Over 50% of self-reported burnout among Latin American orthopaedic surgeons: A cross-sectional survey on prevalence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the prevalence of self-reported burnout and identify risk and protective factors based on demographic and life quality aspects, among Latin American orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional analytical design. An original design survey was developed using multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions to gather self-reported burnout, demographic, work-related, social, personal, and mood-related data. The survey was electronically distributed to the Chilean Orthopaedic Surgery Society and the Latin American Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery, and Sports Medicine members. Statistical analysis included Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests to determine associations between self-reported burnout and other variables. Subsequently, a multivariate logistic regression was carried out to identify key risk and protective factors (p â€‹< â€‹0.05). RESULTS: The survey's response rate was 20 â€‹% (n â€‹= â€‹358) out of the 1779 invitations that were sent. The most representative age range was 41-60 years (50 â€‹%) and 94 â€‹% were men. Of those surveyed, 50 â€‹% reported a burnout episode more than once per year, 60 â€‹% depersonalization when treating patients at least yearly, 13 â€‹% anhedonia, 11 â€‹% a depressive mood more than half of the month or almost every day, and 61 â€‹% weariness at the end of a working day. Burnout was statistically associated with age under 40 years old (p â€‹= â€‹0.012), fewer years as a specialist (p â€‹= â€‹0.037), fear of lawsuits (p â€‹< â€‹0.001), a non-healthy diet (p â€‹= â€‹0.003), non-doing recreational activities (p â€‹= â€‹0.004), depersonalization when treating their patients (p â€‹< â€‹0.001), weariness (p â€‹< â€‹0.001), anhedonia (p â€‹< â€‹0.001), depressive mood (p â€‹< â€‹0.001), and career dissatisfaction (p â€‹< â€‹0.001). The logistic regression demonstrated that fear of lawsuits (p â€‹< â€‹0.001), weariness at the end of a workday (p â€‹= â€‹0.016), and anhedonia (p â€‹= â€‹0.019) were those variables with stronger direct associations with self-reported burnout. A healthy diet was the strongest protective variable (p â€‹< â€‹0.001). CONCLUSION: Over 50 â€‹% of the Latin American orthopaedic surgeons who participated in the survey reported experiencing burnout episodes more than once a year, along with depersonalization when treating their patients at least once a year. Additionally, nearly 10 â€‹% of respondents experienced weekly depressive symptoms. Among the noteworthy risk factors for self-reported burnout were fear of lawsuits, weariness at the end of the workday, and anhedonia. Conversely, maintaining a healthy diet emerged as the most potent protective factor. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Tratamiento de las fracturas cervicales aisladas de tipo "masa lateral flotante": serie de casos / Treatment of isolated "floating lateral mass" fractures of the cervical spine: A case series

