Stakeholder perspectives on the sustainability of the United States biosimilars market.

Biologic therapies play a critical role in modern medical practice but also present challenges for payers, patients, and other stakeholders because of their high cost. Biosimilars can mitigate the cost pressures of reference biologic therapy because they are typically priced at least 25% lower, providing a means to administer cutting-edge biologic therapy while also managing cost of care. In fact, the US health care system has saved an estimated $23.6 billion from use of biosimilars. However, the market is still in a nascent phase of development, and early cost-saving successes are not guaranteed to persist unless sustainable market conditions are established. To better understand the perspectives of stakeholders about opportunities and threats to the sustainability of the US biosimilar market, a multistakeholder roundtable discussion was convened in December of 2023 and included health care payers, providers, self-insured employers, a manufacturer, and a biosimilar research and advocacy organization. The objective of this commentary, authored by the roundtable participants, is to posit specific opportunities and threats that stakeholders should consider to better facilitate sustainable biosimilar market conditions in the United States. We highlight key points, including (1) biosimilar price volatility with large quarter-on-quarter declines for most products; (2) perverse economic incentives that encourage providers to use more expensive reference products because reimbursement dynamics make them more profitable; (3) complex rebate structures that create barriers to biosimilar access; and (4) ongoing changes to the legal and regulatory environment, including evidence requirements to gain "interchangeable" status. We conclude with an overview of potential policy solutions to address the sustainability opportunities and threats. The authors welcome the opportunity to advance this dialogue toward action and encourage additional stakeholders to join the effort. We are optimistic that, through informed decision-making and compromise, we can collectively achieve a robust and sustainable US biosimilars market that appropriately benefits all stakeholders.

A Contemporary Analysis of Mental Well-being Among Living Donor Kidney Applicants.

Background: Living donation is paramount for expanding the donor pool. The aim of this study was to assess changes over time in self-reported mental health of living donor kidney applicants in efforts to inform patient-centered discussions with potential donors. Methods: Kidney donor applications from 2017 through 2021 were compiled. Data included age, gender, race, ethnicity, applicant-recipient relationship, medical history, and medications. Trends over time were analyzed and post hoc analyses were performed. Results: During the study period, 2479 applicants to the living donor kidney program were evaluated; 73% of applicants were female individuals. More than half of applicants were not related to their intended recipient; this fraction increased from 46% in 2017 to 58% in 2021 (P < 0.01). A similar decline in family relations was not present among Black and Latino applicants. Of all applicants, 18% reported depression and 18% reported anxiety; 20% reported taking antidepressants or anxiolytics. Depression and anxiety increased 170% (P < 0.001) and 136% (P < 0.001) from 2018 to 2019, respectively; antidepressant and anxiolytic use rose 138% (P < 0.001) between 2018 and 2020. Conclusions: The profile of living donor applicants has changed in recent years, with approximately 1 in 5 requiring antidepressants or anxiolytics. Predonation counseling and postdonation monitoring are imperative to decrease adverse psychological outcomes for living donors.

The Impact of Health Inequities on Population-Based Breast Cancer Survival in a Colombian Population, 2008-2015.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain breast cancer survival estimates in Manizales, Colombia, considering socioeconomic level, health insurance regime and residential area, while adjusting for age, histology and stage at diagnosis. METHODS: Analytical cohort study based on breast cancer incident cases recorded by the Population-based Manizales Cancer Registry between 2008-2015. Patients were followed-up for 60 months. Cause-specific survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method for variables of interest, with the Wilcoxon-Breslow-Gehan test for differences. Cox multivariate regression models were fitted. RESULTS: 856 breast cancer cases were included. The 5-year cause-specific survival for the entire cohort was 78.2%. It was higher in women with special/exception health insurance, high socioeconomic level, <50 years old, ductal carcinoma, and stages I and II. Residential area did not impact survival. In Cox models, the subsidized health insurance regime (HR: 4.87 vs contributory) and low socioeconomic level (HR: 2.45 vs high) were predictors of the hazard of death in women with breast cancer, adjusted for age, histology, stage and interactions age-stage and insurance-stage. A positive interaction (synergistic effect modification) between health insurance regime and stage regarding to survival was observed. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic factors significantly contribute to the inequities in breast cancer survival, independent of the stage at diagnosis. This suggests the need for comprehensive interventions to remove barriers to accessing the health system. This research provides evidence of survival gaps mediated by certain social determinants of health and generates data on the overall performance of the Colombian health system.

