Control compounds for preclinical drug-induced liver injury assessment: Consensus-driven systematic review by the ProEuroDILI network.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a complex and unpredictable event caused by drugs, and herbal or dietary supplements. Early identification of human hepatotoxicity at preclinical stages remains a major challenge, in which the selection of validated in vitro systems and test drugs has a significant impact. In this systematic review, we analyzed the compounds used in hepatotoxicity assays and established a list of DILI-positive and -negative control drugs for validation of in vitro models of DILI, supported by literature and clinical evidence and endorsed by an expert committee from the COST Action ProEuroDILI Network (CA17112). METHODS: Following 2020 PRISMA guidelines, original research articles focusing on DILI which used in vitro human models and performed at least one hepatotoxicity assay with positive and negative control compounds, were included. Bias of the studies was assessed by a modified 'Toxicological Data Reliability Assessment Tool'. RESULTS: A total of 51 studies (out of 2,936) met the inclusion criteria, with 30 categorized as reliable without restrictions. Although there was a broad consensus on positive compounds, the selection of negative compounds lacked clarity. 2D monoculture, short exposure times and cytotoxicity endpoints were the most tested, although there was no consensus on drug concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive analysis highlighted the lack of agreement on control compounds for in vitro DILI assessment. Following comprehensive in vitro and clinical data analysis together with input from the expert committee, an evidence-based consensus-driven list of 10 positive and negative control drugs for validation of in vitro models of DILI is proposed. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Prediction of human toxicity early in the drug development process remains a major challenge, necessitating the development of more physiologically relevant liver models and careful selection of drug-induced liver injury (DILI)-positive and -negative control drugs to better predict the risk of DILI associated with new drug candidates. Thus, this systematic study has crucial implications for standardizing the validation of new in vitro models of DILI. By establishing a consensus-driven list of positive and negative control drugs, the study provides a scientifically justified framework for enhancing the consistency of preclinical testing, thereby addressing a significant challenge in early hepatotoxicity identification. Practically, these findings can guide researchers in evaluating safety profiles of new drugs, refining in vitro models, and informing regulatory agencies on potential improvements to regulatory guidelines, ensuring a more systematic and efficient approach to drug safety assessment.

A Smartphone App for Real-Time Assessment of Malaria Prophylaxis Adverse Events.

Background: Growth of international travel to malarial areas over the last decades has contributed to more travelers taking malaria prophylaxis. Travel-related symptoms may be wrongly attributed to malaria prophylaxis and hinder compliance. Here, we aimed to assess the frequency of real-time reporting of symptoms by travelers following malaria prophylaxis using a smartphone app. Method: Adult international travelers included in this single-center study (Barcelona, Spain) used the smartphone Trip Doctor® app developed by our group for real-time tracking of symptoms and adherence to prophylaxis. Results: Six hundred four (n = 604) international travelers were included in the study; 74.3% (449) used the app daily, and for one-quarter of travelers, malaria prophylaxis was prescribed. Participants from the prophylaxis group traveled more to Africa (86.7% vs. 4.3%; p < 0.01) and to high travel medical risk countries (60.8% vs. 18%; p < 0.01) and reported more immunosuppression (30.8% vs. 23.1% p < 0.01). Regarding symptoms, no significant intergroup differences were observed, and no relationship was found between the total number of malarial pills taken and reported symptoms. Conclusions: In our cohort, the number of symptoms due to malaria prophylaxis was not significantly higher than in participants for whom prophylaxis was not prescribed, and the overall proportion of symptoms is higher compared with other studies.

