Percutaneous Coronary Intervention VersusMyocardial Revascularization Surgery inMultivessel Coronary Artery Disease: Four-Year Followup.

INTRODUCTION: In Cuba, 29,939 deaths from ischemic heart disease were recorded in 2020. Myocardial revascularization surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention are well-established methods of treating patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. These methods can reduce overall deaths, but choosing the optimal strategy for treating left main coronary ischemia is a source of debate among specialists. OBJECTIVE: Estimate survival and major cardiac and cerebrovascular events in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention versus myocardial revascularization surgery and their relationships with pre-existing patients' clinical and angiographic characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 41 patients; 35 men and 6 women aged 40-85 years who had been diagnosed with multivessel coronary artery disease and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (n = 17) or myocardial revascularization surgery (n = 24) at the Medical-Surgical Research Center in Havana, Cuba, in 2016. The main variable under consideration was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events over a four-year period following these interventions. We collected clinical and angiographic characteristics, and used the Kaplan-Meier test to calculate survival curves. Survival probabilities were compared using the log-rank test. A value of p ⟨ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio, with 95% confidence intervals used for both procedures. RESULTS: There were a total of 20 major adverse cardiovascular events, 75% (15/20) of which occurred in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and 5% in patients who had myocardial revascularization surgery. The probability of survival was 70.6% in surgery and 37.5% in interventionism; p = 0.043; hazard ratio 1.58 (95% confidence interval 0.987-2.530), p = 0.047. The need to repeat a revascularization procedure was the only major cardiovascular event that showed significant differences between methods (log-rank p = 0.015), and was more frequent in percutaneous intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial revascularization surgery offers a better chance of survival than percutaneous coronary intervention. Major adverse cardiovascular events are more frequent in patients with coronary interventionism, due to the need to repeat revascularization.

Aneurisma de aorta abdominal. Un dolor desleal. / Abdominal aortic aneurysm. Unfair pain

El aneurisma de aorta abdominal (AAA) es una patología vascular que consiste en una dilatación superior al 50% del diámetro normal del vaso o un diámetro mayor o igual a 3 cm, debido a un debilitamiento de su pared vascular. Su localización más frecuente esen la porción infrarrenal de la aorta ya que es una zona sometida a importantes fuerzas hemodinámicas 1,2.La prevalencia varía en función de la edad, el sexo (6 veces más frecuente en varones), los antecedentes familiares de aneurisma(aumenta el riesgo 2 veces de padecer un AAA), el tabaquismo (hasta 7 veces más riesgo), la hipertensión arterial, la dislipemia y laenfermedad arterial periférica. Existen estudios que sugieren que la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 tiene un efecto protector y que el peso yalgunas patologías respiratorias, como la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), no influyen en el crecimiento aneurismático3,4.A continuación presentamos el caso de un paciente con un destacable antecedente oncológico que presentó un aneurisma de aortaabdominal poniéndose de manifiesto a través de un dolor lumbar. Se trata de un caso clínico que nos obliga a establecer un amplioabanico de diagnósticos diferenciales del dolor lumbar y cómo abordar con nuevas técnicas terapéuticas un aneurisma de aortaabdominal. (AU)

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular pathology that consists of a dilation greater than 50% of the normal diameter ofthe vessel or a diameter greater than or equal to 3 cm, due to a weakening of its vascular wall. Its most frequent location is in theinfrarenal portion of the aorta since it is an area subjected to important hemodynamic forces 1,2.Prevalence varies depending on age, sex (6 times more frequent in males), family history of aneurysm (increases the risk of AAA 2times), smoking (up to 7 times more risk), high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and peripheral artery disease. There are studies that suggest that type 2 diabetes mellitus has a protective effect and that weight and some respiratory pathologies, such as chronic obstructivepulmonary disease (COPD), do not influence aneurysmal growth 3,4.Below we present the case of a patient with a remarkable oncological history who presented an abdominal aortic aneurysm manifesting itself through low back pain. This is a clinical case that forces us to establish a wide range of differential diagnoses of low backpain and how to approach an abdominal aortic aneurysm with new therapeutic techniques. (AU)

