Sensibilidad de la respuesta simpática cutánea y de la gammagrafía en el diagnóstico del síndrome dolor regional complejo / Sensitivity of the sympathetic skin response and scintigraphy in the diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome

Objetivo: Evaluar la sensibilidad de la respuesta simpática cutánea (RSC) y compararla con la gammagrafía en pacientes con síndrome de dolor regional complejo diagnosticados según criterios de Budapest. Material y métodos: Se evaluó prospectivamente a 22 pacientes con síndrome de dolor regional complejo que acudieron al Servicio de Rehabilitación y Medicina Física entre enero-2018 y mayo-2022. La gammagrafía se consideró positiva si en la 1.a-2.a fase se apreció leve captación asimétrica y difusa, o cuando en la 3.a fase se apreció marcada captación periarticular del radioisótopo. La RSC era anormal si se observaba: a) ausencia de respuesta tras 20 estímulos; b) falta de habituación con permanencia de los estímulos mayor al 67,2%. Resultados: Edad 55,4±8,57 años. Síndrome de dolor regional complejo más frecuente en mujeres (90,9%), más común en miembros superiores (68,2%) que en inferiores (31,8%). En la RSC hemos observado respuesta normal (<67,2%) en 2 pacientes (11,1%), falta de RSC en 2 pacientes (11,1%) y falta de habituación (>67,2%) en 14 pacientes (77,8%). En total, 16 pacientes presentaron respuestas anormales o ausentes (88,8%). La sensibilidad diagnóstica de la gammagrafía es similar a la de la RSC (89,5 vs. 88,8%), sin diferencia estadística (p=0,6721). Conclusión: La Gammagrafía ha demostrado una sensibilidad similar a la RSC, aunque la simpleza, el bajo coste y la no invasividad de esta última técnica sugieren que podría ser más coste/efectiva y segura (no ionizante). La falta de habituación y la ausencia de respuesta podrían identificar patrones de respuesta y localizar la afectación en las vías aferente, central, eferente o post ganglionar.(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity of sympathetic skin response (SSR) and compare it with scintigraphy in patients with complex regional pain syndrome diagnosed according to the Budapest criteria. Material and methods: Twenty-two patients with complex regional pain syndrome who attended the Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Department between January-2018 and May-2022 have been prospectively evaluated. The scintigraphy was considered positive if in the 1st-2nd phase slight asymmetric and diffuse uptake was observed, or when in the 3rd phase marked periarticular radioisotope uptake was observed. SSR was abnormal if: a) no response after 20 stimuli; b) lack of habituation with permanence of the stimuli greater than 67.2%. Results: Age 55.4±8.57 years. Complex regional pain syndrome was more frequent in women (90.9%), more common in upper limbs (68.2%) than lower limbs (31.8%). In SSR, we have observed normal response (<67.2%) in 2 patients (11.1%), lack of SSR in 2 patients (11.1%) and lack of habituation (>67.2%) in 14 patients (77.8%). In total, 16 patients presented abnormal or absent responses (88.8%). The diagnostic sensitivity of scintigraphy is similar to that of SSR (89.5% vs 88.8%), with no statistical difference (P=.6721). Conclusion: Scintigraphy has shown similar sensitivity to SSR, although the simplicity, security, low cost, non-ionizing and non-invasiveness of the latter technique suggest that it could be more cost-effective. The lack of habituation and the absence of response could identify response patterns and localize the involvement in the afferent, central, efferent or post-ganglionic pathways.(AU)

[Sensitivity of the sympathetic skin response and scintigraphy in the diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome]. / Sensibilidad de la respuesta simpática cutánea y de la gammagrafía en el diagnóstico del síndrome dolor regional complejo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity of sympathetic skin response (SSR) and compare it with scintigraphy in patients with complex regional pain syndrome diagnosed according to the Budapest criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with complex regional pain syndrome who attended the Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Department between January-2018 and May-2022 have been prospectively evaluated. The scintigraphy was considered positive if in the 1st-2nd phase slight asymmetric and diffuse uptake was observed, or when in the 3rd phase marked periarticular radioisotope uptake was observed. SSR was abnormal if: a) no response after 20 stimuli; b) lack of habituation with permanence of the stimuli greater than 67.2%. RESULTS: Age 55.4±8.57 years. Complex regional pain syndrome was more frequent in women (90.9%), more common in upper limbs (68.2%) than lower limbs (31.8%). In SSR, we have observed normal response (<67.2%) in 2 patients (11.1%), lack of SSR in 2 patients (11.1%) and lack of habituation (>67.2%) in 14 patients (77.8%). In total, 16 patients presented abnormal or absent responses (88.8%). The diagnostic sensitivity of scintigraphy is similar to that of SSR (89.5% vs 88.8%), with no statistical difference (P=.6721). CONCLUSION: Scintigraphy has shown similar sensitivity to SSR, although the simplicity, security, low cost, non-ionizing and non-invasiveness of the latter technique suggest that it could be more cost-effective. The lack of habituation and the absence of response could identify response patterns and localize the involvement in the afferent, central, efferent or post-ganglionic pathways.

