The TEOGIC study project: a comprehensive characterization of early onset gastrointestinal cancer in the Northern area of Spain.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal cancers represent one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Strikingly, the incidence of Early Onset Gastrointestinal Cancer (EOGIC) has been rising during the last decades and changes in lifestyle and environmental exposure seem to play a role. EOGIC has been defined as a different entity compared to on-average gastrointestinal cancer, with distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. Inherent to the particularities of younger age, there is an unmet need for a tailored approach for the management of these patients. The TEOGIC proposes a comprehensive study to characterize EOGIC patients in the northern of Spain. METHODS: Patients with histologically confirmed new diagnosis of colorectal, gastroesophageal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma will be considered for two cohorts: EOGIC (≤ 50 years old) and non-EOGIC (60-75 years old), with a ratio of 1:2. Two hundred and forty patients will be recruited in 4 Public Hospitals from northern Spain. After receiving unified informed consent, demographic and clinical data of the patients will be collected in a REDCap database. Lifestyle related data will be obtained in questionnaires assessing diet, physical activity and the general quality of life of the patients before diagnosis. Biological samples prior to any onco-specific treatment will be obtained for the analyses of circulating inflammatory proteins, gut microbiota, and the proteome of the tumor microenvironment. Histologic characteristics and routine biomarkers will be also collected. Thereafter, data will be integrated and analyzed to assess tumor specific, pan-tumor and sex-associated differential characteristics of EOGIC. DISCUSSION: The underlying risk factors and differential characteristics of EOGIC remain poorly studied, particularly in our geographical area. Although limited by the exploratory nature and the small sample size estimated to be recruited, TEOGIC represents the first attempt to comprehensively characterize these young patients, and thus attend to their special needs. Findings derived from this study could contribute to raise awareness and preventive behaviors in the population. In parallel, molecular studies could lead to the identification of potential novel non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets that would help in the development of the tailored clinical management of these patients, focusing on screening programs for early diagnosis and precision medicine.

[Consequence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (THE) on women's cardiovascular health]. / Consecuencia de los trastornos hipertensivos durante el embarazo (THE) sobre la salud cardiovascular de la mujer.

Patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at increased risk of maternal-fetal complications and represent the third leading cause of maternal mortality. To date, it is known that women experiencing this condition during pregnancy have a higher future risk of cardiovascular events (CVD). Our objective was to report the incidence of new-onset hypertension in the postpartum period. We conducted a cohort study in high-risk pregnant patients who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) between weeks 20-30. Patients were categorized as normotensive (NT) or gestational hypertensive (GH), excluding those with chronic hypertension, and were followed until the end of pregnancy with a postpartum assessment after 3months. Patients with HDP (39%) had a higher incidence of preeclampsia and newborns with low birth weight and preterm birth. A total of 177 pregnant women were analyzed for the primary outcome. Among those with GH, 33.3% vs 17.2% of NT (P=.014) reported new-onset hypertension. The odds ratio for developing new-onset hypertension was 2.3 (95%CI: 1.20-4.77), for those with GH. In conclusion, pregnant patients with GH assessed by ABPM between 20-30weeks are at higher risk of developing new-onset hypertension in the postpartum period, emphasizing the need for closer monitoring and control to prevent future cardiovascular complications.

Improving Quality of Life and Psychosocial Health for Penile Cancer Survivors: A Narrative Review.

Treatment of penile cancer (PC) focuses on organ preservation, employing various surgical and non-surgical approaches. These interventions may lead to disfigurement, impacting patients' functional outcomes and psychosocial well-being. We reviewed studies related to penile health and PC up to February 2024, limited to studies published in English. Studies employing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessments have identified a detrimental association between aggressive treatment and overall health status, physical functioning, and relationships. In contrast, organ-sparing demonstrates improved measures related to HRQoL and sexual function. Assessment through validated questionnaires reveals diverse voiding outcomes, and varying impacts on QoL and sexual activity, emphasizing the necessity for multidisciplinary personalized care. Studies highlight substantial variations in sexual function, with patients reporting adaptations, reduced satisfaction, and concerns about body image and sexual well-being. Furthermore, unmet needs include challenges in patient-clinician communication, obtaining information, and accessing psychosocial support. Patient experiences underscore the importance of timely diagnosis, treatment access, and addressing psychological consequences. Organ-sparing approaches have higher QoL preservation and sexual function. Individualized support, including sexual therapy, support groups, and family counseling, is essential for post-treatment rehabilitation. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive care are paramount in addressing the multifaceted impact of PC on patients and families.

