Resumen ejecutivo sobre la optimización del abordaje multidisciplinar e integrado de la polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes en la Comunidad de Madrid / Executive summary on the optimization of the multidisciplinary and integrated approach to polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in Madrid region

La polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes pueden suponer una emergencia médica en la que el retraso en su correcto diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico pueden asociar complicaciones graves. Con el objetivo de mejorar la atención de los pacientes con estas patologías en el entorno de la Comunidad de Madrid, se diseñó un estudio para identificar las causas y las posibles soluciones para hacer frente los problemas relacionados con el diagnóstico de estas patologías. Tras un análisis preliminar, se identificaron 11 áreas de mejora relacionadas con cuatro aspectos diferenciados del proceso asistencial: coordinación y protocolos, equipamientos, formación y concienciación sobre las patologías y experiencia del paciente. De todas ellas, se priorizó resolver aquellas relacionadas con la generación de protocolos de abordaje integral de las patologías y que contemplen todas las especialidades y niveles asistenciales implicados. Otro aspecto crucial es el incremento del grado de sospecha clínica de estas patologías. (AU)

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis can be a medical emergency in which a delay in correct diagnosis and therapeutic management can cause serious complications. With the aim of improving the care of patients with these pathologies in the Community of Madrid, a study was designed to identify the causes and possible solutions to address the problems related to the diagnosis of these pathologies. After the analysis, 11 areas of improvement related to four different aspects of the care process were identified: coordination and protocols, equipment, training and awareness of pathologies, and patient experience. Of all the areas identified, it was considered a priority to resolve those related to the generation of protocols for the comprehensive management of the pathologies, which include all the specialties and levels of care involved. Another crucial aspect is the increase in the degree of clinical suspicion of these pathologies. (AU)

Resumen ejecutivo sobre la optimización del abordaje multidisciplinar e integrado de la polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes en la Comunidad de Madrid / Executive summary on the optimization of the multidisciplinary and integrated approach to polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in Madrid region

La polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes pueden suponer una emergencia médica en la que el retraso en su correcto diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico pueden asociar complicaciones graves. Con el objetivo de mejorar la atención de los pacientes con estas patologías en el entorno de la Comunidad de Madrid, se diseñó un estudio para identificar las causas y las posibles soluciones para hacer frente los problemas relacionados con el diagnóstico de estas patologías. Tras un análisis preliminar, se identificaron 11 áreas de mejora relacionadas con cuatro aspectos diferenciados del proceso asistencial: coordinación y protocolos, equipamientos, formación y concienciación sobre las patologías y experiencia del paciente. De todas ellas, se priorizó resolver aquellas relacionadas con la generación de protocolos de abordaje integral de las patologías y que contemplen todas las especialidades y niveles asistenciales implicados. Otro aspecto crucial es el incremento del grado de sospecha clínica de estas patologías. (AU)

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis can be a medical emergency in which a delay in correct diagnosis and therapeutic management can cause serious complications. With the aim of improving the care of patients with these pathologies in the Community of Madrid, a study was designed to identify the causes and possible solutions to address the problems related to the diagnosis of these pathologies. After the analysis, 11 areas of improvement related to four different aspects of the care process were identified: coordination and protocols, equipment, training and awareness of pathologies, and patient experience. Of all the areas identified, it was considered a priority to resolve those related to the generation of protocols for the comprehensive management of the pathologies, which include all the specialties and levels of care involved. Another crucial aspect is the increase in the degree of clinical suspicion of these pathologies. (AU)

Executive summary on the optimization of the multidisciplinary and integrated approach to polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in Madrid region.

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis can be a medical emergency in which a delay in correct diagnosis and therapeutic management can cause serious complications. With the aim of improving the care of patients with these pathologies in the Community of Madrid, a study was designed to identify the causes and possible solutions to address the problems related to the diagnosis of these pathologies. After the analysis, 11 areas of improvement related to four different aspects of the care process were identified: coordination and protocols, equipment, training and awareness of pathologies, and patient experience. Of all the areas identified, it was considered a priority to resolve those related to the generation of protocols for the comprehensive management of the pathologies, which include all the specialties and levels of care involved. Another crucial aspect is the increase in the degree of clinical suspicion of these pathologies.

