Psoriasis Severity, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairments Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Real-World Data From Clinical Practice in Spain / Gravedad de la psoriasis, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, productividad laboral y deterioro de la actividad en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave que reciben tratamiento sistémico: datos de la vida real de la práctica clínica en España

Background and objective The treatment of psoriasis should not only focus on skin affectations but also weigh the parameters for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), thereby tackling the concept of cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) and treating the patient from a holistic perspective. The CRYSTAL study aimed to characterize psoriasis with real-word data from Spanish clinical practice in patients with moderate to severe disease who received continuous systemic treatment for at least 24 weeks by using the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and its correlation to HRQoL. Material and methods This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted in 30 centers in Spain, with 301 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years. The study collected data regarding current treatment and absolute PASI and their relationship to HRQoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), to activity impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, and to treatment satisfaction. Results The mean (SD) age was 50.5 (12.5) years, with a duration of disease of 14 (14.1) years. The mean (SD) absolute PASI reported was 2.3 (3.5), with 28.7% of patients presenting with PASI from >1 to ≤3 and 22.6% with PASI>3. Higher PASI scores were associated with higher DLQI (p<0.001) and WPAI scores and lower levels of treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). Conclusions These data indicate that achieving lower absolute PASI values may correlate not only with better HRQoL but also with better work productivity and treatment satisfaction (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo El tratamiento de la psoriasis debe centrarse más allá de las afectaciones cutáneas, y valorar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS), abordando así el concepto de discapacidad acumulada en el transcurso vital y tratando al paciente desde una perspectiva holística. El estudio CRYSTAL tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la psoriasis con datos de la práctica clínica española en pacientes con enfermedad moderada a grave que recibieron tratamiento sistémico continuado durante al menos 24 semanas mediante la puntuación absoluta del Índice de la Severidad del área de Psoriasis (PASI) (medida del estado de la enfermedad en un momento dado y no por comparación con una puntuación basal) y su correlación con la CVRS. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio no intervencionista, transversal, realizado en 30 centros de España, con 301 pacientes de edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 75 años. Se recogieron datos relativos al tratamiento actual y al PASI absoluto y su relación con la CVRS mediante el Índice de Calidad de Vida en Dermatología (DLQI), con el deterioro de la actividad mediante el Cuestionario para el Deterioro de la Actividad y la Productividad Laboral (WPAI) y con la satisfacción con el tratamiento. Resultados La edad media (DE) fue de 50,5 (12,5) años, con una duración de la enfermedad de 14 (14,1) años. La media (DE) del PASI absoluto notificado fue de 2,3 (3,5), con 28,7% de pacientes que presentaban un PASI de > 1 a ≤ 3 y 22,6% con un PASI > 3. Las puntuaciones más altas del PASI se asociaron a puntuaciones más altas del DLQI (p < 0,001) y del WPAI y a niveles más bajos de satisfacción con el tratamiento (p < 0,001). Conclusiones Estos datos indican que alcanzar valores absolutos más bajos de PASI puede correlacionarse no solo con una mejor CVRS, sino también con una mejor productividad laboral y satisfacción con el tratamiento (AU)

[Artículo traducido] Gravedad de la psoriasis, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, productividad laboral y deterioro de la actividad en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave que reciben tratamiento sistémico: datos de la vida real de la práctica clínica en España / Psoriasis Severity, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairments Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Real-World Data From Clinical Practice in Spain

