0000000000054332
AUTHOR
Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona
Effect of insulin on readmission for heart failure following a hospitalization for acute heart failure
AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is related with worse outcomes. Insulin treatment is associated with sodium and water retention, weight gain, and hypoglycaemia-all pathophysiological mechanisms related to HF decompensation. This study aimed to evaluate the association between insulin treatment and the risk of 1year readmission for HF in patients discharged for acute HF.; METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively included 2895 consecutive patients discharged after an episode of acute HF in a single tertiary hospital. Multivariable Cox regression, adapted for competing events, was used to assess the association between insulin treatment and …
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management and course of chronic urticaria
Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically disrupts health care around the globe. The impact of the pandemic on chronic urticaria (CU) and its management are largely unknown. Aim: to understand how CU patients are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; how specialists alter CU patient management; and the course of CU in patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods: our cross-sectional, international, questionnaire-based, multicenter UCARE COVID-CU study assessed the impact of the pandemic on patient consultations, remote treatment, changes in medications, and clinical consequences. Results: the COVID-19 pandemic severely impairs CU patient care, with less than 50% of the weekly numbers o…
Can Integrated Care Help in Meeting the Challenges Posed on Our Health Care Systems by COVID-19? Some Preliminary Lessons Learned from the European VIGOUR Project
The COVID-19 pandemic puts health and care systems under pressure globally. This current paper highlights challenges arising in the care for older and vulnerable populations in this context and reflects upon possible perspectives for different systems making use of nested integrated care approaches adapted during the work of the EU-funded project VIGOUR ("Evidence based Guidance to Scale-up Integrated Care in Europe", funded by the European Union's Health Programme 2014-2020 under Grant Agreement Number 826640).
Coronavirus disease 2019 in chronic kidney disease
Abstract The clinical spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia with respiratory failure and even death. More severe cases with higher mortality have been reported in older patients and in those with chronic illness such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. In this regard, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher rate of all-type infections and cardiovascular disease than the general population. A markedly altered immune system and immunosuppressed state may predispose CKD patients to infectious complications. Likewise, they have a state of chronic systemic inflammation that may increase …
The impact of rituximab infusion protocol on the long-term outcome in anti-MuSK myasthenia gravis
ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the clinical benefit and relapse rates in anti-muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) myasthenia gravis (MG) differ depending on the protocol of rituximab followed. MethodsThis retrospective multicentre study in patients with MuSK MG compared three rituximab protocols in terms of clinical status, relapse, changes in treatment, and adverse side effects. The primary effectiveness endpoint was clinical relapse requiring a further infusion of rituximab. Survival curves were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods and survival analyses were undertaken using Cox proportional-hazards models. ResultsTwenty-five patients were included: 11 treated with protocol 4 + 2 (375 mg/m(2)/4 w…
Phase II study of necitumumab plus modified FOLFOX6 as first-line treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer
Background:This single-arm phase II study investigated the EGFR monoclonal antibody necitumumab plus modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6) in first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).Methods:Patients received 800-mg intravenous necitumumab (day 1; 2-week cycles), followed by oxaliplatin 85 mg m -2, folinic acid 400 mg m -2, and 5-fluorouracil (400 mg m -2 bolus then 2400 mg m -2 over 46 h). Radiographic evaluation was performed every 8 weeks until progression. Primary endpoint was objective response rate.Results:Forty-four patients were enrolled and treated. Objective response rate was 63.6% (95% confidence interval 47.8-77.6); complete response was observed in …
Employment stability and mental health in Spain: towards understanding the influence of gender and partner/marital status
Background: The growing demand for labour flexibility has resulted in decreasing employment stability that could be associated with poor mental health status. Few studies have analysed the whole of the work force in considering this association since research on flexible forms of employment traditionally analyses employed and unemployed people separately. The gender division of work, and family characteristics related to employment situation, could modify its association with mental wellbeing. The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between a continuum of employment stability and mental health taking into account gender and partner/marital status. Methods: We selected 685…