Tratamiento del lupus eritematoso sistémico: nuevas opciones terapéuticas / Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: New therapeutic options

El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad inflamatoria autoinmune sistémica de causa desconocida, con heterogeneidad en su presentación clínica, así como una variabilidad en su curso clínico y pronóstico. El objetivo actual del tratamiento es conseguir la remisión de la enfermedad o al menos un estado de baja actividad, y por consiguiente mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente. La terapia biológica en el lupus, a diferencia de otras entidades, si bien no ha conseguido instaurarse plenamente, ha irrumpido en los últimos años con novedades terapéuticas importantes. En esta revisión se pretende actualizar las herramientas terapéuticas del tratamiento del LES enfocado a las nuevas moléculas que han conseguido superar los objetivos de sus ensayos clínicos (AU)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown cause, with heterogeneity in its clinical presentation, as well as variability in its clinical course and prognosis. The current goal of treatment is to achieve disease remission or a state of low activity, and thereby improve the patient's quality of life. Biological therapy in lupus, unlike other entities, although it has not been fully established, in recent years it has burst onto the scene with important therapeutic novelties. This review aims to update the therapeutic tools for the treatment of SLE focusing on the new molecules that have achieved the objectives of their clinical trials (AU)

Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: new therapeutic options.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown cause, with heterogeneity in its clinical presentation, as well as variability in its clinical course and prognosis. The current goal of treatment is to achieve disease remission or a state of low activity, and thereby improve the patient's quality of life. Biological therapy in lupus, unlike other entities, although it has not been fully established, in recent years it has burst onto the scene with important therapeutic novelties. This review aims to update the therapeutic tools for the treatment of SLE focusing on the new molecules that have achieved the objectives of their clinical trials.

[Multidrug resistant narcolepsy]. / Narcolepsia multirresistente.

INTRODUCTION: Narcolepsy type 1 is a focal degenerative disease of the hypothalamus that selectively affects orexin (hypocretin)-producing neurons. It presents multiple clinical manifestations, both in wakefulness and in sleep. The symptoms are often so disruptive that they cause enormous suffering and impair patients' quality of life. Although a non-pharmacological approach is sometimes sufficient, the vast majority of patients need medication for adequate clinical management. CASE REPORT: A male who, at 43 years of age, began to present acutely with excessive daytime sleepiness and episodes of cataplexy. After a thorough examination, he was diagnosed with narcolepsy type 1. Throughout the course of the disease, he was prescribed antidepressants, neurostimulants and sodium oxybate, in monotherapy or in combination. The response to pharmacological treatment was insufficient and accompanied by numerous side effects. Following the introduction of pitolisant, there was a marked improvement in his symptoms and a reduction in the dose of the other drugs and their adverse effects was achieved. CONCLUSION: A number of measures are now available to address the cardinal symptoms of the disease, although there are still cases that are resistant to anti-narcoleptic treatment. Drugs with mechanisms of action that act upon receptors in the histaminergic system can be very useful in these cases.

TITLE: Narcolepsia multirresistente.Introducción. La narcolepsia de tipo 1 es una enfermedad degenerativa focal del hipotálamo que afecta selectivamente a las neuronas productoras de orexina (hipocretina). Presenta múltiples manifestaciones clínicas, tanto en vigilia como en sueño. Con frecuencia, los síntomas son tan disruptivos que ocasionan enorme sufrimiento y deterioro de la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Aunque en ocasiones es suficiente con un abordaje no farmacológico, la gran mayoría de los enfermos necesita medicación para un adecuado control clínico. Caso clínico. Varón que a los 43 años comenzó a presentar de forma aguda excesiva somnolencia diurna y episodios de cataplejía. Tras un exhaustivo estudio se le diagnosticó narcolepsia de tipo 1. A lo largo de la evolución de la enfermedad se le prescribieron antidepresivos, neuroestimulantes y oxibato sódico, en monoterapia o en combinación. La respuesta al tratamiento farmacológico fue insuficiente y se acompañó de numerosos efectos secundarios. Tras la introducción de pitolisant se objetivó una franca mejoría de los síntomas, y se consiguió reducir la dosis de los otros fármacos y de sus efectos adversos. Conclusión. Son numerosas las medidas disponibles en la actualidad para abordar los síntomas cardinales de la enfermedad, aunque siguen existiendo casos resistentes al tratamiento antinarcoléptico. Los fármacos con mecanismos de acción sobre receptores del sistema histaminérgico pueden resultar de gran utilidad en estos casos.

