Síndrome clínico aislado: diagnóstico y riesgo de desarrollar esclerosis múltiple clínicamente definida / Clinically isolated syndrome: diagnosis and risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis

Introducción: La mayoría de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM) debutan con un síndrome clínico aislado (SCA). Es importante diferenciar este SCA de otras patologías neurológicas agudas o subagudas y estimar el riesgo de desarrollar una esclerosis múltiple clínicamente definida (EMCD), pues un segundo ataque clínico en un corto período de tiempo se asocia con peor pronóstico a largo plazo. Desarrollo: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el objetivo de contrastar diferentes variables, tales como la resonancia magnética (RM) y distintos marcadores biofluídicos como las bandas oligoclonales IgG (BOC), bandas oligoclonales IgM (BOCM), bandas oligoclonales IgM lípido específicas (BOCM-LE), índice de cadenas ligeras libres Kappa (κ index) mediante la determinación de las cadenas ligeras libres kappa en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR), neurofilamentos de cadenas ligeras en LCR (NfLL) y suero (NfLS) y la proteína chitinasa 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) en LCR (CHI3L1L) y suero (CHI3L1S), con el objetivo de mejorar la precisión diagnóstica y predecir los riesgos de un segundo ataque clínico tras un SCA. Conclusión: Unas BOC positivas junto con la identificación de lesiones por RM, reducirán el tiempo de diagnóstico y nos indicarán que la mayoría de los pacientes con SCA evolucionarán a EM. Un κ index > 10,6 y una concentración de NfLL > 1.150 ng/L, nos muestran que los SCA tienen más probabilidades de convertirse en EM durante el primer año (40/50%). El 90% de los pacientes con SCA y niveles de CHI3L1S > 33 ng/mL, y el 100% con presencia BOCM-LE se transforman en EM durante el primer año.(AU)

Introduction: In most cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) initially presents as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Differentiating CIS from other acute or subacute neurological diseases and estimating the risk of progression to clinically definite MS is essential since presenting a second episode in a short time is associated with poorer long-term prognosis. Development: We conducted a literature review to evaluate the usefulness of different variables in improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting progression from CIS to MS, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and such biofluid markers as oligoclonal IgG and IgM bands, lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands in the CSF, CSF kappa free light-chain (KFLC) index, neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the CSF and serum, and chitinase 3–like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in the CSF and serum. Conclusions: Codetection of oligoclonal IgG bands and MRI lesions reduces diagnostic delays and suggests a high risk of CIS progression to MS. A KFLC index > 10.6 and CSF NfL concentrations > 1150 ng/L indicate that CIS is more likely to progress to MS within one year (40-50%); 90% of patients with CIS and serum CHI3L1 levels > 33 ng/mL and 100% of those with lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands present MS within one year of CIS onset.

Clinically isolated syndrome: Diagnosis and risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: In most cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) initially presents as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Differentiating CIS from other acute or subacute neurological diseases and estimating the risk of progression to clinically definite MS is essential since presenting a second episode in a short time is associated with poorer long-term prognosis. DEVELOPMENT: We conducted a literature review to evaluate the usefulness of different variables in improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting progression from CIS to MS, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and such biofluid markers as oligoclonal IgG and IgM bands, lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands in the CSF, CSF kappa free light-chain (KFLC) index, neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the CSF and serum, and chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in the CSF and serum. CONCLUSIONS: Codetection of oligoclonal IgG bands and MRI lesions reduces diagnostic delays and suggests a high risk of CIS progression to MS. A KFLC index > 10.6 and CSF NfL concentrations > 1150 ng/L indicate that CIS is more likely to progress to MS within one year (40%-50%); 90% of patients with CIS and serum CHI3L1 levels > 33 ng/mL and 100% of those with lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands present MS within one year of CIS onset.

Utility of Molecular Analysis of Peritoneal Fluid in Staging Laparoscopy of Advanced Esophagogastric Junction and Gastric Cancer Prior to Neoadjuvant Treatment.

