Use of thoracic fluid content for prediction of fluid balance and postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery: an observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The harmful effects of excess fluids frequently manifest in the lungs. Thoracic fluid content (TFC) is a variable provided by the STARLINGTM bioreactance monitor, which represents the total volume of fluid in the chest. The objective is to analyse the association between the variation in TFC values (TFCd0%) at 24 h postoperatively, postoperative fluid balance, and postoperative pulmonary complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective and analytical observational study. Patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery at a tertiary teaching hospital were included. They were monitored during the intervention and the first 24 postoperative hours with the monitor. STARLINGTM, measuring TFC and its variation in different stages of the perioperative period. Serial lung ultrasounds were performed and postoperative pulmonary complications were recorded. Logistic regression was performed to predict the occurrence of atelectasis and pulmonary congestion. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to verify the association between TFC and fluid balance. RESULTS: 50 patients were analyzed. TFCd0% measured on the morning of the first postoperative day increased by a median of 27.1% [IQR: 20.3-37.5] and was correlated at r = 0.44 with the postoperative balance of 677 ml [IQR: 125.5-1,412]. Increased TFC was related to a higher risk of atelectasis (OR = 1.24) and pulmonary congestion (OR = 1.3). CONCLUSIONS: TFCd0% measured 24 h after surgery presents a moderate correlation with postoperative fluid balance. Its increase is a risk factor for the appearance of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Factors affecting N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase as an indicator for mastitis detection in dairy sheep.

The study of new indirect methods for mastitis detection is of great relevance both at the economic level of the farm and dairies, and in terms of consumer health, and animal welfare. These methods help us to monitor the disease and speed up the decision-making process on treatment of the affected animal and the destination of the milk. The main aim of this work was to study the effect of intramammary infection and other non-infectious factors on the activity of the enzyme N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) in milk, in order to evaluate its use as an indicator for the early diagnosis of mastitis in sheep that could be less expensive, easier to measure and a better marker of inflammation or complementary to existing methods such as somatic cell count (SCC). Seven biweekly samplings were carried out, in which NAGase activity, SCC and milk were analyzed. Glands were classified according to their sanitary status based on the results of the SCC and bacteriological analysis. Non-infectious factors such as lactation stage, parity number and milking session had a statistically significant effect on NAGase values, finding the highest NAGase values at the onset and end of the study, in infectious mastitic glands of multiparous females and at morning milking. However, among the NAGase variation factors studied, the health status of the gland was the factor that caused the highest variation in enzyme levels, with infectious mastitic glands showing higher values than healthy glands. The predictive ability of NAGase was also studied by means of several logistic regression models, with the one that included NAGase together with lactation stage and parity obtaining the best results if sensitivity is to be prioritized, or the model that included NAGase, lactation stage, parity, milking and production if specificity is to be prioritized. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the use of NAGase as an intramammary infection detection method in sheep can be useful when non-infectious factors that cause changes in the concentration of the enzyme are also considered.

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Response to an Exercise Program to Prevent Hospitalization-Associated Disability in Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence and response to an exercise and health education program to prevent hospitalization-associated disability (HAD) in acutely hospitalized older adults. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Secondary analysis of a subset of 109 participants from AGECAR-PLUS study with available data on MedDiet adherence (mean age 87, and range 75-98). INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized into the control group (n = 46, usual care) or the intervention group (n = 63, supervised exercise and health education) at admission. MEASUREMENTS: MedDiet adherence was measured with MEDAS and through urinary total polyphenols (UTP). Functional status was assessed with the Barthel Index. RESULTS: At discharge, patients in the intervention group who had low levels of MedDiet or UTP showed an increase in functional status [adjusted mean (95% CI) = 77.8 (70.8-84.8) points, p = 0.005, and adjusted mean (95% CI) = 78.0 (68.3-87.7) points, p = 0.020, respectively]. CONCLUSION: Older individuals over age 75 with low MedDiet adherence were likely to benefit more from a physical exercise and health education intervention.

Elucidating Individual Magnetic Contributions in Bi-Magnetic Fe3 O4 /Mn3 O4 Core/Shell Nanoparticles by Polarized Powder Neutron Diffraction.

