Criterios biomecánicos de diseño de un nuevo sistema de fijación externa: Stronger®

Se presenta el desarrollo de un nuevo sistema de fijación externa basado en estudios de investigación aplicada, cuyos resultados se han plasmado en criterios de diseño clínicos y biomecánicos. Los aspectos novedosos contemplados se refieren a un aumento de la rigidez del montaje en base a la fijación y el dentado de las rótulas de articulación. Asimismo, se facilita la técnica quirúrgica mediante el taladrado y colocación de las agujas sin la utilización de plantillas y la posibilidad de corregir desplazamientos en el foco fractuario de forma independiente en los tres planos del espacio. Finalmente, se ha diseñado un sistema de monitorización, acoplable al fijador, para caracterizar mecánicamente el callo de fractura durante el período de consolidación.A new external fixation system has been designed based on previous applied research studies. The design criteria generated were focused on both clinical and biomechanical aspects. An increase in frame stiffness was obtained by means of an independent fixation system of the pins, clamp sleeves and striated hinges. Furthermore, surgical technique has been simplified by means of independent adjustment in the three space planes of movement. The use of a previous guide fixator for drilling and pin insertion was eliminated. Finally, a strain gauge monitoring system has been developed to characterize mechanical callus features during fracture healing

Proteínas morfogenéticas óseas (BMPs): Efecto de la proteína osteogénica-1 (OP-l/BMP-7) en la condrogénesis y osteogenesis

En la actualidad, los estudios sobre biología molecular han facilitado el análisis de ciertos factores de transformación del crecimiento tipo ß(TGF-ß)I, entre los que destaca una familia de proteínas morfogenéticas óseas (BMPs). Las técnicas de ingeniería genética han permitido replicar alguno de estos factores y localizar los genes que codifican dichas proteínas. La proteína osteogenics-1 (OP-1) ha sido caracterizada y sintetizada in vitro y muestra un elevado potencial osteogénico y condrogénico tanto in vivo como in vitro. Se presenta una revisión de los últimos avances en la aplicación experimental de las BMPs, y especialmente de la OP-1, en el área de la Cirugía Ortopédica y la TraumatologíaNowadays, molecular biology studies have promoted the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) analysis. These multifunctional proteins are structurally related to transforming growth factor-6 (TGF-6). Genetic engineering techniques have allowed to sequence some of these BMPs. It has been characterized the expression and processing of osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), a bone morphogenetic protein of the TGF-6 family. The OP-1 shows a high osteogenic and chondrogenic potential. The aim of this paper is to review some updated advances of the BMPs experimental applications, particularly OP-1, in relation to Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatolog

Comparison of cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen, blood flow, and bispectral index under general anesthesia

Cerebral blood flow; Diffuse optics; Propofol-induced anesthesiaFlujo sanguíneo cerebral; Óptica difusa; Anestesia inducida por propofolFlux sanguini cerebral; Òptica difusa; Anestèsia induïda per propofolSignificance The optical measurement of cerebral oxygen metabolism was evaluated. Aim Compare optically derived cerebral signals to the electroencephalographic bispectral index (BIS) sensors to monitor propofol-induced anesthesia during surgery. Approach Relative cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (rCMRO2) and blood flow (rCBF) were measured by time-resolved and diffuse correlation spectroscopies. Changes were tested against the relative BIS (rBIS) ones. The synchronism in the changes was also assessed by the R-Pearson correlation. Results In 23 measurements, optically derived signals showed significant changes in agreement with rBIS: during propofol induction, rBIS decreased by 67% [interquartile ranges (IQR) 62% to 71%], rCMRO2 by 33% (IQR 18% to 46%), and rCBF by 28% (IQR 10% to 37%). During recovery, a significant increase was observed for rBIS (48%, IQR 38% to 55%), rCMRO2 (29%, IQR 17% to 39%), and rCBF (30%, IQR 10% to 44%). The significance and direction of the changes subject-by-subject were tested: the coupling between the rBIS, rCMRO2, and rCBF was witnessed in the majority of the cases (14/18 and 12/18 for rCBF and 19/21 and 13/18 for rCMRO2 in the initial and final part, respectively). These changes were also correlated in time (R > 0.69 to R = 1, p-values < 0.05). Conclusions Optics can reliably monitor rCMRO2 in such conditions.This work received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 675332 (BitMap), No. 101016087 (VASCOVID) and No. 101017113 (TinyBRAINS), KidsBrainIT (ERA-NET NEURON), FEDER EC and LASERLAB-EUROPE V (EC H2020 no. 871124). It was also supported by Fundació CELLEX Barcelona, Fundació Mir-Puig the “Severo Ochoa” Programme for Centres of Excellence in R&D (SEV-2015-0522), the Obra social “la Caixa” Foundation (LlumMedBcn), Generalitat de Catalunya (CERCA, AGAUR-2017-SGR-1380, RIS3CAT-001-P-001682 CECH), la Fundació La Marató de TV3 (201724.31 and 201709.31), and by Agencia Estatal de Investigación (PHOTOMETABO, PID2019-106481RB-C31/10.13039/501100011033)