PURPOSE: Molecular analysis of peritoneal fluid in staging laparoscopy of gastric cancer is performed to improve the detection of free intraperitoneal tumor cells. Nevertheless, its significance is controversial, especially in patients with negative cytology but positive molecular analysis. The aim of this study was to analyze the sensitivity of molecular analysis and its prognostic value. METHODS: A retrospective analysis from April 2011 to October 2019 was performed. Cytology (Cyt) and molecular analysis were analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) tumor makers. RESULTS: During the study period, 138 staging laparoscopies were performed. Macroscopic carcinomatosis was found in 12.3%. Of the remaining 87.7%, 9.9% were Cyt + and 11.6% were Cyt- RT-PCR + . Of the latter, 9 responded to chemotherapy and underwent radical surgery. The sensitivity of cytology and molecular analysis was 0.70 and 0.76, respectively (p = 0.67). The 2-year overall survival (OS) of Cyt- RT-PCR + vs. Cyt + was similar (p = 0.1). The 2-year OS of Cyt-RT-PCR + subgroup who underwent radical surgery vs. Cyt-RT-PCR- patients was similar (p = 0.69), but disease-free survival was shorter in the first group (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the sensitivity of molecular analysis is similar to that of cytology. The prognostic value of positive molecular analysis was similar to positive cytology in terms of 2-year overall survival, except in the subgroup of operated patients in whom the overall survival was similar to that of those with a negative molecular analysis, albeit with a shorter disease-free survival.

Encuesta sobre las preferencias quirúrgicas entre los glaucomatólogos en España / Survey of glaucoma surgical preferences among glaucoma specialists in Spain

Propósito Conocer las cirugías de glaucoma más frecuentes entre los miembros de la Sociedad Española de Glaucoma (SEG).MétodosUna encuesta anónima de 10 preguntas fue enviada a los socios de la SEG en enero, febrero y julio de 2019 para conocer sus preferencias en las cirugías de glaucoma.Variables a estudiar Edad, tipo de glaucoma, tipo de cirugía realizada, estrategia antifibrótica usada o bien implante de las últimas 10 cirugías realizadas desde la recepción de la encuesta. La experiencia del cirujano se muestra según los años de práctica.Resultados Un total de 97 oftalmólogos repartidos por toda la geografía del país respondieron la encuesta, teniendo el 63,4% más de 10 años de experiencia. El glaucoma más frecuente intervenido fue el glaucoma primario de ángulo abierto, representando un 60,6% del total. La cirugía más realizada fue la esclerectomía profunda no perforante (EPNP) con el 37,3% de las cirugías, seguida por el 17,6% de trabeculectomía, 14,1% del microshunt de colágeno (XEN® Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) y 10,5% de dispositivos de drenaje. Un 21,7% del total fueron reintervenciones y de estas, en el 27,3% se utilizó un dispositivo de drenaje y en el 20,3% trabeculectomía. Un 47,3% de las cirugías fueron combinadas con facoemulsificación. En un 54,8% se usó únicamente mitomicina C (MMC), en un 8,2% de los casos se usó únicamente matriz de colágeno (Ologen®, Aeon Astron Corporation, Taipei, Taiwán) y en un 13,7% la combinación de MMC y matriz de colágeno. La administración de MMC aplicada en esponja se realizó en el 79% de los casos (de estos, a concentraciones de 0,02% en el 99% y al 0,04% en el 1%) y en el 21% de los casos restante mediante inyección subconjuntival (al 0,01% en el 81% y al 0,02% en el 19% restante).Conclusiones A pesar de que el cirujano de glaucoma domina una gran variedad de técnicas quirúrgicas, la EPNP sigue siendo la técnica quirúrgica más realizada en nuestro país (AU)

Purpose To evaluate the spectrum of glaucoma surgery undertaken among members of the Spanish Glaucoma Society (SEG). Methods A 10 question web-based anonymous survey was mailed through the Annals of the Spanish Glaucoma Society to all its members on January, February and July 2019 to determine their preferred surgical approach. Main outcome measures Age, type of Glaucoma, surgery undertaken, type of anti-scarring strategy and prothesis introduced for the last 10 surgeries since the survey was received. The surgeon experience was registered in years of practice. Results A total of 97 SEG members across the country answered the survey. Sixty-two (63.4%) responders had more than 10 years of experience. Primary open angle glaucoma was the most frequent type of glaucoma (60.6%). The most popular surgery was deep-sclerectomy (37.3%) followed by trabeculectomy (17.6%) and the collagen microshunt (XEN® Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) (14.1%). Glaucoma drainage device (GDD) was used in 10.5% of the cases. Up to 21.7% of surgeries were reinterventions, where GDD was used in 27.3% and trabeculectomy in 20.3% of the cases. Glaucoma surgery was combined with phacoemulsification in 47.3% of the eyes. Mitomycin C (MMC) was used in 54.8% of the cases, collagen matrix (Ologen®, Aeon Astron Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan) was used alone in 8.2% of the cases and in 13.7% combined with MMC. MMC was used in a soaked sponge in 79% of cases (concentrations of 0.02% in 99% and 0.04% in 1%) and in 21% of cases MMC was injected subconjunctivally (concentrations of 0.01% in 81% and 0.02% in 19%) (AU)

