It will allow Cantabria to implement pilot initiatives to promote healthier environments and reduce social inequalities
The EU recently approved a proposal for a Joint Action for the prevention of Cancer and other Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) with an amount of 75 million euros, which makes it a landmark initiative in public health. A project in which more than 20 EU member states participate together with Norway, the coordinating country, Iceland and Ukraine. Cantabria, Valencia, Catalonia and the Food Safety and Nutrition Agency of the Ministry of Health are the communities and entities participating on the Spanish side.
The aim of this Joint Action is to support strategies and policies designed to reduce the burden of cancer and other NCDs, diseases that constitute a large proportion of the total burden of disease in Europe, much of which can be prevented with appropriate policies.
The objectives of this initiative are:
– To improve the joint capacities of Member States to plan and implement policies and activities for the prevention of cancer and other NCDs at national, regional and local levels.
– Improve the data and monitoring system for cancer and other NCDs and their common risk factors.
– Contribute to the reduction of social inequalities in cancer and other NCDs.
– Engage and support key stakeholders in the field of cancer and NCD prevention, including decision makers at all levels of government, civil society organizations, professionals, the general population and patient groups to facilitate cooperation and joint efforts.
The IDIVAL Research Institute will lead the work on behalf of Cantabria, bringing together the participation of other health institutions, such as the Ministry of Health of the Government of Cantabria, the Cantabrian Health Service, the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital and others.
The IDIVAL Research Institute will lead the work on behalf of Cantabria, bringing together the participation of other health institutions, such as the Ministry of Health of the Government of Cantabria, the Cantabrian Health Service, the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital and others.
The region of Cantabria will receive around 850,000 € to develop several pilots within the work packages WP6 Healthy environments, WP7 on social inequalities and WP10 on identification of individuals at risk and will participate in the cross-cutting work packages of communication and dissemination and evaluation and sustainability.
Joint Action will have a duration of four years and will officially start in January 2024, followed by a kick-off meeting in February in Oslo, Norway. This initiative provides participating countries with a real impact on the development of public health policies in the EU and the strengthening of collaboration within the region.
It will allow Cantabria to implement pilot initiatives to promote healthier environments and reduce social inequalities The EU recently approved a proposal for a Joint Action for the prevention of Cancer and other Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) with an amount of 75 million euros, which makes it a landmark initiative in public health. A […]
The results of the largest European prospective multicenter study on the surgical treatment of right colon cancer have been published.
The MIRCAST study, an International multicenter project led for the whole of Europe from the IDIVAL Institute, was born in 2018 with the aim of evaluating the different ways of performing intestinal anastomosis after minimally invasive right colectomy and to determine whether robotic instruments can contribute something in these procedures.
A minimally invasive approach is commonly used in right colectomy, and studies show a reduction in complications, blood loss and reduced hospital stay compared to an open approach. However, controversy remains as to whether robotic assistance is advantageous for this technique or not and whether an intracorporeal (ICA) or extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA) is better.
MIRCAST arose precisely with the aim of shedding light in this field and prospectively evaluating postoperative recovery, hospital stay, wound complications, severe complications and mid-term outcomes (hernia, recurrence …) of minimally invasive right colectomy, comparing intracorporeal with extracorporeal anastomosis and comparing conventional and robotic laparoscopic instruments.
For this purpose, a prospective, international, multicenter, 4-parallel cohort study was designed (robotic right colectomy with ACI, robotic right colectomy with RCT, laparoscopic right colectomy with ACI and laparoscopic right colectomy with RCT) in which 59 hospitals from 12 European countries participated. A total of 1,320 patients from all over Europe were included in the study.
Recently researchers from the MIRCAST Project have published in the British Journal of Surgery the results of the perioperative period revealing that there were no differences in the composite outcome of surgical wound infections and serious postoperative complications between intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis or laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted surgery. A significantly lower rate of complications was observed in the group of patients treated with AIC. The robotic approach had a significantly lower rate of postoperative ileus and a significantly higher number of resected nodes.
These results highlight the advantages for patients when managed by robotic minimally invasive surgery and AIC.
The MIRCAST study is still ongoing and is currently collecting mid-term data from patients who have already undergone surgery, which will allow us to see the impact on quality of life of the different techniques and the oncologic outcomes of the different approaches.
The results of the largest European prospective multicenter study on the surgical treatment of right colon cancer have been published. The MIRCAST study, an International multicenter project led for the whole of Europe from the IDIVAL Institute, was born in 2018 with the aim of evaluating the different ways of performing intestinal anastomosis after […]
Each call has a budget of 30 million euros to finance health research and innovation projects
On July 27th, the ISCIII opened the FORTALECE call for Health Research Institutes and the ISCIII Platforms call for support for R&D&I in Biomedicine and Health Sciences. Each call has a funding of 30 million €.
