Feasibility study of a SiPM-fiber detector for non-invasive measurement of arterial input function for preclinical and clinical positron emission tomography.

Pharmacokinetic positron emission tomography (PET) studies rely on the measurement of the arterial input function (AIF), which represents the time-activity curve of the radiotracer concentration in the blood plasma. Traditionally, obtaining the AIF requires invasive procedures, such as arterial catheterization, which can be challenging, time-consuming, and associated with potential risks. Therefore, the development of non-invasive techniques for AIF measurement is highly desirable. This study presents a detector for the non-invasive measurement of the AIF in PET studies. The detector is based on the combination of scintillation fibers and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) which leads to a very compact and rugged device. The feasibility of the detector was assessed through Monte Carlo simulations conducted on mouse tail and human wrist anatomies studying relevant parameters such as energy spectrum, detector efficiency and minimum detectable activity (MDA). The simulations involved the use of 18F and 68Ga isotopes, which exhibit significantly different positron ranges. In addition, several prototypes were built in order to study the different components of the detector including the scintillation fiber, the coating of the fiber, the SiPMs, and the operating configuration. Finally, the simulations were compared with experimental measurements conducted using a tube filled with both 18F and 68Ga to validate the obtained results. The MDA achieved for both anatomies (approximately 1000 kBq/mL for mice and 1 kBq/mL for humans) falls below the peak radiotracer concentrations typically found in PET studies, affirming the feasibility of conducting non-invasive AIF measurements with the fiber detector. The sensitivity for measurements with a tube filled with 18F (68Ga) was 1.2 (2.07) cps/(kBq/mL), while for simulations, it was 2.81 (6.23) cps/(kBq/mL). Further studies are needed to validate these results in pharmacokinetic PET studies.

Incidental Findings Suggestive of COVID-19 Pneumonia in Oncologic Patients Undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT Studies: Association Between Metabolic and Structural Lung Changes.

Although the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present as nonspecific clinical forms, subclinical cases represent an important route of transmission and a significant source of mortality, mainly in high-risk subpopulations such as cancer patients. A deeper knowledge of the metabolic shift in cells infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 could provide new insights about its pathogenic and host response and help to diagnose pulmonary involvement. We explored the potential added diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in asymptomatic cancer patients with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia by investigating the association between metabolic and structural changes in the lung parenchyma. Methods:18F-FDG PET/CT studies acquired between February 19 and May 29, 2020, were reviewed to identify those cancer patients with incidental findings suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia. PET studies were interpreted through qualitative (visual) and semiquantitative (measurement of SUVmax) analysis evaluating lung findings. Several characteristic signs of COVID-19 pneumonia on CT were described as COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) categories (1-6). After comparing the SUVmax of pulmonary infiltrates among different CO-RADS categories, we explored the best potential cutoffs for pulmonary SUVmax against CO-RADS categories as the gold standard result to eliminate the possibility that the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia exists. Results: On multimodal PET/CT imaging, CT signs classified as CO-RADS category 5 or 6 were found in 16 of 41 (39%) oncologic patients. SUVmax was higher in patients with categories 5 and 6 than in patients with category 4 (6.17 ± 0.82 vs. 3.78 ± 0.50, P = 0.04) or categories 2 and 3 (3.59 ± 0.41, P = 0.01). A specificity of 93.8% (95% CI, 71.7%-99.7%) and an accuracy of 92.9% were obtained when combining a CO-RADS score of 5 or 6 with an SUVmax of 2.45 in pulmonary infiltrates. Conclusion: In asymptomatic cancer patients, the metabolic activity in lung infiltrates is closely associated with several combined tomographic changes characteristic of COVID-19 pneumonia. Multimodal 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging could provide additional information during early diagnosis in selected predisposed patients during the pandemic. The prognostic implications of simultaneous radiologic and molecular findings in cancer patients and other subpopulations at high risk for COVID-19 pneumonia deserve further evaluation in prospective research.

Incidental 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT Uptake in Hemorrhagic Transformation of Stroke in a Patient With Cervical Paraganglioma.

