Prevalence and influencing factors of reduced visual acuity among young children in Changning District， Shanghai / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the prevalence of reduced visual acuity of young children in Changning district of Shanghai and to explore the influencing factors， so as to provide a reference basis for formulating prevention and control measures for children’s reduced visual acuity. MethodsVisual acuity examination and questionnaire survey were conducted on 5 772 middle class children in kindergartens and first grade children in primary schools who participated in the refractive screening in Changning District in 2019. χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the influencing factors of reduced visual acuity. ResultsThe overall prevalence of reduced visual acuity among lower-aged children was 10.4% （596/5 772）. The prevalence of reduced visual acuity in the first grade children was 10.1% （284/2 822）， and that in the middle class children of kindergarten was 10.8% （312/2 900）. The prevalence of reduced visual acuity was 10.2% （298/2 933） in boys and 10.7% （298/2 789） in girls. 98.1% of young children had one or more bad habits when using eyes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that frequent excessive head lowering （OR=1.713） and sometimes too close to the screen （OR=1.294） were independent risk factors for reduced visual acuity in young children； After stratification by age， frequent excessive head lowering （OR=1.997） increased the risk of reduced visual acuity of children in the first grade of primary school. Premature birth （OR=1.841）， sometimes excessive head lowering （OR=1.363） and frequent excessive head lowering （OR=2.002） increased the risk of reduced visual acuity of children in the middle class of kindergarten. ConclusionFor young children， we should pay more attention to their daily eye use distance， correct their bad behaviors for using eyes such as excessively lowering their head when using eyes and too close to the video screen when using electronic products， so as to prevent and delay the occurrence and development of reduced visual acuity.

Non-pathologic components are associated with reduced visual acuity in myopes after spectacle correction

Purpose: To find the association between reduced best?corrected visual acuity and non?pathologic components after optical correction in individuals with low to high myopia. Methods: Myopic children under 16 years of age were reviewed using electronic medical records and the following data were extracted and recorded: participant’s age, gender, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refraction, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Spherical equivalent and cylinder were classified into low, moderate, and high categories based on the magnitude range. Similarly, astigmatism was defined into with?the?rule, against?the?rule, and oblique based on the location of the steepest meridian. Reduced BCVA was defined when the decimal visual acuity was less than 0.66 (equivalent to Snellen’s acuity of 6/9 or 20/30). Logistic regression was performed to test the factors associated with reduced visual acuity after optical correction in the absence of myopic pathologic changes. Statistical significance was considered if P < 0.05. Results: Overall 44.9% (N = 242/538) of myopes had reduced best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and none of the patients had pathologic myopic lesions. Using logistic regression, we found that high spherical refraction (OR 27.98, 95% CI 14.43–54.25, P < 0.001) and moderate spherical refraction (OR 5.52, 95% CI 2.56–11.91, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with reduced best corrected visual acuity despite any pathological lesions. Additionally, oblique and ATR astigmatism were associated with reduced visual acuity in myopic children with (OR 2.05, 95% CI 0.77–5.42) and (OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.82–3.08). Conclusion: Higher magnitude of refractive error components causes reduced visual acuity in the absence of pathologic changes.

Transformed Time Series Analysis of First Wave COVID-19: Universal Similarities Found in The Group of Twenty (G20) Countries

As of April 30, 2020, cumulative confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases exceeded 3 million worldwide and 1 million in the US, with an estimated fatality rate of more than 7 percent. Because the occurrence patterns of new confirmed cases and deaths over time are complex and seemingly country-specific, estimating the long-term pandemic spread is challenging. I developed a simple transformation algorithm to investigate the characteristics of the case and death time series per nation and described the universal similarities observed in the transformed time series of 19 nations in the Group of Twenty (G20). A transformation algorithm of the time series data sets was developed with open-source software programs to investigate the universal similarities among the cumulative profiles of confirmed cases and deaths of 19 individual nations in the G20. The algorithm extracted and analyzed statistical information from daily updated COVID-19 pandemic data sets from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Two new parameters for each nation were suggested as factors for time-shifting and time-scaling to define reduced time, which was used to quantify the degree of universal similarities among nations. After the cumulative confirmed case and death profiles of a nation were transformed by using reduced time, most of the 19 nations, with few exceptions, had transformed profiles that closely converged to those of Italy after the onset of cases and deaths. The initial profiles of the cumulative confirmed cases per nation universally showed 3 to 4-week latency periods, during which the total number of cases remained at approximately ten. The latency period of the cumulative number of deaths was approximately half the latency number of cumulative cases, and subsequent uncontrollable increases in human deaths seemed unavoidable because the coronavirus had already widely spread. Immediate governmental actions, including responsive public-health policymaking and enforcement, are observed to be critical to minimize (and possibly stop) further infections and subsequent deaths. In the pandemic spread of infectious viral diseases, such as COVID-19, studied in this work, different nations show dissimilar and seemingly uncorrelated time series profiles of infected cases and deaths. After these statistical phenomena were viewed as identical events occurring at a distinct rate in each country, the reported algorithm of the data transformation using the reduced time revealed a nation-independent, universal profile (especially initial periods of the pandemic spread) from which a nation-specific, predictive estimation could be made and used to assist in immediate public-health policymaking.