Safety, Efficacy, and Cost-effectiveness of Outpatient Surgery for Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis: The PENDI-CSI Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of outpatient appendectomy in patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. BACKGROUND: Given that acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen, the introduction of outpatient appendectomy protocols could significantly improve the effectiveness and sustainability of health care systems. METHODS: A total of 300 patients were enrolled from October 2018 to June 2021 in the PENDI-CSI randomized clinical trial: 149 were assigned to the outpatient surgery (OPS) group and 151 to the inpatient surgery (IPS) group, followed by 1 month postoperatively. All patients were aged older than 14 years and had uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, neoplasms, inflammatory bowel disease, and high anesthetic risk (ASA IV). The OPS group was discharged from the postanesthesia care unit while the IPS group was admitted. RESULTS: In total, 128 patients in the OPS group (85.9%) were discharged without admission. Predictors whether patients in the OPS group had to be admitted were aged over 31 years [relative risk (RR): 2.42 (1.04-5.65)], hypertension [RR: 6.21 (3.22-11.97)], anesthetic risk II-III [RR: 2.63 (1.17-5.94)], previous abdominal surgery [RR: 3.34 (1.55-7.20)], postoperative pain with visual analog scale >6 [RR: 4.28 (2.67-6.86)], and postoperative fear [RR: 2.2 (1.04-4.67)]. There were no differences in terms of complications, readmissions, and reinterventions, and the perceived quality was similar in both groups. The outpatient modality produced savings of €1 034.97 per patient ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient appendectomy is safe and effective for uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Patient-perceived quality is similar to that of IPS, although it successfully reduces hospital costs compared with inpatient appendectomy.

Management of a hydatid cyst in a center with high prevalence. Descriptive series.

Hydatidosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the genus Echinococcus. Humans are an accidental intermediate host. The main organ affected is the liver (70%). The incidence increases in endemic regions such as North Africa, Eastern Europe and South America. We present a descriptive series of cases treated in our hospital in the last 5 years. Demographic variables, cyst characteristics, as well as preoperative and postoperative variables are collected.

Socio-economic inequalities in lung cancer mortality in Spain: a nation-wide study using area-based deprivation.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer mortality worldwide and in Spain. Several previous studies have documented socio-economic inequalities in lung cancer mortality but these have focused on specific provinces or cities. The goal of this study was to describe lung cancer mortality in Spain by sex as a function of socio-economic deprivation. METHODS: We analysed all registered deaths from lung cancer during the period 2011-2017 in Spain. Mortality data was obtained from the National Institute of Statistics, and socio-economic level was measured with the small-area deprivation index developed by the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, with the census tract of residence at the time of death as the unit of analysis. We computed crude and age-standardized rates per 100,000 inhabitants by sex, deprivation quintile, and type of municipality (rural, semi-rural, urban) considering the 2013 European standard population (ASR-E). We further calculated ASR-E ratios between the most deprived (Q5) and the least deprived (Q1) areas and mapped census tract smoothed standardized lung cancer mortality ratios by sex. RESULTS: We observed 148,425 lung cancer deaths (80.7% in men), with 73.5 deaths per 100,000 men and 17.1 deaths per 100,000 women. Deaths from lung cancer in men were five times more frequent than in women (ASR-E ratio = 5.3). Women residing in the least deprived areas had higher mortality from lung cancer (ASR-E = 22.2), compared to women residing in the most deprived areas (ASR-E = 13.2), with a clear gradient among the quintiles of deprivation. For men, this pattern was reversed, with the highest mortality occurring in areas of lower socio-economic level (ASR-E = 99.0 in Q5 vs. ASR-E = 86.6 in Q1). These socio-economic inequalities remained fairly stable over time and across urban and rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economic status is strongly related to lung cancer mortality, showing opposite patterns in men and women, such that mortality is highest in women residing in the least deprived areas and men residing in the most deprived areas. Systematic surveillance of lung cancer mortality by socio-economic status may facilitate the assessment of public health interventions aimed at mitigating cancer inequalities in Spain.

Policy Analysis of CO2 Capture and Sequestration with Anaerobic Digestion for Transportation Fuel Production.

Low carbon fuel and waste management policies at the federal and state levels have catalyzed the construction of California's wet anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities. Wet ADs can digest food waste and dairy manure to produce compressed natural gas (CNG) for natural gas vehicles or electricity for electric vehicles (EVs). Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) of CO2 generated from AD reduces the fuel carbon intensity by carbon removal in addition to avoided methane emissions. Using a combined lifecycle and techno-economic analysis, we determine the most cost-effective design under current and forthcoming federal and state low carbon fuel policies. Under many scenarios, designs that convert biogas to electricity for EVs (Biogas to EV) are favored; however, CCS is only cost-effective in these systems with policy incentives that exceed $200/tonne of CO2 captured. Adding CCS to CNG-producing systems (Biogas to CNG) only requires a single unit operation to prepare the CO2 for sequestration, with a sequestration cost of $34/tonne. When maximizing negative emissions is the goal, incentives are needed to either (1) fund CCS with Biogas to EV designs or (2) favor CNG over electricity production from wet AD facilities.

