Design of experiments to evaluate pH and temperature parameters with different inoculums in domestic biodigester.

The comprehensive management of organic urban solid waste is a concern due to its direct and indirect impact on the environment. Anaerobic Digestion (AD) has been recognized as an alternative and environmentally friendly technology for waste disposal, converting them into organic fertilizers and renewable energy. This research presents an experiment involving four reactors fed with household organic waste, three inoculated with canine, goat, and rabbit manure, and one without inoculum. The experiment was observed for 30 consecutive days to analyze the pH and temperature parameters involved in the AD process in domestic reactors. Statistical methodology, including one-way analysis of variance for assessing the effect of the type of inoculum, Tukey's simultaneous confidence intervals for mean differences, and 90 % confidence intervals for µ in temperature and manure, was utilized. Additionally, main effects analysis of the factors of average temperature and pH were conducted. The results of the one-factor experiment show that the type of inoculum does not significantly influence the variation in pH, while temperature remains relatively stable throughout the AD process. However, the analysis of main effects indicates that goat manure tends to stabilize the temperature with minimal variation, whereas variation is more heterogeneous in the other experiments.

Neutrophils seeking new neighbors: radiotherapy affects the cellular framework and the spatial organization in a murine breast cancer model.

Neutrophils are known to contribute in many aspects of tumor progression and metastasis. The presence of neutrophils or neutrophil-derived mediators in the tumor microenvironment has been associated with poor prognosis in several types of solid tumors. However, the effects of classical cancer treatments such as radiation therapy on neutrophils are poorly understood. Furthermore, the cellular composition and distribution of immune cells in the tumor is of increasing interest in cancer research and new imaging technologies allow to perform more complex spatial analyses within tumor tissues. Therefore, we aim to offer novel insight into intra-tumoral formation of cellular neighborhoods and communities in murine breast cancer. To address this question, we performed image mass cytometry on tumors of the TS/A breast cancer tumor model, performed spatial neighborhood analyses of the tumor microenvironment and quantified neutrophil-extracellular trap degradation products in serum of the mice. We show that irradiation with 2 × 8 Gy significantly alters the cellular composition and spatial organization in the tumor, especially regarding neutrophils and other cells of the myeloid lineage. Locally applied radiotherapy further affects neutrophils in a systemic manner by decreasing the serum neutrophil extracellular trap concentrations which correlates positively with survival. In addition, the intercellular cohesion is maintained due to radiotherapy as shown by E-Cadherin expression. Radiotherapy, therefore, might affect the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in tumors and thus prevent metastasis. Our findings underscore the growing importance of the spatial organization of the tumor microenvironment, particularly with respect to radiotherapy, and provide insight into potential mechanisms by which radiotherapy affects epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and tumor metastasis.

[Translated article] Effects of duroplasty with bovine pericardium on fibrosis and extent of spinal cord injury: An experimental study in pigs.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to increased intraspinal pressure that can be prevented by durotomy and duroplasty. The aim of the study was to evaluate fibrosis and neural damage in a porcine model of SCI after duroplasty and application of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the tissue cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental study. We created a porcine SCI model by durotomy and spinal cord hemisection of a cervical segment (1cm). Six pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) were used to evaluate three surgical scenarios: (1) control injury with dural reparative microsurgery, (2) duroplasty using bovine pericardium (BPD), and (3) previous method plus HA applied at the lesion. Animals were sacrificed one-month post-injury to assess fibrotic responses and neural tissue damage using conventional histological and immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: In the control case, dural suture prevented invasion of the lesion by extradural connective tissue, and the dura mater showed a 1-mm thickening in the perilesional area. The bovine pericardium patch blocked the entrance of extradural connective tissue, decreased dura-mater tension, and satisfactorily integrated within the receptor tissue. However, it also enhanced subdural and perilesional fibrosis, which was not inhibited by filling the lesion cavity with low- or high-molecular-weight HA. CONCLUSIONS: Duroplasty prevents collapse of the dura-mater over the spinal cord tissue, as well as invasion of the lesion by extramedullary fibrotic tissue, without creating additional neural damage. Nevertheless, it enhances the fibrotic response in the spinal cord lesion and the perilesional area. Additional antifibrotic strategies are needed to facilitate spinal cord repair.

