How do different amounts of straw as well as compost in the home pen affect the rooting motivation of growing-finishing pigs?

Rooting is a strongly motivated, species-specific behaviour of pigs. Most housing systems do not provide appropriate materials that enable the full expression of this behaviour, and it remains unclear whether straw is suitable to entirely fulfil the rooting motivation of pigs. We therefore investigated the suitability of small (minimal) and large (deep) amounts of straw as well as large amounts of compost to satisfy rooting motivation in pigs. Fifty-seven growing-finishing pigs were housed in three pens, each providing permanent access to one of the three treatment substrates. Eight pigs per group were tested individually in a classical preference test (PT) and another eight pigs in a conditioned place preference test (CPPT). In the tests, pigs could show their preference to consume freely available feed ("feed") or feed hidden in sawdust ("root"). In the CPPT, feed was only present during training but not during testing. Pigs were exposed to the test situation twice, with approximately 72 kg and 115 kg BW. In both tests, the following variables were measured and used as outcome variables in linear mixed effect models: first decision to choose one of the two stimuli ("feed" or "root"), duration of time spent in proximity to "root", number of changes between stimuli, and latency to the first decision. Overall, the pigs' first decision (by tendency; P = 0.076) and the duration in proximity to "root" (P = 0.034) varied among treatments: Pigs housed with minimal straw tended to be more likely to choose "root" first (posthoc comparison; P = 0.090) and spent more time in proximity to "root" (P = 0.030) than pigs housed with compost, whereas pigs housed with deep straw were intermediate. Interestingly, the patterns of response to the treatment differed depending on the behavioural tests for both, first decision (interaction; P = 0.032) and duration in proximity to "root" (interaction; by tendency; P = 0.006). In addition, pigs in the PT changed more often between stimuli than pigs in the CPPT (P < 0.001). There was a tendency for an interactive effect between test and treatment for latency to first decision (interaction; P = 0.082), though pairwise comparisons did not reveal any differences. We concluded that in this study housing with permanent access to compost satisfied rooting motivation in pigs more than housing with minimal amounts of straw.

[Epilepsy and inborn errors of metabolism]. / Epilepsia y errores congénitos del metabolismo.

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a common manifestation in inborn errors of metabolism, with varying degrees of severity and response to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine its incidence and characteristics in metabolic diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of neuropaediatric and metabolic databases was performed. Data on the type of epilepsy, age of onset and refractoriness were collected. RESULTS: Two cases out of three (66%) with molybdenum cofactor deficiency and neonatal epileptic encephalopathy; three with vitamin-sensitive epilepsies: pyridoxamine sulphate oxidase deficiency, antichitin and biotinidase deficiency, early onset and good seizure control with biotin; one with homocystinuria, with late onset and polytherapy; one with Menkes disease difficult to control; two with GLUT-1 deficiencies with absent and generalized discharges in the electroencephalogram; five (33%) peroxisomes in monotherapy, except for a suspected peroxisome biogenesis deficiency; 13 (34%) lysosomal deficiencies; a glycosylation disorder, with infantile and refractory spasms; seven (8.5%) organic aminoacidopathies and acidurias, one with infantile spasms (propionic acidemia), three with nonketotic hyperglycinemia with neonatal epileptic encephalopathy, one with monotherapy (leukinosis) and two (3.3%) with unscreened hyperphenylalaninemia; and five (20%) mitochondrial, most of which had oxidative phosphorylation deficiencies. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of metabolic epilepsy requires a high level of suspicion in unscreened diseases. The semiology of the seizures and the electrocardiogram data are not characteristic, but some clinical data may provide guidance, such as early onset and refractoriness, neuroimaging and some biochemical markers. Although genetic studies are increasingly cost-effective in epilepsy, we must continue to search for earlier biomarkers and test targeted therapeutic trials.

