Mid-trimester prediction of spontaneous preterm birth with automated cervical quantitative ultrasound texture analysis and cervical length: a prospective study

The objective of this study was to evaluate a novel automated test based on ultrasound cervical texture analysis to predict spontaneous Preterm Birth (sPTB) alone and in combination with Cervical Length (CL). General population singleton pregnancies between 18+ 0 and 24 + 6 weeks' gestation were assessed prospectively at two centers. Cervical ultrasound images were evaluated and the occurrence of sPTB before weeks 37 + 0 and 34 + 0 were recorded. CL was measured on-site. The automated texture analysis test was applied ofine to all images. Their performance to predict the occurrence of sPTB before 37 + 0 and 34 + 0 weeks was evaluated separately and in combination on 633 recruited patients. AUC for sPTB prediction before weeks 37 and 34 respectively were as follows: 55.5% and 65.3% for CL, 63.4% and 66.3% for texture analysis, 67.5% and 76.7% when combined. The new test improved detection rates of CL at similar low FPR. Combining the two increased detection rate compared to CL alone from 13.0 to 30.4% for sPTB< 37 and from 14.3 to 42.9% sPTB< 34. Texture analysis of cervical ultrasound improved sPTB detection rate compared to cervical length for similar FPR, and the two combined together increased signifcantly prediction performance. This results should be confrmed in larger cohorts

Comparison of Antibacterial Activity and Wound Healing in a Superficial Abrasion Mouse Model of Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infection Using Photodynamic Therapy Based on Methylene Blue or Mupirocin or Both

Background: Antibiotic resistance and impaired wound healing are major concerns in S. aureus superficial skin infections, and new therapies are needed. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a new therapeutic approach for infections, but it also improves healing in many wound models. Objective: To compare the antimicrobial activity and the effects on wound healing of aPDT based on Methylene Blue (MB-aPDT) with mupirocin treatment, either alone or in combination, in superficial skin wounds of S. aureus-infected mice. Additionally, to evaluate the clinical, microbiological, and cosmetic effects on wound healing. Materials and Methods: A superficial skin infection model of S. aureus was established in SKH-1 mice. Infected wounds were treated with MB-aPDT, MB-aPDT with a daily topical mupirocin or only with mupirocin. No treatment was carried out in control animals. Daily clinical and microbiological examinations were performed until complete clinical wound healing. Histopathological studies and statistical analysis were performed at the end of the study. Results: MB-aPDT treatment induced the best wound healing compared to mupirocin alone or to mupirocin plus MB-aPDT. Superficial contraction at 24 h and a greater reduction in size at 48 h, quicker detachment of the crust, less scaling, and absence of scars were observed. Histopathological studies correlated with clinical and gross findings. By contrast, mupirocin showed the highest logaritmic reduction of S. aureus. Conclusions: MB-aPDT and mupirocin treatments are effective in a murine superficial skin infection model of S. aureus. One session of MB-aPDT was the best option for clinical wound healing and cosmetic results. The addition of mupirocin to MB-aPDT treatment improved antimicrobial activity; however, it did not enhance wound healing. No synergistic antibacterial effects were detected. © Copyright © 2021 Pérez, Robres, Moreno, Bolea, Verde, Pérez-Laguna, Aspiroz, Gilaberte and Rezusta

Genes associated with metabolic syndrome predict disease-free survival in stage II colorectal cancer patients. A novel link between metabolic dysregulation and colorectal cancer

Producción CientíficaStudies have recently suggested that metabolic syndrome and its components increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Both diseases are increasing in most countries, and the genetic association between them has not been fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to assess the association between genetic risk factors of metabolic syndrome or related conditions (obesity, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus type 2) and clinical outcome in stage II colorectal cancer patients. Expression levels of several genes related to metabolic syndrome and associated alterations were analysed by real-time qPCR in two equivalent but independent sets of stage II colorectal cancer patients. Using logistic regression models and cross-validation analysis with all tumour samples, we developed a metabolic syndrome-related gene expression profile to predict clinical outcome in stage II colorectal cancer patients. The results showed that a gene expression profile constituted by genes previously related to metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with clinical outcome of stage II colorectal cancer patients. This metabolic profile was able to identify patients with a low risk and high risk of relapse. Its predictive value was validated using an independent set of stage II colorectal cancer patients. The identification of a set of genes related to metabolic syndrome that predict survival in intermediate-stage colorectal cancer patients allows delineation of a high-risk group that may benefit from adjuvant therapy and avoid the toxic and unnecessary chemotherapy in patients classified as low risk. Our results also confirm the linkage between.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (AGL2010-21565, RyC 2008-03734, IPT-2011-1248-060000),y la Comunidad de Madrid (ALIBIRD, S2009/AGR-1469

Experiences of water immersion during childbirth: a qualitative thematic synthesis

