5-Fluorouracil drug delivery system based on bacterial nanocellulose for colorectal cancer treatment: Mathematical and in vitro evaluation.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common worldwide. Its treatment includes adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) administered intravenously. 5FU is an antineoplastic drug of the fluoropyrimidines group, widely used in the treatment of solid tumors, mainly CRC. Nevertheless, it causes several adverse effects and poor effectiveness due to its short half-life. This work aimed to employ bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) as an encapsulation material for the oral administration of 5FU. First, the adsorption phenomena were analyzed by isotherms, thermodynamic parameters, and kinetic models. Then, encapsulation was carried out using spray-drying, and encapsulated 5FU desorption profiles were assessed in simulated fluids. The biological behavior was evaluated on colon cancer SW480 and SW620 cell lines. As result, it was found that at 25 °C a monolayer of 5FU was formed and the process showed to be the most spontaneous one. In the characterization of the nanocapsules, important changes were detected by the presence of 5FU. The delivery in the colon corresponded to a controlled release behavior. The in vitro assay indicated an improvement in the toxicity effect of the drug and its mechanism of action. Accordingly, BNC is a promising biomaterial for the development of a colon drug delivery platform of 5FU.

Variation in resistance to oxidative stress in Oregon-(R)R-flare and Canton-S strains of Drosophila melanogaster.

All aerobic organisms are susceptible to damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS-induced damage has been associated with aging and diseases such as metabolic syndrome and cancer. However, not all organisms develop these diseases, nor do they age at the same rate; this is partially due to resistance to oxidative stress, a quantitative trait attributable to the interaction of factors including genetics and environmental. Drosophila melanogaster represents an ideal system to study how genetic variation can affect resistance to oxidative stress. In this work, oxidative stress (total and mitochondrial ROS), antioxidant response, and Cap 'n' collar isoform C and Spineless gene expression, one pesticide resistant (Oregon R(R)-flare) and wild-type (Canton-S) strains of D. melanogaster, were analyzed to test resistance to basal oxidative stress. ROS, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were determined by flow cytometry, and Cap 'n' collar isoform C and Spineless expression by qRT-PCR. The intensity of oxidative stress due to the pro-oxidant zearalenone in both was evaluated by flow cytometry. Data confirm expected differences in oxidative stress between strains that differ in Cyp450s levels. The Oregon (R)R-flare showed greater ROS, total and mitochondrial, compared to Canton-S. Regarding oxidative stress genes expression Cap 'n' collar isoform C and Spineless (Ss), Oregon R(R)-flare strain showed higher expression. In terms of response to zearalenone mycotoxin, Canton-S showed higher ROS concentration. Our data show variation in the resistance to oxidative stress among these strains of D. melanogaster.

Primary and secondary retinal capillary haemangioma in Mexico.

A series is presented of sixteen cases of retinal capillary haemangioma (RCH) from consecutive patients at an ophthalmology teaching hospital in Mexico City. There were seven primary haemangioblastomas, and nine due to von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL). All cases associated with VHL already had systemic manifestations, such as, cerebellar, medullary and renal tumours. Treatment of capillary haemangiomas must be individualised, based on several factors, including the number of lesions, exudation, or presence of retinal detachment. A multidisciplinary approach is essential.

