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Background: Listeriosis in Spain has an incidence rate higher than the European average, forcing extreme food control measures. Objetive: In the present study, the prevalence and the diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in samples of ready-to-eat foods in Spain have been researched. Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching in electronic databases of scientific information for observational studies on ready-to-eat foods contamination by L. monocytogenes, with sample analysis results obtained between January 2006 and December 2020. Meta-analysis was carried out using the MetaXL© software in the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Results: A total of 37 studies were selected. The prevalence of L. monocytogenes in the food samples analyzed in Spain was 4.5% (95% CI: 3.4%-5.9%). The prevalence of Listeria spp. was 16.1% (95% CI: 6.7%-28.1%), with 30.4% of this prevalence corresponding to L monocytogenes. The highest significant values were found in meat products (9.6%, 95% CI: 7.0%-12.4%), and, within these, in fermented meat products (17.9%, 95% CI: 10.3%-26.9%). Conclusions: The global prevalence of L. monocytogenes obtained in Spain is significantly higher than the European average. The foods with the highest risk have turned out to be fermented meat products, which suggest the need of the establishment of more demanding legal microbiological criteria for the prevention of contamination by this bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: biliary self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) have the advantage of being inserted undeployed with very small sizes and provide, when fully opened, large diameters for biliary drainage. However, their use in benign conditions has been very limited, mainly because of difficulty in their extraction. We present our initial experience with a fully covered SEMS (Wallflex) for the management of benign problems of the bile duct. Patients and methods: in a prospective study, stents of 8 mm in diameter and 4, 6 or 8 cm long were inserted by means of ERCP. These SEMS were chosen when according to medical judgement it was thought that diameters greater than 10 French (3.3 mm) were needed for proper biliary drainage. Stents were extracted also endoscopically, several months later when deemed clinically appropriate. Results: twenty biliary SEMS were inserted. Reasons for insertion were: large intrahepatic biliary fistula after hydatid cyst surgery (1), perforation of the papillary area following endoscopic sphincterotomy (2), coaxial insertion to achieve patency in obstructed uncovered stents inserted in benign conditions (3), benign strictures (7), multiple and large common bile duct stones that could not be extracted because of tapering and stricturing of the distal common bile duct (7). In all cases, successful biliary drainage was achieved and there were no complications from insertion. Stents were easily extracted after a mean time of 132 days (36-270) in place. Complete resolution of biliary problems was obtained in 14 patients (70%). Conclusions: in our initial experience, the fully covered Wallflex biliary stent was removed without any complication after being in place in the common bile duct for a mean time of over four months. Therefore, it could be used in the management of benign biliary conditions.Introducción y objetivo: las prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles biliares (PMAB) tienen la ventaja de introducirse plegadas con calibres muy pequeños y proporcionar, al abrirse completamente, diámetros grandes para el drenaje biliar. Su utilización en procesos benignos ha estado muy limitada, fundamentalmente por la dificultad en su extracción. Presentamos nuestra experiencia inicial con una PMAB totalmente recubierta (Wallflex) para tratar patología benigna de la vía biliar. Pacientes y métodos: en un estudio descriptivo prospectivo se insertaron por CPRE prótesis de 8 mm de diámetro y 4, 6 u 8 cm de longitud, cuando se consideró que para el drenaje biliar eran precisos diámetros superiores a 10 french (3,3 mm). Las prótesis se retiraron también por endoscopia varios meses después según se consideró oportuno clínicamente. Resultados: se insertaron 20 PMAB. Los motivos fueron: gran fístula biliar intrahepática tras cirugía de quiste hidatídico (1), perforación del área papilar por esfinterotomía endoscópica (2), recanalización de prótesis no recubiertas insertadas en procesos benignos (3), estenosis benignas (7), coledocolitiasis múltiples y de gran tamaño con afilamiento-estenosis del colédoco distal que no pudieron extraerse (7). En todos los casos se logró un drenaje biliar satisfactorio y no se produjeron complicaciones por la inserción. Las prótesis se extrajeron con facilidad a los 132 días de media (36-270). La resolución completa de los procesos se obtuvo en 14 pacientes (70%). Conclusiones: en nuestra experiencia inicial, la prótesis Wallflex biliar totalmente recubierta pudo extraerse sin complicaciones tras permanecer en el colédoco hasta una media de más cuatro meses, por lo que podría utilizarse en el tratamiento de procesos biliares benignos.

