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.

[Translated article] Frequency of use of discography findings for the diagnosis of low back pain of discogenic origin. Systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: There are different techniques and interpretations of discography findings to determine it positive for the diagnosis of discogenic pain. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of use of discography findings for the diagnosis of low back pain of discogenic origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature of the last 17 years was performed in MEDLINE and BIREME. A total of 625 articles were identified, 555 were excluded for duplicates, title and abstract. We obtained 70 full texts of which 36 were included in the analysis after excluding 34 for not meeting the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Among the criteria in discography to determine it as positive, 8 studies used only the pain response to the procedure, 28 studies used more than one criterion during discography to consider it as positive, the evaluation of at least one adjacent intervertebral disc with a negative result was necessary in 26 studies to consider a discography as positive. Five studies formally expressed the use of the technique described by SIS/IASP to determine a discography as positive. CONCLUSIONS: Pain in response to contrast medium injection, assessed with the visual analogue pain scale ≥6, was the most used criterion in the studies included in this review. Although there are already criteria to determine a discography as positive, the use of different techniques and interpretations of discography findings to determine a positive discography for low back pain of discogenic origin persists.

Nadir prostate-specific antigen after salvage cryotherapy as a potential prognostic factor for oncologic outcomes.

PURPOSE: To report oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing salvage cryotherapy (SCT) for local recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) and to establish a nadir PSA (nPSA) value that best defines long-term oncologic success. METHODS: Retrospective study of men who underwent SCT for local recurrence of PCa between 2008 and 2020. SCT was performed in men with biochemical recurrence (BCR), after primary treatment and with biopsy-proven PCa local recurrence. Survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier and Cox models was performed. We determined the optimal cutoff nPSA value after SCT that best classifies patients depending on prognosis. RESULTS: Seventy-seven men who underwent SCT were included. Survival analysis showed a 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS), androgen deprivation therapy-free survival (AFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS) after SCT of 48.4%, 62% and 81.3% respectively. On multivariable analysis for perioperative variables associated with BCR, initial ISUP, pre-SCT PSA, pre-SCT prostate volume and post-SCT nPSA emerged as variables associated with BCR. The cutoff analysis revealed an nPSA < 0.5 ng/ml to be the optimal threshold that best defines success after SCT. 5-year BRFS for patients achieving an nPSA < 0.5 vs nPSA ≥ 0.5 was 64% and 9.5% respectively (p < 0.001). 5-year AFS for men with nPSA < 0.5 vs ≥ 0.5 was 81.2% and 12.2% (p < 0.001). Improved 5-year MFS for patients who achieved nPSA < 0.5 was also obtained (89.6% vs 60%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: SCT is a feasible rescue alternative for the local recurrence of PCa. Achieving an nPSA < 0.5 ng/ml after SCT is associated with higher long-term BRFS, AFS and MFS rates.

Phase I study of peposertib and avelumab with or without palliative radiotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors.

INTRODUCTION: We report results from a phase I, three-part, dose-escalation study of peposertib, a DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, in combination with avelumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, with or without radiotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peposertib 100-400 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) or 100-250 mg once daily (q.d.) was administered in combination with avelumab 800 mg every 2 weeks in Part A or avelumab plus radiotherapy (3 Gy/fraction × 10 days) in Part B. Part FE assessed the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of peposertib plus avelumab. The primary endpoint in Parts A and B was dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Secondary endpoints were safety, best overall response per RECIST version 1.1, and pharmacokinetics. The recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) were determined in Parts A and B. RESULTS: In Part A, peposertib doses administered were 100 mg (n = 4), 200 mg (n = 11), 250 mg (n = 4), 300 mg (n = 6), and 400 mg (n = 4) b.i.d. Of DLT-evaluable patients, one each had DLT at the 250-mg and 300-mg dose levels and three had DLT at the 400-mg b.i.d. dose level. In Part B, peposertib doses administered were 100 mg (n = 3), 150 mg (n = 3), 200 mg (n = 4), and 250 mg (n = 9) q.d.; no DLT was reported in evaluable patients. Peposertib 200 mg b.i.d. plus avelumab and peposertib 250 mg q.d. plus avelumab and radiotherapy were declared as the RP2D/MTD. No objective responses were observed in Part A or B; one patient had a partial response in Part FE. Peposertib exposure was generally dose proportional. CONCLUSIONS: Peposertib doses up to 200 mg b.i.d. in combination with avelumab and up to 250 mg q.d. in combination with avelumab and radiotherapy were tolerable in patients with advanced solid tumors; however, antitumor activity was limited. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03724890.

S100A12 protein as a porcine health status biomarker when quantified in saliva samples.