GLP-1 Receptor agonists and diabetic kidney disease: A call of attention to nephrologists
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESKD), and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Despite advances in the nephroprotective treatment of T2DM, DKD remains the most common complication, driving the need for renal replacement therapies (RRT) worldwide, and its incidence is increasing. Until recently, prevention of DKD progression was based around strict blood pressure (BP) control, using renin–angiotensin system blockers that simultaneously reduce BP and proteinuria, adequate glycemic control and control of cardiovascular risk factors. Glucagon-like peptide-1 r…
The Serenity of the Meditating Mind: A Cross-Cultural Psychometric Study on a Two-Factor Higher Order Structure of Mindfulness, Its Effects, and Mechanisms Related to Mental Health among Experienced Meditators
Objective To investigate the psychometric and structural properties of the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) among meditators, to develop a short form, and to examine associations of mindfulness with mental health and the mechanisms of mindfulness. Methods Two independent samples were used, a German (n = 891) and a Spanish (n = 393) meditator sample, practicing various meditation styles. Structural and psychometric properties of the FFMQ were investigated with multigroup confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling. Associations with mental health and mechanisms of mindfulness were examined with path analysis. Results The derived short form broadly ma…
ABO blood group A transferase and its codon 69 substitution enzymes synthesize FORS1 antigen of FORS blood group system
AbstractHuman histo-blood group A transferase (AT) catalyzes the biosynthesis of oligosaccharide A antigen important in blood transfusion and cell/tissue/organ transplantation. This enzyme may synthesize Forssman antigen (FORS1) of the FORS blood group system when exon 3 or 4 of the AT mRNA is deleted and/or the LeuGlyGly tripeptide at codons 266–268 of AT is replaced by GlyGlyAla. The Met69Ser/Thr substitutions also confer weak Forssman glycolipid synthase (FS) activity. In this study, we prepared the human AT derivative constructs containing any of the 20 amino acids at codon 69 with and without the GlyGlyAla substitution, transfected DNA to newly generated COS1(B3GALNT1 + A4GALT) cells e…
KRAS and BRAF mutations in circulating tumour DNA from locally advanced rectal cancer
There are limited data on circulating, cell-free, tumour (ct)DNA analysis in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Digital droplet (dd)PCR was used to investigate KRAS/BRAF mutations in ctDNA from baseline blood samples of 97 LARC patients who were treated with CAPOX followed by chemoradiotherapy, surgery and adjuvant CAPOX ± cetuximab in a randomised phase II trial. KRAS mutation in G12D, G12V or G13D was detected in the ctDNA of 43% and 35% of patients with tumours that were mutant and wild-type for these hotspot mutations, respectively, according to standard PCR-based analyses on tissue. The detection rate in the ctDNA of 10 patients with less common mutations was 50%. In 26 cases ctDNA…
Pembrolizumab as Consolidation Strategy in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Results of the GEM-Pembresid Clinical Trial
PD1 expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is increased after treatment in multiple myeloma patients with persistent disease. The GEM-Pembresid trial analyzed the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab as consolidation in patients achieving at least very good partial response but with persistent measurable disease after first- or second-line treatment. Moreover, the characteristics of the immune system were investigated to identify potential biomarkers of response to pembrolizumab. One out of the 17 evaluable patients showed a decrease in the amount of M-protein, although a potential late effect of high-dose melphalan could not be ruled out. Fourteen adverse events were considered related to pem…
Reputation or peer review? The role of outliers
We present an agent-based model of paper publication and consumption that allows to study the effect of two different evaluation mechanisms, peer review and reputation, on the quality of the manuscripts accessed by a scientific community. The model was empirically calibrated on two data sets, mono- and multi-disciplinary. Our results point out that disciplinary settings differ in the rapidity with which they deal with extreme events—papers that have an extremely high quality, that we call outliers. In the mono-disciplinary case, reputation is better than traditional peer review to optimize the quality of papers read by researchers. In the multi-disciplinary case, if the quality landscape is…
Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation and Study of Diabetic Nephropathy with Atrasentan : what was learned about the treatment of diabetic kidney disease with canagliflozin and atrasentan?