SCIWORA in children. A rare clinical entity: Ambispective study. / SCIWORA. Una rara entidad clínica en la población pediátrica. Estudio ambispectivo.

INTRODUCTION: SCIWORA has a low incidence but a high functional repercussion. The aim of the present study was to characterize the epidemiology of this clinical-radiological condition and evaluate functional outcome with a mean of 10-years follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal ambispective cohort study. Thirteen SCIWORA patients were admitted in the study period. Demographics, mechanism of injury, spinal cord MRI findings, neurological level of injury, time to SCI, neurological status (AIS) at admission/discharge/5 years, spinal cord independence measure (SCIM III) scale at admission and discharge, hospital length of stay and mean follow-up were recorded. On October 2022 patients were re-evaluated using NDI, Oswestry, and SV-QLI/SCI. RESULTS: Median age was 4 years. The study population for this investigation was mostly men (77%). 54% of level of injury correspond to cervical spine. AIS at admission was A (31%) and C (31%). Neurological level of injury was C2 (22%) and T10 (15%). Motor vehicle-related injury was the most prevalent mechanism of injury (77%), SCIM III scale at admission and discharge: 28.5/42, hospital length of stay was 115 days. The NDI was 11.6, Oswestry: 15.3 and SV-QLI/SCI: 17. CONCLUSIONS: Seventy-seven percent of SCIWORA patients was detected under 8 years-old. At 1 year follow-up after discharge 31% patients were AIS grade D and with 5 years follow-up the percentage remain constant. No statistically significant differences in the mechanism of injury and MRI findings (P = 0.872), age and MRI spinal cord findings (P = 0.149) were found in SCIWORA patients.

[Translated article] SCIWORA in children. A rare clinical entity: Ambispective study.

INTRODUCTION: SCIWORA has a low incidence but a high functional repercussion. The aim of the present study was to characterize the epidemiology of this clinical-radiological condition and evaluate functional outcome with a mean of 10-years follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal ambispective cohort study. Thirteen SCIWORA patients were admitted in the study period. Demographics, mechanism of injury, spinal cord MRI findings, neurological level of injury, time to SCI, neurological status (AIS) at admission/discharge/5 years, spinal cord independence measure (SCIM III) scale at admission and discharge, hospital length of stay and mean follow-up were recorded. On October 2022 patients were re-evaluated using NDI, Oswestry, and SV-QLI/SCI. RESULTS: Median age was 4 years. The study population for this investigation was mostly men (77%). 54% of level of injury correspond to cervical spine. AIS at admission was A (31%) and C (31%). Neurological level of injury was C2 (22%) and T10 (15%). Motor vehicle-related injury was the most prevalent mechanism of injury (77%), SCIM III scale at admission and discharge: 28.5/42, hospital length of stay was 115 days. The NDI was 11.6, Oswestry: 15.3 and SV-QLI/SCI: 17. CONCLUSIONS: Seventy-seven percent of SCIWORA patients was detected under 8 years-old. At 1 year follow-up after discharge 31% patients were AIS grade D and with 5 years follow-up the percentage remain constant. No statistically significant differences in the mechanism of injury and MRI findings (P=0.872), age and MRI spinal cord findings (P=0.149) were found in SCIWORA patients.

Comparison of basic and advanced behaviour management techniques between Colombian and Spanish parents during regular treatment and in emergency situations.

