A transient protein folding response targets aggregation in the early phase of TDP-43-mediated neurodegeneration.

Understanding the mechanisms that drive TDP-43 pathology is integral to combating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Here we generated a longitudinal quantitative proteomic map of the cortex from the cytoplasmic TDP-43 rNLS8 mouse model of ALS and FTLD, and developed a complementary open-access webtool, TDP-map ( https://shiny.rcc.uq.edu.au/TDP-map/ ). We identified distinct protein subsets enriched for diverse biological pathways with temporal alterations in protein abundance, including increases in protein folding factors prior to disease onset. This included increased levels of DnaJ homolog subfamily B member 5, DNAJB5, which also co-localized with TDP-43 pathology in diseased human motor cortex. DNAJB5 over-expression decreased TDP-43 aggregation in cell and cortical neuron cultures, and knockout of Dnajb5 exacerbated motor impairments caused by AAV-mediated cytoplasmic TDP-43 expression in mice. Together, these findings reveal molecular mechanisms at distinct stages of ALS and FTLD progression and suggest that protein folding factors could be protective in neurodegenerative diseases.

Ultrasound-Based Recovery of Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Extracts of the Acidophilic Microalga Coccomyxa onubensis.

In the present study, the recovery of valuable molecules of proven anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of the acidophilic microalga Coccomyxa onubensis (C. onubensis) were evaluated using green technologies based on ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Using a factorial design (3 × 2) based on response surface methodology and Pareto charts, two types of ultrasonic equipment (bath and probe) were evaluated to recover valuable compounds, including the major terpenoid of C. onubensis, lutein, and the antimicrobial activity of the microalgal extracts obtained under optimal ultrasound conditions (desirability function) was evaluated versus conventional extraction. Significant differences in lutein recovery were observed between ultrasonic bath and ultrasonic probe and conventional extraction. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity displayed by C. onubensis UAE-based extracts was greater than that obtained in solvent-based extracts, highlighting the effects of the extracts against pathogens such as Enterococcus hirae and Bacillus subtilis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed to detect valuable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial biomolecules present in the optimal C. onubensis extracts, which revealed that phytol, sterol-like, terpenoid, and even fatty acid structures could also be responsible for the antibacterial activities of the extracts. Moreover, UAE displayed a positive effect on the recovery of valuable molecules, improving biocidal effects. Our study results facilitate the use of green technology as a good tool in algal bioprocess engineering, improving energy consumption and minimizing environmental impacts and process costs, as well as provide a valuable product for applications in the field of biotechnology.

Early activation of cellular stress and death pathways caused by cytoplasmic TDP-43 in the rNLS8 mouse model of ALS and FTD.

TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology is a key feature of over 95% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and nearly half of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) cases. The pathogenic mechanisms of TDP-43 dysfunction are poorly understood, however, activation of cell stress pathways may contribute to pathogenesis. We, therefore, sought to identify which cell stress components are critical for driving disease onset and neurodegeneration in ALS and FTD. We studied the rNLS8 transgenic mouse model, which expresses human TDP-43 with a genetically-ablated nuclear localisation sequence within neurons of the brain and spinal cord resulting in cytoplasmic TDP-43 pathology and progressive motor dysfunction. Amongst numerous cell stress-related biological pathways profiled using qPCR arrays, several critical integrated stress response (ISR) effectors, including CCAAT/enhancer-binding homologous protein (Chop/Ddit3) and activating transcription factor 4 (Atf4), were upregulated in the cortex of rNLS8 mice prior to disease onset. This was accompanied by early up-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2 and diverse pro-apoptotic genes including BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid). However, pro-apoptotic signalling predominated after onset of motor phenotypes. Notably, pro-apoptotic cleaved caspase-3 protein was elevated in the cortex of rNLS8 mice at later disease stages, suggesting that downstream activation of apoptosis drives neurodegeneration following failure of early protective responses. Unexpectedly, suppression of Chop in the brain and spinal cord using antisense oligonucleotide-mediated silencing had no effect on overall TDP-43 pathology or disease phenotypes in rNLS8 mice. Cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation therefore causes very early activation of ISR and both anti- and pro-apoptotic signalling that switches to predominant pro-apoptotic activation later in disease. These findings suggest that precise temporal modulation of cell stress and death pathways may be beneficial to protect against neurodegeneration in ALS and FTD.

Cabozantinib combination therapy for the treatment of solid tumors: a systematic review.

