Deep-learning model for background parenchymal enhancement classification in contrast-enhanced mammography.

Background.Breast background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) is correlated with the risk of breast cancer. BPE level is currently assessed by radiologists in contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) using 4 classes: minimal, mild, moderate and marked, as described inbreast imaging reporting and data system(BI-RADS). However, BPE classification remains subject to intra- and inter-reader variability. Fully automated methods to assess BPE level have already been developed in breast contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) and have been shown to provide accurate and repeatable BPE level classification. However, to our knowledge, no BPE level classification tool is available in the literature for CEM.Materials and methods.A BPE level classification tool based on deep learning has been trained and optimized on 7012 CEM image pairs (low-energy and recombined images) and evaluated on a dataset of 1013 image pairs. The impact of image resolution, backbone architecture and loss function were analyzed, as well as the influence of lesion presence and type on BPE assessment. The evaluation of the model performance was conducted using different metrics including 4-class balanced accuracy and mean absolute error. The results of the optimized model for a binary classification: minimal/mild versus moderate/marked, were also investigated.Results.The optimized model achieved a 4-class balanced accuracy of 71.5% (95% CI: 71.2-71.9) with 98.8% of classification errors between adjacent classes. For binary classification, the accuracy reached 93.0%. A slight decrease in model accuracy is observed in the presence of lesions, but it is not statistically significant, suggesting that our model is robust to the presence of lesions in the image for a classification task. Visual assessment also confirms that the model is more affected by non-mass enhancements than by mass-like enhancements.Conclusion.The proposed BPE classification tool for CEM achieves similar results than what is published in the literature for CE-MRI.

Characterisation of the management of patients with migraine in the primary care setting in Spain. Analysis of the results of the European My-LIFE anamnesis project.

INTRODUCTION: Migraine affects more than 4.5 million people in Spain, resulting in a considerable socioeconomic impact. Although national and international guidelines have been published, the management of patients with migraine, especially those with chronic migraine, is inadequate. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a survey among 40 primary care (PC) physicians in Spain as part of a European project involving 201 physicians from 5 countries. RESULTS: Most participants issued diagnoses of episodic migraine and chronic migraine (93% vs 65%); 82.5% indicated that they did not refer these patients to specialists, and 100% of PC physicians stated that they were responsible for patient follow-up. The main tools used in PC for diagnosis and follow-up were clinical interviews, medical histories, and the patient diaries. Our data revealed that the treatments prescribed were not in accordance with the national and international guidelines. Participants who did not refer patients estimated that only 48% of patients received preventive treatment, and that the assessment of efficacy was based on patient perception. Seventy percent of respondents indicated a need for migraine training. Finally, 100% of participants considered that a guide for medical history taking and referral would be essential or useful for the management of migraine in PC. CONCLUSIONS: The survey results revealed a need for training and guidance in PC to improve the diagnosis and management of patients with migraine, particularly chronic migraine.

Anesthetic planning and management for a caesarian section in a pregnant woman affected by SARS-COV-2 pneumonía. / Planificación y manejo anestésico para cesárea en gestante con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2.

Pregnant women experience physiological and immunological changes which make them more prone to all kind of viral and bacterial infections, this is because they have been considered as vulnerable group if infected by SARS-CoV-2. They could even deploy a severe form of this disease which may require to end pregnancy to improve oxygenation and to safeguard foetal wellbeing the in case the mother situation gets worse. In this scenario, any intervention would require a detailed planning by the whole surgical team, and, specifically, by the anaesthesiologists, in order to guarantee both mother and child wellbeing and to prevent from infections all the healthcare team. We describe the case of 37week pregnant woman, admitted in our Critical Care Unit with respiratory high flows device support, due to severe respiratory failure due to COVID-19 which needed an urgent caesarean section.

Verticillium Wilt Evaluation of Olive Breeding Selections Under Semi-Controlled Conditions.

