A survey examining the relationship between burnout, professional empowerment, and personality traits of midwives of an inner London NHS Trust.

INTRODUCTION: Besides the well-known negative effects on physical and psychological well-being, burnout has been associated with high attrition and absenteeism in the midwifery profession. This study explores whether burnout in midwifery can be explained by the midwives' type of personality and the sense of empowerment they experience at work. Moreover, the study identifies areas of improvement in relation to these topics and elements that can be conducive to strengthening the midwifery workforce. METHODS: A cross-sectional exploratory study design was used, including an online survey completed by 120 midwives working for an NHS Trust in London. The response rate was 24%. Three validated questionnaires were used: the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), the Perception of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale (PEMS), and the Big Five Personality Trait Short Questionnaire (BFPTSQ). RESULTS: A multiple linear regression analysis indicated empowerment and personality traits are significant predictors of levels of burnout. Furthermore, emotional stability was shown to partially mediate the relationship between empowerment and burnout. The study also examined the midwifery burnout levels of this NHS Trust, which were found to be significantly high and similar to a previous study conducted by the Royal College of Midwives. CONCLUSIONS: The empowerment experienced by midwives and their personality traits significantly predict the levels of burnout in the midwifery workforce. Only empowerment and emotional stability were significant contributors to the regression model. Multiple strategies can be implemented to support midwives in these two areas. These interventions could also be of great help to reinforce the role of the midwife, making it more appealing to society and, in particular, younger generations with an interest in human-orientated professions.

N-(Sulfonio)Sulfilimine Reagents: Non-Oxidizing Sources of Electrophilic Nitrogen Atom for Skeletal Editing.

The one-pot synthesis of λ4-dibenzothiophen-5-imino-N-dibenzothiophenium triflate (1) in multigram scale is reported. This compound reacts with Rh2(esp)2 (esp=α,α,α',α'-tetramethyl-1,3-benzenedipropionic acid) generating a Rh-coordinated sulfonitrene species, which is able to transfer the electrophilic nitrene moiety to olefins. When indenes are used as substrates, isoquinolines are obtained in good yields. We assumed that after formation of the corresponding N-sulfonio aziridine, a ring expansion occurs via selective C-C bond cleavage and concomitant elimination of dibenzothiophene. Unexpectedly, a similar protocol transforms 1-arylcyclobutenes into 1-cyano-1-arylcyclopropanes. Our calculations indicate that aziridination is not favored in this case; instead, sulfilimine-substituted cyclobutyl carbocations are initially formed, and these evolve to the isolated cyclopropanes via ring contraction. Both procedures are operationally simple, tolerate a range of functional groups, including oxidation-sensitive alcohols and aldehydes, and enable the convenient preparation of valuable 15N-labelled products. These results demonstrate the potential of 1 to provide alternative pathways for the selective transfer of N-atoms in organic molecules.

[Home parenteral nutrition in patients with malignant bowel obstruction. Ethical considerations]. / Nutrición parenteral domiciliaria en pacientes con obstrucción intestinal maligna. Consideraciones éticas.

Introduction: Background: patients with cancer are one of the main group of patients on home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Patients with malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) represent a challenging group when considering HPN. At the Ethics Working Group of SENPE ethical considerations on this subject were reviewed and a guidelines proposal was made. Methods: a literature search was done and a full set of questions arose: When, if ever, is HPN indicated for patients with MBO? How should the training program be? When withdrawal of HPN should be considered? Other questions should be also taken into consideration. May any Oncologist send home a patient with HPN? The educational program could be shortened? When considering to withdraw parenteral nutrition? Results: HPN in MBO has better outcomes when patients have a good functional status (Karnofsky ≥ 50 or ECOG ≤ 2), expected survival > 2-3 months, and low inflammatory markers. Very few data have been reported on quality of life, but HPN allows a valuable time at home albeit with a considerable burden for both patients and their families. Proposal: once a patient is considered for HPN, there is a need for a deep talk on the benefits, complications and risks. In this initial talk, when HNP should be stopped needs to be included. The palliative care team with the help of the nutrition support team should follow the patient, whose clinical status must be assessed regularly. HPN should be withdrawn when no additional benefits are achieved. Conclusion: HPN may be considered an option in patients with MBO when they have a fair or good functional status and a desire to spend their last days at home.

