Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals and General Population Toward Vaccines and the Intention to Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19 in Spain.

Background: To achieve herd immunity, the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine by the population, especially healthcare professionals, plays a key role. The objective of the present paper is to address the differences in attitudes among Spanish healthcare professionals compared with the general population regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: This cross-sectional study included data from 2,136 adults (n = 664 healthcare professionals) from an online survey conducted from May 6 to June 9, 2021. The Vaccination attitudes examination scale was used to measure the negative attitudes toward vaccines. Four subscales: mistrust of vaccine benefit, worries about the unforeseen future effect, concerns about commercial profiteering, and preference for natural immunity were calculated. Generalized linear mixed models were conducted to study these associations. Results: Between 10.2 and 22.6% of the subjects showed high levels of negative attitudes toward vaccines. However, only 1.5% of our sample (2.1% among healthcare professionals) refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it was offered because they chose otherwise. Retired people showed the lowest concerns and the highest trust in vaccines. No statistically significant effects were found between working in a healthcare field and having higher positive attitudes toward vaccines. Conclusion: Low levels of rejection against the COVID-19 vaccine were identified in the present sample. However, despite being at a higher risk, health care professionals did not show higher positive attitudes toward vaccines. Furthermore, refusal percentage to vaccination was higher among healthcare professionals compared with non-healthcare professionals. Developing a strategy to increase positive attitudes against the COVID-19 vaccine should be an objective for public health policy.

Sonographical predictive markers of failure of induction of labour in term pregnancy.

Predictive markers of failure of induction of labour in term pregnancy were evaluated. A prospective study including 245 women attending induction of labour was performed. The inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancies, gestational age 37-42 weeks and the main outcomes were failure of induction, induction to delivery interval and mode of delivery. Women with a longer cervical length prior to induction (CLpi) had a higher rate of failure of induction (30.9 ± 6.8 vs. 23.9 ± 9.3, p < .001). BMI was higher and maternal height was lower in the group of caesarean section compared to vaginal delivery (33.1 ± 8 vs. 29.3 ± 4.6, 160 ± 5 vs. 164 ± 5, p < .001, respectively). A shorter CLpi correlated with a shorter induction to delivery interval (R Pearson .237, p < .001). In the regression analysis, for failure of induction the only independent predictor was the CL prior to induction. Therefore, the CLpi is an independent factor for prediction of failure of induction of labour.

Primary dengue virus infections induce differential cytokine production in Mexican patients.

Severe dengue pathogenesis is not fully understood, but high levels of proinflammatory cytokines have been associated with dengue disease severity. In this study, the cytokine levels in 171 sera from Mexican patients with primary dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) from dengue virus (DENV) 1 (n = 116) or 2 (n = 55) were compared. DF and DHF were defined according to the patient's clinical condition, the primary infections as indicated by IgG enzymatic immunoassay negative results, and the infecting serotype as assessed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Samples were analysed for circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-12p70, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-8 using a commercial cytometric bead array. Significantly higher IFN-γ levels were found in patients with DHF than those with DF. However, significantly higher IL-12p70, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were associated with DHF only in patients who were infected with DENV2 but not with DENV1. Moreover, patients with DF who were infected with DENV1 showed higher levels of IL-12p70, TNF-α, and IL-6 than patients with DHF early after-fever onset. The IL-8 levels were similar in all cases regardless of the clinical condition or infection serotype. These results suggest that the association between high proinflammatory cytokine levels and dengue disease severity does not always stand, and it once again highlights the complex nature of DHF pathogenesis.

