Sediment analysis and water quality assessment in the Pixquiac basin: drinking water supply of Xalapa city (Veracruz, Mexico).

Fluvial sediment analysis and water quality assessment are useful to identify anthropic and natural sources of pollution in rivers. Currently, there is a lack of information about water quality in the Pixquiac basin (Veracruz state, Mexico), and this scarcity of data prevents authorities to take adequate measures to protect water resources. The basin is a crucial territory for Xalapa, the capital city of Veracruz state, as it gets 39% of its drinkable water from it. This research analyzed 10 physicochemical parameters and 12 metal concentrations in various rivers and sources during two seasons. Dissolved metals presented average concentrations (µg/L): Al (456.25) > Fe (199.4) > Mn (16.86) > Ba (13.8) > Zn (7.6) > Cu (1.03) > Pb (0.27) > As (0.12) > Ni (0.118) (Cd, Cr and Hg undetectable). Metals in sediment recorded average concentrations (ppm): Fe (38575) > Al (38425) > Mn (460) > Ba (206.2) > Zn (65.1) > Cr (29.8) > Ni (20.9) > Cu (16.4) > Pb (4.8) > As (2.1) (Cd and Hg undetectable). During the rainy season, Water Quality Index (WAWQI) classified stations P17 and P18's water as "unsuitable for drinking" with values of 110.4 and 117.6. Enrichment factor (EF) recorded a "moderate enrichment" of Pb in sediment in P24. Pollution was mainly explained by wastewater discharges in rivers but also because of erosion and rainfall events. Statistical analysis presented strong relationships between trace and major metals which could explain a common natural origin for metals in water and sediment: rock lixiviation.

Efficient photocatalytic activity and selective adsorption of UiO-67 (Zr)/g-C3N4 composite toward a mixture of parabens.

In this study, UiO-67 (Zr)/g-C3N4 composites (U67N) were synthesized at wt.% ratios of 05:95, 15:85, and 30:70 using the solvothermal method at 80 °C for 24 h followed by calcination at 350 °C. The composites were characterized using UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen physisorption analysis. In addition, thermal stability analysis of UiO-67 was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis. The photocatalytic performance of the composites was assessed during the degradation and mineralization of a mixture of methylparaben (MeP) and propylparaben (PrP) under simulated sunlight. The adsorption process of U67N 15:85 was characterized through kinetic studies and adsorption capacity experiments, which were modeled using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, respectively. The influence of pH levels 3, 5, and 7 on the photocatalytic degradation of the mixture was investigated, revealing enhanced degradation and mineralization at pH 3. The U67N composite exhibited dual capability in removing contaminants through adsorption and photocatalytic processes. Among the prepared composites, U67N 15:85 demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving removal efficiencies of 96.8% for MeP, 92.5% for PrP, and 45.7% for total organic carbon in 300 kJ/m2 accumulated energy (3 h of reaction time). The detoxification of the effluent was confirmed through acute toxicity evaluation using the Vibrio fischeri method. The oxidation mechanism of the heterojunction formed between UiO-67 (Zr) and g-C3N4 was proposed based on PL analysis, photoelectrochemistry studies (including photocurrent response, Nyquist, and Mott-Schottky analyses), and scavenger assays.

Memory and language risk assessment with Wada test in patients candidates for epilepsy surgery. / Evaluación de la memoria y el lenguaje mediante el test de Wada en pacientes candidatos a cirugía de epilepsia.

AIM: To determine post-surgical cognitive risk and associated factors according to lesion location in a sample of patients evaluated for epilepsy surgery with Wada test at the Fundacion Instituto Neurologico de Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, retrospective, analytical study was completed in patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy candidates for epilepsy surgery treated from 2001 to 2021, who completed the Wada test as part of the pre-surgical evaluation. A descriptive analysis of sociodemographic, clinical, imaging and neuropsychological variables was completed; a multivariate logistic regression was performed analyzing factors associated with resection risk in patients with left lesions. RESULTS A total of 369 patients were included, 54.74% of the cases were women, with a median age of seizure onset of 11 years. 92.66% of the cases had lesional epilepsy and 68.56% were secondary to hippocampal sclerosis. Left hemisphere was the most frequently affected (65.68%) being dominant for memory and language in most of the patients with a proportion of 42.82% and 81.3%, respectively. The median functional adequacy was 43.75 (IQR 0-75) and the functional reserve was 75 (IQR 25 -93.75). In 104 patients, the Wada test determined a resection risk. In patients with a left lesion, it was found that functional reserve (PRadjusted 0.99, CI 95% 0.9997-0.9998) and having a right hemispheric dominance for memory (PRadjusted 0.92, CI 95% 0.547-0.999) were protective factors for post-surgical resection risk. CONCLUSION: Wada test is a useful tool for surgical decision-making in patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. When considering cognitive risk, components such as memory dominance and functional reserve should be considered as protective factors for postsurgical cognitive function preservation in patients with left lesions.

