Menor mortalidad y reingreso en pacientes con pocas comorbilidades intervenidos de fractura de cadera y con alta precoz / Lower mortality and readmission in patients with few comorbidities who underwent hip fracture surgery and were discharged early

Introducción: El retraso preoperatorio en pacientes intervenidos de fractura de cadera (FC) se ha asociado a peores resultados; sin embargo, el momento óptimo del alta hospitalaria tras cirugía ha sido poco estudiado. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar resultados de mortalidad y de reingreso en pacientes con FC con y sin alta hospitalaria precoz. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo seleccionando a 607 pacientes mayores de 65años con FC intervenidos entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2019, de los que se incluyeron para el análisis 164 pacientes con menos comorbilidades y ASA ≤II y se dividieron según su estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria en alta precoz o estancia ≤4días (n=115) y alta no precoz o estancia postoperatoria >4días (n=49). Se registraron características demográficas; características relacionadas con la fractura y el tratamiento quirúrgico; tasas de mortalidad a los 30días y al año postoperatorio; tasa de reingreso hospitalario a los 30días postoperatorios, y causa médica o quirúrgica. Resultados: En el grupo alta precoz todos los resultados fueron mejores frente al grupo no alta precoz: menor tasa de mortalidad a los 30días postoperatorios (0,9% frente al 4,1%, p=0,16) y al año postoperatorio (4,3% frente al 16,3%, p=0,009), así como una menor tasa de reingreso hospitalario por razones médicas (7,8% frente al 16,3%, p=0,037). Conclusiones: En el presente estudio el grupo de alta precoz obtiene mejores resultados en indicadores de mortalidad a los 30días y al año postoperatorio, así como de reingreso por causas médicas.(AU)

Introduction: Preoperative delay in patients with hip fracture surgery (HF) has been associated with poorer outcomes; however, the optimal timing of discharge from hospital after surgery has been little studied. The aim of this study was to determine mortality and readmission outcomes in HF patients with and without early hospital discharge. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted selecting 607 patients over 65years of age with HF intervened between January 2015 and December 2019, from which 164 patients with fewer comorbidities and ASA ≤II were included for analysis and divided according to their postoperative hospital stay into early discharge or stay ≤4 days (n=115), and non-early or post-operative stay >4days (n=49). Demographic characteristics; fracture and surgical-related characteristics; 30-day and one-year postoperative mortality rates; 30-day postoperative hospital readmission rate; and medical or surgical cause were recorded. Results: In the early discharge group all outcomes were better compared to the non-early discharge group: lower 30-day (0.9% vs 4.1%, P=.16) and 1-year postoperative (4.3% vs 16.3%, P=.009) mortality rates, as well as a lower rate of hospital readmission for medical reasons (7.8% vs 16.3%, P=.037). Conclusions: In the present study, the early discharge group obtained better results 30-day and 1-year postoperative mortality indicators, as well as readmission for medical reasons.(AU)

[Translated article] Lower mortality and readmission in patients with few comorbidities who underwent hip fracture surgery and were discharged early / Menor mortalidad y reingreso en pacientes con pocas comorbilidades intervenidos de fractura de cadera y con alta precoz

Introducción: El retraso preoperatorio en pacientes intervenidos de fractura de cadera (FC) se ha asociado a peores resultados; sin embargo, el momento óptimo del alta hospitalaria tras cirugía ha sido poco estudiado. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar resultados de mortalidad y de reingreso en pacientes con FC con y sin alta hospitalaria precoz. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo seleccionando a 607 pacientes mayores de 65años con FC intervenidos entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2019, de los que se incluyeron para el análisis 164 pacientes con menos comorbilidades y ASA ≤II y se dividieron según su estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria en alta precoz o estancia ≤4días (n=115) y alta no precoz o estancia postoperatoria >4días (n=49). Se registraron características demográficas; características relacionadas con la fractura y el tratamiento quirúrgico; tasas de mortalidad a los 30días y al año postoperatorio; tasa de reingreso hospitalario a los 30días postoperatorios, y causa médica o quirúrgica. Resultados: En el grupo alta precoz todos los resultados fueron mejores frente al grupo no alta precoz: menor tasa de mortalidad a los 30días postoperatorios (0,9% frente al 4,1%, p=0,16) y al año postoperatorio (4,3% frente al 16,3%, p=0,009), así como una menor tasa de reingreso hospitalario por razones médicas (7,8% frente al 16,3%, p=0,037). Conclusiones: En el presente estudio el grupo de alta precoz obtiene mejores resultados en indicadores de mortalidad a los 30días y al año postoperatorio, así como de reingreso por causas médicas.(AU)

