Propensity for Clinically Meaningful Improvement and Surgical Failure After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair.

Background: Primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) confers an alternative to ACL reconstruction in appropriately selected patients. Purpose: To prospectively assess survivorship and to define the clinically meaningful outcomes after ACL repair. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Included were consecutive patients with Sherman grade 1-2 tears who underwent primary ACL repair with or without suture augmentation between 2017 and 2019. Patient-reported outcomes (Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] subscales) were collected preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using a distribution-based method, whereas the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) were calculated using an anchor-based method. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Results: A total of 120 patients were included. The overall failure rate was 11.3% at 2 years postoperatively. Changes in outcome scores required to achieve the MCID ranged between 5.1 and 14.3 at 6 months, 4.6 and 8.4 at 1 year, and 4.7 and 11.9 at 2 years postoperatively. Thresholds for PASS achievement ranged between 62.5 and 89 at 6 months, 75 and 89 at 1 year, and 78.6 and 93.2 at 2 years postoperatively. Threshold scores (absolute/change based) for achieving the SCB ranged between 82.8 and 96.4/17.7 and 40.1 at 6 months, between 94.7 and 100/23 and 45 at 1 year, and between 95.3 and 100/29.4 and 45 at 2 years. More patients achieved the MCID and PASS at 1 year compared with 6 months and 2 years. For SCB, this trend was also observed for non-KOOS outcomes, while for KOOS subdomains, more patients achieved the SCB at 2 years. High-intensity signal of the ACL repair (odds ratio [OR], 31.7 [95% CI, 1.5-73.4]; P = .030) and bone contusions on MRI (OR, 4.2 [95% CI, 1.7-25.2]; P = .041) at 1 year postoperatively were independently associated with increased risk of ACL repair failure. Conclusion: The rate of clinically meaningful outcome improvement was high early after ACL repair, with the greatest proportion of patients achieving the MCID, PASS, and SCB at 1 year postoperatively. Bone contusions involving the posterolateral tibia and lateral femoral condyle as well as high repair signal intensity at 1 year postoperatively were independent predictors of failure at 2 years postoperatively.

Fluorosis dental en la primera infancia: estado del arte

La fluorosis dental se caracteriza por una hipomineralización de la estructura dental causada por ingesta excesiva de flúor sistémico. En la dentición decidua, su diagnóstico precoz es importante, dado que será un predictor para la aparición de lesiones en la dentición permanente. El objetivo de esta revisión fue describir la evidencia científica sobre la fluorosis dental en dentición decidua reportando su etiología y factores relacionados, prevalencia, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se realizaron búsquedas electrónicas en las bases de datos Pub-Med/Medline, EbscoHost y ScienceDirect (noviembre/2020), utilizando las palabras clave "dental fluorosis", "deciduous teeth", "primary tooth", "primary teeth". El desarrollo de fluorosis dental en dentición decidua se relacionó con la ingesta de múltiples fuentes de flúor principalmente, agua potable, alimentos de la dieta, fórmulas infantiles, suplementos y uso de dentífricos fluorados en dosis inadecuadas. Algunos factores prenatales, como vivir en terrenos montañosos o de gran altitud y habitar en lugares cercanos a minas de combustión de carbón, también fueron asociados. La prevalencia de fluorosis dental reportada en los estudios varió entre 6,2 y 96,6 %, dependiendo principalmente de la concentración de flúor en agua potable. Para el diagnóstico de la fluorosis dental en la dentición decidua se deben considerar características como la localización, aspecto, extensión y color de la lesión, realizando diagnóstico diferencial con otro tipo de defectos en esmalte y dentina. Así mismo, el tratamiento de las lesiones dependerá de la severidad del defecto y condiciones individuales del paciente.

