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Elite controllers (ECs) are people living with HIV (PLWH) able to control HIV replication without antiretroviral therapy and have been proposed as a model of a functional HIV cure. Much evidence suggests that this spontaneous control of HIV has a cost in terms of T cell homeostasis alterations. We performed a deep phenotypic study to obtain insight into T cell homeostasis disturbances in ECs maintaining long-term virologic and immunologic control of HIV (long-term elite controllers; LTECs). Forty-seven PLWH were included: 22 LTECs, 15 non-controllers under successful antiretroviral therapy (onART), and 10 non-controllers not receiving ART (offART). Twenty uninfected participants (UCs) were included as a reference. T cell homeostasis was analyzed by spectral flow cytometry and data were analyzed using dimensionality reduction and clustering using R software v3.3.2. Dimensionality reduction and clustering yielded 57 and 54 different CD4 and CD8 T cell clusters, respectively. The offART group showed the highest perturbation of T cell homeostasis, with 18 CD4 clusters and 15 CD8 clusters significantly different from those of UCs. Most of these alterations were reverted in the onART group. Interestingly, LTECs presented several disturbances of T cell homeostasis with 15 CD4 clusters and 13 CD8 clusters different from UC. Moreover, there was a specific profile of T cell homeostasis alterations associated with LTECs, characterized by increases in clusters of naïve T cells, increases in clusters of non-senescent effector CD8 cells, and increases in clusters of central memory CD4 cells. These results demonstrate that, compared to ART-mediated control of HIV, the spontaneous control of HIV is associated with several disturbances in CD4 and CD8 T cell homeostasis. These alterations could be related to the existence of a potent and efficient virus-specific T cell response, and to the ability to halt disease progression by maintaining an adequate pool of CD4 T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elite controllers (ECs) are an exceptional group of people living with HIV (PLWH) that control HIV replication without therapy. Among the mechanisms involved in this ability, natural killer (NK)‐cells have recently gained much attention. We performed an in‐deep phenotypic analysis of NK‐cells to search for surrogate markers associated with the long term spontaneous control of HIV. Forty‐seven PLWH (22 long‐term EC [PLWH‐long‐term elite controllers (LTECs)], 15 noncontrollers receiving antiretroviral treatment [ART] [PLWH‐onART], and 10 noncontrollers cART‐naïve [PLWH‐offART]), and 20 uninfected controls were included. NK‐cells homeostasis was analyzed by spectral flow cytometry using a panel of 15 different markers. Data were analyzed using FCSExpress and R software for unsupervised multidimensional analysis. Six different subsets of NK‐cells were defined on the basis of CD16 and CD56 expression, and the multidimensional analysis revealed the existence of 68 different NK‐cells clusters based on the expression levels of the 15 different markers. PLWH‐offART presented the highest disturbance of NK‐cells homeostasis and this was not completely restored by long‐term ART. Interestingly, long term spontaneous control of HIV (PLWH‐LTEC group) was associated with a specific profile of NK‐cells homeostasis disturbance, characterized by an increase of CD16dimCD56dim subset when compared to uninfected controls (UC) group and also to offART and onART groups (p < 0.0001 for the global comparison), an increase of clusters C16 and C26 when compared to UC and onART groups (adjusted p‐value < 0.05 for both comparisons), and a decrease of clusters C10 and C20 when compared to all the other groups (adjusted p‐value < 0.05 for all comparisons). These findings may provide clues to elucidate markers of innate immunity with a relevant role in the long‐term control of HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PRPH2, one of the most frequently inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD)-causing genes, implies a high phenotypic variability. This study aims to analyze the PRPH2 mutational spectrum in one of the largest cohorts worldwide, and to describe novel pathogenic variants and genotype–phenotype correlations. A study of 220 patients from 103 families recruited from a database of 5000 families. A molecular diagnosis was performed using classical molecular approaches and next-generation sequencing. Common haplotypes were ascertained by analyzing single-nucleotide polymorphisms. We identified 56 variants, including 11 novel variants. Most of them were missense variants (64%) and were located in the D2-loop protein domain (77%). The most frequently occurring variants were p.Gly167Ser, p.Gly208Asp and p.Pro221_Cys222del. Haplotype analysis revealed a shared region in families carrying p.Leu41Pro or p.Pro221_Cys222del. Patients with retinitis pigmentosa presented an earlier disease onset. We describe the largest cohort of IRD