Introduction: Preoperative delay in patients with hip fracture surgery (HF) has been associated with poorer outcomes; however, the optimal timing of discharge from hospital after surgery has been little studied. The aim of this study was to determine mortality and readmission outcomes in HF patients with and without early hospital discharge. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted selecting 607 patients over 65years of age with HF intervened between January 2015 and December 2019, from which 164 patients with fewer comorbidities and ASA ≤II were included for analysis and divided according to their postoperative hospital stay into early discharge or stay ≤4 days (n=115), and non-early or post-operative stay >4days (n=49). Demographic characteristics; fracture and surgical-related characteristics; 30-day and one-year postoperative mortality rates; 30-day postoperative hospital readmission rate; and medical or surgical cause were recorded. Results: In the early discharge group all outcomes were better compared to the non-early discharge group: lower 30-day (0.9% vs 4.1%, P=.16) and 1-year postoperative (4.3% vs 16.3%, P=.009) mortality rates, as well as a lower rate of hospital readmission for medical reasons (7.8% vs 16.3%, P=.037). Conclusions: In the present study, the early discharge group obtained better results 30-day and 1-year postoperative mortality indicators, as well as readmission for medical reasons.(AU)

Unveiling Spatial Associations between COVID-19 Severe Health Index, Racial/Ethnic Composition, and Community Factors in the United States.

There are limited efforts to incorporate different predisposing factors into prediction models that account for population racial/ethnic composition in exploring the burden of high COVID-19 Severe Health Risk Index (COVID-19 SHRI) scores. This index quantifies the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms among a county's population depending on the presence of some chronic conditions. These conditions, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to investigate potential population risk factors preceding the COVID-19 pandemic that are associated with the COVID-19 SHRI utilizing non-spatial regression models and (2) to evaluate the performance of spatial regression models in comparison to non-spatial regression models. The study used county-level data for 3107 United States counties, utilizing publicly available datasets. Analyses were carried out by constructing spatial and non-spatial regression models. Majority White and majority Hispanic counties showed lower COVID-19 SHRI scores when compared to majority Black counties. Counties with an older population, low income, high smoking, high reported insufficient sleep, and a high percentage of preventable hospitalizations had higher COVID-19 SHRI scores. Counties with better health access and internet coverage had lower COVID-19 SHRI scores. This study helped to identify the county-level characteristics of risk populations to help guide resource allocation efforts. Also, the study showed that the spatial regression models outperformed the non-spatial regression models. Racial/ethnic inequalities were associated with disparities in the burden of high COVID-19 SHRI scores. Therefore, addressing these factors is essential to decrease inequalities in health outcomes. This work provides the baseline typology to further explore many social, health, economic, and political factors that contribute to different health outcomes.

[Translated article] Lower mortality and readmission in patients with few comorbidities who underwent hip fracture surgery and were discharged early.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-operative delay in patients with hip fracture surgery (HF) has been associated with poorer outcomes; however, the optimal timing of discharge from hospital after surgery has been little studied. The aim of this study was to determine mortality and readmission outcomes in HF patients with and without early hospital discharge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted selecting 607 patients over 65years of age with HF intervened between January 2015 and December 2019, from which 164 patients with fewer comorbidities and ASA≤II were included for analysis and divided according to their post-operative hospital stay into early discharge or stay ≤4 days (n=115), and non-early or post-operative stay >4days (n=49). Demographic characteristics; fracture and surgical-related characteristics; 30-day and one-year post-operative mortality rates; 30-day post-operative hospital readmission rate; and medical or surgical cause were recorded. RESULTS: In the early discharge group all outcomes were better compared to the non-early discharge group: lower 30-day (0.9% versus 4.1%, p=.16) and 1-year post-operative (4.3% versus 16.3%, p=.009) mortality rates, as well as a lower rate of hospital readmission for medical reasons (7.8% versus 16.3%, p=.037). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the early discharge group obtained better results 30-day and 1-year post-operative mortality indicators, as well as readmission for medical reasons.

