Multiple and spectrally robust photonic magic angles in reconfigurable α-MoO3 trilayers.

The emergence of a topological transition of the polaritonic dispersion in twisted bilayers of anisotropic van der Waals materials at a given twist angle-the photonic magic angle-results in the diffractionless propagation of polaritons with deep-subwavelength resolution. This type of propagation, generally referred to as canalization, holds promise for the control of light at the nanoscale. However, the existence of a single photonic magic angle hinders such control since the canalization direction in twisted bilayers is unique and fixed for each incident frequency. Here we overcome this limitation by demonstrating multiple spectrally robust photonic magic angles in reconfigurable twisted α-phase molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3) trilayers. We show that canalization of polaritons can be programmed at will along any desired in-plane direction in a single device with broad spectral ranges. These findings open the door for nanophotonics applications where on-demand control is crucial, such as thermal management, nanoimaging or entanglement of quantum emitters.

Males and females with first episode psychosis present distinct profiles of social cognition and metacognition.

Deficits in social cognition and metacognition impact the course of psychosis. Sex differences in social cognition and metacognition could explain heterogeneity in psychosis. 174 (58 females) patients with first-episode psychosis completed a clinical, neuropsychological, social cognitive, and metacognitive assessment. Subsequent latent profile analysis split by sex yielded two clusters common to both sexes (a Homogeneous group, 53% and 79.3%, and an Indecisive group, 18.3% and 8.6% of males and females, respectively), a specific male profile characterized by presenting jumping to conclusions (28.7%) and a specific female profile characterized by cognitive biases (12.1%). Males and females in the homogeneous profile seem to have a more benign course of illness. Males with jumping to conclusions had more clinical symptoms and more neuropsychological deficits. Females with cognitive biases were younger and had lower self-esteem. These results suggest that males and females may benefit from specific targeted treatment and highlights the need to consider sex when planning interventions.

Recomendaciones para el tratamiento nutrometabólico especializado del paciente crítico: paciente politraumatizado y paciente quemado crítico. Grupo de Trabajo de Metabolismo y Nutrición de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC) / Recommendations for specialized nutritional-metabolic management of the critical patient: Special situations, polytraumatisms and critical burn patients. Metabolism and Nutrition Working Group of the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC)

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Local increase of the Curie temperature in Mn/Fe implanted Y3Fe5O12 (YIG).

The change in the Curie temperature of single crystalline garnet Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) sample due to lattice damage induced by ion implantation has been investigated in 57Fe emission Mössbauer Spectroscopy (eMS) following implantation of 57Mn (T½ = 1.5 min). The Mössbauer spectra analysis reveal high spin Fe3+ ions substituted on both the octahedral and the tetrahedral sites. Measurements in the temperature range 298 K-798 K show that average values of the magnetic hyperfine field are decreased by the implantation-induced damage on the local lattice structure of the YIG. The Curie temperature, however, is determined to be 651 ± 5 K, considerably higher than the value of bulk YIG (559 K). This is most likely due to lattice damage-induced changes on the spin configurations of YIG through a FeA-O-FeD distortion scheme.

PainAPPle. Validación y evaluación de una aplicación electrónica para el manejo del dolor agudo en pacientes pediátricos / PainAPPle. Validation and evaluation of an electronic application for the management of acute pain in pediatric patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: La versión digital de las escalas de valoración recomendadas para el paciente pediátrico podría contribuir a su mejora y a implementar los indicadores de calidad descritos para el manejo del dolor agudo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Desarrollo de una aplicación electrónica (PainAPPle) que incorpora versiones de las escalas de valoración del dolor y efectos secundarios validados para cada edad, así como las estrategias terapéuticas aceptadas para el manejo del dolor agudo en pacientes pediátricos. Validación psicométrica (validez y fiabilidad) de las escalas incorporadas en 44 pacientes de 4 a 18 años de la unidad de dolor agudo, aplicándoles ambos formatos (papel y electrónico) de todas las escalas en dos mediciones con 30 min de diferencia. Evaluación de los datos recogidos por PainAPPle en pacientes pediátricos a cargo de dicha unidad. RESULTADOS: La fiabilidad se estudió analizando la correlación (Spearman mayor de 0,5, p < 0,001) que obtuvimos para las distintas escalas en dos momentos con 30 min de diferencia, en los mismos pacientes. Para la validez se analizó la correlación (Spearman mayor de 0,5, p < 0,001) entre los valores de las escalas en papel (regla de oro) y en PainAPPle tanto en el minuto 0 como en el minuto 30. Los niveles de concordancia obtenidos teniendo en cuenta el punto de corte de las escalas que obligaría a un tratamiento fueron también estadísticamente significativos (p < 0,005). CONCLUSIONES: PainAPPle es un instrumento validado para el manejo del dolor agudo en pacientes pediátricos. Los datos recogidos permiten aplicar los indicadores de calidad descritos para el manejo del dolor agudo postoperatorio

