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The combination of ipilimumab/nivolumab is approved for patients with treatment-naïve, intermediate-, and poor-risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), but duration of therapy and safety/efficacy of reinduction at progression is unknown. A phase II trial of intermittent ipilimumab/nivolumab with reinduction at progression was conducted (NCT03126331). Patients with treatment-naïve mRCC were treated with induction ipilimumab/nivolumab followed by up to 24 weeks of maintenance nivolumab. Patients who achieved a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) were eligible for inclusion and entered a treatment-free observation period. Patients were restaged every 12 weeks. Patients with no disease progression (PD) remained off therapy. Upon PD, patients were re-challenged with 2 doses of ipilimumab/nivolumab every 3 weeks. Study objectives were to estimate success rate of observation in patients who achieve a CR/PR, and to assess toxicity in patients undergoing reinduction. The study accrued slower than expected and was closed prior to the anticipated accrual goal of 20 patients. Nine patients were included; 89% male, median age 57, 67% clear-cell histology, and 78% intermediate-risk by IMDC criteria. Response to ipilimumab/nivolumab followed by nivolumab maintenance prior to enrollment was 33% CR and 67% PR. Most (78%) patients have remained off therapy, with a median treatment-free interval (TFI) of 34.3 months (range, 8.7-41.8). Two patients had PD off therapy and received 2 cycles of reinduction ipilimumab and nivolumab. No grade 3 or greater toxicities occurred with reinduction. Both patients developed PD at their first scans after reinduction. This prospective study demonstrates that patients with a radiographic response to ipilimumab/nivolumab can have prolonged treatment-free intervals. Further studies of de-escalation strategies are warranted. Trial Registration: NCT03126331 [Date of registration 4/27/2017; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03126331 ]. In this study, patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) who responded to treatment with ipilimumab and nivolumab were taken off therapy. Most (78%) of the patients who discontinued therapy per protocol have remained off therapy, with a median treatment-free interval of 34.3 months (range, 8.7-41.8), suggesting that a subset of patients with mRCC do not require extended immunotherapy treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El objetivo de este estudio es la implementación en una Unidad de Radiofarmacia Hospitalaria de una metodología de análisis de riesgos para poder identificar de forma proactiva los posibles modos de fallo y priorizar medidas correctivas. Mediante el análisis modal de fallos y efectos (AMFE) se identificaron los posibles modos de fallo de cada una de las etapas de los procesos de prescripción, preparación y administración de los radiofármacos de diagnóstico y de terapia. A partir de las variables de severidad, probabilidad y detectabilidad se cuantificó el riesgo mediante el número de prioridad de riesgo (NPR) para cada modo de fallo, subproceso y tipo de radiofármaco. Se establecieron medidas de mejora y se calculó la reducción en el NPR. Se identificaron 96 modos de fallos (58 para los radiofármacos de diagnóstico y 38 para los de terapia). La identificación biunívoca del paciente con el radiofármaco es el modo de fallo con mayor NPR (60) y el subproceso de marcaje celular el que presenta mayor riesgo (NPR 286). Como resultado de las medidas de mejora se disminuyó el NPR global en un 22% para los radiofármacos de diagnóstico y 20% para los de terapia. Esta reducción sería del 46 y el 31%, respectivamente, si se implantara un software de radiofarmacia y tecnología de código de barras en la administración. La aplicación de la metodología AMFE como herramienta de análisis de riesgos permite identificar los puntos críticos de los procesos relacionados con los radiofármacos y priorizar medidas para disminuir el riesgo. The aim of this study is the implementation in a Hospital Radiopharmacy Unit of a risk analysis methodology in order to proactively identify possible failure modes and prioritize corrective measures. By means of the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), the possible failure modes of each of the stages of the processes of prescription, preparation, and administration of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapy were identified. From the variables of severity, probability and detectability, the risk was quantified using the Risk Priority Number (RPN) for each failure mode, sub-process, and type of radiopharmaceutical. Improvement measures were established and the reduction in the RPN value was calculated. A total of 96 failure modes were identified (58 for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals and 38 for therapy). Biunivocal identification of the patient with the radiopharmaceutical is the failure mode with the highest RPN (60) and the radiolabeling cell sub-process the one that has the highest risk (RPN 286). As a result of the improvement measures, the overall RPN was reduced by 22% for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals and 20% for therapy. This reduction would be 46% and 31% respectively if radiopharmacy