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Aim To determine in the adult population the crude and the sex- and age-adjusted prevalence rates of hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) and to assess its association with cardiovascular risk factors, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. Methods Cross-sectional observational study conducted in Primary Care, with 6,588 adult study subjects, randomly selected on base-population. Patients had HTG if the triglyceride level was ≥150 mg/dL (≥1.7 mmol/L), or were on lipid-lowering therapy to lower triglyceride. Associations were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis, and crude and sex- and age-adjusted prevalence rates were determined. Results The arithmetic and geometric means of triglyceride levels were respectively 120.5 and 104.2 mg/dL in global population, 135.7 and 116.0 mg/dL in men, and 108.6 and 95.7 mg/dL in women. The crude HTG prevalence rates were 29.6% in global population, 36.9% in men and 23.8% in women. The sex- and age-adjusted HTG prevalence rates were 27.0% in global population, 34.6% in men and 21.4% in women. The independent variables that were most associated with HTG were hypercholesterolemia (OR: 4.6), low HDL-C (OR: 4.1), hepatic steatosis (OR: 2.8), diabetes (OR: 2.0), and obesity. (OR: 1.9). Conclusions The means of triglyceride levels and HTG prevalence rates are intermediate between those of other national and international studies. A fifth of the female adult population and more than a third of the male population had HTG. The independent factors associated with HTG were hypercholesterolemia and low HDL-C, and the cardiometabolic variables diabetes, hepatic steatosis and obesity.

—We showed that stress-annealing performed under proper conditions can improve magnetic softness, domain wall (DW) velocity and giant magneto-impedance (GMI) effect of Fe-based microwires. One order of magnitude improvement of GMI ratio and more than 100% increase of DW velocity have been achieved by stress-annealing. Observed dependencies have been related to the domain structure modification evidenced from the evolution of the hysteresis loops upon stress-annealing. We discussed observed results considering that the outer domain shell with transverse magnetic anisotropy affects the travelling DW in a similar way as the application of transverse bias magnetic field. GMI ratio improvement is attributed to beneficial magnetic anisotropy distribution achieved by stress-annealing.

The objective of this report is to present the route of development of magnetically soft thin wires for applications in magnetic sensors. We present our experimental study of the Giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect of magnetic microwires prepared using the Taylor-Ulitovsky technique. We observed that the GMI effect and magnetic softness of microwires can be tailored either by controlling magnetoelastic anisotropy of as-prepared microwires or by controlling their internal stresses and structure with heat treatment. High GMI effect has been observed and discussed.

Resumen Introduccion Los objetivos del estudio fueron determinar las tasas de prevalencia brutas y ajustadas por edad y sexo de diabetes mellitus (DM), DM tipo 1 (DM1) y DM tipo 2 (DM2), y comparar la asociacion de factores de riesgo cardiovascular, enfermedades cardiovasculares, enfermedad renal cronica y enfermedades metabolicas entre las poblaciones con y sin DM. Metodos SIMETAP-DM es un estudio observacional transversal realizado en atencion primaria, con una muestra aleatoria de base poblacional de 10.579 adultos. Tasa de respuesta: 66%. Los diagnosticos de DM, DM1 y DM2 se basaron en criterios clinicos y bioquimicos y/o en la comprobacion de estos diagnosticos en las historias clinicas. Se determinaron las prevalencias brutas y ajustadas por edad y sexo (estandarizadas con la poblacion espanola). Resultados Las prevalencias brutas de DM1, DM2 y DM fueron del 0,87% (intervalo de confianza al 95% [IC 95%]: 0,67-1,13), el 14,7% (IC 95%: 13,9-15,6) y el 15,6% (IC 95%: 14,7-16,5), respectivamente. Las prevalencias ajustadas por edad y sexo de DM1, DM2 y DM fueron del 1,0% (1,3% para hombres y 0,7% para mujeres), el 11,5% (13,6% para hombres y 9,7% para mujeres) y el 12,5% (14,9% para hombres y 10,5% para mujeres), respectivamente. La prevalencia de DM en la poblacion ≥ 70 anos era el doble (30,3% [IC 95%: 28,0-32,7]) que en la poblacion entre 40 y 69 anos (15,3% [IC 95%: 14,1-16,5%]). La hipertension arterial, la enfermedad arterial periferica, el indice cintura-talla aumentado, la albuminuria, la enfermedad coronaria, la dislipidemia aterogenica y la hipercolesterolemia se asociaban con la DM. Conclusiones En el ambito de la atencion primaria espanola, las prevalencias ajustadas por edad de DM1, DM2 y DM en la poblacion adulta fueron del 1,0, el 11,5 y el 12,5%, respectivamente. Un tercio de la poblacion mayor de 70 anos padecia DM.

[EN] We report on the influence of graded magnetic anisotropy designed by stress-annealing of magnetic microwire at variable annealing temperature on domain wall propagation. We found that the domain wall propagation in a medium with graded magnetic anisotropy is substantially nonuniform. Domain wall can be trapped in the microwire region with strong enough stress-annealing induced magnetic anisotropy. On the other hand, faster domain wall propagation and a decrease in the domain wall length are observed in the region with moderate stress-annealing induced magnetic anisotropy. Beneficial effect of stress annealing on the domain wall dynamics is associated with the induced transverse magnetic anisotropy in the outer domain which affects the travelling domain wall in a similar way as application of transversal bias magnetic field. Observed decreasing of the half-width of the electromagnetic force (EMF) peak in stress-annealed microwires can be associated to the decreasing of the characteristic domain wall length. This work was supported by the Spanish MCIU, under PGC2018099530-B-C31 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE), by the Government of the Basque Country, under PIBA 2018-44, PUE_2021_1_00 09 and Elkartek (CEMAP and AVANSITE) projects, and by the University of Basque Country, under the scheme of "Ayuda a Grupos Consolidados"(Ref.: GIU18/192) and COLAB20/15 project. The authors are thankful for the technical and human support provided by SGIker of UPV/EHU (Medidas Magneticas Gipuzkoa) and European funding (ERDF and ESF).

Processing by stress-annealing (450 MPa, 300 °C, 1 h) the glass-coated microwire of Fe 75 B 9 Si 12 C 4 composition a macroscopic magnetic anisotropy with a circular component is developed. This anisotropy very significantly improves the giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect with respect to the observed in the as-prepared microwire. The analysis of the GMI response as a function of the frequency (10–1000 MHz) opens new lights to understand the distribution of the magnetic anisotropy inside the glass-coated microwire. We have investigated the GMI response of the stress-annealed Fe 75 B 9 Si 12 C 4 glass-coated microwire. From the frequency dependence of the GMI we have analyzed the distribution of the magnetic anisotropy inside the metallic nucleus obtaining good agreement with the average value of the anisotropy field deduced from the hysteresis loop of the bulk. From measured magnetic field dependences of GMI ratio we evaluated the frequency and magnetic field dependences of the penetration depth. We found that the minimum penetration depth of Fe 75 B 9 Si 12 C 4 microwire decreases from about 1.5 μm down to 0.8 μm after stress annealing. Obtained dependences demonstrate that the minimum penetration depth value as well as the frequency and magnetic field dependences are considerably affected by the stress-annealing.