Effect of F11 Receptor/Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A-derived Peptide on Neointimal Hyperplasia in a Murine Model.

PURPOSE: To determine whether inhibition of the F11 receptor/JAM-A (F11R) using F11R-specific antagonist peptide 4D results in inhibition of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and migration in vivo, known as neointimal hyperplasia (NIH), using a mouse focal carotid artery stenosis model (FCASM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mouse FCASM was chosen to test the hypothesis because the dominant cell type at the site of stenosis is SMC, similar to that in vascular access stenosis. Fourteen C57BL/6 mice underwent left carotid artery (LCA) partial ligation to induce stenosis, followed by daily injection of peptide 4D in 7 mice and saline in the remaining 7 mice, and these mice were observed for 21 days and then euthanized. Bilateral carotid arteries were excised for histologic analysis of the intima and media areas. RESULTS: The mean intimal area was significantly larger in control mice compared with peptide 4D-treated mice (0.031 mm2 [SD ± 0.024] vs 0.0082 mm2 [SD ± 0.0103]; P = .011). The mean intima-to-intima + media area ratio was significantly larger in control mice compared with peptide 4D-treated mice (0.27 [SD ± 0.13] vs 0.089 [SD ± 0.081]; P = .0079). NIH was not observed in the right carotid arteries in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Peptide 4D, an F11R antagonist, significantly inhibited NIH in C57BL/6 mice in a FCASM.

Triple negative breast cancer metastasis is hindered by a peptide antagonist of F11R/JAM­A protein.

BACKGROUND: The F11R/JAM-A cell adhesion protein was examined as the therapeutic target in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) with the use of the peptide antagonist to F11R/JAM-A, that previously inhibited the early stages of breast cancer metastasis in vitro. METHODS: The online in silico analysis was performed by TNMPlot, UALCAN, and KM plotter. The in vitro experiments were performed to verify the effect of peptide 4D (P4D) on human endothelial cell lines EA.hy926 and HMEC-1 as well as on human TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231. The cell morphology upon P4D treatment was verified by light microscopy, while the cell functions were assessed by colony forming assay, MTT cell viability assay, BrdU cell proliferation assay, and Transepithelial/Endothelial Electrical Resistance measurements. The in vivo experiments on 4T1 murine breast cancer model were followed by histopathological analysis and a series of quantitative analyses of murine tissues. RESULTS: By in silico analysis we have found the elevated gene expression in breast cancer with particular emphasis on TNBC. The elevated F11R expression in TNBC was related with poorer survival prognosis. Peptide 4D has altered the morphology and increased the permeability of endothelial monolayers. The colony formation, viability, and proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells were decreased. P4D inhibited the metastasis in 4T1 breast cancer murine model in a statistically significant manner that was demonstrated by the resampling bootstrap technique. CONCLUSIONS: The P4D peptide antagonist to F11R/JAM-A is able to hinder the metastasis in TNBC. This assumption needs to be confirmed by additional 4T1 mouse model study performed on larger group size, before making the decision on human clinical trials.

Impact of diabetes on COVID-19 patient health outcomes in a vulnerable racial minority community.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a growing health concern in the United States and especially New York City. New York City subsequently became an epicenter for the coronavirus pandemic in the Spring of 2020. Previous studies suggest that diabetes is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between diabetes and COVID-19 outcomes as well as assess other covariates that may impact health outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of COVID-19 hospitalized patients from March to May, 2020. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 1805 patients were tested for COVID-19 and 778 tested positive for COVID-19. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: diabetes (measured by an Hba1c >6.5 or had a history of diabetes) and those without diabetes. RESULTS: After controlling for other comorbidities, diabetes was associated with increased risk of mortality (aRR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.03-1.57, p = 0.0231) and discharge to tertiary care centers (aRR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.04-2.77, p = 0.036). compared to non-diabetes. Age and coronary artery disease (CAD) increased the risk of mortality among diabetic patients compared to patients with diabetes alone without CAD or advanced age. The diabetes cohort had more patients with resolving acute respiratory failure (62.2%), acute kidney injury secondary to COVID-19 (49.0%) and sepsis secondary to COVID-19 (30.1%). CONCLUSION: This investigation found that COVID-19 patients with diabetes had increased mortality, multiple complications at discharge, and increased rates of admission to a tertiary care center than those without diabetes suggesting a more severe and complicated disease course that required additional services at time of discharge.