Synchronous bilateral breast cancer treated with a 3-week hypofractionated radiotherapy schedule: clinical and dosimetric outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) accounts for 1-3.5% of breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate dosimetric issues, clinical outcomes, and acute toxicities for SBBC patients receiving synchronous bilateral hypofractionated radiotherapy (SBHRT) and to compare them with patients treated with synchronous bilateral normofractionated RT schedule (SBNRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2016 to March 2020, 39 SBBC patients were referred to our institution. Patients were divided according to their prescription dose: Group A: 50 Gy/25fx (fractions), B: 60-64 Gy/25fx, C: 40.05 Gy/15fx; D: 48 Gy/15fx. Toxicity was evaluated using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE)v.5.0. RESULTS: 34 patients were finally evaluated. Median follow-up was 24 months for NF schedule and 9 months for HF schedule. In the HF schedule, no acute side-effects > G2 were observed and no dermatitis was reported in 6th month´s assessments. 95% of patients have no evidence of disease and only 1 patient presented local relapse in the first mammography after RT. No distant failures or deaths were observed. Regarding dosimetric issues, the inter-patient average Dmean for the heart was: Group A: 5.0 Gy (4.6-5.5), Group B: 4.4 Gy (4.1-5.4), Group C: 4.8 Gy (4.5-5.1) and Group D: 5.3 Gy (4.4-5.6). For the lungs, the inter-patient average Dmean was: Group A: 10.8 Gy (9.8-12.2), Group B: 11.5 Gy (11.3-12), Group C: 9.8 Gy (9.3-10.5) and Group D: 10.5 Gy (10-11.3). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study reporting the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of 40.05 Gy/15fx over 3 weeks for the treatment of SBBC patients. Further study with larger accrual is mandatory.

Statistical control of processes applied to geometric uncertainties for CTV expansion margins determination in prostate cancer patients treated with VMAT: a prospective study in 57 patients.

PURPOSE: To study the control graphs applicability for the geometric uncertainties of VMAT treatments in prostate cancer patients, and their use to verify the hypothesis of the data obtained randomness, to apply the margins of Van Herk expression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the first 5 days of treatment, and then once a week, a Kv CBCT was performed, compared with the simulation CT and adjusted the displacements, to determine the inter-fraction errors. Immediately after radiation therapy, another CBCT was performed (for intra-fraction errors). With these data, the X, R position control charts have been made. The patients, not maintained the deviations within the charts control limits, were called "anomalies". Then, we compared the deviations and margins calculated with the van Herk expression for all patients and for those without anomalies. RESULTS: The margins determined show appreciable differences if there were calculated for the total set of patients or for the set of them without anomalies in the control charts. For the overall set of patients, the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical margins were 0.45 cm, 0.52 cm, 0.56 cm, while for the set of patients without anomalies were 0.29 cm, 0.35 cm, and 0.38 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The use of control charts allows tracking geometric deviations both inter and intra-fraction, variability real-time control and to detect situations in which it can change for non-random reasons, and require immediate investigation. Maintaining geometric deviations in the control state decreases the margins needed to administer a high dose to CTV in a high percentage of cancer prostate patients.

Not every pigmented tumour is melanoma: Adenoma of the ciliary body pigment epithelium. / No todo tumor hiperpigmentado es melanoma: adenoma del epitelio pigmentario del cuerpo ciliar.

Differential diagnosis between a melanoma and a pseudomelanoma requires many years of experience and ocular studies, and requires paying attention to the smallest details. The case is presented of a 57 year-old male with an adenoma of the ciliary body pigment epithelium that was treated with an enucleation of the eye due to a suspicion of a choroidal melanoma.

Application of embryo biopsy and sex determination via polymerase chain reaction in a commercial equine embryo transfer program in Argentina.

Embryo biopsy for fetal sexing has clinical application, but few reports are available of its use within an active embryo transfer program. We evaluated results on biopsy of 459 embryos over one breeding season. There were no significant differences in pregnancy rate between biopsied and non-biopsied embryos (72% vs 73%) or for biopsied embryos recovered at the centre (73%) compared with those shipped overnight (72%). However, the pregnancy rate decreased significantly in shipped embryos biopsied ≥20h after collection. Overall, 86% of biopsies provided a sex diagnosis. The likelihood of a positive genomic (g) DNA result was significantly higher for biopsies from large blastocysts (96%) than from smaller embryos (70-85%). In total, 38% of biopsies were positive for Y chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) and were diagnosed as male. Subsequently, 95% of Y-DNA-positive embryos were confirmed as male and 78% of Y-DNA-negative embryos were confirmed as female. The accuracy of prediction of female (Y-DNA negative) was significantly higher when the biopsy sample was probed for Y-DNA only compared with probing for both gDNA and Y-DNA. We estimate that by transferring only Y-DNA-negative embryos, 3% of potential female pregnancies may have been lost, and production of male pregnancies was reduced by 72%.