Survey of glaucoma surgical preferences among glaucoma specialists in Spain.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the spectrum of glaucoma surgery undertaken among members of the Spanish Glaucoma Society (SEG). METHODS: A 10 question web-based anonimous survey was mailed through the Annals of the Spanish Glaucoma Society to all its members on January, February and July 2019 to determine their preferred surgical approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age, type of Glaucoma, surgery undertaken, type of anti-scarring strategy and prothesis introduced for the last 10 surgeries since the survey was received. The surgeon experience was registered in years of practice. RESULTS: A total of 97 SEG members across the country answered the survey. Sixty-two (63.4%) responders had more than 10 years of experience. Primary open angle glaucoma was the most frequent type of glaucoma (60.6%). The most popular surgery was deep-sclerectomy (37.3%) followed by trabeculectomy (17,6%) and the collagen microshunt (XEN® Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) (14.1%). Glaucoma drainage device (GDD) was used in 10.5% of the cases. Up to 21.7% of surgeries were reinterventions, where GDD was used in 27.3% and trabeculectomy in 20.3% of the cases. Glaucoma surgery was combined with phacoemulsification in 47.3% of the eyes. Mitomycin C (MMC) was used in 54,8% of the cases, collagen matrix (Ologen®, Aeon Astron Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan) was used alone in 8.2% of the cases and in 13,7% combined with MMC. MMC was used in a soaked sponge in 79% of cases (concentrations of 0.02% in 99% and 0.04% in 1%) and in 21% of cases MMC was injected subconjunctivally (concentrations of 0,01% in 81% and 0.02% in 19%). CONCLUSIONS: Although the glaucoma surgeon performs a wide range of surgical techniques, deep sclerectomy remains the most widely used surgical technique in Spain. Combined cataract and glaucoma surgery is performed almost in half of the patients and MMC is the most frequently selected antifibrotic agent, alone or combined with collagen matrix. The new minimal invasive surgical techniques represent the 20% of the total.

Gastric and Small Intestine Gist: Results of 156 Cases in 20 Years.

PURPOSE: Gastric and small intestine are the most common gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). There are few studies of patients who underwent surgical treatment with disparate findings. We aimed to evaluate the differences between groups and the risk factors for recurrence and mortality. METHODS: A retrospective study of 96 gastric and 60 small intestine GIST was performed between 1995 and 2015. Both groups were compared in terms of clinicopathologic features, morbidity, recurrence, and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS®. RESULTS: Eighty-one gastric GISTs and 56 small intestine GISTs underwent surgical treatment. Gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common cause of emergency surgery being more frequent in gastric GIST (P = 0.009); however, emergency surgery was indicated more frequently in the small intestinal GIST (P = 0.004) and was mostly due to perforation (P = 0.009). With a median follow-up of 66.9 (39.7-94.8) months, 28 (20.4%) patients had recurrence. A mitotic index > 5 (P ≤ 0.001) and the intestinal location (P = 0.012) were significantly associated to recurrence. Tumor size > 15 cm (P = 0.001) and an age of ≥ 75 years (P = 0.014) were associated to mortality. On univariate analysis, higher mean values of Ki-67 were associated to higher mortality (P = 0.0032). Small intestine GIST presented lower disease-free survival (DFS) than that of gastric GIST (65.7% vs 90.8%) with P = 0.003. The overall survival (OS) of gastric and small intestine GIST was 74.7% and 71.6%, respectively (P = 0.68). CONCLUSION: Small intestine GIST received emergency surgery more frequently showing lower DFS and same OS than that of gastric GIST. We found that Ki-67 could be a prognostic factor. Further studies are necessary to assess whether Ki-67 is a prognostic risk factor for GISTs.

Evaluation of data quality in the Spanish EURECCA Esophagogastric Cancer Registry.

BACKGROUND: Although the number of nationwide clinical registries in upper gastrointestinal cancer is increasing, few of them perform regular clinical audits. The Spanish EURECCA Esophagogastric Cancer Registry (SEEGCR) was launched in 2013. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the data in terms of completeness and accuracy. METHODS: Patients who were registered (2014-2017) in the online SEEGCR and underwent esophagectomy or gastrectomy with curative intent were selected for auditing. Independent teams of surgeons visited each center between July 2018 and December 2019 and checked the reliability of data entered into the registry. Completeness was established by comparing the cases reported in the registry with those provided by the Medical Documentation Service of each center. Twenty percent of randomly selected cases per hospital were checked during on-site visits for testing the accuracy of data (27 items per patient file). Correlation between the quality of the data and the hospital volume was also assessed. RESULTS: Some 1839 patients from 19 centers were included in the registry. The mean completeness rate in the whole series was 97.8% (range 82.8-100%). For the accuracy, 462 (25.1%) cases were checked. Out of 12,312 items, 10,905 were available for verification, resulting in a perfect agreement of 95% (87.1-98.7%). There were 509 (4.7%) incorrect and 35 (0.3%) missing entries. No correlation between hospital volume and the rate of completeness and accuracy was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the SEEGCR contains reliable data.

