Energy Resolution from a Silicon Detector's Interstrip Regions.

In this work, we present a novel approach for improving the energy resolution from particles impinging on the interstrip regions of silicon strip detectors. We employed three double-sided strip detectors from the GRIT array and a triple α-source under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the interstrip resolution depends not only on the impinging side but also on whether it is a P- or an N-interstrip. We obtained the interstrip energy resolution down to 0.4%, and, depending on the scenario, the resolution was enhanced by a factor of 2. We believe that this new rotation method allows for the possibility of applying particle identification methods on interstrip events, which in most cases are dismissed during data recording.

Test Bench for Highly Segmented GRIT Double-Sided Silicon Strip Detectors: A Detector Quality Control Protocol.

This work deals with the characteristics of highly segmented double-sided silicon detectors. These are fundamental parts in many new state-of-the-art particle detection systems, and therefore they must perform optimally. We propose a test bench that can handle 256 electronic channels with off-the-shelf equipment, as well as a detector quality control protocol to ensure that the detectors meet the requirements. Detectors with a large number of strips bring new technological challenges and issues that need to be carefully monitored and understood. One of the standard 500 µm thick detectors of the GRIT array was investigated, undergoing studies that revealed its IV curve, charge collection efficiency, and energy resolution. From the data obtained, we calculated, among other things, the depletion voltage (110 V), the resistivity of the bulk material (9 kΩ·cm), and the electronic noise contribution (8 keV). We present, for the first time, a methodology called "the energy triangle'' to visualize the effect of charge sharing between two adjacent strips and to study the hit distribution with the interstrip-to-strip hit ratio (ISR).

Monkeypox in humans: a new outbreak.

Infection caused by Monkeypox Virus (MPVX) has small rodents as its natural reservoir and both monkeys and humans are occasional hosts. The causative agent is an Orthopoxvirus (MPVX) that was isolated in monkeys in 1958 and proved capable of passing to humans in 1970. It remained contained in Africa, causing isolated episodes of infection, until 2003 when an outbreak occurred in the United States following importation of animals from that continent. Since then, anecdotal cases have continued to be reported outside Africa, usually very clearly linked to travelers to those countries, but in May 2022, a broad outbreak of this disease has begun, now affecting several continents, with the emergence of human cases of MPVX (H-MPVX) infection mainly among Men that have Sex with Men (MSM). The disease has an incubation time ranging from 5 to 15 days and is characterized by the presence of pustules, fever, malaise and headache. The presence of significant regional lymphadenopathy is a differential feature with episodes of classical smallpox. Proctitis and pharyngitis, with minimal skin lesions, may be another form of presentation. Diagnosis can be confirmed by PCR testing of lesions or by demonstration of MPVX in other body fluids or tissues, although in the appropriate epidemiologic setting the clinical picture is highly suggestive of the disease. Effective drug treatment has been developed as part of programs to protect against potential bioterrorist agents and smallpox vaccinees are known to have high protection against monkeypox. New vaccines are available, but neither the drugs nor the vaccines are yet freely available on the market. The prognosis of the disease appears, at least in adults in developed countries, to be good, with very low mortality figures and much less aggressive behavior than that described in classical smallpox. Isolation measures, essential for the control of the outbreak, have been published by the health authorities.

Parámetros cuantitativos de la PET/TC basal con 18F-FDG como factores pronósticos en el carcinoma de células escamosas de esófago / Baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell cancer

Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad de los parámetros cuantitativos de la PET/TC con 18F-FDG como factores pronósticos para la respuesta al tratamiento neoadyuvante, la supervivencia libre de progresión (SLP) y la supervivencia cáncer específica (SCE) en pacientes con carcinoma de células escamosas de esófago (CCE). Material y métodos: Se valoraron retrospectivamente 30 pacientes (29 hombres) diagnosticados de CCE durante un intervalo de 6años. Se determinaron los parámetros metabólicos SUV máximo (SUVmax), SUV medio (SUVmed), volumen metabólico tumoral (MTV) y glucólisis tumoral total (TLG) del estudio PET/TC al diagnóstico. Tras tratamiento con quimioterapia y/o radioterapia, se valoró la respuesta al tratamiento y la supervivencia de los pacientes. La comparación de parámetros entre grupos de respondedores y no respondedores se realizó mediante la prueba U de Mann-Whitney. Las curvas ROC y el método de Kaplan-Meier se utilizaron para el análisis de factores pronósticos y curvas de supervivencia. Resultados: El seguimiento medio fue de 22,4meses, produciéndose 22 recurrencias-progresiones y 25 fallecimientos. Se demostraron diferencias significativas entre respondedores y no respondedores con respecto al tamaño tumoral, el MTV y la TLG. El análisis de supervivencia halló diferencias significativas para SCE y SLP dependiendo de estos tres parámetros. Conclusión: Los parámetros metabólicos MTV y TLG, así como el tamaño tumoral, fueron factores pronósticos para la respuesta al tratamiento neoadyuvante, la SLP y la SCE en pacientes diagnosticados de CCE. Ni el SUVmax ni el SUVmed fueron predictores para ninguno de los criterios de evaluación. Los resultados permitirían personalizar el tratamiento de los pacientes (AU)

Aim: To determine the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors for the response to neoadjuvant treatment, progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Material and methods: Thirty patients (29 men) diagnosed with SCC were retrospectively evaluated over a 6-year interval. Metabolic parameters were determined: maximum SUV (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmed), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) from baseline PET/CT study. After treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, response to treatment and patient survival were assessed. The comparison of parameters between groups of responders and non-responders was carried out using a Mann-Whitney U test. ROC curves and the Kaplan-Meier method were used for analysis of prognostic factors and survival curves. Results: The average follow-up was 22.4months, with 22 recurrence-progressions and 25 deads. Significant differences were demonstrated between responders and non-responders with respect to tumor size, MTV and TLG. Survival analysis found significant differences for SCE and CSS depending on these three parameters. Conclusion: Metabolic parameters MTV and TLG, and tumor size were prognostic factors for neoadjuvant treatment response, PFS, and CSS in patients diagnosed with SCC. Neither SUVmax nor SUVmed were predictive for any of the evaluation criteria. Results could help to personalize patient treatment (AU)

Baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell cancer.

AIM: To determine the utility of [18F]FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors for the response to neoadjuvant treatment, progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients (29 men) diagnosed with SCC were retrospectively evaluated over a 6-year interval. Metabolic parameters were determined: maximum SUV (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmed), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) from baseline PET/CT study. After treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, response to treatment and patient survival were assessed. The comparison of parameters between groups of responders and non-responders was carried out using a Mann-Whitney U test ROC curves and the Kaplan-Meier method were used for analysis of prognostic factors and survival curves. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 22.4 months, with 22 recurrence-progressions and 25 deaths. Significant differences were demonstrated between responders and non-responders with respect to tumor size, MTV and TLG. Survival analysis found significant differences for SCE and CSS depending on these three parameters. CONCLUSION: Metabolic parameters MTV and TLG, and tumor size were prognostic factors for neoadjuvant treatment response, PFS, and CSS in patients diagnosed with SCC. Neither SUVmax nor SUVmed were predictive for any of the evaluation criteria. Results could help to personalize patient treatment.

Baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell cancer. / Parámetros cuantitativos de la PET/TC basal con 18F-FDG como factores pronósticos en el carcinoma de células escamosas de esófago.

AIM: To determine the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors for the response to neoadjuvant treatment, progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients (29 men) diagnosed with SCC were retrospectively evaluated over a 6-year interval. Metabolic parameters were determined: maximum SUV (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmed), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) from baseline PET/CT study. After treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, response to treatment and patient survival were assessed. The comparison of parameters between groups of responders and non-responders was carried out using a Mann-Whitney U test. ROC curves and the Kaplan-Meier method were used for analysis of prognostic factors and survival curves. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 22.4months, with 22 recurrence-progressions and 25 deads. Significant differences were demonstrated between responders and non-responders with respect to tumor size, MTV and TLG. Survival analysis found significant differences for SCE and CSS depending on these three parameters. CONCLUSION: Metabolic parameters MTV and TLG, and tumor size were prognostic factors for neoadjuvant treatment response, PFS, and CSS in patients diagnosed with SCC. Neither SUVmax nor SUVmed were predictive for any of the evaluation criteria. Results could help to personalize patient treatment.