Effectiveness of fentanyl pectin nasal citrate in controlling episodes of breakthrough cancer pain triggered by routine radiotherapy procedures.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fentanyl pectin nasal spray (FPNS) in controlling procedural breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) in advanced cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 62 advanced cancer patients, with well-controlled background pain, who presented BTCP associated to routine radiotherapy procedures, treated with FPNS according to our protocol of administration. The BPE intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The BTCP was triggered during the computed tomography simulation (79.3%) or treatment delivery (20.7%). Patients indicated a mean VAS of 8.8 (range 7-10) when attempting the procedure. After 4.5 min (range 2-10) of the first FPNS dose, the majority of patients (85.5%) indicated a VAS of 4.3 (range 2-6). 15.5% of the patients did not respond after 15 min; requiring a second dose. All these patients responded, reporting a mean VAS of 4.2 (range 4-6) after 3.0 min (range 2-5) of the second dose. None of the patients required a third dose, nor reported an AE after the administration of FPNS. CONCLUSIONS: In our knowledge, our study is the one of highest recruitment, and with the fastest response of BTCP treated with FPNS reported in advanced cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. FPNS has proven to be highly effective in reducing the intensity of procedural BTCP in a very short period of time.

Nodal FDG-PET/CT uptake influences outcome and relapse location among esophageal cancer patients submitted to chemotherapy or radiochemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Our aim was investigate whether lymph node uptake is associated with survival and regional relapses, and relapse patterns with respect to the radiotherapy fields in esophageal cancer (EC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The FDG-PET/CT image datasets of 56 patients were analyzed. All patients underwent definitive or neoadjuvant radio/chemotherapy (RCT). All patients suffering from persistent or recurrent local/regional-only disease after RCT were considered for salvage resection. Patients with adenocarcinoma without metastatic disease were considered for planned resection (usually within 3 months of treatment). RESULTS: Patients with PET-positive lymph nodes before treatment had a worse overall survival and a shorter disease-free survival than those without PET-positive nodes. They also had worse node and metastatic relapse-free survival. N2 patients had statistically significant poorer outcomes than N1-N0 patients and a better survival if the involved nodes were closer to the esophageal tumor. Involved node location by PET/CT also affected global, nodal and metastatic relapses. In addition, an increment of SUVmax value increased relative risk of death and increased relative risk of node and metastatic relapses. The first site of relapse was metastatic recurrence and, second, local recurrence. The most frequent were "in-field" loco/regional recurrence. We observed a relationship between patients classified-N1 and out-field nodal recurrence (p = 0.024), and between patients-N2 and in-field nodal recurrence. The number of PET-positive nodes was an independent significant prognostic predictor for relapse (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that only FDG-PET/CT can provide prognostic information in EC. Nodal PET/CT uptake influences outcome and relapse location among EC patients.

Vitrification in straws conserves motility features better than spheres in donkey sperm.

Sperm vitrification as alternative to conventional freezing is increasing in popularity in many species. It has been achieved by direct exposure of diluted semen to liquid nitrogen in spheres or straws. Both techniques have been successfully developed, but they had not been compared yet in donkeys. The aim of this study was to compare these two methods of vitrification for donkey semen. Ejaculates from six Andalusian donkeys were collected and extended in Gent without glycerol supplemented with sucrose 0.1 M (Molar). Samples were slowly cooled at 5°C. For vitrification, 30 µl suspensions (spheres) were dropped directly into liquid nitrogen (LN2 ) or filled in covered 0.25 ml straws and then plunged into the LN2 (straws). For warming, straws and spheres were directly immersed in 3 ml of INRA-96 at 43°C. Total (TM, %) and progressive motility (PM, %) were objectively evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis and plasma membrane integrity (PMI, %) by epifluorescence microscopy. Results showed the straw method resulted in significantly higher values than spheres for: TM (54.7% ± 10.1 vs. 28.6% ± 6.5) and PM (44.2% ± 9.4 vs. 17.7% ± 6.4), but no significant differences were found between straws or spheres for PMI (31.5 ± 10.7 vs. 41.6 ± 14.3) respectively. In conclusion, donkey sperm could be vitrified in straws obtaining better sperm motility parameters after warming in comparison to the sphere method.

