Update on the status of the contamination by organotin compounds in sediment of Nuevo Gulf, Argentina. Insights from field and experimental studies.

Organotin compounds are persistent pollutants and are considered chemicals of high environmental concern. In the present study, the distribution and degradation of tributyltin were evaluated in field sediments and through an ex situ experiment. For this, sediment samples from two locations were analysed: Luis Piedrabuena Harbour, with higher maritime traffic, and Cerro Avanzado, which receives less impact from anthropogenic activities. The results indicated that pollution levels at Luis Piedrabuena Harbour have decreased compared with studies performed 9 years ago for the same area. On the contrary, traces of organotin compounds have been found for the first time at Cerro Avanzado. Moreover, the butyltin degradation index indicated that organotin compounds undergo an advanced degradation process in the collected samples at both sites. Ex situ experiments revealed a limited capacity of sediments to retain tributyltin, and suggested an active role of bioturbation activity in the degradation of these compounds. In addition, visualisation using chemometric techniques (principal components analysis) allowed a simpler analysis of two sediment characteristics: the degree of contamination and the degradation levels of organotin compounds.

[Rehabilitation and COVID disease: characterization and follow-up of hospitalized patients in Granada, Spain]. / Tratamiento rehabilitador de la infección por COVID: caracterización y seguimiento de pacientes hospitalizados en Granada, España.

OBJECTIVE: The characterization of a sample of patients hospitalized with complications of the COVID-19 infection regarding potential prognostic factors, clinical evolution, and impact of rehabilitation treatment on functional, motor, and respiratory outcomes. METHOD: Descriptive, retrospective, longitudinal study of a cohort of patients under rehabilitation treatment admitted at Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada from March to June 2020, assessed upon admission, discharge and at 3 rd month using physical condition scales (IFIS) and functional assessment: general (Rankin, Barthel), respiratory (mMRC, BORG) and gait (FAC). RESULTS: 30 patients with a mean age of 62.8 (54-70) years were included, 80% with comorbidity: hypertension 66.7%, obesity 36.7%, diabetes 33.3%. The mean hospital stay was 45.4 days, with 86.7% requiring ICU (29.1 days) and 76.7% of them required mechanical ventilation. An 86.7% of the patients presented with complications, mostly with polyneuropathy-myopathy of the critical patient (83.3%). At discharge, 80% required walking assistance. The functionality index showed a "U"-evolution at admission, discharge and at 3 rd month (Barthel 93.8; 60.0; 91.6 respectively). A greater functional decline (Barthel < 60) was found in male patients, COPD, HT, obesity, and elevated protein C reactive at admission; and a more favourable evolution in those with elevated D-dimer and lymphocyte values upon admission. CONCLUSIóN: Hospital admission for COVID-19 patients involve complications at the functional, respiratory and gait levels that are mostly serious but partially reversible at 3 months with rehabilitation treatment. Potential prognostic factors are described and deserve prospective studies.

Inestabilidad anterior de hombro con defecto óseo no crítico: ¿Bankart-Remplissage o Latarjet? / Anterior shoulder instability with non critical bone loss: Bankart-Remplissage or Latarjet?

Resumen: Introducción: Los defectos óseos se asocian a inestabilidad de hombro recidivante. Bankart-Remplissage (B+R) y Latarjet (L) son alternativas de tratamiento. Pocos estudios comparan ambas técnicas. Objetivo: Comparar evolución funcional, complicaciones y tasa de recidiva, entre B+R y L en pacientes con inestabilidad glenohumeral anterior con defecto óseo no crítico. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes, en pacientes operados entre 2010 y 2018. Ciento siete pacientes fueron reclutados, de éstos, se obtuvo información desde su ficha clínica. Se midió tamaño de Hill-Sachs (HS) y defecto glenoideo en tomografía axial computarizada (TAC). Se envió encuesta remota evaluando funcionalidad con SSV, WOSI, EVA y qDASH. Cuarenta y ocho pacientes completaron el seguimiento remoto (26 B+R y 22 L). Media de seguimiento de 3.8 años. Resultados: Al comparar ambos grupos no hubo diferencias significativas en WOSI, EVA, qDASH ni SSV. No hubo diferencia en el número de complicaciones (B+R: 13 [18.8%], L: 5 [13.2%], p = 0.16), reoperaciones (B+R: 4 [5.7%], L: 1 [2.6%], p = 0.41) ni reluxación (B+R: 4 [5.7%], L: 1 [2.6%], p = 0.41). En pacientes que realizan deporte de contacto o colisión, L tuvo mejor SSV (92.5 vs 72.5 p = 0.048) y WOSI total (98.3 vs 67.3 p = 0.043). B+R en extremidad dominante presentó mayor tasa de complicaciones (50 vs 9.1% p = 0.038). No se encontró asociación para complicaciones y reluxación según defecto glenoideo o número de luxaciones previo a cirugía. Conclusión: Bankart-Remplissage y Latarjet tienen similar resultado funcional y tasa de reluxación en nuestros grupos estudiados. Latarjet muestra mejor resultado funcional subjetivo en deportistas de contacto y menores complicaciones en extremidad dominante.