Objetivo: Presentar una serie de casos de pacientes con fracturas cervicales de tipo "masa lateral flotante" con énfasis en describir el rol de la lesión discal en la potencial inestabilidad segmentaria. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de una serie de pacientes con fracturas facetarias de tipo "masa lateral flotante", aisladas, diagnosticadas entre el 1 de enero de 2016 y el 1 de enero de 2022. Se incluyeron pacientes con lesiones de tipo "masa lateral flotante" según la clasificación AO, diagnosticadas por tomografía computarizada y, al menos, 6 meses de seguimiento. Se excluyó a aquellos con fracturas patológicas, lesiones por fragilidad ósea y registros incompletos. Resultados: Se analizó a 16 pacientes (media de la edad 42.86; DE 12,396), con predominio del sexo masculino (81,25%). El 68,75% tenía una lesión del disco intervertebral en el segmento fracturado y el 18,75%, anterolistesis. A 11 pacientes se les propuso un tratamiento conservador durante 12 semanas. La fractura consolidó en el 45,4% y 6 (54,6%) evolucionaron con traslación. El fracaso del tratamiento conservador se asoció con lesión del disco intervertebral. Once pacientes fueron operados, en su mayoría, con artrodesis cervical anterior monosegmentaria. Conclusiones: En esta serie de casos, la presencia de una lesión asociada del disco intervertebral fue más frecuente cuando el tratamiento conservador fracasó y cuando se decidió una artrodesis como tratamiento inicial. La mayoría de las cirugías se realizaron por vía anterior con discectomía y artrodesis cervical anterior en un único nivel, y se lograron buenos resultados. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: We report a series of patients with "floating lateral mass" cervical fractures, focusing on the role of disc injury in potential segmental instability. materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study on a case series of isolated floating lateral mass facet fractures diagnosed between January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2022. Patients with floating lateral mass lesions according to the AO classification, diagnosed by computed tomography, and at least 6 months of follow-up were included. Patients with pathological fractures, bone fragility injuries and incomplete records were excluded. Results: We included 16 cases, the average age was 42.86 (SD 12.396), and the majority were male (n=13; 81.25%). 68.75% (n=11) had intervertebral disc injury in the fractured segment, while 18.75% (n=3) had anterolisthesis. Conservative treatment was proposed for 12 weeks in 11 patients (68.75%), of whom 5 (45.4%) achieved fracture healing and 6 (54.6%) progressed to translation. Cases where conservative treatment failed were associated with intervertebral disc injury. Eleven patients were treated surgically, mostly with monosegmental anterior cervical arthrodesis. Conclusions: We report a series of cases in which the existence of an associated intervertebral disc injury was more frequent in patients with failed conservative treatment and in those initially treated with arthrodesis. Most of the surgical cases were treated using an anterior approach with discectomy and anterior cervical arthrodesis at a single level, with favorable outcomes. Level of Evidence: IV

Comparison of complications and reoperations in AO/OTA 43.C3 pilon fractures treated with conventional ORIF versus minimally invasive hexapod ring fixation.

INTRODUCTION: Controversy exists regarding the optimal management of AO/OTA 43. C3 pilon fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the gold standard treatment, but serious soft tissue and infectious complications have been previously reported. Minimally invasive strategies using hexapod ring fixation (HRF) with supplemental limited internal fixation have been used to reduce the incidence of complications. Previous studies have included heterogeneous types of pilon fractures, with non-comminuted injuries being more likely to be treated with ORIF and complex fractures receiving HRF treatment. To our knowledge, no studies have compared the complications and reoperation rates between ORIF and HRF exclusively for C3 fractures. METHODS: Retrospective study comparing 53 patients treated for AO/OTA 43.C3 pilon fracture with ORIF or HRF in a trauma level I center with at least a two-year follow-up. Patients treated between January 2015 and January 2019 received ORIF and those treated between January 2019 and January 2021 received HRF. Complications were divided into two groups: minor (superficial infection and malalignment) and major (non-union, deep infection, and amputation). Reoperations, prevalence of ankle osteoarthritis, and requirement for ankle arthrodesis/total ankle replacement were registered. RESULTS: We included 30 and 23 patients in the ORIF and HRF groups, respectively. The overall complication rate was similar in both groups, with 50% and 56,5% of the patients having complications in the ORIF and HRF groups, respectively (p:0,63). Minor complications were significantly more prevalent in the HRF group (p<0,001) whilst the ORIF group had a significantly higher rate of major complications (p<0,01). Superficial infections were highly prevalent in the HRF group (47,8%), as they were related to half-pin or K-wire infections. Deep infection was present only in the ORIF group, with 20% of the patients developing this major complication (p:0,03). Non-union rate, reoperations, ankle osteoarthritis, and the need for arthrodesis or ankle replacement showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: In AO/OTA 43.C3 fractures, HRF is safe and effective, achieving high union rates with a significantly lower rate of major complications compared to ORIF. According to our results, ORIF should be used cautiously for these types of fractures, considering the increased risk of deep infection.

Restoration of Anatomic Parameters and Syndesmotic Reduction After Intramedullary Nailing of Distal Fibular Fractures.