Low-Dose Rituximab for Bullous Pemphigoid. Protocol and Single-Center Experience / Baja dosis de rituximab para penfigoide ampolloso. Protocolo y experiencia de un único centro

Background Low-dose rituximab is a protocol used in several autoimmune diseases, that has also shown to be effective and safe in pemphigus vulgaris. Objectives To study whether low-dose rituximab is also effective for bullous pemphigoid. Methods Patients with BP were treated with a single cycle of two infusions of rituximab 500 mg at an interval of 2 weeks. Early and late end points were monitored. Results Six patients, five males and a female, with a mean age of 78.6 years (range 65–89) and a mean history of BP of 6.7 months (range 2–16) were included. A rapid and marked response was observed after a single cycle of treatment, with a mean time to disease control and to end of consolidation phase of 1.9 (range 1–3), and 4 weeks (range 3–5), respectively. Four patients achieved a late end point at a mean of 15.75 weeks (range 13–20). Three of them achieved partial remission with no therapy (two patients) or with minimal therapy (one patient), and one of them achieved complete remission with no therapy. One patient has 6 weeks of clinical follow-up after rituximab administration. The remaining patient relapsed 4 weeks after the rituximab treatment, and remains in complete remission with more than minimal therapy. One patient had a herpetic gingivostomatitis related to rituximab. Conclusions Low-dose rituximab for BP achieved acceptable remission rates and steroid-sparing activity, with a better safety profile and a lower cost, compared to standard doses. This pilot study suggests that low-dose rituximab could be a therapeutic option for BP (AU)

Antecedentes La administración de dosis bajas de rituximab es un protocolo utilizado en diversas enfermedades autoinmunes, que ha demostrado también su eficacia y seguridad para el pénfigo vulgar. Objetivos Determinar si rituximab a dosis bajas es efectivo para el penfigoide ampolloso (PA). Métodos Se trató a los pacientes con PA con un ciclo único de 2 infusiones de rituximab 500 mg con un intervalo de 2 semanas. Se monitorizaron los puntos temprano y final tardío. Resultados Se incluyeron en el estudio 6 pacientes, 5 varones y una mujer, con una edad media de 78,6 años (rango: 65.89) e historia media de PA de 6,7 meses (rango: 2-16). Se observó una respuesta rápida y acusada tras un ciclo único de tratamiento, con un tiempo medio hasta el control de la enfermedad y el final de la fase de consolidación de 1,9 (rango: 1-3) y 4 semanas (rango: 3-5), respectivamente. Cuatro pacientes lograron un punto final tardío a una media de 15,75 semanas (rango: 13-20). Tres de ellos lograron una remisión parcial sin terapia (2 pacientes) o con terapia mínima (un paciente), logrando uno de ellos la remisión completa sin terapia. A un paciente se le realizó un seguimiento de 6 semanas tras la administración de rituximab. El paciente restante sufrió una recaída transcurridas 4 semanas del tratamiento de rituximab, permaneciendo en remisión completa con terapia mínima. Un paciente manifestó gingivoestomatitis herpética relacionada con rituximab. Conclusiones La administración de dosis bajas de rituximab para PA logró tasas de remisión aceptables y reducción de esteroides, con un mejor perfil de seguridad y un menor coste, en comparación con las dosis estándar. Este estudio piloto sugiere que la administración de bajas dosis de rituximab podría ser una opción terapéutica para el PA (AU)

[Artículo traducido] Baja dosis de rituximab para penfigoide ampolloso. Protocolo y experiencia de un único centro / Low-Dose Rituximab for Bullous Pemphigoid. Protocol and Single-Center Experience

