Prevalence, impact and management of hypertension-mediated organ damage in type 2 diabetes patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, impact and management of hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) according to the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: IBERICAN is an ongoing multicenter, observational and prospective study, including outpatients aged 18-85 years who attended the Primary Care setting in Spain. In this study, the prevalence, impact and management of HMOD according to the presence of T2DM at baseline were analyzed. RESULTS: At baseline, 8066 patients (20.2% T2DM, 28.6% HMOD) were analyzed. Among patients with T2DM, 31.7% had hypertension, 29.8% dyslipidemia and 29.4% obesity and 49.3% had ≥1 HMOD, mainly high pulse pressure (29.6%), albuminuria (16.2%) and moderate renal impairment (13.6%). The presence of T2DM significantly increased the risk of having CV risk factors and HMOD. Among T2DM population, patients with HMOD had more dyslipidemia (78.2% vs 70.5%; P=0.001), hypertension (75.4% vs 66.4%; P=0.001), any CV disease (39.6% vs 16.1%; P=0.001) and received more drugs. Despite the majority of types of glucose-lowering agents were more frequently taken by those patients with HMOD, compared to the total T2DM population, the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists was marginal. CONCLUSIONS: In patients daily attended in primary care setting in Spain, one in five patients had T2DM and nearly half of these patients had HMOD. In patients with T2DM, the presence of HMOD was associated with a higher risk of CV risk factors and CV disease. Despite the very high CV risk, the use of glucose-lowering agents with proven CV benefit was markedly low.

Evaluation of the US COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub for informing pandemic response under uncertainty.

Our ability to forecast epidemics far into the future is constrained by the many complexities of disease systems. Realistic longer-term projections may, however, be possible under well-defined scenarios that specify the future state of critical epidemic drivers. Since December 2020, the U.S. COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub (SMH) has convened multiple modeling teams to make months ahead projections of SARS-CoV-2 burden, totaling nearly 1.8 million national and state-level projections. Here, we find SMH performance varied widely as a function of both scenario validity and model calibration. We show scenarios remained close to reality for 22 weeks on average before the arrival of unanticipated SARS-CoV-2 variants invalidated key assumptions. An ensemble of participating models that preserved variation between models (using the linear opinion pool method) was consistently more reliable than any single model in periods of valid scenario assumptions, while projection interval coverage was near target levels. SMH projections were used to guide pandemic response, illustrating the value of collaborative hubs for longer-term scenario projections.

Informing pandemic response in the face of uncertainty. An evaluation of the U.S. COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub.

Our ability to forecast epidemics more than a few weeks into the future is constrained by the complexity of disease systems, our limited ability to measure the current state of an epidemic, and uncertainties in how human action will affect transmission. Realistic longer-term projections (spanning more than a few weeks) may, however, be possible under defined scenarios that specify the future state of critical epidemic drivers, with the additional benefit that such scenarios can be used to anticipate the comparative effect of control measures. Since December 2020, the U.S. COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub (SMH) has convened multiple modeling teams to make 6-month ahead projections of the number of SARS-CoV-2 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The SMH released nearly 1.8 million national and state-level projections between February 2021 and November 2022. SMH performance varied widely as a function of both scenario validity and model calibration. Scenario assumptions were periodically invalidated by the arrival of unanticipated SARS-CoV-2 variants, but SMH still provided projections on average 22 weeks before changes in assumptions (such as virus transmissibility) invalidated scenarios and their corresponding projections. During these periods, before emergence of a novel variant, a linear opinion pool ensemble of contributed models was consistently more reliable than any single model, and projection interval coverage was near target levels for the most plausible scenarios (e.g., 79% coverage for 95% projection interval). SMH projections were used operationally to guide planning and policy at different stages of the pandemic, illustrating the value of the hub approach for long-term scenario projections.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of children ages 5-11 years on COVID-19 disease burden and resilience to new variants in the United States, November 2021-March 2022: A multi-model study.

