Ultrasound-guided cryoablation: Our experience in percutaneous treatment as an alternative to surgery for fibroadenomas of the breast lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To review the tolerance to and medium-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided cryoablation as an alternative to surgical treatment of fibroadenomas of the breast in our hospital. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 12 patients with fibroadenomas treated with ultrasound-guided cryoablation in our hospital between November 2020 and July 2022. Cryoablation was performed with a system using argon gas (Galil Boston Scientific®) or liquid nitrogen (Prosense Ice Cure®) following a triple-phase (freeze-thaw-freeze) protocol of variable duration depending on the size of the lesion. Patients were followed up with ultrasonography at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. RESULTS: All patients tolerated the procedure well. Two patients reported moderate pain in the hours immediately after the procedure; no other complications occurred. The findings during follow-up included decreased volume of the fibroadenoma (47.07% at 3 months, 77.79% at 6 months, 81.77% at 12 months, and 88.81% at 18 months), blurring of the nodule's margins, a significantly reduced or absent signal within the lesion in the Doppler study, an echogenic band (representing edema, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis), and hypoechoic areas suggestive of fibrosis surrounding the fibroadenoma. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation is done on an outpatient basis, avoiding general anesthesia, thus making it less expensive. Cryoablation yields better cosmetic results than surgery.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections in children and adolescents: risk factors associated with carbapenem resistance and mortality.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections (PA-BSIs) are a serious disease and a therapeutic challenge due to increasing resistance to carbapenems. Our objectives were to describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with carbapenem resistance (CR) and mortality in children with PA-BSI. METHODS: A retrospective, multi-centre study was carried out, including patients aged <20 years with PA-BSI in four tertiary hospitals in Madrid (Spain) during 2010-2020. Risk factors for CR PA-BSIs and 30-day mortality were evaluated in a multi-variable logistic regression model. RESULTS: In total, 151 patients with PA-BSI were included, with a median age of 29 months (interquartile range: 3.5-87.1). Forty-five (29.8%) cases were CR, 9.9% multi-drug resistant and 6.6% extensively drug resistant. The prevalence of CR remained stable throughout the study period, with 26.7% (12/45) of CR mediated by VIM-type carbapenemase. Patients with BSIs produced by CR-PA were more likely to receive inappropriate empiric treatment (53.3% vs 5.7%, P<0.001) and to have been previously colonized by CR-PA (8.9% vs 0%, P=0.002) than BSIs caused by carbapenem-susceptible P. aeruginosa. CR was associated with carbapenem treatment in the previous month (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 11.15) and solid organ transplantation (aOR 7.64). The 30-day mortality was 23.2%, which was associated with mechanical ventilation (aOR 4.24), sepsis (aOR 5.72), inappropriate empiric antibiotic therapy (aOR 5.86), and source control as a protective factor (aOR 0.16). CONCLUSION: This study shows a concerning prevalence of CR in children with PA-BSIs, leading to high mortality. Inappropriate empiric treatment and sepsis were associated with mortality. The high prevalence of CR with an increased risk of inappropriate empiric treatment should be closely monitored.

First Measurement of the Nuclear-Recoil Ionization Yield in Silicon at 100 eV.

We measured the nuclear-recoil ionization yield in silicon with a cryogenic phonon-sensitive gram-scale detector. Neutrons from a monoenergetic beam scatter off of the silicon nuclei at angles corresponding to energy depositions from 4 keV down to 100 eV, the lowest energy probed so far. The results show no sign of an ionization production threshold above 100 eV. These results call for further investigation of the ionization yield theory and a comprehensive determination of the detector response function at energies below the keV scale.