Dental fluorosis is characterized by a hypomineralization of the tooth structure caused by excessive intake of systemic fluoride. In the deciduous dentition, its early diagnosis is important since it will be a predictor for the appearance of lesions in the permanent dentition. The objective of this review was to describe the scientific evidence on dental fluorosis in deciduous dentition, reporting its etiology and related factors, prevalence, diagnosis and treatment. Electronic searches were conducted PubMed / Medline, EbscoHost and ScienceDirect (November / 2020) databases, using the keywords "dental fluorosis", "deciduous teeth", "primary tooth", "primary teeth". The development of Dental fluorosis in deciduous dentition was related to the intake of multiple sources of fluoride mainly; drinking water, diet foods, infant formulas, supplements and the use of luoridated toothpastes in inadequate doses. Some prenatal factors such as living in mountainous or high altitude terrain and living in places near coal-burning mines were also associated. The prevalence of dental fluorosis in early childhood reported in the studies varied between 6.2% and 96.6%, depending mainly on the concentration of fluoride in drinking water. For the diagnosis of dental fluorosis in the deciduous dentition, characteristics such as the location, appearance, extension and color of the lesion must be considered, making a differential diagnosis with other types of enamel and dentin defects. Evenly, the treatment of lesions will depend on the severity defects and individual patient conditions.

Influence of nitro ruthenium isomerization on photochemically induced nitric oxide release: Vasorelaxant activities.

We have synthesized cis-[Ru(bpy)2(NO2-κN)Ln-](n-1) and cis-[Ru(bpy)2(NO2-κO)L n-](n-1) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; k = indication of the coordinated center to Ruthenium; L = pyridine type ligand) by reacting cis-[Ru(bpy)2(H2O)Ln-](n-2) with sodium nitrite or conducting basic cis-[Ru(bpy)2NO(Ln-)](n-3) hydrolysis. Photolysis at the metal-ligand charge transfer band (MLCT) of the isomers yielded nitric oxide (NO) as determined by NO measurement. The NO photorelease rates obtained upon 447 nm laser irradiation of the ruthenium complexes showed that cis-[Ru(bpy)2(NO2-κO)Ln-](n-1) released NO three times faster than cis-[Ru(bpy)2(NO2-κN)Ln-](n-1). We investigated endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by cis-[Ru(bpy)2(4-pic)(NO2-κN)]+ and cis-[Ru(bpy)2(4-pic)(NO2-κO)]+ (4-pic = 4-picoline) in isolated 3 mm aortic rings precontracted with L-phenylephrine. Maximum vasodilation was achieved under 447 nm laser irradiation of 0.5 µMol.L-1 ruthenium complexes for 100 s.

Curcumin improves metabolic response and increases expression of thermogenesis-associated markers in adipose tissue of male offspring from obese dams.

Maternal obesity and dietary style in the pregnancy-lactation period may result in long-term effects on the metabolic health of the offspring, thus increasing the risk of diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound that has beneficial properties on metabolism. Accordingly, this study is intended to evaluate the effects of curcumin supplementation in pregnant and lactating female mice on the anthropometric, metabolic and molecular parameters of the offspring fed a hyperglycemic diet. The study was conducted with 24 male mice randomized into three groups: i) control group (SD) originating from dams fed a standard diet; ii) hyperglycemic group (HGD) originating from dams fed a hyperglycemic diet; iii) curcumin group (CUR) originating from dams fed a hyperglycemic diet and supplemented with curcumin in the pregnancy-lactation period. All offspring groups were fed a hyperglycemic diet for 12 weeks. Anthropometricand biochemical parameters were measured, as well as the expression of thermogenesis-associated markers in the interscapular brown and inguinal white adipose tissues. The results showed less weight gain in the CUR group, with a concomitant reduction in food consumption compared to the HGD group. Biochemical parameters indicated lower levels of total cholesterol, glucose, and insulin for the CUR group, in addition to improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. The molecular evaluation indicated increased mRNA expression levels of UCP1 and PRDM16 in the brown and white adipose tissues. It is concluded that curcumin supplementation in the pregnancy-lactation period in dams with diet-induced obesity may lead to improvements in the offspring's metabolic phenotype, even if they are submitted to an obesogenic environment, possibly via thermogenesis activation.

