Modeling the variability of insulin sensitivity for people with Type 1 Diabetes based on clinical data from an artificial pancreas study.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that eliminates endogenous insulin production. Without the crucial hormone insulin, which is necessary to equilibrate the blood glucose level, the patient must inject insulin subcutaneously. Treatment must be personalized (timing and size of insulin delivery) to achieve glycaemic equilibrium and avoid long-term comorbidities. Patients are educated on Functional Insulin Therapy (FIT) in order to independently adjust insulin delivery several times a day (at least prior to each meal and physical activity). Among personalized parameters, the Correction Factor is used to occasionally correct hyperglycemia via the injection of an insulin dose (bolus) and its value determines the bolus size. Although well-known in common diabetes practice for chronically poorly controlled patients, the phenomenon of "hyperglycemia induces insulin resistance" on a short term basis in patients with rather well controlled diabetes is presented here. Using a new database of evidence, we show that the insulin sensitivity factor, depends on the current level of glycaemia. This opens the door to refining dosing rules for patients and insulin delivery devices in artificial pancreas systems.

Prior automatic posture and activity identification improves physical activity energy expenditure prediction from hip-worn triaxial accelerometry.

Accelerometry is increasingly used to quantify physical activity (PA) and related energy expenditure (EE). Linear regression models designed to derive PAEE from accelerometry-counts have shown their limits, mostly due to the lack of consideration of the nature of activities performed. Here we tested whether a model coupling an automatic activity/posture recognition (AAR) algorithm with an activity-specific count-based model, developed in 61 subjects in laboratory conditions, improved PAEE and total EE (TEE) predictions from a hip-worn triaxial-accelerometer (ActigraphGT3X+) in free-living conditions. Data from two independent subject groups of varying body mass index and age were considered: 20 subjects engaged in a 3-h urban-circuit, with activity-by-activity reference PAEE from combined heart-rate and accelerometry monitoring (Actiheart); and 56 subjects involved in a 14-day trial, with PAEE and TEE measured using the doubly-labeled water method. PAEE was estimated from accelerometry using the activity-specific model coupled to the AAR algorithm (AAR model), a simple linear model (SLM), and equations provided by the companion-software of used activity-devices (Freedson and Actiheart models). AAR-model predictions were in closer agreement with selected references than those from other count-based models, both for PAEE during the urban-circuit (RMSE = 6.19 vs 7.90 for SLM and 9.62 kJ/min for Freedson) and for EE over the 14-day trial, reaching Actiheart performances in the latter (PAEE: RMSE = 0.93 vs. 1.53 for SLM, 1.43 for Freedson, 0.91 MJ/day for Actiheart; TEE: RMSE = 1.05 vs. 1.57 for SLM, 1.70 for Freedson, 0.95 MJ/day for Actiheart). Overall, the AAR model resulted in a 43% increase of daily PAEE variance explained by accelerometry predictions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although triaxial accelerometry is widely used in free-living conditions to assess the impact of physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) on health, its precision and accuracy are often debated. Here we developed and validated an activity-specific model which, coupled with an automatic activity-recognition algorithm, improved the variance explained by the predictions from accelerometry counts by 43% of daily PAEE compared with models relying on a simple relationship between accelerometry counts and EE.

Reemplazo femoral total, reporte de tres casos con revisión de la literatura / Total femoral replacement. Three case reports and literature review

Introducción: En la actualidad, la cirugía de recambio articular de cadera y rodilla es un procedimiento común en centros ortopédicos. Sin embargo, sabemos que este tipo de cirugía tiene vigencia y requiere procedimientos de revisión. Estos últimos generalmente conllevan complicaciones importantes como la pérdida de hueso que puede llegar a comprometer la estabilidad de los implantes. Métodos: Se realizaron tres revisiones de artroplastía tanto de cadera como de rodilla que han requerido el reemplazo total del fémur y de las articulaciones involucradas en el período comprendido del 2006 al 2011. El objetivo del presente trabajo es presentar la experiencia con estos implantes en cirugía de revisión de artroplastía. Resultados: El protocolo de manejo del postoperatorio fue estandarizado para todos y cada uno de los pacientes, requirieron manejo mediante desbridamientos y antibioticoterapia específica. Evidenciaron mejora significativa en el puntaje de la escala visual análoga del dolor (8-2.3 puntos p < 0.05) y funcional con la escala de valoración de WOMAC (21.6 preoperatorio a 55 puntos p < 0.05). Conclusiones: El reemplazo femoral total es un procedimiento quirúrgico de salvamento poco frecuente, demandante y complejo, que representa una alternativa ante la desarticulación de la extremidad pélvica en la etapa final de la enfermedad protésica. Se trata de una opción factible de realizar para mejorar la funcionalidad del paciente y disminuir la discapacidad residual para la realización de actividades de manera independiente.