Clinically isolated syndrome: diagnosis and risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis. / Síndrome clínico aislado: diagnóstico y riesgo de desarrollar esclerosis múltiple clínicamente definida.

INTRODUCTION: In most cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) initially presents as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Differentiating CIS from other acute or subacute neurological diseases and estimating the risk of progression to clinically definite MS is essential since presenting a second episode in a short time is associated with poorer long-term prognosis. DEVELOPMENT: We conducted a literature review to evaluate the usefulness of different variables in improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting progression from CIS to MS, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and such biofluid markers as oligoclonal IgG and IgM bands, lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands in the CSF, CSF kappa free light-chain (KFLC) index, neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the CSF and serum, and chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in the CSF and serum. CONCLUSIONS: Codetection of oligoclonal IgG bands and MRI lesions reduces diagnostic delays and suggests a high risk of CIS progression to MS. A KFLC index > 10.6 and CSF NfL concentrations > 1150 ng/L indicate that CIS is more likely to progress to MS within one year (40-50%); 90% of patients with CIS and serum CHI3L1 levels > 33 ng/mL and 100% of those with lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands present MS within one year of CIS onset.

Una actualización sobre las manifestaciones clínicas y el diagnóstico de la enfermedad celiaca / An update on the clinical manifestations and diagnosis of celiac disease

La enfermedad celíaca (EC) es un trastorno sistémico, crónico y de origen autoinmune que afecta a individuos genéticamente susceptibles. Se presenta con una gran variedad de signos, síntomas y enfermedades asociadas, incluso también puede cursar de manera asintomática, lo que hace difícil su diagnóstico. La EC se diagnostica con mayor frecuencia en las mujeres y a edades más tempranas que a los hombres. Debido a la gran heterogeneidad en la forma de presentación de la EC, se ha llevado a cabo una revisión sistemática, donde estudios recientes, muestran una variación del espectro clínico de la enfermedad en función de la edad. En niños pequeños predomina la forma clásica con síntomas como distensión abdominal, pérdida del apetito, diarrea y pérdida de peso; esta forma de presentación típica es más intensa en niños menores de dos años. En niños mayores son frecuentes las manifestaciones atípicas como el dolor abdominal, reflujo, vómitos, fatiga y talla baja, entre otros. En adultos se observa una reducción de la forma de presentación clásica e incremento de la no clásica o atípica. El incremento en la prevalencia en los últimos años y la variación del espectro clínico hacia una forma atípica con síntomas extradigestivos o incluso asintomática, causa retraso en su diagnóstico, por lo que deben reconocerse para que se detecte de manera más precoz. El diagnóstico de la EC ha mejorado mucho en los últimos años debido a la creciente incidencia de esta patología y a la precisión de los nuevos métodos de detección. Se ha realizado una búsqueda bibliográfica de artículos sobre grupos de riesgo y métodos de diagnóstico en bases de datos como: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science de los últimos 6 años (2014-2019), se realizaron dos búsquedas en cada una de las bases de datos consultadas, con las siguientes palabras clave: 1) celiac disease AND sign AND symptom AND prevalence; 2) celiac disease AND sign AND symptom AND autoimmune disease. (AU)

Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic, chronic and autoimmune disorder affecting genetically susceptible individuals. It presents a wide variety of signs, symptoms and associated diseases, it can even be asymptomatic, difficulting their diagnosis. CD is diagnosed more often in women and at a younger age than in men. Due to the great hererogeneity in the presentation of CD, a systematic review has been carried out, where recent studies show a variation in the clinical spectrum of the disease as an age function. The classic form predominates in young children with symptoms such as abdominal distension, loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss; this typical presentation is more intense in children under two years of age. Atypical manifestations such as abdominal pain, reflux, vomiting, fatigue and short stature, among others, are frequent in older children. In adults, a reduction in the classic presentation and an increase in the non-classic or atypical form was shown. The increase in prevalence in recent years and the variation of the clinical spectrum towards an atypical form with extradigestive or even asymptomatic symptoms, causes a delay in the diagnosis, so they must be recognized to get an early detection. The diagnosis of CD has improved greatly in recent years due to the increasing incidence of this pathology and the precision of new detection methods. A bibliographic search has been carried out for articles on risk groups and diagnostic methods in databases such as Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science for the last 6 years (2014-2019), two searches were carried out in each consulted database, with the following keywords: 1) celiac disease AND sign AND sym ptom AND prevalence; 2) celiac disease AND sign AND symptom AND autoimmune disease. (AU)