Current Situation and Prognostic Evolution of Combined Heart-lung Transplantation in a European Union Country.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the entire experience in heart-lung transplantation (HLTx) in a country of the European Union with 47 million inhabitants according to the etiologies that motivated the procedure. Methods: A retrospective study on 1,751 consecutive transplants (HLTx: 78) was performed from 1990 to 2020 in two centers. Overall survival, adjusted for clinical profile and etiological subgroups, was compared. 7 subgroups were considered: 1) Cardiomyopathy with pulmonary hypertension (CM + PH). 2) Eisenmenger syndrome. 3) Congenital heart disease (CHD). 4) Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). 5) Cystic fibrosis. 6) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/Emphysema. 7) Diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD). Results: Early mortality was 44% and that of the rest of the follow-up was 31%. There were differences between HTLx and HTx in survival, also comparing groups with a similar clinical profile with propensity score (p= 0.04). Median survival was low in CM + PH (18 days), ILD (29 days) and CHD (114 days), intermediate in Eisenmenger syndrome (600 days), and longer in IPAH, COPD/Emphysema and cystic fibrosis. Conclusion: HLTx has a high mortality. The etiological analysis is of the utmost interest to make the most of the organs and improve survival.

Evolución de los pacientes con edema pulmonar cardiogénico tratados con ventilación no invasiva en emergencias

RESUMEN Introducción: El edema agudo del pulmón es frecuente en urgencias y la ventilación no invasiva es una nueva modalidad de soporte ventilatorio que se utiliza en su tratamiento. Objetivo: Describir las variaciones de los parámetros clínicos, ventilatorios y hemogasométricos en pacientes con edema pulmonar cardiogénico tratados con ventilación no invasiva. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal con 54 pacientes con edema agudo de pulmón ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Emergentes del Hospital Provincial Saturnino Lora, de la ciudad de Santiago de Cuba, en el período comprendido desde enero de 2019 hasta enero de 2020. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino con el 70,4% de los enfermos, y la edad promedio fue de 62 años. El 90,7% de los enfermos tuvieron éxito en la técnica aplicado. Luego de 1 hora de tratamiento existió una mejoría de todos los parámetros clínicos y hemogasométricos, excepto el bicarbonato de sodio. Se necesitaron valores mayores de PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure) en los pacientes donde fracasó del tratamiento ventilatorio impuesto y la frecuencia de aplicación de la técnica fue mayor en los enfermos que tuvieron éxito. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con edema agudo del pulmón, tratados con ventilación no invasiva, evolucionaron de manera favorable con mejoría de los parámetros clínicos, ventilatorios y hemogasométricos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute pulmonary edema is frequently treated in emergency departments and non-invasive ventilation is a new modality of ventilatory support used in its treatment. Objective: To describe the variations in clinical, ventilatory and hemogasometric parameters in patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema treated with non-invasive ventilation. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out on 54 patients with acute pulmonary edema admitted to the Emergency Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital Provincial Saturnino Lora, in the city of Santiago de Cuba, from January 2019 to January 2020. Results: Males (70.4% of patients) prevailed and mean age was 62 years old. The applied technique was successful in 90.7% of patients. After one hour of treatment there was an improvement in all clinical and hemogasometric parameters, except in sodium bicarbonate. Higher PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure) values were required in patients where the technique failed and the frequency of the technique application was higher in patients where it was successful. Conclusions: Patients with acute pulmonary edema, treated with non-invasive ventilation, evolved favorably with improvement in clinical, ventilatory and hemogasometric parameters.

