N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in chronic myeloid leukemia: unveiling a novel therapeutic target.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal mRNA modification, plays a critical role in physiological processes by regulating gene expression through modulation of mRNA metabolism at multiple stages. In recent years, m6A has garnered significant attention for a deeper understanding of the initiation, progression, and drug resistance of various cancers, including hematological malignancies. Dysregulation of m6A has been implicated in both cancer promotion and suppression. m6A methylation is a complex regulatory process involving methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and proteins that recognize specific m6A modifications (readers). This intricate interplay presents challenges for precisely modulating m6A levels, either globally or at specific sites. This review specifically focuses on the role of m6A in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a blood cancer characterized by the BCR-ABL1 fusion. We emphasize its impact on leukemia cell survival and drug resistance mechanisms. Notably, inhibitors targeting m6A regulators show promise in preclinical models, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for CML. Integrating our understanding of m6A biology with current treatment strategies may lead to more effective therapies, especially for patients with advanced-stage or resistant CML.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma with a T follicular-helper phenotype: A different entity? Results of the Spanish Real-T study.

Nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) with a T follicular helper phenotype (PTCL-TFH) is a new type of PTCL. We aimed to define its clinical characteristics and prognosis compared to PTCL not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). This retrospective observational study included 175 patients diagnosed with PTCL between 2008 and 2013 in 13 Spanish sites. Patient diagnosis was centrally reviewed, and patients were reclassified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 criteria: 21 patients as PTCL-NOS, 55 as AITL and 23 as PTCL-TFH. Median follow-up was 56.07 months (95% CI 38.7-73.4). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly higher in patients with PTCL-TFH than in those with PTCL-NOS and AITL (PFS, 24.6 months vs. 4.6 and 7.8 months, respectively, p = 0.002; OS, 52.6 months vs. 10.0 and 19.3 months, respectively, p < 0.001). Histological diagnosis maintained an independent influence on both PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 4.1 vs. PTCL-NOS, p = 0.008; HR 2.6 vs. AITL, p = 0.047) and OS (HR 5.7 vs. PTCL-NOS, p = 0.004; HR 2.6 vs. AITL, p = 0.096), regardless of the International Prognostic Index. These results suggest that PTCL-TFH could have more favourable features and prognosis than the other PTCL subtypes, although larger series are needed to corroborate these findings.

Pathogenic Role of IL-17 and Therapeutic Targeting of IL-17F in Psoriatic Arthritis and Spondyloarthropathies.

The interleukin 17 (IL-17) family, a subset of cytokines consisting of IL-17A-F, plays crucial roles in host defence against microbial organisms and the development of inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis (PsO), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). IL-17A is the signature cytokine produced by T helper 17 (Th17) cells and is considered the most biologically active form. The pathogenetic involvement of IL-17A in these conditions has been confirmed, and its blockade with biological agents has provided a highly effective therapeutical approach. IL-17F is also overexpressed in the skin and synovial tissues of patients with these diseases, and recent studies suggest its involvement in promoting inflammation and tissue damage in axSpA and PsA. The simultaneous targeting of IL-17A and IL-17F by dual inhibitors and bispecific antibodies may improve the management of Pso, PsA, and axSpA, as demonstrated in the pivotal studies of dual specific antibodies such as bimekizumab. The present review focuses on the role of IL-17F and its therapeutic blockade in axSpA and PsA.

Multiple Roles of m6A RNA Modification in Translational Regulation in Cancer.

Despite its discovery in the early 1970s, m6A modification within mRNA molecules has only powerfully entered the oncology field in recent years. This chemical modification can control all aspects of the maturation of mRNAs, both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. Thus, the alteration in expression levels of writers, erasers, and readers may significantly contribute to the alteration of gene expression observed in cancer. In particular, the activation of oncogenic pathways can lead to an alteration of the global rate of mRNA translation or the selective translation of specific mRNAs. In both cases, m6A can play an important role. In this review, we highlight the role of m6A in the regulation of translation by focusing on regulatory mechanisms and cancer-related functions of this novel but still controversial field.