Therapeutic Hypothermia in Low-Risk Nonpumped Brain-Dead Kidney Donors: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Delayed graft function in kidney-transplant recipients is associated with increased financial cost and patient burden. In donors with high Kidney Donor Profile Index whose kidneys are not pumped, therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to confer a protective benefit against delayed graft function. Objective: To determine whether hypothermia is superior to normothermia in preventing delayed graft function in low-risk nonpumped kidney donors after brain death. Design, Setting, and Participants: In a multicenter randomized clinical trial, brain-dead kidney donors deemed to be low risk and not requiring machine perfusion per Organ Procurement Organization protocol were prospectively randomized to hypothermia (34.0-35 °C) or normothermia (36.5-37.5 °C) between August 10, 2017, and May 21, 2020, across 4 Organ Procurement Organizations in the US (Arizona, Upper Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Texas). The final analysis report is dated June 15, 2022, based on the data set received from the United Network for Organ Sharing on June 2, 2021. A total of 509 donors (normothermia: n = 245 and hypothermia: n = 236; 1017 kidneys) met inclusion criteria over the study period. Intervention: Donor hypothermia (34.0-35.0 °C) or normothermia (36.5-37.5 °C). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was delayed graft function in the kidney recipients, defined as the need for dialysis within the first week following kidney transplant. The primary analysis follows the intent-to-treat principle. Results: A total of 934 kidneys were transplanted from 481 donors, of which 474 were randomized to the normothermia group and 460 to the hypothermia group. Donor characteristics were similar between the groups, with overall mean (SD) donor age 34.2 (11.1) years, and the mean donor creatinine level at enrollment of 1.03 (0.53) mg/dL. There was a predominance of Standard Criteria Donors (98% in each treatment arm) with similar low mean (SD) Kidney Donor Profile Index (normothermia: 28.99 [20.46] vs hypothermia: 28.32 [21.9]). Cold ischemia time was similar in the normothermia and hypothermia groups (15.99 [7.9] vs 15.45 [7.63] hours). Delayed graft function developed in 87 of the recipients (18%) in the normothermia group vs 79 (17%) in the hypothermia group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.64-1.33; P = .66). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this study suggest that, in low-risk non-pumped kidneys from brain-dead kidney donors, therapeutic hypothermia compared with normothermia does not appear to prevent delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02525510.

Placement of a self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis in the presence of aortic arch angulation.

An 83-year-old man with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis with severe ventricular dysfunction underwent valvuloplasty with a 25-mm NuCLEUS-X balloon (B. Braun Interventional Systems) and percutaneous coronary intervention of the left main and circumflex arteries (left anterior descending artery presented a chronic total occlusion without viability of this territory) before being referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

The Effects of Acid on Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism.

A variety of changes in mineral metabolism aiming to restore acid-base balance occur in acid loading and metabolic acidosis. Phosphate plays a key role in defense against metabolic acidosis, both as an intracellular and extracellular buffer, as well as in the renal excretion of excess acid in the form of urinary titratable acid. The skeleton acts as an extracellular buffer in states of metabolic acidosis, as the bone matrix demineralizes, leading to bone apatite dissolution and the release of phosphate, calcium, carbonate, and citrate into the circulation. The renal handling of calcium, phosphate and citrate is also affected, with resultant hypercalciuria, hyperphosphaturia and hypocitraturia.