Abstract: Introduction: Significant Hill-Sachs lesions are associated with recurrent shoulder instability. Bankart-Remplissage (B+R) and Latarjet (L) are valid treatments for these injuries. Few studies compare both techniques. Objective: To compare functional outcome, complications and recurrent instability rate between B+R and L in patients operated for anterior shoulder instability (ASI) with significant Hill-Sachs (HS) lesions and non critical glenoid bone loss (NC-GBL). Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study with patients operated between 2010 and 2018 for ASI. 107 met inclusion criteria. Demographic data, complications, recurrence rate and subsequent procedures were obtained from their medical records. CT scan imaging was used to assess humeral and glenoid bone loss. Online questionnaires were sent for assesing functional outcomes with SSV, WOSI, VAS and qDASH. 48 patients completed the online assessment (26 B+R, 22 L). The mean follow-up was 3.8 years. Results: Comparing both groups, there were no differences in WOSI, SSV, EVA and qDASH. There was no difference in complication rate (B+R: 13 [18.8%], L: 5 [13.2%], p = 0.16), revisions (B+R: 4 [5.7%], L: 1 [2.6%], p = 0.41) and recurrent instability (B+R: 4 [5.7%], L: 1 [2.6%], p = 0.41). L in subgroup who practiced collision sports had better SSV (92.5 vs 72.5 p = 0.048) and WOSI (98.3 vs 67.3 p = 0.043). B+R in dominant extremity had worst complication rate (50 vs 9.1% p = 0.038). Association was not found between complications and recurrent instabillity according to glenoid bone defect or previous dislocation episodes. Conclusion: Significant Hill-Sachs lesions with NC-GBL, both Bankart-Remplissage and Latarjet achieve satisfactory results, with similar recurrent instability and functional outcomes. Latarjet has better subjetive funtional results in collision sports and less complication in dominant extremity compared to Bankart-Remplissage.

Simple-to-use and portable device for free chlorine determination based on microwave-assisted synthesized carbon dots and smartphone images.

A new portable and simple 3D printed device was designed for free chlorine determination in water samples. The analytical method was based on the quenching caused by free chlorine on the fluorescence emission of the carbon dots (CD) synthesized from citric acid and urea. The fluorescence was captured through the camera of a smartphone, which was coupled to the 3D printed device, and the images were processed using the RGB system by the ImageJ 1.51q software. The proposed method was selective and precise (RSD% 4.6, for n = 6), and the trueness of the results was evaluated by comparing the results obtained with those recovered by the spectrophotometric method 4500-Cl G (standard method), with good agreement between them. Moreover, the remarkable correlation between the CD signal and the free chlorine concentration resulted in a determination with low detection limits (limit of detection of 6 µg L-1 and limit of quantification of 20 µg L-1). Therefore, the new method and the related portable device could be considered a fast, economical and reliable alternative for the on-site determination of free chlorine in water samples.

Localization of interleukin-6 signaling complex in epithelialized apical lesions of endodontic origin.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the immunolocalization patterns of the interleukin (IL)-6 signaling complex in epithelialized and non-epithelialized apical lesions of endodontic origin (ALEOs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epithelialized (n = 8) and non-epithelialized (n = 7) ALEOs were obtained from teeth with indication of extraction in patients with clinical diagnosis of apical periodontitis. All tissues were subjected to routine processing for histopathologic examination and primary antibodies for IL-6, IL-6 receptor (R), and glycoprotein (gp)-130 were used for immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence co-localization. RESULTS: IL-6, IL-6R, and gp-130 were immunolocalized in endothelial cells and mononuclear leukocytes in a diffuse pattern within the connective tissue of epithelialized and non-epithelialized ALEOs. In the epithelialized lesions, two different patterns were identified: IL-6 signaling complex was localized within the proliferating epithelium in a diffuse intracellular pattern and in a cell membrane localization pattern within the mature epithelial lining, showing a decreased intensity towards the surface layers. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6, IL-6R, and gp-130 localized to mononuclear inflammatory cells, vascular endothelial cells, and immature proliferating epithelia in a diffuse pattern and in mature lining epithelia in a localized cell membrane pattern, supporting a role for epithelial proliferation during cyst formation. Additional cell membrane co-localization of IL-6 receptor complex suggests classic signaling involvement in addition to trans-signaling.

[Anterior shoulder instability with non critical bone loss: Bankart-Remplissage or Latarjet?] / Inestabilidad anterior de hombro con defecto óseo no crítico: ¿Bankart-Remplissage o Latarjet?

