Self-Esteem and Risk Behaviours in Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Adolescence is recognised as a notoriously vulnerable period in the human life cycle. Influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological and social factors, adolescents show a marked propensity to engage in risk behaviours. A systematic review was conducted of studies published in the Web of Science, PsycInfo and MEDLINE databases over the last decade, with the aim of collecting studies on the relationship between self-esteem and risk behaviour in individuals aged 12-18 years. The aim was to confirm the role of high self-esteem as a consistent protective factor against risk behaviour. The results show that self-esteem is negatively related to risk behaviour. Our results also reflect the need for further research on how sociodemographic factors, among others, affect the relationship between self-esteem and risk behaviours. This review highlights the relevance of implementing specific educational interventions to strengthen self-esteem in adolescents, with the aim of preventing various risk behaviours that may emerge during adolescence and persist throughout life if not addressed early.

Identification of consistent QTL and candidate genes associated with seed traits in common bean by combining GWAS and RNA-Seq.

KEY MESSAGE: Association analysis, colocation study with previously reported QTL, and differential expression analyses allowed the identification of the consistent QTLs and main candidate genes controlling seed traits. Common beans show wide seed variations in shape, size, water uptake, and coat proportion. This study aimed to identify consistent genomic regions and candidate genes involved in the genetic control of seed traits by combining association and differential expression analyses. In total, 298 lines from the Spanish Diversity Panel were genotyped with 4,658 SNP and phenotyped for seven seed traits in three seasons. Thirty-eight significant SNP-trait associations were detected, which were grouped into 23 QTL genomic regions with 1,605 predicted genes. The positions of the five QTL regions associated with seed weight were consistent with previously reported QTL. HCPC analysis using the SNP that tagged these five QTL regions revealed three main clusters with significantly different seed weights. This analysis also separated groups that corresponded well with the two gene pools described: Andean and Mesoamerican. Expression analysis was performed on the seeds of the cultivar 'Xana' in three seed development stages, and 1,992 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, mainly when comparing the early and late seed development stages (1,934 DEGs). Overall, 91 DEGs related to cell growth, signaling pathways, and transcriptomic factors underlying these 23 QTL were identified. Twenty-two DEGs were located in the five QTL regions associated with seed weight, suggesting that they are the main set of candidate genes controlling this character. The results confirmed that seed weight is the sum of the effects of a complex network of loci, and contributed to the understanding of seed phenotype control.

Resilience, Burnout and Mental Health in Nurses: A Latent Mediation Model.

Background/Objectives: The burnout syndrome in nurses has been related to the development of mental health problems. On the contrary, resilience is related to adequately coping with stressful situations and better mental health. The objective was to analyze the relationship between resilience and mental health problems in nurses and estimate the proportion mediated by burnout in the association. Methods: In 2021, a total of 1165 Spanish nurses were selected through a stratified random sampling method. Participants anonymously filled in the Resilience Scale (RS-14), the Maslach Burnout Inventory Survey, and the General Health Questionnaire. To test the hypothesis proposed and explain the mediating effect of burnout empirically, structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied. A latent mediation model was computed. Results: Resilience was negatively related to burnout and mental health problems. The direct relationship between burnout and the latent health variable was positive. In addition, in view of the total effect of resilience on mental health problems and the magnitude of the indirect effect, we stated that the proportion of this effect mediated by burnout ranged from 0.486 to 0.870. Conclusions: This study reveals that fostering resilience in nurses directly and indirectly reduces burnout and improves their mental health. The implementation of resilience programs and supportive institutional policies is recommended to improve working conditions and the quality of patient care.

Allostatic load, adverse childhood experiences, executive functions, and BMI status in adolescents and young adults.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic stress induces preclinical changes in the metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune systems. This phenomenon, known as allostatic load (AL), can impair executive functions (EF), which may be even more affected in individuals with excess weight due to their characteristic inflammatory state and cardiometabolic changes. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to AL and may influence executive functioning presumably via alterations within the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, including epigenetic modifications. We assess the relationship between AL and EF in youth with and without excess weight, and the effect ACEs on executive functioning. METHODS: One hundred eighty-two adolescents and young adults (85 with normal weight and 97 with overweight/obesity; 10-21 years) were recruited. The estimated AL index included the following: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and cortisol. ACEs were measured using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. The neuropsychological evaluation included the assessment of inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility processes. RESULTS: AL was not significantly associated with executive functioning, and this relationship did not depend on body-weight status. ACEs, available for 57 of 182 participants, were significantly associated with poorer executive functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that AL is not associated with executive functioning in adolescents and young adults. Since the current sample was young, we hypothesize that a longer exposure to AL might be required for its negative effects to surface. Nevertheless, exposure to early adversity seems to be associated with poorer executive functioning in youth.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the parapharyngeal space: report of 2 cases and a literature review.

The solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is usually described as a lesion arising from the pleura. Rarely, it has been described in the parapharyngeal space (PS). This study aims to report two cases of SFT in the PS and to perform a literature review on this topic. Two patients undergoing surgical resection of a SFT in the PS, were reported. A literature review on SFT of the PS, was also performed. Two patients were analyzed. Both patients underwent surgical resection, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, for SFT arising from the PS. The postoperative course was uneventful and both patients recovered well after the procedure. No recurrences were diagnosed during the followup. SFT of the PS is an infrequent entity. Surgical resection is the most used treatment, and adjuvant radiation should be considered in patients with recurrence risk factors or distant metastases.

A Novel Plant-Based Nutraceutical Combined with Exercise Can Revert Oxidative Status in Plasma and Liver in a Diet-Induced-Obesity Animal Model.

The prevalence of obesity increases alarmingly every year mostly due to external factors such as high-fat and high-refined sugar intake associated with a sedentary lifestyle. It triggers metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, hyperlipemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of a combined intervention with caloric restriction, nutraceutical intake, and a mixed training protocol on oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis derived from the development of obesity in a C57BL6/J mouse experimental model of diet-induced obesity (4.6 Kcal/g diet, 45% Kcal as fat, and 20% fructose in the drinking fluid). The nutraceutical was formulated with ethanolic extracts of Argania spinosa pulp (10%) and Camelina sativa seeds (10%) and with protein hydrolysates from Psoralea corylifolia seeds (40%) and Spirodela polyrhiza whole plants (40%). The combination of nutraceutical and exercise decreased the animals' body weights and inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL-6, and resistin) in plasma, while increasing gene expression of cat, sod2, gsta2, and nqo1 in the liver. Obese animals showed lower ß-diversity of microbiota and a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio vs. normocaloric controls that were reversed by all interventions implemented. Dietary inclusion of a nutraceutical with high antioxidant potential combined with an exercise protocol can be beneficial for bodyweight control and improvement of metabolic status in patients undergoing obesity treatment.

Prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence as factors associated with healthy lifestyles and violence in adolescents.

Adolescence is a stage of life characterised by vulnerability, which shapes young people's trajectories and potentially influences their behaviour. In this crucial period, the promotion of prosocial behaviours and the development of emotional intelligence are understood as key factors influencing adolescents' psychological and personal well-being. The general objective of this study was to find out the relationship between these two variables - prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence - and their correlation with the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and another fundamental aspect such as violence among young people in the academic context. A total of 743 secondary school students participated in this research with a descriptive-cross-sectional design. This study used several instruments, including an ad hoc questionnaire to assess socio-demographic aspects and school violence, the Prosocial Behaviour Questionnaire (PBQ), the TMMS-24 for the assessment of Emotional Intelligence, the Healthy Lifestyles Questionnaire (HLQ-II) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLS). The results highlighted a convincing link between the display of prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence with various dimensions of healthy living such as healthy diet or respect for mealtimes. In particular, the research revealed a pronounced correlation between adolescents who showed greater emotional repair and respect and their lower involvement in school violence and substance use. In addition, the likelihood of having a healthy life was found to be linked to variables such as being male, respect, social relationships and emotional repair. In contrast, the likelihood of having an excessive consumption of certain harmful substances such as alcohol or tobacco was found to be linked to age, empathy and emotional clarity. These results highlight the crucial role that prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence play in shaping adolescents' lives. In conclusion, the need to promote such variables as prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence in adolescent students in order to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce school violence and substance use in this age group is discussed.