ABSTRACT: We present a case of a 75-year-old woman with clinical suspicion of stroke whose cranial CT showed ischemic changes in right precentral region, without visible vascular occlusion, and a right vagal lesion suggestive of paraganglioma. Two weeks later, 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT with IV iodine-based contrast administration (Biograph 6 True Point equipment; Siemens) was performed for characterization of this lesion and staging. Intraparenchymal 68Ga-DOTATOC uptake was visualized in right frontal lobe suggestive of hemorrhagic transformation of the previous stroke.

Gestión de diagnóstico de leishmaniasis cutánea y mucocutánea en Ecuador 2019- 2020 / Diagnostic management of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Ecuador-2020

La leishmaniasis es un síndrome clínicamente heterogéneo causado por parásitos protozoarios intracelulares del género Leishmania. El espectro clínico de la leishmaniasis abarca la infección subclínica (no aparente), localizada (lesión cutánea) y diseminada (cutánea, mucocutánea y visceral). Un diagnóstico erróneo puede conducir a un resultado desfavorable. Utilizando los resultados del estudio microscópico, histológico y / o por métodos inmunológicos, se puede establecer un diagnóstico de leishmaniasis e iniciar el tratamiento. El manejo apropiado requiere un diagnóstico preciso, que a menudo incluye la identificación de la especie etiológica específica. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal para conocer la gestión de diagnóstico de leishmaniasis cutánea y mucocutánea en Ecuador. En el año 2019 se reportaron 1104 casos, 1084 tipo cutánea y 20 mucocutánea; hasta la semana epidemiológica 53 del año 2020, se notificaron 924 casos (894 cutáneo y 30 mucocutáneo). Este estudio abre el camino para una mayor investigación sobre la transmisión de la leishmaniasis en Ecuador, incluida la vigilancia de vectores y reservorios, así como para la intensificación de las actividades de investigación y control contra la leishmaniasis cutánea y la mucocutánea en la región(AU)

Leishmaniasis is a clinically heterogeneous syndrome caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. The clinical spectrum of leishmaniasis encompasses subclinical (not apparent), localized (skin lesion), and disseminated (cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral) infection. A misdiagnosis may lead to an unfavorable outcome. Using microscopic examination, histologic, and/or or by immunological methods study results, a diagnosis of leishmaniasis can be established and treatment initiated. Appropriate management requires an accurate diagnosis, which often includes identification of the specific etiologic species. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to understand the diagnostic management of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Ecuador. In 2019, 1104 cases were reported, 1084 cutaneous and 20 mucocutaneous; Up to epidemiological week 53 of 2020, 924 cases were reported (894 cutaneous and 30 mucocutaneous). This study opens the path for further research on the transmission of leishmaniasis in Ecuador including vector and reservoir surveillance as well as for intensification of investigation and control activities against cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in the región(AU)

Validation technique and improvements introduced in a new dedicated brain positron emission tomograph (CareMiBrain).

The goal of developing a PET dedicated to the brain (CareMiBrain) has evolved from its initial approach to diagnosis and monitoring of dementias, to the more ambitious of creating a revolutionary clinical pathway for the knowledge and personalized treatment of multiple neurological diseases. The main innovative feature of CareMiBrain is the use of detectors with continuous crystals, which allow a high resolution determination of the depth of annihilation photons interaction within the thickness of the scintillation crystal. The technical validation phase of the equipment consisted of a pilot, prospective and observational study whose objective was to obtain the first images (40 patients), analyze them and make adjustments in the acquisition, reconstruction and correction parameters, comparing the image quality of the CareMiBrain equipment with that of the whole-body PET/CT. Thanks to the team meetings and the joint analysis of the images, it was possible to detect its weak points and some of its causes. The calibration, acquisition and processing processes, as well as the reconstruction, were optimized, the number of iterations was set to achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio, the random correction was optimized and a post-processing algorithm was included in the reconstruction algorithm. The main technical improvements implemented in this phase of technical validation carried out through collaboration of the Services of Nuclear Medicine and Neurology of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos with the Spanish company Oncovision will be exposed in a project financed with funds from the European Union (Horizon 2020 innovation program, 713323).

Impact of the Subtle Lisfranc Injury on Foot Structure and Function.

