Helicobacter Species and Hepato-Biliary Tract Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Helicobacter species may cause chronic inflammation of the biliary tract, but its relationship with cancer is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between Helicobacter species and hepatobiliary tract malignancies. Twenty-six studies (4083 patients) were included in qualitative synthesis, and 18 studies (n = 1895 qualified for meta-analysis. All studies were at high-intermediate risk of bias. Most studies combined several direct microbiological methods, mostly PCR (23 studies), culture (8 studies), and/or CLOtest (5 studies). Different specimens alone or in combination were investigated, most frequently bile (16 studies), serum (7 studies), liver/biliary tissue (8 studies), and gastric tissue (3 studies). Patients with Helicobacter species infection had an increased risk of hepatobiliary tract malignancies (OR = 3.61 [95% CI 2.18–6.00]; p < 0.0001), with high heterogeneity in the analysis (I2 = 61%; p = 0.0003). This effect was consistent when Helicobacter was assessed in bile (OR = 3.57 [95% CI 1.73–7.39]; p = 0.0006), gastric tissue (OR = 42.63 [95% CI 5.25–346.24]; p = 0.0004), liver/biliary tissue (OR = 4.92 [95% CI 1.90–12.76]; p = 0.001) and serum (OR = 1.38 [95% CI 1.00–1.90]; p = 0.05). Heterogeneity was reduced in these sub-analyses (I2 = 0–27%; p = ns), except for liver/biliary tissue (I2 = 57%; p = 0.02). In conclusion, based on low-certainty data, Helicobacter species chronic infection is associated with a tripled risk of hepatobiliary tract malignancy. Prospective studies are required to delineate public health interventions

Effects of Field Pea Diet and Immunocastration in Heavy Pigs on Fresh Pork and Dry-Cured Ham

Peas are an alternative to soybeans to supply protein in livestock feeds. Immunocastration avoids surgical castration of male pigs and increases fat deposition in female pigs. This work aimed to assess the effects of pea inclusion on the amount of fat and fatty acid profile of loins and on weight losses of dry-cured hams in different sexes of pigs; in addition, growth performance and feeding behavior in immunocastrated female pigs were evaluated. Two experiments were conducted with crossbred immunocastrated female (IF) and immunocastrated (IM) or surgically castrated (CM) male pigs from Duroc dams sired by Berkshire, which were assigned to one of two diets (soybean vs. pea-based). The effect of castration type on the afore-mentioned variables was evaluated in male pigs, and the growth performance, and feeding behavior in female pigs. The pea-based diet in IF had no effect on average daily gain nor on carcass traits; although, it increased feeding time (p &lt; 0.001) and reduced n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (p &lt; 0.05). In male pigs, the pea-based diet did not change carcass fatness either but reduced the n-3 PUFA levels (p &lt; 0.05). Likewise, IM had lower (p &lt; 0.001) monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and higher (p &lt; 0.05) n-6 PUFA than CM. Diet did not affect dry-cured ham weight losses during the process, while IM showed greater (p &lt; 0.001) losses than CM. Pigs fed a pea-based diet complied with the requirements of cured ham production, while immunocastration in male pigs increased weight losses, partly explained by lower fat content and higher fatty acid unsaturation

Trajectory definition with high relative accuracy (HRA) by parametric representation of curves in nano-positioning systems

Nanotechnology applications demand high accuracy positioning systems. Therefore, in order to achieve sub-micrometer accuracy, positioning uncertainty contributions must be minimized by implementing precision positioning control strategies. The positioning control system accuracy must be analyzed and optimized, especially when the system is required to follow a predefined trajectory. In this line of research, this work studies the contribution of the trajectory definition errors to the final positioning uncertainty of a large-range 2D nanopositioning stage. The curve trajectory is defined by curve fitting using two methods: traditional CAD/CAM systems and novel algorithms for accurate curve fitting. This novel method has an interest in computer-aided geometric design and approximation theory, and allows high relative accuracy (HRA) in the computation of the representations of parametric curves while minimizing the numerical errors. It is verified that the HRA method offers better positioning accuracy than commonly used CAD/CAM methods when defining a trajectory by curve fitting: When fitting a curve by interpolation with the HRA method, fewer data points are required to achieve the precision requirements. Similarly, when fitting a curve by a least-squares approximation, for the same set of given data points, the HRA method is capable of obtaining an accurate approximation curve with fewer control points

Effectiveness of interventions to improve medication adherence in adults with depressive disorders: a meta-analysis

Trastorno depresivo mayor; Metanálisis; Adherencia al tratamientoTrastorn depressiu major; Metaanàlisi; Adherència al tractamentMajor depressive disorder; Meta-analysis; Treatment adherenceBackground Non-adherence to medication is a major obstacle in the treatment of depressive disorders. We systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving adherence to medication among adults with depressive disorders with emphasis on initiation and implementation phase. Methods We searched Medline, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, Social Science Citation Index and Science Citation Index for randomized or non-randomized controlled trials up to January 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using the criteria of the Cochrane Collaboration. Meta-analyses, cumulative and meta-regression analyses for adherence were conducted. Results Forty-six trials (n = 24,324) were included. Pooled estimate indicates an increase in the probability of adherence to antidepressants at 6 months with the different types of interventions (OR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.62). The improvement in adherence is obtained from 3 months (OR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.25 to 2.10) but it is attenuated at 12 months (OR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.53). Selected articles show methodological differences, mainly the diversity of both the severity of the depressive disorder and intervention procedures. In the samples of these studies, patients with depression and anxiety seem to benefit most from intervention (OR 2.77, 95% CI: 1.74 to 4.42) and collaborative care is the most effective intervention to improve adherence (OR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.40 to 2.54). Conclusions Our findings indicate that interventions aimed at improving adherence to medication among adults with depressive disorders are effective up to six months. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of long-term adherence is insufficient and supports the need for further research efforts.This study has been funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the project "PI18/00767" (Co-funded by European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund "A way to make Europe"/"Investing in your future")

