The Expression of Alamandine Receptor MrgD in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Is Associated with a Worse Prognosis and Unfavorable Response to Antiangiogenic Therapy.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) ranks among the most prevalent malignancies in Western countries, marked by its notable heterogeneity, which contributes to an unpredictable clinical trajectory. The insufficiency of dependable biomarkers adds complexity to assessing this tumor progression. Imbalances of several components of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (iRAS) significantly impact patient prognoses and responses to first-line immunotherapies. In this study, we analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of the Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptor D (MrgD), which recognizes the novel RAS peptide alamandine (ALA), in a series of 87 clear cell renal cell (CCRCCs), 19 papillary (PRCC), 7 chromophobe (ChRCC) renal cell carcinomas, and 11 renal oncocytomas (RO). MrgD was expressed in all the renal tumor subtypes, with a higher mean staining intensity in the PRCCs, ChRCCs, and ROs. A high expression of MrgD at the tumor center and at the infiltrative front of CCRCC tissues was significantly associated with a high histological grade, large tumor diameter, local invasion, and locoregional node and distant metastasis. Patients with worse 5-year cancer-specific survival and a poorer response to antiangiogenic tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) showed higher MrgD expression at the center of their primary tumors. These findings suggest a possible role of MrgD in renal carcinogenetic processes. Further studies are necessary to unveil its potential as a novel biomarker for CCRCC prognosis and response to frontline therapies.

Using the Synergy between HPLC-MS and MALDI-MS Imaging to Explore the Lipidomics of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Lipid imaging mass spectrometry (LIMS) has been tested in several pathological contexts, demonstrating its ability to segregate and isolate lipid signatures in complex tissues, thanks to the technique's spatial resolution. However, it cannot yet compete with the superior identification power of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and therefore, very often, the latter is used to refine the assignment of the species detected by LIMS. Also, it is not clear if the differences in sensitivity and spatial resolution between the two techniques lead to a similar panel of biomarkers for a given disease. Here, we explore the capabilities of LIMS and HPLC-MS to produce a panel of lipid biomarkers to screen nephrectomy samples from 40 clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients. The same set of samples was explored by both techniques, and despite the important differences between them in terms of the number of detected and identified species (148 by LIMS and 344 by HPLC-MS in negative-ion mode) and the presence/absence of image capabilities, similar conclusions were reached: using the lipid fingerprint, it is possible to set up classifiers that correctly identify the samples as either healthy or tumor samples. The spatial resolution of LIMS enables extraction of additional information, such as the existence of necrotic areas or the existence of different tumor cell populations, but such information does not seem determinant for the correct classification of the samples, or it may be somehow compensated by the higher analytical power of HPLC-MS. Similar conclusions were reached with two very different techniques, validating their use for the discovery of lipid biomarkers.

Early anticoagulation after aortic valve replacement with porcine bioprosthesis randomized control trial (ANTIPRO).

OBJECTIVES: Most evidence for anticoagulation (AC) in aortic bioprosthesis is centred on embolic events, bleeding and reintervention risk. The effect of AC on haemodynamics has not been previously assessed. Our hypothesis was that patients with early AC after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with porcine bioprosthesis have better haemodynamics at 1 year of follow-up. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, open-label trial conducted at 2 cardiac surgery centres. All patients undergoing AVR with porcine bioprosthesis were consecutively recruited. The anticoagulated group received warfarin + aspirin and the non-anticoagulated (control) only aspirin. The primary outcome was mean gradient after 1 year of AVR and change in New York Heart Association class. Secondary outcomes were major and minor bleeding, embolic events and prosthetic leak. RESULTS: Of 140 participants in the study, 71 were assigned to the anticoagulated group and 69 to the control group. The mean age of the overall population was 72.4 (SD: 7.1) years. Global EuroSCORE was 7.65 (SD: 5.73). At 1 year, the mean gradient was similar between both groups [18.6 (SD: 1.1 mmHg) and 18.1 (SD: 1.0 mmHg) in the control and anticoagulated groups, respectively, P = 0.701]. No differences in functional class at 3 months or 1 year were found among groups. No differences were found among groups in the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of 3 months of oral AC to anti-aggregation treatment was not detected to affect bioprosthetic haemodynamics nor functional class at 1 year after AVR. Likewise, AC does not lead to the higher incidence of complications.

Clinical Implications of (Pro)renin Receptor (PRR) Expression in Renal Tumours.

(1) Background: Renal cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies in Western countries, with an unpredictable clinical outcome, partly due to its high heterogeneity and the scarcity of reliable biomarkers of tumour progression. (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is a novel receptor of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that has been associated with the development and progression of some solid tumours by RAS-dependent and -independent mechanisms. (2) Methods: In this study, we analysed the immunohistochemical expression of PRR at the centre and border in a series of 83 clear-cell renal cell (CCRCCs), 19 papillary (PRCC) and 7 chromophobe (ChRCC) renal cell carcinomas, and the benign tumour renal oncocytoma (RO, n = 11). (3) Results: PRR is expressed in all the tumour subtypes, with higher mean staining intensity in ChRCCs and ROs. A high expression of PRR at the tumour centre and at the infiltrative front of CCRCC tissues is significantly associated with high grade, tumour diameter, local invasion and stage, and with high mortality risk by UCLA integrated staging system (UISS) scale. (4) Conclusions: These findings indicate that PRR is associated with the development and progression of renal tumours. Its potential as a novel biomarker for RCC diagnosis/prognosis and as a promising therapeutic target should be taken into account in the future.