Association between small-bowel mucosal damage and related diseases: Observational study in celiac patients / Asociación entre lesiones en la mucosa del intestino delgado y otras enfermedades: Estudio observacional en pacientes celiacos

Celiac disease is a systemic, chronic and autoimmune disorder that affects genetically susceptible individuals. Due to the increasing incidence of this pathology and the precision of new detection methods, celiac disease diagnosis has improved dramatically in recent years. Hereby, a study was performed to evaluate celiac disease’s prevalence, attending to associated diseases as well as clinical determinants. A convenience sample of 254 patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2017 in the South of Spain was selected: 212 were confirmed for celiac disease, 18 remained with suspected celiac disease and 24 were considered silent patients. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to patients’ data. 95.3% of the subjects obtained a positive result in the genetic-molecular diagnosis, with prevalence of female patients’ group (58.7%). Moreover, females were associated with diarrhea and abdominal pain to a greater extent (54.3% and 66.2%, respectively). Youngsters had accused villi atrophy and larger concentrations of anti-tTG antibodies compared to adults, but had more adhesion to treatment and recovered better than the older group. Deficit in Fe and multimorbidity were also factors associated with villi atrophy. The multivariate analysis adjusted for sex and age showed a direct association between intestinal lesion and Fe deficit, the presence of vomiting and the number of diseases associated with celiac disease. Novel results of the present study refer to the association between the level of intestinal injury and the multimorbidity associated with celiac disease. (AU)

La enfermedad celíaca es un trastorno sistémico, crónico y autoinmune que afecta a individuos genéticamente susceptibles. Debido al incremento en la incidencia de esta patología y la precisión de los nuevos métodos de detección, el diagnóstico de la enfermedad celíaca ha mejorado drásticamente en los últimos años. De esta manera, se ha realizado un estudio para evaluar la prevalencia de la enfermedad celíaca, atendiendo tanto a las enfermedades asociadas como a los determinantes clínicos. Se seleccionó una muestra de conveniencia de 254 pacientes diagnosticados entre 2007 y 2017 en el sur de España: 212 fueron confirmados de enfermedad celíaca, 18 permanecieron con sospecha de enfermedad celíaca y 24 fueron considerados pacientes silentes. Se aplicaron modelos de regresión logística multivariante a los datos de los pacientes. El 95,3% de los sujetos obtuvo un resultado positivo en el diagnóstico genético-molecular, con predominio del grupo de pacientes del sexo femenino (58,7%). Además, las mujeres se asociaron en mayor medida con diarrea y dolor abdominal (54,3% y 66,2%, respectivamente). Los jóvenes se asociaron a una mayor atrofia de las vellosidades y concentraciones de anticuerpos-tTG superiors en comparación con los adultos, pero mostraron una mayor adherencia al tratamiento y se recuperaron mejor que el grupo de mayor edad. El déficit de Fe y la multimorbilidad también fueron factores asociados con la atrofia de las vellosidades. El análisis multivariante ajustado por sexo y edad mostró una asociación directa entre la lesión intestinal y el déficit de Fe, la presencia de vómitos y el número de enfermedades asociadas a la enfermedad celíaca. Los nuevos resultados del presente estudio se refieren a la asociación entre el nivel de lesión intestinal y la multimorbilidad asociada a la enfermedad celíaca. (AU)

Plant-Derived Compounds as a Tool for the Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes: Modulation of Abamectin Pharmacological Action by Carvone.

