Differences in the Evaluation of Malnutrition and Body Composition Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Nutritional Ultrasound, and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry in Patients with Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Although malnutrition is frequently observed in patients with heart failure (HF), this diagnosis should be performed carefully since HF itself is associated with increased inflammatory activity, which affects body weight, functionality, and some nutritional parameters; thus, its isolated interpretation can erroneously identify surrogate markers of severity as markers of malnutrition. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition using different classification systems and perform a comprehensive nutritional evaluation to determine the reliability of different diagnostic techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-three patients with a recent hospital admission due to HF were evaluated. GLIM diagnosis criteria and subjective global assessment (SGA) were performed; a comprehensive anthropometric, functional, and biochemical nutritional evaluation was performed, in which bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), nutritional ultrasound, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were performed. Additionally, mortality and additional admissions due to HF were determined after a mean follow up of 18 months. RESULTS: Malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria (54%) accurately distinguished patients with impaired functionality, lower lean mass, skeletal mass index, and appendicular muscle mass (BIA), as well as lower trunk fat mass, trunk lean mass, fat-free mass (DXA), and decreased albumin and increased C-reactive protein serum levels. According to SGA, there were significant changes in body composition parameters determined by BIA, muscle ultrasound, and functional tests between well-nourished patients and patients with risk of malnutrition (53.7%) or who had malnutrition (7.1%), but not when the last two groups were compared. BIA and DXA showed strong correlations when evaluating muscle and fat mass in HF patients, but correlations with nutritional ultrasound were limited, as well as functional tests. A multivariate analysis showed that no significant association was observed between body composition and mortality, but preperitoneal fat was associated with an increased risk of new hospital admissions (OR: 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: GLIM criteria identified a lower percentage of patients with HF and malnutrition compared with SGA; thus, SGA could have a role in preventing malnutrition in HF patients. Nutritional evaluation with BIA and DXA in patients with HF showed reliable results of body composition parameters in HF, and both help with the diagnosis of malnutrition according to the GLIM or SGA criteria and could provide complementary information in some specific cases.

Catheter Ablation of Idiopathic Epicardial Outflow Tract Premature Ventricular Contractions: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

The epicardial outflow tract can be a site of origin of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias. These arrhythmias are most commonly perivalvular and can be targeted from within the coronary venous system or from other adjacent structures, such as the right ventricular and left ventricular outflow tracts or the coronary cusp region. The authors report a case of an epicardial idiopathic outflow tract premature ventricular contraction originating from the midseptal epicardial left ventricle. In this case, direct epicardial access was crucial to identify early local activation and achieve successful catheter ablation.

Spatio-temporal dynamics and drivers of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in Chile.

Introduction: Highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b (hereafter H5N1) is causing vast impacts on biodiversity and poultry around the globe. In Chile, lethal H5N1 cases have been reported in a wide range of wild bird species, marine mammals, backyard and industrial poultry, and humans. This study describes the spatio-temporal patterns of the current epizootic of H5N1 in Chile and test drivers that could be associated with outbreak occurrence. Methods: We used H5N1 cases reported by the Chilean National Animal Health Authority from 5 December 2022 to 5 April 2023. These included wild bird cases confirmed through an avian influenza-specific real-time reverse transcription PCR assay (RT-qPCR), obtained from passive and active surveillance. Data were analyzed to detect the presence of H5N1 clusters under space-time permutation probability modeling, the association of H5N1 with distance and days since the first outbreak through linear regression, and the correlation of H5N1 presence with a number of ecological and anthropogenic variables using general linear modeling. Results: From 445 H5N1 identified outbreaks involving 613 individual cases in wild birds, a consistent wave-like spread of H5N1 from north to south was identified, which may help predict hotspots of outbreak risk. For instance, seven statistically significant clusters were identified in central and northern Chile, where poultry production and wildlife mortality are concentrated. The presence of outbreaks was correlated with landscape-scale variables, notably temperature range, bird richness, and human footprint. Discussion: In less than a year, H5N1 has been associated with the unusual mortality of >100,000 individuals of wild animals in Chile, mainly coastal birds and marine mammals. It is urgent that scientists, the poultry sector, local communities, and national health authorities co-design and implement science-based measures from a One Health perspective to avoid further H5N1 spillover from wildlife to domestic animals and humans, including rapid removal and proper disposal of wild dead animals and the closure of public areas (e.g., beaches) reporting high wildlife mortalities.

