Patient-reported outcomes from the JADE COMPARE randomized phase 3 study of abrocitinib in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: In JADE COMPARE, abrocitinib improved severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) and demonstrated rapid itch relief. OBJECTIVES: We examined clinically meaningful improvements in selected patient-reported outcomes (PROs). METHODS: JADE COMPARE was a multicentre, phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Adults with moderate-to-severe AD were randomized 2:2:2:1 to receive 16 weeks of oral abrocitinib 200 or 100 mg once daily, dupilumab 300 mg subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks, or placebo, with background topical therapy. PROs included Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Night Time Itch Scale (NTIS), Pruritus and Symptoms Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis, Patient Global Assessment, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: At week 16, the proportion of patients achieving POEM scores <3 was 21.3% and 11.7% for 200 and 100 mg abrocitinib, 12.4% for dupilumab, and 4.8% for placebo (vs. abrocitinib, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.04). Proportion achieving ≥4-point improvement from baseline in NTIS severity was 64.3% and 52.4% for 200 and 100 mg abrocitinib, 54.0% for dupilumab, and 34.4% for placebo (vs. abrocitinib, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.007). Proportion achieving ≥4-point improvement from baseline in DLQI was 85.0% and 74.4% for 200 and 100 mg abrocitinib, 83.4% for dupilumab, and 59.7% for placebo (vs. abrocitinib, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Significant improvements in PROs were demonstrated with both abrocitinib doses vs. placebo, and abrocitinib 200 mg provided numerically greater effects compared with dupilumab in patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

Impact of oral abrocitinib on signs, symptoms and quality of life among adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: an analysis of patient-reported outcomes.

BACKGROUND: A significant improvement in clinical signs was demonstrated with abrocitinib relative to placebo in adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in three phase 3, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies (JADE TEEN [ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03796676], JADE MONO-1 [NCT03349060] and JADE MONO-2 [NCT03575871]). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of abrocitinib on patient-reported signs/symptoms, including sleep loss and quality of life among adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD. METHODS: JADE TEEN, JADE MONO-1 and JADE MONO-2 were conducted in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and North America and included patients aged 12-17 years with moderate-to-severe AD and inadequate response to ≥ 4 consecutive weeks of topical medication or treatment with systemic therapy for AD. Patients were randomly assigned (1 : 1 : 1, JADE TEEN; 2 : 2 : 1, JADE MONO-1/-2) to receive once-daily oral abrocitinib (200 or 100 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks in combination with topical therapy (JADE TEEN) or as monotherapy (JADE MONO-1/-2). Data from adolescent patients in JADE MONO-1/-2 were pooled for these analyses. RESULTS: At week 12, more adolescents treated with abrocitinib (200 or 100 mg) vs. placebo achieved a ≥ 4-point improvement from baseline in the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure in JADE TEEN (83.9% and 77.0% vs. 60.2%) and JADE MONO-1/-2 (83.0% and 69.4% vs. 43.5%) and a ≥ 6-point improvement from baseline in the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index in JADE TEEN (73.8% and 67.5% vs. 56.5%) and JADE MONO-1/-2 (70.0% and 57.1% vs. 19.0%). Significant improvements in SCORing Atopic Dermatitis Visual Analog Scale for sleep loss scores were demonstrated with abrocitinib vs. placebo at weeks 2-12 in JADE TEEN and JADE MONO-1/-2. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported signs/symptoms, including reduction of sleep loss and quality of life, were substantially improved with abrocitinib monotherapy or combination therapy relative to placebo in adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD.

[Opicapone for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: real-life data in Spain]. / Opicapona para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Parkinson: datos de vida real en España.

Opicapone is a catechol-O-methyl-transferase (iCOMT) inhibitor authorized in Europe in 2016 and indicated as adjunctive therapy to preparations of levodopa/ DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors in adult patients with Parkinson's disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations who cannot be stabilised on those combinations. The efficacy of opicapone in these patients has been demonstrated in two pivotal randomized clinical trials, BIPARK I and BIPARK II, in which it has demonstrated its superiority versus placebo and non-inferiority versus entacapone. Although they constitute the gold standard for the evaluation of interventions, randomized clinical trials present limitations of external validity due to the use of strict eligibility criteria. Therefore, it is considered necessary to have a more comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of the drug, complementing the information obtained from randomized clinical trials with that of "real world or real clinical practice" studies. The objective of this review has been to collect and put into perspective the information available on opicapone coming from real clinical practice studies in Spain. The data from Spain with opicapone in 18 series with more than 1,000 patients in total, confirm the safety and efficacy previously reported with this iCOMT. Furthermore, they show that opicapone is especially useful in patients with a less advanced stage of the disease and mild motor fluctuations, which would suggest that the earlier its introduction in the therapeutic scheme for the management of motor fluctuations, the better is the benefit-risk ratio for the drug.

