Dynamin-like proteins mediate extracellular vesicle secretion in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) secretes extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing a variety of proteins, lipoproteins, and lipoglycans. While emerging evidence suggests that EVs contribute to tuberculosis pathogenesis, the factors and molecular mechanisms involved in mycobacterial EV production have not been identified. In this study, we use a genetic approach to identify Mtb proteins that mediate vesicle release in response to iron limitation and antibiotic exposure. We uncover a critical role for the isoniazid-induced, dynamin-like proteins, IniA and IniC, in mycobacterial EV biogenesis. Further characterization of a Mtb iniA mutant shows that the production of EVs enables intracellular Mtb to export bacterial components into the extracellular environment to communicate with host cells and potentially modulate the immune response. The findings advance our understanding of the biogenesis and functions of mycobacterial EVs and provide an avenue for targeting vesicle production in vivo.

Lenalidomide in combination with R-ESHAP in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A phase 2 study from GELTAMO.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with relapsed or refractory (RR) disease have poor outcomes with current salvage regimens. We conducted a phase 2 trial to analyse the safety and efficacy of adding lenalidomide to R-ESHAP (LR-ESHAP) in patients with RR DLBCL. Subjects received 3 cycles of lenalidomide 10 mg/day on days 1-14 of every 21-day cycle, in combination with R-ESHAP at standard doses. Responding patients underwent autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) after 3 cycles. Centralized cell-of-origin (COO) classification was performed. Forty-six patients were included. The ORR after LR-ESHAP was 67% (35% of patients achieved complete remission). Patients with primary refractory disease (n = 26) had significantly worse ORR than patients with non-refractory disease (54% vs. 85%, p = 0.031). No differences in response rates according to the COO were observed. Twenty-eight patients (61%) underwent ASCT. At a median follow-up of 41 months, the estimated 3-year PFS and OS were 42% and 48%, respectively. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (70% of patients), neutropenia (67%) and anaemia (35%). There were no treatment-related deaths during LR-ESHAP cycles. In conclusion, LR-ESHAP is a feasible salvage regimen with promising efficacy results for patients with RR DLBCL.

Oral cortisol and dexamethasone intake: Differential physiology and transcriptional responses in the marine juvenile Sparus aurata.

This study approached the long-term oral administration of cortisol (F) and dexamethasone (DEX), two synthetic glucocorticoids, compared to a control group (CT) in the juveniles of a marine teleost, the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Physiologically, DEX treatment impaired growth, which appears to be linked to carbohydrate allocation in muscle and liver, hepatic triglycerides depletion, and reduced hematocrit. Hypophyseal gh mRNA expression was 2-fold higher in DEX than in CT or F groups. Similarly, hypothalamic trh and hypophyseal pomcb followed this pattern. Plasma cortisol levels were significantly lower in DEX than in CT, while F presented intermediate levels. In the posterior intestine, measured short circuit-current (Isc) was more anion absorptive in CT and F compared to the DEX group, whereas Isc remained unaffected in the anterior intestine. The derived transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) significantly differed between intestinal regions in the DEX group. These results provide new insights to understand better potential targeted biomarkers indicative of the differential glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid-receptors activation in fish.

[Epidemiology and Outcomes of Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Insights from a Decade of Head and Neck Surgery at Sótero del Río Hospital, Santiago, Chile]. / Sarcomas de partes blandas: Análisis de la experiencia de diez años del equipo de cirugía de cabeza y cuello en el Hospital Sótero del Río.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin. They are associated with genetic and environmental risk factors. Their clinical manifestations are nonspecific, requiring a high level of suspicion. The first-line treatment is surgical. Positive margins are the only independent predictor of local recurrence and worse survival rates. Strict follow-up is recommended due to its high recurrence rate. AIM: Analyze the casuistry of STS treated with curative intent by the head and neck surgery team at the Sótero del Río Hospital (HSR) at Santiago, Chile between 2013 and 2023. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study of patients with STS managed by the HSR head and neck surgery team. Clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and oncological results are analyzed. RESULTS: 26 patients were included, 84.6% female, with an average age of 61.7 years. Only 30.8% presented identifiable risk factors. The most common histology was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (26.9%), and the predominant location was extremities (46.2%). 77.8% of head and neck sarcomas and 58.8% of trunk and extremity sarcomas occurred in advanced stages. Disease-free survival was 66.6%; 68.2% in patients with negative surgical margins, and 60.0% in positive margins at five years. CONCLUSIONS: STS is an infrequent pathology. This study corresponds to the first retrospective research on STS in Chile. We require establishing a specialized multidisciplinary team to optimize the management and follow-up of STS patients.

