Concordance between two models of stratification for patients living with HIV infection to providing pharmaceutical care. / [Artículo traducido] Concordancia entre 2 modelos de estratificación de pacientes que viven con el VIH para la prestación de atención farmacéutica.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of agreement of two differents stratification models for pharmaceutical care to people living with HIV. METHODS: This was a single-centre observational prospective cohort study of patients with regular follow-up in pharmaceutical care consultations according to the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity methodology, conducted between January 1st and March 31th, 2023. Patients received the pharmacotherapeutic interventions applied routinely to ambulatory care patients according to this model. As part of the usual clinical practice, the presence or absence of the variables that apply to both stratification models were collected. The scores obtained and the corresponding stratification level were collected for each patient according to both stratification models published (ST-2017 and ST-2022). To analyze the reliability between the measurements of two numerical score models of the stratification level with both tools, their degree of concordance was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Likewise, reliability was also evaluated from a qualitative perspective by means of Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Additionally, the existence of correlation between the scores of the two models was assessed by calculating Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Of the total of 758 patients being followed in the cohort, finally, 233 patients were enrolled. The distribution of patients for each stratification model was: ST-2017: 59.7% level-3, 25.3% level-2 and 15.0% level-1, while for ST-2022: 60.9% level-3, 26.6% level-2 and 12.4% level-1. It was observed that the reclassification was symmetrical (p=0.317). The qualitative analysis of the agreement between the models showed a good Cohen's kappa value, (K=0.66). A value of 0.563 was found as the intraclass correlation coefficient. Finally, the correlation analysis between the quantitative scores of the two models yielded a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.86. CONCLUSIONS: The concordance between the two models was good, which confirms that the multidimensional adaptation and simplification of the model were correct and that its use can be extended in routine clinical practice.

Comparative analysis of the prevalence 3-HIT concept in people living with HIV and seronegative patients with chronic conditions. Cross-3HIT Project.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess and compare the occurrence of 3-HIT in people living with HIV (PLWH) and seronegative patients. Additionally, the study investigated whether HIV infection could serve as a predictor of the presence of 3-HIT. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 to compare PLWH with a group of seronegative patients with chronic diseases attending an outpatient hospital pharmacy service. The 3-HIT concept encompasses the simultaneous presence of non-adherence to concomitant treatment (NAC), drug-drug interactions (DDIs), and high pharmacotherapeutic complexity in polymedicated patients. The assessment of 3-HIT compliance included NAC, evaluated using both the Morisky-Green questionnaire and electronic pharmacy dispensing records. DDIs were analysed using the Liverpool University and Micromedex databases. Pharmacotherapeutic complexity was measured using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) tool. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors related to 3-HIT. Additionally, an explanatory logistic model was created to investigate whether HIV infection, along with other adjustment variables, could predict compliance with the 3-HIT concept. RESULTS: The study included 145 patients: 75 PLWH and 70 seronegative patients. The median age was 40 versus 39 years, respectively (p=0.22). Seronegative patients exhibited a higher prevalence of NAC (p<0.01). HIV infection was identified as a protective factor in the context of DDIs (p<0.01). Male sex (p<0.01) and age (p=0.01) were identified as being associated with an MRCI ≥11.25 points. A higher prevalence of 3-HIT was observed in seronegative patients (18.7% vs 48.6%, p<0.01). However, the developed regression model identified HIV infection as a risk factor associated with an increased likelihood of 3-HIT (OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.88 to 8.52, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The 3-HIT concept exhibited a high prevalence among seronegative patients with chronic diseases, with HIV infection identified as a predicted risk factor for NAC and the development of 3-HIT.

Analysis of antiretroviral therapy interruption in people living with HIV during the 2010-2021 Period. / [Artículo traducido] Análisis de la interrupción de la terapia antirretroviral en personas que viven con VIH/sida durante el periodo 2010­2021.