TITLE: Opicapona para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Parkinson: datos de vida real en España.Resumen. La opicapona es un inhibidor de la catecol-O-metiltransferasa (iCOMT) autorizado en Europa en 2016 como terapia adyuvante a las preparaciones de levodopa/inhibidores de la dopa descarboxilasa en pacientes adultos con enfermedad de Parkinson y fluctuaciones motoras de final de dosis que no puedan ser estabilizados con esas combinaciones. La eficacia de la opicapona en estos pacientes ha sido demostrada en dos ensayos clínicos pivotales, BIPARK I y BIPARK II, en los que se ha demostrado la superioridad frente al placebo y la no inferioridad frente a la entacapona. A pesar de que constituyen el estándar para la evaluación de intervenciones, los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados presentan limitaciones de validez externa debidas a la utilización de criterios estrictos de elegibilidad. Por tanto, se considera necesario disponer de una evaluación más amplia de la eficacia general del fármaco, complementando la información de los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados con estudios de 'vida real o práctica clínica real'. El objetivo de esta revisión ha sido recopilar y poner en perspectiva la información disponible sobre los resultados de la opicapona en estudios de práctica clínica real en España. Los datos acumulados en España con opicapona en 18 series con más de 1.000 pacientes confirman la seguridad y la eficacia de este iCOMT comunicadas previamente. Además, muestran que la opicapona es especialmente útil en pacientes en un estadio de la enfermedad menos avanzado y fluctuaciones motores leves, lo que sugeriría una mejor relación beneficio-riesgo cuanto más temprana sea su introducción en el esquema terapéutico para el tratamiento de las fluctuaciones motoras.

Opicapona para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Parkinson: datos de vida real en España / Opicapone for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: real-life data in Spain

La opicapona es un inhibidor de la catecol-O-metiltransferasa (iCOMT) autorizado en Europa en 2016 como terapia adyuvante a las preparaciones de levodopa/inhibidores de la dopa descarboxilasa en pacientes adultos con enfermedad de Parkinson y fluctuaciones motoras de final de dosis que no puedan ser estabilizados con esas combinaciones. La eficacia de la opicapona en estos pacientes ha sido demostrada en dos ensayos clínicos pivotales, BIPARK I y BIPARK II, en los que se ha demostrado la superioridad frente al placebo y la no inferioridad frente a la entacapona. A pesar de que constituyen el estándar para la evaluación de intervenciones, los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados presentan limitaciones de validez externa debidas a la utilización de criterios estrictos de elegibilidad. Por tanto, se considera necesario disponer de una evaluación más amplia de la eficacia general del fármaco, complementando la información de los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados con estudios de ‘vida real o práctica clínica real’. El objetivo de esta revisión ha sido recopilar y poner en perspectiva la información disponible sobre los resultados de la opicapona en estudios de práctica clínica real en España. Los datos acumulados en España con opicapona en 18 series con más de 1.000 pacientes confirman la seguridad y la eficacia de este iCOMT comunicadas previamente. Además, muestran que la opicapona es especialmente útil en pacientes en un estadio de la enfermedad menos avanzado y fluctuaciones motores leves, lo que sugeriría una mejor relación beneficio-riesgo cuanto más temprana sea su introducción en el esquema terapéutico para el tratamiento de las fluctuaciones motoras.(AU)