TITLE: Evaluación de la memoria y el lenguaje mediante el test de Wada en pacientes candidatos a cirugía de epilepsia.Objetivo. Determinar el riesgo cognitivo posquirúrgico y factores asociados según la localización de la lesión en una muestra de pacientes evaluados para cirugía de epilepsia con el test de Wada en la Fundación Instituto Neurológico de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo y analítico en pacientes con epilepsia farmacorresistente del lóbulo temporal candidatos a cirugía de epilepsia tratados entre 2001 y 2021, que completaron el test de Wada como parte de la evaluación prequirúrgica. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, imagenológicas y neuropsicológicas. Se realizó una regresión logística multivariada analizando factores asociados al riesgo de resección en pacientes con lesiones izquierdas. Resultados. Se incluyó a 369 pacientes, el 54,74% de los casos fueron mujeres, con una mediana de edad de inicio de las convulsiones de 11 años. El 92,66% de los casos presentó epilepsia lesional; de éstos, el 68,56% fue secundario a esclerosis hipocampal. El hemisferio izquierdo fue el más frecuentemente afectado (65,68%), y éste fue dominante para la memoria y el lenguaje en la mayoría de los pacientes, con una proporción del 42,82 y el 81,3%, respectivamente. La mediana de adecuación funcional fue de 43,75 (rango intercuartílico: 0-75) y la reserva funcional de 75 (rango intercuartílico: 25-93,75). En 104 pacientes, el test de Wada determinó un riesgo de resección. En pacientes con lesiones izquierdas se encontró que la reserva funcional (razón de prevalencia ajustada: 0,99; intervalo de confianza al 95%: 0,9997-0,9998) y tener dominancia del hemisferio derecho para la memoria (razón de prevalencia ajustada: 0,92; intervalo de confianza al 95%: 0,547-0,999) fueron factores asociados para determinar el riesgo de resección posquirúrgico en el test de Wada. Conclusión. El test de Wada es una herramienta útil para la toma de decisiones quirúrgicas en pacientes con epilepsia del lóbulo temporal farmacorresistente. Componentes como la dominancia de la memoria y la reserva funcional en el test de Wada deben considerarse como factores que se deben tener en cuenta en la predicción de la preservación de la función cognitiva posquirúrgica en pacientes con lesiones izquierdas.

Variants rs2758346, rs5746094, and rs2758331 of SOD2 gene: association study with breast cancer in a Mexican population and their analysis in silico.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the association between the superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene variants rs2758346, rs5746094, and rs2758331 and breast cancer (BC) in the Mexican population as well as to perform in silico assessments of the variants' potential impact. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed in silico analysis and analyzed 489 healthy women and 467 BC patients using TaqMan assays and Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: The TT genotype, the T allele of the rs2758346 variant, and the CC genotype of both rs5746094 and rs2758331 were identified as BC risk factors (p < 0.05). The TT and CTTT genotype of the rs2758346 variant stratified by the presence of ki-67 (> 20%), TCCC, and estrogen receptor (ER)-positive of the rs5746094 variant, and the CC and CT genotypes of rs2758331 stratified by menopause status and non-chemotherapy response were risk factors. The TTC and TTA haplotypes are risk factors for BC. In silico analysis revealed that the rs2758346, rs5746094, and rs2758331 variants could influence SOD2 gene regulation by transcription factors and circulating RNAs (circRNAs). CONCLUSIONS: The rs2758346, rs5746094, and rs2758331 variants of the SOD2 gene were associated with BC risk and could influence SOD2 regulation by transcription factors and circRNAs.

Examining the Role and Strategies of Advocacy Coalitions in California's Statewide Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Debate (2001-2018).

PURPOSE: California's failed attempts to enact a statewide sugary beverage tax presents an opportunity to advance understanding of advocacy coalition behavior. We investigate the participation of advocacy coalitions in California's statewide sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax policy debate. DESIGN: Document analysis of legislative bills and newspaper articles collected in 2019. SETTING: California. METHOD: A total of 11 SSB tax-related bills were introduced in California's legislature between 2001-2018 according to the state's legislative website. Data sources include legislative bill documents (n = 94) and newspaper articles (n = 138). Guided by the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), we identify advocacy coalitions involved in California's SSB tax debate and explore strategies and arguments used to advance each coalitions' position. RESULTS: Two coalitions (public health, food/beverage industry) were involved in California's statewide SSB tax policy debate. The public health coalition had higher member participation and referred to scientific research evidence while the industry coalition used preemption and financial resources as primary advocacy strategies. The public health coalition frequently presented messaging on the health consequences and financial benefits of SSB taxes. The industry coalition responded by focusing on the potential negative economic impact of a tax. CONCLUSION: Multiple attempts to enact a statewide SSB tax in California have failed. Our findings add insight into the challenges of enacting an SSB tax considering industry interference. Results can inform future efforts to pass evidence-based nutrition policies.