Heterogeneous bi-magnetic nanostructured systems have had a sustained interest during the last decades owing to their unique magnetic properties and the wide range of derived potential applications. However, elucidating the details of their magnetic properties can be rather complex. Here, a comprehensive study of Fe3 O4 /Mn3 O4 core/shell nanoparticles using polarized neutron powder diffraction, which allows disentangling the magnetic contributions of each of the components, is presented. The results show that while at low fields the Fe3 O4 and Mn3 O4 magnetic moments averaged over the unit cell are antiferromagnetically coupled, at high fields, they orient parallel to each other. This magnetic reorientation of the Mn3 O4 shell moments is associated with a gradual evolution with the applied field of the local magnetic susceptibility from anisotropic to isotropic. Additionally, the magnetic coherence length of the Fe3 O4 cores shows some unusual field dependence due to the competition between the antiferromagnetic interface interaction and the Zeeman energies. The results demonstrate the great potential of the quantitative analysis of polarized neutron powder diffraction for the study of complex multiphase magnetic materials.

Infrasound detection of approaching lahars.

Infrasound may be used to detect the approach of hazardous volcanic mudflows, known as lahars, tens of minutes before their flow fronts arrive. We have analyzed signals from more than 20 secondary lahars caused by precipitation events at Fuego Volcano during Guatemala's rainy season in May through October of 2022. We are able to quantify the capabilities of infrasound monitoring through comparison with seismic data, time lapse camera imagery, and high-resolution video of a well-recorded event on August 17. We determine that infrasound sensors, deployed adjacent to the lahar path and in small-aperture (10 s of meters) arrays, are particularly sensitive to remote detection of lahars, including small-sized events, at distances of at least 5 km. At Fuego Volcano these detections could be used to provide timely alerts of up to 30 min before lahars arrive at a downstream monitoring site, such as in the frequently impacted Ceniza drainage. We propose that continuous infrasound monitoring, from locations adjacent to a drainage, may complement seismic monitoring and serve as a valuable tool to help identify approaching hazards. On the other hand, infrasound arrays located a kilometer or more from the lahar path can be effectively used to track a lahar's progression.

PACAP-PAC1R modulates fear extinction via the ventromedial hypothalamus.

Exposure to traumatic stress can lead to fear dysregulation, which has been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous work showed that a polymorphism in the PACAP-PAC1R (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) system is associated with PTSD risk in women, and PACAP (ADCYAP1)-PAC1R (ADCYAP1R1) are highly expressed in the hypothalamus. Here, we show that female mice subjected to acute stress immobilization (IMO) have fear extinction impairments related to Adcyap1 and Adcyap1r1 mRNA upregulation in the hypothalamus, PACAP-c-Fos downregulation in the Medial Amygdala (MeA), and PACAP-FosB/ΔFosB upregulation in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus dorsomedial part (VMHdm). DREADD-mediated inhibition of MeA neurons projecting to the VMHdm during IMO rescues both PACAP upregulation in VMHdm and the fear extinction impairment. We also found that women with the risk genotype of ADCYAP1R1 rs2267735 polymorphism have impaired fear extinction.

Estimated metabolic equivalents of task do not correlate with the maximal oxygen consumption of patients undergoing lung resection surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Metabolic equivalent of task (MET) is a physiological measure that represents the metabolic cost of an activity of daily living. One MET is equivalent to the resting metabolic rate. METs can be estimated by questionnaires or calculated by measuring maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The aim of this study is to determine whether METs estimated in the pre-consultation (METse) correlates with METs calculated from VO2max (METsVO2). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study in patients scheduled for lung resection surgery. The estimation of METs was obtained in the pre-consultation according to the 2014 European and American guidelines for preoperative cardiovascular assessment in non-cardiac surgery. VO2max was calculated in the ergometry laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included in the study, of whom 25 (24%) were female. The mean age was 65.1 years (±9.8). In 26 patients (25%), the METse classification correlated with METsVO2 (κ = -0.107 P = .02). In the remaining patients, METse overestimated functional capacity measured by ergometry (METse > METsVO2). CONCLUSIONS: Subjective assessment overestimates functional capacity and should not replace objective testing in patients scheduled for lung resection surgery.