Background: Intramedullary nailing of the fibula (FN) is a method of fixation that has proven to be useful for treating distal fibular fractures (DFs). FN minimizes soft tissue complications and provides similar stability to plating, with fewer hardware-related symptoms. Nevertheless, FN has been associated with syndesmotic malreduction and the incapacity of restoring length and rotation of the fibula. We aimed to evaluate the fibular position and syndesmotic reduction after fixation with FN compared with the uninjured ankle in the immediate postoperative period. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Patients with DF fractures treated with IN between January 2017 and January 2020 were included. Immediate postoperative bilateral ankle CT was obtained in all cases. Fibular rotation, length, and translation as well as syndesmotic diastasis were measured on both ankles and compared by 3 independent observers. Results: Twenty-eight patients were included (16 women). The mean age was 46 years (range 16-91). Fracture type distribution according to AO/ASIF classification included 19 patients with 44.B (67.9%), 8 patients with 44.C (28.6%), and 1 patient with a 44.A fracture (3.6%). No significant differences were identified considering fibular rotation (P = .661), syndesmotic diastasis (P = .147), and fibular length (P = .115) between the injured and uninjured ankle. Fibular translation had statistical differences (P = .01) compared with the uninjured ankle. The intraclass correlation coefficient showed an excellent concordance between observers except for fibular translation on the injured ankle. Conclusion: In this cohort, fixation of DF fractures with FN allows restoration of anatomical parameters of the ankle in terms of fibular rotation, length, and syndesmotic diastasis. However, fibular translation had significant differences compared with the uninjured ankle based on bilateral CT scan evaluation. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Indocyanine green fluorescence: A surgeon's tool for the surgical approach of gallstone ileus.

Fluorescence cholangiography has been shown to improve biliary anatomy identification. A case of 60-year-old man with intestinal obstruction is reported, an entero-biliary fistula is suspected, and intravenous application of indocyanine green is decided, despite the great inflammatory process and fibrotic tissues found during the procedure, safe open cholecystectomy was achieved.

Cystic adventitial disease of popliteal artery, the both sides of the coin: Arterial resection vs cyst excision.

Adventitial cystic disease (ACD) is a rare form of non-atherosclerotic arterial stenosis. This entity accounts only for 0.1% of all vascular diseases and affects the popliteal artery unilaterally in 85% of the cases. The options for treatment ACD include excision of cysts, removal of the affected arterial segment with vein graft reconstruction or radiological aspiration. We present two cases of ACD of the popliteal artery and its subsequent management and discuss the pros and cons of the treatment's strategies.

Midterm outcomes of the covered endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation for aortoiliac occlusive disease in a latinoamerican population.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical approach of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOD) with aorto-bi-femoral graft or endarterectomy, has been the first line treatment with patency rates up to 90%. Nevertheless, this procedure has an early mortality rate of 4%. Vascular complications of aorto-bi-femoral graft have an average incidence of 5-10% and development of incisional hernia in 10% of the cases. The Covered Endovascular Reconstruction of Aortic Bifurcation or CERAB technique, as a new approach is shaping up to be a promising approach. However, there are few studies in Latin America and the Caribbean. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective multicenter study. All patients treated with the CERAB technique between February 2015 and June 2021 in three hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 9 patients (5 male and 4 female) were treated with the CERAB technique. Only one patient died. Of the total number of patients, 41.2% had a TASC II - C classification, and 58.8% had a TASC II - D classification. Complications included dissection in only 2 patients, massive bleeding in 1 patient and hematoma in 3 patients. The average number of days in critical care was 1.2 days and 2.6 in hospitalization. Two patients required endovascular reintervention. Primary patency was present in 66.7% of the patients. DISCUSSION: The CERAB technique presents a low morbidity and mortality with an 88.9% of technical success rate. None of our patients needed Chimney CERAB procedure. Our results are similar to those reported in the literature, where they report primary patency rates between 82% and 97%.