Opicapone is a catechol-O-methyl-transferase (iCOMT) inhibitor authorized in Europe in 2016 and indicated as adjunctive therapy to preparations of levodopa/ DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors in adult patients with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations who cannot be stabilised on those combinations. The efficacy of opicapone in these patients has been demonstrated in two pivotal randomized clinical trials, BIPARK I and BIPARK II, in which it has demonstrated its superiority versus placebo and non-inferiority versus entacapone. Although they constitute the gold standard for the evaluation of interventions, randomized clinical trials present limitations of external validity due to the use of strict eligibility criteria. Therefore, it is considered necessary to have a more comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of the drug, complementing the information obtained from randomized clinical trials with that of “real world or real clinical practice” studies. The objective of this review has been to collect and put into perspective the information available on opicapone coming from real clinical practice studies in Spain. The data from Spain with opicapone in 18 series with more than 1,000 patients in total, confirm the safety and efficacy previously reported with this iCOMT. Furthermore, they show that opicapone is especially useful in patients with a less advanced stage of the disease and mild motor fluctuations, which would suggest that the earlier its introduction in the therapeutic scheme for the management of motor fluctuations, the better is the benefit-risk ratio for the drug.(AU)

Efficacy of Bifidobacterium breve CECT7263 for infantile colic treatment: an open-label, parallel, randomised, controlled trial.

Infantile colic is a prevalent condition characterised by excessive crying with no effective treatment available. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Bifidobacterium breve CECT7263 and a combination of this and Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 versus simethicone in reducing the daily time spent crying in colicky infants. A multicentre randomised, open-label, parallel, controlled trial of 28 days was performed in 150 infants who were diagnosed with colic according to the Rome III criteria and who randomly received simethicone (80 mg/day; Simethicone group), B. breve CECT7263 (2×108 cfu/day, Bb group), or a combination of L. fermentum CECT5716 and B. breve CECT7263 (1×108 cfu/day per strain, Bb+Lf group). The main outcomes were minutes of crying per day and the percentage of reduction in daily crying from baseline. Data were analysed per intention to treat. All treatments significantly decreased the daily crying time at the end of the intervention (P-time <0.001). However, the infants in the Bb group had significantly decreased crying time from the first week of the study (P<0.05), whereas the Bb+Lf group and the simethicone group had significantly decreased crying time from the second week (P<0.05). The percentage of reduction in the minutes of crying from baseline in the Bb group was significantly higher than that in the Simethicone group every week of the intervention (-40.3 vs -27.6% at 1-week; -59.2 vs -43.2% at 2-weeks; -64.5 vs -53.5% at 3-week and -68.5 vs -59.5% at 4-weeks, P<0.05). Additionally, in the Bb group, infants had better night sleep, and parents reported a more positive mood at the end of the intervention. All the products used in the study were safe and well tolerated. In conclusion, the breastmilk-isolated probiotic strain B. breve CECT7263 is a safe and effective treatment for infantile colic, presenting an earlier and more robust effect than the reference prescribed drug, simethicone.

Plasmon coupling interactions and inhibition of nonlinear absorption in a complex system with Ag and Pt nanoparticles in silica.

The optical response exhibited by a complex hybrid system integrated by Pt ultrasmall fluorescent particles and plasmonic Ag nanoparticles is reported. The system was synthesized by coimplantation of Ag and Pt ions into a silica matrix followed by a proper thermal annealing. The energies and fluences were chosen in order to overlap the spatial regions of the Ag and Pt ion distributions below the silica surface. Optical absorption and emission spectroscopies show that the complex nanostructures exhibit an important plasmonic response, together with photoluminescence excited at 355 nm, which is enhanced when compared to the reference sample with only Pt particles. Off-resonance nonlinear transmission and Z-scan measurements were undertaken using ultrafast pulses. High-irradiance excitation at 1064 nm with picosecond pulses shows that the Pt or Ag nanoparticles exhibit a two-photon absorption effect, while the complex system shows the absence of any nonlinear absorption. Similar observations were made using femtosecond pulses at 800 nm wavelength. This inhibition of the two-photon absorption effect and enhancement in the emission of the complex hybrid samples by the synergic participation of Ag and Pt particles can be explained as a result of a plasmon coupling via the near-field interaction between plasmonic and emitting sources.

Polarization dependence of second harmonic generation from plasmonic nanoprism arrays.

The second order nonlinear optical response of gold nanoprisms arrays is investigated by means of second harmonic generation (SHG) experiments and simulations. The polarization dependence of the nonlinear response exhibits a 6-fold symmetry, attributed to the local field enhancement through the excitation of the surface plasmon resonances in bow-tie nanoantennas forming the arrays. Experiments show that for polarization of the input light producing excitation of the plasmonic resonances in the bow-tie nanoantennas, the SHG signal is enhanced; this despite the fact that the linear absorption spectrum is not dependent on polarization. The results are confirmed by electrodynamic simulations which demonstrate that SHG is also determined by the local field distribution in the nanoarrays. Moreover, the maximum of SHG intensity is observed at slightly off-resonance excitation, as implemented in the experiments, showing a close relation between the polarization dependence and the structure of the material, additionally revealing the importance of the presence of non-normal electric field components as under focused beam and oblique illumination.