TITLE: Epilepsia y errores congénitos del metabolismo.Introducción. La epilepsia es una manifestación común en los errores congénitos del metabolismo, con gravedad y respuesta al tratamiento variables. Objetivo. Determinar su incidencia y características en enfermedades metabólicas. Material y métodos. Se trata de una revisión retrospectiva de bases de datos de neuropediatría y metabolismo. Los datos recogidos son tipo de crisis, edad de inicio y refractariedad. Resultados. Dos casos de tres (66%) con defecto del cofactor del molibdeno y encefalopatía epiléptica neonatal; tres epilepsias sensibles a las vitaminas: déficit de piridoxamina sulfato oxidasa, déficit de antiquitina y de biotinidasa, de comienzo precoz y buen control de crisis con biotina; una homocistinuria, con inicio tardío y politerapia; una enfermedad de Menkes de difícil control; dos déficits de GLUT-1 con ausencias y descargas generalizadas en el electroencefalograma; cinco (33%) peroxisomales en monoterapia, salvo una sospecha de déficit de biogenia de peroxisomas; 13 (34%) lisosomales; un trastorno de la glucosilación, con espasmos infantiles y refractario; siete (8,5%) aminoacidopatías/acidurias orgánicas, uno con espasmos infantiles (acidemia propiónica), tres con hiperglicinemias no cetósicas con encefalopatía epiléptica neonatal, uno con monoterapia (leucinosis) y dos (3,3%) con hiperfenilalaninemias no cribadas; y cinco (20%) mitocondriales, la mayoría con déficit de la fosforilación oxidativa. Conclusiones. El diagnóstico de epilepsia metabólica precisa un alto índice de sospecha en enfermedades no cribadas. La semiología de las crisis y los datos en el electroencefalograma no son característicos, pero algunos datos clínicos, como el inicio precoz y la refractariedad, de neuroimagen y ciertos marcadores bioquímicos pueden orientar. Aunque los estudios genéticos son cada vez más rentables en la epilepsia, debemos seguir buscando biomarcadores más precoces y probar ensayos terapéuticos dirigidos.

Control of the near-field radiative heat transfer between graphene-coated nanoparticle metasurfaces.

The control of near-field radiative heat transfer (NFRHT) between two metasurfaces can be achieved by manipulating the geometric and dielectric parameters of their components. Based on a 2D effective medium approximation, we describe the dielectric response of each metasurface composed of graphene-coated nanoparticles (GCNPs) on a 2D square lattice as a homogeneous uniaxial film. Wrapping Drude-like nanoparticles (NPs) with graphene enhances the effective plasmonic response of metasurfaces by significantly broadening the frequency range in which surface and hyperbolic waves can be excited by thermal photons. Consequently, the NFRHT between GCNP metasurfaces improves that observed between uncoated Drude-like nanoparticle arrays. We found that the heat flux (Q) grows with increasing metasurface packing fraction (PF) and is also sensitive to GCNP size. By tuning the graphene chemical potential ( µ ) , Q reaches a maximum improvement of 88 % for µ ≈ 0.1 eV with cores made of Drude-like material, while using cores made of the polar dielectric SiC, Q increases up to 226 % for µ ≈ 0.45 eV. Our results show that, in addition to the geometric control achieved with uncoated NP arrays, the tunable optical properties of the graphene shell allow dynamic control of the heat flux, expanding the possibilities for NFRHT engineering offered by GCNP metasurfaces.

The activation of D2-like dopamine receptors increases NMDA currents in the dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons.

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) receives dopaminergic inputs from the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Also, the DRN contains a small population of cells that express dopamine (DRNDA neurons). However, the physiological role of dopamine (DA) in the DRN and its interaction with serotonergic (5-HT) neurons is poorly understood. Several works have reported moderate levels of D1, D2, and D3 DA receptors in the DRN. Furthermore, it was found that the activation of D2 receptors increased the firing of putative 5-HT neurons. Other studies have reported that D1 and D2 dopamine receptors can interact with glutamate NMDA receptors, modulating the excitability of different cell types. In the present work, we used immunocytochemical techniques to determine the kind of DA receptors in the DRN. Additionally, we performed electrophysiological experiments in brainstem slices to study the effect of DA agonists on NMDA-elicited currents recorded from identified 5-HT DRN neurons. We found that D2 and D3 but not D1 receptors are present in this nucleus. Also, we demonstrated that the activation of D2-like receptors increases NMDA-elicited currents in 5-HT neurons through a mechanism involving phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes. Possible physiological implications related to the sleep-wake cycle are discussed.

The effect of dietary sodium octanoate on Ghrelin concentration and feed intake in chickens and turkeys: a comparative study.

