Root caries analysis in working population of 35-44 years of age (Spain)

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of socio-demographic variables, toothbrushing frequency, frequency of snacking between meals, and tobacco and alcohol consumption, in root caries in the Spanish working population of Valencia and Murcia regions. Material and Methods: Cross sectional study of 458 workers 35-44 years of age, who underwent a routine work-related check-up, from June 2009 to April 2010, and were also examined, following the WHO methodology, by a calibrated dentist. Stratified random sampling. Participants fulfilled a questionnaire comprising demographic data, toothbrushing frequency, snacking frequency and tobacco and alcohol consumption. Results: The DFS index (root caries) in the employed population of 35-44 years was 0.45 ± 1.3, with a root caries prevalence of 18.6% and an active root caries prevalence of 13.5%. Higher root caries prevalence and active root caries prevalence were associated with male gender, manual occupations, foreign country of origin, lower levels of education and income, lower brushing frequency and higher frequency of snacking between meals. The DFS index was associated with all studied socio-demographic variables, but gender, and it was also associated with brushing frequency. The mean number of root decayed teeth was associated with all socio-demographic variables, but country of origin, and it was also associated with brushing frequency. Conclusions: Adult workers 35-44 years of age showed worse root condition in regard to caries than general population of this age cohort. In this study, the frequency of toothbrushing and snacking between meals were the variables that influenced more in root caries. Key words:Root caries, working population, epidemiological studies, toothbrushing, snacking

Aerodynamic parametric analysis of an unconventional joined-wing aircraft configuration

In this paper, the experimental results of an unconventional joined-wing aircraft configuration are presented. The test model uses two different wings, forward and rear, both joined in tandem and forming diamond shapes both in plant and front views. The wings are joined in such a way that it is possible to change the rear wing dihedral angle values and the rear wing sweep angle values in 25 different positions that modify the relative distance and the relative height between the wings. To measure the system aerodynamic coefficients itis necessary to perform wind tunnel tests. The datapresented corresponds to the lift, drag and induced drag aerodynamic coefficients, as well as the aerodynamic efficiency and the parameter for minimum required power, from the calculated values of the lift and drag time series measured by a 6-axis force and torque sensor. The results show the influence on the aerodynamic coefficients of the rear wing sweep and dihedral angles parameters. As a main result, it can be concluded that, in general terms, the lift and induced drag aerodynamic coefficients values decrease as both the distance and height between the wings increase, on the other hand, the total drag aerodynamic coefficient decreases if the distance between the wings increases, but nevertheless shows a slight tendency to increase if the height of the rear wing increases, whereas the aerodynamic efficiency and the parameter for minimum required power increase if the distance between the wings increase

Vocabulario bilingüe de Masonería

Trabajo sistemático de terminología sobre la masonería

Diagnosing external ventricular drain-related ventriculitis by means of local inflammatory response: soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1.

INTRODUCTION: External ventricular drainage (EVD)-related ventriculitis is one of the most severe complications associated with the use of EVDs. Establishing an early and certain diagnosis can be difficult in critically ill patients. We performed this prospective study to evaluate the usefulness of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) determination in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the diagnosis of ventriculitis. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted of 73 consecutive patients with EVD. Samples of CSF for culture, cytobiochemical analysis and sTREM-1 determination were extracted three times a week. Ventriculitis diagnosis required a combination of microbiological, cytobiochemical and clinical criteria. RESULTS: Seventy-three consecutive patients were included. EVD-related ventriculitis was diagnosed in six patients and EVD-colonization in ten patients. Patients without clinical or microbiological findings were considered controls. The median CSF sTREM-1 was 4,320 pg/ml (interquartile range (IQR): 2,987 to 4,886) versus 266 pg/ml (118 to 689); P <0.001. There were no differences when comparing colonized-patients and controls. The best cut-off sTREM-1 value for the diagnosis of ventriculitis was 2,388.79 pg/ml (sensitivity 100%, specificity 98.5%, positive predictive value 85.71%, negative predictive value 100%). CSF proteins, glucose and the ratio CSF/serum glucose were also significantly different (P = 0.001). Serum biomarkers were not useful to diagnose EVD-related infection. These results were confirmed by a case-control study with ventriculitis patients (cases) and non-ventriculitis (control subjects) matched by age, comorbidities, severity scales and EVD duration (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: CSF sTREM-1 was useful in the diagnosis of ventriculitis, in a similar measure to classical CSF parameters. Furthermore, CSF sTREM-1 could prove the diagnosis in uncertain cases and discriminate between EVD-colonization and infectio

