Synthesis of Soluble High Molar Mass Poly(Phenylene Methylene)-Based Polymers.

Poly(phenylene methylene) (PPM) is a multifunctional polymer that is also active as an anticorrosion fluorescent coating material. Although this polymer was synthesized already more than 100 years ago, a versatile synthetic route to obtain soluble high molar mass polymers based on PPM has yet to be achieved. In this article, the influence of bifunctional bis-chloromethyl durene (BCMD) as a branching agent in the synthesis of PPM is reported. The progress of the reaction was followed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and NMR analysis. PPM-based copolymers with the highest molar mass reported so far for this class of materials (up to Mn of 205,300 g mol-1) were isolated. The versatile approach of using BCMD was confirmed by employing different catalysts. Interestingly, thermal and optical characterization established that the branching process does not affect the thermoplastic behavior and the fluorescence of the material, thus opening up PPM-based compounds with high molar mass for applications.

Effect of secukinumab versus adalimumab biosimilar on radiographic progression in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: Results from a head-to-head randomized phase IIIb study.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal radiographic progression is an important outcome in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA). SURPASS is the first head-to-head phase IIIb study comparing such changes in patients with r-axSpA treated with secukinumab (IL-17A inhibitor) versus adalimumab biosimilar (Sandoz adalimumab [SDZ-ADL]; TNF inhibitor). METHODS: Biologic-naïve patients with active r-axSpA, at high risk of radiographic progression (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] ≥5 mg/L and/or ≥1 syndesmophyte[s] on spinal radiographs) were randomized (1:1:1) to secukinumab (150/300 mg) or SDZ-ADL (40 mg). The proportion of patients with no radiographic progression (change from baseline [CFB] in modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score [mSASSS] ≤0.5) on secukinumab versus SDZ-ADL at week 104 (primary endpoint), mean CFB-mSASSS, proportion of patients with ≥1 syndesmophyte(s) at baseline with no new syndesmophytes(s), and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 859 patients (78.5% male, mSASSS 16.6, BASDAI 7.1, hsCRP 20.4 mg/L, and 73.0% with ≥1 syndesmophyte[s]) received secukinumab 150 mg (n=287), 300 mg (n=286), or SDZ-ADL (n=286). At week 104, the proportion of patients with no radiographic progression was 66.1%, 66.9%, and 65.6% (P=not significant, both secukinumab doses) and mean CFB-mSASSS was 0.54, 0.55, and 0.72 in secukinumab 150 mg, 300 mg, and SDZ-ADL arms, respectively. Overall, 56.9%, 53.8%, and 53.3% of patients on secukinumab 150 mg, 300 mg, and SDZ-ADL, respectively, with ≥1 syndesmophyte(s) at baseline did not develop new syndesmophyte(s) by week 104. There were no unexpected safety findings. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal radiographic progression over 2 years was low with no significant difference between secukinumab and SDZ-ADL arms. The safety of both treatments was consistent with previous reports.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and biological agents: the ARIA-ITALY Survey.

Summary: Background. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease that affects the nasal mucosa and the paranasal sinuses. CRS can be associated by nasal polyposis (CRSwNP phenotype) in up to 30% of patients and it is frequently associated with bronchial asthma. CRSwNP shows predominantly an underlying activation of type 2 inflammatory pathways with the involvement of eosinophils, IgE, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13. Biological drugs that target these inflammatory cytokines are currently a therapeutic option recognized by guidelines for the treatment of uncontrolled form of the disease. Methods. As part of the activity of the "ARIA-Italy" working group, a panel of 255 Italian Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, pneumologists and immuno-allergologists actively participated in this national survey and answered a series of questions geared toward understanding the main criteria for patient characterization and therapeutic decision, highlighting multidisciplinarity, and the implementation of the management of CRSwNP patients, as a part of the precision medicine concept and the appropriate use of the biologicals. Results. Two hundred and fifty-five experts and specialists participated in the survey. Conclusions. The results of this survey obtained from an extensive number of active specialists throughout Italy allow some important concluding remarks to be drawn. The main points of agreement were that multidisciplinary care teams provide many benefits but that, once the team is established, meetings and communication between members must be coordinated. Finally, the dissemination of national disease registries and the continuous updating of guidelines and position papers related to CRSwNP and comorbidities should be encouraged.

Mitochondrial targets in hyperammonemia: Addressing urea cycle function to improve drug therapies.