Introducción: Introducción: los pacientes con cáncer constituyen uno de los principales grupos de pacientes dentro de los programas de nutrición parenteral domiciliaria (NPD). Existe un grupo de pacientes con obstrucción intestinal maligna (OIM) en quienes el uso de la NPD es controvertido. Desde el Grupo de Ética de la SENPE se revisan las cuestiones éticas detrás de la decisión de iniciar la NPD en un paciente con OIM y se propone una propuesta de acción. Método: se procedió a hacer una revisión crítica de la literatura, tras la cual se diseñaron las preguntas que este documento pretendía responder: ¿Está indicado el uso de la NPD en pacientes con OIM? ¿En qué situaciones? Quedarían otros aspectos que también merecen una reflexión: ¿Cualquier oncólogo puede enviar a un paciente a su domicilio con NPD? ¿Debe ser el programa de formación de los cuidados en la NPD igual que el referente a los pacientes con fracaso intestinal de causa benigna? ¿Se debe suspender la NPD en algún momento? Resultados: la NPD en pacientes con OIM consigue mejores resultados en aquellos con una buena situación funcional (índice de Karnofsky ≥ 50 o ECOG ≤ 2), con un pronóstico vital superior a 2-3 meses e, idealmente, con niveles de marcadores inflamatorios bajos. En los escasos trabajos publicados en los que se valoran las ventajas sobre la calidad de vida, se concluye que la NPD permite a los pacientes disponer de un tiempo valioso en su domicilio pero a costa de una carga significativa para ellos mismos y sus familias. Propuesta de acción: una vez considerado como candidato a la NPD, se debe tener una conversación abierta con el paciente y sus familiares en la que se aborden los beneficios potenciales, las implicaciones prácticas y los riesgos. En esa conversación inicial debe también plantearse en qué momento considerar la retirada de la NPD. El responsable de la NPD es el equipo de soporte domiciliario en colaboración con el de nutrición clínica. La situación clínica debe evaluarse de forma periódica de manera que, cuando la NPD no proporcione ningún beneficio adicional, se plantee su retirada, manteniendo el resto de medidas de tratamiento sintomático paliativo. Conclusión: la NPD puede constituir una opción de tratamiento paliativo en pacientes con OIM con buena capacidad funcional y un deseo manifiesto de disponer de más tiempo en su domicilio en los últimos estadios de su enfermedad.

Cell Therapy of Vascular and Neuropathic Complications of Diabetes: Can We Avoid Limb Amputation?

Globally, a leg is amputated approximately every 30 seconds, with an estimated 85 percent of these amputations being attributed to complications arising from diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), as stated by the American Diabetes Association. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a risk factor resulting in DFU and can, either independently or in conjunction with diabetes, lead to recurring, slow-healing ulcers and amputations. According to guidelines amputation is the recommended treatment for patients with no-option critical ischemia of the limb (CTLI). In this article we propose cell therapy as an alternative strategy for those patients. We also suggest the optimal time-frame for an effective therapy, such as implanting autologous mononuclear cells (MNCs), autologous and allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) as these treatments induce neuropathy relief, regeneration of the blood vessels and tissues, with accelerated ulcer healing, with no serious side effects, proving that advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMPs) application is safe and effective and, hence, can significantly prevent limb amputation.

Rationale for combined therapies in severe-to-critical COVID-19 patients.

An unprecedented global social and economic impact as well as a significant number of fatalities have been brought on by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), produced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection can, in certain situations, cause immunological abnormalities, leading to an anomalous innate and adaptive immune response. While most patients only experience mild symptoms and recover without the need for mechanical ventilation, a substantial percentage of those who are affected develop severe respiratory illness, which can be fatal. The absence of effective therapies when disease progresses to a very severe condition coupled with the incomplete understanding of COVID-19's pathogenesis triggers the need to develop innovative therapeutic approaches for patients at high risk of mortality. As a result, we investigate the potential contribution of promising combinatorial cell therapy to prevent death in critical patients.