Fístula aortocava en un devastador aneurisma abdominal: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Aortocaval Fistula in a Devastating Abdominal Aneurysm: Case Report and Review of the Literature / Fístula de aortocava em um aneurisma abdominal relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Resumen: la presencia de fístulas como complicaciones de aneurismas de aorta abdominal (AAA) es una condición conocida, aunque poco frecuente. Se ha reportado en la literatura una incidencia para fístulas aortocavas (FAC) del 1 % o, incluso, se encuentran valores inferiores en algunas series de casos. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar una revisión de la literatura basada en un caso clínico para dar a conocer el abordaje diagnóstico y los hallazgos por imagen de las FAC con el fin de familiarizar a los lectores con las características más comunes de esta entidad mediante tomografía computarizada. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 59 años de edad con un cuadro clínico de cuatro días de evolución de dolor abdominal, sin antecedentes de importancia. En el examen físico abdominal se identificó la presencia de una masa pulsátil asociada a soplo abdominal como hallazgos principales. Se procedió a evaluación mediante angioTC abdominal en donde se identificó dilatación aneurismática fusiforme de la aorta abdominal con fístula hacia la vena cava inferior (VCI) y compromiso de la arteria renal derecha con hipoperfusión renal ipsilateral.

Abstract: the presence of fistulas as complications of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is a known condition, however, infrequent. An incidence of 1 % for aortocaval fistulas (AFC) has been reported in the literature, or even lower values are found in some case series. The aim of this study is to review the literature based on a clinical case to present the diagnostic approach and imaging findings of AFC in order to familiarize readers with the most common characteristics of this entity by computerized tomography. We present the case of a 59-year-old female patient with a clinical picture of four-day evolution abdominal pain, with no relevant history. The abdominal physical examination identified the presence of a pulsatile mass associated with abdominal murmur as the main findings. Abdominal TC angiography assessment identified fusiform aneurysmal dilatation of the abdominal aorta with fistula to the inferior vena cava (VCI), and involvement of the right renal artery with ipsilateral renal hypoperfusion.

Resumo: a presença de fístulas como complicações dos aneurismas da aorta abdominal (AAA) é urna condição conhecida, porém rara. Na literatura, os relatos da incidencia de fístulas aorto-cava (FAC) é de apenas 1 % (valores ainda menores são encontrados em algumas séries de casos). O objetivo deste estudo é realizar uma revisão da literatura baseada em um caso clínico para informar a abordagem diagnóstica e os achados de imagem da FAC, a fim de familiarizar os leitores com as características mais comuns dessa entidade por meio da tomografia computadorizada. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente de 59 anos com quadro clínico de quatro dias de evolução de dor abdominal, sem história significativa. No exame físico abdominal, a presença de massa pulsante associada a sopro abdominal foi identificada como principais achados. Foi realizada uma avaliação com angioTC abdominal, na qual foi identificada dilatação aneurismática fusiforme da aorta abdominal com fístula na veia cava inferior (VCI) e acometimento da artéria renal direita com hipoperfusão renal ipsilateral.

Treatment of Patellofemoral Chondral Lesions Using Microfractures Associated with a Chitosan Scaffold: Mid-Term Clinical and Radiological Results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and radiological results of patellofemoral osteochondral lesions treated with microfractures associated with a chitosan scaffold. DESIGN: A retrospective observational analytical study was performed. Fifteen patients with full-thickness patellofemoral osteochondral lesions were included. Quantity and quality of the reparation cartilage was assessed with the MOCART 2.0 score on a postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and clinical outcomes were evaluated with pre- and postoperative Kujala score tests. Shapiro-Wilk test for normality was applied as well as Wilcoxon's signed rank test and Kruskal-Wallis H test for clinical scores within subjects and patella versus trochlea subgroups comparisons. Analysis of variance test was used for imaging subgroups comparison, with P < 0.05 defined as statistical significance. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 33.36 months (range 24-60 months). Postoperative Kujala scores improved an average of 19 points compared with the preoperative state (SE = 17.6; P < 0.001). No statistical difference was found through the clinical location assessment (P = 0.756), as well as the cartilage imaging assessment (P = 0.756). The mean MOCART 2.0 scale was 67.67 (range 50-85). CONCLUSIONS: Treating full-thickness patellofemoral osteochondral lesions with microfractures associated with a chitosan scaffold proved to be effective regarding defect filling and symptomatic improvement.

