Health and wellbeing status of the long-lived individuals of the Spanish LONGECYL cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The increase in life expectancy and long-lived individuals is a challenge for public health and provides an opportunity to understand the determinants of longevity. However, few studies have addressed the factors associated with the health status and quality of life in a long-lived individual population. We described the perceived health, clinical status, quality of life, and dependency for activities of daily living in a representative population in Castile and Leon, Spain. METHODS: A sample of 759 long-lived individuals aged 95 years and older was studied by the Health Sentinel Network of Castile and Leon (Spain) through a health examination and a structured questionnaire covering quality of life (EQ-5D-3), lifestyle habits, diet, working life and family health. A blood sample was taken for the study of biological and genetic markers. Chi Square and logistic regression OR with 95% confidence intervals were used to analyze the determinants of the long-lived individuals' health status. The significant level for the bivariate analysis was established at 0.05. RESULTS: Perceived health was good, very good or excellent in 64.2%, while only 46.0% had a quality-of-life index above 0.5 (ranging from 0 to 1) and 44.1% maintained acceptable independence for activities of daily living. Quality-of-life index was higher in the oldest, (OR 7.98 [2,32-27.41]) above 100 years compared to those under 98, and men had better values for independence than women (OR 2.43 [1.40-4.29]). Cardiovascular diseases were the most prevalent (85.5%), but neurological and mental diseases and vision problems had the highest impact on quality of life and independence. CONCLUSION: The long-lived individuals of Castile and Leon have a relatively well-preserved health status, although the perception of health is higher than that describing their quality of life and dependence. The quality of life was higher in the oldest age group and showed differences according to sex, with a better quality of life in men. Public health policies and programs should take in account the differences by sex and age as well as the prevention and control of the main conditions related with poor quality of life or dependence. Future research must include the interaction among genetic, socioeconomic, environmental, and other clinical factors in the quality of life and disability of long-lived individuals.

Simulation of expansion and contraction for sudden plastic flow of Bingham cement grout and Newtonian fluids in a rectangular duct, using the lattice Boltzmann method.

Bingham-type fluids are crucial in many industries and in geology. This study examines their behavior in reinforcing fractured rocks. Rheological properties were derived from experimental data of a water-cement mixture. Computational simulations were conducted using Lattice Boltzmann Method, with a modification to the relaxation parameter. Behavior of these mixtures in narrow ducts that widen and narrow suddenly, common in fractured rocks, was analyzed. Comparing Bingham and Newtonian fluids in various duct shapes provided insight into pressure distribution. Findings demonstrate that both cement-water mixtures, with or without addition of cement, adhere to Forchheimer flow patterns. Furthermore, it is observed that Newtonian fluids generate more intense vortices in expansive and contractive areas, resulting in higher pressure drops compared to Bingham plastics. The ultimate goal is to propose a predictive model based on mortar reinforcement for fractured rocks, taking into account rheological properties and water-cement ratio, thus reducing the need for costly experiments.

Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence in relation to the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published before November 2022. We evaluated the quality of primary-level studies using the QUIPS tool, conducted meta-analyses, examined inter-study heterogeneity via subgroup analyses and meta-regressions, and performed small-study effects analyses. Fifty primary-level studies (4631 patients) met the inclusion criteria. EGFR overexpression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.06-1.79, p = 0.02), N+ status (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.01-1.86, p = 0.04), and moderately-poorly differentiated OSCC (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.05-1.94, p = 0.02). In addition, better results were obtained by the application of a cutoff point ≥10% tumor cells with EGFR overexpression (p < 0.001). In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis supports that the immunohistochemical assessment of EGFR overexpression may be useful as a prognostic biomarker for OSCC.