FORTALECE Call for Health Research Institutes accredited by the ISCIII
The FORTALECE call addressed to Health Research Institutes (IIS) of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) is the first representation of FORTALECE, a new global program of science funding, more flexible and less bureaucratic, which seeks to consolidate and promote research groups in Spain and which will be developed over the next decade.
FORTALECE is intended to finance projects developed in Health Research Institutes (IIS) accredited by the ISCIII. It will have 30 million to finance during this year a forecast of 72 research groups from different IIS, so that each selected group will receive an average of 100,000 euros per year on the first day of the year, a stable funding for four years to develop their main lines of work.
To apply for grants, ISCIII-accredited IIS research groups must explain what their proposal consists of, explain its development, define the scientific strategy of the project and specify how the funds received will be used. The form should include, in general terms, a brief narrative description of the proposal and the expected incentive effect on the lines of research, the definition of the chosen groups, the specific clinical-health care issues to be solved, and the development of the frontier science expected to be obtained.
The deadline for applications begins on July 27 and ends on September 12.
Call for ISCIII Platforms to support R&D&I in Biomedicine and Health Sciences
This 2023 call for R&D&I support platforms in Biomedicine and Health Sciences will consolidate the activity of the ISCIII Platform for Clinical Research Support (SCREN), the ISCIII Platform for Biomodels and Biobanks (PNBB) and the ISCIII Platform for Dynamization and Innovation of the industrial capacities of the NHS and their effective transfer to the productive sector (ITEMAS). It will have 30 million for the next three years (2023-2025), with annual grants of 10 million.
The deadline for applications begins on July 27 and ends on September 12.
Each call has a budget of 30 million euros to finance health research and innovation projects On July 27th, the ISCIII opened the FORTALECE call for Health Research Institutes and the ISCIII Platforms call for support for R&D&I in Biomedicine and Health Sciences. Each call has a funding of 30 million €. FORTALECE […]
Meeting of the Ethics Committee for Research involving Medicines and Medical Devices6
Meeting of the Ethics Committee for Research involving Medicines and Medical Devices6
Meeting of the Ethics Committee for Research involving Medicines and Medical Devices
Meeting of the Ethics Committee for Research involving Medicines and Medical Devices
Ankle fractures are the third most frequent cause of total fractures and generate functional alterations in the short and long term.
Ankle fractures are the third most frequent cause of fractures in all ages. Surgical treatment and the period of immobilization generate important functional alterations in the short and long term such as pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion (ROM), loss of proprioception or muscle weakness.
These functional alterations are the basis of the study of the research project “Functional assessment of the Plantar Achilles Calcaneal System (SACP) in patients after ankle surgery” conducted by researchers from the Gimbernat-Cantabria University School in collaboration with the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery of Valdecilla Hospital: Dr. Mario Fernández Gorgojo and Dr. Diana Salas Gómez (EUG); Dr. María Isabel Pérez Núñez and Esther Laguna Bercero (HUMV); Pascual Sánchez Juan of the CIEN Foundation.
The aim of the study was to evaluate in patients with bimalleolar ankle fracture at 6 and 12 months after surgery, the functional limitations quantified by gait analysis, static/dynamic balance, clinical parameters and functionality scales. As a result of this project, 4 scientific articles have been published in impact journals (Sensors (2022 and 2023); Gait & Posture (2020); Journal Of Clinical Medicine (2022)).
The last published article “Analysis of dynamic plantar pressure and influence of clinical-functional measures on their performance in subjects with bimalleolar ankle fracture at 6 and 12 months post surgery” (SENSORS; 2023) analyzed dynamic plantar pressure and functional status in patients with bimalleolar ankle fracture at 6 and 12 months after surgery; and the degree of correlation with previously collected clinical variables. A total of 22 subjects with bimalleolar ankle fracture and 11 healthy subjects were included. Data collection was performed at 6 and 12 months after surgery and included clinical measurements (ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and bimalleolar/calf circumference), functional scales (AOFAS and OMAS) and dynamic plantar pressure analysis using a pressure platform. Significant differences were found between groups in mean/maximal plantar pressure, as well as in contact time at 6 and 12 months (effect size 0.63 ≤ d ≤ 0.97). Furthermore, in the ankle fracture group there is a moderate negative correlation (-0.435 ≤ r ≤ 0.674) between plantar pressures (mean and maximum) with bimalleolar and calf circumference. The AOFAS and OMAS scale scores increased at 12 months to 84.4 and 80.0 points, respectively. The study reflects that despite the evident improvement one year after surgery, the data collected using the pressure platform and functional scales suggest that recovery is not yet complete.