The urea cycle (UC) is a critically important metabolic process for the disposal of nitrogen (ammonia) produced by amino acids catabolism. The impairment of this liver-specific pathway induced either by primary genetic defects or by secondary causes, namely those associated with hepatic disease or drug administration, may result in serious clinical consequences. Urea cycle disorders (UCD) and certain organic acidurias are the major groups of inherited rare diseases manifested with hyperammonemia (HA) with UC dysregulation. Importantly, several commonly prescribed drugs, including antiepileptics in monotherapy or polytherapy from carbamazepine to valproic acid or specific antineoplastic agents such as asparaginase or 5-fluorouracil may be associated with HA by mechanisms not fully elucidated. HA, disclosing an imbalance between ammoniagenesis and ammonia disposal via the UC, can evolve to encephalopathy which may lead to significant morbidity and central nervous system damage. This review will focus on biochemical mechanisms related with HA emphasizing some poorly understood perspectives behind the disruption of the UC and mitochondrial energy metabolism, namely: i) changes in acetyl-CoA or NAD+ levels in subcellular compartments; ii) post-translational modifications of key UC-related enzymes, namely acetylation, potentially affecting their catalytic activity; iii) the mitochondrial sirtuins-mediated role in ureagenesis. Moreover, the main UCD associated with HA will be summarized to highlight the relevance of investigating possible genetic mutations to account for unexpected HA during certain pharmacological therapies. The ammonia-induced effects should be avoided or overcome as part of safer therapeutic strategies to protect patients under treatment with drugs that may be potentially associated with HA.

Eficacia del trasplante de células madre mesenquimales de lipoaspirado en el tratamiento de lesiones crónicas del manguito rotador. Modelo experimental en ratas / Efficacy of transplantation of lipoaspired mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of chronic rotator cuff tears. Experimental model in rats

Antecedentes y objetivo: Las roturas del manguito rotador afectan aproximadamente al 30% de la población mayor de 60 años. El tratamiento quirúrgico por vía artroscópica de estas lesiones es el tratamiento de elección, sin embargo, a pesar de las mejoras técnicas de reparación el índice de rerroturas oscila entre el 11 y el 94%. Por ello, los investigadores buscan mejorar el proceso de curación biológica mediante el uso de diferentes alternativas como las células madre mesenquimales (MSC). Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la eficacia de un medicamento de terapia celular elaborado a partir de células madre alogénicas derivadas del tejido adiposo en un modelo de lesión crónica del manguito rotador en ratas. Material y método: Se creó la lesión del supraespinoso en 48 ratas para su posterior sutura a las 4 semanas. A 24 animales se les añadió las MSC en suspensión tras la sutura, y a 24 animales HypoThermosol-FRS® (HTS) como grupo control. En ambos grupos se analizó la histología (escala Åström y Rausing) y la carga máxima, desplazamiento y constante elástica del tendón supraespinoso a los 4 meses de la reparación. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la puntuación histológica comparando los tendones tratados con MSC con respecto a los tendones tratados con HTS (p=0,811) ni tampoco en los resultados de carga máxima (p=0,770), desplazamiento (p=0,852) ni constante elástica (p=0,669) del tendón en ambos grupos. Conclusiones: La adición en suspensión de células derivadas de tejido adiposo a la reparación de una lesión crónica de manguito no mejora las características histológicas ni biomecánicas del tendón suturado.(AU)

Background and aim: Rotator cuff tears emerge in approximately 30% of the population over 60 years of age. Arthroscopic surgical treatment of these lesions is the treatment of choice, however, despite the improved repair techniques, the rate of re-tears ranges between 11 and 94%. Therefore, researchers seek to improve the biological healing process through the use of different alternatives such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of a Cellular Therapy Drug made from allogeneic stem cells derived from adipose tissue in a rat model of chronic rotator cuff injury. Material and methods: The supraspinatus lesion was created in 48 rats for subsequent suturing at 4 weeks. MSCs in suspension were added to 24 animals after suturing, and HypoThermosol-FRS® (HTS) to 24 animals as a control group. Histology (Åström and Rausing scale) and the maximum load, displacement and elastic constant of the supraspinatus tendon were analyzed in both groups 4 months after the repair. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the histological score comparing the tendons treated with MSCs with respect to the tendons treated with HTS (P=.811) nor in the results of maximum load (P=.770), displacement (P=.852) or elastic constant (P=.669) of the tendon in both groups. Conclusions: The addition of adipose-derived cells in suspension to the repair of a chronic cuff injury does not improve the histology or biomechanics of the sutured tendon.(AU)