Interaction of genotype, water availability, and nitrogen fertilization on the mineral content of wheat grain.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that genetic variability is the key driver of mineral concentration in wheat grain in Mediterranean conditions. We grew 12 modern winter wheat varieties in semi-arid conditions and alkaline soils, in two consecutive years of contrasting water availability, and at three rates of N-fertilization: 64, 104, and 130 Kg N/ha. The genotype was the main driver of [Ca], [K], [Mg], and [S] in wheat grain, while the environmental conditions were more relevant for [Fe] and [Zn]. The nitrogen fertilization rate had little effect. The thousand-grain weight correlated negatively with the mineral concentration in the grain, revealing the importance of grain shape. CH-Nara grains were highly nutritious making this variety a potential source of germplasm. The knowledge gained from this study will guide future breeding and agronomic practices and guarantee food safety in the region in the advent of climate change.

Efficacy and Safety of Interferon-Gamma in Chronic Granulomatous Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency with increased susceptibility to several bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria, caused by defective or null superoxide production by the NADPH oxidase enzymatic complex. Accepted treatment consists mainly of antimicrobial prophylaxis. The role of human recombinant subcutaneous interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is less clear since the available evidence on its efficacy derives mainly from a single clinical trial that has been challenged. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of IFNγ as an added treatment for CGD when compared to antimicrobial prophylaxis alone. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using MeSH terms "Chronic granulomatous disease" AND ("interferon gamma" OR "interferon-gamma"), as well as antibiotics, placebo, no therapy, clinical trial, and trial, on MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, WHOs, CENTRAL, KOREAMED, The Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, and abstracts from meetings, from 1976 to July 2022. We included clinical trials (CT) and prospective follow-up studies and registered the number of serious infections (requiring hospitalization and IV antibiotics) and deaths, adverse events, and autoimmune complications, in patients treated for CGD with antimicrobial prophylaxis plus IFN-γ, versus antimicrobial prophylaxis alone. We assessed the quality of the studies using risk of bias and STROBE. We performed a meta-analysis by calculating both Peto's odds ratio (OR) and risk reduction (RR) through the Mantel-Haenszel method with a fixed-effect model, using Review Manager 5.4, and we reported the number needed to treat (NNT). RESULTS: We identified 54 matches from databases and 4 from other sources. We excluded 12 duplicates, 7 titles, and 9 abstracts for relevance, after which we had 30 eligible studies. Twenty-four were then excluded after reading the full text. Six papers were included: one randomized CT and 5 follow-up studies. In total, 324 patients with Chronic granulomatous disease were followed for 319 months under treatment with antibiotic prophylaxis plus interferon-gamma or placebo (or antibiotic prophylaxis alone), reported between the years 1991 and 2016. Three of the studies included a control group, allowing for the aggregate analysis of efficacy (prevention of serious infections). The aggregate OR was 0.49, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.19 to 1.23. The risk ratio for serious infection was 0.56 (95%CI 0.35-0.90) under IFN-γ. The meta-analysis thus favors interferon-gamma for a risk reduction of serious infection. DISCUSSION: The results from this meta-analysis support the use of IFN-γ in the treatment of patients with CGD. However, we found insufficient clinical evidence and believe more clinical trials are needed to better assess the efficacy and long-term safety of IFN-γ.

First Case Described in the Medical Literature: Male Urethral Sarcoidosis. Description of a Case and Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: Although the sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease that theoretically can affect almost any organ, the presence of sarcoidosis in the male urethra has not been described in the medical literature. We present the first male case of urethral sarcoidosis. METHOD: A 46 years old male undergoing follow up due to lower urinary tract symptoms was diagnosed of endobronchial sarcoidosis during the preoperative study for internal urethrotomy. After surgery, he presented clinical improvement for one year. Given the worsening, a new internal urethrotomy was tried. As it was impossible due to complexity they took a biopsy of the urethra. The pathology report described non-caseating granulomas compatible with sarcoidosis. After that, medical and endoscopic management of the urethral sarcoidosis was attempted. As it didn't achieve an adequate control, the patient was derivate to the "complex urethral unit" of the Cruces University Hospital. Once it was valuated, it was decided to start immunotherapy and subsequently an urethroplasty with a double oral mucosa graft was performed. OUTCOMES: During the postoperative period, a urethral catheter was maintained for two weeks. It was removed after no urinary leakage was observed in de cystourethrography. After that the patient remains with good evolution until today. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral affectation by sarcoidosis is a therapeutic challenge itself. For a better symptom control and to reduce the recurrences, a dual approach using systemic treatment in combination with local surgical treatment seems necessary.