Genetic resistance is the most recommended measure to control verticillium wilt in olive (VWO), a vascular disease caused by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae, which has promoted the development of olive breeding programs aimed at obtaining new resistant and highly yielding cultivars in recent years. Screening has been commonly performed under controlled conditions in grow chamber after artificial inoculation during the early stage of breeding programs, but additional evaluation is necessary to confirm previous results as well as to test for additional agronomic traits. During this study, 20 breeding selections initially classified as resistant to the disease have been re-evaluated in artificially infested soils under natural environmental conditions. The maximum disease incidence (52.6%) was reached at 26 months after planting, and the disease intensity index reached the maximum value of 38.5% at 29 months after planting. Nine breeding selections consistently confirmed the previous results regarding resistance to V. dahliae infection; however, contradictory results, compared with those of previous evaluations under controlled conditions in grow chambers, were obtained for the rest of selections tested, thereby underlining the need for long-term experimentation under natural environmental conditions. Additional positive agronomic traits, such as early bearing, were also observed for some of the resistant selections, but plant vigor varied. Some seem highly promising for release as new cultivars when characterization of other important agronomic traits is completed in the future.

Multi-environment evaluation of oil accumulation pattern parameters in olive.

The pattern of olive oil accumulation is of paramount importance in olive because its influence in determining final oil yield and optimal harvesting date. In this work, we have evaluated the genetic and environment influence on the olive oil accumulation pattern. For that purpose, a set of cultivars and breeding selections planted in a multi-environment trial was evaluated in two consecutive harvest seasons. Significant effect of the environment, genotype and their interaction were observed for the maximum oil content reached and the rate of oil accumulation. On the contrary, the date of maximum oil content seems to depend only on the environment. The two breeding selections evaluated showed, in general, high stability and adaptability in oil accumulation parameters. Among the potential environmental factors that could affect oil accumulation, PLS analysis suggests that temperature could play a determinant environmental effect in the oil accumulation parameters tested in this study. These results underline the relevance of using multi-environment trials for adequate characterization of genotypes showing either good behaviour in variable environments or only under specific environmental conditions.

Inmunoterapia en oncología: un nuevo desafío radiológico / Immunotherapy in oncology: a new challenge for radiologists

Objetivo: La inmunoterapia en oncología se ha establecido como una terapia alternativa o complementaria al tratamiento tradicional (cirugía, radioterapia y quimioterapia). La inmunoterapia disponible actualmente se divide en dos categorías: pasiva y activa. La respuesta activa refuerza el sistema inmune para responder frente a las células tumorales activando tanto la inmunidad humoral como la celular, utilizando la respuesta adaptativa. El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar los patrones radiológicos de respuesta al tratamiento inmunológico mediante los criterios de respuesta relacionados con la inmunidad (inmune related response criteria [irRC]) y describir los principales efectos adversos asociados. Conclusión: Las pruebas de imagen tienen un papel fundamental en el seguimiento y valoración de la respuesta al tratamiento en pacientes oncológicos. La inmunoterapia es un desafío en el enfoque radiológico tanto para la valoración de la respuesta al tratamiento como para la correcta detección de los efectos adversos asociados

Objective: In patients with oncologic disease, immunotherapy has become established as an alternative or complementary therapy to traditional treatment options (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy). Currently available immunotherapy modes can be divided into two types: passive and active. The active type strengthens the immune system's response to tumor cells by activating both humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity, using the adaptive response. This article aims to analyze the radiologic patterns of the response to immunotherapy through immune-response-related criteria and to describe the main adverse effects associated with this treatment approach. Conclusion: Imaging tests play a fundamental role in the follow-up of oncologic patients and in the assessment of their response to treatment. Immunotherapy represents a challenge for radiologists both in the evaluation of the response to immunotherapy and in the detection of the adverse effects associated with this treatment approach

