Synthesis and Characterization of a pH- and Temperature-Sensitive Fe3O4-SiO2-Poly(NVCL-co-MAA) Nanocomposite for Controlled Delivery of Doxorubicin Anticancer Drug.

This work reports the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro release studies of pH- and temperature-sensitive Fe3O4-SiO2-poly(NVCL-co-MAA) nanocomposite. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by chemical coprecipitation, coated with SiO2 by the Stöber method, and functionalized with vinyl groups. The copolymer poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-methacrylic acid) (poly(NVCL-co-MAA)) was grafted onto the functionalized Fe3O4-SiO2 nanoparticles by free radical polymerization. XRD, FTIR, TGA, VSM, and TEM techniques were performed to characterize the nanocomposite. The release behavior of Doxorubicin (DOX) loaded in the nanocomposite at pH 5.8 and 7.4, and two temperatures, 25 and 37 °C, was studied. According to the release studies, approximately 55% of DOX is released in 72 h at pH 7.4, regardless of temperature. At pH 5.8, 78% of DOX was released in 48 h at 25 °C, and when increasing the temperature to 37 °C, more than 95 % of DOX was released in 24 h. The DOX release data treated with Zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models showed that Higuchi's model best fits the data, indicating that the DOX is released by diffusion. The findings suggest that the synthesized nanocomposite may be useful as a DOX carrier in biomedical applications.

Parkinson's disease prevalence, age distribution and staging in Colombia.

Parkinson's disease (PD) has the second highest prevalence among neurodege - nerative diseases. In Colombia, PD population dynamics are currently unknown. Health records offer a unique resource to study frequency and multi-morbidity of chronic diseases. The aim of this research is to estimate prevalence and staging using administrative data (AD) provided by Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). A cross-sectional study was conducted using 2015 AD from two Colombian HMOs (4.312.928 beneficiaries, 9.01% of the affiliated Colombian population). PD prevalence and severity was estimated by age and sex. Prevalence was adjusted to WHO demographics. Age-adjusted PD prevalence was 205.89 per 100.000 inhabitants. Prevalence increment of 62.13% was found between those aged ≥40 years and those aged ≥50 years. Similarly, each extra decade (50-80+) represented an increment of 83.65%, 80.95%, and 35.10%. Between 40 and 89 years, males exhibited a significantly higher PD prevalence compared to females. Advanced PD was more frequent as age increased from 3.77% in the group between 40 to 49 years to 25.86% in those older than 89 years. More common related comorbidities were arterial hypertension, diabetes, and psychiatric disorders; the first two increased their frequency with age, and the last one maintained its prevalence across all age groups. AD sets are useful to estimate the prevalence and staging of PD. Prevalence of PD in Colombia is higher in men and increases with age, as well as disease severity.

Direct cost of Parkinson's disease in a health system with high judicialization: evidence from Colombia.

Objective: To estimate all-claims-all-conditions expenditures paid for by health plans for patients suffering from Parkinson´s disease (PD). Methods: Using administrative claims data from two health maintenance organizations for 2014 and 2015 in Colombia, we identified 2,917 patients with PD by applying an algorithm that uses International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System codes. Descriptive statistics were applied to compute unadjusted all-cause median costs. A generalized linear model was used to estimate adjusted and attributable direct costs of advanced PD. Results: Approximately 30% of the all-cause direct costs were associated with technologies not included in universal health coverage benefit packages. In 2015, the annual median interquartile range per patient all-cause direct costs to insurers was USD1,576 (605-3,617). About 16% of patients had advanced PD. Regression analysis estimated that additional costs attributable to advanced PD was USD3,416 (p = 0.000). Multimorbidity was highly prevalent, and 96% of PD patients had at least one other chronic condition. Conclusions: In the context of high judicialization, patients suffering from PD must increasingly use the judicial system to access treatment. To promote more equitable and efficient access benefit packages, developing countries must consider more thoroughly the needs of these patients.

Age Matters: Objective Gait Assessment in Early Parkinson's Disease Using an RGB-D Camera.