Introduction: Currently hip and knee joint replacement were performed frequently at orthopedic centers. However, these surgeries do not last forever and thus revision procedures are required. The latter usually involve complications like bone loss that may compromise implant stability. Methods: Three hip and knee arthroplasty revisions were performed from 2006 to 2011, which warranted the total replacement of the femur and the joints involved. The purpose of this paper is to describe our experience with these implants used in arthroplasty revision surgery. Results: A standardized postoperative management protocol was used in all patients. They required debridement and specific antibiotic therapy. They had a significant improvement in the pain visual analog scale (VAS) (the score went from 8 to 2.3, p < 0.05) and in function, measured with the WOMAC score (from a preoperative score of 21.6 to 55, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Total femoral replacement is an infrequent, demanding and complex salvage surgery that represents an alternative to the disarticulation of the pelvic limb at the end stage of prosthetic disease. This is a feasible option used to improve patient functionality and decrease residual capacity for performing activities independently.

[Total femoral replacement. Three case reports and literature review]. / Reemplazo femoral total, reporte de tres casos con revisión de la literatura.

INTRODUCTION: Currently hip and knee joint replacement were performed frequently at orthopedic centers. However, these surgeries do not last forever and thus revision procedures are required. The latter usually involve complications like bone loss that may compromise implant stability. METHODS: Three hip and knee arthroplasty revisions were performed from 2006 to 2011, which warranted the total replacement of the femur and the joints involved. The purpose of this paper is to describe our experience with these implants used in arthroplasty revision surgery. RESULTS: A standardized postoperative management protocol was used in all patients. They required debridement and specific antibiotic therapy. They had a significant improvement in the pain visual analog scale (VAS) (the score went from 8 to 2.3, p < 0.05) and in function, measured with the WOMAC score (from a preoperative score of 21.6 to 55, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Total femoral replacement is an infrequent, demanding and complex salvage surgery that represents an alternative to the disarticulation of the pelvic limb at the end stage of prosthetic disease. This is a feasible option used to improve patient functionality and decrease residual capacity for performing activities independently.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En la actualidad, la cirugía de recambio articular de cadera y rodilla es un procedimiento común en centros ortopédicos. Sin embargo, sabemos que este tipo de cirugía tiene vigencia y requiere procedimientos de revisión. Estos últimos generalmente conllevan complicaciones importantes como la pérdida de hueso que puede llegar a comprometer la estabilidad de los implantes. MÉTODOS: Se realizaron tres revisiones de artroplastía tanto de cadera como de rodilla que han requerido el reemplazo total del fémur y de las articulaciones involucradas en el período comprendido del 2006 al 2011. El objetivo del presente trabajo es presentar la experiencia con estos implantes en cirugía de revisión de artroplastía. RESULTADOS: El protocolo de manejo del postoperatorio fue estandarizado para todos y cada uno de los pacientes, requirieron manejo mediante desbridamientos y antibioticoterapia específica. Evidenciaron mejora significativa en el puntaje de la escala visual análoga del dolor (8-2.3 puntos p < 0.05) y funcional con la escala de valoración de WOMAC (21.6 preoperatorio a 55 puntos p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: El reemplazo femoral total es un procedimiento quirúrgico de salvamento poco frecuente, demandante y complejo, que representa una alternativa ante la desarticulación de la extremidad pélvica en la etapa final de la enfermedad protésica. Se trata de una opción factible de realizar para mejorar la funcionalidad del paciente y disminuir la discapacidad residual para la realización de actividades de manera independiente.

[Comparative study of coronary angioplasty in diabetic patients. Immediate clinical and angiographic results and clinical evolution in the first year of follow up]. / Estudio comparativo de la angioplastia coronaria en pacientes con diabetes. Resultados clínicos y angiográficos inmediatos y evolución clínica en el primer año.

