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• Quality of life of mild premature infants at 4 years may be similar to full-term. • Premature infants showed a high quality of life related to sleep and behavior. • Full-term infants presented better quality of life related to communication skills This hospital-based retrospective matched cohort study explored the association between preterm birth (PB) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in preschool children. PB children were matched by sex and day of birth (1:2) with full-term birth (FTB) children (PB = 89, FTP = 178). The children's parent-reported HRQoL was assessed using the TNO-AZL Preschool Children Quality of Life Questionnaire. The association between PB and HRQoL was examined using conditional logistic regressions. PB children were mostly moderate-to-mild preterm (64%) and exhibited a lower probability of presenting an HRQoL below the median in the sleeping (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.23–0.91) and behavior (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.23–0.85) subscales. Conversely, this probability in communication HRQoL was higher in the PB group (OR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.01–3.64). PB was associated to better sleeping and behavior HRQoL, but poorer communication HRQoL. These findings could imply a potential normalization of developmental outcomes in moderate-to-mild PB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most severe complications of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is prosthetic joint infection. Currently, the use of antibiotic-loaded cement for the prevention of infection is still controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the use of antibiotic-loaded cement reduces the infection rate in primary TKA in long-term follow-up (more than 5 years average follow-up). This study is the follow-up extension of a prospective randomized study, with 2,893 cemented TKA performed between 2005 and 2010 at our institution. There were 2 different cohorts depending on which bone cement was used: without antibiotics (control group) or those loaded with erythromycin and colistin (study group). All patients received the same systemic prophylactic antibiotics. The patients were followed for a minimum of twelve months. The diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection was done according to Zimmerli criteria. In 1,452 patients, the prosthetic components were fixed using bone cement without antibiotics, whereas in 1,441 patients, bone cement was loaded with erythromycin and colistin. Both groups were comparable in terms of all the possible risk factors studied. We found a total of 53 deep infections, with a mean rate of 1.8%. There were no differences between the groups as to whether bone cement with or without antibiotics had been used (P =.58). The average duration of follow-up was 8.7 years. In terms of prosthetic revision due to aseptic loosening, there were no differences between groups (P =.32), with 33 revision arthroplasties in the control group and 37 in the study group. Moreover, we analyzed the erythromycin resistance rate, with no differences between both groups (P =.6). The use of erythromycin and colistin-loaded bone cement in TKA did not lead to a decrease in the rate of infection in long-term follow-up, a finding that suggests that its use would not be indicated in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCL) and lymphoid proliferations are a heterogenous group of entities arising primarily in the skin with a broad spectrum of clinical and histological characteristics. In general, the prognosis of these neoplasms is better than their systemic counterparts and this emphasizes the need for an accurate diagnosis for patients. Two main categories are recognized so far in PCBCL based on their clinical behaviour. Indolent PCBCL includes Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL), Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) and Epstein Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBV + MCU). The more aggressive PCBCL are cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL, LT) and intravascular large B cell lymphoma. Since the publication of the updated WHO-EORTC classification in 2018, new consensus guidelines and classifications have been published in the field of cutaneous lymphomas incorporating new discoveries in their genetics alterations and immunophenotype. Here, we summarize the main clinical, histological and molecular characteristics of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas and reactive B-cell rich lymphoid proliferations, highlighting the most relevant findings published recently in the medical literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Cardiología (18855857) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To describe the patterns of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurrence in children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) across several Latin American pediatric diabetes centers from 2018 to 2022. A retrospective chart review included children under 18 with new-onset T1DM from 30 Latin American pediatric diabetes centers (Argentina, Chile, and Peru) between 30 December 2018 and 30 December 2022. Multiple logistic regression models examined the relationships between age, gender, medical insurance, BMI, and DKA at new-onset T1DM. As far as we know, there are no large studies in Latin American countries exploring the patterns of DKA in new-onset T1DM. A total of 2,026 (983 females) children, median age 9.12 (5.8 -11.7) years with new-onset-T1DM were included. Approximately 50% had no medical insurance. Mean glucose values were 467 mg/dL, pH 7.21, bicarbonate 13 mEq/L, HbA1c 11.3%, and BMI 18. The frequency of DKA was 1,229 (60.7%), out of which only 447 (36%) were severe. There was a significant decrease in the frequency of DKA