Impact of nutritional and educational support on home enteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) is used to prevent or correct malnutrition in outpatients. Due to the complexity of this process, the indication, follow-up, and results of an educational program of HEN patients was evaluated. METHODS: A prospective, observational, real-life, multicenter study was performed in 21 Spanish Hospital. Patients receiving HEN by nasogastric tube or ostomy were included. The following variables were collected: age, gender, HEN indication, type of formula, nutritional requirements, laboratory variables, complications, and quality standards of the educational program. To calculate the energy and protein requirements, the FAO/WHO/UNU formula was used considering the adjusted weight of the patients. All data were analyzed using SPSS.24. RESULTS: 414 patients were included. Most conditions diagnosed were neurodegenerative diseases (64.8%). 100 (25.3%) were diabetic. The mean weight was 59.3 ± 10.4 kg and BMI 22.6 ± 3.2. Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition was predominant at baseline (46.4%). Improvement in nutritional status at six months was recorded in more than 75% of patients (p < 0.05). Tolerance problems, diarrhea and abdominal distension fell between the 3- and 6-month visits (p < 0.05). Patients who received intermittent EN had fewer tolerance-related effects (OR 0.042; 95% CI 0.006-0.279) and less diarrhoea (OR 0.042; 95% CI 0.006-0.279). At the baseline and 6-month visits, compliance with the educational measures proposed by the prescriber was ≥ 99%. CONCLUSION: The nutritional assessment to prescribe individualized HEN to each patient, together with educational measures and training in the proper use of this treatment for both patients and trainers, improves nutritional status and reduces the onset of adverse events.

Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene-LDPE by the Lepidopteran Galleria Mellonella Reusing Beekeeping Waste.

Plastic pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems of this century because most plastics are single-use, and once their useful life is over, they become pollutants, since their decomposition takes approximately 100-400 years. The objective of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) biodegradation by G. mellonella in the district of Pangoa, Junín, Peru. For the development of the study, the G. mellonella was conditioned in three groups of beekeeping residues (beeswax, balanced diet, and wheat bran); after the conditioning stage, the biodegradation treatment was developed, which consisted of placing the G. mellonella in terrariums with the LDPE, the treatments were carried out at three different times (24, 36, and 48 h). To evaluate the efficacy of biodegradation, two analyses were taken into account: the Raman analysis of the low-density polyethylene samples and the weight reduction of the treated LDPE. The results of the Raman analysis indicated that the best treatment was the one applied with G. mellonella conditioned with beeswax, obtaining a wavelength intensity of 0.45 µ.a., while the weight reduction of the LDPE indicated that the best results were given at 36 h and conditioned with beeswax with a reduction of 236.3 mg. In conclusion, the use of G. mellonella for the biodegradation of low-density polyethylene is effective when it is conditioned with beeswax and the treatment is carried out at 36 h.

[Nutrition in palliative care: guidelines from the Working Group on Bioethics, Spanish Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (SENPE)]. / Nutrición en cuidados paliativos: resumen de recomendaciones del Grupo de Trabajo de Ética de la SENPE.

Introduction: Palliative care provides a holistic approach and care for patients with a terminal illness and their families. In palliative care physical complaints as well as emotional, social and spiritual aspects are considered. Nutritional care should be also considered within palliative support. For those working in the nutritional support field, to withhold or withdraw nutritional support may be an ethical dilemma in this scenario. The controversy starts when considering nutrition and hydration as basic care or a treatment. The goals of nutrition support in palliative care patients differ from common ones, aiming to improve quality of life, survival or both. The decision should be based on a consideration of prognosis (length of survival), quality of life, and risks-benefits ratio. Regarding oral nutrition (with or without oral supplements) the idea prevails of "comfort feeding", based on providing oral feeding till discomfort or avoidance develop. There is no evidence on the benefit of specific nutrients, despite the fact that omega-3 FAs may have some positive effects in patients with cancer. Regarding nutritional support (enteral or parenteral), no scientific evidence is present, so the decision needs to be agreed according to the desires and beliefs of the patient and their family, and based on a consensus with the interdisciplinary team on the aims of this support.

