The role of sex in daily levels of high-risk alcohol and cannabis co-use.

Background: Co-use of alcohol and cannabis is highly prevalent and may be associated with negative outcomes. The intersection between alcohol and cannabis use remains poorly understood. The present study assessed this intersection and the moderating effects of sex on the daily levels of high-risk alcohol and cannabis co-use. Methods: A secondary analysis of an experimental pharmacology study specifically designed to recruit individuals using both alcohol and cannabis was conducted. Thirty-three non-treatment seeking subjects (19 M/14F) reporting high-risk levels of alcohol and cannabis use completed a 30-day Timeline Follow-back (TLFB) assessment for alcohol and cannabis use, resulting in a total of N = 990 observations. Logistic models tested the probability of same day cannabis use as predicted by alcohol use (any use, total drinking, and binge drinking), sex, and alcohol use by sex interactions. Results: Drinking any alcohol on a given day was associated with a significant increase in the likelihood of same-day cannabis use (b = 0.61, p = 0.001) as was amount of alcohol consumed on a given day (b = 0.083, p = 0.012). These relations were significantly moderated by sex (b = 1.58, p<0.001; b = 0.14, p = 0.044). Male-identifying individuals demonstrated an increased probability of concurrent cannabis use with any alcohol use on a given day, and this relationship increased linearly as the number of drinks consumed increased. Conclusions: The present study investigated the patterns associated with co-using alcohol and cannabis in individuals reporting high-risk levels of both alcohol and cannabis use. The sex-dependent findings suggest that males are at higher risk for co-using alcohol and cannabis compared with females.

Prolonged-release pirfenidone in patients with pulmonary fibrosis as a phenotype of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 pneumonia. Safety and efficacy.

INTRODUCTION: One of the major concerns with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is the development of pulmonary fibrosis, for which no approved pharmacological treatment exists. Therefore, the primary aim of this open-label study was to evaluate the safety and the potential clinical efficacy of a prolonged-release pirfenidone formulation (PR-PFD) in patients having PASC-pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: Patients with PASC-pulmonary fibrosis received PR-PFD 1800 mg/day (1200 mg in the morning after breakfast and 600 mg in the evening after dinner) for three months. Blood samples were taken to confirm the pharmacokinetics of PR-PFD, and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated monthly using a short questionnaire. Symptoms, dyspnea, and pulmonary function tests (spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, plethysmography, and 6-min walk test [6MWT]) were evaluated at baseline, and one and three months after having started the PR-PFD treatment. RESULTS: Seventy subjects with mild to moderate lung restriction were included. The most common AEs were diarrhea (23%), heartburn (23%), and headache (16%), for which no modifications in the drug study were needed. Two patients died within the first 30 days of enrolment, and three opted not to continue the study, events which were not associate with PR-PFD. Pulmonary function testing, 6MWT, dyspnea, symptoms, and CT scan significantly improved after three months of treatment with PR-PFD. CONCLUSION: In patients with PASC pulmonary fibrosis, three months' treatment with PR-PFD was safe and showed therapeutic efficacy. Still, it remains to be seen whether the pulmonary fibrotic process remains stable, becomes progressive or will improve.

Household air pollution and COPD: cause and effect or confounding by other aspects of poverty?

SETTING: Household air pollution (HAP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both major public health problems, reported to cause around 4 million and 3 million deaths every year, respectively. The great majority of these deaths, as well as the burden of disease during life is felt by people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).OBJECTIVE and DESIGN: The extent to which HAP causes COPD is controversial; we therefore undertook this review to offer a viewpoint on this from the Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD).RESULTS: We find that while COPD is well-defined in many studies on COPD and HAP, there are major limitations to the definition and measurement of HAP. It is thus difficult to disentangle HAP from other features of poverty that are themselves associated with COPD. We identify other limitations to primary research studies, including the use of cross-sectional designs that limit causal inference.CONCLUSION: There is substantial preventable morbidity and mortality associated with HAP, COPD and poverty, separately and together. Although it may not be possible to define clear causal links between HAP and COPD, there is a clear urgency to reduce the avoidable burden of disease these inflict on the world´s poor.

Oportunidad en la salud digital: una respuesta al control de las demencias / Digital health services as a means to control dementia

The increase of the elderly population with a significant load of non-communicable diseases, accelerates pathological aging and increases the risk of dementia, generating a huge health, social and economic cost for any country. Dementia does not have an effective treatment yet, therefore, the focus must remain on prevention and early diagnosis. The early stages of dementia are known as mild cognitive impairment; at this stage is still possible to mitigate the progression of the disease, however, health systems worldwide face difficulties to provide universal access to health services, due to a lack of specialists and geographical distances, interfering with the access to healthcare centers. In this scenario, WHO urged countries to implement strategies to democratize and to expand the reach of health institutions. In this document, we briefly review the global and local situation of dementias and discuss some attempts to control their progression by using revolutionary digital tools. We believe the focus should be on the population that is just beginning to show cognitive impairment.

