Multimodal Mobile Robotic Dataset for a Typical Mediterranean Greenhouse: The GREENBOT Dataset.

This paper presents an innovative dataset designed explicitly for challenging agricultural environments, such as greenhouses, where precise location is crucial, but GNNS accuracy may be compromised by construction elements and the crop. The dataset was collected using a mobile platform equipped with a set of sensors typically used in mobile robots as it was moved through all the corridors of a typical Mediterranean greenhouse featuring tomato crops. This dataset presents a unique opportunity for constructing detailed 3D models of plants in such indoor-like spaces, with potential applications such as robotized spraying. For the first time, to the authors' knowledge, a dataset suitable to test simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) methods is presented in a greenhouse environment, which poses unique challenges. The suitability of the dataset for this purpose is assessed by presenting SLAM results with state-of-the-art algorithms. The dataset is available online.

Assisted Robots in Therapies for Children with Autism in Early Childhood.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have deficits that affect their social relationships, communication, and flexibility in reasoning. There are different types of treatment (pharmacological, educational, psychological, and rehabilitative). Currently, one way to address this problem is by using robotic systems to address the abilities that are altered in these children. The aim of this review will be to analyse the effectiveness of the incorporation of the different robotic systems currently existing in the treatment of children up to 10 years of age diagnosed with autism. A systematic review has been carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Dialnet databases, with the following descriptors: child, autism, and robot. The search yielded 578 papers, and nine were selected after the application of the PRISMA guideline. The quality of the studies was analysed with the PEDRo scale, and only those with a score between four and six were selected. From this study, the conclusion is that the use of robots, in general, improves children's behaviour in the short term, but longer-term experiences are necessary to achieve more conclusive results.

Iodotyrosines Are Biomarkers for Preclinical Stages of Iodine-Deficient Hypothyroidism in Dehal1-Knockout Mice.

Background: Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormone (TH), but its natural availability is limited. Dehalogenase1 (Dehal1) recycles iodine from mono- and diiodotyrosines (MIT, DIT) to sustain TH synthesis when iodine supplies are scarce, but its role in the dynamics of storage and conservation of iodine is unknown. Methods: Dehal1-knockout (Dehal1KO) mice were generated by gene trapping. The timing of expression and distribution was investigated by X-Gal staining and immunofluorescence using recombinant Dehal1-beta-galactosidase protein produced in fetuses and adult mice. Adult Dehal1KO and wild-type (Wt) animals were fed normal and iodine-deficient diets for 1 month, and plasma, urine, and tissues were isolated for analyses. TH status was monitored, including thyroxine, triiodothyronine, MIT, DIT, and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) using a novel liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method and the Sandell-Kolthoff (S-K) technique throughout the experimental period. Results: Dehal1 is highly expressed in the thyroid and is also present in the kidneys, liver, and, unexpectedly, the choroid plexus. In vivo transcription of Dehal1 was induced by iodine deficiency only in the thyroid tissue. Under normal iodine intake, Dehal1KO mice were euthyroid, but they showed negative iodine balance due to a continuous loss of iodotyrosines in the urine. Counterintuitively, the UIC of Dehal1KO mice is twofold higher than that of Wt mice, indicating that S-K measures both inorganic and organic iodine. Under iodine restriction, Dehal1KO mice rapidly develop profound hypothyroidism, while Wt mice remain euthyroid, suggesting reduced retention of iodine in the thyroids of Dehal1KO mice. Urinary and plasma iodotyrosines were continually elevated throughout the life cycles of Dehal1KO mice, including the neonatal period, when pups were still euthyroid. Conclusions: Plasma and urine iodotyrosine elevation occurs in Dehal1-deficient mice throughout life. Therefore, measurement of iodotyrosines predicts an eventual iodine shortage and development of hypothyroidism in the preclinical phase. The prompt establishment of hypothyroidism upon the start of iodine restriction suggests that Dehal1KO mice have low iodine reserves in their thyroid glands, pointing to defective capacity for iodine storage.