BACKGROUND: Gait alterations are hallmarks for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In normal conditions, age could affect gait dynamics. Although it is known that objective assessment of gait is a valuable tool for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with PD, only few studies evaluate the effect of aging on the gait pattern of patients with PD. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess differences in gait dynamics between PD patients and healthy subjects and to investigate the effects of aging on these differences using a low-cost RGB-D depth-sensing camera. METHODS: 30 PD patients and 30 age-matched controls were recruited. Descriptive analysis was used for clinical variables, and Spearman's rank correlation was used to correlate age and gait variables. The sample was distributed in age groups; then, Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of gait variables between groups. RESULTS: PD patients exhibited prolonged swing (p=0.002) and stance times (p < 0.001) and lower speed values (p < 0.001) compared to controls. This was consistent in all age groups, except for the one between 76 and 88 years old, in which the controls were slower and had longer swing and stance times. These results were statically significant for the group from 60 to 66 years. CONCLUSION: Gait speed, swing, and stance times are useful for differentiating PD patients from controls. Quantitative gait parameters measured by an RGB-D camera can complement clinical assessment of PD patients. The analysis of these spatiotemporal variables should consider the age of the subject.

Objective Arm Swing Analysis in Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease Using an RGB-D Camera (Kinect®).

BACKGROUND: Arm swing changes are common even in the early stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). We hypothesized that arm swing changes decrease with age and can be detected using a low-cost, RGB-D depth-sensing camera. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the differences in arm swing between PD patients and healthy participants and to investigate the possible effects of aging on these differences. METHODS: Twenty-five PD patients (aged 45-87 years) and 25 age-matched, healthy subjects (aged 46-88 years) were included. Clinical variables were evaluated using a descriptive analysis. No spatiotemporal variables were normally distributed; therefore, we used a Mann-Whitney U test to compare the continuous variables between groups and to perform age-stratified analysis. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was generated to evaluate the discrimination activity of arm swing asymmetry (ASA). RESULTS: The PD group showed significant reductions in arm swing magnitude (left, p = 0.002; right, p = 0.006) and arm swing speed (left, p = 0.002; right, p = 0.004) and significantly greater ASA (p < 0.001). The age-stratified analysis showed significant differences in ASA in the 40-59-year group (p = 0.001) and bilateral arm swing magnitude in the 60-66-year group. No differences were found in those aged >67 years. CONCLUSIONS: The camera detected differences in ASA, arm swing speed, and arm swing magnitude between PD patients and healthy individuals. Analysis of arm swing variables should be stratified by age, and the validity of the analysis may be questionable in patients aged >67 years.

Complete Resolution of Symptoms of Primary Orthostatic Tremor with Perampanel.

Background: Primary orthostatic tremor (POT) is an infrequent disorder whose physiopathology is unknown. Current medication is largely ineffective or only offers mild benefits. Case Report: A 75-year-old female with refractory POT treated with 4 mg/day of perampanel achieved complete symptom resolution. Owing to adverse effects, the patient reduced intake to 2 mg/day, but even at this lower dose the benefit was maintained. Discussion: We report the complete resolution of POT symptoms using low doses of perampanel, an antiepileptic drug that blocks glutamate-mediated post-synaptic excitation. Further controlled studies are necessary to confirm this finding.

Anti-Yo-Associated Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration Manifesting as Acute Cerebellitis with Posterior Cranial Fossa Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a rare complication of some malignant cancers. It is most commonly described in women with gynecologic or breast malignancies; however, there have been reports in other types of cancers. Symptoms include ataxia, dysarthria, and tremors, which could be the first manifestations of an underlying malignancy. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 50-year-old woman had an acute PCD with anti-Yo antibodies from an underlying breast invasive ductal carcinoma. She presented with intracranial hypertension in the posterior cranial fossa that required an emergent decompressive craniectomy. CONCLUSIONS: PCD is an uncommon disease that may manifest initially as posterior cranial fossa hypertension and subsequent acute hydrocephalus owing to diffuse cerebellar swelling. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of an anti-Yo PCD that has manifested as acute posterior cranial fossa hypertension owing to diffuse cerebellar edema. Early diagnosis and treatment should be pursued to improve long-term outcomes.

Consenso de la Asociación Colombiana de Neurología sobre el uso de apomorfina en la enfermedad de Parkinson / Colombian Association of Neurology Consensus on the use of Apomorphine in Parkinson's disease

La apomorfina es un agonista dopa que se viene usando desde hace más 25 años en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Parkinson avanzada con complicaciones motoras complejas, por lo cual sigue siendo de gran importancia en el tratamiento de esta etapa de la enfermedad. En el siguiente escrito, realizado por el Comité de Movimientos Anormales de la Asociación Colombiana de Neurología, se hace una revisión respecto a la medicación, su eficacia y el papel en el manejo de la enfermedad de Parkinson, así como una comparación entre las diferentes terapias avanzadas disponibles hoy en día. De la misma manera el Comité hace recomendaciones sobre las indicaciones, elección de candidatos y protocolos para el inicio de las diferentes formas de administración (intermitente e infusión continua) para optimizar el uso de esta terapia y facilitar la adherencia al tratamiento. Por otra parte, se revisan los efectos adversos relacionados con la terapia y se hacen recomendaciones sobre el manejo de las mismas, el seguimiento que se debe hacer a los pacientes que reciban apomorfina y las claves en el tratamiento a largo plazo. long term.

