improve illness stratification for biomarker-based computer-aided diagnoses.

Phytosterols in the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia and Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Phytosterols are bioactive compounds found in foods of plant origin, which can be divided into plant sterols and plant stanols. Clinical studies consistently indicate that the intake of phytosterols (2 g/day) is associated with a significant reduction (8-10%) in levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol). Thus, several guidelines recommend the intake of 2 g/day of plant sterols and/or stanols in order to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels. As the typical western diet contains only about 300 mg/day of phytosterols, foods enriched with phytosterols are usually used to achieve the recommended intake. Although phytosterols decrease LDL-cholesterol levels, there is no evidence that they reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases; on the contrary, some studies suggest an increased risk of atherosclerosis with increasing serum levels of phytosterols. This review aims to address the evidence available in the literature on the relationship between phytosterols and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Phytosterols in the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia and Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases / Fitosteróis no Tratamento da Hipercolesterolemia e Prevenção de Doenças Cardiovasculares

Abstract Phytosterols are bioactive compounds found in foods of plant origin, which can be divided into plant sterols and plant stanols. Clinical studies consistently indicate that the intake of phytosterols (2 g/day) is associated with a significant reduction (8-10%) in levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol). Thus, several guidelines recommend the intake of 2 g/day of plant sterols and/or stanols in order to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels. As the typical western diet contains only about 300 mg/day of phytosterols, foods enriched with phytosterols are usually used to achieve the recommended intake. Although phytosterols decrease LDL-cholesterol levels, there is no evidence that they reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases; on the contrary, some studies suggest an increased risk of atherosclerosis with increasing serum levels of phytosterols. This review aims to address the evidence available in the literature on the relationship between phytosterols and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Resumo Os fitosteróis são compostos bioativos encontrados em alimentos de origem vegetal e que podem ser divididos em esteróis vegetais e estanóis vegetais. Estudos clínicos indicam de forma consistente que a ingestão de fitosteróis (2 g/dia) está associada a uma redução significativa (8-10%) de níveis de colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-C). Desta forma, diversas diretrizes recomendam a ingestão de 2 g/dia de esteróis e/ou estanóis vegetais com o objetivo de reduzir os níveis de LDL-C. Como uma dieta ocidental típica contém apenas cerca de 300 mg/dia de fitosteróis, normalmente são utilizados alimentos enriquecidos com fitosteróis para alcançar a ingestão recomendada. Apesar dos fitosteróis reduzirem os níveis de LDL-C, não há evidências de que reduzam o risco de doenças cardiovasculares. Pelo contrário, alguns estudos sugerem que a elevação na concentração sérica de fitosteróis possa estar associada com aumento no risco de aterosclerose. Esta revisão tem como objetivo abordar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre a relação entre fitosteróis e risco de doenças cardiovasculares.

Abuso sexual infantil em laudos psicológicos: as "duas psicologias" / Child sexual abuse in psychological reports: the "two psychologies"

Resumo A psicologia é um dos campos e disciplinas que constituiu e molda a categoria "abuso sexual infantil", tomada no artigo como tipo classificatório construído social e historicamente. O artigo busca analisar esta moldagem em uma prática psicológica, a avaliação realizada no Judiciário e expressa em laudos, a partir de uma pesquisa em processos em Varas de Família e Varas Criminais do Tribunal de Justiça do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. São constatadas, no material pesquisado, duas posturas da psicologia forense, a das Varas de Família, que desloca a categoria com apoio no diagnóstico de alienação parental (ou a conserva, se este diagnóstico não é feito), e a das Varas Criminais, marcada pela exclusão da avaliação do homem acusado e pela ênfase no testemunho de vítimas e acusadores. O homem pode aparecer como um pai vitimado pela alienação parental ou um monstro moralmente desqualificado.

Abstract Psychology is one of the fields and disciplines that constitute and shape the category "child sexual abuse", considered in the article as a classificatory type socially and historically constructed. The article seeks to analyze this molding in a psychological practice, the assessment made in the court system and expressed in psychological reports, researched in a sample of legal proceedings of Family and Criminal Courts in the Court of Justice of the State of Rio de Janeiro (TJERJ) that contain the accusation of child sexual abuse. In our analysis of forensic psychology reports we found two standpoints, one prevalent in the Family jurisdiction, that modifies and reshapes the category based on the diagnosis of parental alienation (if the diagnosis of parental alienation is confirmed it contradicts the abuse accusation, the opposite being also true), and another prevalent in the Criminal jurisdictions, which excludes the accused man from its evaluation and emphasizes the testimony of victims and accusers. Man, thus, appears either as a victimized father by parental alienation or as a morally disqualified monster.