INTRODUCTION: The digital version of the assessment scales recommended for the pediatric patient could contribute to its improvement and to implement the quality indicators described for the management of acute pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Psychometric validation (validity and reliability) of pain assessment and treatment side effects scales incorporated in the electronic application PainAPPle. For this, both formats (paper and electronic) of all the scales were applied in two measurements with 30 minutes of difference in 44 patients from 4 to 18 years of the Acute Pain Unit in the immediate postoperative period. In addition, the data collected by PainAPPle was evaluated by retrospectively applying the quality indicators described for the management of acute postoperative pain. RESULTS: Reliability was studied analyzing the high correlation (Spearman greater than 0.5, P<.001) that we obtained for the values of each scale in two moments with 30minutes of difference, in the same patients. For validity, the high correlation (Spearman greater than 0.5, P<.001) between the values of the paper scales (gold rule) and PainAPPle at both minute 0 and 30 was analyzed. Concordance obtained taking into account the cut-off point of the scales that would force a treatment were also statistically significant (P<.005). CONCLUSIONS: PainAPPle is a validated instrument for the management of acute pain in pediatric patients. The collected data allow to apply the quality indicators described for the management of acute postoperative pain

Painapple®. Validation and evaluation of an electronic application for the management of acute pain in pediatric patients. / PainAPPle. Validación y evaluación de una aplicación electrónica para el manejo del dolor agudo en pacientes pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: The digital version of the assessment scales recommended for the pediatric patient could contribute to its improvement and to implement the quality indicators described for the management of acute pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Psychometric validation (validity and reliability) of pain assessment and treatment side effects scales incorporated in the electronic application PainAPPle. For this, both formats (paper and electronic) of all the scales were applied in two measurements with 30minutes of difference in 44 patients from 4 to 18years of the Acute Pain Unit in the immediate postoperative period. In addition, the data collected by PainAPPle was evaluated by retrospectively applying the quality indicators described for the management of acute postoperative pain. RESULTS: Reliability was studied analyzing the high correlation (Spearman greater than 0.5, P<.001) that we obtained for the values of each scale in two moments with 30minutes of difference, in the same patients. For validity, the high correlation (Spearman greater than 0.5, P<.001) between the values of the paper scales (gold rule) and PainAPPle at both minute 0 and 30 was analyzed. Concordance obtained taking into account the cut-off point of the scales that would force a treatment were also statistically significant (P<.005). CONCLUSIONS: PainAPPle is a validated instrument for the management of acute pain in pediatric patients. The collected data allow to apply the quality indicators described for the management of acute postoperative pain.

Sistemas de TCI en circuito cerrado para la hipnosis en cirugía ambulatoria / Hypnosis closed loop TCI systems in outpatient surgery

Objetivo. Evaluar la influencia de los sistemas de circuito cerrado para anestesia general en los resultados de la cirugía de varices en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se incluyeron 270 pacientes entre los años 2014 y 2015. En el Grupo CL se incluyeron pacientes que recibieron propofol en asa cerrada guiada por BIS y remifentanilo en TCI. Y en el Grupo C, los que no recibieron una anestesia en circuito cerrado. La edad, el sexo, la duración de la cirugía, el tiempo de descarga y los fracasos en la ambulatorización fueron recogidos. Tras verificar el tipo de distribución mediante el test de Kolmogorov-Smirnov-Lilliefors, las variables cuantitativas fueron analizadas mediante el test de la t de Student o el de Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon, según el caso. Las variables cualitativas fueron analizadas mediante el test de la Chi cuadrado. El tiempo de descarga fue además analizado mediante curvas de supervivencia (Kaplan-Meier) y se calculó el tamaño del efecto con la d de Cohen. El análisis estadístico se realizó utilizando software R 3.2.3 binary para Mac OS X 10.9. Resultados. No se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas salvo en los tiempos de descarga, que fueron menores en el Grupo CL: 200 (100) vs. 180 (82,5), p=0,005 (mediana y rango intercuartílico). Conclusión. El uso de dispositivos de asa cerrada para el componente hipnótico de la anestesia reduce los tiempos de descarga. Pero se precisaría optimizar el funcionamiento de nuestra Unidad de Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria para que la reducción fuese clínicamente relevante (AU)