Antecedentes La administración de dosis bajas de rituximab es un protocolo utilizado en diversas enfermedades autoinmunes, que ha demostrado también su eficacia y seguridad para el pénfigo vulgar. Objetivos Determinar si rituximab a dosis bajas es efectivo para el penfigoide ampolloso (PA). Métodos Se trató a los pacientes con PA con un ciclo único de 2 infusiones de rituximab 500 mg con un intervalo de 2 semanas. Se monitorizaron los puntos temprano y final tardío. Resultados Se incluyeron en el estudio 6 pacientes, 5 varones y una mujer, con una edad media de 78,6 años (rango: 65.89) e historia media de PA de 6,7 meses (rango: 2-16). Se observó una respuesta rápida y acusada tras un ciclo único de tratamiento, con un tiempo medio hasta el control de la enfermedad y el final de la fase de consolidación de 1,9 (rango: 1-3) y 4 semanas (rango: 3-5), respectivamente. Cuatro pacientes lograron un punto final tardío a una media de 15,75 semanas (rango: 13-20). Tres de ellos lograron una remisión parcial sin terapia (2 pacientes) o con terapia mínima (un paciente), logrando uno de ellos la remisión completa sin terapia. A un paciente se le realizó un seguimiento de 6 semanas tras la administración de rituximab. El paciente restante sufrió una recaída transcurridas 4 semanas del tratamiento de rituximab, permaneciendo en remisión completa con terapia mínima. Un paciente manifestó gingivoestomatitis herpética relacionada con rituximab. Conclusiones La administración de dosis bajas de rituximab para PA logró tasas de remisión aceptables y reducción de esteroides, con un mejor perfil de seguridad y un menor coste, en comparación con las dosis estándar. Este estudio piloto sugiere que la administración de bajas dosis de rituximab podría ser una opción terapéutica para el PA (AU)

Background Low-dose rituximab is a protocol used in several autoimmune diseases, that has also shown to be effective and safe in pemphigus vulgaris. Objectives To study whether low-dose rituximab is also effective for bullous pemphigoid. Methods Patients with BP were treated with a single cycle of two infusions of rituximab 500 mg at an interval of 2 weeks. Early and late end points were monitored. Results Six patients, five males and a female, with a mean age of 78.6 years (range 65–89) and a mean history of BP of 6.7 months (range 2–16) were included. A rapid and marked response was observed after a single cycle of treatment, with a mean time to disease control and to end of consolidation phase of 1.9 (range 1–3), and 4 weeks (range 3–5), respectively. Four patients achieved a late end point at a mean of 15.75 weeks (range 13–20). Three of them achieved partial remission with no therapy (two patients) or with minimal therapy (one patient), and one of them achieved complete remission with no therapy. One patient has 6 weeks of clinical follow-up after rituximab administration. The remaining patient relapsed 4 weeks after the rituximab treatment, and remains in complete remission with more than minimal therapy. One patient had a herpetic gingivostomatitis related to rituximab. Conclusions Low-dose rituximab for BP achieved acceptable remission rates and steroid-sparing activity, with a better safety profile and a lower cost, compared to standard doses. This pilot study suggests that low-dose rituximab could be a therapeutic option for BP (AU)

Low-Dose Rituximab for Bullous Pemphigoid. Protocol and Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Low-dose rituximab is a protocol used in several autoimmune diseases, that has also shown to be effective and safe in pemphigus vulgaris. OBJECTIVES: To study whether low-dose rituximab is also effective for bullous pemphigoid. METHODS: Patients with BP were treated with a single cycle of two infusions of rituximab 500mg at an interval of 2 weeks. Early and late end points were monitored. RESULTS: Six patients, five males and a female, with a mean age of 78.6 years (range 65-89) and a mean history of BP of 6.7 months (range 2-16) were included. A rapid and marked response was observed after a single cycle of treatment, with a mean time to disease control and to end of consolidation phase of 1.9 (range 1-3), and 4 weeks (range 3-5), respectively. Four patients achieved a late end point at a mean of 15.75 weeks (range 13-20). Three of them achieved partial remission with no therapy (two patients) or with minimal therapy (one patient), and one of them achieved complete remission with no therapy. One patient has 6 weeks of clinical follow-up after rituximab administration. The remaining patient relapsed 4 weeks after the rituximab treatment, and remains in complete remission with more than minimal therapy. One patient had a herpetic gingivostomatitis related to rituximab. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose rituximab for BP achieved acceptable remission rates and steroid-sparing activity, with a better safety profile and a lower cost, compared to standard doses. This pilot study suggests that low-dose rituximab could be a therapeutic option for BP.