Relationships among Non-Neoplastic Histopathological Features, Kidney Function, Proteinuria, and Other Clinical Factors in Patients Undergoing Nephrectomy.

Introduction: The non-neoplastic kidney parenchyma from nephrectomies is often overlooked in routine examinations. We aimed to evaluate the associations between global glomerulosclerosis (GS), interstitial fibrosis (IF), or arteriosclerosis (AS) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), dipstick proteinuria, and other clinical factors. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 781 patients with nephrectomy. We used regression models with and without interaction factors. The tested exposures were GS, IF, or AS, and the outcome measures were GFR and dipstick proteinuria. Results: In multivariable analyses, increasing degrees of GS, IF, or AS were significantly associated with lower eGFR and proteinuria (p < 0.05 for each). Obesity and hypertension (HTN) modified the association between eGFR and degrees of GS, whereas proteinuria and cardiovascular disease (CVD) modified the association between eGFR and degrees of AS (p for interaction <0.05). Compared with GS <10%, GS >50% was associated with lower eGFR in patients with (-45 mL/min/1.73 m2) than without (-19 mL/min/1.73 m2) obesity, and GS >50% was associated with lower eGFR in patients with (-31 mL/min/1.73 m2) than without (-16 mL/min/1.73 m2) HTN. Compared with AS <26%, AS >50% was associated with lower eGFR in patients with (-11 mL/min/1.73 m2) than without (-6 mL/min/1.73 m2) proteinuria, and AS >50% was associated with lower eGFR in patients with (-23 mL/min/1.73 m2) than without (-7 mL/min/1.73 m2) CVD. Conclusion: Greater degrees of each GS, IF, and AS are independently associated with proteinuria and lower eGFR. Obesity, HTN, proteinuria, and CVD modify the relationship between eGFR and specific histopathological features of nephrosclerosis.

Colorectal cancer survival in Manizales, Colombia, 2008-2017: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine 5-year survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) according to patient and tumor characteristics. METHODS: Longitudinal study based on incident cases of invasive CRC between 2008 and 2017 captured by the Manizales Population-based Cancer Registry (n=850). Patients were followed up to August 24th, 2021. Cause-specific survival and net survival were calculated for sociodemographic and tumor characteristics, and Cox multivariate was fitted. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of cases occurred in women. The most frequent histological type was adenocarcinoma (78.2%). The most frequent locations were rectum (32.0%), ascending colon (16.6%), and sigmoid (16.2%). Twenty-five percent of cases were diagnosed in stage IV. There were 567 deaths due to CRC. The 5-year specific survival was 45.8% (95%CI 42.4-49.3), with independent effects for age (HR=1.83; 95%CI 1.26-2.65 age >75 years vs. <50 years) and advanced clinical stage (HR=2.5 and HR 5.7 for stages III and IV vs. stage I, respectively). Lower survival was observed in patients of medium socioeconomic status compared with higher socioeconomic status (HR=1.52; 95%CI 1.08-2.14), but not in patients of low socioeconomic status. No independent effects were observed for the health insurance regime. CONCLUSIONS: In Manizales, approximately 5 out of 10 patients with invasive CRC die in the first five years after diagnosis, with a lower survival in patients older than 75 years, from medium socioeconomic level and diagnosed in advanced clinical stages.

Colorectal cancer survival in Manizales, Colombia, 2008-2017: a population-based study / Supervivencia al cáncer colorrectal en Manizales, Colombia, 2008-2017: un estudio de base poblacional