Soluble PD-L1 Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

(1). Background: Immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) is being used to evaluate advanced malignancies with potential response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We evaluated both plasma and tissue expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the same cohort of patients, including non-metastatic and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Concomitant plasma and tissue expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 was evaluated with emphasis on diagnostic and prognostic implications. (2) Methods: we analyzed PD-1 and PD-L1 IHC expression in tumor tissues and soluble forms (sPD-1 and sPD-L1) in plasma from 89 patients with CCRCC, of which 23 were metastatic and 16 received systemic therapy. The primary endpoint was evaluation of overall survival using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox regression model. Plasma samples from healthy volunteers were also evaluated. (3) Results: Interestingly, sPD-1 and sPD-L1 levels were lower in cancer patients than in controls. sPD-1 and sPD-L1 levels and their counterpart tissue expression both at the tumor center and infiltrating front were not associated. Higher expression of both PD-1 and PD-L1 were associated with tumor grade, necrosis and tumor size. PD-1 was associated to tumor stage (pT) and PD-L1 to metastases. sPD-1 and sPD-L1 were not associated with clinico-pathological parameters, although both were higher in patients with synchronous metastases compared to metachronous ones and sPD-L1 was also higher for metastatic patients compared to non-metastatic patients. sPD-1 was also associated with the International Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer Database Consortium (IMDC) prognostic groups in metastatic CCRCC and also to the Morphology, Attenuation, Size and Structure (MASS) response criteria in metastatic patients treated with systemic therapy, mainly tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. Regarding prognosis, PD-L1 immunostaining at the tumor center with and without the tumor front was associated with worse survival, and so was sPD-L1 at a cut-off >793 ng/mL. Combination of positivity at both the tissue and plasma level increased the level of significance to predict prognosis. (4) Conclusions: Our findings corroborate the role of PD-L1 IHC to evaluate prognosis in CCRCC and present novel data on the usefulness of plasma sPD-L1 as a promising biomarker of survival in this neoplasia.

Speech treatment in nemaline myopathy: A single-subject experimental study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this work was to verify the efficacy of a treatment based on myofunctional therapy techniques which aimed to improve the tongue strength, precision, and speed of a ten-year-old girl with nemaline myopathy (NM) and the repercussions of this therapy on her speech intelligibility. NM is a rare congenital muscle disorder that causes extreme muscle weakness, especially in the face and neck, as well as severe dysarthria and dysphagia, although this does not affect the nervous system or cognitive development. METHOD: This was a single-subject experimental study which used an interrupted pre- and post-treatment time-series design, and which applied autoregressive integrated moving-average predictive models and Holt exponential smoothing. During the treatment phases, the participant's tongue strength and the rate of speech diadochokinesia and voluntary lingual movements were estimated and the repercussions of the intervention in terms of speech intelligibility were ascertained via an experiment with 'naïve' judges. RESULTS: The treatment produced a sustained and significant increase in the maximum strength of the patient's tongue, which increased from an initial 4 kPa to 11 kPa at the end of the treatment phase. However, this was far from the average 58 kPa for age- and sex-matched normative data. There were no significant changes either in the rates of voluntary lingual mobility or speech diadochokinesia. Speech intelligibility, as assessed by naïve judges, improved from 40 % in the pre-treatment phase to 67 % in the post-treatment phase. CONCLUSIONS: NM and other rare primary muscle disorders allow us to estimate the effects of severe muscle weakness in people with dysarthria without cognitive impairment or alterations in central nervous system, peripheral nervous system or in gap junction. In this case, the treatment did not increase the patient's lingual and articulatory movement speed but did increase her tongue strength from 5 % to 10 % of the levels otherwise expected for her age and significantly improved the intelligibility of her speech and communication.

The Beneficial Effect of Anticoagulation in Aortic Bioprosthesis is Associated with its Size.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes in aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients with aortic bioprosthesis under oral anticoagulation (OA). METHODS: Patients who underwent AVR with bioprosthesiswere prospectively enrolled. They were classified based on postoperative use of OA. Clinical and operative variables were collected. Echocardiographic and clinical follow-ups were performed two years after surgery. The primary outcome evaluated was change in transprosthetic gradient. Secondary outcomes analyzed were change in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, major bleeding episodes, hospitalization, stroke, and transient ischemic attack. RESULTS: We included 103 patients (61 without OA and 42 with OA). Clinical characteristics were similar among groups, except for younger age (76±6.3 vs. 72.4±8.1 years, P=0.016) and higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (0% vs. 23.8%, P<0.001) in the OA group. Mean (21.4±10 mmHg vs. 16.8±7.7 mmHg, P=0.037) and maximum (33.4±13.7 mmHg vs. 28.4±10.2 mmHg, P=0.05) transprosthetic gradients were higher in patients without OA. Improvement in NYHA class was more frequent in patients with OA (73% vs. 45.3%, P=0.032). Major bleeding, stroke, and hospitalization were similar among groups. OA was the only independent predictor for improvement of NYHA class after multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR]: 5.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-29.4; P=0.028). Stratification by prosthesis size showed that patients with ≤ 21 mm prosthesis benefited from OA. CONCLUSION: Early anticoagulation after AVR with bioprosthesis was associated with significant decrease of transprosthesis gradient and improvement in NYHA class. These associations were seen mainly in patients with ≤ 21 mm prosthesis.

The beneficial effect of anticoagulation in aortic bioprosthesis is associated with its size

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes in aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients with aortic bioprosthesis under oral anticoagulation (OA). Methods: Patients who underwent AVR with bioprosthesiswere prospectively enrolled. They were classified based on postoperative use of OA. Clinical and operative variables were collected. Echocardiographic and clinical follow-ups were performed two years after surgery. The primary outcome evaluated was change in transprosthetic gradient. Secondary outcomes analyzed were change in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, major bleeding episodes, hospitalization, stroke, and transient ischemic attack. Results: We included 103 patients (61 without OA and 42 with OA). Clinical characteristics were similar among groups, except for younger age (76±6.3 vs. 72.4±8.1 years, P=0.016) and higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (0% vs. 23.8%, P<0.001) in the OA group. Mean (21.4±10 mmHg vs. 16.8±7.7 mmHg, P=0.037) and maximum (33.4±13.7 mmHg vs. 28.4±10.2 mmHg, P=0.05) transprosthetic gradients were higher in patients without OA. Improvement in NYHA class was more frequent in patients with OA (73% vs. 45.3%, P=0.032). Major bleeding, stroke, and hospitalization were similar among groups. OA was the only independent predictor for improvement of NYHA class after multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR]: 5.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-29.4; P=0.028). Stratification by prosthesis size showed that patients with ≤ 21 mm prosthesis benefited from OA. Conclusion: Early anticoagulation after AVR with bioprosthesis was associated with significant decrease of transprosthesis gradient and improvement in NYHA class. These associations were seen mainly in patients with ≤ 21 mm prosthesis.

