Lesión electromiográfica del nervio axilar en fracturas del extremo proximal del húmero. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, analizando el patrón de fractura / Electromyographic axillary nerve injury in fractures of the proximal humerus: Prospective, observational study, analysing the fracture pattern

Objetivo: Descripción y análisis de la relación entre las fracturas de húmero proximal y la lesión traumática del nervio axilar circunflejo. Material y método: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, de una serie de casos consecutivos de fracturas de extremo proximal de húmero. Se realizó valoración radiográfica, clasificando las fracturas según el sistema AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen, Asociación de Grupo de Trabajo para el Estudio de la Fijación Interna de las Fracturas), y electromiografía (EMG) para la evaluación de la lesión del nervio axilar. Resultados: De 105 casos consecutivos de fracturas de húmero proximal, 31 pacientes cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Muestra: 86% mujeres y 14% hombres con edad media de 71,8 años (30-96 años). De los pacientes incluidos en el estudio, 58% presentó una EMG normal o leve axonotmesis, 23% presentó neuropatía del nervio axilar sin denervación muscular y 19%, lesión con denervación del nervio axilar. Los pacientes que sufrieron fracturas complejas de húmero proximal (AO11B y AO11C) tuvieron más riesgo de presentar lesiones tipo neuropatía axilar con denervación muscular en la EMG, siendo esta relación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Los pacientes que sufren fracturas complejas de húmero proximal (AO11B y AO11C) tienen más riesgo de presentar lesiones tipo neuropatía axilar con denervación muscular en la EMG (p < 0,001).(AU)

Objective: Description and analysis of the relation between the proximal humerus fracture patterns and the traumatic injury of the axillary nerve. Material and method: Prospective, observational study of a consecutive case series that analyzed proximal humerus fractures. Radiographic evaluation was performed, and AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen) system was used to classify the fractures. Electromyography was used to diagnose the axillary nerve injury. Results: Thirty-one patients on 105 who had a proximal humerus fracture met inclusion criteria. Eighty-six percent of the patients included were women and 14% men. The mean age was 71.8 years (30–96 years). Of the patients included in the study, 58% had normal or mild axonotmesis EMG, 23% had axillary nerve neuropathy without muscle denervation and 19% had injury with axillary nerve denervation. Patients who suffered complex fractures of the proximal humerus (AO11B and AO11C) had a higher risk of presenting axillary neuropathy type lesions with muscle denervation in the EMG, this relationship being statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Patients who have more risk on presenting axillary nerve neuropathy with muscle denervation in electromyography are those who present complex proximal humerus fractures AO11B and AO11C (p<0.001).(AU)

[Translated article] Electromyographic axillary nerve injury in fractures of the proximal humerus: Prospective, observational study, analysing the fracture pattern / Lesión electromiográfica del nervio axilar en fracturas del extremo proximal del húmero. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, analizando el patrón de fractura

Objetivo: Descripción y análisis de la relación entre las fracturas de húmero proximal y la lesión traumática del nervio axilar circunflejo. Material y método: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, de una serie de casos consecutivos de fracturas de extremo proximal de húmero. Se realizó valoración radiográfica, clasificando las fracturas según el sistema AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen, Asociación de Grupo de Trabajo para el Estudio de la Fijación Interna de las Fracturas), y electromiografía (EMG) para la evaluación de la lesión del nervio axilar. Resultados: De 105 casos consecutivos de fracturas de húmero proximal, 31 pacientes cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Muestra: 86% mujeres y 14% hombres con edad media de 71,8 años (30-96 años). De los pacientes incluidos en el estudio, 58% presentó una EMG normal o leve axonotmesis, 23% presentó neuropatía del nervio axilar sin denervación muscular y 19%, lesión con denervación del nervio axilar. Los pacientes que sufrieron fracturas complejas de húmero proximal (AO11B y AO11C) tuvieron más riesgo de presentar lesiones tipo neuropatía axilar con denervación muscular en la EMG, siendo esta relación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Los pacientes que sufren fracturas complejas de húmero proximal (AO11B y AO11C) tienen más riesgo de presentar lesiones tipo neuropatía axilar con denervación muscular en la EMG (p < 0,001).(AU)