INTRODUCTION: Significant Hill-Sachs lesions are associated with recurrent shoulder instability. Bankart-Remplissage (B+R) and Latarjet (L) are valid treatments for these injuries. Few studies compare both techniques. OBJECTIVE: To compare functional outcome, complications and recurrent instability rate between B+R and L in patients operated for anterior shoulder instability (ASI) with significant Hill-Sachs (HS) lesions and non critical glenoid bone loss (NC-GBL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with patients operated between 2010 and 2018 for ASI. 107 met inclusion criteria. Demographic data, complications, recurrence rate and subsequent procedures were obtained from their medical records. CT scan imaging was used to assess humeral and glenoid bone loss. Online questionnaires were sent for assesing functional outcomes with SSV, WOSI, VAS and qDASH. 48 patients completed the online assessment (26 B+R, 22 L). The mean follow-up was 3.8 years. RESULTS: Comparing both groups, there were no differences in WOSI, SSV, EVA and qDASH. There was no difference in complication rate (B+R: 13 [18.8%], L: 5 [13.2%], p = 0.16), revisions (B+R: 4 [5.7%], L: 1 [2.6%], p = 0.41) and recurrent instability (B+R: 4 [5.7%], L: 1 [2.6%], p = 0.41). L in subgroup who practiced collision sports had better SSV (92.5 vs 72.5 p = 0.048) and WOSI (98.3 vs 67.3 p = 0.043). B+R in dominant extremity had worst complication rate (50 vs 9.1% p = 0.038). Association was not found between complications and recurrent instabillity according to glenoid bone defect or previous dislocation episodes. CONCLUSION: Significant Hill-Sachs lesions with NC-GBL, both Bankart-Remplissage and Latarjet achieve satisfactory results, with similar recurrent instability and functional outcomes. Latarjet has better subjetive funtional results in collision sports and less complication in dominant extremity compared to Bankart-Remplissage.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los defectos óseos se asocian a inestabilidad de hombro recidivante. Bankart-Remplissage (B+R) y Latarjet (L) son alternativas de tratamiento. Pocos estudios comparan ambas técnicas. OBJETIVO: Comparar evolución funcional, complicaciones y tasa de recidiva, entre B+R y L en pacientes con inestabilidad glenohumeral anterior con defecto óseo no crítico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes, en pacientes operados entre 2010 y 2018. Ciento siete pacientes fueron reclutados, de éstos, se obtuvo información desde su ficha clínica. Se midió tamaño de Hill-Sachs (HS) y defecto glenoideo en tomografía axial computarizada (TAC). Se envió encuesta remota evaluando funcionalidad con SSV, WOSI, EVA y qDASH. Cuarenta y ocho pacientes completaron el seguimiento remoto (26 B+R y 22 L). Media de seguimiento de 3.8 años. RESULTADOS: Al comparar ambos grupos no hubo diferencias significativas en WOSI, EVA, qDASH ni SSV. No hubo diferencia en el número de complicaciones (B+R: 13 [18.8%], L: 5 [13.2%], p = 0.16), reoperaciones (B+R: 4 [5.7%], L: 1 [2.6%], p = 0.41) ni reluxación (B+R: 4 [5.7%], L: 1 [2.6%], p = 0.41). En pacientes que realizan deporte de contacto o colisión, L tuvo mejor SSV (92.5 vs 72.5 p = 0.048) y WOSI total (98.3 vs 67.3 p = 0.043). B+R en extremidad dominante presentó mayor tasa de complicaciones (50 vs 9.1% p = 0.038). No se encontró asociación para complicaciones y reluxación según defecto glenoideo o número de luxaciones previo a cirugía. CONCLUSIÓN: Bankart-Remplissage y Latarjet tienen similar resultado funcional y tasa de reluxación en nuestros grupos estudiados. Latarjet muestra mejor resultado funcional subjetivo en deportistas de contacto y menores complicaciones en extremidad dominante.

Tirotoxicosis por enfermedad trofoblástica gestacional: revisión a partir de 3 casos / Thyrotoxicosis due to gestational trophoblastic disease: clinical cases

La enfermedad trofoblástica gestacional (ETG) es una complicación del embarazo poco común. Corresponde a un espectro de lesiones proliferativas del tejido trofoblástico: Mola Hidatiforme (MH) en sus formas parcial y completa, Coriocarcinoma, Tumor Trofoblástico y Tumor Trofoblástico Epiteloide. Los distintos tipos de ETG presentan en común la hipersecreción de gonadotrofina coriónica humana (hCG). La hCG es una hormona glicoproteica con una estructura muy similar a la TSH, por lo cual puede estimular la función tiroidea en condiciones fisiológicas y en algunas condiciones patológicas. La ETG puede cursar con hipertiroidismo, el cual puede variar en intensidad, desde una presentación asintomática con alteración leve de hormonas tiroideas a un cuadro de hipertiroidismo manifiesto. Se presentan 3 casos clínicos de pacientes con ETG, específicamente MH que evolucionaron con tirotoxicosis transitoria. Los casos presentaron un cuadro leve de hipertiroidismo con pocos síntomas asociados. La taquicardia fue el único síntoma en la mayoría de los casos. En todas las pacientes las hormonas tiroideas se normalizaron después del tratamiento de la ETG. Conclusión: Se debe tener presente la posibilidad de hipertiroidismo en toda paciente con ETG. Un alto nivel de sospecha permitirá identificar a aquellas pacientes que cursen con hipertiroidismo, permitiendo así un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno.