Preoperative nutritional status assessed using the CONUT tool and its relationship with the appearance of major postoperative complications.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is a risk factor for the appearance of major postoperative complications; therefore, early identification and perioperative optimization of surgical patients may improve postoperative outcomes. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of moderate or high under nutrition alerts in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery, and their relationship with the appearance of major postoperative complications. Nutritional status was calculated using the CONUT tool. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study in 190 patients who underwent major non-cardiac surgery over two consecutive years. Preoperative nutritional status was calculated using CONUT, and the patients' medical records were reviewed to determine their epidemiological characteristics and major complications. RESULTS: The under nutrition alert was moderate in 17% of patients, and high in 10%. A high under nutrition alert was an independent risk factor for treatment with vasoactive drugs (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.18-10.89; p = 0.025), respiratory support (OR 7.63; 95% CI 1.25-46.43; p = 0.027), renal support (OR 23.29; 95% CI 2.0-271.08; p = 0.012), prolonged hospital stay (Coef 20.16; 95% CI 2.10-38.22; p = 0.029) and higher in-hospital mortality (OR 7.15; 95% CI 1.31-39.02; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: In total, 10% of patients who underwent major non-cardiac surgery presented serious preoperative deterioration in their nutritional status. A high under nutrition alert was an independent risk factor for the appearance of major postoperative complications.

Hemorrhagic complicationes after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: The importance of an early endovascular management.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hemorrhage due to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or pseudoaneurysm (PA) is a rare complication after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The objective of this study is to evaluate hemorrhagic complications (HC) after PCNL and the results of their endovascular treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2009 and December 2019, 1335 PCNL were performed in our center for kidney stone disease. We analyzed the incidence of early and late HC, their management, the need for subsequent embolization, as well as clinical and analytical data of these patients. RESULTS: A total of 59 (4.4%) patients presented HC. Bleeding was managed with arteriography and selective embolization (ASE). Perirenal hematoma was seen in 38 patients (64%). Regarding angiographic findings, there were 32 (54%) PA, 8 (14%) AVF, 4 (7%) extravasations due to vascular laceration and 15 (25%) PA combined with AVF. In one case, 3 procedures were required to control the bleeding. In 30 patients (51%) blood transfusions were not necessary, while in 29 (49%), a mean of 1.3 units were transfused. Median follow-up was 24 ±â€¯21 months. Mean time interval between PCNL and ASE was 7.3 ±â€¯4.9 days. A total of 24 (41%) patients were readmitted after discharge due to late HC requiring ASE. Delay between readmission and ASE was 4.8 ±â€¯4.6 h in average. CONCLUSION: Early and late HC after PCNL can be severe. Rapid identification and treatment with ASE is an effective and minimally invasive and avoids multiple blood transfusions which in many cases constitute an insufficient treatment.

Hemorrhagic complicationes after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: The importance of an early endovascular management. / Complicaciones hemorrágicas de la nefrolitotomía percutánea: valor del tratamiento endovascular precoz.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hemorrhage due to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or pseudoaneurysm (PA) is a rare complication after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The objective of this study is to evaluate hemorrhagic complications (HC) after PCNL and the results of their endovascular treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2009 and December 2019, 1335 PCNL were performed in our center for kidney stone disease. We analyzed the incidence of early and late HC, their management, the need for subsequent embolization, as well as clinical and analytical data of these patients. RESULTS: A total of 59 (4.4%) patients presented HC. Bleeding was managed with arteriography and selective embolization (ASE). Perirenal hematoma was seen in 38 patients (64%). Regarding angiographic findings, there were 32 (54%) PA, 8 (14%) AVF, 4 (7%) extravasations due to vascular laceration and 15 (25%) PA combined with AVF. In one case, 3 procedures were required to control the bleeding. In 30 patients (51%) blood transfusions were not necessary, while in 29 (49%), a mean of 1.3 units were transfused. Median follow-up was 24±21 months. Mean time interval between PCNL and ASE was 7.3±4.9 days. A total of 24 (41%) patients were readmitted after discharge due to late HC requiring ASE. Delay between readmission and ASE was 4.8±4.6hours in average. CONCLUSION: Early and late HC after PCNL can be severe. Rapid identification and treatment with ASE is an effective and minimally invasive and avoids multiple blood transfusions which in many cases constitute an insufficient treatment.