Acute effects of a session of electroconvulsive therapy on brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasma levels

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are neurotrophins that play critical roles in brain neuronal function. Previous studies have established the association between BDNF and NGF signaling and severe mental disorders, but changes in BDNF plasma levels and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) response are controversial. The aim of his study was to explore the acute effects of a single session of ECT on these neurotrophins signaling. Plasma levels of BDNF and NGF and their tyrosine kinase-type receptors expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined before and two hours after a single ECT session in 30 subjects with a severe mental disorder. Two hours after an ECT session we found a statistically significant decrease of BDNF plasma levels (p=0.007). We did not find significant acute effects on NGF plasma levels or receptors expression in PBMCs. We found a significant inverse correlation between the time of convulsion and BDNF plasma levels decrease (r=-0.041, p=0.024). We have identified a decrease in BDNF plasma levels after 2h of a single ECT session. These results indicate the interest for future research in the role of neurotrophins in the response and safety of ECT

Is bipolar disorder an endocrine condition? Glucose abnormalities in bipolar disorder

The World Health Organisation placed bipolar disorder at the top ten causes of disability worldwide, due not only to its functional impairment but also to its increased medical morbidity and mortality. An increased suicide rate, poor healthcare access, poor health habits, and medication side‐effects contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality. However, the leading contributors to the excess of mortality are cardiovascular pathologies 1, a finding already highlighted by Derby in 1933 in a cohort of manic‐depressive patients admitted to a general hospital. Cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 2, and lipid disturbances, are highly increased in bipolar disorder. In between those, glycemic abnormalities are the most repeated finding, taking into account that since the onset of the 20th century, several authors had raised the attention toward an unexpected relationship between manic‐depressive illness and glucose metabolism 3. In addition, the prevalence of T2DM in bipolar disorders ranges from 8% to 17% a threefold increase compared with the general population and bipolar patients with comorbid T2DM may have a more severe course of the psychiatric illness (greater number of depressive and manic episodes, more hospitalizations, and suicidality) and refractoriness to treatment. In addition, studies regarding metabolic disturbances in relatives of bipolar disorder and non‐affective psychosis have described an increased risk of developing glucose abnormalities, adding more scientific background to the unexpected relationship. However, pharmacological treatment, including both antipsychotic agents, antidepressants and mood stabilizers, may have confounded this relationship

Isolation and characterization of exosome-enriched urinary extracellular vesicles from Dent's disease type 1 Spanish patients

