Treatment Adherence in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients from Argentina: A Multicenter Study.

Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study involving seven referral centers from three cities of Argentina was undertaken. Patients with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), or indeterminate colitis (IBDU/IC) were invited to answer an anonymous survey, which included a 5-point Likert scale to evaluate adherence to therapies. Independent variables associated with inadequate adherence were evaluated.

Prognostic capability of the Maximum Acute Gastrointestinal Injury Score and of caloric intake in patients requiring vasopressors: A multicenter prospective cohort study.

Purpose: Our main objective was to use the Maximum Acute Gastrointestinal Injury Score (AGI) to evaluate the prognostic capability of gastrointestinal dysfunction (GID), on hospital mortality in patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) requiring vasopressors. A secondary goal was to analyze the relationship between AGI and vasopressor dosage with increasing caloric intake.

Materials And Methods: Prospective multicenter cohort study in ten ICUs across Argentina.

[Argentinean consensus guidelines on the use of monoclonal antibodies in patients with migraine].

Introduction: Migraine is a very prevalent disorder that is estimated to affect about 15% of adult subjects. Recently, the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies that act on the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway (MA-CGRP) has been evaluated in migraine. Several groups around the world have developed consensus guidelines about the use of monoclonal antibodies, however, in some regions is difficult to extrapolate the recommendations.

Respiratory Failure and Death in Vulnerable Premature Children With Lower Respiratory Tract Illness.

Background: Efforts to better understand the risk factors associated with respiratory failure (RF) and fatal lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in premature children in developing countries are necessary to elaborate evidenced-based preventive interventions. We aim to characterize the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) LRTI in premature children and determine risk factors for RF and fatal illness in a vulnerable population.

Methods: This is a prospective, population-based, cross-sectional study.

Role for Maternal Asthma in Severe Human Metapneumovirus Lung Disease Susceptibility in Children.

Background: Severity of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) lower respiratory illness (LRTI) is considered similar to that observed for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, differences in severity between these pathogens have been noted, suggesting the degree of illness may vary in different populations. Moreover, a potential association between hMPV and asthma also suggests that hMPV may preferentially affect asthmatic subjects.

[Emotional valence effect on prospective memory in relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis].

Introduction: prospective memory is the ability to remember to perform actions in the future. Currently there is no consensus about the relationship between prospective memory and emotional processing.

Objective: The aim of this work is to determine the influence of the emotional valence of prospective memory signals on prospective recall in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

[Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pregnant women in seven hospitals in Buenos Aires area. Comparison 2006 vs. 2017].

We analyzed the presence of IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii, as a measure of infection, in pregnant women attending seven hospitals in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires during 2006 and 2017. T. gondii seroprevalence in 2006 vs.

Epidemiology of intra-abdominal infection and sepsis in critically ill patients: "AbSeS", a multinational observational cohort study and ESICM Trials Group Project.

Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of intra-abdominal infection in an international cohort of ICU patients according to a new system that classifies cases according to setting of infection acquisition (community-acquired, early onset hospital-acquired, and late-onset hospital-acquired), anatomical disruption (absent or present with localized or diffuse peritonitis), and severity of disease expression (infection, sepsis, and septic shock).

Methods: We performed a multicenter (n = 309), observational, epidemiological study including adult ICU patients diagnosed with intra-abdominal infection. Risk factors for mortality were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Immunization With the CSF-470 Vaccine Plus BCG and rhGM-CSF Induced in a Cutaneous Melanoma Patient a TCRβ Repertoire Found at Vaccination Site and Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes That Persisted in Blood.

The CSF-470 cellular vaccine plus BCG and rhGM-CSF increased distant metastases-free survival in cutaneous melanoma patients stages IIB-IIC-III relative to medium dose IFN-α2b (CASVAC-0401 study). Patient-045 developed a mature vaccination site (VAC-SITE) and a regional cutaneous metastasis (C-MTS), which were excised during the protocol, remaining disease-free 36 months from vaccination start. CDR3-TCRβ repertoire sequencing in PBMC and tissue samples, along with skin-DTH score and IFN-γ ELISPOT assay, were performed to analyze the T-cell immune response dynamics throughout the immunization protocol.