Sexually Transmitted Infections in 2000–2018 in a Specialised Centre: Comparison between Pre-Crisis, Crisis, and Post-Crisis Period

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a major public health problem due to their consequences in sexual and reproductive health. There is a close link between the crisis and the increase in communicable diseases. The objective of this study was to analyse the evolution of Sexually Transmitted Infections during the period 2000–2018 in the population attending the Centre for Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexual Orientation in Granada (Spain), specifically comparing the pre-crisis, crisis, and post-crisis periods. (2) Methods: A retrospective, observational, and analytical study was conducted by reviewing medical records. The sample analysed comprised 1666 cases. (3) Results: During the pre-crisis period (2000–2007), the percentage of diagnoses was 41.6% (n = 126) compared to 58.4% (n = 177) of negative results; during the crisis, the percentages were 63.5% (n = 183) and 36.5% (n = 105), respectively; and during the post-crisis period, the percentages were 42.9% (n = 157) and 57.1% (n = 209), respectively. The variables that were significantly associated with STI diagnosis were the time periods analysed, sexual orientation, occupation, and age at first intercourse. The evolution of the number of positive diagnoses during the entire study period showed a trend of progressive increase in Sexually Transmitted Infections from 2000 to 2018. (4) Conclusions: The period of economic crisis presented a higher risk of infection, although this is a finding with certain limitations due to the lack of homogeneity between the periods analyse

Socio-demographic, lifestyle, and dietary determinants of essential and possibly-essential trace element levels in adipose tissue from an adult cohort

There is increasing evidence linking levels of trace elements (TEs) in adipose tissue with certain chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes or obesity). The objectives of this study were to assess concentrations of a selection of nine essential and possibly-essential TEs in adipose tissue samples from an adult cohort and to explore their socio-demographic, dietary, and lifestyle determinants. Adipose tissue samples were intraoperatively collected from 226 volunteers recruited in two public hospitals from Granada province. Trace elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, V, and Zn) were analyzed in adipose tissue by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, diet, and health status by face-to-face interview. Predictors of TE concentrations were assessed by using multivariable linear and logistic regression. All TEs were detected in all samples with the exception of Se (53.50%). Iron, zinc, and copper showed the highest concentrations (42.60 mg/kg, 9.80 mg/kg, and 0.68 mg/kg, respectively). Diet was the main predictor of Cr, Fe, Mo, and Se concentrations. Body mass index was negatively associated with all TEs (β coefficients = −0.018 to −0.593, p = 0.001–0.090) except for Mn and V. Age showed a borderline-significant positive correlation with Cu (β = 0.004, p = 0.089). Residence in a rural or semi-rural area was associated with increased Co, Cr, Fe, Mo, Mn, V and Zn concentrations and with β coefficients ranging from 0.196 to 0.544 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, individuals with higher educational level showed increased Cr, Co, Fe and V concentrations (β coefficients = 0.276–0.368, p = 0.022–0.071). This is the first report on the distribution of these TEs in adipose tissue and on their determinants in a human cohort and might serve as an initial step in the elucidation of their clinical relevance

Job satisfaction and quality of life of Spanish medical residents in the months after the end of the state of alarm due to COVID-19 and one year later

Artículo original[ES] Introducción: Describir y analizar la percepción existente acerca de la satisfacción laboral (SL) y la calidad de vida (CV) de los/las médicos/as residentes españoles/as en los meses posteriores a la terminación del estado de alarma por la COVID-19 y al año de la misma. Método: Estudio descriptivo-correlacional, siendo la población diana los/las residentes españoles/as a quienes se preguntó, mediante formulario online, en dos cortes (1º de 01/11 al 31/12 de 2020 y 2º entre 01/11 y 31/12 de 2021). Para la SL se utilizó el cuestionario Font-Roja y para la CV el WHOQOL-BREF (ambos mediante escala Likert de 5 valores). Resultados: Respondieron 404 residentes (1er corte) y 411 (2º corte). Los resultados para a SL global mostraron Rho = 0,09; p = 0,081, sin diferencias entre sus medias (-0,07; p = 0,090). La CV global, medida a través del cuestionario, indicó baja correlación entre ambos cortes (Rho = 0,10; p = 0,041), con diferencias entre sus medias (-0,14; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: En relación a la SL no se constató asociación entre los dos periodos estudiados. Respecto a la CV se evidenciaron mejores datos, en el 2º corte, tanto en la CV autopercibida como en el resultado global del cuestionario.[EN] Introduction: To describe and analyze the existing perception about job satisfaction (SL) and quality of life (QoL) of Spanish resident doctors in the months which follow the end of the state of alarm due to COVID-19 and one year after that. Method: A Descriptive-correlational study, being the Spanish residents the target population who was asked, using an online form, in two periods (1st from 11/01 to 12/31, 2020 and 2nd between 11/01 and 12/31, 2021). For SL, the Font-Roja questionnaire was used and for QoL, the WHOQOL-BREF (both using a 5-point Likert scale). Results: 404 residents responded (1st cut) and 411 (2nd cut). The results for the global SL showed Rho = 0.09; p = 0.081, without differences between their means (-0.07; p = 0.090). The global QoL, measured through the questionnaire, evinced a low correlation between both cut-offs (Rho = 0.10; p = 0.041), with variations between their means (-0.14; p < 0.001). Conclusions: In relation to SL, no association was revealed between the two periods studied. Regarding QoL, more positive data were found in the 2nd period, both in self-perceived QoL and in the global result of the questionnaire.N