[Digital health services as a means to control dementia]. / Oportunidad en la salud digital: una respuesta al control de las demencias.

The increase of the elderly population with a significant load of non-communicable diseases, accelerates pathological aging and increases the risk of dementia, generating a huge health, social and economic cost for any country. Dementia does not have an effective treatment yet, therefore, the focus must remain on prevention and early diagnosis. The early stages of dementia are known as mild cognitive impairment; at this stage is still possible to mitigate the progression of the disease, however, health systems worldwide face difficulties to provide universal access to health services, due to a lack of specialists and geographical distances, interfering with the access to healthcare centers. In this scenario, WHO urged countries to implement strategies to democratize and to expand the reach of health institutions. In this document, we briefly review the global and local situation of dementias and discuss some attempts to control their progression by using revolutionary digital tools. We believe the focus should be on the population that is just beginning to show cognitive impairment.

Crisis asmática grave asociada con infección viral / Severe asthmatic crisis related to viral infection

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: 50% de las crisis asmáticas son desencadenadas por infecciones virales, su relación con parámetros clínicos no se ha descrito en los adultos. OBJETIVO: determinar la prevalencia de crisis asmáticas de acuerdo con el espectro viral y su asociación con características clínicas y mecánica respiratoria. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio clínico, prospectivo y observacional en el que se incluyeron pacientes con crisis asmática grave del 1 de diciembre de 2010 al 31 de diciembre de 2011. Se excluyeron los pacientes con sospecha de infección bacteriana. Se aplicó cuestionario de síntomas, se determinó panel viral por hisopado nasal, espirometría y estudios de laboratorio. Se obtuvo el consentimiento informado de los participantes. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron en el estudio 100 pacientes. La edad promedio fue de 39±14 años, IMC 27±4 kg/m2, escala de Borg 6.2±1.2, escala mMRC 2.6±0.6, tiempo de los síntomas 7±7 días, FEV1 de 42±14%, oximetría de pulso 88±3% y estancia de 4.5±1.7 días. El 47% de los pacientes tenía rinitis alérgica. Se aisló virus en 36% (rinovirus 15% y coronavirus 6%). Al comparar la causa viral vs no viral, se observó que los pacientes eran menores en el primer grupo (36±13 vs 43±17 años, p=0.014); no hubo diferencia entre grado de obstrucción y síntomas. A mayor severidad del asma hubo más aislamientos de virus. CONCLUSIÓN: las crisis asmáticas asociadas con virus respiratorios tienen comportamiento clínico similar al de las no asociadas. En los pacientes con menor edad y con comportamiento más grave se aíslan virus con más frecuencia.

Abstract BACKGROUND: 50% of asthma attacks are triggered by viral in fections; its relationship with clinical parameters has not been described in adults. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of asthma attacks according to viral spectrum and its association with clinical features and respiratory mechanics. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A clinical, prospective and observational study with patients with severe asthma attended from December 1st 2010 to December 31st 2011. We excluded patients with suspected bacterial infection. Symptom questionnaire was applied, it was determined by nasal swab viral panel, spirometry and laboratory studies. Informed consent was obtained. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included. Mean age was 39±14 years, BMI 27±4 kg/m2, Borg 6.2±1.2, mMRC 2.6±0.6, length of symptoms 7±7 days and FEV1 of 42±14%, pulse oximetry 88±3% and stay 4.5±1.7 days; 47% of patients had allergic rhinitis. Virus was isolated in 36% (15% rhinovirus and 6% coronavirus). Comparing the non-viral vs viral etiology, patients were younger (36±13 vs 43±17 years, p=0.014) there was no difference between the degree of obstruction and symptoms. A greater severity of asthma was related to more isolation. CONCLUSION: Asthma attacks associated with respiratory viruses have similar clinical behavior to not associated ones. In younger patients with more severe behavior virus are isolated more frequently.

Effect of ageing on the availability of heavy metals in soils amended with compost and biochar: evaluation of changes in soil and amendment properties.

Remediation strategies using soil amendments should consider the time dependence of metal availability to identify amendments that can sustainably reduce available pollutant concentrations over time. Drying-wetting cycles were applied on amendments, soils and soil + amendment mixtures, to mimic ageing at field level and investigate its effect on extractable Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations from three contaminated soils. The amendments investigated were municipal waste organic compost and biochars. The amendments, soils and mixtures were characterised by their physicochemical properties at different ageing times. The amendments were also characterised in terms of sorption capacity for Cd and Cu. The sorption capacity and the physicochemical properties of the amendments remained constant over the period examined. When mixed with the soils, amendments, especially the compost, immediately reduced the extractable metals in the soils with low pH and acid neutralisation capacity, due to the increase in pH and buffering capacity of the mixtures. The amendments had a relatively minor impact on the metal availability concentrations for the soil with substantially high acid neutralisation capacity. The most important changes in extractable metal concentrations were observed at the beginning of the experiments, ageing having a minor effect on metal concentrations when compared with the initial effect of amendments.