BACKGROUND: The subtle Lisfranc injury is the disruption of the osteoligamentary complex between the first cuneiform and the second metatarsal, resulting in minor widening of this space that is often difficult to detect with plain radiographs. In this study, we assessed the results after treatment of the different stages of subtle Lisfranc injuries, focusing on their impact on foot arch anatomy and functionality at short- to midterm follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective study including patients treated in our center for a subtle Lisfranc injury between 2012 and 2019 was conducted. Demographic, epidemiologic, radiographic, and clinical data were obtained and assessed, focusing on foot arch structure and foot function, which was evaluated with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score and the Foot Function Index (FFI). RESULTS: A total of 42 patients with a mean age of 49 ± 17.5 years were included, with an average of 4.3 years' follow-up (range, 1-8). Stage I injuries according to Nunley classification represented 19% and were treated conservatively. Stage II (66.7%) and stage III (14.3%) injuries were treated operatively, via osteosynthesis with screws (74%), K-wires (19%), or plates (7%). Flattening of foot arch after treatment was observed in 42.9% of patients, with significant increases in Costa-Bertani (12 ± 7 degrees), Hibbs (7 ± 6 degrees), and Meary (3 ± 1 degrees) angles. Other complications included complex regional pain syndrome (28.6%) and painful hardware (23.8%). Secondary joint arthrodesis was needed in 16.6% of patients. Chronic pain was present in 71.4% of patients with a mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain score at final follow-up of 4 of 10 points. Results in AOFAS midfoot score and FFI were 87.4 ± 8.3 and 15 ± 6.4, respectively. CONCLUSION: The subtle Lisfranc injury shows dissociation between the initial relatively mild radiographic changes and important future complications. Chronic pain and foot arch flattening were not uncommon. Overall foot function in the short- or midterm was found to be modestly diminished in this somewhat heterogenous cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Clinical relevance of incidental focal breast uptake on fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography studies: an experience in a high-load center of Spain.

AIM: We aimed to determine the frequency and clinical significance of breast incidental uptake (BIU) detected through fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) in a single, high-load center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed a total of 13 763 PET/CT studies performed from January 2017 to January 2020. After excluding 3148 scans, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and maximum diameter (cm) of each BIU were measured. Clinical management, ultrasound/mammography and pathology reports were analyzed. RESULTS: We found BIU in 27 scans of 26 patients (0.3% of the studies). Mean age was 62.2 years and 88.5% were women; 84.6% underwent PET/CT for oncological indications. Ultrasound/mammography was consequently performed in 23 patients (88.5%), and histological correlations were available for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categories 4 and 5. Finally, lesions were benign in 14 patients (60.9%; two of them with low/intermediate risk of malignancy) and malignant in nine patients (39.1%). The remaining three patients had no ultrasound/mammography reports. Mean SUVmax of benign and malignant lesions were 2.6 ± 1.4 and 5.8 ± 3.5, respectively (P = 0.002). Considering a SUVmax cut-off value of 4.0, the sensitivity and specificity for differentiating benign vs. malignant lesions were 67 and 93%, respectively. Benign lesions were smaller than malignant in CT (maximum diameter:1.3 ± 0.5 cm vs. 2.0 ± 1.0 cm, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Although BIU detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT is infrequently found, the risk of malignancy remains very high (39.1%). Both SUVmax and maximum diameter were greater in malignant than in benign lesions. An exhaustive study with ultrasound/mammography and selective histopathological correlation is mandatory after BIU findings, even in small lesions.

Assessment of extra-parenchymal lung involvement in asymptomatic cancer patients with COVID-19 pneumonia detected on 18F-FDG PET-CT studies.