Background The increasing demand for childbirth care based on physiological principles has led official bodies to encourage health centers to provide evidence‑based care aimed at promoting women’s participation in informed decision‑making and avoiding excessive medical intervention during childbirth. One of the goals is to reduce pain and find alternative measures to epidural anesthesia to enhance women’s autonomy and well‑being during child‑ birth. Currently, water immersion is used as a non‑pharmacological method for pain relief. This review aimed to identify and synthesize evidence on women’s and midwives’ experiences, values, and prefer‑ ences regarding water immersion during childbirth. Methods A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence were conducted. Databases were searched and references were checked according to specific criteria. Studies that used qualitative data collection and analysis methods to examine the opinions of women or midwives in the hospital setting were included. Non‑qualita‑ tive studies, mixed‑methods studies that did not separately report qualitative results, and studies in languages other than English or Spanish were excluded. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program Qualitative Research Checklist was used to assess study quality, and results were synthesized using thematic synthesis. Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The qualitative studies yielded three key themes: 1) reasons identified by women and midwives for choosing a water birth, 2) benefits experienced in water births, and 3) barriers and facilitators of water immersion during childbirth. Conclusions The evidence from qualitative studies indicates that women report benefits associated with water birth. From the perspective of midwives, ensuring safe water births requires adequate resources, midwives training, and rig‑ orous standardized protocols to ensure that all pregnant women can safely opt for water immersion during childbirth with satisfactory results

Socioeconomic inequalities in low birth weight risk before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina: A cross-sectional study

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have exacerbated existing socioe- conomic inequalities in health. In Argentina, public hospitals serve the poorest uninsured segment of the population, while private hospitals serve patients with health insurance. This study aimed to assess whether socioeconomic inequalities in low birth weight (LBW) risk changed during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study included 15929 infants. A difference-in-difference (DID) analysis of socioeconomic inequalities between public and private hospitals in LBW risk in a pandemic cohort (March 20 to July 19, 2020) was compared with a prepandemic cohort (March 20 to July 19, 2019) by using medical records obtained from ten hospitals. Infants were categorized by weight as LBW < 2500 g, very low birth weight (VLBW) < 1500 g and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) < 1000 g. Log binomial regression was performed to estimate risk differences with an interaction term representing the DID estimator. Covariate-adjusted models included potential perinatal confounders. Findings: Of the 8437 infants in the prepandemic cohort, 4887 (57 ? 9%) were born in public hospitals. The pandemic cohort comprised 7492 infants, 4402 (58 ? 7%) of whom were born in public hospitals. The DID estimators indicated no differences between public versus private hospitals for LBW risk ( −1 ? 8% [95% CI −3 ? 6, 0 ? 0]) and for ELBW risk ( −0 ? 1% [95% CI −0 ? 6, 0 ? 3]). Significant differences were found between public versus private hospitals in the DID estimators ( −1 ? 2% [95% CI, −2 ? 1, −0 ? 3]) for VLBW risk. The results were comparable in covariate-adjusted models. Interpretation: In this study, we found evidence of decreased disparities between public and private hos- pitals in VLBW risk. Our findings suggest that measures that prioritize social spending to protect the most vulnerable pregnant women during the pandemic contributed to better birth outcomes. Funding: No funding was secured for this study.Fil: Cuestas, Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Gómez Flores, Martha E.. Gobierno de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Hospital Doctor Ramón Carrillo; ArgentinaFil: Charras, María D.. Gobierno de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Hospital Doctor Ramón Carrillo; ArgentinaFil: Peyrano, Alberto J.. Hospital Materno Provincial Dr. Raúl Felipe Lucini; ArgentinaFil: Montenegro, Clara. Hospital Materno Provincial Dr. Raúl Felipe Lucini; ArgentinaFil: Sosa Boye, Ignacio. No especifíca;Fil: Burgos, Verónica. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Giusti, Graciela. Clínica y Maternidad del Sol; ArgentinaFil: Espósito, Mario. Clínica y Maternidad del Sol; ArgentinaFil: Blanco Pool, Silvyana S.. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo ; Gobierno de la Provincia de Cordoba; ArgentinaFil: Gurevich, Debora P.. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo ; Gobierno de la Provincia de Cordoba; ArgentinaFil: Ahumada, Luis A.. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo ; Gobierno de la Provincia de Cordoba; ArgentinaFil: Pontoriero, Ricardo D.. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo ; Gobierno de la Provincia de Cordoba; ArgentinaFil: Rizzotti, Alina. Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Bas, José I.. Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Vaca, María B.. Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología; ArgentinaFil: Miranda, María J.. Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología; ArgentinaFil: Ferreyra, Mirta E.. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo ; Gobierno de la Provincia de Cordoba; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, Gabriela C.. Gobierno de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Hospital Doctor Ramón Carrillo; ArgentinaFil: Pedicino, Héctor. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Rojas Rios, Melvy. Hospital Italiano; Argentin

Association between COVID-19 mandatory lockdown and decreased incidence of preterm births and neonatal mortality

