Clinicoepidemiological characteristics of viral hepatitis in migrants and travellers of the +Redivi network.

Background: Continuous growth of mobile populations has influenced the global epidemiology of infectious diseases, including chronic and acute viral hepatitis.

Method: A prospective observational multicentre study was performed in a Spanish network of imported infections. Viral hepatitis cases from January 2009 to September 2017 were included.

Imported malaria in Spain (2009-2016): results from the +REDIVI Collaborative Network.

Background: Imported malaria is a frequent diagnosis in travellers and migrants. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with imported malaria within a Spanish collaborative network registering imported diseases (+REDIVI). In addition, the possible association between malaria and type of case, gender, age or area of exposure was explored.

National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Mexico II (RENAPREC II).

Objective: The aim of this paper is to compare the state of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs (CRP) in 2009 with 2015. Focus is directed on health care, training of health-providers, research, and the barriers to their implementation.

Methods: All authors of RENAPREC-2009, and other cardiac rehabilitation leaders in Mexico were requested to participate.

Impact of empirical treatment in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. bacteremia. A multicentric cohort study.

Background: The objective of this study is to analyze the factors that are associated with the adequacy of empirical antibiotic therapy and its impact in mortality in a large cohort of patients with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)--producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. bacteremia.

Methods: Cases of ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) bacteremia collected from 2003 through 2008 in 19 hospitals in Spain.

Seeing double: a comparison of microstructure, biomechanical function, and adjacent disc health between double- and single-layer vertebral endplates.

Study Design: Experimental and computational assessment of thickness, porosity, biomechanical behavior, and adjacent disc glycosaminoglycan content in double- and single-layer bony endplate samples harvested from human cadaver spines.

Objective: To determine if the second layer of bone in double-layer vertebral endplates allows the superficial layer to achieve a more optimal balance between its biomechanical and nutritional functions.

Summary Of Background Data: Proper disc health requires the endplate to balance opposing biomechanical and nutritional functions.

Morphology of the human vertebral endplate.

It is presumed that poor intervertebral disc cell nutrition is a contributing factor in degeneration, and is exacerbated by vertebral endplate sclerosis. Yet, quantitative relationships between endplate morphology and degeneration are unavailable. We investigated how endplate bone microstructure relates to indices of disc degeneration, such as morphologic grade, proteoglycan content, and cell density.

Human disc nucleus properties and vertebral endplate permeability.

Study Design: Experimental quantification of relationships between vertebral endplate morphology, permeability, disc cell density, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and degeneration in samples harvested from human cadaveric spines.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that variation in endplate permeability and porosity contributes to changes in intervertebral disc cell density and overall degeneration.

Summary Of Background Data: Cells within the intervertebral disc are dependent on diffusive exchange with capillaries in the adjacent vertebral bone.

The tissue diagnostic instrument.

Tissue mechanical properties reflect extracellular matrix composition and organization, and as such, their changes can be a signature of disease. Examples of such diseases include intervertebral disk degeneration, cancer, atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and tooth decay. Here we introduce the tissue diagnostic instrument (TDI), a device designed to probe the mechanical properties of normal and diseased soft and hard tissues not only in the laboratory but also in patients.

Mechanical profiling of intervertebral discs.

Despite recent advances in imaging diagnostic technology and additional treatment options our ability to prevent or inhibit discogenic back pain has not drastically improved. The challenge of linking early degenerative patterns to dysfunction and pain remains. Using a novel material testing device designated the tissue diagnostic instrument (TDI) we measured the local stiffness and strain energy absorption in the radial direction of 13 intact intervertebral discs; effectively generating a mechanical profile of each disc.

Indications, usage, and dosage of the transfer factor.

The transfer factor (TF) was described in 1955 by S. Lawrence. In 1992 Kirkpatrick characterized the specific TF at molecular level.

Stab incision for inducing intervertebral disc degeneration in the rat.

Study Design: The degenerative response of rat tail and lumbar intervertebral discs to a stab incision was evaluated.

Objective: To examine and compare the postinjury degenerative response of lumbar and tail discs.

Summary Of Background Data: Although successful in larger animals, a stab incision for inducing disc degeneration in rats has not been evaluated.

[Transfer factor as specific immunomodulator in the treatment of moderate-severe atopic dermatitis].

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a skin inflammatory disease which has been associated to high levels of IgE, eosinophiles and change of T lymphocytes. The transfer factor is an immunomodulator active substance and decreases the number of inflammatory cells and the severity of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of the transfer factor as treatment of moderate and severe atopic dermatitis.