Exercise and Quality of Life (QoL) in Patients Undergoing Active Breast Cancer Treatment-Comparison of Three Modalities of a 24-Week Exercise Program-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is an accepted intervention to improve the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer patients. Exercise programs have been developed, and all have shown satisfactory results in improving the QoL. There is a lack of research comparing different prescription modalities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercise (in-person and home-based, compared to the exercise recommendation) on the QoL in breast cancer patients actively undergoing treatment. METHODS: This is a randomized clinical trial with three groups (in-person: guided and supervised in-person exercise program; home-based exercise: guided and supervised exercise program with streaming monitoring both as a intervention groups; and recommendation: exercise recommendation as a control group). The QoL was measured using the EORTIC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. A baseline and 24-week analysis were investigated. RESULTS: The total sample analyzed was n = 80. The QoL improved significantly at 24 weeks in the face-to-face and home-based exercise groups, but not in the control group. Exercise in all modalities improved fatigue, nausea, vomiting, appetite, and constipation. The QoL at 24 weeks depended on active chemotherapy, tumor type, and assigned exercise group (r2 = 0.503; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The QoL in breast cancer patients undergoing active treatment improved after a 24-week exercise program, especially in face-to-face and home-based exercise. Home-based exercise and streaming-based recommendation is a viable option for exercise recommendation.

Novel meriolin derivatives potently inhibit cell cycle progression and transcription in leukemia and lymphoma cells via inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).

A key feature of cancer is the disruption of cell cycle regulation, which is characterized by the selective and abnormal activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Consequently, targeting CDKs via meriolins represents an attractive therapeutic approach for cancer therapy. Meriolins represent a semisynthetic compound class derived from meridianins and variolins with a known CDK inhibitory potential. Here, we analyzed the two novel derivatives meriolin 16 and meriolin 36 in comparison to other potent CDK inhibitors and could show that they displayed a high cytotoxic potential in different lymphoma and leukemia cell lines as well as in primary patient-derived lymphoma and leukemia cells. In a kinome screen, we showed that meriolin 16 and 36 prevalently inhibited most of the CDKs (such as CDK1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20). In drug-to-target modeling studies, we predicted a common binding mode of meriolin 16 and 36 to the ATP-pocket of CDK2 and an additional flipped binding for meriolin 36. We could show that cell cycle progression and proliferation were blocked by abolishing phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (a major target of CDK2) at Ser612 and Thr82. Moreover, meriolin 16 prevented the CDK9-mediated phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II at Ser2 which is crucial for transcription initiation. This renders both meriolin derivatives as valuable anticancer drugs as they target three different Achilles' heels of the tumor: (1) inhibition of cell cycle progression and proliferation, (2) prevention of transcription, and (3) induction of cell death.

Effect of a Long-Term Online Home-Based Supervised Exercise Program on Physical Fitness and Adherence in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effect of a synchronous-supervised online home-based exercise program (HBG) during 24 weeks on body composition, physical fitness and adherence compared to an exercise recommendation group (ERG) without supervision with patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. Fifty-nine female breast cancer patients (31 in HBG and 28 in the ERG) undergoing cancer treatments participated in the present randomized clinical trial. The exercise program consisted of a 60 min combined resistance and aerobic supervised exercise session (6-8 points on Borg Scale CR-10, moderate intensity), twice a week during 24 weeks. The exercise recommendation group only received general recommendations to comply with the current ACSM guidelines. Body composition and physical fitness were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks of the program. Adherence to the intervention was measured according to the minutes of exercise completed per session during each week. A general linear model of two-way repeated measures showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in physical fitness that were observed in the home-based exercise group at the baseline, 12-week and 24-week assessments compared to the exercise recommendation group. Adherence was also higher in the home-based exercise group. However, no changes (p > 0.05) in body composition between groups and moments were observed. In this sense, supervised home-based exercise interventions can be an interesting strategy to improve physical fitness and adherence rates in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Qualitative robustness of utility-based risk measures.