New trends on personalized sunscreens.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Nowadays, there are emerging trends in customized and personalized photoprotection, focusing on the innovative approaches to enhance sun protection efficacy tailored to individual needs. METHODS: We conducted an electronic search of the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Skin Register, and TESEO. Specific search terms related to personalized photoprotection and the variables of age, genetic predisposition, skin phototype, photodermatosis, and physiological conditions such as pregnancy, as well as lifestyle habits were used. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The article highlights the challenges and opportunities in adopting personalized photoprotection strategies, aiming to promote skin health and prevent the harmful effects of UV radiation in the era of precision medicine.

Measuring absorbed energy in the human auditory system using finite element models: A comparison with experimental results.

BACKGROUND: There are different ways to analyze energy absorbance (EA) in the human auditory system. In previous research, we developed a complete finite element model (FEM) of the human auditory system. OBJECTIVE: In this current work, the external auditory canal (EAC), middle ear, and inner ear (spiral cochlea, vestibule, and semi-circular canals) were modelled based on human temporal bone histological sections. METHODS: Multiple acoustic, structure, and fluid-coupled analyses were conducted using the FEM to perform harmonic analyses in the 0.1-10 kHz range. Once the FEM had been validated with published experimental data, its numerical results were used to calculate the EA or energy reflected (ER) by the tympanic membrane. This EA was also measured in clinical audiology tests which were used as a diagnostic parameter. RESULTS: A mathematical approach was developed to calculate the EA and ER, with numerical and experimental results showing adequate correlation up to 1 kHz. Another published FEM had adapted its boundary conditions to replicate experimental results. Here, we recalculated those numerical results by applying the natural boundary conditions of human hearing and found that the results almost totally agreed with our FEM. CONCLUSION: This boundary problem is frequent and problematic in experimental hearing test protocols: the more invasive they are, the more the results are affected. One of the main objectives of using FEMs is to explore how the experimental test conditions influence the results. Further work will still be required to uncover the relationship between middle ear structures and EA to clarify how to best use FEMs. Moreover, the FEM boundary conditions must be more representative in future work to ensure their adequate interpretation.

Microhardness and Microstructure Analysis of the LPBF Additively Manufactured 18Ni300.

This research focuses on analysing the 18Ni300 maraging steel produced through laser powder bed fusion. Specifically, it aims to examine the phase components using X-ray diffraction, the microstructure through scanning electron microscopy, and the hardness of the different structures present in the manufactured material. The primary goal is to meticulously analyse the material and its microstructures. By doing so, a correlation between the hardness and each structure type, be it cellular or columnar, can be established. This will allow us to pinpoint any defects in the material before any surface chemical treatment is carried out and facilitate a thorough examination of its microstructure. A consistent pattern emerges across the samples through systematic measurement of microhardness distribution in various locations and detailed examination of the structure. The findings of the study reveal that the hardness of cellular and columnar structures exhibits a significant variation based on the location of the measurement about cell boundaries. The hardness value is notably higher in the combination of cellular and multiple layers, as the data indicate.

The Interplay of Sports and Nutrition in Neurological Health and Recovery.

This comprehensive review explores the dynamic relationship between sports, nutrition, and neurological health. Focusing on recent clinical advancements, it examines how physical activity and dietary practices influence the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of various neurological conditions. The review highlights the role of neuroimaging in understanding these interactions, discusses emerging technologies in neurotherapeutic interventions, and evaluates the efficacy of sports and nutritional strategies in enhancing neurological recovery. This synthesis of current knowledge aims to provide a deeper understanding of how lifestyle factors can be integrated into clinical practices to improve neurological outcomes.