Background: The COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub convened nine modeling teams to project the impact of expanding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to children aged 5-11 years on COVID-19 burden and resilience against variant strains. Methods: Teams contributed state- and national-level weekly projections of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States from September 12, 2021 to March 12, 2022. Four scenarios covered all combinations of 1) vaccination (or not) of children aged 5-11 years (starting November 1, 2021), and 2) emergence (or not) of a variant more transmissible than the Delta variant (emerging November 15, 2021). Individual team projections were linearly pooled. The effect of childhood vaccination on overall and age-specific outcomes was estimated using meta-analyses. Findings: Assuming that a new variant would not emerge, all-age COVID-19 outcomes were projected to decrease nationally through mid-March 2022. In this setting, vaccination of children 5-11 years old was associated with reductions in projections for all-age cumulative cases (7.2%, mean incidence ratio [IR] 0.928, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.880-0.977), hospitalizations (8.7%, mean IR 0.913, 95% CI 0.834-0.992), and deaths (9.2%, mean IR 0.908, 95% CI 0.797-1.020) compared with scenarios without childhood vaccination. Vaccine benefits increased for scenarios including a hypothesized more transmissible variant, assuming similar vaccine effectiveness. Projected relative reductions in cumulative outcomes were larger for children than for the entire population. State-level variation was observed. Interpretation: Given the scenario assumptions (defined before the emergence of Omicron), expanding vaccination to children 5-11 years old would provide measurable direct benefits, as well as indirect benefits to the all-age U.S. population, including resilience to more transmissible variants. Funding: Various (see acknowledgments).

Reproducibilidad y validez de mediciones radiográficas para el cálculo de índices morfométricos de fémur proximal predictivos de fracturas de cadera / Reproducibility and validity of radiographic measurements for the calculation of proximal femur morphometric indices predictive of hip fractures

Resumen: Estudio transversal-retrospectivo con 120 radiografías pélvicas anteroposteriores. Se tomaron ocho mediciones por tres evaluadores en dos tiempos para calcular índices morfológico cortical (IMC), corticometafisario (ICM) y corticodiafisario (ICD). Se evaluó la reproducibilidad intra e interobservador con el método de Bland-Altman y se predijo la ocurrencia de fracturas comparando puntos de corte entre evaluadores maximizando sensibilidad/especificidad. La proporción de medidas fuera de ± 2 DE fue similar para diámetros/corticales (~5%), pero superó 1 mm en algunas corticales, representando 10-20% de distancias < 1 cm. El punto de corte fluctuó de 2.45 a 2.53 para IMC (3% diferencia), de 0.37 a 0.41 para ICD (12%) y de 0.23 a 0.33 para ICM (44%).

Abstract: Cross-sectional-retrospective study with 120 anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. Eight measurements were taken by three raters in two times to calculate the morphological-cortical (MCI), cortico-metaphyseal (CMI), and cortico-diaphysaire (CDI) indices. Intra/interobserver reproducibility was evaluated with the Bland-Altman method, and hip fracture occurrence was predicted by comparing cut-off points between raters maximizing sensitivity/specificity. The proportion of measurements outside ± 2 SD was similar for diameters/corticals (~5%), but exceeded 1 mm in some corticals, representing 10-20% of distances < 1 cm. Cut-off points fluctuated between 2.45 and 2.53 for MCI (3% difference), between 0.37 and 0.41 for CMI (12% difference), and between 0.23 and 0.33 for CDI (44% difference).

Reproducibilidad de parámetros radiográficos para determinar el éxito quirúrgico de fracturas de radio distal / Reliability of radiographic parameters to determine the surgical success in distal radius fractures