Immunotherapy in oncology: a new challenge for radiologists. / Inmunoterapia en oncología: un nuevo desafío radiológico.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with oncologic disease, immunotherapy has become established as an alternative or complementary therapy to traditional treatment options (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy). Currently available immunotherapy modes can be divided into two types: passive and active. The active type strengthens the immune system's response to tumor cells by activating both humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity, using the adaptive response. This article aims to analyze the radiologic patterns of the response to immunotherapy through immune-response-related criteria and to describe the main adverse effects associated with this treatment approach. CONCLUSION: Imaging tests play a fundamental role in the follow-up of oncologic patients and in the assessment of their response to treatment. Immunotherapy represents a challenge for radiologists both in the evaluation of the response to immunotherapy and in the detection of the adverse effects associated with this treatment approach.

[Antenatal ultrasound diagnosis and neonatal results of the congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung]. / Diagnóstico ecográfico prenatal y resultados neonatales de la malformación adenomatoidea quística pulmonar.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare congenital lung di sease, and in the most of cases, prenatal diagnosis is feasible. There are discrepancies regarding pre natal management and postpartum treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze prenatally diagnosed CCAM in our hospitals, in order to evaluate ultrasound findings with fetal and postnatal evolution. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective study of all cases diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound between 2005 and 2016 in two reference hospitals. The ultrasounds were performed using high-resolution ultrasound scanners, Toshiba Xario and Voluson 730 Expert Pro, with follow-up from diagnosis to delivery. The variables analyzed included gestational age at diagnosis, the characteristics of the lung lesion, associated malformations, cytogenetic study, the evolution of pregnancy, type of delivery, presence of respiratory distress, need for complementary imaging tests, pediatric clinical course, and necessary postnatal treatments. It was considered a resolution the total disappearance of the lesion in the pre natal ultrasound or that the postnatal chest X-ray showed no lesion. RESULTS: 17 cases were prenatally diagnosed. The evolution ranges from the prenatal resolution of the lesion to the persistence after bir th. Three patients voluntarily decided to have an abortion due to ultrasound findings of poor progno sis. Of the fourteen remaining cases there were no cases of fetal or neonatal deaths, one case required surgery after birth and four patients had mild symptoms during the first year of life. One case of false negative with neonatal death has been reported which necropsy reported as CCAM type 0. Conclu sions: This pulmonary malformation presents good prognosis, excluding cases with fetal hydrops. Two-dimensional ultrasound is usually enough for diagnosis and follow-up. Computed tomography is the technique of choice to confirm the resolution of lesions after birth. Surgical treatment is pre ferable over conservative management, although it is unknown if the potential complications of this disease, even when asymptomatic, justify surgical morbidity.

Diagnóstico ecográfico prenatal y resultados neonatales de la malformación adenomatoidea quística pulmonar / Antenatal ultrasound diagnosis and neonatal results of the congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung

INTRODUCCIÓN: La malformación adenomatoidea quística (MAQ) es una patología congénita del pulmón poco frecuente y su diagnóstico prenatal es factible en la mayoría de los casos. Existen discrepancias en cuanto al manejo prenatal y tratamiento postparto. OBJETIVO: Analizar una serie de casos de MAQ diagnosticados prenatalmente, evaluando los hallazgos ecográficos y la evolución fetal y post natal. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de todos los casos diagnosticados prenatalmente por ecografìa entre 2005 y 2016 en dos hospitales de referencia. Los exámenes de ultrasonido fueron realizados utilizando ecógrafos de alta resolución, Toshiba Xario y Voluson 730 Expert Pro, con seguimiento desde el diagnóstico hasta el parto. Las variables analizadas incluyeron la edad gestacional en el momento del diagnóstico, las características de la lesión pulmonar, las malformaciones asocia das, el estudio citogenético, la evolución del embarazo, el tipo de parto, presencia de distrés respira torio, necesidad de pruebas de imagen complementarias, evolución clínica pediátrica y tratamientos postnatales necesarios. Se consideró resolución la desaparición total de la lesión ecográfica prenatal o que la radiografía torácica postnatal no mostrara lesión alguna. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron pre natalmente 17 casos. La evolución varía desde la resolución prenatal de la lesión hasta la persistencia de la misma tras el nacimiento. Tres pacientes decidieron abortar voluntariamente por hallazgos ecográficos de mal pronóstico. De los catorce casos restantes no hubo ningún caso de muerte fetal ni neonatal, un caso requirió cirugía tras el nacimiento y cuatro pacientes presentaron sintomatología leve durante el primer año de vida. Se ha reportado un caso de falso negativo con muerte neonatal, que la necropsia informó como MAQ tipo 0. CONCLUSIONES: Esta malformación pulmonar presenta buen pronóstico, excluyendo los casos con hidrops fetal. La ecografía bidimensional suele ser suficiente para el diagnóstico y el seguimiento. La tomografía computarizada es la técnica de elección para confirmar la resolución de las lesiones tras el nacimiento. El tratamiento quirúrgico es preferible sobre el manejo conservador, aunque se desconoce si las complicaciones potenciales de esta patología, aun siendo asintomática, justifican la morbilidad quirúrgica.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare congenital lung di sease, and in the most of cases, prenatal diagnosis is feasible. There are discrepancies regarding pre natal management and postpartum treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze prenatally diagnosed CCAM in our hospitals, in order to evaluate ultrasound findings with fetal and postnatal evolution. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective study of all cases diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound between 2005 and 2016 in two reference hospitals. The ultrasounds were performed using high-resolution ultrasound scanners, Toshiba Xario and Voluson 730 Expert Pro, with follow-up from diagnosis to delivery. The variables analyzed included gestational age at diagnosis, the characteristics of the lung lesion, associated malformations, cytogenetic study, the evolution of pregnancy, type of delivery, presence of respiratory distress, need for complementary imaging tests, pediatric clinical course, and necessary postnatal treatments. It was considered a resolution the total disappearance of the lesion in the pre natal ultrasound or that the postnatal chest X-ray showed no lesion. RESULTS: 17 cases were prenatally diagnosed. The evolution ranges from the prenatal resolution of the lesion to the persistence after bir th. Three patients voluntarily decided to have an abortion due to ultrasound findings of poor progno sis. Of the fourteen remaining cases there were no cases of fetal or neonatal deaths, one case required surgery after birth and four patients had mild symptoms during the first year of life. One case of false negative with neonatal death has been reported which necropsy reported as CCAM type 0. CONCLUSIONS: This pulmonary malformation presents good prognosis, excluding cases with fetal hydrops. Two-dimensional ultrasound is usually enough for diagnosis and follow-up. Computed tomography is the technique of choice to confirm the resolution of lesions after birth. Surgical treatment is pre ferable over conservative management, although it is unknown if the potential complications of this disease, even when asymptomatic, justify surgical morbidity.

Evolución y aspectos ecográficos del desprendimiento crónico de placenta / Evolution and ultrasound aspects of chronic placental abruption

El desprendimiento crónico de placenta se caracteriza por la aparición de un sangrado venoso crónico intra o retroplacentario que produce la separación paulatina de la misma. Es poco frecuente y se puede presentar en pacientes sin factores de riesgo. La imagen ecográfica plantea diagnóstico diferencial con la corioamnionitis. El pronóstico fetal es malo especialmente si se asocia con oligoamnios. Se presentan cuatro casos caracterizados por imagen ecográfica característica, retraso del crecimiento fetal, alteración del Doppler, y confirmación anatomopatológica.

Chronic placental abruption is due to intra or retroplacental insidious bleeding that causes progressive separation from the uterine wall. It is a rare condition and can occur in low risk patients. Chronic abruption imaging poses differential diagnosis with infectious TORCH chorioamnionitis. Fetal prognosis is ominous especially in the presence of oligohydramnios. We present four cases with a common ultrasound appearance, fetal growth restriction, Doppler abnormalities and pathological confirmation.