Incidence, determinants, and outcomes of recovered left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with non-ischemic systolic heart failure; a hospital-based cohort study

Background: The data on incidence of recovered Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) and outcome in patients with non ischemic systolic heart failure is limited. We report the incidence, determinants and mortality in patients with recovered LVEF. Methods: The 369 patients with HFrEF with LVEF of less than 40% of non ischemic etiology with available follow up echocardiography study at one year were enrolled. The baseline data of clinical characteristics and treatment was recorded prospectively and were followed up annually for mean of 3.6 years (range 2 to 5 years) to record all cause death and LVEF measured echocardiographically. The recovered, partially recovered and no recovery of LVEF was defined based on increase in LVEF to 50% and more, 41% to 49% and to persistently depressed LVEF to 40% or lower respectively. Results: The LVEF recovered in 36.5%% of the cohort at 5 years. The rate of recovery of LVEF was slower in patients with no recovery of LVEF at one year compared to cohort with partially recovered LVEF (18% vs.53%) at five year. The Baseline LVEF was significantly associated with recovered LVEF, odd ratio (95% C.I.) 1.09(1.04, 1.14). The cumulative mortality at five years was significantly lower in cohort with recovered LVEF (18.1% vs. 57.1%). Conclusions: One third of the patients had recovered LVEF and was significantly associated with baseline LVEF and lower mortality rate.

Neuromodulação Vagal Auricular e sua Aplicabilidade em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca e Fração de Ejeção Reduzida / Auricular Vagal Neuromodulation and its Application in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Resumo Fundamento O desequilíbrio do sistema nervoso autônomo (SNA) na insuficiência cardíaca (IC) cria um ciclo vicioso, o excesso de atividade simpática e a diminuição da atividade vagal contribuindo para a piora da IC. A estimulação elétrica transcutânea de baixa intensidade do ramo auricular do nervo vago (taVNS) é bem tolerada e abre novas possibilidades terapêuticas. Objetivos Gerar hipótese da aplicabilidade e benefício da taVNS na IC através da comparação intergrupos de parâmetros ecocardiográficos, teste de caminhada de 6 min, variabilidade da frequência cardíaca pelo Holter (SDNN e rMSSD), questionário de qualidade de vida de Minnesota e classe funcional pela New York Heart Association. Métodos Estudo clínico prospectivo, duplo cego, randomizado com metodologia sham, unicêntrico. Avaliados 43 pacientes e alocados em 2 grupos: o Grupo 1 recebeu taVNS (frequências 2/15 Hz) e Grupo 2 recebeu sham. Nas comparações, valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados Na fase pós-intervenção, observou-se que o Grupo 1 se manteve com melhor rMSSD (31 x 21; p = 0,046) e atingiu melhor SDNN (110 vs. 84, p = 0,033). Ao compararmos os parâmetros intragrupos, antes e após intervenção, observou-se que todos melhoraram significativamente no grupo 1 e não houve diferenças no grupo 2. Conclusão A taVNS é uma intervenção segura, de fácil execução e que sugere provável benefício na IC pela melhora na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca, o que indica melhor equilíbrio autonômico. Novos estudos com maior número de pacientes são necessários para responder às questões levantadas por esse estudo.

Abstract Background The autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance in heart failure (HF) creates a vicious cycle, excess sympathetic activity, and decreased vagal activity contributing to the worsening of HF. Low-intensity transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (taVNS) is well tolerated and opens new therapeutic possibilities. Objectives To hypothesize the applicability and benefit of taVNS in HF through intergroup comparison of echocardiography parameters, 6-minute walk test, Holter heart rate variability (SDNN and rMSSD), Minnesota quality of life questionnaire, and functional class by the New York Heart Association. In comparisons, p values <0.05 were considered significant. Methods Prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical study with sham methodology, unicentric. Forty-three patients were evaluated and divided into 2 groups: Group 1 received taVNS (frequencies 2/15 Hz), and Group 2 received sham. In comparisons, p values <0.05 were considered significant. Results In the post-intervention phase, it was observed that Group 1 had better rMSSD (31 x 21; p = 0.046) and achieved better SDNN (110 vs. 84, p = 0.033). When comparing intragroup parameters before and after the intervention, it was observed that all of them improved significantly in group 1, and there were no differences in group 2. Conclusion taVNS is a safe to perform and easy intervention and suggests a probable benefit in HF by improving heart rate variability, which indicates better autonomic balance. New studies with more patients are needed to answer the questions raised by this study.