Following the results obtained in this research and after reviewing the existing literature, future objectives are to conduct clinical trials with a specific intervention program that would include therapies aimed at gaining joint range, strength programs and functional gait, balance or stair climbing tasks. Furthermore, in view of the functional deficits produced by this type of fracture in both the short and long term, the intervention programs should be more prolonged, individualized and with a follow-up of at least 1 year (including home work).
Ankle fractures are the third most frequent cause of total fractures and generate functional alterations in the short and long term. Ankle fractures are the third most frequent cause of fractures in all ages. Surgical treatment and the period of immobilization generate important functional alterations in the short and long term such as pain, […]
The Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) has opened the call for expressions of interest for the identification of people willing to collaborate with the ISCIII in the scientific evaluation of different biomedical and health research calls, such as those related to the Acción Estratégica en Salud (AES) or other external calls that the Institute carries out through agreements with other organizations such as Health Research Institutes, pharmaceutical companies and scientific societies, among others.
In order to carry out these tasks of financing and scientific-technical monitoring of biomedical and health research projects, it is necessary to identify and select nearly a thousand experts to collaborate in the evaluation tasks that allow the selection, with integrity and independence, of projects of the highest scientific-technical quality that compete in calls for R&D&I in health. In this sense, in order to carry out its evaluation work as a Public Research Organization, the ISCIII carries out a selection process for the evaluation personnel who will perform this task.
The selection of the experts who form part of the Technical Evaluation Commissions is made taking into account criteria such as the adequacy of the area of expertise to the needs of the AES; participation in actions financed in public calls of national/state plans; the achievement of a proven track record in R&D&I activities; participation in international programs; the existence of consolidated lines of research; the development of a scientific production of impact; training capacity; experience in the evaluation of public calls, leadership and empathy, etc. These committees are periodically renewed according to criteria such as an adequate and balanced representation of areas of expertise, geographical distribution according to the center of employment of the experts and gender balance.
The deadline for submitting expressions of interest will remain permanently open.
The Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) has opened the call for expressions of interest for the identification of people willing to collaborate with the ISCIII in the scientific evaluation of different biomedical and health research calls, such as those related to the Acción Estratégica en Salud (AES) or other external calls that the Institute […]
In September, a new edition of the International Precision Medicine Forum, organized by IDIVAL, will begin. This Forum was created with the aim of updating and disseminating new trends in research and the state of the art in various diseases, all with a focus on precision medicine.
Until the date, this program has been quite a success, not just by counting on the endorsement of 24 associations and health platforms and sponsorship of 20 pharmaceutical industry companies, but also by the endorsement of more than 4,000 enrolled and participation of approximately 250 experts at the national and international level. The Forum is accredited by the Commission for Continuing Training Commission of Health professionals and by the Spanish Professional Accreditation Medical Council for DPC / FMC, which is also a clear indicator of quality.
This program is situated in line with the strategies of personalized medicine and precision medicine at the national and international level, thus reinforcing the commitment of the center with the development of new formative programs that fit the present and future needs in the field of medicine and clinical research.
In this new edition, three new online modules on vascular risk, clinical trials and nursing care in the COVID era are scheduled.
Registration is free and can be done through the IDIVAL training portal.
In September, a new edition of the International Precision Medicine Forum, organized by IDIVAL, will begin. This Forum was created with the aim of updating and disseminating new trends in research and the state of the art in various diseases, all with a focus on precision medicine. Until the date, this program has been quite […]
This new equipment expands the possibilities of identification and isolation of cellular and subcellular populations in a more precise way for use in biomedical research projects.
IDIVAL already has a new CELL SEPARATOR (SORTER) in operation with greater functionalities, available both for IDIVAL researchers and external users.
Its capacity to measure multiple cell parameters simultaneously allows the identification, analysis and separation of different cell populations, but it also has a greater sensitivity to detect and separate subcellular particles (nanoparticles, micro vesicles or exosomes, etc.), which expands the catalog of services of the Unit.
Another of the improvements introduced with this equipment is the optimization of sterile conditions in the processing of samples, since it is installed inside a Class II biosafety cabinet that guarantees the sterility of separations destined for cell cultures. It should be noted that it is the only equipment in Cantabria with these features.