Background: Cabozantinib monotherapy is approved for the treatment of several types of solid tumors. Investigation into the use of cabozantinib combined with other therapies is increasing. To understand the evidence in this area, we performed a systematic review of cabozantinib combination therapy for the treatment of solid tumors in adults. Methods: This study was designed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020144680). On 9 October 2020, we searched for clinical trials and observational studies of cabozantinib as part of a combination therapy for solid tumors using Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases, and by screening relevant congress abstracts. Eligible studies reported clinical or safety outcomes, or biomarker data. Randomized and observational studies with a sample size of fewer than 25 and studies of cabozantinib monotherapy were excluded. For each study, quality was assessed using National Institute for Health and Care Excellence methodology, and the study characteristics were described qualitatively. This study was funded by Ipsen. Results: Of 2421 citations identified, 32 articles were included (6 with results from randomized studies, 24 with results from non-randomized phase I or II studies, and 2 with results from both). The most commonly studied tumor types were metastatic urothelial carcinoma/genitourinary tumors and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Findings from randomized studies suggested that cabozantinib combined with other therapies may lead to better progression-free survival than some current standards of care in renal cell carcinoma, CRPC, and non-small-cell lung cancer. The most common adverse events were hypertension, diarrhea, and fatigue. Conclusion: This review demonstrates the promising efficacy outcomes of cabozantinib combined with other therapies, and a safety profile similar to cabozantinib alone. However, the findings are limited by the fact that most of the identified studies were reported as congress abstracts only. More evidence from randomized trials is needed to explore cabozantinib as a combination therapy further.

Cabozantinib for the treatment of solid tumors: a systematic review.

Background: Cabozantinib is approved, in various settings, for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, medullary thyroid cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it has been investigated for the treatment of other cancers. With the available evidence and the real-world performance of cabozantinib compared with clinical trial data, we performed a systematic review of cabozantinib monotherapy as treatment for solid tumors in adults. Methods: This study was designed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020144680). We searched for clinical and observational studies of cabozantinib monotherapy for solid tumors using Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases (October 2020), and screened relevant congress abstracts. Eligible studies reported clinical or safety outcomes, or biomarker data. Small studies (n < 25) and studies of cabozantinib combination therapies were excluded. Quality was assessed using National Institute for Health and Care Excellence methodology, and study characteristics were described qualitatively. Results: Of 2888 citations, 114 were included (52 randomized studies, 29 observational studies, 32 nonrandomized phase I or II studies or pilot trials, and 1 analysis of data from a randomized study and a nonrandomized study). Beyond approved indications, other tumors studied were castration-resistant prostate cancer, urothelial carcinoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, uveal melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, cholangiocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, colorectal cancer, salivary gland cancer, carcinoid and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. The most common adverse events were hypertension, diarrhea, and fatigue. Conclusion: The identified evidence demonstrates the positive efficacy/effectiveness of cabozantinib monotherapy in various solid tumor types, with safety findings being consistent with those observed with other VEGFR-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors. When available, real-world findings were consistent with the data reported from clinical trials. A limitation of this review is the high proportion of abstracts; however, this allowed us to capture the most up-to-date findings.

