Can resistance prehabilitation training bring additional benefits in valvular cardiac surgery? protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a group of illnesses that include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, congenital heart disease and deep vein thrombosis. Major surgery is often chosen as the treatment of choice for CVD. The concept of fast-track rehabilitation after surgery appeared in the 1970s. Participation in these exercise-based prehabilitation programmes may decrease postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate whether the implementation of an additional resistance training (RT) prehabilitation protocol within cardiac exercises based prehabilitation can reduce intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, postoperative complications and hospital length of stay (LOS). METHODS: A protocol of a prospective, parallel, randomised clinical trial includes 96 adult patients diagnosed with valvular pathology and who have been scheduled for surgery. The participants will be randomly assigned to two groups of 48. Control group will be treated with ventilatory and strengthening of respiratory muscles, and aerobic exercise. Experimental group, in addition, will be treated with RT of peripheral muscles. Both hospital stay and ICU stay will be assessed as main variables. Other secondary variables such as exercise capacity, quality of life and respiratory values will also be assessed. Quantitative variables will be analysed with a T-Test or ANOVA, or Mann Witney if the distribution is non-parametric. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This will be the first controlled clinical study focused on adding strength exercise as an additional treatment during prehabilitation. The results of this study will focus on helping to improve rehabilitation and prehabilitation protocols, considering that it is essential to maintain pulmonary training, as well as the inclusion of peripheral exercises that help people with heart disease to be in a better physical condition in order to increase their participation and sense of quality of life.

Circulation of human coronaviruses OC43 and 229E in Córdoba, Argentina.

This is the first study of respiratory infections in Córdoba, Argentina, caused by endemic human coronavirus (HCoV)-OC43 and HCOV-229E, which circulated during 2011-2012 at a 3% rate, either as single or multiple infections. They were detected mainly in children, but HCoV-229E was also found in adults. HCoV-229E was detected in five out of 631 samples (0.8%), and HCoV-OC43 was found in 14 out of 631 (2.2%) samples. Clinical manifestations ranged from fever to respiratory distress, and a significant association of HCoV-229E with asthma was observed. Further studies and surveillance are needed to provide better clinical insights, early diagnosis, and medical care of patients, as well as to contribute to epidemiology modeling and prevention.

Human Metapneumovirus: Epidemiology and genotype diversity in children and adult patients with respiratory infection in Córdoba, Argentina.

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is responsible for acute respiratory infections in humans, with clinical and epidemiological relevance in pediatric, elderly, and immunocompromised populations. These features are largely unknown in Córdoba, Argentina and in adults in general. Hence, our goal was to broadly characterize hMPV infection in patients of all ages hospitalized with acute respiratory infections in Córdoba, Argentina, including epidemiology, clinical features and genetic diversity. Nasopharyngeal secretions were obtained from 795 patients during 2011-2013, 621 patients were 0-25 years old and 174 were 26-85 years old. HMPV was assayed by RT-PCR and other respiratory viruses by indirect immunofluorescence. Local strains were identified by sequence analysis. Human Metapneumovirus was detected in 20.3% (161/795) patients, 13.1% as single infections and 7.2% in co-infections, more frequently with Respiratory Syncytial Virus. HMPV circulated during late winter and spring in all age patients, but mainly in children under 4 years old in 71.4% (115/161) and adults between 26 and 59 years old in 12.4% (20/161). The most prevalent diagnosis was mild acute respiratory infection in 59.6% (96/161) and bronchiolitis in 9.3% (15/161). Local strains were clustered within A2 subtype; they presented 73-100% identities among them, showing a high degree of homology compared to isolations from neighboring countries. We demonstrate that hMPV circulated among all age patients with respiratory infection during 2011-2013 in Córdoba, contributing to the understanding of this virus, its diagnosis and patient handling in local health-care centers.

Treadmill Walking Combined With Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Parkinson Disease: A Pilot Study of Kinematic and Neurophysiological Effects.

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that combining treadmill walking with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhances the gait improvements associated with treadmill walking in Parkinson disease. We explored the effects of these combined methodologies on corticospinal parameters. DESIGN: Eighteen participants with Parkinson disease were evaluated under the following three conditions: treadmill walking alone (treadmill), treadmill walking combined with anodal tDCS (AtDCS+treadmill) delivered over the motor cortex, and treadmill walking combined with sham stimulation (StDCS+treadmill). Overground walking performance, soleus H-reflex, reciprocal Ia inhibition from the tibialis anterior to the soleus muscle, intracortical facilitation, and short intracortical inhibition of the tibialis anterior muscle, were measured before and after each treadmill condition. The soleus H-reflex and walking performance on the treadmill were also evaluated. RESULTS: All treadmill conditions improved walking performance and modulated spinal and corticospinal parameters in a similar way. However, AtDCS+treadmill lead to a different modulation of reciprocal Ia inhibition in comparison with the other treadmill conditions. CONCLUSIONS: A single session combining treadmill walking and anodal tDCS delivered over the motor cortex resulted in a specific modulation of the reciprocal Ia inhibition from the tibialis anterior to the soleus muscle. However, this acute effect did not result in improvements of gait parameters associated with treadmill walking in Parkinson disease.