Second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning and donor changes in relapsed hematological malignancies after the first allogeneic transplant / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) in patients with hematological malignancies who had relapsed after the first allo-HSCT. Methods: Between April 2018 and June 2021, 44 patients with hematological malignancies (B-ALL 23, T-ALL/T-LBL 4, AML15, and MDS 2) were enrolled and retrospectively examined. Unrelated donors (n=12) or haploidentical donors (n=32) were used. Donors were replaced in all patients for the second allo-HSCT. Hematological and immunological germline predisposition genes and hematopoietic and immune function tests were used to select the best-related donor. Total body irradiation (TBI) /fludarabine (FLU) -based (n=38), busulfan (BU) /FLU-based (n=4), total marrow irradiation (TMI) /FLU-based (n=1), and BU/cladribine-based (n=1) were the RIC regimens used. For graft versus host disease (GVHD) prevention, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, short-term methotrexate, and ATG were used. Eighteen (40.9%) of 44 patients with gene variations for which targeted medications are available underwent post-transplant maintenance therapy. Results: The median age was 25 years old (range: 7-55). The median interval between the first and second HSCT was 19.5 months (range: 6-77). Before the second allo-HSCT, 33 (75%) of the patients were in complete remission (CR), whereas 11 (25%) were not. All patients had long-term engraftment. The grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ GVHD and severe acute GVHD rates were 20.5% and 9.1%, respectively. Chronic GVHD was found in 20.5% of limited patterns and 22.7% of severe patterns. CMV and EBV reactivation rates were 29.5% and 6.8%, respectively. Hemorrhage cystitis occurred in 15.9% of cases, grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ. The 1-yr disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and cumulative recurrence incidence (RI) rates of all patients were 72.5% (95% CI, 54.5%-84.3%), 80.6% (95% CI, 63.4%-90.3%), and 25.1% (95% CI, 13.7%-43.2%), respectively, with a median follow-up of 14 (2-39) months. There were eight deaths (seven relapses and one infection). The rate of non-relapse mortality (NRM) was only 2.3%. The CR patients' 1-yr RI rate was significantly lower than the NR patients (16.8% vs 48.1%, P=0.026). The DFS rate in CR patients was greater than in NR patients, although there was no statistical difference (79.9% vs 51.9%, P=0.072). Univariate analysis revealed that CR before the second allo-HSCT was an important prognostic factor. Conclusion: With our RIC regimens, donor change, and post-transplant maintenance therapy, the second allo-HSCT in relapsed hematological malignancies after the first allo-HSCT is a safe and effective treatment with high OS and DFS and low NRM and relapse rate. The most important factor influencing the prognosis of the second allo-HSCT is the patient's illness condition before the transplant.