Antibiotic resistance in bloodstream isolates from high-complexity paediatric units in Madrid, Spain: 2013-2021.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a significant challenge in high-complexity healthcare settings. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of AMR in bloodstream isolates from high-complexity paediatric units in Spain over a nine-year period. METHODS: A retrospective observational multicentre study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals, analysing bloodstream isolates from patients aged <18 years admitted to the paediatric intensive care, neonatology, and oncology-haematology units between 2013 and 2021. Demographics, antimicrobial susceptibility, and resistance mechanisms were analysed in two periods (2013-2017 and 2017-2021). FINDINGS: In all, 1255 isolates were included. AMR was more prevalent in older patients and those admitted to the oncology-haematology unit. Multidrug resistance was observed in 9.9% of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB); 20.0% of P. aeruginosa vs 8.6% of Entero-bacterales (P < 0.001), with an increase in Enterobacterales from 6.2% to 11.0% between the first and the second period (P = 0.021). Difficult-to-treat resistance was observed in 2.7% of GNB; 7.4% of P. aeruginosa vs 1.6% of Enterobacterales (P < 0.001), with an increasing trend in Enterobacterales from 0.8% to 2.5% (P = 0.076). Carbapenem resistance among Enterobacterales increased from 3.5% to 7.2% (P = 0.029), with 3.3% producing carbapenemases (67.9% VIM). Meticillin resistance was observed in 11.0% of S. aureus and vancomycin resistance in 1.4% of Enterococcus spp., with both rates remaining stable throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high prevalence of AMR in high-complexity paediatric units. Enterobacterales showed a concerning increasing trend in resistant strains, with higher rates among older patients and those admitted to oncology-haematology units.

Estudio de densidad vascular en pacientes con retinitis pigmentosa por medio de angiografía por tomografía de coherencia óptica / Microvascular quantitative metrics in retinitis pigmentosa using optical coherence tomography angiography

Propósito Evaluar cambios en la densidad vascular (VD) mediante la angiografía por tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCTA) en los diferentes sectores maculares de pacientes con retinitis pigmentosa (RP) y controles. Métodos Estudio observacional de 22 casos y 21 controles. Se reclutan 22 pacientes con RP y 21 controles. Se obtienen imágenes de tamaño 6×6 del área macular mediante Angio-OCT SS-DRI-Triton 1.22 (Topcon, Japón), desechando las imágenes con mala calidad. Se recoge agudeza visual, biomicroscopía, campo visual y tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) estructural. El área macular se divide en 4 sectores (nasal, superior, inferior y temporal), y se comparan los valores de VD entre ambos grupos en los plexos superficial (SVP) y profundo (DVP). Se estudia también la correlación entre la VD y el grosor macular. Resultados Diez pacientes con RP se desecharon por mala calidad de imagen. Se analizan 12 pacientes con RP y 21 controles sanos. El índice de campo visual (VFI) medio en el grupo RP fue del 26,11% (±17,29). La VD fue significativamente inferior en el grupo RP comparado con los controles en todos los sectores maculares del DVP (Superior 43,48±3,79 vs. 48,86±2,62; p<0,0001; Nasal 40,52±4,30 vs. 46,01±3,23; p=0,0002; Inferior 42,76±5,26 vs. 50,10±3,36; p<0,0001; Temporal 40,42±4,46 vs. 46,09±2,91; p=0,0001) y en todos menos en el sector nasal en el SVP (Superior 39,86±4,46 vs. 46,47±2,61; p<0,0001; Nasal 40,35±4,56 vs. 44,09±2,87; p=0,0067; Inferior 40,74±4,61 vs. 46,58±3,26; p=0,0002; Temporal 39,98±5,07 vs. 44,78±3,28; p=0,0024). La correlación entre la VD y el grosor macular se mostró positiva y significativa (RP: r=0,59; p=0,043; controles r=0,51; p=0,018). Conclusiones Los pacientes con formas avanzadas de RP muestran menor VD en el área macular que los controles sanos. Estas diferencias están presentes en todos los cuadrantes del DVP y en 3 de ellos en el SVP (AU)

Aims To describe the changes in vessel density (VD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the different sectors in the macular area between retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients and controls. Methods Observational case-control study. We initially included 22 patients with RP and 21 controls. We obtained 6x6 OCTA images of the macular area using Angio-OCT SS-DRI-Triton 1.22 (Topcon, Japan), together with visual acuity, biomicroscopy, visual field and optical coherence tomography examination. We compared the VD values in both groups for both superficial (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP). Correlation between VD and macular thickness was also calculated. Results The mean visual field index (VFI) in the RP group was 26.11% (±17.29). VD was significantly lower in the RP group compared with healthy controls in all sectors of the DVP (Superior 43.48±3.79 vs 48.86±2.62, P<.0001; Nasal 40,52±4.30 vs 46,01±3.23, P=.0002; Inferior 42.76±5.26 vs 50.10±3.36, P<.0001; Temporal 40.42±4.46 vs 46.09±2.91, P=.0001) and in all but nasal sector in the SVP (Superior 39.86±4.46 vs 46.47±2.61, P<.0001; Nasal 40.35±4.56 vs 44.09±2.87, P=.0067; Inferior 40.74±4.61 vs 46.58±3.26, P=.0002; Temporal 39.98±5.07 vs 44.78±3.28, P=.0024). Correlation between VD and macular thickness was positive and significant (RP: r=.59, P=.043; controls r=.51, P=.018). Conclusions Patients with advanced forms of RP have less vessel density in the macular area than healthy subjects. These differences are present in all four quadrants in the DVP and three in the SVP (AU)

