Intervenciones farmacéuticas en usuarios de benzodiacepinas durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Pharmaceutical interventions in benzodiazepine users during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: la Intervención Farmacéutica busca optimizar y racionalizar el uso, la efectividad y la seguridad de los medicamentos dispensados resolviendo problemas relacionados con el medicamento (PRM) y resultados negativos asociados a la medicación (RNM).Objetivo: evaluar las Intervenciones Farmacéuticas realizadas a usuarios de benzodiacepinas durante la pandemia COVID-19 desde una Farmacia Comunitaria.Método: estudio prospectivo observacional, descriptivo y transversal (código AEMPS: DAA-CLO-2020-01) de las Intervenciones Farmacéuticas llevadas a cabo por una farmacia comunitaria tinerfeña entre agosto 2020 y febrero 2021.Resultados: un total de 306 Intervenciones Farmacéuticas fueron realizadas sobre 127 pacientes. La educación sanitaria y la información personalizada sobre el medicamento fueron las Intervenciones Farmacéuticas mayoritarias tras detectar entre los pacientes un alto grado de desconocimiento sobre las benzodiacepinas usadas. Las Intervenciones Farmacéuticas que se acompañan de derivación al médico alcanzan el 37,8 % tras detectar PRM y/o RNM o identificar al paciente como candidato para deprescripción. Estas derivaciones incluyen a los pacientes con un estado de depresión muy alto según el test Euroqol 5D-3L. La Intervención Farmacéutica con derivación al Servicio de Seguimiento Farmacoterapéutico se realiza en el 3,1 % de los pacientes. El grado de aceptación de la Intervención Farmacéutica por parte de los pacientes alcanza el 98,4 %.Conclusiones: el alto porcentaje de aceptación de las Intervenciones Farmacéuticas refuerza el valor de la Farmacia Comunitaria en la optimización y racionalización del uso de benzodiacepinas y fortalece el vínculo farmacéutico-paciente. La pandemia COVID-19 dificultó la colaboración farmacéutico-médico, a pesar de la existencia de protocolos telemáticos de comunicación entre sanitarios.(AU)

Assessment of thermohydraulic performance and entropy generation in an evacuated tube solar collector employing pure water and nanofluids as working fluids.

This study conducts a numerical comparison of the thermal performance of three distinct working fluids (pure water, TiO2, and SiO2 water-based nanofluids) within an evacuated tube solar collector using Computational Fluid Dynamics. The study evaluates thermohydraulic performance alongside global and local entropy generation rates, while considering variations in solar radiation values and inlet mass flow rates. Results indicate that nanofluids demonstrate superior performance under low solar radiation, exhibiting higher outlet temperatures, velocities, thermal efficiency, and exergy efficiency compared to pure water. However, at the higher solar radiation level, the efficiency of SiO2 water-based nanofluid diminishes due to its impact on specific heat. Furthermore, the entropy generation analysis reveals significant reductions with TiO2 water-based nanofluid in all the phenomena considered (up to 79 %). The SiO2 nanofluid performance aligns closely with pure water under high radiation value. This investigation offers valuable insights into the utilization of nanofluids in solar collectors across diverse operating conditions, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing overall performance.

Motor and process skills of people with parkinson's disease compared to healthy older adults. A cross-sectional study. / Habilidades motoras y de procesamiento en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson en comparación con adultos mayores sanos. Un estudio transversal.

INTRODUCTION: Both Parkinson's disease (PD) and the process of ageing are associated with functional limitations. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in motor and process skills between individuals with PD and healthy older adults, as well as to observe how disease progression affects motor and process skills performance in PD patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) measure was employed in order to analyze the differences in the motor and process skills of daily tasks in people with PD and healthy older adults age- and sex-matched. Part III of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scale and the Schwab & England scale was administered to determine the severity of the disease. RESULTS: Seventy participants (49 patients with PD and 21 healthy older adults) were recruited for this study. Our results showed that even at moderate stages of the disease, both motor and process skills were found deteriorated in PD patients more than older healthy older adults (p < 0.001). As PD progresses, motor and process skills present significantly deterioration. CONCLUSION: PD leads to a greater deterioration in motor and process skills compared to healthy older adults. As disease stages advance according to the HY scale, performance in motor and process skills deteriorates significantly between moderate and advanced PD stages. According to the AMPS scale, PD patients show no impairment of processing skills up to HY IV, but motor impairment at HY stages II, III and IV.