Early analysis shows that endoscopic flexor hallucis longus transfer has a promising cost-effectiveness profile in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

PURPOSE: Current options for treating an Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) include conservative and surgical approaches. Endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer has been recently proposed to treat acute ruptures, but its cost-effectiveness potential remains to be evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform an early cost-effectiveness analysis of endoscopic FHL transfer for acute ATRs, comparing the costs and benefits of current treatments from a societal perspective. METHODS: A conceptual model was created, with a decision tree, to outline the main health events during the treatment of an acute ATR. The model was parameterized using secondary data. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to gather information on the outcomes of current treatments. Data related to outcomes of endoscopic FHL transfers in acute Achilles ruptures was obtained from a single prospective study. Analysis was limited to the two first years. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was the main outcome used to determine the preferred strategy. A willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year was used. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine whether changes in input parameters would cause significant deviation from the reference case results. Specifically, a probability sensitivity analysis was conducted using Monte Carlo simulations, and a one-way sensitivity analysis was conducted by sequentially varying each model parameter within a given range. RESULTS: For the reference case, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios exceeded the willingness-to-pay threshold for all the surgical approaches. Overall, primary treatment was the main cost driver. Conservative treatment showed the highest direct costs related to the treatment of complications. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000, open surgery was cost-effective in 50.9%, minimally invasive surgery in 55.8%, and endoscopic FHL transfer in 72% of the iterations. The model was most sensitive to parameters related to treatment utilities, followed by the costs of primary treatments. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatments have a moderate likelihood of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000, with endoscopic FHL transfer showing the highest likelihood. Following injury, interventions to improve health-related quality of life may be better suited for improved cost-effectiveness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Reparación primaria versus reparación y aumentación con cinta de polietileno de alto peso molecular en lesiones del ligamento cruzado anterior: resultados funcionales / Primary repair versus repair and augmentation with high molecular weight polyethylene tape in ACL injuries. Functional results

Introducción: el objetivo del trabajo es evaluar y comparar resultados funcionales en pacientes que fueron sometidos a una reparación primaria del LCA y aquellos en quienes se efectuó reparación asociada con aumentación con cinta de polietileno. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio comparativo en el que se analizaron ochenta y siete pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente por lesión proximal del LCA entre 2017 y 2019. El grupo 1, con lesión Sherman I, fue tratado con reparación primaria (cincuenta y seis pacientes). En el grupo 2, con lesiones Sherman II, se efectuó reparación más aumentación (treinta y un pacientes). Se evaluaron el IKDC (Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee), WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), y KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score), preoperatorio y a los seis, doce y veinticuatro meses postoperatorios. Se consideraron significativas aquellas pruebas con p <0.001 (IC 95%). Los análisis estadísticos fueron llevados a cabo en el software estadístico R (R Core Team, 2022).Resultados: el índice de falla fue de 10.4% y 7.6% para los grupos 1 y 2, respectivamente, a los dos años del postoperatorio. Todos los scores mejoraron en el postoperatorio y fue estadísticamente significativa la diferencia con el preoperatorio a los seis y a los veinticuatro meses (p <0.001). El tipo de cirugía no tiene un efecto estadísticamente significativo en los scores clínicos. Conclusión: la reparación en una lesión proximal de LCA (Sherman I o II) es una buena alternativa quirúrgica que permite una mejoría rápida de los scores clínicos, buenos resultados y con bajo índice de complicaciones. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: the objective of this study is to compare clinical and functional results in patients who underwent primary ACL repair and primary repair associated with augmentation with polyethylene tape. Materials and methods: eighty-seven patients who underwent surgery for proximal ACL injury between 2017 and 2019 were analyzed. The group 1, with Sherman I injury was treated with primary repair (fifty-six patients). In the group 2, with Sherman II lesions, repair plus augmentation was performed (thirty-one patients). IKDC (Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee), WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), and KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score) were evaluated preoperatively and at six, twelve, and twenty-four months postoperatively. Those tests with p <0.001 (95% CI) were considered significant. Statistical analyzes were carried out in the statistical software R (R Core Team, 2022). Results: the failure rate was 10.4% and 7.6% for groups 1 and 2, respectively, at two years after surgery. All the scores improved in the postoperative period, with significant difference respect to the preoperative period at six and at twenty-four months (p <0.001). Type of surgery does not have a significant effect on clinical scores.Conclusion: repairing a proximal ACL injury (Sherman I or II) is a good surgical alternative, which allows fast improvement of clinical scores, good results and a low rate of complications. Level of Evidence: IV