We contribute to the literature on statistical robustness of risk measures by computing the index of qualitative robustness for risk measures based on utility functions. This problem is intimately related to finding the natural domain of finiteness and continuity of such risk measures.

A non-latex condom has no influence on male physiological sexual arousal / Un condón sin látex no influye en la excitación sexual fisiológica masculina

Background/Objective: Men do not use external condoms for several reasons, which can result in public health problems. One of these is related to Condom-Associated Erectile Problems. This study aimed to examine the sexual arousal response of heterosexual men when using an external condom made of synthetic resin type AT-10. Method: A total of 82 Colombian young men (Mage = 23.17 years, SD = 3.04, age range = 18–30) participated in this experimental study. Two random groups (experimental and control; n = 41 each) were compared. The experimental group used condoms, whereas the control group did not. Fit and feel condom perceptions, initial erectile scores, age, and substance use were controlled for. Erection was measured while viewing a sexual video by using penile plethysmography and subjective arousal. Results: The results, obtained from comparing the experimental group (using pre-erection condoms) with the control group (not using condoms), revealed no significant difference in both subjective and physiological sexual arousal. This suggests that pre-erection condoms do not have an effect on the erectile response. Discussion: More research is needed in this area to provide treatment and clinical interventions or sexual and reproductive education to mitigate the occurrence of sexual dysfunction, unplanned pregnancies, or sexually transmitted infections. Also, research addresses public health issues related to the prevention and/or intervention of sexual risk behaviors and sexual dysfunctions, highlighting their significance in sexual education and clinical practice.(AU)

Humanizing Birth in a Third-Level Hospital: Revealing the Benefits of Natural Cesarean Sections.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Efforts to humanize childbirth focus on promoting skin-to-skin contact, labor accompaniment, and breastfeeding. Despite these advancements, cesarean sections often lack a consideration of immediate mother-child contact, early breastfeeding initiation, and follow-up. This underscores the need for a 'natural' approach to cesarean sections, aiming to 'humanize' the procedure and emulate some aspects of vaginal birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational longitudinal cohort study was conducted, involving pregnant women scheduled for a cesarean section. Two comparison groups were established: one undergoing conventional cesarean sections and the other receiving a humanization intervention. While in "conventional cesarean sections," newborns are separated from mothers at birth, preventing actions such as early breastfeeding or skin-to-skin contact, and maternal companionship is lacking in the operating room, the intervention of cesarean section humanization was based on avoiding the separation of the mother and newborn, promoting skin-to-skin contact, early breastfeeding, and maternal accompaniment during surgery. Descriptive data on maternal and neonatal variables, including breastfeeding initiation, maintenance, and baby weight trends, were collected. Additionally, a validated survey assessed the pain, satisfaction, and anxiety among the 73 participating women. RESULTS: Women undergoing natural cesarean sections reported higher satisfaction, lower anxiety, and reduced postoperative pain, requiring less analgesia. Although their exclusive breastfeeding rates at 10 days postpartum showed no significant difference, statistically significant differences favored natural cesarean sections at 3 months (67.5% vs. 25%) and 6 months (50% vs. 4.5%). Neonates in the natural cesarean group exhibited greater weight gain at 10 days postpartum compared to those delivered conventionally (+49.90 g vs. -39.52 g). No significant differences in blood counts were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the manifold advantages offered by the natural cesarean procedure compared to the conventional cesarean approach. Notably, a NC demonstrates superior outcomes in terms of heightened maternal satisfaction with the obstetric process, the enhanced sustainability of exclusive breastfeeding, and augmented neonatal weight gain.

Is There a Role of Beetroot Consumption on the Recovery of Oxidative Status and Muscle Damage in Ultra-Endurance Runners?