Democratization of Copper Analysis in Grape Must Following a Polymer-Based Lab-on-a-Chip Approach.

Quality control in the food industry is of the upmost importance from the food safety, organoleptic and commercial viewpoints. Accordingly, the development of in situ, rapid, and costless analytical tools is a valuable task in which we are working. Regarding this point, the copper content of grape must has to be determined by wineries along the wine production process. For this purpose, grape must samples are sent to laboratories where the copper content is measured usually by flame atomic absorption spectrometry or by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We herein propose a straightforward, rapid, and inexpensive methodology based both on a film-shaped colorimetric polymer sensor and a smartphone method that at the same time can be used by unskilled personnel. The sensory polymer films change their color upon dipping them on the grape must, and the color evolution is analyzed using the digital color parameters of a picture taken to the film with a smartphone. Furthermore, the analytical procedure is automatically carried out by a smartphone app. The limit of detection of copper of the polymer sensor is 0.08 ppm. Following this approach, 18 production samples coming from the French Groupe ICV company were studied. The copper content of the samples was analyzed by the usual procedure carried out by the company (flame atomic absorption spectrometry) and by the method proposed in this work, ranging this content from 0.41 to 6.08 ppm. The statistical study showed that the results of both methods are fully consistent, showing the validity of the proposed method for the determination of copper in grape must within the frame of wine production wineries and industries.

Lab-on-a-chip for the easy and visual detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva based on sensory polymers.

The initial stages of the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 showed that early detection of the virus in a simple way is the best tool until the development of vaccines. Many different tests are invasive or need the patient to cough up or even drag a sample of mucus from the throat area. Besides, the manufacturing time has proven insufficient in pandemic conditions since they were out of stock in many countries. Here we show a new method of manufacturing virus sensors and a proof of concept with SARS-CoV-2. We found that a fluorogenic peptide substrate of the main protease of the virus (Mpro) can be covalently immobilized in a polymer, with which a cellulose-based material can be coated. These sensory labels fluoresce with a single saliva sample of a positive COVID-19 patient. The results matched with that of the antigen tests in 22 of 26 studied cases (85% success rate).

Smart sensory polymer for straightforward Zn(II) detection in pet food samples.

We report on an innovative method to measure the Zn(II) concentration in commercial pet food samples, both wet and dry food. It is based on a colorimetric sensory polymer prepared from commercial monomers and 0.5 % of a synthetic monomer having a quinoline sensory core (N-(8-(2-azidoacetamido)quinolin-5-yl)methacrylamide). We obtained the sensory polymer as crosslinked films by thermally initiated bulk radical polymerization of the monomers of 100 µm thickness, which we punched into Ø6 mm sensory discs. The immersion of the discs in water solutions containing Zn(II) turned the fluorescence on, allowing for the titration of this cation using the G parameter of a digital picture taken to the discs. The limits of detection and quantification were 29 and 87 µg/L, respectively. Furthermore, we measured the concentration of Zn(II) even in the presence of other cations, detecting no significant interferences. Thus, in a further step, we obtained the concentration of Zn(II) from 15 commercial pet food samples, ranging from 19 to 198 mg/kg, following a simple extraction procedure and contacting the extractant with our sensory discs. These results were contrasted with that obtained by ICP-MS as a reference method.

Chromogenic Anticounterfeit and Security Papers: An Easy and Effective Approach.

The synthesis and preparation of 12 chromogenic polymers used to build an intelligent label for security paper applications are described. The process involves coating paper sheets with the polymers. Depending on the number of different polymers used in a combinatory way, a maximum of 1212 combinations is possible, thus creating a matrix that is practically impossible to counterfeit. Currently, most anticounterfeiting proposals for paper-based packaging and documents involve some sort of verification under ultraviolet radiation, and the requirement of additional equipment often relegates the end-user to a passive role. In contrast, in our approach, the combination of sensory polymers in an array gives rise to an invisible label, i.e., an owner cryptographic key, which becomes visible upon scattering a nitrite solution (e.g., spraying or using an impregnated foam roller) over the printed label on the security paper. For this purpose, a monomer containing an aromatic primary amino group and another with an activated aromatic ring are covalently bonded to a polymer with high affinity toward paper, consisting essentially of units of methyl methacrylate and 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone. Subsequently, the paper samples are coated with the resulting sensory chromogenic polymer. By spraying, painting, or staining an aqueous acid solution of NaNO2 (at least 1.20 g/L) and the chromogenic polymers, a well-defined color appears, because of the formation of an azo compound. This process provides users with a quick and facile authentication method without additional equipment and without affecting paper strength.