[Monoinfection of human Metapneumovirus in Cordoba: first clinical and epidemiological research in children with respiratory infection in 2011]. / Monoinfección de Metapneumovirus humano en Córdoba: primeras investigaciones clínico-epidemiológicas en niños con infección respiratoria en 2011.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) RNA virus discovered in 2001, is a pathogen associated with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children under 5 years; its prevalence ranges from 5-15%. In Córdoba, it is not integrated into the viral research in patients with low IRA (LARI). OBJECTIVE: Detect hMPV in children under 5 years hospitalized for LARI in the Children's Hospital "Santísima Trinidad" of Cordoba (HNC) in 2011 and describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of monoinfecciones without comorbidity. POPULATION AND METHOD: Prospective, observational study. It includes (informed consent) children under 5 years with LARI of HNC from January to December 2011. The viral detection was performed using immunofluorescence of nasopharyngeal aspirate secretions. Demographic, epidemiological and clinical data of positive cases were recorded. RESULTS: Of 223 patients enrolled, respiratory viruses were detected in 74 (33.2%). HMPV prevalence was 4.04% (9/223), representing the 2nd place with Parainfluenza 3 (4.04%) after RSV (19.73%). Season from July to December. The average age for hMPV was 7.4 ± 6.8 months (0-60 months), 4/9 males. The average hospital stay in days was 5.6 ± 0.5 and prodrome days: 1.9 days ± 0.6. All patients require oxygen therapy (3.9 ± 1.3 days) without mechanical ventilation. Diagnosis of bronchiolitis cases occurred in 5/9 and 4/9 pneumonia. No complications at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: First report to document the presence of hMPV in child population of Cordoba. Its prevalence in 2011 was 4, 04%. Among monoinfecciones no fatalities or complications at discharge were recorded.

Metapneumovirus humano (MPVh), virus ARN descubierto en 2001, es un patógeno relacionado con infección respiratoria aguda (IRA) en menores de 5 años; su prevalencia oscila entre el 5-15%. En Córdoba no está integrado a la pesquisa viral en pacientes con IRA baja (IRAB). Objetivo. Detectar MPVh en menores de 5 años hospitalizados por IRAB en el Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad de Córdoba (HNC) durante el 2011 y describir características clínico-epidemiológicas de las monoinfecciones sin comorbilidad previa. Población y método. Estudio prospectivo, observacional. Participaron (consentimiento informado) menores de 5 años con IRAB del HNC desde enero a diciembre de 2011. La detección viral se realizó con Inmunofluorescencia de aspirado de secreciones nasofaríngeas. Se registraron datos demográficos, epidemiológicos y clínicos de los casos positivos. Resultados. De 223 pacientes incluidos, se detectó algún virus respiratorio en 74 (33,2%). La prevalencia de MPVh fue de 4,04% (9/223), representando el 2° lugar con Parainfluenza 3 (4,04 %), luego de VRS (19,73%). Estacionalidad julio-diciembre. La edad media para MPVh fue de 7,4±6,8 meses (0 a 60 meses), 4/9 varones. La media de hospitalización fue de 5,6±0,5 días, y de pródromo 1,9±0,6 días. Todos requirieron oxigenoterapia (3,9±1,3 días) sin asistencia respiratoria mecánica. Diagnóstico de bronquiolitis en 5/9 casos y neumonía en 4/9. Sin complicaciones al alta. Conclusiones. Primer trabajo en documentar la presencia de MPVh en población infantil de Córdoba. Su prevalencia durante el 2011 fue del 4, 04 %. Entre las monoinfecciones no se registraron casos fatales ni complicaciones al momento del alta.

[Pertussis predictors in hospitalized infants with acute lower respiratory tract infection]. / Predictores de coqueluche al ingreso en lactantes hospitalizados con infección respiratoria aguda baja.

