Risk factors for 30-day hospital readmission in patients with diabetic foot.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot (DF) is part of the natural history of diabetes mellitus, ulceration being a severe complication with a prevalence of approximately 6.3 %, which confers a significant economic burden. Hospital readmission in the first thirty (30) days is considered a measure of quality of healthcare and it's been identified that the most preventable causes are the ones that occur in this period. This study seeks to identify the risk factors associated with readmission of patients with DF. METHODS: A case-control study was done by performing a secondary analysis of a database. Descriptive statistics were used for all variables of interest, bivariate analysis to identify statistically significant variables, and a logistic regression model for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 575 cases were analyzed (113 cases, 462 controls). A 20 % incidence rate of 30-day readmission was identified. Statistically significant differences were found in relation to the institution of attention (Hospital Universitario de la Samaritana: OR 1.9, p value < 0.01, 95 % CI 1.2-3.0; Hospital Universitario San Ignacio: OR 0.5, p value < 0.01, 95 % CI 0.3-0.8) and the reasons for readmission before 30 days, especially due to surgical site infection (SSI) (OR 7.1, p value < 0.01, 95 % CI 4.1-12.4), sepsis (OR 8.4, p value 0.02, 95 % CI 1.2-94.0), dehiscence in amputation stump (OR 16.4, p value < 0.01, 95 % CI 4.2-93.1) and decompensation of other pathologies (OR 3.5, p value < 0.01, 95 % CI 2.1-5.7). CONCLUSION: The hospital readmission rate before 30 days for our population compares to current literature. Our results were consistent with exacerbation of chronic pathologies, but other relevant variables not mentioned in other studies were the hospital in which patients were taken care of, the presence of SSI, sepsis, and dehiscence of the amputation stump. We consider thoughtful and close screening of patients at risk in an outpatient setting might identify possible readmissions.

Monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial en adultos y población pediátrica. Una revisión narrativa / Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, adult and pediatric population. A narrative review

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) se ha convertido en un factor de riesgo central para el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares (CV), lo que subraya la importancia de su diagnóstico preciso. Numerosos estudios han establecido una estrecha relación entre los valores elevados de la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y diastólica (PAD) y un incremento en el riesgo de padecer algún evento cardiovascular (ECV). Tradicionalmente, las mediciones de la presión arterial (PA) realizadas en entornos clínicos han sido el principal método para diagnosticar y evaluar la HTA. No obstante, en los últimos años, se ha reconocido que las mediciones de la PA obtenidas fuera del ambiente clínico, mediante la automedida de la presión arterial (AMPA) y la monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial (MAPA), ofrecen una perspectiva más realista de la vida cotidiana de los pacientes y, por lo tanto, brindan resultados más fiables. Dada la evolución de los dispositivos médicos, los criterios diagnósticos y la creciente relevancia de componentes de la MAPA en la predicción de ECV, se requiere una actualización integral que sea práctica para la clínica. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo proporcionar una actualización de la MAPA, enfocándose en su importancia en la evaluación de la HTA. Además, se analizarán los umbrales diagnósticos, los distintos fenotipos según el ciclo circadiano y las recomendaciones en diferentes poblaciones, asimismo, se ofrecerán sugerencias concretas para la implementación efectiva de la MAPA en la práctica clínica, lo que permitirá a los profesionales de la salud tomar decisiones fundamentadas y mejorar la atención de sus pacientes.(AU)

Hypertension has become a central risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, underscoring the importance of its accurate diagnosis. Numerous studies have established a close relationship between elevated systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular event (CVE). Traditionally, blood pressure (BP) measurements performed in clinical settings have been the main method for diagnosing and assessing hypertension. However, in recent years, it has been recognized that BP measurements obtained outside the clinical setting, using self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), offer a more realistic perspective of patients’ daily lives and therefore provide more reliable results. Given the evolution of medical devices, diagnostic criteria, and the increasing relevance of certain components of ABPM in the prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, a comprehensive update that is practical for daily clinical practice is required. The main objective of this article is to provide an updated review of ABPM, focusing on its importance in the evaluation of hypertension and its impact on public health in Colombia. In addition, it will discuss the implications of changes in diagnostic thresholds and provide concrete recommendations for the effective implementation of ABPM in clinical practice, allowing health professionals to make informed decisions and improve the care of their patients.(AU)

[Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, adult and pediatric population. A narrative review]. / Monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial en adultos y población pediátrica. Una revisión narrativa.

Hypertension has become a central risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, underscoring the importance of its accurate diagnosis. Numerous studies have established a close relationship between elevated systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular event (CVE). Traditionally, blood pressure (BP) measurements performed in clinical settings have been the main method for diagnosing and assessing hypertension. However, in recent years, it has been recognized that BP measurements obtained outside the clinical setting, using self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), offer a more realistic perspective of patients' daily lives and therefore provide more reliable results. Given the evolution of medical devices, diagnostic criteria, and the increasing relevance of certain components of ABPM in the prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, a comprehensive update that is practical for daily clinical practice is required. The main objective of this article is to provide an updated review of ABPM, focusing on its importance in the evaluation of hypertension and its impact on public health in Colombia. In addition, it will discuss the implications of changes in diagnostic thresholds and provide concrete recommendations for the effective implementation of ABPM in clinical practice, allowing health professionals to make informed decisions and improve the care of their patients.

