Basal Cell Carcinoma: Incidence and Trends in Valencia, Spain. / Carcinoma basocelular: incidencia y tendencias en Valencia (España).

BACKGROUND: There is a need for epidemiological and incidence data on the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in Spain. OBJECTIVES: Our study was designed to retrospectively retrieve cases from our computer databases from 2010 through 2016 to provide updated data on the actual incidence of BCC in Valencia, eastern Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an epidemiological study on basal cell carcinoma conducted in Valencia, eastern Spain. We analyzed a total of 2171 patients and 4047 tumors, and gathered data to estimate the actual incidence of BBC in our region. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed that the incidence of BCC is much higher than previously reported. We calculated a crude incidence of 410.38 BCCs/100 000 person-years, an adjusted rate for the European population of 256.98 BCCs/100 000 person-years, and an adjusted rate for the world population of 196.26 BCCs/100 000 person-years. Risk is up to 29.49% higher for men (464.07 cases/100 000 person-years vs 358.40 cases/100 000 person-years for women). Incidence also increases by an annual 3.91% (a significantly higher annual incidence of 8.28% in women vs a 0.92% annual incidence in men). Overall, the lifetime risk for developing a BCC is 5.8% (5.02% in women and 7% in men).

Evaluation of effectiveness of an art-based museum intervention in reducing loneliness among older adults (ArtGran): a quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: Loneliness is a public health issue among older adults. We designed an intervention offering 10 sessions with diverse artistic methods (ArtGran). This study assessed the effectiveness of ArtGran in reducing loneliness and its negative effects on health in community-dwelling older adults in 2022 in Barcelona. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study, with an intervention group (IG) and a comparison group (CG). METHODS: The sample included residents aged ≥70 years from 6 selected neighbourhoods of Barcelona. In each neighbourhood, an IG and a CG was formed with participants who reported loneliness and without special mobility needs. The participants were referred from primary care centres, social services, and community health centres. We included 138 participants (IG = 63, CG = 75). We collected data on loneliness, quality of life (QoL-5D), mood, and self-perceived health before and after the intervention through validated questionnaires. To assess the effect of the intervention, we built Poisson models with robust variance and linear regression models. RESULTS: At the end of the intervention, participants in the IG were more likely than those in the CG to be able to perform their usual activities without problems (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.45). Compared with the CG, participants in the IG attending more than half of the sessions had lower levels of loneliness (aPR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.07-1.73), a better ability to perform their usual activities (aPR [95%CI] = 1.24 [1.05-1.48]), and higher happiness scores (ß = 0.73; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of the intervention was more pronounced when participants had high attendance. Our results suggest that high attendance of the ArtGran program was helpful in shielding older individuals from loneliness, fostering positive moods, and preserving their functional status.

Cannabinoids induce cell death in leukaemic cells through Parthanatos and PARP-related metabolic disruptions.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have described a potential anti-tumour effect of cannabinoids (CNB). CNB receptor 2 (CB2) is mostly present in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). The present study evaluates the anti-leukaemic effect of CNB. METHODS: Cell lines and primary cells from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients were used and the effect of the CNB derivative WIN-55 was evaluated in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. RESULTS: We demonstrate a potent antileukemic effect of WIN-55 which is abolished with CB antagonists. WIN-treated mice, xenografted with AML cells, had better survival as compared to vehicle or cytarabine. DNA damage-related genes were affected upon exposure to WIN. Co-incubation with the PARP inhibitor Olaparib prevented WIN-induced cell death, suggesting PARP-mediated apoptosis which was further confirmed with the translocation of AIF to the nucleus observed in WIN-treated cells. Nicotinamide prevented WIN-related apoptosis, indicating NAD+ depletion. Finally, WIN altered glycolytic enzymes levels as well as the activity of G6PDH. These effects are reversed through PARP1 inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: WIN-55 exerts an antileukemic effect through Parthanatos, leading to translocation of AIF to the nucleus and depletion of NAD+, which are reversed through PARP1 inhibition. It also induces metabolic disruptions. These effects are not observed in normal HSC.

Teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation using virtual reality: A randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The main functions of healthcare professionals include training and health education. In this sense, we must be able to incorporate new technologies and serious game to the teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation. METHODS: a multicenter, comparative and cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the learning of resuscitation of a group that was trained with the use of serious gaming with virtual reality, as compared to a control group trained with conventional classroom teaching. RESULTS: the mean quality obtained in chest compressions for the virtual reality group was 86.1 % (SD 9.3), and 74.8 % (SD 9.5) for the control group [mean difference 11.3 % (95 % CI 6.6-16.0), p < 0.001]. Salivary Alpha-Amylase was 218.882 (SD 177.621) IU/L for the virtual reality group and 155.190 (SD 116.746) IU/L for the control group [mean difference 63.691 (95 % CI 122.998-4.385), p = 0.037]. CONCLUSION: using virtual reality and serious games can improve the quality parameters of chest compressions as compared to traditional training.

Nuclear Charge Radius of

Collinear laser spectroscopy was performed on the isomer of the aluminium isotope ^{26m}Al. The measured isotope shift to ^{27}Al in the 3s^{2}3p ^{2}P_{3/2}^{○}→3s^{2}4s ^{2}S_{1/2} atomic transition enabled the first experimental determination of the nuclear charge radius of ^{26m}Al, resulting in R_{c}=3.130(15) fm. This differs by 4.5 standard deviations from the extrapolated value used to calculate the isospin-symmetry breaking corrections in the superallowed ß decay of ^{26m}Al. Its corrected Ft value, important for the estimation of V_{ud} in the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix, is thus shifted by 1 standard deviation to 3071.4(1.0) s.

Encuesta sobre la situación de investigación en rehabilitación en España. Resultados / Survey on the state of investigation in rehabilitation in Spain: Results

En la vocalía de investigación, formación e innovación de la sociedad Española de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación (SERMEF), quisimos aproximarnos a cuál es el estado de la investigación en nuestra especialidad en España. Para ello, se elaboró y distribuyó una encuesta online entre médicos rehabilitadores de España, que obtuvo 253 respuestas. De estos, el 65% afirmó que en su centro de trabajo sí se realiza actividad investigadora en rehabilitación; el número de proyectos activos en sus centros según declararon era de: ninguno en el 35,7%; uno en el 17,7%, 2 en el 23,3%, 3 en el 8,4% y 4 o más en el 14,9%. Entre las principales dificultades que se encuentran los encuestados el 89% destacan que no se dispone de personal contratado para investigación y el 95% que en sus centros no se destina parte de la jornada laboral para investigación. En cuanto a la actividad investigadora personal, el 56% atestiguan participar en investigación, siendo el rol más habitual el de investigador principal (58%). El 95% de los encuestados refiere que el principal obstáculo para desarrollar un proyecto de investigación es la presión asistencial y la falta de tiempo, y correspondientemente, una amplia mayoría (83%) alega que disponer de tiempo estipulado para investigar en su jornada laboral sería una motivación.(AU)

The research, training and innovation committee of the Spanish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SERMEF) wanted to know the state of research in our speciality. To this end, an online survey was developed and distributed among rehabilitation doctors in Spain, which obtained 253 responses. Of these, 65% stated that research activity in rehabilitation does take place in their work centre; the number of active projects in their centres as stated by them was: none in 35.7%; one in 17.7%, two in 23.3%, three in 8.4% and four or more in 14.9%. Among the main difficulties encountered, 89% highlight that there is no staff hired for research and 95% that in their centres part of the working day is not allocated to research. In terms of personal research activity, 56% reported that they were involved in research, with the most common role being that of principal investigator (58%). Ninety-five percent of respondents report that the main obstacle to developing a research project is the pressure of care and lack of time, and correspondingly, a large majority (83%) claim that having stipulated time for research in their working day would be a motivation.(AU)

Striatal and thalamic automatic segmentation, morphology, and clinical correlates in Parkinsonism: Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Parkinson's disease (PD), multisystem atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) present similarly with bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, and cognitive impairments. Neuroimaging studies have found differential changes in the nigrostriatal pathway in these disorders, however whether the volume and shape of specific regions within this pathway can distinguish between atypical Parkinsonian disorders remains to be determined. This paper investigates striatal and thalamic volume and morphology as distinguishing biomarkers, and their relationship to neuropsychiatric symptoms. Automatic segmentation to calculate volume and shape analysis of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and thalamus were performed in 18 PD patients, 12 MSA, 15 PSP, and 20 healthy controls, then correlated with clinical measures. PSP bilateral thalami and right putamen were significantly smaller than controls, but not MSA or PD. The left caudate and putamen significantly correlated with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory total score. Bilateral thalamus, caudate, and left putamen had significantly different morphology between groups, driven by differences between PSP and healthy controls. This study demonstrated that PSP patient striatal and thalamic volume and shape are significantly different when compared with controls. Parkinsonian disorders could not be differentiated on volumetry or morphology, however there are trends for volumetric and morphological changes associated with PD, MSA, and PSP.