TITLE: Habilidades motoras y de procesamiento en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson en comparación con adultos mayores sanos. Un estudio transversal.Introducción. Tanto la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) como el proceso de envejecimiento están asociados con limitaciones funcionales. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las diferencias en habilidades motoras y de procesamiento entre individuos con EP y adultos mayores sanos, así como observar cómo la progresión de la enfermedad afecta al desempeño de las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento en pacientes con EP. Sujetos y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal. Se empleó la medida de la Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) para analizar las diferencias en las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento de tareas cotidianas entre personas con EP y adultos mayores sanos, emparejados en edad y sexo. Se administró la sección III de la Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale, la escala de Hoehn y Yahr (HY) y la escala de Schwab & England para determinar la gravedad de la enfermedad. Resultados. Se reclutó a 70 participantes (49 pacientes con EP y 21 adultos mayores sanos). Nuestros resultados mostraron que incluso en estadios moderados de la enfermedad, tanto las habilidades motoras como las de procesamiento se encontraron deterioradas en los pacientes con EP en comparación con los adultos mayores sanos (p < 0,001). A medida que avanza la enfermedad, las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento presentan un deterioro significativo en las personas con EP. Conclusiones. La EP conduce a un mayor deterioro de las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento en comparación con adultos mayores sanos. A medida que avanzan los estadios de la enfermedad según la escala HY, el rendimiento en las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento se deteriora significativamente entre los estadios moderados y avanzados de la EP. Según la escala AMPS, los pacientes con EP no muestran un deterioro en las habilidades de procesamiento hasta el estadio HY IV, pero muestran deterioro motor en los estadios HY II, III y IV.

Habilidades de desempeño ocupacional en la enfermedad de Parkinson: relación con la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y la carga del cuidador / Occupational performance skills in Parkinson’s disease: relationship with health-related quality of life and caregiver burden

Introducción: La progresión de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) da lugar a una pérdida de la capacidad para realizar actividades de la vida diaria y de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron establecer las relaciones entre las habilidades de desempeño ocupacional y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, y el grado de carga del cuidador en pacientes con EP. Pacientes y métodos: Participaron en el estudio 49 sujetos en diferentes estadios de EP según la escala de Hoehn y Yahr. Los pacientes fueron evaluados usando el cuestionario de la enfermedad de Parkinson (PDQ-39), el EuroQoL (EQ-5D), la evaluación de las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento (AMPS), y la entrevista de Zarit sobre la carga del cuidador (ZCBI). Resultados: Se encontraron fuertes correlaciones entre la sección de habilidades motoras de la AMPS y el PDQ-39 (r = –0,76; p = 0,001), y los cuestionarios EQ-5D (r = 0,72; p = 0,001), mientras que se encontraron correlaciones moderadas con las habilidades de procesamiento. Las habilidades de procesamiento de la AMPS se correlacionaron moderadamente con la movilidad y las actividades de la vida diaria. La ZCBI sólo se correlacionó débilmente con las habilidades motoras de la AMPS (r = –0,34; p = 0,02). Conclusión: Las puntuaciones decrecientes en la AMPS están estrechamente relacionadas con la pérdida de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con EP y, en menor medida, con el grado de carga del cuidador.(AU)

Introduction: The progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) results in a loss of ability to performance activities of daily living and health-related quality of life. The objectives of this study were to establish the relations between occupational performance skills and health-related quality of life, and the degree of caregiver burden in PD patients. Patients and methods: Forty-nine patients at different stages of PD according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale participated in the study. Patients were assessed using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), the EuroQoL (EQ-5D), the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZCBI). Results: Strong correlations were found between the motor skills section of the AMPS scale and the PDQ-39 (r = –0.76; p = 0.001), and the EQ-5D questionnaires (r = 0.72; p = 0.001), while moderate correlations were found with the process skills. AMPS process skills were moderately correlated with mobility and activities of daily living. The ZCBI was only weakly correlated with the AMPS motor skills (r = –0.34; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Declining scores on the AMPS scale are closely related to the loss of health-related quality of life in PD patients, and, to a lesser extent, with the degree of caregiver burden.(AU)

Accessible interferometric autocorrelator for noise-like pulses based on a Fabry-Perot cavity.

