Thrombotic Event Prevention in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Arthrodesis: our experiencie. A retrospective case series study. / Prevención de eventos trombóticos en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de artrodesis lumbar por vía posterior: experiencia en nuestro centro. Estudio retrospectivo de casos.

INTRODUCTION: There is no generalized consensus regarding perioperative prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE), either on using or timing it in patients undergoing spine surgery. VTE is a current concern because, even though being an uncommon event, it can cause serious complications. The aim of the present study is to propose guidelines for the prevention of thrombotic events in posterior spinal surgery, either as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary thromboembolism. If the number of patients getting prophylaxis drugs is reduced a subsequent reduction of the incidence of epidural hematoma can be expected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A number of 235 patients who had undergone posterior spinal arthrodesis in the previous five years were studied. Mechanical thromboprophylaxis measures consisting of compression stockings were applied in all of them. Anticoagulant drugs were also applied whenever risk factors for thrombosis were observed. Early weight-bearing was resumed immediately after surgery. Demographic, clinical, and surgical variables were collected, as well as complications appearing during the follow-up period, that was scheduled at one, two, four, six and twelve months after the surgery. Thrombotic events, if present, were diagnosed by clinical and imaging tests such as ultrasound and CT angiography. RESULTS: From the total 235 patients of this series, one hundred and fifty-three cases met the study inclusion criteria. A total of four thrombotic events appeared, one in the form of deep vein thrombosis and other three in the form of pulmonary thromboembolism. These last patients suffering an embolism died because of it. None of the variables studied had statistical significance for the occurrence of a thrombotic event. All four patients who suffered thrombotic events were receiving anticoagulant drugs, in addition to mechanical compression stockings, because of the presence of risk factors for thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: By applying the fore mentioned protocol, adequate prevention of thromboembolic events was achieved in this study population of patients undergoing posterior spinal surgery.

Aplicación clinicorradiológica del uso de la tomografía computarizada craneal de tecnología espectral en el manejo del ictus isquémico agudo tras trombectomía mecánica / Clinicoradiological application of the use of spectral cranial computed tomography in the management of acute ischemic stroke after mechanical thrombectomy

Introducción El ictus isquémico agudo es una de las principales causas globales de morbimortalidad. La trombectomía mecánica ha mejorado el pronóstico funcional de esta patología; sin embargo, la transformación hemorrágica es una complicación frecuente. La tomografía computarizada (TC) de tecnología espectral, como prueba de neuroimagen de control, diferencia la extravasación de contraste de la transformación hemorrágica gracias al diferente comportamiento de los materiales a la energía dual, y esta distinción es de utilidad en su manejo clinicoterapéutico. Material y métodos. Estudio unicéntrico, observacional y retrospectivo, en el cual se investigó, mediante el acceso a una base de datos disociada y a la historia clínica, la presencia de una serie de variables clínicas, radiológicas y terapéuticas en los pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo que fueron tratados con trombectomía mecánica en nuestro hospital entre julio de 2022 y marzo de 2023.ResultadosDe los 155 pacientes incluidos, se realizó una TC craneal espectral en 63 y convencional en 75. En el grupo de TC espectral se detectaron 21 imágenes hiperdensas y en el grupo de TC convencional fueron 28. En el 42,8% de los casos en los que se detectó una hiperdensidad en el grupo de TC convencional no se pudo distinguir entre extravasación de contraste y transformación hemorrágica, en comparación con el 4,8% del grupo de TC espectral (p < 0,001).ConclusionesLa TC espectral confiere una gran confianza diagnóstica al radiólogo para establecer el tipo de hiperdensidad detectada y, por ello, proporciona también una gran confianza terapéutica al neurólogo para reiniciar precozmente la anticoagulación. (AU)