BACKGROUND: The success of revascularization procedures for coronary artery disease could be lower in diabetic patients. AIM: To report the results of coronary angioplasty in diabetic and non diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All angioplasty procedures performed between 1996 and 1999 were recorded. Demographic data, procedure details, hospital outcome and evolution at one year of follow up were analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 358 patients were treated; of these, 79 were diabetics. Despite the greater severity of coronary lesions among diabetic patients the clinical success of the procedure was 92.4% in diabetics and 91.8% in non diabetics. Hospital mortality was 1.3% in diabetics and 0.7% in non diabetics. Major complications occurred in 3.8% of diabetics and 3.2% in non diabetics. One year survival was 95.9% for diabetics and 98% in non diabetics. There were five late cardiac deaths among non diabetics and 3 among diabetics during the year of follow up. The frequency of new revascularization procedures was 4.3% in diabetics and 8.3% in non diabetics. Event-free survival was 95.6% in diabetics and 89.2% in non diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: Results of angioplasty were similar in diabetic and non diabetic patients in terms of hospital outcome and late follow-up.

[Acute myocardial infarction caused by total occlusion of the left main coronary artery treated with percutaneous endoluminal revascularization. Clinical case]. / Infarto agudo del miocardio por oclusión total del tronco común de arteria coronaria izquierda tratado con revascularización percutánea endoluminal. Caso clínico.

We report a 43 years old female who developed an intense precordial pain and arterial hypotension. The patient was admitted to the emergency room in cardiogenic shock. An emergency angiography revealed a total occlusion of the left main coronary artery. An endoluminal coronary angioplasty with the placement of two stents was performed and coronary reperfusion TIMI III was achieved. The patient had a good evolution and one month later, a surgical revascularization was done, to avoid new occlusions. She was discharged in good conditions and in functional capacity I.

[The classification of coronary lesion from Society for Cardiac Angiography and Intervention predicts better results of coronary angioplasty than the one from American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Coronary Disease]. / La clasificación de lesiones coronarias de la Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions predice mejor el éxito de la angioplastia coronaria que la del American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: The classification of coronary lesion complexity, using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) is a predictor of balloon angioplasty success. Stents have improved results even in complex lesions. AIM: To compare the ACC/AHA and the new Society for Cardiac Angiography (SCA&I) coronary lesion scores as predictors of angioplasty success. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ali consecutive angioplasty procedures (n = 346, 456 lesions, 47% stents) were prospectively analyzed from August 1996 to March 1999. Coronary lesions were classified using the ACC/AHA and SCA&I scores. Angiographic success was assessed and its multivariate predictors determined with logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: According to the ACC/AHA score, angiographic success was 97, 92.7, 93.3, and 82.3% in A, Bl, B2 and C lesions respectively (p = 0.013). There only were significant differences in success between C and A, Bl or B2 lesions. According to the SCA&I score success was achieved in 97.3, 97.9, 75.8 and 33.3% in nonCP, CP, nonCO and CO lesions respectively (P < 0.001). With the SCA&I score statistically significant differences in angiographic success were found for all lesion score comparisons, except between nonCP and CP lesions. No other variables had predictive value for angiographic success. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary angioplasty angiographic success is better predicted by the new SCA&l lesion score than with the ACC/AHA lesion classification in a group of patients with frequent use of stents.