Viability of organic wastes and biochars as amendments for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils.

Composts derived from municipal (MOW and MSW) and domestic wastes (DOM), wastes from the olive oil industry (OWH and OP), green waste (GW), and biochars (BF and BS) were investigated to test their viability for remediating metal-contaminated soils. In addition to common analyses, the characterisation included structural analyses (FTIR and (13)C NMR), determination of the acid neutralisation capacity (ANC) and the construction of sorption isotherms for target metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni and Cu). MOW and GW had the highest ANC values (4280 and 7100 meq kg(-1), respectively), and MOW, GW, DOM, BF and BS exhibited the highest solid-liquid distribution coefficients (Kd) with maximum values in the 10(4) L kg(-1) range. Sorption isotherms were fitted using linear and Freundlich models for better comparison of the sorption capacities of the materials. Based on their basic pH, high ANC and high sorption capacity, MOW, GW and biochars are the most promising materials.

Identification of circulating miRNAs profiles that distinguish malignant pleural mesothelioma from lung adenocarcinoma.

Accurate diagnosis of malignant pleura mesothelioma (MPM) is challenging. Differential diagnosis of MPM versus lung adenocarcinoma (AD) is particularly difficult, yet clinically important since the two neoplasias call for different treatment approaches. Circulating miRNA-profiling to identify miRNAs that can be used to distinguish MPM from AD has not been reported. We conducted a wide screening study of miRNA profiles in serum pools of MPM patients (N = 11), AD patients (N = 36), and healthy subjects (N = 45) to identify non-invasive biomarkers for differential diagnosis of MPM and AD, using deep sequencing. Sequencing detected up to 300 known miRNAs and up to 25 novel miRNAs species in the serum samples. Among known miRNAs, 7 were upregulated in MPM and 12 were upregulated in AD compared to healthy controls. Of these, eight were distinctive for AD and three were unique for MPM. Direct comparison of the miRNA profiles for MPM and AD revealed differences in miRNA levels that could be useful for differential diagnosis. No differentially expressed novel miRNAs were found. Further bioinformatics analysis indicated that three upregulated miRNAs in MPM are associated with the p38 pathway. There are unique alterations in serum miRNAs in MPM and AD compared to healthy controls, as well as differences between MPM and AD profiles. Differing miRNA levels between MPM and AD may be useful for differential diagnosis. A potential association to p38 pathway of three upregulated miRNAs in MPM was revealed.

Signo de Leser-Trélat asociado a adenocarcinoma gástrico: Caso clínico / Leser-Trélat sign associated with gastric cancer: Report of one case

We report a 66-year-old male presenting with malaise, heartburn and pruritic seborrheic keratoses in both feet of sudden onset, suggesting a Leser-Trélat sign. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy disclosed a gastric cancer. The patient was subjected to a total gastrectomy and duringfollow up, the skin lesions had disappeared.

Uso de segmentos intestinales en urología: seguimiento a 5 años / Use of intestinal segments im urology: a 5-year follow-up

Introducción: Desde hace más de 50 años se utilizan segmentos intestinales en urología para aumentar o reemplazar vejigas, reemplazar uréteres y derivar la orina a través de segmentos de intestino aislados. Objetivo: Describir la casuística de cirugías con uso de segmentos intestinales y a los menos 5 años de seguimiento completo, realizada en el Servicio de Urología del HCVB, sus principales indicaciones, técnicas y complicaciones. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se revisaron 291 fichas de pacientes operados con uso de un segmento intestinal, con más de 5 años de seguimiento posterior, evaluando diagnóstico etiológico, técnica utilizada para enterocistoplastia, reservorio, neoimplante, ostomía y sus respectivas complicaciones a 3 meses, 5 años y final de seguimiento. Resultados: Se efectuaron 301 intervenciones (291 pacientes + 10 reinterveciones con uso de nuevos segmentos intestinales). Se seleccionan 111 casos (36,8 por ciento) en los que se dispone de seguimiento superior a 5 años. La principal indicación fue hiperactividad neurogénica del detrusor con 39 casos (35,14 por ciento); 30 casos (27,03 por ciento) de cistopatía intersticial; 16 casos (14,41 por ciento) de cáncer vesical; 11 casos (9,91 por ciento) de vejiga hiperactiva idiopática. Del total 70 fueron mujeres (63,06 por ciento), 41 fueron hombres (36,94 por ciento). La intervención más frecuente es la enterocistoplastia detubulizada de ampliación (79,28 por ciento), seguido por el reservorio ortotópico (10,9 por ciento). La elección del segmento intestinal se basó principalmente en la factibilidad anatómica, el íleon detubulizado en parche en U a la cara posterior para las enterocistoplastias de ampliación y el uso de segmentos de intestino grueso para fabricaciones deostomías continentes.La mayor cantidad de complicaciones se presenta en el periodo entre los 3 meses y 5 años de seguimiento (23 de 111 casos)