Jaccoud's arthropathy in SLE: findings from a Latin American multiethnic population.

Objective: To compare the clinical, laboratory and outcome features of SLE patients with and without Jaccoud's arthropathy (JA) from the (GLADEL) cohort.

Methods: 1480 patients with SLE [(34 centres, 9 Latin American countries with a recent diagnosis (≤2 years)] constitute the GLADEL cohort. JA was defined as reducible deformity of the metacarpophalangeal axis, without radiographic erosions at any time.

Factors predictive of serious infections over time in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: data from a multi-ethnic, multi-national, Latin American lupus cohort.

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify factors predictive of serious infections over time in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: A multi-ethnic, multi-national Latin American SLE cohort was studied. Serious infection was defined as one that required hospitalization, occurred during a hospitalization or led to death.

Impaired frequencies and function of platelets and tissue remodeling in chronic Chagas disease.

Chronic inflammation, as a consequence of the persistent infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, leads to continuous activation of the immune system in patients with chronic Chagas disease. We have previously shown that increased sera levels of soluble P-selectin are associated with the severity of the cardiomyopathy distinctive of chronic Chagas disease. In this study, we explored the expression of biomarkers of platelet and endothelial activation, tissue remodeling, and mediators of the coagulation cascade in patients at different clinical stages of chronic Chagas heart disease.

Hyaluronan preconditioning of monocytes/macrophages affects their angiogenic behavior and regulation of TSG-6 expression in a tumor type-specific manner.

Hyaluronan is a glycosaminoglycan normally present in the extracellular matrix in most tissues. Hyaluronan is a crucial player in many processes associated with cancer, such as angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. However, little has been reported regarding the action of hyaluronan on monocytes/macrophages (Mo/MØ) in tumor angiogenesis and its consequences on tumor development.

Trypanosoma cruzi-Specific T-Cell Responses to Monitor Treatment Efficacy in Chronic Chagas Disease.

Chagas disease is the highest impact parasitic disease in Latin America. In recent years, the use of immune-related biomarkers to predict diagnostic and treatment efficacy or to monitor diseases has been considered a promising tool. Our group has worked for the past 20 years on the characterization of different immunological aspects of the T-cell responses to T.

Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome: Mutation Profile and Expression of Genes Involved in the Hedgehog Pathway in Argentinian Patients.

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCC), mainly caused by gene mutations. Our current study aimed to establish (1) germinal and somatic mutational status, (2) component and Hedgehog (HH) pathway targets gene expression patterns, and (3) profile variations according to the genetic background in BCC and normal surrounding skin (NSS). We collected 23 blood and 20 BCC patient samples and analyzed the gene using bidirectional sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.

Transethnic meta-analysis of rare coding variants in PLCG2, ABI3, and TREM2 supports their general contribution to Alzheimer's disease.

Rare coding variants in TREM2, PLCG2, and ABI3 were recently associated with the susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Caucasians. Frequencies and AD-associated effects of variants differ across ethnicities. To start filling the gap on AD genetics in South America and assess the impact of these variants across ethnicity, we studied these variants in Argentinian population in association with ancestry.

[Central venous catheter related infections. Inter-Societies update and recommendations].

Representatives of the Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI) and the Argentine Society of Intensive Therapy (SATI) joined together to issue specific recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of intravascular catheter related infections (CRI). The methodology used was the analysis of the literature published in the last 10 years, complemented with the opinion of experts and local data. This document aims to promote effective measures to reduce the risk of CRI and to offer basic tools for diagnosis optimization based on clinical and microbiological criteria, orientation on empirical and targeted antibiotic schemes, posology, and administration of antibiotics in critical patients.