Objective. Determine the influence of general anaesthesia with closed-loop systems in the results of outpatient varicose vein surgery. Patients and methods. Retrospective observational study including data from 270 outpatients between 2014 and 2015. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of general anaesthesia used. The CL Group included patients who received propofol in closed-loop guided by BIS and remifentanil using TCI, and the C Group received non-closed-loop anaesthesia. Age, sex, surgical time, discharge time and failure of outpatient surgery were recorded. Quantitative data were checked for normal distribution by the method of Kolmogorov-Smirnov-Lilliefors. Differences between groups were analysed by a Student-t-test or Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test, depending on their distribution. Categorical data were analysed by a Chi-squared test. We used Kaplan-Meier estimator and the effect size (calculated by Cohen's d) to study the discharge time. Statistical analysis was performed using R 3.2.3 binary for Mac OS X 10.9. Results. There were no significant differences in age, sex and surgical time and failure of outpatient surgery. Discharge time was different in both groups: 200 (100) vs. 180 (82.5) minutes, C Group and CL Group, respectively (data are median and interquartile rank); P=.005. Conclusion. The use of closed-loop devices for the hypnotic component of anaesthesia hastens discharge time. However, for this effect to be clinically significant, some improvements still need to be made in our outpatient surgery units (AU)

Randomized control trial to assess the efficacy of metacognitive training compared with a psycho-educational group in people with a recent-onset psychosis.

BACKGROUND: Aims were to assess the efficacy of metacognitive training (MCT) in people with a recent onset of psychosis in terms of symptoms as a primary outcome and metacognitive variables as a secondary outcome. METHOD: A multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed. A total of 126 patients were randomized to an MCT or a psycho-educational intervention with cognitive-behavioral elements. The sample was composed of people with a recent onset of psychosis, recruited from nine public centers in Spain. The treatment consisted of eight weekly sessions for both groups. Patients were assessed at three time-points: baseline, post-treatment, and at 6 months follow-up. The evaluator was blinded to the condition of the patient. Symptoms were assessed with the PANSS and metacognition was assessed with a battery of questionnaires of cognitive biases and social cognition. RESULTS: Both MCT and psycho-educational groups had improved symptoms post-treatment and at follow-up, with greater improvements in the MCT group. The MCT group was superior to the psycho-educational group on the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) total (p = 0.026) and self-certainty (p = 0.035) and dependence self-subscale of irrational beliefs, comparing baseline and post-treatment. Moreover, comparing baseline and follow-up, the MCT group was better than the psycho-educational group in self-reflectiveness on the BCIS (p = 0.047), total BCIS (p = 0.045), and intolerance to frustration (p = 0.014). Jumping to Conclusions (JTC) improved more in the MCT group than the psycho-educational group (p = 0.021). Regarding the comparison within each group, Theory of Mind (ToM), Personalizing Bias, and other subscales of irrational beliefs improved in the MCT group but not the psycho-educational group (p < 0.001-0.032). CONCLUSIONS: MCT could be an effective psychological intervention for people with recent onset of psychosis in order to improve cognitive insight, JTC, and tolerance to frustration. It seems that MCT could be useful to improve symptoms, ToM, and personalizing bias.