Resumen: Introducción: las fracturas del radio distal son las más comunes en extremidades superiores. Estandarizar las mediciones radiográficas para su abordaje quirúrgico es importante. Este estudio midió la reproducibilidad intra/interobservador de parámetros radiográficos asociados al éxito quirúrgico en estas fracturas. Material y métodos: diseño transversal retrospectivo con datos secundarios de expedientes clínicos. Se evaluaron radiografías de 112 fracturas en planos posteroanterior y lateral por dos traumatólogos estandarizados en toma de mediciones para calcular cinco parámetros indicativos de éxito postquirúrgico: altura radial, inclinación radial, inclinación volar, varianza cubital y escalón articular. La reproducibilidad de distancias y ángulos se evaluó con el método de Bland-Altman calculando: diferencia media entre mediciones, rango a ± 2 DE y proporción de mediciones fuera de ± 2 DE. El éxito postquirúrgico se comparó en pacientes con/sin obesidad según la media de las dos mediciones de cada evaluador. Resultados: el evaluador 1 tuvo la mayor diferencia intraobservador en altura radial (0.16 mm) y la mayor proporción fuera de ± 2 DE en varianza cubital (8.1%); el evaluador 2 tuvo la mayor diferencia en inclinación volar (1.92o) y la mayor proporción en inclinación radial (10.7%). La mayor diferencia interobservador fue en varianza cubital (1.02 mm) y la mayor proporción fuera de ± 2 DE en altura radial (5.4%). La inclinación radial tuvo la mayor diferencia (1.41o) con 4.5% de mediciones fuera de ± 2 DE. La varianza cubital y la inclinación volar tuvieron la mayor diferencia de éxito postquirúrgico entre evaluadores, sobre todo en pacientes con obesidad. Conclusión: mejorar la calidad radiográfica y estandarizar las mediciones resulta en indicadores más reproducibles.

Abstract: Introduction: distal radius fractures are the most common in upper extremities. Therefore, it is important to standardize radiographic measures for their surgical approach. This study assessed the intra/interobserver reproducibility of radiographic parameters associated with surgical success of distal radius fractures. Material and methods: retrospective cross-sectional design of secondary data extracted from clinical records. Posteroanterior and lateral X-rays of 112 distal radius fractures were assessed by two trauma specialists standardized in the measurements required to compute five parameters indicative of postoperative success: radial height, radial inclination, volar tilt, ulnar variance, and articular stepoff. The reproducibility of distances and angles was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method, calculating the mean of the difference between measurements, the range at ± 2 SD, and the proportion of measurements outside ± 2 SD. Postoperative success was also compared between patients with and without obesity according to the mean of the two measures made by each evaluator. Results: evaluator 1 had the largest intra-observer difference in radial height (0.16 mm) and the largest proportion outside ± 2 SD in ulnar variance (8.1%); evaluator 2 had the largest difference in volar tilt (1.92o) and the highest proportion in radial inclination (10.7%). The largest inter-observer difference was for ulnar variance (1.02 mm) and the largest proportion outside ± 2 SD. for radial height (5.4%). Radial tilt had the largest difference (1.41o) with 4.5% of measurements outside ± 2 SD. Ulnar variance and volar tilt had the largest difference in postoperative success between evaluators, especially in patients with obesity. Conclusion: improving the radiographic quality and standardizing the measurements results in more reproducible indicators.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of children ages 5-11 years on COVID-19 disease burden and resilience to new variants in the United States, November 2021-March 2022: a multi-model study.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of persons aged 12 years and older has reduced disease burden in the United States. The COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub convened multiple modeling teams in September 2021 to project the impact of expanding vaccine administration to children 5-11 years old on anticipated COVID-19 burden and resilience against variant strains. Methods: Nine modeling teams contributed state- and national-level projections for weekly counts of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States for the period September 12, 2021 to March 12, 2022. Four scenarios covered all combinations of: 1) presence vs. absence of vaccination of children ages 5-11 years starting on November 1, 2021; and 2) continued dominance of the Delta variant vs. emergence of a hypothetical more transmissible variant on November 15, 2021. Individual team projections were combined using linear pooling. The effect of childhood vaccination on overall and age-specific outcomes was estimated by meta-analysis approaches. Findings: Absent a new variant, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among all ages were projected to decrease nationally through mid-March 2022. Under a set of specific assumptions, models projected that vaccination of children 5-11 years old was associated with reductions in all-age cumulative cases (7.2%, mean incidence ratio [IR] 0.928, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.880-0.977), hospitalizations (8.7%, mean IR 0.913, 95% CI 0.834-0.992), and deaths (9.2%, mean IR 0.908, 95% CI 0.797-1.020) compared with scenarios where children were not vaccinated. This projected effect of vaccinating children 5-11 years old increased in the presence of a more transmissible variant, assuming no change in vaccine effectiveness by variant. Larger relative reductions in cumulative cases, hospitalizations, and deaths were observed for children than for the entire U.S. population. Substantial state-level variation was projected in epidemic trajectories, vaccine benefits, and variant impacts. Conclusions: Results from this multi-model aggregation study suggest that, under a specific set of scenario assumptions, expanding vaccination to children 5-11 years old would provide measurable direct benefits to this age group and indirect benefits to the all-age U.S. population, including resilience to more transmissible variants.