Psychological and Psychiatric Events Following Immunization with Five Different Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high number of vaccines administered against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide, the information on the psychological/psychiatric adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with these newly developed vaccines remains scarce. OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of psychological/psychiatric symptoms among recipients of five different anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and to explore the factors associated with their development reported in the nationwide Mexican registry of AEFI against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: Descriptive study of all the psychological/psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and agitation reported to the Mexican Epidemiological Surveillance System from 21 December 2020 to 27 April 2021, among adult (≥18 years old) recipients of 7,812,845 doses of BNT162b2, ChAdOx1 nCov-19, rAd26-rAd5, Ad5-nCoV, or CoronaVac. The factors associated with their development are determined by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 19,163 AEFI reports during the study period; amongst them, 191 (1%) patients had psychological/psychiatric symptoms (median age of 41 years, interquartile range of 32-54; 149 [78%] women) for an observed incidence of 2.44 cases per 100,000 administered doses (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.12-2.82), 72.8% of psychiatric AEFIs were reported among recipients of BNT162b2. The median time from vaccination to symptom onset was 35 min (interquartile range: 10-720). Overall, the most common psychological/psychiatric symptoms were anxiety in 129 (67.5%) patients, panic attacks in 30 (15.7%), insomnia in 25 (13%), and agitation in 11 (5.7%). After adjusting for the confounding factors, the odds for developing psychological/psychiatric symptoms were higher for those concurrently reporting syncope (odds ratio [OR]: 4.73, 95% CI: 1.68-13.33); palpitations (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.65-3.70), and dizziness (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.10-2.28). CONCLUSION: In our population, psychological/psychiatric symptoms were extremely infrequent AEFIs. No severe psychiatric AEFIs were reported. Immunization stress-related responses might explain most of the detected cases.

Seizures following COVID-19 vaccination in Mexico: A nationwide observational study.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the development and emergency approval of an array of effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Given the relatively small number of patients included in vaccine trials, postapproval epidemiological surveillance is crucial to detect infrequent vaccine-related adverse events. We conducted a nationwide retrospective descriptive study evaluating the incidence of seizures among recipients of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Mexico from December 24, 2020 (date of administration of first doses nationwide) to October 29, 2021. Among 81 916 351 doses of any vaccine that were administered, we documented seizures in 53 patients, of which 31 (60%) were new onset seizures. The incidence rate of seizures per million doses was highest for mRNA-1273 (Moderna) with 2.73 per million, followed by BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) with 1.02 per million, and Ad5-nCoV (CanSino) with 1.01 per million. Thus, we found that seizures following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are exceedingly rare events.

Anaphylaxis to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in the Setting of a Nationwide Passive Epidemiological Surveillance Program.

BACKGROUND: Information on anaphylaxis among recipients of vaccines against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains scarce. OBJECTIVE: To identify the observed incidence of anaphylaxis in recipients of different anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. METHODS: A nationwide observational study among recipients of 61,414,803 doses of seven different anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, describing the incidence and characteristics of adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) who developed anaphylaxis as an adverse event following immunization (AEFI) against SARS-CoV-2 vaccines between December 24, 2020, and October 15, 2021, in Mexico. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients developed anaphylaxis as an AEFI, for an overall observed incidence of 1.07 cases per 1,000,000 (95% CI 0.84-1.37) administered doses. Eighty-six percent of the patients were female, consistent with previous reports of AEFI to COVID-19 vaccines. mRNA-based vaccine recipients had the highest frequency of anaphylaxis, followed by adenovirus-vectored vaccines and inactivated virus recipients, with an observed incidence of 2.5, 0.7, and 0.2 cases per 1,000,000 doses administered, respectively. Only 46% of the patients received correct treatment with epinephrine as the first-line treatment through the appropriate route and dose. We detected one case of anaphylactic reaction-related death occurring 5 min following immunization with ChAdOx1 nCov-19 for a mortality rate of 1.5% among those who developed this AEFI. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, anaphylactic reactions were infrequent. Our study provides further evidence supporting the security of these newly developed vaccines.

Incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 immunization: Analysis of a nationwide registry of recipients of 81 million doses of seven vaccines.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Information on Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as an adverse event following immunization (AEFI) against SARS-CoV-2 remains scarce. We aimed to report GBS incidence as an AEFI among adult (≥18 years) recipients of 81,842,426 doses of seven anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines between December 24, 2020, and October 29, 2021, in Mexico. METHODS: Cases were retrospectively collected through passive epidemiological surveillance. The overall observed incidence was calculated according to the total number of administered doses. Vaccines were analyzed individually and by vector as mRNA-based (mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2), adenovirus-vectored (ChAdOx1 nCov-19, rAd26-rAd5, Ad5-nCoV, and Ad26.COV2-S), and inactivated whole-virion-vectored (CoronaVac) vaccines. RESULTS: We identified 97 patients (52 males [53.6%]; median [interquartile range] age 44 [33-60] years), for an overall observed incidence of 1.19/1,000,000 doses (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-1.45), with incidence higher among Ad26.COV2-S (3.86/1,000,000 doses, 95% CI 1.50-9.93) and BNT162b2 recipients (1.92/1,00,000 doses, 95% CI 1.36-2.71). The interval (interquartile range) from vaccination to GBS symptom onset was 10 (3-17) days. Preceding diarrhea was reported in 21 patients (21.6%) and mild COVID-19 in four more (4.1%). Only 18 patients were tested for Campylobacter jejuni (positive in 16 [88.9%]). Electrophysiological examinations were performed in 76 patients (78.4%; axonal in 46 [60.5%] and demyelinating in 25 [32.8%]); variants were similar across the platforms. On admission, 91.8% had a GBS disability score ≥3. Seventy-five patients (77.3%) received intravenous immunoglobulin, received seven plasma exchange (7.2%), and 15 (15.5%) were treated conservatively. Ten patients (10.3%) died, and 79.1% of survivors were unable to walk independently. CONCLUSIONS: Guillain-Barré syndrome was an extremely infrequent AEFI against SARS-CoV-2. The protection provided by these vaccines outweighs the risk of developing GBS.

Innovation and immunization program management: traceability and quality in Latin America and the Caribbean, laying the groundwork for a regional action plan.

INTRODUCTION: The Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SLIPE by its Spanish acronyms) is working to understand the current situation, gaps, and opportunities for traceability of the quality vaccination process in Latin America and the Caribbean. AREAS COVERED: On September 24th and 25th, a Latin American forum of experts in immunization programs was held through the Zoom platform; the topics discussed included: computerized systems for recording immunizations, vaccination programs traceability, challenges, and information systems for the integrated management of vaccination. EXPERT OPINION: Latin American countries have transitioned from having a nominal registration system to a nominal tracking system, with many of them not migrating their platforms to new technologies; therefore, the low-quality data, fragmented databases, and slow information traffic present a challenge that must be taken on.