Lower mortality and readmission in patients with few comorbidities who underwent hip fracture surgery and were discharged early. / Menor mortalidad y reingreso en pacientes con pocas comorbilidades intervenidos de fractura de cadera y con alta precoz.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative delay in patients with hip fracture surgery (HF) has been associated with poorer outcomes; however, the optimal timing of discharge from hospital after surgery has been little studied. The aim of this study was to determine mortality and readmission outcomes in HF patients with and without early hospital discharge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted selecting 607 patients over 65years of age with HF intervened between January 2015 and December 2019, from which 164 patients with fewer comorbidities and ASA ≤II were included for analysis and divided according to their postoperative hospital stay into early discharge or stay ≤4 days (n=115), and non-early or post-operative stay >4days (n=49). Demographic characteristics; fracture and surgical-related characteristics; 30-day and one-year postoperative mortality rates; 30-day postoperative hospital readmission rate; and medical or surgical cause were recorded. RESULTS: In the early discharge group all outcomes were better compared to the non-early discharge group: lower 30-day (0.9% vs 4.1%, P=.16) and 1-year postoperative (4.3% vs 16.3%, P=.009) mortality rates, as well as a lower rate of hospital readmission for medical reasons (7.8% vs 16.3%, P=.037). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the early discharge group obtained better results 30-day and 1-year postoperative mortality indicators, as well as readmission for medical reasons.

Association of location of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations with benefit from olaparib and bevacizumab maintenance in high-grade ovarian cancer: phase III PAOLA-1/ENGOT-ov25 trial subgroup exploratory analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the phase III PAOLA-1 study, the addition of maintenance olaparib to bevacizumab in patients with newly diagnosed high-grade ovarian cancer (HGOC) resulted in prolonged progression-free survival (PFS), particularly for homologous recombination deficiency-positive tumors, including those with a BRCA mutation (BRCAm). The magnitude of benefit from olaparib and bevacizumab according to the location of mutation in BRCA1/BRCA2 remains to be explored. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced-stage HGOC responding after platinum-based chemotherapy + bevacizumab received maintenance therapy bevacizumab (15 mg/kg q3w for 15 months) + either olaparib (300 mg b.i.d. for 24 months) or placebo. PFS was analyzed in the subgroup of patients with BRCA1m/BRCA2m according to mutation location in the functional domains of BRCA1 [Really Interesting Gene (RING), DNA-binding domain (DBD), or C-terminal domain of BRCA1 (BRCT)] and BRCA2 [RAD51-binding domain (RAD51-BD); DBD]. RESULTS: From 806 randomized patients, 159 harbored BRCA1m (19.7%) and 74 BRCA2m (9.2%). BRCA1m in RING, DBD, and BRCT domains was detected in 18, 40, and 33 patients, and BRCA2m in RAD51-BD and DBD in 36 and 13 patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 25.5 months, benefit from maintenance olaparib + bevacizumab was observed irrespective of location of BRCAm. The benefit was particularly high for those with BRCA1m located in the DBD, with 24-month PFS estimated to be 89% and 15% [olaparib + bevacizumab versus placebo + bevacizumab hazard ratio = 0.08 (95% confidence interval 0.02-0.28); interaction P = 0.03]. In BRCA2m patients, 24-month PFS rates for those with mutations located in the DBD were 90% and 100% (olaparib + bevacizumab versus placebo + bevacizumab), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced-stage BRCA-mutated HGOC patients reported PFS benefit from maintenance olaparib and bevacizumab regardless of mutation location. The benefit is particularly high for patients with mutations located in the DBD of BRCA1. Mutations located in the DBD of BRCA2 are also associated with excellent outcome.

La aplicación informática «SCAE» en el diagnóstico precoz del cáncer musculoesquelético en el área sanitaria del Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Análisis de su efectividad y propuestas de mejora / The computer application «SCAE» in the early diagnosis of musculoskeletal cancer in the healthcare area of the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Analysis of its effectiveness and proposals for improvement

Introducción: La aplicación informática SCAE-SM (Solicitud de Cita en Atención Especializada-Sospecha de Malignidad) es una herramienta informática de la que disponen los médicos de Atención Primaria (AP) para la derivación de pacientes que deban ser valorados por el especialista en un plazo máximo de 2 semanas, cuando se sospeche una patología maligna. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue analizar la utilidad de esta herramienta y proponer áreas de mejora en la gestión de los pacientes con sospecha de malignidad musculoesquelética. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal de las 235 derivaciones recibidas en los años 2012-2017. Se analizó su procedencia, la información contenida en las solicitudes y la respuesta proporcionada por evaluadores históricos (facultativos traumatólogos sin formación específica oncológica). Para este estudio, se ha realizado una nueva valoración ciega de todas las solicitudes por 13 traumatólogos con distinto nivel de formación específica en oncología musculoesquelética (reevaluadores). Resultados: De entre todas las SCAE-SM, solo el 8,23% de los pacientes presentaron enfermedad maligna o benigna agresiva. Los reevaluadores más acertados en la adecuación del adelanto de cita fueron aquellos con formación oncológica moderada (5-10 años de experiencia). Durante el periodo de tiempo del estudio, de todos los pacientes tratados en la Unidad de Tumores, solo el 18,81% accedieron por el circuito SCAE-SM, transcurriendo un tiempo medio de espera de 18,11 días desde la derivación de AP. Conclusiones: La aplicación informática SCAE-SM como herramienta de gestión y adelanto de la asistencia a los pacientes con patología tumoral musculoesquelética maligna es útil, si bien el uso del circuito es inadecuado. Es necesario difundirlo y generalizarlo, así como implementar programas de formación oncológica básica tanto en el ámbito de la AP como de la Hospitalaria.(AU)

