Two-trace two-dimensional correlation spectra (2T2D-COS) analysis using FTIR spectra to monitor the immune response by COVID-19.

There is a growing trend in using saliva for SARS-CoV-2 detection with reasonable accuracy. We have studied the responses of IgA, IgG, and IgM in human saliva by directly comparing disease with control analyzing two-trace two-dimensional correlation spectra (2T2D-COS) employing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. It explores the molecular-level variation between control and COVID-19 saliva samples. The advantage of 2T2D spectra is that it helps in discriminating remarkably subtle features between two simple pairs of spectra. It gives spectral information from highly overlapped bands associated with different systems. The clinical findings from 2T2D show the decrease of IgG and IgM salivary antibodies in the 50, 60, 65, and 75-years COVID-19 samples. Among the various COVID-19 populations studied the female 30-years group reveals defense mechanisms exhibited by IgM and IgA. Lipids and fatty acids decrease, resulting in lipid oxidation due to the SARS-CoV-2 in the samples studied. Study shows salivary thiocyanate plays defense against SARS-CoV-2 in the male population in 25 and 35 age groups. The receiver operation characteristics statistical method shows a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 94% for the samples studied. The measure of accuracy computed as F score and G score has a high value, supporting our study's validation. Thus, 2T2D-COS analysis can potentially monitor the progression of immunoglobulin's response function to COVID-19 with reasonable accuracy, which could help diagnose clinical trials. KEY MESSAGES: The molecular profile of salivary antibodies is well resolved and identified from 2T2D-COS FTIR spectra. The IgG antibody plays a significant role in the defense mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 in 25-40 years. 2T2D-COS reveals the absence of salivary thiocyanate in the 40-75 years COVID-19 population. The receiver operation characteristic (ROC) analysis validates our study with high sensitivity and specificity.

Dynamic response antibodies SARS-CoV-2 human saliva studied using two-dimensional correlation (2DCOS) infrared spectral analysis coupled with receiver operation characteristics analysis.

COVID-19 has affected the entire world due to the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, mainly through airborne particles from saliva, which, being easily obtained, help monitor the progression of the disease. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra combined with chemometric analysis could increase the diagnostic efficiency of the disease. However, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) is superior to conventional spectra as it helps to resolve the minute overlapped peaks. In this work, we aimed to use 2DCOS and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses to compare the immune response in saliva associated with COVID-19, which could be important in biomedical diagnosis. FTIR spectra of human saliva samples from male (575) and female (366) patients ranging from 20 to 85 ± 2 years of age were used for the study. Age groups were segregated as G1 (20-40 ± 2 years), G2 (45-60 ± 2 years), and G3 (65-85 ± 2 years). The results of the 2DCOS analysis showed biomolecular changes in response to SARS-CoV-2. 2DCOS analyses of the male G1 + (1579,1644) and -(1531,1598) cross peaks evidenced changes such as amide I > IgG. Female G1 cross peaks -(1504,1645), (1504,1545) and -(1391,1645) resulted in amide I > IgG > IgM. The asynchronous spectra in 1300-900 cm-1 of the G2 male group showed that IgM is more important in diagnosing infections than IgA. Female G2 asynchronous spectra -(1027,1242) and + (1068,1176) showed that IgA > IgM is produced against SARS-CoV-2. The G3 male group evidenced antibody changes in IgG > IgM. The absence of IgM in the female G3 population diagnoses a specifically targeted immunoglobulin associated with sex. Moreover, ROC analysis showed sensitivity (85-89 % men; 81-88 % women) and specificity (90-93 % men; 78-92 % women) for the samples studied. The general classification performance (F1 score) of the studied samples is high for the male (88-91 %) and female (80-90 %) populations. This high PPV (positive predictive value) and NPV (negative predictive value) verify our segregation of COVID-19 positive and negative sample groups. Therefore, 2DCOS with ROC analysis using FTIR spectra have the potential for a non-invasive approach to monitoring COVID-19.