Microvascular quantitative metrics in retinitis pigmentosa using optical coherence tomography angiography.

AIMS: To describe the changes in vessel density (VD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the different sectors in the macular area between retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients and controls. METHODS: Observational case-control study. We initially included 22 patients with RP and 21 controls. We obtained 6 × 6 OCTA images of the macular area using Angio-OCT SS-DRI-Triton 1.22 (Topcon, Japan), together with visual acuity, biomicroscopy, visual field and optical coherence tomography examination. We compared the VD values in both groups for both superficial (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP). Correlation between VD and macular thickness was also calculated. RESULTS: The mean visual field index (VFI) in the RP group was 26.11% (±17.29). VD was significantly lower in the RP group compared with healthy controls in all sectors of the DVP (Superior 43.48 ±â€¯3.79 vs 48.86 ±â€¯2.62, P < .0001; Nasal 40,52 ±â€¯4.30 vs 46,01 ±â€¯3.23, P = .0002; Inferior 42.76 ±â€¯5.26 vs 50.10 ±â€¯3.36, P < .0001; Temporal 40.42 ±â€¯4.46 vs 46.09 ±â€¯2.91, P = .0001) and in all but nasal sector in the SVP (Superior 39.86 ±â€¯4.46 vs 46.47 ±â€¯2.61, P < .0001; Nasal 40.35 ±â€¯4.56 vs 44.09 ±â€¯2.87, P = .0067; Inferior 40.74 ±â€¯4.61 vs 46.58 ±â€¯3.26, P = .0002; Temporal 39.98 ±â€¯5.07 vs 44.78 ±â€¯3.28, P = .0024). Correlation between VD and macular thickness was positive and significant (RP: r = 0.59, P = .043; controls r = 0.51, P = .018). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced forms of RP have less vessel density in the macular area than healthy subjects. These differences are present in all four quadrants in the DVP and three in the SVP.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided cryoablation in treating low-risk breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study to determine whether infiltrating carcinoma is present in surgical specimens obtained after ultrasound-guided cryoablation from patients with HER2-negative luminal breast cancer without positive axillary lymph nodes at ultrasound. The secondary objective is to demonstrate that placing the presurgical seed-marker immediately before cryoablation does not interfere with the disappearance of tumor cells from freezing or in the surgeon's ability to locate the tumor. METHODS: We treated 20 patients diagnosed with unifocal HR-positive HER2-negative infiltrating ductal carcinoma measuring <2cm by means of ultrasound-guided cryoablation (ICEfx Galil, Boston Scientific) using a triple-phase (freezing‒passive thawing‒freezing; 10min each phase) protocol. All patients later underwent tumorectomy according to the routine operating-room agenda. RESULTS: No infiltrating carcinoma cells were detected in the post-cryoablation surgical specimen in 19 patients; a focus of infiltrating carcinoma cells measuring <1mm was detected in the remaining patient. CONCLUSION: In the near future, if confirmed in larger studies with longer follow-up, cryoablation might constitute a safe and efficacious technique for the treatment of early, low-risk infiltrating ductal carcinoma. In our series, marking with ferromagnetic seeds did not interfere with the efficacy of the procedure or of the subsequent surgical intervention.

