KRAS Gene Mutation in Patients Undergoing Liver Resections for Colorectal Cancer. Is There an Advantage to Anatomical Resections?

Introduction: Several factors have been described to make a prognostic assessment of patients with liver metastases due to colorectal cancer and to define the benefit of the surgical management of metastatic involvement; one of these factors is the status of the KRAS gene since its mutation is associated with worse outcomes. This study aims to describe the outcomes for a retrospective series of patients after liver resections for metastatic colorectal cancer concerning KRAS gene status. Materials and methods: The study involves a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing liver metastasectomy for colorectal cancer with KRAS mutation study from 2009-2013 at the National Institute of Cancerology in Colombia. Five-year survival analyses (overall and disease-free) were performed according to KRAS mutation status and the type of liver resection performed using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. Results: 35 patients undergoing liver metastasectomy were analyzed, of which 42.8% had KRAS gene mutation. Median overall survival was 34.2 months for patients with KRAS- mutant and 46.5 for non-mutant. The median survival for KRAS-mutant patients with anatomic resections was 43.5 months versus 23.5 months for nonanatomic resections. Conclusions: Performing anatomic resections during liver metastasectomy in patients with KRAS mutants could be associated with an improvement in overall survival. It is necessary to continue building the evidence for adequate decision-making in patients with KRAS mutants who will undergo liver resections.

Introducción: se han descrito varios factores para realizar una evaluación pronóstica de los pacientes con metástasis hepáticas por cáncer colorrectal y definir el beneficio en el manejo quirúrgico del compromiso metastásico; uno de estos factores es el estado del gen KRAS, debido a que su mutación está relacionada con peores desenlaces. El objetivo de este estudio es describir los desenlaces para una serie retrospectiva de pacientes después de resecciones hepáticas por metástasis de cáncer colorrectal en relación con el estado del gen KRAS. Metodología: cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes llevados a metastasectomía hepática por cáncer colorrectal con estudio de mutación KRAS durante el período 2009-2013, en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología en Colombia. Se realizaron análisis de supervivencia a 5 años (global y libre de enfermedad) según el estado de mutación KRAS y según el tipo de resección hepática realizada mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: se analizaron a 35 pacientes llevados a metastasectomía hepática, de los cuales el 42,8% presentaba mutación del gen KRAS. La supervivencia global media fue de 34,2 meses para los pacientes con KRAS mutado y de 46,5 para los no mutados. La supervivencia media para los pacientes con KRAS mutado con resecciones anatómicas fue de 43,5 meses frente a 23,5 meses en los que se realizaron resecciones no anatómicas. Conclusiones: realizar resecciones anatómicas durante la metastasectomía hepática en los pacientes con KRAS mutado podría estar asociado con una mejoría en la supervivencia global. Se requiere continuar en la construcción de la evidencia que permita una adecuada toma de decisiones de los pacientes con KRAS mutado que serán llevados a resecciones hepáticas.

Monitoring autoimmune diseases by bioelectrochemical detection of autoantibodies. Application to the determination of anti-myelin basic protein autoantibodies in serum of multiple sclerosis patients.

This work reports an amperometric bioplatform for the determination of anti-myelin basic protein autoantibodies (anti-MBP), a relevant biomarker for multiple sclerosis (MS) autoimmune disease. The developed configuration involves the use of carboxylated magnetic microparticles (cMBs) where the protein for specific capture of the target autoantibodies was covalently attached. The immobilized anti-MBP were further conjugated with a secondary antibody labelled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP-anti-hIgG) and amperometric transduction was performed by adding hydrogen peroxide and using hydroquinone (HQ) as redox mediator. The cathodic current resulting from the reduction of the corresponding quinone was directly proportional to the logarithmic concentration of the target autoantibodies. The analytical performance of the developed method for the determination of anti-MBP is competitive in terms of sensitivity and range of linearity with that claimed for the only biosensor reported so far in the literature, as well as with commercially available ELISA kits showing a remarkably shorter assay time. The bioplatform was applied to the analysis of serum samples of healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with MS providing results in agreement with the ELISA methodology.

Estenosis de la anastomosis ureteroileal en derivaciones urinarias realizadas mediante abordaje abierto, laparoscópico y robótico. Incidencia y manejo en un centro de tercer nivel / Ureteroileal anastomosis stricture after urinary diversions performed by open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Incidence and management in a tertiary care center