OBJECTIVE: In the context of the advancement of antiretroviral therapy and, as the characteristics of people living with HIV progress toward an aging population, understanding the causes of treatment interruption becomes crucial. The aim of the study was to determine the change in reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation for 12 years. Secondarily, compare annual antiretroviral regimen discontinuation rate and factors associated. METHODS: We conducted an analysis using data from people living with HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and discontinued it for any reason. The study included people with HIV infection who visited an outpatient hospital pharmacy clinic from January 2010 to December 2021. Two periods were differentiated for the analysis: 2010-2015 and 2016-2021. The reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation followed classification described by Swiss cohort. In the context of this study, it is pertinent to note that the term 'interruption' will be consistently used in this article to refer to the act of switching or stopping antiretroviral treatment. To examine factors associated with antiretroviral therapy discontinuation, we utilized Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional models. RESULTS: We included 789 people living with HIV, predominantly male (81,5%). The main reason for discontinuation was clinical decision (50.2%) followed by adverse effects (37.9%). Focusing on clinical decision, we observed a trend change that went from antiretroviral treatment simplification regimen (56.1%) in the first part of the period analyzed to the therapeutic optimization (53.6%) in the second half. Furthermore, factors that were statistically significantly associated with antiretroviral treatment discontinuation were people with HIV ≥50 years (HR 1.60; 95%CI 1.25-2.04), post-discontinuation single-tablet regimen (HR 1.49; 95%CI 1.06-2.11) and antiretroviral drug classes. CONCLUSIONS: Over the 12 years there has been a change in the main cause of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation, currently therapeutic optimization being the main reason. Integrase inhibitors-based regimens and singletablet regimen strategies were less likely to be discontinued than others antiretroviral drug classes, allowing for better clinical management due to the efficacy profile, especially in people living with HIV ≥50 years with comorbidities.

Concordance between two models of stratification for patients living with HIV infection to providing pharmaceutical care.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of agreement of 2 differents stratification models for pharmaceutical care to people living with HIV. METHODS: This was a single-center observational prospective cohort study of patients with regular follow-up in pharmaceutical care consultations according to the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity methodology, conducted between January 1 and March 31, 2023. Patients received the pharmacotherapeutic interventions applied routinely to ambulatory care patients according to this model. As part of the usual clinical practice, the presence or absence of the variables that apply to both stratification models were collected. The scores obtained and the corresponding stratification level were collected for each patient according to both stratification models published (ST-2017 and ST-2022). To analyze the reliability between the measurements of 2 numerical score models of the stratification level with both tools, their degree of concordance was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Likewise, reliability was also evaluated from a qualitative perspective by means of Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Additionally, the existence of correlation between the scores of the 2 models was assessed by calculating Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Of the total of 758 patients being followed in the cohort, finally, 233 patients were enrolled. The distribution of patients for each stratification model was: ST-2017: 59.7% level-3, 25.3% level-2, and 15.0% level-1, while for ST-2022: 60.9% level-3, 26.6% level-2, and 12.4% level-1. It was observed that the reclassification was symmetrical (P=.317). The qualitative analysis of the agreement between the models showed a good Cohen's kappa value, (K=0.66). A value of 0.563 was found as the intraclass correlation coefficient. Finally, the correlation analysis between the quantitative scores of the 2 models yielded a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.86. CONCLUSIONS: The concordance between the 2 models was good, which confirms that the multidimensional adaptation and simplification of the model were correct and that its use can be extended in routine clinical practice.

Analysis of antiretroviral therapy interruption in people living with HIV during the 2010-2021 period.