Hypnosis closed loop TCI systems in outpatient surgery. / Sistemas de TCI en circuito cerrado para la hipnosis en cirugía ambulatoria.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the influence of general anaesthesia with closed-loop systems in the results of outpatient varicose vein surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study including data from 270 outpatients between 2014 and 2015. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of general anaesthesia used. The CL Group included patients who received propofol in closed-loop guided by BIS and remifentanil using TCI, and the C Group received non-closed-loop anaesthesia. Age, sex, surgical time, discharge time and failure of outpatient surgery were recorded. Quantitative data were checked for normal distribution by the method of Kolmogorov-Smirnov-Lilliefors. Differences between groups were analysed by a Student-t-test or Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test, depending on their distribution. Categorical data were analysed by a Chi-squared test. We used Kaplan-Meier estimator and the effect size (calculated by Cohen's d) to study the discharge time. Statistical analysis was performed using R 3.2.3 binary for Mac OS X 10.9. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, sex and surgical time and failure of outpatient surgery. Discharge time was different in both groups: 200 (100) vs. 180 (82.5) minutes, C Group and CL Group, respectively (data are median and interquartile rank); P=.005. CONCLUSION: The use of closed-loop devices for the hypnotic component of anaesthesia hastens discharge time. However, for this effect to be clinically significant, some improvements still need to be made in our outpatient surgery units.

Prácticas seguras para el uso de opioides en pacientes con dolor crónico / Safe practices for the use of opioids in patients with chronic pain

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Generation of human organs in pigs via interspecies blastocyst complementation.

More than eighteen years have passed since the first derivation of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), but their clinical use is still met with several challenges, such as ethical concerns regarding the need of human embryos, tissue rejection after transplantation and tumour formation. The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) enables the access to patient-derived pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and opens the door for personalized medicine as tissues/organs can potentially be generated from the same genetic background as the patient recipients, thus avoiding immune rejections or complication of immunosuppression strategies. In this regard, successful replacement, or augmentation, of the function of damaged tissue by patient-derived differentiated stem cells provides a promising cell replacement therapy for many devastating human diseases. Although human iPSCs can proliferate unlimitedly in culture and harbour the potential to generate all cell types in the adult body, currently, the functionality of differentiated cells is limited. An alternative strategy to realize the full potential of human iPSC for regenerative medicine is the in vivo tissue generation in large animal species via interspecies blastocyst complementation. As this technology is still in its infancy and there remains more questions than answers, thus in this review, we mainly focus the discussion on the conceptual framework, the emerging technologies and recent advances involved with interspecies blastocyst complementation, and will refer the readers to other more in-depth reviews on dynamic pluripotent stem cell states, genome editing and interspecies chimeras. Likewise, other emerging alternatives to combat the growing shortage of human organs, such as xenotransplantation or tissue engineering, topics that has been extensively reviewed, will not be covered here.

Effects of an Ai Chi fall prevention programme for patients with Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: One of the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease is the high incidence of falls occurring due to the decline of both static and dynamic balance. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of an Ai Chi programme designed to prevent falls in patients with Parkinson's disease by improving both functional independence and perception of physical pain. METHODS: Fifteen patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3) participated in a 10-week Ai Chi programme consisting of 30 to 45-minute aquatic exercise sessions twice a week. The assessment measures used in this study were the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), the Tinetti gait and balance assessment tool, and the Timed Get up and Go test. RESULTS: The results were calculated by applying the Friedman test to 3 related measurements: patients at baseline, at post-treatment (at the end of the 10 week programme) and after one month of follow-up. The data obtained showed a significant improvement (p <.001) in scores for pain perception, balance, and gait function after the treatment programme. Furthermore, patients continued to show significant improvements and the benefits remained at the one-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Ai Chi is a promising and feasible aquatic treatment for improving pain perception, balance, and functional capacity in patients diagnosed with mild or moderate Parkinson's disease.

Comparación de la respuesta hemodinámica durante la inducción y la intubación con 2 modelos de infusión controlada por objetivo en el sitio de efecto para propofol: estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado / Comparison of the hemodynamic response to induction and intubation during a target-controlled infusion of propofol with 2 different pharmacokinetic models. A prospective ramdomized trial