Marcadores séricos del primer trimestre y riesgo obstétrico en una población con alta prevalencia de obesidad / First-trimester serum markers and obstetric risk in a population with a high prevalence of obesity

Objetivo: La detección precoz del riesgo de complicaciones de la gestación como preeclampsia, parto pretérmino, y aborto, permitiría evitar morbimortalidad y secuelas. Hemos estudiado la relación entre niveles bajos de PAPP-A y BhCG con malos resultados obstétricos en una población con alta prevalencia de obesidad. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte de pacientes que acudieron para tamizaje de aneuploidías el I trimestre. Los casos fueron las pacientes con MoM PAPPA y/o BhCG por debajo del percentil 5 y el grupo control una muestra aleatorizada de pacientes con marcadores normales. Se ajustó por obesidad, edad, paridad, tabaquismo, y técnicas de reproducción. Resultados: La cohorte estuvo formada por 9111 pacientes. Se obtuvieron 382 casos con MoM PAPP-A inferior al percentil 5 y 325 con MoM BhCG por debajo del percentil 5, y 50 casos con ambos marcadores por debajo del percentil 5. Se tomaron 1417 controles. La prevalencia de obesidad fue del 20,7% y de sobrepeso el 28,4%. Los niveles bajos de PAPP-A se relacionaron con abortos, preeclampsia, crecimiento intrauterino retardado, pequeños para la edad gestacional, parto pretérmino y diabetes gestacional. Los niveles de BhCG por debajo del percentil 5 se relacionaron con la enfermedad hipertensiva gestacional. Los niveles de ambos marcadores por debajo del percentil 5 tuvieron relación significativa con aborto, preeclampsia precoz y parto pretérmino. Conclusión: Los niveles bajos de PAPP-A y BhCG se relacionan con malos resultados obstétricos en una población de alta prevalencia de obesidad.

Background: Early identification of pregnant women at risk of developing intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, preterm birth, stillbirth, among other complications would allow more intensive surveillance to reduce the risk of severe disease. We aimed to study whether low levels of maternal serum markers PAPP-A and BHCG are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in an obese population. Methods: Cases were obtained from a cohort of 9111 patients who attended first trimester screening. We included women with PAPP-A and/or BHCG below the 5th percentile. A randomized group of women with serum markers above the 5th percentile was used as control group. Results were adjusted for age, parity, smoking status, BMI or reproductive techniques. Results: Prevalence of obesity was 20,7%. We found 382 women with PAPP-A below the 5th percentile, 325 with BHCG below the 5th percentile, 50 with both markers low, and recruited 1417 controls. The cases with low PAPP-A were significantly more likely to experience abortion, preeclampsia, low birth weight, preterm birth, or gestational diabetes. Low BHCG was significantly associated with gestational hypertension. Low BHCG and PAPP-A in the same patient correlated with abortion, early preeclampsia and preterm birth. Conclusions: Low levels of maternal serum markers correlate with adverse pregnancy outcomes in an obese population. We recommend to develop further calculators of obstetric risk to improve positive predictive value and to establish a maternal-fetal surveillance plan.

Evaluation and management of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer: a Delphi study