Low-Dose Rituximab for Bullous Pemphigoid. Protocol and Single-Center Experience. / [Artículo traducido] Baja dosis de rituximab para penfigoide ampolloso. Protocolo y experiencia de un único centro.

BACKGROUND: Low-dose rituximab is a protocol used in several autoimmune diseases, that has also shown to be effective and safe in pemphigus vulgaris. OBJECTIVES: To study whether low-dose rituximab is also effective for bullous pemphigoid. METHODS: Patients with BP were treated with a single cycle of two infusions of rituximab 500 mg at an interval of 2 weeks. Early and late end points were monitored. RESULTS: Six patients, five males and a female, with a mean age of 78.6 years (range 65-89) and a mean history of BP of 6.7 months (range 2-16) were included. A rapid and marked response was observed after a single cycle of treatment, with a mean time to disease control and to end of consolidation phase of 1.9 (range 1-3), and 4 weeks (range 3-5), respectively. Four patients achieved a late end point at a mean of 15.75 weeks (range 13-20). Three of them achieved partial remission with no therapy (two patients) or with minimal therapy (one patient), and one of them achieved complete remission with no therapy. One patient has 6 weeks of clinical follow-up after rituximab administration. The remaining patient relapsed 4 weeks after the rituximab treatment, and remains in complete remission with more than minimal therapy. One patient had a herpetic gingivostomatitis related to rituximab. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose rituximab for BP achieved acceptable remission rates and steroid-sparing activity, with a better safety profile and a lower cost, compared to standard doses. This pilot study suggests that low-dose rituximab could be a therapeutic option for BP.

Nivel de dependencia funcional de los adultos mayores de la comunidad de Tula de Allende / Level of functional dependence of older adults in the community of Tula de Allende

Introducción: El estado funcional se mide mediante la autonomía que tienen las personas para desarrollar las actividades de la vida diaria, cuando no se pueden realizar de manera autónoma es necesario un cuidador. Esta medida se sustenta en el modelo de adaptación de Sor Callista Roy, ya que se identifica el proceso de envejecimiento como el estímulo focal que produce una respuesta inmediata en el adulto mayor de acuerdo con el modo de interdependencia. Objetivo: Conocer el nivel de dependencia funcional de los adultos mayores de la comunidad de Tula de Allende, Hidalgo. Material y métodos: Estudio de aplicabilidad básica, cuantitativo, descriptivo y trasversal. Participaron 366 adultos mayores de Tula de Allende, y se les dio a conocer los términos de confidencialidad conforme a lo establecido en la Ley General de Salud y Declaración de Helsinki mediante el consentimiento informado. Se aplicó el cuestionario de Índice de Barthel (IB), para medir la dependencia funcional en las actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria. Resultados: Predomina el género femenino con el 52.7% representado por 193 participantes, la mayoría son casadas y amas de casa. De acuerdo con el IB la mayoría de los participantes tiene una dependencia leve, con una frecuencia de 206 y un porcentaje de 56.3%, y el cruce de variables arroja como resultado una relación significativa. Conclusión: Los adultos mayores de la comunidad de Tula de Allende presentan un nivel de dependencia funcional leve.

Introduction: Functional status assesses people's ability to carry out daily activities; when these cannot be performed autonomously, a caregiver is necessary. This measure is based on the Roy Adaptation Model, which identifies the aging process as the focal stimulus that generates an effect according to the interdependence mode. Objective: To evaluate the level of functional dependence of the elderly in the community of Tula de Allende, Hidalgo. Material and methods: Quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study of basic applicability. 366 older adults from Tula de Allende participated and were informed about confidentiality terms in accordance with the General Health Law and the Declaration of Helsinki through informed consent. The Barthel Index (BI) questionnaire was applied to measure functional dependence on daily instrumental activities. Results: The female gender predominates with 52.7% represented by 193 participants, the majority are married housewives. According to the BI, most of the participants have a slight dependency, with a frequency of 206 and a percentage of 56.3%; the correlation of variables showed statistical significance. Conclusion: Older adults in the community of Tula de Allende present a mild functional dependence level.