as age increased : 373 (70.2%) in children under 6, 639 (61.6%) in those between 6 and 12, 217 and (47.5%) in those over 12. Children with medical insurance (58.8%) had a significantly lower frequency of DKA than those without (62.7%). The multiple logistic regression models showed that DKA was significantly and inversely associated with age [OR, 0.72 (95% CI 0.60–0.86)], BMI [OR, 0.95 (95% CI 0.92–0.99)], and medical insurance [OR, 0.75 (95% CI 0.60–0.94)] adjusted for sex. Latin American children with new-onset T1DM exhibited a substantial occurrence of DKA. Younger ages and the lack of medical insurance were significantly associated with DKA in new-onset T1DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project seeks to create a differential diagnosis for lesions found on the skeletal remains of two children as a means to explore the presence of viral disease in 16th- century Peru. Extremely well-preserved human remains of two children who died between the ages of 1–2 years old, recovered from the circum-contact (∼1540 CE) cemetery in Huanchaco, Peru. Macroscopic and radiographic analysis. Both individuals present with cortical thickening, symmetrical destructive lesions, metaphyseal expansion, perforations, exposure of the medullary cavity, resorption of metaphyseal ends and necrosis of the long bones, and deposited reactive new bone. These features are consistent with osteomyelitis variolosa and bacterial osteomyelitis. Three features of Individuals IG-124 and IG-493 suggest a highly consistent diagnosis of osteomyelitis variolosa: multiple skeletal lesions, the historical context of the area, and the high mortality rate of non-adults in the circum-contact cemetery. Although viral infections are ubiquitous and well documented historically, their etiologies are often difficult to determine in archaeological populations. Orthopoxvirus variola (smallpox) is one of the many viruses whose archaeological impact is still under explored in skeletal remains. The absence of smallpox in other children from the Huanchaco cemetery creates difficulty in ascertaining true prevalence rates or information on potential outbreaks. Further research analyzing aDNA from calculus and/or residues using a DIP -GC-MS method might create a better understanding of how smallpox spread through the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prenatal folate exposure may alter epigenetic marks in the offspring. We aimed to evaluate associations between prenatal exposure to folic acid (FA) in preconception and in utero with cord blood DNA methylation in long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) and Alu short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) as markers of global DNA methylation levels. Data come from 325 mother–child pairs participating in the Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma (NELA) birth cohort (2015–2018). Pregnant women were asked about supplement use, including brand name and dose, one month before pregnancy (preconception) and through the trimesters of pregnancy. Maternal dietary folate intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire with additional questions for FA supplement use. Folate serum levels were measured in mothers at 24 weeks of gestation and in cord blood of newborns. DNA methylation was quantitatively assessed by bisulfite pyrosequencing on 5 LINE-1 and 3 Alu different elements. Associations were estimated using multivariable linear regression models. A reduction in methylation levels of LINE-1 in newborns was associated with the use of FA supplements below the recommended doses (<400 ug/day) during preconception (−0.50; 95% CI: −0.91, −0.09; P = 0.016), and from preconception up to 12 weeks of gestation (−0.48; 95% CI: −0.88, −0.08; P = 0.018). Maternal use of FA supplements above the tolerable upper intake level of 1000 ug/day from preconception until 12 weeks of gestation was also related to lower methylation in LINE-1 at birth (−0.77; 95% CI: −1.52, −0.02; P = 0.044). Neither FA supplement use after 12 weeks of gestation nor maternal total folate intake (diet plus supplements) were associated with global DNA methylation levels at birth. Maternal non-compliance with the use of FA supplement recommendations from preconception up to 12 weeks of gestation reduces offspring global DNA methylation levels at birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education institutions - HEIs are organizations immersed in a significant competitive world. To stand out from the rest, they can rely on the tools offered by digital marketing to identify and meet the student population's needs. This research reflected how HEIs remain relevant in the market by implementing digital marketing strategies. Furthermore, what is the perception of customers and employees regarding the implementation of user-oriented digital marketing strategies? The mixed paradigm, through the focus group and group surveys, supported the method, allowing the identification of critical points of improvement for the universities studied. It highlights the similarities in the perception of both groups regarding the permanent and updated information offered by the universities to the students and the development of curricular content adapted to the professional competencies offered in each academic program. It is concluded that to guarantee the right to education; digital marketing represents an invaluable tool to maintain competitiveness, which responds to the functional activities of universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Cardiología (18855857) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiologic outcomes of biological ligament reconstruction (BLR) versus nonbiological ligament reconstruction (NBLR) for chronic injuries involving the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb's metacarpophalangeal joint. Forty-two patients who underwent static BLR (n = 24) or NBLR (n = 18) were included in this retrospective analysis. Preoperative, postoperative, and contralateral thumb measurements (clinical evaluation, radiographs, and subjective outcome questionnaires) were compared over a mean of 38 months of follow-up. Average postoperative thumb metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint ranges of motion were 2° to 54° and 0 to 71°, respectively, for BLR and 0° to 58° and 0° to 71°, respectively, for NBLR. Average grip and pinch strengths, relative to the unaffected hand, were 102% and 84% versus 103% and 89%, respectively. All patients demonstrated stability with a firm end point, compared with the unaffected thumb. The average Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score among all patients was 12 for the disability/symptom module, 0 for the sports module, and 17 for the work module. Stiffness was reported among four patients, and no patient sustained wound-related issues or other complications. Nonbiological ligament reconstruction of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament generates short-term outcomes comparable with those of BLR, potentially allowing for expedited recovery and rehabilitation. Therapeutic IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac pacing with temporary epicardial pacing wires (TEPW) is used to treat rhythm disturbances after cardiac surgery. Occasionally, TEPW cannot be mechanically extracted and remain in the thorax, where they may rarely cause serious complications like migration and infection. We aim to develop bioresorbable TEPW that will dissolve over time even if postoperative removal is unsuccessful. In the present study, we demonstrate a completely bioresorbable design using molybdenum (Mo) as electric conductor and the resorbable polymers poly(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) for electrically insulating double-coating. We compared the pacing properties of these Mo TEPW demonstrators to conventional steel TEPW in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts and observed similar functionality. In vitro , static immersion tests in simulated body fluid for up to 28 days elucidated the degradation behaviour of uncoated Mo strands and the influence of polymer coating thereon. Degradation was considerably reduced in double-coated Mo TEPW compared to the uncoated and the PLGA-coated condition. Furthermore, we confirmed good biocompatibility of Mo degradation products in the form of low cytotoxicity in cell cultures of human cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Temporary pacing wires are routinely implanted on the heart surface to treat rhythm disturbances in the days following cardiac surgery. Subsequently, these wires are to be removed. When removal attempts are unsuccessful, wires are cut at skin level and the remainders are left inside the chest. Retained fragments may migrate within the body or become a centre of infection. These complications may be prevented using resorbable pacing wires. We manufactured completely resorbable temporary pacing wires using molybdenum as electrical conductor and assessed their function, degradation and biological compatibility. Our study represents an important step in the development of a safer approach to the treatment of rhythm disturbances after cardiac surgery. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Cardiología (18855857) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There is limited literature on the optimal approach to treat adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) in children. We sought to compare rates and outcomes of laparoscopic (LAP) and open (OPEN) surgery for pediatric ASBO. A California statewide database was used to identify children (<18 years old) with an index ASBO from 2007 to 2020. The primary outcome was the type of operative management: LAP or OPEN. Secondary outcomes were hospital characteristics, patient demographics, and postoperative complications. We excluded patients treated non-operatively. Our study group had 545 patients. 381 (70%) underwent OPEN and 164 (30%) LAP during the index admission. Over the study period, there was increasing use of laparoscopic surgery, with higher use in older children (p < 0.001). LAP was associated with fewer overall complications (65.2% vs. 81.6%, p < 0.001), with a decreasing trend in complications over time (p < 0.001). The LAP group had significantly lower rates of bowel resection (4.9% vs. 17.1%, p < 0.001), length of stay (LOS) (17 vs. 23 days, p < 0.001), and TPN use (12.2% vs. 29.1%, p < 0.001). Mortality rates were equivalent. Although the LAP group had lower readmission rates (22.6% vs. 37.3%, p < 0.001), the length of time between discharge and readmission was similar (171 vs. 165 days, p = 0.190). The use of laparoscopic surgery for index ASBO increased over the study period. However, it was less commonly utilized in younger children. LAP had fewer overall complications as well as shorter LOS, decreased TPN use, and fewer readmissions. The benefits and risks of each approach must be weighed. III. • Thirty percent of children treated operatively for adhesive small bowel obstruction received a laparoscopic surgery. • There was increasing use of laparoscopy over time, especially in older children. • Laparoscopy was associated with fewer overall complications, shorter length of stay, decreased TPN use, and lower rate of readmission. • Mortality rates were equivalent between patients treated with laparoscopic compared to open surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distal nerve transfers have revolutionized peripheral nerve surgery by allowing the transfer of healthy motor nerves to paralyzed ones without causing additional morbidity. Radial nerve branches to the brachialis (Ba), brachioradialis (Br), and extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) muscles have not been investigated in fresh cadavers. The radial nerve