A text message intervention to support latino dementia family caregivers (CuidaTEXT): feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: To test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of CuidaTEXT: a bidirectional text message intervention to support Latino dementia family caregivers. METHODS: CuidaTEXT is a six-month, bilingual intervention tailored to caregiver needs (e.g., education, problem-solving, resources). We used convenience sampling and reached 31 potential participants via clinics, registries, community promotion, and online advertising. We enrolled 24 Latino caregivers in a one-arm trial and assessed feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy within six months. RESULTS: None of the participants unsubscribed from CuidaTEXT and 83.3% completed the follow up survey. Most participants (85.7%) reported reading most text messages thoroughly. All participants reported being very or extremely satisfied with the intervention. Participants reported that CuidaTEXT helped a lot (vs not at all, a little, or somehow) in caring for their care recipient (71.4%; n = 15), for themselves (66.7%; n = 14), and understanding more about dementia (85.7%; n = 18). Compared to baseline, at six months caregiver behavioral symptom distress (0-60) decreased from 19.8 to 12.0 and depression (0-30) from 8.8 to 5.4 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: CuidaTEXT demonstrated high levels of feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy among Latino caregivers. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: CuidaTEXT's feasibility and potential for widespread implementation holds promise in supporting Latino caregivers of people with dementia.

¿Cuánta carga asistencial suponen las dermatosis pediátricas en la actividad ambulatoria en la dermatología española? Resultados del muestreo aleatorio nacional DIADERM / What Proportion of the Spanish Dermatology Caseload Corresponds to Pediatric Dermatoses? Results From the DIADERM National Random Sampling Survey

Introducción Los motivos de consulta de índole dermatológico son muy frecuentes en las consultas de pediatría de atención primaria, e igualmente muchos de los pacientes atendidos en consultas de dermatología son niños y adolescentes. A pesar de ello, faltan estudios sobre la prevalencia real de estas consultas y sus características. Material y método Estudio observacional de corte transversal de 2 períodos de tiempo describiendo los diagnósticos realizados en consultas externas dermatológicas, obtenidos a través de la encuesta anónima DIADERM, realizada a una muestra aleatoria y representativa de dermatólogos. A partir de la codificación de diagnósticos CIE-10, se seleccionaron todos los diagnósticos codificados en los menores de 18 años (84 diagnósticos codificados en los 2 períodos), que se agruparon en 14 categorías diagnósticas relacionadas para facilitar su análisis y comparación. Resultados Un total de 20.097 diagnósticos fueron efectuados en pacientes menores de 18 años, lo que supone un 12% del total de los codificados en DIADERM. Las infecciones víricas, el acné y la dermatitis atópica fueron los diagnósticos más comunes (43,9% de todos los diagnósticos). No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la proporción de diagnósticos atendidos en las consultas monográficas frente a las generales, así como en los registrados en el ámbito público frente al privado. Tampoco las hubo en los diagnósticos en función de la época de la encuesta (enero y mayo). Conclusiones La atención a pacientes pediátricos por parte de dermatólogos en España supone una proporción significativa de la actividad habitual. Estos datos nos permiten descubrir áreas de mejora en la comunicación y la formación de los pediatras de atención primaria, como la necesidad del refuerzo de actividades formativas dirigidas al mejor tratamiento de acné y lesiones pigmentadas (y manejo básico de la dermatoscopia) en este ámbito asistencial (AU)

Background Visits for skin conditions are very common in pediatric primary care, and many of the patients seen in outpatient dermatology clinics are children or adolescents. Little, however, has been published about the true prevalence of these visits or about their characteristics. Material and methods Observational cross-sectional study of diagnoses made in outpatient dermatology clinics during 2 data-collection periods in the anonymous DIADERM National Random Survey of dermatologists across Spain. All entries with an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code related to dermatology in the 2 periods (84 diagnoses) were collected for patients younger than 18 years and classified into 14 categories to facilitate analysis and comparison. Results In total, the search found 20 097 diagnoses made in patients younger than 18 years (12% of all coded diagnoses in the DIADERM database). Viral infections, acne, and atopic dermatitis were the most common, accounting for 43.9% of all diagnoses. No significant differences were observed in the proportions of diagnoses in the respective caseloads of specialist vs. general dermatology clinics or public vs. private clinics. Seasonal differences in diagnoses (January vs. May) were also nonsignificant. Conclusions Pediatric care accounts for a significant proportion of the dermatologist's caseload in Spain. Our findings are useful for identifying opportunities for improving communication and training in pediatric primary care and for designing training focused on the optimal treatment of acne and pigmented lesions (with instruction on basic dermoscopy use) in these settings (AU)