The feasibility of individualized primary CTV for lateralized nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of individualized primary clinical target volume (CTV) delineation in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods:Clinical data of 87 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with lateralized NPC in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital between October 2016 and February 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Lateralized NPC is defined as tumor invasion not exceeding the contralateral wall. According to the tumor spread, the primary CTV was optimized as follows: CTV2 only covered the medial part of the contralateral pterygopalatine fossa, whereas the contralateral foramen oval was not included; on the level of parapharyngeal space, the contralateral side of CTV only covered the posterior lateral lymph nodes, whereas the contralateral internal jugular vein was not regularly covered. Failure patterns and 5-year survival [local control rate (LCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)] were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. Paired t-test and rank-sum test were used to analyze the dose variation in the optimized region and adverse reactions. Results:The median follow-up time was 59.5 months. The 5-year LCR, PFS, and OS were 98.9%, 86.5% and 92.1%, respectively. There was no local recurrence in the optimized area of CTV. Dosimetric comparison results showed that the doses of parotid gland, temporal lobe, cochlea and middle ear on the contralateral side were reduced by 13.45%, 9.14%, 38.83%, and 29.36%, respectively. Four cases (4.6%) developed grade 3 hearing loss, all on the ipsilateral side. The optimized scheme significantly alleviated the hearing loss on the contralateral side compared to that on the ipsilateral side ( P<0.001). Other grade 3 late adverse reactions included cranial nerve injury, subcutaneous fibrosis in the neck and visual impairment, with 1 case each. Conclusion:Individualized primary CTV for lateralized NPC is feasible and safe, with obvious dosimetric advantages and reduced adverse reaction rate, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Effect of iron dextran dispersible tablets on heart failure patients with iron deficiency / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To evaluate the clinical effect of Iron Dextran Dispersible Tablets on patients with chronic heart failure who reduced ejection fraction after 24 weeks. METHODS: From January 2020 to June 2022, forty-five patients with heart failure complicated with iron deficiency and reduced ejection fraction were selected as the research objects. According to the random number table, they were randomly divided into control group and observation group.The control group was given routine anti-heart failure treatment such as Sacubitril Calsartan sodium tablets, while the observation group was given iron dextran dispersible tablets 50 mg three times a day on the basis of the anti-heart failure treatment of the control group for 8 weeks. The 6-minute walking distance, Hemoglobin, Serum Ferritin, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, Left Ventricular end Diastolic Diameter and 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12) overall summary score and clinical summary score were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the 6-minute walking distance in the observation group was longer than that in the control group, while the serum ferritin level in the observation group was higher than that in the control group. The N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level in the two groups was lower than that before treatment, and the left ventricular end diastolic diameter was shorter than that before treatment, and the left ventricular ejection fraction, clinical comprehensive score and symptom score were higher than that before treatment. The difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). CONCLUSION: Iron Dextran Dispersible Tablets can improve the exercise endurance and quality of life of patients with chronic heart failure who reduced ejection fraction after 24 weeks.

The clinical effect of sacubitril valsartan combined with dapagliflozin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and non-diabetes patients / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To observe the clinical effect of combination therapy of sacubitril valsartan and dapagliflozin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and non-diabetes patients. 【Methods】 This study involved 96 patients with HFrEF and non-diabetes. The patients were randomly divided into control group (50 cases) and observation group (46 cases). On the basis of routine treatment, the control group was treated with sacubitril valsartan, while the observation group was treated with sacubitril valsartan and dapagliflozin. After 1-month and 6-month treatment, we monitored blood pressure, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high sensitivity troponin T (cTnT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPW), Minnesota soda heart failure life quality score (MLHFQ), the incidence of rehospitalization and death, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the two groups. 【Results】 After 6 months, systolic blood pressure, cTnT, NT-proBNP, LVEDd, LVPW, and LAD of the observation group were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P0.05). 【Conclusion】 The combination treatment of sacubitril valsartan and dapagliflozin on HFrEF and non-diabetes patients can significantly improve cardiac function, inhibit myocardial remodeling, reduce the incidence of MACE, and improve the prognosis.

Preparation quality control and clinical application observation of pooled platelets with leukocytes reduced / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the preparation quality and clinical application effect of pooled platelets with leukocytes reduced. 【Methods】 The quality and clinical effect of the buffy-coated method prepared pooled platelets leukocytes reduced (experimental group, n=40) and apheresis platelets leukocytes reduced (control group, n=40) were compared. 【Results】 The platelet volume (mL), platelet count (×1011), red blood cell contamination (×108) and residual white blood cell (×106) of the experimental group and control group were 278.90±7.92 vs 276.52±8.01, 2.66±0.09 vs 2.66±0.83, 0.54±0.42 vs 0.83±0.84, 0.29±0.54 vs 0.27±0.51, respectively, with no significant difference. The results of bacterial culture were negative, all met the requirements of relevant national standards. In addition, the CCI (×103, 24 h) and PPR (%) were 15.11±9.86 vs 14.61±12.55 and 54.23±18.70 vs 61.41±19.09 respectively, with no significant difference, indicating a certain degree of therapeutic effect. 【Conclusion】 The quality and clinical therapeutic effect of pooled platelets leukocytes reduced were consistent with that of apheresis platelets leukocytes reduced.

Factors influencing hemolysis rate of leukocyte-reduced red blood cells at the end of preservation period in blood donors / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To compare the current standards and explore the influencing factors for hemolysis rate of leukocyte-reduced red blood cells at the end of the preservation period, in order to formulate reasonable internal control indicators. 【Methods】 A retrospective analysis was performed on hemolysis rate of 427 samples of leukocyte-reduced red blood cells at the end of the preservation period in Nanning Blood Center from 2015 to 2022. Compared with the current standard for hemolysis rate at the end of the preservation period (GB 18469-2012 Quality Requirements for Whole Blood and Component Blood), the differences were analyzed, and the factors influncing the hemolysis rate were analyzed in terms of different blood donor groups. 【Results】 1) Among the 427 samples, the hemolysis rate of 418 (97.89%) did not exceed 0.4%, all lower than 0.8%; 2)the hemolysis rate of the male group was higher than that of the female group; 3) the hemolysis rate of the 18-29 years old group was lower than that of the 30-39 year old group and the 40-60 year old group, with statistically significant difference; 4) in terms of occupation, the hemolysis rate of students was the lowest, and the differences between groups were statistically significant; 5) no statistical significance was found in ethnicity and blood type. 【Conclusion】 Statistics indicated that gender, age, blood donation volume and occupation of blood donors were the influencing factors of hemolysis rate. The current standard is obviously higher in the qualified range of blood quality control in Nanning. It is advisable to formulate a reasonable quality control strategy with internal control index of hemolysis rate set <0.4%, which is conducive to making accurate evaluation of internal quality control and ensuring blood safety.