and its branches were dissected in 34 upper limbs from 17 fresh cadavers. Measurements were taken to determine the number, origin, length, and diameter of the branches. Myelinated fiber counts were obtained through histological analysis. The first branch of the radial nerve at the elbow was to the Ba muscle, followed by the branches to the Br and ECRL muscles. The Ba and Br muscles consistently received single innervation. The ECRL muscle showed varying innervation patterns, with one, two, or three branches. The branches to the Br muscles originated from the anterior side of the radial nerve, whereas the branches to the Ba and ECRL muscles originated from the posterior side. The average myelinated fiber counts favored the nerve to Br muscle over that to the ECRL muscle, with counts of 542 versus 350 and 568 versus 302 observed in hematoxylin and eosin and neurofilament staining, respectively. This study provides detailed anatomical insights into the motor branches of the radial nerve to the Ba, Br, and ECRL muscles. Understanding the anatomy of the radial nerve branches at the elbow is of utmost importance when devising a reconstructive strategy for upper limb paralysis. These findings can guide surgeons in selecting appropriate donor or recipient nerves for nerve transfer in cases of high tetraplegia and lower-type brachial plexus injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transplacental passage of cells between a mother and her fetus, known as microchimerism, is a less studied process during pregnancy. The frequency of maternal microchimeric cells in fetal tissues in physiological pregnancies and mechanisms responsible for transplacental cell trafficking are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the placental trafficking of maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using human ex vivo placenta perfusion. Ten placentas and maternal PBMC were obtained after healthy pregnancies. Flow cytometry was used to characterize PBMC subtypes. They showed a higher percentage of CD3+ T cells compared to CD56+ NK cells. The isolated PBMC were stained with a fluorescent dye and perfused through the maternal circuit of the placenta in an ex vivo perfusion system. Subsequent immunofluorescence staining for CD3+ T cells and CD56+ NK cells was performed on placental tissue sections, and the number of detectable PBMC in different tissue areas was counted using fluorescence microscopy. The applied method allowed discrimination of perfused autologous maternal cells from cells resident in the placenta before perfusion. Further, it allows additional immunohistochemical labelling and distinction of immune cell subsets. Perfused PBMC were detected in all analyzed placentas, mostly in contact to the syncytiotrophoblast. CD3+ T cells were identified more frequently than CD56+ NK cells and some CD3+ T cells were found inside fetoplacental tissues and vasculature. The results indicate that also other PBMCs than T or NK cells adhere to or enter villous tissue, but they have not been specified in this analysis. Previous studies have detected maternal cells in the fetal circulation which we could mimick in our ex vivo placenta perfusion experiments with fluorescence labelled autologous maternal PBMC. The applied experimental settings did not allow comparison of transmigration abilities of PBMC subsets, but slight modifications of the model will permit further studies of cell transfer processes and microchimerism in pregnancy. • Ex vivo placenta perfusion is useful for testing materno-fetal cell transfer. • Maternal immune cells cross the placental barrier. • Maternal NK cells migrate into placental villi. • Maternal T cells migrate through placental villi and enter fetal vessels. • Placental cell transfer leads to microchimerism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn cultivation is relevant to the province of Tayacaja, a region with the greatest biodiversity in the Huancavelica State, although to date there are no published studies. Phenotypic characterization pursues measuring the genetic diversity of a group of genotypes, using appropriate morphological descriptors. The main objective of this work was to study the agro-morphological characteristics and productive potential of 25 starchy corn varieties, evaluated in four contrasting environments of the province of Tayacaja, Perú, during the crop cycle 2019–2020. For this purpose, 25 plant and ear characteristics were chosen, using principal components (PC) and cluster analysis. The experiments were established in an alpha-lattice design, with three replications, in experimental units of two rows, with 0.20 m between plants and 0.80 m between furrows, 4 m long. The agro-morphological characterization grouped the 25 varieties within 6 well-defined clusters, giving an overview of the existing phenotypic variability among the evaluated starchy corn varieties. The varieties G 6 , G 14 , G 20 , G T3 , and G 18 were the genotypes with the most outstanding characteristics, which facilitated their separation from the rest of the materials studied. The multivariate analysis brought together representative varieties of certain races, with typical plant and ear characteristics. The study revealed the existence of a good productive and agronomic potential for the development of genetic materials for cancha (toasted kernel grains), choclo (fresh corn), and mote corn production; as well as the presence of anthocyanin in the grain, information that, together with the agro-morphological characterization, could be very useful to enhance gains in the selection process in future genetic improvement work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Cardiología (18855857) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Española de Cardiología (18855857) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