The influence of thermal pressure gradients and ionization (im)balance on the ambipolar diffusion and charge-neutral drifts.

Solar partially ionized plasma is frequently modelled using single-fluid (1F) or two-fluid (2F) approaches. In the 1F case, charge-neutral interactions are often described through ambipolar diffusion, while the 2F model fully considers charge-neutral drifts. Here, we expand the definition of the ambipolar diffusion coefficient to include inelastic collisions (ion/rec) in two cases: a VAL3C one-dimensional model and a 2F simulation of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) in a solar prominence thread based on [Lukin et al. 2024 Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 382, 20230417. (doi:10.1098/rsta.2023.0417)]. On one side, we evaluate the relative importance of the inelastic contribution, compared to elastic and charge-exchange collisions. On the other side, we compare the contributions of ion/rec, thermal pressure, viscosity and magnetic forces to the charge-neutral drift velocity of the turbulent flow of the RTI. Our analysis reveals that the contribution of inelastic collisions to the ambipolar diffusion coefficient is negligible across the chromosphere, allowing the classical definition of this coefficient to be safely used in 1F modelling. However, in the transition region, the contribution of inelastic collisions can become as significant as that of elastic collisions. Furthermore, we ascertain that the thermal pressure force predominantly influences the charge-neutral drifts in the RTI model, surpassing the impact of the magnetic force. This article is part of the theme issue 'Partially ionized plasma of the solar atmosphere: recent advances and future pathways'.

Primary staging of rectal cancer on MRI: an updated pictorial review with focus on common pitfalls and current controversies.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in primary staging of rectal cancer, enabling the determination of appropriate management strategies and prediction of patient outcomes. However, inconsistencies and pitfalls exist in various aspects, including rectal anatomy, MRI protocols and strategies for artifact resolution, as well as in T- and N-staging, all of which limit the diagnostic value of MRI. This narrative and pictorial review offers a comprehensive overview of factors influencing primary staging of rectal cancer and the role of MRI in assessing them. It highlights the significance of the circumferential resection margin and its relationship with the mesorectal fascia, as well as the prognostic role of extramural venous invasion and tumor deposits. Special attention is given to tumors of the lower rectum due to their complex anatomy and the challenges they pose in MRI staging. The review also addresses current controversies in rectal cancer staging and the need for personalized risk stratification. In summary, this review provides valuable insights into the role of MRI in the primary staging of rectal cancer, emphasizing key aspects for accurate assessment to enhance patient outcomes.

Usability of a visual feedback system to assess and improve movement disorders related to neck pain: Perceptions of physical therapists and patients.

A prototype visual feedback system has been developed to assess and improve movement disorders related to neck pain. The aim of this study was to assess the usability of the prototype in a rehabilitation setting. Twelve physical therapists integrated the device into their regular therapy programs for 24 neck pain patients with movement disorders. Each patient performed three individual therapy sessions with the device under physical therapist supervision. Usability was assessed by the physical therapists and patients using therapy diaries, the System Usability Scale, and focus group or personal interviews. Based on an overall usability rating of marginally acceptable, the visual feedback system was generally found to be a device with the potential to assess and train neck pain patients but needs improvement. To become a useful adjunct to regular physical therapy, improvements in the hardware and software, and further system developments are required.