[Translated article] Efficacy of transplantation of lipoaspired mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of chronic rotator cuff tears. Experimental model in rats / Eficacia del trasplante de células madre mesenquimales de lipoaspirado en el tratamiento de lesiones crónicas del manguito rotador. Modelo experimental en ratas

Antecedentes y objetivo: Las roturas del manguito rotador afectan aproximadamente al 30% de la población mayor de 60 años. El tratamiento quirúrgico por vía artroscópica de estas lesiones es el tratamiento de elección, sin embargo, a pesar de las mejoras técnicas de reparación el índice de rerroturas oscila entre el 11 y el 94%. Por ello, los investigadores buscan mejorar el proceso de curación biológica mediante el uso de diferentes alternativas como las células madre mesenquimales (MSC). Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la eficacia de un medicamento de terapia celular elaborado a partir de células madre alogénicas derivadas del tejido adiposo en un modelo de lesión crónica del manguito rotador en ratas. Material y método: Se creó la lesión del supraespinoso en 48 ratas para su posterior sutura a las 4 semanas. A 24 animales se les añadió las MSC en suspensión tras la sutura, y a 24 animales HypoThermosol-FRS® (HTS) como grupo control. En ambos grupos se analizó la histología (escala Åström y Rausing) y la carga máxima, desplazamiento y constante elástica del tendón supraespinoso a los 4 meses de la reparación. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la puntuación histológica comparando los tendones tratados con MSC con respecto a los tendones tratados con HTS (p=0,811) ni tampoco en los resultados de carga máxima (p=0,770), desplazamiento (p=0,852) ni constante elástica (p=0,669) del tendón en ambos grupos. Conclusiones: La adición en suspensión de células derivadas de tejido adiposo a la reparación de una lesión crónica de manguito no mejora las características histológicas ni biomecánicas del tendón suturado.(AU)

Background and aim: Rotator cuff tears emerge in approximately 30% of the population over 60 years of age. Arthroscopic surgical treatment of these lesions is the treatment of choice, however, despite the improved repair techniques, the rate of re-tears ranges between 11 and 94%. Therefore, researchers seek to improve the biological healing process through the use of different alternatives such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of a Cellular Therapy Drug made from allogeneic stem cells derived from adipose tissue in a rat model of chronic rotator cuff injury. Material and methods: The supraspinatus lesion was created in 48 rats for subsequent suturing at 4 weeks. MSCs in suspension were added to 24 animals after suturing, and HypoThermosol-FRS® (HTS) to 24 animals as a control group. Histology (Åström and Rausing scale) and the maximum load, displacement and elastic constant of the supraspinatus tendon were analyzed in both groups 4 months after the repair. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the histological score comparing the tendons treated with MSCs with respect to the tendons treated with HTS (P=.811) nor in the results of maximum load (P=.770), displacement (P=.852) or elastic constant (P=.669) of the tendon in both groups. Conclusions: The addition of adipose-derived cells in suspension to the repair of a chronic cuff injury does not improve the histology or biomechanics of the sutured tendon.(AU)

Early life stage mechanisms of an active fish species to cope with ocean warming and hypoxia as interacting stressors.

Ocean's characteristics are rapidly changing, modifying environmental suitability for early life stages of fish. We assessed whether the chronic effects of warming (24 °C) and hypoxia (<2-2.5 mg L-1) will be amplified by the combination of these stressors on mortality, growth, behaviour, metabolism and oxidative stress of early stages of the white seabream Diplodus sargus. Combined warming and hypoxia synergistically increased larval mortality by >51%. Warming induced faster growth in length and slower gains in weight when compared to other treatments. Boldness and exploration were not directly affected, but swimming activity increased under all test treatments. Under the combination of warming and hypoxia, routine metabolic rate (RMR) significantly decreases when compared to other treatments and shows a negative thermal dependence. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities increased under warming and were maintained similar to control levels under hypoxia or under combined stressors. Under hypoxia, the enzymatic activities were not enough to prevent oxidative damages as lipid peroxidation and DNA damage increased above control levels. Hypoxia reduced electron transport system activity (cellular respiration) and isocitrate dehydrogenase activity (aerobic metabolism) below control levels. However, lactate dehydrogenase activity (anaerobic metabolism) did not differ among treatments. A Redundancy Analysis showed that ∼99% of the variability in mortality, growth, behaviour and RMR among treatments can be explained by molecular responses. Mortality and growth are highly influenced by oxidative stress and energy metabolism, exhibiting a positive relationship with reactive oxygen species and a negative relationship with aerobic metabolism, regardless of treatment. Under hypoxic condition, RMR, boldness and swimming activity have a positive relationship with anaerobic metabolism regardless of temperature. Thus, seabreams may use anaerobic reliance to counterbalance the effects of the stressors on RMR, activity and growth. The outcomes suggests that early life stages of white seabream overcame the single and combined effects of hypoxia and warming.