Introducción Las estenosis de anastomosis ureteroileal son complicaciones frecuentes en conductos ileales y neovejigas ortotópicas. Analizamos su incidencia en función del tipo de derivación urinaria y del abordaje quirúrgico (abierto, laparoscópico o robótico). Describimos su manejo y los resultados obtenidos.Material y métodos Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo durante 6 años en pacientes con derivación urinaria empleando íleon (conducto ileal o neovejiga ileal). Se recogen datos demográficos, comorbilidades, datos quirúrgicos (abordaje, complicaciones) y resultados. Seguimiento mínimo de un año. Comparación entre grupos, mediante test de la chi al cuadrado en variables dicotómicas. Variables cuantitativas comparadas empleando la prueba de la t Student para grupos independientes o la prueba de Mann-Whitney. Consideramos significación estadística p<0,05.Resultados Incluimos a 182 pacientes (84% varones y 16% mujeres). Edad media 68 años. Abordaje de cistectomía: laparoscópica (67/37%), robótica (63/35%), abierta (43/24%). Tipo de derivación: conducto ileal (138/76%) y neovejiga ileal ortotópica (44/24%). Tipo de reimplante: Bricker (108/59%) y Wallace (47/26%). Estenosis de anastomosis ureteroileal (50/27%): bilateral (26), izquierda (16) y derecha (8). Estenosis según abordaje de cistectomía: laparoscópica (23/46%), robótica (16/32%), abierta (9/18%). Tratamiento de estenosis (33/18%): reimplante ureteroileal (13), nefrostomía permanente (13), dilatación endoscópica (4), nefroureterectomía (2), endoureterotomía (1). Abordaje del reimplante: laparoscópico (5/38%), robótico (6/46%) y abierto (2/15%). Resultados tras reimplantes: reestenosis (0/0%), reintervención (3/23%), estenosis ureteroileal contralateral posterior (1/8%).ConclusiónEl tipo de abordaje empleado en la cistectomía no parece influir en la aparición de estenosis ureteroileales. Abordajes laparoscópicos y robóticos permiten su reparación con resultados

Introduction Ureteroileal anastomosis stricture is a frequent complication after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder formation. We analyze their incidence based on the technique for urinary diversion and on the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic or robot-assisted). Stricture management is described, along with surgical outcomes.Material and methodsDescriptive retrospective study over 6 years in patients who underwent urinary diversion using ileum (ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder). Demographic data, comorbidities, surgical approach, complications, and outcomes were collected. Minimum follow-up of 1 year. Comparison between groups using Chi-square test for dichotomous variables. Quantitative variables were compared using the Student's t test for independent groups or Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance if P<.05.Results The study included 182 patients (84% males and 16% females). Mean age 68 years. Cystectomy approach: laparoscopic (67/37%), robot-assisted (63/35%), open (43/24%). Urinary diversion: ileal conduit (138/76%) and orthotopic ileal neobladder (44/24%). Ureteric reimplantation technique: Bricker (108/59%) and Wallace (47/26%). Ureteroileal anastomosis strictures (50/27%): bilateral (26), left (16) and right (8). Strictures according to cystectomy approach: laparoscopic (23/46%), robot-assisted (16/32%), open (9/18%). Treatment of strictures (33/18%): ureteric reimplantation (13), indwelling nephrostomy (13), endoscopic dilatation (4), nephroureterectomy (2), endoureterotomy (1). Ureteroileal reimplantation approach: laparoscopic (5/38%), robot-assisted (6/46%), open (2/15%). Outcomes after reimplantation: restenosis (0/0%), reintervention (3/23%), contralateral ureteroileal stricture (1/8%).Conclusion Surgical approach in cystectomy does not influence future development of ureteroileal strictures. Laparoscopic and robot-assisted ureteroileal reimplantation achieves high success rates (AU)

Ureteroileal anastomosis stricture after urinary diversions performed by open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Incidence and management in a tertiary care center.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteroileal anastomosis stricture is a frequent complication after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder formation. We analyze their incidence based on the technique for urinary diversion and on the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic or robot-assisted). Stricture management is described, along with surgical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive retrospective study over 6 years in patients who underwent urinary diversion using ileum (ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder). Demographic data, comorbidities, surgical approach, complications, and outcomes were collected. Minimum follow-up of 1 year. Comparison between groups using Chi-square test for dichotomous variables. Quantitative variables were compared using the Student's t-test for independent groups or Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance if P < .05. RESULTS: The study included 182 patients (84% males and 16% females). Mean age 68 years. Cystectomy approach: laparoscopic (67/37%), robot-assisted (63/35%), open (43/24%). Urinary diversion: ileal conduit (138/76%) and orthotopic ileal neobladder (44/24%). Uretericre implantation technique: Bricker (108/59%) and Wallace (47/26%). Ureteroileal anastomosis strictures (50/27%): bilateral (26), left (16) and right (8). Strictures according to cystectomy approach: laparoscopic (23/46%), robot-assisted (16/32%), open (9/18%). Treatment of strictures (33/18%): ureteric reimplantation (13), indwelling nephrostomy (13), endoscopic dilatation (4), nephroureterectomy (2), endoureterotomy (1). Ureteroileal reimplantation approach: laparoscopic (5/38%), robot-assisted (6/46%), open (2/15%). Outcomes after reimplantation: restenosis (0/0%), reintervention (3/23%), contralateral ureteroileal stricture (1/8%). CONCLUSION: Surgical approach in cystectomy does not influence future development of ureteroileal strictures. Laparoscopic and robot-assisted ureteroileal reimplantation achieves high success rates.