e-Government is a change in the government management paradigm based on Information and Communication Technologies. These work to provide greater and better access to the services provided by public administrators. Thus, the transformation of the entire government aims to permeate and unite the State-Society-Organization. Based on the above, the following question arises: to what extent have the world's regions developed their e-government index? To answer this question, it was proposed to analyze the development index of electronic government in the regions. The documentary review and hermeneutical analysis facilitated the method. It is concluded that e-administration has allowed more excellent connectivity and access of citizens and companies to government services since 2020. However, its success does not lie in the amount of use but in clear information defined and constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-ventilator healthcare-associated pneumonia (NV-HAP) is an important healthcare-associated infection. This study tested the feasibility of using routine admission data to identify those patients at high risk of NV-HAP who could benefit from targeted, preventive interventions. Patients aged ≥64 years who developed NV-HAP five days or more after admission to elderly-care wards, were identified by retrospective case note review together with matched controls. Data on potential predictors of NV-HAP were captured from admission records. Multi-variate analysis was used to build a prognostic screening tool (PRHAPs); acceptability and feasibility of the tool was evaluated. A total of 382 cases/381 control patients were included in the analysis. Ten predictors were included in the final model; nine increased the risk of NV-HAP (OR between 1.68 and 2.42) and one (independent mobility) was protective (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.30–0.75). The model correctly predicted 68% of the patients with and without NV-HAP; sensitivity 77%; specificity 61%. The PRHAPs tool risk score was 60% or more if two predictors were present and over 70% if three were present. An expert consensus group supported incorporating the PRHAPs tool into electronic logic systems as an efficient mechanism to identify patients at risk of NV-HAP and target preventative strategies. This prognostic screening (PRHAPs) tool, applied to data routinely collected when a patient is admitted to hospital, could enable staff to identify patients at greatest risk of NV-HAP, target scarce resources in implementing a prevention care bundle, and reduce the use of antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The automation of Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) is a central task for many industries today. A myriad of methods are in use, although the most recent leading contenders are data-driven approaches and especially Machine Learning (ML) methods. ML algorithms fall into two main categories: supervised and unsupervised methods, depending on whether or not the instances are labeled with the expected outputs. However, a new approach called Semi-Supervised Learning (SSL) has recently emerged that uses a few labeled instances together with other unlabeled instances for the training process. This new approach can significantly improve the accuracy of conventional ML models for industrial environments where labeled data are scarce. SSL has been tested as a promising solution over the past few years for several FDD problems, although there have been no systemic reviews of this sort of approach up until the present review. In this study, an attempt to organize the existing literature on SSL for FDD using the taxonomy of van Engelen & Hoos is reported. The most and the least frequently used SSL algorithms are identified and considered in terms of different fault detection tasks and their most common dataset structure. Moreover, a set of best practices are proposed in the conclusions of this work for implementation under real industrial conditions, so as to avoid some of the most common faults. • Presentation of a survey with 157 articles on Industrial Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) using Semi-Supervised Learning (SSL). • Distribution of inductive SSL FDD solutions found in the review in terms of type of method. • Identification of factual standards of SSL algorithms for different FDD tasks and their most common dataset structure. • Identification of most common benchmark industrial datasets and its difference with laboratory datasets for SSL FDD. • A set of best practices are proposed for SSL algorithms' implementation under real industrial conditions in FDD tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimal invasive liver resections are a safe alternative to open surgery. Different scoring systems considering different risks factors have been developed to predict the risks associated with these procedures, especially challenging major liver resections (MLR). However, the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT) on the difficulty of minimally invasive MLRs remains poorly investigated. Patients who underwent laparoscopic and robotic MLRs for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) performed across 57 centers between January 2005 to December 2021 were included in this analysis. Patients who did or did not receive NAT were matched based on 1:1 coarsened exact and 1:2 propensity-score matching. Pre- and post-matching comparisons were performed. In total, the data of 5189 patients were reviewed. Of these, 1411 procedures were performed for CRLM, and 1061 cases met the inclusion criteria. After excluding 27 cases with missing data on NAT, 1034 patients (NAT: n = 641; non-NAT: n = 393) were included. Before matching, baseline characteristics were vastly different. Before matching, the morbidity rate was significantly higher in the NAT-group (33.2% vs. 27.2%, p-value = 0.043). No significant differences were seen in perioperative outcomes after the coarsened exact