Development and psychometric testing of a scale for assessing the associative stigma of mental illness in nursing

Aims and objectives: To develop a new scale for assessing the associative stigma of mental illness in nursing based on Peplau's model of psychodynamic nursing and to examine its psychometric properties. Background: The stigma of mental illness continues to cause problems today for patients, families and mental health professionals. For individuals with a mental disorder, stigma can result in restricted opportunities, social exclusion and the denial of rights. Associative stigma in mental health professionals is becoming a major problem and is related to increased depersonalisation, higher levels of emotional exhaustion and diminished job satisfaction among mental health professionals. Nursing may play a key role in reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, but there are no specific scales for the measurement of associative stigma in nursing. Design: Development of an instrument. A STROBE checklist was completed. Methods: This study involved two stages: (a) item generation and content validation; (b) examining the reliability and convergent/discriminant validity of the scale. A developmental and methodological design was used. Data were collected between November 2016–December 2017 from a sample of 737 nursing undergraduates. Results: The results indicated good internal consistency for the final 20‐item scale for assessing the associative stigma of mental illness in nursing, which is considered in terms of three dimensions: Violence/Dangerousness, Disability, and Irresponsibility/Lack of Competence. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a three‐factor structure consistent with the theoretical model. Conclusions: The 20‐item EVEPEM (from its Spanish acronym) derived from Peplau's theory was shown to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing the stigma of mental illness in the nursing setting. Relevance to clinical practice: Reliable instruments are needed to measure the effectiveness of anti‐stigma interventions for mental health professionals. The results indicate that the tool developed is a valid and reliable instrument for use in the nursing setting.The present study received financial assistance via the XV Premio de investigación Beca de la AEESME Asociación Española de Enfermería de Salud Mental

eIF5A is activated by virus infection or dsRNA and facilitates virus replication through modulation of interferon production

Active hypusine-modified initiation elongation factor 5A is critical for cell proliferation and differentiation, embryonic development, and innate immune response of macrophages to bacterial infection. Here, we demonstrate that both virus infection and double-stranded RNA viral mimic stimulation induce the hypusination of eIF5A. Furthermore, we show that activation of eIF5A is essential for the replication of several RNA viruses including influenza A virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, chikungunya virus, mayaro virus, una virus, zika virus, and punta toro virus. Finally, our data reveal that inhibition of eIF5A hypusination using the spermidine analog GC7 or siRNA-mediated downmodulation of eIF5A1 induce upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress marker proteins and trigger the transcriptional induction of interferon and interferon-stimulated genes, mechanisms that may explain the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of eIF5A inhibition

Tuberculosis surveillance in Spain (2015-2021)