[Translated article] Efficacy of transplantation of lipoaspired mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of chronic rotator cuff tears. Experimental model in rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rotator cuff tears emerge in approximately 30% of the population over 60 years of age. Arthroscopic surgical treatment of these lesions is the treatment of choice, however, despite the improved repair techniques, the rate of re-tears ranges between 11 and 94%. Therefore, researchers seek to improve the biological healing process through the use of different alternatives such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of a cellular therapy drug made from allogeneic stem cells derived from adipose tissue in a rat model of chronic rotator cuff injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The supraspinatus lesion was created in 48 rats for subsequent suturing at 4 weeks. MSCs in suspension were added to 24 animals after suturing, and HypoThermosol-FRS® (HTS) to 24 animals as a control group. Histology (Åström and Rausing scale) and the maximum load, displacement and elastic constant of the supraspinatus tendon were analysed in both groups 4 months after the repair. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the histological score comparing the tendons treated with MSCs with respect to the tendons treated with HTS (P=0.811) nor in the results of maximum load (P=0.770), displacement (P=0.852) or elastic constant (P=0.669) of the tendon in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of adipose-derived cells in suspension to the repair of a chronic cuff injury does not improve the histology or biomechanics of the sutured tendon.

Efficacy of transplantation of lipoaspired mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of chronic rotator cuff tears. Experimental model in rats. / Eficacia del trasplante de células madre mesenquimales de lipoaspirado en el tratamiento de lesiones crónicas del manguito rotador. Modelo experimental en ratas.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rotator cuff tears emerge in approximately 30% of the population over 60 years of age. Arthroscopic surgical treatment of these lesions is the treatment of choice, however, despite the improved repair techniques, the rate of re-tears ranges between 11 and 94%. Therefore, researchers seek to improve the biological healing process through the use of different alternatives such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of a Cellular Therapy Drug made from allogeneic stem cells derived from adipose tissue in a rat model of chronic rotator cuff injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The supraspinatus lesion was created in 48 rats for subsequent suturing at 4 weeks. MSCs in suspension were added to 24 animals after suturing, and HypoThermosol-FRS® (HTS) to 24 animals as a control group. Histology (Åström and Rausing scale) and the maximum load, displacement and elastic constant of the supraspinatus tendon were analyzed in both groups 4 months after the repair. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the histological score comparing the tendons treated with MSCs with respect to the tendons treated with HTS (P=.811) nor in the results of maximum load (P=.770), displacement (P=.852) or elastic constant (P=.669) of the tendon in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of adipose-derived cells in suspension to the repair of a chronic cuff injury does not improve the histology or biomechanics of the sutured tendon.

Dosimetrically motivated beam-angle optimization for non-coplanar arc radiotherapy with and without dynamic collimator rotation.