Is it important to achieve physical activity recommendations at early stages of life to improve bone health?

Research in bone health during childhood is limited and important to prevent future diseases, particularly, osteoporosis. Bone parameters using DXA and pQCT in 295 Spanish children were evaluated and we found a benefit of meeting the World Health Organization physical activity recommendations in bone composition in childhood. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and bone health in a Spanish paediatric cohort, considering the influence of meeting/not meeting the current World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations and to elucidate if there are differences between boys and girls. METHODS: In a cohort of children born in the region of Aragon (Spain) in 2009, followed until the age of 7 years, bone parameters were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (whole body scan) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) (tibia scanned at the 8% (distal) and 38% (diaphyseal) of the total tibia length) in 295 7-year-old children (154 boys) in the last evaluation performed between 2016 and 2017. PA was assessed using GT3X Actigraph accelerometers. RESULTS: Boys had significantly higher areal bone mineral density (aBMD), higher total bone mineral content (BMC) at the diaphyseal site and higher trabecular BMC and vBMD, and higher total bone area at the distal site than girls (p<0.01 for all of them). Both boys and girls complying with the WHO PA recommendations had significantly higher trabecular BMC than their inactive counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Meeting WHO PA recommendations has a beneficial effect in bone composition in childhood both in boys and in girls.

How often do we identify fetal abnormalities during routine third-trimester ultrasound? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Routine third-trimester ultrasound is frequently offered to pregnant women to identify fetuses with abnormal growth. Infrequently, a congenital anomaly is incidentally detected. OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence and type of fetal anomalies detected during routine third-trimester scans using a systematic review and meta-analysis. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane library) from inception until August 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA: Population-based studies (randomised control trials, prospective and retrospective cohorts) reporting abnormalities detected at the routine third-trimester ultrasound performed in unselected populations with prior screening. Case reports, case series, case-control studies and reviews without original data were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Prevalence and type of anomalies detected in the third trimester. We calculated pooled prevalence as the number of anomalies per 1000 scans with 95% confidence intervals. Publication bias was assessed. MAIN RESULTS: The literature search identified 9594 citations: 13 studies were eligible representing 141 717 women; 643 were diagnosed with an unexpected abnormality. The pooled prevalence of a new abnormality diagnosed was 3.68 per 1000 women scanned (95% CI 2.72-4.78). The largest groups of abnormalities were urogenital (55%), central nervous system abnormalities (18%) and cardiac abnormalities (14%). CONCLUSION: Combining data from 13 studies and over 140 000 women, we show that during routine third-trimester ultrasound, an incidental fetal anomaly will be found in about 1 in 300 scanned women. This information should be taken into account when taking consent from women for third-trimester ultrasound and when designing and assessing cost of third-trimester ultrasound screening programmes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: One in 300 women attending a third-trimester scan will have a finding of a fetal abnormality.

Impact of Early Blood Pressure Lowering in Patients Presenting with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review article we will discuss the acute hypertensive response in the context of acute ischemic stroke and present the latest evidence-based concepts of the significance and management of the hemodynamic response in acute ischemic stroke. RECENT FINDINGS: Acute hypertensive response is considered a common hemodynamic physiologic response in the early setting of an acute ischemic stroke. The significance of the acute hypertensive response is not entirely well understood. However, in certain types of acute ischemic strokes, the systemic elevation of the blood pressure helps to maintain the collateral blood flow in the penumbral ischemic tissue. The magnitude of the elevation of the systemic blood pressure that contributes to the maintenance of the collateral flow is not well established. The overcorrection of this physiologic hemodynamic response before an effective vessel recanalization takes place can carry a negative impact in the final clinical outcome. The significance of the persistence of the acute hypertensive response after an effective vessel recanalization is poorly understood, and it may negatively affect the final outcome due to reperfusion injury. Acute hypertensive response is considered a common hemodynamic reaction of the cardiovascular system in the context of an acute ischemic stroke. The reaction is particularly common in acute brain embolic occlusion of large intracranial vessels. Its early management before, during, and immediately after arterial reperfusion has a repercussion in the final fate of the ischemic tissue and the clinical outcome.

Indoor radon exposure and excess of lung cancer mortality: the case of Mexico-an ecological study.