Third-order nonlinear optical properties of a multi-layer Al2O3/ZnO for nonlinear optical waveguides.

This is a report of a study of the nonlinear optical properties of samples based on multiple Al2O3/ZnO bilayers fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in silica. The multi-layer configuration for samples consists of alternated layers of constant thickness of Al2O3 (Δx) and ZnO (Δy) nanolaminates with a total thickness of ∼ 500 nm. The physical properties of the samples were characterized by means of TEM, spectrophotometry and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. The absorptive and refractive contributions to the nonlinearity of the samples were studied by means of z-scan technique using a 100 fs at 800 nm. The nonlinear parameters, ß and n2, are studied using different values of the layers thickness, Δx and Δy, in the nanolaminated stack. The possible applications in optical signal processing system are discussed by means of the figures of merit W and T.

Estado de la ventilación mecánica en la Comunidad de Madrid / Home mechanical ventilation in Madrid area

Introducción. En la actualidad, la ventilación mecánica domiciliaria (VMD) se ha convertido en una terapia de uso habitual. La tasa de uso en España es desconocida, por lo que se ha realizado una encuesta en todos los hospitales de la Comunidad de Madrid (CAM) adscritos al Sistema Nacional de Salud para recoger los datos de los pacientes tratados con VMD en octubre y noviembre de 2018. Material y métodos. Se distribuyó una encuesta on-line entre todos los hospitales de la CAM de los grupos funcionales homogéneos (GFH) 1, 2 y 3 pertenecientes al Sistema Nacional de Salud. La encuesta constaba de 50 preguntas y se solicitó que se respondiera a las preguntas con datos reales, no estimados. Resultados. La encuesta la contestaron 18 hospitales, aunque todas las preguntas del cuestionario solo fueron contestadas por 10. La tasa de uso de VMD en la CAM fue de 74/100.000 habitantes. La edad media de los pacientes en VMD era de 69 años (63-76) y el 56% eran varones. La patología que más frecuentemente justificaba la VMD fue el síndrome de obesidad hipoventilación 41% (25-70). Se encontró mucha variabilidad intercentro tanto en la tasa de VMD como en la patología que justificaba la indicación. Todos los hospitales menos 2 disponían de consulta monográfica de VMD. La adaptación se realizaba fundamentalmente en hospitalización (33%) u hospital de día (33%). Se necesita más tiempo, más personal y mejores recursos técnicos para realizar una adecuada monitorización. La relación con las empresas suministradoras de terapias es buena

Introduction. Nowadays home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is a normal use in pneumology. Rate of use in Spain is unknown. We have developed a survey in all Public Madrid Area Hospitals to keep data about HMV patients between 2018 october and november. Methods. We sent an on-line survey to all Public Madrid Area Hospitals with 50 questions about HMV uses. We asked for real data answers, trying to not estimate answers. Results. The survey was answered by 18 hospitals, although all survey questions were answered by 10 hospitals. Rate of use of HMV in Madrid Area was 74/100.000. Mean age was 69 (63-76) years and 56% were males. The most frequent pathology that justified HMV was obesity hipoventilation syndrome 41% (25-70). We found a high variability interhospital in HMV rate and in the pathology that justified it. All the hospitals instead 2 of them had a monography HMV consult. HMV adaptation was done majority in hospitalization (33%) and in day hospital (33%). It is necessary more time, more people and better devices to achieve a proper monitoring. The relationship with the therapy providers is good