Background and aim: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary sphincterotomy (BS) is the usual method for extracting common bile duct stones. However, following BS and by means of extraction balloons and Dormia baskets a complete bile duct clearance cannot be achieved in all cases. We present a study on the impact that hydrostatic balloon dilation of a previous BS (BSD) may have in the extraction rate of choledocholithiasis. Patients and methods: a prospective study which included 91 consecutive patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis who underwent ERCP. For stone removal, extraction balloons and Dormia baskets were used, and when necessary BSD was employed. Results: complete bile duct clearance was achieved in 86/91 (94.5%) patients. BSD was used in 30 (33%) cases. In these cases, extraction was complete in 29/30 (97%); 23 (76%) patients in the BSD group had anatomic difficulties or bleeding disorders. The most frequently used hydrostatic balloon diameter was 15 mm (60%). There were 7 (7.6%) complications: two self-limited hemorrhage episodes in the BSD group and one episode of cholangitis, one of pancreatitis, and three of bleeding in the group in which BSD was not used. Conclusions: BSD is a very valuable tool for extracting common bile duct stones. In our experience, there has been an increase in the extraction rate from 73% (Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2002; 94: 340-50) to 94.5% (p = 0.0001, OR 0.1, CI 0.05-0.45), with no increase in complications.

Antecedentes y objetivo: la inserción de prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles para paliar la obstrucción tumoral del vaciamiento gástrico es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo, que cada vez se utiliza con más frecuencia. Presentamos la experiencia de esta técnica en un hospital de nivel II del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Pacientes y métodos: estudio retrospectivo de un periodo de cinco años (2003-2007), en los que se trató de resolver la obstrucción tumoral del vaciamiento gástrico en 27 ocasiones a 23 pacientes (media de 0,45 procedimientos por mes), mediante la inserción endoscópica de prótesis no recubiertas (Wallstent® y Wallflex®). Resultados: la inserción fue técnicamente posible en el 100% de los 27 intentos. Se obtuvo un buen resultado clínico en 25 ocasiones (92,5%). Se utilizó sólo endoscopia 10 (37%) veces y en las otras 17 (63%) también fluoroscopia. Tras la inserción de la prótesis se intervino a un paciente con intención curativa y a otro, en el que la prótesis no funcionó, para realizar una derivación paliativa. Cuatro prótesis se obstruyeron por crecimiento tumoral, recanalizándose mediante la inserción de nuevas prótesis. En tres ocasiones se produjo ictericia obstructiva en prótesis que cubrían la papila de Vater. No hubo otras complicaciones. Tampoco mortalidad derivada del procedimiento. La media de supervivencia fue de 104 días (rango 28-400, DE ± 94). Conclusiones: en nuestra experiencia, la inserción endoscópica de prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles parece un método seguro y eficaz en el tratamiento paliativo de la obstrucción tumoral del vaciamiento gástrico y puede llevarse a cabo con éxito en un centro de nuestras características.Aim and background: the insertion of self-expanding metal stents to palliate malignant gastric outlet obstruction is a minimally invasive procedure that is being increasingly used. We discuss experience with this technique in a level-II hospital in the Spanish National Health System. Patients and methods: a retrospective five-year study (2003-2007) was conducted in 23 patients who underwent 27 procedures aimed at resolving malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mean, 0.45 procedures per month) using endoscopically inserted noncovered stents (Wallstent® and Wallflex®). Results: insertion was technically feasible in all 27 (100%) attempts, with satisfactory clinical results in 25 cases (92.5%). Endoscopy alone was used 10 times (37%), and both endoscopy and fluoroscopy on 17 (63%) occasions. After stent insertion, one patient was intervened for treatment, and a patient with an unsuccessful prosthesis received a palliative surgical bypass. Four stents became obstructed by tumoral ingrowth, and patency was reestablished by inserting a new stent. Obstructive jaundice caused by stents covering the papilla of Vater occurred in three cases. There were no other complications or mortality due to the procedure. Mean survival was 104 days (range 28-400, SD ± 94). Conclusions: In our experience endoscopic insertion of self-expanding metal stents appears to be a safe and efficient palliative method for malignant gastric outlet obstruction, and can be performed successfully in a center with our characteristics.