[Translated article] What Proportion of the Spanish Dermatology Caseload Corresponds to Pediatric Dermatoses? Results From the DIADERM National Random Sampling Survey / ¿Cuánta carga asistencial suponen las dermatosis pediátricas en la actividad ambulatoria en la dermatología española? Resultados del muestreo aleatorio nacional DIADERM

Background Visits for skin conditions are very common in pediatric primary care, and many of the patients seen in outpatient dermatology clinics are children or adolescents. Little, however, has been published about the true prevalence of these visits or about their characteristics. Material and methods Observational cross-sectional study of diagnoses made in outpatient dermatology clinics during 2 data-collection periods in the anonymous DIADERM National Random Survey of dermatologists across Spain. All entries with an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code related to dermatology in the 2 periods (84 diagnoses) were collected for patients younger than 18 years and classified into 14 categories to facilitate analysis and comparison. Results In total, the search found 20 097 diagnoses made in patients younger than 18 years (12% of all coded diagnoses in the DIADERM database). Viral infections, acne, and atopic dermatitis were the most common, accounting for 43.9% of all diagnoses. No significant differences were observed in the proportions of diagnoses in the respective caseloads of specialist vs. general dermatology clinics or public vs. private clinics. Seasonal differences in diagnoses (January vs. May) were also nonsignificant. Conclusions Pediatric care accounts for a significant proportion of the dermatologist's caseload in Spain. Our findings are useful for identifying opportunities for improving communication and training in pediatric primary care and for designing training focused on the optimal treatment of acne and pigmented lesions (with instruction on basic dermoscopy use) in these settings (AU)

Introducción Los motivos de consulta de índole dermatológico son muy frecuentes en las consultas de pediatría de atención primaria, e igualmente muchos de los pacientes atendidos en consultas de dermatología son niños y adolescentes. A pesar de ello, faltan estudios sobre la prevalencia real de estas consultas y sus características. Material y método Estudio observacional de corte transversal de 2 períodos de tiempo describiendo los diagnósticos realizados en consultas externas dermatológicas, obtenidos a través de la encuesta anónima DIADERM, realizada a una muestra aleatoria y representativa de dermatólogos. A partir de la codificación de diagnósticos CIE-10, se seleccionaron todos los diagnósticos codificados en los menores de 18 años (84 diagnósticos codificados en los 2 períodos), que se agruparon en 14 categorías diagnósticas relacionadas para facilitar su análisis y comparación. Resultados Un total de 20.097 diagnósticos fueron efectuados en pacientes menores de 18 años, lo que supone un 12% del total de los codificados en DIADERM. Las infecciones víricas, el acné y la dermatitis atópica fueron los diagnósticos más comunes (43,9% de todos los diagnósticos). No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la proporción de diagnósticos atendidos en las consultas monográficas frente a las generales, así como en los registrados en el ámbito público frente al privado. Tampoco las hubo en los diagnósticos en función de la época de la encuesta (enero y mayo). Conclusiones La atención a pacientes pediátricos por parte de dermatólogos en España supone una proporción significativa de la actividad habitual. Estos datos nos permiten descubrir áreas de mejora en la comunicación y la formación de los pediatras de atención primaria, como la necesidad del refuerzo de actividades formativas dirigidas al mejor tratamiento de acné y lesiones pigmentadas (y manejo básico de la dermatoscopia) en este ámbito asistencial (AU)

Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus after liver transplant and the impact of family history of diabetes in a Mexican cohort.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a serious long-term complication that has a negative impact on graft and patient survival. The purpose of the present study was to describe the incidence of PTDM in a Mexican cohort and evaluate its association with a previous family history of diabetes (FHD). METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). The primary outcome was time from LT to PTDM. The diagnosis of PTDM was established using the ADA criteria. A mediation analysis that used adjusted Cox regression models and considered pretransplant prediabetes a mediator was performed, to determine the total effect and direct effect of FHD on PTDM. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were included, with a median follow-up time of 41 months; 19.2% (n = 29) had pretransplant diabetes. During the follow-up time, 15% of patients developed PTDM (n = 23), with an incidence rate of 4.71 cases/100 person-years. PTDM was significantly higher in patients with FHD, compared with those with no FHD (8.72 cases/100 person-years vs 2.04 cases/100 person-years, respectively; p = 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio of PTDM for FHD was 4.14 (95% CI 1.60-10.7), p = 0.005) and 3.48 (95% CI 1.35-9.01, p = 0.010), when further controlled for pretransplant prediabetes. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of PTDM was similar to that reported in most international studies. As with type 2 diabetes, family history plays an important role in the development of PTDM, even after accounting for pretransplant prediabetes. Patients with FHD should undergo a stricter metabolic program.