In this work, we develop experimentally a Fabry-Perot fiber optic interferometer applied to the measurement of autocorrelation of complex dynamic pulses generated by a figure-eight fiber laser. The principle is based in the superposition of multiple pulses, which requires two partially reflecting flat surfaces in parallel, resulting in a simple and compact autocorrelator design. The autocorrelation trace obtained exhibits a typical double-scaled structure for noise-like pulses (NLPs), with an ultrashort coherence spur on the order of 100 fs riding upon a broad pedestal of 120 ps. Finally, we show experimentally that the developed Fabry-Perot device is able to measure accurately the autocorrelation of NLPs, as confirmed by comparing the measurement with that of a conventional autocorrelator scheme based on a Michelson interferometer, with the additional advantages of a more compact setup and a much easier alignment procedure compared to the latter.

Occupational performance skills in Parkinson's disease: relationship with health-related quality of life and caregiver burden. / Habilidades de desempeño ocupacional en la enfermedad de Parkinson: relación con la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y la carga del cuidador.

INTRODUCTION: The progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) results in a loss of ability to performance activities of daily living and health-related quality of life. The objectives of this study were to establish the relations between occupational performance skills and health-related quality of life, and the degree of caregiver burden in PD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients at different stages of PD according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale participated in the study. Patients were assessed using the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), the EuroQoL (EQ-5D), the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZCBI). RESULTS: Strong correlations were found between the motor skills section of the AMPS scale and the PDQ-39 (r = -0.76; p = 0.001), and the EQ-5D questionnaires (r = 0.72; p = 0.001), while moderate correlations were found with the process skills. AMPS process skills were moderately correlated with mobility and activities of daily living. The ZCBI was only weakly correlated with the AMPS motor skills (r = -0.34; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Declining scores on the AMPS scale are closely related to the loss of health-related quality of life in PD patients, and, to a lesser extent, with the degree of caregiver burden.

TITLE: Habilidades de desempeño ocupacional en la enfermedad de Parkinson: relación con la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y la carga del cuidador.Introducción. La progresión de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) da lugar a una pérdida de la capacidad para realizar actividades de la vida diaria y de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron establecer las relaciones entre las habilidades de desempeño ocupacional y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, y el grado de carga del cuidador en pacientes con EP. Pacientes y métodos. Participaron en el estudio 49 sujetos en diferentes estadios de EP según la escala de Hoehn y Yahr. Los pacientes fueron evaluados usando el cuestionario de la enfermedad de Parkinson (PDQ-39), el EuroQoL (EQ-5D), la evaluación de las habilidades motoras y de procesamiento (AMPS), y la entrevista de Zarit sobre la carga del cuidador (ZCBI). Resultados. Se encontraron fuertes correlaciones entre la sección de habilidades motoras de la AMPS y el PDQ-39 (r = ­0,76; p = 0,001), y los cuestionarios EQ-5D (r = 0,72; p = 0,001), mientras que se encontraron correlaciones moderadas con las habilidades de procesamiento. Las habilidades de procesamiento de la AMPS se correlacionaron moderadamente con la movilidad y las actividades de la vida diaria. La ZCBI sólo se correlacionó débilmente con las habilidades motoras de la AMPS (r = ­0,34; p = 0,02). Conclusión. Las puntuaciones decrecientes en la AMPS están estrechamente relacionadas con la pérdida de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con EP y, en menor medida, con el grado de carga del cuidador.

Performance Comparison of Different Flat Plate Solar Collectors by Means of the Entropy Generation Rate Using Computational Fluid Dynamics.