Radon is a radioactive gas that can migrate from soils and rocks and accumulate in indoor areas such as dwellings and buildings. Many studies have shown a strong association between the exposure to radon, and its decay products, and lung cancer (LC), particularly in miners. In Mexico, according to published surveys, there is evidence of radon exposure in large groups of the population, nevertheless, only few attention has been paid to its association as a risk factor for LC. The aim of this ecological study is to evaluate the excess risk of lung cancer mortality in Mexico due to indoor radon exposure. Mean radon levels per state of the Country were obtained from different publications and lung cancer mortality was obtained from the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics for the period 2001-2013. A model proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection to estimate the annual excess risk of LC mortality (per 105 inhabitants) per dose unit of radon was used. The average indoor radon concentrations found rank from 51 to 1863 Bq m-3, the higher average dose exposure found was 3.13 mSv year-1 in the north of the country (Chihuahua) and the mortality excess of LC cases found in the country was 10 ± 1.5 (range 1-235 deaths) per 105 inhabitants. The highest values were found mainly in the Northern part of the country, where numerous uranium deposits are found, followed by Mexico City, the most crowded and most air polluted area in the country. A positive correlation (r = 0.98 p < 0.0001) was found between the excess of LC cases and the dose of radon exposure. Although the excess risk of LC mortality associated with indoor radon found in this study was relatively low, further studies are needed in order to accurately establish its magnitude in the country.

[Lung transplant with ex vivo lung perfusion, Chilean and Latin American first experience]. / Trasplante pulmonar ex vivo . Primera experiencia en Chile y Latinoamérica.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients waiting for a lung transplant worldwide greatly exceeds the number of available donors. Ex vivo lung perfusion is a useful tool that allows marginal donor lungs to be evaluated and reconditioned for a successful lung transplantation. AIM: To describe the first Chilean and Latin American experience in ex vivo lung perfusion for marginal donor lungs before transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive analysis of all ex vivo lung perfusion conducted for marginal donor lungs at a private clinic, from April 2019 to October 2020. High risk donor lungs and rejected lungs from other transplantation centers were included. The "Toronto Protocol" was used for ex vivo lung perfusion. Donor lung characteristics and recipient outcomes were studied. RESULTS: During the study period, five ex vivo lung perfusions were performed. All lungs were reconditioned and transplanted. No complications were associated. There were no primary graft dysfunctions and only one chronic allograft dysfunction. There was no mortality during the first year. The median arterial oxygen partial pressure/fractional inspired oxygen ratio increased from 266 mm Hg in the donor lung to 419 after 3 hours of ex vivo lung perfusion (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: ex vivo lung perfusion is a safe and useful tool that allows marginal donor lungs to be reconditioned and successfully transplanted.

Prognostic gene expression signature for high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Median overall survival (OS) for women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is ∼4 years, yet survival varies widely between patients. There are no well-established, gene expression signatures associated with prognosis. The aim of this study was to develop a robust prognostic signature for OS in patients with HGSOC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression of 513 genes, selected from a meta-analysis of 1455 tumours and other candidates, was measured using NanoString technology from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissue collected from 3769 women with HGSOC from multiple studies. Elastic net regularization for survival analysis was applied to develop a prognostic model for 5-year OS, trained on 2702 tumours from 15 studies and evaluated on an independent set of 1067 tumours from six studies. RESULTS: Expression levels of 276 genes were associated with OS (false discovery rate < 0.05) in covariate-adjusted single-gene analyses. The top five genes were TAP1, ZFHX4, CXCL9, FBN1 and PTGER3 (P < 0.001). The best performing prognostic signature included 101 genes enriched in pathways with treatment implications. Each gain of one standard deviation in the gene expression score conferred a greater than twofold increase in risk of death [hazard ratio (HR) 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.02-2.71; P < 0.001]. Median survival [HR (95% CI)] by gene expression score quintile was 9.5 (8.3 to -), 5.4 (4.6-7.0), 3.8 (3.3-4.6), 3.2 (2.9-3.7) and 2.3 (2.1-2.6) years. CONCLUSION: The OTTA-SPOT (Ovarian Tumor Tissue Analysis consortium - Stratified Prognosis of Ovarian Tumours) gene expression signature may improve risk stratification in clinical trials by identifying patients who are least likely to achieve 5-year survival. The identified novel genes associated with the outcome may also yield opportunities for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches.