BACKGROUND: Pertussis, or whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis (BP) is a re-emerging problem in our environment. Although generally considered that the disease is relatively easy to identify infections respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can present with similar symptoms in infants remains difficult discrimination. OBJECTIVE: Compare clinical symptoms at admission and complementary studies in infants hospitalized with acute respiratory infection (ARI) and RSV by BP to establish markers that enable their early clinical prediction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, analytical, case-crossover cross comparing younger than 6 months hospitalized with suspected IRA and pertussis (2007-2012) in which BP identified (PCR and culture) and / or VRS (immunofluorescence in nasal secretions). Coinfections were excluded. Bivariate analysis was performed by calculating OR with 95% CI. Were considered significant at p <0.05. The variables studied were age, sex, hits cough, cyanosis, vomiting, apnea, wheezing and CBC with differential RESULTS: We included 174 infants, 72 (41%) BP and 102 (59%) VRS. Age 2 ± 1 months (range :1-6). In both groups was documented cough and wheeze (OR: 1.2 (0.9 to 1.5) p: 0.1 and OR = 0.9 (0.8 to 1.06) p: 0.2, respectively ). Cyanosis (87% vs. 6%, OR: 14.8 p <0.01), apnea (38% vs. 3%, OR: 13.4 p <0.01) and vomiting (26% vs. 5% , OR: 3.4 p <0.01) were more frequent in infants with BP. The absolute lymphocyte count was significantly higher in children with BP (9387 ± 6317 vs. 5127 ± 2766, p <0.01). By ROC curve was identified at 9000 cells / ml as the best point to differentiate VSR BP (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI :0,64-0, 81). CONCLUSIONS: In infants under 6 months with IRA income presence of apnea, cyanosis and lymphocytosis allowing predict significantly differentiate between pertussis those with RSV infections.

Antecedentes. La tos ferina o coqueluche, producida por Bordetella pertussis (BP) representa un problema re-emergente en nuestro medio. Aunque suele considerarse que la enfermedad es relativamente fácil de identificar, las infecciones por Virus Respiratorio Sincicial (VRS) pueden presentarse con síntomas similares en los lactantes siendo difícil su discriminación. Objetivo. Comparar síntomas clínicos y estudios complementarios al ingreso en lactantes hospitalizados con infección respiratoria aguda (IRA) por BP y por VSR a fin de establecer marcadores que posibiliten su predicción clínica temprana. Material y método. Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal de casos cruzados, comparando menores de 6 meses internados por IRA y sospecha de coqueluche (2007-2012) en los que se identificó BP (PCR y cultivo) y/o VRS (inmunofluorescencia en secreciones nasales); se excluyeron los pacientes con coinfecciones. Se realizó un análisis bivariado mediante el cálculo de OR con IC95%. Se consideró significativo un valor de p<0,05. Las variables en estudio fueron: edad, sexo, tos en accesos, cianosis, vómitos, apneas, sibilancias y hemograma completo con fórmula leucocitaria Resultados. Se incluyeron 174 lactantes; 72 (41%) BP y 102 (59%) VRS. Edad 2±1 mes (Rango:1-6). En ambos grupos se documentó tos y sibilancias (OR:1,2 (0,9-1,5) p:0,1 y OR:0,9 (0,8-1,06) p:0,2, respectivamente). Cianosis (87% vs. 6%;OR:14,8 p<0,01), apnea (38% vs. 3%;OR:13,4 p<0,01) y vómitos (26% vs. 5%;OR:3,4 p<0,01) fueron más frecuentes en lactantes con BP. El recuento absoluto de linfocitos fue significativamente mayor en niños con BP (9387±6317 vs. 5127±2766;p<0,01). Por curva ROC se identificó a 9000 cel/ml como el mejor punto para diferenciar BP de VSR (abc= 0,73; IC95%:0,64-0,81). Conclusiones. En lactantes menores de 6 meses con IRA la presencia al ingreso de apnea, cianosis y linfocitosis predicen significativamente coqueluche permitiendo diferenciarlos de aquellos con infecciones por VRS.