BACKGROUND: Lung involvement in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) undergoing PET-CT has been previously reported. However, FDG uptake outside lung parenchyma was poorly characterized in detail. We evaluated the extra-parenchymal lung involvement in asymptomatic cancer patients with COVID-19 pneumonia through 18F-FDG PET-CT. METHODS: A total of 1079 oncologic 18F-FDG PET-CT were performed between February 2 and May 18, 2020. Confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia was defined as characteristic ground-glass bilateral CT infiltrates and positive genetic/serologic tests. Nonmetastatic extra-parenchymal lung PET-CT findings were evaluated through qualitative (visual), quantitative (measurements on CT), and semiquantitative (maximum standardized uptake value: SUVmax on PET) interpretation. Clinical data, blood tests, and PET-CT results were compared between patients with and without COVID-19 pneumonia. RESULTS: A total of 23 18F-FDG PET-CT scans with pulmonary infiltrates suggestive of COVID-19 and available laboratory data were included: 14 positive (cases) and 9 negative (controls) for COVID-19 infection, representing a low prevalence of COVID-19 pneumonia (1.3%). Serum lactate dehydrogenase and D-dimers tended to be increased in COVID-19 cases. Extra-parenchymal lung findings were found in 42.9% of patients with COVID-19, most frequently as mediastinal and hilar nodes with 18F-FDG uptake (35.7%), followed by incidental pulmonary embolism in two patients (14.3%). In the control group, extra-pulmonary findings were observed in a single patient (11.1%) with 18F-FDG uptake located to mediastinal, hilar, and cervical nodes. Nasopharyngeal and hepatic SUVmax were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: In cancer patients with asymptomatic COVID-19 pneumonia, 18F-FDG PET-CT findings are more frequently limited to thoracic structures, suggesting that an early and silent distant involvement is very rare. Pulmonary embolism is a frequent and potentially severe finding raising special concern. PET-CT can provide new pathogenic insights about this novel disease.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a promising treatment modality for ischemic heart disease including myocardial infarction where outcomes are frequently poor despite early revascularization. OBJECTIVE: To compare single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) findings in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with HBOT vs. control at 6 weeks. METHODS: In this pilot study, 24 patients were randomly allocated to HBOT (n = 13) and control groups (n = 11). Both groups underwent PPCI and were treated following the guidelines for STEMI management. The HBOT group received additional 15 and 90-minute HBOT sessions. All participants underwent SPECT at initial presentation (within 48 h of PPCI) and at follow up. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The number of affected SPECT segments in the HBOT group at baseline and 6 weeks were 47.1 ±â€¯14.6% vs. 33.7 ±â€¯16.2%, respectively, with p = 0.039, and in the control group, the number of affected segment at these times were 55.5 ±â€¯19.5% vs. 45.9 ±â€¯17.9%, respectively, with p = 0.090. At follow-up, a decrease in the summed rest score was noted in both groups (HBOT: 20 ±â€¯6.0 vs. 12.7 ±â€¯8.1; p = 0.0017; control: 23 ±â€¯8.2 vs. 16.7 ±â€¯6.6; p = 0.031). The left ventricular ejection fraction in the HBOT group improved from 44 ±â€¯22.1% to 57.2 ±â€¯15.4% (p = 0.011) and in the control group from 45.9 ±â€¯18.2% to 55 ±â€¯12.1% (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: HBOT use in STEMI patients was associated with an improvement in perfusion and an increase in ejection fraction following PPCI. These observations warrant a larger randomized clinical trial.

Prevalencia de protozoarios intestinales y factores asociados en niños 3 a 7 años en la Unidad Educativa del Milenio, parroquia de Quisapincha. Ambato- Ecuador 2018 / Prevalence of intestinal protozoa and associated factors in children 3 to 7 years old at the Millennium Educational Unit, Quisapincha parish. Ambato- Ecuador 2018

La prevalencia de los parásitos intestinales presenta una mayor incidencia en los niños con respecto a los casos de los adultos. Se ha notado un crecimiento sostenido de la ocurrencia de casos de parasitosis en los niños en épocas reciente. Es por ello que el presente estudio presenta como fin estimar la prevalencia y factores asociados de protozoarios intestinales en niños 3 a 7 años en la Unidad Educativa del Milenio, parroquia de Quisapincha. Ambato- Ecuador 2018. Para lo cual el estudio se desarrolló de corte transversal, siendo una investigación de campo, la cual posee un nivel descriptivo. La población estuvo integrada por 79 niños, quienes son estudiantes de la etapa inicial, primero y segundo año de la Unidad Educativa el Milenio y sus 79 representantes. Como técnica de recolección de datos se empleó la encuesta y las muestras biológicas, como instrumentos se utilizó el cuestionario y la prueba de Graham. Como técnica de análisis de datos se contó con la tabulación y el procesamiento de los datos se realizó mediante el programa SPSS statistics 22. El resultado obtenido fue que 58 escolares resultaron parasitados lo que arroja un nivel de contagio del 73,42%, de este porcentaje de infectado los estudiantes masculinos presentan el 41,75% de los casos, mientras que las niñas obtuvieron el 31,62%. Siendo la edad con la mayor prevalencia los 6 años con un porcentaje de casos de 18,98%(AU)