A comprehensive database of active and potentially-active continental faults in Chile at 1:25,000 scale.

In seismically-active regions, mapping active and potentially-active faults is the first step to assess seismic hazards and site selection for paleoseismic studies that will estimate recurrence rates. Here, we present a comprehensive database of active and potentially-active continental faults in Chile based on existing studies and new mapping at 1:25,000 scale using geologic and geomorphic criteria and digital elevation models derived from TanDEM-X and LiDAR data. The database includes 958 fault strands grouped into 17 fault systems and classified based on activity (81 proved, 589 probable, 288 possible). The database is a contribution to the world compilation of active faults with applications among others in seismic hazard assessments, territorial planning, paleoseismology, geodynamics, landscape evolution processes, geothermal exploration, and in the study of feedbacks between continental deformation and the plate-boundary seismic cycle along subduction zones.

Effectiveness of Fingolimod versus Natalizumab as Second-Line Therapy for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in Spain: Second-Line GATE Study.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of head-to-head studies comparing the efficacy of fingolimod (FIN) and natalizumab (NTZ) as second-line therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). METHODS: Multicenter, observational study, in which, information of 388 patients randomly selected and treated with FIN or NTZ in routine clinical practice was retrospectively collected with the main objective of comparing the annualized relapse rate (ARR) over the first year, after FIN or NTZ treatment initiation. RESULTS: Mean ARR during the first year of treatment was 0.28 in FIN group and 0.12 in NTZ group (p = 0.0064); nevertheless, the difference between groups lost statistical significance when the propensity score analysis was performed. Time to disability -progression was similar in both treatment groups (12.3 ± 6.7 months in FIN, and 12.8 ± 0.1 months in NTZ; p = 0.4654). Treatment persistence after the first year of treatment was higher in patients treated with FIN (95%) than in those treated with NTZ (84%; p = 0.0014). CONCLUSIONS: After 12 months of treatment, both FIN and NTZ reduced the ARR, but ARR percent reduction was significantly higher with NTZ. Treatment persistence was higher in patients receiving FIN.

Cyclodialysis: an update.

Cyclodialysis is the result of the separation of the longitudinal ciliary muscle fibers from the scleral spur, which creates an abnormal pathway for aqueous humor drainage that may lead to ocular hypotony. For many years cyclodialysis was considered a treatment option for glaucoma. However, today it usually occurs as a complication of blunt trauma or more rarely as a complication of anterior segment ocular surgery. Ocular hypotony can lead to cataract development, optic disk swelling, refractive changes, and several retinal complications, making accurate identification and timely intervention of the cleft mandatory. Traditionally gonioscopy was the only available technique to diagnose and localize the cleft. However, other tests such as optical coherence tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, transillumination, and specially ultrasound biomicroscopy are now available for the diagnosis of cyclodialysis. Multiple treatment options are also available for this condition. Although medical treatment can be effective to close small clefts, surgery is needed in most patients to restore ocular pressure.

Analytical modelling of a refractive index sensor based on an intrinsic micro Fabry-Perot interferometer.

In this work a refractive index sensor based on a combination of the non-dispersive sensing (NDS) and the Tunable Laser Spectroscopy (TLS) principles is presented. Here, in order to have one reference and one measurement channel a single-beam dual-path configuration is used for implementing the NDS principle. These channels are monitored with a couple of identical optical detectors which are correlated to calculate the overall sensor response, called here the depth of modulation. It is shown that this is useful to minimize drifting errors due to source power variations. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of a refractive index sensing setup, based on an intrinsic micro Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) is described. Here, the changes over the FPI pattern as the exit refractive index is varied are analytically modelled by using the characteristic matrix method. Additionally, our simulated results are supported by experimental measurements which are also provided. Finally it is shown that by using this principle a simple refractive index sensor with a resolution in the order of 2.15 × 10(-4) RIU can be implemented by using a couple of standard and low cost photodetectors.

