Low Levels of Cortisol are Associated with HIV Infection in Older People: A Hormonal Substudy in the OVER50 Cohort.

Introduction: People with the human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) who were diagnosed long ago are more prone to age-related conditions and comorbidities than the general population. We hypothesized that older PWH have endocrine abnormalities that may influence the patient's health status.

Methods: Mean hormonal values across the thyrotropic, somatotropic, corticotropic, and gonadal axis, and percentage of subjects with abnormal values, were compared between PWH aged ≥50 years (n=30) and people without HIV (n=30) (Over50 cohort).

Functional and structural neuroretinal disorders in HIV Controllers. Prospective cohort study.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and cumulative incidence of neuro-retinal-disorders (NRD) in HIV-controllers.

Design: Prospective, single-centre, cohort study of people living with HIV (PLWH): elite-controllers, long-term-non-progressors and early diagnosed.

Methods: The study compared "HIV-controllers" (including elite-controllers and long-term-non-progressors), who were not on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and "HIV-treatment" (HIV-infected subjects with a recent diagnosis and on ART).

Determinants of the onset and prognosis of the post-COVID-19 condition: a 2-year prospective observational cohort study.

Background: At least 5-10% of subjects surviving COVID-19 develop the post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) or "Long COVID". The clinical presentation of PCC is heterogeneous, its pathogenesis is being deciphered, and objective, validated biomarkers are lacking. It is unknown if PCC is a single entity or a heterogeneous syndrome with overlapping pathophysiological basis.

Isocyanides as Acceptor Groups in MHAT Reactions with Unactivated Alkenes.

The use of isocyanides as acceptor groups in metal-hydride hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) coupling reactions with nonactivated alkenes to form heterocycles is described. Monosubstituted alkenes couple and cyclize directly, whereas more substituted alkenes proceed via a two-step, one-pot procedure involving MHAT reductive cyclization followed by a MHAT Minisci coupling upon the addition of acid. To highlight the utility of the methodology, a diverse variety of substituted heterocycles such as phenanthridines, indoles, and isoquinolines were prepared.

The Effects of Differentiated Organic Fertilization on Tomato Production and Phenolic Content in Traditional and High-Yielding Varieties.

The challenge of sustainable agriculture is to increase yields and obtain higher quality products. Increased antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols in harvest products may be an added value for sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether three organic fertilization treatments with different levels of carbon and nitrogen, i.

Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) in HIV Infection: Points to Consider and Challenges.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to reach consensus on the use of PROs (patient-reported outcome measures) in people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Methods: A scientific committee of professionals with experience in PROMs methodology issued recommendations and defined the points to support by evidence. A systematic review of the literature identified the coverage, utility, and psychometric properties of PROMs used in PLHIV.

Prevalence, progression, and management of advanced chronic kidney disease in a cohort of people living with HIV.

Background: Advanced kidney disease is an emerging problem in people living with HIV despite sustained viral suppression.

Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study to identify people living with HIV with advanced kidney disease according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria and to assess disease progression over a 48-week period following the offer of targeted multidisciplinary management.

Results: From our cohort of 3090 individuals, 55 (1.

Association between two mass-gathering outdoor events and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections during the fifth wave of COVID-19 in north-east Spain: A population-based control-matched analysis.

Background: Many countries have resumed mass-gathering events like music festivals, despite the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spreading. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of two mass-gathering outdoor events, held during a peak of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, on COVID-19 incidence.

Methods: This was a retrospective, population-based control-matched analysis.

High-titre methylene blue-treated convalescent plasma as an early treatment for outpatients with COVID-19: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Convalescent plasma has been proposed as an early treatment to interrupt the progression of early COVID-19 to severe disease, but there is little definitive evidence. We aimed to assess whether early treatment with convalescent plasma reduces the risk of hospitalisation and reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load among outpatients with COVID-19.

Methods: We did a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in four health-care centres in Catalonia, Spain.

Remote Health Monitoring in the Workplace for Early Detection of COVID-19 Cases during the COVID-19 Pandemic Using a Mobile Health Application: .