Active ghrelin (AG) is produced through the post-translational addition of n-octanoic acid to the amino residue Ser-3, making it the natural ligand for the ghrelin receptor. The synthesis of AG is contingent upon specific dietary fatty acids as substrates for the acylation process. Prior studies have demonstrated that AG infusion can lead to reduced feed intake (FI) in broiler chickens, suggesting that manipulating AG may serve as an alternative to quantitative feed restriction in broiler breeders. In this study, we evaluated the effect of dietary sodium octanoate (Octanoate) on FI, water intake (WI), BW, total ghrelin, and ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration in two avian species. Broiler chickens and turkeys were reared as recommended by the industry. At 3 wk of age, birds were randomly assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial. The first factor included two species (chickens and turkeys), and the second included doses (0, 4, and 8 mg/mL) of Octanoate in drinking water for 30 d. Feed and WI were recorded daily, while body weight and blood samples were obtained weekly. In chickens, Octanoate doses increased ghrelin and BHB concentrations linearly, while FI and BW decreased linearly with rising Octanoate doses (P < 0.05). However, Octanoate doses did not affect ghrelin, BHB, FI, or BW in turkeys. In conclusion, our data indicate that sodium octanoate administration elicits a differential response in feed intake and body weight gain in chickens and turkeys.

[Tele-rehabilitation in musculoskeletal pathology of the upper and lower limb]. / Telerrehabilitación en patología musculoesquelética de miembro superior e inferior.

Chronic musculoskeletal conditions cause pain and disability and have significant impact on morbidity worldwide. Tele-rehabilitation is proposed as an alternative or complement to improve patient's muscle function, pain, and quality of life. However, the satisfaction of both patients and professionals must be assessed, together with the patient's daily life activity independence. A search of the literature was made to locate assessment reports, systematic reviews and reports from regulatory bodies with support from a documentarian from the Andalusian Health Technologies Assessment Area (AETSA). For this purpose, the following sources were used: Medline, EMBASE, INAHTA (international network of health technologies assessment) and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) from 2014 onwards. Subsequently a secondary search was carried out on the articles selected in the initial search. A search of open clinical trials was also carried out in the database: www.ClinicalTrials.gov Initially 345 articles were identified. Duplicated articles (57) were excluded. By first analysing the title and abstract 238 articles were excluded. The full texts of the remaining 30 articles were analysed. Finally 18 articles were included.

Comparison of Four Predictive Scores for Cardiovascular Risk in Mexican People with HIV.

Persons with HIV (PWH) face an increased risk of cardiovascular events due to immune activation, comorbidities, and certain antiretrovirals (ARVs). However, the current cardiovascular risk (CVR) scores are not specifically directed toward PWH. This study aimed to assess the agreement between different predictive CVR scores and explore their relationship with clinical and demographic data in Mexican PWH. A descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 200 PWH with a mean age of 42 years who were treated at a Mexican urban center from 2017 to 2018. The majority (83%) was on ARV treatment and 79.5% had undetectable viral loads (VLs). Moderate- to high-risk scores were infrequent, with Framingham Risk Score for Hard Coronary Heart Disease scores showing higher values, with very low concordance among all scores. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between the CVR scores and the initial recorded VL, CD4 cell count, and elevated triglyceride levels. However, no associations were found with measures such as body mass index or abdominal circumference. Treatment with integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), particularly first-generation inhibitors, showed strong associations with all predictive scores, notably ASCVD (odds ratio = 7.03, 95% confidence interval 1.67-29.64). The poor concordance among the CVR scores in PWH highlights the need for a specific score that considers comorbidities and ARV drugs. Despite the relatively young age of the participants, significant correlations were observed between INSTI use, initial VL, CD4 cell count, and triglyceride levels, which are factors not considered in the existing risk scores. Regardless of the actual value of the scores, screening for CVR in PWH is recommended.

[RYR1 myopathies in childhood: phenotype-genotype correlation and incidence]. / Miopatías RYR1 en la infancia: correlación fenotipo-genotipo e incidencia.