Introduction: Since over 50 years intestinal segments have been used in urology to augment or replace bladders, ureters and divert urine through isolated intestinal segments. Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe the use of intestinal segments in urological surgeries performed in the urological service of the HCVB, with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up. Indication, technique and complications are analyzed. Materials ad methods: It is an observational and retrospective study. 291 clinical charts of patients with use of intestinal segments in their surgery and more than 5 years of follow-up were analyzed. We evaluated diagnosis, technique used for bladder augmentation, reservoir, neoimplantation, stoma and their complications at a 3rd month, 5th year and end to follow-up moments. Results: A total of 301 surgeries were performed (291 patients + 10 revisions with use of new intestinal segments). 111 cases (36,8 percent) had a 5-year follow-up. Main indication for surgery was neurogenic detrusor hiperactivity in 39 cases (35,14 percent); there were 30 interstitial cystitis cases (27,03 percent); 16 cases ob bladder cancer (14,41 percent); 11 cases of idiopathic hyperactive bladder (9,91 percent). From the total group70 (63,06 percent) were female and 41 (36,94 percent) male. The most frequent surgery performed was the detubularized bladder augmentation (79,28 percent), followed by the orthotopic reservoir (19,9 percent).Election of the intestinal segment was based principally in technical feasibility, U-shaped detubularized ileum as a posterior patch for bladder augmentations and colon for continent stomas. Most complications occur between the 3rd month and the 5th year of follow-up (23 of 111 cases), needing non- surgical treatment in 12 cases, surgery in 6 cases and 3 patients stood in a life-risk situation. Continence is good in 88,7 percent of the cases. Conclusions: The use of intestinal segments for patch, reservoir and

Ostomías continentes para cateterismo intermitente: experiencia del Hospital Carlos van Buren / Continent stomas for intermittent catheterization: Hospital Carlos van Buren’s experience

Introducción: Existen situaciones en la práctica urológica, en que el daño al aparato esfinteriano, uretra o vejiga obliga a recurrir a algún mecanismo que permita derivar un reservorio o vejiga ampliada hacia la pared abdominal. Para estos fines es posible realizar ostomías continentes, con distintos segmentos intestinales, para autocateterismo intermitente limpio. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia con distintas técnicas de ostomía continente para cateterismo intermitente limpio, su evolución a través del tiempo y sus principales complicaciones según la casuística del Servicio de Urología del Hospital Carlos Van Buren. Materiales y Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Revisión de 77 casos en los cuales se realizan ostomías continentes para cateterismo intermitente desde julio de 1988 a junio de 2009. Se evalúan: diagnóstico etiológico, técnica de ostomía, segmento intestinal, ubicación de extremo distal de ostomía y sus respectivas complicaciones precoces, tardías y estado al final del seguimiento. Resultado: En 83 ocasiones hemos necesitado hacer alguna derivación urinaria vesical continente a la pared abdominal con uso de segmentos intestinales. En 26 casos (31,3 por ciento) utilizamos íleon aplicado más alguna variedad que le permita cierta fijación. En nuestros últimos 33 (39,7 por ciento) pacientes hemos realizado la técnica de Yang-Monti, para ello se utilizó segmentos de intestino grueso en 27 casos (81,82 por ciento). La mayor cantidad de complicaciones de resolución quirúrgica (38,6 por ciento del total), se presentan en el periodo de 3 meses a 5 años; a su vez las complicaciones más graves lo hacen en el postoperatorio inmediato, en pacientes con baja reserva funcional (6 de 77) con 4 muertes en nuestra serie. La continencia es cercana al 100 por ciento, con 19,48 por ciento de reintervenciones de la ostomía para lograr este resultado. Conclusiones: El uso de ostomías continentes permite alcanzar un alto porcentaje de continencia