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine 5-year survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) according to patient and tumor characteristics. Methods: Longitudinal study based on incident cases of invasive CRC between 2008 and 2017 captured by the Manizales Population-based Cancer Registry (n=850). Patients were followed up to August 24th, 2021. Cause-specific survival and net survival were calculated for sociodemographic and tumor characteristics, and Cox multivariate was fitted. Results: Fifty-five percent of cases occurred in women. The most frequent histological type was adenocarcinoma (78.2%). The most frequent locations were rectum (32.0%), ascending colon (16.6%), and sigmoid (16.2%). Twenty-five percent of cases were diagnosed in stage IV. There were 567 deaths due to CRC. The 5-year specific survival was 45.8% (95%CI 42.4-49.3), with independent effects for age (HR=1.83; 95%CI 1.26-2.65 age >75 years vs. <50 years) and advanced clinical stage (HR=2.5 and HR 5.7 for stages III and IV vs. stage I, respectively). Lower survival was observed in patients of medium socioeconomic status compared with higher socioeconomic status (HR=1.52; 95%CI 1.08-2.14), but not in patients of low socioeconomic status. No independent effects were observed for the health insurance regime. Conclusions: In Manizales, approximately 5 out of 10 patients with invasive CRC die in the first five years after diagnosis, with a lower survival in patients older than 75 years, from medium socioeconomic level and diagnosed in advanced clinical stages.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Estimar la supervivencia a 5 años en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal (CCR) según características del paciente y del tumor. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal a partir de los casos de CCR invasivo diagnosticados entre 2008 y 2017 captados por el Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Manizales (n=850). Se realizó seguimiento hasta el 24 de agosto de 2021. Se calculó la supervivencia causa-específica y la supervivencia neta para las características sociodemográficas y del tumor, y análisis multivariado de Cox. Resultados: El 55,5% de los casos se presentaron en mujeres. El tipo histológico más frecuente (78,2%) fue el adenocarcinoma. Las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron recto (32,0%), colon ascendente (16,6%) y sigmoides (16,2%). El 25,5% de los casos fue diagnosticado en estadio IV. Ocurrieron 567 muertes por CCR. La supervivencia específica a 5 años fue del 45,8% (IC95% 42,4-49,3), con efectos independientes para la edad (HR=1,83; IC95% 1,26-2,65 edad >75 años vs. edad <50 años) y el estadio clínico avanzado (HR=2,5 y HR 5,7 para estadios III y IV vs. estadio I). Se observó una menor supervivencia en pacientes de nivel socioeconómico medio en comparación con el grupo de mayor posición socioeconómica (HR=1,52; IC95% 1,08-2,14), pero no en los pacientes de posición socioeconómica baja. No se observaron efectos independientes para el régimen de aseguramiento en salud. Conclusiones: En Manizales, aproximadamente 5 de cada 10 pacientes con CCR invasivo fallecen en los primeros cinco años del diagnóstico, con sobrevida menor en pacientes mayores de 75 años, de nivel socioeconómico medio y diagnosticados en estadio clínico avanzado.

Trends in cancer incidence and mortality in Manizales, Colombia, 2008-2017.

Objective: To describe cancer incidence and mortality trends in Manizales, Colombia, between 2008-2017. Methods: All incident cancer cases in Manizales collected by the Population-based Manizales Cancer Registry between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2017, and all deaths caused by cancer in the same period, were included. The population at risk was obtained from the National Administrative Department of Statistics databases. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated by sex and cancer site. Changes in trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression. Results: There were 11,188 incident cases, 56.7% in women. There were 4,996 cancer deaths, 52.6% in women. Breast, prostate, stomach, thyroid, lung, and colon cancers accounted for 50% of all incident cases. During this period, the incidence in women decreased and equaled that of men due to a significant decrease in cervical, stomach, and lung cancers, among others; likewise, mortality in women decreased slightly due to the reduction in deaths from cervical, stomach, esophagus, and connective tissue cancers. In contrast, in men, overall incidence and mortality remained unchanged. Conclusions: In Manizales, population aging has contributed to an increased burden of cancer. In terms of incidence and mortality, progress in the fight against this disease is still discrete. It is a priority to reinforce cancer control strategies with a differential approach by sex.