Specific characteristics of the SORTERCaracterísticas específicas del SORTER
The new sorter, CytoFLEX SRT (Beckman-Coulter), is capable of 17 detection channels, including 15 for fluorescence detection: five fluorescent channels of the 405 nm (violet) laser, two of the 488 nm (blue) laser, five of the 561 nm (yellow) laser and three of the 638 nm (red) laser. It also offers different configuration options depending on research needs.
In relation to separation, this new equipment allows 4 populations to be separated simultaneously and aborted events to be recovered, allowing reprocessing of the discarded cells.
In addition, it offers different sample collection formats: tube, plate (6-, 24-, 24-, 48-, 96- and 384-well) and slide, as well as single cell separation. It also has different sorting modes and the possibility of linking the position of the separated cells with the cytometric data.
This equipment is installed in the Cytometry and Cell Separation Unit of the Technological Services (SATs) of IDIVAL located in the laboratory 023 of the IDIVAL Building, and is available for all those researchers who require multiparametric cytometry studies and isolation of cell populations in sterility for further studies. You can consult the rules of use of the equipment, request the services and consult the rates here.
The Valdecilla Biobank also has new scientific equipment. It is an automated system for the extraction of nucleic acids from different types of samples, the CHEMAGIC 360 robot (PerkinElmer). This state-of-the-art, high-performance equipment uses extraction technology with magnetic microspheres to obtain high-purity DNA, RNA, cfDNA and miRNA.
This robot can process up to 96 samples simultaneously, which has increased the biobank’s work rate and is very useful for isolating DNA from blood samples donated to the biobank by more than 28,000 volunteers who have so far participated in the Cantabria Cohort.
These two new pieces of equipment that boost the Institute’s scientific capabilities have been acquired with funding from the call for grants of the State Subprogram Infrastructures of the Strategic Action in Health 2017-2020, charged to the European funds of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (Projects IFEQ21/00086 and IFEQ21/00087).
The Technological Services of the IDIVAL Institute
IDIVAL’s technological support services (TSS) have high performance infrastructures and qualified technical staff organized in units. The purpose of the TSSs is to make scientific and technical equipment and services available to the scientific and healthcare professional community in order to facilitate and promote biomedical research and innovation in Cantabria.
This new equipment expands the possibilities of identification and isolation of cellular and subcellular populations in a more precise way for use in biomedical research projects. IDIVAL already has a new CELL SEPARATOR (SORTER) in operation with greater functionalities, available both for IDIVAL researchers and external users. Its capacity to measure multiple cell parameters […]
These studies allow to have a better understanding of the seasonality of COVID-19 and to establish future vaccination strategies.
Researchers from IDIVAL, Valdecilla Hospital and the University of Cantabria continue to analyze the influence of meteorological and geographical factors on the severity of COVID-19 in order to have a better understanding of the disease, its seasonality and establish vaccination strategies, especially in the most vulnerable groups.
At the beginning of the pandemic, internal medicine researchers from the Valdecilla Hospital and the forensic medicine unit of the University of Cantabria initiated a line of research aimed at clarifying the relationship between COVID-19 infection and meteorological factors in Spain. In a first study published in 2022, they found that there was an inverse relationship between mean environmental temperature and the incidence of COVID-19 in Spain, finding that colder Spanish provinces had a higher incidence of COVID-19 than those with higher temperatures.
In a second recently published paper, researchers have conducted an ecological study to analyze the influence of meteorological and geographical factors on the severity of COVID-19, specifically on hospital admissions and deaths in the 52 Spanish provinces during the first three waves of the pandemic. Data on admissions and mortality were extracted from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and meteorological variables from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET). The results showed that mean temperature could influence hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 in Spain, as Spanish provinces with lower temperature (< 10 ◦C) recorded twice as much mortality due to COVID-19 as those with higher temperature (> 16 ◦C).
These results are of great importance to establish vaccination strategies especially in the most vulnerable groups and to establish an intervention protocol against COVID-19 in the coming years, especially in winters.
The work, however, has some limitations since it is an ecological study and the association found does not presuppose causality.
Currently, the researchers continue to study the relationship between COVID-19 and mean environmental temperature by analyzing the viral loads of COVID-19 infected patients throughout the year in the population of Cantabria, in order to determine possible seasonal variations in the same.
These studies allow to have a better understanding of the seasonality of COVID-19 and to establish future vaccination strategies. Researchers from IDIVAL, Valdecilla Hospital and the University of Cantabria continue to analyze the influence of meteorological and geographical factors on the severity of COVID-19 in order to have a better understanding of the disease, its […]