Purpose. While much progress has been made in the treatment of breast cancer, cardiac complications resulting from therapy remain a significant concern. Both anthracyclines and novel targeted agents can inflict cardiac damage. The present study aimed to evaluate the difference between what it is currently done and what standards of care should be used to minimizing and managing cardiac toxicity in breast cancer survivors. Methods. A two-round multicenter Delphi study was carried out. The panel consisted of 100 oncologists who were asked to define the elected therapies for breast cancer patients, the clinical definition and patterns of cancer drug-derived cardiac toxicity, and those protocols focused on early detection and monitoring of cardiovascular outcomes. Results. Experts agreed a more recent definition of cardiotoxicity. Around 38 % of patients with early-stage disease, and 51.3 % cases with advanced metastatic breast cancer had preexisting risk factors for cardiotoxicity. Among risk factors, cumulative dose of anthracycline ≥450 mg/m2 and its combination with other anticancer drugs, and a preexisting cardiovascular disease were considered the best predictors of cardiotoxicity. Echocardiography and radionuclide ventriculography have been the proposed methods for monitoring changes in cardiac structure and function. Breast cancer is generally treated with anthracyclines (80 %), so that the panel strongly stated about the need to plan a strategy to managing cardiotoxicity. A decline of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >10 %, to an LVEF value <53 % was suggested as a criterion for changing the dose schedule of anthracyclines, or suspending the treatment of chemotherapy plus trastuzumab until the normalization of the left ventricular function. The use of liposomal anthracyclines was strongly suggested as a treatment option for breast cancer patients. Conclusions. The present report is the first to produce a set of statements on the prevention, evaluation and monitoring of chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity in breast cancer patients (AU)

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Insulin degludec/insulin aspart once daily in Type 2 diabetes: a comparison of simple or stepwise titration algorithms (BOOST® : SIMPLE USE).

AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety of two titration algorithms for insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) administered once daily with metformin in participants with insulin-naïve Type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This open-label, parallel-group, 26-week, multicentre, treat-to-target trial, randomly allocated participants (1:1) to two titration arms. The Simple algorithm titrated IDegAsp twice weekly based on a single pre-breakfast self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) measurement. The Stepwise algorithm titrated IDegAsp once weekly based on the lowest of three consecutive pre-breakfast SMPG measurements. In both groups, IDegAsp once daily was titrated to pre-breakfast plasma glucose values of 4.0-5.0 mmol/l. Primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c (%) after 26 weeks. RESULTS: Change in HbA1c at Week 26 was IDegAspSimple -14.6 mmol/mol (-1.3%) (to 52.4 mmol/mol; 6.9%) and IDegAspStepwise -11.9 mmol/mol (-1.1%) (to 54.7 mmol/mol; 7.2%). The estimated between-group treatment difference was -1.97 mmol/mol [95% confidence interval (CI) -4.1, 0.2] (-0.2%, 95% CI -0.4, 0.02), confirming the non-inferiority of IDegAspSimple to IDegAspStepwise (non-inferiority limit of ≤ 0.4%). Mean reduction in fasting plasma glucose and 8-point SMPG profiles were similar between groups. Rates of confirmed hypoglycaemia were lower for IDegAspStepwise [2.1 per patient years of exposure (PYE)] vs. IDegAspSimple (3.3 PYE) (estimated rate ratio IDegAspSimple /IDegAspStepwise 1.8; 95% CI 1.1, 2.9). Nocturnal hypoglycaemia rates were similar between groups. No severe hypoglycaemic events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In participants with insulin-naïve Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the IDegAspSimple titration algorithm improved HbA1c levels as effectively as a Stepwise titration algorithm. Hypoglycaemia rates were lower in the Stepwise arm.

Pollen-mediated gene flow and fine-scale spatial genetic structure in Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris.

Background and Aims: Wild olive ( Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris ) is important from an economic and ecological point of view. The effects of anthropogenic activities may lead to the genetic erosion of its genetic patrimony, which has high value for breeding programmes. In particular, the consequences of the introgression from cultivated stands are strongly dependent on the extent of gene flow and therefore this work aims at quantitatively describing contemporary gene flow patterns in wild olive natural populations. Methods: The studied wild population is located in an undisturbed forest, in southern Spain, considered one of the few extant hotspots of true oleaster diversity. A total of 225 potential father trees and seeds issued from five mother trees were genotyped by eight microsatellite markers. Levels of contemporary pollen flow, in terms of both pollen immigration rates and within-population dynamics, were measured through paternity analyses. Moreover, the extent of fine-scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) was studied to assess the relative importance of seed and pollen dispersal in shaping the spatial distribution of genetic variation. Key Results: The results showed that the population under study is characterized by a high genetic diversity, a relatively high pollen immigration rate (0·57), an average within-population pollen dispersal of about 107 m and weak but significant SGS up to 40 m. The population is a mosaic of several intermingled genetic clusters that is likely to be generated by spatially restricted seed dispersal. Moreover, wild oleasters were found to be self-incompatible and preferential mating between some genotypes was revealed. Conclusions: Knowledge of the within-population genetic structure and gene flow dynamics will lead to identifying possible strategies aimed at limiting the effect of anthropogenic activities and improving breeding programmes for the conservation of olive tree forest genetic resources.