Derrame pleural maligno como debut de neoplasia no conocida / No disponible

Objetivo: Conocer el origen de la neoplasia en los pacientes con derrame pleural maligno (DPM) como primera manifestación de enfermedad tumoral. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo y multicéntrico, desarrollado en 11 hospitales públicos de la Comunidad de Madrid, en el que se incluyeron todos los pacientes consecutivos con DPM, sin antecedentes de neoplasia conocida entre el 1 de abril de 2008 y el 1 de abril de 2013. Resultados: El diagnóstico del tumor primario se realizó mediante muestras citohistológicas en 339 pacientes (84%). El cáncer de pulmón destacó como el origen más frecuente del DPM tanto en hombres (59%) como en mujeres (46%), siendo el adenocarcinoma la estirpe histológica más frecuente. Los tumores pleurales primarios ocuparon el segundo lugar en frecuencia (20%), de los que el 92% fueron mesoteliomas. En tercer lugar se situaron en igual proporción (5,5%), las neoplasias hematológicas y los tumores ováricos. El cáncer mamario, junto con los tumores digestivos, renales y urológicos fueron muy infrecuentes (<2%). En 39 pacientes (9,7%) no fue posible determinar el origen neoplásico. Se hallaron otras metástasis a distancia en 187 pacientes (47%). Conclusión: El pulmón es el órgano que con mayor frecuencia produce DPM como primera manifestación de enfermedad neoplásica, seguido por las neoplasias pleurales. En ausencia de otros síntomas, el clínico debe dirigir sus esfuerzos iniciales a descartar uno de estos órganos como el origen tumoral. En mujeres, nuestro estudio obliga a cambiar la sospecha y enfoque clínico, ya que en esta situación el carcinoma mamario es muy infrecuente

Objective: To determine the origin of neoplasms in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) as the initial manifestation of tumor disease. Material and methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter study. It was developed at 11 public hospitals in the Community of Madrid, and included all consecutive patients with MPE and no history of previously detected neoplasm between April 1, 2008 and April 1, 2013. Results: We studied 402 patients with MPE. We obtained a cytohistological diagnosis of the primary tumor in 339 of them (84%). Lung cancer was the most frequent origin of the MPE in both men (59%) and in women (46%), while adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type. Primary pleural tumors were the second most frequent (20%), 92% of which were mesotheliomas. Third were both hematological cancers and ovarian tumors (5,5%). Breast cancer, along with gastrointestinal, renal and urological tumors, were very rare (<2%). It was not possible to determine the origin of the neoplasm in 39 patients (9,7%). Other distant metastases were found in 187 patients (47%). Conclusion: The lungs are the organs that most frequently produce MPE as the initial manifestation of neoplastic disease, which is followed in frequency by pleural neoplasms. Therefore, in the absence of other symptoms, clinicians should aim their initial efforts at ruling out one of these organs as the tumor origin. Our study shows that the clinical suspicion and focus should be changed when diagnosing women, because MPE is uncommon as the first manifestation of breast cancer

Dissociated Agonist of Glucocorticoid Receptor or Prednisone for Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Effects on P1NP and Osteocalcin Pharmacodynamics.

Fosdagrocorat (PF-04171327), a dissociated agonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, has potent anti-inflammatory activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with reduced adverse effects on bone health. To identify fosdagrocorat doses with bone formation marker changes similar to prednisone 5 mg, we characterized treatment-related changes in amino-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP) and osteocalcin (OC) with fosdagrocorat (1, 5, 10, or 15 mg) and prednisone (5 or 10 mg) in a phase II randomized trial (N = 323). The time course of markers utilized a mixed-effects longitudinal kinetic-pharmacodynamic model. Median predicted changes from baseline at week 8 with fosdagrocorat 5, 10, and 15 mg were -18, -22, and -22% (P1NP), and -7, -13, and -17% (OC), respectively. Changes with prednisone 5 and 10 mg were -15% and -18% (P1NP) and -10% and -17% (OC). The probability of fosdagrocorat doses up to 15 mg being noninferior to prednisone 5 mg for P1NP and OC changes was >90%.

Calcifying odontogenic cysts.

INTRODUCTION: Calcifying odontogenic cysts (COC) represent 0.3-0.8% of all odontogenic cysts. We describe the finding and the treatment of a COC in a 67-year-old female. OBSERVATION: An asymptomatic well-limited radioluscent mandibular lesion was fortuitously discovered on the panoramic X-ray in the periapical region of teeth No. 33 and 34. Treatment consisted in enucleation and curettage. Histologic examination was in favour of a COC. At 6 years follow-up, X-ray control showed new bone formation and the patient was free of symptoms. Pulp vitality was maintained in all teeth in the operated area. DISCUSSION: Total enucleation is the preferred treatment of COC. Absence of recurrence is attested by X-ray controls and pulp vitality tests.