Background: the clinical impact of small-bowel angiodysplasia has not been defined. We present a prospective study to determine the features of individuals with a higher risk of rebleeding or a worse clinical outcome. Patients and methods: thirty patients with angiodysplasia found on CE were included and followed for 12 months. Angiodysplasia were classified by their size as small (≤ 10 mm) or large (> 10 mm). We also studied angiodysplasia lesion numbers in each patient. Rebleeding was defined as a hemoglobin drop of more than 2 g/dl in the absence of melena or hematochezia in the case of occult GI bleeding, or with any or both manifestations. Results: a therapeutic procedure was carried out in 13 patients (43.4%). Individuals with large angiodysplasia had higher transfusion requirements, a higher proportion of therapeutic procedure performed after CE, lower hemoglobin concentration, and a lower rebleeding rate. Patients with ten or more angiodysplasia lesions had also higher transfusion requirements and lower hemoglobin levels, but we found no differences in the number of therapeutic procedures or rebleeding rate between both groups. On follow up rebleeding was detected in 5 patients (16.7%), all of them with small angiodysplasias. Rebleeding was more frequent in patients who did not receive further interventions (23.53 vs. 7.69%; p = 0.037). Conclusions: angiodysplasia size ≥ 10 mm determines a worse clinical impact and more possibilities of receiving a therapeutic procedure. Our findings support that patients with large lesions would benefit from therapeutic interventions with a reduction in rebleeding rate.Introducción: no se ha definido con exactitud el impacto clínico de las angiodisplasias del intestino delgado. Presentamos un estudio prospectivo para determinar las características de los individuos con mayor riesgo de recidiva hemorrágica o peor evolución clínica. Pacientes y métodos: en este estudio se incluyeron treinta pacientes con angiodisplasias, halladas con la cápsula endoscópica, que fueron seguidos durante 12 meses. Las lesiones se clasificaron por su tamaño en pequeñas (≤ 10 mm) o grandes (> 10 mm). Estudiamos también el número de angiodisplasias en cada paciente. La recidiva hemorrágica se definió como una caída en las cifras de hemoglobina de 2 g/dl, en ausencia de melenas o hematoquecia para la hemorragia de origen oscuro o en presencia de cualquiera de estas manifestaciones. Resultados: se realizaron procedimientos terapéuticos en 13 pacientes (43,4%). Los pacientes con angiodisplasias grandes tuvieron mayores requerimientos transfusionales, un mayor número de procedimientos diagnósticos realizados tras la cápsula endoscópica, cifras inferiores de hemoglobina y menor tasa de recidiva hemorrágica. Los pacientes con diez o más angiodisplasias recibieron también más transfusiones y presentaron cifras inferiores de hemoglobina, pero no hubo diferencias en los procedimientos terapéuticos o recidiva hemorrágica entre ambos grupos. En el seguimiento, la recidiva hemorrágica se detectó en 5 pacientes (16,7%), todos con angiodisplasias pequeñas. Esta fue más frecuente en pacientes que no recibieron tratamiento (23,53 vs. 7,69%; p = 0,037). Conclusiones: el tamaño ≥ 10 mm de las angiodisplasias determina un mayor impacto clínico y más posibilidades de recibir tratamiento. Nuestros hallazgos indican que pacientes con lesiones de mayor tamaño se beneficiarían de procedimientos terapéuticos con una reducción de la tasa de recidiva hemorrágica.