Comparison of different sucrose-based extenders for stallion sperm vitrification in straws.

Vitrification of sperm is based on high-speed freezing by direct exposure to liquid nitrogen using non-permeable cryoprotectants, mainly disaccharides; yet, the concentration of cryoprotectants has a species-specific effect on the sperm cell. The aim of this study was to assess different sucrose concentrations for stallion sperm vitrification. Semen samples (n = 9) were collected from three stallions, centrifuged and resuspended to a concentration of 50 × 106  sperm/ml in a base extender (INRA96 + 1% of bovine serum albumin) with three different sucrose concentrations (Molar): 20 mM (S1), 100 mM (S2), or 200 mM (S3). Then, sperm were filled in covered 0.25 ml straws and directly plunged into liquid nitrogen. For warming, 0.25 ml straw was pulled out the covering straw and immersed in 3 ml of INRA96 at 43°C, with gentle pipetting to accelerate the melting. Total (TM, %) and progressive sperm motility (PM, %) were analysed using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Plasma (PMI, %) and acrosome membrane integrity (AIS, %) were assessed under epifluorescence microscopy. Post-warmed sperm parameters were compared between treatments by ANOVA. S2 showed significantly higher values in comparison with S1 and S3 for TM (S2 = 54.7 ± 5.5a ; S1 = 29.1 ± 3.3b ; S3 = 28.6 ± 3.0b ; p < 0.001) and PM (S2 = 31.3 ± 3.8a ; S1 = 18.5 ± 2.6b ; S3 = 17.7 ± 2.9b ; p < 0.01), respectively. No significant differences were found among treatments for PMI (S2 = 70.3 ± 5.2; S1 = 67.4 ± 4.3; S3 = 70.0 ± 3.7) neither for AIS (S2 = 57.1 ± 3.9; S1 = 53.9 ± 4.2; S3 = 57.0 ± 7.9). In conclusion, a concentration of 100 mM sucrose is recommended for stallion sperm vitrification in straws.

Radiotherapy volume delineation using 18F-FDG-PET/CT modifies gross node volume in patients with oesophageal cancer.

PURPOSE: Evidence supporting the use of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the segmentation process of oesophageal cancer for radiotherapy planning is limited. Our aim was to compare the volumes and tumour lengths defined by fused PET/CT vs. CT simulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients were analyzed. All patients underwent a single PET/CT simulation scan. Two separate GTVs were defined: one based on CT data alone and another based on fused PET/CT data. Volume sizes for both data sets were compared and the spatial overlap was assessed by the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). RESULTS: The gross tumour volume (GTVtumour) and maximum tumour diameter were greater by PET/CT, and length of primary tumour was greater by CT, but differences were not statistically significant. However, the gross node volume (GTVnode) was significantly greater by PET/CT. The DSC analysis showed excellent agreement for GTVtumour, 0.72, but was very low for GTVnode, 0.25. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the volume definition by PET/CT and CT data differs. CT simulation, without taking into account PET/CT information, might leave cancer-involved nodes out of the radiotherapy-delineated volumes.

Properties of antibacterial nano textile for use in hospital environments / Propiedades del nanotextil antibacteriano para su uso en entornosm hospitalarios / Propriedades do nano têxtil antibacteriano para seu uso em meios hospitalares

Abstract In hospital environments, there are several problems related to Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), contaminated hospital textiles, can contribute to the spread and transmission of (HAIs), due to retention of viruses and bacteria. The antibacterial metallic nanoparticles immersed in hospital textiles can allow reduction of microorganisms. This paper presents a technological surveillance of the principal properties of antibacterial nanotextiles to be used in hospital environments, based on international standards. Initially, the search equation was determined for "antibacterial" AND "nanoparticle." Subsequently, the main properties were selected, by means of a multiple authors' review. Afterwards, the properties were related to international standards. Finally, we present the results found associated to the materials used to develop nonwoven textiles, and their properties for hospital environments, the sizes of samples and also the equipment required for characterization.