Introduction. Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading global causes of morbidity and mortality. Mechanical thrombectomy has improved the functional prognosis of this condition; however, hemorrhagic transformation is a common complication. Spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging, as a neuroimaging control test, distinguishes contrast extravasation from hemorrhagic transformation due to the differential behavior of materials at dual energy levels. This distinction is valuable in its clinical therapeutic management.Material and methods. A single-center, observational, retrospective study was conducted in which the presence of various clinical, radiological, and therapeutic variables in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy at our hospital between July 2022 and March 2023 was investigated using access to a dissociated database and medical records.Results. Out of 155 included patients, spectral cranial CT was performed in 63, and conventional cranial CT in 75. In the spectral CT group, 21 hyperdense images were detected, compared to 28 in the conventional CT group. In 42.8% of cases where hyperdensity was detected in the conventional CT group, it was not possible to distinguish between contrast extravasation and hemorrhagic transformation, in contrast to the 4.8% in the spectral CT group (p < 0.001).Conclusions. Spectral CT provides high diagnostic confidence to the radiologist in identifying the type of detected hyperdensity, thereby offering significant therapeutic confidence to the neurologist in early resuming anticoagulation therapy. (AU)

Epidemiología y caracterización molecular de las miopatías genéticas en adultos en una región del sureste de España / Epidemiology and molecular characterization of adult genetic myopathies in a southeastern region of Spain

Introducción Las miopatías genéticas constituyen un conjunto de enfermedades raras que impactan significativamente en la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida del paciente. Un diagnóstico temprano de las miopatías genéticas puede prevenir complicaciones futuras y proporcionar a las familias asesoramiento genético. A pesar del impacto sustancial de las miopatías genéticas en población adulta, la epidemiología global de estos trastornos está inadecuadamente abordada en la bibliografía.ObjetivosMejorar el entendimiento tanto de la epidemiología como de la genética de estos trastornos en la provincia de Alicante, situada en el sureste de España. Material y métodos. Entre 2020 y 2022, se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional prospectivo en el área de salud Alicante-Hospital General, que incluyó a pacientes de 16 años o más con sospecha de miopatías genéticas. Se recopilaron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y genéticos. La fecha de referencia para el cálculo de la prevalencia se estableció el 31 de diciembre de 2022. Se utilizaron datos demográficos oficiales del área de salud para establecer la población en riesgo.ResultadosEn total, se identificó a 83 pacientes con miopatía genéticamente confirmada, lo que dio lugar a una prevalencia total de 29,59 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes. El rendimiento diagnóstico de las pruebas genéticas moleculares fue del 69,16%. Las miopatías genéticas más frecuentes incluyeron la distrofia miotónica (27,5%), las distrofinopatías (15,7%) y la distrofia facioescapulohumeral (15,7%).ConclusiónLa prevalencia de las miopatías genéticas puede variar considerablemente dependiendo de la región geográfica y la población estudiada. El análisis del rendimiento diagnóstico sugiere que los estudios genéticos deberían considerarse útiles en el diagnóstico de las miopatías genéticas. (AU)

Introduction. Genetic myopathies constitute a collection of rare diseases that significantly impact patient functionality and quality of life. Early diagnosis of genetic myopathies can prevent future complications and provide families with genetic counselling. Despite the substantial impact of genetic myopathies on the adult population, the global epidemiology of these disorders is inadequately addressed in the literature.Aims. To enhance understanding of both the epidemiology and genetics of these disorders within the province of Alicante, situated in southeastern Spain.Material and methods. Between 2020 and 2022, a prospective observational study was conducted at the Alicante Health Area-General Hospital, enrolling patients aged 16 years or older with suspected genetic myopathies. Sociodemographic, clinical, and genetic data were collected. The reference date for prevalence calculation was established as December 31, 2022. Official demographic data of the health area were used to set the population at risk.Results. In total, 83 patients were identified with confirmed genetically related myopathy, resulting in an overall prevalence of 29.59 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The diagnostic yield for molecular genetic testing was found to be 69.16%. The most prevalent genetic myopathies identified included myotonic dystrophy (27.5%), dystrophinopathies (15.7%), and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (15.7%).Conclusion. The prevalence of GMs can vary considerably depending on the geographical region and the studied population. The analysis of diagnostic yield suggests that genetic studies should be considered useful in the diagnosis of genetic myopathies. (AU)

Exploring management and outcomes of elderly patients with glioblastoma using data from two randomised trials (GEINO1401/EX-TEM).