Comparison of different methods of first-trimester screening for preterm pre-eclampsia: cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the predictive performance of three different mathematical models for first-trimester screening of pre-eclampsia (PE), which combine maternal risk factors with mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and serum placental growth factor (PlGF), and two risk-scoring systems. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study performed in eight fetal medicine units in five different regions of Spain between September 2017 and December 2019. All pregnant women with singleton pregnancy and a non-malformed live fetus attending their routine ultrasound examination at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation were invited to participate in the study. Maternal characteristics and medical history were recorded and measurements of MAP, UtA-PI, serum PlGF and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) were converted into multiples of the median (MoM). Risks for term PE, preterm PE (< 37 weeks' gestation) and early PE (< 34 weeks' gestation) were calculated according to the FMF competing-risks model, the Crovetto et al. logistic regression model and the Serra et al. Gaussian model. PE classification was also performed based on the recommendations of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). We estimated detection rates (DR) with their 95% CIs at a fixed 10% screen-positive rate (SPR), as well as the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) for preterm PE, early PE and all PE for the three mathematical models. For the scoring systems, we calculated DR and SPR. Risk calibration was also assessed. RESULTS: The study population comprised 10 110 singleton pregnancies, including 32 (0.3%) that developed early PE, 72 (0.7%) that developed preterm PE and 230 (2.3%) with any PE. At a fixed 10% SPR, the FMF, Crovetto et al. and Serra et al. models detected 82.7% (95% CI, 69.6-95.8%), 73.8% (95% CI, 58.7-88.9%) and 79.8% (95% CI, 66.1-93.5%) of early PE; 72.7% (95% CI, 62.9-82.6%), 69.2% (95% CI, 58.8-79.6%) and 74.1% (95% CI, 64.2-83.9%) of preterm PE; and 55.1% (95% CI, 48.8-61.4%), 47.1% (95% CI, 40.6-53.5%) and 53.9% (95% CI, 47.4-60.4%) of all PE, respectively. The best correlation between predicted and observed cases was achieved by the FMF model, with an AUC of 0.911 (95% CI, 0.879-0.943), a slope of 0.983 (95% CI, 0.846-1.120) and an intercept of 0.154 (95% CI, -0.091 to 0.397). The NICE criteria identified 46.7% (95% CI, 35.3-58.0%) of preterm PE at 11% SPR and ACOG criteria identified 65.9% (95% CI, 55.4-76.4%) of preterm PE at 33.8% SPR. CONCLUSIONS: The best performance of screening for preterm PE is achieved by mathematical models that combine maternal factors with MAP, UtA-PI and PlGF, as compared to risk-scoring systems such as those of NICE and ACOG. While all three algorithms show similar results in terms of overall prediction, the FMF model showed the best performance at an individual level. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Mancha3D Code: Multipurpose Advanced Nonideal MHD Code for High-Resolution Simulations in Astrophysics.

The Mancha3D code is a versatile tool for numerical simulations of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes in solar/stellar atmospheres. The code includes nonideal physics derived from plasma partial ionization, a realistic equation of state and radiative transfer, which allows performing high-quality realistic simulations of magnetoconvection, as well as idealized simulations of particular processes, such as wave propagation, instabilities or energetic events. The paper summarizes the equations and methods used in the Mancha3D (Multifluid (-purpose -physics -dimensional) Advanced Non-ideal MHD Code for High resolution simulations in Astrophysics 3D) code. It also describes its numerical stability and parallel performance and efficiency. The code is based on a finite difference discretization and a memory-saving Runge-Kutta (RK) scheme. It handles nonideal effects through super-time-stepping and Hall diffusion schemes, and takes into account thermal conduction by solving an additional hyperbolic equation for the heat flux. The code is easily configurable to perform different kinds of simulations. Several examples of the code usage are given. It is demonstrated that splitting variables into equilibrium and perturbation parts is essential for simulations of wave propagation in a static background. A perfectly matched layer (PML) boundary condition built into the code greatly facilitates a nonreflective open boundary implementation. Spatial filtering is an important numerical remedy to eliminate grid-size perturbations enhancing the code stability. Parallel performance analysis reveals that the code is strongly memory bound, which is a natural consequence of the numerical techniques used, such as split variables and PML boundary conditions. Both strong and weak scalings show adequate performance up to several thousands of processors (CPUs).