Primary dengue virus infections induce differential cytokine production in Mexican patients

Severe dengue pathogenesis is not fully understood, but high levels of proinflammatory cytokines have been associated with dengue disease severity. In this study, the cytokine levels in 171 sera from Mexican patients with primary dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) from dengue virus (DENV) 1 (n = 116) or 2 (n = 55) were compared. DF and DHF were defined according to the patient’s clinical condition, the primary infections as indicated by IgG enzymatic immunoassay negative results, and the infecting serotype as assessed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Samples were analysed for circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-12p70, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-8 using a commercial cytometric bead array. Significantly higher IFN-γ levels were found in patients with DHF than those with DF. However, significantly higher IL-12p70, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were associated with DHF only in patients who were infected with DENV2 but not with DENV1. Moreover, patients with DF who were infected with DENV1 showed higher levels of IL-12p70, TNF-α, and IL-6 than patients with DHF early after-fever onset. The IL-8 levels were similar in all cases regardless of the clinical condition or infection serotype. These results suggest that the association between high proinflammatory cytokine levels and dengue disease severity does not always stand, and it once again highlights the complex nature of DHF pathogenesis.

Fetal and maternal heart rate responses to exercise in pregnant women. A randomized Controlled Trial / Respuesta de la frecuencia cardiaca fetal y materna al ejercicio en gestantes. Ensayo clínico aleatorio

Objective: To examine whether regular physical exercise during pregnancy improves the fetal and maternal heart rate response to different intensities of acute exercise. Material/methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty-three women with healthy singleton pregnancies were analyzed (n=38 in the exercise group (EG); n = 25 in the control group CG). Women from EG participated in a supervised exercise program from 9-12 until 38-40 weeks of gestation. Maternal and fetal response were evaluated in late pregnancy (week 34.08±2.27) walking for 3 minutes at different intensities: light exercise (LE: 40% maternal heart rate reserve) and moderate exercise (ME: 60% maternal heart rate). The primary outcome was the fetal heart rate response after maternal exertion at both intensities. Results: After maternal effort, the fetuses from the EG showed lower increases in heart rate than the fetuses from the CG at both intensities (LE: EG 139.1±14.2 vs. CG: 149.0±10.5; p = 0.004) and (ME: EG: 139.9±13.5 vs. 150.9±17.9; p = 0.008). The fetuses from the EG presented a lower time to recovery than those from the CG after LE (86±104.7 sec. vs. 405.2±384.7 sec.; p = 0.000) and ME (160.4±234.3 sec. vs. 596.9±461.4 sec; p = 0.000). The program was effective for improving maternal recovery after LE (341.2±281.6 sec. vs. 577.4±277.0 sec.; p = 0.002) and ME (525.8±309.0 sec. vs. 876.1±362.6 sec.; p = 0.000). Conclusion: Regular exercise during pregnancy may be associated with faster maternal and fetal recovery after maternal exertion, and with a lower increase in fetus heart rate (AU)

Objetivo: Examinar si el ejercicio físico regular durante el embarazo mejora la respuesta de la frecuencia cardiaca fetal y materna a diferentes intensidades de ejercicio físico. Material/métodos: Se desarrolló un ensayo clínico aleatorio. Sesenta y tres mujeres sanas y con embarazo simple fueron analizadas (n=38 en el grupo de ejercicio (GE); n = 25 en el grupo de control CG). Las mujeres del GE participaron en un programa de ejercicio físico supervisado desde la semana 9-12 de gestación hasta la 38-40. La respuesta materna y fetal fue evaluada al _nal del embarazo (semana 34,08±2,27) caminando durante 3 minutos a diferentes intensidades: ejercicio ligero (EL: 40% frecuencia cardiaca de reserva) y ejercicio moderado (EM: 60% frecuencia cardiaca de reserva). La variable dependiente principal fue la respuesta de la frecuencia cardiaca fetal tras ambas intensidades de esfuerzo materno. Resultados: Tras el esfuerzo materno, los fetos del GE mostraron un menor incremento de la frecuencia cardiaca a ambas intensidades en comparación con los fetos del GC (EL: GE 139,1±14,2 vs. GC: 149,0±10,5; p = 0,004) y (EM: GE: 139,9±13,5 vs. GC: 150,9±17,9; p = 0,008). Los fetos del GE presentaron un menor tiempo de recuperación que los fetos del GC después de EL (86±104.7 seg. vs. 405,2±384,7 seg.; p = 0,000) y EM (160,4±234,3 seg. vs. 596,9±461,4 seg; p = 0,000). El programa de ejercicio físico fue efectivo en la mejora de la recuperación materna tras el EL (341,2±281,6 seg. vs. 577,4±277,0 seg.; p = 0,002) y EM (525,8±309,0 seg. vs. 876,1±362,6 seg.; p = 0,000). Conclusión: El ejercicio regular durante el embarazo puede estar asociado con una recuperación más rápida tanto materna como fetal tras el esfuerzo materno, y con un menor incremento de la frecuencia cardiaca fetal (AU)