Comparison of the Immune Response in Vaccinated People Positive and Negative to SARS-CoV-2 Employing FTIR Spectroscopy.

Various immunopathological events characterize the systemic acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Moreover, it has been reported that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and infection by SARS-CoV-2 induce humoral immunity mediated by B-cell-derived antibodies and cellular immunity mediated by T cells and memory B cells. Immunoglobulins, cytokines, and chemokines play an important role in shaping immunity in response to infection and vaccination. Furthermore, different vaccines have been developed to prevent COVID-19. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze and compare Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of vaccinated people with a positive (V-COVID-19 group) or negative (V-Healthy group) real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) test, evaluating the immunoglobulin and cytokine content as an immunological response through FTIR spectroscopy. Most individuals that integrated the V-Healthy group (88.1%) were asymptomatic; on the contrary, only 28% of the V-COVID-19 group was asymptomatic. Likewise, 68% of the V-COVID-19 group had at least one coexisting illness. Regarding the immunological response analyzed through FTIR spectroscopy, the V-COVID-19 group showed a greater immunoglobulins G, A, and M (IgG, IgA, and IgM) content, as well as the analyzed cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-ɑ), and interleukins 1ß, 6, and 10 (IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10). Therefore, we can state that it was possible to detect biochemical changes through FTIR spectroscopy associated with COVID-19 immune response in vaccinated people.

Detection of People Positive to COVID-19 through ATR-FTIR Spectra Analysis of Saliva using Machine Learning / Detección de Personas Positivas a COVID-19 mediante el Análisis de Espectros ATR-FTIR de Muestras de Saliva empleando Machine Learning

ABSTRACT COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus's spread is mainly through droplets released from the nose or mouth of an infected person. Although vaccines have been developed that effectively reduce the effects that this viral infection causes, the most effective method to contain the virus's spread is numerous tests to detect and isolate possible carriers. However, the response time, combined with the cost of actual tests, makes this option impractical. Herein, we compare some machine learning methodologies to propose a reliable strategy to detect people positive to COVID-19, analyzing saliva spectra obtained by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. After analyzing 1275 spectra, with 7 strategies commonly used in machine learning, we concluded that a multivariate linear regression model (MLMR) turns out to be the best option to identify possible infected persons. According to our results, the displacement observed in the region of the amide I of the spectrum, is fundamental and reliable to establish a border from the change in slope that causes this displacement that allows us to characterize the carriers of the virus. Being more agile and cheaper than reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), it could be reliably applied as a preliminary strategy to RT-PCR.

RESUMEN La COVID-19 es una enfermedad infecciosa ocasionada por el virus SARS-CoV-2. La propagación de este virus se produce principalmente a través de gotitas liberadas por la nariz o la boca de una persona infectada. Aunque se han desarrollado vacunas que permiten reducir efectivamente los efectos que esta infección viral provoca, el método más eficaz para contener la propagación del virus son las numerosas pruebas para detectar y aislar los posibles portadores. Sin embargo, el tiempo de respuesta, combinado con el costo de las pruebas reales, hace que esta opción sea poco práctica. Aquí, comparamos algunas metodologías de machine learning para proponer una estrategia confiable para detectar personas positivas a COVID-19 analizando espectros de saliva obtenidos por espectroscopia infrarroja transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Tras analizar 1275 espectros, con 7 estrategias comúnmente empleadas en el área de machine learning, concluimos que un modelo de regresión lineal multivariante (MLMR) resulta ser la mejor opción para identificar posibles infectados. De acuerdo con nuestros resultados, el desplazamiento observado en la región de la amida I del espectro, resulta fundamental y confiable para establecer una frontera a partir del cambio de pendiente que este provoca. Al ser más ágil y económica que la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa (RT-PCR), podría aplicarse confiablemente como estrategia preliminar a RT-PCR.

Artificial intelligence model validation before its application in clinical diagnosis assistance.