PURPOSE: The impact of age on optimal management of glioblastoma remains unclear. A recent combined analysis of two randomised trials, GEINO14-01 and EX-TEM, found no benefit from extending post-radiation temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Here, we explore the impact of age. METHODS: Relevant intergroup statistics were used to identify differences in tumour, treatment and outcome characteristics based on age with elderly patients (EP) defined as age 65 years and over. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. RESULTS: Of the combined 205 patients, 57 (28%) were EP. Of these, 95% were ECOG 0-1 and 65% underwent macroscopic resection compared with 97% and 61% of younger patients (YP) respectively. There were numerically less MGMT-methylated (56% vs. 63%, p = 0.4) and IDH-mutated (4% vs. 13%, p = 0.1) tumours in EP vs. YP. Following surgery, EP were more likely to receive short course chemoradiation (17.5% vs. 6%, p = 0.017). At recurrence, EP tended to receive or best supportive care (28.3% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.09) or non-surgical options (96.2% vs. 84.6%, p = 0.06), but were less likely to receive bevacizumab (23.1% vs. 49.5%, p < 0.01). Median PFS was similar at 9.3months in EP and 8.5months in YP, with similar median OS at 20months. CONCLUSION: In this trial population of predominantly fit EP, survival was similar to YP despite a proportion receiving less aggressive therapy at diagnosis and recurrence. Advancing age does not appear to be an adverse prognostic factor for glioblastoma when patients are fit for treatment, and a less aggressive approach in selected patients may not compromise outcomes.

Clinicoradiological application of the use of spectral cranial computed tomography in the management of acute ischemic stroke after mechanical thrombectomy. / Aplicación clinicorradiológica del uso de la tomografía computarizada craneal de tecnología espectral en el manejo del ictus isquémico agudo tras trombectomía mecánica.

INTRODUCTION: Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading global causes of morbidity and mortality. Mechanical thrombectomy has improved the functional prognosis of this condition; however, hemorrhagic transformation is a common complication. Spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging, as a neuroimaging control test, distinguishes contrast extravasation from hemorrhagic transformation due to the differential behavior of materials at dual energy levels. This distinction is valuable in its clinical therapeutic management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center, observational, retrospective study was conducted in which the presence of various clinical, radiological, and therapeutic variables in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy at our hospital between July 2022 and March 2023 was investigated using access to a dissociated database and medical records. RESULTS: Out of 155 included patients, spectral cranial CT was performed in 63, and conventional cranial CT in 75. In the spectral CT group, 21 hyperdense images were detected, compared to 28 in the conventional CT group. In 42.8% of cases where hyperdensity was detected in the conventional CT group, it was not possible to distinguish between contrast extravasation and hemorrhagic transformation, in contrast to the 4.8% in the spectral CT group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Spectral CT provides high diagnostic confidence to the radiologist in identifying the type of detected hyperdensity, thereby offering significant therapeutic confidence to the neurologist in early resuming anticoagulation therapy.

TITLE: Aplicación clinicorradiológica del uso de la tomografía computarizada craneal de tecnología espectral en el manejo del ictus isquémico agudo tras trombectomía mecánica.Introducción. El ictus isquémico agudo es una de las principales causas globales de morbimortalidad. La trombectomía mecánica ha mejorado el pronóstico funcional de esta patología; sin embargo, la transformación hemorrágica es una complicación frecuente. La tomografía computarizada (TC) de tecnología espectral, como prueba de neuroimagen de control, diferencia la extravasación de contraste de la transformación hemorrágica gracias al diferente comportamiento de los materiales a la energía dual, y esta distinción es de utilidad en su manejo clinicoterapéutico. Material y métodos. Estudio unicéntrico, observacional y retrospectivo, en el cual se investigó, mediante el acceso a una base de datos disociada y a la historia clínica, la presencia de una serie de variables clínicas, radiológicas y terapéuticas en los pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo que fueron tratados con trombectomía mecánica en nuestro hospital entre julio de 2022 y marzo de 2023. Resultados. De los 155 pacientes incluidos, se realizó una TC craneal espectral en 63 y convencional en 75. En el grupo de TC espectral se detectaron 21 imágenes hiperdensas y en el grupo de TC convencional fueron 28. En el 42,8% de los casos en los que se detectó una hiperdensidad en el grupo de TC convencional no se pudo distinguir entre extravasación de contraste y transformación hemorrágica, en comparación con el 4,8% del grupo de TC espectral (p < 0,001). Conclusiones. La TC espectral confiere una gran confianza diagnóstica al radiólogo para establecer el tipo de hiperdensidad detectada y, por ello, proporciona también una gran confianza terapéutica al neurólogo para reiniciar precozmente la anticoagulación.