INTRODUCTION: Ryanodine receptor type 1-related myopathies (RYR1-RM) represent the most prevalent category of congenital myopathies. The introduction of genetic techniques has shifted the diagnostic paradigm, suggesting the prioritization of molecular studies over biopsies. This study aims to explore the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with RYR1 gene variants in a tertiary pediatric hospital, intending to enhance the understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlation in RYR1-RM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted on patients under 14 years old with myopathic symptoms and potentially pathogenic RYR1 gene variants from January 2013 to December 2023. Variables such as gender, age, motor development, genetic variants, inheritance pattern, and other manifestations were considered. All variables were tabulated against the genetic variant. RESULTS: Of the nine included patients, the estimated incidence was approximately 1 in 10,000 live births. The median age at diagnosis was six years, with significant phenotypic variability. Common symptoms such as weakness and delayed motor development were observed. Genetic variants affected the RYR1 gene diversely, including five previously undescribed variants. Muscle biopsy was performed in five patients, revealing central core myopathy in two, multiminicore in one, congenital fiber-type disproportion in one, and a nonspecific pattern in another. CONCLUSIONS: RYR1-RM in our series exhibited phenotypic and involvement variability, with an incidence in our area of around 1 in 10,000 live births. Most cases were male, with dominant missense variants. We contribute five previously undescribed genetic variants.

TITLE: Miopatías RYR1 en la infancia: correlación fenotipo-genotipo e incidencia.Introducción. Las miopatías relacionadas con el receptor de rianodina de tipo 1 (RYR1-RM) constituyen la categoría más frecuente de miopatías congénitas. La introducción de técnicas genéticas ha cambiado el paradigma diagnóstico y sugiere la prioridad de estudios moleculares sobre biopsias. Este estudio busca explorar las características clinicoepidemiológicas de pacientes con variantes del gen RYR1 en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel con el objetivo de ampliar la comprensión de la correlación genotipo-fenotipo en las RYR1-RM. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, de pacientes menores de 14 años con síntomas miopáticos y variantes potencialmente patógenas del gen RYR1 entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2023, considerando variables como sexo, edad, desarrollo motor, variantes genéticas, patrón de herencia y otras manifestaciones. Todas las variables fueron tabuladas frente a la variante genética. Resultados. De los nueve pacientes incluidos, la incidencia estimada fue de aproximadamente 1/10.000 nacidos vivos. La mediana en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 6 años, con una variabilidad fenotípica significativa. Se observaron síntomas comunes, como debilidad y retraso del desarrollo motor. Las variantes genéticas afectaron al gen RYR1 de manera diversa, y hubo cinco variantes previamente no descritas. La biopsia muscular se realizó en cinco pacientes, en dos de ellos de tipo miopatía central core; en uno, multiminicore; en uno, desproporción congénita de fibras; y en otro, de patrón inespecífico. Conclusiones. Las RYR1-MR de nuestra serie ofrecieron variabilidad fenotípica y de afectación, con una incidencia en nuestra área de en torno a 1/10.000 recién nacidos. La mayoría de los casos fueron varones, de variantes missense dominantes. Aportamos cinco variantes genéticas no descritas con anterioridad.

Olive leaf protein: Extraction optimization, in vitro digestibility, structural and techno-functional properties.

Olive leaf, as an important by-product of olive farming, is generated from the pruning and harvesting of olive trees and represents >10 % of the total olive weight. The present study was conducted to evaluate the composition, functional and structural characterizations, as well as the in vitro digestibility of olive leaf proteins isolated from ultrasonic-assisted extraction, comparing to classical and industrial techniques. The ultrasound-assisted extraction of olive leaf protein was optimized by the simultaneous maximization of the yield and purity of protein using a Box-Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: pH of 10.99, temperature of 40.48 °C, sonication time of 47.25 min, and solvent/solid ratio of 24.08 mL/g. Under these conditions, the extraction yield and protein content were 11.67 and 51.2 %, respectively, which were significantly higher than those obtained by the conventional techniques. Regarding the functionality of protein, extraction technique had significant impacts on the structural and functional properties of proteins. In general, ultrasound assisted extraction had higher solubility, and better foaming and thermal properties and in vitro digestibility but lower emulsifying stability and fluid binding capacity compared to conventional ones. Ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction has great potential to produce edible olive leaf protein with modified functional properties that can be used for various aims in the food applications.