(1) Background: Ultra-endurance exercise involves a high physical impact, resulting in muscle damage, inflammatory response and production of free radicals that alter the body's oxidative state. Supplementation with antioxidants, such as beetroot, may improve recovery in ultra-endurance runners. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between beetroot intake and recovery of serum oxidative status, inflammatory response and muscle damage parameters after an ultra-endurance race. (2) Methods: An observational and longitudinal study was conducted by means of surveys and blood samples collected from 32 runners during the IX Penyagolosa Trails CSP®® race and the two following days. The variables C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), the activity of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as the oxidative damage markers malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl groups (CG) and loss of muscle strength using the squat jump (SJ) test were analyzed to discriminate whether beetroot consumption can modulate the recovery of ultra-trail runners. (3) Results: Significant differences were observed between runners who ingested beetroot and those who did not, in terms of oxidative status, specifically in serum GPx activity at 24 and 48 h, muscle damage variables CK and LDH and regarding the SJ test results at the finish line. Therefore, the intake of supplements containing beetroot positively influences the recovery of serum oxidative status and muscle damage after ultra-endurance running.

Evaluation of ambivalent sexism in Colombia and validation of the ASI and AMI brief scales.

Sexism has implications for people's physical and mental health. Thus, understanding sexism and its prevalence is key to understanding the phenomenon. In the current study, 717 Colombian men and women completed the brief scales of Ambivalent Sexism toward women and men and the Gender Identity Scale. The assessment was conducted using a web-based method. Both scales, as expected, were two-dimensional. Reliability ranged from .83 to .88. Moderate and high correlations were observed with the Gender Identity Scale. Men showed higher levels of hostile and benevolent sexism toward women and benevolent sexism toward men. It was also found that the higher the level of education, the lower the rates of sexism toward men and women. The brief scales were valid and reliable for measuring hostile and benevolent sexism in Colombia.

A non-latex condom has no influence on male physiological sexual arousal.

Background/Objective: Men do not use external condoms for several reasons, which can result in public health problems. One of these is related to Condom-Associated Erectile Problems. This study aimed to examine the sexual arousal response of heterosexual men when using an external condom made of synthetic resin type AT-10. Method: A total of 82 Colombian young men (Mage = 23.17 years, SD = 3.04, age range = 18-30) participated in this experimental study. Two random groups (experimental and control; n = 41 each) were compared. The experimental group used condoms, whereas the control group did not. Fit and feel condom perceptions, initial erectile scores, age, and substance use were controlled for. Erection was measured while viewing a sexual video by using penile plethysmography and subjective arousal. Results: The results, obtained from comparing the experimental group (using pre-erection condoms) with the control group (not using condoms), revealed no significant difference in both subjective and physiological sexual arousal. This suggests that pre-erection condoms do not have an effect on the erectile response. Discussion: More research is needed in this area to provide treatment and clinical interventions or sexual and reproductive education to mitigate the occurrence of sexual dysfunction, unplanned pregnancies, or sexually transmitted infections. Also, research addresses public health issues related to the prevention and/or intervention of sexual risk behaviors and sexual dysfunctions, highlighting their significance in sexual education and clinical practice.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of MASLD and Liver Fibrosis amongst the Penitentiary Population in Catalonia: The PRISONAFLD Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases, particularly metabolic syndrome (MetS), has increased among the prison population. Nevertheless, we have limited data on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the hepatic manifestation of this syndrome. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of MASLD and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis in the penitentiary population in Catalonia, Spain. METHOD: A cross-sectional observational study involving eight penitentiary centers. Participants had at least one metabolic disorder and were at a closed-regimen penitentiary. Individuals with concomitant liver diseases and/or alcohol risk consumption were excluded. Significant fibrosis and MASLD were defined as liver stiffness ≥8 kPa and a controlled attenuation parameter ≥275 dB/m by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), respectively. After exclusions, metabolic inmates with VCTE were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of MASLD and MASLD-associated significant fibrosis. RESULTS: Out of the 4338 inmates studied, 1290 (29.7%) had metabolic disorders, and 646 (14.9%) underwent VCTE. The mean age was 48.0 years (SD 12.1), and 89.5% were male. MASLD prevalence was 33.9%. Significant fibrosis and MASLD-associated significant fibrosis were found in 16.4% and 9.4% of inmates, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, T2D, waist circumference, MetS, and higher ALT values were identified as independent risk factors for MASLD and MASLD-associated significant fibrosis amongst the prison population. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic disorders including MASLD are highly prevalent among inmates. The prevalence of significant fibrosis seems notably higher than that of the general population, underscoring the need for targeted screening programs and therapeutic interventions in the incarcerated population.