Previous studies suggest a decrease in preterm births (PTB) during de coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), possibly due to the effect of the mandatory lockdown. Nevertheless, other reports have been unable to confirm this finding. Most of these studies originated in high-income countries and evaluated a limited number of potential confounders, and all of them assessed a short lockdown period. In addition, an important question remains unanswered: How can we be sure that the observed changes are due to lockdown, when most of the pregnancies delivered in the lockdown period were conceived prior to it?To date there is insufficient evidence to support the notion that public health interventions during the lockdown prevent PTB . The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of PTB, neonatal mortality (NM) and stillbirths adjusted by potential confounders during the lockdown period assessing a time window of nine and a half months during which all the pregnancies analyzed in the exposed group were conceived after the lockdown, with the corresponding incidence in the previous year where all the unexposed pregnancies analyzed were conceived before the lockdown.publishedVersionFil: Cuestas, Eduardo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentina.Fil: Cuestas, Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud; Argentina.Fil: Gómez Flores, Martha E. Gobierno de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Hospital Doctor Ramon Carrillo; Argentina.Fil: Charras, María D. Gobierno de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Hospital Doctor Ramon Carrillo; Argentina.Fil: Peyrano, Alberto J. Hospital Materno Provincial Dr. Raúl Felipe Lucini; Argentina.Fil: Montenegro, Clara. Hospital Materno Provincial Dr. Raúl Felipe Lucini; Argentina.Fil: Sosa-Boye, Ignacio. Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; Argentina.Fil: Burgos, Verónica. Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; Argentina.Fil: Giusti, Graciela. Clínica y Maternidad del Sol; Argentina.Fil: Espósito, Mario. Clínica y Maternidad del Sol; Argentina.Fil: Blanco Pool, Silvyana S. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo; Argentina.Fil: Blanco Pool, Silvyana S. Sanatorio Allende; Argentina.Fil: Gurevich, Debora P. Sanatorio Allende; Argentina.Fil: Gurevich, Debora P. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo; Argentina.Fil: Ahumada, Luis A. Sanatorio Allende; Argentina.Fil: Ahumada, Luis A. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo; Argentina.Fil: Pontoriero, Ricardo D. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo; Argentina.Fil: Rizzotti, Alina. Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba; Argentina.Fil: Bas, José I. Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba; Argentina.Fil: Vaca, María B. Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología; Argentina.Fil: Miranda, María J. Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología; Argentina.Fil: Ferreyra, Mirta E. Sanatorio del Salvador; Argentina.Fil: Ferreyra, Mirta E. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo; Argentina.Fil: Moreno, Gabriela C. Sanatorio del Salvador; Argentina.Fil: Pedicino, Héctor. Instituto Universidad Escuela de Medicina del Hospital Italiano; Argentina.Fil: Rojas-Rios, Melvy. Instituto Universidad Escuela de Medicina del Hospital Italiano; Argentina

ColoLipidGene: Signature of lipid metabolism-related genes to predict prognosis in stage-II colon cancer patients

Lipid metabolism plays an essential role in carcinogenesis due to the requirements of tumoral cells to sustain increased structural, energetic and biosynthetic precursor demands for cell proliferation. We investigated the association between expression of lipid metabolism-related genes and clinical outcome in intermediate-stage colon cancer patients with the aim of identifying a metabolic profile associated with greater malignancy and increased risk of relapse. Expression profile of 70 lipid metabolismrelated genes was determined in 77 patients with stage II colon cancer. Cox regression analyses using c-index methodology was applied to identify a metabolic-related signature associated to prognosis. The metabolic signature was further confirmed in two independent validation sets of 120 patients and additionally, in a group of 264 patients from a public database. The combined analysis of these 4 genes, ABCA1, ACSL1, AGPAT1 and SCD, constitutes a metabolic-signature (ColoLipidGene) able to accurately stratify stage II colon cancer patients with 5-fold higher risk of relapse with strong statistical power in the four independent groups of patients. The identification of a group of 4 genes that predict survival in intermediate-stage colon cancer patients allows delineation of a high-risk group that may benefit from adjuvant therapy, and avoids the toxic and unnecessary chemotherapy in patients classified as low-risk groupThis work was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación del Gobierno de España (Plan Nacional I + D + i AGL2013–48943-C2–2-R and IPT-2011–1248-060000), Comunidad de Madrid (P2013/ABI-2728. ALIBIRDCM) and European Union Structural Funds. CIBEREHD is funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. This is a collaborative study between the Molecular Oncology Unit of The Institute of Advanced Studies of Madrid IMDEA Food and the Grupo Español Multidisciplinar en Cáncer Digestivo (GEMCAD

Performance and Operation of the CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter

The operation and general performance of the CMS electromagnetic calorimeter using cosmic-ray muons are described. These muons were recorded after the closure of the CMS detector in late 2008. The calorimeter is made of lead tungstate crystals and the overall status of the 75848 channels corresponding to the barrel and endcap detectors is reported. The stability of crucial operational parameters, such as high voltage, temperature and electronic noise, is summarised and the performance of the light monitoring system is presented