[Comparison of glycemic control in diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome]. / Comparación del control glucémico en pacientes diabéticos con y sin síndrome metabólico.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the glycemic level patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with and without Metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODOLOGY: cross sectional study. Included patients randomly DM2 corroborated in your clinical record. The SM was identified in patients with at least 3 of 5 criteria of ATP III (Adult Treatment Panel III). A questionnaire was structured. Hemoglobin was determined (HbA1c), HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension (HBP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hip (NCC). RESULTS: 283 patients were included. Mean age was 59.8 ± 10.6. The predominant sex was female (73.6%). SM Criteria were : low HDL: 62.9%; hypertriglyceridemia: 56.3%; obesity abdominal (OA) 90.1%, hypertension (HBP): 62.5%. The prevalence of MS was 86.6% (95% CI 83% to 89%). There was significant difference in mean HbA1c level in patients with and without MS, HAS, OR, and low HDL. In contrast, subjects with hypertriglyceridemia had an HbA1c level significantly higher than those without hypertriglyceridemia (8.9% 2.3 vs 8.5% 2.1, respectively, P = 0.01). HbA1c is positively correlated with triglycerides (r = 0.24, p = 0.001), and negatively with weight (r = -0.19, p = 0.001), BMI (r = -0172, p = 0.004), CCI (r = -0.12, P = 0.004) and CCA (r = -0.14, p = 0.02). In adjusted multivariate analysis, only the duration of diabetes was associated with glycemic level (OR = 1.014, 95% in 1.010 to 1.016). CONCLUSIONS: We not found differences significant glycemic level in patients with and without MS.

Objetivo: Comparar el nivel glucémico en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 (DM2) con y sin síndrome metabólico (SM). Metodología: Estudio transversal analítico. Se incluyeron aleatoriamente pacientes con DM2 corroborado en su expediente clínico. El SM se identificó en pacientes con al menos 3 de 5 criterios del ATP III (AdultTreatment Panel III). Se aplicó un cuestionario estructurado. Se determinó hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c), colesterol-HDL, triglicéridos, hipertensión arterial sistémica (HAS), índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia de cintura (CCi) y cadera (CCa). Plan de análisis: prevalencia, prueba t de Student, correlación de Pearson y regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyeron 283 pacientes. Edad promedio: 59.8±10.6 años. Predominó el sexo femenino (73.6%)Criterios cubiertos para SM: hipocolesterolemia-HDL: 62.9%; hipertrigliceridemia: 56.3%; obesidad abdominal (OA) 90.1%; hipertensión arterial sistémica (HAS): 62.5%. La prevalencia de SM fue 86.6% (IC95% 83% a 89%). No hubo diferencia significativa en el promedio de HbA1c en pacientes con y sin SM, HAS, OA, e hipocolesterolemia-HDL. En cambio, sujetos con hipertrigliceridemia tuvieron un promedio significativamente mayor de HbA1c que aquellos sin hipertrigliceridemia (8.9±2.3 vs 8.5±2.1, respectivamente; p=0.01). HbA1c correlacionó positivamente con trigliceridemia (r=0.24, p=0.001), y negativamente con el peso (r= -0.19, p=0.001), IMC (r= -0.172, p=0.004), CCi (r= -0.12, p=0.004) y CCa (r=-0.14, p=0.02). En el análisis multivariado ajustado, solamente la duración de la diabetes se asoció con el nivel glucémico (OR= 1.014, IC95% 1.010 a 1.016). Conclusiones: No encontramos diferencias significativas en el nivel glucémico en pacientes con y sin SM.

Predictores de coqueluche al ingreso en lactantes hospitalizados con infección respiratoria aguda baja. / [Pertussis predictors in hospitalized infants with acute lower respiratory tract infection].

BACKGROUND: Pertussis, or whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis (BP) is a re-emerging problem in our environment. Although generally considered that the disease is relatively easy to identify infections respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can present with similar symptoms in infants remains difficult discrimination. OBJECTIVE: Compare clinical symptoms at admission and complementary studies in infants hospitalized with acute respiratory infection (ARI) and RSV by BP to establish markers that enable their early clinical prediction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, analytical, case-crossover cross comparing younger than 6 months hospitalized with suspected IRA and pertussis (2007-2012) in which BP identified (PCR and culture) and / or VRS (immunofluorescence in nasal secretions). Coinfections were excluded. Bivariate analysis was performed by calculating OR with 95

CI. Were considered significant at p <0.05. The variables studied were age, sex, hits cough, cyanosis, vomiting, apnea, wheezing and CBC with differential RESULTS: We included 174 infants, 72 (41

) BP and 102 (59

) VRS. Age 2 ± 1 months (range :1-6). In both groups was documented cough and wheeze (OR: 1.2 (0.9 to 1.5) p: 0.1 and OR = 0.9 (0.8 to 1.06) p: 0.2, respectively ). Cyanosis (87

vs. 6

, OR: 14.8 p <0.01), apnea (38

vs. 3

, OR: 13.4 p <0.01) and vomiting (26

vs. 5

, OR: 3.4 p <0.01) were more frequent in infants with BP. The absolute lymphocyte count was significantly higher in children with BP (9387 ± 6317 vs. 5127 ± 2766, p <0.01). By ROC curve was identified at 9000 cells / ml as the best point to differentiate VSR BP (AUC = 0.73, 95

CI :0,64-0, 81). CONCLUSIONS: In infants under 6 months with IRA income presence of apnea, cyanosis and lymphocytosis allowing predict significantly differentiate between pertussis those with RSV infections.