Simultaneous determination of CXCL7 chemokine and MMP3 metalloproteinase as biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis.

This paper reports the preparation of the first dual electrochemical immunosensor for the simultaneous determination of the CXCL7 chemokine and the MMP3 metalloproteinase as relevant biomarkers for the better diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis derived from the multiple biomarkers measurement. The developed immunosensor involves the use of carboxylated magnetic beads (MBs) and dual screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPdCEs). Sandwich-type configurations implied the covalent immobilization of specific anti-CXCL7 (cAb1) or anti-MMP3 (cAb2) capture antibodies onto MBs and the use of biotinylated detection antibodies with further labelling with HRP-Strept conjugates. The resulting MBS bioconjugates were magnetically captured on the respective working electrode of the SPdCE and the determination of the antigens was accomplished by measuring the amperometric responses of H2O2 mediated by hydroquinone (HQ) at a potential value of -0.20 V. The dual immunosensor provided calibration plots with linear ranges between 1 and 75 ng mL-1 (CXCL7) (R2 = 0.997) and from 2.0 to 2000 pg mL-1 (MMP3) (R2 = 0.998) with detection limits of 0.8 ng mL-1 and 1.2 pg mL-1, respectively. The assay took 2 h 20 min for the simultaneous determination of both biomarkers. The dual immunosensor was successfully applied to the analysis of human serum from positive and negative RA patients.

Ureteroileal anastomosis stricture after urinary diversions performed by open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Incidence and management in a tertiary care center. / Estenosis de la anastomosis ureteroileal en derivaciones urinarias realizadas mediante abordaje abierto, laparoscópico y robótico. Incidencia y manejo en un centro de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteroileal anastomosis stricture is a frequent complication after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder formation. We analyze their incidence based on the technique for urinary diversion and on the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic or robot-assisted). Stricture management is described, along with surgical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive retrospective study over 6 years in patients who underwent urinary diversion using ileum (ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder). Demographic data, comorbidities, surgical approach, complications, and outcomes were collected. Minimum follow-up of 1 year. Comparison between groups using Chi-square test for dichotomous variables. Quantitative variables were compared using the Student's t test for independent groups or Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance if P<.05. RESULTS: The study included 182 patients (84% males and 16% females). Mean age 68 years. Cystectomy approach: laparoscopic (67/37%), robot-assisted (63/35%), open (43/24%). Urinary diversion: ileal conduit (138/76%) and orthotopic ileal neobladder (44/24%). Ureteric reimplantation technique: Bricker (108/59%) and Wallace (47/26%). Ureteroileal anastomosis strictures (50/27%): bilateral (26), left (16) and right (8). Strictures according to cystectomy approach: laparoscopic (23/46%), robot-assisted (16/32%), open (9/18%). Treatment of strictures (33/18%): ureteric reimplantation (13), indwelling nephrostomy (13), endoscopic dilatation (4), nephroureterectomy (2), endoureterotomy (1). Ureteroileal reimplantation approach: laparoscopic (5/38%), robot-assisted (6/46%), open (2/15%). Outcomes after reimplantation: restenosis (0/0%), reintervention (3/23%), contralateral ureteroileal stricture (1/8%). CONCLUSION: Surgical approach in cystectomy does not influence future development of ureteroileal strictures. Laparoscopic and robot-assisted ureteroileal reimplantation achieves high success rates.

[Prevalence of microbiologically-confirmed influenza in patients with influenza-like illness in primary care and clinical and epidemiological characteristics]. / Prevalencia de gripe confirmada microbiológicamente en pacientes con síntomas gripales en atención primaria y características clínico-epidemiológicas.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the prevalence of microbiologically-confirmed influenza infection among patients with influenza-like symptoms and compared the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with and without influenza infection. METHODS: Retrospective study of a cohort of patients with influenza-like symptoms from 2016 to 2018 who participated in a clinical trial in thirteen urban primary centres in Catalonia. Different epidemiological data were collected. Patients rated the different symptoms and signs on a Likert scale (absent, little problem, moderate problem and severe problem) and self-reported the measure of health status with the EuroQol visual analogue scale. A nasopharyngeal swab was taken for microbiological isolation of influenza and other microorganisms. RESULTS: A total of 427 patients were included. Microbiologically confirmed influenza was found in 240 patients (56.2%). The percentage of patients with moderate-to-severe cough, muscle aches, tiredness and dizziness was greater among patients with microbiologically confirmed influenza. The self-reported health status was significantly lower among patients with true flu infection (mean of 36.3 ± 18.2 vs 41.7 ± 17.8 in patients without influenza; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical findings are not particularly useful for confirming or excluding the diagnosis of influenza when intensity is not considered. However, the presence of moderate-to-severe cough, myalgias, tiredness and dizziness along with a poor health status is more common in patients with confirmed flu infection.