Ganglio centinela en la metástasis ganglionar por cáncer papilar de tiroides: validez diagnóstica y aplicación en la práctica clínica / Sentinel lymph node biopsy in papillary thyroid cancer: Accuracy and application in clinical practice

Introducción La biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela (BSGC) puede completar el estudio preoperatorio detectando adenopatías no visibles ecográficamente. De este modo, se puede estadificar a los pacientes y estratificar el riesgo de recidiva de forma más precisa y, por tanto, ayudar a definir el tipo de tratamiento tanto quirúrgico como con 131I que debemos realizar. El objetivo fue validar la BSGC para su utilización en el diagnóstico de la metástasis ganglionar por cáncer papilar de tiroides. Métodos Estudio observacional prospectivo de cohortes que incluye a 55 pacientes intervenidos por cáncer papilar de tiroides sin sospecha de afectación ganglionar clínica o radiológica, desde febrero de 2012 hasta febrero de 2015, con un seguimiento de entre 6 y 8 años. Se utilizó 99Tc con nanocoloide intratumoral y una sonda portátil de la gammacámara para la detección de los ganglios centinelas. Variables: edad, género, histológicas, analíticas y estadificación preoperatoria y postoperatoria. Se calculó la sensibilidad, la especificidad y los valores predictivos de la técnica. La validación se determinó calculando la detectabilidad y los falsos negativos de la prueba. Resultados En 53 de los 55 (96,36%) pacientes hubo detección del ganglio centinela. Los falsos negativos fueron 4 (7,5%) pacientes. Del resto, tras aplicar la BSGC, 24 (48,9%) se mantuvieron como N0, 14 (28,5%) pasaron a ser N1a y 11 (22,4%) se clasificaron como N1b. Las diferencias observadas en el estudio fueron significativas (p<0,05). La sensibilidad fue del 86,21%, la especificidad del 100%, el VPP del 100% y el VPN del 85,71%. La precisión diagnóstica fue del 92,45%. Conclusiones La BSGC es una técnica válida para su utilización en los pacientes afectos de cáncer papilar de tiroides, con una alta precisión diagnóstica (AU)

Introduction The presence of lymph nodes metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer modifies the type of surgical resection as well as the indication of the treatment with 131I in the postoperative period. This therapeutic approach is based on the results of the diagnostic tests, like the cervical ultrasonography. Currently other methods of diagnostic are tested as selective sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). It can complement to the ultrasound results. The aim was to validate the SLNB for use in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis by papillary thyroid cancer. Methods Observational prospective cohort study of 55 patients who underwent papillary thyroid cancer without suspicion of lymph node involvement clinical or radiological, since February 2012 through February 2015, with a follow-up between 6 and 8 years. It was used 99Tc with intratumoral nanocoloid and a portable tube of the gamma camera for the detection of the sentinel node. Variables: age, gender, histological, analytical and preoperative and postoperative staging. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of technique was calculated. The validation was determined by calculating the detectability and the false negative results of the test. Results In 53 of the 55 patients (96.36%) there was the sentinel node detection. The false negative were 4 patients (7.5%). Of the rest, after applying the SLNB, 24 (48.9%) were kept as N0, 14 (28.5%) became N1a and 11 (22.4%) were classified as N1b. The differences observed in the study were significant (P<.05). The sensitivity was 86.21%, the specificity of 100%, the PPV was 100% and the NPV of 85.71%. The diagnostic accuracy was 92.45%. Conclusions The SLNB is a valid technique for use in patients suffering from papillary thyroid cancer with a high diagnostic accuracy (AU)

Transition-metal adatoms on 2D-GaAs: a route to chiral magnetic 2D materials by design.