Stroke Among SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Recipients in Mexico: A Nationwide Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Information on stroke among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines remains scarce. We report stroke incidence as an adverse event following immunization (AEFI) among recipients of 79,399,446 doses of 6 different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (BNT162b2, ChAdOx1 nCov-19, Gam-COVID-Vac, CoronaVac, Ad5-nCoV, and Ad26.COV2-S) between December 24, 2020, and August 31, 2021, in Mexico. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study analyzed stroke incidence per million doses among hospitalized adult patients (≥18 years) during an 8-month interval. According to the World Health Organization, AEFIs were defined as clinical events occurring within 30 days after immunization and categorized as either nonserious or serious, depending on severity, treatment, and hospital admission requirements. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) cases were collected through a passive epidemiologic surveillance system in which local health providers report potential AEFI to the Mexican General Board of Epidemiology. Data were captured with standardized case report formats by an ad hoc committee appointed by the Mexican Ministry of Health to evaluate potential neurologic AEFI against SARS-COV-2. RESULTS: We included 56 patients (31 female patients [55.5%]) for an overall incidence of 0.71 cases per 1,000,000 administered doses (95% CI 0.54-0.92). Median age was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR] 55-76 years); median time from vaccination to stroke (of any subtype) was 2 days (IQR 1-5 days). In 27 (48.2%) patients, the event was diagnosed within the first 24 hours after immunization. The most frequent subtype was AIS in 43 patients (75%; 0.54 per 1,000,000 doses, 95% CI 0.40-0.73), followed by ICH in 9 (16.1%; 0.11 per 1,000,000 doses, 95% CI 0.06-0.22) and SAH and CVT, each with 2 cases (3.6%; 0.03 per 1,000,000 doses, 95% CI 0.01-0.09). Overall, the most common risk factors were hypertension in 33 (58.9%) patients and diabetes in 22 (39.3%). Median hospital length of stay was 6 days (IQR 4-13 days). At discharge, functional outcome was good (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) in 41.1% of patients; in-hospital mortality rate was 21.4%. DISCUSSION: Stroke is an exceedingly rare AEFI against SARS-CoV-2. Preexisting stroke risk factors were identified in most patients. Further research is needed to evaluate causal associations between SARS-COV-2 vaccines and stroke.

The Public Discussion on Flat Earth Movement: An Analysis Based on the Esperantist­Epideictic Discourse.

The paper reflects on public discourses about science and pseudoscience, proposing the same discursive structure for both-the Esperantist-Epideictic genre. This genre of discourse might bring together characteristics that we understand as constituents of the public discourse on science. It also enables us to depict the process by which to maintain cohesion on a group's values. The discursive activity points to science as neutral, free, and independent of social influences captivating those already in this discursive sphere. The discursive hermeticity appears in the Esperantist content and the Epideictic form by avoiding the dialogical situations where there is no epistemological and axiological dispute. We thus, show that the Esperantist-Epideictic genre helps to understand the process of maintaining a cohesive group whose beliefs about the Flat Earth appear in social media. We use data from three sources: transcriptions from seminars held at that 1st FlatCon Brazil, most viewed videos on YouTube where affirmationists talk about Flat Earth, and semi-structured exploratory interviews conducted at FlatCon. Our findings indicate that some conceptions of validation of knowledge, scientific method, science bias, reality, and truth compound a distinct part in the current conversations about the Flat Earth movement. Moreover, the Esperantist-Epideictic genre of discourse can be an analytical tool for framing the echo chamber in social media while defending or attacking the Flat Earth movement. We conclude that in a time where there is a growing consensus that science is under attack, the ways in which its defenders are trying to stand up to it may be causing some harm.

What students with intellectual disabilities know about writing planning.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the writing of students with intellectual disabilities have been scarce and unrepresentative. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to analyse this group of students' abilities to plan their texts METHOD: A collective case study was carried out, with an eminently qualitative approach, although aided by an initial quantitative analysis. Fifteen students with unspecified intellectual disabilities were interviewed using open-ended questions. For data interpretation, content analysis and quantification of responses were used. RESULTS: The results revealed the abilities and limitations of these students regarding the knowledge and use of one of the key processes of written expression (writing planning). CONCLUSION: The cognitive operations of planning, in which these students admitted the greatest problems, were the ordering and recording of ideas, and textual structuring.