Validation of machine-learning model for first-trimester prediction of pre-eclampsia using cohort from PREVAL study.

OBJECTIVE: Effective first-trimester screening for pre-eclampsia (PE) can be achieved using a competing-risks model that combines risk factors from the maternal history with multiples of the median (MoM) values of biomarkers. A new model using artificial intelligence through machine-learning methods has been shown to achieve similar screening performance without the need for conversion of raw data of biomarkers into MoM. This study aimed to investigate whether this model can be used across populations without specific adaptations. METHODS: Previously, a machine-learning model derived with the use of a fully connected neural network for first-trimester prediction of early (< 34 weeks), preterm (< 37 weeks) and all PE was developed and tested in a cohort of pregnant women in the UK. The model was based on maternal risk factors and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). In this study, the model was applied to a dataset of 10 110 singleton pregnancies examined in Spain who participated in the first-trimester PE validation (PREVAL) study, in which first-trimester screening for PE was carried out using the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) competing-risks model. The performance of screening was assessed by examining the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) and detection rate (DR) at a 10% screen-positive rate (SPR). These indices were compared with those derived from the application of the FMF competing-risks model. The performance of screening was poor if no adjustment was made for the analyzer used to measure PlGF, which was different in the UK and Spain. Therefore, adjustment for the analyzer used was performed using simple linear regression. RESULTS: The DRs at 10% SPR for early, preterm and all PE with the machine-learning model were 84.4% (95% CI, 67.2-94.7%), 77.8% (95% CI, 66.4-86.7%) and 55.7% (95% CI, 49.0-62.2%), respectively, with the corresponding AUCs of 0.920 (95% CI, 0.864-0.975), 0.913 (95% CI, 0.882-0.944) and 0.846 (95% CI, 0.820-0.872). This performance was achieved with the use of three of the biomarkers (MAP, UtA-PI and PlGF); inclusion of PAPP-A did not provide significant improvement in DR. The machine-learning model had similar performance to that achieved by the FMF competing-risks model (DR at 10% SPR, 82.7% (95% CI, 69.6-95.8%) for early PE, 72.7% (95% CI, 62.9-82.6%) for preterm PE and 55.1% (95% CI, 48.8-61.4%) for all PE) without requiring specific adaptations to the population. CONCLUSIONS: A machine-learning model for first-trimester prediction of PE based on a neural network provides effective screening for PE that can be applied in different populations. However, before doing so, it is essential to make adjustments for the analyzer used for biochemical testing. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Aqueous Extracts from Hemp Seeds as a New Weapon against Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilms.

This study investigated the antibiofilm activity of water-soluble extracts obtained under different pH conditions from Cannabis sativa seeds and from previously defatted seeds. The chemical composition of the extracts, determined through GC-MS and NMR, revealed complex mixtures of fatty acids, monosaccharides, amino acids and glycerol in ratios depending on extraction pH. In particular, the extract obtained at pH 7 from defatted seeds (Ex7d) contained a larger variety of sugars compared to the others. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were found in all of the analysed extracts, but linoleic acid (C18:2) was detected only in the extracts obtained at pH 7 and pH 10. The extracts did not show cytotoxicity to HaCaT cells and significantly inhibited the formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. The exception was the extract obtained at pH 10, which appeared to be less active. Ex7d showed the highest antibiofilm activity, i.e., around 90%. Ex7d was further fractionated by HPLC, and the antibiofilm activity of all fractions was evaluated. The 2D-NMR analysis highlighted that the most active fraction was largely composed of glycerolipids. This evidence suggested that these molecules are probably responsible for the observed antibiofilm effect but does not exclude a possible synergistic contribution by the other components.

Recurrent Left Renal Fossa Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma With Pancreatic Tail Invasion Presenting as Intestinal Obstruction.