in children compared to adult cases. A sustained growth in the occurrence of parasitic cases in children has been noted in recent times. That is why the present study aims to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal protozoa in children 3 to 7 years old at the Millennium Educational Unit, Quisapincha parish. Ambato- Ecuador 2018. For which the study was developed in a cross section, being a field investigation, which has a descriptive level. The population was made up of 79 children, who are students of the initial, first and second years of the Millennium Educational Unit and its 79 representatives. The data collection technique used was the survey and biological samples, as instruments the questionnaire and the Graham test were used. As a data analysis technique, tabulation was used and the data was processed using the SPSS statistics 22 program. The result obtained was that 58 schoolchildren were parasitized, which gives a contagion level of 73.42%, of this percentage of infected male students present 41.75% of cases, while girls obtained 31.62% . The age with the highest prevalence being 6 years with a percentage of cases of 18.98%(AU)

Incidental and simultaneous finding of pulmonary thrombus and COVID-19 pneumonia in a cancer patient derived to 18F-FDG PET/CT. New pathophysiological insights from hybrid imaging.

Cancer patients require a careful clinical follow-up during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although hybrid fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) is not routinely used in the management of COVID-19 patients, it could play a complementary role of other laboratory and radiological data in selected cases. We describe an asymptomatic cancer patient derived to 18F-FDGPET/CT with simultaneous findings of COVID-19 pneumonia and pulmonary thrombus, discussing its possible mechanisms and prognostic implications.

Mejoría de la supervivencia con la intervención de un equipo multidisciplinario en el programa de implante de válvula aórtica transcatéter (TAVI) / Improved survival with multidisciplinary team intervention in the transcatheter aortic valve implant (TAVI) program

Resumen Introducción El implante de la válvula aórtica transcatéter (TAVI) es un tratamiento de mínima invasión e innovador con buenos resultados, para pacientes con estenosis aórtica de riesgo quirúrgico intermedio o alto; sin embargo, la gran mayoría de los pacientes son de edad avanzada y con múltiples comorbilidades que condicionan un aumento de la mortalidad y en muchos casos de las complicaciones. Un punto crucial y determinante para una buena evolución es el papel del equipo de corazón de una institución, ya que un equipo incompleto o con poca experiencia conlleva a una mala selección de pacientes. En nuestra institución el equipo de corazón pasó a ser un equipo multidisciplinario integrado por varias especialidades para la valoración integral de los pacientes. Material y Métodos Se llevó a cabo una cohorte de 36 pacientes en el Hospital Central Militar desde septiembre del 2013 a octubre del 2017. Se reunieron 36 pacientes con estenosis aórtica y tratados con TAVI; los primeros 17 pacientes fueron evaluados por un cirujano cardiovascular, dos cardiólogos intervencionistas, y dos cardiólogos clínicos. Posteriormente se evaluaron 19 pacientes en donde se incluyó en el equipo multidisciplinario a una geriatra, neumólogo, neurólogo, entre otras especialidades. Resultados De los 36 pacientes en total que fueron llevados a TAVI, los primeros 17 pacientes fueron seleccionados por el equipo de corazón desde el inicio del programa hasta el 2015 (47.2%) y los últimos 19 pacientes (del 2015 a la fecha) valorados por el equipo multidisciplinario (52.7%). En el primer grupo fallecieron durante el seguimiento a un año, por muerte de causa no cardiaca, ocho de 17 pacientes (47%) y en el segundo grupo, dos pacientes de 19 (10.5%), una muerte cardiaca y otra no cardiaca. Conclusiones Los resultados de un programa para TAVI están basados en tres puntos fuertes: las instalaciones, la formación del equipo de corazón y la experiencia del equipo implantador de válvulas; sin embargo, nosotros formamos un equipo multidisciplinario integrado por el equipo de corazón y otro personal de salud trascendental en la selección y seguimiento de los pacientes con mejores resultados a corto y largo plazo.