Objective: Description and analysis of the relation between the proximal humerus fracture patterns and the traumatic injury of the axillary nerve. Material and method: Prospective, observational study of a consecutive case series that analyzed proximal humerus fractures. Radiographic evaluation was performed, and AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen) system was used to classify the fractures. Electromyography was used to diagnose the axillary nerve injury. Results: Thirty-one patients on 105 who had a proximal humerus fracture met inclusion criteria. Eighty-six percent of the patients included were women and 14% men. The mean age was 71.8 years (30–96 years). Of the patients included in the study, 58% had normal or mild axonotmesis EMG, 23% had axillary nerve neuropathy without muscle denervation and 19% had injury with axillary nerve denervation. Patients who suffered complex fractures of the proximal humerus (AO11B and AO11C) had a higher risk of presenting axillary neuropathy type lesions with muscle denervation in the EMG, this relationship being statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Patients who have more risk on presenting axillary nerve neuropathy with muscle denervation in electromyography are those who present complex proximal humerus fractures AO11B and AO11C (p<0.001).(AU)

Meningococcal meningitis in Spain in the Horizon 2030: A position paper.

Meningococcal meningitis (MM) and invasive meningococcal disease remain a major public health problem that generates enormous public alarm. It is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a Gram-negative diplococcus with an enormous capacity for acute and rapidly progressive disease, both episodic and epidemic in nature, with early diagnosis and treatment playing a major role. It occurs at any age, but is most common in children under 5 years of age followed by adolescents. Although most cases occur in healthy people, the incidence is higher in certain risk groups. Despite advances in reducing the incidence, it is estimated that in 2017 there were around 5 million new cases of MM worldwide, causing approximately 290,000 deaths and a cumulative loss of about 20,000,000 years of healthy life. In Spain, in the 2021/22 season, 108 microbiologically confirmed cases of MM were reported, corresponding to an incidence rate of 0.23 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This is a curable and, above all, vaccine-preventable disease, for which the World Health Organisation has drawn up a roadmap with the aim of reducing mortality and sequelae by 2030. For all these reasons, the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) and the Medical Associations of 8 other provinces of Spain, have prepared this opinion document on the situation of MM in Spain and the resources and preparation for the fight against it in our country. The COVID-19 and Emerging Pathogens Committee of ICOMEM has invited experts in the field to participate in the elaboration of this document.

[Translated article] Electromyographic axillary nerve injury in fractures of the proximal humerus: Prospective, observational study, analysing the fracture pattern.

OBJECTIVE: Description and analysis of the relation between the proximal humerus fracture patterns and the traumatic injury of the axillary nerve. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective, observational study of a consecutive case series that analysed proximal humerus fractures. Radiographic evaluation was performed, and AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen) system was used to classify the fractures. Electromyography was used to diagnose the axillary nerve injury. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients on 105 who had a proximal humerus fracture met inclusion criteria. Eighty-six percent of the patients included were women and 14% men. The mean age was 71.8 years (30-96 years). Of the patients included in the study, 58% had normal or mild axonotmesis EMG, 23% had axillary nerve neuropathy without muscle denervation and 19% had injury with axillary nerve denervation. Patients who suffered complex fractures of the proximal humerus (AO11B and AO11C) had a higher risk of presenting axillary neuropathy type lesions with muscle denervation in the EMG, this relationship being statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients who have more risk on presenting axillary nerve neuropathy with muscle denervation in electromyography are those who present complex proximal humerus fractures AO11B and AO11C (p<0.001).

Transcranial static magnetic stimulation reduces seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome.

Dravet syndrome is a rare form of severe genetic epilepsy characterized by recurrent and long-lasting seizures. It appears around the first year of life, with a quick evolution toward an increase in the frequency of the seizures, accompanied by a delay in motor and cognitive development, and does not respond well to antiepileptic medication. Most patients carry a mutation in the gene SCN1A encoding the α subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.1, resulting in hyperexcitability of neural circuits and seizure onset. In this work, we applied transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS), a non-invasive, safe, easy-to-use and affordable neuromodulatory tool that reduces neural excitability in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. We demonstrate that tSMS dramatically reduced the number of crises. Furthermore, crises recorded in the presence of the tSMS were shorter and less intense than in the sham condition. Since tSMS has demonstrated its efficacy at reducing cortical excitability in humans without showing unwanted side effects, in an attempt to anticipate a possible use of tSMS for Dravet Syndrome patients, we performed a numerical simulation in which the magnetic field generated by the magnet was modeled to estimate the magnetic field intensity reached in the cerebral cortex, which could help to design stimulation strategies in these patients. Our results provide a proof of concept for nonpharmacological treatment of Dravet syndrome, which opens the door to the design of new protocols for treatment.

