Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment.

On December 5, 2022, an indirect drive fusion implosion on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a target gain G_{target} of 1.5. This is the first laboratory demonstration of exceeding "scientific breakeven" (or G_{target}>1) where 2.05 MJ of 351 nm laser light produced 3.1 MJ of total fusion yield, a result which significantly exceeds the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition as reported in a previous NIF implosion [H. Abu-Shawareb et al. (Indirect Drive ICF Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001]. This achievement is the culmination of more than five decades of research and gives proof that laboratory fusion, based on fundamental physics principles, is possible. This Letter reports on the target, laser, design, and experimental advancements that led to this result.

Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment.

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion.

The potential role of the adipokine HMGB1 in obesity and insulin resistance. Novel effects on adipose tissue biology.

Discovery of the adipose tissue as a major source of signaling molecules almost three decades ago set a novel physiological paradigm that paved the way for the identification of metabolic organs as endocrine organs. Adipocytes, the main adipose tissue cell type, do not only represent the principal site of energy storage in form of triglycerides, but also produce a variety of molecules for short and long distance intercellular communication, named adipokines, which coordinate systemic responses. Although the best known adipokines identified and characterized hitherto are leptin and adiponectin, novel adipokines are continuously being described, what have significantly helped to elucidate the role of adipocyte biology in obesity and associated comorbidities. One of these novel adipokines is high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a ubiquitous nuclear protein that has been recently reported to be dysregulated in obese dysfunctional adipocytes. Although the classical function of HMGB1 is related to inflammation and immunity, acting as an alarmin, novel advances evidence an active implication of HMGB1 in tissue remodeling and fibrosis. This review summarizes the current evidence on the mechanisms controlling HMGB1 release, as well as its role as a regulator of adipocyte function and extracellular matrix remodeling, with special emphasis on the potential of this novel adipokine as a target in the obesity treatment.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in severe mental illness: A timely diagnosis to advance the process of quitting smoking.

BACKGROUND: This study has two main objectives: to describe the prevalence of undetected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a clinical sample of smokers with severe mental illness (SMI), and to assess the value of the Tobacco Intensive Motivational Estimated Risk tool, which informs smokers of their respiratory risk and uses brief text messages to reinforce intervention. METHOD: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, and active-controlled clinical trial, with a 12-month follow-up. Outpatients with schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder were randomized either to the experimental group-studied by spirometry and informed of their calculated lung age and degree of obstruction (if any)-or to the active control group, who followed the 5 A's intervention. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 160 patients (71.9% SZ), 78.1% of whom completed the 12-month follow-up. Of the patients who completed the spirometry test, 23.9% showed evidence of COPD (77.8% in moderate or severe stages). TIMER was associated with a significant reduction in tobacco use at week 12 and in the long term, 21.9% of patients reduced consumption and 14.6% at least halved it. At week 48, six patients (7.3%) allocated to the experimental group achieved the seven-day smoking abstinence confirmed by CO (primary outcome in terms of efficacy), compared to three (3.8%) in the control group. CONCLUSION: In this clinical pilot trial, one in four outpatients with an SMI who smoked had undiagnosed COPD. An intensive intervention tool favors the early detection of COPD and maintains its efficacy to quit smoking, compared with the standard 5 A's intervention.

[Arterial Hypertension register in private clinics in Venezuela: RHAVEN Study]. / Registro de Hipertensión Arterial en consultas privadas en Venezuela: Estudio RHAVEN.

INTRODUCTION: In Venezuela, no large studies have been conducted to determine the level of control of hypertension (HT). OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to know the prevalence of controlled HT among hypertensive patients treated pharmacologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-section study was conducted on patients 18years and older. RESULTS: A total of 4,320 patients were included. The prevalence of controlled hypertension was 52.6% (95%CI: 51.1-54.1%). The lack of control of HT was associated with diabetes (P<.001), hypertensive heart disease (P<.001), chronic kidney disease (P<.001), and peripheral arterial disease (P=.02). Non-compliance of treatment was also associated with uncontrolled HT (5.1% [117/2,274] in the controlled versus 43.2% [885/2,046] in the uncontrolled; (P<.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence detected of controlled hypertension was 52.6%.