Identification of Resistance to Exogenous Thyroxine in Humans.

Background: Thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) deiodination in the hypothalamus/pituitary is mediated by deiodinase type-2 (D2) activity. Dio2(-/-) mice show central resistance to exogenous T4. Patients with resistance to exogenous thyroxine (RETH) have not been described. The aim of this study was to identify hypothyroid patients with thyrotropin (TSH) unresponsiveness to levothyroxine (LT4) and to characterize the clinical, hormonal, and genetic features of human RETH. Methods: We investigated hypothyroid patients with elevated TSH under LT4 treatment at doses leading to clinical and/or biochemical hyperthyroidism. TSH and free T4 (fT4) were determined by chemiluminescence, and total T4, T3, and reverse T3 (rT3) by radioimmunoassay. TSH/fT4 ratio at inclusion and T3/T4, rT3/T4, and T3/rT3 ratios at follow-up were compared with those from patients with resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) due to thyroid hormone receptor-ß (THRB) mutations. DIO2, including the Ala92-D2 polymorphism, selenocysteine binding protein 2 (SECISBP2), and THRB were fully sequenced. Results: Eighteen hypothyroid patients (nine of each sex, 3-59 years) treated with LT4 showed elevated TSH (15.5 ± 4.7 mU/L; reference range [RR]: 0.4-4.5), fT4 (20.8 ± 2.4 pM; RR: 9-20.6), and TSH/fT4 ratio (0.74 ± 0.25; RR: 0.03-0.13). Despite increasing LT4 doses from 1.7 ± 1.0 to 2.4 ± 1.7 µg/kg/day, TSH remained elevated (6.9 ± 2.7 mU/L). Due to hyperthyroid symptoms, LT4 doses were reduced, and TSH increased again to 7.9 ± 3.2 mU/L. In the euthyroid/hyperthyrotropinemic state, T3/T4 and T3/rT3 ratios were decreased (9.2 ± 2.4, RR: 11.3-15.3 and 2.5 ± 1.4, RR: 7.5-8.5, respectively) whereas rT3/T4 was increased (0.6 ± 0.2; RR: 0.43-0.49), suggesting reduced T4 to T3 and increased T4 to rT3 conversion. These ratios were serum T4-independent and were not observed in RTH patients. Genetic testing was normal. The Ala92-D2 polymorphism was present in 7 of 18 patients, but the allele dose did not correlate with RETH. Conclusions: Human RETH is characterized by iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis and elevated TSH/fT4 ratio. In the euthyroid/hyperthyrotropinemic state, it is confirmed by decreased T3/T4 and T3/rT3 ratios, and elevated rT3/T4 ratio. This phenotype may guide clinicians to consider combined T4+T3 therapy in a targeted fashion. The absence of germline DIO2 mutations suggests that aberrant post-translational D2 modifications in pituitary/hypothalamus or defects in other genes regulating the T4 to T3 conversion pathway could be involved in RETH.

