Analysis of the expression of the Serpina1 gene in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Study of a new biomarker.

INTRODUCTION: The SERPINA1 gene encodes the protein Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT1). Possible imbalances between the concentrations of proteases and antiproteases (AAT1) can lead to the development of serious pulmonary and extrapulmonary pathologies. In this work we study the importance of this possible imbalance in patients with COVID-19. OBJECTIVES: To correlate the severity of the symptoms of SARS-COV-2 infection with the AAT1 concentrations at diagnosis of the disease. METHODS: An observational, prospective, cross-sectional, non-interventional, analytical study was carried out where 181 cases with COVID-19 admitted to the "Lozano Blesa" University Clinical Hospital of Zaragoza were selected. The concentration of AAT1 was studied in all of them and this was correlated with the clinical aspects and biochemical parameters at hospital admission. RESULTS: 141 cases corresponded to patients with severe COVID and 40 patients with mild COVID. AAT1 levels were positively correlated with the days of hospitalization, severity, C-Reactive Protein, ferritin, admission to Intensive Care, and death, and presented a negative correlation with the number of lymphocytes/mm3. AAT1 concentrations higher than 237.5 mg/dL allowed the patient to be classified as "severe" (S72%; E78%) and 311.5 mg/dL were associated with the risk of admission to Intensive Care or Exitus (S67%; E79%). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of the SERPINA1 gene expression product, AAT1, correlate with the severity of COVID-19 patients at diagnosis of the disease, being useful as a prognostic biomarker.

Comparative response to PDT with methyl-aminolevulinate and temoporfin in cutaneous and oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Cutaneous and Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC, HNSCC) are among the most prevalent cancers. Both types of cancer can be treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) by using the photosensitizer Temoporfin in HNSCC and the prodrug methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL) in CSCC. However, PDT is not always effective. Therefore, it is mandatory to correctly approach the therapy according to the characteristics of the tumour cells. For this reason, we have used cell lines of CSCC (A431 and SCC13) and HNSCC (HN5 and SCC9). The results obtained indicated that the better response to MAL-PDT was related to its localization in the plasma membrane (A431 and HN5 cells). However, with Temoporfin all cell lines showed lysosome localization, even the most sensitive ones (HN5). The expression of mesenchymal markers and migratory capacity was greater in HNSCC lines compared to CSCC, but no correlation with PDT response was observed. The translocation to the nucleus of ß-catenin and GSK3ß and the activation of NF-κß is related to the poor response to PDT in the HNSCC lines. Therefore, we propose that intracellular localization of GSK3ß could be a good marker of response to PDT in HNSCC. Although the molecular mechanism of response to PDT needs further elucidation, this work shows that the most MAL-resistant line of CSCC is more sensitive to Temoporfin.

Prospective, multi-centric, international, single-arm, cohort study to assess a synthetic polyamide suture material in oral surgery to close the mucosa - MUCODA study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to collect different clinical parameters systematically and proactively regarding safety, effectiveness, and performance of a nylon monofilament suture under routine clinical practice for oral surgery. METHODS: The study design was prospective, bicentric, international, single-armed, and observational. A non-absorbable suture was applied to close the mucosa after different dental surgical interventions. Main objective was the incidence of combined postoperative complications until suture removal. The 95 % Confidence Interval (Agresti-Coull method) was used to prove the non-inferiority with a pre-specified upper margin of 21.9 %. Secondary variables were intraoperative suture handling, patient pain and satisfaction, wound healing, aesthetic appearance, and bacterial contamination. RESULTS: 105 patients were enrolled. Complication rate was low (1.9 %), 2 swellings occurred. Pain was present for 1.61 days ± 1.42 after various dental interventions with an average pain level of 20.98 ± 22.60 (VAS). Patients with impacted third molar extraction showed the longest pain duration (6 days) combined with the highest mean pain level of 35.33 ± 30.45 (VAS). Intraoperative suture handling was very good to excellent. Suture removal was done after an average duration of 7.56 ± 2.09 days. Patient's satisfaction was high, and an excellent wound healing was reported by the dentists. Aesthetic appearance only performed in implant patients was rated by oral surgeons with an average of 96.19 ± 3.79 points [min. 80 - max. 100] at 5 months postoperatively. Thread bacterial analysis showed that F. nucleatum was the most present species. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the non-absorbable, nylon-based monofilament suture used is safe and quite suitable for oral mucosal closure after various dental surgical interventions such as tooth extraction, implant placement and impacted third molar extraction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study showed the safe use of a non-absorbable, nylon-based monofilament suture for different oral surgical interventions under daily routine clinical practice.