Introduction: The SCAE-SM (Request for an Appointment in Specialized Care-Suspicion of Malignancy) computer application is a tool available to Primary Care (PC) physicians for the referral of patients who should be evaluated by the specialist in a maximum period of 2 weeks when malignancy is suspected. The objective of our work was to analyze the usefulness of this tool and propose areas for improvement in the management of patients with suspected musculoskeletal malignancy. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 235 referrals received in the years 2012–2017 was carried out. Their origin, the information contained in the applications and the response provided by historical evaluators, without specific oncology training, were analyzed. For this study, a new blind assessment of all applications was carried out by 13 orthopedists with different levels of specific training in musculoskeletal oncology (re-evaluators). Results: Among all SCAE-SM, only 8.23% of patients had aggressive benign or malignant disease. The most successful re-evaluators in the adequacy of early appointment were those with moderate oncological training (5–10 years of experience). During the study, of all the patients treated in the Tumor Unit, only 18.81% accessed through the SCAE-SM circuit, with a mean waiting time of 18.11 days from the PC referral. Conclusions: The SCAE-SM computer application as tool for improve the management and advance care for patients with malignant musculoskeletal tumor pathology is useful, although the use of the circuit is inadequate. It is necessary to disseminate and generalize it, as well as to implement basic oncology training programs both in the field of PC and Hospital.(AU)

The computer application “SCAE” in the early diagnosis of musculoskeletal cancer in the healthcare area of the “Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre”. Analysis of its effectiveness and proposals for improvement / La aplicación informática«SCAE» en el diagnóstico precoz del cáncer musculoesquelético en el área sanitaria del Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Análisis de su efectividad y propuestas de mejora

Introduction: The SCAE-SM (Request for an Appointment in Specialized Care-Suspicion of Malignancy) computer application is a tool available to Primary Care (PC) physicians for the referral of patients who should be evaluated by the specialist in a maximum period of 2 weeks when malignancy is suspected. The objective of our work was to analyze the usefulness of this tool and propose areas for improvement in the management of patients with suspected musculoskeletal malignancy. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 235 referrals received in the years 2012–2017 was carried out. Their origin, the information contained in the applications and the response provided by historical evaluators, without specific oncology training, were analyzed. For this study, a new blind assessment of all applications was carried out by 13 orthopedists with different levels of specific training in musculoskeletal oncology (re-evaluators). Results: Among all SCAE-SM, only 8.23% of patients had aggressive benign or malignant disease. The most successful re-evaluators in the adequacy of early appointment were those with moderate oncological training (5–10 years of experience). During the study, of all the patients treated in the Tumor Unit, only 18.81% accessed through the SCAE-SM circuit, with a mean waiting time of 18.11 days from the PC referral. Conclusions: The SCAE-SM computer application as tool for improve the management and advance care for patients with malignant musculoskeletal tumor pathology is useful, although the use of the circuit is inadequate. It is necessary to disseminate and generalize it, as well as to implement basic oncology training programs both in the field of PC and Hospital.(AU)