A strong interferon response correlates with a milder dengue clinical condition.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 interferon (IFNα/ß) has a significant role in establishing protection against virus infections. It has been well documented by in vitro studies that dengue virus (DENV) activates a robust IFNα/ß response. However, DENV also induces a down-regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway, inhibiting the induction of interferon regulated genes. As a consequence, the role played by the IFN type 1 response in the protection of dengue patients is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To compare IFN-α levels in dengue patients with dengue fever (DF) or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) undergoing primary or secondary infections. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred and four serum samples were analyzed for IFN-α level by cytometric bead array. Patients' clinical condition was assigned following the WHO 1997 criteria and specific IgG and IgM antibodies were measured using commercial assays to determine primary and secondary infections. The infecting serotype was determined by qRT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The IFN-α levels were found significantly higher in DF than DHF patients irrespective of the infecting serotype (DENV1 or 2), and were found to decline rapidly at day 3 after fever onset. For DENV2 infections, higher IFN-α level was found during primary than secondary infections. These results suggest that an early strong interferon response correlates with a better clinical condition.

Viral load in patients infected with dengue is modulated by the presence of anti-dengue IgM antibodies.

BACKGROUND: The measurement and detection of viremia and antigenemia in sera have been used as a marker of risk for dengue disease severity and diagnosis. However, evidence exists suggesting that levels of viremia and antigenemia are affected by the presence of specific antibodies. OBJECTIVE: To compare viral load and circulating NS1 levels in sera from patients positive or negative for dengue specific IgM antibodies. STUDY DESIGN: Three hundred and eighty serum samples were analyzed for viral load using qRT-PCR and for levels of circulating NS1 and the presence of specific antibodies using commercial EIAs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Comparison of viremia levels in sera from patients positive or negative for dengue IgM antibodies showed that viral load was significantly higher (p≤0.0001) in patients negative for IgM antibodies. In contrast, levels of circulating NS1 were found unaffected by the presence of IgM (p=0.0038). Thus, dengue virus specific IgM antibodies in sera seem to be a strong negative modulator of viremia levels in patient's sera.

Determination of viremia and concentration of circulating nonstructural protein 1 in patients infected with dengue virus in Mexico.

Higher levels of viremia and circulating nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) have been associated with dengue disease severity. In this study, viremia and circulating NS1 levels were determined in 225 serum samples collected from patients in Mexico infected with dengue virus serotypes 1 and 2 (DENV-1 and DENV-2). Patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) who were infected with DENV-1 showed higher levels of circulating NS1 than patients with dengue fever (DF) (P = 0.0175). Moreover, NS1 levels were higher in patients with primary infections with DENV-1 than in patient infected with DENV-2 (P < 0.0001) and in patients with primary infections with DENV-2 than in patients with secondary infections with DENV-2 (P = 0.0051). Unexpectedly, viremia levels were higher in patients with DF than in those with DHF infected with either DENV-1 or DENV-2 (P = 0.0019 and P = 0.001, respectively) and in patients with primary infections than those with secondary DENV-2 infections (P < 0.0001). Results indicate that levels of circulating NS1 vary according to the infecting serotype, immunologic status (primary or secondary infection), and dengue disease severity.

Evaluation of a novel commercial rapid test for dengue diagnosis based on specific IgA detection.