Clinical and pathological characteristics of peripheral T-cell lymphomas in a Spanish population: a retrospective study.

We investigated the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) in 13 sites across Spain. Relevant clinical antecedents, CD30 expression and staining pattern, prognostic indices using the International Prognostic Index and the Intergruppo Italiano Linfomi system, treatments, and clinical outcomes were examined. A sizeable proportion of 175 patients had a history of immune-related disorders (autoimmune 16%, viral infections 17%, chemo/radiotherapy-treated carcinomas 19%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 7·9 and 15·8 months, respectively. Prognostic indices influenced PFS and OS, with a higher number of adverse factors resulting in shorter survival (P < 0·001). Complete response (CR) to treatment was associated with better PFS (62·6 vs. 4 months; P < 0·001) and longer OS (67·0 vs. 7·3 months; P < 0·001) compared to no CR. CD30 was expressed across all subtypes; >15% of cells were positive in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive and -negative anaplastic large-cell lymphoma and extranodal natural killer PTCL groups. We observed PTCL distribution across subtypes based on haematopathological re-evaluation. Poor prognosis, effect of specific prognostic indices, relevance of histopathological sub-classification, and response level to first-line treatment on outcomes were confirmed. Immune disorders amongst patients require further examination involving genetic studies and identification of associated immunosuppressive factors.

Remodeling of the Core Leads HIV-1 Preintegration Complex into the Nucleus of Human Lymphocytes.

Retroviral replication proceeds through obligate integration of the viral DNA into the host genome. In particular, for the HIV-1 genome to enter the nucleus, it must be led through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). During the HIV-1 cytoplasmic journey, the viral core acts as a shell to protect the viral genetic material from antiviral sensors and ensure an adequate environment for reverse transcription. However, the relatively narrow size of the nuclear pore channel requires that the HIV-1 core is reshaped into a structure that fits the pore. On the other hand, the organization of the viral CA proteins that remain associated with the preintegration complex (PIC) during and after nuclear translocation is still enigmatic. In this study, we analyzed the progressive organizational changes of viral CA proteins within the cytoplasm and the nucleus by immunogold labeling. Furthermore, we set up a novel technology, HIV-1 ANCHOR, which enables the specific detection of the retrotranscribed DNA by fluorescence microscopy, thereby offering the opportunity to uncover the architecture of the potential HIV-1 PIC. Thus, we combined the immunoelectron microscopy and ANCHOR technologies to reveal the presence of DNA- and CA-positive complexes by correlated light and electron microscopy (CLEM). During and after nuclear translocation, HIV-1 appears as a complex of viral DNA decorated by multiple viral CA proteins remodeled in a pearl necklace-like shape. Thus, we could describe how CA proteins are reshaped around the viral DNA to permit the entrance of the HIV-1 in the nucleus. This particular CA protein complex composed of the integrase and the retrotranscribed DNA leads the HIV-1 genome inside the host nucleus. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the early steps of HIV-1 infection and provide new insights into the organization of HIV-1 CA proteins during and after viral nuclear entry. Of note, we are now able to visualize the viral DNA in viral complexes, opening up new perspectives for future studies on virus's fate in the cell nucleus.IMPORTANCE How the reverse-transcribed genome reaches the host nucleus remains a main open question related to the infectious cycle of HIV-1. The HIV-1 core has a size of ∼100 nm, largely exceeding that of the NPC channel (∼39 nm). Thus, a rearrangement of the viral CA protein organization is required to achieve an effective nuclear translocation. The mechanism of this process remains undefined due to the lack of a technology capable of visualizing potential CA subcomplexes in association with the viral DNA in the nucleus of HIV-1-infected cells. By the means of state-of-the-art technologies (HIV-1 ANCHOR system combined with CLEM), our study shows that remodeled viral complexes retain multiple CA proteins but not an intact core or only a single CA monomer. These viral CA complexes associated with the retrotranscribed DNA can be observed inside the nucleus, and they represent a potential PIC. Thus, our study shed light on critical early steps characterizing HIV-1 infection, thereby revealing novel, therapeutically exploitable points of intervention. Furthermore, we developed and provided a powerful tool enabling direct, specific, and high-resolution visualization of intracellular and intranuclear HIV-1 subviral structures.