Can double J stent complications be reduced in pediatric patients? / ¿Podemos reducir las complicaciones de doble J en el paciente pediátrico?

OBJECTIVE: The use of double J (DJ) stents is frequent in urological pediatrics, but it is not exempt from morbidity. The objective of this study was to describe the risk factors (RF) of DJ complications in pediatric patients, and to analyze the quality of the information provided to the families with respect to the stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery with DJ placement in the urology department from 2017 to 2022 was carried out. Study patients were divided into two groups -complicated (C) and non-complicated (NC). A multivariate analysis was performed to identify complication-related RFs, and a quality analysis as perceived by the families was conducted by means of a satisfaction survey (0 = total dissatisfaction; 10 = maximum satisfaction). RESULTS: 180 patients were included (236 DJs). The main diagnoses included renal transplantation (29.8%), ureteropelvic stenosis (26%), and urolithiasis (20.7%). Complication rate was 21.9%, with a mean comprehensive complication index (CCI) of 26.8. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy was not associated with fewer complications (97.3% vs. 98.1%; p= 0.727). Complication RFs included more than one stent (p< 0.001; OR= 6.628) and bilateral placement (p< 0.05; OR= 4.871). Poor registration in the medical records was associated with greater complications (p= 0.025). In the information quality survey, 20% reported a score lower than 7/10. CONCLUSIONS: DJ-associated morbidity has a direct relationship with DJ duration, bilaterality, and carrying more than one stent in a lifetime. Adequate registration in the medical records is associated with shorter DJ duration, and therefore, fewer complications. Antibiotic prophylaxis did not reduce complications, which means its routine use should be reconsidered.

OBJETIVOS: El uso de catéteres doble J (DJ) es un proceso frecuente en uropediatría, pero no exento de morbilidad. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es describir factores de riesgo (FR) de complicación de los DJ en pacientes pediátricos y comprobar la calidad de la información transmitida a las familias en relación al catéter. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos en urología con colocación de DJ (2017­2022). Grupos a estudio: complicados (CC) y no complicados (SC). Realizamos un análisis multivariante para identificar FR relacionados con complicaciones y un análisis de calidad percibida por las familias mediante encuesta de satisfacción (0 no satisfacción, 10 máxima satisfacción). RESULTADOS: Incluimos 180 pacientes, (236 DJ). Diagnósticos principales: trasplante renal 29,8%, estenosis pieloureteral 26%, y urolitiasis 20,7%. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 21,9%, con un Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) medio de 26,8. La antibioterapia profiláctica no se relaciona con menos complicaciones (97,3% vs 98,1% p= 0,727). FR de complicación: acumular más de un catéter (p< 0,001, OR 6,628) o la colocación bilateral (p< 0,05; OR 4,871). Un mal registro en la historia clínica se relacionó con más complicaciones (p= 0,025). En la encuesta de calidad de información recibida, el 20% reflejaron una puntuación inferior a 7/10. CONCLUSIONES: La morbilidad asociada al DJ se relaciona con su duración, la bilateralidad o acumular más de un catéter. Su adecuado registro en la historia clínica se relaciona con menor duración del mismo y, por tanto, menos complicaciones. La profilaxis antibiótica no ha demostrado disminuir las complicaciones, su uso rutinario debe ser revalorado.

¿Podemos reducir las complicaciones de doble J en el paciente pediátrico? / Can double J stent complications be reduced in pediatric patients?