Perfil clínico y etiológico de pacientes operados con endocarditis activa. Seguimiento a diez años / Clinical and etiological profile of patients operated on with active endocarditis. Follow-up at 10 years / Perfil clínico e etiológico dos pacientes operados com endocardite ativa. Acompanhamento aos 10 anos

Resumen: Antecedentes: la endocarditis infecciosa es una enfermedad con elevada morbimortalidad, la cual se encuentra en torno al 25%. Aproximadamente el 50% de los casos requiere tratamiento quirúrgico. En nuestro medio se desconocen las características clínicas y evolutivas de pacientes operados por endocarditis infecciosa activa. Objetivos: primario, determinar mortalidad operatoria (MO) y sobrevida a largo plazo; secundario, definir predictores de embolias, complicaciones locales (CL), MO y endocarditis protésica (EP) en la evolución. Métodos: trabajo retrospectivo y analítico. Se identificaron pacientes que recibieron cirugía cardíaca por endocarditis activa entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2017. Mediante regresión logística multivariada se identificaron predictores para los objetivos enunciados. Resultados: se incluyeron 101 pacientes. El microorganismo más frecuentemente encontrado fue Staphylococcus aureus (SA) (15,8%). La topografía fue protésica en 20,8%, aórtica en 46,5%, mitral en 23,8% y mitro-aórtica en 13,9%. La MO fue 11,3% y 29,5% (p=0,025), según ausencia o presencia de CL, único predictor independiente de mortalidad (OR=3,38). El 47,5% presentó CL, siendo la más frecuente el absceso (25,7%). Fueron predictores independientes: EP (OR=5,8), endocarditis valvular aórtica (OR=2,9) y sexo masculino (OR=3,5). La incidencia de EP precoz fue 3% y tardía 4%. El 30% de los pacientes adquirió la EI como consecuencia de un procedimiento médico invasivo en los 6 meses previos. De los siete pacientes con EP en la evolución, seis tenían CL (p<0,05). El 31,7% presentaba embolias, resultando predictores independientes: Staphylococcus aureus (OR=4,6), vegetación en el velo mitral posterior (OR=3,2) y antecedente de hipertensión arterial (OR=3,32). La sobrevida a cinco y diez años fue de 88,20%±0,04 y 81,50%±0,05 respectivamente. Conclusiones: la MO de la endocarditis activa en nuestro medio es similar a la reportada internacionalmente. La presencia de CL se asocia a EP en la evolución y resultó ser un predictor independiente de sobrevida a largo plazo, y de MO. La sobrevida a largo plazo es similar a la reportada internacionalmente. Se observó una alta incidencia de agentes intrahospitalarios y procedimientos invasivos como causas probables.

Summary: Introduction: infective endocarditis is a high morbidity and mortality disease, which is about 25%. About fifty percent of patients require heart surgery. In our environment, clinical and evolutionary characteristics of patients operated with active endocarditis are unknown. Objective: primary, determine operative mortality and long-term survival; secondary, define predictors of embolisms, local complications, operative mortality and prosthetic endocarditis in evolution. Methods: retrospective, analytical study. Patients who received cardiac surgery for active endocarditis between January 2006 and December 2017 were identified. Through multivariate logistic regression, predictors were identified for the stated objectives. Results: one hundred and one patients were included. The most frequently found microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus (15.8%). The topography was prosthetic in 20.8%, aortic 46.5%, mitral 23.8% and mitro-aortic 13.9%. The operative mortality was 11.3% and 29.5% (p = 0.025) according to the absence or presence of local complications , the only independent predictor of mortality (OR = 3.32). Local complications were present in 47.5%, the most frequent were abscess (25.7%), independent predictors were: prosthetic endocarditis (OR=5.8), aortic endocarditis (OR=2.9) and male sex (OR=3.5). The incidence of early prosthetic endocarditis was 3% and late 4%. Thirty percent of patients acquired infective endocarditis as a result of an invasive medical procedure in the previous 6 months. Of the seven patients with prosthetic endocarditis in evolution, six had local complications (p <0.05). Embolic events were present in 31.7% of patients, were independent predictors: Staphylococcus aureus (OR=4.6), presence of vegetation in the posterior mitral leaflet (OR=3.2) and history of hypertension (OR=3.32). Survival at 5 and 10 years was 88.20% ± 0.04 and 81.50% ± 0.05 respectively. Conclusions: operative mortality of active endocarditis in our environment is high and similar to that reported internationally. The presence of local complications is associated with prosthetic endocarditis in evolution and proved to be an independent predictor of long-term survival, and operative mortality. Long-term survival is similar to that reported internationally. A high incidence of in-hospital agents was observed and invasive procedures as probable causes.