Life expectancy of follicular lymphoma patients in complete response at 30 months is similar to that of the Spanish general population.

The use of immunochemotherapy has improved the outcome of follicular lymphoma (FL). Recently, complete response at 30 months (CR30) has been suggested as a surrogate for progression-free survival. This study aimed to analyse the life expectancy of FL patients according to their status at 30 months from the start of treatment in comparison with the sex and age-matched Spanish general population (relative survival; RS). The training series comprised 263 patients consecutively diagnosed with FL in a 10-year period who needed therapy and were treated with rituximab-containing regimens. An independent cohort of 693 FL patients from the Grupo Español de Linfomas y Trasplante Autólogo de Médula Ósea (GELTAMO) group was used for validation. In the training cohort, 188 patients were in CR30, with a 10-year overall survival (OS) of 53% and 87% for non-CR30 and CR30 patients, respectively. Ten-year RS was 73% and 100%, showing no decrease in life expectancy for CR30 patients. Multivariate analysis indicated that the FL International Prognostic Index was the most important variable predicting OS in the CR30 group. The impact of CR30 status on RS was validated in the independent GELTAMO series. In conclusion, FL patients treated with immunochemotherapy who were in CR at 30 months showed similar survival to a sex- and age-matched Spanish general population.

Risk of, and survival following, histological transformation in follicular lymphoma in the rituximab era. A retrospective multicentre study by the Spanish GELTAMO group.

The diagnostic criteria for follicular lymphoma (FL) transformation vary among the largest series, which commonly exclude histologically-documented transformation (HT) mandatorily. The aims of this retrospective observational multicentre study by the Spanish Grupo Español de Linfoma y Transplante Autólogo de Médula Ósea, which recruited 1734 patients (800 males/934 females; median age 59 years), diagnosed with FL grades 1-3A, were, (i) the cumulative incidence of HT (CI-HT); (ii) risk factors associated with HT; and (iii) the role of treatment and response on survival following transformation (SFT). With a median follow-up of 6·2 years, 106 patients developed HT. Ten-year CI-HT was 8%. Considering these 106 patients who developed HT, median time to transformation was 2·5 years. High-risk FL International Prognostic Index [Hazard ratio (HR) 2·6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·5-4·5] and non-response to first-line therapy (HR 2·9, 95% CI: 1·3-6·8) were associated with HT. Seventy out of the 106 patients died (5-year SFT, 26%). Response to HT first-line therapy (HR 5·3, 95% CI: 2·4-12·0), autologous stem cell transplantation (HR 3·9, 95% CI: 1·5-10·1), and revised International Prognostic Index (HR 2·2, 95% CI: 1·1-4·2) were significantly associated with SFT. Response to treatment and HT were the variables most significantly associated with survival in the rituximab era. Better therapies are needed to improve response. Inclusion of HT in clinical trials with new agents is mandatory.

PlaIMoS: A Remote Mobile Healthcare Platform to Monitor Cardiovascular and Respiratory Variables.

The number of elderly and chronically ill patients has grown significantly over the past few decades as life expectancy has increased worldwide, leading to increased demands on the health care system and significantly taxing traditional health care practices. Consequently, there is an urgent need to use technology to innovate and more constantly and intensely monitor, report and analyze critical patient physiological parameters beyond conventional clinical settings in a more efficient and cost effective manner. This paper presents a technological platform called PlaIMoS which consists of wearable sensors, a fixed measurement station, a network infrastructure that employs IEEE 802.15.4 and IEEE 802.11 to transmit data with security mechanisms, a server to analyze all information collected and apps for iOS, Android and Windows 10 mobile operating systems to provide real-time measurements. The developed architecture, designed primarily to record and report electrocardiogram and heart rate data, also monitors parameters associated with chronic respiratory illnesses, including patient blood oxygen saturation and respiration rate, body temperature, fall detection and galvanic resistance.

Ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius recession: a new ultra-minimally invasive surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Isolated gastrocnemius contracture is thought to lead to numerous conditions. Although many techniques have been described for gastrocnemius recession, potential anesthetic, cosmetic, and wound-related complications can lead to patient dissatisfaction. Open and endoscopic recession techniques require epidural anesthesia, lower limb ischemia, and stitches and may lead to damage of the sural nerve, which is not under the complete control of the surgeon at all stages of the procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new technique based on ultrasound-guided ultra-minimally invasive gastrocnemius recession. METHODS: We performed a pilot study with 22 cadavers to ensure that the technique was effective and safe. In the second phase, we prospectively performed gastrocnemius recession in 23 patients (25 cases) with chronic non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy, equinus foot, and other indications. In the clinical study, we evaluated the range of dorsiflexion before and after the procedure, clinical outcomes with VAS and AOFAS scores, and potential complications, including neurovascular injuries. RESULTS: We achieved complete release of the gastrocnemius tendon in all cases in the cadaveric study, with no damage to the sural nerve or vessels and minimal damage to the underlying muscle fibers. Ankle dorsiflexion increased for every patient in the study (mean, 14°; standard deviation, 3°) and was maintained throughout follow-up. The mean preoperative VAS score was 7 (6-9), which improved to 0 (0-1). The AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score improved from a mean of 30 (20-40) to 93 (85-100) at 6 months. No major complications were observed. All patients returned to their previous sports after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: After cadaveric and clinical study, we considered the technique to be safe and effective to perform ultrasound-guided ultra-minimally invasive gastrocnemius recession using a 1-mm incision in vivo. This novel technique represents an alternative to open techniques, with encouraging results and with the advantages of reducing pain, obviating lower limb ischemia, deeper anaesthesia, thus decreasing complications and contraindications and accelerating recovery.

Comparing methods of determining Legionella spp. in complex water matrices.

BACKGROUND: Legionella testing conducted at environmental laboratories plays an essential role in assessing the risk of disease transmission associated with water systems. However, drawbacks of culture-based methodology used for Legionella enumeration can have great impact on the results and interpretation which together can lead to underestimation of the actual risk. Up to 20% of the samples analysed by these laboratories produced inconclusive results, making effective risk management impossible. Overgrowth of competing microbiota was reported as an important factor for culture failure. For quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), the interpretation of the results from the environmental samples still remains a challenge. Inhibitors may cause up to 10% of inconclusive results. This study compared a quantitative method based on immunomagnetic separation (IMS method) with culture and qPCR, as a new approach to routine monitoring of Legionella. RESULTS: First, pilot studies evaluated the recovery and detectability of Legionella spp using an IMS method, in the presence of microbiota and biocides. The IMS method results were not affected by microbiota while culture counts were significantly reduced (1.4 log) or negative in the same samples. Damage by biocides of viable Legionella was detected by the IMS method. Secondly, a total of 65 water samples were assayed by all three techniques (culture, qPCR and the IMS method). Of these, 27 (41.5%) were recorded as positive by at least one test. Legionella spp was detected by culture in 7 (25.9%) of the 27 samples. Eighteen (66.7%) of the 27 samples were positive by the IMS method, thirteen of them reporting counts below 10(3) colony forming units per liter (CFU l(-1)), six presented interfering microbiota and three presented PCR inhibition. Of the 65 water samples, 24 presented interfering microbiota by culture and 8 presented partial or complete inhibition of the PCR reaction. So the rate of inconclusive results of culture and PCR was 36.9 and 12.3%, respectively, without any inconclusive results reported for the IMS method. CONCLUSION: The IMS method generally improved the recovery and detectability of Legionella in environmental matrices, suggesting the possibility to use IMS method as valuable indicator of risk. Thus, this method may significantly improve our knowledge about the exposure risk to these bacteria, allowing us to implement evidence-based monitoring and disinfection strategies.