Incidencia y evolución de la miocardiopatía séptica en una cohorte de pacientes con sepsis y shock séptico / Incidence and evolution of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy in a cohort of patients with sepsis and septic shock

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la incidencia de miocardiopatía séptica (MS) en pacientes con sepsis y shock séptico, describir sus características y comprobar su evolución. DISEÑO: Estudio prospectivo sobre una cohorte. PARTICIPANTES: Se incluyeron 57 pacientes consecutivos ingresados en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, con criterios de sepsis y shock séptico. Variables de interés principales: Se analizaron variables clínicas y bioquímicas. Se realizó un ecocardiograma en las primeras 24h de ingreso, determinando parámetros de función cardiaca, y si los pacientes presentaban una fracción de eyección de ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI)<50%, se realizó un ecocardiograma evolutivo. Ámbito: Servicio de Medicina Intensiva médico-quirúrgico de adultos en Hospital Universitario. RESULTADOS: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 62,1±16,3 años, el 58% fueron varones. El 22,8% presentaron disfunción de ventrículo izquierdo. La FEVI media en los pacientes con MS fue inferior respecto a los que no la tenían (34,1±10,6 vs. 60,7±6,94%; p < 0,001), con recuperación completa de la misma, en los supervivientes, tras el evento agudo (FEVI al alta 56,1±6,3%; p = 0,04). Los pacientes con MS, presentaban mayores niveles de procalcitonina (47,1±35,4 vs. 18,9±24,5; p = 0,02) y puntuación en la escala Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (9,91±3,82 vs. 7,47±3,41; p = 0,037). La mortalidad no fue significativamente diferente entre ambos grupos (4 [30,8%] vs. 4 [9,1%]; p = 0,07). CONCLUSIONES: La MS no es infrecuente, se relaciona con mayor puntuación en las escalas de gravedad. En los supervivientes, la FEVI se normalizó tras la recuperación del evento agudo

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of septic cardiomyopathy (SM) in patients with sepsis and septic shock, to describe its characteristics and testing its evolution. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: We included 57 consecutive patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit, who met criteria of sepsis and septic shock. Principal variables of interest: Clinical and biochemical variables were analyzed. An echocardiogram was performed in the first 24hours of admission, determining myocardial function parameters, and if the patients had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<50%) a second echocardiogram was performed. Ambit: Intensive medical and surgical Care Service for Adults in University Hospital. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 62,1±16,3 years. 58% were males. 22.8% had left ventricular dysfunction. The mean LVEF in patients with MS was lower than those without SM (34.1±10.6 vs 60.7±6.94%, P<.001), with complete recovery, in survivors, after the acute event (LVEF at discharge 56.1±6.3%, P=.04). Patients with SM had higher levels of procalcitonin (47.1±35.4 vs 18.9±24.5; P=.02) and higher score on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA score) (9.91±3.82 vs 7.47±3.41; P=.037). Mortality was not significantly different between both groups [4 (30.8%) vs 4 (9.1%); P=.07]. CONCLUSIONS: SM is not uncommon and is related to a higher scores on the severity scales. In the survivors, LVEF normalized after the recovery of the acute event

Incidence and evolution of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy in a cohort of patients with sepsis and septic shock. / Incidencia y evolución de la miocardiopatía séptica en una cohorte de pacientes con sepsis y shock séptico.

OBJETIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of septic cardiomyopathy (SM) in patients with sepsis and septic shock, to describe its characteristics and testing its evolution. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: We included 57 consecutive patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit, who met criteria of sepsis and septic shock. PRINCIPAL VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Clinical and biochemical variables were analyzed. An echocardiogram was performed in the first 24hours of admission, determining myocardial function parameters, and if the patients had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<50%) a second echocardiogram was performed. AMBIT: Intensive medical and surgical Care Service for Adults in University Hospital. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 62,1±16,3 years. 58% were males. 22.8% had left ventricular dysfunction. The mean LVEF in patients with MS was lower than those without SM (34.1±10.6 vs 60.7±6.94%, P<.001), with complete recovery, in survivors, after the acute event (LVEF at discharge 56.1±6.3%, P=.04). Patients with SM had higher levels of procalcitonin (47.1±35.4 vs 18.9±24.5; P=.02) and higher score on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA score) (9.91±3.82 vs 7.47±3.41; P=.037). Mortality was not significantly different between both groups [4 (30.8%) vs 4 (9.1%); P=.07]. CONCLUSIONS: SM is not uncommon and is related to a higher scores on the severity scales. In the survivors, LVEF normalized after the recovery of the acute event.