Value of Reduced Field-of-view DWI in Quantitative Assessment of Axial Spondyloarthritis / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of reduced field-of-view DWI （r-FOV DWI） in quantitative assessment of axial spondyloarthritis. MethodsA total of 112 patients with chronic back pain or suspected axial spondyloarthritis receiving full field-of-view DWI （f-FOV DWI） and reduced field-of-view DWI （r-FOV DWI） from December 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled. Next， subjective image quality assessment （anatomical detail， artifacts， distortion， overall image quality） and objective image quality assessment including （signal to noise ratio and contrast to noise ratio） were conducted by two experienced radiologists. In addition， the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient （ADC） values of three groups （active group， inactive group， and control group） on the two DWI sequences were measured by the two radiologists， respectively. Finally， the consistency of measurement between the two researchers was evaluated and the differences in ADC values was compared. Results102 patients were included and were divided into three groups， including the active group （n=32）， inactive group （n=29）， and control group （n=41） according to ASAS diagnostic criteria. All subjective and objective image quality metrics were rated in favor of r-FOV DWI images compared with f-FOV DWI images ［overall image quality： DWI 4（3~4） vs. 3（3~3） and SNR： 6.58（5.05~10.38） vs. 4.46（2.37~10.04）， CNR： 2.04（-1.14~8.29） vs. 0.97（-8.19~7.12）；P＜0.05］. Inter-rater consistency of the two researchers were 0.60~0.74. According to the AUC curve， group inactive vs. control showed r-FOV DWI was better than f-FOV DWI. In other groups （lesion vs. control， active vs. inactive）， there were no differences between both sequences（P＜0.05）. ConclusionThe subjective image quality score and signal to noise ratio of r-FOV DWI were higher than those of f-FOV DWI， which could be used for quantitative assessment of axial spondyloarthritis.

Study on pharmacoeconomic evaluation of vericiguat in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of vericiguat combined with standard treatment in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction （HFrEF）. METHODS Based on the results of the VICTORIA trial and related literature， a three-state （including stable state of heart failure， hospitalized state of heart failure and death state） Markov model was constructed. The cycle length was 1 month， the time horizon was 20 years， the discount rate was 5%， and one time China’s per capita gross domestic product （GDP） in 2021 was the willing-to-pay （WTP） threshold. Cost-utility analysis was performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of vericiguat combined with standard treatment in the treatment of HFrEF. The output indicators included quality-adjusted life year （QALY） and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER）. The robustness of the results of the basic analysis was verified by one-way sensitivity analysis and probability sensitivity analysis. RESULTS The ICER of vericiguat combined with the standard treatment plan compared to the standard treatment plan alone was 444 341.95 yuan/QALY， which was more than WTP of this study （80 976 yuan/QALY）. One-way sensitivity analyses showed that the probability of cardiovascular death in both groups was the main influencing parameter for the robustness of the model， but they had little influence on the results of the basic analysis. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis displayed that under the WTP threshold of this study， the possibility of vericiguat combined with the standard treatment plan being more cost-effective was 2.6%. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the standard treatment plan， vericiguat combined with the standard treatment plan is not cost-effective in patients with HFrEF.

Absorción mineral y retención ósea en ratas normales en crecimiento por el consumo de un yogur experimental reducido en lactosa que contiene galactooligosacáridos (GOS) / Mineral absorption and bone retention in normal growing rats by consumption of an experimental lactose-reduced yogurt containing galactooligosaccharides (GOS)