Installing oncofertility programs for common cancers in limited resource settings (Repro-Can-OPEN Study): An extrapolation during the global crisis of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

PURPOSE: The state of limited resource settings that Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created globally should be taken seriously into account especially in healthcare sector. In oncofertility, patients should receive their fertility preservation treatments urgently even in limited resource settings before initiation of anticancer therapy. Therefore, it is very crucial to learn more about oncofertility practice in limited resource settings such as in developing countries that suffer often from shortage of healthcare services provided to young patients with cancer. METHODS: As an extrapolation during the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic, we surveyed oncofertility centers from 14 developing countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Nigeria, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India). Survey questionnaire included questions on the availability and degree of utilization of fertility preservation options in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer. RESULTS: All surveyed centers responded to all questions. Responses and their calculated oncofertility scores showed different domestic standards for oncofertility practice in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer in the developing countries under limited resource settings. CONCLUSIONS: Medical practice in limited resource settings has become a critical topic especially after the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the resources necessary to provide oncofertility treatments is important until the current COVID-19 pandemic resolves. Lessons learned will be valuable to future potential worldwide disruptions due to infectious diseases or other global crises.

Predictive factors of clinical response to treatment with anti-TNF agents in ulcerative colitis: what have we learned from our patients?

INTRODUCTION: inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFs) are effective drugs for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC). However, many patients do not respond or lose therapeutic response during follow-up. OBJECTIVES: to analyze the determining factors of clinical response to anti-TNFs in UC. METHODS: a multicenter retrospective study was performed in 79 patients with UC who started treatment with anti-TNFs between 2009 and 2015. The primary endpoint was clinical remission (pMayo index ≤ 1) at 12 months. Furthermore, remission and clinical response (final pMayo score ≤ 3) and corticoids discontinuation were assessed at three, six and 12 months. An analysis was performed to identify variables predictive of clinical response. RESULTS: at 12 months, remission and clinical response were seen in 59.2 % and 77.8 % of patients, respectively. Corticoids could be discontinued in 82.4 % of patients. At 12 months, corticoids discontinuation (< 3 months) (OR 0.06; 95 % CI: 0.01-0.24) and clinical response at six months (OR 0.008; 95 % CI: 0.001-0.053) were independent factors predictive of clinical remission. CONCLUSION: in patients with active UC on anti-TNFs, corticoid discontinuation within three months and clinical response at six months after treatment onset are predictive of clinical disease remission.

Usefulness of magnetic resonance enterography in the clinical decision-making process for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) diagnosis on clinical decision-making regarding treatment choice and maintenance of treatment over time in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: A cohort of patients who underwent MRE for IBD assessment between 2011 and 2014 was analyzed. From clinical records, we retrospectively retrieved their demographic data and clinical data on their IBD at the time of MRE, the results of MRE and the patient's clinical course. Medical management decisions made during the three months following MRE and at the 15-month follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 474 MREs were reviewed. In the first three-month period, MRE results led to changes in the medical management of 266 patients (56.1%). Of those, maintenance therapy was altered in 140 patients (68.3%) (90.7% step-up and 9.3% top-down strategy), 65 (24.4%) were prescribed a course of steroids and 61 (22.9%) underwent surgery. MRE confirmed a CD diagnosis in 14/41 patients (34.1%) previously diagnosed with indeterminate colitis or ulcerative colitis and in 4/18 patients (22.2%) with suspected IBD. At the 15-month follow-up, treatment remained unchanged in 289 patients (65.8%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MRE is a diagnostic tool that provides valid information for the clinical-decision making process for patients with CD.

Construction and demolition waste applications and maximum daily output in Spanish recycling plants.

The pursuit of construction sustainability has driven the use of partially or wholly waste-based eco-materials. New applications are being sought for recycled aggregate (RA) to further the use of this material and ensure the survival of the construction and demolition waste (C&DW) industry. RA, currently used in the construction of pavements, fills and embankments and only incipiently to manufacture structural or non-structural concrete, is a mere 8.99% of the total aggregate extracted in EU countries where RA is produced. Against this backdrop, the utility of this study lies in the overview afforded of RA typology, the application of the product in bound or unbound materials, the pursuit of new applications, structural or otherwise, and the assessment of daily maximum output by C&DW recycling facilities in Spain. The findings show that irrespective of its origin, RA most commonly adopts the form of wet mix macadam, gravel or sand used primarily in unbound applications with only dubious quality standards. Plant managers contend that RA from clean waste can feasibly be used in bound applications that require higher-performance materials. Maximum daily output varies widely, with capacity under 200 t d-1 in 30% of the plants. One of the conclusions drawn is that the current business model is in need of revision, with an emphasis on aggregate quality control (certification) and the adoption of technology for separating out impurities, pollutants and undesirable materials to improve the quality of RA.

