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RESUMEN Introducción y objetivos: La Asociación de Cardiología Intervencionista de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (ACI-SEC) y el Grupo de Trabajo de Hemodinámica de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología Pediátrica y Cardiopatías Congénitas (GTH-SECPCC) presentan su informe anual de actividad hemodinámica en cardiopatías congénitas correspondiente al año 2022. Métodos: Se invitó a participar a los centros españoles con laboratorio de hemodinámica y actividad intervencionista en cardiopatías congénitas. La recogida de datos se realizó mediante un cuestionario telemático. Una empresa externa analizó los resultados, que fueron revisados por miembros de la ACI-SEC y el GTH-SECPCC. Resultados: Participaron en el registro 22 centros (19 públicos y 3 privados). Se incorporaron al análisis los datos de intervencionismo en cardiopatías congénitas del adulto aportados por otros 99 hospitales al Registro de Hemodinámica y Cardiología Intervencionista de la ACI-SEC del año 2022. Se registraron 1.141 estudios diagnósticos (un 4,3% más que en 2021) y 2.508 cateterismos intervencionistas (un 61,5% más que en 2021). Las técnicas con mayor casuística fueron el cierre de defectos interauriculares (1.135 casos), el cierre de ductus arterioso (262 casos) y la angioplastia de ramas pulmonares (234 casos). El incremento más significativo se comunicó en la valvuloplastia aórtica (48,9%), el cierre de defectos interauriculares (45,2%) y el cierre de comunicación interventricular (40,7%). La tasa de éxito en los procedimientos intervencionistas fue del 97,6%, con una tasa de complicaciones mayores del 1,4 % y una mortalidad intrahospitalaria del 0,2%. Conclusiones: El presente trabajo es la tercera publicación del Registro Español de Intervencionismo en Cardiopatías Congénitas. Se ha comunicado un aumento muy significativo de la mayoría de los procedimientos terapéuticos, destacando el incremento de la valvuloplastia aórtica, del cierre de defectos interauriculares y del cierre de comunicación interventricular. Todas las técnicas intervencionistas han comunicado excelentes datos de seguridad y eficacia.

ABSTRACT Introduction and objectives: The Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (ACI-SEC) and the Interventional Working Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Cardiology (GTH-SECPCC) present their annual activity report for 2022. Methods: All Spanish centers with catheterization laboratories and interventional activity in congenital heart diseases were invited to participate. Data were collected online and analyzed by an external company, together with the members of the ACI-SEC and the GTH-SECPCC. Results: A total of 22 centers participated (19 public and 3 private). Interventional data on adult congenital diseases contributed by another 99 hospitals to the Registry of Cardiac Catheterization and Interventional Cardiology of the ACI-SEC in 2022 were incorporated into the analysis. A total of 1141 diagnostic studies (4.3% more than in 2021) and 2508 interventional catheterizations (61.5% more than in 2020) were registered. The most frequent procedures were atrial septal defect closure (1135 cases), percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (262 cases), and pulmonary branch artery angioplasty (234 cases). The most significant increases in volume were related to balloon aortic valvuloplasty (48.9%), atrial septal defect closure (45.2%), and ventricular septal defect closure (40.7%). Interventional procedures were successful in 97.6%, with major procedural complications occurring in 1.4% and in-hospital mortality in 0.2%. Conclusions: This report is the third publication of the Spanish Cardiac Catheterization in Congenital Heart Diseases Registry. Both diagnostic and interventional procedures substantially increased, particularly in balloon aortic valvuloplasty, atrial septal defect closure, and ventricular septal defect closure. Most interventional techniques continue to demonstrate excellent safety and effectiveness outcomes.

Preterm infants are prone to NeuroDevelopmental Impairment (NDI). Some previous works have identified clinical variables that can be potential predictors of NDI. However, machine learning (ML)-based models still present low predictive capabilities when addressing this problem. This work attempts to evaluate the application of ML techniques to predict NDI using clinical data from a cohort of very preterm infants recruited at birth and assessed at 2 years of age. Six different classification models were assessed, using all features, clinician-selected features, and mutual information feature selection. The best results were obtained by ML models trained using mutual information-selected features and employing oversampling, for cognitive and motor impairment prediction, while for language impairment prediction the best setting was clinician-selected features. Although the performance indicators in this local cohort are consistent with similar previous works and still rather poor. This is a clear indication that, in order to obtain better performance rates, further analysis and methods should be considered, and other types of data should be taken into account together with the clinical variables.