COVIDApp is a platform created for management of COVID-19 in the workplace. COVIDApp was designed and implemented for the follow-up of 253 workers from seven companies in Catalonia. The assessment was based on two actions: first, the early detection and management of close contacts and potential cases of COVID-19, and second, the rapid remote activation of protocols.

Retrospective Study of Canine Peripheral Lymphadenopathy in a Mediterranean Region: 130 Cases.

Lymphadenopathy is a common clinical concern in dogs. Causes of lymphadenopathy include neoplasia, infection, and immune-mediated diseases. Seasonal infectious diseases should be considered as a potential cause of lymphadenopathy in endemic regions, such as the Mediterranean region.

Ultrasound-Based Assessment of Preperitoneal Fat as a Surrogate Marker of Cardiovascular Risk: Comparative Study Between People Living with HIV and Controls.

Optimal management of cardiovascular disease should start with the identification of subjects at subclinical stages. However, available tools are not always accurate or affordable. We assess the usefulness of ultrasound-guided measurement of abdominal fat layers as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk.

Successful Treatment of 3 Dogs With Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli Associated Granulomatous Colitis.

Successful resolution of Escherichia coli associated granulomatous colitis (ECGC) is becoming a challenge due to the development of fluoroquinolone resistant E coli, which is associated with poor prognosis. Three dogs presented with signs of chronic colitis and were diagnosed with ECGC. All 3 were initially treated with enrofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, without clinical improvement.

Accentuated aging associated with HIV in a Mediterranean setting occurs mainly in persons aged>70 years: a comparative cohort study (Over50 cohort).

In an ongoing Mediterranean cohort, we compared age-related conditions between 208 HIV-infected persons and 104 matched controls. ≥3 comorbidities were found in 31.0% of HIV-infected patients and 8.

Efficacy and safety of switching to dolutegravir plus lamivudine versus continuing triple antiretroviral therapy in virologically suppressed adults with HIV at 48 weeks (DOLAM): a randomised non-inferiority trial.

Background: Simplified antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens are desirable for people with HIV. We investigated the efficacy and safety of switching from triple ART to dual dolutegravir plus lamivudine therapy.

Methods: DOLAM is a phase 4, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial, done at six HIV clinics in Catalonia, Spain.

High-dose intravenous immunoglobulins might modulate inflammation in COVID-19 patients.

The use of high-dose of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) as immunomodulators for the treatment of COVID-19-affected individuals has shown promising results. IVIG reduced inflammation in these patients, who progressively restored respiratory function. However, little is known about how they may modulate immune responses in COVID-19 individuals.

Joint position statement of the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Radiologia on gastroenterologist-led ultrasound in Catalonia.

Over recent years, ultrasonography has been used increasingly in various medical specialties and is now an indispensable diagnostic tool. In gastroenterology, bedside or point-of-care ultrasound allows the early diagnosis and monitoring of multiple intraabdominal conditions. Ultrasound guidance is also highly useful in certain therapeutic procedures, increasing procedural safety.

Same-day SARS-CoV-2 antigen test screening in an indoor mass-gathering live music event: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: The banning of mass-gathering indoor events to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread has had an important effect on local economies. Despite growing evidence on the suitability of antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT) for mass screening at the event entry, this strategy has not been assessed under controlled conditions. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a prevention strategy during a live indoor concert.

SARS-CoV-2 infection elicits a rapid neutralizing antibody response that correlates with disease severity.

The protective effect of neutralizing antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals is not yet well defined. To address this issue, we have analyzed the kinetics of neutralizing antibody responses and their association with disease severity. Between March and May 2020, the prospective KING study enrolled 72 COVID-19+ participants grouped according to disease severity.

A Cluster-Randomized Trial of Hydroxychloroquine for Prevention of Covid-19.

Background: Current strategies for preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are limited to nonpharmacologic interventions. Hydroxychloroquine has been proposed as a postexposure therapy to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), but definitive evidence is lacking.

Methods: We conducted an open-label, cluster-randomized trial involving asymptomatic contacts of patients with polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)-confirmed Covid-19 in Catalonia, Spain.