Paediatric ankle cartilage lesions: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle.

BACKGROUND: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle are based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the consensus statements on "Pediatric Ankle Cartilage Lesions" developed at the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. METHODS: Forty-three international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 20 countries convened to participate in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within four working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed upon in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterised as follows: consensus: 51-74%; strong consensus: 75-99%; unanimous: 100%. RESULTS: A total of 12 statements on paediatric ankle cartilage lesions reached consensus during the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Five achieved unanimous support, and seven reached strong consensus (>75% agreement). All statements reached at least 84% agreement. CONCLUSIONS: This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with the management of paediatric ankle cartilage lesions.

Outcomes of Percutaneous Achilles Repair Compared With Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer to Treat Achilles Tendon Ruptures.

BACKGROUND: Both percutaneous and endoscopically assisted methods are reported to produce good results in the surgical management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare between a percutaneous method and a recently described isolated endoscopically assisted flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer method as surgical means of management in patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures. METHODS: One hundred seventeen patients were included in the current study and divided into 2 groups: 59 patients who underwent percutaneous Achilles repair (PAR Group) and 58 patients who underwent isolated endoscopic FHL transfer (FHL Group) were compared. Patients were clinically evaluated using American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA) measures. In addition, ankle plantarflexion power, FHL dynamometry, Tegner activity levels, and return to previous levels of activity were also documented for all patients. RESULTS: Nine months after surgery, patients in the FHL transfer group were more likely to be able to return to normal activities (91% vs 73%, P < .01). Thirty months after surgical treatment, we found no difference in ATRS, AOFAS, ATRA, ankle plantarflexion strength, or Tegner activity scores between study groups. Overall complications were reported in 6 patients in the FHL group (10.3%) and in 8 patients in the PAR group (13.6%). No major neurovascular or skin complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated satisfactory and comparable results and complications when comparing isolated endoscopic FHL tendon transfer or percutaneous Achilles tendon repairs in the surgical management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective controlled trial.

Terminology for osteochondral lesions of the ankle: proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle.

BACKGROUND: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle is based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the consensus statements on "terminology for osteochondral lesions of the ankle" developed at the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. METHODS: Forty-three international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 20 countries were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within four working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed, and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed on in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterised as follows: consensus, 51%-74%; strong consensus, 75%-99%; unanimous, 100%. RESULTS: A total of 11 statements on terminology and classification reached consensus during the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Definitions are provided for osseous, chondral and osteochondral lesions, as well as bone marrow stimulation and injury chronicity, among others. An osteochondral lesion of the talus can be abbreviated as OLT. CONCLUSIONS: This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with the appropriate terminology for osteochondral lesions of the ankle.

Osteochondral Lesions of the Tibial Plafond and Ankle Instability With Ankle Cartilage Lesions: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle.