Resumo: Antecedentes: a endocardite infecciosa é uma doença com alta morbimortalidade. Requerem tratamento cirúrgico o 50%. Em nosso meio, as características clínicas e evolutivas dos pacientes operados com endocardite ativa são desconhecidas. Objetivos: primário, determinar a mortalidade operatória e a sobrevida a longo prazo; secundário: Definir preditores de embolias, complicações locais, mortalidade operatória e endocardite protética na evolução. Métodos: trabalho retrospectivo, analítico. Foram identificados no banco de dados pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de endocardite ativa entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2017. Através de regressão logística multivariada, os preditores foram identificados para os objetivos estabelecidos. Resultados: cento e um pacientes foram incluídos. Staphylococcus aureus foi o microrganismo mais frequente (15,8%). A topografia foi protética em 20,8%, aórtica 46,5%, mitral 23,8% e mitroaórtica 13,9%. A mortalidade operatória foi de 11,3% e 29,5% (p = 0,025), de acordo com a ausência ou presença de complicações locais, o único preditor independente de mortalidade (OR). Um 47,5% apresentaram complicações locais, sendo o mais frequente o abscesso (25,7%). Os preditores independentes foram: endocardite protética (OR = 5,8), endocardite valvar aórtica (OR=2,9)) e sexo masculino (OR = 3,5). A incidência de endocardite protética precoce foi de 3% e tardia de 4%. Trinta por cento dos pacientes adquiriram endocardite infecciosa como resultado de um procedimento médico invasivo nos 6 meses anteriores. Dos pacientes com endocardite protética na evolução, 85,7% apresentava complicações locais (p <0,05). O 31,7% apresentava embolia, resultando em preditores independentes: Staphylococcus aureus (OR = 4,6), vegetação no véu mitral posterior (OR = 3,2) e história de hipertensão arterial (OR = 3,32). A sobrevida em 5 e 10 anos foi de 88,20% ± 0,04 e 81,50% ± 0,05, respectivamente. Conclusões: a mortalidade operatória da endocardite ativa em nosso ambiente é alto e semelhante ao relatado internacionalmente. A presença de complicações locais está associada à endocardite protética na evolução e provou ser um preditor independente de sobrevida a longo prazo e mortalidade operatória. A sobrevivência a longo prazo é semelhante à relatada internacionalmente. Foi observada alta incidência de agentes hospitalares e procedimentos invasivos como causas prováveis.

Seguridad de la exclusión quirúrgica del apéndice auricular izquierdo en pacientes con fibrilación auricular sometidos a cirugía valvular mitral / Safety of left atrial appendage exclusion in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve surgery / Segurança da exclusão cirúrgica do apêndice atrial esquerdo em pacientes com fibrilação atrial submetidos a cirurgia valvar mitral

Resumen: Introducción: la fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia sostenida más frecuente en la práctica clínica. Asocia un aumento significativo de morbimortalidad. La prevención de fenómenos embólicos es un pilar del tratamiento, basado en gran medida en la anticoagulación oral (ACO). Hay un porcentaje significativo de pacientes que presentan contraindicaciones para ACO, a los cuales se deben ofrecer tratamientos alternativos. La exclusión quirúrgica del apéndice auricular izquierdo (AAI) determina beneficios en tal sentido y se asocia a una menor tasa de eventos neurológicos. Objetivo: primario, valorar la seguridad de la exclusión quirúrgica del AAI en pacientes con FA sometidos a cirugía valvular mitral; secundario, analizar la incidencia de ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) en dicha población y analizar la sobrevida entre los pacientes con y sin exclusión del AAI. Método: estudio unicéntrico, analítico, observacional, retrospectivo, comparando exclusión o no del AAI en pacientes con FA sometidos a cirugía cardíaca sobre válvula mitral, entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2018. Las variables se obtuvieron de la base de datos institucional. El seguimiento fue telefónico y la sobrevida fue derivada de datos oficiales nacionales. Resultados: se incluyeron 69 pacientes (en 45 se realizó exclusión del AAI). Como características con diferencias significativas destacan la edad (69,1±8,2 años sin exclusión del AAI; 63,6±10,3 años con exclusión del AAI, p=0,026) y el porcentaje de ablación quirúrgica de FA en cada grupo (29,2% sin exclusión del AAI; 68,9% con exclusión del AAI, p=0,002). Se obtuvo un seguimiento de 33 pacientes, entre los cuales no hubo diferencias significativas en los parámetros considerados. Se evaluó la sobrevida del total de los pacientes incluidos, sin diferencia a largo plazo. Conclusión: según los datos analizados, la exclusión del AAI es un procedimiento seguro que no agrega complicaciones a la cirugía valvular mitral en pacientes con FA. No fue posible demostrar que la exclusión del AAI reduzca de manera significativa la prevalencia de ACV isquémico a largo plazo, ni modifique la sobrevida.

Summary: Introduction: atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrythmia in clinical practice. It is associated to significant morbimortality. The prevention of embolic episodes is a pillar of atrial fibrillation treatment and is based mainly on anticoagulation. However, there is a significant proportion of patients with contraindications for anticoagulation, to whom alternative treatments must be offered. Surgical exclusion of the left atrial appendage offers benefits in this regard, and is associated to a lower rate of neurological events. Objective: primary endpoint: to evaluate the safety of the surgical exclusion of the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve surgery; secondary endpoint: to analyze the incidence of stroke in this population, and to analyze the survival rate in patients with and without left atrial appendage exclusion. Method: a single center, analytic, observational, retrospective study, comparing exclusion and no exclusion of the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve surgery between January 2012 and December 2018. The variables were obtained from the institutional database. The follow up was telephonic and survival rates were obtained from a national official database. Results: 69 patients were included (45 underwent surgical left atrial appendage exclusion). Statistically significant features between the groups were age (69.1±8.2 years without left atrial appendage exclusion; 63.6±10.3 years with left atrial appendage exclusion, p=0.026), and the rate of surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (29.2% without exclusion; 68.9% with exclusion, p=0.002). The follow up was carried out in 33, finding no statistically significant differences between the groups. The survival rate of all patients was analyzed, finding no long term differences. Conclusion: according to the data analyzed, left atrial appendage exclusion is a safe procedure, and adds no further complications to mitral valve surgery in patients with atrial fibrillation. It was not possible to prove that left atrial appendage exclusion significantly reduces the long term prevalence of ischemic stroke or modifies the survival rate.