The process of selecting an artificial intelligence (AI) model to assist clinical diagnosis of a particular pathology and its validation tests is relevant since the values of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity may not reflect the behavior of the method in a real environment. Here, we provide helpful considerations to increase the success of using an AI model in clinical practice.

ATR-FTIR spectrum analysis of saliva samples from COVID-19 positive patients.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the latest biological hazard for the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Even though numerous diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 have been proposed, new diagnosis strategies are being developed, looking for less expensive methods to be used as screening. This study aimed to establish salivary vibrational modes analyzed by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to detect COVID-19 biological fingerprints that allow the discrimination between COVID-19 and healthy patients. Clinical dates, laboratories, and saliva samples of COVID-19 patients (N = 255) and healthy persons (N = 1209) were obtained and analyzed through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Then, a multivariate linear regression model (MLRM) was developed. The COVID-19 patients showed low SaO2, cough, dyspnea, headache, and fever principally. C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and ferritin were the most important altered laboratory blood tests, which were increased. In addition, changes in amide I and immunoglobulin regions were evidenced in the FTIR spectra analysis, and the MLRM showed clear discrimination between both groups. Specific salivary vibrational modes employing ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were established; moreover, the COVID-19 biological fingerprint in saliva was characterized, allowing the COVID-19 detection using an MLRM, which could be helpful for the development of new diagnostic devices.

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery: Prospective Series of 186 Pediatric Surgeries.

Objective: We present the applications and experiences of robot-assisted laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery (RALTS) in pediatric surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational, and longitudinal study was conducted from March 2015 to March 2018 that involved a non-random sample of a pediatric population that was treated with RALTS. The parameters examined were: gender, age, weight, height, diagnoses, surgical technique, elapsed time of console surgery, estimated bleeding, need for hemotransfusion, complications, surgical conversions, postoperative hospital stay, and follow-up. The Clavien-Dindo classification of complications was used. The surgical system used was the da Vinci model, Si version (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA. U.S.A), with measures of central tendency. Results: In a 36-months period, 186 RALTS cases were performed, in 147 pediatric patients and an adult; 53.23% were male, and the remaining were female. The average age was 83 months, ranging from 3.5 to 204 months, plus one adult patient of 63 years. The stature was an average of 116.6 cm, with a range of 55-185 cm; the average weight was 26.9 kg, with a range of 5-102 kg; the smallest patient at 3.5 months was 55 cm in stature and weighed 5.5 kg. We performed 41 different surgical techniques, grouped in 4 areas: urological 91, gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary (GI-HB) 84, thoracic 6, and oncological 5. The console surgery time was 137.2 min on average, ranging from 10 to 780 min. Surgeon 1 performed 154 operations (82.8%), and the remainder were performed by Surgeon 2, with a conversion rate of 3.76%. The most commonly performed surgeries were: pyeloplasty, fundoplication, diaphragmatic plication, and removal of benign tumors, by area. Hemotransfusion was performed for 4.83%, and complications occurred in 2.68%. The average postoperative stay was 2.58 days, and the average follow-up was 23.5 months. The results of the 4 areas were analyzed in detail. Conclusion: RALTS is safe and effective in children. An enormous variety of surgeries can be safely performed, including complex hepatobiliary, and thoracic surgery in small children. There are few published prospective series describing RALTS in the pediatric population, and most only describe urological surgery. It is important to offer children the advantages and safety of minimal invasion with robotic assistance; however, this procedure has only been slowly accepted and utilized for children. It is possible to implement a robust program of pediatric robotic surgery where multiple procedures are performed.