BACKGROUND: An international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to present the consensus statements on osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond (OLTP) and on ankle instability with ankle cartilage lesions developed at the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. METHODS: Forty-three experts in cartilage repair of the ankle were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within 4 working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed on in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held. RESULTS: A total of 11 statements on OLTP reached consensus. Four achieved unanimous support and 7 reached strong consensus (greater than 75% agreement). A total of 8 statements on ankle instability with ankle cartilage lesions reached consensus during the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. One achieved unanimous support, and seven reached strong consensus (greater than 75% agreement). CONCLUSION: These consensus statements may assist clinicians in the management of these difficult clinical pathologies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, mechanism-based reasoning.

A review of the continuous professional development system for pharmacists.

BACKGROUND: The Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society (PPS) implemented a system of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for pharmacists in 2004. This system has evolved throughout the years, and currently all active pharmacists in Portugal are required to participate in the CPD program. Each CPD cycle takes 5 years. In each cycle, pharmacists must collect 15 CPD points, through participation in educational activities. The PPS accreditation process is managed via an online platform, where education/training providers, as well as pharmacists themselves, can submit educational activities for accreditation. Pharmacists may access their CPD status and assess their development at any point. The objective of this study was to analyze and review the educational activities submitted by providers over a 11-year period (2009-2019). METHODS: Data from activities were retrieved from the PPS CPD online platform. All educational activities were labeled according to the area of pharmaceutical professional focus, type of promoter, and activity type. RESULTS: During the study 3685 activities were analyzed. Over the last decade, submitted activities for accreditation increased in 52.6%. A significantly high proportion (98.9%) of these activities has been accredited. Promoters of activities were mostly pharmacies sectoral associations (29.6%), consultancy/training companies (19.6%), the PPS (18.5%), pharmaceutical industry (17.7%) and wholesalers' consortia (9.0%). Academia represented only 2.3% of the total amount of educational activities. The most frequent topics were related to "pharmacology & pharmacotherapy" (9.9%), followed by "counselling" (9.8%) and "management & administration" (7.2%). The most accredited type of activities was face-to-face (68.9%) and e-learning trainings (13.1%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows increasing interest in submitting CPD activities for accreditation between 2009 and 2019, but it also demonstrates that Academia could play a more interventive role in the lifelong learning education of Portuguese pharmacists.

Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer for the Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures in Professional Soccer Players.

BACKGROUND: Acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATRs) that occur in athletes can be a career-ending injury. The aim of this study was to describe return to play and clinical outcomes of isolated endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer in active soccer players with AATR. METHODS: Twenty-seven active male soccer players who underwent endoscopically assisted FHL tendon transfer for acute Achilles tendon ruptures were included in this study. Follow up was 46.2 (±10.9) months after surgery. Return to play criteria and clinical outcome measures were evaluated. RESULTS: All players returned to playing professional competitive soccer games. Return to active team training was at a mean of 5.8 (±1.1) months postoperatively. However, return to active competitive match play occurred at a mean of 8.3 (±1.4) months. Twenty-two players (82%) were able to return to their preinjury levels and performances and resumed their professional careers at the same soccer club as their preinjury state. One player (3.7%) shifted his career to professional indoor soccer. At 26 months postoperatively, the mean Tegner activity scale score was 9.7 (±0.4), the mean Achilles tendon total rupture score was 99 (±2), and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 99 (±3). No patients reported any great toe complaints or symptomatic deficits of flexion strength. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated satisfactory and comparable return to play criteria and clinical results with minimal complications when using an advanced endoscopically assisted technique involving FHL tendon transfer to treat acute Achilles tendon ruptures in this specific subset of patient cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort case series study.

Land use influences stream bacterial communities in lowland tropical watersheds.