Antecedentes y objetivo El tratamiento de la psoriasis debe centrarse más allá de las afectaciones cutáneas, y valorar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS), abordando así el concepto de discapacidad acumulada en el transcurso vital y tratando al paciente desde una perspectiva holística. El estudio CRYSTAL tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la psoriasis con datos de la práctica clínica española en pacientes con enfermedad moderada a grave que recibieron tratamiento sistémico continuado durante al menos 24 semanas mediante la puntuación absoluta del Índice de la Severidad del área de Psoriasis (PASI) (medida del estado de la enfermedad en un momento dado y no por comparación con una puntuación basal) y su correlación con la CVRS. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio no intervencionista, transversal, realizado en 30 centros de España, con 301 pacientes de edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 75 años. Se recogieron datos relativos al tratamiento actual y al PASI absoluto y su relación con la CVRS mediante el Índice de Calidad de Vida en Dermatología (DLQI), con el deterioro de la actividad mediante el Cuestionario para el Deterioro de la Actividad y la Productividad Laboral (WPAI) y con la satisfacción con el tratamiento. Resultados La edad media (DE) fue de 50,5 (12,5) años, con una duración de la enfermedad de 14 (14,1) años. La media (DE) del PASI absoluto notificado fue de 2,3 (3,5), con 28,7% de pacientes que presentaban un PASI de > 1 a ≤ 3 y 22,6% con un PASI > 3. Las puntuaciones más altas del PASI se asociaron a puntuaciones más altas del DLQI (p < 0,001) y del WPAI y a niveles más bajos de satisfacción con el tratamiento (p < 0,001). Conclusiones Estos datos indican que alcanzar valores absolutos más bajos de PASI puede correlacionarse no solo con una mejor CVRS, sino también con una mejor productividad laboral y satisfacción con el tratamiento (AU)

Background and objective The treatment of psoriasis should not only focus on skin affectations but also weigh the parameters for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), thereby tackling the concept of cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) and treating the patient from a holistic perspective. The CRYSTAL study aimed to characterize psoriasis with real-word data from Spanish clinical practice in patients with moderate to severe disease who received continuous systemic treatment for at least 24 weeks by using the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and its correlation to HRQoL. Material and methods This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted in 30 centers in Spain, with 301 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years. The study collected data regarding current treatment and absolute PASI and their relationship to HRQoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), to activity impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, and to treatment satisfaction. Results The mean (SD) age was 50.5 (12.5) years, with a duration of disease of 14 (14.1) years. The mean (SD) absolute PASI reported was 2.3 (3.5), with 28.7% of patients presenting with PASI from >1 to ≤3 and 22.6% with PASI>3. Higher PASI scores were associated with higher DLQI (p<0.001) and WPAI scores and lower levels of treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). Conclusions These data indicate that achieving lower absolute PASI values may correlate not only with better HRQoL but also with better work productivity and treatment satisfaction (AU)

Psoriasis Severity, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairments Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Real-World Data From Clinical Practice in Spain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The treatment of psoriasis should not only focus on skin affectations but also weigh the parameters for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), thereby tackling the concept of cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) and treating the patient from a holistic perspective. The CRYSTAL study aimed to characterize psoriasis with real-word data from Spanish clinical practice in patients with moderate to severe disease who received continuous systemic treatment for at least 24 weeks by using the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and its correlation to HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted in 30 centers in Spain, with 301 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years. The study collected data regarding current treatment and absolute PASI and their relationship to HRQoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), to activity impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, and to treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 50.5 (12.5) years, with a duration of disease of 14 (14.1) years. The mean (SD) absolute PASI reported was 2.3 (3.5), with 28.7% of patients presenting with PASI from >1 to ≤3 and 22.6% with PASI>3. Higher PASI scores were associated with higher DLQI (p<0.001) and WPAI scores and lower levels of treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that achieving lower absolute PASI values may correlate not only with better HRQoL but also with better work productivity and treatment satisfaction.

Psoriasis Severity, Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, and Activity Impairments Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Treatment: Real-World Data From Clinical Practice in Spain. / [Artículo traducido] Gravedad de la psoriasis, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, productividad laboral y deterioro de la actividad en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave que reciben tratamiento sistémico: datos de la vida real de la práctica clínica en España.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The treatment of psoriasis should not only focus on skin affectations but also weigh the parameters for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), thereby tackling the concept of cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) and treating the patient from a holistic perspective. The CRYSTAL study aimed to characterize psoriasis with real-word data from Spanish clinical practice in patients with moderate to severe disease who received continuous systemic treatment for at least 24 weeks by using the absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and its correlation to HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted in 30 centers in Spain, with 301 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years. The study collected data regarding current treatment and absolute PASI and their relationship to HRQoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), to activity impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, and to treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 50.5 (12.5) years, with a duration of disease of 14 (14.1) years. The mean (SD) absolute PASI reported was 2.3 (3.5), with 28.7% of patients presenting with PASI from >1 to ≤3 and 22.6% with PASI>3. Higher PASI scores were associated with higher DLQI (p<0.001) and WPAI scores and lower levels of treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that achieving lower absolute PASI values may correlate not only with better HRQoL but also with better work productivity and treatment satisfaction.

Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of octyltrimethylammonium tetrathiotungstate.

Octyltrimethylammonium tetrathiotungstate salt (ATT-C8) was synthesized and its ability to chelate copper was evaluated. The biological and toxic aspects were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays, using bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAEC) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. The obtained results suggest that ATT-C8 has better biocompatibility, showing a significantly lower lethal concentration 50 (LC50) value in comparison to ammonium tetrathiotungstate (ATT). Zebrafish embryos assay results indicate that both tetrathiotungstate salts at the studied concentrations increase the hatching time. Even more, an in vivo assay showed that synthesized materials behave as copper antagonists and have the ability to inhibit its toxicological effects. Also, both materials were found to be active for the in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The characterization of the materials was carried out using the following spectroscopic techniques: Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NRM).

Graphene Oxide and Reduced Derivatives, as Powder or Film Scaffolds, Differentially Promote Dopaminergic Neuron Differentiation and Survival.

Emerging scaffold structures made of carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO) have shown efficient bioconjugation with common biomolecules. Previous studies described that GO promotes the differentiation of neural stem cells and may be useful for neural regeneration. In this study, we examined the capacity of GO, full reduced (FRGO), and partially reduced (PRGO) powder and film to support survival, proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and bioenergetic function of a dopaminergic (DA) cell line derived from the mouse substantia nigra (SN4741). Our results show that the morphology of the film and the species of graphene (GO, PRGO, or FRGO) influences the behavior and function of these neurons. In general, we found better biocompatibility of the film species than that of the powder. Analysis of cell viability and cytotoxicity showed good cell survival, a lack of cell death in all GO forms and its derivatives, a decreased proliferation, and increased differentiation over time. Neuronal maturation of SN4741 in all GO forms, and its derivatives were assessed by increased protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT), the glutamate inward rectifying potassium channel 2 (GIRK2), and of synaptic proteins, such as synaptobrevin and synaptophysin. Notably, PRGO-film increased the levels of Tuj1 and the expression of transcription factors specific for midbrain DA neurons, such as Pitx3, Lmx1a, and Lmx1b. Bioenergetics and mitochondrial dysfunction were evaluated by measuring oxygen consumption modified by distinct GO species and were different between powder and film for the same GO species. Our results indicate that PRGO-film was the best GO species at maintaining mitochondrial function compared to control. Finally, different GO forms, and particularly PRGO-film was also found to prevent the loss of DA cells and the decrease of the α-synuclein (α-syn) in a molecular environment where oxidative stress has been induced to model Parkinson's disease. In conclusion, PRGO-film is the most efficient graphene species at promoting DA differentiation and preventing DA cell loss, thus becoming a suitable scaffold to test new drugs or develop constructs for Parkinson's disease cell replacement therapy.

Dinophysis Species and Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxins: 20 Years of Monitoring Program in Andalusia, South of Spain.

In Andalusia, the official monitoring program for toxic phytoplankton and marine biotoxins was launched in 1994 to comply with European legislation. Since then, there have been numerous episodes of DST (Diarrhetic shellfish toxins) associated with the proliferation of Dinophysis species. This article reviews two decades of time series data and assesses the effectiveness of the program established. The testing of lipophilic toxins and toxic phytoplankton is based on official methods harmonized and accredited since 2007 according to the standard UNE-EN-ISO 17025. The major species of Dinophysis identified were D. acuminata complex, D. caudata, D. acuta and D. fortii, with the main growth season being from early spring until the end of autumn. Both D. acuminata complex and D. acuta have been clearly associated with toxicity in molluscs. Despite the complexity of data obtained through monitoring programs, it is possible to provide early warning of potential health risks for most situations. This is the first report of Dinophysis species and their relation to DST events in a time series from Andalusia.

Fast specific field detection of RHDVb.

This work describes a simple and rapid test for field detection of the emerging rabbit pathogen RHDVb. The assay is specific for RHDVb, showing no cross-reactivity with other RHDV types giving a specific result in under 10 min using rabbit liquid exudates or liver homogenate samples taken at necropsy.

ELISA for detection of variant rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus RHDV2 antigen in liver extracts.