La estimulación transcutánea del nervio tibial posterior modifica la respuesta simpática cutánea y mejora el síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva: serie de casos y posible prueba diagnóstica / Transcutaneous stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve modifies the sympathetic skin response and improves overactive bladder syndrome: Case series and possible diagnostic test

Objetivo: a) Valorar el efecto de la neuromodulación transcutánea del nervio tibial posterior (NTTP) más biofeedback sobre la respuesta simpática cutánea (RSC). b) Evaluar su efecto sobre la sintomatología clínica. c) Considerar la RSC como una probable prueba neurofisiológica útil tanto para el diagnóstico como para el seguimiento en pacientes con vejiga hiperactiva (VH). d) Evaluar su coste comparado con otras técnicas. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo cuasi-experimental antes y después a 10 pacientes con VH. Variables de resultado: frecuencia miccional diurna (FMD) y nocturna (FMN), fuerza de los músculos del suelo pélvico medidos por manometría (presión máxima y media) y RSC. Resultados: La FMD mejoró de 10,3±5,45 a 5,9±2,42 episodios (p=0,0050). La FMN mejoró de 2,4±1,5 a 0,6±0,69 episodios (p=0,0012). La presión máxima varió de 34,7±16,51 a 39,7±3,65mmHg (p=0,0195). La presión media de los músculos de suelo pélvico mejoró de 6,6±3,65 a 9,3±5,43mmHg (p=0,0333). La RSC se modificó de una hiperexcitabilidad del 100% previo a tratamiento a un 50±14,14% (p=0,0000). Conclusión: La NTTP más biofeedback podrían modificar la RSC y mejorar la clínica y la manometría en una serie de pacientes con VH. Se reporta por primera vez la probable utilidad diagnóstica y pronóstica de esta prueba neurofisiológica en VH e hiperactividad del detrusor. Es necesario realizar un estudio con una muestra más amplia para poder confirmar los prometedores hallazgos observados en este estudio preliminar.(AU)

Objective: (a) To assess the effect of transcutaneous neuromodulation (TNM) of the posterior tibial nerve plus biofeedback on the sympathetic skin response (SSR). (b) Evaluate its effect on clinical symptoms. (c) Consider SSR as a probable neurophysiological test useful both for diagnosis and for follow-up in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). (d) Evaluate its cost compared to other techniques. Material and methods: A prospective quasi-experimental before and after study in 10 OAB patients. Outcome variables: daytime (DUF) and nighttime (NUF) urinary frequency, strength of the pelvic floor muscles measured by manometry (maximum and mean pressure) and sympathetic skin response (SSR). Results: DUF improved from 10.3±5.45 to 5.9±2.42 episodes (P=.0050). The NUF improved from 2.4±1.5 to 0.6±0.69 episodes (P=.0012). The maximum pressure ranged from 34.7±16.51 to 39.7±3.65mmHg (P=.0195). The mean pressure of the pelvic floor muscles improved from 6.6±3.65 to 9.3±5.43mmHg (P=.0333). SSR changed from 100% hyperexcitability prior to treatment to 50±14.14% (P=.0000). Conclusion: TNM plus biofeedback could modify SSR and improve clinical and manometry variables in a series of patients with OAB. The probable diagnostic and prognostic utility of this neurophysiological test in OAB and detrusor hyperactivity is reported for the first time. A larger sample study is needed to confirm the promising findings seen in this preliminary study.(AU)

Calcificación del ligamento colateral medial de la rodilla: manejo rehabilitador con ondas de choque más iontoforesis de una entidad poco frecuente. Caso clínico y revisión / Calcification of the medial collateral ligament of the knee: Rehabilitative management with radial electro shock wave therapy plus iontophoresis of a rare entity. Clinical case and review

El ligamento colateral medial (LCM) de la rodilla es una estructura ligamentosa muy frecuentemente lesionada. La calcificación del LCM es muy infrecuente, benigna, relacionada con desórdenes metabólicos y es consecuencia del depósito de hidroxiapatita de calcio en la región periarticular. El cuadro clínico, histológico y radiológico de la tendinitis calcificante está definido y la etiología es multifactorial. El tratamiento es inicialmente conservador, y si fracasara, intervencionista, siendo la cirugía el último escalón terapéutico. Existen muy pocos reportes en la literatura, estando publicados apenas 10 casos/series de casos. Es importante diferenciarlo del signo y/o síndrome de Pellegrini-Stieda, donde el antecedente traumático es fundamental para diagnosticarlo.El caso clínico es el de una mujer de 64 años en quien presentamos el tratamiento de la calcificación del LCM mediante ondas de choque más iontoforesis, reportamos la efectividad del tratamiento en el manejo del dolor y la calcificación y realizamos una somera revisión sobre el tema.(AU)