A Scoping Review of Biobehavioural Interventions to Improve PrEP Continuum of Care in Latin America

According to the literature, biobehavioural interventions or combined strategies would reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 7,000 new cases each day, which would contribute to the battle facing Latin America, where despite the high incidence and prevalence of HIV in the region, access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is very limited. The objective of this research was, consistent with the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), to conduct a scoping review to assess the evidence of available outcome data on biobehavioural interventions and programs to address gaps in the PrEP continuum of care in Latin America. The search was conducted in the databases EBSCOhost, WoS, Scopus, and ProQuest, and include all studies published from 2010 to 2021. One hundred eighty-six studies were identified and evaluated according to the eligibility criteria in six stages starting with the elimination of duplicates until the selection of studies that met the previously mentioned criteria; at the end five studies were chosen which were submitted to the methodological quality assessment including compliance with ethical guidelines. Results show that biobehavioural interventions promoting PrEP in Latin America are effective in increasing condom use, decreasing HIV risk, and increasing PrEP awareness, uptake, adherence, and retention. The limited number of interventions in the PrEP continuum of care indicates a need for the uptake of dissemination and implementation science (D&I) frameworks. D&I could help facilitate the translation of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies to address the HIV crisis in Latin America.

Según la literatura, las intervenciones bioconductuales o estrategias combinadas reducirían el riesgo de infección por VIH en más de 7000 nuevos casos cada día, lo que contribuiría a la batalla que enfrenta América Latina, región en la que, a pesar de la alta incidencia y prevalencia del VIH, el acceso a la PrEP (profilaxis preexposición) es muy limitado. De acuerdo con las directrices de PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), el objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar una revisión de alcance para evaluar la evidencia de los datos de resultados disponibles sobre intervenciones bioconductuales y programas para abordar las brechas en el continuo de atención de PrEP en América Latina. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos EBSCOhost, WoS, Scopus y ProQuest, e incluyó todos los estudios publicados de 2010 a 2021. Se identificaron ciento ochenta y seis estudios, y se evaluaron de acuerdo con los criterios de elegibilidad en seis etapas, iniciando por la eliminación de duplicados hasta la selección de estudios que cumplieran los criterios previamente mencionados; al final se eligieron cinco estudios, los cuales fueron sometidos a la evaluación de calidad metodológica, incluyendo el cumplimiento de los lineamientos éticos. Los resultados muestran que las intervenciones bioconductuales que promueven la PrEP en América Latina son efectivas para aumentar el uso del condón, disminuir el riesgo de VIH y aumentar la conciencia, la aceptación, la adherencia y la retención de la PrEP. El número limitado de intervenciones en el continuo de atención de la PrEP indica la necesidad de adoptar marcos científicos de difusión e implementación (D&I); marcos que podrían ayudar a facilitar la traducción de prácticas, intervenciones y políticas basadas en la evidencia para abordar la crisis del VIH en América Latina.

A Scoping Review of Biobehavioural Interventions to Improve PrEP Continuum of Care in Latin America.