Gaussian Process-based prediction of memory performance and biomarker status in ageing and Alzheimer's disease-A systematic model evaluation.

Neuroimaging markers based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) combined with various other measures (such as genetic covariates, biomarkers, vascular risk factors, neuropsychological tests etc.) might provide useful predictions of clinical outcomes during the progression towards Alzheimer's disease (AD). The use of multiple features in predictive frameworks for clinical outcomes has become increasingly prevalent in AD research. However, many studies do not focus on systematically and accurately evaluating combinations of multiple input features. Hence, the aim of the present work is to explore and assess optimal combinations of various features for MR-based prediction of (1) cognitive status and (2) biomarker positivity with a multi-kernel learning Gaussian process framework. The explored features and parameters included (A) combinations of brain tissues, modulation, smoothing, and image resolution; (B) incorporating demographics & clinical covariates; (C) the impact of the size of the training data set; (D) the influence of dimensionality reduction and the choice of kernel types. The approach was tested in a large German cohort including 959 subjects from the multicentric longitudinal study of cognitive impairment and dementia (DELCODE). Our evaluation suggests the best prediction of memory performance was obtained for a combination of neuroimaging markers, demographics, genetic information (ApoE4) and CSF biomarkers explaining 57% of outcome variance in out-of-sample predictions. The highest performance for Aß42/40 status classification was achieved for a combination of demographics, ApoE4, and a memory score while usage of structural MRI further improved the classification of individual patient's pTau status.

Simplification of Complex Insulin Regimens with IdegLira in People with Type 2 Diabetes: Literature Review and Clinical Recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: This study developed a simple algorithm based on clinical results described in medical literature and which allows one to simplify complex insulin regimes with IdegLira to avoid adverse events related to the complexity of some insulin treatments. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature that allowed us to identify studies that evaluated the clinical result of simplifying complex insulin regimes. The authors reviewed the common factors these simpler regimes had, including the type of patients who used them. RESULTS: We found nine clinical studies published between 2017 and 2022, eight performed in Europe and one in Latin America. The monitoring time of the studies ranged between 3 and 18 months. The size of the study populations was between 61 and 611 patients (the latter was in five countries). In all studies, HbA1c decreased by 0.6-1.7% and the weight decreased by 0.1-3.11 kg. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the findings of these studies, we made some recommendations for clinical practice to simplify treatment. The results of these studies support an algorithm that simplifies the treatment of complex insulin regimens.

Macroscopic brain gray matter staining: historical protocol overview and neuroanatomy learning applications in second-year medical students.

Macroscopic staining in anatomical samples of the central nervous system is a technique that has been used for decades to achieve better differentiation of multiple gray matter structures, such as the cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellar nuclei. Staining methods are based on using the different components of the brain, mainly the lipids present in the white matter. These techniques have been progressively forgotten while computer renderings are increasing; however, as a primary exposure to surgical anatomy, stained brain specimens are considered a helpful tool. We aim to summarize different staining techniques, their principles, and their current applications for neuroanatomy learning purposes. In total, four gray matter staining protocol descriptions (Mulligan's, Roberts's, Alston's, and Prussian Blue) were performed, as well as Likert scale surveys of second-year medical students about their perceptions of the stained sections. The results showed that the different macroscopic stains for brain tissue are based on lipid and reactant interactions, intending to increase the white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) contrast. The search also showed that most staining protocols would take 2 days to develop. Efficient preservation options include submerging the sections in formaldehyde solutions, formaldehyde-free solutions, ethanol, or applying plastination techniques. Based on the student's perspective, the stained slices seem to be a valuable alternative to facilitate the study and identification of the basal ganglia and their relationships with the white matter (from 51.2 to 72% based on the Likert scale) compared with the non-stained sections. In conclusion, macroscopic staining of brain tissue continues to be a valuable tool for comprehensively studying the brain. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of stained specimens as teaching tools.

The Communication of Scientific Information to Scientists, Clinicians, and the Public: Recommendations for Achieving Health Equity.