Radiofrecuencia percutánea en el tratamiento de masas renales pequeñas: análisis de resultados y complicaciones tras diez años de experiencia / Percutaneous radiofrequency for the treatment of small renal masses: Analysis of outcomes and complications after 10 years of experience

Introducción y objetivo: El manejo de tumoraciones renales ≤ 4 cm en población anciana o con comorbilidades supone un reto, constituyendo las terapias ablativas una alternativa interesante. El objetivo es evaluar la radiofrecuencia percutánea en el tratamiento de masas renales pequeñas en nuestro centro, las complicaciones asociadas y los resultados obtenidos.Material y métodosEvaluación retrospectiva de las radiofrecuencias realizadas entre abril de 2010 y abril de 2020 en nuestro centro. Se revisaron datos demográficos, comorbilidades asociadas, características tumorales, complicaciones y resultados oncológicos y funcionales.ResultadosSe trataron 57 tumores en 53 pacientes. Seguimiento medio de 48,2 meses. Se obtuvo un 89,5% de ablaciones completas. Hubo un 19,3% de complicaciones. Fueron catalogadas como mayores un 3,5% y un 5,3% según Clavien-Dindo y SIR. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el resultado inicial de la ablación y la edad (p = 0,047), el score RENAL modificado (RENAL-m) (p = 0,044), la presencia de componente quístico (p = 0,049) y el tamaño tumoral (p = 0,01). El punto de corte de tamaño quedó establecido en 25 mm (p = 0,012). En el análisis multivariante, únicamente el tamaño permaneció como predictor de resultado inicial de ablación (p = 0,01; OR 1,183; IC 95% 1,041-1,345). La supervivencia cáncer específica y supervivencia libre de recurrencia a cinco años fueron del 98,1% y del 89,5% respectivamente.Se observó una disminución media del MDRD-4 de 6,59 mL/min (p = 0,005) en los seis primeros meses tras radiofrecuencia (RFA).ConclusionesDados los excelentes resultados oncológicos y funcionales demostrados, la radiofrecuencia percutánea guiada por ecografía es una terapia eficaz y segura en el tratamiento de masas renales pequeñas en pacientes seleccionados. (AU)

Introduction and objective: The management of renal tumors ≤ 4 cm in elderly population or patients with comorbidities is a challenge, for which ablative therapies are an interesting alternative. The objective is to evaluate in our center the role of percutaneous radiofrequency in the treatment of small renal masses, the associated complications and the results obtained.Material and methodsRetrospective evaluation of the radiofrequency treatments carried out between April 2010 and April 2020 in our center. Demographic data, associated comorbidities, tumor characteristics, complications and oncological and functional outcomes were reviewed.ResultsFifty-seven tumors were treated in 53 patients. Mean follow-up of 48.2 months. The percentage of complete ablations obtained was of 89.5%. There were 19.3% of complications. According to Clavien-Dindo and SIR classification systems, 3.5% and 5.3% were major complications. A statistically significant association was found between the initial result of ablation and age (p = 0.047), RENAL-m (p = 0.044), the presence of cystic component (p = 0.049) and tumor size (p = 0.01). The cut-off point for size was established at 25 mm (p = 0.012). In multivariate analysis, only size remained as a predictor of initial ablation result (p = 0.01; OR 1.183; CI 95% 1.041-1.345). Cancer-specific survival and 5-year recurrence-free survival were 98.1% and 89.5%, respectively.A mean decrease of MDRD-4 of 6.59 mL/min (p = 0.005) was observed in the first six months after RFA.ConclusionsGiven the excellent oncological and functional results demonstrated, ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is an effective and safe treatment for small renal masses in selected patients. (AU)

Multi- and single-reference methods for the analysis of multi-state peroxidation of enolates.

In spite of being spin-forbidden, some enzymes are capable of catalyzing the incorporation of O2(Σg-3) to organic substrates without needing any cofactor. It has been established that the process followed by these enzymes starts with the deprotonation of the substrate forming an enolate. In a second stage, the peroxidation of the enolate formation occurs, a process in which the system changes its spin multiplicity from a triplet state to a singlet state. In this article, we study the addition of O2 to enolates using state-of-the-art multi-reference and single-reference methods. Our results confirm that intersystem crossing is promoted by stabilization of the singlet state along the reaction path. When multi-reference methods are used, large active spaces are required, and in this situation, semistochastic heat-bath configuration interaction emerges as a powerful method to study these multi-configurational systems and is in good agreement with PNO-LCCSD(T) when the system is well-represented by a single-configuration.