The S100A12 protein was validated as a biomarker of health status in porcine saliva samples using a semi-quantitative approach based on Western blotting in four healthy and sixteen diseased animals, and in four animals with severe respiratory disease during three days of antibiotic therapy. Afterwards, a non-competitive sandwich immunoassay was then developed, validated, and used to quantify S100A12 in clinical porcine samples, using 14 healthy and 25 diseased pigs. Finally, the S100A12 concentrations in the saliva of ten pigs with respiratory disease were monitored during antibiotic therapy. Diseased animals showed higher concentrations of S100A12 than healthy animals, and the high concentrations of S100A12 in pigs with respiratory distress were reduced after antimicrobial therapy. The assay developed showed good precision and accuracy, as well as a low limit of detection of 3.19 ng/mL. It was possible to store saliva samples at -20 °C, or even at 4 °C, for two weeks before analysis without losing the validity of the results. The concentrations of S100A12 observed in serum and saliva samples showed a moderately positive association with a correlation coefficient of 0.48. The concentrations of the new validated biomarker S100A12 are highly associated with the novel salivary biomarker of inflammation, adenosine deaminase, and moderately to highly associated with the total oxidant status. The results reported in this study provide a new way of evaluating inflammatory diseases in pigs using saliva samples, which should be further explored for disease prevention and monitoring in the field.

Use of ultrasound for hardware removal. / La ecografía como herramienta para la extracción de material de osteosíntesis.

INTRODUCTION: Osteosynthesis hardware removal is one of the most frequent practices in Orthopedic electives surgeries and is usually carried out guided under fluoroscopy. There are other tools such as ultrasound that allow us to visualize the hardware with the advantage of being free of ionizing radiation and with better availability. The objective of our study is to analyze the results obtained in patients undergoing hardware removal in the operating room under ultrasound assistance and local anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out collecting variables such as demographic data, reason for the removal, pain during the procedure and in subsequent days, as well as the duration and rate of success of the procedure and the degree of satisfaction. RESULTS: We obtained a 100% success in ultrasound-guided extraction without the need for conventional radiology, with a mean VAS of 1.91 and need for subsequent analgesia in 36.4% of the cases, with syndesmotic dynamization being the most frequent reason for intervention. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is a useful tool in osteosynthesis hardware removal, and that may be sufficient by itself; also saving health personnel and patients from ionizing radiation resulting from the use of conventional fluoroscopy.

Incidence of childhood cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean: coverage, patterns, and time trends / Incidencia del cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe: cobertura de los registros, patrones y tendencias a lo largo del tiempo / Incidência de câncer infantil na América Latina e no Caribe: cobertura, padrões e tendências temporais

ABSTRACT Objective. To provide a comprehensive overview of geographical patterns (2001-2010) and time trends (1993-2012) of cancer incidence in children aged 0-19 years in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and interpret the findings in the context of global patterns. Methods. Geographical variations in 2001-2010 and incidence trends over 1993-2012 in the population of LAC younger than 20 years were described using the database of the third volume of the International Incidence of Childhood Cancer study containing comparable data. Age-specific incidence per million person-years (ASR) was calculated for population subgroups and age-standardized (WSR) using the world standard population. Results. Overall, 36 744 unique cases were included in this study. In 2001-2010 the overall WSR in age 0-14 years was 132.6. The most frequent were leukemia (WSR 48.7), central nervous system neoplasms (WSR 23.0), and lymphoma (WSR 16.6). The overall ASR in age group 15-19 years was 152.3 with lymphoma ranking first (ASR 30.2). Incidence was higher in males than in females, and higher in South America than in Central America and the Caribbean. Compared with global data LAC incidence was lower overall, except for leukemia and lymphoma at age 0-14 years and the other and unspecified tumors at any age. Overall incidence at age 0-19 years increased by 1.0% per year (95% CI [0.6, 1.3]) over 1993-2012. The included registries covered 16% of population aged 0-14 years and 10% of population aged 15-19 years. Conclusions. The observed patterns provide a baseline to assess the status and evolution of childhood cancer occurrence in the region. Extended and sustained support of cancer registration is required to improve representativeness and timeliness of data for childhood cancer control in LAC.

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

RESUMO Objetivo. Apresentar uma visão abrangente dos padrões geográficos (2001 a 2010) e das tendências temporais (1993 a 2012) da incidência de câncer em crianças e jovens de 0 a 19 anos na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC) e interpretar os resultados no contexto de padrões mundiais. Métodos. Foram descritas variações geográficas de 2001 a 2010 e tendências de incidência de 1993 a 2012 na população com menos de 20 anos da ALC usando informações comparáveis da base de dados do terceiro volume do estudo International Incidence of Childhood Cancer. Foram calculadas taxas de incidência específica por idade por milhão de pessoas-ano (ASR, na sigla em inglês) para subgrupos populacionais e taxas padronizadas por idade usando a população padrão mundial (WSR, na sigla em inglês). Resultados. No total, foram incluídos 36 744 casos únicos. No período de 2001 a 2010, a WSR para todos os tumores combinados na faixa etária de 0 a 14 anos foi de 132,6. Os diagnósticos mais frequentes foram leucemia (WSR de 48,7), neoplasias do sistema nervoso central (WSR de 23,0) e linfoma (WSR de 16,6). A ASR para todos os tumores combinados na faixa etária de 15 a 19 anos foi de 152,3, e a maior taxa foi a de linfoma (ASR de 30,2). A incidência foi maior no sexo masculino do que no sexo feminino e maior na América do Sul do que na América Central e no Caribe. De modo geral, em comparação com as estimativas mundiais, a incidência na ALC foi menor, exceto para leucemia e linfoma entre 0 e 14 anos e para outros tumores e tumores não especificados em qualquer idade. A taxa de incidência na faixa etária de 0 a 19 anos aumentou em 1,0% ao ano (IC de 95% [0,6, 1,3]) entre 1993 e 2012. Os registros incluídos cobriam 16% da população de 0 a 14 anos e 10% da população de 15 a 19 anos. Conclusões. Os padrões observados servem de referência para avaliar o status e a evolução da ocorrência de câncer infantil na região. É necessário garantir um apoio ampliado e consistente aos registros de câncer para aprimorar a representatividade e a disponibilidade das informações em tempo adequado para o controle do câncer infantil na ALC.

Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in alveolar soft-part sarcoma: results from a retrospective worldwide registry.

BACKGROUND: Conventional cytotoxic drugs are not effective in alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS). Immune checkpoint (programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1) inhibitors (ICIs) are promising drugs in ASPS. A worldwide registry explored the efficacy of ICI in ASPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from adult patients diagnosed with ASPS and treated with ICI for advanced disease in expert sarcoma centers from Europe, Australia and North America were retrospectively collected, including demographics and data related to treatments and outcome. RESULTS: Seventy-six ASPS patients, with a median age at diagnosis of 25 years (range 3-61 years), were registered. All patients received ICI for metastatic disease. Immunotherapy regimens consisted of monotherapy in 38 patients (50%) and combination in 38 (50%) (23 with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor). Among the 68 assessable patients, there were 3 complete responses and 34 partial responses, translating into an overall response rate of 54.4%. After a median follow-up of 36 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 32-40 months] since the start of immunotherapy, 45 (59%) patients have progressed on ICI, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 16.3 months (95% CI 8-25 months). Receiving ICI in first line (P = 0.042) and achieving an objective response (P = 0.043) correlated with a better PFS. Median estimated overall survival (OS) from ICI initiation has not been reached. The 12-month and 24-month OS rates were 94% and 81%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This registry constitutes the largest available series of ASPS treated with ICI. Our results suggest that the ICI treatment provides long-lasting disease control and prolonged OS in patients with advanced ASPS, an ultra-rare entity with limited active therapeutic options.

Influence of the circadian cycle, sex and production stage on the reference values of parameters related to stress and pathology in porcine saliva.

BACKGROUND: The concentration of biomarkers in saliva could be influenced by several factors not related to the specific condition under analyses, which should be considered for proper clinical interpretation. In the present study, the circadian rhythm of C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), Pig-MAP, S100A12, Cu, Zn, Adenosine deaminase (ADA), total protein (TP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), cortisol and α-amylase in saliva of 20 female and 20 male pigs was investigated. Moreover, the influence of sex and production phase (post-weaning, fattening and finishing) on the concentrations of biomarkers in a total of 414 healthy pigs was studied and the reference intervals for all salivary biomarkers were calculated accordingly. RESULTS: All parameters except Pig-MAP, OSI and α-amylase varied significantly along the daytime, and most of them peak around early afternoon (13-15 h). The cosinor analysis described the temporal dynamics of circadian rhythms for all parameters. The range values showed differences between male and female pigs in 8 out of the 13 biomarkers, with higher concentrations in females in comparison to male pigs. The influence of the production phase on the salivary concentrations was observed for all the biomarkers. The highest concentrations were observed for Pig-MAP, S100A12 and α-amylase in post-weaning animals, for TP in growing pigs and for OSI in finishing animals. Most of the sex-influenced biomarkers showed the highest concentrations at growing stages with some exceptions such as ADA or Hp that showed the peak at finishing and post-weaning stages respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to establish the optimal daytime for routine saliva sampling to avoid circadian variations and for that end, the time interval between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. is highly recommended. The factors sex and production phase influence the concentration of biomarkers and should be considered for proper biomarker interpretation. The reference intervals presented here for each salivary biomarker will help to correctly interpret the results of these analytes and contribute to the use of saliva as a non-invasive sample for the diagnosis and monitoring of the health status of swine farms.