The performance of the novel commercial test ASSURE® Dengue IgA Rapid test (MP Diagnostics) was evaluated using a panel of 172 sera collected from dengue patients and 47 sera from healthy blood donors. The overall specificity and sensitivity were 61.0% and 85.1%, respectively. However, the positivity rate for IgA went from 33.3% for sera collected the same day of fever onset to 81.2% for sera collected 5 days after fever onset. Infections with serotype 2 viruses were detected more efficiently than those with serotype 1 viruses, and no sera from infections with serotypes 3 and 4 were available. In addition, the kit was twice more efficient at detecting secondary infections than at detecting primary infections. Finally, the ASSURE® test showed good repeatability and reproducibility. The results of this study suggest that the ASSURE® Dengue IgA Rapid test may become a useful and easy-to-use test for early dengue diagnosis.

Serotipos de dengue en México durante 2009 y 2010 / Dengue serotypes in México during 2009-2010

Introducción. El dengue en México es un problema prioritario de salud pública. Desde el 2008 el Departamento para la Vigilancia Epidemiológica y Virológica del InDRE implementó un nuevo algoritmo de diagnóstico del dengue, que utiliza la Red de Laboratorios Estatales de Salud Pública, para favorecer la representatividad geográfica, la oportunidad, la sensibilidad y la especificidad de la información que se obtiene. Métodos. La identificación de serotipos se realizó a partir de muestras positivas a la proteína NS1 por ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA). Las técnicas que se utilizaron fueron: aislamiento viral, PCR punto final y, desde 2009, RT-PCR en tiempo real (qRT-PCR). Resultados. En 2009 se analizaron 6,336 muestras; en 2,944 de éstas (46.6%) se identificó el serotipo DENV-1 que predominó sobre el serotipo DENV-2; el serotipo DENV-3 sólo se identificó en dos casos en Guerrero y el serotipo DENV-4 en un caso en Chiapas. En 2010 se analizaron 2,013 muestras. Se identificó algún serotipo en 1,607 muestras (79.88%) y, nuevamente, el serotipo DENV-1 predominó en todo el país. En Chiapas se identificaron los serotipos DENV-1, 2 y 4 y en Jalisco los serotipos DENV-1 y 3. Además, se identificó la circulación del serotipo DENV-3 en Guerrero y apareció el serotipo DENV-4 en San Luis Potosí. Conclusiones. Por la selección de muestras para vigilancia virológica de dengue mediante la positividad a la proteína NS1 y por la introducción de la técnica de qRT-PCR se optimizó la identificación de serotipos circulantes. La alta endemia, los brotes en nuevas regiones, el predominio del serotipo DENV-1 por varios años y la introducción lenta de otros serotipos, principalmente DENV-3, pueden favorecer la aparición de formas clínicas graves de dengue. La vigilancia epidemiológica inteligente del dengue brindará información para un mejor entendimiento de la enfermedad y promoverá acciones para su control y prevención.

Background. Dengue is a public health priority in Mexico. Since 2008, the dengue diagnostic algorithm for epidemiological and virological surveillance has been improved at InDRE and the public health laboratory network (RLESP) to optimize geographic representation, opportunity, sensitivity and specificity of the produced information. Methods. Dengue serotype identification is based on ELISA NS1 positive samples. Methods used are viral isolation, endpoint PCR and, since August 2009, real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results. In 2009, 6,336 serum samples were analyzed and 2,944 (46.6%) were positive for serotype identification. DENV-1 was detected in greater proportion followed by DENV-2, and DENV-3 4 was only identified in two cases in Guerrero and DENV-4 in one case in Chiapas. In 2010, 2,013 serum samples were analyzed and 1,607 (78.8%) were positive for serotype identification. DENV-1 was predominant throughout the country. In Chiapas, DENV-1, 2 and 4 were identified and in Jalisco DENV-1 and 3. DENV-3 was identified in Guerrero again and DENV-4 was detected in San Luis Potosí. Conclusions. The selection samples through NS1 positive samples and the introduction of qRT-PCR optimized serotype identification. Hyperendemicity, outbreaks in new geographic areas, the predominant circulation of DENV-1 for several years and the slow reintroduction of the other serotypes, mainly DENV-3, could increase clinical cases of severe dengue. An ¡intelligentí epidemiological surveillance program would offer information for a better understanding of the disease and promote action for its control and prevention.