The combination of synthetic anthelmintics and bioactive phytochemicals may be a pharmacological tool for improving nematode control in livestock. Carvone (R-CNE) has shown in vitro activity against gastrointestinal nematodes; however, the anthelmintic effect of bioactive phytochemicals either alone or combined with synthetic drugs has been little explored in vivo. Here, the pharmacological interaction of abamectin (ABM) and R-CNE was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The efficacy of this combination was evaluated in lambs naturally infected with resistant gastrointestinal nematodes. Additionally, the ligand and molecular docking of both molecules to P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was studied in silico. The presence of R-CNE produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase of Rho123 and ABM accumulation in the intestinal explants. After 60 min of incubation, Rho123 incubated with R-CNE had a 67 ± 21% higher concentration (p < 0.01) than when it was incubated alone. In the case of ABM, a significant increase in the intestinal concentrations was observed at 15 and 30 min after incubation with R-CNE. In the in vivo assay, no undesirable effects were observed after the oral administration of R-CNE. The coadministration of the natural compound prolonged ABM absorption in lambs. ABM T ½ absorption was 1.57-fold longer (p < 0.05) in the coadministered group. Concentrations of R-CNE between 420 and 2,593 ng/mL were detected in the bloodstream between 1 and 48 h posttreatment. The in vivo efficacy of ABM against gastrointestinal nematodes increased from 94.9 to 99.8% in the presence of R-CNE, with the lower confidence interval limit being >90%. In vitro/in vivo pharmacoparasitological studies are relevant for the knowledge of the interactions and the efficacy of bioactive natural products combined with synthetic anthelmintics. While ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) predictions and the molecular docking study showed a good interaction between ABM and P-gp, R-CNE does not appear to modulate this efflux protein. Therefore, the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic effect of R-CNE on ABM should be attributed to its effect on membrane permeability. The development of pharmacology-based information is critical for the design of successful strategies for the parasite control.

A real-life analysis on the indications and prognostic relevance of perioperative chemotherapy in locally advanced resectable gastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Perioperative chemotherapy (periCTX) based on the "MAGIC" scheme has become a standard treatment in Europe for locally advanced oesophagogastric cancer. We assessed implementation and long-term oncological outcomes of MAGIC periCTX for locally advanced gastric cancer. METHODS: Population-based cohort study of all patients with locally advanced gastric cancer undergoing surgical resection with curative intent in Catalonia and Navarra (the first two autonomous communities included in the EURECCA Upper GI Spanish Working Group) between January 2011 and December 2013. The main variable was the percentage of patients treated with MAGIC periCTX. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to assess the survival benefit of periCTX. RESULTS: Among 814 patients, 217 (26.6%) received periCTX (especially patients more likely to receive it: aged < 70 years, with proximal tumors, low anesthetic risk, and cT3-4/cN+ clinical stage). 35% did not complete perioperative chemotherapy, with no relationship with age. PeriCTX showed no effect on postoperative morbimortality. Histological tumor regression was more often absent or poor (38.2%) than total or almost total (27.8%), although clinico-pathological lymph-node downstaging was higher than expected by staging inaccuracy (38.7% vs. 24.2%). PeriCTX was associated with a better survival only in cT3-4 and cN+ patients, showing less prognostic relevance than optimal oncological surgery with D2 lymphadenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Only 26.6% of locally advanced resectable gastric cancer patients received PeriCTX. Pathological response was poor, although some degree of nodal downstaging was observed. Survival benefit of periCTX was limited to cT3-4 and cN+ patients, being less relevant than D2 lymphadenectomy.

Frequency, virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility of Candida parapsilosis species complex isolated from patients with candidemia in the central region of Argentina.

PURPOSE: Our objectives were to report species distribution and survival of patients with candidemia in Argentina's central region and to establish the prevalence of C.parapsilosis sensu lato species, their virulence factors and their antifungal susceptibility profiles. METHODS: Yeasts isolated from bloodstream infections in Córdoba (Argentina) (n=35) were molecularly identified. The production of lipase and acid aspartic protease (Sap), the adhesion capacity, and the isolates' ability to form biofilm were evaluated. The in vitro activity of 7 antifungal drugs was evaluated (CLSIdocument M27-4thed). RESULTS: C. albicans was the most prevalent species (48.57%) followed by C. parapsilosis sensu lato (28.57%). The 30-day survival rate for C. albicans candidemia was slightly lower than non-albicans blood infections (50.00% vs. 57.90%). C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and C. orthopsilosis account for 60% and 40% of the cryptic species. Sap production and biofilm formation capacity were higher in C. parapsilosis sensu strico than in C.orthopsilosis. All the strains were susceptible to caspofungin (CAS), anidulafungin (AFG), amphotericin B (AMB), posaconazole (POS) and voriconazole (VRC). Azoles were the most potent agent against C. parapsilosis sensu lato followed by echinocandins and AMB. There were no differences between MICs for fluconazole, VRC, POS and AMB. Contrarily, C. parapsilosis sensu stricto strains showed lower MIC than C. orthopsilopsis isolates for itraconazole and higher MIC values for echinocandins (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We report a high frequency of isolation of C.orthopsilosis in candidemia patients of central region. Data on the prevalence, virulence capability and antifungal susceptibility of C. parapsilosis complex provide new epidemiological information about these cryptic species in Argentina.