Land use is known to affect water quality yet the impact it has on aquatic microbial communities in tropical systems is poorly understood. We used 16S metabarcoding to assess the impact of land use on bacterial communities in the water column of four streams in central Panama. Each stream was influenced by a common Neotropical land use: mature forest, secondary forest, silvopasture and traditional cattle pasture. Bacterial community diversity and composition were significantly influenced by nearby land uses. Streams bordered by forests had higher phylogenetic diversity (Faith's PD) and similar community structure (based on weighted UniFrac distance), whereas the stream surrounded by traditional cattle pasture had lower diversity and unique bacterial communities. The silvopasture stream showed strong seasonal shifts, with communities similar to forested catchments during the wet seasons and cattle pasture during dry seasons. We demonstrate that natural forest regrowth and targeted management, such as maintaining and restoring riparian corridors, benefit stream-water microbiomes in tropical landscapes and can provide a rapid and efficient approach to balancing agricultural activities and water quality protection.

The State of the Art of Theranostic Nanomaterials for Lung, Breast, and Prostate Cancers.

The synthesis and engineering of nanomaterials offer more robust systems for the treatment of cancer, with technologies that combine therapy with imaging diagnostic tools in the so-called nanotheranostics. Among the most studied systems, there are quantum dots, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, dendrimers, and gold nanoparticles. Most of the advantages of nanomaterials over the classic anticancer therapies come from their optimal size, which prevents the elimination by the kidneys and enhances their permeation in the tumor due to the abnormal blood vessels present in cancer tissues. Furthermore, the drug delivery and the contrast efficiency for imaging are enhanced, especially due to the increased surface area and the selective accumulation in the desired tissues. This property leads to the reduced drug dose necessary to exert the desired effect and for a longer action within the tumor. Finally, they are made so that there is no degradation into toxic byproducts and have a lower immune response triggering. In this article, we intend to review and discuss the state-of-the-art regarding the use of nanomaterials as therapeutic and diagnostic tools for lung, breast, and prostate cancer, as they are among the most prevalent worldwide.

Implementation and Access to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for Human Immunodeficiency Virus by Men Who Have Sex With Men in Europe.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a significant public health intervention with proven efficacy and safety in the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which has taken a considerable amount of time to reach Europe in relation to their transatlantic counterparts, namely, the United States of America (USA). There, it is perceived as being an essential prevention tool to be integrated within existing medical, behavioral and structural interventions in place for the management and containment of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM). In a region such as Europe, with approximately double the USA population, it is estimated that not even 10% have proper access to PrEP, and given the lack of coordination with healthcare, taking PrEP has to be at their own expense. Here, we identify the reasons behind the 4-year lag in the approval of PrEP in the European Union/European Economic Area (and Europe in general) and explore the efficacy and effectiveness of PrEP needed to be confirmed with some implementation or demonstration studies conducted in the region. Independent of the data gathered, access of MSM to PrEP is far from ideal in Europe and much still needs to be done. The demonstration of the cost-effectiveness of PrEP alongside other social and behavioral factors needs to be addressed, while the clear populations within MSM that will benefit from this intervention are properly identified and make use of the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization that consider not only daily PrEP but also event-driven PrEP. The momentum for the proper implementation of PrEP in the EU is not lost, and with the existence of generics and even new formulations, there is a renewed opportunity for unleashing the public health benefits arising from this pharmacological tool with other interventions in place (e.g., condoms, testing, and counseling).

[Cardiac magnetic resonance and follow up of professional soccer players recovering from COVID-19]. / Resonancia magnética cardíaca y seguimiento de futbolistas profesionales post COVID-19.

The incidence of post-COVID-19 cardiac compromise is not well known. The eventual cardiac repercussions on a return to high-performance sport are unclear. A prospective observational study with evaluation by physical examination, electrocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was carried out in international level professional soccer players recovering from COVID-19 who had the disease asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. Four-month follow-up with participation in national and international competitions. Twenty-four soccer players were included, age 27.13 years (between 20 and 36). Nine (37.5%) had asymptomatic disease and 15 (62.5%) had mild symptoms. No athletes required hospitalization. Physical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic examinations did not reveal heart disease. CMRs showed ventricular thicknesses and volumes consistent with high-performance athletes. In T1, T2 and fat saturation signals, no fat infiltration or signs of edema were observed. No late enhancement after gadolinium injection. They began their training between 12 and 14 days after diagnosis. Eleven (45.8%) participated between 4 and 6 international matches of Libertadores de América International Cup. The remaining 13 completed high intensity training sessions and participated in local league competitions. At 4 months after diagnosis, none of the soccer players developed cardiac events and training and competitions were well tolerated. These findings suggest low cardiovascular impact of COVID 19 and excellent tolerance to early post-COVID high intensity exercise of young athletes recovering from the disease with no or mild symptoms.