Posibilidades terapéuticas de las urolitiasis en la infancia / Therapeutic possibilities for urolithiasis in childhood

Objetivos: Presentamos nuestra casuística de urolitiasis infantiles, técnicas empleadas en su tratamiento y sus resultados. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de urolitiasis infantiles de tracto urinario superior (TUS) tratadas en nuestro centro entre 2003-2014. Recogimos datos demográficos, clínicos, diagnósticos, terapéuticos y complicaciones. El plan terapéutico fue recogido como procedimiento aislado (litotricia extracorpórea, ureterorrenoscopia, nefrolitotomía o cirugía) o terapia combinada. Resultados: Estudiamos 41 unidades renoureterales en 32 pacientes. La mediana de edad se situó en 5 años (rango 11 meses-14 años). El tamaño medio fue de 12,9 mm (± 7,3 mm). La localización: 23 (56%) en pelvis renal (coraliformes en 15 casos), 10 (24%) en cáliz inferior y 8 (20%) ureterales. Realizamos 80 procedimientos, sin diferencias en los grupos de edad, encontrando 12 complicaciones (15%), sin presencia de ningún cuadro séptico secundario a litotricia. Las litiasis en localización ureteral tuvieron un 100% de tasa de éxito con la ureterorrenoscopia. El porcentaje de curación global fue del 90%. Conclusión: El abordaje de la urolitiasis en la infancia ofrece múltiples alternativas, por lo que es importante individualizar en función del tamaño, localización y composición del cálculo. En nuestro centro la utilización de LEOC en niños es segura. La URS, semirrígida o flexible, obtiene excelentes resultados en el uréter. La NLP con mínimo acceso se puede realizar en niños pequeños y lactantes

Objectives: We present our case studies on paediatric urolithiasis, the techniques employed in its treatment and its results. Material and methods: A retrospective study of paediatric urolithiasis of the upper urinary tract (UUT) treated at our centre between 2003 and 2014. We recorded demographic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic data and the complications. The therapeutic plan was recorded as isolated (extracorporeal lithotripsy, ureterorenoscopy, nephrolithotomy or surgery) or combined therapy. Results: We examined 41 renal/urethral units in 32 patients. The median age was 5 years (range, 11 months-14 years). The mean size was 12.9 cm (± 7.3 mm). The locations were as follows: 23 (56%) in the renal pelvis (stag horn in 15 cases), 10 (24) in lower calyx and 8 (20%) in the urethra. We performed 80 procedures, with no differences in the age groups, which resulted in 12 complications (15%) but no septic condition secondary to lithotripsy. Stone removal from the urethra had a 100% success rate with the ureterorenoscopy. The overall cure rate was 90%. Conclusion: The paediatric urolithiasis approach offers multiple alternatives. It is therefore important to tailor the procedure according to the size, location and composition of the stone. In our centre, the use of paediatric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is safer. Ureterorenoscopy, semirigid or flexible, provides excellent results in ureters. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy with minimal access can be performed on small children and nursing infants

Therapeutic possibilities for urolithiasis in childhood. / Posibilidades terapéuticas de las urolitiasis en la infancia.

OBJECTIVES: We present our case studies on paediatric urolithiasis, the techniques employed in its treatment and its results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of paediatric urolithiasis of the upper urinary tract (UUT) treated at our centre between 2003 and 2014. We recorded demographic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic data and the complications. The therapeutic plan was recorded as isolated (extracorporeal lithotripsy, ureterorenoscopy, nephrolithotomy or surgery) or combined therapy. RESULTS: We examined 41 renal/urethral units in 32 patients. The median age was 5 years (range, 11 months-14 years). The mean size was 12.9cm (±7.3mm). The locations were as follows: 23 (56%) in the renal pelvis (staghorn in 15 cases), 10 (24) in lower calyx and 8 (20%) in the urethra. We performed 80 procedures, with no differences in the age groups, which resulted in 12 complications (15%) but no septic condition secondary to lithotripsy. Stone removal from the urethra had a 100% success rate with the ureterorenoscopy. The overall cure rate was 90%. CONCLUSION: The paediatric urolithiasis approach offers multiple alternatives. It is therefore important to tailor the procedure according to the size, location and composition of the stone. In our centre, the use of paediatric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is safer. Ureterorenoscopy, semirigid or flexible, provides excellent results in ureters. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy with minimal access can be performed on small children and nursing infants.

Nonlinear optical response of platinum nanoparticles and platinum ions embedded in sapphire.