Medication Assessment in an Older Population during Acute Care Hospitalization and Its Effect on the Anticholinergic Burden: A Prospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Anticholinergic and sedative drugs (ASDs) contribute to negative health outcomes, especially in the frail population. In this study, we aimed to assess whether frailty increases with anticholinergic burden and to evaluate the effects of medication reviews (MRs) on ASD regimens among patients attending an acute care for the elderly (ACE) unit. (2) Methods: A cohort study was conducted between June 2019 and October 2020 with 150 consecutive patients admitted to our ACE unit. Demographic, clinical, and pharmacological data were assessed. Frailty score was determined using the Frail-VIG index (FI-VIG), and ASD burden was quantified using the drug burden index (DBI). In addition, the MR was performed using the patient-centered prescription (PCP) model. We used a paired T-test to compare the DBI pre- and post-MR and univariate and multivariate regression to identify the factors associated with frailty. (3) Results: Overall, 85.6% (n = 128) of participants showed some degree of frailty (FI-VIG > 0.20) and 84% (n = 126) of patients received treatment with ASDs upon admission (pre-MR). As the degree of frailty increased, so did the DBI (p < 0.001). After the implementation of the MR through the application of the PCP model, a reduction in the DBI was noted (1.06 ± 0.8 versus 0.95 ± 0.7) (p < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, the association between frailty and the DBI was apparent (OR: 11.42, 95% (CI: 2.77-47.15)). (4) Conclusions: A higher DBI was positively associated with frailty. The DBI decreased significantly in frail patients after a personalized MR. Thus, MRs focusing on ASDs are crucial for frail older patients.

Cost and Life Cycle Emissions of Ethanol Produced with an Oxyfuel Boiler and Carbon Capture and Storage.

Decarbonization of transportation fuels represents one of the most vexing challenges for climate change mitigation. Biofuels derived from corn starch have offered modest life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions over fossil fuels. Here we show that capture and storage of CO2 emissions from corn ethanol fermentation achieves ∼58% reduction in the GHG intensity (CI) of ethanol at a levelized cost of 52 $/tCO2e abated. The integration of an oxyfuel boiler enables further CO2 capture at modest cost. This system yields a 75% reduction in CI to 15 gCO2e/MJ at a minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) of $2.24/gallon ($0.59/L), a $0.31/gallon ($0.08/L) increase relative to the baseline no intervention case. The levelized cost of carbon abatement is 84 $/tCO2e. Sensitivity analysis reveals that carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative ethanol can be achieved when oxyfuel carbon capture is stacked with low-CI alternatives to grid power and fossil natural gas. Conservatively, fermentation and oxyfuel CCS can reduce the CI of conventional ethanol by a net 44-50 gCO2/MJ. Full implementation of interventions explored in the sensitivity analysis would reduce CI by net 79-85 gCO2/MJ. Integrated oxyfuel and fermentation CCS is shown to be cost-effective under existing U.S. policy, offering near-term abatement opportunities.

Association of socioeconomic deprivation with life expectancy and all-cause mortality in Spain, 2011-2013.

Life tables summarise a population's mortality experience during a time period. Sex- and age-specific life tables are needed to compute various cancer survival measures. However, mortality rates vary according to socioeconomic status. We present sex- and age-specific life tables based on socioeconomic status at the census tract level in Spain during 2011-2013 that will allow estimating cancer relative survival estimates and life expectancy measures by socioeconomic status. Population and mortality data were obtained from the Spanish Statistical Office. Socioeconomic level was measured using the Spanish Deprivation Index by census tract. We produced sex- and age-specific life expectancies at birth by quintiles of deprivation, and life tables by census tract and province. Life expectancy at birth was higher among women than among men. Women and men in the most deprived census tracts in Spain lived 3.2 and 3.8 years less than their counterparts in the least deprived areas. A higher life expectancy in the northern regions of Spain was discovered. Life expectancy was higher in provincial capitals than in rural areas. We found a significant life expectancy gap and geographical variation by sex and socioeconomic status in Spain. The gap was more pronounced among men than among women. Understanding the association between life expectancy and socioeconomic status could help in developing appropriate public health programs. Furthermore, the life tables we produced are needed to estimate cancer specific survival measures by socioeconomic status. Therefore, they are important for cancer control in Spain.