The present study examines thermal N O x formation on a laminar hydrogen diffusion flame based on a patented multi-flame diffusion burner installed in a domestic boiler. The analysis is performed through CFD modeling by means of ANSYS-FLUENT 19.0. Detailed chemical, thermal, and transport parameters are implemented, in order to obtain accurate results using finite-rate chemistry together with laminar and low-Reynolds turbulence models. The Damkohler number is calculated using a Matlab code developed in-house. The chemical kinetics of the thermal N O x route are analyzed for several inlet flame power levels, so as to demonstrate the effectiveness of the flame-splitting method at reducing the formation of thermal N O x . The numerical results are contrasted through measurements from literature for validation purposes. In the present work, the flame power is varied from 0.05 kW up to 0.8 kW. In contrast to turbulent non-premixed hydrogen flames, the numerical results provide a quasi-constant trend in thermal N O x formation at higher power levels (0.4–0.8 kW). The heat exchange rate between the flame and the combustion chamber and its influence on thermal N O x formation are all carefully analyzed.

We studied the effect of applied tensile stresses on magnetic properties of Fe- and Co-rich amorphous glass-coated microwires. Rising of magnetic anisotropy field upon tensile stress in Co-rich glass-coated microwires is described by a linear dependence. Furthermore, decrease of magnetic susceptibility upon tensile stress is observed in Co-rich microwires. A monotonous increase in the coercivity and the switching field upon tensile applied stress is observed for as-prepared Fe-rich microwire. Stress induced magnetic bistability consisting of transformation of hysteresis and onset of rectangular hysteresis loop upon tensile stress, σ, of about 22.5 MPa is observed in stress-annealed Fe-rich microwires. Such stress-induced magnetic bistability results in considerable growing of coercivity and remanent magnetization in stress-annealed Fe-rich microwires. The rising in the coercivity and the switching field upon applied tensile stresses in stress-annealed Fe-rich microwires with stress induced magnetic bistability (at σ > 22.5 MPa) is roughly described by the σ½ dependence, as previously reported for the wires with spontaneous magnetic bistability. Consequently, stress-annealing of Fe-rich microwire allows beneficial enhancement of the stress dependence of coercivity. Observed dependencies are discussed considering stress dependence of the magnetostriction coefficient in Co-rich glass-coated microwires, internal stresses redistribution and domain structure rearrangement in stress-annealed Fe-rich microwires upon applied tensile stresses.

A novel sensing technique for non-destructive and non-contact monitoring of the composites utilizing ferromagnetic glass-coated microwire inclusions with magnetic properties sensitive to tensile stress and temperature is proposed. We provide in-situ studies of the evolution of the hysteresis loop of arrays consisting of Co- and Fe-rich microwires, as well as transmission and reflection parameters of the composites with microwire inclusions during the composites matrix polymerization. We observed remarkable change of the hysteresis loops upon matrix polymerization: remarkable coercivity change and transformation of linear hysteresis loop to rectangular or from rectangular to linear for arrays with Co-rich and Re-rich microwires respectively. Using the free space technique we observed considerable variation of the reflection in the range of 4–7 GHz and transmission upon the matrix polymerization. Observed dependencies are discussed considering variation of temperature and stresses during the thermoset matrix polymerization and their influence on magnetic properties of glass-coated microwires.

Introduction Few studies conducted in primary care setting report about age-adjusted prevalence rates of erectile dysfunction (ED). Aims of SIMETAP-ED study were to determine crude and age-adjusted prevalence rates of ED diagnosis, to compare these rates with other similar studies, and to compare prevalence rates of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), metabolic diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD) between populations with and without ED. Methods Cross-sectional observational study conducted in primary care setting. Population-based random sample: 2934 adult men. Response rate: 66%. A clinical interview was conducted to diagnose ED using a question derived from ED definition. The medical records of patients were reviewed to identify their CVRF and diseases associated with ED. The age-adjustments were standardized to Spanish population. Results The prevalence rates of metabolic diseases, CVD, CVRF, and CKD in population with ED were higher than population without ED, highlighting the CVD. The crude prevalence of ED was 17.2% (95% confidence interval: 15.8•18.6). The age-adjusted prevalence rates of ED were 0.71% in men under 40 years, 12.4% in men over 18 years, 10.8% in men aged 40•69 years, 18.9% in men over 40 years, and 48.6% in men over 70 years. Conclusions SIMETAP-ED study showed association of ED with metabolic diseases, CKD, CVRF, and highlighting CVD. The age-adjusted prevalence of ED was 12.4% in adult men, 19% in men over 40 years, and almost 50% in men over 70 years.

Processing by Joule-heating the Co67Fe3.9Ni1.5B11.5Si14.5Mo1.6 glass-coated microwire allows considerable improvement of magnetic softness and giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect. At optimal joule heating conditions we observed GMI ratio up to 650%. Observed magnetic softening and GMI ratio improvement have been discussed considering magnetic anisotropy induced by Oersted magnetic field during current annealing, internal stresses relaxation and radial distribution of magnetic anisotropy. The analysis of the GMI ratio as a function of the frequency (10–1000 MHz) opens new lights to understand the distribution of the magnetic anisotropy inside the glass-coated microwire.

Herein, detailed studies on the influence of stress annealing on the magnetic softness and giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) ratio of Co69.2Fe3.6Ni1B12.5Si11Mo1.5C1.2 glass-coated microwires are provided. As-prepared microwire presents linear hysteresis loops, moderate GMI ratio with double-peak magnetic field dependence and low coercivity (4 A m−1), typically observed for wires with transverse magnetic anisotropy. However, after conventional annealing magnetic hardening and transformation of linear hysteresis loop into rectangular with coercivity about 90 A m−1 is surprisingly observed. It is shown that stress annealing allows preventing magnetic hardening and remarkably improving GMI ratio. Properly stress-annealed samples present better magnetic softness: almost unhysteretic loops with coercivity about 2 A m−1 and magnetic anisotropy field about 35 A m−1. Observed stress-annealing-induced anisotropy is affected by the tensile stresses, applied during annealing and by the annealing temperature. From the frequency dependence of the maximum GMI ratio, the optimum frequency ranges for as-prepared and stress-annealed samples are determined. The observed stress-annealing-induced magnetic anisotropy and associated changes in magnetic properties and GMI effect are discussed in terms of internal stresses relaxation and related modification of the magnetostriction coefficient, “back stresses,” structural anisotropy, redistribution of internal stresses, and change of spatial distribution of magnetic anisotropy. This work was supported by the Spanish MCIU, under PGC2018-099530-B-C31 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE), and by the Government of the Basque Country, under PIBA 2018-44 and Elkartek (CEMAP and AVANSITE) projects, and by the University of Basque Country, under the scheme of “Ayuda a Grupos Consolidados” (Ref.: GIU18/192) and COLAB20/15 project. The authors are thankful for the technical and human support provided by SGIker of UPV/EHU (Medidas Magnéticas Gipuzkoa) and European funding (ERDF and ESF).