Resumo: Introdução: a fibrilação atrial é a arritmia sustentada mais frequente na prática clínica. Associa um aumento significativo na morbimortalidade. A prevenção de fenômenos embólicos é um dos pilares do tratamento, amplamente baseado na anticoagulação oral. Existe uma percentagem significativa de pacientes que apresentam contra-indicações, a quem tratamentos alternativos devem ser oferecidos. A exclusão cirúrgica do apêndice atrial esquerdo determina benefícios nesse sentido e está associada a uma menor taxa de eventos neurológicos. Objetivo: primário: avaliar a segurança da exclusão cirúrgica do apêndice atrial esquerdo em pacientes com fibrilação atrial submetidos a cirurgia valvar mitral; secundário: analisar a incidência de ataque cerebrovascular na referida população e análise de sobrevida em pacientes com e sem exclusão de apêndice atrial esquerdo. Método: estudo de centro único, analítico, observacional, retrospectivo que comparou a exclusão ou não de apêndice atrial esquerdo em pacientes com fibrilação atrial submetidos a cirurgia cardíaca na válvula mitral, entre janeiro de 2012 e dezembro de 2018. As variáveis foram obtidas no banco de dados institucional. O acompanhamento foi por telefone e a sobrevivência foi obtida a partir de dados nacionais oficiais. Resultados: 69 pacientes foram incluídos (45 foram excluídos da apêndice atrial esquerdo). Como elementos estatisticamente significativos, destacam-se a idade (69,1 ± 8,2 anos sem exclusão do apêndice atrial esquerdo; 63,6 ± 10,3 anos com exclusão do apêndice atrial esquerdo, p = 0,026) e a taxa de ablação cirúrgica da fibrilação atrial em cada grupo (29,2% sem exclusão; 68,9% com exclusão, p = 0,002). Foi obtido um seguimento de 33 pacientes, entre os quais não houve diferenças significativas nos parâmetros considerados. A sobrevida de todos os pacientes incluídos foi avaliada, sem diferença na sobrevida a longo prazo. Conclusão: de acordo com os dados analisados, a exclusão do apêndice atrial esquerdo é um procedimento seguro que não agrega complicações à cirurgia valvar mitral em pacientes com fibrilação atrial. Não foi possível demonstrar que a exclusão da apêndice atrial esquerdo reduz significativamente a prevalência de ataque vascular cerebral isquêmico a longo prazo, nem modifica a sobrevida.

Trombosis de válvulas protésicas biológicas / Biological prosthetic valve thrombosis / Trombose da válvula protética biológica

Resumen: La trombosis de la válvula protésica biológica (TVPB) era considerada una entidad relativamente rara. Sin embargo, debido al aumento del uso de bioprótesis en cirugía cardíaca y al advenimiento de las prótesis biológicas transcatéter, ha adquirido mayor interés al ser reconocida como causa de disfunción protésica. Aún no se ha establecido la relevancia a largo plazo de la trombosis subclínica, ni están definidas las estrategias terapéuticas óptimas para prevenir la TVPB ni las complicaciones tromboembólicas. En esta revisión se analizan la fisiopatología, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la TVPB para contribuir al conocimiento de esta patología.

Summary: Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis was considered a relatively rare entity. However, due to the increased use of bioprostheses in cardiac surgery and the advent of transcatheter biological prostheses, it has acquired more attention as a cause of prosthetic dysfunction. The long-term relevance of subclinical thrombosis has not yet been elucidated, nor are the optimal therapeutic strategies to prevent bioprosthetic valve thrombosis or thromboembolic complications. This review aims to provide a summary of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of bioprosthetic valve thrombosis to contribute to the knowledge of this pathology.

Resumo: A trombose de prótese biológica foi considerada uma entidade relativamente rara. No entanto, devido ao aumento do uso de biopróteses em cirurgia cardíaca e o advento de próteses biológicas transcateter, tornou-se mais interessante como causa de disfunção protética. A relevância a longo prazo da trombose subclínica ainda não foi elucidada, nem são definidas as estratégias terapêuticas ideais para prevenir a trombose de prótese biológica ou complicações tromboembólicas. Esta revisão tem como objetivo fornecer um resumo da fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento da trombose de prótese biológica para contribuir o conhecimento desta patologia

COVID-19 con afectación cardiovascular. Reporte de un caso / COVID-19 with cardiovascular involvement. Case report / COVID-19 com envolvimento cardiovascular. Relato de um caso

Resumen: Estamos transitando el inicio de la pandemia COVID-19 por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Se ha reconocido que la forma de presentación puede ser con síntomas de la esfera cardiovascular. Reportamos el primer caso de un paciente ingresado a terapia intensiva con COVID-19 en Uruguay, quien se presentó al ingreso con sintomatología cardiovascular.

Summary: We are transiting the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It has been recognized that the form of presentation may be with cardiovascular symptoms. We report the first case of a patient admitted to intensive care affected with COVID-19 in Uruguay, who was admitted with cardiovascular symptoms.

Resumo: Estamos no início da pandemia de COVID-19 causada pelo novo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2. Foi reconhecido que a forma de apresentação pode estar com sintomas cardiovasculares. Relatamos o primeiro caso de um paciente admitido em terapia intensiva afetada pelo COVID-19 no Uruguai, que foi admitido com sintomas cardiovasculares.

Uso de NT-proBNP como predictor de evolución en el posoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca / Use of NT-proBNP to predict postoperative evolution in cardiac surgery / Uso do NT-proBNP como preditor de evolução no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca

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Summary: Introduction: the amino-terminal pro brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in heart failure. Its use as a prognosis predictor of postoperative evolution in cardiac surgery has not been established. Objective: to determine if the value of preoperative NT in cardiac surgery is associated with postoperative evolution parameters. Primary objective: to evaluate its association with the length of stay in intensive care unit. Secondary objectives: to evaluate its association with the time of mechanical ventilation and inotropic agents requirements. To determine the evolution of NT-proBNP concentration after cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: multicentric retrospective study, endorsed by the Research Committee of the National Institute of Cardiac Surgery and the Ethic Research Committee of the Clinic Hospital. It included patients who underwent cardiac surgery between March and August 2018. NT-proBNP was measured during anesthesia induction and after cardiopulmonary bypass. A possible association of preoperative NT-proBNP with risk factors and type of procedure performed was studied. By analysing the ROC curve, the area under curve (AUC) was calculated and then, the best cut-off value of NT-proBNP to predict prolonged intensive care unit stay was determined. Intensive care unit stays, mechanical ventilation and inotropic requirements were defined as prolonged when they exceeded 2 days, 6 and 24 hours respectively. Through the use of multivaried logistics, the predicting value of NT-proBNP was determined for each one of the aforementioned variables. A value of alfa 0.05 was considered significant. Results: a total of 155 patients were included in the study. Age, creatininemia, and left ventricular ejection fraction were 65.8±11.4 years, 1.15±1.10 mg/dl and 52.8±11.9% respectively. Female prevalence was 30.3%, arterial hypertension 77.4%, diabetes mellitus 25.2% and dyslipidemia 50.3%. In 42.6% isolated myocardial revascularization was performed, in 12.9% myocardial revascularization plus one or more valve procedures, and in 44.5% isolated valve procedures. In all cases there was a significant reduction between preoperative (443 pg/ml, interquartile range 143-1.193) and postoperative NT-proBNP (362 pg/ml, interquartile range 138-939) (p<0.001). Age, creatininemia, left ventricular ejection fraction, functional classification IV of the New York Heart Association and dyslipidemia turned out to be predictors of preoperative NT-proBNP. Preoperative NT-proBNP was higher in patients with prolonged intensive care unit stay, mechanical ventilation and inotropic requirements. However, it turned out to be an independent predictor only for prolonged intensive care unit stay. (OR=1.62; IC95%:1.11-2.35. p=0.012). The best cut-off value for prolonged intensive care unit stay was 409 pg/ml (AUC=0.68). Conclusion: preoperative determination of NT-proBNP is an efficient tool to predict postoperative evolution. Cardiopulmonary bypass is associated to a significant drop in that marker.

Resumo: Introdução: a porção terminal amino do peptído natriurético tipo B é um biomarcador diagnóstico e prognóstico na insuficiência cardíaca. Seu uso como preditor prognóstico no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca não está estabelecido. Objetivo: determinar se o valor de NT-proBNP no período pré-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca está associado a parâmetros de evolução pós-operatória. Objetivo primário: avaliar sua associação com tempo prolongado de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva. Objetivos secundários: associação com tempo de ventilação mecânica e necessidade inotrópica. Determinar a evolução da concentração de NT-proBNP após circulação extracorpórea. Método: estudo multicêntrico retrospectivo endossado pelo Comitê de Pesquisa do Instituto Nacional de Cirurgia Cardíaco e pelo Comitê de Ética da Pesquisa do Hospital da Clínica. Foram incluídos pacientes operados de março a agosto de 2018. O NT-proBNP foi dosado durante a indução anestésica e após a circulação extracorpórea. O NT-proBNP foi comparado de acordo com os fatores de risco e procedimentos realizados. A área da curva (AUC) foi determinada pela análise da curva ROC e o melhor ponto de corte NT-proBNP foi estabelecido na previsão do tempo prolongado de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva. O tempo de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva, tempo de ventilação mecânica e necessidade inotrópica prolongada foram definidos como maiores que 2 dias, 6 e 24 horas, respectivamente. Um alfa de 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: 155 pacientes foram incluídos. Idade, creatininemia e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo foram 65,8± 11,4 anos, 1,15 ± 1,10 mg/dl e 52,8 ± 11,9 %, respectivamente. A prevalência do sexo feminino foi 30,3%, hipertensão arterial 77,4%, diabetes mellitus 25,2% e dislipidemia 50,3%. Em 42,6%, foi realizada revascularização do miocárdio isolada, em 12,9% revascularização do miocárdio associada a um ou mais procedimentos valvares, e em 44,5% procedimentos puros da válvula. Em todos os casos, houve uma diminuição significativa entre o pré-operatório (443 pg/ml, rango interquartílico 143-1.193) e o pós-operatório de NT-proBNP (362 pg/ml, rango interquartilico 138-939) (p <0,001). Idade, cretininemia, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, classe funcional IV da New York Heart Association e dislipidemia foram preditores de NT-proBNP pré-operatório. NT-proBNP pré-operatório foi elevado em pacientes com tempo prolongado de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva, tempo de ventilação mecânica e necessidade inotrópica prolongada, mas apenas acabou por ser preditor independente em internação prolongada em unidade de terapia intensiva (OR=1,62; IC95%:1,11-2,35. p=0,012). O melhor valor de corte para internação prolongada foi de 409 pg/ml (AUC = 0,68). Conclusão: a determinação pré-operatória de NT-proBNP é útil como ferramenta na previsão da evolução pós-operatória. A circulação extracorpórea está associada a uma diminuição significativa desse marcador.

Estimación de la presión arterial pulmonar mediante ecocardiografía / Echocardiographic estimation of pulmonary arterial pressure / Estimativa da pressão arterial pulmonar por ecocardiografia

Resumen: Los avances tecnológicos en ecocardiografía durante los últimos 30 años han aumentado la precisión en la evaluación anatómica y funcional de las cavidades cardíacas derechas, así como en la estimación de la presión arterial pulmonar y en la evaluación hemodinámica pulmonar. Las conclusiones derivadas de un informe ecocardiográfico deben sugerir la probabilidad de hipertensión pulmonar (HTP) en función de los elementos que permiten estimar la presión sistólica, diastólica o media en la arteria pulmonar más la presencia de elementos indirectos de HTP. Analizamos la evidencia que sustenta la utilidad de los diferentes métodos ecocardiográficos para la estimación de la presión pulmonar. Es de suma importancia que el cardiólogo tenga presente los diferentes métodos -directos e indirectos- que permiten evaluar la HTP.

Summary: Technological advances in echocardiography over last 30 years have increased the accuracy in anatomical and functional evaluation of right cardiac cavities, as well as in estimation of pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary hemodynamic evaluation. Conclusions derived from an echocardiographic report should suggest the probability of pulmonary hypertension depending on the elements that allow to estimate the systolic, diastolic and/or mean pulmonary artery pressure in addition to the presence of indirect elements of pulmonary hypertension. We analyze the evidence that supports the usefulness of different echocardiographic methods for estimation of pulmonary pressure. It is very important that the cardiologist keep in mind the different methods -direct and indirect- that allow to evaluate it.