AIM: To evaluate the acceptance of behaviour management techniques by Spanish and Colombian parents used in paediatric dentistry and the influence of factors that determine their consent during regular treatment and in emergency situations. MATERIALS: An anonymous questionnaire was carried out in which 9 behaviour management techniques (BMTs) used in paediatric dentistry by Spanish and Colombian parents were evaluated in cases of regular dental treatment and in emergency situations (pain and/or dental trauma). The techniques evaluated were: tell-show-do (TSD), voice control, positive reinforcement, distraction, parental presence-absence, nitrous oxide, passive and active restraint, and general anaesthesia. The questionnaire also included information on the sociodemographic information about parents and their children, previous dental experience, and dental anxiety of the parents. The data were analysed using SPSSTM software, r. 26 of IBMTM. A value of p≤ 0.05 was considered as statically significant. RESULTS: A total sample of 124 questionnaire (62 from each country) was obtained. The basic BMT were the most accepted in both countries, especially by Spanish parents. In emergency situations, statistically significant differences were obtained in the acceptance of nitrous oxide and general anesthesia compared to their use in routine treatments (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the preference of the techniques in relation to the age of the children or parental dental anxiety (p>0.05). An association was found between the socioeconomic status and the acceptance of nitrous oxide (p=0.005) and general anesthesia (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The basic techniques were the most accepted by Spanish and Colombian parents. However, the Spanish parents had a better perception of both types of techniques compared to the Colombians. Their preference was influenced by factors such as annual income and need for urgent treatment of their children.

Effects of duroplasty with bovine pericardium on fibrosis and extent of spinal cord injury: An experimental study in pigs. / Efecto de la reparación de la duramadre con pericardio bovino sobre la fibrosis y la extensión de la lesión medular: estudio experimental en cerdos.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to increased intraspinal pressure that can be prevented by durotomy and duroplasty. The aim of the study was to evaluate fibrosis and neural damage in a porcine model of SCI after duroplasty and application of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the tissue cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental study. We created a porcine SCI model by durotomy and spinal cord hemisection of a cervical segment (1cm). Six pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) were used to evaluate three surgical scenarios: (1)control injury with dural reparative microsurgery, (2)duroplasty using bovine pericardium (BPD), and (3)previous method plus HA applied at the lesion. Animals were sacrificed one-month post-injury to assess fibrotic responses and neural tissue damage using conventional histological and immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: In the control case, dural suture prevented invasion of the lesion by extradural connective tissue, and the dura mater showed a 1-mm thickening in the perilesional area. The bovine pericardium patch blocked the entrance of extradural connective tissue, decreased dura-mater tension, and satisfactorily integrated within the receptor tissue. However, it also enhanced subdural and perilesional fibrosis, which was not inhibited by filling the lesion cavity with low- or high-molecular-weight HA. CONCLUSIONS: Duroplasty prevents collapse of the dura-mater over the spinal cord tissue, as well as invasion of the lesion by extramedullary fibrotic tissue, without creating additional neural damage. Nevertheless, it enhances the fibrotic response in the spinal cord lesion and the perilesional area. Additional antifibrotic strategies are needed to facilitate spinal cord repair.

Efficacy of early versus delayed spinal cord decompression in neurological recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury: Systematic review and meta-analysis. / Eficacia de la descompresión medular precoz versus tardía en la recuperación neurológica tras lesión medular traumática. Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE: To compare early (<24h) versus late (>24h) spinal cord decompression on neurological recovery in patients with acute spinal cord injury. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA protocol to identify studies published up to December 2022. Prospective cohort studies and controlled trials comparing early versus delayed decompression on neurological recovery were included. Variables included number of patients, level of injury, treatment time, ASIA grade, neurological recovery, use of corticosteroids, and complications. For the meta-analysis, the «forest plot¼ graph was developed. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I22 and Rob223 tools. RESULTS: Six of the seven studies selected for our review were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 1188 patients (592 patients in the early decompression group and 596 in the delayed decompression group), the mean follow-up was 8 months, in 5 studies used methylprednisolone, the most reported complications were thromboembolic cardiopulmonary events. Five studies showed significant differences in favor of early decompression (risk difference 0.10, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.14, heterogeneity 46%). The benefit was greatest in cervical and incomplete injuries. CONCLUSION: There is scientific evidence to recommend early decompression in the first 24h after traumatic spinal cord injury, as it improves final neurological recovery, and it should be recommended whenever the patient and hospital conditions allow it to be safely done.