Transient PAX8 Expression in Islets During Pregnancy Correlates With ß-Cell Survival, Revealing a Novel Candidate Gene in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Transient Pax8 expression was reported in mouse islets during gestation, whereas a genome-wide linkage and admixture mapping study highlighted PAX8 as a candidate gene for diabetes mellitus (DM). We sought the significance of PAX8 expression in mouse and human islet biology. PAX8 was induced in gestating mouse islets and in human islets treated with recombinant prolactin. Global gene expression profiling of human and mouse islets overexpressing the corresponding species-specific PAX8 revealed the modulation of distinct genetic pathways that converge on cell survival. Accordingly, apoptosis was reduced in PAX8-overexpressing islets. These findings support that PAX8 could be a candidate gene for the study of gestational DM (GDM). PAX8 was genotyped in patients with GDM and gestational thyroid dysfunction (GTD), a pathology commonly found in patients with mutations on PAX8 A novel missense PAX8 mutation (p.T356M, c.1067C>T) was identified in a female diagnosed with GDM and GTD as well as in her father with type 2 DM but was absent in control patients. The p.T356M variant did not alter protein stability or cellular localization, whereas its transactivation activity was hindered. In parallel, a retrospective clinical analysis uncovered that a pregnant female harboring a second PAX8 mutation (p.P25R, c.74C>G) previously reported to cause congenital hypothyroidism also developed GDM. These data indicate that increased expression of PAX8 affects islet viability and that PAX8 could be considered as a candidate gene for the study of GDM.

Levothyroxine enhances glucose clearance and blunts the onset of experimental type 1 diabetes mellitus in mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thyroid hormones induce several changes in whole body metabolism that are known to improve metabolic homeostasis. However, adverse side effects have prevented its use in the clinic. In view of the promising effects of thyroid hormones, we investigated the effects of levothyroxine supplementation on glucose homeostasis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: C57BL/6 mice were treated with levothyroxine from birth to 24 weeks of age, when mice were killed. The effects of levothyroxine supplementation on metabolic health were determined. C57BL/6 mice treated with levothyroxine for 2 weeks and then challenged with streptozotocin to monitor survival. Mechanistic experiments were conducted in the pancreas, liver and skeletal muscle. RIP-B7.1 mice were treated with levothyroxine for 2 weeks and were subsequently immunized to trigger experimental autoimmune diabetes (EAD). Metabolic tests were performed. Mice were killed and metabolic tissues were extracted for immunohistological analyses. KEY RESULTS: Long-term levothyroxine supplementation enhanced glucose clearance and reduced circulating glucose in C57BL/6 mice. Levothyroxine increased simultaneously the proliferation and apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells, promoting the maintenance of a highly insulin-expressing beta cell population. Levothyroxine increased circulating insulin levels, inducing sustained activation of IRS1-AKT signalling in insulin-target tissues. Levothyroxine-treated C57BL/6 mice challenged with streptozotocin exhibited extended survival. Levothyroxine blunted the onset of EAD in RIP-B7.1 mice by inducing beta cell proliferation and preservation of insulin-expressing cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Interventions based on the use of thyroid hormones or thyromimetics could be explored to provide therapeutic benefit in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Efectos de la educación comunitaria sobre factores de riesgo en adultos mayores prediabéticos / Effects of community-based education on the risk factors in prediabetic older adults

Introducción: la educación es piedra angular en la prevención, atención y tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus. Promueve efectos positivos en la salud de los enfermos y sus familiares a través del conocimiento, con la finalidad de prevenir o retardar las complicaciones de la diabetes, por lo que ningún grupo etario debe ser excluido de este beneficio. Objetivo: determinar el efecto de la educación comunitaria sobre el sedentarismo, los hábitos alimentarios y la glucemia, en adultos mayores con prediabetes. Métodos: estudio cuasi experimental en 20 adultos mayores de ambos géneros, con glucemia capilar de 100 mg/dL a 125 mg/dL, derechohabientes del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, adscritos a la Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 17 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, en Villa Juárez, Sonora, México. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue 67 ± 6 años, con predominio del género femenino (60 %) y escolaridad baja. El 72 % de la población tenía familiares directos con diabetes mellitus. Luego de la estrategia educativa, mejoraron los conocimientos sobre diabetes, y hubo cambios significativos antes-después en la evaluación global (p= 0,0001), glucemia capilar (p= 0,0001) y hemoglobina glucosilada (p= 0,003). Así mismo, mejoraron los hábitos dietéticos y de ejercicio físico. Conclusiones: la estrategia educativa tiene un efecto benéfico sobre variables metabólicas y favorece cambios en el estilo de vida(AU)