Differences and similarities in endothelial and angiogenic profiles of preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 presents a spectrum of signs and symptoms in pregnant women that might resemble preeclampsia. Differentiation between severe COVID-19 and preeclampsia is difficult in some cases. OBJECTIVE: To study biomarkers of endothelial damage, coagulation, innate immune response, and angiogenesis in preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnancy in addition to in vitro alterations in endothelial cells exposed to sera from pregnant women with preeclampsia and COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: Plasma and sera samples were obtained from pregnant women with COVID-19 infection classified into mild (n=10) or severe (n=9) and from women with normotensive pregnancies as controls (n=10) and patients with preeclampsia (n=13). A panel of plasmatic biomarkers was assessed, including vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, soluble tumor necrosis factor-receptor I, heparan sulfate, von Willebrand factor antigen (activity and multimeric pattern), α2-antiplasmin, C5b9, neutrophil extracellular traps, placental growth factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, and angiopoietin 2. In addition, microvascular endothelial cells were exposed to patients' sera, and changes in the cell expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on cell membranes and von Willebrand factor release to the extracellular matrix were evaluated through immunofluorescence. Changes in inflammation cell signaling pathways were also assessed by of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate methods. RESULTS: Biomarker profiles of patients with mild COVID-19 were similar to those of controls. Both preeclampsia and severe COVID-19 showed significant alterations in most circulating biomarkers with distinctive profiles. Whereas severe COVID-19 exhibited higher concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor I, heparan sulfate, von Willebrand factor antigen, and neutrophil extracellular traps, with a significant reduction of placental growth factor compared with controls, preeclampsia presented a marked increase in vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor I (significantly increased compared with controls and patients with severe COVID-19), with a striking reduction in von Willebrand factor antigen, von Willebrand factor activity, and α2-antiplasmin. As expected, reduced placental growth factor, increased soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and angiopoietin 2, and a very high soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio were also observed in preeclampsia. In addition, a significant increase in C5b9 and neutrophil extracellular traps was also detected in preeclampsia compared with controls. Principal component analysis demonstrated a clear separation between patients with preeclampsia and the other groups (first and second components explained 42.2% and 13.5% of the variance), mainly differentiated by variables related to von Willebrand factor, soluble tumor necrosis factor-receptor I, heparan sulfate, and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. Von Willebrand factor multimeric analysis revealed the absence of von Willebrand factor high-molecular-weight multimers in preeclampsia (similar profile to von Willebrand disease type 2A), whereas in healthy pregnancies and COVID-19 patients, von Willebrand factor multimeric pattern was normal. Sera from both preeclampsia and severe COVID-19 patients induced an overexpression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and von Willebrand factor in endothelial cells in culture compared with controls. However, the effect of preeclampsia was less pronounced than the that of severe COVID-19. Immunoblots of lysates from endothelial cells exposed to mild and severe COVID-19 and preeclampsia sera showed an increase in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Patients with severe COVID-19 and preeclampsia were statistically different from controls, suggesting that both severe COVID-19 and preeclampsia sera can activate inflammatory signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: Although similar in in vitro endothelial dysfunction, preeclampsia and severe COVID-19 exhibit distinctive profiles of circulating biomarkers related to endothelial damage, coagulopathy, and angiogenic imbalance that could aid in the differential diagnosis of these entities.

Comparative Efficacy of Cabozantinib and Ramucirumab After Sorafenib for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Alpha-fetoprotein ≥ 400 ng/mL: A Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison.

INTRODUCTION: Cabozantinib and ramucirumab are approved for the treatment of adults with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following prior sorafenib treatment; ramucirumab is restricted to use in patients with serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 400 ng/mL. This matching-adjusted indirect comparison evaluated the efficacy and safety of both drugs after sorafenib in patients with HCC and AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL. METHODS: Individual patient data (IPD) from the CELESTIAL trial (cabozantinib) and population-level data from the REACH-2 trial (ramucirumab) were used. To align with REACH-2, the CELESTIAL population was limited to patients who received first-line sorafenib only and had baseline serum AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL. The IPD from CELESTIAL were weighted to balance the distribution of 11 effect-modifying baseline characteristics with those of REACH-2. Overall survival (OS; primary endpoint) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared for the CELESTIAL (matching-adjusted) and REACH-2 populations using weighted Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves and parametric (OS, Weibull; PFS, log-logistic) modeling. Rates of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and TRAE-related discontinuations were also compared. RESULTS: After matching and weighting, baseline characteristics were balanced between populations (REACH-2, N = 292; CELESTIAL, effective sample size = 105). Weighted KM estimates for OS (median [95% CI]) were not significantly different between cabozantinib and ramucirumab (10.6 [9.5-17.3] months versus 8.7 [7.3-10.8] months; p = 0.104), but PFS was significantly longer for cabozantinib than for ramucirumab (5.5 [4.6-7.4] months versus 2.8 [2.7-4.1] months; p = 0.016). Parametric modeling results were consistent with the weighted KM analysis. Rates of some grade 3 or 4 TRAEs were lower with ramucirumab than with cabozantinib; however, TRAE-related discontinuation rates were similar (p = 0.271). CONCLUSION: In this MAIC, cabozantinib significantly prolonged median PFS compared with ramucirumab after prior sorafenib treatment in patients with HCC and AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL; rates of some grade 3 or 4 TRAEs were lower with ramucirumab than cabozantinib but related discontinuation rates were not significantly different between treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trials.gov identifiers: CELESTIAL trial (NCT01908426) and REACH-2 trial (NCT02435433). These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Phase-Adapted Rehabilitation for Acute Coronavirus Disease-19 Patients and Patient With Long-term Sequelae of Coronavirus Disease-19.

ABSTRACT: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, many papers have highlighted the need for the rehabilitation of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most papers refer to the need for respiratory rehabilitation in the acute phase; however, the fact that the infection also affects other organ systems has to be considered in rehabilitation interventions. Long-term symptoms in many cases severely limit activity and participation and alter quality of life, leading to rehabilitation needs. This article proposes a phase-adapted model of linking the acute, postacute, and long-term symptoms of COVID-19 with the well-established matrix of acute, postacute, and long-term rehabilitation services. A review of currently available recommendations for phase-adapted rehabilitation strategies, including the relevance of prehabilitation within this context, is provided.