The PHH-1V HIPRA vaccine: a new tool in the vaccination strategy against COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is essential to mitigate the personal, social and global impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as we move from a pandemic to an endemic phase. Vaccines are now required that offer broad, long-lasting immunological protection from infection in addition to protection from severe illness and hospitalisation. Here we present a review of the evidence base for a new COVID-19 vaccine, PHH-1V (Bimervax®; HIPRA HUMAN HEALTH S.L.U), and the results of an expert consensus. METHODS: The expert committee consisted of Spanish experts in medicine, family medicine, paediatrics, immunology, microbiology, nursing, and veterinary medicine. Consensus was achieved using a 4-phase process consisting of a face-to-face meeting during which the scientific evidence base was reviewed, an online questionnaire to elicit opinions on the value of PHH-1V, a second face-to-face update meeting to discuss the evolution of the epidemiological situation, vaccine programmes and the scientific evidence for PHH-1V and a final face-to-face meeting at which consensus was achieved. RESULTS: The experts agreed that PHH-1V constitutes a valuable novel vaccine for the development of vaccination programmes aimed towards protecting the population from SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease. Consensus was based on evidence of broad-spectrum efficacy against established and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, a potent immunological response, and a good safety profile. The physicochemical properties of the PHH-1V formulation facilitate handling and storage appropriate for global uptake. CONCLUSIONS: The physicochemical properties, formulation, immunogenicity and low reactogenic profile of PHH-1V confirm the appropriateness of this new COVID-19 vaccine.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies linked to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global health problem, which has been mitigated by the opportune introduction of vaccination programs. Although we already know the benefit that vaccines provide, these are not exempt from adverse events which can be mild to deadly, such as idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, in which a temporal association has not been defined. It is for this reason that we carried out a systematic review of all reported cases of vaccination against COVID-19 and myositis. To identify previously reported cases of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies associated with vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 we registered this protocol on the website of PROSPERO with identification number CRD42022355551. Of the 63 publications identified in MEDLINE and 117 in Scopus, 21 studies were included, reporting 31 cases of patients with vaccination-associated myositis. Most of these cases were women (61.3%); mean age was 52.3 years (range 19-76 years) and mean time of symptom onset post-vaccination was 6.8 days. More than half of the cases were associated with Comirnaty, 11 cases (35.5%) were classified as dermatomyositis, and 9 (29%) as amyopathic dermatomyositis. In 6 (19.3%) patients another probable trigger was identified. Case reports of inflammatory myopathies associated with vaccination have heterogeneous presentations without any specific characteristics: as a consequence, it is not possible to ensure a temporal association between vaccination and the development of inflammatory myopathies. Large epidemiological studies are required to determine the existence of a causal association.

Photoionization of the water molecule with XCHEM.

We have evaluated total and partial photoionization cross sections, ß asymmetry parameters, and molecular frame photoelectron angular distributions (MFPADs) of the water molecule by using the XCHEM methodology. This method accounts for electron correlation in the electronic continuum, which is crucial to describe Feshbach resonances and their autoionization decay. We have identified a large number of Feshbach resonances, some of them previously unknown, in the region between 12.2 and 18.7 eV, for which we provide energy positions and widths. Many of these resonances lead to pronounced peaks in the photoionization spectra, some of them remarkably wide (up to 0.2 eV, for resonances converging to the third ionization threshold), which should be observable in high-energy resolution experiments. We show that, in the vicinity of these peaks, both asymmetry parameters and MFPADs vary very rapidly with photoelectron energy, which, as in atoms and simpler molecules, reflects the interference between direct ionization and autoionization, which is mostly driven by electron correlation.