Introducción: La aplicación informática SCAE-SM (Solicitud de Cita en Atención Especializada-Sospecha de Malignidad) es una herramienta informática de la que disponen los médicos de Atención Primaria (AP) para la derivación de pacientes que deban ser valorados por el especialista en un plazo máximo de 2 semanas, cuando se sospeche una patología maligna. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue analizar la utilidad de esta herramienta y proponer áreas de mejora en la gestión de los pacientes con sospecha de malignidad musculoesquelética. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal de las 235 derivaciones recibidas en los años 2012-2017. Se analizó su procedencia, la información contenida en las solicitudes y la respuesta proporcionada por evaluadores históricos (facultativos traumatólogos sin formación específica oncológica). Para este estudio, se ha realizado una nueva valoración ciega de todas las solicitudes por 13 traumatólogos con distinto nivel de formación específica en oncología musculoesquelética (reevaluadores). Resultados: De entre todas las SCAE-SM, solo el 8,23% de los pacientes presentaron enfermedad maligna o benigna agresiva. Los reevaluadores más acertados en la adecuación del adelanto de cita fueron aquellos con formación oncológica moderada (5-10 años de experiencia). Durante el periodo de tiempo del estudio, de todos los pacientes tratados en la Unidad de Tumores, solo el 18,81% accedieron por el circuito SCAE-SM, transcurriendo un tiempo medio de espera de 18,11 días desde la derivación de AP. Conclusiones: La aplicación informática SCAE-SM como herramienta de gestión y adelanto de la asistencia a los pacientes con patología tumoral musculoesquelética maligna es útil, si bien el uso del circuito es inadecuado. Es necesario difundirlo y generalizarlo, así como implementar programas de formación oncológica básica tanto en el ámbito de la AP como de la Hospitalaria.(AU)

Anaerobic RSH-dependent tellurite reduction contributes to Escherichia coli tolerance against tellurite.

BACKGROUND: Tellurium is a rare metalloid that exerts high toxicity on cells, especially on bacteria, partly due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, it has also been observed that tellurite can target free cell thiols groups (RSH) (i.e. reduced glutathione (GSH)), enhancing the cellular redox imbalance. Additionally, in vitro experiments have suggested that several enzymes can reduce tellurite (IV) to its elemental form (0); where RSH present on their active sites may be responsible for the process. Nevertheless, the mechanisms implemented by bacteria for tellurite reduction and its role in resistance have not been evaluated in vivo. RESULTS: This work shows that tellurite reduction to elemental tellurium is increased under anaerobic conditions in E. coli cells. The in vivo tellurite reduction is related to the intracellular concentration of total RSH, in the presence and absence of oxygen. This metabolization of tellurite directly contributes to the resistance of the bacteria to the oxyanion. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that in vivo tellurite reduction is related to the intracellular thiol concentration, i.e. large availability of cellular RSH groups, results in a more significant reduction of tellurite. Furthermore, we observed that, when the bacterium exhibits less resistance to the oxyanion, a decreased tellurite reduction was seen, affecting the growth fitness. Together, these results let us propose that tellurite reduction and the intracellular RSH content are related to the oxyanion bacterial resistance, this tripartite mechanism in an oxygen-independent anaerobic process.

Increased School Breakfast Participation from Policy and Program Innovation: The Community Eligibility Provision and Breakfast after the Bell.

School meals provide significant access to food and nutrition for children and adolescents, particularly through universal free meal mechanisms. Alongside added nutritional meal requirements under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (2010), schools can utilize meal program and policy mechanisms such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Breakfast after the Bell (BATB) to increase participation. This study examines longitudinal statewide school-level CEP and BATB adoption and estimates the impact on increased free and reduced-price (FRP) breakfast participation. We find that FRP breakfast participation increased for schools that utilize both CEP and BATB (14-percentage-point increase) and that CEP-participating schools are more likely to use BATB approaches such as breakfast in the classroom, grab-and-go carts, and second-chance breakfast. Additionally, using a conditional Difference-in-Differences (DiD) approach, we find that BATB adoption accounted for a 1.4-percentage-point increase in FRP school breakfasts served (p < 0.05). Study findings can inform policy and school official decision making around the policy and program mechanisms at their disposal to increase school meal participation and student nutrition.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in anorexia nervosa discordant identical twins.

Up until now, no study has looked specifically at epigenomic landscapes throughout twin samples, discordant for Anorexia nervosa (AN). Our goal was to find evidence to confirm the hypothesis that epigenetic variations play a key role in the aetiology of AN. In this study, we quantified genome-wide patterns of DNA methylation using the Infinium Human DNA Methylation EPIC BeadChip array ("850 K") in DNA samples isolated from whole blood collected from a group of 7 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for AN. Results were then validated performing a genome-wide DNA methylation profiling using DNA extracted from whole blood of a group of non-family-related AN patients and a group of healthy controls. Our first analysis using the twin sample revealed 9 CpGs associated to a gene. The validation analysis showed two statistically significant CpGs with the rank regression method related to two genes associated to metabolic traits, PPP2R2C and CHST1. When doing beta regression, 6 of them showed statistically significant differences, including 3 CpGs associated to genes JAM3, UBAP2L and SYNJ2. Finally, the overall pattern of results shows genetic links to phenotypes which the literature has constantly related to AN, including metabolic and psychological traits. The genes PPP2R2C and CHST1 have both been linked to the metabolic traits type 2 diabetes through GWAS studies. The genes UBAP2L and SYNJ2 have been related to other psychiatric comorbidity.