Apomorphine is a dopamine agonist that has been used for more than 25 years in the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease with complex motor complications, becoming an important treatment option for this stage of the disease. In the following document, written by the movement disorders committee of the Colombian Association of Neurology, an extensive review is made about this medication, its efficacy and role in the management of Parkinson's disease as well as a comparison between the different advanced therapies available today. Additionally, recommendations about the indications, election of candidates and protocols for choosing between the different forms of administration (intermittent and continuous infusion) are establish according current evidence in order to help clinicians to optimize the use of this therapy and facilitate adherence to treatment. On the other hand, adverse effects related to the therapy are reviewed and recommendations are made about their management, as well as a protocol to follow-up patients receiving apomorphine and keys in the long term.

Porfiria aguda intermitente y su relación con el síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible: reporte de caso / Acute Intermittent Porphyria and it´s relationship with Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Case Report

Las porfirias son un grupo heterogéneo de trastornos del metabolismo en el cual hay una deficiencia enzimática específica necesaria en la biosíntesis del grupo hemo. Dentro de estas se destaca la porfiria aguda intermitente como la forma más común, que se caracteriza por episodios de exacerbación o crisis neuroviscerales. Las manifestaciones clínicas son amplias, sin embargo, la presentación con síntomas del sistema nervioso central a diferencia de los síntomas disautonómicos o neuropáticos son poco frecuentes. Reportamos un caso que resalta la relación infrecuente entre la porfiria aguda intermitente y el síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible. Paciente femenina de 18 años con dolor abdominal persistente severo, hipertensión arterial, convulsiones, ceguera cortical y neuropatía axonal motora. Se le realizó una resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) contrastada que evidenció lesiones hiperintensas corticales y cortico-subcorticales sugestivas de edema vasogénico, compatibles con síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible. Se hizo el diagnóstico de porfiria aguda intermitente por elevados niveles de resonancia magnética nuclear (PBG) y ácido 5-amino-levulínico (ALA) en orina y se inició tratamiento con hematina, terapia parenteral hiperglucida y el retiro de agentes porfirinogénicos. Los síntomas centrales así como los hallazgos imagenológicos se resolvieron de forma adecuada con el tratamiento. Este caso resalta la relación inusual entre la porfiria aguda intermitente y el síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible, en una paciente con crisis de dolor abdominal persistente, disautonomía, convulsiones, ceguera cortical y neuropatía axonal motora, síntomas que asociados nos deben sugerir estos diagnósticos.

The porphyrias are a heterogeneous group of metabolism disorders in which there is an enzymatic deficiency necessary for the pathway of heme biosynthesis. Within this group, Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP) is the most common disorder, characterized by episodes of neuro-visceral crisis. The clinical manifestation spectrum is wide, however symptoms originating from Central Nervous System (CNS) dysfunction are rare. We report a case that shows the infrequent relationship between AIP and Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) An 18-year-old female patient presented with severe persistent abdominal pain, hypertension, seizures, cortical blindness and motor axonal neuropathy. A brain contrasted MRI evidenced a cortical and cortico-subcortical high intensity lesion suggestive of vasogenic edema in frontal, parietal and occipital lobes, compatible with PRES. A diagnosis of AIP was also made due to high levels of PBG and ALA in the urine. Treatment consisted of hematin, intravenous sugar solution and the withdrawal of porphyrinogenic agents. The CNS-related symptoms and the brain lesions shown via imaging resolved appropriately with treatment. This case shows the unusual relationship between AIP and PRES, in a patient that presented with persistent abdominal pain, dysautonomia, seizures, cortical blindness and motor axonal neuropathy, symptoms that, as a whole, can suggest this diagnosis.