Applications in security and electronic surveillance require a combination of excellent magnetic softness with good mechanical and anticorrosive properties and low dimensionality. We overviewed the feasibility of using glass-coated microwires for electronic article surveillance and security applications, as well as different routes of tuning the magnetic properties of individual microwires or microwire arrays, making them quite attractive for electronic article surveillance and security applications. We provide the routes for tuning the hysteresis loops’ nonlinearity by the magnetostatic interaction between the microwires in the arrays of different types of amorphous microwires. The presence of neighboring microwire (either Fe- or Co-based) significantly affects the hysteresis loop of the whole microwires array. In a microwires array containing magnetically bistable microwires, we observed splitting of the initially rectangular hysteresis loop with a number of Barkhausen jumps correlated with the number of magnetically bistable microwires. Essentially, nonlinear and irregular hysteresis loops have been observed in mixed arrays containing Fe- and Co-rich microwires. The obtained nonlinearity in hysteresis loops allowed to increase the harmonics and tune their magnetic field dependencies. On the other hand, several routes allowing to tune the switching field by either postprocessing or modifying the magnetoelastic anisotropy have been reviewed. Nonlinear hysteresis loops have been also observed upon devitrification of amorphous microwires. Semihard magnetic microwires have been obtained by annealing of Fe–Pt–Si microwires. The observed unique combination of magnetic properties together with thin dimensions and excellent mechanical and anticorrosive properties provide excellent perspectives for the use of glass-coated microwires for security and electronic surveillance applications. This work was funded by Spanish MCIU under PGC2018-099530-B-C31 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) by the Government of the Basque Country under PIBA 2018-44 project and Elkartek (CEMAP and AVANSITE) projects and by the University of Basque Country under the scheme of “Ayuda a Grupos Consolidados” (Ref.: GIU18/192).

The influence of magnetic anisotropy, post-processing conditions, and defects on the domain wall (DW) dynamics of amorphous and nanocrystalline Fe-, Ni-, and Co-rich microwires with spontaneous and annealing-induced magnetic bistability has been thoroughly analyzed, with an emphasis placed on the influence of magnetoelastic, induced and magnetocrystalline anisotropies. Minimizing magnetoelastic anisotropy, either by the selection of a chemical composition with a low magnetostriction coefficient or by heat treatment, is an appropriate route for DW dynamics optimization in magnetic microwires. Stress-annealing allows further improvement of DW velocity and hence is a promising method for optimization of DW dynamics in magnetic microwires. The origin of current-driven DW propagation in annealing-induced magnetic bistability is attributed to magnetostatic interaction of outer domain shell with transverse magnetization orientation and inner axially magnetized core. The beneficial influence of the stress-annealing on DW dynamics has been explained considering that it allows increasing of the volume of outer domain shell with transverse magnetization orientation at the expense of decreasing the radius of inner axially magnetized core. Such transverse magnetic anisotropy can similarly affect the DW dynamics as the applied transverse magnetic field and hence is beneficial for DW dynamics optimization. Stress-annealing allows designing the magnetic anisotropy distribution more favorable for the DW dynamics improvement. Results on DW dynamics in various families of nanocrystalline microwires are provided. The role of saturation magnetization on DW mobility improvement is discussed. The DW shape, its correlation with the magnetic anisotropy constant and the microwire diameter, as well as manipulation of the DW shape by induced magnetic anisotropy are discussed. The engineering of DW propagation through local stress-annealing and DW collision is demonstrated. This research was funded by Spanish MCIU under PGC2018-099530-B-C31 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE), by the Government of the Basque Country under PIBA 2018-44 and Elkartek (CEMAP and AVANSITE) projects, and by the University of Basque Country under the scheme of “Ayuda a Grupos Consolidados” (Ref.: GIU18/192). J.O. wishes to acknowledge the support of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic (2015 FONDOCyT program).

There is a pressing demand to improve the performance of cost-effective soft magnetic materials for use in high performance sensors and devices. Giant Magneto-impedance effect (GMI), or fast single domain wall (DW) propagation can be observed in properly processed magnetic microwires. In this paper we have identified the routes to obtain microwires with unique combination of magnetic properties allowing observation of fast and single DW propagation and GMI effect in the same microwire. By modifying the annealing conditions, we have found the appropriate regimes allowing achievement of the highest GMI ratio and the fastest DW dynamics. The observed experimental results are discussed considering the radial distribution of magnetic anisotropy and the correlation of GMI effect, and DW dynamics with bulk and surface magnetization processes. Studies of both Fe- and Co-rich microwires, using the magneto-optical Kerr effect, MOKE, provide information on the magnetic structure in the outer shell of microwires. We have demonstrated the existence of the spiral helical structure in both studied microwires. At the same time, torsion mechanical stresses induce helical bistability in the same microwires, which allow us to consider these microwires as materials suitable for sensors based on the large Barkhausen jump. This work was funded by Spanish MCIU under PGC2018-099530-B-C31 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) by the Government of the Basque Country under PIBA 2018-44 project and Elkartek (CEMAP and AVANSITE) projects and by the University of Basque Country under the scheme of “Ayuda a Grupos Consolidados” (Ref.: GIU18/192).

Amorphous soft magnetic microwires have attracted much attention in the area of sensor applications due to their excellent properties. In this work, we study the influence of annealing treatments (stress and conventional) in the giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) response and the field sensitivity of the soft magnetic Co69.2Fe3.6Ni1B12.5Si11Mo1.5C1.2 glass-coated microwires. Here we report a remarkable and simultaneous enhancement of GMI effect and field sensitivity. The highest sensitivity of 104%/Oe and the GMI response of 234% were achieved for 300 °C stress-annealed samples at 472 and 236 MPa, respectively. Additionally, we found that stress-annealed microwires exhibit a frequency dependence on maximal GMI response and field sensitivity. These findings are obtained by fine-tuning their magnetoeslastic anisotropies through stress-annealing treatments of as-prepared microwires at the proper temperature and axial applied stress upon annealing. We hope that the results presented here widen the scope of investigations for the future design of soft magnetic materials for sensor purposes. D.G.-A is founded by MAT2017-83631-C3-R. This work was also supported by Spanish MCIU under PGC2018-099530-B-C31 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) and by the Government of the Basque Country under PIBA 2018-44 project and by the University of Basque Country under the scheme of “Ayuda a Grupos Consolidados” (Ref.: GIU18/192).

Magnetic microwires can present excellent soft magnetic properties and a giant magnetoimpedance effect. In this paper, we present our last results on the effect of postprocessing allowing optimization of the magnetoimpedance effect in Co-rich microwires suitable for magnetic microsensor applications. Giant magnetoimpedance effect improvement was achieved either by annealing or stress-annealing. Annealed Co-rich presents rectangular hysteresis loops. However, an improvement in magnetoimpedance ratio is observed at fairly high annealing temperatures over a wide frequency range. Application of stress during annealing at moderate values of annealing temperatures and stress allows for a remarkable decrease in coercivity and increase in squareness ratio and further giant magnetoimpedance effect improvement. Stress-annealing, carried out at sufficiently high temperatures and/or stress allowed induction of transverse magnetic anisotropy, as well as magnetoimpedance effect improvement. Enhanced magnetoimpedance ratio values for annealed and stress-annealed samples and frequency dependence of the magnetoimpedance are discussed in terms of the radial distribution of the magnetic anisotropy. Accordingly, we demonstrated that the giant magnetoimpedance effect of Co-rich microwires can be tailored by controlling the magnetic anisotropy of Co-rich microwires, using appropriate thermal treatment. This work was supported by Spanish MCIU under PGC2018-099530-B-C31 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) and by the Government of the Basque Country under PIBA 2018-44 projects.