families associated with PRPH2 from a single center. Most variants were located in the D2-loop domain, highlighting its importance in interacting with other proteins. Our work suggests a likely founder effect for the variants p.Leu41Pro and p.Pro221_Cys222del in our Spanish cohort. Phenotypes with a primary rod alteration presented more severe affectation. Finally, the high phenotypic variability in PRPH2 hinders the possibility of drawing genotype–phenotype correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Abnormalities of mineral metabolism (MM) have been related to cardiovascular disorders. There are no reports on the prognostic role of MM after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aim to assess the prognostic role of MM after an ACS. Methods and results: Plasma levels of components of MM [fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), calcidiol, parathormone, klotho, and phosphate], high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and N‐terminal‐pro‐brain natriuretic peptide were measured in 1190 patients at discharge from an ACS. The primary outcome was a combination of acute ischaemic events, heart failure (HF) and death. Secondary outcomes were the separate components of the primary outcome. Age was 61.7 ± 12.2 years, and 77.1% were men. Median follow‐up was 5.44 (3.03–7.46) years. Two hundred and ninety‐four patients developed the primary outcome. At multivariable analysis FGF23 (hazard ratio, HR 1.18 [1.08–1.29], P < 0.001), calcidiol (HR 0.86 [0.74–1.00], P = 0.046), previous coronary or cerebrovascular disease, and hypertension were independent predictors of the primary outcome. The predictive power of FGF23 was homogeneous across different subgroups of population. FGF23 (HR 1.45 [1.28–1.65], P < 0.001) and parathormone (HR 1.06 1.01–1.12]; P = 0.032) resulted as independent predictors of HF. FGF23 (HR 1.21 [1.07–1.37], P = 0.002) and calcidiol (HR 0.72 [0.54–0.97), P = 0.028) were independent predictors of death. No biomarker predicted acute ischaemic events. FGF23 predicted independently the primary outcome in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusions: FGF23 and other components of MM are independent predictors of HF and death after an ACS. This effect is homogeneous across different subgroups of population, and it is not limited to patients with chronic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ample evidence indicates a sex‐related difference in severity of COVID‐19, with less favorable outcomes observed in men. Genetic factors have been proposed as candidates to explain this difference. The polyglutamine (polyQ) polymorphism in the androgen receptor gene has been recently described as a genetic biomarker of COVID‐19 severity. Objective: To test the association between the androgen receptor polyQ polymorphism and COVID‐19 severity in a large cohort of COVID‐19 male patients. Materials and methods: This study included 1136 male patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 as confirmed by positive PCR. Patients were retrospectively and prospectively enrolled from March to November 2020. Patients were classified according to their severity into three categories: oligosymptomatic, hospitalized and severe patients requiring ventilatory support. The number of CAG repeats (polyQ polymorphism) at the androgen receptor was obtained by PCR and patients were classified as either short (<23 repeats) or long (≥23 repeats) allele carriers. The association between polyQ alleles (short or long) and COVID‐19 severity was assessed by Chi‐squared (Chi2) and logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean number of polyQ CAG repeats was 22 (±3). Patients were classified as oligosymptomatic (15.5%), hospitalized (63.2%), and severe patients (21.3%) requiring substantial respiratory support. PolyQ alleles distribution did not show significant differences between severity classes in our cohort (Chi2 test p > 0.05). Similar results were observed after adjusting by known risk factors such as age, comorbidities, and ethnicity (multivariate logistic regression analysis). Discussion: Androgen sensitivity may be a critical factor in COVID‐19 disease severity. However, we did not find an association between the polyQ polymorphism and the COVID‐19 severity. Additional studies are needed to clarify the mechanism underlying the association between androgens and COVID‐19 outcome. Conclusions: The results obtained in our study do not support the role of this polymorphism as biomarker of COVID‐19 severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The prevalence and predictors of functional status and disability of elderly people have been studied in several European countries including Spain. However, there has been no population-based study incorporating the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework as the basis for assessing disability. The present study reports prevalence rates for mild, moderate, and severe/extreme disability by the domains of activities and participation of