Positive influence of parental education on growth of children - statistical analysis of correlation between social and nutritional factors on children's height using the St. Nicolas House Analysis.

In nature, dominance is often shown by body size; even in humans many studies report that social status is associated with body height. In today's society, educational status is an important factor for social classification. Since growing children do not have their own educational or social status, they are often affected by the status of their parents. Therefore, the question appears, whether parental educational status measurably affects the growth of a child. If so, is this explainable by the nutritional factors? To test this hypothesis, seven different Indian data sets where reexamined using the St. Nicolas House Analysis. The results show a direct association between parental education and body height (hSDS) of the child, but there was no influence of parental education on the nutritional status. We conclude that education has a direct effect on height that is not mediated via nutrition.

Circulating Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Are Elevated in Patients With Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been described to be related to the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Endometriosis is currently considered a chronic inflammatory condition. Therefore, we performed a preliminary case-control study to compare the circulating plasma NET levels in patients with surgically confirmed endometriosis (E group, n = 82) and those of patients without surgical findings of endometriosis (C group, n = 35). Venous blood samples were obtained at the time of surgery. Circulating plasma NET levels were assessed as histone-DNA complexes (ie, nucleosomes) by a quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were expressed in arbitrary units. Circulating plasma NET levels were significantly higher in the E group compared with the C group (median [25th; 75th percentiles]): E group: 0.734 [0.484; 1.363]; C group: 0.541 [0.411; 0.653]; P = .005). The subanalysis of E group patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE group) or without DIE (non-DIE group) showed that plasma NET levels were higher in the DIE group ( P = .02). No differences were observed in NET levels among patients with and without severe pelvic pain or in patients with and without infertility, regardless of the presence of endometriotic lesions. Therefore, our study shows significantly higher NET levels in patients with endometriosis, which seem to be attributed to increased levels in the subgroup of patients with DIE, suggesting that the presence of elevated circulating plasma NET levels may reflect an inflammatory status in this gynecological condition. Further research is warranted to confirm our findings and to assess the exact role of NETs in the pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis.

[The metoclopramide effect on enteral nutrition tolerance and mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia in neuro critically ill patients]. / Efecto de la metoclopramida sobre la tolerancia enteral y la neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica en pacientes neurocríticos.

INTRODUCTION: The use of procinéticos in the critical patient with nutrition enteral, they have as aim reduce the increase of the gastric residue (RG). We evaluate his efficiency in the improvement of the intake enteral and on the reduction in the incident gastrointestinal complications (CGI) and pneumonia, in critical patients, with neurological injury Aims: To evaluate the effects in the administration metoclopramide (MCG), during the first five days with enteral nutrition, versus control (GC), on the volume of administered diet, gastrointestinal complications and the incidence of mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia (NAVM), in neuro-critically patients (NC) of traumatic and vascular aetiology. Prospective, closed-label, randomized study performed in an intensive Care Unit. Methords: 150 adult neuro-critical patients (NC) were admitted of consecutive form and 109 were randomly and two groups 58 MCG y 51 GC. The primary outcomes was the nutritional: the volume of administered diet (VAD); mean efficacious volume (MEV) measured in three consecutive periods of time; the gastrointestinal complications (GIC), and the rate of partial and definitive suspension of the diet. Infecction: incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia NAVM; and of secondary outcomes were: the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU and hospital stay, and incidence the serious sequelae, and 30 days mortality. RESULTS: Differences were not observed in the severity variables between groups on admission. A significant increase was observed in the global values and in the first five days of (p < 0.03) of the VEM in the group of MCG. The values of the global VDA and during three phases of study, the number CGI, the rate of partial and definitive suspensions of the diet, and number of NAVM, were similar in both not significant groups. Neither differences were observed in the overall analysis secondary variables. CONCLUSIONS: The metoclopramida in the NC, it is not effective in the decrease of the CGI, in the doses and time of treatment reflected in the study.