Lung Recruitment Maneuvers Assessment by Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

The use of recruitment maneuvers (RMs) is suggested to improve severe oxygenation failure in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a non-invasive, safe, and easily repeatable tool. It could be used to monitor the lung recruitment process in real-time. This paper aims to evaluate bedside LUS for assessing PEEP-induced pulmonary reaeration during RMs in pediatric patients. A case of a child with severe ARDS due to Haemophilus influenzae infection is presented. Due to his poor clinical, laboratory, and radiological evolution, he was placed on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Despite all measures, severe pulmonary collapse prevented proper improvement. Thus, RMs were indicated, and bedside LUS was successfully used for monitoring and assessing lung recruitment. The initial lung evaluation before the maneuver showed a tissue pattern characterized by a severe loss of lung aeration with dynamic air bronchograms and multiple coalescent B-lines. While raising a PEEP of 30 mmH2O, LUS showed the presence of A-lines, which was considered a predictor of reaeration in response to the recruitment maneuver. The LUS pattern could be used to assess modifications in the lung aeration, evaluate the effectiveness of RMs, and prevent lung overdistension.

Neurodegeneration and astrogliosis in the entorhinal cortex in Alzheimer's disease: Stereological layer-specific assessment and proteomic analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The entorhinal cortex is among the earliest areas involved in Alzheimer's disease. Volume reduction and neural loss in this area have been widely reported. Human entorhinal cortex atrophy is, in part, due to neural loss, but microglial and/or astroglial involvement in the different layers remains unclear. Additionally, -omic approaches in the human entorhinal cortex are scarce. METHODS: Herein, stereological layer-specific and proteomic analyses were carried out in the human brain. RESULTS: Neurodegeneration, microglial reduction, and astrogliosis have been demonstrated, and proteomic data have revealed relationships with up- (S100A6, PPP1R1B, BAG3, and PRDX6) and downregulated (GSK3B, SYN1, DLG4, and RAB3A) proteins. Namely, clusters of these proteins were related to synaptic, neuroinflammatory, and oxidative stress processes. DISCUSSION: Differential layer involvement among neural and glial populations determined by proteinopathies and identified proteins related to neurodegeneration and astrogliosis could explain how the cortical circuitry facilitates pathological spreading within the medial temporal lobe.

Socio-Economic Inequalities in Lung Cancer Outcomes: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

In the past decade, evidence has accumulated about socio-economic inequalities in very diverse lung cancer outcomes. To better understand the global effects of socio-economic factors in lung cancer, we conducted an overview of systematic reviews. Four databases were searched for systematic reviews reporting on the relationship between measures of socio-economic status (SES) (individual or area-based) and diverse lung cancer outcomes, including epidemiological indicators and diagnosis- and treatment-related variables. AMSTAR-2 was used to assess the quality of the selected systematic reviews. Eight systematic reviews based on 220 original studies and 8 different indicators were identified. Compared to people with a high SES, people with a lower SES appear to be more likely to develop and die from lung cancer. People with lower SES also have lower cancer survival, most likely due to the lower likelihood of receiving both traditional and next-generation treatments, higher rates of comorbidities, and the higher likelihood of being admitted as emergency. People with a lower SES are generally not diagnosed at later stages, but this may change after broader implementation of lung cancer screening, as early evidence suggests that there may be socio-economic inequalities in its use.

Geographical Distribution of Access to Healthcare in Patients Diagnosed with Hypospadias / Distribución geográfica del acceso a la asistencia sanitaria en pacientes con diagnóstico de hipospadias