According to the literature, biobehavioural interventions or combined strategies would reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 7,000 new cases each day, which would contribute to the battle facing Latin America, where despite the high incidence and prevalence of HIV in the region, access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is very limited. The objective of this research was, consistent with the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), to conduct a scoping review to assess the evidence of available outcome data on biobehavioural interventions and programs to address gaps in the PrEP continuum of care in Latin America. The search was conducted in the databases EBSCOhost, WoS, Scopus, and ProQuest, and include all studies published from 2010 to 2021. One hundred eighty-six studies were identified and evaluated according to the eligibility criteria in six stages starting with the elimination of duplicates until the selection of studies that met the previously mentioned criteria; at the end five studies were chosen which were submitted to the methodological quality assessment including compliance with ethical guidelines. Results show that biobehavioural interventions promoting PrEP in Latin America are effective in increasing condom use, decreasing HIV risk, and increasing PrEP awareness, uptake, adherence, and retention. The limited number of interventions in the PrEP continuum of care indicates a need for the uptake of dissemination and implementation science (D&I) frameworks. D&I could help facilitate the translation of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies to address the HIV crisis in Latin America.

Según la literatura, las intervenciones bioconductuales o estrategias combinadas reducirían el riesgo de infección por VIH en más de 7000 nuevos casos cada día, lo que contribuiría a la batalla que enfrenta América Latina, región en la que, a pesar de la alta incidencia y prevalencia del VIH, el acceso a la PrEP (profilaxis preexposición) es muy limitado. De acuerdo con las directrices de PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), el objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar una revisión de alcance para evaluar la evidencia de los datos de resultados disponibles sobre intervenciones bioconductuales y programas para abordar las brechas en el continuo de atención de PrEP en América Latina. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos EBSCOhost, WoS, Scopus y ProQuest, e incluyó todos los estudios publicados de 2010 a 2021. Se identificaron ciento ochenta y seis estudios, y se evaluaron de acuerdo con los criterios de elegibilidad en seis etapas, iniciando por la eliminación de duplicados hasta la selección de estudios que cumplieran los criterios previamente mencionados; al final se eligieron cinco estudios, los cuales fueron sometidos a la evaluación de calidad metodológica, incluyendo el cumplimiento de los lineamientos éticos. Los resultados muestran que las intervenciones bioconductuales que promueven la PrEP en América Latina son efectivas para aumentar el uso del condón, disminuir el riesgo de VIH y aumentar la conciencia, la aceptación, la adherencia y la retención de la PrEP. El número limitado de intervenciones en el continuo de atención de la PrEP indica la necesidad de adoptar marcos científicos de difusión e implementación (D&I); marcos que podrían ayudar a facilitar la traducción de prácticas, intervenciones y políticas basadas en la evidencia para abordar la crisis del VIH en América Latina.

Pseudotrombocitopenia dependiente de EDTA en un niño de 5 años: Reporte de caso

Introducción: La pseudotrombocitopenia dependiente del ácido etilendiaminotetraacético (PTCP-EDTA) es un fenómeno de laboratorio con una prevalencia estimada del 0,1-2% entre los pacientes hospitalizados y entre el 15-17% en los pacientes ambulatorios evaluados por trombocitopenia aislada. Se produce por cambios conformacionales a nivel de las glicoproteínas de la superficie plaquetaria que inducen la agregación de plaquetas tras la exposición al EDTA. Esta agregación da lugar a una falsa disminución del conteo de unidades totales de plaquetas al utilizar analizadores automatizados.  Presentación del caso: Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 5 años que presentaba niveles bajos de plaquetas sin signos de hemorragia activa. El paciente fue ingresado en el hospital mientras se estudiaba la causa de su bajo conteo plaquetario. Para el diagnóstico de PTCP-EDTA, se realizó un frotis de sangre periférica y se compararon los niveles plaquetarios utilizando el tubo con anticoagulante de citrato. Conclusión: La PTCP-EDTA suele ser un diagnóstico que se pasa por alto y que puede dar lugar a procedimientos innecesarios y gastos adicionales para los pacientes que presentan este fenómeno in vitro. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP-EDTA) is a laboratory phenomenon with an estimated prevalence of 0.1-2% among hospitalized patients and between 15-17% in outpatients evaluated for isolated thrombocytopenia. It is caused by conformational changes at the level of platelet surface glycoproteins that induce platelet aggregation following EDTA exposure. This aggregation results in a false decrease in total platelet unit count when using automated analyzers. Case presentation: We present the case of a 5-year-old patient who presented with low platelet levels without signs of active bleeding. The patient was admitted to the hospital while the cause of his low platelet count was being studied. For the diagnosis of PTCP-EDTA, a peripheral blood smear was performed and platelet levels were compared using the tube with citrate anticoagulant. Conclusion: PTCP-EDTA is often an overlooked diagnosis that may result in unnecessary procedures and additional expense for patients presenting with this phenomenon in vitro. (provided by Infomedic International)