Objetivo: Describir las tendencias en incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer en Manizales, Colombia, entre 2008-2017. Métodos: Se incluyeron todos los casos incidentes de cáncer en Manizales captados por el Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Manizales entre el 1º de enero de 2008 y el 31 de diciembre de 2017, así como todas las muertes causadas por cáncer en el mismo periodo. La población en riesgo se obtuvo de las estadísticas del DANE. Se calcularon tasas de incidencia y mortalidad ajustadas por edad según sexo y localización del cáncer. Se evaluaron cambios en las tendencias mediante una regresión Joinpoint. Resultados: Se registraron 11,188 casos incidentes, 56.7% en mujeres. Ocurrieron 4,996 muertes por cáncer, 52.6% en mujeres. Los cánceres de mama, próstata, estómago, tiroides, pulmón y colon, representaron el 50% de todos los casos incidentes. Durante este periodo, la incidencia en mujeres descendió y equiparó a la de los hombres, a partir de una disminución significativa en los cánceres de cérvix, estómago, y pulmón, entre otros; asimismo, la mortalidad en mujeres disminuyó levemente, debido a la reducción en muertes por cáncer de cérvix, estómago, esófago y tejidos blandos. En contraste, en hombres la incidencia y la mortalidad general no variaron. Conclusiones: El envejecimiento poblacional ha contribuido a una mayor carga de cáncer. En términos de incidencia y mortalidad, los avances en la lucha contra esta enfermedad aún son discretos. Es prioritario reforzar las estrategias para el control del cáncer con enfoque diferencial por sexo.

Cutaneous melanoma incidence, mortality, and survival in Manizales, Colombia: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: We estimated the cutaneous melanoma (CM) incidence, mortality, and survival in Manizales, Colombia to establish predictors for survival. METHODS: This analytical cohort study used CM incident cases during 2006 to 2015 in the Manizales Cancer Registry (n = 132). Incidence and mortality rates were standardized using the direct method. Patients were followed up until 30 November 2020. Cause-specific survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method for variables of interest, with the log-rank test for differences. Cox multivariate regression models were fitted. RESULTS: Incidence (per 100,000) increased from 1.6 to 3.0 in men and 2.6 to 2.8 in women during 2006-2010 to 2011-2015, respectively. Mortality was low and stable. Five-year survival was 68.7%, with significant differences according to age (hazard ratio [HR] >70 vs. ≤70 years: 3.37); histological subtype (HR for melanoma not otherwise specified and HR for nodular melanoma vs lentigo malignant melanoma and superficial spreading melanoma: 17.39 and 10.16, respectively); and clinical stage (HR stages III-IV vs. stages I-II: 5.94). CONCLUSION: CM is characterized by increasing incidence and unfavorable prognosis, particularly in patients aged >70 years, with melanoma not otherwise specified and nodular melanoma, and advanced stages. Promoting photoprotection and early detection and management of suspicious skin lesions is crucial.

Short-term kidney transplant outcomes from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 lower respiratory tract positive donors.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aim to assess short-term allograft outcomes following deceased donor kidney transplantation from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lower respiratory tract (LRT) nucleic acid testing (NAT) positive donors. METHODS: From September to December 2021, SARS-CoV-2 NAT positive organ donors, whose solid abdominal organs were transplanted at our academic medical center were identified. Donors were stratified into having tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in an upper respiratory tract (URT) or LRT sample. For this study, the SARS-CoV-2 LRT NAT positive deceased kidney donors and their respective recipients were examined. Donor and recipient demographic data, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related history, patient outcomes, as well as postoperative graft function were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen SARS-CoV-2 positive deceased donors were identified. Of these, eight were LRT NAT positive and yielded nine kidneys. These allografts were successfully transplanted into vaccinated and unvaccinated recipients. All recipients received standard induction immunosuppression and did not receive any prophylactic therapy for SARS-CoV-2. Two recipients had delayed graft function. At 1-month post-transplant, there was no clinical evidence of donor-derived COVID-19 or graft loss, and all recipients were free from dialysis. CONCLUSION: We describe the first case series of SARS-CoV-2 LRT NAT positive deceased kidney donors for vaccinated and unvaccinated recipients with excellent short-term allograft outcomes and no clinical evidence of donor-derived COVID-19 post-transplantation. Given the increasing prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the population, utilization of SARS-CoV-2 LRT NAT positive deceased donors could be considered an acceptable source of organs for renal transplantation, especially as multi-center experiences and longer-term follow-up emerge.