[Translated article] Relation between the volume of injected cement and the vertebral volume in the clinical outcome and in the appearance of leakage after a percutaneous vertebroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the connection between the volume of injected cement and the vertebral volume measured through a volumetric analysis with a computed tomography (CT scan) in relation to the clinical result and the appearance of a leakage in patients who underwent a percutaneous vertebroplasty after an osteoporotic fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 27 patients (18 female-9 male) with an average age of 69 years old (50-81), and with a one-year follow-up. The study group presented 41 vertebrae with osteoporotic fractures that were treated with a percutaneous vertebroplasty with a bilateral transpedicular approach. The volume of injected cement was registered in each procedure and it was assessed together with the spinal volume measured through a volumetric analysis with CT scans. The percentage of the spinal filler was calculated. The appearance of cement leakage was proved by means of a simple radiography and a postoperative CT scan in all the cases. The leaks were classified according to the location in relation to the vertebral body (posterior, lateral, anterior and in the disc), and the significance (minor: smaller than the largest diameter of the pedicle; moderate: larger than the pedicle but smaller than the height of the vertebra; major: larger than the height of the vertebra). RESULTS: The average vertebra volume was 26.1cm3, the average volume of the injected cement was 2.0cm3 and the percentage of the average filler was 9%. A total of 15 leaks in 41 vertebrae appeared (37%). The leaks were posterior in 2 vertebrae, vascular in 8 and into the disc in 5 vertebrae. They were deemed as minor in 12 cases, moderate in 1 and major in 2 cases. The preoperative assessment of the pain was as it follows: VAS (8) and Oswestry (67%). The cessation of pain was immediate after a year with the following postoperative results: VAS (1.7) and Oswestry (19%). The only complication was the temporary neuritis with a spontaneous resolution. CONCLUSIONS: The injection of small amounts of cement, lower than the ones referred to by literary sources, obtains clinical results similar to the ones obtained by injecting higher amounts and it reduces the number of cement leaks and further complications.

[Entrapment syndromes of the intercostal nerve and its branches]. / Síndromes por atrapamiento del nervio intercostal y sus ramas.

Musculoskeletal chest pain poses a broad differential diagnosis, among which intercostal nerve involvement stands out. Its entrapment or that of any of its branches can resemble visceral pain and therefore can easily go unnoticed. With a good examination and the use of dynamic ultrasound, the diagnostic approach can be simpler. We present a 40-year-old man evaluated in a rehabilitation department for right lower rib pain, triggered by certain movements and associated with a pectus excavatum type thoracic deformity. Using dynamic ultrasound maneuvers, he was diagnosed with neuralgia of the 7th right intercostal nerve secondary to dynamic entrapment in the context of a thoracic deformity with costal hypermobility. We describe the clinical presentation, ultrasound imaging, treatment, and evolution after treatment. In this case, we describe entrapment syndromes of the intercostal nerve and its branches, their clinical and ultrasound diagnosis, and their therapeutic approach.

Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of keratoconus in Asturias.