We report on the fabrication of sapphire samples containing platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) and platinum ions (Pt-ions) and the investigation of their third-order nonlinear (NL) optical properties. The presence of Pt-NPs was confirmed by electronic microscopy and by the linear absorption spectrum that shows a localized surface plasmon band centered at 290 nm. A sample without NPs but containing Pt-ions was also studied. The absorptive and refractive contributions to the nonlinearity were studied using the z-scan technique with 100 fs pulses at 800nm. The experiments revealed a NL refractive index, +3.8×10-13 < n2 < +1.3×10-12cm2/W and NL absorption coefficient (ß < 9.3 cm/GW). The results show enhancement of about five orders of magnitude with respect to the NL refractive index of sapphire.

Efectividad de la terapia combinada de compresión isquémica con estiramiento poscontracción isométrica para la recuperación del rango de movimiento cervical en el tratamiento de puntos gatillo / Effectiveness of combined therapy of ischemic compression with post isometric contraction stretch, for recovery of cervical range of motion in the trigger point treatment

Objetivo: Identificar el efecto que tiene la terapia combinada de compresión isquémica con estiramiento poscontracción isométrica aplicada en puntos gatillo ubicados en el músculo trapecio superior, en la recuperación del rango de movimiento cervical. Material y método: Estudio de tipo cuantitativo, cuasi experimental. La muestra la componen 26 trabajadoras de oficina previamente diagnosticadas con puntos gatillo en el músculo trapecio superior y que no presentaran alguna patología cervical previa. Primero se les midió el rango de movimiento cervical, luego se aplicó técnica placebo o experimental al azar y, posteriormente, se volvió a medir el rango de movimiento. Luego de 7 días se aplicó la técnica no realizada en la primera intervención, midiendo nuevamente el rango de movimiento antes y después de aplicada la técnica. En el análisis estadístico se compararon los resultados del antes y después intertécnica e intratécnica, considerando una p < 0,05 y un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados: La técnica experimental mostró tener un aumento significativo, al igual que la técnica placebo, ambos para una p de 0,05, pero al comparar la técnica placebo con la técnica experimental esta última mostró ser significativamente mayor a la placebo para una p de 0,05. Conclusiones: La técnica experimental aplicada sobre puntos gatillo ubicados en el músculo trapecio superior tiene mayor efectividad en la recuperación del rango de movimiento cervical de inclinación lateral frente a la técnica realizada en el grupo placebo

Objective: To identify the effect of ischemic compression therapy combined with post isometric contraction stretching applied to trigger points located in the upper trapezius muscle in recovery of cervical range of motion. Material and methods: A quantitative, quasi-experimental study. The sample consisted of 26 office workers previously diagnosed with trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle and who had no previous cervical pathology. First, cervical range of motion was measured, after which a technique was applied using placebo or randomly combined technique. Following this, range of motion was remeasured. Seven days later, the technique that was not applied in the first operation was performed, re-measuring the range of motion before and after application of the technique. In the statistical analysis, results were compared before and after the inter-and intra- technique, considering p<.05 and a confidence interval of 95%. Result: The experimental technique as well as the placebo technique showed a significant increase for a P of .05. However, when the placebo technique was compared with the experimental one, the latter was shown to be significantly greater than the placebo for a P of .05. Conclusions: The experimental technique applied to trigger points located in the upper trapezius muscle is more effective in the recovery of range of motion of cervical lateral tilt versus the technique performed in the placebo group

Lack of clinical evidence on low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on dental titanium implant: a systematic review.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has proved to have biostimulating effects on tissues over which they are applied, therefore accelerating the healing process. Most studies in implantology were focused on a reduction of the duration of osseointegration. There exist few articles analyzing the potential effects of these therapies on the osseointegration of titanium dental implants. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of LLLT on the interaction between the bone and the titanium dental implant and the methodological quality of the studies. We conducted an electronic search in PubMed, ISI Web, and Cochrane Library. From 37 references obtained, only 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of the studies shows that most of the experiments were performed in animals, which have a high risk of bias from the methodological point of view. Only two studies were conducted in human bone under different conditions. Several protocols for the use of low-power laser and different types of laser for all studies analyzed were used. Although animal studies have shown a positive effect on osseointegration of titanium implants, it can be concluded that it is necessary to improve and define a unique protocol to offer a more conclusive result by meta-analysis.