The emergence and rapid spread of variant of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2) require new diagnostic tools to ensure that efficient control measures are adopted. In the present study, a specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of RHDV2 antigens in rabbit liver homogenates, based on the use of an RHDV2-specific monoclonal antibody (Mab) 2D9 for antigen capture and an anti-RHDV2 goat polyclonal antibody (Pab), was developed. This ELISA was able to successfully detect RHDV2 and RHDV2 recombinant virions with high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (97.22%). No cross-reactions were detected with RHDV G1 viruses while low cross-reactivity was detected with one of the RHDVa samples analyzed. The ELISA afforded good repeatability and had high analytical sensitivity as it was able to detect a dilution 1:163,640 (6.10ng/mL) of purified RHDV-N11 VLPs, which contained approximately 3.4×108molecules/mL particles. The reliable discrimination between closely related viruses is crucial to understand the epidemiology and the interaction of co-existing pathogens. In the work described here we design and validate an ELISA for laboratory based, specific, sensitive and reliable detection of RHDVb/RHDV2. This ELISA is a valuable, specific virological tool for monitoring virus circulation, which will permit a better control of this disease.

Validación psicométrica de la versión en castellano del cuestionario USS-PROM para pacientes sometidos a cirugía de uretra anterior / Psychometric validation of the Spanish version of the USS-PROM questionnaire for patients who undergo anterior urethral surgery

Objetivo: Traducir y validar en lengua castellana el cuestionario Urethral Stricture Surgery Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (USS-PROM), evaluar sus propiedades psicométricas y determinar su idoneidad para su uso clínico en nuestro medio. Adicionalmente, se valoraron los posibles cambios en la función eyaculatoria mediante el Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD). Material y métodos: Se realizó una traducción sistemática de la versión británica. De forma prospectiva, entre septiembre 2014 y septiembre 2015 se incluyeron pacientes programados para cirugía de estenosis de uretra anterior. Todos los pacientes completaron el cuestionario antes y después de la cirugía. Se realizó un estudio psicométrico en profundidad del cuestionario. Resultados: Se evaluaron las respuestas de un total de 40 pacientes. El cuestionario demostró su validez presentando excelente correlación negativa entre las puntuaciones de los síntomas de vaciado y el flujo máximo (r = −0,6, p < 0,001), y mostrando también mejoría significativa en el EQ5D-visual analogue scale (VAS) y el time trade-off (TTO). Para la consistencia interna, el alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,701. Para la fiabilidad test-retest el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) global fue de 0,974 y los CCI de cada ítem por separado oscilaron entre 0,799 y 0,980. Se observaron mejoras significativas en todos los ítems de síntomas miccionales y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) (p < 0,001), quedando demostrada la capacidad de respuesta al cambio del cuestionario. No observamos cambios significativos en el MSHQ-EjD. Conclusiones: La versión en castellano del cuestionario USS-PROM es un instrumento válido para cuantificar los cambios en los síntomas de vaciado y la CVRS de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de uretra anterior

Ojective: To translate into Spanish and validate the Urethral Stricture Surgery Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (USS-PROM) questionnaire, assessing its psychometric properties and determining its suitability for clinical use in our community. We also assessed the potential changes in ejaculatory function using the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD). Material and methods: A systematic translation of the British version was performed. Patients scheduled for anterior urethral stricture surgery between September 2014 and September 2015 were prospectively included in the study. All patients completed the questionnaire before and after the surgery. We conducted an in-depth psychometric study of the questionnaire. Results: We assessed the responses of a total of 40 patients. The questionnaire showed its validity, presenting an excellent negative correlation between the voiding symptom scores and the maximum flow (r = −0.6,P < .001), and also showed significant improvement in the EQ5D-VAS (visual analogue scale) and the time trade-off. For internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha was 0.701. For the test-retest reliability, the overall intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.974, and the ICC for each item separately ranged from 0.799 to 0.980. We observed significant improvement in all items regarding urinary symptoms and health-related quality of life (P < .001), thereby demonstrating the response capacity to changing the questionnaire. There were no significant changes in the MSHQ-EjD. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the USS-PROM questionnaire is a valid instrument for quantifying changes in voiding symptoms and the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing anterior urethral surgery

Full 3-D OCT-based pseudophakic custom computer eye model.