INTRODUCTION: In the context of the advancement of antiretroviral therapy and as the characteristics of people living with HIV progress toward an ageing population, understanding the causes of treatment interruption becomes crucial. The aim of the study was to determine the change in reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation for 12 years. Secondarily, compare annual antiretroviral regimen discontinuation rate and factors associated. METHODS: We conducted an analysis using data from people living with HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and discontinued it for any reason. The study included people with HIV infection who visited an outpatient hospital pharmacy clinic from January 2010 to December 2021. Two periods were differentiated for the analysis: 2010-2015 and 2016-2021. The reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation followed classification described by Swiss cohort. In the context of this study, it is pertinent to note that the term "discontinuation" is employed synonymously with "interruption". The term "discontinuation" will be consistently used in this article to refer to the act of switching or stopping antiretroviral treatment. To examine factors associated with antiretroviral therapy discontinuation, we utilised Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional models. RESULTS: We included 789 people living with HIV, predominantly male (81.5%). The main reason for discontinuation was clinical decision (50.2%) followed by adverse effects (37.9%). Focusing on clinical decision, we observed a trend change that went from antiretroviral treatment simplification regimen (56.1%) in the first part of the period analysed to the therapeutic optimisation (53.6%) in the second half. Furthermore, factors that were statistically significantly associated with antiretroviral treatment discontinuation were people with HIV≥50 years (HR 1.60; 95%CI 1.25-2.04), post-discontinuation single-tablet regimen (HR 1.49; 95%CI 1.06-2.11) and antiretroviral drug classes. CONCLUSION: Over the 12 years, there has been a change in the main cause of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation, currently therapeutic optimisation being the main reason. Integrase inhibitors-based regimens and single-tablet regimen strategies were less likely to be discontinued than others antiretroviral drug classes, allowing for better clinical management due to the efficacy profile, especially in people living with HIV≥50 years with comorbidities.

Damage Identification of Railway Bridges through Temporal Autoregressive Modeling.

The damage identification of railway bridges poses a formidable challenge given the large variability in the environmental and operational conditions that such structures are subjected to along their lifespan. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a novel damage identification approach exploiting continuously extracted time series of autoregressive (AR) coefficients from strain data with moving train loads as highly sensitive damage features. Through a statistical pattern recognition algorithm involving data clustering and quality control charts, the proposed approach offers a set of sensor-level damage indicators with damage detection, quantification, and localization capabilities. The effectiveness of the developed approach is appraised through two case studies, involving a theoretical simply supported beam and a real-world in-operation railway bridge. The latter corresponds to the Mascarat Viaduct, a 20th century historical steel truss railway bridge that remains active in TRAM line 9 in the province of Alicante, Spain. A detailed 3D finite element model (FEM) of the viaduct was defined and experimentally validated. On this basis, an extensive synthetic dataset was constructed accounting for both environmental and operational conditions, as well as a variety of damage scenarios of increasing severity. Overall, the presented results and discussion evidence the superior performance of strain measurements over acceleration, offering great potential for unsupervised damage detection with full damage identification capabilities (detection, quantification, and localization).

Correlates of one-year mortality among patients living with HIV according to the stratification level of the pharmaceutical care model.

OBJECTIVES: The patient living with HIV (PLWH) profile has changed and with it, the importance of patient-oriented pharmaceutical care (PC) has been highlighted, for which the stratification tool of the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity (CMO) PC model helps us which adapts to the needs of each patient. To assess the true relevance, our main objective is to evaluate the differences of one-year mortality among PLWH stratified according to this model. METHODS: A single-center observational analytical survival research study including adult PLWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) from January-2021 to January-2022 treated at hospital pharmacy outpatient service according to CMO pharmaceutical care model. RESULTS: A total of 428 patients were included, a median age of 51 years (interquartile range 42-57 year). Overall, the number of patients stratified according to the CMO PC model was 86.2% at level 3, 9.8% at level 2, and 4.0% at level 1. Cox proportional hazard model that included the stratification level was associated with a higher mortality, whose level 1 patients had a 99.7% higher mortality (Hazard ratio=0.0003; 95%CI: 0.001-0.027). CONCLUSIONS: To sum up, mortality of-one year differs when comparing the PC strata of level 1 and non-level 1, although being similar in age and other clinical conditions. This result suggests that the multidimensional stratification tool, included in the CMO PC model, could be used to modulate the patients intensity follow-up and design interventions more tailored to their needs.