Objective Hypospadias is a congenital disease of unknown etiology involving multiple epigenetic, genetic, and endocrinological factors. It is a highly incapacitating condition. Its surgical management is one of the most frequent surgical procedures done by pediatric urologists. Furthermore, the geographical distribution and healthcare access is limited in Colombia. The Colombian Ministry of Health has consolidated a nationwide registry called Integrated Social Protection Information System (SISPRO, in the Spanish acronym) to collect comprehensive information on the use and frequency of resources associated with health care in Colombia. The aim of the present study was to analyze the number of cases reported between 2014 and 2018 and the geographical distribution of access to healthcare of patients with hypospadias in Colombia. Methods An observational, retrospective study of hypospadias in Colombia, 2014­ 2018, was performed using data extracted from the Individual Health Records System (RIPS) in SISPRO. Satscan, version 9.6 was used to perform a distribution analysis of the georeferenced population using a Poisson model. To visualize the results, the software projected the result onto a Google Earth map. Results Between January 2014 and December 2018, a total of 8,990 cases of hypospadias were evaluated in Colombia. The geographical distribution in the national territory has areas with high evaluation rates. On average, the departments in which the majority of cases were evaluated during the study period were Bogotá, D.C., Antioquia, and Valle del Cauca (2,196, 1,818 and 1,151 cases, respectively). The statistical analysis of the space exploration (►Fig. 1) identified the area with the highest concentration of cases (red) and the areas in which the lowest number of patients was evaluated (blue). The geographical distribution showed increasing trends in areas near the center of the country, especially in the cities of Bogotá, Cali, Ibagué, and Pereira. Conclusion There is a greater concentration of cases evaluated in the center of the country, where the cities with better access to subspecialized medical care are located. This highlights inequalities in health services and the opportunity for surgical care among regions of the country. If we consider that the prevalence rates of hypospadias remain stable, 87% of the patients with hypospadias will not be evaluated by a subspecialist.

Objetivo Hipospadias es una enfermedad congénita de etiología desconocida que involucra múltiples factores epigenéticos, genéticos y endocrinológicos. Es una condición sumamente incapacitante. Su manejo quirúrgico es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos más frecuentes realizados por urólogos pediátricos. Además, la distribución geográfica y el acceso a la atención médica son limitados en Colombia. El Ministerio de Salud de Colombia ha consolidado un registro a nivel nacional denominado Sistema Integrado de Información de Protección Social (SISPRO) para recopilar información integral sobre el uso y frecuencia de los recursos asociados a la atención de la salud en Colombia. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar el número de casos notificados entre 2014 y 2018 y la distribución geográfica del acceso a la atención médica por los pacientes con hipospadias en Colombia. Métodos Se realizó un estudio observacional y retrospectivo de hipospadias en Colombia, 2014-2018, utilizando datos extraídos del Sistema de Registros Sanitarios Individuales (RIPS) en SISPRO. Se usó Satscan, versión 9.6 para realizar un análisis de distribución de la población georreferenciada usando un modelo de Poisson. Para visualizar los resultados, el software proyectó el resultado en un mapa de Google Earth. Resultados Entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2018, se evaluaron un total de 8.990 casos de hipospadias en Colombia. La distribución geográfica en el territorio nacional tiene áreas con mayor concentración de la atención de pacientes con hipospadias, al igual que áreas sin atención de esta condicion. En promedio, los departamentos donde se evaluaron la mayoría de los casos durante el período de estudio fueron Bogotá, D.C., Antioquia, y Valle del Cauca (439.2, 363.6, y 230.2, respectivamente). El análisis estadístico de la exploración espacial ([Figura 1]) identificó el área con la mayor concentración de casos (rojo) y las áreas donde se evaluó el menor número de pacientes (azul). La distribución geográfica mostró tendencias crecientes en áreas cercanas al centro del país, especialmente en las ciudades de Bogotá, Cali, Ibagué y Pereira. Conclusiones Existe una mayor concentración de casos evaluados en el centro del país, donde se encuentran las ciudades con un mejor acceso a atención médica subespecializada. Esto pone de relieve las desigualdades en el acceso a los servicios de salud y la oportunidad de atención quirúrgica entre las regiones del país. Si consideramos que las tasas de prevalencia de hipospadias permanecen estables, aproximadamente el 87% de los pacientes con hipospadias no serán evaluados por un subespecialista.

[Study protocol on Socioeconomic and Geographic Inequalities in Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Survival in Spain: Multilevel Population-Base Study: DESOCANES study]. / Protocolo del Estudio Poblacional Multinivel de las Desigualdades Socioeconómicas en la Distribución Geográfica de la Incidencia, la Mortalidad y la Supervivencia Neta del Cáncer en España: Estudio DESOCANES.