Antecedentes y objetivo: la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es habitualmente la técnica de elección para desobstruir la vía biliar. Una gran parte de los pacientes a los que se realiza esta intervención están en edad geriátrica (mayores de 75 años). Nuestro objetivo ha sido valorar la eficacia de la CPRE en este grupo de pacientes, comparado con los de menor edad. Pacientes y métodos: estudio retrospectivo en el que se han incluido los pacientes a quienes se realizó terapéutica biliar endoscópica mediante CPRE en un periodo de cuatro años (2002-2005). Resultados: se realizó CPRE a 178 pacientes en edad geriátrica y a 159 de menor edad. No hubo diferencias en el éxito del drenaje biliar (97,7-98,7%), en el número de complicaciones (11,8-14,4%), ni en la mortalidad (1,1-0,6%). Por el contrario, en el grupo geriátrico hubo más coledocolitiasis (57,3-39,6%, p = 0,004) y se utilizaron más prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles para drenar la ictericia obstructiva tumoral (47-8%, p = 0,0035). En el grupo de menor edad se repitieron más CPRE a los mismos pacientes (4-10%, p = 0,001). Conclusiones: el éxito y la morbimortalidad para drenar la vía biliar mediante CPRE son similares en los pacientes con edad geriátrica y en los de edad inferior. La coledocolitiasis es más frecuente en los pacientes mayores. No se debe excluir a ningún paciente que precise de una CPRE sólo por la edad.Background and objective: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is usually the procedure of choice for relieving bile duct obstruction. A large number of patients undergoing this intervention are geriatric population (aged 75 years of age and older). Our aim was to assess the efficacy of ERCP in this group of patients as compared to younger ones. Patients and methods: a retrospective study. All patients in whom a therapeutic biliary endoscopy had been performed over a four-year period of time (2002-2005) were included. Results: 178 geriatric patients and 159 younger ones underwent ERCP. No differences were found in successful biliary drainage (97.7 vs. 98.7%), complication number (11.8 vs. 14.4%), or mortality rate (1.1 vs. 0.6%). On the other hand, more common bile duct stones were found in geriatric patients (57.3 vs. 39.6%, p = 0.004), and also more self-expanding metal stents were employed to drain malignant obstructive jaundice(47 vs. 8%, p = 0.0035). In the youngest group, more ERCPs were repeated in the same patients (4 vs. 10%, p = 0.001). Conclusions: the geriatric population showed similar success and morbidity & mortality rates when compared to younger patients in draining their bile duct by means of ERCP. Common bile duct stones were more frequently found in geriatric patients. No patients needing an ERCP should be excluded only because of their age.

Introduction: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is currently one of the main options in breast reconstruction. The information about this surgery is critical for the patient, in order to choose the breast reconstruction method. Our study aims to analyze and compare the quality and accuracy of the information related to the DIEP flap reconstruction method provided by social media platforms (SMPs) and the new large language models (LLMs)., Materials and Methods: A total of 50 videos in English and Spanish were selected from the main SMPs (YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook) using the keywords "DIEP flap" and "colgajo DIEP." The duration, number of likes, dislikes, number of visits, upload date, author, and the video category (institutional video, media, patient experience, academic, and surgery) were analyzed. 3 specific questions were asked to 2 new LLMs (ChatGPT and Google Bard). The quality of information in SMPs and LLMs was analyzed and compared by 2 independent board-certified plastic surgeons using the Journal of American Medical Association and DISCERN scales., Results: LLMs showed a statistically significant higher quality of information when compared with SMPs based on the DISCERN scores. The average DISCERN scores for answers given by ChatGPT and Google Bard were 54 ± 6.841 and 61.17 ± 6.306, respectively (good quality). In SMPs, the average scores were 2.31 ± 0.67 (insufficient quality) and 32.87 ± 9.62 (low quality) for the Journal of American Medical Association and DISCERN scales respectively. Thirty-eight percent of the videos in SMPs were performed by nonmedical authors., Conclusions: The quality of information for breast reconstruction using DIEP flaps from LLMs was considered good and significantly better than in SMPs. The information found in SMPs was insufficient and of low quality. Academic plastic surgeons have an opportunity to provide quality content on this type of reconstruction in LLM and SMPs., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and source of funding: Cristóbal Velasco, Lara is an Editorial Board member of Annals of Plastic Surgery and a co-author of this article. To minimize bias, they were excluded from all editorial decision-making related to the acceptance of this article for publication. For the remaining authors none were declared., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

MV140 is an inactivated whole-cell bacterial mucosal vaccine with proven clinical efficacy against recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections are primarily caused by uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains, which are unique in their virulence factors and remarkably diverse. MV140 contains a non-UPEC strain, suggesting that it may induce an immune response against different UPEC-induced UTIs in patients. To verify this, we experimentally evaluated the cellular and humoral responses to UTI89, a prototypical UPEC strain, in mice vaccinated with MV140, as well as the degree of protection achieved in a UPEC UTI89 model of acute cystitis. The results show that both cellular (Th1/Th17) and antibody (IgG/IgA) responses to UTI89 were induced in MV140-immunized mice. MV140 vaccination resulted in an early increased clearance of UTI89 viable bacteria in the bladder and urine following transurethral infection. This was accompanied by a highly significant increase in CD4 + T cells in the bladder and an increase in urinary neutrophils. Collectively, our results support that MV140 induces cross-reactive humoral and cellular immune responses and cross-protection against UPEC strains.