BACKGROUND: Non-coplanar techniques have shown to improve the achievable dose distribution compared to standard coplanar techniques for multiple treatment sites but finding optimal beam directions is challenging. Dynamic collimator trajectory radiotherapy (colli-DTRT) is a new intensity modulated radiotherapy technique that uses non-coplanar partial arcs and dynamic collimator rotation. PURPOSE: To solve the beam angle optimization (BAO) problem for colli-DTRT and non-coplanar VMAT (NC-VMAT) by determining the table-angle and the gantry-angle ranges of the partial arcs through iterative 4π fluence map optimization (FMO) and beam direction elimination. METHODS: BAO considers all available beam directions sampled on a gantry-table map with the collimator angle aligned to the superior-inferior axis (colli-DTRT) or static (NC-VMAT). First, FMO is performed, and beam directions are scored based on their contributions to the objective function. The map is thresholded to remove the least contributing beam directions, and arc candidates are formed by adjacent beam directions with the same table angle. Next, FMO and arc candidate trimming, based on objective function penalty score, is performed iteratively until a desired total gantry angle range is reached. Direct aperture optimization on the final set of colli-DTRT or NC-VMAT arcs generates deliverable plans. colli-DTRT and NC-VMAT plans were created for seven clinically-motivated cases with targets in the head and neck (two cases), brain, esophagus, lung, breast, and prostate. colli-DTRT and NC-VMAT were compared to coplanar VMAT plans as well as to class-solution non-coplanar VMAT plans for the brain and head and neck cases. Dosimetric validation was performed for one colli-DTRT (head and neck) and one NC-VMAT (breast) plan using film measurements. RESULTS: Target coverage and conformity was similar for all techniques. colli-DTRT and NC-VMAT plans had improved dosimetric performance compared to coplanar VMAT for all treatment sites except prostate where all techniques were equivalent. For the head and neck and brain cases, mean dose reduction-in percentage of the prescription dose-to parallel organs was on average 0.7% (colli-DTRT), 0.8% (NC-VMAT) and 0.4% (class-solution) compared to VMAT. The reduction in D2% for the serial organs was on average 1.7% (colli-DTRT), 2.0% (NC-VMAT) and 0.9% (class-solution). For the esophagus, lung, and breast cases, mean dose reduction to parallel organs was on average 0.2% (colli-DTRT) and 0.3% (NC-VMAT) compared to VMAT. The reduction in D2% for the serial organs was on average 1.3% (colli-DTRT) and 0.9% (NC-VMAT). Estimated delivery times for colli-DTRT and NC-VMAT were below 4 min for a full gantry angle range of 720°, including transitions between arcs, except for the brain case where multiple arcs covered the whole table angle range. These times are in the same order as the class-solution for the head and neck and brain cases. Total optimization times were 25%-107% longer for colli-DTRT, including BAO, compared to VMAT. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully developed dosimetrically motivated BAO for colli-DTRT and NC-VMAT treatment planning. colli-DTRT and NC-VMAT are applicable to multiple treatment sites, including body sites, with beneficial or equivalent dosimetric performances compared to coplanar VMAT and reasonable delivery times.

Targeting Longevity Gene SLC13A5: A Novel Approach to Prevent Age-Related Bone Fragility and Osteoporosis.

Reduced expression of the plasma membrane citrate transporter SLC13A5, also known as INDY, has been linked to increased longevity and mitigated age-related cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Citrate, a vital component of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, constitutes 1-5% of bone weight, binding to mineral apatite surfaces. Our previous research highlighted osteoblasts' specialized metabolic pathway facilitated by SLC13A5 regulating citrate uptake, production, and deposition within bones. Disrupting this pathway impairs bone mineralization in young mice. New Mendelian randomization analysis using UK Biobank data indicated that SNPs linked to reduced SLC13A5 function lowered osteoporosis risk. Comparative studies of young (10 weeks) and middle-aged (52 weeks) osteocalcin-cre-driven osteoblast-specific Slc13a5 knockout mice (Slc13a5cKO) showed a sexual dimorphism: while middle-aged females exhibited improved elasticity, middle-aged males demonstrated enhanced bone strength due to reduced SLC13A5 function. These findings suggest reduced SLC13A5 function could attenuate age-related bone fragility, advocating for SLC13A5 inhibition as a potential osteoporosis treatment.

El papel de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva de columna en el tratamiento de las metástasis vertebrales: una revisión narrativa / The role of minimally invasive spine surgery in the treatment of vertebral metastasis: A narrative review

Introducción: Las metástasis vertebrales son un problema muy frecuente y asocian un deterioro importante de la calidad de vida en los pacientes oncológicos. El objetivo de esta revisión es determinar el encaje de las técnicas quirúrgicas mínimamente invasivas dentro del manejo de esta entidad. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus y Cochrane. Se revisaron los artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años que fueran de una relevancia y calidad adecuadas. Resultados: Tras el cribado de los 2.184 trabajos identificados inicialmente en las distintas bases de datos, se incluyeron un total de 24 artículos en esta revisión. Conclusión: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva de columna es especialmente útil en pacientes oncológicos frágiles con metástasis vertebrales por la reducida comorbilidad que presentan las técnicas que se engloban en ella en comparación con la de la cirugía abierta convencional. Los avances en tecnología aplicada a la cirugía, como la navegación y la robótica, mejoran la precisión y reducen las complicaciones de esta técnica.(AU)