Background Women with autoimmune diseases have high-risk pregnancies. Close and multidisciplinary control is recommended. Objective To describe the experience in a multidisciplinary unit (Rheumatologists and Obstetrics), assess complications and treatments in the evolution of pregnancies in patients with autoimmune diseases in a tertiary hospital. Material and Methods Retrospective study of pregnancy outcomes in patients with autoimmune diseases and follow-up in a multidisciplinary unit between January 2003-December 2018. Demographics, maternal disease, previous abortions, autoantibodies (AAb), births and abortions during follow-up, treatment and maternal and fetal complications were collected. Data analysed using SPSS v23. Results 109 patients (151 pregnancies). Maternal age at diagnosis: 34,9 years; age at abortion/childbirth 38,6 years. 50 abortions registered prior to follow-up in our unit (0.45 abortions/mother). During follow-up 19 abortions were registered (0.17 abortions/mother) (table 1). Abortions were more frequent among women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) (14.3% vs 4.3%) (p =0,013). Anti-Ro carriers (36.6%) didn’t have higher frequency of abortions (p =0,798); one case of heart block was recorded. 13.5% pre-term ( Hydroxicloroquine prescribed in 97 patients (64%), aspirin in 99 (65,6%), heparin in 33 (21,9%) and prednisone in 48 (31%). Conclusions In our series, women with SLE and APL have higher risk of abortion, pregnancy complications and instrumental delivery than general population. Anti-Ro carriers don’t have increased rate of abortions nor complications during pregnancy. Follow-up of pregnancy in a multidisciplinary unit decreases the risk of abortion.

Stress-annealing enabled a considerable improvement in the GMI effect in both Fe- and Co-rich glass-coated microwires. Additionally, a remarkable magnetic softening can be achieved in stress-annealed Fe-rich microwires. Observed stress-annealing induced magnetic anisotropy is affected by annealing conditions (temperatures and stresses applied during annealing). The highest GMI ratio up to 310% was obtained in stress-annealed Co-rich microwires, although they presented rectangular hysteresis loops. A remarkable magnetic softness and improved GMI ratio over a wide frequency range were obtained in stress-annealed Fe-rich microwires. Irregular magnetic field dependence observed for some stress-annealing conditions is attributed to the contribution of both the inner axially magnetized core and outer shell, with transverse magnetic anisotropy.

The influence of post-processing (annealing and stress-annealing) on the magnetic softness, Giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect and domain wall dynamics of Fe3.6Co69.2Ni1B12.5Si11Mo1.5C1.2 glass-coated microwires is studied. As-prepared Co-rich glass-coated microwire presents linear hysteresis loops and rather higher magnetoimpedance ratio with double-peak magnetic field dependence, typical for materials with transverse magnetic anisotropy. Considerable magnetic hardening and transformation of linear hysteresis loop with low coercivity (Hc ≈ 4 A/m) into rectangular with Hc ≈90 A/m upon annealing without stress is observed. However, we observed remarkable MI effect improvement at certain annealing conditions. Stress-annealing of studied microwire allows considerable magnetoimpedance ratio and domain wall velocity increasing. Additionally, remanent magnetization growth and coercivity decrease are generally observed upon stress annealing. Frequency dependence of maximum GMI ratio for as-prepared and annealed samples is evaluated. The obtained frequency dependence of the maximum GMI ratio allows determination of the optimal GMI measurement conditions for each sample. The observed stress-induced anisotropy and related changes in magnetic properties are discussed considering the internal stresses relaxation and "back-stresses". This work was supported by Spanish MCIU under PGC2018-099530-B-C31 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE), by the Government of the Basque Country under PIBA 2018-44 projects, by Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Grant 16-53-48012) and partially supported by Act 211 Government of the Russian Federation, contract # 02.A03.21.0011. The authors thank for technical and human support provided by SGIker of UPV/EHU and European funding (ERDF and ESF).

We present an overview of the factors as well as post processing tools allowing optimization of magnetic softness and GMI effect of rapidly quenched materials: microwires and ribbons. Generally, low coercivity and high GMI effect have been observed in as-prepared Co-rich compositions. Annealing at adequate conditions can be very effective for manipulation of the magnetic properties and GMI effect of amorphous and nanocrystalline rapidly quenched materials. After annealing of Co-rich compositions, we can observe transformation of inclined hysteresis loops to rectangular. However, at certain annealing conditions GMI effect can be improved. Using stress-annealing, GMI effect of both Fe-rich and Co-rich microwires as well as of amorphous ribbons can be improved. On the other hand, in Fe-rich FeCuNbSiB microwires after appropriate annealing we observed considerable magnetic softening and GMI effect enhancement. The other promising post-processing allowing GMI effect optimization is Joule heating.

We overviewed the correlation between the structure, magnetic, and transport properties of Heusler-type microwires prepared by the Taylor-Ulitovsky method involving rapid quenching from the melt and drawing of the composite (metallic core and glass coated) wire. We showed that this method can be useful for the preparation of Heusler-type magnetic microwires. Obtained microwires can present either soft or semihard magnetic properties displaying giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect and magnetocaloric or exchange bias effects. Properly processed Heusler-type microwires can present martensitic transformation. Magnetic and transport properties of magnetic microwires depend on the chemical composition of metallic nucleus and on the structural features (grain size and precipitating phases) of prepared and postprocessed microwires. In Heusler-type microwires, their structure, magnetic, and transport properties are affected by internal stresses induced by the glass coating, depending on the quenching rate. Therefore properties of Heusler-type glass-coated microwires are considerably different from conventional Heusler-type bulk alloys.

We have studied the magnetic properties and domain wall dynamics in Fe-rich microwires subjected to stress-annealing. The hysteresis loops of Fe-rich microwires were considerably affected by stress-annealing. We obtained drastic decrease in coercivity and change in the character of hysteresis loops from rectangular to linear in stress-annealed Fe-rich microwires. For the wires after stress-annealing at variable temperatures we obtained a graded magnetic behavior with local hysteresis loops shapes and features (coercivity, remanent magnetization) changing along the sample length. In the samples subjected to local stress-annealing we created an artificial source of domain wall injection allowing the manipulation of domain wall dynamics. The observed stress-induced anisotropy could be related to the internal stress relaxation after annealing and the interplay of compressive “back-stresses” arisen after stress annealing and axial internal stresses.

We present our experimental results on optimization of the magnetic softness, domain wall (DW) dynamics, and giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect of Fe- and Co-rich microwires. It is found that the as-prepared Co-rich microwires possess much higher GMI effects and linear hysteresis loop. On the other hand, the magnetic softness and GMI effect of Fe-rich microwires can be improved by stress annealing. In addition, the DW velocity of the microwires can be considerably improved by annealing. The single DW propagation can also be observed in properly annealed Co-rich microwires. These observed dependencies can be attributed to the relaxation of internal stresses after annealing and the interplay of compressive stresses and axial internal stresses after stress annealing.