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a rare complication of pregnancy. GTD includes a group of proliferative lesions of trophoblastic tissue: partial and complete hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma, epithelioid trophoblastic tumor, and placental site trophoblastic tumor. The different types of GTD have in common the hypersecretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). HCG is a glycoprotein hormone with a similar structure to TSH. In physiological and pathological conditions hCG can stimulate thyroid function. GTD can present with hyperthyroidism, which can vary in intensity, from an asymptomatic presentation with mild alteration of thyroid hormones to a manifest hyperthyroidism. We present 3 clinical cases of patients with GTD thyrotoxicosis. All cases presented mild hyperthyroidism. Tachycardia was the only symptom in most cases. In all patients thyroid hormones return to normal after treatment of GTD. Conclusion: In patients with GTD the possibility of hyperthyroidism should be kept in mind. A high level of suspicion will allow to identifying patients with hyperthyroidism.

Impact of Nutritional Stress on Honeybee Gut Microbiota, Immunity, and Nosema ceranae Infection.

Honeybees are important pollinators, having an essential role in the ecology of natural and agricultural environments. Honeybee colony losses episodes reported worldwide and have been associated with different pests and pathogens, pesticide exposure, and nutritional stress. This nutritional stress is related to the increase in monoculture areas which leads to a reduction of pollen availability and diversity. In this study, we examined whether nutritional stress affects honeybee gut microbiota, bee immunity, and infection by Nosema ceranae, under laboratory conditions. Consumption of Eucalyptus grandis pollen was used as a nutritionally poor-quality diet to study nutritional stress, in contraposition to the consumption of polyfloral pollen. Honeybees feed with Eucalyptus grandis pollen showed a lower abundance of Lactobacillus mellifer and Lactobacillus apis (Firm-4 and Firm-5, respectively) and Bifidobacterium spp. and a higher abundance of Bartonella apis, than honeybees fed with polyfloral pollen. Besides the impact of nutritional stress on honeybee microbiota, it also decreased the expression levels of vitellogenin and genes associated to immunity (glucose oxidase, hymenoptaecin and lysozyme). Finally, Eucalyptus grandis pollen favored the multiplication of Nosema ceranae. These results show that nutritional stress impacts the honeybee gut microbiota, having consequences on honeybee immunity and pathogen development. Those results may be useful to understand the influence of modern agriculture on honeybee health.

Epigenetic regulation of TLR2-mediated periapical inflammation.

AIM: To determine the methylation pattern of TLR2 gene promoter and its association with the transcriptional regulation of periapical inflammatory and angiogenic responses in symptomatic and asymptomatic forms of apical periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional study, apical lesions were obtained from volunteers with asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP) (n = 17) and symptomatic apical periodontitis (SAP) (n = 17) scheduled for tooth extraction, and both total RNA and DNA were extracted. DNA was bisulfite-treated, a region of CpG island within the TLR2 gene was amplified by qPCR and the products were sequenced. Additionally, the mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR4, IL-6, IL-12, TNFalpha, IL-23, IL-10, TGFbeta, VEGFA and CDH5 was analysed by qPCR. The data were analysed with chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney or unpaired t-tests, and Spearman´s correlation; variable adjustments were performed using multiple linear regression (P < 0.05). RESULTS: TLR2 depicted a hypomethylated DNA profile at the CpG island in SAP when compared with AAP, along with upregulated expression of TLR2, with pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-23, and the angiogenesis marker CDH5 (P < 0.05). TLR2 methylation percentage negatively correlated with mRNA levels of IL-23 and CDH5 in apical periodontitis. Lower methylation frequencies of single CpG dinucleotides -8 and -10 localized in close proximity to nuclear factor κB (NFκB) binding within the TLR2 promoter were identified in SAP versus AAP (P < 0.05). Finally, unmethylated -10 and -8 single sites demonstrated up-regulation of IL-23, IL-10 and CDH5 transcripts compared to their methylated counterparts (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TLR2 gene promoter hypomethylation was linked to transcriptional activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic markers in exacerbated periapical inflammation. Moreover, unmethylated single sites in close proximity to NFκB binding were involved in active transcription of IL-23, IL-10 and CDH5.

Management of the toxicity of chemotherapy and targeted therapies in elderly cancer patients.

The elderly form a very heterogeneous group in relation to their general health state, degree of dependence, comorbidities, performance status, physical reserve and geriatric situation, so cancer treatment in the older patient remains a therapeutic challenge. The physiological changes associated with aging increase the risk of developing a serious toxicity induced by chemotherapy treatment, as well as other undesirable consequences as hospitalizations, dependence and non-compliance with treatment, that can negatively affect survival, quality of life and treatment efficacy. The use of hematopoietic growth factors and other active supportive interventions in the elderly can help prevent and/or alleviate these toxicities. However, we have little data on the efficacy and tolerance of support treatments in the older patient. The objective of this work is to review the most frequent toxicities of oncological treatments in the elderly and their management.