From the reward network to whole-brain metrics: structural connectivity in adolescents and young adults according to body mass index and genetic risk of obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multifactorial condition. Genetic variants, such as the fat mass and obesity related gene (FTO) polymorphism, may increase the vulnerability of developing obesity by disrupting dopamine signaling within the reward network. Yet, the association of obesity, genetic risk of obesity, and structural connectivity of the reward network in adolescents and young adults remains unexplored. We investigate, in adolescents and young adults, the structural connectivity differences in the reward network and at the whole-brain level according to body mass index (BMI) and the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism. METHODS: One hundred thirty-two adolescents and young adults (age range: [10, 21] years, BMI z-score range: [-1.76, 2.69]) were included. Genetic risk of obesity was determined by the presence of the FTO A allele. Whole-brain and reward network structural connectivity were analyzed using graph metrics. Hierarchical linear regression was applied to test the association between BMI-z, genetic risk of obesity, and structural connectivity. RESULTS: Higher BMI-z was associated with higher (B = 0.76, 95% CI = [0.30, 1.21], P = 0.0015) and lower (B = -0.003, 95% CI = [-0.006, -0.00005], P = 0.048) connectivity strength for fractional anisotropy at the whole-brain level and of the reward network, respectively. The FTO polymorphism was not associated with structural connectivity nor with BMI-z. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence that, in healthy adolescents and young adults, higher BMI-z is associated with higher connectivity at the whole-brain level and lower connectivity of the reward network. We did not find the FTO polymorphism to correlate with structural connectivity. Future longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to assess how genetic determinants of obesity change brain structural connectivity and behavior.

Genetic control of pod morphological traits and pod edibility in a common bean RIL population.

KEY MESSAGE: QTL mapping, association analysis, and colocation study with previously reported QTL revealed three main regions controlling pod morphological traits and two loci for edible pod characteristics on the common bean chromosomes Pv01 and Pv06. Bean pod phenotype is a complex characteristic defined by the combination of different traits that determine the potential use of a genotype as a snap bean. In this study, the TUM RIL population derived from a cross between 'TU' (dry) and 'Musica' (snap) was used to investigate the genetic control of pod phenotype. The character was dissected into pod morphological traits (PMTs) and edible pod characteristics (EPC). The results revealed 35 QTL for PMTs located on seven chromosomes, suggesting a strong QTL colocation on chromosomes Pv01 and Pv06. Some QTL were colocated with previously reported QTL, leading to the mapping of 15 consensus regions associated with bean PMTs. Analysis of EPC of cooked beans revealed that two major loci with epistatic effect, located on chromosomes Pv01 and Pv06, are involved in the genetic control of this trait. An association study using a subset of the Spanish Diversity Panel (snap vs. non-snap) detected 23 genomic regions, with three regions being mapped at a position similar to those of two loci identified in the TUM population. The results demonstrated the relevant roles of Pv01 and Pv06 in the modulation of bean pod phenotype. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed a significant overrepresentation of genes regulating the phenylpropanoid metabolic process and auxin response in regions associated with PMTs and EPC, respectively. Both biological functions converged in the lignin biosynthetic pathway, suggesting the key role of the pathway in the genetic control of bean pod phenotype.

Prosocial Behaviours and Resilience in School Coexistence: Implications of Creative Self-Efficacy and Stress in Adolescents.

Adolescence brings with it a number of problems such as school violence. To reduce stress and increase the well-being of students, it is necessary to enhance certain skills such as prosocial behaviours, resilience, and creative self-efficacy. This cross-sectional study investigated the impact of prosocial behaviours and creative self-efficacy on school violence, stress, and resilience in adolescent students. A total of 743 students aged 14-19 years participated. The results revealed positive correlations between the dimensions of prosocial behaviours, creative self-efficacy, and resilience, and negative correlations with perceived stress. Differences were also observed in the relationship between prosocial behaviours, school violence, and stress. Mediation models indicated that creative self-efficacy acted as a mediator between prosocial behaviours and resilience. In addition, stress was found to moderate the relationship between prosocial behaviours and resilience. This study provides evidence on how prosocial behaviours, resilience, and creative self-efficacy act as a positive element in adolescence.

Creativity as a Positive Factor in the Adolescence Stage: Relations with Academic Performance, Stress and Self-Esteem.