Objetivos: El uso de catéteres doble J (DJ) es un proceso frecuenteen uropediatría, pero no exento de morbilidad. El objetivo de nuestroestudio es describir factores de riesgo (FR) de complicación de losDJ en pacientes pediátricos y comprobar la calidad de la informacióntransmitida a las familias en relación al catéter. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos en urología con colocación de DJ (2017–2022). Grupos a estudio: complicados (CC) y no complicados (SC). Realizamos un análisismultivariante para identificar FR relacionados con complicaciones yun análisis de calidad percibida por las familias mediante encuesta desatisfacción (0 no satisfacción, 10 máxima satisfacción).Resultados. Incluimos 180 pacientes, (236 DJ). Diagnósticos principales: trasplante renal 29,8%, estenosis pieloureteral 26%, y urolitiasis20,7%. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 21,9%, con un ComprehensiveComplication Index (CCI) medio de 26,8. La antibioterapia profilácticano se relaciona con menos complicaciones (97,3% vs 98,1% p= 0,727). FR de complicación: acumular más de un catéter (p< 0,001, OR 6,628)o la colocación bilateral (p< 0,05; OR 4,871). Un mal registro en lahistoria clínica se relacionó con más complicaciones (p= 0,025). Enla encuesta de calidad de información recibida, el 20% reflejaron unapuntuación inferior a 7/10. Conclusiones: La morbilidad asociada al DJ se relaciona con suduración, la bilateralidad o acumular más de un catéter. Su adecuadoregistro en la historia clínica se relaciona con menor duración del mismo y, por tanto, menos complicaciones. La profilaxis antibiótica no hademostrado disminuir las complicaciones, su uso rutinario debe serrevalorado.(AU)

Objective: The use of double J (DJ) stents is frequent in urologicalpediatrics, but it is not exempt from morbidity. The objective of this studywas to describe the risk factors (RF) of DJ complications in pediatricpatients, and to analyze the quality of the information provided to thefamilies with respect to the stent.Materials and methods: A retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery with DJ placement in the urology department from 2017to 2022 was carried out. Study patients were divided into two groups –complicated (C) and non-complicated (NC). A multivariate analysis wasperformed to identify complication-related RFs, and a quality analysisas perceived by the families was conducted by means of a satisfactionsurvey (0 = total dissatisfaction; 10 = maximum satisfaction). Results: 180 patients were included (236 DJs). The main diagnosesincluded renal transplantation (29.8%), ureteropelvic stenosis (26%), andurolithiasis (20.7%). Complication rate was 21.9%, with a mean comprehensive complication index (CCI) of 26.8. Prophylactic antibiotic therapywas not associated with fewer complications (97.3% vs. 98.1%; p=0.727). Complication RFs included more than one stent (p<0.001; OR=6.628)and bilateral placement (p<0.05; OR=4.871). Poor registration in themedical records was associated with greater complications (p=0.025). Inthe information quality survey, 20% reported a score lower than 7/10.Conclusions: DJ-associated morbidity has a direct relationshipwith DJ duration, bilaterality, and carrying more than one stent in alifetime. Adequate registration in the medical records is associatedwith shorter DJ duration, and therefore, fewer complications. Antibiotic prophylaxis did not reduce complications, which means its routineuse should be reconsidered.(AU)

[Advanced monitoring during weaning of invasive mechanical ventilation in single-lung transplantation]. / Monitorización avanzada durante la desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica invasiva en el trasplante unipulmonar.

Bilateral lung transplantation is the treatment of end-stage lung diseases. However, sometimes a single lung transplant is performed. The technique is not exempt from complications such as acute hyperinflation of the native lung and changes in the diaphragm, predisposing to atelectasis and respiratory failure that can lead to negative results. Therefore, spontaneous breathing trials may fail and delay the weaning process. The combination of advanced monitoring tools, such as electrical impedance tomography and ultrasonography, to diagnose the cause of this failure, recognizing and quantifying the distribution of lung volume and its dynamic behavior could be crucial to improve outcomes. We present the case of a patient with a one-lung transplant and prolonged mechanical ventilation who, after presenting successive failures in the weaning process, underwent advanced monitoring in order to find the causes of the failure.

El trasplante de pulmón bilateral es el tratamiento de las enfermedades pulmonares en su etapa terminal. Sin embargo, a veces se realiza el trasplante de un solo pulmón. La técnica no está exenta de complicaciones como la hiperinsuflación aguda del pulmón nativo y cambios en el diafragma, predisponiendo a atelectasias e insuficiencia respiratoria que pueden derivar en resultados negativos. Por lo tanto, las pruebas de respiración espontánea pueden fallar y retrasar el proceso de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica. La combinación de herramientas de monitorización avanzadas, como la tomografía por impedancia eléctrica y la ecografía, para diagnosticar la causa de este fallo, reconociendo y cuantificando la distribución del volumen pulmonar y su comportamiento dinámico, podría ser crucial para mejorar los resultados. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con trasplante unipulmonar y ventilación prolongada que falla en repetidas ocasiones durante la desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica, donde utilizamos herramientas de monitoreo avanzado para detectar la causa de la falla.

Preeclampsia and risk of maternal pulmonary hypertension at high altitude in Bolivia.

Women with a history of preeclampsia (PE) have a greater risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In turn, pregnancy at high altitude is a risk factor for PE. However, whether women who develop PE during highland pregnancy are at risk of PAH before and after birth has not been investigated. We tested the hypothesis that during highland pregnancy, women who develop PE are at greater risk of PAH compared to women undergoing healthy highland pregnancies. The study was on 140 women in La Paz, Bolivia (3640m). Women undergoing healthy highland pregnancy were controls (C, n = 70; 29 ± 3.3 years old, mean±SD). Women diagnosed with PE were the experimental group (PE, n = 70, 31 ± 2 years old). Conventional (B- and M-mode, PW Doppler) and modern (pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging) ultrasound were applied for cardiovascular íííassessment. Spirometry determined maternal lung function. Assessments occurred at 35 ± 4 weeks of pregnancy and 6 ± 0.3 weeks after birth. Relative to highland controls, highland PE women had enlarged right ventricular (RV) and right atrial chamber sizes, greater pulmonary artery dimensions and increased estimated RV contractility, pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Highland PE women had lower values for peripheral oxygen saturation, forced expiratory flow and the bronchial permeability index. Differences remained 6 weeks after birth. Therefore, women who develop PE at high altitude are at greater risk of PAH before and long after birth. Hence, women with a history of PE at high altitude have an increased cardiovascular risk that transcends the systemic circulation to include the pulmonary vascular bed.

[Survey on the state of investigation in rehabilitation in Spain: Results]. / Encuesta sobre la situación de investigación en rehabilitación en España. Resultados.

The research, training and innovation committee of the Spanish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SERMEF) wanted to know the state of research in our speciality. To this end, an online survey was developed and distributed among rehabilitation doctors in Spain, which obtained 253 responses. Of these, 65% stated that research activity in rehabilitation does take place in their work centre; the number of active projects in their centres as stated by them was: none in 35.7%; one in 17.7%, two in 23.3%, three in 8.4% and four or more in 14.9%. Among the main difficulties encountered, 89% highlight that there is no staff hired for research and 95% that in their centres part of the working day is not allocated to research. In terms of personal research activity, 56% reported that they were involved in research, with the most common role being that of principal investigator (58%). Ninety-five percent of respondents report that the main obstacle to developing a research project is the pressure of care and lack of time, and correspondingly, a large majority (83%) claim that having stipulated time for research in their working day would be a motivation.

Effects of low nitrogen supply on biochemical and physiological parameters related to nitrate and water, involving nitrate transporters and aquaporins in Citrus macrophylla.

A reduction in chemical N-based fertillizer was investigated in Citrus plants. As N and water uptake are connected, the relationship between the physiological response to reductions in N was studied in relation to N metabolism and water. We examined the response of new and mature leaves and roots of Citrus macrophylla, grown under controlled conditions, and given different concentrations of N: 16, 8 or 4 mM. Differences in growth and development were determined for biochemical (mineral content, photosynthetic pigments, proteins and nitrate and nitrite reductase activity), physiological (photosynthesis and transpiration), and molecular (relative expression of nitrate transporters and aquaporins) parameters. Only plants given 4 mM N showed a reduction in growth. Although there were changes in NR activity, protein synthesis, and chlorophyll content in both 8 and 4 mM N plants that were highly related to aquaporin and nitrate transporter expression. The results revealed new findings on the relationship between aquaporins and nitrate transporters in new leaves of Citrus, suggesting a mechanism for ensuring growth under low N when new tissues are being formed.