Distant renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastatic disease is mostly seen in the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes. The incidence of local recurrences within the ipsilateral retroperitoneum (RFR) is very low. We report a case of a 79-year-old male with recurrent left renal fossa RCC with pancreatic tail invasion who presented with large bowel obstruction. To the best of our knowledge, no cases have been reported of recurrent left renal fossa RCC initially presenting as extrinsic large bowel obstruction.

Physicochemical Characterization of a Biomimetic, Elastin-Inspired Polypeptide with Enhanced Thermoresponsive Properties and Improved Cell Adhesion.

Genetic engineering allows fine-tuning and controlling protein properties, thus exploiting the new derivatives to obtain novel materials and systems with improved capacity to actively interact with biological systems. The elastin-like polypeptides are tunable recombinant biopolymers that have proven to be ideal candidates for realizing bioactive interfaces that can interact with biological systems. They are characterized by a thermoresponsive behavior that is strictly related to their peculiar amino acid sequence. We describe here the rational design of a new biopolymer inspired by elastin and the comparison of its physicochemical properties with those of another already characterized member of the same protein class. To assess the cytocompatibility, the behavior of cells of different origins toward these components was evaluated. Our study shows that the biomimetic strategy adopted to design new elastin-based recombinant polypeptides represents a versatile and valuable tool for the development of protein-based materials with improved properties and advanced functionality.

Impact of a peer-to-peer escape room activity in the learning of Human Physiology of medical students from the university of Málaga.

Escape room's popularity has raised over the past years among young adults. It creates a distended competitive environment, where participants collaborate to achieve a common objective through teamwork. We decided to apply this format as a teaching method for medical students at the University of Malaga, Spain. A peer-to-peer physiological cardiorespiratory escape room was designed by intern undergraduate students, collaborating within the Department of Human Physiology. This activity integrated the contents of the Human Physiology syllabus, which were organized into four stages that culminated in a final medical case. Intern students oversaw the design, promotion, preparation and execution of the activity, and were in charge of conducting the evaluation and follow up. The escape room was done in mid-December, after all theoretical and practical contents had been delivered, for four consecutive years, improving from each year's experience. The target group for this activity were second year medical students, who were asked to team up freely in groups of four to six students before the start of the activity. The students in each group cooperated with each other while trying to solve the different puzzles and questions in each stage of the escape room. After the activity, the results of the final evaluation exam of these participants were compared against non-participants, who served as a control group. Qualitative feedback was also received from the participants via a special survey that was designed for this task. Results between 2020 and 2023 (three last activities) show that the final mark of the participants was significantly higher than in non-participants (6.39 ± 0.14 vs. 5.04 ± 0.2; p < 0.0007). The global exam mark also increased in the participants (5.43 ± 0.10 vs. 4.44 ± 0.15; p < 0.0007). A significant difference was observed in the performance in cardiovascular (p < 0.0007) and respiratory-related questions (p < 0.0007), which was substantial in the participants. The qualitative feedback received from the participants was mainly positive, indicating an overall acceptance of the format by the students. We conclude that escape room format with a peer-to-peer structure is an efficient teaching tool for medical students performed by medical students in the field of Human Physiology.

Correlación entre la incidencia de lesión del manguito rotador en luxación glenohumeral anterior traumática y el hombro contralateral / Correlation between the incidence of rotator cuff lesion in traumatic unilateral anterior glenohumeral dislocation and the contralateral shoulder