Validez y fiabilidad del cuestionario DASH en mujeres con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama / Validity and reliability of DASH questionnaire in women who suffer from lymphedema as a side effect of a breast cancer treatment

Introducción: El cuestionario DASH está diseñado para la valoración funcional del miembro superior en enfermedad musculoesquelética. El objetivo de este trabajo es verificar las principales propiedades instrumentales (validez y fiabilidad) del cuestionario para su aplicación en mujeres españolas con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama. Métodos: Cohorte prospectiva de 65 mujeres con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama, en las que se estudió la fiabilidad de la puntuación del DASH mediante la consistencia interna (coeficiente alfa de Cronbach) y test-retest en un intervalo de 15 días (coeficiente de correlación intraclase), y la validez mediante la correlación con las puntuaciones del SF-36v2 y de la FACT-B+4 (r o τ b de Kendall). Resultados: La consistencia interna y fiabilidad test-retest fueron alfa de Cronbach 0,969 y coeficiente de correlación intraclase 0,861, respectivamente. Existía correlación entre las puntuaciones del DASH y las del SF-36v2, sobre todo con los dominios de función física, dolor corporal y rol físico (r de 0,800, 0,738 y 0,682, respectivamente; p<0,001), y menos con el rol emocional y social. Se correlacionaba con la puntuación FACT-B+4 (r=0,836; p<0,001) y la subescala miembro superior (r=0,816; p<0,001) y no existe correlación con la subescala social/familiar (r=0,193; p=0,216). Conclusión: El cuestionario DASH es una herramienta fiable y válida para ser utilizada en la valoración funcional de miembro superior de mujeres españolas con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama.(AU)

Introduction: DASH questionnaire was designed to assess upper limb function in musculoskeletal pathologies. The aim of this manuscript is to study the reliability and validity of this questionnaire, to determine if is adequate to use in women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment. Methods: Prospective study in 65 women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment was done, in which the reliability of DASH score with internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test–retest reproducibility 15 days’ interval (interclass correlation coefficient) and validity by correlation with SF-36v2 and FACT-B+4 (r or Kendall's τ b) scores was investigated. Results: The internal consistency and the test–retest were Cronbach's alpha 0.969 and interclass correlation coefficient 0.861, respectively. There was correlation between the DASH score with the SF-36v2 score, mainly in the areas of physical function, body pain and physical role (r 0.800, 0.738, and 0.682, respectively; p<0.001), and lowest with the emotional and social wellbeing. The DASH score had correlation with FACT-B+4 (0.836; p<0.001) and the subscales the upper limb score (r=0.816; p<0.001), and there was no correlation with the social/familiar subscale (r=0.193; p=0.216). Conclusion: The DASH questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to assess upper limb functionality in Spanish women with breast cancer related lymphedema.(AU)

Phytochemical profile and nematicidal activity of a hydroalcoholic extract from Cazahuate flowers (Ipomoea pauciflora M. Martens & Galeotti) against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae.

Haemonchus contortus (Hc) is a hematophagous parasite affecting the health and productivity of flocks. The administration of chemical anthelmintic drugs (AH) is the common method of deworming; however, generates resistance in the parasites to AH and it is a public health risk due to drug residues in milk, meat and sub-products. Natural compounds from plants are explored to diminish this parasitosis, improving their health and productivity, without the negative effects of AH. Ipomoea genus is a group of climbing plants belonging to the Convulvulaceae family possessing perennial leaves and tuberous roots. Medicinal properties has been attributed to this plant including nutritional agents, emetics, diuretics, diaphoretics, purgatives and pesticides. The objective of this study was assessing the in vitro nematocidal activity of a hydroalcoholic extract (HA-E) obtained from Ipomoea pauciflora (Cazahuate) flowers against Hc infective larvae (L3) and to identify its phytochemical profile (PhC-P). The assay was carried out using microtiter plates (MTP). Four HA-E concentrations were assessed and Ivermectin and distilled water were used as positive and negative control groups, respectively. Approximately 100 Hc L3 were deposited in each well (n=12) and incubated at 25-35°C for 7 days. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and a General Linear Model (GLM) followed by Tukey test (P<0.05). The treatments showing a concentration-dependent effect (CDE) were analyzed to identify their 50% and 90% lethal concentrations (CL50, 90) via a Probit Analysis. The highest mortality was observed at 50 mg/mL (82.64 ± 0.71%) and the lowest at 6.25 mg/mL (56.46 ± 2.49%), showing a CDE with increasing mortality from 6.25 to 50 mg/mL. The PhC-P revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins and triterpenes/ sterols. A HA-E from flowers of I. pauciflora will be considered to assess its potential use in the control of haemonchosis in small ruminants.

Movimientos involuntarios del muñón tras una amputación transtibial: síndrome del muñón saltarín / Involuntary movements of the stump after transtibial amputation: Jumping stump syndrome

Mujer de 45 años, con antecedente de cirugía de hallux valgus de evolución tórpida, derivando en amputación transtibial. A los 6 meses poscirugía comenzó con movimientos involuntarios del muñón tipo mioclonías desencadenados con el roce o extensión de la cadera, agravándose el dolor previo de muñón y de miembro fantasma. Durante el siguiente año, coincidiendo con el cambio de prótesis, empeoró la clínica progresivamente limitando la marcha. El abordaje terapéutico del dolor y de las mioclonías fue inicialmente farmacológico, sin respuesta. Ante la sospecha clínica y ecográfica de neuroma en el nervio ciático poplíteo externo, se infiltró el mismo con corticoide y anestésico y los gastrocnemios con toxina botulínica tipo A, sin éxito. Finalmente, las mioclonías desaparecieron y el dolor disminuyó tras el remodelado quirúrgico del muñón y la resección del neuroma. Este cuadro clínico es conocido como síndrome del muñón saltarín, y es una complicación rara que debe tenerse en cuenta tras una amputación.(AU)