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee is a commonly injured ligament structure. Calcification of the MCL is very infrequent, benign, related to metabolic disorders and is a consequence of the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite in the periarticular region. The clinical, histological and radiological picture of calcific tendonitis is defined and the etiology is multifactorial. Treatment is initially conservative and if it fails, interventionist; surgery being the last therapeutic step. There are very few reports in the literature, with only 10 cases/case series published. It is important to differentiate it from the Pellegrini–Stieda sign and/or syndrome, where the traumatic history is essential to diagnose it.The clinical case is that of a 64-year-old woman in whom we present the treatment of calcification of the MCL using radial electro shock wave therapy plus iontophoresis, we report the effectiveness of the treatment in the management of pain and calcification, and we carry out a brief review on the subject.(AU)

Determination of unacceptable antigens by summation of anti-HLA eplet antibody strength (MFI) based on single antigen bead assays: Excellent correlation with negative cell based cross matches.

The reliability of single antigen bead (SAB) assays and their use in predicting a negative cell based cross match (CBXM) is essential in the era of expanded organ sharing. A wide range of accuracy (80-95%) in predicting negative CBXM has been reported. We hypothesized that in SAB assays an antibody against an HLA eplet that was common among a number of different HLA alleles would be distributed among all of the shared eplet positive SABs. This would reduce binding to the donor specific SAB resulting in an under-estimate of antibody strength. We tested this proposal in adsorption studies using, instead of lymphocytes, a novel reagent, single-SAB (sSAB). Properties of SAB assays were examined that provided a basis for conducting adsorption - elution experiments with the sSABs. We found that incubation of sera with sA*02:01 or sB*42:01 not only depleted reactivity to these alleles but also depleted reactivity to beads that shared the reactive eplet. Anti-eplet strength from SAB data (sum of the MFI of eplet positive SABs (MFI-s) was compared with CBXM out comes in two case studies and with 99 proficiency testing sera. In these validation studies, an MFI-s above 11,000 was associated with a positive FCXM. This approach was placed into clinical practice for listing unacceptable antigens that shared a common eplet. CDCXMs (n = 3261) and FCXMs (n = 1012) were performed on patients listed in UNOS for deceased donor kidneys. All CDCXMs were negative and all FCXMs except one were negative. We conclude that summation of eplet strength provides a highly reliable method of predicting prospective negative CBXMs resulting in substantial savings of time and effort. Based on shared eplet summation data, CMS/NYSDOH has accepted our bead based XM (BBXM) method (aka, virtual XM) performed prior to transplant as fulfilling the regulation that XM results be available before kidney transplantation.

[Calcification of the medial collateral ligament of the knee: Rehabilitative management with radial electro shock wave therapy plus iontophoresis of a rare entity. Clinical case and review]. / Calcificación del ligamento colateral medial de la rodilla: manejo rehabilitador con ondas de choque más iontoforesis de una entidad poco frecuente. Caso clínico y revisión.

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee is a commonly injured ligament structure. Calcification of the MCL is very infrequent, benign, related to metabolic disorders and is a consequence of the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite in the periarticular region. The clinical, histological and radiological picture of calcific tendonitis is defined and the etiology is multifactorial. Treatment is initially conservative and if it fails, interventionist; surgery being the last therapeutic step. There are very few reports in the literature, with only 10 cases/case series published. It is important to differentiate it from the Pellegrini-Stieda sign and/or syndrome, where the traumatic history is essential to diagnose it. The clinical case is that of a 64-year-old woman in whom we present the treatment of calcification of the MCL using radial electro shock wave therapy plus iontophoresis, we report the effectiveness of the treatment in the management of pain and calcification, and we carry out a brief review on the subject.

[Transcutaneous stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve modifies the sympathetic skin response and improves overactive bladder syndrome: Case series and possible diagnostic test]. / La estimulación transcutánea del nervio tibial posterior modifica la respuesta simpática cutánea y mejora el síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva: serie de casos y posible prueba diagnóstica.