Objetivo. Determinar qué modelo farmacocinético para propofol proporciona una mayor estabilidad hemodinámica durante la inducción anestésica. Material y métodos. Ensayo clínico prospectivo, aleatorizado, no ciego y por intención de tratar donde se incluyeron 280 pacientes ASA I-III, 18-80 años de edad y 45-100 kg de peso, programados para cirugía bajo anestesia general. Los pacientes se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en 2 grupos, dependiendo del modelo farmacodinámico para propofol empleado (Marsh Modificado o Schnider), para analizar el comportamiento hemodinámico durante la inducción y la intubación. Se administró una infusión controlada por objetivo de propofol para mantener un índice biespectral de 35-55. En el minuto 6 se realizó la intubación orotraqueal, finalizando el estudio a los 11 min del comienzo. Fueron recogidos cada minuto la frecuencia cardiaca, la tensión arterial media, las dosis, las concentraciones de propofol y la aparición de hipotensión. El producto de la frecuencia cardiaca y la tensión arterial media (FC × TAM) fue calculado cada minuto y analizado pormenorizadamente, determinando, entre otros, el valor mínimo antes de la intubación, el máximo tras ella, y la relación entre estos 2 valores (GRADIENTE [MÍN, MÁX], variable principal del estudio). Resultados. No hubo diferencias significativas en el comportamiento hemodinámico entre los grupos del estudio. GRADIENTE (MÍN, MÁX): 77,41 vs. 84,86% (p = 0,821); hipotensión: 17,3 vs. 12,8% (p = 0,292); Marsh Modificado y Schnider, respectivamente. Conclusión. No se han podido demostrar diferencias en el comportamiento hemodinámico, a pesar de que el grupo del Marsh Modificado recibió una dosis mayor de propofol (AU)

Objective. Determine the best propofol pharmacokinetic model that meets patient requirements and is devoid of major haemodynamic side effects. Material and methods. Prospective, randomised, open-label, clinical trial was performed on an intention to treat basis. It included 280 patients with ASA physical status i-iii, aged 18 to 80 years and weight range between 45 to 100 kg, scheduled for surgery under general anaesthesia. They were randomized into 2 groups according to the pharmacokinetic model: Modified Marsh group and Schnider group. The haemodynamic changes that occurred during the induction and intubation were analysed. A propofol target controlled infusion was started to achieve and maintain a bispectral index value between 35 and 55. At minute 6, orotracheal intubation was performed and the study finished at minute 11. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure and their product (HR × MAP) were measured and recorded every minute throughout the study. Every HR × MAP value was compared to its baseline value to determine the minimum value before intubation, the maximum value after intubation, the maximum variation after intubation, and its final value. The GRADIENTE (MIN, MAX) variable (primary endpoint of this study) analyses the difference between maximal and minimal values related to intubation. Propofol doses and calculated concentrations and any hypotensive events were also recorded. Results. No differences were found between groups regarding haemodynamic performance. GRADIENTE (MIN, MAX) values and the percentage of hypotensive events were: Modified Marsh group median 77.41% vs. Schnider group 84.86% (p= 0.821) and 17.3% vs. 12.8% (p = 0.292), respectively. Conclusion. The study failed to demonstrate any haemodynamic difference between the 2 groups, even though the Modified Marsh group received a larger dose of propofol (AU)

Comparison of the hemodynamic response to induction and intubation during a target-controlled infusion of propofol with 2 different pharmacokinetic models. A prospective ramdomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the best propofol pharmacokinetic model that meets patient requirements and is devoid of major haemodynamic side effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, randomised, open-label, clinical trial was performed on an intention to treat basis. It included 280 patients with ASA physical status i-iii, aged 18 to 80 years and weight range between 45 to 100kg, scheduled for surgery under general anaesthesia. They were randomized into 2 groups according to the pharmacokinetic model: Modified Marsh group and Schnider group. The haemodynamic changes that occurred during the induction and intubation were analysed. A propofol target controlled infusion was started to achieve and maintain a bispectral index value between 35 and 55. At minute 6, orotracheal intubation was performed and the study finished at minute 11. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure and their product (HR×MAP) were measured and recorded every minute throughout the study. Every HR×MAP value was compared to its baseline value to determine the minimum value before intubation, the maximum value after intubation, the maximum variation after intubation, and its final value. The GRADIENTE (MIN, MAX) variable (primary endpoint of this study) analyses the difference between maximal and minimal values related to intubation. Propofol doses and calculated concentrations and any hypotensive events were also recorded. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups regarding haemodynamic performance. GRADIENTE (MIN, MAX) values and the percentage of hypotensive events were: Modified Marsh group median 77.41% vs. Schnider group 84.86% (p= 0.821) and 17.3% vs. 12.8% (p = 0.292), respectively. CONCLUSION: The study failed to demonstrate any haemodynamic difference between the 2 groups, even though the Modified Marsh group received a larger dose of propofol.