[Reproducibility and validity of radiographic measurements for the calculation of proximal femur morphometric indices predictive of hip fractures]. / Reproducibilidad y validez de mediciones radiográficas para el cálculo de índices morfométricos de fémur proximal predictivos de fracturas de cadera.

Cross-sectional-retrospective study with 120 anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. Eight measurements were taken by three raters in two times to calculate the morphological-cortical (MCI), cortico-metaphyseal (CMI), and cortico-diaphysaire (CDI) indices. Intra/interobserver reproducibility was evaluated with the Bland-Altman method, and hip fracture occurrence was predicted by comparing cut-off points between raters maximizing sensitivity/specificity. The proportion of measurements outside ± 2 SD was similar for diameters/corticals (~5%), but exceeded 1 mm in some corticals, representing 10-20% of distances < 1 cm. Cut-off points fluctuated between 2.45 and 2.53 for MCI (3% difference), between 0.37 and 0.41 for CMI (12% difference), and between 0.23 and 0.33 for CDI (44% difference).

Estudio transversal-retrospectivo con 120 radiografías pélvicas anteroposteriores. Se tomaron ocho mediciones por tres evaluadores en dos tiempos para calcular índices morfológico cortical (IMC), corticometafisario (ICM) y corticodiafisario (ICD). Se evaluó la reproducibilidad intra e interobservador con el método de Bland-Altman y se predijo la ocurrencia de fracturas comparando puntos de corte entre evaluadores maximizando sensibilidad/especificidad. La proporción de medidas fuera de ± 2 DE fue similar para diámetros/corticales (~5%), pero superó 1 mm en algunas corticales, representando 10-20% de distancias < 1 cm. El punto de corte fluctuó de 2.45 a 2.53 para IMC (3% diferencia), de 0.37 a 0.41 para ICD (12%) y de 0.23 a 0.33 para ICM (44%).

[Reliability of radiographic parameters to determine the surgical success in distal radius fractures]. / Reproducibilidad de parámetros radiográficos para determinar el éxito quirúrgico de fracturas de radio distal.

INTRODUCTION: distal radius fractures are the most common in upper extremities. Therefore, it is important to standardize radiographic measures for their surgical approach. This study assessed the intra/interobserver reproducibility of radiographic parameters associated with surgical success of distal radius fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective cross-sectional design of secondary data extracted from clinical records. Posteroanterior and lateral X-rays of 112 distal radius fractures were assessed by two trauma specialists standardized in the measurements required to compute five parameters indicative of postoperative success: radial height, radial inclination, volar tilt, ulnar variance, and articular stepoff. The reproducibility of distances and angles was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method, calculating the mean of the difference between measurements, the range at ± 2 SD, and the proportion of measurements outside ± 2 SD. Postoperative success was also compared between patients with and without obesity according to the mean of the two measures made by each evaluator. RESULTS: evaluator 1 had the largest intra-observer difference in radial height (0.16 mm) and the largest proportion outside ± 2 SD in ulnar variance (8.1%); evaluator 2 had the largest difference in volar tilt (1.92o) and the highest proportion in radial inclination (10.7%). The largest inter-observer difference was for ulnar variance (1.02 mm) and the largest proportion outside ± 2 SD. for radial height (5.4%). Radial tilt had the largest difference (1.41o) with 4.5% of measurements outside ± 2 SD. Ulnar variance and volar tilt had the largest difference in postoperative success between evaluators, especially in patients with obesity. CONCLUSION: improving the radiographic quality and standardizing the measurements results in more reproducible indicators.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las fracturas del radio distal son las más comunes en extremidades superiores. Estandarizar las mediciones radiográficas para su abordaje quirúrgico es importante. Este estudio midió la reproducibilidad intra/interobservador de parámetros radiográficos asociados al éxito quirúrgico en estas fracturas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: diseño transversal retrospectivo con datos secundarios de expedientes clínicos. Se evaluaron radiografías de 112 fracturas en planos posteroanterior y lateral por dos traumatólogos estandarizados en toma de mediciones para calcular cinco parámetros indicativos de éxito postquirúrgico: altura radial, inclinación radial, inclinación volar, varianza cubital y escalón articular. La reproducibilidad de distancias y ángulos se evaluó con el método de Bland-Altman calculando: diferencia media entre mediciones, rango a ± 2 DE y proporción de mediciones fuera de ± 2 DE. El éxito postquirúrgico se comparó en pacientes con/sin obesidad según la media de las dos mediciones de cada evaluador. RESULTADOS: el evaluador 1 tuvo la mayor diferencia intraobservador en altura radial (0.16 mm) y la mayor proporción fuera de ± 2 DE en varianza cubital (8.1%); el evaluador 2 tuvo la mayor diferencia en inclinación volar (1.92o) y la mayor proporción en inclinación radial (10.7%). La mayor diferencia interobservador fue en varianza cubital (1.02 mm) y la mayor proporción fuera de ± 2 DE en altura radial (5.4%). La inclinación radial tuvo la mayor diferencia (1.41o) con 4.5% de mediciones fuera de ± 2 DE. La varianza cubital y la inclinación volar tuvieron la mayor diferencia de éxito postquirúrgico entre evaluadores, sobre todo en pacientes con obesidad. CONCLUSIÓN: mejorar la calidad radiográfica y estandarizar las mediciones resulta en indicadores más reproducibles.