Bacterioruberin extracts from a genetically modified hyperpigmented Haloferax volcanii strain: antioxidant activity and bioactive properties on sperm cells.

AIMS: To examine the antioxidant activity of Bacterioruberin (Bctr)-rich extracts isolated from a hyperpigmented, genetically modified Haloferax volcanii strain (HVLON3) and to investigate the effect on cold-sensitive ram sperm cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: The strain HVLON3 produces higher Bctr amounts than most haloarchaea (220 ± 13 mg g-1 DW). HVLON3-Bctr extract has higher antioxidant activity than ß-carotene (threefold) as evaluated using 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl combined with Electron Paramagnetic Resonance analysis (EC50 4·5 × 10-5  mol l-1 vs 13·9 × 10-5  mol l-1 respectively). Different concentrations of HVLON3-Bctr extracts were assayed on ram sperm after freezing/thawing and physiologically relevant parameters were examined. Extracts containing 7 and 20 µmol l-1 Bctr significantly improved cell viability (P < 0·0001), total and progressive motility (P < 0·0001) and sperm velocities (P = 0·0172 for curvilinear velocity VCL, P = 0·0268 for average path velocity VAP and P = 0·0181 for straight line velocity VSL) and did not affect other parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: HVLON3 is an excellent source of natural microbial C50 carotenoids with applicability in Biotechnology, Biomedical and Veterinary fields. HVLON3 Bctr extract improves the quality of cryopreserved ram sperm cells and could be applied to increase insemination yields. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides an insight on the bioactive properties of a bioproduct derived from haloarchaea (carotenoids) which are so far underexploited.

Teniendo en mente el foco: la focalización en la clínica diaria / Keeping the focus in mind: focusing in daily clinical practice / Tenint en ment el focus: la focalització a la clínica diària

En este artículo rendimos homenaje a Eulàlia Torras de Beà, resumiendo las ponencias desarrolladas en su jornada-homenaje. Las ponencias se centraron en la focalización en la clínica infanto-juvenil, aunque abarcaron un amplio espectro, en cuanto a contenidos y complementariedad: un abordaje en la red pública adaptado al incremento de la demanda y precariedad socioeconómica de las familias y sistemas de protección social, la utilidad de la focalización en la entrevista individual o familiar en el diagnóstico, la relación paciente, familia y terapeuta en la construcción del foco y un uso de la focalización en el tratamiento grupal

In this article we pay homage to Eulàlia Torras de Beà, summarizing the presentations that were in the conference held as a tribute to her. The presentations covered a wide spectrum in terms of their content and complementarity: the approach within the public mental health system that has been forced to adapt to increased demand and to the socio-economic precariousness of families and of social safety net systems, the utility of focusing on individual or family interviews for diagnosis, the relationship amongst the patient, his or her family and the therapist to create the focus of treatment and the use of targeting in the treatment of groups

En aquest article retrem homenatge a Eulàlia Torras de Beà resumint las ponències desenvolupades en la seva jornada-homenatge. Les ponències es van centrar en la focalització, tot i que abastaren un ampli espectre, quant a continguts i complementarietat: un abordatge en el marc de la xarxa pública adaptat a l’increment de la demanda i la precarietat socioeconòmica de las famílies i sistemes de protecció social, la utilitat de la focalit­zació a l’entrevista individual o familiar en el diagnòstic, la relació pacient, família i terapeuta en la construcció del focus i un ús de la focalització en el tractament grupal

Protective T Cell and Antibody Immune Responses against Hepatitis C Virus Achieved Using a Biopolyester-Bead-Based Vaccine Delivery System.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major worldwide problem. Chronic hepatitis C is recognized as one of the major causes of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. Although new, directly acting antiviral therapies are suggested to overcome the low efficacy and adverse effects observed for the current standard of treatment, an effective vaccine would be the only way to certainly eradicate HCV infection. Recently, polyhydroxybutyrate beads produced by engineered Escherichia coli showed efficacy as a vaccine delivery system. Here, an endotoxin-free E. coli strain (ClearColi) was engineered to produce polyhydroxybutyrate beads displaying the core antigen on their surface (Beads-Core) and their immunogenicity was evaluated in BALB/c mice. Immunization with Beads-Core induced gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion and a functional T cell immune response against the HCV Core protein. With the aim to target broad T and B cell determinants described for HCV, Beads-Core mixed with HCV E1, E2, and NS3 recombinant proteins was also evaluated in BALB/c mice. Remarkably, only three immunization with Beads-Core+CoE1E2NS3/Alum (a mixture of 0.1 µg Co.120, 16.7 µg E1.340, 16.7 µg E2.680, and 10 µg NS3 adjuvanted in aluminum hydroxide [Alum]) induced a potent antibody response against E1 and E2 and a broad IFN-γ secretion and T cell response against Core and all coadministered antigens. This immunological response mediated protective immunity to viremia as assessed in a viral surrogate challenge model. Overall, it was shown that engineered biopolyester beads displaying foreign antigens are immunogenic and might present a particulate delivery system suitable for vaccination against HCV.