Background: Precautionary Allergen (“may contain”) Labelling (PAL) is used by industry to communicate potential risk to food-allergic individuals posed by unintended allergen presence (UAP). In 2014, the World Allergy Organization (WAO) highlighted that PAL use was increasing, but often applied inconsistently and without regulation — which reduces its usefulness to consumers with food allergy and those purchasing food for them. WAO proposed the need for a regulated, international framework to underpin application of PAL. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations convened an expert consultation to address the issue of PAL, the outputs of which are now being considered by the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL). Objectives: To summarise the latest data to inform the application of PAL in a more systematic way, for implementation into global food standards. Methods: A non-systematic review of issues surrounding precautionary labelling and food allergens in pre-packaged products. Results: Approximately, 100 countries around the world have legislation on the declaration of allergenic ingredients. Just a few have legislation on UAP. Given the risks that UAP entails, non-regulated PAL creates inconvenience in real life due to its unequal, difficult interpretation by patients. The attempts made so far to rationalize PAL present lights and shadows. Conclusions: At a time when CCFL is considering the results of the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation 2020–2023, we summarise the prospects to develop an effective and homogeneous legislation at a global level, and the areas of uncertainty that might hinder international agreement on a regulated framework for PAL of food allergens.

Background Patients with aortic stenosis may continue to have an increased risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, and death after successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors may be beneficial in this setting. We aimed to explore whether ramipril improves the outcomes of patients with aortic stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Methods and Results PROBE (Prospective Randomized Open, Blinded Endpoint) was a multicenter trial comparing ramipril with standard care (control) following successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction >40%. The primary end point was the composite of cardiac mortality, heart failure readmission, and stroke at 1‐year follow‐up. Secondary end points included left ventricular remodeling and fibrosis. A total of 186 patients with median age 83 years (range 79–86), 58.1% women, and EuroSCORE‐II 3.75% (range 3.08–4.97) were randomized to receive either ramipril (n=94) or standard treatment (n=92). There were no significant baseline, procedural, or in‐hospital differences. The primary end point occurred in 10.6% in the ramipril group versus 12% in the control group (P=0.776), with no differences in cardiac mortality (ramipril 1.1% versus control group 2.2%, P=0.619) but lower rate of heart failure readmissions in the ramipril group (3.2% versus 10.9%, P=0.040). Cardiac magnetic resonance analysis demonstrated better remodeling in the ramipril compared with the control group, with greater reduction in end‐systolic and end‐diastolic left ventricular volumes, but nonsignificant differences were found in the percentage of myocardial fibrosis. Conclusions Ramipril administration after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with preserved left ventricular function did not meet the primary end point but was associated with a reduction in heart failure re‐admissions at 1‐year follow‐up. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT03201185.

Abstract Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to assess a patient's health status at a particular point in time. They are essential in the development of person‐centred care. This paper reviews studies performed on PROMs for assessing AR and asthma control, in particular VAS scales that are included in the app MASK‐air® (Mobile Airways Sentinel networK) for asthma and rhinitis. VASs were initially developed on paper and pencil and tested for their criterion validity, cut‐offs and responsiveness. Then, a multicentric, multinational, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomised control trial (DB‐PC‐RCT) using an electronic VAS form was carried out. Finally, with the development of MASK‐air® in 2015, previously validated VAS questions were adapted to the digital format and further methodologic evaluations were performed. VAS for asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, work and EQ‐5D are included in the app. Additionally, two control‐medication scores for allergic symptoms of asthma (e‐DASTHMA) were validated for their criterion validity, cut‐offs and responsiveness.