the ICF. Methods Nine populations surveyed in previous prevalence studies contributed probabilistic and geographically defined samples in June 2005. The study sample was composed of 503 subjects aged ≥75 years. We implemented a two-phase screening design using the MMSE and the World Health Organization-Disability Assessment Schedule 2nd edition (WHO-DAS II, 12 items) as cognitive and disability screening tools, respectively. Participants scoring within the positive range of the disability screening were administered the full WHO-DAS II (36 items; score range: 0-100) assessing the following areas: Understanding and communication, Getting along with people, Life activities, Getting around, Participation in society, and Self-care. Each disability area assessed by WHO-DAS II (36 items) was reported according to the ICF severity ranges (No problem, 0-4; Mild disability, 5-24; Moderate disability, 25-49; Severe/Extreme disability, 50-100). Results The age-adjusted disability prevalence figures were: 39.17 ± 2.18%, 15.31 ± 1.61%, and 10.14 ± 1.35% for mild, moderate, and severe/extreme disability, respectively. Severe and extreme disability prevalence in mobility and life activities was three times higher than the average, and highest among women. Sex variations were minimal, although life activities for women of 85 years and over had more severe/extreme disability as compared to men (OR = 5.15 95% CI 3.19-8.32). Conclusions Disability is highly prevalent among the Spanish elderly. Sex- and age-specific variations of disability are associated with particular disability domains.

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in dialysis patients and associated with poor outcomes. In 2008, protein–energy wasting (PEW) was coined by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM), as a single pathological condition in which undernourishment and hypercatabolism converge. In 2014, a new simplified score was described using serum creatinine adjusted for body surface area (sCr/BSA) to replace a reduction of muscle mass over time in the muscle wasting category. We have now compared PEW–ISRNM 2008 and PEW-score 2014 to evaluate the prevalence of PEW and the risk of death in 109 haemodialysis patients. This was a retrospective analysis of cross sectional data with a median prospective follow-up of 20 months. The prevalence of PEW was 41 % for PEW–ISRNM 2008 and 63 % for PEW-score 2014 (P <0·002). Using PEW-score 2014: twenty-nine patients (27 %) had severe malnutrition (PEW-score 2014 0–1) and forty (37 %) with moderate malnutrition (score 2). Additionally, thirty-three (30 %) patients had mild wasting and only seven patients (6 %) presented a normal nutritional status. sCr/BSA correlated with lean total mass (R 0·46. P <0·001). A diagnosis of PEW according to PEW-score 2014, but not according to PEW–ISRNM 2008, was significantly associated with short-term mortality (P =0·0349) in univariate but not in multivariate analysis (P =0·069). In conclusion, the new PEW-score 2014 incorporating sCr/BSA identifies a higher number of dialysis PEW patients than PEW–ISRNM 2008. Whereas PEW-score-2014 provides timelier and therefore more clinically relevant information, its association with early mortality needs to be confirmed in larger studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their intrinsic properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been suggested for biomedical applications. We studied the anti-adherent performance of two ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) surfaces which contains 3% multi-wall CNT variant (MWCNT): Nanocyl/UHMWPE and Arc/ UHMWPE. These surfaces were obtained by hot pressure forming after mechanical mixture. Additional nanoindentation studies were performed and hardness and stiffness were determined. Mechanical properties of the MWCNT/UHMWPE composites were also compared to raw UHMWPE and correlated with their anti-adherent performance. Comparing with UHMWPE, Nanocyl/UHMWPE was the least adherent surface. Bacterial adherence was also significantly reduced in Arc/UHMWPE for four strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an ubiquitous environmental toxin that is also found in dialyzers. Online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) more efficiently clears high molecular weight molecules, and this may improve BPA clearance. However, the BPA contents of dialysis membranes may be a source of BPA loading during OL-HDF. Methods: A prospective study assessed plasma BPA levels in OL-HDF patients using BPA-free (polynephron) or BPA-containing (polysulfone) dialyzers in a crossover design with two arms, after a run-in OL-HDF period of at least 6 months with the same membrane: 31 patients on polynephron at baseline were switched to polysulfone membranes for 3 months (polynephron-to-polysulfone) and 29 patients on polysulfone were switched to polynephron for 3 months (polysulfone-to-polynephron). Results: After a run-in OL-HDF period of at least 6 months with the same membrane, baseline pre-dialysis BPA