45-year-old woman with history of hallux valgus surgery and torpid evolution, which led to transtibial amputation. Six months after surgery, she began to experience involuntary movements of the stump such as myoclonus, that were triggered by touch or hip extension, associating worsening of the previous stump and phantom limb pain. During the following year, concurring with change of prosthesis, symptoms progressively worsened, which limited walking. The therapeutic approach to pain and myoclonus was initially pharmacological, without response. Given the clinical and ultrasound suspicion of neuroma in the external popliteal sciatic nerve, it was infiltrated with corticosteroid and anesthetic, and the gastrocnemius with botulinum toxin type A, without success. Finally, the myoclonus disappeared, and the pain decreased after surgical remodeling of the stump and resection of the neuroma. This clinical picture is known as jumping stump syndrome and is a rare complication that must be considered after amputation.(AU)

[Impact of days elapsed from the onset of symptoms to hospitalization in COVID-19 in-hospital mortality: Time matters]. / Impacto de los días transcurridos desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta la hospitalización en la mortalidad hospitalaria por COVID-19: el tiempo importa.

Background: COVID-19 shows different clinical and pathophysiological stages over time. Theeffect of days elapsed from the onset of symptoms (DEOS) to hospitalization on COVID-19prognostic factors remains uncertain. We analyzed the impact on mortality of DEOS to hospital-ization and how other independent prognostic factors perform when taking this time elapsedinto account. Methods: This retrospective, nationwide cohort study, included patients with confirmed COVID-19 from February 20th and May 6th, 2020. The data was collected in a standardized online datacapture registry. Univariate and multivariate COX-regression were performed in the generalcohort and the final multivariate model was subjected to a sensitivity analysis in an earlypresenting (EP; < 5 DEOS) and late presenting (LP; ≥5 DEOS) group. Results: 7915 COVID-19 patients were included in the analysis, 2324 in the EP and 5591 in theLP group. DEOS to hospitalization was an independent prognostic factor of in-hospital mortalityin the multivariate Cox regression model along with other 9 variables. Each DEOS incrementaccounted for a 4.3% mortality risk reduction (HR 0.957; 95% CI 0.93---0.98). Regarding variationsin other mortality predictors in the sensitivity analysis, the Charlson Comorbidity Index onlyremained significant in the EP group while D-dimer only remained significant in the LP group. Conclusion: When caring for COVID-19 patients, DEOS to hospitalization should be consideredas their need for early hospitalization confers a higher risk of mortality. Different prognosticfactors vary over time and should be studied within a fixed timeframe of the disease.

Frequency of use of discography findings for the diagnosis of low back pain of discogenic origin. Systematic review of the literature. / Frecuencia de uso de los hallazgos de la discografía para el diagnóstico del dolor lumbar de origen discogénico. Revisión sistemática de la literatura.

INTRODUCTION: There are different techniques and interpretations of discography findings to determine it positive for the diagnosis of discogenic pain. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of use of discography findings for the diagnosis of low back pain of discogenic origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature of the last 17 years was performed in MEDLINE and BIREME. A total of 625 articles were identified, 555 were excluded for duplicates, title and abstract. We obtained 70 full texts of which 36 were included in the analysis after excluding 34 for not meeting the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Among the criteria in discography to determine it as positive, 8 studies used only the pain response to the procedure, 28 studies used more than one criterion during discography to consider it as positive, the evaluation of at least one adjacent intervertebral disc with a negative result was necessary in 26 studies to consider a discography as positive. Five studies formally expressed the use of the technique described by SIS/IASP to determine a discography as positive. CONCLUSIONS: Pain in response to contrast medium injection, assessed with the visual analog pain scale≥6, was the most used criterion in the studies included in this review. Although there are already criteria to determine a discography as positive, the use of different techniques and interpretations of discography findings to determine a positive discography for low back pain of discogenic origin persists.

Impact of days elapsed from the onset of symptoms to hospitalization in COVID-19 in-hospital mortality: time matters.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 shows different clinical and pathophysiological stages over time. The effect of days elapsed from the onset of symptoms (DEOS) to hospitalization on COVID-19 prognostic factors remains uncertain. We analyzed the impact on mortality of DEOS to hospitalization and how other independent prognostic factors perform when taking this time elapsed into account. METHODS: This retrospective, nationwide cohort study, included patients with confirmed COVID-19 from February 20th and May 6th, 2020. The data was collected in a standardized online data capture registry. Univariate and multivariate COX-regression were performed in the general cohort and the final multivariate model was subjected to a sensitivity analysis in an early presenting (EP; <5 DEOS) and late presenting (LP; ≥5 DEOS) group. RESULTS: 7915 COVID-19 patients were included in the analysis, 2324 in the EP and 5591 in the LP group. DEOS to hospitalization was an independent prognostic factor of in-hospital mortality in the multivariate Cox regression model along with other 9 variables. Each DEOS increment accounted for a 4.3% mortality risk reduction (HR 0.957; 95% CI 0.93-0.98). Regarding variations in other mortality predictors in the sensitivity analysis, the Charlson Comorbidity Index only remained significant in the EP group while D-dimer only remained significant in the LP group. CONCLUSION: When caring for COVID-19 patients, DEOS to hospitalization should be considered as their need for early hospitalization confers a higher risk of mortality. Different prognostic factors vary over time and should be studied within a fixed timeframe of the disease.