Enfermedades y problemas de salud mental: un análisis crítico a los reportes de la relación entre covid-19 y depresión

Introducción: En el contexto del análisis de las repercusiones psicológicas, asociadas a la pandemia del COVID-19, especial importancia han alcanzado los estudios que informan altas tasas de depresión en la población general. Método: Revisión crítica no sistemática de la literatura Resultados: Siguiendo a Horwitz y Wakefield, planteamos que estas investigaciones presentan problemas metodológicos derivados de la aplicación de un método diagnóstico basado en la identificación de síntomas inespecíficos y, en segundo lugar, que sus resultados se interpretan sin referencia al propio contexto epidemiológico en el cual estas manifestaciones podrían ser reacciones esperables. Conclusiones: Además de enfatizar un uso más riguroso de términos y conceptos de la especialidad, planteamos que es necesario rescatar la importancia del juicio clínico y de abordar el sufrimiento psíquico desde un enfoque más amplio como contrapeso a una creciente medicalización.

Introduction In the context of the analysis of the psychological repercussions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, studies reporting high rates of depression in the general population have become particularly important. Methods: We performed a critical non-systematic review of publications. Results: In accordance with Horwitz and Wakefield, we argue that these investigations present methodological problems derived from the application of a diagnostic method based on the identification of non-specific symptoms and, secondly, that their results are interpreted without reference to the epidemiological context itself in which these manifestations could be expected reactions. Conclusions: In addition to emphasising a more rigorous use of terms and concepts of the speciality, we argue that it is necessary to rescue the importance of clinical judgement and to approach psychic suffering from a broader approach as a counterbalance to increasing medicalisation.

Screws versus plate with screws for osteosynthesis of the posterior malleolus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: fractures involving the posterior malleolus (PM) of the ankle can have significant functional and clinical implications if not properly treated. The optimal treatment approach for these fractures remains uncertain. This review aims to compare the use of cannulated screws versus plate with screw fixation in terms of their impact on the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis and functional outcomes in patients with PM fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies directly comparing cannulated screws versus plate with screw fixation for PM fractures and their association with the development of postoperative osteoarthritis and functional outcomes. The quality of the included studies was assessed using appropriate assessment tools. The data on osteoarthritis development and functional outcomes were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: a total of 691 articles were screened, and several studies were included for analysis. The findings revealed no statistically significant difference in the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis between the cannulated screws and plate with screw fixation groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference in functional outcomes between the two treatment approaches. CONCLUSION: based on the available evidence, there is no significant difference in the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis or functional outcomes between cannulated screws and plate with screw fixation for PM fractures. However, further research is needed to strengthen these findings and provide more conclusive evidence.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las fracturas que involucran el maléolo posterior (MP) del tobillo pueden tener importantes implicaciones funcionales y clínicas si no se tratan adecuadamente. El enfoque de tratamiento óptimo para estas fracturas sigue siendo incierto. El objetivo de esta revisión es comparar el uso de tornillos canulados versus placa con fijación de tornillos en cuanto a su impacto en el desarrollo de la osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria y los resultados funcionales en pacientes con fracturas del MP. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en las bases de datos de PubMed, EMBASE y Cochrane Library para identificar estudios que compararan directamente tornillos canulados versus placa con fijación de tornillos para fracturas de MP y su asociación con el desarrollo de osteoartrosis postoperatoria y los resultados funcionales. La calidad de los estudios incluidos se evaluó utilizando herramientas de evaluación adecuadas. Los datos sobre el desarrollo de osteoartrosis y los resultados funcionales se extrajeron y analizaron. RESULTADOS: se revisaron un total de 691 artículos y se incluyeron varios estudios para su análisis. Los hallazgos revelaron que no hay una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el desarrollo de osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria entre los grupos de tornillos canulados y placa con fijación de tornillos. Del mismo modo, no hubo una diferencia significativa en los resultados funcionales entre los dos enfoques de tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: según la evidencia disponible, no hay una diferencia significativa en el desarrollo de osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria o en los resultados funcionales entre los tornillos canulados y la placa con fijación de tornillos para las fracturas del MP. Sin embargo, se necesita más investigación para fortalecer estos hallazgos y proporcionar evidencia más concluyente.

Isavuconazole-tacrolimus drug-drug interactions in HSCT patients.

OBJECTIVES: Because tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic window and exhibits both intraindividual and interindividual variability, we attempted to establish the percentage of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) dose reduction to prevent toxicity and ensure stem cell engraftment when using this immunosuppressant with the antifungal isavuconazole (ISA). By calculating the tacrolimus concentration/dose (C/D) ratio, we expected to demonstrate the magnitude of change in the C/D ratio from baseline after ISA administration. METHODS: We evaluated the interaction between ISA, a new triazole antifungal used in prophylaxis for invasive fungal infections, and the CNI class of immunosuppressive drugs, specifically tacrolimus, in 11 blood samples from HSCT recipients. RESULTS: The mean tacrolimus C/D ratio increased 1.44-fold from baseline 48 h after ISA administration (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although further investigation is needed, the results of this study suggest that a reduction of 18% in tacrolimus may be recommended.