Towards the Limits of Existence of Nuclear Structure: Observation and First Spectroscopy of the Isotope

The most remote isotope from the proton dripline (by 4 atomic mass units) has been observed: ^{31}K. It is unbound with respect to three-proton (3p) emission, and its decays have been detected in flight by measuring the trajectories of all decay products using microstrip detectors. The 3p emission processes have been studied by the means of angular correlations of ^{28}S+3p and the respective decay vertices. The energies of the previously unknown ground and excited states of ^{31}K have been determined. This provides its 3p separation energy value S_{3p} of -4.6(2) MeV. Upper half-life limits of 10 ps of the observed ^{31}K states have been derived from distributions of the measured decay vertices.

Reproductive isolation between Salvia elegans and S. fulgens, two hummingbird-pollinated sympatric sages.

The integrity of species in sympatric contact sites is dependent on the existence of reproductive isolating mechanisms, which restrict gene flow between them. However, we know little about the mechanisms that enable the coexistence of species with similar floral morphologies. Here, we evaluated several reproductive isolation barriers between Salvia elegans and S. fulgens, two sympatric sages with a similar ornithophilous floral syndrome, offering nectar as the main reward. Over 3 years, we evaluated broad-scale geographic isolation, floral phenologies and floral visitors as pre-pollination barriers, and fruit set, seed number and seed germination as post-pollination barriers. We found considerable geographic isolation and significant altitudinal differences between the two sages. The flowering period of both sages always overlapped extensively during the 3 years of this study, but hummingbirds were highly specific, visiting one or the other Salvia species and showing aggressive territorial behaviour. Interspecific experimental crosses revealed that hybrid seeds might be formed although strong asymmetric barriers were found depending on the species acting as the maternal donor. Despite the low level of flowering asynchrony, reproductive isolation was remarkably high in the two sages. Geographic isolation and pollinator fidelity were the main factors responsible for maintaining species integrity. Despite an extensive review, we found very few studies quantifying the efficiency of isolation barriers in Neotropical plants or even the importance of hummingbirds as pollinators.

Characterization of Leaf Rust and Stripe Rust Resistance in Spring Wheat 'Chilero'.

Since 1984, the 'Chilero' spring wheat line developed by CIMMYT has proven to be highly resistant to leaf rust and stripe rust. Amid efforts to understand the basis of resistance of this line, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between Avocet and Chilero was studied. The parents and RILs were characterized in field trials for leaf rust and stripe rust in three locations in Mexico between 2012 and 2015 and genotyped with DArT-array, DArT-GBS, and SSR markers. A total of 6,168 polymorphic markers were used to construct genetic linkage maps. Inclusive composite interval mapping detected four colocated resistance loci to both rust diseases and two stripe rust resistant loci in the Avocet × Chilero population. Among these, the quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 1BL was identified as a pleotropic adult plant resistance gene Lr46/Yr29, whereas QLr.cim-5DS/QYr.cim-5DS was a newly discovered colocated resistance locus to both rust diseases in Chilero. Additionally, one new stripe rust resistance locus on chromosome 7BL was mapped in the current population. Avocet also contributed two minor colocated resistance QTLs situated on chromosomes 1DL and 4BS. The flanking SNP markers can be converted to breeder friendly Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers for wheat breeding programs.