Influence of baseline characteristics and stratification level of patients living with HIV on pharmaceutical interventions developed according to the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity methodology.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years the therapeutic approach to patients with HIV has gone from being multidisciplinary to multidimensional, being vital to know the different aspects that define patients in order to outline the best care interventions for each patient. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the individual characteristics (demographic and clinical, pharmacotherapeutic and HIV infection control data) of patients with HIV being followed up using the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity methodology on the pharmaceutical interventions performed. METHODS: A single-centre prospective observational study was conducted between February 2019 and January 2020. Patients with HIV aged ≥18 years on antiretroviral treatment and who were receiving pharmaceutical care based on the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity methodology were included. Demographic, clinical and pharmaceutical variables and HIV infection control data were registered at baseline. To identify the independent variables associated with pharmaceutical interventions, a univariate logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included in the study. A total of 129 pharmaceutical care consultations were performed and 909 pharmaceutical interventions were carried out: 503/909 (55.3%) capacity interventions, 381/909 (41.9%) motivation interventions, 25/909 (2.8%) opportunity interventions. The educational level had a significant influence on the opportunity (p=0.025) and transversal training interventions performed (p=0.001). A relationship was found between the antiretroviral therapy received and the development of safety interventions (p=0.037). The presence of polypharmacy significantly influenced concomitant review and validation (p=0.030) and motivation interventions (p=0.041). Adherence of ≥95% had a significant influence on the motivation interventions carried out (p=0.038). Stratification significantly influenced adherence interventions (p=0.033). The sex and age of the patients, as well as their toxic habits, presence of comorbidities, CD4+ cell count and HIV viral load, did not significantly influence the pharmaceutical interventions performed (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study has elucidated the pharmaceutical interventions carried out in a pharmaceutical care consultation for patients with HIV based on the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity model and ascertained the individual characteristics (demographic and clinical, pharmacotherapeutic and HIV infection control data) that may have conditioned them.

Influencia de la polifarmacia en la presencia simultánea de alta complejidad farmacoterapéutica, interacciones medicamentosas y no adherencia a la medicación en pacientes con infección por VIH. Proyecto 3-HIT / Influence of polypharmacy in the simultaneous presence of high pharmacotherapeutic complexity, drug interactions and non-adherence to medication in patients with HIV infection. Project 3-HIT

Introducción: La alta complejidad farmacoterapéutica, las interacciones farmacológicas y la falta de adherencia a la medicación concomitante son circunstancias con consecuencias negativas en la evolución clínica de los pacientes con infección por VIH. El fenómeno 3-HIT se refiere a la ocurrencia simultánea de estas situaciones. El objetivo del estudio es determinar la prevalencia del fenómeno 3-HIT en la población VIH polimedicada así como determinar los factores relacionados con su ocurrencia. Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y unicéntrico que incluyó a todos los pacientes ancianos en tratamiento antirretroviral activo en seguimiento farmacoterapéutico entre enero y marzo de 2020. Se realizó un modelo de regresión logística para evaluar los factores asociados a la ocurrencia del 3-HIT concepto con las variables significativamente asociadas a este fenómeno y aquellas consideradas clínicamente relevantes. Resultados: Se incluyeron 428 pacientes, registrándose una prevalencia de polifarmacia en el 25,9% de la muestra de estudio. El fenómeno 3-HIT se detectó en el 6,3% de los pacientes. Por cada fármaco concomitante prescrito, el riesgo de desarrollar el fenómeno 3-HIT aumenta 1,5 veces. Conclusión: La prevalencia del fenómeno 3-HIT es alta en pacientes VIH con polimedicación. Un cambio en el modelo de atención farmacéutica a un entorno multidimensional es esencial, junto con estrategias de optimización farmacoterapéutica para mejorar los resultados de salud de los pacientes.(AU)