We present comparative studies of magnetic properties and giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect of Fe and Co-rich microwires. As-prepared Co-rich microwires present much higher GMI ratio. The impact of the stress-annealing on magnetic softness and high frequency magnetoimpedance effect of Fe-rich microwires has been studied. The large improvement of the magnetoimpedance response in a wide frequency range by the stress-annealing is observed. We have achieved GMI ratio increase by an order of magnitude after stress-annealing of Fe-rich microwire. Observed stress-induced anisotropy and related changes of magnetic properties are discussed considering internal stresses relaxation and “back-stresses”.

The influence of stress-annealing on the magnetic softness and the magnetoimpedance effect of Fe-and Co-based glass-coated microwires is studied. As-prepared Co-rich glass-coated microwires present better magnetic softness and rather higher magnetoimpedance ratio with a double-peak dependence, typical for materials with transverse magnetic anisotropy. As-prepared Fe-based microwires present a rectangular hysteresis loop with a coercivity an order of magnitude higher and a magnetoimpedance ratio of an order of magnitude lower. Stress-annealing of Co- and Fe-based glass-coated microwire allows considerable magnetoimpedance ratio increasing. The impact of stress-annealing is especially pronounced in a Fe-based microwire, where transverse magnetic anisotropy, large (an order of magnitude) improvement of the magnetic softness and magnetoimpedance ratio are observed. In Co-based microwire a magnetoimpedance ratio improvement for short annealing time and a change of hysteresis loop from linear to rectangular are observed. Observed stress-induced anisotropy and related changes of magnetic properties are discussed considering internal stresses relaxation and “back-stresses”. Obtained experimental results yield new and important insights into the influence of stress-induced magnetic anisotropy on the magnetoimpedance effect and hysteresis loops of glass-coated microwires.

Magnetic softness and giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect of Fe-rich microwires has been considerably improved by stress-annealing: we obtained maximum GMI ratio about one order higher than in as-prepared Fe-rich microwire and of the same order as in as-prepared Co-rich microwire. High enough bias current allows drastic increasing of GMI ratio of Fe-rich microwires up to 120% and off-diagonal GMI effect but also produces irreversible changes of GMI effect related to Joule heating of the samples. For interpretation of observed dependences we considered internal stresses relaxation after annealing interplay of compressive “back-stresses” arising after stress annealing and axial internal stresses.

We present an overview of the factors affecting soft magnetic properties and giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect as well as of post processing tools allowing optimization of magnetic softness and GMI effect of thin amorphous wires. Generally low coercivity and high GMI effect have been observed in as-prepared Co-rich microwires. The magnetoelastic anisotropy is one of the most important parameters that determine the magnetic softness and GMI effect of glass-coated microwires. Annealing at adequate conditions can be very effective for manipulation the magnetic properties of amorphous ferromagnetic glass-coated microwires. After annealing of Co-rich we can observe transformation of inclined hysteresis loops to rectangular and coexistence of fast magnetization switching and GMI effect in the same sample. Using stress-annealing, GMI effect of Co-rich microwires can be increased. We demonstrated that the switching field value of microwires can be tailored by annealing in the range from 4 to 200 A/m. Similarly stress-annealing allows induction of transverse magnetic anisotropy and improvement of magnetic softness and GMI effect in amorphous Fe-rich microwires. On the other hand in Fe-rich FeCuNbSiB microwires after appropriate annealing we observed considerable magnetic softening and GMI effect enhancement.

We report changes of coercivity, induced magnetic anisotropy, magneto-optical domain structure and frequency dependencies of coercivity and energy loss (up to 10 MHz) associated with the structural modifications produced by thermal treatments under applied magnetic field (field annealing) in toroidal wound cores of Fe 73.5 Cu 1 Nb 3 Si 15.5 B 7 amorphous alloy. The thermal treatment (535 °C, 1 h) leads to the typical nanocrystalline structure of α-Fe(Si) nanograins (60–65% relative volume, 10–20 nm average grain size embedded in a residual amorphous matrix, while the magnetic field with the possibility to be applied in two directions to the toroidal core axis, that is in transverse (which is equivalent to the transverse direction of the ribbon) or longitudinal (equivalent to the longitudinal direction of the ribbon), develops a macroscopic uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in the transverse (around 245 J/m 3 ) or longitudinal (around 85 J/m 3 ) direction of the ribbon, respectively. It is remarkable the quasi-unhysteretic character of the cores with these two kinds of field annealing as comparing with that of the as-quenched one. Magneto-optical study by Kerr-effect of the ribbons provides useful information on the domain structure of the surface in agreement with the direction and intensity of the induced magnetic anisotropy. This induced uniaxial magnetic anisotropy plays a very important role on the H c ( f ) and E L ( f ) curves, ( f : frequency), being drastic the presence and direction of the induced magnetic anisotropy. In addition, these frequency dependencies show a significant change at the frequency around 100 Hz.

The effect of Joule-heating on hysteresis loops and giant magnetoimpedance effect, GMI; of Co69.2Fe3.6Ni1B12.5Si11Mo1.5C1.2 glass-coated microwire is studied. Joule heating performed at suitable conditions prevents the magnetic hardening observed during conventional furnace annealing of the studied microwires. A remarkable GMI ratio improvement is observed as compared to as-prepared annealed and even stress-annealed microwires. Observed magnetic softening and GMI ratio improvement have been discussed considering magnetic anisotropy induced by Oersted magnetic field during Joule heating and internal stresses relaxation.

We studied the magnetic properties and domain wall (DW) dynamics of Fe 47.4 Ni 26.6 Si 11 B 13 C 2 and Fe 77.5 Si 7.5 B 15 microwires. Both samples present rectangular hysteresis loop and fast magnetization switching. Considerable enhancement of DW velocity is observed in Fe 77.5 Si 7.5 B 15 , while DW velocity of samples Fe 47.4 Ni 26.6 Si 11 B 13 C 2 is less affected by annealing. The other difference is the magnetic field range of the linear region on dependence of domain wall velocity upon magnetic field: in Fe 47.4 Ni 26.6 Si 11 B 13 C 2 sample is considerably shorter and drastically decreases after annealing. We discussed the influence of annealing on DW dynamics considering different magnetoelastic anisotropy of studied microwires and defects within the amorphous state in Fe 47.4 Ni 26.6 Si 11 B 13 C 2 . Consequently we studied the structure of Fe 47.4 Ni 26.6 Si 11 B 13 C 2 sample using X-ray diffraction and the atom probe tomography. The results obtained using the atom probe tomography supports the formation of the B-depleted and Si-enriched precipitates in the metallic nucleus of Fe-Ni based microwires.

We report on comparison of magnetic properties and GMI effect of as-prepared, annealed and stress-annealed Fe- and Co-rich microwires. Generally after annealing hysteresis loop of Co-rich microwires becomes rectangular. Stress annealed Co-rich microwires exhibit lower coercivity as-compared with conventionally annealed samples. Additionally we observed increasing of GMI ratio after stress annealing and its decreasing after conventional annealing. In the case of Fe-rich microwires the hysteresis loops of stress annealed samples present linear shape with low coercivity. Considerable improvement of GMI effect in Fe-rich microwires after stress annealing is observed. For interpretation of observed changes of hysteresis loops after stress annealing we considered internal stresses relaxation and different mechanisms of stress-induced anisotropy. Observed versatile properties of stress annealed glass-coated microwires with enhanced and tunable soft magnetic properties make them suitable for technological sensing applications.