Hypertension in Latin America: Current perspectives on trends and characteristics.

The region of Latin America, which includes Central America, the Caribbean and South America, is one that is rapidly developing. Signified by socio-economic growth, transition and development over the last few decades, living standards in countries like Brazil and Mexico have improved dramatically, including improvements in education and health care. An important marker of socio-economic change has been the epidemiological shift in disease burden. Cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of death in Latin America, and the drop in prevalence of infectious diseases has been accompanied by a rise in non-communicable diseases. Hypertension is the major risk factor driving the cardiovascular disease continuum. In this article we aim to discuss the epidemiological and management trends and patterns in hypertension that may be specific or more common to Latin-American populations - what we term 'Latin American characteristics' of hypertension - via a review of the recent literature. Recognizing that there may be a specific profile of hypertension for Latin-American patients may help to improve their treatment, with the ultimate goal to reduce their cardiovascular risk. We focus somewhat on the countries of Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela, the experience of which may reflect other Latin American countries that currently have less published data regarding epidemiology and management practices.

Mechanical writing of ferroelectric polarization.

Ferroelectric materials are characterized by a permanent electric dipole that can be reversed through the application of an external voltage, but a strong intrinsic coupling between polarization and deformation also causes all ferroelectrics to be piezoelectric, leading to applications in sensors and high-displacement actuators. A less explored property is flexoelectricity, the coupling between polarization and a strain gradient. We demonstrate that the stress gradient generated by the tip of an atomic force microscope can mechanically switch the polarization in the nanoscale volume of a ferroelectric film. Pure mechanical force can therefore be used as a dynamic tool for polarization control and may enable applications in which memory bits are written mechanically and read electrically.

Bone turnover markers and bone mineral density in children with haemophilia.

During childhood growth, bone undergoes modelling involving separate osteoblastic and osteoclastic processes. Markers of bone turnover circulate at high concentrations, parallel the childhood growth curve and correlate with height velocity. The aim of this study was to compare serum markers of bone turnover in children with haemophilia and normal bone mineral density (BMD) vs. those with low BMD. In a cross-sectional study, 69 children with haemophilia were evaluated, 45 children with normal spine BMD vs. 24 with low BMD. Lumbar spine BMD was determined using dual X-ray absorptiometry and Z-scores were calculated. Serum samples of markers of bone turnover, osteocalcin (bone formation) and C-telopeptide of type I collagen (bone resorption) were measured using ELISA. The mean BMD (g cm(-2) ) in the normal group was 0.656 ± 0.15 vs. 0.558 ± 0.12 in those with low BMD (P = 0.007), osteocalcin levels in children with normal BMD were 9.29 ± 4.97 vs. 7.06 ± 2.17 ng µL(-1) in the low BMD group (P = 0.012). C-telopeptide levels in the normal group were 1.06 ± 1.4 vs. 0.74 ± 0.3 ng mL(-1) in the low BMD group (P = 0.169). Our results showed that low osteocalcin levels predominated in the group with low BMD, which indicates a diminished osteoblastic bone formation activity while there were no differences with regard to bone resorption markers. Moreover, osteocalcin levels explain 10% of the variation of lumbar spine Z-score.

[Treatment of locally advanced renal tumors]. / Tratamiento de los tumores renales localmente avanzados.

INTRODUCTION: Locally advanced renal tumors show a high progression rate after surgery. Surgical treatment of renal tumors has some unique characteristics related to involvement of the adrenal gland, vena cava, or regional lymph nodes. OBJECTIVE: To review the current treatment of locally advanced renal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review is made of both the different drugs used and the different therapeutic possibilities in these tumors. RESULTS: Systemic treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors may improve the natural history of these patients. Systemic treatment may be administered before surgery or as an adjuvant to surgical treatment. Early studies showed a decrease in tumor mass when treatment is administered before surgery, but no prospective randomized studies providing adequate evidence for recommending neoadjuvant treatment are available. CONCLUSIONS: Availability of systemic treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors may open an important field in the treatment of these tumors in both the neoadjuvant setting and as adjuvants to surgery, but no sufficiently solid scientific evidence as to recommend their use is currently available. Randomized studies with sunitinib and sorafenib will probably suggest the adequate approach to be used when their final results are reported.

