Impact of mandatory social isolation measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the subjective well-being of Latin American and Caribbean dentists

With the spread of the COVID-19 virus, containment measures such as home confinement were implemented, generating stress, anxiety, depression and aggravation of pre-existing diseases in the population, in- cluding dentists, who have also be

Conocimientos y prácticas sobre salud bucal en profesores de dos escuelas: Quito y San Cristóbal (Galápagos), Ecuador

Objective: To analyze the knowledge, attitudes and practices that oral health teachers have in primary schools in Quito and San Cristobal Island (Galapagos), Ecuador. Methods: The research began with the validation of the self-surveyed survey on knowledge, attitudes and practices on oral health in teachers (CAPS teachers). Subsequently, this instrument delivered to 61 teachers from the two schools selected for the study. The descriptive statistics of these data were obtained, including the absolute and relative frequencies of the responses obtained. Results: The average score obtained in the total evaluation of the 61 teachers was 11.97 ± 2.37 points. When the data were analyzed by schools, the Quito school obtained an average of 12.06 ± 2.29, while the Galapagos school obtained an average of 11.29 ± 3.04 points. Conclusions: The knowledge in oral health of the teachers of the two educational centers was acceptable; there was no difference in the score of the total evaluation due to their origin.Objetivo: Analizar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas que sobre salud oral tienen los profesores de educación primaria de centros escolares de Quito y de la Isla San Cristóbal (Galápagos), Ecuador. métodos: La investigación se inició con la validación de la encuesta autodiligenciada sobre conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre salud bucal en docentes (CAPS docentes). Posteriormente este instrumento fue entregado a 61 docentes de los dos centros escolares seleccionados para el estudio. Se obtuvo la estadística descriptiva de estos datos, que incluyó las frecuencias absolutas y relativas de las respuestas obtenidas. Resultados: La media de la puntuación obtenida en evaluación total de los 61 docentes fue de 11,97 ± 2,37 puntos. Cuando se analizaron los datos por centros escolares, la escuela de Quito obtuvo una media de 12,06 ± 2,29, mientras que la de Galápagos obtuvo una media de 11,29 ± 3,04 puntos. Conclusiones: El conocimiento en salud bucal de los docentes de los dos centros educativos fue aceptable, no se observó una diferencia en la puntuación de la evaluación total debido a la procedencia de los mismos

Perceived stress in dentists and dental students of Latin America and the Caribbean during the mandatory social isolation measures for the covid-19 pandemic : a cross-sectional study

This study aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically considering the mandatory social isolation measures implemented, on the perceived stress of a sample of dentists and dental students from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the associated sociodemographic and pandemic-related variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 2036 dentists and dental students (1433 women). For the main outcome, the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) was used. The survey also questioned sociodemographic aspects, questions on the COVID-19 pandemic, health variables, and habits. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses (linear regression) were applied to observe the factors associated with perceived stress. The PSS-14 mean score was 24.76 (±11.76). Hierarchical regression models showed significant variables associated with the PSS-14 scores: income level during mandatory social isolation, having older adults under care during mandatory social isolation, self-perceived level of concern regarding COVID-19, self-perceived health, Coffee consumption during mandatory social isolation. In general terms, the pandemic has influenced the personal, social, labor, and everyday life of dental staff and affected the mental health of this population specifically when perceived stress is considered. Public policies, strategies, and mental health surveillance systems are required for this population

El laberinto de la autonomía indígena en el Ecuador: las circunscripciones territoriales indígenas en la Amazonía Central, 2010-2012

¿Cuáles son los avatares y desencuentros presentes en el proceso de constitución de las Circunscripciones Territoriales Indígenas (CTIs) en relación a la vigencia del derecho a la autodeterminación y autogestión territorial de las nacionalidades indígenas en el Ecuador? Para responder a dicha interrogante, el artículo considera el reconocimiento al derecho a la autonomía y autodeterminación de las nacionalidades y pueblos indígenas en Ecuador. Posteriormente, analiza el alcance de los procedimientos establecidos tanto en la Constitución Política como en el Código Orgánico de Ordenamiento Territorial y Descentralización (COOTAD), y su alcance potencial en generar un nuevo tipo de institucionalidad y una nueva organización territorial en el marco de la definición del Estado plurinacional Ecuatoriano. Esta contribución analiza además el proceso derivado de una hoja de ruta acordada entre el Estado y las nacionalidades amazónicas en el periodo comprendido entre 2010 y 2012, y analiza las diferentes acciones desplegadas desde entonces, enfatizando en los avances y contradicciones, tanto a lo interno del movimiento indígena como en su relación con otras instancias estatales centrales y locales. Se examinan los desencuentros y tensiones a lo interno del aparato Estatal y los sectores mestizos, que no se plantean ningún reparo al momento de obstaculizar los avances del proceso. El artículo analiza el desafío de crear las CTIs en el territorio de los Kichwa de las provincias de Napo y Orellana y en los territorios Kichwa y Achuar en la provincia de Pastaza, en la Amazonía central. Finalmente, el texto puntualiza críticamente algunas de las perspectivas y dilemas que dicho proceso plantea al futuro de la relación Estado-nacionalidades indígenas y al proceso de construcción del Estado plurinacional e intercultural en Ecuador

The perspectives of patients with chronic diseases and their caregivers on self-management interventions: a scoping review of reviews.