Electromyographic axillary nerve injury in fractures of the proximal humerus: Prospective, observational study, analysing the fracture pattern. / Lesión electromiográfica del nervio axilar en fracturas del extremo proximal del húmero. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, analizando el patrón de fractura.

OBJECTIVE: Description and analysis of the relation between the proximal humerus fracture patterns and the traumatic injury of the axillary nerve. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective, observational study of a consecutive case series that analyzed proximal humerus fractures. Radiographic evaluation was performed, and AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen) system was used to classify the fractures. Electromyography was used to diagnose the axillary nerve injury. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients on 105 who had a proximal humerus fracture met inclusion criteria. Eighty-six percent of the patients included were women and 14% men. The mean age was 71.8 years (30-96 years). Of the patients included in the study, 58% had normal or mild axonotmesis EMG, 23% had axillary nerve neuropathy without muscle denervation and 19% had injury with axillary nerve denervation. Patients who suffered complex fractures of the proximal humerus (AO11B and AO11C) had a higher risk of presenting axillary neuropathy type lesions with muscle denervation in the EMG, this relationship being statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients who have more risk on presenting axillary nerve neuropathy with muscle denervation in electromyography are those who present complex proximal humerus fractures AO11B and AO11C (p<0.001).

Consenso multidisciplinar sobre idoneidad farmacológica en cáncer de próstata hormono-sensible metastásico / A multidisciplinary consensus statement on the optimal pharmacological treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

La terapia de privación androgénica (TPA) es el pilar del tratamiento del cáncer de próstata hormono-sensible metastásico (CPHSm). La adición de docetaxel o de nuevas terapias hormonales (abiraterona, apalutamida o enzalutamida) mejora la supervivencia global (SG) y es en la actualidad el estándar de tratamiento. Sin embargo, la decisión sobre el régimen específico que acompañe a la TPA debe ser discutida con el paciente teniendo en cuenta factores como las posibles toxicidades asociadas, la duración del tratamiento, las comorbilidades o sus preferencias, pues no hay evidencia suficiente para recomendar un régimen sobre otro en la mayoría de los casos. En este trabajo se resume la evidencia sobre el manejo del CPHSm y se aportan recomendaciones consensuadas sobre el tratamiento óptimo para añadir a la TPA en pacientes con CPHSm con especial atención al perfil clínico del paciente (AU)

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The addition of docetaxel or new hormone therapies (abiraterone, apalutamide, or enzalutamide) improves overall survival and is currently the standard of care. However, the decision on the specific regimen to accompany ADT should be discussed with the patient, considering factors such as possible associated toxicities, duration of treatment, comorbidities, patient preferences, as there is no sufficient evidence to recommend one regimen over the other in most cases. This paper summarizes the evidence on the management of mHSPC and provides consensus recommendations on the optimal treatment in combination with ADT in mHSPC patients, with special attention to the patient's clinical profile (AU)

Impact of plasmapheresis on severe COVID-19.

The clinical course of COVID-19 may show severe presentation, potentially involving dynamic cytokine storms and T cell lymphopenia, which are leading causes of death in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Plasma exchange therapy (PLEX) effectively removes pro-inflammatory factors, modulating and restoring innate and adaptive immune responses. This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the impact of PLEX on the survival of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 and the effect on the cytokine release syndrome. Hospitalized patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and cytokine storm syndrome were selected to receive 2 sessions of PLEX or standard therapy. Primary outcome was all-cause 60-days mortality; secondary outcome was requirement of mechanical ventilation, SOFA, NEWs-2 scores modification, reduction of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and hospitalization time. Twenty patients received PLEX were compared against 40 patients receiving standard therapy. PLEX reduced 60-days mortality (50% vs 20%; OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.071-0.880; p = 0.029), and this effect was independent from demographic variables and drug therapies used. PLEX significantly decreased SOFA, NEWs-2, pro-inflammatory mediators and increased lymphocyte count, accompanied with a trend to reduce affected lung volume, without effect on SatO2/FiO2 indicator or mechanical ventilation requirement. PLEX therapy provided significant benefits of pro-inflammatory clearance and reduction of 60-days mortality in selected patients with COVID-19, without significant adverse events.

