Non-valvular atrial fibrillation in patients on peritoneal dialysis, prevalence, treatment and professionals involved.

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent chronic arrhythmia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists and now direct oral anticoagulants have been and are the fundamental pillars for the prevention of thromboembolic events. However, there are no randomized clinical trials on the risk-benefit profile of oral anticoagulation in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 on peritoneal dialysis and there is little evidence in the literature in this population. The objective of our study was to know the prevalence, treatment and professionals involved in the management of atrial fibrillation in peritoneal dialysis patients. For this purpose, we performed a descriptive analysis through a survey sent to different peritoneal dialysis units in Spain. A total of 1,403 patients on peritoneal dialysis were included in the study, of whom 186 (13.2%) had non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In addition, the assessment of the scores of thromboembolic and bleeding risks for the indication of oral anticoagulation was mainly carried out by the cardiologist (60% of the units), as well as its prescription (cardiologist 47% or in consensus with the nephrologist 43%). In summary, patients on peritoneal dialysis have a remarkable prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients frequently receive oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists, as well as direct oral anticoagulants. The data obtained regarding the scores used for the assessment of thromboembolic and bleeding risk, treatment and involvement by Nephrology indicates that there is a need for training and involvement of the nephrologist in this pathology.

Fibrilación auricular no valvular en pacientes en diálisis peritoneal: prevalencia, tratamiento y profesionales implicados / Non-valvular atrial fibrillation in patients on peritoneal dialysis: prevalence, treatment and professionals involved

La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia crónica más frecuente en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). La anticoagulación oral con antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK) y actualmente los anticoagulantes orales de acción directa (ACOD) han sido el pilar fundamental para la prevención de eventos tromboembólicos. Sin embargo, no existen ensayos clínicos aleatorizados de su perfil riesgo-beneficio en pacientes con ERC estadio 5 en diálisis peritoneal (DP) y son pocas las evidencias en la literatura sobre esta población. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la prevalencia, tratamiento y profesionales implicados en el manejo de la FA en DP en nuestro entorno mediante el análisis descriptivo de una encuesta enviada a diferentes unidades de DP de España. Se incluyeron en el estudio 1.403 pacientes en programa de DP, de los cuales 186 (13,2%) presentaban FA no valvular (FANV). Además, observamos que la valoración de los scores para el inicio del tratamiento anticoagulante la realizaba mayoritariamente el cardiólogo (60% de los centros), así como la prescripción de anticoagulación (cardiólogo 47% o en conjunto con el nefrólogo 43%). En conclusión, los pacientes en DP presentan una notable prevalencia de FANV. Reciben frecuentemente anticoagulación oral (ACO) con AVK, así como con ACOD. Los datos obtenidos respecto a las escalas utilizadas para la valoración de riesgo tromboembólico y de sangrado, tratamiento e implicación por parte de Nefrología indican que existe una necesidad de formación e involucramiento del nefrólogo en esta patología.(AU)

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent chronic arrhythmia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists and now direct oral anticoagulants have been and are the fundamental pillar for the prevention of thromboembolic events. However, there are no randomized clinical trials on the risk-benefit profile of oral anticoagulation in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 on peritoneal dialysis and there is little evidence in the literature in this population. The objective of our study was to know the prevalence, treatment and professionals involved in the management of atrial fibrillation in peritoneal dialysis patients. For this purpose, we performed a descriptive analysis through a survey sent to different peritoneal dialysis units in Spain. A total of 1403 patients on peritoneal dialysis were included in the study, of whom 186 (13.2%) had non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In addition, the assessment of the scores of thromboembolic and bleeding risks for the indication of oral anticoagulation was mainly carried out by the cardiologist (60% of the units), as well as its prescription (cardiologist 47% in consensus with the nephrologist 43%). In summary, patients on peritoneal dialysis have a remarkable prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients frequently receive oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists, as well as direct oral anticoagulants. The data obtained regarding the scales used for the assessment of thromboembolic and bleeding risk, treatment and involvement by Nephrology indicates that there is a need for training and involvement of the nephrologist in this pathology.(AU)