Domain wall (DW) propagation and magnetic properties in as-prepared and annealed Fe- and Fe-Ni-rich microwires are experimentally studied. Observed DW dynamics is discussed considering the effect of magnetoelastic anisotropy, internal stresses relaxation after annealing and domain wall stabilization owing to pair ordering. Additionally, modification of the magnetostriction coefficient related to stress relaxation and formation of nanocrystalline structure after annealing are considered. Annealing allows considerable improvement of DW velocity in Fe-rich and Fe-Ni based (low Ni content) microwires. In Fe-Ni-based microwires the DW velocity increasing is less appreciated. Moreover coercivity increasing after annealing of Fe-Ni based microwires is observed. Consequently, annealing is the effective method for engineering of the DW dynamics in glass-coated microwires.

We studied the magnetic properties and domain wall (DW) dynamics of Fe47.4Ni26.6Si11B13C2 and Fe77.5Si7.5B15 microwires. Both samples present a rectangular hysteresis loop and fast magnetization switching. The linear region of dependence of the DW velocity on the magnetic field in Fe47.4Ni26.6Si11B13C2 sample is considerably shorter. Consequently, we studied the structure of Fe47.4Ni26.6Si11B13C2 sample using X-ray diffraction and atom probe tomography. The results obtained using the atom probe tomography supports the formation of B-enriched precipitates in the interfacial layer and in the metallic nucleus after annealing.

The domain wall (DW) dynamics of amorphous and nanocrystalline Co-based glass-coated microwires are explored under the influence of stress annealing. Different annealing profiles have enabled remarkable changes in coercivity and magnetostriction values of Co-based amorphous microwires with initially negative magnitude, allowing induced magnetic bistability in stress-annealed samples and, consequently, high DW velocity has been observed. Similarly, Co-based nanocrystalline microwires with positive magnetostriction and spontaneous bistability have featured high DW velocity. Different values of tensile stresses applied during annealing have resulted in a redistribution of magnetoelastic anisotropy showing a decreasing trend in both DW velocities and coercivity of nanocrystalline samples. Observed results are discussed in terms of the stress dependence on magnetostriction and microstructural relaxation. This research was supported by Spanish MCIU under PGC2018-099530-B-C31 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE), by the Government of the Basque Country under the PIBA 2018-44 project, and by the University of the Basque Country under the scheme of "Ayuda a Grupos Consolidados" (Ref. GIU18_192).

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may associate with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) or TNF alfa inhibitors (iTNF), had been involved in the ILD development as well as exacerbation of an existing one. Nowadays there is no consensus related to treatment. Objectives The aimed of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of Abatacept (ABA) treatment in patients with AR and ILD. Methods Multicentre study in patients with RA and ILD associated were treated with ABA. ILD was diagnosed by High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT). ABA was used at dose of 10 mg/kg/4 weeks iv or 125 mg/week sc. Its efficacy was evaluated according to the following measures: a) Dyspnea classified by the Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC); Significant variability of 1 point and asymptomatic MMRC=0; b) Pulmonary function test (PFT); Significant oscillations >10% in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) >10%; c) Imaging technique (HRCT); d) Joint assessment (DAS28). Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± SD or as median (interquartile range) and compared with (Wilcoxon test) (Test Fisher) between the baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months. Results 34 individuals were included (19 women /15 men), patients with ILD associated to RA, with a mean age of 61,4 ± 9,8 years. The median duration of RA before ADA was initiated was 4,8 [0,86–13,12] (0–25) years, and had previously received an average 1,29±0,90 DMARDs. RA was seropositive in 24 cases (71%). ILD was associated with a DMARD: MTX (n=3), Etanercept (n=3), Adalimumab (n=3) y Certolizumab (n=1). ABA was used in monotherapy in 14 patients and combined with other immunosuppressors in 20 patients: Leflunomide (LFD) (n=7), LFD and cyclosporine (n=1), Sulfasalazine (n=1), MTX (n=2), MTX with LFD (n=1), hydroxychloroquine (n=5), Hydroxychloroquine with LFD (n=2), Azathioprine (n=1). A significant improvement of dyspnea was observed; patients who didn9t have dyspnea, kept asymptomatic. FVC and HRCT showed a significant improvement during 6 to 12 months period. DLCO remained stable in the majority of the patients. RA (DAS28) activity also improved. After follow up of 12,82±7,48 months, the most significant adverse effects were: pulmonary Infection (n=2), urinary infections (n=1), infusion reactions (n=1). ABA was discontinued due to: Serious infections (n=2); join inefficacy (n=2), pulmonary inefficacy (n=1), infusion reaction (n=1). Conclusions ABA seems to be an effective and relatively safe treatment in patients with RA and associated ILD. This data should be verified again in prospective and randomized studies. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background: Large vessel vasculitis (LVV) is a severe entity with nonspecific clinical symptoms, which contributes to a delay in diagnosis and sometimes to serious complications. LVV can be primary or secondary, with giant cell arteritis (GCA) being the most common association. Objectives: To describe the characteristics and differences between patients with primary LVV and LVV associated with GCA in a single center. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with LVV in a University Hospital (January 2013-December 2018). Patients diagnosed with aortitis using an imaging test (PET-CT/angioCT/CT/MRI) were included. GCA was diagnosed by biopsy and/or ultrasound of the temporal artery. The primary LVV was considered by exclusion of inflammatory or infectious causes. Epidemiological, clinical and analytical variables, affected vascular territories and the treatment received in both groups were reviewed. Frequencies and percentages were used in qualitative variables, mean±SD in quantitative and for the comparison between groups Chi2 test or Fisher test was used in categorical variables and Student T test or U of Mann-Whitney in quantitative. The statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS v.23. Results: We included 28 patients diagnosed with LVV (9 between 2013-2015 and 19 between 2016-2018). 75% were female with an average age±SD of 71.18±10.8 years. They were divided into two groups: primary LVV (n=15) and LVV associated with GCA (n=13). The diagnosis of GCA was made by ultrasound (n=6), biopsy (n=5) and both tests (n=2). In 7 patients (54%) aortitis and GCA diagnosis was simultaneous. In LVV with GCA, headache was observed in 84.6% of patients and constitutional syndrome in 53.8%. Primary LVV was characterized by lower age at onset, inflammatory low back pain, fever, atypical polymyalgia rheumatica and lower CRP levels; only the first two variables reached statistical significance, probably due to sample size. TABLE 1 The mean number of affected vascular territories was 3 and thoracic aorta was the most affected territory in both groups. The steroid treatment was similar in both groups, whereas methotrexate (MTX) was used more frequently in the LVV associated with GCA. In the first 4 months, 1 patient with primary LVV required Tocilizumab (TCZ). The final clinical evolution was similar and favorable in both groups. At the last visit, after a mean follow-up of 11.94±8.5 months in the primary LVV and 29.63±14.8 months in the LVV secondary to GCA, 93% of patients were asymptomatic with a mean ESR of 24,07±20 and CRP 0.56±0.91. Treatment used in primary LVV were: glucocorticoids (CS) (n=4), mean dose 8.75±7.4mg; MTX (n=11), mean dose 18.18±5.6mg/week and TCZ (n=2). In LVV associated with GCA, 2 patients were without treatment; CS (n=9), mean dose 4.75±4mg; MTX (n=8), mean dose 13.44±6mg/week and TCZ (n = 2). 15 imaging tests were performed 6-10 months after diagnosis. Later, after an average time of 28.77±10.7 months 9 more control PET-CT were requested. TABLE 2. Conclusion: In this study, younger age at onset and inflammatory low back pain were more frequent in primary LVV with statistical significance. The most affected vascular territory was the thoracic aorta in both groups. The clinical and analytical evolution was similar in both populations. In the treatment, the only notable thing was the increased use of MTX in the LVV associated with GCA. 68% of the aortitis were diagnosed in the last 3 years due to greater clinical suspicion. PET-CT is a useful tool in the diagnosis of this pathology. Disclosure of Interests: None declared