Resumo: Os avanços tecnológicos da ecocardiografia nos últimos 30 anos aumentaram a acurácia na avaliação anatômica e funcional das cavidades cardíacas direitas, bem como na estimativa da pressão arterial pulmonar e na avaliação hemodinâmica pulmonar. As conclusões derivadas de um relatório ecocardiográfico devem sugerir a probabilidade de hipertensão pulmonar com base nos elementos que permitem estimar a pressão sistólica, diastólica e/ou média na artéria pulmonar mais a presença de elementos indiretos da hipertensão pulmonar. Analisamos as evidências que sustentam a utilidade dos diferentes métodos ecocardiográficos na estimativa da pressão pulmonar. É da maior importância que o cardiologista tenha em mente os diferentes métodos -diretos e indiretos- que permitem a sua avaliação.

Previous cardiac surgery: a predictor of mortality in aortic valve replacement?

Abstract Introduction: Previous cardiac surgery (PCS) is a risk factor for operative mortality in pa-tients undergoing reoperative aortic valve replacement (AVR) and may be influenced by the volume of patients in each center. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of AVR in patients with previous cardiac surgery in a low volume cardiac center (400 cases per year). Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2016, 854 patients underwent isolated AVR surgery at our institution. Of these, 70 had PCS. Propensity match (PM) was per-formed to balance basal covariates. Operative mortality and survival were the primary outcomes. Results: The PCS and first-time surgery (FTS) groups had significant differences in base-line characteristics (PCS group were older, higher incidence of hypertension, endocarditis, NYHA III/IV, lower LVEF, higher creatinine and higher EuroSCORE). In the unmatched population, patients with PCS had higher operative mortality (17.1% vs. 4.6%, P=0.001). In the PM groups, this difference was not significant (12.5% and 3.6%, P=0.08). The only independent predictors for operative mortality found in the PCS group were age and fe-male gender. Age and diabetes were identified as the only independent predictors of sur-vival. Conclusion: PCS was not a predictor for operative mortality nor long-term survival in pa-tients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement.

Previous Cardiac Surgery: a Predictor of Mortality in Aortic Valve Replacement?

INTRODUCTION: Previous cardiac surgery (PCS) is a risk factor for operative mortality in pa-tients undergoing reoperative aortic valve replacement (AVR) and may be influenced by the volume of patients in each center. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of AVR in patients with previous cardiac surgery in a low volume cardiac center (400 cases per year). METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2016, 854 patients underwent isolated AVR surgery at our institution. Of these, 70 had PCS. Propensity match (PM) was per-formed to balance basal covariates. Operative mortality and survival were the primary outcomes. RESULTS: The PCS and first-time surgery (FTS) groups had significant differences in base-line characteristics (PCS group were older, higher incidence of hypertension, endocarditis, NYHA III/IV, lower LVEF, higher creatinine and higher EuroSCORE). In the unmatched population, patients with PCS had higher operative mortality (17.1% vs. 4.6%, P=0.001). In the PM groups, this difference was not significant (12.5% and 3.6%, P=0.08). The only independent predictors for operative mortality found in the PCS group were age and fe-male gender. Age and diabetes were identified as the only independent predictors of sur-vival. CONCLUSION: PCS was not a predictor for operative mortality nor long-term survival in pa-tients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement.

Sustitución valvular aórtica: ¿prótesis biológica o mecánica? Estudio comparativo de sobrevida a largo plazo / Aortic valve replacement: biological or mechanical prosthesis? Comparative study of long-term survival

Resumen: Introducción: tanto el uso de bioprótesis como de prótesis mecánicas en la sustitución valvular aórtica (SVA) tiene sus ventajas y desventajas en determinados grupos de pacientes. Datos internacionales no terminan de definir el beneficio a largo plazo de una u otra opción. Objetivo: estudiar el valor predictivo de sobrevida según el tipo de prótesis empleada en los pacientes sometidos a SVA. Métodos: se incluyeron pacientes operados de SVA aislada o asociada a cirugía de revascularización (CRM) desde enero de 2006 hasta diciembre de 2016. Se extrajeron las variables demográficas, operatorias y de seguimiento. Para disminuir la heterogeneidad entre ambos grupos se realizó un pareamiento por puntaje de propensión (PP). La sobrevida se evaluó de forma global y según estrato etario (< y ³ 60 años). Definimos el valor predictivo de sobrevida de cada tipo de prótesis mediante regresión de Cox. Resultados: se incluyeron 1.516 pacientes. Se implantó prótesis biológica a 1.230 pacientes (81,1%) y mecánica a 286 pacientes (18,9%). Se logró parear 145 pacientes en cada grupo. No se encontraron diferencias en la mortalidad operatoria ni en las complicaciones posoperatorias evaluadas (incidencia de accidente cerebrovascular [ACV], implante de marcapaso definitivo, requerimiento de diálisis, sangrado y complicaciones asociadas a la anticoagulación) tanto en la población global como luego del pareamiento. El uso de bioprótesis no fue predictor de sobrevida alejada en la población pareada por PP (HR=0,86, IC 95%: 0,51-1,4). En ninguno de los dos estratos etarios el tipo de prótesis fue predictor de sobrevida. Conclusión: en nuestro medio, en los pacientes sometidos a SVA la sobrevida a largo plazo es similar con ambos tipos de prótesis.

Summary: Introduction: the use of bioprosthesis and mechanical prosthesis has its advantages and disadvantages that vary according to each patient. International data do not agree on the long-term benefit in survival of either prosthesis. Objective: evaluate survival and predictive role of type of prosthesis in patients who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods: we included patients who underwent AVR from January 2006 to December 2016. Demographic, operative and follow-up variables were extracted from the institution database. In order to decrease patient heterogeneity, propensity match (PM) was performed. Survival was analyzed globally and according to age strata (< and ³ 60 years old). Predictive role of prosthesis type was evaluated with Cox regression. Results: 1.516 patients were included. Bioprosthesis was used in 1.230 (81,1%) and mechanical in 286 (18,9%) patients; 145 PM patients were evaluated in each group. No differences were found in operative mortality and postoperative complications (stroke, pacemaker, dialysis, bleeding and anticoagulation complications) either in the global population or the PM. Use of bioprosthesis was not an independent predictor for survival in the PM (HR=0.86,95%CI:0.51-1.14). In neither of the age strata was type of prosthesis a predictor of survival. Conclusion: locally, patients who undergo AVR have similar survival regardless of the type of prosthesis.