Tratamiento de los tumores renales localmente avanzados / Treatment of locally advanced renal tumors

Introducción: los tumores renales localmente avanzados presentan un alto porcentaje de progresión tras el tratamiento quirúrgico. El tratamiento quirúrgico de estos tumores renales presenta algunas peculiaridades en relación con la afectación de la glándula suprarrenal, de la vena cava o de la afectación de ganglios regionales. Objetivo: revisar el tratamiento actual de los carcinomas renales localmente avanzados. Material y métodos: se realiza una revisión de los distintos fármacos utilizados, así como de las distintas posibilidades terapéuticas en estos tumores. Resultados: el tratamiento sistémico con inhibidores de la angiogénesis puede mejorar la historia natural de estos pacientes. La pauta de tratamiento sistémico puede ser preoperatoria o adyuvante al tratamiento quirúrgico. Los primeros estudios realizados muestran una disminución de la masa tumoral cuando se realiza tratamiento preoperatorio, aunque no existen estudios prospectivos aleatorizados que nos den suficiente evidencia para recomendarla neoadyuvancia. Conclusiones: la aparición de los tratamientos sistémicos con inhibidores de la angiogénesis puede abrir un campo importante en el tratamiento de estos tumores, tanto en neoadyuvancia como en adyuvancia a la cirugía, pero en la actualidad no tenemos evidencias científicas suficientemente sólidas para recomendar su uso de forma indiscriminada. Probablemente serán los estudios aleatorizados con sunitinib y/o sorafenib los que marcarán la pauta a seguir cuando se completen los resultados definitivos (AU)

Introduction: Locally advanced renal tumors show a high progression rate after surgery. Surgical treatment of renal tumors has some unique characteristics related to involvement of the adrenal gland, vena cava, or regional lymph nodes. Objective: To review the current treatment of locally advanced renal tumors. Materials and methods: A review is made of both the different drugs used and the different therapeutic possibilities in these tumors. Results: Systemic treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors may improve the natural history of these patients. Systemic treatment may be administered before surgery or as an adjuvant to surgical treatment. Early studies showed a decrease in tumor mass when treatment is administered before surgery, but no prospective randomized studies providing adequate evidence for recommending neoadjuvant treatment are available. Conclusions: Availability of systemic treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors may open an important field in the treatment of these tumors in both the neoadjuvant setting and as adjuvants to surgery, but no sufficiently solid scientific evidence as to recommend their use is currently available. Randomized studies with sunitinib and sorafenib will probably suggest the adequate approach to be used when their final results are reported (AU)

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Reflections after 24 procedures]. / Adrenalectomía laparoscópica. Consideraciones a propósito de 24 procedimientos.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has gained rapid recognition since publication of the first case in 1992. Currently it is the technique of choice for the surgical treatment of the adrenal gland. Our objective in this paper is to share our experience with this technique and offer some practical advice on how to approach it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 1998 and August 2006 we did a total of 24 laparoscopic adrenalectomies in 22 patients (15 men, 7 women). The right gland was removed in 13 cases and the left in 11. Surgery was bilateral in two cases (one was MEN II, the other bilateral cortical hyperplasia). Average age was 49.5 +/- 14.3 years (range 24 to 78). Clinical diagnosis was: Pheochromocytoma (n = 10), Cushing (n = 6), Conn (n = 4), metastases from lung carcinoma (n = 2) and non-functioning tumor (n = 2). For surgery, all patients were in total lateral decubitus with a pillow to increase the costal-iliac space. We used four trocars on the right side and three on the left. Abdominal access was by Hasson trocar after minilaparotomy. We kept pneumoperitoneal pressure below 12 mmHg; a Veress needle was not used for this procedure. RESULTS: Open surgery was required in one case. Time operation was between 59 and 400 minutes (mean 182 +/- 98 min.). In the first 12 cases average time was 261 +/- 77 minutes and in the final 12 cases was 103 +/- 21 minutes (p < 0.001). Tumour diameter was between 1.3 and 6 cm (mean 3.08 +/- 1.25 cm) and tumour weight was between 8 and 92g (mean 30.13 +/- 21 g). Except in one case with 600 ml blood loss, bleeding was less than 100 ml (n = 23, range: 10-100, mean 43.26 +/- 25ml). We only had intraoperative complications in two cases: perforation of the liver by the laparoscope retractor (at the beginning of the series) and injury to the spleen capsule. Both complications were resolved laparoscopically. Cases by histologic type were: nine cortical adenomas, nine pheochromocytomas, three nodular hyperplasias, two metastases from lung carcinoma, and one adrenal pseudocyst. Discharge from hospital was between three and five days (mean 3.62 +/- 0.82) with a statistical difference (p < 0.001) between twelve first cases and the last ones. CONCLUSIONS: The adrenal laparoscopic approach is currently the technique of choice for removing adrenal tumours although with malign tumours or over 7 cm in diameter there are some contraindications and disadvantages relative to open surgery. There is inevitably a learning curve but satisfactory results are quickly attainable.

[Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Only at centers of expertise]. / Prostatectomía radical laparoscópica. Sólo en centros de excelencia?

OBJECTIVES: To present and evaluate our experience and initial results in radical laparoscopic prostatectomy which we have been using for two and an half years in our General Hospital (covering a total population of 200.000 inhabitants). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between December 2002 and August 2005, were selected 26 patients for radical laparoscopic prostatectomy (25 transperitoneal and 1 extraperitoneal). Mean age was 62.3 +/- 5.3 years (range 52-69). Mean PSA level was 9.16 +/- 4.20 ng/mL (range 5.26 to 24.3). Pre-operative classification was Tlc in 10 patients (38.4%), T2a in 8 (30.8%) and T2b in 8. Mean Gleason Score was 6 +/- 0.8 (range 4-7). Three patients had undergone preoperatively neo-adjuvant hormonal blockage (11.5%). Simultaneous bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed in two patients. In no case did we consider a nerve sparing approach. RESULTS: The procedure was accomplished in 20 patients. Mean follow-up was 12.4 +/- 8.6 months (range 3 - 34). There was no perioperative mortality. Conversion to open surgery was required six times in the ten first cases but not thereafter. Mean operating time for the whole series was 303 +/- 95 minutes (range 150-540) but with a distinct difference between the first fourteen and the last six cases: 332 +/- 92.58 versus 236.6 +/- 66.5 (p<0.02). Mean blood loss was 90.25 +/- 46.5 ml. There were early postoperative complications in 4 patients (15.38%). Final pathological staging was: T2a in three patients (15%), T2b (50%) in 10, T3a (15%) in three and T3b (20%) in four. Positive margins were found in three cases (11.5%): T2b, T3a and T3b. Mean hospitalisation time was 4.7 +/- 3.1 days. Provided there was no urinary leakage, the urinary catheter was removed at 12.7 +/- 2.7 days. Full continence at three months was achieved in 17 of the patients (85%) who had undergone the full laparoscopic procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Our previous experience in other major laparoscopic procedures has allowed us to perform radical laparoscopic prostatectomy with a fast learning curve even in a setting of a relatively low population. Initial long term results seem similar to those achieved with conventional surgery.

Estandarización del inóculo de cladophialophora carrionii por el método espectrofotométrico: para estudios de sensibilidad in vitro de hongos filamentosos / Standarization the inocula of cladophialophora carrionii for spectrophotometric method: by in vitro sensibility studies of filamentous fungi

El crecimiento reciente de infecciones por hongos dermatiácenos y el indiscriminado uso de drogas antifúngicas, motivaron la preparación y estandarización de un producto que cumpla con las normas NCCLS, siguiendo el protocolo M-38P, que garantice un método reproducible, eficaz y sencillo para las pruebas de sensibilidad in vitro. Se obtuvieron 9 aislados de Cladophiarophora carrionii de pacientes con cromomicosis procedentes del Municipio Urdaneta, área endémica del estado Lara, Venezuela. Se trabajó con filtrado de conidias, a partir de un micelio en fase de conidiogénesis, obteniéndose una suspensión de conidas, estandarizadas a 5,5 x 105-1,2 x 106 UFC/ml, cuantificadas en cámara Neubauer. El inóculo fue constatado, realizando siembras en agar glucosado de Sabouraud en cultivo de placas. Con este método se observó un estrecho margen de variabilidad en los aislados estudiados. Es de fácil ejecución mostrando ser útil en las pruebas de sensibilidad in vitro a antifúngicos en hongos demateáceos

[Estimation of the cost in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in Navarre, Spain]. / Aproximación al coste del tratamiento médico de la hiperplasia benigna de próstata en la Comunidad Foral de Navarra.