Background: Spinal metastases are a very common problem which dramatically affects the quality of life of cancer patients. The objective of this review is to address the issue of how minimally invasive surgery can play an important role in treating this pathology. Methods: A literature review was performed, searching in the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases. Relevant and quality papers published within the last 10 years were included in the review. Results: After screening the 2184 initially identified registers, a total of 24 articles were included for review. Conclusion: Minimally invasive spine surgery is specially convenient for fragile cancer patients with spinal metastases, because of its reduced comorbidity compared to conventional open surgery. Technological advances in surgery, such as navigation and robotics, improve accuracy and safety in this technique.(AU)

[Translated article] The role of minimally invasive spine surgery in the treatment of vertebral metastasis: A narrative review / El papel de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva de columna en el tratamiento de las metástasis vertebrales: una revisión narrativa

Introducción: Las metástasis vertebrales son un problema muy frecuente y asocian un deterioro importante de la calidad de vida en los pacientes oncológicos. El objetivo de esta revisión es determinar el encaje de las técnicas quirúrgicas mínimamente invasivas dentro del manejo de esta entidad. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus y Cochrane. Se revisaron los artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años que fueran de una relevancia y calidad adecuadas. Resultados: Tras el cribado de los 2.184 trabajos identificados inicialmente en las distintas bases de datos, se incluyeron un total de 24 artículos en esta revisión. Conclusión: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva de columna es especialmente útil en pacientes oncológicos frágiles con metástasis vertebrales por la reducida comorbilidad que presentan las técnicas que se engloban en ella en comparación con la de la cirugía abierta convencional. Los avances en tecnología aplicada a la cirugía, como la navegación y la robótica, mejoran la precisión y reducen las complicaciones de esta técnica.(AU)

Background: Spinal metastases are a very common problem which dramatically affects the quality of life of cancer patients. The objective of this review is to address the issue of how minimally invasive surgery can play an important role in treating this pathology. Methods: A literature review was performed, searching in the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases. Relevant and quality papers published within the last 10 years were included in the review. Results: After screening the 2184 initially identified registers, a total of 24 articles were included for review. Conclusion: Minimally invasive spine surgery is specially convenient for fragile cancer patients with spinal metastases, because of its reduced comorbidity compared to conventional open surgery. Technological advances in surgery, such as navigation and robotics, improve accuracy and safety in this technique.(AU)

Exploring disease-causing traits for drug repurposing in critically ill COVID-19 patients: A causal inference approach.

Despite recent development of vaccines to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients remains an important goal. In principle, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) provide a shortcut to the clinical evidence needed to repurpose existing drugs; however, genes identified frequently lack a causal disease link. We report an alternative method for finding drug repurposing targets, focusing on disease-causing traits beyond immediate disease genetics. Sixty blood cell types and biochemistries, and body mass index, were screened on a cohort of critically ill COVID-19 cases and controls that exhibited mild symptoms after infection, yielding high neutrophil cell count as a possible causal trait for critical illness. Our methodology identified CDK6 and janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors as treatment targets that were validated in an ex vivo neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation assay. Our methodology demonstrates the increased power for drug target identification by leveraging large disease-causing trait datasets.

Liver and Plasma Fatty Acid Characterization in Cultured Brown Trout at Distinct Reproductive Stages.

Fatty acids are energy sources, and their profiles are used as biomarkers of metabolic status and physiological changes in fish. Within this context, the main aim of this study was to identify the fatty acids that best discriminate the reproductive status of male and female farmed brown trout. The fatty acid composition in liver and plasma samples from the adults of both sexes was monitored along four distinct reproductive stages, namely the spawning capable (December), regressing (March), regenerating (July), and developing (November) stages. Irrespective of the sex and stage, the most representative fatty acids were palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1 n-9), arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3). There were no significant sex differences in fatty acid classes in the liver and plasma. Despite this, there were several changes in individual fatty acid levels between the sexes. In the liver, both males and females showed high monounsaturated fatty acid and low polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels during the regressing and regenerating stages. At spawning capable and developing stages, a reverse profile was noted. The plasma profiles were mainly influenced by changes in saturated fatty acids and PUFAs in males and by PUFA in females. Based on the most representative fatty acids, four patterns were established for female plasma samples, one for each reproductive stage. This scenario suggests that female plasma samples are promising for the discrimination of gonadal reproductive status, and this potential can be further explored in aquaculture and environmental monitoring studies.