Morbilidad por COVID-19: análisis de los aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y diagnósticos / COVID-19 morbidity: analysis of epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects

Introducción: En marzo de 2020 la OMS declaró pandemia a la COVID-19, enfermedad causada por el virus denominado SARS-CoV-2. Cuba, hasta el 9 de junio, reportó 2211 casos y 83 fallecidos; de estos 49 casos eran de Santiago de Cuba, con una letalidad de 6,12. Objetivo: Caracterizar la morbilidad por COVID-19 en Santiago de Cuba según aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y de diagnóstico seleccionados. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal con los 49 pacientes confirmados en la provincia. Se efectuó la revisión de base de datos, estadísticas, historias epidemiológicas y clínicas. Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia, media aritmética y mediana, diferencia porcentual de tasas y prueba exacta de Fischer. Se utilizó el software EPIDAT con un nivel de confianza 95 por ciento y significancia ≤ 0,05 para determinar asociación estadística. Resultados: La tasa de incidencia fue 4,7 por 1000 habitantes. Los municipios comprometidos fueron Santiago, Contramaestre y Palma Soriano. El mayor riesgo estuvo en el grupo de los mayores de 60 años, con síntomas frecuentes tos, fiebre y rinitis. El 26,53 por ciento se encontró asintomático. Las principales comorbilidades asociadas fueron hipertensión arterial, trastornos neurológicos y respiratorios. Los procedimientos diagnósticos informaron RT-PCR positiva, LDH elevada, proteína C reactiva, hiperglucemia e infiltrado inflamatorio difuso pulmonar. Existió asociación estadística entre el periodo de evolución, 7 y más días desde el inicio de síntomas al ingreso, y el nivel de gravedad. Conclusiones: El mayor riesgo de enfermar y fallecer se constató en edades más avanzadas de la vida. Los síntomas más frecuentes se comportaron de manera similar a lo descrito en la bibliografía consultada, así como los resultados de laboratorio. La demora en acudir a instituciones de salud y comorbilidades asociadas constituyeron un riesgo, de evolucionar hacia la gravedad y muerte(AU)

Introduction: COVID-19, a disease caused by the virus named SARS-CoV-2, was declared pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. Until 9 June Cuba had reported 2 211 cases and 83 deaths. Forty-nine of these cases were from Santiago de Cuba, for a lethality of 6.12. Objective: Characterize COVID-19 morbidity in Santiago de Cuba based on the analysis of selected epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted of the 49 patients confirmed in the province. A review was performed of databases, statistics, and clinical and epidemiological records. Estimation was made of incidence rates, arithmetic mean and median, percentage difference between the rates, and Fischer's exact test. Statistical association was determined with the software EPIDAT, using a confidence level of 95 percent and a significance level of ≤ 0.05. Results: The incidence rate was 4.7 per 1 000 inhabitants. The municipalities involved were Santiago, Contramaestre and Palma Soriano. The greatest risk lay in patients aged over 60 years, among whom coughing, fever and rhinitis were common symptoms. Of the patients studied, 26.53 percent were asymptomatic. The main associated comorbidities were hypertension and neurological and respiratory disorders. The results of the diagnostic procedures applied were positive RT-PCR, high LDH, C-reactive protein, hyperglycemia and diffuse inflammatory pulmonary infiltrate. A statistical association was found between the evolution period, 7 and more days from symptom onset to admission, and the degree of severity. Conclusions: The highest risk of becoming ill and dying was found in the most advanced ages of life. The most common symptoms behaved in a manner similar to the one described in the bibliography consulted, and so did the laboratory results obtained. Delay in reporting to health institutions and associated comorbidities were risks for progression to severity and death(AU)