We compared measured wave aberrations in pseudophakic eyes implanted with aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs) with simulated aberrations from numerical ray tracing on customized computer eye models, built using quantitative 3-D OCT-based patient-specific ocular geometry. Experimental and simulated aberrations show high correlation (R = 0.93; p<0.0001) and similarity (RMS for high order aberrations discrepancies within 23.58%). This study shows that full OCT-based pseudophakic custom computer eye models allow understanding the relative contribution of optical geometrical and surgically-related factors to image quality, and are an excellent tool for characterizing and improving cataract surgery.

Psychometric validation of the Spanish version of the USS-PROM questionnaire for patients who undergo anterior urethral surgery. / Validación psicométrica de la versión en castellano del cuestionario USS-PROM para pacientes sometidos a cirugía de uretra anterior.

OBJECTIVE: To translate into Spanish and validate the Urethral Stricture Surgery Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (USS-PROM) questionnaire, assessing its psychometric properties and determining its suitability for clinical use in our community. We also assessed the potential changes in ejaculatory function using the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic translation of the British version was performed. Patients scheduled for anterior urethral stricture surgery between September 2014 and September 2015 were prospectively included in the study. All patients completed the questionnaire before and after the surgery. We conducted an in-depth psychometric study of the questionnaire. RESULTS: We assessed the responses of a total of 40 patients. The questionnaire showed its validity, presenting an excellent negative correlation between the voiding symptom scores and the maximum flow (r=-0.6, P<.001), and also showed significant improvement in the EQ5D-VAS (visual analogue scale) and the time trade-off. For internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha was 0.701. For the test-retest reliability, the overall intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.974, and the ICC for each item separately ranged from 0.799 to 0.980. We observed significant improvement in all items regarding urinary symptoms and health-related quality of life (P<.001), thereby demonstrating the response capacity to changing the questionnaire. There were no significant changes in the MSHQ-EjD. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the USS-PROM questionnaire is a valid instrument for quantifying changes in voiding symptoms and the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing anterior urethral surgery.

Eficacia y perfil de seguridad del arándano americano en lactantes y niños con infección urinaria recurrente / Efficacy and safety profile of cranberry in infants and children with recurrent urinary tract infection

Objetivo: La profilaxis con arándano americano de la infección de orina recurrente infantil se ha mostrado eficaz en el modelo experimental del adulto. Existen pocos datos sobre su eficacia, seguridad y dosis recomendadas en la población pediátrica. Métodos: Se desarrolla un ensayo clínico controlado, doble ciego en fase III en niños mayores de un mes de edad para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del arándano americano en la infección urinaria recurrente infantil. Se parte del supuesto de no inferioridad del arándano americano frente a trimetoprima. El análisis estadístico se realiza mediante un análisis de Kaplan Meier. Resultados Se reclutan 85 pacientes menores de un año de edad y 107 mayores de un año. Setenta y cinco pacientes reciben arándano y 117 trimetoprima. El porcentaje acumulado de infección de orina asociado a la profilaxis con arándano en menores de un año fue de 46% (IC 95%: 23-70) en niños y del 17% (IC 95%: 0-38) en niñas, con eficacia a las dosis utilizadas inferior a trimetoprima. En los niños mayores de un año de edad el arándano se mostró no inferior a trimetoprima, con un porcentaje acumulado de infección de orina de 26% (IC 95%: 12-41). El arándano americano fue bien tolerado, no registrándose efectos adversos. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio confirma que el arándano americano es seguro y eficaz en la profilaxis de infección urinaria recurrente en lactantes y niños. Con las dosis utilizadas su eficacia no es inferior a la observada para trimetoprima entre los mayores de un año de edad (AU)

Objective: Cranberry prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infection in infants has proven effective in the experimental model of the adult. There are few data on its efficacy, safety and recommended dose in the pediatric population. Methods: A controlled, double-blind Phase III clinical trial was conducted on children older than 1 month of age to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cranberry in recurrent urinary tract infection. The assumption was of the non-inferiority of cranberry versus trimethoprim. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan Meier analysis. Results: A total of 85 patients under 1 year of age and 107 over 1 year were recruited. Trimethoprim was prescribed to 75 patients and 117 received cranberry. The cumulative rate of urinary infection associated with cranberry prophylaxis in children under 1 year was 46% (95% CI; 23-70) in children and 17% (95% CI; 0-38) in girls, effectively at doses inferior to trimethoprim. In children over 1 year-old cranberry was not inferior to trimethoprim, with a cumulative rate of urine infection of 26% (95% CI; 12-41). The cranberry was well tolerated and with no new adverse effects. Conclusions: Our study confirms that cranberry is safe and effective in the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infection in infants and children. With the doses used, their efficiency is not less than that observed for trimethoprim among those over 1 year-old (AU)