Albuminuria; Atrasentan; Canagliflozin Albuminuria; Atrasentan; Canagliflozina Albuminúria; Atrasentan; Canagliflozina In April 2019, two major Phase 3 randomized clinical trials were published that assessed primary renal outcomes in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) tested an already available antidiabetic drug, canagliflozin, and the Study of Diabetic Nephropathy with Atrasentan (SONAR) tested a novel molecule, the endothelin-1 receptor blocker atrasentan, both on top of renin-angiotensin system blockade. Both trials demonstrated significant nephroprot…
SEOM clinical guideline for treatment of kidney cancer (2017)
Abstract The goal of this article is to provide recommendations about the management of kidney cancer. Based on pathologic and molecular features, several kidney cancer variants were described. Nephron-sparing techniques are the gold standard of localized disease. After a randomized trial, sunitinib could be considered in adjuvant treatment in high-risk patients. Patients with advanced disease constitute a heterogeneous population. Prognostic classification should be considered. Both sunitinib and pazopanib are the standard options for first-line systemic therapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma. Based on the results of two randomized trials, both nivolumab and cabozantinib should be consid…
Phase I study of FOLFIRI plus pimasertib as second-line treatment for KRAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer
BACKGROUND: The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has been implicated in the molecular pathogenesis of human cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This provides a rationale for the development of MAPK-targeted agents such as pimasertib. METHODS: Patients with KRAS mutant mCRC were treated in the second-line setting with FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil/folinic acid/irinotecan) plus pimasertib. The primary objective of the safety run-in phase was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended phase II dose of pimasertib combined with FOLFIRI. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were enrolled in the trial. Ten and six patients were treated daily with 45 and 60 …
Unwanted effects: Is there a negative side of meditation? A multicentre survey
Objectives Despite the long-term use and evidence-based efficacy of meditation and mindfulness-based interventions, there is still a lack of data about the possible unwanted effects (UEs) of these practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of UEs among meditation practitioners, considering moderating factors such as the type, frequency, and lifetime duration of the meditation practices. Methods An online survey was developed and disseminated through several websites, such as Spanish-, English- and Portuguese-language scientific research portals related to mindfulness and meditation. After excluding people who did not answer the survey correctly or completely and those w…
Magnetic resonance microscopy and correlative histopathology of the infarcted heart
Altres ajuts:The present study was supported by the EU Joint Programming Initiative 'A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life' (JPI HDHL INTIMIC-085), Generalitat Valenciana (GV/2018/116), INCLIVA and Universitat de Valencia (program VLC-BIOCLINIC 20-nanomIRM-2016A). Delayed enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR) is the gold-standard for non-invasive assessment after myocardial infarction (MI). MR microscopy (MRM) provides a level of detail comparable to the macro objective of light microscopy. We used MRM and correlative histopathology to identify infarct and remote tissue in contrast agent-free multi-sequence MRM in swine MI hearts. One control group (n = 3 swine) and two experimenta…
The Mutational Landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Predicts Responses and Outcomes in Elderly Patients from the PETHEMA-FLUGAZA Phase 3 Clinical Trial
This article belongs to the Collection The Biomarkers for the Diagnosis and Prognosis in Cancer.
Transcriptome Analysis of Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Fibroblasts Reveals a Disease Extracellular Matrix Signature and Key Molecular Regulators
Background Collagen VI related myopathies encompass a range of phenotypes with involvement of skeletal muscle, skin and other connective tissues. They represent a severe and relatively common form of congenital disease for which there is no treatment. Collagen VI in skeletal muscle and skin is produced by fibroblasts. Aims & Methods In order to gain insight into the consequences of collagen VI mutations and identify key disease pathways we performed global gene expression analysis of dermal fibroblasts from patients with Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy with and without vitamin C treatment. The expression data were integrated using a range of systems biology tools. Results were validat…
Sphenoid sinus mucocele : an unusual complication of head and neck irradiation in a North African woman
Mucocele is a common benign lesion otherwise rarely located in the sphenoid sinus. Some complications after head and neck irradiation have been described in the literature until now. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a sphenoid sinus mucocele in a North African patient treated some years before with radiotherapy for a nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We extend the literature review about this infrequent finding, of which head and neck surgeons should be aware. Key words:Mucocele, sphenoid sinus mucocele, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, radiotherapy, North African.
Clinical and prognostic implications of delirium in elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes
Altres ajuts: This study was supported by the funding from the Spanish Society of Cardiology. Elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) may present delirium but its clinical relevance is unknown. This study aimed at determining the clinical associated factors, and prognostic implications of delirium in old-aged patients admitted for NSTE-ACS. LONGEVO-SCA is a prospective multicenter registry including unselected patients with NSTE-ACS aged ≥ 80 years. Clinical variables and a complete geriatric evaluation were assessed during hospitalization. The association between delirium and 6-month mortality was assessed by a Cox regression model weighted for a …
From transformation to chronification of migraine : pathophysiological and clinical aspects
AbstractChronic migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by 15 or more headache days per month of which at least 8 days show typical migraine features. The process that describes the development from episodic migraine into chronic migraine is commonly referred to as migraine transformation or chronification. Ample studies have attempted to identify factors associated with migraine transformation from different perspectives. Understanding CM as a pathological brain state with trigeminovascular participation where biological changes occur, we have completed a comprehensive review on the clinical, epidemiological, genetic, molecular, structural, functional, physiological and preclinic…
Focal Adhesion Genes Refine the Intermediate-Risk Cytogenetic Classification of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
© 2018 by the authors.