Evaluation and management of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer: a Delphi study.

PURPOSE: While much progress has been made in the treatment of breast cancer, cardiac complications resulting from therapy remain a significant concern. Both anthracyclines and novel targeted agents can inflict cardiac damage. The present study aimed to evaluate the difference between what it is currently done and what standards of care should be used to minimizing and managing cardiac toxicity in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A two-round multicenter Delphi study was carried out. The panel consisted of 100 oncologists who were asked to define the elected therapies for breast cancer patients, the clinical definition and patterns of cancer drug-derived cardiac toxicity, and those protocols focused on early detection and monitoring of cardiovascular outcomes. RESULTS: Experts agreed a more recent definition of cardiotoxicity. Around 38 % of patients with early-stage disease, and 51.3 % cases with advanced metastatic breast cancer had preexisting risk factors for cardiotoxicity. Among risk factors, cumulative dose of anthracycline ≥450 mg/m2 and its combination with other anticancer drugs, and a preexisting cardiovascular disease were considered the best predictors of cardiotoxicity. Echocardiography and radionuclide ventriculography have been the proposed methods for monitoring changes in cardiac structure and function. Breast cancer is generally treated with anthracyclines (80 %), so that the panel strongly stated about the need to plan a strategy to managing cardiotoxicity. A decline of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >10 %, to an LVEF value <53 % was suggested as a criterion for changing the dose schedule of anthracyclines, or suspending the treatment of chemotherapy plus trastuzumab until the normalization of the left ventricular function. The use of liposomal anthracyclines was strongly suggested as a treatment option for breast cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present report is the first to produce a set of statements on the prevention, evaluation and monitoring of chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity in breast cancer patients.

Consensus and controversies in the definition, assessment, treatment and monitoring of BTcP: results of a Delphi study

Introduction. There is no unanimous consensus on the clinical features to define breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP). The current project aimed to investigate the opinion of a panel of experts on cancer pain on how to define, diagnose, assess, treat and monitor BTcP. Materials and methods. A two-round Spanish multi-centre exploratory Delphi study was conducted with medical experts (n = 90) previously selected from Medical Oncology Services, Radiation Oncology, Palliative Care/Home Care Teams, and Pain Units. The study intended to seek experts’ consensus and to define a set of recommendations for the management of BTcP. Results. It was generally agreed that, definition of BTcP implies that baseline pain should be controlled (84 %), although not necessarily with opioids (only 30 %); there must be exacerbations (98.9 %); the duration of each episode should last < 1 h (70 %); the intensity of pain ≥7 out of 10 (67.8 %); and the number of flares per day should not be less than four. All participants supported the use of the Davies algorithm for the diagnosis. The use of a ‘Patient Diary’ was highly recommended. The optimal treatment should have a rapid onset, a short-acting analgesic effect (1-2 h) and transmucosal nasal or oral administration. It was considered very important to develop protocols for the management of cancer pain. Conclusions. The present Delphi study identified a set of recommendations to define, assess and monitor BTcP (AU)

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Consensus and controversies in the definition, assessment, treatment and monitoring of BTcP: results of a Delphi study.