Introduction: The high pharmacotherapeutic complexity, drug interactions and lack of adherence to concomitant medication are circumstances with negative consequences in the clinical evolution of patients with HIV infection. The 3-HIT phenomenon refers to the simultaneous occurrence of these situations. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of the phenomenon 3-HIT in the polymedicated HIV population as well as to determine factors related to its occurrence. Methods: Observational, retrospective and single-center study that included all elderly patients on active antiretroviral treatment in pharmacotherapeutic follow-up between January and March 2020. A logistic regression model was carried out to evaluate the factors associated with the occurrence of the 3-HIT concept with the variables significantly associated with this phenomenon and those considered clinically relevant. Results: 428 patients were included, registering a prevalence of polypharmacy in 25.9% of the study sample. The 3-HIT phenomenon was detected in 6.3% of the patients. For each concomitant drug prescribed the risk of developing the phenomenon 3-HIT increases 1.5 times. Conclusion: Prevalence of the phenomenon 3-HIT is high in HIV patients with polymedication. A change in the pharmaceutical care model to a multidimensional setting is essential, together with pharmacotherapeutic optimization strategies to improve patient health outcomes.(AU)

Influence of polypharmacy in the simultaneous presence of high pharmacotherapeutic complexity, drug interactions and non-adherence to medication in patients with HIV infection. Project 3-HIT.

INTRODUCTION: The high pharmacotherapeutic complexity, drug interactions and lack of adherence to concomitant medication are circumstances with negative consequences in the clinical evolution of patients with HIV infection. The 3-HIT phenomenon refers to the simultaneous occurrence of these situations. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of the phenomenon 3-HIT in the polymedicated HIV population as well as to determine factors related to its occurrence. METHODS: Observational, retrospective and single-center study that included all elderly patients on active antiretroviral treatment in pharmacotherapeutic follow-up between January and March 2020. A logistic regression model was carried out to evaluate the factors associated with the occurrence of the 3-HIT concept with the variables significantly associated with this phenomenon and those considered clinically relevant. RESULTS: 428 patients were included, registering a prevalence of polypharmacy in 25.9% of the study sample. The 3-HIT phenomenon was detected in 6.3% of the patients. For each concomitant drug prescribed the risk of developing the phenomenon 3-HIT increases 1.5 times. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of the phenomenon 3-HIT is high in HIV patients with polymedication. A change in the pharmaceutical care model to a multidimensional setting is essential, together with pharmacotherapeutic optimization strategies to improve patient health outcomes.

Does robotization affect job quality? Evidence from European regional labor markets.

Whereas there are recent papers on the effect of robot adoption on employment and wages, there is no evidence on how robots affect non-monetary working conditions. We explore the impact of robot adoption on several domains of non-monetary working conditions in Europe over the period 1995-2005 combining information from the World Robotics Survey and the European Working Conditions Survey. In order to deal with the possible endogeneity of robot deployment, we employ an instrumental variables strategy, using the robot exposure by sector in other developed countries as an instrument. Our results indicate that robotization has a negative impact on the quality of work in the dimension of work intensity and no relevant impact on the domains of physical environment or skills and discretion.

Immune Monitoring of Paediatric Patients Infected with Rickettsia rickettsii, Ehrlichia canis and Coinfected.

In 2021, 273 Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases were reported nationwide in Mexico. In Chihuahua City, fourteen samples were obtained from children suspected of rickettsial infection. The analysis of samples (January to December 2021) showed prevalence rates of 28.5%, 43%, and 28.5% for Rickettsia rickettsii, Ehrlichia canis, and both pathogens in coinfection, respectively. The analysis of clinical haematological and biochemistry analytes showed alterations; 100% of the children had elevated liver enzymes and coagulation times, 64% showed leukocytosis due to neutrophilia, 55% had thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and hypoalbuminemia, and 45% showed normocytic normochromic anaemia. Statistically significant differences were observed in the expression of the chemokines IL-8, RANTES, CXCL9/MIG, and CXCL10/IP-10 across the coinfected and control groups, and the difference in IP-10 expression was significant for patients infected by R. rickettsii compared to the control group. Additionally, significant differences were observed for expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-17, IFNγ, and TNFα among the R. rickettsii-positive group compared to the control group. On the other hand, the coinfected group exhibited modified levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 compared with the control group. Finally, significant differences were observed for CD8+ T lymphocyte subpopulations between individuals positive for R. rickettsii and those positive for E. canis.