Introduction: education is the milestone in the prevention, care and treatment of diabetes mellitus. It promotes positive effects for the patient's and the relatives' health through acquisition of knowledge for the purpose of preventing or delaying the diabetes complications, so any age group should be excluded from this benefit. Objective: to determine the effect of community-based education on sedentary and feeding habits and glycemia in pre-diabetic older adults. Methods: quasi-experimental study of 20 older adults of both sexes with capillary glycemia of 100 mg/dL a 125 mg/dL, rightful owners of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social and ascribed to the family medicine unit no. 17 of Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in Villa Juarez, Sonora, Mexico. Results: the average age was 67 ± 6 years, females (60 percent) and low schooling prevailed. Seventy two percent of the population had first-line relatives with diabetes. After the educational strategy implementation, knowledge on diabetes improved and significant changes occurred when comparing before and after this intervention in terms of global assessment (p= 0.0001), capillary glycemia (p= 0.0001), and glycosylate hemoglobin (p= 0.003). Feeding habits and physical exercising showed some improvement. Conclusions: educational strategy has beneficial effects on the metabolic parameters and encourages lifestyle changes(AU)

Coexistence of thyroid hormone resistance syndrome, pituitary adenoma and Graves’ disease / Coexistencia de síndrome de resistencia a hormonas tiroideas, adenoma hipofisario y enfermedad de Graves

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Evaluation of the spatial and temporal distribution of and risk factors for Bluetongue serotype 1 epidemics in sheep Extremadura (Spain), 2007-2011.

Extremadura has been one of the regions in Spain most severely affected by Bluetongue (BT) epidemics. The first incursion of BTV, which was successfully eradicated one year later, occurred in 2004, involving the BTV-serotype 4. However, a second incursion occurred in September 2007, this time involving serotype 1. Since then, the implementation of intensive vaccination programs have significantly reduced BTV-1 occurrence, but the disease has not been completely eradicated yet. This study aimed to provide, for the first time, a complete description of the spatial and temporal patterns of BTV-1 occurrence in sheep in Extremadura from 2007 to 2011 and to identify the risk factors that contributed to the seasonal occurrence of BTV-1 in this region. The results showed that risk factors contributing to BTV-1 occurrence in sheep changed between 2007 and 2011. Initially, when the population was still immunologically naïve, the main risk factors for BTV-1 occurrence were extensive management practices, large sheep farms and Culicoides abundance on farms. However, after the implementation of vaccination, other factors became more relevant for BTV-1 occurrence, mostly related to BTV reservoirs, such as the proximity of cattle farms or the introduction of cattle into farms. The Talaverana sheep breed also seemed to be associated with a significantly higher risk of BTV-1 occurrence, although it may be due to confounding factors, such as the geographical concentration of where this breed is kept and/or management practises used for this breed. The results of this study suggest that preventive and control strategies, including vaccination and active surveillance strategies, should be primarily focused on cattle farms kept in close vicinity to sheep flocks as well as in high-risk sheep farms (i.e. farms with a large farm size keeping both cattle and sheep and with a high number of animal introductions). Methods and results presented here may be used to guide decisions for the annual update of the control and eradication program in Spain.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia: a multicenter review of 355 patients.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, there are no large multicenter studies concerning frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) that could give clues about its pathogenesis and best treatment. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the epidemiology, comorbidities, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic choices in a large series of patients with FFA. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study included patients given the diagnosis of FFA. Clinical severity was classified based on the recession of the frontotemporal hairline. RESULTS: In all, 355 patients (343 women [49 premenopausal] and 12 men) with a mean age of 61 years (range 23-86) were included. Early menopause was detected in 49 patients (14%), whereas 46 (13%) had undergone hysterectomy. Severe FFA was observed in 131 patients (37%). Independent factors associated with severe FFA after multivariate analysis were: eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement. Eyebrow loss as the initial clinical presentation was associated with mild forms. Antiandrogens such as finasteride and dutasteride were used in 111 patients (31%), with improvement in 52 (47%) and stabilization in 59 (53%). LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design is a limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement were associated with severe FFA. Antiandrogens were the most useful treatment.