Multidisciplinary cancer care may impact on the postoperative mortality and survival of patients with oesophageal and oesophagogastric junction cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Background. Modern management of Oesophageal and oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) cancers requires a multidisciplinary approach, which was implemented at our health centre in 2005. This study aimed to assess the impact of this change on clinical outcomes. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, covering all patients treated for oesophageal and OGJ cancer at the cancer centre established by the Bellvitge University Hospital and Catalonian Institute of Oncology, over two time periods, i.e. 2000–2004 and 2005–2008. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed using survival at 1 and 3 years as dependent variables. Results. Between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2008, 586 patients were included. Number of patients with unknown stage at diagnosis was significantly reduced. Preoperative strategies at the oesophageal location clearly increased in the recent period. A multidisciplinary approach resulted in a significant reduction in surgical mortality (11.8 vs. 2 %) in the period 2005–2008. Analysis restricted to patients undergoing surgery with curative intent indicated a significant increase in 1- and 3-year survival in the latter period (68.4 vs. 89.8 and 38.2 vs. 57.1 %, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that variables associated with improved survival were: age; tumour stage; radical intent of treatment (surgery and radical combined chemoradiotherapy); and therapeutic strategy. Conclusion. Better selection of patients for therapy together with improved staging resulted in a significant improvement in 1- and 3-year survival in cases undergoing surgery with curative intent. These changes would support the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach to clinical decision-making in cases of oesophageal and OGJ cancer (AU)

No disponible

3D and 2D structural characterization of 1D Al/Al2 O3 biphasic nanostructures.

1D Al/Al2 O3 nanostructures have been synthesized by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of the molecular precursor [(t) BuOAlH2 ]2 . The deposited nanostructures grow chaotically on the substrate forming a layer with a high porosity (80%). Depending on the deposition time, diverse nanostructured surfaces with different distribution densities were achieved. A three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction has been evaluated for every nanostructure density using the Focus Ion Beam (FIB) tomography technique and reconstruction software tools. Several structural parameters such as porosity, Euler number, geometrical tortuosity and aspect ratio have been quantified through the analysis with specified software of the reconstructions. Additionally roughness of the prepared surfaces has been characterized at micro- and nanoscale using profilometry and AFM techniques, respectively. While high aspects ratio around 20-30 indicates a strong anisotropy in the structure, high porosity values (around 80%) is observed as a consequence of highly tangled geometry of such 1D nanostructures.

Multidisciplinary cancer care may impact on the postoperative mortality and survival of patients with oesophageal and oesophagogastric junction cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Modern management of Oesophageal and oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) cancers requires a multidisciplinary approach, which was implemented at our health centre in 2005. This study aimed to assess the impact of this change on clinical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, covering all patients treated for oesophageal and OGJ cancer at the cancer centre established by the Bellvitge University Hospital and Catalonian Institute of Oncology, over two time periods, i.e. 2000-2004 and 2005-2008. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed using survival at 1 and 3 years as dependent variables. RESULTS: Between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2008, 586 patients were included. Number of patients with unknown stage at diagnosis was significantly reduced. Preoperative strategies at the oesophageal location clearly increased in the recent period. A multidisciplinary approach resulted in a significant reduction in surgical mortality (11.8 vs. 2 %) in the period 2005-2008. Analysis restricted to patients undergoing surgery with curative intent indicated a significant increase in 1- and 3-year survival in the latter period (68.4 vs. 89.8 and 38.2 vs. 57.1 %, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that variables associated with improved survival were: age; tumour stage; radical intent of treatment (surgery and radical combined chemoradiotherapy); and therapeutic strategy. CONCLUSION: Better selection of patients for therapy together with improved staging resulted in a significant improvement in 1- and 3-year survival in cases undergoing surgery with curative intent. These changes would support the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach to clinical decision-making in cases of oesophageal and OGJ cancer.