Drug-drug interactions between treatment specific pharmacotherapy and concomitant medication in patients with COVID-19 in the first wave in Spain.

Primary aim was to assess prevalence and severity of potential and real drug-drug interactions (DDIs) among therapies for COVID-19 and concomitant medications in hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The secondary aim was to analyze factors associated with rDDIs. An observational single center cohort study conducted at a tertiary hospital in Spain from March 1st to April 30th. rDDIs refer to interaction with concomitant drugs prescribed during hospital stay whereas potential DDIs (pDDIs) refer to those with domiciliary medication. DDIs checked with The University of Liverpool resource. Concomitant medications were categorized according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. Binomial logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with rDDIs. A total of 174 patients were analyzed. DDIs were detected in 152 patients (87.4%) with a total of 417 rDDIs between COVID19-related drugs and involved hospital concomitant medication (60 different drugs) while pDDIs were detected in 105 patients (72.9%) with a total of 553 pDDIs. From all 417 rDDIs, 43.2% (n = 180) were associated with lopinavir/ritonavir and 52.9% (n = 221) with hydroxychloroquine, both of them the most prescribed (106 and 165 patients, respectively). The main mechanism of interaction observed was QTc prolongation. Clinically relevant rDDIs were identified among 81.1% (n = 338) ('potential interactions') and 14.6% (n = 61) (contraindicated) of the patients. Charlson index (OR 1.34, 95% IC 1.02-1.76) and number of drugs prescribed during admission (OR 1.42, 95% IC 1.12-1.81) were independently associated with rDDIs. Prevalence of patients with real and pDDIs was high, especially those clinically relevant. Both comorbidities and polypharmacy were found as risk factors independently associated with DDIs development.

High rate of major drug-drug interactions of lopinavir-ritonavir for COVID-19 treatment.

The impact of drug-drug interactions (DDI) between ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV-r) to treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and commonly used drugs in clinical practice is not well-known. Thus, we evaluated the rate and severity of DDI between LPV-r for COVID-19 treatment and concomitant medications. This was a cross-sectional study including all individuals diagnosed of SARS-CoV-2 infection treated with LPV-r and attended at a single center in Southern Spain (March 1st to April 30th, 2020). The frequency [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] of potential and major DDI were calculated. Overall, 469 patients were diagnosed of COVID-19, 125 (27%) of them were prescribed LPV-r. LPV-r had potential DDI with concomitant medications in 97 (78%, 95% CI 69-85%) patients, and in 33 (26%, 95% CI 19-35%) individuals showed major DDI. Twelve (36%) patients with major DDI and 14 (15%) individuals without major DDI died (p = 0.010). After adjustment, only the Charlson index was independently associated with death [adjusted OR (95% CI) for Charlson index ≥ 5: 85 (10-731), p < 0.001]. LPV-r was discontinued due to side effects in 31 (25%) patients. Management by the Infectious Diseases Unit was associated with a lower likelihood of major DDI [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 0.14 (0.04-0.53), p = 0.003). In conclusion, a high frequency of DDI between LPV-r for treating COVID-19 and concomitant medications was found, including major DDI. Patients with major DDI showed worse outcomes, but this association was explained by the older age and comorbidities. Patients managed by the Infectious Diseases Unit had lower risk of major DDI.

Insulina tópica en el tratamiento de úlcera corneal refractaria en un paciente no diabético: a propósito de un caso / Insulin eye drops for treating corneal ulcer in a non-diabetic patient: regarding a case