Impact of Remote Monitoring on Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Peritoneal Dialysis.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and the Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology in peritoneal dialysis (SONG-PD) clinical outcomes. Methods: A prospective and multicenter cohort study was conducted on patients with advanced chronic kidney disease on APD, recruited at 16 Spanish Hospitals, between June 1 and December 31, 2021. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts, namely patients on APD with RPM (APD-RPM) and patients on APD without RPM. The primary endpoints were the standardized outcomes of the SONG-PD clinical outcomes: PD-associated infection, cardiovascular disease (CVD), mortality rate, technique survival, and life participation (assessed as health-related quality of life [QoL]). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to evaluate the association of RPM exposure with the clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 232 patients were included, 176 (75.9%) in the APD-RPM group and 56 (24.1%) in the APD-without-RPM group. The mean patient follow-up time was significantly longer in the APD-RPM group than in the APD-without-RPM group (10.4 ± 2.8 vs. 9.4 ± 3.1 months, respectively; P = 0.02). In the overall study sample, the APD-RPM group was associated with a lower mortality rate (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01 to 0.69; P = 0.020) and greater technique survival rate (HR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.59; P = 0.001). After PSM, APD-RPM continued to be associated with better technique survival (HR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.83; P = 0.024). Conclusion: The use of RPM programs in patients on APD was associated with better survival of the technique and lower mortality rates. However, after PSM, only technique survival was significant.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: driven by the symptoms.

Cystic pneumatosis is an uncommon condition characterized by the presence of cysts in the submucosa and serous intestine. Although in most patients it is usually a chance finding, it can sometimes cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and even acute abdominal symptoms, as in the case presented. In most cases, conservative treatment is usually chosen, although in situations of sepsis, intestinal obstruction or suspected peritonitis, surgical treatment may be indicated as in the case described.

Hematoma subcapsular esplénico espontáneo y mononucleosis infecciosa: una asociación de interés para el cirujano

La rotura espontánea de bazo es una complicación infrecuente pero muy grave de la mononucleosis infecciosa. Dada la urgencia con la que suele presentarse tal situación, la esplenectomía suele ser la opción quirúrgica más utilizada. Presentamos el caso de un paciente en el que con el diagnóstico de rotura esplénica espontánea se somete a laparoscopia diagnóstica en la que se consigue la preservación del bazo con buena evolución clínica. A la luz de este paciente, consideramos que, en caso de estabilidad clínica y hematomas subcapsulares de bazo, la laparoscopia con preservación esplénica es una opción viable y con buenos resultados. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is a rare but very serious complication of infectious mononucleosis. Given the urgency with which such a situation usually presents, splenectomy is usually the most used surgical option. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with spontaneous splenic rupture who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in which spleen preservation was achieved with good clinical evolution. In the light of this patient, we consider that, in the case of clinical stability and subcapsular haematomas of the spleen, laparoscopy with splenic preservation is a viable option with good results. (provided by Infomedic International)

A novel and easy protocol to obtain 6-alkoxy-Δ4,6-diene-3-one derivatives from available sterols.

Herein we report an unprecedented and efficient methodology for accessing 6-alkoxy-Δ4,6-diene-3-one derivatives. Such scaffolds were serendipitously obtained in the course of the study of the reaction of Δ4-3-keto steroids with catalytic amounts of iodine in refluxing methanol. A series of 6-methoxy and 6-ethoxy- Δ4,6-diene-3-ones were prepared from easily-available sterols in a two-step sequence; first, oxidation of sterols furnished the Δ4-3-keto steroids, which were then refluxed with ethanol or methanol with I2 as catalyst to obtain a series of ten derivatives. Furthermore, this protocol was also effective for the introduction of a larger carbon chain at C-6. Druglikeliness properties of synthesized compounds were predicted using the SwissADME tool.