Genetic Gains for Grain Yield in CIMMYT's Semi-Arid Wheat Yield Trials Grown in Suboptimal Environments.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major staple food crop grown worldwide on >220 million ha. Climate change is regarded to have severe effect on wheat yields, and unpredictable drought stress is one of the most important factors. Breeding can significantly contribute to the mitigation of climate change effects on production by developing drought-tolerant wheat germplasm. The objective of our study was to determine the annual genetic gain for grain yield (GY) of the internationally distributed Semi-Arid Wheat Yield Trials, grown during 2002-2003 to 2013-2014 and developed by the Bread Wheat Breeding program at the CIMMYT. We analyzed data from 740 locations across 66 countries, which were classified in low-yielding (LYE) and medium-yielding (MYE) environments according to a cluster analysis. The rate of GY increase (GYC) was estimated relative to four drought-tolerant wheat lines used as constant checks. Our results estimate that the rate of GYC in LYE was 1.8% (38.13 kg ha-1 yr-1), whereas in MYE, it was 1.41% (57.71 kg ha-1 yr-1). The increase in GYC across environments was 1.6% (48.06 kg ha-1 yr-1). The pedigrees of the highest yielding lines through the coefficient of parentage analysis indicated the utilization of three primary sources-'Pastor', 'Baviacora 92', and synthetic hexaploid derivatives-to develop drought-tolerant, high and stably performing wheat lines. We conclude that CIMMYT's wheat breeding program continues to deliver adapted germplasm for suboptimal conditions of diverse wheat growing regions worldwide.

Control glucémico de los pacientes ancianos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en España (2015) y su relación con la capacidad funcional y la comorbilidad. Estudio Escadiane / Glycaemic control of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain (2015) and its relationship with functional capacity and comorbidity. The Escadiane study

Objetivos. Conocer el estado del control glucémico de los pacientes ancianos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en España y su relación con la capacidad funcional y la comorbilidad. Métodos. Estudio transversal, observacional, multicéntrico, de ámbito nacional, en pacientes con diabetes mellitus≥65 años. Se estudiaron variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas, factores de riesgo cardiovascular, datos de exploración clínica y analíticos, comorbilidad asociada y tratamientos utilizados. Se analizó la capacidad funcional mediante el índice de Barthel y la comorbilidad con el de Charlson. Resultados. Se incluyeron 939 pacientes. La edad media fue 76,4±6,7 años. La hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) media fue 7,0±1,2% y la glucemia basal media 137±39,6mg/dl. El nivel de HbA1c presentó diferencias estadísticamente significativas según el grado de discapacidad. En los pacientes con dependencia total, grave, moderada, leve o independientes las concentraciones de HbA1c media fueron de 7,0%, 7,9%, 7,4% y 7,0% (p<0,028) respectivamente. Los niveles de HbA1c fueron de 7,3%, 7,1% y 6,9% en los pacientes con comorbilidad muy alta, alta y media, respectivamente (p<0,001). Conclusiones. Los valores medios de HbA1c en los pacientes ancianos con diabetes tipo 2 analizados en España son inferiores a los recomendados por las principales guías de práctica clínica. Son más elevados en los pacientes que presentan mayor grado de discapacidad funcional y un nivel más alto de comorbilidad (AU)