software and a barcode technology in the administration were implemented. The application of the FMEA methodology as a risk analysis tool allows to identify the critical points of the processes related to radiopharmaceuticals and prioritize measures to reduce the risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Aims In sports competition recovery is considered fundamental, especially in those modalities that require competing repeatedly within one contest. One of the main concerns regarding the short recovery period during repeated-based competitions is the accumulation of blood lactate, which may impair muscle function on a metabolic basis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the lactate concentration ([Lac]) removal rate with different recovery active protocols after an all-out rowing test. Materials and methods The participants were chosen at random from the Naval School and subjected to four removal protocols (rowing, cycling, running and complete rest). Blood lactate samples were taken at rest and subsequent to the all-out test (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min). Results and conclusion At minute 20, the running protocol presented similar blood [Lac] values as resting sample, whereas rowing reached it on 25, and cycling on 30 min. Additionally, a passive 30 min rest after the last blood sampling indicated that all protocols were able to reduce the blood [Lac] to rest values, including the resting group. In this sense, this study indicates that different active protocols induce a faster blood [Lac] removal after high-intensity rowing. Finally, treadmill running may be a feasible tool to boost blood [Lac] removal after rowing trials within the same competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Abengoa solar thermal power tower demonstration plant, using molten salts at 565°C as fluid, has been operating uninterruptedly for one year. The plant, which became fully operational in late August 2012, is continuing the program to test operation at different temperatures in a manner similar to that of a commercial plant 7 days a week. With this plant, the functioning of a solar receiver with molten salt as heat transfer fluid will be tested and validated. In addition, proving of the feasibility and efficiency of the generation of superheated steam from the flow of molten salt in a steam generator will be possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Perovskite type RE-doped NaTaO3 (where RE represents Rare Earths elements like Y, La, Ce, Yb) catalysts, derived from solid state synthesis method, have been used for the photocatalytic hydrogen production from water using methanol as sacrificial agent. The photocatalytic activity of NaTaO3 in H2 production is improved on its doping with Y, La or Yb elements. In contrast, Ce-doped sample shows a worsening of the photoactivity, which is even lower than the un-doped catalyst. The characterization of the materials reveals that the monoclinic structure and the presence of Ce4+ do not favour to increase the performance of NaTaO3. Previous reports proved that La-doping boosted the water splitting photoactivity of NaTaO3. However the results of this work reveal an increase in the H2 production by the use of Y as dopant. This enhancement in the photoactivity could be related with the modification of the opto-electronic properties of NaTaO3 with the inclusion of RE elements (Y, La, Yb) in the orthorhombic structure of this perovskite. Moreover, the catalytic activity of all the RE-doped samples is further increased on their modification with Pt nanoparticles (NPs) loading that act as photo-generated electron scavenger facilitating the reduction reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A compact differential flipped voltage follower (DFVF) with low power consumption, capable to deliver currents several orders of magnitude larger than its quiescent current and with large capacitive loads is presented. In the proposed circuit, a current comparator activates an auxiliary transistor whenever is required to hand over additional current and reach class-AB operation. Furthermore, Miller compensation is performed, by taking advantage of the large impedance node of the comparator it is possible to reduce forty times the compensation capacitor compared to other topologies under the same conditions. The proposed architecture is validated by post-layout simulations using the parameters of an ON SEMI, double-poly, three metal layers, CMOS technology and the Pelgrom's mismatch model. A Winner-Takes-All circuit, a median filter and a current conveyor are presented as examples of application of the proposed topology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The oxidized glutathione mimetic NOV-002 is a unique anti-tumor agent that not only has the ability to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, survival, and invasion, but in some settings can also ameliorate cytotoxic chemotherapy-induced hematopoietic and immune suppression. However, the mechanisms by which NOV-002 protects the hematopoietic and immune systems against the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy are not known. Therefore, in this study we investigated the mechanisms of action of NOV-002 using a mouse model in which hematopoietic and immune suppression was induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) treatment. We found that NOV-002 treatment in a clinically comparable dose regimen attenuated CTX-induced reduction in bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and reversed the immunosuppressive activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which led to a significant improvement in hematopoietic and immune functions. These effects of NOV-002 may be attributable to its ability to modulate cellular redox. This suggestion is supported by the finding that NOV-002 treatment upregulated the expression of superoxide dismutase 3 and glutathione peroxidase 2 in HSPCs, inhibited CTX-induced increases in reactive oxygen species production in HSPCs and MDSCs, and attenuated CTX-induced reduction of the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione in splenocytes. These findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms whereby NOV-002 modulates chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and immune dysfunction and a stronger rationale for clinical utilization of NOV-002 to reduce chemotherapy-induced hematopoietic and immune suppression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Renal replacement therapies which consist of renal transplantation and dialysis are the only treatment options for patients with terminal renal failure. These therapies have changed the outcome from being fatal to being a chronic disease. Kidney transplantation involves the use of immunosuppressive agents to prevent rejection. Currently, several immunosuppressive agents have shown efficacy, safety, and different costs. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early conversion from tacrolimus to mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors sirolimus or everolimus versus continuous treatment with tacrolimus among renal transplantat patients in Colombia. Methods: We performed systematic literature review to extract data for clinical effectiveness and safety of tacrolimus replacement schemes for immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplantation in adults. A Markov model in TreeAge was developed, simulating the patient''s natural history with renal transplantation. The perspective of the Colombian Health System was used, including only direct costs. The cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were estimated. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. A 5% discount rate was applied in costs and health results. Results: Results for the replacement of tacrolimus to sirolimus are provided. The cost per year of additional life gained for sirolimus was Col$2,441,171.43; the cost for avoided loss was Col$4,014,152.84. The acceptability curve shows that a strategy with sirolimus is the most cost-effective one. Conclusions: This study suggested that the sirolimus strategy is cost-effective in Colombia for patients with renal transplantation using as threshold less than three times the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Colombia per life of years gained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: To correlate serum cytokine and angiogenic factor (CAF) levels with overall survival (OS) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with interferon-α (IFN-α). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We have recently reported that the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist poly(I:C) induces adjuvant effects to post vaccination CD8+ T cells responses through rapid induction of innate mediators, including NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and inflammatory cytokines. However, whether this TLR3 agonist directly targets CD8+ T cells needs to be carefully investigated. In this study, we found that optimal post vaccination CD8+ T cell responses to ex vivo DC-based vaccination requires triggering of TLR3 signaling pathway in DCs in vitro as well as in the recipient host, indicating a role for other cell types. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that TLRs (TLR1–TLR13) are expressed in purified (>99% pure) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, where the magnitude of the expression was strain and cell type dependent. In vitro, treatment of these purified T cells with poly(I:C) modulated the expression of TLRs including TLR3. Furthermore, non-specific and antigen-specific stimulation of CD8+ T cells by phorbol myristate acetate and MHC class I peptide-pulsed splenocytes, respectively, modulated TLR expression in purified CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Importantly, brief conditioning of purified naïve TCR transgenic OT-1 (CD8+) T cells in vitro with poly(I:C) induced activation of these cells in absence of antigen stimulation. Interestingly, when these in vitro poly(I:C)-conditioned OT-1 cells were adoptively transferred into naïve recipient followed by peptide vaccination, they showed superior expansion and activation to their naïve counterparts. These results suggest that CD8+ T cells can be activated by triggering their TLR3. Furthermore, the data support the notion of direct involvement of TLRs in adaptive immune responses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Considerable advances in understanding the mechanisms associated with anoikis resistance of normal and malignant epithelial cells have been made. However, little is still known about