Molecular Alterations of Nucleocytoplasmic Transport in Patients on the Heart Transplantation Waiting List and Its Correlation With the Severity and Etiology of Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the levels of some molecules implicated in nucleocytoplasmic transport in human cardiomyocytes are related to the severity of heart failure (HF) in patients on the heart transplantation (HT) waiting list, and to determine whether there is a differential pattern of molecular alteration between ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS: Sixty-three blood samples collected before HT were analyzed to identify the levels of IMPORTIN5 (IMP5); IMPORTINalpha2; ATPaseCaTransp (ATPCa); NUCLEOPORIN153kDa (Nup153); NUCLEOPORIN160kDa (Nup160); RANGTPaseAP1 (RanGAP1) and EXPORTIN4 (EXP4). These data were then compared between patients with advanced HF with or without the need for ventricular support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge for HT, as well as between patients with non-ischemic DCM and patients with ICM. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients had ICM, 26 had non-ischemic DCM, and 4 had heart disease. Seventeen patients required ventricular assistance as a bridge to HT. The levels of ATPCa, RanGAP1, and IMP5 were significantly higher in patients with ECMO, while EXP4 was significantly higher in patients without ECMO. Patients with DCM showed higher levels of IMP5, RanGAP1, and Nup153 than those with ICM. CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced HF in critical condition (with ECMO as a bridge for HT) presented with significantly higher levels of ATPCa, RanGAP1, and IMP5, while patients with DCM had significantly higher levels of RanGAP1, IMP5, and Nup153. It remains to be clarified whether the determination of these molecules would facilitate the early identification of this group or if their alteration occurs as consequence of circulatory support with ECMO.

Idarucizumab in High-risk Thoracic Surgery.

Direct oral anticoagulants have suggested a favorable profile compared with vitamin K antagonists. However, the lack of treatment to reverse the effect of direct oral anticoagulants has limited its use in some patients who require rapid reversal of anticoagulation, as those included in the transplant waiting list. Idarucizumab is a recently approved drug to reverse the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran. However, the clinical experience when using this drug is scarce. Herein, we present a clinical case on anticoagulation reversal with idarucizumab to perform heart and lung transplantation in a patient with Eisenmenger syndrome.

Motivos para seguir fumando en pacientes ingresados en un Servicio de Neumología / Reasons to continue smoking in patients admitted to the Pneumology Department

Objetivos. Conocer los motivos por los que los pacientes ingresados en neumología continúan fumando, y describir las características de fumadores, exfumadores y no fumadores. Métodos. Estudio observacional de corte transversal de 6 meses de duración. Se entregó una encuesta anónima y voluntaria a todos los pacientes ingresados en hospitalización. Resultados. Fueron incluidos un total de 284 pacientes, de los cuales 57 (20,1%) eran fumadores, 125 (44%) exfumadores y 102 (35,9%) no habían fumado nunca. Entre los fumadores hombres (37), el motivo más frecuente por el que fumaban fue ‘Placer-relajación’ (78,38%), mientras que entre las fumadoras mujeres (20) fue ‘Reducción de estados negativos’ (90%). Los exfumadores (125) dejaron de fumar en su mayoría por ‘Progresión de su enfermedad’ (50,4%). Los exfumadores presentaban una mayor frecuencia de hipertensión arterial, cardiopatía, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y neoplasias que los fumadores, y mayor frecuencia de cardiopatías, EPOC y neoplasias que en aquellos que nunca habían fumado. El riesgo de padecer EPOC fue mayor en fumadores al compararlo con los que nunca habían fumado. Las mujeres comenzaron a fumar más tarde con una tasa de tabaquismo acumulado menor que los hombres. Una mayor edad se mostró como un predictor positivo de abandono. Conclusiones. Un 20,1% de los pacientes fumaba en el momento del ingreso. Continúan fumando por placer-relajación, adicción y reducción de estados negativos. Se ha encontrado en exfumadores una mayor frecuencia de diversas patologías, siendo la EPOC más frecuente en fumadores. Mayor edad se mostró como predictor positivo de abandono (AU)