Transient sensory symptoms among first-dose recipients of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine: A case-control study.

mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines are effective; however, persistent vaccine hesitancy is partly due to a misperception of their potential adverse events. Non-specific sensory symptoms (NSSS) following immunization are thought to be mediated by stress-related responses. In this case-control study, we evaluated NSSS from a cohort of 7,812,845 BNT162b2 first-dose recipients, of whom 10,929 reported an adverse event following immunization (AEFI). We found an overall frequency of 3.4% (377 cases) or 4.8 cases per 100,000 doses administered. Anatomically, the arms (61%) and face/neck region (36.2%) were the most commonly affected sites. The control group had significantly higher rates of reactogenicity-associated symptoms, suggesting that NSSS are reactogenicity-independent; in multivariable analysis, healthcare workers reported sensory symptoms less frequently (aOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.40-0.72;p < 0.001). This is the first study describing the topography and associated factors for developing NSSS among BNT162b2 recipients. The benign nature of these symptoms may help dissipate hesitation towards this vaccine.

Neurologic adverse events among 704,003 first-dose recipients of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in Mexico: A nationwide descriptive study.

mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are remarkably effective. Limited information exists about the incidence of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with their use. We conducted a prospective observational study including data from 704,003 first-doses recipients; 6536 AEFI were reported, of whom 65.1% had at least one neurologic AEFI (non-serious 99.6%). Thirty-three serious events were reported; 17 (51.5%) were neurologic (observed frequency, 2.4/100,000 doses). At the time of writing this report, 16/17 cases had been discharged without deaths. Our data suggest that the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is safe; its individual and societal benefits outweigh the low percentage of serious neurologic AEFI. This information should help to dissipate hesitancy towards this new vaccine platform.

Vocabulario y comprensión lectora: una investigación empírica con escolares intelectualmente discapacitados / Vocabulary and reading comprehension: An empirical research study on intellectually disabled schoolchildren

Uno de los objetivos prioritarios de la educación básica (de 1.° a 8.° grado en Chile) es el aprendizaje de la lectura, responsable, a su vez, de la conquista de nuevos aprendizajes escolares. Sin embargo, la comprensión lectora es un tema poco explorado en el ámbito de la discapacidad intelectual (DI). Los estudios sobre la lectura en escolares con DI son muy escasos y se desconocen investigaciones en las que se analicen las repercusiones del nivel léxico del alumnado con DI en la competencia lectora. En ese contexto, se efectuó una investigación para analizar la relación entre el vocabulario y la comprensión lectora en una muestra de estudiantes discapacitados intelectualmente, en la que participaron 12 escolares de 1.er ciclo de Educación Básica (de 1° a 4° Grado) y 10 escolares de 2.° ciclo básico (de 5° a 8° grado), que estaban escolarizados en 3 centros urbanos de una misma ciudad. Mediante un estudio exploratorio, de tipo correlacional y transversal, se concluyó que, en general, el vocabulario no correlaciona significativamente con la comprensión lectora en los escolares con DI.(AU)

Reading is one of the priority objectives of Elementary Education (from 1st to 8th grade in Chile), which in turn enables further learning at school. However, reading comprehension is an under-explored topic in the field of intellectual disability (ID). Studies on the reading of children with ID are very scarce and there is no known research that analyses the impact of the vocabulary level of students with ID on reading proficiency. In this context, a research study was carried out to analyse the relationship between vocabulary and reading comprehension in a sample of intellectually disabled students, in which 12 schoolchildren from the 1st to 4th grade and 10 schoolchildren from the 5th to 8th grade participated from three urban schools of the same city. Through an exploratory, correlational and cross-sectional study, it was concluded that in general vocabulary does not correlate significantly with reading comprehension in schoolchildren with ID.(AU)

Cover versions as an impact indicator in popular music: A quantitative network analysis.