Resumen En los ambientes hospitalarios, existen varios problemas relacionados con las infecciones asociadas a la atención de la salud (HAI, por sus siglas en inglés), los tejidos hospitalarios contaminados, pueden contribuir a la propagación y transmisión de los HAIs, debido a la retención de virus y bacterias. Las nanopartículas metálicas antibacterianas sumergidas en tejidos hospitalarios permiten reducir los microorganismos. Este documento presenta una vigilancia tecnológica de las principales propiedades del nanotextil antibacteriano para uso en ambientes hospitalarios, basados en estándares internacionales. Inicialmente, la ecuación de búsqueda se determinó "antibacteriano" Y "nanopartícula". Posteriormente, se seleccionaron las principales propiedades, mediante la revisión de diferentes autores. Luego, las propiedades se relacionaron con los estándares internacionales. Finalmente, se presentan los resultados encontrados asociados a los materiales utilizados para el desarrollo de materiales no tejidos y sus propiedades para ambientes hospitalarios, tamaños de muestras y también el equipo necesario para la caracterización.

Resumo Nos ambientes hospitaleiros, existem vários problemas relacionados com as infecções associadas à atenção da saúde (HAI), os tecidos hospitalários contaminados, podem contribuir à propagação e transmissão dos HAIs, devido à retenção de vírus e bactérias. As nano partículas metálicas antibacterianas submergidas em tecidos hospitalários permitem reduzir os microorganismos. Este documento apresenta uma vigilância tecnológica das principais propriedades do nano têxtil antibacteriano para uso em ambientes hospitalários, baseados em padrões internacionais. Inicialmente, a equação de busca determinou-se "antibacteriano" e "nano partícula". Posteriormente, selecionaram-se as principais propriedades, mediante a revisão de diferentes autores. Posteriormente, as propriedades relacionaram-se com os padrões internacionais. Finalmente, apresentam-se os resultados encontrados associados aos materiais utilizados para o desenvolvimento de tecidos não tecidos e suas propriedades para ambientes hospitaleiros, tamanhos de amostras e também a equipe necessária para a caracterização.

Effect of different extenders for donkey sperm vitrification in straws.

Aseptic vitrification of semen samples packed in straws has been successfully developed in human but not in donkeys. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two extenders for donkey sperm vitrification using straws. Ejaculates from four Andalusian donkeys were collected, and samples were extended in INRA-96 (I) or Gent (G) supplemented with sucrose 0.25 M and 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA). Extended samples were cooled for one hour at 5°C. For vitrification, samples were filled in covered 0.25 ml straws and then plunged directly into liquid nitrogen. For warming, straws were immersed in INRA-96 at 43°C. Results showed no significant differences between I and G treatments for TM (34.2% ± 8.7 vs. 30.7% ± 9.6) and PM (26.8% ± 7.3 vs. 24.6% ± 7.9), respectively. In conclusion, donkey sperm could be vitrified in straws either with INRA-96 or with Gent in combination with sucrose and BSA.

Diabetes gestacional. Diagnóstico y tratamiento en el primer nivel de atención / Gestational diabetes mellitus. Diagnosis and treatment in the first level of care