Creativity is a construct that aids in conflict resolution. Through the development of creative skills in adolescence, young people can carry out a series of strategies to make decisions or respond to a problem. The possession of creative skills helps students' personal wellbeing. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationships established between creativity and other individual variables such as academic performance, self-esteem and stress in adolescent students. The following descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with a total sample of 743 adolescent students, between 14 and 19 years of age, from different educational centers in the province of Almería (Spain). The results obtained indicate a positive correlation between creativity and self-esteem and significant differences in the level of creativity among students who have repeated an academic year. Regression analyses indicate that both stress and creativity are two predictor variables of self-esteem. On the other hand, another of the findings obtained is that creativity acts as a mediating variable between self-esteem and repeating an academic year. It is discussed how creativity is a beneficial element in adolescence and, therefore, how its promotion can help the optimal development of adolescent students.

Antecedents and Mediators of Academic Satisfaction in Virtual Vocational Training.

At a time when distance vocational training is on the rise, it seems logical to investigate the variables that can affect the quality of such teaching. The usability of the virtual environment, as well as the behaviour and disposition of the teaching staff, emerge as key factors that influence burnout, engagement, and academic satisfaction. Using a cross-sectional sample of 208 distance vocational training students, the mediating role of burnout and academic engagement in the relationships established between the usability of the virtual environment, teacher support, and academic satisfaction was analysed. On the other hand, multiple regression analyses were carried out in order to investigate the relationships between the challenges and obstacles faced by distance vocational training students and their level of burnout or engagement. Our results confirm the mediating role of academic burnout and engagement in students' academic satisfaction. Regression analyses suggest that the obstacles faced by distance vocational education and training (D-VET) students influence their level of academic burnout or engagement. Our findings are consistent with the current understanding of the role that certain variables play in the well-being of students and which, in turn, influence the quality of teaching.

Genetic erosion within the Fabada dry bean market class revealed by high-throughput genotyping.

The Fabada market class within the dry beans has a well-differentiated seed phenotype with very large white seeds. This work investigated the genetic diversity maintained in the seed collections within this market class and possible genetic erosion over the last 30 years. A panel with 100 accessions was maintained in seed collections for 30 years, 57 accessions collected from farmers in 2021, six cultivars developed in SERIDA, and 16 reference cultivars were gathered and genotyped with 108,585 SNPs using the genotyping-by-sequencing method. Filtering based on genotypic and phenotypic data was carried out in a staggered way to investigate the genetic diversity among populations. The dendrogram generated from genotyping revealed 90 lines forming 16 groups with identical SNP profiles (redundant lines) from 159 lines classified as market-class Fabada according to their passport data. Seed phenotyping indicated that 19 lines were mistakenly classified as Fabada (homonymies), which was confirmed in the dendrogram built without redundant lines. Moreover, this study provides evidence of genetic erosion between the population preserved for 30 years and the currently cultivated population. The conserved population contains 54.6% segregation sites and 41 different SNP profiles, whereas the cultivated population has 19.6% segregation sites and 26 SNP profiles. The loss of genetic variability cannot be attributed to the diffusion of modern cultivars, which increase genetic diversity (six new SNP profiles). The results allow for the more efficient preservation of plant genetic resources in genebanks, minimizing redundant accessions and incorporating new variations based on genotypic and phenotypic data.

Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship Between Resilience and Academic Engagement in Adolescents: Differences Between Men and Women.

Introduction: Resilience and academic engagement have become some of the most important elements in the academic context, due to their relationships with school adjustment, the protective role against risky behaviors and the well-being of adolescents. Purpose: Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the relationships established between the variables of resilience and academic engagement, the differences according to sex, as well as to determine the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between resilience and academic engagement in adolescence. Participants and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. The sample consisted of 802 secondary school students, with an average age of 13.65 years (SD = 1.24) (where 50.6% were women and 49.4% men) who filled out the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10), the General Academic Engagement Scale for Spanish Adolescents (CAADE) and the Spanish version of the Wong Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS-S). Results: The results showed the existence of positive relationships between resilience and factors of academic engagement. Furthermore, the mediation models showed the direct effect of emotional intelligence on this relationship. On the other hand, with respect to sex, men showed significantly higher averages in resilience and emotional intelligence, with no significant differences in the variable of academic engagement. Conclusion: Concluding, design of emotional intelligence intervention programs in secondary is recommended as an effective measure for promoting resilience and a positive academic trajectory.