[Efficacy and safety profile of cranberry in infants and children with recurrent urinary tract infection]. / Eficacia y perfil de seguridad del arándano americano en lactantes y niños con infección urinaria recurrente.

OBJECTIVE: Cranberry prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infection in infants has proven effective in the experimental model of the adult. There are few data on its efficacy, safety and recommended dose in the pediatric population. METHODS: A controlled, double-blind Phase III clinical trial was conducted on children older than 1 month of age to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cranberry in recurrent urinary tract infection. The assumption was of the non-inferiority of cranberry versus trimethoprim. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan Meier analysis. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients under 1 year of age and 107 over 1 year were recruited. Trimethoprim was prescribed to 75 patients and 117 received cranberry. The cumulative rate of urinary infection associated with cranberry prophylaxis in children under 1 year was 46% (95% CI; 23-70) in children and 17% (95% CI; 0-38) in girls, effectively at doses inferior to trimethoprim. In children over 1 year-old cranberry was not inferior to trimethoprim, with a cumulative rate of urine infection of 26% (95% CI; 12-41). The cranberry was well tolerated and with no new adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that cranberry is safe and effective in the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infection in infants and children. With the doses used, their efficiency is not less than that observed for trimethoprim among those over 1 year-old. (Clinical Trials Registry ISRCTN16968287).

Fournier gangrene: description of 37 cases and analysis of associated health care costs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fournier gangrene is a urological emergency associated with a high mortality. It is a necrotizing fasciitis caused by polymicrobial infection originating in the anorectal or genitourinary area. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Fournier gangrene along with the variables that influence disease course and mortality in patients treated in our department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study of 37 patients diagnosed with Fournier gangrene between January 2001 and October 2010. RESULTS: All the patients were men, 43.2% had diabetes, and the mean age of the patients was 57.68 years. Statistically significant differences were observed between the age of surviving patients and that of patients who died (55.8 and 69.6 years, respectively). The mean hospital stay was 27.54 days and 32.4% of patients required admission to the intensive care unit. Etiology was unknown in 39.8% of cases. Polymicrobial infection was observed in 59.5% of cases. The mean health care cost associated with a patient diagnosed with Fournier gangrene admitted to intensive care and requiring at least 1 procedure in the operating room was €25,108.67. Mortality was 13.5%. Based on analysis of individual comorbid conditions, only ischemic heart disease displayed a statistically significant association with mortality due to Fournier gangrene; ischemic heart disease was also associated with longer hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Fournier gangrene is associated with high mortality despite appropriate early treatment. Although the condition is infrequent, the high associated health care costs suggest that primary and secondary prevention measures should be implemented.

Gangrena de Fournier. Análisis descriptivo y coste económico-sanitario de nuestra serie de 37 casos / Fournier Gangrene: Description of 37 Cases and Analysis of Associated Health Care Costs

Introducción: La gangrena de Fournier es una urgencia urológica definida como una fascitis necrotizante, con una alta mortalidad, resultado de una infección polimicrobiana que se origina en la región anorrectal y/o genitourinaria. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las características epidemiológicas y clínicas, así como las variables que han influido en la evolución y mortalidad de los pacientes tratados en nuestro Servicio. Material y métodos: El estudio analiza retrospectivamente 37 pacientes diagnosticados de gangrena de Fournier en el periodo de tiempo comprendido entre enero del 2001 a octubre de 2010. Resultados: Todos los pacientes son hombres, con una edad media de 57, 68 años, existiendo diferencias estadísticas en la edad de los fallecidos respecto a los que sobreviven, 69,6 años frente a 55,8 años. El 43,2% eran diabéticos. La estancia media hospitalaria fue de 27,54 días. El 32,4% precisó de ingreso en la UCI. En el 39,8% se desconoce su etiología. La infección fue polimicrobiana en el 59,5% de los casos. El coste sanitario medio de un paciente diagnosticado de gangrena de Fournier que ingresa en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) y requiere de al menos una cura en quirófano es de 25.108,67 euros. La mortalidad fue del 13,5%. Al estratificar las patologías estudiadas de forma independiente se observa que sólo la cardiopatía isquémica se relacionó de forma significativa con la mortalidad y una mayor estancia hospitalaria. Conclusión: La gangrena de Fournier es una patología con una alta mortalidad, a pesar de un tratamiento adecuado precoz. Es una patología con una baja incidencia, pero supone un coste elevado para el sistema sanitario, por lo que serían necesarias medidas de prevención primaria y secundaria (AU)