[Secondary ionizing radiation generated by digital and analog coronary cineangiographic equipment: influence of external systems of radiologic protection]. / Radiación ionizante secundaria generada en equipos de cineangiografía coronaria digital y analógica: influencia de los sistemas externos de protección radiológica.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to ionizing radiation is a known hazard of radiological procedures. AIM: To compare the emission of secondary ionizing radiation from two coronary angiographic equipment, one with digital and the other with analog image generation. To evaluate the effectiveness of external radiological protection devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Environmental and fluoroscopy generated radiation in the cephalic region of the patient was measured during diagnostic coronary angiographies. Ionizing radiation generated in anterior left oblique projection (ALO) and in anterior right oblique projection (ARO) were measured with and without leaded protections. In 19 patients (group 1), a digital equipment was used and in 21 (group 2), an analog equipment. RESULTS: Header radiation for groups 1 and 2 was 1194 +/- 337 and 364 +/- 222 microGray/h respectively (p < 0.001). During fluoroscopy and with leaded protection generated radiation for groups 1 and 2 was 612 +/- 947 and 70 +/- 61 microGray/h respectively (p < 0.001). For ALO projection, generated radiation for groups 1 and 2 was 105 +/- 47 and 71 +/- 192 microGray/h respectively (p < 0.001). During filming the radiation for ALO projection for groups 1 and 2 was 7252 +/- 9569 and 1671 +/- 2038 microGray/h respectively (p = 0.03). Out of the protection zone, registered radiation during fluoroscopy for groups 1 and 2 was 2800 +/- 1741 and 1318 +/- 954 microGray/h respectively (p < 0.001); during filming, the figures were 15,500 +/- 5840 and 18,961 +/- 10,599 microGray/h respectively (NS). CONCLUSIONS: Digital radiological equipment has a lower level of ionizing radiation emission than the analog equipment.

[Cisapride does not modify prolonged Q-T interval in patients with liver cirrhosis]. / La cisaprida no altera el intervalo Q-T prolongado en pacientes con cirrosis hepática.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal small bowel motility, observed in liver cirrhosis, can be reversed with cisapride. Since both cisapride and liver disease are associated with prolonged QT interval, the possibility of adverse cardiovascular effects might be expected with cisapride treatment in these patients. AIM: To evaluate QT interval and other electrocardiographic changes during long term treatment with cisapride in cirrhotic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty seven cirrhotic patients were studied. Electrocardiogram was recorded and the QT interval corrected according to Bazzett's formula was determined (normal value < 0.44 s). Seventeen patients were treated with cisapride, 10 mg tid for seven months and electrocardiographic controls were performed at the end of the treatment. RESULTS: The mean corrected QT interval was 0.46 +/- 0.03 s (range 0.4-0.53). 34 patients (64%) had QTc prolongation (0.47 +/- 0.02 s). Statistically significant higher values of QTc were observed in patients at Child Pugh stage B and C compared to stage A. No statistically significant difference according to the etiology of liver disease, were observed. No changes in mean QTc duration were observed during cisapride treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In spite that a prolonged QTc was a frequent finding in our series of selected patients, no cardiovascular adverse effects were observed with long term cisapride treatment.

[Angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction. Early and late results]. / Angioplastia en infarto agudo de miocardio. Resultado inicial y seguimiento alejado.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of angioplasty in the first hours of an acute myocardial infarction is widely demonstrated. However, its long term effects are less well known. AIM: To report the effects of coronary angioplasty on early and late outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A non-randomized, consecutive and retrospective analysis of the hospital and late outcome of 70 patients, aged 35 to 85 years, subjected to coronary angioplasty during an acute myocardial infarction. Patients were followed during 12 to 60 months. RESULTS: Angioplasty was performed 5.3 +/- 5 hours after the initial symptoms. Anterior descendent artery was occluded in 63% of patients with a 99.5% luminal occlusion and TIMI 0-1 anterograde flow. An angiographic success was achieved in 83% of procedures with a residual stenosis of 32.3%. Recurrent ischemia was observed in 6% of patients, that were treated with a new revascularization procedure. Thirteen percent of patients died, all due to cardiogenic shock. Severe ventricular failure and failure of revascularization influenced mortality. During the first year of follow up there was a 3.3% mortality and 3.3% of patients required a new revascularization procedure. Eighty percent of patients were asymptomatic and event-free. CONCLUSION: Angioplasty was a useful therapeutic procedure in this group of patients.

In vitro quantitative microhardness assessment of enamel with early salivary pellicles after exposure to an eroding cola drink.

To assess the erosive effect of a cola drink on enamel incorporating early salivary pellicles, 72 groups of human enamel slabs were immersed in fresh cola, with groups differing in that slabs were (1) incubated in whole or in clarified saliva, (2) under three regimes of frequency intake (1, 5 and 10 times/day); (3) immersed with or without agitation, and (4) the pellicle was incubated for 20 min, 6 or 24 h. Quantitative assessments were done over an 8-day interval using surface microhardness testing. Results for primary enamel showed a sharp decrease from baseline (344.2+/-32.4 Vickers Units; mean +/-SD) to day 1 (268.9+/-36.8), and reached 155.2+/-68.6 on day 8. Results for permanent enamel were 350.8+/-42.2, 315.9+/-39.2, and 149.8+/-85.2. Microhardness was affected by agitation, level of intake and type of saliva, but not by the pellicle incubation interval nor the type of enamel. The joint effect of static baths and higher immersion frequency was the most important factor in decreasing hardness.