Male-to-Female Genital Reassignment Surgery: A Retrospective Review of Surgical Technique and Complications in 60 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with male-to-female gender dysphoria (GD) require multidisciplinary assessment and management. Nowadays, more and more patients decide to undergo genital reassignment surgery (GRS) to have aesthetic and functional external female genitalia. Different techniques of this procedure have been described. Orchiectomy, penile disassembly, creation of a neovaginal cavity, repositioning of urethral meatus, and clitorolabioplasty may be identified as the five major steps in all of these techniques. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 60 patients who underwent genital reassignment procedure for male-to-female GD at our department between November 2008 and August 2013 with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Data were collected on surgical technique, postoperative dilations protocol, complications, and functional and aesthetic outcomes. We describe and critically evaluate the surgical technique used in our department. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 14 to 46 months. Two patients developed late neovaginal stricture, and two patients experienced rectovaginal fistulae (one required surgical revision with dermal porcine graft placement). Minor complications occurred in 13 patients and included urethral stenosis, partial wound dehiscence, and minor bleeding. Secondary aesthetic revision surgery was performed in 13 cases. CONCLUSIONS: GRS can provide good functional and aesthetic outcomes in patients with male-to-female GD. However, despite a careful planning and meticulous surgical technique, secondary procedures are frequently required to improve the function and appearance of the neovagina.

A pilot duplicate diet study on manganese, selenium and chromium intakes in institutionalised children and adolescents from Guatemala.

Hidden hunger occurs in the presence of an otherwise nutritionally or energetically appropriate diet that is deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. Guatemala has the highest rate of child malnutrition in Latin America and the prevalence of hidden hunger is high. The aim of this study was to determine the Mn, Se and Cr dietary intakes in Guatemalan institutionalised children (4-14 years), a population group at high risk of mineral deficiency. For this purpose, the contents of Mn, Se and Cr were analysed in a duplicate diet (for 7 consecutive days) by electrothermal atomisation-atomic absorption spectrophotometry following acid digestion. Mn, Se and Cr intakes from the duplicate diets were in the range of 1·3-2·31 mg/d, 58·7-69·6 µg/d and 6·32-27·57 µg/d, respectively. Mn and Cr values were below current recommended daily intakes. A cereal- and legumes-based diet is habitually consumed by this population. Local vegetables, fruits and nutritional supplements are included daily, but the consumption of fish, meat, eggs and dairy products is very infrequent or negligible. Mean daily energy intake from the 7-d diet was 8418·2 kJ (2012 kcal), with a macronutrient energy distribution of carbohydrates 69·4 %, proteins 12·3 % and fats 18·3 %. Correlations between Mn, Se and Cr intakes and energy and other nutrient intakes were also evaluated. The present findings will help establish new nutritional strategies for this and similar population groups.

Prevalence of type-specific HPV infection in Uruguay.

The aim of this work was to describe the prevalence of type-specific Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women attending organized cervical cancer screening program in Uruguay. Nine hundred sixty-five liquid cervical cell samples obtained after collection of cervical smears for cytology were assessed for HPV DNA using the Papillocheck system (Greiner BioOne). The overall prevalence of High-Risk (HR) HPV infections was 20.8% and increased from 16.5% in women with normal cytology to 93.3% in HSIL. Prevalence of HPV 16 and/or 18 was 6.3% and HPV 16 was the most prevalent genotype in normal cytology (3.6%). The five most prevalent genotypes were HPV 16, 31, 51, 56, and 39. The overall prevalence peaked below age 30. This study provides essential baseline information at national level on type-specific HPV prevalence in Uruguay before the introduction of HPV vaccination. It documents the current prevalence of each of the oncogenic genotypes in a population attending cervical cancer screening program, suggesting that at least 64.7% of high risk lesions are potentially preventable by available HPV vaccines, and possibly augmentable if cross-protection against non-vaccine HPV types 31, 33, and 45 is confirmed.