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II α (CaMKIIα) signaling in the brain plays a critical role in regulating neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis. Its dysfunctional activity is associated with various neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Using computational modeling analysis, we predicted that, two essential cysteine residues contained in CaMKIIα, Cys30 and Cys289, may undergo redox modifications impacting the proper functioning of the CaMKIIα docking site for Ca2+/CaM, thus impeding the formation of the CaMKIIα:Ca2+/CaM complex, essential for a proper modulation of CaMKIIα kinase activity. Our subsequent in vitro investigations confirmed the computational predictions, specifically implicating Cys30 and Cys289 residues in impairing CaMKIIα:Ca2+/CaM interaction. We observed CaMKIIα:Ca2+/CaM complex disruption in dopamine (DA) nigrostriatal neurons of post-mortem Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' specimens, addressing the high relevance of this event in the disease. CaMKIIα:Ca2+/CaM complex disruption was also observed in both in vitro and in vivo rotenone models of PD, where this phenomenon was associated with CaMKIIα kinase hyperactivity. Moreover, we observed that, NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), a major enzymatic generator of superoxide anion (O2●-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the brain with implications in PD pathogenesis, is responsible for CaMKIIα:Ca2+/CaM complex disruption associated to a stable Ca2+CAM-independent CaMKIIα kinase activity and intracellular Ca2+ accumulation. The present study highlights the importance of oxidative stress, in disturbing the delicate balance of CaMKIIα signaling in calcium dysregulation, offering novel insights into PD pathogenesis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and urticaria affect a sizable portion of the population worldwide, resulting in reduced quality-of-life and productivity and increased healthcare costs.Fexofenadine (FEX) is a non-sedating second-generation H1 antihistamine with pronounced efficacy and a very good safety profile, used for the treatment of allergic diseases. In addition to its antihistaminic properties, FEX also has anti-inflammatory effects. FEX has a wide therapeutic window and is not associated with any sedative effects, even at higher than recommended doses.There is a need for an integrated management system for AR and urticaria which includes safe and effective treatment options.An ideal anti-allergic formulation should provide fast relief of symptoms and long-lasting effect without drowsiness. Data from randomized clinical trials show that FEX meets these criteria and is an effective treatment option with a favourable safety profile, improving the quality of life of patients suffering from AR and urticaria.

We present the first records of Camponotus textor Forel, 1899 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Ecuador, representing the first records from west of the Andes. We explore the use of participatory science data from iNaturalist and scientific collections to understand the distribution of C. textor. While iNaturalist data alone cannot confirm the presence of C. textor due to the need for precise morphometric data, it can be a valuable tool for assessing the species’ potential distribution. This study increases Ecuador’s known ant species to 826 and Camponotus species to at least 61. Challenges in distinguishing C. textor and C. senex prevent us from determining C. textor’s native status and highlight the need for further research on Camponotus in Ecuador.

Abstract Translational research requires data at multiple scales of biological organization. Advancements in sequencing and multi-omics technologies have increased the availability of these data, but researchers face significant integration challenges. Knowledge graphs (KGs) are used to model complex phenomena, and methods exist to construct them automatically. However, tackling complex biomedical integration problems requires flexibility in the way knowledge is modeled. Moreover, existing KG construction methods provide robust tooling at the cost of fixed or limited choices among knowledge representation models. PheKnowLator (Phenotype Knowledge Translator) is a semantic ecosystem for automating the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) construction of ontologically grounded KGs with fully customizable knowledge representation. The ecosystem includes KG construction resources (e.g., data preparation APIs), analysis tools (e.g., SPARQL endpoint resources and abstraction algorithms), and benchmarks (e.g., prebuilt KGs). We evaluated the ecosystem by systematically comparing it to existing open-source KG construction methods and by analyzing its computational performance when used to construct 12 different large-scale KGs. With flexible knowledge representation, PheKnowLator enables fully customizable KGs without compromising performance or usability.