Introducción: Los cuidados paliativos proporcionan una atención integral que tiene en cuenta los aspectos físicos, emocionales, sociales y espirituales del paciente con enfermedad terminal y su entorno familiar. El tratamiento nutricional debe formar parte activa de los equipos de cuidados paliativos. La necesidad de iniciar o no un tratamiento nutricional sigue siendo, desde hace décadas, uno de los principales problemas éticos a los que se enfrentan los profesionales dedicados a la nutrición clínica. El origen de tal controversia radica, fundamentalmente, en cómo se consideran la nutrición y la hidratación: cuidado/soporte o tratamiento médico. Los objetivos fundamentales del tratamiento nutricional en los pacientes en cuidados paliativos deben ser otros: la mejoría de la calidad de vida, de la supervivencia o de ambas. La decisión de indicar o no el tratamiento nutricional en cuidados paliativos debe tomarse tras considerar el pronóstico, la calidad de vida y la relación "riesgo/beneficio". En relación a la alimentación por vía oral (con o sin suplementos orales), prevalece la idea de la "alimentación de confort", que se basa en intentos de alimentación oral hasta que se produzcan la incomodidad y/o el rechazo del paciente. No existen evidencias que justifiquen el uso de nutrientes específicos, aunque desde hace años se señala la posibilidad de lograr beneficios cuando se utilizan ácidos grasos omega-3 en los pacientes con cáncer. En cuanto al tratamiento nutricional (enteral o parenteral), en ausencia de evidencia, las decisiones sobre si iniciar una nutrición artificial en un paciente paliativo deben tomarse teniendo en cuenta los deseos y creencias del paciente y sus familiares, y basarse en el consenso del equipo interdisciplinar sobre los objetivos que se persiguen al iniciarla.

A real-life study of the medium to long-term effectiveness of a hypercaloric, hyperproteic enteral nutrition formula specifically for patients with diabetes on biochemical parameters of metabolic control and nutritional status.

INTRODUCTION: Although current recommendations suggest the use of specific formulas in enteral nutrition in people with diabetes, there is little evidence of their long-term effectiveness in glycemic control. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term efficacy (24 weeks) of a specific high-protein hypercaloric enteral nutrition formula for people with diabetes in glycemic control and in their improvement in nutritional status. METHODOLOGY: This was a multicenter, prospective, observational, real-life study of patients with long-term enteral nutrition prescription through gastrostomy or nasogastric tube who received a high protein hypercaloric formula specific for diabetes. Once the participant's informed consent was obtained and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were verified, data relating to glycemic control, inflammation parameters, biochemical data, nutritional status and gastrointestinal tolerance at 0, 12 and 24 weeks were collected. RESULTS: 112 patients were recruited, 44.6% women, age 75.0 (12.0) years and a mean time of evolution of diabetes of 18.1 (9.5) years. The percentage of patients with malnutrition according to VGS decreased throughout the treatment from 78.6% to 29.9% (p < 0.001). Glycemic and HbA1c levels were significantly reduced at 12 and 24 weeks (Blood glucose 155.9-139.0-133.9 mg/dl, p < 0.001; HbA1c 7.7-7.3-7.1%, p < 0.001) while no significant changes were observed in cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, or glomerular filtration. A significant increase in variables related to nutritional status was observed: weight, the BMI, albumin, prealbumin and transferrin, and CRP levels were significantly reduced and the CRP/Albumin ratio decreased. Gastrointestinal tolerance was good, the number of patients with moderate-severe symptoms was small, and did not change throughout the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our real-life study suggests that the use of a specific hyperprotein hypercaloric formula for diabetes during a 6-month nutritional treatment allows adequate glycemic control and nutritional evolution, with good gastrointestinal tolerance.

Stemness of Human Pluripotent Cells: Hypoxia-Like Response Induced by Low Nitric Oxide.

The optimization of conditions to promote the stemness of pluripotent cells in vitro is instrumental for their use in advanced therapies. We show here that exposure of human iPSCs and human ESCs to low concentrations of the chemical NO donor DETA/NO leads to stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α and HIF-2α) under normoxia, with this effect being dependent on diminished Pro 402 hydroxylation and decreased degradation by the proteasome. Moreover, the master genes of pluripotency, NANOG and OCT-4, were upregulated. NO also induces a shift in the metabolic profile of PSCs, with an increased expression of hypoxia response genes in glycolysis. Furthermore, a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential with lower oxygen consumption and increased expression of mitochondrial fusion regulators, such as DRP1, was observed. The results reported here indicate that NO mimics hypoxia response in human PSCs and enhances their stemness properties when cultured under normoxic conditions.

Efficacy and safety of intramuscular administration of allogeneic adipose tissue derived and expanded mesenchymal stromal cells in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia with no possibility of revascularization: study protocol for a randomized controlled double-blind phase II clinical trial (The NOMA Trial).