Diferencias clínicas entre la amiloidosis cardiaca por transtirretina y la cardiopatía hipertensiva / Clinical differences between transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and hypertensive heart disease

Introducción: Un porcentaje importante de pacientes finalmente diagnosticados de amiloidosis cardIaca por transtirretina (ATTR) fueron previamente diagnosticados de cardiopatía hipertensiva (CHTA), ya que ambas enfermedades suelen cursar con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) con fracción de eyección preservada (ICFEp) e hipertrofia ventricular. Nuestros objetivos fueron evaluar las diferencias clínicas, electrocardiográficas y ecocardiográficas, y analizar si existe un pronóstico diferencial entre ambas entidades nosológicas. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron retrospectivamente todos los pacientes con CHTA a los que se solicitó una gammagrafía cardíaca con 99mTc-Difosfonatos (GDPD) y estudio de cadenas ligeras en sangre y orina para despistaje de ATTR en nuestro centro, en el periodo 2016-2021. Para el análisis, se excluyeron aquellos diagnosticados de otros tipos de amiloidosis. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 72 pacientes: 33 fueron diagnosticados de ATTR y 39 de CHTA, finalmente. Los pacientes con ATTR presentaron mayores niveles de troponina I ultrasensible (TnI-US) y propéptido natriurético cerebral N-terminal (NT-ProBNP); en electrocardiograma (ECG) presentaron más frecuentemente patrón de seudoinfarto y alteraciones de la conducción; en ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) presentaron mayor grado de hipertrofia ventricular, disfunción ventricular izquierda y parámetros de peor función diastólica, con presiones de llenado más elevadas. En el seguimiento a 4 años, el grupo de ATTR mostró mayor necesidad de marcapasos (MCP), sin evidenciarse evidencias en cuanto a mortalidad, desarrollo de fibrilación auricular o más ingresos por IC. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, los pacientes con ATTR presentaron diferencias clínicas, electrocardiográficas y ecocardiográficas respecto a aquellos con CHTA, con mayor riesgo necesidad de MCP en el seguimiento.(AU)

Introduction: A significant percentage of patients eventually diagnosed with cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (TTRA) was previously diagnosed with hypertensive heart disease (HHD), since both conditions usually present with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and ventricular hypertrophy. Our objectives were to evaluate the clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic differences, and to analyse whether there exists a differential prognosis between these two nosological entities. Materials and methods: We retrospectively included all patients with HHD for whom a cardiac scintigraphy with 99mTc-diphosphonate (GDPD) and a free light chains test in blood and urine were ordered for ATTR screening in our centre, in the period between 2016 and 2021. Those diagnosed with other types of amyloidosis were excluded from the analysis. Results: A total of 72 patients were analyzed: 33 were finally diagnosed with TTRA and 39 with CHTA. Patients with TTRA had higher levels of ultrasensitive troponin I (TnI-US) and N-terminal brain natriuretic propeptide (NT-ProBNP); in electrocardiography (ECG) they presented a pseudo-infarction pattern more frequently as well as conduction disturbances; in echocardiography (TTE) they presented a higher degree of ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular dysfunction and worse diastolic function parameters, with elevated filling pressures. In the 4-year follow-up, the ATTR group showed greater need for pacemaker (PCM), with no evidence regarding mortality, development of atrial fibrillation (AF), or more admissions for heart failure (HF). Conclusions: In our series, patients with TTRA showed clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic differences compared to patients with HHD, with increased risk of need for PCM.(AU)

Personalizing Nutrition Strategies: Bridging Research and Public Health.

In recent years, although life expectancy has increased significantly, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to pose a significant threat to the health of the global population. Therefore, eating habits have been recognized as key modifiable factors that influence people's health and well-being. For this reason, it is interesting to study dietary patterns, since the human diet is a complex mixture of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, and can modulate multiple physiological processes, including immune function, the metabolism, and inflammation. To ensure that the data we acquired were current and relevant, we searched primary and secondary sources, including scientific journals, bibliographic indexes, and databases in the last 15 years with the most relevant articles. After this search, we observed that all the recent research on NCDs suggests that diet is a critical factor in shaping an individual's health outcomes. Thus, cardiovascular, metabolic, mental, dental, and visual health depends largely on the intake, habits and patterns, and nutritional behaviors. A diet high in processed and refined foods, added sugars, and saturated fats can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and a high adherence to Mediterranean diet can improve health's people.