In this work, a numerical analysis of three different flat plate solar collectors was conducted using their entropy generation rates. Specifically, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique was used to compare the detailed performance of conventional and zigzag tube geometries of flat plate solar collectors (FPCs) in terms of their entropy generation rates. The effects of fluid viscosity, heat transfer, and heat loss of the flat plate solar collectors were considered for the local and global entropy generation rate analyses. Variations on the inlet volumetric flow rate of the FPCs from 1.0 to 9.0 L/min were simulated under the average solar radiation for one year in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. The results illustrate and discuss the temperatures, pressures, and global entropy generation rates for volumetric flow variations. The velocity, temperature, and pressure distributions and the maps of the local entropy generation rates inside the collectors are presented and analyzed for the case with a flow rate of 3.0 L/min. These results demonstrate that the zigzag geometries achieved higher outlet temperatures and greater entropy generation rates than the conventional geometry for all the volumetric flow rates considered.

The impact of Parkinson's disease severity on performance of activities of daily living: an observational study. / El impacto de la gravedad de la enfermedad de Parkinson en el desempeño de las actividades de la vida diaria: un estudio observacional.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) affects the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), increasing with disease progression. The study of the association between PD severity and occupational performance skills may improve the understanding of the functional impairment associated with this pathology. OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between PD severity and the loss of functional performance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 49 non-demented PD patients were assessed with The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) scale, the Hoehn and Yahr scale (HY), the section III of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and the Schwab and England scale. RESULTS: PD severity was related to the AMPS scale (p < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between the AMPS motor skills and the HY scale (p < 0.001) and UPDRS III (p < 0.001), as well as between process skills and the Schwab and England E scale (p < 0.001). A moderate correlation was found between Schwab and England scale and AMPS motor skills, while a strong correlation was found with the process skills. Finally, a weak correlation was found between the AMPS scale and disease duration, yet only in the motor section. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of PD is closely related to the impairment of functional skills measured with the AMPS scale in non-demented PD patients. A strong correlation was found with the motor skills. A strong correlation was found between the AMPS process skills scale and Schwab and England ADL scale. A weak correlation was found between the AMPS motor scale and disease duration. The AMPS scale might be a useful tool to monitoring the PD progression through the observation of ADL performance.

TITLE: El impacto de la gravedad de la enfermedad de Parkinson en el desempeño de las actividades de la vida diaria: un estudio observacional.Introducción. La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) afecta a la capacidad para realizar actividades de la vida diaria (AVD), lo que se incrementa con la progresión de la enfermedad. El estudio de la asociación entre la gravedad de la EP y las habilidades de desempeño ocupacional puede mejorar la comprensión del deterioro funcional asociado a esta patología. Objetivo. Estudiar la relación entre la gravedad de la EP y la pérdida de rendimiento funcional. Pacientes y métodos. Se evaluó a 49 pacientes con EP con la escala Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), la escala Hoehn and Yahr (HY), la sección III de la Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) y la escala Schwab and England. Resultados. La gravedad de la EP se observó correlacionada con la escala AMPS (p < 0,001). Hubo una fuerte correlación entre las destrezas motoras de la AMPS y las escalas HY (p < 0,001) y UPDRS III (p < 0,001), así como entre las destrezas de procesamiento y la escala Schwab and England (p < 0,001). Se encontró una correlación moderada entre la escala Schwab and England y las habilidades motoras de la AMPS, mientras que se encontró una correlación fuerte con las habilidades de procesamiento. Por último, se encontró una correlación débil entre la escala AMPS y los años de evolución de la EP, aunque sólo en el apartado motor. Conclusiones. La gravedad de la EP está estrechamente relacionada con el deterioro de las habilidades funcionales medidas con la escala AMPS en pacientes con EP no dementes. Se encontró una fuerte correlación con las habilidades motoras. Se encontró una fuerte correlación entre la escala AMPS de habilidades de procesamiento y la escala Schwab and England. Se encontró una correlación débil entre la escala motora AMPS y la duración de la enfermedad. La escala AMPS podría ser una herramienta útil para monitorizar la progresión de la EP a través de la observación del desempeño de las AVD.