Background Self-management (SM) interventions are supportive interventions systematically provided by healthcare professionals, peers, or laypersons to increase the skills and confidence of patients in their ability to manage chronic diseases. We had two objectives: (1) to summarise the preferences and experiences of patients and their caregivers (informal caregivers and healthcare professionals) with SM in four chronic diseases and (2) to identify and describe the relevant outcomes for SM interventions from these perspectives. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods scoping review of reviews. We searched three databases until December 2020 for quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods reviews exploring patients' and caregivers' preferences or experiences with SM in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure (HF). Quantitative data were narratively synthesised, and qualitative data followed a three-step descriptive thematic synthesis. Identified themes were categorised into outcomes or modifiable factors of SM interventions. Results We included 148 reviews covering T2DM (n = 53 [35.8%]), obesity (n = 20 [13.5%]), COPD (n = 32 [21.6%]), HF (n = 38 [25.7%]), and those with more than one disease (n = 5 [3.4%]). We identified 12 main themes. Eight described the process of SM (disease progression, SM behaviours, social support, interaction with healthcare professionals, access to healthcare, costs for patients, culturally defined roles and perceptions, and health knowledge), and four described their experiences with SM interventions (the perceived benefit of the intervention, individualised care, sense of community with peers, and usability of equipment). Most themes and subthemes were categorised as outcomes of SM interventions. Conclusion The process of SM shaped the perspectives of patients and their caregivers on SM interventions. Their perspectives were influenced by the perceived benefit of the intervention, the sense of community with peers, the intervention's usability, and the level of individualised care. Our findings can inform the selection of patient-important outcomes, decision-making processes, including the formulation of recommendations, and the design and implementation of SM interventions

The perspectives of patients and their caregivers on self-management interventions for chronic conditions : a protocol for a mixed-methods overview

Introduction : Self-management (SM) interventions are complex interventions and one of the main components of high-quality chronic disease care for which the incorporation of the perspectives of patients and their informal caregivers is crucial. We aim to identify, appraise and synthesise the evidence exploring patients' and caregivers' perspectives on SM interventions. More precisely, we aim to 1) describe how they value the importance of outcomes of SM interventions, and 2) identify the factors that might impact on acceptability and feasibility of SM interventions based on their preferences and experiences. Methods and analysis : We will conduct four mixed-methods overviews as part of COMPAR-EU, a European Union (EU) funded project aimed to identify the most effective and cost-effective SM interventions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure (HF), obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We will search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for systematic reviews of studies addressing patients' preferences on outcomes, or their experiences with SM alongside their disease trajectory or with SM interventions, published in English. Selection of studies and data extraction will be conducted in pairs. We will assess the overlap of studies and methodological quality. We will follow a three-step synthesis process: 1) narrative synthesis for quantitative evidence, 2) thematic synthesis for qualitative evidence, and 3) integration of findings in the interpretation phase. Additionally, we will consult on the relevance of findings with patients and their caregivers. Systematic review registration : PROSPER

Predicting critical illness on initial diagnosis of COVID-19 based on easily obtained clinical variables: development and validation of the PRIORITY model

Objectives: We aimed to develop and validate a prediction model, based on clinical history and examination findings on initial diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to identify patients at risk of critical outcomes. Methods: We used data from the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry, a cohort of consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from 132 centres in Spain (23rd March to 21st May 2020). For the development cohort, tertiary referral hospitals were selected, while the validation cohort included smaller hospitals. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital death, mechanical ventilation, or admission to intensive care unit. Clinical signs and symptoms, demographics, and medical history ascertained at presentation were screened using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and logistic regression was used to construct the predictive model. Results: There were 10 433 patients, 7850 in the development cohort (primary outcome 25.1%, 1967/7850) and 2583 in the validation cohort (outcome 27.0%, 698/2583). The PRIORITY model included: age, dependency, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, dyspnoea, tachypnoea, confusion, systolic blood pressure, and SpO2 ≤93% or oxygen requirement. The model showed high discrimination for critical illness in both the development (C-statistic 0.823; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.813, 0.834) and validation (C-statistic 0.794; 95%CI 0.775, 0.813) cohorts. A freely available web-based calculator was developed based on this model (https://www.evidencio.com/models/show/2344). Conclusions: The PRIORITY model, based on easily obtained clinical information, had good discrimination and generalizability for identifying COVID-19 patients at risk of critical outcomes