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea after chemoradiation therapy for advanced head and neck cancer.

This report presents a case of worsening obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) post-chemoradiation therapy that improved significantly after placement of a hypoglossal nerve stimulator. The patient was a 66-year-old male, diagnosed with head and neck cancer, who experienced exacerbation of OSA after receiving chemoradiation. A hypoglossal nerve stimulator was placed, with minimal complications. The patient showed a significant improvement in OSA as exhibited by the reduction in apnea-hypopnea index. Hypoglossal nerve stimulator placement appears to be a potential treatment option for induced or worsened OSA, which is a known complication of head and neck cancer treatment. When considering treatment options, upper airway stimulation is indeed a possible method in patients who meet the recommended guideline criteria.

Accumulation, distribution pattern and potential contamination of sulphur in vineyard soils of the Valdepeñas protected denomination origin.

Soil is the basis for almost all global agriculture and the medium in which most terrestrial biological activity occurs. Viticulture represents an important agricultural practice in the Castilla-La Mancha (CLM) community. In this region, there are several protected denominations of origin (PDO), the largest being Valdepeñas. This paper describes the accumulation pattern of sulphur (S) in the vineyard soils of this PDO. Samples were collected from 90 vineyard soil profiles. Sulphur content was determined using an X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer in the solid mode on a powdered aliquot of each sample. The results indicated that the total S in soils varied from 0.54 to 6.90 (g·kg-1) in surface soil (0-30 cm) and from 0.39 to 2.80 (g·kg-1) on the subsurface layer (30-80 cm). When comparing the mean values of surface horizons to the subsurface horizons, S content lowered as soil depth increased. Kurtosis exceeded 45 % in all cases, which indicates a wide variability of concentrations. These findings can be explained by the continuous fertiliser and fungicide applications (and therefore S) in these production systems. Using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), most soils were included in Class 0 (Igeo <0) and were, thus, S uncontaminated; only a few points can be considered pollutants. The obtained results should contribute to extend the scarce existing database on S in Mediterranean regions like that herein studied.

Does rassi score caracterize patients with chagas disease with complex ventricular arrhythmias?

INTRODUCTION: Rassi score (NYHA functional class III/IV HF [5 points], cardiomegaly [5 points], contractions abnormalities [3 points], non-sustained ventricular tachycardia [3 points], low amplitude QRS [2 points] and male sex [2 points]) is used in the clinic for risk stratification due to cardiovascular death in patients with Chagas disease (P-CD). Whether this score has any role in identifying patients at risk of complex ventricular arrhythmias has not been determined. OBJECTIVE: Assess whether there is an association between Rassi score and the presence of potentially malignant complex ventricular arrhythmias in P-CD. METHODS: 79 P-CD (34 men, age 61±11 years-old), consecutively referred for 24h-Holter were divided into 2 groups: low risk Rassi score (57 P, 0-6 points) and medium-high risk (22 P, 7-20 points). The amount and complexity of ventricular arrhythmia (> 30/ h, ventricular tachycardia [VT]), LVEF, heart rate turbulence (HRT) indexes (turbulence onset [TO] and turbulence slope [TS]) and HRT category (0 [without disautonomy], 1 and/or 2 [presence of disautonomy]) were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared to P-CD with low risk score, those with medium-high risk had more ventricular arrhythmias, lower LVEF, worse HRT indexes and more HRT categories 1 and/or 2 (see table below). CONCLUSIONS: 1) P-CD and Rassi score of medium to high risk have a greater amount of ventricular arrhythmias; 2) These findings can be explained by the presence of greater degree of disautonomy, assessed by HRT, and by the lower LVEF; 3) Prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings in clinical practice.

Epidemiology and factors associated with Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in a Low-prevalence area.

Background: Tuberculosis is a global public health problem. Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis accounts for an increasing proportion of cases worldwide, although information about epidemiological, clinical, or microbiological factors is lacking. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of tuberculosis cases diagnosed between 2016 and 2021, classified into Pulmonary and Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate risk factors of Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Results: 20.9% of overall cases were classified as Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, with a rising trend from 22.6% in 2016 to 27.9% in 2021. Lymphatic tuberculosis accounted for 50.6% of cases, followed by pleural tuberculosis (24.1%). 55.4% of cases belonged to foreign-born patients. Microbiological culture tested positive in 92.8% of Extra-pulmonary cases. Logistic regression analysis showed that women were more predisposed to develop Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.45-4.20) as well as elderly patients (aged ≥ 65 years) (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.19-5.13) and persons with previous history of tuberculosis (4.99, 95% CI 1.40-17.82). Conclusions: Extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis have increased within our study period. A profound decline occurred in 2021 tuberculosis cases, probably due to COVID-19. Women, elderly population, and persons with previous history of tuberculosis are at higher risk of developing Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in our setting.

Identification of antimicrobial resistance genes in intestinal content from Coyote (Canis latrans).

Antibiotic resistance has become a global public health concern in the last few years. Given the widespread rate of recurrence, increasing attention is being turned toward environmental pathways that potentially contribute to antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) dissemination outside the clinical realm. In this study, a metagenome analysis of intestinal virus-like particle fraction (VLPs) from a wild coyote ( Canis latrans) revealed for the first time, multiple ARGs, such as B-lactamases and multidrug efflux pumps. Description of ARGs presence in natural environments is critical to understand the emergence of resistant strains.