Comparación del control glucémico en pacientes diabéticos con y sin síndrome metabólico. / [Comparison of glycemic control in diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the glycemic level patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with and without Metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODOLOGY: cross sectional study. Included patients randomly DM2 corroborated in your clinical record. The SM was identified in patients with at least 3 of 5 criteria of ATP III (Adult Treatment Panel III). A questionnaire was structured. Hemoglobin was determined (HbA1c), HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension (HBP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hip (NCC). RESULTS: 283 patients were included. Mean age was 59.8 ± 10.6. The predominant sex was female (73.6

). SM Criteria were : low HDL: 62.9

; hypertriglyceridemia: 56.3

; obesity abdominal (OA) 90.1

, hypertension (HBP): 62.5

. The prevalence of MS was 86.6

(95

CI 83

to 89

). There was significant difference in mean HbA1c level in patients with and without MS, HAS, OR, and low HDL. In contrast, subjects with hypertriglyceridemia had an HbA1c level significantly higher than those without hypertriglyceridemia (8.9

2.3 vs 8.5

2.1, respectively, P = 0.01). HbA1c is positively correlated with triglycerides (r = 0.24, p = 0.001), and negatively with weight (r = -0.19, p = 0.001), BMI (r = -0172, p = 0.004), CCI (r = -0.12, P = 0.004) and CCA (r = -0.14, p = 0.02). In adjusted multivariate analysis, only the duration of diabetes was associated with glycemic level (OR = 1.014, 95

in 1.010 to 1.016). CONCLUSIONS: We not found differences significant glycemic level in patients with and without MS.

Predictores de coqueluche al ingreso en lactantes hospitalizados con infección respiratoria aguda baja / [Pertussis predictors in hospitalized infants with acute lower respiratory tract infection].

BACKGROUND: Pertussis, or whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis (BP) is a re-emerging problem in our environment. Although generally considered that the disease is relatively easy to identify infections respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can present with similar symptoms in infants remains difficult discrimination. OBJECTIVE: Compare clinical symptoms at admission and complementary studies in infants hospitalized with acute respiratory infection (ARI) and RSV by BP to establish markers that enable their early clinical prediction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, analytical, case-crossover cross comparing younger than 6 months hospitalized with suspected IRA and pertussis (2007-2012) in which BP identified (PCR and culture) and / or VRS (immunofluorescence in nasal secretions). Coinfections were excluded. Bivariate analysis was performed by calculating OR with 95

CI. Were considered significant at p <0.05. The variables studied were age, sex, hits cough, cyanosis, vomiting, apnea, wheezing and CBC with differential RESULTS: We included 174 infants, 72 (41

) BP and 102 (59

) VRS. Age 2 ± 1 months (range :1-6). In both groups was documented cough and wheeze (OR: 1.2 (0.9 to 1.5) p: 0.1 and OR = 0.9 (0.8 to 1.06) p: 0.2, respectively ). Cyanosis (87

, OR: 13.4 p <0.01) and vomiting (26

, OR: 3.4 p <0.01) were more frequent in infants with BP. The absolute lymphocyte count was significantly higher in children with BP (9387 ± 6317 vs. 5127 ± 2766, p <0.01). By ROC curve was identified at 9000 cells / ml as the best point to differentiate VSR BP (AUC = 0.73, 95

CI :0,64-0, 81). CONCLUSIONS: In infants under 6 months with IRA income presence of apnea, cyanosis and lymphocytosis allowing predict significantly differentiate between pertussis those with RSV infections.

Comparación del control glucémico en pacientes diabéticos con y sin síndrome metabólico / [Comparison of glycemic control in diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the glycemic level patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with and without Metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODOLOGY: cross sectional study. Included patients randomly DM2 corroborated in your clinical record. The SM was identified in patients with at least 3 of 5 criteria of ATP III (Adult Treatment Panel III). A questionnaire was structured. Hemoglobin was determined (HbA1c), HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension (HBP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hip (NCC). RESULTS: 283 patients were included. Mean age was 59.8 ± 10.6. The predominant sex was female (73.6

. The prevalence of MS was 86.6

). There was significant difference in mean HbA1c level in patients with and without MS, HAS, OR, and low HDL. In contrast, subjects with hypertriglyceridemia had an HbA1c level significantly higher than those without hypertriglyceridemia (8.9

2.1, respectively, P = 0.01). HbA1c is positively correlated with triglycerides (r = 0.24, p = 0.001), and negatively with weight (r = -0.19, p = 0.001), BMI (r = -0172, p = 0.004), CCI (r = -0.12, P = 0.004) and CCA (r = -0.14, p = 0.02). In adjusted multivariate analysis, only the duration of diabetes was associated with glycemic level (OR = 1.014, 95

in 1.010 to 1.016). CONCLUSIONS: We not found differences significant glycemic level in patients with and without MS.