Consenso de terminología en microscopia confocal de reflectancia en español mediante método Delphi / Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Terminology in Spanish: A Delphi Consensus Study

La terminología usada para describir los diferentes hallazgos en la microscopía confocal de reflectancia (MCR), tanto en lesiones melanocíticas, como en no melanocíticas se ha consensuado en inglés. En el presente trabajo, se proponen los términos en español que mejor interpretan estos conceptos ya descritos para la MCR, mediante el consenso de expertos de distintas nacionalidades de habla hispana y utilizando el método DELPHI para el acuerdo final. Se obtuvieron 52 términos en total, de los cuales 28 fueron para lesiones melanocíticas y 24 para lesiones no melanocíticas. El uso de la nomenclatura propuesta permitirá una homogeneización y mejor entendimiento de las estructuras; una descripción más estandarizada en los registros clínicos y una mejor interpretación de estos informes por otros dermatólogos.(AU)

The terminology used to describe reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) findings in both melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions has been standardized in English. We convened a panel of Spanish-speaking RCM experts and used the Delphi method to seek consensus on which Spanish terms best describe RCM findings in this setting. The experts agreed on 52 terms: 28 for melanocytic lesions and 24 for nonmelanocytic lesions. The resulting terminology will facilitate homogenization, leading to a better understanding of structures, more standardized descriptions in clinical registries, and easier interpretation of clinical reports exchanged between dermatologists.(AU)

[Translated article] Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Terminology in Spanish: A Delphi Consensus Study / Consenso de terminología en microscopia confocal de reflectancia en español mediante método Delphi

La terminología usada para describir los diferentes hallazgos en la microscopía confocal de reflectancia (MCR), tanto en lesiones melanocíticas, como en no melanocíticas se ha consensuado en inglés. En el presente trabajo, se proponen los términos en español que mejor interpretan estos conceptos ya descritos para la MCR, mediante el consenso de expertos de distintas nacionalidades de habla hispana y utilizando el método DELPHI para el acuerdo final. Se obtuvieron 52 términos en total, de los cuales 28 fueron para lesiones melanocíticas y 24 para lesiones no melanocíticas. El uso de la nomenclatura propuesta permitirá una homogeneización y mejor entendimiento de las estructuras; una descripción más estandarizada en los registros clínicos y una mejor interpretación de estos informes por otros dermatólogos.(AU)

The terminology used to describe reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) findings in both melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions has been standardized in English. We convened a panel of Spanish-speaking RCM experts and used the Delphi method to seek consensus on which Spanish terms best describe RCM findings in this setting. The experts agreed on 52 terms: 28 for melanocytic lesions and 24 for nonmelanocytic lesions. The resulting terminology will facilitate homogenization, leading to a better understanding of structures, more standardized descriptions in clinical registries, and easier interpretation of clinical reports exchanged between dermatologists.(AU)

Efecto de un equipo multidisciplinar (código TEP) en el pronóstico de los pacientes con tromboembolia de pulmón aguda sintomática / Impact of a pulmonary embolism response team (PERT) in the prognosis of patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism

Antecedentes No se han aclarado suficientemente los beneficios del manejo multidisciplinar (código TEP) de los pacientes con tromboembolia de pulmón (TEP) aguda sintomática. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto sobre la mortalidad a corto plazo del código TEP comparado con la atención habitual. Métodos Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de TEP aguda sintomática ingresados en un hospital terciario universitario entre los años 2007 y 2022. Mediante un análisis de emparejamiento exacto 1:1, los pacientes atendidos por un equipo multidisciplinar para el manejo de la TEP (código TEP) fueron emparejados con otros que recibieron la atención habitual (es decir, no multidisciplinar) para la TEP. El evento primario de eficacia fue la mortalidad por cualquier causa durante los 30 primeros días después del diagnóstico. El evento secundario de eficacia fue la mortalidad por la propia TEP durante el mismo período de tiempo. Resultados De los 2.902 pacientes con diagnóstico de TEP aguda sintomática incluidos en este estudio, 223 (7,7%; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 6,7-8,7%) fueron manejados por el código TEP. Se emparejaron 207 pacientes manejados por el código TEP con 207 pacientes manejados de forma habitual. En la cohorte emparejada, la atención multidisciplinar a los pacientes con TEP aguda sintomática no se asoció a una reducción significativa de la mortalidad por cualquier causa (odds ratio [OR]: 1,09; IC del 95%: 0,63-1,89) o por la propia TEP (OR: 1,30; IC del 95%: 0,47-3,62) en el mes posterior al diagnóstico de la TEP. Conclusiones La atención multidisciplinar a los pacientes con TEP aguda sintomática no se asoció a una reducción significativa de la mortalidad precoz. (AU)

Background The effect of a pulmonary embolism response team (PERT) in the short-term prognosis of patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) lacks clarity. We therefore aimed at evaluating the effect of a PERT team on short-term mortality among patients with acute PE. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with acute symptomatic PE enrolled in a single-center registry between 2007 and 2022. We used propensity score matching to compare treatment effects for patients with similar predicted probabilities of receiving management by the PERT team. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 30 days following the diagnosis of PE. The secondary outcome was 30-day PE-related mortality. Results Of the 2,902 eligible patients who had acute symptomatic PE, 223 (7.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.7%-8.7%) were managed by the PERT team. Two hundred and seven patients who were treated by the PERT were matched with 207 patients who were not. Matched pairs did not show a statistically significant lower all-cause (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% CI, 0.63-1.89) or PE-related death (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.47-3.62) for PERT management compared with no PERT management through 30 days after diagnosis of PE. Conclusions Our results suggest that multidisciplinary care of patients with acute symptomatic PE by a PERT team is not associated with a significant reduction in short-term all-cause or PE-related mortality. (AU)

Impact of a pulmonary embolism response team (PERT) in the prognosis of patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: The effect of a pulmonary embolism response team (PERT) in the short-term prognosis of patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) lacks clarity. We therefore aimed at evaluating the effect of a PERT team on short-term mortality among patients with acute PE. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with acute symptomatic PE enrolled in a single-center registry between 2007 and 2022. We used propensity score matching to compare treatment effects for patients with similar predicted probabilities of receiving management by the PERT team. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 30 days following the diagnosis of PE. The secondary outcome was 30-day PE-related mortality. RESULTS: Of the 2,902 eligible patients who had acute symptomatic PE, 223 (7.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.7%-8.7%) were managed by the PERT team. Two hundred and seven patients who were treated by the PERT were matched with 207 patients who were not. Matched pairs did not show a statistically significant lower all-cause (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% CI, 0.63-1.89) or PE-related death (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.47-3.62) for PERT management compared with no PERT management through 30 days after diagnosis of PE. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that multidisciplinary care of patients with acute symptomatic PE by a PERT team is not associated with a significant reduction in short-term all-cause or PE-related mortality.

Prader-Willi syndrome in a large sample from Spain: general features, obesity and regular use of psychotropic medication.

BACKGROUND: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a genetically determined disorder, the most frequent cause of early onset obesity, is associated with physical and cognitive dysfunctions and behavioural disturbances; these disturbances are frequently treated with psychotropic medication. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe the characteristics of the first large national sample of persons with PWS in Spain and analyse the relationships of those characteristics with key demographic and clinical factors, particularly with obesity and the regular use of psychotropic medication. METHODS: Participants were recruited among all members of the Spanish Prader-Willi Association who agreed to take part in the study and fulfilled its inclusion criteria. Family and patient demographic features, family size and birth order, intelligence quotient (IQ), anthropometric measures, lifestyle habits, behavioural disturbances (with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist) and clinical data, as well as use of psychotropic drugs and their side effects (with the UKU scale), were collected in genetically confirmed cases of PWS. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were used for determining the associations of demographic and clinical factors with both obesity and the regular use of psychotropic medication. RESULTS: The cohort included 177 participants (aged 6-48 years), that is, 90 (50.8%) males and 87 (49.2%) females. Behavioural disturbances were present in a range of 75% to 93% of participants; psychotropic medication was prescribed to 81 (45.8%) of them. Number of siblings showed a direct correlation with IQ, especially among males, and inappropriate speech was more intense in only-child females. Obesity was, in parallel, strongly associated with ascending age and with not being currently under growth hormone (GH) treatment. Participants taking any psychotropic medication were characterised by more frequent age ≥30 years, high level of hyperactivity and a psychiatric diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Characterisation of persons with PWS in Spain confirms their physical and behavioural phenotype and supports the long-term application of GH therapy and the rational use of psychotropic medication.