was lower in patients on polynephron (8.79±7.97 ng/ml) than in those on polysulfone (23.42±20.38 ng/mL, p<0.01), but still higher than in healthy controls (<2 ng/mL). After 3 months of polynephron-to-polysulfone switch, BPA was unchanged (8.98±7.88 to 11.14±15.98 ng/mL, ns) while it decreased on the polysulfone-to-polynephron group (23.42±20.38 to 11.41±12.38 ng/mL, p<0.01). Conclusion: OL-HDF for 3 months with BPA-free dialyzer membranes was associated to a significant decrease in predialysis BPA levels when compared to baseline BPA levels while on a BPA-containing membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mortality of dialysis patients is 10- to 100-fold higher than in the general population. Baseline serum PTH levels, and more recently, changes in serum PTH levels (ΔPTH) over time, have been associated to mortality in dialysis patients. Methods: We explored the relationship between ΔPTH over 1 year with mortality over the next year in a prospective cohort of 115 prevalent hemodialysis patients from a single center that had median baseline iPTH levels within guideline recommendations. Results: Median baseline iPTH levels were 205 (116.5, 400) pg/ml. ΔiPTH between baseline and 1 year was 85.2 ± 57.1 pg/ml. During the second year of follow-up, 27 patients died. ΔiPTH was significantly higher in patients who survived (+157.30 ± 25.82 pg/ml) than in those who died (+39.03 ± 60.95 pg/ml), while baseline iPTH values were not significantly different. The highest mortality (48%) was observed in patients with a decrease in ΔiPTH (ΔiPTH quartile 1, negative ΔiPTH) and the lowest (12%) mortality in quartile 3 ΔiPTH (ΔiPTH increase 101–300 pg/ml). In a logistic regression model, ΔiPTH was associated with mortality with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.998 (95% CI 0.996–0999, p = 0.038). In multivariable analysis, mortality risk was 73% and 88% lower for patients with ΔiPTH 0–100 pg/ml and 101–300 pg/ml, respectively, than for those with a decrease in ΔiPTH. In patients with a decrease in ΔiPTH, the OR for death was 4.131 (1.515–11.27)(p = 0.006). Conclusions: In prevalent hemodialysis patients with median baseline iPTH values within the guideline recommended range, a decrease in ΔiPTH was associated with higher mortality. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms and therapeutic implications of this observation that challenges current clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Haematuria has been traditionally considered as a benign hallmark of some glomerular diseases; however new studies show that haematuria may decrease renal function. Objective: To determine the influence of haematuria on the rate of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in 71 proteinuric patients with advanced CKD (baseline eGFR <30 mL/min) during 12 months of follow-up. Results: The mean rate of decline in eGFR was higher in patients with both haematuria and proteinuria (haemoproteinuria, HP, n=31) than in patients with proteinuria alone (P patients, n=40) (-3.8±8.9 vs 0.9±9.5 mL/min/1.73m2/year, p<0.05, respectively). The deleterious effect of haematuria on rate of decline in eGFR was observed in patients <65 years (-6.8±9.9 (HP) vs. 0.1±11.7 (P) mL/min/1.73m2/year, p<0.05), but not in patients >65 years (-1.2±6.8 (HP) vs. 1.5±7.7 (P) mL/min/1.73m2/year). Furthermore, the harmful effect of haematuria on eGFR slope was found patients with proteinuria >0.5 g/24 h (-5.8±6.4 (HP) vs. -1.37± 7.9 (P) mL/min/1.73m2/year, p<0.05), whereas no significant differences were found in patients with proteinuria < 0.5 g/24 h (-0.62±7.4 (HP) vs. 3.4±11.1 (P) mL/min/1.73m2/year). Multivariate analysis reported that presence of haematuria was significantly and independently associated with eGFR deterioration after adjusting for traditional risk factors, including age, serum phosphate, mean proteinuria and mean serum PTH (β=-4.316, p=0.025). Conclusions: The presence of haematuria is closely associated with a faster decrease in renal function in advanced proteinuric CKD patients, especially in younger CKD patients with high proteinuria levels; therefore this high risk subgroup of patients would benefit of intensive medical surveillance and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of ciprofloxacin at different times on the development and behavior of intrinsic autofluorescence, covered area, thickness and cell viability in a biofilm formed by non-pigmented rapidly growing mycobacteria (NPRGM).Confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis were used to study the behavior of ciprofloxacin on biofilms. Results: Thickness was the most affected parameter, although some species showed changes in other parameters. At the same time, we also measured the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC). An increase in MBEC was observed in all the strains, M. peregrinum being the species that presented the highest increase. Conclusions: This study help us to understand better how mycobacterial biofims can be affected by ciprofloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence and predictors of functional status and disability of elderly people have been studied in several European countries including Spain. However, there has been no population-based study incorporating the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework as the basis for assessing disability. The present study reports prevalence rates for mild, moderate, and severe/extreme disability by the domains of activities and participation of the ICF. Methods: Nine populations surveyed in previous prevalence studies contributed probabilistic and geographically defined samples in June 2005. The study sample was composed of 503 subjects aged ≥75 years. We implemented a two-phase screening design using the MMSE and the World Health Organization-Disability Assessment Schedule 2nd edition (WHODAS II, 12 items) as cognitive and disability screening tools, respectively. Participants scoring within the positive range of the disability screening were administered the full WHO-DAS II (36 items; score range: 0-100) assessing the following areas: Understanding and communication, Getting along with people, Life activities, Getting around, Participation in society, and Self-care. Each disability area assessed by WHO-DAS II (36 items) was reported according to the ICF severity ranges (No problem, 0-4; Mild disability, 5-24; Moderate disability, 25-49; Severe/Extreme disability, 50-100). Results: The age-adjusted disability prevalence figures were: 39.17 ± 2.18%, 15.31 ± 1.61%, and 10.14 ± 1.35% for mild, moderate, and severe/extreme disability, respectively. Severe and extreme disability prevalence in mobility and life activities was three times higher than the average, and highest among women. Sex variations were minimal, although life activities for women of 85 years and over had more severe/extreme disability as compared to men (OR = 5.15 95% CI 3.19-8.32). Conclusions: Disability is highly prevalent among the Spanish elderly. Sex- and age-specific variations of disability are associated with particular disability domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the term acute kidney injury (AKI), clinical biomarkers for AKI reflect function rather than injury and independent markers of injury are needed. Tubular cell death, including necroptotic cell death, is a key feature of AKI. Cyclophilin A (CypA) is an intracellular protein that has been reported to be released during necroptosis. We have now explored CypA as a potential marker for kidney injury in cultured tubular cells and in clinical settings of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), characterized by limitations of current diagnostic criteria for AKI. Methods: CypA was analyzed in cultured human and murine proximal tubular epithelial cells exposed to chemical hypoxia, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) or other cell death (apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis) inducers. Urinary levels of CypA (uCypA) were analyzed in patients after nephron sparing surgery (NSS) in which the contralateral kidney is not disturbed and kidney grafts with initial function. Results: Intracellular CypA remained unchanged while supernatant CypA increased in parallel to cell death induction. uCypA levels were higher in NSS patients with renal artery clamping (that is, with NSS-IRI) than in no clamping (NSS-no IRI), and in kidney transplantation (KT) recipients (KT-IRI) even in the presence of preserved or improving kidney function, while this was not the case for urinary Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Furthermore, higher uCypA levels in NSS patients were associated with longer surgery duration and the incidence of AKI increased from 10% when using serum creatinine (sCr) or urinary output criteria to 36% when using high uCypA levels in NNS clamping patients. Conclusions: CypA is released by kidney tubular cells during different forms of cell death, and uCypA increased during IRI-induced clinical kidney injury independently from kidney function parameters. Thus, uCypA is a potential biomarker of kidney injury, which is independent from decreased kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In hemodialysis patients, extracellular water (ECW) overload predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The primary aim of the present study was to analyze changes in post-dialysis (i.e., following removal of excess ECW) ECW, intracellular water (ICW), and the overhydration (OH) parameter over time. Additionally, the association of these parameters with mortality was explored. Patients and methods: Prospective study of prevalent hemodialysis patients (n = 124) followed for a median of 20 (interquartile range (IQR) 8–31) months. In three visits, inflammation (C-reactive protein) and post-dialysis fluid status (bioimpedance, BIS) were assessed. Results: During follow-up, the overhydration (OH) parameter increased (−0.696 ± 1.6 vs. 0.268 ± 1.7 L; p = 0.007) at the expense of a decrease in intracellular water (ICW) (19.90 ± 4.5 vs. 18.72 ± 4.1 24 L; p = 0.006) with a non-significant numerical increase in ECW/ICW ratio (0.795 ± 0.129 vs. 0.850 ± 0.143; p = 0.055). Baseline ICW positively correlated with muscle mass and energy intake and negatively with C-reactive protein and it was lower in those who died than in survivors (15.09 ± 2.36 vs. 18.87 ± 4.52 L; p = 0.004). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients with low baseline ICW (≤17 L) and high ECW/ICW ratio (≥0.84) were at an increased risk of death. Baseline ICW was also associated with the risk of death in adjusted Cox proportional hazards models (HR 0.62 (0.40–0.98) p = 0.04). Conclusions: In hemodialysis patients, the post-dialysis OH parameter increased over time while ICW decreased, without changes in ECW. Low baseline post-dialysis ICW correlated with muscle wasting and inflammation and was an independent risk factor for mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women are reported to have a lower incidence of renal replacement therapy, despite a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aim: To analyze diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression in men and women. Methods: Prospective cohort: n = 261, 35% women, new consecutive nephrology DKD referrals. Results: Women smoked less and better complied with the dietary phosphate and sodium restrictions. Despite a less frequent nephrology referral, women had lower baseline albuminuria. Over a 30 ± 10-month follow-up, albuminuria decreased in women and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) loss was slower than in men. However, the percentage of rapid progressors was similar in both sexes. The best multivariate model predicting rapid progression in men (area under curve (AUC) = 0.92) and women differed. Albuminuria and fractional excretion of phosphate (FEphosphate) were part of the men multivariable model, but not of women. The AUC for the prediction of rapid progression by albuminuria was higher in men than in women, and the albuminuria cut-off points also differed. In women, there was a higher percentage of rapid progressors who had baseline physiological albuminuria. Conclusions: Female DKD differs from male DKD: albuminuria was milder and better responsive to therapy, the loss of eGFR was slower and the predictors of rapid progression differed from men: albuminuria was a better predictor in men than in women. Lifestyle factors may contribute to the differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence and predictors of functional status and disability of elderly people have been studied in several European countries including Spain. However, there has been no population-based study incorporating the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework as the basis for assessing disability. The present study reports prevalence rates for mild, moderate, and severe/extreme disability by the domains of activities and participation of the ICF.Methods: Nine populations surveyed in previous prevalence studies contributed probabilistic and geographically defined samples in June 2005. The study sample was composed of 503 subjects aged ≥75 years. We implemented a two-phase screening design using the MMSE and the World Health Organization-Disability Assessment Schedule 2nd edition (WHO-DAS II, 12 items) as cognitive and disability screening tools, respectively. Participants scoring within the positive range of the disability screening were administered the full WHO-DAS II (36 items; score range: 0-100) assessing the following areas: Understanding and communication, Getting along with people, Life activities, Getting around, Participation in society, and Self-care. Each disability area assessed by WHO-DAS II (36 items) was reported according to the ICF severity ranges (No problem, 0-4; Mild disability, 5-24; Moderate disability, 25-49; Severe/Extreme disability, 50-100).Results: The age-adjusted disability prevalence figures were: 39.17 ± 2.18%, 15.31 ± 1.61%, and 10.14 ± 1.35% for mild, moderate, and severe/extreme disability, respectively. Severe and extreme disability prevalence in mobility and life activities was three times higher than the average, and highest among women. Sex variations were minimal, although life activities for women of 85 years and over had more severe/extreme disability as compared to men (OR = 5.15 95% CI 3.19-8.32).Conclusions: Disability is highly prevalent among the Spanish elderly. Sex- and age-specific variations of disability are associated with particular disability domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of bioflims formed by seven nonpigmented rapidly growing mycobacteria, including saprophytes and opportunistic species, was analyzed. Analysis included amount of covered surface, thickness, cell viability, and presence of intrinsic autofluorescence at different times using confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis. Autofluorescence was detected inside and outside cells of all mycobacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]