Comparative Analysis of Psychophysiological Responses in Fibromyalgia Patients: Evaluating Neuromodulation Alone, Neuromodulation Combined with Virtual Reality, and Exercise Interventions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition, manifests as widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, autonomic and cognitive dysfunction, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and various somatic and psychiatric symptoms. This study, a controlled and randomized experiment, aimed to evaluate and compare the immediate effects of different treatments on fibromyalgia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatments included the EXOPULSE Mollii suit, a combination of the EXOPULSE Mollii suit with a virtual reality (VR) protocol, and a physical exercise regimen. A cohort of 89 female fibromyalgia patients was randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control (n = 20), Suit only (n = 22), Suit combined with VR (n = 21), and Exercise (n = 26). RESULTS: This study found notable differences across the groups in several key parameters. In the Control group, significant changes were observed in Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV 1/FEV 6), the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) at the epicondyle, cortical arousal levels, the 10 m up-and-go test, and in all measured variables related to temperature and muscle oxygenation. For the group using the suit alone, there were significant differences noted in the NRS, the chair stand test, palm temperature, and all muscle oxygenation parameters. The Suit + VR group showed significant changes in the NRS, PPT at the knee, handgrip strength test, the 10 m up-and-go test, one-leg balance test with the right leg, muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), and oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb). Finally, the Exercise group exhibited significant differences in FEV 1/FEV 6, chest perimeter difference, NRS, PPT at both the epicondyle and knee, cortical arousal, the chair stand test, the 10-m up-and-go test, and in SmO2, HHb, and O2Hb levels. CONCLUSIONS: combining neuromodulation with VR and targeted exercise regimens can effectively alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms, offering promising avenues for non-pharmacological management.

Advances in Understanding the Interplay between Dietary Practices, Body Composition, and Sports Performance in Athletes.

The dietary practices of athletes play a crucial role in shaping their body composition, influencing sports performance, training adaptations, and overall health. However, despite the widely acknowledged significance of dietary intake in athletic success, there exists a gap in our understanding of the intricate relationships between nutrition, body composition, and performance. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that many athletes fail to adopt optimal nutritional practices, which can impede their potential achievements. In response, this Special Issue seeks to gather research papers that delve into athletes' dietary practices and their potential impacts on body composition and sports performance. Additionally, studies focusing on interventions aimed at optimizing dietary habits are encouraged. This paper outlines the key aspects and points that will be developed in the ensuing articles of this Special Issue.

Tomography of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Maraging Steel.

The presence of defects in additive manufactured maraging steel is a widespread problem as its dependence on processing parameters significantly influences it. Using X-ray computed tomography, along with optical microscope data limited to 2D images, quantifies the internal porosity present on a compact tension sample typically employed in fatigue testing. The primary goal of this research is to analyse the pores obtained after the fabrication of a compact tension sample and their main definition parameters, such as sphericity, aspect ratio, surface, and volume, and obtain validation of which method is valid for each of the parameters analysed. The current study aims to enhance the understanding of defects in maraging steel samples through non-destructive 3D analysis. Conventional 2D analyses are limited to surface measurements, providing incomplete information. The proposed method will provide a comprehensive understanding of the defects inside the maraging steel sample, thereby improving the reliability of this material for further applications. This study will contribute to academic and industrial communities by providing a novel approach to analysing maraging steel samples and, ultimately, developing improved materials for various applications. The study's findings reveal that most pores are produced by gases that are trapped in the fabrication process, and keyhole pores only appear near the surface.

Increasing previous but not concurrent extinction attenuates the "extinction makes acquisition context specific" effect in human predictive learning.