Detecting Neuroimaging Biomarkers for Depression: A Meta-analysis of Multivariate Pattern Recognition Studies.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have examined functional and structural brain alteration in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). The introduction of multivariate statistical methods allows investigators to utilize data concerning these brain alterations to generate diagnostic models that accurately differentiate patients with MDD from healthy control subjects (HCs). However, there is substantial heterogeneity in the reported results, the methodological approaches, and the clinical characteristics of participants in these studies. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of all studies using neuroimaging (volumetric measures derived from T1-weighted images, task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], resting-state MRI, or diffusion tensor imaging) in combination with multivariate statistical methods to differentiate patients diagnosed with MDD from HCs. RESULTS: Thirty-three (k = 33) samples including 912 patients with MDD and 894 HCs were included in the meta-analysis. Across all studies, patients with MDD were separated from HCs with 77% sensitivity and 78% specificity. Classification based on resting-state MRI (85% sensitivity, 83% specificity) and on diffusion tensor imaging data (88% sensitivity, 92% specificity) outperformed classifications based on structural MRI (70% sensitivity, 71% specificity) and task-based functional MRI (74% sensitivity, 77% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the high representational capacity of multivariate statistical methods to identify neuroimaging-based biomarkers of depression. Future studies are needed to elucidate whether multivariate neuroimaging analysis has the potential to generate clinically useful tools for the differential diagnosis of affective disorders and the prediction of both treatment response and functional outcome.

Classifying Schizophrenia Using Multimodal Multivariate Pattern Recognition Analysis: Evaluating the Impact of Individual Clinical Profiles on the Neurodiagnostic Performance.

Previous studies have shown that structural brain changes are among the best-studied candidate markers for schizophrenia (SZ) along with functional connectivity (FC) alterations of resting-state (RS) patterns. This study aimed to investigate effects of clinical and sociodemographic variables on the classification by applying multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) to both gray matter (GM) volume and FC measures in patients with SZ and healthy controls (HC). RS and structural magnetic resonance imaging data (sMRI) from 74 HC and 71 SZ patients were obtained from a Mind Research Network COBRE dataset available via COINS (http://coins.mrn.org/dx). We used a MVPA framework using support-vector machines embedded in a repeated, nested cross-validation to generate a multi-modal diagnostic system and evaluate its generalizability. The dependence of neurodiagnostic performance on clinical and sociodemographic variables was evaluated. The RS classifier showed a slightly higher accuracy (70.5%) compared to the structural classifier (69.7%). The combination of sMRI and RS outperformed single MRI modalities classification by reaching 75% accuracy. The RS based moderator analysis revealed that the neurodiagnostic performance was driven by older SZ patients with an earlier illness onset and more pronounced negative symptoms. In contrast, there was no linear relationship between the clinical variables and neuroanatomically derived group membership measures. This study achieved higher accuracy distinguishing HC from SZ patients by fusing 2 imaging modalities. In addition the results of RS based moderator analysis showed that age of patients, as well as their age at the illness onset were the most important clinical features.

Aberrant Functional Whole-Brain Network Architecture in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Meta-analysis.

Findings from multiple lines of research provide evidence of aberrant functional brain connectivity in schizophrenia. By using graph-analytical measures, recent studies indicate that patients with schizophrenia exhibit changes in the organizational principles of whole-brain networks and that these changes relate to cognitive symptoms. However, there has not been a systematic investigation of functional brain network changes in schizophrenia to test the consistency of these changes across multiple studies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify all available functional graph-analytical studies in patients with schizophrenia. Effect size measures were derived from each study and entered in a random-effects meta-analytical model. All models were tested for effects of potential moderator variables as well as for the presence of publication bias. The results of a total of n = 13 functional neuroimaging studies indicated that brain networks in patients with schizophrenia exhibit significant decreases in measures of local organization (g = -0.56, P = .02) and significant decreases in small-worldness (g = -0.65, P = .01) whereas global short communication paths seemed to be preserved (g = 0.26, P = .32). There was no evidence for a publication bias or moderator effects. The present meta- analysis demonstrates significant changes in whole brain network architecture associated with schizophrenia across studies.

Prediction of outcome in the psychosis prodrome using neuroanatomical pattern classification.

To date, research into the biomarker-aided early recognition of psychosis has focused on predicting the transition likelihood of clinically defined individuals with different at-risk mental states (ARMS) based on structural (and functional) brain changes. However, it is currently unknown whether neuroimaging patterns could be identified to facilitate the individualized prediction of symptomatic and functional recovery. Therefore, we investigated whether cortical surface alterations analyzed by means of multivariate pattern recognition methods could enable the single-subject identification of functional outcomes in twenty-seven ARMS individuals. Subjects were dichotomized into 'good' vs. 'poor' outcome groups on average 4years after the baseline MRI scan using a Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) threshold of 70. Cortical surface-based pattern classification predicted good (N=14) vs. poor outcome status (N=13) at follow-up with an accuracy of 82% as determined by nested leave-one-cross-validation. Neuroanatomical prediction involved cortical area reductions in superior temporal, inferior frontal and inferior parietal areas and was not confounded by functional impairment at baseline, or antipsychotic medication and transition status over the follow-up period. The prediction model's decision scores were correlated with positive and general symptom scores in the ARMS group at follow-up, whereas negative symptoms were not linked to predicted poorer functional outcome. These findings suggest that poorer functional outcomes are associated with non-resolving attenuated psychosis and could be predicted at the single-subject level using multivariate neuroanatomical risk stratification methods. However, the generalizability and specificity of the suggested prediction model should be thoroughly investigated in future large-scale and cross-diagnostic MRI studies.