INTRODUCTION: There is no unanimous consensus on the clinical features to define breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP). The current project aimed to investigate the opinion of a panel of experts on cancer pain on how to define, diagnose, assess, treat and monitor BTcP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-round Spanish multi-centre exploratory Delphi study was conducted with medical experts (n = 90) previously selected from Medical Oncology Services, Radiation Oncology, Palliative Care/Home Care Teams, and Pain Units. The study intended to seek experts' consensus and to define a set of recommendations for the management of BTcP. RESULTS: It was generally agreed that, definition of BTcP implies that baseline pain should be controlled (84 %), although not necessarily with opioids (only 30 %); there must be exacerbations (98.9 %); the duration of each episode should last <1 h (70 %); the intensity of pain ≥7 out of 10 (67.8 %); and the number of flares per day should not be less than four. All participants supported the use of the Davies algorithm for the diagnosis. The use of a 'Patient Diary' was highly recommended. The optimal treatment should have a rapid onset, a short-acting analgesic effect (1-2 h) and transmucosal nasal or oral administration. It was considered very important to develop protocols for the management of cancer pain. CONCLUSIONS: The present Delphi study identified a set of recommendations to define, assess and monitor BTcP.

Relationship between renal function and renal volume in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease the relationship between total renal volume (the sum of both kidneys, TRV) as measured by magnetic resonance and renal function; and its behaviour according to sex and the presence of arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and hyperglycemia. METHOD: Cross-sectional study including patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease who underwent periodic reviews at Nephrology external consultations at Hospital de las Nieves de Granada, and who underwent an magnetic resonance to estimate renal volume between January 2008 and March 2011. RESULTS: We evaluated 67 patients (59.7% women, average age of 48±14.4 years) and found a significant positive association between TRV and serum creatinine or urea, which was reversed compared with estimated glomerular filtration by MDRD-4 and Cockcroft-Gault. Women showed an average serum creatinine level and a significantly lower TRV level compared with males. Subgroups affected by arterial hypertension and hyperuricemia presented average values for serum creatinine and urea, higher for TRV and lower for estimated glomerular filtration. The hypercholesterolaemia subgroup showed higher average values for urea and lower for estimated glomerular filtration, without detecting significant differences compared with TRV. CONCLUSION: The volume of polycystic kidneys measured by magnetic resonance is associated with renal function, and can be useful as a complementary study to monitor disease progression. The presence of arterial hypertension, hyperuricemia or hypercholesterolaemia is associated with a poorer renal function.

Relative Susceptibility of New Olive Cultivars to Spilocaea oleagina, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Pseudocercospora cladosporioides.

The evaluation of the relative susceptibility of new cultivars to the main diseases of a crop is a key point to consider prior to their release to the nursery industry. This study provides a rigorous characterization of the resistance of 15 new olive cultivars and their genitors ('Arbequina,' 'Frantoio,' and 'Picual') to the three main aerial diseases, peacock spot, anthracnose, and cercosporiosis caused by Spilocaea oleagina, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Pseudocercospora cladosporioides, respectively. To do so, developing leaves and detached green-yellowish fruit were inoculated in laboratory tests with S. oleagina and C. acutatum, respectively, using conidial suspensions of both pathogens. Additionally, a previously validated rating scale was used to assess the incidence of leaves with symptoms of S. oleagina or P. cladosporioides and the fruit rot incidence of C. acutatum in the trees for four years under field conditions. As a result, only two of the cultivars were susceptible to peacock spot, most likely because these new cultivars were previously screened for resistance to the disease on previous phases of the breeding program. Conversely, the 15 cultivars were susceptible or moderately susceptible to cercosporiosis. Five of the 15 new cultivars were classified as resistant to anthracnose, with four of them descendants of 'Frantoio' × 'Picual' crosses. In addition, the cultivars resistance to C. acutatum showed a negative linear correlation with the total phenols content of olive oil. This information regarding disease reaction of the new olive cultivars is essential for nursery industry and growers.