the pathways involved in anoikis resistance of non-epithelial cells such as fibroblasts and sarcomas. Our results show that Src activity contributes to anoikis resistance of human osteosarcoma SAOS-2 cells. Src was found to be upregulated in anoikis resistant SAOS cells, and pharmacological inhibition of its activity resulted in the restoration of anoikis sensitivity. A normal pattern of dephosphorylation of FAK was observed upon cell detachment of both anoikis sensitive and resistant SAOS-2 cells, suggesting that FAK activity during anoikis resistance is not essential. The activity of Akt was found to be upregulated in anoikis resistant SAOSar cells and the pharmacological inhibition of PI3-K activity restored sensitivity to anoikis resistant cells, reconfirming the critical role of PI3-K/Akt pathway in cell survival. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Src resulted in a decrease of Akt phosphorylation at Ser473. Altogether, these studies indicated a survival pathway mediated by the Src-dependent activation of the PI3-K/Akt pathway in a manner independent of FAK activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives. – To review the research on the effects and indications of eccentric muscular contraction in the athlete.Methods. – We searched the Medline database using the key words eccentric and negative work for reports of eccentric muscular contraction published from 1993 to 2004.Results. – The physiologic features of eccentric contraction remain unknown but significantly differ from concentric contraction. Eccentric contraction has a specific effect: during sports practice, it permits the muscular and tendinous complex to support strain and strengthens the muscular action of articular stabilization. But eccentric contraction produces injuries: delayed-onset muscle soreness, and muscle rupture and tendinous injuries such as luxation, rupture, and tendinitis.Conclusion. – Treatment and prevention must have controlled protocols. In therapy, eccentric contraction must be realized at progressive speeds and resistances. Prevention of tendinous injury necessitates quantifying eccentric activity during training. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most important new treatments for cancer in many years, moving rapidly to front-line therapy for several cancers. Cancer immunotherapy is based on treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), which are monoclonal antibodies directed toward immunoregulatory proteins including PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4. ICI inhibit interactions between these proteins and their ligands, disabling physiologic immune regulatory networks and enhancing anti-tumor immunity. However, since the immune response cannot be directed specifically to the tumor, ICI are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) resulting from immune-mediated attack of normal tissues. We and others have reported a high incidence of thrombosis in patients treated with ICI, which may approach 20%. Given the rapidly increasing use of ICIs, it is clear that I CI- A ssociated T hrombosis (IAT) is a major emerging clinical problem. However, there is a remarkable knowledge gap concerning mechanisms of IAT. IAT may be a composite irAE resulting from activation of blood and vascular cells, leading to thromboinflammation. Cancer itself is an inflammatory disorder, and inducing further inflammation through ICI administration may stimulate procoagulant activity by multiple cell types. Moreover, some blood and vascular cells express ICI target proteins. Here, we review the results of several studies describing the clinical manifestations of IAT, as well as our recent studies demonstrating that elevated levels of myeloid derived suppressor cells and inflammatory cytokines may serve as biomarkers of IAT. It is hoped that the concepts reviewed here may stimulate further research into this important clinical problem. • Thrombosis, particularly venous, occurs commonly in patients with cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICI) • Thrombosis my occur after administration of any of the approved immune checkpoint inhibitors • A common risk factor for ICI-associated thrombosis (IAT) is a history of prior thrombosis • There is very little information available on the pathogenesis of IAT [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of sufficient physical activity (PA) has been associated with an increased risk of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and all-cause mortality. This study aimed to estimate the number of preventable incidence cases of NCDs attributable to insufficient PA in the Chilean population. Comparative risk assessment modelling study. This study examined data from 5834 participants aged ≥20 years from the Chilean National Survey (2016–2017). PA was assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), and metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs) were assigned according to PA intensity. Estimated incidence cases of NCDs in Chile in 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease study. Relative risks for breast cancer, colon cancer, ischaemic heart disease, diabetes and stroke were obtained from a published meta-analysis and applied to the prevalence of insufficient PA estimates through the potential impact fraction equation. High levels