Accuracy of a sequential algorithm based on FIB-4 and ELF to identify high-risk advanced liver fibrosis at the primary care level.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, and liver fibrosis is the strongest predictor of morbimortality. We aimed to assess the performance of a sequential algorithm encompassing the Fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) and Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) scores for identifying patients at risk of advanced fibrosis. This cross-sectional study included one hospital-based cohort with biopsy-proven NAFLD (n = 140) and two primary care cohorts from different clinical settings: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) follow-up (n = 141) and chronic liver disease (CLD) initial study (n = 138). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess liver fibrosis diagnosis models based on FIB-4 and ELF biomarkers. The sequential algorithm retrieved the following accuracy parameters in predicting stages F3-4 in the biopsy-confirmed cohort: sensitivity (85%), specificity (73%), negative predictive value (79%) and positive predictive value (81%). In both T2D and CLD cohorts, a total of 28% of patients were classified as stages F3-4. Furthermore, of all F3-4 classified patients in the T2D cohort, 80% had a diagnosis of liver disease and 44% were referred to secondary care. Likewise, of all F3-4 classified patients in the CLD cohort, 71% had a diagnosis of liver disease and 44% were referred to secondary care. These results suggest the potential utility of this algorithm as a liver fibrosis stratifying tool in primary care, where updating referral protocols to detect high-risk F3-4 is needed. FIB-4 and ELF sequential measurement is an efficient strategy to prioritize patients with high risk of F3-4 in populations with metabolic risk factors.

Utility of the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score as a blood biomarker of pulmonary fibrosis secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia can lead to several sequelae, among them, pulmonary fibrosis. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score is a panel of serum markers of liver fibrosis. We aimed to describe the utility of the ELF score as a biomarker of pulmonary fibrosis secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: Chest computed tomography (CT) scan, lung function tests (LFT) and blood analysis were obtained at three months after discharge. Data were analysed according to ELF scores and posteriorly divided into ELF tertiles. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine patients were recruited; of these, 85.7% presented bilateral pneumonia at diagnosis of SARS-CoV2 infection. At 3 months after discharge, CT scan was available in 123 patients, 73 (59.3%) of whom presented parenchymal lung abnormalities (PLA) and LFT showed impairment in 28 (22.7%) patients. Globally, the most frequent PLA was ground glass opacities (50%), followed by bronchial thickening (26.8%), reticular pattern (19.5%), consolidation (10.5%) and air bronchogram sign (7.3%). Radiological findings were only significant in the higher tertile of ELF, with a reticular pattern as the predominant PLA (p = 0.002). Moreover, patients with both PLA and LFT impairment, presented a trend towards higher levels of ELF compared with patients with only PLA or LFT impairment, or no impairment (9.9 (0.7) vs 9.6 (0.8), 9.1 (1.1) and 9.3 (0.7); p = 0.054). CONCLUSION: Patients with both PLA and LFT alteration at 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia had higher ELF scores. The ELF score may be useful to identify patients with risk of fibrotic changes after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Assessing cohesion and diversity in the collaboration network of the SALURBAL project.