The Antiviral Potential of Algal Lectins.

Algae have emerged as fascinating subjects of study due to their vast potential as sources of valuable metabolites with diverse biotechnological applications, including their use as fertilizers, feed, food, and even pharmaceutical precursors. Among the numerous compounds found in algae, lectins have garnered special attention for their unique structures and carbohydrate specificities, distinguishing them from lectins derived from other sources. Here, a comprehensive overview of the latest scientific and technological advancements in the realm of algal lectins with a particular focus on their antiviral properties is provided. These lectins have displayed remarkable effectiveness against a wide range of viruses, thereby holding great promise for various antiviral applications. It is worth noting that several alga species have already been successfully commercialized for their antiviral potential. However, the discovery of a diverse array of lectins with potent antiviral capabilities suggests that the field holds immense untapped potential for further expansion. In conclusion, algae stand as a valuable and versatile resource, and their lectins offer an exciting avenue for developing novel antiviral agents, which may lead to the development of cutting-edge antiviral therapies.

Technical note: A collision prediction tool using Blender.

Non-coplanar radiotherapy treatment techniques on C-arm linear accelerators have the potential to reduce dose to organs-at-risk in comparison with coplanar treatment techniques. Accurately predicting possible collisions between gantry, table and patient during treatment planning is needed to ensure patient safety. We offer a freely available collision prediction tool using Blender, a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software toolset. A geometric model of a C-arm linear accelerator including a library of patient models is created inside Blender. Based on the model, collision predictions can be used both to calculate collision-free zones and to check treatment plans for collisions. The tool is validated for two setups, once with and once without a full body phantom with the same table position. For this, each gantry-table angle combination with a 2° resolution is manually checked for collision interlocks at a TrueBeam system and compared to simulated collision predictions. For the collision check of a treatment plan, the tool outputs the minimal distance between the gantry, table and patient model and a video of the movement of the gantry and table, which is demonstrated for one use case. A graphical user interface allows user-friendly input of the table and patient specification for the collision prediction tool. The validation resulted in a true positive rate of 100%, which is the rate between the number of correctly predicted collision gantry-table combinations and the number of all measured collision gantry-table combinations, and a true negative rate of 89%, which is the ratio between the number of correctly predicted collision-free combinations and the number of all measured collision-free combinations. A collision prediction tool is successfully created and able to produce maps of collision-free zones and to test treatment plans for collisions including visualisation of the gantry and table movement.

Menor mortalidad y reingreso en pacientes con pocas comorbilidades intervenidos de fractura de cadera y con alta precoz / Lower mortality and readmission in patients with few comorbidities who underwent hip fracture surgery and were discharged early

Introducción: El retraso preoperatorio en pacientes intervenidos de fractura de cadera (FC) se ha asociado a peores resultados; sin embargo, el momento óptimo del alta hospitalaria tras cirugía ha sido poco estudiado. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar resultados de mortalidad y de reingreso en pacientes con FC con y sin alta hospitalaria precoz. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo seleccionando a 607 pacientes mayores de 65años con FC intervenidos entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2019, de los que se incluyeron para el análisis 164 pacientes con menos comorbilidades y ASA ≤II y se dividieron según su estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria en alta precoz o estancia ≤4días (n=115) y alta no precoz o estancia postoperatoria >4días (n=49). Se registraron características demográficas; características relacionadas con la fractura y el tratamiento quirúrgico; tasas de mortalidad a los 30días y al año postoperatorio; tasa de reingreso hospitalario a los 30días postoperatorios, y causa médica o quirúrgica. Resultados: En el grupo alta precoz todos los resultados fueron mejores frente al grupo no alta precoz: menor tasa de mortalidad a los 30días postoperatorios (0,9% frente al 4,1%, p=0,16) y al año postoperatorio (4,3% frente al 16,3%, p=0,009), así como una menor tasa de reingreso hospitalario por razones médicas (7,8% frente al 16,3%, p=0,037). Conclusiones: En el presente estudio el grupo de alta precoz obtiene mejores resultados en indicadores de mortalidad a los 30días y al año postoperatorio, así como de reingreso por causas médicas.(AU)