Eficacia de la crioablación guiada con ecografía en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama de bajo riesgo / Efficacy of ultrasound-guided cryoablation in treating low-risk breast cancer

Objetivos El objetivo principal del estudio es evaluar si en pacientes con tumores luminales Her2– menores de 1,5cm y axila ecográficamente negativa, tras la realización de crioablación guiada con ecografía, hay ausencia de carcinoma infiltrante en la pieza quirúrgica. El objetivo secundario es demostrar que la colocación de semilla prequirúrgica en el instante anterior a realizar la crioablación no interfiere posteriormente en la desaparición de las células tumorales por congelación ni en la adecuada localización del tumor por parte del cirujano. Métodos Veinte pacientes diagnosticadas de carcinoma ductal infiltrante (CDI), unifocal, receptores hormonales + Her2– menores de 2cm fueron tratadas con crioablación. Se usó, mediante guía ecográfica, el sistema de crioablación ICEfx Galil Boston Scientific con protocolo triple fase, congelación-descongelación pasiva-congelación, de 10min de duración cada una. Las pacientes se sometieron a tumorectomía posterior según agenda de quirófano habitual. Resultados De 20 pacientes con CDI de bajo riesgo, en 19 de ellas no se identificaron células de carcinoma infiltrante en el examen de la pieza quirúrgica poscrioablación y solo en una paciente quedó un foco menor de 1mm. Conclusión En un futuro cercano, a falta de estudios con mayor número de casos y seguimiento posterior, la crioablación en pacientes seleccionadas podría constituir una técnica percutánea eficaz y segura en el tratamiento del CDI precoz de bajo riesgo. En nuestra serie, el marcaje con semilla ferromagnética no interfirió en la eficacia del procedimiento ni en la posterior intervención quirúrgica (AU)

Objective The primary objective of this study to determine whether infiltrating carcinoma is present in surgical specimens obtained after ultrasound-guided cryoablation from patients with HER2-negative luminal breast cancer without positive axillary lymph nodes at ultrasound. The secondary objective is to demonstrate that placing the presurgical seed-marker immediately before cryoablation does not interfere with the disappearance of tumor cells from freezing or in the surgeon's ability to locate the tumor. Methods e treated 20 patients diagnosed with unifocal HR-positive HER2-negative infiltrating ductal carcinoma measuring < 2cm by means of ultrasound-guided cryoablation (ICEfx Galil, Boston Scientific) using a triple-phase (freezing?passive thawing?freezing; 10min each phase) protocol. All patients later underwent tumorectomy according to the routine operating-room agenda. Results No infiltrating carcinoma cells were detected in the post-cryoablation surgical specimen in 19 patients; a focus of infiltrating carcinoma cells measuring < 1mm was detected in the remaining patient. Conclusion In the near future, if confirmed in larger studies with longer follow-up, cryoablation might constitute a safe and efficacious technique for the treatment of early, low-risk infiltrating ductal carcinoma. In our series, marking with ferromagnetic seeds did not interfere with the efficacy of the procedure or of the subsequent surgical intervention (AU)

Clinical presentation and recurrence of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors: results from a single referral center in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) represent 15-18.2% of all intracranial tumors. Their clinical presentation can range from chronic headache, visual defects, hypopituitarism to hormone excess syndromes. PitNETS are commonly classified as functioning neuroendocrine tumors (F-PitNETs) and non-functioning neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PitNETs). At the moment, new classification has emerged based on cell lineages. Almost 50% of all patients with PitNETs require surgical intervention, and about 25% of these have residual and persistent disease that may require additional management. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort of medical records of patients with PitNETs, aiming to describe the incidence of recurrence of patients who received surgical treatment over a 12 month follow up period at San Jose Hospital (SJH) in Bogotá, Colombia, over an observation period of 10 years. Furthermore, clinical presentation, biochemical characteristics and immunohistochemistry, postoperative complications are detailed. RESULTS: Eight hundred and eighty-seven patients with pituitary tumors were included in the cohort; 83% (737/887) had a diagnosis of PitNET. Of these, 18.9% (140) received surgical management. The majority 58% (98/140) had nonfunctional-PitNETs (NF-PitNETs), followed by growth-hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (22.1%; 33/140), adrenocorticotropic- hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (9.3%; 13/140), and prolactinomas (9.3%; 13/140). A recurrence was found in 45.71% (64/140), subclassified as biochemical in 15.71% (22/140), controlled with medications in 20% (28/140), and remission occurred in 18.57% (26/140). CONCLUSION: Clinical presentation and incidence of recurrence in patients with PitNETs in a referral center in Colombia are similar to other surgical cohorts with low cure rates and high recurrence.

Decreased expression of surfactant Protein-C and CD74 in alveolar epithelial cells during influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 and H3N2 infection.