Cancer in the Azores: initial results from a recently established population-based cancer registry.

INTRODUCTION: The Azores archipelago has long been the Portuguese region that presents the highest mortality rates for certain cancers. Lack of incidence data has prevented the evaluation of the actual burden of this disease in the Azorean population. METHODS: Malignant tumours (ICD-O 5th Digit /3) initially diagnosed between the January 1st 2000 and December 31st 2002 were retrieved from the database of the recently established population-based cancer registry. Crude, age-specific and age-standardized rates were calculated and confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson approximation. Relative risks of developing cancer in the Azores when compared to mainland Portugal have been represented by standardized ratios. Quality indicators, including Mortality:Incidence (M:I) ratios, were also assessed. RESULTS: Overall, the data shows a high incidence rate for some malignant diseases, specifically in men. Compared to those living in mainland Portugal, both Azorean men (RR 1.412; 99% CI 1.407-1.416) and women (1.127; 1.125-1.129) presented a significantly higher risk of developing cancer, all sites combined. When compared with other cancer registries, a less favourable cancer survival pattern is reported in the Azores, as emphasized by higher M:I ratios for several cancer sites. CONCLUSIONS: A preliminary analysis of the results suggests the presence of some major risk factors in the Azorean population, namely tobacco smoking in men. Higher M:I ratios would also point to survival disparities between the Azores archipelago and the continent, which should be further studied.

Use of adhesive tape for temporary management of inturned upper eyelid eyelashes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of adhesive tape for temporary management of inturned upper eyelid eyelashes. METHODS: In a prospective, consecutive, comparative, nonrandomized, interventional case series, 50 patients (100 eyes) had inturned eyelashes with at least 1 of 3 symptoms: foreign body sensation, itchiness, and tearing. Transpore tape was applied to the right upper eyelid of each patient; the left eye was used as a control. A questionnaire was used to assess relief or persistence of the symptoms before, during, and after tape adhesion. RESULTS: Analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the study and control groups (P = .002). Tukey honestly significant difference analysis revealed a significant difference in symptoms before and during tape adhesion and a significant difference during and after tape adhesion. Symptoms in the control eye remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Use of adhesive tape can be an effective temporary measure for relief of symptoms of inturned upper eyelid eyelashes.

Cancer in the Azores: initial results from a recently established population-based cancer registry / Câncer nos Açores: primeiros resultados de um registro oncológico de base populacional recentemente criado

INTRODUCTION: The Azores archipelago has long been the Portuguese region that presents the highest mortality rates for certain cancers. Lack of incidence data has prevented the evaluation of the actual burden of this disease in the Azorean population. METHODS: Malignant tumours (ICD-O 5th Digit /3) initially diagnosed between the January 1st 2000 and December 31st 2002 were retrieved from the database of the recently established population-based cancer registry. Crude, age-specific and age-standardized rates were calculated and confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson approximation. Relative risks of developing cancer in the Azores when compared to mainland Portugal have been represented by standardized ratios. Quality indicators, including Mortality:Incidence (M:I) ratios, were also assessed. RESULTS: Overall, the data shows a high incidence rate for some malignant diseases, specifically in men. Compared to those living in mainland Portugal, both Azorean men (RR 1.412; 99% CI 1.407-1.416) and women (1.127; 1.125-1.129) presented a significantly higher risk of developing cancer, all sites combined. When compared with other cancer registries, a less favourable cancer survival pattern is reported in the Azores, as emphasized by higher M:I ratios for several cancer sites. CONCLUSIONS: A preliminary analysis of the results suggests the presence of some major risk factors in the Azorean population, namely tobacco smoking in men. Higher M:I ratios would also point to survival disparities between the Azores archipelago and the continent, which should be further studied.