Objectives. Determine the reasons why respiratory inpatients continue to smoke and describe the characteristics of smokers, former smokers and people who have never smoked. Methods. It was a 6-month observational, transversal study. A questionnaire was given to every patient admitted in the respiratory department. Results. 284 patients were included in the study, of which 57 (20.1%) were smokers, 125 (44%) former smokers and 102 (35.9%) had never smoked. Amongst the smoker men (37), the most frequent reason to continue smoking was ‘Pleasurable relaxation’ (78.38%), while in smoker women (20) it was ‘Tension reduction’ (90%). Former smokers (125) quitted the habit due to ‘Progression of their disease’ (50.4%). Former smokers had a greater frequency of developing hypertension, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer than those who had never smoked. The risk of having COPD was greater in smokers compared to those who had never smoked. Women began smoking later with a lower accumulated smoking rate than men. An older age was shown to be a positive predictor of abandon. Conclusions. A 20.1% of patients were reported as smokers at the time of admission. In general they continue smoking due to relaxation and pleasure, addiction and tension reduction. Different types of pathologies were found more frequently in former smokers, although COPD was more frequent in smokers. An older age was shown to be a positive predictor of abandon (AU)

Calcifying odontogenic cysts.

INTRODUCTION: Calcifying odontogenic cysts (COC) represent 0.3-0.8% of all odontogenic cysts. We describe the finding and the treatment of a COC in a 67-year-old female. OBSERVATION: An asymptomatic well-limited radioluscent mandibular lesion was fortuitously discovered on the panoramic X-ray in the periapical region of teeth No. 33 and 34. Treatment consisted in enucleation and curettage. Histologic examination was in favour of a COC. At 6 years follow-up, X-ray control showed new bone formation and the patient was free of symptoms. Pulp vitality was maintained in all teeth in the operated area. DISCUSSION: Total enucleation is the preferred treatment of COC. Absence of recurrence is attested by X-ray controls and pulp vitality tests.

Graphene materials as 2D non-viral gene transfer vector platforms.

Advances in genomics and gene therapy could offer solutions to many diseases that remain incurable today, however, one of the critical reasons halting clinical progress is due to the difficulty in designing efficient and safe delivery vectors for the appropriate genetic cargo. Safety and large-scale production concerns counter-balance the high gene transfer efficiency achieved with viral vectors, while non-viral strategies have yet to become sufficiently efficient. The extraordinary physicochemical, optical and photothermal properties of graphene-based materials (GBMs) could offer two-dimensional components for the design of nucleic acid carrier systems. We discuss here such properties and their implications for the optimization of gene delivery. While the design of such vectors is still in its infancy, we provide here an exhaustive and up-to-date analysis of the studies that have explored GBMs as gene transfer vectors, focusing on the functionalization strategies followed to improve vector performance and on the biological effects attained.

Factores de riesgo asociados a la tuberculosis en Santiago de Cuba durante el quinquenio 2007-2011 / Risk factors associated to tuberculosis in Santiago de Cuba during 2007-2011

Se realizó una investigación descriptiva y transversal de 323 casos de tuberculosis estimados en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba en el período 2007-2011, para describir los factores de riesgo epidemiológicos asociados. Fueron computados números absolutos y porcentajes. En la serie predominaron los reclusos o exreclusos (28,9 %), así como la edad avanzada y el alcoholismo como factores importantes (16,4 y 11,7 %, respectivamente). Se concluyó que debe incentivarse la pesquisa y el control de la tuberculosis en las personas vulnerables, con el propósito de mantener riesgos bajos de enfermar y morir por esta causa en la provincia de referencia

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 323 cases of tuberculosis estimated in Santiago de Cuba during 2007-2011, was carried out to describe the associated epidemiologic risk factors. Absolute numbers and percentages were computed. In the series the prisoners or exprisoners prevailed (28.9%), as well as the advanced age and the alcoholism as important factors (16.4 and 11.7%, respectively). It was concluded that the investigation and control of tuberculosis should be motivated in vulnerable people, with the purpose of maintaining low risks of getting sick and dying for this cause in the reference province