Do nutritional supplements have a role in age macular degeneration prevention?
Purpose. To review the proposed pathogenic mechanisms of age macular degeneration (AMD), as well as the role of antioxidants (AOX) and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) supplements in AMD prevention.Materials and Methods. Current knowledge on the cellular/molecular mechanisms of AMD and the epidemiologic/experimental studies on the effects of AOX andω-3 were addressed all together with the scientific evidence and the personal opinion of professionals involved in the Retina Group of the OFTARED (Spain).Results. High dietary intakes ofω-3 and macular pigments lutein/zeaxanthin are associated with lower risk of prevalence and incidence in AMD. The Age-Related Eye Disease study (AREDS) showed a benefic…
Long-term effectiveness of agalsidase alfa enzyme replacement in Fabry disease: A Fabry Outcome Survey analysis
Outcomes from 5 years of treatment with agalsidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Fabry disease in patients enrolled in the Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS) were compared with published findings for untreated patients with Fabry disease. Data were extracted from FOS, a Shire-sponsored database, for comparison with data from three published studies. Outcomes evaluated were the annualized rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and left ventricular mass indexed to height (LVMI) as well as time to and ages at a composite morbidity endpoint and at death. FOS data were extracted for 740 treated patients who were followed for a median of ~ 5 years. Compared with no trea…
Epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and economic features of an immigrant population of chronic schistosomiasis sufferers with long-term residence in a nonendemic country (North Metropolitan area of Barcelona, 2002-2016)
Background Schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) listed by the WHO, is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. Complications of long-term infestation include liver cirrhosis, bladder tumors and kidney failure. The objective of this study was to carry out a clinical and epidemiological characterization of a schistosomiasis-diagnosed immigrant population with long-term residencein the EU as well as to evaluate the diagnostic methods available to date. Methods and results A total of 61 individuals with Schistosoma infection who received medical attention between June 2002 and June 2016 at the North Metrop…
“Near-TME”: proposed standardisation of the technique for proctectomy in male patients with ulcerative colitis
Abstract Background The aim of the present study was to describe in detail an approach to proctectomy in ulcerative colitis (UC), which can be standardized; near-total mesorectal excision (near-TME), to prevent injuries to autonomic pelvic nerves and subsequent sexual dysfunction. Methods We demonstrate the technique ex vivo on a cadaver from a male patient in lithotomy position and on a sagittal section of a male pelvis. We also demonstrate the technique in vivo in two male patients diagnosed with UC, with no history of sexual dysfunction or bowel neoplasia. The study was performed at the Human Embryology and Anatomy Department. University of Valencia, Spain. Results The posterolateral dis…
Rehospitalization burden and morbidity risk in patients with heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction
Aims Heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) has been proposed as a distinct HF phenotype, but whether patients on this category fare worse, similarly, or better than those with HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) or preserved EF (HFpEF) in terms of rehospitalization risks over time remains unclear. Methods and results We prospectively included 2961 consecutive patients admitted for acute HF (AHF) in our institution. Of them, 158 patients died during the index admission, leaving the sample size to be 2803 patients. Patients were categorized according to their EF: HFrEF if EF ≤ 40% (n = 908, 32.4%); HFmrEF if EF = 41–49% (n = 449, 16.0%); and HFpEF if EF ≥ 50% (n = 1446, 51.6%). Covar…
Cardiovascular risk factors and the impact on prognosis in patients with chronic kidney disease secondary to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most frequent hereditary renal disease. There is an increased rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in ADPKD. In this study, we evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, the achievement rates for treatment goals and cardiovascular events (CVE) in ADPKD and their relations with asymptomatic CVD in CKD from other etiologies (CKDoe) and controls. Methods: We evaluated 2445 CKD patients (2010–2012). The information collected was: clinical, anthropometric and analytical parameters, treatments and CVD evaluation (intima-media thickness (IMT), atheromatous plaque presence and ankle-brachial index (ABI)). Laborator…
