Effectiveness of High Power Ultrasound for Surimi-Based Preparation of Lionfish (Pterois volitans) Patties by Textural,Sensory and Shape Preference

Lionfish is an invasive and predatory species with low local consumption due to a lack of culinary knowledge of its preparation. A new way to prepare lionfish was proposed to increase variety and provide added value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high power ultrasound application on the textural properties measured by the texture profile analysis, sensory attributes, and shape preference of surimi patties (rounded and square) made from lionfish. Patties were prepared using lionfish surimi processed with ultrasound (37 kHz; 150 W), sodium citrate (0.3%), sucrose (1%), and salt (2%). Ultrasound exposure increased the hardness of the patties by 35.1%, decreased cohesiveness by 89.7%, and decreased the chewiness by 49.1%. Results show that high power ultrasound showed potential as an environmentally friendly technology to create surimi as a base for patties with sensory and textural appropriateness, increasing the potential culinary applications of lionfish.     

Splenic Artery Embolization after Delayed Splenic Rupture Following Blunt Trauma: Is Nonoperative Management Still an Option in This Cohort?

Patients treated with splenic artery embolization (SAE) >48 hours after a blunt injury for a delayed splenic rupture (DSR) were assessed for the need for a subsequent splenectomy. Thirty-four patients underwent SAE for DSR over 10 years at our level 1 trauma center, performed at a median of 4.5 days after the injury (interquartile range = 5.5), and the patients were followed up for a median of 11 months (interquartile range = 31). There were 3 occurrences of rebleeds, and 2 patients required splenectomy (5.9%). This study showed that treatment with SAE after DSR results in splenic salvage in 94.1% of patients.     

Cost evolution of biological drugs in rheumatoid arthritis patients in a tertiary hospital: Influential factors on price

ObjectiveTo assess the evolution of cost per patient/year and the cost per patient/year/drug in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving biological treatments. To analyze and quantify the factors influencing this evolution, such as the optimization of the biological drugs, the use of biosimilars, and official discounts and discounts obtained after negotiated procedures. In addition, to assess specific clinical parameters of disease activity in these patients.MethodsRetrospective, observational study conducted in a Spanish tertiary hospital. Adult patients diagnosed with RA under treatment from 2009 to 2017 were included.Results320, 270 and 389 patients were included in 2009, 2013 and 2017, respectively. The patient/year cost decreased from 10,789€ in 2009, 7491€ in 2013 to 7116€ in 2017. In 2017, due to the established competition, discounts of 14% and 29.5% were achieved on etanercept and its biosimilar; 11.5%, 17.8%, 17.9%, 17.3% on adalimumab, certolizumab, golimumab and tocilizumab IV respectively, and 24.6% and 43.1% on infliximab and its biosimilar. The percentage of patients optimized in 2017 was 35.2%. The annual saving in 2017 was 1,288,535€ (830,000€ due to dose optimization and/or administration regimens, 249,666€ corresponding to 7.5% of the official discount and 208,868€ after negotiated procedures).ConclusionThe annual cost per patient in RA decreased considerably due to different factors, such as discounts on the purchase of drugs due to official discounts and negotiated procedures, together with the optimization of therapies, the latter being the factor that contributed most to this decrease.     

Quality of Life After Ministernotomy Versus Full Sternotomy Aortic Valve Replacement

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