Time to Engage Young People in HIV Cure Research.

Antiretroviral treatments successfully suppress and control HIV but cannot eliminate the virus. In recent years, much research has gone into developing a cure for HIV. This research comes with significant risks and limited clinical benefits to study participants. Little is known about the knowledge, willingness, motivations, and barriers of participating in HIV cure-related research. This is particularly true among young people living with HIV (YLWH), despite those <30 years having the highest HIV infection rates in the United States. YLWH have experienced a different phase of the HIV epidemic from their older counterparts. To guide HIV cure research development, more resources need to be directed toward understanding the perspectives of YLWH and meaningfully involving them in research. As the field of HIV cure research continues to grow and innovate, it is critical that we proactively engage YLWH as they will soon be at the forefront of decision making toward ending the HIV epidemic.

Developing a National Center of Excellence for Prostate Imaging.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize the most current literature regarding the most important aspects to consider when developing a center of excellence for prostate imaging and biopsy. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) has changed the way we diagnose and treat prostate cancer. This imaging modality allows for more precise identification of areas suspicious in terms of harboring prostate cancer, enabling performance of targeted mp-MRI-guided biopsies that have been demonstrated to yield superior cancer detection rates. Centers worldwide are increasingly adopting this technology. However, obtaining results comparable with those findings published in the literature can be challenging. The imaging and biopsy process entails the need for a multidisciplinary team including a dedicated radiologist, urologist, and pathologist. Adequate mp-MRI interpretation for accurate lesion identification, acquaintance with the biopsy technique selected, and precise characterization of Gleason Score/Grade Groupings are equal determinants of accurate biopsy results. Furthermore, all specialists are required to attain appropriate learning curves to ensure optimal results. In this review, we characterize crucial aspects to consider when developing a center of excellence for prostate imaging and biopsy as well as insights regarding how to implement them.

Pacemaker-Mediated Programmable Hypertension Control Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Many patients requiring a pacemaker have persistent hypertension with systolic blood pressures above recommended levels. We evaluated a pacemaker-based Programmable Hypertension Control (PHC) therapy that uses a sequence of variably timed shorter and longer atrioventricular intervals. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients indicated for dual-chamber pacing with office systolic blood pressure (oSBP) >150 mm Hg despite stable medical therapy were implanted with a Moderato™ pulse generator that delivers PHC therapy. Patients were followed for 1 month (Run-In period) with conventional pacing; those with persistent oSBP >140 mm Hg were included in the study and had PHC therapy activated. The co-primary efficacy end points were changes in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure and oSBP between baseline and 3 months. Safety was assessed by tracking adverse events. Thirty-five patients met the initial inclusion criteria and underwent Moderato implantation. At 1 month, oSBP was <140 mm Hg in 7 patients who were excluded. PHC was activated in the remaining 27 patients with baseline office blood pressure 166±11/80±10 mm Hg despite an average of 3.2 antihypertensive medications. During the Run-In period, oSBP and 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure decreased by 8±13 and 5±12 mm Hg (P<0.002), respectively. Compared with pre-PHC activation measurements, oSBP decreased by another 16±15 mm Hg and 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure decreased by an additional 10±13 mm Hg (both P<0.01) at 3 months. No device-related serious adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: In pacemaker patients with persistent hypertension despite medical therapy, oSBP and 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure are decreased by PHC therapy. Initial indications are that this therapy is a safe and promising therapy for such patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02282033.

Resumen histórico de desastres ocurridos en Costa Rica / Historical review of disasters in Costa Rica

Costa Rica por su situación geográfica es propensa a varios tipos de catástrofes naturales, entre los principales se incluyen sismos, actividad volcánica, inundaciones y sequías

Breve reseña histórica de la Comisión Nacional de Emergencia de Costa Rica / Brief review of the National Emergency Commission of Costa Rica

La Comisión Nacional de Emergencia de Costa Rica fue creada el 14 de agosto de 1969, encargada de dar atención a toda clase de desastres, ya fuesen de caracter natural o producidos por el hombre. Este reporte describe en detalle las actividades y responsabilidades de esta Comisión