Abstract Introduction The implantation of the transcatheter aortic valve (TAVI) is a minimally invasive and innovative treatment with good results for patients with aortic stenosis of intermediate or high surgical risk; However, the vast majority of patients are elderly and have multiple co-morbidities that lead to increased mortality and in many cases to complications. A crucial and determining point for a good evolution is the role of the heart team of an institution, since an incomplete team or with little experience leads to a poor selection of patients. In our institution, the heart team became a multidisciplinary team composed of several specialties for the comprehensive assessment of patients. Material and Methods A cohort of 36 patients was carried out at the Central Military Hospital from September 2013 to October 2017. Thirty-six patients with aortic stenosis and treated with TAVI were met; The first 17 patients were evaluated by a cardiovascular surgeon, two interventional cardiologists, and two clinical cardiologists. Subsequently, a geriatrician, a pulmonologist, and a neurologist were included in the multidisciplinary team, among other specialties. Results Of the 36 patients in total who were taken to TAVI, the first 17 patients selected by the heart team from the beginning of the program until 2015 (47.2%) and the last 19 patients (from 2015 to date) valued by the multidisciplinary team (52.7%). In the first group, they died during the follow-up at one year, 8 of 17 patients (47%) and in the second group, 2 patients of 19 (10.5%). Conclusions The results of a program for TAVI are based on three strengths, the facilities, the training of the heart team and the experience of the valve implantation team, however, we form a multidisciplinary team composed of the heart team and another transcendental health personnel in the selection and follow-up of patients.

Cross-reactive LTP sensitization in food-dependent exercise-induced urticaria/anaphylaxis: a pilot study of a component-resolved and in vitro depletion approach.

BACKGROUND: Challenge tests for food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) carry some risk and have a high rate of false negatives. Our aim was to explore the usefulness of an in vitro immunodepletion assay and an allergen microarray test in the identification of IgE-mediated cross-reactive food allergens in patients with suspected FDEIA or food-dependent exercise-induced urticaria and panallergen sensitization. METHODS: Three patients with a history of food dependent exercise induced urticaria/anaphylaxis and food panallergen sensitization in whom a food-exercise challenge was not feasible were selected: a 25-year-old man with cholinergic urticaria who experienced generalized urticaria and angioedema during a soccer match after drinking a peach-based soft drink; a 19-year-old woman with allergic rhinitis and controlled asthma who experienced anaphylactic shock while playing soccer, having eaten walnuts in the previous 90 min; and a 57-year-old man with baker's asthma who experienced four episodes of anaphylaxis during exercise after ingesting wheat-containing food. All individuals underwent a diagnostic work-up with skin prick tests, specific IgE (sIgE) and ImmunoCAP ISAC test. For the in vitro immunodepletion procedure, patients' serum was pre-incubated with the suspected native allergen (peach, walnut, or wheat) in solid phase (ImmunoCAP). The eluted serum, containing unbound IgE, was collected and samples were re-tested using Immunocap ISAC 112 and compared with baseline results. RESULTS: All individuals were sensitized to lipid transfer proteins. The first patient was sensitized to Pru p 3, Cor a 8, Jug r 3, and Ara h 9; after pre-incubation with peach there was 100% depletion of sIgE to all components. The second patient was sensitized to Pru p 3, Cor a 8, Jug r 3, and Ara h 9; immunodepletion with walnut depleted sIgE to Ara h 9 by 67%, Pru p 3 and Pla a 3 (60%), Art v 3 (75%), Jug r 3 (88%), and Cor a 8 (100%). The third patient was sensitized to Pru p 3, Jug r 3, Ara h 9, and Tri a 14; immunodepletion with wheat depleted Tri a 14 only (100%). CONCLUSIONS: In vitro immunodepletion might be a useful diagnostic tool in food dependent exercise induced urticaria/anaphylaxis with panallergen sensitization, particularly for identifying the culprit allergen and guiding dietary elimination recommendations.