A reliability assessment software using Kinect to complement the clinical evaluation of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is characterized by alterations in the gait pattern that may increase the risk of falls. Variations in the gait pattern cannot be objectively measured in clinical examination, so it is necessary to adapt devices to measure objectively, valid and replicable changes in gait patterns that are part of the evolution of the disease and / or pharmacotherapy. In an interdisciplinary effort, we developed the "e-Motion Capture System" software, which is able to calculate motor (cadence, stride and step length) and spatiotemporal (velocity and acceleration) parameters that affect quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. In this paper, we show results of the comparison between our e-Motion software and a benchmark reference, multiple-camera 3D motion capture system to track a gait pattern. This analysis was performed to compare the spatial locations of the ankles of a volunteer under indoor controlled conditions. Our results for the comparison between e-Motion and the 3D motion capture system show excellent agreement.

[Delayed diagnosis of juvenile Huntington's diseases: case report]. / Retraso en el diagnóstico de un cuadro grave de enfermedad de Huntington juvenil: un reporte de caso.

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is clinically manifested as mood and personality changes, loss of cognitive functions and choreiform movements. The pattern of inheritance is autosomic dominant. It is due to the gradual expansion of a cytosine, adenine, guanine trinucleotide in a gene that codifies the protein Huntington. The molecular diagnosis must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Genetic counseling must be carefully done due to the high suicide risk among these patients. We present the case of a fourteen-year-old male with a severe disease, poor social support and an unclear pattern of inheritance.

Retraso en el diagnóstico de un cuadro grave de enfermedad de Huntington juvenil: un reporte de caso / Delayed diagnosis of juvenile Huntington's diseases: case report

La enfermedad de Huntington es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa que se manifiesta con alteraciones motoras descritas típicamente como movimientos coreiformes, cambios en el estado de ánimo y pérdida de funciones cognitivas. El patrón de herencia de esta enfermedad es autosómico dominante. La alteración genética comprende una expansión inestable del triplete citosina, adenina, guanina en el gen que codifica la proteína huntingtina. La prueba molecular confirma el diagnóstico. El consejo genético debe ser prudente debido al alto riesgo de suicidio. Se presenta el caso de un joven de 14 años con una pobre red de apoyo y un cuadro clínico grave de esta enfermedad en el contexto de un patrón de herencia poco claro.

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is clinically manifested as mood and personality changes, loss of cognitive functions and choreiform movements. The pattern of inheritance is autosomic dominant. It is due to the gradual expansion of a cytosine, adenine, guanine trinucleotide in a gene that codifies the protein Huntington. The molecular diagnosis must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Genetic counseling must be carefully done due to the high suicide risk among these patients. We present the case of a fourteen-year-old male with a severe disease, poor social support and an unclear pattern of inheritance.

Retraso en el diagnóstico de un cuadro grave de enfermedad de Huntington juvenil: un reporte de caso / Delayed diagnosis of juvenile Huntingtons diseases: case report

La enfermedad de Huntington es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa que se manifiesta con alteraciones motoras descritas típicamente como movimientos coreiformes, cambios en el estado de ánimo y pérdida de funciones cognitivas. El patrón de herencia de esta enfermedad es autosómico dominante. La alteración genética comprende una expansión inestable del triplete citosina, adenina, guanina en el gen que codifica la proteína huntingtina. La prueba molecular confirma el diagnóstico. El consejo genético debe ser prudente debido al alto riesgo de suicidio. Se presenta el caso de un joven de 14 años con una pobre red de apoyo y un cuadro clínico grave de esta enfermedad en el contexto de un patrón de herencia poco claro.(AU)

Huntingtons disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is clinically manifested as mood and personality changes, loss of cognitive functions and choreiform movements. The pattern of inheritance is autosomic dominant. It is due to the gradual expansion of a cytosine, adenine, guanine trinucleotide in a gene that codifies the protein Huntington. The molecular diagnosis must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Genetic counseling must be carefully done due to the high suicide risk among these patients. We present the case of a fourteen-year-old male with a severe disease, poor social support and an unclear pattern of inheritance.(AU)

Retraso en el diagnóstico de un cuadro grave de enfermedad de Huntington juvenil: un reporte de caso. / [Delayed diagnosis of juvenile Huntingtons diseases: case report].

Huntingtons disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is clinically manifested as mood and personality changes, loss of cognitive functions and choreiform movements. The pattern of inheritance is autosomic dominant. It is due to the gradual expansion of a cytosine, adenine, guanine trinucleotide in a gene that codifies the protein Huntington. The molecular diagnosis must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Genetic counseling must be carefully done due to the high suicide risk among these patients. We present the case of a fourteen-year-old male with a severe disease, poor social support and an unclear pattern of inheritance.