Incidence and mortality provide information on the burden of cancer morbidity and the potential years of life lost due to cancer. The Spanish Deprivation Index (SDI) has been developed as a standardized measure to study socioeconomic deprivation in Spain at the census tract level. In addition, SDI information can be combined with ecological variables at the population level and data from the High-Resolution European Studies in Cancer. The aim of this study is to characterize socioeconomic inequalities in incidence, excess mortality, premature mortality and net survival for three of the most incident cancers (lung, colon-rectum and breast) in Spain using the SDI. This national population-based study will assess the impact of socioeconomic inequalities using a multilevel modelling approach. Spatial analysis, multilevel modeling, net survival and economic impact assessment will be used. The results will be useful for supporting decision-making, planning, and management of public health interventions aimed at reducing the impact of socioeconomic inequalities in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients in Spain.

Análisis comparativo de las pautas del consejo de organizaciones internacionales de ciencias médicas (CIOMS)2016. (Parte 3 de 3) / Comparative analysis of the standards of the council of international organizations of medical sciences (CIOMS)2016. (Part 3 of 3)

El este tercer trabajo se presenta el análisis comparativo de las últimas pautas de CIOMS 2016, realizado por estudiantes de la VI Cohorte de la Maestría en Bioética como parte de la evaluación de la asignatura Bioética e Investigación. En estas pautas se abordan de forma novedosa temas tan importantes como la investigación en grupos vulnerables, en situaciones de desastre y brotes de enfermedades de orden natural o creadas por el hombre e investigaciones con conglomerados, así como la compensación por daños, manejo de datos cuando se utiliza el entorno virtual y herramientas digitales y el conflicto de interés, lo cual proporcionará a los investigadores un aporte en su formación y una rápida adaptación a la nueva propuesta CIOMS(AU)

In this third work, the comparative analysis of the latest CIOMS 2016 guidelines, carried out by students of the VI Cohort of the Master in Bioethics, as part of the evaluation of the subject Bioethics and Research is presented. These guidelines deal in a novel way with important issues such as research in vulnerable groups in situations of disaster and outbreaks of natural or man-made diseases and investigations with clusters, as well as compensation for damages, data management when the virtual environment and digital tools and the conflict of interest are used, which will provide researchers with a contribution in their training and a rapid adaptation to the new CIOMS proposal(AU)

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Colorectal Cancer Survival in Southern Spain: A Multilevel Population-Based Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Spain. Socioeconomic inequalities in cancer survival are not documented in Spain. We aim to study the association of socioeconomic inequalities with overall mortality and survival among CRC patients in southern Spain. METHODS: We conducted a multilevel population-based cohort study, including CRC cases for the period 2011-2013. The study time-to-event outcome was death, and the primary exposure was CRC patients' socioeconomic status assessed by the Spanish deprivation index at the census tract level. We used a mixed-effects flexible hazard model, including census tract as a random intercept, to derive overall survival estimates by deprivation. RESULTS: Among 3589 CRC patients and 12,148 person-years at risk (pyr), 964 patients died before the end of the follow-up. Mortality by deprivation showed the highest mortality rate for the most deprived group (96.2 per 1000 pyr, 95% CI: 84.0-110.2). After adjusting for sex, age, cancer stage, and the area of residence, the most deprived had a 60% higher excess mortality risk than the less deprived group (excess mortality risk ratio: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3). CONCLUSIONS: We found a consistent association between deprivation and CRC excess mortality and survival. The reasons behind these inequalities need further investigation in order to improve equality cancer outcomes in all social groups.

Deprivation gap in colorectal cancer survival attributable to stage at diagnosis: A population-based study in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: Socioeconomic inequalities in colorectal cancer (CRC) survival are a major concern of the Spanish public health system. If these inequalities were mainly due to differences in stage at diagnosis, population-based screening programs might reduce them substantially. We aimed to determine to what extent adverse stage distribution contributed to survival inequalities in a Spanish region before the implementation of a CRC screening program. METHODS: We analyzed data from a population-based cohort study that included all patients living in a region of southern Spain with CRC diagnosed between 2004 and 2013. The European Deprivation Index was used to assign each patient a socioeconomic level based on their area of residence. The role of tumor stage in survival disparities between socioeconomic groups was assessed using a causal mediation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2802 men and 1957 women were included in the study. For men, the adjusted difference in deaths between the most deprived and the most affluent areas was 131 deaths per 1000 person-years by the first year after diagnosis. Of these deaths, 42 (per 1000 person-years) were attributable to differences in stage at diagnosis. No socioeconomic disparities in survival were detected among female patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we mainly detected socioeconomic disparities in short term survival of male patients. More than two thirds of these inequalities could not be attributed to differences in stage at diagnosis. Our results suggest that in addition to a screening program, other public health interventions are necessary to reduce the deprivation gap in survival.