Body mass index, systemic inflammation and cognitive performance in adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Excessive body weight has been related to lower cognitive performance. One of the mechanisms through which excess body weight may affect cognition is inflammation. HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis is that both body mass index (BMI) and circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers will be negatively related to cognitive performance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Users of the public health centres of the Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (Terrassa, Spain) between 2010 and 2017 aged 12-21 years. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and five adolescents (46 normoweight, 18 overweight, 41 obese). MEASUREMENTS: Levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and fibrinogen were determined from blood samples. Cognitive performance was evaluated and six cognitive composites were obtained: working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, decision-making, verbal memory, and fine motor speed. A single multivariate general lineal model was used to assess the influence of the four inflammatory biomarkers, as well as participants' BMI, sex, and age on the 6 cognitive indexes. RESULTS: An inverse relationship between BMI and inhibitory control (F = 5.688, p = .019; ß = -0.212, p = .031), verbal memory (F = 5.404, p = .022; ß = -0.255, p = .009) and fine motor speed (F = 9.038, p = .003; ß = -0.319, p = .001) was observed. Levels of TNFα and fibrinogen were inversely related to inhibitory control (F = 5.055, p = .027; ß = -0.226, p = .021) and verbal memory (F = 4.732, p = .032; ß = -0.274, p = .005), respectively. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional nature of the study, the use of cognitive tests designed for clinical purposes, and the use of BMI as a proxy for adiposity are limitations of our study that must be taken into account when interpreting results. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that some components of executive functions, together with verbal memory, are sensitive to specific obesity-related inflammatory agents at early ages.

Relación existente entre creatividad y rendimiento académico en la adolescencia: Una revisión sistemática / The relationship between creativity and academic achievement in adolescence: A systematic review

La creatividad es una capacidad propia del ser humano que sirve para dar respuestas originales y novedosas a problemas que surgen en la vida cotidiana, por lo que potencia el desarrollo de los estudiantes. Por otro lado, el logro académico es uno de los principales elementos que se utilizan para identificar si los sujetos han adquirido ciertos conocimientos. El objetivo de este trabajo de revisión sistemática es analizar la relación existente entre la creatividad y rendimiento académico en los estudiantes adolescentes, así como, examinar cualitativamente las diferencias entre las distintas dimensiones que evalúan la creatividad en el rendimiento académico. Atendiendo a la metodología se ha consultado en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO y ERIC a partir de unas fórmulas de búsqueda elaboradas mediante los descriptores creatividad y rendimiento que, a partir de la utilización de unos criterios de elegibilidad, han dado lugar a un total de 15 estudios. La mayoría de las investigaciones señalan que existe una relación bidireccional entre creatividad y rendimiento académico, siendo las dimensiones de fluidez, originalidad y flexibilidad las más examinadas. Además, se ha obtenido que ciertos elementos de la creatividad como la expresividad creativa actúan como un factor moderador en el rendimiento de los estudiantes; aunque también existen estudios indican que no existe ningún tipo de relación significativa entre ambas variables. Se debe llevar a cabo una serie de estrategias o recursos educativos que potencien la formación del alumnado. (AU)

Creativity is a human capacity that servesto provide original and novel answers to problems that arise in everyday life, and therefore enhances students’ development. On the other hand, academic achievement is one of the main elements used to identify whether subjects have acquired certain knowledge. The aim of this systematic review is to analyse the relationship between creativity and academic achievement in adolescent students, as well as to examine qualitatively the differences between the different dimensions that assess creativity in academic achievement. In terms of methodology, the databases Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO and ERIC have been consulted based on search formulas elaborated using the descriptors creativity and performance which, based on the use of eligibility criteria, have given rise to a total of 15 studies. Most of the studies indicate that there is a two-way relationship between creativity and academic performance, with the dimensions of fluency, originality and flexibility being the most examined. In addition, it has been found that certain elements of creativity such as creative expressiveness act as a moderating factor in students’ performance; although there are also studies indicating that there is no significant relationship between the two variables. A series of educational strategies or resources should be implemented to enhance student learning. (AU)

Novel insights and mechanisms of diet-induced obesity: Mid-term versus long-term effects on hepatic transcriptome and antioxidant capacity in Sprague-Dawley rats.