Disminución de las transfusiones alogénicas por la generalización del uso de recuperadores de sangre postoperatorios en cirugía de prótesis de rodilla / Decrease in allogenic transfusions due to the spread of use of postoperative retransfusion systems in knee replacement surgery

Objetivos. Los equipos medicoquirúrgicos disponen de múltiples herramientas para reducir la necesidad de transfusión alogénica perioperatoria. En nuestro centro se ha generalizado el uso de recuperadores de sangre filtrada en el postoperatorio de la cirugía de prótesis total de rodilla desde 2006. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si el uso de recuperadores de sangre filtrada disminuyó la tasa de transfusiones en nuestra práctica clínica habitual. Material y métodos. Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo: grupo 2004, pacientes intervenidos de prótesis total de rodilla durante 2004, antes del uso de recuperadores de sangre filtrada; y grupo 2008, pacientes intervenidos de prótesis total de rodilla durante 2008, usando recuperadores. Se registraron sexo, niveles de hemoglobina preoperatorio y al cuarto día, masa total eritrocitaria perdida, reinfusión de sangre recuperada y transfusión de banco durante la estancia hospitalaria. Resultados. Ambos grupos fueron homogéneos en cuanto a sexo, hemoglobinas en el preoperatorio y el cuarto día, y masa total eritrocitaria perdida. La proporción de pacientes transfundidos fue significativamente menor en el grupo 2008 frente al grupo 2004 (20,18 vs. 42,19%), con un riesgo relativo de ser transfundido de 0,47 y NNT de 4,54; p = 0,0017. Conclusiones. En nuestro centro el uso de recuperadores disminuyó la proporción de pacientes transfundidos durante el ingreso para cirugía de prótesis total de rodilla, aunque este resultado no puede generalizarse debido a la ausencia de un criterio definido para indicar las transfusiones(AU)

Objectives. Surgical teams have several tools in order to reduce the need for postoperative allogenic transfusion. Postoperative autotransfusion of unwashed shed blood has become common practice for total knee replacement surgery since 2006 in our hospital. This study was designed to evaluate if this practice has reduced allogenic blood transfusions. Material and methods. A retrospective study comparing two cohorts, group 2004 with patients operated on for total knee replacement during the year 2004, before the use of the retransfusion system, and group 2008, patients operated on in the year 2008, with regular use of the retransfusion system. Gender, preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin levels, total amount of calculated erythrocytes lost, reinfusion of shed blood and allogenic blood transfusion during hospital stay were recorded. Results. Both groups were similar as regards gender, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels, and total amount of erythrocytes lost. The proportion of transfused patients was significantly lower in group 2008 versus group 2004 (20.18% versus 42.19%), with a relative risk of being transfused of 0.47 and a NNT of 4.54. P = .0017. Conclusions. In our hospital the use of postoperative retransfusion systems has reduced the proportion of transfused patients during hospitalization for total knee replacement surgery, although this result cannot be generalized due to the lack of a fixed transfusion trigger(AU)

[Decrease in allogenic transfusions due to the spread of use of postoperative retransfusion systems in knee replacement surgery]. / Disminución de las transfusiones alogénicas por la generalización del uso de recuperadores de sangre postoperatorios en cirugía de prótesis de rodilla.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical teams have several tools in order to reduce the need for postoperative allogenic transfusion. Postoperative autotransfusion of unwashed shed blood has become common practice for total knee replacement surgery since 2006 in our hospital. This study was designed to evaluate if this practice has reduced allogenic blood transfusions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study comparing two cohorts, group 2004 with patients operated on for total knee replacement during the year 2004, before the use of the retransfusion system, and group 2008, patients operated on in the year 2008, with regular use of the retransfusion system. Gender, preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin levels, total amount of calculated erythrocytes lost, reinfusion of shed blood and allogenic blood transfusion during hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS: Both groups were similar as regards gender, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels, and total amount of erythrocytes lost. The proportion of transfused patients was significantly lower in group 2008 versus group 2004 (20.18% versus 42.19%), with a relative risk of being transfused of 0.47 and a NNT of 4.54. P=.0017. CONCLUSIONS: In our hospital the use of postoperative retransfusion systems has reduced the proportion of transfused patients during hospitalization for total knee replacement surgery, although this result cannot be generalized due to the lack of a fixed transfusion trigger.