Actividad y resultados a corto plazo del trasplante renal durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Activity and short-term outcomes of kidney transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCCIÓN: Durante la pandemia COVID-19, la actividad nacional de trasplante se ha visto reducida por la sobrecarga del sistema sanitario y la preocupación por la seguridad de los pacientes en esta situación. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es exponer la actividad de trasplante renal en Cantabria durante el estado de alarma, así como valorar la seguridad del programa de trasplante. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los trasplantes renales realizados en nuestro Centro desde el inicio del estado de alarma hasta el inicio del desconfinamiento en Cantabria. Análisis descriptivo de los datos demográficos de receptores y sus donantes, datos intraoperatorios y resultados postoperatorios. Análisis comparativo con los datos del mismo periodo de 2017-2019, mediante los estadísticos χ2 para variables categóricas, T-Student y U de Mann-Whitney en caso de variables cuantitativas de distribución normal y no normal, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 15 trasplantes renales en el periodo descrito. El 7,5% de pacientes presentaron función renal retrasada (FRR); el 26,6% mostró datos de rechazo agudo; ningún paciente presentó enfermedad por COVID-19. En el análisis comparativo, es llamativo el aumento del número de trasplantes frente a periodos anteriores (15 vs. 5,6), a expensas de donantes de fuera de Cantabria (93,3%). No encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a tiempo de isquemia fría (p = 0,77), FRR (p = 0,73), necesidad de diálisis (p = 0,54), o aparición de complicaciones posquirúrgicas (p = 0,61). CONCLUSIONES: La evolución de la pandemia en nuestra región y la adopción de medidas de protección rigurosas han permitido reiniciar el programa de trasplante renal de una forma temprana y segura, aumentando el número de trasplantes realizados frente a años anteriores y manteniendo unos resultados postoperatorios tempranos comparables

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the national transplant activity has been reduced due to the overload of the health system and concern for patient safety in this situation. The aim of our work is to expose the activity of kidney transplantation in Cantabria during the state of alarm, as well as to assess the safety of the transplantation program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of kidney transplants performed in our Center from the beginning of the state of alarm until the beginning of the lockdown easing in Cantabria. Descriptive analysis of the demographic data of recipients and their donors, intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes. Comparative analysis with the data of the same period in 2017-2019, by means of the χ2 for categorical variables, Student's T and Mann-Whitney U tests in case of quantitative variables of normal and non-normal distribution, respectively. RESULTS: Fifteen kidney transplants were performed in the period described. Delayed renal function (DRF) was seen in 7.5% of patients, and 26.6% showed data of acute rejection; no patient presented COVID-19 disease. Comparative analysis showed a remarkable increase in the number of transplants in comparison with previous periods (15 vs 5.6), at the expense of donors from outside Cantabria (93.3%). We found no statistically significant differences in terms of cold ischemia time (p = 0.77), DRF (p = 0.73), need for dialysis (p = 0.54), or appearance of post-surgical complications (p = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: The evolution of the pandemic in our region, and the adoption of strict protective measures has allowed the early and safe resumption of the renal transplantation program, increasing the number of transplants performed compared to previous years and maintaining comparable early post-operative results

Percutaneous radiofrequency for the treatment of small renal masses: Analysis of outcomes and complications after 10 years of experience. / Radiofrecuencia percutánea en el tratamiento de masas renales pequeñas: análisis de resultados y complicaciones tras diez años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The management of renal tumors ≤ 4 cm in elderly population or patients with comorbidities is a challenge, for which ablative therapies are an interesting alternative. The objective is to evaluate in our center the role of percutaneous radiofrequency in the treatment of small renal masses, the associated complications and the results obtained. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of the radiofrequency treatments carried out between April 2010 and April 2020 in our center. Demographic data, associated comorbidities, tumor characteristics, complications and oncological and functional outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven tumors were treated in 53 patients. Mean follow-up of 48.2 months. The percentage of complete ablations obtained was of 89.5%. There were 19.3% of complications. According to Clavien-Dindo and SIR classification systems, 3.5% and 5.3% were major complications. A statistically significant association was found between the initial result of ablation and age (p = 0.047), RENAL-m (p = 0.044), the presence of cystic component (p = 0.049) and tumor size (p = 0.01). The cut-off point for size was established at 25 mm (p = 0.012). In multivariate analysis, only size remained as a predictor of initial ablation result (p = 0.01; OR 1.183; CI 95% 1.041-1.345). Cancer-specific survival and 5-year recurrence-free survival were 98.1% and 89.5%, respectively. A mean decrease of MDRD-4 of 6.59 mL/min (p = 0.005) was observed in the first six months after RFA. CONCLUSIONS: Given the excellent oncological and functional results demonstrated, ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is an effective and safe treatment for small renal masses in selected patients.

Activity and short-term outcomes of kidney transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic. / Actividad y resultados a corto plazo del trasplante renal durante la pandemia COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the national transplant activity has been reduced due to the overload of the health system and concern for patient safety in this situation. The aim of our work is to expose the activity of kidney transplantation in Cantabria during the state of alarm, as well as to assess the safety of the transplantation program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of kidney transplants performed in our Center from the beginning of the state of alarm until the beginning of the lockdown easing in Cantabria. Descriptive analysis of the demographic data of recipients and their donors, intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes. Comparative analysis with the data of the same period in 2017-2019, by means of the χ2 for categorical variables, Student's T and Mann-Whitney U tests in case of quantitative variables of normal and non-normal distribution, respectively. RESULTS: Fifteen kidney transplants were performed in the period described. Delayed renal function (DRF) was seen in 7.5% of patients, and 26.6% showed data of acute rejection; no patient presented COVID-19 disease. Comparative analysis showed a remarkable increase in the number of transplants in comparison with previous periods (15 vs 5.6), at the expense of donors from outside Cantabria (93.3%). We found no statistically significant differences in terms of cold ischemia time (p=0.77), DRF (p=0.73), need for dialysis (p=0.54), or appearance of post-surgical complications (p=0.61). CONCLUSIONS: The evolution of the pandemic in our region, and the adoption of strict protective measures has allowed the early and safe resumption of the renal transplantation program, increasing the number of transplants performed compared to previous years and maintaining comparable early post-operative results.