Epidemiology and molecular characterization of adult genetic myopathies in a southeastern region of Spain. / Epidemiología y caracterización molecular de las miopatías genéticas en adultos en una región del sureste de España.

INTRODUCTION: Genetic myopathies constitute a collection of rare diseases that significantly impact patient functionality and quality of life. Early diagnosis of genetic myopathies can prevent future complications and provide families with genetic counselling. Despite the substantial impact of genetic myopathies on the adult population, the global epidemiology of these disorders is inadequately addressed in the literature. AIMS: To enhance understanding of both the epidemiology and genetics of these disorders within the province of Alicante, situated in southeastern Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2020 and 2022, a prospective observational study was conducted at the Alicante Health Area-General Hospital, enrolling patients aged 16 years or older with suspected genetic myopathies. Sociodemographic, clinical, and genetic data were collected. The reference date for prevalence calculation was established as December 31, 2022. Official demographic data of the health area were used to set the population at risk. RESULTS: In total, 83 patients were identified with confirmed genetically related myopathy, resulting in an overall prevalence of 29.59 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The diagnostic yield for molecular genetic testing was found to be 69.16%. The most prevalent genetic myopathies identified included myotonic dystrophy (27.5%), dystrophinopathies (15.7%), and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (15.7%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GMs can vary considerably depending on the geographical region and the studied population. The analysis of diagnostic yield suggests that genetic studies should be considered useful in the diagnosis of genetic myopathies.

TITLE: Epidemiología y caracterización molecular de las miopatías genéticas en adultos en una región del sureste de España.Introducción. Las miopatías genéticas constituyen un conjunto de enfermedades raras que impactan significativamente en la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida del paciente. Un diagnóstico temprano de las miopatías genéticas puede prevenir complicaciones futuras y proporcionar a las familias asesoramiento genético. A pesar del impacto sustancial de las miopatías genéticas en población adulta, la epidemiología global de estos trastornos está inadecuadamente abordada en la bibliografía. Objetivos. Mejorar el entendimiento tanto de la epidemiología como de la genética de estos trastornos en la provincia de Alicante, situada en el sureste de España. Material y métodos. Entre 2020 y 2022, se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional prospectivo en el área de salud Alicante-Hospital General, que incluyó a pacientes de 16 años o más con sospecha de miopatías genéticas. Se recopilaron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y genéticos. La fecha de referencia para el cálculo de la prevalencia se estableció el 31 de diciembre de 2022. Se utilizaron datos demográficos oficiales del área de salud para establecer la población en riesgo. Resultados. En total, se identificó a 83 pacientes con miopatía genéticamente confirmada, lo que dio lugar a una prevalencia total de 29,59 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes. El rendimiento diagnóstico de las pruebas genéticas moleculares fue del 69,16%. Las miopatías genéticas más frecuentes incluyeron la distrofia miotónica (27,5%), las distrofinopatías (15,7%) y la distrofia facioescapulohumeral (15,7%). Conclusión. La prevalencia de las miopatías genéticas puede variar considerablemente dependiendo de la región geográfica y la población estudiada. El análisis del rendimiento diagnóstico sugiere que los estudios genéticos deberían considerarse útiles en el diagnóstico de las miopatías genéticas.