Introducción: El uso de procinéticos en el paciente crítico con nutrición enteral, tienen como objetivo el reducir el aumento del residuo gástrico (RG). Analizamos su eficacia en la mejoría del aporte enteral y sobre la reducción en la incidencia complicaciones gastrointestinales (CGI) y neumonía, en pacientes críticos, con lesión neurológica Objetivos: Medir los efectos en la administración metoclopramida (MCG) durante los primeros cinco días con nutrición enteral, versus control (GC), sobre el volumen de dieta enteral administrada, el número de complicaciones gastrointestinales y la incidencia de neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica (NAVM); en enfermos neurocríticos de etiología traumática y vascular. Métodos: De los 150 pacientes NC ingresados de forma consecutiva, 109 fueron aleatorizados en dos grupos: 58 MCG y 51 GC. Los objetivos primarios fueron: nutricionales: el volumen de dieta administrada (VDA), el volumen eficaz (VEM), el número de complicaciones gastrointestinales (CGI) y la tasa de suspensión temporal y definitiva de la dieta. Infecciosos: incidencia de neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica (NAVM). Fueron objetivos secundarios: la duración de la ventilación mecánica, la estancia en UCI y hospitalaria, la secuela neurológica grave al alta y la mortalidad a los 30 días. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias en los parámetros de gravedad entre grupos al ingreso. Un incremento significativo fue observado en el análisis global y a los cinco días (p < 0,03) del VEM en el grupo de MCG. Los valores del VDA global y durante las dos fases de estudio, el número de CGI y el número de suspensiones parciales y definitivas de la dieta o el número de NAVM fueron similares en ambos grupos, no significativos. Tampoco se observaron diferencias en los diferentes objetivos secundarios Conclusión: El uso de metoclopramida en el enfermo neurocrítico, no es eficaz en la disminución de las CGI, en las dosis y tiempo de tratamiento reflejados en el estudio.

Efecto de la metoclopramida sobre la tolerancia enteral y la neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica en pacientes neurocríticos / The metoclopramide effect on enteral nutrition tolerance and mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia in neuro critically ill patients

Introducción: El uso de procinéticos en el paciente crítico con nutrición enteral, tienen como objetivo el reducir el aumento del residuo gástrico (RG). Analizamos su eficacia en la mejoría del aporte enteral y sobre la reducción en la incidencia complicaciones gastrointestinales (CGI) y neumonía, en pacientes críticos, con lesión neurológica Objetivos: Medir los efectos en la administración metoclopramida (MCG) durante los primeros cinco días con nutrición enteral, versus control (GC), sobre el volumen de dieta enteral administrada, el número de complicaciones gastrointestinales y la incidencia de neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica (NAVM); en enfermos neurocríticos de etiología traumática y vascular. Métodos: De los 150 pacientes NC ingresados de forma consecutiva, 109 fueron aleatorizados en dos grupos: 58 MCG y 51 GC. Los objetivos primarios fueron: nutricionales: el volumen de dieta administrada (VDA), el volumen eficaz (VEM), el número de complicaciones gastrointestinales (CGI) y la tasa de suspensión temporal y definitiva de la dieta. Infecciosos: incidencia de neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica (NAVM). Fueron objetivos secundarios: la duración de la ventilación mecánica, la estancia en UCI y hospitalaria, la secuela neurológica grave al alta y la mortalidad a los 30 días. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias en los parámetros de gravedad entre grupos al ingreso. Un incremento significativo fue observado en el análisis global y a los cinco días (p < 0,03) del VEM en el grupo de MCG. Los valores del VDA global y durante las dos fases de estudio, el número de CGI y el número de suspensiones parciales y definitivas de la dieta o el número de NAVM fueron similares en ambos grupos, no significativos. Tampoco se observaron diferencias en los diferentes objetivos secundarios Conclusión: El uso de metoclopramida en el enfermo neurocrítico, no es eficaz en la disminución de las CGI, en las dosis y tiempo de tratamiento reflejados en el estudio (AU)

Introduction: The use of procinéticos in the critical patient with nutrition enteral, they have as aim reduce the increase of the gastric residue (RG). We evaluate his efficiency in the improvement of the intake enteral and on the reduction in the incident gastrointestinal complications (CGI) and pneumonia, in critical patients, with neurological injury Aims: To evaluate the effects in the administration metoclopramide (MCG), during the first five days with enteral nutrition, versus control (GC), on the volume of administered diet, gastrointestinal complications and the incidence of mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia (NAVM), in neuro-critically patients (NC) of traumatic and vascular aetiology. Prospective, closed-label, randomized study performed in an intensive Care Unit. Methods: 150 adult neuro-critical patients (NC) were admitted of consecutive form and 109 were randomly and two groups 58 MCG y 51 GC. The primary outcomes was the nutritional: the volume of administered diet (VAD); mean efficacious volume (MEV) measured in three consecutive periods of time; the gastrointestinal complications (GIC), and the rate of partial and definitive suspension of the diet. Infecction: incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia NAVM; and of secondary outcomes were: the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU and hospital stay, and incidence the serious sequelae, and 30 days mortality. Results: Differences were not observed in the severity variables between groups on admission. A significant increase was observed in the global values and in the first five days of (p < 0.03) of the VEM in the group of MCG. The values of the global VDA and during three phases of study, the number CGI, the rate of partial and definitive suspensions of the diet, and number of NAVM, were similar in both not significant groups. Neither differences were observed in the overall analysis secondary variables. Conclusions: The metoclopramida in the NC, it is not effective in the decrease of the CGI, in the doses and time of treatment reflected in the study (AU)