Optimizing health care decisions relies critically on the availability of health-related information appropriate to the specific needs and circumstances of the individual. Abundant research has demonstrated that information relevant to health care decision-making reflects disparities along multiple axes of sex, race, socioeconomic status, geography, sexual orientation, and other factors. Compounding the problem is that mechanisms of access to information themselves, increasingly recognized as part of the social determinants of health, can perpetuate and even exacerbate these disparities. Critical to achieving neurologic health equity is the application of evidence-based strategies to inform the effective and efficient communication of information that can influence patients' behaviors, enhance community trust in the scientific enterprise, and shape health systems and policies. In 2020, as part of a strategic planning initiative, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) charged its Advisory Council to form a working group of experts to provide recommendations for reducing health disparities. Here, we report our subgroup's findings, which focused on the role of communication in addressing neurologic disparities and inequities to achieve health equity. We find a need for incentivizing and supporting the application of communication science across the spectrum of neurologic health research. We present recommendations for NINDS and individual investigators to support communication activities that advance neurologic health equity.

Evaluating the performance of WHO and CDC case definitions for influenza-like illness in diagnosing influenza during the 2022-2023 flu season in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definitions for influenza-like illness (ILI) in diagnosing influenza during the 2022-2023 flu season in Mexico. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of national epidemiological surveillance data in Mexico, focusing on respiratory viral pathogens. METHODS: We analyzed data from 6027 non-hospitalized patients between 5 and 65 years old who underwent molecular testing for respiratory viral pathogens. The performance of both case definitions was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. RESULTS: Overall, the diagnostic accuracy of the evaluated ILI definitions in identifying influenza patients was low, particularly among older patients. When compared to the CDC, the WHO definition had a lower sensitivity but a higher specificity, resulting in a higher AUROC (P = 0.031) for the WHO criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the WHO and CDC ILI case definitions have limited accuracy for diagnosing influenza in non-hospitalized patients and highlight the need for more specific diagnostic tools to improve the detection of influenza cases during the flu season.

Evolution of magnetic surfboards and spin glass behavior in (Fe1-pGap)2TiO5.

The unusual anisotropy of the spin glass (SG) transition in the pseudobrookite system Fe2TiO5has been interpreted as arising from an induced, van der Waals-like, interaction among magnetic clusters. Here we present susceptibility (χ) and specific heat data (C) for Fe2TiO5diluted with non-magnetic Ga, (Fe1-pGap)2TiO5, for disorder parameterp= 0, 0.11, and 0.42, and elastic neutron scattering data forp= 0.20. A uniform suppression ofTgis observed upon increasingp, along with a value ofχTgthat increases asTgdecreases, i.e.dχ(Tg)/dTg<0We also observeCT∝T2in the low temperature limit. The observed behavior places (Fe1-pGap)2TiO5in the category of a strongly geometrically frustrated SG.

Identifying pollution dynamics using discrete Fourier transform: From an urban-rural river, Central Mexico.

The quality of life and human survival is dependent on sustainable development and sanitation of water bodies in an environment. The present research focuses on cyclicity data of more than 750,000 records of parameters associated with the water quality from a rural-urban river monitoring stations in real-time from River Atoyac in Central Mexico. The events detected in the instrumental records correlated with 2528 laboratory and instrumental determinations. The 64 polluting compounds were grouped into inorganic compounds (metals and metalloids) and organic compounds (pesticides, herbicides, hydrocarbons). Metal associated compounds were grouped along mechanical, pharmaceutical and textile industries which associates itself with the entry of polluting components. The cyclicity of the events was detected through Discrete Fourier Transformation time series analysis identifying the predominant events in each station. These highlight the events at 23-26 h corresponding to a circadian pattern of the metabolism of the city. Likewise, pollution signals were detected at 3.3, 5.5, and 12-14 h, associated with discharges from economic activities. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to identify the circadian extremes of a regionalized cycle of polluting compounds in each of the stations. The results of this research allow pollution prevention using a mathematical analysis of time series of different quality parameters collected at monitoring stations in real-time as a tool for predicting polluting events. The DFT analysis makes it possible to prevent polluting events in different bodies of water, allowing to support the development of public policies based on the supervision and control of pollution.

What Proportion of the Spanish Dermatology Caseload Corresponds to Pediatric Dermatoses? Results From the DIADERM National Random Sampling Survey. / ¿Cuánta carga asistencial suponen las dermatosis pediátricas en la actividad ambulatoria en la dermatología española? Resultados del muestreo aleatorio nacional DIADERM.