Protocolo de alta precoz tras apendicectomía en niños / Fast track protocol for children undergoing appendicectomy

Objetivos. Existen múltiples modalidades de tratamiento antibioterápico tras una apendicectomía en niños. Nuestro objetivo es desarrollar un nuevo protocolo para el tratamiento de las apendicitis que permita acortar la estancia hospitalaria sin aumentar las complicaciones. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo que analiza a los pacientes intervenidos de apendicitis tratados según el nuevo protocolo de antibioterapia durante un periodo de 7 meses. Dicho protocolo consiste en profilaxis quirúrgica en todos los casos y continuar con triple antibioterapia en las evolucionadas, con una duración variable según criterios clínico-analíticos establecidos previamente. Se comparan los resultados con los de un grupo histórico de pacientes tratados con el protocolo clásico (profilaxis y 48 horas de doble antibioterapia en las flemonosas y 5 días de triple en las evolucionadas). Resultados. Se estudian un total de 196 pacientes (96 grupo actual y 100 grupo histórico). En las apendicitis flemonosas la estancia hospitalaria postquirúrgica media es significativamente menor en el grupo actual sin encontrar diferencias estadísticas en la tasa de complicaciones. El 52,9% de las apendicitis evolucionadas del grupo actual fueron dadas de alta antes del 5º día sin aumentar la tasa de complicaciones. De los pacientes que presentaron una complicación infecciosa el 52% asociaban trombocitosis y la clínica más frecuente fue de vómitos prolongados. Conclusiones. No es necesario tratamiento antibioterápico postoperatorio en apendicitis simples. En las evolucionadas un tratamiento corto de antibióticos según criterios clínico-analíticos permite un alta precoz sin mayor morbilidad asociada. Los vómitos prolongados y la trombocitosis son indicadores de complicaciones infecciosas postoperatorias

Background. Multiple approaches to the treatment of simple and complicated (gangrenous or perforated) appendicitis in children have been promoted. Our goal is to develop a new protocol for these patients that allow shorter hospital stays without increasing complications rates Methods. Prospective collected data of patients undergoing appendicitis treated according to the new protocol for a period of 7 months were reviewed. This protocol consists on antibiotic prophylaxis in all cases continued with triple antibiotic regimen in complicated appendicitis. Antibiotics were stopped when specific clinical and laboratory criteria were met. Outcomes are compared to a historical group of patients treated under standard protocol (antibiotic prophylaxis followed by 48 hours of dual antibiotic therapy in simple appendicitis or 5 day-course of triple antibiotic therapy in complicated as postooperative antibiotic regimen). Results. A total of 196 patients (96 current groups and 100 historical group) were reviewed. In simple appendicitis average length of postoperative hospitalization was significantly lower in the current group (no statistical difference). 52.9% of complicated appendicitis in the current group were discharged home before 5th day without increasing the complication rate. When a wound infection or intraabdominal abscess occurs thrombocytosis (52%) and prolonged vomiting are the most frequent symptoms Conclusion. No further postoperative treatment is needed in simple appendicitis. In complicated appendictis a short course of antibiotics according to clinical and laboratory criteria allows early discharge without major morbidity. Prolonged postoperative vomiting and thrombocytosis suggest infectious complications

Collective optical Kerr effect exhibited by an integrated configuration of silicon quantum dots and gold nanoparticles embedded in ion-implanted silica.

The study of the third-order optical nonlinear response exhibited by a composite containing gold nanoparticles and silicon quantum dots nucleated by ion implantation in a high-purity silica matrix is presented. The nanocomposites were explored as an integrated configuration containing two different ion-implanted distributions. The time-resolved optical Kerr gate and z-scan techniques were conducted using 80 fs pulses at a 825 nm wavelength; while the nanosecond response was investigated by a vectorial two-wave mixing method at 532 nm with 1 ns pulses. An ultrafast purely electronic nonlinearity was associated to the optical Kerr effect for the femtosecond experiments, while a thermal effect was identified as the main mechanism responsible for the nonlinear optical refraction induced by nanosecond pulses. Comparative experimental tests for examining the contribution of the Au and Si distributions to the total third-order optical response were carried out. We consider that the additional defects generated by consecutive ion irradiations in the preparation of ion-implanted samples do not notably modify the off-resonance electronic optical nonlinearities; but they do result in an important change for near-resonant nanosecond third-order optical phenomena exhibited by the closely spaced nanoparticle distributions.