[Endovascular stent implantation in the treatment of coronary artery disease: angiographic, and immediate and late clinical results]. / Implante de prótesis endovasculares (stents) en el tratamiento de la cardiopatía coronaria: resultados angiográficos, clínicos inmediatos y tardíos.

BACKGROUND: Coronary revascularization allows a better survival and quality of life in high risk patients with coronary artery disease. AIM: To report the experience in stent placement as treatment for obstructive atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective analysis of 105 stent placements. A morphological and quantitative analysis of coronary angiograms, using an electronic caliper, was performed. Patients were followed during their hospital stay and after discharge. RESULTS: In four of 112 coronary lesions, it was not possible to liberate the stent and in 108, it was successfully placed (48 in anterior descending, 19 in circumflex, 36 in right coronary arteries and 5 in saphenous aortocoronary by-pass. Lesions with stent implantation were type A in 11%, B1 in 30%, B2 in 44% and C in 15%. Reference diameter was 3.13 +/- 0.58 mm. After placement, luminal diameter increased from 0.95 +/- 0.43 to 2.99 +/- 0.46 mm, with a final stenosis of 7.2 +/- 10.1%. Angiographic success was obtained in 99% and procedure success in 98%. Hospital mortality was 0.98%. After a mean of eight months follow up, 91% of patients is free of major cardiac events. In 17% angina recurred and 5% required a new revascularization. There were no late cardiac deaths, acute stent thrombosis or infarction in relation to the treated lesion. CONCLUSIONS: In these patients, stent placement has had excellent immediate and late results.

[Mechanical reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction after failure of thrombolysis with intravenous streptokinase]. / Reperfusion mecanica en infarto agudo de miocardio por fracaso de trombolisis con estreptoquinasa endovenosa.

AIM: to report the clinical evolution of four patients with acute myocardial infarction that were subjected to immediate coronary angioplasty due to the failure of reperfusion with streptokinase. BACKGROUND: the limitations for the use of thrombolytic agents, an accepted treatment of acute myocardial infarction, or their uncertain results in selected groups of patients has prompted the search for mechanical revascularization infarction subjected to thrombolytic therapy with streptokinase (1.500.000 U i.v.) after administration of hydrocortisone (100 mg i.v.) and acetyl salicylic acid (500 mg od). After 60 min thrombolytic therapy and due to hemodynamic depression with requirement of inotropic agents or the absence of clinical signs of reperfusion, the patients were subjected to coronary angiography. In view of a total occlusion or severe stenosis of the artery responsible for the infarction, an immediate transluminal angiography was performed to improve coronary flow. RESULTS: transluminal coronary angioplasty revascularized arteries with total occlusion or increased the lumen of those with severe residual stenosis. This was accompanied by reduction in pain and hemodynamic improvement. In one patient with complete AV block, conduction was improved and sinus rhythm was recovered. Echocardiographic controls showed preservation of ventricular function with persistence of segmental motility alterations. CONCLUSIONS: transluminal coronary angioplasty can be a revascularization alternative in patients with acute myocardial infarction and failure of reperfusion with systemic streptokinase.

[Ultrastructure of adenohypophyseal cells of white rats subjected to the effect of a benzodiazepine in chronic form]. / Ultraestructura de las células adenohipofisiarias de la rata blanca sometida al efecto de una benzodiazepina en forma crónica.

The ultrastructure of the pars anterior (adenohypophysis), treated with diazepam (2.5 mg/Kg) has been studied by thin sections and electron microscopy. The structure of Thyrotrophs, Corticotrophs, Gonadotrophs, and Mammotrophs cells were described. Ultrastructural modifications were not observed. It is concluded that the chronic treatment with diazepam did not produce any visible ultrastructural effects in the secretory cells of the adeno hypophysis; maybe because the diazepam has a short life time and due to the small effect of the diazepam metabolites in this species.