[Translated article] Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Terminology in Spanish: A Delphi Consensus Study.

The terminology used to describe reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) findings in both melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions has been standardized in English. We convened a panel of Spanish-speaking RCM experts and used the Delphi method to seek consensus on which Spanish terms best describe RCM findings in this setting. The experts agreed on 52 terms: 28 for melanocytic lesions and 24 for nonmelanocytic lesions. The resulting terminology will facilitate homogenization, leading to a better understanding of structures, more standardized descriptions in clinical registries, and easier interpretation of clinical reports exchanged between dermatologists.

Interaction among health workers and trans men: Findings from a qualitative study in Chile.

PURPOSE: To explore trans men's access and use of healthcare services in Chile, based on the experiences of the trans men themselves, as well as of healthcare professionals. METHODS: A qualitative study with an ethnographic approach was carried out with 30 participants: 14 trans men and 16 healthcare professionals. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews with open-ended questions were used to collect the data. A thematic analysis was carried out with the NVivo Software. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: (1) failures in the recognition of trans identity, (2) challenges with patient-centered care, and (3) use of other ("non-trans") health services. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that not all transition processes are the same, individuals seek different ways; therefore, it is necessary to consider different body types and identities when planning programs and care for men in transition. Moreover, the accompaniment provided during the gender transition process should contemplate emotional and mental support. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study outlines the need for all healthcare professionals to have training and knowledge about the transgender population, regardless of whether they are part of the teams supporting gender transition processes. The role of nurses and the contributions that can be made from nursing discipline in this research field are fundamental.

Afforestation and climate mitigation: lessons from Chile.

The Chilean Climate Change Law excludes tree monocultures as a solution to the climate crisis, offering an opportunity for resilience and climate mitigation in Latin America. The Chilean experience with mega-fires in extensive, homogeneous forest plantations provides important lessons that could inform climate policies in other countries.

Quality of life and functional outcomes in tongue cancer patients: a long-term, prospective, comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The tongue has an indispensable role in communication, swallowing and breathing. Tongue cancer treatment involves direct resection of the tumor and surrounding tissue, which can limit many essential functions of the tongue. There are few patient-reported quality of life studies involving tongue cancer exclusively. There is also a lack of data on the outcomes of quality of life regarding different reconstructive methods, adjuvant non-surgical therapies and other predicting factors. Our objective is to assess the quality of life, functional status, and predicting factors in patients with tongue cancer up to one year after surgical resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with tongue cancer were prospectively identified between October of 2017 and January 2021. Patients were examined before and one, three, six and twelve months after surgical resection with the validated University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire (UW-QOL). Data collection included patient age, sex, TNM staging, size of resection, neck dissection, tracheostomy, reconstructive method and adjuvant therapies. Outcome scores were compared using the Friedman test. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of quality of life and functional status. RESULTS: The use of UWQOL scores as dependent variables revealed the following predicting factors: age, tobacco use, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, reconstruction method and neck dissection. CONCLUSIONS: The most relevant findings in our study are that flap reconstruction becomes increasingly necessary when a glossectomy resection is over 45 mm, in order to maintain tongue function. We established that the reconstructive flap type does not influence quality of life in the long term. Also, we have found that cervical sentinel node biopsy provides better quality of life over neck dissection in the first 3 months after surgery.