Enfermedad de Dent; Exosomas; Vesículas extracelularesDent's disease; Exosomes; Extracelular vesiclesMalaltia de Dent; Exosomes; Vesícules extracel·lularsAntecedentes y objetivo La enfermedad de Dent tipo 1 (DD1) es una enfermedad hereditaria rara ligada al cromosoma X causada por mutaciones en el CLCN5 que se caracteriza principalmente por una disfunción del túbulo proximal, hipercalciuria, nefrolitiasis o nefrocalcinosis, enfermedad renal crónica progresiva y proteinuria de bajo peso molecular, rasgo distintivo de la enfermedad. En la actualidad no existe un tratamiento curativo específico, únicamente sintomático, y no previene la progresión de la enfermedad. En este estudio hemos aislado y caracterizado las vesículas extracelulares urinarias (uEV) enriquecidas en exosomas que nos permitirán identificar biomarcadores asociados a la progresión de DD1 y ayudarán a una mejor comprensión de las bases fisiopatológicas. Materiales y métodos A través de una convocatoria nacional de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología (SEN) y la Sociedad Española de Nefrología Pediátrica (AENP), se obtuvieron orinas de pacientes y controles de distintos hospitales españoles, las cuales se procesaron para obtener los uEV. Los datos de estos pacientes fueron proporcionados por los respectivos nefrólogos o extraídos del registro RENALTUBE. Los uEV se aislaron mediante ultracentrifugación, fueron caracterizados morfológicamente y se extrajo su contenido de proteína y micro-ARN. Resultados Se seleccionó a 25 pacientes y 10 controles, de los cuales se procesaron las orinas para aislar los uEV. Nuestros resultados mostraron que la concentración relativa de uEV/ml era menor en los pacientes que en los controles (0,26 × 106 vs. 1,19 × 106 uEV/ml; p < 0,01). Además, se vio que los uEV de los pacientes eran significativamente más grandes que los de los sujetos control (diámetro medio: 187,8 vs. 143,6 nm; p < 0,01). Por último, nuestros datos demostraron que se había extraído correctamente el ARN tanto de los exosomas de pacientes como de los controles. Conclusiones En este trabajo describimos el aislamiento y caracterización de uEV de pacientes con DD 1 y controles sanos, útiles para el posterior estudio de moléculas cargo diferencialmente expresadas en esta enfermedad.Background and objectives Dent's disease type 1 (DD1) is a rare X-linked hereditary pathology caused by CLCN5 mutations that is characterized mainly by proximal tubule dysfunction, hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis/nephrocalcinosis, progressive chronic kidney disease, and low-weight proteinuria, the molecular hallmark of the disease. Currently, there is no specific curative treatment, only symptomatic and does not prevent the progression of the disease. In this study we have isolated and characterized urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) enriched in exosomes that will allow us to identify biomarkers associated with DD1 progression and a better understanding of the pathophysiological bases of the disease. Materials and methods Through a national call from the Spanish Society of Nephrology (SEN) and the Spanish Society of Pediatric Nephrology (AENP), urine samples were obtained from patients and controls from different Spanish hospitals, which were processed to obtain the uEVs. The data of these patients were provided by the respective nephrologists and/or extracted from the RENALTUBE registry. The uEVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation, morphologically characterized and their protein and microRNA content extracted. Results Twenty-five patients and 10 controls were recruited, from which the urine was processed to isolate the uEVs. Our results showed that the relative concentration of uEVs/ml is lower in patients compared to controls (0.26 × 106 vs. 1.19 × 106 uEVs/ml, P < 0.01). In addition, the uEVs of the patients were found to be significantly larger than those of the control subjects (mean diameter: 187.8 vs. 143.6 nm, P < 0.01). Finally, our data demonstrated that RNA had been correctly extracted from both patient and control exosomes. Conclusions In this work we describe the isolation and characterization of uEVs from patients with DD1 and healthy controls, that shall be useful for the subsequent study of differentially expressed cargo molecules in this pathology.Este trabajo ha sido financiado principalmente por la fundación SENEFRO (SEN2019 a AM), por ASDENT y por subvenciones del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (SAF201789989 a AM) y de la Red de Investigación Renal REDinREN (12/0021/0013). El Grupo de Fisiopatología Renal tiene la Mención de Calidad de la Generalitat de Cataluña (2017 SGR)

Everolimus safety and efficacy for renal angiomyolipomas associated with tuberous sclerosis complex: A Spanish expanded access trial