[Validity and reliability of DASH questionnaire in women who suffer from lymphedema as a side effect of a breast cancer treatment]. / Validez y fiabilidad del cuestionario DASH en mujeres con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama.

INTRODUCTION: DASH questionnaire was designed to assess upper limb function in musculoskeletal pathologies. The aim of this manuscript is to study the reliability and validity of this questionnaire, to determine if is adequate to use in women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment. METHODS: Prospective study in 65 women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment was done, in which the reliability of DASH score with internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reproducibility 15 days' interval (interclass correlation coefficient) and validity by correlation with SF-36v2 and FACT-B+4 (r or Kendall's τ b) scores was investigated. RESULTS: The internal consistency and the test-retest were Cronbach's alpha 0.969 and interclass correlation coefficient 0.861, respectively. There was correlation between the DASH score with the SF-36v2 score, mainly in the areas of physical function, body pain and physical role (r 0.800, 0.738, and 0.682, respectively; p<0.001), and lowest with the emotional and social wellbeing. The DASH score had correlation with FACT-B+4 (0.836; p<0.001) and the subscales the upper limb score (r=0.816; p<0.001), and there was no correlation with the social/familiar subscale (r=0.193; p=0.216). CONCLUSION: The DASH questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to assess upper limb functionality in Spanish women with breast cancer related lymphedema.

Use of internal-external diversion stent in open pyeloplasty in patients under one year of age. / Uso de catéter de derivación interno-externo en la pieloplastia abierta en menores de un año.

INTRODUCTION: There are various alternatives available for renal pelvis drainage following pyeloplasty. One of them is the use of an internal-external diversion stent, which according to our protocol, is knotted 48 hours following surgery, prior to discharge, and removed 7 days later on an outpatient consultation basis, with no sedation or analgesia required. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of patients under one year of age who underwent open pyeloplasty associated with an outpatient internal-external diversion stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive analysis of 28 patients (31 renal units) undergoing surgery from 2011 to 2021 was carried out. Diagnostic methods, indications, surgical approach, and postoperative progression were assessed. RESULTS: 28 patients (23 male) prenatally diagnosed with hydronephrosis confirmed by ultrasonography and/or renogram underwent pyeloplasty at a median age of 3 months (15 days-11 months). Pyeloplasty was conducted according to the Anderson-Hynes technique or dismembered pyeloplasty in 28 renal units, and according to the Culp-DeWeerd technique or spiral flap in 3. In all cases, an internal-external diversion stent was used according to our protocol. Mean hospital stay was 3.5 days (2-7 days), with a good postoperative progression. 2 patients had complications (urinary infection requiring intravenous antibiotics, and pyonephrosis requiring re-pyeloplasty). CONCLUSIONS: Using an internal-external diversion stent following pyeloplasty in patients under 1 year of age with ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a simple and safe option that allows for early discharge with outpatient management. It also avoids a second general anesthesia for drainage catheter removal purposes.

INTRODUCCION: Existen diversas alternativas para el drenaje de la pelvis renal tras una pieloplastia. Una de ellas es la utilización de un catéter de derivación interno-externo que, según nuestro protocolo, se anuda a las 48 horas posoperatorias previas al alta y se retira a los siete días de forma ambulatoria en consulta, sin necesidad de sedoanalgesia. OBJETIVO: Analizar los resultados de los pacientes menores de un año intervenidos mediante pieloplastia abierta, asociando un catéter de derivación interno-externo de manejo ambulatorio. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Análisis descriptivo retrospectivo de 28 pacientes (31 unidades renales) intervenidos entre los años 2011 y 2021. Se evaluaron métodos diagnósticos, indicaciones, abordaje quirúrgico y evolución posoperatoria. RESULTADOS: Veintiocho pacientes (23 varones) con diagnóstico prenatal de hidronefrosis confirmado con ecografía y/o renograma, fueron intervenidos mediante pieloplastia a una mediana de edad de tres meses (15 días-11 meses). Se realizó pieloplastia según técnica de Anderson-Hynes o pieloplastia desmembrada en 28 unidades renales y según técnica de Culp-DeWeerd o colgajo en espiral en 3. En todos los casos se utilizó un catéter de derivación interno-externo según protocolo. El tiempo medio de ingreso fue 3,5 días (2-7 días) con buena evolución posoperatoria. Dos pacientes presentaron complicaciones (infección urinaria que requirió antibioterapia intravenosa y pionefrosis que requirió repieloplastia). CONCLUSIONES: Asociar un catéter de derivación interno-externo a la pieloplastia en pacientes menores de un año con estenosis de la unión pieloureteral es una opción sencilla y segura que permite un alta precoz con manejo ambulatorio y evita una segunda anestesia general para la retirada del catéter de drenaje.