In vitro assessment of commercial sunscreens available in Latin America.

In Latin America, people have largely abandoned the practice of wearing hats and traditional clothing that provided skin protection. Sunscreen application has therefore become essential to protect against the increased sun exposure. The physician-prescribed medical-grade sunscreens provide sufficient sun protection but the requirement for regular use puts a financial burden on the patient that is often not sustainable. An appropriate sunscreen should provide a high and broad ultraviolet (UV) protection against UVB and UVA. Several over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens have been developed for sale at affordable prices and are available for purchase in convenient locations, such as local grocery stores. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro UV protection of 34 popular OTC sunscreens found in the Latin American market. UV absorbance/transmittance was quantified by diffusion transmission spectroscopy using coarse silica plaques. Photostability was tested by irradiating them with simulated solar light and calculating the sun protection factor (SPF), critical length of absorption (C lambda ), UVA/UVB ratio, and the spectral uniformity index (SUI). The results indicated that the in vitro SPFs were significantly lower than the value declared on the labels, particularly for those claiming high SPF values; however, the majority of these sunscreens offered high levels of UV protection. Considering the advantages of low cost and ample accessibility, we concluded that this sample of OTC sunscreens can be beneficial to the general public by providing some level of skin protection from solar radiation, and may be promoted to improve compliance with recommended photoprotection behavior.

Management of Bilateral Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation: A Case Report.

Introduction: Surgical treatment of bilateral traumatic sternoclavicular (SC) joint dislocations has never been reported in the literature. In the acute setting, posterior dislocation can present with a host of comorbidities due to structures that lie in close proximity posterior to the medial clavicle. Case Report: This study presents a case of bilateral traumatic posterior SC joint dislocation with associated brachiocephalic injury that was treated with open reduction and surgical stabilization. Conclusion: This is a rare case of bilateral posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation that underwent open surgical intervention. Treatment of this injury resulted in excellent radiographic and clinical outcomes at 2-year follow-up.

A Novel Digital Templating Method for Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Unilateral Hip Arthrosis.

BACKGROUND: Identification of the hip center of rotation (HCOR) before total hip arthroplasty (THA) is crucial for achieving optimal implant position and size, and for restoring native biomechanics around the hip joint. Current techniques for determining the HCOR in cases of abnormal hip anatomy are limited and unreliable. This study presents a novel technique using open-access software for preoperative THA templating for patients with significantly abnormal hip anatomy due to unilateral hip arthrosis. The aim is to reliably predict the HCOR and acetabular implant size compared with a traditional intraoperative method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved 20 patients with unilateral hip arthrosis who underwent THA. Preoperative templating was performed using the experimental technique, and the position of the HCOR was measured on preoperative and postoperative radiographs. The positions of the predicted and actual HCOR were compared, along with the inclination and size of the acetabular component. RESULTS: The difference between the predicted and actual HCOR positions was insignificant (0.43±0.22 mm vertically and 0.18±0.20 mm horizontally), and there was a positive correlation between them (r=0.78, P<.005; r=0.72, P<.005). The agreement between the predicted and actual acetabular implant sizes was 85%, with near-perfect interobserver agreement (Cohen's kappa=0.827). CONCLUSION: This novel technique provides a reliable method for predicting HCOR and acetabular implant size for THA in cases of unilateral hip arthrosis. This technique may help optimize biomechanics and improve outcomes in challenging cases. Further research and validation are warranted to establish its broader applicability. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(3):e139-e145.].

Analysis of Sports Supplement Consumption of Elite Referees of the Spanish Professional Fotball League.