Targeted transcriptomic analysis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in EUS-FNA samples by NanoString technology.

Background: Integration of transcriptomic testing into EUS-FNA samples is a growing need for precision oncology in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The NanoString platform is suitable for transcriptome profiling in low yield RNA samples. Methods: Inclusion of patients that underwent EUS-FNA cytological diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using 19G and/or 22G needles and subsequent surgical resection. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cytological and surgical samples underwent RNA extraction and transcriptomic analysis using a custom 52-gene NanoString panel of stromal PDAC features. Cell type abundance was quantified in FFPE specimens and correlated. Results: 18 PDAC patients were included. Mean EUS-FNA passes was 2 + 0.7. All FFPE passed the RNA quality control for genomic analysis. Hierarchical clustering on the global gene expression data showed that genes were differentially expressed between EUS and surgical samples. A more enriched cancer-associated fibroblasts and epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcriptomic profile was observed across surgical specimens whereas immunological biomarkers were more represented in EUS-FNA samples. Cytological examination confirmed a scanty representation of CAF and more immunological cell abundance in cytological samples in comparison to surgical specimens. Conclusion: Targeted transcriptomic NanoString profiling of PDAC samples obtained by EUS-FNA is a feasible approach for pre-surgical molecular analysis although stromal CAF/EMT mRNA biomarkers are underrepresented.

Screws versus plate with screws for osteosynthesis of the posterior malleolus: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Tornillos frente a placa con tornillos para la osteosíntesis del maléolo posterior: una revisión sistemática y meta-análisis

Abstract: Introduction: fractures involving the posterior malleolus (PM) of the ankle can have significant functional and clinical implications if not properly treated. The optimal treatment approach for these fractures remains uncertain. This review aims to compare the use of cannulated screws versus plate with screw fixation in terms of their impact on the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis and functional outcomes in patients with PM fractures. Material and methods: a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies directly comparing cannulated screws versus plate with screw fixation for PM fractures and their association with the development of postoperative osteoarthritis and functional outcomes. The quality of the included studies was assessed using appropriate assessment tools. The data on osteoarthritis development and functional outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results: a total of 691 articles were screened, and several studies were included for analysis. The findings revealed no statistically significant difference in the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis between the cannulated screws and plate with screw fixation groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference in functional outcomes between the two treatment approaches. Conclusion: based on the available evidence, there is no significant difference in the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis or functional outcomes between cannulated screws and plate with screw fixation for PM fractures. However, further research is needed to strengthen these findings and provide more conclusive evidence.

Resumen. Introducción: las fracturas que involucran el maléolo posterior (MP) del tobillo pueden tener importantes implicaciones funcionales y clínicas si no se tratan adecuadamente. El enfoque de tratamiento óptimo para estas fracturas sigue siendo incierto. El objetivo de esta revisión es comparar el uso de tornillos canulados versus placa con fijación de tornillos en cuanto a su impacto en el desarrollo de la osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria y los resultados funcionales en pacientes con fracturas del MP. Material y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en las bases de datos de PubMed, EMBASE y Cochrane Library para identificar estudios que compararan directamente tornillos canulados versus placa con fijación de tornillos para fracturas de MP y su asociación con el desarrollo de osteoartrosis postoperatoria y los resultados funcionales. La calidad de los estudios incluidos se evaluó utilizando herramientas de evaluación adecuadas. Los datos sobre el desarrollo de osteoartrosis y los resultados funcionales se extrajeron y analizaron. Resultados: se revisaron un total de 691 artículos y se incluyeron varios estudios para su análisis. Los hallazgos revelaron que no hay una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el desarrollo de osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria entre los grupos de tornillos canulados y placa con fijación de tornillos. Del mismo modo, no hubo una diferencia significativa en los resultados funcionales entre los dos enfoques de tratamiento. Conclusión: según la evidencia disponible, no hay una diferencia significativa en el desarrollo de osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria o en los resultados funcionales entre los tornillos canulados y la placa con fijación de tornillos para las fracturas del MP. Sin embargo, se necesita más investigación para fortalecer estos hallazgos y proporcionar evidencia más concluyente.