INTRODUCTION: Keratoconus is the most frequent corneal ectasia and second most common cause of keratoplasty worldwide. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of keratoconus have rarely been studied in Spain, and to date, no study has been done in Asturias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze all cases of keratoconus diagnosed in the first consultations of the Cornea and Surface section of the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (Oviedo) and Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes (Gijón) between 2017 and 2020. Demographic data, visual acuity and corneal topography were collected. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients (42.0% women and 58.0% men) were included. The mean age was 36.84 ±â€¯15.59, with 39.3% being older than 40 years. 31.8%, 28.0%, 15.0%, and 25.2% were in stages I, II, III and IV, Amsler-Krumeich scale, respectively. Corneal segments were implanted in 7.5% of patients, cross-linking was performed in 4.7%, and keratoplasty was performed in 13.2%. CONCLUSION: Approximately 40% of keratoconus cases are detected at advanced stages and another 40% are detected at an age over 40 years. 13% of these patients require keratoplasty, which is why it is frequently performed in our setting. Therefore, early diagnosis before irreversible visual loss is necessary.

Variation of in vitro digestibility of pea protein powder dispersions from commercially available sources.

With raising consumer demand for plant-derived proteins, there has been an increased interest in the utilization of pea ingredients in food formulations. It was hypothesized that differences in processing history and composition affect their colloidal properties and their breakdown during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The gastrointestinal fate of three different commercial pea protein ingredients, two protein isolates and one less refined concentrate was compared. The concentrate dispersion showed greater solubility, different protein composition and smaller particle size than the reconstituted pea protein isolates. When heat-treated, the release of free amino groups decreased for the isolates, but increased for the concentrate dispersions. LC-TQMS of free amino acids in the intestinal digestates indicated a significantly higher release of methionine (limiting amino acid in pea protein) in the concentrates than in the isolates. This work highlights the influence of processing and composition on techno-functional and digestion properties of pea ingredients.

Relation between the volume of injected cement and the vertebral volume in the clinical outcome and in the appearance of leakage after a percutaneous vertebroplasty. / Relación entre el volumen de cemento inyectado y el volumen vertebral en el resultado clínico y en la aparición de fugas tras vertebroplastia percutánea.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the connection between the volume of injected cement and the vertebral volume measured through a volumetric analysis with a computed tomography (CT scan) in relation to the clinical result and the appearance of a leakage in patients who underwent a percutaneous vertebroplasty after an osteoporotic fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 27 patients (18 female-9 male) with an average age of 69 years old (50-81), and with a one-year follow-up. The study group presented 41 vertebrae with osteoporotic fractures that were treated with a percutaneous vertebroplasty with a bilateral transpedicular approach. The volume of injected cement was registered in each procedure and it was assessed together with the spinal volume measured through a volumetric analysis with CT scans. The percentage of the spinal filler was calculated. The appearance of cement leakage was proved by means of a simple radiography and a postoperative CT scan in all the cases. The leaks were classified according to the location in relation to the vertebral body (posterior, lateral, anterior and in the disc), and the significance (minor: smaller than the largest diameter of the pedicle; moderate: larger than the pedicle but smaller than the height of the vertebra; major: larger than the height of the vertebra). RESULTS: The average vertebra volume was 26.1 cc, the average volume of the injected cement was 2.0 cc and the percentage of the average filler was 9%. A total of 15 leaks in 41 vertebrae appeared (37%). The leaks were posterior in 2 vertebrae, vascular in 8 and into the disc in 5 vertebrae. They were deemed as minor in 12 cases, moderate in 1 and major in 2 cases. The preoperative assessment of the pain was as it follows: VAS (8) and Oswestry (67%). The cessation of pain was immediate after a year with the following postoperative results: VAS (1.7) and Oswestry (19%). The only complication was the temporary neuritis with a spontaneous resolution. CONCLUSIONS: The injection of small amounts of cement, lower than the ones referred to by literary sources, obtains clinical results similar to the ones obtained by injecting higher amounts and it reduces the number of cement leaks and further complications.

Anaesthetic considerations for elective cesarean section in a patient with a giant Tarlov cyst.