Telerehabilitation Intervention in Transitional Care for People with COVID-19: Pre-Post Study with a Non-Equivalent Control Group.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and its resulting sequelae have increased the prevalence of people with respiratory symptoms, with impacts on functional capacity, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and mental health. To mitigate this problem, one challenge has been the design and implementation of interventions that simultaneously allow for education, rehabilitation, and monitoring of people with long COVID, at a time when health services were on the verge of rupture due to the volume of people with active COVID and in need of intensive care. Telerehabilitation emerged as a mode for providing rehabilitative care that brought professionals closer to patients and enabled continuity of care. The present study aimed to evaluate the results of a telerehabilitation intervention for people with injuries associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospital-community transitions, considering their degree of dependence in performing activities of daily living, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, gait capacity, muscle strength, and experience with anxiety and depression. A pre-post study with a non-equivalent control group was carried out with a total of 49 participants (intervention group n = 24; control group n = 25). The post-intervention results showed an increase in saturation, a decrease in heart rate, an improvement in the impact of post-COVID functionality, a decrease in fatigue, a decrease in perceived effort, and a decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms. The telerehabilitation intervention, which combined educational strategies with respiratory and motor rehabilitation, helped improve global functionality and self-care, with clinical and functional impacts.

Peritoneal and Urinary Sodium Removal in Refractory Congestive Heart Failure Patients Included in an Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Program: Valuable for Monitoring the Course of the Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Spot urinary sodium emerged as a useful parameter for assessing decongestion in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Growing evidence endorses the therapeutic role of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in patients with refractory CHF and kidney disease. We aimed to examine the long-term trajectory of urinary, peritoneal, and total (urinary plus peritoneal) sodium removal in a cohort of patients with refractory CHF enrolled in a CAPD program. Additionally, we explored whether sodium removal was associated with the risk of long-term mortality and episodes of worsening heart failure (WHF). METHODS: We included 66 ambulatory patients with refractory CHF enrolled in a CAPD program in a single teaching center. 24-h peritoneal, urinary, and total sodium elimination were analyzed at baseline and after CAPD initiation. Its trajectories over time were calculated using joint modeling of longitudinal and survival data. Within the framework of joint frailty models for recurrent and terminal events, we estimated its prognostic effect on recurrent episodes of WHF. RESULTS: At the time of enrollment, the mean age and estimated glomerular filtration rate were 72.8 ± 8.4 years and 28.5 ± 14.3 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The median urinary sodium at baseline was 2.34 g/day (1.40-3.55). At a median (p25%-p75%) follow-up of 2.93 (1.93-3.72) years, we registered 0.28 deaths and 0.24 episodes of WHF per 1 person-year. Compared to baseline (urinary), CAPD led to increased sodium excretion (urinary plus dialyzed) since the first follow-up visit (p < 0.001). Over the follow-up, repeated measurements of total sodium removal were associated with a lower risk of death and episodes of WHF. CONCLUSIONS: CAPD increased sodium removal in patients with refractory CHF. Elevated sodium removal identified those patients with a lower risk of death and episodes of WHF.

Local, systemic and immunologic safety comparison between xenogeneic equine umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, allogeneic canine adipose mesenchymal stem cells and placebo: a randomized controlled trial.

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent cells with a wide range of therapeutic applications, including, among others, tissue regeneration. This work aims to test the safety (EUC-MSC) of intra-articular administration of equine umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in young healthy dogs under field conditions following single and repeated administration. This was compared with the safety profile of allogenic canine adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (CAD-MSC) and placebo in order to define the safety of xenogeneic use of mesenchymal stem cells when administered intra-articular. Twenty-four police working dogs were randomized in three groups in a proportion 1:1:1. EUC-MSCs and CAD-MSCs were obtained from healthy donors and were manufactured following company SOPs and under GMP and GMP-like conditions, respectively, and compliant all necessary controls to ensure the quality of the treatment. The safety of the treatment was evaluated locally, systemically and immunologically. For this purpose, an orthopedic examination and Glasgow test for the assessment of pain in the infiltrated joint, blood tests, clinical examination and analysis of the humoral and cellular response to treatment were performed. No adverse events were detected following single and repeated MSC administration despite both equine and canine MSC generate antibody titres in the dogs. The intra-articular administration of equine umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in dogs has demonstrated to be safe.