Cirugía urológica robótica. Primera serie pediátrica prospectiva en Latinoamérica / Robotic surgery in urology. First prospective pediatric case series in Latin America

Resumen Introducción El objetivo es presentar la primera serie prospectiva de cirugía urológica robótica en niños en Latinoamérica. Material y métodos Estudio prospectivo, analítico, descriptivo, de los casos pediátricos registrados en forma prospectiva que acudieron a cirugía robótica urológica (sistema da Vinci) del 23 de marzo de 2015 al 20 de abril de 2016. Resultados Se realizaron 38 cirugías en 30 pacientes con una edad promedio de 6.6 años (cuatro meses -15 años), 20 masculinos y 10 femeninos, con rango de peso de 7.5 a 60 kg, talla de 55 a 180 cm. Fueron 11 nefrectomías, 11 pieloplastias, nueve uréteres reimplantados en seis pacientes, cuatro varicocelectomías, una heminefrectomía y una liberación de obstrucción ureteropiélica extrínseca. Hubo una complicación postoperatoria (2.6%) y una conversión (2.6%). El tiempo de cirugía de consola (promedio = 150 min) y la estancia hospitalaria (promedio = 2.5 días) fueron similares a lo reportado en la literatura. Se les dio un seguimiento promedio de siete meses (1-13), con evolución satisfactoria. No hubo mortalidad. Discusión La presente serie es la primera en México y Latinoamérica. Nuestros resultados son satisfactorios y evidencian, en comparación con lo publicado en la literatura internacional, que la cirugía robótica en pediatría es factible y segura.

Abstract Introduction To report the first prospective case series of pediatric robotic urology procedures in Latin America. Material and methods A prospective, descriptive, analytic study was performed of all children who underwent robot-assisted pediatric urology surgery (da Vinci system) from March 23, 2015 to April 20, 2016. Results 38 robotic procedures were done in 30 patients. Mean age was 6.6 y (4 mo-15 yo). 20 males and 10 females. Weight range: 7.5 to 60 kg, height range: 55 to 180 cm. Eleven nephrectomies, 11 pyeloplasties, nine ureteral reimplantations in six patients, four varicocelectomies, one partial nephrectomy, one release of ureteropelvic junction extrinsic obstruction were performed. There was one postoperative complication (2.6%) and one conversion (2.6%). Mean robotic console time (mean = 150 min) and hospital stay (mean =2.5 days) were similar to those reported in the literature. The mean follow up was of seven months (1-13), with satisfactory evolution and no mortality. Discussion The present paper represents the first pediatric case series in Mexico and Latin America. Our results are satisfactory and reveal that pediatric robotic urology procedures are feasible and safely performed, similar to what has been previously reported in the international literature.

Sexual function in adult patients with spina bifida and its impact on quality of life.

PURPOSE: We evaluated sexual function in adult patients with spina bifida and its impact on quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2005 and May 2006, 76 adult patients with spina bifida, including 34 women and 42 men, with a mean age of 24.4 years (range 18 to 37) were seen for followup at our institution. Following institutional review board approval data were collected from medical records and validated questionnaires were completed, including the Watts Sexual Function Questionnaire to assess sexual function and SF-36 to assess quality of life. RESULTS: Of the 76 patients 18 (24%), including 9 women and 9 men, achieved sexual intercourse at least once in the last 2 months. There was no difference regarding gender distribution and mean age +/- SD in sexually active vs not sexually active patients (25.8 +/- 4.2 vs 24 +/- 4.5 years, p = 0.13). All levels (thoracic to sacral) of myelomeningocele were seen in the 2 groups with significant higher lesions of neurological impairment in not sexually active than in sexually active patients. No difference was seen in relation to ambulatory status and urinary incontinence. Overall total Watts Sexual Function Questionnaire scores in sexually active patients were similar in men and women. When comparing the 4 domain scores on desire, arousal, orgasm and satisfaction, women scored similar to men. Only 2 men tried to achieve paternity but failed and 1 woman gave birth. When evaluating SF-36 for quality of life, there was no significant difference in physical health (42.4 +/- 11.9 vs 38.7 +/- 7.2, p = 0.11) and mental health (54.1 +/- 11.3 vs 58.6 +/- 10.7, p = 0.12) subscores in sexually active vs not sexually active patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort 24% of adult patients with spina bifida were sexually active. Sexual activity was not related to gender, level of urinary incontinence or extent of physical disability but it was more likely in patients with more caudal levels of neurological impairment. Sexual function seems not to affect health related quality of life in these patients.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for pelvic kidneys with ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children: technique and preliminary outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is rapidly becoming an acceptable procedure for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the pediatric population. We present our experience with transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in pelvic kidneys in pediatric patients. METHODS: A transperitoneal laparoscopic approach was used for performing a pyeloplasty in 4 patients, 7 months to 8 years of age (mean age, 3.14), with ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a pelvic kidney. RESULTS: Average operative time was 2.1 hours (range, 1.5 to 2.8). Mean hospital stay was 2.15 days (range, 1 to 7). No intraoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for pelvic kidneys is feasible in the pediatric population, and preliminary results appear to offer the same outcome as that seen in orthotopic kidneys.