BACKGROUND: Chronic lower limb ischemia develops earlier and more frequently in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes remains the main cause of lower-extremity non-traumatic amputations. Current medical treatment, based on antiplatelet therapy and statins, has demonstrated deficient improvement of the disease. In recent years, research has shown that it is possible to improve tissue perfusion through therapeutic angiogenesis. Both in animal models and humans, it has been shown that cell therapy can induce therapeutic angiogenesis, making mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy one of the most promising therapeutic alternatives. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of cell therapy based on mesenchymal stromal cells derived from adipose tissue intramuscular administration to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with critical limb ischemia and without possibility of revascularization. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has been designed. Ninety eligible patients will be randomly assigned at a ratio 1:1:1 to one of the following: control group (n = 30), low-cell dose treatment group (n = 30), and high-cell dose treatment group (n = 30). Treatment will be administered in a single-dose way and patients will be followed for 12 months. Primary outcome (safety) will be evaluated by measuring the rate of adverse events within the study period. Secondary outcomes (efficacy) will be measured by assessing clinical, analytical, and imaging-test parameters. Tertiary outcome (quality of life) will be evaluated with SF-12 and VascuQol-6 scales. DISCUSSION: Chronic lower limb ischemia has limited therapeutic options and constitutes a public health problem in both developed and underdeveloped countries. Given that the current treatment is not established in daily clinical practice, it is essential to provide evidence-based data that allow taking a step forward in its clinical development. Also, the multidisciplinary coordination exercise needed to develop this clinical trial protocol will undoubtfully be useful to conduct academic clinical trials in the field of cell therapy in the near future. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04466007 . Registered on January 07, 2020. All items from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set are included within the body of the protocol.

Evidence-based recommendations of the Andalusian Group for Nutrition Reflection and Investigation (GARIN) for the management of adult patients with short bowel syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: In order to develop evidence-based recommendations and expert consensus for the nutritional management of patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS), we conducted a systematic literature search using the PRISMA methodology plus a critical appraisal following the GRADE scale procedures. Pharmacological treatment with antisecretory drugs, antidiarrheal drugs, and somatostatin contributes to reducing intestinal losses. Nutritional support is based on parenteral nutrition; however, oral intake and/or enteral nutrition should be introduced as soon as possible. In the chronic phase, the diet should have as few restrictions as possible, and be adapted to the SBS type. Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) should be individualized. Single-lumen catheters are recommended and taurolidine should be used for locking the catheter. The HPN's lipid content must be greater than 1 g/kg per week but not exceed 1 g/kg per day, and omega-6 fatty acids (ω6 FAs) should be reduced. Trace element vials with low doses of manganese should be used. Patients with chronic SBS who require long-term HPN/fluid therapy despite optimized treatment should be considered for teduglutide treatment. All patients require a multidisciplinary approach and specialized follow-up. These recommendations and suggestions regarding nutritional management in SBS patients have direct clinical applicability.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Con el fin de desarrollar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia y el consenso de expertos para el manejo nutricional de los pacientes con síndrome de intestino corto (SIC), realizamos una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática utilizando la metodología PRISMA junto a una valoración crítica siguiendo los procedimientos de la escala GRADE. El tratamiento farmacológico con fármacos antisecretores, antidiarreicos y somatostatina contribuye a reducir las pérdidas intestinales. El apoyo nutricional se basa en la nutrición parenteral; sin embargo, la ingesta oral y/o la nutrición enteral deben introducirse lo antes posible. En la fase crónica, la dieta debe tener las menores restricciones posibles y adaptarse al tipo de SIC. La nutrición parenteral domiciliaria (NPD) debe individualizarse. Se recomiendan catéteres de un solo lumen y se debe utilizar taurolidina para bloquear el catéter. El contenido de lípidos de la HPN debe ser superior a 1 g/kg por semana, pero no debe exceder 1 g/kg por día, y debe reducirse el ácido graso omega-6 (AG ω6). Deben utilizarse viales de oligoelementos con dosis bajas de manganeso. Los pacientes con SIC crónico que requieren NPD/fluidoterapia a largo plazo a pesar del tratamiento optimizado deben considerarse para el tratamiento con teduglutida. Todos los pacientes requieren un abordaje multidisciplinar y un seguimiento especializado. Estas recomendaciones y sugerencias con respecto al manejo nutricional de los pacientes con SIC tienen aplicabilidad clínica directa.