Brentuximab vedotin and ESHAP is highly effective as second-line therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma patients (long-term results of a trial by the Spanish GELTAMO Group).

BACKGROUND: In this work, we assessed the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin (BV) plus ESHAP (BRESHAP) as second-line therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (RRHL) to improve the results before autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter, open-label, phase I-II trial of patients with RRHL after first-line chemotherapy. Treatment had three 21-day cycles of etoposide, solumedrol, high-dose AraC, and cisplatin. BV was administered at three dose levels (0.9, 1.2, and 1.8 mg/kg) intravenous on day ‒1 to 3 + 3 cohorts of patients. Final BV dose was 1.8 mg/kg. Responding patients proceeded to ASCT, followed by three BV courses (1.8 mg/kg, every 21 days). Main end points for evaluation were maximum tolerable dose and overall and complete response (CR) before ASCT. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were recruited (median age 36 years; range 18-66): 40 were primary refractory, 16 early relapse and 10 late relapse. There were 39 severe adverse events were reported in 22 patients, most frequently fever (n = 25, 35% neutropenic), including 3 deaths. Grade 3-4 hematological toxicity presented in 28 cases: neutropenia (n = 21), thrombocytopenia (n = 14), and anemia (n = 7). Grade ≥3-4 extrahematological adverse events (≥5%) were non-neutropenic fever (n = 13) and hypomagnesaemia (n = 3). Sixty-four patients underwent stem-cell mobilization; all collected >2×10e6/kg CD34+ cells (median 5.75; range 2.12-33.4). Overall response before transplant was 91% (CI 84% to 98%), including 70% (CRs 95% CI 59% to 81%). 60 patients were transplanted with no failure engraftments. Post-transplant response was CR in 49 patients (82% CI 73% to 91%) and partial responses in six (10% CI 5% to 15%). After a mean follow-up of 27 months, the 30-month time to treatment to failure was 74% (95% CI 68% to 80%), progression-free survival 71% (95% CI 65% to 77%), and overall survival 91% (CI 84% to 98%). CONCLUSION: BRESHAP looks a safe and effective pre-transplant induction regimen, does not jeopardize transplant and allows long-term remissions and survival.

The muscle-bone unit in adolescent swimmers.

Most researchers adjust bone by lean mass when comparing swimmers with controls. This adjustment is done under the assumption that lean affects bone similarly in both groups. Nonetheless, we found that the muscle-bone association is uncoupled in swimmers, and consequently, researchers should avoid this adjustment when evaluating swimmers' bone. INTRODUCTION: To examine the functional and structural muscle-bone unit in adolescent swimmers. METHODS: Sixty-five swimmers (34 girls/31 boys) and 119 controls (51 girls/68 boys) participated in the study. Muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA), bone mineral content (BMC), and polar strength-strain index (SSIPOL) were measured in the non-dominant radius by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Subtotal BMC and lean mass were evaluated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Handgrip and isometric knee extension (IKE) tests were performed to determine muscle force. The effect of MCSA, lean and force on SSIPOL, and BMC were tested, and the functional and structural muscle-bone ratios of swimmers and controls were compared. RESULTS: Both muscle size (MCSA and lean) and muscle force (handgrip and IKE) influenced BMC and SSIPOL in swimmers and controls similarly. Swimmers presented normal MCSA and lean values for their height, but when compared with controls, swimmers presented a higher amount of lean and MCSA for the same BMC or SSIPOL (structural muscle-bone unit). For the functional muscle-bone unit, different results were found for the lower and upper limbs, as no differences were found for the upper limbs, while for the lower limbs, swimmers presented higher muscle force for the same amount of BMC. CONCLUSIONS: The contradictory results regarding BMC in swimmers found in previous studies could partly be explained with the findings of the present study that reinforce the idea that swimming is not an effective sport to practice regarding bone mass and that the muscle-bone unit is different in swimmers than in controls.

ITEMAS ontology for healthcare technology innovation.