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin. They are associated with genetic and environmental risk factors. Their clinical manifestations are nonspecific, requiring a high level of suspicion. The first-line treatment is surgical. Positive margins are the only independent predictor of local recurrence and worse survival rates. Strict follow-up is recommended due to its high recurrence rate., Aim: Analyze the casuistry of STS treated with curative intent by the head and neck surgery team at the Sótero del Río Hospital (HSR) at Santiago, Chile between 2013 and 2023., Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study of patients with STS managed by the HSR head and neck surgery team. Clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and oncological results are analyzed., Results: 26 patients were included, 84.6% female, with an average age of 61.7 years. Only 30.8% presented identifiable risk factors. The most common histology was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (26.9%), and the predominant location was extremities (46.2%). 77.8% of head and neck sarcomas and 58.8% of trunk and extremity sarcomas occurred in advanced stages. Disease-free survival was 66.6%; 68.2% in patients with negative surgical margins, and 60.0% in positive margins at five years., Conclusions: STS is an infrequent pathology. This study corresponds to the first retrospective research on STS in Chile. We require establishing a specialized multidisciplinary team to optimize the management and follow-up of STS patients.

Functional Tregs play a key role in tumor development and progression, representing a major barrier to anticancer immunity. The mechanisms by which Tregs are generated in cancer and the influence of the tumor microenvironment on these processes remain incompletely understood. Herein, by using NMR, chemoenzymatic structural assays and a plethora of in vitro and in vivo functional analyses, we demonstrate that the tumoral carbohydrate A10 (Ca10), a cell-surface carbohydrate derived from Ehrlich's tumor (ET) cells, is a heparan sulfate-related proteoglycan that enhances glycolysis and promotes the development of tolerogenic features in human DCs. Ca10-stimulated human DCs generate highly suppressive Tregs by mechanisms partially dependent on metabolic reprogramming, PD-L1, IL-10, and IDO. Ca10 also reprograms the differentiation of human monocytes into DCs with tolerogenic features. In solid ET-bearing mice, we found positive correlations between Ca10 serum levels, tumor size and splenic Treg numbers. Administration of isolated Ca10 also increases the proportion of splenic Tregs in tumor-free mice. Remarkably, we provide evidence supporting the presence of a circulating human Ca10 counterpart (Ca10H) and show, for the first time, that serum levels of Ca10H are increased in patients suffering from different cancer types compared to healthy individuals. Of note, these levels are higher in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases than in prostate cancer patients without metastases. Collectively, we reveal novel molecular mechanisms by which heparan sulfate-related structures associated with tumor cells promote the generation of functional Tregs in cancer. The discovery of this novel structural-functional relationship may open new avenues of research with important clinical implications in cancer treatment., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients have worse COVID-19 outcomes than general population and effective immunisation in these patients is essential but more difficult to reach. We aimed to determine the immunogenicity of an mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine booster in SOT recipients previously immunised with either inactivated or homologous SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine., Methods: Prospective cohort study of SOT recipients under medical care at Red de Salud UC-CHRISTUS, Chile, previously vaccinated with either CoronaVac or BNT162b2. All participants received a BNT162b2 vaccine booster. The primary study end point was anti-SARS-CoV-2 total IgG antibodies (TAb) seropositivity at 8-12 weeks (56-84 days) post booster. Secondary end points included neutralising antibodies (NAb) and specific T-cell responses., Findings: A total of 140 (50% kidney, 38% liver, 6% heart) SOT recipients (mean age 54 [13.6] years; 64 [46%] women) were included. Of them, 62 had homologous (three doses of BNT162b2) and 78 heterologous vaccine schedules (two doses of CoronaVac followed by BNT162b2 booster). Boosters were received at a median of 21.3 weeks after primary vaccination. The proportion achieving TAb seropositivity (82.3% vs 65.4%, P  = 0.035) and NAb positivity (77.4% vs 55.1%, P  = 0.007) were higher for the homologous versus the heterologous group. On the other hand, the number of IFN-γ and IL-2 secreting SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cells did not differ significantly between groups., Interpretation: This cohort study shows that homologous mRNA vaccine priming plus boosting in SOT recipients, reaches a significantly higher humoral immune response than inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine priming followed by heterologous mRNA booster., Funding: School of Medicine, UC-Chile and ANID.ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05124509., Competing Interests: S.M.B., N.L.C. and A.K. reported having participated as leading scientists for design of CoronaVac clinical trials sponsored in Chile by Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and in collaboration with Sinovac Biotech (NCT04651790 and NCT04992260)., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Background: The risk of neoplasia in gallbladder polyps seems to be low, but the evidence from populations at high-risk of gallbladder cancer is limited. We aimed to estimate the risk and to identify the factors associated with neoplastic polyps in a high-risk Hispanic population., Methods: A retrospective cohort was recruited between January 2010 and December 2019 at a Chilean university center. Multivariate survival analyses were conducted. Fine-Gray models were fitted to account for competing risks. Covariate adjustment was conducted using propensity scores. The main outcome was the development of gallbladder adenomas or adenocarcinoma., Results: Overall, 748 patients were included, 59.6% underwent cholecystectomy. The median follow-up of patients not subjected to cholecystectomy was 54.7 months (12-128.6 months). Seventeen patients (2.27%) developed the outcome. After adjustment by age, sex, intralesional blood flow, lithiasis and gallbladder wall thickening, only polyp size (≥10 mm, adjusted-HR: 15.01, 95%CI: 5.4-48.2) and number of polyps (≥3 polyps, adjusted-HR: 0.11, 95%CI: 0.01-0.55) were associated with neoplasia., Conclusion: In a Hispanic population at high-risk for gallbladder cancer, gallbladder polyps seem to have a low risk of neoplasia. Polyp size was the main risk factor, while having multiple polyps was associated with an underlying benign condition., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a liver condition that is increasing worldwide and expected to become the number one cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the next 5 years. Currently there are no successful or approved pharmacological treatments. Weight loss is the first-line therapy as a 7 to 10% reduction improves steatosis, inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and fibrosis. To achieve this, lifestyle interventions including daily exercise and diet must be encouraged. We aimed to assess the effects of diet, exercise, or a combination of both compared to conventional treatment in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease., Methods and Finding: A literature search was performed in CENTRAL, EMBASE, and PubMed. Randomized controlled trials comparing lifestyle changes with conventional treatment were included, without date restriction. Two authors searched studies according to eligibility criteria, extracted data, and assessed study quality. Subgroup analysis was made by type of intervention, duration of intervention and supervision. We calculated mean differences between the intervention and the control group with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Quality of the evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of bias tool. This study is registered in PROSPERO, number CRD42020184241, and checked with the PRISMA checklist. 30 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Compared to conventional treatment, combined exercise with diet seems to elicit greater reductions in ALT (MD: -13.27 CI 95% -21.39, -5.16), AST (MD: -7.02 CI 95% -11.26, -2.78) and HOMA-IR (MD: -2.07 CI 95% -2.61, -1.46) than diet (ALT MD: -4.48 CI 95% -1.01, -0.21; HOMA-IR MD: -0.61 CI 95% -1.01, -0.21) and exercise (ALT and AST non-significant; HOMA-IR MD = -0.46 CI 95% -0.8, -0.12) alone. Additionally, exercise improved quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, and weight (MD: -2.64 CI 95% -5.18, -0.09)., Conclusion: Lifestyle changes are effective in the treatment of NAFLD. Diet and exercise combined are superior to these interventions alone in improving liver enzymes and HOMA-IR., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 is essential for a timely update of health policies and allocation of resources. Particularly, serological testing may allow individuals with low-risk of being contagious of SARS-CoV-2 to return to daily activities. Both private and academic initiatives have sought to develop serological assays to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Herein, we compared five different assays in active healthcare personnel exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in a large center in Madrid, Spain, in a retrospective study. Median time lapse between polymerase chain-reaction (PCR) and serological testing was 11 days (7-21). All tests assessed IgM/IgG titers except for Euroimmun (IgA/IgG) and The Binding-Site (IgA/IgM/IgG). The highest concordance rate was observed between Dia.Pro and Euroimmun (75.76%), while it was lowest between The Binding-Site and Euroimmun (44.55%). The Binding-Site assay showed the highest concordance (85.52%) with PCR results. Considering PCR results as reference, Dia.Pro was the most sensitive test, although The Binding-Site assay exhibited the highest area under the curve (AUC; 0.85). OrientGene and MAGLUMI tests were performed in a smaller cohort with confirmed infection and thus were not adequate to estimate sensitivity and specificity. The Binding-Site assay presented the best joint sensitivity and specificity among all the tests analyzed in our cohort. Likewise, this serological assay presents a greater repertoire of antibodies and antigen-regions tested, which is why each individual's humoral immunity is more accurately reflected. The better the immunity test, the most adequate the health strategy to take in terms of organization of consultations, surgery, and treatments in vulnerable patients. The three antibody classes (IgG/IgM/IgA) were determined jointly, which translates to an economic impact on healthcare. While their role in the protection status remains elusive, serological tests add a valuable tool in the early management of SARS-CoV-2 after known exposition.