Diagnosis and treatment of primary thyroid lymphoma from a surgical perspective: a multi-institutional study.

PURPOSE: Surgery of primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) has been mostly limited to diagnostic work-up. This study aimed to further study its potential role. METHODS: This was a retrospective study from a multi-institutional registry of PTL patients. Clinical, diagnostic work-up (fine needle aspiration, FNA; core needle biopsy, CoreNB), contribution of surgery (open surgical biopsy, OpenSB; thyroidectomy), histology subtype, and outcome data were evaluated. RESULTS: Some 54 patients were studied. Diagnostic work-up included FNA in 47 patients, CoreNB in 11, and OpenSB in 21. CoreNB yielded the best sensitivity (90.9%). Thyroidectomy was performed in 14 patients with other diagnosis (incidental PTL), in 4 for diagnosis and in 4 for elective treatment of PTL. Incidental PTL was associated with not performed FNA nor CoreNB (OR 52.5; P = 0.008), mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) subtype (OR 24.3; P = 0.012), and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (OR 11.1; P = 0.032). Lymphoma-related death (10 cases) mostly occurred within the first year after diagnosis and was associated with diffuse large B-cell (DLBC) subtype (OR 10.3; P = 0.018) and older patients (OR 1.08 for every 1-year increase; P = 0.010). There was a trend towards lower mortality rate in patients receiving thyroidectomy (2/22 versus 8/32, P = 0.172). CONCLUSION: Incidental PTL accounts for most of thyroid surgery cases and are associated with incomplete diagnostic work-up, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and MALT subtype. CoreNB appears to be the best tool for diagnosis. Most of PTL deaths occurred during the first year after diagnosis and mostly related to systemic treatment. Age and DLBC subtype are poor prognostic factors.

Effect of a resistance training programme implemented with high levels of effort on physical fitness in people with intellectual disabilities living in group homes: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 14-week resistance training programme implemented with high levels of effort to improve physical fitness in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) living in group homes. METHODS: Fifty-two individuals with mild to moderate IDs participated in the experimental (n = 27; 15 men) or control groups (n = 25; 14 men). Participants performed 2 familiarisation sessions, 1 pretest, 42 training sessions (14 weeks × 3 sessions; only the experimental group) and 1 posttest. The testing sessions comprised the evaluation of body composition, static balance and muscle strength. The training sessions included four blocks: (1) dynamic bodyweight exercises, (2) dynamic exercises performed against external loads, (3) ballistic exercises and (4) static exercises. RESULTS: The main findings revealed that all variables related to body composition and muscle strength improved more after the intervention period in the experimental group than the control group, whereas the improvements in static balance for the experimental groups were lower than for the remaining variables used as markers of physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of prescribing specific moderate-intensity to high-intensity resistance training programmes to improve body composition and muscle strength for people with IDs living in group homes.

Insights into the adsorption of CO2 generated from synthetic urban wastewater treatment on olive pomace biochar.

In this investigation, a sustainable and low-cost method to capture CO2 generated from the treatment of urban wastewater was evaluated. We studied the adsorption of CO2 on olive pomace biochar. The experiments of degradation of synthetic wastewater mimicking effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) with an initial Total Organic Carbon (TOC) concentration of 10 mg L-1 were conducted by using the UV-C/H2O2 process in the absence or presence of biochar. The biochar was placed in a fixed bed column through which air from the UV reactor was circulated. First, the effects of different parameters such as H2O2 initial concentration and pH on wastewater mineralization efficiency were determined. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal was 87% in 2 h under optimal degradation conditions. The maximal concentration of CO2(gas) in air, in a closed system (air volume: 7.3 10-4 m3), after 11 h was 12,500 µmol mol-1 in the absence of biochar and only 150 µmol mol-1 when 10 g biochar were used. The results proved that by combining biochar with oxidative degradation of organic compounds, it is possible to mineralize organic compounds and reduce the requisite CO2 emissions by about 99%. The experimental equilibrium results were fit well with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms models concluding that CO2 adsorption on biochar followed both chemisorption and physisorption and both monolayer and multi-layer CO2 adsorption could occur. The total desorption of CO2 from biochar was reached in 120 min by simultaneously increasing the temperature to 150 °C and introducing a purge N2(gas).