A real-life study of the medium to long-term effectiveness of a hypercaloric, hyperproteic enteral nutrition formula specifically for patients with diabetes on biochemical parameters of metabolic control and nutritional status. / Estudio en vida real de la efectividad a medio-largo plazo en parámetros bioquímicos de control metabólico y estado nutricional de una fórmula de nutrición enteral hipercalórica hiperproteica específica para pacientes con diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Although current recommendations suggest the use of specific formulas in enteral nutrition in people with diabetes, there is little evidence of their long-term effectiveness in glycemic control. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term efficacy (24 weeks) of a specific high-protein hypercaloric enteral nutrition formula for people with diabetes in glycemic control and in their improvement in nutritional status. METHODOLOGY: This was a multicenter, prospective, observational, real-life study of patients with long-term enteral nutrition prescription through gastrostomy or nasogastric tube who received a high protein hypercaloric formula specific for diabetes. Once the participant's informed consent was obtained and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were verified, data relating to glycemic control, inflammation parameters, biochemical data, nutritional status and gastrointestinal tolerance at 0, 12 and 24 weeks were collected. RESULTS: 112 patients were recruited, 44.6% women, age 75.0 (12.0) years and a mean time of evolution of diabetes of 18.1 (9.5) years. The percentage of patients with malnutrition according to VGS decreased throughout the treatment from 78.6% to 29.9% (P<.001). Glycemic and HbA1c levels were significantly reduced at 12 and 24 weeks (Blood glucose 155.9-139.0-133.9mg/dl, P<.001; HbA1c 7.7-7.3-7.1%, P<.001) while no significant changes were observed in cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, or glomerular filtration. A significant increase in variables related to nutritional status was observed: weight, the BMI, albumin, prealbumin and transferrin, and CRP levels were significantly reduced and the CRP / Albumin ratio decreased. Gastrointestinal tolerance was good, the number of patients with moderate-severe symptoms was small, and did not change throughout the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our real-life study suggests that the use of a specific hyperprotein hypercaloric formula for diabetes during a 6-month nutritional treatment allows adequate glycemic control and nutritional evolution, with good gastrointestinal tolerance.

Corrigendum: Cost-Effective, Safe, and Personalized Cell Therapy for Critical Limb Ischemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01151.].

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation. A proof of concept study.

BACKGROUND: Identification of effective treatments in severe cases of COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation represents an unmet medical need. Our aim was to determine whether the administration of adipose-tissue derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSC) is safe and potentially useful in these patients. METHODS: Thirteen COVID-19 adult patients under invasive mechanical ventilation who had received previous antiviral and/or anti-inflammatory treatments (including steroids, lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine and/or tocilizumab, among others) were treated with allogeneic AT-MSC. Ten patients received two doses, with the second dose administered a median of 3 days (interquartile range-IQR- 1 day) after the first one. Two patients received a single dose and another patient received 3 doses. Median number of cells per dose was 0.98 × 106 (IQR 0.50 × 106) AT-MSC/kg of recipient's body weight. Potential adverse effects related to cell infusion and clinical outcome were assessed. Additional parameters analyzed included changes in imaging, analytical and inflammatory parameters. FINDINGS: First dose of AT-MSC was administered at a median of 7 days (IQR 12 days) after mechanical ventilation. No adverse events were related to cell therapy. With a median follow-up of 16 days (IQR 9 days) after the first dose, clinical improvement was observed in nine patients (70%). Seven patients were extubated and discharged from ICU while four patients remained intubated (two with an improvement in their ventilatory and radiological parameters and two in stable condition). Two patients died (one due to massive gastrointestinal bleeding unrelated to MSC therapy). Treatment with AT-MSC was followed by a decrease in inflammatory parameters (reduction in C-reactive protein, IL-6, ferritin, LDH and d-dimer) as well as an increase in lymphocytes, particularly in those patients with clinical improvement. INTERPRETATION: Treatment with intravenous administration of AT-MSC in 13 severe COVID-19 pneumonia under mechanical ventilation in a small case series did not induce significant adverse events and was followed by clinical and biological improvement in most subjects. FUNDING: None.

Recommendations Based on Evidence by the Andalusian Group for Nutrition Reflection and Investigation (GARIN) for the Pre- and Postoperative Management of Patients Undergoing Obesity Surgery.