Introduction: Preoperative delay in patients with hip fracture surgery (HF) has been associated with poorer outcomes; however, the optimal timing of discharge from hospital after surgery has been little studied. The aim of this study was to determine mortality and readmission outcomes in HF patients with and without early hospital discharge. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted selecting 607 patients over 65years of age with HF intervened between January 2015 and December 2019, from which 164 patients with fewer comorbidities and ASA ≤II were included for analysis and divided according to their postoperative hospital stay into early discharge or stay ≤4 days (n=115), and non-early or post-operative stay >4days (n=49). Demographic characteristics; fracture and surgical-related characteristics; 30-day and one-year postoperative mortality rates; 30-day postoperative hospital readmission rate; and medical or surgical cause were recorded. Results: In the early discharge group all outcomes were better compared to the non-early discharge group: lower 30-day (0.9% vs 4.1%, P=.16) and 1-year postoperative (4.3% vs 16.3%, P=.009) mortality rates, as well as a lower rate of hospital readmission for medical reasons (7.8% vs 16.3%, P=.037). Conclusions: In the present study, the early discharge group obtained better results 30-day and 1-year postoperative mortality indicators, as well as readmission for medical reasons.(AU)

[Translated article] Lower mortality and readmission in patients with few comorbidities who underwent hip fracture surgery and were discharged early / Menor mortalidad y reingreso en pacientes con pocas comorbilidades intervenidos de fractura de cadera y con alta precoz

Introducción: El retraso preoperatorio en pacientes intervenidos de fractura de cadera (FC) se ha asociado a peores resultados; sin embargo, el momento óptimo del alta hospitalaria tras cirugía ha sido poco estudiado. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar resultados de mortalidad y de reingreso en pacientes con FC con y sin alta hospitalaria precoz. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo seleccionando a 607 pacientes mayores de 65años con FC intervenidos entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2019, de los que se incluyeron para el análisis 164 pacientes con menos comorbilidades y ASA ≤II y se dividieron según su estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria en alta precoz o estancia ≤4días (n=115) y alta no precoz o estancia postoperatoria >4días (n=49). Se registraron características demográficas; características relacionadas con la fractura y el tratamiento quirúrgico; tasas de mortalidad a los 30días y al año postoperatorio; tasa de reingreso hospitalario a los 30días postoperatorios, y causa médica o quirúrgica. Resultados: En el grupo alta precoz todos los resultados fueron mejores frente al grupo no alta precoz: menor tasa de mortalidad a los 30días postoperatorios (0,9% frente al 4,1%, p=0,16) y al año postoperatorio (4,3% frente al 16,3%, p=0,009), así como una menor tasa de reingreso hospitalario por razones médicas (7,8% frente al 16,3%, p=0,037). Conclusiones: En el presente estudio el grupo de alta precoz obtiene mejores resultados en indicadores de mortalidad a los 30días y al año postoperatorio, así como de reingreso por causas médicas.(AU)

Introduction: Preoperative delay in patients with hip fracture surgery (HF) has been associated with poorer outcomes; however, the optimal timing of discharge from hospital after surgery has been little studied. The aim of this study was to determine mortality and readmission outcomes in HF patients with and without early hospital discharge. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted selecting 607 patients over 65years of age with HF intervened between January 2015 and December 2019, from which 164 patients with fewer comorbidities and ASA ≤II were included for analysis and divided according to their postoperative hospital stay into early discharge or stay ≤4 days (n=115), and non-early or post-operative stay >4days (n=49). Demographic characteristics; fracture and surgical-related characteristics; 30-day and one-year postoperative mortality rates; 30-day postoperative hospital readmission rate; and medical or surgical cause were recorded. Results: In the early discharge group all outcomes were better compared to the non-early discharge group: lower 30-day (0.9% vs 4.1%, P=.16) and 1-year postoperative (4.3% vs 16.3%, P=.009) mortality rates, as well as a lower rate of hospital readmission for medical reasons (7.8% vs 16.3%, P=.037). Conclusions: In the present study, the early discharge group obtained better results 30-day and 1-year postoperative mortality indicators, as well as readmission for medical reasons.(AU)