Las úlceras corneales se incluyen dentro de un grupo heterogéneo de lesiones oculares, las cuales pueden ser de gravedad variable. Cuando los pacientes no responden al tratamiento, incluyendo incluso el trasplante corneal, se crea la necesidad de explorar otras alternativas. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que sufrió una salpicadura ocular del contenido de una batería de automóvil por accidente. Esta lesión corneal, fue refractaria al tratamiento farmacológico e incluso quirúrgico. Tras cuatro años de persistencia de la úlcera corneal, se inició un tratamiento tópico con insulina 50 UI/ml. Se observó mejoría de forma evidente y actualmente el paciente ha recuperado completamente el epitelio corneal. Hoy en día, las evidencias disponibles del uso tópico de la insulina para el tratamiento de las úlceras corneales se centran en pacientes diabéticos. En los pacientes no diabéticos, la evidencia se limita a una serie de casos de úlceras neurotróficas corneales y al caso de un paciente que presentó un defecto epitelial persistente después de la resección de un neurinoma. Este caso, presenta la experiencia de uso de una formulación magistral de insulina oftálmica con eficacia y ausencia de toxicidad en un paciente no diabético con una úlcera corneal post-cáustica resistente al resto de tratamientos

Corneal ulcers are included in a heterogeneous group of eye injuries. When patients do not respond to treatment, including even corneal transplant, other alternatives need to be explored.We present a case of a patient who suffered an accidental spillage from the contents of a car battery. This corneal lesion was refractory to both surgical and pharmacological treatment. After four years of a persistent ulcer, insulin topical treatment 50 IU/mL was started. Improvement began to be observed and currently the patient has completely recovered the corneal epithelium. Nowadays, evidence of the topical insulin use for the treatment of corneal ulcers is higher in diabetic patients. In non-diabetic patients, evidence is restricted to a series of cases of neurotrophic corneal ulcers and a case report of a patient who presented a persistent epithelial defect after resection of a neurinoma. This case presents the experience of using an insulin drop formulation with effectiveness and absence of toxicity in a patient non-diabetic with a post-caustic corneal ulcer

Insulin eye drops for treating corneal ulcer in a non-diabetic patient: regarding a case.

Corneal ulcers are included in a heterogeneous group of eye injuries. When  patients do not respond to treatment, including even corneal transplant, other  alternatives need to be explored.We present a case of a patient who suffered an accidental spillage from the  contents of a car battery. This corneal lesion was refractory to both surgical and  pharmacological treatment. After four years of a persistent ulcer, insulin topical  treatment 50 IU/mL was started. Improvement began to be observed and  currently the patient has completely recovered the corneal epithelium.Nowadays, evidence of the topical insulin use for the treatment of corneal ulcers  is higher in diabetic patients. In non-diabetic patients, evidence is restricted to a series of cases of neurotrophic corneal ulcers and a case report of a patient who  presented a persistent epithelial defect after resection of a neurinoma. This case  presents the experience of using an insulin drop formulation with effectiveness  and absence of toxicity in a patient nondiabetic with a post-caustic corneal ulcer.

Las úlceras corneales se incluyen dentro de un grupo heterogéneo de lesiones  oculares, las cuales pueden ser de gravedad variable. Cuando los pacientes no  responden al tratamiento, incluyendo incluso el trasplante corneal, se crea la  necesidad de explorar otras alternativas.Presentamos el caso de un paciente que sufrió una salpicadura ocular del  contenido de una batería de automóvil por accidente. Esta lesión corneal, fue  refractaria al tratamiento farmacológico e incluso quirúrgico. Tras cuatro años de persistencia de la úlcera corneal, se inició un tratamiento tópico con insulina 50  UI/ml. Se observó mejoría de forma evidente y actualmente el paciente ha  recuperado completamente el epitelio corneal.Hoy en día, las evidencias disponibles del uso tópico de la insulina para el  tratamiento de las úlceras corneales se centran en pacientes diabéticos. En los  pacientes no diabéticos, la evidencia se limita a una serie de casos de úlceras  neurotróficas corneales y al caso de un paciente que presentó un defecto  epitelial persistente después de la resección de un neurinoma. Este caso,  presenta la experiencia de uso de una formulación magistral de insulina  oftálmica con eficacia y ausencia de toxicidad en un paciente no diabético con  una úlcera corneal post-cáustica resistente al resto de tratamientos.

A Weigh-in-Motion Characterization Algorithm for Smart Pavements Based on Conductive Cementitious Materials.