Introducción: Los GOS son prebióticos naturales presentes en la leche materna que pue-den obtenerse enzimáticamente a partir de la lactosa de leche de vaca durante la fabricación de yogur. El producto lácteo resultante será reducido en lactosa y contendrá prebióticos y bacterias potencialmente probióticas. Sin embargo, mantendrá la baja relación Ca/Pi que aporta la leche de vaca, lo que podría alterar el remodelamiento óseo y la mineralización. Objetivo: comparar si un yogur reducido en lactosa que contiene GOS (YE) ofrece ventajas adicionales respecto de un yogur regular sin GOS (YR) sobre las absorciones (Abs) de Ca y Pi, retención y calidad ósea durante el crecimiento normal. Al destete, ratas machos fueron divididas en 3 grupos alimentados con AIN ́93-G (C), YE o YR durante 28 días. Resultados: YE mostró el mayor aumento de lactobacilos fecales; producción de ácidos grasos de cadena corta especialmente p, profundidad de las criptas colónicas y menor pH cecal. El %AbsCa y %AbsPi aumentó en el siguiente órden: YE> YR> C (p < 0,05). El contenido de Ca y Pi en fémur, la densidad y contenido mineral óseos y los parámetros biomecánicos fueron similares en YE y C, mientras que YR mostró valores significativa-mente menores (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: YE aumentó las Abs y biodisponibilidad de minerales, alcanzando la retención y calidad ósea de C. El aumento en las Abs observado en YR no logró obtener la retención y calidad ósea de C. Conclusión: YE habría contrarrestado el efecto negativo del mayor aporte de Pi de la leche de vaca y sería una buena estrategia para lograr el pico de masa ósea y calidad del hueso adecuados, especialmente en individuos intolerantes a la lactosa. (AU)

Breast milk contains an optimal calcium/phosphate (Ca/Pi) ratio and GOS. These natural prebiotics can be enzymatically produced via cow's milk lactose inyogurt manufacture. This milk product is low in lactose and contains prebiotics and potentially probiotic bacteria but maintains a low Ca/Pi ratio that could alter bone remodeling and mineralization. We evaluated if a lactose-reduced yogurt containing GOS (YE) offers additional advantages over regular yogurt without GOS (YR) on Ca and Pi absorption (Abs), bone retention and quality during normal growth. Weaning male rats were divided into 3 groups fed AIN'93-G (C), YE or YR for 28 days. Results: YE showed the highest increase in fecal lactobacilli; short-chain fatty acids production, especially propionate and butyrate; intestine crypt depth, and the lowest cecal pH. AbsCa% and AbsPi% increased in this order: YE> YR> C (p <0.05). Ca and Pi content in femur, bone density and mineral content, and biomechanical parameters were similar in YE and C, while YR showed the significantly lowest value (p < 0.05). Conclusions: YE increased mineral Abs reaching the retention and bone quality of C. Although YR increased Abs, bone retention and quality did not achieve C values. Seemingly, YE compensated for the negative effect of the higher Pi supply and would be a good strategy to achieve adequate peak bone mass and bone quality, especially in lactose intolerant individuals. (AU)

La tercera cara de la moneda en el manejo de la falla cardíaca / The third side of the coin in the management of heart failure

Resumen En las últimas décadas, el manejo de la insuficiencia cardíaca ha tenido avances significativos nunca antes vistos en la historia de la cardiología, lo cual ha elevado el pronóstico de vida de los pacientes con falla cardíaca, a niveles cercanos a los de un individuo sano. Para ello se han empleado múltiples alternativas farmacológicas, como los inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (IECA), los antagonistas de los receptores de angiotensina (ARA II), los bloqueadores de los receptores mineralocorticoides, los bloqueadores de los receptores IF I, los inhibidores de la neprilisina y los betabloqueadores, asociadas al desarrollo de la cardiología intervencionista y la cirugía cardiovascular a nivel coronario, valvular, remodelado cardíaco y dispositivos de estimulación, asistencia, resincronización y cardioversión miocárdica. Sin embargo, hay un importante escenario en el manejo de la falla cardíaca que, en ocasiones, por diversas circunstancias, se deja de lado o se pospone como terapia de primera línea concomitante a las ya expuestas. Este artículo intenta describir la importancia que tienen dichas terapias -a las que hemos llamado la tercera cara de la moneda en el manejo de la falla cardíaca- a la luz de la evidencia actual.

Abstract In the last decades the management of heart failure has seen significant advance as never before in the history of cardiology, raising the life expectancy of patients with heart failure to levels close to those of healthy individuals. For such a task, multiple pharmacological alternatives have been employed: angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, I-F channel antagonists, neprilysin inhibitors, beta blockers, associated to the development of interventionist cardiology and cardiac surgery at coronary level, valvular level, cardiac remodeling, and devices for stimulation, assistance, resynchronization and myocardial cardioversion. However, there is an important stage in the management of heart failure that occasionally, due to varied circumstances, is set aside or put off as a front-line therapy accompanying the ones already mentioned. This article attempts to describe the importance that said therapies have in light of current evidence, which we have called: the third side of the coin in the management of heart failure.