Immunogenicity of 60 novel latency-related antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The aim of our work here was to evaluate the immunogenicity of 60 mycobacterial antigens, some of which have not been previously assessed, notably a novel series of in vivo -expressed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (IVE-TB) antigens. We enrolled 505 subjects and separated them in individuals with and without latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) vs. patients with active tuberculosis (TB). Following an overnight and 7 days stimulation of whole blood with purified recombinant M. tuberculosis antigens, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were determined by ELISA. Several antigens could statistically significantly differentiate the groups of individuals. We obtained promising antigens from all studied antigen groups [dormancy survival regulon (DosR regulon) encoded antigens; resuscitation-promoting factors (Rpf) antigens; IVE-TB antigens; reactivation associated antigens]. Rv1733, which is a probable conserved transmembrane protein encoded in DosR regulon, turned out to be very immunogenic and able to discriminate between the three defined TB status, thus considered a candidate biomarker. Rv2389 and Rv2435n, belonging to Rpf family and IVE-TB group of antigens, respectively, also stood out as LTBI biomarkers. Although more studies are needed to support our findings, the combined use of these antigens would be an interesting approach to TB immunodiagnosis candidates

Living arrangements and place of death of older people with cancer in England and Wales: a record linkage study

The main objectives of the study were to (1) see whether the household circumstances of people aged 50 years and over with cancer, and trends in these, differ from those of the rest of the population and (2) whether living arrangements and presence and health status of a primary coresident are associated with place of death among older people dying of cancer and those dying from other causes. The design included prospective record linkage study of people aged 50 years and over included in a 1% sample of the population of England and Wales (the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study). The main outcome measures comprised family and household type, and death at home. The household circumstances of older people with cancer were very similar to those of the rest of the population of the same age and both showed a large increase in living alone, and decrease in living with relatives, between 1981 and 1991. The primary coresident of cancer sufferers who did not live alone was in most cases a spouse, with much smaller proportions living with a child, sibling or other person. In all, 30% of spouse, and 23% of other, primary coresidents had a limiting long-term illness. Compared with people who lived alone in 1991, odds of a home death among those dying of cancer between 1991 and 1995 were highest for those who lived with a spouse who had no limiting long-term illness (odds ratio (OR) 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.15-2.97) and raised for those living with a spouse with a long-term illness (OR 2.14, CI 1.79-2.56) and those living with someone else who was free of long-term illness (OR 2.13, CI 1.69-2.68). Higher socioeconomic status, both individual and area, was positively associated with increased chance of a home death, while older age reduced the chance of dying at home. The changing living arrangements of older people have important implications for planning and provision of care and treatment for cancer sufferers

SAGE, Matemàtiques interactives a l’abast

L'objectiu bàsic del projecte és augmentar significativament les capacitats d'autoaprenentatge dels estudiants de les assignatures de Matemàtiques del primer curs dels graus en enginyeria. El programari SAGE i els materials interactius creats haurien de cobrir aquest aspecte i alhora fer més atractiu l'estudi de les Matemàtiques als estudiants.Peer Reviewe

SNP of Aromatase Predict Long-term Survival and Aromatase Inhibitor Toxicity in Patients with Early Breast Cancer: A Biomarker Analysis of the GIM4 and GIM5 Trials