Parámetros cuantitativos de la PET/TC con 18F-FDG como factores pronósticos en el cáncer de pulmón localizado e inoperable / 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factor in localized and inoperable lung cancer

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la utilidad de parámetros cuantitativos de la PET/TC con 18F-FDG como factores pronósticos en pacientes diagnosticados de cáncer de pulmón localizado e inoperable, tratado únicamente mediante radioterapia estereotáxica corporal (SBRT). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se valoraron mediante estudio prospectivo 50 pacientes (42 hombres) diagnosticados en los últimos 7años de neoplasia pulmonar en estadios precoces y tratados únicamente mediante SBRT. Tras realización del estudio PET/TC, se determinaron los parámetros metabólicos SUV máximo (SUVmax), volumen metabólico tumoral (MTV) y glucólisis tumoral total (TLG) a diferentes umbrales. Se analizaron los factores pronósticos para la supervivencia global (SG), supervivencia por causa específica (SCE) y supervivencia libre de enfermedad (SLE) mediante regresión de Cox, y las curvas de supervivencia mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: El seguimiento medio fue de 39,6meses, produciéndose 21 recurrencias y 24 fallecimientos. El análisis determinó como factores predictivos MTV30 y MTV40 para la SG; MTV30, MTV40, TLG30 y TLG40 para la SCE, y MTV2, MTV30, MTV40, TLG2, TLG30 y TLG40 para la SLE. El análisis de supervivencia halló diferencias estadísticamente significativas para la SCE y la SLE dependiendo del tamaño tumoral y para la SLE dependiendo de los valores de MTV2 y TLG2 (umbral de SUVmax=2). El SUVmax, la edad y el sexo no fueron factores significativos. CONCLUSIÓN: La valoración cuantitativa pretratamiento mediante los parámetros metabólicos MTV2 y TLG2, así como el tamaño tumoral, demostraron ser factores pronósticos en pacientes con neoplasia pulmonar localizada e inoperable tratados mediante SBRT. Los resultados podrían ayudar a personalizar el tratamiento

AIM: To assess the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factor in patients diagnosed with localized and inoperable lung cancer treated by stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients (42 men) diagnosed in the last 7years with early-stage lung cancer and treated with SBRT alone were assessed by a prospective study. After PET/CT study, metabolic parameters maximum SUV (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were determined at different thresholds. The prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), cause-specific survival (CS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analysed by Cox proportional hazards model and the survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 39.6months, with 21 recurrences and 24 dead. Univariate analysis determined MTV30 and MTV40 as predictors for OS; MTV30, MTV40, TLG30 and TLG40 for CS, and MTV2, MTV30, MTV40, TLG2, TLG30 and TLG40 for DFS. Survival analysis found statistically significant differences for CS and DFS depending on tumor size and for DFS considering the cut-off values of MTV2 and TLG2 (threshold SUVmax=2). SUVmax, age and sex were not shown to be significant factors. CONCLUSION: Pre-treatment quantitative assessment using metabolic parameters MTV2 and TLG2 as well as tumor size proved to be prognostic factors in patients diagnosed with localized and inoperable lung cancer treated by SBRT. Results could help to personalize treatment

18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factor in localized and inoperable lung cancer. / Parámetros cuantitativos de la PET/TC con 18F-FDG como factores pronósticos en el cáncer de pulmón localizado e inoperable.