Optimal duration of first-line chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: data from the AGAMENON registry.

BACKGROUND: The optimal duration of first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer is unknown. Diverse clinical trials have proposed different strategies including limited treatment, maintenance of some drugs, or treatment until progression. METHOD: The sample comprises patients from the AGAMENON multicenter registry without progression after second evaluation of response. The objective was to explore the optimal duration of first-line chemotherapy. A frailty multi-state model was conducted. RESULTS: 415 patients were divided into three strata: discontinuation of platinum and maintenance with fluoropyrimidine until progression (30%, n = 123), complete treatment withdrawal prior to progression (52%, n = 216), and full treatment until progression (18%, n = 76). The hazard of tumor progression decreased by 19% per month with the full treatment regimen. However, we found no evidence that fluoropyrimidine maintenance (hazard ratio [HR] 1.07, confidence interval [CI] 95%, 0.69-1.65) worsened progression-free survival (PFS) with respect to treatment until progression. Predictive factors for PFS were ECOG performance status, ≥ 3 metastatic sites, prior tumor response, and bone metastases. Toxicity grade 3/4 was more common in those who continued the full treatment until progression vs fluoropyrimidine maintenance (16% vs 6%). CONCLUSION: The longer duration of the full initial regimen exerted a protective effect on the patients of this registry. Platinum discontinuation followed by fluoropyrimidine maintenance yields comparable efficacy to treatment up to PD, with a lower rate of serious adverse events.

Hipertiroidismo en personas mayores de 65 años: serie de casos de un hospital universitario / Thyrotoxicosis in the elderly: case series report from a university hospital

Introducción: En Chile en las últimas décadas ha aumentado la población de personas mayores de 65 años. La tirotoxicosis en este grupo está asociada a complicaciones como fibrilación auricular (FA), insuficiencia cardiaca (ICC), osteoporosis y aumento de la mortalidad. En algunos casos puede presentarse con síntomas no específicos, cuadro conocido como hipertiroidismo apático. Objetivos: Evaluar las características clínicas de la tirotoxicosis en personas mayores. Método: Serie de casos retrospectiva. Se analizaron fichas clínicas de pacientes mayores de 65 años con el diagnóstico de tirotoxicosis controlados en nuestro centro entre enero de 2012 y mayo de 2018. Resultados: En el periodo estudiado 54 pacientes fueron diagnosticados de tirotoxicosis. Se excluyen 4 por datos incompletos. El 80% corresponden a mujeres. La mediana de edad fue 71 años (rango 65-94), sin diferencias por género (p=0,61). La etiología más frecuente fue enfermedad de Graves (EG) en 64%, seguido por bocio multinodular hiperfuncionante en 20%, adenoma tóxico en 10% y asociada a fármacos en 6%. De los pacientes con EG, 28% presentó orbitopatía distiroidea (OD) clínicamente evidente. Un 30% se diagnosticó en contexto de baja de peso, deterioro cognitivo o patología cardiovascular, sin presentar síntomas clásicos de hipertiroidismo. Un 16% presentó FA, 14% ICC y 6% fractura osteoporótica. El 28% fue diagnosticado durante una hospitalización o requirió ser hospitalizado durante los meses siguientes. Los mayores de 75 años presentan una mayor probabilidad de hipertiroidismo apático (OR 5,1, IC95% 1,15-22,7 p=0,01). Además, las complicaciones aumentan en mayores de 75 años, encontrándose en este grupo todos los casos de FA. Conclusiones: La etiología más común de tirotoxicosis fue la EG, a diferencia de lo reportado en otras poblaciones. Un número importante de pacientes debutó sin síntomas clásicos de hipertiroidismo, principalmente mayores de 75 años, por lo que se debe tener una alta sospecha en este grupo etario.

Introduction: Hyperthyroidism in the elderly can produce severe complications such as atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (CHF) and osteoporosis. In the elderly, thyrotoxicosis may have only nonspecific symptoms, known as apathetic hyperthyroidism. Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of thyrotoxicosis in the elderly. Methods: Retrospective case series. We reviewed clinical records of patients with thyrotoxicosis older than 65 years, between January 2012 and March 2019. Results: During this period, 54 patients were diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis. Four patients were excluded due to incomplete data. 80% were women. The average age was 73 years (range 65-94), without age difference between gender (p=0,61). The most frequent etiology was Graves' disease in 64%. Hyperfunctioning multinodular goiter was confirmed in 20%, toxic adenoma in 10% and drug-associated in 6%. Twenty eight percent of Graves' disease patients had dysthyroid orbitopathy. Thirty percent presented as apathetic hyperthyroidism. Sixteen percent of the patients presented AF, 14% CHF, and 6% osteoporotic fracture. Twenty-eight percent were diagnosed during hospitalization or required hospitalization in the following months. Those older than 75 years had a greater probability of presenting apathetic hyperthyroidism (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.15- 22.7 p=0.01). Complications increase in this age group, with all cases of AF. Conclusions: The most common etiology of thyrotoxicosis in this group was GD. This differs from other populations. A significant number of patients presented without classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism, especially in people older than 75 years. Special attention should be paid to atypical symptoms of hyperthyroidism in this group.