The selection of the most appropriate formula in long-term home enteral nutrition is a controversial issue. Our objective was to study a high protein hypercaloric enteral nutrition formula in patients with long-term feeding (180 days)., Methods: Prospective observational multicenter real-life study with high-protein hypercaloric formula (2kcal/ml and 20% protein). General, anthropometric, analytical and quality of life data were collected by visual analog scale of the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions at the beginning, 60, 120 and 180 days. Gastrointestinal tolerance was assessed with a visual analog scale and Bristol Stool Scale and the risk of malnutrition was assessed using NRS-2002., Results: 51 patients (88.2% men, mean age 62.0 years), with oncological diseases in 72.5%. No differences in anthropometric data were observed, although the percentage of patients at risk of malnutrition according to NRS 2002 was reduced from 75% to 8.3% (p<0.0001). No differences were observed in albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, lymphocytes or hematocrit. The quality of life improved from 3.84 (1.27) to 5.37 (1.12) on the visual analog scale (p<0.0001). A reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms was observed throughout the period of enteral nutrition. Both the number and percentage of stools considered normal according to the Bristol scale remained stable., Conclusion: Our study supports that the use of high-protein hypercaloric formulas during a 6-month nutritional treatment allows an adequate nutritional evolution without risk of dehydration and with a good tolerance, even improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms, and can contribute to an improvement in the quality of lifetime., (Copyright © 2020 SEEN y SED. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Polymerized allergoids coupled to nonoxidized mannan (PM-allergoids) may represent novel vaccines targeting dendritic cells (DCs). PM-allergoids are better captured by DCs than native allergens and favor Th1/Treg cell responses upon subcutaneous injection. Herein we have studied in mice the in vivo immunogenicity of PM-allergoids administered sublingually in comparison with native allergens., Methods: Three immunization protocols (4-8 weeks long) were used in Balb/c mice. Serum antibody levels were tested by ELISA. Cell responses (proliferation, cytokines, and Tregs) were assayed by flow cytometry in spleen and lymph nodes (LNs). Allergen uptake was measured by flow cytometry in myeloid sublingual cells., Results: A quick antibody response and higher IgG2a/IgE ratio were observed with PM-allergoids. Moreover, stronger specific proliferative responses were seen in both submandibular LNs and spleen cells assayed in vitro. This was accompanied by a higher IFNγ/IL-4 ratio with a quick IL-10 production by submandibular LN cells. An increase in CD4 + CD25 high FOXP3 + Treg cells was detected in LNs and spleen of mice treated with PM-allergoids. These allergoids were better captured than native allergens by antigen-presenting (CD45 + MHC-II + ) cells obtained from the sublingual mucosa, including DCs (CD11b + ) and macrophages (CD64 + ). Importantly, all the differential effects induced by PM-allergoids were abolished when using oxidized instead of nonoxidized PM-allergoids., Conclusion: Our results demonstrate for the first time that PM-allergoids administered through the sublingual route promote the generation of Th1 and FOXP3 + Treg cells in a greater extent than native allergens by mechanisms that might well involve their better uptake by oral antigen-presenting cells., (© 2018 The Authors. Allergy Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: This study examined the neural adaptations associated with a low-volume Wingate-based High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)., Methods: Fourteen recreationally trained males were divided into an experimental (HIIT) and a control group to determine whether a short-term (4 weeks) Wingate-based HIIT program could alter the Hoffmann (H-) reflex, volitional (V-) wave and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the plantar-flexor muscles, and the peak power achieved during a Wingate test., Results: Absolute and relative peak power increased in the HIIT group (ABS&#95;P peak : +14.7%, P=0.001; and REL&#95;P peak : +15.0%, P=0.001), but not in the control group (ABS&#95;P peak : P=0.466; and REL&#95;P peak : P=0.493). However, no significant changes were found in the MVC (P>0.05 for both groups). There was a significant increase in H-reflex size after HIIT (+24.5%, P=0.004), while it remained unchanged in the control group (P=0.134). No significant changes were observed either in the V-wave or in the V wave /M wave ratio (P>0.05 for both groups)., Conclusion: The Wingate-based training led to an increased peak power together with a higher spinal excitability. However, no changes were found either in the volitional wave or in the MVC, indicating a lack of adaptation in the central motor drive.