Caracterización del derrame pleural en el Servicio de Medicina Interna / Characterization of pleural effusion in the Internal Medicine Department

Se realizó una investigación de carácter descriptivo transversal con el objetivo de describir los aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos del derrame pleural en pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Medicina del Hospital Provincial Universitario Arnaldo Milián Castro durante el año 2010; el universo estuvo conformado por 62 pacientes y la muestra por 55, según muestreo por conveniencia. El análisis de la historia clínica fue la fuente fundamental de datos; se definieron las variables clínico-epidemiológicas, los antecedentes personales, los factores etiológicos y la terapéutica impuesta y se utilizaron el análisis porcentual y Chi cuadrado. Predominaron las mujeres de la raza banca, de 60-69 años, con el hábito de fumar; la disnea y el dolor en punta de costado fueron síntomas comunes; el hemitórax derecho resultó el más afectado; fueron más frecuentes los derrames pequeños; la neumonía causó mayor número de derrames; el rayo X de tórax fue el complementario más indicado al ingreso y en la sala fueron el hemograma y la glicemia y las cefalosporinas de tercera generación se prescribieron con mayor frecuencia(AU)

Caracterización de la lactancia materna en lactantes del Grupo Básico de Trabajo 3. Policlínico XX Aniversario / Characterization of breastfeeding in infants of the Basic Working Group 3. XX Aniversario Polyclinic

La lactancia materna es un proceso único, que proporciona la alimentación ideal a los lactantes, en el que se aprecia una tendencia a la declinación de su práctica en los últimos años. Objetivo: caracterizar la lactancia materna en lactantes del Grupo Básico de Trabajo 3 del Policlínico Universitario XX Aniversario. Material y Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal a 171 lactantes de seis meses de edad que asistieron a la Consulta de Control de enero a diciembre de 2008. Resultados: el 26.9 por ciento de la muestra aplicó la lactancia materna exclusiva a los seis meses, la causa principal de abandono de la lactancia materna fue la hipogalactia (66.4 por ciento), no ofrecieron lactancia natural exclusiva las madres adolescentes y las que no laboran, el 91.3 por ciento ofreció la lactancia materna exclusiva durante la primera hora de nacido y los antecedentes de infecciones se manifestaron en el 84 por ciento de las que no amamantaron de forma exclusiva. Conclusiones: la lactancia materna exclusiva a los seis meses se encuentra por debajo de lo recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la causa más frecuente de su abandono es la hipogalactia; la adolescencia, el bajo nivel escolar y el no tener empleo constituyen factores de riesgo para no ofrecerla; el inicio oportuno de la lactancia materna durante la primera hora de nacido fue un factor protector de la exclusiva y ofrecer leche materna exclusiva es un factor protector de las infecciones respiratorias y gastrointestinales(AU)

Comportamiento de la tuberculosis: policlínico Universitario XX Aniversario / Behavior of tuberculosis: XX Aniversario Polyclinic

En los últimos años se ha producido en el mundo la emergencia, o la reemergencia, de eventos epidemiológicos entre los que se destaca el incremento de la tuberculosis, uno de los problemas de salud pública de mayor gravedad en el mundo. Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento de la tuberculosis en el Policlínico Universitario XX Aniversario durante el período 2006-2010. Material y Método: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo longitudinal y retrospectivo del comportamiento de la tuberculosis en este policlínico en el período comprendido desde enero de 2006 al 31 de diciembre de 2010. Se estudiaron los 40 casos informados en este período y la información se obtuvo de la revisión de historias epidemiológicas de los pacientes y de la revisión documental en los Departamentos de Estadísticas y de Higiene y Epidemiología. Se determinaron las frecuencias absolutas y relativas, que quedaron plasmadas en tablas. Resultados: la tuberculosis se presenta con más frecuencia en las edades de 30 a 59 años y en el sexo masculino, la localización pulmonar es la másfrecuente y el contacto con tuberculoso, el alcoholismo y el tabaquismo constituyen los factores de riesgo predominantes. Conclusiones: la tuberculosis se mantiene como un problema de salud en este policlínico, sobre todo en edades aún jóvenes, la forma más frecuente de aparición es la pulmonar y juega en ella un importante papel la presencia de múltiples factores de riesgo que la favorecen(AU)