The Human Variome Project country node of Argentina in the first two years of activity: past, present and future / El nodo Argentino del Proyecto Varioma Humano en los primeros dos años de actividad: pasado, presente y futuro

The Human Variome Project (HVP) is an international effort aiming systematically to collect and share information on all human genetic variants. It has been working for years in collaboration with local scientific societies by establishing systems to collect every genetic variant reported in a country and to store these variants within a database repository: LOVD (Argentinian chapter: ar.lovd.org). Formally established in 2017 in the Argentinian Node, up to June 2019 we collected more than 25,000 genetic variants deposited by 17 different laboratories. Nowadays the HVP country nodes represent more than 30 countries. In Latin America there are four country nodes: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela; the first two interacted recently launching the LatinGen database. In the present work we want to share our experience in applying the HVP project focusing on its organization, rules and nomenclature to reach the goal of sharing genetic variants and depositing them in the Leiden Open Variation Database. Contributing laboratories are seeking to share variant data to gain access all over the country. It is one of our goals to stimulate the highest quality by organizing courses, applying current nomenclature rules, sponsoring lectures in national congresses, distributing newsletter to serve the Argentinian genomics community and to stimulate the interaction among Latin America countries.

El Proyecto Varioma Humano (HVP) es un esfuerzo internacional que tiene como objetivo recopilar y compartir sistemáticamente información sobre todas las variantes genéticas humanas. Hemos estado trabajando durante tres años en colaboración con sociedades científicas locales, mediante el establecimiento de sistemas para recolectar todas las variantes genéticas reportadas en el país y almacenarlas dentro de la base de datos LOVD (capítulo argentino: ar.lovd.org). En el año 2017 fue establecido formalmente el Nodo Argentino del HVP, habiéndose recolectado más de 25.000 variantes genéticas depositadas por 17 laboratorios diferentes hasta junio de 2019. Hoy en día existen al menos 30 nodos del HVP, correspondientes a diferentes países. En América Latina hay cuatro nodos: Argentina, Brasil, México y Venezuela; Los dos primeros interactuaron recientemente lanzando la base de datos LatinGen. En el presente trabajo queremos compartir nuestra experiencia en la aplicación del proyecto HVP centrándonos en su organización, reglas y nomenclatura para alcanzar el objetivo de compartir variantes genéticas y depositarlas en la base de datos de variaciones abiertas de Leiden (LOVD). Es uno de nuestros objetivos estimular la más alta calidad mediante la organización de cursos, aplicación de las reglas de nomenclatura actuales, patrocinio de conferencias en congresos nacionales, distribución de boletines informativos para la comunidad de genómica argentina, y estimulación de la interacción entre los países de América Latina.

Comparison of epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics of bloodstream infection in children with solid tumours and haematological malignancies.

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a serious complication in immunocompromised hosts. This study compares epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics of BSI among children with haematological malignancies (HM) and solid tumours (ST). The study was conducted from October 2012 through to November 2015 at a referral hospital for cancer care and included the first BSI episode detected in 210 patients aged 18 years or less. BSI cases were prospectively detected by daily laboratory-based surveillance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions for primary or secondary BSI were used. A higher proportion of use of corticosteroids (P = 0.02), chemotherapy (P = 0.01) and antibiotics (P = 0.05) before the BSI diagnosis; as well as of neutropenia (P < 0.001) and mucositis (P < 0.001) at the time of BSI diagnosis was observed in patients with HM than with ST. Previous surgical procedures (P = 0.03), mechanical ventilation (P = 0.01) and bed confinement (P < 0.001) were more frequent among children with ST. The frequency of use of temporary (P = 0.01) and implanted vascular lines (P < 0.01) was significantly higher in children with ST than with HM while the tunnelled line (P = 0.01) use was more frequent in children with HM as compared to ST. Most (n = 181) BSI cases were primary BSI. BSI associated with a tunnelled catheter was more frequent in children with HM (P < 0.01), whereas BSI associated with an implanted (P < 0.01) or temporary central line (P < 0.02) was more common in patients with ST. BSI associated with mucosal barrier injury was more frequent (P = 0.01) in children with HM. Indication for intensive care was more frequent in children (P = 0.05) with ST. Mortality ratio was similar in children with ST and HM, and length of hospital stay after BSI was higher in patients with HM than with ST (median of 19 vs. 13 days; P = 0.02). Infection caused by Gram-negative bacteria (P = 0.04) and polymicrobial infections (P = 0.05) due to Gram-positive cocci plus fungus was more common in patients with HM. These findings suggest that the characteristics of BSI acquisition and mortality can be cancer-specific.