Health-related quality of life in psoriatic arthritis patients in Spain / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de pacientes con artritis psoriásica en España

Purpose: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, including health-related quality-of-life (HRQL), in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: 287 patients from 18 Spanish centres were assessed. PsA severity was measured using the following criteria: (1) Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI score 0-72, from low to high severity); (2) number of swollen and tender joints; and (3) Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ score 0-3 from low to high impairment in daily activities). HRQL assessment was performed using the following criteria: (a) EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D scores 1-3, with a higher score representing a worse HRQL), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS score 0-100, with a higher score representing a better HQRL) and (b) Short Form-36 (SF-36 score 0-100, with a higher score representing a better HRQL). Results: 24.7% of patients were treated with infliximab. In the two groups, 55.7% of the patients were male with a mean age of 52.40 ± 12.53 years. The average number of swollen joints was higher in patients not receiving biological therapy than in those receiving treatment (2.98 vs. 1.54). The mean PASI score was 3.73 ± 5.83, and there was no difference between groups. HAQ scores were higher in patients receiving infliximab than in those not receiving treatment (0.93 vs. 0.70). The mean EQ-5D scores in the two groups indicated a poorer status based on pain and inability to perform usual/daily activities. HRQL measured by VAS score mean was 60.41 ± 20.08, and there was no difference between the groups. The domains in the SF-36 suggesting poorer functioning in the two groups were the physical role (50.76 ± 43.43), physical pain (49.35 ± 25.69) and the overall physical component (37.88 ± 10.87). Conclusions: PsA is associated with an impaired HRQL characterised by physical pain and poorer functioning in daily activities (AU)

Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y demográficas, así como la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS), en pacientes con artritis psoriásica (APs). Métodos: Se evaluó a 287 pacientes procedentes de 18 centros españoles. La gravedad de la APs se midió mediante: (1) Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 0-72, de menor a mayor gravedad); (2) número de articulaciones inflamadas y dolorosas, y (3) Cuestionario de Evaluación de Salud (HAQ), cuyas puntuaciones van de 0 a 3, de baja a gran afectación en las actividades diarias. La CVRS se midió mediante: (a) el cuestionario EuroQol-5D (las puntuaciones del EQ-5D van de 1 a 3; a valores más altos, peor CVRS) y la Escala Visual Analógica (EVA, donde las puntuaciones van de 0 a 100; a valores más altos, mejor HQRL), y (b) SF-36, donde las puntuaciones van de 0 a 100; a valores más altos, mejor CVRS. Resultados: El 24,7% de los pacientes fueron tratados con infliximab. En los 2 grupos, la edad media fue de 52,40 + 12,53 años y un 55,7% fueron varones. El número medio de articulaciones inflamadas fue mayor en los pacientes que no recibieron infliximab (2,98 vs. 1,54). La media de las puntuaciones en el PASI fue de 3,73 ± 5,83, sin diferencias entre grupos. Las puntuaciones en el HAQ fueron mayores en los pacientes con infliximab (0,93 vs. 0,70). Las puntuaciones medias de EQ-5D en los 2 grupos que indican peor estado de salud fueron: el dolor y la incapacidad para realizar actividades diarias. La CVRS medida por la puntuación media de la EVA fue 60,41 ± 20,08, sin diferencias entre grupos. En el SF-36, las dimensiones con valores más bajas en los 2 grupos fueron: función física 50,76 ± 43,43, dolor corporal 49,35 ± 25,69 y el componente físico general 10,87 ± 37,88. Conclusiones: La APs se asocia a un deterioro de la CVRS caracterizada por dolor corporal y peor funcionamiento en las actividades diarias (AU)

Health-related quality of life in psoriatic arthritis patients in Spain.