Immunofluorescence Analysis as a Diagnostic Tool in a Spanish Cohort of Patients with Suspected Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive rare disease caused by an alteration of ciliary structure. Immunofluorescence, consisting in the detection of the presence and distribution of cilia proteins in human respiratory cells by fluorescence, has been recently proposed as a technique to improve understanding of disease-causing genes and diagnosis rate in PCD. The objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of a panel of four fluorescently labeled antibodies (DNAH5, DNALI1, GAS8 and RSPH4A or RSPH9) as a PCD diagnostic tool in the absence of transmission electron microscopy analysis. The panel was tested in nasal brushing samples of 74 patients with clinical suspic…
Feasible Low-Phosphorus Dietary Patterns in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: Need for Original Research
Introduction The standard low-phosphorus diet restricts pulses, nuts, and whole grains and other high phosphorus foods to control hyperphosphatemia. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of the modified diet, which introduced some pulses and nuts, increased the use of whole grains, increased focus on the avoidance of phosphate additives, and introduced the prescription of low-biological-value protein such as bread. Methods We conducted a multicenter, pragmatic, parallel-arm, open-label, randomized controlled trial of modified versus standard diet in 74 adults on hemodialysis with hyperphosphatemia over 1 month. Biochemistry was as…
Alteration of the Mitochondrial Effects of Ceria Nanoparticles by Gold: An Approach for the Mitochondrial Modulation of Cells Based on Nanomedicine
Ceria nanoparticles are cell compatible antioxidants whose activity can be enhanced by gold deposition and by surface functionalization with positive triphenylphosphonium units to selectively target the mitochondria. The antioxidant properties of these nanoparticles can serve as the basis of a new strategy for the treatment of several disorders exhibiting oxidative stress, such as cancer, diabetes or Alzheimer&rsquo
Clinical Approach to Vascular Calcification in Patients With Non-dialysis Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease: Mineral-Bone Disorder-Related Aspects
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a very high morbimortality, mainly from cardiovascular origin, and CKD is currently considered in the high- or very high risk- cardiovascular risk category. CKD-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBDs), including vascular and/or valvular calcifications, are also associated with these poor outcomes. Vascular calcification (VC) is very prevalent (both intimal and medial), even in non-dialysis dependent patients, with a greater severity and more rapid progression. Simple X-ray based-scores such as Adragão's (AS) are useful prognostic tools and AS (even AS based on hand-X-ray only) may be superior to the classic Kauppila's score when evaluating non-d…
SNPs in bone-related miRNAs are associated with the osteoporotic phenotype
AbstractBiogenesis and function of microRNAs can be influenced by genetic variants in the pri-miRNA sequences leading to phenotypic variability. This study aims to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting the expression levels of bone-related mature microRNAs and thus, triggering an osteoporotic phenotype. An association analysis of SNPs located in pri-miRNA sequences with bone mineral density (BMD) was performed in the OSTEOMED2 cohort (n = 2183). Functional studies were performed for assessing the role of BMD-associated miRNAs in bone cells. Two SNPs, rs6430498 in the miR-3679 and rs12512664 in the miR-4274, were significantly associated with femoral neck BMD. Further, we…
Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS) and Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) in the early identification of Italian teachers with voice disorders
Abstract Introduction The current Italian law does not include any guidance regarding voice education, prevention of voice disorders and screening in subjects with high vocal loading such as teachers. Objectives We aimed to check the correlation between the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS) with the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) for the evaluation of Italian teachers. In addition, we aimed to investigate whether there are differences in the frequency and intensity of discomfort symptoms in teachers with disabilities comparing vocal tract discomfort symptoms in teachers with high risk (HRVD) and low risk (LRVD) of vocal disorders according to the VoiSS cutoff (> 15.5). Methods We analyzed…
CT angiography for the assessment of EVAR complications : a pictorial review
Aortic aneurysm; Blood vessel prosthesis implantation; Endovascular procedures Aneurisma aórtico; Implantación de prótesis de vasos sanguíneos; Procedimientos endovasculares Aneurisma aòrtic; Implantació de pròtesis de vasos sanguinis; Procediments endovasculars Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive treatment proposed as an alternative to open repair in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. EVAR consists in a stent-graft placement within the aorta in order to exclude the aneurysm from arterial circulation and reduce the risk of rupture. Knowledge of the various types of devices is mandatory because some stents/grafts are more frequently associated with complication…