Tarlov cysts are a pathological dilatation of the meninges. Their incidence is more frequent in women between 30 and 50 years of age. The imaging test of choice for diagnosis is MRI. Of unknown etiology, most cases are asymptomatic, but symptoms of radicular irritation, among others, may occur. The therapeutic possibilities are multiple, reserving surgical excision as the last option. We report a case of successful spinal anaesthesia for elective cesarean section in a patient with a giant Tarlov cyst but with potential airway compromise, in whom the risks of general anaesthesia would be increased. Anaesthetic management presents a challenge for the anesthesiologist, especially in situations where the patient presents an increased anaesthetic risk for general anaesthesia, as is the case in the obstetric patient.

Acquired vibratory angioedema with a severe impact on work performance.

Vibratory urticaria/angioedema is an inducible type of urticaria that may be elicited by vibratory stimuli from work tool and instruments. A 39-year-old male construction worker was diagnosed with acquired vibratory angioedema associated with chronic spontaneous urticaria involving a severe work performance impairment. Response to omalizumab was immediate and complete. We evaluated the Urticarial Activity Score; the response to the vibratory angioedema provocation vortex test; and evolution of analytical parameters (e.g. high-affinity IgE receptor expression on peripheral blood basophils, C-reactive protein, D-dimer and IgE levels). Vibratory angioedema may be misdiagnosed as delayed pressure urticaria if the appropriate specific provocation tests are not performed. According to our knowledge, this is the first time a pneumatic hammer is described as a trigger; the first case responding to omalizumab; and the second published case associated with spontaneous chronic urticaria.

Environmental Education in Initial Training: Effects of a Physical Activities and Sports in the Natural Environment Program for Sustainable Development.

Training for sustainable development is an educational challenge of prime importance. Physical activity and sports in natural environments provide training committed to sustainability and environmental education. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an undergraduate training program in Physical Activities and Sports in Natural Environments concerned with sustainable development. A total of 113 students from the Autonomous University of Madrid (Spain) who are studying a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences and a Master's Degree in Teacher Training for Secondary Education and High School (specializing in Physical Education) were involved. Specifically, we aimed to assess the impact of this training program on three dimensions related to Environmental Education (knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes). Its effect was also examined bearing in mind students' sex, age and educational profile (sportive and educational). Mixed-methods were used: for the quantitative approach, data were collected with the Environmental Attitude in Physical Activities in Natural Environments validated scale; for the qualitative approach individual reflective diaries completed by students that attended the program were analyzed. The results show positive effects on the students regarding the three dimensions of Environmental Education, for both the sportive and educational training profiles. The quantitative results do not present significant differences concerning the gender variable, although the qualitative information shows that female students perceived a greater environmental sensitivity during their practices. Regarding the age variable, significant differences are found in the youngest students with an educational profile. To conclude, the study ratifies that the program carried out generated improvements in terms of knowledge, behaviors and attitudes toward the environment and sustainable development. Future research should use larger samples and consider other variables related to education for sustainability.

[Clinical characteristics and comorbidities associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 in Coahuila (Mexico)]. / Características clínicas y comorbilidades asociadas a mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 en Coahuila (México).

Background and objective: This study aims to describe the characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in a state in northern Mexico and establish the comorbidities associated with mortality. Methods: Patients with COVID-19, divided into survivors and non-survivors, were analyzed. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Student's t-test, and Cox's regression model. Results: A total of 17,479 patients were included and mortality rate of 6.3% was reported. Age over 60 years (HR = 8.04; 95% CI 7.03-9.19), diabetes (HR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.40-1.89), high blood pressure (HR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.28-1.72), obesity (HR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.18-1.60) and chronic kidney disease (HR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.64-2.59) were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and chronic kidney disease increased mortality among patients with COVID-19 in the population of Coahuila, Mexico. The factor that most contributed to risk of death was age over 60 years.