Introduction: There are situations in urologic practice, in which the damage to the sphincter, urethra or bladder forces to build some mechanism that allows diverting urine through a reservoir or augmented bladder towards the abdominal wall. For these purposes it is possible to build continent stomas, with different intestinal segments, for clean intermittent catheterization. Objective: To describe the Hospital Carlos van Buren’s experience with different continent stoma techniques for clean intermittent catheterization, its evolution through time and its main complications. Materials and Method: Retrospective observational study. From July 1988 to June 2009, 77 cases in which continent stomas for intermittent catheterization were built. Etiologic diagnosis, surgical technique, intestinal segment, location of distal end of the stoma and its respective early and delayed complications and status at the end of follow-up are evaluated. Results: In 83 occasions we have needed to make some continent urinary diversion to the abdominal wall with use of intestinal segments. In 26 cases (31.3 percent) we used folded ileum plus some variety of fixations. In our last 33 (39.7 percent) patients we have used the Yang-Monti technique, and for that we used thick bowel in 27 cases (81.82 percent).Most complications of surgical resolution (38.6 percent of the total), appeared in the 3 months to 5 years period; most serious complications appeared in the early post-operative period, in patients with low functional reserve (6 of 77) with four deaths in the series. Continence is almost 100 percent, with 19.48 percent of stomal re-interventions to obtain these results. Conclusions: The use of continent stomas allows a high percentage of continence. This allows self standing patients, with a positive impact on their quality of life when compared to incontinent stomas

Hiperactividad neurogénica del detrusor refractaria a tratamiento conservador: experiencia con el uso de segmentos intestinales / Neurogenic detrusor over activity refractory to conservative treatment: experience using intestinal segments

A pesar de la gran variedad de terapias descritas para el manejo de hiperactividad neurogénica del detrusor (HND), existe un número importante de pacientes que no logran mejoría con alternativas conservadoras. En ellos, bajar la presión y disminuir el porcentaje de daño renal mediante ampliación vesical con segmentos intestinales detubulizados, es una alternativa vigente. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia en el manejo de pacientes con HND refractaria a tratamiento conservador, que fueron tratados en forma quirúrgica con técnicas que utilizan segmentos intestinales, su evolución a través del tiempo y sus principales complicaciones. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron fichas clínicas de 75 pacientes con diagnóstico de HND, operadas de enterocistoplastia entre 1988 y 2009. Se analizan: causa de daño neurológico, segmentos intestinales usados, técnica quirúrgica, necesidad de ostomía continente y complicaciones. Resultados: La serie estudiada está compuesta por 46 (61,33 por ciento) varones y 29 (38,67 por ciento) mujeres, con edad promedio 32,2 años (2,75 a 68 años). Las principales causas de daño neurológico fueron traumatismo raquimedular en 37 pacientes (49,43 por ciento) y mielomeningocele en 15 pacientes (20 por ciento). En total se realizaron 81 cirugías con uso de intestino: 6 corresponden a reintervenciones (3 ampliaciones con cierre de cuello y ostomía y 3 ostomías). De las 75 cirugías primarias se realizaron73 (97,33 por ciento) enterocistoplastias de aumento (en el 40 por ciento de los casos asociado a una ostomía continente), 1 cirugía de solamente ostomía continente y 1 reservorio. El segmento intestinal más utilizado para ampliación fue sigmoides; en los casos de ampliación y ostomía se prefirió ciego-íleon. La tendencia en los últimos 15 pacientes, es realizar la ostomía con técnica de Yang- Monti con colon o con doble segmento de íleon. El 30 por ciento de los pacientes requirió algún tipo de revisión quirúrgica en el...

Despite the wide variety of therapies described for the management of neurogenic detrusor over activity (NDH), a significant number of patients fail to improve with conservative treatment. In them, lowering pressure and decreasing the percentage of kidney damage by bladder augmentation with intestinal segments is a valid alternative. Objective: To describe the experience in the management of patients with NDH refractory to conservative treatment that were treated surgically with techniques using intestinal segments, their evolution over time and common complications. Materials and methods: We reviewed medical records of 75 patients with NDH with enterocystoplasty surgery between 1988 and 2009. We assessed: cause of neurological damage, intestinal segments used, surgical technique, need for continent ostomy and complications. Results: The studied group consists of 46 (61.33 percent) males and 29 (38.67 percent) females, mean age 32.2 years (2.75 to 68). The main causes of neurological damage were spinal cord injury in 37 patients (49.43 percent) and myelomeningocele in 15 patients (20 percent). A total of 81 surgeries using bowel were performed: 6 correspond to re-intervention (3 extensions with neck closure and ostomy; and 3 ostomies). Of the 75 primary surgeries, 73 (97.33 percent) were enlargement enterocystoplasty (in 40 percent of cases associated with a continent ostomy), 1 contienent ostomy surgery alone and 1 reservoir. The most widely used bowel segment for enlargement was sigmoid, in cases of expansion and ostomy a cecum-ileum segment was preferred. The trend in the last 15 patients was to perform an ostomy with Yang-Monti technique using colon or ileal double segment. On follow up over 5 years, 30 percent of the patients required some type of surgical revision and their main indications were incontinence, impaired opening of the bladder neck, urethral lithiasis and stenosis. Continence was good in 90.67 percent and 5.33 percent average...