Using relativistic density-functional calculations, we examine the magneto-crystalline anisotropy and exchange properties of transition-metal atoms adsorbed on 2D-GaAs. We show that single Mn and Mo atom (Co and Os) strongly bind on 2D-GaAs, and induce local out-of-plane (in-plane) magnetic anisotropy. When a pair of TM atoms is adsorbed on 2D-GaAs in a close range from each other, magnetisation properties change (become tunable) with respect to concentrations and ordering of the adatoms. In all cases, we reveal presence of strong Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. These results indicate novel pathways towards two-dimensional chiral magnetic materials by design, tailored for desired applications in magneto-electronics.

Phase stability of dispersions of hollow silica nanocubes mediated by non-adsorbing polymers.

Although there are theoretical predictions (Eur. Phys. J. E 41, 110 (2018)) for the rich-phase behaviour of colloidal cubes mixed with non-adsorbing polymers, a thorough verification of this phase behaviour is still underway; experimental studies on mixtures of cubes and non-adsorbing polymers in bulk are scarce. In this paper, mixtures of hollow silica nanocubes and linear polystyrene in N,-N-dimethylformamide are used to measure the structure factor of the colloidal cubes as a function of non-adsorbing polymer concentration. Together with visual observations these structure factors enabled us to assess the depletion-mediated phase stability of cube-polymer mixtures. The theoretical and experimental phase boundaries for cube-depletant mixtures are in remarkable agreement, despite the simplifications underlying the theory employed.

Scattering from colloidal cubic silica shells: Part II, static structure factors and osmotic equation of state.

HYPOTHESIS: The shape of colloidal particles affects the structure of colloidal dispersions. The effect of the cube shape on the thermodynamics of colloidal cube dispersions has not yet been studied experimentally. Static light scattering measurements on colloidal cubic silica shells at finite concentrations allows us to measure the structure factor of colloidal cube fluids and to test theoretical predictions for the equation of state of hard convex superballs. EXPERIMENTS: Hollow silica nanocubes of varying concentrations in N,N,-dimethylformamide were studied with static light scattering. The structure factor was extracted from the scattering curves using experimental form factors. From this experimental structure factor, the specific density of the particles, and the osmotic compressibility were obtained. This osmotic compressibility was then compared to a theoretical equation of state of hard superballs. FINDINGS: The first experimental structure factors of a stable cube fluid are presented. The osmotic compressibility of the cube fluid can be described by the equation of state of a hard superball fluid, showing that silica cubes in N,N,-dimethylformamide with LiCl effectively interact as hard particles.

Two-dimensional hydrogenated buckled gallium arsenide: an ab initio study.

First-principles calculations have been carried out to investigate the stability, structural and electronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) hydrogenated GaAs with three possible geometries: chair, zigzag-line and boat configurations. The effect of van der Waals interactions on 2D H-GaAs systems has also been studied. These configurations were found to be energetic and dynamic stable, as well as having a semiconducting character. Although 2D GaAs adsorbed with H tends to form a zigzag-line configuration, the energy differences between chair, zigzag-line and boat are very small which implies the metastability of the system. Chair and boat configurations display a [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] direct bandgap nature, while pristine 2D-GaAs and zigzag-line are indirect semiconductors. The bandgap sizes of all configurations are also hydrogen dependent, and wider than that of pristine 2D-GaAs with both PBE and HSE functionals. Even though DFT-vdW interactions increase the adsorption energies and reduce the equilibrium distances of H-GaAs systems, it presents, qualitatively, the same physical results on the stability and electronic properties of our studied systems with PBE functional. According to our results, 2D buckled gallium arsenide is a good candidate to be synthesized by hydrogen surface passivation as its group III-V partners 2D buckled gallium nitride and boron nitride. The hydrogenation of 2D-GaAs tunes the bandgap of pristine 2D-GaAs, which makes it a potential candidate for optoelectronic applications in the blue and violet ranges of the visible electromagnetic spectrum.

Tunable 2D-gallium arsenide and graphene bandgaps in a graphene/GaAs heterostructure: an ab initio study.