Hipertensión arterial en menores de edad del hospital general de Zacatecas, México / Arterial hypertension in minors of the general hospital of Zacatecas, Mexico

Objetivo: Obtener la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial sistémica en niños en el Hospital General de Zacatecas (HGZ). Identificar género, edad, etiología, diagnóstico, métodos confirmatorios y terapéutica. Además, comparar resultados con la literatura médica. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de prevalencias que analizó 5 941 expedientes digitales de servicios de cardiología y nefrología pediátrica del HGZ, de agosto 2013 a agosto 2015, en el sistema de cómputo hospitalario, denominado SIGHO. Se seleccionó pacientes con diagnóstico de Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica (HAS), revisándoles género, edad, etiología, método de confirmación diagnóstica, y tratamiento indicado, mediante el computador central y administrativo del hospital, para identificar las consultas y pacientes con los filtros específicos. El análisis de datos se estableció por medio del Software SPSS.19® para Windows. Resultados: De 5 941 consultas totales, 3 277 de Cardiopediatría y 2 664 de nefropediatría. Con solo 40 pacientes con HAS, 0,67%; 25 de ellos masculinos, 62,5%; una frecuencia asentada entre edades de 1-4 años, con 45%. En su etiología la mayoría presentaron coartación de aorta con 57,5%, insuficiencia renal crónica en un 27,5%, solo 1 niño con tumor renal, 1 con HAS renovascular y 1 con HAS primaria, equivalente 2,5%, y se clasifico 3 pacientes con HAS secundaria sin especificar, 7,5%. Conclusiones: Resalta la baja prevalencia de HAS pediátrica, de 0,67%, en casi 6 000 consultas, comparativamente con la literatura universal de 1,5-3%; y a casuística con coartación aortica en 57,5% e insuficiencia renal crónica en 27,5%, y otras patologías renales en menor frecuencia, invirtiendo causas primero la coartación de aorta y después problemas parenquimatosos renales.

Aim: To obtain the prevalence of hypertension in children in the General Hospital of Zacatecas (HGZ). Identify gender, age, etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic methods Confirmatory. In addition, to compare results with the medical literature. Methods: Retrospective study that analyzed 5 941 digital records of pediatric cardiology and pediatric nephrology of HGZ, from August 2013 to August 2015, in the hospital computer system, called SIGHO. Patients were selected with diagnosis of systemic hypertension (HAS), reviewing gender, age, etiology, methods of diagnostic confirmation and treatment indicated by the central and administrative computer of the hospital for identify queries and patients with specific filters. Data analysis was established by the SPSS.19® Software for Windows. Results: Of 5 941 total views, 3 277 and 2 664 of pediatric cardiology and pediatric nephrology. With only 40 patients with HAS, 0,67%; 25 of them male, 62,5%; main frequency seated between the ages of 1-4 years, with 45%. In its etiology most they had aortic coarctation with 57,5%, chronic renal failure in 27,5%, only 1 child with renal tumor, 1 with HAS by the renal vasculature and 1 with HAS primary, equivalent to 2,5% and 3 patients was classified with HAS secondary unspecified 7,5%. Conclusions: Highlight the low prevalence of pediatric hypertension, 0,67%, almost 6,000 consultations, compared with world literature 1,5-3%; Casuistry with coarctation in 57,5% and chronic renal failure in 27,5%, and other renal diseases less frequently, investing causes aortic coarctation first and then parenchymal kidney problems.

Population pharmacokinetic analysis of tacrolimus in Mexican paediatric renal transplant patients: role of CYP3A5 genotype and formulation.

AIMS: The aims of this study were (i) to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of tacrolimus in a Mexican renal transplant paediatric population (n = 53) and (ii) to test the influence of different covariates on its PK properties to facilitate dose individualization. METHODS: Population PK and variability parameters were estimated from whole blood drug concentration profiles obtained at steady-state using the non-linear mixed effect modelling software NONMEM® Version 7.2. RESULTS: Tacrolimus PK profiles exhibited high inter-patient variability (IPV). A two compartment model with first order input and elimination described the tacrolimus PK profiles in the studied population. The relationship between CYP3A5 genotype and tacrolimus CL/F was included in the final model. CL/F in CYP3A5*1/*1 and *1/*3 carriers was approximately 2- and 1.5-fold higher than in CYP3A5*3/*3 carriers (non-expressers), respectively, and explained almost the entire IPV in CL/F. Other covariates retained in the final model were the tacrolimus dose and formulation type. Limustin® showed markedly lower concentrations than the rest of the formulations. CONCLUSIONS: Population PK modelling of tacrolimus in paediatric renal transplant recipients identified the tacrolimus formulation type as a significant covariate affecting the blood concentrations and confirmed the previously reported significant effect of CYP3A5 genotype on CL/F. It allowed the design of a proposed dosage based on the final model that is expected to help to improve tacrolimus dosing.