Modelling the kinetics and structural property evolution of a versatile reaction: aqueous HCN polymerization.

The kinetics of the reaction of the synthesis of HCN polymers in aqueous medium at high temperatures have been analysed to ascertain a suitable model for this material, for which it was recently demonstrated that prebiotic chemistry may now be adapted in the development of a new generation of high performance coatings and adhesives with biomedical applications. These experimental conditions were chosen for the simplicity of the reagents, being particularly convenient in regard to potential industrial scale-up of coating technology, where these polymers have revealed an interesting field of application. The kinetics of the precipitation polymerization of HCN in water were studied under isothermal conditions at four different temperatures between 75 °C and 90 °C throughout gravimetric measurements. The use of the Kamal-Sourour autocatalytic kinetic model was proposed, properly describing the overall formation process of this insoluble HCN polymer. All of the kinetic parameters, including reaction orders, kinetic constants and activation energy, were determined for the cross-linking polymerization reaction under study, and a relevant autocatalysis effect was observed. An isoconversion method was also used to analyse the variation of the global activation energy with conversion; and characterization by means of elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out. This study demonstrates the autocatalytic, robust and straightforward character of this heterogeneous aqueous HCN polymerization, and to the best of our knowledge, this report describes the first time that a systematic and extended kinetic analysis has been conducted to obtain a more comprehensive and deeper understanding of this complex reaction, which is of great interest to the origin of life and, currently, to materials science.

Conciencia fonológica y resolución de problemas matemáticos en educación infantil / Phonological awareness and mathematical problem solving in preschool

Introducción. Algunos estudios revelan la participación del procesamiento lingüístico en la resolución de problemas matemáticos, subrayando su papel en la representación y en el procesamiento de información. Estas investigaciones no suelen considerar población en edades tempranas. Objetivos. Este estudio tiene un doble objetivo: analizar la influencia lingüística en resolución de problemas matemáticos en la etapa de educación infantil y analizar qué habilidades lingüísticas explican significativamente por sí solas la resolución de problemas matemáticos. Método. Participaron 76 niños españoles que cursaban tercero de educación infantil. Se evaluaron habilidades semánticas, morfosintácticas y conciencia fonológica, memoria verbal y velocidad de procesamiento verbal. El rendimiento en resolución de problemas se evaluó por medio de problemas de operaciones lógicas y a través de problemas con enunciados orales con y sin apoyo visual. Resultados. Las habilidades lingüísticas correlacionaron significativamente con las habilidades de resolución de problemas que involucran el pensamiento lógico y problemas con enunciado verbal, con y sin apoyo visual. Las habilidades lingüísticas, en conjunto, se relacionan con la resolución de problemas, explicando un incremento significativo de varianza adicional a la explicada por el nivel de inteligencia. La conciencia fonológica resulta ser la habilidad lingüística que mejor predice el rendimiento en problemas con enunciados sin apoyo de material concreto. Conclusiones. La conciencia fonológica es buen indicador de la calidad de las representaciones fonológicas que permiten manipular la información lingüística contenida en problemas matemáticos a edades tempranas. Estos hallazgos tienen relevancia en procesos de aprendizaje matemático, tanto en población con desarrollo típico como con dificultades de procesamiento fonológico

Introduction. Solving mathematical problems requires a number of different skills. Several studies have highlighted the role of language processing in problem solving through its influence on mental representation and information processing in mathematical problems. However, these studies usually focus on the primary school years and less often on children at preschool level. Objectives. The objective of this study was twofold: to analyse the effect of linguistic competence on problem solving in mathematics at the kindergarten stage and to identify which specific language skills are most closely associated with problem-solving skill. Method. The sample included 76 children attending a kindergarten third grade class. Composed measures of semantic and morphosyntactic skills, phonological awareness, verbal memory and processing speed were formed from the CELF subscales. Problem-solving skill was assessed by asking children to solve a range of different mathematical problems involving Piagetian logical operations, and word problems with and without accompanying visual representations. Results. Linguistic skills correlated significantly with skill in solving problems involving logical thinking, and verbal statement problems with and without visual representation. Linguistic skills predicted children’ problem-solving skills as they accounted for additional variance beyond that accounted for by IQ. Phonological awareness was the single best predictor of scores in solving word problems without visual support. Conclusions. Phonological awareness is a good indicator of the quality of phonological representations that allow manipulation of the linguistic information contained in mathematical problems at an early age. These findings have practical consequences for helping children to achieve normative development and for children with phonological processing difficulties

Efficacy of the unified protocol for the treatment of emotional disorders in the Spanish public mental health system using a group format: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Emotional disorders, which include both anxiety and depressive disorders, are the most prevalent psychological disorders according to recent epidemiological studies. Consequently, public costs associated with their treatment have become a matter of concern for public health systems, which face long waiting lists. Because of their high prevalence in the population, finding an effective treatment for emotional disorders has become a key goal of today's clinical psychology. The Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders might serve the aforementioned purpose, as it can be applied to a variety of disorders simultaneously and it can be easily performed in a group format. METHODS: The study is a multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority controlled clinical trial. Participants will be 220 individuals with emotional disorders, who are randomized to either a treatment as usual (individual cognitive behavioral therapy) or to a Unified Protocol condition in group format. Depression, anxiety, and diagnostic criteria are the primary outcome measures. Secondary measures include the assessment of positive and negative affect, anxiety control, personality traits, overall adjustment, and quality of life. An analysis of treatment satisfaction is also conducted. Assessment points include baseline, post-treatment, and three follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months. To control for missing data and possible biases, intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed. DISCUSSION: This is the first randomized, controlled clinical trial to test the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic intervention in a group format for the treatment of emotional disorders in public settings in Spain. Results obtained from this study may have important clinical, social, and economic implications for public mental health settings in Spain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ . Trial NCT03064477 (March 10, 2017). The trial is active and recruitment is ongoing. Recruitment is expected to finish by January 2020.