The bandgap behavior of 2D-GaAs and graphene have been investigated with van der Waals heterostructured into a yet unexplored graphene/GaAs bilayer, under both uniaxial stress along c axis and different planar strain distributions. The 2D-GaAs bandgap nature changes from [Formula: see text]-K indirect in isolated monolayer to [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] direct in graphene/GaAs bilayer. In the latter, graphene exhibits a bandgap of 5 meV. The uniaxial stress strongly affects the graphene electronic bandgap, while symmetric in-plane strain does not open the bandgap in graphene. Nevertheless, it induces remarkable changes on the GaAs bandgap-width around the Fermi level. However, when applying asymmetric in-plane strain to graphene/GaAs, the graphene sublattice symmetry is broken, and the graphene bandgap is open at the Fermi level to a maximum width of 814 meV. This value is much higher than that reported for just graphene under asymmetric strain. The [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] direct bandgap of GaAs remains unchanged in graphene/GaAs under different types of applied strain. The analyses of phonon dispersion and the elastic constants yield the dynamical and mechanical stability of the graphene/GaAs system, respectively. The calculated mechanical properties for bilayer heterostructure are better than those of their constituent monolayers. This finding, together with the tunable graphene bandgap not only by the strength but also by the direction of the strain, enhance the potential for strain engineering of ultrathin group-III-V electronic devices hybridized by graphene.

Vibrational properties of germanane and fluorinated germanene in the chair, boat, and zigzag-line configurations.

The electronic and vibrational properties of germanane and fluorinated germanene are studied within density functional theory (DFT) and density functional perturbation theory frameworks. Different structural configurations of germanane and fluorinated germanene are investigated. The energy difference between the different configurations are consistently smaller than the energy of thermal fluctuations for all the analyzed DFT functionals LDA, GGA, and hybrid functionals, which implies that, in principle, it is possible to find these different configurations in different regions of the sample as minority phases or local defects. We calculate the Raman and infrared spectra for these configurations by using ab initio calculations and compare it with available experimental spectra for germanane. Our results show the presence of minority phases compatible with the configurations analyzed in this work. As these low energy configurations are metastable the present work shows that the synthesis of these energy competing phases is feasible by selectively changing the synthesis conditions, which is an opportunity to expand in this way the availability of new two-dimensional compounds.

Manejo de 3 endoprótesis aórticas infectadas y revisión de la literatura / Management of three infected aortic endografts and a review of the literatura

La infección endoprotésica es una entidad clínica de rara aparición y sintomatología insidiosa. Sin embargo, sus consecuencias clínicas son devastadoras, suponiendo alta morbimortalidad para el paciente. Por ello, su diagnóstico precoz e instauración de tratamiento antibiótico, así como el manejo quirúrgico, son primordiales para mejorar los resultados. Existen diversas opciones terapéuticas que varían desde el manejo conservador en pacientes con riesgo quirúrgico prohibitivo, hasta el drenaje percutáneo, la reconstrucción in situ utilizando materiales recubiertos con antibiótico o plata, o incluso de material protésico habitual no impregnado o el tratamiento clásico de reconstrucción extraanatómica dejando muñón aórtico. Sin embargo, en los últimos años la extracción completa del dispositivo y la reconstrucción aórtica in situ ha ido ganando adeptos por sus buenos resultados en cuanto a permeabilidad y el uso de otros materiales protésicos. Basándonos en nuestra experiencia clínica, por su durabilidad y alta resistencia a la reinfección, recomendamos el empleo de venas femorales superficiales como material autólogo y del parche de pericardio bovino como xenoinjerto, e incluso, una combinación de ambos materiales en caso de injertos más largos

The endograft infection is a rare clinical entity that usually has insidious symptoms. However, its clinical consequences are devastating for the patient, with high morbidity and mortality in the published literature. Therefore, early diagnosis and establishment of antibiotic treatment, as well as surgical management, are essential to improve the results. There are several therapeutic options, ranging from conservative management in patients with prohibitive surgical risk, to percutaneous drainage, in situ reconstruction using antibiotic or silver coated prosthetic grafts, or even uncoated prosthetic material and extra-anatomic reconstruction, leaving an aortic stump. However, in recent years, complete removal of the device and aortic in situ reconstruction has gained popularity due to its good results in terms of patency and resistance to infection. Based on our clinical experience, due to its durability and high resistance to reinfections, it is recommended to use superficial femoral veins as autologous material and the bovine pericardium patch as a xenograft, and even a combination of both materials, if a longer graft is needed