Trends in cancer incidence and mortality in Manizales, Colombia, 2008-2017 / Tendencias en la incidencia y en la mortalidad por cáncer en Manizales, Colombia, 2008-2017

Abstract Objective: To describe cancer incidence and mortality trends in Manizales, Colombia, between 2008-2017. Methods: All incident cancer cases in Manizales collected by the Population-based Manizales Cancer Registry between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2017, and all deaths caused by cancer in the same period, were included. The population at risk was obtained from the National Administrative Department of Statistics databases. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated by sex and cancer site. Changes in trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression. Results: There were 11,188 incident cases, 56.7% in women. There were 4,996 cancer deaths, 52.6% in women. Breast, prostate, stomach, thyroid, lung, and colon cancers accounted for 50% of all incident cases. During this period, the incidence in women decreased and equaled that of men due to a significant decrease in cervical, stomach, and lung cancers, among others; likewise, mortality in women decreased slightly due to the reduction in deaths from cervical, stomach, esophagus, and connective tissue cancers. In contrast, in men, overall incidence and mortality remained unchanged. Conclusions: In Manizales, population aging has contributed to an increased burden of cancer. In terms of incidence and mortality, progress in the fight against this disease is still discrete. It is a priority to reinforce cancer control strategies with a differential approach by sex.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir las tendencias en incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer en Manizales, Colombia, entre 2008-2017. Métodos: Se incluyeron todos los casos incidentes de cáncer en Manizales captados por el Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Manizales entre el 1º de enero de 2008 y el 31 de diciembre de 2017, así como todas las muertes causadas por cáncer en el mismo periodo. La población en riesgo se obtuvo de las estadísticas del DANE. Se calcularon tasas de incidencia y mortalidad ajustadas por edad según sexo y localización del cáncer. Se evaluaron cambios en las tendencias mediante una regresión Joinpoint. Resultados: Se registraron 11,188 casos incidentes, 56.7% en mujeres. Ocurrieron 4,996 muertes por cáncer, 52.6% en mujeres. Los cánceres de mama, próstata, estómago, tiroides, pulmón y colon, representaron el 50% de todos los casos incidentes. Durante este periodo, la incidencia en mujeres descendió y equiparó a la de los hombres, a partir de una disminución significativa en los cánceres de cérvix, estómago, y pulmón, entre otros; asimismo, la mortalidad en mujeres disminuyó levemente, debido a la reducción en muertes por cáncer de cérvix, estómago, esófago y tejidos blandos. En contraste, en hombres la incidencia y la mortalidad general no variaron. Conclusiones: El envejecimiento poblacional ha contribuido a una mayor carga de cáncer. En términos de incidencia y mortalidad, los avances en la lucha contra esta enfermedad aún son discretos. Es prioritario reforzar las estrategias para el control del cáncer con enfoque diferencial por sexo.