[Intestinal lengthening techniques: an experimental model in dogs]. / Técnicas de alargamiento intestinal: un modelo experimental en perros.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two intestinal lengthening procedures in an experimental dog model. BACKGROUND: Intestinal lengthening is one of the methods for gastrointestinal reconstruction used for treatment of short bowel syndrome. The modification to the Bianchi's technique is an alternative. The modified technique decreases the number of anastomoses to a single one, thus reducing the risk of leaks and strictures. To our knowledge there is not any clinical or experimental report that studied both techniques, so we realized the present report. METHODS: Twelve creole dogs were operated with the Bianchi technique for intestinal lengthening (group A) and other 12 creole dogs from the same race and weight were operated by the modified technique (Group B). Both groups were compared in relation to operating time, difficulties in technique, cost, intestinal lengthening and anastomoses diameter. RESULTS: There were no statistical difference in the anastomoses diameter (A = 9.0 mm vs. B = 8.5 mm, p = 0.3846). Operating time (142 min vs. 63 min) cost and technique difficulties were lower in group B (p < 0.0001). Intestinal lengthening was greater in group B (p = 0.0006). At the end of surgery as well as four hours later, all except one of the anastomoses (of Group B) and intestinal segments had good blood supply and were patent along their full length. CONCLUSION: Bianchi technique and the modified technique offer two good reliable alternatives for the treatment of short bowel syndrome. The modified technique improved operating time, cost and technical issues.

Apendicectomía por inversión: una opción más en el arsenal terapéutico del cirujano. Informe de 3 casos / Inversion appendicectomy: a non-forgotten procedure in abdominal surgery: Report of three cases

La apendicectomía incidental se realiza con la finalidad de prevenir futuros episodios de apendicitis en todo paciente que requiere cirugía abdominal por otros motivos. Se propone la realización de apendicectomía por inversión, por el beneficio de no convertir una cirugía limpia en una limpia contaminada. Los pesos de dicha técnica son: 1) esqueletizar el apéndice, 2) invertir el apéndice dentro de la luz del ciego, 3) ligar el botón apendicular y 4) colocar una jareta en la base del muñón apendicular con ligadura de la misma. Este es un procedimiento simple, rápido, limpio y con baja morbilidad, la principal contraindicación para la realización de esta técnica es la presencia de patología apendicular. En el presente escrito se revisa la técnica de apendicectomía por inversión, sus indicaciones, contraindicaciones y complicaciones con la presentación de tres casos clínicos en lactantes

Complicaciones del recién nacido en el transporte neonatal y la participación de la enfermera / Complications related to newborn-transportation between the labour and the neonate departments. The roll of the nursing personnel