Factores de riesgo asociados a la tuberculosis en Santiago de Cuba durante el quinquenio 2007-2011 / Risk factors associated to tuberculosis in Santiago de Cuba during 2007-2011

Se realizó una investigación descriptiva y transversal de 323 casos de tuberculosis estimados en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba en el período 2007-2011, para describir los factores de riesgo epidemiológicos asociados. Fueron computados números absolutos y porcentajes. En la serie predominaron los reclusos o exreclusos (28,9 por ciento), así como la edad avanzada y el alcoholismo como factores importantes (16,4 y 11,7 por ciento, respectivamente). Se concluyó que debe incentivarse la pesquisa y el control de la tuberculosis en las personas vulnerables, con el propósito de mantener riesgos bajos de enfermar y morir por esta causa en la provincia de referencia(AU)

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 323 cases of tuberculosis estimated in Santiago de Cuba during 2007-2011, was carried out to describe the associated epidemiologic risk factors. Absolute numbers and percentages were computed. In the series the prisoners or exprisoners prevailed (28.9 percent), as well as the advanced age and the alcoholism as important factors (16.4 and 11.7 percent, respectively). It was concluded that the investigation and control of tuberculosis should be motivated in vulnerable people, with the purpose of maintaining low risks of getting sick and dying for this cause in the reference province(AU)

Morbilidad por tuberculosis: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y diagnósticos. Santiago de Cuba. 2007-2011 / Morbility due to tuberculosis: epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects. Santiago de Cuba. 2007-2011

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de los 323 casos con diagnóstico confirmado de tuberculosis en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, con vistas a caracterizar la incidencia de esta enfermedad en el período 2007-2011, para lo cual se calcularon los porcentajes y las tasas de incidencia tipificadas. Entre los resultados principales predominaron: el municipio Mella con la mayor tasa de incidencia, los pacientes de 25-34 años de edad y el sexo masculino; asimismo, 8 de cada 10 enfermos presentaron tuberculosis pulmonar (81,0 %) y el procedimiento diagnóstico mayormente realizado resultó ser el examen microscópico de esputo (56,6 %). Se concluye que la incidencia de esta afección en el territorio es marcadamente superior ante condiciones de vida menos favorables, y que el sexo masculino y la tuberculosis pulmonar fueron las características epidemiológicas más importantes. Se observó el pobre desempeño en la realización de la baciloscopia para el diagnóstico de esta entidad clínica en la población estudiada.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of the 323 cases with confirmed diagnosis of tuberculosis was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, aimed at characterizing the incidence of this disease during 2007-2011, for which the percentages and the typified incidence rates were calculated. Among the main results prevailed: Mella municipality with the higher rate of incidence, the 25-34 years patients and the male sex; also, 8 out of 10 sick persons presented lung tuberculosis (81.0%) and the diagnostic procedure mostly used was the microscopic exam of sputum (56.6%). It is concluded that the incidence of this disorder in the territory is markedly higher with less favorable life conditions, and that the male sex and the lung tuberculosis were the most important epidemiological characteristics. The poor performance in the realization of the baciloscopy for the diagnosis of this clinical entity in the studied population was observed.

Morbilidad por tuberculosis: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y diagnósticos. Santiago de Cuba. 2007-2011 / Morbility due to tuberculosis: epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects. Santiago de Cuba. 2007-2011

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de los 323 casos con diagnóstico confirmado de tuberculosis en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, con vistas a caracterizar la incidencia de esta enfermedad en el período 2007-2011, para lo cual se calcularon los porcentajes y las tasas de incidencia tipificadas. Entre los resultados principales predominaron: el municipio Mella con la mayor tasa de incidencia, los pacientes de 25-34 años de edad y el sexo masculino; asimismo, 8 de cada 10 enfermos presentaron tuberculosis pulmonar (81,0 por ciento) y el procedimiento diagnóstico mayormente realizado resultó ser el examen microscópico de esputo (56,6 por ciento). Se concluye que la incidencia de esta afección en el territorio es marcadamente superior ante condiciones de vida menos favorables, y que el sexo masculino y la tuberculosis pulmonar fueron las características epidemiológicas más importantes. Se observó el pobre desempeño en la realización de la baciloscopia para el diagnóstico de esta entidad clínica en la población estudiada(AU)