Introducción: En el contexto de la luxación glenohumeral anterior, en los pacientes mayores de 60 años, el manguito rotador posterosuperior es más susceptible a lesionarse debido a su condición degenerativa preexistente. Sin embargo, en este grupo etario, la evidencia científica no logra dilucidar si las lesiones del manguito rotador son causa o consecuencia de la inestabilidad recurrente de hombro. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la prevalencia de lesiones del manguito rotador en una serie de hombros consecutivos en mayores de 60 años que sufrieron un primer episodio de luxación glenohumeral traumática, y su correlación con lesiones del manguito rotador en el hombro contralateral. Métodos: Se estudiaron de forma retrospectiva 35 pacientes mayores de 60 años que presentaron un primer episodio de luxación glenohumeral anterior traumática unilateral y que contaban con RMN de ambos hombros, determinando la correlación lesional del manguito rotador y de la porción larga del bíceps entre el hombro que sufrió el evento traumático y el contralateral, presumiblemente sano. Resultados: Al valorar la existencia de lesión parcial o completa de los tendones supraespinoso e infraespinoso, la concordancia en el lado afectado y sano, hemos evidenciado resultados concordantes en ambos lados en el 88,6 y 85,7%, respectivamente. El coeficiente de concordancia kappa resultó 0,72 para la lesión del tendón supraespinoso y para la lesión del tendón infraespinoso. Del total de 35 casos evaluados, 8 (22,8%) presentaron al menos alguna alteración en el tendón de la porción larga del bíceps en el lado afectado y solo uno (2,9%) en el lado sano, resultando el coeficiente de concordancia kappa 0,18. De los 35 casos evaluados, 9 (25,7%) presentaron al menos alguna retracción en el tendón del músculo subescapular en el lado afectado, mientras que ningún participante evidenció signos de retracción en el tendón de este músculo en el lado sano...(AU)

Introduction: Anterior glenohumeral dislocation in patients older than 60 years is related to rotator cuff lesion because of its pre-existing degenerative condition. However, in this age group, the scientific evidence fails to elucidate whether rotator cuff lesions are the cause or consequence of recurrent shoulder instability. The objective of this paper is to describe the prevalence of rotator cuff injuries in a series of consecutive shoulders in patients older than 60 years who suffered a first episode of traumatic glenohumeral dislocation, and its correlation with rotator cuff injuries in both shoulders. Methods: Retrospectively, 35 patients over 60 years of age who had a first episode of unilateral traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation and who had MRI of both shoulders were studied, evaluating both shoulders with MRI to determine the structural damage correlation of the rotator cuff and long head of the biceps between them. Results: When assessing the existence of partial or complete injury to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons, the concordance on the affected and healthy sides, we have shown concordant results on both sides in 88.6 and 85.7%, respectively. The Kappa concordance coefficient was 0.72 for supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons tear. Of the total of 35 cases evaluated, 8 (22.8%) presented at least some alteration in the tendon of the long head of the biceps on the affected side and only one (2.9%) on the healthy side, where the Kappa coefficient of concordance was 0.18. Of the 35 cases evaluated, 9 (25.7%) presented at least some retraction in the tendon of the subscapularis muscle on the affected side, while no participant showed signs of retraction in the tendon of this muscle on the healthy side...(AU)

[Translated article] Correlation between the incidence of rotator cuff lesion in traumatic unilateral anterior glenohumeral dislocation and the contralateral shoulder / Correlación entre la incidencia de lesión del manguito rotador en luxación glenohumeral anterior traumática y el hombro contralateral

Introducción: En el contexto de la luxación glenohumeral anterior, en los pacientes mayores de 60 años, el manguito rotador posterosuperior es más susceptible a lesionarse debido a su condición degenerativa preexistente. Sin embargo, en este grupo etario, la evidencia científica no logra dilucidar si las lesiones del manguito rotador son causa o consecuencia de la inestabilidad recurrente de hombro. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la prevalencia de lesiones del manguito rotador en una serie de hombros consecutivos en mayores de 60 años que sufrieron un primer episodio de luxación glenohumeral traumática, y su correlación con lesiones del manguito rotador en el hombro contralateral. Métodos: Se estudiaron de forma retrospectiva 35 pacientes mayores de 60 años que presentaron un primer episodio de luxación glenohumeral anterior traumática unilateral y que contaban con RMN de ambos hombros, determinando la correlación lesional del manguito rotador y de la porción larga del bíceps entre el hombro que sufrió el evento traumático y el contralateral, presumiblemente sano. Resultados: Al valorar la existencia de lesión parcial o completa de los tendones supraespinoso e infraespinoso, la concordancia en el lado afectado y sano, hemos evidenciado resultados concordantes en ambos lados en el 88,6 y 85,7%, respectivamente. El coeficiente de concordancia kappa resultó 0,72 para la lesión del tendón supraespinoso y para la lesión del tendón infraespinoso. Del total de 35 casos evaluados, 8 (22,8%) presentaron al menos alguna alteración en el tendón de la porción larga del bíceps en el lado afectado y solo uno (2,9%) en el lado sano, resultando el coeficiente de concordancia kappa 0,18. De los 35 casos evaluados, 9 (25,7%) presentaron al menos alguna retracción en el tendón del músculo subescapular en el lado afectado, mientras que ningún participante evidenció signos de retracción en el tendón de este músculo en el lado sano...(AU)