OBJECTIVE: (a) To assess the effect of transcutaneous neuromodulation (TNM) of the posterior tibial nerve plus biofeedback on the sympathetic skin response (SSR). (b) Evaluate its effect on clinical symptoms. (c) Consider SSR as a probable neurophysiological test useful both for diagnosis and for follow-up in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). (d) Evaluate its cost compared to other techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective quasi-experimental before and after study in 10 OAB patients. OUTCOME VARIABLES: daytime (DUF) and nighttime (NUF) urinary frequency, strength of the pelvic floor muscles measured by manometry (maximum and mean pressure) and sympathetic skin response (SSR). RESULTS: DUF improved from 10.3±5.45 to 5.9±2.42 episodes (P=.0050). The NUF improved from 2.4±1.5 to 0.6±0.69 episodes (P=.0012). The maximum pressure ranged from 34.7±16.51 to 39.7±3.65mmHg (P=.0195). The mean pressure of the pelvic floor muscles improved from 6.6±3.65 to 9.3±5.43mmHg (P=.0333). SSR changed from 100% hyperexcitability prior to treatment to 50±14.14% (P=.0000). CONCLUSION: TNM plus biofeedback could modify SSR and improve clinical and manometry variables in a series of patients with OAB. The probable diagnostic and prognostic utility of this neurophysiological test in OAB and detrusor hyperactivity is reported for the first time. A larger sample study is needed to confirm the promising findings seen in this preliminary study.

Un nuevo paradigma para el tratamiento de la osteoartritis de rodilla: el papel del ácido hialurónico, el plasma rico en plaquetas (PRP) y el ozono en la modulación de la inflamación: una revisión / A new paradigm for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: the role of hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (prp) and ozone in the modulation of inflammation: a review

Introducción: La osteoartritis (OA) es la causa más común de la artritis. Tradicionalmente, la OA se consideraba como una enfermedad de "desgaste". Sin embargo, los factores metabólicos e inflamatorios se están considerando ahora como los factores patogénicos hasta el punto de que algunos autores están redefiniendo la OA como una enfermedad de "inflamación crónica de bajo grado". Evidencia: En la artrosis de rodilla están involucradas muchas vías de señalización y mediadores inflamatorios. El nuevo paradigma de tratamiento se basa en los tratamientos celulares sobre las vías de señalización de la inflamación, basados en componentes celulares y proteicos para combatir el entorno inflamatorio de la articulación artrósica y regenerar el tejido dañado. Resultados: El enfoque de tratar solo una diana terapéutica (inhibidores de óxido nítrico, nutracéuticos, agentes reductores de uratos y fármacos biológicos) que han demostrado su eficacia en el tratamiento de enfermedades inflamatorias como la artritis reumatoide no se ha traducido en un manejo eficaz de la OA. Un enfoque de tratamiento dirigido simultáneamente a varias dianas sería capaz de manejar la OA de manera más eficiente. Las pautas estándar (AAOS, OARSI, ACR, NICE o EULAR) no consideran el ácido hialurónico, el plasma rico en plaquetas ni el ozono, aunque estas opciones de tratamiento han mostrado propiedades inmunomoduladoras y curativas. En ese escenario, planteamos la hipótesis de que el ácido hialurónico, el plasma rico en plaquetas y el ozono son alternativas prometedoras para el manejo de la OA de rodilla, debido a sus propiedades multidiana, como se observará en esta revisión. Conclusión: En el presente estudio se ha revisado la fisiopatología de la OA, centrándose principalmente en el mecanismo inflamatorio, las vías de señalización implicadas y los posibles objetivos del tratamiento...(AU)

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of arthritis. Traditionally, OA was viewed as a "wear and tear" disease. However, metabolic and inflammatory factors are now being considered as pathogenic factors to the point that some authors are redefining OA as a "chronic low-grade inflammation" disease. Evidence: In knee osteoarthritis, many inflammatory signaling pathways and mediators are involved. The new treatment paradigm is based on cellular treatments on the signaling pathways of inflammation, based on cellular and protein components to combat the inflammatory environment of the arthritic joint and regenerate damaged tissue. Results: The approach of treating only one therapeutic target (nitric oxide inhibitors, nutraceuticals, urate reducing agents, and biologics) that have demonstrated their efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis has not been translated into effective management in OA. A treatment approach aimed simultaneously at multiple targets would be able to manage OA more efficiently. The standard guidelines (AAOS, OARSI, ACR, NICE, or EULAR) do not consider hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, or ozone, although these treatment options have shown immunomodulatory and healing properties. In this scenario, we hypothesized that hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and ozone are promising alternatives for the management of knee OA, due to their multidial properties, as will be seen in this review. Conclusion: In the present study the pathophysiology of OA has been reviewed, focusing mainly on the inflammatory mechanism, the signaling pathways involved and the possible goals of treatment. Hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma and ozone are proposed as multi-target options for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Ozono y COVID-19: bases fisiológicas y sus posibilidades terapéuticas según el estadio evolutivo de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Ozone and COVID-19: physiological bases and their therapeutic possibilities according to the evolutionary stage in SARS-CoV-2 infection