Impacto de la nefrectomía radical en la función renal y factores pronósticos de eventos cardiovasculares adversos / Impact of radical nephrectomy on kidney function and prognostic factors for adverse cardiovascular events

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Analizar la evolución de la función renal tras nefrectomía e investigar la existencia de factores de riesgo de aparición de eventos cardiovasculares adversos (ECVA) durante el seguimiento a largo plazo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes a los que se realizó una nefrectomía radical por neoplasia renal en nuestro hospital en el periodo comprendido entre enero del 1996 y enero del 2016. Analizamos la función renal posnefrectomía y durante seguimiento a largo plazo. Estudiamos los predictores de ECVA mediante análisis multivariante. RESULTADOS: Se produjo un descenso marcado de la filtración glomerular tras nefrectomía (-21,2ml/min), que posteriormente durante el seguimiento se mantuvo estable en la mayoría de casos. En el análisis de regresión logística, donde valoramos en nuestro grupo de pacientes qué factores se muestran como predictores de la aparición de un evento cardiovascular, la presencia de enfermedad cardiovascular previa (0,270, IC del 95%, 0,123-0,594, p > 0,001), diabetes (0,364, IC del 95%, 0,162-0,818, p = 0,015) e hipertensión arterial de novo (0,239, IC del 95%, 0,098-0,581, p = 0,002) se asociaron de manera independiente con la aparición de ECVA. CONCLUSIÓN: Tras nefrectomía se produce un deterioro de la función renal marcado que se mantiene estable durante los años sucesivos en la mayoría de pacientes. Aproximadamente la mitad de los pacientes presentan una tasa estimada de filtración glomerular menor de 60 ml/min tras la nefrectomía. La presencia de enfermedad cardiovascular previa, diabetes e hipertensión arterial denovo tras nefrectomía fueron factores predictores para la aparición de ECVA tras la cirugía

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the evolution of kidney function after radical nephrectomy and to evaluate risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events during a long follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients submitted to radical nephrectomy due to renal cancer from January of 1996 to January of 2016. We evaluated their renal function after nephrectomy and during follow-up. We analyzed the possible predictive factors for adverse cardiovascular events with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: There was an acute drop in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after nephrectomy (21.2 ml/min), which stabilized during follow-up in most cases. We evaluated the possible predictive factors for adverse cardiovascular events with logistic regression analyses, which presented previous cardiovascular disease (0,270, 95% CI 0,123-0,594, P<.001), diabetes (0,364, 95% CI 0,162-0,818 P=.015) and de novo hypertension (0,239, 95% CI 0,098-0,581, P=.002) as independently associated with the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIÓN: There was a deleterious effect in renal function after nephrectomy which remained stable during subsequent years in most patients. Approximately half of our patients had a GFR lower than 60 mL/min after nephrectomy. Previous cardiovascular disease, diabetes and de novo hypertension were shown as risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events

Impact of radical nephrectomy on kidney function and prognostic factors for adverse cardiovascular events. / Impacto de la nefrectomía radical en la función renal y factores pronósticos de eventos cardiovasculares adversos.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the evolution of kidney function after radical nephrectomy and to evaluate risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events during a long follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients submitted to radical nephrectomy due to renal cancer from January of 1996 to January of 2016. We evaluated their renal function after nephrectomy and during follow-up. We analyzed the possible predictive factors for adverse cardiovascular events with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: There was an acute drop in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after nephrectomy (21.2ml/min), which stabilized during follow-up in most cases. We evaluated the possible predictive factors for adverse cardiovascular events with logistic regression analyses, which presented previous cardiovascular disease (0,270, 95% CI 0,123-0,594, P<.001), diabetes (0,364, 95% CI 0,162-0,818 P=.015) and de novo hypertension (0,239, 95% CI 0,098-0,581, P=.002) as independently associated with the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION: There was a deleterious effect in renal function after nephrectomy which remained stable during subsequent years in most patients. Approximately half of our patients had a GFR lower than 60mL/min after nephrectomy. Previous cardiovascular disease, diabetes and de novo hypertension were shown as risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events.