Four experiments in human predictive learning evaluated whether the extinction makes the acquisition context specific (EMACS) effect is attenuated when the increase in prediction error that extinction produces disappears. Participants had to evaluate the relationship between a given food (cue) that was ingested by an imaginary client of a given restaurant (context) and a potential gastric illness (outcome). The task was implemented using Gorilla online software. All participants received the relevant training in context A, and equivalent exposure to context B. Cue E was presented paired with the outcome in all groups. Cue E was then either extinguished (group E) or not extinguished (group NE), either previously or concurrently to training of the target cue (P). P was then tested in contexts A and B. When extinction was conducted concurrently, performance to P became context-dependent regardless of the number of extinction trials (12 or 24)-the EMACS effect. The EMACS effect disappeared when extinction was elongated to 24 trials, and conducted before acquisition of P. Implications of these results for attentional explanations of context processing are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Effectiveness of Water- versus Land-Based Exercise on Specific Measures of Physical Fitness in Healthy Older Adults: An Integrative Review.

As the population ages, maintaining an active lifestyle becomes increasingly vital to promote overall health and well-being in older individuals. Water- and land-based exercises have emerged as popular options, each offering a distinct set of benefits tailored to the unique needs of this population group. An electronic database search, including PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Web of Science, was conducted until 15 September 2023, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to investigate the effects of water-based compared to land-based exercise on selected fitness parameters in older healthy individuals. The eligibility criteria included studies with at least two groups of participants aged 60 and older, with physical fitness outcome measures. A total of ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. While both exercise modalities may offer significant benefits, this review's findings emphasized the absence of conclusive evidence and consensus for recommending a single exercise category applicable to aquatic or land environments and providing more definite guidance to improve health-related physical fitness parameters in healthy older individuals. Finally, combining both training approaches may lead to a comprehensive array of health benefits for this age group population by also considering individual's needs, preferences, and fitness goals.

Microbiota Implications in Endocrine-Related Diseases: From Development to Novel Therapeutic Approaches.

This comprehensive review article delves into the critical role of the human microbiota in the development and management of endocrine-related diseases. We explore the complex interactions between the microbiota and the endocrine system, emphasizing the implications of microbiota dysbiosis for the onset and progression of various endocrine disorders. The review aims to synthesize current knowledge, highlighting recent advancements and the potential of novel therapeutic approaches targeting microbiota-endocrine interactions. Key topics include the impact of microbiota on hormone regulation, its role in endocrine pathologies, and the promising avenues of microbiota modulation through diet, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. We underscore the importance of this research in advancing personalized medicine, offering insights for more tailored and effective treatments for endocrine-related diseases.

Influence of Porosity on Fatigue Behaviour of 18Ni300 Steel SLM CT Specimens at Various Angles.

In order to improve understanding of the fatigue behaviour in additive manufactured samples, this research delves into the challenging interplay between building parameters, particularly fabrication angles, and the presence of pores. The primary objective is to explore the characterisation of these pores and unravel their relationship with the fatigue properties of the material under investigation. Through a systematic analysis of porosity distribution in various fabrication orientations, supplemented by a detailed examination of the elemental dispersion around specific porous structures using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, a consistent behavioural pattern emerges across the samples. In assessing fatigue behaviour, an examination of the variables reveals that only area and aspect ratio significantly influence the behaviour of the samples. Such studies can contribute substantially to academic research in the field of material science and engineering.

Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health.

The symbiotic relationship between sports practice and psychological well-being has, in recent times, surged to the forefront of academic and public attention. The aim of this narrative review is to comprehensively explore the intricate pathways linking physical engagement in sports to its subsequent impacts on mental health and synthesize the multifarious effects of sports on psychological health, offering insights for integrating physical and psychological strategies to enhance well-being. From neurobiological underpinnings to therapeutic applications, this comprehensive manuscript provides an in-depth dive into the multifaceted world of sports and psychology. Highlighting evidence-based interventions, this review aspires to offer actionable insights for practitioners, athletes, and individuals alike, advocating for a holistic approach to mental well-being. This manuscript highlights the profound impact of sports on mental health, emphasizing its role in emotional regulation, resilience, cognitive function, and treating psychological conditions. It details how sports induce neurochemical changes, enhance brain functions like memory and learning, and aid against cognitive decline. This review also notes the benefits of regular exercise in mood improvement, stress management, and social skill enhancement, particularly when combined with mindfulness practices. It underscores the importance of considering cultural and gender perspectives in sports psychology, advocating for an integrated physical-psychological approach to promote overall well-being.