No existe a la fecha un tratamiento definitivo para la nueva pandemia SARS-CoV-2. Están reconocidos tres estadios evolutivos en la infección por SARS-CoV-2 (infección temprana, fase pulmonar e hiperinflamación sistémica), con signos y síntomas clínicos característicos. Hay en marcha 80 ensayos experimentales internacionales que buscan un tratamiento efectivo para la pandemia COVID-19. De ellos, solo hay tres que consideran como alternativa de tratamiento la ozonoterapia (autohemoterapia mayor). No existe ningún estudio que evalúe la insuflación rectal de ozono, a pesar de ser una técnica segura, barata, sin riesgos y que es una vía de administración sistémica (oxígeno-ozono 95 %-5 %) y que justifica la realización de ensayos clínicos para validar las propiedades teóricas del ozono en el manejo del SARS-CoV-2, dados los excelentes resultados observados en el manejo del ébola. El ozono tiene demostradas cuatro propiedades biológicas que podrían ser de potencial utilidad teórica como terapia complementaria en las diferentes fases de la infección por SARS-CoV-2. El ozono podría inactivar el virus por oxidación indirecta (ROS y LOP) y podría estimular el sistema inmune celular y humoral, siendo útil en la fase de infección temprana (estadios 1 y 2a). El ozono puede mejorar el intercambio gaseoso, reducir la inflamación y modular el sistema antioxidante, por lo que sería útil en la fase de hiperinflamación o "tormenta de citocinas", y en la fase de hipoxemia y/o fallo multiorgánico (estadios 2b y estadio 3). Dada la actual pandemia, urge llevar a cabo un estudio experimental que confirme o descarte las propiedades biológicas del ozono y le permita así ser una terapia complementaria o compasiva para el manejo efectivo de la infección por SARS-CoV-2.(AU)

To date, there is no definitive treatment for the new SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Three evolutionary stages are recognized in SARS-CoV-2 infection (early infection, pulmonary phase and systemic hyperinflammation), with characteristic clinical signs and symptoms. There are 80 international experimental trials underway seeking an effective treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic. Of them, there are only 3 that consider to Ozone Therapy as an alternative (major auto hemotherapy). There is no study that evaluates Rectal Ozone Insufflation, despite being a safe, cheap, risk-free technique and that it is a systemic administration route (Oxygen-Ozone 95 %-5 %) and that justifies conducting clinical trials to validate the theoretical properties of Ozone in the management of SARS-CoV-2, given the excellent results observed in the management of ebola. Ozone has 4 proven biological properties that could be of potential theoretical utility as a complementary therapy in the different phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ozone could inactivate the virus by indirect oxidation (ROS and LOP) and could stimulate the cellular and humoral immune system, being useful in the early infection phase (stages 1 and 2a). Ozone can improve gas exchange, reduce inflammation, and modulate the antioxidant system, so it would be useful in the hyperinflammation or cytokine storm phase, and in the hypoxemia and / or multi-organ failure phase (stages 2b and stage 3). Given the current pandemic, it is urgent to carry out an experimental study to confirm or rule out the biological properties of Ozone and thus allow it to be a complementary or compassionate therapy for the effective management of SARS-CoV-2 infection.(AU)

HIV Testing Correlates: U.S. and Foreign Born High-Risk Black Heterosexual Men.

In the U.S., Black men are disproportionately affected by HIV, with some of the highest HIV incidence rates and lowest rates of HIV testing. We examined correlates of HIV testing and knowledge among participants of the Barbershop Talk with Brothers (BTWB) project, an HIV prevention program targeting high-risk sexual behaviors among Black heterosexual men in Brooklyn, New York. Specifically, we examined differences between U.S. vs. foreign-born status and HIV testing rates, HIV knowledge, and socio-demographic factors. Of the 855 men included, the mean age was 33 years and 35.0% were foreign-born. Lifetime HIV testing was reported at 84%, with greater proportion of U.S. vs foreign-born men reporting lifetime (88.6% vs. 75.0%) and recent testing (68.6% vs. 51.0%), p < 0.001. Among foreign-born men, recent HIV testing was associated with lower stigma and greater HIV transmission knowledge than those un-tested. The authors recommend tailored approaches to increasing HIV testing in Black communities, based on nativity and social factors.

Association of Physical Function and Survival in Older-Adult Renal Transplant Recipients.