Necesidad de nueva revascularización coronaria en pacientes diabéticos tratados con stents no recubiertos / New coronary revascularization in diabetics patients treated with bare metal stent

Antecedentes: Los pacientes diabéticos tratados con angioplastía coronaria (AC) poseen un mayor riesgo de reestenosis y por lo tanto de reintervención en comparación a los no diabéticos, lo que ha derivado en una mayor utilización de stents recubiertos con drogas en este grupo de pacientes. Objetivo: Analizar la incidencia de reintervención en pacientes diabéticos no seleccionados sometidos a una AC con stent no recubierto en el Hospital Regional de Concepción e identificar los predictores de la reintervención. Método: Entre Enero 2005 y Diciembre 2006, 571 pacientes fueron sometidos AC, de los cuales 108 (19 por ciento) eran diabéticos. En este grupo estudiamos sus características clínicas, factores de riesgo y los factores angiográficos tales como el vaso tratado, diámetro, longitud y número de stents. Mediante un seguimiento telefónico y de ficha clínica se determinó la existencia o no de una reintervención coronaria. Identificado elgrupo con reintervención coronaria, comparamos las variables clínicas y angiográficas y a través de un modelo de regresión logística se buscó identificar predictores de dicha intervención. Se utilizó t de student y test exacto de Fisher. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 61±10 años, 71(66 por ciento) hombres y 25 por ciento insulinorequirientes 47(44 por ciento) pacientes tenía dislipidemia, 93(86 por ciento) hipertensión y 26(25 por ciento) eran fumadores. La AC fue en contexto de un SCA s/SDST en 56(52 por ciento) pacientes, 38 (35 por ciento) por IAM en evolución y 12(11 por ciento) por angina estable. Se implantaron 138 stents (1,3 stent/pt) y fue exitosa en el 96 por ciento. En el seguimiento de 13,7 ±7 meses la mortalidad fue 4,6 por ciento y sólo 12(11 por ciento) pacientes fueron sometidos a una nueva revascularización, 75 por ciento de las cuales fue otra AC. De las reintervenciones, sólo 4(33 por ciento) pacientes tenía reestenosis, el resto fue por lesiones en otro vaso. La distribución de los factores de riesgo...

Diabetes mellitus is associated to a more severe and extensive coronary artery disease. Coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has been demonstrated to have similar immediate results compared with patients without diabetes; however, diabetic patients exhibit a higher rate of restenosis and target lesion revascularization. Aim: to study the real incidence of a new interventional procedures in diabetics patients who were treated with bare metal stents. Methods: From January 2005 to December 2006, 571 patients were submitted to PTCA at the Hospital Regional de Concepcion. 108 patients (195) were diabetics. Clinical characteristics, risk factors, and angiographic findings were tabulated. Telephone follow up was used to determine the performance of coronary re intervention. A logistics regression model was used to identify predictors of coronary re intervention. Results: The mean average age was 61±10 years, 66 percent were men and 25 percent required insulin treatment. Dyslypidemia was present in 86 percent, hypertension in 86 percent and 25 percent were smokers. Indication for PTCA was acute coronary syndrome in 52 percent, myocardial infarction in 35 percent and stable angina in 11 percent. They received 1,3 stents/pts and immediate success rate was 96 percent. During follow up (13,7±7 months) global mortality was 4,6% and only 12 (11 percent) patients had a second revascularization procedure, 67 percent of them performed in non stentedcoronary arteries. Four revascularizations (33 percent) were due to significant in-stent restenosis, seven (58 percent) to other significant lesions and 1 to subacute stent thrombosis. In the univariate and multivariate analysis we didnot find independent clinical or angiographic factors as predictors of new revascularization. However, it wasmore frequent in patients with proximal left anterior descending artery stents and long lesions (58 percent and 50 percent, respectively). Conclusion: In our experience, need for repeat...

Arg113His mutation of vanishing white matter is not present in multiple sclerosis.

Vanishing white matter (VWM) is a childhood leukoencephalopathy with central hypomyelination, white matter rarefaction, and cystic degeneration. Adult onset, variable phenotype, and high frequency characterize Arg113His mutation caused by G338A polymorphism associated with VWM. A patient with trauma-associated onset, and clinical features compatible with multiple sclerosis (MS), was homozygous for G338A mutation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF2B5). The authors checked a cohort of 101 MS patients, including 19 with head/neck trauma-associated onset, and failed to find the mutation, described above, in MS chromosomes. Our report does not exclude the presence in MS chromosomes of other mutations in the eIF2B gene family.