El impacto de la gravedad de la enfermedad de Parkinson en el desempeño de las actividades de la vida diaria: un estudio observacional / The impact of Parkinson’s disease severity on performance of activities of daily living: an observational study

Introducción: La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) afecta a la capacidad para realizar actividades de la vida diaria (AVD), lo que se incrementa con la progresión de la enfermedad. El estudio de la asociación entre la gravedad de la EP y las habilidades de desempeño ocupacional puede mejorar la comprensión del deterioro funcional asociado a esta patología. Objetivo: Estudiar la relación entre la gravedad de la EP y la pérdida de rendimiento funcional. Pacientes y métodos: Se evaluó a 49 pacientes con EP con la escala Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), la escala Hoehn & Yahr (HY), la sección III de la Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) y la escala Schwab & England. Resultados: La gravedad de la EP se observó correlacionada con la escala AMPS (p < 0,001). Hubo una fuerte correlación entre las destrezas motoras de la AMPS y las escalas HY (p < 0,001) y UPDRS III (p < 0,001), así como entre las destrezas de procesamiento y la escala Schwab & England (p < 0,001). Se encontró una correlación moderada entre la escala Schwab & England y las habilidades motoras de la AMPS, mientras que se encontró una correlación fuerte con las habilidades de procesamiento. Por último, se encontró una correlación débil entre la escala AMPS y los años de evolución de la EP, aunque sólo en el apartado motor. Conclusiones: La gravedad de la EP está estrechamente relacionada con el deterioro de las habilidades funcionales medidas con la escala AMPS en pacientes con EP no dementes. Se encontró una fuerte correlación con las habilidades motoras. Se encontró una fuerte correlación entre la escala AMPS de habilidades de procesamiento y la escala Schwab & England. Se encontró una correlación débil entre la escala motora AMPS y la duración de la enfermedad. La escala AMPS podría ser una herramienta útil para monitorizar la progresión de la EP a través de la observación del desempeño de las AVD.(AU)

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), increasing with disease progression. The study of the association between PD severity and occupational performance skills may improve the understanding of the functional impairment associated with this pathology. Objective: To study the relationship between PD severity and the loss of functional performance. Patients and methods: 49 non-demented PD patients were assessed with The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) scale, the Hoehn & Yahr scale (HY), the section III of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and the Schwab & England scale. Results: PD severity was related to the AMPS scale (p < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between the AMPS motor skills and the HY scale (p < 0.001) and UPDRS III (p < 0.001), as well as between process skills and the Schwab & England E scale (p < 0.001). A moderate correlation was found between Schwab & England scale and AMPS motor skills, while a strong correlation was found with the process skills. Finally, a weak correlation was found between the AMPS scale and disease duration, yet only in the motor section. Conclusions: The severity of PD is closely related to the impairment of functional skills measured with the AMPS scale in non-demented PD patients. A strong correlation was found with the motor skills. A strong correlation was found between the AMPS process skills scale and Schwab & England ADL scale. A weak correlation was found between the AMPS motor scale and disease duration. The AMPS scale might be a useful tool to monitoring the PD progression through the observation of ADL performance.(AU)

Use of audiovisual devices in transnasal endoscopy without sedation to improve tolerance. A prospective clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) has proven its diagnostic utility, but it has not been widely accepted given that it is performed without sedation. There are no previous studies on the use of methods to improve its tolerability. Our aim was to evaluate the tolerability of TNE, when simultaneously performed with an audiovisual device as a distractor. METHODS: We evaluated 50 patients, 10 of whom did not agree to participate. The performance of the procedure was explained, using an audiovisual device. Before randomization, we applied anxiety and depression scores. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I (using an audiovisual device during the procedure) and Group II (without a device). Anxiety and numeric pain rating scales were used, and vital signs were monitored and recorded before, during, and after the endoscopy. An overall procedure satisfaction score was applied at the end of the study and 24 h later. RESULTS: Mean age was 41.6 years and 35 of the patients were women (87.5%). The most frequent indication for TNE was refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. There were no severe comorbidities, and none of the patients had a significant anxiety or depression score. One patient in Group II did not tolerate TNE due to nasal pain. There was no statistically significant difference between groups, regarding anxiety, pain, vital signs, and satisfaction scale. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that TNE was well tolerated and had a high acceptance rate in our patients. The use of distracting audiovisual devices did not increase tolerance to the endoscopic procedure.