of PA (≥8000 MET-min/week) could potentially avoid more than 22,000 (64.6 %) incidence NCD cases, ranging from 498 (10.1 %) preventable cases of breast cancer to 5629 (14.7 %) cases of diabetes. Other modelled scenarios also showed to reduce the incidence cases of all five NCDs but to a lesser extent; where at least PA recommendation was achieved, preventable NCDs were reduced by 6522 cases (18.7 %), and where a 10 % relative reduction in insufficient PA level in the population was achieved, preventable NCDs were reduced by 651 (1.8 %) cases. The study results provide estimates for the incidence cases of preventable NCDs attributable to insufficient PA, highlighting the important role of PA in NCD prevention in Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity of ATa 0.5 Nb 0.5 O 3 (A: Li, Na or K) photocatalysts for H 2 production has been studied using methanol aqueous solutions. Previous studies showed that photocatalysts with 1:1 combination of Ta and Nb showed greatly improved activity compared to the single-metal oxides. In this work, compositional variations have shown that sodium suits best as alkali counterion for H 2 evolution. Variation of reaction parameters like pH and methanol concentration shows that neutral pH and 10 vol.% methanol lead to the best activity of NaNb 0.5 Ta 0.5 O 3 perovskite. In addition, a notable increase in the H 2 evolution is observed by the use of Pt as co-catalyst, and the variation of its loading amount has also a great influence on the photocatalytic performance. The highest H 2 production rate is obtained with the NaNb 0.5 Ta 0.5 O 3 catalyst with 0.125 wt.% of Pt loading under UV irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports experimental tests of a memristor emulator circuit employing a double output second generation current conveyor, a four quadrant analog multiplier, a capacitor and two resistors. First, the behavioral model of the proposed emulator circuit is derived, including parasitic elements and exhibiting that the memristance of a charge-controlled memristor is modeled as a first-order function. Subsequently, an analysis on the frequency performance is done, showing not only that the frequency-dependent pinched hysteresis loop in the current-versus-voltage plane holds up to 160 kHz, but a guideline for choosing the numerical values of the passive elements according to the desired operating frequency is also given. Afterwards, the emulator circuit is built with commercially available devices, confirming good agreement among theoretical simulations, HSPICE results and experimental tests. Furthermore, we show that by using a simple switch, the emulator circuit can be configured as decremental or incremental memristor in order to be used in future applications such as sensors, cellular neural networks, chaotic systems, programmable analog circuits and nonvolatile memory devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Wood is enjoying increasing popularity in the building sector. In order to fully exploit the potential of this material, particularly in two and three-dimensional structures, improved knowledge of the mechanical behavior of the material and more complex constitutive models are required. We herein present a holistic approach to mechanical material modeling of wood, including a multitude of length scales as well as computational and experimental efforts. This allows to resolve the microstructural origin of the macroscopic material behavior and to finally apply the gained knowledge to structural applications in a timber engineering framework. Focusing on elastoplasticity and viscoelasticity, exemplary results of the performed investigations are presented and their interrelations discussed. Regarding computational approaches, presented developments include multiscale models for prediction of elastic limit states and creep compliances of wood, macroscopic phenomenological models for wood plasticity and the time and moisture-dependent behavior, and their applications to investigations of dowel-joints and glued-laminated timber beams. Accompanying experiments provided additional input data for the computational analyses, therewith completing the set of material properties predicted by the multiscale models. Moreover, they served as the reference basis for model validation at both the material and the structural scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a malignant lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the presence of a high level of serum monoclonal IgM and a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in the bone marrow. This meta-analysis sought to assess the effectiveness of the different treatments for WM tested in published trials using the response rate (RR) as the main outcome measure. Forty-six articles (1409 patients) identified were entered in a variable effects model meta-analysis of proportions (rates and sample sizes). A greater response to treatment was produced in patients treated with a combination of 2+ drugs (RR = 73%; 95%CI: 62, 83; p < 0.01) than in those receiving monotherapy with rituximab (RR = 44%; 95%CI: 34, 55; p < 0.01) or a purine analogue [61% (95%CI: 43, 78; p < 0.01) for cladribine and 53% (95%CI: 34, 72; p < 0.01) for fludarabine]. The combination rituximab + cladribine emerged as particularly effective (RR = 87%; 95%CI: 78, 94; p < 