matching. After the propensity-score matching, statistically significant higher blood loss (mean, 300 (SD 128–596) vs. 250 (SD 100–400) ml, p-value = 0.047) but shorter hospital stay (mean, 6 [ 4-8] vs. 6 [ 5-9] days, p-value = 0.043) were found in the NAT-group. The current study demonstrated that NAT had minimal impact on the difficulty and outcomes of minimally-invasive MLR for CRLM. Abbreviated abstract: The impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT) on the difficulty of minimally invasive major liver resections (MLRs) remains poorly investigated. NAT had minimal impact on the difficulty and outcomes of minimally-invasive MLR for colorectal liver metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) is a rare but devastating complication affecting predominantly young and sportive individuals. A timely and correct diagnosis as well as optimized management is paramount to circumvent serious sequelae and compromise in life quality. These recommendations are primarily intended for use by infectious disease specialists and microbiologists, but also orthopedic surgeons and other healthcare professionals who care for patients with infections after ACL-R. They are based on evidence mainly originating from observational studies and opinions of experts in the field, and cover the management of infections after ACL-R with a special focus on etiology, diagnosis, antimicrobial treatment and prevention. Comprehensive recommendations on surgical treatment and rehabilitation are presented separately in a document primarily addressing orthopedic professionals. • Every painful joint after ACL-R should be aspirated. • Most common pathogens of infections after ACL-R are staphylococci. • Arthroscopic debridement and antibiotics are treatment of choice for infections after ACL-R. • The use of biofilm-active antibiotics is advisable if grafts and fixation devices are in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Cardiología (18855857) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper describes a methodology to obtain a neuro-fuzzy model of a hydro-generator unit (HGU) and its PID controller from the identification of its linear time-invariant (LTI) model. The study performs a cause-effect record, which allows a continuous time identification of the LTI type, then obtaining a classic PID controller capable of complying with a performance specification given by a pole of a second order system, which enables the training of the proposed neuro-fuzzy model. Applying the cost function of the root mean square error and the root of the percentage relative mean square error, the system parameters were adjusted using the decreasing gradient method. By means of linear models, the initialization of the singletons of the neuro-fuzzy models was done in two stages using the decreasing gradient and a cost function. The first stage was carried out without dynamics and the second stage with the dynamics of the simulated system. A case study of the Hydro-Agoyán HGU was selected and the results showed that the development of the LTI model allowed the development of the neuro-fuzzy model able to represent the behavior of the power plant and its response under variations of the power setpoint of 5, 10, 15 and 20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymus vulgaris and Tagetes minuta essential oils (EOs) are recognized due to their antibacterial activity against Streptomyces scabiei , the main causal agent of potato common scab disease. However, EOs have phytotoxic characteristics and are susceptible to degradation by environmental factors, which make their storage and application difficult. Microencapsulation technology represents an alternative for EOs handle, allowing their protection and gradual spread of their compounds. In the present work, microcapsules of maltodextrin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose containing T. minuta and T. vulgaris EOs were evaluated, analyzing their features, their stability at storage conditions and the control release of their volatile compounds when they are applied on humid substrate. Additionally, the in vitro antibacterial activity of microencapsulated EOs against S. scabiei, and their effects on potato crop yield were evaluated. The obtained microcapsules presented good yield (48.28–51.01 %), low moisture (3.87–3.98 %), spherical shape, and variable size. The release rate of volatiles was high and constant over the 29 days of storage, for almost every compound detected from microcapsules containing T. vulgaris EO. Additionally, the microcapsules containing T. minuta EO showed a variable but high release rate of its main compound dihydrotagetone. The application of microcapsules on humid substrate resulted in a greater release of volatiles for 14 days. The application of T. vulgaris and T. minuta EOs on potato plants (var. Spunta) showed no effect on plant growth and photosynthetic activity, but reduced tuber yield (9.07 and 9.40 g tubers fresh weight/ plant, respectively). The microencapsulation of these EOs reduced this effect (10.14 and 10.29 g tubers fresh weight/plant, respectively), and maintained the bacteriostatic activity on S. scabiei , making them a promising tool for potato common scab control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Roth score is an alternative strategy to estimate oxygen saturation by using a simple verbal test. We designed this clinical study to assess the validity of the Roth score (Spanish version) as a screening test for hypoxemia. A secondary objective was to evaluate the agreement and consistency between the oxygen saturation obtained via pulse oximetry (SpO 2) and arterial blood gas test (SaO 2). An observational study was conducted in two hospital emergency departments. Adult patients who underwent arterial blood gas tests were included in the analysis. Pulse oximetry values were determined, and the Roth score was applied in the