Angioplastía primaria en el infarto agudo al miocardio en el Hospital Regional de Concepción / Primary coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction at the Hospital Regional de Concepcion

Antecedentes: En el infarto agudo al miocardio con supradesnivel del segmento ST (IAM c/SDST) la angioplastía primaria (AP) ha demostrado disminuir la mortalidad y el reinfarto en comparación con la trombolisis. Por esta razón, desde septiembre de 2005 instauramos la AP como el tratamiento de elección del IAM en nuestro hospital. Objetivo: Mostrar nuestra experiencia con AP en el tratamiento del IAM en el Hospital Regional de Concepción. Método: Revisamos las características clínicas, hallazgos angiográficos y los resultados de los pacientes con IAM c/SDST que fueron tratados con AP en nuestro hospital, en el periodo entre septiembre 2005 y abril de 2007. Analizamos el tiempo “puerta-balón”, los resultados angiográficos y los resultados clínicos precoces y alejados. El seguimiento ha sido a través de la visita médica y por medio de teléfono. Los valores muestran como promedio y DS. Resultados: En este periodo 147 pacientes con IAM c/SDST fueron tratados con AP, en un tiempo puerta-balón de 65 +/- 37 minutos. La edad promedio fue 61 +/- 12 años. 112 (76 por ciento) pacientes eran hombres, 36 (24 por ciento) diabéticos, 81 (55 por ciento) hipertensos, 21 (14 por ciento) tenían dislipidemia y 48 (33 por ciento) eran fumadores. El 76 por ciento se presentaron con IAM 6 horas de evolución y en el 46 por ciento el infarto fue de pared anterior. Hubo éxito angiográfico de 92 por ciento y la angioplastía fue con stent en el 93 por ciento. La mortalidad global fue 8,8 por ciento a 30 días con 2 por ciento de reinfarto. En el seguimiento alejado de 112 +/- 86 días la mortalidad fue 4,4 por ciento. El sexo femenino y la enfermedad multivaso fueron los únicos predictores independientes de mortalidad. Conclusión: Hemos logrado implementar la angioplastía primaria como método de elección en el IAM, cumpliendo con los tiempos internacionales establecidos y con una tasa de éxito superior al 90 por ciento.

Background: Compared to thrombolysis, primary coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has proven more effective to decrease mortality and re-infarction in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Therefore, from 2005 primary PTCA was used as the treatment of choice for patients with acute STEMI at our institution. Aim: to evaluate results obtained with primary PTCA in patients with STEMI at the Hospital Regional de Concepcion. Methods: The clinical characteristics, angiographic findings and results of primary PTCA were evaluated in consecutive patients treated from 2005 to 2007. Door to balloon time, angiographic results and early and late clinical results were evaluated. Follow up was obtained by clinical interviews and phone contact. Results are expressed as mean +/- SD. Results: 147 patients were treated. The door to balloon time was 65 +/- 37 min. Mean age was 61 +/- 12 years. 76 percent of patients were males, diabetes was present in 55 percent, hypertension in 14 percent, dyslipidemia in 33 percent and 33 percent of patients were smokers. 76 percent of patients presented 6hr after initiation of pain. An anterior wall MI was present in 46 percent. Angiographic success rate was 92 percent; stents were used in 93 percent of patients. Overall mortality rate was 8.8 percent at 30 days and reinfarction rate was 2 percent. After a mean follow up of 112 +/- 86 days, late mortality rate was 4.4 percent. Female gender and multi vessel disease were the sole predictors of mortality Conclusion: Primary PTCA at the Hospital Regional de Concepcion was performed with a success rate above 90 percent within an internationally accepted time interval following the initiation of MI.

[Descriptors of breathlessness in Mexican Spanish]. / El lenguaje de la disnea. Una visión desde el español de México.

OBJECTIVE: Breathlessness is the most common symptom of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. The term encompasses a wide range of descriptors used by patients, however. Identifying those descriptors can be useful for analyzing symptoms and understanding how they arise. The aim of this study was to characterize the descriptors of breathlessness used in Mexican Spanish and to consider their association with various states of respiratory distress and cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was based on 21 descriptors of breathlessness, some of which had no equivalents in English. The subjects included 15 healthy individuals during a cardiopulmonary stress test, 13 healthy subjects after a carbon dioxide rebreathing procedure, and 10 healthy women during pregnancy. We also included 16 patients with confirmed heart disease in stable condition, 15 patients during exacerbation of asthma, 20 with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 15 with diffuse interstitial lung disease also in stable condition. Descriptors of breathlessness were then grouped based on the results of cluster analysis. RESULTS: Seven clusters of phrasal descriptors were identified as possibly representative of types of dyspnea. These clusters of descriptors were categorized as follows: agitation, suffocation, smothering, inhalation, exhalation, panting, and rapidity. Associations between types of dyspnea and the groups of participants were identified based on how frequently they used the terms. CONCLUSIONS: At least 7 clusters or groups of descriptors of breathlessness were identified as equivalent to 7 types of dyspnea; some items have no equivalent in English. Healthy subjects with respiratory distress or certain groups of patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary disease are associated with certain types of dyspnea.