Outcomes and complications of anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic anal sac disease in cats: 8 cases (2006-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the features of non-neoplastic anal sac disease in cats, the surgical procedure, complications, surgical outcome and prognosis compared to well-established data for anal sacculectomy in canine patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of cats undergoing anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic disease between 2006 and 2019. RESULTS: Eight cats were included in the study of which four of eight developed minor and self-limiting complications including defaecatory complications in three cases and superficial corneal ulceration in one case. No cat developed permanent faecal incontinence. No long-term postoperative complication was recorded. Median surgical time was 35 minutes (range, 20 to 42). Median hospitalisation time was 1.5 days (range, 1 to 4). The incidence of short-term minor complications is higher than previously reported in dogs, although this might be in agreement with a reported higher incidence in dogs smaller than 15 kg. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic anal sac disease is a safe procedure in cats with relatively high rate of short-term but self-limiting, minor, postoperative complications.

The computer application «SCAE¼ in the early diagnosis of musculoskeletal cancer in the healthcare area of the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Analysis of its effectiveness and proposals for improvement. / La aplicación informática «SCAE¼ en el diagnóstico precoz del cáncer musculoesquelético en el área sanitaria del Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Análisis de su efectividad y propuestas de mejora.

INTRODUCTION: The SCAE-SM (Request for an Appointment in Specialized Care-Suspicion of Malignancy) computer application is a tool available to Primary Care (PC) physicians for the referral of patients who should be evaluated by the specialist in a maximum period of 2 weeks when malignancy is suspected. The objective of our work was to analyze the usefulness of this tool and propose areas for improvement in the management of patients with suspected musculoskeletal malignancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 235 referrals received in the years 2012-2017 was carried out. Their origin, the information contained in the applications and the response provided by historical evaluators, without specific oncology training, were analyzed. For this study, a new blind assessment of all applications was carried out by 13 orthopedists with different levels of specific training in musculoskeletal oncology (re-evaluators). RESULTS: Among all SCAE-SM, only 8.23% of patients had aggressive benign or malignant disease. The most successful re-evaluators in the adequacy of early appointment were those with moderate oncological training (5-10 years of experience). During the study, of all the patients treated in the Tumor Unit, only 18.81% accessed through the SCAE-SM circuit, with a mean waiting time of 18.11 days from the PC referral. CONCLUSIONS: The SCAE-SM computer application as tool for improve the management and advance care for patients with malignant musculoskeletal tumor pathology is useful, although the use of the circuit is inadequate. It is necessary to disseminate and generalize it, as well as to implement basic oncology training programs both in the field of PC and Hospital.

Anaerobic RSH-dependent tellurite reduction contributes to Escherichia coli tolerance against tellurite

BACKGROUND: Tellurium is a rare metalloid that exerts high toxicity on cells, especially on bacteria, partly due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, it has also been observed that tellurite can target free cell thiols groups (RSH) (i.e. reduced glutathione (GSH)), enhancing the cellular redox imbalance. Additionally, in vitro experiments have suggested that several enzymes can reduce tellurite (IV) to its elemental form (0); where RSH present on their active sites may be responsible for the process. Nevertheless, the mechanisms implemented by bacteria for tellurite reduction and its role in resistance have not been evaluated in vivo. RESULTS: This work shows that tellurite reduction to elemental tellurium is increased under anaerobic conditions in E. coli cells. The in vivo tellurite reduction is related to the intracellular concentration of total RSH, in the presence and absence of oxygen. This metabolization of tellurite directly contributes to the resistance of the bacteria to the oxyanion. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that in vivo tellurite reduction is related to the intracellular thiol concentration, i.e. large availability of cellular RSH groups, results in a more significant reduction of tellurite. Furthermore, we observed that, when the bacterium exhibits less resistance to the oxyanion, a decreased tellurite reduction was seen, affecting the growth fitness. Together, these results let us propose that tellurite reduction and the intracellular RSH content are related to the oxyanion bacterial resistance, this tripartite mechanism in an oxygen independent anaerobic process.

Potential usefulness of pentoxifylline, a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, antioxidant, and anti-fibrogenic properties, in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2.