Abstract We describe a method to generate scalar–tensor theories with Weyl symmetry, starting from arbitrary purely metric higher derivative gravity theories. The method consists in the definition of a conformally-invariant metric $$\hat{g}_{\mu \nu }$$ g ^ μ ν , that is a rank (0,2)-tensor constructed out of the metric tensor and the scalar field. This new object has zero conformal weight and is given by $$\phi ^{2/\Delta }g_{\mu \nu }$$ ϕ 2 / Δ g μ ν , where $$(-\Delta )$$ ( - Δ ) is the conformal dimension of the scalar. As $$g_{\mu \nu }$$ g μ ν has conformal dimension of 2, the resulting tensor is trivially a conformal invariant. Then, the generated scalar–tensor theory, which we call the Weyl uplift of the original purely metric theory, is obtained by replacing the metric by $$\hat{g}_{\mu \nu }$$ g ^ μ ν in the action that defines the original theory. This prescription allowed us to define the Weyl uplift of theories with terms of higher order in the Riemannian curvature. Furthermore, the prescription for scalar–tensor theories coming from terms that have explicit covariant derivatives in the Lagrangian is discussed. The same mechanism can also be used for the derivation of the equations of motion of the scalar–tensor theory from the original field equations in the Einstein frame. Applying this method of Weyl uplift allowed us to reproduce the known result for the conformal scalar coupling to Lovelock gravity and to derive that of Einsteinian cubic gravity. Finally, we show that the cancellation of the volume divergences in the theory given by the conformal scalar coupling to Einstein–Anti-de Sitter gravity is achieved by the Weyl uplift of the original theory augmented by counterterms, which is relevant in the framework of conformal renormalization.

In 2010, the United States Human and Health Services (US HHS) and the European Union's (EU) Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology signed a memorandum of understanding to stimulate cooperation surrounding health-related information communications technology. The key project that emerged from this agreement is the International Patient Summary (IPS), intended to provide succinct clinically relevant patient summaries, which are generalizable and condition-independent, that can be readily used by all clinicians for the care of patients. Although allergies are included in the main information required by the IPS library and framework, it is misrepresented which leads to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of patients suffering from allergic and hypersensitivity conditions (A/H). The French and Montpellier World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centres have provided arguments for supporting representation of A/H in the IPS. These are based on the relevance of the new classification of A/H in the WHO International Classification of Diseases 11th version (ICD-11), and the need for alignment of eHealth tools with harmonized health information. We first present the A/H in the IPS initiative with the mission of producing an international information system that can be used globally in electronic health records to standardize clinical diagnoses and facilitate communication between clinicians caring for patients with A/H diseases. It is believed this initiative will provide a strong voice for the allergy community and an effective process for improving the quality of health data that will optimize medical care for our patients worldwide.

Objective: Bleeding is frequent during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), especially when performed through a transapical approach (TA), and is associated with a worse prognosis. The present study aims to test the implication of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and the optimal transfusion strategy in this context. Methods: Among 11,265 participants in the multicenter TRITAVI (Transfusion Requirements in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) registry, 548 patients (4.9%) who received TA-TAVI at 19 European centers were included. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed to reduce treatment selection bias and potential confounding among transfused versus non-transfused patients. The primary endpoint of the study was the 30-day occurrence of all-cause mortality. Results: 209 patients (38 %) received RBC transfusions. The primary endpoint occurred in 47 (8.6 %) patients. Propensity score matching identified 188 pairs of patients with and without RBC transfusion. In the propensity score-matched analysis, RBC transfusion was associated with increased 30-day mortality (HR 3.35, 95 % CI 1.51 – 7.39; p = 0.002). At multivariable cox regression analysis, RBC transfusion was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (HR 3.07, 95 % CI 1.01–9.41, p = 0.048), as well as baseline ejection fraction (HR 0.96, 95 % CI 0.92–0.99, p = 0.043), and acute kidney injury (HR 3.95, 95 % CI 1.11–14.05, p = 0.034). Conclusions: RBC transfusion is an independent predictor of short-term mortality in patients undergoing TA-TAVI, regardless of major bleeding.Clinical trial registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov Unique identifier: NCT03740425.