Pharmaceutical care in hospitalized patients. (Management of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. A new challenge for pharmacy services).

During the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, pharmacy services have  had to adapt their service portfolio, and yet ensure efficient, equitable and  quality pharmaceutical care. Given the limited scientific evidence available, most drugs have been used off-label or in the context of clinical trials, which should be the preferred option in order to create new evidence. Among kind different  situations we have faced are the increase in workload, the expansion of  coverage to new wards and ICUs and shortages, which have caused the use of  alternative drugs and even other routes of administration. Given that covid-19  affects elderly population with greater severity and many of them are  polymedicated, great effort have been focused on monitoring interactions, both  pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (specially prolongation of the QT  interval), monitoring correct concentrations of electrolytes, nutritional support,  adaptation of chemotherapy treatment protocols and anticoagulant  management, among others. The use of personal protective equipment added  difficulty for nursing work and some measures had been taken to minimize the  number of entries into the rooms. Eventually, team's split to guarantee care, the challenge of teleworking, remote validation, telemedicine and telepharmacy for  communication between professionals and patients, as well as training in this pandemic situation have been a challenge for our profession. These  difficulties have risen up new learning opportunities we hope will be useful to us  in the event we have to face similar situations in the future.

La pandemia ocasionada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 ha hecho que los servicios de  farmacia hayan tenido que adaptar su cartera de servicios, y sin embargo  asegurar una atención farmacéutica eficiente, equitativa y de calidad. Dada la  escasa evidencia científica disponible, la mayoría de los medicamentos se han  empleado fuera de indicación o en el contexto de ensayos clínicos, que debería  ser la opción preferente para generar nueva evidencia. Entre las diversas  situaciones que se han tenido que afrontar se encuentran el incremento de  trabajo asistencial, la ampliación de la cobertura a nuevas salas y unidades de  cuidados intensivos y los desabastecimientos, que han ocasionado el uso de  fármacos alternativos e incluso otras vías de administración. Dado que la  COVID-19 afecta con mayor gravedad a población de edad avanzada, muchos de ellos polimedicados, se ha tenido que dedicar un gran esfuerzo al seguimiento de interacciones, tanto farmacocinéticas como farmacodinámicas (en especial,  prolongación del intervalo QT), monitorización de concentraciones correctas de  electrolitos, soporte nutricional, adaptación de pautas de quimioterapia y manejo e los anticoagulantes, entre otros. La dificultad adicional para enfermería de la  administración de medicamentos con equipos de protección individual ha  supuesto la adaptación de formas de administración para minimizar el número  de entradas en las habitaciones. Por último, el fraccionamiento del equipo para  garantizar la atención, el reto del teletrabajo, la validación en remoto, la  telemedicina y la telefarmacia para la comunicación entre profesionales y  pacientes, así como la formación en esta situación de pandemia, han supuesto  un reto para nuestra profesión. Estos desafíos han creado nuevas oportunidades  de aprendizaje que esperemos nos puedan ser de utilidad en el caso de que  tuviéramos que afrontar situaciones semejantes en el futuro.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Testing of the International Sedentary Assessment Tool for the Spanish Population.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is currently considered a public health problem with a high cost of care. Evaluating SB is essential for prevention and early management of physical inactivity. The International Sedentary Assessment Tool (ISAT) is an instrument that has been developed to assess SB. The aim of this study was to carry out a cross-cultural adaptation and a psychometric analysis of the Spanish version of the ISAT. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 432 participants were included in this study. A double forward method and a backward method were used to translate the ISAT. A psychometric analysis of internal consistency and concurrent criterion validity was performed according to the most up-to-date Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). No language difficulties were found in the translation process. The Spanish version of ISAT was readable and acceptable. Internal consistency was satisfactory (α = 0.80). Criterion validity was demonstrated (rho=0.63). The Spanish version of the ISAT is a valid and reliable measure that can be used clinically to assess SB. Further studies assessing other psychometric properties are needed.