SmartLab 2.0 en prevención cardiovascular de dislipemia aterogénica / SmartLab 2.0 in cardiovascular prevention of atherogenic dyslipidemia

Objetivo: Implementación en el sistema informático de laboratorio (SIL) de un algoritmo bioquímico automatizado para la identificación en analíticas de rutina de pacientes con dislipemia aterogénica y derivación prioritaria a la unidad de día de diabetes. Material y métodos: Se diseñó en el SIL el algoritmo: HBA1c>9,3 +TG>150mg/dl +cHDL <40mg/dl +LDL/ApoB es<1,3. Se inserta un comentario alertando al médico peticionario del diagnóstico de dislipemia aterogénica y se procede a la derivación prioritaria desde el laboratorio a la unidad de día de diabetes en los casos necesarios. Resultados: En el periodo de un año se han identificado a un total de 899 pacientes con HBA1c>7 y criterio de dislipemia aterogénica. De ellos, 203 pacientes procedentes de atención primaria con HbA1c>9,3 se derivaron al hospital de día de diabetes. Conclusiones: El refuerzo de la prevención cardiovascular es necesario a todos los niveles. El laboratorio clínico debe jugar un papel fundamental en el diagnóstico de las dislipemias. La detección temprana de los pacientes con alto riesgo cardiovascular es primordial y la colaboración entre las distintas unidades clínicas es fundamental para garantizar la seguridad del paciente.(AU)

Introduction: SmartLab 2.0 is an innovative concept of multidisciplinary collaboration between the clinical laboratory and the diabetes day unit that was born with the aim of identifying patients at high cardiovascular risk who require priority attention, such as patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia, in order to create a cardiovascular prevention strategy. Objective: Implementation in the Laboratory Information System (LIS) of an automated biochemical algorithm for the identification of patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia in routine analyses and priority referral to the diabetes day unit. Material and methods: The algorithm designed in the SIL was: HBA1c>9.3 +TG>150mg/dl +HDLc<40mg/dl +LDL/ApoB<1.3. A comment was inserted alerting the requesting physician of the diagnosis of atherogenic dyslipidemia and priority referral was made from the laboratory to the diabetes day unit in the necessary cases. Results: In the 1-year period, a total of 899 patients with HBA1c>7 and atherogenic dyslipidemia criteria were identified. Of these, 203 patients from primary care with HbA1c>9.3 were referred to the diabetes day hospital. Conclusions: Reinforcement of cardiovascular prevention is necessary at all levels. The clinical laboratory should play a fundamental role in the diagnosis of dyslipidemias. Early detection of patients at high cardiovascular risk is essential and collaboration between the different clinical units is fundamental to guarantee patient safety.(AU)

Sex differences in Cardiorenal Syndrome: Insights from CARDIOREN Registry.