Caracterización de Hepatitis C en personas con Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana / Characterization of hepatitis C coinfection in people with human immunodeficiency virus

Las grandes epidemias del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana y del virus de hepatitis C coinciden temporalmente en la historia reciente de la humanidad, por lo que fue propósito de esta investigación caracterizar la coinfección entre ambos virus en el período de 2004 al 2007 en nuestra provincia, en pacientes procedentes de la comunidad, del sanatorio y de la prisión. Se estudiaron 369 personas con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana y se observó que 65 (17,6 por ciento) estaban coinfectadas con el virus de hepatitis C. Se evidenció que la proporción de la coinfección no fue diferente en los lugares de residencia, aunque descriptivamente existió una mayor proporción en el sanatorio. El mayor número de pacientes se encontraba en las edades entre 35 y 44 años (27,8 por ciento). No existieron diferencias significativas de la coinfección según el sexo. En el 32,1 por ciento la orientación sexual de los coinfectados fue bisexual, seguido por los homosexuales, que resultaron estadísticamente significativos(AU)

Experiencia sobre la endocarditis infecciosa en el Hospital Universitario Arnaldo Milián Castro / Experiences on infective endocarditis at the Arnaldo Milián Castro Provincial University Hospital

Se define como endocarditis infecciosa la invasión del endotelio cardiaco por microorganismos infecciosos, los cuales desencadenan un proceso inflamatorio a ese nivel con formación de vegetaciones que constituyen la lesión típica de la enfermedad. Este artículo recoge la experiencia personal del autor en los últimos años, en el Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital Universitario Arnaldo Milián Castro(AU)

Evaluación a largo plazo de la esplenectomía parcial en pacientes con esferocitosos hereditaria / Long-term assessment of the partial splenectomy in patients with hereditary spherocytosis

Se evaluó la efectividad de la esplenectomía parcial (EP) en 17 pacientes con esferocitosis hereditaria atendidos en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología. La edad al diagnóstico fue de 6,71 ± 5,38 meses. Todos presentaron esplenomegalia. Un paciente presentó litiasis vesicular antes de la intervención. Los criterios para indicar la esplenectomía fueron: requerimientos transfusionales (82,4 por ciento), anemia crónica y esplenomegalia (11,7 por ciento) y esplenomegalia (5,9 por ciento). La edad al momento de la EP fue de 7,0 ± 2,6 años. La hemoglobina (Hb) estaba disminuida en el 94,1 por ciento de los enfermos; los reticulocitos aumentados en el 100 por ciento y la bilirrubina total e indirecta elevada en el 76,5 por ciento y 88,2 por ciento, respectivamente. El promedio de edad actual de los pacientes es de 16,24 ± 4,26 años, con un tiempo de evolución de 9,24 ± 4,47 años. Las variables de laboratorio posoperatorio mostraron incremento significativo de la Hb (p= 4 × 10-9) y disminución de los reticulocitos (p= 0,003). La tendencia en el tiempo de la Hb mantuvo estabilidad de los niveles alcanzados luego de la intervención, en todos los pacientes con más de 10 años de operados, no así para los reticulocitos. Dos pacientes presentaron crecimiento del fragmento esplénico; uno se asoció con mala respuesta clínico-hematológica. No se comprobó sepsis ni complicaciones tromboembólicas con posterioridad al proceder(AU)

The effectiveness of partial splenomegalia (PS) was assessed in 17 patients with hereditary spherocytosis seen in the Hematology and Immunology Institute. Age at diagnosis was of 6.71 ± 5.38 months. All of them had splenomegalia. A patient had vesicular lithiasis before intervention. Criteria to presence of splenomegalia were: transfusion requirements (822.4 percent), chronic anemia and splenomegalia (11.7 percent) and splenomegalia (5.9 percent). Age at moment of PS was of( 7.0 ± 2.6 years). Hemoglobin (Hb) was low in the 94,1 percent of patients; reticulocytes increased in the 100 percent and the total and indirect bilirubin was high in the 76,5 percent and the 88,2 percent, respectively. Current mean age of patients is 16,24 ± 4,26 years with a course time of 9,24 ± 4,47 years. Postoperative laboratory variables showed a significant increase of Hb (p= 4 × 10-9) and a decrease of reticulocytes (p= 0.003). Trend in time of Hb remained stable in levels achieved after intervention in all patients with more than 10 years of operated on, but not for reticulocytes. Two patients showed a growing of splenic fragment; one was associated with a poor clinical-hematological response. There not sepsis or thromboembolism complications after procedure(AU)