In contemporary popular music, covering or adapting previous songs signals a tribute or reworking of popular hits, which implies acknowledgement of the original musicians. This connection can be interpreted as a form of musical impact among artists. A network graph with more than 106k artists and 855k cover versions extracted from the web site SecondHandSongs was created. The objective is to explore the shape of this network, identify the most relevant artists according to different impact measurements and to visualize connections between music genres. This analysis is done from a longitudinal perspective with the aim of understanding how cover versions can inform us about the history of the contemporary popular music. Results show that the number of covers by artist is skewed distributed, diminishing gradually since the 1950s. Different network metrics have allowed to identify the most covered (weighted indegree), the most influential (PageRank) and the most crossover artists (weighted betweenness centrality). The network graph also shows that genre affinity is the main criterion for covering songs between artists, language being the second. Remakes from other genres reflect that Jazz and Pop/Rock are the most influential because they emerge stronger and form the core of their respective sub-networks. Cover songs describe two cycles. In a first phase from 1900s to 1950s, dominated by Jazz and Vocal artists, the covers are more frequent and associated with the notion of reworking (e.g. jazz standards); in a second stage, since the 1950s, when the Pop/Rock emerges, cover songs are less common and seen as tribute.

A pure extradural hemangioblastoma mimicking a dumbbell nerve sheath tumor in cervical spine: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Spinal extradural hemangioblastomas (HBs) are quite uncommon, with most reported cases involving the thoracic and lumbar areas. Therefore, the presence of a dumbbell-shaped pure extradural cervical HB is exceptional, making preoperative diagnosis particularly challenging. OBSERVATIONS: The authors report a case of a 27-year-old woman who presented to their outpatient clinic with progressive cervicobrachialgia and numbness in the left arm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a C5-6 intradural extramedullary lesion, and, despite some atypical features, the diagnosis of a possible neurogenic tumor was made. A multidetector computed tomography scan and angiography confirmed the expansion and remodeling of the left neural foramen as well as the highly vascularized nature of the mass. Preoperative embolization of the lesion was performed. Complete tumor resection was accomplished, followed by a C5-6 posterior fusion. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed an HB. LESSONS: HBs should be considered among the differential diagnosis of cervical extradural tumors. Exhaustive preoperative workup and surgical planning are decisive in order to attain gross-total resection with favorable outcomes.

Seroprevalence of measles antibodies and factors associated with susceptibility: a national survey in Mexico using a plaque reduction neutralization test.

Measles continues to be one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide, even though a highly effective vaccine has existed for more than 40 years. We aimed to describe the seroprevalence of measles antibodies in Mexico in 2012 and the risk factors associated with susceptibility. A total of 7,785 serum samples were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Mexico. This national survey is representative of the general population, including noninstitutionalized adult, adolescent, and child populations. Antibody titers were classified into protective (> 120 mIU/mL) or susceptible (≤ 120 mIU/mL) levels. The weighted seroprevalence and susceptibility of the overall population were 99.37% (95% CI 99.07-99.58) and 0.63% (95% CI 0.42-0.93), respectively. Among 1-to-4-year-old children, 2.18% (95% CI 1.36-3.48) were susceptible to measles. Among adolescents and young adults, the prevalence of susceptibility was as follows: those 15-19 years of age had a prevalence of 0.22% (95% CI 0.09-0.57), and those 30-39 years of age had a prevalence of 1.17% (95% CI 0.47-2.85). Susceptibility was associated with young age, living in Mexico City, living in crowded households and unknown or nonvaccinated status among 1- to 5-year-old children. Although the overall sample population seroprevalence for measles is above 95%, increased susceptibility among younger children signals the importance of the timely administration of the first vaccine dose at 12 months of age. Furthermore, increased susceptibility among specific subgroups indicates the need to reinforce current vaccination policies, including the immunization of unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals from 10 to 39 years of age.