¿Se puede predecir el pronóstico de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera? / Prognosis of the contralateral hip after primary total hip replacement: Can it be predicted?

Introducción: La coxartrosis es una de las patologías más frecuentes e incapacitantes. El 20% de los mayores de 60 años desarrollará coxartrosis sintomática y el 10% requerirá una prótesis total de cadera. La artroplastia total de cadera es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos que más aumenta la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Cuando recomendamos la artroplastia en la práctica clínica, los pacientes a menudo preguntan sobre el pronóstico de su otra cadera: ¿Se deteriorará de la misma forma? ¿Será necesario operarla? ¿Cuándo? El objetivo es determinar si existe alguna variable o signo radiológico que prediga el pronóstico a medio plazo de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos de artroplastia total de cadera en nuestro hospital durante los años 2011 y 2012, con un total de 543 pacientes. Se determinó el grado de coxartrosis, según las clasificaciones JOA y Tönnis, en la radiografía de ambas caderas en el momento de la primera artroplastia y a intervalos regulares durante el seguimiento, analizando cada uno de los ítems incluidos en estas clasificaciones. Se estableció la relación de estos hallazgos radiográficos con la progresión de la artrosis y la necesidad de artroplastia contralateral. Resultados y conclusiones: Podría esperarse una progresión de la artrosis de la cadera contralateral en los próximos 3 años en el 10% de los pacientes. Esta progresión será mayor y más rápida en aquellos con grado JOA III-IV/Tönnis II-III y, especialmente, en aquellos con mayor estrechamiento articular y mayor alteración de la cabeza femoral, pudiendo alcanzar entre el 25 y el 30% de los pacientes. El grado de JOA/Tönnis inicial es un factor predictor de necesitar una prótesis de cadera contralateral.

Introduction: Coxarthrosis is one of the most frequent and disabling pathologies. 20% of individuals over 60 years of age will develop symptomatic coxarthrosis and 10% of them will need a hip replacement; it is probably one of the orthopaedic procedures that most increases quality of life. When we recommend arthroplasty in clinical practice, patients often ask about the prognosis of their other hip. Will it deteriorate in the same way? Will it be necessary to replace it? When? The aim of the study is to determine if there is any variable or radiological sign that predicts the medium-term prognosis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty. Material and methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in our hospital during 2011 and 2012 was carried out, with a total of 543 patients. The coxarthrosis degree at X-ray was determined at the time of the first arthroplasty and at regular intervals during follow-up, according to the JOA and Tönnis classifications, analyzing each of the items included in these classifications. Its relation with the progression of osteoarthritis and the need of contralateral hip replacement was established. Results and conclusions: A progression of osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip could be expected in the next 3 years in 10% of patients. This progression will be greater and faster in those with JOA grade III–IV/Tönnis grade II–III, especially, in those with greater joint narrowing and femoral head shape score, and can reach between 25 and 30% of patients. The initial JOA/Tönnis degree is a predictive factor for requiring a hip replacement on the contralateral side.(AU)

[Translated article] Prognosis of the contralateral hip after primary total hip replacement: Can it be predicted? / ¿Se puede predecir el pronóstico de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera?

Introduction: Coxarthrosis is one of the most frequent and disabling pathologies. 20% of individuals over 60 years of age will develop symptomatic coxarthrosis and 10% of them will need a hip replacement; it is probably one of the orthopaedic procedures that most increases quality of life. When we recommend arthroplasty in clinical practice, patients often ask about the prognosis of their other hip. Will it deteriorate in the same way? Will it be necessary to replace it? When? The aim of the study is to determine if there is any variable or radiological sign that predicts the medium-term prognosis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty. Material and methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in our hospital during 2011 and 2012 was carried out, with a total of 543 patients. The coxarthrosis degree at X-ray was determined at the time of the first arthroplasty and at regular intervals during follow-up, according to the JOA and Tönnis classifications, analyzing each of the items included in these classifications. Its relation with the progression of osteoarthritis and the need of contralateral hip replacement was established. Results and conclusions: A progression of osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip could be expected in the next 3 years in 10% of patients. This progression will be greater and faster in those with JOA grade III–IV/Tönnis grade II–III, especially, in those with greater joint narrowing and femoral head shape score, and can reach between 25 and 30% of patients. The initial JOA/Tönnis degree is a predictive factor for requiring a hip replacement on the contralateral side.(AU)