BACKGROUND: Visits for skin conditions are very common in pediatric primary care, and many of the patients seen in outpatient dermatology clinics are children or adolescents. Little, however, has been published about the true prevalence of these visits or about their characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study of diagnoses made in outpatient dermatology clinics during 2 data-collection periods in the anonymous DIADERM National Random Survey of dermatologists across Spain. All entries with an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code related to dermatology in the 2 periods (84 diagnoses) were collected for patients younger than 18 years and classified into 14 categories to facilitate analysis and comparison. RESULTS: In total, the search found 20 097 diagnoses made in patients younger than 18 years (12% of all coded diagnoses in the DIADERM database). Viral infections, acne, and atopic dermatitis were the most common, accounting for 43.9% of all diagnoses. No significant differences were observed in the proportions of diagnoses in the respective caseloads of specialist vs. general dermatology clinics or public vs. private clinics. Seasonal differences in diagnoses (January vs. May) were also nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric care accounts for a significant proportion of the dermatologist's caseload in Spain. Our findings are useful for identifying opportunities for improving communication and training in pediatric primary care and for designing training focused on the optimal treatment of acne and pigmented lesions (with instruction on basic dermoscopy use) in these settings.

Enfermedades infecciosas no venéreas atendidas en consultas de Dermatología en España: resultados del estudio DIADERM / Nonvenereal Infections in Spanish Dermatology Clinics: Results of the DIADERM Study

Antecedentes y objetivo El peso e impacto de las enfermedades infecciosas no venéreas en Dermatología no ha sido evaluado hasta el momento en nuestro medio. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar su prevalencia global en el ámbito de la asistencia ambulatoria dermatológica. Material y métodos Estudio observacional de corte transversal de los diagnósticos realizados en consultas de Dermatología por una muestra aleatoria de dermatólogos de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología (AEDV). Los datos fueron obtenidos a partir de la encuesta anónima DIADERM. Se seleccionaron los diagnósticos correspondientes a enfermedades infecciosas, codificados mediante el sistema CIE-10. Se excluyeron las infecciones de transmisión sexual y los diagnósticos restantes se clasificaron en 22 grupos diagnósticos. Resultados Se estimó que los dermatólogos españoles hacen 16.190 diagnósticos de patología infecciosa no venérea en una semana laboral (IC 95%, 9.338-23.042), lo que representaba el 9,33% del total de las consultas dermatológicas. Las verrugas víricas fuera de la región anogenital (7.475, 46,17% de las infecciones), las dermatofitosis (3.336, 20,61% de las infecciones) y «otras infecciones víricas», donde se incluía la infección por Molluscum contagiosum (1.592, 9,84%), fueron los diagnósticos más frecuentes. En la comparativa frente a la patología no infecciosa, las infecciones cutáneas fueron más frecuentes en el ámbito de las consultas privadas (p<0,0020) y en los pacientes adultos (p<0,00001). Los pacientes con infecciones cutáneas recibieron el alta con mayor frecuencia que los pacientes con otras patologías, tanto en el sistema público (p<0,0004) como en el privado (p<0,0002) (AU)

Background and objective The burden of nonvenereal infections in Spanish dermatology practice has not yet been evaluated. The aim of this study was to analyze the overall weight of these infections in outpatient dermatology caseloads.Material and methods Observational cross-sectional study of diagnoses made by a random selection of dermatologists from the Spanish Association of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) working in outpatient dermatology clinics. The data were obtained through the anonymous DIADERM survey. Diagnoses of infectious diseases were selected using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. After excluding sexually transmitted infections, the diagnoses were classified into 22 groups. Results Spanish dermatologists diagnosed an estimated 16190 (95% CI, 9338-23042) nonvenereal infections on average per week, a figure that accounted for 9.33% of the dermatology caseload. The most common diagnostic groups were nonanogenital viral warts (7475 diagnoses, 46.17% of nonvenereal infections), dermatophytosis (3336, 20.61%), and other viral infections (1592, 9.84%), which included Molluscum contagiosum infections. Nonvenereal infections were more common than noninfectious dermatologic conditions in private clinics (P<.0020) and adults (P<.00001). Patients with these infections were also more likely to be discharged than those with other conditions in both public (P<.0004) and private (P<.0002) practices. Conclusions Nonvenereal infections are frequent in dermatology. They are the third most common reason for outpatient visits, behind actinic keratosis and nonmelanoma skin cancer. By enhancing the participation of dermatologists in the management of skin infections and encouraging interactions with other specialists, we will be able to carve out a niche in an area we have scarcely ventured into to date (AU)

[Translated article] Nonvenereal Infections in Spanish Dermatology Clinics: Results of the DIADERM Study / Enfermedades infecciosas no venéreas atendidas en consultas de dermatología en España: resultados del estudio DIADERM