Background and objectives: Fournier gangrene is a urological emergency associated with a high mortality. It is a necrotizing fasciitis caused by polymicrobial infection originating in the anorectal or genitourinary area. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Fournier gangrene along with the variables that influence disease course and mortality in patients treated in our department. Material and methods: We carried out a retrospective study of 37 patients diagnosed with Fournier gangrene between January 2001 and October 2010. Results: All of the patients were men, 43.2% had diabetes, and the mean age of the patients was 57.68 years. Statistically significant differences were observed between the age of surviving patients and that of patients who died (55.8 and 69.6 years, respectively). The mean hospital stay was 27.54 days and 32.4% of patients required admission to the intensive care unit. Etiology was unknown in 39.8% of cases. Polymicrobial infection was observed in 59.5% of cases. The mean health care cost associated with a patient diagnosed with Fournier gangrene admitted to intensive care and requiring at least 1 procedure in the operating room was €25 108.67. Mortality was 13.5%. Based on analysis of individual comorbid conditions, only ischemic heart disease displayed a statistically significant association with mortality due to Fournier gangrene; ischemic heart disease was also associated with longer hospital stay. Conclusions: Fournier gangrene is associated with high mortality despite appropriate early treatment. Although the condition is infrequent, the high associated health care costs suggest that primary and secondary prevention measures should be implemented (AU)

[Fournier gangrene: description of 37 cases and analysis of associated health care costs]. / Gangrena de Fournier. Análisis descriptivo y coste económico-sanitario de nuestra serie de 37 casos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fournier gangrene is a urological emergency associated with a high mortality. It is a necrotizing fasciitis caused by polymicrobial infection originating in the anorectal or genitourinary area. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Fournier gangrene along with the variables that influence disease course and mortality in patients treated in our department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study of 37 patients diagnosed with Fournier gangrene between January 2001 and October 2010. RESULTS: All of the patients were men, 43.2% had diabetes, and the mean age of the patients was 57.68 years. Statistically significant differences were observed between the age of surviving patients and that of patients who died (55.8 and 69.6 years, respectively). The mean hospital stay was 27.54 days and 32.4% of patients required admission to the intensive care unit. Etiology was unknown in 39.8% of cases. Polymicrobial infection was observed in 59.5% of cases. The mean health care cost associated with a patient diagnosed with Fournier gangrene admitted to intensive care and requiring at least 1 procedure in the operating room was €25,108.67. Mortality was 13.5%. Based on analysis of individual comorbid conditions, only ischemic heart disease displayed a statistically significant association with mortality due to Fournier gangrene; ischemic heart disease was also associated with longer hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Fournier gangrene is associated with high mortality despite appropriate early treatment. Although the condition is infrequent, the high associated health care costs suggest that primary and secondary prevention measures should be implemented.

Factores de riesgo psicosocialesen el profesorado de Enfermería Geriátrica de universidadesespañolas (2. ª parte) / Psychosocial risk factors in the faculty of Nursing Geriatric universities Spanish (Part 2)