artículo[ES] Introducción: La tuberculosis es una enfermedad de declaración obligatoria en España. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar su situación epidemiológica en el periodo 2015-2021. Método: Análisis epidemiológico descriptivo de los casos de TB notificados por las CCAA a la RENAVE durante 2015-2021. Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, edad, CCAA, año de declaración, país de nacimiento y residencia, localización, fecha del caso, resultado del tratamiento, estado frente al VIH y diagnóstico. Se realizó análisis descriptivo de las variables principales y temporo-espacial de las tasas de notificación. Resultados: En 2021, se notificaron 3.754 casos de TB en España, con una tasa de notificación de 7,61 por 100.000 habitantes. Hubo una disminución del 2,18% respecto a 2020 y del 28,07% respecto a 2015. Durante todo el periodo de estudio, se observó un mayor número de casos en hombres (razón 1,6-1,7) y una tendencia decreciente en las tasas de notificación en todas las CCAA, excepto Ceuta. Este descenso de tasas fue superior para las formas pulmonares. La tasa de letalidad se mantuvo rela-tivamente estable para ambos sexos. La calidad de la información proporcionada ha mejorado entre 2015 y 2021, pero se mantiene baja o incluso ha disminuido en variables esenciales como “resultado del tratamiento” o “diagnóstico de VIH”.Conclusiones: La incidencia de TB en España descendió de 2015 a 2021, especialmente en formas pulmonares. Se alcanzaron dos metas de la OMS para 2020, pero la meta fijada para 2035 parece im-probable. Persisten importantes deficiencias en la calidad de la información. [EN] Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a notifiable disease in Spain. The objective of this study was to analyze its epidemiological situation during the period 2015-2021.Method: Descriptive epidemiological analysis of TB cases reported by the CCAA to the National Epidemiological Surveillance (RENAVE) during 2015-2021. The analyzed variables included sex, age, CCAA, year of reporting, country of birth and residence, location, date of symptom onset and treat-ment initiation, treatment outcome, HIV status and diagnosis information. A descriptive analysis of the main variables and a temporo-spacial analysis of the notification rates were carried out.Results: In 2021, 3,754 cases of TB were reported in Spain, with a notification rate of 7.61 per 100,000 population. This represented a 2.18% decrease compared to 2020 and a 28.07% decrease compared to 2015. Throughout the study period, a higher number of cases were observed in males (ratio 1.6-1.7), and there was a decreasing trend in notification rates in all CCAA, except Ceuta. This decline in rates was more pronounced for pulmonary forms. The case fatality remained stable during the study peri-od. The quality of the provided information improved between 2015 and 2021 for some variables, but remained essential variables such as “treatment outcome” or HIV diagnosis. Conclusions: The incidence of TB in Spain decreased from 2015 to 2021, particularly for pulmonary forms. Two of the WHO’s targets for 2020 were achieved, but the 2035 target appears unlikely. Signif-icant deficiencies in the quality of information persist.N

Expert-Agreed Practical Recommendations on the Use of Cladribine

Cladribine; Disease-modifying drugs; Relapsing multiple sclerosisCladribina; Medicaments modificadors de malalties; Esclerosi múltiple recurrentCladribina; Medicamentos modificadores de enfermedades; Esclerosis múltiple recurrenteCladribine is a disease-modifying selective immune reconstitution oral therapy for adult patients with highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). It was approved in the USA in 2019 and in Europe in 2017, thus there are still gaps in existing guidelines for using cladribine tablets in clinical practice. Nine experts with extensive experience in managing patients with multiple sclerosis in Spain identified some of the unanswered questions related to the real-life use of cladribine tablets. They reviewed the available clinical trial data and real-world evidence, including their own experiences of using cladribine, over the course of three virtual meetings held between November 2020 and January 2021. This article gathers their practical recommendations to aid treatment decision-making and optimise the use of cladribine tablets in patients with RMS. The consensus recommendations cover the following areas: candidate patient profiles, switching strategies (to and from cladribine), managing response to cladribine and safety considerations.The publication of this article, as well as journal’s Rapid Service Fee, was funded by Merck, S.L.U., Mollet del Valles, Spain, an affiliate of Merck KGaA

Epidemiología del Herpes Zóster en España

[ES]El Herpes Zóster (HZ) resulta de la reactivación de la infección latente por el virus de la varicela-zóster (VVZ) y es una patología frecuente que está asociada a estados de inmunosupresión y al envejecimiento. Se presenta el análisis de la información disponible en cuanto a incidencia y hospitalizaciones por Herpes Zóster y por su principal complicación, la Neuralgia Post-Herpética, en España entre 1998 y 2018. El HZ es una entidad de la edad adulta, las formas graves y las complicaciones del zóster ocurren más en las edades avanzadas de la vida. La eventual incorporación al calendario de la vacunación de HZ en los adultos necesitará de una monitorización estrecha del HZ en los próximos años. [EN]Herpes Zoster (HZ) is the reactivation of latent infection by the varicella-zoster virus (VVZ) and is a pathology associated with states of immunosuppression and aging. The analysis of the available information regarding incidence and hospitalizations for HZ and Post-herpetic Neuralgia in Spain between 1998 and 2018 is presented. HZ is a mainly adult entity. Complications like Post-herpetic Neuralgia occur more frequently in advanced ages of life. The eventual recommendation of vaccination against HZ in adults will require close monitoring of HZ in the coming years