There is an increase in older-adult renal transplant recipients in United States. The objective of this study was to assess the association between physical function (PF) and patient survival in renal transplant recipients who are aged 65 years or older. Using United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data from 2007 to 2016, renal transplant recipients aged 65 years or older were included. Multivariable Cox regression was used to assess associations between survival and functional status adjusted for age, sex, race, donor quality, diabetes, and dialysis vintage. The study identified 26,721 patients. Patient survival was significantly higher in recipients who needed no assistance and lowest in patients in need of total assistance (P < .0001). In deceased donor (DD) transplants, the relative risk for mortality was 2.06 (1.74-2.43) for total assistance and 1.17 (1.08-1.28) for moderate assistance compared to no assistance (P < .0001). In living donor (LD) transplants, the relative risk of mortality was 1.38 (0.78-2.42) for patients needing total assistance and 1.37 (1.14-1.65) for patients needing moderate assistance compared to patients who did not need assistance (0.003). PF is an independent predictor of post-transplant mortality. Assessment of older potential renal transplant recipients should include assessment and standardization of functional status to counsel about post-transplant survival.

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis Related Sinus Node Dysfunction and the Lock-Step Phenomenon.

Described in 2007, anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis (ANMDARE) is a rare autoimmune limbic encephalitis affecting young adults (predominantly women of reproductive age) and is a paraneoplastic manifestation of ovarian teratoma in about half of the cases. ANMDARE is characterized by psychiatric changes, neurological changes, autonomic instability and cardiac dysrhythmias. In this report, we present a 36-year-old woman who was 16 weeks pregnant and brought to the hospital with confusion and subsequently had a seizure with Electroencephalography (EEG) demonstrated an extreme delta brush pattern consistent with ANMDARE. Patient developed sinus nodal dysfunction and was also found to have ovarian teratoma, a rather typical presentation for ANMDARE, that is considered a paraneoplastic syndrome for ovarian teratoma. In this report, we highlight the cardiac manifestation of ANMDARE, the pathophysiology associated with autonomic instability, and management strategies of this rare, and largely devastating illness.

Efectividad de la rehabilitación multimodal (biofeedback más radiofrecuencia capacitiva-resistiva) sobre el dolor pélvico crónico y la dispareunia: estudio prospectivo y revisión de la bibliografía / Effectiveness of multimodal rehabilitation (biofeedback plus capacitive-resistive radiofrequency) on chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia: prospective study and literature review

OBJETIVO: Demostrar si un protocolo de rehabilitación multimodal (biofeedback [BFB] más radiofrecuencia [RF] capacitiva-resistiva [INDIBA®]) disminuye el dolor y aumenta la fuerza muscular en los pacientes con dolor pélvico crónico (DPC) y dispareunia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo cuasiexperimental tipo antes-después a 37 pacientes con DPC y/o dispareunia derivados al Servicio de Rehabilitación del Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina (enero-2016 a diciembre-2018). El protocolo consistió en 8 sesiones de ejercicios de musculatura del suelo pélvico asistido con BFB manométrico (ejercicios tónicos/fásicos 15min, respectivamente) supervisado por fisioterapeuta, seguido de RF bipolar capacitiva (5min)/resistiva (10min) a nivel suprapúbico y perineovaginal. Las variables evaluadas fueron el dolor (EVA 0-10) y la fuerza (mmHg) de la musculatura del suelo pélvico al inicio/término del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Edad media, 41,5±12,65 años. Es más frecuente entre los 21-40 años (n=20, 54%) y los 41-60 años (n=12; 32.4%). Dispareunia, n=34 (91,8%); DPC inespecífico, n=3 (8,2%). El protocolo mejoró el dolor (de 7,27±1,34 a 3,75±2,21 puntos), la fuerza muscular máxima (de 25,56±15,9mmHg a 35,35±20,4mmHg) y la media (de 4,86±3,53mmHg a 7,18±4,46mmHg), respectivamente (p < 0,0001). CONCLUSIÓN: EL DPC y la dispareunia suponen un reto diagnóstico que requiere un manejo multidisciplinario. El tratamiento debe iniciarse precozmente y con la asociación de diferentes modalidades terapéuticas. El protocolo de rehabilitación multimodal que incluye al BFB y a la RF capacitiva-resistiva disminuye el dolor y mejora la fuerza en los pacientes con DPC y dispareunia