Preoperative nutritional status assessed using the CONUT tool and its relationship with the appearance of major postoperative complications. / Estado nutricional preoperatorio valorado mediante la herramienta CONUT y su relación con la aparición de complicaciones mayores postoperatorias.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is a risk factor for the appearance of major postoperative complications; therefore, early identification and perioperative optimization of surgical patients may improve postoperative outcomes. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of moderate or high under nutrition alerts in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery, and their relationship with the appearance of major postoperative complications. Nutritional status was calculated using the CONUT tool. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study in 190 patients who underwent major non-cardiac surgery over two consecutive years. Preoperative nutritional status was calculated using CONUT, and the patients' medical records were reviewed to determine their epidemiological characteristics and major complications. RESULTS: The under nutrition alert was moderate in 17% of patients, and high in 10%. A high under nutrition alert was an independent risk factor for treatment with vasoactive drugs (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.18-10.89; p=.025), respiratory support (OR 7.63; 95% CI 1.25-46.43; p=.027), renal support (OR 23.29; 95% CI 2.0-271.08; p=.012), prolonged hospital stay (coef. 20.16; 95% CI 2.10-38.22; p=.029) and higher in-hospital mortality (OR 7.15; 95% CI 1.31-39.02; p=.023). CONCLUSIONS: In total, 10% of patients who underwent major non-cardiac surgery presented serious preoperative deterioration in their nutritional status. A high under nutrition alert was an independent risk factor for the appearance of major postoperative complications.

Incidence of electrocardiographic alterations in the preoperative period of non-cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The electrocardiogram is the most widely used test to assess cardiovascular risk during the preoperative period. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the incidence of electrocardiographic alterations in the general population scheduled for non-cardiac surgery and to determine if the age greater than or equal to 65 years or the revised cardiac risk index ≥1 represent a risk factor for presenting these alterations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of one month, all preoperative electrocardiograms (ECG) from the anesthesia clinic were analyzed. Various epidemiological data were collected and the revised cardiac risk index was calculated. Major alterations were defined as those requiring Cardiology follow-up. RESULTS: 476 patients were recruited, of whom 40.8% were ≥65 years, 32.6% had HTN, 14.4% DM and 27.9% dyslipidemia. 16.16% of the patients had a Lee Index ≥1. Of the entire sample, 80.5% had a normal ECG, 6.5% minor alterations and 13.0% major alterations. In the multivariate analysis, age ≥65 years and the presence of HTN were shown as independent risk factors for presenting alterations in the total and major ECG. The Lee index ≥1 was not associated with an increased risk of electrocardiographic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Patients ≥65 years old and those with HTN are at greater risk of presenting major electrocardiographic abnormalities, so we recommend including the ECG as a routine diagnostic test in the preoperative period of non-cardiac surgery.

Incidence of electrocardiographic alterations in the preoperative period of non-cardiac surgery. / Incidencia de alteraciones electrocardiográficas en el preoperatorio de cirugía no cardiaca.

BACKGROUND: The electrocardiogram is the most widely used test to assess cardiovascular risk during the preoperative period. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the incidence of electrocardiographic alterations in the general population scheduled for non-cardiac surgery and to determine if the age greater than or equal to 65 years or the revised cardiac risk index ≥ 1 represent a risk factor for presenting these alterations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of one month, all preoperative electrocardiograms (ECG) from the anesthesia clinic were analyzed. Various epidemiological data were collected and the revised cardiac risk index was calculated. Major alterations were defined as those requiring Cardiology follow-up. RESULTS: 476 patients were recruited, of whom 40.8% were ≥ 65 years, 32.6% had HTN, 14.4% DM and 27.9% dyslipidemia. 16.16% of the patients had a Lee Index ≥ 1. Of the entire sample, 80.5% had a normal ECG, 6.5% minor alterations and 13.0% major alterations. In the multivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years and the presence of HTN were shown as independent risk factors for presenting alterations in the total and major ECG. The Lee index ≥ 1 was not associated with an increased risk of electrocardiographic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Patients ≥ 65 years old and those with HTN are at greater risk of presenting major electrocardiographic abnormalities, so we recommend including the ECG as a routine diagnostic test in the preoperative period of non-cardiac surgery.

The utility HBA1c test as a screening biomarker for detecting gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Glycated Hb (HbA1c) has not been used for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Measurement of HbA1c levels is less complicated and more comfortable than glucose challenge test (GCT) for pregnant women. We studied HbA1c as a biomarker of GDM and as a screening test to avoid the use of GCT. METHODS: A prospective case-control study involves 745 pregnant women between 24th and 28th gestation week. HbA1c levels were measured and GDM was diagnosed according to Carpenter-Coustan criteria. Mean and SD were calculated for GCT value, HbA1c, age, and body mass index (BMI). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of HbA1c test in diagnosing GDM. Cut-off points were calculated to rule out GDM and sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) were also determined. A study of the implementation of HbA1c cut-offs was performed to avoid the GCT or to perform the confirmatory oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). RESULTS: The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.67 (0.58-0.76). Using 4.6% HbA1c as a cut-off prevented false negatives but only decreased the number of GCTs performed by 7.2%. However, using 4.7% HbA1c resulted in one false negative (reduction of 15.0%). Finally, by selecting 4.8% HbA1c, we found two false negatives, but there were 25.9% who do not require a GCT. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of HbA1c as a screening test for GDM may eliminate the need of GCT. Although the HbA1c test does not have sufficient Se and Sp to be used as the only diagnostic test, the use of a rule-out strategy in combination with the OGTT could be useful.

Lung pulse visualized through pleural effusion as a diagnostic sign of complete obstructive atelectasis of the left lung in a critical patient with respiratory failure. / Pulso pulmonar visualizado a través de derrame pleural como signo diagnóstico de atelectasia obstructiva completa del pulmón izquierdo en paciente crítico con insuficiencia respiratoria.

Complete obstructive atelectasis occurs when mucous or a foreign body obstruct one of the main bronchi. Several lung ultrasound signs have been associated with this entity. We describe the case of a patient admitted to the surgical critical care unit in whom lung ultrasound led to a diagnosis of complete obstructive atelectasis, and the presence of pleural effusion provided direct visualization of lung pulse, a sign that has only previously been described by interpreting ultrasound artifacts.

Consensus Document of the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC), the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) and the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (SEDAR) on Tracheotomy in Patients with COVID-19 Infection. / Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica, y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC), la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC) y la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR) sobre la traqueotomía en pacientes con COVID-19.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has rendered up to 15% of patients under mechanical ventilation. Because the subsequent tracheotomy is a frequent procedure, the three societies mostly involved (SEMICYUC, SEDAR and SEORL-CCC) have setup a consensus paper that offers an overview about indications and contraindications of tracheotomy, be it by puncture or open, clarifying its respective advantages and enumerating the ideal conditions under which they should be performed, as well as the necessary steps. Regular and emergency situations are displayed together with the postoperative measures.

Unravelling potential severe psychiatric repercussions on healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 crisis.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is putting healthcare professionals, especially those in the frontline, under extreme pressures, with a high risk of experiencing physical exhaustion, psychological disturbances, stigmatization, insomnia, depression and anxiety. We report the case of a general practitioner, without relevant somatic or psychiatric history that experienced a "brief reactive psychosis (298.8)" under stressful circumstances derived from COVID-19. She presented with delusional ideas of catastrophe regarding the current pandemic situation, delusions of self-reference, surveillance and persecution, with high affective and behavioural involvement. Physical examination and all further additional investigations did not reveal any secondary causes. She was administered olanzapine 10 mg with significant psychopathological improvement being later discharged with indications to maintain the treatment. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of severe mental illness in a healthcare professional without previous psychiatric history due to COVID-19 outbreak. Around 85% of patients presenting a brief psychotic disorder will develop a potentially disabling serious psychotic illness in the long-term. This case represents the potentially serious mental health consequences on healthcare professionals throughout the COVID-19 crisis and emphasizes the need to implement urgent measures to maintain staff mental health during the current pandemic.