PURPOSE OF THE WORK: Although sex-specific differences in heart failure (HF) or kidney disease (KD) have been analyzed separately, the predominant cardiorenal phenotype by sex has not been described. This study aims to explore the sex-related differences in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) in a contemporary cohort of outpatients with HF. FINDINGS: An analysis of the Cardiorenal Spanish registry (CARDIOREN) was performed. CARDIOREN Registry is a prospective multicenter observational registry including 1107 chronic ambulatory HF patients (37% females) from 13 Spanish HF clinics. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was present in 59.1% of the overall HF population, being this prevalence higher in the female population (63.2% vs. 56.6%, p = 0.032, median age: 81 years old, IQR:74-86). Among those with kidney dysfunction, women displayed higher odds of showing HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (odds ratio [OR] = 4.07; confidence interval [CI] 95%: 2.65-6.25, p < 0.001), prior valvular heart disease (OR = 1.76; CI 95%:1.13-2.75, p = 0.014), anemia (OR: 2.02; CI 95%:1.30-3.14, p = 0.002), more advanced kidney disease (OR for CKD stage 3: 1.81; CI 95%:1.04-3.13, p = 0.034; OR for CKD stage 4: 2.49, CI 95%:1.31-4.70, p = 0.004) and clinical features of congestion (OR:1.51; CI 95%: 1.02-2.25, p = 0.039). On the contrary, males with cardiorenal disease showed higher odds of presenting HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (OR:3.13; CI 95%: 1.90-5.16, p < 0.005), ischemic cardiomyopathy (OR:2.17; CI 95%: 1.31-3.61, p = 0.003), hypertension (OR = 2.11; CI 95%:1.18-3.78, p = 0.009), atrial fibrillation (OR:1.71; CI 95%: 1.06-2.75, p = 0.025), and hyperkalemia (OR:2.43, CI 95%: 1.31-4.50, p = 0.005). In this contemporary registry of chronic ambulatory HF patients, we observed sex-related differences in patients with combined heart and kidney disease. The emerging cardiorenal phenotype characterized by advanced CKD, congestion, and HFpEF was predominantly observed in women, whereas HFrEF, ischemic etiology, hypertension, hyperkalemia, and atrial fibrillation were more frequently observed in men.

SmartLab 2.0 in cardiovascular prevention of atherogenic dyslipidemia. / SmartLab 2.0 en prevención cardiovascular de dislipemia aterogénica.

INTRODUCTION: SmartLab 2.0 is an innovative concept of multidisciplinary collaboration between the clinical laboratory and the diabetes day unit that was born with the aim of identifying patients at high cardiovascular risk who require priority attention, such as patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia, in order to create a cardiovascular prevention strategy. OBJECTIVE: Implementation in the Laboratory Information System (LIS) of an automated biochemical algorithm for the identification of patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia in routine analyses and priority referral to the diabetes day unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The algorithm designed in the SIL was: HBA1c>9.3 +TG>150mg/dl +HDLc<40mg/dl +LDL/ApoB<1.3. A comment was inserted alerting the requesting physician of the diagnosis of atherogenic dyslipidemia and priority referral was made from the laboratory to the diabetes day unit in the necessary cases. RESULTS: In the 1-year period, a total of 899 patients with HBA1c>7 and atherogenic dyslipidemia criteria were identified. Of these, 203 patients from primary care with HbA1c>9.3 were referred to the diabetes day hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Reinforcement of cardiovascular prevention is necessary at all levels. The clinical laboratory should play a fundamental role in the diagnosis of dyslipidemias. Early detection of patients at high cardiovascular risk is essential and collaboration between the different clinical units is fundamental to guarantee patient safety.

Cirugía laparoscópica por puerto único: ¿moda pasajera o un reto para el futuro? 10 años de experiencia.

La cirugía laparoscópica por puerto único es un concepto que refleja la expansión que están sufriendo las técnicas mínimamente invasivas en los últimos años. Pese a ser un estímulo para todo laparoscopista, su implantación es hoy por hoy una asignatura pendiente en la mayoría de los hospitales. Nuestro objetivo es reflexionar sobre la laparoscopia a través de incisión única a la luz de nuestra casuística. Hemos realizado un estudio descriptivo observacional retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos en nuestro centro mediante laparoscopia a través de incisión única Desde 2012, se han realizado en nuestro hospital, 215 laparoscopias por puerto único de las cuales 175 son apendicectomías, 37 hemicolectomías derechas, 2 colecistectomías y 1 eventroplastia con buenos resultados clínicos y estéticos. La laparoscopia por incisión única supone un paso más en el perfeccionamiento de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva y debe suponer un reto y un empeño para el cirujano su expansión e implantación. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Single-port laparoscopic surgery is a concept that reflects the expansion of minimally invasive techniques in recent years. Despite being a stimulus for every laparoscopist, its implementation is still a pending subject in most hospitals. Our objective is to reflect on single incision laparoscopy in the light of our casuistry. We have performed a retrospective observational descriptive study of patients operated in our center by single incision laparoscopy. Since 2012, 215 single port laparoscopies have been performed in our hospital of which 175 are appendectomies, 37 right hemicolectomies, 2 cholecystectomies and 1 eventroplasty with good clinical and aesthetic results. Single incision laparoscopy is a further step in the improvement of minimally invasive surgery and should be a challenge and a commitment for the surgeon in its expansion and implementation. (provided by Infomedic International)

SARS-CoV-2-Spike Antibody and T-Cell Responses Elicited by a Homologous Third mRNA COVID-19 Dose in Hemodialysis and Kidney Transplant Recipients.