The primary replication site of Influenza A virus (IAV) is type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII), which are central to normal lung function and present important immune functions. Surfactant components are synthesized primarily by AECII, which play a crucial role in host defense against infection. The aim of this study was to analyze if the impact of influenza infection is differential between A(H1N1)pdm09 and A/Victoria/3/75 (H3N2) on costimulatory molecules and ProSP-C expression in AECII from BALB/c mice infected and A549 cell line infected with both strains. Pandemic A(H1N1)pdm09 and A/Victoria/3/75 (H3N2) were used to infect BALB/c mice and the A549 cell line. We evaluated the surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules (CD45/CD31/CD74/ProSP-C) in AECII and A549 cell lines. Our results showed a significant decrease in ProSP-C+ CD31- CD45- and CD74+ CD31- CD45- expression in AECII and A549 cell line with the virus strain A(H1N1)pdm09 versus A/Victoria/3/75 (H3N2) and controls (non-infection conditions). Our findings indicate that changes in the expression of ProSP-C in AECII and A549 cell lines in infection conditions could result in dysfunction leading to decreased lung compliance, increased work of breathing and increased susceptibility to injury.

Revisiting methods for the assessment of naturally-occurring radioactivity in drinking water.

A comprehensive radioactivity characterisation of Castilla y León (Spain) groundwater intakes intended for human consumption is addressed between 2017 and 2021. This study responds to the radiological requirements stated in the European Council Directive 51/2013/EURATOM concerning drinking water for public health. Given that the gross α- and gross ß-activity determination is used as a screening strategy for water radioactivity monitoring, the reliability of the thin-source deposit method (ISO 10704, 2019) has been improved to achieve representative values of the total activity coming from α- and ß-particle emitters in the samples. More than 400 groundwater samples have been considered for this purpose, analysing their 238,235,234U, 228,226Ra, 210Pb, and 210Po activity concentrations, which are needed for the indicative dose assessment. These results, considered reference activity values, are compared with the gross α- and gross ß-activities determined by the different procedure approaches. Ultimately, the results of the liquid scintillation counting method (ISO 11704, 2018) are also used to validate the optimised method.

Reperfusion therapy in acute ischaemic stroke due to cervical and cerebral artery dissection: Results from a Spanish multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Ischaemic stroke (IS) due to cervical and cerebral artery dissection (CAD) is a rare entity, and few data are available on the use of such reperfusion therapies as intravenous fibrinolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in these patients. We analysed the use of these treatments in patients with IS due to CAD and compared them against patients receiving reperfusion treatment for IS of other aetiologies. METHODS: We conducted an observational, retrospective, multicentre study of patients with IS due to CAD recorded in the National Stroke Registry of the Spanish Society of Neurology during the period 2011-2019. Comparative analyses were performed between: a) patients with CAD treated and not treated with reperfusion therapies and b) patients treated with reperfusion for IS due to CAD and patients treated with reperfusion for IS due to other causes. Epidemiological data, stroke variables, and outcomes at discharge and at 3 months were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The study included 21,037 patients with IS: 223 (1%) had IS due to CAD, of whom 68 (30%) received reperfusion treatment. Reperfusion treatments were used less frequently in cases of vertebral artery dissection and more frequently in patients with carotid artery occlusion. Compared to patients with IS due to other causes, patients with CAD were younger, more frequently underwent mechanical thrombectomy, and less frequently received intravenous fibrinolysis. Rates of haemorrhagic complications, mortality, and independence at 3 months were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Reperfusion therapy is frequently used in patients with IS due to CAD. The outcomes of these patients demonstrate the efficacy and safety of reperfusion treatments, and are comparable to the outcomes of patients with IS due to other aetiologies.

Survival rate of odontogenic descending necrotizing mediastinitis. Our experience in last 5 years.

BACKGROUND: Descending necrotising mediastinitis is one of the most lethal and least frequent forms of mediastinitis. It is a life-threatening infection most frequently originating from an oropharyngeal or odontogenic infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 6 patients diagnosed and treated for descending necrotising mediastinitis between 2015 and 2020 is reported. RESULTS: All patients were male, mean age of 34.83 years; 66% were smokers. 83% had an orocervical infection and 34% had initial mediastinal spread. All patients were treated initially with empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical drainage, with subsequent admission to the Intensive Care Unit; only one of them required tracheostomy. The mean hospital stay was 27.37 days. After a mean follow-up of 6 months, 100% of the cases had a complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and surgical treatment combined with improved life-support treatment in intensive care units and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy leads to a decrease in associated mortality.