Abstract Molecular dynamics is a powerful tool that has been long used for the simulation of biomolecules. It complements experiments, by providing detailed information about individual atomic motions. But there is an essential and often overlooked assumption that, left unchecked, could invalidate any results from it: is the simulated trajectory long enough, so that the system has reached thermodynamic equilibrium, and the measured properties are converged? Previous studies showed mixed results in relation to this assumption. This has profound implications, as the resulting simulated trajectories may not be reliable in predicting equilibrium properties. Yet, this is precisely what most molecular dynamics studies do. So the question arises: are these studies even valid?Here, we present a thorough analysis of up to a hundred microseconds long trajectories, of several system with varying size, to probe the convergence of different structural, dynamical and cumulative properties, and elaborate on the relevance of the concept of equilibrium, and its physical and biological meaning. The results show that properties with the most biological interest tend to converge in multi-microsecond trajectories, although other properties–like transition rates to low probability conformations–may require more time.

td, th{vertical-align: top;} INTRODUCTION Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established procedure for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Previously, this procedure was used exclusively to treat inoperable and high-risk patients but is now a common approach for intermediate and low-risk populations. In parallel, there has been growing global experience in several off-label scenarios, as in bicuspid, valve-in-valve, and noncalcified aortic regurgitation (NCAR).1 AORTIC REGURGITATION Due to abnormalities in the aortic leaflets or their supporting structures (ie, aortic root and annulus), or both, aortic regurgitation (AR) causes diastolic reflux of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle (LV). This leads to LV volume overload and dilatation, allowing the ejection of a larger stroke volume. However, over time, it results in a decline in systolic function causing symptoms conferring a poor prognosis.2 Current European and American guidelines recommend surgical intervention when significant AR is accompanied by symptoms, reduced LV ejection fraction, or severe LV dilatation.3-4 Although moderate or severe AR affects around 2.2% of the population aged 70 years or older, up to 30% of these individuals are deemed inoperable due to advanced age or comorbidities, with percutaneous options—including dedicated and nondedicated devices—gaining increased interest due to the absence of safe...

.alineup td{vertical-align: top;} INTRODUCCIÓN El implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica (TAVI) es una intervención consolidada para el tratamiento de la estenosis aórtica sintomática grave. En un principio, esta intervención solo se empleaba en pacientes inoperables y de alto riesgo quirúrgico, pero ahora se usa de forma habitual inclusive en poblaciones de riesgo intermedio y bajo. Paralelamente y a nivel global, se tiene cada vez más experiencia en diferentes escenarios considerados off-label tales como válvulas bicúspides, valve-in-valve, así como en la insuficiencia aórtica no calcificada (IANC)1. INSUFICIENCIA AÓRTICA Las anomalías en los velos de la válvula aórtica, en sus estructuras de soporte (raíz y anillo aórticos), o en ambas, son las responsables de que la insuficiencia aórtica (IA) cause un reflujo diastólico de sangre desde la aorta hacia el ventrículo izquierdo (VI) que lo hipertrofia y dilata, lo cual a su vez, resulta en un mayor volumen sistólico. No obstante, con el paso del tiempo, esto provoca un deterioro de la función sistólica, ocasionando síntomas, lo que confiere un mal pronóstico2. Las actuales guías europeas y americanas recomiendan la intervención quirúrgica en...

This article introduces BetaMemo models, a set of advanced probabilistic forecasting models aimed at predicting the hourly power output of photovoltaic plants. By employing a semiparametric approach based on beta distributions and deterministic models, BetaMemo offers detailed forecasts, including point forecasts, variance, quantiles, uncertainty measures, and probabilities of power generation falling within specific intervals or exceeding predefined thresholds. BetaMemo models rely on input data derived from weather forecasts generated by a Numerical Weather Prediction model coupled with variables pertaining to solar positioning in the forthcoming hours. Eleven BetaMemo models were created, each using a unique combination of explanatory variables. These variables include data related to the location of the plant and spatiotemporal variables from weather forecasts across a broad area surrounding the plant. The models were validated using a real-life case study of a photovoltaic plant in Portugal, including comparisons of their performance with benchmark forecasting models. The results demonstrate the superior performance of the BetaMemo models, surpassing those of benchmark models in terms of forecasting accuracy. The BetaMemo model that integrates the most extensive set of spatiotemporal explanatory variables provides notably better forecasting results than simpler versions of the model that rely exclusively on the local plant information. This model improves the continuous ranked probability score by 13.89% and the reliability index by 45.66% compared to those obtained from a quantile random forest model using the same explanatory variables. The findings highlight the potential of BetaMemo models to enhance decision-making processes related to photovoltaic power bidding in electricity markets.