A combined analysis of two prospective randomised studies exploring the impact of extended post-radiation temozolomide on survival outcomes in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

PURPOSE: The optimal duration of post-radiation temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma remains unclear, with no published phase III randomised trials. Standard-of-care stipulates 6 months. However, in routine care, it is often extended to 12 months, despite lacking robust supporting data. METHODS: GEINO14-01 (Spain) and EX-TEM (Australia) studies enrolled glioblastoma patients without progression at the end of 6 months post-radiation temozolomide. Participants were randomised 1:1 to six additional months of temozolomide or observation. Primary endpoint was 6-month progression free survival from date of randomisation (6mPFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and toxicity. 204 patients were required to detect an improvement in 6mPFS from 50 to 60% (80% power). Neither study recruited sufficient patients. We performed a combined analysis of individual patient data. RESULTS: 205 patients were recruited: 159 in GEINO14-01 (2014-2018) and 46 in EX-TEM (2019-2022). Median follow-up was 20.0 and 14.5 months. Baseline characteristics were balanced. There was no significant improvement in 6mPFS (57.2% vs 64.0%, OR0.75, p = 0.4), nor across any subgroups, including MGMT methylated; PFS (HR0.92, p = 0.59, median 7.8 vs 9.7 months); or OS (HR1.03, p = 0.87, median 20.1 vs 19.4 months). During treatment extension, 64% experienced any grade adverse event, mainly fatigue and gastrointestinal (both 54%). Only a minority required treatment changes: 4.5% dose delay, 7.5% dose reduction, 1.5% temozolomide discontinuation. CONCLUSION: For glioblastoma patients, extending post-radiation temozolomide from 6 to 12 months is well tolerated but does not improve 6mPFS. We could not identify any subset that benefitted from extended treatment. Six months should remain standard-of-care.

La disfagia en cuidados intensivos, un problema real: análisis de factores de riesgo / Dysphagia in intensive care, a real problem: analysis of risk factors

Objetivos: Determinar los factores de riesgo presentes en los pacientes con disfagia en relación con una población de pacientes críticos. Método: Serie de casos de una cohorte de pacientes reclutados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) hasta el alta hospitalaria. Se reclutaron a aquellos pacientes que dieron su consentimiento y cumplían los criterios de inclusión. El método de exploración clínica Volumen-Viscosidad fue utilizado para la detección de la disfagia. Se realizó un análisis estadístico uni- y bivariante, a través del odds ratio (OR) para detectar los factores de riesgo en la disfagia. Resultados: 103 pacientes fueron reclutados de 401 posibles. La media de edad fue de 59,33±13,23; los hombres representaban el 76,7%. La gravedad media fue: APACHE II (12,74±6,17) y Charlson (2,98±3,31). Un 45,6% de los pacientes desarrollaron disfagia, obteniendo valores significativos de OR (p<0,050) para el desarrollo de disfagia: la mayor edad, los antecedentes neurológicos, COVID19, la alta estancia en UCI y hospitalización y la presencia de traqueotomía. Los pacientes COVID19 representaban el 46,6%, por lo que se realizó un análisis de este subgrupo observando resultados similares, con un riesgo de Charlson (OR:4,65; IC95%: 1,31-16,47; p=0,014) y una estancia hospitalaria (OR: 8,50; IC95%: 2,20-32,83; p<0,001). Al alta de UCI, el 37,9% de la población presentaba todavía disfagia, y mantenía este problema al alta hospitalaria el 12,6%. Conclusiones: Casi la mitad de nuestros pacientes presentaron disfagia. Fueron factores de riesgo la gravedad clínica y la presencia de traqueotomía. Se observó en estos pacientes una mayor estancia tanto en UCI como en hospitalización.(AU)