Donación de órganos en asistolia controlada tipo III de Maastricht en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos / Organ donation after circulatory determination of death (Maastricht type III donation) in a pediatric intensive care unit. A case report

Actualmente la actividad de donación es insuficiente para suplir las necesidades de trasplante de órganos de nuestra población. Este desequilibrio entre la oferta y la demanda de órganos humanos para trasplante ha condicionado la puesta en marcha de programas hospitalarios de donación en asistolia (DA) controlada tipo III de Maastricht. Los pacientes evaluables como potenciales donantes en asistolia tipo III son aquellos en los que dado su mal pronóstico vital se decide la retirada del tratamiento de soporte vital (RTSV) y fallecen tras el cese irreversible de la circulación y la respiración en un plazo de tiempo inferior a dos horas después de su aplicación, en ausencia de contraindicación médica y de oposición expresa a la donación. Aunque la principal fuente de obtención de órganos continúa siendo a partir de pacientes en muerte encefálica, la DA controlada ofrece otra posibilidad de obtener órganos (especialmente riñones) y tejidos. Ésta precisa de un equipo multidisciplinar y un proceso de donación técnicamente diferente, enmarcado siempre dentro de protocolos clínicos hospitalarios multidisciplinares vigentes avalados por la ONT y en nuestro caso la OCATT (Organització Catalana de Trasplantaments). A continuación presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente ingresada en nuestra UCI pediátrica en la que se realizó una RTSV debido a su situación catastrófica, y que resultó donante de órganos en asistolia tipo III de Maastricht. En nuestro conocimiento es el primer caso de DA tipo III en una UCI pediátrica en Cataluña

Currently, organ donation rates are insufficient to cover the transplant needs in our population. This has led to the design of a hospital program of organ donation after circulatory determination of death (Maastricht type III donation). Potential donors for this program are those whose vital support is decided to withdraw due to their very severe vital prognosis, given that there is not medical contraindication and the family is not opposed to the donation. These patients will die within 2 hours of withdrawing their ventilatory and circulatory support. Although the main source of organ recovery for transplantation must still be patients with brain death, organ donation after circulatory determination of death offers more chances for obtaining organs (especially kidneys) and tissues. This situation requires a multidisciplinary team, specific techniques and hospital guidelines and protocols for this donation process. This must be protocoled following the guidelines of the ONT (Organización Nacional de Trasplantes) and the OCATT (Organització Catalana de Trasplantaments). We report the case of a patient treated in the paediatric ICU for acute intracranial hypertension related to cerebral venous thrombosis in the setting of an acute middle ear infection. The severe clinical situation evolved to withdrawal of life support. She became donor as a type III in the Maastricht donor classification. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of asystole donation in a paediatric ICU in Catalonia

Assessing forest availability for wood supply in Europe.

The quantification of forests available for wood supply (FAWS) is essential for decision-making with regard to the maintenance and enhancement of forest resources and their contribution to the global carbon cycle. The provision of harmonized forest statistics is necessary for the development of forest associated policies and to support decision-making. Based on the National Forest Inventory (NFI) data from 13 European countries, we quantify and compare the areas and aboveground dry biomass (AGB) of FAWS and forest not available for wood supply (FNAWS) according to national and reference definitions by determining the restrictions and associated thresholds considered at country level to classify forests as FAWS or FNAWS. FAWS represent between 75 and 95 % of forest area and AGB for most of the countries in this study. Economic restrictions are the main factor limiting the availability of forests for wood supply, accounting for 67 % of the total FNAWS area and 56 % of the total FNAWS AGB, followed by environmental restrictions. Profitability, slope and accessibility as economic restrictions, and protected areas as environmental restrictions are the factors most frequently considered to distinguish between FAWS and FNAWS. With respect to the area of FNAWS associated with each type of restriction, an overlap among the restrictions of 13.7 % was identified. For most countries, the differences in the FNAWS areas and AGB estimates between national and reference definitions ranged from 0 to 5 %. These results highlight the applicability and reliability of a FAWS reference definition for most of the European countries studied, thereby facilitating a consistent approach to assess forests available for supply for the purpose of international reporting.

Design of electrochemical immunosensors using electro-click chemistry. Application to the detection of IL-1ß cytokine in saliva.

Electro-click methodology was employed to prepare an electrochemical immunosensor for the cytokine interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß). The strategy involved binding of ethynylated IgG to azide-MWCNTs modified electrodes by Cu(I) catalyzed-cycloaddition reaction where the catalyst was electrochemically synthesized. This electro-click protocol is significantly faster and greener than the methods for catalyst generation through chemical reduction. The oriented immobilization of the capture antibody onto IgG-MWCNTs conjugates allowed the preparation of a sandwich-type immunosensor using biotinylated anti-IL-1ß as detector antibody labeled with alkaline phosphatase-streptavidin (AP-strept). Differential pulse voltammetric transduction through the 1-naphthylphosphate/1-naphthol system was carried out. The analytical characteristics achieved with the electrochemical immunosensor showed a calibration curve exhibiting two linear ranges between 10 and 200 pg mL-1 (r2 = 0.998), and from 200 to 1200 pg mL-1 (r2 = 0.998), and a LOD value of 5.2 pg mL-1, an improvement compared with those claimed for commercial ELISA kits. In addition, the assay time was at least one hour shorter. Excellent performance was observed in the determination of IL-1ß in saliva with no need for sample treatment, and by simple interpolation using a calibration plot constructed with standard solutions of the target cytokine.