Multiplex Detection of Clinically Relevant Mutations in Liquid Biopsies of Cancer Patients Using a Hybridization-Based Platform

BACKGROUND: With the advent of precision oncology, liquid biopsies are quickly gaining acceptance in the clinical setting. However, in some cases, the amount of DNA isolated is insufficient for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis. The nCounter platform could be an alternative, but it has never been explored for detection of clinically relevant alterations in fluids. METHODS: Circulating-free DNA (cfDNA) was purified from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and ascites of patients with cancer and analyzed with the nCounter 3 D Single Nucleotide Variant (SNV) Solid Tumor Panel, which allows for detection of 97 driver mutations in 24 genes. RESULTS: Validation experiments revealed that the nCounter SNV panel could detect mutations at allelic fractions of 0.02-2% in samples with 5 pg mutant DNA/mL. In a retrospective analysis of 70 cfDNAs from patients with cancer, the panel successfully detected EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and NRAS mutations when compared with previous genotyping in the same liquid biopsies and paired tumor tissues [Cohen kappa of 0.96 (CI = 0.92-1.00) and 0.90 (CI = 0.74-1.00), respectively]. In a prospective study including 91 liquid biopsies from patients with different malignancies, 90 yielded valid results with the SNV panel and mutations in EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, TP53, NFE2L2, CTNNB1, ALK, FBXW7, and PTEN were found. Finally, serial liquid biopsies from a patient with NSCLC revealed that the semiquantitative results of the mutation analysis by the SNV panel correlated with the evolution of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The nCounter platform requires less DNA than NGS and can be employed for routine mutation testing in liquid biopsies of patients with cancer

Additional file 1 of Quality assessment of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease using the AGREE II instrument: a systematic review

Additional file 1

Agreement Between Different Methodologies for Non-Invasive p.T790M and EGFR Sensitizing Mutation Testing

Background. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the current standard of care for patients with advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, most patients progressed within 1 to 2 years. The EGFR p.T790M mutation is the most common resistance mechanism to first and second generation EGFR TKIs. The identification of p.T790M mutation is of considerable clinical relevance as osimertinib has demonstrated clinical efficacy in this setting. Guidelines recommend testing for the p.T790M mutation in blood at relapse to TKIs, and re-biopsy only in case of a negative result. Several blood based methodologies for detection of EGFR mutations have been developed in the recent years. However, the number of comparison studies between platforms is very limited. Method. This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03363139) performed by the Spanish Lung Cancer Group. Samples from 75 consecutive EGFR mutant NSCLC patients were collected at disease progression to first line TKI treatment. The presence of EGFR mutations in the cfDNA was evaluated in 39 samples by 7 methodologies, namely: Cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2 (Roche Diagnostics), Therascreen EGFR Plasma RGQ PCR Kit (Qiagen), QuantStudio® 3D Digital PCR System (Thermofisher), a 5′-nuclease real-time PCR (TaqMan®) assay in presence of PNA, OncoBEAM EGFR (Sysmex Inostics), NGS with two different gene panels: Oncomine® (Thermofisher) and Lung Cancer Panel (Qiagen). The agreement between methodologies was assessed using the kappa coefficient (K) and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). For quantitative variables the concordance correlation coefficient (ccc) was used. Result. Complete results are available for 39 patients. Overall, the agreement between all methodologies for the detection of p.T790M mutation as well as the original EGFR sensitizing mutation was good (K=0.669; 95CI: 0.504-0.835 and K=0.750 95CI: 0.599-0.899 respectively). Remarkably, the agreement between FDA-approved methodologies for p.T790M detection was almost perfect (K=0.926; 95CI: 0.712-1) and good for the EGFR sensitizing mutations (K=0.657; 95CI: 0.417-0.902). Similarly, the agreement between NGS-based methodologies for the detection of p.T790M and the EGFR activating mutations was very high (K=0.843; 95CI: 0.567-1 and K=0.872 95CI: 0.595-1 respectively). Moreover, concordance between both technologies for p.T790M and EGFR sensitizing mutation mutant allele frequency was excellent (ccc=0.956; 95CI: 0.906-1 and ccc=0.980 95CI: 0.950-1 respectively). The proportion of samples that were positive for p.T790M detection varied from 28% (PCR based technologies) to 37% depending on the methodology. Conclusion. NGS and PCR-based methodologies show a good to excellent agreement for the detection of EGFR mutations, including the p.T790M. Our results support the use of liquid biopsies for non-invasive testing of clinically relevant mutations (Data from the whole cohort will be presented at the meeting)