Resumen La diabetes mellitus gestacional se define como cualquier intolerancia a los carbohidratos diagnosticada durante el embarazo. La prevalencia de esta enfermedad es aproximadamente de 2 a 5% de los embarazos normales y depende de la prevalencia de la población a la diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Se asocia con resultados adversos para la madre, el feto, el recién nacido, el niño y los hijos adultos de madre diabética. La detección de la diabetes mellitus gestacional está en el cribado, realizado como sea necesario a través de medidas de diagnóstico. La poroyección puede ser selectiva, basada en la estratificación del riesgo o ser universal. Las pruebas oportunas permiten al médico obstetra evaluar la tolerancia de la glucosa relacionada con el estado resistente a la insulina del embarazo y permite iniciar el tratamiento antes de que ocurra el crecimiento fetal excesivo. Una vez que se estableció el diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus gestacional se justifica la estrecha vigilancia perinatal. El objetivo del tratamiento es reducir la morbilidad y mortalidad materno-fetal relacionadas con la enfermedad. Los valores exactos necesarios de glucosa todavía no están demostrados de manera absoluta. La decisión de inducir el parto y cuándo depende de la edad gestacional, el peso fetal estimado, el control de la glucemia materna y la puntuación obispo. Se necesitan investigaciones futuras en materia de prevención de diabetes mellitus gestacional, los objetivos del tratamiento y eficacia de las intervenciones, las directrices en la atención del embarazo y la prevención de las secuelas metabólicas a largo plazo para el niño y la madre.

Abstract Gestational diabetes mellitus is defined as any carbohydrate intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy. The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus is about 2-5% of normal pregnancies and depends of the prevalence of same population to diabetes mellitus type 2. It is associated with adverse outcome for the mother, the fetus, neonate, child and adult offspring of the diabetic mother. Detection of gestational diabetes mellitus lies on screening, followed as necessary by diagnostic measures. Screening can either be selective, based upon risk stratification or universal. Timely testing enables the obstetrician to assess glucose tolerance in the presence of the insulin-resistant state of pregnancy and permits treatment to begin before excessive fetal growth has occurred. Once a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus was made close perinatal surveillance is warranted. The goal of treatment is reducing fetal-maternal morbidity and mortality related with gestational diabetes mellitus. The exact glucose values needed are still not absolutely proved. The decision whether and when to induce delivery depends on gestational age, estimated fetal weight, maternal glycemic control and bishop score. Future research is needed regarding prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus, treatment goals and effectiveness of interventions, guidelines for pregnancy care and prevention of long term metabolic sequel for both the infant and the mother.

Association between late-onset hypogonadism syndrome plus metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer and its aggressiveness. / Asociación del síndrome de hipogonadismo tardío y síndrome metabólico con el cáncer de próstata y su agresividad.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between prostate cancer (PC) and the presence of metabolic syndrome and late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted on 686 patients who underwent prostate biopsy. We analysed the demographic variables, clinical data and biopsy results. To diagnose metabolic syndrome, we employed the criteria of the American Heart Association. For the diagnosis of LOH syndrome, we employed the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male questionnaire and testosterone levels (TT). We evaluated the relationship between free testosterone (FT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT) on one hand and PC and its aggressiveness on the other, as well as the usefulness of the TT to prostate specific antigen (TT/PSA) ratio in the PC diagnosis. RESULTS: The patient's median age was 65 years. Metabolic syndrome is not associated with PC (39.4% vs. 35%; P=.1) but is associated with a PC Gleason score >7 (50.4% vs. 29.44%; P=.002). LOH, low FT and low BT are associated with an increased presence of PC (51% vs. 35%, P=.02; 44.86% vs. 33.33%, P=.03; and 46.46% vs. 33.08%, P=.01, respectively) and with an increased probability of a PC Gleason score >7 (61.54% vs. 37.5%, P=.02; 54.17% vs. 34.12%, P=.02; 54.35% vs. 34.48%, P=.02, respectively). Additionally, the median TT/PSA ratio was significantly lower in patients with positive biopsies (P=.022). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome was not associated with the probability of having PC but was associated with a PC Gleason score >7. Moreover, LOH syndrome had a higher percentage of PC and a greater presence of PC Gleason scores >7, as did low levels of FT and low levels of BT.

Guía de manejo para las fístulas enterocutáneas / Enterocutaneous fístula management guideline

La fístula enterocutánea (FE) es una patología de difícil manejo que requiere la intervención de un equipo multidisciplinario . El objetivo del estudio es recopilar y revisar la mejor y más reciente información sobre la presentación clínica, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la FE y dar recomendaciones para su manejo basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible.

Enterocutaneous Fistula (EF) is a challenging pathology that requires a multdisciplinary approach. The aim of this study was to gather and review thebest available evidence about clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of EF in order to provide evidence-based recommendatons.