Objectives. To understand the state of glycaemic control of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain and its relationship with functional capacity and comorbidity. Methods. Cross-sectional, observational, multicentre national study on patients with diabetes mellitus aged 65 years or older. The study analysed demographic and anthropometric variables, cardiovascular risk factors, clinical and laboratory data, associated comorbidity and treatments. We analysed the functional capacity using the Barthel index and the comorbidity with Charlson index. Results. The study included 939 patients with a mean age of 76.4±6.7 years. The mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 7.0%±1.2%, and the mean basal blood glucose level was 137±39.6mg/dL. The HbA1c level showed statistically significant differences depending on the degree of disability. In the patients who were totally, severely, moderately or slightly dependent or who were independent, the mean HbA1c levels were 7.0%, 7.9%, 7.4% and 7.0%, respectively (P<.028). HbA1c levels were 7.3%, 7.1% and 6.9% in the patients with very high, high and medium comorbidity, respectively (P<.001). Conclusions. Mean HbA1c levels in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes analysed in Spain are below those recommended by the main clinical practice guidelines. The levels are higher in patients who have more functional disability and a higher level of comorbidity (AU)

Glycaemic control of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain (2015) and its relationship with functional capacity and comorbidity. The Escadiane study. / Control glucémico de los pacientes ancianos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en España (2015) y su relación con la capacidad funcional y la comorbilidad. Estudio Escadiane.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the state of glycaemic control of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain and its relationship with functional capacity and comorbidity. METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational, multicentre national study on patients with diabetes mellitus aged 65 years or older. The study analysed demographic and anthropometric variables, cardiovascular risk factors, clinical and laboratory data, associated comorbidity and treatments. We analysed the functional capacity using the Barthel index and the comorbidity with Charlson index. RESULTS: The study included 939 patients with a mean age of 76.4±6.7 years. The mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 7.0%±1.2%, and the mean basal blood glucose level was 137±39.6mg/dL. The HbA1c level showed statistically significant differences depending on the degree of disability. In the patients who were totally, severely, moderately or slightly dependent or who were independent, the mean HbA1c levels were 7.0%, 7.9%, 7.4% and 7.0%, respectively (P<.028). HbA1c levels were 7.3%, 7.1% and 6.9% in the patients with very high, high and medium comorbidity, respectively (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mean HbA1c levels in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes analysed in Spain are below those recommended by the main clinical practice guidelines. The levels are higher in patients who have more functional disability and a higher level of comorbidity.

LabVIEW-based control and acquisition system for the dosimetric characterization of a silicon strip detector.

The aim of this work is to present a new data acquisition, control, and analysis software system written in LabVIEW. This system has been designed to obtain the dosimetry of a silicon strip detector in polyethylene. It allows the full automation of the experiments and data analysis required for the dosimetric characterization of silicon detectors. It becomes a useful tool that can be applied in the daily routine check of a beam accelerator.

Egg consumption and cardiovascular disease according to diabetic status: The PREDIMED study.

BACKGROUND: Eggs are a major source of dietary cholesterol and their consumption has been sometimes discouraged. A relationship between egg consumption and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been suggested to be present exclusively among patients with type2 diabetes. AIMS: To assess the association between egg consumption and CVD in a large Mediterranean cohort where approximately 50% of participants had type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We prospectively followed 7216 participants (55-80 years old) at high cardiovascular risk from the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) study for a mean of 5.8 years. All participants were initially free of CVD. Yearly repeated measurements of dietary information with a validated 137-item food-frequency questionnaire were used to assess egg consumption and other dietary exposures. The endpoint was the rate of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke or death from cardiovascular causes). RESULTS: A major cardiovascular event occurred in 342 participants. Baseline egg consumption was not significantly associated with cardiovascular events in the total population. Non-diabetic participants who ate on average >4 eggs/week had a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.33-2.76) in the fully adjusted multivariable model when compared with non-diabetic participants who reported the lowest egg consumption (<2 eggs/week). Among diabetic participants, the HR was 1.33 (0.72-2.46). There was no evidence of interaction by diabetic status. HRs per 500 eggs of cumulative consumption during follow-up were 0.94 (0.66-1.33) in non-diabetics and 1.18 (0.90-1.55) in diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: Low to moderated egg consumption was not associated with an increased CVD risk in diabetic or non-diabetic individuals at high cardiovascular risk. This trial was registered at controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN35739639.

Identification and Mapping of Adult Plant Resistance Loci to Leaf Rust and Stripe Rust in Common Wheat Cultivar Kundan.