We evaluate the cost and trends in the medical treatment of out patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia in Navarre (Spain) between 1998/2002. The estimated number of patients increased each year, to 10% of the male population over the age of 50 in 2002, with a cost of Euros 2,557,236 equivalent to 2.4% of the total drug expenditure spending of out patients (Euros 106.6 million). The use of tamsulosin tripled and the cost doubled to Euros 807,467 (31.5%) of the total), while the rest of alpha-blockers, wit the exception of doxazosin, was stationary. Phytotherapy decreased by a third and finasteride follows a slow upward trend. The introduction of reference prices set by the Health Department in 2001 to reduce medical budget, led to an initial decrease in cost, offsetted in the following year due to the incorporation of new patients. In this period, surgery for prostate adenoma diminished from 382 patients in 1998 to 270 in 2002 (-30%).

Aproximación al coste del tratamiento médico de la hiperplasia benigna de próstata en la comunidad foral de Navarra / Estimation of the cost in the medical treatment of bening prostatic hyperplasia in Navarra, Spain

Se estudia el coste y evolución del tratamiento médico ambulatorio de los pacientes afectos de clínica de prostatismo sugestiva de hiperplasia benigna de próstata en la Comunidad Foral de Navarra en el periodo 1998/2002. El número estimado de pacientes en tratamiento se incrementa cada año, llegando al 10% de la población masculina mayor de 50 años en el 2002, con un coste para el ente gestor de 2.557.236 € , el 2,4% del gasto médico farmacéutico extrahospitalario total (106,6 millones €). En dicho periodo, la tamsulosina triplica su uso y dobla el coste hasta los 807.467 € (31,5% del total) mientras que el resto de alfa-bloqueantes, con la excepción de la doxazosina, prácticamente se estacionan. La fitoterapia baja su utilización en casi un tercio y el coste en un 50%. El finasteride mantiene una línea ascendente con una cuota de mercado actual del 15%. La introducción de los precios de referencia el año2001 disminuye inicialmente el gasto, pero esta reducción queda sin efecto ya el año siguiente ante la incorporación de nuevos pacientes en tratamiento. En el mismo periodo, la cirugía por adenoma de próstata (cerrada y abierta) pasó de 265 y 117 pacientes en 1998 a 195 y 75, respectivamente, en el año 2002 (-30%) (AU)

We evaluate the cost and trends in the medical treatment of out patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia in Navarre (Spain) between 1998/2002.The estimated number of patients increased each year, to 10% of the male population over the age of 50in 2002, with a cost of € 2.557.236 equivalent to 2.4% of the total drug expenditure spending of outpatients (€ 106.6 million). The use of tamsulosin tripled and the cost doubled to € 807.467 (31.5%) of the total), while the rest of alpha-blockers, wit the exception of doxazosin, was stationary. Phytotherapy decreased by a third and finasteride follows a slow upward trend. The introduction of reference prices set by the Health Department in 2001 to reduce medical budget, led to an initial decrease in cost, offsetted in the following year due to the incorporation of new patients. In this period, surgery for prostate adenoma diminished from 382 patients in 1998 to 270 in 2002 (-30%) (AU)

Evaluation of lipid profile, macular toxicity and clinical manifestations according to APO E genotype in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with chloroquine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of APO E gene polymorphism over lipid profile, macular toxicity and clinical manifestations in RA and SLE patients treated with chloroquine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 45 RA and 29 SLE patients treated with chloroquine who were classified based on the therapeutic regime of chloroquine into three groups: A) Cumulative dose of 100-300 g, B) >300 g and C) Never received chloroquine. Clinical evaluation, fasting lipid profile, visual field testing and stereoscopic photos of the retina were performed. APO E genotype was determined by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: Reduced apo B levels in RA and SLE according to the cumulative dose of chloroquine 2/3 APO E genotype in a subset of SLE patients were observed. Macular toxicity was independent of both APO E genotype and cumulative chloroquine dose. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced apo B levels were observed associated to chloroquine treatment and 2/3 APO E genotype.