In this paper, a reconfigurable Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna array is presented for 5G portable devices. The proposed array consists of four radiating elements and an Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG) structure. Planar monopole radiating elements are employed in the array with Coplanar Waveguide Ports (CWPs). Each CWP is grounded on one side to a reflecting L-shaped structure that has an effect of improving the antenna’s directivity. It is shown that by inductively connecting Minkowski fractal structure of $1^{st}$ order to the radiating element, the impedance matching is improved that results in enhancement in the array’s bandwidth performance. The EBG structure is used to provide the isolation between antenna elements in the MIMO array. The fractal structure is connected to the L-shaped reflector through four photosensitive light dependent resistor (LDR) switches. The effect of various LDR switching configurations on the performance of the antenna is investigated. The proposed array provides a novel performance in terms of S-parameters with enhancements in the radiation properties. Such enhancements

Este trabajo presenta un ensayo sobre el modelo del Laboratorio Extendido. Propone su entendimiento como una serie de principios para el diseño de la enseñanza de las ciencias naturales con actividades experimentales en entornos digitales o escenarios educativos híbridos. Reconoce su utilidad para el desarrollo de Secuencias de Enseñanza y Aprendizaje mediante Investigación Basada en Diseño. Valora el conocimiento construido durante la Enseñanza Remota de Emergencia como un factor clave en la definición de nuevas prácticas tendientes al establecimiento de un hibrido experimental donde distintas interfaces tecnológicas actúan de manera sistémica y sinérgica. Partiendo del reconocimiento de las actividades experimentales como estrategias de elección para la enseñanza de procedimientos propios del quehacer científico, aborda de manera detallada distintas aristas del modelo. Plantea el uso de múltiples interfases como simulaciones, actividades experimentales simples, laboratorios virtuales, laboratorios remotos, entre otras. Describe los distintos tipos de actividades experimentales que se pueden diseñar y la relación entre estos, los procedimientos y las interfases. Remarca la necesidad de construir una narrativa transmedial que integre la secuencia y permita dotar de significación a las actividades y fomentar la toma de decisiones considerando aspectos del contexto. Insta a repensar la evaluación, considerando especialmente su función formativa. Finalmente, a modo de conclusión y perspectivas, explicita las potencialidades del modelo y delinea desafíos en torno a necesidades formativas emergentes en aspectos tecnológicos y didácticos.

Abstract Durum wheat cultivation in Mediterranean regions is threatened by abiotic factors, mainly related to the effects of climate change, and biotic factors such as the leaf rust disease. This situation requires an in-depth knowledge of how predicted elevated temperatures and [CO2] will affect durum wheat-leaf rust interactions. Therefore, we have characterised the response of one susceptible and two resistant durum wheat accessions against leaf rust under different environments in greenhouse assays, simulating the predicted conditions of elevated temperature and [CO2] in the far future period of 2070–2099 for the wheat growing region of Cordoba, Spain. Interestingly, high temperature alone or in combination with high [CO2] did not alter the external appearance of the rust lesions. However, through macro and microscopic evaluation, we found some host physiological and molecular responses to infection that would quantitatively reduce not only pustule formation and subsequent infection cycles of this pathogen, but also the host photosynthetic area under these predicted weather conditions, mainly expressed in the susceptible accession. Moreover, our results suggest that durum wheat responses to infection are mainly driven by temperature, being considered the most hampering abiotic stress. In contrast, leaf rust infection was greatly reduced when these weather conditions were also conducted during the inoculation process, resembling the effects of possible heat waves not only in disease development, but also in fungal germination and penetration success. Considering this lack of knowledge in plant-pathogen interactions combined with abiotic stresses, the present study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to include the effects of the expected diurnal variation of maximum temperature and continuous elevated [CO2] in the durum wheat-leaf rust pathosystem.