Background and objective The burden of nonvenereal infections in Spanish dermatology practice has not yet been evaluated. The aim of this study was to analyze the overall weight of these infections in outpatient dermatology caseloads.Material and methods Observational cross-sectional study of diagnoses made by a random selection of dermatologists from the Spanish Association of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) working in outpatient dermatology clinics. The data were obtained through the anonymous DIADERM survey. Diagnoses of infectious diseases were selected using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. After excluding sexually transmitted infections, the diagnoses were classified into 22 groups. Results Spanish dermatologists diagnosed an estimated 16190 (95% CI, 9338-23042) nonvenereal infections on average per week, a figure that accounted for 9.33% of the dermatology caseload. The most common diagnostic groups were nonanogenital viral warts (7475 diagnoses, 46.17% of nonvenereal infections), dermatophytosis (3336, 20.61%), and other viral infections (1592, 9.84%), which included Molluscum contagiosum infections. Nonvenereal infections were more common than noninfectious dermatologic conditions in private clinics (P<.0020) and adults (P<.00001). Patients with these infections were also more likely to be discharged than those with other conditions in both public (P<.0004) and private (P<.0002) practices. Conclusions Nonvenereal infections are frequent in dermatology. They are the third most common reason for outpatient visits, behind actinic keratosis and nonmelanoma skin cancer. By enhancing the participation of dermatologists in the management of skin infections and encouraging interactions with other specialists, we will be able to carve out a niche in an area we have scarcely ventured into to date (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo El peso e impacto de las enfermedades infecciosas no venéreas en Dermatología no ha sido evaluado hasta el momento en nuestro medio. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar su prevalencia global en el ámbito de la asistencia ambulatoria dermatológica. Material y métodos Estudio observacional de corte transversal de los diagnósticos realizados en consultas de Dermatología por una muestra aleatoria de dermatólogos de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología (AEDV). Los datos fueron obtenidos a partir de la encuesta anónima DIADERM. Se seleccionaron los diagnósticos correspondientes a enfermedades infecciosas, codificados mediante el sistema CIE-10. Se excluyeron las infecciones de transmisión sexual y los diagnósticos restantes se clasificaron en 22 grupos diagnósticos. Resultados Se estimó que los dermatólogos españoles hacen 16.190 diagnósticos de patología infecciosa no venérea en una semana laboral (IC 95%, 9.338-23.042), lo que representaba el 9,33% del total de las consultas dermatológicas. Las verrugas víricas fuera de la región anogenital (7.475, 46,17% de las infecciones), las dermatofitosis (3.336, 20,61% de las infecciones) y «otras infecciones víricas», donde se incluía la infección por Molluscum contagiosum (1.592, 9,84%), fueron los diagnósticos más frecuentes. En la comparativa frente a la patología no infecciosa, las infecciones cutáneas fueron más frecuentes en el ámbito de las consultas privadas (p<0,0020) y en los pacientes adultos (p<0,00001). Los pacientes con infecciones cutáneas recibieron el alta con mayor frecuencia que los pacientes con otras patologías, tanto en el sistema público (p<0,0004) como en el privado (p<0,0002) (AU)

Viability and removal assessment of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. by real-time PCR with propidium monoazide in the hygienization of sewage sludge using three anaerobic processes.

Sewage sludge should be stabilized for its beneficial use and pathogens, among other factors, should comply with environmental regulations. Three sludge stabilization process were compared to assess their suitability for producing Class A biosolids: MAD-AT (mesophilic (37 °C) anaerobic digestion (MAD) followed by an alkaline treatment (AT)); TAD (thermophilic (55 °C) anaerobic digester); and TP-TAD (mild thermal (80 °C, 1 h) pretreatment (TP) followed by a TAD). E. coli and Salmonella spp. were determined, differentiating three possible states: total cells (qPCR), viable cells using the propidium monoazide method (PMA-qPCR), and culturable cells (MPN). Culture techniques followed by the confirmative biochemical tests identified the presence of Salmonella spp. in PS and MAD samples, while the molecular methods (qPCR and PMA-qPCR) showed negative results in all samples. The TP + TAD arrangement reduced the concentration of total and viable E. coli cells in a greater extent than the TAD process. However, an increase of culturable E. coli was observed in the corresponding TAD step, indicating that the mild thermal pretreatment induced the viable but non-culturable state in E. coli. In addition, the PMA technique did not discriminate viable from non-viable bacteria in complex matrices. The three processes produced Class A biosolids (fecal coliforms < 1000 MPN/gTS and Salmonella spp, < 3 MPN/gTS) maintaining compliance after a 72 h storage period. It appears that the TP step favors the viable but not culturable state in E. coli cells, a finding that should be considered when adopting mild thermal treatment in sludge stabilization process arrangements.