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of the 323 cases with confirmed diagnosis of tuberculosis was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, aimed at characterizing the incidence of this disease during 2007-2011, for which the percentages and the typified incidence rates were calculated. Among the main results prevailed: Mella municipality with the higher rate of incidence, the 25-34 years patients and the male sex; also, 8 out of 10 sick persons presented lung tuberculosis (81.0 percent) and the diagnostic procedure mostly used was the microscopic exam of sputum (56.6 percent). It is concluded that the incidence of this disorder in the territory is markedly higher with less favorable life conditions, and that the male sex and the lung tuberculosis were the most important epidemiological characteristics. The poor performance in the realization of the baciloscopy for the diagnosis of this clinical entity in the studied population was observed(AU)

Engineering Cell Fate for Tissue Regeneration by In Vivo Transdifferentiation.

Changes in cell identity occur in adult mammalian organisms but are rare and often linked to disease. Research in the last few decades has thrown light on how to manipulate cell fate, but the conversion of a particular cell type into another within a living organism (also termed in vivo transdifferentiation) has only been recently achieved in a limited number of tissues. Although the therapeutic promise of this strategy for tissue regeneration and repair is exciting, important efficacy and safety concerns will need to be addressed before it becomes a reality in the clinical practice. Here, we review the most relevant in vivo transdifferentiation studies in adult mammalian animal models, offering a critical assessment of this potentially powerful strategy for regenerative medicine.

Incidence of development of obesity after heart transplantation according to the calcineurin inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Development of obesity after heart transplantation (HT) is a common complication, largely attributed to immunosuppressive therapy. The objective of this study is to compare the incidence of development of obesity after HT, according to the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) used (cyclosporine [CsA] vs tacrolimus [Tac]). METHODS: We studied 101 consecutive HT patients from November 2006 to December 2010. A diagnosis of overweight-obesity was made by a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m(2), which was assessed before HT and at 1 year after HT. Patients were randomly assigned to the administration of CsA or Tac by a simple randomization method using a computer program (56% received CsA and 44% Tac). RESULTS: Of the 101 patients, 77% were men, and ischemic heart disease was the most common indication for HT. At baseline, there were no differences in weight between groups treated with CsA or Tac. The mean weight for each group was 71.5 ± 12 and 75 ± 14 kg, respectively (P = .2). The weight increase was greater among CsA patients: after HT, the weight gain was 6.9 ± 11 kg in the CsA group, whereas a minimal weight loss of 0.03 ± 14 kg (P = .008) was experienced in the group treated with Tac. The multivariate analysis showed that only CsA treatment was an independent predictor of development of obesity 1 year after HT (odds ratio, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.04-14.21; P = .01). CONCLUSION: Weight gain after HT may be related to the CNI used and CsA seems to be the CNI that produces the greatest increase.

Is age a limiting factor for access to transplantation?

As a result of increased life expectancy and quality of life, there is an increasing number of patients older than 65 years of age who require the possibility of heart transplantation (HTx). Traditionally, recipient age older than 65 years has been considered a contraindication for performing a HTx because these patients have more comorbidities, are more affected by the adverse effects of immunosuppressive drugs, and obtain a smaller benefit in the medium and long term. Therefore, given the shortage of donors, priority was given to younger recipients. In recent years, studies have been published demonstrating that HTx in this population segment is possible. These results indicate that despite suffering more infections and having longer hospital stays, these patients have fewer rejections, with an overall survival in the medium and long term similar to that of HTx in younger patients. These results have been achieved partly as a result of appropriate selection of recipients and emergence of new immunosuppressive agents that has allowed their use to be individualized to the characteristics and comorbidities of each patient. Despite the latest advances, longer-term multicenter studies are required to clarify the role of alternate lists and the impact of new ventricular assist devices in this population segment.