Aims: To identify risk factors present in patients with dysphagia in a population of critically ill patients. Methods: Case series of a cohort of patients recruited in the intensive care unit (ICU) until hospital discharge. Patients who gave consent and met the inclusion criteria were recruited. The Volume-Viscosity clinical examination method was used for the screening of dysphagia. An uni- and bivariate statistical analysis was performed using odds ratio (OR) to detect risk factors for dysphagia. Outcomes: 103 patients were recruited from 401 possible. The mean age was 59,33±13,23, men represented 76,7%. The severity of the sample was: APACHE II (12,74±6,17) and Charlson (2,98±3,31). 45,6% of patients showed dysphagia, obtaining significant OR values (p<0,050) for the development of dysphagia: older age, neurological antecedents, COVID19, long stay in ICU and hospitalization, and the presence of tracheotomy. COVID19 patients represented 46,6% of the sample, so an analysis of this subgroup was performed, showing similar results, with a Charlson risk (OR:4,65; 95% CI:1,31-16,47; p=0,014) and a hospital stay (OR: 8,50; 95%CI: 2,20-32,83; p<0,001). On discharge from the ICU, 37,9% of the population still had dysphagia; 12,6% maintained this problem at hospital discharge. Conclusions: Almost half of our patients developed dysphagia. Clinical severity and the presence of tracheotomy were risk factors. We observed in patients with dysphagia a longer stay in both ICU and hospitalization.(AU)

A model of traumatic brain injury in rats is influenced by neuroprotection of diurnal variation which improves motor behavior and histopathology in white matter myelin.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant public health concern and has been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. TBI generates two types of brain damage: primary and secondary. Secondary damage originates a series of pathophysiological processes, which include metabolic crisis, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation, which have deleterious consequences for neuronal function. However, neuroprotective mechanisms are also activated. The balance among these tissue responses, and its variations throughout the day determines the fate of the damage tissue. We have demonstrated less behavioral and morphological damage when a rat model of TBI was induced during the light hours of the day. Moreover, here we show that rats subjected to TBI in the dark lost less body weight than those subjected to TBI in the light, despite no change in food intake. Besides, the rats subjected to TBI in the dark had better performance in the beam walking test and presented less histological damage in the corpus callosum and the cingulum bundle, as shown by the Klüver-Barrera staining. Our results suggest that the time of day when the injury occurs is important. Thus, this data should be used to evaluate the pathophysiological processes of TBI events and develop better therapies.

Dysphagia in intensive care, a real problem: analysis of risk factors.

AIMS: To identify risk factors present in patients with dysphagia in a population of critically ill patients. METHODS: Case series of a cohort of patients recruited in the intensive care unit (ICU) until hospital discharge. Patients who gave consent and met the inclusion criteria were recruited. The Volume-Viscosity clinical examination method was used for the screening of dysphagia. An uni- and bivariate statistical analysis was performed using odds ratio (OR) to detect risk factors for dysphagia. OUTCOMES: 103 patients were recruited from 401 possible. The mean age was 59,33 ± 13,23, men represented 76,7%. The severity of the sample was: APACHE II (12,74 ± 6,17) and Charlson (2,98 ± 3,31). 45,6% of patients showed dysphagia, obtaining significant OR values (p < 0,050) for the development of dysphagia: older age, neurological antecedents, COVID19, long stay in ICU and hospitalization, and the presence of tracheotomy. COVID19 patients represented 46,6% of the sample, so an analysis of this subgroup was performed, showing similar results, with a Charlson risk (OR:4,65; 95% CI:1,31-16,47; p = 0,014) and a hospital stay (OR: 8,50; 95%CI: 2,20-32,83; p < 0,001) On discharge from the ICU, 37,9% of the population still had dysphagia; 12,6% maintained this problem at hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of our patients developed dysphagia. Clinical severity and the presence of tracheotomy were risk factors. We observed in patients with dysphagia a longer stay in both ICU and hospitalization.

The diagnosis of the middle interhemispheric variant of holoprosencephaly with fetal MRI.

Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system comprise a wide spectrum of malformations associated with a wide variety of genetic syndromes and chromosomal anomalies, and they are among the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in infants. Among these anomalies, holoprosencephaly arises from the complete or partial failure of the brain to divide into the cerebral hemispheres. Imaging tests are fundamental for the prenatal diagnosis of holoprosencephaly; the diagnostic process usually starts with sonography and then the findings are refined with fetal MRI. Radiologists need to be familiar with the possible findings because the prognosis varies.