El lenguaje de la disnea. Una visión desde el español de México / Descriptors of breathlessness in Mexican spanish

Objetivo: La disnea es el síntoma más frecuente en la enfermedad cardiovascular o pulmonar. Sin embargo, el término engloba un número variado de descriptores que suelen usar o identificar los pacientes. Identificar estos descriptores puede ser de utilidad semiológica y para la compresión de su patogenia. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido caracterizar los descriptores de disnea utilizados en español mexicano y su asociación con diferentes estados de estrés respiratorio o enfermedad cardiovascular o pulmonar. Material y métodos: Se estructuró un cuestionario de disnea basado en 21 descriptores, algunos sin equivalentes en idioma inglés. Se estudió a 15 sujetos sanos durante una prueba de ejercicio cardiopulmonar, a 13 durante una prueba de hipercapnia y a 10 mujeres embarazadas. Asimismo, se incluyó a 16 pacientes estables con cardiopatía demostrada, a 15 pacientes con crisis asmática, a 20 con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica estable y a 15 con neumopatía intersticial difusa también estable. La agrupación de los diferentes descriptores de disnea se determinó por análisis de conglomerados. Resultados: Se encontraron 7 conglomerados o asociaciones de descriptores que pueden interpretarse como tipos de disnea. Estos grupos de frases descriptivas se pueden englobar bajo los siguientes conceptos: agitación, asfixia, sofocación, inhalación exhalación, jadeo y rapidez. Se encontraron algunas asociaciones entre tipos de disnea y los grupos estudiados sobre la base de la frecuencia de uso de los términos. Conclusiones: Existen al menos 7 conglomerados o asociaciones de descriptores de disnea que equivalen a 7 tipos de disnea; algunos de los descriptores carecen de equivalente en inglés. Los sujetos sanos en estrés respiratorio o algunos grupos de pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular o pulmonar se asociaron a tipos específicos de disnea

Objective: Breathlessness is the most common symptom of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. The term encompasses a wide range of descriptors used by patients, however. Identifying those descriptors can be useful for analyzing symptoms and understanding how they arise. The aim of this study was to characterize the descriptors of breathlessness used in Mexican Spanish and to consider their association with various states of respiratory distress and cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. Material and methods: A questionnaire was based on 21 descriptors of breathlessness, some of which had no equivalents in English. The subjects included 15 healthy individuals during a cardiopulmonary stress test, 13 healthy subjects after a carbon dioxide rebreathing procedure, and 10 healthy women during pregnancy. We also included 16 patients with confirmed heart disease in stable condition, 15 patients during exacerbation of asthma, 20 with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 15 with diffuse interstitial lung disease also in stable condition. Descriptors of breathlessness were then grouped based on the results of cluster analysis. Results: Seven clusters of phrasal descriptors were identified as possibly representative of types of dyspnea. These clusters of descriptors were categorized as follows: agitation, suffocation, smothering, inhalation, exhalation, panting, and rapidity. Associations between types of dyspnea and the groups of participants were identified based on how frequently they used the terms. Conclusions: At least 7 clusters or groups of descriptors of breathlessness were identified as equivalent to 7 types of dyspnea; some items have no equivalent in English. Healthy subjects with respiratory distress or certain groups of patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary disease are associated with certain types of dyspnea

Helicobacter pylori vacA s1a and s1b alleles from clinical isolates from different regions of Chile show a distinct geographic distribution.

AIM: To establish the most common vacA alleles in Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) strains isolated from Chilean patients and its relationship with gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcers. METHODS: Two hundred and forty five H pylori clinical isolates were obtained from 79 biopsies from Chilean infected patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases. An average of 2-3 strains per patient was isolated and the vacA genotype was analyzed by PCR and 3% agarose electrophoresis. Some genotypes were checked by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: The most prevalent vacA genotype in Chilean patients was s1b m1 (76%), followed by s1a m1 (21%). In contrast, the s2 m2 genotype was scarcely represented (3%). The s1b m1 genotype was found most frequently linked to gastropathies (P<0.05) rather than ulcers. Ulcers were found more commonly in male and older patients. Curiously, patients living in cities located North and far South of Santiago, the capital and largest Chilean city, carried almost exclusively strains with the s1b m1 genotype. In contrast, patients from Santiago and cities located South of Santiago carried strains with either one or both s1a m1 and s1b m1 genotypes. Regarding the s2 m2 genotype, comparison with GenBank sequences revealed that Chilean s2 sequence was identical to those of Australian, American, and Colombian strains but quite different from those of Alaska and India. CONCLUSION: Differences in geographic distribution of the s and m vacA alleles in Chile and a relationship of s1b m1 genotype with gastritis were found. Sequence data in part support a hispanic origin for the vacA genotype. Asymmetric distribution of genotypes s1b m1 and s2 m2 recedes H Pylori strain distribution in Spain and Portugal.