Hipertensión intracraneal idiopática: análisis descriptivo en nuestro medio / Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Descriptive analysis in our setting

Introducción: La hipertensión intracraneal idiopática es una entidad caracterizada por el aumento de la presión intracraneal sin evidencias de proceso expansivo intracraneal o alteraciones citoquímicas del líquido cefalorraquídeo.Pacientes y método: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes con hipertensión intracraneal idiopática ingresados en nuestro hospital entre 1999 y 2009, y que cumplían los criterios modificados de Dandy. Se recogieron datos de edad, índice de masa corporal (IMC), presión de salida de líquido cefalorraquídeo, antecedentes cardiovasculares, pruebas de imagen, tratamiento y evolución. Resultados: Se analizaron 61 pacientes (19 hombres y 42 mujeres), con una media de edad de 35,38 años. El 72,13% de los pacientes mostraban aumento del IMC. Cabe destacar que el 47,37% de los varones mostraban normopeso. El 50% de los pacientes presentaban algún factor de riesgo cardiovascular, destacando la dislipidemia, la hipertensión arterial y el tratamiento con anticonceptivos en las mujeres. La cefalea era el principal síntoma de presentación, seguido de las alteraciones campimétricas y otros defectos visuales. El 81,96% de los pacientes presentaban edema de papila bilateral. Conclusiones: La incidencia aproximada es de 1,2/100.000 habitantes/año, siendo más frecuente en mujeres jóvenes que con aumento de peso y asociado a la toma de tratamiento anticonceptivo. Destaca la cefalea, con edema de papila bilateral y alteraciones de la agudeza visual como síntomas principales. Un dato interesante aportado por este trabajo es el menor IMC que se muestra en el sexo masculino, así como la menor presencia de cefalea y mayor afectación visual

Introduction: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a disorder characterised by increased intracranial pressure without evidence of an expansive intracranial process or cerebrospinal fluid cytochemical alterations. Patients and method: We reviewed the medical records of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension admitted to our hospital between 1999 and 2009 and who met the modified Dandy criteria. We collected the following data: age, body mass index (BMI), outlet pressure of cerebrospinal fluid, cardiovascular history, imaging studies, treatment, and outcome. Results: We analysed 61 patients (19 males and 42 females) with a mean age of 35.38 years. A BMI above the normal range was determined for 72.13% of the patients, although 47.37% of males showed normal weight. Fifty per cent of patients had a cardiovascular risk factor, especially dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and contraceptive drugs in women. Headache was the main presenting symptom, followed by visual field defects and other visual disturbances. Bilateral papilledema was present in 81.96% of the patients. Conclusions: The approximate incidence is 1.2/100 000 individuals/year. The condition is more common in young women with higher body weight and it is also associated with contraceptive drugs. Headache with bilateral papilloedema and impaired visual acuity stand out as the main symptoms. An interesting finding from this study is that male patients had a lower BMI, a lower incidence of headache and increased visual impairment

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: descriptive analysis in our setting.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a disorder characterised by increased intracranial pressure without evidence of an expansive intracranial process or cerebrospinal fluid cytochemical alterations. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension admitted to our hospital between 1999 and 2009 and who met the modified Dandy criteria. We collected the following data: age, body mass index (BMI), outlet pressure of cerebrospinal fluid, cardiovascular history, imaging studies, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: We analysed 61 patients (19 males and 42 females) with a mean age of 35.38 years. A BMI above the normal range was determined for 72.13% of the patients, although 47.37% of males showed normal weight. Fifty per cent of patients had a cardiovascular risk factor, especially dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and contraceptive drugs in women. Headache was the main presenting symptom, followed by visual field defects and other visual disturbances. Bilateral papilledema was present in 81.96% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The approximate incidence is 1.2/100,000 individuals/year. The condition is more common in young women with higher body weight and it is also associated with contraceptive drugs. Headache with bilateral papilloedema and impaired visual acuity stand out as the main symptoms. An interesting finding from this study is that male patients had a lower BMI, a lower incidence of headache and increased visual impairment.