The effect of a third vaccine dose (3D) of homologous mRNA vaccine on blood levels of SARS-CoV-2-receptor binding domain (RBD)-total antibodies was assessed in 40 hemodialysis patients (HD) and 21 kidney transplant recipients (KTR) at a median of 46 days after 3D. Anti-RBD antibodies were detected in 39/40 HD and 19/21 KTR. Overall, 3D boosted anti-RBD antibody levels (median: 58-fold increase). Neutralizing antibodies (NtAb) against the Wuhan-Hu-1, Delta, and Omicron variants were detected in 14, 13, and 11 out of 14 HD patients, and in 5, 5, and 4 out of 8 KTR patients, respectively. The median fold increase in NtAb titers in HD patients was 77, 28, and 5 and 56, 37, and 9 in KTR patients for each respective variant. SARS-CoV-2-S S-IFN-γ-producing CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell responses were detected in the majority of HD (35 and 36/37, respectively) and all KTR (16/16) patients at 3D. Overall, the administration of 3D boosted T-cell levels in both population groups. In conclusion, a homologous mRNA COVID-19 vaccine 3D exerts a booster effect on anti-RBD antibodies, NtAb binding to Wuhan-Hu-1, Delta, and Omicron variants, and SARS-CoV-2-S-IFN-γ-producing T cells in both HD and KTR patients. The magnitude of the effect was more marked in HD than KTR patients.

Effects of Mono-Vacancies and Co-Vacancies of Nitrogen and Boron on the Energetics and Electronic Properties of Heterobilayer h-BN/graphene.

A study is carried out which investigates the effects of the mono-vacancies of boron (VB) and nitrogen (VN) and the co-vacancies of nitrogen (N), and boron (B) on the energetics and the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of an h-BN/graphene heterobilayer using first-principles calculations within the framework of the density functional theory (DFT). The heterobilayer is modelled using the periodic slab scheme. In the present case, a 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer is coupled to a 4 × 4-graphene monolayer, with a mismatch of 1.40%. In this coupling, the surface of interest is the 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer; the 4 × 4-graphene only represents the substrate that supports the 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer. From the calculations of the energy of formation of the 4 × 4-(h-BN)/4 × 4-graphene heterobilayer, with and without defects, it is established that, in both cases, the heterobilayers are energetically stable, from which it is inferred that these heterobilayers can be grown in the experiment. The formation of a mono-vacancy of boron (1 VB), a mono-vacancy of nitrogen (1 VN), and co-vacancies of boron and nitrogen (VBN) induce, on the structural level: (a) for 1 VB, a contraction n of the B-N bond lengths of ~2.46% and a slight change in the interfacial distance D (~0.096%) with respect to the heterobilayer free of defects (FD) are observed; (b) for 1 VN, a slight contraction of the B-N of bond lengths of ~0.67% and an approach between the h-BN monolayer and the graphene of ~3.83% with respect to the FD heterobilayer are observed; (c) for VBN, it can be seen that the N-N and B-B bond lengths (in the 1 VB and 1 VN regions, respectively) undergo an increase of ~2.00% and a decrease of ~3.83%, respectively. The calculations of the Löwdin charge for the FD heterobilayer and for those with defects (1 VB, 1 VN, and VBN) show that the inclusion of this type of defect induces significant changes in the Löwdin charge redistribution of the neighboring atoms of VB and VN, causing chemically active regions that could favor the interaction of the heterobilayer with external atoms and/or molecules. On the basis of an analysis of the densities of states and the band structures, it is established that the heterobilayer with 1 VB and VBN take on a half-metallic and magnetic behavior. Due to all of these properties, the FD heterobilayer and those with 1 VB, 1 VN, and VBN are candidates for possible adsorbent materials and possible materials that could be used for different spintronic applications.