Clinical characteristics and comorbidities associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 in Coahuila (Mexico).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in a state in northern Mexico and establish the comorbidities associated with mortality. METHODS: Patients with COVID-19, divided into survivors and non-survivors, were analyzed. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Student's t-test, and Cox's regression model. RESULTS: A total of 17,479 patients were included and mortality rate of 6.3% was reported. Age over 60 years (HR = 8.04; 95%CI 7.03-9.19), diabetes (HR = 1.63; 95%CI 1.40-1.89), high blood pressure (HR = 1.48; 95%CI 1.28-1.72), obesity (HR = 1.37; 95%CI 1.18-1.60) and chronic kidney disease (HR = 2.06; 95%CI 1.64-2.59) were significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and chronic kidney disease increased mortality among patients with COVID-19 in the population of Coahuila, Mexico. The factor that most contributed to risk of death was age over 60 years.

Adherence to Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Cross-National Comparison in Six European Countries (2008-2015).

Aims: To describe and compare the adherence to different direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in eight European databases representing six countries. Methods: Longitudinal drug utilization study of new users (≥18 years) of DOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban) with a diagnosis of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (2008-2015). Adherence was examined by estimating persistence, switching, and discontinuation rates at 12 months. Primary non-adherence was estimated in BIFAP and SIDIAP databases. Results: The highest persistence rate was seen for apixaban in the CPRD database (81%) and the lowest for dabigatran in the Mondriaan database (22%). The switching rate for all DOACs ranged from 2.4 to 13.1% (Mondriaan and EGB databases, respectively). Dabigatran had the highest switching rate from 5.0 to 20.0% (Mondriaan and EGB databases, respectively). The discontinuation rate for all DOACs ranged from 16.0 to 63.9% (CPRD and Bavarian CD databases, respectively). Dabigatran had the highest rate of discontinuers, except in the Bavarian CD and AOK NORDWEST databases, ranging from 23.2 to 64.6% (CPRD and Mondriaan databases, respectively). Combined primary non-adherence for examined DOACs was 11.1% in BIFAP and 14.0% in SIDIAP. There were differences in population coverage and in the type of drug data source among the databases. Conclusion: Despite the differences in the characteristics of the databases and in demographic and baseline characteristics of the included population that could explain some of the observed discrepancies, we can observe a similar pattern throughout the databases. Apixaban was the DOAC with the highest persistence. Dabigatran had the highest proportion of discontinuers and switchers at 12 months in most databases (EMA/2015/27/PH).

Effect of heat treatment on the digestion behavior of pea and rice protein dispersions and their blends, studied using the semi-dynamic INFOGEST digestion method.

In the present study, the structuring and breakdown of a 5% protein dispersion prepared with commercial fractions of pea and rice isolates (PPI and RPI, respectively) were monitored by in vitro digestion. These proteins were blended in a 2 : 1 ratio of pea and rice, respectively, as this would deliver a high amino acid score. The effect of heating at 90 °C for 15 min on the digestion behavior was evaluated not only for the blend, but also for the respective protein isolate fractions, using the INFOGEST international consensus, semi-dynamic in vitro gastric model. Digesta were characterized by gel electrophoresis, light scattering, confocal laser scanning microscopy and size exclusion HPLC. Heating increased the solubility of PPI from 15.7% to 26.6% at pH 7.4. RPI showed low solubility (a maximum of 2.6% at pH 2), regardless of the treatment. Confocal microscopy observations evidenced major differences in the aggregates formed during digestion, with larger aggregates for heated PPI. While the unheated pea protein dispersions precipitated near the isoelectric pH, the heated counterpart formed macro-aggregates under the same conditions. In the case of RPI, there were no differences in structuring behaviour between unheated and heat treated reconstituted powder, due to their low solubility. Rice prolamins showed resistance to hydrolysis by pepsin and pancreatic enzymes. In the heated blend, macro-aggregates formed, but with a smaller size compared to heated pea protein alone, suggesting that pea protein aggregation was hindered by the presence of rice proteins. These results demonstrate how the composition of protein isolates can affect their in vitro digestion. However, pre-treatment of plant protein blends, such as heating, can modulate the rate and mechanism of digestion.