An experimental study of muscular injury repair in a mouse model of notexin-induced lesion with EPI® technique
BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of muscle injury repair after EPI® technique, a treatment based on electrical stimulation, have not been described. This study determines whether EPI® therapy could improve muscle damage. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into a control group, Notexin group (7 and 14 days) and a Notexin + EPI group. To induce muscle injury, Notexin was injected in the quadriceps of the left extremity of rats. Pro-inflammatory interleukin 1-beta (IL-1beta) and tumoral necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined by ELISA. The expression of receptor peroxisome gamma proliferator activator (PPAR-gamma), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial grow…
Near-normal aerobic capacity in long-term survivors after lung transplantation
The clinical course of lung transplantation (LT) is diverse: some patients present chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and progressive decline in pulmonary function, but others maintain normal spirometric values and active lives. Objectives The aim of this study was to elucidate whether long-term LT survivors with normal spirometry achieve normal exercise capacity, and to identify predictive factors of exercise capacity. Methods This was a cross-sectional multicentre study, where bilateral LT recipients who survived at least 10 years after LT, with normal spirometry, no diagnosis of CLAD and modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea degree ≤2 underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testin…
In vitro study of the apical microleakage with resilon root canal filling using different final endodontic irrigants
Background: Endodontic microleakage or microfiltration refers to the percolation of fluids and micro-organisms at the interface of the obturation material and the walls of the root canal system. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare apical microfiltration of Resilon root canal filling by employing three dif ferent final irrigant solutions. Material and Methods: 128 single-rooted teeth were employed. The crowns were sectioned horizontally at the cemento-enamel junction and instrumented with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% EDTA gel to obtain an instrumented 040 apical caliber. An intermediate irrigation was performed with distilled water. The roots were then randomly assigne…
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Profiling in Early Stage I Lung Adenocarcinoma Reveals Predictive Aberrant Methylation in the Promoter Region of the Long Noncoding RNA PLUT : An Exploratory Study
Introduction: Surgical procedure is the treatment of choice in early stage I lung adenocarcinoma. However, a considerable number of patients experience recurrence within the first 2 years after complete resection. Suitable prognostic biomarkers that identify patients at high risk of recurrence (who may probably benefit from adjuvant treatment) are still not available. This study aimed at identifying methylation markers for early recurrence that may become important tools for the development of new treatment modalities. Methods: Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling was performed on 30 stage I lung adenocarcinomas, comparing 14 patients with early metastatic recurrence with 16 patients with …
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition : towards an indication to treat diabetic kidney disease
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have clearly demonstrated their beneficial effect in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) on top of the standard of care [blood glucose control, renin–angiotensin system blockade, smoking cessation and blood pressure (BP) control], even in patients with overt DKD. However, the indication of this drug class is still blood glucose lowering in type 2 diabetic patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate >45mL/min/1.73m2. Based on the new evidence, several scientific societies have emphasized the preferential prescription of SGLT2i for patients at risk of heart failure or kidney disease, but still within the limits set by health authorities. A r…
Efficacy of trifluridine and tipiracil (TAS-102) versus placebo, with supportive care, in a randomized, controlled trial of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer from Spain: results of a subgroup analysis of the phase 3 RECOURSE trial
[Purpose] TAS-102 is a combination of the thymidine-based nucleoside analog trifluridine and the thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor tipiracil. Efficacy and safety of TAS-102 in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) refractory or intolerant to standard therapies were evaluated in the phase 3 RECOURSE trial. Results of RECOURSE demonstrated significant improvement in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) with TAS-102 versus placebo [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.68 and 0.48 for OS and PFS, respectively; both P < 0.001]. The current analysis evaluates efficacy and safety of TAS-102 in the RECOURSE Spanish subgroup.