Introduction: Anterior glenohumeral dislocation in patients older than 60 years is related to rotator cuff lesion because of its pre-existing degenerative condition. However, in this age group, the scientific evidence fails to elucidate whether rotator cuff lesions are the cause or consequence of recurrent shoulder instability. The objective of this paper is to describe the prevalence of rotator cuff injuries in a series of consecutive shoulders in patients older than 60 years who suffered a first episode of traumatic glenohumeral dislocation, and its correlation with rotator cuff injuries in both shoulders. Methods: Retrospectively, 35 patients over 60 years of age who had a first episode of unilateral traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation and who had MRI of both shoulders were studied, evaluating both shoulders with MRI to determine the structural damage correlation of the rotator cuff and long head of the biceps between them. Results: When assessing the existence of partial or complete injury to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons, the concordance on the affected and healthy sides, we have shown concordant results on both sides in 88.6 and 85.7%, respectively. The Kappa concordance coefficient was 0.72 for supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons tear. Of the total of 35 cases evaluated, 8 (22.8%) presented at least some alteration in the tendon of the long head of the biceps on the affected side and only one (2.9%) on the healthy side, where the Kappa coefficient of concordance was 0.18. Of the 35 cases evaluated, 9 (25.7%) presented at least some retraction in the tendon of the subscapularis muscle on the affected side, while no participant showed signs of retraction in the tendon of this muscle on the healthy side...(AU)

Photo-induced crosslinking uncovers an antiparallel strand orientation in heterodimeric (EIAALEK)3/(KIAALKE)3 and (EIAALEK)3/(RIAALRE)3 coiled-coil systems.

We describe for the first time the co-existence of the parallel and antiparallel conformation of the heterodimeric E3/K3 and E3/R3 coiled-coil systems in solution. The introduction of a furanylated amino acid in the (EIAALEK)3 sequence allowed, upon photo-induced covalent crosslinking, freezing of the respective coiled-coil complexes present in solution. The occurrence of both parallel and antiparallel conformations in solution was supported by computational simulations and further confirmed by fluorescence experiments based on pyrene-pyrene stacking.

Introducción de biosimilares anti-TNF e impacto económico en un hospital de tercer nivel / Introduction of anti-TNF biosimilars and economic impact in a third level hospital

Objetivos: Analizar la introducción de medicamentos biosimilares anti-TNF en primera línea para pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR). Métodos: Estudio unicéntrico, retrospectivo y observacional en un hospital de tercer nivel. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de AR tratados por primera vez con un fármaco biológico (biosimilar u original), entre febrero 2017-febrero 2021. Las variables de resultado recogidas fueron: porcentaje de pacientes que iniciaban tratamiento cada año con cada fármaco biológico y porcentaje de variación anual de utilización de fármacos anti-TNF que tenían biosimilar respecto al resto de alternativas. Resultados: 178 pacientes con diagnóstico de AR fueron tratados por primera vez con un fármaco biológico. Durante los dos primeros años de introducción de biosimilares, el porcentaje de pacientes con AR tratados en primera línea con adalimumab, infliximab y etanercept fue 23,9%, mientras que los dos últimos años aumentaron las prescripciones con estos fármacos, a pesar de la aparición de nuevos originales, de forma que durante el último año de estudio cubrían un 44,6% de las prescripciones. El uso de estos tres fármacos anti-TNF biosimilares en pacientes con AR ha supuesto un ahorro de 213.530 €. Conclusiones: En nuestro centro el uso de biosimilares anti-TNF se ha consolidado en los dos últimos años, a pesar de la incorporación de nuevos originales en el tratamiento de la AR. Considerando las diferentes políticas de introducción de biosimilares existentes, sería interesante que se realizarán estudios similares en otras regiones de nuestro país para poder establecer que política de uso de biosimilares puede ser más aceptada. (AU)