The SALURBAL (Urban Health in Latin America) Project is an interdisciplinary multinational network aimed at generating and disseminating actionable evidence on the drivers of health in cities of Latin America. We conducted a temporal multilayer network analysis where we measured cohesion over time using network structural properties and assessed diversity within and between different project activities according to participant attributes. Between 2017 and 2020 the SALURBAL network comprised 395 participants across 26 countries, 23 disciplines, and 181 institutions. While the cohesion of the SALURBAL network fluctuated over time, overall, an increase was observed from the first to the last time point of our analysis (clustering coefficient increased [0.83-0.91] and shortest path decreased [1.70-1.68]). SALURBAL also exhibited balanced overall diversity within project activities (0.5-0.6) by designing activities for different purposes such as capacity building, team-building, research, and dissemination. The network's growth was facilitated by the creation of new diverse collaborations across a range of activities over time, while maintaining the diversity of existing collaborations (0.69-0.75 between activity diversity depending on the attribute). The SALURBAL experience can serve as an example for multinational research projects aiming to build cohesive networks while leveraging heterogeneity in countries, disciplines, career stage, and across sectors.

Translation, adaptation, and clinical validation of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool in Spanish (Colombia).

Background: Premature ejaculation is the most prevalent form of sexual dysfunction in men. The Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) is an instrument used to evaluate premature ejaculation. It offers adequate psychometric properties and good reliability. Aim: To adapt and validate a Colombian version of the PEDT in Colombian clinical and nonclinical samples. Methods: Two samples were used in this study. The first was made up of 1110 men who were recruited to evaluate validity and reliability. Their ages ranged from 19 to 65 years (mean ± SD, 39.71 ± 12.53). The second sample included 123 men (66.7%) who did not meet diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation per the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), while 33.3% met ICD-10 criteria for this dysfunction. Their ages ranged from 18 to 65 years (34.19 ± 12.65). Scores were used to calculate the cutoff. Outcomes: A translated and adapted version of the PEDT was developed specifically for Colombia. All participants completed the Colombian version of the PEDT, a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Colombian version of the Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, and a semistructured interview based on the ICD-10. Results: The results showed adequate psychometric properties and satisfactory internal consistency and confirmed the 1-dimensional factorization of the scale. According to ICD-10 criteria, the study also confirmed significant differences between participants who self-reported premature ejaculation and those who did not. In addition, it showed adequate evidence of convergent validity, with a moderate correlation with sexual functioning scores. As a result, the cutoff point was set to 10.5, with an area under the curve of 96.8%. Therefore, a score ≥11 points suggested the presence of premature ejaculation. Clinical Translation: The current Colombian version of the PEDT is a useful instrument that determines the presence of premature ejaculation that is compatible with ICD-10 criteria. Strengths and Limitations: The Colombian version of the PEDT presents evidence of reliability and validity, a confirmed 1-dimensional factorization, and a cutoff point for Hispanic populations. More in-depth evaluation of the diagnosis of premature ejaculation is required, and further research among other Spanish-speaking countries and sexual minorities is recommended. Conclusion: The Colombian version of the PEDT is a psychometric adequacy tool for evaluating and diagnosing premature ejaculation, following the ICD-10 criteria.

Majority networks and local consensus algorithm.

In this paper, we study consensus behavior based on the local application of the majority consensus algorithm (a generalization of the majority rule) over four-connected bi-dimensional networks. In this context, we characterize theoretically every four-vicinity network in its capacity to reach consensus (every individual at the same opinion) for any initial configuration of binary opinions. Theoretically, we determine all regular grids with four neighbors in which consensus is reached and in which ones not. In addition, in those instances in which consensus is not reached, we characterize statistically the proportion of configurations that reach spurious fixed points from an ensemble of random initial configurations. Using numerical simulations, we also analyze two observables of the system to characterize the algorithm: (1) the quality of the achieved consensus, that is if it respects the initial majority of the network; and (2) the consensus time, measured as the average amount of steps to reach convergence.