Relationship between Meditative Practice and Self-Reported Mindfulness: the MINDSENS Composite Index
Mindfulness has been described as an inherent human capability that can be learned and trained, and its improvement has been associated with better health outcomes in both medicine and psychology. Although the role of practice is central to most mindfulness programs, practice-related improvements in mindfulness skills is not consistently reported and little is known about how the characteristics of meditative practice affect different components of mindfulness. the present study explores the role of practice parameters on self-reported mindfulness skills. A total of 670 voluntary participants with and without previous meditation experience (n = 384 and n = 286, respectively) responded to an…
Influence of Antisynthetase Antibodies Specificities on Antisynthetase Syndrome Clinical Spectrum Time Course
Antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD) is a rare clinical condition that is characterized by the occurrence of a classic clinical triad, encompassing myositis, arthritis, and interstitial lung disease (ILD), along with specific autoantibodies that are addressed to different aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (ARS). Until now, it has been unknown whether the presence of a different ARS might affect the clinical presentation, evolution, and outcome of ASSD. In this study, we retrospectively recorded the time of onset, characteristics, clustering of triad findings, and survival of 828 ASSD patients (593 anti-Jo1, 95 anti-PL7, 84 anti-PL12, 38 anti-EJ, and 18 anti-OJ), referring to AENEAS (American and Europea…
Indicaciones de los inhibidores de PCSK9 en la práctica clínica. Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis (SEA), 2019
Resumen Un grupo de expertos convocado por la Sociedad Espanola de Arteriosclerosis (SEA) se ha encargado de actualizar el documento de la SEA sobre las indicaciones de los inhibidores de PCSK9 (iPCSK9) en la practica clinica publicadas en 2016. Esta actualizacion es necesaria porque en el periodo transcurrido hasta la actualidad se han publicado los resultados de los ensayos clinicos realizados a gran escala con iPCSK9 que demuestran que, ademas de su alta potencia para disminuir el colesterol aterogenico, disminuyen el riesgo de presentar episodios de enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerotica en los pacientes con enfermedad tanto estable como reciente, y con un alto grado de seguridad. La…
Functional Metagenomics of the Bronchial Microbiome in COPD
Altres ajuts: Sociedad Catalana de Neumología; Fundació Catalana de Neumología; Fundació Parc Tauli; Marató de TV3; Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica; Fundación Menarini; Generalitat Valenciana (Spain) [Prometeo/2009/092] i Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES) The course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently aggravated by exacerbations, and changes in the composition and activity of the microbiome may be implicated in their appearance. The aim of this study was to analyse the composition and the gene content of the microbial community in bronchial secretions of COPD patients in both stability and exacerbati…
Design of the EBE-ST Questionnaire among Nursing Students: Multicenter Study from Eight Universities in Spain
Background: Twenty years after the degree in nursing was introduced in Spain, the subject of evidence-based nursing is still unstructured and unestablished in most faculties. Moreover, there are hardly any rigorous studies at a national level that evaluate the current state of this competence in our faculties. Understanding the starting point is essential for the curricular design to ensure that evidence-based practice is implemented among future professionals. Aim: To design and validate an evidence-based nursing competency questionnaire for fourth-year nursing students. Methods: A specific questionnaire was developed and validated (EBE-ST). A cross-sectional survey design with psychometri…
Epidemiology of foodborne Norovirus outbreaks in Catalonia, Spain
Abstract Background Noroviruses are one of the principal biological agents associated with the consumption of contaminated food. The objective of this study was to analyse the size and epidemiological characteristics of foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis in Catalonia, a region in the northeast of Spain. Methods In all reported outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with food consumption, faecal samples of persons affected were analysed for bacteria and viruses and selectively for parasites. Study variables included the setting, the number of people exposed, age, sex, clinical signs and hospital admissions. The study was carried out from October 2004 to October 2005. Results Of the 181 …
Prognostic Value of Initial Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With Reperfused STEMI
Abstract Objectives This study sought to establish the best definition of left ventricular adverse remodeling (LVAR) to predict outcomes and determine whether its assessment adds prognostic information to that obtained by early cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Background LVAR, usually defined as an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) is the main cause of heart failure after an ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction; however, the role of assessment of LVAR in predicting cardiovascular events remains controversial. Methods Patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction who received percutaneous coronary intervention within 6 h of symptom onset were included …
Expanding the β-III Spectrin-Associated Phenotypes toward Non-Progressive Congenital Ataxias with Neurodegeneration
(1) Background: A non-progressive congenital ataxia (NPCA) phenotype caused by b-III spectrin (SPTBN2) mutations has emerged, mimicking spinocerebellar ataxia, autosomal recessive type 14 (SCAR14). The pattern of inheritance, however, resembles that of autosomal dominant classical spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5). (2) Methods: In-depth phenotyping of two boys studied by a customized gene panel. Candidate variants were sought by structural modeling and protein expression. An extensive review of the literature was conducted in order to better characterize the SPTBN2-associated NPCA. (3) Results: Patients exhibited an NPCA with hypotonia, developmental delay, cerebellar syndrome, and cogni…