Success versus failure: Efficient heat devices in thermodynamics.

Classical equilibrium thermodynamics provides, in a general way, upper Carnot bounds for the performance of energy converters. Nevertheless, to suggest lower bounds is a much more subtle issue, especially when they are related to a definition of convenience. Here, this issue is investigated in a unified way for heat engines, refrigerators, and heat pumps. First, irreversibilities are weighted in the context of heat reservoir stability for irreversible engines by using the thermodynamic distance between minimum energy and maximum entropy steady states. Some stability coefficients can be related to a majorization process and the obtention of Pareto fronts, linking stability and optimization by means of efficiency and entropy due to correlations between system and reservoirs. Second, these findings are interpreted in a very simple context. A region where the heat device is efficient is defined in a general scheme and, below this zone, the heat device is inefficient in the sense that irreversibilities somehow dominate its behavior. These findings allow for a clearer understanding of the role played by some well-known figures of merit in the scope of finite-time and -size optimization. Comparison with experimental results is provided.

La hidroxicloroquina como fármaco fundamental en dermatología y su papel controvertido en la COVID-19 / Hydroxychloroquine: An Essential Drug in Dermatology and Its Controversial Use in COVID-19

La hidroxicloroquina es un antimalárico con acción inmunomoduladora, antiinflamatoria, antibacteriana y antiviral. Posee un buen perfil de seguridad y puede ser utilizada en niños, en mujeres embarazadas o durante la lactancia, y no produce inmunosupresión. La retinopatía es uno de sus efectos adversos más temidos y requiere controles regulares. La hidroxicloroquina es un fármaco esencial en dermatología, utilizado ampliamente con buenas tasas de respuesta clínica tanto como un tratamiento de primera línea en el lupus eritematoso, como en múltiples dermatosis autoinmunes/inflamatorias como liquen plano, erupción polimorfa lumínica, porfiria cutánea tarda, granuloma anular y sarcoidosis, entre otras. Durante el año 2020 fue prescrita a gran escala como profilaxis y tratamiento de la infección producida por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). El aumento de la utilización de hidroxicloroquina produjo serias dificultades para su obtención e incluso desabastecimiento. En metaanálisis recientes se ha concluido que la hidroxicloroquina no es efectiva para el tratamiento de esta patología y se desaconseja su prescripción (AU)

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug with immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It has a good safety profile, can be used in children and in pregnant and breastfeeding women, and does not suppress the immune system. Regular screening for retinopathy, one of the drug's most feared adverse effects, is necessary. Hydroxychloroquine is a widely used, essential drug in dermatology. Clinical response rates are good in lupus erythematous, where it is a first-line therapy, as well in numerous autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, including lichen planus, polymorphic light eruption, porphyria cutanea tarda, granuloma annulare, and sarcoidosis. In 2020, it was widely prescribed both to prevent and to treat COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. Its increased use led to serious supply shortages and in some cases stocks were entirely depleted. Recent meta-analyses have concluded that hydroxychloroquine is ineffective against COVID-19 and have advised against its use (AU)

[Translated article] Hydroxychloroquine: An Essential Drug in Dermatology and Its Controversial Use in COVID-19 / La hidroxicloroquina como fármaco fundamental en dermatología y su papel controvertido en la COVID-19

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug with immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It has a good safety profile, can be used in children and in pregnant and breastfeeding women, and does not suppress the immune system. Regular screening for retinopathy, one of the drug's most feared adverse effects, is necessary. Hydroxychloroquine is a widely used, essential drug in dermatology. Clinical response rates are good in lupus erythematous, where it is a first-line therapy, as well in numerous autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, including lichen planus, polymorphic light eruption, porphyria cutanea tarda, granuloma annulare, and sarcoidosis. In 2020, it was widely prescribed both to prevent and to treat COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. Its increased use led to serious supply shortages and in some cases stocks were entirely depleted. Recent meta-analyses have concluded that hydroxychloroquine is ineffective against COVID-19 and have advised against its use (AU)