Evaluación a largo plazo de la esplenectomía parcial en pacientes con esferocitosos hereditaria / Long-term assessment of the partial splenectomy in patients with hereditary spherocytosis

Se evaluó la efectividad de la esplenectomía parcial (EP) en 17 pacientes con esferocitosis hereditaria atendidos en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología. La edad al diagnóstico fue de 6,71 ± 5,38 meses. Todos presentaron esplenomegalia. Un paciente presentó litiasis vesicular antes de la intervención. Los criterios para indicar la esplenectomía fueron: requerimientos transfusionales (82,4 por ciento), anemia crónica y esplenomegalia (11,7 por ciento) y esplenomegalia (5,9 por ciento). La edad al momento de la EP fue de 7,0 ± 2,6 años. La hemoglobina (Hb) estaba disminuida en el 94,1 por ciento de los enfermos; los reticulocitos aumentados en el 100 por ciento y la bilirrubina total e indirecta elevada en el 76,5 por ciento y 88,2 por ciento, respectivamente. El promedio de edad actual de los pacientes es de 16,24 ± 4,26 años, con un tiempo de evolución de 9,24 ± 4,47 años. Las variables de laboratorio posoperatorio mostraron incremento significativo de la Hb (p= 4 × 10-9) y disminución de los reticulocitos (p= 0,003). La tendencia en el tiempo de la Hb mantuvo estabilidad de los niveles alcanzados luego de la intervención, en todos los pacientes con más de 10 años de operados, no así para los reticulocitos. Dos pacientes presentaron crecimiento del fragmento esplénico; uno se asoció con mala respuesta clínico-hematológica. No se comprobó sepsis ni complicaciones tromboembólicas con posterioridad al proceder.

The effectiveness of partial splenomegalia (PS) was assessed in 17 patients with hereditary spherocytosis seen in the Hematology and Immunology Institute. Age at diagnosis was of 6.71 ± 5.38 months. All of them had splenomegalia. A patient had vesicular lithiasis before intervention. Criteria to presence of splenomegalia were: transfusion requirements (822.4 percent), chronic anemia and splenomegalia (11.7 percent) and splenomegalia (5.9 percent). Age at moment of PS was of( 7.0 ± 2.6 years). Hemoglobin (Hb) was low in the 94,1 percent of patients; reticulocytes increased in the 100 percent and the total and indirect bilirubin was high in the 76,5 percent and the 88,2 percent, respectively. Current mean age of patients is 16,24 ± 4,26 years with a course time of 9,24 ± 4,47 years. Postoperative laboratory variables showed a significant increase of Hb (p= 4 × 10-9) and a decrease of reticulocytes (p= 0.003). Trend in time of Hb remained stable in levels achieved after intervention in all patients with more than 10 years of operated on, but not for reticulocytes. Two patients showed a growing of splenic fragment; one was associated with a poor clinical-hematological response. There not sepsis or thromboembolism complications after procedure.

Cistoadenoma seroso del ovario: a propósito de dos casos / Serous cystadenoma of the ovary: two cases study

Se realiza la presentación de dos pacientes, operadas en nuestro servicio con el diagnóstico inicial de tumor ginecológico, cuya sintomatología era bastante vaga e indefinida. Nos llamó la atención, no tanto el diagnóstico final de la entidad, como sí la ausencia casi total de síntomas en el primero de los casos a pesar del tamaño de la lesión y de le edad de la paciente, en presencia de un abdomen prácticamente ocupado en su totalidad por un tumor. Estos tumores llegaron a pesar una vez fuera de su habitad 18 y 10 libras respectivamente. No por la infrecuencia, sino por la magnitud de los mismos, es que nos dimos a la tarea de su presentación y divulgación (AU)

Two patients operated in our service with the initial diagnosis of gynecological tumor whose syntomatology was quite vague and indefinite are presented. The final diagnosis of the entity is not so relevant as the almost total absence of symptoms in the first of the cases in spite of the size of the lesion and the patient's age, in presence of a practically occupied abdomen in their entirety for a tumor. Once these tumors were out of their habitat they got to weigh up to 18 and 10 pounds respectively. Not for the seldomness, but for the magnitude of them, it is that we gave ourselves to the task of their presentation and popularization(AU)