Spanish language. The validity of the Roth score was assessed in terms of sensitivity and specificity by creating ROC curves and by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) for SpO 2 , SaO 2 , and oxygen pressure in the arterial blood (PaO 2). Agreement between SpO 2 and SaO 2 values was assessed by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and consistency between both measures was calculated by following the method of Bland and Altman. The ROC curve models of the Roth score results that were obtained for SaO 2 < 90%, ≤92%, and < 95% had AUCs of 0.574, 0.462, and 0.543, respectively, for the highest number that was obtained in the test, as well as AUCs of 0.403, 0.376, and 0.495, respectively, for the maximum time that was used. The AUCs for PaO 2 ≤ 60, ≤70, and ≤80 mmHg were 0.534, 0.568, and 0.512, respectively, for the maximum number that was obtained in the test, as well as AUCs of 0.521, 0.515, and 0.519, respectively, for the maximum time that was spent. The ICC between SaO 2 and SpO 2 was 0.817 (p < 0.001); additionally, the mean difference between the two measurements was −0.55. The Roth score performed in Spanish is not a valid test for hypoxemia screening. There is sufficient agreement and consistency between SaO 2 and SpO 2 measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the risk of comorbidity following diagnosis of knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA). A cohort study was conducted using the Integrated Primary Care Information database, containing electronic health records of 2.5 million patients from the Netherlands. Adults at risk for OA were included. Diagnosis of knee or hip OA (=exposure) and 58 long-term comorbidities (=outcome) were defined by diagnostic codes following the International Classification of Primary Care coding system. Time between the start of follow-up and incident diagnosis of OA was defined as unexposed, and between diagnosis of OA and the end of follow-up as exposed. Age and sex adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) comparing comorbidity rates in exposed and unexposed patient time were estimated with 99.9% confidence intervals (CI). The study population consisted of 1,890,712 patients. For 30 of the 58 studied comorbidities, exposure to knee OA showed a HR larger than 1. Largest positive associations (HR with (99.9% CIs)) were found for obesity 2.55 (2.29–2.84) and fibromyalgia 2.06 (1.53–2.77). For two conditions a HR < 1 was found, other comorbidities showed no association with exposure to knee OA. For 26 comorbidities, exposure to hip OA showed a HR larger than 1. The largest were found for polymyalgia rheumatica 1.81 (1.41–2.32) and fibromyalgia 1.70 (1.10–2.63). All other comorbidities showed no associations with hip OA. This study showed that many comorbidities were diagnosed more often in patients with knee or hip OA. This suggests that the management of OA should consider the risk of other long-term-conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FCS is a rare genetic disorder that results in LPL activity deficiency. • The LPL activity method is not standardised. • Cut-off points to consider LPL activity deficiency must be stablished. • A cut-off value of 25 % of the mean LPL activity of a MCS cohort has been defined. • A comprehensive workflow for FCS diagnosis is provided in this study. Activity assays for lipoprotein lipase (LPL) are not standardised for use in clinical settings. Objective: This study sought to define and validate a cut-off points based on a ROC curve for the diagnosis of patients with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). We also evaluated the role of LPL activity in a comprehensive FCS diagnostic workflow. A derivation cohort (including an FCS group (n = 9), a multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome (MCS) group (n = 11)), and an external validation cohort (including an FCS group (n = 5), a MCS group (n = 23) and a normo-triglyceridemic (NTG) group (n = 14)), were studied. FCS patients were previously diagnosed by the presence of biallelic pathogenic genetic variants in the LPL and GPIHBP1 genes. LPL activity was also measured. Clinical and anthropometric data were recorded, and serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured. Sensitivity, specificity and cut-offs for LPL activity were obtained from a ROC curve and externally validated. All post-heparin plasma LPL activity in the FCS patients were below 25.1 mU/mL, that was cut-off with best performance. There was no overlap in the LPL activity distributions between the FCS and MCS groups, conversely to the FCS and NTG groups. We conclude that, in addition to genetic testing, LPL activity in subjects with severe hypertriglyceridemia is a reliable criterium in the diagnosis of FCS when using a cut-off of 25.1 mU/mL (25% of the mean LPL activity in the validation MCS group). We do not recommend the NTG patient based cut-off values due to low sensitivity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy exacerbates the periodontal inflammation; however, the biological mediators involved are not well characterized. Neuropilins (NRPs) are transmembrane glycoproteins involved in physiological and pathogenic processes such as angiogenesis and immunity but its relationship with periodontal disease in pregnant women has not been studied. To explore the soluble Neuropilin-1 (sNRP-1) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples during early pregnancy and its association with the periodontitis severity and periodontal clinical parameters. 