Factors of Poor Prognosis Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease by Stage in Ambulatory Patients: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Mexico has a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) but limited information about the early stages of CKD and their clusters of poor prognosis factors (PPF) such as hyperuricemia, electrolyte abnormalities or comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of PPF by CKD stages in ambulatory patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 1772 adult patients with CKD that attended the Nephrology Outpatient Clinic. PPF data is reported as adjusted OR (95% confidence interval) (CI). RESULTS: Mean age was 56.2 ± 15.8 years. Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) was reported in 12% of the patients. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), age >50 years and male gender were the PPF associated with all CKD stages. The PPF in CKD 2 and 3a hyperuricemia OR 3.4 (2.02,6.0) and 4.4 (2.5,7.6), and hypertension OR 1.8 (1.01,3.4) and 2.3 (1.2,4.3) respectively. In CKD 3b were hyperuricemia OR 5.1 (3.1,8.6), hypertension OR 2.7 (1.5,4.9) and hyperkalemia OR 3.4 (1.5,7.6). For CKD 4, 5 without KRT and 5 were hyperuricemia OR 7.02 (4.1,11.8), 13.5 (7.4,24.6), 3.9 (2.2-6.9), hypertension OR 3.4 (1.9,6.1), 3.4 (1.9,6.1), 3.8 (2.1,7.1), and hyperkalemia 2.9 (1.3,6.3), 7.9 (3.6,17.3), 8.7 (3.9,19.3), respectively. Anemia was important for CKD 5 without KRT and 5 with OR of 5.7 (3.09,10.6) and 8 (4.2,15), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study of Mexican patients with CKD; most of them without KRT. Patients had multiple modifiable PPF. Early and comprehensive management of PPF could prevent or delay progression to KRT. Treatment of associated PPF should be a priority, as it could make a significant difference both for CKD progression and its subsequent cardiovascular risk.

Variante interhemisférica media de holoprosencefalia: diagnóstico mediante resonancia magnética fetal / The diagnosis of the middle interhemispheric variant of holoprosencephaly with fetal MRI

Las anomalías congénitas del sistema nervioso central constituyen un amplio grupo de malformaciones asociadas a una gran variedad de síndromes genéticos y anomalías cromosómicas, y una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad infantil. Dentro de ellas, la holoprosencefalia conlleva un trastorno de la diferenciación del prosencéfalo, con una falta completa o parcial de división entre los hemisferios cerebrales. Para su diagnóstico prenatal es fundamental la realización de pruebas de imagen y el conocimiento de los posibles hallazgos, debido a que su pronóstico es variable, comenzando normalmente con la ecografía y confirmando lo visualizado con la resonancia magnética.(AU)

Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system comprise a wide spectrum of malformations associated with a wide variety of genetic syndromes and chromosomal anomalies, and they are among the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in infants. Among these anomalies, holoprosencephaly arises from the complete or partial failure of the brain to divide into the cerebral hemispheres. Imaging tests are fundamental for the prenatal diagnosis of holoprosencephaly; the diagnostic process usually starts with sonography and then the findings are refined with fetal MRI. Radiologists need to be familiar with the possible findings because the prognosis varies.(AU)

New silica based adsorbent material from rice straw and its in-flow application to nitrate reduction in waters: Process sustainability and scale-up possibilities.

This paper shows a particular example to move to a sustainable circular economical process from valorization of rice straw ashes by developing a green synthesis for obtaining a useful sub-product. This strategy can palliate negative effects of the agriculture waste practices on the environment and also the obtained silica reduced nitrate content in waters. It is demonstrated that the silica synthesis developed at lab was scalable more than a hundred times with good results. Adsorption studies of nitrate in standards and real well waters at lab scale and scaling-up provided similar results. Adsorption values near to 15 mg/g for nitrate standards and 8.5 mg/g for well water were obtained until achieving the initial nitrate concentration. Experimental breakthrough curves fitted to Thomas model, which gave similar results for adsorption capacities. The adsorption capacity was checked with that obtained by a commercial resin, providing improved results. The method at large scale was compared with industrial traditional methods and green adsorbents.