Purpose: To test the effects of 4 weeks of unilateral low-load resistance training (LLRT), with and without blood flow restriction (BFR), on maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), muscle thickness, volitional wave (V wave), and Hoffmann reflex (H reflex) of the soleus muscle., Methods: Twenty-two males were randomly distributed into three groups: a control group (CTR; n = 8); a low-load blood flow restriction resistance training group (BFR-LLRT; n = 7), who were an inflatable cuff to occlude blood flow; and a low-load resistance training group without blood flow restriction (LLRT; n = 7). The training consisted of four sets of unilateral isometric LLRT (25% of MVC) three times a week over 4 weeks., Results: MVC increased 33% (P < 0.001) and 22% (P < 0.01) in the trained leg of both BFR-LLRT and LLRT groups, respectively. The soleus thickness increased 9.5% (P < 0.001) and 6.5% (P < 0.01) in the trained leg of both BFR-LLRT and LLRT groups, respectively. However, neither MVC nor thickness changed in either of the legs tested in the CTR group (MVC -1 and -5%, and muscle thickness 1.9 and 1.2%, for the control and trained leg, respectively). Moreover, V wave and H reflex did not change significantly in all the groups studied (V wave /M wave ratio -7.9 and -2.6%, and H max /M max ratio -3.8 and -4%, for the control and trained leg, respectively)., Conclusions: Collectively, the present data suggest that in spite of the changes occurring in soleus strength and thickness, 4 weeks of low-load resistance training, with or without BFR, does not cause any change in neural drive or motoneuronal excitability.

Introducción: actualmente los programas de entrenamiento interválicos de alta intensidad parecen ser una forma de optimizar el tiempo, provocando cambios en la composición corporal debido a la activación de diferentes mecanismos hormonales y metabólicos.Objetivo: observar el efecto de cuatro semanas de entrenamiento de esprints repetidos basados en la prueba de Wingate sobre la potencia y la composición corporal en adultos jóvenes.Métodos: los participantes (22,4 ± 1,8 años) fueron asignados aleatoriamente a un grupo experimental o a un grupo control. Antes de comenzar y al acabar el periodo experimental, a los sujetos se les realizó una densitometría de cuerpo completo y una prueba de Wingate. El grupo experimental realizó 12 sesiones de esprints repetidos, realizando de 3 a 6 esprints de 30 segundos con un tiempo de recuperación de 4 minutos. El grupo control continuó con su rutina diaria y no se le aplicó ningún tipo de intervención.Resultados: en el grupo experimental, la potencia media y máxima incrementó un 9,4-16,5% (p < 0,001). Además, disminuyó la masa grasa total un 8,1% (p < 0,028) y la grasa abdominal un 10,0% (p < 0,038). El grupo control no sufrió cambios en ninguna de las variables estudiadas.Conclusiones: cuatro semanas de entrenamiento de esprints repetidos basados en la prueba de Wingate con un volumen específico de ~3 minutos por sesión y una frecuencia de 3 sesiones por semana, muestra mejoras estadísticamente significativas en la potencia máxima y media. Además, provoca cambios en la composición corporal, principalmente en la masa grasa total y de la zona abdominal.

Introduction: Some groups have reported early extubation post-liver transplantation in patients with previously defined criteria, in an attempt to shorten the ICU stay and decrease costs. We review our experience with trends in mechanical ventilation and resource utilization., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the length of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, hospital stay, transfusions, and costs of liver transplants performed since the program's inception in 1993 and 2002 including 82 OLT in 71 patients. We also report our experience with immediate postoperative extubation, which we have done from October to December of 2002. We compare different periods: the early days (1993 to 1997), namely, fewer than 10 OLT per year, with the subsequent years assessed individually., Results: There has been a progressive decrease over time in the length of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, hospital stay, and costs. Since the program's inception actuarial adult patient 1- and 5-year survival rates were 88.7% and 78%, respectively. The 1-year survival rate increased to 97% during the period of 2000 to 2002 (n = 30). From October to the present, we extubated four of seven adult patients who met criteria with none of them requiring reintubation., Conclusions: We demonstrate improved results, decreased length of mechanical ventilation, ICU, and hospital stay, and costs. The immediate postoperative extubation may be feasible for patients who meet previously defined criteria.