BACKGROUND: Sports supplements (SSs) are widely used among team sport athletes; however, evidence supporting the use of SSs among football referees at the elite level is scarce. The aim of the present study was to analyze the consumption of SSs among referees with respect to their level of competition and referee type (main referees (MRs) vs. assistant referees (ARs)). METHODS: A total of 106 football referees participated in this study, with 46.2% from the First Spanish Division and 53.8% from the Second Spanish Division, representing 84.13% of the total number of referees. Each participant completed a validated questionnaire about SS consumption, with the SSs classified according to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) ABCD system: Group A has strong evidence for enhancing athlete health and performance, Group B shows potential benefits but needs more evidence, Group C has inconclusive evidence against use, and Group D includes prohibited substances. RESULTS: A total of 84.0% of the MRs and ARs reported the consumption of at least one SS. Differences were found only in the consumption of medical supplements between division (p = 0.016) and type of referee (p = 0.041), though no significant differences were found among the remaining AIS SS categories (p > 0.05). Sport performance (49.6%), Internet (41.0%), and dietitian-nutritionists (31.7%) were the primary reason for SS consumption, purchase location, and source of information, respectively. The most frequently consumed SS were whey protein (45.3%), followed by creatine (33.0%), sport bars and sports drinks (28.3%), and caffeine (19.8%). CONCLUSIONS: MRs and ARs reported a high prevalence of dietary supplement (SS) consumption, with significant differences between division and referee type observed only in medical supplement consumption.

Treatment of Plantar Warts with a Nitric-Zinc Complex Solution: A Review of 72 Cases.

BACKGROUND: There are multiple conservative treatment options for plantar warts, but none have proven to be universally effective. Nitric acid is often used empirically by podiatrists in the treatment of plantar warts. A novel medical device or topical solution of nitric-zinc complex solution (NZCS) could potentially offer an effective and safe alternative for the targeted treatment of plantar warts. OBJECTIVE: To observe the rate of complete healing of NZCS in a series of plantar wart cases and to establish the minimum number of product applications and time needed for healing. This will help standardize and protocolize its use. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted involving 72 patients who exhibited symptoms of plantar warts. These patients underwent chemical treatment using a nitric-zinc complex. RESULTS: The cure rate with NZCS was 59.2%. The average number of NZCS applications was 5.9 ± 3.0 and the mean duration of treatment was 9.4 ± 7.1 weeks. A recurrence rate of 6.7% was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The topical solution of the nitric-zinc complex is an effective treatment for plantar warts, which can be considered a first-line treatment option in the general population.

18F-FDG-PET/CT response after first-line treatment as a prognostic factor for survival in peripheral T-cell lymphoma: a Spanish retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: An accurate assessment of tumor viability after first-line treatment is critical for predicting treatment failure in peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs). 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has been adopted as the preferred assessment method in clinical trials, but its impact in clinical practice should be examined. This study aims to determine the prognostic significance of18F-FDG-PET/CT for survival following first-line treatment in PTCL patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study including 175 patients diagnosed with PTCL between 2008 and 2013 in 13 Spanish sites. RESULTS: Fifty patients were evaluated with18F-FDG-PET/CT following first-line therapy: 58% were18F-FDG-PET/CT-negative and 42% were18F-FDG-PET/CT-positive. Disease progression occurred in 37.9% of18F-FDG-PET/CT-negative patients and in 80.9% of18F-FDG-PET/CT-positive patients (p = 0.0037). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 67 and 74 months for18F-FDG-PET/CT-negative patients, and 5 (p < 0.0001) and 10 months (p < 0.0001), respectively, in18F-FDG-PET/CT-positive patients. After multivariate analysis, only B symptoms emerged as a negative predictive factor of complete response (RR 7.08; 95% CI 1.60-31.31; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 18F-FDG-PET/CT identifies high-risk PTCL patients who will have poor prognosis and survival following first-line treatment. However, more research is needed to confirm the best treatment options for PTCL patients.