Integration of Body Sensor Networks and Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks for Traffic Safety.

The emergence of Body Sensor Networks (BSNs) constitutes a new and fast growing trend for the development of daily routine applications. However, in the case of heterogeneous BSNs integration with Vehicular ad hoc Networks (VANETs) a large number of difficulties remain, that must be solved, especially when talking about the detection of human state factors that impair the driving of motor vehicles. The main contributions of this investigation are principally three: (1) an exhaustive review of the current mechanisms to detect four basic physiological behavior states (drowsy, drunk, driving under emotional state disorders and distracted driving) that may cause traffic accidents is presented; (2) A middleware architecture is proposed. This architecture can communicate with the car dashboard, emergency services, vehicles belonging to the VANET and road or street facilities. This architecture seeks on the one hand to improve the car driving experience of the driver and on the other hand to extend security mechanisms for the surrounding individuals; and (3) as a proof of concept, an Android real-time attention low level detection application that runs in a next-generation smartphone is developed. The application features mechanisms that allow one to measure the degree of attention of a driver on the base of her/his EEG signals, establish wireless communication links via various standard wireless means, GPRS, Bluetooth and WiFi and issue alarms of critical low driver attention levels.

[Experience of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the Central Military Hospital]. / Experiencia de la implantación de válvulas aórticas transcatéter en el Hospital Central Militar.

OBJECTIVE: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative treatment for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, inoperable or at high surgical risk. The purpose of this communication is to report the results of the experience of this new technique and compare them with literature. METHODS: Review of 17 patients data with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis at high surgical risk or inoperable, treated with a transcatheter implantation aortic valve (TAVI) via femoral surgical access with Core Valve (Medtronic, EE.UU.) between September 2013 and July 2014. RESULTS: All patients had severe aortic stenosis with a mean gradient of 46̊æ14 mmHg received CoreValveTM (Medtronic, USA). Half of patients was performed under general anesthesia, the other half with regional and local anesthesia. In-hospital mortality was 11.7% and one death in follow-up from September 2013 until the time of preparing this report (5.9%).Total mortality at one year follow-up was 17.6%. The technical success rate was 82.4%, with an immediate post-implantation gradient of 5.4̊æ3.4 mmHg. Aortic regurgitation I degree was observed in 5 patients (29.4%); 2 patients (11.7%) had aortic regurgitation grade II. Post dilatation was made in 6 patients (35.2%). We did not have any vascular complications. Permanent pacemaker implantation was needed in 6 patients (35.2%). One patient complicated with acute renal failure, 2 had in-hospital ischemic stroke (11.7%), none had need for cardiac surgery; 2 patients had major bleeding complications that required transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with high surgical risk or inoperable, TAVI is a treatment option that improves life quality, survival and diminsh the need of hospitalizations. There can be some complications and even death, so that a proper patient selection and a multidisciplinary team is needed and fundamental for a successful procedure.

[FROM THE CT-PET TO THE MRI-PET]. / DEL PET-TAC AL PET-RM.

CT-PET is a multimodality imaging technique which diagnostic utility has been demostrated especially in oncology and neurosciences. There is about 100 equipments of this modality in Spain. MRI-PET ia a new multimodality imaging technique recently installed in Spain. Its main advantages over CT-PET are: the reduction in the absorbed dose of radiations and the better contrast between normal and pathological tissues, especially in soft tissue tumors and neurological disorders.

Malignant melanoma.

Nuclear medicine plays an essential role in the correct staging of patients suffering from melanoma. Both sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and positron emission tomography (PET) represent its main diagnostic tools. SLNB is the choice procedure for lymphatic regional staging of these patients, including the result of this technique in the 2002 American Joint Cancer Committee melanoma staging. SLNB sensitivity is superior than PET/CT for the detection of lymphatic micrometastases in early stages of the disease. PET/CT is mainly used in confirming clinical metastases suspected, detection of recurrences, and recurrence restaging. PET/CT has also shown superiority against conventional diagnostic methods in the detection of distant metastases, being able to detect illness even six months earlier than those methods.