AIMS: The study of molecular mechanisms related to obesity and associated pathologies like type 2-diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease requires animal experimental models in which the type of obesogenic diet and length of the experimental period to induce obesity deeply affect the metabolic alterations. Therefore, this study aimed to test the influence of aging along a rat model of diet-induced obesity in gene expression of the hepatic transcriptome. MAIN METHODS: A high-fat/high-fructose diet to induce obesity was used. Mid- (13 weeks) and long-term (21 weeks) periods were established. Caloric intake, bodyweight, hepatic fat, fatty acid profile, histological changes, antioxidant activity, and complete transcriptome were analyzed. KEY FINDINGS: Excess bodyweight, hepatic steatosis and altered lipid histology, modifications in liver antioxidant activity, and dysregulated expression of transcripts related to cell structure, glucose & lipid metabolism, antioxidant & detoxifying capacity were found. Modifications in obese and control rats were accounted for by the different lengths of the experimental period studied. SIGNIFICANCE: Main mechanisms of hepatic fat accumulation were de novo lipogenesis or altered fatty acid catabolism for mid- or long-term study, respectively. Therefore, the choice of obesity-induction length is a key factor in the model of obesity used as a control for each specific experimental design.

Seguridad y factibilidad de la reconstrucción microquirúrgica en tumores de cabeza y cuello en pacientes mayores de 70 años / Safety and feasibility of free-flap reconstruction in head and neck tumors in patients aged 70 years or older

RESUMEN Antecedentes: debido al aumento en la expectativa de vida, se ha incrementado la incidencia de tumores de cabeza y cuello en pacientes añosos. Objetivo: evaluar los resultados de la reconstrucción con colgajos microquirúrgicos luego de la resección radical (RRMC) de tumores de cabeza y cuello en pacientes de 70 años o mayores. Material y métodos: se analizó una serie de pacientes sometidos a RRCM por tumores de cabeza y cuello en el período 2000-2020. Se dividió la muestra en dos grupos: G1: ≥ de 70 años y G2: < de 70 años. Se analizaron variables demográficas, quirúrgicas, posoperatorias y factores de riesgo de trombosis del colgajo en los pacientes ≥ de 70 años. Resultados: se incluyó un total de 178 pacientes, 61 en G1 y 117 en G2. Ambos grupos fueron homogéneos respecto del sexo, IMC (índice de masa corporal), alcoholismo, tabaquismo, tratamiento neoadyuvante e incidencia de HPV (virus del papiloma humano). Hubo mayor cantidad de pacientes con riesgo ASA ≥ III en G1 vs. G2; (p: 0,005). En G1, 33 (54%) correspondieron a estadio oncológico ≥ III vs. 99 (87%) en G2 (p: 0,001). Cuarenta y dos (69%) pacientes en G1 recibieron adyuvancia vs. 94 (83%) en G2 (p: 0,02) y no hubo diferencias en la morbimortalidad global y en fallas del colgajo. El sexo femenino fue el único factor de riesgo de trombosis del pedículo vascular (p: 0,05). Conclusión: la RRCM para tumores de cabeza y cuello es factible y segura en pacientes añosos, con una incidencia de morbimortalidad similar a la del resto de la población.

ABSTRACT Background: The higher life expectancy has increased the incidence of head and neck tumors in elder patients. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of free flap reconstructions after radical resection (FFRR) of head and neck tumors in patients aged 70 years or older. Material and methods: We analyzed a series of patients undergoing FFR due to head and neck tumors between 2000-2020. The patients were divided into two groups: G1: ≥ 70 years, and G2: < 70 years. The demographic, operative and postoperative variables and the risk factors for flap thrombosis in patients ≥ 70 years were analyzed. Results: A total of 178 patients were included, 61 in G1 and 117 in G2. Both groups were homogeneous regarding sex, BMI (body mass index), alcohol consumption, smoking habits, neoadjuvant treatment, and incidence of HPV (human papillomavirus). The incidence of ASA grade ≥ III was significantly higher in G1 vs. G2; (p: 0,005). In G1, 33 patients (54%) corresponded to cancer stage ≥ III vs. 99 (87%) in G2 (p: 0.001). Forty-two (69%) patients in G1 received adjuvant therapy vs. 94 (83%) in G2 (p = 0.02) and there were no differences in overall morbidity and mortality and in flap failure. Female sex was the only predictor of vascular flap thrombosis (p = 0.05). Conclusion: FFRR in head and neck tumors is feasible and safe in elderly patients, with morbidity and mortality rates similar to those of the general population.