AIM: To assess the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factor in patients diagnosed with localized and inoperable lung cancer treated by stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients (42 men) diagnosed in the last 7years with early-stage lung cancer and treated with SBRT alone were assessed by a prospective study. After PET/CT study, metabolic parameters maximum SUV (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were determined at different thresholds. The prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), cause-specific survival (CS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analysed by Cox proportional hazards model and the survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 39.6months, with 21 recurrences and 24 dead. Univariate analysis determined MTV30 and MTV40 as predictors for OS; MTV30, MTV40, TLG30 and TLG40 for CS, and MTV2, MTV30, MTV40, TLG2, TLG30 and TLG40 for DFS. Survival analysis found statistically significant differences for CS and DFS depending on tumor size and for DFS considering the cut-off values of MTV2 and TLG2 (threshold SUVmax=2). SUVmax, age and sex were not shown to be significant factors. CONCLUSION: Pre-treatment quantitative assessment using metabolic parameters MTV2 and TLG2 as well as tumor size proved to be prognostic factors in patients diagnosed with localized and inoperable lung cancer treated by SBRT. Results could help to personalize treatment.

Clinical guide for the diagnosis and follow-up of myotonic dystrophy type 1, MD1 or Steinert's disease. / Guía clínica para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la distrofia miotónica tipo 1, DM1 o enfermedad de Steinert.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Steinert's disease or myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MD1), (OMIM 160900), is the most prevalent myopathy in adults. It is a multisystemic disorder with dysfunction of virtually all organs and tissues and a great phenotypical variability, which implies that it has to be addressed by different specialities with experience in the disease. The knowledge of the disease and its management has changed dramatically in recent years. This guide tries to establish recommendations for the diagnosis, prognosis, follow-up and treatment of the complications of MD1. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consensus guide developed through a multidisciplinary approach with a systematic literature review. Neurologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, neuropaediatricians and geneticists have participated in the guide. RECOMMENDATIONS: The genetic diagnosis should quantify the number of CTG repetitions. MD1 patients need cardiac and respiratory lifetime follow-up. Before any surgery under general anaesthesia, a respiratory evaluation must be done. Dysphagia must be screened periodically. Genetic counselling must be offered to patients and relatives. CONCLUSION: MD1 is a multisystemic disease that requires specialised multidisciplinary follow-up.

A new system of sperm cryopreservation: evaluation of survival, motility, DNA oxidation, and mitochondrial activity.

BACKGROUND: Sperm vitrification (V) is a method for cryopreservation, without the use of conventional cryoprotectants, by plunging the sperm suspension directly into liquid nitrogen (LN25). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the new system of V with conventional freezing (CF) protocol using fresh spermatozoa as reference (C). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study. A total of 47 sperm samples from men attending the infertility clinic at Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad Valencia. The sperm V solution was 0.3 M trehalose-sucrose and plunged directly in liquid nitrogen in microdroplets of 5-10 lL, using a new system collector of V. Sperm viability indicators such as sperm motility, vitality rates, mitochondrial function, and sperm DNA oxidation were assessed before and after cryopreservation. Sperm motility and vitality analysis were performed according to published guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO, 2010). Mitochondrial function was evaluated using JC-1 (fluorescent cationic dye, 5,50,6,60-tetrachloro-1-10,3,30-tetraethyl-benzamidazolocarbocyanin iodide). Sperm DNA oxidation was determined using a fluorescent assay (Oxy-DNA test) for the detection of 8-oxoguanine. The evaluation was carried out before and after cryopreservation using flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and chi-square test, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT(S): Sperm parameters, including progressive motility, total motility, and viability, observed after cryopreservation were as follows: C = 74.9% [1] 12.3, CF = 27.2% [1] 8.4, V = 42.3% [1] 9.3, p < 0.001; C = 90.1 [1] 6.8, CF = 42.0 [1] 12.9, V = 61.4 [1] 11.8, p < 0.001; C = 90.0% [1] 7.4, CF = 42.5% [1] 14.6, V = 70.9% [1] 6.5, p < 0.001, respectively. Regarding Oxy-DNA and mitochondrial activity, they were significantly affected in both groups (V and CF) when compared to the control group. DISCUSSION: The sperm V and CF have negative impact on sperm parameters as well as DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity. However, sperm V presented improved sperm motility recovery, similar levels of DNA oxidation, and, moreover, a slightly increase in mitochondrial activity when compared to the conventional method. CONCLUSION(S): V as an optimal protocol for sperm cryopreservation.

Elective and Onco-fertility preservation: factors related to IVF outcomes.

STUDY QUESTION: Is the indication for fertility preservation (FP) related to success in IVF cycles after elective-FP (EFP) for age-related fertility decline and FP before cancer treatment (Onco-FP)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Although success rates were lower in cancer patients, there was no statistically significant association between malignant disease and reproductive outcome after correction for age and controlled-ovarian stimulation (COS) regime. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: FP is increasingly applied in assisted reproduction, but little is known about the outcome of IVF cycles with vitrified oocytes in FP patients. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Retrospective, observational multicenter study of vitrification cycles for FP and of the warming cycles of women who returned to attempt pregnancy from January 2007 to May 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: In all, 6362 women (EFP = 5289 patients; 7044 cycles + Onco-FP = 1073 patients; 1172 cycles) had their oocytes vitrified for FP. A logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the impact of indication for FP corrected for age at vitrification. The protocol used for COS was also included as a possible confounder. The main outcome measures were oocyte survival and live birth. A detailed description of the baseline and clinical data is provided, with comparisons between EFP and Onco-FP. The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per utilized oocyte according to age at vitrification was analyzed in those patients returning to use their oocytes. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE: Age at vitrification was significantly older in EFP patients (37.2 ± 4.9 vs. 32.3 ± 3.5 year; P < 0.0001). Fewer oocytes were retrieved and vitrified per cycle in EFP (9.6 ± 8.4 vs. 11.4 ± 3.5 and 7.3 ± 11.3 vs. 8.7 ± 2.1, respectively; P < 0.05), but numbers became comparable when analyzed per patient (12.8 ± 7.4 vs. 12.5 ± 3.2 and 9.8 ± 6.4 vs. 9.5 ± 2.6). Storage time was shorter in EFP (2.1 ± 1.6 vs. 4.1 ± 0.9 years; P < 0.0001). In all, 641 (12.1%) EFP and 80 (7.4%) Onco-FP patients returned to attempt pregnancy (P < 0.05). Overall oocyte survival was comparable (83.9% vs. 81.8%; NS), but lower for onco-FP patients among younger (≤35 year) subjects (81.2% vs. 91.4%; P > 0.05). Fewer EFP cycles finished in embryo transfer (50.2% vs. 72.5%) (P < 0.05). The implantation rate was 42.6% and 32.5% in EFP versus Onco-FP (P < 0.05). Ongoing pregnancy (57.7% vs. 35.7%) and live birth rates (68.8% vs. 41.1%) were higher in EFP patients aged ≤35 than the Onco-FP matching age patients (P < 0.05). The reason for FP per se had no effect on oocyte survival (OR = 1.484 [95%CI = 0.876-2.252]; P = 0.202) or the CLBR (OR = 1.275 [95%CI = 0.711-2.284]; P = 0.414). Conversely, age (<36 vs. ≥36 y) impacted oocyte survival (adj.OR = 1.922 [95%CI = 1.274-2.900]; P = 0.025) and the CLBR (adj.OR= 3.106 [95%CI = 2.039-4.733]; P < 0.0001). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly higher cumulative probability of live birth in patients <36 versus >36 in EFP (P < 0.0001), with improved outcomes when more oocytes were available for IVF. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Statistical power to compare IVF outcomes is limited by the few women who came to use their oocytes in the Onco-FP group. The patients' ages and the COS protocols used were significantly different between the EFP and ONCO-PP groups. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Although the implantation rate was significantly lower in the Onco-FP patients the impact of cancer disease per se was not proven'. EFP patients should be counseled according to their age and number of available oocytes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No external funding was used for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Emotional intelligence and coping styles: An intervention in geriatric nurses.

Current research indicates a relationship between EI, stress, coping strategies, well-being and mental health. Emotional intelligence skills and knowledge, and coping strategies can be increased with training. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to use a controlled design to test the impact of theoretically based training on the different components of EI and coping styles in a sample of nurses working with older adults. METHODS: A group of 92 professionals (RN and CAN) who attended a workshop on EI were included in the study. They completed a self-reported measure of EI and coping styles on three occasions: pre- and post-workshop and at one year follow-up. The EI workshop consisted of four 4-h sessions conducted over a four-week period. Each session was held at the one-week interval. This interval allowed participants to apply what was taught during the session to their daily life. The instruments to measure the EI and coping were the Trait Meta-Mood Scale and the CAE test. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the pre- and post-workshop measures both at the end of the workshop and up to one year for both the Trait Meta-Mood Scale scores and the CAE test. There was a significant increase in the EI and coping styles after the workshop and one year thereafter. CONCLUSION: The workshop was useful for developing EI in the professionals. The immediate impact of the emotional consciousness of individuals was particularly significant for all participants. The long-term impact was notable for the significant increase in EI and most coping styles.

Serosurvey Reveals Exposure to West Nile Virus in Asymptomatic Horse Populations in Central Spain Prior to Recent Disease Foci.

West Nile fever/encephalitis (WNF) is an infectious disease affecting horses, birds and humans, with a cycle involving birds as natural reservoirs and mosquitoes as transmission vectors. It is a notifiable disease, re-emerging in Europe. In Spain, it first appeared in horses in the south (Andalusia) in 2010, where outbreaks occur every year since. However, in 2014, an outbreak was declared in horses in central Spain, approximately 200 km away from the closest foci in Andalusia. Before that, evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) circulation in central Spain had been obtained only from wildlife, but never in horses. The purpose of this work was to perform a serosurvey to retrospectively detect West Nile virus infections in asymptomatic horses in central Spain from 2011 to 2013, that is before the occurrence of the first outbreaks in the area. For that, serum samples from 369 horses, collected between September 2011 and November 2013 in central Spain, were analysed by ELISA (blocking and IgM) and confirmed by virus neutralization, proving its specificity using parallel titration with another flavivirus (Usutu virus). As a result, 10 of 369 horse serum samples analysed gave positive results by competitive ELISA, 5 of which were confirmed as positive to WNV by virus neutralization (seropositivity rate: 1.35%). One of these WNV seropositive samples was IgM-positive. Chronologically, the first positive samples, including the IgM-positive, corresponded to sera collected in 2012 in Madrid province. From these results, we concluded that WNV circulated in asymptomatic equine populations of central Spain at least since 2012, before the first disease outbreak reported in this area.

Contribution of early SPECT/CT to 99mTc-MIBI double phase scintigraphy in primary hyperparathyroidism: Diagnostic value and correlation between uptake and biological parameters / Aportación del SPECT/TC precoz a la gammagrafía de doble fase con 99mTc-MIBI en pacientes con hiperparatiroidismo primario: valor diagnóstico y correlación de la captación con parámetros biológicos

Aim. To evaluate the value of 99mTc-MIBI double-phase scintigraphy (DPS) and early SPECT/CT in the pre-surgical assessment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Also, to calculate the correlation between uptake and some biological parameters. Material and methods. Forty patients with PHPT were included: 37 solitary adenomas, 1 hyperplasia, and 2 double adenomas. Fifteen patients had ectopic glands. DPS and early SPECT/CT were acquired in all patients. Ultrasound was performed in 31/40. All patients underwent surgery, intra-operative iPTH measurements, and histopathological examinations. Qualitative DPS uptake was assessed and correlated to pre-surgical calcium, iPTH levels, gland weight, and maximum diameter. Results. In the planar study, there were 23 positive cases, 8 doubtful, and 9 negatives. With the SPECT/CT, 8/9 negatives cases were located. All doubtful cases were confirmed as positives. Gland location improved in 16 cases (12 ectopic). DPS+SPECT/CT failed to detect a solitary adenoma and at least one gland in three cases of multiglandular disease (MGD). The sensitivity by patient was: DPS 72.5%, DPS+SPECT/CT 90%, and ultrasound 42%. Ultrasound and scintigraphy (DPS+SPECT/CT) were concordant in 16/31 patients. For the rest of them, scintigraphy proved correct in 14/15, and both techniques failed in one case. There was a significant correlation between level of uptake and iPTH level, gland weight, and maximum diameter. Conclusion. Early SPECT/CT improves sensitivity and the locating of parathyroid pathological glands and increases diagnostic confidence. iPTH level, glandular size, and weight are related to the qualitative assessment of 99mTc-MIBI uptake in early DPS (AU)

Objetivo. Evaluar la gammagrafía de doble fase con 99mTc-MIBI (GDF) y el SPECT/TC precoz, en la valoración prequirúrgica del hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP), calculando la correlación entre grado de captación y algunos parámetros biológicos. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron 40 pacientes: 37 adenomas solitarios, dos adenomas dobles, una hiperplasia. Quince tenían glándulas ectópicas. En 40 pacientes se realizaron GDF y SPECT/TC; en 31/40, ecografía. Todos los pacientes fueron intervenidos, realizando determinación de PTHi intraoperatoria y examen histopatológico. Se evaluó cualitativamente la captación en la GDF, correlacionándose con calcio y PTHi prequirúrgicos, peso y diámetro máximo glandulares. Resultados. En el estudio planar se obtuvieron 23 casos positivos, 8 dudosos, y 9 negativos. Con SPECT/TC se localizaron 8/9 de los negativos. Todos los dudosos se confirmaron como positivos. La localización glandular mejoró en 16 casos (12 ectópicos). La GDF+SPECT/TC fallaron en la detección de un adenoma solitario y en la visualización de alguna de las glándulas en tres casos de enfermedad multiglandular (EMG). La sensibilidad por pacientes fue: GDF 72,5%, GDF+SPECT/TC 90%, ecografía 42%. Ecografía y gammagrafía (GDF+SPECT/TC) concordaron en 16/31 pacientes. De los no concordantes, la gammagrafía acertó en 14/15 y ambas técnicas fallaron en uno. Hubo correlación significativa entre captación y PTHi, peso y diámetro máximo glandulares. Conclusion. El SPECT/TC precoz mejora la sensibilidad y la localización de las paratiroides patológicas y aumenta la confianza diagnóstica. PTHi, tamaño y peso glandulares se correlacionan con la valoración cualitativa de la captación precoz de 99mTc-MIBI en la GDF (AU)

Impact of vitrification on the mitochondrial activity and redox homeostasis of human oocyte.

STUDY QUESTION: Do the extreme conditions of vitrification affect mitochondrial health and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of human oocytes? SUMMARY ANSWER: Vitrification of discarded human oocytes shifts the intracellular redox potential towards oxidation but does not alter the mitochondrial potential or intracellular ROS levels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Recent studies have reflected increased ROS levels in warmed young oocytes and have highlighted the temporal dynamic loss of mitochondrial potential that could, therefore, lead to a decrease in ATP production, impairing embryo development. Mitochondrial function can also be evaluated in vivo by the FAD/NAD(P)H autofluorescence ratio, which reflects the respiratory chain activity and is considered as a marker of the intracellular redox state. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A total of 629 discarded Metaphase II (MII) oocytes collected from June 2013 to April 2014 were included in this control (fresh oocytes, n= 270) versus treatment (vitrified oocytes, n= 359) study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Discarded MII oocytes were donated to research by young (<27 years old) and reproductively aged (>36 years old) women who underwent ovarian stimulation for IVF at a university-affiliated private fertility clinic. Redox state was assessed by measuring the FAD/NAD(P)H autofluorescence ratio, while ROS and mitochondrial activity were reported by in vivo labelling with carboxy-H2DCFDA and JC-1, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Young and aged oocytes showed high and similar survival rates (81.8 versus 83.1%, not significant). Confocal microscopy revealed that the FAD/NAD(P)H ratio was significantly higher in vitrified oocytes than in fresh oocytes, suggesting a significant shift towards the oxidized state in oocytes after vitrification, regardless of the maternal age. Mitochondrial distribution was not affected by vitrification. Furthermore, it was not possible to resolve any difference in mitochondrial potential using JC-1 potentiometric dye or in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (assessed with H2-DCFDA staining) between fresh and vitrified oocytes. Therefore, measurement of intracellular redox potential by autofluorescence imaging may be a more sensitive method to assess oxidative stress or mitochondrial demise in human oocytes because it showed a higher resolving power than JC-1 staining and displayed less variability than H2-DCFDA staining. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Owing to sample availability, MII discarded oocytes (in vitro matured oocytes and unfertilized oocytes 20 h after ICSI) were included in the study. These discarded oocytes do not necessarily reflect the physiological condition of the MII human oocyte. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Although vitrified oocytes yield comparable clinical outcomes compared with fresh oocytes, lower cleavage and blastocyst rates can be observed during in vitro culture. Data here obtained suggest that the redox state of human oocytes could be affected by vitrification. Therefore, the importance of adding protective antioxidant molecules to the vitrification solution and to the post-warming culture medium to improve embryo cleavage deserves some research. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This research project was supported by the Valencian Government (Val+i+D program, M.N.-C.), INCLIVA Foundation for health research (G.S.-A.) and by the University of L'Aquila and Regione Abruzzo ('Reti per l'Alta Formazione' - P.O.F.S.E. Abruzzo 2007-2013 G.D.E.). No conflicts of interest were declared.

Contribution of early SPECT/CT to 99mTc-MIBI double phase scintigraphy in primary hyperparathyroidism: Diagnostic value and correlation between uptake and biological parameters.

AIM: To evaluate the value of 99mTc-MIBI double-phase scintigraphy (DPS) and early SPECT/CT in the pre-surgical assessment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Also, to calculate the correlation between uptake and some biological parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with PHPT were included: 37 solitary adenomas, 1 hyperplasia, and 2 double adenomas. Fifteen patients had ectopic glands. DPS and early SPECT/CT were acquired in all patients. Ultrasound was performed in 31/40. All patients underwent surgery, intra-operative iPTH measurements, and histopathological examinations. Qualitative DPS uptake was assessed and correlated to pre-surgical calcium, iPTH levels, gland weight, and maximum diameter. RESULTS: In the planar study, there were 23 positive cases, 8 doubtful, and 9 negatives. With the SPECT/CT, 8/9 negatives cases were located. All doubtful cases were confirmed as positives. Gland location improved in 16 cases (12 ectopic). DPS+SPECT/CT failed to detect a solitary adenoma and at least one gland in three cases of multiglandular disease (MGD). The sensitivity by patient was: DPS 72.5%, DPS+SPECT/CT 90%, and ultrasound 42%. Ultrasound and scintigraphy (DPS+SPECT/CT) were concordant in 16/31 patients. For the rest of them, scintigraphy proved correct in 14/15, and both techniques failed in one case. There was a significant correlation between level of uptake and iPTH level, gland weight, and maximum diameter. CONCLUSION: Early SPECT/CT improves sensitivity and the locating of parathyroid pathological glands and increases diagnostic confidence. iPTH level, glandular size, and weight are related to the qualitative assessment of 99mTc-MIBI uptake in early DPS.

Barriers in implementing research among registered nurses working in the care of the elderly: a multicenter study in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: This study identified barriers to the utilization of research results perceived by nurses who work in nursing homes in Spain. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and multicentre study was conducted in 126 nursing homes in different Spanish cities. The BARRIERS to Research Utilization Scale (BARRIERS scale) was used to identify barriers. RESULTS: A total of 756 nurses responded (92.48%). BARRIERS scale variables with the highest scores included Characteristics of the organization (mean=24.89, SD=4.37), followed by Professional features (mean=21.87, SD=4.85). The specific barriers that were rated the highest included "not enough time on the job to implement new ideas" (mean=3.89, SD=0.98), followed by "unknown nursing research" (mean=2.75; SD=1.22) and "Doctors do not cooperate in the implementation" (mean=3.01, SD=1.85). CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric nurses perceive time as the main barrier to implementing the results of research in practice. The number and nature of the barriers are consistent with studies from other countries. Knowledge of the barriers is crucial for institutions and educators to instigate measures that improve the implementation of nursing research, especially in an area like elderly care. To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted among geriatric nurses in Spain.

SPECT-CT finding of 99mTc-HMDP uptake in abdominal adenopathies in a patient with metastasic breast cancer / Hallazgo mediante SPECT-TC de captación de 99mTc-HMDP en adenopatías abdominales en una paciente con cáncer de mama metastásico

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