80 pregnant women were recruited, and GCF samples were collected. Clinical data and periodontal clinical parameters were recorded. sNRP-1 expression was determined by ELISA assay. The relationship between sNRP-1(+) pregnant women with the severity of periodontitis and periodontal clinical parameters was determined by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Spearman's test estimated the correlation between sNRP-1 levels and periodontal clinical parameters. Periodontitis was classified as mild in 27.5% (n = 22) women, moderate in 42.5% (n = 34), and severe in 30% (n = 24). sNRP-1 expression was higher in the GCF of pregnant with severe (41.67%) and moderate (41.17%) periodontitis compared than in those with mild periodontitis (18.8%). The sNRP-1(+) pregnant had a higher BOP (76.5% v/s 57%; p = 0.0071) and PISA (1199.5 mm2 v/s 880.2 mm2; p = 0.0282) compared with sNRP-1(−). A positive correlation between sNRP-1 levels in GCF and BOP (p = 0.0081) and PISA (p = 0.0398) was observed. The results suggest that sNRP-1 could be involved in periodontal inflammation during pregnancy. • Pregnancy can exacerbate inflammation at the periodontal tissue level. • Neuropilin-1 is a glycoprotein with angiogenic and immune regulatory functions. • sNRP-1 in GCF was present in 35% of pregnant women. • sNRP-1 (+) pregnant women had higher bleeding on probing. • sNRP-1, could play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Previous literature shows superior outcomes for traumatically injured patients treated at Level I trauma centers. We sought to determine if this applies to pediatric patients with penetrating thoracic injuries. • Retrospective review (2013–2016) demonstrated outcomes improved when patients were treated at adult Level I centers and with increased annual case volume. • Firearms were responsible for the majority of penetrating injuries in these pediatric patients and accounted for the highest injury burden and majority of deaths. We analyzed the impact of treating center designation and case volume of penetrating trauma on outcomes after pediatric penetrating thoracic injuries (PTI). PTI patients <18 years were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (2013–2016). Centers were categorized by type (Pediatric or Adult) and designation status (Level I, Level II, and other). Performance was calculated as the difference between observed and expected mortality and standardized using the total penetrating trauma volume per center. Expected mortality was calculated using the Trauma Mortality Prediction Model. Pearson correlation and linear mixed-effects models evaluated the association between variables and performance. We identified 4,134 PTI patients treated at 596 trauma centers: 879 (21%) at Adult Level I, 608 (15%) at Adult Level II, 531 (13%) at Pediatric Level I, 320 (8%) at Pediatric Level II, and 1,796 (43%) at other centers. Primary injury mechanisms were firearm-related (58%) and cut/piercing (42%). Overall mortality was 16% and median predicted mortality was 3.6% (IQR: 1.5% - 11.2%). Among patients with thoracic firearm-related injuries, centers with lower penetrating case volume and total trauma care demonstrated significantly worse outcomes. Multivariable analysis revealed Adult Level I centers had superior outcomes compared with all other non-Level I centers. There was no difference in mortality between Pediatric and Adult Level I centers. Adult Level I trauma center designation and annual case volume of penetrating thoracic trauma are associated with improved mortality after pediatric firearm-related thoracic injuries. Further study is needed to identify factors in higher volume centers that improve outcomes. Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an unmet need for noninvasive tests to improve case-finding and aid primary care professionals in referring patients at high risk of liver disease. A metabolic dysfunction–associated fibrosis (MAF-5) score was developed and externally validated in a total of 21,797 individuals with metabolic dysfunction in population-based (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2020, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, and Rotterdam Study) and hospital-based (from Antwerp and Bogota) cohorts. Fibrosis was defined as liver stiffness ≥8.0 kPa. Diagnostic accuracy was compared with FIB-4, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), LiverRisk score and steatosis-associated fibrosis estimator (SAFE). MAF-5 was externally validated with liver stiffness measurement ≥8.0 kPa, with shear-wave elastography ≥7.5 kPa, and biopsy-proven steatotic liver disease according to Metavir and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network scores, and was tested for prognostic performance (all-cause mortality). The MAF-5 score comprised waist circumference, body mass index (calculated as kg / m2), diabetes, aspartate aminotransferase, and platelets. With this score, 60.9% was predicted at low, 14.1% at intermediate, and 24.9% at high risk of fibrosis. The observed prevalence was 3.3%, 7.9%, and 28.1%, respectively. The area under the receiver operator curve of MAF-5 (0.81) was significantly higher than FIB-4 (0.61), and outperformed the FIB-4 among young people (negative predictive value [NPV], 99%; area under the curve [AUC], 0.86 vs NPV, 94%; AUC, 0.51) and older adults (NPV, 94%; AUC, 0.75 vs NPV, 88%; AUC, 0.55). MAF-5 showed excellent performance to detect liver stiffness measurement ≥12 kPa (AUC, 0.86 training; AUC, 0.85 validation) and good performance in detecting liver stiffness and biopsy-proven liver fibrosis among the external validation cohorts. MAF-5 score >1 was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in (un)adjusted models (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.47–1.73). The MAF-5 score is a validated, age-independent, inexpensive referral tool to identify individuals at high risk of liver fibrosis and all-cause mortality in primary care populations, using simple variables. [Display omitted] The metabolic dysfunction–associated fibrosis score was developed to better identify at-risk liver fibrosis among a general population with metabolic dysfunction, and it outperformed currently available noninvasive tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]