Leaf rust (LR) and stripe rust (YR) are important diseases of wheat worldwide. We used 148 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from the cross of Avocet × Kundan for determining and mapping the genetic basis of adult plant resistance (APR) loci. The population was phenotyped LR and YR for three seasons in field trials conducted in Mexico and genotyped with the diversity arrays technology sequencing (DArT-Seq) and simple sequence repeat markers. The final genetic map was constructed using 2,937 polymorphic markers with an average distance of 1.29 centimorgans between markers. Inclusive composite interval mapping identified two co-located APR quantitative trait loci (QTL) for LR and YR, two LR QTL, and three YR QTL. The co-located resistance QTL on chromosome 1BL corresponded to the pleiotropic APR gene Lr46/Yr29. QLr.cim-2BL, QYr.cim-2AL, and QYr.cim-5AS could be identified as new resistance loci in this population. Lr46/Yr29 contributed 49.5 to 65.1 and 49.2 to 66.1% of LR and YR variations, respectively. The additive interaction between detected QTL showed that LR severities for RIL combining four QTL ranged between 5.3 and 25.8%, whereas the lowest YR severities were for RIL carrying QTL on chromosomes 1BL + 2AL + 6AL. The high-density DArT-Seq markers across chromosomes can be used in fine mapping of the targeted loci and development SNP markers.

Autophagy-related proteins are functionally active in human spermatozoa and may be involved in the regulation of cell survival and motility.

Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is an evolutionarily highly conserved cellular process that participates in the maintenance of intracellular homeostasis through the degradation of most long-lived proteins and entire organelles. Autophagy participates in some reproductive events; however, there are not reports regarding the role of autophagy in the regulation of sperm physiology. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate whether autophagy-related proteins are present and functionally active in human spermatozoa. Proteins related to autophagy/mitophagy process (LC3, Atg5, Atg16, Beclin 1, p62, m-TOR, AMPKα 1/2, and PINK1) were present in human spermatozoa. LC3 colocalized with p62 in the middle piece of the spermatozoa. Autophagy activation induced a significant increase in motility and a decrease in PINK1, TOM20 expression and caspase 3/7 activation. In contrast, autophagy inhibition resulted in decreased motility, viability, ATP and intracellular calcium concentration whereas PINK1, TOM20 expression, AMPK phosphorylation and caspase 3/7 activation were significantly increased. In conclusion our results show that autophagy related proteins and upstream regulators are present and functional in human spermatozoa. Modification of mitochondrial proteins expression after autophagy activation/inhibition may be indicating that a specialized form of autophagy named mitophagy may be regulating sperm function such as motility and viability and may be cooperating with apoptosis.

Grain yield, adaptation and progress in breeding for early-maturing and heat-tolerant wheat lines in South Asia.

Maintaining wheat productivity under the increasing temperatures in South Asia is a challenge. We focused on developing early maturing wheat lines as an adaptive mechanism in regions suffering from terminal heat stress and those areas that require wheat adapted to shorter cycles under continual high temperature stress. We evaluated the grain yield performance of early-maturing heat-tolerant germplasm developed by CIMMYT, Mexico at diverse locations in South Asia from 2009 to 2014 and estimated the breeding progress for high-yielding and early-maturing heat-tolerant germplasm in South Asia. Each year the trial comprised of 28 new entries, one CIMMYT check (Baj) and a local check variety. Locations were classified by mega environment (ME); ME1 being the temperate irrigated locations with terminal high temperature stress, and ME5 as hot, sub-tropical, irrigated locations. Grain yield (GY), days to heading (DTH) and plant height (PH) were recorded at each location. Effect of temperature on GY was observed in both ME1 and ME5. Across years, mean minimum temperatures in ME1 and mean maximum temperatures in ME5 during grain filling had significant negative association with GY. The ME1 locations were cooler that those in ME5 in the 5 years of evaluations and had a 1-2 t/ha higher GY. A mean reduction of 20 days for DTH and 20 cm in PH was observed in ME5. Negative genetic correlations of -0.43 to -0.79 were observed between GY and DTH in South Asia during 2009-2014. Each year, we identified early-maturing germplasm with higher grain yield than the local checks. A positive trend was observed while estimating the breeding progress across five years for high-yielding early-maturing heat tolerant wheat compared to the local checks in South Asia. The results suggests the potential of the high-yielding early-maturing wheat lines developed at CIMMYT in improving wheat production and maintaining genetic gains in South Asia.