Integrin-linked kinase mediates the hydrogen peroxide-dependent transforming growth factor-ß1 up-regulation.

Transforming growth factor type-ß1 (TGF-ß1) has been recognized as a central mediator in many pathological events related to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins accumulation, where their locally increased expression has been implicated in the fibrosis process of numerous organs, including glomerular fibrosis in the kidney. We and others have reported the TGF-ß1 synthesis regulation by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and moreover we also described the implication of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in the AP-1-dependent TGF-ß1 up-regulation. Thus, we propose here that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-dependent TGF-ß1 regulation may be mediated by ILK activation. First we confirmed the increase in TGF-ß1 expression in human mesangial cells (HMC) after treatment with H2O2 or with an alternative H2O2-generating system such as the glucose-oxidase enzyme (GOX). By using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA techniques, we demonstrate that extracellular H2O2 up-regulates TGF-ß1 transcription, as well as increases TGF-ß1 promoter activity. Furthermore, catalase-decreased intracellular H2O2 abolished TGF-ß1 up-regulation. The use of pharmacological inhibitors as well as knockdown of ILK with small interfering RNA (siRNA) demonstrated the implication of a PI3K/ILK/AKT/ERK MAPK signaling pathway axis in the H2O2-induced TGF-ß1 overexpression. Finally, we explored the physiological relevance of these findings by treating HMC with angiotensin II, a known stimuli of H2O2 synthesis. Our results confirm the relevance of previous findings after a more physiological stimulus. In summary, our results provide evidence that ILK activity changes may act as a mechanism in response to different stimuli such as H2O2 in the induced TGF-ß1 up-regulation in pathological or even physiological conditions.

Índice de masa corporal y aumento de peso en el embarazo. Resultado obstétrico de la inducción de parto / Body mass index and gestational weight gain. Pregnancy outcomes after labor induction

Objetivo: Determinar el resultado de la inducción de parto en función del índice de masa corporal (IMC) materno y del aumento de peso en el embarazo en el Hospital de León en el periodo enero-marzo de 2008.Material y método Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Analizamos 127inducciones de parto. Incluimos las variables: causa de la inducción, procedimientos de maduración cervical e inducción empleados, edad materna al fin de la gestación, tipo de parto, paridad, test de Bishop inicial, IMC, peso, talla, incremento ponderal durante la gestación, peso del recién nacido y test de Apgar al primer y quinto minuto. Resultados Se realizó inducción en el 21,3% de los partos del periodo. En el 81,1% se consiguió parto vaginal. El 36,2% de las pacientes tenía sobrepeso, el 21,2% obesidad y el 4,7% obesidad mórbida. Conclusiones Se encontraron relaciones no significativas entre el fracaso de la inducción con el IMC (p=0,08) y con el aumento de peso (p=0,07), incrementando el porcentaje de partos por cesárea (AU)

Objective: To determine the obstetric results of labor induction in relation to body mass index(BMI) and gestational weight gain at the Leon Hospital between January and March, 2008.Material and method: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 127 labor inductions. The variables included were the medical reason for induction, the procedures employed for cervical ripening and induction, maternal age at the end of pregnancy, type of labor, parity, initial Bishop’s score, BMI, weight, height, gestational weight gain, neonatal weight and Apgar test at1 and 5 minutes. Results Inductions were performed in 21.3% of births, while vaginal delivery was achievedin 81.1%. A total of 36.2% of the patients were overweight, 21.2% were obese and 4.7% were morbidly obese. Conclusions: A non-statistically significant association was observed between failure of vaginal delivery and BMI (P = .08) and body weight gain (P = .07). These two variables seem to increase the chances of failure of cervical ripening and induction of labor, increasing the percentage of cesarean sections (AU)