Invasive pneumococcal disease in Spain. Period 2015-2021

Artículo BES V.31 N.1Introducción: La enfermedad neumocócica invasiva (ENI) es una enfermedad causada por la bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la información de la ENI en España durante el periodo 2015-2021. Método: Análisis epidemiológico descriptivo de los casos de ENI notificados a la Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica. Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, edad, fecha de inicio de síntomas, lugar de residencia, defunción y serotipo del agente patógeno. Resultados: Se notificaron 19.720 casos de ENI, el 58,8% fueron hombres. La tasa de incidencia (TI) durante el periodo fue creciente, estabilizándose en 2019 y disminuyendo en los años pandémicos (2020 y 2021). La tasa de incidencia acumulada del periodo (TIa) fue de 6,89 por 100.000 habitantes. Las mayores TI se observaron en menores de 5 años (especialmente en menores de 1 año (TIa de 21,4) seguida por el grupo de 65 y más años (TIa de 18,1). La mayor letalidad se presentó en el grupo de ≥65 años (letalidad de 21,63). Los serotipos 8 (20,5%) y 3 (14%) fueron los mayoritarios, constituyendo el 34,5% de los casos. Conclusiones: Las medidas de contención durante la pandemia tuvieron efecto en la reducción del número de casos de ENI. En 2021 las TI fueron similares a las de 2020 excepto en menores de 5 años (especialmente en menores de 1 año con una TI de 22,9). Debido a las diferencias existentes en la letalidad de los distintos serotipos es importante notificar las defunciones e investigar el serotipo que causó la enfermedad.N

Design of an innovative learning experience for the final project of the building engineering degree

This essay presents the bases for a new teaching methodology for the Final Project of the Degree of Building Engineering. The aim of this methodology is to approach students to advanced forms of work in architectural and engineering offices by employing Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies. This initiative has been funded within the Call 2011 for Teaching Research Incentives ofthe I Teaching Plan of the University of Seville. Following the guidelines of the European Higher Education Area, the learning experience designed has to enable the future Building Engineers to acquire specific and generic competences ascribed to the Final Project in the Verification Report of the Building Engineering Degree. The specific competence “E71. Presentation and defence before a university board of a final project, consisting of an integration exercise of the formative contents received and skills acquired through t he degree” is trained by the development of a building execution project with the use of BIM technologies. For a decade, architecture and engineering offices have increasingly been incorporating in their projects new tools for information processing in digital integrated systems, i.e. programs which allow the construction of building virtual models in three dimensions, and the identification of their constructive components, providing them with parametric dimensions. The operating capacity of BIM programs is stronger than that of 2D drawing programs, since they can manage and generate all the technical documentation in an integrated way. As far as the generic competences are concerned, the problem is that the Final Project has ascribed twenty four competences and their training and evaluation throughout a single term, which seems rather unattainable. In order to solve this matter, the four most important generic competences of Building Engineers have been identified according to their professional profile: “G01. Capacity for organization and planning”, “G06. Information management skills”, “G09. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team” and “G13. Positive social attitude towards social and technological innovations”. The use of BIM technologies and collaborative work methodologies allow the training of these genericcompetences. Finally, assessment matrixes of the five competences involved have been established with the descriptors of the assessment indicators for each of their corresponding criteria at each level of student achievement. This study is limited to the design of the experience; its implementation could be carried out in the first term of the 2012/2013 academic year, provided the main pre-requisite are met by students, and command of BIM programs such as ALLPLAN, REVIT or ARCHICAD, is achieved. Aware of this challenge− since BIM programs are taught as optional subjects− a curricular line for students interested in participating in this experience is also proposed for the next academic yea

Invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease. Spain 2021-2022

Artículo[ES] Introducción: Este informe muestra la información de la enfermedad invasiva por Haemophilus influenzae (EIH) en España relativa a los años 2021-2022. Método: Análisis epidemiológico descriptivo de los casos de EIH notificados a la Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (RENAVE), años 2021 y 2022. Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, edad, fecha de inicio de síntomas, lugar de residencia, defunción y serotipo del agente patógeno. Resultados: En 2021 se produjo un descenso acusado de la tasa de incidencia por 100.000 habitantes (TI), mientras que en 2022 se observó un aumento de la TI en todos los grupos de edad alcanzando la cifra de años prepandémicos. En 2021 se notificaron 182 casos de EIH con una TI de 0,40. En 2022 se notificaron un total de 462 casos (TI de 0,97). La mayor TI en 2021 y en 2022 se observó en menores de 1 año, TI de 5,05 y TI de 8,20, respectivamente. En 2022 los dos grupos de menor edad (menores de 1 año y grupo de 1 a 4 años) presentaron una TI superior a la observada en años prepandémicos. Se desconoce el serotipo de la mayoría de los casos de EIH notificados. Conclusiones: Durante el año 2021 se produjo un descenso de la TI respecto al año anterior (2020). En 2022 se recuperaron las TI hasta valores prepandémicos con un incremento de las TI en los grupos de menor edad. Se han notificado un elevado porcentaje de casos con variables básicas desconocidas. Los datos completos de caracterización microbiológica son esenciales para vigilar la enfermedad. [EN] Introduction: This report provides information on invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease (IHD) in Spain during 2021-2022. Method: Descriptive epidemiological analysis of cases of IHD reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network, during 2021 and 2022. The variables analysed were: sex, age, date of symptom onset, place of residence, death and serotype of the pathogen. Results: In 2021 there was a sharp decrease in incidence rate per 100,000 population (IR), while in 2022 there was an increase in IR, in all group of age, reaching the figure of pre-pandemic years. In 2021, 182 cases of IHD were reported with IR of 0.40. In 2022, a total of 462 cases were reported (IR of 0.97). The highest IR in 2021 and 2022 was observed in children under 1 year of age, IR of 5.05 and IR of 8.20, respectively. In 2022, the two youngest age groups (under 1 year of age and 1 to 4 years old) had a higher IR than observed in pre-pandemic years. The serotype of most of the cases of IHD was unknown. Conclusions: During 2021 there was a decrease in IR compared to the previous year (2020). In 2022, pre-pandemic IR recovered, with an increase in IR in the younger age groups. A high percentage of cases with unknown basic variables have been reported. Complete microbiological characterisation data are essential for disease surveillance.N

A novel role for the tumor suppressor gene itf2 in tumorigenesis and chemotherapy response

Despite often leading to platinum resistance, platinum-based chemotherapy continues to be the standard treatment for many epithelial tumors. In this study we analyzed and validated the cytogenetic alterations that arise after treatment in four lung and ovarian paired cisplatin-sensitive/resistant cell lines by 1-million microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) and qRT-PCR methodologies. RNA-sequencing, functional transfection assays, and gene-pathway activity analysis were used to identify genes with a potential role in the development of this malignancy. The results were further explored in 55 lung and ovarian primary tumors and control samples, and in two extensive in silico databases. Long-term cell exposure to platinum induces the frequent deletion of ITF2 gene. Its expression re-sensitized tumor cells to platinum and recovered the levels of Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional activity. ITF2 expression was also frequently downregulated in epithelial tumors, predicting a worse overall survival. We also identified an inverse correlation between ITF2 and HOXD9 expression, revealing that Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with lower expression of HOXD9 had a better overall survival rate. We defined the implication of ITF2 as a molecular mechanism behind the development of cisplatin resistance probably through the activation of the Wnt-signaling pathway. This data highlights the possible role of ITF2 and HOXD9 as novel therapeutic targets for platinum resistant tumors.This research was funded by the Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, PI15/00186 and PI18/00050, CP19/00063, and CM19/00100 for HR and by MINECO, RTC-2016-5314-1 to I.I.C; by the MINECO, SAF2016-75531-R, by the CAM B2017/BMD-3724 and by the AECC GCB14142311CRES to P.S; and the European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund FIS (FEDER/FSE, Una Manera de Hacer Europa)