Obesidad en la mortalidad de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida / Obesity in the mortality of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

Introducción: La asociación entre obesidad y menor mortalidad en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo es controversial. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre obesidad y mortalidad en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional de cohorte prospectivo en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida en el período comprendido entre enero del 2010 y diciembre de 2020. La muestra quedó conformada por 173 pacientes. Se evaluó la supervivencia mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier, para estimar el efecto del pronóstico de la variable obesidad sobre la mortalidad. Se utilizó el modelo de regresión de Cox. Resultados: Se observó que los pacientes obesos al año de seguimiento tuvieron mejor supervivencia que los que presentaron normopeso (0,6 versus 0,8) a los cinco años presentaron similar supervivencia los tres subgrupos de índice masa corporal (0,6), la mayor mortalidad la presentaron los pacientes bajo peso. La curva de éstos últimos, se distancia del resto de las categorías de IMC, Log Rank p= 0,001. En el modelo de regresión de Cox la obesidad presentó un odd ration OR=´1,159 p=0,648 (intervalo de confianza de 0,615-2,181). Conclusiones: En los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección reducida no se observó el fenómeno de obesidad paradójica en relación a la mortalidad(AU)

Introduction: The association between obesity and lower mortality in patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction is controversial. Objective: To evaluate the association between obesity and mortality in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Methods: An observational prospective cohort study was carried out, from January 2010 to December 2020, in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The sample was made up of 173 patients. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier method to estimate the prognostic effect of the obesity variable on mortality. Cox regression model was used. Results: It was observed that obese patients at one year of follow-up had better survival than those with normal weight (0.6 versus 0.8). At five years, the three subgroups of body mass index (0.6) showed similar survival and the highest mortality was observed by low weight patients. The curve of the latter differs from the rest of the BMI categories, Log Rank p=0.001. In the Cox regression model, obesity had an odds ratio OR=´1.159 p=0.648 (confidence interval 0.615-2.181). Conclusions: In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the phenomenon of paradoxical obesity was not observed in relation to mortality(AU)

Niveles glutatión reducido y estado redox celular en pacientes pediátricos con inmunodeficiencias / Reduced glutathione levels and cellular redox status in pediatric patients with immunodeficiencies

Introducción: Las alteraciones en el estado redox celular se han descrito como factores causales en diversas enfermedades. La depleción del glutatión reducido se ha asociado fundamentalmente a enfermedades neurodegenerativas, pulmonares, hepáticas, cardiovasculares e inmunológicas. Objetivo: Determinar las concentraciones de glutatión reducido y el estado redox celular en pacientes pediátricos con inmunodeficiencias. Métodos: Se estudiaron 21 pacientes con inmunodeficiencias procedentes de la consulta de Inmunogenética, en edades comprendidas entre 1 y 8 años, de ambos sexos, y 8 niños en el mismo rango de edad de los pacientes, como grupo control, con estudios de inmunidad humoral y celular normales. Los pacientes con diagnóstico de inmunodeficiencia se dividieron para su estudio en 2 grupos según el componente afectado de la respuesta inmune: humoral y celular. Fueron determinadas las concentraciones intraeritrocitarias de glutatión reducido y oxidado, mediante un método de HPLC-UV. Para evaluar el estado redox celular se calculó la relación entre las formas reducidas y oxidadas del glutatión (GSH/GSSG). Resultados: Las concentraciones de glutatión reducido y el estado redox celular se encontraron disminuidos en ambos grupos de pacientes en relación con los niños sin inmunodeficiencia (p=0,031 y p=0,03; respectivamente). El glutatión oxidado no mostró diferencias entre los grupos. Conclusiones: En los pacientes con inmunodeficiencia se evidenció la afectación del estado redox celular como consecuencia de la disminución del glutatión reducido. Este primer acercamiento ofreció las potencialidades del empleo de estos biomarcadores en la evaluación integral de pacientes con inmunodeficiencia(AU)

Introduction: Alterations in the cellular redox state have been described as causal factors in various diseases. Reduced glutathione depletion has been fundamentally associated with neurodegenerative, pulmonary, liver, cardiovascular and immunological diseases. Objective: To determine the concentrations of reduced glutathione and the cellular redox status in pediatric patients with immunodeficiencies. Methods: We studied 21 patients with immunodeficiencies from the immunogenetic service, aged between 1 and 8 years and as a control group, 8 children in the same age range as the patients, with normal humoral and cellular immunity studies. Patients diagnosed with immunodeficiency were divided into two groups according to the affected component of the immune response: humoral and cellular. The intraerythrocyte concentrations of oxidized and reduced glutathione were determined by means of an HPLC-UV method. To evaluate the cellular redox state, the relationship between the reduced and oxidized forms of glutathione (GSH/GSSG) was calculated. Results: Reduced glutathione concentrations and cellular redox status were found to be decreased in both groups of patients in relation to children without immunodeficiency (p=0,031 and p=0,03; respectively). Oxidized glutathione showed no difference between the groups. Conclusions: In patients with immunodeficiency, the cellular redox state is affected as a consequence of the decrease in reduced glutathione. This first approach offers the potential for the use of these biomarkers in the comprehensive evaluation of patients with immunodeficiency(AU)