La Universidad se constituye actualmente como motorde formación y guía de los nuevos cambios sociales ytecnológicos, lo que obliga al profesorado a realizaractividades relacionadas con la docencia, investigación ygestión del ámbito universitario. El nuevo rol docente sebasa en la capacidad para asumir los retos de una nuevaeducación en la que es necesario conjugar los avancestecnológicos, los nuevos enfoques pedagógicos y nuevasmetodologías que implican un nivel alto de exigenciaspara los docentes, que sumados a las condiciones detrabajo, salario, relaciones interpersonales, las continuasmuestras de competencias y las evaluaciones sufridas poreste colectivo, son aspectos importantes que ejercen graninfluencia sobre el bienestar psicológicos e incidendirectamente sobre la salud física. El objetivo general denuestro estudio es la realización de una evaluación de losfactores psicosociales en un colectivo de profesoresuniversitarios de la titulación de Enfermería, medianteel instrumento ISTAS21, herramienta de evaluación deriesgos laborales de naturaleza psicosocial quefundamenta una metodología para la prevención en suversión media. Las exposiciones más problemáticasencontradas son, entre otras, la doble presencia, lasexigencias psicológicas cuantitativas y cognitivas,requiriendo todas ellas intervenciones tempranas paraevitar problemas de salud (AU)

The University is currently training as a driver and guideof the new social and technological change, forcing teachersto conduct activities related to teaching, research anduniversity management. The new role of teachers is basedon the ability to meet the challenges of a new educationthat is necessary to combine technological advances, newpedagogical approaches and new methodologies that involvea high level of requirements for teachers, which added tothe conditions work, salary, interpersonal relations, thecontinuing signs of competence and evaluations suffered thisgroup are important aspects that exert great influence onpsychological well-being and directly affect physical health.The objective of our study is an assessment of psychosocialfactors in a group of university professors in the Degree inNursing, through the vehicle ISTAS21 a tool for riskassessment of psychosocial work that supports a methodologyfor prevention half version. The problems encountered areexhibitions including the double presence, quantity andcognitive psychological demands, requiring all earlyinterventions to prevent health problems (AU)

Factores de riesgo psicosociales en el profesorado de Enfermería Geriátrica de universidades españolas (1ª parte) / Psychosocial risk factors in the faculty of Nursing Geriatric universities Spanish (Part 1)

La Universidad se constituye, actualmente, como motor de formación y guía de los nuevos cambios sociales y tecnológicos,lo que obliga al profesorado a realizar actividades relacionadas con la docencia, investigación y gestión del ámbito universitario. El nuevo rol docente se basa en la capacidad para asumir los retos de una nueva educación en la que es necesario conjugar los avances tecnológicos,los nuevos enfoques pedagógicos y las nuevas metodologías que implican un alto nivel de exigencias para los docentes que, sumado a las condiciones de trabajo,salario, relaciones interpersonales, las continuas muestras de competencias y las evaluaciones que padece este colectivo,son aspectos importantes que ejercen gran influencia sobre el bienestar psicológico e inciden directamente sobre la salud física. El objetivo general de nuestro estudio es la realización de una evaluación de los factores psicosociales en un colectivo de profesores Universitarios de la Titulación de Enfermería, mediante el instrumento ISTAS21, herramienta de evaluación de riesgos laborales de naturaleza psicosocial que fundamenta una metodología para la prevención en su versión media. Las exposiciones más problemáticas encontradas son, entre otras, la doble presencia, las exigencias psicológicas, cuantitativas y cognitivas, requiriendo todas ellas intervenciones tempranas para evitar problemas de salud (AU)

The University is currently training as a driver and guide of the new social and technological change, forcing teachers to conduct activities related to teaching, research and university management. The new role of teachers is based on the ability to meet the challenges of a new education that isnecessary to combine technological advances, new pedagogical approaches and new methodologies that involve ahigh level of requirements for teachers, which added to the conditions work, salary, interpersonal relations, the continuing signs of competence and evaluations suffered this group are important aspects that exert great influence on psychological well-being and directly affect physical health.The objective of our study is an assessment of psychosocial factors in a group of university professors in the Degree inNursing, through the vehicle ISTAS21 a tool for risk assessment of psychosocial work that supports a methodology for prevention half version. The problems encountered are exhibitions including the double presence, quantity and cognitive psychological demands, requiring all early interventions to prevent health problems (AU)

Response of nanoparticle-based one-dimensional photonic crystals to ambient vapor pressure.

Herein we report an analysis of the variation of the optical properties of different nanoparticle-based one-dimensional photonic crystal architectures versus changes in the ambient vapor pressure. Gradual shift of the optical response provides us with information on the sorption properties of these structures and allow us to measure precise adsorption isotherms of these porous multilayers. The potential of nanoparticle-based one-dimensional photonic crystals as base materials for optical sensing devices is demonstrated in this way.