Background: Renal angiomyolipomas (AML) are usual manifestations of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) that may cause aneurism-related haemorrhages and renal impairment. Everolimus has emerged as an alternative to surgery/embolization. We provide further insight into everolimus safety and efficacy for TSC-related AML. Methods: This was a Spanish expanded access trial including patients aged ≥18 years with TSC-related AML. They received 10 mg everolimus once daily until AML progression, unacceptable toxicity, death/withdrawal, commercialisation for TSC-related AML, or 1 year after first patient enrolment. The primary outcome was dose-limiting safety according to grade 3/4 adverse events, serious adverse events, or adverse events leading to treatment modification. Secondary outcomes included overall safety and efficacy. Results: Nineteen patients were enrolled and received everolimus for a median of 6.6 (5.3-10.9) months. Eleven (57.9 %) remained on 10 mg/day throughout the study and eight (42.1 %) required treatment modifications due to adverse events; none permanently discontinued treatment. Adverse events were overall grade 1/2 and most frequently included aphthous stomatitis/mucosal inflammation, hypercholesterolaemia/hypertriglyceridaemia, urinary tract infection, hypertension, dermatitis acneiform, and insomnia. Four (21.1 %) patients experienced grade 3 adverse events, none was grade 4, and only one (5.3 %) was serious (pneumonia). AML volume was reduced ≥30 % in 11 (57.9 %) patients and ≥50 % in 9 (47.4 %); none progressed. Right and left kidney sizes decreased in 16 and 14 patients, respectively. Conclusions: These findings support the benefit of everolimus for renal AML due to a manageable safety profile accompanied by reduced AML and kidney volumes. Trial registration: EudraCT number 2012-005397-63; date of registration 22 Nov 2012.This work was funded by Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., which was involved in study design, data analysis and interpretation, and writing of the manuscrip

Dealcoholized Red Wine Decreases Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure and Increases Plasma Nitric Oxide

RATIONALE: Experimental studies have shown a potential blood pressure (BP) lowering effect of red wine polyphenols, whereas the effects of ethanol and polyphenols on BP in humans are not yet clear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of red wine fractions (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) on BP and plasma nitric oxide (NO) in subjects at high cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-seven men at high cardiovascular risk were studied. After a 2-week run-in period, subjects were randomized into 3 treatment periods in a crossover clinical trial, with a common background diet plus red wine (30g alcohol/day), the equivalent amount of dealcoholized red wine, or gin (30g alcohol/day), lasting 4 weeks each intervention. At baseline and after each intervention, anthropometrical parameters, BP and plasma NO were measured. Systolic and diastolic BP decreased significantly after the dealcoholized red wine intervention and these changes correlated with increases in plasma NO. CONCLUSIONS: Dealcoholized red wine decreases systolic and diastolic BP. Our results point out through an NO-mediated mechanism. The daily consumption of dealcoholized red wine could be useful for the prevention of low to moderate hypertension. Trial registered at controlled-trials.com: ISRCTN88720134

High sensitivity and negative predictive value of the DETECT algorithm for an early diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis : application in a single center

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the most relevant causes of death in systemic sclerosis. The aims of this study were to analyse the recently published DETECT algorithm comparing it with European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society (ESC/ERS) 2009 guidelines: as screening of PAH; (2) identifying median pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥21 mmHg; and (3) determining any group of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Eighty-three patients fulfilling LeRoy's systemic sclerosis diagnostic criteria with at least right heart catheterization were studied retrospectively. Clinical data, serological biomarkers, echocardiographic and hemodynamic features were collected. SPSS 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. According to right heart catheterization findings, 35 patients with PAH and 28 with no PH met the standards for DETECT algorithm analysis: 27.0% of patients presented with functional class III/IV. Applying DETECT, the sensitivity was 100%, specificity 42.9%, the positive predictive value 68.6% and the negative predictive value 100%, whereas employing the ESC/ERS guidelines these were 91.4%, 85.7%, 88.9% and 89.3%, respectively. There were no missed diagnoses of PAH using DETECT compared with three patients missed (8.5%) using ESC/ERS guidelines. The DETECT algorithm also showed greater sensitivity and negative predictive value to identify patients with mPAP ≥21 mmHg or with any type of PH. The DETECT algorithm is confirmed as an excellent screening method due to its high sensitivity and negative predictive value, minimizing missed diagnosis of PAH. DETECT would be accurate either for early diagnosis of borderline mPAP or any group of PH