INTRODUÇÃO: O arquipélago dos Açores é a região Portuguesa a apresentar as mais elevadas taxas de mortalidade por câncer desde há alguns anos. A ausência de dados de incidência tem constituído um obstáculo ao conhecimento da distribuição da doença oncológica na população açoriana. METODOLOGIA: Todos os tumores malignos (5º dígito da ICD-O: /3) diagnosticados pela primeira vez entre 1 de Janeiro de 2000 e 31 de Dezembro de 2002 foram retirados da base de dados do Registo Oncológico Regional dos Açores. Foram calculadas as taxas brutas, específicas por idade e padronizadas, e estimados os respectivos intervalos de confiança, bem como os riscos relativos de desenvolver câncer nos Açores, em relação a Portugal continental. Finalmente, foram estabelecidos alguns indicadores de qualidade do Registo, como a razão mortalidade:incidência. RESULTADOS: Em termos globais, os resultados demonstram que alguns cânceres, sobretudo nos homens, apresentam taxas de incidência relativamente elevadas. Considerando todas as localizações, quer os homens (RR 1.412; 99% IC 1.407-1.416) quer as mulheres açorianas (1.127; 1.125-1.129) apresentaram um risco significativamente maior de desenvolver câncer, quando comparados com Portugal continental. No que respeita à razão mortalidade:incidência, os resultados poderão eventualmente apontar para padrões de sobrevivência mais desfavoráveis nos Açores relativamente a outras regiões europeias, incluindo o continente. CONCLUSÃO: Uma análise preliminar dos resultados aponta para a existência de fatores de risco, como o consumo de tabaco, a contribuir para a elevada incidência de câncer do pulmão nos homens açorianos. Eventuais disparidades na sobrevivência por câncer entre os Açores e o continente deverão também ser futuramente estudadas.

High prevalence of human bocavirus 1 in infants with lower acute respiratory tract disease in Argentina, 2007-2009.

UNLABELLED: Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a parvovirus whose association with respiratory disease is currently under investigation. OBJECTIVE: To determine HBoV prevalence in children with lower acute respiratory infection. METHODS: We investigated HBoV in 433 nasopharyngeal aspirates collected in 2007-2009 from children 0 to 5 years old hospitalized with bronchiolitis or pneumonia in Córdoba, Argentina. RESULTS: The general prevalence of HBoV was 21.5% and the positive cases (HBoV+) were more frequent during winter and spring. The mean age of HBoV+ patients was 6.9 months, with 87.1% of the detections corresponding to infants less than 1 year old (among which the prevalence of HBoV was 26.3% in patients < 3 months of age, 22.1% in 3 to 6 months, 25.3% in 6 to 9 months, and 18.8% in 9 to 12 months). The sequence analysis of the NP1 coding region of 15 isolates showed that all isolates from Cordoba were HBoV1 which exhibited a homology of nearly 100% both among themselves and with the originally discovered virus from 2005. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results indicate that HBoV is a significant pathogen that contributes to acute respiratory infection both on its own and during coinfection with other viruses.

High prevalence of human bocavirus 1 in infants with lower acute respiratory tract disease in Argentina, 2007 - 2009

Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a parvovirus whose association with respiratory disease is currently under investigation. OBJECTIVE: To determine HBoV prevalence in children with lower acute respiratory infection. METHODS: We investigated HBoV in 433 nasopharyngeal aspirates collected in 2007-2009 from children 0 to 5 years old hospitalized with bronchiolitis or pneumonia in Córdoba, Argentina. RESULTS: The general prevalence of HBoV was 21.5 percent and the positive cases (HBoV+) were more frequent during winter and spring. The mean age of HBoV+ patients was 6.9 months, with 87.1 percent of the detections corresponding to infants less than 1 year old (among which the prevalence of HBoV was 26.3 percent in patients < 3 months of age, 22.1 percent in 3 to 6 months, 25.3 percent in 6 to 9 months, and 18.8 percent in 9 to 12 months). The sequence analysis of the NP1 coding region of 15 isolates showed that all isolates from Cordoba were HBoV1 which exhibited a homology of nearly 100 percent both among themselves and with the originally discovered virus from 2005. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results indicate that HBoV is a significant pathogen that contributes to acute respiratory infection both on its own and during coinfection with other viruses.

High frequency of human bocavirus 1 DNA in infants and adults with lower acute respiratory infection.

Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a parvovirus with a possible aetiological role in respiratory disease that is currently under investigation. We detected HBoV1 in children and adults hospitalized with acute disease of the lower respiratory tract. HBoV genome was detected by PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs collected from 75 patients aged 0-89 years during 2010. HBoV was found in 17/75 (22.7 %) patients, 64.7 % of them infants younger than 1 year old and 29.4 % adults older than 30 years [the bimodal age distribution among HBoV-positive (HBoV(+)) patients was statistically significant, P<0.001]. Of all HBoV(+) cases, 35.3 % were co-infected; all co-infections occurred in children (≤13 years old) and 83.3 % of them were HBoV-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) co-infections. Among infants younger than 1 year, 50 % HBoV(+) specimens were co-infected, all of them with RSV. The rate of co-infection in infants was significantly higher compared to the frequency of co-infection in the whole cohort (P = 0.003). The results suggest that HBoV1 is involved in acute respiratory disease. Interplay between HBoV1 and RSV cannot be discarded as a cause of elevated percentages of co-detections in infants.

Ocular findings in volcanic fog induced conjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ocular signs and symptoms of patients complaining of eye irritation due to volcanic fog (vog). METHODS: The study utilized a non-comparative, retrospective chart review of 30 patients who had a chief complaint of eye irritation, which the subjects attributed to vog. Ocular signs and symptoms are described and related to the ambient concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), particulate matter sized 2.5 microns (PM(2.5)), and vog visibility in O'ahu during the period of the study. RESULTS: Ocular signs noted were conjunctival injection (100%), clear mucous discharge (100%), papillary reaction (100%), punctal edema (80%), eyelid swelling (73.3%) and chemosis (63.3%). Ocular symptoms were itchiness (100%), foreign body sensation (100%), tearing (96.6%) and burning sensation (90%). All patients had concurrent respiratory symptoms. During the period of study, the highest 24-hour average concentration of particulate matter sized 2.5 microns (PM(2.5)) was 49.04 µg/m(3) and vog was visually present. CONCLUSIONS: Patients complaining of eye irritation due to vog have observable ocular signs and symptoms.

[Design of a simple score to predict the etiology of pneumonia in children]. / Diseño de una regla de prediccion simple para la presunción de etiología en niños con neumonía.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of pneumonia is important to indicate antibiotics. A clinical prediction score (RP) has been designed, although the radiological interpretation is not easy. OBJECTIVE: To design a simple prediction score (PRs) to identify etiology in children with pneumonia, including radiological patterns, clinical and laboratory features. METHODS: Cross sectional study. We prospectively included children under 5 years hospitalized for pneumonia with microbiological evidence (2007-2008). According to the RP, were allocated 3 points when the temperature value was ≥ 39 º C, 2 when the patient age was ≥ 9 months, 2 when the number of neutrophils was 8000/mm3 and 1 when the immature neutrophils number was ≥ 5%. Radiography was evaluated as one point when consolidation was diagnosed and 0 point when pleural effusion or other infiltrations were present. RPS range was from 0 to 9 points. We determined the best cutoff for predicting bacterial pneumonia (ROC) and was calculated based on the same sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative (NPV) and positive likelihood ratio ( RVP) and negative (NLR). RESULTS: 196 patients (viral: 82%, bacteria: 18%), 8.7 ± 10 months. We identified a score ≥ 3 (auROCc = 0.87 95% CI 0.81 to 0.94) as the best point to predict bacterial pneumonia (S: 88.6%, E: 68.9%, PPV: 38.3 %, NPV: 96.5% RVP: 2.85; RPN: 0.17). CONCLUSION: The PRs showed an acceptable performance, but less sensitive than the original score to predict bacterial pneumonia. Although this tool may be easily applied, it should be validated in future studies.

[Antibiotics prescription in infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia]. / Prescripción de antibióticos en lactantes hospitalizados con neumonía por virus sincicial respiratorio.

INTRODUCTION: Although not useful, antibiotics are commonly prescribed in infants with viral pneumonia. OBJECTIVE: To compare initial prescription and suspension rates of antibiotics in infants hospitalized with pneumonia by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 2002, when introducing the viral testing, and in 2007, after 5 years of this practice. POPULATION AND METHODS: Children aged under 13 months hospitalized for RSV pneumonia during two years (2002 and 2007) were included. Prescription and discontinuation of antibiotics were registered. Data were analyzed using Chi squared and T tests, assuming p <0.05 as significance level. RESULTS: Antibiotics were prescribed in 57% (40/70) of patients in 2002 and 46% of then (29/63) in 2007. After achieving RSV diagnosis, antibiotics were more frequently discontinued in 2007 than in 2002 (31/63 vs. 14/70; p= 0.012; OR: 3.73; IC 95%:1.1512.49). CONCLUSION: Although antibiotic empirical prescription rate was similar in both periods, after achieving RSV diagnosis antibiotics were more frequently discontinued in 2007.