A multidisciplinary consensus statement on the optimal pharmacological treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The addition of docetaxel or new hormone therapies (abiraterone, apalutamide, or enzalutamide) improves overall survival and is currently the standard of care. However, the decision on the specific regimen to accompany ADT should be discussed with the patient, considering factors such as possible associated toxicities, duration of treatment, comorbidities, patient preferences, as there is no sufficient evidence to recommend one regimen over the other in most cases. This paper summarizes the evidence on the management of mHSPC and provides consensus recommendations on the optimal treatment in combination with ADT in mHSPC patients, with special attention to the patient's clinical profile.

Cavitation processes in a space filled with loose mesenchymal tissues: a comparison between the retrosternal space and the middle ear tympanic cavity in human fetuses.

BACKGROUND: During the expansion of the pleural cavity in early fetuses, a thick sheet of loose mesenchymal tissue (SLMT) appears between the lung bud and body wall. Subsequently, the growing lung bud invades into the SLMT and the latter becomes fragmented to disappear. To compare this with the tympanic cavity filled with loose mesenchymal tissues, the present study aimed to demonstrate the development, establishment, and breaking of the SLMT in the retrosternal space. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Although the retrosternal tissue was almost absent or very thin at 7 weeks, the SLMT appeared behind the manubrium sterni at 8 weeks. Accordingly, at 9-10 weeks, cavitation occurred in the SLMT to expand the pleural cavity. Therefore, the volume of SLMT was not determined by the adjacent structures such as the pericardium and sternum. Likewise, mesenchymal tissues filling the middle ear disappeared after 26 weeks. RESULTS: There were considerable individual variations in the timing of beginning and location of the tympanic cavitation. However, in contrast to the retrosternal SLMT, the volume of the future tympanic cavity is determined by the adjacent hard tissue and tympanic membrane much earlier than the cavitation. The mesenchymal tissue carried abundant vessels in the middle ear but none or few veins in the retrosternal SLMT. CONCLUSIONS: The concept that the lung bud invades into the splanchnic mesoderm to expand the pleural cavity seems oversimplified. Mechanical stresses from the pleural cavity might induce retrosternal cavitation, while a loss in blood supply might cause tympanic cavitation.

Application of Raman spectroscopy for the determination of proteins denaturation and amino acids decomposition temperature.

Raman spectroscopy was employed to study the thermal denaturation of three different proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme, ovalbumin; and the decomposition temperature of three amino acids, l-glutamine, l-cysteine, and l-alanine, all of them as lyophilized powders. All the Raman bands observed in the spectra obtained were recorded and analyzed at preset heating temperatures. The results obtained for either protein denaturation temperature TD and amino acid decomposition temperatures TM-dc, were compared with those measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC and Raman results were additionally corroborated with a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for the case of proteins. This exercise indicated almost complete coincidence in the determination of these transition temperatures between the three techniques, evidencing the applicability of Raman spectroscopy in the study of denaturation and decomposition temperatures of proteins and amino acids.

Direct, automated and sensitive determination of glyphosate and related anionic pesticides in environmental water samples using solid-phase extraction on-line combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

An automated procedure for the simultaneous determination of six anionic pesticides, including glyphosate (GLY) and its transformation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), was developed and applied to the analysis of environmental water samples. The proposed method combines on-line concentration of water samples (0.160 mL), with compounds separation in an anion-exchange liquid chromatography (LC) column, followed by their selective determination by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The global procedure was completed in 25 min, providing limits of quantification (LOQs) between 5 ng L-1 and 20 ng L-1, with reduced effect of the surface water matrix in the efficiency of process (SPE and ionization yields). The method was applied to the analysis of grab samples obtained from three watersheds, in two rural and one residential area, in Galicia (Northwest Spain). Out of six investigated compounds, Fosetyl, AMPA and GLY were noticed in the set of processed samples. Their detection frequencies increased from 12% (Fosetyl) to 88% (AMPA). Median concentrations followed the same trend varying from 9 ng L-1 (Fosetyl) to 44 ng L-1 (AMPA). The higher levels and the large seasonal variations in the residues of the latter species were noticed in small rivers affected by discharges of municipal sewage treatment plants (STPs).