Poly(ε-caprolactone) films with favourable properties for neural cell growth.

The regeneration of brain tissue is one of the major challenges in regenerative medicine due to the lack of viable grafts to support the re-growth of functional tissue after a traumatic injury. The development of biocompatible and biodegradable structures with appropriate morphology for the interaction with neural tissue is required. The objective pursued in this work is to develop a biodegradable 2D scaffold structure for neural tissue engineering. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was the selected material due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability in the long term. PCL (15%w/w) was dissolved in N-methylpyrrolidone and the film was fabricated by phase inversion casting technique employing ethanol and isopropanol as coagulation baths. The physical structure, morphology and topography of the flat scaffolds were characterized using different techniques. The two different scaffolds presented homogeneous structure with high porosity (higher than 85%), contact angles higher than 90(o), high roughness (Ra> 0.6 µm) and superficial pore sizes of 0.7 and 1.7 µm, respectively. Permeance tests showed high water permeabilities (~350-590 mL m(-1) bar(-1) h(-1)) indicative of promising nutrients supply to the cells. Finally, in vitro human glioblastoma cells cultures after 48 hours showed good cell attachment, proliferation and penetration in the scaffolds. Detailed evaluation of the interaction between the surface morphology and the properties of the scaffolds with the cell response has been done. Thus, the PCL films herein fabricated show promising results as scaffolds for neural tissue regeneration.

Aneurysmal degeneration of the inflow artery after arteriovenous access for hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVES: After arteriovenous fistula creation, the arterial flow increase can lead to aneurysmal degeneration, even increased after fistula ligation or renal transplant immunosuppression. The aim of this study is to describe the therapeutic options and outcomes of true aneurysms of the inflow artery after arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of patients with true aneurysmal degeneration of the inflow artery after fistula creation (excluding pseudoaneuryms, anastomotic or infected aneurysms, or surgical complications), surgically repaired between January 2010 and February 2014 (cohort study) have been included. Patient demographics and access characteristics, symptoms, treatment, and follow-up have been reviewed. RESULTS: 12 patients (75% men, median age 63 years) were treated for aneurysmal degeneration of the axillary (1), brachial (6), or radial (5) artery. They had had a previous distal arteriovenous fistula (7 radiocephalic, 3 brachiocephalic, 2 brachiobasilic) created 15.6 years before (range 9.9-28.5) and the majority of them were currently ligated or thrombosed. Most patients were symptomatic (pain [6], distal embolization [1]). They were treated by means of a bypass (using the cephalic [3], basilic [4], or saphenous vein [2]), direct ligature (2), or excision with end-to-end reconstruction (1). No major complications or ischemic symptoms occurred before discharge. After a median follow-up of 8.6 months (3.1-36.5), one patient needed re-operation for new proximal brachial aneurysmal degeneration, and another presented with an asymptomatic post-traumatic thrombosis of the proximal axillary artery and brachial bypass. No other complications, bypass dilatation or ischemic symptoms occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Inflow artery aneurysmal degeneration can occur after long-term arteriovenous access. Surgical treatment by autogenous bypass exclusion in most cases (or ligation or end-to-end reconstructions in selected cases) is a safe and effective option.

Analytical performance of three commonly used extraction methods for the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of wine volatile compounds.

The analytical performance of three extraction procedures based on cold liquid-liquid extraction using dicloromethane (LLE), solid phase extraction (SPE) using a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) using a carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane coated fibre has been evaluated based on the analysis of 30 representative wine volatile compounds. From the comparison of the three procedures, LLE and SPE showed very good linearity covering a wide range of concentrations of wine volatile compounds, low detection limits, high recovery for most of the volatile compounds under study and higher sensitivity compared to the headspace-SPME procedure. The latter showed in general, poor recovery for polar volatile compounds. Despite some drawbacks associated with the LLE and SPE procedures such as the more tedious sampling treatment and the use of organic solvents, the analytical performance of both procedures showed that they are more adequate for the analysis of wine volatiles.