Background Pregnancies in women with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are considered high-risk pregnancies, so close and ideally multidisciplinary control is necessary. Given the advances in treatment and identification of risk factors a higher percentage of patients manifest gestational desire. Objectives To describe our experience in a multidisciplinary unit (integrated by Rheumatologists and Obstetrics) and assess the complications in the evolution of pregnancies and treatments used in patients with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Methods Retrospective study of pregnancy outcome in patients with rheumatic diseases and follow-up in a multidisciplinary unit for 15 years (January 2003-December 2018). Demographic characteristics, maternal disease, comorbidities, previous abortions, presence of autoantibodies (AAb), number of births, fetal losses and abortions during follow-up, previous treatment and treatment during pregnancy and maternal and fetal complications were collected. Frequencies and percentages were used in qualitative variables, mean±SD in quantitative and for the comparison between groups Chi2 test (or Fisher test if appropriate) was used in categorical variables and Student T test (or U of Mann-Whitney if appropriate) in quantitative variables. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS v23. Results 141 patients (194 pregnancies) were registered with maternal average age at rheumatic disease diagnosis of 29.14 ± 6.6 years and average age at abortion/childbirth of 34.82 ± 4.63 years. 12.8% were smokers and 21.1% had comorbidity (hypothyroidism:10.8%, dyslipidemia:2.1%). Maternal diseases are collected in table 1. 50 abortions were registered prior to follow-up in our unit (0.35 abortions/mother). During follow-up 19 abortions were registered (0.13 abortions/mother). Frequencies of abortions/births are specified in table 1. 13.5% of pregnancies were pre-term ( The frequency of different AAb is found in table 2. Anti-Ro carriers (36.6%) did not have higher frequency of abortions (p = 0,798) and only one case of heart block was recorded among them. Abortions were more frequent among women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies (14.3% compared to 4.3%) (p = 0,013). In inflammatory diseases (PsA, RA, spondyloarthropathies) no abortions were registered. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was observed in 7 cases (3.7%) and pre-eclampsia in 6 (3%) being more frequent among patients with SLE (n:3 and n:2 respectively), APS (n:1 and n:1) and asymptomatic women with positive autoantibodies (n:2 and n:1). No difference was observed in complications rate between anti-Ro positive and anti-Ro negative women (p = 0.047). Treatments used prior to and during pregnancy are shown in table 3. Conclusion In our series, as previously described in the literature, women with systemic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases have higher risk of abortion, pregnancy complications and instrumental delivery than general population. SLE and APS are most associated with these complications. Multidisciplinary close follow-up of these patients improves pregnancy outcomes. References [1] - Pregnancy and reproduction in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. M. Ostenses, et al. Rheumatology, Volume 50, Issue 4, 1 April 2011, Pages 657-664 [2] - State of the art: Reproduction and pregnancy in Rheumatic diseases. M. Ostenses. Autoimmunity Reviews. Volume 14, Issue 5, May 2015, Pages 376-386. Disclosure of Interests None declared

Background Mechanical low back pain which is refractory to analgesic and rehabilitative treatment is an important cause of disability. The primary objective of corticosteroid (CS) lumbar infiltratation is to accelerate the recovery process and to avoid surgery. However, its use is not without controversy. Objectives To review the indications, efficacy and complications of lumbar computed tomography (CT)-guided CS infiltration. Methods Retrospective study (January 2012 - April 2018) of lumbar CT-guided CS infiltrations performed in a single center. The epidemiological variables, underlying pathologies, approach of injection, used CS (dexamethasone during the whole period and triamcinolone until February 2015), efficacy after 1 and after 3 months and complications were registered. In addition, a comparative study of the efficacy according to indication, type of CS and approach of injection was performed. Frequencies and percentages were used in qualitative variables, mean±SD in quantitative and for the comparison between groups Chi2 test or Fisher test was used in categorical variables and Student T test or U of Mann-Whitney in quantitative. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS v.23. Results 582 procedures were performed in 445 patients (1 infiltration in 445 patients, 2 in 106, 3 in 23, 4 in 7 and 5 in 1). The mean age±SD was 58.6±14.8 years with a male/female ratio of 224/221. Traumatology was the service with highest demand (88.8%) followed by rheumatology (4.8%). The indications were disc herniation (43.1%), lumbar spinal stenosis(36.4%), postoperative fibrosis (14.8%), spondyloarthrosis (2.7%) and other [listhesis, synovial cyst and facet joint syndrome] (2.8%). Posterior epidural access was performed in 27.1% of the procedures, foraminal in 17.9% and lateral recess in 55%. The used CS were dexamethasone (66.3%) and triamcinolone (33.7%). In 86% of patients the oral analgesic treatment had been ineffective. Improvement was observed in 68% of patients at the first month (table) regardless of the indication, approach of injection and CS used and in 63.2% at 3 months. Only 124 patients (21.3%) required surgery due to the persistence of pain, mostly within the first year after infiltration (66.9%). Clinical efficacy showed no statistically significant differences regarding to the indication of the procedure. On the other hand, we observed a significantly higher improvement of the pain through the foraminal and lateral recess than through the epidural at 3 months (p= 0.002). Regarding the CS used, the improvement was significantly greater with triamcinolone compared to dexamethasone in the first and third months (p= Concerning safety, there were 16 cases (2.7%) of local complications (5 punctures of the thecal sac, 4 extravasations of the contrast and 7 transient pain in lower extremities) and 5 (0.9%) systemic complications (3 allergic reactions and 2 syncope due to low blood pressure), without clinical relevance and they were not associated with the indication, approach of injection and CS used. Conclusion In our series disc herniation, lumbar stenosis and postoperative fibrosis were the most common indications. Improvement was observed in 68% and in 63.2% of the patients in the first and third months respectively. Only 21% required surgery. Triamcinolone (although its use is currently discouraged because it is a particulate CS), foraminal infiltration and lateral recess proved to be more effective for pain control. In this study, lumbar CT-guided CS infiltration in patients with refractory low back pain is an accessible, minimally invasive, safe and effective procedure in long term. Disclosure of Interests None declared