Predictors for early mortality in patients with implantable cardiac defibrillator for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are recommended in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients to reduce arrhythmic deaths. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with mortality within one-year following the ICD. The data from our hospital's electronic database system was extracted for patients who were implanted ICD secondary to HFrEF between 2009 and 2019. Overall, 1107 patients were included in the present analysis. Mortality rate at one-year following the device implantation was 4.7%. In multivariate analysis; age, atrial fibrillation, New York Heart Association classification >2, blood urea nitrogen, pro-brain natriuretic peptide and albumin independently predicted one year mortality

Optimization and Quest of HPMC loaded Stavudine Controlled Release Dosage Development by Central Composite Design utilizing Reduced Factorial Screening Technique

Abstract The current research focused on screening and finding the significant independent variables in stavudine loaded tablet, followed by optimizing the best formulation using central composite design. The objective of the study to develop stavudine loaded controlled release tablet utilizing reduced factorial design, followed by optimization technique as well as characterization of prepared tablets. Preliminary trial batches were prepared using different grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The resolution-IV reduced factorial design was selected to screen the significant independent variables in the dosage form design. A total number of eight runs were prepared and responses were recorded. The signified factors identified by half-normal and Pareto chart. The prepared tablets are evaluated for various physiochemical characterizations. Three dependent responses such as hardness, dissolution at 6 hour and 12 hours are considered in optimization process. Later on, drug-polymer interaction study was carried out. The principal of the study design based on finding the best formulation with prefixed set parameter values utilizing the concept of screening technique. It observed that HPMC K15M (57.18 %), HPMC K100 (66.32 %) and PVP K30 (7.97 %) as best composition in a formulation batch would fulfill the predetermined parameter with specific values.

Colecistectomía laparoscópica de dos incisiones. Estudio experimental / Two-incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. experimental study

El tratamiento estándar de la patología vesicular es la colecistectomía laparoscópica, sin embargo, con el pasar del tiempo se ha venido modificando el método convencional haciéndolo cada vez menos invasivo. Objetivo: Demostrar la factibilidad y seguridad de la colecistectomía laparoscópica de dos incisiones (TILC) comparándola con la técnica clásica (CLC) en cuanto a variables tales como tiempo quirúrgico, dolor postoperatorio, estancia hospitalaria, complicaciones y resultado cosmético. Métodos: Se tomó una muestra prospectiva de pacientes y se dividió equitativamente en dos grupos, los que se intervenían por TILC y otros por CLC. Ambos grupos se cuantificaron las variables anteriormente mencionadas y se hizo un análisis estadístico de las mismas tomando como significativo un valor de p < 0.05. Resultados: Existe significancia estadística únicamente cuando se comparaba el dolor postoperatorio medido a las 24 horas del procedimiento y el desenlace estético percibido de manera objetiva por el propio paciente. El resto de las variables no mostraron diferencias importantes entre ambas técnicas. Conclusiones: La colecistectomía laparoscópica por dos incisiones es un procedimiento seguro y factible, comparable en tiempo operatorio, complicaciones y estancia hospitalaria, pero con mejoría del dolor y resultado cosmético del paciente(AU)

The standard treatment for gallbladder pathology is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, however, over time the conventional method has been modified, making it less and less invasive.Objective : The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of two-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (TILC) compared to the classic technique (CLC) in terms of variables such as surgical time, postoperative pain, hospital stay, complications and cosmetic outcome.Methods : A prospective sample of patients was taken and divided equally into two groups, those who underwent TILC and others by CLC. Both groups quantified the variables mentioned above and a statistical analysis was made of them, taking a p value < 0.05 as significant.Results : The result showed that there was statistical significance only when comparing postoperative pain measured 24 hours after the procedure and the aesthetic outcome objectively perceived by the patient himself. The rest of the variables did not show important differences between both techniques.Conclusion : laparoscopic cholecystectomy through two incisions is a safe and feasible procedure, comparable in operative time, complications and hospital stay, but with improvement in pain and cosmetic result of the patient(AU)