Las complicaciones asociadas al transporte neonatal prolongan el periodo de hospitalización de los recién nacidos, incrementando los recursos humanos y materiales empleados. En nuestro medio no existen trabajos previos de investigación en forma prospectiva con respecto a las complicaciones asociadas al transporte neonatal, por lo que se realizó el presente estudio. Se estudiaron prospectivamente 750 recién nacidos para detectar complicaciones asociadas al transporte neonatal del 1o. de diciembre de 1996 al 30 de abril de 1997 en el Hospital Central Militar. Las complicaciones más importantes fueron la hipotermia (26 por ciento), hipoglucemia (2.05 por ciento), acidosis metabolica (1.33 por ciento), sangrado de cordón umbilical (0.13 por ciento). La mayor frecuencia de hipotermia (49.6 por ciento) en relación con el tiempo de traslado, se representó cuando este tiempo fue de 31 a 40 minutos y la menor frecuencia cuando el tiempo fue entre 10 y 20 minutos. Los niños de pretérminos e hipotróficos desarrollaron con mayor frecuencia hipotermia (36.6 y 36.5 por ciento respectivamente). En el 62.5 por ciento de los que presentaron hipotermia, la incubadora tenía el rango de temperatura de 35.1 a 36 grados centígrados. Las complicaciones asociadas al transporte neonatales están relacionadas con el tiempo transcurrido entre el nacimiento del niño y su recepción en el área de transición de la sala de neonatología, siendo más frecuente la hipotermia

Conducto arterioso permeable y resortes (Coils). Reporte preliminar y revisión de la literatura / Patent ductus arteriosus and spring Coils. Review of the literature

El conducto arteriosos permeable (CAP) es una de las cardiopatías congénitas más frecuentes. Normalmente se produce el cierre funcional del conducto poco después del nacimiento. El porcentaje de mortalidad del cierre quirúrgico del conducto es inferior al 1 por ciento por lo que ha sido el tratamiento de elección en los últimos 45 años. El cierre del CAP mediante cateterismo cardiaco intervencionista, usando diversas técnicas se ha utilizado con éxito en algunos centros y elimina los riesgos de la cirugía. En 1967 Porstmann y colaboradores reportaron un método para la oclusión transfemoral del CAP sin toracotomía. A partir de entonces se han usado numerosos dispositivos empleados, su evolución, la técnicas para su aplicación, resultados en su aplicación clínica y ventajas en comparación con el cierre quirúrgico del CAP. Se describe el uso de los resortes (Coils) de Gianturco los cuales han sido usados para la oclusión arterial por casi dos décadas. Entre otras aplicaciones se han utilizado para el manejo de fístulas arteriovenosas, malformaciones vasculares y arterias colaterales; su uso para el cierre del CAP representa una nueva aplicación. El cierre del CAP con resortes es una alternativa en evolución a la ligadura quirúrgica. Los primeros resultados son prometedores, con un índice de éxito del 92-97 por ciento. Creemos que en un futuro próximo será considerado el tratamiento de elección para la mayoría de los pacientes con CAP

Hipertención pulmonar persistente en un neonato con hernia diafragmática: tratamiento con sulfato de magnesio / Persistent pulmonary hipertension and congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a newborn. Treatment with magnesium sulphate

La hipertensión pulmonar persistente neonatal (HPPN) es factor determinante en el pronóstico de neonatos con hernia diafragmática congénita (HDC). Se han reportado efectos benéficos del sulfato de magnesio (MgSO4) sistémico en neonatos con HPPN. Se presenta el caso de un neonato a término, con HDC e insuficiencia respiratoria severa desde el nacimiento. Se administró una dosis de impregnación de MgSO4 (200 mg/kg) seguida por dosis de mantenimiento de 30 mg/kg/h. Durante la infusión se observó un incremento de la PaO2 postductal así como disminución de la diferencia de oxígeno alveolo arterial y del índice de oxigenación. Al segundo día se llevó a cabo la cirugía con evolución satisfactoria. Se concluye que el uso del MgSO4 es una alternativa fácilmente disponible y de bajo costo en el tratamiento de la HPPN en pacientes con HDC, que pudiera mejorar la morbimortalidad de este padecimiento en países que no poseen alta tecnología