Pregnancy outcomes after maternal Zika virus infection in a non-endemic region: prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to describe pregnancy outcomes after Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in a non-endemic region. METHODS: According to the Spanish protocol issued after the ZIKV outbreak in Brazil in 2015, all pregnant women who had travelled to high-burden countries were screened for ZIKV. Serological and molecular tests were used to identify ZIKV-infected pregnant women. They were classified as confirmed ZIKV infection when reverse transcription (RT) PCR tested positive, or probable ZIKV infection when ZIKV immunoglobulin M and/or immunoglobulin G and ZIKV plaque reduction neutralization tests were positive. Women found positive using molecular or serological tests were prospectively followed-up with ultrasound scans and neurosonograms on a monthly basis until delivery; magnetic resonance imaging and amniotic fluid testing were performed after signed informed consent. Samples of placenta, and fetal and neonatal tissues were obtained. RESULTS: Seventy-two pregnant women tested positive for ZIKV infection: ten were confirmed by RT-PCR, and 62 were probable cases based on serological tests. The prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes was 33.3% (three out of nine, 95% CI 12.1-64.6%): two cases of congenital ZIKV syndrome (CZS) and one miscarriage, all born to women infected in the first trimester of gestation. All ZIKV-confirmed women had persistent viraemias beyond 2 weeks (median 61.50 days; IQR 35.50-80.75). Amniotic fluid testing was only positive in the two fetuses with anomalies. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of perinatal adverse outcomes for women with ZIKV-confirmed infection was 33.3%. Amniocentesis for ZIKV RT-PCR is recommended when fetal abnormalities are found. Intensive prenatal and postnatal follow-up of ZIKV-infected pregnancies is advised in confirmed cases.

Risk factors for early onset prosthetic valve endocarditis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Early onset prosthetic valve endocarditis (EO-PVE) is an infrequent complication of cardiac valve surgery. It is considered a healthcare-associated infection due to contamination of the prosthesis during the implant or in the early postoperative period. AIM: To evaluate which factors may be related to the acquisition of EO-PVE. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted from 2006 to 2016. Cases were patients who had definite prosthetic endocarditis by the modified Duke criteria up to 12 months of heart valve replacement. Cases and controls were matched by age, gender, date and type of surgery. FINDINGS: There were 26 cases and 78 controls, in 2496 valve surgeries. The median incidence of EO-PVE was 1.1%. Risk factors identified during surgery were: use of ≥2 cryoprecipitate units (odds ratio (OR): 5.95; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-27.0) and ≥2 plasma units (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.0-7.5). In the postoperative period, associated factors were bloodstream infection (OR: 14.00; CI: 1.49-131.77), pneumonia (4.38; 1.21-15.84), any infection (4.46; 1.63-12.21), central line for ≥2 weeks (5.33; 2.06-13.78), presence of dialysis catheter (3.22; 1.15-9.03), and new open chest surgery (3.89; 1.28-11.78). Mortality at 12 months was 34.6% in cases and 6.4% in controls (OR: 7.73; CI: 2.3-26.06). CONCLUSION: Cases had more infections, invasive procedures and surgical re-interventions in the early postoperative period, which favoured contamination of the newly implanted prosthesis. A preventive approach, with reinforcement of infection control practices, may curb the incidence of this condition.

General recommendations paper on the management of older patients with cancer: the SEOM geriatric oncology task force's position statement.

Population aging is associated with greater numbers of older people with cancer. Thanks to treatment advances, not only are more seniors diagnosed with cancer, but there are also more and more older cancer survivors. This upward trend will continue. Given the heterogeneity of aging, managing older patients with cancer poses a significant challenge for Medical Oncology. In Spain, a Geriatric Oncology Task Force has been set up within the framework of the Spanish Society for Medical Oncology (SEOM). With the aim of generating evidence and raising awareness, as well as helping medical oncologists in their training with respect to seniors with cancer, we have put together a series of basic management recommendations for this population. Many of the patients who are assessed in routine clinical practice in Oncology are older. CGA is the basic tool by means of which to evaluate older people with cancer and to understand their needs. Training and the correct use of recommendations regarding treatment for comorbidities and geriatric syndromes, support care, and drug-drug interactions and toxicities, including those of antineoplastic agents, as detailed in this article, will ensure that this population is properly managed.

Transplantation of Human Amniotic Membrane over the Liver Surface Reduces Hepatic Fibrosis in a Cholestatic Model in Young Rats.

PURPOSE: Biliary atresia precedes liver cirrhosis and liver transplantation. Amniotic membrane (AM) promotes tissue regeneration, inhibits fibrosis, and reduces inflammation. Here, we test amniotic membrane potential as a therapeutic tool against cholestatic liver fibrosis. METHODS: Three groups of rats were used: sham surgery (SS), bile duct ligature (BDL), and bile duct ligature plus human amniotic membrane (BDL + AM). After surgery, animals were sacrificed at different weeks. Biochemical and histopathological analyses of liver tissue were performed. Collagen was expressed as a percentage of total liver tissue area. qPCR was performed to analyse gene expression levels of transforming growth factor-ß1 (Tgfb1) and apelin (Apln). Statistical analysis performed considered p < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Groups undergoing BDL developed cholestasis. Biochemical markers from BDL + AM group improved compared to BDL group. Ductular reaction, portal fibrosis, and bile plugs were markedly reduced in the BDL + AM group compared to BDL group. Collagen area in BDL + AM group was statistically decreased compared to BDL group. Finally, expression levels of both Apln and Tgfb1 mRNA were statistically downregulated in BDL + AM group versus BDL group. CONCLUSION: AM significantly reduces liver fibrosis in a surgical animal model of cholestasis. Our results suggest that AM may be useful as a therapeutic tool in liver cirrhosis.