Results after the application of biodegradable spacer balloons as a therapeutic option in non-repairable massive ruptures of the shoulder rotator cuff / Resultados tras la aplicación de balones espaciadores biodegradables como opción terapéutica en roturas masivas no reparables del manguito de los rotadores del hombro

Introduction: One of the most frequently treated pathologies in our department are tendon lesions that affect the rotator cuff of the shoulder. There are different types of treatment for massive or irreparable tears. For a few years, a low-invasive technique was introduced based on the placement of a biodegradable subacromial spacer. The objective of the work is to analyse the results of our experience with the use of this device (InSpaceTM).Material and method: The study collects the results obtained in 25 patients with irreparable ruptures of rotator cuff defined by RM, in which they were implanted a balloon subacromial in our centre in the period from January 2015 – until December 2017. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and one year after surgery including the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Constant test (CS) and the QuickDASH (QD). Results: Of the 25 patients, 5 patients (20%) were operated by arthroscopy and 20 (80%) By open approach (mini-open). A total of 22 patients completed the follow-up year. At 12 months, 64% of the patients obtained an improvement of at least 10 points in the CS. Patients departed from an initial average CS of 32 points that improved to 54.9 points of average in the postoperative evaluation at 12 months (average improvement 22.9 points; Value-p < 0.05). In terms of pain assessment, in our study, 87% of patients obtained an improvement of at least 2 points in the EVA at 12 months of follow-up (P-value < 0.05). Patients departed from an initial average EVA of 8.7 that improved to 3.7 points average at 12 months. 73% of the patients responded to be satisfied with the intervention and would return to the surgery.(AU)

Introducción: Una de las patologías más frecuentemente atendida en nuestro medio son las lesiones tendinosas que afectan al manguito rotador del hombro. Existen diferentes modalidades de tratamiento para las roturas masivas o irreparables. Desde hace unos años, se introdujo en el mercado una técnica poco invasiva basada en la colocación de un espaciador subacromial biodegradable. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar los resultados de nuestra experiencia con el uso de este dispositivo (InSpace®). Material y método: En el estudio se recogen los resultados obtenidos en 25 pacientes con roturas irreparables del manguito rotador definidas mediante resonancia magnética (RM), en los que se les implantó un balón subacromial en nuestro centro en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2015 hasta diciembre de 2017. Todos los pacientes fueron evaluados preoperatoriamente y un año después de la cirugía incluyendo la escala visual analógica (EVA), el test de Constant (CS) y el QuickDASH (QD). Resultados: De los 25 pacientes, cinco pacientes (20%) fueron intervenidos mediante artroscopia y 20 (80%) mediante abordaje abierto (mini-open). Un total de 22 pacientes completaron el año de seguimiento. A los 12 meses, el 64% (14/22) de los pacientes obtuvo una mejoría de al menos 10 puntos en el CS. Los pacientes partían de un CS promedio inicial de 32 puntos que mejoró hasta los 54,9 puntos de media en la evaluación postoperatoria a los 12 meses (Promedio de mejoría 22,9 puntos; p < 0,05). En cuanto a la evaluación del dolor, en nuestro estudio, el 87% (19/22) de los pacientes obtuvo una mejoría de al menos 2 puntos en la EVA a los 12 meses de seguimiento (p < 0,05). Los pacientes partían de una EVA media inicial de 8,7 que mejoró hasta los 3,7 puntos de media a los 12 meses. Un 73% de los pacientes contestaron estar satisfechos con la intervención y volverían a someterse a la cirugía.(AU)

Resultados tras la aplicación de balones espaciadores biodegradables como opción terapéutica en roturas masivas no reparables del manguito de los rotadores del hombro / Results after the application of biodegradable spacer balloons as a therapeutic option in non-repairable massive ruptures of the shoulder rotator cuff