Experiences of nursing students who are victims of dating violence: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Dating Violence (DV) is a type of Intimate Partner Violence that occurs between young people, and they are those behaviours that cause physical, sexual or psychological harm. OBJECTIVE/AIM: To know the experience of university students around dating violence. DESIGN AND METHODS: Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted through semi-structured individual interviews with nursing students' victims of dating violence with the same starting categories. The public involve in this study were nursing students who freely agreed to participate in the interviews and gave their informed consent. RESULTS: Eleven nursing students participated, the sample was heterogeneous for gender and sexual diversity. Obtaining results about their experience with dating violence, manifestations of dating violence and cyber violence in their relationships, consequences, formal and informal help seeking and proposals for help as nursing students, among others. CONCLUSION: Dating violence is a serious problem that seriously affects the victims and requires the creation of prevention programs. The experiences of university students about DV are mainly painful experiences, with serious consequences for those involved, needing help from their close environment and professional help to overcome the problems generated by their partners. IMPLICATIONS: It is important due to the high prevalence of this phenomenon, also among nursing students, to provide key points to future health professionals and victims of dating violence on the correct way to act against violence due to lack of knowledge on the subject. This study clarifies the experiences of dating violence and how to offer help to victims from the informal and professional sphere. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Clinical Research of the Health Area of Talavera de la Reina (Toledo) with code 01/2021.

Diastolic function assessment with left atrial strain in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Survivors of childhood cancer might be at increased risk of diastolic dysfunction at follow-up due to exposure to cardiotoxic treatment. Although assessment of diastolic function is challenging in this relatively young population, left atrial strain might provide a novel insight in this evaluation. Our aim was to examine diastolic function in a cohort of long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia by using left atrial strain and conventional echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: Long-term survivors who were diagnosed at a single center between 1985 and 2015 and a control group of healthy siblings were recruited. Conventional diastolic function parameters and atrial strain were compared, and the latter was measured during the 3 atrial phases: reservoir (PALS), conduit (LACS) and contraction (PACS). Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to account for differences between the groups. RESULTS: We analyzed 90 survivors (age, 24.6±9.7 years, time since diagnosis 18 [11-26] years) and 58 controls. PALS and LACS were significantly reduced compared with the control group: 46.4±11.2 vs 52.1±11.7; P=.003 and 32.5±8.8 vs 38.2±9.3; P=.003, respectively. Conventional diastolic parameters and PACS were similar between the groups. The reductions in PALS and LACS were associated with exposure to cardiotoxic treatment in age- and sex-adjusted analysis (≥ moderate risk, low risk, controls): 45.4±10.5, 49.5±12.9, 52.1±11.7; Padj=.003, and 31.7±9.0, 35.2±7.5, 38.2±9.3; Padj=.001, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term childhood leukemia survivors showed a subtle impairment of diastolic function that was detected with atrial strain but not with conventional measurements. This impairment was more pronounced in those with higher exposure to cardiotoxic treatment.

The topical application of different galenic formulations can alter the thermographic images of skin: Limitations for public thermal screening on infection control situations.

BACKGROUND: To analyze whether the application of topical formulas as cosmetics or sunscreens could affect the skin thermographic readings in terms of infection control in pandemic situations. METHODS: The temperature of the skin of the dorsal region of the back and the face of 20 volunteers was followed after the application of 6 different types of gels, sunscreens, and make-up under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. High-resolution thermographic images were analyzed to calculate the temperature of treated skin compared to skin free of topical products. RESULTS: The application of hydroalcoholic gel resulted in a mean drop of more than 2°C just after 1 minute followed by organic sunscreens until 1.7°C. Recovery was observed progressively until minute 9. Color make-up type formulas, rich in iron oxide as well as sunscreens with mineral filters had little or no effect on the skin thermal response. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to alter the skin temperature almost immediately by using hydroalcoholic gels and sunscreen cosmetics. So, it is possible to produce false negative data in the readings of patients screened thermically.