Geriatric oncology in Spain: survey results and analysis of the current situation.

INTRODUCTION: Geriatric oncology (GO) is a discipline that focuses on the management of elderly patients with cancer. The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) created a Working group dedicated to geriatric oncology in February 2016. OBJECTIVES: The main goal of this study was to describe the current situation in Spain regarding the management of elderly cancer patients through an online survey of medical oncologists. METHODS: A descriptive survey was sent to several hospitals by means of the SEOM website. A personal e-mail was also sent to SEOM members. RESULTS: Between March 2016 and April 2017, 154 answers were collected. Only 74 centers (48%) had a geriatrics department and a mere 21 (14%) medical oncology departments had a person dedicated to GO. The vast majority (n = 135; 88%) had the perception that the number of elderly patients with cancer seen in clinical practice had increased. Eighteen (12%) oncologists had specific protocols and geriatric scales were used at 55 (31%) centers. Almost all (92%) claimed to apply special management practices using specific tools. There was agreement that GO afforded certain potential advantages. Finally, 99% of the oncologists surveyed believed it and that training in GO had to be improved. CONCLUSIONS: From the nationwide survey promoted by the Spanish Geriatric Oncology Working Group on behalf of SEOM, we conclude that there is currently no defined care structure for elderly cancer patients. There is an increasing perception of the need for training in GO. This survey reflects a reality in which specific needs are perceived.

Curva de aprendizaje en histerectomía laparoscópica. ¿Cuántas intervenciones se necesitan para dominar la técnica con estándares de seguridad? / Learning curve of laparoscopic hysterectomy. How many interventions are required to consider the technique dominated with safety standards?

Resumen OBJETIVO: Demostrar si se cumple lo publicado en referencia a las curvas de aprendizaje en histerectomía laparoscópica, para un mismo equipo quirúrgico, en variables como el porcentaje de complicaciones, conversiones a laparotomía, tiempo quirúrgico, pérdida de hemoglobina, días de hospitalización, etcétera. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio analítico, observacional de cohortes, prospectivo y de intervención efectuado de julio de 2014 a octubre de 2017 en el Departamento de Ginecología del Hospital General Santa María del Puerto, Cádiz, España. Criterio de inclusión: pacientes con histerectomía total o supracervical laparoscópica. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 45 procedimientos divididos en 3 cohortes de 15 pacientes cada una de acuerdo con el orden temporal de realización. Así, el grupo 1 fue el de las primeras 15 histerectomías efectuadas, el grupo 2 de la 16 a la 30, y el grupo 3 de la 31 a la 45; es decir, las últimas 15 llevadas a cabo. El porcentaje de complicaciones y conversión a laparotomía fue de 13.3% en el grupo 1, de 6.7% en el grupo 2 y de 0% en el 3 (p = 0.343). El tiempo quirúrgico medio en el grupo 1 fue de 164 minutos, en el 2 de 101 minutos y en el 3 de 90 minutos (p = 0.001). Entre los diferentes grupos se registraron mejoras progresivas estadísticamente significativas en la pérdida de hemoglobina o la estancia hospitalaria. CONCLUSIONES: Con base en nuestros resultados la curva de aprendizaje es de 45 intervenciones, suficientes para practicar con estándares de seguridad este tipo de cirugías.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To observe the learning curve in a surgical team of laparoscopic hysterectomy. Determine the number of surgeries needed to achieve a surgical time 90 minutes average, a percentage of total complications less than 10% and a conversion to laparotomy rate to less than 5%. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this we have analyzed data collected prospectively, in 45 patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy or laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, carried out by the same surgical team, and divided into 3 cohorts of 15 patients by temporal order of preparation; made July 2014 to October 2017, in the Department of Gynecology of the Hospital General Santa Maria del Puerto. RESULTS: We analized 45 procedures divided into 3 cohorts of 15 patients each according to the temporal order of performance. Thus, group 1 was that of the first 15 hysterectomies performed, group 2 from 16 to 30, and group 3 from 31 to 45; that is, the last 15 carried out. The complications and conversion rate to laparotomy was 13.3% in group 1; 6.7% in group 2, and 0% in group 3 (p = 0.343). The mean surgical time in group 1 was 164 minutes, in 2 of 101 minutes and in 3 of 90 minutes (p = 0.001). Among the different groups there were statistically significant progressive improvements in the loss of hemoglobin or hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that a learning curve of 45 interventions is sufficient to deal with this type of surgery with safety standards.