Introducción: Una de las patologías más frecuentemente atendida en nuestro medio son las lesiones tendinosas que afectan al manguito rotador del hombro. Existen diferentes modalidades de tratamiento para las roturas masivas o irreparables. Desde hace unos años, se introdujo en el mercado una técnica poco invasiva basada en la colocación de un espaciador subacromial biodegradable. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar los resultados de nuestra experiencia con el uso de este dispositivo (InSpace®). Material y método: En el estudio se recogen los resultados obtenidos en 25 pacientes con roturas irreparables del manguito rotador definidas mediante resonancia magnética (RM), en los que se les implantó un balón subacromial en nuestro centro en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2015 hasta diciembre de 2017. Todos los pacientes fueron evaluados preoperatoriamente y un año después de la cirugía incluyendo la escala visual analógica (EVA), el test de Constant (CS) y el QuickDASH (QD). Resultados: De los 25 pacientes, cinco pacientes (20%) fueron intervenidos mediante artroscopia y 20 (80%) mediante abordaje abierto (mini-open). Un total de 22 pacientes completaron el año de seguimiento. A los 12 meses, el 64% (14/22) de los pacientes obtuvo una mejoría de al menos 10 puntos en el CS. Los pacientes partían de un CS promedio inicial de 32 puntos que mejoró hasta los 54,9 puntos de media en la evaluación postoperatoria a los 12 meses (Promedio de mejoría 22,9 puntos; p < 0,05). En cuanto a la evaluación del dolor, en nuestro estudio, el 87% (19/22) de los pacientes obtuvo una mejoría de al menos 2 puntos en la EVA a los 12 meses de seguimiento (p < 0,05). Los pacientes partían de una EVA media inicial de 8,7 que mejoró hasta los 3,7 puntos de media a los 12 meses. Un 73% de los pacientes contestaron estar satisfechos con la intervención y volverían a someterse a la cirugía.(AU)

Introduction: One of the most frequently treated pathologies in our department are tendon lesions that affect the rotator cuff of the shoulder. There are different types of treatment for massive or irreparable tears. For a few years, a low-invasive technique was introduced based on the placement of a biodegradable subacromial spacer. The objective of the work is to analyse the results of our experience with the use of this device (InSpaceTM).Material and method: The study collects the results obtained in 25 patients with irreparable ruptures of rotator cuff defined by RM, in which they were implanted a balloon subacromial in our centre in the period from January 2015 – until December 2017. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and one year after surgery including the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Constant test (CS) and the QuickDASH (QD). Results: Of the 25 patients, 5 patients (20%) were operated by arthroscopy and 20 (80%) By open approach (mini-open). A total of 22 patients completed the follow-up year. At 12 months, 64% of the patients obtained an improvement of at least 10 points in the CS. Patients departed from an initial average CS of 32 points that improved to 54.9 points of average in the postoperative evaluation at 12 months (average improvement 22.9 points; Value-p < 0.05). In terms of pain assessment, in our study, 87% of patients obtained an improvement of at least 2 points in the EVA at 12 months of follow-up (P-value < 0.05). Patients departed from an initial average EVA of 8.7 that improved to 3.7 points average at 12 months. 73% of the patients responded to be satisfied with the intervention and would return to the surgery.(AU)

Results after the application of biodegradable spacer balloons as a therapeutic option in non-repairable massive ruptures of the shoulder rotator cuff. / Resultados tras la aplicación de balones espaciadores biodegradables como opción terapéutica en roturas masivas no reparables del manguito de los rotadores del hombro.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most frequently treated pathologies in our department are tendon lesions that affect the rotator cuff of the shoulder. There are different types of treatment for massive or irreparable tears. For a few years, a low-invasive technique was introduced based on the placement of a biodegradable subacromial spacer. The objective of the work is to analyse the results of our experience with the use of this device (InSpaceTM). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study collects the results obtained in 25 patients with irreparable ruptures of rotator cuff defined by RM, in which they were implanted a balloon subacromial in our centre in the period from January 2015 - until December 2017. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and one year after surgery including the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Constant test (CS) and the QuickDASH (QD). RESULTS: Of the 25 patients, 5 patients (20%) were operated by arthroscopy and 20 (80%) By open approach (mini-open). A total of 22 patients completed the follow-up year. At 12 months, 64% of the patients obtained an improvement of at least 10 points in the CS. Patients departed from an initial average CS of 32 points that improved to 54.9 points of average in the postoperative evaluation at 12 months (average improvement 22.9 points; Value-p < 0.05). In terms of pain assessment, in our study, 87% of patients obtained an improvement of at least 2 points in the EVA at 12 months of follow-up (P-value < 0.05). Patients departed from an initial average EVA of 8.7 that improved to 3.7 points average at 12 months. 73% of the patients responded to be satisfied with the intervention and would return to the surgery. CONCLUSIóN: The results obtained in our series to one year of follow-up speak in favour of the use of the Subacromial Balloon (InSpaceTM), as a therapeutic option available for patients with irreparable ruptures of the rotator cuff. It can be used as an interim procedure, delaying the need for more invasive surgery, or as a definitive procedure in patients medically non-candidates for reverse arthroplasty. It is important to have clear indications of this procedure in order not to make mistakes.