Purpose: In estrogen receptor–positive (ERþ) breast cancer, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the aromatase gene might affect aromatase inhibitors (AI) metabolism and efficacy. Here, we assessed the impact of SNP on prognosis and toxicity of patients receiving adjuvant letrozole. Experimental Design: We enrolled 886 postmenopausal patients in the study. They were treated with letrozole for 2 to 5 years after taking tamoxifen for 2 to 6 years, continuing until they completed 5 to 10 years of therapy. Germline DNA was genotyped for SNP rs4646, rs10046, rs749292, and rs727479. Log-rank test and Cox model were used for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Cumulative incidence (CI) of breast cancer metastasis was assessed through competing risk analysis, with contralateral breast cancer, second malignancies and non-breast cancer death as competing events. CI of skeletal and cardiovascular events were assessed using DFS events as competing events. Subdistribution HR (sHR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated through Fine-Gray method. Results: No SNP was associated with DFS. Variants rs10046 [sHR 2.03, (1.04–2.94)], rs749292 [sHR 2.11, (1.12–3.94)], and rs727479 [sHR 2.62, (1.17–5.83)] were associated with breast cancer metastasis. Three groups were identified on the basis of the number of these variants (0, 1, >1). Variant-based groups were associated with breast cancer metastasis (10-year CI 2.5%, 7.6%, 10.7%, P 1⁄4 0.035) and OS (10-year estimates 96.5%, 93.0%, 89.6%, P 1⁄4 0.030). Co-occurrence of rs10046 and rs749292 was negatively associated with 10-year CI of skeletal events (3.2% vs. 10%, P 1⁄4 0.033). A similar association emerged between rs727479 and cardiovascular events (0.3% vs. 2.1%, P 1⁄4 0.026). Conclusions: SNP of aromatase gene predict risk of metastasis and AI-related toxicity in ERþ early breast cancer, opening an opportunity for better treatment individualization

The (in)visibility of gender knowledge in the Physical Activity and Sport Science Degree in Spain

This paper draws on research that aimed to explore the construction of gender relations in sport and physical education (PE) through a national study of Spanish university degree curricula. Spain is a useful case study through which to explore gender knowledge within sport and PE degrees, because, unlike many other countries, it has a common, national curriculum framework for its Physical Activity and Sport Science (PASS) degrees. In addition, it has recently passed a new law concerning the introduction of gender knowledge in higher education. Drawing on Bernstein’s (1990) framework of the pedagogic device, this paper examines how this higher education gender policy becomes recontextualised as universities and lecturers interpret and translate this into the pedagogical texts that make up the PASS curricula. Purposive sampling was used to select 16 of the 37 universities offering PASS degrees in 2012/2013. The research analysed 16 PASS documents at the degree level, and 763 individual subject handbooks. Using discourse analysis, the results showed where and how gender knowledge was incorporated and the extent to which the topic was presented coherently throughout the documents. The analysis revealed five categories of the (in)visibility of gender knowledge within the universities’ instructional discourse. Gender knowledge is largely ignored in PASS curricular documentation, appearing, at best, in highly superficial ways. Despite a national policy requirement on universities to incorporate gender knowledge, this study shows how recontextualisation processes within specific universities’ pedagogic devices operate to marginalise such perspectives within PASS curricula. The research also revealed the significance of individual agents committed to gender equity being situated, and having influence, throughout the pedagogic device. The paper concludes that without a much wider, critical engagement in knowledge about gender equity, PASS degrees will continue to reproduce rather than disrupt the gender relations that have traditionally characterised the field

Effect of p95HER2/611CTF on the Response to Trastuzumab and Chemotherapy

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive breast cancers are currently treated with trastuzumab, an anti-HER2 antibody. About 30% of these tumors express a group of HER2 fragments collectively known as p95HER2. Our previous work indicated that p95HER2-positive tumors are resistant to trastuzumab monotherapy. However, recent results showed that tumors expressing the most active of these fragments, p95HER2/611CTF, respond to trastuzumab plus chemotherapy. To clarify this discrepancy, we analyzed the response to chemotherapy of cell lines transfected with p95HER2/611CTF and patient-derived xenografts (n = 7 mice per group) with different levels of the fragment. All statistical tests were two-sided. p95HER2/611CTF-negative and positive tumors showed different responses to various chemotherapeutic agents, which are particularly effective on p95HER2/611CTF-positive cells. Furthermore, chemotherapy sensitizes p95HER2/611CTF-positive patient-derived xenograft tumors to trastuzumab (mean tumor volume, trastuzumab alone: 906mm3, 95% confidence interval = 1274 to 538 mm3; trastuzumab+doxorubicin: 259mm3, 95% confidence interval = 387 to 131 mm3; P < .001). This sensitization may be related to HER2 stabilization induced by chemotherapy in p95HER2/611CTF-positive cells