In order to develop evidence-based recommendations and expert consensus for nutrition management of patients undergoing bariatric surgery and postoperative follow-up, we conducted a systematic literature search using PRISMA methodology plus critical appraisal following the SIGN and AGREE-II procedures. The results were discussed among all members of the GARIN group, and all members answered a Likert scale questionnaire to assess the degree of support for every recommendation. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery should be screened preoperatively for some micronutrient deficiencies and treated accordingly. A VLCD (Very Low-Calorie Diet) should be used for 4-8 weeks prior to surgery. Postoperatively, a liquid diet should be maintained for a month, followed by a semi-solid diet also for one month. Protein requirements (1-1.5 g/kg) should be estimated using adjusted weight. Systematic use of specific multivitamin supplements is encouraged. Calcium citrate and vitamin D supplements should be used at higher doses than are currently recommended. The use of proton-pump inhibitors should be individualised, and vitamin B12 and iron should be supplemented in case of deficit. All patients, especially pregnant women, teenagers, and elderly patients require a multidisciplinary approach and specialised follow-up. These recommendations and suggestions regarding nutrition management when undergoing bariatric surgery and postoperative follow-up have direct clinical applicability.

Multilevel assessment of restaurant profitability: Evidence with European data.

Previous literature has analysed the effects of establishment regressors on different measures of restaurant financial performance [1,2]. However, as [3] stated, these studies have focused on the analysis at establishment level rather than at corporate level. Determining the factors that explain the restaurant profitability is not only an important phenomenon for establishments but also for companies because they adapt their products, services and strategies to obtain additional benefits and cash flow [1]. Additionally, progressive globalization has forced companies to operate in countries with environments that differ from the companies' country of origin [4]. In this context, the dataset presented in this paper sought to contribute to the existing literature in two ways. First, it allows us to investigate the factors that determine the profitability of restaurant corporations using advanced measures of financial performance. Second, a multilevel experimental design may be helpful when understanding country heterogeneity in companies´ profitability. The dataset contains a sample of 860 restaurant corporations operating in 18 European countries. From each corporation in the sample 6 financial variables were collected, and from each country, 10 context variables associated with economic conditions and tourism environment were considered. Due to the lack of data that allow a global analysis of the factors that determine profitability in the restaurant industry, this dataset can play an important role for business management, which should control not only their financial ratios but also the macroeconomic conditions and tourism environment where the companies operate.

Robotic approach for Collis gastroplasty. / Gastroplastia de Collis robótica.

The true short esophagus is an entity of controversy among surgeons. Studies have been published about its diagnosis and laparoscopic treatment, without existing to date, publication of the treatment with robotic approach. We present, as a case report, our experience in robotic surgery for hiatal hernia with true short esophagus treated with Collis gastroplasty and Toupet fundoplication. Robotic surgery on the true short esophagus can facilitate mediastinal dissection and allow a more accurate suture technique. Studies are needed to compare the long-term results of this surgical technique between the conventional laparoscopic approach and the robotic approach.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Therapies as Promising Treatments for Muscle Regeneration After Snakebite Envenoming.

Snakebite envenoming is a global neglected disease with an incidence of up to 2.7 million new cases every year. Although antivenoms are so-far the most effective treatment to reverse the acute systemic effects induced by snakebite envenoming, they have a limited therapeutic potential, being unable to completely neutralize the local venom effects. Local damage, such as dermonecrosis and myonecrosis, can lead to permanent sequelae with physical, social, and psychological implications. The strong inflammatory process induced by snake venoms is associated with poor tissue regeneration, in particular the lack of or reduced skeletal muscle regeneration. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-based therapies have shown both anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative properties. We postulate that using allogeneic MSCs or their cell-free products can induce skeletal muscle regeneration in snakebite victims, improving all the three steps of the skeletal muscle regeneration process, mainly by anti-inflammatory activity, paracrine effects, neovascularization induction, and inhibition of tissue damage, instrumental for microenvironment remodeling and regeneration. Since snakebite envenoming occurs mainly in areas with poor healthcare, we enlist the principles and potential of MSCs-based therapies and discuss regulatory issues, good manufacturing practices, transportation, storage, and related-procedures that could allow the administration of these therapies, looking forward to a safe and cost-effective treatment for a so far unsolved and neglected health problem.