BACKGROUND: The Platform for Innovation in Medical and Health Technologies (ITEMAS) is a network of 66 healthcare centres focused on fostering innovation in medical and health technologies as an essential tool for increasing the sustainability of the Spanish healthcare system. The present research is focused on defining a formal representation that details the most relevant concepts associated with the creation and adoption of innovative medical technology in the Spanish healthcare system. METHODS: The methodology applied is based on the methontology process, including peer-review identification and selection of concepts from the ITEMAS innovation indicators and innovation management system standards. This stage was followed by an iterative validation process. Concepts were then conceptualised, formalised and implemented in an ontology. RESULTS: The ontology defined describes how relationships between employees, organisations, projects and ideas can be applied to generate results that are transferrable to the market, general public and scientific forums. Overall, we identified 136 concepts, 138 object properties and 30 properties in a five-level hierarchy. The ontology was tested and validated as an appropriate framework for calculating the ITEMAS innovation indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus concepts were expressed in the form of an ontology to be used as a single communication format between the members of the ITEMAS network. Healthcare centres can compare their innovation results and obtain a better understanding of their innovation context based on the reasoning techniques of artificial intelligence. As a result, they can benefit from advanced analytical capabilities to define the most appropriate innovation policies for each centre based on the common experience of the large number of healthcare centres involved. The results can be used to create a map of agents and knowledge to show capabilities, projects and services provided by each of the participating centres. The ontology could also be applied as an instrument to match needs with existing projects and capabilities from the community of organisations working in healthcare technology innovation.

Social gradients in dental attendance among older adults: Findings from the National Survey on Demographics and Health in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of inequalities in attendance to dental services in relation to socio-economic position (SEP) in a national sample of older adults in Peru. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: A cross-sectional study using multivariate regression analysis of secondary data obtained from the National survey on demographics and family health in Peru (Encuesta Nacional en Demografía y Salud familiar, ENDES). PARTICIPANTS: 4749 ≥60-year-olds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Attendance at dental health services in the last 2 years. Independent variable: Wealth Index as a measure of SEP. Covariates: Sex, age, natural region of residence, place of residence and health insurance coverage. RESULTS: There was a social gradient for the association between attendance to dental health services and SEP, with older adults from the richest (fifth) quintile showing a 3.01 times higher probability of visiting dental services (95%CI 2.15-4.19), those in the fourth quintile PR=2.19 (95%CI 1.61-3.00), third quintile PR=2.00 (95%CI 1.49-2.69), and those in the second quintile PR=1.42 (95%CI 1.10-1.84), when compared to the poorest quintile after adjusting for sex, age, residence, natural region and health insurance coverage. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear social gradient in dental attendance among older adults in Peru. This is important to provide further insights into current national programmes and relevant long-term policies.

Wave energy to power a desalination plant in the north of Gran Canaria Island: Wave resource, socioeconomic and environmental assessment.

The Canary Islands are recognized as an area of particular interest to exploit and to promote the use of renewable energies as a way to reduce its energy dependence on fossil fuels and ultimately reach energy self-sufficiency and sustainability. A common major problem in mid-latitude small and remote islands is the low annual precipitation rate and the associated freshwater scarcity, leading to the installation of desalination plants powered by oil. In this context, the assessment of wave energy potential along with socioeconomic and environmental factors in a selected area at the north side of Gran Canaria Island shows that wave power availability is adequate for its exploitation and there are no sources of potential conflicts that prevent the installation of wave energy converters. In particular, the harvesting of wave energy to power existing seawater desalination plants, fully based in the use of oil, is considered as a viable, appealing and advantageous alternative over the direct injection to the electric network.

Trends of maxillofacial trauma: An update from the prospective register of a multicenter study in emergency services of Chile.

BACKGROUND: Determine the behavior of the maxillofacial trauma of adults treated in 3 tertiary care centers in the central zone of Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study, based on the prospective records of maxillofacial trauma cases attended between May 2016 and April 2017 by dental and maxillofacial clinical teams of Adult Emergency Units of hospitals Dr. Sótero del Río (metropolitan region), Carlos Van Buren and Dr. Gustavo Fricke (region V). Age, sex, date of occurrence, type of trauma according to ICD-10, etiology, legal medical prognosis and associated injuries were recorded, stratifying by sex and age. Chi square and unpaired Wilcoxon tests were used to compare by groups. RESULTS: 2.485 cases and 3.285 injuries were investigated. The male: female ratio was 1.7: 1 with age under 30 predominant, followed by older adults. Variability was observed in the yearly, weekly and daily presentation. The highest frequencies were in January and September, weekends and at night. The main etiologies were violence (42.3%), falls (13.1%) and road traffic crashes (12.9%) with differences by age and sex (p <0.05). 31,9% of the injuries occurred in hard tissue, being fractures in nasal bones predominant (S02.2). CONCLUSIONS: the profile of the maxillofacial trauma in Chile seems to be mixed by age, affecting young people and the elderly. The male sex predominates; the main cause, which varies by age group, is violence. Their surveillance is possible from hospital emergency records.