PURPOSE: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, including health-related quality-of-life (HRQL), in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: 287 patients from 18 Spanish centres were assessed. PsA severity was measured using the following criteria: (1) Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI score 0-72, from low to high severity); (2) number of swollen and tender joints; and (3) Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ score 0-3 from low to high impairment in daily activities). HRQL assessment was performed using the following criteria: (a) EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D scores 1-3, with a higher score representing a worse HRQL), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS score 0-100, with a higher score representing a better HQRL) and (b) Short Form-36 (SF-36 score 0-100, with a higher score representing a better HRQL). RESULTS: 24.7% of patients were treated with infliximab. In the two groups, 55.7% of the patients were male with a mean age of 52.40±12.53 years. The average number of swollen joints was higher in patients not receiving biological therapy than in those receiving treatment (2.98 vs. 1.54). The mean PASI score was 3.73±5.83, and there was no difference between groups. HAQ scores were higher in patients receiving infliximab than in those not receiving treatment (0.93 vs. 0.70). The mean EQ-5D scores in the two groups indicated a poorer status based on pain and inability to perform usual/daily activities. HRQL measured by VAS score mean was 60.41 ± 20.08, and there was no difference between the groups. The domains in the SF-36 suggesting poorer functioning in the two groups were the physical role (50.76 ± 43.43), physical pain (49.35 ± 25.69) and the overall physical component (37.88 ± 10.87). CONCLUSIONS: PsA is associated with an impaired HRQL characterised by physical pain and poorer functioning in daily activities.

Myositis ossificans of the temporalis muscle. Case report.

The authors report an unusual case of myositis ossificans in the temporal muscle manifesting as grave opening limitation of the mouth and a hard firm mass in the right temporal fossa. CT scan examination revealed a bone density mass located in the region of the right temporal fossa, that fussed the right temporal bone with the right coronoid process and a joint-like image in the middle portion of this mass. Traumatic myositis ossificans is a pseudotumor-like benign disease most frequently found in extremities of young population. Cases in the craniofacial skeleton are rare. The masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles are most commonly affected in this location. The clinicopathological features of scalp myositis ossificans may mimic other soft tissue tumors, requiring care for the differential diagnosis. Histologically, osteoblastic activity is sometimes observed, similar to an osteosarcoma. Then differential diagnosis between both entities must be established.

Myositis Ossificans of the temporalis muscle. Case report

Los autores presentan un caso poco frecuente de miositis osificante del músculo temporal en un paciente varón de 51 años que se manifiesta con limitación de la apertura oral, con masa firme y dura en la fosa temporal derecha. La tomografia axial computerizada (TC) reveló una masa de densidad ósea localizada en la región temporal derecha, que unía el hueso temporal derecho con la apófisis coronoides y una imagen de pseudo-articulación en su porción media. La miositis osificante traumática es un tumor benigno que se localiza frecuentemente en las extremidades de los adolescentes. Los casos en el esqueleto craneofacial son raros. En esta localización, los músculos masetero y esternocleidomastoideo son los más frecuentemente afectados. Las características clínico patológicas de la miositis osificante pueden imitar otros tumores de los tejidos blandos, por lo que se requiere un cuidadoso diagnóstico diferencial. Histológicamente, la actividad osteoblástica asemeja a veces a un osteosarcoma, que requiere establecer el diagnóstico diferencial entre ambas entidades. En nuestro caso, el tratamiento quirúrgico, mediante abordaje combinado retromolar y hemicoronal, fue el elegido

The authors report an unusual case of myositis ossificans in the temporal muscle manifesting as grave opening limitation of the mouth and a hard firm mass in the right temporal fossa. CT scan examination revealed a bone density mass located in the region of the right temporal fossa, that fussed the right temporal bone with the right coronoid process and a joint-like image in the middle portion of this mass. Traumatic myositis ossificans is a pseudotumor-like benign disease most frecuently found in extremities of young population. Cases in the craneofacial skeleton are rare. The masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles are most commonly affected in this location. The clinicopathological features of scalp myositis ossificans may mimic other soft tissue tumors, requiring care for the differential diagnosis. Histologically, osteoblastic activity is sometimes observed, similar to an osteosarcoma. Then differential diagnosis between both entities must be established