Long-term efficacy of a new 6-session cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 2.8 % of the adult population. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been demonstrated to be the most effective psychological intervention for ADHD. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a new 6-session CBT program in comparison with a 12-session CBT program for adults with ADHD at short- and long-term. METHODS: 81 adults with ADHD (58 % males; mean age = 41.27±9.26 years old) were randomly assigned to each treatment condition (6- or 12-session CBT). Validated instruments were used to assess ADHD symptoms, comorbidities (anxiety and depression), and functional impairments at post treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: A significant improvement in ADHD severity, comorbidities (anxiety and depression) and functional impairments were found in both CBT programs after treatment. Furthermore, this improvement was also reported at 3- and 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The current study highlights that a 6-session CBT program is as effective as a 12-session CBT program for ADHD improvement at post treatment and follow-up. The newly developed 6-session CBT program can be used to treat a larger number of patients, reducing the financial cost.

Membranas amnióticas y su aplicación en el tratamiento de quemaduras: una revisión sistemática exploratoria

Las quemaduras son un problema de interés en salud pública ya que generan un alto índice de morbimortalidad a nivel mundial, las quemaduras térmicas son las más prevalentes y pueden alterar la integridad anatómica, funcional y estética de la piel, aspectos fundamentales para la autoestima del paciente y su capacidad para reintegrarse a la sociedad. Al revisar la literatura sobre el tratamiento de estas afecciones encontramos diversos tratamientos, entre ellos el uso de membrana amniótica humana, la cual ha tenido un impacto importante en el manejo de quemaduras al funcionar como andamio biológico con cualidades regenerativas y antiinflamatorias. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo sintetizar la información actual que describe las aplicaciones de membranas amnióticas humanas en quemaduras, realizamos una revisión exploratoria sistemática de la literatura desde 2010 hasta 2021.

Burns are a problem of interest in public health since they generate a high rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide, thermal burns are the most prevalent and can alter the anatomical, functional and aesthetic integrity of the skin, fundamental aspects for the patient's self-esteem and their ability to reintegrate into society. At review literature about the treatment of these conditions, we find various treatments, including the use of human amniotic membrane, which has had a significant impact on burn management by functioning as a biological scaffold with regenerative and anti-inflammatory qualities. The present article aims to synthesize the current information that describes the applications of human amniotic membranes in burns. We carry out a systematic exploratory review of the literature from 2010 to 2021.

Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Terminology in Spanish: A Delphi Consensus Study. / Consenso de terminología en microscopia confocal de reflectancia en español mediante método Delphi.

The terminology used to describe reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) findings in both melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions has been standardized in English. We convened a panel of Spanish-speaking RCM experts and used the Delphi method to seek consensus on which Spanish terms best describe RCM findings in this setting. The experts agreed on 52 terms: 28 for melanocytic lesions and 24 for nonmelanocytic lesions. The resulting terminology will facilitate homogenization, leading to a better understanding of structures, more standardized descriptions in clinical registries, and easier interpretation of clinical reports exchanged between dermatologists.

Celiac disease seroprevalence in subjects with dyspeptic symptoms. A study on a Mexican population.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy that develops in genetically susceptible individuals. The typical gastrointestinal manifestation is diarrhea but symptoms of dyspepsia, such as epigastric pain, nausea, or satiety, can sometimes appear. Previous studies have reported that the prevalence of CD in patients with dyspepsia can be as high as 7%. The aim of the present study was to evaluate CD seroprevalence in subjects with dyspeptic symptoms and a control group in a Mexican population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on blood donors that answered the PAGI-SYM questionnaire for dyspepsia and in whom IgA antibodies to tissue transglutaminase 2 (IgA anti-tTG2) and IgG antibodies to deamidated gliadin peptide (IgG anti-DGP) were determined. CD seroprevalence in subjects with dyspeptic symptoms and in asymptomatic subjects was compared. RESULTS: A total of 427 subjects (76.3% men), with a mean patient age of 34 years (range of 18-65 years) were included. Of those participants, 87 (20.3%) had symptoms of dyspepsia (group A) and 340 (79.6%) were asymptomatic (group B). Antibodies were positive in one (1.15%) of the group A subjects (1/87, 95% CI 0.2-6 %), whereas they were positive in 4 (1.18%) of the group B subjects (4/340, 95% CI 0.4-2.9%, p = 0.59). CONCLUSIONS: CD seroprevalence in the study population with dyspeptic symptoms (1%) was not different from that of the control population. Thus, CD screening in Mexican patients with dyspepsia is not justified.