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a multimodal rehabilitation protocol (Biofeedback [BFB] plus capacitive-resistive [INDIBA®] radiofrequency [RF]) reduces pain and increases muscular strength in patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and dyspareunia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective, quasi-experimental, before-after study in 37 patients with CPP and/or dyspareunia referred to the Rehabilitation Department of Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina (January 2016 to December 2018). The protocol consisted of 8 sessions of pelvic floor exercises assisted by manometric BFB (15min of tonic/phasic exercises each) supervised by a physiotherapist, followed by suprapubic and perineovaginal bipolar RF [capacitive(5 min)/resistive(10 min)]. The variables evaluated were pain (VAS 0-10) and strength (mmHg) of the pelvic floor musculature and the start/end of the treatment. RESULTS: The mean age was 41.5±12.65 years. The prevalence was higher among women aged 21-40 years (n=20, 54%) and those aged 41-60 years (n=12; 32.4%). Dyspareunia was present in 34 patients (91.8%), and non-specific CPP in 3 (8.2%). The protocol improved pain (from 7.27±1.34 to 3.75±2.21 points), maximal muscular strength (from 25.56±15.9mmHg to 35.35±20.4mmHg) and mean muscular strength (from 4.86±3.53mmHg to 7.18±4.46mmHg) respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: CPP and dyspareunia are a diagnostic challenge that requires multidisciplinary management. Treatment should be started early and should consist of distinct therapeutic modalities. The protocol of multimodal rehabilitation including BFB and capacitive-resistive RF reduces pain and improves strength in patients with CPP and dyspareunia

In vivo data: treatment with the F11R/JAM-A peptide 4D decreases mortality and reduces the generation of atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE-deficient mice.

The data in this article focus on the F11 Receptor (F11R/JAM-A; Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A; JAM-A, F11R), a cell adhesion protein constitutively expressed on the membrane surface of circulating platelets and localized within the tight junctions of healthy endothelial cells (ECs). Previous reports have shown that F11R/JAM-A plays a critical role in the adhesion of platelets to an inflamed endothelium due to its' pathological expression on the luminal surface of the cytokine-inflamed endothelium. Since platelet adhesion to an inflamed endothelium is an early step in the development of atherosclerotic plaque formation, and with time, resulting in heart attacks and stroke, we conducted a long-term, study utilizing the atherosclerosis-prone ApoE -/- mice to attempt a blockade of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques by preventing the adhesion of platelets to the inflamed vasculature in vivo. Utilizing a nonhydrolyzable peptide derived from an amino acid sequence of F11R/JAM-A, peptide 4D, we have shown in culture that the adhesion of platelets to the inflamed endothelial cells could be blocked by peptide 4D. The present data demonstrate the positive health benefits of chronic peptide 4D administration to the atherosclerosis-prone ApoE-/- mice, and provides new information for potential use of this F11R derived peptide in the prevention of atherosclerosis. The data presented in this article provide further experimental support for the study presented in Babinska et al., Atherosclerosis 284 (2019) 92-101.

[Multiple insufficiency fractures (metatarsial, calcaneal and sacral) as the first manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma. A case report and literature review]. / Fracturas múltiples por insuficiencia (metatarsianos, calcáneo y sacro) como signo inicial de adenocarcinoma pulmonar. Caso clínico y revisión de la literatura.

Insufficiency fractures, or pathological fractures, are produced after minimal trauma or no prior trauma and normally affect weakened bone. Their presence should be suspected in fractures showing abnormal patterns, when several fractures occur in a short period of time and in those with no apparent or only minimal trauma. On confirmation of an insufficiency fracture, a differential diagnosis should be made between tumoral and metastatic fractures if there is a history of underlying primary malignancy. The epidemiology of lung cancer has changed due to women's adoption of smoking. In women, the most frequent type of lung cancer is adenocarcinoma, which is less aggressive and has lower mortality, with 5-year survival of 9.5%. Consequently, in Spain, 44% of pulmonary nodules are due to adenocarcinomas. Therefore, all solitary pulmonary nodules should be followed-up for at least 5 years. A history of solitary pulmonary nodule is found in one out of every 1,000 x-rays. However, in patients younger than 35 years, only 1% is malignant. In persons with a history of malignancy and age older than 35 years, this percentage increases to 68%. Size larger than 3cm increases the percentage of malignancy to up to 93%. Therefore, in female smokers older than 50 years with a history of solitary pulmonary nodule, the nodule should be considered malignant until demonstrated otherwise. We report for the first time in Spain the case of a woman with risk factors (smoking, age older than 50 years, with a 3-cm solitary pulmonary nodule that showed no significant growth in 3 years) who had multiple insufficiency fractures in a short period of time. Rehabilitation therapy was unsuccessful and the patient underwent investigation for malignancy. Unfortunately, histopathological study confirmed that the fractures were the initial manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma.