Expression of Non-T Cell Activation Linker (NTAL) in Jurkat Cells Negatively Regulates TCR Signaling: Potential Role in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

T lymphocytes are key players in adaptive immune responses through the recognition of peptide antigens through the T Cell Receptor (TCR). After TCR engagement, a signaling cascade is activated, leading to T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation into effector cells. Delicate control of activation signals coupled to the TCR is needed to avoid uncontrolled immune responses involving T cells. It has been previously shown that mice deficient in the expression of the adaptor NTAL (Non-T cell activation linker), a molecule structurally and evolutionarily related to the transmembrane adaptor LAT (Linker for the Activation of T cells), develop an autoimmune syndrome characterized by the presence of autoantibodies and enlarged spleens. In the present work we intended to deepen investigation into the negative regulatory functions of the NTAL adaptor in T cells and its potential relationship with autoimmune disorders. For this purpose, in this work we used Jurkat cells as a T cell model, and we lentivirally transfected them to express the NTAL adaptor in order to analyze the effect on intracellular signals associated with the TCR. In addition, we analyzed the expression of NTAL in primary CD4+ T cells from healthy donors and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. Our results showed that NTAL expression in Jurkat cells decreased calcium fluxes and PLC-γ1 activation upon stimulation through the TCR complex. Moreover, we showed that NTAL was also expressed in activated human CD4+ T cells, and that the increase of its expression was reduced in CD4+ T cells from RA patients. Our results, together with previous reports, suggest a relevant role for the NTAL adaptor as a negative regulator of early intracellular TCR signaling, with a potential implication in RA.

Management of Kidney Failure in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: What Are the Best Options?

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most frequent cause of kidney failure (KF). There are large variations in the incidence rates of kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Late referral to nephrology services has been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. In many countries, when patients reach severely reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), they are managed by multidisciplinary teams led by nephrologists. In these clinics, efforts will continue to halt chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and to prevent cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In patients with diabetes and severely reduced GFR and KF, treating hyperglycemia is a challenge, since some drugs are contraindicated and most of them require dose adjustments. Even more, a decision-making process will help in deciding whether the patient would prefer comprehensive conservative care or KRT. On many occasions, this decision will be conditioned by diabetes mellitus itself. Effective education should cover the necessary information for the patient and family to answer these questions: 1. Should I go for KRT or not? 2. If the answer is KRT, dialysis and/or transplantation? 3. Dialysis at home or in center? 4. If dialysis at home, peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis? 5. If transplantation is desired, discuss the options of whether the donation would be from a living or deceased donor. This review addresses the determinant factors with an impact on DKD, aiming to shed light on the specific needs that arise in the management and recommendations on how to achieve a comprehensive approach to the diabetic patient with chronic kidney disease.

[V grade renal trauma in patient with union pyeloureteral stenosis not known.] / Traumatismo renal grado v en paciente con estenosis de la unión pieloureteral no conocida.

Paciente de 40 años de edad, sin alergias medicamentosas conocidas y sin antecedentesde interés, que es traído a Urgencias por dispositivo de cuidados críticos por politraumatismo tras accidente de moto...

Paciente de 40 años de edad, sin alergias medicamentosas conocidas y sin antecedentesde interés, que es traído a Urgencias por dispositivo de cuidados críticos por politraumatismo tras accidente de moto...

Traumatismo renal grado v en paciente con estenosis de la unión pieloureteral no conocida / V grade renal trauma in patient with union pyeloureteral stenosis not known

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Academic Performance of Immigrant Students and Teachers' Expectations / Desempenho Acadêmico de Alunos Imigrantes e Expectativas Docentes / Rendimiento Académico de los Estudiantes Inmigrantes y Expectativas Docentes

Abstract This study focuses on whether teachers' thinking is prophetic, that is, whether these attitudes and actions permeate the students and condition their academic performance. To this end, we analyzed the beliefs of 167 teachers of Early Childhood, Elementary and High School Education in the province of Córdoba (Spain). A questionnaire was used to know the relationship between teachers' beliefs about immigrant students and their possible influence on academic achievements. In the first place, the findings show the teachers' lack of confidence in non-native students, a phenomenon that is largely unconscious; in the second place, lower school results in these students in relation to natives; and, finally, an external attributional style in teachers, for whom the families and the organizational resources of the school institution, not them, are the determining factors of school achievement.

Resumo Este estudo teve por objetivo investigar se o pensamento dos professores é um pensamento profético, ou seja, se suas atitudes e ações sugestionam os alunos e condicionam o seu desempenho acadêmico. Para este fim, são analisadas as crenças de 167 professores de Educação Infantil, Educação Básica e Ensino Médio da província de Córdoba (Espanha). Foi utilizado um questionário para saber a relação entre os alunos imigrantes e sua possível influência no desempenho acadêmico. Os resultados mostram, em primeiro lugar, a baixa confiança dos professores nos alunos não nativos, fenômeno em grande parte inconsciente; em segundo lugar, registra-se um desempenho acadêmico mais baixo neste corpo discente em relação aos autóctones e, finalmente, um estilo de atribuição externo aos professores, para os quais as famílias e os recursos organizacionais da instituição escolar, e não eles, são os fatores determinantes do desempenho acadêmico.

Resumen El presente estudio de investigación se centra en conocer si el pensamiento del docente es un pensamiento profético, es decir, si esas actitudes y acciones docentes penetran en el alumnado y condicionan su desempeño académico. Para ello se analizan las creencias de 167 docentes de Educación Infantil, Educación Primaria y Educación Secundaria de la provincia de Córdoba (España). Se utilizó un cuestionario para conocer la relación entre el alumnado inmigrante y su posible influjo en el logro académico. Los hallazgos evidencian, en primer lugar, la escasa confianza del profesorado en el alumnado no autóctono, fenómeno que es en gran medida inconsciente; en segundo lugar, resultados escolares más bajos en este alumnado con relación al autóctono; y, finalmente, un estilo atribucional externo en los docentes, para quienes las familias y los recursos organizativos de la institución escolar, no ellos, son los factores determinantes del logro escolar.

The diagnostic value of pleural fluid homocysteine in malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: Pleural fluid homocysteine (HCY) can be useful for diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). There are no published studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of HCY with other tumour markers in pleural fluid for diagnosis of MPE. The aim was to compare the accuracy of HCY with that of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA) 15.3, CA19.9 and CA125 in pleural fluid and to develop a probabilistic model using these biomarkers to differentiate benign (BPE) from MPE. METHODS: Patients with pleural effusion were randomly included. HCY, CEA, CA15.3, CEA19.9 and CA125 were quantified in pleural fluid. Patients were classified into two groups: MPE or BPE. By applying logistic regression analysis, a multivariate probabilistic model was developed using pleural fluid biomarkers. The diagnostic accuracy was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculating the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Population of study comprised 133 patients (72 males and 61 females) aged between 1 and 96 years (median = 70 years), 81 BPE and 52 MPE. The logistic regression analysis included HCY (p<0.0001) and CEA (p = 0.0022) in the probabilistic model and excluded the other tumour markers. The probabilistic model was: HCY+CEA = Probability(%) = 100×(1+e-z)-1, where Z = 0.5471×[HCY]+0.3846×[CEA]-8.2671. The AUCs were 0.606, 0.703, 0.778, 0.800, 0.846 and 0.948 for CA125, CA19.9, CEA, CA15.3, HCY and HCY+CEA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Pleural fluid HCY has higher accuracy for diagnosis of MPE than CEA, CA15.3, CA19.9 and CA125. The combination of HCY and CEA concentrations in pleural fluid significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy of the test.

An in-depth analysis shows a hidden atherogenic lipoprotein profile in non-diabetic chronic kidney disease patients.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. We hypothesized that CKD promotes a proatherogenic lipid profile modifying lipoprotein composition and particle number. Methods: Cross-sectional study in 395 non-diabetic individuals (209 CKD patients and 186 controls) without statin therapy. Conventional lipid determinations were combined with advanced lipoprotein profiling by nuclear magnetic resonance, and their discrimination ability was assessed by machine learning. Results: CKD patients showed an increase of very-low-density (VLDL) particles and a reduction of LDL particle size. Cholesterol and triglyceride content of VLDLs and intermediate-density (IDL) particles increased. However, low-density (LDL) and high-density (HDL) lipoproteins gained triglycerides and lost cholesterol. Total-Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, non-HDL-Cholesterol and Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type (PCSK9) were negatively associated with CKD stages, whereas triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), remnant cholesterol, and the PCSK9/LDL-Cholesterol ratio were positively associated. PCSK9 was positively associated with total-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, LDL-triglycerides, LDL particle number, IDL-Cholesterol, and remnant cholesterol. Machine learning analysis by random forest revealed that new parameters have a higher discrimination ability to classify patients into the CKD group, compared to traditional parameters alone: area under the ROC curve (95% CI), .789 (.711, .853) vs .687 (.611, .755). Conclusions: non-diabetic CKD patients have a hidden proatherogenic lipoprotein profile.

Prosthesis-patient mismatch after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: prevalence and medium term prognostic impact.

Prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) occurs when the effective orifice area of the prosthesis is too small in relation to the patient's body surface area. There are few data available on the frequency and prognostic impact of PPM after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Our aim was to determine the prevalence of PPM and to investigate its association with medium-term clinical course of patients undergoing TAVI. We included 185 patients undergoing TAVI (79 ± 5 years, 49% male, 98% CoreValve) between April-2008 and December-2014. The effective orifice area (EOA) was determined by transthoracic echocardiography prior and after the procedure. We defined PPM as indexed EOA ≤ 0.85 cm2/m2 (severe PPM if ≤ 0.65 cm2/m2). All cause death, stroke and hospitalization for heart failure were considered as major clinical events. 45 patients (24%) showed PPM (severe 11 patients, 6%). PPM was associated with a higher EuroSCORE (OR 1.06, IC 95% 1.01-1.12, p = 0.03), body surface area ≥ 1.72 m2 (OR 3.58, IC 95% 1.30-9.87, p = 0.01) and small aortic annulus (OR 0.73, IC 95% 0.55-0.92, p = 0.03); and severe PPM with small prostheses size (OR 17.79, IC 95% 1.87-169.78, p = 0.012). The mean event-free survival was 34 ± 26 months. Patients with severe PPM showed lower rates of event free survival than the rest of the series (52% vs. 84%, p = 0.04) at 34 months follow up. In our series, PPM was present in a quarter of the patients after TAVI. Higher EuroSCORE, smaller prosthesis size, larger body surface area and smaller aortic annulus diameter were associated with PPM. Severe PPM was an independent factor associated with major events at medium-term follow up.

Inflammation in Diabetic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a growing public health problem. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most prevalent chronic renal disease and the major cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide, predominantly due to the increase of Type 2 diabetes associated with obesity. The intimate mechanisms leading to the development and progression of renal injury in DKD are not well understood, but current knowledge indicates that its pathogenesis is multifactorial, where the immune response and inflammation appear to be relevant factors. SUMMARY: This review summarizes the role of relevant inflammatory molecules and pathways that participate in the development of DKD. Likewise, we focused on the new therapeutic approaches based on anti-inflammatory effects of different drugs. Key Messages: This new pathogenic perspective of DKD as an inflammatory condition leads to novel horizons, such as the potential role of inflammatory signaling pathways and their downstream products as emerging biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets.

Delimitando la coerción y los cuidados enfermeros en salud mental: Una aproximación cualitativa / Delimitando a coerção e os cuidados de enfermagem em saúde mental: Uma abordagem qualitativa / Defining coercion and mental health care provided by nurses: A qualitative approach

CONTEXTO: La cultura cada vez más coercitiva en la atención a la salud mental se pone de manifiesto en multitud de intervenciones. Es preciso tomar en consideración las aportaciones de los profesionales de salud mental como procedimiento de evaluación y determinación de factores estratégicos en la facilitación hacia un cambio de paradigma. OBJETIVO: Analizar el discurso grupal en base a las opiniones, experiencias y percepciones de las enfermeras sobre la coerción y sus límites con los valores profesionales en el ámbito de los cuidados en salud mental. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo de enfoque cualitativo, donde participaron once enfermeras involucradas en el proceso formativo/docente de la especialidad de enfermería de salud mental. La recolección de datos se produjo a través de la técnica de grupo focal y el contenido textual ha sido sometido al análisis temático. RESULTADOS: Las categorías temáticas identificadas son: “Coerción: contexto de descubrimiento y contexto de justificación”, “Cuidado humano, vulnerabilidad y coerción en salud mental” y “Fortalezas y debilidades del cuidado profesional”. CONCLUSIÓN: Los valores y actitudes emergentes de las enfermeras especialistas en salud mental se articulan en la relación de ayuda, siendo la propia identidad enfermera el resultado de esa práctica y teniendo como principal característica la gestión integral del cuidado. Los cuidados enfermeros contribuyen a la consecución práctica de los derechos humanos. El cuidado contractual supone la negación de hacerse partícipe de prácticas obligatorias o coercitivas, tratándose de incorporar en una lógica de derecho la complejidad del cuidado.

CONTEXTO: A cultura cada vez mais coercitiva da atenção em saúde mental é evidente em diversas intervenções. É preciso ter em consideração as contribuições dos profissionais da saúde mental como procedimento de avaliação e determinação de fatores estratégicos na facilitação da mudança de paradigma. OBJETIVO: Analisar o discurso grupal com base nas opiniões, experiências e percepções das enfermeiras sobre a coerção e os seus limites com os valores profissionais no âmbito dos cuidados em saúde mental. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo com uma abordagem qualitativa, onde participaram onze enfermeiras envolvidas no processo de formação e a docência da especialidade de enfermagem de saúde mental. A colheita de dados foi realizada através da técnica de grupo focal e o conteúdo textual foi submetido à análise temática. RESULTADOS: As categorias temáticas identificadas são: “Coerção: contexto de descoberta e contexto de justificação”, “Do cuidado humano, vulnerabilidade e coerção em saúde mental” e “Fortalezas e debilidades do cuidado profissional”. CONCLUSÃO: Os valores e atitudes emergentes das enfermeiras especialistas em saúde mental dependem da relação de ajuda, sendo a própria identidade da enfermeira o resultado dessa prática e tendo como principal característica a gestão integral do cuidado. Os cuidados de enfermagem contribuem à consecução prática dos direitos humanos. O cuidado contratual supõe a negação de fazer-se participante de práticas obrigatórias ou coercitivas, tratando-se de incorporar em uma lógica de direito a complexidade do cuidado.

BACKGROUND: Increasingly coercive culture in mental health care clearly comes out in a multitude of interventions. It is necessary to take into consideration the contributions of mental health professionals to evaluate and determine strategic factors to facilitate a paradigm shift. AIM: Analysis of group discourse based on the opinions, experiences and perceptions of nurses about coercion and its limits, with professional values in the field of mental health care. METHODS: Descriptive study from a qualitative approach with the participation of eleven nurses involved in the teaching- learning process about specialises in mental health. Data collection was done through the focus group technique and textual content has been subjected to thematic analysis. RESULTS: The thematic categories identified are: "Coercion: context of discovery and context of justification", "Human care, vulnerability and coercion in mental health" and "Strengths and weaknesses of professional care". CONCLUSION: Values and emerging attitudes of nurses specialized in mental health are based on aid relationships. The own nurse identity is the result of this practice and the integral management of care is the main feature. Nursing care contributes to the practical achievement of human rights. Contractual care implies the refusal to participate in compulsory or coercive practices, trying to understand the complexity of care under a logic of law.

Chronic kidney disease in Spain: Prevalence and impact of accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors. / Prevalencia de enfermedad renal crónica en España: impacto de la acumulación de factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem worldwide. We aimed to estimate the CKD prevalence in Spain and to examine the impact of the accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a nationwide, population-based survey evaluating 11,505 individuals representative of the Spanish adult population. Information was collected through standardised questionnaires, physical examination, and analysis of blood and urine samples in a central laboratory. CKD was graded according to current KDIGO definitions. The relationship between CKD and 10CVRF was assessed (age, hypertension, general obesity, abdominal obesity, smoking, high LDL-cholesterol, low HDL-cholesterol, hypertriglyceridaemia, diabetes and sedentary lifestyle). RESULTS: Prevalence of CKD was 15.1% (95%CI: 14.3-16.0%). CKD was more common in men (23.1% vs 7.3% in women), increased with age (4.8% in 18-44 age group, 17.4% in 45-64 age group, and 37.3% in ≥65), and was more common in those with than those without cardiovascular disease (39.8% vs 14.6%); all P<.001. CKD affected 4.5% of subjects with 0-1CVRF, and then progressively increased from 10.4% to 52.3% in subjects with 2 to 8-10CVRF (P trend <.001). CONCLUSIONS: CKD affects one in seven adults in Spain. The prevalence is higher than previously reported and similar to that in the United States. CKD was particularly prevalent in men, older people and people with cardiovascular disease. Prevalence of CKD increased considerably with the accumulation of CVRF, suggesting that CKD could be considered as a cardiovascular condition.

Fabry Nephropathy: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review.

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare, X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene encoding the enzyme α-galactosidase A. Complete or partial deficiency in this enzyme leads to intracellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and other glycosphingolipids in many cell types throughout the body, including the kidney. Progressive accumulation of Gb3 in podocytes, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and tubular cells contribute to the renal symptoms of FD, which manifest as proteinuria and reduced glomerular filtration rate leading to renal insufficiency. A correct diagnosis of FD, although challenging, has considerable implications regarding treatment, management, and counseling. The diagnosis may be confirmed by demonstrating the enzyme deficiency in males and by identifying the specific GLA gene mutation in male and female patients. Treatment with enzyme replacement therapy, as part of the therapeutic strategy to prevent complications of the disease, may be beneficial in stabilizing renal function or slowing its decline, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Emergent treatments for FD include the recently approved chaperone molecule migalastat for patients with amenable mutations. The objective of this report is to provide an updated overview on Fabry nephropathy, with a focus on the most relevant aspects of its epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment options.

Vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno idiopático con recurrencias: vitamina D y calcemia / Idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with recurrences: vitamin D and calcemia / Vertigem posicional paroxistica benigna idiopatica comrecorrências: vitamina D e calcemia

Introducción: la causa más frecuente de vértigo en los adultos es el Vértigo Posicional Paroxístico Benigno (VPPB). La vitamina D interviene en la correcta biomineralización de la otoconia; niveles bajos de la misma y la consiguiente alteración de la homeostasis del calcio pueden alterar la formación otoconial normal, e intervenir en la aparición de dicha patología. Objetivos: Analizar la distribución de pacientes con VPPB idiopático con recurrencias según edad, sexo, valores de vitamina D total y calcemia. Determinar la frecuencia de las alteraciones de estos valores en pacientes con dicha patología. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo. Resultados: 30 pacientes, con edad media de 57 años (rango: 27-87 años), de los cuales 10 (33%) fueron hombres y 20 (67%) mujeres. Del total, 29 (97%) presentaron valores normales de calcemia; sólo uno (3%) presentó hipocalcemia; 9 (30%) pacientes presentaron valores normales de vitamina D y 21 (70%), valores alterados. Del total de pacientes con hipovitaminosis D (21), 6 (29%) fueron hombres y 15 (71%) mujeres, con edad media para dicha muestra de 52 años. De la misma, el mayor número de pacientes (9 = 43%) se encontraba entre el rango de edad 47-56 años. De la población con hipovitaminosis D (21), 10 (48%) correspondieron a valores insuficientes y 11 (52%), a valores deficientes. Conclusiones: En la muestra analizada, el 70% presentó hipovitaminosis D, deficiente o insuficiente en similar proporción. Esta alteración fue más prevalente en individuos de entre 47 y 56 años, con una edad media de 52, principalmente mujeres. No se objetivaron alteraciones significativas en los valores de calcemia analizados.

Introduction: the most common cause of vertigo in adults is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Vitamin D is involved in the correct biomineralization of otoconia; low levels of calcium and the consequent alteration of calcium homeostasis can alter the normal otoconial formation and to intervene on the onset of this pathology. Objectives: To analyze the distribution of patients with Idiopathic BPPV with recurrence according to age, sex, total vitamin D and calcemia. To determine frequency of the alterations of these values in patients with this pathology. Material and method: Retrospective, descriptive study. Results: 30 patients, mean age 57 years (range: 27- 87 years), 10 (33%) men and 20 (67%) women. Of the total, 29 (97%) presented normal values of calcemia, only one (3%) presented hypocalcemia. 9 (30%) patients had normal values of vitamin D and 21 (70%), altered values. Of the total number of patients with hypovitaminosis D (21), 6 (29%) were men and 15 (71%) women, mean age of 52 years. In hypovitaminosis D group (21), the age of the largest number of patients (9 = 43%) ranged from 47 to 56 years. In this group, 10 (48%) patients corresponded to insufficient vitamin D values and 11 (52%) had vitamin D deficiency. Conclusions: In our sample, 70% of patients presented insufficiency or deficiency of vitamin D values in a similar proportion. These alterations were more prevalent in individuals with age ranged from 47 to 56 years, mean age of 52, mainly women. There were no significant alterations in the analized calcemia values.

Introdução: a causa mais comum de vertigem em adultos é a Vertigem posicional paroxística benigna (VPPB). A vitamina D está envolvida na biomineralização correta da otoconia; baixos níveis de cálcio e a consequente alteração da homeostase de cálcio podem alterar a formação normal de otoconia e intervir no início desta patologia. Objetivos: Analisar a distribuição de pacientes com VPPB idiopática com recorrência de acordo com a idade, sexo, vitamina D total e calcemia. Para determinar a freqüência de alterações desses valores em pacientes com esta patologia. Material e método: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo. Resultados: 30 pacientes, idade média de 57 anos (faixa: 27-87 anos) dos quais 10 (33%) eram homens e 20 (67%) eram mulheres. Do total, 29 (97%) apresentaram valores normais de calcemia, apenas um (3%) apresentou hipocalcemia. 9 (30%) pacientes apresentaram valores normais de vitamina D e 21 (70%), valores alterados. Do total de pacientes com hipovitaminose D (21), 6 (29%) eram homens e 15 (71%) eram mulheres, com idade média de 52 anos. Do mesmo modo, o maior número de pacientes (9 = 43%) estava entre a faixa etária de 47-56 anos. Da população com hipovitaminose D (21), 10 (48%) pacientes corresponderam a valores insuficientes de vitamina D e 11 (52%) apresentaram deficiência de vitamina D. Conclusões: Em nossa amostra, 70% dos pacientes apresentaram insuficiência ou deficiência de valores de vitamina D em proporção similar. Estas alterações foram mais prevalentes em indivíduos entre 47 e 56 anos, idade média de 52, principalmente mulheres. Não houve alterações significativas nos valores de calcemia analizados.

Economic implications of labor induction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess health service costs associated with labor induction according to different clinical situations in a tertiary-level hospital. METHODS: In a prospective study, individual patient cost data were assessed for women admitted for induction of labor at a tertiary hospital in Spain between November 1, 2012, and August 31, 2013. The costs of labor induction were estimated according to maternal and neonatal outcomes, method of delivery, cervical condition at admission, and obstetric indication. Direct costs including professional fees, epidural, maternal stay, consumables, and drugs were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 412 women were included in the final cost analysis. The mean total cost of labor induction was €3589.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3475.13-3704.61). Cesarean delivery after labor induction (€4830.45, 95% CI 4623.13-5037.58) was significantly more expensive than spontaneous delivery (€3037.45, 95% CI 2966.91-3179.99) and instrumental vaginal delivery (€3344.31, 95%CI 3151.69-3536.93). The total cost for patients with a very unfavorable cervix (Bishop score <2; €4283.47, 95% CI 4063.06-4503.88) was almost double that for women with a favorable cervix (€2605.09, 95% CI 2327.38-2837.58). Labor induction for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was the most expensive obstetric indication for induction of labor (€4347.32, 95% CI 3890.45-4804.18). CONCLUSION: Following the induction of labor, a number of patient- and treatment-related factors influence costs associated with delivery.

[Metastatic testicular melanoma. Case report]. / METÁSTASIS TESTICULAR DE MELANOMA. A PROPÓSITO DE UN CASO.

A 33 year-old male, who five years earlier was operated for a nodular melanoma in vertical growth phase of 1.5mm thick (Breslow), Clark II-III, presented to the Emergency department with a progressive increase of the left testicle. Ultrasound scan examination revealed a 2 x 2 cm solid mass in the left testis, with normal right testis.With the diagnosis of testicular neoplasm, we requested Alpha-fetoprotein and beta HCG levels, and patient underwent radical orchiectomy.

[Testicular epidermoid cyst: A rare entity]. / QUISTE EPIDERMOIDE TESTICULAR: UNA RARA ENTIDAD CLÍNICA.

OBJECTIVE: Testicular epidermoid cyst is a rare clinical entity that accounts for 1% of testicular neoplasias. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report two cases of testicular epidermoid cysts in a 18 and 19 year old males with a painless testicular lesion. Testicular US was carried out showing a hypoechoic nodule in both cases. With the suspicion of testicular neoplasm inguinal orchiectomy was carried out with placement of testicular prostheses in the same act. The pathology report was testicular epidermoid cyst in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular epidermoid cysts are an uncommon benign entity. When there is a suspicion of this diagnosis, based on tumor markers and ultrasound or MRI images, testicular parenchyma-sparing surgery must be attempted.

Metástasis testicular de melanoma. A propósito de un caso / Metastatic testicular melanoma. Case report

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Homocysteine: new tumor marker in pleural fluid.

There are no published studies examining the utility of total homocysteine (HCY) in pleural fluid. The aim was to measure the accuracy of pleural fluid HCY concentration for diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). We studied pleural fluids obtained by thoracocentesis in patients with pleural effusion. Pleural fluid HCY concentration was measured by immunonephelometry using N Latex HCY reagent with monoclonal antibody in automated analyzers BNII (Siemens Diagnostics®). Patients were classified into two groups according to the etiology of pleural effusion: benign pleural effusions (BPE) and MPE. Pleural effusion was categorized as MPE if malignant cells were demonstrated in pleural fluid or pleural biopsy. The accuracy of pleural fluid HCY concentration for diagnosis of MPE was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) techniques by analyzing the area under the ROC curve (AUC). We studied 89 patients with ages between 1 and 96 years old (median = 66). Forty-eight patients were BPE and 41 were MPE. Pleural fluid HCY concentration was significantly higher in patients with MPE (median = 13.70 µmol/L) than in those with BPE (median = 8.05 µmol/L). The AUC value was 0.833 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.739-0.903). The optimal cutoff value was 13.1 µmol/L exhibiting 56.1 % (95 % CI 39.8-71.5) sensitivity and 85.4 % (95 % CI 72.2-93.9) specificity. Pleural fluid HCY concentration showed high diagnostic accuracy to predict whether a pleural effusion is benign or malignant. Pleural fluid HCY concentration may be measured easily and quickly in automated analyzers and could be a tumor marker commonly used for diagnosis of MPE.

SureClick® (Darbepoetin alfa) can improve perceived satisfaction and competence for anemia treatment and increase self-administration in non-dialyzed patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: SureClick® is a prefilled pen for administration of darbepoetin alfa (DA) that is ready-to-use. We explored patient satisfaction with SureClick® compared with prefilled syringes (PFS). METHODS: Multicenter, prospective, 6-months, observational study in non-dialyzed patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with DA in PFS who switched to SureClick® at baseline. Main outcomes were: change in Anemia Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (ATSQ-S), Perceived Competence for Anemia Scale (PCAS) and self-administration rate. RESULTS: We enrolled 132 patients with a mean(SD) age of 71.3 (14.6) years, 57.6% women. Mean(SD) ATSQ-S scores at baseline and final records were 25.5 (7.9) and 31.6 (4.9) (on a scale from 0 to 36 maximum satisfaction-, mean change: 6.2, 95%CI: 4.6-7.8, p<0.0001). The PCAS also increased significantly (4.3 (2.0) vs 5.6 (1.6), on a scale from 1 to 7 maximum competence, p<0.0001). At baseline 47.7% of patients self-administered DA with PFS, vs 74.2% with SureClick® (p<0.001). No significant changes in hemoglobin were observed (11.4 (0.5) vs 11.6 (1.3) g/dl, p=0.193). Two patients (1.5%) had adverse reactions to SureClick® (pain on application). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the change from PFS to SureClick® could increase patient satisfaction and perceived competence in anemia management in non-dialyzed CKD patients, and could increase the self-administration rate, thereby reducing use of health resources.

[Hospital-acquired anemia and decrease of hemoglobin levels in hospitalized patients]. / Anemia intrahospitalaria y descenso de hemoglobina en pacientes internados.

It is common to observe the development of anemia in hospitalized patients, especially in critical cases. Few studies have evaluated its prevalence and associated factors in patients in the general ward. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence, characteristics and associated clinical factors of hospital-acquired anemia and the drop of hemoglobin concentration in hospitalized patients. This is a cross-sectional, prospective and descriptive study. A total of 192 consecutive in-patients in the general ward were studied. Associated risk factors to the drop in hemoglobin by ≥ 2g/dl were analyzed; 139 patients (72.4%) presented anemia; 89 of them (46.4%) had it at admission and 50 (26%) developed hospital-acquired anemia, 47 out of 192 showed a drop in hemoglobin ≥ 2 g/dl(24.48%). They also presented lower values of hematocrite and hemoglobin at discharge (p = 0.01), parenteral hydration at a higher volume (p = 0.01), and lengthier hospitalizations (p = 0.0001). In the univariate analysis, the following variables were statistically significant risk factors: leukocytosis ≥ 11000 mm3 (OR; IC95%: 2,02; 1.03-4; p = 0.01), hospitalization days ≥ 7 (OR; IC95%:3.39; 1.62-7.09; p = 0.0006), parenteral hydration ≥ 1500 ml/day (OR; IC95%: 2.47; 1.06-6.4; p = 0.01), central venous access (OR; IC95%:10.29; 1.75-108.07; p = 0.003) and hospital-acquired anemia (OR; IC95%: 7.06; 3.41-15.83; p = 0.00000004). In the multivariate analysis, the following variables were independent predictive factors of the hemoglobin decrease = 2 g/dl: leukocytosis ≥ 11000 mm3 (OR; IC95%: 2.45; 1.14-5,27; p = 0.02), hospitalization days ≥ 7 (OR; IC95%:5.15; 2.19-12.07; p = 0.0002), parenteral hydration ≥ 1500 ml/day (OR; IC95%: 2.95; 1.13-7.72; p = 0.02), central venous access (OR; IC95%:8.82; 1.37-56.82; p = 0.02). Hospital-acquired anemia has a high prevalence. Lengthier stays, presence of leukocytosis, parenteral hydration and central venous access placement are predictive factors of the drop in hemoglobin ≥ 2 g/dl.