Severe type-B lactic acidosis in a patient with bilateral renal Burkitt's lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: Lactic acidosis (LA) can be categorized as type A, which occurs in the presence of tissue hypoxia, or type B, occurring in the absence of tissue hypoxia. Hematologic malignancies are an uncommon cause of type B LA. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old man, HIV-negative, with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), presented to the ED complaining of acute-on-chronic lumbar pain, and was found to have high serum anion gap (AG) LA. The rest of chemistry and infectious workup was within normal limits. Despite bicarbonate therapy and fluid resuscitation, the patient remained with persistent AG metabolic acidosis and increasing lactic acid up to 14.5 mmol/L. An abdominal computerized tomography (CT) revealed multiple bilateral enhancing lesions in the kidneys, as well as gastric wall thickening. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy showed a high-grade Burkitt's lymphoma. Further staging showed bone marrow involvement and extensive abdominal adenopathy. After two cycles of inpatient chemotherapy with dose-adjusted EPOCH-R (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and rituximab), the patient developed multifocal pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure. Following a prolonged ICU stay, after discussion with the family members, a decision of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy was reached. CONCLUSION: Persistent LA, without identifiable causes of tissue hypoxia, should prompt clinicians to suspect non-hypoxic etiologies, including occult high-grade malignancies. Hematological malignancies constitute an extremely rare cause of type-B LA, carrying a poor prognosis.

Advanced management of ventricular arrhythmias in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Chagas cardiomyopathy is a parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Structural and functional abnormalities are the result of direct myocardial damage by the parasite, immunological reactions, dysautonomia, and microvascular alterations. Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the most serious and important manifestation of the disease, affecting up to 30% of patients in the chronic phase. It results in heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and sudden cardiac death. As in other cardiomyopathies, scar-related reentry frequently results in ventricular tachycardia (VT). The scars typically are located in the inferior and lateral aspects of the left ventricle close to the mitral annulus extending from endocardium to epicardium. The scars may be more prominent in the epicardium than in the endocardium, so epicardial mapping and ablation frequently are required. Identification of late potentials during sinus rhythm and mid-diastolic potentials during hemodynamically tolerated VT are the main targets for ablation. High-density mapping during sinus rhythm can identify late isochronal regions that are then targeted for ablation. Preablation cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with late enhancement can identify potentials areas of arrhythmogenesis. Therapeutic alternatives for VT management include antiarrhythmic drugs and modulation of the cardiac autonomic nervous system.

A Low-Cost Visible Light Positioning System for Indoor Positioning.

Currently, a high percentage of the world's population lives in urban areas, and this proportion will increase in the coming decades. In this context, indoor positioning systems (IPSs) have been a topic of great interest for researchers. On the other hand, Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems have advantages over RF technologies; for instance, they do not need satellite signals or the absence of electromagnetic interference to achieve positioning. Nowadays, in the context of Indoor Positioning (IPS), Visible Light Positioning (VLP) systems have become a strong alternative to RF-based systems, allowing the reduction in costs and time to market. This paper shows a low cost VLP solution for indoor systems. This includes multiple programmable beacons and a receiver which can be plugged to a smartphone running a specific app. The position information will be quickly and securely available through the interchange between the receiver and any configurable LED-beacon which is strategically disposed in an area. The implementation is simple, inexpensive, and no direct communication with any data server is required.

Rhodnius prolixus Colonization and Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Plantations in the Orinoco Basin, Colombia.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease that infects more than seven million people in Latin America. The parasite is transmitted by triatomine insects, of which some species are often associated with palms. The establishment of oil palm plantations (Elaeis guineensis) in the Orinoco region (Colombia) has been rapidly growing, possibly constituting a new environment for the establishment and increase in triatomine populations. In this study, the potential of Rhodnius prolixus to colonize E. guineensis plantations and maintain T. cruzi transmission was assessed. Fieldwork was conducted in two areas located in the department of Casanare for sampling E. guineensis and Attalea butyracea palms, sampling for triatomines to determine their abundance and prevalence of T. cruzi infection. To assess T. cruzi transmission potential in the area, sylvatic and domestic mammals were sampled. Results showed that palm infestation with triatomines was higher in A. butyracea than in E. guineensis palms and T. cruzi infection in triatomines varied between habitats for one study area, but was constant in the other site. Trypanosoma cruzi-infected mammals in the E. guineensis plantations were mainly generalist rodents, suggesting that these mammals could have an important role in T. cruzi transmission in plantations. In conclusion, E. guineensis plantations in the Orinoco region are suitable habitats for R. prolixus and T. cruzi transmission.