Aims: To determine the intrasession and intersession reliability of the isometric force at three different starting block positions, to compare the intrasession and intersession reliability of the peak and average isometric force of three different starting block positions, and to compare the intrasession and intersession reliability of three different starting block positions. Methods: Eighteen male college students participated in this study. A repeated measures design was used to evaluate the intrasession and intersession reliability of isometric force in three different starting block positions. Results: Very high and extremely high reliability of the average and peak isometric force of the three positions of the starting blocks were obtained, with ICC ranging from 0.63 to 0.91 and a CV close to 10%. Peak force was able to determine the outcomes of the bilateral position with higher reliability than the mean force, and the dominant was the most reliable position for assessing the starting blocks. Conclusion: The functional electromechanical dynamometer can be used with a high level of reliability to assess the force exerted in the starting blocks.

Abstract Background Asthma presents a significant health challenge, imposing a considerable burden on healthcare services. Discrepancies in asthma‐related hospitalisations may reflect underlying health disparities. We aimed to analyse inequities in asthma hospital admissions in mainland Portugal and Spain, from a regional perspective and considering sex and age. Methods We conducted a retrospective study using data from the Spanish and Portuguese national hospitalisations databases. We calculated crude national and regional yearly hospitalisation rates according per Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics region. Additionally, we calculated hospitalisation rates adjusted for asthma prevalence and the female‐to‐male ratio in asthma hospital admissions per age group, considering the female‐to‐male ratio in the overall population. Results Between 2012 and 2016, there were 92,084 asthma hospital admissions in mainland Spain and 7717 in mainland Portugal. There was a trend for a higher‐than‐average rate of asthma‐related hospitalisations in the Northern regions of both countries. Women had a hospitalisation rate that was 3.2 times higher than men. Age was associated with higher risk for asthma hospitalisation, with individuals aged 65 and older displaying a hospitalisation rate 4.5 times higher than those under 65. Additionally, while hospitalisations in women aged

Background Dialysis is a rare but serious complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We analyzed the large multicenter TRITAVI (transfusion requirements in transcatheter aortic valve implantation) registry in order to develop and validate a clinical score assessing this risk. Methods and Results A total of 10 071 consecutive patients were enrolled in 19 European centers. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to a derivation and validation cohort. Two scores were developed, 1 including only preprocedural variables (TRITAVIpre) and 1 also including procedural variables (TRITAVIpost). In the 6714 patients of the derivation cohort (age 82±6 years, 48% men), preprocedural factors independently associated with dialysis and included in the TRITAVIpre score were male sex, diabetes, prior coronary artery bypass graft, anemia, nonfemoral access, and creatinine clearance

Objective: To examine the clinical effects of combining motor imagery-based neurofeedback training with bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for upper limb motor function in subacute and chronic stroke. Design: Clinical trial following an AB/BA crossover design with counterbalanced assignment. Subjects: Twenty individuals with subacute (n = 4) or chronic stroke (n = 16). Methods: Ten consecutive sessions of bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alone (therapy A) were compared vs a combination of10 consecutive sessions of bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with 12 non-consecutive sessions of motor imagery-based neurofeedback training (therapy B). Patients received both therapies (1-month washout period), in sequence AB or BA. Participants were assessed before and after each therapy and at 15-days follow-up, using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper limb, hand-grip strength, and the Nottingham Sensory Assessment as primary outcome measures. Results: Both therapies resulted in improved functionality and sensory function. Therapy B consistently exhibited superior effects compared with therapy A, according to Fugl-Meyer Assessment and tactile and kinaesthetic sensory function across multiple time-points, irrespective of treatment sequence. No statistically significant differences between therapies were found for hand-grip strength. Conclusion: Following subacute and chronic stroke, integrating bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and motor imagery-based neurofeedback training has the potential to enhance functional performance compared with using bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alone in upper limb recovery.