Although most patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a good prognosis, in some cases, the disease progresses rapidly, and the mortality rate is high. Some evidence suggests that infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produces a 'cytokine storm', which is related to acute respiratory distress syndrome or multi-organ dysfunction leading to physiological deterioration and death. It is important to highlight the state of hypercoagulability that can be triggered, involving microvascular thrombosis and vascular occlusive events, which are relevant to such poor outcomes. At present, no specific antiviral drug or vaccine is available for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and current research is aimed at preventing and mitigating damage to the target organs, mainly the lungs. In seeking therapies for patients with COVID-19, immunomodulators, cytokine antagonists and early anti-coagulation therapies have been tested in attempts to reduce the mortality rate. Pentoxifylline, a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor widely used to improve the rheological properties of blood, has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties and can significantly reduce the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein and other immunoregulators. It has also been found to exert anti-thrombotic, antioxidant and anti-fibrogenic actions. These properties could help to prevent or mitigate the inflammatory response and hypercoagulability that develop with SARS-CoV-2 infection, decreasing multi-organ dysfunction manifesting primarily as acute lung injury.

Cellular Identification and In Silico Characterization of Protein Phosphatase 2C (PP2C) of Cryptosporidium parvum.

PURPOSE: Cryptosporidium parvum is an Apicomplexa parasite that causes watery diarrhea (cryptosporidiosis), especially in children and immunocompromised adults (the latter in a very severe form). No effective treatment exists against infection by this parasite. Phosphatases participate in the regulation of various cellular functions and are thus considered potential therapeutic targets in many diseases. The aim of the present study was to indirectly identify and in silico characterize a protein phosphatase 2C of C. parvum. METHODS: Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy were performed with a polyclonal antibody against Leishmania major PP2C. Possible cross-reactivity with LmPP2C was assessed by in silico sequence homology to analyze phylogenetic relationships between distinct C. parvum PP2Cs. In addition, another bioinformatics approach was used to predict the possible relationship and function of C. parvum PP2C in the regulation of several cellular processes. RESULTS: Western blotting showed a protein of approximately 72 kDa. With immunofluorescence, PP2C was localized in the nucleus of oocysts (with some additional labeling in the cytoplasm) and at the apical region of sporozoites. By aligning C. parvum PP2C with known ortholog sequences and carrying out PPI analysis, a determination could be made of the degree of conservation of these enzymes, their possible relationship, and their function in the regulation of several cellular processes associated with a likely nuclear location. CONCLUSION: Microscopic localization by immunofluorescence identified CpPP2C at the nucleus in oocysts and at the apical end of the sporozoite body. Hence, this enzyme could be associated with proteins that have an important role in the regulation of transcription and other processes orchestrated by MAPK kinases, according to in silico analysis.

Substrates' and products' inhibition in fructanase production by a new Kluyveromyces marxianus CF15 from Agave tequilana fructan in a batch reactor.

This study focuses on fructanase production in a batch reactor by a new strain isolated from agave juice (K. marxianus var. drosophilarum) employing different Agave tequilana fructan (ATF) concentrations as substrate. The experimental data suggest that the fructanase production may be inhibited or repressed by high substrate (50 g/L) and ethanol (20.7 g/L) concentrations present in culture medium. To further analyze these phenomena an unstructured kinetic mathematical model taking into account substrate and products inhibition was proposed and fitted. The mathematical model considers six reaction kinetics and the ethanol evaporation, and predicts satisfactorily the biomass, fructan, glucose, fructose, ethanol, and fructanase behavior for different raw material initial concentrations. The proposed model is the first to satisfactorily describe the production of fructanase from branched ATF with a new strain of K. marxianus.

Additive genetic and heterosis effects for milk fever in a population of Jersey, Holstein × Jersey, and Holstein cattle under grazing conditions.