La hidroxicloroquina es un antimalárico con acción inmunomoduladora, antiinflamatoria, antibacteriana y antiviral. Posee un buen perfil de seguridad y puede ser utilizada en niños, en mujeres embarazadas o durante la lactancia, y no produce inmunosupresión. La retinopatía es uno de sus efectos adversos más temidos y requiere controles regulares. La hidroxicloroquina es un fármaco esencial en dermatología, utilizado ampliamente con buenas tasas de respuesta clínica tanto como un tratamiento de primera línea en el lupus eritematoso, como en múltiples dermatosis autoinmunes/inflamatorias como liquen plano, erupción polimorfa lumínica, porfiria cutánea tarda, granuloma anular y sarcoidosis, entre otras. Durante el año 2020 fue prescrita a gran escala como profilaxis y tratamiento de la infección producida por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). El aumento de la utilización de hidroxicloroquina produjo serias dificultades para su obtención e incluso desabastecimiento. En metaanálisis recientes se ha concluido que la hidroxicloroquina no es efectiva para el tratamiento de esta patología y se desaconseja su prescripción (AU)

[Hydroxychloroquine: An Essential Drug in Dermatology and Its Controversial Use in COVID-19]. / La hidroxicloroquina como fármaco fundamental en dermatología y su papel controvertido en la COVID-19.

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug with immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It has a good safety profile, can be used in children and in pregnant and breastfeeding women, and does not suppress the immune system. Regular screening for retinopathy, one of the drug's most feared adverse effects, is necessary. Hydroxychloroquine is a widely used, essential drug in dermatology. Clinical response rates are good in lupus erythematous, where it is a first-line therapy, as well in numerous autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, including lichen planus, polymorphic light eruption, porphyria cutanea tarda, granuloma annulare, and sarcoidosis. In 2020, it was widely prescribed both to prevent and to treat COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. Its increased use led to serious supply shortages and in some cases stocks were entirely depleted. Recent meta-analyses have concluded that hydroxychloroquine is ineffective against COVID-19 and have advised against its use.

Hydroxychloroquine: An Essential Drug in Dermatology and Its Controversial Use in COVID-19.

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug with immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It has a good safety profile, can be used in children and in pregnant and breastfeeding women, and does not suppress the immune system. Regular screening for retinopathy, one of the drug's most feared adverse effects, is necessary. Hydroxychloroquine is a widely used, essential drug in dermatology. Clinical response rates are good in lupus erythematous, where it is a first-line therapy, as well in numerous autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, including lichen planus, polymorphic light eruption, porphyria cutanea tarda, granuloma annulare, and sarcoidosis. In 2020, it was widely prescribed both to prevent and to treat COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. Its increased use led to serious supply shortages and in some cases stocks were entirely depleted. Recent meta-analyses have concluded that hydroxychloroquine is ineffective against COVID-19 and have advised against its use.

La hidroxicloroquina es un antimalárico con acción inmunomoduladora, antiinflamatoria, antibacteriana y antiviral. Posee un buen perfil de seguridad y puede ser utilizada en niños, en mujeres embarazadas o durante la lactancia, y no produce inmunosupresión. La retinopatía es uno de sus efectos adversos más temidos y requiere controles regulares. La hidroxicloroquina es un fármaco esencial en dermatología, utilizado ampliamente con buenas tasas de respuesta clínica tanto como un tratamiento de primera línea en el lupus eritematoso, como en múltiples dermatosis autoinmunes/inflamatorias como liquen plano, erupción polimorfa lumínica, porfiria cutánea tarda, granuloma anular y sarcoidosis, entre otras. Durante el año 2020 fue prescrita a gran escala como profilaxis y tratamiento de la infección producida por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). El aumento de la utilización de hidroxicloroquina produjo serias dificultades para su obtención e incluso desabastecimiento. En metaanálisis recientes se ha concluido que la hidroxicloroquina no es efectiva para el tratamiento de esta patología y se desaconseja su prescripción.

Low-pressure and liquid level fiber-optic sensor based on polymeric Fabry-Perot cavity.