Clinical and epidemiological impact of varicella infection in children prior to the introduction of the varicella vaccine in the national immunization schedule of Argentina.

Introduction: In Argentina, an estimated 400 000 varicella cases occur annually. Given the under-recording of existing cases, the actual burden of disease is unknown.

Objective: To assess the burden of varicella before the introduction of the varicella vaccine in the national immunization schedule.

Trypanosoma cruzi-specific IFN-γ-producing cells in chronic Chagas disease associate with a functional IL-7/IL-7R axis.

Background: The severity of cardiac disease in chronic Chagas disease patients is associated with different features of T-cell exhaustion. Here, we assessed whether the ability of T cells to secrete IFN-γ in response to T. cruzi was linked to disruption in immune homeostasis and inflammation in patients with chronic Chagas disease.

An international perspective on hospitalized patients with viral community-acquired pneumonia.

Background: Who should be tested for viruses in patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP), prevalence and risk factors for viral CAP are still debated. We evaluated the frequency of viral testing, virus prevalence, risk factors and treatment coverage with oseltamivir in patients admitted for CAP.

Methods: Secondary analysis of GLIMP, an international, multicenter, point-prevalence study of hospitalized adults with CAP.

Evaluation of the Educational Needs in Argentine Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Using the SpENAT Questionnaire.

Background: The SpENAT, a Spanish version of the Educational Needs Assessment Tool, is a self-completed questionnaire that assesses educational needs (ENs) with the purpose of providing tailored and patient-centered information. It consists of 39 questions grouped into the 7 following domains: Pain management, Movement, Feelings, Arthritic process, Treatments, Self-help measures and Support system.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to describe the ENs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using the SpENAT and to determine the main sources of information consulted by these patients.

Development and internal validation of the multivariable CIPHER (Collaborative Integrated Pregnancy High-dependency Estimate of Risk) clinical risk prediction model.

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) outcome prediction models, such as Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE), were designed in general critical care populations and their use in obstetric populations is contentious. The aim of the CIPHER (Collaborative Integrated Pregnancy High-dependency Estimate of Risk) study was to develop and internally validate a multivariable prognostic model calibrated specifically for pregnant or recently delivered women admitted for critical care.

Methods: A retrospective observational cohort was created for this study from 13 tertiary facilities across five high-income and six low- or middle-income countries.

Distinct monocyte subset phenotypes in patients with different clinical forms of chronic Chagas disease and seronegative dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background: Chronic infection with Trypanosoma cruzi leads to a constant stimulation of the host immune system. Monocytes, which are recruited in response to inflammatory signals, are divided into classical CD14hiCD16-, non-classical CD14loCD16+ and intermediate CD14hiCD16+ subsets. In this study, we evaluated the frequencies of monocyte subsets in the different clinical stages of chronic Chagas disease in comparison with the monocyte profile of seronegative heart failure subjects and seronegative healthy controls.

Distinct Treatment Outcomes of Antiparasitic Therapy in -Infected Children Is Associated With Early Changes in Cytokines, Chemokines, and T-Cell Phenotypes.

In contrast to adults, -infected children have more broadly functional -specific T cells, and the total T-cell compartment exhibits fewer signs of immune exhaustion. However, not much is known about the link between immunocompetence and the treatment efficacy for human Chagas disease. Using cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) polychromatic flow cytometry, cytometric bead assay, multiplex serological assays and quantitative PCR, we evaluated -specific T-cell and antibody immune responses, T-cell phenotypes and parasitemia in children in the early chronic phase of Chagas disease undergoing anti- treatment.

Infectious skin disorders encountered in a pediatric emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Argentina: a descriptive study.

Background: Infectious skin disorders (ISDs) are commonly seen in pediatric emergency departments (PED), however the exact frequency is unknown. We provide an accurate evaluation of the incidence and characteristics of ISDs diagnosed in a PED from Buenos Aires, Argentina, over a 1-year period.

Methods: Prospectively, descriptive study of children evaluated in the PED with ISDs during 2016.