Smart materials are promising technologies for reducing the instrumentation cost required to continuously monitor road infrastructures, by transforming roadways into multifunctional elements capable of self-sensing. This study investigates a novel algorithm empowering smart pavements with weigh-in-motion (WIM) characterization capabilities. The application domain of interest is a cementitious-based smart pavement installed on a bridge over separate sections. Each section transduces axial strain provoked by the passage of a vehicle into a measurable change in electrical resistance arising from the piezoresistive effect of the smart material. The WIM characterization algorithm is as follows. First, basis signals from axles are generated from a finite element model of the structure equipped with the smart pavement and subjected to given vehicle loads. Second, the measured signal is matched by finding the number and weights of appropriate basis signals that would minimize the error between the numerical and measured signals, yielding information on the vehicle's number of axles and weight per axle, therefore enabling vehicle classification capabilities. Third, the temporal correlation of the measured signals are compared across smart pavement sections to determine the vehicle weight. The proposed algorithm is validated numerically using three types of trucks defined by the Eurocodes. Results demonstrate the capability of the algorithm at conducting WIM characterization, even when two different trucks are driving in different directions across the same pavement sections. Then, a noise study is conducted, and the results conclude that a given smart pavement section operating with less than 5% noise on measurements could yield good WIM characterization results.

An Experimental Study on Static and Dynamic Strain Sensitivity of Embeddable Smart Concrete Sensors Doped with Carbon Nanotubes for SHM of Large Structures.

The availability of new self-sensing cement-based strain sensors allows the development of dense sensor networks for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of reinforced concrete structures. These sensors are fabricated by doping cement-matrix mterials with conductive fillers, such as Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), and can be embedded into structural elements made of reinforced concrete prior to casting. The strain sensing principle is based on the multifunctional composites outputting a measurable change in their electrical properties when subjected to a deformation. Previous work by the authors was devoted to material fabrication, modeling and applications in SHM. In this paper, we investigate the behavior of several sensors fabricated with and without aggregates and with different MWCNT contents. The strain sensitivity of the sensors, in terms of fractional change in electrical resistivity for unit strain, as well as their linearity are investigated through experimental testing under both quasi-static and sine-sweep dynamic uni-axial compressive loadings. Moreover, the responses of the sensors when subjected to destructive compressive tests are evaluated. Overall, the presented results contribute to improving the scientific knowledge on the behavior of smart concrete sensors and to furthering their understanding for SHM applications.

Effects of health care decentralization in Spain from a citizens' perspective.

The aim of this article is to analyze the impact of the decentralization of the public national health system in Spain on citizens' satisfaction with different dimensions of primary and hospital care. Using micro-data from the Health Barometer 1996-2009 and taking advantage of the exogeneity of the different pace of decentralization across Spain using a difference-in-differences strategy, we find that, in general, decentralization has not improved citizens' satisfaction with different features of the health services. In our base model, we find that there are even some small negative effects on a subset of variables. Sensitivity analysis confirms that there is no empirical evidence for supporting that decentralization has had a positive impact on citizens' satisfaction with health care. We outline several possible reasons for this.

Infección respiratoria causada por Alcaligenes xylosoxidans en un paciente con síndrome de Mounier-Kuhn / Case report: respiratory infection due to Alcaligenes xylosoxidans in a patient with Mounier-Kuhn syndrome

Mounier-Kuhn syndrome is a rare entity characterized by abnormal dilatation of the trachea and main bronchi (tracheobronchomegaly). Alcaligenes xylosoxidans is a non fermenting gram-negative pathogen common in extra-and intra-hospital environment, which may be related to immunosuppression states. We describe the case of a 75 years old male, ex-smoker with moderate functional obstruction, chronic respiratory failure and chronic colonization by Pseudomonas aeuriginosa. He had an infectious exacerbation of his disease, reason that previously required several hospital admissions. The patient was treated with antibiotics and his evolution was favourable with negativization in cultures of the pathogen. This is the first description of the isolation of Alcaligenes xylosoxidans as a cause of respiratory infection in a patient with Mounier-Kuhn syndrome.