Pharmacogenetic study of ABCB1 and CYP3A5 genes during the first year following heart transplantation regarding tacrolimus or cyclosporine levels.

Pharmacogenetics explains part of the interindividual variability in drug responses. Many published works about the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on immunosuppressive drug blood levels present contradictory results. We evaluated the SNPs in ABCB1 (glycoprotein P) and CYP3A5 (metabolic enzyme) genes, seeking correlate them with tacrolimus or cyclosporine levels during the first year after heart transplantation. One blood sample was obtained from each of 41 patients: 26 treated with cyclosporine and 15 with tacrolimus. We characterize the SNPs rs1045642, 1128503, 2032582, 2235013, 2235033, 2229109, 3213619, 9282564 in ABCB1 and rs10264272, 776746 in CYP3A5 genes using the Sequenom platform. The genotype was correlated with the trough drug blood levels corrected by dose and body weight (C(0)/(dose/weight)). The CYP3A5 SNPs showed the expected behavior, where patients carrying the low expression variants displayed higher drug blood levels of more than 100% of the normal expression variant level even at 1 year posttransplantation. To correlate ABCB1 SNPs, the variants described to cause higher blood levels in rs1045642, 1128503, 2032582 (in linkage disequilibrium) showed this effect only until 4 months posttransplantation among patients treated with cyclosporine (more than 100% higher than the other variant). After 1 year, concentrations reached a stable phase with normal levels. The observation was not so evident among those treated with tacrolimus. Remarkably, at this point, patients treated with cyclosporine, showed a significant (P < .01) difference between the two variants of rs9282564 and even if it was not significant there was also a tendency among the intronic rs2235013 and 2235033. The results indicated that SNPs in ABCB1 gene seem to not be relevant for long-term dose adjustment in patients, but to show an effect during the first 4 months.

Relationship between functional capacity and quality of life in heart transplant patients.

The goal of heart transplantation (HT) is not only to prolong the life of patients with end-stage heart failure, but also to offer them the sort of health they enjoyed before the disease. It is widely known that patients' functional capacity improves after HT but what about their quality of life (QoL)? Do functional capacity and QoL improve simultaneously? In the present study, we compared the progression of effort capacity and QoL in the first 2 years after HT. A prospective longitudinal study was performed in 58 heart transplant recipients (43 males, 15 females, age 51.6 ± 10 years) able to complete an effort test 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after transplantation. The studied variables included the five dimensions of the Euroqol-5D questionnaire (EQ-5D) test: mobility, self-care, daily activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety, and depression; a visual analog scale from 0 to 100; and the results (metabolic equivalent units [METs] and time of exercise) of the effort test at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after transplantation. Analysis of variance was used to compare these variables at each point. Significance was set at P < .05. Functional capacity, measured by both METs and time of exercise, improved progressively (METs: 2 months: 5.2 ± 1.8, 6 months: 6.6 ± 2.1, 12 months: 7.5 ± 2.2, and 24 months: 8.5 ± 2.3, P < .001). As well, the result of EQ-5D questionare improved in parallel to exercise capacity. However, visual analog scale score did not change significatively during the follow-up (2 months: 78.9.3 ± 16.1, 6 months: 83.8 ± 11.3, 12 months: 83.3 ± 11.1, 24 months: 85.2 ± 14.9; P = .192), reaching a plateau at 6 to 24 months. In conclusion, the improvement in functional capacity shown by heart transplant recipients in the first 2 years after transplantation was not parallel to the feelings of well-being measured by the analog scale of the EQ-5D. Possibly long after transplantation patients will compare themselves to healthy people rather than to their state before HT, resulting in improvements the visual analog scale.