La incidencia de compromiso cardíaco post COVID-19 en pacientes que cursaron la enfermedad asintomáticos o con síntomas leves no es bien conocida. Tampoco están claras las eventuales repercusiones cardíacas en el regreso al deporte de alto rendimiento. Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo con evaluación mediante electrocardiograma, ecocardiograma Doppler y resonancia magnética cardiaca (RMC) a hombres futbolistas profesionales de nivel internacional que habían cursado COVID-19 asintomáticos o con síntomas leves; seguimiento 4 meses con participación en competencias nacionales e internacionales. Se incluyeron 24 futbolistas, edad media 27, (20-36). Nueve (37.5%) cursaron la enfermedad asintomáticos y 15 (62.5%) con síntomas leves. Los exámenes físicos, electro y ecocardiográficos no evidenciaron cardiopatía. Las RMCs mostraron espesores y volúmenes ventriculares acordes a deportistas de alto rendimiento. En las señales de T1, T2 y saturación grasa no se observó infiltración grasa ni signos de edema; sin realce tardío post inyección de gadolinio. Comenzaron sus entrenamientos entre 12 y 14 días post diagnóstico. Once (45.8%) participaron entre 4 y 6 encuentros internacionales de la Copa Libertadores de América. Los restantes 13 cumplieron con entrenamientos de alta intensidad y participaron en competencias de liga local. A 4 meses del diagnóstico ninguno de los futbolistas desarrolló eventos cardíacos y los entrenamientos y competencias fueron bien tolerados. Estos hallazgos sugieren la escasa repercusión cardiovascular de COVID-19 y la excelente tolerancia al ejercicio de alta intensidad realizado en forma precoz post COVID de deportistas jóvenes que cursaron la enfermedad asintomáticos o con síntomas leves.

Resonancia magnética cardíaca y seguimiento de futbolistas profesionales post COVID-19 / Cardiac magnetic resonance and follow up of professional soccer players recovering from COVID-19

Resumen La incidencia de compromiso cardíaco post COVID-19 en pacientes que cursaron la enfermedad asintomáticos o con síntomas leves no es bien conocida. Tampoco están claras las eventuales repercusiones cardíacas en el regreso al deporte de alto rendimiento. Se realizó un estudio observacional pros pectivo con evaluación mediante electrocardiograma, ecocardiograma Doppler y resonancia magnética cardiaca (RMC) a hombres futbolistas profesionales de nivel internacional que habían cursado COVID-19 asintomáticos o con síntomas leves; seguimiento 4 meses con participación en competencias nacionales e internacionales. Se incluyeron 24 futbolistas, edad media 27, (20-36). Nueve (37.5%) cursaron la enfermedad asintomáticos y 15 (62.5%) con síntomas leves. Los exámenes físicos, electro y ecocardiográficos no evidenciaron cardiopatía. Las RMCs mostraron espesores y volúmenes ventriculares acordes a deportistas de alto rendimiento. En las señales de T1, T2 y saturación grasa no se observó infiltración grasa ni signos de edema; sin realce tardío post inyección de gadolinio. Comenzaron sus entrenamientos entre 12 y 14 días post diagnóstico. Once (45.8%) participaron entre 4 y 6 encuentros internacionales de la Copa Libertadores de América. Los restantes 13 cumplieron con entrenamientos de alta intensidad y participaron en competencias de liga local. A 4 meses del diagnóstico nin guno de los futbolistas desarrolló eventos cardíacos y los entrenamientos y competencias fueron bien tolerados. Estos hallazgos sugieren la escasa repercusión cardiovascular de COVID-19 y la excelente tolerancia al ejercicio de alta intensidad realizado en forma precoz post COVID de deportistas jóvenes que cursaron la enfermedad asintomáticos o con síntomas leves.