Introducción: La coxartrosis es una de las patologías más frecuentes e incapacitantes. El 20% de los mayores de 60 años desarrollará coxartrosis sintomática y el 10% requerirá una prótesis total de cadera. La artroplastia total de cadera es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos que más aumenta la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Cuando recomendamos la artroplastia en la práctica clínica, los pacientes a menudo preguntan sobre el pronóstico de su otra cadera: ¿Se deteriorará de la misma forma? ¿Será necesario operarla? ¿Cuándo? El objetivo es determinar si existe alguna variable o signo radiológico que prediga el pronóstico a medio plazo de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos de artroplastia total de cadera en nuestro hospital durante los años 2011 y 2012, con un total de 543 pacientes. Se determinó el grado de coxartrosis, según las clasificaciones JOA y Tönnis, en la radiografía de ambas caderas en el momento de la primera artroplastia y a intervalos regulares durante el seguimiento, analizando cada uno de los ítems incluidos en estas clasificaciones. Se estableció la relación de estos hallazgos radiográficos con la progresión de la artrosis y la necesidad de artroplastia contralateral. Resultados y conclusiones: Podría esperarse una progresión de la artrosis de la cadera contralateral en los próximos 3 años en el 10% de los pacientes. Esta progresión será mayor y más rápida en aquellos con grado JOA III-IV/Tönnis II-III y, especialmente, en aquellos con mayor estrechamiento articular y mayor alteración de la cabeza femoral, pudiendo alcanzar entre el 25 y el 30% de los pacientes. El grado de JOA/Tönnis inicial es un factor predictor de necesitar una prótesis de cadera contralateral.

Uso de catéter de derivación interno-externo en la pieloplastia abierta en menores de un año / Use of internal-external diversion stent in open pyeloplasty in patients under one year of age

Introducción: Existen diversas alternativas para el drenaje de la pelvis renal tras una pieloplastia. Una de ellas es la utilización de un catéter de derivación interno-externo que, según nuestro protocolo, se anuda a las 48 horas posoperatorias previas al alta y se retira a los siete días de forma ambulatoria en consulta, sin necesidad de sedoanalgesia. Objetivos: Analizar los resultados de los pacientes menores de un año intervenidos mediante pieloplastia abierta, asociando un catéter de derivación interno-externo de manejo ambulatorio. Material y métodos: Análisis descriptivo retrospectivo de 28 pacientes (31 unidades renales) intervenidos entre los años 2011 y 2021. Se evaluaron métodos diagnósticos, indicaciones, abordaje quirúrgico y evolución posoperatoria. Resultados: Veintiocho pacientes (23 varones) con diagnóstico prenatal de hidronefrosis confirmado con ecografía y/o renograma, fueron intervenidos mediante pieloplastia a una mediana de edad de tres meses (15 días-11 meses). Se realizó pieloplastia según técnica de Anderson-Hynes o pieloplastia desmembrada en 28 unidades renales y según técnica de Culp-DeWeerd o colgajo en espiral en 3. En todos los casos se utilizó un catéter de derivación interno-externo según protocolo. El tiempo medio de ingreso fue 3,5 días (2-7 días) con buena evolución posoperatoria. Dos pacientes presentaron complicaciones (infección urinaria que requirió antibioterapia intravenosa y pionefrosis que requirió repieloplastia). Conclusiones: Asociar un catéter de derivación interno-externo a la pieloplastia en pacientes menores de un año con estenosis de la unión pieloureteral es una opción sencilla y segura que permite un alta precoz con manejo ambulatorio y evita una segunda anestesia general para la retirada del catéter de drenaje.(AU)

Introduction: There are various alternatives available for renal pelvis drainage following pyeloplasty. One of them is the use of an internal-external diversion stent, which according to our protocol, is knotted 48 hours following surgery, prior to discharge, and removed 7 days later on an outpatient consultation basis, with no sedation or analgesia required. Objective: To analyze the results of patients under one year of age who underwent open pyeloplasty associated with an outpatient internalexternal diversion stent. Materials and methods: A retrospective, descriptive analysis of 28 patients (31 renal units) undergoing surgery from 2011 to 2021 was carried out. Diagnostic methods, indications, surgical approach, and postoperative progression were assessed. Results: 28 patients (23 male) prenatally diagnosed with hydronephrosis confirmed by ultrasonography and/or renogram underwent pyeloplasty at a median age of 3 months (15 days-11 months). Pyeloplasty was conducted according to the Anderson-Hynes technique or dismembered pyeloplasty in 28 renal units, and according to the Culp-DeWeerd technique or spiral flap in 3. In all cases, an internal-external diversion stent was used according to our protocol. Mean hospital stay was 3.5 days (2-7 days), with a good postoperative progression. 2 patients had complications (urinary infection requiring intravenous antibiotics, and pyonephrosis requiring re-pyeloplasty). Conclusions: Using an internal-external diversion stent following pyeloplasty in patients under 1 year of age with ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a simple and safe option that allows for early discharge with outpatient management. It also avoids a second general anesthesia for drainage catheter removal purposes.(AU)