The aim of this study was to estimate additive genetic and heterosis effects for milk fever (MF) in Costa Rican dairy cattle. A farm-based management information software was used to collect 223,783 parity records between years 1989 and 2016, from 64,008 cows, 2 breeds (Jersey, Holstein × Jersey crosses, and Holstein), and 134 herds. The pedigree file comprised 73,653 animals distributed across 10 generations. A total of 4,355 (1.95%) clinical cases of MF were reported within this population, affecting 3,469 (5.42%) cows. Data were analyzed using 2 animal models, both accounting for repeatability and assuming different distributions for MF event: normal (linear model) or binomial (threshold model). The models included parity as fixed effect, breed and heterosis as fixed regressions, and herd-year-season, additive genetic, and permanent environment as random effects. The models were fit using a generalized linear mixed model approach, as implemented in ASReml 4.0 software. We noted significant regression on the percentage of Holstein breed, depicting a -0.0086% [standard error (SE) = 0.0012] decrease in MF incidence for each 1-unit increase in percentage of Holstein breed. A favorable heterosis of 5.9% for MF was found, although this was not statistically significant. Heritability and repeatability were, respectively, 0.03 (SE = 0.002) and 0.05 (SE = 0.002) for the linear model, and 0.07 (SE = 0.007) and 0.07 (SE = 0.007) for the threshold model. The correlation between BLUP (all animals in pedigree) for linear and threshold models, was 0.89. The average accuracy of the estimated BLUP for all animals were 0.44 (standard deviation = 0.13) for the linear model and 0.29 (standard deviation = 0.14) for the threshold model. Heritability and repeatability for MF within this population was low, though significant.

Infecciones en niños quemados internados en el Centro Nacional de Quemados y Cirugías Reconstructivas (CENQUER) Paraguay de Enero 2017 a Enero 2018 / Infections in burned children admitted to the National Center for Burns and Reconstructive Surgery (CENQUER) Paraguay from January 2017 to January 2018

Introducción: Las infecciones juegan un rol importante en la morbilidad y mortalidad asociada a quemaduras. La experiencia en pacientes pediátricos es escasa. Objetivo: Evaluar aspectos clínicos y microbiológicos de infección intrahospitalaria en niños quemados en el Centro Nacional de Quemados y Cirugías Reconstructivas. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo y de corte transversal. Se incluyeron todos los niños quemados admitidos en el Servicio de Pediatría del Centro Nacional de Quemados y Cirugías Reconstructivas (CENQUER) desde enero del 2017 hasta enero del 2018. Resultados: El total de pacientes fue de 220, de los cuales fueron 161 (73%) lactantes, 24 (11%) pre escolares, 17 (8%) escolares, 13 (6%) adolescentes y 5 (2%) recién nacidos. El porcentaje de superficie corporal quemada tuvo un rango de 1 a 95% (mediana 27%). El tipo de quemadura fue A (superficial) en 78 (36%) pacientes, AB (intermedia) en 38 (17%) y B (profunda) en 104 (47%). Ciento ochenta niños (82%) tuvieron catéter venoso, 166 (75,5%) catéter arterial y 172 (78%), sonda vesical. En 150 pacientes (68%) se requirió asistencia respiratoria mecánica. Se documentaron 128 (58%) infecciones. El foco más frecuente fue la sepsis relacionada con la quemadura. Las bacterias Gram (-) Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Acinetobacter spp multirresistentes, fueron los gérmenes más frecuentemente aislados. Se fueron de alta 186(85%) pacientes y 34 (15%) fallecieron. En 28 (82%) de ellos, la causa del fallecimiento estuvo relacionada con la infección. La duración de la internación tuvo una mediana de 37 días. Conclusiones: Las infecciones en niños quemados son una importante causa de morbimortalidad y las bacterias Gram (-) multirresistentes juegan un importante rol en las mismas. La mortalidad estuvo relacionada a la infección

Introduction: Infections play an important role in the morbidity and mortality associated with burns. Experience in pediatric patients is scarce. Objective: To evaluate clinical and microbiological aspects of nosocomial infection in children burned in the National Center for Burns and Reconstructive Surgeries. Material and Methods: A descriptive, observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study. All burned children admitted to the Pediatric Service of the National Center for Burns and Reconstructive Surgery (CENQUER) from January 2017 to January 2018 were included. Results: The total number of patients was 220, of which 161 (73%) were breastfeeding, 24 (11%) pre-school, 17 (8%) schoolchildren, 13 (6%) adolescents and 5 (2%) newborns. The percentage of burned body surface area ranged from 1 to 95% (median 27%). The type of burn was A (superficial) in 78 (36%), patients, AB (intermediate) in 38 (17%) and B (deep) in 104 (47%). One hundred and eighty children (82%) had venous catheter, 166 (75.5%) arterial catheter and 172 (78%); bladder catheter in 150 patients (68%) mechanical ventilation was required. In 128(58%) patients infections were documented. The most frequent focus was sepsis related to the burn. Gramnegative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and multiresistant Acinetobacter spp were the most frequently isolated germs. 186(85%) patients were discharged and 34 (15%) died. In 28 (82%) of them, the cause of death was related to the infection. The duration of the hospitalization had a median of 37 days. Conclusions: Infections in burned children are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and multidrug resistant gram negative bacteria play an important role in them. Mortality was related to infection.