Abstract The incidence of post-COVID-19 cardiac compromise is not well known. The eventual cardiac repercussions on a return to high-performance sport are unclear. A prospective observational study with evaluation by physical examination, electrocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was carried out in international level professional soccer players recovering from COVID-19 who had the disease asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. Four-month follow-up with participation in national and international competitions. Twenty-four soccer players were included, age 27.13 years (between 20 and 36). Nine (37.5%) had asymptomatic disease and 15 (62.5%) had mild symptoms. No athletes required hospitalization. Physical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic examinations did not reveal heart disease. CMRs showed ventricular thicknesses and volumes consistent with high-performance athletes. In T1, T2 and fat saturation signals, no fat infiltration or signs of edema were observed. No late enhancement after gadolinium injection. They began their training between 12 and 14 days after diagnosis. Eleven (45.8%) participated between 4 and 6 international matches of Libertadores de América International Cup. The remaining 13 completed high intensity training sessions and participated in local league competitions. At 4 months after diagnosis, none of the soccer players developed cardiac events and training and competitions were well tolerated. These findings suggest low cardiovascular impact of COVID 19 and excellent tolerance to early post-COVID high intensity exercise of young athletes recovering from the disease with no or mild symptoms.

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament repair with and without suture augmentation: technical note.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are routinely treated with an ACL reconstruction. This is based on historical literature reporting high failure rates after ACL repairs in addition to the limited healing potential of the ACL. Recently, improved understanding of pathophysiology of ligamentous healing has led to increasing interest in treating proximal avulsions with excellent tissue quality in the acute setting, as this technique allows for ACL healing. Potential advantages of ACL repair include preservation of native proprioceptive and kinematics of the knee, avoidance of graft harvesting morbidity and the possibility to perform a primary ACL reconstruction in case of failure. As a consequence, several techniques for ACL repair have been proposed that can be performed in isolation or with suture augmentation. The primary aim of this technical note is to describe step-by-step the ACL repair technique with and without suture augmentation. The secondary aim of the current study is to review the indications, patient selection and advantages of the technique.

Fifth Metatarsal Fractures in Professional Soccer Players: Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: Fifth metatarsal fractures occur mainly in young athletes, with an estimated incidence of 1.8 per 1000 individuals per year. This study aims to evaluate the functional outcome of professional soccer players undergoing surgical treatment of fifth metatarsal base fractures. METHODS: We appraised 34 soccer players operated on from July 2001 to June 2016. All individuals were assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after surgery, with a mean 23-month follow-up. The need for grafting, fracture healing, Torg classification, and return to sports were also evaluated. RESULTS: There were 10 attackers, 7 offensive-defensive midfielders, 6 side defenders, 5 central defensive midfielders, 3 defenders, 2 goalkeepers, and 1 defensive midfielder, at an average age of 19 years. Preoperative and postoperative AOFAS averaged 42 and 99 points, respectively, whereas VAS scores were 6 and 0. The longer the time to get operated on, the greater was the need for grafting (P = .011). In our study, all fractures have consolidated. Return to sports occurred, on average, 73 days after surgical treatment, and it was not influenced by the time to get operated on, fracture healing, Torg classification, and grafting. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of the fifth metatarsal base fracture in professional soccer players presents good clinical results. Getting back to activities after surgery is not influenced by surgery time, fracture healing, Torg classification, and grafting.Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Therapeutic studies, Case series.