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an extra-articular manifestation that can appear in spondyloarthritis (SpA), as well as uveitis and psoriasis. Its prevalence is 5-10%, although subclinical intestinal inflammation has been found in up to 60%. Biological therapy (BT) can be the treatment for IBD or produce it paradoxically. Fecal calprotectin (FC) is an intestinal inflammation marker, useful for early diagnosis and monitoring disease activity. Objectives: To describe the frequency and characteristics of IBD in SpA with BT. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study (January 2003-January 2019) of patients with SpA that develop IBD in a single center. Epidemiological variables, type of SpA, presence of IBD and its characteristics, levels of FC, presence of BT at IBD onset and treatment received were registered. For the analysis, frequencies and percentages were used in qualitative variables and mean±standard deviation (SD) in quantitative. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS v.23. Results: We studied 270 patients with SpA, 70.4% male with a mean age of 39.9±12 years. The subtypes of SpA were: ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (n=133; 49.3%), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (n=116; 43%), undifferentiated SpA (n=16; 5.9%), SpA non-Rx axial (n=3; 1.1%) and reactive arthritis (n=2; 0.7%). IBD was observed in 25 patients (9.26%), 80% male. At the time of IBD onset, they had a mean age of 39.12±9.8 years, the mean ESR was 31.15±24mm1ah, CRP 2.7±2mg/dL and BASDAI 4.6. 16 patients had AS, 6 PsA and 3 undifferentiated SpA. TABLE 1. Regarding Spa diagnosis, IBD appeared after in 15 patients with an average time of development of 8.39±8 years, before in 7 and was simultaneous in 3. The subtypes of IBD were: Crohn’s disease (CD) in 13 patients, ulcerative colitis (UC) in 9 and indeterminate colitis (IC) in 3. The FC was > 200μg/g in 17 patients (68%), normal ( At the time of the IBD onset, 6 patients were with BT: Etanercept (ETN) (n=2), Infliximab (IFX) (n=1), Adalimumab (ADA) (n=1), Secukinumab (SCK) (n=1) and Ustekinumab (UST) (n=1). The BT had been initiated the previous 12 months in 5 of them. The incidence rate adjusted for follow-up of the 6 cases of IBD after BT was 1.83 cases/1000 patient-years. TABLE 2. The treatment of the 25 patients with IBD was mesalazine (n=15), oral corticoid (n=5), methotrexate (n=7) and BT in all cases. The BT was: ADA (n=11; 44%), IFX (n=6; 24%), UST (n=3; 12%), golimumab (n=3; 12%), SCK (n=1; 4%) and vedolizumab (n=1; 4%). The indication was intestinal in 4 patients, joint in 8 and both in 13. The clinical and analytical evolution in all patients was satisfactory, with a mean ESR of 11.6±9mm1ah, CRP 0.6±0.3mg/dL and BASDAI 2 in the last control, after an average time of evolution of 12.5±9.3 years. Conclusion: In this series, IBD was observed in 9.26% of patients with SpA of which 64% were AS. The most frequent form was CD and it was diagnosed after SpA in 60% of the cases. 6 patients were with BT at the time of IBD onset. High FC (> 200μg/g) was observed in the majority of patients. Therefore, we recommend assessing the presence of digestive manifestations (abdominal pain, weight loss or diarrhea) in patients with SpA due to their possible association with IBD. The FC is a useful tool in these patients. Disclosure of Interests: None declared

Background Lupus Nephropathy (LN) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The goal of LN treatment is to suppress inflammation and preserve renal structure and function to prevent progression to kidney failure, in addition to minimizing side effects. Currently therapy for severe LN is based on high doses of glococorticoids and differents immunosuppressive drugs. Objective To determine the response time and immunosuppressive drugs used in a series of patients with LN. Methods Retrospective analysis of Lupus patients in a single center with renal disease. The variables recorded were: the number of immunosuppressive drugs used from the diagnosis of LN until remission and the response evaluated regarding 24 hour proteinuria (achieve remission, improvement greater than or equal to 50% respect to baseline and/or no improvement). Results In a series of 80 patients with SLE, 17 were diagnosed with NL, and of these, 14 proliferative diffuse glomerulonephritis (GN lV). The sample consists of 2 men and 12 women between 30 and 65 years of age, with a follow-up time of 6 to 55 months and 9 Caucasian and 5 Latin Americans. All patients were treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), antihypertensive and corticosteroids. The immunosuppressant treatment used was: mycophenolate mofetil, azatioprine, cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus and rituximab. Considering that the time of follow-up of patients varies, each temporary space was analyzed according to the number of patients. Figure 1 shows that at 6 months, 38% of patients had an improvement >50% and 7.7% of patients achieved remission. After one year of treatment, 42% of patients presented improvement >50% and 17% achieved remission but in 23% of patients two changes of immunosuppressive treatment was needed. At 24 months, 50% of patients improved >50% and 25% achieved remission; in 13% of patients it was necessary to make another treatment change. Finally, after 24 months, it was observed that 50% of patients achieved remission, 33% of patients presented an improvement >50% and only 17% presented renal failure, and it was necessary to make another treatment change. Globally, in 36% of patients 1 or more changes of immunosuppressive treatment were necessary to achieve improvement >50% or remission. Conclusions Patients who do not experience an improvement >50% in a period of 6 months are more likely to improve if a change in immunosuppressive treatment is made. It is necessary to extend the series to reach conclusions with statistical value. Funding Source(s): No funding

Background Lupus nephropathy (LN) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Considering that renal biopsy is a specialized technique and not risk free, a proteomics study is proposed to determine biomarkers that may help us to differentiate patients diagnosed with SLE with and without renal involvement. Methods We selected 12 patients with SLE and renal involvement and 14 patients with SLE without renal involvement. There were no differences between groups according to race, gender and age. The patients were classified as moderate ( Results The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed differences between samples from patients who have high level of proteinuria in 24 hours and patients who do not have renal involvement. Interestingly, patients with mild proteinuria correlated better with patients without renal involvement than with the severe proteinuria group. A total of 292 proteins (identified with at least two peptides with a FDR Interestingly, clear differences were detected between the three subgroups of samples. The Students T-test analysis reflected the differential presence of 147 proteins (p Conclusions A different protein pattern is observed between the groups of patients, so in a more detailed study we may indicate if some of these can serve as prognostic markers for this type of patients. Funding Source(s): No funding

We report on preparation and magnetic properties of Fe71.7B13.4Si11Nb3Ni0.9 glass-coated microwire with metallic nucleus diameter d = 103 mu m and total diameter D = 158 mu m prepared by Taylor-Ulitovsky method. Amorphous structure of as-prepared microwires is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. As-prepared glass-coated microwires present relatively high GMI effect (about 50%) and relatively low coercivity (about 25 A/m). Additionally, as-prepared sample present rectangular hysteresis loop and fast single domain wall propagation with domain wall mobility of about 11,9 m(2)/As. After annealing we observed considerable improvement of the GMI ratio (from 50% up to 100%). Observed GMI effect improvement has been attributed to the stresses relaxation. From aforementioned studies we can conclude that the Taylor-Ulitovsky technique allows us to obtain thick ferromagnetic microwires with good magnetic properties and GMI effect suitable for industrial applications. This work was supported by Spanish MINECO under MAT2013-47231-C2-1-P and by the Government of the Basque Country under the scheme of "Ayuda a Grupos Consolidados" (Ref.: IT954-16), Elkartek (RTM 4.0) and PIBA 2018-44 projects. Technical and human support provided by SGIker (UPV/EHU) is gratefully acknowledged. The authors thank for technical and human support provided by SGIker of UPV/EHU (Medidas Magneticas Gipuzkoa) and European funding (ERDF and ESF).