An age-related decline in the expression of a red carotenoid-based ornament in wild birds.

The past decades have provided valuable information on how animals age in the wild. However, examples of male reproductive senescence are scarce. In particular, few studies have described an age-related decline in the expression of conspicuous traits influencing mating success. Red ornaments could be good candidates to detect this decline because their expression may depend on the availability of pigments (carotenoids) related to oxidative stress, the latter frequently linked to senescence. Furthermore, it has been argued that efficient mitochondrial metabolism is key to express red carotenoid-based ornaments, and mitochondrial dysfunction is usually associated with senescence. We studied the age-linked expression of a red carotenoid-based trait: the yellow-to-red plumage coloration of male common crossbills (Loxia curvirostra). This coloration has recently been experimentally related to mitochondrial function. Here, we analyzed longitudinal plumage coloration data obtained throughout 28 years in free-living birds. We detected an initial increase in redness during the first 2 years of life and a subsequent decline. The relationship between color and age was unrelated to within-individual body mass variability. As far as we know, this is the first demonstration of an age-related ketocarotenoid-based color decrease detected by simultaneously testing within- and between-individual variability in wild animals.

Identifying the presence of magnetite in an ensemble of iron-oxide nanoparticles: a comparative neutron diffraction study between bulk and nanoscale.

Scientific interest in iron-oxides and in particular magnetite has been renewed due to the broad scope of their fascinating properties, which are finding applications in electronics and biomedicine. Specifically, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are gathering attraction in biomedicine. Their cores are usually constituted by a mixture of maghemite and magnetite phases. In view of this, to fine-tune the properties of an ensemble of IONPs towards their applications, it is essential to enhance mass fabrication processes towards the production of monodisperse IONPs with controlled size, shape, and stoichiometry. We exploit the vacancy sensitivity of the Verwey transition to detect the presence of magnetite. Here we provide direct evidence for the Verwey transition in an ensemble of IONPs through neutron diffraction. This transition is observed as a variation in the Fe magnetic moment at octahedral sites and, in turn, gives rise to a change of the net magnetic moment. Finally, we show this variation as the microscopic ingredient driving the characteristic kink that hallmarks the Verwey transition in thermal variation of magnetization.

Reperfusion treatment in acute ischaemic stroke due to cervical and cerebral artery dissection: results of a Spanish national multicentre study. / Tratamiento de reperfusión en el ictus isquémico agudo por disección arterial cervicocerebral: descripción de los resultados de un estudio nacional multicéntrico.

INTRODUCTION: Ischaemic stroke (IS) due to cervical and cerebral artery dissection (CAD) is a rare entity, and few data are available on the use of such reperfusion therapies as intravenous fibrinolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in these patients. We analysed the use of these treatments in patients with IS due to CAD and compared them against patients receiving reperfusion treatment for IS of other aetiologies. METHOD: We conducted an observational, retrospective, multicentre study of patients with IS due to CAD recorded in the National Stroke Registry of the Spanish Society of Neurology during the period 2011-2019. Comparative analyses were performed between: a) patients with CAD treated and not treated with reperfusion therapies and b) patients treated with reperfusion for IS due to CAD and patients treated with reperfusion for IS due to other causes. Epidemiological data, stroke variables, and outcomes at discharge and at 3 months were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The study included 21,037 patients with IS: 223 (1%) had IS due to CAD, of whom 68 (30%) received reperfusion treatment. Reperfusion treatments were used less frequently in cases of vertebral artery dissection and more frequently in patients with carotid artery occlusion. Compared to patients with IS due to other causes, patients with CAD were younger, more frequently underwent mechanical thrombectomy, and less frequently received intravenous fibrinolysis. Rates of haemorrhagic complications, mortality, and independence at 3 months were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Reperfusion therapy is frequently used in patients with IS due to CAD. The outcomes of these patients demonstrate the efficacy and safety of reperfusion treatments, and are comparable to the outcomes of patients with IS due to other aetiologies.