Actividad y resultados a corto plazo del trasplante renal durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Activity and short-term outcomes of kidney transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCCIÓN: Durante la pandemia COVID-19, la actividad nacional de trasplante se ha visto reducida por la sobrecarga del sistema sanitario y la preocupación por la seguridad de los pacientes en esta situación. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es exponer la actividad de trasplante renal en Cantabria durante el estado de alarma, así como valorar la seguridad del programa de trasplante. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los trasplantes renales realizados en nuestro Centro desde el inicio del estado de alarma hasta el inicio del desconfinamiento en Cantabria. Análisis descriptivo de los datos demográficos de receptores y sus donantes, datos intraoperatorios y resultados postoperatorios. Análisis comparativo con los datos del mismo periodo de 2017-2019, mediante los estadísticos χ2 para variables categóricas, T-Student y U de Mann-Whitney en caso de variables cuantitativas de distribución normal y no normal, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 15 trasplantes renales en el periodo descrito. El 7,5% de pacientes presentaron función renal retrasada (FRR); el 26,6% mostró datos de rechazo agudo; ningún paciente presentó enfermedad por COVID-19. En el análisis comparativo, es llamativo el aumento del número de trasplantes frente a periodos anteriores (15 vs. 5,6), a expensas de donantes de fuera de Cantabria (93,3%). No encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a tiempo de isquemia fría (p = 0,77), FRR (p = 0,73), necesidad de diálisis (p = 0,54), o aparición de complicaciones posquirúrgicas (p = 0,61). CONCLUSIONES: La evolución de la pandemia en nuestra región y la adopción de medidas de protección rigurosas han permitido reiniciar el programa de trasplante renal de una forma temprana y segura, aumentando el número de trasplantes realizados frente a años anteriores y manteniendo unos resultados postoperatorios tempranos comparables

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the national transplant activity has been reduced due to the overload of the health system and concern for patient safety in this situation. The aim of our work is to expose the activity of kidney transplantation in Cantabria during the state of alarm, as well as to assess the safety of the transplantation program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of kidney transplants performed in our Center from the beginning of the state of alarm until the beginning of the lockdown easing in Cantabria. Descriptive analysis of the demographic data of recipients and their donors, intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes. Comparative analysis with the data of the same period in 2017-2019, by means of the χ2 for categorical variables, Student's T and Mann-Whitney U tests in case of quantitative variables of normal and non-normal distribution, respectively. RESULTS: Fifteen kidney transplants were performed in the period described. Delayed renal function (DRF) was seen in 7.5% of patients, and 26.6% showed data of acute rejection; no patient presented COVID-19 disease. Comparative analysis showed a remarkable increase in the number of transplants in comparison with previous periods (15 vs 5.6), at the expense of donors from outside Cantabria (93.3%). We found no statistically significant differences in terms of cold ischemia time (p = 0.77), DRF (p = 0.73), need for dialysis (p = 0.54), or appearance of post-surgical complications (p = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: The evolution of the pandemic in our region, and the adoption of strict protective measures has allowed the early and safe resumption of the renal transplantation program, increasing the number of transplants performed compared to previous years and maintaining comparable early post-operative results

Oxidative grafting vs. monolayers self-assembling on gold surface for the preparation of electrochemical immunosensors. Application to the determination of peptide YY.

A comparison of the performance of two electrochemical immunosensors for the determination of the anorexigen biomarker peptide YY (PYY) is reported by using as scaffolds screen printed gold electrodes modified either by oxidative grafting of p-aminobenzoic acid (p-ABA) or by assembling of a 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) SAM. Covalent immobilization of capture antibodies on the surface-confined carboxyl groups was carried out by EDC/NHSS chemistry, and competitive immunoassays between target PYY and Biotin-PYY were implemented. Upon labeling with alkaline phosphatase (AP)-streptavidin conjugate and 1-naphtyl phosphate addition, differential pulse voltammograms recorded between -0.2 and +0.7 V were used as analytical readout. All the steps involved in the functionalization of the electrodes and the preparation of the immunosensors were monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The calibration plot for PYY using the AP-Strept-Biotin-PYY(PYY)-anti-PYY-Phe-N-SPAuE immunosensor provided a linear current vs. log [PYY] plot extending between 10-6 and 103 ng/mL PYY with a detection limit of 3 × 10-7 ng/mL. These analytical characteristics are remarkably better than those obtained with the immunosensor prepared with 4-MBA SAM-SPAuEs. The AP-Strept-Biotin-PYY(PYY)-anti-PYY-Phe-N-SPAuE immunosensor was used to analyze human serum and saliva samples spiked with PYY at concentrations fitting with normal levels in these biological fluids.