An experimental study of the interaction between a Mylar® polymer film and a multimode fiber-optic is presented for the simultaneous fiber-optic detection of low-pressure and liquid levels. The junction between the polymer and optical fiber produces an interference spectrum with maximal visibility and free spectral range around 9 dB and 31 nm, respectively. Water pressure, which is controlled by the liquid level, stresses the polymer. As a result, the spectrum wavelength shifts to the blue region, achieving high sensitivities around 2.49 nm/kPa and 24.5 nm/m. The polymeric membrane was analyzed using a finite element model; according to the results, the polymer shows linear stress response. Furthermore, the membrane material is operated below the yielding point. Moreover, the finite analysis provides information about the stress effect over the thickness and the birefringence changes. This sensor exhibits a quadratic polynomial fitting with an adjusted R-squared of 0.9539. The proposed sensing setup offers a cost-effective alternative for liquid level and low-pressure detection.

Thermodynamic optimization subsumed in stability phenomena.

In the present paper the possibility of an energetic self-optimization as a consequence of thermodynamic stability is addressed. This feature is analyzed in a low dissipation refrigerator working in an optimized trade-off regime (the so-called Omega function). The relaxation after a perturbation around the stable point indicates that stability is linked to trajectories in which the thermodynamic performance is improved. Furthermore, a limited control over the system is analyzed through consecutive external random perturbations. The statistics over many cycles corroborates the preference for a better thermodynamic performance. Endoreversible and irreversible behaviors play a relevant role in the relaxation trajectories (as well as in the statistical performance of many cycles experiencing random perturbations). A multi-objective optimization reveals that the well-known endoreversible limit works as an attractor of the system evolution coinciding with the Pareto front, which represents the best energetic compromise among efficiency, entropy generation, cooling power, input power and the Omega function. Meanwhile, near the stable state, performance and stability are dominated by an irreversible behavior.

Energetic Self-Optimization Induced by Stability in Low-Dissipation Heat Engines.

The local stability of a weakly dissipative heat engine is analyzed and linked to an energetic multi-objective optimization perspective. This constitutes a novel issue in the unified study of cyclic energy converters, opening the perspective to the possibility that stability favors self-optimization of thermodynamic quantities including efficiency, power and entropy generation. To this end, a dynamics simulating the restitution forces, which mimics a harmonic potential, bringing the system back to the steady state is analyzed. It is shown that relaxation trajectories are not arbitrary but driven by the improvement of several energetic functions. Insights provided by the statistical behavior of consecutive random perturbations show that the irreversible behavior works as an attractor for the energetics of the system, while the endoreversible limit acts as an upper bound and the Pareto front as a global attractor. Fluctuations around the operation regime reveal a difference between the behavior coming from fast and slow relaxation trajectories: while the former are associated to an energetic self-optimization evolution, the latter are ascribed to better performances. The self-optimization induced by stability and the possible use of instabilities in the operation regime to improve the energetic performance might usher into new useful perspectives in the control of variables for real engines.

Ewing sarcoma, analysis of survival at 6 years with multidisciplinary therapy. / Sarcoma de Ewing, análisis de supervivencia a los 6 años con terapia multidisciplinar.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present our series of Ewing sarcoma cases and the survival data obtained in the medium term, using a multidisciplinary therapy protocol. MATERIAL, METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-one Ewing sarcomas were diagnosed, treated and followed-up in our hospital between 2004 and 2009 with an average age of 18.29 years. Seventy-eight percent were to Ewing sarcoma of the bone, the femur being the most frequent location. Sixty-eight percent had a localized stage at the time of diagnosis. At the end of follow-up, 40% of the patients did not survive, most died within the first 5 years of follow-up. DISCUSSION: In Spain, Ewing sarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumour in childhood, ahead of osteosarcoma. Its survival rate has increased greatly in the last 40 years, improvement attributable mainly to the aggressive use of chemotherapy and to multidisciplinary treatment, but its prognosis remains very poor, especially for those with metastasis at diagnosis, the main adverse prognostic factor. Because of its high mortality, many authors consider it a disseminated disease from the beginning, with non- detectable micrometastasis that condition final survival. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary therapy in referral centres are the best strategies currently available to us to provide these patients the maximum possibilities of cure of this disease.