Circulating Osteogenic Progenitor Cells Enhanced with Teriparatide or Denosumab Treatment.

Circulating osteogenic precursor (COP) cells are peripheral blood cells with a capacity for osteogenesis. The objective of our study was to ascertain the percentage of COPs as an early biomarker of osteoporosis and the effect of these cells in response to Denosumab (DmAb) (anti-resorptive) or to Teriparatide (TPDP) (anabolic) as very effective drugs in the treatment of the illness. A first study was conducted on healthy volunteers, with three age ranges, to determine the percentage of COPs and relate it to their anthropometric and biochemical characteristics, followed by a second longitudinal study on patients with osteoporosis, whereby one group of patients was treated with TPTD and another with DmAb. All were analyzed by cytometry for COP percentage in blood, bone turnover markers, and bone mass. Our findings show that COPs are influenced by age and become more prolific in the stages of growth and skeletal maturation. A higher percentage of COPs is found in osteoporotic disease, which could constitute a predictive marker thereof. We also show how treatment with TPTD or DmAb mobilizes circulating osteogenic precursors in the blood. Significant increases in % COPs were observed after 12 months of treatment with Dmb (21.9%) and TPTD (17%). These results can be related to an increase in osteogenesis and, consequently, a better and more efficient repair of bone tissue.

Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2-Spike-reactive antibody and T-cell responses in chronic kidney disease patients within 3 months after COVID-19 full vaccination.

Background: Little is known regarding the dynamics of antibody and T-cell responses in chronic kidney disease (CKD) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study including 144 participants on haemodialysis (HD) (n = 52) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) (n = 14), those undergoing kidney transplantation (KT) (n = 30) or those with advanced CKD (ACKD) not on dialysis and healthy controls (n = 18). Anti-Spike (S) antibody and T-cell responses were assessed at 15 days (15D) and 3 months (3M) after complete vaccination schedule. HD, PD and KT patients received mRNA vaccines (mRNA-123 and BNT162b2). Most ACKD patients received BNT162b2 (n = 23), or Ad26.COV.2.S (4). Most controls received BNT162b2 (n = 12), or Ad26.COV.2.S (n = 5). Results: Anti-S antibodies at 15D and 3M were detectable in 95% (48/50)/98% (49/50) of HD patients, 93% (13/14)/100% of PD patients, 67% (17/26)/75% (21/28) of KT patients and 96% (25/26)/100% (24/24) of ACKD patients. Rates for healthy controls were 81% (13/16)/100% (17/17). Previous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2-S) infection was documented in four (7.7%) HD patients, two (14.3%) PD patients, two (6.7%) KT patients, one (5.55%) healthy control and in no ACKD patient. Antibody levels decreased at 3M in HD (P = .04), PD (P = .008) and ACKD patients (P = .0009). In KT patients, levels increased (P = .04) between 15D and 3M, although they were low at both time points.T-cell responses were detected in HD patients in 37 (80%) at baseline, 35 (70%) at 15D and 41 (91%) at 3M. In PD patients, T-cell responses appeared in 8 (67%) at baseline, 13 (93%) at 15D and 9 (100%) at 3M. In KT patients, T-cell responses were detected in 12 (41%) at baseline, 22 (84%) at 15D and 25 (96%) at 3M. In ACKD patients, T-cell responses were detected in 13 (46%) at baseline, 20 (80%) at 15D and 17 (89%) at 3M. None of healthy controls showed T-cell response at baseline, 10 (67%) at 15D and 8 (89%) at 3M. Conclusions: Most HD, PD and ACKD patients develop SARS-CoV-2-S antibody responses comparable to that of healthy controls, in contrast to KT recipients. Antibody waning at 3M was faster in HD, PD and ACKD patients. No differences in SARS-CoV-2 T-cell immunity responses were noticed across study groups.