The diagnosis of the middle interhemispheric variant of holoprosencephaly with fetal MRI. / Variante interhemisférica media de holoprosencefalia: diagnóstico mediante resonancia magnética fetal.

Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system comprise a wide spectrum of malformations associated with a wide variety of genetic syndromes and chromosomal anomalies, and they are among the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in infants. Among these anomalies, holoprosencephaly arises from the complete or partial failure of the brain to divide into the cerebral hemispheres. Imaging tests are fundamental for the prenatal diagnosis of holoprosencephaly; the diagnostic process usually starts with sonography and then the findings are refined with fetal MRI. Radiologists need to be familiar with the possible findings because the prognosis varies.

In-tube solid phase microextraction coupled to miniaturized liquid chromatography for both, noble metal nanoparticle assessment and sensitive plasmonic assay development.

Colorimetric localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) as analytical response is applied for a wide number of chemical sensors and biosensors. However, the dependence of different factors, such as size distribution of nanoparticles (NPs), shape, dielectric environment, inter-particle distance and matrix, among others, can provide non-reliable results by UV-vis spectrometry in complex matrices if NP assessment is not carried out, particularly at low levels of analyte concentrations. Miniaturized liquid chromatography, capillary (CapLC) and nano (NanoLC), coupled on line with in-tube solid phase microextraction (IT-SPME) is proposed for the first time for both, controlling suitability of used noble metal NP dispersions and developing plasmonic assays. Several capped noble NPs and target analytes were tested from variations in the chromatographic profiles obtained by using diode array detection. The IT-SPME step, which influenced the chromatographic fingerprint provided by noble NP dispersions, was studied by asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation (AF4) too. We monitored NP aggregation induced by interaction with several analytes like acids and spermine (SPN). Assessment of NPs was achieved in less than 10 min and it permitted to develop suitable plasmonic tests. Here, it was also demonstrated that these assays can be followed by IT-SPME-miniaturized LC-DAD and more sensitivity and selectivity than those provided by UV-Vis spectrometry were achieved. Analysing urine samples to determine SPN as a cancer biomarker as a proof of concept is presented.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activity of the Radiological Emergency Department: the experience of the Maggiore della Carità Hospital in Novara.

PURPOSE: During the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the activity of Emergency Departments worldwide changed dramatically, focusing on diagnosis and care of the Sars-Cov-2 associated disease. These major changes also involved the activity of the Emergency Radiology Department (ERD). This study aimed to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on imaging studies, both in terms of the amount, frequency and subspecialty of different imaging modalities requested to the ERD of the Maggiore della Carità Hospital in Novara (Italy). METHODS: To this end, our observational study took into account the imaging studies requested by the emergency department during three-time spans. These were defined as phase 0 (pre-pandemic), phase 1 (pandemic peak with complete lockdown) and phase 2 (post-pandemic peak with partial lifting of restrictive measures), as derived from Italian urgent decrees by the President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM) which established the duration and entity of the lockdown measures throughout the pandemic. The dataset was processed and then compared with Pearson's chi-squared test. RESULTS: During the pandemic peak, our data showed a significant drop in the total number of studies requested and a significant rise in computed tomography (CT) studies. In particular, a statistically significant increase in chest CT studies was found, probably due to the high sensitivity of this imaging method in identifying pulmonary involvement during respiratory tract infection of possible viral etiology (SARS-Cov-2). Moreover, we observed a statistically significant decrease of X-ray (XR) and ultrasound (US) studies during phase 1 compared to phase 0 and phase 2 probably due to a reduction in the numbers of ER visits for minor traumas given the mobility restrictions and people hesitancy in visiting the ER due to fear of contagion. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that the activity of the ERD was heavily impacted by the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic. Further studies will be needed to estimate the impact of the pandemic on public health in terms of excess mortality related to delayed diagnosis and care of non-COVID diseases.