Objectives: To analyze the introduction of first-line anti-TNF biosimilar drugs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Single-center, retrospective, observational study in a tertiary hospital. Patients with a diagnosis of RA treated for the first time with a biologic drug (biosimilar or original) between February 2017-February 2021 were included. The outcome variables collected were: percentage of patients initiating treatment each year with each biologic drug and percentage of annual variation in the use of anti-TNF drugs that had a biosimilar with respect to the other alternatives. Results: 178 patients diagnosed with RA were treated for the first time with a biologic drug. During the first two years of the introduction of biosimilars, the percentage of RA patients treated first line with adalimumab, infliximab and etanercept was 23.9%, while in the last two years prescriptions with these drugs increased, despite the appearance of new originals, so that during the last year of the study they covered 44.6% of prescriptions. The use of these three biosimilar anti-TNF drugs in patients with RA has resulted in savings of 213,530 €. Conclusions: In our center, the use of anti-TNF biosimilars has been consolidated in the last two years, despite the incorporation of new originals in the treatment of RA. Considering the different existing biosimilar introduction policies, it would be interesting to carry out similar studies in other regions of our country in order to establish which biosimilar use policy may be more accepted. (AU)

Performance of first-trimester combined screening for preterm pre-eclampsia: findings from cohort of 10 110 pregnancies in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) competing-risks model, incorporating maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and placental growth factor (PlGF) (the 'triple test'), for the prediction at 11-13 weeks' gestation of preterm pre-eclampsia (PE) in a Spanish population. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study performed in eight fetal medicine units in five different regions of Spain between September 2017 and December 2019. All pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy and a non-malformed live fetus attending a routine ultrasound examination at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation were invited to participate. Maternal demographic characteristics and medical history were recorded and MAP, UtA-PI, serum PlGF and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) were measured following standardized protocols. Treatment with aspirin during pregnancy was also recorded. Raw values of biomarkers were converted into multiples of the median (MoM), and audits were performed periodically to provide regular feedback to operators and laboratories. Patient-specific risks for term and preterm PE were calculated according to the FMF competing-risks model, blinded to pregnancy outcome. The performance of screening for PE, taking into account aspirin use, was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) and detection rate (DR) at a 10% fixed screen-positive rate (SPR). Risk calibration of the model was assessed. RESULTS: The study population comprised 10 110 singleton pregnancies, including 72 (0.7%) that developed preterm PE. In the preterm PE group, compared to those without PE, median MAP MoM and UtA-PI MoM were significantly higher, and median serum PlGF MoM and PAPP-A MoM were significantly lower. In women with PE, the deviation from normal in all biomarkers was inversely related to gestational age at delivery. Screening for preterm PE by a combination of maternal characteristics and medical history with MAP, UtA-PI and PlGF had a DR, at 10% SPR, of 72.7% (95% CI, 62.9-82.6%). An alternative strategy of replacing PlGF with PAPP-A in the triple test was associated with poorer screening performance for preterm PE, giving a DR of 66.5% (95% CI, 55.8-77.2%). The calibration plot showed good agreement between predicted risk and observed incidence of preterm PE, with a slope of 0.983 (95% CI, 0.846-1.120) and an intercept of 0.154 (95% CI, -0.091 to 0.397). CONCLUSIONS: The FMF model is effective in predicting preterm PE in the Spanish population at 11-13 weeks' gestation. This method of screening is feasible to implement in routine clinical practice, but it should be accompanied by a robust audit and monitoring system, in order to maintain high-quality screening. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.