The group II intron ribonucleoprotein precursor is a large, loosely packed structure.

Group II self-splicing introns are phylogenetically diverse retroelements that are widely held to be the ancestors of spliceosomal introns and retrotransposons that insert into DNA. Folding of group II intron RNA is often guided by an intron-encoded protein to form a catalytically active ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that plays a key role in the activity of the intron. To date, possible structural differences between the intron RNP in its precursor and spliced forms remain unexplored. In this work, we have trapped the native Lactococcus lactis group II intron RNP complex in its precursor form, by deleting the adenosine nucleophile that initiates splicing. Sedimentation velocity, size-exclusion chromatography and cryo-electron microscopy provide the first glimpse of the intron RNP precursor as a large, loosely packed structure. The dimensions contrast with those of compact spliced introns, implying that the RNP undergoes a dramatic conformational change to achieve the catalytically active state.

Valoración del componente comunicativo/relacional de la práctica enfermera en Atención Primaria. El cuestionario GATHA-ENFERMERÍA / Assessment of the communicative/relational component in the nursing practice in primary care. The GATHA-NURSING questionnaire

Además de un pilar básico en la práctica enfermera, la comunicación es una de las variables más relevantes en la satisfacción de los usuarios con los servicios sanitarios. Objetivo: Construir un instrumento para valorar el componente comunicativo/relacional de la práctica enfermera en Atención Primaria. Metodología: Adaptación del GATHA-BASE mediante Grupo Nominal, Prueba de Jueces y pilotaje inicial. Validación a partir de 158 videograbaciones. El muestreo de ítems se realizó mediante juicio de los expertos, coeficiente de correlación ítem/total y cambio en el alfa de Cronbach. La consistencia interna, mediante el alfa de Cronbach; la fiabilidad intra e inter-observador, mediante el análisis gráfico (Bland y Altman). Resultados: Se obtuvo una Guía de Observación de 68 ítems, con un consenso entre expertos superior al 75% en todos los ítems. Tras la validación se generó un instrumento (Gatha-Enfermería), de 35 ítems, agrupados en tres ejes, con un alfa de Cronbach de 0,843. La concordancia inter e intra-observador son aceptables y con un patrón de distribución aleatoria.Conclusión: Se obtiene una validez de contenido amplia y un elevado consenso. El instrumento tiene buena consistencia interna y reproducibilidad, con capacidad para orientar diferentes ámbitos de la práctica clínica de enfermería (AU)

In addition to a core skill in Nursing practice, communication is one of the most relevant variables in the satisfaction of the users with the Health Services. Objective: To create an instrument to assess the communication/relationship component in Nursing practice in Primary Care. Method: Adaptation of the GATHA-BASE by Nominal Group, Proof of Judges and pilot study. Validation through 158 video-recorded consultations. Items Sampling by Experts Judgement, Item/Total Correlation Coefficient and change in the Cronbach's alpha. Internal consistency through the Cronbach's alpha; Intra and Inter-observer reliability by graphic analysis (Bland-Altman). Results: An Observational Guide of 68 items is obtained with a level of consensus superior to 75% amongst the experts for all the items. After the validation, a tool (GATHA-ENFERMERIA) is created consisting of 35 items organised in 3 categories, with a Cronbachs alpha of 0,843. The Inter and Intra-observer concordance are acceptable and with a pattern of random distribution. Conclusion: The outcome is wide validity of contents as well as high consensus. The tool has good internal consistency and test-retest reliability with capability to guide different aspects in clinical Nursing practice (AU)