0.01), slightly more effective than rituximab + bortezomib/dexamethasone (RR = 84%; 95%CI: 79, 88; p < 0.01) and rituximab + cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone [RR = 81% (95%CI: 72, 88; p < 0.01)]. Our results are in overall agreement with treatment recommendations from the seventh International Workshops on WM. Our findings are limited by the fact that we could not analyze progression-free survival (PFS). More phase II/III trials are needed to corroborate promising recent findings with bendamustine and carfilzomib and further research are needed to standardize recommendations based on maximum treatment efficacy combined with lowest toxicity, differentiation between first vs second line treatment, or long-term follow up after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We describe the petrographic characteristics, whole-rock geochemistry and mineral chemistry of rocks from the Pucarilla–Cerro Tipillas Volcanic Complex with emphasis on the rocks belonging to the middle Miocene Luingo caldera, located in the south-eastern portion of the Central Volcanic Zone (CVZ) of the Andes. We modelled the petrogenesis of the Luingo caldera rocks as a mixture of ca. 20% crustal magmas and 80% of mantle magmas by AFC with recharge processes. A comparison of Luingo geochemical data with the composition of Miocene–Pliocene volcanic rocks from the broad area, points to major thickening events during the middle Miocene for the western portion and during the upper Miocene for the eastern portion of the Southern CVZ. In the eastern sector (~66°W) the mantle source appears to change from a spinel–lherzolite type for the middle Miocene to a garnet-lherzolite type for the upper Miocene-Pliocene magmas. The areal distribution of the volcanic products led to the recognition of approximately equivalent areas covered by volcanic rocks both in the eastern and in the western Puna borders. This indicates a broad arc, which was structurally controlled at the proto-Puna/Puna margins, whose geochemical differences are related with variations in crustal thicknesses and heterogeneous mantle sources from west to east. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the main goals in the current care of kidney transplant recipients is to extend long-term graft survival. Efficacious immunosuppressive agents devoid of nephrotoxicity are needed. In human clinical transplantation, sirolimus combined with other immunosuppressive drugs has proven to be a powerful immunosuppressant capable of preventing acute graft rejection, as well as of improving renal function, renal histology, and graft survival when compared with immunosuppressive regimens that include calcineurin inhibitors. The valuable experience gained through many clinical studies allows clinicians to plan sirolimus use. We present a review of the clinical experience and literature review on the use of sirolimus in the first 12 months posttransplantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Lung cancer survival varies greatly from one European country to another. Differences in data collection may account for some of the variations observed. The aim of this work was to ascertain the survival rate in diverse Spanish regions and to analyse the influence of age and other prognostic factors. This was a prospective, observational, multiregional study carried out in 10 hospitals from 8 different Spanish regions. Epidemiological and clinical data, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and 3-year survival were recorded according to a common protocol and uniform criteria in 1027 patients with lung cancer diagnosed in 2003. Thirteen (1.26%) were lost to follow-up. The average 3-year survival rate in the remaining 1014 patients was 13.8% with regional rates varying from 6.7% to 19.7%. The resection rate also varied greatly. Early TNM stage, surgical treatment, and asymptomatic status at diagnosis were good independent prognostic factors. Cardiovascular comorbidity and weight loss had an adverse influence on survival. Patients over the age of 70 years were more often asymptomatic at diagnosis; they had less advanced disease and more comorbidity, received less active treatment and had worse survival. The average long-term survival rate in this Spanish series was similar to that reported for other European countries. It varied widely between regions depending on the resection rate. We conclude that although older patients are diagnosed at less advanced stages of disease, they have worse survival because they are less likely to receive effective therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim. – The aim of this study was to compare two professionals soccer players groups evaluated by echocardiography in 1985–1987 and more recently in 2000–2005. Materials and method. – Past echocardiographic measurements of 21 soccer'' players were reevaluated and compared to those of 58 players of actual decade. Results. – The modifications observed, taking account of morphologic evolution, state on significant increase of left ventricular size and especially left ventricular wall thickness. Conclusion. – These modifications, although significant are not as important as extensive alteration reported in others sport activities, probably because of purely physiologic adaptations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]